Douglas supports PM on LIAT

Ian Douglas

Tourism Minister Ian Douglas says he is firmly behind Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s decision to pump millions of dollars into cash-strapped regional air carrier LIAT.

Prime Minister Skerrit’s announcement that Dominica will invest EC$8 million into the airline has been criticized by United Workers Party (UWP) leader Edison James, who called on the prime minister to explain the exact nature of the promised contribution.

Close associate of PM Skerrit, attorney Anthony Astaphan has since explained that Prime Minister Skerrit has decided “in the public interest of this country to invest in LIAT as an equity share holder”..

The government had earlier indicated its intention to fully re-engage with LIAT, the main airline serving Dominica.

Tourism Minister Douglas in defending the decision, said “this year the budget figures will show that tourism will gross in excess of 250 or more million dollars into the Dominican economy”.

“Tourism is the greatest foreign exchange earner and the bulk of that money is maybe even more than that – 65-70 per cent is generated through our stay-over side of the industry that is to say the persons who come in and stay in our hotels and visit our sites and so on and Liat is the main carrier,” he explained.

Douglas said he was speaking on behalf of all the tourism stakeholders in fully supporting the proposed injection of Dominican funds into LIAT.

“I speak on behalf of all the tourism stake holders, I think it’s a brilliant idea and we have to play our part,” the minister said.

UWP’s Edison James wanted to know whether the decision to invest in LIAT was based on any positive projection for the company and what the possible returns would be for Dominica.

Parliamentary opposition leader Hector John in backing the call of his party leader, urged the prime minister to clear the air on that matter in the interest of transparency and proper accountability.

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115 Comments

  1. anon
    June 22, 2012

    I am here shaking my head, trying to figure out how it is that D/a has money to support LIAT, but the AID Bank has no funds available for disbursement to students whom the Gov’t promised scholarships. This same Gov’t says that education is a priority for the citizens of D/a. Now don’t get me wrong, I am one of the people who voted for the Labour Party, however I have to try to figure this one out.

  2. Shameless
    June 22, 2012

    LAYBAR PARWAR!!!

    “A government who fails to heed the cry of its people is doomed to failure”

  3. brois
    June 21, 2012

    the day will come when persons who used state money to enrich themselves and put their personal intersts first will pay!!mr prime minister u are no exception!!this move was not a move made to put dominica first.puting your caribbean friends over dominica will come to light.persons who think are are above the law will one day face justice.look libya, look at syria now . .remember liberia . .even egypt . .soon venezuela . .justice will come

  4. big
    June 21, 2012

    WE WANT OUR INTERNATIONAL AIR PORT BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME O PM PM PM PM

  5. June 21, 2012

    I would like to know what business model is used in the OECS, especially in this economic climate we now live in.

    You have a company lossing money, over $30 Million Dollars, and the Dominican Government inject another $8 Million Dollars in a bucket that has ben leaking for years.

    That makes no business sense. What needs to be done; is privatize LIAT or do some serious restructuring of the company.

    Put people who knows how to operate a business in cahrge of LIAT. The brightest of minds we have now, seems clueless of how to run a company, all you have to do is to look around the region.

    • I'm Listening
      June 23, 2012

      Iagree with grand barian.The brightest of minds we now has are—- EDISON C JAMES, HECTOR JOHN, MATT PELTER, ANGELO ALLEN, LENNOX AND BRAIN LINTON, BLESSINGS, GRACE MERCY AND PEACE and i know they will do a great job to revive LIAT COIPEL,ATHIE,WILLSHIRE,THOMSON ETC ETC ETC will be the advisors.

  6. ???
    June 21, 2012

    I belive the question here is, what is in it for us? we the people are demanding to know.

  7. Anonymous
    June 21, 2012

    Any suggestions as to WHERE in Dominica a Decent international airport can be built?

    • anonymous2
      June 21, 2012

      portsmouth end.

    • Rastar-Marn
      June 22, 2012

      D same way Dominica kept out the European Settlers out, is D same way it keeping out Tourist,,, Mother Earth knows how to take care of itself,,,

      Who say Dominca need anything from the outside irritators nuh,,, all they will want to do is come change things from peaceably to hostile,,,

      Dominica don’t need no international airport,,, who want to come find your way who doh want to come we won’t miss you!!!

    • Cerberus
      June 22, 2012

      Yes, between Portsmouth and Picard, at Glanvillia.
      Runway starting immediately from the Caribbean sea towards Bornes , NE against prevailing wind. That should provide plenty runway length, to give 500 ft. clearance at Bornes, climbing almost immediately out over Atalantic (via Dos D’ane)with adequate space for safe night landing and apron for aircraft parking. It can be done!

  8. June 21, 2012

    government is to provide services the people cannot provide for themselves. Investing in an airline does not meet this criteria. in addition, Liat has a long history of financial troubles and has needed infusions of cash over many years! I would not invest in Liat with my money or with yours! The argument by the tourist minister suggesting Dominica do its part is not valid since Liat has always found suckers over the past without Dominican tax money.

  9. Rastar-Marn
    June 21, 2012

    Mista dem sure dey have D numbers right nuh,,, Not juss D other day dere nuh, they were laying off 60 personnel from the areal tram ting,,,

    Now dey talking about dumping money into a Private Equity Firm which operates for profit and not for the benefits of its customers,,,

    What’s going on there nuh,,, instead of mista dem try to buy back Domlec or one of them Companies that Ripping off Dominica’s “Black Gold” dey going an invest in a monopoly???

    So wait, Marn didn’t read dis too much but who gave Skerrit “Delegation of Authority” to administer the Trust Fund as he see fit nuh,,, I thought he was suppose to get the Votes of those people’s Funds he suppose to be securing,,,

    Yo Skerrit if you reading dis, if this is such a great investment why don’t you post the whole proposal on here nuh for all the stake holders to view, and show the total benefit package that the investors gonna gain huh,,,

  10. June 21, 2012

    Where can u complain when u have an issue as a paying coustomer at LIAT?

    • Malgraysa
      June 22, 2012

      Complain Manny? Listening to P.M. We should be grateful LIAT is kind enough to serve us. He even giving them donation nuh! Better to stay humble my boy and sing praises for privilege to buy a ticket. Who knows, if you smile they may even offer you a cup of coffee next time you fly.

  11. Young Pilot
    June 21, 2012

    Dominica will be last Caribbean Island to build and construct an International Airport for jet service to US, Canada, Europe. Its shame. Once St Vincent completes their new Argyle International Airport in 2014 with a runway length of 9000 ft for non stop jet flights to US, Europe, Canada we will still depend on the era of the past using turboprops that carry 50 passengers. Thats no progress, some say expand Melville Hall Airport for bigger jets, its not just the runway the current apron\ramp can’t even park a Boeing 747 with its massaive wingspan. Melville Hall Airport upgrade is a waste, night landing a failure. We will be spending the next decade playing catch up with the rest of the developed Caribbean.

    • SuWIE
      June 22, 2012

      Well said! I supported the government, but I strongly support your point!

  12. Heheheheehe
    June 21, 2012

    Who can afford to run will run
    But what about those who can’t they will have to stay
    Opportunity a scarce, scarce commodity
    In these times I say..
    When mama spend her last and send you go class
    Never you ever play…
    Its a competitive world for low budget people,
    Spending a dime while earning a nickel
    With no regards to who it may tickle
    My cup is full to the brim
    I could go on and on the full has never been told!!!!!!

  13. Choice X
    June 21, 2012

    Can Mr Skeritt and the Dominican treasure alone save LIAT?????

    The other countries don’t have to rush in to throw money at LIAT because they have alternatives – they were WISE enough and had enough foresight to build their international airports. Dominica’s present administration took ramgoat advise and chose to stay last ‘kakarat’. so now they have to take what they get.

  14. Jo
    June 21, 2012

    So Government gets a $20 million loan from National Bank (February) for essential national needs, then promptly gives $8 million to LIAT????

  15. grell
    June 21, 2012

    sing for your check ian otherwise you know what skerro will do to you.

  16. Anonymous
    June 21, 2012

    For all those winers, If the PM does not invest in Liat, what other air access is there to Dominica. American Eagle is pulling out by March, 2013. So just quite wining and support the PM. Sometimes we just talk but if we are place in the position, Can we really make a difference.

    • Malgraysa
      June 21, 2012

      Well garcon, we’ll use the same air access mr. Skerrit is using on his travels. What’s the problem?

      • Anonymous
        June 21, 2012

        Well Malgrysa, you are obviously another typical ignorant soul that just talk, talk, talk….Dominica is becoming the most sought after island in the Caribbean. How do you plan to get locals and visitors are access? Kudos to Mr. Douglas and Mr. Skerrit for making a good economic decision. I do agree that there are many things that need fixing but we have to start somewhere, and getting visitors in to spend money is a good start. We all can make a difference in our community. So tell me, how many community organizations are you involved in? Do you help clean the streets in your village? or Do you volunteer at the hospital?

      • me
        June 22, 2012

        if skerrit had buy the arial tram and given our 60 plus brothers and sisters there jobs back i would sing is praise but skerrit is a typical dominican and cares more about others then is own

    • June 21, 2012

      young lady or young man, youall are too miopic. Youall were against an international airport. That was our only way out, people. No wonder Skerrit will invest the whole treasury of Dominica into that cash-trapped company, liat because it is only liat dominica can get with such a backward facility! If liat doesn’t come what other airlines will come. boy, boy, boy, by the time youall will smell the coffee it will be surely too late; but as for me and my family we must escape in God’s name because we are not in allyou nonsese!!

      • hope
        June 21, 2012

        tell them bros/sister, we are in an era when all airlines are getting rid of those turbo props and going to small 90 sitter jets, american airline leaving by october, new jet planes….

        we need an international airport and stop putting money into a failing liat

      • Oh My!
        June 21, 2012

        myopic – short sighted, near sighted.

    • eyeswideshut
      June 21, 2012

      Dear All,

      I really think that Mr. Prime Minister need to answer questions from HIS people.

      We are really wining!

      What is the ALTERNATIVE?

      What about INVESTING further in a FERRY BUSINESS.

      Europeans are acustomed to travelling by sea.

      Guadeloupe and Martinique are our DIRECT link to Europe. Extend it to Barbados and Antigua

      Ok you say what about the 108 million investment made recently in Melvillehall? Lets address this another time.

      Oh one more thing, quite frankly I really don’t see why everyone seem so angry or rather upset.

      Do I need to define Democracy

      Each Parl Rep has a CONSTITUENCY Yes/No?
      If their constituents are dissatisfied about their performance… LET DEMOCRACY REIGN.

      How difficult is it to get at least 100 people who are NOT SATISFIED with that move?
      How many people do you need to make a difference, i.e to MAKE THE PARL REP VOTE AGAINST?

      You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result.

    • Oh My!
      June 21, 2012

      Winers or whiners? Spell check people. Just saying

  17. big
    June 21, 2012

    take out they vat vat vat vat vat

  18. big
    June 21, 2012

    lord help us in domimica that party have to go no money in they counry people hungry no money to pay bills and they giving money away stupesssss pm

  19. anonymous2
    June 21, 2012

    And where is that money coming from? the IMF, international mafia fund. They don’t pay that many taxes in DA.

  20. excalibur
    June 21, 2012

    U can never touch mr maynard or even Prevost as a Tourism Minister. Lack of foresight and leadership.
    So u don’t think that 20% of that money could help de aerial tram? What about de horseback ridge and carib council access roads? To my mind these 2 projects could add soo much value to the Barana Aute that we recently got credit from Caribbean Tourism Organization.

  21. Dominican by birth
    June 21, 2012

    Charity should begin at home and right now Dominica needs the money, our schools, hospital,housing revolution, to see that salaries are paid on time and so much more, why why why want to put more taxes on the backs of the poor people just to throw it away? Does DOMINICA benefits in anyway from Liat??

  22. Faceup
    June 21, 2012

    Eight million Dollars,going up in smoke,THATS WHY WHEN I COME HOME I HAVE GOOD HEALTH INSURANCE, SO I CAN FLY OUT IMIDIATELY.GOVERNMENT WE NEED A REAL HOSPITAL !!!!!

    • Heheheheehe
      June 21, 2012

      Sometimes even with great insurance and an abundance of money you still not able to fly out immediately???
      What if there is a storm and the air ambulance cant come and get you????
      What if you are in too much of an unstable condition to travel???
      What if…What if….????
      Lets fix what we have so we will not have to export our money to foreign doctors and hospitals

  23. The Inquirer
    June 21, 2012

    James Mo Green really need to chabbay your chucky again, and we will hear a different tune.

  24. Marco
    June 21, 2012

    I really don’t get why Dominica is investing in an airline who has debt up to their head. I think the PM’s facts on overnight visitors is highly disputable. Dominica is investing in LIAT and LIAT will continue their nonsense in delayed flights, etc. that money can be better invested in other programs.

  25. YES!
    June 21, 2012

    Not long ago DNO posted an article that the Arial Tram would seize operations in Dominica. Everyone was calling on Govt to help save the company. All sorts of reasons were cited as to why The Tram should remain open and GOVt should help. Fact right? Check the article comments for your proof.

    Today, the GOVT is doing something to save a vital element to our Tourism industry we have all sorts of negative things to say.

    Wait a minute. I forgot, Dominicans have no idea what they want.

    Seems to me you all want nothing at all. So our leaders need to continue to make executive decisions. That’s why we elected them.

    The Articles all say an $8 equity contribution. If you don’t know what that mean, look it up. But don’t jump on the wagon for transparency.

    When govt announced months ago the intention to purchase shares in LIAT. Opposition did say crap. Today the actually doing it, they commenting negatively.

    That is the same lender who wanted to spend $1 billion dollars on an airport. But he don’t think we should save an airline. If we had that international airport we would be paying to have airlines come to Dominica. Other island pay subsidize international airlines to keep landing until the deem the island as a profitable route.

    Now lets move to the next issue.

    • faceup
      June 22, 2012

      YES, man LIAT gone another company will come, i say no money for LIAT !!!

  26. MY Dominica
    June 21, 2012

    Ask Ian was he preveiw to that.plan

    the reason why they see no problem with that is be cause they do not have any management skills :-? and there is no real plan browing 20mil to pay bills and have 8mil just like that

  27. Shameless
    June 21, 2012

    All good things must come to an end Mr. Douglas. You were elected to represent the interest of the people not ONE man in the capacity of Supper Singer. Shame on you and the rest of those who continue to disrespect the intelligence of the Dominican people. Be reminded that the longest rope has an end.

  28. June 20, 2012

    If you just turn your back to get a cup of water,mister will bad talk you.Common Ian, I want you to sing we shall not be moved.I am not getting involved with Ian and Skerrit business,wether he support Skerrit or not,I really dont care.He supports Skerrit today,tommorow is bad talk.

  29. Anonymous
    June 20, 2012

    blah blah blah …….that’s all workers can do…sit and put some sense in it ….nonsensical blockheads……

  30. calibishie
    June 20, 2012

    Great move! As long there was due deligence.

  31. 4Eva Tru
    June 20, 2012

    The 8millon was discuss long before so why you all bringning up about fire. What the big deal about investing in a company that serves us. Why you all so selfish and ignorant. And for all the big mouths hire a private plane to go where you want with no hassle.

  32. Looking in
    June 20, 2012

    Is Dominica shareholder of LIAT?
    Somebody,anybody who knows,,,please tell.

  33. Kunwar Raj Singh
    June 20, 2012

    Let Dominica form a DOMINICA AIRLINES as a GSA for all flights to and fro, as a public private limited company, to grow slowly into an operation of its on as tourism and allieed busiuness grows.
    It can then sell/handle LIAT tickets as well as other airlines as profitable.

  34. Antiguan
    June 20, 2012

    Its about time that Dominica help us to invest into LIAT, we cant do it alone. Dominica has been served by LIAT for many years.

    Our Taxes are being pumped into LIAT for going into Dominica for free. Thanks to the DLP. Antgua supports the move. Dominicans come to Antigua , take our jobs , bring up their whole families and live for free and expect not to pay taxes. Its time LIAT get back from Dominica.

    LIAT is a good company and despite the insults from Dominicans, they still continue to fly, I dont know hy LIAT continues to care.

  35. records staff pmh
    June 20, 2012

    so dno all u delete my comments but i will say it again pm we the staff of the records dept are fed up we need someone to do something for us in the afternoon we cant work because it is tooo hot we dont have proper fans much less for air con in dis day and age we need air con we cant work we need proper computers we need proper chairs so invest in us rather than liat dno come and investigate coem speak to staff we desperate for help

    • 1979
      June 21, 2012

      DNO i’ve spoken about this before…….i’ve even said that i would take pictures of the rust equipment and bedframes in the casualty department…… please DNO if you are Dominican and If you care….please shed some light on this…the staff are asking you to come and shed light on their
      situation…this is NEWSWORTHY….

  36. Anonymous
    June 20, 2012

    we can survive without liat……. but i think is the pm personal money…. he is a very rich man

  37. redz
    June 20, 2012

    Ian will support anything.

  38. brois
    June 20, 2012

    this is the dumbest move made by this government!!!what is there to gain?Liat is on its way down and they come to we Dominicans for our money.the grand fond road, giruadel road among others neeeds that money!!remember when liat was up?how did we gain from it? ofcourse higher fares ofcourse with no improved services.these people got no regards to our interests except theirs

  39. Proud Dominican
    June 20, 2012

    continue singing for your supper Ian . if you do not sing your master’s praises he will kick you out

  40. ...............
    June 20, 2012

    Thank you….So it was a Skerrit decision, and you are now supporting it because the people are asking questions!

  41. dirty harry
    June 20, 2012

    boi dem man getting out of controll now

  42. ohpleaseeeeeee
    June 20, 2012

    HAHAHAHAHAHA, now tell me what you all expect from that, he have to accept everythng Skerrit do or say because he knows his time is at hand, ok Ian continue singing what a wasteeeeeeeee

  43. 4progress
    June 20, 2012

    $8m dollars to spend, no appraisal to show return on investment.

    Was any attempt made to identify the alternatives e.g. CAL – Caribbean Airlines limited, since they are in direct competition with LIAT and subsidised with cheaper petrol from Trinidad.

    Trusting the PM and his administration is OK if his actions and the rationale for their decision is explained and objectors have an opportunity to put forward their arguments, which can result in a better informed conclusion, termed TAKING THE PEOPLE WITH YOU. Anything short of that will be regarded with suspicion and distrust sets in.

    Democracy is key

    • 1979
      June 21, 2012

      BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  44. CIA on the watch
    June 20, 2012

    DNO, You may wish to find out for us the Dominican
    people are we going to get value for Money with that cash injection, the Minister is failing in his responsibility to tell us so instaed he is blindly supporting the questionable actions of the prime Minister, i suspect he will be called upon soon to sing another song for us. Hon Douglas what gurantee are we going to get from LIAT the Dominica will get better service?

  45. LCM
    June 20, 2012

    Is that an executive decision or one that was voted on by the Dominica Parliament. I would think that the Government would vote upon such decision to spend Dominican tax payers money on such an investment. If it was an executive decision and it is allowed without proper veting of the pros and cons in the house and a vote is not cast then we have a real problem in this country.

  46. SuWIE
    June 20, 2012

    We all know that Skerrit does what he feels like. No one in the cabinet can challenge him because they fear losing the position that they have for the time!!!
    What a shame! Upside down country!

  47. CID
    June 20, 2012

    Complacency? I love the government but when they start to be complacent,they are going to be in a lot of problems. Everything in Dominca is rising,cost of living is very high and govt want to be complacent,come on. Govt workers need a salary increase and govt giving 8 million dollars to LIAT. That is just not right. One thing I can say is this” we need an increase in salary or else”

  48. ROSEAU VALLEY
    June 20, 2012

    Poor Ian, Well, as you know –no one expected a different statement from you on this. But I wonder why you continue to allow yourself to be dragged to the lowest level while your supporters are clamouring for the next level. Personally, I look forward to the day when you will start conducting yourself as the educated and balanced person that we know you can be. Have a nice day Ian.

  49. FunnyAsHell
    June 20, 2012

    sooooo when AA was going bankrupt, why skerrit didn’t give AmericanEagle money???? at least their flights on time!

  50. FunnyAsHell
    June 20, 2012

    i had to re post this cuz its too funny

    Joe:: June 20, 2012

    After a thorough castrating at St. Joseph by the PM, of course Ian Douglas will support his master. You want a biscuit boy, You want a biscuit!?

  51. Morihei Ueshiba
    June 20, 2012

    I hope when LIAT bankrupt in two years u all will STONE dem fellas out of office, make sure u all note dem fellas who supporting that nonsense, write down their names. :-P

  52. records worker pmh
    June 20, 2012

    every day we have staff visiting casualty becaus eof dis heat and dehydration we dont have fans we dont have air condition and the staff there cant function because of the heat and the pm is investing all dat money into liat and we the staff needs a solution to our problem for years we are asking for air condition or fans and we got nothjing the pm tired make empty promises to us dno u need to come there and make a story on our working condition the heat is killing us slowly somebody plz help us

  53. Miss bronx
    June 20, 2012

    you guys blogging are soooooo narrow minded… If it’s an investment who is going to benifit? The PM or the country on a whole.. When AA pulls out of dominica don’t you guys need Liat or would you prefer to be stranded or maybe take a ferry. Every decision this administration makes people complain and make it into a “skerrit” thing, how gullible are some of you.. Wake up and stop talking bull….

  54. Anonymous
    June 20, 2012

    Really don’t understand the attack on Ian. As Minister of Tourism he better agree with the PM because Dominicans, not only is it a question of what we are getting in return which is a very important question and the answer being one that must be agressively pursued! but the the other critical question is if LIAT does pull out of Dominica, what then will our situation be???????

    If we have no air access to the island or worse access, then all the problems being listed that plague Dominica will get better or worse?

    Are you forgetting that American Eagle is pulling out soon? So it leaves LIAT as the ONLY air carrier servicing this island and you are questioning the need to inject funds in LIAT???? Seriously?????!!!!!!

    The nonexistent level of intelligence surrounding this discussion revolving around the injection into the only air carrier servicing this island is very depressing.

  55. Truth Seeker
    June 20, 2012

    It does appear that the Government is beginning to “smell itself,” as they say in local parlance. It would be wise for the Prime Minister to study and consider the fate of past leaders who became too full of themselves and erred in judging the sentiment of the man on the ground.

    In this instance Mr. James, and the rest on his Opposition team, are carrying out their mandate by requesting a full and clear explanation of the Government’s thinking in dispensing with the people’s $8M. By any measure, that is an exceedingly large sum. To dispense it, in such quick time, and seemingly without much (or any) Cabinet (Parliamentary) consultation or oversight necessitates a just request for full accounting.

    Mr. Skeritt and his backers must see the Opposition’s demands in that light, instead of taking the position that any and all questions ask of the Government to explain its actions is symbolic of an attack. That seems to be the trend in Dominica, sadly.

    We all know the sorry tale that is LIAT, in terms of its fiscal integrity, not to mention rampant incompetence. The airline has been losing money for decades, and but for the largess of regional governments in the Caribbean, who shower it with an endless supply of subsidies, LIAT would have ceased to exist many moons ago.

    Suffice to say that as long as I have been alive, LIAT has always been in the red. The company simply haven’t turned a profit in my life time. And I’ve been here already for half a century.

    So yes, Mr. James has every right, to attempt some explanation of what is Dominica’s return on investment on what, until now, has been a losing venture.

    This is not politics, it is simply common sense economics.

    All Mr. Skeritt has to do is provide a responsible answer to the nation that makes sense, and that clearly outlines how Dominica stands to benefit should it assign to LIAT such a large slice of the nation’s purse.

  56. Lalay
    June 20, 2012

    Papa Met!!

    So you doh expect Ian to give support then? I would be surprise to hear Matthew Walters supporting that

  57. alas
    June 20, 2012

    ian sing for your supper. lol . but come on the truckers crying for there money an cant get none . our roads are poor. young ppl out of jobs . businesses closing down like wow . couldnt this 8 million be used wisely to created jobs for the youths

  58. RUMSON
    June 20, 2012

    as if we expected differently from that lost soul

  59. love da
    June 20, 2012

    Who decides how the Dominican tax payers money
    Should be spent? Just one man doing his thing and all the other got to follow . What a shame .

  60. Trouble Intended
    June 20, 2012

    I wonder how does Mr Blackmore feels about this? I just saw an article saying that truckers are asking for their money for working for working on the roads and now, 8 million going to Antigua. I wonder if he knew about this?

  61. 1979
    June 20, 2012

    my good sir, PLEASE stop allowing yourself to be used as a human sheild. everytime the fire blasting is your the sending to take the heat…..

    RMS: ” T I think we should send Ian out there to rally some confidence for our move unno, the people starting to talk “

  62. June 20, 2012

    Mr. Skerrit is a man of vision. Any leader who’s worth his salt, if faced with a similar situation, would have done the same thing.__ Though it would be wonderful if Dominica becomes a shareholder in LIAT.__ None the less, if it’s just a gift,Dominica/Dominicans will “get from the ashes whatever is lost in the fire.”

    I don’t think any level-headed Dominican would want to see our situation without LIAT.

    • Anonymous1
      June 20, 2012

      I think you rename yourself Ignoramus

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      the man is fostering ANOTHER monopoly on Dominicans back and you talking about vision???? you need to check ur VISION and ready DOMLEC “another monopolies” profit for their last fiscal period. so is us that MORE UNLUCKY??????????????????? boy let the free market prevail and let the vultures have Liat. we may be even better of with a good competitive market…. we need to stop using our brains to sit on.

      • 1979
        June 20, 2012

        ready=* READ

    • ???????
      June 20, 2012

      Dominicans like you,a beggar and adulator of your God Skerrit will get from the ashes, but the majority will keep on catching their a– with hardship while a few others will continue living like monarchs of all they survey.In the meantime the poverty and indigency continue to rise,because of the gross mismanagement of the country. But take note that Nothing lasts forever. Even incompetency and corruption is for a time.

    • The Next Level
      June 20, 2012

      Was he faced with a situation

    • Anonymous
      June 20, 2012

      this person gave the best comment yet. how the opposition leader can say he don’t know wht dominica is going to get from that. can u picture dominica without liat. where can we go when liat closes its door. will buinesses thrive, what about the tourism sector, think of dominicans not your self, eddison. you guys are just angry that u are not the ones making all the decisions, so what ever decision that skerit n the government make don’t matter the benefits that the country will recieve, allu still will be nagative. allu was vex for raod, but allu speeding on it, allu not glad that becuz of the road allu can go to work faster. allu was vex about the airport, n the stadium, n the statehouse. leave skerrit alone, he knows what he is doing, this government will lead this country better than any other party.
      thank you :wink:

  63. forkit
    June 20, 2012

    ian remember that you have to apply in writing telling the pm why and what you can do for your community…
    so please enough with the kissing already

    • June 20, 2012

      I agree Ian Douglas is working sure that the PM wouldnt reject him when election time comes around si i will stand with him but no matter what the PM or Ian Douglas think they will not be returning to their jobs next time so they can spin how much they want it was a very bold move on the PM part and he dont have the right to tell us DOMINICANS thru Tony Astaphan that he haven got to answere to us we put them in office and we will take them out.
      Dominicans we have the power in our hands and we a sick of it we demand respect from our elected officers but that’s not so these days.
      Look what is happening in the Police Dept and the Commissioner said he cant do anything I wasnt surprised at all.
      Ian Doughlas instead of kissing why dont you have the guts to stand up for your people.

  64. Joe
    June 20, 2012

    After a thorough castrating at St. Joseph by the PM, of course Ian Douglas will support his master. You want a biscuit boy, You want a biscuit!?

    • woosh kookoosh
      June 20, 2012

      @ Joe, omg………you got me cracking up…….woosh…….you want a biscuit boy, crix, shirley, bourbon, nice……you got choices….

  65. Malgraysa
    June 20, 2012

    What’s the point of reporting this. What else would we expect Ian Douglas to do?

    • Not a herd follower
      June 20, 2012

      Indeed!

  66. Trueman
    June 20, 2012

    **ACCOUNTABLE TO NONE**

    I suppose not even the government knows EXACTLY what they are investing in. It seem no one is willing to give an explanation to TAXPAYERS. The “AMAZING MAN” Mr. Astaphan, made this very clear to us.

    The government is becoming complacent.

    Maybe they are just too tired of being in government and they feel they do not have to explain themselves to us TAX PAYERS anymore!! They just want us to just trust them and SHUT UP! They know best.

    Maybe they will explain it WHEN & IF they feel like doing so.That’s what governments do when they begin to suffer from complacency.

    They feel they are “ACCOUNTABLE TO NONE”!

    • 4progress
      June 20, 2012

      It is also because they have a LARGE majority, simply back-to-front dictatorship

    • anonymous2
      June 21, 2012

      You got that right. Most governments feel that they are not accountable to the people. People take note. That signals a dictatorship leading to communism.

  67. Jah
    June 20, 2012

    Ian everyone knows that you are a little in the Cabinet and that you must pretend to support anything that the government does so, what is ur point really??

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      I second that, since my comment quota is running out

  68. Piper
    June 20, 2012

    What I have not heard the PM say is, what are we expecting in return for our investment?

  69. Met Yo
    June 20, 2012

    But a plan they have man…one by one coming out to support…

    was it a Cabinet decision…or a roosevelt skerrit decision?…cause i read that “Tourism Minister Ian Douglas says he is firmly behind Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s decision to pump millions of dollars into cash-strapped regional air carrier LIAT.”….isn’t it supposed to be Tourism Minister is firmly behind CABINET’s decision?

    Alas….look out for Peter Pepper next to speak on behalf on the DLP in his capacity as president. Hartley and Wickham busy at work. hahahaha

    • Roz
      June 20, 2012

      I thought the same. I said to myself is maybe a journalist error. and maybe what they really meant to say is Cabinet’s decision. or maybe he acted in his capacity of Minister o Finance. They should throw that in somewhere…lazy reporting. Or maybe everything is really de PM.

      • YES!
        June 21, 2012

        DNO clear this up!

    • Andrea
      June 20, 2012

      Things that make you say Hmmm! Interesting point there.

  70. Mate
    June 20, 2012

    STUPESSSSSS! Ian, go hide behind a bush!!!

    • Anonymous
      June 20, 2012

      think about Dominica not Ian fools

  71. 1979
    June 20, 2012

    were we expecting any different?

    resounding “NO”

  72. D/ca american
    June 20, 2012

    The government needs to use their money purchase some airplanes and form an airline company, stop putting all that money into liat, and the air service problem is still not the way it should, be wise, that way we can get direct flight from the united states and uk and all over, that what the people want, to visit the nature isle and not stopping in Antigua, etc to take the small airplanes…

    • Trueman
      June 20, 2012

      Good idea!!
      …… getting the money is the easiest part!

      Getting the permission/air access for the direct flights? That’s a whole other issue.

    • Anonymous
      June 20, 2012

      why you all dominicans so stupid boy alas, nothing the PM do is good for all you stupid people

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      the government need to meet their obligations to gardakkan so that he can in turn meet his obligations to the truckers of DOMINICA. so that the truckers can meet their obligation to their families………. don’t you think that more important than a few extra hours to get to dominica?????

    • YES!
      June 21, 2012

      U think $8 million could start an airline today? U want us to get Chinese plans? China offered LIAT some analog signal aircrafts. Liat refused. U want Dominica to get China plans? u would ride them?

      Hmmm talk is cheap. an airline is no easy business. how many us airlines have filed bankruptcy or merged? or failed?

      Lets Take shares from Antigua and be a decision maker in LIAT!

      • June 21, 2012

        liat’s buisness model has been pretty patheic considering that they monopolize air travel in the eastern caribbean.

    • Antiguan
      June 21, 2012

      Dominica dosnt have the capcity to start and support an Airline on its own and wh would help Dominica to support andmaintain this new Airline if the people of Dominica are soo greedy and ungratefull to support even LIAT. The majority of the region will still support LIAT.

      Babados on its own could not evesupport Red jET and Trinidad can barely support CAL. Does Dominica have the means to own an Airline or to give suport to finance one that is faithfully serving the island?

    • Anonymous
      June 21, 2012

      Or better yet, energize the economy by supporting a venture that allow Dominicans to form an airline company. This way the government will not have to take on the full cost of the start up.

      Dominicans from all over should be encouraged to invest and buy shares. I am sure that we have able and capable individuals that can undertake this task. With a pro-active board of directors to oversee the operations, that 8 million given to LIAT would be investing in the future of Dominica and Dominicans.

    • anonymous2
      June 21, 2012

      The govt. needs to stay out of the airline business because it is a losing proposition either way. They do need to come up with a plan working with the existing airlines that will enable continued service. Throwing money into a pit with no realistic plan is not the answer.
      Get some govt. sanctioned ferry boats running around.

    • Anonymous
      June 21, 2012

      Do you have any idea of what’s involve in purchasing an airline? 8 million can’t do it friend. Wheel and come again!

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