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Volume No. 1 Issue No. 64 - Monday January 31, 2005 |
The News in Brief from The Dominican.net News Desk
February 6, 2005 � Roseau
De Dice Crowned 2005 Calypso Monarch
In what can only be described as a masterful performance, last year�s Calypso Monarch De Dice successfully defended his crown before a crowd estimated at over 15 000, at the Festival City in Roseau.
When the defending Monarch stepped on the stage with his second composition, it was clear that he would be the one to beat. Singing the widely popular �Puppet Master�, the exuberant crowd joined the refrain: �Mister Puppet Master, free up the people leader, everybody want to prosper, the people cannot take it anymore�.
Son of the Saint who sang arguably the most popular song of the carnival season, the Right Foot in the Wrong Shoe failed to place in the top four, but received a special award for most improved calypsonian. De Dice received the award for the best props. Dice faced some strong competition from Hunter who placed second, Caressa third, and De Web fourth.
The Calypso Monarch Competition as well as the Beauty Pageant is the most popular competitions during the carnival celebrations in Dominica.
February 2, 2005 � Roseau
Pirates of the Caribbean II to be Filmed in Dominica
After reportedly losing out to St Vincent, the first time around, Dominica will be the filming venue for the Disney film �Pirates of the Caribbean II�. Filming is expected to start in April and last for about six weeks. More than 250 Dominicans will be employed during the filming.
February 1, 2005 � Roseau
Prime Minister Skerrit Orders Investigation into DSS Sale of DOMLEC Shares to Private Individuals
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has instructed health minister Herbert Sabaroche to launch an investigation into the sale by the Dominica Social Security (DSS) of government�s shares in the Dominica Electricity Services (DOMLEC) to private individuals.
According to published reports, the Prime Minister demanded that an investigation into the affair be started within twenty-four hours and that a submission of its findings is made available to him within seven days. Skerrit specifically ordered the health minister to find out the circumstances of the sale of shares in the island�s lone power company, and said the probe is needed to maintain public confidence in the DSS.
The Dominica government through the DSS, recently purchased 20 percent of the shares of DOMLEC, from former owners the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC). The controlling interest in DOMLEC was purchased by a private American investment firm.
In responding to a question posed by Independent Member of Parliament Frederick Baron at last week�s sitting of the House, Sabaroche said that 3 percent of the DSS holdings were sold to credit unions and 1 percent went to private individuals.
Prime Minister Skerrit was quoted as saying: �I expect that once you receive the findings of the investigation, you will bring them to my attention and that of the cabinet for our consideration and if necessary further action.�
Roseau, Dominica � February 1, 2005
PM Skerrit Leads Delegation to China-Caribbean Economic Cooperation Forum and Trade Fair
Dominica�s Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit leads Dominica�s delegation to Jamaica later today for the first ever China-Caribbean Economic Cooperation Forum and Trade Fair.
The Governments of Jamaica and the People�s Republic of China are co-hosting the February 2 � 5, 2005 event. The Forum will be held between February 2 � 3, 2005 and the Trade fair set for February 2 � 5, 2005.
The purpose of the event is to strengthen trade, economic, and technical cooperation between the People�s Republic of China and the Caribbean Region. Exhibitors from China will participate along with buyers and business partners from the Caribbean Region.
Several companies from China have confirmed their participation securing (60) booth spaces. Companies participating will be manufacturers/distributors of mechanical and electronic products, information and communication and hi-tech (ICT) products, handicraft, textiles and garments, agricultural, industrial and primary products and more.
Sixteen Governments in the Caribbean have been invited and senior government and private sector delegations from each country are expected to attend the Trade Forum and Trade Fair.
Over 200 buyers from the Caribbean are expected to attend the Trade Fair. Bankers and Financial Services providers have been invited to participate as exhibitors or sponsors.
Ministers of Foreign Affairs Trade and Marketing, Hon. Osborne Riviere, Tourism, Industry and Enterprise Development Minister, Hon. Charles Savarin and two officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Marketing are part of the Dominica contingent travelling to Jamaica.
In the absence of Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit from the state, Hon. Matthew Walter will act as Prime Minister.
January 31, 2005 � London England
Cultural Pioneer Djamala Marcel Fontaine Dies
Djamala (Marcel) Fontaine a key figure in the development of Dominica�s cultural heritage is dead. Marcel as he was more commonly known died at the London Chest Hospital on Monday, January 31, 2005 from complications of pneumonia after a long period of illness.
Marcel who was from the village of Grand Bay will be fondly remembered as a mild-mannered, culture-loving son of Dominica. His total dedication to the development of our Kweyol Language is exemplified by his lead role into the research and compilation of the Kweyol - English, English - Kweyol dictionary, "Dominica's Diksyonne" and the recent update which has sold many copies.
For several years he worked within the cultural Division to help develop Dominica�s cultural heritage, focusing on the promotion of quadrille, belaire, heel and toe polka and other local dances. He was also a Creole announcer on the local radio station for many years. He will be sorely missed as Dominica has lost one of its cultural pioneers.
The Dominican.net offers sincere condolences to the wife and family of Djamala Marcel Fontaine.
(He was not directly related to the Editor of http://thedominmican.net).
January 30, 2005
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - Windward Islands, chasing 202 for victory against Trinidad & Tobago, reached 144 for six at lunch on the third day of their fourth round Carib Beer Series match at the Arnos Vale Ground on Saturday.
January 23, 2005-Roseau
Nine Calypsonians to Face Reigning Monarch De Dice in Calypso Competition.
Nine finalists emerged from the Calypso semi-finals, which took place last weekend at the Dominica Club. The nine will try to defeat reigning monarch De Dice who came on strong last year with his mega hit �Animal Farm�.
The finalists are: Lady Star, Man Himself, The Bobb, Hunter, Observer, Bassie, Son of Saints, The Web and Lord Caressa. De Dice is mounting an aggressive defense of his crown with a crowd favorite �Puppet Master�. The song written by Pat Aaron speaks of a puppet master controlling the reins of political power in Dominica. .
Roseau � Dominica, January 14, 2005
World Renowned Jurist Dominican Judge Telford Georges is Dead
Dominica is mourning the death of one of the most venerated and influential legal minds of the Caribbean and indeed the world with the passing of George Telford Georges of Dominica, who died yesterday, January 13, 2005.
Honorable Georges was a former Chief Justice of Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Bahamas, and was the President of the Belize Court of Appeal. He was also at one time a member of the British Privy Council, the highest court in England. In 1997 he was appointed Chairman of the Dominica Constitution Review Committee. READ MORE.
Roseau � Dominica, January 10, 2005
OFFICIAL FUNERAL FOR THE LATE RONAN A. DAVID
The Government of Dominica has decided that Mr. Ronan A. David will be given an official funeral on Wednesday, January 19, 2005.
The Dominican Flag shall be flown at half mast on all public buildings in the State on that day. The late Ronan A. David was a Member of the House of Assembly from 1980 to 1990 representing the Roseau South Constituency in Parliament. He served as Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs from 1980 to 1985 and Minister for Health from 1985 to 1990 in the Freedom Party Administration.
Official Mourners at the Official Funeral Service shall include His Excellency the President and Mrs. Liverpool, the Prime Minister and Members of Cabinet, the Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly, former Presidents and Prime Ministers and other Government Officials.
Public viewing of the body shall be from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral, Roseau on Wednesday, January 19, 2005. The Official Funeral Service will commence at 3:00 p.m.
The late Ronan A. David will be buried at the Roseau Roman Catholic Cemetery.
Rosalie, Dominica - January 6, 2005
3 Rivers Eco Lodge Receives Prestigious Award
The International Hotel and Restaurant Association has honored 3 Rivers Eco Lodge at the annual environmental award held late last year in Germany. The theme of the award was innovation in environmental best practices. 3 Rivers Hotel came third beating out hundreds of applicants from over 60 countries around the world.
3 Rivers Eco Lodge is located in Rosalie on the South Eastern part of Dominica. It is surrounded by pristine rivers, with a backdrop of rainforested mountains, offering secluded self-contained cottages, camping facilities, hammock rental, restaurant, bar, games area, and community education in sustainable living. (See next Issue no. 65 for more on 3 Rivers Eco Lodge).
Portsmouth, Dominica � January 6, 2005
Portsmouth Hosts Weekend Carnival
The town of Portsmouth will come alive on January 14 � 16, 2005 with the staging of their first weekend carnival. The three-day spectacular will feature several big bands including Swinging Stars, Mas Ka Kle, Seramix and O2 Band.
Several of Dominica�s biggest names in calypso will participate in a show on Saturday, January 15. Hunter, Diva Nayoka, Observer, and Daddy Chess among others will slug it out for top honors. The carnival will be punctuated by several parties and a huge street jump up.
Hundreds of visitors are expected from the neighboring French Islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Roseau, Dominica � December 21, 2004
EU Funded Design Study for Waitukubuli National Trail Begins
The Government of Dominica has secured funding from the European Union for the implementation of the Waitikubuli National Trail. It is expected that 4.4 million euros (approximately EC$15 million) under the Special Framework of Assistance 2003 will finance the construction of the trail, the Programme Management Unit, marketing activities, public awareness and training.
Read more of the EARLIER NEWS IN Brief
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