Dominica Budget 2023: Work at International Airport starts, announces FM McIntyre

Roseau, Dominica: The construction process for the international airport has started and will be completed soon, announced Dr Irving McIntyre – Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security while announcing the National Budget 2023.

While sharing the update regarding the progress, Minister outlined that the contractor has mobilised and the works like mixing concrete and asphalt. He also mentioned that ongoing construction work of supporting facilities for workshops and storage is also going on.

Minister McIntyre further announced that Dominicans will see significant progress in the upcoming years. While emphasising the development to take place this fiscal year, he stated that in Fiscal Year 2023-2024, the development of the site would include major earthworks, construction of culverts and new roads and the installation of the perimeter fence.

He also stated that the construction work for the passenger terminal building will commence in August 2024, following which, in October 2025, the work for the runway, taxiway, and apron is expected to start.

He added that the general citizens of Dominica must get ready to witness the dramatic changes in the economy. Minister further stated that “We only have to look at the positive impact of the introduction of the American Airlines direct flight from Miami to begin to understand the transformational impact of an airport that will allow direct flights from Europe, Canada and different parts of the United States.”

He added that the local hoteliers, tour operators, bars and restaurants, farmers and fishers will be benefitted from this new introduction. Opening new avenues for the exportation of the products, this development will also result in an expansion of the economy (of Dominica) and will contribute towards the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of the Dominicans.

The Minister of Finance informed the Cabinet of Dominica that the national economy of the Commonwealth of Dominica will be transformed following the construction of the International Airport as it will connect the nation to various countries, territories and business hubs.

McIntyre further commented that it would facilitate the upliftment and growth of all the key sectors, including agriculture, trade and tourism. Along with this, he said that all sectors have to align themselves to increase the opportunities which will be derived from important projects, such as the construction of the International Airport.

The National Budget 2023 was presented by the Minister of Finance, Irving McIntyre, on July 25. The address was presented in front of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit and major issues were discussed.