It’s official, night landing at the Melville Hall Airport has been declared open – a project which originally commenced in 2003 and promised to begin in 2009.
Described as an achievement that could change the landscape of Dominica, a crowd of Dominicans stood and cheered when the inaugural Win Air and Liat Dash-8 flights landed safely at the country’s main airport last night.
Minister responsible for Ports, Rayburn Blackmoore, in a ceremony to mark the “auspicious” occasion at the airport last night, said that the journey to night landing was not stress-free. He stated however that not having the facility had impeded the country’s development for “far too long”.
“Now is the time, now is the moment to embrace this opportunity to demonstrate that we as Dominicans can make it together as a collective as we strive together in one collective endeavour as a people… When I heard today on the radio that there are many persons who are still skeptical about the ability to move forward as a people I pray for them… We have what it takes to move this country forward,” he stated.
Blackmoore is convinced that night landing will open many avenues for economic expansion including tourism product development. “It’s a wonderful possibility for us to move forward,” he said.
The minister dismissed claims that the flight was unsafe.
“Tonight is a practical expression of hard work, not talk… I heard many persons said that Ray Blackmoore and other ministers will not make it on the flight because it is dangerous,” he said.
“ I want to say to you I was there. I want to say to you further, Hon. Ian Douglas was there. I want to say to you further… that his Excellency was there and he smiled from Antigua to Dominica and I want to say to you further, the skeptics, and the professionals of misinformation and “parlay sot” that that was the best flight I had in my life and that is coming from someone who does not like to fly,” he stated.
Blackmoore boasted that the facility was one of the first facilities in the Caribbean that has been through a pro-tractive certification process. He said that all conditions were adhered to as it relates to regional and international standards during the implementation of the project.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was not on board the inaugural LIAT dash 8 flight as planned since the President of Dominica His Excellency J.O. Liverpool took the flight. According to officials, it is not protocol for both heads of state to be flown out of the country at once.
Skerrit however addressed the ceremony. He took the opportunity to defend the funding of the project.
“No sane individual or even critic would dare challenge this government’s assertion that they did what was right in responding to the air access challenge which we have faced. Lest we forget, I want to take you back to the period 2000 to 2002 when the Labour party assumed office in a coalition with the Freedom Party,” he stated.
“The apologist and propagandists of the administration that had been voted out of office kept beating their chest and demanding that the then new government should proceed to implement the plan that they had to build an international airport at a cost that had not yet been verified,” he said.
“They insisted with the proposal that the project could be financed by borrowing on commercial terms, totally disregarding the crippling debt burden this would have imposed on the tax payers of this country…”
The prime minister further defended his government’s stance to first provide night landing services as opposed to an international airport.
“Reviews of the International Monetary Fund and regional agencies revealed that they (the last government) had brought the country near to economic collapse as a result of their irresponsible fiscal policies and reckless spending. This government adopt the policy of improving air access first by introducing night landing at Melville Hall using grant resources that were available or that could become available given a new foreign policy stance it had taken,” he stated.
“In other words my friends, what was required by this government, was to turn its back on fiscal irresponsibility and fly in the sky schemes and to develop a pragmatic approach to improving Dominica’s air access in a manner that would not impose further debts on the backs of our people,” he said.
The prime minister stated that through night landing, the country has met one of its immediate to medium terms goals.
“Can you imagine the state Dominica would have been today had we gone the way of building an international airport in a manner proposed by the opposition. We have met our immediate to medium term objective to improving air access… we do not intend to do so at the cost to the treasury and to the people of Dominica,” the prime minister stated.
The facility was funded partly through Venezuelan government and the European Commission- costing over $120 million.
Liat Dash 8 Flight 461 landed at approximately 8 p.m. last night after the Win Air aircraft. Several dignitaries including cabinet members, civil and aviation personnel, the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA) management and media practitioners were among those on the flight.
Fireworks preceded the special ceremony after which local songstress Tarina Simon delivered her rendition of the country’s National Anthem. Derrick “Hunter” Sty Rose, the Paix Bouche Cultural Group and the Dominica Government Band provided entertainment during the ceremony.
Bishop Gabriel Malzaire administered the blessing of the runway following the ceremony.
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When the government does something well in the interest of the country, appreciate it. When they are not doing things right criticise constructively.
What is protocol and which officials making this absurd statement. A couple years ago the Pesint and PM were both in a function in the Bronx along with Raymond Lawrence and Hubert Charles.Get another excuse
I believed the only way any Caribbean country can boost their economy is by developments.
You need to build an international airport.
You need to have other country to bring their business franchise to your country..? Hotels, Restaurant, factories , name brand stores , technologies , cruise ship liners with tourist, any raise, and that is how I believed your country will boost its employment.
And how can you attract Caribbean & international business to your country to meet all of this criteria, so your country can be one of the greatest. It’s very simple, an international airport! And that is what Saint Vincent is doing; the government is taking the risk of building one of the most beautiful international airports in the region, so he can attract international businesses to develop his country, and lower the unemployment’s we all know it coast in the hundreds of millions of dollars, but in the long run it will pays off.
@Anthony…U got it right Sir!!…I wish some of the doughtful minds could get some needed lessons from U…keep on educating!
congratulation dominica … big things happening i will no longer have to overnight in antigua.. and be mistreated …. who like it good for them .. who don”t have to deal with it
way 2 many comments for me to read.. but I must comment on a few and on the article it self. We as Dominicans ( I always include myself) must learn to stop criticising everything and stop turning everything into politics. Regardless of which government did it.. Dominica needed a better airport facility and that is clear. whether it was by lengthening the strip and adding lights (which is cheaper and will increase jobs and progression a bit slow I might add but progression) or an international airport(which was very ambitious and would leave Dominica in a substantial amount of debt, which also would create job and progression but may not be the best choice). A stance was made and night landing was the choice. Be happy and glad! it is OUR country.. if she fails we fail if she triumphs we triumph. A party/ government is just the formal representation for the voice. We the people are the voice! so stop complaining. We are not a communist country! but sometimes I wish we were so then no one wouldn’t have anything to say.. it would just be the way it is! but we as a people have a choice and all we sit down n do is criticize our parliament.
Side note for the people that are responding negatively to last nights achievement I say to you, stop the “billblobbering!!” Do you know the USA is billions of dollarz in debt and going through a recession? people are homeless and do not have food to eat, and are loosing their jobs of 25 years as we speak! Dominica is by far not near so many zero’s in debt and I can recall never being hungry because I can pick a banana off a tree and be happy.. do you know how much for a bunch of force ripe bananas in the states? Do you know what hunger really is and starving really is?
Congratulations on night landing Dominica and looking forward to moreimprovements in the future! I know that I will be one to contribute to my country’s development! are you?
Well for everybody who wanted government officials to fly first. Look dignitaries took the first flight. Open mouth, insert shoe. Let me see y’all now.
@ohyeayea:
It is never too late Have you not heard that nothing happens before it’s time. Hurray to the Government and wish this accomplishment every success. Let us all pray is better than pulling hairs.
congratulation to dominica but i ain’t ganna fly at night
one step at a time that’s all i will respond
congratulation my dominican people,,but another thing the taxi drivers should be careful on the road after late hours.
I am really happy that we have come somewhat far- although not far enough, because there is still alot of development needing to be done before we start jumping. The road from the airport to roseau is terrible and need major upgrading. I can;t imagine after coming from England or the US at 10pm at night, and not only is the route long but the pot holds are never ending, Before you reach the hotel you are ready to empty your guts.
Its not about politices but it’s about what the country needs to considered itself moving forward. I hope night landing will commense right after and not 4 yrs later.
Grow up ppl. Wether or not some of u want 2 fly on night landing who cares. Stop bashing and starting rejoicing. The smallest accomplishment is something 2 benefit all. I live in the unites states but I look forward 2 night landing. Mad, sad, who cares it won’t change how things are. So sit back ungrateful ppl and try at least to be thankful for half a loaf than no bread at all. It’s not about the pm wake up.
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…..but don’t think i will do it because i don’t like landing at Melville Hall at all so the night thing is kinda scary. I must say its a great achievement. DNO, i think u guys could have posted more photos here.
When is the next flight?
Once the airport certified i on like onion,see this as a new door ,of opportunities—the car park, renovated terminals etc sure brightens up the airport.Dominica has always taken its time so now it come so why the hoopla, there will always be things that should have been but lamenting on what should have been is not my style.
Alas, when will Past and never to be again P.M mr e. c. james-(-note small letters)-face reality,these same worn -out,boycott,. non-participating Strategy just not gripping…really childish and immature behavoir—and derelection of duty as parl rep—–really feel for the Opp-Leader—he just cannot take charge withn Eddie hovering all around him—–Funny these are supposed to be intelligent men.my my,where has Commonsense gone?are they on planet Earth and thier reality on another planet? Hey guys we are in 2010,, the youth are watching
@the: the:- “its just sad that we dont have objective thinkers are true proffessionals on the island”…………… You’re not on the Island so let those on the Island do what’s worth doing for “OUR” Island.
If you are, shut the F**K UP sit back and enjoy what the rest of Dominicans are experiencing. Negative talks and maypwe towards the PM will not get you an award…
Just curious, did they say which direction the plane from? Sea side or mountain side?
but wait…its good we have night landing now but is that a private jet domincan “dignitaries” arrived on?? lol..
CONGRATS D.A!!! but some of them political comments will raise my pressure so best i leave that page… talking crap bout LABOUR party my foooot!!
its all of us not just labour party smh!
@the: well ass wipe we dont have much so we happy for what we have and what can be done.. if you want ur jet to land why dont u chart it to Dominica and pay for it. I hate dumb chicken sh!t people like you.. Keep crying and looking at what other ppl have and what we dont have.. OUR NATURAL BEAUTY IS A CURSE AT THE SAME TIME. We cant go cutting down and flattening Dominica to improve after we have done that what would we have to showcase? No mountains no green no rivers.. Look at sister Lucia see how she getting. Her rivers almost gone ouii.. There is going to be generations that remember when it had rivers down there soon… Let us be hppy for what we can do now.. And stop being a skunk you chickn sh!t
not me and night landing….
@Miami: more bright lights might not necessarily be good, they can just deceive the pilot into thinking he is in line with the runway. It can create false illusions, One can find these caution notes on approach plates.
Hip Hip Hooray a plane finally land in the nite in DA!!! hahah.. I am excited and happy..though we have a long way to go but this is a great accomplishment and we have to give credit to the government of DA wether we support them or not, cuz at the end of the day we all benefit from this..
nothing to shout about,,,its is a Master Degree that Dominicans generally settle for very less and get worked up and elated over very small issues!!
wouldnt it be better if it was Jet direct from the UK,USA or Canada….thats how people in this modern world think…
last night was a comprehensive certification of how as a people we get embraced into small module way of thinking….what was last night about…
see how foolish they are the Govt officials about economic growth…what a joke have they done any studies ……Melville Hall will be a certain failure in the end….only time will tell….
its just sad that we dont have objective thinkers are true proffessionals on the island
what he have is a bunch of skeroits!!! that guy has started the slide down hill….
Congratulations for Dominica finally on board with its other caribbean counterparts.
2 things:
Though happy I felt a slight bit of embarrassment to be jumping up and down. It’s almost as saying Dominicans finally got nationwide electricity after many centuries.
I was a bit disturb by Pastor Daniel prayer. I am really trying my best to hold on the notion that our churches, preachers and pastors are independent of politics. Why couldn’t his prayer be one that thanked God for the safe landing and historical event. He kept saying the devil did not want to see this and the devil wish bad. Why was he gloating to the devil, when we as Christians already know the devil is a loser.
Some of us Dominican behave like Haitians to much.Haitians continue to destroy haiti each time a party take over its supporters destroy what the previous party puts in place.Pressently we are following that same path.Dominica is not the PM or Labour party personal property, it belong to all dominican.Iregardless of which party we support the man is doing agood job.So please stop playing party politics.
If I was the PM and I read them comments dere id take a hammer and Break all them Lights on the Runway……allu too STUPIDDDD…….something like that, is so good for the country but all u all can see is the Politics…Is only now i prove there is just no pleasing some of you…….I wish I could curse but I kno DNO will not publish my comment so I will behave myself….
@GIve me a break,: do you have to be so insultive and so negative?? Cannot comment without being insolent and rude???
Grow up some of you people!
WHO DOES DOMINICA BELONG TOO????? YOU ALL CHILDREN CHILDREN CHILDRED…..SO STOP BASHING WHATEVER DEVELOPMENT IS HAPPENING AND HELP BUILD THE COUNTRY INSTEAD OF BREAKING IT DOWN….HOW DO YOU EXPECT OTHERS TO RESPECT YOU WHEN YOU DON’T RESPECT YOUR OWN….GROW UP PEOPLE AND STOP PLACE POLITICS
@Miami: Why do you think the area outside the perimeter of the airport needs to be lit? So you can examine the flora and fauna of the countryside? What airport in this world you know has the hills and mountains surrounding it lit up? You just talking for talking sake? Where do you think Melville Hall is based – in the middle of London? or New York City? where you can see the surrounding neighborhoods? What you want to see, the tree-tops? and the river flowing? Try landing during the day, that might help.
I gave another person here a quote by Plato, for you I have one from Abraham Lincoln; “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt”.
Some of us need to put down politics for a moment and give hearts of to our country on a whole!
we are moving forward and this is a huge step in bring this country forward,we dont need an international airport to put food on tour table so those of us still crying for the international airport better accept what we have,atleast The new p.m is trying his best….
Wishing my P.M and his cabinet Gods blessings and GOD BLESS DOMINICA!!
stupesssssssssss night landin my a**
i wish the people of dominica well,but you have a long way to go.first of all i believe this was a charter flight.why did the governmenthad to charter those two flights? dominicians ask yourself that question. i dont live in dominica nor do i support any parties.i just believe this should be a regular people coming on the flight it would be ,that night landing was able to start my liat in the next couple of weeksor so.i really believe is a show was put on my the government.i really want night landing in dominica but or but again.
When its good we must learn to say its good, that’s a job well done. We focus so much on Politics in D.ca its like we forgot to look past that to see actual development taking place. Any Party that did something like that I would have complemented them on a Job well done. We need to stop sounding so IGNORANT and focus on the the good of the Country as a whole…..
@GIve me a break,: Really and truly, it’s people like you who grumble and say D/A not advancing, and that your luggage get lost in Antigua, and there aren’t sufficient flights into D/A, and this, and that, and blah blah blah blah….but when something constructive happens, EVEN IF we may be a bit late getting it, you are incapable of saying anything positive about it, EVEN IF that development is beneficial to you. You should be ashamed! So what D/A late, celebrate its inception. You complain D/A slow, and it not advancing, yet something happens that would facilitate its development, that helps it move forward, you have nothing but negativity to add to the discussion.
Plato once said “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.”….it would do you well to take that advice.
@DA4LYFE: as Spider sang “day by day d country keep down” I think he meant in all aspects…dumber and dumber the people come and yes fools I have to say we because Dominica is the place of my birth and residency, but remember that there are alwas exceptions to the rule…I aint in that getting excited thing with you all, sorry…its just my opinion it doesnt have to matter to you…
U talking about fiscal responsibility and u building a palace, what happen we stupid man?
y pple have 2 b so negative??????????
To the few antagonists who propagate ignorance talking about DA is not the first to have night landing, so why the masses are elated? Let me tell you something. Progress never starts at the top! It begins at the bottom, small steps which carry over into giant ones!
Move forward DA, leave those negative people behind, all TRUE Dominicans, regardless of party affiliation are PROUD!! On y va mon pais. On va devenir très important pour tous les avions tous par tout.
GIve me a break I have to respond to your comment
it doesnot matter whether we are the last. The point is that we have made and reach an accomplishment which we as a nation should be proud of.
I donot know about you, but I can assure you families, friend and relations are very proud and happy as we no longer has to endure the maltreatment of the Antiguans customer services which are and can be quite nasty.
I am not saying all Antiguans are the same, because I have many families and friends that resides there, but it is the Airport Customer Services Staff they really need to have some form of training in Cusomer Services or broaden their horizons.
I hope I have not upset you as it is not my intention. Just a few facts.
Congratulations to my Government…. History in the making.. Who God bless no man curse.. It is time we come together and unite to bring our country forward…. To the next levellll… Mr Prime Minister I am very proud of you!!!! Hooray
@Anti-hate: He was not on the flight. The president was
the Fat Lady hasnt sang as yet! looking in from the mountain top with a beacon!
saying goes dont count de stuff too early!! time will be the factor!! lets see how it pans out!!
Time will Definetly Tell in the End!!
comment for- @Anthony P. Ismael..not @well
@SUNSHINE: WHO WILL MISS YOU??????????
@DA4LYFE: WHATEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Anthony P. Ismael: Looks like it’s good enough for Edison, so it should be good enough for you…Edison doh making noise about it, he doh block road in protest, so he probably find it good enough.
@Well: I totally agree with you…why didn’t the gov’t didn’t widen and fix the roads in the surrounding communities while upgrading the airport…Well,night landing is not the problem driving at night hmmm another story…
DA4LYFE
@GIve me a break,: WHATEVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!
@GIve me a break,: I notice that too…I was thinking why all these people acting like we’re the first country to get night landing..LOLOLOL..We’re the most backward country in the Caribbean (not including Haiti)…
DA4LYFE
CONGRATS TO MY GOVERNMENT, I CAN SEE NEXT LEVEL IN PROGRESS WHEN I LAND IN OCTOBER IN BARBADOS FROM JET BLUE I DO NOT HAVE TO SPEND MONEY IN NO HOTEL, DOMINICA HERE I COME HORAY TO DOMINICA
CONGRATS DOMINICA!!!!! HURRRAY!!!!!!! History has been made….To all d haters out there take note..Listened to d live coverage on DBS via d web…we are definitely moving en d right direccion…Hope Conviasa will have scheduled night flights when they resume operationes, its a pity they could not be part of this historic event due to suspended operations..
CONGRATULATIONS!
For whatever it’s worth, this is a joyous momemt that we should all be proud off.
too little too late!
enough already election is a few years away,lets be thank that we were there to see it happen.
stop the negative energy.we all we benifit one day.WAY 2 GO MY BELOVED DOMINICA.
so you apologise for opening your mouth before engaging your brain?
Apology accepted.
After landing at night, visitors who are traveling either north or south, must now confront narrow winding roads, with dangerous corners and no illumination at night. Why do we always do things backwards. The marigot road should have been rehabilitated simultaneously with the airport expansion project. I drove down form Melville Hall to Roseau a month ago, and the road is dangerous during the daytime. I can just imagine driving at night with no sinage, lights or rest area for vehicles. Hopefully, the road will be expanded in less than twenty years.
All i can say is, ” I was there and i felt Proud even if is not my party that accomplish it” I think its a good move for my Lovely DA, I am a frequent flyer i will continue to fly and take the best time that soughts my schedule. Its no big issue for me………… its not about the airport…….. its all about safety. If the airport is given clearance for night landing then its should be safe. Lets dig into new grounds people and work hard to reap new harvest. Stop plowing in ignourance, its a new day for DA.
hip hip!!!!! nite landing 2.30 a.m canefield used 2 nite landing in D.A remember emergency landing 8.00 p.m soon after 911 uder motorcar lights.ha.ha.ha
Fantastic – as a Dominican living abroad who is beginning the process of moving back home within 5 years or so, I must say I love this, definitely for the development of Dominica, but also for personal reasons. I am involved in global trade and when I move back, that is what I will continue to do but dealing directly with trade between the Caribbean islands and the burgeoning South American markets, in particular Brazil. I intend to set up and base myself in Dominica while I travel throughout the region. The ability of returning home on an evening flight after business overseas is a convenience I personally would love.
Big up to my President and his wife for leading the way in adventuring out on the first flight.
@Miami: Remember the airport is not situated in a downtown or metropolitan area (like Miami international); so what is surrounding are the trees and the tiny villages of Marigot,Woodfordhill etc in the distance. But yes I agree that there is still some more work to be done; I am glad you are as happy as I am for D.A!!
@ Give me a break, you’re such an ass
I am so happy to see this flight landing on my island, I felt so proud, Tonight on my job, we D/can will be drink a blt of moet chardore, really i don’t know much of this prime minister, but for sure, he is doing a good job, for my island. I hope i will get the fair chance to vote one day, He will surely recieve my vote. I am working on documents, for next election if god’s willing. Proud of u all people. success.
@GIve me a break,: I noticed that you said the word “we” and yet you referred to “we” as “Dummy-in-cans”; can’t stop laughing at you…………haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
That’s very good.
Wonderful.
Cainfield also has been able to accomodate night landing for years.
Landing with a tail wind of less than 13 knots is no problem.
this was perfectly timed in the hurricane season when the winds are calm. (except when a storm or tropical depression is around)
from December through to June (tourist season ) the winds are normally way above this 13 knot limit.
So we need to be honest with the travelers that there may be nights when flights will not be able to land.
Honesty is the best principle….
Congrats Dominica, another huge step toward development and progress!!! God Bless.
Finally Dominica stepping into the 21st century….Next infrastructures and more FDI..come D’ca let play catch up..
DA4LYFE
I’m looking at the pictures and smiling….. Wish I’d been there!! Three cheers for Dominica!!!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!!
@way papa: Then just don’t travel at all and stay grounded!
An impressive piece of progress i must say. Thanks to the government of dominica and his assistance. One step at a time we are moving foward. peace to all the citizens and visitors of these God blessed country. slowly but surely we’re getting there !
Such big celebration as if we are the first to have night landing faciltiy…We are the last….geez!! Dummy-in-cans…
@CB CUZ: well Dominicans can reach home for a change.
@Dominican – London Base: i feel you london base,
well congratulations dominica and Mr.Skerritt you have accomplish something that no other government could. Way-to-go. “now liat will really Leave Island Any Time”
Thanks to the Government of Dominica, the Venezuelan Government and the European Commission for making this possible. Every step in the right direction no matter how small is progress for the country. The $120.00 US dollars spent to overnight in a hotel in Antigua will now be better spent in Dominica.
I look forward to flying with LIAT day or night, I have every confidence in the crew. God Bless the Government and the people of Dominica.
Two thumbs way up DA! Great accomplishment!!!!!
Congrats Dominica! I listened to DBS via the internet last night. Although the reception was not too good, I hung on. After my last experience in Antigua on my way to Dominica in February this year, I welcome night landing. And to those who are skeptical, try to have an open mind, give this a chance and see what happens. Good luck!
@Madam Speak it: U’re right when i posted the full story wasn’t up yet….however important gov’t officials and the President were on the flight…so it equates to basically the same thing….
This is great news for me as a Dominican who visit quite frequently
whether u are for or against the Gov’t it is an improvement an accomplishment
for DOMINICA. Now the Gov’t has to start working on making Dominica
more “tourtist friendly” keep the island clean more signs or diections
to the very many tourist spots…The falls, emerald polls, etc etc
I am very happy and excited.We have come a long way and we still have a long way to go
but we all have to work together to make things better.
Congrats! Its all happening so when i travel to DA i would not have to overnight in ANU
Taken from Ralph Gonzalves and replaced St. Vincent with Dominica. Right now we are at approximately the same stage. Let’s see where we will be in comparison in 5 years time.
WHY DO WE NEED AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT? I begin first by answering two queries posed by some persons:
(1) Does Dominica really need an international airport?
(2) And if we need one, can we afford one?
Fundamentally, both questions are inter-related. Having studied this issue for many years, it is clear to the ULP administration and its leadership that the full realisation of the potential of our country’s growth and development hinge on an international airport, among other vital considerations.
3
The requisites of economic diversification and regional and international competitiveness demand an international airport. Our country’s tourism potential would not be fully realised unless we build an international airport. And tourism is likely to be our main foreign exchange earner for a long time to come. Further, the integration of the economy of Domnica with those of the OECS, CARICOM, the wider Caribbean, Latin America, North America and Europe is limited to the extent that there are huge restraints in air access. Foreign investors often shy away from Dominica when the limitations of air access arise due to the absence of an international airport. Indeed, at the recently-concluded Conference of Heads of State and Government of CARICOM in July 2005, I made the point that the absence of an international airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica is a regional integration issue of the first order. There can be no level playing-field for this reason, among others. Moreover, air access difficulties constitute a practical brake on the movement of our nationals who reside in North America and Europe in returning to their homeland as frequently as many of them would like. The international airport will engender a greater oneness between the components of our nation at home and overseas in much the same way as the easy availability of advanced telecommunications facilities has done. In replying to the query: Can we afford an international airport? I retort with another: ―Can we afford not to have an international airport?‖ I appreciate the genuine concern about the huge cost of constructing and operating an international airport. I realise that the international airport in the short-to-medium term will not be able to generate enough revenues to pay for the costs of its construction. However, in the long-run it will be economically viable. In any event, without it we are likely to be severely hampered in our thrust for further economic development.
The huge cost of the International Airport Project enjoins us, however, to find the most creative methods of financing it so as to
4
lessen the burden while maximising our benefit. I shall speak fully on the financing issue later.
Now we need to see how the airlines arrange their schedule. So far none of them have any flights schedule for after 5 pm. Come on Liat and Winair WCMF is not that far away so please put your schedule out.
@Anti-hate: Skerro wasnt on the flight so get ur facts straight.
YEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! ALL WE NEED NOW IS FOR LIAT AND WINAIR TO ACTUALLY HAVE SCHEDULED FLIGHTS FOR DOMINICA IN THE EVENING I HOPE THEY NOT GOING TO TAKE TOO LONG TO DO THAT.
This is the another proof that the Labour Party Government is geared on taking Dominica to the next level. A great step in the right direction for all Dominicans especially those travelling home who sometimes hear the phrase ‘when sunset you cannot land in Dominica’. Not so anymore. CONGRATULATIONS to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet.
Dear Fellow Men and Women,
I am really happy for my Island , due to the aspiration and great endeavour in this great achievement.
Hip, Hip Hooray!! I am so happy that I will no longer has to endure the bad customer service at the hands of some of the Antiguans at the airport ,whilst awaiing my flight from and to the United Kingdom whilst in transit.
Believe it or not, several years ago whilst travelling to Dominica via Antigua I had such bad experience with their customer service that I told the lady in these very words as follows” Donot worry one day we will have flights to Dominica and we will not have to put up with the bad service that we Dominicans have to endure”
Thanks be to the Almighty and the goverment that night landing has finally arrived. I was listening to DBS this morning via the World Wide Web, and I was really please to hear the gladness from most people with Steven D of DBS.
Great News for Dominica!!!
great achievement for d.a but the p.m still find space to score political points eh,,,,talking bout d opposition,,,dat why e’re ting in d.a have to be politics cuz the top doh lead by example,,,,, but is this gonna be the highlight of the skerrit administration up till next election,,,,,i hope not,,,,but that would be sad for d.a
CONGRATS DOMINICA. I AM SO PROUD. I WILL DEFINITELY TAKE A NIGHT FLIGHT. I DO IT ALL THE TIME ALL OVER THE WORLD. WHY NOT MY PITCH DARK COUNTRY LOL. LOVE D/CA HOORAY
congrats dominica……it was long over due.
One small step for the Dominica Labour Party, One giant Leap for DOMINICA.
Foward we Go.
Congrats to the Government and the people of Dominica, may God see us through it all.
Congrats Dominica….this was long over due
I AM STILL NOT LANDING AT NIGHT…………..HECK NO.
congrats congrats congrats i am so happy this morning after viewing the pictures,my country is so far moving in the right position.happyyyyyyyyy to be a nature girl .blessed day my people see you next month after all i can leave from work and have a last flight home.way to goooooooooooooooooooo.
@way papa: you have a choice my Dear. flight comes in during the Day and Night. its an occaction that we Dominican should be proud of.STOP BEING SO NEGATIVE.
It’s late in coming………………………………but thank God it’s here. We need the instrument guidance to be approved. I would be on a night flight for sure.
The Surrounding area of the Airport is still dark. We need a lot of bright lights. I would be
very scared to land at the Melvin Hall Airport.
There is still alot to be done.
I’m very proud of Dominica for finally hosting such landing techniques..Congrats Dominica and to those who made it a success. Big things happening
@way papa: It would be better if you just shut your a-word…..Those comments are played out and at this point rather boring and irritating….
Just like the hating peeps who were saying Skerrit should be on the first flight…Well guess what he was so y’all can zip it now and keep your cowardice and backward-thinking mentality to yourselves….Acting like night-landing is some experimental thing being tried out in d/a and u don’t want to be a guinea pig.
Look how long other countries around the world got night landing…
DATS VERY GOOD DOMINICA DOIN BIG THINGS I’M SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO PROUD CONGRATZZ
hip hip hooray
not me dat landin dere at nights..
big day i does b frighten much less for night
Congrats! This is a big step for Dominica, it will definitely help the economy and casue an increase in the amount of visitors to DA. Also for those of us coming back home once a year or so, it will save us money and time as we will not need to overnight in Barbados and pay hotel. that means more cash to spend when we get back home