The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Utilities has released the details of a wide-ranging programme for the formal ceremony to commission the expanded facilities at Wallblake Airport on Friday, January 28, commencing at 3.15 p.m. The Ministry has also listed the dignitaries who have confirmed their attendance.

The recently renovated terminal building adding to the new runway

These officials are as follows: from the European Union, Ambassador Amos Tincani; Press Secretary, Paul Mondesir; and Project Officer (Infrastructure), Wayne Lewis; from St. Maarten, Commissioner Mrs. Sarah Wescott-Williams, Leader of Government; and Senator Louis Laviest & Mrs. Laviest; from St. Martin, Mayor Hon. Albert Fleming; from Statia, Lieutenant Governor, H.E. Hyden Gittens; from Nevis, Hon. Jean Harris, Minister of Health and Social Development; from St. Barths, Mayor Hon. Bruno Magras; from Saba, Commissioner Mr. William Johnson & Mrs. Johnson; from the BVI, Chief Minister Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith & Mrs. Smith; and from Montserrat, Hon. John Osbourne.

According to the draft programme, the National Anthem and National Song will be rendered by the Band and Choir of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School respectively. The Invocation will be given by Bishop Evan Brooks.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities and Housing, Kenn Banks, who is also Chairman of the of the Airport Project, will deliver the welcome remarks.
There will be other remarks by His Excellency Governor Alan Huckle, Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Kenneth Harrigan and Minister of Finance, Hon. Victor Banks followed by a dramatic presentation by the students from the Omolulu Institute.

The programme will continue with remarks by a representative of Lagan Holdings; a representative of consultants Scott Wilson in the person of Mr. Mike Jackson; representatives of the European Union, the Department for International Development (DFID) and Scotia Bank; Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board, Mr. John Benjamin; Aircraft Captains’ representative, Mr. David Lloyd; Taxi-driver Mr. Bob Rogers and Landowner, Mr. Reginald Hodge.

During the break in the remarks, there will be an instrumental/vocal rendition by the Comprehensive School and the distribution of plaques by Fritz Smith assisted by Maurice Connor and Anthea Ipinson.

In the final section of the programme, remarks will be delivered by Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming; reflections by Permanent Secretary, Marcel Fahie; the unveiling of a plaque by Minister of Social Development, Hon. Eric Reid; the cutting of the ribbon by Mrs. Ruby Fleming, wife of the Chief Minister; and the blessing of the runway by Reverend Cecil Weekes.

A guided tour of the airport led by Airport Manager and Airport Security, Remington Lake, entertainment by the Anguilla Jazz Ensemble and refreshments will bring the programme to an end.

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