The United Progressive Party (UPP), under the leadership of Joshua Francis, has called on the Government of Dominica to make public detailed information regarding the long-term financial viability of the island’s international airport, currently under construction.
While expressing support for infrastructure development and improved global access for the island, the opposition party said in a press release that citizens should be fully informed about the potential economic consequences associated with a project of such scale.
According to the UPP, a number of global economic factors—including inflation, increasing aviation and operational expenses, uncertain tourism trends, and the vulnerabilities faced by small island developing states—raise concerns about whether the airport can remain financially sustainable without future government assistance. The party argued that unless Dominica achieves significant and consistent economic growth, taxpayers could eventually be required to support airport operations through public subsidies.
As part of its concerns, the UPP pointed to the experience of Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The airport was developed with expectations of increased tourism arrivals and expanded air connectivity and was reportedly designed to accommodate between 1.2 million and 1.5 million passengers annually.
However, the party noted that passenger traffic has remained considerably below those projections. Official figures show passenger movement of approximately 185,224 in 2017, 189,324 in 2018, and 203,465 in 2019. The UPP stated that recent passenger numbers continue to represent only a small portion of the airport’s intended capacity.
The party further referenced public reports and government budget allocations, indicating that the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has provided financial assistance and operational support for the airport’s maintenance and management.
Against that backdrop, the UPP said several questions should be addressed before Dominica proceeds further with its own airport development. These include how operational expenses would be financed if projected passenger arrivals are not achieved, how ongoing costs such as staffing, maintenance, runway repairs, security, and debt obligations would be covered, and whether those costs could eventually result in higher taxes, increased fees, or additional public debt.
The party also questioned whether a comprehensive independent feasibility assessment and long-term cost-benefit analysis have been made available for public scrutiny.
According to the UPP, citizens should receive clear answers before future generations are committed to what it describes as potentially unsustainable financial obligations.
The party maintained that major national projects should be guided by transparency, prudent fiscal management, realistic economic projections, and measures that protect citizens from excessive debt exposure.
To facilitate informed public discussion, the UPP is requesting that the government publish several key documents, including the complete economic feasibility study, long-term operational cost estimates, passenger and tourism forecasts, debt-servicing projections, anticipated annual subsidy requirements, and contingency measures in the event that projected revenues are not achieved.
The party concluded that development initiatives should be based on sound economic planning and accountability rather than political considerations. It reaffirmed its commitment to responsible development, greater economic transparency, and safeguarding Dominica’s long-term financial future.
Headed by Montreal Management Consults Development Ltd (MMC), the airport is projected to be completed and commissioned in 2027.
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