Hotel site disagreement

Skerrit (left) and Douglas

Tourism minister Ian Douglas has suggested Cabrits in Portsmouth as the most sensible site for a Morocco-funded hotel which appears to contradict Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s proposal for its location.

Skerrit disclosed last year that the territory has decided to fund such an establishment in Dominica which he said will be located near Melville Hall.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the location would be ideal for pilots who would have to overnight on the island with the onset of night landing.

But according to Douglas the location of any such investment is a major factor in its success, and Cabrits may currently be the best location for the proposed hotel.

“At this point in time perhaps the Cabrits area, putting everything into consideration, may be the best location for an investment of that type,” Douglas argued.

Dominica and Morocco established diplomatic relations in June 2010 and after a visit there in August, Skerrit disclosed the African nation will finance the US $13 million “50-room airport hotel.”

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121 Comments

  1. Whappening?
    February 10, 2011

    They have broken ground at The Cabrits. That’s where it is located. Where the German had the run down holiday village. The excavators are there right now.

    It’s actually a great idea. It will really help lift Portsmouth, which needs every cent it can get it’s hands on.

    Good on Ian Doug;as.

  2. Gee
    February 8, 2011

    ************JUST WONDERING***********

    SO… the real concern should be!!!!!! WHY are we in the business of owning a HOTEL?????
    We already know how governments offices are poorly operated!! Now we want to give government to run a HOTEL?????? We the tax payers thus Government should not be in the business of owning hotel!!

    By the way…… the PM and Douglas should let a qualified consultant decide which part of DA the hotel should be placed!!

    • bb
      February 8, 2011

      your last paragraph makes sense. the first makes no sense! is the aiport a private project? no. if it needs a hotel and their are no private investments at hand…doesnt it make sense tht the government would be involved in putting up this hotel?? please!!

      • SXM DIVA
        October 18, 2012

        very good u got it right

    • SXM DIVA
      October 18, 2012

      are u deaf ,it is a gift that afica is given all u, when u ready u insult the africans and say its something u all have they want , your banana dashing and goat that is everywhere in african bushes ,so listern carefully understand the points before u coment ,am sure u did not do well in school cause u dont listern, and why would it not be the goverment in charge , what in Gods name are u saying, i smell bitterness and ungratefullness period.

      • SXM DIVA
        October 18, 2012

        this reply was for GEE just wondering, what are u wondering about u dont want development in your country , that u have a tiny airport dont bother u , that u dont have a quality standard hotel as in hotel that is in the star range , like 1 star to 5 star in dominica ,even all caribbean iskland have aiport in and thge hassel and long rides home from your airpot and a good sameritan through the generousity and friendlyness and good communication skill of that blessed man God gave you all with pure wisdom and great understanding a man of vision and future constructor Mr Skerit u all dont like one bit has brought you all civilisation look at dominica developing fast good road good things happening and still u dont want to back him up in leading dominica to a right lane , everything he does some loosers on the corner tearing him down with thier dirty mouth and Mind , i see the man dont sleep good trying to bring development to u all in your bed and still ungreatfulness from miserable loosers who want to go in there and loot all the money and share among thier friends and family , would not let him be, well to me am not a born dominican but am there full and in that system i think Dominicans should rate skerrit as the Best PM dominica has and will have if someone else with a good heart surfaces but then its possible for there to be a replacement but he has to be raise abroad in a civilised manner if its a looser in the villages never travelled and see life diffrently outside and dont know what it is to eat fresh food and breath a good fresh air without pollution oof the mind then the dumb skull will not know what to rule, SKERRIT IS A MAN OF ACTION AND HAS BETTER PLANS FOR DOMINICA IF GIVING THE FULL OPPORTUNITY AND SUPPORT ,THANK U,PEOPLE BE WISE LEAVE SKERRIT ALONE TO CONTINUE HIS GOOD WORK

  3. Anonymous
    February 7, 2011

    i support the prime ministers decission 100%..and why dont ian discuss his disapproval with the pm in chambers instead of making it look like public mockery.and besides ..where in cabrits ?

  4. Mikes
    February 7, 2011

    Hello! How much for the 50 room hotel? US $13 million or some EC $34.7 million? That’s a mere $694 thousand per room. I also heard it’s going to be built on 180 acres of land. I don’t know but those numbers are not adding up to me, something is not right.

    • hmm
      February 7, 2011

      Did you hear the man say that??? Why are you all doing those things??? Please man use that tongue wisely and not using it to create confusion. MY my my !!!!

      • BC
        February 7, 2011

        Well, the math can’t lie..they say 50 rooms for 13 million US…must be a 10 star hotel… :lol: :lol:

        come to think about it, can’t they build two hotels for the 13 million? One in each location? If the cost of building a room is still so high, make it a 26 room one in Marigot and a 24 room one in Possie…If they can et the cost of building a room down, they can have two 30 room hotels or even better. How about that? That would help Labor keep Ian and the Portsmouth seat and win the ever so difficult Marigot one.. :lol: :lol: :lol:

        • hey
          February 7, 2011

          hi BC labour under their present corrupted style will never win the marigot seat
          FYI…thats why they moved the project to portsmouth….

          no chance of a win for labour in marigot sorry…marigot ppl arent easily bought with 5,000 dollars

        • Anonymous
          February 7, 2011

          who say that Dominicans r not smart?! good analogy!! 2 hotels!

  5. One Day
    February 7, 2011

    AND THE HOTEL GOES TO…………………………

  6. GOLD
    February 7, 2011

    I CAN SEE CHARLO LAUGHING,BECAUSE HE WANTS TO RUN FOR PORTSMOUTH AND IAN IS IN HIS WAY ,REMEMBER HE SAID THAT HE HAS TO BE PRIME MINISTER OF DA,SO THE ONLY WAY HE HAS TO BE AN ELECTED MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT,SO HIS ONLY CHANCE TO BE ELECTED IS IN PORTSMOUTH,WHERE HE CAN RUN ON A LABOUR TICKET.

    • bb
      February 8, 2011

      thats a no no!!

  7. Ugly
    February 7, 2011

    Very funny, PM. so all of a sudden disagreement between PM and Ian making headline news? This article was engineered to cover the fiasco between Ashtee and Ian and the Possie Constituency.

  8. joe
    February 7, 2011

    Would’nt it be ridiculous to have an airport hotel built some 35 to 40 miles from an air port? I believe that people need to think before they voice their opinions. In no way should the PM and his colleague be disagreeing about the site for this hotel. if its going to be an AIRPORT HOTEL , then it should be constructed within the vicinity of the air port. No one be it Dominican or visitor wants to travel some 40 odd miles to a hotel when there are others close by. Stop playing these political games and lets begin or continue building the nation.

    • Facts
      February 7, 2011

      Dominica is not 40 miles long. Portsmouth to marigot is 10-15 miles at most

      • BC
        February 7, 2011

        40 Miles, 40 minutes, what’s the difference!! It takes a person who is living in DA 35 t0 40 minutes to get to Possie from Marigot in bright daylight. Imagine a tourist or a foreigner, coming in at night, renting a car or taking a taxi that will overcharge them, to get to Possie or Roseau on the narrow, winding road over the mountains and deep valleys; to stay in a hotel that might not even be so highly rated, for one night. Would you come back? I am sure many would think twice about stopping in DA again. If we want to continue talking about development and investing in tourism, we will have to put our money where our mouth is. We either have to build an airport in Possie or develop the area around the one in Melville Hall.

        The problem I see with that is, we not good airport people. Our planning skills in that regard really stinks. We have two airports that cannot amount to one when you put both of them together. Now we talking about another one. A good airport is vital to the tourism industry. Be it Possie, Roseau, Marigot or Carib Reserve, make it good and stop these half ass spectacles we keep building and calling them airports. HELP!!!

        • Islandgirl
          February 7, 2011

          Well said!!

        • possie
          February 7, 2011

          but in t&t the pilots over night at a hotel an hour away from the airport so whats wrong please people that not the problem u all are just mad because is portsmouth it coming .

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 7, 2011

        The distance from Portsmouth, to Marigot, is approximately 21.5 miles!

        About one hundred yards. South of the Londonderry Bridge is precisely eighteen miles from Portsmouth!

        Franciosco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  9. Ashton Reviere
    February 7, 2011

    I made one statement and you start talking man now. So I’ll continue to keep you busy rather than just playing organiser of sewo activities. If its this you wanted to do, organising fets, why did you allow the government to chase the Spanish customers from Possie?

    In any event, I support the move you are taking because, I really do not understand the logic in building an airport hotel for WINAIR that comes with two pilot and these guys sleep at their friend’s home in Marigot.

    • Fly on the Wall
      February 7, 2011

      the future seems out of reach of your mind’s grasp…

    • Brit
      February 7, 2011

      lol! Ashton or whomever you are, you are the best!

    • Ashton
      February 7, 2011

      at least have the nous to spell my name correctly! Better yet …, use your own name to post your comments!

      • BC
        February 7, 2011

        I was just about to say that.. :lol: :lol:

    • ...
      February 7, 2011

      Really my boy Ashton? I loved your articles but now i really losing the respect for you. why you bring down yourself so low. Your articles were good my boy. Just leave it so ok. Now you sounding like the rest of the idiots who write foolish comments on DNO. Come on man. Elevate the discussion

      • BC
        February 7, 2011

        :lol: :lol: That wasn’t Ashton!! An impersonator!! :lol: :lol: look out for them in here!!

      • bb
        February 8, 2011

        you are Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!

  10. REAL THING
    February 7, 2011

    THE SAME MR. JAMES WHO CRYING THAT THE HOTEL WENT TO POSSIE, BROUGHT DOWN A MOB TO THE MINISTER OFFICE IN ROSEAU CRYING THEY GOING TO TAKE THEIR LAND. HE THREATENED TO DEMONSTRATE WITH THE PEOPLE OF MARIGOT, NOW THEY LEAVE THEIR LAND FOR THEM HE CRYING

    HOW DO YOU PLEASE THOSE GUYS, WAHT A WASTE

    • seen
      February 7, 2011

      you are uninformed what foolishness you talking about Mob…its time you conside yourself a blind fool…

  11. Devoted Dominican.
    February 7, 2011

    HERE AGAIN DOMINICANS ARE SHOWING THAT THEY ARE IDIOTS. AT LEAST IT WILL BE BUILT IN DOMINICA. AND MAY I SAY, THAT WHAT CONSPIRED BETWEEN DOUGLAS AND THE PM WAS JUST A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION OF WHICH THEY ARE ENTITLED TOO. ALSO, FROM MY AND MANY OTHER OPINION, PORTSMOUTH NEED THIS MORE THAN MARIGOT. LET JAMES AND HIS CRONIES BUILD THEIR OWN HOTEL.
    IAN, I WILL THANK YOU IF AND WHEN IT IS COMPLETED.

    • tanty
      February 7, 2011

      You can’t have a civic discussion, stop bashing at Mr. James, he is merely giving his people representation.

  12. xx
    February 7, 2011

    if it was meant to be an airport hotel in the first place then i say let it be…cause it is needed! if a hotel is also needed in portsmouth…then why not negotiate for a seperate hotel to be built there? why all the confusion? and this business of counting a few pilots and hostesses and deciding the 50 room hotel is too much is just nonensense. do we have to wait for persons to express desire to overstay to go build a hotel…or we get proactive and put rooms at the airport to entice more visitors to stay over. we need to do forward thinking! rooms are needed in both locations so i say get negotiations to get hotels in both areas and start walking the walk!!

    • xx
      February 7, 2011

      and common people…when the word Cabrits is mentioned…it doesnt mean in the center of the national park. am sure he means in that area…there are sections nearby that is referred to as being cabrits tht were always looked at as a place where t here should be marina and hotels and night life etc.

  13. worried dominican
    February 7, 2011

    bunch of jokers they are now starting to fall apart.the empire is crumbling,i though marigot was the spot already chosen for the so called hotel.

  14. Just giving my two cents
    February 7, 2011

    OMG…how can a mere suggestion of a alternative site for a hotel cause Dominicans to be so stupid, BIASED, NAIVE – whatever you choose to call it!

    It’s a suggestion – it’s an idea, it’s a thought – NOT REALITY

    are you telling me that the PM and his Ministers CANNOT have different ideas!

    I’m not such if they are just NAIVE or plain STUPID. I totally do not get the hoopla over IAN suggetsing a different alternative.

    It’s like Dominicans look at Skerritt’s Ministers as puppies behind him who has to agree or disagree with everything when he says and does.

    PEOPLE, this is unrealistic. An idea, issue, dream…is always opened to interpretation, so Ian is not wrong, and he may or may not be for or against Sekrritt – he just offered a suggestion, which is different from that of Skerritrr.

    But leave it up to you guys on here and you are making a mountain out of a mole hill!

    Why not debate the pros and cons of each site as opposed to dreamin gup conspiracy theories…

    I can only SMH and KMT

  15. Jayson
    February 7, 2011

    GIS…do your work….inform the people!!

  16. BC
    February 7, 2011

    I cannot believe how nearsighted some of us in DA can be. Are you really telling me that the hotel was only for pilots and flight attendants? No one else? Are we saying that with night landing, there are no plans to possibly have some people overnight close by and catch a flight early next morning? So if your flight is cancelled, you have to go back to Roseau? Or Possie? Wouldn’t you rather stay in a hotel and catch a flight next morning? Once again, we are thinking way too small. We are not thinking about long term development. No airport in the world is without hotels close by. You either have to develop the area around the airport, which by the way, was just upgraded, or build an airport and hotels in Possie. So what’s it going to be? Another airport? An international Airport in Possie? Or are we going to stall development like we did over the airport thing for the past 30 years? Are we going to stall development for another few decades that we could cater to the ego of a wounded politician? Amazing!!!! Simply Amazing!!

  17. Chance
    February 7, 2011

    I find Ashton comments about Ian, though they might be true, comes at a very interesting time when the PM looking for people to give up their seat for him to run. IAN stand firm boy.

    • vai23
      February 7, 2011

      I see, the dam opportunist! Ian will not stand down for him though, because no portsmouth person will vote for ashton, what ashton dat nuh

      • Ashton
        February 7, 2011

        You are so silly!

        Here is someone implying that Skerrit may have put me up to this but u running your fingertips off thinking that I am interested in contesting the seat on some phantom party ticket.

        You really need to take a couple steps back, remove your head from the hole you have it buried in for a second, and read before you respond!

        I think based on the numerous comments supporting my position you should ask yourself why it is you seem to be the only person spewing the venom attached to my articles.

        Look yourself in the mirror … tell me what you see!

  18. stop the bleeding
    February 7, 2011

    now i hear u talking ian….also put the international airport there too….and the boat marina…only one man that making money in cabrits….

    • xx
      February 7, 2011

      well if thats the case he must be a man with a heap of commonsense!

  19. DRASTIC
    February 7, 2011

    It seems a decision has been taken to build the hotel in Portsmouth. All the furniture which had
    been in the living quarters for the Moroccans at Melville Hall were taken away last weekend, also
    the earthmoving equipment moved before my very eyes. I think it would be common courtesy
    if the authorities just give a simple explanation to us the people in the Melville Hall/Wesley/Marigot
    area.

    After all the PM did say Morocco would fund an Airport Hotel, we need an explanation

    • Prostitution is Badddd
      February 7, 2011

      If that is the case, I wonder how much of the project money they spend or waste already? So now that you done spend a good bit of money doing things in one area, even moving in equipment, you have to do all the planning and surveys and so on in another area. Well, instead of 50 room hotel, you going to get a 30 room motel that will still be empty. Then again, I hear Possie have plenty action that will full up dem rooms for one to two hours a night!! :lol: :lol: Good Luck.

  20. just asking ???????
    February 7, 2011

    Isn’t the Cabrits a UNESCO national park?

    if it is then building a hotel in this area would compromise the UNESCO standing of the Cabrits.

    • xx
      February 7, 2011

      common people! i dont think it is meant that it will be built in the park!!! nearby ofcourse …

    • William
      February 7, 2011

      No it’s not, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But I believe that the Cabrits National Park has the potential as well.

  21. Pomgranate
    February 7, 2011

    It is just a question of prioratizing. the PM may have had all the good intentions but the most sensible location is the portsmouth area. one of the previous bloggers mentioned that in M/Hall the hotel will be built for only about 18 people. The breakdown is 6 pilots; 2 from the 3 proposed airlines, 6 flight attendants, again 2 from each airline and and we throw in 6 passangers. Note we are being very liberal. So this would mean a 50 room hotel for 18 people. So most likely we woulod be operating a hotel with 32 empty rooms. M/Hall is not a hub. Let’s be real and put the hotel in the best location where it will actually work for Dominica. Portsmouth is a major tourist area and has always been but we have lacked proper accomodation for the tourist since most people invest in housing the medical students. Good move Mr Douglas.

  22. Trevor Tossy Johnson
    February 7, 2011

    There’s a new catch phrase being used by advertisers to market the ease with which a thing that is one thing can be something else with the aid of a change agent called an ‘App’ (short for Application).

    Which got me thinking of all the ways we Dominicans twist reality to suit our own agenda….

    http://dominicapoliticswatch.blogspot.com/2011/02/it-have-apps-for-dat.html

  23. negre mawon
    February 7, 2011

    That’s what we get when we have a Gang of incompetents running a country.No planning,knee jerk
    approach to development.
    Since every body campaining for their constituency.I say build the hotel in Grand bay.We were promised a Medical school then Roseau got it. A big Blue and White Information technology
    building was built in Geneva and three hundred IT jobs were promised.We are still waiting.
    Houses were being constructed in Geneva without planning approval.They had to be torn down.
    Ministry of Agriculture received Coffee factory and Dominica doesn’t have coffee.
    Papa look RoRo and Cochoni
    . :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

    • xx
      February 7, 2011

      well at least thats a new crop that dominicans can plant….diversifying from the bananas. but again not many people want to move into agriculture…so thats another story…but i dont see the coffee plant beinga bad thing….take opportunity where it comes. if coffee can grow in dominica and a plant is being made available for processing it…then the smart folks would run and plant coffee!!

  24. wey wey mama
    February 7, 2011

    I told all you, there is lack of communication in their ministries
    so what you all expect? it just the beginning. remember a man with no
    education and common sense is like an empty barrel so expect a so call
    war from him especially when he knows the people of his constituency is on his back.

    And isn’t cabrit one of our national attraction? (park)
    Why on god’s earth Ian wants to destroy our historical environment?
    putting a hotel in cabrits is going to spoil the whole nature of cabrits.
    Ian i think you should go back and negotiate with your fu-chet and
    them and look for a better place near the air port.

  25. its time to play
    February 6, 2011

    to the people of dominica cant you all see that p/m and hes boys a playing games with you all ha ha you all give a boy toys what do you all loooking to get out of him its playing ha ha big j

  26. seen
    February 6, 2011

    it must be pointed out to Dominicans low and behold in the http://www…format that they arent wise citizens at all….their lack of substance sucks to the bone…

    dominica is a soccer playground for all creatures…

  27. Chiensal
    February 6, 2011

    One question.
    How many people are gonna overnight here vs stay over tourism in the north?

    • PAIN
      February 6, 2011

      Approximate 18 people.

    • Wongping
      February 6, 2011

      Remember the 1968 sunday island port authority project which was carded for Cabrits.International airport and all. how did it flop?one thing I know much north people submitted their names for employment and just like magic we never hear anything again.opposition or not, come together;if DA progress we gain,if DA sink it’s all of us that going down.no exception.geographically speaking Possie is capital.maybe there is an unwritten law to slow down development in this place.back in the 70’s Possie was looking better than today.some politicians should be ashamed the way they brace our people against e2h other.no matter you come from,u born in Da u are a dominican.Jah bless this fertile land.

  28. M
    February 6, 2011

    They both have great points, PM has the most valid point in locating it near Melville Hall since it would be in the best interest to accomodate airline crew and travellers. Now on the other hand in order to pull that off you’d need to have ammenities located in or around the hotel such as restaurants, some sort of entertainment, shopping etc.

    Now cabrits is already in the second town and from my memory the tourist ship already comes there, however cruise tourist don’t usually dine or stay overnight in hotels.

    I can’t remember how long the drive is from Marigot to Portsmouth but if its within a 10-20min window and something is done about the roads then it could work out.
    Calibishie/WOodfordhill is another good candidate because of the beaches.

    At the end of the day Dominica is only 290 square miles, I personally wouldn’t mind the travel as long as theirs reliable, cost effective means of transportation and things to do while there.

    • YEP
      February 7, 2011

      Actually the drive is 40-45 min

  29. Wesley Person
    February 6, 2011

    If one is looking to have pilots and stewards overnighting during stay over’s, it is more convenient to be with close proximity of the airport. Staying overnight at the Cabrits although a good option is not practical.
    There are lots of vacant lands around the airport if the location where the squatters are proves too costly to relocate them.
    1) There is that vacant spot at the former residence of the airport manager
    2) The Cabana beach entrance.
    3) Opposite the Cabana Beach
    4) There are several archers of land and the Londonderry estate
    5) Opposite the Londonderry playing field at the former banana boxing plant area.
    Am telling you between Melville Hall to Wesley we have endless spots that government already own which are prime location for a hotel. There is no need to take it further north.
    We need some economic stimulus in that area. P.M don’t disappoint us

  30. Trevor Tossy Johnson
    February 6, 2011

    Hey hey hey hey. My people are really ignorant eh!!!

    So we would rather build a hotel at Meliville Hall for pilots who do not spend a dollar when they overnight instead of building one at the Carbrits for stay-over visitors so they could spend their money in Possie so the people could earn a living? I am not a fan of Ian but why would we build a hotel only for Pilots especially when Dominica is not a hub instead of building one at the Cabrits? God help my country….

    • Cerberus
      February 6, 2011

      So Trevor, you mean to tell us that the man, who wants to be known as Prime Minister did not know what he was doing when he told us on 3 August last year that the Moroccans had agreed to build a 50 room hotel at Melville Hall? He would not tell fibs, would he? By the way, we were never told who would own & run this place but perhaps you can enlighten us.

    • TheGoodMenDo
      February 7, 2011

      Tossy me and you doh agree on much but I have to agree with you here…

  31. mouth of the south
    February 6, 2011

    both ian n skerro playing a lil psychological game on us,,, skerro’s basically giving ian a helping hand in his trouble he facing with the points ashton made,,,, that stone miss us ian,,, try again,,,,

    • Charmer
      February 6, 2011

      My sentiments exactly.

    • bush tea party
      February 6, 2011

      lol..you smart

    • One Day
      February 7, 2011

      Are you saying that Skerro going to say OK, Ian you won. Let’s build the hotel at cabrits. Then Skerro will tell the people of Portsmouth that Ian is working hard for them by bringing this hotel. hmmmm!!! So you mean is all that games we have to play to understand our leaders. We doom for real!!

      • mouth of the south
        February 7, 2011

        nah he don’t have to agree with ian,,,, this news u read alone is enough,,, ian can be seen as one who is looking out for the interest of his constituents,,, regardless if skerro agrees or not

        • UFO_Sitting
          February 7, 2011

          LOL!! Consipracies for so !!..
          Who care if is games? once they do the right thing. The right thing is to do it in Cabrits…

  32. Tourism Minister ????
    February 6, 2011

    Ian should keep his mouth shut. As a mater of fact the Minister of Trade and employment is the one behind the project. Conduct an investigation and the truth shall be revealed. The Minister of Tourism is just another figure. His days have been numbered.

  33. Mamie
    February 6, 2011

    Why the gov’t would want to relocate a 50 room hotel on a National Park—– This does not sound right!!!! Wasn’t there ground work done on the site in Marigot??? the site surveyed and costing done.
    A Hotel near the air port sounds more logical for over nighters. The air port needs a hotel and a passenger shuttle.

    The housing scheme should be away from the airport. That is not a site for squatters to be residing, around the air port needs to be attractive and developed. Not squatters with a pot cooking outside.

    We want to see development, side walks, palm trees, lights and two line bridge.

    • Anonymous
      February 6, 2011

      that make sence

    • Wesley woman
      February 7, 2011

      you are so right my dear on that one, When you arrive in country the first impression is surpose to be lasting, palm trees, around the airport need to look attractive man. The Pm have travel all over the world and he no what he is talking about, its not just for pilot that would use the airport, lot of people would love to come to Dominica just for a visit and and would like to spend maybe a weekend, the small hotel close to the airport is fitting for now. Development in the area new firestation, now hotel great move. Ian not this time use your head, is not all thing that should be political you are the misinter of tourism, you should consider when arriving on the island around the airport need to look more attractive.( Hotels) around your main airport is a no brainer.

      • US13_million_Hotel_for_Pilots
        February 7, 2011

        What does moving squaters have to do with locating the hotel somewhere that make most sense.
        If the people need to move because they creating a first bad imprssion, then move them, but to spend US13 million dollars to build a hotel for Pilots who don’t need it and won’t use it, is not smart.

  34. never alone
    February 6, 2011

    Here we go again. If the pm got a money to build a “50 room airport hotel” then somebody needs to tell me if we have four airporsts or two. The last time I checked we had one in cainefield and the other one at Melville hall. If it is an “airport hotel”, then why is the Pm thinking of building it in the territory and the tourism minister comes up with cabrits? Doesn’t that sound fishie to you? My take is, we are not going to get any hotel and it will end up just like the disgraceful one we have south of the Layou bridge which has passed through all three political parties and yet nothing to show. I suspect two things about this new one; 1. Skerrit must be about to call an election and he is using this one to get the Caribs excited and as usual, they will just be used again. 2. Ian went through a very difficult week with the people of Possy and he is using this one to show us that he is indeed challenging the PM. Good try both of you, but I will not buy into any. My maths is still correct, and zero plus zero =0.

    • Kharib
      February 7, 2011

      I would like to know if you can understand english or comprehend the context of the message/ news. Are you sure they said this would be built in the territory or it will be funded by the said territory? Please read the news again and correct your paralysed thinking and for you information we have never and will never be used. You are the one who will always be handicapped by your irrational and volks wagon mind set.

      Proud kalinago.CD

  35. Mal Cabwit
    February 6, 2011

    This story is so out of date. All weekend the site at Cabrits, former Sunshine Village, has been cleared with heavy equipment. The ruined houses from 1980s marina effort have been demolished. The Morrocan engineers and architects are in residence near the Portsmouth Armour hospital in Zicack. The old doctors house is being prepared for the 40 skilled workers. The hotel has begun.

    There was no difference of opinion. A 150 room resort and villas is on its way at Woodford Hill 10 minutes from the airport. This was not finalised when the Morrocan negotiation was done. But it would be a duplication to put two large hotels so close together near the airport. There is a need for this comlex for cruise ships and yachts at Portsmouth, hence decision taken. Portsmouth knows all this but the news has not reached Roseau yet!

    • ROCKSY
      February 7, 2011

      Thank you, I did ask the Admin to look into this report but he ignored me..

      I think our media is failing us, they post reports based on hearsay, no other research is carried out, then our narrow-minded individuals goes off a tangent spewing out rubbish after rubbish….

  36. Take It Easy
    February 6, 2011

    That is just the signs of a disoriented cabinet. I am a Porssian and seems to me that Ian is being very impulsive. Ian’s statement is obviously a reaction to the recent pressure coming from the Portsmouth constituency.
    Out of this foot in mouth fiasco comes the moment when other cabinet memebersshall begin to voice their opinions. After all it is very clear that Skerrit is operating like a loan ranger. Take for example the Layou River Hotel deal, the rest of the cabinet to include the AG had no prior knowledge of the deals Skerrit worked out with these suspicious buisness men. There are many other instances where the cabinet felt disrespected by the arrogant PM.
    Now that Ian and company know that Skerrit is not just vulnerable but seemingly an illegal PM then the momoos feel like their silence should no longer be. We will recall Timothy’s statement regarding Skerrit’s money. Timothy disgusingly pushed Skerrit under the bus by stating that Skerrit did not get all that money from drug dealings.What I gather is taht Mr Timothy was admitting that Yes the PM has some money. Where did the PM get the money; the answer is not that difficult.. I think.

  37. mouth of the west
    February 6, 2011

    MR IAN! PORTSMOUTH NEEDS A CLEANING UP AND BEAUTIFICATION JOB! SERIIOUSLY! AND THE ROADS ARE DISORGANIZED! THERE IS NO DIRECTION, EVERY DOG AND CAT CAN DRIVE HOW THEY WANT IN PORTSMOUTH!MY VILLAGE HAVE BETTER ROAD CO-ORDINATION THAN UR UNTIDY SO CALLED SECOND CITY!

    I MEAN COME ON CLEAN UP THE PLACE!!! IANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN CCCCCCCCCCCCCCLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNN PPPPPPPOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTSSSSSSSSMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHH!! HHEHE SERIOUSLY MAN POSSIE DIRTY AND UNATTRACTIVE..

    • Charmer
      February 6, 2011

      You have a good point, but you did not have to be so silly while making it

    • jay
      February 6, 2011

      True dat. I go possie d other day and I was shocked at the condition of dat place! Apart from the main rooad most of the side streets are in one mess. Even in picard the roads very bad. Ontop of dat is d boat dump rite in the mouth of the indian river. And so much ppl living in ole little wooden dhach. To me best they fix the roads and call picard the srcond town.

      Well all dat good for dem possie ppl. They just throwing away their votes. Too damn sort!!

  38. ha naw
    February 6, 2011

    thats good sorry….but dominican love being poor,blinded,ignorant and they do nothing about it..

    why are dominicans so foolish,why they only keep calling the radio talk show

    cant someone tell dominicans they need to march in the streets of Roseau thats only how they will get things resolved!

    they could take the airport to mars…

  39. Luscious Woodcock
    February 6, 2011

    As per usual the PM is a man of immense vision, hence the suggestion that the airport should be located at Melville Hall. The Cabrits comment is simply a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained a la Bob marley.

  40. Muslim_Always
    February 6, 2011

    Logic and common sense dictates the hotel should be located close to the airport. It makes it more convenient for persons overnighting in Dominica and would like to get on the early morning flight.

    Secondly, I think Ian is under political pressure thus the reason for pushing or disagreeing with the PM. Ian is concerned about his political points. I suggest Ian calls a meeting with the people of Portsmouth or key members who represents the people in society for discussions so that they can put their best foot forward. I suggest he invites Mr Ashton Riviere as well. Ashton has spoken as a concerned citizen of Portsmouth thus one would expect him to attend the meeting.

    In short, I hope this disagreement is resolved soon

  41. Karapit
    February 6, 2011

    Build the hotel at Castle Bruce.

  42. Cerberus
    February 6, 2011

    Mr. Skerrit negotiated with the Moroccan govt. for an airport hotel at Meville Hall and that is what they agreed to. The site has been surveyed and preparatory work undertaken by Moroccan engineers. Are the govt. telling us, and the donor now that this is not required? If so, why ask for it in the first place and carry out all that work?

    Secondly are the Cabrits not a National Park, established as long ago as as 1986 and protected under our own National Parks and Protected Area Act?

    What is going on? Did we use subterfuge, and are prepared to disregard our own law in order to get a tourist hotel in Portsmouth to enhance Ian’s beleaguered status?

    • The truth
      February 7, 2011

      I don’t think they would place it on cabrits itself if that was the case. And secondly, this is only one man’s opinion on the matter. People acting like it’s a final decision. The pm has yet to reply and nowhere has been surveyed in cabrits yet. Honestly, I’m waiting and watching because we jumping too fast to conlusions. Afterall, look how we give our opinions here, Ian just do the same thing and we taking it serious

  43. The one he spend his time embarassing
    February 6, 2011

    And to think Ian is the Minister for tourism eh……….I hope Skerrit do the right thing fire him. A hotel in the Cabrits.!!!!!!!! :lol:

  44. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    February 6, 2011

    ” The Prime Minister pointed out that the location would be ideal for pilots who would have to overnight on the island with the onset of night landing.”

    I think I agree with Skerritt choice of location, assuming this becomes a reality, and my support is not because of the propose night landing, nonetheless, Dominica might be the only place on earth where there is a halfway decent operating Airport, without a decent hotel close by.

    If it is going to be located somewhere along the banks of the Londonderry River, not to far from the beach, I think the location, is perfect, and Ian Douglas, you should be quiet about!

    Because the people of Wesley, and Marigot are also human, and they do need employment also!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Wesley woman
      February 7, 2011

      Francisco, you are so right, Dominica is the only Island or country that dont have a hotel close by to the Airport, and Ian no that, Why fight agaist the north come on people surport the Pm choice for the Airport.

  45. citoyen
    February 6, 2011

    Ian got shaked up so he trying a thing. Develop the cruise ship birth and leave the hotel close to the airport so people coming from far end of Domonica can overnight and leave early in the morning no more having to wake up at 3 in the morning to catch an 8am flight.
    We in Portsmouth do not want only overnight customers me need vacationners. So get up and go negociate for something better and better placed than Cabrits! Think of cotton hill( so long project suppose to be on) but get Portsmouth clean before any negociating!!!

  46. Thanks
    February 6, 2011

    Reverse Pyschology…WOW…that PM is good boy…LOL!

    Ashton keep the pressure up and don’t be fooled.

  47. LoL
    February 6, 2011

    Wow, wow. Why not kill three birds with one stone: 1) Airport hotel in Marigot for overnighters (including pilots and when weather is really bad), 2) bring jobs (and other job activity, maybe a new KFC) to the Marigot area (maybe the idle folks, esp in Wesley may stop fighting each other), and 3)…. gain a new constituency for Labor with Labor now claiming they bring investments to Marigot. Edison James ca’an complain now!

    OK, well Possie people gon have to wait a likkle. Labor already have them… so they ca’an wait. Nuff said. :-D

  48. Lougawoo Mem
    February 6, 2011

    Hey Ian! I firmly believe that the airport area is the ideal location for the proposed hotel. Did you get that? And further more, that’s what the money was allocated for. Your hopeless and fruitless cry will not make you more competent in the eyes of your constituency on this try. They understand the deal, and know quite well that you are not for real. But again, nothing beats a trial but a failure. So good luck Sir. What I know? I’m just the Lougawoo in the neck of the Dominica woods.

  49. Happiness Ka Fan Cho Mwen!
    February 6, 2011

    “airport hotel” why built it in Cabrits?..I stayed in SJU and the hotel was attached to the terminal same as MIA most of major airports in the world….Why so far away?

  50. gwo bek
    February 6, 2011

    A top class hotel at the cabrits is a good idea Mr. Parlrep, but the 50 room close to the airport is maybe a good one as well…Are you trying to make the PM fire another Douglas?

    • I know the East is the Best
      February 6, 2011

      yes I gwo bek…that one take me…………lol

  51. Independant not dependent
    February 6, 2011

    That is why they want to put out those people in the area they called the Sea Blast housing scheme to put the Morocan Hotel but. Belle storey.

  52. One Day
    February 6, 2011

    Let me see,, so who acquired the funding? was it the Legal Tourism minister or the Prime Minister? At this time, I have to support the Prime Minister with this location simply because he has his eyes set on that “Coming Soon” Night landing…. so it is with that in mind, he put that hotel at Melville Hall. Then he needs to upgrade the Marigot hospital. SO Ian take it easy on this one, don’t go ruffling Skerrit feather because someone ruffle yours, choose your battle wisely.

  53. crooked ones
    February 6, 2011

    But we do not have night landing yet,which of the planes is gonna land on this scary place?LIAT do not want to take the chance some pilots and air hostess told me they are afraid of landing here.Can one of u tell me how many airlines comes here and can we depend on the few planes which flies here to sustain an airport or the hotel?These guys are losing it as usual.

    • -------
      February 6, 2011

      You have a point, may be a motel might be more suited.

  54. ROCKSY
    February 6, 2011

    Admin i suggest you interview the PM, he did clear the air on this airport recently, apparently the cabinet had a change of heart and is seeking to re-locate the hotel, but decided to assist hotels in Calibishie to serve as airport hotels.

    There is a plan for a major 5 star hotel project to be located in the Palm Tree (Woodfordhill) area, which will also take care of travellers and pilots overnighting.

    Morroco is giving a Hotel not necessarily an Airport Hotel.

    Finally Cabinet has not yet decided on a location, but it will definitely not be an Airport Hotel, i think it is because of the cost in re-locating the squatters residing in the area where the hotel would have been built. That’s my opinion so confirm with the PM Please before commentors really go off a tangent commenting, unless you have your own motive i don’t know, and not interested, I am a young Journalist and always learn that before you run a story attempts must be made to get all sides of the story, you must appear to be objective at all times.

    If you cannot get the PM i suggest you look into other persons with information, such as the Cabinet Secretary and those PSs’ or the FS…..

    • jay
      February 6, 2011

      Lol!! Wat for? Why don’t u just put urself up to be interviEwed. U seem to no it all! Lmfao

  55. Redz
    February 6, 2011

    a little pressure Ashton apply and Ian already getting hysterical LOL. we understand that the Rep has to make it look like he fighting hard for his constituency but he lose on this one there, right now a hotel in the vicinity of our airport is most urgent. we looking at possible overnighters with the introduction of night landing u just cannot have ppl going all the way roseau or portsmouth to get a night rest and then be back at melville hall at 5am to catch a flight.

    patience Ian possie own will come in due time.

    • Mango Sweet
      February 6, 2011

      Cabrits is NOT in Ian’s constituency. But close enough, that most Possie people feel more attached to the Cabrits than the persons in the constituency where the peninsula is located.

  56. The truth
    February 6, 2011

    He argued… This don’t mean that the decision is final. Looking at logic Melville hall is the place that the airport is needed. But then again, who is going to stay at a hotel in Melville hall? With the introduction of night landing there will be no more missed flights, or at least less. So I understand portsmouth being ideal. It makes sense. Melville hall does need some form of hotel. Maybe a smaller one? It’s difficult to judge which has the most benefits.

  57. Anonymous
    February 6, 2011

    now ian u have my vote thats what we talking about even though the pm already made up his mind
    but let us see u not just hiding in a corner about what the pm saying y he think it should go there.
    how much over night flight we going to have so but am not one to complain at least we will have one
    the only thing is u need it close to where guest will not just have a hotel but a little night life to with a
    little beach to walk in the black sand at night and not be left in the bush stt have a good size aiport
    they close by 10 or 11 at night so its not like the old days when u see them pulling house on truck
    once the hotel is built u cant move it dont just think off pilots alone.Ian thats what i want to see at least open your mouth now chalenge him on the boats now then keep checking on here we have more.

  58. Ron
    February 6, 2011

    Ian, get up and go negotiate for a 100-200 room hotel for Portsmouth! The PM has to do everything for you?

  59. stoney
    February 6, 2011

    hmm interesting…..means a typical lack of vision and fore sight thats always the case with our incompetent leaders….say one thing do the next..

    haha….interesting how a airport hotel arrives at a cruise berth hertiage sight…

    one thing Dominicans are so brilliant in the ideas they even make the dead in the cemetry arise to see the heavens…what a bunch of confusion in this already failed island….

    • Dominican to the bone
      February 6, 2011

      stop being an idiot and quick to pass judgement,u sure sound like one of those who ran away from home and looking down on Dominica.atleast we are here fighting to develop the island fail or not we are here, we didnt run or we are not making negative comments,why dont u make a valid contribution..long live DA

  60. BC
    February 6, 2011

    I don’t get this one. Why would you want to locate a 50-room airport hotel at the Cabrits? Is there an airport at the Cabrits? Are tourist having trouble finding a hotel in that area? I thought the Cabrits was a place that you visit for a few hours then leave. On the flip side, you are upgrading your airport to accommodate night landing and you have no hotel in the vicinity to accommodate passengers who may have to layover? Ahotel in the area would be a much wiser decision.

    As an outsider, it looks to me like this story is aimed at portraying Ian as one who challenges Skerrit because it has been said that he gets no respect. If this is in fact the case, I think Ian should choose a different battle to prove his point. Challenging Skerrit on this one does not make a lot of sense to me.

    • Anonymous
      February 6, 2011

      no airport there yet but the one they want to build should go there the wind is less there the sea is rite there if u do these things there is not only portsmouth but the whole of da will profit from this u
      could come in from bellehaul or purple turtle the cabrits will still be there they would not have to touch it to all in da just stand at the entrance off cabrits look up the road and open your mind and u
      see what we talking about oh and am not just saying that because am from portsmouth because the next place i would ask y not canefield to just back fill the sea all other islands does it.

    • The truth
      February 6, 2011

      I get what you saying and I agree with you. The only thing I’m thinking of here is if Melville hall can fill and make profits for the hotel. If not then they may want to build something smaller and putthe airport elsewhere

      • the truth
        February 6, 2011

        i meant that they may want to build something smaller for the hotel and put the bigger one elsewhere

  61. Dominican in Canada
    February 6, 2011

    mr Pm thank you very much, I really dont no what Mr douglas is talking about Cabrits, any develope country having hotels close to the Airport, why can’t Dominica cannot have a hotel close to the main Airport. come on Ian please think outside the box. we need the to have people comeing to our country and say waw, than you Mr pm great move for the North east.

  62. surprised reader
    February 6, 2011

    that’s a good idea MR PM.

  63. cactus
    February 6, 2011

    Hoping to see this pipeline project materialize.We hope the best for DA.

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