The Government of Dominica plans to source over $50 million US dollars in loans and grants to respond to damage caused by natural disasters on the east coast of the island.
Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, told a meeting called by the National Emergency Planning Organisation (NEPO) last week that his Government is in the process of sourcing funds from partners such as the European Union and the World Bank.
He said these funds will be used to construct new road ways, river defences, bridges and retaining walls.
“We are going to be contracting a loan from the World Bank, we have not confirmed it yet but we are looking at it of a very huge sum to address the issues on the east coast. We have gotten a grant from the European Union to put with that and we are also looking at a third source to ensure that we can address the situation of the entire east coast of Dominica,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister pointed out that Dominica is being viewed by the world as a model country in the manner in which it bounces back after natural disasters.
“I have always maintained that we respond in the most efficient manner and I believe Dominica has one of the best response mechanisms to disasters in the world. We respond very quickly and we are back on our feet in quick time,” he pointed out.
The country’s leader said much of this can be attributed to the swift financial assistance granted to the island by friendly governments.
He cautioned however that due to the current difficult financial situation experienced by countries worldwide, it is especially important for Dominica to do all it can to minimize the impact of natural disasters.
“One has to recognize that we are operating in a very difficult global economic and fiscal period and therefore whatever we can do to minimize on the damage done by disasters we all have a moral obligation to do that because we are spending a lot of money to respond to disasters,” the Prime Minister said.
More roads again, u have such a poor construction record, we need a new pm, all our roads collapsing.
when am i going to hear that we have money to finance a project. every project is grant or loan strupssssss.
beware you dumbnicans.did you know that you live in a PROVINCE OF CHINA.CHECK THE MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING.
We don’t need no remote control person representing the South. Be with the massive to see what is actually going on. You are not there with us in Grand Bay all you USites. We can fend for ourselves with Prime Minister Skerrit. We know when to take our cause to the Ministry and rally our people for change. Lest you forget ‘we are Grandbay’ and don’t need you all in the US talking shit about what you all know nothing about. Bridge will come when Bridge come. We can cross it.
I am waiting for news of the new airport that will be constructed in the North East. Time to make a bold move. Get this done while the money is flowing in.
Airport please.
Answers needed. Why is the Airport Road project still not completed when we were told that the project would be done in 2012.
Is it true that various service providers on the Airport Oad Project have not been paid from since the e.ndof 2012.
Is it true that the same AFC. That put Dominca on its black list is te sme agency that initially signed off on the Geothermal project?
Is it true that it is the same French agency that signs off on the funding ( additional funding too) on the airport road project.
Last but not least – when is our over meant going to makeanattempt at transparency.
take a look at roads naionally, no draining, no maintanance, no cutting of over hanging branches port holes wide like lakes and common like stones on the beach front, ask for the pond casse’ to castlebruce through k territory to the airport, roads must wash out; this government just do not care, take note when ever they go after the big money is for themselves and those in their circle.
Hope some of the funds will be used to repair the Lalay to TeteMorne Road, which appears not to have been touched.
St. Lucia just won de Best Island in the Caribbean award by Global Traveler and de Chinese President gives Grenada a US$8.7m grant.
During last election campaign u had a lot planned for us that u said ur Government will deliver on within 100 DAYS…….I remember u eh boy
De Rosalie to Petite Soufriere road was promised on de election campaign as well. 4 years later u cannot deliver on a little 3 mile road ……..a track people been using since colonial days…..u want a lollipop for not delivering?
Petro Caribe is here….de money right in our backyard yet ur incompetence as a leader have u with egg on ur face now.
We are a model country for how fast we respond to natural disasters u say…..u should have told us which organization made that statement…..otherwise I know this is just election propaganda…..tell me which organization made that statement.
What happening in de Layou Park area? U call call a 20m section of concrete on a bridge a quick response to de disaster that happened there? U call mining sand snd depositing waste river material all along the banks of de river a quick response to a disaster? U call giving ur loyal supporters permission for mining aggregate and sand for export a quick response to a natural disaster? U call not giving compensation to de land owners who lost their property and therefore their very livelihoods a quick national response? U call refusing to dredge de river a quick national response?
How long ago did that disaster take place?
Our PM said “…Dominica is being viewed by the WORLD as a model country in the manner in which it bounces back after natural disasters” Lol lol lol
Who u comparing us to in terms of response. Boss u forget is Walsh Trucking that went to assist de Fire Service on de Pond Casse road recently when our National Football Coach and tean player met their demise.
Alas, I stop feeling sorry for u and ur arrogant DLP propagandists.
U said u spent $100 000 000 on the west coast road then u pumped up de figure by another $25 000 000……with the knowledge that I have u spent much less than $100 000 000 …….u can fool dem …not me. Now u proposing to service de roads on de east with $135 000 000.
Election coming so u start promising dem fools
Go meet Hector John
Loans, loans and more loans would appear to be the only manner of operations as regards moving this country to the next level.It is alleged, the national bebt of Dominica is approximately $1 billion. The Skerrit Labor Government will say absolutely nothing to the citizens of Dominica regarding this allegation. Take for instance,Petro Caribe, another big loan, we hear many issues being discussed by The Prime Minister and Ministers of Government on the Labor Party next level show, even in Parliament,they are afraid to discuss that subject. The time has come when the United Workers Party must put pressure on the Skerrit Labor Government to tell Dominicans what is our debt to Venezuela as regards Petro Caribe etc.In the next twenty years, I wonder what excuses members of the diaper brigade, TA and RS are going to tell their kids if they are suffering from extraordinary hardship in Dominica.
all i can say the money spent on
Hugo Chavez last visit to Dominica for resurfacing roads security closing of roads etc etc could have gone towards a loan payment
More loans and more taxes on the backs of citizens of this country to pay those loans eh while the cost of living goes up and disposable income becomes MUCH less. hmmm!
I need some money to finish my downstairs; else all you not getting my vote.
SIMPLE, Just stay where we are until the USA get some from China,and get it at a higher rate.
more money more corruption.we dont even have a proper auditor.check the bin bobol.
But now I think about it, is not road money that, that is election money.
No wonder all you so excited.
Inland Revenue have a refund for me now, almost 6 months, they telling me they doh have money… Things really bad in this place.
Garson, all of all u need to come out from there.
This Man is just sinking the country in all these loans. No one seems to be asking how are we going to pay for all these loans. Loans from China, loans from World Bank, loans from Venezuela. All these moves to impress his supporters, but no mention is made about how we are going to pay for these loans.
Pm take the money to build an international airport, invest in our agriculture industry, market Dominica produce like we market the creole music festival. Stop outting good money in bad money’s..
Skerero, all u better get that money fast, cause from Laplaine t0 Marrigot well blue next elections,
you have neglected us for too long, not even a road would make us forget the last 5 years.
Clearly this joke has gone too far. What about creating a few jobs for Dominicans…CONCRETE, I CANNOT EAT IT.
I’m simply ded up with this Laba government who beleives that they can keep fooling people by talking big…MORE DEBT, MORE POVERTY, MORE UNEMPLOYMENT….Your time is up Skerrit. Enough already.
Labor ca fe k soh to pa tou good all u following in workers foot step workers party left a good legacy continue in their foot step
More loan again. Are we leaving on loans. Picture yourself as a head of the house and you are unemployed. How long can you keep taking loans from the National Bank to fix your house? The bottom must fall off one day and when it does, I prey God that I’m not arround.
look at the amount of cherries and other fruits wasting year round. why not build a factory to make juice just keep on importing fruita why not ask that company to produce juice from dominica. there is a long white building in Geneva grand bay just sitting there for many years. soon them mad people will make it there home. Imagine the palrep for grand bay plus the one for petite savanne , both live in grand bay still they are not seeing that the youth there need work. they have one man buying scooters for all school boys and using these boys to do dirty work. Take a look within please. somebody please help grand bay and the neighboring villages.
Well our roads always need improvement. I must ask though – how are we going to get out of the $1.2 billion debt ? If we continue down the path where we harbor a non productive economy with high unemployment how and when are we going t see daylight.
As we discuss roads – why it is that we were told that the Belles Road work would have been completed at the end of 2012 and yet the end is still not in site? Is it true that service providers for the same project have not been paid for the last 5-6 months? Does the AFC decision to Blake list or white lst Dominica have anything to do with the lack of cash flow for the said project?
It would be transparent and an act of responsibility and accountability that either Blackmoore or Skerrit answer these questions.
Can we get an update Mr Bakmoore. Ah waiting papa.
Lubrication of the pre-election machinery??? The king’s heart is in the hand of The Lord and he is answerable to The Lord for all…one day soon!
Transparency, transparency, transparency; that’s all we are asking from you Mr. Skerrit. Just be transparent with us and let us know what is really happening.
Yester we were told by the PM of Trinidad and Tobago that Dominica is among nine Caribbean countries to benefit from a US $3 billion from China as concessionary loans. Mr. Skerrit, you were present at that meeting that you gave the vote of thanks. Yet Mr. Skerrit, you have yet to tell us how much money Dominica will be loaning from China and the reason for that loan. I guess “It is not our damn business.”
According to Ms, Persad, Pm of T&T, the money is earmarked for infrastructure and development projects.
Today you are telling us that government is about to source another loan of US $50 million, from European Unions and World Bank, to address issues on the east coast.
Mr. Skerrit, are you telling us that out of that US$3 billion dollar loan, Dominica will not be getting at list the US $50 million dollar loan you are trying to place on our backs again?
Mr. Skerrit, “I am Dominica” and therefore, before you put more loans on my back tell me exactly how much you loaning from China and what project is it for. Sir, you know very well that it is not a gift or grant from China; it is a loan to be payed back with interest. Please inform the nation. Call a press conference and give answers because “It is our damn business” to know what is happening. Hope it is not another secrete MOU.
Correction. It should read “you are fighting a losing battle.” You…..referring to the current Opposition.
There is alot of tension in the air. Some folks are using the internet to campaign aggressively. I acknowledge your efforts, however, we must face reality. In Economics, there is normitive and positive theory, the World as is and how we would like it to be. Those constantly blasting the Government want a new leader at the helm, however, you a fighting losing battle as it is. Your tactics are weak. When are you people going to learn that too much of anything is bad? You are offering to the people of Dominica a leader who has no impact, he does not have the ability to sway voters. The Opposition has alot of work to do, to give you a heads up, change your strategies. Your constant complaints with no solution will lead to your further demise. In the mean time, the PM continues to strengthen his support on the ground. PM, keep your head up, do not be distracted. We appreciate your hard work and sleepless nights on behalf of the people of Dominica
Why don’t you return to your home from D.C and run instead of opposing your own people. They have a right to complain if they believe that their needs aren’t met. You talk about economics and normative theory like it have any type of relation to what you saying further in your run on post. Well Dominica isn’t as it is or sholuld be because this country has the potential to earn a living and do so well if those at the helm do their jobs. You need to go study the other parts of economics that covers exports loans, debts, imports, export and bad government policy. What are you in DC a janitor or something?
building roads……huh?????/
why dont you build avenues for the youth them to earn a dollar…….
utter rubbish
check d unemployment rate
Although we are thankful for the help we receive, how and when are we going to be able to pay back all these loans?
No country pays back loans… a government who is afraid to borrow because of the fact that there are afraid of not paying back is a foolish government. Because if you don’t borrow you cant get developed and after 50 years you just get up one day and hear on the news that Dominica has received debt forgiveness by the world bank bla bla bla
Just stay where we are and wait for the USA,when they get some from china.
Simple, just stay where we are, wait for the USA to get some from china.
Especially when most of the money is not even spent on the project but syphoned off into private accounts through a maze of “accounting”
These guys are taking loans all over the place to enrich themselves leaving Dominicans to pay it back in VAT which will increase BIG TIME and soon too! Probably right after elections. Soon you will be paying $5 for one potato, for example.
Go ahead and support these . You know that old saying – those who cant hear will feel.
Probably the government should put everything on hold until we pay our debt. That way the UWP can come in to save the country by taking higher interest loans like they did in the past. A more legitimate concern would be our GDP ratio.
We can know when the silly season is about to begin, Minsters of Government starts talking about big monet projects, we must we remember Reginald Austrie who told us during the last Campaign that seven hundred million dollars will be flowing in the economy under labor
so true
It’s flowing…into their pockets and bank accounts
Well we are over 1 billion dollars in debt. A country of 70 000 people. That cant even fill a mega stadium in say the USA. With that kind of debt in so tiny a population clearly he was right.
Well right that $700 million or thereabouts under Labour but as to flowing? Different story. The fact that we have very little to show for it begs the question, WHERE DID IT FLOW?????
Clearly not to you and Dominica
open hunting season for votes. No licence required.
Try as I may In cannot see a very good future for this Island.
A country that produces next to nothing and with an alleged deficit of well over a billion dollars already I cannot but worry about the mounting debt and how Dominica will pay that back.
$50 million us and anytime soon what, another $50 million share from the Chinese 30 billion soft or not?
I’m not saying that the people of the East coast shouldn’t be protected, nor am i saying that we shouldn,t try to minimise the effects of natural disaster. So what other important infrastructural projects that are so badly needed why the Chinese loan cannot be used for the Eat Coast project, so needed to warrant another $50 million.
It is clear to me that this poor excuse for a Government is either reckless with an attitude of Now for Now or just politicking as we approach the election season and we know the outcome of that already, because no way can they risk loosing.
I fear Dominica is sleep walking into Disaster and it won’t be Natural.
I hope some is for the petite savanne area especially the dubique road.
Let’s hope that Berrikoa Grand Bay will get the forgotten bridge across the Grand Riviere. It’s been decades since a temporary bridge was built and as of today, it stands in a deplorable and unsafe condition.
I’ll be watching, waiting to see if Grand Bay is going to be left out of these East coast projects. After all the community pays taxes too.
wat about the Tete Morne to Soufiere road
Yeah that is a temporary military bridge that was installed there . Look out for the bridge across the White River in Pointe Mullatto too.The Salt spray from the Atlantic has all but rusted some of the structural parts of this bridge.If not replaced it will fall some day .I hope no one gets hurt when it does !Govt. always waits till a disaster happens before attending to an iminent problem.If You think I am joking just go take a look under tha tbridge if You pass that way !
If you from Grandbay, you should at least know how to spell Berricoa and not (Berrikoa). Gone too long in the cold? Come help build the bridge, we have the manpower in Grandbay. We don’t need the Government. Remember’Koudmen’is all it takes to get things going in Grandbay if we organize.
I am tired of the begging and hands out posture of the government. Sure there will be loans, grants and gifts, but I want to hear of programs design to build and grow the economy. I can think of nothing this Minister of Finance has done to grow the economy. Seem all he has been doing is shuttling around with his tin cup in hand. He seems to be elated when there is a deserter for that is when the gifts and grants come in and he can then claim to be the bringer of the much needed cash. Many may be fooled but thebushmaninda is not impressed. It about time we stop begging a fish and learn to fish.
Seriously, why do we keep taking loans to build roads? These road don’t give any direct financial returns. That’s one of the reasons why we remain so under developed with high unemployment. We don’t invest in the right things.
i disagree with you, infrastructure us vital for development.
the reason we keep taking loans to build roads is the roads when built are just liquid asphalt over tarrish with no drainage…
spend a 100 million now for something that can last 10 years or 50 million every two years (250 mill over 10 years, 500 million over 20 years, 750 million after 30 years).
this govt has been in power for how long..here is your billion dollar deficit.
Steppes…..Is it Chinese that will be employed on the project once more as was the case of the wasted $27 000 000.00 on the State Devil, or the resurfacing of the West Coast Road? I Guess it might be and election gimmick or what?
This lazy,greedy, arrogant and incompetent gang has to find a way of making the people believe that it cares, after they were battered and bruised for five long years.
It’s time that the electorate dump these greedy leaders, for the well being of our children and Dominica as a whole. They just don’t have what it takes to propell Dominica forward. We have been the poor laughing stock island of the Caribbean for too long.
WE NEED A CHANGE!
Tell me do you have a better leader in mind?
any body but what we currently have
@ Faceup But does this failed state really have a leader? Is Skerrit a leader?
@Faceup.
So what you saying if skerrit die tomorrow Dominica finish then?
Tell me who in the opposition that can do better than Skerrit?, or beat him in the elections, None ! Give me someone I have not heard off, BUT NOT EDDO!
This is the action of a responsive and responsible leader.
A reactive Leader
Smokescreem
WHERE THE LABOUR PARTY GET IT’S MONEY FROM, IS NOT ALL YOUR DAME BUSSINESS, GO TO HELL, REMEMBER THAT DOMINICANS
So what’s your point?…Is not ALL YOU damn business for true!…Don’t get,all you attack and complain;get all you act even worst…All you should really go to hell!
He got a obligation to desclose to Dominican where he is getting Money form, not only moral but a duty
That is great news Mr Skerrit I think it’s time I become a labourite !! course I have no choice !! Peeps yes or no EH?
They said I am the prodigal son.
Great my foot. Bad leadership, that cannot generate anything locally. Totally dependent on others for everything. No wonder the mendicancy syndrome is so deep among our people.BAD GOVERNANCE.
The bridges throughout the island need inspection.
bridges and culvert crossings. all of them
From pond case to white river we need a complete new road, no patching, blocking holes etc etc…we all no wat happened on the 04/19/2013 so please take the nessesary measures to prevent that from happening again….
Boss you can’t fight the force of Nature..Now the new road you talking about,have you surveyed its path?What do you intend to do with the old road?
You must fooling people when you saying you going to get monies. Here what you said , we are going when you haven’t done nothing
We have one of thr best response mechanism in the world. Does this guy understand what he is saying. Did some advisor ask him to make that statement. this is a reckless and arrogant statement. Our Emergency response system is everything other than efficient. if the PM says one of the best in the Eastern Caribbean I would simply say Ok-reasonable comparison. But the one of the best in the world-.you have to be k iu dding,arroganr or out of your marbles
umm bagatelle on d east man?….last i checked it was so i hope part of the $52 million comes our way! can u imagine not even the pot holes were fixed for the pork fest? or even the road side bushes were trimmed?
am not surprised but its still shocking, the blatant stupidity of these villagers and the disrespect of even the parl rep himself. he pull up dere in their midst laughing and smoking his life away. smh. i think he was laughing at them indirectly also!hmph!
there is no representation up this way and its juss so saddening.
That’s what all you deserve. Take it and shut up!
Skerro boy!You nothing soft!That’s what makes THOSE other ones mad.While they bla-blaing,you working…All they(Lennox,Big Mouth Angelo), do is attack,attack,attack,you Skerro but they bring nothing forward for betterment of the country!
better what country i hope you will pay for it
you must be collecting every wed. u doe die yet.
god bless our PM
Thought you would pray for him to bless you first.
since when u know jah? that is not a dominican word.jamaicans have your brains warped