Johnson gives updates on progress of International airport

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Airport Development Company (IADC), Samuel Johnson has said that ongoing works continue on the International Airport for Dominica.

Johnson, who was a guest on Focus on Government and Development Program on DBS hosted by Dionne Durand-Smith on Thursday night said with the arrival of equipment on site they have started preparing key areas that would help support the development of the project.

“We’ve seen a few months ago the arrival of several pieces of equipment and several personnel from CR5 to the island and the intent there being, with an advanced team to really go through and get a feel for the site,” he said. “They were given a lot of the initial concept documents through the tender process, they would have seen some of the preliminary geo-tech work, they would have seen some of the site plans and some of the preliminary designs that would have been done by Landrum & Brown working in preparation for the project.”

Johnson explained that the batch plant area is being constructed and that really is intended to provide the production facilities for concrete asphalt.

“Concrete being a key requirement for all the civil works, the culverts, the tunnel, the apron of the airport, the retaining walls that have to be built,” Johnson stated. “So that area which is pretty visible [off] the road right now is going to house that facility with some offices as well for a production facility of that magnitude.”

He continued, “That 11-acre site was cleared and leveled in almost two weeks… We are moving equipment directly to the site.”

Furthermore, Johnson stated that “in addition to that they also came with part of their design team earlier in January to do a review of some of the drawings and met with key stakeholders.”

He went on to reveal that more equipment is expected on the island and working in close collaboration with the developer, “we also trying to ensure that we put in place a protocol in so far as ensuring that we engage as many locals as possible in the project.”

Meantime, in addition to that Johnson pointed out that an update was done to the master plan.

“The initial masterplan development started way back in 2016 thereabout, but a lot has changed, a lot has happened since then to 2021 when the work started,” he said.

He mentioned also that the update of the other master plan and the concept designs were all revisited during that period.

“And as you would have appreciated, since then and now we were hit by hurricane Maria, so the whole question of resiliency and that we could account or reflect the resilient agenda of the government,” he explained.

He added that the other update was done in 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

A one billion dollar contract between the Government of Dominica and Montreal Management Consultant Establishment (MMCE) was signed, signaling the official commencement of the construction of the highly anticipated international airport.

The contract signing which took place at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on June 9, 2021, is a long-awaited dream held in the hearts of citizens for over 50 years.

At the time, the prime minister expressed gratitude to the people of Wesley, Woodford Hill, and Palm Tree who facilitated the construction of the airport in their communities and vowed to the citizens of Dominica, at home and abroad, that nothing and no one will stop his government from building the international airport.

Computer generated image of welcome sign at proposed international airport

 

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33 Comments

  1. Delices in US
    June 9, 2023

    Divisiveness will not bring you all anywhere. As a Dominican it amazes me how Dominicans can be so blind and divisive at the same time. Let me be clear I don’t leave in DA or vote in DA but I love my home country. It saddens me that we cannot move past making remarks about the government when we know that there is nothing that can be changed at this moment. The government is in power right now and it take Dominicans to get him out if they dislike how he runs the country. My advise for Dominicans is for us all to work together whether UWP or Labor for the sake of the country and hopefully by next election things will be different. There is
    lot of useless bickering and being up each other throat that won’t and can’t bring us anywhere. Everyone is entitled to vote for whomever he/she please even when it’s not the party you and I like. MOVE ON AND BE A PEACE WITH EACH OTHER!!

  2. Dominica Diaspora
    May 16, 2023

    Extend the taxiway the entire length of the runway. Enough of planes going down the runway and turning around for takeoff. Or landing and having to turn around and go back down the runway to taxi off. It is ridiculous and unprofessional and limits the number of flights we can get onto the island if the tourism industry takes off.

    Do it right the FIRST time

  3. Toto
    May 15, 2023

    This is very odd. International Airport Development Company Ltd. Is exactly the same name of the outfit that developed St. Vincent’s new Argyle International airport. Surely Roosevelt Skerrit would not chose the same name for the new airport in Dominica. That is too much of an coincidence my friends. What is going on?

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
  4. Greedy Traitors
    May 15, 2023

    A damn hungry and greedy prophet of Skerrit that hiding in the US trying paid by Skerrit to lie to Dominicans. I just don’t understand why these TRAITORS are not coming to Dominica to face the music

  5. Bring back the kidnapped parrots
    May 14, 2023

    How much beautiful land has already been destroyed on the east coast for an airport that is not needed? Dominica is a small island why are they destroying all the prime real estate? Jets can already land at Melville Hall. Who is going to own the airport? The illustrious Prime minister and his boys or the Dominican people? Where will all the money go? Take a guess.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 5
  6. Roger Burnett
    May 14, 2023

    Since my earlier comment, I have played the entire interview through two more times in order to get a better understanding of the project. However, the more I try to understand, the more vague I find Mr. Johnson’s explanations.

    In particular: the concern that the airport could become a military base was briefly touched upon; first, in the initial interview and second, at the request of the unidentified one and only supportive caller. On both occasions, Mr. Johnson’s dismissed the likelihood with an incredulous smile and quickly moved on.

    It is worth remembering the contractor is the China Railway No 5 Engineering Group and that the contents of the MOU between China and Dominica have never been revealed.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  7. Lin clown
    May 14, 2023

    A thousand words says nothing.Your words are very simple and understanding,knowing you are not working for the CM.The airport will never start it will never get off the ground.The airport is a pie in the sky,same BS coming from you,just a different day.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 7 Thumb down 25
    • lmckoy
      May 15, 2023

      Your assertions could be correct but what if you are wrong and Dominica gets its fully functional international airport?

  8. DA2DBONE
    May 13, 2023

    Instead of indulging in all the conspiracy theories I take the road of let’s see how the project unfolds. At least it has started. Right now may not be works on the actual airport, but like any other mega project these preparatory works are necessary to facilitate the actual project itself.

    Let’s be a bit patient. It took St.Vincent almost 10 years from breaking ground in 2008 to official opening in 2017. Hoping it will not be that long for us.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 5 Thumb down 21
    • Tanya
      May 15, 2023

      He started other things as well: the Moroccan hotel, the coffee factory, the Abattoir, the Ainchi hotel, the geothermal… So what are you saying?

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
      • DA2DBONE
        May 16, 2023

        Your argument makes for a good sound bite but does not hold that much water. Because one can also go on to list many projects that were successfully completed. Maybe way much more than the “failures” you listed. To use your own words…”So what are you saying?” More like what’s your point?

        Look I’m neither a supporter nor detractor of Skerrit. I’m just an objective independent Dominican that looks at each issue on it’s merit. But sometimes I’m flabbergasted by how some of you get so emotionally riled up by the appearance of his name, image, or anything connected to him. That cannot be mentally healthy and it impairs objectivity.

        Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
        • Accountant
          May 20, 2023

          Since you are so clever and independent, why don’t you name some projects that were successfully completed by him! You can’t, so stop waffling. People like you are more dangerous than the likes of Clown or Dog because you try to make out to be impartial but not only is your nose bright red but your behind is as red as that of a baboon too.

          Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • Putin
      May 15, 2023

      Most Dominicans support this project and are patiently waiting its completion. Do not let the repeated comments here of a few idle and mischievous folks, using different handles, trick you into believing the contrary. These are the same voices you hear on the UWPwee’s favourite radio station, by the way. Same small gang. Same rhetoric. The same voices and comments that Dominicans have been rejecting for the past 20 years.

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
      • May 16, 2023

        You could not have said it any better, Putin. These are disgruntled, frustrated, bitter, malicious, envious, wicked, hungry, homeless, boomerang UWP monkeys.

  9. May 13, 2023

    Mark you by 2100 96% of Dominicans today will be passed on. Therefore that 96% of the populace will never see an international airport in dominica. And with Roosevelt Chichi Skerrit , Heaven and earth shall pass away, and Brian Linton will
    become America’s 60th President. No electoral reform, No International Airport. Mark those words.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
  10. Bezebob
    May 13, 2023

    I feel Sorry for you Johnson. What skerrit, son of belzebob, gave you guys to drink. What spell has been casted on you so called professionals.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 3
  11. MEME
    May 13, 2023

    This Johnson guy had nothing to say really. He should have just stayed quiet…There is no work ongoing on any airport project, but he, Johnson, is being paid, so he must speak, even if he is making a fool of himself!!!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 4
  12. Roger Burnett
    May 13, 2023

    The Chief Executive Officer of the International Airport Development Company gave an overview of the design and construction phase but (given the state of our roads) omitted to explain how the raw materials (sand, cement, aggregate, etc.) will be transported to the site, especially as it seems attempts to land equipment by barge was a non-starter.

    Furthermore, he was silent on the issue of finance. What happens if funding from passport sales dries up before the project is completed? Who will then step in to make up the shortfall, not to mention operating costs and maintenance? And who at the end of the day will own the airport.

    On the subject of “silence”, has the impact of aircraft noise levels on the residents of Wesley and Woodford Hill been considered?

    To my mind, justification for the airport remains questionable but the creation of a white elephant remains well within the realms of possibility.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 3
    • May 16, 2023

      Roger, find something productive to do with your life. Stop making all that empty noise on DNO everyday. Nobody needs you far less your advice.

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 0 Thumb down 9
  13. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    May 13, 2023

    “Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Airport Development Company (IADC), Samuel Johnson has said that ongoing works continue on the International Airport for Dominica.”
    “Airport Development Company?”
    If this guy is the CEO of a company supposed to be building the airport; it would appear as if a number of individuals came together with their money pulled it and decide to build a business!
    Therefore that Airport will not be owned by the people of Dominica; since the term “company” can be defined as the fact or condition of being with another, or others, in a business; or a group of people whose society is sharing something.
    We have three major International Airports in Los Angeles, owned by the City, and manage by a Board, of directors, on which I remember a Dominican college professor Francis Bellot is a member: Francis if am wrong give me a call let me apologize, these Airports are owned by government and not a company!
    Could it be another Roosevelt…

    • May 16, 2023

      What else is on your agenda today? It hurts you to know that we are now in Wesley, your hometown, doing what we normally do for the people of Wesley and Dominica by extension. You seem to know everybody in this world. I have to say that I met Michael Collins, the apollo 11 astronaut who landed on the moon in 1969, in DC in 1986 before he passed away last year. It was a pleasure remembering him and shaking hands with him. Did you ever meet him or Neil Armstrong since you know everybody?

  14. Lin clown
    May 13, 2023

    Who cares what UWP and their supporters think or believe.The good thing is, they can no longer go to parliament to talk BS.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 28
    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      May 14, 2023

      And then you all claim that Roosevelt is not a dictator!

      Only in countries where dictators rules there are no opposition; only an headless rat; an idiot and idiots wish to live under dictatorship, where one criminal a damn thief, and a multiple of thieves rule over a handful of people.
      I wonder if I talking about Dominica, and anybody in Dominica?
      I Francisco Telemaque, is wan born Dominican, I wonder if I is the damn thief ruling Dominica, then I must be wan dictater too!

      And me is wan headless Mountain Chicken Crapo mentality too!

    • Ibo France
      May 14, 2023

      You are right Lazy Lin. That is all that goes on in parliament these days, BS.

    • Yolande
      May 15, 2023

      Instead YOU coming on here and talk utter BS. Don’t you have any shame?

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  15. Anthony P. Ismael
    May 13, 2023

    This project is a testament of modern engineering techniques and modern equipment. Clearing 11-acres of land within a few weeks is a feat of engineering that has not been accomplished in Dominica in forever. Imagine if we could have employed that same technique years ago in Dominica, we would have been much further along in the development of the island.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 10
  16. JustSaying
    May 13, 2023

    In other words “actual airport construction is not expected to start until the first quarter of 2024.”

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  17. Ibo France
    May 12, 2023

    It’s a hoax people. The work that is happening on the proposed site is to sway public opinion.

    Plans and drawings, EIA, definitive date of completion, precise cost of this ghost airport are kept in a blackhole, away from public scrutiny.

    Roosevelt carefully handpicked operatives go on DBS, disseminate their hogwash, then sister news outlets like Kairi and DNO instantaneously become complicit in spreading the specious articles and speeches.

    The cowardly, complicit local media outlets, the ignorance and indifference of most Dominicans, have aided in keeping the world’s most notorious LIAR and sad excuse of a human being in power for twenty abominable years.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 3
    • Putin
      May 15, 2023

      “It’s a hoax people. The work that is happening on the proposed site is to sway public opinion.” :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 8
  18. WeThePeople
    May 12, 2023

    Eh beh all you have good guts!!!!!!!!!!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  19. Satan is a liar
    May 12, 2023

    The bad thing is, Johnson is deceived and doesn’t know he is and as expected satan has no problem paying his agents to deceive others

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 4
  20. Tina
    May 12, 2023

    Over a thousand words but he hasn’t really said anything. That’s exactly what I expected of a guy working for the CM.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 22 Thumb down 6

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