Vincy clean, Teachers union, Uklean awarded AIA cleaning contracts
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has formally restructured janitorial operations at Argyle International Airport (AIA), unbundling the facility’s master cleaning contract into three specialized component packages following a competitive tender exercise.
Details of the operational restructuring were disclosed in the House of Assembly by the Minister responsible for civil aviation, airports, and seaports in response to parliamentary inquiries regarding public sector service commitments and contract awards.
Since Argyle International Airport commenced commercial operations in 2017, all facility janitorial services had been managed under a single, unified contract by Patriot Company Limited at a total value of $79,253.66.
Between May and July 2026, the government initiated a formal tender process to evaluate airport maintenance standards and invite bids from local service providers. A total of six companies submitted applications during the tender exercise.
During the bid evaluation process, three of the six applicant companies were disqualified from consideration:
Capacity & Equipment Deficits: Two applicant companies failed to qualify due to a lack of necessary cleaning machinery and insufficient personnel.
Service Quality Issues: One applicant was disqualified due to substandard work performance and persistent complaints regarding poorly maintained toilet facilities and terminal amenities.
The remaining three qualified applicants were selected to manage specific physical zones across the airport complex.
To improve operational oversight and maintenance standards, the government divided janitorial responsibilities into three distinct physical components.
Main Terminal Building: Awarded to Vincy Clean Floor Maintenance Services at a value of $50,000, covering the main terminal building, the AIA taxi booth, and the carport facility.
Cargo and Garage Facilities: Awarded to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union at a value of $15,000, covering cargo building operations and vehicle garage facilities.
Civil Aviation & Airfield Substation: Awarded to Uklean Cleaning Services (managed by the Public Service Union) at a value of $18,000, covering the Civil Aviation Department compound and the airfield lighting substation.
The unbundling strategy aims to resolve past maintenance concerns, elevate overall hygiene standards for travelers, and provide structured commercial opportunities to local organizations and unions.
