“Blackmoore and DLP dead wrong” – Prevost fires back

Blackmoore (left), PrevostEditor’s note: Below is the response of Norris Prevost, Member of Parliament for Roseau Central, to Minister of Public Works Rayburn Blackmoore’s claims that the UWP did not leave any money to build an international airport in Dominica.

“Mr Blackmoore’s claims that UWP did not leave money (EC$108-million) for the construction of a new airport, or that the airport designed by Stanley and Planning on Runaway “G” would not meet ICAO standards or would not be an all weather airport, are dead wrong and misleading,” member of Parliament for Roseau Central Norris Prevost has said.

According to Prevost, who was Minister of Ports under the UWP administration, “Mr. Blackmoore and his Labour Government chose the wrong airport and completely missed the flight in April 2003, when they rejected the motion which I presented to Parliament on behalf of the UWP, asking government to set up a special Committee comprised of Members of Parliament from all three political parties to work with government in arriving at the best short, medium and long term solutions, to Dominica’ critical air access problem.”

Quoting from the motion which he presented to Parliament entitled ‘Re-Examination of Possibility of Constructing the International Airport,’ to be found in the Hansard of Parliament for 28th April 2003, Prevost confirms the work done and  money left by UWP.

The motion reads: “Whereas the Dominica Labour Party, the Dominica Freedom Party, and the United Workers Party all agreed in their 2000 Election Manifesto that an international airport was absolutely vital to Dominica’s medium and long term tourism development, and Dominica overall economic development;

And Whereas all three political parties committed themselves to the construction of an international airport;

And Whereas substantial work had been done by the UWP Government towards the construction of an international airport including, (1) purchasing the land (20 negotiation of 12.5-million Euros (EC$34.5-million) from the European Union and US$20-million from the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC);

And whereas at this moment Government intends to spend the bulk of the 12.5-million euros ($34.5-million) on improving Melville hall Airport;

And Whereas these improvements to Melville hall will only meet the very short term needs of Dominica’s tourism development;

And whereas a large investment in Melville Hall Airport at this stage would make it very difficult for Dominica to economically justify the construction of an international airport for the next 15 years;

Be it therefore resolved that government reconsiders its decision to light Melville hall Airport, and re-examine the possibility of continuing with the international airport.

And be it further resolved that parliament sets up a special Committee comprised of Members of Parliament from all three political parties, to work with govt in arriving at the best short, medium and long term solutions, to Dominica’ critical air access problem.”

Prevost stated that every member of the Labour Government voted against the construction of Dominica’s international airport.

The Halcrow Report confirmed technical feasibility of UWP design

Prevost stated that Stanley and Planning report page 1-5, guidelines and Assumptions, confirm that “ICAO standards apply”; p6-9 confirms runaway “ G” to have 99.85 wind coverage, less severe to moderate terrain problems, moderate excavation, moderate costs, and uninterrupted airport operation.

The technical feasibility of the project is further confirmed by The Halcrow Report, which concludes categorically  p51 “..The scheme remains, however a technically feasible one and has been used as the basis for comparison with the option of upgrading Melville hall”.

“Mr. Blackmoore and the Labour Government’s claims are dead wrong, they are misleading and should be ignored,” Prevost concluded.

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35 Comments

  1. September 19, 2014

    The answer to that lies on mr. Timothy.he has to clear the air.BUT since he has chosen to be part of the corrupt few he will not tespond.mr.Timothy be honest and show the people you are different from the others.speak up.it would only makes you more popular and help your soul.your seat will be sure whether Labour put you off.Be a man of integrity tell it as it is .

    • anonymous2
      September 19, 2014

      He’s not different. He’s a member of the club. Wishful thinking doesn’t change anything.

  2. ANON
    July 27, 2011

    MY CHILDREN NOT GOING TO BE STUCK PAYING FOR NOOOOOO MINISTER LUXURY LIVING…….ANYONE THAT TRYING TO FORCE THAT ON US HAVE TO DRINK
    REDRUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. PREVOST LIES AGAIN!
    July 25, 2011

    What a load of rubbish from the Hon member from Roseau Central. It look like ugly old Prevost has gone senile. Everyone knows the corrupt UWP administration left NO MONEY IN THE TREASURY! So, no point in trying to fool the Dominica people!

    • Scare It
      July 25, 2011

      Read Butcher’s comment and then come again.

  4. Sout Man
    July 25, 2011

    When politicians are only concerned about their ego, the country suffers. Hon. Prevost has presented the differences that existed at the time, but he hasn’t proved that Minister Blackmoore is a liar. Before you jump on me, check this out.

    Minister Blackmoor mentioned that only 7000ft of the 10000ft runway would be used after clearing the terrain. Hon. Prevost admitted to terrain problems when he quoted the report. Thus: “p6-9 confirms runway “G” to have 99.85 wind coverage, less severe to moderate terrain problems”. Folks, they are both saying the same things. One is specific and the other is evasive. But if you do have moderate terrain problems with an airport runway, even boardering on severe, but less so; my dear, you do have trouble.

    But, technically, it is feasible. And that seems to be the straw that Hon Prevost is hanging unto in the Halcrow Report. Being feasible does not mean that it’s the best proposal. Minister Blackmoore admitted that it was feasible when he said that the runway would comfortaby accomodate 737’s but not 787’s. But that Halcrow R eport was in comparism to Melville Hall. Hon Prevost conveniently evaded the superior Gibbs report of 1988, sanctioned by the DFP. Was PM Skerrit, HON Charles Savarin, Speaker Alix Boyd Knight, Ambassador Charles Maynard and Advisors Parry Bellot and Mr. Nassief, all of whom were Freedomites, playing tit for tat payback with UWP for dumping their Gibbs Report in favour of the Planning and Partners Report?

    Both Parliamentarians mentioned the 12.5 million euros. DLP used it on Melville Hall instead. But EC$108 million would still be way short of building an international airport. Why did Hon. Prevost conveniently side-stepped the commercial loan from Trinidad? Did Hon Prevost recognize that the 2003 government was a DFP and DLP coalition? That was already two parties. They chose to leave you out. They were hell bent on implimenting their ideas. We, as the electorate want more cooperation among our elected members especially in matters that will impact our development for many years to come. Personally, I would have liked all the funds geared towards an international airport but Hon. Prevost has not made his case about DLP deception. He is evasive on many issues including the curved approach to his proposed runway. Do I still sound like a parrot? I’ll stop before I go coo coo !!!

  5. Butcher
    July 25, 2011

    In the interest of good journalism I challenge DNO toseek a response from former minister of finance Julius Timothy. After all it is only fair to attain a trhird opinion as at this moment we are dealing with Prevost’s word against Balckmoore’s. It would be very interesting to hear from Tim TIm.
    One can only imagine Timothy’s position – caught between a rock and a hard place. The Labor Party is claiming that the UWP left the treasury empty and stating that the so called allocated fund for the international airport development had been squandered. Isn’t that a direct finger pointing, blaming and ridicule of the former finance minister now minister of Health Julius Timothy?
    Politicians really have no face – how can an educated man like Timothy put himself in such an uncompromising position.

    • anonymous2
      September 19, 2014

      Education has nothing to do with it. Integrity is sorely absent in this administration. Stupid people vote for snake oil salesmen thinking that they will get something. So what have they gotten. Just what they deserve………nothing.

  6. sucks
    July 25, 2011

    thats ignorant factor like a cancer in dominicans..wow even those with degress and so called educated minds have gotten it…

    maybe its because dominica is the nature isle thats causes the citizens to be highly Dump! and content to be in the dark…

    i think dominica is a special case needs…dont think this island will ever get off the blocks..dominicans totaly embrace and accept ALOT OF RUBBISH from their leaders.

    i however fully endorse and back the actions done today in the carib territory…100% we need to throw our surport behind those actions as in the end it will be the winner not just talking and no results..

    congrats on the blockage..would be nice to shut the country down for a few days!!

    keep that always in mind!!

    • anonymous2
      September 19, 2014

      I agree. DNO doesn’t let me vote anymore. Not a democratic operation.

      Admin: If you’re referring to the “thumbs up, thumbs down” feature, try updating your browser or changing browsers, if it doesn’t work for you.

  7. vip
    July 25, 2011

    debates like that we need.And parliament would have been the best place to discuss the peoples business.

    • July 25, 2011

      ISN’T IT JUST AS EFFECTIVE HERE, BUT WITHOUT THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE TRYING TO FRUSTRATE THE VOICE AND THE RIGHTS OF THE OPPOSITION?
      I SAY STAY OUT OF THE HOUSE AND SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE ON THE STREET AND DENY ALIX BOYDE NIGHT HER SOLE REASON FOR LIVING.

    • claudius anthony
      July 25, 2011

      Prevost is out of place and grand standing if he wants to inform the public he should make those pronouncements in the House of Assembly.Before this article appeared I was not aware that Prevost had rebutted Blackmores statement,but had he said so during a sitting of the house I and many other D/cans would have been aware.Prevost stop that nonesense before it is too late

    • wee
      July 25, 2011

      parliament is just a few times of year,,the folks do much more work outside of parl than inside…what are town hall meetings and forums their for…

      think as a society we are too one track minded…debates are extremly healthy and can be discussed in many avenues…not only at parliament….

      thats why….we are badly off..dominicans dont discuss issues on a broad mind set…
      everything dominica does always has more drawbacks than postives….

      think its just a typcial DA mindset to be timid at all levels..

  8. Wenner
    July 25, 2011

    These are Prevost’s words..” And be it further resolved that parliament sets up a special Committee comprised of Members of Parliament from all three political parties, to work with govt in arriving at the best short, medium and long term solutions, to Dominica’ critical air access problem.”

    PREVOST how is this possible when you guys refuse to go to Parliament???

    IS THIS SOME SORT OF GAME PREVOST???

    DNO, Please ask Mr PREVOST this question…don’t let him get away with this one…this is good follow up question in journalism.

    ADMIN: the resolution Prevost is talking about was presented to the house in 2003 when the UWP was still attending parliament. Read the story again.

    • Bull crap
      July 25, 2011

      Poor Wenner cannot read or maybe he just can’t understand what he reads. It is no surprise that so many people are so gullible.

    • July 25, 2011

      THANK YOU ADMIN

    • Wenner
      July 25, 2011

      Damn it ADMIN…I am at work, do you really expect me to be reading PREVOST’s nonsense with kids glove? lol.

      Why is Prevost answering with past resolution?

      An old man always looks at the past for his answers, prevost we need progressive minds.

      DNO you can still ask the man the question…why is he not going to ask these question in Parliament.

    • Papa Dom
      July 25, 2011

      Wenner,at the risk of stating the obvious, Dominica is an English speaking country. Mr Prevost comment is meant to show that this labour administration has/had no intention of building an IA, neither is it serious about working together with others to develop Dominica. Now if you were unable to get that point from the piece above, then I suggest that you go to live in a french speaking country.

  9. Oh Brother
    July 25, 2011

    Is Mr Prevost saying that the EC$34 million is what was left to build the international airport? I don’t see how that small amount could have built the airport at all.

    I need to know whther or not UWP left a large enough source of funds to build the airport. Mr Prevost does not answer that.

    In addition, he did not comment on whether or not a large section of the runway would be left unusable because of the alignment. Mr Prevost, please provide some more detail. I am waiting.

  10. COCOSEC
    July 25, 2011

    Round number two! Let the match continue. You know I really despise when politicians accuse each other of doing nothing. Every one does something. It may not have been signficant or successful but something was done.

    There is a very importantq uestion though; what was done with the funds sourced by the UWP for the airport project? I remember reading from Mr. Blackmoore’s statement that it was used for paying debts etc. Well, itis clear the funds were there so why th denial?

    • ?????????????
      July 26, 2011

      Cocosec where did you read that it was used to pay debts? Please point out to me. I must have missed this.

  11. A.B
    July 25, 2011

    Let me know when this back and forth ends.

  12. July 25, 2011

    Yea man blackmore hold that…U all will fool the ignorant n yall same supporters will turn around and bust ur face

  13. Da
    July 25, 2011

    The DLP Gov’t is “BOYS WITH TOYS” and they don’t even know how to play with these toys.

    • claudius anthony
      July 25, 2011

      Boys with toys all right,but they are playing the game better than you guys. See how long you guys have been on the Skerrit bashing band wagon, and yet you cant even get to first base.It is almost three years every day non stop Monday to Friday and even on Sundays,morning noon and night is SKERRIT.Cant you guys come to your senses and realize that you guys are getting nowhere,fighting a loosing battle and yet Skerrit is winning the war.What part of 18 -3 you guys dont understand.Like Angelo you failed math

  14. bougla
    July 25, 2011

    whats happening with liat and night landing

    • Just saying
      July 25, 2011

      NOt a patat

  15. New Earth Quake
    July 25, 2011

    In Mr. Prevost Rebuttal, I do not see where he points out to us learned citizens where the Monies the UWP left were found.

    He speaks of Monies from the EU and Taiwan, but these do not add up to $108 Million or $124 Million-Not to mention the Commercial Loan from Trinidad.

    What Mr. Blackmoore did not mention was that this loan/bond was defaulted on by the UWP when the very first repayment deadline came in January 2000. Shortly thereafter the UWP was voted out of office.

    Prevost must be suffering from dementia of some sort as his memory is selective and foggy.

    It is good for DNO he chooses to come here and challenge Blackmoore, but his job is in the H.O.A.

    • Conscious
      July 25, 2011

      You are showing your ignorance or being plainly wilful. The fact is the Govts of the Caribbean and the EU had agreed that EURO 12.5 M illion would be alloted to Dominica for airport development under the EU-funded CRIP, and Taiwan had pledged US$20 Million in loans and grants for the airport construction. So, there were monies committed and available. Other financing could be sort by the incoming government through technical assistance and grants from other countries, allocating EU’s bilateral aid to Dominica to the airport project, inviting private sector participation, etc.

      The lands for the airport site was already paid for and the feasibility studies were done. So, the project was being advanced. It was a work in progress and what the incoming government had to do was to seek technical assistance, which would cover a significant chunk of the project cost, and other types of funding (identified above) to bring the project to fruition. Instead the DLP Government went on the premise that they would have to borrow huge sums at market rates to build the airport. It was a wrong premise to start with, and this attitude killed the international airport project.

    • July 25, 2011

      WAIT! I THOUGHT IT WAS THE LABOUR GOVERNMENT THAT DELIBERATELY DEFAULTED ON THE LOAN FROM TRINIDAD?

  16. BullCrap
    July 25, 2011

    well am sure that some blackmore supporter will find a way to justify his lie.This is how you bring out a lair with fact and it seem Mr.provost knew were to find it. Don’t this guys know that by law anything that government does or say in parliament has to be taken down in the record. I did not support you Mr.provost and honestly i don’t see why any of you guys in UWP still even thinking about politics. But fact is fact and this was good to put Mr.Blackmore straight.

  17. linky
    July 25, 2011

    truth to power

  18. deal with dat
    July 25, 2011

    dats wat i like to see in dominica blackmoore tranparence now deal with dat.

    • Jespen
      July 25, 2011

      has the money been made mention of? the 108MMM!!!

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