By Peter Binose

There is no purpose built medical facility of any kind whatsoever built at the airport.

There is no hospital within a short distance capable of coping with crash emergency victims.

There is no hospital anywhere on the island capable of coping with crash emergency victims.

There is no dedicated ambulance service centre located at the airport.

No ambulances have been purchased for the airport.

There are no dedicated rescue boats located adjacent to the airport.

There are no dedicated rescue boats anywhere on the island at all.

There are no dedicated rescue helicopters located at the airport.

There are no rescue helicopters or any other type of helicopter anywhere on the island.

There is no sewage treatment plant at the airport.

There is no mains electricity supply at the airport.

There are no traps for contaminated runway or apron water; it will be run straight into the sea.

There is no radar system at the airport that can keep a track of aircraft, just the old radio and binoculars system. And apparently none planned for any time in the future.

There is no emergency cross runway provision for adverse wind conditions for small aircraft which includes LIAT.

The runway is built on a swamp and requires a ground radar test for safety purposes.

Part of the aircraft apron at the terminal is built on swamp also.

The Yambou river tunneling requires removal and a different system installing.

Most of the airport land is only compacted to 45% and should be compacted to 94% and 100%. Aircraft veering off the runway may become buried in soft soil. The soil above the
Yambou is not compacted at all.

The approach lights are only connected to a generator and they are required to be connected to a duel supply for emergency purposes. Currently they are not even connected to the generator since they recently dug up the supply lines.

There is over 1 million cubic feet of contaminated land at the airport which is now connected to the sea, affecting fish and sea birds.

The land owners whose property was taken to construct the airport remain unpaid eight years after they were due for payment. Vincentians in New York, London and Toronto are going to placard picket the offices of any international carriers who use Argyle Airport.

The original senior chief engineer who was responsible for constructing the airport has refused to sign off because of safety hazards and deviance from his instructions without his agreement or/and against his professional advice.

Just to let you know, this week two men with paint brushes started to paint the rusty perimeter security fence. They have not wire brushed or used rust neutralizer before painting and are painting straight on top of the rust.

Peter Binose

cc all embassies, airline associations, major airlines, and Lloyds of London.

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