Dominica’s main opposition, the United Workers Party (UWP), yesterday questioned the exact nature of Dominica’s promised $8 million contribution to the Antigua-based regional airline LIAT.
UWP leader and former Prime Minister Edison James has called on Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to disclose what the country is giving LIAT the money for; to help it build back from its fire losses or to become a shareholder.
“It has not been the subject of discussion in Dominica. We do not know whether this $8 million is an investment for shares in LIAT or whether it is a contribution in the context of loss which LIAT has suffered,” James said.
As most of us were able to get ready for this last move, Sarah and even I encased up a good number of our VIDEO collection.
As an Antiguan, I am appauled at what im reading, it has been years LIAT served Dominica and Dominica has never been a share holder of LIAT, never even injected to help the Airline.
Despite the criticisms, LIAT continues to serve Dominicans. Dominicans have come to Antigua to make a livng from our jobs because of LIAT. What if Antiguans stop allowing Dominicans to or shores, what if LIAT stop services to and from Dominica?
If its any country in the caribbean who need to help invest in our regional airline , is Dominica because three islands cannot do it alone. Its a shameto see and ear Dominicans create a scene at the VC Bird International over delayed flights.
Dominicans have been dubbed as troublemakers and the people of Antigua and the Airport and the rest of the region are fed up. Dominica must do its part to assist Antigua,Barbados and St Vincent.
After skeritt take our 8million an give Antigua we still hav to buy there very expensive tickets ..these days skeritt just doing wat he want with Dominica…from taking America boat to wasting 8million on people dat dho like us
There are too many uneducated Dominican, lost people like zombies, they hear something and just out of hate they join the crowd,without even looking at the pros and cons why should we pay Liatt $8 million,?The QUSTION IS PLAIN unless you are dumd,is that going to make it easier for us when we travel,it it going to stop them stealing our goods from our luggage, is it going to help us get our luggage the same day we travel, these are questions that will follow later, so tell us what the money is for and let MR JAMES DO HIS JOB,
Why can’t some people resist the urge to be critical of Mr. James even when he is raising legitimate questions? These are questions that must be asked. Rather than seeking to condemn Mr. James, Let’s applaud him. Lets’s thank him for speaking out on our behalf.
We all want increased transparency and disclosure of the details of this transaction. Mr. James has simply asked the PM to tell the Dominican people what their tax dollars are used for. What is wrong with this? Why is it right when Tony- who does not hold any public office, pose these questions but it is wrong when the Leader of Opposition exercises his lawful constitutional authority?
We need to seriously nurture and advance the principles of transparency and accountability in our society. Our leadership must lead by example in its utterances, decisions, practices and governance. It must embrace the essential principles of liberty, accountability and transparency as prerequisites for the survival of our fledgling democracy. We cannot have good governance- take note Peeping Tom and others, without accountability and transparency. Transparency is the force that shapes, guides and grows our youthful democracy. This was once the mantra of Tony and Waddy. In the 80s’- why not now?
The concern of many with the lack of accountability and transparency in our national governance is clear from the absolute disregard of a one man government to our institutions, our legal and reporting framework, our organizational structure, reporting lines of authority and the lack of due diligence and due process. It is not your damn business! No, law, No constitution (as shamefully endorsed by our judicial system with its excessive, inordinate, unreasonable and undue delay in hearing our constitutional petitions and rendering judgment on our appeals simply to know who our lawfully elected members of parliament are.
We have lost sight of the notion of transparency, when the Speaker of the House tramples on the right of members of parliament to speak and to express themselves- When our PM makes unilateral decisions without first discussing issues with his cabinet or parliament or the country- when he decides to keep secrets of a MOU from the people- when he fails to give us timely, reliable, clear and relevant public information on issues of national importance. Dominica has a voice and she must speak through me, you and all those concerned about our well being as a nation- that includes the Leader of the Opposition. Let him speak.
Admin :i need to ask you dam question what was wrong with my comment everytime i wrote something on your comment you never approveing it, whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy , can you please tell me what was wrong with my comment, i don’t know if you know me and hate me but there is not one time i would post something for you to post it and i want to know what is the problem ,ok in this case i was the first one to write a comment on this article am seeing everyone comments and not mine am pise if you don’t want me commeting on you post please let me am tied with this nonesence now, i could understand if i was a person that curse and write curse words on here but i dont curse and i know am not writing anything bad on your post so thats why am asking you to please leave my comment alone so others can see it , look at the amount of dirty name they calling mr james on your post and you post it give me a dam break.
Liat don’t respect Dominica an Dominican..why should we use our money to help an Antiguan company …u gets d worst treatment in Antigua airport other Dan any Otha country in d Caribbean..
This is the DNO article on Dominica’s intention to become a shareholder of liat, dated December 15, 2011. So what exactly is Mr. James’s issue with without being notified.
https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/economy-development/dominica-on-course-to-become-shareholder-of-liat/
The MONEY some of all you giving Lennox to appeal in court(which he always looses).Is this any better?Why don’t you all take that money and put it to use in one of the areas you all just blabla-ing that needs attention or fixing in DA.
So when Skerritt says no money or too much money for electoral reforms, is he speaking the truth? Has the Skerritt Govt. really displayed to the Dominican people any interest in providing funds for electoral reform. Skerritt and his DLP Govt. refuse to provide the “Independent” Electoral Commission the money as requested.
After about 7 years no move on funds for the Commission to provide Voter ID cards and to clean up the bloated List. There must be a reason for stalling the efforts of the Commission. Skerritt is put himself in a hole. Dare him still say no money for electoral reform. Wait for the other excuse. The request for funds is to ensure elections are Free and Fair with very little or no irregularities, fraud/stealing of elections.
No money for Electoral Reforms after Dominicans have been pleading for years. But Skerritt could find millions to bail out LIAT. We know why?
Dominicans, read through the lines. The only reason is transportation for elections. The eyes of those who will do everthing to remain in power is on LIAT. Free plane tickets, free transportation and $$$$$ to fly people from the diaspora to vote. Facilitation from LIAT without questions. That is the plan. Looking ahead for LIAT’s cooperation in flying Voters.
Remember, it was LIAT and Govt. which worked together in the inaugural night-landing flight. LIAT was paid plenty money for the charter. Dominicans, up to now, do not know the huge amount spent. Now, LIAT complains of Tailwind that makes it a problem to land at Melville Hall at nights.
People’s lives were sacrificed. Those who paid as well as those who accepted the payment for the charter did not care about the risks to people’s lives. Surely, tailwind was always there. Skerritt was on land at Melville Hall though.
Dominicans are experimenting with dictatorship style rule in Dominica. Whose fool are you Dominican? So no lessons have been learnt from the Haitian dictatorship era? Is so it started, grew and flourished until the collapse of institutions, civil society orgs. and the entire country. The Haitian people are still paying a heavy price. Dominicans are and will continue to pay a hefty price for being in bed with those with dictatorial tendencies. The Chief of police now reveals to the world that some police officers, imagine that, are in bed with drug dealers. So too, Dominicans will pay a heavy price for going down those dangerous roads. But it is the patriots who are demonised for informing people about those unilateral decisions, corruption in public office and bad governance.
It could be one of two things. ONE – LIAT Head quarters may eventually move to Dominica, (the name may change, maybe)adding to the new international airport which the government is dreaming of building. OR TWO – The government looking to be the number one shareholder in that company with benefit unseen, untold and bottomless (sky-high ;))… HMMM. 8 Million fada? from hand to mouth they paying salaries in ministry, economy hard, 27 million for new state house and now 8 million in a ting that have stakeholders dancing like they have ants in their pants. The hanger that got burnt holds all documents on the different planes including when and what needed to be fixed/maintained ect ect. It risky to travel on LIAT now. There is always another story, another motive that WE the people are NEVER told! It seems like every decision that needs to made for this country needs an election because some decisions are being made and i find is only ONE SET that gaining! Is so the world be na? well i guess so. I guess many “criminals” both in high and low places are realizing that so they go along their merry way to make a living how they please. Ohh Well… is LIAT alone we have for the time so ina way i back them but them fellas reallllyyyyy have me questioning them ehhh… election soon ehhh, allu better shape up ehhh… all that in darkness hafi come to light. Pray Dominicans. Just Pray. SMH.
Government agreed to inject as much as US$250 million to save the carrier – I think that was Trinidad Government re BWIA. So Eddie why cant we help LIAT
I am not opposed to the idea of investing in LIAT particularly in light of the impending pullout by American Eagle. I do have problems with the timing , the lack of transparency and the lack of a proper investigation or evaluation. What is in this for us as Dominicans? Is it more benefitial to invest in our own airline? How much influence Dominica will have on the decisions and policies of liat.
It is no secrete that our economy is in dire conditions and there is nothing in place to shore up the economy. It may be fair to say that we are acting out of desperation.
If we are prepared to sink 8 milliontax payer dollars into an airline that has not made any profits in years we aught to be absolutely sure that there are drastic cbanges in LIAT’s operation and management that would make Liat worthwhile.
PM might have been well intended but his execution was extremely poor. LIAT has financial issues and is facing bankruptcy so he might have seen it as opportunity to invest because it could provide DA an upper hand on travel access and pricing.
But he will be doing no good to pushing money into it while it is failing. We are sure to lose our investment it does not matter how well intended you are….Until LIAT provide and agree to a full restructing plan for success we should not invest a cent into this entity.
On the other hand you choose to invest without this framework in place the airline will still go out of business and we will lose 8M dollars.
Dominica has so many issues plaguing the society namely unemployment, Healthcare and poverty this 8M could help easy some of those pressing concerns of a people and if LIAT fails this might just be the best opportunity for us to get creative and provide a solution for access in the country’s best interest rather than feed a dead airline because it is the easiest way out.
Come on man…you don’t understand finance.
Since, I cannot leave Dominica unless I fly LIAT I have no difficulty with the Government funding LIAT, I only want to know the terms of the arrangement for funding.
it’s plain to see why many of our business are failing. PEOPLE you never throw good money after bad money…. money is NOT a way to solve a problem, it merely finances it or facilitates the solution. if there is no PLAN for success, no matter how much money u throw at a problem there will be failure. has anyone seen a plan??? yet we shout horray and bray like the $$$es we are. investment is putting money into a planned scheme where the risk of failure is minimized as much as possible.. throwing money at existing problems is just that… THROWING MONEY.
Oh, i quite like the fact that the Head of the UWPwee, Hon. James, is asking these questions. I have read the linked article and i find his questions quite in sync with his role as a parliamentarian and the leader of his party. In fact, his questions are precisely what we pay him to do. If he did not ask, we would continue to believe that his party is truly dead and bankrupt. So, i appreciate his interest.
What happens next?
Having said this, it is unrealistic to expect any government to go to the public each time it has a major project or investment opportunity. If governments functioned this way, we probably would not get any work done because each day, each minister would be in public discussing this or that. Besides, we elected them just for that…to take decisions in our interest and on our behalf. So, let us cut the Cabinet some room. By all means, let us get ask the questions and insist upon the answers, which i am sure will be forthcoming, but let us remain realistic.
So Tom, is because Govt. is functioning the way it is we get things done quicker? Maybe I’m too blind to see but perhaps you can give us some examples Tom, so we can learn.
you are not 100% accurate, government has a limit to which it can spend on its own and when it is to spend beyond its limit parliament has to approve such spending, it matters not whether the I’s have it but through the parliamentary bill the populace gets informed.
Peeping Tom, you have let me down. You have demonstrated once again that objectivity is not your forte when it comes to being critical of your PM or recognizing what is right in the opposition. You know that Mr James is correct. You have once again allowed your narrow-minded, single vision, blinkered, myopic party partisan political disposition to obscure your vision on this one. You started well- but somehow you could not muster the strength of integrity to give jack his jacket and call a spade a spade. As you know, we are on the same boat on this issue but Mr. James is correct. The issue here is not necessarily the action but more importantly the intent and the manner in which the PM seems to be acting with regard to matters of national interest. Come on Peeping, I forgive you. I know that you know better and you will try to speak some wisdom to the PM
We are tied down to Liat because that the only airline that can come to DOminica. If we had a proper airport we would have choices and we would not have to give Liat 8 mill that we dont have. We cannot even fix our pot holes or trim the bushes on the side road but we want to play big and give liat 8 mill. What a wicked government.
This is not true. Caribbean Airlines could serve Melville Hall too, as does American Eagle. Just provide them with enough load and permits and they’ll be here. The absence of other airlines has more to do with the fact that Dominica is not a profitable destination for them and granting them permits would dilute LiAt’s meagre earnings even further. Now that the Govt. i.e. Roosevelt Skerrit has decided to pump money into LIAT there will be even less inclination to allow other carriers to operate in/out of Dominica.
Exactly! The government inst supposed to pick winners and losers in private industry. They set themselves up for failure competition wise and this will only further hurt the already crippled travel industry in Dominica.
Eddy James I think you need to shout up and let the government to the job they are doing.. Nothing wrong in what the government has done, in investing in Liat. At least , Dominica will have a stake in Liat and could have a better say in its policies and procedures.
nothing wrong and our hospital is in financial problems, our unemployment rate is high… it is very difficult to live here if you are not singing skerrit tune..
i think you maybe a citizen but you are not concerned
unemployment hight everywhere, don’t tickle yourself pretty cow
Poor fool you cannot even say shut up, you are asking Edison to “shout up”, and he has already done so, that is why you are posting such stupid comments.
You know something we can ponder…How many Islands has Dominica bailed out…
Is that good or bad for our image????
hahahahahahaha…boy hear things nuuuh
How many islands???
Met Yo there was not a time in your life you were proud of Dominica more so than now. Because I know when you pass through Antigua again I know you will be bouncing and saying, “see them now, those Antiguans can’t cut style on me”.
We own this planes…LOL…Nous c’est Met Yo
who bailing us out?
That is the question….but how many did we????
Are you Dominica???
Tell us Prof., how many islands Dominica bailed out? Give us the names pls. Maybe Skerrit can do the same for Dominica?
Some of us are hypocritical and narrow minded. This is not about Edison James. This is about Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit being ASKED to be open and transparent WITH the Dominican people.
The PM made a statement last week about making EC$8 million in equity available to LIAT, just after damages to LIAT’s hangar in Antigua by fire. The Estimated cost of the damage is EC$35 million.
1. Are we investing in LIAT or helping?
2. Did the PM receive an assessment report from LIAT’s insurer?
3. Are the other islands making similar contributions?
4. Where is the money coming from?
5. Who is going to pay the bill?
6. Were the people of Dominica consulted?
7. Were we made aware of the PM’s decision before his announcement?
The PM took that unilateral decision when;
a. The Government recently took a loan of EC$20 million from NBD to meet its operation
b. The government can only give farmers EC$2 million for feeder roads
c. The government can’t give increase to civil servants
d. The government can’t make EC$5.2 million available for Electoral Reform
e. The government is at odds with Gardakkan on the Pond Casse to Melville Hall Road
f. The Aerial Tram just laid off 66 employees
g. KFC Porstmouth is closed
h. Part of Clear Harbour located at the Marpin Building in Roseau will be laying off 37 employees soon
i. Inland Revenue is yet to begin the payment of returns to ctitzens for 2011.
j. DASPA is having serious financial difficulty
k. The Princess Margaret Hospital lacks basic medication and equipement
l. The government is yet to complete and repair the North East Comprehensive School
m. They can’t repair the White River bridge and the Delices to Petite Savanne Road
n. The government can’t repair the Thibaud Primary School
Roosevelt Skerrit needs to come clean with the people of Dominica. We should look beyond our noses and demand openness from our leaders. Step up Dominicans. Skerrit in giving LAIT EC$8 millions that we do not have and some Dominicans are defending that? The Treasury of the Commonwealth of Dominica is not Skerrit’s Grandma Cash-tin that she willed to him. So he has to be transparent and accountable.
LIAT Quik Pack, your contribution has legitimate questions with regards to the LIAT matter. However, it has been distorted by a porridge of issues all intertwined into a messy nauseating broth that is heavily flavored with speculation, rumours, and non-sense. Surely, are you serious?
I suggest that the Opposition, and even the media, could pose those questions that you asked with regards to the LIAT matter directly to the PM and his Cabinet.
As for the rest of your broth, if you are serious about answers to these questions as opposed to mind games, that will influence only the foolish and the gullible, even a mild search on DNO will educate you.
lol@ PT. You are something else!
Peeping Tom,
Your contradictory and myopic disposition is a simple example of what is wrong with Dominica today. You know and understand what is wrong but you do not want to ruffle the self battered feathers of your ill advised government. My friend, 2 + 2 = 4 and that cannot change. Same as wrong is wrong and right is right. Anytime there begins to be a compromise we are heading towards a path of premeditated and calculated destruction.
You supported the questions but you cannot identify with the issues that could be given priority over the LIAT CASH DUMP by OUR PM. This is beyond Pathetic.
Peeping Tom, agree Liat Quik Pack is ringing the TRUTH, there are thumbs up to prove that!
stupppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppeeeeees, find another site to misinform people and stop making a royal mule out of yourself…. we are educated people here….u make me sick peeper…smfh
The PM took that unilateral decision when;
a. The Government recently took a loan of EC$20 million from NBD to meet its operation…This has to be laughable…to meet its operation…lol…If Timothy was a uwpwee I would believe that…not with Skerro that happening.
b. The government can only give farmers EC$2 million for feeder roads….2+9+7 is 2million…alas wupweee
c. The government can’t give increase to civil servants…where is this man living…under a rock
d. The government can’t make EC$5.2 million available for Electoral Reform…who needs electoral reform
e. The government is at odds with Gardakkan on the Pond Casse to Melville Hall Road…how is that an issue…there are alway contractual disputes on major projects….again, has this bloke lived all his life in Marigot and never taken a flight out of Dominica
f. The Aerial Tram just laid off 66 employees…Yeah, let the callers of Q95 come together and buy it….too much mouth all you have. If Gov’t buys it or supports it…you and your uwpweeeeee will say is corruption, jobs for the boys, drug money…shut up already
g. KFC Porstmouth is closed….this is a private venture…In the capitalist system, business will thrive and bust…onto the next one
h. Part of Clear Harbour located at the Marpin Building in Roseau will be laying off 37 employees soon….Call center is dependent on the vloume from the host coutry USA….This is an man that has not travelled.
i. Inland Revenue is yet to begin the payment of returns to ctitzens for 2011…I don’t know about that one. If you are owing, please pay up
j. DASPA is having serious financial difficulty
k. The Princess Margaret Hospital lacks basic medication and equipement…Okay, you sound like sissy coipel
l. The government is yet to complete and repair the North East Comprehensive School…is this the same school that they continmually vandalize
m. They can’t repair the White River bridge and the Delices to Petite Savanne Road…Oh yeah Ron Green , Coupe Lapen said that
n. The government can’t repair the Thibaud Primary School…Really
evey domnican should now why our goverment
investing $8 million in an airline that continually disrespect its costumers especially dominicans .
Where will Dominica be without LIAT?
Between Guadeloupe and Martinique, where its always been.
Better off
I quite happy to take the ferry to Guadeloupe or Martinique and make may way from there. It costing $200 dollar and a rough 3 hour round trip from Roseau to Melville Hall, plus two hours check in before departure anyway, so what I’m losing?
PS. And nothing to eat or drink in the departure hall at Melville Hall, never mind duty-free sale.
Shouldn’t that property have Fire and Peril Insurance and now Liat should be cashing from the insurers and not Dominica.
I did not know that we insured the building
ZEY ZEY use your head, of course the building is insured, Since November 2011 we decided to purchase shares in LIAT, the fire just acted as a catalyst because of the short fall in cash that is anticipated as a result of loosing a plane as well.
I can confirm that LIAT Insurance is in good standing and the Insurers are in the process of assessing the cost of damage and the actual cause, this is normal, so stop making Eddison James use your brain as his rag doll…
Foolish, senseless and vain speech. He criticises all the time, what are his viable alternatives? I fine for an educated man like Mr. James he lacks any kind of vision and maturity.
If his speech was in support of the muslim Gay Rights in the community, your mouth would have twisted the other way arround.
you sound like a hater, but i expect that muslims = jihad
The same way u are commenting, the Opposition has a right and duty to speak out and ask questions…yes u will say Mr. Skerrit doing good, but he has to explain to us (Dominicans) why he is doing certain things…we are a free country…..hello!!!!!!!!!
Well there we have it again. A genuine concern by the Opposition about how our Tax Payers’ money is spent and disbursed. Now you would think that any right thinking person would join in asking the relevant questions. But wait, we live in Dominica, where political ignorance lives. Alot of persons commenting here do so without considering the issue at hand. They attack the messenger and ignore the message that is so important to them, the country and their own future in it. This 8 million could have been used to create jobs to keep them from begging and walking up the stairs of the red clinic to get 300 and 400 dollars hand out. But they won’t look at it that way. This is why these thugs will continue to ride them like donkey , while accumulating personal wealth in exchange for bread crumbs they have to beg for.
Unemployment rate skyrocketing, 8 Million for LIAT!? Areal Tram shut down, you could invest in that company to help keep Dominicans employed, 8 Million for LIAT? Contractors on the Pond Casse to Menville Hall rd without pay for MONTHS, 8 Million for LIAT!? The island don’t have money according to Skerro, 8 Million for LIAT? DOMINICANS, WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED TO SEE TO BE CONVINCED THAT IS TOTAL MADNESS GOING ON BY THE GOVERNMENT?
Mr. james, what are you getting after. You need to spend time rebuilding your party to make it more attractive to me rather than seek to wage a war that is doomed to fail. LIAT is our airline. Dominica is not a shareholder in LIAT. From as early as July 2011 or thereabout government did announce its intentions to invest in the airline. To suggest by way of innuendo that government is investing in LIAT becuaseof the recent fire (june 2012) in Antigua is mischievous and will not hold any political water beyond the voices onthe Q95. Imagine if LIAT were to cut back on one flight into and out of Dominica as a result of economic reasons. Imagine the consequences for Dominica. I am guided by government’s long announced intention of investing in LIAT so as to be in a position to influence the commitment of LIAT to Dominica. I sense that as Prime Minister, if he ever get that opportunity again, Mr. James would have pursued a similar policy to invest hard and scarce cash in LIAT to ensure that Dominica is not negatively influenced by any changes in LIAT’s schedule. As challenging as LIAT’s schedule and fares are, DOminica cannot continue to survive without the daily service of LIAT in and out of DOminica. This is what I suspect is the thinkuing behind the policy to invest in LIAT. Although the figures are not available, on the surface it is well understood that Dominica stands to benefit more from any investment in LIAT than LIAT itself. Prime MInister Skerrit must ensure that Dominica is not negatively affected by any changes in LIAT’s schedule. He must do whatever he has to do to ensure that Lennox and Eddy and now Spaghetti can get to St. Kitts as they wish, when they so desire and in as safe a manner as possible. I remember when Eddy said that spending money on the West coast road was not a priority. It was a waste of resources. There was also a time when he said that spending money at Melville Halll to make the facility safe is like “spining top in mud” and that airlines such as LIAT will NEVER come to Melville Hall after sunset.
Mr. James when you talk, kindly let it make sense and importantly to win you more friends and supporters. Take Angelo as an example. He more than any talk show host in Dominica is doing a lot of talking – both night and day promoting your cause. Is he winning friends to his/your cause? Or is he turning people off? Something to ponder on Mr. James.
I see no nonsense in Mr James’ words. He’s asking the right questions. Maybe you need to kindly remove ur head from a certain orifice.
Mr. James was the best PM dominica ever had and you all know it. The present govt could care less about the welfare of the poor people. A member of Mr. James constituency got a medical agency in the United States to supply 60 trailer loads of medical supplies to dominica four main hospitals all your govt had to pay was $12,000.00 for shipment and they refuse to do it. Now poor people in dominica cannot get medical help but their leader can make cadeau with eight million dollars just to buy friend. Liat richer that his 8 million. Medical products are much more important. liat has insurance the poor in dominica has no insurance.
Unfortunately I cannot give you a hundred thumbs down so i will write it for you.
why couldn’t that 8mil go to fixing the canefield airport??? lack of development…the airport is fallng apart
I wish LIAT would just stop come to Dominica. And who people going to blame for that? Skerrit, of course.
Despite LIAT’s problems Dominica is doomed without it. This money is a good move, in my opinion, to keep LIAT coming to Dominica.
My friends, I will repeat again that the primary objective of Dominica’s most backward thinking government (I hear is one man that is the government now) is to keep you poor so that you will forever be dependent on it/him.
I can see its working on you
We say we want Democracy and at the other breath we curse democracy? The paliamentry opposition is well within its right and responsibility to question what the eight million dollars of our tax payers money is spent for. The prime minister has a responsibility to invest or do other wise with the resources of the country, only that he is responsible to parliament, cabinet and the country. If it was Rosevelt Skerrit money then one would be out of place to ask about it. So please let me ask, “do we want democracy?” Or is it a terminology that we use at our convienance? When reasonable questions are asked, then what is the deal? Do we really want Dominicans to shut-up and go down the road of Egypt, Libya and Seria? Let us decide what we want and behave as a civil people.
Eddie must be loosing a grip on things to indicate that he is unaware of what the government intentions are regarding investments in Liat, this is alarming.
There numberous media reports of the government’s intention to place Dominica at the decision table when it comes to the management of Liat and Eddie can’t remember
There are media reports of the Prime Minister attendace at a management meeting with Liat other partners during the time of fire. Tell me Eddie, were you hiding?
If you’re asking for a break down of where the monies should be applied then that’s a legitimate question but to imply that it’s a new thing coming out of no where is just wrong.
Eddison M.O. has always been to deceive. He will go to his grave clinging to all forms of deception. Eddy I honestly believe that if for once in your life you come clean you might be able to regain a level of respect for finally coming to your senses. Deceit will onlyget you so far.
Forgive him; it’s just alzheimers kicking in.
Why did Brian Challenger resign as CEO of Liat last month? No substantive reasons were given. Is there a connection?
**8 MILLION DOLLAR LOSS**
-Thank You Mr.James
Your valid point and concern is well noted & appreciated. Giving Liat 8 million? What for?
Where will that money be spent & how? Are we just giving LIAT the money to prove some caribbean loyalty to Liat? How many times have we been hearing;
*How BADLY Liat has been doing financially
*How troubled the future is for Liat
Did the caribbean governments/sharholders just developed a new promising plan?
What exactly are we investing in?
Are we investing in “a promising future” or are we investing in more of the same-FAILURES?
Unless Liat has some kind of massive reorganizing then this 8 million is already at a loss; thus a BADDDDDD investment!!
Let’s not treat LIAT like the Former American company GM.Today, GM is better because of BOLD steps taken!! We should “FIRST” do likewise for LIAT then invest.
-Thank you Mr. James
the only airline we have. without list we can’t get in nor out. and u call that bad investment? All other Caribbean ISLANDS subsidize international airlines to fly to there country.
But we Dominicans have too much to say about everything. We selected these people to run our state of affairs now give them a chance. I AM NOT SAYING WE CANT ASK QUESTIONS.
But as a leader/ Senior Manager, i can get you it is not as easy to make things happen as it is to seat, talk and criticize. The critics has the easiest job. And they know it, thus they remain as critics always.
i thought that we had given them a chance but every youth need guidance so when they are going the wrong way they should be open to correction…. this gov think that they are too grown for correction or advice from older and positive experienced individuals…
We have known for some time now of Roosevelt’s Skerrit’s intention to purchase a stake in Liat, which purportedly would give Dominica a say in which the company is run, particularly with regard to scheduling but also in repect of equipment purchase! Maybe it is far fetched but could there be a Chinese connection here, which could be the source of the P.M.’s unexplained largesse? Liat’s current Dash-8 fleet is overdue for replacement and a likely contender could be the Chinese produced Xian MA60 (60 seater, turboprop), which certainly is advantageously priced when compared with the ATR72 or the Dash-8 400 series. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chinese would also offer a “soft-finance” package as an inducement for Liat to re-equip with their airplanes and become their lead-customer in the region.
Hmmmm. Interesting Theory. Food for thought. Thanks
If tommorrow American Airlines were to demand that the Government of Dominica pays US$1.5M to keep flying into Dominica just like St. Lucia and some other Islands. The Naysayers would say the Government should find the money and pay.
But it is a crime to help keep LIAT afloat by investing it the Company and give the people of Dominica a Stake.
The people of Dominica support the PM on this one. The few Naysayers are greatly outnumbered.
Because LIAT is a failed enterprise and we are now putting ALL our scarse eggs in that one basket. Get real! Start a new airline to service the caribbean. LIAT has way too much debt at this stage to continue operations. Better yet, let them get their debts wiped out, restructure and start moving under new management. Only then they will get my support.
‘Dominica Air’ could be up and running,within 30 days,profitable,and with lower fares with this investment.
name one airline that is not in trouble? American filed for bankruptcy recently, British Airways did the same in the past. the airline industry has never been and never will be a profitable industry . in the best of times the industry profit margins have been a mere 5%.
ture !!!!!!!!!because we need this money to help home beautiful d/ca
Eddie needs to realize that the PM is progressive in his thinking. The UWP is light years behind him so they should look and learn. The rewards may not be immediate but I’m sure great rewards are forthcoming. Now for all the naysayers, isn’t it in our best interest for Liat to remain afloat? The PM has position the country to benefit more from Liat. I think we should thank God for the relatively strong economy which allows Dominica to take advantage of such an opportunity. How many other countries in the OECS are in a position to do this? Good job Mr. PM, you are thinking outside of the box.
You have NOT responded to the REASON for the contribution. Is it for shares purchase or as a contribution for the recent loos due to the fire.
Regards
Ron stop being so dramatic. Which PM that is light years ahead of Whom? Well you are truly delusional to even consider Skerrit brighter than Eddison. Hayie chien di dents blanc.
Skerrit is a very emotional. He gets easily carried away and stick his foot in his mouth, then has to attempt to back peddle and clarify things. This is an ill fated move that wasn’t well thought of, and all Eddison is asking what are the terms. Civil servants can’t get paid on time, much less for increases, Education Trust Fund begging for money, hospital in a delapidated state with basic services unavailable, how then can it be unreasonable to ask why would our PM admist the global financial crisis just jump ahead and promise LIAT 8 million dollars. This is tax payers money, and we pay taxes for national interest not for LIAT fat cats to line their pockets. He should have waited but no is so he likes to grand stand. This is the very reason the red clinic started, just kept telling people come to see him personally now it’s out of control.
How you foolish like that ah? Obviously the money is for Shares boss, stop being an ‘DDIOT’!!!
LIT has good insurance that is already on the Island of Antigua assessing the cause and cost of the damage and in due time will pay for the damage.
LIAT needs all the support it can get financially because it is the most reliable airline in the OECS!!
Mr. James please get a life……
Liminglucy, If the PM is making a contribution to LIAT of $8million dollars dont you think that all right thinking persons must ask questions as to if that is what the country needs to do at this time, God forbid that you, your close friend or family may end up at the Hospital, dont you think that the country would be better serve by ensuring that the hospital does have all the necessary drugs to take care of you all, dont you think that your kids if you have any could be assisted to purchase text books for the next school semister, if you are a farmer dont you think that it would be in your best interest to provide you with some assistance to increase productivity on your farm, or some form of assistance to you and persons like you who might be involve in some form of business. I have put this in simple terms for you to understand thats what Mr James was trying to explain to you and not ask him to get a life, he has lived his life, he is trying to make things better for you and the rest of the country, if you can’t understand his logic please register for the next literacy class coming up soon, i will assist you.
@LimingLucy – Take your own advice and go get a life yourself. Get off Edison James back.
The opposition leader is doing his job – opposing. Whether we think it is meaningful or meaningless he opposes. Thus questions are raised, and MAYBE JUST MAYBE some will walk the talk and do the right thing.
Are we for real? They have been saying for a longtime, Dominica wants to own shares in Liat. Where were you bloggers and naysayers?
I have my differences with the administration but I believe this was a strategical move at an opportune time. No longer can it be said we are demanding routes and flight from L.I.A.T and we are not willing to carry the burden financially. Now when the meeting and decisions are decided and taken we must have a. Representative, a vote and that gives us a say.
So eddo pack up and leave us alone. next time 20 to 1 marigot alone you getting.
Wants to own share and owning shares vast difference. Wanting a Mercedes and having the funds to walk into the dealership and buy your Mercedes big difference. The PM is misguided and makes rash judgements and people like you are the reason he continues to exit protocol and the constitution and do as he damn well pleases. But then again that how many of you Dominicans live. Can’t afford it, but for show and tell you will front and have it. Men not taking care of their homes and kids, but to get a grind they giving their women big money. Taking loan in banks to build houses, lying and then bank have your names in papers embarassing you. Charity begins at home. A falling bridge is no place to erect a bus stop, the bridge has to be rebuilt or repaired, the structure examined then a determination be made that it is safe to walk/drive across and even erect a bus stop. LIAT should have their house in order before any funds are injected into them. Just weeks before this amazing fire, LIAT was crying bankruptcy!
when kidz browse the internet…that’s the kinda thing that happens..
Marigot? …maybe not!!!!
wow! wow! wow! this man is old and getting older
You are getting old and older too…..even me. But his message is not old and very up-to-date! Attack the message, not the messenger, but for now you cannot attack the message because the message is the truth! karamba!
we want to know too!