TheDominican.Net Discussing the Issues

Charles Lawrence and the larger struggles of life and death

2008-05-16T23:54:00.000-04:00

When I first met Charles 24 years ago I was a young untested teacher with an unbridled desire to impart winsome knowledge to all those I came into contact with.

One of my many students was a bright, talkative Charles Lawrence. Life was different then. Charles like many of my fifth form high school students was constantly challenging me. He asked probing questions, studied hard, articulated studied responses to my questions, and was a rising star.

Although we were only a couple of years apart, there was a deep student to teacher respect. I was always “Sir” in and outside of the classroom. The respect was mutual. Here I was teaching stuff that I had only learned about three years before. I guess I was convincing. The students all triumphed at the GCE exams.

I saw in Charles and others like him a glimpse of the tremendous potential of Dominica’s human resource. Learning was like second nature.

This was then. It is now 2004 and I’m attending a dinner hosted by a Dominican group in New Jersey. As I entered the room I heard this shout, Sir! I spun around and there was Charles. At least there was the smile, the voice, the face. In a second my mind raced back twenty years. Surely, this was Charles Lawrence. Or was it?

As if reading my mind Charles bellowed, “Sir it’s me Charles, you remember?” Of course I do, how could I forget. For the next few minutes we reminisced about those wonderful days at SMA. Then the conversation turned to him.

“You know” he said. “I should have been in Cuba. I was half way through training to become a doctor.” I interrupted by telling him that I always knew how brilliant he was. He pressed on, “But you know, I had to come back to the US to get some treatment, I have been diagnosed with kidney failure.”

My heart sank. I have witnessed sickness and suffering in the young on a very personal basis having lost two siblings. The pain lingers, the memories still raw. The first, my brother died of a mysterious stomach ailment in 1985.

My perennially fit, athletic sister died just four years ago from lung cancer. Most days of the last six months of her life I shared with her as she bravely battled through sickening doses of chemotherapy and other cancer treatment.

Sometimes in our world of TV diners, botox treatments and designer drugs we can often forget the words of the great philosopher Thomas Hobbes: “...and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.”

I’ve never quite understood why young people suffer like this through sickness. I don’t want to understand. Why engage in mindless musings? I simply accept it as part of the conditioning of man.

I was staring at Charles, tortured memories swirling through my mind. Even then he was brave, bold, committed to overcoming his latest challenge. In the end, his attitude and courage gave me hope. I promised to stay in touch. I did not.

In the summer of 2007, I’m back in New Jersey at a Dominican picnic. I see a frail looking person hunched slightly forward and leaning against a cane. I turned to someone nearby and enquired who might that be.

The response was completely unexpected. “Charlo that there wee.” I stared in disbelief, rooted to the spot. Here was a person I had recognized after 20 years. Now, just after three years the face that I knew had been replaced. The disease that had been visited upon him combined with the treatment had taken its toll.

He had aged beyond his years. I quickly ran across to him. “Sir, I’m doing good. I’m alive.” Then the laughter!

In his characteristic style Charles detailed his struggle. Weekly dialysis treatments and a strict adherence to a special diet was sustaining him. A resumption to normal living was within reach. He was in need of a kidney transplant.

Thankfully, his sister was a match and had agreed to give him the gift of life. But, things never always work out the way one desires. Without insurance coverage, he would have to bear the full cost of the operation, about $100 000.

This time I promised to help where I could. I did. At least I’ve started. The word is being spread. Fund raisers are getting organized. The word is getting out, and people are beginning to respond. If anyone can beat this, Charles can. His indomitable spirit has risen equally to the daunting challenge.

His positive outlook on life is heartwarming. Every time I speak to him there is this wow! effect. Sometimes it takes someone like Charles to remind us of life’s limitless potential and equally damning pitfalls.

How we respond to our challenges is key, but equally important is how those around us respond, take up our challenge as if theirs, and do the right thing.

Editors Note: The Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences has fully embraced the plea to help a fellow Dominican, and we are urging everyone to contribute through the DAAS:
(1) Via Credit Card, go to http://www.da-academy.org/memberfees.html and click on the Pay Pal donate button. Indicate Charlo Benefit Fund in the item line.

(2) Via Direct Bank transfer: Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences
Routing Number: 031100869
Account Number: 2000003534225
Wachovia Bank of Delaware
5801 Limestone Rd
Hockessin, DE 19707

(3)Check payments can also be mailed to: Thomson Fontaine (Treasurer – DAAS), P O Box 27254, Washington, DC, 20038.

DAAS is a registered 501 (c) 3 non profit organization in the United States. All contributions made via DAAS are tax deductible.

Thomson Fontaine

Dominican Reverend Phillip Potter Receives South Africa’s Highest Civilian Award

2008-05-06T15:34:00.000-04:00

South African President Thabo Mbeki conferred on the Rev. Philip Potter the country’s highest civilian honor for foreign nationals, the Oliver Tambo Award.

The former general secretary of the World Council of Churches is recognized for his efforts to combat racism and apartheid in southern Africa.

A citation said that “Potter, WCC general secretary from 1972 to 1984, was receiving the award for leading efforts against apartheid and his ‘excellent contribution to peace, justice, non-racism and equality in the world through the vehicle of Christianity.”’

Potter, a Methodist pastor, led the WCC during a period when the Geneva-based church grouping took a high profile role in the struggle against apartheid and white minority regimes in southern Africa.

The WCC's Programme to Combat Racism, launched in 1969, led to controversy, including among its own members, because of humanitarian aid given to armed liberation movements in southern Africa, financed by a special fund.

Potter, who was born in Dominica in the West Indies in 1921, was awarded the "Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo in Silver". The award is named after Oliver Tambo, president of the African National Congress from 1967 to 1991.

Mbeki at the 22 April award ceremony said of the recipients, "These are citizens of other countries, who, without discrimination and at great cost to themselves, their countries and peoples, have made an exceptional contribution to the efforts of the people of South Africa to define themselves as human beings."

Potter was unable to travel to South Africa to receive the award in person, the German Protestant news agency epd reported. He now lives in Germany where he is married to Lutheran Bishop Bärbel Wartenberg-Potter.

Past recipients of Oliver Tambo awards include former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and the first director of the WCC's anti-racism programme, Baldwin Sjollema.

Ferry Service May Ease Travel Woes for Busy Reunion

2008-04-22T17:55:00.002-04:00

Persons traveling to Dominica at the height of the travel season may be interested in using the Express Ferry from Guadeloupe, Martinique or St. Lucia into Dominica.

This may be particularly useful during the Creole/Independence time since from most accounts all airline flights are already fully booked. Travelers can book their flights to and from any of these destinations and take the ferry into Dominica.

Note that the ferry service will be suspended for technical maintenance from September 25 to October 16, 2008. The attached master schedule will run from October 17 to 23, 2008 and the WCMF schedule from October 24 to November 6, 2008.

Passengers holding Dominican Passports who will require to transit in Guadeloupe or Martinique must provide proof of accommodation and travel insurance to the immigration officer upon entry in those countries. The proof of accommodation can be in the form of hotel reservation.

See Ferry schedules and fares">

See Ferry Creole Festival Schedule

Oil Spill at Petro Cariabe Facility

2008-04-22T10:41:00.000-04:00

A Dominican environmentalist has cautioned that Tuesday’s oil spill at the Petrocaribe fuel storage facility could hurt the marine environment.

Allthough the situation is said to be under control, former President of the Caribbean Conservation Association Atherton Martin has cautioned that it will not be long before the situation worsens.

Lead Fire Officer, Courtney Challenger says the incident occurred about 1:05am on Tuesday and the Fire and Ambulance Services were called in to deal with the situation.

The situation arose when the stands of a parked tanker filled with fuel, broke. According to Mr Challenger, fire officers who were called to be on stand-by used sand and other precautionary measures to reduce the spread of the spill.

He says the situation was controlled in time before diesel had reached the sea, and noted that this could have caused a hazardous situation for the coast and the marine life of the area. The fire officer complemented the speedy work of fire officers, officials of Petro Caribe, and the general public, in reducing the dangers, which could have occurred as a result of the spill.

The fuel storage facility is located near the riverbed of the popular Belfast River on the west coast of the island.

Dominica began receiving fuel under the Petrocaribe initiative in February after signing the agreement with Venezuela in 2005 along with 12 other Caribbean states.

Under this arrangement, Caracas provides oil to participating countries under preferential terms.

What Am I Doing Here? I Hate This Place!

2008-04-18T09:32:00.003-04:00

What Am I doing Here? What am I doing here when I could be home? I mean, I know things can be hard back there, but God, not like this! My life is nonexistent.

I feel like I am on auto pilot, going through the same routine everyday. I wake up early in the morning; dress the kids and myself; commute two hours to work and back; pick up the kids from afterschool; feed them dinner; put them to bed; get myself ready for bed, then watch tv till I fall asleep.

It’s not that I want to sleep. I cannot stay up because I am tired. Even if I wanted to go out, a potential babysitter would be just as tired as I am or still working. Sometimes I want to let my hair down and party island stylee, but I have to plan my outings around my family’s schedule.

My spouse will not be caught dead babysitting while I party with my friends: he want to party too! It’s not a matter of just partying. That is the only way I know how to release stress. In Dominica, you do feel pressure and strain, but the atmosphere and vibe is different.

Everyone cares about each other, you help each other. In this place, do you know your neighbor, who lives in the same building, on the same floor? Most importantly, do you even care? Life here is initially a culture shock, but in time, you conform.

Life will be even harder if you don’t. The first thing that goes is the DA accent. It is hard to understand the accent, plus people do not have time to interpret our “language”. As soon as you land here, you must move faster. If you don’t, you will definitely be left behind.

The hardest way to learn this lesson is to miss the city bus by 1 second in 10 degree weather. That bus driver will close the door in your face, and will not open it even if you jog alongside the bus. The winter season is always a shock to my system.

During this time I intentionally do not have a life. I hate going to work; hate the long, gloomy, dark days; hate the mist that comes out of my mouth and nose when I talk and breathe. I just hate winter.

A tropical coconut like myself does not do winter. During winter I hibernate and have no problem doing that.

It seems like the weather determines how people behave here. During the winter everything is calm, like its too cold to go looking for trouble. In spring, life forms appear again and the streets start bustling.

The closer it gets to summer, the more people misbehave. Others want to go looking for trouble, while we, Dominicans, just want to meet up with friends to fete because we have to catch up with 6 months of staying home.

Don’t get me wrong, we will cuss you out if you cut us off on the highway, or if you do something stupid on the road.

On the subject of road, the road to success is not an easy one. Everyone is so pretentious that it is a task just to get deal with your boss or co workers; Smiling with each other one second, and bad talking each other the next.

A true Dominican will hold their head up high and conquer. I’m here to fulfill my dreams. I’m here to dream big and live big. I want to prove to myself that I can conquer my fears and achieve my goals. I am making progress, great progress. But I got a little way to go. That’s why I’m here.

Michelle

Successful Wesley Reunion

2008-04-14T11:21:00.001-04:00

By all accounts the Wesley Reunion was a success. The goal to unite and relate was achieved. Wesley is a better place today than before the reunion because we connected with the things that mattered.

New relationships were formed among the elderly, children, youth and across every spectrum, religious, cultural, educational and health. Every aspect of the Wesley community was touched and for this I am happy to report that the Wesley Reunion was relevant.

It was not about making money. It was about strengthening our community. It was about re-connecting with our people. And it is believed that the foundation is set so we can build on to ensure a more vibrant Wesley Community.

The Opening was successful. The Band Splash was great. Cabana Day was massive. The excursion was delightful. The health day was oh so relevant with a large turn out. The children treasure hunt was a blast even if it rained that day. The seniors brunch was hugely successful, our elders sang that their hearts were blessed. Wesley has an additional 25 new streets lights. The Reunion Village was a site to behold. We honoured those he made and continue to make significant contributions in the area of Education, Health, Community Development, Agriculture, Fishing, Policing, Sports, Entrepreneurship and Diaspora Relations at the Reunion Gala.

It is our responsibility to continue the work that was started to ensure that Wesley moves forward positively.

A special thank you to every single one of you who attended or contributed in one way or the other to the Wesley Reunion. Your help and support made the Reunion something which will be on the lips of all for generations to come.

To all our sponsors, thank for supporting Wesley. Your support help us achieve our goal in creating the awareness of what was happening in Village.

To all our Diaspora Groups, thank you, thank you, thank you, because without you there would be no Wesley Reunion.

To all the hard working people on the ground, your dedication is admirable and you will never be forgotten.

To all the performers local and otherwise your talent shone throughout the reunion. Thank you.

The work is not finish. There is still allot to do so let us never loose focus but continue working diligently for Wesley and her people.

For pictures of the events, please check

Blessing,

Athenia Benjamin
Diaspora Coordinator, Wesley Reunion

Cell Phones More Dangerous Than Cigarettes and Asbestos

2008-04-03T16:16:00.000-04:00

A top Australian neurosurgeon says cell phones may cause more cancer in the near future than smoking or asbestos. Dr. Vini Khurana, who conducted an extensive review of the link between cell phones and brain cancer said using cell phones for at least ten years could more than double the risk of developing deadly brain cancer. Since three times as many people use cell phones as smoke, cell phones will soon emerge as a major killer.

“It is anticipated that this danger has far broader public health ramifications than asbestos and smoking, and directly concerns all of us, particularly the younger generation, including very young children,” Dr. Khurana wrote.

Dr. Khurana says there has been an increase in brain tumors in people who have used cell phones heavily for a long time on the same side of the head as their “preferred ear” for making calls. He believes it has been difficult to prove a direct link between cell phone usage and brain tumors because a malignant brain tumor might take between ten and twenty years to develop, and the general public hasn’t been using cell phones long enough to effectively study the risk.

That will soon change. “In the years 2008-2012, we will have reached the appropriate length of follow-up time to being to definitely observe the impact of this global technology on brain tumor incidence rates,” Khurana says.

Softer Beds May Help Low Back Pain

2008-04-03T16:15:00.000-04:00

For patients with low back pain, sleeping on softer types of beds that conform to the body may lead to improvements in pain and sleep, reports a study in the April 1 issue of Spine. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry.

Contrary to what many people think, sleeping on a hard mattress may actually make pain worse, according to the new report by Dr. Kim Bergholdt and colleagues of Backcenter Funen in Ringe, Denmark.

One hundred sixty patients with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to sleep on one of three different types of beds for one month: a waterbed, a body-conforming foam mattress, or a firm futon mattress (without springs).

Patients who slept on the waterbed or body-conforming foam mattress had small but significant reductions in back pain scores. Total sleep time was also better for patients assigned to the softer mattresses. Again, the differences were small — leep time increased by less than an hour in both the waterbed and foam mattress groups.

In contrast, patients who slept on the firm futon mattress tended to have increased pain scores and decreased sleep time. This result was difficult to interpret, however, because several patients assigned to the firm mattress group dropped out of the study early. At least some of these patients thought the mattress was making their back pain worse.

Patients with increased sleep time tended to have reduced pain scores. It was unclear whether reduced pain led to increased sleep time or vice-versa.

There are reasons to suspect that either a soft or firm mattresses might be better for patients with back pain. For example, a soft mattress might help to avoid stress on the spine by keeping the back in a neutral position, while a hard mattress might reduce twisting of the back.

The new results suggest that the waterbed and foam mattress do reduce pain and improve sleep for patients with chronic low back pain. The results are consistent with another recent study, which also found beneficial effects of softer mattresses.

The authors emphasize that the two soft mattresses studied conform to natural body curvatures. They bring the joints into intermediate positions, rather than just letting the body parts sink, which may put the joints into awkward or twisted positions. "Thus, body-conforming soft mattresses seem to have an advantage over hard mattresses," the researchers conclude.

"Probably they are also better than soft, worn-out spring mattresses, hammocks, and other soft types that do not conform to natural, intermediary positioned body curvatures."

Dominica may have influenced biblical description of the Garden of Eden

2008-03-15T01:36:00.004-04:00

The biblical description of the Garden of Eden found in the King James Version of the bible could very well have been influenced by vivid images of the island of Dominica.

Paul Miles writing in the March 13 edition of the famed London Financial Times observes: “Dominica is almost literally Eden: the man who translated the book of Genesis into English for the King James Bible visited the island in 1593. Historians and biblical scholars think he let his experiences colour his translation. His Dominica journal entries are remarkably similar to some of the Old Testament’s description of the Garden.Read article

The man he refers to is no other than John Layfield, one of the fifty-four men who translated the bible for King James. Adam Nicolson in “Power and Glory: Jacobean England and the Making of the King James Bible” had this to say about John Layfield:

“John Layfield was a fine Greek scholar, but [Nicolson] has turned up a tantalising and strange aspect of his contribution [to the translation]; he was one of the earliest men to describe the British empire's ventures into the Caribbean, and left a marvellous description of Dominica; as Nicolson says, something of that dreamy evocation of tropical orchards must, for him, have underlain his rendering of the story of the Garden of Eden.

According to Genesis Chapter 1, verses 8 – 10: And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.

Thomson Fontaine

McCain's wrong: U.S. health care not best

2008-03-09T09:14:00.000-04:00

McCain's wrong: U.S. health care not best
Letter to the editor — 3/08/2008 6:14 am

Dear Editor: This morning I read John McCain's comments that he "will campaign to make health care more accessible to more Americans with reforms that will bring down costs in the health care industry without ruining the quality of the world's best medical care."

According to the World Health Organization's 2007 ranking of the world's health systems, the U.S., although it spends the most per person on its health care system, actually ranks 37th worldwide, right before Slovenia and Cuba.

Countries whose health systems rank higher than ours are France, Italy, San Marino, Andorra, Malta, Singapore, Spain, Oman, Austria, Japan, Norway, Portugal, Monaco, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium, Colombia, Sweden, Cyprus, Germany, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Morocco, Canada, Finland, Australia, Chile, Denmark, Dominica and Costa Rica.

Susan Spahn,

Madison

Dominica: The Caribbean’s Next “Terror Island”?

2008-02-26T18:52:00.004-05:00

Senior Research Fellow of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs (A Washington-based think tank) Nikolas Kozloff have raised the issue of whether Dominica is the next terror island? Translation, the next Grenada.

Writing under the caption Dominica: The Caribbean’s Next “Terror Island”? in COHA’s newsletter of February 28, 2008, Kozloff noted that “the possibility of Dominica emerging as a “Terror Island” for a radicalized U.S. regional policy is very real.”

He went on to say that “in the event that John McCain is elected president, the stage could be set for confrontation with the Dominica leadership.”

Kozloff warns rather ominously that “the prospect of a tough operator like McCain taking command in Washington must genuinely worry those committed to a new emphasis on regional self-determination. With the grim fate of Grenada and Chile under Salvador Allende in mind, tiny Dominica has good reason to be apprehensive over its approaching destiny, whatever that might prove to be.”

Read the entire article

Starret Francois of the Gaylords Power Union dies

2008-02-26T13:13:00.001-05:00

Dominicans who were alive in the 60’s and 70’s remember the Gaylords Power Union, they remember “Hit me with music” and of course they remember the blind music genius Starret Francois, Dominica’s own ‘Stevie Wonder’.

Sadly, Starret who hailed from Thibaud, died in London at the age of 60 from acute renal failure, leaving behind a son, four daughters and five grand children.

I was too young to remember everything about the band but throughout the years I have occasionally thought about and remembered the Gaylords and Starret Francois.

Read entire article

Dominican Patriot, War Veteran and Civic Hero

2008-02-24T09:21:00.001-05:00

The news this morning of the death of my friend and former employer Allan Buntin comes as a shock. Of interest was a remark yesterday by Karol Phillip that there may be a military funeral on Dominica soon. He had made that remark to me when I referred to Alan in a conversation when I asked where we could get acid for batteries and Karol said - maybe Martinique. That was strange that we would have to go to Martinique now for acid, as we used to make battery acid at Alan's firm, Smith & Lord, back in 1976. Now this news.

Read Entire Article

Former DLP Senator to Contest Next Elections for the UWP

2008-02-21T17:43:00.001-05:00

Former Dominica Labour Party Senator Griffin St. Hilaire called on the poor and working classes of Dominica to not lose hope, but to hold on until the UWP takes office at the next general election.

St. Hiliare who lost to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt for the leadership of the DLP in 2004 recently announced that he would contest the next elections, due in 2010, with the opposition United Workers Party (UWP).

The former senator who is currently employed with the United Nations said that the DLP had betrayed the working class of Dominica. He said that the UWP would place Dominica back on track, on the development path from where they left off in the year 1999.

St. Hilaire noted that Dominicans are very unhappy at the moment, as a result of the high cost of living and a poor economy. He lamented the fact that the current labour party leadership is comfortable with collaborating with the local chamber of commerce to stop the importation of barrels of foodstuffs and home toiletries for the poor people of Dominica.

According to St. Hiliare, that type of thinking is contrary to the thinking of the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas who had intended to increase the number of duty free barrels of foodstuffs that would have been permitted to enter Dominica for poor Dominicans.

Reflections on Education in Dominica

2008-02-18T09:58:00.003-05:00

Growing up in Dominica, I was taught that a good education was the means by which I could provide a better life for myself and for my future children.

This belief was instilled in me at a very early age, first by my mother, then by my teachers at primary school and high school, and finally by my professors at college.

A good education was defined as getting A’s and B’s in all of my courses with an emphasis on A’s. A better life was defined as having a husband and children and taking my rightful place as a caregiver in society.

See full article at Reflections on Education

A Desperate Plea for Charles Lawrence (Charlo)

2008-02-13T12:17:00.003-05:00

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." Ralph Waldo Emerson.

In life we never know how we will end up. We are in control of our destinies to a certain extent. Charles Lawrence was in control of his destiny up to a point. He did all the right things. A handsome young (in his mid 30s) and strapping man he was, but now he is a sick, sick young man.

What is so amazing about Charlo is his will, his outlook on life. Never in my life have I seen someone like Charlo, he just will not allow his sickness to get the better of him. His body wants to leave him, but Charlo's mind, his heart, and his loving soul will not allow his body get the better on him. I feel so humbled when I speak with Charlo as I did yesterday.

He is indeed an inspiration! I remember Charlo growing up as a young man in La Plaine, he was always one that the other young men could emulate. He was involved in church, in all village activities especially dealing with the youth, respectful and helpful to his elders.

He was a teacher before going to study in Cuba. Charlo was an elected member of the village council, we served together, and he was a force to reckon with on the council, vibrant, energetic, and smart.

His smile was and still is intoxicating! Charlo's laugh would make one forget about his or her sorrows even for a while.He has not lost that spirit. He is a champion, one of the unsung heroes of my village.

Charlo has been living in New Jersey for the past eight years, and even though he is quite sick, he remains involved in community activities around New Jersey, it is just a profound part of him.

Charlo needs us now, he needs us badly and urgently. His life is well worth saving, and we can help do that. He has been suffering from kidney disease and has been on dialysis for a long time now, but it has reached a point where he needs to move to the next level, which would be a kidney transplant, although he has been reluctant to do it, he finally agreed.

His sister is willing and ready to donate her kidney to him, but it will cost over $100.000 US to get it done, he has no insurance and since he is not a legal resident, he can’t get it done through any State or Government programs. Please let us help Charlo.

There are some of us in the group who can help in different ways. Our medical people may know of programs or well wishers in the medical profession who would be willing to help Charlo.. Our other members can help raise the funds. We can do it if we want to and Charlo is worth it. Please! Please! Please ! I beg you my brothers and sisters let’s do whatever we can to save Charlo’s life.

Editors Note: The Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences has fully embraced the plea to help a fellow Dominican, and we are urging everyone to contribute through the DAAS by going to http://www.da-academy.org/memberfees.html and click on the Pay Pal donate button. All contributions are tax deductible, and can be made via credit card. Check payments can also be mailed to Treasurer – DAAS, P O Box 27254, Washington, DC, 20038.

A Grand Fond Villager Turns 100

2008-02-12T19:13:00.000-05:00

The number of Dominicans living above the age of 100 increased to sixteen with the 100th birthday celebration of Christiana Cuffy James (Ma Price) of Grand Fond.

Of the sixteen, two are men.Ma Price celebrated the special occasion in the presence of government officials, relatives and most of the villagers of the small South Eastern village.

She attributed her longevity to a simple, happy lifestyle, and eating well with her favorite dish being roast codfish and cocoy (a type of banana), with no oil.

She also loves eating tonton (food, usually breadfruit pounded in a wooden mortar). The number of centenarians in Dominica reached a high of 22 in 2005.

The oldest living person in Dominica is Violet Joseph of Roseau at the age of 109.

PM Skeritt Places on Hold Plans for the Building of an Oil Refinery

2008-02-12T18:00:00.001-05:00

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt has announced that he is placing on hold plans to build an oil refinery in Dominica.

President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela pledged to build the oil refinery in Dominica during a visit to that country in February, 2006.

There has however been mounting pressure from environmental groups, the opposition parties, the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association, and a wide segment of the Dominican population who were opposed to the building of the oil refinery.

Many maintained that such a facility would be at odds with Dominica’s image as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean.

In responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement, Opposition Leader Earl Williams said that this was simply a ploy by the Skeritt government to take off the pressure that has building in opposition to the oil refinery.

He expressed concerns that government will revisit the issue when the pressure has died down.