Director of Surveys and Commissioner of Lands, Marcus Lestrade, has expressed support for the proposed international airport in Dominica. He said he consents to the approved lands for the airport project and added that numerous studies had been carried out before the proposed lands were earmarked for the project. He disclosed that construction work for the airport may begin at the agreed site by early 2021.
Senior property valuer, Bernard Lloyd, also lent support for the airport project and noted that construction works should have begun if not for minor challenges encountered along the way. Lloyd revealed that he negotiated for the lands approved for their airport, and stated that original landowners were passionate about the airport project but remained emotionally attached to their properties which were to be used for the construction.
“The people are generally for the airport project,” Lloyd said. “I don’t think we have met one person that has said ‘No we don’t want the airport’. But to part with their property, that’s where the problem is and that’s what sometimes stifles the negotiation process.”
He added that some section of landowners expressed doubts whether the DLP administration will ultimately use the lands under negotiations for the airport project.
“I usually say to the people, why would government go in there, acquire 233 properties, displace 70 residences and not build an airport? Frankly speaking, it would be surprising to me as a negotiator,” Lloyd said.
However, the opposition continues to raise concerns over the airport project in Wesley and Marigot, stating that the government is not entirely transparent about the whole process. UWP’s PRO, Steve Benjamin, said the issue of the land negotions for the project is “foggy and worrying” and unsure if the project is to the overall interests of Dominicans.
Opposition Leader Lennox Linton expressed worries about the possibility that the airport construction will be awarded to Montreal Management Consultancy Establishment (MMCE). He said the actual covenant between PM Skerrit and Anthony Hayden’s MMCE remains unclear and questions why every juicy construction projects is awarded to the company. He said there is more than meet the eye on the pact between the Dominican leader and construction company, adding that the DLP administration does not even have the required funds yet for the airport construction.
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