SVG GOES INTERNATIONAL!

The history of the Argyle International Airport

On 8^th of August 2005, Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Ralph .E. Gonsalves in a public address to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, introduced his party’s plans to construct the Argyle International Airport, citing it as a ‘solution’ to the “very real problem of air access to and from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.” Initially, the people of Saint Vincent were promised this airport by the year 2012, assured that our country’s contribution would amount to less than thirty percent of the overall cost- (a measly US $216 million). The project was financially supported by a number of other international countries, namely the Republic of Cuba, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Austria, Malaysia, Turkey, and Iran. Work on the airport commenced on 13^th August 2008.

Why was it important to have an international airport?

According to Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Ralph .E. Gonsalves”…the full realization of the potential of our country’s growth and development hinge on an international airport, among other vital considerations. The requisites of economic diversification and regional and international competitiveness demand an international airport.” 

In a nutshell, the main purpose of the Argyle International Airport is to facilitate wider opportunities for increased traffic and tourism in Saint Vincent, strengthening our chances of experiencing strong economic performance.

Benefits and drawbacks of the project

ü  Opportunities for new business development- improving employment levels

ü  Greater accessibility

ü  Increased production- Caribbean islands with international airports have been observed to achieve greater GDP when compared to those without.

o   Increased demand for foreign produced goods Increases the cost of imported goods

o   Environmental degradation

o   Increased competition to nearby businesses

My general feelings about the project

Since the introduction of the project, the Argyle International Airport has been the topic of many politically driven arguments. I can agree that it was an ambitious project- the largest ever in Saint Vincent. It was something we had never done before and our country, at that time, was in need of infrastructural development. I, personally, had long anticipated such news, and was appreciative of the announcement. It was interesting to hear the opposing arguments, though many had no logical base, the logic of many of them was understandable- costs, recent tourism statistics, lack of tourist attractions to support increased traffic, location- it is my view that the long term will reflect the true benefits of having the airport. We no longer have to depend on one airline- LIAT- which was riddled with problems such as constant delays, lost baggage, and increasingly disappointing service coupled with increased costs (contributions) which saw us gaining little benefit to our islands (Flights to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from other Caribbean ports always seem higher and thus less attractive). It is with these many considerations in mind that I chose to support the Argyle International Airport project.