HIGH WYCOMBE, United Kingdom — Vincentians here were recently updated on progress at the Argyle International Airport, the nation’s largest capital project ever.
Director of Special Projects in the Office of the Prime Minister and former Minister of Telecommunications, Dr. Jerrol Thompson, addressed Vincentians on the project at the Hilltop Community Centre in High Wycombe.
Thompson explained the government’s commitment in building a post-colonial, modern economy on a national, regional and international level with Argyle International Airport being a truly historical landmark capital project.
The building of the terminal by the Overseas Engineering and Construction Company is well underway with the completion date, including the three-kilometre runway being 2013, with full operation of the airport scheduled for early 2014.
He stressed the importance of having the airport in boosting the economy through tourism, attracting investment, creating jobs and service contracts, diversifying the agricultural sector and creating lower-cost, seamless travel for all visitors, including Vincentians, by having direct routes to St. Vincent.
He stressed that the airport is for the people, something to be proud of and endorsed, regardless of their political views.
Many Vincentians at home and abroad have asked how they may become involved in such a vital development project.
There is a contributory fund at the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Account Number 200884. Persons wishing to contribute by cheque or money order can make them out to “AIA Contributory Fund”.
Alternatively, contribution can be made online via www.svgiadc.com.
The event was organised by the High Commission for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in London in partnership with the Wycombe Multicultural Organisation (WMCO).
Invited guests included nationals, chairs of the various SVG National Associations in the United Kingdom and friends of SVG.
Master of ceremony was Doris Charles, Minister Counsellor at the SVG High Commission with Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner for SVG to the United Kingdom, providing the opening address and closing statements with brief remarks by Dr Christopher Stange, Honorary Consul for SVG to Northern Ireland and Levi Odoe, Honorary Consul for SVG to Nigeria.
The programme included the national anthem, opening prayer, videos of Argyle International Airport, rendition by Vibert Cornwall, and a question and answer session with Thompson, followed by refreshment.
(Press Release)