The Government has outlined a restructuring of aviation management under a new ministry and detailed specific infrastructure plans for airports in Bequia, Canouan, and the mainland (Argyle).
Prime Minister Godwin Friday announced the creation of a new ministry to give specific focus to this sector, namely the Ministry of Higher Education, Grenadines Affairs, Airports and Seaports.
The capital expenditure allocated for this ministry, which includes airports and seaports, is $78.4 million.
For the J.F. Mitchell Airport (Bequia) The Minister of Airports confirmed that the government has allocated $780,000 in the 2026 estimates for this airport. The plans include:
Resurfacing and Preservation: The government recognized the need to resurface the airport. Work is scheduled to deal with “pavement and preservation of the runway”.
Timeline: Work is scheduled to begin between February 4th and 18th, a period chosen because it is considered a “slow period” to minimize disruption.
Closures: The Minister noted that there will be certain times during this phase when the airport will be closed to facilitate the work.
Canouan Airport Minister Ollivierre described the work required for the Canouan airport as a “big project” that will span 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Runway Deterioration: Following a site visit with the Minister of Housing, the government acknowledged that the runway has been deteriorating over the years and noted that there have been “a couple mishaps” which they intend to prevent in the future.
Tourism Impact: The government emphasized that getting this work done is essential to continue the development of the tourism product and attract the “best people” to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.