PM discusses Dominica's planned international airport

It will cost US$220 million to build an international airport in Dominica, the prime minister has said.

Roosevelt Skerrit gave the details at a consultation on earlier this week, in which he suggested “creative” fundraising through the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) as banks would not support the project.

He said: “The projected cost of it, everything included, except for land acquisition, a complete terminal and all the necessary components of an airport would be in the region of about US$220-million.”

His government would set up an Airport Development Fund, he added, and allocate funds from the CBI each month.

Feasibility studies to find a site for the proposed airport have reported back a number of options, including one in Portsmouth and another in Woodfordhill.

The former site, close to Ross University, was identified as the best, the PM said.

Once further reports have been prepared Skerrit said his government would “present this proposal to the people of the country, to our citizens and to get your views.”

WIC News has been unable to reach members of the opposition for comment.

Dominica has used the funds from it’s CBI initiative before.

The new West Bridge in Roseau, which is due to open on May 1st, made use of $18 million raised through the scheme.