Melissa Skerrit Foundation provides scholarships and schools supplies to 160 Dominican students

The presentations were made on Monday

The Melissa Skerrit Foundation, through its Adopt-a-Child/Back to School program, has provided school supplies to 160 students, with over 70 of them also receiving scholarships for the new academic year 2017-2018.

The supplies and scholarships have a price tag of $100,000.

The presentations were made on Monday, September 11th, 2017 at the Arawak House of Culture where students from pre-school all the way up to college benefited from the assistance.

The foundation’s founder, Melissa Skerrit, who is also the wife of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerit, said that the initiative came from her interactions with persons from various communities and hearing their plights of having to keep their children from school because of their inability to meet the expenses.

This, she said, was unacceptable.

“The past three years saw this program extend scholarships and vital school supplies for over 1,000 students from the pre-school, primary school, secondary school, and at the college level. I have also visited the homes of many of you here today. During these times I observed that some of you kept your children home due to your inability to provide them with breakfast or a snack, and this, to me, was unacceptable,” Skerrit stated.

She commended partners such as Petro Caribe and citizenship by investment (CBI) specialist, Montreal Management Consultants for their support of her vision.

“I have to be thankful to my dear friends of Montreal Management Consultants, the benefactors to the school feeding program, for embracing my vision and coming on board with no hesitation. Your generosity has truly impacted the lives of the children and I do hope that this will encourage other companies here and abroad to continue to help build a better nation,” she said.

She added that beneficiaries received school bags filled with school items including composition books, scientific calculators, geometry sets, art kits, stationery kits, juice bottles, and writing pads.

Skerrit noted that the ‘Adopt-a-Child/Back to School’ program will be expanded to reach out to more students and provide even more valuable items such as text books, school uniforms, and to eventually be able to fully adopt a school.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

62 Comments

  1. Sandra Cater
    September 18, 2017

    Negative people always turn a positive into a negative. I guess that’s how they get to feel good about themselves. Sad!!!

  2. Lang pepe
    September 16, 2017

    Is see the kind of people getting help allu good to we

  3. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    September 13, 2017

    Melissa, this is a godly work which you will keep up and for years to come. All such good works are also for the Lord who has His eyes on us and expects us to always do good, to help the needy and downtrodden.
    Our Lord Jesus Christ told us: “Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
    What we Dominicans must do is to also contribute to your good works for the needy, whatever we are able to give.
    It is appropriate that when school commenced you are able to get them altogether and to help them. Reason being they reside in different locations of Dominica.
    I will keep your Foundation in mind. You will be hearing from me.
    God be with you in this endeavor. God bless you in your godly/sacrificial efforts for the good of those in need as his little ones, the least among us.
    Our Lord also said: “Whatsoever you do to the least of these, you do to Me.” Your effort is not in vain.

  4. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    September 13, 2017

    The foundation’s founder, Melissa Skerrit, who is also the wife of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerit?
    Should this not read: The Foundation’s Founder, Melissa Skerrit, “wife of Prime Minister Roosevelt?”

  5. marie-claire R Skerrit
    September 13, 2017

    Where is she getting all that money to fund this non profit etc. D&D isnt making all that money where is this money coming from. Dominicans open you all eyes

  6. Jonathan St jean
    September 13, 2017

    Well Melissa, what’s unacceptable is that the failed political priorities of your husband’s administration have left a record number of Dominicans in poverty, unable to provide for themselves and their families,so the Messiah Skerritt dynasty will do for them what Almighty God was not even doing for them.The husband uses taxpayer money to give handouts to the adults and the wife is providing for the children,you see from cradle to grave Skerritt got your back.If those passport selling agreements were properly constructed the crumbs being given to you as the “mother Theresa would have been much more and would have gone into the treasury as more money for the country.Through your husband and yourself the dependency syndrome is alive and well in Dominica

  7. zandoli
    September 13, 2017

    DNO
    There seems to be a problem with the comments on IE. Thirty-three comments appear on my Apple device, but only 3 on Internet Explorer.

  8. My Little take
    September 13, 2017

    In a real country this foundation and it’s owner (s) would be under investigation

    • UK Dominican
      September 13, 2017

      Quite so. Foundations like these, if registered as a charity, enjoy tax exempt status. In developed countries like the U.K. there exists a Charities Commission to which, oversees the activities of charities to make sure that they do not abuse this favoured status. (such as money laundering and the financing of terrorist organisations) I doubt such oversight exists in Dominica.

  9. Wholesome
    September 13, 2017

    Wow! This is unbelievable. You all know she does not have to do this right?! She could just stand there and look pretty and not fart on any of these kids. Help is help. This should not be political. I do not care which party you support and you are getting assistance for your CHILD then you take it. I am so sorry that all we see are party colours. There should be no politics for the betterment of YOUR CHILD!

    • zandoli
      September 13, 2017

      Obviously you do not see the conflict of interest in a company doing business with the government, “donating” money to a foundation run by the wife of the prime minister.

      Many companies do not allow their employees to accept any gifts from suppliers for that very reason.

    • Me
      September 13, 2017

      She has the choice to do this anonymously. That would be real charity!

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 13, 2017

      We know that some D/cans have wicked hearts. It is evident that they are the UWP supporters who never have anything good to say. Including themselves, their comments benefit no one. Projecting their ignorance and wickedness, they also ask stupid, out of the way questions. What they are doing is digging their own graves.
      God rewards the good and punishes the wicked. As they continue to wallow in their wickedness, their day will come as God takes note of their words. They will live to regret them. They will not escape.
      I can also inform you they do not assist D/ca in anyway; also not UWP which they have helped to give a bad name and reputation.

  10. TRUEMAN
    September 13, 2017

    *TELL US DNO*

    “She commended partners such as Petro Caribe and citizenship by investment (CBI) specialist, Montreal Management Consultants for their support of her vision”.
    …………….

    DNO can you please tell us how exactly/in what way did this entities helped?

    -Thanks

  11. grips
    September 13, 2017

    There is no reason why the Prime Ministers Wife cannot assist it is great that she has a foundation of such kind. The only thing is, I do not think her partners (friends) should be that of Government affiliates.

    • marie-claire R Skerrit
      September 13, 2017

      where is she getting all that money to begin with. Valentines coolay years ago, D&D arent making all the millions to afford her that avenue to do such and have all these foundations. People its common sense when are you going to open that blind eye these people have sharmay you will with.. Lord

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 13, 2017

      All Prime Minister’s wives of the world establish some sort of Foundation. Being the wife of the PM, they all do something good for their nation.
      Be broadminded. These are not only her partners (friends) as you put it. Know that all businesses have a surplus of their own money, some of which they donate to certain good causes.
      All D/cans, wherever they reside have the opportunity to donate a few dollars to her Foundation. This is for the benefit of those nationals who are in need of.
      We must consider doing good works. Do not question nor criticize when it comes to assisting the needy. It does not amuse God. He is not amused.
      Those who call themselves Christians, be reminded that, one day when we face God for our judgment, we will give an account of what we have said/done on this earth. He will not exonerate us from doing good nor make excuses for us.
      The Lord has spoken/taught, through His disciples and His Church. Study Holy Scripture and live it.

  12. Dominica Massive
    September 13, 2017

    Our purple never seems to appreciate their own..So many negatives when someone try to do a worthy cause .Too many finger pointing and not focusing the point pointing at you .Foundations are made to support other.It is funded by Cooperations or individuals.Tell me what is wrong with that. Stoping pushing people down when they are doing their best in an imperfect world Stop it..Stop it.

    • marie-claire R Skerrit
      September 13, 2017

      You right our purple.. :lol: :lol: :lol: listen to your self madam

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 13, 2017

      These types of people appear to be happy spewing wicked words. If everyone would help rather than be negative and criticize there would really be no poverty in Dominica – any country for that matter.
      As I stated, those negative/critical people will, one day pay for their words. They do not realize what harm they are doing to themselves, their households, their children, grandchildren, etc. and endeavors. We do know, what people sow they will reap one way or the other and two-fold.
      As I read: “No one heals himself by hurting others.”
      We must tell them like it is. Do not fear bringing down the wrath of God on such people. My parents would do this very well. :lol: I learned from them, their godly example and, of course my Catholic Church since childhood. These critics deserve it. They must not be spared. We will be doing them a favor. This is what they will get if they do not stop it and pray to God to ask His forgiveness. If we fail to do so woe to us.

  13. Pink passion
    September 12, 2017

    Give her a break!!! If she wasn’t doing anything what will you all have to say?? I can only imagine. Nothing and absolutely nothing seems to please you stupid ass ppl. Do something its a problem. Do nothing its a problem! She is only trying to make a difference in children’s lives. So yes if the busta and hotdog is given then so be it!! God bless you Melissa!

    • pissed off
      September 13, 2017

      i never thought we had so many angry,sad,uneducated, stupid persons still in this modern world.what a shame .

      • marie-claire R Skerrit
        September 13, 2017

        Well your the biggest angry,sad,uneducated, stupid person i know carmem..look in the mirror puss.. :mrgreen:

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 13, 2017

      I would love to comment further. Tell them!!!

  14. Self
    September 12, 2017

    CBI money? for votes?

  15. Waiting on God
    September 12, 2017

    the longest rope has its end and the longest road its bend

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 13, 2017

      So exactly what do you mean and who are you referring to? It also includes you. Keep that in mind.

  16. bigger
    September 12, 2017

    All the opposition members and their supporters ca n do is criticize after all those years they are unable to give a school child a book let alone a scholarship. What a shame these guys are useless their wife and girlfriends should start something to help disadvantage children. At least people will see there is love of country

    DNO please allow me to make a contribution I have a voice as every one else to be heard

  17. Roosie
    September 12, 2017

    Where does this woman work? The Melissa Skerrit Foundation!!! What is her claim to fame that she has a foundation that is supported by Petro Caribe and citizenship by investment (CBI) specialist, Montreal Management Consultants?
    This one stinks of corruption. The Prime Minister’s wife sets up a foundation and does blatant political campaigning using the resources of government.
    Imagine Michelle Obama or Melania Trump trying to do something like that in the U.S.
    Oh Dominica, my true confession when will this nonsense end.
    And the beggars accept it with smile and applause! This is shameful!

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 13, 2017

      Oh my goodness! You are so ridiculous. Are you are a taxpayer?
      You must have been born yesterday or today and are still wearing diapers. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: You project your ignorance and have so much to learn. When will people as you learn to be broadminded?
      What do you know is occurring in the US? I reside in Canada and I know very well that all the Presidents’ and Prime Ministers’ wives have foundations. They are very much involved in the lives of people and especially the needy, also those in foreign countries.
      For God’s sake! When the government donates, it comes from taxpayers’ money. Taxpayers should comprehend that, as long as it is for a worthy cause.
      Furthermore, Presidents and Prime Ministers wives should deserve payment for their time, some of which they give back to the country. If they work for non-payment, it is for the good of the country.
      Shame on you that you do not know better!!! :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  18. DLP STRATEGIST
    September 12, 2017

    All u think we don’t know how to get our votes?

  19. NKRUMAH KWAME
    September 12, 2017

    Mrs. Skerrit does not seem to get it. If you have to contribute so significantly to Dominica’s children this is indeed a most serious indictment of your husband, the PM, who has mismanaged the country to become such a calamity that parents withhold their children from school due to lack of breakfast or even a snack. Where are the jobs that Dominica had even to the extent where citizens were returning home according to PM? Our economy is in such a miserable state that people can’t send their children to school?? Really, misery likes company.
    HOTEP!!

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 13, 2017

      Based on Melissa, the PM’s wife good works, you are another ignorant one who appears to be narrow-minded. What do you know? Some of you should not comment at all because you know nothing. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  20. zandoli
    September 12, 2017

    “I have to be thankful to my dear friends of Montreal Management Consultants, the benefactors to the school feeding program, for embracing my vision and coming on board with no hesitation. ”

    Are you that naive woman? Do you really think people in business give something for nothing, especially in developing countries where they know corruption to be rampant?

    The question I would ask is: what benefits have your family received from your “friends” from MMC?

    • Anonymous
      September 12, 2017

      You are right. Montreal Management Consultants are CBI agents based in Dubai. Nothing for nothing.

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      September 12, 2017

      To answer your question, It’s none of your d*** business! Not because you are so corrupt to think everyone is like you.

      • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
        September 13, 2017

        Let us just state, if God were to end the world right now, how many of those negative, critical people would be saved. Their words are not of God but of the devil.
        They deny themselves the blessing and grace of God.

  21. simba
    September 12, 2017

    Any for those children with special needs?

    • Yow
      September 12, 2017

      Why would you think that it is only for laborious? It is for everyone. Stop putting politics into this.

    • Me
      September 13, 2017

      They get bent hot dogs, of course!

  22. Lougawoo Mem
    September 12, 2017

    Are these recipients Laborites supporters? Or is the program for all Dominicans regardless of party affiliation? Too many questions than answers, and too much corruption in the government.

  23. Mother
    September 12, 2017

    The Govt. should take care of that . not the P.M.’s wife. I’m afraid we have a dynasty in the making and that is never good for governance or democracy.

    • September 12, 2017

      Everything is. For government After all of you saying d PM in everything what is you all problem

    • Educated teen
      September 12, 2017

      Why isn’t this good? It is an organization assisting people who are in need. Just like any non-profititable organization willing to assist people. Why should it be different because it is the pm wife? Yall grown adults must stop that. I am a teen disappointed in yalls comments.

    • DA girl
      September 13, 2017

      So I guess all the scholarships the private sector businesses giving should be taken care of by the government instead too?? Credit union scholarships, Triple K etc. All that should be taken care of by the government. It’s worse than you thought! 8-O 8-O 8-O It’s not a dynasty, it’s conspiracy!!! 8-O 8-O

    • Primrosette
      September 13, 2017

      When you will learn that citizens can take on any burden they like and ease up the govt you will have truly matured. You as a “mother should get occupied and own a charity, get useful.

    • opposition
      September 13, 2017

      so why isn’t it a problem when Obama’s wife was doing those charities? for some of you she was the best first lady because of her involvement in charitable organization and other social programs.. but once it is happening in Dominica by a Dominican for Dominican people you have a problem.. it does not matter if is the PM wife or the Opposition leader wife.. allu just hypocrite… allu will support an initiative done by a foreign government for their people but if your government try to implement the same program allu have a problem…. smh

      • Me
        September 13, 2017

        Obamas wife was, and is not Melissa Skerrit!

      • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
        September 13, 2017

        They are downright wicked and narrow-minded. That is their problem.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 13, 2017

      Where have you been? I must inform you that you are ignorant of the fact that all PM’s wives are involved in helping the needy. They do some good works. Listen to international news to broaden your mind and memory.

  24. Way Papa
    September 12, 2017

    Anyway anyway, one day that to shall pass eh because because. These actions are not genuine, they only have motive. Anybody who grew up with this girl knows that all this is just a show because she like the “lights camera action”

    You running a program to help and you waiting for school to start to distribute. really! all box from SM, ST. Thomas and States already done come. Western Union Lines is now they short. Stupesssssss tan.

    • DA girl
      September 13, 2017

      How much did you give?? You see the things is with all you Dominicans, Everybody will ask ‘what the so called foundation doing for the children etc., we want to know and we want to know now!!’ Show it to you, ‘it’s for show’ . There is no pleasing black people so she might as well go on giving.

  25. Looking
    September 12, 2017

    All help is good, but where are these people getting the monies for their foundation.

    • DA girl
      September 12, 2017

      Foundations are funded through donations from outside parties and from the founders themselves.

      • Looking
        September 12, 2017

        Montreal Management Consultants sells our passports Da girl. If she was not the first lady would have set up a foundation? This implies that monies can be sent to offshore accounts as well. Can’t understand how this is tolerated where in developed countries these actions are condemned. SMH

    • pissed off
      September 13, 2017

      uneducated fool you need a reality check

  26. stupendous
    September 12, 2017

    where is the money coming from again????? oh CBI!!! now remind us how many hot dogs and busters form part of the package!!! hahahahahahahaha.

    • DA girl
      September 12, 2017

      When you can show the Dominican public what you are contributing to the development of the young people you can open your mouth. At least she’s trying. To go above and beyond takes money. So how about you contribute to make it bigger and better.

      • Me
        September 12, 2017

        P.M. says she is very trying.

  27. stupendous
    September 12, 2017

    How many hot dogs and busters again????? hahahahahahahah

    • Primrosette
      September 12, 2017

      We will tell you how many hotdogs and busters when you show us what you have done for society

    • September 14, 2017

      We must come to think of it there are always some of you that will always have something negative to sat
      like where is the money coming from who cares the children need an education lets help them I wonder
      if you are helping with any project at all we must stop crying down people in our country that helping
      especial when it come to kids they are tomorrow leaders.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available