PM Skerrit Orders Temporary Halt of Work at Deux Branches; Matter under Review
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has ordered a temporary halt to ongoing operations at Deux Branches as Government undertakes a full review. The Prime Minister visited the site on Thursday, December 4, 2025, following public concerns about potential environmental degradation.
He emphasized that protecting Dominica’s natural environment remains a top priority, even as the country advances major national projects such as the construction of the international airport, where quarrying activities are necessary to supply material for site preparation.
“I do not believe that we should be dismissing the views expressed by the public. I think we need to sift through the comments that have been made so far and to see how those can be addressed.”
“All of the government offices who have a part to play in this process-Forestry, Environment, Physical Planning, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Chief Surveyor among others-will meet on Monday, along with the developers and contractors, and go through the documentation, go through the issues and concerns to see how in a more expedited fashion these issues can be addressed,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Skerrit further underscored the importance of constructing the international airport in a responsible and sustainable manner, ensuring that development and environmental stewardship move hand in hand.
“My only appeal to the general public is that we have to appreciate why this is being done. This is being done to facilitate the construction of the international airport. And for us in Dominica to see the kind of economic growth in the country,” he stressed.
