Collin McIntyre wants more diaspora investors

Dr Colin McIntyre

Minister for Employment, Trade, Industry and Diaspora Affairs Dr Collin McIntyre, has encouraged potential Dominican investors visiting Dominica for this year’s Independence celebrations to use the services offered by the Invest Dominica Authority (IDA).

“As the Minister responsible for the Invest Dominica Authority, I would like to encourage those of you who are desirous of investing in Dominica to utilize the services of the IDA. The dedicated staff of the IDA is ready, willing and able to assist you in realizing your business goals,” he said.

The Minister was speaking at a diaspora conference on Wednesday at the Krazy Kokonuts.

He stated that over the years, many Dominicans who reside for extended periods overseas have returned to Dominica to start businesses and have contributed to the country’s national development.

“We can certainly use more of these types of investments and look forward to discussing potential investment opportunities with you,” he emphasized.

At the function Mc Intyre invited the Dominican visitors to view the several booths which featured a wide array of Dominican products and services.

He said he hoped that this added feature to the forum with visiting overseas nationals will help stimulate exports of Dominican products to overseas territories.

“You may have noticed the various booths displaying nostalgic Dominican products being displayed at our venue today, please visit the booths, sample the products and perhaps even discuss possible ways you could do business with the companies represented. Who knows? You may discover a business opportunity where you can import products from the nature isle to wherever you currently reside” Mc Intyre advised.

Wednesday’s forum also exposed the overseas nationals to a number of Government and private sector entities such as the National Bank of Dominica, the National Cooperative Credit Union, the Immigration and Customs Departments, Discover Dominica and Invest Dominica Authorities, and the Dominica Social Security.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

80 Comments

  1. ROSEAU VALLEY
    November 4, 2012

    As the minister responsible for investment and Diaspora affairs, why didn’t Collin accompany the Prime Minister to the seminar in Arizona, which was supposedly meant to encourage investment by individuals who wish to hide excess funds from US officials? What does Nanton have to do with this?

    You know what…Collin cannot afford to be embroiled in yet another corruption prone matter. He must try to clean his image before the next election comes around because the people of the Valley are not happy with his involvement and central role in so many of the corruption plots of this administration.

    Respectfully
    Roseau Valley

    • coming home
      November 12, 2012

      with seven figures to my name. why should I invest. Answer me that.

  2. ma
    November 3, 2012

    EASY TO SAY I JUST GOT OVERCHARGED BY CUSTOMS AND THEY WANT YOU TO INVEST

  3. November 3, 2012

    The first thing that business people in Dominica (especially in produce, agriculture, fisheries etc) need to do is travel out side of Dominica to see their competition then they will know how to position and re-position themselves in the global marketplace instead of thinking that everything Begin and ends in Dominica.

  4. say sa meme
    November 2, 2012

    Dr. McIntyre, How can you ask Dominicans in the Diaspora to invest in Dominica? After so many Dominicans in Dominica and the Diaspora loose all their money in DUTC and Clico. My father, just like many other Dominicans, invested money in DUTC, and nobody can tell anyone anything about those investments. DUTC is silent and the government is
    silent. Where are the guidelines that are put in place for such investments? Who is setting and maintaining standards so that investers like these do not loose all their money without no one to turn to? I ask the PM since 2008, about my father’s investment in DUTC, and he referred me to the Financial Secretary, who had no information to give me. I asked the PM again in 2010, and he told me it would be resolved in about a month and I would get the information. Here it is 2012, four(4) years after I asked, and there is no information, no resolution and of course NO RETURNS from the investments.
    Then came CLICO, after DUTC, and many Dominicans lost a lot of money there too, some of them their life savings. What is being put in place when Dominicans invest, to ensure that business is done in the proper way and people’s money don’t disappear just like that. Mr. McIntyre, there is a lot of recovery that need to be done, and a lot of work, before Dominicans like me can feel comfortable in taking their hard earned money and invest in this type of environment. We work hard, and we have to have some type of assurance that there are principles and standards in place to govern and direct these types of business practices in Dominica. I am still waiting for someone to tell me about my father’s investments in DUTC? Do you all realize what it is for someone to just loose their money like that? And there is no one to give any explanation. Where is the accountability? Who is responsible. No one seems to know.

    • say sa meme
      November 2, 2012

      I would like to invest, but I don’t want the same thing that happen to my dad’s money to happen to mine. Further, I don’t want the constant run around and red tape I got when I try to ask questions about an already made investment. “A burnt child dreads fire.”

  5. brois
    November 2, 2012

    two thumbs up!!!next year i am hoping to visit for that very purpose

  6. November 2, 2012

    It is very difficult to get products shipped to Dominica, even a simple letter takes months to get there. Sometime ago I mailed a letter to my late sister who expired last February. I am in California, I also communicate with people in Antigua, it is interesting to note whereas a letter takes five days from Los Angeles, to Antigua, the letter I mailed by air mail to Dominica took more than three months before that letter got to my sister in Wesley. –says Francisco

    That comment above, is the reason we cannot simply go by one or two opinions–especially when those opinions make mountains our of molehills, or they plagued with loud exaggeration.

    For I am sure that a “5 days letter to Antigua from California compared to “more than three months” to Dominica from that same place is an “extremely” loud and “useless” exaggeration that provokes all sorts of set back in the mind of a person or persons, who would like to consider the message in this news article for example.

    Whereas it is said above, that a simple letter takes two or three months to get to Wesley from California, I am saying that a letter takes no more than 14 days to get to Giraudel from Toronto,Canada and yet Toronto is much further away from Dominica than California is.

    And I used to be a frequent writer to my people in Giraudel. My letters never went astray, and I would expect to hear back from my people, no less than 21 days after I posted mine to them. So what cause that 3 months delay to Wesley–too much empty talk, I am suggesting!

    How do solve the problems we are faced with; how do we make changes for the better; how do we build upwards, when there is always a group of us who is always coming out first, to try to stall everything, as we talk, talk, and talk the “non productive” mumble jumble as if we saw it in the future–even long before the present is here.

    The worst part is that we are the “same group” who come back with all sorts of gruesome critics–that we are too slow in development; that we are too far behind in history; it is all a negative retort about us–this is at fault, that is the mistake, and the other is the imperfection–Holy hell!

    It is really time that some people should just shut up! Really and truly! Dominica belong to us who were born and raised there. Not all of us are able, but there are too many of us who just do not care to lend a helping, but all they do is criticize from left to right and back and forth–that kind of attitude is just sickening!

    • Francisco Telemaque
      November 2, 2012

      Whereas it is said above, that a simple letter takes two or three months to get to Wesley from California, I am saying that a letter takes no more than 14 days to get to Giraudel from Toronto, Canada and yet Toronto is much further away from Dominica than California is. (Elizabeth).

      I am very much aware that you exist in a deferent world to anyone else, Elizabeth, however, if you do not understand the meaning of exaggeration, let me inform you that when you term what someone said to be exaggerated, that is a mild way of saying the person is a liar okay!

      I spoke about my experience, I spoke about the same experience many times before in another forum, of which you too is a recipient of all the communication, so for you to come here and make a show of it talking about exaggeration, simply exposes your hypocrisy.

      To crown it all these are your words:

      ” Whereas it is said above, that a simple letter takes two or three months to get to Wesley from California, I am saying that a letter takes no more than 14 days to get to Girudel from Toronto, Canada and yet Toronto is much further away from Dominica than California is.” (Elizabeth),

      Now what’s the great difference here?

      If a letter takes fourteen (14) days from the bush in Girudel, to get to Toronto, that is still too long! Fourteen days is approximately half a month, there are thirty-one days in some months, and twenty-eight in two of them, so I cannot even see your ridiculous point oui!

      For your information, from California to New York; or Miami is further than from New York, Miami, to Dominica.

      If there was an International Airport in Dominica, and someone left Miami, or New York flying to Dominica, and I Ieft Los Angeles flying to any of the two destinations in the United States, the person going to Dominica would get there before I got to Miami or New York.

      You need to understand , and know what you are talking about before you start drawing your swords, ready to assassinate people, especially yours truly.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • November 2, 2012

        “You need to understand , and know what you are talking about before you start drawing your swords, ready to assassinate people, especially yours truly”. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

        You are not my “yours truly” whatever your are insinuating. However I am glad that the commentator identified as Dorival used the same word “exaggeration” to speak against that “stone age claim” of yours–in those days a steam ship probably did not even take that long. I know that one took my cousins to their parents in England, and each time they told my grandmother that her grandchildren would get to their parents in three weeks–so it happened.

        And so, if I cannot relate to a subject I hold my peace; how dare that you are trying to tell me that I do not know the meaning of “exaggeration” You are a downright rude man,among other things, who cannot escape from the slaps, to your jaws, against your mentality!

        Also if you look at the map of “North America” where Canada is situated, you will see that Canada is on the north side of the USA. And since we must go south to Dominica, that would mean any “State” in the USA is definitely closer to Dominica than Toronto–regardless of the margin. So what is your contention above?

        You are the one who keeps assassinating yourself; you do that all the time, in so many different ways–now don’t start blaming it on me.

        By the way I am thinking that those persons who wrote here, in your favour, are probably people in disguise–that person in disguise maybe Franscisco, himself? Because I notice that the one who ask for information about your where abouts, wrote with the same pattern as yours–is this a coincident? :lol: :lol: :lol:

      • November 2, 2012

        If a letter takes fourteen (14) days from the bush in Giraudel, to get to Toronto, that is still too long! Fourteen days is approximately half a month, there are thirty-one days in some months, and twenty-eight in two of them, so I cannot even see your ridiculous point oui–Francisco

        You are always putting me in a world of my own; I cannot blame you for doing that; because this world of mine is full of people with great wisdom, understanding, and most of all–“reading comprehension”–which are not the aspects of your mind and those who live in your world–for sure!

        It seem as if you do not know how to hold a piece of writing in the correct position, or either you read from right to left–not from left right. such as all the people who lives in my world does. That is the reason you do not ever understand what you read–I pity you.

        Compare what you read from with what I wrote and then you decide who is the “bushman” here:

        “If a letter takes fourteen (14) days from the bush in Giraudel, to get to Toronto, that is still too long”!—Francisco

        “Whereas it is said above, that a simple letter takes two or three months to get to Wesley from California, I am saying that a letter takes no more than 14 days to get to Giraudel from Toronto, Canada”–Liz Xavier

        Where did I say that a letter takes (14) from Giraudel to Toronto? We go to Roseau to post our letters, you cannot know that either.

        Never mind about the “bush” and my own world, at least I conduct myself as a civilized person–you ought what I am talking about since you confirmed that I am a recepient of your other forums.

        And so, you are the one who exists in the “twilight zone” of your own mind; that is the reason you have no understanding about other people’s communication and their way of living; that is the reason you cannot say anything without speaking your self alone–but who cares of your life in the stone ages. :lol: :lol:

        And one more thing! Which is the other month of the year with 28 days–I only know of February, but it still has 29 day every 4 years. Hehehehehehehehehe!

        So do you now realize how “urgent” it is for you to get out of that “twilight zone” of yours, where your foolish mentality of self conceit is all you have to feed on, but it is not doing you any good? :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  7. ROSEAU VALLEY
    November 1, 2012

    In terms of the substantive issues raised in the article, I wish to make the following observations.
    As the minister responsible for Diaspora affairs and the minister responsible for the Invest Dominica Authority, part of his overall function is to encourage anyone (and certainly the Diaspora) who are desirous of investing in Dominica to utilize the services of Invest Dominica- I see nothing wrong with that.

    The Minister indicated that Dominica can certainly use more of that type of investment and he looked forward to discussing potential investment opportunities with those gathered. Again, what’s wrong with that?

    He called for stimulation of exports of Dominican products to overseas territories. Therefore, in terms of the contents, the Minister said what he was expected to say.

    However, based on the overwhelming negative feedback to the Hon Minister, it is incumbent upon him and his government to listen to the people who they are addressing.

    It is with regret that the Hon Minister did not take questions from the media or the participants at the conference in the usual disrespectful and coward modus operandi of the Labour Party administration that we have become used to.

    The Labour Party must understand that it cannot keep talking down to people. It must speak with them, dialogue, and engage in constructive debate.
    It is clear, like the majority of Dominicans at home, the majority of people in the Diaspora are not satisfied with the status quo with regard to the ease of doing business and investing in Dominica, in spite of what the World Bank has reported. Generally, the people believe that there are too many hurdles to investing in Dominica. Even our indigenous bank, the NBD treats Dominicans living abroad as foreigners when they seek financing for purchase of property and investing in local business.

    In essence, the Hon Minister did not say anything new. If one were to read a paper, which was prepared by Dr. Thomson Fontaine a few years ago entitled, “The Role of the Diaspora”, it would be noted that the same themes are simply being recycled.

    According to Dr. Fontaine, we cannot continue to ignore the wealth of resources in Diaspora and we must find active ways to engage further participation. Many in the Diaspora complain that they are either being ignored or not taken seriously by those on Island. Clearly rather than being frowned upon, the efforts of the Diaspora should be welcomed and encouraged. With regard to the tapping of human resources, competent Dominicans should be made to feel that they have a contribution to make.

    Dr Fontaine called for inter alia:
    • A greater emphasis on securing both the financial and human resources that are available from the Diaspora;
    • Added incentives to be given for the building of homes on Island;
    • A credible investment schemes should be floated to the Diaspora;
    • A structured approach within Dominica in concert with Diaspora groups to tap into a tremendous pool of resources for consultancies, and even donated time.
    • The encouragement of further investment in Dominica and
    • More active promotion for various cultural and national events.

    Respectfully
    Roseau Valley

    • Correction
      November 2, 2012

      I wish to correct you sir because you are dead wrong that no questions were entertained from the people at the meeting! We were given the opportunity to speak one on one with all cabinet members including the PM!face to face!\

      So dont sit on your black “bleep” and make false statements about the Minister. You were not there! and if you were not an eye witness then you are a false witness!! Toneh!!!

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        November 2, 2012

        What exactly are you correcting? Take it easy now—Do not get a heart attack on my account.

        We are happy that you had the opportunity to have a one-on-one talk with the cabinet. Good for you. However, that is not the issue. I make reference to the lack of a question and answer session, which would have included questions from the media and participants,. This is normal at such events.

        Listen, during your one-on-one, you should have asked when was the last time the PM and his ministers had a proper press conference on any subject of national interest or an open town-hall style meetings where the public could interact with gov’t officials, ask questions or an open debate on issues. Even our past president left office without a word to the people. He simply left like a thief in the night in a shameful manner.

        That is what I am talking about Sir. No need to be emotional in your response and curse the specter of my black “pleep” on your screen.

        Respectfully
        Roseau Valley

    • November 2, 2012

      According to Dr. Fontaine, we cannot continue to ignore the wealth of resources in Diaspora and we must find active ways to engage further participation. Many in the Diaspora complain that they are either being ignored or not taken seriously by those on the Island. Clearly rather than being frowned upon, the efforts of the Diaspora should be welcomed and encouraged. With regard to the tapping of human resources, competent Dominicans should be made to feel that they have a contribution to make.

      Thanks to you Roseau Valley, for all of that information above. Whether or not you speak my sentiments I always take time to read what you write for I always receive something positive from you.

      As of your quote from Doctor Fontaine above, to say that the message which the Minister is sending to the Diaspora is not new–I am still seeing that it is the “negative group” who first come forward, rattling with words of discouragement–how can we ever move on, with so much discouragement in our minds, along with those people who do not care one damn thing about the developments of their own homeland?

      Those persons have put the idea of “returning” to Dominica to live again, in the grave which will one day be their–perhaps eternal dwelling; that is why they are the ones with the loudest and emptiest of exaggeration in their attempt to keep Dominica down. Those of us who love Dominica, will never work in her favor, if we do not ignore those people.

      The question you ask above is the same question in my mind. What is wrong with the Mr. Collin McIntyre’s suggestion, that those who are living away from Dominica, and if they have the financial resources, to invest in their homeland? What is wrong with that?

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      November 2, 2012

      What I think I should have concluded with is the fact that we have heard of of these words expressed over an over again by different officials…The frustartion that is being exhibited now relates to the lack o real, concrete action to back up the nice words.
      Respectfully
      Roseu Valley

  8. ROSEAU VALLEY
    November 1, 2012

    I beg to respectfully differ with the opinion of my fighting comrades Francisco Telemaque and Tomas, and stand in solidarity with Anonymous, who has called on DNO to show some respect to the honourable minister.

    I agree that as a respectable media house, DNO’s headline lacks proper protocol and demonstrates some disrespect. Indeed, the heading should read Hon. Dr. Collin McIntyre.

    You see, the gentleman was not speaking in his personal capacity as Collin, the new King of Fond Canie. He spoke at the conference in his capacity as a minister of government and DNO should refer to him accordingly. Protocol and good media practice demand that much.

    Had he been addressing an issue related to the Roseau Valley constituency, I would expect the reference to be- the Hon. Parliamentary Representative of the Roseau Valley.

    I say so not just because is my “duly” elected Parl Rep, recognizing that he actually bought a lot of the votes with thousands of free foreign dollars “pumped” into the constituency- which were used to outspend a miserably broke but honest and humble UWP candidate at the last election. I say so because I would like any and every minister of government to be appropriately addressed by the media.

    Having said this, I do not think that the contents of the story is in poor taste, especially as the article merely regurgitates what the Hon/ Minister said at the conference, unless “Anonymous” is saying that what the minister said was in poor taste- but it wasn’t really.

    Respectfully
    Roseau Valley

    ADMIN: If you notice we don’t use the term ‘honorable,’ not even for the Prime Minister in any of our stories.. Neither do we use Mr. or Mrs. (unless it is a direct quote). In the body of the story we did use Dr. McIntyre but if we use it once, we not going to repeat ‘Dr.” every time his name is mentioned. It is not a matter of disrespect, it just shows we are not holding anyone higher than everybody else.

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      November 2, 2012

      Thank you Admin. for your kind explanation. Your prompt feedback is deeply appreciated.

      The Gov’t could learn a lot from your responsiveness and real time feedback. DNO is truly above the rest in terms of the provision of prompt, accurate, and useful information. DNO is the ideal outlet for the populace to vent their frustrations.

      However, for various reasons, some among us are assigned certain roles and responsibilities with titles and therefore it is incumbent on us to refer to them accordingly. Therefore we should say -His Lordship the Mayor and not simply Cecil Joseph-for example.

      Even though I agree with Sir Brian Alleyne that Mr. Eluid Williams is not a legitimately elected President and I wholeheartedly support the legal action filed by the UWP, the media should refer to him ss His Excellency, President Eluid Williams- as illegitimate as he may be- until he is so declared by a competent court of law. The same applies to the Prime Minister and the other Ministers of Gov’t.

      Contrary to Admin’s statement, it may have been better to show the respect in the headline of the story and not repeat the title in the body.
      But —who am I to comment on media matters and proper protocol.

      Respectfully
      Roseau Valley

  9. Dom
    November 1, 2012

    IN YOUR DREAMS!! Invest??? Where? I will make much better investments in my safe in my house. The country not going anywhere. If I had stayed in D.ca I wouldnt have what I have now. So i cant invest my hard earned money so they can share it in red klinic.

    One day we the diaspora as we’re called will do great things for dominica in Dominica but until that time NOOOO!

    • November 2, 2012

      One day we the diaspora as we’re called will do great things for dominica in Dominica but until that time NOOOO!

      How can there ever be a “one day” for you, with the attitude you are nurturing right now! But you are right! There will be a “one day” for Dominica. It will happen through those of us who truly love her. As it is written so shall it be done–and to God be the glory!

      • Malgraysa
        November 2, 2012

        Go and burn another candle, that may help! Bot oh, I forgot customs charge import duty of 50% on candles even though we don’t have our own industry anymore. Just imagine, in a catholic country you want to light a devotive candle but not before customs take their money first.

    • November 2, 2012

      Here goes another empty exaggeration!

  10. natural dominican
    November 1, 2012

    Mr Minister create a website giving information on what incentives are being put in place to encourage investments. Include the domestic products that is mentioned and information about the product.

    • Rolling my eyes
      November 2, 2012

      Where do you live? under a rock???? visit the invest DOminica website which clearly outlines ALL the incentives available for investment! Geeze!!!!

  11. T
    November 1, 2012

    So now you want them to invest?I thought you didn’t want them to govern Dominica by remote contrl! Who uttered this nonsense sometime in the past? A GOVERNMENT OF CONFUSION!

  12. Cerberus
    November 1, 2012

    Dominica’s ranking on the World Bank’s list of “Ease of doing business” for 2013 has dropped from 65 to 68 compared with 2012. I particularly want to highlight things like “getting credit”, were we are at no 83 and “enforcing” contracts at no. 170. On a purely commercial basis there is very little incentive to set up business in our country compared with other destinations and apart from common sense a substatial dose of patriatic love, patience and a strong stomach are required.

    We are not even as welcoming to returning nationals as we like to make out, when compared with more developed countries. Returning Dominican nationals, in order to qualify for duty free import of household belongings must have lived outside Dominica for at least seven years preceding their return. These belongings can not be sold, lend or otherwise disposed off (at any time) except with the directives of the comptroller of customs. Tools (not including plant or equipment)are only excempt if they are to be used to persue a declared profession or trade.
    As for vehicles, the one vechicle allowance is not entirely free as many of returnees have found to their cost. It is subject to a 26% excise tax + 3% customs service charge. Even then there are several restrictions such as the inability to sell it within five years of importation and only with the approval of the comptroller of customs after that period. If the lucky returnee decides to leave the country for less than six months he/she must notify customs with regards to the custody of the vehicle and failure to do so, where the period of absence exceeds six months, the owner becomes liable to immediate payment of full customs duty + vat whereby customs reserve the right to seize the vehicle and sell it by public auction.

    The U.S.A. and the U.K. for example, do not have such onerous restrictions or duties/excise payable on household items (incl. vehicles) for any legitimatye immigrant, regardless of nationality i.e. returnign nationals and and non-nationals are treated the same.

    Now, shoot the messenger if you must but I’m only reporting the facts as found.

  13. Erasmus B. Black
    November 1, 2012

    Nobody has ever offered a more succinct “Us versus Them” indictment of overseas based Dominicans than Dr. Hon. Colin McIntyre. Reacting to the so-called Conference of Empty Chairs AKA the Diaspora Conference held in New York in 2009 the Minister for Diaspora Affairs highlighted the chasm between ‘us and them” when he said words to the effect that those of us who stayed are the ones to develop Dominica. Wherefore invest now? Are those of “us” who stayed no longer able to develop Dominica? What has the Honourable Minister done since then to ease the creative tension between Dominicans in Dominica and Diaspora based nationals?

    • Wait
      November 2, 2012

      And who were the organisers of that conference?? It wasnt the Government. Was it Gabriel CHristian, Thompson Fontaine and Clayton Shillingford???

  14. Retired dominican
    November 1, 2012

    Talk is cheap.If they want ppl to invest they have to make it feasible. To bring a vehicle to Dominica is too costly If they want people to invest they have to offer incentives and what they
    offering now is not encouraging.One of the things that countries do to encourage ppl to invest is to offer incentives If u are Dominican leaving abroad and want to retrn to DOMINICA u got to go through interviews to get a break. which other country does that.Too much red tapes.

  15. CIA on the watch
    November 1, 2012

    Because of the dark clouds of corruption over this administration head the diaspora comrades will be skeptical to trust you all with their investments

    • Returnee
      November 2, 2012

      There is no “dark clouds of corruption” over the current DLP administration. I think you are remembering the DARK DAYS of the UWP… when corruption was rampant! We, the voters of Dominica, removed them after just one (abbreviated) term, because they were corrupt and that my friend is a FACT!

      • Roseau Valley
        November 4, 2012

        You mean we should compare the made up, unreal, perceived corruption under the UWP with the real corruption under the Labour Party? I think the clouds are no longer dark, it is now raining corruption.

  16. November 1, 2012

    Please Mr Minister, it’s been almost 2years I’ve been trying to get in touch with you office. I’m a young Dominican trying to return home who wants to invest in my country. I’ve met with the ambassador here in the US and it simply feel like it’s bunch of bull and red tape that you all are offering us Dominicans, probably our $$$$$ are not big enough!!!!

  17. Aye Dominique
    November 1, 2012

    Colin and Skerrit got a lot of guts. They won’t fix VAT, but they are trying to drag people into investing in what again? Dominica’s investment climate is not inviting. Close down Invest Dominica Authority. Why are they still operating anyway?

    Investors will come when you people are more sensitive to them and their investment. In the meantime, enjoy Chinese products. Buy the shoe today, walk around Roseau it mash up, spin back around the Chinese store buy another one and see if it takes u to your home.

    Look at the kind of slap Pagua Bay got in their face from our justice system. You think people are foolish.

    We need better tax laws and we need a mature legal system, unless this happens, then you will contine to beg until your town come out, no one will take that risk and put their money in Dominica.

    Seriously Colin? No, you just can’t be serious!

  18. Anonymous
    November 1, 2012

    Every year is the same request.I wonder why our diaspora people so reluctant to invest. I also hope the P.M and the Ministers encouraging their family and friends to come back and invest…..individually or as a group.

  19. Anonymous
    November 1, 2012

    …But you all making it so dificult to invest here. Who would want to do such a thing? It’s only easy for the chinese.

    • Good
      November 1, 2012

      Amen!!!

  20. Francisco Telemaque
    November 1, 2012

    Colin, whereas many Dominicans would like to invest in the country of our birth, we have to be very careful how we invest; in any investment profit is the main purpose. We must recognized that ours is a small population, therefore one may have to depend on outside markets to sell whatever we produce.

    The potential for consumption of what we produce must exist on the island to a large extent, otherwise we have to be prepared to sell throughout the Caribbean, and on the international markets.

    In view of that we have to consider shipping facilities which I consider none existing in Dominica.

    It is very difficult to get products shipped to Dominica, even a simple letter takes months to get there. Sometime ago I mailed a letter to my late sister who expired last February. I am in California, I also communicate with people in Antigua, it is interesting to note whereas a letter takes five days from Los Angeles, to Antigua, the letter I mailed by air mail to Dominica took more than three months before that letter got to my sister in Wesley.

    By the way the letter was intended for Gloria Dods (Dodds) Shillingford, if she does not have amnesia, she can check the date I wrote the letter to the time my sister handed it to her, thus she my cousin can prove me a liar.

    Some people may have read where I argued that in the past in another forum, to which even some government officials in Dominica are recipients of such communication.

    I have no explanation for that; except I suspect it is all due to not having any international connection to Dominica via air. Here I am an electronic engineer by profession, I once operated an electronic business on the island of Antigua, I built and sold Radio’s Amplifiers, and Transformers in addition to serving the same.

    There was a time I seriously considered setting up business in Dominica, around the same time when my friend Ron Abraham was getting started on Marpin Television, and I am not going to talk about that because we all know what Dominicans done to Ron.

    I had to import my components from the United Kingdom, and the United States. From the time I placed an orders, to the time I receive them took approximately ten to fifteen days, and according to the shipping documents ( the Bill of Lading and invoices ) before they got to Antigua , they traveled via trucking, and rail.

    If a letter takes so long to arrive at home, what do you believe would happen to material such as electronic components ordered to be used in the building of what I would be producing?

    One could be wasting time for months waiting for materials; what does a business do in the meanwhile, since success depends on manufacturing and sale?

    There is nothing wrong about inviting people to invest in the country of their birth, however, the ground must be prepared, in my case I cannot invest in the sort of business that I know; assuming that I set up shop in Dominica, and have an outlet, or agent in Mexico who sells my products, orders X amount of whatever it is, and I have to wait on a Ship to sail into Dominica before I can ship to Mexico, how long do you believe one would remain in business?

    Colin, it is essential that the powers that be build an International Airport in the country, you and the powers that be can extend all the invitation you wish, until then nothing significant will happen in our country!

    By the way in 1976, in England Ron advised me to go to Dominica and set up a Radio and Television complex I had in mind. I refused, thus he build his Television station, and the good people of Dominica high jacked it from him, they stole it from him you see.

    So!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Dorival John
      November 1, 2012

      Francisco, you mailed a letter to Dominica and it took more than three months? LOL…when was that? When steam boats were coming to Dominica man…I think you exaggerating on that one eh. I know for a fact that normal “snail mail” from the US to Dominica takes about a week….I know because I used to do it. But a week is too long in this day and age, so I just use Fedex when I have to send documents…now that takes like two working days, three max…I not saying you lying eh….I just talking from experience. OK?

      But who uses snail mail these days nuh? In the age of email, instant messages, Facebook and the like messages are sent and received instantly. Try Fedex….and make sure you doh put Dominican Republic on the package eh.. hahahahaha

      But I still find it hard to swallow that a letter to Dominica from the US will take more than three months eh. Not even in the days of steam boats that would have happened. lol lol

      • Francisco Telemaque
        November 2, 2012

        It happened in modern times, and that is no exaggeration, and you are in doubt I am sure the sub post master in Wesley can tell you how many times my late sister went to the post office to see if that letter had arrived.

        And if you do not know mail are not delivered door to door in the village, you all can call it what you wish, but the quicker you people come to realize how backwards we are in Dominica, it is the sooner you will crave development:

        Look I am not looking for publicly, I am not a political candidate for any political position in Dominica, I spoke about an event which had an effect on my personal live, you can laugh, you can ridicule believe what you wish it matters not to me!

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Lougaoo Mem
      November 1, 2012

      Great contribution! I can confirm to the fact that letters do take two to three months, as I’ve experienced a couple times.

    • Prefer Left Unknown
      November 2, 2012

      MR. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      Interesting points, can u please provide contact infomation.

      I would like to contact you privately.

      Thank you for your co-operation.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        November 2, 2012

        You can reach me via [email protected].

        You can also reach me at 323-730-8530, or 951-310-2895, or 323-731-7436, or you can call me on my OnStar 323-553-0478, if you call on the Onstar you will only get me there if I am on the road driving.

        FET.

  21. Doc.love
    November 1, 2012

    If McIntyre really want Dominicans in the diaspora to invest in Dominica their are a nunber of things he must do.First, he must get off his buttocks and travel as much as Skerrit.The Government has a coordinator in the Virgins Islands paying some heavy bucks,go have a meeting with her.What about Dominica’s ambassadors in New York amd the United Kingdom. Dr. Clayton Shillingford is involved in an organization that caters to Dominicans living in the diaspora,by the way he visits Dominica more often then Skerrit’s presence in Dominica, go speak with him. I also wish to suggest that Mc.Intyre should insist that he should be the one traveling with Skerrit on his regular trips, instead of those advisors.

  22. Channel 1
    November 1, 2012

    The diasporan investors will come in to invest only after Dominica’s most backward thinking government ie the DLP is PUT out of office and sent to graze in a pasture of dry grass & thorns.

  23. single
    November 1, 2012

    diaspora investors with offices in pensilvania with business name like gobal logistics and citizens for a better dominica… lol them man malad

  24. November 1, 2012

    Shouldn’t the diaspora talk shop feature a comprehensive report from the diaspora coordinator. Let People lime Lolor outline her achievment and validate her job and office if any.
    When there is such blatant misconduct,injustice, dishonesty, misfeasance, bold face robbery of the country would limited resources do we expect people confidence to invest in Dominica.

    • hmmm
      November 2, 2012

      The woman is Liason Officer in the USVI, not coordinator

  25. November 1, 2012

    Mr minister form a committee with Tony Astaphan to coordinate diaspora investment iniatives. You two should be able to work together. Like Mitchelle Obama or Bush wife let your spouses assist the cause and let them work together too. Just making constructive suggestions DNO. Please dont misinterprete me.

  26. Anonymous
    November 1, 2012

    So every year for the past how many years I have been hearing the same thing…..diaspora persons should invest….so at least not one person conscience it hitting?….Something must be wrong somewhere.Are conditions not conducive to investments in DA…I am quite sure the P.M and Ministers have family and friends overseas.So they cannot convince them as one or as a group to come together to invest?

  27. Rastar-Marn
    November 1, 2012

    LOL Marn know allyou gonna try to Lambaste Marn as Marn made a type in BELLO,,,

    Doh try dat allyou know what Marn trying to say anyway ,,,

  28. clown
    November 1, 2012

    :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ….”who JAH curse”…. :-D :-D :-D

  29. anonymous2
    November 1, 2012

    The problem lies with the import duties and taxes of this govt. which discourage investment in Dominica. When you put chains on the private sector and make it hard to do business, they do no come here.

    • JC
      January 7, 2013

      I can’t agree with you more. For this is the very same thing that is preventing me from investing in Dominica. What country charges 150% customs duty plus $5,000 environmental fee just to bring in 1 vehicle. I am so sorry Dominica, but your custom fees are ridiculous and no one in their right mind will take on your offer of investing until something is seriously done. It is a bunch of red tape tape in Dominica with Government, who desires to give the chinese duty free while Dominican nationals must pay full duty cost. It is a disgrace

  30. Rastaman
    November 1, 2012

    when we come down to help build dominica r we going to get tax break from customs?

    • Representing
      November 1, 2012

      As a returning resident if you have resided outside of Dominica continuously for at least the last seven (7) years there are various set concessions that the Government of Dominica has listed and which you can benefit from. See the retuning residents manual at:http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/files/returning_residents_information_manual_electronic.pdf.

      If you are returning home to invest this is a completely different process, Once your application is approved you will be exempted from Import duties and taxes to include VAT on captial items up to the commencement date of your operation.

      Please visit Invest Dominica website at http://www.investdominica.com, email: [email protected] or call the office at 767 448 2045 for further information.

      • anno
        November 1, 2012

        Thanks for the tips but when we get to the port is a totally different rule for you and me, especially based on y=who is at the counter.

    • Malatete
      November 1, 2012

      Yes, if you are an approved investor, foreign or Dominican makes no difference. Submit your application, or have an initial discussion with IDA.
      Ultimate approval is subject to a cabinet decision (above a certain level of investment – IDA can give you details). Good luck!

      PS. You may also qualify for a tax break.

  31. Tiger
    November 1, 2012

    You have to have a steel stomach to invest in Dominica. The economy is in perpetual recession with significant economic activity around carnival, creole festival and christmas.

    Who would want to take their hard earned money and put it at such risk?

  32. william
    November 1, 2012

    This I agree with you and they up in the ministries and cabinet enjoying it all.

  33. Wicked People
    November 1, 2012

    So Colin you not easy!!!!!The judicial system in this country has failed the citizens and the same foreign investors and you still asking for dia-ass-po-rah??? look at the murder of the owner of Pagua guesthouse…the accused in now on bail like every other murderer in this country…Many of the investors down that side are starting to pack up and run…from rape on beach, getting beaten and robbed, now murder. Government will and come again!!!

    • non-resident
      November 1, 2012

      to Wicked People:
      You know I fully agree with you…murderers walk free from the courtroom, enforce commercial contract is very difficult, licenses and permission are difficult and cumbersome to get…Maybe people in IDA should think about such thing as a creation investment climate which should lobby easier access for the services for international investors, maybe police should prioritize investigations etc

    • Shameless
      November 1, 2012

      Tell him again! :twisted: Cant wait for laybar day to be done.

      Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  34. boom@!
    November 1, 2012

    the chinese must be considered as diaspora becuz is dey alone dat are given the opportunities for prime spots in roseau! i get so upset when every other place that closes down, close down to accomodate dem chinese dere! no one else is given an opportunity to do something else! it have enough chinese stores selling d same crap! wat about a candy and party store in roseau to host kids parties n such? where can u get a great gift for ur husband or boyfriend for his birthday instead of the same perfume or clothes u get him everyday…where is the urban and chic gabs for men? jah boii dis place is sickening me!

    • PM Son
      November 1, 2012

      Then get busy. What you waiting for? Christmas.

    • Anonymous
      November 1, 2012

      Dem Chinese doh pay no duty that’s why they could sell their stuff cheaper. Maybe it’s part of the MOU lol

  35. November 1, 2012

    I wondered why did D’icans who attended the Diaspora meeting with the Government what was their feeback because they sit listen to PM and his employment minister talk what were they thinking did anyone stand up and ask about the employment situation especially among the young people what about our banana industry how can farmers get roads to their farms how can they export their products and what about the economy how can ministers of GOVT start to show repect for the people and what about equal rights for justic. So untill those from the diaspora can walk thru the villages and speak directly with the local people they will not understand what the folks are going thru a lot of folks can speak but it’s what they say you have to wonder about.

    • November 1, 2012

      They dont allow questions.

      • Channel 1
        November 1, 2012

        The media must investigate why the format of this meeting was changed from a Question & Answer format.

        WHO is hiding from questions from the public and WHY?

  36. Anonymous
    November 1, 2012

    There is a very busy market near to where I live. I always read where the provisions come from. To my amazement I saw the dasheens came from St Vincent. From my asking,the man told me provisions from the French Caribbean are too expensive and I asked him about Dominica. He told me that they need provisions at a regulary basis and I told him that can be done from Dominica.I will speak to him again. I am sure the dasheens from D/ca has a better taste. The one I bought, part of it was dried. I am in France.

    • November 1, 2012

      @Anonymous

      I like that attitude. You are not just talking, you are telling me that you are striving for something good, on behalf of your homeland. If only 10% of us had that kind of attitude–what a better Dominica we would be.

      As for me, I will wait patiently for my call, God never does His work too late.

  37. Anonymous
    November 1, 2012

    DNO fix this heading. How rude and disrespectful can you get??? Besides the name is Dr.John Collin McIntyre, feel free to add Hon or Minister but I find the tone of your story in poor taste.

    • Tomas
      November 1, 2012

      did his parents cristen him dr? get lost, all your life you have disrespected people now you want respect for a man who shows himself

      • Anonymous
        November 1, 2012

        Dont be silly. Would you say Roosevelt Skerrit wants more investment? It’s simply respect.

      • Anonymous
        November 1, 2012

        But you will say Hon Edison James not true?

    • Francisco Telemaque
      November 1, 2012

      How silly are some of us Dominicans!

      The mans’ name is Colin McIntyre; isn’t that what his parents named him when he was born?

      Some of us in Dominica like to hold on to people’s coat tail and kiss their butts, only because they have some kind of degree.

      A degree does not make a person, it is only an indication that they remain in school long enough to be trained for some job. Ironically some of us have more than one degree in our hip pocket walking around, and not even remembering we have them.

      Big deal, because he has a degree does that make him a supper, special human?

      If he could live by whatever degree he has do you believe he would be wasting time in government?

      Think about that!

      I think you are the rude one, and is out of place, you cannot tell the people who owns and control their Website, affording space to babble, and rather than you been constructive, you are using the space they allow you to insult them.

      You can’t beat that you know!

      Dr. of what, if he is a medical doctor his learning and profession has failed him, he is not much of a doctor otherwise who would be in his practice whether it was treating animals or people.

      You are pitiful, I am calling him Colin McIntyre, let’s see if that will change his skin color or prevent him from breathing oxygen.

      Dr. Who?

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah; oui, oui!

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • UMM
        November 1, 2012

        i concur, love the comment. dominicans too stupid.

      • Chip
        November 1, 2012

        You have a serious chip on your shoulder. Don’t diss the man qualifications. Do you know of his years of service as a veterinarian? I doubt so your comment about his profession and what fail him is childish and an uneducated one. Silly guy!

      • Anonymous
        November 2, 2012

        Are you serious? Colin is an excellent vet! Not his fault he is from a country where the citizens don’t give a crap about animals which is why, to ensure a steady salary, he worked with government for so many years before he entered politics.

        I don’t agree with his politics at all but I am not going to sit by and read any nonsense about his skill as a vet!

        Your comments are just plain mean! and you only hurt yourself and your credibility!

        Stick to the issues and leave Colin’s indisputable skill as a vet out of your commess.

  38. anno
    November 1, 2012

    Why? For my money to disappear like so many others I know? Please… It will come in handy in the community when I come home and spend it, when I send it for my family and when I give back to my community in cash or kind. Thanks but no thanks.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available