Antigua PM offers to help Dominica deal with Ross issue

Gaston Browne

The Gaston Browne led administration in Antigua and Barbuda has said that it is willing to assist Dominica as it grapples with the loss of the Ross University School of Medicine.

The medical school, which operated in the north of the island for forty years, announced last week that it is leaving for good and will be relocating to Barbados.
Browne, in a statement last night, said his government was willing to provide incentives that would enable Dominica to remain attractive to Ross University.
“Antigua and Barbuda recognises the monumental role played by Ross University in the economy of Dominica and the move will impact; even in the short-term, employment,  foreign exchange earnings and air arrivals,” Browne said.
One of the incentives outlined by Browne is the lowering or complete elemination of transit taxes.
Browne was referring to the Ross University students heading to Dominica from the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada who would have to pay transit fees in Antigua.
He said his government is willing to forego these fees to assist Dominica.
Another suggestion from Browne is that Ross University and the government of Dominica to enter into an agreement so that the university can remain on the nature island.
“There is every responsibility owed by Ross to engage in a win win outcome by maintaining operations in Dominica while expanding and diversifying it’s market operations to an additional CARICOM state,” he said.
But, if the University should remain true to its latest pronouncements, Browne said his government is willing to keep its borders opened to welcome Dominicans who are severely impacted by the university’s departure.
He said “Antigua and Barbuda knows the pain which the workers and other breadwinners in Dominica will feel…especially the business owners which offer goods and services”.
Additionally, Browne believes that an another downturn in the country’s economy coupled with the freedom of movement cannot be helpful to the cause of regional integration.
And because of that, Browne said his country will do its part to assist Dominicans who may want to make Antigua and Barbuda their home.
He ended his statement by saying that Antigua and Barbuda has never shirked its responsibility to extend assistance to Dominica in times of distress.
In September last year, Dominica was severely affected by Hurricane Maria.
That category 5 hurricane destroyed infrastructure forcing the closure of several businesses in an around the island, including Portsmouth, where Ross University was based.

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93 Comments

  1. Jaimous Thomas
    August 13, 2018

    Thank you so very much PM Brown, but Dominica is saying no thank you. The time is now here when we as a people are going to find our way our on our own. We Dominicans are going to need to put petty politics aside and dig deep to solve our issues and grow our country all by ourselves for ourselves.

  2. ATKINSON
    August 12, 2018

    This must be a joke, and a whole lot of B.S (Bawlin Spencer) :-P Maybe PM Browne should help in the issues of John Ashe, Xiao Jianhua, Allen Standford, Asot Michael, Mehul Choksi, and Leroy king. But this might be welcome by the Spanish ladies in dominica that are not making any money now, they can go and work in the glentlemens club in antigua :mrgreen: Who is next to offer ideas and help Ng Lap “Boss Wu” Seng, Alireza Monfared, Maduro coming to have a grand opening :mrgreen: of the coffee plant

  3. Viva ma Eugenia
    August 11, 2018

    And persons sharing that rubbish. Does that even make any sense at all? Ross gone and they well gone. next topic please. fix the damn roads without the OA and give possie a new hospital and build huricane shelters and create employment.

  4. Diman
    August 11, 2018

    All this talk is just too much noise too late. If the Ross matter had gone in Dominica’s favor Skerrit and his friends and regime would have been heaping praise on themselves. The thing now has been poorly negotiated and failed so Skerrit must take the blame. That is how true leaders behave. The success or failure is the responsibility of the leader. He cannot have one without the other. The loss of Ross Medical University is the biggest failure of any leader in the island’s history. Patrick John introduced Ross, and every other leader Douglas, Seraphin, Eugenia Pierre Charles, Edison James held on to it despite storms and poor conditions of roads. Skerrit failed to keep it. Such a failure cannot be excused and go unpunished at the polls next election or what kind of standards do Dominicans have.

  5. Omg
    August 11, 2018

    Welcome to the next level in Dominica under the stewardship of the Labour party. We are in denial of what is happening around us. So many businesses are closing down but we seem not to observe the happenings. Omg! Wake up people

  6. Gone
    August 10, 2018

    Than you mr Browne i will be the first to take up your offer because there is nothing left in Dominica for me. See you early in September, before the 18th for sure.

  7. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    August 10, 2018

    “One of the incentives outlined by Browne is the lowering or complete elemination of transit taxes.
    Browne was referring to the Ross University students heading to Dominica from the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada who would have to pay transit fees in Antigua.”

    All of that is baloney Gaston, why didn’t you thought of that before the damage was done; while you were benefiting from transit taxes it was okay; but now that the Students and faculty can get direct international flights from England, Canada, and America to Barbados, you come blowing this bit of hypocritical crap!

    Remember it was the Antigua labor party headed Bird,who chartered LIAT, and gave Dominicans free flight home to vote Edison James UWP out so that Skerrit and the stupid Dominicans as you all call so that they could  shut down the International Airport the UWP had under construction.

    You behind loosing now so you are talking crap: Shut up, all of you made a fool out of Roosevelt the stupid…

  8. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    August 10, 2018

    “Browne, in a statement last night, said his government was willing to provide incentives that would enable Dominica to remain attractive to Ross University. ”

    Gaston, be real; what incentives  can you provide to Ross which has already left Dominica, and settled in Barbados into better facilities than they had in Dominica that will cause them to return to Dominica?

    Don’t you know that one of Ross main reasons for leaving Dominica, is because there are no international flight from anywhere in North America, and Europe  to Dominica which causes an inconvenient to the students and faculty of Ross, traveling in and out of Dominica.

    Unless you are going to contribute money to the building of an International Airport in Dominica, as your are doing on your tiny dot island Barbuda you are simply using sweet sounding words which values nothing! 

    This is not the time to play games, if you want to do something level with Roosevelt and point out his backwardness to him which the…

  9. anonymous2
    August 10, 2018

    That is why it says in the bible: My people perish for lack of knowledge. Knowledge is power and the knowledge is kept from the people. This is not the first civilization to perish for lack of knowledge, nor will it be the last. Knowledge is truth and most people don’t know the truth about anything, they just have belief systems……which are false.

  10. JAH KAL
    August 10, 2018

    Thanks MR Brown u may mean well but skerrit and his goons must go.

  11. anonymous2
    August 10, 2018

    Me thinks that it is a little late for that. It should have manifested at least 2 years ago or more. Too little too late. Too many Dominicans don’t appreciate what they have when they have it and expect it to support them without anything in return.. Life is a 2 way street.

  12. August 10, 2018

    What can he do??? give D/ca a new Ross with all the fittings of the old Ross, the damage is done :-D :-D

  13. ???????????????
    August 10, 2018

    Thank you Mr. Gaston Browne. I believe you are genuine. Let God be your judge. I am in no position to know your heart. Only God knows.

  14. ?????????????
    August 10, 2018

    I must really stop reading those negative comments. You folks go repent and start to Love. Jehovah first. You remember he sent his son to die for us. Now that is real love! Look up to this father who loves us unconditionally and recognize the love for us. When you begin to love Jehovah, then loving others will come easy. You will love country, those in authority even if it is not your party of choice, the young people – you are not teaching them to love; You must reverence and respect Jehovah! then you will respect others (position) and you will never speak those evil and insultive words to no one. You will even love those whom are incapable of loving. You will win someone who has not known love. Why are you crying down this country? You folks will do anything for persons out there not to assist those who are in need and in Dominica. All of you are in the Diaspora. Come down for a visit and see with your eyes.

    Partner you want healing, stamp out the hate and negatives.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      August 10, 2018

      Shut up fool, what does God have to do with the nonsense Gaston Brown is talking: the man is a damn hypocrite, why didn’t he come up with such gestures  when he and his country was benefiting at the expense of Dominica, and our people?

      How are you going to give insensitive by removing transit fees on people transiting trough Antigua to Dominica, when there is no need for that now.

      The man is an SOB,lying through his teeth!

      And if you are reading this, I am the Francisco Telemaque who know way back when I was a  17 year old working at the Texaco Gas Station on the junction of All Saint & De Susa Road. I know you well, so stop your bull, I am not impressed!

      I was called a “fooley” Dominica then by many of you Antiguans, and the practice continues till now, that is one of the insults our people suffers in Antigua!

      • Caribbean born
        August 11, 2018

        You know what’s funny. So many Dominicans live in harmony with Antiguans. Why use this post to be bitter about your experience? This isn’t the reality for many Dominicans in Antigua. All the man was trying to do is to encourage Ross University to stay. People still in transit maybe more than you think.

        If your issue is with the current administration in Dominica so let it be but don’t act like you know the intent of people’s heart

      • Man bites dogs
        August 11, 2018

        @ Francisco, Hi as you well know I am not a fan of yours but some things you said got me thinking, I have been traveling from the UK and Europe at least 2 to 3 times a year and I have suspected for a long time the Antiguan government has been conning us Dominicans and most Antiguans public don’t care two screws about Dominican travelling public apart if you are white.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        August 12, 2018

        So called Caribbean Born, you cannot tell me anything about Antigua I do not know!

        I practically grew up in Perry’s Bay  and on Armstrong Road in St. John’s. I was Married to an Antiguan, all of my children are born in Antigua okay; I  Belonger Status after Antigua Independence, I have as many relatives on my Grandmother side born in Antigua,  living there this very day!

        I know Gaston Brown from 1962!
        he is full of bull!

        Dominicans do not live in harmony there as you claim  : “Been there done that!” they look down on us as stupid people. Hence, our name and title to the Antiguans is “fooly Dominican” which actually means stupid Dominican!

        It is not my experience alone, they do not have any respect for us. Gone are the days when Antiguans used to come to Dominica to work, as such the villages of Marigot, and Wesley exists that’s why we have a different accent. 

        Man bite Dog, they been kicking us around for a long time!

      • budman
        August 13, 2018

        you know Gaston Brown from 1962 but the man is only 51 years old? born in 67? how does that work? please explain this one to all of us

  15. Nature isle baby
    August 10, 2018

    Thank u PM Browne for that offer let me apologize on behalf of the ungrateful Dominicans I’m already in Antigua this is my second term under your party in power and this is the second time u are coming to our rescue a true friend in did. May God continue to bless u sir.

  16. CB BOSS
    August 10, 2018

    Fellow Dominicans,

    In all honesty, Hon Brown has a point. You know we say that St. Lucia is our sister island, but we are wrong. Antigua is. Our human resource has been flooding to Antigua from the beginning of time. Every Dominican has a relative working in Antigua. From airport administration, police, customs, business owners to garbage collectors.

    Let’s stop all this political bickering. We need a plan. Something substantial, that will, in the end reverse that brain drain and attract the best and the brightest back to our shores.

    Now listen to me analytically and very carefully. We hardly have land flat enough for a proper international airport. However, we have mountains and agricultural land. As a matter of fact, in the past, all of Dominica’s productive days were in agriculture. Vanilla, cocoa, citrus, coconuts, and bananas.

    While sympathy is on our side. I suggest a marijuana and hemp processing plant at Ross university site.

    So let’s plant. Make 30% a 99%.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      August 12, 2018

      People like you are stupid!

      Gaston is simply running his mouth off now because he realizes that he is now loosing all of the money Antigua made from our disadvantage, of not having an International Airport!

      As long as Ross remained in Dominica, and  someone from out of Europe, or North America chose the Antigua rout to get a connecting flight via LIAT to Dominica, they ripped off those traveling to Dominica, with a mandatory transit fee; generating millions of dollars into the treasury of Antigua; money that we could be ultimately spent in Dominica.

      So,my question is what honest point has Gaston; when the Antiguans plotted with Ralph Gonzales of St. Vincent never to allow Dominica to get an International Airport, because if we do, Dominica will become the HUB, Antigua loosing that privilege!

      You are talking crap about St. Lucia: I transit from the United States via St. Lucia to
      Dominica, I walked off American Airline to LIAT without paying any money to St. Lucia…

      • budman
        August 13, 2018

        Dominica would become THE HUB? lol. really. it would take over from both Barbados and Antigua? really?

  17. A_DAMassive
    August 10, 2018

    Maybe the chicken man should have consulted his PM before he gave us his self aggrandizing expos’e. Colonel Saunders is the typical Caribbean bourgeois who is out of touch with the reality of the proletariat, synonymous attitudes that consequently created a Carl Max and a Lenin. Climate Change my donkey. People are suffering as a result of the incompetence of the current leadership in Dominica, and here you are telling us about a UN speech. Not once did the Colonel express sympathy to anyone one that was fiscally affected by the departure of Ross.

    Have you ever listened to Ian? Have you ever listened to Reginald our deputy PM? You should speak to this.

  18. Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
    August 10, 2018

    They accused the Barbadian Primer Minister of poaching. The real poaching of Human Resources is coming from Antigua. In life there are no losses. One man’s trash, or in this case failure to secure Ross and its contribution to Dominica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is Gaston’s treasure. Skerrit, Ian, Vince, Robby and Austrie are nothing more than one “Colossal Failure” after another. I cannot leave out Levi and Rayburn. Two “Dunce Cat” who just eating the tax payer’s money, while crime and drive-by shootings is the order of the day. I don’t know how “Levi and Rayburn” have jobs. Not even the “Keys” to the “Registry” he could find. Meanwhile cold-blooded murders have become routine in broad day light. My entire island is really sucking salt underneath Skerrit and his band Mojave.

    • anonymous2
      August 10, 2018

      How do they get elected? By paying $100 per head to the simple minded people during election time.

  19. August 10, 2018

    Hurricane :Maria made it easy for Ross University to leave Dominica there are more into that,Politics played into Ross departure as well, someone need to address this issue to the Dominican people.America will more focus on the regime instead the people when they want to make a decision,Look at Venezuella and Cuba America impose sactions on these countries there people are suffering but not the politicians,The opposition will blame this administration but they have created problems for this country, Remember when the UWP had their destruction in Roseau the American embassy knew it gonna happened they sent an advisery warning to their people,And when Linton was in Colorado telling lies about this administration that this regime doesnt support America values that was a blow for Dominica any Ross representative heard that he or she will make sure Dominica pay a price.Americans will sacrifice their lives for what they believed

    • A_DAMassive
      August 10, 2018

      Nuff Said::: DAHMAN :(

      1. politicians,The opposition
      2. more into that,Politics played into Ross departure
      3. country, Remember when
      4. want to make a decision,Look at Venezuella
      6. warning to their people,And when Linton was in Colorado telling lies

      sorry, sorry did not realize 5 was missing. That is why I like DNO. You post it like it is.
      While the above post makes us look well 8-O , it is a demonstration of the freedom of speech practiced by DNO.

      ADMIN: Thank you for using your freedom of speech to point that out.

    • anonymous2
      August 10, 2018

      Enlightenment time. Number one, The US of A is no more since 1883 when it was destroyed. In it’s place the bankers formed a corporation called the United States Corporation. Washington DC is not part of the US, though it supposed representatives and President ( actually a CEO of the corporation, so doesn’t need to be born in the US). So it is essentially a foreign entity governing the US Corporation as an entity called the Federal Government. In 1933 martial law was imposed and continues to this day. This means that the Constitution is no longer in force and hasn’t been since 1933 under Franklin Roosevelt , who was actually a communist in beliefs. True history is not taught in the schools on purpose. The elites control the educational system. If you control the educational system, you control the minds of the people. Time for people to wake up as to how they have been duped from the day that they were born. Nothing works the way that you have been told it does.

    • Possie Direct
      August 10, 2018

      What a real perfect idiot you are! Do you have your doctorate?

  20. Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
    August 10, 2018

    My mother always taught me to learn to do things for myself as a young boy. Cooking, baking washing and sewing were just a few of skills that I learned growing up. I cannot emphasize how valuable these skills became when I moved out on my own. Irrespective of their sincerity, we’re reading pragmatic statements and probable solutions from both the Antiguan and Barbadian Prime Ministers respectively. Meanwhile, we’re reading the usual gibberish from Skerrit, Ian and now Vince. Gaston is smart. He recognized that there is a small group of trained Dominicans who are former employees of Ross and he is ready to accept them in Antigua. It’s called “Human Resources.” Darwin is already running his port operations and doing a fantastic job with it. Our CARICOM neighbors are running circles around this fool called Skerrit. They’re giving him a 6 for 9 everyday, yet still those “Red Supporters” keep voting Labor. Who sucking salt now? The Baroness woman in England eating “Roast and Mushy Peas.”

    • LifeandDeath
      August 10, 2018

      My Brother, you did it like a “Rock Star”. I am of same opinion that the region is taking full kix on our Prime Minister, he is not up to par with none of them, and that is Why he felt the need to go buy a “Doctor” Title in Lovely India, to match up.
      But think about it, If Ross was in SvG, Mia Mottley would have Hells trying to take it from Ralph Gonsalves, same as in St.Lucia, or from Keith Mitchell in Grenada.
      Our people keep voting an incompetent in an almost cult like manner when over and over again he is being disrespected because other out there can see straight through his Gimmick of ‘BiG Man’ showing.
      Dominica needs a change so bad that all these seems are bursting and falling a part to show the blindest of Dominicans that Skerrit needs a permanent holiday from Public Office. Worse thing is he spends his time making peacock moves all over the place fulling his pocket..

    • ????????????
      August 10, 2018

      You always know it all when infact you know nothing. Even mind reading those negative persons can do! Zort pas feb! Always know the motive. Only one person knows what is in a persons’ mind & do you know who he is? He is the Great Creator the one who created the Heavens & the Earth. So negative that your minds are working overtime but not good OT because all you guys can comment is bad, negative, degrade, slander someone. You know who smart; who fooling who etc. Do you know about you? Negative using your tongue to spread bad vibes.

      Finally in all of this – This too shall pass! The One who is all great, powerful & Mighty will see the country through. His will be done & he knows the heart of us all. You folks never comment on other articles but only on those u want to disrespect authority. Stop the hate; respect others & take a good look at your comments for the world is reading. Lord have mercy on our souls for being so negative & not positive. We all have to answer to…

  21. Channel 1
    August 10, 2018

    Gaston Browne is a man who will fight for his country’s interest. When talk came up about 2 years ago about LIAT’s headquarters being moved from Antigua to Barbados, Gaston Browne came out and said no way. Gaston Browne saw to it that LIAT’s headquarters and operation center remain in Antigua (even though Barbados had become the majority shareholder in LIAT).

    When Donald Trump took power, one of his immediate priorities was getting US companies that had moved their operations out of the US to the return to the US. He provided both incentives & threats to these companies. We have since seen a number of these businesses moving back or making plans to return to the US thereby creating more jobs and further boosting the US economy.

    What do we have in Dominica? Incompetence Extraordinaire in leadership.

    And which serious & genuine investor studying the Ross situation is going to be motivated to set up shop in Dominica now?

  22. DA Fails
    August 10, 2018

    Antigua population is 50% Dominicans, you stole our human resource :roll:

    • Praying for DA
      August 10, 2018

      LOL…I am sure if Dominica can rise above her failures they would be back in a heart beat.

      I appreciate the offer but I am not sure of the motive.

  23. Karl Orndem
    August 10, 2018

    Thank you Mr. Brown for considering our situation. Although it is very gentlemanly, i believe Dominicans need to stay in Dominica and fight their battles, instead of taking the easy way out (running away/ depending on the government to do for them) At the end of the day, it sounds like Antigua would like to have a piece of Ross as well as some of your speech had that kind of underdone. None the less. Dominica does not operate at an acceptable standard. We are not developing. Only the pockets of a small few that developing. the rest is left to the beggars to fight for. Again thank you for the sentiments, nd ill consider your invitation.

  24. August 10, 2018

    Man has his own Antiguan problem. Selling land by the shores to foreigners. Hold on to your property. A new day is dawning, hold on to your property and will it to your children.

  25. August 10, 2018

    Man shall not live on bread alone. Where are all the church goers?

    • Uncle
      August 10, 2018

      Sorry DS but it is not church that is paying my mortgage.

  26. Uncle
    August 10, 2018

    You know what. All these flunkies coming out and trying to make look SKerrit like a victim. But I have not heard a word from the P.M. since he made that bumbling address from the safety of his office last week. Is not you that is the victim Roosevelt, Is you that lost this game but your bank balance intact and is we that are the victims. You are a coward.

  27. Possie Direct
    August 10, 2018

    Let’s examine two quotes, one from Prime Minister Gaston Brown of Antigua and the other from our own Prime Minister Roosevelt be Skerrit. Here is Mr. Brown first:

    “Antigua and Barbuda recognises the monumental role played by Ross University in the economy of Dominica and the move ‘WILL IMPACT’; even in the short-term, employment, foreign exchange earnings and air arrivals,” Browne said.

    Here is PM Skerrit’:
    “Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says his country “WILL NOT” suffer from the withdrawal of the Ross University’s School of Medicine”

    Mr. Brown is saying the departure of Ross WILL IMPACT our economy while our own PM Roosevelt Skerrit, who by the way is also finance and Housing minister is saying it WILL NOT impact Dominica
    Clearly somebody is lying and misleading us and someone seems to be an idiot that knows absolutely nothing about finance. Let me let you decide on who is lying, misleading us and sounds like an idiot.

  28. August 10, 2018

    People can call politicians incompetent all they want, it is like water running off a duck’s back. When I read the news from the different islands, the song is the same Incompetence, blunders and plunders. But remember one thing, when most MPs leave office even if they only serve one term, most of them never want again in live. What the Mighty Sparrow said Politicians go so soon from poor people to Tycoons; so while the public crow, the politicians wallet grow.

  29. Tom Brown
    August 10, 2018

    Some Dominicans are really sick and nothing can or will change them. I wonder if the Dom in Dominica have to do with it.
    Cannot believe people can be bring down there country because they do not like the Government.
    At the end of the day Dominica belongs to Dominica and not an individual. Labour stay or Labour go you are not harming a minister after all the negatives have been said and posted about the country.
    sick people grow up. Dominica will never get any where because of all the negatives. Do some soul searching.

    • anonymous2
      August 10, 2018

      Actually, it belongs to the bankers, just like every other place.

  30. Truth Be Told
    August 10, 2018

    First Barbados and now Antigua, why don’t the rest of CARICOM just recolonise Dominica? It is a failed State anyway!

  31. Iamanidiot
    August 10, 2018

    Chhh So basically Gaston brown opening his borders for Dominicans to come and work. Does that sound like Brain Drain waiting to happen? or it is just me

  32. Annon
    August 10, 2018

    They need all the help they can get. But tell me Mr.Brown, what’s with the hitler mustache?? :-?

  33. Friend of Ross
    August 10, 2018

    Perhaps there is a different way to keep Ross on Dominica:
    1. Cancel the RUSM charter. Without a charter the school cannot operate in Dominica or the USA
    2. The Dominica Medical Board then suspends any accreditation by that board.
    3. Notification of this move is reported to CAAMP-HP, which should suspend accreditation by that body.
    4. US DOE would likely suspend all student loans because of a lack of a charter.
    5. Ross would not be able to conduct a semester in Tennessee because of the charter suspension.
    6. Lack of student loans would crush any move to Barbados.
    7. Dominica then confiscates RUSM properties on Dominica and then gives RUSM the option of staying or dying.

    Might just work.

    • ...
      August 10, 2018

      This would not work. It would create extreme animosity between Ross and Dominica. They would cancel the scholarships that they offer to 2 Dominicans a year which total to $25,000 per student per semester. It would create harm to the current Ross students who have 100s of thousands of dollars in debt. The majority of them love Dominica and continue to help in anyway they can with fundraisers and sending money to Dominicans they formed bonds with while living here. Ross tried to stay in Dominica and it would have been more cost efficient for them to stay if there was anyway possible. Unfortunately, there wasn’t another option without the improvements completed to ensure they could open back up by Jan 2019.

    • DA Fails
      August 10, 2018

      So you want to take hostages like boko harram? :lol: Allu really desperate wii pal, all that because laylay because laborats and their elected members can’t run a country without taking all de money for themselves.

    • ??????????
      August 10, 2018

      Way Way all of your minds is foolishness. So now u all want to hold persons to ransom. God gave us a free will to choose. Look foolishness talk. People you need the Love of Christ in your hearts. Why do you want to force someone? Does Jehovah force us? I say no one none cannot prevent someone from leaving. Even in all what seems bad, there is a better thing coming. How can u get better if you keep clinging to the old things. Do you realise that we live in a changing world.

      Rain fall, earthquake happen, Ross decide to leave, Someone stab or shoot someone, and every thing that happens, u guys want to blame one man. Have you listened to yourself lately? What has this young man done to you all. Hmmmm It may be your son, daughter, relative who becomes PM tomorrow. Would you like persons to slander, insult, injure them as u are doing now?? The Golden Rule is still Do unto others as you would like them do to you. You guys are a bunch of perfect people it would seem.

  34. Roseau River
    August 10, 2018

    Thank you Gaston Browne.

    • waypapa
      August 10, 2018

      Thank you for what? Don’t you know why Gaston is afraid? Educate youself so you wont be fooled by a handout from GAston. Is only beggars that will think is help Gaston want to help. Too many illiterates in the country.

      • Roseau River
        August 10, 2018

        Thanks for what? For giving people the potential to do something with themselves. Dominica will rebound but will that rebound come 3,5,10,20 years down the road? I would rather have an opportunity to make something of myself although that may not occur in Dominica.

  35. Floridian Diaspora
    August 10, 2018

    Skeritt will be much pleased to welcome Antigua’s assistance as that is his forte. To this clown, that is what good governance is all about; To sit back, don’t develop the county, do nothing besides play cashier shopkeeper by selling untold amounts if our passports to criminals for untold profits, then when disaster strikes because of his waywardness and laziness he cries out like a spoilt brat for breast milk from the international community. When they come to his aid he uses the proceeds to play politricks for votes. The only honest thing that can happen here is people migrating for Antigua which is going to erode our already small population. Any monetary assistance will be ceased by Skeritt

  36. August 10, 2018

    Antigua lose out too because their transit taxes will be impacted with the loss of students traveling through Antigua to dominica. Barbados has an international airport no need to stop over in Antigua. Brown is only acting in his countries interest and if dominica gets helped it makes him look good

    • Dominican
      August 10, 2018

      I don’t want to sound pessimistic but with the absence of passenger traffic generated by Ross and the departure of many residents we must expect a reduction in the frequency of Liat services to and from Dominica because I do not believe they would like to fly their planes half empty.

  37. Real
    August 10, 2018

    How sweet Mr. Brown

  38. Dominican to the bone
    August 10, 2018

    Mr Browne
    we cant all run when there is a crisis Dominica is our home .While we welcome the offer .Our alligence is to our God and country. Why weren’t these incentives giving ions ago? We are strong and resilient however, help the Prime Minister think of a creative way to down play the effect this massive move will have ob my people. Thanks for the help with all the connections you all have send potential investors like the Indian billionaire our way.

  39. August 10, 2018

    While our Politically and Academically Dishonest politicians and their “mouton batalie” supporters and spin doctors continue to keep a deafening silence over honest reason for the departure of Ross from Dominica it’s good to see a CARRICOM brother extending a helping hand; but there are questions to be asked, has the economic impact affected you also, sir; and won’t your assistance further assist in the “brain drain” which we have been experiencing since Hurricanes, Skerrit (led DLP administration), Erika and Maria devastated our once tranquil and beautiful country; the cry of help! help! can be heard far and wide but we must be careful who is offering help and why.

  40. Malatete
    August 10, 2018

    One can understand mr. Browne’s concern as the cessation of Ross activities in Dominica also impacts his island’s economy and in particular the struggling airline LIAT. Students, staff and visitors of Ross now can bypass Antigua and travel direct from N. America and Europe without having to transit in Antigua. This must have been a major consideration in Ross’ decision to relocate to Barbados. The costs saved on flights alone must be considerable, not to mention time, the additional hassle of re-checking onto a smaller aircraft, the frequent luggage issues of bags going missing or not arriving on the connecting flight, the overnighting with attendant expenses in Antigua. This means loss of income for Antigua based LIAT. We cannot blame Ross for making the step they did given these circumstances.

  41. Ibo France
    August 10, 2018

    The departure of Ross U is going to bring tremendous financial and emotional distress to so many Dominicans. This is no trivial matter. Lives are at stake. What are the government ‘s plans in the short term to alleviate the suffering of the people? Other than a few incoherent, vague promises, there’s not much, if anything, concretely in place to stave off an impending economic and social crisis. The status quo must not remain the same. Change is inevitable. The country needs a new direction.

  42. %
    August 10, 2018

    That’s where Skerrit’s true leadership should come to effect.He has shown to the world that in term of leadership he is a feckless, apathetic deadbeat,lock stock and barrel unqualified and unable to lead.
    But Skerrit made it clear when he uttered “”””if you employ people to work for you,and they cannot do the job,then fire them””””.Those DLP MISLEADERS need to be fired.
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go Now

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      August 10, 2018

      SKERRIT will go after LENNOX goes. Once Lennox is there Skerrit will govern even if Lennox is gone.

    • Man bites dogs
      August 11, 2018

      What’s the matter with that old propaganda gramaphone? That thing call % should get his brains in his backside tested.

  43. Think For Yourself
    August 10, 2018

    PM Browne leave Dominicans and their PM in their mess… you ain’t see them people don’t care if they have to stand in a line from morning to night to get a little handout by from their god!

    Dominicans well happy, when they cannot take again they will run Antigua, St Maarten and St Lucia

    • HIFIVE
      August 10, 2018

      I support you 100pct. Its hard to understand how the people ESPECIALLY those of Portsmouth are taking this in silence, however by the time they wake up Skerrit, Reggie and Tony will be in the USA laughing at Dominicans.
      At this moment the owners of the villas already have investors who are going to keep their PROPERTIES going so when the dust will be settled, more laughs at the blind Portsmouth people.

  44. Herbert Volney
    August 10, 2018

    While Dominica welcomes this initiative of solidarity and support from Dominica’s friend Antigua and Barbuda, there remains the serious matter of either RUSM PLAYING Caricom partners to gain fiscal benefits or its fundamental non-disclosure to Barbados of correspondence by Dominica to Ross at the highest level that Dominica was near ready to accept the RUSM’s return. I have written the Antigua and Barbados Prime Minister
    As a Caricom citizen urging him to invoke any provision of the Caricom Charter to have this matter placed before Heads of Government and/or the Secretariat to launch a probe into the circumstances of the removal of RUSM to Barbados and any conduct inimical to the fundamentals of the regional integration movement. If a party is found wanting it should be censured and its conduct condemned
    Herbert Volney

    • Annon
      August 10, 2018

      Herbert, no matter how this humongous loss is spinned it’s lack of proactiveness, basic business skills and sophistry, as opposed to laissefait and obway attitudes towards business relationships for 15 years. Do you think they need ah 10 more years to to get better et this? Jus asking.

    • uncle
      August 10, 2018

      Herbert honestly, you think anybody taking you serious again. Man, you to pompous for what your are today, you have no powe or influencer so please pipe down.

    • waypapa
      August 10, 2018

      Volney move your useless self there. We all know where your loyalty stand we do not see you as a credible source. Tell Skerrit to fix his country then and only then we will even listen to you. All your propaganda trash has been dumped in the landfill so be gone. You are nobody, just a political parasite.

    • waypapa
      August 10, 2018

      The thing is Herbert Volney only SKERRIT will be found wanting. So is this your way of putting Skerrit before the firing squad? When days are dark friends are few Look volney ka pwen coowee

    • Roland Alan Mitchell
      August 10, 2018

      Mr Volney, you need to be very sure of your facts before you proceed along these lines. Unless you have specific correspondence and specific evidence to support your claim, I would be very careful. The PM of Barbados has certainly landed for Barbados a very lucrative deal, worth EC100 million X by the multiplier effect of this exogenous investment into the Barbadian Economy. Because Barbados can provide almost all the inputs required to support such a large medical school from within Barbados, I expect that there will be a multiplier effect of say, 10 times. Therefore this should boost Barbados’s GDP by say, EC$1 billion, or 10 percent of its existing GDP. I am sure that Barbados will also take the opportunity to pitch for other Adtalem work from other locations, and they will no doubt be successful in this.

      This fiasco is clearly the fault of the government of Dominica. However it may b a blessing in disguise if it spurs Dominicans to work together for the good of the country

    • Ibo France
      August 10, 2018

      Mr. Volley, stop your nonsense. You are too emotionally invested in Mr. Skerrit and his floundering regime to think objectively. This was a business decision predicated on the fact that one side failed to keep its side of the bargain. Your suggestion about convening a meeting of CARICOM HEADS is preposterous. The blame lies squarely on the shoulders of this most inept maladministration. Take off your bloodied red glasses.

    • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
      August 10, 2018

      Herbert, your proposed solutions are nothing more than an opiate. They attempt to address the after effects of Ross leaving Dominica, while ignoring the root cause of the problem. Haughty is approach and empty in substance. So let’s say that you’re correct and Barbados gets “Censured” by CARICOM, that still will not replace the revenue loss that Dominica will suffer. This is a zero-sum game and we just lost. Skerrit is nothing more than a colossal failure.

    • %
      August 10, 2018

      Volney you are a useless participant in the entire scheme of things.Who listens to you.You are more part of the problem than the solution.
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go Now

    • August 10, 2018

      Maybe allu should face up to allu shame, that ceo woman told us quite clear why Ross left, Ross wanted a serious partner to work with, someone that mean business, and they could not fine it in Skerrit
      In local words, Skerrit doh voh a patat :-D :-D

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      August 13, 2018

      Hebert, ridiculous, and silly are your rhetoric! 

      You and every Dominican knows it is because of our nation backwardness  Ross left Dominica. Roosevelt is prime minister of Dominica for the past eighteen (18) years:  His problem with Ross began eight years after he became prime minister.

      The pathological liar he is; he continued to make promises to Ross about building International Airport when he knows fully well, he does not have any intentions of building an international airport in the country! You need to stop burning your fingers in the fire for a scoundrel and corrupted liar like Roosevelt!

      You keep lamenting about CARICOM: There is nothing CARICOM can do about Ross leaving Dominica, in favor of Barbados. They cannot order Ross to return to Dominica; in a democracy you do not dictate where people should spend their money, it was not CARICOM which brought  Ross the original owner to Dominica.

      If you believe  CARICOM can order Ross back to Dominica, see to it Dragon…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        August 13, 2018

        Cont:

        If you believe that CARICOM can order, or make Ross return to Dominica: I can give you a list of all the companies starting with the Shine Company the Labor Party and Roosevelt chased out  of Dominica, to Colgate Palmolive, the Paint Company, Tram, Dragon Windows, Clear Waters which left in secret!

        The Beer Company and many others! I will say to you again you believing that CARICOM can prevent any business from moving from one Caribbean to another, is your mythical phantasy! 

        That cannot happen, and it will never happen regardless of all the letters  you all may write.

        And let me inform you writing letters do not impress business people, a written letter from any Dominican is the same as the baloney you all get on political platform, and Radio and talk so that stupid Dominicans can hear and believe, but by the time the talks are all over; nothing get started off the ground, and if they do they do not get finished!

  45. Iamanidiot
    August 10, 2018

    Ok, I aint mad at that, but probably the fee could have been lowered for them before(or the suggest be made by the relavant Dominica authorities. I always say, we are a very reactive people, always two steps behind. But while you on the topic of helping us. What about helping us with an International Air port so students from Canada, UK etc doesnt have to land in Antigua, and pay another 400 US to come dominica, or go barbados to catch a flight to Dominica and get their bags lost or arrive late. And I know the air port is a big job, in the mean time what can you do about expensive flights to dominica? a flight to US and Antigua is the same price, You can piratically swim to Antigua, What’s the deal with that.

  46. zandoli
    August 10, 2018

    Another load of nonsense. If you recognize transit fees is a problem for Ross, by extension , don’t you think it also represents a problem for other travellers through your country? That being the case, why not remove or at least reduce them to make travel within the region more affordable?

    These politicians are always reacting to events that they can no longer control.

    The decision to leave Dominica has already been made. Nothing Browne says or does is going to reverse that, short of picking up the rebuilding the facilities and making them hurricane resistant. Not only that, they would have to build infrastructure that is up to date.

    Bridges and roads are being washed away with regularity these days. They remain in a state of disrepair for years while Skerrit distributes scarce funds to his supporters. These are the issues that need to be addressed to make Dominica an attractive place to invest.

    • August 10, 2018

      Your comment makes so much sense zandoli. These additional fees on tickets are astronomical and greatly discourages people from traveling between the islands. Sometimes for 100 dollars or less one can fly to the USA and back instead. One has to wonder if these politicians are so myopic that they cannot see the negative impact these fees are having on people’s ability to travel between the islands. It seems like the CARICOM meetings are just social gathering with no real effort made to make live more livable for the people.

  47. waypapa
    August 10, 2018

    Gaston shut up, you feeling the squeeze now because LIAT losing out on Ross, your overnighters losing out so you pretending is DA you care about.

  48. Hope
    August 10, 2018

    I read the article and I cried …I thank the Antiguan government and people what can only be described as love. Dominica thanks you for always ever willing to help us in our times of need inspite of your own challenges. Thank you Antigua and may God Almighty bless you. Know that this country will weather this storm, know that those who seek our demise will not be successful. We will remember your gesture of love Antigua. Our battering is just for a moment, we will outlast our storm. Thank you Antigua.

    • Nana-Lain
      August 10, 2018

      SHUT UP you fool. Ross left , now the man inviting Dominicans over to help develop his already developed country. That’s not helping Dominica, that’s draining down the population. Why didn’t he say he going to open up business where the buildings Ross has are located for the locals to get jobs. Zor sot wii

  49. REAL!!!!!
    August 10, 2018

    Gaston ….I believe you are looking at how the incapability of the Dominican GOVT is going to impact your economical environment in Antigua and you should. This show your pro-activeness in an attempt to cushion the Antigua quality of life.

    Your concerns I believe::
    1. More migration of Dominicans to Antigua.
    2. Greater pressure on your medical system.
    3. More unemployment…..leads to increase illegal drug trafficking
    4. lost a revenue from airline taxes and spending from Ross students overnight/ or in transit.
    5. More money leaving Antigua economy to support friends and family in Dominica.

    This Dominica GOVT ineptness keeps on becoming a bigger problem for it CARICOM neighbors.

  50. LifeandDeath
    August 10, 2018

    Thank You much Gaston Browne. Dominica’s biggest problem is leadership, and so from time to time the stronger leaders in the Region extend a hand and subtle advise to our leadership and people.
    Dominicans, Skerrit is bad news for Dominica. Vote the man out of there. Ross would have remained in Dominica if the Government was proactive.

  51. Perfect idiot
    August 10, 2018

    Wow! The Prime Minister of Antigua Gaston Brown offers to help Dominica deal with the loss of Ross? He didn’t talk to PM Skerrit man? So Mr. Brown you believe Dominica will be affected by the loss of Ross man? But sir thanks but no thanks because according to Roosevelt Skerrit ” Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says his country will not suffer from the withdrawal of the Ross University’s School of Medicine”.

    Posting to his Facebook account, Skerrit said despite reports that the university contributed 30 percent to the island’s economy, it was significantly less.

  52. wayne shaw
    August 10, 2018

    Well at last something positive and full marks to Gaston Browne. Work with each other!

  53. %
    August 10, 2018

    Good to know that you are willing,but here at home,after Skerrit’s announcement of Ross departure, he has gone moo moo.It’s only his henchmen talking and blaming people,but nothing substantive to even attempting to ask for Ross return.
    The only sensible talk is from the Patriots of the UWP,and DFP begging to help this cannot do government of lazy, incompetents Skerrit to track a course for the return of Ross.
    This DLP government needs to go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go Now

    • Felicia
      August 10, 2018

      Skerrit has gone moo Moo? you need to check your ears see if you not deaf, or learn to read. All some of you can do is talk nonsense

      • ?????????????
        August 10, 2018

        Yes only nonsense they can speak. They must be deaf and most seem not able to read. Even those who can read and write and are supposedly smart have allowed hatred to cloud their minds. And one man they hate so much. For what they cannot say. Only connocting stories and getting so political that hey cannot see right from wrong. Now most of them turn dictators and want to demand what person should say, support only them and their party. Hear Gabriel St Jean disrespectful as ever and call people “their “mouton batalie” supporters ” . Look who sound more like a mouton Batalie – a hateful, disgruntled individual and his brother who they seem to have some problem loving persons. Your mum must be turning in her grave. she taught you well and now you have allowed hatred to indwell your spirit that you cannot see reason and discuss without disrespecting others. She taught you to respect others.

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