DASPA boss responds to L’Express Des Isles

Bardouille said collecting compensation from the ferry is a major challenge. Photo credit: GIS
Bardouille said collecting compensation from the ferry is a major challenge. Photo credit: GIS

Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Air and Sea Port Authority (DASPA), Benoit Bardouille, has said that although he is cognizant of challenges being faced at the Roseau Ferry Terminal by L’Express Des Isles, receiving compensation from the company on time is a major challenge.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon Managing Director of the ferry company, Rolland Bellemare, called on DASPA to implement rules at the terminal and make alterations to the immigration checks in an attempt to cut down the amount of time that the ferry spends in Dominica.

On Tuesday, Bardouille told Dominica News Online that a number of initiatives are being worked on however, DASPA is in need of the monetary compensation from L’Express Des Isles to implement them.

“We would like the ferry operators and the agents to work with DASPA,” he said. “One of the things that we want to make sure is that in terms of the services that we provide, that we get compensated for them on a more timely basis. That’s an issue and we would really like to see a significant improvement in that area.”

Bardouille noted that a number of requests have been made but pointed out that if DASPA does not have the necessary resources to undertake those improvements, progress will be impeded.

He noted further that the ferry agents should also cooperate with DASPA in terms of the amount of time that they give passengers to arrive at the port prior to departure.

“We also want the ferry operators to cooperate with us,” he stated. “One of the challenging issues here has been that persons come late to board the ferry because the ferry agents have indicated that people have half an hour before departure to get to the terminal. We are indicating that we need an hour because the persons have to be processed by immigration, security and we need an hour so that we can close off the line.”

He added that he is aware that the ferry terminal is limited in terms of floor space and he is seeking to ensure that the space can be utilized by improving systems of control.

“You can’t always cater for hundreds of people that may be coming at any one time,” he noted. “What we have to look at is a mid range in terms of the number of passengers that are utilizing the facility. One of the constraints identified is the constraint of the border control procedures, obviously the state has to be protected …and we have to ensure that the border control agents undertake their work without any hindrance…”

He stated that DASPA is currently in the process of trying to eliminate long lines at the port where possible.

“As Bellemare indicated there is ongoing work,” Bardouille said. “We have been meeting to see how we can devise a system whereby we can process people faster. Also we are looking at improving the conditions in terms of the terminal so that the environment can be more comfortable for those coming in and those going out. In Dominica you have to be processed by immigration coming in and you have to be processed out. We need to find a way whereby the border control agents can do their job but at the same time it must not conflict with the movement of passengers.”

The CEO pointed out that he is happy that the number of passengers traveling to Dominica has increased and remarked that plans are being discussed to remodel and reconstruct the terminal.

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45 Comments

  1. longtong
    July 17, 2014

    TELL SKERRIT EASE UP THE $&@$ mariwanna let money flow in the country. Wat haopen? Because he have his millions now.

  2. Nothing but excuses.
    July 16, 2014

    Why does EVERYTHING in Dominica have to boil down to money? How will money help immigration officers be more competent and swift when conducting immigration checks? Will financial compensation stop immigration and customs officers from asking the same questions that passengers have already answered on those useless forms? Will that money prevent passengers from spending 45 minutes to 1 hour queuing up just to have their passports stamped? This is not just about Dominica, the same thing happens in Guadeloupe, except they don’t blame it on compensation or lack thereof. It takes ages to embark the ferry out of Dominica, and even longer to get in. I think you should first focus on providing a better travel environment before talking about money Mr Bardouille.

  3. patriarch
    July 16, 2014

    The question of limited space is in the hands of the people who planned and design the ferry terminal, i can remember when i served on the board of N D C, the project came up for discussion and i suggested that a two story facility be built with space for restaurant, bar, souvenir shop on one floor and the other floor for customs and immigration purposes, not only would we have the proposed conveniences but the upper floor would be safer for document keeping during times of hurricane or even rough seas.
    now the reality is looking us right in the face.

  4. July 16, 2014

    Some thing else i would like to point out which is very important to help dominica and it’s population…
    Stop making people pay for parcels ,cost of living is too high in dominica ,so many peple are out of work, people abroad can help their family by sending goods for them ,then they can help themselves and also help the economy ,,,stop making people pay for parcel ,,,

  5. July 16, 2014

    Dominica custom officers are just too stupid and inquisitive …They are more curious of seeing what you a carrying ,asking stupid questions such as what ;what do you come for in dominica even after they have taken your passport from you,why should a customs officer take you passport from you after you have followed a queue to show your passpart to a police customs officer?iwhy should they ask you where are you going to if you are allowed entry by a police officer ?even after you tell them where you are going to they ask you ,who do you have there?how long are you staying in dominica?after someone have been through police custom officers they should not be asked any question by someone who is there to verify goods,people who want to travel to or from dominica always talk about the high cost of the tax they pay even before worring about the ticket,,,the tax is too expensive ,,bring it down to £20.00 or stop it ,then i am sure the gov’t will see the difference …it is not because you make people pay a high price in tax this is making the economy better when the population is more satisfied with the cost of a travelling ticket.to pass the EU borders where millions passs every day i feel more comfortable and walk out faster,,,even a clean packet of period pads or sanitary napkins the custom officer is touching ,something that should be kept clean and free from germs.they cannot address people correctly either it’s a shame to have these people to welcome travellers specially strangers that are coming to the island for the first time….change is needed,,,

  6. annoyed
    July 16, 2014

    Nonsense reply, how do these people get into the positions that they are in and stay so long is beyond me. Pay us and we will fix it, stupid, stupid response is best he had stay quiet

  7. Anonymous
    July 16, 2014

    mr. B fix the terminal with our funds. Poor response.

  8. DA1
    July 16, 2014

    the issue is that nothing in Dominica is plan for the long term. Everything is for the now. In the initial building of the terminal the authorities in charge gave no thought to the problems that they are having now.

  9. de truth
    July 16, 2014

    D.A.S.P.A has been the dumping ground for labour party boys and girls…they all have to get paid at the end of the month….maybe that may be the reason for D.A.S.P.A’s lack of resources??? ijs.

  10. 1911
    July 16, 2014

    Not a very thought off response Bardouille! You are passing the blame for your faults.

  11. Joy
    July 16, 2014

    Lol.. Dominicans; quick to defend and not improve.

  12. playboy
    July 16, 2014

    “……..remodel and reconstruct the terminal.” AGAIN?
    I keep telling people there are no such things as planning and foresight in this country.

  13. really
    July 16, 2014

    I don’t know which agents he’s talking about that say you should be there half an hour. Every every time I purchase my tickets, I am always told at least 2 hours, 2 hours!!! And is not only in Dominica.

    Woodbridge Bay has enough space, if that’s a factor, why not use there when you know the numbers are going to be high (and it is possible to know)

  14. Free
    July 16, 2014

    That’s pure garbage mr bardouille. That little fee the ferry pays cannot hinder the implementation of procedures for smooth processing of travelers using the ferry terminal..your response just shows how lazy and backward thinking people like you that hold certain positions are..rather that heed the message your try to blame the messenger..I’m pretty sure the operator must have tried with no success to resolve those issues quietly but failure on the part of da spa has made him go to the media…

  15. RastarMarn
    July 15, 2014

    Bardouille you are Fired!!!

    Your letter of resignation will be accepted first thing on Friday the 18th Day of July 2014!!!

    Thank you

  16. Africo
    July 15, 2014

    The ferry terminal was designed by Bardouille and he set the rules. All you need is one big hall. Not all those narrow passages and cramped rooms.

    Why can the passengers not leave the ferry as soon as they arrive? Why do they have to wait standing rocking in the boat while the bags are taken off? Only in Dominica. It does not happen at the airport. Why at the sea port?

    Why do Dominican passports take so long to clear? Immigration officers turning them upside down and round about before they stamp them and let you go.

    The system is a shambles. I know Martinique people who say they do not come to Dominica any more because of that ferry terminal experience. Mr Belmar of L’Express des Isles is right. Time to shape up DASPA.!

  17. Joe
    July 15, 2014

    Padna must be a political appointee. This is a perfect situation for any one with half a brain to take the high road and be diplomatic. Given the current state of air and sea access into Dominica. The French fella was dropping hints of diplomacy when he said Dominica is important to the Express, but Padna find it fit on behalf of Dominicans to tear him down by saying … but he owing us he need to pay. That’s stuff for a bus driver or someone not in a high position of Air-Sea port authority. What ignorance.

  18. Frenchie Rosie
    July 15, 2014

    What ferry terminal? DA hasn’t a ferry terminal. There is need for one though!

    • Anonymous
      July 16, 2014

      Yes, of course we have a ferry terminal. But it is too small and definitely in the wrong place with no parking facility.

  19. July 15, 2014

    little boys blame game.

  20. July 15, 2014

    We have to remember both the ferry terminal and the melville hall airport was renovated by mr bardouille. So he should know better

    • JoJo
      July 16, 2014

      Nonsense! mr. Corette was in charge of airports when Melville Hall was remodelled. In any case, neither gentleman is responsible for building terminals and as a matter of fact I have seen mr. Bardouille at the ferry terminal, in his own time, to make sure things go more smoothly. He is very much aware of the issues and if he is not able to say so publicly himself I am sure as much frustrated by govt. inertia like most of us.

  21. Jay
    July 15, 2014

    It appears to me that the existing space for the ferry terminal is inadequate and I would suggest that it be expanded into the adjoining fisheries complex, which is underutilised.
    Furthermore I would like to see the archaic system of separate payment for departure tax abolished. Incorporate it in the ticket price and save time, admin. expense and space at the terminal.

    • I like it
      July 16, 2014

      shame. only in dominica we are not forward thinking. and we have nothing positive to say to returning graduates.

  22. nev
    July 15, 2014

    To all who has never dealt wth d french port an customs,,the french has its laws we got ours,,dominican boaters need to recomend it be easier to use there ports,,has dominican complain about the price of using french dock,we need to pay to load offload our boats ,,not trying to b negative but

  23. Bull Crap
    July 15, 2014

    That is so ridiculous

    “On Tuesday, Bardouille told Dominica News Online that a number of initiatives are being worked on however, DASPA is in need of the monetary compensation from L’Express Des Isles to implement them.”

    what you can implement rules because of that?
    hoe did these people get this positions my lord?

  24. July 15, 2014

    Bothside need too be blame 1/2 hour before departure thats when fewer pasengers were travelling bothside were agreed with that now more people are travelling on the ferry my point is departure time should increase and renovate the terminal that will fix the proplem.

  25. stupes
    July 15, 2014

    Such an uncultured reply “when you pay us we will fix it” – what is that? In 2014? And tourism is supposed to improve? aye Dominique.

  26. MUDD
    July 15, 2014

    Benoit is nonsense you saying. Most of the costume officers just interested in what you have in your bag rather than speeding up the line. Especially those at Melville Hall Airport.

    • Kricket
      July 15, 2014

      U have contraband?

      • EN BEN SAY SA MEM
        July 16, 2014

        we talking about speeding up the system you talking about contraband? alot of those with immunity clearance may just have contraband and they are not being checked

    • The Facts
      July 15, 2014

      They have a job to perform. It is their obligation to search the luggage. Keep in mind there are also supervisors/managers who are looking on to ensure they perform their duty efficiently.
      If they do not search the luggage, some people may pass through with illegal items as guns and drugs. Therefore, their first obligation is to ensure that the luggage is searched. There is nothing wrong with that. They cannot speed up the line. Travelers must be patient. It is frustrating but we all go through this when traveling.

    • Anonymous
      July 16, 2014

      Nice to know they wear “costumes”, didn’t know that.

  27. Educator
    July 15, 2014

    Typical 3rd World type way of thinking.

    We keep doing the same thing over and over again. When you ask them why they do it that way, the answer is “that is how we always do it”.

    And to think these people travel and see different practices. You would think they would learn a thing or two.

    • The Facts
      July 15, 2014

      The heat could slow them down especially if there is no air-conditioner. No joking.

    • Thinking
      July 17, 2014

      Its a typical American response too, but wait isn’t the USA a first world country? Experience talking here.

  28. Whistler
    July 15, 2014

    again it sums up what dominica is about a blaming type society…fix the D thing..where is the priority ,why didn’t the DASPA Boss speak out on the state palace?

    the only how DA will make it, citizens have to see the bigger picture…

    thus dominican is unattractive to investors, will continue to headline the eastern caribbean as the poorest…

    Dominican committed a sin back in 2000 thus they will pay dearly for it…….bad policy makers and focus aspects..

    • real possie
      July 15, 2014

      @ Whistler that’s why u wait to hear two sides to a story before DNO ran the news yesterday they should have waited to do what they did today, but what I get from both sides is they need to sit down and talk cause we all know that in this day and age we don’t want terrorists going through our ports to go anywhere to commit their acts and we are left holding the dirty bag it should be at least an hour before all passengers should be there that was one of the things the guy said yesterday that caught my eye. To me that can be an easy fix they all know what needs to be done both sides.

      • Anonymous.
        July 15, 2014

        Time is money!

    • Zanndoli
      July 15, 2014

      rubbish

  29. July 15, 2014

    The correct thing to say is that we are going to fix it not to say when you pay us we will fix it. There is a saying build it and they will come. I would like to ad do that saying fix it and they will stay.

  30. Pedro
    July 15, 2014

    Stop kicking the football around Benoit and do something positive. It should not take a ferry operator to really get you to do something. Be more proactive on customer service; look at the queue management system and try to improve efficiency and logistics. You do not really need more money for better management, and courteous service. Dominicans deserve better than the status quo that exists at our ports of entry. Melville Hall is not much different either. Furthermore, is that the impression you want tourists to have about DA?

    • Calibishi Warrior
      July 16, 2014

      Cannot put it any better than that!!100% and 1000 recommends. There is NO WAY we can keep a system which take us 30-45 minutes to process 20 passengers from a frry and talk about ‘protecting borders’ like we are some US immigration post on the Mexican border. For our own sake we need to quickly improve that and it will not take one dollar to fix it. Istead of finding more ways for Express des Iles to bring more people here you busy upping the confrontation level…. SMH

  31. cowboy
    July 15, 2014

    Rather than focus on solutions we focus on pointing fingers?

    • I like it
      July 16, 2014

      exactly

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