ROSEAU, Dominica - Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the lack of an international airport has retarded Dominica's development and defended the decision of his administration to upgrade the existing Melville Hall Airport, north of here.

Skerrit, addressing nationals who have returned home to participate in activities marking the island's 31st anniversary of political independence from Britain, said that a comprehensive document for an international airport had now been developed.

"It is now for us to get the assistance promised to us by some friendly governments for the actual design of that airport and the costing and to take it forward."

Skerrit said the decision to make improvements to the Melville Hall airport should be regarded as a positive sign for the island "because as it is now and as it was before our airport closes at five o' clock every afternoon".

"There is no way you could take Dominica to the next level if we do not improve on air access to Dominica. There are some in the country who are criticising what is happening and say we should have gone straight into building an international airport.

(CMC)