There was an official military parade and flag raising ceremony held at the Argyle International Airport site on Monday, 13th February, 2017.
The ceremony was attended by Ministers of Government, members of the opposition, diplomats, specially invited guests, and members of the general public. The ceremony commenced with a salute of the Governor General, H.E. Sir Frederick Ballantyne, which was then followed with an inspection of the parade.
The Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, then administered the raising of the flag. That was followed by the opening prayer which was done by Pastor Dermoth Baptiste, President, SVG Mission of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
The ceremony was chaired by Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of National Security, Air and Sea Port Development, Mr. Godfred Pompey.
There were also addresses from Minister of National Mobilization and area representative, Hon. Frederick Stephenson, member of the board of directors for the International Airport Development Company and former political leader, Sir Vincent Beache, as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Personal Representative of the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ambassador Bau-Shan Ger. The feature address as well as the unveiling of the plaque was done by the Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves.
The blessing of the building was done by father Otis Nichols, Dean of the St. George's Cathedral, which was followed by the unveiling of the plaque and the lowering of the flag.
The event was attended by thousands of patrons, who were all excited to see the embracing of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the opposition at such a momentous event.
