First Bailey bridge installed a Pointe Ronde

The newly installed bridge with the broken one in the background
The newly installed bridge with the broken one in the background. Photo credit: Office of the Prime Minister

The first Bailey bridge, at Pointe Ronde, has been installed and should be commissioned on Monday September 21.

Public Works Minister, Ian Pinard, visited the site on Friday afternoon.

He said the “approach is being completed using a combination of concrete slabs and Gabion baskets filled with stone. After that we will cover the approach base with a tarish concrete surface. This should be completed during the course of next week, after which point the bridge would be commissioned.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said work is continuing on the two other bridges to be installed on the west coast in Batalie and Machoucherie.

He also said government officials and engineering experts will be meeting with residents of Boetica and Delices on Saturday to discuss suggested approaches that will be taken in addressing access to the communities.

“The experts who are here have some particular suggestions and we felt that it would be important to engage the community in those discussion and to get a feel and a sense from them as to which of the options that they would feel comfortable going ahead,” he stated. “We believe from the government standpoint that the suggestions put forward by the experts are reasonable but at the end of the day we want to ensure that the people who live in those areas are part of the decision making process.”

The meeting is expected to begin at 9:00 am at the gorge.

bridge pinard

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64 Comments

  1. udohreadyet
    September 21, 2015

    Sometimes you have to build bridges, sometimes road and sometimes tunnels…. Dominicans haven’t ventured into building the latter. landslides don’t affect tunnels. We need some open minded engineers & architects that are not afraid of the land.

  2. Jim Reeves
    September 21, 2015

    Across the bridge there is no more ???.
    See who is first to cross?
    His sun will continue to shine.
    Trust we folk interprete well. Just a little guidance .All the fraud & corruption will disappear. Time to unite right. Way to escape at the expense of Erika.
    Many are saying thanks merci gracias to Erika. They cannot investigate me no more. by the time we finish patching up DA 5 yrs will have passed free to live a quiet life no charges of corruption still standing over me/us.
    Easy crossing of the Bailey bridges and wow! no more problem

    • Fedup
      September 21, 2015

      What an idiot!!!!!

  3. Mary Brown
    September 21, 2015

    The bridge should have built higher it has been built lower than the previous one.

    • bimb
      September 21, 2015

      you have common sense.

  4. Just saying Thank you
    September 21, 2015

    I having no issue in saying thank you again to the Government. I do that road regularly and it can be frustrating when you arrive at these points. I am so grateful. You all are really working to improve lives in our country. PM keep on ignoring the negative. Taking it on is a waste of your precious God given energy which you are using to rebuild the country.

    THANK YOU!!!.

  5. reader
    September 21, 2015

    Tim don’t you teach ur crew Quality assurance? A ponde Rond?
    Brother Estrada Basset etc talk U better.
    Tell ur crew to review their work prior to publishing in other words put them in Moderating mood b4 they send/print /publish ur choice.

    • reader
      September 21, 2015

      taught better.

  6. Anonymous
    September 21, 2015

    you would swear is last weekend the storm pass..lol..

  7. Progressive Labourite
    September 20, 2015

    Labourites stop playing politics in disaster. This is just a temporary bridge. Thanks to the government for bringing temporary relief but we need a clear direction on how we are going to rebuild Dominica. Quick fixes are not the answer

  8. rainbow
    September 20, 2015

    I believe we should thank the government of St Vincent for donating those bridges. Skerrit is just placing them and taking the praises. Well done and thank you Vinci.

  9. Fester the American
    September 20, 2015

    What’s really surprising to me is the amount of recovery work being done by Dominicans with little help from the outside world. The government is doing its thing, but so are the people.

    I have seen no one complaining about how someone else needs to take care of them like America had after hurricane Katrina. I have seen nothing about people waiting for handouts and complaining about how abused they are.

    If I’m going to be stuck in a disaster, I think I’d rather be in Dominica.

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      September 21, 2015

      Fester the American, you have a point, but you left out so much information. Regulations are a deterrent to quick response in such situations. For example, you must be a licensed two-truck operator with a Department of Transportation Number and proof of insurance to tow vehicles in America. Only a licensed Arborist with the same requirements as above is capable of removing trees and shrubs. Dominica lacks robust regulations and this makes it much easier to respond during disasters. Although regulations help to protect consumers, they can also hinder them as well.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      September 21, 2015

      You are simply farting from your mouth; that hurricane which devastated that part of the United States, the joke which took place in Dominica cannot compare to Katrina! .

      How many people died as a result of the storm in Dominica, perhaps twenty or less: hundreds maybe thousands of people lost their life in Katrina, some are still unaccounted to this day. Billions of dollars in property was lost. If the people in Louisiana ask their government for help they are entailed to such help because the money, and help of any kind, comes from their personal money, and what people like me pay into Income Tax, and property Tax!

      And mind you not one single cent was give to the state of Louisiana by a foreign country, or any other State in America to aid in rebuilding!

      You are talking garbage, while you and Skerrit, and all of you are now begging America, complaining that the hundred-fifty thousand dollars they gave is not enough! You all always have to run off your mouth on America,…

    • Francisco Telemaque
      September 21, 2015

      “I have seen no one complaining about how someone else needs to take care of them like America had after hurricane Katrina.”

      By the way who took care of Americans after Katrina? With such stupid mentality, nobody with commonsense have to wonder why Dominica is so backward!

      You cannot see that it’s because nations from far and near putting themselves out to donate food which you so crave, some of you may start to stave, have you thought about that? Without that immediate help, you all would have killed each other for some food to eat!

      Now you fools are biting the hands that been feeding you since the incidence, since the tropical storm in Dominica, there has been several floods on the West Cost of America, along with fires burning hundreds of homes: have you heard or seen anybody in America asking the world for help?

      How idiotic, stupid, and ungrateful are the scum-bags like you!

      • ??????.....
        September 24, 2015

        Really Francisco! Can you just not make your point without being rude, insolent. You should be learning now..you are not a teenager but a full grown man!

  10. Danziger
    September 19, 2015

    Thankyou St.Vincent for the donation.

  11. September 19, 2015

    Ignorant fools as per usual

  12. Blow Go Dowe!
    September 19, 2015

    The Skerrit Blow- Go- Dowe Highway is already is already damaged? That did not even last a year? Three bridges got damaged and had to be replaced by blowgodow bridge? I hope he officially and rightfully renames it ‘The Roosevelt Skerrit Blowgodowe Highway.

    When he was building it was all Chinese and now he repairing it is all Dominicans. But the guys that are working on it are all Red? Are they the new public works?

    • Fedup
      September 21, 2015

      Your head (Brains) it seems is firmly anchored is a dark, smelly place. Hope you can get it out!

  13. September 19, 2015

    Hello and good afternoon my people . Well this is a good start but let’s hope it’s not a permanent structure . We need to dredge the rivers at lease a half a mile before it reach the sea. The bridges shouldn’t have any support beams that’s in the water because that cause the tree branches to get stuck under the bridge which cause flooding and damage to the bridge therefore the beams should go from side to side without any support beams.

  14. Ya right
    September 19, 2015

    The roads to Posse were always functional. Guys travel frequently to Posse for night therapy sessions.

  15. BBF
    September 19, 2015

    Jim reeves has a song entitled across the bridge their is no more sorry the sun will shine across the river and we shall never be unhappy again.\”
    Who is the first man to cross the bridge?
    Erika help them escape crimes of corruption peeps are too buzy trying to get a mea, daily to worry about acusations so these guys go scotch free?
    All the corruption charges did not stick with the help of the legal syatem.Now with Erika even better yet for those suckers.
    I wonder if the Chinese want passports now?even if the price can be subjected to change if the main passport guy says Skerro in order to sell em and to keep the 4 flowing let\’s sell them for $10000 US
    Shouting we need money Skerro!

  16. Erika
    September 19, 2015

    Thanks Mr Pinard,, stand up to Skerrit,,

  17. Marlon "Josh Shaw" Xavier
    September 19, 2015

    Thank you to the government and people of St. Vincent for a much needed donation.

  18. September 19, 2015

    Dominica in a verge to make a quick recovery, I am happy to see amount of money and other assistance pouring to our government , Some Dominicans are doing something good around the globe our friends and neighboring countries playing their part, Joyful tears ran from my eyes, Most countries every aftermath they create jobs for their people, I hope our government spent these funds wisely and try to take this opportunity to create jobs for us.

  19. help the lady
    September 19, 2015

    so when is someone goign to correct people and tell them that that is not a bailey bridge but a mabey johnson logistic support bridge
    The Mabey Logistic Support Bridge (in the United States, the Mabey-Johnson Bridge) is a portable pre-fabricated truss bridge, designed for use by military engineering units to upgrade routes for heavier traffic, replace civilian bridges damaged by enemy action or floods etc., replace assault and general support bridges and to provide a long span floating bridge capability.[1] The bridge is a variant of the Mabey Compact 200 bridge, with alterations made to suit the military user as well as a ramp system that will provides ground clearance to civilian and military vehicles.

  20. AID RELIEF
    September 19, 2015

    Dominicans, now more than ever, the World is looking on. Maybe, we think it’s funny when we write these comments, but think again. We are better than that. Before posting these Ridiculous statements just Consider it’s implication. This is neither the time nor place.
    Whatever, is pointed out here, is not a criticism it’s an observation evident to the rest of the World. We need to change both our Mindset and outlook on live. We all need to improve an area in our lives and at the same time lift each other up. Some people take Constructive criticism well while others tend not to.
    Let’s all try to build a better Dominica and look forward to a brighter future. God bless Dominica.

  21. socaman
    September 19, 2015

    As an outsider looking in it is sad that so much negativity is being expressed by some people in Dominica. Surely now is the time for people of all colours and creed to work together for the unity of Dominica, to rebuild what Erica has done, as Hunter says, One Nation, One People

  22. AID RELIEF
    September 19, 2015

    Stop this Blind Allegiance! In the Event of a Disaster, be it Act of God or otherwise, it is the duty of the Leader of that Country to seek the necessary Assistance and reach out to other Countries depending on the severity of the Situation. Failing to do that would be Negligent and Reckless on His/Her part. So giving Credit to Pm for every project or gesture is ridiculous and quite humorous. Instead, try thanking the organizations and the International Community that rushed to our Aid, some of them strictly from a Humanitarian Standpoint because that’s what they do! It had nothing to do with the PM. they basically came to our Rescue because he seem incapable of handling the Crisis. as we speak, people are suffering unnecessarily simply because of his inaction and the total lack of Coordination and worse the incompetence of both he and the people who he chose to run things. This whole show of an Advisory Board is just a Farce. Since, he fail to consult them in any decision making!

  23. The Real Facts
    September 18, 2015

    Pleased to know the First Bailey bridge is being installed and the others will be done in other locations. I bet the residents cannot wait for this to occur so they could go about their business.
    The PM is working hard for this to be achieved.

  24. Being Positive
    September 18, 2015

    Matthew 7:24-27King James Version (KJV)

    24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

    25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

    26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

    27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

    When EO Leblanc built the west coast road back in the 70’s it survived many severe storms like David, Fedrick, Marilyn, and many more untouched. Skerro ran to China and built his highway and it could not even survive the first storm? Well it seems to me that one builder was wise while the other was not too wise man. London bridge is broken down?

  25. Francisco Telemaque
    September 18, 2015

    I have never seen the construction of a bridge, prefabricated or not take such a short time to be installed. In the first place the base; be it concrete, and rod iron need a certain amount of time to cure (harden) prior to laying the actual bridge over the foundation.

    My prediction, and premonition is this, by the time another storm which produces some flood waters, that sick piece of thing will be washed away as easy and fast as it was installed.

    That is a joke!

  26. Ignorance
    September 18, 2015

    Passing cloud what is your point? You should like a child, a bridge being installed that’s the highlight here not the petty talk about the Priminister and using slecific names to areas.

    • BooHoo
      September 18, 2015

      Oh my!! The name says it all.

    • Passing cloud
      September 18, 2015

      @ignorance, let me use an old joke to help you understand my point since you claim to be ignorant. A man and woman once got married and six months later the wife got pregnant with twins. The wife was very fair in complexion, but the husband was very dark. When the wife gave birth it was two boys, one was very fair and looked like mom, whereas the other was very dark and looked like dad. Dad got upset and said the one that looked like him is his son but the fair skin one was not his child, and rejected him throughout his early days. But It so happened that the one that looked like mom was exceedingly bright, while the one that looked like dad could not write his name. The fair one that looked like mom turned out to be a very good doctor, while the one that looked like dad became a beggar. So guess what? Dad then became proud of the doctor and was quick to tell people ” that’s my son”, while the he tried to avoid passing close to the one that looked like him but was a beggar. You got…

    • Passing cloud
      September 18, 2015

      @ignorance, I still don’t think you got it so let me make it plain to you. When the road was built, Mr. Skerrit was very proud of it and called it the EO Leblanc Highway. However, tropical storm Erica tested it and showed everyone how weak it was, as three bridges were totally destroyed and other parts were gone. Mr. Skerrit got so embarrassed that he now refers to it as the “WEST COAST.” He was very careful not to say road so you all could remain ignorant.
      In our creole my papa would say “BEL Visage me movey kawate”

      But on a more serious note. Since the EO Leblanc Highway was just built, wouldn’t we have some warranty from the Chinese on it? After all, they built it and it’s just about 2 years old? They don’t stand behind their work? If it was built by either the Canada, USA, France or even Taiwan, I am sure we would see them replacing those damaged bridges. Don’t you think so ignorance?

      • Barbara Saunders
        September 23, 2015

        Passing Cloud

        I’m a little confused here. did the Chinese “build” the highway? I recall some corners were taken out like down at Jimmit and down at Tarreau some reconstruction of a corner and reclaiming of some land on the sea-side were done, can’t remember any other major construction other than widening, resurfacing etc. did those go with Erika? I also genuinely don’t remember whether the Chinese built bridges on the road that has been in existence for many years before Mr. Skerrit was born.

        Did the Chinese build the roads on the East? Boetica. white river bridge etc.? Did they do work in Petite Savanne and the Jungle Bay area to destabilise the soil or something?

        When I think of the Scripture which reminds us that we will have to account for every idle word that we speak, particularly when we influence weak-minded people who believe all of it, I pray for that day not to come for us!

  27. negremaron
    September 18, 2015

    Great!!

  28. Neutral
    September 18, 2015

    Thank you PM. Really working fast to bring Dominica back normal

    • source
      September 19, 2015

      PM smh ?

  29. bimjim
    September 18, 2015

    I am impressed with the PM’s progress despite the huge amount of negativity which exists, even in these terrible times. While most Dominicans make efforts to return to normal and build a better future, there is still a segment of the population who have NOTHING good to say about EVERYTHING that has been down or is yet to be done.

    • The Real Facts
      September 18, 2015

      Ingratitude, negativity and criticisms do not come from God. He is not pleased at such people. He takes note of all we do and say.
      They do not appreciate it and feel fortunate that the Good Lord spared them, personally, from disaster.
      They project their true colors. These are they who appear not to care and are without compassion for those who lost their life, those who lost family members and properties. They should be happy that the PM is doing his utmost, amidst all these difficulties, to return Dominica to as normal as it possibly could.
      One day, their turn will come, in some way, for their ingratitude.

    • originaljahguide
      September 20, 2015

      Such as you bimjim with your statement “I am impressed with the PM’s progress” etc what does this have to do with him? Are the bailey bridges his property? You all speak all you politics but when others do, you all have a problem with them. Get real! fix the damn country and shut up man.

    • Black Nobility
      September 21, 2015

      The basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society, such as transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices, and prisons. Maybe you should look up the word Infastructure. Tell me how $27,000,000 is adding to INFASTRUCTURE. And give me a list of what this current administration have funded on their own.

  30. Passing cloud
    September 18, 2015

    “Meanwhile, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said work is continuing on the two other bridges to be installed on the west coast in Batalie and Machoucherie.”

    Why is the Honorable Prime Minister keep referring to the road as “West coast”? Mr. PM, it’s your baby that you named “The EO Leblanc Highway” just about 2 years ago; how come you forgot the name already sir? Did Erica cause you to suffer from Alzheimer? Well sir just take a good pill so you could remember that it is NOT the west coast any longer, but the EO Leblanc highway. Do you want to cleverly dis-associate yourself with you baby because of how it looks today?

    Should we expect the same thing with the Douglas / Charles airport that you renamed just before the election? Let me remind you early that according to you and those dressed in Red on the day of the Red party, it was named The Douglas / Charles airport and NOT Melville Hall airport, though that’s the rightful name up to this day.

    • A. George
      September 18, 2015

      Whats wrong with west coast… that’s not an official designation. …. more like a geographical reference…

    • citizen
      September 18, 2015

      You not making any sense. Go get work to do

      • joy
        September 18, 2015

        my comment for people know a-days if you have nothing nice to say to each other.. don’t say anything at all no one needs to hear your negative comments…

    • HELL with politic
      September 18, 2015

      Please people get a DAMN life.we have bigger fishes to fry. Some of you people don’t make any sense.

      • Factoids.
        September 19, 2015

        what makes sense Hell with you is much deeper.
        These guys are escaping their crimes against the state Thanks to Erika right? true or false.
        Factoid or fact it\’s the truth.
        I see mass migration in the coming months , even our Haitian bros & sis are making tracks to st.Lucia. True or false? Are the Hareems of Posse still functional? maybe needed more than ever men need therapy.lol!

    • The Real Facts
      September 18, 2015

      You are indeed a passing cloud. I hope it passes on soon enough. Note your words which are of no substance. You are one D/ca could do without.
      What is wrong with you? What type of person are you? Who do you think you are? You have a severe problem, a bitter and heartless, hardened heart.
      What you have done is throwing words, mapwee at the PM. You lack respect. Where do all this come in? Your comment is uncalled for and out of place. Did you notice any mention of what you stated in this article and its subject?
      It appears you are the one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, a debilitating disease. Look out for yourself.
      Dominica has some ungrateful people. You are one of them, projecting to the world what you are. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
      Due to your words, I can tell you, you are by no means on the side of God. Sorry for you.

    • Chief Jacko
      September 18, 2015

      Boss passing cloud an dem go school noh? Comment like these show that some of us lack the vocabulary consistent with reports of issues at hand. The report of the Prime Minister has to do not only with the reconstruction of the “EO Leblanc Highway” located on the West Coast but also the reconstruction of the West Coast as a geographical region of Dominica. Consequently, my dear Passing Cloud, not understanding the term “West Coast” shows that you need to be upgraded in vocabulary, comprehension and rational reasoning. Is it worth it being low down malicious and dirty at all time?

    • ME
      September 19, 2015

      If you were not so petty you would have realized that its a geographical reference. Everything you hear on Q95 you have to swallow and come here to vomit on DNO choops man

    • mine
      September 19, 2015

      People like you that are causing all these destruction in the country and all the hatred and negativity. God is trying to teach you all are lesson but you all can’t get it.

    • mine
      September 19, 2015

      Take care the alzhiemer dont attack before the PM, when we wish others bad it comes back at us.

    • My-views
      September 19, 2015

      @Passing cloud….As your name suggest…take your comment and sail across the sky and let the PM be. He is doing his job and he is doing it GOOOOOODDDDD!!!!

    • just saying
      September 19, 2015

      Passing cloud, you are an idiot.

    • Dominican
      September 19, 2015

      Idiot!!

    • jodi
      September 19, 2015

      To the passing dark cloud, pick up a shovel and start sweating get busy before i push you off your seat!!!

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      September 19, 2015

      IDIOT!

    • Annon
      September 20, 2015

      Passing cloud, .. What’s that ‘brain fart’?. You will get your chance to run Dominica into the ground, that’s what you politicians do best. The line is long, take a number pal.

    • Passing cloud
      September 20, 2015

      Oh boy, I was murdered with thumbs down. I know all you hate my observation, as I pointed a fundamental fact that you all hate to hear. Knowing Skerrit as well as I know him, if there was no damage to the EO Leblanc Highway, a day after the storm, if not the same day, Skerrit would go on DBS or Kairi and tell the nation that the EO Leblanc Highway stood firm. He would not say the West Coast road stood firm. Because the weakness of his project was tested and failed BIG TIME, he now wants to disassociate himself from and revert to West Coast?
      I look forward to many more thumbs down, because that’s your way of telling me to keep it at a secret because you all know that already. You just don’t want others to see it. So more thumbs down

  31. Pondera
    September 18, 2015

    Excellent job! let’s get it done.

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