UWP believes in competitive air and sea access for Dominica

Baptiste believes access to Dominica will develop the tourism product
Baptiste believes better access to Dominica will develop the tourism product

The opposition, United Workers Party (UWP) believes that competitive air and sea access is the way forward for Dominica.

This includes; air and sea access, the construction of an international airport (developed by the party since 2000), facilitating establishment of a Dominica-based airline to provide direct and express air service, modernizing sea ports and the establishment and expansion of high speed ferry services to the island.

The party believes that this will help to increase hotel occupancy and grow Dominica’s tourism product to include restaurants, music, entertainment, vending, souvenirs, tours, diving, arts and crafts and create thousands of new permanent jobs.

UWP candidate for Castle Bruce Isaac Baptiste, who was addressing a press conference on Monday, expressed disappointment that during its years in office the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) government has failed to construct an International Airport project which, he said, the UWP had “successfully brought to construction stage.”

According to Baptiste, Dominicans must be reminded that during just four and a half years in office the UWP had taken the following actions towards constructing an international airport:

“Prepared detailed designs for construction…did the feasibility Study, did Environmental Impact assessment studies, purchased by private treaty approximately 448 acres of land from 161 land owners between Wesley and Woodford Hill for runway and airside facilities construction, purchased by private treaty the whole of Londonderry Estate, approximately 900 acres for hotel development and relocation of displaced farmers who wished to continue farming, successfully negotiated and left behind, over EC$110 Million in grants and soft loans to go towards construction of the International Airport,” he noted. “ EC$45,000,000 in grants from the EU and EC $60,000,000 grant and soft loan financing from the government of Taiwan.”

Additionally, he stated, reputable international financiers and developers such as, “The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Geest Industries and Four Seasons Hotel gave firm commitments to construct high end hotels and related tourism development projects to coincide with commissioning of our International Airport.”

“Plans for the Jungle Bay Hotel, the Rosalie Bay Hotel, the Rosalie Bay Hotel and Woodford Hill Beach Hotel and the Cabrits Resort were developed,” he stated.

In fact, Baptiste said, instead of continuing the outstanding work that the UWP had started, the DLP chose to provide night landing at an airport that has long been determined by all independent thinking international airport development experts to be, “unsuitable for further expansion.”

He stated further that, the lighting of Melville Hall Airport was Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s “fall back” after his failure to build the international airport.

Isaac said the DLP cannot and will never build an international airport in Dominica.

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45 Comments

  1. Malpardee
    October 21, 2014

    Hospital first!

  2. Change is a must
    October 21, 2014

    Mr. Baptiste,… UWP supporters are behind you all 100% for this project. In 2000 Labour brought Gonzales here to tell Dominicans we do not need an international airport. Now St. Vincent is well advanced with theirs…It is intelligent, grassroot, visionaries like you and TEAM DOMINICA that will pull Dominica out of the economic depression it is in….All labour does is fool people when elections come around aided and abetted by the rich people in society…

  3. October 21, 2014

    Mr. Baptiste I don’t know who you think you talking too but I think by now in modern times I am telling you that $110 million dollars is not sufficient to build an international airport. Sorry boss take your mathematics to another fool.

  4. Primer Fields
    October 21, 2014

    I am really tired of hearing the misuse of these two words..”international airport”…..it’s as though if or when one is built, (could be on top of Morne Diablotin) :mrgreen: everything will suddenly change for the better…think well, my people….international connection does NOT necessarily mean “international airport”…..Don’t forget that there is an “international airport” in Haiti. 8-O

  5. famalay
    October 21, 2014

    i no d uwp will do better then d dlp

    • Anonymous
      October 21, 2014

      You right you -NO.

  6. Tj
    October 21, 2014

    Mr. Baptize the uwp was serious in getting project done . Your party needs to desperately return to power. Every election the labor talk of a jet port and it is never done. Listen to them they are crying wolf
    The plans are there let is not be afraid. To publishied it.

  7. uk Dominican
    October 21, 2014

    this argument for an international airport has been going on far too long a believe the u w p will have to build it.the labour party is on their way out they cannot build it.

  8. DA MASSIVE
    October 21, 2014

    Plans by the UWP to build International Airport was a fantacy No plans on enhancing the Hotel and Roads.No plans on financing.No plans on economic developing.That was A PIE IN THE SkY.Do you remember Mr.Baptiste that the Freedom Party had plans for an International Airport? Feasibility study was done by the British government at Crompton point.Where is the drawing?UWP Lost the election because they ran out of ideas.The Airport fiasco from UWP IS JUST TRYING TO GAIN MOMENTUM WITH CHEAP POLITICS,

  9. October 20, 2014

    Blaaaah! These United Wicked Party wanna-be Politicians really annoy me with their sheer nonsense! They will NOT ever build a National Airport in Dominica because they will never be the Government of Dominica! Our Divine and Blessed Prime Minister has a deal on the table right now for the financing and construction of an International Airport…and because he will continue to be our Supreme Leader, we will definitely see an IA under Labor Power!!!!!! Vote Labor! Labor Ka Twavai!

  10. truth
    October 20, 2014

    Yes mr. Baptiste well said, i will answer for you. Sunrise Cottage was not yet in the making. UWP will build the Internatioal Airport for sure. We have a group of serious men and women in Team Dominica give them a chance and you will see. In Castle Bruce Constituency we are ready to vote for you, we need jobs, thanks for the people you have employed God is always good for all.
    Vote the saw for sure !

  11. October 20, 2014

    The DLP made a blunder when they did not see it fit have continuity. they thought that all the negatives that the preached about the international airport would have discredited the UWP .but what the DLP only succeeded in doing was to cut their nose to spite their face .they do not know where they stand these double minded people sometimes they are against the airport and sometimes they are against it people do not know where they stand with labour.

  12. jane messam
    October 20, 2014

    Mr Baptiste you a desperately trying to win the people over like all politicians.. You are better off reading Mr Nassif’s report and recommendations. Dominica is not ready for an international airport. We need to focus on marketing the island extensively, build more hotels and guest houses, better infrastructure and less wait for connecting flights. When we have achieved these goals then we can go forward. Remember an international airport costs money to build and even more money to maintain so stop fooling the people to get votes.

  13. Anonymous
    October 20, 2014

    And I firmly believe that for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows!

  14. anonymous
    October 20, 2014

    “Prepared detailed designs for construction…did the feasibility Study, did Environmental Impact assessment studies, purchased by private treaty approximately 448 acres of land from 161 land owners between Wesley and Woodford Hill for runway and airside facilities construction, purchased by private treaty the whole of Londonderry Estate, approximately 900 acres for hotel development and relocation of displaced farmers who wished to continue farming, successfully negotiated and left behind, over EC$110 Million in grants and soft loans to go towards construction of the International Airport,” he noted. “ EC$45,000,000 in grants from the EU and EC $60,000,000 grant and soft loan financing from the government of Taiwan.” ….. Mr. Baptiste, could you make available copies of the detail plans with cost estimates and source of financing, feasibility study and environmental impact assessment studies which were done and negotiated for this airport. You are talking about several million dollars negotiated for grants and soft loans but you are not able to state how much this International airport would cost. Further more are there any MOUs between the UWP government and these, reputable international financiers and developers such as, “The Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), Geest Industries and Four Seasons Hotel?… just asking.

    • Papa Dom
      October 21, 2014

      You may wish to direct those questions to the current minister of health, he was hailed as the finance wiz kid at one time. You may also wish to ask skerritt whether or not there was money or pledges of finance and if so what happened to those funds.

    • me
      October 21, 2014

      all uwp saying they will do,,never has uwp said where there funding coming from..but they say they transparent

    • `
      October 21, 2014

      There is anecdotal evidence of these transactions.

  15. BEB
    October 20, 2014

    Mr Baptiste! Could u tell me that during the 4 yrs and 6 mths. reign of the UWP were u behind the scenes, how can u say that the UWP had plans to relocate the farmers when all the farmers from whom lands were acquired from, were paid, now all the farmers are utilizing these same lands at no rent, what are u trying to establish. What have became of these funds over $110 millions in grants and soft loans,which were available for the construction of the Int, Airport. Are these funds still available?

    • My View
      October 20, 2014

      The funds were dumped in the sea at Melville to UPGRADE the airport for night landing.

  16. October 20, 2014

    I haven’t decide which party am gonna vote but if uwp convince me they’re the party will build an international airport they will get my vote the only way Dominica will develop if an international airport built, all develop countries have an international airport this administration has 15 years in office what taken them all these years to build an international airport,I guarantee you soon they gonna address an international airport coming soon.

  17. Tragic
    October 20, 2014

    The DLP has already signaled interest in building an international airport, but as usual, King Skerrit doesn’t believe in transparency and accountability. He hopes to pull an overnight surprise, a big Ta-daa and show off a new airport after decrying it for many years and failing to consult with the people.

    Thank you UWP for telling it like it is. Dominicans need to understand that nothing worth having is easily attained. Lets stop this hum-drum docile nonsense and finally take some bold steps to secure a brighter future.

    How long can we rely on hand outs? Charity has never grown an economy!

    • The Facts
      October 20, 2014

      Do you know much? Everything is the people, the people. It is not always the people. The people cannot be in everything. They cannot always be advised, consulted and to make decisions which the government is responsible for making.. There are some decisions and the majority of them which must be made by cabinet ministers, namely the government.
      Since when are the people consulted for the construction of an international airport?
      As for handouts and charity as you call it, be advised that every country has poverty and the poor depend on “government assistance.” It is not lowly considered as you do, handouts and charity.
      Are you a practicing Christian? Where is your compassion? Give this assistance for the poor due dignity. You are demeaning them, the program and your country.

    • The Facts
      October 20, 2014

      Countries have not crashed when the poor is assisted. On the contrary, they will flourish. Why? Because Our Lord Jesus Christ has commanded that the poor be assisted. He will ensure that those who help the poor as those countries, will never be in need of. From above, He blesses them.
      Those governments who assist the needy, will be blest by God. If you do not know that, you lack godly spiritual enlightenment.
      No one should complain and critique the government for assisting the poor. Shame on those who do. Those who criticize and lambaste the help which the poor receives also lack love and generosity. They are depraved people of God’s blessing and graces. Those who lack love and generosity will not obtain eternal salvation.
      If you know what is contained in Holy Scripture, you should know that. Watch your words and guard them for God is hearing you and taking note.

    • me
      October 21, 2014

      u not speaking for dominican ,,dominican love skeritt an will continue to vote him.

    • `
      October 21, 2014

      We can rely on handouts from the cradle to the grave.

  18. October 20, 2014

    Yes my parl rep.just wait for a few days and you will hear of their plans.bunch of copycats. GOWORKER

    • Toure
      October 21, 2014

      Your Parl Rep ? They moving Earth and Water to stop that from happening. All of a sudden roads and houses are being built all over the place and the Dolly house government will expect the Dolly house electorate after their clutch ,Brake pads ,shoes and vehicles were messed up to vote eyes wide shot.
      The most “tweate” folks on the face of the earth is in CB.

      • `
        October 21, 2014

        I’m trying to find out what all of a sudden means since hundreds of houses have already been built, millions of dollars have already been spent bringing water to the people all over the country, roads have already been built; schools, college, police stations have been built, transportation and meals have been provided for our school children, health care have been provided for our elderly and children, millions of dollars have been spent to provide our nation with a cheaper and more reliable form of energy, millions of dollars have been spent on manufacturing and agriculture (coffee plant and abattoir ). So what does all of a sudden mean. Maybe it is me but this government have been working from the time they entered office. Their first order of business was to rescue our country from a severe economic crisis which was created by the very same party which is now trying to replace them.

  19. Anonymous
    October 20, 2014

    Was a quarry and purchase of backhoes set up in anticipation of the airport too?

  20. Anonymous
    October 20, 2014

    he say the DLP cannot and will never build a airport in Dominica if his party wins the election will they build us an international airport.

  21. Just Observing
    October 20, 2014

    Isaac Baptiste you have pointed pointed out the financing you said your party had in place before January 31st 2000. That is 14 years ago. You have not said where the financing will come from this time around. Please don’t depend on the promises of yester-year, a bye gone era. Tell us how you plan to execute that project an the other high spending, capital intensive projects you intend to undertake. Don’t just say you will build one. We are no fools. Give us some details. Don’t just say what Skerrit did not do or did. You are asking the people of Dominica to give you the chance to lead Dominica. Don’t just tell us how will you do it. But by Job, put some meat on the bones. Is that asking too much. Your team are not know to succeed at anything. If we are to go by your team’s personal undertakings, they are dismal failures. You are led by a man who has changed jobs more than then weather. Your lead economic planner is an abject failure with his personal finances even when he worked overseas, where the pastures are said to be so much greener than Dominica. Others have failed businesses and are in debt to several state owned institutions (Social Security, Inland Revenue, Aid Bank etc. etc.). Put some details sir, if we are to believe that you can actually deliver the “goods”.

    • Shameless
      October 20, 2014

      Tell DLP do their work and qui asking Team Dominica for guidance. All you DLP people do is ask Team Dca to clarify and then copy their plans. Tell Skerro to break ground on the inter nation airport he promised in St.Joe. Change Is A Must!

      Assertive, NOT Aggressive! :twisted:

  22. truth
    October 20, 2014

    well said mr baptiste, Dominica was well on its way to development ,until those greedy reds decided to mess things up,40 million dollars was already spent on buying lands for the airport,and this is why woodfordhill people became the poorest village in dominica ,because development was comming their way and they turned and voted against it, now they stay begging while the masses bathing in riches ,they brought a curse on themselves,when they chose poverty,
    Back to slavery,now the masses desides what they eat,what they drink,what they say ,where they go ,where they live ,what radio station they listen toand what colour clothes they wear,
    My GOD these people were so indipendent before, they had money ,vehicles houses they traveled, YHey were proud,
    dominicans has one last chance ,if no change , This may just be our last supper,with this dictator

    • anonymous
      October 20, 2014

      @ truth if UWP have to go back to a failed plan for the construction of an international airport they are realy taking Dominicans for fools. Truth be told the attempt by the UWP to obtain financing for an international airport was a huge financial disaster. You might have forgotten they could not afford to pay civil servants and the same funds they claim they had raised for the international airport was been used to pay civil servants..

      • Country Woman
        October 20, 2014

        Ok, you may have some truth in what you say, but what about the many people that cannot get paid now? what about the L party has been in power for 14 years and we do not have an international airport? come on, why are we so stupid? we should not commit to any political party, we try one, it does not work we try another, they do worst we try another or we move back to the first one. Are we better now than 14 years ago? Do not be so loyal to any party, they all have their faults, let us look for our selves and the future of our children.

      • TRUTH
        October 20, 2014

        anonymous ,this is what the labour cronies told you
        I was in dominica all those years ,and i never saw that,I was doing business and those were the best years i;d ever seen in doing business in DOMINICA,,Money was meeting money ,and these years i will never forgetworkers spent four and a half years in power ,and not one dollar tax was imposed on dominicans ,but still they puy duty free on building materials ,Free tex books for school children, and import vehicles was the same as under freedom party ,at 99 percent,,
        If you want to be on track ,
        Never forget your history,
        Workers hasve made a mark in four and a half years which is hard fi-or any other government to beat

  23. Cokey
    October 20, 2014

    Isaac the UWP cannot and will not build an international airport in dominica so u need to stop talking trash. I don’t know how u think that it is possible when studies has shown it is not possible and we just cannot afford it.

    • Country Woman
      October 20, 2014

      Why they cannot? because you have fooled yourself and believe that because you support a party they do and say everything right? didn’t the UWP buy the land for the airport already? is not the first step to building and international airport? where did they take the money to buy the land for it? only S has money to run Dominica? do you all think at all? we have tried something for 14 years it is clear it is not working, lets try something else, if it does not work we go back to what we had, do not commit your life to a party like that it makes us do silly things.

    • Reon
      October 20, 2014

      You so Smart.. can you tell me how it is St Vincent can afford an international airport but Dominica can’t. Please tell me what Grenada, St Vincent and St Lucia have that Dominica does not have.

      Com on Smartly fool!!!

    • Anonymous
      October 21, 2014

      COKEY…….You area very wrong. Even the study done by the UK firm Halcrow for the Labour Party Government showed that an International Airport was both economically and financially feasible…… Mr. Austrie still has his copy so ask him to lend it to you so you can be properly informed ……….

      • Anonymous
        October 21, 2014

        We need evidence of that-not anecdotal.

  24. joe
    October 20, 2014

    Baptiste you didn’t mention Sunrise Cottages, what happen it wasn’t in the planning stage yet??

    Am surprise, thought everything was planned between 1995 and early 2000.

    And that story about EU gave grant to go towards Int’l Airport is a LIE and you know it is so be a big man and apologies for that slip of the tongue!!!!!

    • Toure
      October 21, 2014

      Please present your facts before calling people liars.There are a bunch of plans and studies sitting around because some of them are being carried out don’t mean previous governments did not have a hand in it. Case in point ,do you know which government that was in power when the planning was done to have a bridge and accessibility to goodwill via bath road? Somebody decided to dust them off and moneys were made available. Do you know the number of plans and studies that are in drawers taking up space?
      So please let Baptiste talk,don’t kill the messenger ,investigate the message then comment.

      • joe
        October 21, 2014

        Toure,

        I never wrote he lied about having a ‘PLAN’ read my comment again and you will read this:

        “And that story about EU gave grant to go towards Int’l Airport is a LIE and you know it is so be a big man and apologies for that slip of the tongue!!!!!”

        The EU NEVER gave Dominica a GRANT to go towards building an International Airport as stated by Mr. Isaac, I am not in foolish politics, I deal with facts.

        EU don’t just give grants and turn their backs, there must be ACCOUNTABILITY, if you don’t use the funds you loose the funds that’s how it works, my point is if the UWP administration received grant funding to assist with the building of an Int’l Airport and the money was used for some other project they would have had to pay back EU every cent. It is very difficult to get EU to divert it allocated funds to another project, trust me am in the know.

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