Dominica, Venezuela review economic agreements

PM Skerrit greets Venezuela's VP Arreaza on Thursday
PM Skerrit greets Venezuela’s VP Arreaza on Thursday

The Vice President of Venezuela, Jorge Alberto Arreaza, is presently in Dominica leading a two-man team to review the economic agreements between the two countries.

A number of matters, including Petrocaribe, ALBA, were discussed and the government has secured bitumen from Venezuelan for the surfacing of the island’s roads, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, said.

“So really the visit was to review the agreements which we have, the understandings which we have with Venezuela, to see how things are working so far as our cooperation with ALBA, our cooperation with Petrocaribe…” he told state-owned DBS Radio.

Arreaza and his team, which included the Venezuelan Vice Foreign Minister, visited the Prime Minister at his office in Roseau on Thursday afternoon.

“Essentially they brought a message to me from Venezuela to discuss all the economic agreement we have with Venezuela and see how we can advance some of those economic agreements which we have,” Skerrit said.

He noted that one of major points on the Petrocaribe discussions was the procurement of of bitumen for Dominica’s roads.

“The Venezuelans have given us a firm commitment under the Petrocaribe agreement,” the Prime Minister said. “They have a quota for us of about 200 barrels of bitumen per day which is our request to them.”

He said the matter has already been approved and it is now for Dominica to operationalize it.

Skerrit also said discussions were held on the abattoir and the coffee plant; two projects that have been financed by Venezuela.

Venezuela’s economy is presently going through a crisis, devastated by declining oil prices. Venezuelans face extreme shortages of basic food items, long lines and strict quotas at supermarkets.

Venezuelans line up at a supermarket. Photo: Fox News Latino
Venezuelans line up at a supermarket. Photo: Fox News Latino

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47 Comments

  1. Mamizoo
    August 10, 2015

    Venezuelans have to resort t o animal medicine because of the scarcity of basic drugs. I find it intriguing that the vice president is in Dominica to discus economic arrangement. Economically Dominica does not brings nothing to Venezuela depleting table so what did the vice president really came to the iands for?

  2. The Real Facts - ON
    August 9, 2015

    Some of you must think. Every country has contingency funds set aside to assist other countries in need of.
    America has much poverty and unemployment. Some of its people are social welfare recipients. Some of them do not have a home to reside in. Some sleep on the streets. Some are shabbily dressed and with tattered outfits. You can tell some of the have-nots who may never get over their poverty. Yet America assists other countries and gives exorbitant sums to them.
    Similar circumstances exist in Canada and Europe. They also assist other countries. So what is your problem, you critics? Be broadminded.
    Although the harm is already done, DNO should remove that unnecessary picture from the article.
    A picture of the Venezuelan Vice Foreign Minister should be shown. Why was his picture or the picture of the entire Team left out?

  3. 4-cars
    August 9, 2015

    Now, who is helping who? :lol: :lol: :oops:

  4. troubled times
    August 9, 2015

    According to the media in Venezuela, the purpose of the visit to the Caribbean countries is to push forward the claim over 2/3 of Guyana territory West of the Esquibo river. Venezuelians are putting “diplomatic” and “economic” pressure on their PetroCaribe allies. Look trouble!

    http://informe21.com/politica/arreaza-inspecciona-planta-de-llenado-y-distribucion-de-gas-en-dominica

  5. August 8, 2015

    I hope we learn a lesson from what is happening in venezuela because every thing in our super markets are imported.

  6. Jaime Lewis
    August 8, 2015

    Considering this visit focuses on the projects that have been funded by the Venezuelan government, it would be appropriate to have photos of those projects attached to this article. Personally I would like to see a photo of the abbatoir, and a status update on how much revenue is being generated, how many more Dominicans are able to access fresh meat and increase their protein intake because of the availability of these products.

  7. Ryan
    August 7, 2015

    I think the meeting was all about telling the PM he needs to pay up … Things are hard in Venezuela and we need that Petro Caribe Money…. But the prime Minister knowing him already just put it in a diplomatic way talking about Economical agreements …..

  8. forreal
    August 7, 2015

    really and truly,i was looking forward to reading about bird island seeing it’s in the news right now,am a little bit disappointed,i think the government should consider raising this issue seeing their is wealth on bird island that would be very useful for our countries development,it’s all good that we receive help in certain areas from Venezuela,this help goes way back to after hurricane david,but territory wise should have no compromise

    • udohreadyet
      August 8, 2015

      what resources, skill, finance and experience does Dominica have that can take advantage of the so called wealth you mentioned on bird island? bird island is a territorial issue, which give countries access to what is under the water within nautical miles of the Island. Venezuela more than any other country has assisted us in our development, what assets does Dominica have to offer Venezuela for their assistance?

  9. Ambra Battilana
    August 7, 2015

    Jorge telling skerro u doing well keep it up after the shortage of eggs u will graduate to toilette paper then u will have dem in long lines for food.

  10. lightbulb
    August 7, 2015

    Padna gives us bird island back and doh dig.

  11. Civil Servant
    August 7, 2015

    DNO I am reading this article in amazement. The article is about Dominica reviewing its economic and by lateral relations with Venezuela. The Vice President of Venezuela is in Dominica to review such relationship.

    In a Calculated and Deliberate attempt to embarrass the Vice President of Venezuela, DNO has posted a file photo of people line up at a supermarket in Venezuela. This photograph has no bearing to any benefits to Dominica under such bilateral review.

    Why DNO for example, you did not post a Photo of the Sea Defence Wall and Road in Scotts Head? or the Abbatoir or Coffee Plant under construction? Why DNO you did not show the houses in the Kalingo Territory? or the Primary School in Salybia or Petite Souffriere?

    DNO you could have shown the Petro Caribe facility in Gimmit or the various gas facility established for our fishermen. Instead DNO you choose to try to embarrass the VP of Venezuela. Is that Journalism or blatant party politics showing your alignment? SHAME.

    • forreal
      August 7, 2015

      I totally agree,DNO this level of journalism needs to upgraded,you all might not be party affiliated,but this makes a lot of sense

    • Just Me
      August 7, 2015

      Well let’s see… you cant hide from the truth. The moral of these pictures to me is that maybe Venezuela should be focusing on improving the lives of its people rather than bi-lateral relationships with Dominica.

      In other words – where does Venezuela’s priorities lie? Again, I repeat – you can’t hide from the truth.

      One Love

      • forreal
        August 8, 2015

        I disagree with u on this one,the reason is,dominica has had a relantionship with Venezuela long before skerrit,so this statement of cleaning their own backyard is like throwing them to the dogs after all they have done for dominica,it would be ungratefull,they were here assisting dominica during the aftermath of hurricane david and countless visits after still helping in other areas

      • The Real Facts - ON
        August 9, 2015

        Every country has its fair share of economic problems and poverty. The situation in Venezuela today may not be the same. It may be better than previously.
        The picture may not tell the real story as it exists today. The abled people need to help themselves. There may be many idle ones who would prefer not to work nor seek employment.

    • Dominican Abroad
      August 7, 2015

      I agree with you totally . . . . for a minute I was wondering how did I get to this picture?
      You can’t tell from the picture why these people are standing in line.

      • Titiwi
        August 8, 2015

        The only reason people are standing in line in Venezuela these days is to try and get something that is in short supply, just like the old Soviet Union. (….which collapsed by the way!)

      • JoJo
        August 8, 2015

        Can you tell from a picture of Roosevelt Skerrit that he is telling the truth?
        This is not DNO’s picture but from Fox Latino news service and so is the caption “Venezuelans line up at a supermarket”. Don’t blame DNO, go and argue with Fox.

    • August 8, 2015

      This occurred to me also because the lovely picture and article of our exchange youth Ambassadors going to America, DNO did not post a line up of people in pain and suffering where all the mass murders took place recently in the various states.

      Americans are wondering whether they should be armed going to a movie theater but our youths were not warned to be careful. Whereas many Americans are fearful for their own lives right now, not knowing what is happening with this new trend.

      Yet we have such an important country friend and benefactor visiting us and we are trying to embarrass that country in our reporting. Reminds me of the stand a former Leader of the Opposition took when the late President Chavez (May His Soul R.I.P.) loved by most Dominicans and a true friend visited us. Even the timing of the Bird Island commentary is deliberate.

      In time to come all our eyes will be opened I pray.

      06:15.

    • anony
      August 9, 2015

      I promise you, something better than DNO is on the way.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      August 9, 2015

      I endorse what you stated. This picture was uncalled for. It does not fit in with the article. This was a deliberate ploy to project that Venezuelans are in dire need of and yet the Venezuelan government continues to assist Dominica. It gave D/cans of all that impression.
      It is a direct form of criticism. A true D/can, patriot would not have done that. The intelligent ones will question it.
      The Venezuelan Vice Foreign Minister’s name was not mentioned. His picture should have been shown.
      DNO needs to clarify this and to apologize to everyone concerned.

    • Nac Vibes
      August 10, 2015

      Shame?, what shame, clearly your greed knows no bound.
      You couldn’t give a damn about the plight of the Venezuelan people, so long as you get your goodies.
      If there’s any shame to be had, look in the mirror.

  12. Ambra Battilana
    August 7, 2015

    Aye las Jorge Alberto Arreaza not smiling with skerro :lol:

  13. smh
    August 7, 2015

    i really wonder what was the point of dno showing the lines of pple at the supermarket. i keep looking for dno to state something positive about the government and i have yet to see it. Interesting to say the least.

    • Lang Mama
      August 7, 2015

      Go on Da Vi go on GIS,go listen to Kairi,go read the chronicle stop complaining because DNO speak truth

    • Tjebe fort
      August 8, 2015

      How can you show something positive when there is none? Taxing poor people when fat cats get duty free vehicles. Well that is positive news for the fat cats I suppose.

    • Nac Vibes
      August 10, 2015

      Shame?, what shame, clearly your greed knows no bound.
      You couldn’t give a damn about the plight of the Venezuelan people, so long as you get your goodies.
      If there’s any shame to be had, look in the mirror.

  14. Views Expressed
    August 7, 2015

    What kind of papyshow wedding is this nuh…..was Pappy not invited, I would have rusted him more to be honest.
    Venezuelans are struggling, Dominicans cannot find jobs and we have accolade and false hugs and embrace to tell us WHAT????

    OMG what a bunch of politicians………Como esta senor..?

  15. Thorbjørn Jagland
    August 7, 2015

    America was here wednesday, Venezuela on thursday, lol u juggling well skerro, we all watching u :mrgreen:

    • Tjebe fort
      August 8, 2015

      And China here all the time. Skerrit could be playing one against the other, he is the master of that and thinks that makes him a genius.

  16. August 7, 2015

    Venezuela’s economy has not been devastated by declining oil prices, it’s been devastated by socialism, corruption, and incompetence.

    • Titiwi
      August 7, 2015

      One word Steve: MISMANAGEMENT!!!

    • forreal
      August 7, 2015

      steve why did you fail to mention the US undermining,and on a personal note who are you,european,american,german,i am casting this sentiment based on your photo Id and not intended to offend you.

      • Titiwi
        August 7, 2015

        For Real, I’m sorry you feel you must go this way but in case you need reminding. Venezuela did not abolish slavery till 1854, 22 years after Gt. Britain and it are not the descendants of our African forefathers that are running that country but those of Spanish stock, of which Bolivar was a great example himself. Spaniards are Europeans , in case you had forgotten.

  17. %
    August 7, 2015

    Why is Skerrit being do DARN VAGUE about the PETRO CARIBE discussion? Is it that it is none of our dam business? We were told of buying bitumen from Venezuela mr Skerrit, did you discuss with the Venezuelans the selling of TOILET PAPER to their depressed economy? When will we hear the truth about BIRD ISLAND Mr Skerrit? Is it true that it was purchased for $29 000 000.00?

    • Kid On The Block
      August 7, 2015

      ( % )…..Pathetic ignorant fool.

  18. Me
    August 7, 2015

    Have we given away any future claims to Bird Island in return for debt forgiveness?

  19. JUDICIAL REVIEW FOR WHITE COLOR CRIMINALS
    August 7, 2015

    socialism and communism were always a roman type of governance

  20. IAN
    August 7, 2015

    Did anyone heard on the news or any recent speech from the prime minister of the arrival of this gentleman prior to last evening sudden breaking news on DBS radio?

    If we wasn’t told of his visit, then it continues to show the lack of transperency by our PM.

    Though i greet the news for bilateral discussion, i just believe we as a ppl should be informed of govt activities.

    • Tjebe fort
      August 7, 2015

      Maybe he is Venezuela’s repo man?

  21. Harry Mack
    August 7, 2015

    Skerrit did you tell the Venezuelans that we can sell them toilet paper and soap? Buying bitumen is increasing the national debt, selling toilet paper and soap is reducing the debt. The lines in Venezuela for basic supplies are getting longer, so why won’t we sell what we have to Venezuela using the same Petro Caribe and ALBA facility?
    The toilet paper company is not part of the cabal.

    • Tjebe fort
      August 8, 2015

      What I don’t understand is why we don’t buy our bitumen fro Trinidad, a fellow Caricom country? Maybe they don’t want to give us credit, don’t trust us to pay our bills? Seriously man why we have Caricom when we can’t do business like that?

  22. sad
    August 7, 2015

    Oh Boy! It is sad to see so many people struggling to buy stuff at a supermarket. Venezuela need help, why countries not coming together to assist this people. All countries going through their Crisis but i think Venezuela is extreme. This is heartbreaking. :( :(

    • August 8, 2015

      Sad:

      All countries have poor people. Yet they budget to help other countries. You really believe the First World Countries do not have poor people, people with no food to feed their kids, homeless people and sick people who cannot pay their hospital bills? But fortunately for many of us all over we live in a world where we should help one another in any way we can.

      Haven’t you ever had only one loaf of bread and give it to someone else and did without? This is what these countries do on a much larger scale. May God continue to Bless those who share their wealth with abundance.

    • The Real Facts - ON
      August 9, 2015

      This picture was deliberately posted to entice people as you to criticize as usual and you fell into it.

  23. DollFace
    August 7, 2015

    wow! @ the long lines….smh…i hope is not all their money Daddy Chavez had give us they come for? because we cannot pay it back.

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