Linton tells visiting Dominicans UWP will build an international airport

Some of those who attended the meeting on Thursday
Some of those who attended the meeting on Thursday

Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) Team Dominica, Lennox Linton, has told visiting Dominicans that their travel woes in getting to the island will soon be a thing of the past.

He told members of the diaspora that his party plans on building an international airport if elected to office.

“Just to say to that, help is on the way,” he told the visiting Dominicans at a meeting at the Prevo Cinemall on Thursday.

At the meeting, several of the visiting Dominicans complained that government has invested in regional airline, LIAT, however they still suffer the indignity of being trapped in Barbados and Antigua and are forced to fend for themselves.

One visiting Dominican from London said her experience coming to Dominica was stressful after being stuck in Barbados.

She said she even resorted to calling the British Commissioner since she knew no one in Barbados.

“Dominicans are suffering in Antigua, they are suffering in Dominica,” she stated. “What we are asking is this: if only we could get somebody to represent us…”

She stated that traveling to Dominica “is just too much stress.”

A man questioned why Dominica has pumped $8-million into LIAT.

“What’s in it for Dominicans?” he asked.

He said he recently came to Dominica from Alaska and after booking his flight and waiting for seven hours, was told that LIAT had stopped flying from Puerto Rico to Dominca.

“We had to go to Antigua,” he stated. “Getting into Antigua it was more frustration and another five hours … thank God for the night landing … but anyway we got to Dominica. Still you couldn’t get all our luggage … that was a problem.”

Linton told the visiting Dominicans that hopefully their next trip to Dominica will be more pleasant.

“I am hoping that when you come back to Dominica the next time the experience will be a lot more pleasant,” he stated. “We are the last remaining country in the Caribbean, quarreling with ourselves as to whether in 2014 we deserve to have an international airport…”

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164 Comments

  1. November 5, 2014

    Hello and good afternoon my people. Well I just returned from sweet Dominica and I enjoyed my stay. I drove from East, West , North, South and everywhere in between. The Dr Liverpool Highway is a nice road but I hope they maintain the road and keep the drains free of leaves and grass.
    I flew from JFK to Puerto Rico and got my connecting flight to Dominica which was filled. I don’t vote rather I respect any Government our people elect therefore I don’t take side. In my opinion we don’t need an International Airport because we don’t have enough visitors which would make it profitable for any airline to fly direct from America or England to Dominica. What we need is a dependable connection from Puerto Rico for travelers from America and another either in Antigua or Barbados for travelers from Europe. I think the best option is to extend the current runway inland and into the sea which would make the landing much better.

  2. Bala
    November 3, 2014

    I like the idea of flying to Guada or St. Lucia and using the ferry – if it can get me home the same day.

    Since that would include going through immigration, at least we can claim our luggage so they don’t get lost. Is it too much to ask for our government to arrange Dramamine and a convenient shuttle from the those airports to the ferry terminal?

    It would make no sense for Dominicans to get stuck trying to thumb a ride in a hurry?

  3. Tj
    November 1, 2014

    I said before we allowed PM Gonsalves of St. Vicent to tell us we do not need a jet port . Look at St. Vincent Laborites enough talk we need action. Since labour failed give UWP a chance again, after all they did some work on the project befoe we change gocernment

  4. lougawo
    November 1, 2014

    truth u talkin bull crap

  5. Lol look kix
    November 1, 2014

    when he going and build that there? in the year 9015 AD?

  6. STILL
    November 1, 2014

    Whilst an international airport sounds like a great idea is it really feasible. There are so many questions that need to be answered. What is the maintainable cost of such an airport? How many flights do we realistically expect daily? How many airlines Will do direct flights from us or Europe to every island in the caribbean? Which of the existing airports can we put out of business and how big will our airport be? Will it be bigger than Antigua or Barbados? We seem to think that an international airport will mean direct flights but that is not necessarily the case even in the us you can’t always find direct flights from one state to another, if it does not make financial sense and I doubt it will no airline will have multiple flights to every airport in the caribbean. I believe that what the caribbean needs is a reliable regional that can ferry passenger’s from the major hubs to the various islands instead of each island paying for empty seats on international flights.

  7. Sense
    November 1, 2014

    So all in Linton’s manifesto is an international airport? What a joke.

  8. Emailing
    November 1, 2014

    Mr. Skerrit, naming the Pond Casse Highway after President Liverpool and the airport after Charles and Douglas will not fool us in Grand Bay again and as for Mr. Liverpool what has he done in Grand Bay, his so call village , nothing and very little Grandbarians knows who he is, apart from the old people .

  9. November 1, 2014

    An international airport would allow Dominica to export so much of the agricultural products that are waiting away. Trust me Dominica has top quality products. There is also enough tourist site’s for tourists. It’s about believing in the product we have and selling that product to the world :lol:

  10. Francisco Telemaque
    November 1, 2014

    You people need to stop your lies! I am defending against a dirty lie told by some no name, who uses the initial NY, people who lie must do so fictitiously, and that person need to mind their manners, and not address Lennox with you profanities, anytime some uses profanities to express themselves, makes people like my know how shallow, and low class such people are!

    If you do not know what transpires, jut shut up and ask people who knows. The late Prime Minister Pirie Charles, he is the person who ordered the Trinidad & Tobago Contracters, Engineers, and supporting works out of Dominica.

    It would appear to me that you have amnesia, or your senile mind cannot remember prior to the election, Athie Martin, Roosevelt Douglas, Ian Douglas, Charles Saverin, and all those who formed the coalition government including Roosevelt Skerrit during their election campaign they claimed that the International Airport Edison James was building cost too much! Ian Douglas took it to the extreme, and said “Dominica cannot afford an International, what we need is a is a soft loan from somebody to build one.”

    The Late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas said he had people lined up waiting, as soon as UWP lost the election they will be in Dominica building the airport, he also made the claim that he could build the International Airport, for a fraction of what Edison was spending build it, they even made the claim the only reason Edison James wanted to build an International Airport in country was because Edison wonted to import more cocaine into Dominica. That is the kind of crap the Labor Party went about the country and lie about.

    So let me reminded you by the time the election was held, there was no majority winner, hence the DFP, DLP under the supervision of Athie Martin formed a coalition government, and went to work on shutting the project down. And let me tell you this. The night when Athie thought of his diabolic plan to defeated the UWP, he announced the plan for the first time in my village of Wesley at the four Corners by the Police Station. I was upstairs in the home of my cousin Emlord Timothy, and his wife Agatha, Peter Carbon is brother brother to Agatha, he was the then minister of Agriculture; he was present, after the meeting Athie came by the house to visit, when Peter Carbon was walking down the stairs, he and Carbon greeted each and exchange a few friendly words. Athie came in, him and I had a conversation regarding the International Airport, we talked about ecology tourism. I was satisfied with his thoughts on ecology (ECO) tourism.

    Then I had my opportunity to ask Athie, why is he and the rest against the International Airport; the man was honest; he told me, it is not because anybody is against the construction of the International Airport, the whole issue was that they felt that Edison James should have discussed the matter with them prior to him starting the development of the airport. Athie Martin is still alive he can confirm this conversation took place, Emlord and his wife is now in New Jersey, James is still alive, Peter Carbon is still alive I do not know where is right now, but if I want to know I will simply call his sister and I am sure she will tell me. So before you come here and lie, get to know the truth, before you rattle, you are liar to say James close what airport? I can tell you the airport James was build, cost less than four hundred ($400,000,000.00) million dollars, 80% of the cost was a loan from the government of Trinidad & Tobago, with one condition attached is that the people building the airport should be built by people from Trinidad. That is why they were in Dominica, that is how Pierre Charles got to chase them out of the country, and shut construction down.

    Finally the secondary, and sixth form built in Wesley by the UWP, the same one that Skerrit government almost destroyed, that you with no name was also part of the project. DNO I know that this is lengthy, but I ask your tolerance, because people need to know the truth, because a lie can do plenty of damage!

    If there are any doubts; I entered Dominica by air on 2/9/99, and again on the 29/8/01 somebody can check and find out when the coalition siege power in Dominica.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  11. Anonymous
    October 31, 2014

    This is pure hogwash and propaganda. These politicians will say anything and we are just as stupid listening to them. Where is the money coming from to build the international airport? Is it from the Chinese Government? The same government they are bashing the DLP for. Wow!!!

  12. Juan
    October 31, 2014

    Good luck getting jet aircraft like a 737 or 757 like Southwest or Jet blue uses to land in Dominica until the runway is extend to at least 6,500 feet. It should be extended west by dynamiting the mountain or extending into the Atlantic at the east end. Just a thought correct me if I am wrong I do not know what runway length is required for a 737 or 757 maybe a pilot can give his/her input.

  13. appleseed
    October 31, 2014

    He also said that Dominica would invest in a space program and be the first nation to set foot on Mars, and then concrete it.

  14. 245
    October 31, 2014

    I maaried to an american and I for sure cannot afford to take him to Dominica on liat small aircraft so an international airport would serve the visiting do indica who want to exercise aircraft tourismn

    • Anonymous
      October 31, 2014

      I don’t know which part of America you live but the same aircrafts that are used by AA, Delta, Continental and other major us airlines to transport passengers to and from their hubs are the same aircrafts that are used by LIAT. If you have lied to your husband about Dominica and is ashamed to bring him to Dominica please don’t blame LIAT. Pray tell, what is aircraft tourism?

      • The Facts
        November 2, 2014

        We must also ask who is 245 and who is the American she married. An American who is broadminded and a nice person would be eager to visit his wife’s country. Therefore who is he? She must be hiding something. It looks like she will never visit D/ca as long as she is married to that man. Some marriage eh?

    • Shame
      October 31, 2014

      You have low self esteem. I am also married to an American! and my children are American born So What, I will not be afraid or ashamed of my native land the land of my birth. Typical Fresh water Yankee pigeon

      • A Doubting Thomas
        October 31, 2014

        She reminds me of women whose husbands wear torn dirty jeans when they are wearing their finest. No wonder she will not take him to Dominica but it is easier to say it is because we do not have an international airport.

    • November 1, 2014

      Lol. is he to big? , to heavy? or you are to sick?

    • Anonymous
      November 1, 2014

      Who cares who is your husband so stay in America with your American husband.

    • rosebud
      November 1, 2014

      What? You mean he is too big for the seat on LIAT? My, My, My.

    • twain
      November 2, 2014

      How often would you and your huby visit

    • philme
      November 2, 2014

      are you for real lol

    • charlie
      November 2, 2014

      its IDIOTS like u that make me ashamed 2 call myself a native of my own country u ass backward DOM IN A CAN.making it even worst, u cannot spell, or from a proper sentence

    • The Facts
      November 2, 2014

      This is why I have always said for those who reside abroad, never marry someone whom you cannot take home to visit your family and country, one who is ashamed to visit and who does not want to visit your family. One who may place his/herself on a greater and higher than thou pedestal, who thinks very little or nothing at all about your country. This is no marriage at all. Some people have married such people. They are too ashamed to return home. This is not a good, happy married life. Therefore, who are you deceiving?

    • JoJo
      November 3, 2014

      Dear lady, maybe if you could improve your literacy you could be more proud of your country. It is never too late you know. Good luck.

    • Just my two cents
      July 11, 2015

      245 Just buy yourself a damn private jet to bring your husband to Dominica… the international airport will come but i’m sure it will be able to land because our airport is large enough

  15. Pittsburgh Dominican
    October 31, 2014

    I think Mr. Linton should take a different approach. Outline to the citizens of DA if your party were elected, this is how your party intends to increase demand (tourism). In theory, if demand increases then the airlines will likely add more flight options going to DA.

    As much I want DA to have an airport that can accommodate jet aircraft, building a new airport without addressing how one intends to increase demand would reckless by either party.

    • November 1, 2014

      the same questions that you all are asking Lennox put them to Skerrit because he has also promise to build an international airport.

  16. Empty Promises
    October 31, 2014

    Do we really have digest the garbage that is being spewed by these desperate unemployed wanna be politicians. Is there an educated survey being conducted concerning the need for an international airport. Seaborne operating out of San Juan had to cut back on their flights to DA: they are no longer flying on a daily basis, WHY! Win air also isn’t flying to DA on a daily basis from St. Martin, WHY? Hummingbird isn’t lying on a daily basis from the VI, WHY? Liat only operate from the VI three days a week, Why. How will the international airport help DA present situation. In marketing the demands has to be there. Those of you who feel that you should leave your home at 9 am and be in DA by 11 am ask Linton to construct the bridge he promised!

    • November 1, 2014

      Well said. These is the party who is criticizing Skerrit on his empty promises to Dominicans. Mr Linton you need to take a trip to those countries that have international airports and ask them how much does it really costs to run and to maintain an international airport.

      Do you think the people who visit Dominica for carnival and independence is all it takes to maintain an airport? Think again because you are in for a big surprise.

      Listen up Dominicans, these are the same people who could not pay civil servants their salaries.
      Guess what, after you vote them in, they will tell you that they have consulted every engineer on God’s green earth and they all have come to the same conclusion that Dominica cannot afford an international airport.

    • Inspiration
      November 2, 2014

      I think you are very shallow minded. Didn’t the former UWP perform a feasibility study to construct an international airport? I remember hearing construction going on behind the St Andrew’s High School back in 1997. I think we are missing the bigger picture.. In our minds, we think having an international airport is something like JFK, Atlanta Hartsfield etc. with several runways and a lot of traffic.
      We only need one long, large enough runway to accommodate a Boeing etc. Take Antigua or St Croix airport for example with just one or two runways.
      There are times when I feel I want to run back home for just a few days but given the fact that I have to make so many connections, I decide not to go home. I’m sure there are many other people who feel the same like I do.

  17. October 31, 2014

    Most Dominican are very small minded,You guys keep saying you dnt need and you cnt afford yet still all these monies are being wasted on projects not sometimes never get completed.Also the Pm and his miniters are living a life of the rich and famous.Yes Dominica can afford an international airport and should have one by now but these small minded people will believe whatever there master tell them.That’s one of the reason i really dnt care to visit.Praying for the ones the still think big in DA.

    • rosebud
      November 1, 2014

      How do you know DA can afford an international airport? Apparently you have a job at the treasury or you are the financial secretary. By the way, how much tax do you pay to the treasury each month? You said you “don’t care to visit”, but I believe that you really have nothing to come back to or just CANNOT visit.

    • Kat woman
      November 1, 2014

      Empty barrels

  18. October 31, 2014

    Such negativity and not much of any positive attitude, I can truly see why Dominica is so behind many other countries in the Caribbean, it really doesn’t surprise me. No faith in your government or your country, you know to make something happen, you have to team up as a people, everybody working together to make something beautiful happen. Dominica infrastructure needs major improvement, the most important thing is that it needs a better air traffic access, my last two visits to Dominica was horrible, and I mean horrible, it shouldn’t be that way at all.. so all these nay sayer’s should really have some positive attitude about the development of Dominica, it’s not going to get better if we don’t try, I believe if we try it can happen just have to have a bit of faith, only God knows the outcome.

    • TRUTH
      November 1, 2014

      George, you dont trust someone when they show you ,they not worthy of being trusted,,lIKE R SKERITT

  19. Anonymous
    October 31, 2014

    I guess there are about 70K Dominicans living in the Diaspora, if all these dominicans would commit $2000. per a year for 8 years that is just about $billion. Money for the airpoprt right there, by the way that is EC$… just a thought.

    • Pittsburgh Dominican
      October 31, 2014

      Get a trust going or something along these lines where the money can’t be stolen by and individual and lets see where things go. It does not matter about party to me, I just want to see DA prosper.

    • BEB
      October 31, 2014

      Why don’t u first donate ur $2000.00?

    • philme
      November 2, 2014

      very true many in the Diaspora only talk they left and don’t come back help do nothing

    • Ed
      November 3, 2014

      St vincent has spent 1.4 billion so far and they are not finished. Dominicans (like Grenada) will be forced to pay the airlines for every empty seat.

  20. Truth
    October 31, 2014

    Bottom line. IT IS NOT PROFITABlE FOR FOR ANY ITNL AIRLINE TO FLY DIRECTLY TO DOMINICA!!!

    • CYRIL Llongting
      November 1, 2014

      You said it Bro!

  21. Seriously
    October 31, 2014

    I want an international airport for Dominica. But we don’t always get what we want. Hopefully we have what we need.

    The Douglas Charles Airport at Melville Hall has a licensed by IATA international runway already which can accommodate direct flights from the US with 100+ passengers – it is not the bigger wide body aircraft but the smaller, more common class of airliners is the narrow-body or single aisle aircraft. These smaller airliners are generally used for medium-distance flights with fewer passengers than their wide-body counterparts – these 100 seat plus aircraft has landed in Dominica when the demand i.e. passengers to fill the available seats – this air access challenge i.e. no airline flights is one of economics not one of infrastructure – we have the runway with night landing. A second runway, realigned on a ‘45 degree’ access off the present runway towards Compton is the answer (???) – not sure but it was a discussion with knowledgeable people – is that also an option for wide body aircraft.

    With higher demand i.e. passengers to Dominica, there would be more flights, better options such as 100 seat plane from Toronto or Miami or London to Dominica. We don’t have the traffic i.e. passenger demand for seats for airlines to schedule these planes or flights to Dominica.

    Spending US$ five hundred million plus to build an international airport is 25% of the battle. The other 75% is building the demand so the airport does not become a white elephant. Maybe another US$ two hundred million into Douglas Charles to designate it an international airport is feasible.

    Can we afford that price tag?

    • CYRIL Llongting
      November 1, 2014

      NO!

    • RMS
      November 1, 2014

      You ar a liar… what is the IATA Li cense number?

    • Dre
      November 2, 2014

      They will not fly to Dominica..not enough clearance.

  22. ladyC
    October 31, 2014

    UWP government could have build an International Airport during the first two years while in office. Why now? Is this new leader of the UWP is really focusing on an International Airport, if they do make the next Government, which I think, won’t be successful in the next General Election. Please take heed people another 5 more years for the DLP. . Landsilde VICTORY I tell u for the DLP. DON’T SAY I DID NOT WARN U AL Luwp rites and your Leader and Deputy Leader

    • Inspiration
      November 2, 2014

      You are such an idiot who seem to be out of touch with what is going on. Very selfish, pathetic individual who is only interested in your own selfish gain and aspiration under the current regime of the DLP.
      Why does the DLP want to build an international airport now, after 15yrs? Why did they waste the money given to them on Melville Hall airport?
      All I can say is that 99 days for the thief and 1 day for the watchman.

  23. just saying
    October 31, 2014

    I was not at the meeting, but did the UWP state how they were going to fund this airport. People stop belly aching if you are a frequent visitor to Dominica you would know that air access has improved over the past 5 years. Before, coming to Dominica for me was stressfull, having very often been required to overnight in PR, St Martin, Antigua, St Lucia and sometimes Miami. Today I can get into Dominica the same day without having to overnight, to me that is time and money saved. Delayed and missing baggage is an issue on all airlines including airlines that fly into and out of international airports.
    Unless I am missing something the construction and maintenance of an international with taxpayer funding will be a disaster considering the fact that there are departments that require attention, like education , healthcare and infrastructure development to mention a few. If the UWP can finance the airport without it having an adverse effect on the economy in the areas of salaries, social services and infrstructural development then I say go for it, but before it is started and before I vote they should state very clearly how it is to be funded. Getting rid of ambassadors and govt advisors cannot realise savings to build an international airport.

    • philme
      November 2, 2014

      well said

    • MagaretJ
      November 3, 2014

      I guess the Dominica I visited 3 and 2 years ago is different from the Dominica you visited, since I had to overnight in PR both times. Several years ago, the experience was different since I was able to get into Dominica on the same day with my baggage getting there on the same day.

      • November 4, 2014

        I THINK YOUR PROBLEM WAS,THE TICKET YOU BOUGHT.CHEAP TICKETS EQUAL DELAYS.I TRAVEL EVERY YEAR AND HAVE NEVER HAD YOUR PROBLEM.

  24. Massacre
    October 31, 2014

    Very good explanation , Mr. Linton. I liked your approach to solving Dominican’s problems. We will support you and Team Dominica in this effort.
    I can go back and tell my people that hope is a live in Dominica.
    Thanks

  25. Hendo, J
    October 31, 2014

    I don’t quite understsand why is there so much indecision about building an airport the will accomodate jets. I is clear that Dominica is at a significant disadvantage in the region and this current status is not help improve tourism. I am a native Dominican living in North America and love vacationing in Dominica, but my wife and I always dread the exercise of the flight planning. We hope something can be done. Ofcourse we know at this time ,availability of funds and funding sources are scarce but this should remain a top focal goal of the government of the country. It can be pretty rough and expensive to visit Dominica which under the current status. We don’t need a luxury facility, what we need is the landing strip at least.

    Hendo, J

    • October 31, 2014

      @Hendon j…well said the landing strip atleast
      they could’ve done that long ago our governments in Dominica never had good plan they prefer giving away money to bride some folks they should have use these funds to create revenues and jobs.

      • Lol look kix
        November 1, 2014

        bride the folks? ok…….. even men?

    • joe
      October 31, 2014

      Hendo J

      You assuming that with such an airport the Int’l Airlines will schedule numerous direct flights to Dominica right?

      Do you know the other islands actually pays these airlines for each empty seats? Recently St Lucia and Grenada advise one such airline to cease flying to their destination because they couldn’t meet the bill in the hard economic times the flights were always empty… Let’s not forget travelling on a whole right now due to terrorist threat is not a pleasurable experience any more… and the travelling public has reduced tremendously, especially from the North American Market.

      The PM is on the right track, get investors willing to take the risk to Build it, Operate it and Transfer back to the people of Dominica over many years (BOT), that way we the Tax Payers will have little or no risk!!!! Some ask about profit of the airport going to Foreign hands and not shared in Dominica, missing the point that the monies invested came from these Foreigners.

      Bear with us we are working to make all our lives better!!!! With the commencement of the Geothermal Energy Plant we will become the most energy efficient island to do business therefore making Dominica the Best place to Live, Work and Enjoy life!!!!!

      • !@!
        November 3, 2014

        Joe
        According to you, you saying islands like Grenada & St Lucia have to pay the airlines for empty seats and we should go with the BOT as the PM say. So that means the investor will have to be paying the airlines for the empty seats now so which LIGHT year we will actually be seeing the T (transfer in the BOT) happen??
        Just asking…..

    • playboy
      October 31, 2014

      Sir, you and your wife and the few of you who come down every now and then cannot support an international airport.
      I wish we would all try to see the big picture and stop being selfish in our own little worlds.

    • Anonymous555
      October 31, 2014

      but we hav one sir …

  26. playboy
    October 31, 2014

    Here we go again; the usual election gimmick.
    If we think that the purpose of an international airport is to relieve the travel woes of a few people who come to the island every now and then, we need to think again.
    National pride? Well one that we and our children will be paying for for the next few generations.

    Why don’t we have consultations about this with people who can reason about an issue that few understand?
    Shoot, I forget it’s political; won’t happen.

  27. Anonymous
    October 31, 2014

    Is this all the plan they have for the people of Dominica who is going to maintain the international airport Dominicans don’t like to pay any increase they are crying. What else is there UWP????

  28. DFR
    October 31, 2014

    Talk is cheap! This is a very costly venture and even if it would come to pass this would take years and has anyone done a cost- benefit analysis ?? Maybe the Chinese .

    • Titiwi
      October 31, 2014

      You forget all that was done and ready to go in 2000.

      • Anonymous
        November 1, 2014

        What was done in 2000 again?

  29. Just Observing
    October 31, 2014

    I am submitting my comments again. Hopefully it will make it through. Did Mr. Linton provide the visiting Dominicans with details of his financial plan for constructing the airport? Did he give any idea where and from whom the money will come? Will the money come from a loan arrangement with soem international bank at commercial rates as happened in 1999? Will the money come form arrangements already in place involving our citizenship and passport? PM Skerrit has spoken about his government’s plans for constructing an international airport. Whether we like the plan or not, the issue is he (PM Skerrit) has provided such a plan. Did Mr. Linton provide such a detail? Is he expecting the public to believe, without questioning, every word and every promise he makes simply because he is able to articulate his point of view? Is that all that is required of an aspiring leader? These were my comments that seemingly was “not liked” by management of DNO. I’ll try again?

    • rosebud
      November 1, 2014

      You have posited some very good questions which the UWP should answer. An international airport is not cheap to run. Some Dominicans overseas visit Dominica once “in a blue moon”. Some come once after 30 years even if they are just round the tip of Capuchin. They do not analyze anything anyone says and try to think and understand how things actually work. Your questions are on point.

  30. Zuma
    October 31, 2014

    I am leaving in Europe and it’s not that difficult for me to get to DA. Yes it is annoying that I can’t get home the same day so what. I always take the ferry from (Guadeloupe) the next day after a good night rest. And am at home. Research and endless studies have shown it is impossible to build an international airport in dominica because of its mountainous terrain. We have to deal with the situation and find other less stressful ways to get to dominica. Eg from US to st Lucia take the ferry from there to da. Europe to Martinique or Guadeloupe take the ferry from there to da.

    • Calibishi Warrior
      October 31, 2014

      My brother /sister … If you time it right you can even get the ferry thesame day …. Going further why do we no simply invest in a ferry service of our own which is timed to link up with the international flights into Martinique or Guadeloupe …or invest in Express des Iles to the extent that we can request travel times which meet the same objectives? that would be exponentially cheaper that attempting this dangerous white elephant airport. Do a little research ,people. These money pit airports dot the globe like a rash

      • Zuma
        November 1, 2014

        We’ll said your suggestion could be sent to the government. Thank you

    • Kat woman
      November 1, 2014

      Top marks for good sense.

    • Malatete
      November 3, 2014

      Zuma, I don’t know where you live in Europe but from what you tell us I presume it is France. You know you can fly from Paris or Amsterdam to St. Maarten by KLM/AirFrance and connect with Winair ( WM 104 at16.10 hrs.) to get to Dominica the same day at 17.10 hrs ? They even offer flights at low cost (today £565) from London to St. Maarten (via Paris), also arriving the same day.
      You can return the same way without having to overnight in Guadeloupe taking the 09.30 Winair flight WM103 (arr. St. Maarten 10.30), in good time for your connecting flight back to Europe. Winair have partnership agreements, and proper interlining with KLM/AirFrance.
      I just hope that LIAT is not going to steal that business from Winair now, aided and abetted by our own governments.

    • Anonymous
      November 3, 2014

      I come to Dominica every year for the last 10 years from the US and I always get there the same day

      • November 5, 2014

        Anonymous.

        Hello and good afternoon my people. Thanks for telling them. I have been traveling to Dominica twice a year since 2009 from JFK and I always get home the same day.

  31. what a bunch of crap
    October 31, 2014

    So what you are saying is by next WCMF the UWP would have the international airport built and ready for a smoother travel experience? what a bunch of crap, where are you going to get the money show us and how exactly are you going to maintain this international airport that’s going to be magically built, then name it Edison Linton International.

  32. Jackie
    October 30, 2014

    We need an international airport. No ifs no buts.

    • rosebud
      November 1, 2014

      Build it.

  33. October 30, 2014

    We will get there, eventually. Hopefully, my children will revisit their land of birth.

  34. My nature Isle DA
    October 30, 2014

    Please for crying out loud. We do not need an international Airport. Dominica is one of the most peaceful Island in the Caribbean and we don’t need to criminalize it by building an international airport. There is to much going on around us. If they build an international airport there will still be complaint. U cannot please everyone. We need our mountains to help our rivers. How could u destroy Dominica’s beauty. Lovely Dominica land where the people smile wont u come and stay awhile in beautiful DA. Please don’t touch my Dominica and build no international airport for all kind of potance and malbouwoe to come and hurt our children. I said noooooooooooooo.No hard feeling for Mr. L but I will not support u on this one.

  35. The Facts
    October 30, 2014

    Satisfactory service for payment and vice versa.
    LIAT has a new CEO who vowed to improve its system. If the government pumped $8M into LIAT, surely, this is more than adequate to provide better service.
    It is shocking that LIAT is unable to provide satisfactory service. The government should demand a return, also refund from LIAT if it continues to provide unsatisfactory service.
    Passengers are paying sufficient money to LIAT and do not receive the service expected. It is high time to get LIAT to pay for its inadequate service.
    Common LIAT! It is more than time that you provide satisfactory service to your passengers. This has been going on for too long!
    Passengers have suffered and remained silent on this for too long. There is a voice and action in numbers. Individually, those who have experienced this unsatisfactory service should write LIAT and voice their concerns in no uncertain manner; just keep it respectful.

  36. Anonymous
    October 30, 2014

    More lies from UWP

  37. Anonymous
    October 30, 2014

    Promises promises , desperate for votes , They cant afford to build it and futher more what airline is going to fly a non profitable route .

    • Malatete
      November 3, 2014

      In all fairness you could ask Mr. Skerrit and his government the same thing since he is porposing to build an international airport too, exactly like Mr. Linton and his team.

  38. TRUTH
    October 30, 2014

    calabash ,it seems like you do not understand ,
    all the other countries around us and smaller than us ,have an international airport,so take back this statement , cause it is not that way everywhere else, it tis that way in DOMINICA because of the type of government we allow if the ministers home could take an international airport,they would have built it there ,but when come to the country , development is not an option, look well and see,
    They are the only ones progressing,,SHAME ON US

    • Zuma
      October 31, 2014

      These island PMs did not built the airports. These airports were built by the army during the war. Go back to your history.

  39. blessed
    October 30, 2014

    Liar,liar there will never be an International Airport. Ever since I was a little child I have been hearing politics about International Airport. Now am almost 50 and the topic is still the same. Talk is cheap, money buy land.

  40. Amazing
    October 30, 2014

    Linton say the international airport will be ready by all u next trip to Dominica It look like international airport taking six months to a year to build oh maybe Linton doh want all u to come back to Dominica in the near future, oh maybe he making sure all u doh come back to vote.

    • Titiwi
      October 31, 2014

      Where did he say that? Were you at the meeting? Labour have become experts in twisting facts.

      • Anon
        November 1, 2014

        @Titiwi this is what your esteemed leader said……”“I am hoping that when you come back to Dominica the next time the experience will be a lot more pleasant,” he stated. “We are the last remaining country in the Caribbean, quarreling with ourselves as to whether in 2014 we deserve to have an international airport…” How long does it take to build an international airport and have it operational? Certainly not a year.

  41. anonymous2
    October 30, 2014

    And where is the money going to come from? In a way the small airport protects this place. A large airport will enable air force planes to land.

    • Anon
      November 1, 2014

      Bro airforce planes can land at canefield or melville hall.

  42. I must speak
    October 30, 2014

    I’ve been hearing this all my life….

  43. BEB
    October 30, 2014

    When ever one travels from the international countries especially during any festive seasons , its always a hassle coming to Dominica , its either your luggage stay behind and collect them a few days later.every body knows that.
    Could some one tell me where Team Dominica will be getting the funds to erect that miss concept Int. Airport. I can remember that the then adviser to the UWP when they were in office, he confied in a friend by saying that the UWP had no money to build the Int. Air P. after paying for these lands at WFHill, Wesley and Londonderry.So if there was no money then, how are they going to raise these funds?

  44. Anonymous
    October 30, 2014

    Is the resident population willing and capable of supporting such an airport. Local residents are already stretched with taxes. The majority of those who must support the airport rarely travel. The cost of air travel is increasing rapidly thereby affecting the overall number of travellers. While we appreciate that such a facility would facilitate our countrymen returning home for visits, we are reminded that they don’t pay taxes here. I believe that the tax payer should have the loudest voice in this.

    • BEB
      October 31, 2014

      Another thing,the people who live overseas ,they do not pat taxes, they remain overseas and work, yes, they would assist their families with a barrel here and there , now when they are prepared to return home with the house hold items, they are expecting duty free from the government.Now we the ones who pay the taxes do not get nothing

  45. sxm / da
    October 30, 2014

    Thank you in advance can’t wait.

  46. sxm / da
    October 30, 2014

    Thank you in advance can’t wait. ?

  47. watermelon
    October 30, 2014

    well all that millions in an airport when it could have a run way that is of international standards, we need change. them fellars thinking cap weak no vision lack of common scense

  48. NY
    October 30, 2014

    Mr Lennox Linton, it was your predecessor, Mr. Edison James who stopped the building of Dominican’s international airport and the proof is in writing with his name and signature so what the “rass” you promising people now? Cha man.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      October 31, 2014

      You people need to stop your lies!

      If you do not know what transpires, jut shut up and ask people who knows. The late Prime Minister Pirie Charles, he is the person who ordered the Trinidad & Tobago Contracters, Engineers, and supporting works out of Dominica.

      It would appear to me that you have amnesia, or your senile mind cannot remember prior to the election, Athie Martin, Roosevelt Douglas, Ian Douglas, Charles Saverin, and all those who formed the coalition government including Roosevelt Skerrit during their election campaign they claimed that the International Airport Edison James was building cost too much! Ian Douglas took it to the extreme, and said “Dominica cannot afford an International, what we need is a is a soft loan from somebody to build one.”

      The Late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas said he had people lined up waiting, as soon as UWP lost the election they will be in Dominica building the airport, he also made the claim that he could build the International Airport, for a fraction of what Edison was spending build it, they even made the claim the only reason Edison James wanted to build an International Airport in country was because Edison wonted to import more cocaine into Dominica. That is the kind of crap the Labor Party went about the country and lie about.

      So let me reminded you by the time the election was held, there was no majority winner, hence the DFP, DLP under the supervision of Athie Martin formed a coalition government, and went to work on shutting the project down. And let me tell you this. The night when Athie thought of his diabolic plan to defeated the UWP, he announced the plan for the first time in my village of Wesley at the four Corners by the Police Station. I was upstairs in the home of my cousin Emlord Timothy, and his wife Agatha, Peter Carbon is brother brother to Agatha, he was the then minister of Agriculture; he was present, after the meeting Athie came by the house to visit, when Peter Carbon was walking down the stairs, he and Carbon greeted each and exchange a few friendly words. Athie came in, him and I had a conversation regarding the International Airport, we talked about ecology tourism. I was satisfied with his thoughts on ecology (ECO) tourism.

      Then I had my opportunity to ask Athie, why is he and the rest against the International Airport; the man was honest; he told me, it is not because anybody is against the construction of the International Airport, the whole issue was that they felt that Edison James should have discussed the matter with them prior to him starting the development of the airport. Athie Martin is still alive he can confirm this conversation took place, Emlord and his wife is now in New Jersey, James is still alive, Peter Carbon is still alive I do not know where is right now, but if I want to know I will simply call his sister and I am sure she will tell me. So before you come here and lie, get to know the truth, before you rattle, you are liar to say James close what airport? I can tell you the airport James was build, cost less than four hundred ($400,000,000.00) million dollars, 80% of the cost was a loan from the government of Trinidad & Tobago, with one condition attached is that the people building the airport should be built by people from Trinidad. That is why they were in Dominica, that is how Pierre Charles got to chase them out of the country, and shut construction down.

      Finally the secondary, and sixth form built in Wesley by the UWP, the same one that Skerrit government almost destroyed, that you with no name was also part of the project. DNO I know that this is lengthy, but I ask your tolerance, because people need to know the truth, because a lie can do plenty of damage!

      If there are any doubts; I entered Dominica by air on 2/9/99, and again on the 29/8/01 somebody can check and find out when the coalition siege power in Dominica.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  49. Anonymous
    October 30, 2014

    Seriously????
    That’s the main point out of the UWP meeting???
    No wonder why they going lose the election again!

  50. %
    October 30, 2014

    I am plenty more impressed by TEAM DOMINICA UWP.The candidates are not only more brilliant, but I believe that they are more honest, AND NOT GREEDY! HOW LONG? NOT LONG! WE NEED THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT! Time For Change!

    • rosebud
      November 1, 2014

      Honest really? So why their chief economist is caught up in all these financial woes? Why some of them have not held a job for so long? Why do they have to beg the “poor” people of Dominica to contribute to a fund that is managed by one man? Honest you say? Check the dictionary for the meaning of “honest”.

    • listener
      November 2, 2014

      % I think you have to wait until the Roseau river start going back up to Trafalgar and that change will come and Linton will build that airport for you just wait.

  51. Mee3
    October 30, 2014

    that thing about political parties promising an international does not go down good with me. I don’t think we need it right now and i also do not think it will be profitable for Dominica. I f i was in Mr.Linton place I would try to get for more project wheer we will be able to make a profit in the short term. If we have an int. airport it’s going to take us years to reap anything from it and most likely some of the politicions might not even be there to see the day Dominica would make a profit on something like that.
    I don’t wantto hear the same promises the DLP have been fooling Dominicans with for years. I know mr.Linton can do better and will think about the promises he makes.

    I am Dominica(n), I am independent.

  52. ti nom
    October 30, 2014

    where he gettin de money for that

    • Titiwi
      October 31, 2014

      Easy, same place Skerrit is getting his money. Why not.

      • rosebud
        November 1, 2014

        I do not think so. The two of them cannot get money from the same place. Different people, different friends, different values, different approach, different results.

  53. Sports Lover
    October 30, 2014

    “We had to go to Antigua,” he stated. “Getting into Antigua it was more frustration and another five hours … thank God for the night landing … but anyway we got to Dominica

  54. genie
    October 30, 2014

    my man you for real, you spent 7 hours in Puerto Rico before they tell you Liat stop flying Puerto Rico/Dominica……you definitely gone for too long and you must book your flight with more sense next time……SMH

  55. Doc. Love
    October 30, 2014

    Promises, but not from UWP. Maybe you are forgetting everything was in place for an International Airport that going to be built by the UWP, until the Skeritt led Labor Party Government put us back fifteen years. Once again, Dominicans have another opportunity to place the UWP in Government and they will get their airport which they truly deserve.

    • Anon
      November 1, 2014

      @Doc. Love, when you say everthing was in place does that include funding? If so could you or your party tell us what the cost of construction was and at which bank this money was deposited to build this airport.

    • listener
      November 2, 2014

      Doctor love u for get uwp bought land and say they going to build airport they had time they say they had money and they colled the election early and loose why didn’t they start the damn thing they lied they didn’t have no money.

  56. KIP
    October 30, 2014

    DOMINICA HAS AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
    When was the last time you took a flight from point Michelle to Roseau.There are no flights from Capuchin to Scott head or from Colihaut to Good Hope.All flights coming to Dominica originates outside the island of Dominica therefor they are international flights.

    Opposition in Dominica please talk about the evil system and how you are going to change it to make business and life run smooth tiny land we call home.

    Building ten more airports WILL NOT SOLVE NADA..

  57. October 30, 2014

    Smile Spookyzol- :-D :-D :evil: Go ahead you can smile again.

  58. sweet Dominique
    October 30, 2014

    Calabash do you believe in promises. I for sure believe this one. I heard it during the 4 1/2 years if Government. It was going to happen. I believe it will happen when they get back in office. Because I believe in change. Change has to be a must. We can do better than this.

  59. Just Observing
    October 30, 2014

    Mr. Linton, did you tell the diaspora folks how you intedn to bbuild the airport? Where and from whom will the financing come from? Will you borrow money at commercial rates just to build the airport? Did any of the visiting Dominicans care to ask those important questions? After all, the quarrel is not whether Dominica needs an international airport. the question remains. How does each of the opposing parties plan to finance the construction of an international airport. Pm Skerrit has indicated how he plan to move forward with the project. Mr. Linton on the other hand wants us to repose eternal confidence in his smooth talk, take him for what he says. beleive in him and his smooth rhetoric. The details of what he promises is yet to come. .

  60. Labour!!!!!!!!!
    October 30, 2014

    Lennox who utrying to fool with ur crap!!! :twisted: U guys forgot conveniently that its because of Eddison James and the UWP that we dont have one at the moment, which we ere going to get for free like a couple of the other countries in the Caribbean!

    PPl know you history, and dont get fooled by those fly by night politicians. Who say an “international” airport is gonna lessen the stress…flying anywhere in the Caribbean is a stress…international airport or not…i know becuz i have!

    DONT BE FOOLED PPL!

  61. Bagaila Bande
    October 30, 2014

    So you mean to tell me that was the most important thing Linton had to tell the visitors?? I so wish he wins for him to build it!

  62. Francisco Telemaque
    October 30, 2014

    “One visiting Dominican from London said her experience coming to Dominica was stressful after being stuck in Barbados.”

    That is the suffering of every Dominican trying to return home on regular visits, or in an emergency!

    It takes a maximum eight (8) hours to fly from takeoff from London Heathrow International Airport to the Eastern Caribbean. I have done that in the past landing in Antigua. I reside in the State of California, in the city of Los Angeles. I left here one night going to Dominica to my late father funeral, it took me eighteen (18) hours to get to Dominica.

    It is important to note: if there was an International Airport in Dominica, a flight originating in any of the five International Airports around Los Angeles, would have taken approximately six (6) upon landing in Dominica; From Los Angeles. I flew to Miami in Florida, then get on a flight to Puerto Rico, caught an American Eagle no longer flying to Dominica, which over-flew Dominica, took me to St. Lucia. One of my daughters traveled with me.

    By the time we left St. Lucia and landed in Dominica, it took me more than a week to get my luggage from LIAT, it’s been a few years, my daughter have yet to receive her luggage. Simultaneously one of my sisters left New Jersey, heading home, to our father funeral, got stock between Puerto Rico and Tortolla. Loosing all of her belongings in the process. That is what Dominicans suffer while Skerrit as an idiot, allowed Ralph Gonzalez of St. Vincent and all other fools such as that Bajan boy Hartley giving him advise to screw up the country! How can anybody; a so called Prime Minister with commonsense allow someone to tell him our country does need and International Airport when in fact the man giving the ram goat advie to Skerrit himself was in the process of building an International Airport in St. Vincent for his people?

    Argyle International Airport is operating, I saw a commercial passenger jet aircraft on the ground in St. Vincent, while our idiot is busy, and proudly changed the name of the thing he spend more than half a billion dollars on installing landing lights to accommodate flights landing at 9:00 PM; that half billion dollars could have built a new International Airport in the country, how can people even think of voting for a man like that who does not know how to use his God given commonsense. I stated before my mother, and my grandmother died, if I go to Dominica today I cannot go and identify their graves unless someone shows them to me, I could not attend their funeral all because I could not get a direct flight nor a connecting flight to Dominica. this is baloney, it is time for the people let Skerrit go! If the country is going to fail let it fail in the hands of those who are trying to save it. Skerrit is nothing more than a menace to the country.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Africo
      October 31, 2014

      You could not have seen an international aircraft at Argyle Airport in St. Vincent because the runway is not finished. There is still a big bridge to be built across the Argyle River and much more to complete before approval is granted. Do not make up stories Dods -Telemaque.!

      • Francisco Telemaque
        October 31, 2014

        You want me to show you a picture?

        Post your E-mail Address, and I will use it to send you a picture of the Aircraft!

        FET.

    • LawieBawie
      October 31, 2014

      It took me roughly the same time from Seattle Washington to St.Martin’s International airport. So I quite frankly don’t see your point.

    • Anonymous
      November 1, 2014

      lol! your jet man?

    • November 1, 2014

      It took me about a week to get my luggage from Miami to St Thomas.. So what’s your point? Whether you fly from a small Da airport or a big international airport there is always the risk of your luggage staying behind. So stop fooling the people because most of them has never travelled further than Roseau.

    • rosebud
      November 1, 2014

      Why don’t you speak the truth? You know very well how far you live from DA. You also know that there are oftentimes problems with flights in the USA and elsewhere. I have travelled a lot in the Caribbean and internationally and have experienced long waits so what is your problem? How often do you travel to and from DA? How much will your little travel once every so many years impact on DA’s economy?

    • Truth
      November 1, 2014

      If Mr. Telemaque lives in Los Angeles…… Why would he be complaining about an 18 hr trip to Dominica when he probably sits in traffic jams that long every day!! LOL

    • listener
      November 2, 2014

      Dods speak all your crap but in the mean time LABOUR KA TWAVAI

    • Ed
      November 3, 2014

      Rubbish. You saw no commercial flight at Argyle. Go there and you will not see it open yet. You can see it from my family home. You were at ET joshua airport which is the same size roughly as Dominicas airport. Do not lie to Dominicans for political gain.

    • Malatete
      November 3, 2014

      Mr. Telemaque, thank you. However
      – there are no flights from London Heathrow to the Eastern Caribbean (they operate out of London Gatwick)
      – the min. flight t ime to either Barbados or Antigua from London is 8hrs. 55 minutes, say 9 hrs. (it is min. 11 hrs. 30 min. to St.lucia since flights now go via Barbados).

    • deal
      November 3, 2014

      It takes onr to know one.

    • November 4, 2014

      you are a fool.

  63. October 30, 2014

    When we leave and go foreign and live in America, British England, Cold Canada, we polish ourselves, we buy Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Prado luggage sets to travel with. Pack 5 suitcases of luggage to go and show off. Never contribute a bleeping 55 ends to the Dominica economy while some of us are away for 50 years and want to come back to Dominica and expect all the concrete mix that we left I n foreign. People enjoy what you all have and stop playing politics with what God design for your country. Talking about she wanted to call the British commissioner.I was stuck in Antigua. You buy a cheap ticket on Cheap O Air, A cheap flight you will get. There is 1st class, middle class and Cabin booking. Check your booking before you pay your travel ticket to anywhere in the world. You get what you pay for when you travel. No international airport, Mini airport will make it better.

    • Titiwi
      November 3, 2014

      For your information LIAT don’t have first class, business class or economy class. They dont’ even have cabin service. Is all cattle class at exorbitant prices.
      PS. And I don’t wear that Tommy Hilfiger underwear but leave it to cheap brothers from America.

  64. bigred
    October 30, 2014

    If we truely wanted to embrace the diaspora It would have been nice to have had one forum where the two political parties could be made to present on the development plans for Dominica. The parties would have to defend their plans and to answer on the development options presented. I guess next time around But then again they would say thats a debate and Skerrit doesn’t want nothing to do with that.

  65. Greg
    October 30, 2014

    Wow so St Lucia, St Kitts, Grenada, Antigua, St Vincent are all conspicuous and Dominica is remote. Surely it is remote minds like yours that allow us to tolerate the imbeciles that we have in government.

    SMFH- The things that we say just to defend politicians. That is sick.

  66. Country Woman
    October 30, 2014

    You have traveled, stop talking the way you do, like you do not know better. We have a government for 15 years, we did not get one, we can try the other, if they do not keep their promise we vote them out. What nonsense you talking about small remote? Dominica is small and remote? that is how you looking at our country? we small and remote so we should not get better? but you run, shame shame shame.

  67. New Jersey
    October 30, 2014

    It is interesting to note that so many of the questions asked are questions that the diaspora should really be asking the people who are in government but they don’t answer questions unless the questions are coming from the programmed reporters of Kiari Da vibes, GIS and DBS.

    Don’t ask questions just get collect your tickets and bribe money from the crook and his wife in New Jersey and come vote for those criminals

    • Titiwi
      November 3, 2014

      The diaspora had questions at the diaspora meeting at the State house but were not allowed questions except to put them in writing. Skerrit was just lecturing and boasting, coward.

  68. Anonymous
    October 30, 2014

    liLinton I think it’s time you stop being a complete idiot. Dominica can’t afford to maintain an international airportnneither is it feasible to construct one. Stop trying to bribe the people. We are way too intelligent to believe you. Wake up man and smell the coffee.

  69. The Calabash
    October 30, 2014

    Promises, promises…
    Yes it is terribly frustrating to travel to DA….But it is that way to any remote, small territory anywhere. That is what we are…small and remote, in terms of terrain. All these occasional visitors to Dominica, like myself, will always have to transit through another island….with or without a longer landing strip…..the so called ‘International airport’

    • ATC
      October 30, 2014

      so StLucia , Antigua, St.Kitts , Grenada etc are located in a different geographic zone- I thought those islands were a stone throw away so what makes us so remotely located? what a joker eh boy. the problem is access and not location for crying out loud.

    • Mamizes
      October 30, 2014

      That name suits you well… Calabash… a utensil used in the early 1600s. Sir/ Madam, we are in 2014. This backward thinking personified by your name… Calabash… is not how all forward thinking Dominicans think. We want progress.
      Perhaps with an international Airport your visits to Dominica would not be so occasional.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      October 30, 2014

      Shut your damn mouth!

      Is Dominica more remote than St. Kitts, Grenada, St. Vincent, and St. Lucia. Antigua; Barbados, and the rest of the Caribbean? There are isolated places where people have never seen a motor car, run on streets, however, aircrafts are their only means of transportation in and out of their isolation.

      Many of you simply sit in Dominica, or where you are in your backwardness contented to crawl on your bellies like a leach, and be satisfied with the status quo, we are in the twenty-first century, wake up educate you man, so that your eye will get wider, and maybe you will see something that will stop you from talking crap!

      When I was a boy, I heard a man from Woodford Hill said Dominica will never have an airport, at that time Leblanc and company was talking about the construction of Melville Airport, when he was ask why we will never have an airport in Dominica, the idiot said because our country is too windy, and wind share will cause the aircrafts to crash on landing.

      Ironically the airport built at Cane field is plagued with wind share, but so far, not a single aircraft has crashed landed because of “wind share.” Know what the hell you are talking about before you begin to bray!

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Ba You Bwa
      October 30, 2014

      I couldn’t agree with you more. I, too, had to stayover in Bim on my way to Dominica just this past August. But my reality of where we are in our development tells me that we can not afford the type of airport being suggested by the Opposition. It just defies commonsense and flies in the face of our economic realities. And that is not in anyway an attempt to dismiss travelers genuine concerns.

      It is some trouble accessing the Nature Isle, but if for some small reason we could appreciate this: there may yet be some value in be small, undiscovered, untamed. Question is, “Can we use these qualities to our advantage, and still be a successful and contented people?”

      Guess we’ll see.

    • JoJo
      October 30, 2014

      Should we accept that meekly because “is so it is”? We spent over $100 million to upgrade Melville Hall only to find that it can not truly handle nightlfights because of physical constraints. But 14 years ago plans were in advanced stage to build another facility to accommodate jets without such restrictions. In fact the P.M. acknowledged as much when he disclosed that he signed an MOU with a private Chinese enterprise to construct that alternative airport. So the question remains. What did we get for the $8 million the P.M. pledged to LIAT? At least I would have expected a seat at the table as the P.M. promised but you know , we do no even have a director representing us on the board of that company. And how can we boost our “tourist product” (as Hon. Douglas likes to call it) with such a handicap? You know, somebody told me that it is cheaper and quicker and less hassle to fly from London to Australia than coming back home to Dominica. If true, that is a terrible indictment of the govt. over the last 14 years.

    • October 30, 2014

      Mr. Linton is a man of his words, given the opportunity dominicans will realize that dream to be true in reality . The United Workers Party is the only party who has made a real and tangible effort to build an international airport inD ominica . Dominicans were conned by those who wants the people of this country to remain in a state of backwardness. At that time they led us to believe that an international airport was the worse thing that could have ever happen to us. Now they are promising to do the same .

    • The Facts
      October 30, 2014

      Passengers pay their fair share of traveling expenses and are within their rights to expect better service. There is no excuse. It is time to punish LIAT!

      • joe
        October 31, 2014

        The Fact what are you saying if we have an international airport LIAT will be PUNISHED??

        HOW??

        As far as i know up till a while ago LIAT Landed at Grantley Adam International Airport, and i certainly sure they landed at VC Bird International Airport as well!!!!!

        SMDFH with you team DUNCE people!!!!

      • The Facts
        November 2, 2014

        Joe, I did not state that if Dominica has an international airport LIAT should/will be punished. Read properly.

    • hello
      October 30, 2014

      Man shut up. Who make more promises than skerite? He always breaking. Ground. Folishness Mr doing marge And coshony. He said hesign an mou to build an airport Hmn the last time hesay dominica canot affold And airport But he have money to. 260000 to open airport. Mr just sickkk!! Bloody malfYteh peoples sufering bawling that fricken country hardddddd! We cannot afford to make that dirty cabalist labour to win again? All you crazy!??? To make Them People Run that country again for5 more years ? No boi No boi

    • Anonymous
      October 30, 2014

      you are so negative and self-degrading.
      I am ashamed of you being a fellow Dominican.
      Beggarly and accepting anything to as far as nothing.
      Dominica certainly can do without you.

    • uwotm8
      October 31, 2014

      you are insane. We are in no way remote. We are in the middle of the caribbean ffs. We are small, yes but we are approximately the same size as many other caribbean countries who all have international airports

      • Malgraysa
        October 31, 2014

        You are wrong, we are then largest island the English speaking Caribbean, nearly twice the size of Barbados. But we are also remote, hence the relative small size of our population and the fact that we are still struggling to have adequate air access. The good Lord blessed us with a topography that has defeated many newcomers and helped the Kalinago to survive as a people. We have to live with that but at the same time exploit that unique nature of our terrain to our advantage. It does not have to be a negative.

      • uwotm8
        October 31, 2014

        @malgraysa – you have no idea what remote means. remote: (of a place) situated far from the main centres of population; distant. If by this definition you consider dominica to be remote then barbados is even more so as it is much further removed from the caribbean than any other island. This would also mean that pretty much all the islands in the caribbean are remote since we share (on a global scale) practically the same geographic space

      • .
        November 3, 2014

        Most of them have twice our population and are blessed with an abundance of flat land.

    • Annon
      October 31, 2014

      Well…so is St.Lucia, and Greneda, Antigua, small and remote, all boasting increases in tourism directly related to their air access. it’s just a longer landing strip…..So…build it, they will come.

      • CarltonDAfanatik
        October 31, 2014

        Antigua and St Lucia airport was build in war time and built by UK and US respectively……..for military purposes.

        Grenada airport was in the main built by Cuba and was invaded by the US before it was finished.

        And if UWP leader is educated, he would stop using the phrase….build an International Airport.

        Look up the term and you see Dominica already has an International Airport………it just can not accommodate big jets……..just small ones………..every Tuesday.

      • Anon
        October 31, 2014

        We are talking about cost, St lucia and Antigua were fortunate to have inherited jet airports, Grenada got assistance from Cuba St vincent is now construting theirs at tremendous cost. so “build it they will come” is not a sensible approach as people are not coming to visit or shop at an international airport.

      • Annon
        November 1, 2014

        Well, point taken. I wish we would get one donated like the others you mentioned. So it seems like the best way forward may be to seek investors to brd – build it-run it-deliver it to us, if we are lucky. I am hopeful. Thanks for the feedback.

    • joe
      October 31, 2014

      Well said…

    • Malatete
      October 31, 2014

      I don’t mind transiting Calabash but that should be possible with the least amount of fuss, professional service, good & timely connections with feeder flights and some assurance your flight departs/leaves on time and your luggage arrives with you. We definitely must eliminate the need for overnighting in a nearby island before making that final short hop to our beloved Dominica.

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