Dominica to address access at 3-day conference

Melville Hall Airport from the air. Photo by Elton Letang

Discover Dominica Authority will be hosting an Access Conference at the Fort Young Hotel from September 25 to 27, 2012 – the first of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean.

The Conference will bring together key stakeholders and engage the support of Caribbean carriers to develop a holistic approach to improving intra-regional and international access to Dominica whilst enhancing the viability of the carriers.

Over the last year, work has been ongoing on the development of an Access Strategy for Dominica. The Access Strategy and resulting Access Conference will address limitations faced by Dominica in its drive to increase year-round visitor arrivals to the island.

Many airlines servicing the region have already expressed keen interest in the Conference. Regional organisations such as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariats have indicated their intention to have representation given the pivotal role that improved access plays in by filling gaps in Caribbean intra-regional travel.

Over the three day period, presentations and discussions will cover: Dominica’s tourism product and marketing strategy; the hotel plant; partnership opportunities between Discover Dominica Authority, tourism private sector, and air and sea carriers; the port infrastructure; network access; the importance of distribution systems to getting the visitor to Dominica; and the role of financiers in assisting interested carriers. Whilst discussions and presentations will  focus mainly on Dominica it is anticipated that the Conference will provide much needed input into formulating a workable regional approach to solving air access challenges.

Presentations will come from Dominica Air & Sea Ports Authority, Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association, Costa Rican airline – Nature Air, Distribution system providers – Radixx and KIU, Access Consultant – Ian Bertrand, Ross University, Dominica AID Bank, and Discover Dominica Authority.

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70 Comments

  1. Dominicanpearl2
    September 15, 2012

    Please, please build an internatinal airport. I’ve been waiting a lifetime. Heard of it as a teenger, I’m middle aged now. I would try to visit 2 times a year. I’m patient but how long must one wait? Don’t ask me where the money is coming from. I do not know. We Dominicans are smart, figure it out.

  2. September 15, 2012

    Build and hope is no longer necessary. What is needed now is an international airline not airport. Spend the money in a national carrier instead of airport. Look at how Bhutan developed their national carrier.

  3. I man
    September 15, 2012

    Can we remember some 12 – 15 years when Americara
    offered to build an International Airport for Dominica,but that they would run it for 10 years and then hand it over to Dominica and our Goverment said no, we do not want the US to run our Airport for 10 years.Just think of it, 10 years have past were we smart then or are we still not.

  4. tactical
    September 14, 2012

    Consultation again – what is the real objective and what is the expected outcomes and outputs; I have a strong suspicion we are going to be told much of what we already know. Most if not all the studies on airport development in Dominica have captured all there is to know.So is this consultation over 3 days going to discover anything new or bring anything new to the table I doubt. Because speak of these issues to returning Dominicans during Creole Festvals, Carnival etc – the difference is we now going to speak to airlines – garcon I think it is good for business tourism – FYH will have guest for three full days plus there might be over spills to the other hotels; but seriously three days – I guess they are making allownaces for people not being able to reach DA within the first day and also a day for the retrivial of bags by LIAT; But seriously where are the initial airlines we spoke about that were just waiting for ECCA to certify the airport so that they could start scheduling flights in -where are they? and where are The main operators into our region they are not featured highly – Caribbean Airlines; American Airlines, Air Canada, BA and even Virgin Atlantic – more so Richard and Virgin – one strategy may to bring Richard of Virgin to discover a new virgin in terms of the potential for jet service – who knows Virgin may just brand the island as virgin.

    What about the fast ferry service PROPOSED by Trinidad Prime Minister to serve the islands – I would prefer a 3 day consultation on transportation needs in the OECS/Caribbean rather than night landing in Dominica – for fear that the same all stories are going to resurface and what are they:
    1. Melville Hall runway to short
    2. Hotels have low occupancy because of lack of direct access and they need seats into DA.
    3. Discover Dominica going to tell us what a unique product we have; NATURE ISLAND BULL; UNIQUE CULTURE ETC. and the talk will go on and on…for I guess three days. After which we may have a Triple K JAM on the Bay Front…and then back to normal.

  5. Nicelady
    September 14, 2012

    When I saw the airport, I first thought they were going to build an Int/nal Airport. Something started to stir inside of joy . Ok, I am waiting.

  6. 4progress
    September 14, 2012

    I believe the outcome of such conference, dialogue, small talk, conversation will all end with the same conclusion.

    It is a subject that has been swirling round and round on DNO, which I am afraid to say will continue for more years, because it is not on/in the governments agenda/vision. I don’t even think they have a vision that all d/can can subscribe/contribute to.

    In the meantime the costs of constructing an airport accommodating large jets is increasing all the time. Whilst the driving force for the case of Intl Airport is torism, let us not forget the appeal and potential investment that could be generated by internal and external D/cans.

    My father has taught me that if you think small, then small is what you will get, but if you think big, then you will create opportunities to do great things.

    A lack of vision = a muddled purpose, disjointed plan, no economic growth and a constant flow of the brain drain

    FOOD FOR THOUGHT

    • Anonymous
      September 15, 2012

      Well said! I have repeatedly told those myopic-minded individuals that while we continue to argue about cost/benefit analysis every flipping year the price
      Of construction increases. One day maybe not in my life, the dream of this realization that Dominica needs an international airport will come to fruition.

      Too much talk talk and free food!

  7. Crampy
    September 14, 2012

    This is funny.

    The first of its kind in the OECS. Well Dominica is the last of its kind in the OECS, without proper air access.

    Only in Dominica can spinning top in mud seem like some kind of efficiency exercise.

    In fact why PR release this ? This is an emergency meeting of sorts because once Ross Uni is involved you know you are trying to prevent a problem from getting worse.

    The so called stakeholders, dominated by the owners of FYH have backed this governments stance in not having an intl airport on the basis of it not being affordable.

    Now they want to come forward to talk about solutions. Right now, you either trunk through other locations or use the existing ferry service. There is not going to be any route growth through Liat, and no new airlines are coming to bail Dominica out.

    But thats what you all voted for. 18-3.

  8. Paradox
    September 14, 2012

    Sometimes I feel like the people in power sitting on their brains…
    Although I believe we need an int airport…in the meantime, we need to be in dialogue with LIAT, y r they not at this meeting..
    we jsut gave them $8 mil, LIAT need to give us better fares around the C/bean. they are now a monopoly and their excuse is price of gas.

    When they press we pus back, and if the govts are the ones supporting their operations, then the govt “push back: should prevail..

    on another note… I still believe the DDA can do a much better job at marketing, we shoudl stronlgy look at holistic retreats to D/ca, we need spas etc…everything is a dominic effect, banks need to offer lower rates for tourism projects..do like St.Lucia….geeez

    When economy bad we all suffer and rebuilding should be a national issue, then we all accumulate wealth…

    look at countries like ours in the pacific etc…does DDA not have any model country???

    my 2 cents

  9. pongpong
    September 14, 2012

    i never know we had access problems, all those buses of red fools went to melville hall to see a plane land in the night and think they really going to have night landing access to make an impact…
    labar power, labar power

  10. Citizen K
    September 14, 2012

    Ok, so a conference to talk about why Dominica does not not have adequate air access. Answer: No internation airport.

    Ok, so we have been debating this for a long time now, some say we need, some say we don’t. each side vehemently defends their stance therefore we will get no where. Nonetheless, we much reach a solution because Dominica is more than just the 2 sides.

    Put some things on the table to discuss besides finance. Finance will always be an issue regardless of the situation in life, whether its trying to buy a new pair of shoe or a stuff bakes in town. What are the other impediments that we are having here in Dominica? Is it solvable or is it just a matter of men’s ego.

    Here is a solution if we cannot seem to reach an air solution.
    Daily ferry service from neighboring islands such as Antigua coming into Roseau, Marigot and Portsmouth. Canefield terminal can then be used for those coming in at Woodbridge Bay.

    I am now in my old age and this air access conversation is still taking place. Come on, Dominica is not the least of the least. Surely, we can do better than this. Lets get our people into Dominica on the same day with all their luggage.

    I thank you.

  11. Marcus Hill
    September 14, 2012

    You mean in 2012 we still doh know if we need proper access to Dominica?

    1. In the 1970s our Government acquired land at Crompton Pointe (Woodforhill) for the purpose of building an international airport.

    2. In the 1990s our Government purchased land at Wesley and also purchased the Londonderry Estate to build the airport and compensate farmers for their land respectively. I believe we are still paying loans for these purchases.

    3. Then Government again acquired land at Melville Hall for airport expansion and night landing.

    So what’s up with this consultancy really? Just build the D@$N airport man!! Cheezzzz!!

  12. Mets
    September 14, 2012

    This picture of the airport looks like the ports drug dealers use in south america.

  13. Kalinago Pilot
    September 14, 2012

    Dominica Melville Hall Airport from the Official Jeppesen Aviation charts is 5761 ft.

    http://www.piarco.vatcar.org/TTZPCharts/TDPD/tdpd.pdf

    Dominica needs a runway length of 10,000 ft runway like the UWP envisioned with its “International Airport” to accomodate the next generation long haul jet aircraft ie Airbus 380, Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Folks the jet age been around the 1960’s while we stuck in the era of turboprop! We are like in the 1930-60 seriously which a modern DC 3 prop plane. No kidding instead of being in the 21 century with jets to US, Canada, Europe.

    34 years of failure as an Independent state with no clear vision for the future for aviation, every year its meeting after meeting, conference after conference about poor air access. Build the International Airport and be done with it, night landing was a complete failure and will be. Runway ca’t accomodate scheduled passenger jets, short sighted and being cheap gets us nothing.

  14. Kalinago Pilot
    September 14, 2012

    Dominica since the 1970 to present hast not seen a large passenger aircraft with 64 seats. Heartbreaking and sad for aviation development in my homeland.

    LIAT flew the 48 seat Hawker HS748 turboprop into Melville Hall Airport from 1970 to early 1990’s until it was replaced with current LIAT fleet of Bombardier Dash 8 37-50 seat turboprops from the early 1990’s until the present time.

    In 1995 to present the largest turboprop ATR 72\Super ATR with 64 seats is the largest scheduled aircraft into Melville Hall on a daily basis. American Eagle is closing its San Juan hub in March 2013 so bye bye American Eagle.

    Back to LIAT’s Dash 8 (50 seats) thats progress for us.

    Why can’t we have 150-550 passengers jets serve our island, the reality is the airport infratructure. Runway is too short for a fully loaded Boeing 737 Next Generation jet to fly with full passengers, bags, fuel non stop to Miami or New York. The take off roll requires a longer runway for safety ie aborted take off and to reach the speed known as rotation speed to fly into the heavens.

    Dominica keeps flirting with small airlines 19 seat Twin Otters and Jetstream 31\32 ie WINAIR, BVI Airways who can’t serve our needs.

    Erwin Ferreira owned, started three airlines so far which all faled due to mismanagment:

    Cardinal Airlines, Sisserou Airways, Take Air

    Nature Island Express Beechcraft 99 a 15 seat turboprop crashed in the early 1990’s off the coast of Canefield Airport during a training flight.

    The tragic Cardinal Airlines crash Flight 947 was preventable if the airport was certified for Instrument Flight Rules with an Instrument Landing System with is a provides vertical, horizontal position to a runway in zero visibility ie fog, heavy rain to a pilot.

    It provides obstacle clearance to the pilot, Melville Hall Airport still does not have this feature.

    Runway length for Melville Hall Airport is 5761 ft yet Minister Blackmore lied to Dominicans saying we had an 8,000 ft runway.

    https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/economy-development/redjet-expression-of-interest-in-operating-out-of-melville-hall-airport/

    If Dominica had an 8,000 ft runway as stated we would have Boeing 747 landings here with 500 plus passengers.

    The deception and lies continue on the International Airport.

  15. ROSEAU VALLEY
    September 13, 2012

    think this is a great initiative by the DDA. This conference must assess short-term, medium- term and long-term challenges, approaches and strategies in arriving at practical. realistic and an easier access strategy for Dominica.
    This may be the first such a conference in Dominica. However, throughout the years there have been several consultancies, feasibility studies and reports of individual experts, study groups or commissions on improving air access to the nature Island. As we know, not much has resulted beside a waste of resources on Canefield airstrip and the Melville Hall airport.

    It is that kind of discussion that we must engage in to provide a guide for future development planning and from which we may once again review the pros and cons of an international airport for Dominica.

    I expect that after all the consultations are over, we will finally realize that in the medium to long term, we will take on board the comments of Caribbean Pilot below that Dominica must get its act together and build an “International Airport for jets”. Hopefully, our government, whether the current administration or the new administration to come after the next general elections will bring a halt to all political games and move ahead with plans to build an international airport.

    ROSEAU VALLEY is not proud that Dominica will soon be the only Caribbean nation of its size that is almost dependent on non-jet aircraft for passenger travel to and from the country.

    I give my blessings for successful dialogue.

  16. September 13, 2012

    same recycled people to tell Dominica do not build an international airport. They will say DA does not need it, too expensive, no income, very little hotel. They will say keep the country as is. Beautiful, natural, green. Do not spoil it with an airport. Let the parros roam, smelly Roseau. So round and round and round we go.

  17. Nudibranch
    September 13, 2012

    more talk about talk with a promise to meet at a later date to discuss what was discussed this time around..
    I hope the big-wigs can get here. it would be a blast if they couldn’t.

  18. Anonymous
    September 13, 2012

    The planning of the conference appears to be a positive first step to brainstorm for points to gather information for and against the better air access to DA. I believe that a more enhanced air access to accommodate long haul flights will place DA on a more level playing field to compete with others more consistently in our tourism products and agricultural assets.Our people would also get a better chance to make themselves gainfully employed in DA.
    Best of luck at the conference.

  19. KoKo Naughts
    September 13, 2012

    First, second and third thing on the agenda: HOW CAN WE GET RID OF LIAT???
    Fourth thing on the agenda: CAN WE GET A HILTON HOTEL IN DOMINICA? (Paris included).

  20. anonymous
    September 13, 2012

    Apart from Dominica which other Caricom or OECS country does not have an international airport?

    • cloing
      September 13, 2012

      None. and a question to you. which Caribbean island does not have a marina? Hint…The nature isle. …We can do better…

    • cc
      September 13, 2012

      Anguilla

  21. Think First
    September 13, 2012

    To all those who want the international airport, do you know how much some countries in the region pay just to get the jets like Virgin Atlantic and British Airways to land at the airport? And that there are times when the planes land with many empty seats, but it doesn’t matter because the airlines have already gotten paid?? And if they had not gotten paid by the govt they would have already pulled off the route or reduced the number of flights to that destination? Can we afford to do that? Do we want a white elephant on our hands? Do the research people, get facts and take the emotion of ‘wanting’ an international airport because all other islands have it and we are backward because we don’t have it, out of the equation. We are as backward as we ‘think’ we are. If we keep thinking it, then it will be true and we will ‘act’ as we think. Wake up people! Think ‘positive’ things. Stop looking at what other countries have and what we do not have and start counting our blessings for all the GOOD things that we have that many people in this world wish they had.

    • virgo
      September 14, 2012

      Amen! to that, tell them some people, believed that they know too much thank you.

      • Was Labor
        September 14, 2012

        Anguilla is an islet(lol)

    • Anonymous
      September 14, 2012

      Domincans cannot think. That’s the problem. Thats why we are where we are which is no where. No critical thinking going on here for decades which is why we jump to copy everyonelese and copy even what is not working. We do not even know what and who to copy we are so lacking in critical thinking ability. We have no ideas and have no ability to come up with ideas so we are like parrots airport airport airport airport airport.

      Furthermore under this present government if that airport is built costs will triple with 80% of it going towards private bank accounts. In fact same thing with last government too.

      Anyway those who can’t hear will feel.

      • 4progress
        September 14, 2012

        explain critical thinking?????

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      September 14, 2012

      It requires student loans or scholarships to pursue tertiary education abroad. So, if students leaving home never secure scholarships, should they avoid student loans in an effort to improve their lives and careers? The answer is no.
      Same deal here with the airport. Add instruments and another 3000 feet of runway if possible at Melville Hall, then revisit this argument.

  22. tiny
    September 13, 2012

    question…how many millions was spent improving melville hall?…was it 100 million….if so most of that money went in people’s pockets

    • Voice of the South
      September 13, 2012

      Count the number of mansions which sprung up in the North in the last few years and then you will know where the money went :lol:

  23. Great news for DA
    September 13, 2012

    You guys and the International Airport … BIG money then hope someone will arrive?

    You say this government has no vidision yet we have a new road. better aiport and a new hospital coming. Also they know all u too fat and are trying to sort that out. They thinking alright …. just not about wasting ALL the countries money on a brand new airport.

    I would love one … really … but I am not willing to pay … are you? Personally? ’cause DA do’t have it.

    Thought not.

    Bellyachers the lot of you.

    • serious?
      September 13, 2012

      are you serious? could you read over what you just said? hmmmm. seriously.. this could boost our economy soo much. to make money you must first spend money. people to construct the airport will make money, the people who will work in that airport will have a job, the hotels which should be built to accommodate people will make money. the tour guides and i can go on and on. Everything has it’s negative and positive side but let us try to be hopeful. please.

      • Great news for DA
        September 23, 2012

        I said I persoanlly would love one, but there is no Airline willing to make a loss while we get our visitor numbers up. Its a fact that our numbers will never be the dsame as barbados, Antigua etc.

        St Vincent and Grenadines (Grenadines) have many many lovely islands with great white beaches. We dont have that. I know what we DO have … It is wonderful. BUT.

        I love our country but am not blind to the fact that we are a specialised destination. Hikers, bird watches and the suchlike. NO MASS tourism will work here.

        Those US tourists will need Beaches, A/C and blah blah blah … where you going to put that golf course? Mahaut?

        I know my post will not be popular … but thumbs up do not maketh the truth.

    • Reon
      September 14, 2012

      Listen, the Old Labor, Freedom party and even Workers build roads… So whats your point? DA people really stupid u know. Governments build roads thats what they are there for. The same Gonzales who told us we didnt need and international airport is now building one!!!
      No wonder DA is what it is today!!!

  24. Ministry
    September 13, 2012

    This is the worst Gov’t that have governed Domninica in the last 30 yrs.
    I have sat here with them and realized that these guys have no ambition when it comes to moving Dominica to the next level, where we can at least compete with the sister islands for the agricultural and tourism markets.
    Unless we get a “Big Brother” to help us, with an international airport it won’t happen, becasue Domninica is broke.
    All the time Skerro and his crew were greening with Chavez why din’t that idea pop up? Instead he made the P.M of St.Vincent crook him , making him believe that D/ca does need one while Gonvsalves went on to ask Chavez to build one in Vincy land.
    When you have a kid as your leader , ignorance will be the rule of the day.

    • Anonymous
      September 14, 2012

      Oh shut up!!!!!!

      • Great news for DA
        September 23, 2012

        LOL … seconded.

  25. Anthony P. Ismael
    September 13, 2012

    Let me offer my expertise to the conference once and for all. Build the airport already! Gees…… :mrgreen:

    • Was Labor
      September 14, 2012

      Ismael doh worry we go build one in Gutter. We will cut down all those mango mullere trees and build the terminal on the PSS ground. I am sure Ismael will be the first piloto to land a 747 at Gutter International.(lol) – just pulling your legs Ismael. I agree with you time to put up or shut up

  26. cool running
    September 13, 2012

    proverb 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

    When you have the PM telling the nation that we cannot afford an international airport, and weshould have built an international airport 30 years ago, what do you expect?

    Furthermore, when we vote a person because of his dimples and he is handsome, what else do we expect?

    The millions Skeritt dumped at Melville hall and the $27 Million dumped on the state palace, would have brought us very far and would have yielded much more dividents if invested on an international airport.

    The last 12 years of the DLP administration have brought our beautiful island behind by 36 years, and no matter who attends the so called meeting, the damage has been done and we need a remedy. Let us put them out and put in a government with vision, and not dimples!

    • Reon
      September 13, 2012

      Couldn’t have said it better… I cant believe Dominicans supporting this madness. I was flying back to the US from the South African and WI game and while most of the visitors sounded like they had a great time and thought that Dominica was a very beautiful Island they all dreaded the flight back home. AA pilots will not take a chance to land at night or bring larger flights. We have a number of problem and instead of this party continuing with the plan to build the International Airport, they wasted millions on this airport and a so call state house…. My Oh My.. Lord help us. Am so happy that you Lord is my source and not Skerro

    • RIGHT!
      September 13, 2012

      You are soo right. I don’t under stand the “hiphip horay” that my fellow citizens engage in when the government does something that all government SHOULD be doing!! We deserved a new road, we deserve new schools… common that is basic things for a government to do. look at the international governments, do you see them boasting about fixtures to thier road or new schools? seriously, do they boast about it? yes, they have a ceremony and blah blah but we soooo small minded we happy for our basic needs. The government needs to be innovative and show ways to boost the economy. they spending money on a state palace for….??? for what, i still doe undersstand. to show the visiting dignitaries that they have a nice house? ohh well, one thing i know for sure… a big house does’nt make you a big person. wheel and come again!!!! Labour can stay unno, but they need to pull up their socks!!

  27. AP
    September 13, 2012

    Build that international airport. Tourism (esp Hotel) investors will be encouraged if the government takes the first step and build that airport. We have to build solid, international class infrastructure if we are to expect international class investors. Roads must be to international standards, hotels, electric grid, business friendly laws…. all these things need to be in place… This is urgent. For 34 years, we’ve had small thinkers in that place. No one with vision. 34 years of beggarship… that’s hard to digest. We can’t beg people to come to DOminica or airlines to fly there! We must have a solid tourism product that the world demands. Nuff said

  28. D/a
    September 13, 2012

    Is there something or a mentallity outhere that is holding back Dominica’s development?
    I mean how clearer can it be to build an International airport.
    I mean just incase a hurricane hits P.R. B/dos or Antigua, where else do we have to enter D/ca from?
    Lord! Why is it that my people are so small minded??

  29. Airport
    September 13, 2012

    This is a scary piece of country you guys have. But can you all move it from this farm land and try somewhere more civilized…closer to Portsmouth.

    At least it will look like an airport

  30. hmm
    September 13, 2012

    It is with in need in the minds of the majority that Dominica is in need of an international airport, and in addition, in my view it is actually in DIRE need of such a useful instrument.

    With this, can we see an improvement in many tourism products that we so call our reasons for economical increase in state, private and public. The need for 4 star and 5 star hotels and guest houses becomes a priority.

    Many have been ringing the bells of the government, state held observance of such a need. International Airports will in fact construct for a better movement of people, cheaper, more affordable, faster, and comfortable pace of travel. Hence, the increase in international tourism and Dominica being recognized globally for its massive improvements.
    Let’s talk about the public and Dominican Nationals, those who will see the need to create jobs, improve education, improve a standard way of living because of the need to maintain its standard and level. The bar of development will not be as far as it was, as we should be going a few steps closer to being a better “developing” state rather just mentioning the bar of being seen as a developing community, state rather, when development is not at the stage it is supposed to be.

    The mere fact that this and other matters has been on the books for months, and years and a decade, or even more and hope not in the coming future, a century. There are many forthwith and future improvements from a single installment of an international airport, being used as an apparatus to propel our nation into further development.

    And as such…

    A conference is a good thing. But we indeed need to see MORE ACTION RATHER THAN the emblem of Talkative!!!

  31. My2Sense
    September 13, 2012

    I still don’t believe in “build it and they’ll come” with regards to a multi-million dollar airport.

    But we’ll see!

    Ultimately, I think the key to “getting them to come” will be a sound tourism product (eco-attractions, exceptional service, nightlife, clean streets, no paros, etc.) AND strategic marketing campaigns. These will increase demand for Dominica and there will be a sure need for an international airport.

    • Papa Dom
      September 13, 2012

      It is not about build it and they will come, it si about improving the possibilities. This was a total waste of money, lack of foresight and a refusal to listen to others which caused this wate. Skerritt, yes I said skerrit because he makes all decisions,does what he feels like and to hell with what anybody in Dominica says.
      The site identified by the UWP should have been developed with the scope for future expansion.
      Find out what is going on with Dominicans this independence coming, there are no flights to Dominica after 9 AM so in all likelyhood travellers will have to overnight in Antigua even after arriving there at 1PM. This is a problem which we have every year and yet Liat does nothing about it after complaints year after year.

  32. Anonymous
    September 13, 2012

    Not sure if it’s just the wording but this conference is less than 2 weeks away and these organizations have only expressed a keen interest? They have not confirmed definite participation with the names and job titles of their representatives? Alarming!

    I am also not seeing in there actual investors. Have the hoteliers, dive operations, tour guides etc allowed to attend? I see DHTA but surely this should be open to all interested parties to attend if not participate. Obviously venue cannot hold many so registration on a first come first serve platform.

    • Anonymous
      September 13, 2012

      where does it say there are no confirmations….can a press release list all the airlines in attendance…only the presenters are listed…can we say nothing positive.

    • oh My
      September 13, 2012

      One at a time my dear. hopefully they have another meeting with these people. let them do their thing and then with the results, build upon it. Everything takes time and has a process to it. you should be happy we are even in the initial stages!

  33. September 13, 2012

    The International Airport Development Company (IADC) has confirmed that work on the US$240 million (£153 million) Argyle International Airport project in St Vincents and the Grenadines is on target to reach its 2013 opening.

    According to IADC, as of June 2012 72.5% of work has been completed on the airport’s runway, apron and taxiways and 23% of construction on the passenger terminal is finished.

    The airport is being built on 290 acres of land and will feature a 2,743m paved runway that can accommodate Boeing 747-400s. The 145,000ft2 passenger terminal will be built over three floors and will be able to accommodate up to 1.4 million passengers per year when it opens in December

    When will we get an International Airport?

    • Patience
      September 13, 2012

      That was the man who told us in Portsmouth that we do not need an International Airport, this will just drown us in debt.
      Poor Dominica and Dominicans…

  34. September 13, 2012

    Dominica needs to get its act together and build an “International Airport for jets”. Government of Dominica needs to stop playing politics and try to be cheap.

    Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Croix, St Maarten, St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Guyana, Suriname all have “International Airport” for Non Stop jet service to USA, Canada, Europe. Runway lengths of 7,000 ft

    St Vincent & Grenadines brand new “International Airport began construction in 2008 and will be completed in 2014.

    Tortola, BVI will begin construction its International Airport in 2013 with a completion date of 2015 by extending their runway by 2500 ft.

    Dominica my home and country will be the only island dependent on LIAT because of no clear aviation policy and support for the idea of an Upgraded Melville Hall Airport. Melville Hall has been in operation since 1961 its obsolete, the jet age has been around since the 1960’s. Dominica will remain the poorest and least developed island in the Caribbean.

    This confernence is just more talk and little action or substance.

    • Dangerous Mind
      September 13, 2012

      That’s what I’ve been saying ALL along!! We are not the only independent island in the Caribbean left to fend for ourselves..Dominica is one of the bigger islands yet the small ones are so far ahead of us. How does the government expect to develop the place as a tourist destination if no one can get to the blasted island???
      Build the international airport!!

  35. forgiven
    September 13, 2012

    build the international airport

  36. street side
    September 13, 2012

    Facts 1.1- Get Rid of this Regime then aren’t Big Thinkers..

    1.2-shoot ahead with plans to build a Jet strip,folks the Land has being Purchase a decade ago..

    1.3- can someone really think in Dominica
    1.4- folks love too much spin issues are ease to see.
    1-5-it’s will be a usual talk shop, as the other caribbean islands wont say it in Public..but they are silently laughing at Dominica..dem folks backward..haha….

  37. FAIRNESS!!
    September 13, 2012

    What about representation from LIAT and American Airlines Officials?

    • Anonymous
      September 13, 2012

      My thoughts exactly. SMDH

    • 4progress
      September 14, 2012

      Good point……Caribbean Airlines, the ferry reps….what about DA own investment in identifying places of interest and developing them….with proper road access to them ………….

  38. Marigot
    September 13, 2012

    The DLP said that more than $400 million dollars was spent on the airport project a few years ago. But when you visit that facility, it really saddens the heart when you try to justify where all that money was spent and on what!!
    For your information, the first thing that defines an airport is it’s length and ease of approach.So even if they say they fix the terminal building(with this short conveyor belt for baggage) they still did not do enough to improve the run-way.
    So this meeting in Roseau is already friutless if they do not discuss the idea of direct international flights into Dominica. Let us use the land that Gov’t purchased from the farmers in Londondery to build a suitable runway.
    How is the night landing going?? Dominicans, how quick we forget.

    • BAD MIND PEOPLE
      September 13, 2012

      Just asking do dominicans know what is night landing? night landing is not landing on are dark day its any thing about 7pm and up somaney Dominicans having to overnight in antigua from just after geting into antigua after 6:30 pm boy when i think of dominica after somaney years i just cant help but to cry. My problem is when this so call guys we put to run our dominica whats to have good time and fun thay know where to go but all this thing is just for are time as some of them like to say GOD is good i must say his good for all of his people not for just some

      • Paradox
        September 14, 2012

        let us form a new party….who’is with me…only patriotic dominicans, people who really care about developing dominica….the state of d/ca really saddens my heart.

  39. Good!
    September 13, 2012

    I would be delighted to have an international airport in my country! Hoteliers ect will be encouraged to upkeep their places since there will be more visitors. More visitors equals a boost in the economy. this airport i am certain will also create a few jobs for some people. we will also get a chance to have more hiking and sightseeing in our country since the visitors love us for our natural beauty. More restaurants with real local food with “style”!!! whilst we at it, i think they need to consider another museum which includes any and everything “Dominican”. From musical icons to old antiques and more!!. We are getting there slowly but surly. The government can implement and approve and request funds ect ect but it is WE the little people that need to ensure that it is up kept and we treat our visitors with their due respect. God’s blessings towards the organizers and attenders of this meeting. I CAN SEE IT NOW!!!!! :lol:

    • oh My
      September 13, 2012

      The people who disliked this comment are not patriots!

      • Anonymous
        September 14, 2012

        No the people who dislike this comment are smart and can understand cause and effect, connect dots and see the big picture.

      • oh My
        September 14, 2012

        to Anonymous: you said that “the people who dislike this comment are smart and can understand cause and effect, connect dots and see the big picture.” well i think these people should see a big POSITIVE picture and create a different picture when connecting the unlabeled dots that you speak of. it is because of negative energy and thinking that has the WORLD liek this. If we think positive, if we “VISION” positive then the impossible can become possible. as someone else said: everything has it’s positive and negative but let’s have “hope”… atleast.

  40. Dangerous Mind
    September 13, 2012

    “If you build it…they will come.” Finally!! I hope this conference brings results!! It’s really time for Dominica to get with the program travel wise.

    • Allan
      September 13, 2012

      VERY TRUE!

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