The Dominican provides a unique opportunity to advertise to the thousands of people who access this free site daily, while becoming a sponsor of the site.
For additional information, please
The News in Brief from The Dominican.net News Desk
Caracas � July 15, 2008 Hugo Chavez sweetens PetroCarib deal
Caribbean countries who are signatories to Venezuela's PetroCaribe oil accord can expect an improved arrangement.
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, has announced plans to improve its terms.
Speaking at a meeting of the PetroCaribe group, Mr. Chavez said that the member countries will only have to pay for 40% of the oil they purchase in the first 90 days and will then have up to 25 years to pay the remaining 60%.
Figures revealed by Venezuelan officials show that three years after the arrangement began, PetroCaribe is still not operating at full strength because of transportation and storage problems.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines expects to complete construction of a storage facility next year with Venezuelan help.
Dominica was scheduled to begin building a Venezuelan-financed oil refinery but that has been put on hold pending local consultation.
St Johns � July 15, 2008 Financial institutions advised on money management
Noted financial manager, Eric Guichard, was in Antigua last week advising financial institutions on how to avoid economic meltdowns similar to the one presently haunting the U.S. economy.
Guichard, who is Chief Investment Officer of the Washington-based financial group, Gravitas Capital Advisors, encouraged regional bankers to be vigilant, innovative and creative in their approach to money management.
He facilitated a special seminar on Global Portfolio Management hosted by ABI Bank Ltd. at their Redcliffe Street offices in St. John�s.
It was attended by 25 bankers and executives from local financial institutions.
Opening remarks were made by ABI Bank Ltd�s Country Manager, Everett Christian.
The seminar was an all-day affair and focussed on three areas, namely the U.S. sub-prime crisis, Risk and Portfolio Management and New Product Development.
The seminar was co-ordinated by Dr. Valda Henry and her company VF Incorporated which is based in Dominica. Similar sessions will be held in eight other Caribbean islands.
Massacre � July 13, 2008 Massacre to Receive its Rightful Place in Reunion 2008
Artist Earl Etienne will head a team including painters from the Carib Territory to upgrade the Massacre Mural, which was commissioned in reunion 1988, by the St Ann�s Parish Council, and conceptualized by the then Parish Priest and designed and painted by Earl Etienne, himself.
The Parishioners of St Ann�s, (Massacre/Mahaut) are especially delighted as final preparations are being made for their annual Parish Feast, which is being presented as a �GRANDPARENTS FESTIVAL� this year.
Sunday, July, 27, 2008 is carded to be observed as �GRANDPARENTS DAY�.
Indeed, revisiting �The Massacre Story� will bring about the Participation, Celebration, Renaissance, Renewal and Reconciliation which all are hoping for, as we �Celebrate the Journey Together through Reunion 2008 and beyond.
St Georges- Grenada (AP) � July 9, 2008 Grenada opposition poised to win
A veteran legislator and former political detainee returned his party to power in Grenada on Tuesday after 13 years in opposition, according to preliminary election results.
The apparent win by Tillman Thomas' National Democratic Congress is a stunning setback for Prime Minister Keith Mitchell's conservative New National Party, which was seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive term in legislative elections.
Grenada's Elections Office released a statement saying that their preliminary count showed the National Democratic Congress winning 11 of 15 seats. The ruling New National Party had four seats. The final count will be certified and announced on Wednesday.
The leader of the party that controls a majority of seats in Parliament becomes prime minister, the country's top elected official.
The vote came 25 years after Grenada weathered a coup and U.S. military invasion.
The ruling party was apparently hurt by allegations of "autocratic" tendencies leveled at Mitchell, who took office in 1995.
Stunned party spokesman Terrence Forrester conceded defeat.
"It was a surprise. The party will now engage in deep introspection," Forrester told reporters.
Analysts had predicted a close election in the southern Caribbean island of 100,000, giving the edge to Mitchell's party, which narrowly defeated the National Democratic Congress in 2003.
Opposition supporters danced to calypso music and honked car horns at impromptu victory celebrations in St. George's.
"I'm feeling happy, very joyous," said local preacher John St. Bernard. "I wish this had happened 10 years ago."
Thomas, who could not immediately be contacted Tuesday night, has promised to create jobs, lower the cost of living and better manage Grenada's economy.
Thomas was in prison as a political detainee of the Cuba-aligned government of Maurice Bishop when U.S. forces invaded the country in 1983.
U.S. and regional troops stormed Grenada after the leftist government was overthrown and its leaders executed by an even more hard-line Marxist faction.
MIAMI � JULY 6, 2008 Bertha could become Atlantic season's first hurricane
Tropical Storm Bertha is approaching warmer waters and is likely to strengthen during the coming days.
At 11 a.m. ET Sunday, Bertha was centered about 1,185 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands in the Caribbean.
Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with some higher gusting.
Forecasters say Bertha is expected to strengthen during the next few days and could become the Atlantic season's first hurricane.
The storm is moving toward the west at about 21 mph. It's still too early to say if or where Bertha will hit land.
The first named storm this year, Arthur, formed in the Atlantic the day before the season officially started June 1 and soaked the Yucatan Peninsula.
St Johns, Antigua - July 2, 2008 Man turns himself in to police after death of villager
A resident from Liberta village in Antigua has turned himself into the police after he was on the run in connection with an altercation that left a fellow villager dead on the weekend.
The 25-year-old man, who is originally from Dominica, was accompanied to the local Police Station by his attorney John Fuller as he turned himself over to the homicide squad.
Reports are that the man and Calvert �Cally� Joseph, 51, were in an altercation at a popular bar in the village last Saturday night where Joseph was allegedly struck to the head by the 25-year-old Liberta resident.
Further reports are that the deceased, who was described as a vagrant, threw goat water into the face of his perpetrator, who retaliated by punching Joseph.
Joseph is reported to have fallen unconscious to the ground and was subsequently rushed to the Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Roseau � July 2, 2008 $15 per gallon for gasoline in Dominica
The price of gasoline have passed the $15 EC (US $5.55) mark as residents of Dominica brace for even higher prices. Gasoline prices were just over $6 EC at this time last year.
Already the escalating fuel prices are having a devastating effect on the country�s economy. The high fuel prices are being blamed for the slow down in cruise arrivals and stay over visitors to the country.
Electricity prices are on the rise and so too are the prices of food and other imports. Local consumers are beginning to wonder when it will all end.
A member of the executive of the Dominica Freedom Party believes the Government can reduce the tax of EC3.00 per gallon that goes into government�s coffers.
He also called for a review of the Excise Tax being charged on diesel used to generate electricity as a reduction on the Value Added Tax applied to electricity consumption.
Roseau � July 2, 2008 Police seize property in drug arrest
Two men and one woman from Portsmouth who were arrested by police for drug trafficking have been released on bail. They were arrested with 216lbs of marijuana with a street value of over $100,000 EC (US $ 37 000).
Bail was set at $25,000 and $50,000. Police say in their investigation they seized a jeep, boat, and two big Yamaha outboard motors.
Roseau � June 29, 2008 Police recapture serial escapist
Police in Dominica are reporting the capture of Angus Warrington who escaped from the Stock Farm prison a few days earlier.
Warrington who police described as armed and dangerous had successfully staged his fifth escape from Dominica�s lone prison facility.
According to police public relations officer Claude Weekes, Warrington was arrested in the vicinity of his girlfriend�s home. His girlfriend was also taken into custody by police.
�She has been arrested as well for harboring a prisoner. Investigations nevertheless continue with regards to Angus Warrington as the police look at some matters, which was allegedly committed while he was at large,� Weekes reported.
The fact that Warrington has escaped five times from the state prison continues to raise concern about the overall security of that facility.
Roseau � June 29, 2008 Roseau man Charged for Drug Trafficking
Former LIAT employee Lawrence Mark has been charged EC $20 000 by a local magistrate for trafficking in illegal drugs.
Mark was arrested on April 28, 2006 for drug related offences including possession with intent to supply and export over 52 pounds of compressed marijuana. Customs and immigration officials seized the drugs when Mark tried to leave the country via Melville Hall Airport.
He is to pay $5 000 by September of 2008 and the remaining $15 000 by February of 2009.
Roseau- June 27, 2008 LIAT introduces Daily non-stop service from St Lucia into Canefield, Dominica
LIAT, the regional Caribbean airline, has introduced daily non-stop service between St. Lucia�s Herwanorra Airport (UVF) and Dominica�s Canefield Airport (DCF), located on the western portion of the island just 10 minutes drive from the capital city of Roseau. The flights are operated by Carib Aviation (3Q) in a code share agreement with LIAT (LI).
The announcement was made by the Discover Dominica Tourism Authority in Roseau.
Flight #131 will depart Dominica daily at 12:10 p.m., arriving into St. Lucia at 12:55 p.m. The return flight #132 will depart St. Lucia at 4:05 p.m., arriving into Dominica at 4:50 p.m. Carib Aviation uses a 19-seat DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft for these flights.
The latest addition will provide a useful connection for persons flying into St. Lucia en route to Dominica from Europe and the United States.
There are already LIAT flights from St. Lucia, but these leave via Vigie airport, which is at least one hour away from Herwanorra, St Lucia�s international hub.
Roseau � June 22, 2008 Police clarifies murder details
Police Chief Mathias Lestrade lashed out against the local media for circulating wild rumors of events surrounding the murder of 35 year old Damien Dorival of ElmsHall.
According to the police, the headless corpse of Damien was found on June 12 in Elmshall. A subsequent search of nearby Palm Grove recovered the severed head.
A police investigation led to the arrest of a man who has since been charged with murder.
Since the gruesome and shocking death was made public, the local airwaves have been awash with rumors of the young man been first shot then beheaded with a chainsaw. It was also rumored that he was killed over a dispute with his landlord for the nonpayment of rent.
The police revealed that there was no evidence of a chainsaw being used, nor were bullet wounds found.
The police are continuing their investigations.
St.John�s Antigua � June 11, 2008Firefighter charged in hit-and-run in Antigua
Rohan Telemaque, a fire fighter allegedly involved in the hit-and-run incident last Saturday morning in Antigua has been charged, and he appeared before the magistrate yesterday.
Telemaque, who police said attempted to flee the country with a one-way ticket to Dominica, was granted bail in the sum of $20,000 with one surety and a cash deposit of $2,000.
The officer appeared before Chief Magistrate Ivan Walters on charges of dangerous driving, and driving an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle.
The prosecution made no objections to bail despite the fact that Telemacque was removed from a plane on Monday afternoon, however, he has to surrender his travel documents.
The hit-and-run victim, 39-year-old Caswald Questelles of Fort Road, sustained severe head injuries and is in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at the Holberton Hospital.
Questelles was rushed to the hospital about 3:45 a.m. after he was allegedly struck by Telemaque�s vehicle while riding his bicycle on Fort Road.
Reports are the driver of the vehicle did not stop, leaving Questelles on the road, bleeding and in an unconscious state.
Questelles body was later spotted lying in the road by a passer-by and the ambulance and the police were notified.
Roseau � June 11, 2008 Matthew sends signal to West Indies selectors with strong all-round showing
National middle order batsman, Martin Matthew reminded selectors of his all-round ability as he spurred his team to yet another victory in the Premier Division league action here this weekend.
Matthew struck his maiden century and picked up a five-wicket haul as the four-time defending champions, Desiderata Tremors eased past the struggling MARINOR Renegades by an innings and 73 runs at the Botanic Gardens.
Skipper Matthew struck a polished 110 in his team�s total of 242 for six declared after being invited to take first knock. During his 102 balls stint at the crease, he hit 16 fours and slammed three sixes.
Ezekiel Francis gave excellent support with 47 while former Windward Island middle order batsman Kirsten Casimir helped out with 31.
Fast bowler, Matthew Gustarve took three for 27 to be the best bowler for MARINOR Renegades.
In their turn at the crease, Renegades found the bowling difficult and was all out for 67. Only opening batsman, Jesse Bardouille with 20 showed any resistance to the balanced attack of the defending champs.
Kurt Martin took two for seven, Casimir finished with two for 12 and Matthew supported with two for 18.
Trailing by 175 runs on first innings and asked to follow on, Matthew spun his team to victory as he took six for 26 in the Renegades second innings score of 102.
Cuthbert Maronie top scored with 33 and Jesse Bardouille weighed in with 21 while Casimir finished with two for 31 with his steady, accurate off spin.
Roseau � June 10, 2008 Dominica drops support for commercial whaling - (By Ellsworth Carter)
Dominica will no longer vote with Japan in favor of commercial whaling, the prime minister said, spurning a benefactor that has built fisheries and delivered other aid for the poor Caribbean island.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said in a radio address Sunday that the decision to abstain from the vote at the International Whaling Conference, where it has supported Japan's position for eight years, is "in the best interest of Dominica."
Environmentalists said the reversal will burnish the image of a country that markets itself as "Nature Island" and could boost tourism for the former British colony.
"I welcome the decision although it is eight years late," said conservationist Atherton Martin, who resigned as environment minister in 2000 when the island decided to vote with Japan.
Japan has been pushing for an end to the IWC ban on commercial whaling that began in 1986.
Environmental groups have accused developing nations such as Dominica of voting with Tokyo in exchange for financial aid.
Last year, Skerrit renewed his support for Japan after receiving pledges for new aid including a fish-processing center. Japan also built two other fisheries in Dominica.
The government rejected allegations that its vote was for sale.
The next IWC conference is scheduled this month in Santiago, Chile.
Roseau � June 6, 2008 The Dominica Freedom Party Congratulates Barack Obama
Dear Senator Obama,
We, in the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), add our voices to the millions of supporters around the world and extend warmest congratulations on your victory as the nominee of the Democratic Party for Presidency of the United States of America.
Your phenomenal achievement holds tremendous historic significance and promise for the people of America and indeed the rest of the world.
The people of the United States and the Caribbean share deep historic ties and a long relationship of diverse and mutual interests. We are confident that under your outstanding stewardship, our relations will be renewed and further strengthened.
We seize the opportunity to pledge on our own behalf and that of the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica our support, goodwill and sincere hope for your victory in the upcoming Presidential Election.
Please accept our good wishes for continued health, strength and success in the future.
Yours truly,
Michael Astaphan
Political Leader
Dominica Freedom Party
Roseau � May 28, 2008 Dominican health care providers under attack
A Dominican health provider
In Dominica, the Ministry of Health is alarmed over the growing number of attacks against health care providers.
Last year, nurses staged a small protest in the capital, Roseau, to call for 24-hour security at hospitals across the island following an attack on a nurse at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
But according to the director of primary health care, Dr. Griffin Benjamin, the number of attacks against health workers has increased since that incident.
Dr. Benjamin said the latest incident occurred over the weekend when a nurse delivering a child was punched in the face by the unborn child's father.
The nurse's nose was fractured and she is now recovering at the hospital.
Dr. Benjamin called on the authorities to put measures in place to ensure there are no further attacks.
Roseau � May 26, 2008 DAAS President notes lack of diaspora engagement in Reunion 2008
President of the Dominica Association of Arts and Sciences (DAAS), Dr.
Clayton Shillingford does not feel the diaspora is properly engaged in the Reunion 2008 Celebrations.
Dr Shillingford noted that while Dominicans living abroad must play their part, a role has not been defined for them.
Commenting on the theme of the celebrations: �Celebrating the Journey Together�, he says �I have not seen any defined role for the overseas community. It is not enough just for us to create an environment where the Dominican diaspora will come here for the purpose of fete.�
He called for a meaningful enegagement of overseas Dominicans in the country�s affairs.
Roseau � May 26, 2008 DFP Leader believes it is time to take action against DOMLEC
Leader of the Dominica Freedom Party Michael Astaphan believes it is time to take action against the Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC).
According to Astaphan, DOMLEC is making revenue from its fuel surcharge, and is resisting restoration of one of the company�s hydro generators.
DOMLEC has warned consumers to expect outages during the summer months.
The company is allowed to charge customers a surcharge to cover the mounting cost of fuel used to run its fuel generators. About 40 percent of its power is generated using hydro power.
The Freedom Party leader has repeatedly called for the removal of the surcharge, which contributes as much as 25 � 30 percent to the cost of electricity to local consumers.
Roseau � May 21, 2008 Consumers warned to expect power outages
Public Relations Officer of the Dominica Electricity Services Limited (Domlec), Adina Bellot -Valentine is warning consumers to expect a series of power outages over the next few weeks.
Bellot says the outages will occur as a result of the dry season, which causes low output from the hydro power plants. She also called on business places that are able to self generate, to do so in an effort to lessen the impact of load shedding on the domestic households.
Roseau � May 21, 2008 The Dominica State Colllege to sign MOU with City University, New York
A memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Dominica State College (DSC) and the Medgar Evers College (MEC) of City University, New York next week.
President of MEC Dr. Jackson,will be in Dominica for the event, which is expected to be attended by DSC President Mr. Hubert Charles, Minister of Education Honorable Vince Henderson and Chairman of the board of the Dominica State College, Dr Grell.
There will also be a press conference after the ceremony, which is expected to take place on Monday May 26, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. in the conference room of the DSC campus at Stock Farm.
Basseterre � May 16, 2008 St. Kitts & Nevis� PM files lawsuit against Opposition leader
Prime Minister Denzil Douglas
Lawyers for Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts & Nevis said they have been instructed to file a lawsuit against the political leader of the main opposition People's Action Movement (PAM) Lindsay Grant.
The suit is over statements the lawyers claim were untrue about the head of government in this twin-island Federation.
The lawyers said that their legal action would also be against the party's newspaper.
Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan of Dominica said that the legal action is aimed at stopping a trend taking place in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States where sitting heads of government have been at odds to deny accusations made by opposition politicians.
There has been no reaction as yet from the opposition to the statement made by the attorneys for the Primer Minister.
Roseau � May 15, 2008 Prime Minister says a regional response is needed to resolve banana dispute
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says a regional response is the most appropriate way to respond to the current banana dispute. The dispute between the Windward Island Banana Development and Exporting Company (WIBDECO), the Windward Island Farmers Association (WINFA) and banana companies of the region, has been negatively impacting the farmers in Dominica.
Prime Minister Skerrit says he intends to speak again with the Prime Ministers of St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines on the matter.
Carib Territory � May 12, 2008 Dominica rejects legislating intermarriage to save Carib Indians
The leader of the last remaining pre-Columbian tribe in the eastern Caribbean says outlawing marriage to outsiders can save Dominica's dwindling indigenous population, but legislators are balking at deciding who can marry whom.
Chief Charles Williams has proposed a law requiring ethnic Kalinagos to marry only each other for self-preservation. He also requested that foreigners be barred from living on the tribe's 3,800-acre reserve.
``We would like as many Kalinago people to respond and pair off so that we can multiply and protect the race,'' Williams said during a recent news conference.
An estimated 1,000 Kalinagos of the roughly 4,000 who live on the reserve are considered full-blooded Indians. Carib women who marry non-Indians traditionally leave the reserve, while men who do the same are allowed to stay.
Several legislators said Friday that they refuse to entertain the marriage proposal.
Such a measure would be ``legislating who a person can marry, and this cannot be so,'' Sen. Claduous Stanford told The Associated Press.
Kent Auguiste, a member of the Carib Indian council that oversees the reserve, said the culture should be preserved but not at the expense of personal freedom.
ROSEAU, Dominica, May 9, 2008 Government increases the minimum wage
- Minimum wage workers in Dominica will be taking home more money from next month and Labour Minister Rayburn Blackmore has promised that another hike is in store.
The changes to the minimum wage will see a doubling of take home pay of some categories of workers.
Effective June 1, agriculture and other skilled workers will make at least EC$4 (US$1.51) an hour, up from EC$2.20 (US$0.83); daily paid workers and shop assistants will take home a minimum of EC$4.50 (US$1.69) an hour instead of EC$2.00 (US$0.75); cashiers and receptionists will be paid no less than EC$5.50 (US$2.07) instead of EC$2.00 (US$0.75) an hour; and trainees will earn at least EC$3.60 (US$1.36) an hour, compared to the previous minimum hourly rate of EC$1.50 (US$0.56).
The monthly minimum wage for home assistants will be EC$500 (US$188).
"An advisory board will be appointed to further review the minimum wage and to make recommendations to the minister for further upward adjustment of the minimum wage," the Labour Minister said.
The increase fulfils a promise which Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made in his 2007/2008 budget.
Mr. Blackmore acknowledged that government had not reached a consensus with the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce on the new rates.
However, he said that the increase was long overdue and after both sides failed to reach agreement after months of negotiation, "action had to be taken".
Workers in Dominica last saw an increase in the minimum wage in 1989.
Grand Bay � May 3, 2008 Police Investigates a Shooting Death in Grand Bay
Police in Dominica are investigating an early morning shooting incident in Grand Bay that left a 34 year old man dead.
Police spokesman Inspector Weeks was tight lipped about the incident and would only confirm that the young man was indeed dead and that a full investigation has been launched.
Roseau � May 2, 2008 With regret we announce the passing of Baby Mia
On the evening of March 31, 2008 Baby Mia was born at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). Mia was delivered at 24 weeks gestation weighing only 500 grams. On Sunday April 6th, 2008, Baby Mia was airlifted to Barbados for further medical care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Baby Mia passed away on the evening of Wednesday April 30, 2008 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. She was exactly one month old. She died due to complications caused by a viral infection in her blood.
This virus caused the platelets in her blood to drop very low which most probably caused some hemorrhaging in her brain which led to her death. Baby Mia was a fighter, apart from the infection she was generally doing well. Her body will be brought back to Dominica for a proper burial.
The family is very thankful to God for Mia's life and is comforted by their faith in God and that His purpose will be fulfilled. The family also wishes to thank the public for their prayers, support and financial assistance. Special thanks are also extended to the staff of the Princess Margaret Hospital in Dominica and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados.
The family continues to raise funds to cover the expenses associated with Mia's care while she was alive. It is the intention of the family to create a special fund in Mia's name which will go towards assisting the Princess Margaret Hospital in obtaining the necessary supplies and equipment to provide quality care to premature infants.
Therefore any surplus monies raised during the family's fundraising efforts will go towards this fund.
On Sunday May 4th, 2008 a Fundraising Band Splash will be held at the Paix Bouche School grounds from 8:00pm. The Jam will feature, The Nature Boys Band, Esclav Band, Simple Screw Band and a number of DJ's.
A donation of $10.00 or more will be taken at the door.
With thanks,
The Family of Baby Mia
St Johns � April 29, 2008 New Chief Justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court
The Secretariat of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has nominated Justice Hugh Anthony Rawlins to be the next Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
This takes effect Tuesday but he will act in that position until his appointment is confirmed by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II.
Justice Rawlins, a national of St. Kitts and Nevis, is currently a Court of Appeal Judge with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, a position he has held since 2005.
He takes over from outgoing Acting Chief Justice, Sir Brian Alleyne of Dominica, who retired Monday.
Marigot � April 28, 2008 Police Investigates an Apparent Suicide
Police in Dominica are investigating the death of 33 year old Earle James of Marigot who was found hanging from a mango tree.
Suicide is suspected, but no suicide note has been found and police were tight-lipped on any possible reasons for the death.
Roseau � April 28, 2008 Activists Plan Vigil to Speed up Implementation of Integrity Act
Local activists in Dominica will be holding a candlelight vigil and rally in Roseau on Wednesday to bring pressure on government to implement the integrity in public office act.
Organizer of the event, journalist Lennox Linton told a press briefing today that three years after the Act was passed in parliament, no one could have envisaged that it would take so long to be enacted.
The Act contains measures for the financial dealings of parliamentarians to be scrutinized by the public.
Earlier this month, a petition was circulated by lawyer David Bruney on the same matter with a view to submitting it to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to ask him to bring pressure on government to enact the regulation.
The petition was dismissed by government claiming that the issue was an internal one.
A police officer who attended the briefing in plains clothes refused to leave after repeated requests from the organizers.
Other members of the group heading the vigil include environmentalist and former agriculture minister Atherton Martin and local talk show host Angelo Alleyne.
Roseau - April 22, 2008 Ferry Service May Ease Travel Woes for Busy Reunion
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.
Gimmit � April 16, 2008 Oil Spill at Petrocaribe Facility
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.
Roseau � April 16, 2008 Price of Rice Set to Rise
Consumers will see an increase in the price of rice with immediate effect. Information from the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) says the increases have become necessary, as a result of substantial increases in the prices of both white and parboiled rice on the world market.
The wholesale price of white rice per 100 lbs bag is now $85.00, while the wholesale price of parboiled rice per 100 lbs bag is $110.00.
Roseau � April 14, 2008 Journalist Calls For Implementation Of Integrity Act As Reunion Event
Journalist Lennox Linton is calling for the implementation of the integrity in public office act, as a national reunion event. Mr. Linton says he wants government to finally bring the act into operation as of April 30th 2008.
He notes that Dominicans here and abroad, are expressing great desire toward the implementation.
He said: �April 30th 2008 will be five years since the parliamentarians of this country, eighteen of them out of a thirty member parliament, voted for the passage of this piece of legislation.�
Linton is suggesting that April 30th 2008, becomes a reunion event where �finally, the government that has done the great thing of introducing it to parliament, says we have put the system in place and the act is now operational��
Meantime Minister for Community Development Loreen Bannis Roberts says she is not in a position to give such a commitment.
The Minister added that she does not see the need for a petition, meant to influence the implementation of the act, to be sent to the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. �You are asking a sovereign country to interfere into the runnings of another sovereign state.�
Colorado � April 14, 2008 US Forecaster Raises Atlantic Hurricane Number
The noted Colorado State University hurricane research team on Wednesday raised the number of tropical storms and hurricanes it expects to form in the upcoming Atlantic storm season.
The team founded by forecasting pioneer Bill Gray increased its outlook by two tropical storms to 15, and by one hurricane to eight, compared with a long-term average of around 10 and six, respectively, for a storm season. "Current oceanic and atmospheric trends indicate that we will likely have an active Atlantic basin hurricane season," said Gray in a statement.
Of the eight hurricanes predicted by the forecasters for the six-month season starting June 1, four were forecast to become major storms with winds of at least 111 miles per hour (178 kph).
Wesley � April 10, 2008 Government Committed to Building International Airport
Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit has reiterated his government�s commitment to the construction of an international airport in Dominica.
In an address to returning nationals in the village of Wesley recently, the Prime Minister said: �This Government has never said it is against an international airport. What we have said is that it is going to be difficult for the Treasury of Dominica to be able to build an international airport all by itself.�
The Prime Minister also told the large gathering of overseas-based Dominicans that the process towards building an international airport would take years, describing it as �a massive undertaking�.
In the meantime, Government is pursuing the development of the Melville Hall Airport as a short to medium response to inadequate air access into Dominica.
Hon. Skerrit also revealed that several interested parties had expressed an interest in assisting in the construction of the international airport. Hon. Skerrit also mentioned that coming out of the recent 19th CARICOM Inter-Sessional Meeting in Trinidad, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had established a special facility for the OECS, specifically to assist the Commonwealth of Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the construction of an international airport in their countries.
Melbourne � April 3, 2008 Cell Phones More Dangerous Than Cigarettes and Asbestos
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. Post your comments to this article.
Roseau � April 3, 2008 DFA President Calls it Quits
Less than 48 hours after saluting the national team's performance against Barbados, Dominica's football president Dexter Francis has resigned as president of the local governing body.
In a surprise move, Francis handed in his resignation on Tuesday as Dominica Football Association (DFA) boss.
Francis, who has had a troubled 21 months at the helm, cited a number of reasons for his decision to quit the top job.
In his letter dated April 1, Francis said that the working relationship with some staff members made it difficult and in some cases, impossible for him to function as the president and the constant internal fighting and bickering had taken its toll on him.
Dominica lost 1-0 to Barbados at Kensington Oval last week after playing to a 1-1 draw in the first leg here on March 6.
Despite the team's failure to advance to the second round of competition, Francis said the players gave their best.
"They really put their best foot forward and for that we are very proud of them. They played with all their heart and gave true representation
and that is what matters."
Francis believes the team should remain together and train as a unit for upcoming competitions.
"We have the Digicel Competition later this year and if this bunch of players stay together, I know that we will have a very good side.
Laudat � April 3, 2008 $2 million road project completed
The Laudat road after construction
Visitors to the Roseau Valley are now enjoying a new touristic experience as a result of the completion of the restoration of the Bayak Road slope stabilisation.
The village of Laudat had come under serious threat from being cut off from the rest of the island following a severe slope and road slippage in the Bayak area on the road to Laudat caused by the heavy rains of Hurricane Dean.
As a result Government moved in quickly to redress the situation to ensure continued access to the village and the many tourist sites in the area.
The Bayak intervention cost $2 million ECD and consisted of two segments, one geared at facilitating immediate access and the other at developing a long-term solution.
Weston � April 3, 2008 Fundraiser to send local youth to Dominica
The Mid-Life Crisis band
"Mid-Life Crisis" will be performing their special blend of rhythm and blues and classic rock at the Dominica Benefit Auction this Saturday evening, April 5, at the Josiah Smith Barn in Weston Center.
Proceeds from ticket sales and the lively auction, which includes a signed Celtics basketball and playoff tickets and a family membership to the Longfellow Clubs, will help to send Lincoln-Sudbury and Wayland High School students, all members of Sudbury United Methodist Church, to the Caribbean island of Dominica during spring break to build a security wall around a local church and visit with families supported by local church members.
For tickets and information contact Andy Andrews at 978-443-4351, ext. 208, or e-mail:
[email protected]
Bridgetown-March 26, 2008 Dominica loses to Barbados in World Cup qualifying 1 � 0
Dominica�s hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup ended today after losing 1 � 0 to Barbados in that country�s capital.
The Dominican team played well but lost their central defender who was sent off with a red card in the 65th minute. Barbados finally broke through in the 75th minute with a fine goal from Sanford.
In the first leg held in February in Dominica, the game ended in a 1 � 1 draw.
Barbados now goes on to face the United States in June as they continue their campaign to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Bridgetown-March 26, 2008 Dominica Takes on Barbados in World Cup Qualifying March 26
The Dominica football team will face off against Barbados today in a must win encounter to move on in qualifying for the 2010 World cup.
The game is set for 3 pm on Wednesday, March 26 in Bridgetown, Barbados. Dominica needs to win by a clear goal to go on to face the United States in June.
In the first leg of the competition, Dominica and Barbados drew in a 1-1 tie in the Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau on February 6, 2008.
Meanwhile, several foreign based players are set to participate for both Dominica and Barbados in this critical encounter.
Basseterre-March 25 Simon Smashes CARIFTA Games Record, Dominica Shines
Dominica at the CARIFTA games
Sixteen year old Dillon Simon of Dominica rewrote the CARIFTA Games record in St. Kitts when he smashed the U17 Boys Shot Put with a throw of 16.63m to break the previous mark of 16.27m set by Quincy Wilson last year.
Simon was one of four Dominican athletes participating in the games. At the end of the championship athletic events, which witnessed the participation of twenty-three Caribbean countries, Dominica walked away with three medals, one gold, one silver and one bronze; for its best performance ever in the regional junior competition.
Simon also got a silver medal in the Discus (47.00m) and Merfilius Leslie got bronze with a personal best in the Javelin at 51.90m.
The CARIFTA games ran over the weekend in St. Kitts with male and female athletes participating in the U17 and U20 age categories.
As in the past, the games were dominated by Jamaica, Trinidad and the Bahamas.
The 2009 games are scheduled to be held in St. Lucia.
Portsmouth � March 25, 2008 Dominica records first road fatality for 2008
Dominica recorded its first road fatality for 2008 when twenty-three year old Randy James of Portsmouth died on Monday night.
James was riding a motorcycle when it came into contact with a Mitsubishi van at Boroughs Square in Portsmouth. Sixteen year old Samantha Alexander who was riding with James is in critical condition at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau. Police investigations into the deadly crash continues.
March 20, 2008 Dominicans fall for internet fraud
Head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Dominica Police Force Duke Sevarin is warning Dominicans against falling prey to financial fraud conducted over the internet.
According to Sevarin, several Dominicans received fake money orders after being contacted over the internet. They were then asked to cash the money orders and remit part of the proceeds to persons living overseas.
The lead detective said that some people successfully cashed the money orders while others attempted to do so. He warned Dominicans against falling prey to international con men bent on defrauding the country of scarce financial resources.
He also warned against individuals participating in potential criminal activity.
Dominicans have lost thousands of dollars in recent months after being fooled into sending money overseas purportedly fro receiving millions in return.
