Future of Canefield Airport thorny

The Canefield Airport

The future of Canefield Airport remains a  thorny issue for the authorities here who have indicated that they are examining options to try to ensure that the small facility on the outskirts of the capital Roseau is made viable.

The Chairman of the Dominica Air and SeaPort Authority – DASPA, Dermot Southwell, has admitted that the stalemate situation at Canefield “is posing a financial challenge to DASPA”.

There are no regular flights at the tiny airport which had been very popular with air travelers wanting to avoid the long inland route to their homes when coming in or leaving via the larger Melville Hall Airport.

“The traffic (or lack of) does not permit it to be a viable operation, yet we have to discuss with government ways and means of maintaining Canefield Airport if they so desire to keep the airport open,” Southwell said.

He disclosed that it was costing DASPA well over $1-million to keep the airport open.

Southwell said the challenge was to find funds to maintain Canefield Airport which he acknowledged could prove important in the case of an emergency “in case there is a blockade on the highway to Melville Hall, we realize that Canefield would have to spring into action and be there for continued air services into Dominica”.

According to DASPA CEO Benoit Bardouille, the traffic at Canefield at the moment is down to Fedex and DHL services and two small aircraft using the facility on a weekly basis.

Liat’s decision to move all its service to Melville Hall Airport put a serious dent into problem-plagued Canefield.

“Any air traffic controller will tell you that Canefiel d has its own challenges of landing on either end of the runway at Canefield with the cross-winds that you have,” Bardouille explained while speaking on a programme on state-owned  DBS on Thursday.

He has admitted that DASPA “is not too sure” what is going to happen to the Canefield Airport.

However Bardouille, Southwell and other key officials say they are trying to find ways to make the strategically-located facility viable, a challenge they acknowledge is a tough one to overcome.

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94 Comments

  1. Civic
    August 29, 2013

    Best thing for there is a drag strip.

  2. Carl
    July 27, 2013

    I’m a pilot from Martinique.
    Indeed the big problem with Canefield Airport (DCF)in my opinion is the approach: It becomes very dangerous by windy days, even when the sky is clear, to land an aircraft in Canefield. You have strong turbulence and crosswind in altitude, windshear on final.
    So I understand why air carriers leave this airport for Melvill Hall Airport (DOM).

    It’s not exactly the same problem in St Lucia: G. Charles (SLU) close to Castries is not particularly dangerous. The problem is about the fact that large aircrafts (from US, UK, …) can’t operate in this Airport. And as Dominica, the largest Airport in St Lucia (UVF) is far from the economic area.

  3. John
    July 26, 2013

    Put up large fans on the mountain to blow the crosswinds away from the runway.

  4. John
    July 26, 2013

    Make Canfield a helicopter airport for tours around the island and to pick up passengers at Melville Hall and ferry them to Roseau. The Terminal area can also be turned into a nice hotel.

  5. TRUTH
    January 9, 2012

    TURN IT INTO A RACETRACK! HOST EVENTS WEEKLY TO MAKE $$$$. USE THE RACETRACK FUNDS TO ENHANCE MELVILLE HALL & CANFEILD WHILE RELIVING THE STRESS FROM DA DRIVERS THAT LIKE TO DRIVE CARS N MOTORCYCLES FAST. OTHER ISLANDERS CAN ALSO PARTICIPATE IN RACES/EVENTS, THIS WILL CREATE EMPLOYMENT AND GIVE A BOOST TO THE ECONOMY. THE AIRFEILD COULD STILL BE USED FOR EMERGENCY LANDING IF NECESSARY.

  6. super boy
    January 7, 2012

    LOOK AT A GRANDPA AIRPORT AND ALL U SAYING THAT BEAUTIFUL

  7. big j
    January 7, 2012

    Embe weh . That good for them chip head torrist let them make belmashe from canefield to roseau and to them airport secuirty. It so duh have nothing to do down there all they do at that airport is mind people damm bussniss !!!!!.

  8. joe
    January 7, 2012

    make it a sea port .add some very nice duty free boutiques .dont forget to add a few restaurants

    • BGI
      January 7, 2012

      That is a great idea

  9. oh gosh
    January 6, 2012

    Canefield Airport is, like many things in Dominica, a big mistake. Poor planning, and no consideration for future expansion of the facility are a common problem that plague Canefield Airport and many other projects here in Dominica. A Cruise village would be ideal for the site if done properly but with today’s world economy and tourism on a global decline, do we really need to invest money into a industry that is currently not profitable?

  10. santa lucie
    January 6, 2012

    i am st lucian and it seems that canefield and our smaller airport called GFL Charles has similar circumstances surrounding its use,its location/beachside/proximity to capitals etc.. as regards canefield it should be an extention of roseau or either a cruise dock/ marina and a mix of commercial and entertainment hub.. much like st lawrence gap in barbados or rodney bay in st.lucia… that would create opportunities for hotel developers to see it as a viable avenue to boost their pockets and dom as a whole.

    these airports are just white elephants… not making any money and its in prime locations with the capacity to seel for millions of dollars ..we just have backward govs in the region thats it no vision no innovation… i want dom to make a huge impact in the region perhaps that is the way to go with canefield surely the rest of the caribbean will notice

    • St lucia to the Bone
      January 7, 2012

      if you are really from st lucia like i am you would know the airport is called UVF and SJU …i have no idea where u got that airport from

  11. fatty batty
    January 6, 2012

    PLEASE PLEASE,dont close the doors one day we may well need it in the case of an emergency.i always enjoy landing and taking off just a few up grades and the place is brand new again.

  12. January 6, 2012

    future of canefield airport “up in the air”
    not thorny. have a sense of humour

  13. LOL
    January 6, 2012

    Are we confused in this country? On Monday 13th December,2010 the Minister of Port Mr Blackmoore said in an article posted here on DNO that plans ARE underway to transform the Canefield Airport into a cruise village.
    https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/all-news/tourism/canefield-airport-to-be-transformed-into-cruise-village-blackmoore/

    • vo5
      January 6, 2012

      You are so right. I was wondering what is going on. These guys just talk. What are the planning people doing? Why are these people in charge so dispersed? Why are their ideas so far from each other?

    • Anonymous
      January 6, 2012

      How long will that plan take? millions of dollars, as the article noted, are being lost year by year. since the statement was made, up until now, there’s no induction(s)that the plan, which he talk about in an interview 12 months or more ago, has been followed through, at any rate in it’s preliminary stages. I think this was just party propaganda in order to, i think, let the people be aware that they are properly behind everything, so to speak– it’s nothing but political rhetoric, i think it’s easy to sift between earnest talk and equivocations.

  14. Holiday
    January 6, 2012

    CHUPES!!!!! … get rid of Canefield… start building Houses or just expand the industrial area down there… focus on making Melville hall more accessible to larger airplanes which would boost the economy … smh.. its becoming real pathetic …

  15. Staring at Ignorance
    January 6, 2012

    My opinion

    :-| Some people are so blind to reality.

    I applaud those who took the time to think of alternatives to the facility.
    It is true that its not viable, but is it a hunk of …??

    One Only Knows its True Value when:

    *They consider on its Proximity to the Capital.

    *They think of a future with investors who would enjoy the
    splendor of air access through port so close to the town.

    *There small businesses loses a few customers (from private flights)
    who prefer entering through this port of entry.

    *They will need to transport extremely valuable goods.
    (Money between Banks)

    *There is excessive mass of damage to infrastructur
    (our road network to hit the nail on the dot)

    *There is a disaster that requires mass evacuation.

    *Their loved one has to be evacuated for IMMIDIATE
    MEDICAL ATTENTION.

    Thats just to name a few.

    Instead of focusing to much on the negative as a people, why not think
    of ways to assist in making the facility a viable one without altering
    the benifits that we have so far.
    We have a lot of intelligent businessmen in the country.
    A few could spend some time thinking and exploring the possibilities.

    Consider a few:

    *A locally owned Airline
    (hopefully our people are patriotic enough to support)

    *A mini courier Service to assist hucksters in transporting our
    local produce to our neighbours.

    *A light aircraft repair and servicing location
    which also provides a cheaper supply of aviation fuel
    (AVgas to be more specific)

    *An Aviation School
    (students will do most of the landing and takeoff
    training at Melville Hall since the wind factor does not necessarily favour this,
    however other forms of training can be done along the west coast)

    *A mini mart or store branch included with the facility.
    The locationg is definitely a plus. Persons who travel should know
    that all airport facilities seems to be more of a shopping mall than a port.

    and this is just the brains of one individual.
    Think of what wonders a few heads together can do.

    My opinion

  16. Papa Way
    January 6, 2012

    WHERE’S CHINA ON THIS???

    Here’s an opportunity to squeeze something out of the Chinese who are so apt at taking stuff ‘quietly’ from us.

    If crosswinds at Canefield are an issues let’s re-claim land from the sea – and it’s easier to do on the Caribbean Sea side of the island – extended or re-work the runway and get a viable second airport up and running. Have a nose around a few engineering websites and see what the CHINESE have done in terms of land reclamation or if you’re privileged enough take a trip to HONG KONG or visit DUBAI and see what’s been done there.

    FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE MY PEOPLE PERISH…alas!

  17. January 6, 2012

    What is the real story here?
    1.Is the canefield airport too dangerous because of croos-winds and therefore too risky to be continued?
    2.Is it too costly at 1M a year? Can cost be reduced? Or, can income be improved?
    3.Is 1M unreasonable for a spare or some kind of alternative in times of need or urgency?
    These are some of the questions which should be raised in a series of scientific analyses such as SWOT and others…Publish your findings before making a decision about maintaining it or not.
    If the decision is to close it, however, start immediately thinking of one of the million viable projects that could be suitable for this site.

  18. Tourist
    January 6, 2012

    This is an outstanding area to develop for tourists with 1) a small marina
    2) an upmarket hotel
    3) upmarket restaurants
    4) bars and cafes
    5) duty free shops etc.
    In a word, create something where tourists can hang out and spend some money in Dominica.

  19. Nunya
    January 6, 2012

    Ok. Let me just say this. You see the airstrip? That can be used for touring vessels like the coasters etc to drive in and enough room to entice tourists. I find that in Bayfront, when the ship(s)is/are in, most of bayfront street is blocked. It becomes a restricted area and vehicles have to divert. WHEREAS if they just bring down that little fence at the end of the strip by the Call Centre side and put up a gate, the airstrip can be used solely for the touring drivers. Plus even with an influx of people coming from the ships, the area won’t seem too crowded. And yes I said ships again for those asking if cruise ships have wings. The sea is deep enough for a ship to dock in. A pier, perhaps more than one, can be built and voila. Now, on the other hand, the usual entrance to the airport from the main road, has sufficient room for local buses to either park or to allow an easy flow of thru traffic for just pick-up and drop-off passengers (for those tourists whose interests are to go to town and just do some walking in town) as there exists more than one entrance to the airport terminal. Ok I hope most of you get the big picture of how viable an option that can be. There is also extra packing area by the fire station close to the school. Now that’s just my five cents. Ciao.

  20. anonymous2
    January 5, 2012

    There are planes that can cope with the cross winds. Instead of spending money on a palace, spend it on either pushing back the sea, like St. Maarten did in creating its airport, or put an airport on the Portsmouth end of the island, where it should have been in the first place. Melveille Hall was never the best choice because of the mountains.

  21. drag racer
    January 5, 2012

    this could be a good option for a drag strip. Dominican’s should consider this.

  22. Gr8
    January 5, 2012

    Extend the airport to lespoint in massacre and graze animals in Melville hall.

  23. tc
    January 5, 2012

    It’s about time guys like southwell take bow and make way for young blood we are in the age of new technology. Give the young minds a chance. Please for crying. Out loud.

  24. way out there
    January 5, 2012

    Amillion dollars annually is alot to lose. It may be time to call it a day, as convenient as it may be. They really need to start stream-lining Dominica’s expenditure. Thats money that could be used to pay public workers or other monthly bills.
    I’m baised to the drag strip idea, but realistically, I would probably use the area to develop a Las Vegas style strip with beach front. Maybe a possible marina or duty free zone. There are endless possibilities.

  25. Voice
    January 5, 2012

    We can use Canefield airport as speed way

  26. CITIZEN
    January 5, 2012

    SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!

    What about the TOURIST VILLAGE CONCEPT? Has this been shelved?

    Alternatively, could consideration be given to converting thhe Canefield Airport area to either of the following:

    1. A state of the art Convention Center – to comfortablly seat and serve at least 500 people with elegance?

    2. People still enjoy movie going. Could this space be converted to a multi-screen cinema with relevant shops/boutiques/ restaurants/ bar/ arcade / other fun and legitimate day and evening business/ entertainment activities with pleasant green spaces / proper sanitary facilities with the relevant parking / security facilities?

    3. There is still much “hew and cry” about a proper “open” and classy entertainment space for events – i.e music; theatre etc.

    Any real investors out there?!

    Is the property available for a lease arrangement; or a lease to purchase arrangement.

    And while we are on this … can the Sisserou Hotel be invested in and converted to a Hotel to be managed by the Hospitality Team of the Dominica State College. This is another “white elephant” with so much potential.

    JUST SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT!

    Thanks for the space.

  27. ROSEAU.
    January 5, 2012

    Just think of having to maintain an international airport? Little Canefield airport ,big white elephant causing tax payers and the country one million dollars. why not explore the building of our first five star hotel at that location and push back the sea to build another cruise ship base we can throw a casino in there too. that would certainly be moving to the next level.We want it now.

  28. Forkit
    January 5, 2012

    skerro why dont you mke canefield a tourist village with about 4 wharves which can accomodate 4 boats. place small but attractive vending stalls on both sides of the runway so you can move the venders there.. imaging how much money the bus drivers would make by shuttling the tourist to roseau along with other tourist sights…
    but i guess everything have to be roseau and portsmouth

  29. dominican
    January 5, 2012

    close down melville too ’cause like canefield it also has a wind issue where liat will not land at nights if the wind is higher than 10 knots – wat a situation

  30. hi
    January 5, 2012

    Convert the Canefield into a shopping mall!!
    That would really uplift the area.

  31. hagana
    January 5, 2012

    oh guys try and get this airport fixed please,this is perfect u r just 1 min from town

    • L. Waldron
      January 5, 2012

      it’s not about fixing ,there is no traffic.

  32. Time
    January 5, 2012

    this is a classic example of the policy makers and so call Pros in Dominica, what a joke, no where under planet earth where folks are brilliant do they tend to not shoot straight and call it as it..

    we often wonder why over the decades Dominica hasnt risen to the standards of its our sis and bros in the region

    the above story is factual about the mind set of this nation, how timid and lack of upper level standards and vision period.

    simple if something aint good or isnt working what does one do living in planet earth who can read and write…

    govts and change but im never convince Dominica will rise to the highest order and be a beacon or respect in terms of its focus and development levels across the board

    facts take that to the Bank!

    • Anthony Ismael
      January 5, 2012

      Why are we afraid to make bold decisions in Dominica? The land of my birth is suffering from fear. It is time to listen to our people.
      Additionally, the government should hold public forums or town-hall style meetings to obtain input from our local citizens. We are part of the solution too.

    • Kucolukes
      January 6, 2012

      Not so fast Time. Your check might bounce, “If something aint good or isnt working”, you have two options, fix it or throw it. I think they are trying to do the later.
      Just think, if Canefield was closed, and there were some volcanic activity some where in the interior, the only means of mass evacuation is via the sea. So it might make some sense to actually re-look at Canefield airport with the idea to make it viable.
      1. They can negotiate with other airlines using the twin otter planes to fly into Cane field.
      2. They can reclaim the land from the sea to expand it. (Chinese and Japanese would be good candidates for this)
      3. They can look at realigning the Air strip.
      And these are just two options.

  33. sexy Balaw
    January 5, 2012

    Since Canefield airport is about halfway from Chances at Jimmit it could be good to have it as a halfway house to hold those who are rejected at chances and have nowhere to go as well as those coming from chances and have nowhere to go.

  34. dominican
    January 5, 2012

    there are ways in which canefield airport is very useful in terms of convenience, furthermore i think wat the gvt needs to do is spend on restructring the airport which strengthening and lengthen the runway on runway 19 by a few metres>> also widening it, expand the ramp and expanding the terminal…also putting new navigational devices for the aircrafts.. eg..DME,ILS beacons etc… i think canefield is still a very good airport, we just need to make good use of it, bringing in more flights.. lets take this airport seriously

    • iwannabeapilot
      January 5, 2012

      it is useful indeed, but its the approach into runway 19 that is a bit tricky due to the crosswinds faced upon final as well as the church and the hills in so close proximity to the glide slope. I don’t think expansion would be too beneficiary seeing as both runway 1 and 19 have severe obstacles hindering both ends.

    • Anthony Ismael
      January 5, 2012

      Really? Canefield sucks as an airport.It cannot be expanded because of the many homes within the vicinity of possible expansion.

    • hmmmmmm
      January 6, 2012

      ys it might be useful but with the cross winds tht the sea is providing tht will be affecting flights and will pose the biggest danger. as a firefighter i cant understand why the airport ws constructed tht way knowing tht cross winds do affect flights and could be deadly.

    • DFGG
      January 6, 2012

      ILS ???
      Do you really know what’s an ILS ?
      what are U talking about !

      Lot of large airports don’t even have ILS; can’t afford it ( Antigua, St Lucia, St Marteen…)

      Canefield issue is a serious one ; it is not viable and at the same time, closing it would bring DA back 30 years

    • LOL
      January 6, 2012

      And what should they do about the dangerous creoss winds?????????

  35. jersey domnican
    January 5, 2012

    i think canefield area is a nice place where they build a mall and and and get investors for a hotels or apt building

  36. January 5, 2012

    Canefield can be viable. Dominica should get in touch with the gentleman ,Webb,from Trinidad who certifies airport in the region. Southwell is right if there is a disaster , travelling to melville may not be viable. In a disaster stuff have to get to people etc. Canefield can be made viable by extension and allow larger planes to land. The chinese can help also.

  37. warma
    January 5, 2012

    when you’re in a hole you need a ladder, not a shovel. Canefield has been economically draining for far too long – these resources can be put to better use at Melville Hall. Close this white elephant down and free up the land for something like a business park. Companies in North America and Europe are out-sourcing jobs, in particular customer service oriented jobs (Clear Harbour is a perfect example). Let’s try to pull some our way. But to do that, you must have the facilities in place first. You cannot go up to a company and ask them to move a part of their customer service department to Dominica and when they tell you ok lets do it, what you going to tell them – OH you have to put up the building first? They will laugh at you. We have all these young people coming out from DSC with an education focused in business – this is perfect for them to start off in life. Let’s do it.

  38. T. Winston
    January 5, 2012

    Turn it into a racetrack so the highway to Canefield won’t be. Another stadium could also be built there considering the size. Or sell it alltogether to investors so they can create a large mall. I like the airport there but from what I hear pilots don’t and we’re entering into an age where larger planes are being built not smaller one’s and the airport can’t really be extended so closing it isn’t a bad Idea however we could keep it open and have a charter plane from melville hall to canefield take passengers for gas money basically I would think if you could fill an entire plane with people for a 5 minute flight to town they’d appreciate it more than the hour plus drive but I suppose alot of Taxi men wouldn’t like that.

  39. January 5, 2012

    it take time for somebody to see the light on cane field that was just a wast of money just a big wast

  40. west coast guy
    January 5, 2012

    ALTHOUGH I HAVE NO COMFIDENCE IN THE CEO/MANAGER OF DASPA.
    A MAN THAT HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF AIR SERVICES ITS INTRESTING TO HAVE HIM SPEAK ABOUT AIR SERVICES. I WOULD LIKE THE GOVERNMENT TO LIST THE CANEFIELD AIRPORT TO THE CHINESE FOR THER EMBASSY.

    • BRING IT ON !!!
      January 5, 2012

      damn goat lease not list , its time we d/can stop writing the way we speak :oops: come on ppl the world is reading here, sit not seating omg come on now ,

  41. Hmmm
    January 5, 2012

    Well well well hello folks great ideas but as i understand Dominica does not have the money to fix canefield airport, crying about the maintenance you think they have money to put a new plaza there or a bowling alley a resort lol ( i wish i could find a roll your eyes smiley) seriously….. I think the airport is in a good location minus the cross winds, its near to the central which makes it very convenient for persons coming to visit Dominica especially places like laudat and trafalgar (do you realize how long it takes to get to laudat from Melville hall? no lights swerving roads hello) I think they should shut it down and revamp the whole airport it doesnt have to be huge just decent looking and have the necessary facilities in order to be called an actual airport.

    • Anthony Ismael
      January 5, 2012

      It’s location makes it prone to cross winds. This safety issue will not change. It is a death trap waiting to happen. With traffic, it takes about an hour to get to JFK whenever I travel.
      So traveling from Laudat or Roseau South is not an issue if we have good roads with illumination at night.

    • January 6, 2012

      Cainfield costing D’ICANS money then shut it down and put it up for sale it would make a very good night club with guest rooms it would be a private and personal place we dont have a special night club in D’ICA next to the sea it would be fantastic place and maybe that would stop the GOVT ministers from going out of the ISL:AND to other Countries to party

  42. 22
    January 5, 2012

    is a good idea to make it the habour fo rthe ships instead of in town..cause when tourists
    are here there is always a congestion in traffic..so let them stay in canefield. at least there are two roads out of canefield the congestion will lessen.

  43. Dee
    January 5, 2012

    much better written stories! i like!

  44. yah man
    January 5, 2012

    turn it into a drag strip, so man can come race legally on it…..

    • Aalas
      January 5, 2012

      thats the best thing they could do instead of complaining of people racing on the road turn it into a race strip

    • Anonymous
      January 5, 2012

      Great idea!!!!!

  45. A Voice
    January 5, 2012

    Man, I don’t know about other people but I used to love landing in Canefield instead of Melville Hall. It was just so convenient.

    However I do understand the risks involved in operating the airport.

    That whole area there including the airport and the beaches is prime real estate that is there for developing. The stadium that was there should have never been destroyed.

  46. am just saying
    January 5, 2012

    convert the canefield airport into a car park.with the influx of vehicles we have coming in now we definitely need a good parking lot and trust me this venture can and will generate income.

    • idea
      January 5, 2012

      with shuttles to town.

  47. caricom
    January 5, 2012

    Closed the airport and put a new modern city there, bring in new investor and create opportunity for the people in Dominica. Do what SVG is going to do, they already graph and create a plan for a new city, when they closed and open there new international airport. So I think the Government should find productive ideas for canfield airport , if they can’t find ways ask the public…

    • !!!
      January 5, 2012

      is that a city? where dogs roam free ,dog poo all ove,r no public restroom , no parking , :mrgreen:

  48. Dominican Abroad
    January 5, 2012

    I am a proud dominican leaving abroad and would love to come home more frequently,but I just cannot take the long ride from Melville Hall, and while visitng in October for Creol Festival, I heard the same concerns being echoed. Something needs to be done.

    • Rabbit Ears
      January 5, 2012

      If you are LEAVING abroad, my guess is you are returning home. Therefore your argument that you are not coming home because of the ride from Melville Hall when you started by saying you were LEAVING abroad sounds contradictory.

      • Dominican
        January 5, 2012

        Maybe I should clarify, I guess after travelling from far, and having to switch planes, then the long ride,made it a bit triring.Unfrotunately,we were told that we had to pass the longer route due to road work, and its ok, dont see the contradictory there?? I am sure the drive will be alot better when the roads from portsmouth are done. All good.

      • !!!
        January 5, 2012

        damn farse!!! leaving abroad the word is living my goodness

    • Anonymous
      January 5, 2012

      i lived in the states and it take me an 1 1/2 hr to get home so what.go to sleep or enjoy the ride. you’ve been away for so long enjoy the sight.

    • vo5
      January 6, 2012

      Melville Hall airpotr is like an hour from Roseau, most places to get home from the airport is a longer drive and the scenery is nothing compared to the beautiful rain forest. Poor excuse.
      Best you say that you can’t afford the taxi.

  49. Gee
    January 5, 2012

    Wowwww A difficult decision????
    Losing 1 million yearly for an airport that’s hardly being used?

    What hell is wrong with us in this country!!

    Shut the airport down!!! Lease it to someone, a company BUT let us not be losing A MILLION DOLLAR EVERY YEAR!!!!

    GOD MAN LET’S WAKE UP!!!!

    • Anthony Ismael
      January 5, 2012

      Amen brother! Amen!

  50. thinking
    January 5, 2012

    Then let the cruise ships come in there instead.

    • Rabbit Ears
      January 5, 2012

      That would make a perfect landing strip for cruise ships. We would not even need a deep water harbour.

    • warma
      January 5, 2012

      Just read this comment – that’s a great idea too. whatever they decide to do, that airport sits on prime development land, and it should be developed into something that brings income to Dominica.

    • Voice From The North
      January 5, 2012

      I didn’t know cruise ships had wings!!!

      • Kucolukes
        January 6, 2012

        You really not smart for that nah.

  51. Rabbit Ears
    January 5, 2012

    This is not rocket science. To be viable, there must be regular service into the airport – either scheduled flights or frequent charters, a flight school or other such entity.

    What other activity can they attract to Canefield, a drag strip? If they don’t have sufficient flights into Canefield, they should shut it down and put that $1m into better use. The people of Dominica cannot afford to be flushing down $1m down the drain every year.

  52. Anthony P. Ismael
    January 5, 2012

    Here’s the Canefield Airport Solution for all to see:
    1.Discontinue flights into this nightmare of an airport because of dangerous cross-winds and the inability of larger aircraft to land there.
    2.Start working with developers to find suitable ventures that would replace this money losing pit. I can think of several viable projects that would work well:
    a) An all-inclusive hotel with modern conference room facilities
    b)Housing, a modernized movie theatre, and indoor entermaintment facilities.
    c) A public park complete with lawn-tennis facilities so that youth outside the Roseau area have proper recreational facilties to engage in positive behavior.
    This is just a sampling of what could replace Canefield Airport.

    • AmazingFace
      January 5, 2012

      Bowling Alley. :lol:

      • LMAO
        January 5, 2012

        Damn good idea and it would be great for families and those youth’s who are just bore into making mischief.

    • Anubis
      January 5, 2012

      great idea indeed but when there is a blockade to melville hall airport….what is going to happen? the entire island will be in shutdown mode?

      • Anthony Ismael
        January 5, 2012

        I know the road to Melville Hall quite well. I have been privy to the work that is being done in the Belles area and based on what I’ve seen the chances of landslides blocking the road has ben significantly reduced.
        Much of the cliff face has been stepped, and the road has been widened.

    • MewMew
      January 5, 2012

      Fantastic ideas! Please submit those to the government.

  53. ??????
    January 5, 2012

    He was the manager of melvilhall airport in the 70s.

  54. amethyst
    January 5, 2012

    If all else fails,as far a keeping the airport alive convert the area into a modernized shopping plaza/mall with movie theatre, and gym or yacht haven marina.My idea may be criticized,but at least I’m just saying.

    • Voice From The North
      January 5, 2012

      I didn’t know cruise ships had wings!!!

      • Voice From The North
        January 5, 2012

        Sorry for that comment. It was meant as a response to “thinking” and his/her cruise ship idea.

  55. Tutut
    January 5, 2012

    First of all this is what is wrong with Dominica,these old men and their stale ideas have no foresight. What is Dermott doing on any board? What does this man know about Airport & Seaport management and how to make Canfield Airport a vibrant and income generator for Dominica.

    • TeteMorne I from...
      January 5, 2012

      Well give them your foresight nuh? Canefield Airport is a devastating accident waiting to happen! They should keep it going just in case…..

    • AmazingFace
      January 5, 2012

      Oh well, if you know better instead of lambasting Southwell and “those old men”, I would have expected you to put forward some viable ideas. You are part of the problem, not the solution.

    • Peeping Tom
      January 5, 2012

      and, how does your attack on “these old men” and “Dermott” help resolve what is a major issue for Dominicans.

      You see, Tutut, THE problem is not that some people are actually thinking about and trying to build D/ca. No, Tutut. THE problem is that there are too many persons critcising, denigrating, and destroying those who are actually trying. We use valuable energy to destroy instead of buiilding. So, in esssence, we allow negativty to sap our energies and we remain underdeveloped. THAT, Tutut, is “what is wrong with Dominica!”

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