International Airport set to transform Dominica holistically
Fidel Grant, Parliamentary Representative for the Wesley Constituency, has emphasized the holistic, transformative potential of Dominica’s International Airport project.
During the official ground-breaking ceremony, Grant underlined that the airport would spur agricultural growth and change the region from a rural area to a commercial hub.
“The government can now boast that the community of Wesley is home to the long-awaited, most talked-about International Airport,” said Grant
Grant reassured constituents about the airport’s benefits, adding, “Some of you have asked me whether the airport’s presence in Wesley will assist Wesley. My response is yes. Indeed, the airport will provide opportunities for future generations. This international airport will transform our rural areas into an economic powerhouse.
However, he advised the people to prepare, declaring, “We must begin to put our affairs in order.” We are making it feasible for the most revolutionary endeavour, which will create chances beyond our wildest dreams.”
Grant urged farmers to boost their crops, including plantains, green bananas, avocados, soursop, cocoa, and coffee. He encouraged National Employment Program interns, adding, “This airport has the potential to change your lives for the better.”
He also encouraged farmers to begin cultivating vegetables, flowers, herbs, and spices to feed local markets before expanding to foreign markets. Grant highlighted the market for seamoss, both raw and processed, stating, “There is money to be made.”
Grant disclosed that the government has made approximately 140 acres of agricultural property available for lease and would shortly make another 150 acres accessible for agricultural use. He is now in conversations with CR5, MMC Development, and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit about rehabilitating various farm roads on the island.
Grant highlighted his goal to see the residents of Wesley, Woodfordhill, and Palm Tree prepared for jobs at the international airport. “Since becoming your Parliamentary Representative, I have supported hiring several young individuals for various posts at the Douglas-Charles Airport. Currently, several people have applied and are awaiting interviews. “We are preparing them to take their seats at the International Airport,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Roland Royer emphasized the airport’s overall influence on Dominica’s agriculture economy. “This is a chance for Dominica to share the benefits of her rich, sustainable land. Numerous duties come with operating an international airport. It will be a growth engine that allows us to reach our maximum agricultural potential.”
Royer believes that with direct international connectivity, Dominica will be better positioned to strengthen trade, increase tourism, and generate endless opportunities for the Dominican people. “The beneficial influence will spread across our communities and reach deep into the agricultural industry. This airport will provide new opportunities for our agriculture, positioning Dominica as an important contributor to the global food supply, with our quality products meeting global demand.”
He continued, “Our fresh produce will reach more people in more countries, strengthening partnerships with regional and worldwide buyers. Our farmers and agricultural producers will no longer be constrained by time and distance, allowing a diverse range of agricultural goods and byproducts to reach ready markets.”
Royer finished by adding that the construction of the international airport will open the way for a more diverse agricultural sector. He stated that the Dominican government is committed to providing the resources, training, and infrastructure required to boost the country’s farming industry, a vital engine of national economic growth.
In June 2021, the Dominican government signed a contract with the Montreal Management Consultant Development to build the International Airport. Contractors have commenced site mobilization, excavation, and backfilling since 2023.