St Vincent opens new multi-million dollar international airport

St Vincent and the Grenadines Argyle International Airport was officially opened on Monday evening with a flag-raising ceremony in which Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said that the facility is “a symbol, it is a metaphor of what is possible in us.”

“Do not ever allow any people, any nation to impose on us limitations to our imagination,” he told the large crowd that turned out to the opening of the EC$700 million (US$259 million) facility, six years behind schedule.

“Only we, as a self-governing people under God, with our own individual sense of being; only we must impose limitations on ourselves. Any other notion is a colonial one, and it is debilitating and it will hold us back,” said Gonsalves, who in 2005 announced his administration’s plan to build an international airport at Argyle, on the eastern side of the island.

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61 Comments

  1. Phert
    May 14, 2017

    I think caricom nation’s should help dominica build a international airport but most of the time is Trinidad and Tobago who help other countries in Caribbean .

  2. Merlin
    February 16, 2017

    Skerrit is the only one with the brain the other 69999 of us to him are blistering idiots.
    17 years of airport promise wait! He’s going to build 2 airports ti help him haul the CBI money away more quickly.don’t you like when someone makes an ass out of you Dominica.

  3. LINTON MUST GO
    February 16, 2017

    I believe that our International Airport in Dominica will be the best in the region. We’re just checking all the designs and amenities then we will build our own.

    Skerritt has a major plan.

  4. labour working
    February 15, 2017

    Dominican don’t love themselves skerritt told them go to hell 2 times and they vote him in after that

  5. Waterproof
    February 15, 2017

    Skeritt will soon build one with________money. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  6. g-Rated
    February 15, 2017

    St Vincent’s new international airport scheduled to open early 2013
    Caribbean News Now/Global News Corporation – Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    See when it was suppose to open. But when a hotel start in Dominica is suppose to finish in two days.
    Let Skeritt vive the man working for us. If all you not seeing it I seeing it and I believe my PM will lead us through as he have always done.

    THAT BEING SAID if LENNOX LINTON CAN PROVE WITH FACTS that Skeritt touching on Us. I will be very very disappointed cuz Jah know I put faith in that man word.

    AND WHEN THAT DAY COME “I will be one of those like Kenrick ‘Bolo’ Isles I sending BOOZAI inside DONS AND DIVAS. Roosevelt I believing you but I hope for your sake you not lying cuz see how I supporting you.

    I can be TERRIBLE WHEN MY FEELINGS HURT.

    • Stupz
      February 16, 2017

      And is on dons and divas you have strength?

  7. LadyG
    February 15, 2017

    New International Airport comes new taxes. Check out Antigua Departure tax. Also, do you Realise SVD have raised there departure tax.

  8. john paul
    February 15, 2017

    thanks to Skerrit,now are the only sovereign nation without an international airport.

  9. LG
    February 15, 2017

    Visit these links for photos, videos and updates of St. Vincent Argyle international Airport from groundbreaking to opening. It was not easy. They had to cut mountains, span rivers, fill valleys, backfill the sea, put up with constant negative criticism, but they were determined. Took them roughly 10 years and over 700 mil EC but they did it. A 9000 X 150 Ft runway with jet bridges. Job well done.

    Thats the very PM that said we dont need one. PM Skerrit is some the the photos of the opening. I hope he seriously reconsiders the Woodford Hill site which will give 10000 Ft vs Crompton Point which will give only 7000Ft. For perspective Melville hall is 5,761 X 150 ft. Based on International standards a 10000 ft runway at sea level can accommodate virtually any aircraft size.

    https://www.facebook.com/argyleinternationalsvg/
    https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofAIA/

  10. homes
    February 15, 2017

    gonsalves made sure his marijuana stayed afloat. high grade funds goes a long way

  11. FactChecker2
    February 15, 2017

    WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE DATES? Remember we in 2017 now.

    Chinese team inspects hotel construction site
    Dominica News Online – Wednesday, December 4th, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    PM Skerrit inks US$300-million deal with China
    Dominica News Online – Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013 at 4:42 PM

    Gov’t makes moves toward construction of an international airport
    Dominica News Online – Thursday, December 5th, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    Chinese embassy clarifies US$300-m deal
    Dominica News Online – Saturday, December 7th, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    PM leads delegation to China for international airport talks
    Original script office of the prime minister – Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 at 3:59 PM

    Talks progressing on international airport – PM Skerrit
    Dominica News Online – Wednesday, June 4th, 2014 at 3:17 PM

  12. budman
    February 15, 2017

    so let me see if i have this right. With the exception of Grenada, Dominica gained political sovereignty before every other OECS country but still doesn’t have direct access internationally? so you become independent, the others come after you and pass you and we comfortable with that? you know why people in the other islands seem to know more about the world than we do? seem less insular? because they have had more contact with the outside world and cultures than we have had.

  13. budman
    February 15, 2017

    name the only OECS independent nation without an international airport

  14. openyurbrain
    February 15, 2017

    Dominican when are we going to start build our country? Or continu to let some get rich. Dominica is us,for our children,think about the way later our children ll think of us, (a bunch of loser)

  15. Lady Gaga
    February 15, 2017

    All you will leave Melville Hall International alone eh ! : :lol: :lol: :lol:

  16. Gonsalves was especially hopeful that Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, whose country is the only independent CARICOM state without an international airport, would be able to attend the ceremonial opening.” (Extracted From A St. Vincent Media)

    Those are the sentiments of the very Ralph Gonsalze who told Roosevelt Skerrit that he should not build an International Airport in Dominica, because our country had no need for one!

    Ralph advised Roosevelt Skerrit, that all he had to do is refurbish the old terminal, and install landing lights to accommodate night landing a Melville Airport, and that will serve the island purpose in the twenty-first century! If Skerrit attended the opening of St. Vincent International Airport I swear something is wrong with his head, he might not be a normal person!

    In any event Skerrit is someone who has no shame, and a hypocrite, he may have went and congratulate Ralph on his success!

    • concern citizen
      February 15, 2017

      Thank u mr. Telemaque,
      I support what u say very much, U know what, I think it’s not SKERRIT that should be blame it is they, me, U, and US, because Skerrit should never be the PM of D/ca much more to spend all those $m in Melville hall and call it an Airport

      • You know I thought it was a good thing when Skerrit became Prime Minister of the country. I thought because he was a young man he would want what the young generation want ad deserve, and so I supported then!

        It turns out the guy has no ambition, his mentality is the same as the old backward people who came before him. This man is disappointing I do not even know why people are still voting for Skerrit. The man is all for himself and his close colleagues, he has no concern for the welfare of the county, it about self!

        The problem is Dominicans knows that Skerrit is up to no good, but as soon as they see some flour, sugar, and rice, and that bit of red clothe and a promises of more that’s all it takes for them to vote for Skerrit.

        A promise is a fools’ pleasure, Skerrit know that the majority who votes are fools, so he simply makes a promises and sucker people into voting for him! Give them some food, get them in a frenzy like feeding pigs, they will forget their poverty,…

  17. ye yep
    February 14, 2017

    … and the shameless AM has the gall to take an inaugural flight to that airport with Ralph. What a disgrace.

  18. Harrier
    February 14, 2017

    Congrats to SVG. A new airport brings interest and delight in small communities. As a citizen of the so called Big Four the curious among us will in the short term watch closely how the new airport proceeds. It seems unsure the airlines that will be landing besides the usual LIAT and former Bee Wee. It has to be a big improvement on Arnos Vale which was a jokey little dump. Vincentians hearts must be swollen with pride and why not. You have to applaud and admire a nation that finally succeeded in the completion of a game changing project that consumed so much scarce resources..

  19. AA
    February 14, 2017

    Well when our national debt was 300 million and the country had a sustainable source of revenue labourites say that it was too expensive to build an international airport. Now that the debt is over 1 billion and we do not have a revenue stream, do they have the balls to suggest that we build an international airport? But then again they are irrational individuals so anything is possible

  20. Zandoli Claywat
    February 14, 2017

    It is sad that Dominica is now the laughing stock of the CARIBBEAN, all other islands are moving decades ahead of Dominica. St lucia, Antigua, Barbados and now St Vincent all have international airports and yet the ministry of tourism is talking about air antilles and liat. Give me a break i want to fly direct to my destination of choice not changing flight stoping here there and everywhere with a HIGH chance my bags not coming. It is time to get real Dominicans, SKERRIT MUST GO!!!

  21. uk Dominican
    February 14, 2017

    who is the kaka rat them

  22. The Eel
    February 14, 2017

    The size of the Island and the population they can only cater for a plane every three months otherwise the people cannot have a good sleep night or day

    • JAH KAL
      February 14, 2017

      The Eel it look like u went to school on a sunday learn your carribean history st vincetn have a population of 110-031 people

    • THOSE PETTY THIEVES
      February 14, 2017

      at least built for the future and not remain in a the past like what they did in melville hall airport

    • It is very difficult to determine what you are talking about. I have an idea, so I will inform you that the population of St. Vincent & he Grenadines is between 103, 220, and 111, 380 people! In 2014 it was estimated that there was 110,122 people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

      In St. Lucia there are approximately 165, 595 to 166, 000 people. In St. Kitts, and Nevis there are approximately 56,557 people!

      Be informed St. Kitts have an International Airport operating from way back in 1964/65 or there about, and by the way; St. Kitts International Airport was the brain child of a Dominican from the Village of Castle Bruce, when he was Premier of St. Kitts Nevis & Anguilla!

      So, if you are insinuating that Dominica should not have an International Airport because there are less than seventy thousand people on the island, what you are trying to convey make sense only to you!

    • The truth
      February 15, 2017

      You to corrupt like your leader

  23. questions
    February 14, 2017

    yea but he could come Da and say we don’t need one. Our PM believed him, now he indirectly saying skerrit was tricked by him.

    • JAH KAL
      February 14, 2017

      strate in skerrit face

    • February 14, 2017

      You have it wrong your PM brought him over to tell us that so don’t blame Gonsalves you PM couldn’t care less about Dominicans, now you see what is going on .When last have you heard him talk about the airport .

    • democracy
      February 15, 2017

      PM Gonsalves is laughing at Dominica. Let us continue to sleep on us Dominicans.

  24. Tj
    February 14, 2017

    Well said Dr.Gonsalves! Let us hope that P.M. Of DA is listening and paying close attention . By the way was he invited for the grand opening.

    • THOSE PETTY THIEVES
      February 14, 2017

      after almost twenty years he should not me listening but making things happen… the only thing happening is the properties all over the globe they are buying

  25. February 14, 2017

    Alas what about Dominica when are getting our
    International airport Some body help us please

  26. Anonymous
    February 14, 2017

    But we know that already, that is old news.

  27. Congrats Vincie
    February 14, 2017

    Well if St. Vincent selling passports (I’m not sure eh, don’t quote me, it seems to be only DA that in hot water) we can at least see that the money is being put to good use: island improvement. New airport means more jobs, more tourists and all the good stuff.

  28. We love our Matchbox Airport
    February 14, 2017

    The only thing we can afford to do is change the name LOL
    Dominica is sooooo flipping backward. Planes should land in Skerrit’s yard, it’s much bigger than Melville Hall/Douglas Charles/the Little airport/ The building you get to by traveling through the whole island to catch a liat flight that 10 hours late/the place where flying to Guadeloupe is closer than driving to.

    AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH: To ease up the frustration

    • Lol
      February 15, 2017

      Dominica backward because we don’t yet have an international airport and St. Vincent does??? LOL. You would not BELIEVE how much more advanced we are than St. Vincent. Things you would expect to see in St. Vincent, the standards you would expect to see in things like construction, utilities, mentality, education..hmmm… non-existent. So trust me, don’t be so quick to judge Dominica and call it backward. You never know how good you have it until you go elsewhere. TRUST ME. St Vincent not all you think it is. If you think Dominicans small-minded in their thinking St. Vincent ten times worse. At the end of the day that billion dollar airport will be paid for by the taxpayers. Tax, tax, tax, tax. Dominica is a paradise when it comes to taxes. We have not seen a tax increase in quite a few years but for every budget in St. Vincent there is either a new tax or an increase in an existing tax. What I pray for is that the burden of building our international airport will not fall on our…

  29. Just observing
    February 14, 2017

    Where would we have been if Skerrit and his administration weren’t so opportunistic ? We have so many resources that can be put to great use to build the country besides just the CBI. Even money from the CBI could have been invested in the idea of structuring an international airport but no, they cared so much about their personal indulgent that they forgot that such (international airport, better roads, more development and care of our natural resources, trails etc) developments in the country can bring in so much more revenue… Smh.

    Even SVG, a country that does not participate in the million dollar CBI program has completed an international airport. That should say much.

    God bless our country. We will get there!!!

    • Lol
      February 15, 2017

      “Even SVG, a country that does not participate in the million dollar CBI program has completed an international airport. That should say much.”

      ‘Just observing’, that international airport will be paid for by the hardworking taxpayers of St. Vincent on top of an already heavily taxed economy. Don’t be so quick to praise.

  30. EnfantDiable
    February 14, 2017

    Vision , bold and fareless leadership and granite determination to get things done that is Dr Ralph Gonsalves Bsc, Msc, Phd. Congratulations my friend and comrade! You took a principled stand on the sale of citizenship for which History will hold you proud!

  31. Music Producer
    February 14, 2017

    LOL, he said; “Only we, as a self-governing people under God, with our own individual sense of being;” self governing – under God, own individual sense of being…? these politicians have a way with words, papa! Congrats anyway, you guys left Dominica in the dust by far!

  32. Badbaje
    February 14, 2017

    Please take note of what Ralph said. “Do not ever allow any people, any nation to impose on us limitations to our imagination,” he told the large crowd that turned out to the opening of the EC$700 million (US$259 million) facility, six years behind schedule.

    “Only we, as a self-governing people under God, with our own individual sense of being; only we must impose limitations on ourselves. Any other notion is a colonial one, and it is debilitating and it will hold us back,”

    But he told Dominicans they did not need an international airport, and the powers that be listened to him.

  33. February 14, 2017

    Gonsalves has made a complete fool of Skerrit and Dominicans
    But don’t worry, Skerrit soon gonna announce that he gonna build one with CBI’s money :-D :-D :-D

  34. February 14, 2017

    GONZIE I salute you you a leader for your people . The question is why Dominica do not have an international airport ? I will answer my question, it is because the dlp govt. is lazy, lacking ambition and foresight.

  35. Dummy in a can
    February 14, 2017

    8-O. So why did we spend half of what it cost St. Vincent to downgrade Melville Hall ? 8-O

  36. is this the same Dr Ralph?
    February 14, 2017

    Is this the SAME Dr Ralph who came to Da and campaigned for the ruling party and told us that Da does not need an international airport?

    How can we take politicians seriously?

    • BEB
      February 14, 2017

      In the mean time, he was planning to erect his Int. airport

  37. %
    February 14, 2017

    WELL DONE GONZALES..HOPE SKERRIT READS THAT!!!Thanks for fooling him.He is an accomplished id………Those lazy inept,LYING scarecrows of HURRICANE DLP are more concerned about selling passports to crooks and criminals of this world.And St Vincent has no CBI programme..Gonzales said once he is PM no CBI for St Vincent..The DLP gang in an obscure,intransparent manner forced CBS60 minutes to say “the sale of diplomatic passports is not part of the CBI,but it takes place in Dominica,(UNDER THE TABLE)which has the most impressive corps of dodgy diplomats””..Was Monfared hiding at More Daniel while he was wanted by Iran?Does Monfared still have assets on island that Iran may be interested in?We are the least of the apostles but Skerrit had his fools clapping to celebrate night landing..In fact he did not go on the plane.He went to hide.Same for the CBS60minutes programme.A doggone This DLP government the world should know is a total failure and embarrassment to the Commonwealth…

  38. Lang Mama
    February 14, 2017

    interesting. Ralph came to Dominica to tell Roosevelt Skerrit and Dominicans that Dominica does not need an international airport. Ignorant Laborites cheered. SKerrit then said during election campaign that he has an airport in his briefcase the laborites cheered. Now CBI cant pay for airport they cheering. mi moon sort

  39. GoodNews
    February 14, 2017

    DUMMYNICANS learn this was done with the help of VENEZUELA AND CUBA.

    THIS WAS NOT DONE BY AMERICA.

    I love this statement made by the st.vincent PM “Do not ever allow any people, any nation to impose on us limitations to our imagination”

    ROOSEVELT SKERITT JAH GUIDE YOU. Your big dreams for us and your willingness to take the risk will no doubt give us one like that or Better. Jah guide our windward compadres.

  40. NKRUMAH KWAME
    February 14, 2017

    Well done Dr. Gonsalves, even with the delay!! We here in Dominica, on the other hand, think it is a good thing for Dominica when LIAT terminates flights from Guadeloupe to Dominica and vice versa. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :twisted: :twisted:
    HOTEP!

  41. Yanis Varoufakis
    February 14, 2017

    Dominica is now the only OECS country without an international airport, a bunch of losers voting misery every five years. Laybaaaaaaa Sot Zor Sot :lol: :lol:

  42. weh
    February 14, 2017

    I hope LIAT & Winair can fill all these new hotels the PM is planning to build

  43. LifeandDeath
    February 14, 2017

    U mean Ralph did this without passport money?..like hmmm!!?..You go SVG!!.. Congratulations!

  44. Dominican Passports
    February 14, 2017

    Wish my nationality was St.Vincent or something else… Everybody else in the world Actually has something to be proud about except Dominicans. :cry:

    • ProudDominican
      February 15, 2017

      Pathetic comment. Whats even sadder it got so many likes.

      NB. Not a Roosevelt Skeritt supporter or defender. Just an independent patriot.

  45. Esau & Jacob-Gen. 25-28
    February 14, 2017

    Sadly enough, at a time when Jacob is opening new airport in St. Vincent to help his nations employment and economy, Esau, the birthright / passport seller, is under heavy manners for selling passports to crooks and criminals all over the world. Esau why did you sell your Birthright boy? For a bowl of soup? No wonder you building toilets all over to poopoo that bowl of soul.

    Scripture reading of the day: Genesis 25:29-34King James Version (KJV)

    29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

    30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

    31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

    32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

    33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

    Quote of the day: If not CBI, then what

    • THOSE PETTY THIEVES
      February 14, 2017

      lol… you are the best

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