PM Skerrit confident investors will fill Ross University void

The Prime Minister said information on the matter will be made public soon. File photo

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said he is confident that his government will secure an investor or investors to fill the void created by the departure of Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) from Dominica.

According to state-owned DBS radio, Skerrit said “very soon” the matter will be made public.

Earlier this month Ross announced that it will be shutting down its operation in Dominica and will be operating in Barbados from January 2019.

RUSM was located in Portsmouth and was a huge source of income for the island’s second town for the past 40 years.

“From the government perspective, this is not going to be an internal matter because we are confident and I am confident, as Prime Minister, that we will have an investor that will be able to fill the void created by Ross University,” he said. “I am hoping that very soon we will be able to articulate that particular matter to the Dominican population.”

He continued, “In every disappointment, it is said that there is a blessing in disguise. We have to work towards it and ensure that we can have a replacement.”

Skerrit explained that the entire campus, 27 acres, belong to the state and “so we are putting a mechanism in place to get the properties handed over to the state and very soon from now Ross is doing some repairs to the buildings. I hoping that we can meet with them this week to finalize this.”

“This is one matter that has to be brought to the public’s attention that the entire campus legally belongs to the people of Dominica,” he stated.

Skerrit mentioned also that his government has written to Ross University on this matter to draw to their attention about that legal fact.

“I am hoping that very soon they can hand over this property to the people of Dominica,” he stated. “It’s in its early days still but I am confident, we will get an investor who will be interested or a group of investors who will be interested in investing in a particular area.”

He made it clear that the problem of Ross’ departure is a short-term challenge.

“This is not going to be a medium-term or a long-term challenge,” Skerrit stated.

In 2014, the  Malaysian-based Limkokwing University published an article on its website saying it has signed an MOU with Dominica to establish an international campus of the university on the island.

The article said both Dominica and the university, “aspire to create a new kind of campus which will be a unique and cutting-edge University campus specializing in travel, tourism and hospitality management and other disciplines that will contribute greatly to the ongoing social and economic transformation of Dominica.”

The article said the MOU was signed by a delegation headed by Emmanuel Nanthan with Dato’ Gail Phung, Limkokwing University’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Development.

Since that article was published, no more information has been forthcoming on that matter.

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112 Comments

  1. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    August 29, 2018

     
    “Do you work, do you have a job? You spend all your time on Skerrit every day and Skerrit lives better than you and has more money than you. Find some constructive  do and stop idling your time with all these foolish degrees of yours. “(DS).

    You see people like you; you are so mentality, disturbed I wonder what keep you alive!

    What do you know about me? Any money I have it is called honest money; not stolen money, if the IRS of the United States audits me today; I can account for every penny I have in a bank, and all I own in Real Estate. In America, banks do not allow anybody to open a bank account unless they can produce three official pieces of identification, and prove their source in income. 

    That is to ensure the depositor is not a thief, nor a money launder! For your information fool; I make more money; honest money in  five days sitting at home than Roosevelt paid salary in a month!

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      August 30, 2018

      Cont:

      Furthermore everything I own is in my name: I have not bought one piece of property with thieving money!

      I am not sure a certain fella did not thief all he possess, what I do know if the legal system in Dominica were to investigate the so called ministers, and not ministers of religion they would find out that some prime ministers honest paid salary cannot substantiate their accumulated assets  over the past twenty-three years.

      I  don not walk or drive the streets and Freeways of America, looking to see if police, State Police or the FBI is following  me to arrest me for money that I thief from the people I am suppose to be serving!

      I do not walk around with my head hot, wondering from where next I am going to get something to thief eh!

      I am not a thief, I did not go from rags to riches in a couple of months! I have a few millions which I worked for!

      All invested.

  2. August 29, 2018

    Dominicans be warned that this Punjab PhD and his Cabal have long had their eyes and mind set on establishing a State-within-a-State in the North of Dominica and more specifically a China-Town which he is yet to disclose in the MOU that he signed with China and his then Ambassador. This guys interests are self serving and the evidence has been staring us in the face for a long time unfortunately Maria has given him the perfect opportunity and no one is more happy than this wana-be dictator; Portsmouth people be cautious you will only receive the CRUMBS.

  3. Anon
    August 28, 2018

    A MOU doesn’t stand for anything beyond “good faith” in business terms.

  4. As its is
    August 28, 2018

    Dear admin
    Why was my comment edited to end with prime. And not allow the rest of the statement to be publish.
    I know I did not use the amount of characters available.

    ADMIN: Yes you did infact, go over the character limit. This can happen if you copy your comment from another source, it will automatically cut off the additional characters when you paste it into the comment box you had extra spacing which also count to character limit.

    However, please note that your comment has been removed as it contains information from another blog that we are unable to independently verify.

  5. Nrt
    August 28, 2018

    That’s so fake news, state it in English now.

  6. waypapa
    August 28, 2018

    As it is, and that’s from your news desk just the way it is??

  7. LawieBawie
    August 28, 2018

    Fouchette eh ca parlais!!

  8. Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
    August 28, 2018

    I want to add some reasoning and logic to this debate, minus the nonsensical politics that’s attached to it. We know that Ross University left Dominica because of a specific set of issues that were unresolved. “High Speed Broad Band Internet Access,” expensive connecting flights to Dominica, lack of entertainment, shopping etc. If we did not address some of the request or issues that caused Ross to depart from Dominica, what makes us believe that these very same issues will not adversely affect a new investor? Furthermore, Dominica is last in Foreign Investment compared to its neighbors for the reasons that I listed above. I can add to that list, an expensive port, and draconian electricity rates, just to name a few. I would have love to read a statement that touts the improvements being made to the town of Portsmouth to keep us competitive, instead of the usual platitudes from a political party.

  9. August 28, 2018

    All you folks who talk so bad about the man are just full of hot air and nothing more. You all cannot do any better and will never do better. My advice to you all is put a bandage over your mouth and things will get better.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      August 28, 2018

      Someone seem to pay you  to make an idiot of yourself! You are what they term: “Johnny Come Lately;” Where have you been?

      By the way you asks me what I do for a living, and my educational background? I responded, what do you think about what I told? Now shall I ask you what is your educational background, and your source of income; meaning what do you do for your living; and annual salary?

      Are you as academically educated as I am; how many scientific degrees do you posses, are you beneath me educationally? I deduced a psychological profile  based on the fart you wrote on this site thus far, and by deductive reasoning I found  you to be a nobody!

      You seek recognition, your intention is to deceive, you are less than labor party puppet, hoping the rubbish you write will get attention; you need more than a bandage over your split, and dirty tooth, just zip it, and get back under the rock from whence you came.

      • August 29, 2018

        No need to know my educational background. I am pretty sure I came from a better family background than you came from. Bottom Line. I do not see any of you doing any better for Dominica but talk, talk, talk. Let me something concrete on the ground coming from you and your foolish people. Stop all that talking and criticizing. You seem to have more degrees than a right angle. Good for you. America made you something and not UWI. Good for you.. Use it wisely.

      • August 29, 2018

        Do you work, do you have a job? You spend all your time on Skerrit every day and Skerrit lives better than you and has more money than you. Find some constructive work to do and stop idling your time with all these foolish degrees of yours.

    • Jheri Curl
      August 28, 2018

      If the property BELONGS to the State
      Why must he write a letter asking Ross to hand it over?
      Mister think we dotish?

    • August 29, 2018

      DS it is absolutely clear that your brain needs bandages it hemorrhaging profusely such is your kind that you do not see further than your nose tip.

  10. Man bites dogs
    August 28, 2018

    Ya Man laugh at Dr.Skerrit prime minister, for saying he has confident in investors he will deliver the goods he always does, On like that so-called opposition leader with no mandate going nowhere what so ever the rest of the workers calamity party are the same feeding only on propaganda rubbish, Who in their right mind would follow people like that lots.

    • Karl Orndem
      August 28, 2018

      unlike. not On like. Some didnt do well in english class. I dont know why we keep comparing the PM to linton. Lets just say there was no opposition, would we still think PM is doing the BEST job? Regardless of if linton there or not, i think the government could have prevented ross from coming, and i think these new investments does not help the economy. it is just a soft cushion which will only be realized in 2-3 years. until then, what happens? Does the Ross campus become an eyesore? or a white elephant to remind us of DOMINICA’s laziness and laissez fait attitude? What the PM should be focused on now is finding another University that is looking for off shore destinations and engaging them to utilize the Ross campus, and allowing the multitude of empty apartment buildings at Picard to be once more fill with students. Not short stay guest, as the short stay guest resort is NOT a viable solution. Then again who cannot hear will feel.

      • Ti
        August 28, 2018

        Great eye opening well all those that take loans they will see what time it is matter of time when the banks will seized their assets

      • Man bites dogs
        August 28, 2018

        @ YES my mistake it was bad spelling no argument about that thanks!!

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      August 28, 2018

      You little carnivore, how many little rats, and mice you devoured for breakfast this morning? What has Dr. Punjab “Roosevelt Skerrit,” and the labor party, delivered in the twenty-three years it took them to destroy everything in their path!

      The English language mess up and destroy dunce people like you every time you  see: Indeed Roosevelt has delivered Ross University School of Medicine to Barbados: ” delivering/delivered ” simply means to take and hand over, or leave for another; in brief to convey, hand over and surrender.

      What did Roosevelt do? He went to Barbados and stood with Mia Motley, demand that Dominicans desist talking about Ross move to Barbados. Remember Ralph Gonzales alleges that Roosevelt offered him All Saint University.

      Roosevelt do believer business out of  Dominica; allowing them to go where business opportunities are much better on other more develop islands. An idiot like you must believe all of Roosevelt lies, if he defecate and order you to put…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        August 28, 2018

        “Roosevelt do believer business out of  Dominica”

        That should read  “Roosevelt deliver business out of Dominica.” We know  his last delivery was Ross University School of Medicine he delivered to Barbados!

      • Preachet
        August 29, 2018

        Why can DNO Ban that foolish ….. from Marigot
        He keeps insulting every one
        Something weds to be done

        ADMIN: You also used an insult, so to apply your suggestion consistently we would have to ban you and many more users as well.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        August 29, 2018

        “Why can DNO Ban that foolish ….. from Marigot ”

        If that is in reference to me; be informed I am Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque (I am the one called Son). I am happy and proud to be born in the village of Wesley, and I am not ashamed of that. I would not; and has never wish I was born any other place place on earth.

        I traveled the world, lived in some of the largest metropolitan cities in Europe, and now residing in the City of Los Angeles proper: with a population of more than four million people.

         Not including the smaller surrounding cities and counties! My every success in life derived  form Wesley, where I first saw the sun, walked without pants, and bare feet in the mud reaching up to my knees. Marigot is also part of me, All the Alfred, Telemaque, Linton, James, and others are my biological relatives.

        If you must know (me great grandmother is a Black Carib from Sinekou ).

        Now ban yourself from DNO!

        Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaha!

  11. LifeandDeath
    August 28, 2018

    To me it doesn’t even make sense to rationalize the things Skerrit says anymore for two reasons
    1. As Prime Minister he continues to speak in hyperboles and suppositions for all his 14 years as Prime Minister. What has Skerrit ever been certain about when it comes to making real impact on Dominica and Domincans on a whole?..We had the Roseau Improvement Project, the Roseau River Promenade, the Int’l Airport, the numerous unfinished hotels, the defunct Coffee plant (though this was a gift)..and on and on and on.
    2. The other reason is that Skerrit has shown several signs of him being overwhelmed and frankly tired as Prime Minister, but can he hand over to any member of his Cabinet?? You all can start juggling those misplaced fouchets and see who can be Prime Minister? More than that, although the man is fatigued, he is very very fearful to leave because of what he anticipates will be his fate regarding so many irregularities in his tenure
    So Skerrit will keep speaking Gibberish

  12. Willie p
    August 28, 2018

    Hope we don’t get to having a China Town.

  13. kim
    August 28, 2018

    wow wow wow – I am stunned and saddened by the lack of common sense that the Dominican government possesses. Now Ross is gone you talking and when they were trying to come back it could not even be organised for garbage and drains to be cleared in Picard – pull my finger!

  14. Ibo France
    August 28, 2018

    Mr. Prime Minister, what the people need is full disclosure, a full public ventilation of the facts and issues surrounding the departure of Ross U. Any government that does not practise transparency and accountability is due to its corrupt practices. This DLP regime is hell-bent on serving themselves and their families and friends, and not the majority of citizens, who desperately need help.

  15. Liz M
    August 28, 2018

    This Ros issue presents great opportunity for gov’t to be extremely diplomatic with this. Bear in mind the parent company is a billion dollar company, therefore all efforts should be made to secure business dealings with the company. Think outside the box, continue to solicit other business related dealings with the company Adtalem in other areas. Not just narrow focus on handing property over and move on, it’s how can we continue to partner in other areas that allows CONTINUITY OF BUSINESS. Reach out to Mr. Ross or successive family members, whatever it takes. IT MAY NOT BE ALL LOST! One should keep talking with Adtalem in friendly terms.
    This Asian university should just be another piece of BUSINESS, more should be forthcoming. Remember the Grandbay area was beginning to prepare for the onset of All-Saints U as people started to build rental space with that in mind. So allowance should be made to move other related business into that resourceful area from Bellevue to Bagatelle.

    • Anony
      August 28, 2018

      I feel you Liz. Now that’s thinking outside the box.

    • Neville
      August 28, 2018

      You clearly believe in Father Christmas, don’t you?

      • Liz M
        August 28, 2018

        Depends how u look at the glass, half full or half empty.

    • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
      August 28, 2018

      Most definitely. You made some valid points here and this should be part of the exit negation strategy with Ross.

    • faithandhope
      August 29, 2018

      In business, when someone walks away it is usually the end of the relationship… there is no further negotiation or discussion unless this was part of the agreement when the decision to walk away was made. Mr. Ross made the decision to walk away from Dominica when he sold the company, yet few realize that Mr. Ross had even made the decision to walk away from Dominica. Adtalem made the decision to walk away from Dominica when they selected Barbados. Thinking outside the box is now a must, whether it is in the same or a different industry. We don’t need to lose hope, we need to think and use this forum for some very constructive ideas. Even if the ideas don’t reach political levels, they might just inspire someone to do something really good.

  16. CB BOSS
    August 28, 2018

    Globally, economies are facing great challenges. Countries are making ‘weird’, but major decisions. This includes presidents, EU, Brexit, and partnerships against political interest.

    Dominica is going through a transition. We’ve experienced two natural disasters (Erika and Maria). And let’s not forget the financial and morally depressing departure of Ross University.

    For the love of country, put political differences aside, be hopeful, and give the Prime Minister a chance. The last I check, we still do have an election process.

    Our beautiful Dominica is too small for all this chaos. Lets all do our best for our country. She needs our unity.

    • Anthony P. Ismael Ministe of Free Pampers
      August 28, 2018

      For the very reasons that you articulated so well above, we should not give this man a chance. If investors left Dominica for a particular set of reasons and these reasons were not addressed, then why should we allow the same personnel who was unable to adapt, to lead us down a path of failure once more. They had requested “Broad Band Internet Access.” This request fell on deaf ears. Wouldn’t the new investors require high-speed internet connection as well. We all know that air access is a total mess. So how do we move forward when we are unable to solve the problems that led to Ross University departing from our shores?

    • Neville
      August 28, 2018

      Give the PM a chance?? We gave him a chance for the last 18 years. How many more years does he need??

    • Jheri Curl
      August 28, 2018

      You ask for people to give the Prime Minister a chance
      like we just elect the man
      Roosevelt Skerrit has been Premier for 14.5 YEARS now
      How many more ‘chances’ must we give him?

  17. Joseph John
    August 28, 2018

    Austrie once said Skerrit is too nice. This time he is just being diplomatic as a good head of state should be. He does not want to say because the answer would be devastating. But to really know why Ross left we have to look back in history. The cognitive is why Geest left, not only from Dominica , but the whole Windward Islands. The Banana Industry in 4 islands just went. They left buildings and Estates and fade away never to return. Well maybe some of the people who lost their jobs can tell us what cause thousands ( 8 to 10 ) to lose their livelihood. What cause the exodus of Dominicans to leave Dominica from that time .
    The government can be blamed because they were in charge of protecting the country ‘THE BUCK STOPS HERE’, just like what’s occurring presently but those people whose actions and intentions are causing all kinds of damage remain blameless. But that’s ok ,because this too shall pass. It takes time but nature has proved that in time good always overcome…

    • Dominican
      August 29, 2018

      Leases can also be sold to a third party by the current leaseholder. It is a disposable asset. I suppose government could effect a compulsory purchase but there must both be reasonable cause and they must offer a fair market value for the remainder of the lease.

    • UKDominican
      August 29, 2018

      Correction. St. lucia continues to sell its Fair Trade bananas in the U.K. While our industry is moibund. You should ask yourself how an island with substantialiy higher labour costs than Dominica managers to do that while we can not. What is the difference between St. Lucia and Dominica, when we claim to have the wisest leadership in the region?

  18. Truth, no lie
    August 28, 2018

    Dno, Please post my earlier comment, because ,the prime minister action ,is about to make me lose bigtime, remember ,I am still at ross ,waiting on my package,., while skerit is burning my bridge

    ADMIN: The only other comment we see for you recently has been approved. If you still don’t see it on the site try resubmitting your post.

    • waypapa
      August 28, 2018

      So what you saying is Skerrit should not try to replace Ross so you could get your package? What about the economy that waiting on a new package?

  19. Truth, no lie
    August 28, 2018

    Wow WOW WOW, LIes again and again, and some fools still believe,
    Questions;
    1, how can you lobby for something on the behalf of what you do not own? Is like building a villa on a land that is not your own,
    2, The same thing which hove been affecting Ross, Will it not affect any other business also? Entry, Entertainment, Facilitation,etc.
    3, Why is skerit burning our bridges? when you treat an outgoing invester that way, are you enchoraging others to come?
    4, is skerit;s attitude towards ross ,going to affect the remaining workers that are still there waiting on some good insentives from ross on their departure?
    5, will the americans do to ross just like they did to coconut product?, Knowing the types of so called investers skerit is looking to bring in?
    6 Will Dominicans really sit there and allow skerit to completely dring us to our knees, and reach his goal of destruction? , think on these, and ACT.

  20. Crebd
    August 28, 2018

    Dominicans you guys are so negative .what do you think you can achieve with this negativity
    Stop distroying each other and let us build each other up. All this bickering solves nothing. Yes Ross
    Is gone. Is it the end of the world? Give ideas as to what can be done to make this an advantage for us.
    Everything happens for a reason. Just look up to the father and trust in him that we will be fine.
    Dominicans let us build up each other and stop the fighting

    • Truth, no lie
      August 28, 2018

      Crebd, Look up to god for what? God gave man dominion over all things, if man die, Everything will also die, Is it God’s fault? God have his share to do which he is doing, Man have what he suppose to do which he is not doing, So stay looking up to god ,Hypocrite, He will fif what he gave you the power to fix, no wonder so many people die in misery and in poverty, Refusing to do what they suppose to do, But they waiting for God to do it for them, But god Is telling them, Mem lamir la ki matay yo, iy tiway yo

    • Dominican
      August 29, 2018

      Leases can also be sold to a third party by the current leaseholder. It is a disposable asset. I suppose government could effect a compulsory purchase but there must both be reasonable cause and they must offer a fair market value for the remainder of the lease.

  21. For The Love Of Country
    August 28, 2018

    Man… you’re a waste of space – get the hell out of Dominica’s governance and economic affairs.

  22. RandyX
    August 28, 2018

    Here we go again, after a couple of weeks away in New York he return to dish up more empty promises and the usual dose of propaganda. I say it once again, your government is incompetent and lazy. The only thing you are good is lies, corruption, fraud, injustice and nepotism. Your days are numbered.

  23. August 28, 2018

    Oh yes, there is a traffic-jam at Melville hall, planes are circling the airport in a holding pattern, waiting to offload investors :-D :-D :-D :-D

  24. Child of Itassi
    August 28, 2018

    Fight of the Century at the Picard Arena!! Get Ready to RUMBLE!!

    Ladies and Gentlemen! Fighting for the RUSM campus.

    In the left corner we have Lisa Wardell, President/CEO of Adtalem with a MA in Finance and a BSc in Political Science.

    In the right corner, PM Roosevelt Skerrit with a BSc in Psychology and a BA in English.

    Will Roosevelt’s expert English and knowledge of the human mind and its function be powerful enough to deliver a TKO over Lisa’s skills in Finance and International Politics?

    OK you two. Protect yourself at all times, touch gloves, back to your corners and no ear-biting!

    • Think for YOURSELF
      August 28, 2018

      hahahahaha that was funny lol lol

    • Uncle
      August 29, 2018

      She willhithim in the Punjab! Manhasgotno lees to stand on, serious.

  25. Iamanidiot
    August 28, 2018

    Ross left because they couldn’t get their doctors and students to do internship on the island. Ross wanted to fix all three hospitals but the government said no, they would do it. Because they didnt want ross to do it, they wanted to make it look like everything is from papa Skerrit. Remember what the lady said “They wanted an Action Oriented Government”.
    Dominica might get the building because ross leaving is a breach of some contract and they most likely owe the government money but that’s chump change to what we lost.

  26. Naf
    August 27, 2018

    A bunch of you guys in there just wishing for this prime minister to fail. But he will rise against the odds and create the victory. I feel safer with skerrit than UWP 100%. In the workers last days poor Dominican people suffer. We the people not going back down that lane. The guys racing to get in there to put they hands on that CBI money. Make no mistake that not going happen. The Dominican people know who that have their interest at heart. Now is the opportunity for UWP to show the Dominican people that they can bring investors to fulfill the loss of ross. So, you see what I mean, all they have is a bunch of talk no action.

    • Paul Rossnof
      August 28, 2018

      Stop apologising for your incompetent and corrupt PM. His days and his governments days are numbered. People like you should think what the future will hold for you when your Master is gone. There won’t be no Red Clinic anymore or other little favours for DLP supporters.

      • Naf
        August 28, 2018

        You sound angry and bitter inside. Is that a fret, did I heat the right nerve? That is why the people going to reject you guys in large numbers. You guys have nothing to offer. What you mean by what the future holds for me? Don’t get it twisted brother, look at what the future holds for you. Analyze the outcome, contribute to the development and stop brewing hatred and useless noise. What is your purpose in Dominica? Skerrit sure have one to elevate, while your troll of a leader is there to destroy.

    • LifeandDeath
      August 28, 2018

      Your kind of thinking is what has crippled Dominica. I assure you that no right thinking Dominican is “waiting” for Skerrit to fail. In case you have been hiding under a soft matress you got from the Red Clinic, Skerrit has failed his tenure as Prime Minister miserably.
      This is the worst performing Prime Minister Dominica has ever had and the worse performing Prime Minister in the OECS. See the level of Development in Dominica as compared to the other islands for proof. Stop looking unto any man or ghost to save you, instead open your eyes, accept the facts and regardless of who the person is speak the truth. Too many Dominicans lack moral character!!..It could be UWP, DLP or DFP, if Dominica is losing please stand up and save your country..stop the partisan shortsighted politics..The man is embroiled in more scandals, and corrupted all the institutionsd in the country, riased a coillosal debt, killed agriculture, made Roseau a China town and ppl like you still blind??

    • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pmapers
      August 28, 2018

      This is by far the dumbest statement that I have read about this issue so far. No one wants the Prime Minister to fail. In fact, we want him to be very successful. That being said, it makes no sense to attract investors to a campus, when the same old issue continue to plague the town and island in general. What we need to do is concentrate and create a plan to address some of the issues that Ross mentioned. In so doing we will be able to both attract and keep potential new investors for the old campus. Stop being a Labor Fool who fails to understand global decision making and Foreign Direct Investment.

    • Uncle
      August 29, 2018

      Boy, your name very appropriate, you are truly naf.

  27. Shaka Zulu
    August 27, 2018

    If promises were resources, Dominica would be the wealthiest country on the planet. What now is the selling strategy to attract foriegn investors? Dominicans need to be honest with themselves. What really is the PM offering? Direct flights to anywhere in the world? State of the art hospital and healtcare. It cannot be because he and gov officials fly away grand hotels build as gifts and they cannot finish. Natural foods and medicine? What really is tbe selling point except the chance of having a second passport to travel under radar. The PM is going out again to parade Dominicans as miserable and helpless and uses funds recieve to play saviour. If this school comes one will be left to wonder if the neglect of ross was deliberate so as to take over for friends? If yes then he lied and it is malicious. No one negotiate for such an investment in such a short space of time. Why have we not seen investor interest in geothermal plant? Profitability. After 18 yrs we are screwed!! Period..

  28. Roy Williams
    August 27, 2018

    Stop fooling Dominicans. While we had Ross, he didn’t have investors making a significant contribution to our economy, now Ross has disappeared, the man is fooling Dominicans about investors. Wouldn’t Dominica been stronger, in terms of its economy, had we had more investors while Ross was in Dominica. :mrgreen:

  29. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    August 27, 2018

    “Skerrit government written to Ross University on this matter to draw to their attention about that legal fact. ”

    Roosevelt you need to shut up, I do not even believe Ross would be spending money on any building to carry out repairs when they have already left Dominica. If the land on which the buildings stand belongs to  you (Roosevelt) the government what  is the purpose of repairing the buildings, unless there is a stipulation that if they leave under any circumstance the must leave the building in good repair!

    All this crap you talking about you wrote Ross letter, who are you  trying to impress with that nonsense! A letter from you is the same as you standing on a political platform running off mouth lying through your teeth, man be real!

    Which investor is going to go Dominica to become involve in your backwardness, and suffer the same fate as Ross, Harris Paint Colgate Palmolive: Hospital cant finish, Moroccan Hotel and all else.

    It election time to lie!

    Sucker!

    • Maria Esprit
      August 28, 2018

      Boy I love all what you saying.dominican a fools

    • Informant
      August 28, 2018

      Whether or not you like Skerrit, before information of their departure, Ross has engaged local construction firms to do repairs on the building – this had been going on for months. These companies have continued work even until present day on the very buildings.

    • Liz M
      August 28, 2018

      Harris Paint has never left D’a, alive and well in Canefield. Fact is they have now gotten bigger in OECS after purchasing Lee Wind in Antigua so they will not leave now either. You need to visit and quit posting stuff from a refugee standpoint.

  30. Samuel Birmingham
    August 27, 2018

    What about the international Airport ? So many years with promises and promises. Nothing is materialing.

  31. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    August 27, 2018

    Which investor from where; what are their names?

    God said go into the World, and multiply, and build your cities! You have not done any building in the country, all you have done thus far is destroy; breakdown and chase the the few foreign business which operated in Dominica for more than fifty (50) years away!

    Harris paint operated in Dominica for more than fifty years, some fifty-four years, they left recently and bought Lee Win paints in Antigua, and are expanding into markets in the United States Virgin islands.

    Ross operated for more than forty rears, you caused them to leave. The more the merrier, how come you could not have got the same companies to come and set up their business while Ross and Harris paint; Colgate Palmolive, The tram company the Shine company, and all the local business you cause to shut down.

    If you can attract any business to replace Ross; I will come to Dominica and let you burst my lips with a slap!

    Liar, Liar!

    • Man bites dogs
      August 28, 2018

      @ Francisco,
      Workers calamity party did not do anything when they were in office, apart from a mosquito Fontaine in Roseau and making a big deal about it. Then came the catastrophe straight out of a comic book everything turned into a big mess in Dominica, That’s how much good they were now that same lots apart from Edison James want to come back to hit us against the wall it will never again happens good bye so-called workers calamity party.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        August 28, 2018

        Possie wrote on DNO!

        “I didn’t vote UWP in 1995 and still have not voted them, though I would have since after the death of Rosie. We need to forget party and vote for progress. What has Skerrit done for us apart from empty promises every election year? In 41/2 years we can point what UWP did in a town where they did not even get 150 votes. Longhouse was swinging, we were getting at least 1tourist ship every week, I don’t remember the name of the fish pond that was right at the back of longhouse with over 100 people employed, built the National Bank, Barclays was swinging, Scotia Bank came to Picard, cable & wireless came down, the hospital was renovated, Picard highway was resurfaced and named after Mike, the Indian River Bridge widened, PSS was enlarged. All that after 41/2 years. Under Skerrit and 18 years of DLP both Backlays and Scotia banks are gone, Ross is gone, the fish pond that employed over 100 persons gone, longhouse is a ghost tomb and so to is the Cabrits, Rosie was…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        August 29, 2018

        Man bite Dog, I did not write that!

        Note: Possie as far as I am concerned is from Portsmouth, I have no reason to suggest the person  is lying, because that which he commented on can be verified and authenticated.

        There are lots of other things the UWP did which your labor party took credit for such as the water system bringing water to a village in the south on the way towards Grand Bay.

        UWP built secondary schools out of Roseau build them in villages such as Castle Bruce, and in the great, great, great village of Wesley; all of that in four (4.5); (41/2) and a half years.

        In one place they created a hundred sustainable jobs in addition to what Ross provided, imagine what how progressive Dominica would have been if the UWP was in power in the country over the past fifteen years.

        Boy you all can continue to vote for the inept corrupted Roosevelt, but Dominica, with him as prime minister!

  32. Big Bannan
    August 27, 2018

    When are we going to figure out how much Skerrit and he’s gang made for themselves during their tenure in office ?

  33. Truth Be Told
    August 27, 2018

    This is a very premature ejaculation! Wait for things to be done officially. This is a very unprofessional pronouncement! Has RUSM agree to the terms that the PM has just articulated? If he know that by law the estate belongs to Dominica, why does this sound like some kind of public pressure, threat to RUSM? Shouldn’t this be finalised and formalised contractually and legally between the two parties, then you can make public announcements? This does not sound right. Something is up and the PM has run in front with his public plea. Next he will be asking Dominicans to attack RUSM, blame RUSM or as in his past usual fashion to squat at RUSM!

  34. Wrong is wrong
    August 27, 2018

    Skerrit is hidding alot of his dirty laundry, dirty garbage from us the people of Dominica. Not even his government Ministers know how much dirty laundry is out there and really they are not concerned because all they are concerned about is money and money he getting. But one day we going to get up and find out that there is no more water to wash his laundry and it will smell in our faces but we won’t be able to to run from it.

  35. Lil
    August 27, 2018

    So it took Ross 40 years to get to this point of investment in DA and it will take an overnight investor to replace them If Y’all believe this then I have a bridge that stretches from Dominica to Martinique that I want to sell you. It will make you as rich as one of the Koch brothers.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      August 28, 2018

      Thank you; trust me there is a majority of idiots in Dominica who already believe that lie!

      They are not going to ask where were all these over night investors all the  years?

      Perhaps Dominica was invisible to them but now the country is destroyed economically, it is election time be prepared to see the notorious inept  pathological compulsive liar Roosevelt Skerrit at his best making all sorts of lying promises.

      You will see all kind of faces in photographs talking about they are investors, but if he win the election, all the proposed investors will vanish into oblivion never to be seen or heard from.

      Then he will tell his stupid supports the opposition ran them out of Dominica.

  36. Ti Garcon
    August 27, 2018

    So nobody is commenting on the fact Skerrit is coming out with the propaganda that the Ross campus/ property belongs to the govt? If that was the case then why you need Ross to hand anything over.

    Dominicans this is a very serious issue. If Skerrit is planning to seize property from a US firm, please believe that there will be consequences. We ain’t Venezuela, more Dominicans are living in the USA than in Dominica. Remittances are a huge part of GDP too.

    Hopefully this is an issue that can get resolved, but coming out like that telling Dominicans that Ross property belongs to them- I want to hope that Dominicans don’t get duped into some nationalist BS that will send us back 100 years. Literally. Cuz that what Chavez in Venezuela did seizing all Foreign firms got them to where they are today. We dont want those problems.

    • Major Tom
      August 28, 2018

      Adtalem, owner of Ross, is intending to donate the campus to Dominica, because they can take a tax write-off for doing so.

    • Major Tom
      August 28, 2018

      The Ross land does belong to the Government, but it is leased to Ross. As long as the lease is paid, they are free to use it.

      • Ti Garcon
        August 28, 2018

        True, but that doesnt mean the buildings are theirs to keep. I think what i said went over your head. In Venezuela for example- no oil company owns the land. They lease it (actually thats how its done universally, for the mining industry sites too). However if the govt moves to seize the property its a different issue. That can lead to US govt sanctions.

        Now if Adtalem is ‘intending to donate’ well thats different. But that’s crucial information that was left out of this newscast. In fact i’ve not heard of this information, and its not official. So still, Skerrit is very irresponsible for mentioning this, in the manner he did. what was the reasoning behind it? Infact it would be better if he mentioned what other investments, these should not be confidential information.

      • Dominican
        August 28, 2018

        Leases can also be sold to a third party by the current leaseholder. It is a disposable asset. I suppose government could effect a compulsory purchase but there must both be reasonable cause and they must offer a fair market value for the remainder of the lease.

  37. UKDominican
    August 27, 2018

    Yes Roosevelt, I seem to remember that the Dominica National Petroleum company Ltd. also belongs to the people of Dominica. I’m not sure you have forgotten that!

  38. The truth will make you free
    August 27, 2018

    As for me what I am interested in is a public and honest inquiry about the true departure of Ross. Skerrit them talking about investors occupying the buildings to fill the void confirm that Ross may have been pushed out and someone may have benefited. Look. Let’s not be decieved my people. If shortly after the death of a person that was married for 30 or 40 yrs you hearing the widow or widower already planning for a 2nd marriage won’t you conclude that they already had their business in secret? Some might even blame the surviving spouse for the death of the other party. Just think a little and stay tuned because what was done in darkness will come out in the light.

    • Major Tom
      August 28, 2018

      That’s just stupid speculation. Why try to make things worse?

  39. Dada
    August 27, 2018

    He has enriched MANY of these foreigners at the expense of Dominica and its people- Bajans, Trinidadians , Russians , Greek, Iranians u name it — DOMINICANS who can invest got shut out !!! Instead of money coming money just staying out

  40. Ibo France
    August 27, 2018

    Seeing is believing. The PM has lost all credibility because of his innumerable empty pronouncements. To replace a business entity that was responsible for 30% of your GDP is almost unthinkable. Anyway, it is not prudent for a foreign business, to produce such a large percentage of a country’s revenue. Judging from language used by the PM no deal has been sewn up as yet. After eighteen years of lethargy and decadence, this ill-administration, judging from its long and unimpressive track record, has nothing positive to deliver. Their time is up!

  41. August 27, 2018

    Is subdividing the property and leasing the segments an option? In the event one entity does not want the whole space, this may be an alternative that may generate the same or more money, the same way people subdivide buildings into apartments or stores. I am just throwing something out there that might be usable.

    • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
      August 28, 2018

      Why not allow two or three entities to utilize the same space? That’s also another suggestion as well. They can all share the labs and other pertinent parts of the campus that would take time to construct and become operational.

  42. ITS COMING
    August 27, 2018

    Dominica signs MOU with Malaysian University
    Dominica News Online – Monday, October 20th, 2014 at 9:20 AM

    ADMIN: https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/educationyouth/dominica-signs-mou-malaysian-university/

    • Iamanidiot
      August 28, 2018

      Interesting, that was almost 4 years ago.

  43. JBaptiste
    August 27, 2018

    Once upon a time, far far away. Usual *sheet*
    This genius hopes to accomplish in the few months before elections what he couldn’t do in 18 years. Sadly this rhetoric works every time.It’s dawning on me that Skerrit really isn’t the problem.Afterall he has but one vote.

  44. Channel 1
    August 27, 2018

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: …….. Skerrit’s utterances are filled with paradoxes.

    Skerrit, ah boy, you are very ‘clever’ with the use of words. So the property belongs to the people of Dominica eh. Why did you say the “people of Dominica” and not “the government of Dominica”? Ross never signed any agreement with the people of Dominica; all agreements were signed with the government of Dominica.

    You want to deceive the people of Dominica into getting angry with Ross or wha?

  45. Sams
    August 27, 2018

    Blah blah when I see it happen like international airport when election getting close

  46. Fred
    August 27, 2018

    Great. A tourism college. Just what we need. Did it ever occur to anyone that there is more to this great island than tourism? If all you want for your people is service jobs, then you have no vision.

  47. REAL!!!!!
    August 27, 2018

    But any university that is a viable business entity would have the same challenges that confronted Ross University so why would they come when these challenges are not fully address?

    So we should expect a con-artist, white Elephant , voodoo investor…..SMDH!!!!

    • Ibo France
      August 27, 2018

      @Real. Good observation! The country is still bedeviled by all the problems that forced Ross U to leave. The crumbling and inadequate infrastructure, especially the pothole diseased roads, definitely a huge disincentive for foreign direct investment. Use the billions of CBI money to fix up the place. It has to be lying around somewhere. It could not be spent on anything for the country because nothing is there to show. Skerrit -Deceiver In Chief.

  48. %
    August 27, 2018

    Stuppessssssssssssssssssssssssssss
    Go tell your Labourites this foolishness at Lagon!
    You failed to understand the importance of Ross
    You failed to deliver the airport,about 5 times
    Despite a road tax, you have failed to develop our infrastructure
    You have failed to deliver a proper hospital
    You have failed to stimulate manufacturing
    You have failed to diversify
    You have failed to make Dominicans independent
    You have failed the middle class
    C E O of Ad Talem:::You have failed to get things done
    Your other name is FAILURE.
    Your performance as PM is so conspicuously and outrageously bad and disgraceful that if I was marking your book I would just write “”Seen””.You are lazy, clueless,visionless, incompetent.
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      August 27, 2018

      Say all that you want but You won’t get hold of the treasury doh!
      Skerrit will go only when you have left. Your damn BLUE FLY.

      • Coyote
        August 28, 2018

        I feel sorry for you

      • Ibo France
        August 28, 2018

        KID, why do you find it necessary to resort to personal attacks on someone who merely put forward some factual assertions? Instead of resorting to your comfort zone (gibberish), try to dispute the statements. This only goes to show how small you are. Chronologically you may be an adult but mentally you are just a kid. It’s apparent that your brain is in its infancy stage so you are unable to engage in deep thoughts. I felt compelled to say this because of your superficial and vulgar thinking. % is strong and unapologetic with his political views and so are you. Deal with the facts and not the person. You can’t even begin to defend what % has denounced the government for failing to deliver.

  49. zandoli
    August 27, 2018

    If you are so confident, why didn’t you secure those investors before Ross departed? Does that mean Ross and other investors could not co-exist in Dominica at the same time?

    Another load of hot air.

    • Silver fox
      August 28, 2018

      Hello Mr Ibo,I cannot understand how you could be criticising the Kid, When Fransisco is a lot more worse with all his insane words he is using, and no one is saying a thing about it please address it Dno show Fransisco the door for his bad behaviour thanks :twisted:

  50. zandoli
    August 27, 2018

    If you are so confident, why did you secure those investors before Ross departed? Does that mean Ross and other investors could not co-exist in Dominica at the same time?

    Another load of hot air.

  51. LaPlaine Observer
    August 27, 2018

    BLAH BLAH BLAH! I’ve been hearing about investors for the past 14 years. But I am sure a lot of people will drink the kool aid again.

    • %
      August 27, 2018

      Skerrit has been the weakest of all be Dominica’s leaders.That’s why he can’t even speak for himself,but has other zealots filling the weakness gap on his behalf.If he gets an investor,keep your ears tuned. It’s another case where he was fooled.He is not a well lettered guy like Honourable Linton or DFP Mr Vital.Just imagine a PM cannot debate? This is making mockery of leadership.If you can’t debate,I don’t expect you to be a good negotiator.I have called him dunce a million times,and his lack of performance is there for all to see .
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

      • DA Fails
        August 27, 2018

        Pierre charles, and Rousey douglas was just as bad. Majority of Dominica’s lifespan has been ruled by DLP and the country as went down the toilet, Face de facts :lol: :lol:

  52. Silver fox
    August 27, 2018

    Dr Skerrit Pm most of us Dominicans has a lot of confidence in you, when one door shut you have the power to open another door, You are blessed in Red. On like that Blue losers lots.

    • Channel 1
      August 27, 2018

      @Silver fox – If he has so much power, why does he seem unable to keep the doors which are already open…..(uummmm)….OPEN? 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O

      You are a very, very deluded individual. Please get help!!! Phew!!!!

    • Silver fox
      August 28, 2018

      @ channel 1
      My answer to you pal if i am deluded, well so do you because sometimes in our lives we all believe that are not true… stupid you playing smart mule.

  53. waypapa
    August 27, 2018

    https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/educationyouth/dominica-signs-mou-malaysian-university/

    Is that it? So did you exit Ross to bring them in or what? Was that why you were mamaguying ross?

  54. August 27, 2018

    When i see it happen i will believe is a short term challenge.

  55. Ou fou compere borbol
    August 27, 2018

    If you are not NUTS then maybe it’s ME or US.
    I rest my case.

    • Roger or Secrest, out
      August 27, 2018

      Left in the early days of DFP returned they were in their last days then came the Jokers I left anew. hen I had given up on my homeland came in the DLP which quickly transformed into the NEO-DLP. With corruption normalized. people who were green turn red green & blue turn red ej Allatolla is president who was acting President the other day when Charles went for his check up lol Skerrit prime what?? tickle me somebody. I think am out for good. We eh ready yet.

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