Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandez says the US$50 million resurfacing project at V.C. Bird International Airport was completed on schedule and within budget, allowing the airport to accommodate large aircraft during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Speaking on the Browne and Browne programme, Fernandez praised the project’s completion, saying the improvements played an important role in preparing Antigua and Barbuda to host the international summit.

“We did a great job. Brought it in actually on budget and on time,” Fernandez said.

He pointed to the arrival of a large cargo aircraft carrying a helicopter, vehicles and other equipment for the summit as evidence of the airport’s improved capacity.

Fernandez also highlighted the arrival of the Australian prime minister aboard a large Airbus aircraft, saying it demonstrated the airport’s ability to accommodate major international flights.

The minister said hosting CHOGM prompted the government to fast-track several infrastructure projects that might otherwise have been delayed for years.

He said road improvements were among the projects accelerated ahead of the summit, although additional work remains necessary.

Education Minister Daryll Matthew, who also appeared on the programme, said the infrastructure improvements should be recognised as part of the lasting benefits of hosting CHOGM.

Matthew acknowledged that further upgrades were needed, particularly in downtown St. John’s and across the country’s road network.

“We have to fix the roads anyway,” Matthew said.

Both ministers suggested that the improvements undertaken for CHOGM would continue to benefit Antigua and Barbuda beyond the summit.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: US$50 million airport resurfacing project completed on time and within budget, Fernandez says.