An international airport can simply be defined as an airport that accepts international flights or is designed to accommodate the largest of air crafts. It is common knowledge and quite evident that the E.T. Joshua airport is not an international airport and the biggest air craft that it can accommodate is the Amerijet. Even though we are referred to as a small island, that does not mean that we can not host an international airport. Therefore, I say a hearty welcome to the Argyle International Airport.
Since it was announced that we would be constructing an International Airport, some were doubtful, some were overjoyed and the remaining were curious. How would a little island like St. Vincent and the Grenadines accommodate an international airport? That was left to be seen. Almost a decade later, we are finally seeing a dream become a reality.
In my opinion the Argyle International Airport is an excellent and well needed project, however, I feel that it was too much to take on all at once. The reason I say this is because St. Vincent is relatively small compared to all the other Caribbean islands. They have the land, resources and capital to finance such a project. Agriculture was our main focus, when our cash crop died, we suffered. Many wondered how we would manage after that. We are not rich in oil, our tourism industry is not booming as we would want it to, our hospitals lack the basic necessities to help cure the ill and the pot holes in the roads are there to greet us every morning. Do not get me wrong I am all for the International Airport, however, I feel that many other important facilities and commodities were neglected as the main focus was the airport. We were not financially secure to begin the project, however, I must commend the Prime Minister for his actions. I believe that we should have taken the constructing of the airport step by step, one day at a time. Over the years, life in St. Vincent has been hard. I have heard that the health care was in shambles. Friends have complained of the hospitals not having simple medications to help their sick children. Perhaps too much capital was spent in financing the airport than trying to build up the existing facilities and commodities. Nevertheless, the airport is here and it is here to stay and the only thing we can do is welcome it with open arms. I am surely welcoming it as it signifies the end of LIAT's monopoly, its mistreatment and its expensive fares. I was also a victim of their insensitivity. I have had extremely late flights, delays and no apologies. It would appear as though I was begging LIAT for the plane ride and not paying for it.
Can you sense the sarcasm?
I strong believe that having an international airport will greatly benefit St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Firstly, we can see a boost in the tourism industry. Due to LIAT's insensitivity I have heard and seen many individuals vow never to return to St. Vincent if they have to deal with LIAT again. Now that the airport will be officially opened tomorrow ( February 14th 2017) we can see more visitors coming to see our beautiful island and more importantly, NO MORE CONNECTING FLIGHTS. Instead of visitors lounging at the Barbados Airport, they can come straight St. Vincent without any hassles. Secondly, an international airport will put us on the map.
No longer will we hear, "St. Vincent? Where is that?" but we will be hearing "St. Vincent and the Grenadines? Is that the country with the new international airport ?"
This is a tremendous opportunity for us as Vincentians. The airport is just the first step, it is our duty to market our country. Despite this international airport, I believe we would not see the benefits of it until a few years have passed. We still have a long way to go. Many parts are still unbuilt but I hope this will not affect its operation.
HAPPY ARGYLE DAY!
Since it was announced that we would be constructing an International Airport, some were doubtful, some were overjoyed and the remaining were curious. How would a little island like St. Vincent and the Grenadines accommodate an international airport? That was left to be seen. Almost a decade later, we are finally seeing a dream become a reality.
In my opinion the Argyle International Airport is an excellent and well needed project, however, I feel that it was too much to take on all at once. The reason I say this is because St. Vincent is relatively small compared to all the other Caribbean islands. They have the land, resources and capital to finance such a project. Agriculture was our main focus, when our cash crop died, we suffered. Many wondered how we would manage after that. We are not rich in oil, our tourism industry is not booming as we would want it to, our hospitals lack the basic necessities to help cure the ill and the pot holes in the roads are there to greet us every morning. Do not get me wrong I am all for the International Airport, however, I feel that many other important facilities and commodities were neglected as the main focus was the airport. We were not financially secure to begin the project, however, I must commend the Prime Minister for his actions. I believe that we should have taken the constructing of the airport step by step, one day at a time. Over the years, life in St. Vincent has been hard. I have heard that the health care was in shambles. Friends have complained of the hospitals not having simple medications to help their sick children. Perhaps too much capital was spent in financing the airport than trying to build up the existing facilities and commodities. Nevertheless, the airport is here and it is here to stay and the only thing we can do is welcome it with open arms. I am surely welcoming it as it signifies the end of LIAT's monopoly, its mistreatment and its expensive fares. I was also a victim of their insensitivity. I have had extremely late flights, delays and no apologies. It would appear as though I was begging LIAT for the plane ride and not paying for it.
Can you sense the sarcasm?I strong believe that having an international airport will greatly benefit St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Firstly, we can see a boost in the tourism industry. Due to LIAT's insensitivity I have heard and seen many individuals vow never to return to St. Vincent if they have to deal with LIAT again. Now that the airport will be officially opened tomorrow ( February 14th 2017) we can see more visitors coming to see our beautiful island and more importantly, NO MORE CONNECTING FLIGHTS. Instead of visitors lounging at the Barbados Airport, they can come straight St. Vincent without any hassles. Secondly, an international airport will put us on the map.
This is a tremendous opportunity for us as Vincentians. The airport is just the first step, it is our duty to market our country. Despite this international airport, I believe we would not see the benefits of it until a few years have passed. We still have a long way to go. Many parts are still unbuilt but I hope this will not affect its operation.
UP UP AND AWAY!!!
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