Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has rejected calls to halt quarrying at Deux Branches, insisting the activity is essential for Dominica’s international airport project and will be carried out under strict environmental safeguards.
At his End of Year Press Conference on Monday, Prime Minister Skerrit addressed growing concerns over quarrying at Deux Branches, a site supplying aggregate for the construction of Dominica’s international airport. He emphasized that the airport is a strategic investment in Dominica’s long-term economic resilience and global connectivity, serving sectors from tourism and agriculture to trade and small business.
Skerrit argued that halting quarrying would leave no viable alternative for sourcing construction material. Importing millions of tons of aggregate from abroad, he warned, would shift environmental harm to another developing nation, increase costs, create supply uncertainties, delay the project, and reduce employment opportunities for Dominicans.
“No responsible government can justify exporting the environmental burden to another nation while refusing to utilize resources available at home,” he said.
The Prime Minister outlined several measures to ensure that quarrying activities remain environmentally responsible. He emphasized the strict enforcement of the Physical Planning Act, which requires environmental impact assessments and continuous monitoring of operations. In addition, sediment control and rehabilitation programs will be implemented to minimize ecological damage and restore affected areas. He also made clear that immediate action would be taken to pause or adjust quarrying operations whenever impacts exceed acceptable limits, underscoring the government’s commitment to balancing development with environmental protection.
Skerrit stressed that regulated extraction for a national development project is distinct from reckless exploitation, framing the government’s role as balancing infrastructure needs with protection of Dominica’s natural heritage.
The debate intensified after former Chief Physical Planner, Annie Edwards, publicly urged the government to suspend quarrying at Deux Branches. Edwards cited risks to river systems, biodiversity, and nearby communities, and questioned whether environmental safeguards were sufficient. His intervention came during stakeholder meetings convened by the Prime Minister to address public concerns. Murphy’s call reflects broader anxieties among environmental advocates who fear quarrying could undermine Dominica’s reputation as the “Nature Island.” Critics argue that the scale of extraction may exceed what is sustainable, despite government assurances of regulation.
The international airport project has been described by Skerrit as “essential for our children’s future.” It is expected to transform Dominica’s connectivity, enabling direct long-haul flights, boosting tourism, facilitating agricultural exports, and strengthening trade links. The government views the airport as a cornerstone of national development, making the sourcing of construction materials a critical issue.