Government chipping away at AIA debt says PM Gonsavles

Eight years after it was officially opened, the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) now owes under $200 million on the loan obtained for the construction of the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

The AIA was constructed at a cost of around US $700 million.

Speaking on NBC radio on Wednesday, February 4, 2025, Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves gave the reminder that the AIA will celebrate its 8th anniversary on February 14, 2025.

Construction of the multi-million dollar airport began on August 13, 2008.

Reflecting on the challenges faced in starting and completing the AIA, Gonsalves said “it was difficult to get it done”.

He expressed gratitude to the government of Venezuela for significant debt relief on money owed for the airport and also was profuse in his thanks to other friendly governments who all came together in what Gonsalves dubbed “the coalition of the willing” to help make the dream of the AIA become reality.

“What we owe today on the AIA is less than the debt we owed for Ottley Hall, when we came to office,” Gonsalves stated. The AIA was constructed amidst much criticism and adversity and the prime minister noted that “ there are people who are making a living off the airport, who still opposing the airport.”

So far, the construction of the Argyle International Airport is the largest project, in the history of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Prime Minister had previously stated that the AIA is valued at EC $1 billion, but was constructed at a cost of about EC $700 million.

The issue of the Ottley Hall Ship Yard and Marina was raised during the 2025 budget session in Parliament with the Opposition calling for the Government to inject new life into the facility to create jobs and provide services to yachts and other vessels.