Canefield Airport not economical – PM

Skerrit

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says his administration has no plans to re-open the Canefield Airport, just on the outskirts of the capital, to commercial traffic because it is not economical.

“Every dollar we make at the airport, we are spending 25, so it is not a viable enterprise. I think eventually the people of Dominica will have to take a decision on it as to whether we continue to have it as an airport or some other facility,” Skerrit said, adding “at the end of the day you have to take a responsible decision of the contribution of the Canefield Airport”.

The airport was opened during the 1990’s under the then Patrick John government and Skerrit acknowledged its importance and proximity to the capital.

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47 Comments

  1. DE CARIBBEAN CHANGE,
    July 12, 2011

    It is true; it is not economical and also dangerous with the crosswinds. My suggestion would be to turn the facility into a cruise village just like the one that was built and opened up in Falmouth, Jamaica recently. We need to put all the monies and airport equipment into the Melville Hall Airport in order to upgrade and modernize the Airport more, and also into the road leading from Canefield to Melville Hall in order to make the ride more enjoyable and sightseeing for tourists, locals, and visitors. We need to demolish slums like Pound in Roseau Central, clear the Lots, and designate the Lots for commercial purposes ONLY. We need to continue to develop the outskirts and surroundings of Roseau Central for residential and recreational purposes and some businesses, as is now. We need to build a PUBLIC SWIM PARK WITH A LARGE POOL FOR ADULTS AND GROWN KIDS AND A SMALL ONE FOR LITTLE KIDS WHICH WOULD INCLUDE ALSO A DRESSING ROOM AND TOILET ROOMS in up town Roseau, say, the Emshall or Bath Estate area where there are a lot of trees to serve the South, and one in the up town area of Portsmouth to serve the North. Adults are charged $10.00 and kids pay $5.00. Way to go Mr. PM.

  2. Cassandra.
    July 12, 2011

    Tony, this is pedantic. How often do we see international headlines simply saying: Obama …this, Blair…that, Pope…says etc.etc. with no disrespect intended or taken. I do not believe mr. Skerrit suffers from an inferiority complex and is confident and relaxed enough to be headlined this way. There are far more important issues at stakes don’t you think?

  3. 8-o Phillip Timothy
    July 12, 2011

    I think eventually the people of Dominica will have to take a decision on it as to whether we continue to have it as an airport or some other facility,” Skerrit said, adding “at the end of the day you have to take a responsible decision of the contribution of the Canefield Airport”

    Mr. Skerrit u just win 10 points in my blue heart for saying that the PEOPLE OF DOMINICA HAVE TO DECIDE!!!!, if this can be you continued approach to all things related to the state at the end of this year my heart will be red, go for the next 10 points and ensure that u involve the people of Dominica in your decision making process, u will be suprised of the outcome!!

  4. caribbeangenius
    July 12, 2011

    The decision taken not to reopen the canefield airport is the right one.

    My suggestion is seeing that the runway is already there we can turn it into a race tract. For bikes cars trucks, to create entertainment for the ppl of dominica.

    Just a suggestion…

    • 8-o Phillip Timothy
      July 12, 2011

      ALLU HAVE CRICKET STADIUM ALREADY, ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED????????????????? SPARTACUS, WE NEED THINGS THAT GENERATING MONEY, IS NOT BIKE RACE I WANT TO GO AND SPEND MY LITTLE PEANUTS TO SEE, ALREADY I DONE SPEND MOST OF IT ON CRICKET….DON’T TAKE PEOPLE SIGHTS AWAY FROM THE REAL ISSUES MY FRIEND…

  5. steve
    July 12, 2011

    ATTRACT MORE FLIGHTS AND THE AIRPORT WILL BE VIABLE RATHER THAN USE THE AIRPORT AS A SHOPPING CENTER.

    • Piper
      July 12, 2011

      Attract more flight so they can fly with 5 people?

      If this was a viable choice for airlines, dont you think they would have seized the opportunity already?

      if we have a good product, it does not take a lof of effort to sell it. Only Dominicans seem to think people are beating down the doors to get in and out. WE DO NOT HAVE A MARKET TO JUSTIFY AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

      How long are you people prepared to subsidize an international airport before it can justify itself?

      • 8-o Phillip Timothy
        July 12, 2011

        WELL FREAKING SAID…AND ALL MAN HUSH!!

  6. Patriot
    July 12, 2011

    8-O

  7. Alas
    July 12, 2011

    GIVE US OUR BLOODY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS ALL!!!!!!

    SHAIT MAN!

    • 8-o Phillip Timothy
      July 12, 2011

      WELL GO AND BEND YOUR BACKSIDE FOR IT NUH, ME SELF DOES NEVER BITE MORE THAN I CAN CHEW, BUT SOME DOMINICANS WANT IT NOW AND DONT CARE WHAT THE PRICE IS, LET US SELL ALL OUR CHILDREN PUT THEM ON A BOAT AND SEND THEM FOR KADDAFI, AND LYBIA WILL GIVE US AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

  8. Gerald La Touche
    July 12, 2011

    Lease the site to a private investor or go into a joint venture for the establishment of the Canefield Science Park – a Caribbean Business Incubation Centre and Innovation & Technology Park. It is time to grow business and industry for long term economic sustainability in Dominica.

    • 8-o Phillip Timothy
      July 12, 2011

      GOOD IDEA!!! LEASE IT AND NOT SELL IT….TO AN INVESTOR THAT ALREADY HAVE THE CAPITAL TO MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN…..REMEMBER LEEEAAASEEE AND NOT SEEELLLLLLLL

  9. namich2008
    July 12, 2011

    I am in agreement with the prime minister on this one. I believe this is a good call. There is only so much that can be done with this facility. There is no room to expand this run-way, the cross winds that are associated with airstrip is just a disaster waiting to happen.

    Though this airstrip is very convenient for many travelers, I think we should put more emphasis on the Melville hall facility. Re-opening and bringing this facility up to standards will take way to many resources from what we have already.

    Sometime we just have to let go… this is one of these sometime.

  10. Facts?
    July 12, 2011

    Canefield Airport – open in 1990’s under the then Patrick John government???

    The first plane to land at Canefield (By-pass)was after August 29 1979 Hurricane David – Patrick John was overthrown on May 29 1979 – at the time of David – OJ was PM – Canefield Airport was built and open by the Eugenia Charles govt. in 1981.

  11. Young Wisdom
    July 12, 2011

    Allllll of allu talking about reopening canefield airport, when was the last time allu travel from that airport. it is had ever used. what is the point in opening an airport that people do not travel out of everyday day???

    And people in dominica like to talk about an international airport… but how many international flights would come to dominica a week?? Three??? who we would spend over a hundred million dollars building an airport for three extra flights a week?? Dominica would not be a transportation hub, there is already, barbados, trinidad, antigua, puerto rico and st. thomas in the region.

    Not being a hub means we not going to see more than 10 flights a week, and if you don’t have at least that many flights coming in… AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DOESN’T MAKE ANY SENSE!!

    The Government had the right idea, upgrade the airport, and include night landing. that way, the hours of operation would be increased, and we would be able to facilitate same day travel to dominica. Making the island more attractive to visitors.

    Calling Melville Hall a flop is a bit quick, though i am patiently waiting the results of the labour… it has not been finished so, so flop is a bit quick.

    • Piper
      July 12, 2011

      They should be talking to Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and ask him how his pet project is progressing. They have a complete mess on their hands. Thier IA is draining the country dry.

    • Lavie Dominique
      July 12, 2011

      Hahahah lordie, lordie, lordie!! Canefield no economical? Then would the international airport be? I wonder!

  12. fatty batty
    July 12, 2011

    please do some upgrading back filled the area and cane flield airport will be good again and i can reach home in less than no time.melliville hall is to far for the people on the western side.

    • Piper
      July 12, 2011

      So in a country with 60,000 people, few of whom travel, you want two airports so that you will not have to drive 1 hour to and from the airport. Brilliant!!

  13. Anonymous
    July 12, 2011

    Is the night landing economical. Bring back cainfield air strip ;

    • STupess
      July 12, 2011

      I know they call people dumb but you just brought the word to a whole NEW LEVEL!!!… stueps

    • Alas
      July 12, 2011

      it still aint helping us…

  14. Homeboy
    July 12, 2011

    It is amazing how this administration can talk about the viability of the Canefield airport and not address the Melville hall flop. Millions have been spent on night landing and but the occassional night flight people overseas are still overnighting. Think big and have an airport that will be safe for larger aircraft and international flights.

    Come one let us hear the replies

    • Alas
      July 12, 2011

      THAT I CHECKING DER EH…. That stupid nightlanding still not helping us at all… pilots still afraid to land in Dominica in The Night.

      D Money He Using to build that bloody state house could have gone to the international airport, the state house could come later.

      besides why you want to build a palace for a president that barely existing… You doesn’t even know if the man still alive or not!

      International airport will also make dominica look rich and Be rich… we wouldn’t have to buy two tickets and making it so damn expensive to come to Dominica… it’s a shame Dominica Still behind on some of the Modern Life.

      • Young Wisdom
        July 12, 2011

        Alas…. is dat i have to tell you alas. While i respect your opinion… 27 million is jus a drop in the bucket when it comes to an international airport. people going to The BVI from the states have to buy two tickets and they have an international airport, make it worst… they are in the top 20 wealthiest countries in the world. Sometimes you have to take two planes flights and a boat ride to get to most of the other other islands.

        So you not making sense to say that one flight will make us modern.

      • Alas
        July 12, 2011

        @young wisdom

        Yes However a ticket from island to island doesn’t make any sense… 27 millions dollars is enough to build an internation airport… OR atleast START ONE… We have been waiting to long for this!

      • Alas
        July 12, 2011

        you see it’s NOT ONE FLIGHT? is the amount of flights that will make us RICHER!… People wouldn’t be having so much trouble coming in to Dominica.

        In fact it’s not Just the nights the pilots are scared off… it’s also the Days… An international airport will be much safer.

      • Young Wisdom
        July 12, 2011

        @ Alas

        A ticket from island to island doesn’t make sense. but we are not the only country in the Caribbean with this dilemna. Our population is not large enough to warrant such an investment. 27 million not even enough to upgrade mellville hall!!! how it starting international??? The money spent on Melville Hall could have started one.

        But just so i get you clearly, every caribbean country should estabilish its own international airport right??? that idea my friend is utter rubbish.

      • Young Wisdom
        July 12, 2011

        You ever land in St Kittis??? I don’t feel safe landing there… and it’s an international airport. Sometimes even in Antigua, it doesn’t feel very safe there either.

        Some pilots are scared… not all… some…

        And you are talking like all devevloped places have international airports and you can just fly in an out as you please. that is not the case my Friend. West Palm Beach, Florida is one of the richest counties in Florida. alot of millionaires have homes there. Their international airport DOES NOT have any international flights. So if you are a resident of west palm, you have to either
        a. fly to tampa or orlando, then you may have to fly to another airport to fly out of the US.
        b. take a 2 hr train or drive to mia international, 1 1/2 hours to ft lauderdale, 7hrs to tampa or 5 hrs to orlando to fly out of the USA.

        Does that make any sense to you? So don’t make it sound like Dominica more backward that the flinestone’s.

        But like i have said before, let’s wait til night landing is fulling operational and then let’s make our judgements.

      • Alas
        July 12, 2011

        it has a lot…and Why Do we Want to be Like other Countries? We Want to be better we Don’t want to stay in hardship!… WE WANT TO BE BETTER!!!! that’s what we Want!!!

  15. Anonymous
    July 12, 2011

    8-O is the night landing economical. please tell us;open cainfield air strip;

  16. laparole
    July 12, 2011

    whats up with the financing from FRANCE?
    didn’t the government say that france was financing the second phase of the road…? Now its costing taxpayers ? er…ok

    • Young Wisdom
      July 12, 2011

      what does this issue have to do with the airport in canefield???

  17. professor,md.
    July 12, 2011

    The man is one of the best leaders Dominica has produce,all the IDIOTS who say they have two or three dregees,who like to use big words to make us think they are so educated should learn from this great man.Hail great leader,we should build a statue of the man in Roseau.when we talk about this great man the educated donkeys are ready to die,they can not eat,sleep.live with that IDIOTS.

    • professor,md.
      July 12, 2011

      the correct word is spell degree,sorry.

      • 8-o Phillip Timothy
        July 12, 2011

        IS “SPELT” YOU TOIDI

    • Homeboy
      July 12, 2011

      Your opinion is yours and I won’t knock you for it. But I day to you Professor, why is it that people can’t have differing opinions. Why do you have to label people as “idiots”?
      Why can’t Dominicans agree to disagree. YOu hold your values dear to you so another can do the same.

      What I have observed from following this debate is that people are not thinkers anymore ( both those who are for and against this govt)!

      Those on the ‘ pro’ side support anything without looking at any implications albeit positive/ negative… The ‘ con’ side oppose without giving credit…

      Then there are people Luke you that think once one opposes the leader they are idiots. STOP THIS RUDICULOUS BEHAVIOR. Work together for the benefit of the country.
      Let us have a facility that will accommodate air transport that will bring Dominica to the 21st Century so that when leaders come and leaders go, Dominica’s development and advancement will be the most important thing.
      Thanks!

  18. Muslim_Always
    July 12, 2011

    @ Tony you are correct or it could simply be said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit if the issue may lead to branding DNO as politically bias.

    Second, we hope this discussion regarding the idea of closing down the Canefield Airport will be a fruitful one. We hope that people are informed about the income/expenditure details so that it would shed light and the public will make an informed decision. Also, the public need to know what will be in place of that airport?

  19. linky
    July 12, 2011

    what about the night landing

  20. Finance - Economics
    July 12, 2011

    DNO…I think you meant the 1980 under Patrick John or re-opened in the 1980’s under M.E. Charles…

    • Papa Dom
      July 12, 2011

      You too are incorrect the Airport was opened in 1970’s and upgraded(to include $2m lighting)under freedom, in the 08’s.

  21. tony
    July 12, 2011

    DNO that not how you should address a leader of a country. Under the picture you wrote Skerrit. please have some courtesy and address him properly. Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit.

    • traveller
      July 12, 2011

      i agree

    • D
      July 12, 2011

      I totally agree with that, and this goes for all persons who we need to give respect to, whether is the Bishop, Opposition etc. That was really disrespectful. I hope this will be amended immediately.

    • Fuke-CHillot
      July 12, 2011

      Seriously, I AGREE!!! and DNO yet to change the name. Please Put Hon. Prime Minister, (full name)… that shows more respect for the man.

    • Alas
      July 12, 2011

      Agreed, but you people are skipping the main issue here!

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