Dominica first Bitcoin nation?

bitcoinIs Dominica going to be the first nation to use the digital currency Bitcoin on a large scale?

Several websites popped up on Thursday saying just that.

According to the sites, officials in Dominica have collaborated with several Bitcoin businesses and companies for what has been called the “Bit Drop” project.

“The Bit Drop project will send Bitcoin to every resident on Dominica, a Caribbean commonwealth island, via SMS texting,” an article on the website bitcoinmagazine.com, said. “With a population of over 70,000, this project will create the world’s largest and highest density Bitcoin community.”

The Bit Drop project is expected to take place in Dominica on March 15, 2015.

But what is Bitcoin anyway?

Bitcoin is a digital currency, which according to CNN Money was created in 2009 by an unknown person using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto.

Darroux is pictured here with one of the organizers of the project, Ira Miller, from Coinapult. Photo by Coinapult
Darroux is pictured here with one of the organizers of the project, Ira Miller, from Coinapult. Photo by Coinapult

“Transactions are made with no middle men – meaning, no banks! There are no transaction fees and no need to give your real name. More merchants are beginning to accept them: You can buy webhosting services, pizza or even manicures,” CNN Money said.

There has been some concerns about Bitcoin since it is largely unregulated and some governments around the world have expressed concerned about taxation and their lack of control over the currency, according to CNN Money.

Dominica was described as the “ideal location” for the Bitcoin project because of its small population and small gross domestic product (GDP).

“The island has opportunities for remittance due to many islanders moving for work to [other] islands, as well as the local medical university with students from around the globe. Dominica citizens also face currency exchange issues when traveling to nearby islands,” project manager, Sarah Blincoe, was quoted as saying.

Patrick Cines, director of mid-Atlantic relations at College Cryptocurrency Network, one of the organization taking part in the project was quoted as saying his group will also seek to foster a lasting home for Bitcoin in Dominica.

“We will be providing the educational materials and resources necessary to educate the people of Dominica about bitcoin, and hopefully, as a result, leave a lasting economic and social impact on the island,” he said.

One of the websites named Dr Kenneth Darroux, Minister of the Environment & Physical Planning, as one of the local contacts for the project.

DNO made several calls to Darrroux on Thursday, but his phone rang continously without answer.

One of the partners of the event, Aspen Assurance Company Ltd. describes former prime minister O.J. Seraphine as chairman of the board and director of public relation.

DNO will continue to follow this story and provide information as it becomes available.

 

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218 Comments

  1. April 2, 2018

    Bitcoin is gaining acceptance, and nothing proves that more than Amelie Arras’ win at the Money and dominica believes in Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency could bring increased stability to the country’s inflationary rate.

  2. Bitcoin
    March 10, 2018

    Bunch of bloody retards, your mentally handicapped or something? This was back in 2014 and where are we now still a bunch of monkeys.

    • Dominican Passports
      March 12, 2018

      Omg you’re right, if we accepted this we would all be filthy stinkin RICH!

  3. Truth
    September 2, 2014

    information

  4. Concerned Dominican
    August 31, 2014

    What is good for the Goose is good for the Gander….Why is Dominica the Guinea Pig among the bunch, when others refused the use of Bitcoin?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoin

    • labar dabar
      September 1, 2014

      those mad so called leaders we have will take us to hell, they all ways first to jump on all sauce it have.

  5. Emile Zapatos
    August 30, 2014

    Hey DNO,…..The information at hand leads me to believe that Bitcoin have been mentioned since 2008, six years ago. So how come Dominica is targeted to become the “first Bitcoin nation”………………in six months.
    Now it only hit the news three days ago. Was it being incubated?

    • tor
      September 1, 2014

      it came out around that time but exploded in 2013 when everyone started to use it LEARN BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH,

  6. holy
    August 30, 2014

    hmm they starting from a government stand point to catch all dominican with the mark of the Beast Coins, how is dominicans they targeting. if u watch thems guys hows involves in this it tells you all. the Beast Coins. is a no name manufacturer how and ppl so stupid selling their souls for that

    • 666
      August 30, 2014

      no the internet is the mark of the beast gtfo

  7. KIP
    August 30, 2014

    Any new Technology is good because we are so far behind.

    • tor
      August 30, 2014

      and will stay behind forever because people leaving Dominica and not staying to HELP IT GROW and when PROGRESS comes along they are quick to SHUT IT DOWN,

      at least I cam back from studies and staying in Dominica to help it grow….

    • change is a must!
      August 30, 2014

      foolish

    • IT
      September 1, 2014

      So a new virus which was made by new technology is good ?

  8. August 29, 2014

    you know.. I think we need to be more open minded. The only thing constant in this life is change. Things are changing around us every
    second and technology is quickly changing the face of life as we know itl
    Dominicans it will happen whether we embrace it or not. Do we want to wait and follow after somebody else takes up the challenge ? or are we going to at least try to understand what is being thrown at us.? before we discard it?
    It is just a matter of time before the world finds a place for virtual currency..

  9. out of south city
    August 29, 2014

    Why is Dominica the first target country? I smell a rotten rat. Dominicans don’t be fooled.

  10. Anansi
    August 29, 2014

    Why are we always the target for scamsters? smh…

  11. a00r
    August 29, 2014

    FELLOW DOMINICANS here is the full answer to all your querstions….

    Please post this DNO ADMIN:
    http://cointelegraph.com/news/112391/caribbean-island-becomes-bitcoin-nation-interview-with-sarah-blincoe-project-manager

  12. Dominican
    August 29, 2014

    On the flip side of coin…imagine the amount of free publicity Dominica will receive worldwide with this so called experiment (hopefully the Dominica Tourism Bureau promotes our beautiful nature island to the max). I myself am not into bitcoins, but I am into the promotion of our beautiful country on a global scale.

  13. Stupidnot
    August 29, 2014

    I know my fellow Dominicans are not going to use that Bitcoin, but go ahead Mr Darroux sell your soul while you’re at it, but don’t involve us Dominicans in your nonsense. I think its time to remove these persons at the top who believe that we Dominicans have no say as to how and what affect and impact our very own lives.

    • educated_rationalist
      August 29, 2014

      One bitcoin is worth approximately 1000 us dollars depending on which site you liquidate it one. Then again Dominicans are ignorant and retarded so they won’t embrace free money.

      • Anonymous
        August 30, 2014

        So intact you are saying that we are easy targets for scam artists because we are ignorant and retarded. WOW you’re really winning me over!!

      • Anonymous
        August 30, 2014

        “In fact”

  14. Ms lee
    August 29, 2014

    so if its so good then why aren’t the larger and richer countries using it???? The way this Bitcoin has been described it seems much more suitable for a faster paced economy than ours now doesn’t it? Another question who gave Mr Darroux right to make such a change in our way of life don’t we Dominicans no longer have a say as to how our lives are impacted? How can such a decision be made without us Dominicans saying yes to it? Have we lost our voice? I say no to this bitcoin it sounds like a bit of bird crap to me.

    • tor
      August 29, 2014

      USA, JAPAN, KOREA, ENGLAND all use bitcoins they even got bitcoin ATM do research…

      • Stupidnot
        August 29, 2014

        Really?? And why haven’t i been introduced to it in the US of A… talking about research. Apparently its not doing to well now is it?? hahahha

      • tor
        August 29, 2014

        person below me, assuming you live in America you must be living under a rock…. I heard about bitcoin back in 2009… smfh

      • Emile Zapatos
        August 30, 2014

        So why is it an offshore company in Panama?

      • Malgraysa
        August 30, 2014

        Tor, the only bit coin ATM I know in the U.K. is located inside a cafe in in Shoreditch, London. And it is not truly an ATM, since it does not dispense any hard cash (largan chess, as we call it). It merely transfers bit coins to your mobile phone via a special app. No high street bank is connected to it. To me it it is just a novelty, that’s all.

      • tor
        August 30, 2014

        so you telling me bitcoin come from Panama omfg you know nothing
        tigerdirect.com uses bitcoin
        newegg.com uses bitcoins
        overstock.com uses bitcoins

        just to name a few of the many US OWNED busainess you want a map of all the places who use bitcoin HERE: http://coinmap.org/

      • Malgraysa
        August 30, 2014

        Very good point Emile. They moved to Panama after a tussle with the U.S. authorities and precisely because” Panama has an economy with no central bank and no legal-tender laws”

      • Anonymous
        August 30, 2014

        You heard about it or you know about it. So is it legal tender?
        What does the Eastern Caribbean Curency Authority and the Caribbean Development Bank has to say about it.
        Are they under a rock also.

      • Emile Zapatos
        August 30, 2014

        @ tor …….since you do not live under a rock like me, answer this . Is this virtual currency legal tender?
        What does the Eastern Caribbean Currency Authority and the Caribbean Development Bank has to say about this operation? What is the Dominica’s Government take on this.
        I have “heard” that free money is not free, but I cannot say I “know” for sure. Maybe you can remove me from under my rock and teach me a few thing about free money.

      • tor
        September 1, 2014

        of course it’s not legal tender Emily, are you serious it’s a virtual means of transacting, US won’t call it a currency they call it a commodity so they can tax it, furthermore the main idea behind bitcoin is to separate themselves from traditional fiat (money), the ECCB has no say on the matter since they do not recognize it as a currency as well, they are giving away free bitcoins and the equivalent of that is $10 dollars as they planed to give out 0.02079 bitcoins 0.02079= $10 at current prices

  15. historian
    August 29, 2014

    Jeremy Gardner articulates well ..Bit Coin is a new currency which has grown in appeal in China and various jurisdictions.
    I am not surprised that OJ is the one introduced Bitcoin to this government He has always done the extraordinary .Good that he did not stay in Dominica for a handout as so many other sycophants have done but seem able to remain at the cutting edge of economic opportunity for Dominica.
    Seem intersting that he was the PM at the initiation of ROSS UNIVERSITY and the CHAIRMAN of the NDC where the WORLD CREOLE FESTIVAL EMERGED in 1996 UNDER THE UWP administration .
    Even Pm skerritt did mention that he it was who began the diplomatic connections with VENEZUELA our most generous donor today
    The OJ dollar was in fact a food coupon like US food stamps ..it says clearly not to be exchanged except for relief goods ..It was a clever way to receive food and housing materials from the USA after Dominica worst ever hurricane David in 1979 as a payment for self help in the communiites !
    PM Skerritt should embrace this opportuinty to have Dominica as the official Bit Coin state which makes us the beneficiary of the immense positve benfits that BITCOIN and the vast marketing scope for Dominica this offers

    • Emile Zapatos
      August 30, 2014

      @Historian ………The medical school came about on the initiative of one man CLARANCE “BABA” BUTLER with the cooperation of former Premier and leader of the Dominica labour Party the Hon Edward Le Blance. Seraphine had nothing to do with it. Baba and Leblance and the DLP are due credit for the impact the school has made on the development of Portmouth , and Dominica.
      It was called the UNIVERSITY OF DOMINICA. The Freedom Party wanted to kick them out, they did not like the name, but with negotiation to be allow to stay the name was changed.
      The world creole festival is an offshoot of Leblance and the DLP cultural activities that celebrated internal self government .
      Oliver Seraphine was interime Prime Minister for a few months after the downfall of Patrick John.
      If you want to be more than a make believe historian, you may want to interview people like Patrick John, Arnold Active, Frank Baron , NAN Ducreay , to name a few.
      Do not try to play politics with the facts of history, talk to eyewitnesses .

      • Emile Zapatos
        August 30, 2014

        Oh yes the Venezuela initiation was that of Patrick John, the first P M who initiated the independence we are enjoying. The French connection is PJ also. You can interview him along with Dennis Joseph, Vic Reviere, Maurice Charles and Michael Dias, oh yes Arlington Reviere too.
        History is not fiction. It is like an article that have to be truthful and accurate.

  16. Malgraysa
    August 29, 2014

    Is that supported by the Min. of Finance. And if so, why don’t see that promoted in all the member countries that use EC Dollars? Imagine a scenario whereby our govt. decree that all our internal transactions are in Bitcoins and enforces a compulsory exchange into that money from our dollars and then buys bit coins from the promoter at a discount? Is only two groups that would make money. The promotes and the govt. I really would like to think what Sir Dwight Venner has to say about such a scheme.

    • Really?
      August 30, 2014

      Of course, everything the Govt. does is a scam for people like you. Are there any positive in this for DA?

  17. grammar police
    August 29, 2014
  18. ImDominican
    August 29, 2014

    Fellow Dominicans,

    I’m all in favor for bitcoin; however, this is not the right time to experiment with bitcoin in Dominica. Ira, you mentioned Gold; but please dont’ compare Gold with Bitcoins. The value of gold remains consistent. The value of bitcoins fluctuates.

    In Dec, 2013; just 9 months ago, 1 Bitcoin = US $1,147.25 = EC $3,063.15
    Today, August 2014, 1 Bitcoin = US $506.53 = EC $1352.44

    http://www.coindesk.com/price
    https://www.google.com/finance?q=CURRENCY:BTC

    There is nothing preventing the value of 1 bitcoin to drop suddenly since this is not a regulated currency. Just take a look at what happened over the past 6 months. The value dropped in half. In other words, your hard earned EC $3,000 that you spent in December, 2013 to purchase 1 bitcoin, is now worth EC $1,352. The point here is that it’s not regulated. Over more than 20 years, the EC dollar converts clearly to the US and that rate is the same. They claim that this is not a currency. Whatever it is, it is not regulated; and you’re at risk of losing a lot of money.

    In addition, Dominica has been red flagged on numerous occasions as being a state which harbours money launderers. Whether this is true or not, we do not want this reputation for our country. The entire bitcoin system promotes transfer of money without a trace AKA “money laundering”. Let’s take a backseat on this new technology and protect the nature island of the caribbean from being considered a state which promotes money laundering.

    I call on those in authority to think of the actions and responsibility that they’re placing on the island state of Dominica. It’s great to be excited about new technologies; however we do not want to tarnish our names again with “money laundering”.

    My 2cents.

    • tor
      August 29, 2014

      that’s why you don’t hold all your eggs in one basket, simple finance… diversify

      • Stupidnot
        August 29, 2014

        BTW tor are they paying u to respond to all our comments on here??? seriously asking :-|

      • tor
        August 30, 2014

        no they are not so because I like something and speaking good of it I must be in league with them allu Dominican’s not serious….

        I’m Dominican, live in Dominican, grow up in Dominica, went to school in Dominica, and WORK IN DOMINICA ALL MY LIFE.

        Oh and I use bitcoins and know it’s potential….

    • Really?
      August 30, 2014

      Great point but it can work on both sides. You can also buy it at low cost and when the value rises you earn more. I think it is an opportunity for us Dominicans as we continue to grow and are exposed to such development that we can make the right decision. In the huge/developed countries and even here we take risk on stocks. Lets not knock it to the ground but give it a chance.

  19. Anonymous
    August 29, 2014

    A virtual currency! OMG. So now we will be at the mercy of those who are more computer savvy than we are?

    • uwotm8
      August 31, 2014

      by just posting on here you already are. the_more_you_know

  20. PapaBoo
    August 29, 2014

    As a young man I always hear the end of time is coming. Me like most if not all young people embrace technology like never before and we are now seeing the lasting negative effect of our modern day technology which is burying us alive..
    Changes come with time but in my humble opinion most importantly the younger generation need to be up to the time and be part of the change in time with the time.. As young people we need to educate ourselves however we need guidance, mentors and most importantly TRANSPARENCY from our elders/leaders and in my opinion we lacking these in our paradise D/ca.
    It is not a good thing to impose life changing life changing tools/opportunities on us young people we need to be part of our own change in other for us to accept that we are part of the changes and creating our own opportunities. Why we never heard of this BITCOIN coming to our paradise D/ca before? Why no consultations throughout the various districts like any other project? Did our gorvernment find out about this overnight? Where is our minister of finance? Are they reckless and cowards or implementing such a project which can be most beneficial to them? I hope my questions are relevant… I am asking because we are not being informed through the right medium… As a young man growing up my before my grand mamma passed away she said ” The next thing Skerrit WILL DO IS CREAT HIS OWN MONEY”

    • Really?
      August 30, 2014

      Good point but as i read this if it takes effect will not be before March 2015. There is lots of time for education and for us as a nation to accept or reject it.

  21. brois
    August 29, 2014

    This government is playing with fire. Please believe me that this will not end well. I am seriously concern.

    • tor
      August 29, 2014

      if you really scared call me and let’s talk i live in dominica and have bitcoins….

    • Darious
      August 29, 2014

      Please educate yourself on this technology, you are making yourself look silly

  22. tor
    August 29, 2014

    here educate yourself
    https://bitcoin.org/

  23. tor
    August 29, 2014

    the guy was in Dominica, the news was released early…

  24. Doc. Love
    August 29, 2014

    Once again we see the proof that Dominica is ran by one man. A major decision which might change the lives of Dominicans now and later, the Government doesn’t have at least the courtesy to inform as to what is Bitcoin or about its decision to use Bitcoin. These labor Party Prime Ministers have a tremendous love for funny currencies. It was O.J. with his printed money. It was Skeritt with Sucre and now again Skeritt with Bitcoin.

    • The Facts
      August 29, 2014

      Are you certain the PM is fully aware of this?

  25. Dominican
    August 29, 2014

    MONEY LAUNDERINGGGGG…..!

    Dominica has no rules no regulations..anything goes in this place…. passports sold to rogues.. Of course Dominica is the ideal spot for this initiative.

    • August 29, 2014

      Bitcoin is actually a terrible choice for money launderers. It’s based on a technology called the blockchain, which means that all transactions made using it are publicly viewable. Which bitcoin account belongs to whom isn’t included in that information, but it’s not that hard for governments with their vast resources to figure out who’s who. That’s why when someone set up a marketplace for illegal drugs, etc. using Bitcoin the Americans were able to shut it down and arrest the guy.

  26. The Truth
    August 29, 2014

    Here is the Wall Street Journal’s take on the bitcoin. Take a look… and you make the call. After all, your money is your money and you can do what the hell you please with your money.

    http://live.wsj.com/video/what-a-bitcoin/D79FF38C-7816-435B-B3B0-F9B177BCA0A8.html#!D79FF38C-7816-435B-B3B0-F9B177BCA0A8

  27. Black Beauty
    August 29, 2014

    Dominica government officials can barely string a coherent sentence, let alone manage EC dollars in the treasury they’re now involved with something so strange aka BITCOIN. I glad.. New technology?new innovation? really. This thing has been problematic to many users I will stick with my hard cold cash. What for them to pounce on they never do! But hey calling it a twisted, illusive thing, people will decide “Dominicans preaching doom & gloom”! Good luck with your “funny money”

  28. Anonymous
    August 29, 2014

    If it was so good why is poor Dominica they coming with there s

  29. Referee
    August 29, 2014

    I am normally a person who is open to innovation and the challenge of new opportunities, so I am somewhat intrigued by this idea of using Dominica as a laboratory for an invention that is controversial, to say the least. For bitcoins are indeed an invention, a mathematical formulation that its promoters wish to promote as an alternative to traditional currencies.

    But what troubles me is that the country has given little thought to what it is apparently getting into. Have we seriously considered the motives of the promoters? Who are the leaders of this initiative? We are told that a former prime minister who is not particularly known as a paragon of ethical behavior, is one of the promoters. This alone ought to raise a red flag.

    We are further told that one of the benefits of bitcoins is that it affords the user complete anonymity. With the growing illegal drug trade on the island, this would suit us perfectly.

    And finally, we are guaranteed to receive a massive amount of publicity in the run up to the bitcoin drop. We will be in a celebratory mood.
    So why not just call an election? Makes sense because there will be milk and honey flowing through every nook and cranny. Just what we need when the whole world will be watching.

    • August 29, 2014

      “We are further told that one of the benefits of bitcoins is that it affords the user complete anonymity.”

      Except that that’s not really true. Bitcoin is based on a technology called the blockchain, in which all transactions are publicly viewable. It’s true that who owns which account isn’t part of that information, but once you figure out a few account owners, the rest of the system is like a giant game of sudoku, one that large governments have the resources to figure out.

      More simply, yes, you may be able to hold onto Bitcoin with complete anonymity, but once you actually spend it, it’s not that difficult for the NSA to figure out who you are and what you’re doing. But that’s no better or worse than using credit cards.

  30. GOOD JOKE
    August 29, 2014

    DON’T TRUST THIS!!!!!!

  31. David Francis
    August 29, 2014

    Let’s endorse the vibes people might just be the magic we need to elevate us out of the third world vibes.

  32. Emile Zapatos
    August 29, 2014

    DNO I hope you stay on this. It seem to be in total secrecy on our government side. Why was it not mentioned in the recent budget. Money and banking matters like that must pass in the house to give it legislative backing.
    If it smells like a scam, it is a scam. Nobody gives away money for nothing. I am quite satisfied with the EC$ and the $US as legal tender in Dominica. The $US is international. If we need more legal tender notes , let us make the Euro such.

    Dominica should give this a big fat NO. It sounds like the Sunday Island project. Or like scams to sell the Brooklyn bridge or bay front property in the desert of Arizona.
    Scamers will promise to put free money in your account , and will clean you out when you give them your account number. They will also steal your identity.
    Remember the ponsi guy in Antigua.
    The Government and people of Dominica should reject this deal. We do not need it.
    Remember you can put anything on a website. Just a word to the wise.

    • Emile Zapatos
      August 29, 2014

      Just look at the quick premeditated response to this breaking news which appeared on Thursday. By Friday morning the damage control was in play. Please do not let those fly by night investors fool us again. Take warning. They have done their research and found Dominica an easy mark. Where the fence is low that is where the cow will jump

      • August 29, 2014

        Hi Emile, this is Gabe with Coinapult here. I’d like to try and address some of your concerns.

        First, why are we interested in hosting the Bit Drop event? We’re dedicated to seeing Bitcoin succeed, and we think that Bitcoin is most needed and has the most value where people do not have access to financial and banking services. With Bitcoin, anyone with a cell phone or internet connection can now send and receive money from anywhere, at anytime, instantly, for close to zero cost. And we want to help bring this technology to as many people as possible. We are giving away bitcoins for free because, just like other technological experiments, we want to demonstrate the use and value Bitcoin has.

        Second, we are only at the early stages of this event. We are continuing to work with the Dominican government to help make Dominica a Bitcoin-friendly nation. Much more work will be done over the next few months to help both the Dominican government and the citizens of Dominica understand and prepare for Bitcoin technology, payments, and assets.

        Third, we are aiming to make this experiment as transparent, safe, and secure as possible. Donations for this project can be tracked on the Bitcoin blockchain here:

        https://blockchain.info/address/16J8UAn5wNiCRLYkfkSZsAtWN3SG1VD7tp

        We will also be working with local telecom providers to make sure that all Dominicans have the opportunity to claim their free bitcoins with SMS/text messaging. Bitcoin does not require that we have access to any accounts or personal identification information that could be stolen, all we have to do is send digital cash through the internet or SMS networks :)

        If anyone has more questions, comments, or would like to learn more about getting involved in Bitcoin or the Bit Drop, please reach us at [email protected] or on twitter @TheBitDrop

      • Emile Zapatos
        August 30, 2014

        @ Gabriel Sukenik , Good sales pitch, opened with a friendly salutation like a predator. “Hi Emile this is Gabe”, well we are not friends . You know we are within an election year and your “Free” money will be irresitable to the government looking for electorate points. This is bribary and smells of corruption. I know you are familiar with the saying ” money talks” and ……….(you know the rest). Free and easy money is not free.
        The only truth you have given is that you want to see Bitcoin succeed. What you did not say is that you want to make lots of money and Dominica is a easy mark
        Then you went on to say that you “operate where people do not have access to financial and banking services”. Give me a break, I was born in the night but not last night. We have access to every legitimate money markets in the world. We have bank, credit unions, cablegram, credit cards. Besides foreign banks, and the Carribian Development Bank We have our own national bank. As an independent country and a member of the United Nations we have”ACCESS”, access to the IMF and IBD
        You said you are “at the early stage” , but will be launching in six months .Early stage my foot.
        Negotiation is going on with the government , but the government is silent on this operation.
        You speak of usuing tex messages ,but many people have been burnt by tex scams. Virtual money is just like virtual kidnaping. As for internet link, anyone can post anything, it does not have to be true.
        By the way, you are a good sales man and could probably sell snow to eskimos. Oh yes where is your location of your HQ , and your physical address. Sow us some I D, please.

  33. Ma Moses
    August 29, 2014

    I think the he’d kine should read, more appropriately:

    Dominica first Bit Con nation !!

  34. Outside Looking In
    August 29, 2014

    How come I never heard of that on our local radio stations? It seems like the whole country is in the dark about this so-called bitcoin Bit-Drop project. Interesting!! Hope this is not some kind of scam.

    • Emile Zapatos
      August 30, 2014

      It has to be some scam. If DNO did not break the news , who knows.
      Good scoop DNO, Good job. Congratulations.

  35. August 29, 2014

    Bitcoin is so volatile, Its sure to crash our economy ! That is one big mistake waiting to happen.. Just wait see..

    • The Facts
      August 29, 2014

      Bankruptcy!

  36. ATKINSON
    August 29, 2014

    This has to be the most crazy, scamming, off the wall, plan. Well the first one is the jackass who created the bitcoin crap. O.J. seraphine is involved, i mean pay off. Another guy. how well did he do as prime minster and running floral gardens. If bitcoins were so good, dominica would be the last country to know and have it. The pit toilet idea seems better and Bi coins

  37. King Skerrit
    August 29, 2014

    If this is such a good thing- Why don’t you all BITDrop in Panama where you all are currently based.

    You are preying on the ignorance of Dominica’s unbanked as you call it.

    DOMINICANS POKOSOIN!!!

    Do not fall for this – stop allowing yourselves to be used!!!

    Read the article below in Ira Miller’s words for yourself and understand their motives- they are using you!!!!

    Bitcoin for the Masses: Coinapult Targets the Unbanked
    Ira Miller in Panama to Escape the Western-Internet Bubble, Regulatory Barriers

    http://panampost.com/elisa-vasquez/2014/08/13/bitcoin-for-the-masses-coinapult-targets-the-unbanked/

    • White Devil
      September 26, 2014

      Bitcoin is not a company. It is not based in Panama. Bitcoin is an open source software on 10’s of thousands of computers throughout the world. Sure the promoters of this Bitcoin will benefit, but I fully expect the people of Dominica will benefit as well probably in ways totally unexpected.

  38. August 29, 2014

    Dominica…Beware….
    All That glitters is not gold…
    That’s all….

  39. RASTA
    August 29, 2014

    Well, I mon is not saying a thing
    untill we hear from Dr. Kenneth Darroux himself.

  40. a00r
    August 29, 2014

    Play the video Dominican’s and educate yourself

    https://bitcoin.org/

  41. The Following
    August 28, 2014

    I have always and I mean always read all comments posted on DNO and there is never really new names associated with posts. We all know our regular posters, right???? NOW I’M LOOKING AT THESE POSTS, SOME NAMES I HAVE NEVER EVER SEEN BEFORE AND ALLLLLLL ARE SPEAKING IN FAVOUR OF THIS “well what ever this thing is”….leads me to wonder what’s really going on?????? Something about this product has very uneasy. Its as if people were paid to bombard this DNO article with positive posts, in an effort to sell us Dominicans on this product. BE WISE…….I will be touching this one with a mile long stick…. I researched this product and something don’t smell right Dominicans, it has nothing to do with not accepting progress in the form of new technology but it has everything to do with being cautious and researching up on stuff for yourself and I’m telling something does not smell right. …..DONT LET A SOUL PUSH ANYTHING DOWN YOUR THROAT

    • The Facts
      August 30, 2014

      They probably think that some D/cans, if not all of them are gullible. Vulnerable yes!

  42. Guy from the usa
    August 28, 2014

    Hi!
    I think the reasons this company is doing this in Dominica:

    Lowish population size for a whole country
    Lots of English speakers
    Good marketing for bitcoin. Which they have an interest in seeing grow in usage

    I only knew a bit about your country before this news story, so perhaps it will be good marketing for you too

    There is no scam I can think of, learn about it if you wish or one can safely ignore the ‘gift’. I follow the news about it because I feel it can change the world for the better.

    Cheers!

  43. August 28, 2014

    Dominica now open to all illicit activity. Some things the need will never tell you.

  44. Seeker
    August 28, 2014

    I thought this video might be helpful is understanding the Truth about this Bitcoin: http://youtu.be/AVdKgQ0jmH8

  45. Be Positive
    August 28, 2014

    Aye lass Dominicans like to complain. Alue gettin free money on your phone to choose whether or not you even want to use it or you can just give it to your neighbor to use and yet alue complainin. Magwesa. Nobody forcing you to use bitcoin ner. Hmmm. Give they giving that to you wii. Aye lass… Not like they gettin rid of the EC altogether.

  46. LISTEN!!!!!!
    August 28, 2014

    I like innovators but this Bitcoin thing base on its reason or fundamentals for existing and knowing all companies are in business to make money. I cannot see how Dominica with 70K population can be their country of choice.

    There is something certainly bigger in it for Bitcoin using Dominica than we can imagine, while we may get minimal benefit and then after everything comes tumbling down.
    It does not add up….Latin American countries( Mexico), Africa, Haiti and Jamaica are responsible for 80% of the INTL money transfer business which is a US400 Billion dollar industry. Dominica remits less that 0.01% in that industry…..Why Dominica and not anyone of those countries.( This does not make sense or smell right).

    The innovated business model which is put forward by Bitcion of evading fees cannot be what is making them money, when it is targeting a small money remittance and a small Intl fee transaction location like Dominica.

    My guess would be the bigger payout for them is the movement of large unaccountable money through their system which amounts to money laundering…..This would attract unscrupulous characters, drug cartels and financier of terrorist organization.

  47. JoJo
    August 28, 2014

    Listen pal. You keep your bits and I keep my dollars. O.K.

  48. Nacho Elizalde Thome
    August 28, 2014

    Take it easy nothing wrong is going to happen by building a bitcoin economy . The only thing is that you are going to be full with crypto tourist (Bitcoiners) bringing bitcoins. Bitcoin is not a SCAM !!!

  49. August 28, 2014

    Bitcoin is amazing.

    Truly amazing.

    I am so happy for the Country of Dominica right now. Bitcoin is going to be such a positive thing for you all.

    My organization, Sean’s Outpost is one of the largest Bitcoin based charities in the world. Over the last year we have fed over 100,000 meals to the homeless using bitcoin.

    Bitcoin is a true financial innovation.

    It will allow anyone in the world to transmit money to anyone else in the world, instantly and for pretty near free. That’s never been possible before. It will open up all the markets of Dominica to the whole world.

    I can’t wait to see what comes from this.

    Congratulations!

    • Forever Amber
      August 29, 2014

      Just one word, ABSOLUTE RUBBISH –
      :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    • Ms lee
      August 29, 2014

      who send u???

      • White Devil
        September 26, 2014

        You can learn all about his wonderful work in Florida U.S.A feeding the homeless. Just search the Internet. Bitcoin is a very useful tool. You’ll love it.

  50. The Facts
    August 28, 2014

    Fools rush in where wise men never tread. I do not trust this Bitcoin and would not take a chance on it.

  51. moving_forward
    August 28, 2014

    Bitcoin has changed my life for the better. It’s hard to describe the amazing impact it’s had on my life without experiencing it for yourself. Be lucky that you are being giving a free opportunity to experience the new frontier; be and the forefront of a new and exciting time. Most people/countries aren’t given such a great opportunity as y’all. I hope you can see the Bit Drop project as a blessing cause very very few people in the world are given an opportunity to be more in control of their money. Most governments want to take your money. But your government is giving y’all an opportunity to have more control over your money. That’s the decentralized part of Bitcoin, the government doesn’t control it – YOU DO!

    • Forever Amber
      August 29, 2014

      Just one word, ABSOLUTE RUBBISH –
      :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

      • White Devil
        September 26, 2014

        That is two words.

  52. moving_forward
    August 28, 2014

    Wow, how lucky! Educational organizations and groups embracing new technology are interested in giving Dominica free money and educating everyone about the power of bitcoin. How cool!! Hope everyone enjoys the free money and the fabulous opportunity to become more in control of your money!

    • GOOD JOKE
      August 29, 2014

      Why would you love me soooo much? Send me a $1000 to show me you love me.

    • Emile Zapatos
      August 29, 2014

      @ moving forward…….Please let us know how it change your life. Give me some good examples of this impact on your life.
      You sound like the people who wanted to privatize Social Security. The advocates went silent when one “old fool” asked what happens when the company go bankrupt.
      If they have so much financial smart and money to give away, Why not open an investment bank in Dominica to bring in legitimate investors with their international contacts as they claim.
      I hope our young P M will see the wolf in sheep clothing just as he has seen the new uwp team in DAAS clothing with their lapse in judgement.

      • White Devil
        September 26, 2014

        Forcing you to accept the privatization of SS is nothing like Bitcoin. No one is forcing you to accept or use Bitcoin.

    • Anonymous
      August 31, 2014

      Can I get some bit coins to build my million dollar mansion?

  53. Jayson
    August 28, 2014

    I have a bitcoin account. Very easy to open and totally anonymous.

    The exchange rates fluctuate like mad, just like any other currency i guess.

    I know alot of people that deal with questionable ‘merchandise’ would be happy about this for one main reason:

    Botcoin can be used as a giant ‘washing machine’. You can stop passing your ‘laundry’ through the churches now.

    • August 29, 2014

      If you think it’s totally anonymous, you don’t know what you’re doing.

  54. August 28, 2014

    Awesome, this is a revolution for Dominican citizens to reclaim their liberty from the centralized monetary system. Bitcoin has come to empower young Entrepreneurs who are the future leaders of their country to trade with international business associates without any government interference, bitcoin is a currency without boarders and barriers as the youths in Dominica should be really happy for this new technology Savvy that has come to empower and connect businesses over there to the international market, no matter the kind of business you do.
    Africans would have been really happy for these if we would have had these opportunities to connect everybody. Please read more on bitcoin and you can also read about how Bitcoin help Africa via SMS
    on these article
    http://cointelegraph.com/news/112281/bitcoin-making-inroads-in-africa-via-sms
    http://www.coindesk.com/sierra-leone-group-diverts-bitcoin-campaign-fight-ebola/
    Please read these articles to know more about bitcoin potentials amd benefits for the developing Nations like Africa and your country. :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :) :) :) :-D :-D :-D

    • shaka zulu
      August 28, 2014

      The link you posted does nothing to show how the use of bitcoins is going to benefit the people of Africa confront their real problems. The only thing it shows is how it is easy to use the monetary system to bypass governments and banking institutions. This is very misleading. The only people who stand to benefit are the ones who provide the goods and services. The minerals has to get of the ground, raw materials has to be processed the vast resources of Africa has to be exploited and processed in a way that benefit the people and government must be involved. If bit coins allow Africans to purchase made in Africa then I say go bitcoins. But this system of currency trading was started by someone to make a profit and to buy goods and services without taxation and fees. As long as these goods and services continue to come from industrial nations they are the only ones benefiting. All bitcoin is doing is making these goods and Services more accessible

      • August 28, 2014

        Bitcoin was never made for the West, I received bitcoin as payment for a website I created for a Botswana Business Associate http://www.pkaydatasms.com
        Am the founder of http://www.paksmsgh.com and bitcoin has now really empowered me to trade with any one who accept bitcoin

      • Forever Amber
        August 28, 2014

        Very informative comment, shaka zulu. How will Dominica benefits? Will it assist in the development efforts of the country? Will it reduce the staggering poverty and unemployment?

        It baffles me that the DLP Government is fully behind this scheme. Is there some reward for them during this election year?

      • shaka zulu
        August 29, 2014

        I listen to NPR constantly and heard about this bitcoin a while back. I really do not have a problem with it. However, it was started with the intention to replace current banking system and government regulations. I also understand its advantage in remote areas with poor inefficient banking system where customers have little control of their money value. However it cannot be a replacement for current banking system. It should serve as an option/supplement. Here is why:
        Ever since I know myself there are dishonest people/thieves and since this involves cyber currency, there will be cyber thieves. That in itself will need policing. If government don’t get involve how are you going to punish criminals and I’m which jurisdiction. Once policing is involved that in itself is government.
        If it was not created for the west, but it was created by the west to further its economical reach bypassing the countries government. At the end of the day if the transfer of goods and services is one directional nothing about the people’s life in Africa and the poor countries will change.

    • Emile Zapatos
      August 29, 2014

      YES , so was Sandiford in Antigua.
      You know that there are drug companies in the USA who put drugs with bad side effects on the market that they know will be recalled. But they know that by the time these recalls take place they will have already make millions at home and abroad. Good planning and good scamming.

      • Emile Zapatos
        August 29, 2014

        Those people like you can look you right in the eyes, and LIE LIE LIE.
        The first thing they learn is how to make eye contact when they LIE LIE LIE…….in your face.

    • The Facts
      August 30, 2014

      Watch out for the word “empower”.

  55. The Times
    August 28, 2014

    Ok. When bitcoin first surfaced it was because of sites like Silk Road and other sites on the deep web and was classified by America and even the IMF as bad but i guess they found a way to regulate it so now the IMF gave it a go. Interesting. I was always interested in how it worked though my only issue is the anonymity of the administrator and the fact hackers have had a field day with the theft of the digital currency previously.

    Also, why is Dominica the guinea pig…again.

    And our GDP is low? The present labor administration made it seem like we were doing so fine. How can you be fine if you are not producing?

    • a00r
      August 28, 2014

      it got a bad rep because people used to to do bad things just like all the money in the world you can use it to do good or bad, but bitcoin is not bad it is you own money no one can tell you or regulate with that to do with it

      • The Facts
        August 30, 2014

        But no one regulates my money and tells me what to do with it. I am boss of my money. What is so extraordinary about Bitcoin?

  56. BiTheCoin
    August 28, 2014

    Damn, they could have let us know though. Also, More information would gladly be appreciated.

  57. note
    August 28, 2014

    Dominicans, why do you always need to oppose all innovations? Question here is not about using services of some particular company…question is about opening mind for learning new technologies of 21st century. Nobody is forcing you to accept a new way of payment and money transmission …but why you should be hostile to everything you dont know and understand…if somebody offers opportunity to cut a middle-man (stupid bankers) and show a way to hedge bitcoin volatile, then why not? Expedia.com accepts bitcoin, a lot of webhosting companies accept bitcoin….
    You people like to say – Dominica needs developments, change is a must, next level etc…but then some change (=innovation) knocks your doors you why do you push it back? Why?

  58. Seis
    August 28, 2014

    hey I live in Dominica, hit me up with some bitcoins

    BTC: 1CojV8uqR2YRkZkQaeCNMTL6kJQSCwx4ah

  59. donotbefooled!
    August 28, 2014

    Here’s one of the original articles about this ever. Dominicans, ask yourselves: why are none of the partners local, Dominican owned businesses? Why are they all from another country? Who ultimately benefits from all of this? Why the sudden urge for benevolence with people they don’t even know? THINK CRITICALLY: http://www.coindesk.com/70000-caribbean-island-residents-receive-bitcoin-2015/

    • White Devil
      September 26, 2014

      As far as I know there are no Dominican companies that can do a bitdrop.

  60. August 28, 2014

    Hello All,

    My name is Jeremy Gardner and I am the executive director of the College Cryptocurrency Network.

    To clarify, this is not the first time such a “bitcoin drop” will have been performed. We are conducting such a drop at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this fall, and plan to use the results to inform our undertaking in Dominica.

    This is an incredible opportunity for the people of Dominica. If anybody has ever had to pay to send or receive money overseas, they will never have to face such an inconvenience again!

    If anyone has questions regarding this exciting endeavor, please feel free to contact me directly at [email protected].

    I look forward to coming to the island and working with the people of Dominica!

    Best,

    Jeremy Gardner
    Executive Director, CCN

    • Tea
      August 30, 2014

      We don’t want you there, keep your corrupt undertaking out of our islland. You are just enabling the corrupt behavior of this evilous group that’s called our government!

  61. donotbefooled!
    August 28, 2014
    • August 28, 2014

      Do you know how many people a year get scammed out of dollars? Identity theft in the US alone accounts for billions of dollars worth of fraud. It is true you can be scammed out of bitcoins, just like anything else. You also don’t have to give away the keys to your finances to every restaurant and bar you walk in to.

  62. donotbefooled!
    August 28, 2014
  63. donotbefooled!
    August 28, 2014
  64. donotbefooled!
    August 28, 2014

    Look at how much bitcoin this held before he fled the US and tried to become a Dominican citizen — I hardly think this is coincidence: http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/11/19/ross-ulbrichts-family-and-friends-offer-to-pledge-over-1-million-in-bail-for-alleged-silk-road-creator/

    • drop
      August 28, 2014

      you know I can buy cocaine with EC$ right

    • August 28, 2014

      Connecting dots or just trolling? What is your goal here?

      • drop
        August 28, 2014

        no I was just informing them that you can do anything with a widely accepted form of a means of payment, it’s not the medium you use that is illegal just what you do with it, like I said you can buy illegal drugs with fiat (real paper money), so too with bitcoins if you know how… but nothing is illegal or wrong with bitcoins, just as nothing is wrong with money….

  65. August 28, 2014

    we should not be averse to change especially change that will be positive and progressive but let us look first and carefully before we leap. we should prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that Bitcom pros will outway any cons which it may have.

    • August 28, 2014

      Bitcoin is for the freedom of the world. The most basic of freedom should be to control one’s own wealth; the product of your labor. Direct slavery has long been abolished in most of the world. Yet we can still live under financial slavery. In the USA we are virtually forced to transact in U.S. Dollars. The Federal Reserve can decide to increase the money supply, giving it to large banks and devaluing the money you hold in your pocket. Checkout food price inflation in the last 10 years. The money supply has doubled in the same time frame.
      Bitcoin is the way out that people are using. It’s advancing stupendously after 5 years of being around.

  66. lightbulb
    August 28, 2014

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PPBVIktY28&list=PL6RjmF16oYrLQJeVwzR8lORiQzzDzny5s#t=240 people have a look Bitcoin is just one of many crypto currencies

  67. jump where gate low
    August 28, 2014

    hi people i am writing from England now like ebola which a man made deceased,to control population ,bit coin is just another experience on another poor country Dominica to test their experience,week governance is very attactrative to this globalist full stop.

    • a00r
      August 28, 2014

      you have no idea what you are talking about….

    • August 28, 2014

      Hi “jump where gate low”,

      Your paranoid, assertion that somehow “bit coin[SIC]” will be responsible for testing on people in some nefarious fashion is unfair. Do your research and if you manage to uncover some conspiracy, please do give a full disclosure in the best whistleblower fashion. Until then, your comments will only serve to harm your credibility.

  68. Hide & Seek Gov.
    August 28, 2014

    I just cannot understand that hide and seek government> They behave like cowards. Why do we always have to go on some website to see what they have in store? Why can they not engage us in a conversation and educate us? Why can we not have a conversation? Or even better yet, why can they not use the animal program to discuss national interests. I mean how did we get to know about the non stop jet that was suppose to start in January 2014, with MIA/DOM? On the website. Where did we get to know about that $300K that Skerrit and a Chinese firm signed to build International airport, hospital and hotel? website. Now we are hearing of Bitcoin on web with government picture posted. What are they hiding? Time will tell

    • a00r
      August 28, 2014

      It’s not the government doing this, they contacted the government to inform them of their plans….

      • Hide & Seek Gov.
        August 29, 2014

        @a00r, I don’t know how all you reading because I sure did not say the government did this. I accused them of hiding and not engaging us in matters of interest. Am I wrong? It is still not wrong to conclude that the government is involved in some way because the websites named Dr Kenneth Darroux, Minister of the Environment & Physical Planning, as one of the local contacts for the project. Now if you as the government minister is the contact person and is also seen in picture with one of the organizers of the project, Ira Miller. If the man is the government minister, the contact person for the project and is seen in picture, does he not have knowledge of what is happening? Has he made a statement to the nation? Has any member of his cabinet made a statement? How can a government sit their and just allow an organization to use the good name of the country and put anything they want? If the government is not involved and doesn’t know about it then they need to let the nation know that they no nothing about it and will take ALL necessary steps to preserve the good name of Dominica. These corrupt guys always want to hide behind something and allow website to break the news for them. That’s how cowards behave.

  69. awa wi
    August 28, 2014

    As always the problem is not actually the introduction of new technology but transparency. Inform the people and educate them to reduce ignorance on the matter. Here it is the front man/minister doh even want to answer so all of a sudden u wake up one morning and u have bitcoins u doh even know wat to do with lol lol

  70. August 28, 2014
    • The Following
      August 29, 2014

      A BEACH PARTY??????? OH BTW if the pic in this article is to serve as a representation of Dominica, you miss the mark…..how much research have you done on our country.

  71. shaka zulu
    August 28, 2014

    We have a small GDP and if this aimed at allowing Dominicans to easily purchase goods online I see a big problem for local merchants and government revenue. Although government will gain revenue on import duties the multiplier effect of local merchants loosing business to outside markets will be worst. For this to work all merchants locally and regionally must use bitcoins and it must be easily changeable with the ec through CDB

    • August 28, 2014

      It is possible Dominicans will spend more money online after adopting bitcoins, but shipping things into an island isn’t easy. They’re still more likely to shop online with local stores.

      Also, a much more likely effect of Bitcoin adoption is that more tourists, international businesses, and high tech organizations get involved on the island. This will increase revenue from tourism, trade, and hopefully result in new foreign direct investments.

      • a00r
        August 28, 2014

        Exactly I live in Dominica and I have bitcoins, YES I can spend it but first I would have to convert it to USD via a bank in the United States. The banks in Dominica would just have to accept my bitcoins SIMPLE…

      • shaka zulu
        August 28, 2014

        I am trying to understand how bitcoin can make more tourist get involved in the island. Tourism in dominica is about the island experience which is available with cash and credit card today. Not sure bitcoin is a tourist attraction. Purchase of dominican products online, yes. You may want to explain.
        It definetly will work if local businesses invest in online shopping for there products. Astaphans, ac shillingford and all the major businesses may have the capital to provide online shopping. Smaller businesses that do not have capital may loose out. If an environment and culture of innovation, creativity, and growth is not put in place now then the only people that are going to benefit are the online companies based in the industrial countries. Furthermore, our governments in the region will have no control and they will loose lots of tax revenue and the value of the CDB will drop. The US treasury can afford to take the competition. Our Caribbean Banks cannot.

      • August 29, 2014

        I’m not sure I see Dominicans ordering things online from local merchants. But in an economy as small as ours, there are a lot of things that people might occasionally want that it doesn’t make sense for merchants to keep on hand. I don’t think we have the population to support a bookshop any larger than Jays, for example, so it doesn’t really put anyone out of business when we order books from abroad from Amazon.

  72. WellDoneLabour
    August 28, 2014

    Stop being and acting illiterate.
    Bit Coins like any new technology has to start some-where and to start it always need visionaries. Try to learn to embrace change and put your self in position to get informed about it.

    We in Dominicans to like to think change is a bad thing. Embrace technology and try to use it to make ur life easier.
    The country is moving to a more educated and more technology environment. Bitcoins is an idea of a different way to do business. It don’t mean we will never use money again, It means we will have an alternative means to do exchange.

    Paper is becoming absolute as we look to safe the trees.
    Ira alot of Dominicans are really educated but really political so I would not respond. The internet is full with information with regards and It is a good opportunity for the country to get technological lime-light. This country is not know for being creative or talented although we are among the best in everything except arguing politics..lol.

    BIT COIN STARTUP HERE I COME..>>

    Think Green and SAVE THE TREES..>>>GO TECH GO BITCOINS.

    • a00r
      August 28, 2014

      This is very good!

  73. michelle
    August 28, 2014

    Please be informed … this Drop will be giving away Bitcoins and education on technologies… what part of this is a bad thing? This will be helping Dominica and will boost tourism and business and the bring more opportunities to grow like never before!!

  74. August 28, 2014

    Bitcoin is not an official currency, we in Dominica have limited knowledge of how to use this experimental Bitcoin, we need to know the risks of this unregulated marketplace

    In February of this year Bitcoin recent poor fortune got worse after one of the biggest website for trading virtual currency shut down prompting many to question if this was the future of online payment

    Fellow Dominicans if this is anything good why would Dominica be the first in the nation, please do not allow these unregulated online payment companies to take you all for a ride, please research the Bitcoin company

    • donotbefooled!
      August 28, 2014
      • WellDoneLabour
        September 3, 2014

        U that fooling Urself..

    • Cruzn to Dominica
      August 28, 2014

      There is no Bitcoin company. It is a peer-to-peer network, just like the Internet. People should use caution in deciding where they store or send their bitcoins, but participants in the Bitdrop will be getting free bitcoins to spend and learn with.

      Why is Dominica the first? Probably because it is small *and* has lots of smart phones. It’s a great opportunity for Dominica to leapfrog other nations into what could likely be a revolution as big as the internet itself.

    • White Devil
      September 26, 2014

      Bitcoin is not a company. Bitcoin is open source software.

  75. tor
    August 28, 2014

    Lacey Paris you have no idea what a bitcoin is…
    anyways if anyone in Dominica wants bitcoins I have some… I also live in Dominica…

    • Malgraysa
      August 30, 2014

      Tor, if bit coin is that good why are you so keen to dispose of yours to fellow Dominicans? ….I suppose you want dollars in return?

  76. August 28, 2014

    There’s nothing inherently wrong with Bitcoin. And if you really aren’t interested in it, there’s nothing to fear, just don’t use it. It has a lot of promise for things like international remittances, and now that some online retailers like Overstock.com accept it, it can be a convenient way to order things from abroad.

    Now, I think this project’s vision of all of Dominica voluntarily moving to use Bitcoin is awfully ambitious, and there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. But there’s no need to immediately respond negatively, as in some of these comments.

    • C Mills
      August 28, 2014

      Sir we are Dominicans and as such have every reason to be cautious. Let us question the people who want to throw things down our throats and block anything we believe will open our shores to crime and criminals.

      • a00r
        August 28, 2014

        educate yourself about bitcoins before you bash it…

      • August 29, 2014

        We should be cautious for sure, I’ve no disagreement there. But that’s not the same thing as saying “No!” without learning about it first, and you know some people will do that.

  77. truth.
    August 28, 2014

    Take your Bitcoin and go in the Name of Jesus. Leave Dominica alone, we the people trust in God

    • EightEx
      August 28, 2014

      What’s Bitcoin got to do with God?

      • Ma Moses
        August 29, 2014

        Exactly that. I’m sure Papa Bondi does not like it. Put a bit coin in the collection plate on sunday and see who is happy.

    • August 28, 2014

      I can understand your concerns, but I assure you that you have nothing to worry about. Bitcoin is a technology for freeing the people from a centralized banking system that reduces your spending power through inflation, Keynesian policies of endless printing of fiat, often used for the expansion of government. Bitcoin, as a deflationary currency at a fixed amount of 21 million in existence can free you from the shackles of oppression.

      • The Facts
        August 28, 2014

        What is the hitch? Someone at the top of Bitcoin will be benefiting from it. I would think it is not free or totally free.

      • Anonymous
        August 29, 2014

        Bitcoin, as a deflationary currency at a fixed amount of 21 million in existence can free you from the shackles of oppression.

        Waaaayyy aayyy ayyy look jokes. its going to release from the shackles of our oppression :-D

      • August 29, 2014

        If you really want to make this argument, you need to understand our specific situation. Dominica uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, a multiple country currency with a currency board rather than a central bank. The E.C. dollar is pegged 2.7:1 to the U.S. dollar, which means no one locally is printing more of them to hide government expenditures or pass them on to future generations.

        Now, you might argue that the Eastern Caribbean would be better off with a currency that isn’t tied to the U.S. dollar, and you might even be right. However, since the U.S. is our region’s largest trading partner and source of FDI, that would be a tricky change with the possibility of depressing tourism. There’s a reason the E.C. dollar changed its peg from the pound sterling to the U.S. dollar in 1976.

        In addition, your explanation means that Bitcoin is inherently deflationary, which carries its own problems, often for the poor, which globally speaking means most Dominicans. The advantages of using it has to outweigh this disadvantage for it to be attractive here.

  78. michelle
    August 28, 2014

    Look at the CCN (collegecrypto.org ) a main sponsor has MIT, Stanford, Boston College, Northwestern, Ohio State U of Michigan, Penn State, UC Berkley as part of their network Are these institutions CONs??? I think not…
    THE BITDROP will enhance the Dominican nation for sure!!

  79. trolol
    August 28, 2014

    “Dominica was described as the “ideal location” for the Bitcoin project because of its small population and small gross domestic product (GDP).” Small population, Dominicans fleeing Dominica as if is Ebola the country plagued with since 1990. Then again the country is poor so I don’t blame them… Keep lying still and saying everything is okay.

    • The Facts
      August 28, 2014

      They must have done a research and realized that Dominica is a gullible and vulnerable nation and will fall for it. I would be wary about this Bitcoin.

      • Tea
        August 30, 2014

        They must have learnt bout us after the Winter Olympics scandal lol!

  80. Homeland Security
    August 28, 2014

    Don’t you guys read the news?
    This is a major scam – Open link below
    http://www.reuters.com/…/us-bitcoin-mtgox-bankruptcy-idUSBREA1R...
    Reuters
    Feb 28, 2014 – TOKYO (Reuters) – Mt. Gox, once the world’s biggest bitcoin exchange, filed for bankruptcy protection in Japan on Friday, saying it may have …

    • Mahaut Boi
      August 28, 2014

      U clearly have not done ur research on mt gox if u are using that bitcoin exchange as representative of all cryptocurrency exchanges. do your homework!! mt gox was red flagged by many within the bitcoin community as a scam and no one listened to them. eventually they went down and the bitcoin community basically told the public – we told u so…

  81. Anonymous
    August 28, 2014

    The woman who created this thing just committed suicide a few months ago. That too good to be true currency is cursed. Doesn’t Dominica have enough problems?

    • tor
      August 28, 2014

      nobody knows who created it -_- only speculated to be a man called Satoshi whether it really is Satoshi or individuals…

      • Lacey Paris
        August 29, 2014

        Well this is the main reason why I don’t trust it. If something is so wonderful for mankind, why is the creator/inventor hiding? Why all the cloak and dagger stuff?

        I saw my initial comment got many dislikes. I really don’t care. Every scam artist always tries a gullible fool first (read Dominica).

      • WellDoneLabour
        September 3, 2014

        Tor>>u trying to sound smart but u are actually stupid..It is OPENSOURCE..do you even knw what that means? Its was created by Satoshi Nakamoto we don’t need to know if that is a group of people or One..WE HAVE THE SOURCE..once it is open source who cares who created it.>tht what is means..

    • WellDoneLabour
      August 28, 2014

      lol..actually it was created by Satoshi Nakamoto a computer science guru or mathematician..Maybe he had help from the community since it is open source..smH..

      • tor
        August 28, 2014

        claimed to be him until he comes forward no one really knows…

  82. Free the Economy
    August 28, 2014

    You guys don’t understand how progressive this is if this is true. Since I was a student of economics I learned about this amazing internet currency where you can buy and sell with virtually zero transaction costs. This means that people from Dominica will be able to Send and receive money from people (especially their family members) from all across the world without the ridiculous hundred and somethin dollars fee that these banks both abroad and here charge us. Internet currency is the future and economists like Nobel Prize winner and economic advisor, Milton Friedman for years have been predicting the rise of such a currency. It’s inevitable and I’m glad Dominica is making a somewhat early move. I say somewhat because many places across the globe including many in Europe and the US have been using bitcoin for a while now, including a company I once worked for.

    • tor
      August 28, 2014

      technically you can do it right now just download the bitcoin wallet… and hook it up to a us bank, yes US Banks support bitcoins…

      • Free the Economy
        August 28, 2014

        You can pretty much trade with bitcoin over Skype. As said, nearly zero transaction costs. No taxation, although I heard recently heads of states been discussing means of taxing it , like that’ll work or help. No one controls bitcoin. That’s the power of cryptography.

    • Country Man
      August 28, 2014

      Hmm Milton Friedman economics – greed, unbridled capitalism, and free enterprise. I am not sure how that is really helping humanity on a whole. So no surprise of his interest in such a currency

      • Cruzn to Dominica
        August 28, 2014

        Bitcoin is great for charity, for sending money to family members overseas, for building local businesses minimizing dependencies not the bankings system. In many ways it is a check on “unbridled capitalism”.

        Bitcoin doesn’t have an economic ideology, though some of its advocates do. It creates solutions for people. The rich and the big corporations don’t need Bitcoin. The current system serves them well.

      • Free the Economy
        August 28, 2014

        You have no idea what true capitalism is. Free market is the incubator which allows for incredible innovations like that laptop or pc which you are typing on right now. Capitalism gives people a chance to innovate and liberate themselves from government dependency. People mix up true capitalism which made counties like Singapore, one of the most economically free countries, elevate themselves over a span of 40 years from 3rd world status to 1st world status. They mix it up with corporatism. Capitalism is not greed, that’s crony capitalism which pretty much needs socialist means like government protection and lobbyist pressure to servive. That, I am strongly opposed to. But true capitalism equals free markets which is NOT a zero sum game! Keep informed. Cuz pretty much looking at the alternative, communism/socialism, it don’t look good. Especially right now. Just take a look at how things turned out on in Russia or Venezuela. Heck just put on international news. The evidence is clear that no other system is more effective in elevating all players, especially the poor.

    • August 29, 2014

      Milton Friedman favoured free markets for most things, but he was a monetarist economist, advocating a currency slowly inflated by government, not one that slowly deflates and that is immune to government influence like Bitcoin. So he’s probably a poor choice for you to use as a reference.

  83. Peacock
    August 28, 2014

    Seriously? This is a landmark for money laundering, drug traffickers, and illicit activity. We should avoid it at all cost! Why Dominica? Oh why?

    • a00r
      August 28, 2014

      so is the EASTERN CARIBBEAN DOLLAR AND ALL MONEY IN THE WORLD

    • Ovidel
      August 30, 2014

      So is the Internet man. Beside the government tracks your every move. Why you use it?

  84. true thing
    August 28, 2014

    few months ago this ting had the biggest so called bank robery by hackers witch d news claim was the death of bitcoin..dat not safe at all.most companies abandonned dat,,what going on ..people in the usa is afraid of dat,,google it dominican .

  85. laparol
    August 28, 2014

    its visionary… but are we really ready for bitcoins? there are not enough regulations in place.. who is going to audit the labour government now ? now u really cant tell where the money is coming from? go to hell go to hell go to hell

  86. Great
    August 28, 2014

    + one on the coins man. what is the limit one can own

  87. B A- SLU
    August 28, 2014

    Hahahaha.
    Do yuh ting Dominica.
    We all are aware you are being used as “Litmus” Test…hahaha.
    smh.

  88. Anonymous
    August 28, 2014

    Some greedy people want to make some quick money and they will not care how many Dominicans do down with the ship.

    • Jon Do
      August 28, 2014

      The plan is to literally give away money to every person with a cell phone… How are Dominicans going down with the ship? The ship is sailing into blue waters.

  89. i must speak
    August 28, 2014

    omg…..omg ….omg ….why is Dominica always the first for bad things? nooooo we doh want no bitcom

  90. Anonymous
    August 28, 2014

    Go away and leave us alone. Do you and the rest of the con men want to take the little money that we have.

    Why Dominica, a poor country with such a small population? You must take us for dupes.

    Go somewhere else.

    • donotbefooled!
      August 28, 2014
    • Ovidel
      August 30, 2014

      With that attitude you will always be poor.

      • Anonymous
        August 31, 2014

        I rather be poor than get wealthy overnight, sleeping with one eye open waiting for the other shoe to drop about what I have to do for accepting your money.

  91. DFR
    August 28, 2014

    Be careful of what you are getting into. Bitcoins are a based on trust and there is no backing of any treasure in the event that it fails.

    • lightbulb
      August 28, 2014

      lol just like every other fiat currency. the usd is based on nothing also. the strength in bitcoin is in the ability of the technology to engage in no trust contracts. you can encrypt a contract without needing another facility to settlement the contract

      • The Facts
        August 28, 2014

        Like a pyramid scheme.

    • August 28, 2014

      That’s true. On the other hand, you also just described the E.C. dollar and the U.S. dollar to which it’s pegged.

  92. tor
    August 28, 2014

    interesting

  93. August 28, 2014

    Thanks for your consideration of our project! To clarify, Bitcoin is not a currency, according to the IMF, though it is often referred to as such. It is not regulated by any government, but then again, neither is gold, which has served mankind well for thousands of years.

    Here is a community generated map of all of the places in the world you can spend bitcoins: http://coinmap.org/

    You can also purchase plane tickets to and from Dominica using bitcoin on http://www.cheapair.com/

    • Forever Amber
      August 28, 2014

      Personally, this looks like Bitcoin is using Dominica as a guinea pig for its project. I would advise Dominica to stay clear of what looks more like a SCAM than a reality-based project. Why is Dr. Darroux getting involved in this? Is he representing the Government?

      • Anti-propaganda
        August 28, 2014

        Bitcoin is not a scam. If you wanna go down that alley take a closer look at the Fed!

    • observation
      August 28, 2014

      interesting project, how we can get in touch with you to discuss additional options to use bitcoins?

  94. Lacey Paris
    August 28, 2014

    Stupes! Even if we are ‘Dominicans’ doesn’t mean we ‘dumb’.

    Go away! Shoo fly!!

    Go and try that on those Jamaicans. They sending home more money than us anyway.

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