Talks progressing on international airport – PM Skerrit

Skerrit said government will stick to this area once proposed by the Dominica Freedom Party for an international airport
Skerrit said government will stick to this area once proposed by the Dominica Freedom Party for an international airport

Plans for the construction of an international airport in Dominica are progressing according to Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit.

The Prime Minister, who recently returned from China where he met with officials to discuss the airport, told reporters on Wednesday that a document will soon be made available to the public about the details of the project.

“We made good progress there (China)… very soon we will make public a document and contents of that document which we have been able to sign which speaks to the international airport, which speaks to the financing of the international airport, which speaks to the managing of the airport,” he said.

According to him the Dominica Labor Party always had plans for the construction of an international airport as outlined in the party’s Growth and Social Protection Strategies Paper and manifesto.

“As we have always indicated, you go to our Growth and Social Protection Strategies Paper and you will see in that document the government has spoken about an international airport,” he stated. “You go to our manifesto you will see that the Labor party has spoken about an International Airport.”

The Prime Minister reiterated that Dominica is unable to fund such an expensive project as an international airport on its own.

“We have always maintained that the treasury of Dominica and the tax payers of Dominica the citizens of Dominica, cannot afford to pay for an airport by themselves and therefore you are going to require tremendous grant funding or an investor coming in and putting the bulk of the resources into an international airport,” he noted.

He said this is the reason why the government is pursuing investors and grant funding for the airport.

“And where the government can put in some of its own resources, the government is prepared to do that. But talking about the government or the country underwriting 100 percent of the cost of the international airport can’t happen,” he said.

Prime Minister Skerrit added that the government will stick to the location once proposed by the Dominica Freedom Party for an international airport.

“We are looking at the original site of the Freedom party and that is based on professional, independent, technical advice,” he remarked. “It wasn’t based on a political decision, it was based on independent advice from people who are qualified in those areas.”

In 1989, the Dominica Freedom Party had a plan drawn for an international airport with alignment from Woodfordhill Bay to Bottom Wesley near Sophia Bay, in an area generally known as Crompton Point.

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173 Comments

  1. June 20, 2014

    An international airport is a very good idea to have build in Dominica it will create more jobs for the people and a better opportunity of development for the country. The PrimeMinister is doing a great job in working hard to make Dominica a better place for the nation. I wish the country good luck in a nother 5. Years of Labor power..

  2. clement
    June 8, 2014

    :) well it’s about time. this should have been done years ago. all that hassile to go to antigua and taking all the crap.

  3. Anonymous
    June 7, 2014

    We need a golf course as well , please dont forget, with all those tourists flocking to Dominica (due to the new airport ) they will definetly need something to do. Just ask the Chinese they wont mind.

  4. light
    June 7, 2014

    small mind so many years of talk

  5. BEB
    June 6, 2014

    I can remember, when the Dame Mary Euginia Charles {may her soul RIP} was making plans to build an international airport in the Crampton Point area, the then opposition leader, Mr. James advised the American Govt. that they should not involved themselves in the internal affairs of the country just because the general elections were gearing up. If he had allowed the air port to be built, it wouldn’t have cost the amount it would be costing today. All we would be doing , is repairing
    On another note, I’m looking at the Melville Hall airport, viz a viz an airport at Crompton Pt. if and when a plain would be flying to land at each air port at the same time, they would be going across each others path and that would be disaster . I hope that the technical engineers would have different views.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 6, 2014

      You that whatever, always pop up now and then with some nonsense. If what you say in regards to cost is true, when Edison James decided to build the International Airport, he secured the founding, I will not go into detail, because I do not wish to be too long.

      In any event the cost at the time was less than four hundred million dollars, of which the government of Trinidad & Tobago lent us 80% of the cost. That is a far cry of the half of a billion, dollars: and if you do not know how much that is in Dollars and cents, say I told you that is five hundred (500,000,000.000) million dollars the Labor Party spent digging up the Melville River: Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaah; and installing landing lights on the airport.

      Half of a billion dollars which could have built a new International Airport, go and get down on your knees and kiss the feet of the Labor party members, and their Gonzales of St. Vincent for their stupidity, maybe you van get a bull-testicle and whip back to sense.

      They spent two hundred million more on their invisible Elephant that the three hundred plus million dollars allocated by the UWP for the project. And let me tell you this thing that you all are talking about James told America not to interfere in Dominica internal affair is a damn lie!

      People even wondered when Eugenia Charles had the opportunity to ask the late Ronald Reagan for help in that respect, she was busy talking to him about sending troops into Grenada to kill three hundred mentally ill people in a asylum. In the process of hunting down Cuban communists, which main purpose in Grenada was the building of an International Airport.

      You do not have a clue of what you are talking about!

      Listen, if we wish to know if Eugenia Charles ever approached the United States asking for help in regards to the building an International Airport in Dominica, we can find out. In the first place people do not approach any individual President in the United States and ask for anything, that’s not how it is done. This thing about Edison James wrote letter is a damn lie, perpetrated by Eugenia, Charles that old dead soocooyant! and people like you and the Labor Party.

      Show us a copy of that so called letter

      Have you ever heard about the Caribbean Basin?

      I leave you with you to ponder, but Caribbean countries, does not have the luxury of for any direct help from the President of the United States.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  6. Roach
    June 6, 2014

    If and when the airport comes at original sight, the Portmouth to Marigot road have to fix; widening the roads and straighening the corners..

  7. Anonymous
    June 6, 2014

    U must built 4 to 5 star hotels next to the international airport. Every international airport has 4 to 5 star hotels nearby. One reason is in case travelers have lay overs or cancelled flights. It doesn’t make sense to have to get a taxi or ride to the other side of the island to get a hotel room

    • June 7, 2014

      Hopefully, those involved are knowledgeable enough to build both at the same time. An airport and a hotel should work hand in hand.

  8. Long Live new DFP
    June 6, 2014

    We are looking at the original site and the original Freedom party and that is based on Mamo, Maynard, Allen, and other professional, alignedt, technical advice,” he remarked. “It was based on a political decision from our past, it was based on old freedom advice from people wh were in power for 15 yrs then came the UWP and her we are again 14yrs and we want more of these areas.”

    In 1989, We the Dominica Freedom Party under the guise of New DLP had a plan drawn for an international airport with alignment from Woodfordhill Bay to Bottom Wesley near Sophia Bay, in an area generally known as Crompton Point.

  9. Mouche miel
    June 6, 2014

    Yes we can Instagram!
    “We have always maintained that the treasury of Dominica and the tax payers of Dominica the citizens of Dominica, cannot afford to pay for an airport by themselves and therefore you are going to require tremendous grant funding or an investor coming in and putting the bulk of the resources into an international airport,” he noted.
    Solution increase to price of our passport to 500K.

  10. Anonymous
    June 5, 2014

    when uwp come in power is the same thing dominicans going to do complain.isle of beauty but they don’t want it to be beautiful.my goodness look a nation

  11. June 5, 2014

    Hogwash, just keep pushing Dominica years behind. Think if yr stupid government did not stop the plans UWP had on the ground for the international airport u wud b telling lies like this now. UWP leads and Dlp follows.

    Not a few years ago u and nassief convinced us that u all had investors for crompton point and allu going to put five star hotel there? Spending government funds to keep meetings and pay off the farmers who were on the land. Where are the investors they ran away? Not all Dominicans forget, not all Dominicans are fools either. If Lennox say he getting submarine go China for one too, run. Pat Sot, who want a PM like that.

  12. Joe
    June 5, 2014

    I still think what they should have discussed in China is buying back Domlec. that’s $6 million a year, $60 million in the local economy in ten years. Slow but sure?!

  13. me
    June 5, 2014

    Skerrit said government will stick to this area once proposed by the Dominica Freedom Party for an international airport.
    All DFP plans are being carried out By the former young Freedom president.

  14. Mahaut talk roro
    June 5, 2014

    Dominica will one day move forward , but if we keep talking her down and the great man skir rooo shame on us …..I will vote anyone taking my country forward…

  15. FORKIT
    June 5, 2014

    a bad manager will spend money to prepare the lands and a good manager will use the lands the UWP purchased with all surveys done already.
    a bad manager will sell dominica to china(financially) and a good manager will approach china with caution for financing.

    from all looks skerrit is a very bad manager..l

  16. Prot
    June 5, 2014

    We can’t fund it yet these guys can give the Catholic Church $500,000 who by the way are one of the richest organizations in the world. Who is Skerrit to take our hard paid taxes and just give it to the church. Then we have people crying about VAT and the high utility bills (AMY) especially her but no one hears the cry, then the high import duties. So many things wrong in this place. Election is really around the corner because here comes Skerrit with his psychology again. Poor us!

    • Anonymous
      June 5, 2014

      $500,000 could barely build 2 restrooms in an intl airport
      Lol

    • John Paul
      June 6, 2014

      My sentiments exactly!

  17. Anthony Ismael
    June 5, 2014

    Leadership involves critically examining problems and areas needing improvement, and making bold decisions when others are afraid of moving one muscle. Leaders who make bold decisions are never given their due respect and recognition when these decisions are made initially, because their detractors are often crippled with fear of taking action.
    Mistakes will undoubtedly be made while taking such action. However, in this case, troubled avenues or areas needing improvement will benefit in the long run.
    Whether or not one actually likes the current Dominica Labor Party Administration or its leader, one has to give them credit for moving Dominica forward in some very important areas. I will examine just a few here.
    1. The detractors of the State House Project in Dominica have no clue how international business and meetings function at high levels. While I was employed at the East Caribbean Central Bank in St. Kitts, Dominica was a complete “Joke and a laughing stock” when high level bank officials, including the Governor of the central bank were required to attend meetings at the Fort Young Hotel.
    Sure we could have repaired or rebuilt the hospital first, however, that State House was a must for Dominica’s image and ability to host high level functions both regionally and internationally.

    2. St. Kitts in conjunction with members of the East Caribbean Central Bank spent millions of dollars constructing new office space for the bank’s headquarters. They also upgraded their airport as well, all before redoing their hospital. The United States Army Corps of Engineers built a new road through the mountains at the South East Peninsula. This new road and access to pristine beaches on the Southern section of the capital led to massive foreign investments in hotels and condominiums. I lived there for four years and I saw these projects conceptualized and executed with my own eyes.

    3. Unfortunately for many of the detractors at home, they are accustomed to small depilated and out dated structures that do not meet the needs of its citizens. Furthermore, it is almost impossible to convince someone with limited experience or no experience in certain avenues that bold decisions have to be made to move Dominica forward.

    4. Let’s say that Crompton Point is unsuitable for the international airport because the soil make up cannot withstand heavy jets landing and taking off. Let’s also agree that a North and South landing and taking off pattern will force airlines to face high-cross winds which could be catastrophic for airplanes. We need to wait for technical drawings, environmental impact assessment surveys and engineering specs, before we mouth off on this proposed project.

    5. No sitting government in Dominica will ever win the hearts and minds of citizens who are not required to travel to and from one destination with “Time” being a significant component of that trip. Anyone who has will understand the importance and significance of constructing an international airport in Dominica.

    6. Finally, we cannot complain about being last in the area of “Foreign Direct Investment” and then turn around and criticize those who are willing to invest in Dominica. I have my qualms with some of the current Labor Party’s moves and decision making, but by God, if they can negotiate the construction of an international airport in Dominica through the “Build, Own, Operate and Transfer or BOOT route, then go ahead and get it done for us.”

    • Papa Dom
      June 5, 2014

      Another jack donkey trying to sound intelligent but sounding like an uneducated fool.

    • T
      June 5, 2014

      @Anthony Ismael You are sounding empty, ignorant and stupid. Shame on you to be spewing such garbage.Not even the thousands of beggars on island would spew such filth. That is why CHANGE IS A MUST.

    • Mamizoo
      June 6, 2014

      You say so much yet so little – wide ocean no depth. If you think that we must sacrifice $27 million dollars of tax payers money with unemployed Dominican tax payers as unlookers on a project that you think is most suited to jst conferences you are certainly shallow.
      What is mre humorous – a hospital overridden by wood ants – well god forbid one of your conference participants becomes I’ll at the airport and has to be taken to the Marigot Hospital t share a bed with wood ants and to utilize broken toilets.
      Are our civil servants the laughing stock as well cause ours are the lowest paid in most categories..
      Are we the laughing stck with the cite Soleike on the water front when the cruise ship comes to Dominica -the shameful display of vendors and te filth in Roseau.
      What would te visitors say if they were to visit our fire stations
      Night anding was what we needed according to people like you and in less than a year an international airport is priority. Essentially we have heard every bit of bending, spinning, lying from you guys – you and your colleagues are dispicable and traitors to our country. Keep on with thse deceptions ,raping, stealing – that to will wither and die
      When people have become cod hearted and numb it s only the mouth and tongue that matters – the heart s dead,, te eyes are are wondering and the concept of humanity is just insignificant. The symptoms of a depleted and broken sole- fire bombers, sexual abusers of young and unfortunate young ladies, boldface display of illgotten gain, the feeling of invincibility , hubris and arrogance.

      • Anthony Ismael
        June 7, 2014

        You made a great point about the hospital. We need to do much better in the area of healthcare. Furthermore, if you recalled, I mentioned small structures that are outdated and unable to meet the needs of both local citizens and tourist alike as one of Dominica’s main issues. The cruise ship berth in Roseau is one such glaring example.
        Anyone who believes that this site is suitable to process 3000 visitors in an already congested Roseau is simply nuts.
        Princess Margaret Hospital or PMH was constructed in the 1950s. Only once during the last 60 years have there been any major upgrades to the hospital. The Freedom Party added a new emergency wing to the hospital under the Dame Eugenia Charles Administration. It was poorly done and poorly maintained. And this is evident by mold infestation and broken cupboards that I witnessed just a few years ago when I was home. So blaming the DLP is simply nonsense.
        I sympathize with the plight of civil servants and the paltry increases or lack there off that has been offered to them by the government. However, we need to encourage more private sector led investment in Dominica and rely less on government to do everything. If I were you, I would be lobbying at home to reduce draconian taxes such as VAT. We will remain last in Foreign Direct Investment with these astronomical numbers.
        It’s important to be able to see someone else’s points without becoming so critical and so defensive. This is one of Dominica’s main issues. In reading articles on DNO one would be led to believe that everyone is an expert. However, with so much expertise, nothing gets done and the island remains stagnant.
        I made some comparisons to St. Kitts where I lived and worked for four years. These are factual points that can be proven. They’re not my opinions. These projects that I mentioned were conceptualized, designed and executed.
        Finally, Dominica’s population is far too small. The ratio of educated and trained professionals in relation to the overall population is inadequate and we also rank last in “Foreign Direct Investment.” Take a look at annual statistics published by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and see where Dominica ranks in various categories, in comparison to our neighbors and what the recommendations are to truly move us forward in the right direction.
        I do not support any political party in Dominica. However, I can critically examine both their strengths and weaknesses without being swept up by useless emotions that solves nothing. Criticizing Crompton point as the proposed site for an international airport before the engineering specs have been drawn is truly Dominican and very ignorant.
        This type of attitude continually gets us nowhere. If a decision to construct the airport at Crompton Point is made and it goes against the engineers’ recommendations, then I can understand some of the reactions on DNO. However, to simply “Mouth-Off” with zero facts or evidence is pointless.
        As far as having no depth is concerned, I won’t even go there with you. There’s a difference between a fact and an opinion. Numbers never lie.
        Keep the faith. We are one people.

      • Anthony Ismael
        June 7, 2014

        All politicians steal. It’s a way of life when you’re at the top. I recalled Dame Eugenia Charles lowering the tariffs on the importation of steel, while she was constructing the final floor on her mansion in Roseau. I also recall the Freedom Party administration giving ministers of government massive salary increases while civil servants like my mother received “Next to nothing.”
        Sexual abuse is always about power and not sex. It’s been happening in Dominica for decades now and unfortunately, it will continue to happen. Blame our lame judicial system that lets murders walk free and not the government. Furthermore, what are local citizens on the ground doing about it?
        The corrupt “Evangelical Association” in Dominica is an abomination in the eyes of God. They are more concerned about gay people than they are about lawlessness that continues to escalate on the island. Not one word from them when Emmanuel’s home was fire bombed. But let a gay cruise ship propose entering port and we are the most self-righteous beings on earth. Another murder in Portsmouth within the last week, and those “Bastards” are silent yet again.
        We are the most selectively self-righteous island in the Caribbean.

      • June 7, 2014

        We need ALL, but it is one step at a time. I think the hospitals definitely need repair; however, we need more investments to provide for higher earnings. The revenue has to come from somewhere.

      • Anonymous
        June 9, 2014

        stop lyin dey airport did not cost 27 million dollars.

    • John Paul
      June 6, 2014

      I agree with you in principle but if these projects are going to be done using Chinese laborers while Dominicans are unemployed such as was the case of the State House I have a big problem with your thinking and I am an ordinary Citizen with no real qualifications except common sense

  18. June 5, 2014

    Hello and good morning my people. In my opinion we don’t need an International Airport in Dominica because we don’t have the economic activity to sustain such an airport. We need to extend the current runway into the sea by at lease a quarter mile. We already have transfer points in Puerto Rico, Barbados and Antigua.
    Last year I spent a month in Dominica and it felt like a year because after Five PM there isn’t any thing to do therefore how can any Government generate Taxes to build and maintain such facility.
    Anyway I recently purchased a piece of land in Warner and I was told that’s where the Government intended to build an Airport so thanks I don’t have to worry about my property.

  19. Frank Talker
    June 5, 2014

    Skerrit is really “skerring” the hell out of us with his plan to go ahead with the Compton Point project which the Dominica Freedom Party was well advised to abandon. Dr. Lennox Honeychurch, some years ago, had a presentation on television explaining why Compton Point was unsuitable for an international airport. I see Skerrit’s take on the airport as simply trying to get some Freedom votes.

  20. Educator
    June 5, 2014

    Now everybody and their mother crying about Chinese will take over Dominica.

    On the other thread, the same people were crying about the lack of direct foreign investment.

    We cry about the lack of employment because the economy is stagnant.

    If we do not have the money, we have to find foreigners to back the project. No one will fill your pockets with their money with no strings attached.

    We need to decide whether we want/need foreign intervention in our economy. If the answer is yes, we need to stop the whining and get on with the work of building the economy.

    • John Paul
      June 6, 2014

      Youy cannot build the economy by not creating employment for the masses.In other words you cannot have projects employing foreign workers and not expect locals to gripe lest we conclude that you just want to keep your party in power.what do you mean by stop whining and get on with the work? What work? Watching Chinese workers?

  21. jazz 53
    June 5, 2014

    When you visit the Asian community 99.9% is Asian is Asian employee BE AWARE !!.

  22. procsatnation
    June 5, 2014

    election is really round the corner

  23. Discombobulated
    June 5, 2014

    I remember going to the stadium to watch a football match when it first opened. I distinctly remember a guy ripping the seat off and saying, “mash up skerrit stadium”. As if skerrit built it for skerrit. I really couldn’t care who build the airport. My care is who will own it in the long run. But the benefits derived from the airport would still outweigh the loss even if dominica only partially owned the airport. Also, political affiliation has nothing to do with the airport, nor should who proposed it or its location first. The fact is, we need to increase the population of Dominica in order to have any sort of success in business, apart from the few families who own it all. I am tired of wanting to go out in the week and the entire place is closed at night, tired of counting vehicles passing on the road on a Sunday, and very fed up with the 10-3.30 mon -fri only work attitude of Dominicans. We need opportunities to make money any time of day and on any day, not just weekdays. Only an increased population can guarantee that, with hard work. I just hope the 10-3.30 attitude changes.

  24. LOOKING IN
    June 5, 2014

    It doesn’t matter who’s idea it was or is the important issue here is the people are the ones who are going to benefit for the project. Employment for sure, easer access to Dominica, respect from Antigua…. that we don’t have to take their sh….t any more. Thank you Pm Labour Ka Twavay……….

  25. The Calabash
    June 5, 2014

    This is a fool’s errand!

    First, We simply cannot afford it. Hate to break it to everyone but we are too poor to have it!!
    Secondly, to what end?? If we had/have it, no airline would fly there. With a population of 75K and no meaningful tourist attraction, it makes no economic sense for any airline to have direct flights to Dominica. Where would the direct flights come from….New York, Miami. Can anyone see the critical mass of passengers needed for a scheduled flight of even once per week?
    Thirdly, the location is still no good. Apologies to my fellowmen from the North and East, but most passengers are headed to the south and west. It’s blasphemous to say, but as romantically Dominican as I am, there is nothing I dread more than that long drive from Melville Hall after a long day’s journey.
    So this would just be white elephant worthy of a Third World sense of inferiority.
    We are better off to spend money to turn the Canefield airport deep into the river valley. This would allow planes to fly and depart straight from the sea…on their way to the regional Caribbean hub.

    • tulip
      June 6, 2014

      Everything you said made a lot of sense but the part to do with Cane Field. That is a death trap, the cross winds there are horrendous, therefore will never work. Everyone seems to keep banging on about an International airport. The people who are crying for it, how many trips do they make a year, the local population and tourist numbers are not there to make it economically feasible. What Dominica needs is a good feeder service or encouraging more airlines into the island. CAL is a good start.

      • June 7, 2014

        I agree that Cane Field is a “death trap.” Wasted time and MONEY. You, and everyone else, are wrong when you mention “how many trips people make a year.” The PRIMARY REASON people do not travel into Dominica as opposed to other Islands is because of LIMITED AIR ACCESS.

        We DO NEED International Air Access to enhance the tourist industry, uplift the local population, and to make the Island economically feasible. The “feeder service” Dominica needs to encourage more airlines into the island is that INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

  26. June 5, 2014

    PM you not tired take me for fool.The Dominican people for fool.you can fool us some of the time but not all the time.Dominicans have woken up and guess what,no more fooling the Dominicans. :lol: 8) 8-O :oops:

  27. June 5, 2014

    PM you not tired take me for fool.The Dominican people for fool.you can fool us some of the time but not all the time.Dominicans have woken up and guess what,no more fooling

  28. Texas bred dom
    June 5, 2014

    Even if the international airport is built, the Dominican population alone cannot sustain the maintainance cost of this massive infrastructure. If the idea of bringing bigger planes to dominica s the game plan that is still not the only logical reason for building a three hundred million dollar mammoth. Can we really afford that type of investment longterm what other industries can be put in lace to sustain its ongoing maintainance costs. If it is built by an international funding agency , at who’s expense that is who is going to own it?

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 5, 2014

      Give it some thoughts before you write your comments. Antigua had a population of less than sixty thousand people when they got their International Airport; St. Kitts at the moment population might be just a bit over forty thousand people right now in the year 2014.

      They obtained their International Airport in the 1960’s when the population was less than thirty (30,000.00 people. So, if by some means or the other the two islands mentioned, were capable and maintain their Airport, the point you are trying to make does not make any sense at all.

      What is most significant about an International airport is that it affords people internationally the opportunity to be able to book a flight directly from Europe, Canada, the United States, and even China to Dominica. More tourist travel by air than by ship. The concept that some of you develop, is that, well Dominica population is small, and we “doh can afford it.”

      You see the Labor Party have brainwashed too many of you with this nonsense. In the first place aircrafts no matter how large, or small, privately or commercially owned pays a fee for both landing, and takeoff. That is how Airports around the world collects revenue in order to operate. They pay by the ton; hence the heaver the aircraft, it is the more they pay in landing, and takeoff fees.

      And mind you if that same aircraft takes off ten times per day and land, the have to pay for that ten times landing and take off. Nevertheless, the Labor Party has brainwashed you people that aircrafts simply comes and go for free, and the total expense of maintenance comes out of the ministers of government pockets, your concept derives form the many lies the politicians have told you.

      The idea of an International Airport is to make access easier into and out of Dominica, and ultimately bring more international tourist to the island, how can anyone talk tourism, when they refuse to build an International Airport. I do not understand the Dominican logic! And by the way what is the population of St. Vincent, where later this year Ralph Gonzales International Airport will go into operation.

      I can imagine seeing the invited Dominica delegation jumping for joy, and clapping their hands celebrating with Ralph, the man who convince the Dominica government to spend half a billion dollars on the crap we have at Melville Hall, rather than build a new International Airport; I do not know how these stupid politicians face themselves when they travel internationally, realizing that they fly out of Dominican on some Cessna, and board an Jet Propulsion aircraft in a major international how do they feel to know that it is because of their personal backwardness which caused our nation to be the most backward place on earth.

      Our people have no shame!

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  29. grell
    June 5, 2014

    Skerrit stop fooling the poor people of dominica not too long ago you said we dont need one,talks with international airport dont take a week,stop your damn lies .your a cronie,and a crook.sO SAD FOR THE PEOPLE OF DOMINICA.

    • June 7, 2014

      I guess it is about time that Roosevelt start thinking for himself and stop having people like Ralph Gonsalves giving him the wrong advice. I think he is beginning to realize that he should not have listened to Ralph, and whoever else, that convinced him Dominica did not need an International Airport.

  30. Oh oh
    June 5, 2014

    OH! One more thing Mr. Linton. Please do not refurbish Marigot Hospital if you intend to build a new one. We do not want to do the same thing like Melville Hall Airport. You know, spent millions to uprade (a visionless project), only to say you building effort. We don’t want any plan as you go projects Ok,,

  31. Oh oh
    June 5, 2014

    Way to go Mr. Linton, If you can get all these projects going now, then when you win, all you will have to do is maintenance. Can you please get Mr. Skerrit to put hospitals in every constituency please? Thank you Mr. Linton. But please don’t rush it, We still love out PM and don’t want him to lose his mind. So one at a time please.

  32. June 5, 2014

    Election is getting closer lol :lol: :lol: :lol: thats what this means.Has the MAGICIAN improved the standard of living for Dominicans.Brothers and Sisters check how u feeling

  33. Papa Dom
    June 5, 2014

    Another election ploy a la freedom party. All this is meant to do is blame UWP for Dominica not having an int’l airport. So when UWP says for example that the site and timing is wrong, they will say: you see these guys are not serious about building an int’l airport.

  34. Neutral
    June 5, 2014

    Thank you PM Roosevelt Skerrit. May I make a suggestion as to what we should name the airport. ” Roosevelt Skerrit International” Continue to do the good work which you are doing.

    • Anonymous
      June 5, 2014

      Are you for real? You can’t be serious!

  35. Anonymous
    June 5, 2014

    Reading these blogs and shaking my head. Who would have thought writing would have become even cheaper than talking!! Leo Emanuel always used to say “Pray God for long life, you will see everything.” Yes sah! I see dat now.

  36. ZUMA
    June 5, 2014

    People please read before commenting. what i see from all the comments are alot of hatred towards ONE MAN ,yet still you all go to church and pray to the allmighty isnt this a bit hypocritical .. MY GOD SKERRIT IS NOT THE GOVEREMNENT HE IS ONE PERSON WHO MAKES UP THE DLP GOVERNMENT. STOP THE HATRED DOMINICANS. Do you really believe that any new administration can bring MAGIC like the story of CINDERELLLA? JUST WAVE A MAGIG WAND AND EVERYTHING WILL CHANGE TO GOLD OR DIAMONDS. YOU KEEP ASKING For CHANGE BUT WHAt is it you really want is it the MAN skerrit to go and someone else steps in or do you want a paradise on earth with glitter and bling.. a holiday on the beach, no work, getting paid, lapping in luxury is this what you think the new adminstration will bring…. think my friends think.. IF YOU ANSWER YES TO THIS YOU MUST BE LIVING IN CUCKOO LAND AND REMOVE YOUR HEAD FROM THE SAND AND FACE the brutal REALITY MY FRIEND… NO ADMINISTRATION CAN MAKE MAGIC… AND EVERY COUNTRY / ISLAND AT THIS MOMENT IS IN FINANCIAL CRISIS, READ THE TIMES AND LOOK AT CNN ETC, STOP GOING ON FACE BOOK AND THEM OTHER SOCIAL NETWORKS GOSSIPPING, EDUCATE YOUR MINDS ON WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE FINANCIAL WORLD BEFORE YOU SPILL YOUR HATRED AND FILTH.. All these so called analyst and financial gurus who likes to comment on any and everything just to be able to say they made a comment needs to look in the mirror and ask themselve a question.. too many times we are in a hurry to blaspheme and spur dirt on each other before thinking twice.

    WHAT YOU ALL CAN DO IS PRESENT YOUR IDEAS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND LET THEM BE THE ONES TO DETERMINE IF IT WILL WORK FOR EVERYONE.. YOU ALL ARE ASKING FOR A NEW GOVERNMENT TO BRING YOU ALL EVERYTHING.. HAVE YOU ALL Realised from whose pockets this money will come from to fiinance what you all are asking for from the new administration?… From what is being said none of these persons are multi Billionares, TRILLIONAIRES,Zillionaires or Millionares.. sooo. who will finance your ideas, answer me…..think before acting and talking. reflichir avant parler, critiquer. according to granny you prefer to suck salt for sugar.. cut your nose to spite your face because of your hatred for a MAN.. but then Jesus christ came to save the world from SIN and he was crucified so who is the DLP GOVERNMENT to think They can do better:: eh

  37. maths
    June 5, 2014

    So all you can’t see is fool Skerrit fooling all you.

  38. bomboclat
    June 4, 2014

    Viva Skerro!!

  39. Tumble Back kick
    June 4, 2014

    The most striking thing about that 100+ million is that table sized carousel at the airport. Who really thought of that? Mi bagay. Anyway my padna take a picture of it for me. I sure it is still there.

  40. maindesk
    June 4, 2014

    Crompton Point was found unsuitable. There is a crosswind from the mountains. The best location is where the UWP located it for approach and takeoff. Where are the investors and do they have any say in the location? This looks like just a political gimmick for elections. I doubt there is any airport.

  41. William Mc Lawrence
    June 4, 2014

    There has been much talk about the Dominica Labour Party’s opposition to the construction of an international airport. However page 38 of the 2009 Election Manifesto of the DLP’s manifesto reads as follow:
    The DLP government considered that the improvement of the Melville Hall Airport was necessary to meet the immediate to medium term air access needs of Dominica. Although, the cost of an international airport (now estimated at $1billion) is presently beyond Dominica’s means, our Government nevertheless continues to explore all opportunities to achieve such a goal.
    The improvements to the Melville Hall Airport which are now nearing completion include:
    • expansion of the runway from 4996 feet to 6146 feet;
    • lighting of the runway to provide for night landing;
    • new terminal building with ancillary services;
    • new car park;
    • sea reclamation;
    • a new fi re station equipped with a new fi re truck and with sea rescue capabilities;
    These improvements, particularly night landing will eliminate some of the main problems faced by travellers to and from Dominica.
    Meanwhile, a Task Force consisting of members of the private and public sectors was established since 2008 to consider all aspects of the construction of an International Airport including:
    • Options for financing; and • options for construction and design.
    The Dominica Labour Party government remains committed to the construction of an international airport for Dominica.
    This therefore clearly refutes the claim by the official opposition that the DLP Administration is against the construction of an international airport. It also supports the recent pronouncements by the Honourable Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, of his moves to explore the airport development by way of the BOOT – Build Own Operate and Transfer, which is perhaps the most feasible way to go as the country on its own does not have the capital and or the capacity to guarantee a Billion dollars on its own to invest in such a capital project, but through negotiations with potential private foreign direct investors, and, friendly governments, such as the BRICS group of countries, Dominica will be well positioned to achieve, with such investment support, its pursuit of taking the airport development thrust one step ahead to reality…
    However, the questions that arise in my mind are:
    1. Is the Government is ready to make such a commitment?
    2. Are they ready to engage the people of Dominica to get their support and gain their trust and commitment with this massive capital investment pursuit?
    3. Are they are honest enough to recognize that the most suitable site for the new airport development is the site which was identified by the former UWP Administration, which importantly is the only site able to provide 10,000 feet of run way for the type of airport needed to make it attractive to potential long haul airlines, and which provides, based on international airport development technical reports available, safe landing and take-off?
    On the other hand the Crompton Point site currently being considered by the Government, will only produce 7,000 feet of runway, and this is not sufficient run way for safe landing and take-off. The site also has tremendous resort capital, meaning the site is most suitable for resort and golf course development rather than airport development.
    I do hope that my observation is taken in good faith.
    :wink:

    • Anonymous
      June 7, 2014

      Good point Bill, they could also consider other site like Point- round or Cabritts area.

  42. pray with us
    June 4, 2014

    We must just pray, renounce evil and ask God to judge for we are to weak on our own to fight the cult that is taking over.
    Skerro stay a whole month to plot propaganda and lies and he cannot even watch the camera.

  43. Sane
    June 4, 2014

    Great job PM!
    Linton will soon be able to book his flight and fly direct the same night when he running in hiding again

  44. Oh No
    June 4, 2014

    And it continues….Politicians continue to throw bait at the gullible ones among us. It’s a wasted political trick to make election-time promises to catch-a-vote. The DLP is not, in my opinion, playing this one well. Something seems to be missing this time around. The DFP and the UWP were more organized with initial plans including having financing in place and much detail and transparency. This sounds like a fly-by-night effort by the labour party.

    This airport will be constructed one way or the other. Based on public opinion it may just be by the UWP.

  45. Fools for Progress
    June 4, 2014

    UWP-ites say Skerrit Keeps fooling us . . . How?
    By giving our children scholarships to further their education.?
    By giving our retired citizens free health care.?
    By taking care of the elderly and helpless.?
    By providing homes/houses for our financially challenged.?
    By greatly improving the infrastructure/roads islandwide?.
    By bringing International cricket to Dominica in our STADIUM?
    Etc, Etc, Etc, . . . . .?
    And now at long last:
    By giving us an International Airport!?
    Well Skerrit, we a not ungrateful souls,
    Thank You, and Please keep “Fooling” us

    • Mind your Mind
      June 4, 2014

      You forgot to add

      …by giving half a million dollars to the catholic church, one of the wealthiest institutions in the world, while our policemen beg for a meagre salary increase and our education minister begs for contributions to the education trust fund.

      Keep fooling the fools indeed!

      • Fools for Progress
        June 7, 2014

        “. . . . . etc, etc ”
        Me: BIG PICTURE . . . .
        You: small picture

    • >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
      June 4, 2014

      @Fools for Progress
      you forgot:
      by impoverishing the country
      by turning the majority of Dominicans into beggars
      by squandering the country’s resources
      by insulting the citizens
      by not having a brain of his.
      by paralysing every states institution
      by bin bobol
      by high unemployment
      by feritilizer bobol and a MILLION OF OTHERS.
      HE WILL SOON BE KICKED OUT!
      CHANMGE IS A MUST!!!!

      • Fools for Progress
        June 7, 2014

        Hey >>>>
        People don’t necessarily “forget” certain issues which you feel strongly about. They may just see them in a different light from you. The facts which determine their conclusions may be different than those which justifies yours.
        Or then again, they may simply overlook what abhor you and fight the things which you embrace!
        . . . . is this Democracy? Oh yeah.
        Your campaign slogan is “CHANGE IS A MUST”?
        But Change is an OPTION, Tell LL and the UWPites, a Fool for Progress say That!

    • pffff
      June 4, 2014

      ummmm like really…..be honest here, just say directly what you have received….plywood, couple hundreds dollars, etc….cause all of you who sings Skerrit song, mark you not the Dominica Labour Party song but just this one man Skerrit, have your pockets all fat and heavy.

      • Fools for Progress
        June 7, 2014

        Ha Ha Ha !
        too Funny . . .

    • coyote
      June 5, 2014

      what about jobs?jobs?jobs?

    • badrep
      June 5, 2014

      nothing is free

    • Not Easily Fooled
      June 5, 2014

      Same old politicial tricks. Election is coming up , so here comes promises or plans for great projects. Dominicians need to read between the lines and make positive choice .

    • Bb
      June 5, 2014

      you need to get your head check out, its obviously you are one of those lazy ass labourite who benefits from the hands out.

      • Fools for Progress
        June 7, 2014

        :-D :-D
        Oh God . . . Oh No! :-D
        Me Belly Sides Spliting in 2 :-D
        Stop it! Stop it!
        You just Too Funnny! Lol :-D

    • We D People
      June 5, 2014

      I couldn’t have said better.
      God Bless the Government and People of Dominica!
      God Bless Prime Minister Skerrit!

    • Sane
      June 5, 2014

      Come on DNO!
      LOW COMMENT rating ??? How so??
      Its obvious you mean LABOUR COMMENT RATED.

  46. The Following
    June 4, 2014

    Ok am I the only one who sees this as just a ridiculous attempt by Skerrit to once again say he is not stealing UWP ideas.

    PM, let me say this, with all due respect, you went to China for funding for the international airport….right or wrong? Shouldn’t this press release be of substance; detailing about whether or not you received funding? You have been back for over a week now and that’s all you have to say??????? Actually you were back on isle from the Wednesday before UWP youth rally and that’s all we get…….ok, I guess we have to continue to wait, wait on you…..look to you as you have requested!! SMH

    • WHO VEX VEX
      June 5, 2014

      freedom party hard the idea b4 uwp u guys steal it so right now thieves don’t like to see thieves with long bag :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

    • WHO VEX VEX
      June 5, 2014

      freedom party hard the idea b4 uwp u guys steal it so right now thieves don’t like to see thieves with long bag :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  47. Not a herd follower
    June 4, 2014

    The Prime Minister said that the airport will be located at Compton Point. But has there been any recent technical study done of the area? Have previous studies been updated? Have comparative analyses of the Compton Point and the Londonderry locations been conducted? Are all relevant issues concerning the Compton Point location such as traffic flow in the general area taken into account? How can one begin to negotiate a BOOT contract without knowing the estimated costs of building the airport which would require new studies (technical, financial and economic) to determine?

    • Simply the Truth
      June 4, 2014

      Since you ask these questions, do you call yourself an expert, much more than what the PM stated? Are you not aware that all these matters have been discussed, taken into consideration and decided upon by those who are experts in this field?

    • I like it
      June 4, 2014

      because its a vy key vy thing for votes…
      ANd people are buying it.. cheap sale

    • derp
      June 5, 2014

      The Dominica Freedom Party proposed that location after doing their research and tests… they just piggybacking on past parties

  48. June 4, 2014

    Great location. I hope it is completed before I die, so I can say I landed on the International Airport in Dominica. GET STARTED ALREADY.

    • danger
      June 5, 2014

      Negro please, come on, how many times have we seen this, every election time these talks come around, dominica cannot afford an international airport on its own, even my two year old daughter knows that, now we have to look towards grant, which everybody knows, same old news on different dates, you mean all you letting this man fol you all every time it comes around to election, now he take a trip to china to even convince the red blinded people more, why you think he could not report back anything, because nothing was discussed about no airport, its just a gimmick, the trip was just to fool people, i know this man too well now, cant fool me boss, come again.

  49. Not a herd follower
    June 4, 2014

    This recent, panic-induced pursuit of an international airport by Skerrit is important. Important because it shows that the current DLP government which he leads is not strategic in its thinking and approach to the management of the affairs of the country. Important because it shows how scandalous the current government is in managing the limited resources of the State. Consider: (i) over $120 million spent on upgrading Melville Hall airport three years ago. Now, we are being told the govt is going to build an international airport to which it will have to contribute State resources even with a BOOT arrangement; (2) at least $7 million spent on the construction of the netball stadium at Stockfarm in ”homage” to Loreen Bannis-Roberts. In two years, it became a derelict; and (3) after the previous government (UWP) had spent $12 million to start work on a multipurpose sports arena, the DLP govt dug up the steel and abandoned the project to build a China-funded cricket stadium that is seldom used throughout the year.

    • DAE
      June 4, 2014

      Stop putting politics in the development of the country, This is what have been bringing down this country for many years and People like you continue to to help such negative progress in Dominica. Every time something good about to come to the island which would bring jobs to our youth and help stop all this violence and crime because our young people have nothing better to do that flex their idle hands people like you jump in with politics. An international airport would surely do more good than bad for Dominica, would bring many jobs to the island, not only at the airport is self but with tourism. Hotels, taxi, farmers,etc. All parties have spend Dominica money uselessly at some point or another, but is that sufficient grounds to keep the country back from development, to keep jobs out of the country, to keep our youth from having something better to do than committing crimes or getting into drugs? Dominica need an international airport if we are going to develop. Keep politics out of it and let’s do what is best for our nation.

      • Mind your Mind
        June 4, 2014

        DAE…don’t confuse “politics” with the job of an educated citizen. SMART citizens will scrutinize every action of the gov’t, not to be negative but to ensure our tax dollars are being spent sensibly for the benefit of the country. One does not have to be political to question why $120M was spent on an airport if a replacement is being planned in the short term.

        A concerned and responsible citizen wouldn’t spend $7M on a park when so many upgrades are needed to the city of Roseau.

        Stop letting politics confuse you and lead you into thinking you must tacitly agree to every “good idea” the gov’t puts forth!

      • June 4, 2014

        PM you a something else you know how and when to play Dominicans you know how to pull their string and this time you strike again, we need an international airport but you were the very same PM who said we don’t need one you even brought down the PM from St.Vincent to convince us we don’t need one Now you a coming with your election gift of an international airport so you can get the votes to stay in power what ever happened in the pass 15yrs. of your rule. Now you a justifying why we couldn’t afford one so why didn’t you try to get funding before, who do you believe you a fooling everything is a joke for the DLP.
        But the power is in the hand of the people and they know we need a change Dominica cannot remain in the state it is in the young people need a chance to contribute in the development of the Dominica they love.

      • anonymous2
        June 4, 2014

        How is an international airport going to save the day in terms of the unemployed youth. Many don’t have skills and don’t really want to work very hard, just want easy money. Tourists are not going to flock here because DA is not really a very friendly island, nor is Roseau attractive and then you add in the crime element (theft). The only tourists that you will get are the ecotourists that like the scenery and those are not the majority of the industry. Another “sell out” if it is even true by Skerrett. The Chinese will own everything.

      • Hummm
        June 5, 2014

        DAE… You sound like a fool!

      • Anonymous
        June 5, 2014

        But you have all forgotten one very important point , the airlines. They are not going to fly to dominica its just not profitable they are not interested in flying half empty.

    • Simply the Truth
      June 4, 2014

      Since you ask these questions, do you call yourself an expert, much more than what the PM stated? Are you not aware that all these matters have been discussed, taken into consideration and decided upon by those who are experts in this field?

    • American Dominican
      June 5, 2014

      U just a none Contus metros go look go it in the dictionary

  50. June 4, 2014

    the late great bob marley san you can fool some people sometime but you can not fool all the people all the time so now you see the light stand up for your rights get up stand up. the time is now or never change is a must you can bring diamond gold or silver your time has come skerro dominicans are fed up of your arogance 14 seats to workers seven to labour and 1 undesided thats the score take it or live it labour party government has fail dominicans bad enought is enought

  51. st.joe massiff#2...
    June 4, 2014

    Skerritt is an embarrassment to Dominica right now a joker fighting to stay in power…. I mean this man took Martin Charles to China to negotiate for international airport…hahaha i mean what has our beautiful country become under this man ..where were you skerro when over 100 million was wasted at meville hall? The proposed sight is just a few miles away joker.. now you see change is coming you trying…well to late you know why? Skerro you are a leader with nothing else to offer Dominica. You are all out of ideas you have no vission as you have lost yourself in greed and corruption….I and many Domincans see the death of your tenure as leader of this country…and it is appointed to man once to die and after his death comes his judgement. The question is, are you ready for the judgement day SKERRO????????????????TRUST ME ITS COMING PRETTY SOON TOO…We tired with you!!!!

    • Simply the Truth
      June 4, 2014

      Would you like him to sit back and do nothing? Then you will be complaining that he did nothing which is the usual with some of you non-supporters.

    • weworking
      June 5, 2014

      that is all you people worth negative comments and just blue vex because our PM like it or not is working and things are happening. SO CARRY ON SAY OR DOH SAY THINGS ARE HAPPENING AND CHANGE HAVE BEEN TAKING PLACE, WE SHALL SEE LABOUR FOR ANOTHER 5 YEARS.

  52. Arbitrator
    June 4, 2014

    The Chinese will definitely help them to build it, to provide them with easier access to come exploit us and suck us dry. Time will tell, plz Mr. PM don’t do it. Dominica doesn’t need and international airport. Anyone who work in that industry will tell you that.

    • Browne, C Rastafari
      June 5, 2014

      The Chinese don’t need to utilize an international air port to suck any one dry; they are the most powerful nation in these times! I totally dismiss your argument that we don’t “need” and international airport. What would be a more suitable argument is; can we as a nation sustain the cost, maintenance, services, etc. Be specific when you make comments like this one, please, you cannot speak for the entire nation. You should have stated that was your opinion…your comment does not speak to my needs and solutions to the Commonwealth. :wink:

  53. john doe
    June 4, 2014

    One thing I can say for sure that man named Lenox Lnton really have this pm and his cabinet running like they have mad cow disease. All of a sudden there are so many projects all over the place. The darroux guy talking about marina scarmbrose talking about playing fields chief talikng about international airport. look things that are happening. Thanks GOD for Mr. Lenox Linton!

    • Oh oh
      June 5, 2014

      I am even asking Mr. Linton to slow down because I do not want the PM to lose his mind. But Linton is such a powerful, I am sure we will see hospitals in every constituency soon. But only if Mr. Linton puts it on his list, then the PM will go get them.

  54. Francisco Telemaque
    June 4, 2014

    “According to him the Dominica Labor Party always had plans for the construction of an international airport as outlined in the party’s Growth and Social Protection Strategies Paper and manifesto.”

    Anybody who would believe anything in the statements in the quote above would have to be a fool!

    Why!

    If that was the labor party plan, why is it, the International Airport on which construction was literally commenced by the UWP, was shut down by this same, one and only Labor Party? Why did the Labor Party chase the Contractors, Engineers, and other personal who was on the engaged in the process out of Dominica?

    Why was the money allocated by the UWP to pay for the construction of the International Airport was wasted on the pink and green Elephant at Melville Hall municipal airport, in the from of installing Landing lights, and the refurbishing of the old outdated Terminal Building?

    If indeed an International Airport was always planed by the Labor Party, why is it the Labor Party allowed Ralph Gonzales prime minister of St. Vincent to dictate to the present government that Dominica does not need an International Airport, therefore the government should not build one, however it was perfectly okay to install landing lights and that would serve or nation forever!

    Can any member of the labor party, or any minister in the present Cabinet, answer these intriguing questions, in an honest, and truthful way without a lie, and explain why did the Labor Party shut down a project that was already in progress? If and only when we get an honest, and truthful answer to my questions, we may believe this new promise which I personally believe is a hoax; just another gimmick, another election dangling political carrot; a cheap political ploy, and nothing more, anybody who believe that promise, in my opinion believes in little green, and gray men living in some dungeons in the middle of Roseau!

    Secondly, Why, talk about Compton Point, when there is an ideal area already selected for the International Airport, Compton Point the ground is very soft, and not suited for any heavy Aircrafts, besides if an the Airport is built at Compton Point, and the Runway runs North and South of the sea, all we will get is another Cane Field airport. Where the UWP was building airport is a much safer location, in that there is an extra seven (7) miles on landing, and also a safe extra seven (7) miles on take off, so it certainly does not make any logical sense to ignore, or abandoned the sight selected by they UPW more than twenty years ago, only because of some political demagoguery.

    This does not make any sense at all, these people are doing is trying to prove that the UWP was wrong, and they are right: That is stupid, and defy’s commonsense; and I could care less who gets upset with me, people need to stop play all of this nasty dirty politics in the place, stupidity serves no useful purpose than to make fools out of our people, and ourselves, and divide the country in the process.

    Not Edited:

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Simply the Truth
      June 4, 2014

      It is evident that you are a non-supporter. At this stage your views do not matter.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        June 7, 2014

        Simply the Truth; Nothing last forever; except the Word of God!

        ‘In the colonial days, we could count the number of destitute people on the streets of Roseau! I remember only “three” in the late 1950’s.'(Francisco E. Telemaque).

        Man in the natural are limited; we all have our limits. Where it pertains the peoples business, the running of the country, whether we like a particular individual or all the people in government; whether we support them or not, when they fail to accomplish the significant’s which leaves the nation stagnant; our support should be withdrawn!When we maintain our blind support, we assist in causing severe damages to our people and country. In the British system of Government which we inherited, a politician can remain in political power for as long as the people will vote for that politician. However in England when they fail to perform, they are voted out of power. And note this: whenever a leader of either the Labor Party, or the Conservative Party are voted out, we do not find them returning crying “give us a second chance, we will do it all this time.”

        What we find is that if they do not go into retirement, they become gainfully employed in the private sector of their country. In Dominica, these waste of time people make politics their estate, they make politics their career, hence we keep them in power for all these years, and the only people who benefits are the politicians, receiving their monthly salaries, while the people live of the crumb the devil leaves. It is time that you and others realize that there are people in Dominica who does not have a pair of shoe, nor more than what they have on their backs.In the colonial days, we could count the number of destitute people on the streets of Roseau! I remember only “three” in the late 1950’s. One of them was a man called Boufound, some of us may remember, and identify him as the man who walked the streets of Roseau holding a loaf of bread in hand, night and day, seven days per week, three hundred sixty-five days per year. In those days even if they nation was poorer then, that was consider the worst of all. The fact is that man was mentally ill. Funny, it seems he was born in Dominica to Antiguan parentage who migrated to Dominica in the early 1900’s to work in the citrus industry on the Estates.

        Long after I met my former Antiguan born wife, when day she introduced me to one of her Uncles, a former custom officer, and one of the greatest cricketer “a Spin Bowler” who ever represented Antigua, and the Leeward islands at cricket. His name was Eustas Matthew. When I told him I am from Dominica, he ask me “do you know a man in Dominica named Boufound; and he compounded his question by informing me that Mr. was related to him, my wife, and now I suppose my children, and grandchildren. But you see all of that is part of our history, and looking back at it the in power at the moment has caused Dominica to be a poorer placed than it was almost a hundred years ago! Yes, it is easier to have some hungry people dressed up in red, and go some place and someone hands them a few dollars, they go home and buy some food, but what of tomorrow, and the other days ahead. I cannot support this sort of vicious cycly. Hence, I cannot support this government any longer; call me traitor if you wish, I accepted nothing from them, so they have nothing they can hold me accountable for; they can’s we gave him or his immediate family anything! What have you received for your loyalty?

        Not Edited:

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 4, 2014

      Why did the Labor Party chase the Contractors, Engineers, and other personal who was on the engaged in the process out of Dominica?

      That should read:

      ” Why did the Labor Party chase the Contractors, Engineers, and other personal who was on the job engaged in the process of constructing the International Airport, out of Dominica?”

  55. %
    June 4, 2014

    After Skerrits failed COMMESS (not a rally) at St Joseph, at which Monnel was viciously, brutally and mercilessly insulted, Skerrit told the world that he was quiclly going to China for an international airport. He went like a TABULA RASA ( blank Slate), no lawyer, no minister, no technical personnel, no negotiator. Can you imagine Skerrit negotiating on Dominica’s behalf? I guess the Chinese must have SLAPPED HIM REALLY HARD ACROSS HIS FACE, for his DUNCENESS, incompetence and foolishness. When he returned from China, he went HIDING. Now he is sticking his head out like a TOO-LOO-LOO.
    Do you believe you can impress anyone with international airport now Skerrit? How many people cares what you bring to Dominica now? ONLY NOW. AFTER 14 YEARS?
    The electorate is fed up with lies, insults, ineptness, blindness, greediness, by this LABOUR PARTY, and they want you to go Skerrit.
    During your heyday you were:
    The Caribbean’s most arrogant and insultive PM. (Go To Hell)
    The Caribbean’s most wasteful PM. (State Malice)
    The Caribbean’s DUNCEST PM (no vision)
    The Caribbean’s blindest PM (no international airport)………..
    Now you are on your way out, GOOD RIDDANCE SKERRIT!!!!
    The book of Ecclesiastics tells us:
    “”” There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun””” YOUR TIME AND SEASON HAS COME TO AN END!! Roguishness and scampish behaviour by a political party cannot exalt a nation. RIGHTEOUSNESS CAN!
    HOW LONG?
    NOT LONG!

    • Simply the Truth
      June 4, 2014

      We do know whatever he does and state will never be pleasing to people as you. This by no means that you are correct.

  56. ??????????????????
    June 4, 2014

    Humpty Dumpty is really falling.
    Some say the eventual fall will cause tsunami across the Caribbean islands. Despite that THOUSANDS will take to the streets rejoicing, screaming and sheding tears of joy, because at last, THEY WILL BE RELEASED FROM DLP SHACKLES.
    I used to hear it before, and now i believe it.”When a people is ready for political change, they can accomplish it WITHOUT MUCH MONEY”.
    Airport or no airport, i VOTING UWP/Team Dominica.
    We should have had this airport years ago. You are obviously afraid, and your LIES, do not imnpress me Skerrit.

    • True Dominican
      June 4, 2014

      and you speaks for many Dominicans

  57. icepop
    June 4, 2014

    But when they open the new renovated Melville Hall Airport they say we were going to get new airlines coming in – even direct from Miami and other US ports – DNO go in your data base to remind us of the stories told; I guess that was imaginery! then earlier this year they had a new Dominica airline with a parrot on – and plenty colour- de CEO of DASPA even say that they in final negotiation; and it coming once the paper work done;- they even had website they had date for inugural flight even if they did not yet have a single plane nor an office – papa bondieu ca labor ca pou nou pou nuh! moin ki sort?

    • ZUMA
      June 5, 2014

      plans are put in place to be exceuted.. the Minister of Tourism should see to IT , IF HE IS SITTING ON HIS BEHIND HE SHOULD GO OUT THERE AND ENCOURAGE TOURISTS TO COME TO OUR BEAUTIFUL ISLAND ITS HIS/HER JOB. Skerrit cant do everything it is humanly impossible .. that is why there are Differnet ministers for different areas. Maybe certain ministers should go and make space for those who have vision and the courage to bring Dominica into the 21st century.

  58. la poite
    June 4, 2014

    so the wind blows east to west in that area ur gonna build an airport north to south so this airport is goign to be like canefield airport EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO LAND ON DURING HIGH WINDS i wonder who was the morons who gave the independant advice to build an airport with that alignment any airport built in dca should be built with the same alignment as melville hall airport to allow for winds to blow along the runway not across it unless if im wrong and there have enough land to build the airport in an east west direction and also takes in account that morne diablotin is there

  59. PHQ
    June 4, 2014

    Skerro blowing hot air again.
    If Dominicans believe that story, then they can but Jumbi in bag.
    Another election plow but we are smart enough not to buy that lie. More than a week u come and is only now utelling us that news??

  60. # Dominican.#
    June 4, 2014

    I told you all so, Bait and switch, Promise us the world with eyes on the next general Elections as a proud Dominican I welcome that. But! if we start building any thing and The labor party is voted out of office, as true patriots we should all join the next elected Government by the for the people hope we all will come together roll up our sleeves and continue to build Dominica. Win loose or Draw, if any Donner country Give Dominica a loan/ Grant, or any other assistance its Dominica`s and the people of Dominica property. Hope all concern is aware of that. We should not think if efforts are made to secure Grants, loans ect, to Develop our country it should not be construed as a one man thing. If the masses decides to vote the present Government out of office that is what we have to respect the decision of the people in a Democratic Country one man one vote. Not one shoot of rum for your vote, or some plywood for your vote, Dominicans it`s not like that, Educate your self as to how the process works and come election time vote your conscience. Government comes and Government Goes. I am Dominican, Are You???????

  61. Facts
    June 4, 2014

    where is Linton, where is Linton.
    I don’t know, I don’t know
    money bells are ringing, money bells are ringing;
    come back home; come back home
    Boy DA quiet now wee

  62. zibyeah
    June 4, 2014

    Election coming all of a sudden international airport????? I thought skerro said the country doesn’t need one……keep swallowing your words

    • timewilltell
      June 5, 2014

      all u UWP supporters in total panic desperation setting in.

  63. woody
    June 4, 2014

    the freedom party site at woodfordhill had many issues in terms of the northern approach and not sufficient runway length…

    the UWP site from what i can recall was best suited for winds and take off and landings…

    they would have to carry out numerous test etc, before any kind of work is done or plans, haven’t seen any sort of physical movement in that area up to this date…

    it’s a election tool to trapped citizens who can’t think and understand issues..didn’t skero say Dominica is doing the best in all the caribbean….

    he delivers zero, zero and zero % to public servants..haha what a joke…not surprise, everyone around the globe knows of the bad governance in Dominica. deception and lies is what labour breathes on…

    dominicans are so dam foolish it’s a classical joke,,haha everyone is trying to gain a few pennies more on the economic citizens at least to expand your capacity in the treasure…but them so foolish they are selling the cheapest..haha shows you what sort of folks live on that backward island..

  64. Anonymous
    June 4, 2014

    skeritt is a confused soal,
    BOYS with toys,ALas

    • random guy
      June 4, 2014

      You mean soul right? Lol
      And I wonder if you understand the meaning of boys with toys. I don’t support skerrit but jeez, learn some English before you criticize someone.

      • clean talk
        June 5, 2014

        you forgot we are in the internet age and spelling and grammar does not matter . I understood all he said but sometimes I can;t read the texts and bb messages. We are not in an English class,just talking. patio ,creole, french all the same . Look to the issues

  65. FAST N FURIOUS
    June 4, 2014

    Because is not THEY that building it, THEY Bue vex.

    • pffff
      June 4, 2014

      Do you realise he has yet to give a date, even to suggest a date as to when building is going to commence

  66. shortboy
    June 4, 2014

    I love u PM u dynamic

  67. SM passie
    June 4, 2014

    Keep fooling them skero, dcans are way too dull to see..

    on the eve of a election skero…haha one thing only in DA you could be a leader of such…

    reflects how foolish many dcans are, they sit back and accept poor governance whilst you play games with the lives of the citizens…. Dominica commonly known as the fools paradise..

    • BA Massive
      June 5, 2014

      Well said. DOminicans are simply not an intellect people. They will be used, abused, swallow any garbage that you ram down their throats and they will still hail “WE LOVE YOU PM”. How sad!

      Only in the FOOL’S PARADISE these things happen.

  68. Anonymous
    June 4, 2014

    Millions of dollars was spent to build the airport in Melville Hall for night landing. It was a complete waste of money and precious time. The international airport if it had started a few years back would be near to complete. In my opinion they only built the airport to only accommodate LIAT. Dominica is not receiving any benefit from that . Instead of the country receiving money they are losing.

    The government of Dominica should admit that they made a very bad decision to build the airport for night landing.

  69. Papa Dom
    June 4, 2014

    “In 1989, the Dominica Freedom Party had a plan drawn for an international airport with alignment from Woodfordhill Bay to Bottom Wesley near Sophia Bay, in an area generally known as Compton Point.”
    DNO, you may want to verify that statement, especially about plan being drawn up

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 4, 2014

      Look when I was a kid, I saw people pulled cattle out of the sinking mud at Compton’s Point. I doubt the geomorphologic of the land has changed. In that case I do not believe that any modern day structural engineer involved in the construction of International Airports will construct an airport in that area without consultation with an geologists.

      Then again our Chines Master may see thing differently, but chances are a fifty ton Jet Aircraft may touch down, and simply sink into the ground if we are not careful. The appropriate way for take off is from West to East, I doubt that can happen at Compton Point.

      In Los Angeles, at LA International, we take off from East to West, nevertheless, the Ocean is West of the Airport, hence there is most likely no problems with wind-share.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  70. %
    June 4, 2014

    Well just yesterday i blogged in response to Shanks contesting Salisbury for the corrupt Labour Party, and i was also asking if Skerrit had returned home with the airport in his back pocket.
    What Skerrit has to realise are the following:
    1. The electorate’s mind is already made up
    2. The electorate has observed that Skerrit and his clowns are famous flip floppers, criticizing Linton and Team Dominica for wanting to build an international airport, but when the pressure of DEFEAT is too hot to bear, they want airport too.
    3. Clearing a sight and telling us “Look this is where the airport
    will be”, will NOT bring you more votes. You are in a state of
    PANIC, SHOCK AND DISBELIEF over you imminent
    DOWNFALL, and many people want to see this fall.
    4. Your weakness has had many people asking questions about their past stupidity in believing that you were a strong leader.
    5. Head to Head people view Linton as more visionary
    6. Linton is a better communicator, and lover of country
    7. Linton and Team Dominica has a plan for the advancement
    of Dominica, Skerrit and his failed Labour Party has a plan to
    IMPOVERISH DOMINICA.
    8. Linton is a powerful advocate for Caribbean women, the Labour Party believes in insulting women.
    Having said this i am not surprised that Skerrit and his 17 other DUNCE CATS, are thinking that for one more time they will fool the people. Honestly i cannot see it happening Skerro.
    THE BEST TIME TO KICK YOU OUT OF OUR POLITICS IS NOW. I am so happy more and more Labourites are defecting from this COMMESS called Labour Party and are finding solace in UWP TEAM DOMINICA.
    HOW LONTG?
    NOT LONG!

    • listener
      June 4, 2014

      @% If my memory serves me right it was the leader of the uwpwe that insulted the women of Dominica by calling them prostitutes and you know it

    • listener
      June 4, 2014

      @% If my memory serves me right it was the leader of the uwpwe that insulted the women of Dominica by calling them prostitutes and you know it .

  71. tech
    June 4, 2014

    oh yes i can leave my wife now and fly make my bomb at any time and come back and is like i never left Dominica. good job my pm. they will talk dem ppl never like progress.

    • June 4, 2014

      that is not progress that’s election talk so give me a brake and use the brain that maybe you have

  72. 897
    June 4, 2014

    Skerrit, I should not have to tell you because you should know Dominicans very well, but I will remind you. When I Dominican loves you, they love (like pig love mud). You can do them much and they will defend you and still stand by you. You see Dominican are very strong people and can take a lot (and we have taken much). But when a Dominican turned their back on you; they turn (not 360 but 180); you would have to move mountains to win their hearts back.

    Ask the UWP about that; they have been moving mountains, and have been winning the hearts and minds of many Dominicans once again. That new love for the UWP will be much stronger than the first, and we hope it will be sweet and last much longer. So my advice to you partner is to put things in place for the end of your political career, cause airport, cruise port, free money, not working at this stage because we have found a new love.

    Change is a must
    Vote the Saw

  73. Herbert Volney
    June 4, 2014

    If PM Skerrit gets the grant funding for it I will support this venture but it may not be worth expenditure of inland sources of funding. What is needed is bilateral agreements facilitating more flights into Melville Hall.CAL’s ATRs travel to St Lucia and turn back..why not fun on to Dominica? I
    would love to organize safaris to Dominica from wealthy Trinidad and Tobago.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      June 4, 2014

      Volney yours is a fools thought!

      Dominica needs an International Airport, there can’t be any other resolve. We can procrastinate as long as we wish; play, politics, and talk crap as you have done here, your sentiments here makes no sense whatsoever man, you are thinking about self with this safari crap talk; there has been many organized Safari in Dominica, in the 1960’s and into the late 1970’s.

      How much better has Dominica become because of most of you people are just to damn self-centered, as long as you can make a living, to hell with the rest of the nation, and that is why Dominica is as backward as it is; because of people like you who has no vision, your vision extend no further than the tip of your none!

      I am:

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  74. Beane
    June 4, 2014

    Dear Dominica, the Chinese have one of the worst environmental track records in the history of mankind!!
    Look at China, look at what they want to do with Jamaica as it relates to an international shipping/cargo depository! They don’t care about the environment! Yeah you would get your airport… but with current designs I feel it would be a disaster for the country!!! Yes, we need an international airport …. an airport that works with the environment!

  75. June 4, 2014

    Skerrit u lie! A lie for votes! Take ur lies and run to China cuz we don’t want u!

  76. Doc. Love
    June 4, 2014

    While in China he met with OFFICIALS, he does not say whether it is the Chinese Government or an independent sponsor. If must be an independent sponsor, because had things gone according to plans, their would have been a huge press conference with Chinese Officials from the Government standing by his side.

  77. 4u2C
    June 4, 2014

    Skerro feeling the heat. DLP kicked high and low that we don’t NEED and international airport. They imported Ralph Gonsales from St.Vincent to reiterate that DA don’t need and international airport and now Skerro talking his nonsense about they never said so. UWP did all the work for international airport and if they were serious they would have taken the blue print and build the airport. Instead he waste all the resources at Melville Hall and else where. Skerro DLP is 14 years behind plan and 50 years behind in thinking. You all are a young bunch of ministers with NO VISION, Cloudy idea of future development and a blatant lack of integrity and respect. After 14years and no airport in your briefcase its time to get out! The Chinese must have laughed when they see come with your blank piece of paper and no idea what you talking about. DA needs better and you have put us to shame, GET OUT! Let the country breath, stop suffocating the country and its people……GET OUT!!

    • FAST N FURIOUS
      June 4, 2014

      He didn’t just put himself there. We(Dominicans) put him there; and we are going to make sure he stays there come election day. (BOO BOO di sa ki juaner sorti) Maybe you are the one to get out of the way of progress. Labor ca twavi.

      • DANZIGER
        June 4, 2014

        Amen @ FAST N FURIOUS.

    • joe
      June 4, 2014

      4u2c we the people say he will stay for many more years!!!!!!

    • A Doubting Thomas
      June 4, 2014

      4u2C, you sound very upset with progress.

      No one ever said we do not need an international airport. At least no Dominica . What we do know, and might be confusing you, is that the UWP while in opposition wrote to our friends and prevented the Americans from helping us with one.

      That was a very bad move on their part that they will have to leave with as part of the legacy.

      What I have always heard is that we cannot afford to build an International Airport ALL on our own. If that is saying we do not want one, I worry about how you take in what you hear. Maybe your listening skills need some improvement.

  78. Beane
    June 4, 2014

    Has Dominica studied what Japan has done in building a floating international airport………? I think with the current light weight floating concrete tech. that’s available, Dominica can have a world class airport without destroying such a beautiful island…….
    ps. pls stay away from the China Mon ! I think the Japanese would be a better choice for this project!

    • lori
      June 4, 2014

      My comments are never published. Is DNO consoring?

    • June 4, 2014

      the English that build that in Japan

    • la poite
      June 4, 2014

      no country has ever built a floating airport they built an island and put the airport on it do proper research before u come make ur silly comments

    • Arbitrator
      June 4, 2014

      Japan don’t have a floating airport, it’s build in the ocean but it’s not floating

  79. Anonymous
    June 4, 2014

    According to Skerrit the Dominica Labor Party always had plans for the construction of an international airport as outlined in the party’s Growth and Social Protection Strategies Paper and manifesto.
    If that is so, I would like to ask one simple question: why did you waste almost $100,000,000 on Melville Hall?
    Skerrit, I put it to you: you are a liar, Sir. Now go and speak to you mouthpiece Astaphan and tell him to take me to court.
    Sir, it’s time for you to go. You overstayed your welcome. You are a liability to this beautiful island.

    • SMDH
      June 4, 2014

      Dahhhhh….because the construction of an international airport doesn’t happen overnight and there ws need to bring the current Melville Hall airport up top par in the meantime, plus a international airport is gonna take more than wat ws spent at Melville Hall…dum dum…get some common sense…then again sense is not common…

      Give the man a break…so good is mama ras as old ppl would say!

    • real possie
      June 4, 2014

      At least we know the 100,000,000 that was spent you know where it went the ones y, e, name took from those Trini where is it? at the time they were told that’s the best thing they could until they could get the financing to build one, do you know how long it will take to see the 1st plane land on that international airstrip? you all can jump high jump low but you all will seat back and enjoy the labour ride relax labour ka twavay hahahhahahahah. Let the programed thumbs down start hold on let me spell it K-a- T-w-a-v-a-y tell them I say that tell them to quote me on that beating my chest as I say that LOL.

    • atl
      June 4, 2014

      u all need to respect the pm….he is and will be come the next general election.

      • June 7, 2014

        He need to respect himself and the office he holds first. HE DOES LIE TOO MUCH… just like the Salybia primary he said he had in his briefcase from Cuba and the boats and engines he said Venezuela was giving him after the hurricane. NEVER HEAR A PM TELL SO MUCH LIES IN MY LIFE.

    • Africo
      June 4, 2014

      The money had to spent on Melville Hall because it was seriously deficient and had to be upgraded while other plans went ahead. The surface of the runway was in much need of resurfacing, extension was necessary and the terminal had major problems of space. Lights were an urgent need to extend landing times.

      Whether or not an international airport was on the cards these things had to be done or else DOM would have been downgraded by IATA and related air transport organisations. Even now it will take some years before any larger airport is constructed and in the meantime we have to depend on Melville Hall.

      You really obviously don’t understand the logistics of these things.

      • Arbitrator
        June 4, 2014

        Mr. Africo, although the money could have been used more wisely in. Millville Hall, I agree with your post. You seem to have some knowledge about that subject area unlike most Dominicans

      • Anthony Ismael
        June 5, 2014

        Good point. If Melville Hall had been downgraded, what would happen with air travel in and out of Dominica?

  80. ?
    June 4, 2014

    stupesssssssssssssssssssss

  81. Observer
    June 4, 2014

    Progress is a must! :)

  82. rosebud
    June 4, 2014

    Great news for our country. Citizens who have been wanting to see this happen should be happy.

  83. Observer
    June 4, 2014

    Go PM great move! I support you 100%

    • dafriend
      June 4, 2014

      Of Course, if he tells you to jump you will…providing you get a little money from the Red Clinic. It’s people like you that are just as much to blame for the demise of this country than Skerrit himself and his administration.

    • ########
      June 4, 2014

      idiot

  84. Pedro
    June 4, 2014

    Ouch. Here goes a piece of DA with the BOOT (Build Own Operate and Transfer) arrangement. No doubt he signed over for financing from the Chinese in exchange for them to build and run the show and collect revenue and taxes etc associated with running the new airport. The chinese will have full rights to the property for a set period, maybe 20-30 years, pretty typical in such arrangements. We will boast of having an airport perhaps, but technically it will be Chinese owned until transferred to Dominica.

    • Faceup
      June 4, 2014

      And with only Chiny resturants, and everything else Chinese.. We are being sold people… so before that happens LABOUR MUST GO ! 8-O

    • Anonymous
      June 4, 2014

      And your issue is?

    • Anon
      June 4, 2014

      I wonder, what other arrangement would you propose if we are to build an international airport?

    • Consumer
      June 4, 2014

      What is fundamentally wrong with that? Because it is Skerrit who is proposing it? Isaac Baptiste in one of his presentations on the UWP’s “five in five” tour recently did speak to the BOOT methodology for building an airport here. We just like to lament on everything government does.

    • Africo
      June 4, 2014

      That is how Panama got the US-built and operated Panama Canal from the United States, so that they can now control it after a lease period. When you are small and you cannot do it on your own, you have to make deals.

    • topGunna
      June 4, 2014

      Well look here. I’m pretty sure you and many of all these complainers in here so be using the Damn airport. So if you intend to use it to its full advantage which includes a portion of its revenue going back to China. I suggest you shut the hell up. So many of you backward thinking people make me sick. Freaking hypocrite.

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