PM Skerrit says gov’t will deliver international airport

The Prime Minister said the government will deliver an international airport

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said that his government will deliver on its promise of constructing an international airport in Dominica.

The government recently announced that a United States-based firm was on the island conducting studies for the construction of the facility and will present its findings to Cabinet on April 21, 2017.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Cottage on Sunday, April 2, 2017, Skerrit said he has seen the reports and is ‘comforted’ that the government will deliver on its promise.

“I have seen the report, I have the report before me and I am very comforted and very assured that Dominica will have its international airport and the Labour Party, as the Labour Party has always done in the history of our country, will bring the international airport to Dominica,” Skerrit said.

The Prime Minister noted that looking back at the history of the country, every important element of Dominica’s social and economic advancements was initiated and or implemented by the Labour Party.

“Whether it is Ross University, whether it’s the Melville Airport, Douglas Charles Airport now, whether it’s the West Coast Road, whether it’s the road to the East, whether it is water, whether it light, whether is education, the Labour Party has always been in the forefront of creating ideas and mechanisms on improving the lives of our people,” he stated.

Meantime the Prime Minister is blaming former Prime Minister, Edison James and the United Workers Party for Dominica not having an international airport.

“We’ve spoken about International Airport for a very long time. Dame Eugenia Charles, may her soul rest in peace, because of our friendship with the US Government promised to assist with the International Airport…Mr. James, the then leader of the opposition, wrote to the Americans to say to them that they should not come to build an Airport because it would interfere in an election in Dominica,” Skerrit said.

The Prime Minister said that while there will always be politics, and there will always be people who support one party and support another, there are some fundamental things in Dominica which should never allow politics to come in the way.

“It was bad politics, it was bad statesmanship on the part on Mr. James and the Workers Party to have written to the Americans to say to them they should not come to build the airport for us…We would have had our operating airport in the 80’s in the 90’s,” Skerrit said.

This is not the first the administration has spoken about constructing an international airport in Dominica. 

In November 2013, during a visit to China, Skerrit signed a US$300-million deal with Chinese company ASCG with “reconstruction of an international airport” among projects to be undertaken under the agreement.

At a Dominica Labour Party Rally on May 5, 2014, Skerrit said that his government was actively pursuing several projects, including the construction of an international airport through the BOOT – Build, Own, Operate and Transfer – option, with a team of private developers from China.

Later that same month, the Prime Minister led a three-man delegation to China to “advance discussions on the construction of an international airport and other development projects.”

Upon his return from China, Skerrit told reporters that “good progress” was being made on the project and a document will soon be made available to the public about the details. That document was never made public.

 

 

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64 Comments

  1. Anthony P. Ismael
    April 7, 2017

    I am confused and saddened that a Prime Minister utters “Bold-Face lies,” year after year with no consequences. This man was unable to complete a 50 room guest house in Portsmouth, we can’t rebuild basic bridges after Erika, fifty million was spent on geothermal energy that went absolutely nowhere and now, he is undertaking the construction of an international airport. Just more lies, lies and lies. What does Skerrit earn and what is the reward for telling these lies in public for all to see? I just don’t get it. His narcissism knows no end and these Labor supporters believe it. What a strange world that we live in.

  2. April 7, 2017

    Skeritt ur,fooling thoe’s poor indefensible indegent people in Dominica .SKERITT U MUST GO!!!

  3. Anthony P. Ismael
    April 7, 2017

    “I have seen the report, I have the report before me and I am very comforted and very assured that Dominica will have its international airport.” As a crack-pot English major, with no degree or training in the said field, I immediately recognized this “Bold-Faced Lie” and called it as I saw it. When you secure “Funding” from a lending agency, you tender-out the contract, it’s signed and equipment begins to arrive on the island and the first mountain is demolished, you Mr. “Lying” Prime Minister, will have my full support. Until then, continue to hold your town hall meetings with those who are easily led and easily fooled. “In the land of the blind, one-eye Jack is indeed king.”

  4. Kirby
    April 6, 2017

    Why does he look so worried though?

  5. Let The Truth Be Told - Original
    April 6, 2017

    If it is to be, it will be in time. Keep a positive outlook.
    It has had its setbacks, thanks to Edison James who was not even the PM then. He damaged Dominica’s chances for an international airport at that time. By now it would have been completed. Blame it on him for Dominica not having an international airport to today.

  6. Roseau River
    April 6, 2017

    In order to truly expand the economy, I believe an airport with jet capabilities is needed. Overnight passengers is what is needed to grow the tourism industry. Easier access to DA should lead to an expanded economy over time. DLP blaming UWP after being in power greater than 15 years is rubish.

  7. Lang Mama
    April 6, 2017

    Skerrit is seriously sickening. Just csnt believe a character like that kerp getting away with fooling people day in day out

  8. Tj
    April 6, 2017

    Talk! Talk! Build the damm airport to international standards.

  9. election is near
    April 6, 2017

    election must be very near since talk of international airport is making the rounds

  10. positive
    April 6, 2017

    lets be happy dont criticised, thanks god for dominica, everything happen at the right time.

  11. Rick
    April 6, 2017

    Good job DNO, you have done a stupendous job in this report. What a genius piece of work on your part where you have been able to chronicle the several promises of this international airport from a man who clearly seem to be suffering from an acute case of liabetes. Skerrit can jump high, he can jump low but his time to go has finally come. He has placed himself in a predicament that will come to greater light in a few short months to come. Before 2017 is over, he will have hung his head in shame, disgraced by his greed, dishonesty and lack of integrity. He fooled alot of us, even the saved and God fearing but he seem to have forgotten that no man can fool God. He is still at the job because God is the only employer who fires someone and keep them working until such time. King Saul ruled for 40 years but was only anointed for 2, so for 38 God was absent from his reign!

  12. Flipside
    April 6, 2017

    Don’t forget the State House. That’s another awesome achievement by the Dominica Labour Party. And it brings so much benefit to ordinary people. We can wander in any time we like, take a look around, use the facilities (the toilets are just so spacious); it’s hard to imagine a more welcoming and value-for-money investment for the country. Keep it up !

  13. Leroy
    April 6, 2017

    I would like to be an advocate to this success. In fact I would like to be the Security Director Contact me to find out what I can bring on the table.

  14. Leroy
    April 6, 2017

    This airport must be built, it is imperative for all Dominicans to understand that the time of arrogance, and ignorant to stop and do the the best for Dominica. I am with you one hundred, its high time to awake out of sleep. I can categories few reasons why Dominica needs its own International Airport (1) Liat will not be able to leave Dominican sleep in various airport again (2) It will be easier For people to travel in and out of Dominica. (3) Dominicans that are traveling will not have to sleep overnight in any body airport again (4) Dominica will be one of the fastest equilibrium country in the Caribbean (5) the generation that is to come after us will never have to go through what we have been through traveling. From 1968 I have been traveling on Liat and up to 2017 Liat have never treat Dominicans with respect. We are the only Caribbean People Liat treat Like unwanted citizens. I think the moment has come that Liat will ask for Dominicans to board there Plane. Good luck Sir

  15. Sakah boy
    April 6, 2017

    Alas… I waiting as I continue to be at the mercy of LIAT. They left me on ground again last week….

  16. jihan
    April 6, 2017

    Skerrit more lies and more lies,but the poor people will be delivered soon.

  17. FMJ
    April 6, 2017

    I thought Mr. Skerritt had previously said that Dominica did not need an international airport! Additionally, why is he blaming Mr. James for allegedly preventing DA from getting an airport when Mr. James was in government AFTER Miss Charles and he had started the process for an international airport before he left office? Wasn’t there money sourced for that, land bought, etc? Didn’t the labor stop the process and use the funds for other things?

  18. Ibo France
    April 6, 2017

    The PM is the typical narcissistic person. He hogs all the credit and praise for himself and party, and ascribes all blame to his “opponents”. To cover his incompetence and ineptitude, he would display excessive bravado and swagger. What Dominica needs now are men who talk less and do more. The country needs selfless politicians not selfish. Politicians who would unite the country not divide. The PM is making an abundance of promises of which millions of dollars would be spent. But there are so many civil servants living from hand to mouth and working for many years for low stagnant wages. Dominica has become a land of promises where a man may die of hunger.

  19. April 6, 2017

    We believe in you PM!

  20. Brinsley John-Rose
    April 6, 2017

    what an abrupt end to this tale , editor

  21. Anselmo
    April 6, 2017

    Peoples!! In Int Airport interested only who travells abroad, to children in England, for treatment to Florida and for study/work somwhere else. 60-70% of whole turnower travelling only between Islands. 1 international plane bring 250-350 turists…to WHERE?! To be profitable it should be at least 3-4 fly daily. All hotels on Dom not exceed 500 rooms (very optimistic) TO WHERE THEY WILL FLY?? St Lucia airport costs 300M USD, Dom have 300M? Same time StL GDP exceed 2B USD, Dominica have 4 time less! You would like to even your children pay for this airport? What we need its normal shuttle daily connection with Antigua, Barb, Mart. thats all!!

    • April 6, 2017

      Totally agree with you. People have no idea of the maintenance costs for airport maintenance. We have St. Lucia, Martinique to our south, Guadeloupe and Antigua to our north all with international airports. A jet typically carries about a 150 to 200 passengers, say you have 4 flights a day, that over a 1,000 people arriving in DA in one week.
      Where are we going to put them how are we going to entertain them where are the decent roads to transport them on. Right now go to the market to get something to make juice. There are no oranges, grapefruits, sorrel etc. It is sometimes difficult to get fish so how u going the feed these people. add to that cost of electricity etc

      • April 6, 2017

        sorry should have read 1000 passengers in one day, 5000 passengers for a given week

      • Anselmo
        April 6, 2017

        Everyone think that with airport to them will come rich, money free tourists and they give ability to travell all over the world and same time remain Dom calm, free and nature. I just came from Barbados…terrible place…I dont wont the same for Dominica!

      • straight shooter
        April 6, 2017

        stupid fool poverty stricken fool useless eater you are

      • straight shooter
        April 6, 2017

        hey fool lets take the story to face book with your comment so you can be dealt with

      • Let The Truth Be Told - Original
        April 6, 2017

        If you worshiped God and prayed with confidence in Him more would be accomplished in Dominica, Your problem along with the other critics, is you are too critical and lack confidence.
        You and the other critics are the ones who put an inhibition on the PM’s plan. How can you expect anything to work and to work well with that type of negative attitude?
        You know how long it will take to construct an international airport. You are not even giving it an opportunity to construct. Much has to be accomplished, in addition to funding, prior to building it. Give it a break!
        You do not even know if you will be alive then or when it is completed. How many will be? Therefore, let it be. Be broadminded.

      • Anselmo
        April 7, 2017

        We could do easier…300M divide on 50 000 of Dom population = 6000 usd/each. Would you like to pay 6000 usd for the airport?)))

      • Anthony P. Ismael
        April 7, 2017

        What maintenance, you talking about? Since when we maintain anything in Dominica? Didn’t you notice that the Portsmouth Police Station is falling apart, due to lack of maintenance. The Marigot Hospital was rendered a nuisance due to mold infestation. The Portsmouth Fire and Ambulance Station was eaten by wood ants. The new stadium is falling apart, because we need to estimate approximately 10% of total cost for annual maintenance. We will fly plane load of tourist to Dominica like they flew plane load of government ministers to Douglas Charles and when the runway falls apart, we leaving it just so and go back to the normal foolishness. :-P :-P :-P :-P

    • Concerned
      April 6, 2017

      Agreed. Why build an international airport when the rest of the island cannot support it?

      CBI isn’t going to last because the US and EU is going to put a stop to it. If nothing else by not issuing visas for Dominican passport holders. Dominica has been put back on the list of money laundering countries and if the government isn’t careful issuing passports to anybody without vetting, a supporter of terrorism with this CBI passport program.

      Dragon China isn’t giving all their help away for free either. When it comes time to pay it’s really going to hurt.

    • Roseau River
      April 6, 2017

      a jet capable airport is needed if DA is serious about expanding the economy over time. It is not realistic to believe one can truly expand their tourism product by relying on people to make multiple connections before arriving in DA. A Dominican will do that because it is your home… a foreigner has too many other options to want to make several stops before reaching their vacation destination

      • Anselmo
        April 7, 2017

        If Dom would have SUCH a lot sandy beaches as Barb or Ant I would be totally agree with you. But on Dom not so many places to build big resorts (thank God!). Except airport resorts need: a lot of different and fresh food 2\3 of what are imported, a very good roads to whole island travells, normal hospital, night activity with alcohol and drugs (visit St Barts or St Maarten to see real night life). And even with all of this you would be just another one competitor to Barb, Ant, Dom Rep, BVI, Bahamas and so on. Same time we could realize our own unique concept with eco tourism and small but good working airport for not too many but entusiastic tavellers who respect our culture, us and project wich cost 100 times less then giant airport for 1 fly a day

    • Peggy
      April 6, 2017

      Garbage

    • Jon Jones
      April 7, 2017

      Why do we keep on having this ‘lets stay backwards’ attitude to something that is a long term development.
      Your conception is that everything (profitability, etc) should be happening immediately. However, by that same rule we will still be having this same debate in 25 years time when St.Vincent will be seeing the rewards of their investment in an international airport.
      In case you hadnt realised, Dominica’s lack of an airport adds revenue to the other islands ventures.
      I can only assume that due to the hand-to-mouth existence of many Dominicans is why so many fail to understand how progress and development can be achieved over time with proper planning – not the quick knee jerk reactions as currently being undertaken with CBI money.
      There are only 3 countries worldwide not signed up to the Chicago Convention on international aviation. The other two are dependency terittories within a larger nation, yet we are the only independent nation worldwide who is in this position…

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      April 7, 2017

      Garcon, we will fly those tourist to the bush part of Dominica and leave them there. As far as financing, CBI money will pay for the airport. You forget we have over $US1 Billion in Panama. :-P :-P :-P

  22. BlackMan Net
    April 6, 2017

    Pure idiocracy why aren’t Dominicans waking up …. Why y’all not seeing what’s going on . have these guys looked at the price of electricity , water , building supplies y’all must be smoking some strong drugs to really think by 2020 we gonna have an airport y’all should ask st Vincent how long it took them and how much it cost …… GTFOH……clown show…..circus fools. …..skerrit your time is up . you spoil the people and you spoil the country you are a poison and its killing everything…..” waste man” go back to school and get a proper education instead of buying it ……..peace

  23. TS Erika
    April 6, 2017

    ENCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  24. LifeandDeath
    April 6, 2017

    Every time Skerrit Lies to Dominicans and get away with it he feels a sense of grandeur i’m sure but seriously it’s another insult to Dominicans.

    Let’s see which he will “NOT” do first, Roseau Rehabilitation likened to the pictures that were floating around last election or an International Airport..

    If Dominicans don’t see by now that Skerrit is a deadbeat Prime Minister, they will only continue to suffer..

    • Let The Truth Be Told - Original
      April 6, 2017

      Always critical? You never give the benefit of the doubt.

  25. April 6, 2017

    There’s no turning back! Moving onward, forward with growth and progress with PM and the team.

  26. April 6, 2017

    The Dominica Labour Party government has a perfect reputation in delivering on its promises. The national stadium, the many schools, the improved road networks, the state college….
    We have seen the UWP dub most of these projects as ‘pie-in-the-sky, but we say to them we have witnessed true competence and diligence from this administration. We are satisfied and we give our full support to Roosevelt Skerrit and the government for this next task. Let’s us build together for a better Dominica!

    • Let The Truth Be Told - Original
      April 6, 2017

      You are one positive and encouraging person. I second and endorse your comment.

  27. weh
    April 6, 2017

    Mr Pm You have spoken about building an international airport during the last 3 elections, why should we believe you this time?

  28. April 6, 2017

    More promises, no action and the people are buying it, skerro just build more pit latrine, and call it a day.

  29. committed
    April 6, 2017

    Skerit, you think people are foolish as you are. You better start packing your belongings.

    • Let The Truth Be Told - Original
      April 6, 2017

      Only the negative ones are foolish.

  30. Historian
    April 6, 2017

    You know why the voters will always be considered easily fooled people? Because they easily forget!!!!
    Here is a history lesson, when it was said that Dominica needs and international airport Skerrit allowed his friend Ralph Gonzales prime minister of st Vincent to come to Dominica and publicly declare that Dominica does not need an international airport!!!!
    Guess what Ralph did three months later invitees Chavez and sorted funding to build st Vincent a brand new international airport, after 8-9 years and almost a billion he has one and what does Dominica have same renovated airport……
    Now you coming on the public forum and saying you were always for an international airport are Dominicans so forgetful that they cannot remember this ????????
    Omg. I don’t blame you Skerrit when you get donkey to ride you ride them

    Go on Skerrit your dimples and $500 can buy another election can you imagine lying 500 for a vote for 5 years of power that’s 8.33 EC for a month, wow wow wow wow

  31. The name International Airport usually becomes a political football whenever a general election draws near. It is either ” it is too expensive, we doh have the de money, or Antigua & Barbados have one already.” Last election when the UWP said they would build an International Airport.

    Skerrit led a delegation he claimed to China where he said he was going to get help and money to build Airport; he returned, won the Election, since then we heard nothing mentioned about the Chines, nor airport. How come all of a sudden Roosevelt is going to build airport?

    Is it because he found out that the Birds of Antigua, and Ralph Gonzales of St. Vincent made a clown out of him; made him the Caribbean biggest Joke man, fool when they told him, not to build any international airport in Dominica because we don’t need it. Anybody who believe that promises is a fool.

    They say a promises is a “fools pleasure!”

  32. Jay -Support for airport
    April 6, 2017

    We would like to encourage the construction of the international airport because of business and commercial interest that can be generated. There will be lots of discussion about the progress made by previous administration but the fact is there is not one in place and rather than spend our time on past failures we should use all the energies, resources and positive talk to see that it becomes a reality. We should take a page from our brothers and sisters in St Vincent and don’t allow anyone to tell us what is good or not good for us. We should lift the country up by stop being so negative and say something positive that can transform the social and economic landscape of this country. There will be opposition but how can you achieve progress without opposition and what has been achieved without critics having their say. In this environment the race is not for the swift nor the battle for the strong. So let us unite behind the airport project and stop the emotions of negative energy

  33. Zandoli Claywat
    April 6, 2017

    What about the airline that was promised last year by minister Tongue, with flights from fort lauderdale to Dominica, just before the Soufriere By Election. He was busy on Facebook saying how good it would be, up to now we haven’t had one flight from it land in Dominica. Only mosquitos that landing in Dominica.

    • Let The Truth Be Told - Original
      April 6, 2017

      So no Dominicans and visitors landed in Dominica? You are calling them mosquitoes? I expect nothing better from a Zandoli.

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      April 7, 2017

      Garcon, you should never believe anything Robbie write on Facebook. :-P :-P :-P

  34. time ticking
    April 6, 2017

    The labor party will be sending men to the Sun soon. :lol:

  35. CIA Agent
    April 6, 2017

    POTTER’S FIELD will be the name of this airfield.

    This field was purchased by the high priests of Jerusalem with the “Thirty pieces of silver” (aka blood money or CBI money) which Judas was paid for betraying Jesus and later returned to them filled with remorse.

  36. Tiredofthetricks
    April 6, 2017

    “In November 2013, during a visit to China, Skerrit signed a US$300-million deal with Chinese company ASCG with “reconstruction of an international airport” among projects to be undertaken under the agreement.

    At a Dominica Labour Party Rally on May 5, 2014, Skerrit said that his government was actively pursuing several projects, including the construction of an international airport through the BOOT – Build, Own, Operate and Transfer – option, with a team of private developers from China.

    Later that same month, the Prime Minister led a three-man delegation to China to “advance discussions on the construction of an international airport and other development projects.”

    Upon his return from China, Skerrit told reporters that “good progress” was being made on the project and a document will soon be made available to the public about the details. That document was never made public”

    ITS NOW 2017!!!!!!! ?????

    • Joe
      April 6, 2017

      Tiredofthetricks YOU REMEMBER ERIKA RIGHT!!!!!!!!! That was in 2015…………… set us back ………….. $1.4B (BILLION) IN DAMAGES!!!!!!! WE are now rebuilding….. Guess we are doing so well after such a devastating storm you even forgot that it occurred!!!!!!

      Not having an international airport doesn’t equal no air access into the island…. OR DOES IT????

      SMDFH!!!!!! :evil: :-x

      • Mikey
        April 6, 2017

        JOE. We all remember Erika in 2015, but do you remember this man became PM in 2005? And in 2005 he said that the country does not need & cannot afford an international airport!

    • Glenfy
      April 6, 2017

      I like the way you fact checked all that BS. Good job. Story after story..

  37. %
    April 6, 2017

    Skerrit you mean you said all that,and no one asked you for how long has Labour Party ruled Dominica? With you as PM,yout report card is a conspicuous failure..In agriculture,in tourism,in manufacturing,in the state of our institutions,in begging,in creating laziness,etc,etc. You have damaged the country so much that you had to hire the services of a Crisis Management Firm,to try to undo your tarnishings.SHAME!SHAME !SHAME.
    Skerrit Must Go!
    Skerrit Must Go!
    Skerrit Must Go Now!

  38. zandoli
    April 6, 2017

    More hot air from Skerrit.

  39. Mary Black
    April 6, 2017

    Hopefully the airport might be built by 2020/21 if all goes well. I hope Lennox will now keep still because it was his previous party leader who stop the advancement of the airport.

    • Cee Bee Eye
      April 6, 2017

      After they purchased the land for the airport and all of that? :mrgreen:

  40. Tiredofthetricks
    April 6, 2017

    Why did you wait this long to decide the country needs an international airport? This should have been first on your agenda when you took office along with a new hospital for the country. But now you waitied until your last term to give the country what it needed 12 years ago? You and your party disagreed with the idea of having an international airport. You made the citizens of Dominica believe that the country doesn’t need the airport either. Why do you think that you can brainwash the citizens of the country? Do you think people are stupid and cannot see your strategy? Is this how you think your party will win the next election? Wow!!!!!!!!

  41. Floridian Diaspora
    April 6, 2017

    Mr skeritt, I urge you to forget about lying about an airport and do what you do best which is to build toilets for your supporters because they’re full of !!

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