For the last 2-3 weeks we have been having
public discussions on the future of LIAT, air access and how are we going to
secure and possibly finance a reliable air service provider for Dominica. It is
quite strange that throughout all this discussion we heard nothing about a
recently acquired US $13 Million concessionary loan from the World Bank for the purpose of airport enhancement. Did Skerrit
mention anything about that loan on his Sunday talk?
Here is something to add to the discussion and to force the government to come clean with the public.
Here is something to add to the discussion and to force the government to come clean with the public.
Four Caribbean countries (Dominica, St Lucia, Grenada &
Haiti) have benefited from the World Bank first ever financing of airport
projects in the Caribbean. Under this loan agreement Dominica received $13
Million, St Lucia- $45 Million and Grenada-$17 Million. All of which received a
40 year maturity period and a grace period of 10 years. Haiti on the other hand
received a grant $84 Million
According to the World Bank statement the purpose of the loan
is “to improve safety and airport resilience readiness to natural disasters,
and to strengthen the capacity of agencies handling air transportation
operations and airport investment planning. Navigation and safety
equipment will be improved, enabling emergency landing in case of natural
disasters and increasing capacity in air traffic control, wildlife management, airport management and planning.” The World
Bank also explained that the loan facility “will enable countries to better
accommodate diverted flights, emergency landings and post-disaster relief."
The director of the World Bank also stated that the funding
would also support the islands during the post pandemic recovery.
With $13 Million in hand should the government put some of
that money into revamping LIAT or should the government put the money into
securing an alternate air service provider?
One thing for sure none of that money goes towards paying the
Prime Minister $32000 per month to reside in a palace that he allegedly owns.
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