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Volume No. 1 Issue No. 66 - Wednesday March 02, 2005 |
The News in Brief from The Dominican.net News Desk
Roseau � April 25, 2005
PM Charges UWP Promises to Restore Relations with Taiwan in Return for Campaign Funding
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt has alleged that the Taiwanese are providing campaign funds for the opposition United Workers Party (UWP).
The Prime Minister also said that in return for this funding, the party leader Edison James has promised the Taiwanese a return to full diplomatic relations within ninety days of the formation of a UWP government.
In 2004, Prime Minister Skeritt broke off over twenty years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan and opened diplomatic relations with China.
The Chinese have since committed to the building of a sports stadium in Dominica as well as several other projects valued at over EC $300 million.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has promised to make over 10 000 copies of the Memorandum of Understanding, which he signed with the Chinese, available to the general public. He also called on opposition leader Edison James to make the agreement he signed with the Taiwanese public.
Roseau � April 25, 2005
Former Prime Minister Patrick John Accuses the DLP of Personal Character Assasination
Patrick John who served as a labour party Prime Minister from 1975 -1979, is accusing the current Prime Minister of attempting to destroy his character. Mr. John told reporters in Roseau that he was at a loss to understand why the vicious verbal attacks were being made against him.
Several recent campaign advertisements for the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), have been critical of the former Prime Minister and his support for the opposition United Workers Party (UWP).
In 1979, Patrick John was forced from power after a popular uprising in response to his attempts to stifle press freedoms in Dominica. In 1981 he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempting to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Eugenia Charles with the help of white supremacists.
Roseau � April 25, 2005
DPP Leader Accuses Haitian Immigrant of Wanting to Kill Leaders of the UWP and DLP.
Leonard Baptiste, leader of the Dominica Progressive Party (DPP) has accused a Haitian immigrant of seeking his help in killing Prime Minister Skeritt and opposition leader Edison James through the use of voodoo.
According to Mr. Baptiste, he was asked by the voodoo practitioner to provide him with over $10 000 dollars to have the two leaders killed.
Mr. Baptiste said that he went public because he wanted the government to put an end to the increasing numbers of Haitians who are practising voodoo on the island.
Voodoo is widely practiced in Haiti, and about two years ago, police intercepted another Haitian voodoo practitioner in Dominica, who had in his possesion, a human skull and a list of names of persons he claimed he was being paid to harm.
Roseau - April 20, 2005
Child Amnesty in Dominica Results in the Registration of Over 330 Children
Martin Anthony of the Child Services Unit with the government of Dominica is calling the government�s amnesty for child registration a success. According to Anthony, more than 330 children were officially registered for the first time.
The laws of Dominica make it illegal for parents to withhold the registration of their children. Six months ago, the government promised not to prosecute parents if they would voluntarily register their children over a six-month period.
Roseau - April 20, 2005
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt to Discuss Access to DBS Radio with Opposition Leader Edison James
The President of Dominica has arranged a meeting between Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt and the opposition leader Edison James Thursday, to discuss concerns about lack of access to the Dominica Broadcasting Services (DBS) by the United Workers Party (UWP).
The UWP continues to express concern that it is being denied airtime on DBS ahead of the 2005 elections. At a public meeting on Sunday, Mr. James was quoted as saying that his party would not stand idly by while it was denied access to the state owned DBS.
In the weeks leading up to the elections, DBS radio appears to be on the side of the ruling DLP while another radio station, the privately owned Kairi FM is increasingly viewed as backing completely the UWP.
Roseau � April 18, 2005
Bernard Wiltshire Withdraws Candidacy in Castle Bruce Constituency
Former Attorney General in the Coalition government Bernard Wiltshire has withdrawn his candidacy to compete as an independent candidate in the next general elections.
In a press conference announcing his decision, Wiltshire noted that it was based on his view that it would be difficult for him to win outright and also because he did not wish to thwart the wishes of the people in the Constituency.
In his view, the constituents are committed to �punishing� current Representative Loreen Bannis, who famously crossed the floor after the 2000 elections having won as a candidate for the United Workers Party (UWP).
Mr. Wiltshire however refused to endorse the UWP candidate.
Roseau � April 18, 2005
The Dominica Progressive Force (DPF) to Field Candidates in at least Five Constituencies
The Dominica Progressive Force (DPF) is set to field five candidates for the upcoming general elections. The DFP are expected to name candidates in the Grand Fond, Thibaud, Castle Bruce, Calibishie, and Colihaut constituencies.
Roseau � April 18, 2005
Former Labour Hopeful for Colihaut Nominated to Contest as Independent Candidate
Ronald Toulon who was originally named as the DLP candidate for the Colihaut Constituency has been nominated to contest the General Elections as an independent candidate.
Earlier this month, the DLP withdrew Toulon as it�s candidate as part of an agreement dubbed the Roseau Declaration, which it signed with the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP). Under the terms of the agreement, the DFP and the DLP agreed to a shared platform in which the DFP would withdraw its candidates in the Soufriere and Mahaut constituencies and the DLP would do the same in Colihaut.
DLP supporters in Colihaut were however unhappy that they were not consulted before the decision was made and pushed to have Toulon compete as an independent candidate.
Immediately following the announcement of Toulon�s candidacy, Prime Minister and DLP Leader Roosevelt Skeritt issued a statement denouncing the actions of Toulon and expressing his support to the Roseau Declaration.
The DFP and the DLP are current partners in the coalition government that has ruled Dominica since the 2000 elections.
Roseau � April 8, 2005
DAAS and OID Donates Medical Supplies Valued at About US$1.0 million
The Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) in collaboration with the Oceanographic Institute of Dominica (OID) formally handed over 14 tons of medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals valued at US$1.0 million to the Minister of Health, Herbert Sabaroche at the Princess Margaret Hospital yesterday morning. This is in response to the health emergency consequent on the fire which burned down the Central Medical Stores.The donor from Seattle was World Concern.
The DAAS Health Assistance Committee and members of its executive are arranging a second shipment from World Concern and are in the process of getting additional donations of basic medicines, medical consumables and hygiene products valued also at US$1.0 million from AmeriCares out of Connecticut.
Present at the hand over were Ms Marvyln Birmingham, Hospital Services Coordinator and the new Chair of DAAS Health Assistance Committee, Dr Clayton Shillingford, President of DAAS, Dr John McMillin, Director of Research & Investment, Representative of OID, members of the PMH staff and journalists from the local press.
Roseau � April 8, 2005
The Dominica Labour Party and Dominica Freedom Party Agree to Shared Platform
With elections less than one month away, the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) and the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) are joining forces to contest the elections.
In a recently signed declaration, the leaders of the two parties agreed on single candidates for the Soufriere, Mahaut and Colihaut constituencies. In addition, they are conducting joint campaigns throughout the island.
The DFP agreed to withdraw their candidates from the Soufriere and Mahaut constituencies while the DLP withdrew its candidate from the Mahaut constituency. The DFP will therefore field candidates in only the Roseau and Colihaut constituencies while the DLP will contest the other 19 constituencies.
Following the 2000 elections, then DLP leader Roosie Douglas having fallen one seat short of a majority in Parliament, invited the two victorious candidates of the DFP to join his party thus allowing him to form a coalition government.
Roseau � Dominica, April 05, 2005
Election Date Set For May 05, 2005
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt have asked the President of Dominica to dissolve the House of Assembly on April 6, 2005, and declared May 5 for the holding of general elections.
The announcement was made by the Prime Minister at a campaign rally held in the village of Grand Bay, which is the birth place of former Prime Minister Pierre Charles.
New York � March 23, 2005
IRENE MARY GODFREY
JUNE 20 1901 TO MARCH 17, 2005
WE LOVED HER DEARLY
Irene M. Godfrey, born in Roseau, Dominica on June 20th, 1901 as Irene Mary Wills passed on March 17 at the MAJESTIC AGE OF 103. She was still alert when I last visited her a few weeks ago.
Every year we looked forward to celebrate her birthday with her on June 20, at her residence in East Elmhurst, New York. In the year 2001, she received a congratulatory citation from New York City Councilwoman Helen Marshall who at that time was the representative of that district. Ms. Marshall is now the Borough President of Queens, New York.
Aunt Irene (my Dad�s Aunt) came to Harlem, New York in 1916 with her aunt, Maggie Wills of Loubiere, Dominica. (The Commonwealth of Dominica is an English speaking island located between two French islands , Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean A French Patois or �Kweyol� is also spoken as second language).
Mrs Godfrey had been a New Yorker, since age 15, Mrs. Godfrey lived through two World Wars, the Korean, Vietnam, Gulf and Middle East Wars.
She had first hand witness of life in Harlem in the 1920�s, 30�s and 40�s before she moved to Queens, New York. She was married to the late Alfred Godfrey, a native of Grand Cayman Island. They had one daughter and a granddaughter who are now deceased.
Mrs. Godfrey was a member of the Dominica Benevolent Society, the oldest non-profit Dominica organization that was established in Harlem, New York to help worthy causes in Dominica. She was the only sister alive of Earl Lawrence�s late grandmother (father�s mom), Aldina Gould and aunt of Gabriel E. Bougouneau of El Paso, Texas.
Although she had been bedridden for a number of years, she was very alert and articulated very clearly.
We will surely miss her.
May she rest in peace!!!
A wake for the late Irene Godfrey will be held at Cobbs Funeral Home on Astoria Blvd
(located between 98th and 99th Street) East Elmhurst, Queens, New York on Monday March 28, 2005 at 4pm. The Funeral is scheduled for Tuesday March 29, 2005
at St Gabriel�s R. C. Church ,corner of 98th Street and Astoria Blvd, at 9am.
For more info: call 917-488-7516
Roseau � March 02, 2005
Ian DouglaS to Represent the Labour Party at the Next General Elections
The Dominica Labour Party (DLP) has decided that incumbent Member of Parliament, Ian Douglas will represent the Portsmouth constituency at the 2005 General Elections.
Douglas and General Secretary of the Dominica Labour Party, William �Para� Riviere were both keen on contesting the 2005 General Elections on a DLP ticket; a scenario that had sparked infighting within the ranks of the DLP�s Portsmouth Constituency Association. The Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit had originally given the Portsmouth Constituency Association three days to have their problem of candidacy resolved.
Roseau � March 02, 2005
Venezuelan Grant to Fund Second Phase of Melville Hall Airport Project
Communications and Works Minister Reginald Austrie is quoted as saying that the $27 million dollars pledged by the Government of Venezuela will fund the second phase of improvement works on the Melville Hall airport.
Following Prime Minister Skerrit�s announcement that he had secured $27 million for the improvements works on the airport, opposition critics pointed out that in 2003 Austrie had indicated that 30 million was already in place to fund the project.
However, Austrie explained that after the completion of design work on the project it was realized that $30 million dollars was not sufficient to complete the project. It is now estimated that movement of an additional nine hundred thousand cubic metres of earth would cost an additional US$ 10 million.
Roseau- February 24, 2003
$27 Million Grant Financing for Upgrade of Melville Hall Airport
The Venezuelan government has committed $27 million in grant financing to upgrade the facilities at the Melville Hall airport to accommodate night landing and to extend the existing runway.
The announcement was made in a national address by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt who was fresh out of discussions with the leaders of Cuba and Venezuela. The Prime Minister also informed the nation of the intention of the Venezuelan government to forgive all of Dominica�s $4 million debt to that country.
As part of the assistance from Venezuela, twenty Dominicans will secure scholarships to that country�s universities in the areas of disaster preparedness, psychology, tourism and health.
Roseau- February 24, 2003
500 New Low to Middle Income Homes to be Built in Dominica
Prime Minister Skeritt on Wednesday unveiled a plan to build 500 new homes in Dominica. The Prime Minister in a national address informed Dominicans that it was part of his vision of ensuring affordable housing for all working Dominicans.
Under the plan, workers with steady jobs could apply for the home purchase. The Prime Minister indicated that the homes will be built by the Millennium Construction Company of Columbia.
He indicated that his government was in talks with a regional financial institution, which had indicated some willingness to finance the deal. The houses are expected to be built throughout Dominica and should go a long way in helping solve some of the countries short-term housing needs.
Construction of the houses is also expected to give a much needed boost to the local economy as the MCC have indicated their intention to use at least 95 percent of local labor and wherever possible, to use local building materials. For its part, the government will provide the land to be used for the construction.
Roseau- February 23, 2004
Tax Compliance Worryingly Low in Dominica. Addressing a press conference Tuesday to launch Tax Awareness week under the theme �Compliance through education�, Acting Comptroller Jennifer Julian Laudat revealed that tax compliance remains worryingly low.
According to Mrs. Laudat filing of returns and payment of outstanding taxes are two areas of concern.
She warned that taxpayers are liable to face sizeable penalties if they do not comply.
She also revealed that persons are constantly being brought before the court and over 40 professionals were last year taken up for non-payment of their professional license.
Mrs. Laudat says further, failure to accede to requests to submit additional information or failure to file a correct return also carries with it severe penalties.
Roseau �February 13, 2005
Carib Chief Set to Protest Disney�s Intended Portrayal of Carib Indians
Carib Chief Charles Williams is attempting to drum up support within Dominica and the wider Caribbean to prevent Disney from depicting the Caribs as savages in an upcoming movie.
The sequel to Pirates of the Caribbean is scheduled to be filmed in Dominica starting in April. Williams is offended at the proposal to include a scene in the movie where the indigenous people of the Caribbean are shown as flesh eating cannibals.
The notion that the Caribs were cannibals have long been promoted in various history books. However, several contemporary scholars have refuted that claim and believe that the story was made up to explain away the Europeans inability to effectively control the native population.
There are several hundred Carib Indians who continue to reside in a special reservation in the North eastern part of Dominica.
Roseau �February 08, 2005
Sharlene Richards is Miss Dominica and The Dice is Carnival King
Sharlene Richards was crowned with the coveted title of Miss Dominica at the Festival City in Roseau on Sunday. She was judged best in evening wear and Miss Inteligence.
The twenty-one year old bank officer came out ahead of seven other contestants.
Aflene Jeremy who placed second got the prize for best in swimwear, with Micarla Lantan, best talent awardee placing third. Ravena Fontaine was judged most photogenic and Shannon Thomas, best costume. Fadilah Gachette got the Miss Amity award and was judged best in costume.
Meanwhile, 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.
Listen to Puppet Master!
View Image Gallery of Contestants
Monroe College to Hold Enrollment Information Session in Dominica
Monroe College in New Rochelle, New York (www.monroecollege.edu), which has a large enrollment of students from various parts of the Caribbean, will be hosting a free, no-obligation college enrollment information session Tuesday, February 15th, 4:30 PM at Garraway Hotel, One Dame Eugenia Charles Blvd., Roseau. Information will also be given about qualifying for the College's West Indies Scholarship Program.
Pictured are Gersom Lopez, Director of International Programs, and Eddie Shillingford, a Bachelor's degree candidate in Computer Information Systems and a resident of Petite Savanne, Dominica.
Mr. Lopez was getting some last-minute travel advise from Mr. Shillingford, who also works in the International Admissions office at Monroe.
He is a 1989 graduate of Dominica Grammar School. Monroe also offers degrees in Accounting, Business Management, Criminal Justice, Health Services Administration, Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Tourism, Medical Administration and Medical Assisting. There are also plans to launch an M.B.A. program by this time, next year.
To reserve a space for the information session, send an e-mail to [email protected]. Or call Monroe College at 914-632-5400, ext. 6406.
For additional information about Monroe College, contact Rob Seitz, 914-654-1506, public relations consultant.
Read more of the EARLIER NEWS IN Brief
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