Montserrat -- 8 Nov. 2006 --- (themontserratereporter.com): At the inaugural groundbreaking ceremony of the Gerald’s Airport, former Chief Minister, the Honourable John Osborne said "with the construction of the airport, Montserrat would be better able to provide lifeline services for medical emergency, disaster relief and economic links for business travel and support to commerce and tourism."

 But with airport closures on Wednesday, Thursday, October 19 and cancellation of several other flights that week through Saturday, October 21, the need for alternative transportation routes out of Montserrat and the need for more public information about delays were once again highlighted.

Director of the Montserrat Tourist Board, Ms. Ernestine Cassell said, "even though the closures are mostly the result of (what is referred to) as ‘an act of God’, it only seems to exacerbate the access problems we are already experiencing in terms of limited numbers that can come in" emphasing the need for alternatives means of transportation as a must, "because these problems frustrate visitors and residents alike."

In a meet-the-press briefing on Frinday 27th, Her Excellency the Governor, Deborah Barnes Jones confirmed a meeting of the Emergency Policy Group (EPG) which met last week to discuss the islands transport problems.

A statement following that meeting stated, "the EPG looked at alternative transport systems including helicopters and ferries and also looked at alternative MEDIVAC facilities," confirmed by the Governor that a number of sub-committees have been set up to advise on the way forward to ensure that the island has transport links in emergency situations."

The Committee for the Redevelopment for Montserrat (CRM), who have for years questioned the Gerald’s airport, and who says it represents the masses, and that still stands firm on the issue. "While an airport is absolutely essential, the one at Gerald’s which is 600 metres long is ‘dangerous and unsafe’ and cannot provide Montserrat the necessary support to enhance its recovery and development."

The situation is aggravated by the many complaints of the lack of information regarding cancelled flights where the public is left in limbo after check-in, both in Antigua and Montserrat, and not being told very little or nothing about what steps are being taken to get them to their destination.

Calls to airport manager, Mr. Norman Cassell were not returned when the Montserrat Reporter sought to seek information about what situations and conditions called for closure of the airport.