$630 Million for Summits plus more $$ for Airports
Fifth Summit of the Americas Logo
It was hard enough to internalize and cope with the news that the government has budgeted $630 million dollars toward the two summits that would be held here. Now news have surface that additional state funds would be spent on the upgrading of the old terminal at the Piarco International Airport in time for the first event in April of this year.
Colm Imbert, Minister of Works and Transport, stated on Thursday (January 8th) in the post cabinet press conference that “It has nothing to do with that budget (for the summits). This is part of the long-term development plan for the Piarco Airport estate. It’s not associated with the summits….Obviously; there will be expenditure, what I have said is that we are simply bringing forward the timelines in terms of the development of that project”. Furthermore, Mr. Imbert refused to disclose the amount that this project is estimated to cost the people of TnT. Now I can respect that perhaps they’re trying to improve the infrastructure of our country as we strive for first world status, but I don’t think now is the opportune time for this type of spending. Maybe in a few years when they economic situation has stabilized and is healthy maybe then they can pursue this venture. What about all this talk the P.M. has given us about tighten our belts?
Why are they so interested in impressing those scheduled to attend the summits at the expense of the citizens? Mr. Imbert further informs the public that “the south terminal is to be converted … into a special-purpose facility for military aircraft, cargo aircraft and executive aircraft, and it’s known in the trade as a fixed base of operations….We will take advantage of the opportunity that there will be a large number of private, corporate aircraft visiting the country for the Summit of the Americas and also for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. We have accelerated the plans to create the fixed base of operations at the south terminal of the Piarco Airport”. So when these aircraft have come and gone then what? Maybe this money would be better spent rectifying the problems of poor roads, insufficient water supply, the crime and corruption situation, outdated medical facilities, just to name a few.
6 Responses for “$630 Million for Summits plus more $$ for Airports”
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I agree, especially with the economic situation, the Government really should reconsider the summits’ budget.
At a time when they tell us to tighten our belts, they are the ones wasting our money.
So the big shots will have their own airport now! So now they will no longer have to mix with the ‘common’ folk when traveling.
These special purpose facilities are costly and unnecessary.
Another example of the gov. wasting of people’s resources. Stop putting on a show for foreigners, and take care of the country.
oil prices low…
crime rates high…
and hosting summit…
steups…