Government is putting more than $1 million into a program to look after Dominica’s elderly after foreign assistance has ended.
The government of Libya has supported the “Yes We Care” initiative for one year, but the program will carry on, according to minister for Community Development Gloria Shillingford.
“Right now the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is supporting the program under the ministry of community development, social services and gender affairs, with over $1 million for the next year,” Shillingford told state-owned media.
“We will review the program and continue with it,” she said.
Government launched the “Yes We Care” program in 2009, and said it was introducing the initiative in the midst of a worldwide economic downturn.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit had described “Yes We Care” as a major social initiative that will bring relief to the most vulnerable people in Dominica, the elderly.
great initiative.
We need to put the spotlight on the children and grand children of the elderly to play their part.
If in fact there are at least 100,000 Dominicans and others of Dominican heritage in the Diaspora, then a $10 contribution from each one of us would support this program. Eventually grant monies will run out, and we as Dominicans in foreign countries should be willing to step up to the plate to support our country. With good governance and transparence for the administration of funds, we can be our own funders.
Over and over again we talk about what Dominica needs, comparing the services in our adopted countries to what we do not have in Dominica. Do we not realize that we are paying for those services? A quick look at our paychecks will indicate how much we’re being taxed to have those commodities. We are not paying any taxes to contribute to Dominica’s development, yet we expect rapid development. The least we could do is contribute to a social service fund.
Dominicans who live in foreign countries can be the Iran, Venezuela, Libya, Russia, China, Cuba.
How do we get in touch with the Minister responsible for Diaspora affairs to discuss how we could put our money where our mouth is?
Alas Gloria… That’s one program that’s doing real good for the people… Allu need to keep it up!!!
u song hungry alas.
ILIKE
Let us observe. Let us see what happens next? I hope, like the red clinic, this initiative does not dispawet.
When people steal other people’s idea and politicize it, that is the result. Skerro knows that he did not begin the awareness of the elderly/centenarians. Why is the founder of the pampo foundation not speaking nuh?? Stupsssss!!
Another gift! Seems like the xmas season is longer than planned. Was it wrapped up in a red ribbon. What did Dominica give in return. Remember it’s time for giving!!!. Dominicans please open up your eyes. Iran ,Venezuela,Libya ,Russia, Dominica? What do they have in common? Ask yourselves. Do you see the link? Tell us Mr. P.M what do we have to give in exchange?