Chairman of Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) Collin Piper is encouraging individuals wishing to visit Dominica for the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) to consider other options in travel instead of depending on LIAT alone.
LIAT has been under pressure in recent times following weeks of long and inordinate delays as well as cancellations and Piper noted that organizers of the event have had discussions with the airline on the importance of restoring confidence in the traveling public.
“We have engaged them in discussions to let them know that from now it is very important to restore confidence in the traveling public … as it pertains to the World Creole Music Festival,” he said at a press conference on Wednesday.
He stated that discussions were held because Dominica does not have an international airport and the island depends on LIAT.
“We are in continued discussions with LIAT because we recognize the dependence we have on LIAT whereas the other islands, with international or rather direct long haul flights, don’t have to rely on LIAT,” Piper stated.
He noted further that WCMF organizers are aware that the month of October is not traditionally a busy period for LIAT.
“We are particularly cognizant of the hubs, San Juan, St Martin, Barbados and Antigua,” the DFC boss stated. “So I will be making a special effort to meet with executives of LIAT to reiterate that point, but what I would want to say to the Dominican people out there and to the visitors out there who are considering coming, is also highlight what else is available as opposed to focusing on LIAT.”
He noted that patrons coming from St Martin have the option of flying with BVI Airways, and those coming from San Juan have Seaborne Airlines.
Piper stated further that those coming from Guadeloupe and Martinique can utilize the ferry services.
“This option can also be used if you come through St Lucia,” he said.
Dominica needs some real business men in positions. A celebration like that people needs to be able to go in and out of the country fast. where is the international airport? A part of the business that was not looked into. TIME IS MONEY!
Seaborn Airway has apparently taken over the old American Eagle San Juan to Dominica route and schedule, and offers fares about $112 lower than LIAT and permits you double the checked luggage weight, 100 lbs vs 50.
Airfare is EXPENSIVE and we still have to pay for our luggage and carry-on. We do need an airline that will NOT charge for our luggage and carry-on.
Please read this, and sign it if you agree. The proposition, supported by more than 50 years of mismanagement, is that the real problem lies with lack of leadership, interest and of specialised knowledge at the top – where the [political appointees live, and the choice/s of CEO by those same disconnected people.
You have nothing to lose, and a more competent air service to gain.
PETITION FROM THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC TO THE OWNERS OF THE CARIBBEAN AIRLINE LIAT
https://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/petition-from-the-travelling-public-to-the-owners-of-the-caribbean-airline-liat
Mr piper my only concen is that you all expect people to come to your country and spend money as visitors yet persons must spend twice the amount just to get there does that make any sense smh come on the country is lovely yes untouched a virgin even but it’s cheaper to fly directly to any other Caribbean island check it out its a fact lobby the way Trini or Guyana further south than Dominica but because they have a thing called an international airport there are direct flights cheaper flights a more options to choose from when traveling from the us Canada Europe etc
Well I do hope that all the free tickets that were distributed in the past will be discontinued.Please sell all the tickets…it will help to make up for all the revenue we are going to lose…since we are definitely going to have so much less people attending because of the “LIAT CRISIS”…Who knows we not even sure if those people performing make it.I hope Mr.Piper making arrangements to have HELICOPTERS take them to DA from PR or ANTIGUA…
What utter rubbish and disrespect for the Dominican people and the people of the region who owns LIAT!After your government has invested all these millions of dollars in an airline which is supposed to give service to your island as one of its major air carrier,this is what a man who is holding a position of organising a major festival has to say?What a disgrace!I’m not interested in creole festival,as for me it can fail!But for such an official to make such statement is unbecoming,instead he should get the government to put pressuyre on LIAT to give proper service to Dominica!
Completely in agreement. Why invest when there is no benefit? LIAT has made us the laughing stock of the Caribbean.
I will be in the cold again this year during the festival. I do not have the patience or the ability to perform Rocket Science, while trying to figure out how to get home and get back out. A simple transaction in most cases. But as always, nothing is simple with my homeland.
They invested a ton of cash in Leave Island Any Time Airline. Now we’re being told to seek other alternatives..
Up here you spend $3000.00 on a used car with the expectation and consumer protection laws that, it will take you to work and back safely. In Dominica you invest millions in LIAT and you expect failure.
What a freaking waste of time.
Lord help us.!
I think Dominica should have had an airline in place to transport people back and forth a long time ago. They insist we do not need an International Airport, maybe so, but we should have had an aircraft other than LIAT. I will never go home if LIAT is my only choice. I DO NOT WANT TO SIT IN THE AIR WHILE LIAT CANCELS MY FLIGHT. HELL NO.
Look jokes!And he is looking for 90,000 visitors? Wasting money into a BS airline and they are crying?
Mr Piper thank you for reminding us that liat is not the only airline.you right we have choices like jet blue,spirit,air tran and delta.oh what time again they landing in Dominica International Airport.we did not get the memo
Seabourne is an option from PR to DOM
Seaborn Airway has apparently taken over the old American Eagle San Juan to Dminica route and schedule, and offers fared about $112 lower than LIAT and permits you double the checked luggage weight, 100 lbs vs 50.
That is the problem Mr Piper – “WE DO NOT HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND THE ISLAND DEPEND ON LIAT”. May I ask why don’t we? Did you suddenly wake up the morning before your press conference and receive that divine revelation? Garcon you joking! From what you are saying, the answer to our LIAT problem is an international airport! Wow, we need people like you who think so deep!!!! Unfortunately too little too late. It statements like yours that make LIAT management think that they are indispensable. Let’s get with the program. We continue to make excuses just like LIAT. There are too many mountains, blah, blah, blah, to build a decent airport but we find money for everything on our personal priority list. I am glad you woke up and smell the coffee…When people plan a trip to Dominica they want to get there on time to enjoy their entire stay, they do not want to only come just in time “for de rum & de party”!!!!!
Mr. Piper is mild. I say “!don’t rely on LIAT at all!”.
Piper you said before that there is no need for an International Airport and now you are singing a different tune I suppose. You talk like that Piper and they will come for you my brother.The gestapo will get you
have you seen the prices of a roundtrip flight on seaborne airlines from san juan??? It is ridiculously expensive. The lowest roundtrip flight I could find cost $688.79 cents for just that leg of my trip. My entire family and I were suppose to visit Dominica this year. With these prices, I don’t see that happening. Travel to Dominica is wayyyyyy to expensive and seaborne airlines not helping us. That kind of money I would spend on the flight only… I can get flights and an all inclusive resort in PR, DR, JA or Mexico for 7 days. That’s a better investment and more relaxation for me. For Christ sake I can get a round trip ticket to Paris and back!!! You really think that is encouraging? Plus!! On my return I would have to overnight in PR. Spend at least $130 if I don’t want to sleep in a hotel lobby. This is too much inconvenience for my money!
Talk to the DLP because they and their supporters still believe we don’t need an international airport in this modern day and age. All that money dumped at Melville Hall was a complete waste of time and we are now seeing it. All I know is when the leadership lacks vision the people suffer and eventually perish. But “Change Must Come” and thats a fact Jack!
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Mr piper can you tell me what time dose delta and jet blue leave PR for Dominica because you told us do not depend on Liat an there are 35 of us that want to come down for the WCMF But i hear the other plane only take 32 people can you help
Seaborn Airway has apparently taken over the old American Eagle San Juan to Dminica route and schedule, and offers fared about $112 lower than LIAT and permits you double the checked luggage weight, 100 lbs vs 50.
L. Leave
I. It
A. Alone
T. Travellers
Something is wrong when a member of the govt that invest millions in an airline is telling you find other means to travel. This is like liat telling you we sponsor the creole festival but go to the st Lucia jazz festival instead. Smh. I am not labor or uwp i am Dominican and this is too much already.
L. Leave
I. It
A. Alone
T. Travelers
I like that.
This is a very serious situation and the government needs to come up with a solution. I am trying to book a flight from New York and it will take 2 days to arrive in Dominica. In addition, the cheapest ticket to DA starts from $1300.00 USD. Ever since American Eagle discontinue flights to DA, the problem started. What a mess. I am a patriotic Dominican who is frustrated with this system, can you imagine a tourist?
Larchmont NY.
Hello I agree. I am in Brooklyn and I am having the same problem. I can’t understand how they expect middle class Dominican to come home and spend money when we can’t get a flight. Thanks Mr Piper, Liat and Seaborne .
It will take two days to get home depending on how you make your travel arrangements. Flight dates and airline choice makes a big difference.
Just an idea. Jet Blue leaves JFK at 6:00 AM arriving SJU 9:43 AM. Total trip time: 3h 43m There is plenty of time to check in with Seaborne airline in SJU.
Your return flight leaving SJU at 7:47 PM arriving JFK at 10:43 PM Total trip time: 3h 56m
San Juan Intl to Dominica Intl (BB4554)
Departure: 29 Oct 11:45
Arrival Time: 29 Oct 13:40
Dominica Intl to San Juan Intl (BB4577)
Departure: 08 Nov 14:45
Arrival Time: 08 Nov 16:45
This is random. You pick the date that best fits your schedule.
Yes but it is extremely costly to fly that way and we would still have the inconvenience of having to recheck our bags at every leg of the trip.
Don’t forget, it is also a very useful ready-made excuse should the festival flop.
Dominica cannot depend on Liat only, something else needs to happen or organize. It is so DIFFICULT VISITING DOMINICA! Everyone is so afraid of having their belongings stolen on LIAT,which has happened numberous times. AA was pricey but everything worked out during the years they served Dominca. It is a huge strange travelling to the island. Therefore, when the situation becomes better with air transportation to Dominica, not LIAT. Then a lot of individuals abraod will consider returning for the activities held. LIAT has been this way for so many years. It is shocking that it’s such a big deal right now.
strain*
Why are these people being paid? What exactly is it that they do for the salary they receive? Shouldn’t this guy be saying to us that he and his organisation are putting things in place to ensure that patrons have a smooth journey to and from Dominica? Year after year is the same thing. First off they only star planning for WCMF in August and despite Liat’s history of letting us down, they do nothing about it, even after $8m of tax payers money was gifted to Liat
They keep LIAT in the loop to get a return on their INVESTMENT. Too bad, it is not going to happen. LIAT leaves people in MID AIR because they think people MUST travel LIAT. Hello, we do not, we can go to other places and at a CHEAPER rate.
Maybe a few airline companies with small jets might be interested
Tell LIAT to return DOMINICA’S 8000000
Mr Piper.
Good evening my people. Well Mr Piper since August I have been trying to purchase five tickets to come for the festival. I have no problem getting a flight from NYC to Puerto Rico but I can’t get the connecting flight to Dominica. I tried Seaborne and Liat and its the same problem. Mr Piper you know about this problem but you only telling us now and you expect us to come to the festival. Sir you hold a very important position therefore you should be able to get Liat to add at least two more flights both from Puerto Rico and Barbabos to accommodate visitors from America and England. I have a reservation to rent a vehicle for two weeks but I can’t get a flight. I guest I will be staying home in NYC. Thanks Mr Piper, Liat and Seaborne .
Colin will you please shut your mouth You just don’t think before you talk I always say shut down DDA let The ministry of Tourism take control. Its a waste of money
havent missed Festival Season in 8 yrs … I’ve cancelled my trip and will be spending my time and money in Turks n Caicos…chilling on the beach. So Sad about that but I cant risk the frustration its not good for my health.
my trip cancelled and the 100 persons who usual come to Dominica for the festival is also cancelled. Dominica I sorry.
on a MAGIC CARPET RIDE….a whole new world….anew fantastic point of view….no one to tell us no….or where to go……and to think we did not need an international airport….changing your tune so fast,eh….Way to go!!!!
What a waste of time, I cannot even go to my own country, too much politics, THE PM and his cronies are putting DA in the gutters, wake up my people, change is a must we need visionary leaders,
You state only politics? What about the crimes/ murders?
You view this political scene as being one-sided. Why blame the PM? Surely you read of the attitude and tactics of the UWP. From what I read, they are solely to be blamed for the political trend in Dominica especially the recent one. Place the blame where it belongs.
Is there an international airport in Dominica that i doesnt know about? Is like we have a choice, What are the other options of travel?
it is sad that we have to come to that point, but is’s true Mr. Piper you can talk to Air BVI to put on more flights, and for those coming from the USA can fly direct into st.Lucia and take the ferry service into Dominica.
The ferry service all the way on the other side of the island. Nobody wants that kind of inconvenience.
Isnt liat a sponsor of wcmf???and you bashing them this way?regardless of the fact…sadddd…
so what if they sponsor the event; its too big for them to manage; “hello”, ah so is now they doing foolishness . take them if u coming and leave the spoken word be.
I think I recall Mr. Colin Piper stating that Dominica does not need an INTL airport.
But today I read his comment and his entire reason for the flight fiascos is because we don’t have an INTL airport.
These gentlemen lack the vision and they are responsible for developing part of our tourism product.
Good point……Which one of them have had the guts to stand up to the PM and make those points or question the PM’s $8M investment in LIAT. inspite of being a member or supported of the DLP.
We see letters being sent to LIAT from various organisation and individuals, where are letters being sent to our PM and PRs. Dealing with the LIAT fiasco is a two-prong attack – LIAT and the PM.
Hit LIAT in their pocket and Remind the PM and PRs that election is coming
No I’m guessing he’ll come out and say to try to come down at least 2 weeks to a month in advance, to ensure you reach on time.
LIAT is de reason why I not coming down!!….welllll, I a little brokes too eh.
very interesting and creative suggestion…I would also add the following options inspired by DFC in order to enhance visitors inflow to Dominica:
1. Teleportation facility (a la Star Trek device)…2 seconds and you teleport straight from San Juan airport to Bay Front
2. Submarine taxi..at least Typhoon class submarine which can board people from all islands and bring to Possy…
3. Rocket rucksack a la James Bond to fly from any island..
4. Use of friendly dragons which can load up to 15 tourists and bring them straight to Dominica
Sounds good? Its the same good as rely on Liat while traveling internationally….
I am using my Tardis. No more hassle with LIAT.
What about the people coming from Barbados? Or is Mr. Piper suggesting we fly to Saint Lucia and then come over? And which airline do we get on in Saint Lucia pray tell?
Fed up of air travel in and out of Dominica
He said take the boat..ha ha. The man is a fool
Mr. Piper, we have a local ferry sitting in Portsmouth harbour waiting for French certification. The boat is in excellent condition and meets international standards. Contract these guys to do direct runs from St. Lucia and Antigua to Dominica at least 4 times a week.
It looks like we may have to start swiming to DA soon!
Well, that is a vote of confidence in LIAT? You hear that Mr. P.M., the company to which you pledged $8 million of our money!
A flying carpet is probably more reliable…….!
Piper I don’t understand you all . So you all have no plans to get other aircrafts to service where Liat can’t make it. This is a total failure there should be plans in place to get other airlines to fly people in from the hubs. So if not this year get up on you all butts and think of next year and years to come. This should be considered in the post mortem.
airsunshine travels from st.maarten,st.thomas,puerto rico and tortola into Dominica.
They need more flights. They only fly in and out of DA twice a week.
Bram Bram!
This is totally ludicrous !!!!
This is statement is ridiculously laughable! Dominican hav invested $8,000,000.00 in LAT and now we ar being told we must not depend on LIAT. W need answers please. Where was that $8,000,000.00 invested!!!
A Concern Taveller
The question is: how much of the 8 Million actually went to LIAT coffers and how much went elsewhere ? We the people need account of how and where the money was expended. After all, its our money not the PM’ or Gonsalves. But, “Change Must Come” and its on its way..
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Proof read before you post I know you are not that dumb
That would be “concerned”…..
how can u just throw the company under the bus like that Mr. piper. Have you forgotten the prime minister has invested in LIAT?? Only LIAT and Seaborne the people can rely on. You are not a business man, because I am sure if your company was in the gutters you would like help to bring it back up.
This LIAT thing is doing my head in knowing that I am due to travel to Dominica next month.
People paying their money to travel with LIAT is not free and we should get the service that we are paying for.
Amen!
The problem is they don’t have enough competition.
What you can do is to get Jetblue and Spirit Airlines to do flights from MIAMI TO Dominica
And where do you propose the plane lands?
In the sea. Lol.
allu can have all the meetings allu want with Liat. When the day comes we will see if it was really worth it. LIAT has to make the xtra effort to to stand by it’s word in this time of WCMF. LIAT needs to show reliability to gain back it’s respect. They say heads need to role and all sort of thing. Whatever happens happens but they need to show “reliability”. They can change staff or not but reliability is key!
Piper we are in the of September and it is only now you realise that the issues relating to LIAT will be a detriment to the most important event in DA.
I am afraid it is toooooooo late. A great of people have decided against travelling to DA because of LIAT or are travelling alone without their family.
You need to know how whether the airlines and sea ferries will be providing extra services before and during the event, so that those that change their mind or still want to visit DA during that period can still do so.
SO PIPER GET YOUR FINGERS OUT TO INCREASE THOSE VISITOR NUMBERS!!!!!!!!
wat a shame. we have to depend on other islands for travelling in and out of Dominica. what a shame.
What a bunch of inept people in this country. From those who did not push forward with the UWP”s plan to construct an international airport to those who invested millions in Melville Hall – crap port.
When will Dominicans take the initiative and invest. The Chinese love Dominica so much force them to invest in an international airport!
Look around the region. We are being left behind. wveey year we hide behind the ” comforting words”. How can we sustain an international airport?” When the capital cost increase every year?”
Soon the only access to Dominica will be via the Internet, helicopter or ferry!
OR BUILD YOUR OWN BOAT/RAFT
nonesense!!!
dont really have much of a choice … smh
Colin thanks for saying that after people purchased tickets and LIAT has already changed my flight sighting that the 3PM direct flight from PR is no longer in operations.
I posed the question of the fact that it is peak period and having one flight from San Juan is not feasible but I got no response. In your communication to LIAT please ask them:
1) How do they plan on accommodating 2 flights into 1 the week of festival because everyone on my 3PM flight got emails and was transferred to the 3:25 flight instead.
2. Also, I would like to know what are their accommodations in the event they are late on the return back from DA and the flight is missed because they also changed the departure time from Dominica to PR.
The customer service professionals could not answer my questions so I hope on behalf of your committed travelers to DA for the festival you are able to get us answers.
The other options are just not feasible. Seaborne is full, who wants to take a 5 plus hour flight then hassle to the ferry terminal to take a boat? What about those who get sea sick? Really!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Injecting 8 million dollars into LIAT should boost service and not create further complications.
SO MUCH FOR YOUR VISION OF BRINGING IN 75,000 VISITORS TO DOMINICA.
piper I honestly believe that deep consideration should be given to the entrance fee for WCMF. Am I the only one who think that $150.00 is way too expensive for a ticket to see Five acts or so in a given night? I think to attract more persons thr ticket should at least be $90 in order to attract person in and out of Dominica. Already that LIAT debacle is a threat to sales altogether. Make the Price more appealing to us so that more persons can attend. After all …we still have to purchase eats and drinks inside of the venue. It could be a win win situation for all parties involved. #justmy2cents sir
You do have a great point. It is all to do with visitor experience – Flying, Ferrying, accommodation, ticket prices, purchasing goods in DA. The value of all these items are important for Organisers in DA to take note of. As the cost of one item has an impact on the others, so getting the balance right is quite crucial in anyone’s decision making. In view of these costs it is choice between going to DA for the event of going somewhere else which may cost less, is more satisfying and takes less time in travelling.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Mr Piper, please advise how we can travel from the UK to Dominica in less time than it takes to reach Australia not using Liat.
Try going via France to Guadeloupe. It may cost a little more, but it is worth it. I understand the service is quite satisfying vir Air France and then take the ferry to DA.
HOPE THAT HELPS
IF not Liat then who?
What other options do people wishing to visit Dominica have besides LIAT?
You seem to be playing as if you do not know; you were the one who claimed you were going to St. Kitts to make arrangement to get people to come to Dominica, via St. Kitts, on some mystery aircraft, or voodoo means.
What happen to that plan.
It is times like these Colin that every Dominican come to their senses, and realize how backward we are in Dominica; it is in times like these we come to realize how essential it is for us to build an International Airport, unless you are going to suggest to the government that without an International Airport, it might be a waste of time to organize such events on the island.
You are wasting your time and breath, since you know that there are no alternatives to LIAT, which the government has ordained to be so!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
I agree with you sir! These backward people that keep saying Dominica doesn’t need an international airport. Look at where they are. They have a so- called WCMF and and cannot guarantee access!
Well Mr.Piper,at least tell of some of the options travellers may have,since some people are not as internet savvy as others to know what to do or have someone who can help them in that line……..But again,aren’t the options very few and in between.What a bunch of CROCKERS!!!!
They should try to extend the ferry service to other islands like Antigua & Barbados, because from these islands you are forced to take Liat there is no other alternative.
But is LIAT we have Colin!!! We invest 8 Million Dollars into that rubbish airline! so we ought to and have to utilize them!!!!!!!!!
What about the artists are you guys prepared to fly them in A WEEK in advance of their peformance.
What about the Ferry service that is supposedly owned by a local from Portsmouth? If the gentleman do have the service and need help it maybe prudent to give him the full support to get the ferry service going. Instead of shoring LIAT who we think is “to big to fail” let us push Hummingbird air into operation with bigger aircraft.
Piper watch out what you say,remember skerro have 8 million invested,you suppose to promote the man money.
Piper you need to start working for your salary and go hold discussions with all those airlines to ensure that there will be adequate flights to bring the patrons in for the festival. SO if they need to add additional flights or whatever it can be arranged in advance.
Liat we all know that,Piper you guys are asleep,once liat continues to operate out of antigua it will continue to be a mess,i can never travel this airline again,and antigua is a waste of time,the customer service rep and liat have no training and they are rude,da people rise up boycott liat.
we need a ferry for Antigua to Dominica can someone invest this time would be a perfect beginning .wish there was one i would have make it to the festival but am not taking any chance with lait i need my job when am back
After you all gave them eight million plus, you telling us we can’t depend on them find other means of travel? Look a backward place….Tell Liat we the people of Dominica demand that they pay us back every last cent…..
We need that money back. We can use that money to extend operating hours at the ferry stations during the festival. Liat give us our money back please
Eh-eh doh blame piper for that one!
Blame the incompetent people / minister who gave LIAT the money despite being warned by the economic advisors that was a baaaaddddddd move. I eh calling no name because today is not carnival monday. But by now they all are aware that “Change Must Come” and that is very,berry, berry soon.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Well said!!!!! I agree 100%.
I AGREE!!!!
Hmmmmm Piper you almost sound apologetic on LIAT’s behalf when they not apologetic for themselves. And by the way you said don’t depend on LIAT alone… and the options are?
I love my country, I will always support, however sometimes I wonder about some of the people that are in positions to make major decisions…SMDH…