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Cross
country road or airport development?
Editorial
By
now, after two and a half years of discussion most Vincentians
would have formed an opinion on the proposed construction of a
cross-country/trans-island road.
However,
regardless of our political affiliation or sympathies, one must
consider the benefits to be derived or the negative repercussions
to be absorbed from the construction of this piece of infrastructure.
Undoubtedly
as Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves explained, there are economic
benefits to be had from the road when it is constructed, as he
has promised to do so. Of important consideration is his observation
that we cannot keep our people isolated from each other. Following
his rather rational reasoning, the cross-country road will serve
as an instrument of integration for the northeast and northwest
of our country. In addition, the completion of such a project
is projected to foster an increase in economic activities in the
northern sections of the island and to bring a concomitant improvement
in the quality of the lives of individuals living in that area.
By
the same token, we must consider the argument of the opposing
New Democratic party as voiced by their leader the Honourable
Arnhim Eustace.
At
a time when our economy is not performing at its best and when
global occurrences seem to be working against us, we must try
to decide whether we should concentrate our limited resources
on airport development or the construction of the much debated
and publicised cross-country road.
Of
course the issue of environmental impact must be placed at the
helm of such discussions. While we may be able to resuscitate
a dying economy, we cannot always right wrongs against Mother
Nature.
In
so doing, we must take into account the economic and social benefits
that the two projects are expected to provide, weigh them in the
balance and see which is better for St. Vincent and the Grenadines
at this point in its history and during the years to come.
The
world is fast becoming a global village; we have to entertain
and seriously consider the diverse ideas among the political elite.
It is time to put our heads together and try to decide what is
best for our nation as we struggle to forge ahead in these times
of economic uncertainty.
The
pertinent question however remains, a cross-country road or airport
development; which will be most beneficial to St. Vincent and
the Grenadines at this point in its history?
The
Vincentian, 7th November 2003
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