Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has said that his government has always entertained the idea of building an international airport in Dominica but insisted that the island cannot borrow money to build it.
Speaking on Kairi’s Heng Program on Wednesday the prime minister revealed that experts from a Chinese firm are in Dominica to visit the proposed construction site of the facility, in Compton Point near Calibishie, and to offer advice to the government.
“So they are bringing experts to look at it and to advise us and based on the advice that we have gotten from other independent sources, whether this site is in fact appropriate for the construction of an international airport,” he said. “And once they are satisfied, based on their independent assessment by the experts, then we shall move with the design phase of the airport.”
The prime minister made it clear that the airport has to be financed through grants because Dominica is in no position to borrow money for such huge undertaking. “Anything outside of that is a fictitious project,” he said. “So our approach to financing this airport has not changed because we know for a fact that Dominica will not get a loan to build this airport; none whatsoever.”
He pointed out that if anybody says they can get loans to build an international airport in Dominica, “you have to question that source of the money, it cannot come from a legitimate bank.”
The prime minister noted that his government has already engaged ‘benefactors,’ partners and countries for financing for the project.
“Once we get the design we will know exactly and precisely how much this airport will cost and then we shall go to the benefactors who we have been speaking to for many years,” he said.
Skerrit stated that he has a draft MOU relating to the design of the airport to review and he will be taking it to cabinet next week.
The prime minister also defended his decision to a keep a US$300-million agreement with a Chinese company under wraps.
The deal includes the ‘reconstruction’ of an international airport and the building of a hotel in Roseau and a hospital.
Skerrit said he wanted to make sure everything was in place before going public.
He said he wanted the Chinese team to visit the site of the proposed international airport “and then once we get this written advice to say yes it can be done, we can prepare a conceptual drawing for your consideration, here is the draft MOU between yourselves and ourselves, and once we get to this point of signing the MOU on the international airport then we can engage the public and then say, look this is the progress we have made in respect to the international airport.”
Skerrit signed the agreement with Chinese company, ASCG on November 8 but it came to light only after the company published a release on its website on December 2, 2013.
According to ASCG, the Chinese government will provide preferential loan funds to support the projects outlined in the agreement.
Indeed the opportunities that may arise as a result of the construction of an International Airport in Dominica are numerous.
Looking at this topic, the first question that someone might ask is, will there be opportunities for new businesses? Simply put, the answer is yes. And the opportunities are tremendous.
Another question is, who should be putting strategies in place to capitalize on these endless opportunities? In this respect, both the government and the private sector must work together. Government must help to set the stage – as it is doing partly by building the airport – for private businesses to grow and develop. Once the stage is set though, private interests should seize the opportunities that are going to become available.
Efforts should be made to reach out to say an Organization such as the IADC to play a role in all of this? the IADC should be given the mandate is to arrange for additional financing and construction of a Dominica International Airport, and thereafter to Assist/manage it effectively and efficiently. In the future, after its completion Dominicans should therefore be invited to submit bids/proposals for space for concession stands within the airport terminal building and invited to submit proposals for rental of land space on, or near the airport site to set up airport related businesses.
This organization such as (IADC) in St. Vincent should also be involved in some collaborative efforts: Especially with the Tourism Industry, Invest in Dominica, and the Director of Airports, to implement some marketing plan to attract potential passenger and cargo airlines, as well as other related services to assist the country to move ahead economically; and the other with the Planning Division, to develop a land use plan, to guide development within the airport zone.
Dominicans who are interested in doing business at the new Airport should be encouraged to put on their business professionalism caps and to become first movers, so that they become the first choice for concession space and the other business opportunities within the airport compound.
Let us face it, in many respects, Dominica is what I termed virgin territory for business and investment, and with the construction of International Airport, the country would become far more accessible and attractive to potential foreigner investors for investment in businesses of all sorts.
Perhaps two of the most obvious areas for development are the services industry, particularly tourism, and as a natural extension, the agricultural industry. But with increased air traffic, the manufacturing industry may see a boost as well.
We have the examples of this throughout the Caribbean, one of which is The Buccament Bay Resorts in next door Saint Vincent, which was started with the understanding that along with that development would come improved airport facilities. We should research the positive effects this had on employment,and how many jobs that were created by this project during its construction phase. We have also to see the effects on other businesses which were set up in that area and how undoubtedly there can be more.
With the international airport development and the marketing of this facility, we would expect to see a significant increase in stay over tourist arrivals. And Obviously not all of these tourists would be going to Fort Young. I am certain that other hotels would established themselves here in Dominica, and would benefit from the enhance airport facilities as well. There are also opportunities for other investors, similar to those throughout the Caribbean, to set up new businesses within the hospitality industry.
With the increase in hotel rooms and stay over tourists and the resulting increased demand for food, there will be enhanced opportunities for farmers to sell their products locally. Careful and well targeted investment in agriculture must now be foremost in the minds of our farmers and other investors. The opportunities to make money in agriculture results not only from selling locally, but also with the new airport, freight charges for airlifting goods to foreign markets is likely to be less than it is now. This means that far more of the farmers’ money will remain in their pockets. How about for example, planting more flowers, so that we can export more cut flowers.
Regarding the communities around the airport: What sort of business opportunities might be available to them? Here are a few suggestions: Set up businesses that would attract tourists into the rural villages. For example, at present when tourists come to Dominica they go up to Water Falls, They want to view the “Boiling Lake” They want to see “The Valley of Desolation”. And from all accounts, they are “blown away” by the breath-taking beauty of the Greenery, Naturalness, and Especially The Ecosystem of DA. But really, what are in these Sites to attract them (the tourists) to come Back to spend money? We have rivers in the valleys; and there is the BotanicalGardens. Let us think about how we can capitalize on these and other natural resources of our communities, as the tourists travel through our country.
How about setting up a restaurant that sells local foods done in a variety of attractive ways? This way, taxi operators will have choices when considering where to take visitors for a taste of St. Vincent. How about setting up Bed and Breakfast establishments in our villages?
Finally, the construction and operation of the International Airport, means that the we would at least two airports Melville Hall Airport
Given our small population(scattered communities),lack of viable tourist attractions(white sandy beaches,casinos,pubhouses,marinas)and the rugged terrain and vast vegetation of the Island(Dominica)and sorry high cost of living—having an int`l airport not going do much.
Response is Ignocratic at least, It tells the local, and International Community that you are uninformed, about Business, Economies, Marketing, etc. and it appears to me that you do not care one iota about Dominica’s Economic Health, and Development. You see some people should stand back and let progress through, if you have nothing Progressive, positive to add just stand back on the sidelines and let positive progress take its course.
Thanks
Skerritt, you are the man.
well …well well..where has trust and honesty gone in public life
Dominicans are a bunch of fools. Dominica is the only country in the Eastern Caribbean without an international airport. EVERYtime there is a talk of progress, politics ruins it all. Look at the development of Dominica compared to other islands. It is shameful. This is not about Skerrit or the Labour Party. An international airport is needed. Full stop. Stop arguing about where we will get the hotel rooms to accommodate blah blah. Build the thing first then that will be dealt with after. You cannot be arguing about a shoe until you get the proper foot size. Why are we so silly? Blinded by politics.
Two tongue p.m so one time we do not need and cannot maintain an international airport and now we do and can, who changed your mind? de chinese?? i want to hear the supporters change their talk now.
Before spending all this money , dont you think it wouldbe a good idea to find out whether any airlines are interested in flying into Do minica. airlines a
Are all about money and think dont think this is a very profitable.
ummm how a prime minister negotiating in secrets for such an important matter.tax payers must know how much we have to pay. is this a crooked deal.
Response is Ignocratic at least, It tells the local, and International Community that you are uninformed, about Business, Economies, Marketing, etc. and it appears to me that you do not care one iota about Dominica’s Economic Health, and Development. You see some people should stand back and let progress through, if you have nothing Progressive, positive to add just stand back on the sidelines and let positive progress take its course.
Thanks
Skerro fooled them once, then he fooled them twice – do you think he’ll fool them thrice?
Who gives a darn about debt. Did Ronald Reagan dig up the airport in Grenada. Man build the darn thing and if we cannot pay for then let the Chinese nationalize Dominica, and turn it into the Western Taiwan.
I really didn’t want ti comment on this gimmick so much so as to dignify Skerrits action of disrespecting the people of Dominica.
Peeps this is all cow down and this is coming from a man who is desperate and desperate and cornered rat will do anything
Wake up time! Seems to me that the sleeping government is now awake. Now the PM is promising Dominicans the world of goodies! He is on a role due to pressure by the new look opposition… Look at the following drama:
1) Why was so much money and time spent of the melville hall airport? How come the Venezuelans- Uncle Chavez – did not just build an international airport? How come the international airport was never considered by this government – remember they were all shouting Dominica cant maintain such airport? It was this same Government who damned the idea of uwp international airport and it was this same government who gave back the land – to their supporters- bought by the uwp administration for the international airport.
Its this same government who said night landing and melville hall airport would be like international, now they saying something else..
Its it very strange that they are into action for international airport. This Government is just into the business of fooling Dominicans left right and center.
2) High way from portmouth to roseau. where is the high way with the three lanes ? what Dominicans got is just the same road with lots of improvement but certainly not a highway… This government is just fooling Dominicans… They said high way: high way with some chinese dogs – oh gosh….. and …. Look at the roads in Dominica, they are all beyond repair , Dominicans deserve better road ways….. stop patching roads
3) Oh cheaper gasoline… Dominicans just jumped for this lie and believe that Petro Caribes would easi the pressure… Next thing: Gas even more expensive in Dominica .. The only thing petro cariabes selling is cooking gas …….. does one drive cars with coooking gasssssss….
The list could go on… but for sanity sake, lets stop there for the while…….
Now that uncle Chavez is dead and veneuzuala is not pumping money like before PM has turned to China and other friendly governments .. PM whats the pay back for all these goodies? Could you openly tell Dominicans what’s the pay back for all these gooodies cause santa claus is being good to ya government in season and out of season?
Time to catch ya all self and get back to reality.. You all have lost direction…… Dominica is like a sinking ship…
On behalf of Several Dominicans, this good step in the right direction. Now we hope to see it come to Fruition. We are long overdue in this direction. The it stands now, we are considered a joke when we are traveling to Dominica, and using other people’s airport. Once they understand that you are Dominican, all kinds of Obstacles begin emerge to get frustrated, and delay you so you can a lot of finances overnighting in their contries.
PM you just win my vote ..call elections soon before i change my mind
Alas skerrit is coming mad. Everything Linton say that he AND HIS TEAM will do,Skerrit passing later saying he will do the same thing. POOR PITY. HEADLESS CHICKEN SYNDROME?
I haven’t been on DNO for a while due to my work obligations. when I heard these news I decided you check and read comments from the regular bloggers who used to be against the ideas of the international airport. To my surprise , It seems that they are all gone or blogging under different names. I wonder why.
Anyway I must say that I welcome the news of these new project and I am sure that we stand to benefit significantly if these project come true.
I am still disappointed that we arguing about cost and ability to repay. Again people these investment will expand the gdp of Dominica. As the gdp grows in a buoyant tax system the government will collect more from its existing taxes. This increase revenue could then be used to service the debt. All we need to know is the cost of the airport and how much phases and the expected disbursement schedule . From this information you project the expected impact on GDP. Then using the existing tax elasticity’s( that should be available at ministry of finance) you grow taxes by the elasticity’s multiply by the growth of gdp. then we are able to see the impact of this investment on government taxes which will indicate if we could generate enough revenue to service the debt .
on another note ,For the pm to state that Dominica cannot get a loan for an international airport is very misleading without performing the necessary modelling. I suspect he knew that his supporters that were fooled and brain wash ( saying that we don’t need or cannot afford all these years ) will loose trust in his words. Therefore he trying put his spin by he not shane for sure.
Also to all the UWP supporters and neutrals who for years call for the international airport lets just be happy that’s its coming . Lets put country first . It don’t matter from who or by whom but its coming to Dominica to benefit all of us. Let’s just hope that we get it.
Yes its may be an election ploy but we all know is that time of the cycle where we actually get stuff that benefit the nation. that’s the Caribbean way . the good thing is we stood our ground that if Dominica has to move then among other things an international airport is a precondition for take off.
In all this the uwp and people like me is the winner because we have been articulating the need for it and finally the DLP has seen the light.
Mr. Prime Minister better late then never and I thank you for finally paying attention to the people. Job well done but I still believe change is a must and not an option. Unless if you shake up the party we new and competent parl reps that is transparent, competent and has integrity.
Skeritt u can give me that little airport in Melville hall eh…I have two little hot wheels I will see if I can modify them, put two wings, some low profile tires good to go..and go to Antigua to get those stranded passengers.. I mean if you don’t want it any more..
Is history repeating itself in song?
When will it end x 2
When will the ignorance of my country come to an end?
When will Dominicans try and understand that we control the mandate in this land
Only then I will agree that we have a positive country, then brothers we rise , sisters will rise to higher heights.
Politicians not easy they really think they can fool we in this country
Now elections are approaching they promising all kind of tings …. all of a sudden an International Airport is magically feasible and beneficial for Dominica!! I told you all so
Truth be told as I see it….Dominica CANNOT contain,maintain nor sustain an international airport. We don’t need one
Hey!You want news? I’ll give you news.
You want news? I’ll give you some interesting news.
Skerrit say he gonna build an International Airport for Dominica and that have dem UWPass going mad.Check DNO and you will read their comments.They campaigning like is election.Them desparadoes realise that is it.Check their plan for the Airport,you will notice they had already build a coffin for the party.
When ARE the Labourites going to give us back our country?
When?
Us who? is our country to.
Labourites never take ur country is not what ur country can do for u is what u can do for ur country
Fool dem skerro, fool dem.
first all i very dissapointed with govt in the sense we had to learn second hand knowledge from a website that a Deal is signed without the approval of cabinet i not opposing but i am finance person i would like how is Dominica going to pay back this debt where is the revenue going to come from to service this debt.we must not forget the budget where the economy did not grew but recided by -0.5% and we are nearly a billon dollar in debt so i would to know how are we going the pay the debt. We dominica must be careful cause blame the uwp the huge debt which they put dominica in throught their regin. Please that the project of this matter is higher than all debt all the previous governments I am quoting the prime minister who said we need the international airport but cant afford so how can we afford it after 6 month when your economy shrink to negative growth please any rightful dominica give an answer and please stick to the issues
Great job Prime Minister Skerrit!
I strongly believe that your dedication is for the improvement in the lives of all Dominicans.
May God guide you and keep you strong.
Now, if DNO,printed it. right, you read “reconstruction of an International Air Port. Does Dominica have One ?
for 14 years all this government been doing is begging and and making its citizens beg.
now skeritt acting as a desperate man.everything lennox (the man without degree) say he gonna do skerrit saying he gonna do it.
so lennox leading and skerritt following
All country in the world beg for help what you him to do
Put the airport in cabrits….flatern that cabrits mountain that have no value…zorr Paka tan
You are not flattening the mountain jackass there is a flat piece of valley to the side of the mountain straight up to bell hall from Purple Turkle
Eagle eye,
You mentioned the cabrits and gave me an idea. I’m not an engineer, but it appears to me that this area where the present ‘Moroccan’ hotel is being built would have been a good location for an international airport.
In my opinion, this looks feasible with a little extension into the sea at both ends (towards tantan and towards Portsmouth bay), of course.
For 14 years you guys resisted the idea of an international airport. You spent so much millions on lengthening Mellvillehall under the mountain waste so much millions, now all of a sudden you in with international airport idea. So it is valid when it fits your agenda. And we believe you hook, line and sinker. Dominicans pas febe.
Skerrit are you a HEADLESS CHICKEN BROTHER?
JUMP! JUMP! JUMP! JUMP! JUMP! JUMP! The tamarind whip Linton has skinning you tail there, is really making you scamper boy.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
This headless chicken is taking Dominica down a vey dangeous, slippery slope. I think he better hike up the highest mountain in China, take a sniff of ganja; look below him, then take another sniff.
Skerrit you are doing a fantastic job!! those jealous do nothings that want power are spewing all kinds of venom because dey fraid!! dey fraid because you are succeeding in the endeavors and promises made to the Dominican people dey fraid because they doh have a legitimate plan and still think lying will put them in office dey fraid because dey will be staying the hotel and flying on the planes from this grant! yes fraid dey fraid!
Isn’t this an open forum where people can agree to disagree? Yet, when one voices his/her opinions they are being called names, such as stupid, dumb, and unintelligent. Come on now ppl is time we grow up and move away from all these name calling
If persons make stupid and unintelligent comments, why shouldn’t they be called that. People come here talking about jealousy and hatred even when they are presented with well reasoned arguments, why then shouldn’t they be called by the attributes they display?
Hold on…I am confused. Skerrit says the international airport has to be, and I quote “financed by grants”. My question now: what about the chinese agreement. The website of ASCG clearly states and I quote: “the works for this cooperation include an international tourism hotel, reconstruction of an international airport, building a hospital newly and the total investment is about USD300 million. So, if the international airport is to be financed only by grants what was he planning to do with the USD 300 million because a hotel and a new hospital do not cost USD 300 million. Was the remainder of at least USD 190 million to be used for something else? Fellow readers, I leave this one to your imagination…
One thing is clear either he is trying to sell us a dummy again or the chinese website is telling lies. I tend to believe the chinese website, after all what motivation do they have to make incorrect statements on their own website.
Skerrit, what did you plan with the remainder of the chinese money? Perhaps early retirement with almost USD 200 million in your suitcase? Explain yourself!! Tell us!! Or have you gone crazy and got the math wrong?
Mr. Skeritt, why the waste of money?
when you all came in the UWP even though you all do not like the blue party, but they had already spent a lot of money for the international airport. Because it was not the labour party plan, you all just push it aside, waste that money and now talking about? you think we are stupid?
How you all sleep @ nights when you waste the struggling tax payers of Dominica money, travel hundreds of times in a year just to get extra money from the tax payers that have no right to know on what mission you go on for Dominica.
Mr. PM would like it, if you are paying someone to work for you and you cannot get from them what they are doing?
One question. Why did the uwp not use the Freedom Party plan which, as far as I can see was a much better plan?
Skerrit cannot build no airport. Fraid he fraid. He knows that he will be out soon. I for sure will vote against him.
% you are just a copy cat, you cant see you cannot match any thing to linton name, he is just a norvis
I must give that to the PM. If your skills in economics and finance was 1/2 as manipulative as your psychology on display Dominica would be the envy of the caribbean.
I must note since the opposition has been mobilizing and bringing out ideas you are rebuting them on after the other with rushed actions and policies. I say that is all good for the people of Dominica.
however the fact remains that for 14 yrs you and your friends have accumulated wealth beyond the capacity of your salary, violent crimes in dominica sky rocketed, cost of living gone up pay checks no where, multiple infrastructure built by foreigners with little to no impact to the financial lives of dominicans. Additionaly, civil servants working for 20 plus years and cannot afford to buy a piece of land. 80% of our people own less than 5 acres of land. How much do you own? And for those who do it takes 5 yrs plus to get registered.
instead of creating environment for private sector growth tax payers are now owning hotels, abatoir, and more.
Millions being spent on liat and geothermal and now 1.2 billio in loans and grants and most likely election funds that was not part of any parlimentary budget presentation. If that is not irresponsibility and lack of accountability i do not know what is.
You are trying your best to silence to opposition by doing everything they talk about. You had 14 yrs. Good psychology. Sorry financial and fiscal responsibility and lack of suatainable vision for Dominica
Your time will one day expire
Skeritt how do you ask for set dollar figure for an INTL airport without a proper feasibility study of the location and a architectural design to obtain costing?
Something is not right.
Yea yea, election gimmick
I consider myself to be a very intelligent person. You mess with my intelligence you mess with me. Fourteen years are to time to mess with Dominican’s intelligence. If Skeritt continues to fool Dominicans, he will suffer the consequences when General Elections are called.
you all uwp soporters, shame all shame. edison james stay four and a half years in office and did not build the airport,and all their talk is clean voters list, electoral reform, access to dbs radio station. 18 to 3 and still complaining all you to late for the party and will always be. thats why linton start with isidore, it have more tp come grand bay next with paul alexander,,,,, he that ears let him hear