MONTPELIER, Vt. — Sun-kissed and amused by the brouhaha, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin returned from a Caribbean getaway with no apologies for keeping his vacation destination a secret or for going there without his security detail.
The first-term Democrat’s whereabouts became the subject of speculation and news reports after staff members said they either didn’t know where he was or wouldn’t say after he left Thursday.
Adding to the public interest in his whereabouts, Vermont got walloped by its biggest-ever March snowstorm, which dumped more than two feet of snow in places and closed schools and some state government offices.
Shumlin revealed Wednesday that he had been to the island of Dominica in the West Indies and that he had purposely asked his staff not to disclose it – so he could be a private citizen and so the island wouldn’t be subjected to the hubbub of a visiting dignitary.
He defended the secrecy of his four-day vacation and his decision to wave off his security detail – plainclothes Vermont State Police troopers who shadow him wherever he goes in Vermont.
He said he took the advice of former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, who told Shumlin and others at a recent training for new governors how to get along in their new roles.
One suggestion was that “occasionally, when you take a vacation in a stable democracy where they don’t know who you are, go without security and really take a vacation,” Shumlin said. “I took his advice. We thought it was best that the little island of Dominica didn’t know that I was the governor. They didn’t. … It was great to be an ordinary citizen for a few days.”
He said he would never go without security if he was on state business, but that it was appropriate in this case.
“The people in Dominica and the small communities where I were had no idea who I was, and there’s no better security than that,” he said.
But Vermont State Police were concerned about Shumlin’s safety even before he left, according to an e-mail message obtained by The Associated Press through the state Public Records Act.
“Can you give me an update as to the Governor’s status while he is gone?” wrote Lt. Michael Macarilla, assistant staff operations commander, to Shumlin chief of staff Bill Lofy on Feb. 28. “Just an idea where he is God forbid there is a natural disaster or civil unrest etc…. in that area.”
Lofy, in turn, forwarded the message to Shumlin scheduler Shana Trombley, who later provided the details of Shumlin’s travel and where he was staying. That information was blacked out in the copy provided to the AP on Wednesday.
Shumlin’s stance is a departure from that of his predecessor, Republican Jim Douglas, who took his security detail with him everywhere – even on vacation.
“I always felt that a governor surrenders a certain amount of privacy. And I came to accept that,” Douglas said.
The former governor recalled a 2009 agricultural trade mission to France, during which he and his contingent encountered a person with a gun on a Paris street.
“France is a pretty stable democracy, but incidents occur. And I was pleased to have police accompaniment,” Douglas said.
Patricia McDonald, chairwoman of the Vermont Republican Party, was among those who’d criticized the handling of the absence.
“The bottom line for me is that, when asked by the press, his key staff – his press secretary and secretary of administration – said they did not know where he was. That, to me, was not an acceptable answer.
“If they didn’t want to share where he was, I don’t have a problem with that. I don’t need to know where the governor is on vacation. But his staff should’ve said `The governor is on vacation’ and when asked where, they could’ve said `We’d like to protect his privacy’ or something along that line,” she said. Home to about 70,000 people, Dominica is located between Guadeloupe and Martinique.
While Shumlin was there, the big winter storm was rendering Vermont roads and highways nearly impassable.
Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, who was in charge in Shumlin’s absence, gave the order to close government offices, but Shumlin said he was in regular touch with state Public Safety Commissioner Keith Flynn and emergency management officials.
“If I’d have made the judgment that my being here would’ve made a difference, I would’ve been on a plane in a heartbeat,” he said.
Or maybe not. Burlington International Airport, the state’s main commercial airport, was closed from 8:30 p.m. Sunday to 9 p.m. Monday because of the storm.
“I seriously don’t think he could’ve gotten in here,” said interim airport director Bob McEwing.
Governor,thank u for choosing a democratic and stable country: DA
I really wish the world was not seeing some of these comments. You could just see how some Dominicans mentalities are. hmmmmm
Well I am just about the only person who knew the Governor was in Dominica and took pictures of him there at the black sand beach and by the river, I had to keep it low till he left.
Those pictures will be available to the right media at the appropriate time when all documents are complete with my legal team on payments for copyrights.
LIAR!!!!!!
P.S: Did they just change he location of Vermont? Because I swear its located on the far north atlantic end of USA and it always have raging snowstorms during winter. Nothing those people up there aren’t accustomed to? Men just stay at all you home and don’t driving in snow to kill more people. See I solved the problem… roll eyes
The Governor was in love with the nature isle long before he became Governor. He sure understands what it means to enjoy nature without too many restrictions. Freedom is sweet…not sure if Dominicans understands the freedom they still enjoy, but this could change if we are not smart enough to discern creeping dictatorships.
They just need to live the bloody man alone. They just want to be critical thats it. Alot of weak and pathetic people who have nothing better to do with their time than bother other people. The man probably saved taxpayers a whopping amongst of money for not taking extra security detail. Tell these a**holes to mind their business. Ther’s no political unrest. Just social unrest in nthe name of carnival and partying.. lol I hope he had some black pudding for real. Anyways come back shumlin and bring more governors!
love the social unrest part
If all you were to know what mister go and do Dominica and who he was with, all you would never invite him back. Watch this news space..
something seems queer about that!!!!!
noticing you want. idiot!!!!
Dominica is truly blessed and this just proves how anyone can enjoy true freedom on our lovely island…..do come again Mr. Governor..
i live vermont havn’t been there in a while. church street alwyays busy.
Lovely Dominica, land where the rivers flow, everywhere you go, wouldn’t you come and stay a while, in beautiful Dominica. By the way, Mr Governor, traveling incognito, would you please tell Jerry Brisbane how paramount it is to demolish your old residence on Victoria Street and replace it with a 27 million dollar palace as your secret hide-out,Your Excellency? For dinner, your cooks will serve you mountain-chicken and pepper-pot. It’s amazing how our great PM always comes up with such grandiose ideas that seem to ALWAYS work. Well done, Mr. PM.
Thanks for the complements dominicans but your country infrastructure need some improvement. thanks again the governor
Your grammar needs some infrastructure. The word is COMPLIMENTS!!!!!!!!
I laughed for the first time today. That was good.
hahahahahaahahahahahahahaha u so right..wanna talk bout our infrastructure and his/her grammar well need some.
For true.I hate people with grammatical errors who want to correct people’s mistakes.take the beam off your eyes man.tonne .That fool must have looked up infrastructure in the dictionary but forgot to check COMPLIMENTS..Now we have the last laugh. FOOL
You fooling yourself LOL.
Look i even hear dat de governo was liming in possie.
Mr Governor just tell them you were having fun in the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force Jouvert Band….. where the security was tight, tight, tight.
Perharps I am unable to read and understand, but, I do not see the “hot water” he is in? some nosey people were wondering but they sated that it is non of their business anyway.
It makes me feel proud to be a nature isle resident, thanks for coming Governor, please tell the other members of ur team about our beautiful, virgin country, we are a loving and friendly ppl. Who knows maybe one day the President of the USA will visit quietly.
Waw thats good PR for us in the nature isle.
This is a testament to the PEOPLE of Dominica. Let’s take it as it was given. We got some free publicity, some high praise and I’m betting a few recommendations to go see Dominica.
So Dominicans, remember, we as a people must ALWAYS represent for we know not who is watching.
Let’s continue being the friendly people which we are known to be and let’s always somewhere where anyone can freely “lose him/herself” with no worries.
Find yourself in hot water, take a secret trip!
Discover Dominica!
PLEASE COME BACK AGAIN!! You will always be safe here in Dominica!! The most Tranquil Island in the Caribbean
I sure is somebody from Bense send him to DA! Watch out, Bense coming out with some international people these days eh?
Yes we are coming out.We have to let every Dominican know where Bense is the map.Look out for more next year 2012 reunion (July)
DNO admin – thanks for taking my suggestion and re-posting. The article has engendered all what I thought it would when I first read it on Huffpost – primarily pride in our country, but I also suspected it would bring out detractors.
I think we should all take away from this the fact that a major political figure in the US determined that our country was a stable democracy and that it was totally safe to come to it without security. People also need to know that these politicians don’t just get up in the morning and stick a pin on the map and decide to go anywhere without considerable preparation; they have people who delve into the details, scope out the place, in order to make the proper determination as to whether to go or not and if yes, whether or not they need security, what precautions need to be taken. This governor made that determination, and he came out on top, and consequently, DOMINICA came out on top. We ought to be proud of that and we should not hesitate to repeat the line that the governor chose to travel to a country that is a “stable democracy” where a person of his stature can “go without security and really take a vacation” in private. He also interacted with “the people in Dominica”, and he visited “small communities” where he felt “great to be an ordinary citizen for a few days”. In his own words, the governor said that “the people of Dominica had no idea who” he was and as a result he felt that “there’s no better security than that”.
Salut!
Yeah, bouquets to DNO
All you Dominicans gullible eh!!!
I want to know why the governor asks my father whom is a taxi driver
D man get d shock of his life to see how free we are in DA and trust me they not going and give those Diaspora people any more money for campaign and to cause any more trouble.
D man realize that Chavez have no big influence and impact on Dominicans much less for Kaddafi and all his promises.
On his way back home d man on his phone saying how he wish Congress and his own legislature would adopt Dominica’s opposition tactics of getting Calypsonians to highlight issues that affecting them and still have a party while at it.
Nice post….
You are the naive one and stupid too. How are we gullible? So, he had some discussion while on the phone. I do not see any negativity in that. sheez!!!
You too lie
Boy I swear I saw the Gov. eating some black pudding and fashin in Lagon a Sunday morning. I swear. Is that same face.
LMFAO!!!!..
Undoubtedly this story is a big plus for DA, and any true Dominican would be happy for the publicity our little “dot” would get from it. This however, should increase our awareness of the need to continue to improve our services. I do not think that any would disagree, that we do not have a culture of a service-oriented industry, and work needs to be done on the front end. Our country’s image is of paramount importance,( it must be nurtured very carefully, as it is very fragile and easily destroyed) in our drive try to develop the tourism industry. It shows that you might not know who you are providing service to, so you should always offer their best!! I hope that he met our nice people, and was properly taken care of, and that he would recommend Dominica to his family, friends and acquaintances as a place to get away and relax. Big-up DA, we are not at the stage that we would like to be, but keep on trudging!
Come to my island, where you’ll be free, come to my island, just you and me, come on up, come on down, Mr Governor. Oh, by the way, we are demolishing the old Governor’s residence on Victoria Street, making way for a 27 million dollar mansion. In the meantime, you can overstay at Fort Young, which is rght across.
Is a good thing the governor did not visit Wesley, because he would certainly have needed his security detail.
Ah fuss some of allu chopit an doh ha no kinda damn sense… Stupes
you must be a real dotish to take a positive big up of your island and say crap like that… damn sot
u are such an A$$. y u dont keep your mouth shut if u do have nothing to say. This is about Dominica. I cannot understand some people. u are just so dotish. Stups
You see how I have maleh? Allu Wesley people committing all de crime in DA. When I highlight it, is me allu want to beat up.
Why don’t allu Wesley people clean up the crime problem in your village? Why didn’t I mention Ville Case or Castle Bruce? Allu always blaming de messenger.
Piper, soon you will need your security detail if you keep being so sacarstic wi. LOL
Among all the Caribbean countries, the governor chose Dominica as his get-away destination.As a Dominican, i feel very proud..
Do come again Governor and bring your associates with u..AND PLEASE tell your friends about our beautiful country Dominica..
I really wonder where he stayed..I guess Rosalie Bay Resort, cuz sometime ago This Resort was on CNN as one of the top 10 Caribbean Resorts..
PLEASE COME AGAIN GOVERNOR!!!!!
One more thing, we need to market our country more to the outside world..i see commercials about St.Lucia, Barbados and few more Caribbean islands on TV..Y not Dominica? Tourism Minister u need to look into that..We do not have they white sandy beaches, but our country can be marketed as the number adventurous island in the Caribbean..
We have the waterfalls, the rain forest, the lakes, second largest boiling lake in the world, the sulphur springs, the fresh organic fruits..Trust me not every tourist wants to be on a white sandy beach, there are lots who just wants to enjoy NATURE..And that’s what Dominica has to offer..NATURE>>
Take Note, Minister of Tourism
I BACK YOU UP 100% ON THAT. IT IS ALSO A FACT OF NOT SEEING ANY COMMERCIALS THAT PROMOTES OUR ISLAND.
I live in ny and I look at Pix news everymorning and evening, yet I see St. lucia almost every day on commercials and about it being a tourist destination. I have yet to see Dominica.
This should be taken into consideration Hon. Ian Douglas
Yes iandoglas needs to look into that instead of wasting time getting rid of his PS because she shared her opinion.
Man I back you up on what you said but let me give you a little insider on the other islands you see on TV
The gov of these islands have nothing to do with the tv ads you see.. what you see is the 5 star hotels adds. They pay to have their ads on tv so they promote their hotels on that island.. Thats why You always see Sandals in St.Lucia its not the lucian gov that pay 4 the ads. all this helpoing them out yess.. We need more investors like that to build resorts and promote them. The island gets a promotion form the ads as well..
I saw this on the news and I thought they said Dr but when i heard Dominica I was like AA lol
reminds me of when JFK brother was in Dominica too and no one knew
Even Mick Jagger used to come here and relax in nature.. no one knew till he had his pictures up.. Thats how it is. We keep it a secret u can come here and no one will bother u. trussssss.
kiki, we do not need White Sandy beaches. Our beaches are just as beautiful. All of our beaches are beautiful. From the river to the ocean and vice versa. You choose how you want to enjoy our waters. I do agree that we need more promotion and more publicity. I believe publicity will bring revenue to our nature Island. I hope that the Minister of Tourism take note of that.
To those who prefer to promote crime, nowhere in the world has more crime than USA. Crime in Vieille Case is minimal. Don’t you think the Governor did his research before taking his trip. He had no concerns, he was safe and he did enjoy his stay. Let’s help reduce the crime rate by developing a positive attitude and encourage tourism.
To those shallow minded people stop being so negative. We have much, much more to offer than your negative remarks. When the Governor or anyone else visits I would like for them to visit Vieille Case.
Mr. Prime Minister, I hope that you make all the improvements necessary to bring out the beauty in
Vieille Case in the USA
“A stable democracy”
This means that there is no fear in his mind and all of America that Dominica’s democracy is under threat. And i say all of America because when he made that statement it was not refuted by any American.
This article also points out that we are not seen as violent as some would like us to believe. For a US governor who i am sure did his research before choosing to go to Dominica, felt so safe that he did not only came without security, he mingled with the people.
So what does that say?
He needs to make Dca his yearly little secret.
Hope he went to the falls, by Screw’s, fresh water lake and to the Cabrits.
Boy, Mr. maybe drink some good caco tea, mastif, bakes and accra and some fresh jelly water.
Lol, Mr. maybe was liming full time by Melvina’s. lol
This is more POSITIVE PUBLIC RELATIONS than even the Tourism Bureau could afford. Rest assured the Governor did all his research and chose Dominica. Ge is not the only one, there are people in my Department going on honeymoons to DA, Rosalie resort.
Only NATURE ISLE.. let’s conserve the natural resources.
Embrace this! At a time in our development when we are puzzled and despondent about the Island’s future, look to this as a turning point and work collectively to Develop this Great Nation..
Tourism dept, capitalize on this with a promotion campaign:
Dominica, leave all your security details behind…. or
The Dominica express vacation, leave your security details behind… or
Dominica, defy the everyday, even your security staff… or
A Dominica vacation, just ask the Vermont governor…. or
Dominica, no shirt, no shoes, no security details, no problem… or
Dominica, so safe and stable, you can leave your security details behind…
and many more.
Mouth of de South, help me here…
MOTS is busy trying to think of how he could spin this into a negative.
You can know when someone is poisoned by politics when they can’t even feel proud for their country of birth because the news contradicts their political propaganda.
Very well-said!!
did u read my first post anti-hate,,,, i guessed u didn’t,,, i promote my country whenever i get the opportunity to do it,,, in fact i logged in early this morning b4 dno broke the news n went into a blog on the huffington post n posted sites n youtube links of dominica,,,, so not only the gov. can enjoy they all can too,,,,, so i was not stirring no pot but stating the obvious that mr skerrit left us when a hurricane was approaching n when we asked for him we were told ‘none of ur damn business’ lol but here is a gov. being held responsible to answer where he was and for what reason lol,,,,, i only state the obvious,,,, u doing more spinning than the senior counsel mr hate,,, so much spin u jus do to justify ur unfactual opinions lol
What is “unfactual opinions?” Bondieh Oh, explain this one.
tetemorne no explanations necessary,,,, ok it means opinions with no facts to prove it lol
true say
Looks like the US maybe assessing Dominica. Wonder if the CIA or DEA have agents in the island.
Your name says it all
What are u afraid of, are u participating in illegal activity?
& what if they do. The US is always assessing everyone. It doesn’t change the facts of the article.
Smh… Ur name fits u
yes,also on vacation.
Ever the sceptic, so I’m keeping my mind, eyes and ears open on this one.
You know how dem man be already. They always up to some Shananigans, and he probably hear everything Irie in Dominica so he hopped on over.
great publicity
i can’t help but wonder, in which small communities he stayed. i think this may have been a success story for the tourism ministry in their fights to educate the persons who work and interact with tourist.
i would suggest that we get in touch with him and have him further endorse our efforts in tourism.
I am happy that the Governor had a safe trip and he enjoyed himself. Just thinking this is the kind of tourism we should promote “Lose yourself in Dominica”… we not star crazy we doh care who the person is once the person come spend some money. We can alert the security people (have a special tourism branch) but let them people enjoy their self. I remember one year I meet Tom Cruise on de bayfront he come on that Scientology Cruise Ship, de man was walking without shoe, he could have do that nowhere else but Dominica.
I am sure he visited Calibishie.Governor,please come back for another vacation.Dominica awaits you.Did you spread the news to your friends?Do that now.
cali to the bone
HE MUST HAVE THE BEST PLACE IN D/A
One suggestion was that “occasionally, when you take a vacation in a STABLE DEMOCRACY where they don’t know who you are, go without security and really take a vacation,” Shumlin said.
Can’t deny that statement filled my heart with pride. That’s an American Senator with no links to any political party here endorsing our democracy.
So Hector John and the rest of the UWP crew trying to sully the good name of our country, comparing us to Egypt, because you all lost an election….. read it and weep.
Its either one of two things (1) You can’t understand the english language and what the man said or (2) You continue to be the crony that you are and twist the truth as usual to suit your own cause. The stable democracy the senator spoke of is that which exists in his country the U.S.A
lol u just embarrassed yourself….what part of “take a vacation in a stable democracy” you didn’t understand??
HE WAS TALKING ABOUT DOMINICA. SIMPLE STATEMENT WE ARE A STABLE DEMOCRACY.
“TAKE A VACATION IN A STABLE DEMOCRACY” WAS HIS VACATION IN THE US? PLEASE
I think that you are the one not understanding the article my friend…“occasionally, when you take a vacation in a stable democracy where they don’t know who you are, go without security and really take a vacation,” Shumlin said. The senator was certainly not talking about vacationing in the US. He was definately making reference to other stable democracy outside of the US.
@ Truth Be Told, It’s you, who does not understand the English language!!! Maybe you need to reread the quote….
One suggestion was that “occasionally, when you take a vacation in a stable democracy where they don’t know who you are, go without security and really take a vacation,” Shumlin said. “I took his advice. We thought it was best that the little island of Dominica didn’t know that I was the governor. They didn’t. … It was great to be an ordinary citizen for a few days.”
truth be told; you’re unbelievable! Your political views must be clouding your ability to understand what u read. U must have failed comprehension in school. Dominica is stable! We invite all to come visit our beautiful island!!!!
NO truth be told you are dead wrong!!! The Ritter person gave the governor an advice, about taking a vacation in a stable democracy and leaving security behind. I guess the fact that he came here, says that we are a STABLE DEMOCRACY!!!!!! Boy I tell you reading is not just callng words it’s about comprehension!!!!!! You see how you can cause a war because of your lack of comprehension, be careful truth be told!!!!! read once, read twice then read again!!!!! Then answer your comprehension QUESTIONS!!!!
just reading this news once i understood the stable democracy to be Dominica!!!! lol…you are too funny!!!!!!!! guess your blood pressure was rising when you were reading that news that your thoughts even tripped!!
Truth be told you doh understand the QUEENS ENGLISH.Where they dont know who he was.You mean they doh KNOW him in AMERICA man.MAYSHASTAY.All you will stay so for the next 20 years doh,with the same GOVERNT all you doh like dere.EAT SH&^ AND …
Very good, well said, i was going to write the same thing then i said let me see if my friend wrote anything on that and you did, bravo. Let the haters hate, they think because they say DA is not a democracy that makes it so and no one can say different. It seems only the UWP can define democracy.
Governor, do come again and next time, bring all your rich friends with you!
hahahahahahahah GOOD ONE GOOD ONE!!!!!!! Dat one take me
why allu so stupid then again sir Dominica ppl chat to dam much dem sell u out , if it was a secret trip u should not have come here they always watching what that not concerning them and their pot burning . HE WAS A TOURIST LIKE ANY OTHER ALLU DOES TALK TO MUCH
Where in the news story did they make mention of Dominicans selling him out?
DNO I WOULD NOT EVEN POST THAT!
It burnin you eh hater,it have more to come.You will have to leave dca to doh.This is for the next 20 years.All you doh have a choice,just sit back and watch DOMINICA MOVE FORWARD.
YYAAHHH!!! Governor its ok you didnt tell no one where u were going. I jus over excited that you chose dominica. Hope u had a great time there and you will keep coming even though is in secret.
P.S: I hope is round carnival time u was deh…maybe we will c u on the more sewo dvd…lol
lol @ justice
awa pah lah,,,, cuz u know he might be stroking on a woman dere n dat not good publicity for the man nah pal lol
“mouth of d south” wen mister well under a mahaut whiskey (red cap) they give him is camera he can c? lol……
And DNO will have to give 2 of us an award u knw…..we ALWAYS DERE to put our 2 cents…d 2 of us…hahaha
u know what I mean.
why would the Governor have chosen Dominica………. because,its one of the most peaceful stable country in the world. God bless Dominica.
Praise God
Our much lamented isolation also has its advantages. Here you can be an anonymous visitor without anyone minding your business and escape the stress of 24 hr. scrutiny.Imagine, a U.S. governor can move around here more freely than mr. Skerritt at any time in the U.S.A. I’m sure some confidant in the governor’s entourage would know where to locate him if necessary. I’m glad the gentleman enjoyed his break with us. Come back again soon Sir, benveni!
i hope allu see how the people were adamant to know where their governor was,,, so when we ask where is skerro,,, his whereabouts etc,,, u all cannot tell us is none of our damn business,,,,
Trust you MOTS, to pursue a political slant and a veiled attack on Skeritt – and Dominicans broadly.
We counted three persons (in the article) expressing concerns about the governor’s whereabout. And we certainly did not get the idea that they pulled out all the stops (“adamant”) to find the governor.
You need to stop being alarmist. It is as if, for you, everything related to Dominica (good, bad, or in between) is a calamity in the making.
No, MOTS, the sky is not falling in Dominica. Stop your hate-mongering.
casslly
my fellow contrymen enjoy this news, god is looking out for us where one door closes another door opens. this will bring about much needed exposure, we must run with it. all the negative blue beards need to take a rest. always playing politics with peoples lives.
Mouth of the SORT.Jump hi,jump across or in between,you have alot of NEGATIVE comments and post to show your HATE for SKERRIT for many years to come.Just keep that in mind.
Nice move Governor. Even you desserve some privacy, rest and relaxation. Do come again to our lovely island, peaceful island!
Cherish this, Dominica!
People grow tired of that media circus. I am sure the man was relaxed! Do come back governor, we appreciate having you!!!
Good publicity. I hope this scandal explodes, more exposure.
They say “No Such Thing As Bad Publicity” so i support your Statement.
WOW. And we do not even have an International Airport. Makes one think.
Makes one think if we had an International Airport the number of high profile people who would be visiting the island. Isn’t time we put the mechanism in place for the construction of an INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. If Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with one third our landmass can build an international airport, why can’t we. It will only serve to improve our tourism more…
I totally agree. I think Dominica’s economy and exposure is being seriously held back due to the lack of international flights.
we do not need an international airport,have you visited the virgin islands,they do not have one,we need more upgrades at melville hall,many of us ask about international airport,but many of our natural resources will be lost,just my opinion my friend.
Wasn’t or isn’t it your business (Bill) to advise government on improving the tourism product of Dominica?
I suggest you develop a policy paper for government itemizing and indicating all the value that would be added to tourism if it should promptly embark on the building of the airport you envisage.
And this is not an attack on you, Bill. Just want persons such as yourself, who’ve had the unique opportunity to push things, but continue to whisper in a bottle, on the street corners with a trusted few, or on here, instead of presenting bold, thoughtful and comprehensive plans for developing the area of the economy in which you serve.
Tell the people of Possie your plans for tourism’s development. Indeed, show them how you can think audaciously.
Your point is noted.
We have in fact tow international airports. Where else can you fly to from Meville Hall or Canefield but to a destination outside Dominica. More to the point, presently we are lucky to welcome 300 air passengers day if that, less than a fully loaded air bus 330-300. And for that we have to keep an airport fully mobilised at considerable expense. Ask the people of St. Kits how cost-effective their international airport is. I’d love to be able to fly directly home in a comfortable, wide bodied jet, any time night or day but we have to be realistic. Why do you think it is we have such a small population relative to our land mass? It is not because we do not love Dominica. The challenge is what it always was. We are blessed with a topography that is….yes, very challenging! God bless Dominica, I keep coming back to you in spite of the frustrations you present me with.
Mr lawrence if that is really you,worked with N.D.C,hope its not political again.Sir do you really think we are ready for an international airport?Where are we going to put the visitors when they land,even if we are the NATURE ISLE we cannot put them in TENTS eh.If while you were at N.D.C you had PROMOTED dca more back in the day,that would have been a START.We need to first start building ACCOMODATION,THEN START PROMOTING WHAT DCA HAVE TO OFFER.
stop thinking g of where the visitors will stay if thats the case then we have an easy problem that can be fixed with minimal fuss right now the problem is getting them here an international airport will solve that problem and please dont talk about cost the government dont have to build everything or own everything in dominica the us built the panama canal ran it now it belongs to panama gatwick does not belong the the uk government nor does heathrow but they are integral to the uk success so if we dominicans put our moneys into such a project as shares owners along with other investor we can get the job done
BOOTS, where do you think the visitors stay when they visit, in tents? and what’s wrong with that. Isn’t that where people sleep when they go camping. Some of us are NEVER SEE COME SEE COME CRAZY. Well, some people do not care about these minor things. We have been ready for an International Airport. We do not have an International Airport because the people think it should be in the Roseau area. There had been a proposed location, Woodfordhill, perfect for landing. When we die we do not take the land with us, but while we are alive we have to earn a living, therefore, instead spending money to re-surface or renovating Melville Hall where many people are afraid of the mountains, state fresh and build at Woodfordhill. If Vieille Case had a location big enough I would say build it there. We do not necessarily need a location for jumbo jets nor Air Force One, we just need convenience. Eat your heart out.
Vieille Case in the USA
It’s McLawrence and not Lawrence, and I am not political. I am a citizenship who like you have a right to comment too
I meant CITIZEN
‘Just an idea where he is God forbid there is a natural disaster or civil unrest etc…. in that area.’ ahem skerro they are watching eh lol,,,, but yes i,,, that is good news,,, thing is i saw the news on f.b be dno early this morning,,, now i do hope he’ll come again,,,
Apparently, the governor enchanged vacation with me, because while he was in Dominica soaking up the sun, I was in stowe vermount, learning how to skii and enjoying the winter snow, and oh yes, I would have left my security detail behind if I had one. But this is how life is suposed to be lived, enjoy a few day doing something that you may only get one chance at. Great Idea Governor, I just hate they blew your cover, but happy that you could enjoy my little island while I enjoyed snow mobiling in you georgous mountains, thats what life is all about.
Great! You were in Vermont. So now we know you went to Vermont and had fun. Good, your 20 seconds of fame are over.
Well this is good publicity for Dominica’s Tourism…If the Governor of the State of Vermont in the United States of America chooses to vacation in Dominica then why shouldn’t more Americans do the same. Whereas, Dominica may not be a well known tourism destination among the big guns we do enjoy a few comparative advantages that the other tourism destinations wish they had and which we ought to be proud of…that sense of safety and security, that feeling of wellbeing and wellness. I am sure that the Governor left happy and rejuvenated.
I recently spoke to a visiting Saint Lucian about his views on Dominica’s Carnival “The Real Mas”. His position is please keep it that way. Do not commercialize our Carnival the way it has been done in the other islands…instead package it as a time for family togetherness. He was amazed that every body, young and old, rich and poor were able to come out and participate in peace. love and harmony… we still have a few things good going for us that other islands envy.
And that includes our Prime Minister…
please why put skerro in that i guess your a follower,come on men
SKERRO ALWAYS IN DAT BCUS HE IS THE PRIME MINISTER OF THIS COUNTRY.WHO JAH BLESS NO MAN CAN EVER CURSE,AND YAH I SINGING FOR MY SUPPER AND LUNCH AND BREAKY.EAT ALLYOU HEART OUT FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS EH.
Skerrit is the Prime Minister and many people who have I have spoken to thinks he is a good leader and some people wish he was their leader. Is there something wrong in saying that?
Woke up this morning in a stable democracy, and would not want to be anywhere else. Do come again Governor Shumlin. You and others just like you,who just want to getaway to safety, relaxation, rest, tranquility, and peace of mind. Hop a plane to Puerto Rico, make a quick connection on AA and make Dominica your home for life. Leave yor security details behind everytime, with full confidence. You will have bragging rights for life, that I lived like an “ordinary citizen”, in Dominica, and I could not have done it anywhere else in the world. Thanks Governor!