(Statement by the St Vincent and the Grenadines/Cuba Friendship Society)
The St Vincent and the Grenadines/Cuba Friendship Society offers its warmest congratulations to the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines on the completion of the Argyle International Airport and its official opening.
The construction of the airport is the realisation of a long-held dream of all Vincentians, disadvantaged by such a limitation on air access to the wider world. It is a significant achievement for such a small country, particularly in the context of a global economic climate during the time that the airport was built. It is a tribute to foresight and dogged determination to succeed of which we should all be proud.
At the same time, it would be remiss of us if we did not acknowledge the tremendous contribution of the international community under the umbrella of what is referred to as the “coalition of the willing”. In this we are especially thankful to the governments and people of those countries which contributed, the Caribbean basin countries of Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela and Cuba, among others.
As an organization founded on solidarity with Cuba, we wish to single out the selfless contribution of the Cuban government and people, despite their limitations as a result of the economic embargo, still rigidly enforced. The contribution of Cuban technical personnel and the exemplary work of the Cuban workers was critical to the construction of the airport and will forever be appreciated by all Vincentians who value genuine friendship and solidarity. We owe the Cuban people a debt of gratitude, for their contributions to our international airport is yet another demonstration of international solidarity.
We take this opportunity to again thank the Government and people of Cuba for their assistance and urge all Vincentians to reciprocate in extending eternal friendship and solidarity to them.
MANY THANKS.
Renwick Rose
On behalf of SVGCFS