Weeks after St Lucia’s Tourism Minister Allen Chastanet denied that CARICOM Airways was operating illegally, the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) has ordered the carrier to discontinue operations immediately within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
Chastanet’s denial was in response to a statement by St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves that CARICOM Airways failed to address certain issues stipulated by ECCAA for operations within the subregion.
“We wish to advise that in light of the foregoing, permission to operate under Part 10 of the regulations cannot be granted to CARICOM Airways,” ECCCA acting Director General Donald McPhail.
“The ECCAA, therefore, instructs CARICOM Airways to immediately discontinue its operations until such time that it has been issued with the appropriate AOC by ECCAA.”
The govt of SVG has invested heavily in LIAT and refused to permit Caricom Air to fly into their airspace.
The issue is not one of incompetency by anyone at any level in Da, but the refusal of a nation to allow the ECCA “open skies” policy if it is not in their interest.
If SVG refuses a carrier to fly over it’s airspace, because of a potential loss of revenue, then the “open skies” policy becomes null and void. Until this issue is resolved then Caricom air will be refused to fly.
Dominica remains the hardest island to get to, and in this case it is nothing we have done. Instead of venting spleens idly, why not do some background before opening ones mouth.
Suriname is part of Caricom , isnt’it ?
Open sky agreement allows any Caricom certificate holder (AOC) to operate anywhere in the Caricom.
A company with a Suriname AOC is a good and reliable company; As good as an american, european of Caribbean (ECCAA) one.
All the rest is politics; I mean “bad” politics.
Nobody is going to die flying a Suriname company.
P.S. I am not from Suriname; I do not know Caricom airlines at all. I live in Dominica and I am an aviator.
Facts , just facts. No bullshit.
PAPPY fo PM. HAAAAAA
The way liat doing it,many persons can not go back to dominica because of the ticket price.A ticket to Guyana $1,900.00 from DA to St lucia $800-00 Put aside stupid politics,sometrhing must b done.If allan get it right who would not b happy.My For once lets be fair.
Chastanet screwed-up big time by not going thru the right channels but at least he’s trying to get us off the fangs of LIAT…vampires.
Happy New Year to all.
De buttom go soon bos out!!!
when the story was published about a year ago, I remarked it was “another fly by night operation”
I guess I was right.
INCOMPETENCE !! INCOMPETENCE !! INCOMPETENCE !! DLP Govt. INCOMPETENCE.
INEFFICIENT !! INEFFICIENT !! INEFFICIENT !! DLP Govt. INEFFICIENT.
The Minister or Ministers in the DLP Govt.responsible for Aviation are really behaving in their usualy don’t care, easily-Fooled ways. So none of them did the preliminary checks to ascertain whether CARICOM AIRWAYS was operating legally with the necessary permission from the ECCAA?
So much for OECS and Caribbean UNITY. Gonsalves of St. Vincent expressed his concerns as to whether that airline had the OK from ECCAA to ply the mentioned routes, yet our Ministers accepted the airline into Dominica. WHAT A BIG FAUX PAS. WHAT A SHAME. The DLP Govt. was only thinking to FOOL DOMINICANS AGAIN believing that the introduction of CARICOM AIRWAYS would make people feel that Skerritt and his bunch of incompetent colleagues would get mucho kudos for the airline operating here with cheaper airfares. That BACKFIRED BIG TIME.
But that quick spontaneous decision taken is not strange. It is another clear example of the way those DLP Govt.operatives run things. BAD GOVERNANCE. COMPLETE disarray. BlackMore, Skerrit, Gloria, Alex Boyd-knights MOVERS and SHAKERS MY FOOT. WELL, MUST be Movers and Shakers of corrupt practices.
How did the Govt. allow that illegal act to occur? Wouldn’t the airline have to submit documents to the Govt. showing that it has the permission from ECCAA to land and operate to and from Dominica? And those fellas are still there as Ministers? No explanation to the public as to why or how that could have happened? How many Dominicans CARE if an explanation is given or not. It’s CRAZY BUSINESS AS USUAL.
I am really sorry that it has come to that, but it just tells you that the necessary home work was not done. The concerns of PM Gonzalves should have been considered. We must not act as though we are so desperate that we would accept anything because at the end of the day our citizens are the ones who will pay the price.
yessa papa
Time is beginning to talk…..
and the saga continues…
Next…….
why is it some people in dominca just want you to say just what thay want you to say if you dont you have are problem .i dont think some people in d/a knows what are P/M job is its to do the people work i to do it right but we have are P/M that think when he dos some things for dominica hes doing dominicans are favour i must say that the P/M and hes boys has are chose and thay are not geting but taking are lot of pay for the job so thay got to get things right for the people
bravo my blackmore you’re moving and shaking…..i hope kamala have another name for that list of hers
BIGGEST EMBARRASMENT OF ALL TIME. THAT LIST IS. I TURN YODA NOW
Is this minister from St. Lucia or Dominica? He reminds me of a certain minister who told us that all is well!! The only thing is these ministers do not fly in those planes themselves. They send us to die!!
Frankly i don’t see why the complains. The govt does what it wants, they sign us up to china for cheap plastic,inferior goods and doh tell us the details so just take allu ting. I am just happy it didn’t get to the point of what happened to cardinal airlines.
Well Well Welll. the Dog has killed the cat again. well the new airline just need to do the right thing to get accepted in the region. that should not be a problem. people. every thing that happens doesnot have to be political. its a competitive world out there, and dogs are eating dogs. its the strong that survive.
President you just throwing our cabbage, and what you doing you all just cannot accept the fact that Skerrit and his boys a liars in the eyes of everyone, but don’t worry is God that bring everything into light.
well its up to the people to do something about it. Put someone there who would do the country good. but i guess the majority likes the government, thats why they are still there. I am for country not government. which ever government is in power, i support them. i wish every one had that mentality , our country would be further ahead in terms of development.
A DROWNING MAN AND GOVERNMENT WILL GRASP AT A STRAW!. This is the work of Kamal’s “mover and shaker”. Shame on the entire government.
oh crap!!! i so wanted another option besides LIAT(the Caribbean vulture) when I heading to DA!!
I’m ashamed of how Dominicans give such negative comments and blames Hon. Skeritt for everything that happens on this island. Its like your personal lives are surrounded by this leader.
Dominicans need to stop the politics and start thinking likenormal human beings, Development comes with a sacrifice, thats how Antigua prospered. Development comes with TRIAL AND ERROR.
You canot ask for a perfect government, they are not perfect, if i can stay from Antigua and see the great strides of Dominica thn you guys must be very wicked and heartless.
If Dominica did not support CC Airways then then the government would be wicked as well.
DOMINICANS, PLEASE WAKE UP AND SMELL THE BUSH TEA AND SUPPORT YOUR PM.
WHO ASKED YOU?????? You ALL always bitching about foreigners interferring in your business, so why the hell u now trying to tell us what to do??? and which antigua you say that prospered??? is it the one you all bawling for murder in?????
WHY DO YOU DO LABOURITES HAVE TO COME UNDER SOME PRETENCE NAME? SHAME ALL YOU SHAME. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS ST.VINCENT REFUSED THEM CUZ THEY DID THEIR HOME WORK. WHAT DID THE LABOURITES SAY? THE SAY GONSALVE WAS PROTECTING HIS INTEREST IN LIAT. NOW YOU SEE WHAT HAPPENS? THIS GOVERNMENT WANT TO JUST DO THINGS TO GET PRAISE WITHOUT THINKING. I GUESS YOU WANT DOMINICA TO BE AS CORRUPTED OR MORE THAN ANTIGUA WAS. NO WONDER THEYRE IN THE STATE THEY ARE RIGHT NOW.
If you were really in Antigua, why did you you say “this island”?? lol
WE CANNOT ASK FOR A PERFECT GOVERNMENT SO WHY DID WE REMOVE WORKERS WHO, EXCEPT FOR THE CHINESE IMPORTATION, WERE ON THE RIGHT TRACK!!!!!
NOW YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT PERFECT GOVERNMENT MAKING ALL KINDS OF EXCUSES FOR THE NONESENSE THAT HAPPENING. IF IT WAS WORKERS YOU WOULD BE SINGING A DIFERENT SONG! HYPOCRITE!!!
I think you like what is happying because it is straight out of the play book of the ALP. I lived in antigua during the 80s and 90s and I never thought that i would see a government that was more crooked than ALP in the early 90s. Antiguan used to say that they loved the Birds because the birds used to give the $4 out of every $10 that they steal. But one thing I admired the Antiguan for is their high level of nationalism. The highest in the region in my opinion. They always look out for themselves and that is why in 2000 they sent people like you down here to vote out UWP so that this country would not get an international airport. Which if we had would not send our ministers on a sham welcome for an airline that would create a hub at their international airport. You good enough to see how the pieces fit jack?
yes i minister Black-a-more, all you like fake sharade and bogus fanfare eh? sacre tonez man! stop shining all you bad light on Dominica. what another shameful scandal in aviation history in our little island. Any jack-a-bat taking dem foolish ministers for a free ride…….ehbeh zor sote coh mooton batali.
ST.VINCENT CLOSED THERE DOORS TO THIS AIRLINE SKERIT BROTHER AND FRIEND ( RALPH ) WHILE THE MAN WHO OWNS DOMINICA WAS IN ST.VINCENT ON THE CAMPAING TRAIL, THATS TONY. WHAT HAS OUR COUNTRY COMRE TOO. SHAME SHAME SHAME ON THIS CABINET. ITS NOT ABOUT SKERRIT ANYMORE ITS ABOUT THE WHOLE CABINET. NEED CHARLES SAVERIN TO EXPLAIN.
we sadly announce the death of night landing left to mourn
to numerous to mention.
I AM SURE YOU NEVER LEFT DOMINICA SO YOU HAVE NO IDEA THE IMPORTANCE OF NIGHT LANDING. WHEN HAVE TO BE AT JFK FOR 3AM TO REACH DOMINICA AT 4PM THEN START MAKING THOSE STUPID COMMENTS
well my dear if u had ever leave dominica u would know wat is night landing
u cannot compare jfk with that feeder road in melvinhall and stop comparing
ur fake dreams with reality..happy new… start traveling….it dead just wait for the burial date.
EC Express operated in the Eastern Carribean with a Jamaican AOC. The ECCAA is pro-Antiguan,anti-development for the other islands.Suriman is a member of Caricom just like Jamaica.
This is double standards pure and simple.If Caricom Airways was based in Antigua there would be no problem.St Lucia should retaliate and stop subscribing to the ECCAA.
Allen that is you writting this comment.As a minister you have used that line over and over the ECCAA have reject you.
Allen what have LIAT done you so much? Allen you need to stop and be more caribbean friendly.
Allen you try to bring in AA to do domestic flight in the caribbean,that fail…. When are you going to stop.
Allen you need to go back to private life and take care of your companies, Government/Ministrial positions are not for you.
PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME SOME BODY? WHAT IS AOC?
THANK YOU
hmm interesting stuff…..wonder is Winair have the nesscary insurance and aviation safety standards that is essential for night operations into Melville Hall….
Safety is Paramount in the Aviation Industry!!…..as Liat the leading Caribbean Carrier around the small Oecs islands have a issue with the standards at Melville Hall,whereby this small carrier with smaller equipment comes into Melville Hall when their is a major issue with the mis approach at 27 landing strip at Melville Hall for night operations….
We in the Caribbean must at all times uphold STANDARDS!
u stupid people are not tired with POLITICS????????/
LOL
1st. of all I was shocked to learn of the fanfare in C/Field for the airline’s maiden touchdown…Honestly I was ashamed of Blackmore. poor fella if he had the travelling exp….that I’m sure some of got 4 sure he would act better.;pity mr. them,just now Mr. Chastanet will give them another story 2 jump about with.
This is my response to a DNO article of 13th December announcing the start of service:
The real 100% Dominican and Proud Reply:
December 13th, 2010 at 11:12 am
While I support any initiative of the gov’t to bring added airlift to Dominica, I remain cautious given the genuine concerns expressed by the PM of St Vincent. I know Dominicans are in search of cheaper travel and other alternatives, but it is important that we do the necessary due diligence to ensure the safety of our citizens. Why did this one plane airline choose to get its license from Suriname rather than go the traditional route? It leaves me to wonder. I will stick with LIAT with its excellent safety record.
[Reply]
This is my comment today:
I find this another embarrassing moment for Dominica. This obvious cavalier approach by the Dominican authorities to matters of such grave importance is of serious concern to me. Hope this teaches us a lesson. With proper due diligence, especially in light of the serious issues expressed by the SVG, this embarrassment would not have happened. Thank God, no lives were sacrificed in the process.
That government is compared to flies attracted to sweet things……in this case deals…………they dont put the safety of their citizens or their welfare in the forfront…………..anything to distract us from the real issues……. they just jump first without looking at the distance………….what a bunch of naive men !
I expressed concern over this operation a few week ago when they invoked a Suriname clause to operate in the OECS which is the OECS aviation jurisdiction.
the d.l.p is so beggin for good press that they don’t do background checks n always end up in the bad press,,,,when will they learn,,,they gave mr astaphan over $100000.00 to investigate corruption and he came up with nothing,,after he admitted that all was ochestrated by him on the wish of the late pm mr douglas,,,since workers was working n knowing how d/cans hated corruption this was wat he came up with,,,,thats why up to now labourites saying workers corrupt,,,ask them prove it with facts,,,,*crickets* *crickets* *crickets*
no lie when i saw the headline BAD NEWS,,,,i say weh papa skerro again
What the PM has done to you well take you! You hate him with a passion and you blame him for everything. Your woman leave you is Skerrit, you are a marco is Skerrit my Goodness. Well that hate you have for de man really showing! You will stifle..
OM*.. MOUTH OF THE SOUTH:: i thought u were deaddd.. long haven’t seen your comments……………….heeehe
YES I Look Another Night Landing Scandal!! Is this not the same airline a certain Minister lauded, and congratulated just days ago for making strides and bringing competition to the airline industry? I mean competition is great but trust DLP to be involved in some shady .. bogus dealingsThey are not learning , just to bring attention to thmeselves, as if is not the job of the people who voted them in that they are doing. Everything call the media, GIS, Best of the Week, and media show down, I warn you the very same media will be used to bring them DOWN. This is one for the history books, shame and embarassment en mass!!!! Just jumping on any old band wagon to say they are developing well the import export discrepancy is enough to let us know that development is not taking place who fool fart!!!!
Didnt Mr Blackmore do his research like the Dr in St Vincent or he just took what he got, all the hurray and fanfare for nothing just like night landing. Mover and shaker my foot.