The group, consisting mainly of business people and professionals, is opposed to the proposed site at Gerald’s.
The Chairman of CRM is retired civil servant Jim Bass.
He says some regional airline pilots and experts in the aviation industry believe the site is unsuitable for fixed wing operation.
The proposal is for the development of an aerodrome with a five hundred metre long runway to accommodate twin otter, islander and other small aircraft operations at Gerald’s.
Another member of the CRM businessman Cedric Osborne believes that the money for the temporary airport could be better spent on a site that has development potential.
Since the Bramble airport was made inoperable in June 1997 because of the ongoing volcanic activity, the search has been on for a new airport which would allow fixed wing aircraft operations in the north of the island.
Communications and Works minister Lowell Lewis says that ideally the island needs a longer landing strip capable of accepting American eagle flights from Puerto Rico.
He notes while most people favour the Thatch Valley site, the UK government says the cost estimated at 200 million US dollars, is prohibitive.
There is fresh debate about whether Britain’s overseas territories should have more power in their own affairs.
Five Caribbean Chief Ministers from Montserrat, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, Anguilla and the British Virgin islands have agreed on a united position ahead of a meeting with the British Government this month.
They want more say over the affairs of their countries.
Also up for discussion is a greater say in the selection of governors posted to the region.
This decision now made only by the British Government.Up to news time ZJB News was unable to make contact with the Chief Minister John Osborne but Ralph O’ Neal of the BVI has defended the need for greater control.
We have a brain too says Mr. O"Neal.
But is it realistic to expect the overseas territories to have a voice in the choosing of the governors? asked the reporter.
I don’t think that we are school children responded Mr. O"Neal.
Talks on the Country Policy Plan for Montserrat are due to take place here soon.
The Country Policy is a joint Montserrat HMG policy document that outlines the development objectives of the island.
Head of the Dependent Territories Unit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Allan Huckle says the talks will be led by the Department for International Development DFID, and will highlight priorities for further development of Montserrat.
Meanwhile Mr. Huckle says he is also looking forward to talks on the review of Montserrat’s constitution.