Lawyer defends Skerrit’s decision on LIAT

Tony Astaphan

No official explanation yet from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, on his decision to pump EC$8 million into Antigua-based regional airline LIAT.

The move comes on the heels of a major fire in which LIAT suffered the loss of one of its planes and some of its offices, with insured losses from the blaze totaling $35 million, according to the airline.

Dominica’s parliamentary opposition, the United Workers Party (UWP), has called on the prime minister to explain the exact nature of the promised contribution.

Attempts by DNO to reach PM Skerrit on that matter have so far proven unsuccessful.

However attorney Tony Astaphan, a close associate of the prime minister, has addressed the matter on  a radio show that he hosts on privately owned Kairi FM.

According to Senior Counsel Astaphan, Prime Minister Skerrit has decided “in the public interest of this country to invest in LIAT as an equity share holder”.

“LIAT is an integral part of the bloodline and the traffic and commerce of the Caribbean.  Everybody knows it’s in debt, but it’s an absolutely important mechanism and company that must be made to stay afloat by the governments of the OECS,” Astaphan said on his radio programme.

According to Astaphan “the very survival of the OECS depends on it (LIAT)”.

The pro-government lawyer was very critical of UWP leader and former Prime Minister Edison James’ call for Prime Minister Skerrit to disclose what the country is giving LIAT the money for – whether to help it build back from its fire losses or to become a shareholder.

James wanted to know that if it is an investment, whether the decision was based on any positive projection for the company and what the possible returns would be for Dominica.

Attorney Astaphan has chided the UWP leader, dismissing his query as “utter nonsense”.

However parliamentary opposition Leader Hector John has backed the call made by his party leader James, arguing that the prime minister should clear the air in the interest of transparency and proper accountability.

Antiguan Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer announced over the weekend that his Dominican counterpart promised to make half of the $8 million equity contribution to LIAT this week.

Ten days ago (June 10)  two office blocks, an aircraft hangar and an aircraft were gutted by a massive fire that swept through LIAT’s property near VC Bird International Airport.

Early estimates put insured losses caused by the fire at EC $35 million.

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122 Comments

  1. It’s genuinely very difficult in this busy life to listen news on Television,
    so I only use the web for that purpose, and take the hottest news.

  2. lumpsum
    June 21, 2012

    i was going to martinique which is less than 25 miles from the closest point in dominica… i took 6 hours to get to martinique via guadeloupe, just because liat have to go to antigua first

  3. June 21, 2012

    y can’t he give public servants a raise in thier salary he have money to give liat the will not it….when u finish u want the public servants to go the extra mile no wayyyy

  4. zamm zlengleden
    June 21, 2012

    I honestly and most positively support any positive move by the Government to enhance air travels to Dominica by making an investment in Liat!I think such a move was long long over due! Those who have been travelling via Liat to Dominica over the years can testify that life has not been easi for Dominica – especially en route Dominica! All kinds of excuses and all kinds of treatment! I do hope and pray that now Dominica has shares in Liat things will be significantly improved! At Least, Least Dominicans can let Liat know that we have some clout these days! The Investment is a good one! On the other hand, there ought to have been dialogue from all fronts- political or otherwise! This is a national Investment and not a political move! Its not about party or parties its all about country! That is why, parliamentarians should be in the house agreeing on how best to Develop Dominica instead of fighting each other just to be in charge! Its a nice move but next time, just have it debated and passed in the house as a goood move for the betterment of Dominica! Being Part of Liat is Development! No liat welll Dominicans better offf dead!

  5. Observer
    June 21, 2012

    But what a while nor people: is Dominica still a democratic state? Are you telling me that Dominican people cannot question the PM on where he is getting the money from, and detailed information on the deal between Dominica and LIAT? How long is Dominicans going to take such insult! Wake up people! Do not sell your rights to a man for some goodies from China! Mr. Astaphan, Dominica government is not a private entity. Citizen have the right to question the PM or any one in goverment.

  6. watchdog
    June 21, 2012

    i see you working for your retainer..s it 20000 or 30000 monthly

  7. Well
    June 21, 2012

    Why does Tony Astaphan always have to talk. When it comes to issues of state I want to hear from my PM or my Ministers. Not Tony Astaphan. I did not vote for that fool. That man is a boil that need to burst. He is no good for the Gov’t. I wish my PM would open his eyes and see.

  8. watchdog
    June 21, 2012

    dominicans….the money came from a letter of credit at national bank… you uneducated people.

  9. Anonymous
    June 21, 2012

    the PM has every right to answer to the people of Dominica of putting $8miilion into LIAT!

  10. Jacko junior
    June 21, 2012

    :twisted: Tony :twisted: will gain credibility and respect when he stops referring to other people as kakroach and dem kinda names..

  11. Dominican by birth
    June 21, 2012

    Liat is insured the Commonwealth of Dominica is not who needs the millions more!

  12. Antiguan
    June 21, 2012

    For too long Antiguans have been paying taxes for LIAT to operate to Dominica, its time for Dominica to help do its share.

    Antigua, Barbados and St. Vincent are the only projectors of finance to LIAT. Dominicans have lived on our moneys earned for free, its time to pay up or use the boat instead.

    Its too unfair, the caribbean will hold Dominicans accountable for being too greedy.

    • 1979
      June 21, 2012

      BOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS liat is not too big to fail, why stifle competition that might give us reduced prices and more and better services?????? why caribbean people want to stay stuck in reverse i have no idea.

      • Antiguan
        June 21, 2012

        Bossss just look at the support LIAT gets, not to mention that Dominica allowed Caribbean Star and E.C Jet Express to fail without becoming a share holder. Is it true that Dominicans are to stingy to give that they want to receive?

        Its better to give than to receive, remember that. Until Dominicans start to have heart then you guys will achieve more.

        For Dominica to survive like the rest, you needto be positive in your thinking. How do you expext LIAT to suviv or to give better service if you dont invest , probably thats the reason why no other Airline wants to give Dominica service, remember its the same LIAT People who handle other Airlines at the major airports.

      • LOL
        June 21, 2012

        I dont know why you guys killing yourselves about LIAT, you all know that LIAT is Dominicans favourite airline.

    • Observer
      June 21, 2012

      Don’t we pay when we ride LIAT? Doesn’t Antigua benefit from the sale of airline tickets? Does LIAT belong to the people of Dominica? So because when American eagle lands in Dominica, I have to pay taxes to America? The airline should cover it’s cost through proper management, and proper ticketing. My goodness! LIAT cannot survive even as a monopoly in the Eastern Caribbean? Leave the company to fail/downsize and let other airlines come in to compete. Look at what happened to the cost of telecommunicans; competition is good.

    • TONY A
      June 21, 2012

      you know how much liat owe dominica and other countries in taxes… then shutup

  13. Proud Dominican
    June 20, 2012

    its because dominicans have proven themselves to be dummies tony , his master and co can take such advantage of this country. the man is speaking like dominica is a private limited company owned and operated by skerrit. when he knows right that the government of the day is the government of the people, for the people and by the people. thus, they are duty bound to make public what they are investing the country’s funds in and what returns will the investment bare. Dominicans need to put down their feet else these people will make this place a living hell for us. They claim that we are shareholders of liat, but they are yet to make any disclosure of the dividends we received (if any) and what has it done for our country. neither skerrit nor tony will buy personal shares in a company they know that’s making a loss so why do it on behalf of the country? we dominicans like to put politics before priorities and we fail to educate ourselves in order to make informed decisions and ask essential questions. its time we open our eyes else we will be sold without even knowing.

  14. Choice X
    June 20, 2012

    If throwing 8 million of taxpayers dollars down a bottomless barrel was such a great thing to do, why did Mr. Skeritt have to hire so many high powered lawyers (Tony, Ralph, Lennox, Douglas etc) to come to ‘explain’ this simple and wonderful act?

  15. FunnyAsHell
    June 20, 2012

    here’s the deal…this from someone who invests in the NYSE…its pretty simple. in order to invest in a company, there needs to be a reliable source of information on the company before proceeding…if the company is stable, then an investment is made and returns should be seen..

    investing in a company that ISNT stable means its a BAILOUT and not an investment…

    Bailouts aren’t a bad idea if you have a large cash flow and may reap rewards later on such as a stable economy or future dividends once the company has come back from the crisis

    HOWEVER…no one has explained fully LIATs situation…is it that they just need 8mill and magically all their problems will be solved???? if thats the case, why aren’t other CARICOM countries investing?????

    what happened to LIAT in the first place to cause them to need a bail out is the MAIN question here….

    Obviously, if these questions cannot be answered and have not been answered by the PM, the only logical explanation is that the PM has his OWN personal gain from this.

    How is this bail out directly going to affect Dominica??? LIAT isn’t the only airline flying to Dominica….as someone said, if LIAT Is eliminated from the picture, surely some rich guy, probably not Sanford (since he’s in jail for over 100+ years), will start up an airline….

    It would be foolish to assume that if LIAT goes out of business, Dominica will be inaccessible…

    SOMETIMES i wonder who is advising this PM….they don’t seem too educated on finance and how economics work…

    • 1979
      June 21, 2012

      WHICH IS WHY I ASKED WHETHER THE LIABILITY EXTENDS TO CERTAIN PEOPLES PERSONAL ASSESTS…

      PM people can earn degrees online these days…. not all of us are sitting under a banana tree by the river waiting for an election pay off…

      • 1979
        June 21, 2012

        assets*

  16. Bitter
    June 20, 2012

    The point of investing is to generate revenue from your investment,savvy investors invest in profitable portfolios. According to LIAT Press realse”LIAT estimates that insured losses from the June 10, 2012 fire at its hangar at the V.C. Bird International Airport will be approximately EC$35 million.” http://www.liat.com/navSource.html?flag=show_page&page_id=640

  17. dominican
    June 20, 2012

    the only problem i have is what does the senior council have to do with the politics seeing that he is not a politician. infact the media is giving that senior council too much attention . please let the politicians deal with each other. everything is asenior council ,senior council. really what is this senior council official position in this country and is he empolyed in this position and who and how much is he paid.

    • Anonymous
      June 21, 2012

      my good ppl don’t forget liat brought hundreds of dominican’s home for electoin,do we know the deal that skerit made with liat.it may be pay up time

      • 1979
        June 21, 2012

        oh hoooooo

  18. ROSEAU VALLEY
    June 20, 2012

    We note that no official explanation has yet been made by Prime Minister on the matter. Therefore, permit me to ask: who is Tony to speak on behalf of the PM? What is his constitutional authority? Who voted for him? Who elected or appointed him? As what? Personally, I find it rude, shameful and disrespectful. Tony is the one who is out of place here for chiding the UWP leader and dismissing his legitimate query as nonsense. If DNO was unsuccessful in its attempts to reach the PM on the matter, then contact the Minister of Tourism or the Minister of Ports-but let Tony make his inconsistent noises on Kairi.
    Let me say that I have great respect for Tony. No doubt-he is a brilliant lawyer. He is good advocate and communicator. When he dons the Labour Party’s political cap, he is invincible. As a party, the Labourites must be proud to have such a mouth piece but as a proud citizen, they ought to be ashamed of his utterances and conduct. Nevertheless, as a born Dominican, we may like him or dislike him -call him whatever you want but he did not buy a passport to be Dominican. I shall not refer to him as the Arab Layer. He is a born Dominican. Let’s respect his right to speak also.

    But Mr. Astaphans knows that discretionary authority or power even that which is bestowed on the PM by our constitution is not absolute and the PM cannot simply act at his whims and fancies, claiming to do so “in the best interest of the public”. We are supposed to be a country of civil, educated people, governed by laws, proper protocol and best practice in terms of our conduct as leaders. The PM must act within the confines of the legal framework, which includes his cabinet and parliament. Come on Ian, you know better.
    Mr Astaphans’ statement is more shocking to me as I recall in the 80’s and 90’s he led the movement together with Lennox and Arthie for Good and Accountable governance. As a young person, I was very impressed with his stance then. Herein, lies my disappointment today. I wonder whether Tony really meant what he said then and wonder about his lies and violent inconsistencies in his messages. If transparency and accountability were right then – why not now Tony?
    Shouldn’t we want increased transparency and disclosure of the details of this transaction? Again, I ask, what is wrong with Mr. James question? Why is it right when Tony- who does not hold any public office, pose these questions but it is wrong when the constitutionally recognized, Leader of the Opposition exercises his lawful constitutional authority?
    Come on Tony! help us restore our respect for you as a descent man and someone who genuinely wants the best for Dominica. You will admit that we need to nurture and advance the principles of transparency and accountability in our youthful society. Our leadership must lead by example in its utterances, decisions, practices, actions and overall governance. It must embrace the essential principles of liberty, accountability and transparency as prerequisites for the survival of Ma Dominica. We cannot have good governance without accountability and transparency. You know that Tony. Transparency is the force that shapes, guides and grows our youthful democracy. This was once your mantra. I liked it then and I still like it now. I repeat, our concern with the lack of accountability and transparency in our national governance is clear from the absolute disregard of a one man government.
    But you know- let’s not take Tony too seriously. He knows what is at stake here. The PM is bleeding from his gross inefficiencies and bad decision making and Tony has his role to play in coming to the PM’s defence. For that, we must admit that Tony is doing a great job in increasing our anger and having it more focused on the ills of the current administration. Go ahead Tony! Speak and anger the public into need action. Perhaps this is just what the people need to harness their potential political energies into a raging political kinetic force.

  19. Trouble Intended
    June 20, 2012

    Not one million. not two million, but 8 million? And we still can’t get a decent flight to DA? It still takes two days to get to DA from North America? I guess DA has more money to waste on Antiguans than to help Dominicans…

    • YES!
      June 20, 2012

      Who is your travel agent? When was theist time to went to Da? Non Sense. Use BARBADOS as your hub and you’ll be in Da same day.. Plus LIAT have Several $77 fares non stop Barbados to DA. Do your research.

      I am tired of hearing people speaking or air fares and connections when there are good options.

      Connecting is not an issue. People connect in North America and Europe all the time , and they don’t complain…

      • Trouble Intended
        June 20, 2012

        I was in DA last Month…took two days. I planned for one, but LIAT could not handle their part.

        You saying you tired hearing people speak of connections all the time and then you saying they not complaining? What are you really saying?
        Everybody in the world know that Dominica is the hardest place to visit.

      • FunnyAsHell
        June 20, 2012

        u must be mad. if LIAT flight is ON TIME its a miracle and u have to wonder if the rapture happen and you were left behind…its APPALLING how long it takes to get to dominica. sometimes i wish i lived in antigua or barbados or trinidad…jetblue goes to all these places….but i know i cannot rely on LIAT…and they still wanna charge like $250USD round trip to go from dominica to a fellow CARICOM country???????? i pay jetblue $450 RT to go from NYC to Barbados!!! PURE BS

      • Antiguan
        June 21, 2012

        I wonder who you travel agent is,LIAT has USD33.00 Fares from Antigua to Dominica so you have to book in advance. LIAT is not expensive and most of you know that.

  20. Anoushah Alie
    June 20, 2012

    of course, he will defend Skerrit; that’s his job!! Tony A defends him when he’s wrong, and out-of-touch; Skerrit does so many silly things, that he needs someone like Tony A to defend him!! Think about it; if he were doing viable things, he would not need a defense lawyer to defend him each time!

  21. Mary Smith
    June 20, 2012

    Wasn’t the matter about LIAT discussed in Parliament long before the fire?? …. some of us needs to listen to facts, read newspapers, listen to the news etc. etc. and don’t allow people to mislead us. Know the facts and then speak.

    • my 2 cents
      June 20, 2012

      No you are the one who seem out of touch with reality. Simple logic, if you plan to invest in a business and suddenly you learn the business is in the red or has gone underwater will you still say I planned to invest so irrespective of that I will put my money in, I will even give them more money without an explanation? Then again some of you are so poto labour you can’t even use rationale

    • Realist
      June 20, 2012

      @ Mary Smith

      1. No it was never discussed in parliament
      2. Everything you listen to is NOT facts
      3. If you read and listen well Skeritt’s present claim for this money was due to the present fire of an INSURED building. He called Ralph Gonsalves and infamously said” I hear allu fellas in ah hole..”

      So you are the one who should take some of your advice and analyze before you act upon what you read and hear.

    • D
      June 20, 2012

      I love this .

    • June 20, 2012

      I would suggest that you do some more reading and listen much more to what the mouth peices such as Tony Astaphan,Ian Douglas and others especialy his friend and partner the PM from St.Vincent that should give you some idea something is just not right why these people and not the PM are the ones who is bringing the message to us what is your problem what kind of person do you really believe how he keep making decisions against the people and dont include the other ministers he’s like a child who believes to be accepted he must do what they want and that’s why the PM from St.Vincent came to D’ca to convince DOMINICANS that we should accept and support the PM and how he is treating us he’s full of nonsense he had enough we put him in office and we will remove him and his dead beat minsters and your hand outs will come to an end just what and see we are comming.

  22. MALAWAY
    June 20, 2012

    Tall lies,brings much wealth.poor ppl time rough jah say keep his law and u shall overcome.ppl doh make bible cubweb,doh make bible gather dust.Evil is propering in da but doh give up.judgement is a must.

  23. mwenmem
    June 20, 2012

    I don’t understand? Why can’t Mr. Astaphans defend his PM? He is a legitimate Dominican supporting and defending his government. Maybe he is so hated because he is doing such a damn good job of defending, promoting and protecting his party and its policies. Tony feels he totally supports his party come hell or high water and will defend it with his last breath. Some of us are so coward we want to see which way the wind blows before we defend or support. Maybe, before we denigrate Tony we the opposition should learn some of his skills. His party has been in power for three consecutive terms. Maybe, just maybe, HE MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT.

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      YAWWWWWWNNNNNNN!!!!! somebody cover my mouth for me.

    • @WELL
      June 20, 2012

      EXCUSE YOU!!!!!! but I did not vote for Tony Astaphan and The Government have an information service department called GIS for short to relay government activities. The Prime Minister knows darn well how to use it for other things then use it for Press Release. NONSENSE YOU TYPING NOW

    • natural living
      June 20, 2012

      I am still waiting to hear what is the “utter nonsense” that Mr James spoke about that Tony is referring to?

      how does anyone still listen to what Tony has to say is unbelievable…The opposition leader is asking for clarification on the country spending 8MILLION dollars on a company in major debt..and he considers this utter nonsense …..

    • FunnyAsHell
      June 20, 2012

      you must be uneducated. TONY defends who pays him. and taxpayers should not be paying tony.

    • June 20, 2012

      Did Tony Astaphan ran for political office is he a GOVT minister you cant be so blind that the PM should be speaking to the Dominican people, why do you believe Tony should defending the PM is he in trouble or he believe that Paliament would reject his decision .
      The PM have been pulling rough shots over us for too long we got to stop him and the time is now we the poeple have what it takes the power of the pen.

  24. jacky chan
    June 20, 2012

    Should we really be politicizing the issue or should we be looking at the issue strictly for what is best for Dominica. Liat need the support on short term basis but is it prudent to jump into a burning fire unprepared? Although the PM did mention that the government is considering investing into LIAT the fact that the government has now commited after the liat disaster makes for a little discomfort and even distrust. The question posed by the opposition are all legitimate and deserve answers. It is no secrete that LIAT has not been operating well and lack transparency. It is also no secrete that Spencer is only concerned about the impact of liat on Antigua. In fact Spencer’s request to Skerrit has very little or no baring on Dominica. It is important that we understand how much we are getting out of this 8 million dollar investment and a timeline on the returns.
    We know for a fact that Gonzales care about Gonzales and has already fooled our government on the international airport issue. We need to be cautious not impulsive. We cannot keep pretending that we are stable when the reality mode reveals otherwise.

  25. June 20, 2012

    but you know, sometimes I must say that this is good for dominicans. Some of you people are too wicked. Sometimes I say Skerrit do right. Not the nice boy allyou like to see? Well lust at the nice boy while he telling allyou go to hell!!

  26. June 20, 2012

    people, relax, study the situation and tell me if this is not a message God is trying to show Dominicans. Now that liat is in trouble what other airline will be landing at the airport. Now people will see the importance of an international airport. This is a direct message from above. Put on your spiritual mind and reflect!!!!!!!

    • sakway toneh
      June 20, 2012

      since in the days of Dame Eugenia charles there has been talk of an international airport. the party died with no sign of international airport. Eddison James came and still no sign. Why are you people just bickering about an international airport when allyou party did not do anything about it when they were there? Leave my prime minister alone he is trying his best.
      Give me
      S——-sensible
      K——-kind
      e——-eloquent
      R——-romantic
      R——-realistic
      I——-intelligent
      T——-talented

      Who we love? Skerrit.
      and who we voting? Skerrit
      give us a break

      • natural living
        June 20, 2012

        but what does this comment have to do with spending 8million on LIAT at this time…?????

      • The Next Level
        June 20, 2012

        My PM name is spelt with 2 ts. The second one is for Trouble

      • Proud Dominican
        June 20, 2012

        i don’t blame you for your ignorance on the issue but still you people should stop singing dlp praises and open up you all minds to do some conscious thinking about the situation @ hand.

  27. Peeping Tom
    June 20, 2012

    Well, DNO, you know, all you have to do is simply place a picture of Tony Astaphan and hits to your site will increase.

    This guy sure knows how to excite the opposition. Make their blood boil, Tony!

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      this is no concern of yours peeper, your passport renewed, and second citizenship in order so when we start to reap losses your way out is already paved, bread well toast with butter on it. we can tell that you have no concern what-so-ever.

      so pay us no mind with our boiling blood, just pass as usual with your tinted glass and toot your horn

      PEEP PEEP!!

    • The Next Level
      June 20, 2012

      ure right eddison james is tony’s needle.

  28. eyes wide shut
    June 20, 2012

    we can give liat 8 mil but our city looks like a dump with potholes everywhere, dilapidated houses,rubbish piled on the sides of our roads. good thing i like the ferry from your landing point is international airport.

    • YES!
      June 20, 2012

      And your point is? non sense. You don’t see the importance of LIAT TO DOMINICA?

      • natural living
        June 20, 2012

        the point is priorities my brother…priorities…and there is nothing wrong in asking for clarification from the PM…..

  29. .....
    June 20, 2012

    okay

  30. June 20, 2012

    A journalist and radio personality has a saying,”it is better to be considered a fool then to open your mouth and remove all doubts.”Is beyound me to understand why a man who is so educated especially in law can make a fool of himself so regularly.The man supports Skeritt to death, but for the sake of intelligence,he cannot just always agree with all utterances that are made by Skerrit, regardless.We all agree that LIAT is importance to Dominica,but Skerrit cannot just take money from the treasury and throw it into LIAT’s lap with no questions asked,after all, the money is our taxes, not money sitting into the back pocket of Skerrit.I thought that when Skerrit said,”it is none of your damn business where Labor gets it money from,go to hell,” was a heated staement.However,once again we hear a statement felted at Hon.Edison James and the Marigot people which reminds me of that statement.

  31. Original Eagle-Eye
    June 20, 2012

    But according to Dominica PM isn’t Dominica doing exceptionally well financially amid the global meltdown? He must give Spain and Greece a bailout too to save the European Union, so that America doesn’t crumble.

  32. grell
    June 20, 2012

    Tonu your back sing sing.skerro what your doing to the people of dominica is sad.mubarak is on his final days.Look @ farmers crying for help.We are treated like crap when we go through antigua.this is what your doing to your people.TONY AND SKERRO THE DAYS ARE COMING.

    • YES!
      June 20, 2012

      Did you pay your Property taxes? Did you pay your House rates? If not, start paying up and then ask why $8. Those of us who neglect to pay our part are the first ones asking questions and feel entitled.

      Scream high, scream low, LIAT getting the money, so just make your decision at the polls. “Empty barrels makes the most noise”

      • 1979
        June 20, 2012

        like a stray will drink water from a puddle no matter who stepped in it.. and like an INVALID who will ridicule peoples valid concerns, because he/she cannot revoke it’s MERIT and VALIDITY…

      • 1979
        June 20, 2012

        YES what??? we care??? you obviously don’t!!!!

        talking about PAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        look at the headline about the truckers on DNO home page and come back lets talk about PAYING>>>>>>>>

        please refer to > https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/business/truckers-demand-govt-explanation-on-overdue-payments/

      • Dominican by birth
        June 21, 2012

        You sure sound like an empty barrel my dear too much politics playing

  33. sayodityodit
    June 20, 2012

    I think some more money should be added to that 8 million and be used to extend the runway at Melville Hall so that more aircraft can land being that we can’t have an international airport. True we need Liat right now because it is basically the only aircraft that flies to Dominica regularly but what happens if Liat falls? We will have to swim when we have to travel. So please use this money to make the airport more accesible for other aircrafts. Thank you!

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      if Liat fails, it creates what they call AN OPPORTUNITY, for other carriers to provide their service. or for some brave soul to buy liat and restructure it to be something the caribbean can be proud of…. ninny

  34. Laforce
    June 20, 2012

    We must observe what is going on in the EU. For the sake of the larger community, EU countries are pumping billions of dollars into Spain and Greece even if a crisis is ongoing.
    Who wants to be spending this sort of cash right now, do all the countries really have that kind of funding? but they’ve done it, haven’t they?
    So why is it our people seem to refuse to understand that at times tough decisions have to be made even if they may seem untimely or are unwanted and we do not agree? We may not want it, our tax dollar is at risk, but should we allow LIAT to fall from the skies?
    BUT, true, we do have a RIGHT to know the nature of that funding.

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      quote from the movie wall street:

      “mom, do you know what moral hazard is???

      it means, if i bail you out once, what’s to stop you from acting irresponsibly again????”

      let someone else buy out this bankrupt company and run it the way it should be run…. we should not incur moral hazard for these profiteers. our treasury cannot handle too big to fail.

    • awa wi
      June 20, 2012

      you see that’s where the problem start already. who say liat going to stop fly? so is dominica 8 million dat going to save liat? you all people must act more educated than that man. nowhere has it been said that liat needs 8 million to stay afloat and voila dominica to the rescue. wise up man

  35. LIAT Quik Pack
    June 20, 2012

    ANTHONY ASTAPHANS,
    Once and for all, please get this through your head. No one voted for you. You do not speak for me. We are asking questions of the PM of Dominica and you should know your place. Have respect for PM Skerrit and allow him to speak for himself. Edison James was elected by the people and under the constitution of Dominica has the right to ask questions of the PM. So you are totally out of place to first speak for the PM and secondly to ask Edison James to shut up.

    You should stop that level of insult and disrespect towards the Dominican people. You have your agenda and you do not care about the poor people of Dominica, be it Red, Green, Blue, Yellow and orange. You go as far as to call us Cacadors, Cockroaches, Mosquitoes.

    • Muslim_Always
      June 20, 2012

      You are right Quick pak. Tony’s agenda is to get rich as he is Skerrit’s personal attorney. If Tony’s position is threatened and Skerrit loses the elections then he will lose thousands of dollars for his work.

    • Just Asking
      June 20, 2012

      My sentiments, exactly! But, I understand it stems from his HATRED for James :mrgreen:

  36. Madde
    June 20, 2012

    ‘Utter nonsense’: That is one of this guy’s favourite phrases……..’Utter nonsense’ is the terms of the relationship as far as Dominica’s best interests are concerned between Skerrit and Astaphans.

  37. ashanti
    June 20, 2012

    Some people are quick to respond but never quite listen. How many of you listened to the program last nite on Kiari Fm, with Gonsalves and the Prime Minister. They pretty well explained the reason for the injection of 8 million in Liat. DNO you all are not fair in reporting. Please report properly, the Prime Minister did explained last nite the reason.
    And i understand the reason and i think its a good investment.

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      my radio cannot pick up that frequency 8)

      • 1979
        June 20, 2012

        DNO please do a poll and find out which radio station has the most listeners, that might help ashanti and the government public relations to reach a greater portion of the TARGET audience.

      • I am Dominica-Are yo
        June 20, 2012

        my radio does not have that frequency, and even though I try picking it up from my neighbor’s radio, I still dont get it. I guess that frequency just does not like me.

    • Muslim_Always
      June 20, 2012

      The reality is because many Dominicans are very politically tribalistic each party supporter fail to listen to the other side. This is pathetic and sad. Many of our people are very one sided.

      One needs to listen to views from different angles.

      • 1979
        June 20, 2012

        different angles huh? so why then do u advocate islam as the only religious angle for redemption???? let’s go to church with me this sunday…

    • Peeping Tom
      June 20, 2012

      Ashanti, do you really think that the clones who keep posting here care about facts? In fact, facts do not help their cause, which is the systematic brainwashing of the Dominican electorate. So, good news and plausible explanations do not help their cause and therefore, will be ignored or dismissed. It is up to the media houses to disseminate the information, but they too, are often a part of the problem.

      So, no matter how much explaining the PM does, you will continue to see the repeated negative and hostile postings of clones (those who post multiple times under various handles).

      Keep posting, anyway.

      • 1979
        June 20, 2012

        PEEP PEEP!

      • Original Eagle-Eye
        June 20, 2012

        OH PT Tony ramblings are FACTS? well morality is on the side of the one with the biggest artillery so I expect that from you! Tell the truth, the PM does not explain anything, neither respond to calls. Tony injects his inflated ego like a greased shield and talks for Skerrit. No one elected Tony and nobody would, that’s why he blabs about running for elections, but NEVER will because he knows his only value is ridding Skerrits coattail. The PM must be accountable to the people of Dominica. You demand that of your elected officials where you reside why can’t Dominicans get the same or are they beneath you. I know you and Skerrit friends longtime, talk to him and stop defending nonesense. YES I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

    • awa wi
      June 20, 2012

      de same ralphie dat fool us already an say we doh need international airport while he run and build one for his country. hmmmm keep listening. furthermore is not dbs dat is d nation station again man? call a press conference BEFORE the act and inform d/ca people so we can at least voice our sentiments na or at least we know what happening and why.

  38. sandy
    June 20, 2012

    Every rope has an end…all i will say for now.

    • Dominican overseas
      June 20, 2012

      you are right we can’t live forever including you

  39. CC
    June 20, 2012

    I agree that we do need LIAT however i think that it is wrong to be putting all our eggs into LIAT’S basket. We need to be encouraging other airlines to come to DA so we can at least have some other alternatives in terms of flying into and out of DA. If LIAT were to go under tomorrow what other airline do we have to fall back on?

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      Question: when looking for better prices for travel, or encouraging marketing and overall good business practices, IS IT ADVISABLE TO FOSTER MONOPOLIES???

      EXAMPLE:DOMLEC

      I remember not to long ago we were crying so much about cables and their phone rates. then in came orange and digicel and what happened????? people PLEASE!

      • 1979
        June 20, 2012

        wherever there is a DEMAND there will be someone looking to meet the SUPPLY, don’t tell me that if there is no LIAT that there will be a void on earth which cannot be filled by any other carrier….

        stop living in FEAR people. competition and change is sometimes GOOD!

  40. gemini twin
    June 20, 2012

    Tony ….Tony …. Tony …. what next ? Did i vote for you ? Are you the Government ? Are you the Finance Minister ? Mr Astaphans , it’s really sad that you keep trying to manipulate the intelligence of the general population . Just like you graduated from university , many of us have graced the doors to universities too . We are not fools . We are not blinded . We are really not that ignorant ! We deserve to know where this 8 million dollars came from and we want to know why couldn’t it be disburse into our local economy instead . Couldn’t we have invested in an MRI machine to upgrade our diagnostic procedures at our hospital ? Couldn’t it have improve the general environment of Roseau such as our side walks and roads ? I am so …. disappointed in the manner in which our government are making decisions or may I say ” our prime minister ” . This is disrespectful ! Why can’t be observe how American politics seems so transparent . President Obama must give an explanation for everything he does and says ! Well …. well … well … time shall tell !

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      it’s just a shame the PM needs a lawyer to defend his every action…. if he sneezes his lawyer should pop up and defend that too.

      • 1979
        June 20, 2012

        PM the purple dragon has “self defense classes” even kids go there and learn to defend themselves.

        visit there sometime..

      • D
        June 20, 2012

        You so full of . Be wise

      • 1979
        June 21, 2012

        huh? what you saying there nuh??? can’t keep up with me huh?? keep trying, you’ll get there..

    • JusSayin
      June 20, 2012

      Not forgetting civil servants’ salaries…teachers increase??????

  41. Evolved
    June 20, 2012

    It continues to baffle me how people like Tony Astaphan feel that no questions must be asked particularly as it relates to the opposition.

    The points raised by the opposition are valid. The Dominica public needs to know what direct benefits will be in store for Dominica especially as it relates to improved access to Dominica.

    There are many other financially stable OECS governments that could have made similar contributions – they have not. They also do not depend solely on LIAT. The right to know what the direct benefit will be to Dominica is a legitimate one.

    If an injection of funds nets no gains for Dominica then we are supporting an airline that does not support us.

    People have a right o ask questions Tony Astaphan – get off your soap box and stop stiflying free speech.

  42. Trueman
    June 20, 2012

    ***ASTAPHAN!!….JUST AN AMAZING MAN***

    CAN WE BELIEVE THIS???

    Attorney Astaphan has chided the UWP leader, dismissing his query as “utter nonsense”.

    Let’s see what’s “UTTER NONSENSE” TO Mr.Astaphan;

    *what exactly will the money be used for?
    *what are the terms of these funding?
    *Has there been a positive projection for LIAT?
    *Will this be a continous funding?

    So as “TAX PAYERS” [wanting to know what is being done whith OUR money] these concerns are “UTTER NONSENSE”?????

    I can only shake my head!!

  43. A Voice
    June 20, 2012

    Man I ain’t taking any political sides here, but unless the money is coming from the private pocket of Mr. Skerrit then he has to answer the questions put forth by the people, period.

    What I don’t understand is that the country has 18 officials that were elected by the people, and is beholden to the people, why then it is always an unelected, unofficial guy that always coming and answer questions for or making statements for the government of the people? What happen to the 18 officials that the people elected to answer their questions?

    Does someone have to be a poto something or in somebody’s pocket to see that something is seriously wrong with that…

  44. Anonymous
    June 20, 2012

    Lord DELIVER Dominican from this man! Every Dominican should be praying this prayer!

  45. Smh
    June 20, 2012

    To be honest , I just dont like how Tony go about talking like he owns the PM.Tony , how can you say the PM dont have to tell anyone anything when he is making a decision like this ? You will put people against him.I am a True Labourer but you making me dislike “Everything and Everyone”.You alone didnt vote him, i did as well so OFFCOURSE we deserve to know everything.PM goes out of the country sometimes we dont even know.I love u PM but there is so much i can take.Tony is making me dislike the party on a whole and am serious .I am 23 years and have so much interest in Politics but if its like that.My friends and i will have to think deeply towards our next step during elections….Please talk to Tony,His attitude Sucks !

  46. ron
    June 20, 2012

    We invested 100,000000. in water which we can never get back.There are investmemt which returns comes in different ways.

  47. Court Officer
    June 20, 2012

    I have no problem with helping liat right now
    BUT
    I just hope within the next year or 2 that we not getting an increase in tax (VAT, Income tax etc) or another stabilization levy and I hope Public servants finally get an increase in the measly peanuts that they are paid.

    • sakafete
      June 20, 2012

      hope still. 2% vat increase right on your chest just now added to social security increase. :lol:

    • I am Dominica-Are yo
      June 20, 2012

      Why do you talk on behalf of the civil servants. They do not care about themselves, they care more about Skerrit…Why should you care! Leave them alone, when they will not be able to buy food for their children, I guess they will give them grass and leaves to eat and shut up. Leave civil servants alone.

  48. Dorival John
    June 20, 2012

    I think some of the issues raised on this matter is quite legitimate.

    I totally agree with the PM’s move on it, however I think we need to hear from the PM himself. Mr. James is right is asking for the nature of the contribution to LIAT.

    I don’t think Mr. James is totally against the idea (I am pretty much sure he would have done the same thing if he was PM, knowing the role of LIAT in airlift to Dominica) but we need to know some more info on this contribution.

    Mr. PM please do some explanation.

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      keep asking. maybe one day he will hear. just as his lawyer heard….but then again maybe he just fixing up his explanation…but explain or not…. he done do his do….that’s the way that “beloved” operates.

    • Original Eagle-Eye
      June 20, 2012

      You can see Tony doesn’t even understand English. Eddison call was for accountabilty and to know why, how and benefits to the people of DOMINICA! What is unreasonable about that? but that one whose lifeline has been to spill blood and spew hate can’t divorce himself from his ancestry and ego to be seen and heard, so of course he will stick his trout in what not concerning him. He himself didn’t even know what Skerrit did until Spencer broke the news. Skerrit surprise everybody and privately told Ralphie, Ralpie run to Spencer and burst the secret. But tanto tanto!

  49. 1979
    June 20, 2012

    I hope liat liability does not extend to some of your personal assets my good sir

  50. linky
    June 20, 2012

    eddo do have no right to talk or ask question but u have all the right in the wourld to talk.it’s a matter of time.

  51. @WELL
    June 20, 2012

    Trust me soon the PM is going to give a different spin on this feedback from Tony. And then Tony Will say “Like I said” bla bla blah. Public Relations Officer of the Year 2012. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  52. linky
    June 20, 2012

    tony that day will come when u will be shutup.

    • Shut Up
      June 20, 2012

      I believe that the day for your masters, Lennox and groovy bat to shut up will come long before.

      • 1979
        June 20, 2012

        hahahah u responded to that one wi tone tone :mrgreen:

  53. Malgraysa
    June 20, 2012

    Tony only confirm that the P.M. is unable to speak for himself and that he is his unelected spokesman.

  54. SHORTBOY
    June 20, 2012

    but i cant understand .if we have shares in liat what’s the problem we cant help to regain the major lost thats the only caribbean airline!!!

    • Malgraysa
      June 20, 2012

      Shortboy, use your brain. What are these shares worth? Can you take them to Fastcash for a loan or to credit union for a mortgage?

    • 1979
      June 20, 2012

      LOL the only caribbean airline he says…….lol we just love being the sheep of a monopoly…..

      please resist the urge for oral defecation.

  55. sakway toneh
    June 20, 2012

    I hope all you get the answer now. What next?

    • linky
      June 20, 2012

      your master has spoken

      • wanna know
        June 20, 2012

        so wat happened to people in d/ca that in need of this money to support their kids,help elders,and fix their home the unfortunate ones,can’t they get half of the help…ah ah ah wicked..the rich is getting richer while the poor is gettin poorer,but God is seeing all n one day action will be taken..why he doh say let there company contribute sumting also,or help the poor people in the land instead they want to give all to one place..anyway is not everyday they will stay walking on the unfortunate ones,cuz there were people with even much more than them n they come down with NOTHING (BEGGARS)..

      • wanna know
        June 20, 2012

        my matter is the one n only true n almighty heavenly father…GOD

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