Dominica government signs agreement with MMC to construct International Airport

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the Dominica Labour Party-led government would make the International Airport project successful, and it is soon coming into reality. During Anou Pale on Sunday, the prime minister stated that the government has officially signed an agreement with Montreal Management Company (MMC) to construct the International Airport. He said the International Airport would assist in changing the economic landscape of Dominica would create extensive employment for the people. "The international airport project has been at the forefront of development talks for over three decades; the government went through conducting various studies and identified multiple sites," stated PM Skerrit. Prime Minister noted that since the country's independence in 1979, every ruling government had intentions to build an international airport in Dominica, but the Labour Party government would make it happen.

He said that the government acquired the properties in Wesley with careful negotiations with owners.

[caption id="attachment_35038" align="aligncenter" width="443"] A still taken from the graphic representation of International Airport of Dominica[/caption]

Prime Minister was also joined by Dr Collin McIntyre, Project Consultant, Samuel Johnson CEO of International Airport Development Company, Missi Henderson Permanent Secretary to Prime Minister's office.

[caption id="attachment_35039" align="aligncenter" width="548"] Dr Collin McIntyre (L), Samuel Johnson (M), Missi Henderson (R)[/caption]

Samuel Johnson- CEO of International Airport Development Company, stated that they had been close connections with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). He said that since the area is covered with valleys, the complications increases, and the company is in discussions with several international engineering firms to minimize any hurdles.

He said that the International airport of Dominica would include various amenities, including a medical entre and a quarantine facility considering the COVID-19 related requirements. He noted that the blueprint of the airport is created by considering the future elements in mind. Dr Collin McIntyre- The project Consultant, stated that the Montreal Management Company is the best organization to work with for the airport's construction because it assisted the country in achieving resilience after various natural catastrophes that hit the country.

He said that the government didn't want to place a burden on the citizens by taking some loan to build the international airport; he noted that the project is entirely funded by the country's Citizenship by Investment Programme.