The Chinese Embassy here is making clear that an MOU signed recently by prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit in the Asian nation was not with the Government of China.
“The Chinese Embassy in the Commonwealth of Dominica would like to clarify that the widely-reported US$300 million MOU, including the construction of a hotel, a hospital and an airport by using concessionary loans from the Chinese Government, was not signed by the Chinese Government,” the embassy told DNO via email.
It pointed out that the MOU “was solely a business activity of an enterprise.”
Earlier this month, Chinese company, ASCG, announced on its website, that Skerrit had inked the deal with its president, Xue Song, when he visited China on November 8, 2013.
According to the company, projects to be undertaken under the agreement include the “reconstruction of an international airport,” and construction of a hotel and a new hospital.
ASCG describes itself as “a large comprehensive joint-stock company centralized in general contracting of project construction and integrated in commercial investment, real estate development, hotel & tourism, S&T incubation, and workshop renting.”
i want labor to win so thaty i will see them running to america whe they cannot pay back the loans they are making. hold od you labor party idiots.
Honest questions : Can the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica single handedly sign these M.O.U documents with no higher authorized person of the Commonwealth of Dominica’s approval?
Where can the everyday Dominican national go to get the information in the M.O.U’s signed on their behalf?
A company can not declare anything on behalf of a government. So it might be just a con. Well den, who is de con man? PM, ASCG or David Xu or somebody else? Is ASCG authorized to announce 300m US preferential loan on behalf of the Chinese Government? According to the Chinese embassy, NOPE!!!
POll: Is time for skeritt to go
yes thumb up
no thumb down
It should have been a dead giveaway when the article said Reconstruction of an international airport. This had to have been with a team who has never been to Dominica but looking to explore. The Chinese Embassy knows that Dominica does not have an international airport.
I applaud Mr.Skerrit for alot of thing he has done in dominica but there are some things I really wonder what is he thinking. Dominica belongs to Dominicans and I think we the people should have some say as to what we do and with who we do what. MOU with basically construction company does not go down too good with a lot of Dominicans. We had a company come here to do the west coast road, now the buildingeverything, even bus stops and all, things local Dominican would normally do and you do not have to have a PHD or be a high tech engineer to do that. Whats going to happen when the other new company dump their 1000 plus workers here, what will local workers and companies do? I won’t be surprised if the government begin to say which company can build ones dwelling house. I think we need to know more about these companies and what they are all about. Like I said, i like somethings the PM did and is doing but alot of things thats going on are getting me really scared.
Now think of it. A construction company (not the chinese government) gives Dominica a grant of 300M US$ JUST LIKE THAT?
And we believe it JUST LIKE THAT?
A company that in business to make a profit?
Now if we cannot wake up and smell the coffee(well the poison) we will not WAKE UP AGAIN.
Nice going my PM. We your supporters know you got things under control. Keep up the good works.
Dominicans, are you sleeping?
‘(shaking them) Wake up, wake up.’ Have they cast a spell on you? It is time to wake up. If you don’t wake up now by the time you wake up later, you will be in a different world.Don’t you see that your jobs are taken away from you? Helas, wake up to see what is happening.Our jobs to build the stadium, west coast road, state house, bus stops, etc are given to foreigners. If you don’t wake up, the jobs for the hotel,reconstructed airport will also be given to foreigners. By the time you wake up later,you won’t be able to recognise any of the employed; you will wonder where you are. Why is this happening? Yes, it is well-calculated to keep Dominicans poor so that the poor Dominicans can continue to go to the Red Clinic to beg and to vote for them.
Please, my dear people, wake up for I am sure you will that it is time for a change. We need to get Dominicans back to work so that we can earn our living once again and see poverty on the decline. Wake up and save Dominica by making a change in Government when the next elections is called.
We need a change of government to do the following: Build an interanational airport, Create 7,000 jobs, Purchase a high speed ferry, purchase plane(s)for national airline, build and operate another State college in Portsmouth and to fulfill all the other promises.
The question is, how are the promises going to be funded? Grants or Loans?
If grants, from where, if loans from whom?
I like your reflection about the work ahead, instead of foolishly shouting about a govt. change. We all know a new govt. will not change the fortune of our poor island, so Diminicans need to ask these politician the tough question, like you just did. so please readers follow this trand and ask questions.
U mean a bunch of unemployed folks that have skerrit doing like papanoel like that. At least Santa does not lie, is either you naughty or nice.>>>next level
a hospital and an airport by using concessionary loans from the Chinese Government, was not signed by the Chinese Government……………so the construction company got loans from their government ???????????????????????
I don’t understand that part…and I’m not ashamed to ask for clarification…
If anybody can pull this off is my man Skerritt. You go Skerritt.
this means the Chinese government will not provide concessionary loans for the project.
Yet another cherry on the top that Is going to blow over. Talk alone we have, this is going to end up like every other proof of corruption and we are all going to sit and let is pass by. Wake up Dominican. Dominica is ours and not one man’s.
PM do not allowed these eager for power and hatred folk’s discourage and distract you,please do what best for our country, this type of hatred kept us back for decades, folk’s
DAHMAN…..So it will take the Prime Minister 13 years after being in power to upgrade the hospital. This should have been his priority for at least the first three to four years in power. I guess he really do not care because he has the choice to be flown to another country for medical treatment.
Aha!!
Ha shangre La. Again? ?
This is a move to raise money for the general elections. Who goes overseas to negotiate for international airport and hospital and 5 star hotel with their political adviser (Hartley Henry) and AID Bank chairman, Martin Charles (Staunch Labourite)? THe PM intends to sell Dominica just to win an election. He is desperate. he afraid if UWP wins all his business will come out. Guess what UWP has the better team.
Look they just added another nail to Skerrit coffin, Ronald Charles to beat Mc Intyre in the valley.
Please Roosevelt, make our Christmas really bright and GO. You have even managed to alienate your ministers this time.
My question is : how does gvernment get involved in taking a loan With a private company so that this private company can build a hotel for itself or even the government.
So does that mean that the Dominia Government is going to e owning two hotes on the island. The Morican Hotel and Hotel and the Dead Publc Works Inn.
What are the Nassiefs saying about this?
Mr Director of audit what is our national debt?
I am inquiring about the legalities of making a Citizen’s arrest on Skerrit and Hartley Henry for the secret and unlawful prostitution of our country. Any legal advice is appreciated.
My question is : how does gvernment get involved in taking a loan
only God and Skerrit know
Dominicans, we were told one of the four pillars was a new hospital that would have been built from grant money a number of years ago. Where is the hospital? Instead, other things like the State House was built. Our present hospital is lacking medical equipments and medicine. When the ministers get sick, they are flown overseas for medical care. When the PM’s wife has to deliver her baby, she goes overseas. What does that tell us? The PM and his government do not care about us Dominicans. Those who are able to go overseas for medical will go and the rest are left to die.Those years have gone and no hospital. In 2013, we are told of loans for hotel, reconstruction of international and hospital. According to the Govt press secretary, he does not know anything about the airport and hospital. What he knows about is the hotel in Roseau.Still, there is no new hospital and what according to them is that the people have come to check on the hotel site. So what is important is the state house and the hotel. Dominicans, what should have been the priority? Yes, the hospital. Are we a thinking people? Do we care what is being done to us? No hospital in the making. The hospital should have been built first so that we get proper health care, but that is not a priority to the Government. Do they really care. There is a white elephant in Portsmouth and if this is built for sure not now that will happen, this will be another white elephant. I want to think this may just be another Layou River Hotel saga. Elections is around the corner and this things are just put out to fool the people. This time, this will not happen. We have been fooled enough. Please, Dominicans, save Dominica. We want a Government that can manage the country and will bring economic development and employment for its people.
Remember Jim Jones. Let’s not let this happen to us.
Anonymous…….What Jim Jones did in that other island will never happen in DA. Dominicans have their ways but the Dominica I came from, its people will NEVER allow that to happen.
French bulldog no problem more now more problen
MR. PM.SIR,
Can u please sir, tell the people of this country what is going on. Sir have you sold the Country or Part of it, Sir, you say one thing the Chines say another, Are you serious SIR the people need to know for our children sake
Dear concerned, the answer to your question is YES! as you know a loan is not just given for the sake of it, you have to show how it will be paid back therefor your PM used Dominica as security to get the loan, its as simple as that. When the loan cant be paid back the lender will take back the goods or whatever was used as security. If the bank lend you money to buy a house or car, when you cant pat they take it back, simple as that your Pm don’t love Dominica, he is young enough to start somewhere else, when things get too hot he will just leave the country and immigrate to somewhere. He is a naughty boy.
What is amazing Here, is the fact that all These years,and all the Questionable dealings, of this Administration, the People has been asking for answers and explanations, but it is no answers, nö explinations, just contempt, for the People .That is a Government..I Hope when the bell rings, they will be able to hear it..
Mr. Skerrit, I have a suggestion. While building the International Airport start construction on the Hotel/Resort in the same area. MORE BUSINESS PROSPECTS.
International airport my foot. Go get a brain and stop behaving like an gullible illiterate.
We want international airport, we want international airport, we want Skerro,
we need china, yes to development, lets go Skerro, lets go China.
Why would you accuse someone of being illiterate.I will tell you this one of the fundamentals signs of illiteracy is not being able to think.You have displayed such arrogance in you comments.Do you think that replying to a comment and calling someone illiterate simply because they have a different perspective than you makes that person illiterate.This just shows your mind set.
The Chinese Embassy as well as the organisation with which Skerro signed the MOU keep referring to “the reconstruction” of an international airport. Where is this airport which needs reconstruction? After the hotel and hospital are built, can we “build” an international airport on the change? Probably that’s why the word “reconstruction” is used. Even the Chinese know that there will be no change to “build” an airport.
Ever since the DLP came to power, their administration has been plagued by secret deals, concealment of evidence, misrepresentation, lies, theft, nepotism, victimization, and the list of undesirables go on. The DLP just cannot be straight with the people who elected them. No a week can past before some news of unethical behaviour by the DLP does not surface. This is untenable and an indictment against our leaders. Why don’t they just resign and move on with their lives, nuh?
And what are Dominicans doing about that besides posting comments on DNO? Not a darn thing.
Only write/talk which is cheap.
True say…and when elections time come they still putting the mark where it doesn’t belong
Let us assume it is an election ploy however the project ends up going through.
Let us assume another party wins the election.
The question I am asking is whether it would be Dominica’s trademark brand of politics… would a party if elected… kill the project in midair because another party will be associated with the initial negotiation? Just a question.
I know UWP would not because Mr. Linton has already told us he would retain Dominica’s relationship with China.
and the debt that this government is going to leave behind to cripple the new government and then come five years to fool people that the UWP did nothing…I hope people don’t forget then and realise that the cycle will continue and they will show up trying to say that they are going to fix this that and the other. WAIT FOR IT EH
SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER!!! YES MY PEOPLE THE PM HAVE SOLD DOMINICA!!!!!
Really,wow.Did you read the nonsense you have just written.Well If Dominica is sold why is it the purchaser has not come forward and make themselves known.
AT gary time will soon tell the story u help create.
linton linton all the way.
@ one who cares OH YES! DOBBLE L….. ALL THE WAY!
This ASCG company is a fly by night company.
Ssomebody please read the company profile and ask why a company that claim to be of high standard would not higher good writters to present the capability statement. ” over a thousand people with over 300 with technical titles” lol. This is funny. Ther is Al’s something about ” over a thousand set of equipment”
When I read this capability statement right away I realize that there is some bogus operation. Nw note that they are yet to state what project that received awards and recognition.
Laborites, I want to speak to you as a former laborite myself. With the many questionable and maybe secret decisions Mr. Skerrit has taken, do you believe if it were Patrick John or Edison James that had done any one of those decisions, they would still be in power? Do you all care about A. Dominica? B. DLP? Skerrit? Folks, Dominica belongs to us and we cannot allow one person who is mortal to destroy it. We must never forget how DLP was treated in 1979. Is the DLP not in power today although under the leadership of guys that have disguised themselves to get what they wanted? The point I am trying to make is, DLP will come and go. Skerrit will come and go. However, Dominica is ours and we cannot allow, Skerrit/ Sarin both foes of the policies of the true DLP to destroy our country. Remember the song sang by Souflear Motien ” Pa kita yo pwe domnic hod nou.” Folks, Dominica is in trouble and that’s why I had to swallow my pride and jump on another wagon (UWP) this year. I have been a laborite all of my life and helped to recruit Skerrit into the DLP and voted DLP until the last election in 2009. Please take warning! Country first and party after. My children might never vote DLP but are Dominicans. Let’s save our country friends.
Lord how to please Dominicans nah? Everything is a complaining!! If Skerro bring in dollars they complain if Skerro doh bring they still complaining and wondering what is he doing when he travels. How to please all-u. Well Skerro you cannot please all of the people all of the times so continue to do your best for the development of the nation. I lived out of Da for a number of years and you know what people would say about Da, Dominica is the only island Christopher Columbus would recognize if he were to visit the Caribbean today, because it is the most underdeveloped island in the Caribbean. I can surely say things have changed there is great development and more to come, let us work together for the good of this nation people, Skerro is a man of vision.
AT ReD hOT guess u too hot understand what is happening when will u learn hope it wont be too late because i know its already toooo late for u
This is another sign that the man is desperate and will do anything to stay in power. If we don’t put him out asap, by the time we will try to put him out Dominica will be finished.
For the Chinese embassy to be so busy to clear their name, I wonder how they feel about it? Commonsense tells me they might not be pleased.
the chinese is tired with their name in roro… wats next for this labour party govt?
Dominicans, don’t forget the Layou River Hotel Project and what happened. Lots of money was stolen from us. How can the PM go on his private trip, no one knew where he went to and take put Dominica in that kind of debt without even discussing it with his own cabinet or parliament? This is the move of a dictator and worse will come and we will won’t be able to do any thing about it. There is a saying that says ‘coming events cast a shadow’. Dominicans, this is our last chance to save our country and our children and children to come. Let us come out and vote this government out in the next elections. 15years is enough for one set and all that is happening they are becoming millionaires overnight and we are getting poorer, in fact the poorest in the Eastern Caribbean. Time for a change of government.
Mister got his campaigne money and claiming is for Airport,hospital, and hotel. I hope you folks listened to the Press secretary. Only the hotel was part of the deal. Put two and two together. The rest of the money is for hand outs to buy votes. If you agree give a thumbs up.
Stop all them blah blah, its development for the country and hopefully growth for the economy.
My friends this is just political gimmic. Labour under tremendous pressure so they paid a Chinese company to put information on their site with the hope of impressing Dominicans to favour the DLP. They did not even take the time to find the true facts about the country. For example they suggested that we already have an international airport and tourism is already booming in DA. All incorrect, suggesting clearly that the author of the article knew little about the country.
Why would a company sign a multi-million dollar MOU with a government that it does not even have the basic facts about re the economy and means of getting to that country. Information that is readily available on the world wide web.
OK here is my take on that. The PM sees an inevitable defeat ahead and he just can’t swallow Lennox getting the better of him.So what he is doing,though he knows well it is ill-advised and reckless it is purposeful. When the national debt will be near 2 billion and Dominica(now with a UWP govt) will be unable to recover in any short time, a certain lawyer will say blame Lennox (the new PM)saying not a novice all you wanted nuh. I guess lennox’s perceived failure will at least bring comfort to he and the others that will be in JAIL. Give that to him,he thinks ahead. Hey! that’s just my take. I have a colorful mind.
Yes, you do!
This is madness…over and over the labour party makes us the laughing stock of the Caribbean…The Chinese Embassy is courageous to come forward with this information…..even they too are fed up of having the great name of China associated with shadyness….PM be careful …After playing games with Dominica for over a decade…you are now playing a dangerous game with the Chinese government….You will not succeed this time…..
“The Chinese Embassy in the Commonwealth of Dominica would like to clarify that the widely-reported US$300 million MOU, including the construction of a hotel, a hospital and an airport by using concessionary loans from the Chinese Government, was not signed by the Chinese Government,” the embassy told DNO via email.
Please note: China did not say they WOULD NOT supply concessionary loans. They said they were NOT a signatory to the MOU.
Wow, is this what you understand after reading The statement from The Chinese Government.
james alexander is working get work to do p/m
Why all the noise? You think skerrit care about Dominica, his child born in America crying out loud, question is what are u willing to do to stop him? Talking achieves nothing!
Well if the hotel is $70m, and an international airport costs about $250m (that’s what St Vincent’s costs), that really doesn’t leave much for a hospital does it?
Double standards. Can’t take no more of your gutter politics and lies; whereby you are vey insultive to the private sector when you accuse men in private business as men without jobs. What tricks are you trying when you want the same private sector to offer raffle internship for the youth. No wonder you kept your flipping moth shut when Savarin advised the boycott of Brizees Mart. You don’t care one sheet about about unemployment. All S cares about is, he shall eat all.
“Chinese government will provide preferential loan to support those projects.”..release from our government and the company’s website. So where is the GRANT MONEY for the airport? ! Garson Skerro is the best. Looks like Mr. Fooing man? But, Change Must Come and that will be soon.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
And so the battle begins. The only person who knows anything about the state of Dominica’s finance is the PM, and he certainly is not telling.
The Opposition and people in his Government should demand answers to questions. In the end all Dominicans will pay for his rash judgements.
C’mon everyone lets sing that song. Lying lying lying……… lying thru dere teeth. Smh. ….whay papa
MIGHTY ACRE! YON TI NOM Vieillecase key lay kwoyen nous!
You sound stupid.
is it 8.2 or 300 millions?
Really! How deceptive is this guy to be giving us the impression that the loan is from the Chinese Gov’t, knowning damn well it’s from a private construction company in China.
What else is he hiding from us and signing all these MOU’S agreements without disclosing the terms and conditions of these transactions.
This company is not going to provide the $300million. The PM has to get the money and they will provide the contracting for the project. They are not giving that kind of money. This is just an election gimmick. They may even go as far as clearing grounds,etc to fool people but after elections this will stay as it is and grass will grow back. What more do we have to look for to know these are not true. So many other promises have been made around election and still nothing e.g new hospital,educational facility. What has happened to the other two pillars. What has happened to those money? It is sad that taxpayers have to pay back loans for moneys that we have no account for. Things are happening and there is no transparency. Does our money belong to the ministers so that they can do what they want and use it for campaigning? Why is it both red/blue supporters pay taxes and the blue supporters are victimized? Lord, please hear the cry of the victimized and poor, in Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Wow,Why are you asking God to interferer on your behalf of something you did not take time to understand worse yet using your perception to create an imaginary situation.Is this what God role is.Do you think God is there to be used by you to satisfy your Political Partisan beliefs.
Remember the Stadium? Well, the same sentiments were expressed prior to and even during construction
Awah we, how comes Canadian dont get on like this when them Chinese buy Canada biggest oil refinery, Dominican, who is going to help any carribbean island now other than China. For those Diaspora that goes to Dominica once in twenty years or never been home seems to no better than those people that living in Dominica, American getting help all develop country helping, why our people so ignorant.
Maybe there is transparency in it.
The word transparency is used so freely, I sometimes wonder if you are one of those who are hypnotized into believing such thing exist with Governments, wake up stop being a mouth piece for other people.
@ yes I ….. any private company can buy any company anywhere in the world. When the pm visits a country he is representing the people. When he goes and makes deals with a company for over ec1billion without knowlege and approval off parliament is outrageous. We should not be suprised. Skeritt should have been dismissed when he went to bdos and have agreement with China without the consent of the PM. An act that could amount to treason. He needs to be stopped.
the sale of a company which may or maynot state owned is one thing, but to sign deals with an unknown company involving our land and with some much cloud associated to the details of the deal its only logical that scepticism will prevail.
Airport, Marigot hospital and Roseau hotel
Not even the cabinet ministers are aware that these agreements were being entered into, let alone the ordinary man. It’s like the country belongs to one mad man.
WHAT AN UPSIDE DOWN, INSIDE OUT,DUVAN DERRIERE COUNTRY!
Can our Govertment please explain to us what is going on?, eg the terms of this agreement. The people of Dominica deserve an explaination from their leaders, why are they so quiet about this, we are not all fools, we demand an explaination about what is going on in our country, with our money.
Very soon we will be hearing the famous Savanne Paille Villas have been bought by a company under the enhanced (Investment) Citizenship Programme.
Mark my word..
When you said, can our Government explain to us
what is going on,well they did, but most people did not take time to read what was written and what was said by the PM instead choose to make their political partisan take precedence as a result we get all this confusion.It also caused The Chinese Government to issue a statement regarding the matter so as to clear the air for those who did not understand The original press release.
The Government of Dominica received the sum of
US $300 million dollars form The Chinese Government as a concessionary loan, meaning money loaned at very low interest below the standard rate of interest or it could be of no interest.This is a standard practice, depending on the relationship of the donor Country towards The Government borrowing the money.We all know that The Government of Dominica and The Chinese Government have a relationship which includes a MOU between them and so if The Chinese Government gives Dominica a loan to build any infrastructure it has to hire a Chinese company to do the Work. In this case The Dominica of Government contracted The Chinese company, ASCG to build a Hotel, a new Hospital and construction of an International Airport with the money loaned by The Chinese Government.The Dominican Government also has to have a MOU with ASCG to do the work they are contracted to do.The PM explained specifics of this MOU between ASCG and The Dominican Government, see DNO Headline Thursday, December 5th, 2013 “Government makes moves toward construction of an international airport.” It should also be noted that the Chinese Government was represented at the signing ceremony between The Dominica Government and ASCG which means they must have gotten approval from The Chinese Government.
What is it with your perception.Why are you taking your perception for reality.All the answers are there before you. I hope you are not making political partisan blind you.
Gary was it you who said that agriculture was a dead issue? Just asking
How do you attain a loan for a major capital project no preliminary surveys, ni geotech,no preliminary design. That defies logic unless someone is getting duped.
Oh oh let me guess the preliminary engineering work that was done by the previous administration is the basis for the loan. But then again 300 less 70 is 230 less the hospital say 30 is 200. Ooops is that going to do it. Seem like another 3 pillar project election candy.
Gary since you are in the mood to answer questions can you tel, us why the three pillar project did not live up to the promise. You remember the original plan.
Gary,
If anyone is blinded by political partisan it is you.
As for our people not understanding, the joke is on you.
Do not insult us. You are functionally literate .
Please revisit the article with an “English guide”.
Refer to paragraph one………….
The MOU was NOT signed with the government of
China.
Refer to second paragraph ……. The concessionary
loan agreement was signed with ASCG.
Refer to third paragraph……The MOU agreement
was signed with ASCG a LENDING ENTERPRISE.
And lastly, no funds were disbursed.
That promise, with your assistance is an attempt to fool
the Dominicans who are ignorant, blind and gullible
like yourself.
“Cheap shot” not this time.
Since you appear to be one of his messengers,
will you ask Skeritt what are the terms of the loan agreement—
interest rates, period to repay and the biggest question
since Dominica GNP cannot afford anymore loans,
what is the collateral for the promissory.
Are we going to wake up one morning, and hear quote
” This the Republic ASCG”.
Wake up my people. The time is now.
Skeritt has to go,
clear as a bell.
Wow, Why would you tell me I’m insulting to people simply because you did not understand my point of view.Why would you want to label me as someone who is functionally literate,is this how you give gratification to you ego when you do not understand someone,this just shows you mind set.
If you read my comment nowhere did I say That The Chines Government signed a MOU with The Government for the construction of a hotel, a hospital and an airport. I mentioned a MOU between the Chinese Government and The Dominica Government regarding the sum of US300 million dollars as a concessionary loan.I also mentioned a MOU between The Government of Dominica and ASCG for the construction of a Hotel, an Airport and a Hospital. When The Government of Dominica signed The MOU with ASCG there were officials from the Chines Government at The signing ceremony and they spoke highly of The MOU signed,see DNO ” Skerrit inks US$300-million deal with China” Dominica News Online – Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013 at 4:42 PM
As to you calling me a messenger of Skerit This
also shows how ignorant you are making assumptions about people. You must remember Your assumptions are your windows on the world scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.It is not about asking people to wake,it is you who need to be awaken to understand that people are going to have a difference in opinions which we have to respect and not insult them giving power to your ego.
To Frenz
If you need an answer to the question you asked please go to DNO Headline Thursday, December 5th, 2013 “Government makes moves toward construction of an international airport”
To DNO Admin – I find it some what strange that The Chinese Embassy would send you all an email rather than post a written statement regarding the matter, just food for thought.
Go to hell, is not your dame business
From the ASCG website: “…Commonwealth of Dominica, situated in Caribbean Sea, is a world-renowned tourist resort…”
World renowned tourist resort? I think Skerrit lied to them fellas too
The chineese firm is definitely seeing potential….hmmmmm…we can develop this country ……build 99 percent of realestate and infrastructure…..well if I were owner of a construction multi billion construction company….and I saw potential
Have they ever constructed an international airport?
@ @ there u have it…if u read my comment below u will realize that I was being sarcastic with this comment
What structural mechanism do we have in place to protect the country from acquiring too much debt? What stops the PM from quadrupling the debt that currently exists?
VOTING HIM OUT NEXT YEAR. Already he is going loco everytime he remembers that his reign of terror is coming to an end.
Only the people can…and that is by voting him and the cabal out. But, Change Must Come and that will be soon.
Assertive. NOT Agressive!
Peoe it gonna happen like the rest og the Caribbean countries that is owned by foreigners….the only thing you can do is purchase land ……it started late in Dominica but it is the begining….
The Chinese Government has seen the bigger picture,they now know who and what they are dealing with.shame on Dominicans to live a lie for so long.one thing we all know Chinese Hate corruption and corrupt people.Coming a might have just casted doubt on their relationship with China. All because of one Greedy man.
Dominica is being sold out to the chinese.
WHY DID YOU NOT BUY DOMINICA YOURSELF SO IT WOULD NOT BE SOLD TO THE CHINESE?
@Ft Lauderdale Fl Avail yourself of the opportunity to attend night school in the USA then you will know how to use the dictionary. Then go to ‘L”, look for “lov”, then love. You will find the meaning. Or use the computer you are on spitting all your filth and find the meaning of the word. Were you one of the lazy ones Skerrit paid last election to come home and put us under his bondage? GO FIND A JOB. LAZY!
what else have they lied about
Ok
Folk’s you guys need to stop but politics before before developments, reason why we been behind for decades, you folks failed to understand Dominica doesn’t have the resources to develop it self , so lets take that opportunity, what ever they build in Dominica we gonna be beneficial it will stay here they can’t take it away from us.
Take this rubbish to Skerrit, but not to Dominicans who love their country. Maybe you will find him in the Rum Shop.
Can you define love for your country?
who is paying for it?
DAHMAN, the island of Dominica needs developement and more than development, but not how the PM is going about signing papers black and red, and does not even inform his collegues, much less for we de poor malaway of Dominica. Apparently, we will lost our country to foreigners because of Skerrit foolishness.
WELL SPOKEN.
idiot
PUPA GAD ! WA WAY GO HAPPON TO AWE A DOMINICA?
Honest question : Can the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica single handedly sign these kind of documents with no higher authorized person of the Commonwealth of Dominica approval?
Don’t you mean “the DICTATOR” the Labourites have put on our backs?
Nope. He has all authority.
Is only parlament that can give the authority to borrow money and incur debt by the country
Honest question : Can the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica single handedly sign these kind of documents with no higher authorized person of the Commonwealth of Dominica approval?
Seriously Dominicans; we need to put all our differences aside and open our eyes. Why are all these agreements being signed with no discussion with the Dominican people? This is getting scary.
We do not know the terms or conditions of any of these MOU’s. I’ve been commenting for a while now that we have no idea what the MOU with China contains. Now with have an MOU with a private company. Businesses always seek to gain more than they spend. We need to know what benefits this company stands to gain from Dominica and if we’re willing to live with what ever it is that we are to give up.
Honest question : Can the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica single handedly sign these kind of documents with no higher authorized person of the Commonwealth of Dominica approval?
http://www.sagf.cn/en/Show.asp?AID=460
http://www.sagf.cn/en/Show.asp?AID=460
I am soooooooo confused…. the chineese firm on their website states that the government of china provides 300million usd at referential loan rates…. whats really going on….
let’s see what the PM going to say about this one. I bet you he going to say,”them fellars from U.W.P just trying to play with the mines of Dominicans”.what a joke.
and before he is through, he will repeat ‘you understand’ ‘you understand’, ‘you understand’,about one million times, like a grade 2 student.
Remember the tongue is long and it preaches the politics of pure lies.
Good job PM,Increase Dominica debt.
Let us check out USA debt to China then see if China owns them.
Is this legal, and how is it going to affect the people of Dominica, who is going to pay or this. Dominicans ask questions don’t sell our birthright away. We need a change of government.
Hmmmmmmm, let the revelations begin.
And what, if anything, is in the MOU? Any attempt at transparency? And I must add: Perception is everything!
African and South American politicians have been milking this ‘money from donor countries’ thing for so long – And their people are still so poor while their politicians enrich themselves. (for example the last PM of Jamaica who served for only 3 years and builds a lavish mansion) Without transparency politicians are known to do voodoo economics with donor money.
LOL, here it is! Grant you say?
Why is it the Chinese government that explains that. Why is government pretty much silent on what this is about? How does that mesh with government’s plans to get grants for the airport construction? Thats transparency in action!
And again the lies continues. Mr. PM stop trying to deceive we humble Dominicans na man. Stop playing politics with our country garcon. We know u under some pressure from your blue brothers but no need to start lying to us. Be straight because the truth always has a way of coming out. If that’s the approach u going to take for the next election, u can be sure that the dimples will not save u this time around eh.
I guess the Chinese government tired of hearing its name associated with China under wrongful agreements…so the embassy took a stand this time.
it’s really sad to see our PM mislead the public over and over again. I try really hard sometimes to ignore the opposition when they try to sow the pubic different. I even try to defend the PM. However, I can no longer defend you my PM. your wife and I go way back as friends however, enough is enough! this time its not the opposition shedding the light but the Chinese themselves. I supporting change this time. Come elections I’m officially putting my x by the saw.
I’ll ask my Attorney to explain this “clarification” to me. Cause I just don’t understand what the Chinese Embassy is trying to say.
Who to fire the Press Secretary, Chief information Officer, The Prime minister and Minister of Finance, or all of the above.
Is the deal real? yes it is!!! okay then. I never recall anything stating that it was Chinese government…. It said specifically that it was US$300 million from ASCG president Xue Song…… where was Chinese government included? hmmmm
London Da, on a new release dated Dec. 5, here is what was stated. According to ASCG, “the Chinese government will provide preferential loan funds to support the projects outlined in the agreement.” IF you check the company’s website, you will see that information.
u ok in your head… u blind or wat? dont u see at the bottom of the page it says that the money will be coming from the chines govt. … why are we so quick to want to lie for one man?
HaHaHaHaHa Please Skerrit Just Give up office why do we have to wait ! LABOUR MUST GO !
“reconstruction of an international airport” ???
You mean upgrade melville hall?
I understood that it is a company but what does it mean by reconstruction of an international airport…confused!??
Wake up sleeping Dominicans, Dominica have been sold. It’s too, too late.
No comments
Mr. Skerrit Lennox bazoudying you! One day you saying we don’t need an international airport and next minute you are seeking funding for it!
wait! I thought the hospital was one of the pillar project in the first MOU? Qui Jab en sac sa?
But we knew that. DNO when you all first broke the news, a link to the website was provided. So yea we knew. Well I understood is was not the Chinese Government, whoever did not understand that lacks basic comprehension skills.
You are selling yourselves to China, don`t you ?!
First time
I see confusion so
Really what is going on?
So who going
To pay for that?
oh my God that is how mister doing things. Lord help us. Mr. Skerrit Why you doing things like that without even informing your cabinet. What is happening to you?
Dominicans always there to twist something. On Q95 first I hear is Government of China…SMH
! They realized that we can no longer be fooled so now a “clarification”… . But Change Must Come..
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
So where did these story come from?
So the PM signed a $300 million memorandum of understanding with Xue Song, president of the Chinese conglomerate
ASCG. Funds for the projects in question are still being financed by the Chinese government, so I fail to see much of a distinction. The Chinese government is financially backing the deal with the Chinese company.This still amounts to a subsidy to the Chinese company and an loan obligation to Dominica.
Very interesting. Two quotes to the PM
“Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to device.”
“Just because something isn’t a lie does not mean that it isn’t deceptive. A liar knows that he is a liar, but one who speaks mere portions of truth in order to deceive is a craftsman of destruction.”
ok ….dat Z good …
i just love dis country… no probz …memsi yo van nou..
I thank the Chinese Embassy for clearing that up for the Dominican public and I must say that you have acted very responsibly in this matter.
This furthers explains why the Prime Minister was able to negotiate for a hospital with this new agreement and MOU when he had already secured the said hospital under his previous agreement and MOU with the Chinese Government.
My question to Roosevelt Skerrit is who do you think you are fooling with all the fly by night, all of a sudden deals and agreements?
It was Bob Marley who said this, “everyday the bucket but one day the bottom afi drop off” and I know it wont be too long from now for the bottom of Roosevelt Skerrit’s bucket to drop off.
Imagine the man takes Hartley Henry out of Barbados and Martin Charles (a non political entity) on this trip with out the fore knowledge of his cabinet colleagues. What disrespect and these ministers talk about Roosevelt Skerrit but none dear speak up to his face. Just a bunch of cowards and little boys constitute that cabinet.
Most of you guys are older than Roosevelt Skerrit in that cabinet but he treats you guys as insignificant others and no dog bark. This is pure buldadash!!!!!
Skerrit spent hundreds of millions to rehabilitate Melville Hall claiming that we do not need an International Airport but in the face of losing the next general elections, the drowning man clutches at a straw with this new International airport development.
CHANGE MUST COME!!!!!
OK, I overstand now. Who is the King liar.
It was an oversight on the part of the PM in not making clear the specifics. he would NEVER try to mislead us. Not Arch Angel Skerrit. Of course he would ensure that the MOU made provisions for Chinese Labour because they are the most reliable kind even if its at the sacrifice of employing Dominicans. Even if it means that most of that money returns to China even before we start to pay back the loan in salaries and wages it does not matter.
But we knew that. DNO when you all first broke the news, a link to the website was provided. So yea we knew. Well I understood is was not the Chinese Government, whoever did not understand that lacks basic comprehension skills.
Boss man, too many millions for DA and we getting poorer with all these millions. BOSS U GOT TO GO!!!
Mafia mania…. are wee being sold?
I SMELL A BIG RAT
So D/ca doesn’t have any companies that can reconstruct and build?… And how can something that never existed be reconstructed?
Skerrit going and sell the country on allu eno, anytime now
Whether you are a Skerritite or not, this has to be very disturbing for any right thinking Dominican.
Oh Boy! So our government is not dealing with China’s government but with a lending group I guess? So what if Skerrit dies? Boy look trouble. I guess the Chinese embassy maybe feeling uncomfortable about this deal and wants to wash their hands clean early?
LOOOOL… even WORSE.. dominica please open your eyes to such foolishness…
Well folks, there we go again. We have foreign investments designed as international relations by the government of China and the government of D/ca. What is the future of D/ca as a free country owing this international body this type of dollars. Now is this $300m in D/can or US currency? The question our citizens are asking is whether we have a grant which was reported yesterday, while the following day we read something else. The PM seems to be talking in Chinese here. On the other hand, sophisticated engineering a nation like D/ca is prepared to bring or manage at this hospital will come into play. For some reason, we are believing it is not a loan from the PRC, yet we are hearing it is a business venture by a business firm in China. It is a duty of this government to inform the public what this money changing is all about, whether tax payers have to pay it back, or if it is foreign investment that will focus on foreigners. A foreign entity that is going to invest in a hospital is an interesting topic, and should be clarified before the first brick is planted. A hotel? Well we can play with that. But please Mr. Prime Minister, please explain. As much as the country needs development, it is necessary to explain to the general public how far, the intentions of government. We all realize that elections are a few months, and everything said or done will be digested. But remember, our future generation should not be stamped with “I.O.Us. Foreign Investments, Grants, and Loans have there place but let the public in on these. You will find governing more stable.
Thank God for the clarification. Those failed greedy politicians think they can fool the ppl all the time. Skerritt ur days in Government r few. Give another set a chance. Dominica don’t belong to u and Blackmore.
oh…..so he ddn’t sign with government, but with a government backed/supported company. ok….
Well well well. We have to get clarification from the chinese embassy.
This is even worse news than originally indicated. First of all why in the Government doing business to construct public structures with a foreign company in loan amounts that huge. This is pure madness. Which company is going to absorb such huge cost without thinking of making a profit.
Two things, we are going to be stuck with an incredible debt or the company is going to do everything to make sure it makes a profit and its people are employed.
Is there any provisions to impeach mr skeritt or pass a vote of no confidence to get this guy out of office. I thing going forward we must do sych test on all ministers.
By the way i hope the spouses of the ministers and prime ministers must declare there assets because i see a nasty end to all these dealings and potential for money to be swindled off.
In the midst of the bacchanal, there appeared a disembodied hand and it wrote on the wall the words, ” Mene, Mene, Tekel Upharsin.” Those words were interpreted by the Prophet Daniel to mean “you have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.”
The Holy Scriptures, in the Book of James indicates that some people will speak with forked tongues to suit their own dishonourable intents and I dare say this may sometimes include their own political methodology.
In a December 4, 2013 news story right here on DNO a caption read, “Chinese Team Inspects Hotel Construction Site.” It ran on” …according to the release the Government of Dominica and the firm have signed a MOU for the construction of a hotel….”
On December 5, 2013, right here on DNO again we learned that the MOU signed was not the real deal but was in fact a “draft MOU.” Under the caption “Government Moves Toward Construction of an International Airport” we read that the US 300 Million dollar deal “includes the construction of of an international airport and the building of a hotel in Roseau and a hospital” But, wasn’t the hospital already part of the MOU signed when Dominica and China first established Diplomatic Relations in 2004? Or, is this another hospital? I may be wrong. I’ll be the first to admit that like the old horse in “Animal Farm” my eyes and ears must be failing me. Back to the current MOU however and the December 5 article, the Dear Leader is quoted as saying, …”and then once we get this written advice to say yes it can be done, we can prepare a conceptual drawing for your consideration, here is the draft MOU between yourself and ourselves and once we get to the point of signing the MOU then we can engage the public.” Excuse me Sir, isn’t the public already engaged?
In other words, the MOU is to conduct a feasibility assessment of the Compton Point site in Woodford Hill for the International Airport. Wasn’t that already done by the Freedom Party under Dame Eugenia?
I think this is fantastic news! Time for DA to move forward and if it means signing an agreement with foreign investors to improve an island that is many years behind many other islands, in relation to tourism, infrastructure and medical care then we should all be 100% behind this. Lets face it, we haven’t been able to do it on our own thus far, have we? I live in hope that this time they will tap into the Dominican workforce to create much needed jobs.
the more that is revealed, the more shady this all seems
What we need to know is whether the Chinese Gov’t has interest in this Company. Most if not all Chinese mega companies have ties to the Gov’t.
Oh dear! Another twist in the China-gate Loan saga. This could potentially bring down Skerrit’s government if the opposition handles it cleverly. let’s see What Lennox and Spags are made of.
whoaaaaa – of, if it’s with a commercial enterprise, what is Skerritt signing? People of Dominica, mark my words – this man is selling our beloved country – If a company is willing to make a bet like that on an economy as small as ours where a return on investment to its shareholders will likely take decades, you can be certain that the company is going to hold on to some kind of asset(s) – they probably will bring their own people to construct and operate the facility, leaving Dominicans on the outside looking in; they probably will continue the trend of settling their people in Dominica to most likely exert tremendous influence in the future – you have to recognize, these people think long-range. I am old enough to remember that Patrick John was going to try something similar in his day, essentially giving away the north of Dominica to some casino operators – this looks like history repeating itself with the same Labour party
And remember the likes of Charles Savarin and other potto freedomites fighting Patrick John down – now the same Charles Savarin as President and the same freedomites are there licking the feet of this corrupt regime what a shame eh!!!
This is so complex and the unfortunate symptoms of a well functioning corrupt government. Manipulating the minds of the people and putting the entire country and its future in the hands of a company. Wow!!!
we already no that skerrit and his government sell our country its nothing new
Note also the article on the bogus deal is about the $70 million hotel and in the conclusion the writer just decided to throw RECONSTRUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. I suspect that someone told them to throw this in there.
So DNO can we vote on the better web site CTI or ASCG.
Desoeration make the monket eat pepper and castigate the unemployed, rum drinkers and even the generous prifessionals who try to help the poor and less fortunate.
woye woye something happening
…and it’s so exciting. Forward we go.
Our PM will sell Dominica wirh all of, when he goes out on his own to sign those deals. Leaving the country in secret, Cabinet not informed of these agreements, and coming back to tell us that MOU on his desk?
Some of us just drink whatever the PM says as if it is Scripture.
Pli Ta Pli Twis.
Brethren and Sistren go visit thst web site and you will notice thst this web site is lesd than desireable. If this company is what it says it is then I am astonished at the quality of the web site.
Note also that this company web site does not support the clain that they have the construction and engineering capability. The few photos are just gimmick.
The web site is laughable.
On the question of the MOU that Skerrit spoke about is it thst the MOU is with a private company thst is less than credible?
Mr Chinese Embassy…..where is our MOU..when you all take Dominicans for grated, use our Prime Minister and there is no transparency there will always be talk. We have been asking for MOU for years, where were you then to comment, why now you have a voice.
We do Not trust Skerrit and all those involved questionable schemes. Come clean with us please. you are also aware of the major corruption practices going in China. …..and in Dominica by these governments.
Oh boy oh boy….I hope you guys are seeing this PM for what he really is…
God please help Dominica and Dominicans. Amen
I have nothing to say, so I am saying nothing.
Waypapa well is now the noose well tie around our neck.
Is so we come, when man can just pick up a foreigner and an insurance sales man , go sign for tons of money on behalf of the people like this little rock called Dominica belongs to him. Skeritt has no respect for the people. Can you imagine Mr. Obama travelling to a foreign country and signing a contract with an agency for $3 billion without the knowledge of the U.S. people. What kind of Mickey Mouse country are we living in?
Hay hayyyyyyyyyy wooooshhhhh! Coco mi grazh!
But wait a while nuh???? Hiw skerrit can just go and sign agreement with of such magnitude with private entities??? Wat happens if for some reason we default on these private debts???
With a country its more comforting in that u may get debt forgiveness… but with a private company!! omg
A private enterprise gonna spend 3 hundred million on our little poor country…..aren’t they skeptical about getting repaid……..so the hotel that’a gonna be built belong to them???….that is the real estate investors skerrit was talking about….making variation in the citizenship programs to allow investors to become citizens……..
Boy what kind of confusion is that nah why is the Chinese that have to clear the air?
This statement by the Embassy is highly significant. It would not be made without the express approval and direction of the Chinese Govt.
The Chinese are masters of diplomacy and this press release should be read as a strong message whereby the Chinese Govt. are at pains to distance themselves from Mr. Skerrit’s unilateral actions.
The P.M. has made a fundamental error in believing that China’s support is based on him, as an individual and therefore will do anything to keep him in power.
China’s interests are not vested in Skerrit per se and he’d better wake up and realize that.The fact that he is the country’s P.M. is incidental to their plans, which are always long term and if he becomes an obstacle and an distraction they will be quite happy to work with someone else, who will cooperate in a more professional and less disruptive manner on a basis of mutual trust. To put it plainly, Roosevelt Skerrit is expendable.
I would appreciate the Embassy also clarifying for us whether or not they recognize David Xu as the “Special Envoy of the Commonwealth of Dominica in China” as stated in ASCG’s earlier press release and is granted diplomatic status accordingly.
Interesting, Skero don’t play with the Chinese they Pretty much have you covered bro.
The Chinese know for a fact that u a Juvenile Leader
and by the way did the p.m do this without the approval of cabinet?
Does the p.m have the authority to take this decisions solely?
It will be interesting to see what detractors are going to say about this
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
boooooom!!
Please understand this Roosevelt skerrit supporters……questioning skerrit on nusiness deals he is making is not being insulting to him……asking him to declare his assets and state wether he is part owner in certain businesses is in no way insulting to him…….this are legitimate questions………he should be held accountable for his actions….his assets should reflect his salary and the deals made should be benificial to majority of Dominicans…
Obama made his millions I believe from sale of his books……..to this day I do not know of any business that Roosevelt skerrit is an owner off and he refuses to directly answer A sIMPLY YES OR NO when asked……YES OR NO…….now that leaves many skeptical about his honesty……….SO AGAIN…THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW CERTAIN INFORMATION….and please don’t compare is to the insults being thrown by skerrit…..making fun of unemployed dominicans
Soon DA will be privately owned. I truly wish politicians would show some respect for the citizens over lining their pockets. The new age politicians are hell bent on getting rich while their supporters and the remaining citizens “eat pig food”…. nothing last forever.
still confused
What do they want to say finally? Hmm.
Uhm…..? Ok thennnn!
Teither way DOMINICA is benefitting. Well done PM
good china. clear yourself from the madness of this irrational and desperate p.m.
Skerro, Skerro let our people goooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Excellent work DNO! This is the type of reporting the people of Dominica need and deserve!
Now..I wonder is this legal or precendented? To loan almost $1B EC dollars from a company, without the prior approval of cabinet and with hesitancy to disclose full details over 1 month later? Hmmm…
Ummm??? This doesn’t sound good for the re-election bid. Does this mean that the Dominica Government has the $300 million and is just contracting this Chinese company to do the work? DA have plenty money for a country with no major resource…Are we getting that many tourists dollars?
I think this is some fake company like the Layou River scheme where dem fellas pocketed millions of dollars. In any event, if that is real how can Dominica pay back US$300,000,000 which is equivalent to EC$ 800,000,000. So each man woman and child in Dominica has to pay back about $15,000. So a family of six would pay $90,000. That is in taxes and VAT. So cost of leaving would go up significantly. So when you add the national debt to it Dominica would now be owing EC$ 2,000,000,000. Skerrit, what you trying to do to Dominica?
By listening to the way that Skerrit talks, and sustains a conversation, does he have the ability to negotiate even 50 cents from any government of any country,anywhere in the world? I DOUBT IT!
SHAME ON THOSE WHO STILL HAVE THIS MAN, TAKING THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY OF OURS TO the abyss of destruction, poverty and indigency.
The question you posed quote “does he have the ability to negotiate even 50 cents from any government of any country,anywhere in the world”How ludicrous you sound. You have just proved to me the damage your political partisan tunnel vision has done to your mind.Ignoring facts does not mean they don’t exist.You are entitled to believe what you want but there is something called thinking which sometimes you neglect to do,instead you make your political partisan belief take over.You need to loosen up.
Wow, even peeping Tom is speechless.
For those Skerrites who are wallowing in ignorance, you all must start asking Skerrit serious questions? Don’t believe that Dominica belongs only to Linton and his UWP team.
I am not a LOABOURITE, and will never be A LABOURITE under the leadership of Skerrit.My labour days was with Mike,Roosie and Pierro. I am wondering when will this madness end. A PM leaving state and not even his government ministers know his destination, but these clowns and puppets, accept this disregard by Skerrit. Who are the foreigners whom we have accepted money from, and who are those who have a serious stake in Dominica? NO ONE KNOWS!
THIS COUNTRY NEEDS TO BE TAKEN BACK FROM THE HANDS OF SKERRIT, and the sooner it happens, the better.
HOW LONG?
NOT LONG!
ENOUGH RESPECT TO JOSHUA FRANCIS AND HIS BRILLIANT RESPONSE TO SKERRIT!
Sounds like a loan to me.
Aye yo, de Chinese government wants to have no part with dis ting.
Mr Skerrit, your days in office are well and truly numbered and coming to an end QUICKLY.
So the headline in yesterday’s Chronicle was wrong? That is so unusual. I wonder if the change in ownership had something to with this.
WOW…! What can I say! Are the Chinese Government seeing clearly now?