On Thursday, March 13, 2014, Washington DC based Dominican business woman, Chrissie St. Hilaire-Finn attended the signing of an Executive Order by President Barack Obama at a ceremony in the White House Press Room.
The Order directs the U.S Labor Department to expand overtime pay requirements to millions of U.S workers currently classified as executive or professional employees.
St. Hillarie- Finn is the owner of Bright Start Child Care and Preschool in Washington DC and was invited to the event by the office of U.S Secretary of Labor, Thomas Perez.
The new regulations to the 1938 U.S Fair Labor Standards Act mandates that businesses provide overtime pay for those who work jobs as varied as fast-food restaurant managers, loan officers, and computer technicians.
Currently, businesses are prohibited from denying overtime to a salaried worker making less than $455 per week.
The rules and new regulations that Obama proposed will increase that salary threshold and increase the number of people who qualify for overtime. That policy is a continuation of Obama’s fight against what he says is a crisis of economic inequality in the United States.
Last October St.Hilaire-Finn testified before the Washington DC City Council Committee on Finance and Revenue and the Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs in support of the Earned Sick and Safe Leave Amendment Act of 2013 and the Minimum Wage Amendment Act of 2013.
St. Hillarie–Finn told the Council, “As both a business owner in the child care and early education fields and a Pediatric nurse, I am well aware of the public health and financial implications of paid sick days. But it enables my employees to do their jobs well and it helps us retain our best and brightest workers.”
Chrissie is a graduate of Convent High School and the daughter of Roseau merchant. Annette St. Hilaire.
She resides in Washington DC with husband Dr. Emanuel Finn and daughters Sari and Alanna.
congrats Mrs Finn
Hope this good deeds will be sent to Dominican employers because a lot of them deadly not even carnival Monday and Tuesday they get paid for
I wouldn’t be too proud of watching a dictator in action and doing nothing. The way that Obama uses Executive Orders is illegal, like a king dictating to his subjects.
I see they have Tea baggers in Dominica too, Bush had over 300 sighing statements exempting himself and his administration to laws he signed into law himself he also appointed numerous people bypassing the Senate like UN Ambassador John Bolton who even the Republicans from his own party refused to confirm.
Congratulations daughter of the soil, Good news no matter how small is always uplifting. There`s always going to be haters that’s the World we live in. Strong secure persons do not sweat those little stuff, let those haters eat their computers and swallow their mouse, they will still hate. Hunter sang. “typical Dominican! I am Dominican. Are You?
Congrats Marcia.
I don’t think the bloggers are jealous. They are sensible. What did Mrs. Finn do relative to the Order that was signed at the White House? Absolutely nothing. She was an invited guest. And the DC City Council? Does that make this news-worthy? There are many accomplished Dominicans all over the world who don’t posture this way. Yes, f the person is recognized for outstanding career or educational achievement it makes sense to publish –because others can be motivated by it. But there’s nothing here to “hooray” about it. Come on Finn’s, get some humility and focus on doing something that truly merits the public recognition you seem to crave.
Congrats Chrissie and Emmanuel!
I was privileged to get a tour of your fantastic operation. You make us proud. Continued blessings in all you do.
According to mighty Picky ” Hello Hello Hello….Love you Love You Love You ” Newtown and Dominica celebrates your achievements and more to come KONGRATS BABES!
very GREAT news. we continue to keep up the great name of Dominica in the diaspora while others trying to take us to the gutters. Newtown people continue to shine like the stars. We do love you Chrissy. Anette st hilarire must be very happy of your great achievements.
well done chrissy youre our home girl congrats to you your mummy and siblings ALL FROM HARLEM
Thought the last name was John Finn. What happened?
Good for you. Do your thing, my Lady.
By some of these comments, it show how lack of education can give power to negativity and ignorance….power to the wise, and may the fools learn to give Jack his Jacket….
If this woman was on the streets or in a small shanty handing our free iPhones/Blackberry…for sure that would make NEWS…..TALK OF THE TOWN…..rain or shine…the line would be from here to there….
When they go to KFC….they post it even if the chicken leg was on layaway…..or credit….I AT KFC….BOOBOO…
Lady congratulation……tell the world and anger the FOOLS…..
Some people couldn’t simply say congrats and move on….not all news stories are meant to be issues. I’m Just saying.
Bravo. good work. may god bless you as a fighter for the needy. really employee do suffer, I can tell you. that is the reason you see so many thieves on the job. No one see. A message to employers who misuse thier staff. good employee build you up, for a thiefing boss your business crumble down faster than the trade center, no one watch your back. A thief who thief from a thief, makes god laugh. thought of the day.
Congrats Chrisie….continue to make us, family and Dominica proud child….Hold ur head up and dont worry about the haters….continue to do U! Jah continued blessings and guidance!
Nice going Chrissie!! I commend you as a small business owner for your understanding and support of the pay increase and benefits of your staff and others in that situation, at the time when so many larger businesses are fighting down that cause because they rather keep people poor.
Everything makes news in Dominica. She went to the white house as a business woman to promote something the majority of the businesses are against. Go to the white house for something that benefits Dominica and i will give you thumps up.
Dominicans just don’t like a big name for their own people. I f it was their child they would be happy but because is somebody else,s child, they get jealous and criticize. Lord have mercy.
Dats our home girl from the heart of Harlem in Newtown. We remain to be always proud of you and your highly respected and hardworking family.
Great brains always come out of Newtown.
Very great work and the whole Dominica is proud of you.
And how is that thing important for us here in Dominica. She lives over there, not here in D/ca
Good work keep it up. Greetings to Dr Finn
I am proud of you . you are blessed.
It is important that the President was there, what was important was the significance of what she visited the White House for… now read the story and rework you all comments, that is, those with negative comments…
when will our people accept the progress and uplifting of our country? the fact that Mrs St.Hilare Finn is Dominican and reaches in the white house is a big plus for Dominica. Lets us be the first to praise our people who stands out as professional in the outside world. If you have achieved great endeavors and is proud of yourself there should be no problem in sharing it with your nation and the world. Be friends and haters. Great job Chrise, especially as a true ,strong woman from Newtown and most of all DOMINICA
Dominicans making a name for themselves! Commendable. As long as u do the right things for the right reasons u will shine!
But the president not even there.. AA.. anyways bravo coco
An Executive Order is signed by the President. So, obviously. Come on, now. Furthermore, the young lady attended the signing ceremony on Thursday, March 13th and the President left for Europe on Sunday, March 23rd.
Lol! DNO…..smdh!
LOL! This is news?
Emanuel Finn is from Laplaine
Congrats
All Dominicans putting their accomplishments on DNO, however minor… I should do the same wi pal…I just cannot understand how some of these items make news!!
Bringing others down will never lift you up. This was a major acomplishment which has every right to be written about on this website as it generates more positivity around Dominica.
provide yuh credentials to DNO and they will publish yuh story after they investigate it. be sure u dont accuse or discredit anyone faslely. NOW LOOK AT THE DNO PAGE VERY CLOSELY. what do u notice? IM living the rest for fransisco telemaque dods to help u with.
Hi, Warrington. Lol!
@Anonymous
How ridiculous can you be. Dominica is a small Nation and accomplishments of Her people no matter where they are is important. Tell us what you’ve accomplished or shut up. My daughter was selected to be a Congressional Page and I received a call from the local paper to do an interview in NY. See,even in NY. small achievement is praised. I didn’t call them, the office of our Congress Woman who sponsored her called them. Would you rather hear about a rape or murder?
I am a Dominican and attend white house dinners all the time and even pass on them because they are so boring. How is that news.. papamet oh! Are we that illiterate?
liar
HATERS! Why don’t you get a life. Do you really believe this is “minor”? I need you to shake your head. Do you hear something rattling? That is your small brain!!!! Why don’t you keep your negative comments to yourself. Toneh!!!!!!!
Because you do not have any accomplishment you envy those who have. You better do something productive for yourself.Congrats Crisie.