Thirteen Dominicans, through the Chinese Government Scholarship program, have received full scholarships to further their education at eleven Chinese universities.
The scholars are prepared to study fields such as Science, Engineering, Medicine, Finance, Management, Psychology, and Business Administration. They received their letters of admission from various Ministers, at a ceremony held at the Fort Young Hotel, on Wednesday.
Recipients Michelle Belle, Kede Edmund, Andrea Francois, Stacy Haris, Rick Hypolite, Leslie Lewis, Shernel Raymond, Acacia Seaman, Deshawn George, and Diandra Jno-Baptiste will pursue Bachelor’s degrees, while Shane McIntyre, Yvonette Carbon, and Patrick Henry hope to attain Master’s degrees.
Education Minister, Petter Saint Jean, highlighted the importance of education to a country’s economic development.
“The development of human resource capacity, through an educated population, is the most important determinant if a country’s economic success,” he elaborated. “Consequently, we have maintained a strong belief that the economic development of our beloved country is directly linked to the degree of investment in its human resource capacity.”
Thus, he stated that the government of the China has made a “profound contribution” to the continued economic success of the Dominica.
He explained that a highly skilled and fully trained population necessary economic prosperity, and to a higher standard of living for Dominicans.
Saint Jean went on to express gratitude to the Ambassador for China’s continued commitment to the development of Dominica.
Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, Ambassador Li Jianging, called the opportunity an “adventure” for the students and advised them to be unafraid and open-minded.
“A little apprehension is quite alright, but you will be joined by other students from around the world, including some Dominicans who went before you…you are not alone. Do not be afraid,” he urged.
The Chinese Government Scholarship program has awarded scholarships to over 150 Dominicans since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Dominica and the People’s Republic of China in 2004.
In 2014, Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Constituency Empowerment, Justina Charles revealed that the program had cost the Chinese government $19-million.
Although there are human rights concerns vis-à-vis the level of freedom and democracy that Chinese citizens are allowed to practice, these newly minted scholarship recipients should become familiar with the laws of the country, before arriving in China. Their skills and expertise will be an asset to Dominica in the near future.
Front row seat is for all my poppets.
Strange that a recipient of the Chinese scholarship, came back and all he is interested in is to get the Roseau South seat. As President of the National Youth Council, he has refused to make any statement about sexual abuse of our minors. No outrage has been shown on those abominable crimes of sexual child abuse.
Instead, it seems the NYC is his toy. He has been appointed senator by Skerritt’s DLP Gov’t, yet refuses to let go of the Presidency of the NYC. Should somebody in such a position be so politically affiliated, even to the point of being a DLP Senator and not be biased in his activities as NYC President? Would such a person be objective in his doings?
Many of our graduates have sold themselves to the highest bidder. Greed and selfishness have taken over their souls, succumbing to corruption and boldly, publicly defend, protect corruption and those involved to the T. Love for country is the last thing on their minds. Only defence of the CULT matters.
Congratulations to the thirteen chosen ones for Chinese scholarships.
To be fair, there is religious oppression in China. While there you will not be able to go to a church. This government dictates where and when a service his held. There are underground churches. If caught celebrating Holy Mass which is not approved by the government of China and the timing, they could be imprisoned. Some bishops/priests have disappeared.
We must be thankful for the good work China does but we must also question the fact why a government which has helped so many countries who have freedom of religion and expression of same continues to oppress their very own religion in that country.
Pray that this never occurs in Dominica and elsewhere in the West Indies/Caribbean which China helps. The Lord is looking on and taking note.
Tell the Facts:
What you have said about China is correct. I’m glad you said it because the truth needs to be known. The news articles that reach us even via DNO are smothered by political correctness.
I share your concern for the students as you will see in my writings. It is twofold. (1) That they will not be able to practice their faith. (2) That they will subjected to communistic brainwashing which is done very cunningly.
I was not aware that Bishops and Priests have disappeared. This grieves me more than I could ever convey. A personal friend of mine who was the lead Pastor of one of our largest Canadian churches (since retired) was visiting China legally to speak at a Pastors’ Conference. He is a diabetic and has a life threatening heart condition so he is on heavy medication to keep him alive. This man was arrested and jailed in a most cruel way. By God’s grace he was released and is home now.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
I
Pope John Paul II challenged the Chinese government and stated, “Reveal their crimes. Make it known to the world.”
A Bishop died in the Chinese prison.
I have a newsletter about Chinese religious oppression. I put it away among my other information. It indicates China’s atrocities against the Christian Catholic Faith.
China accepts English teachers. A pastoral assistant in the parish I reside in accepted such a position in China for six months. When she returned she also told me about the government of China’s religious oppression. She experienced it firsthand.
We appreciate China’s help in the region. However, I am considering some years from now, what this help will lead to, considering China’s stance on religious oppression and a non-democratic government – communist.
China helps but it sends its nationals to reside in those countries. This should be cause for concern and in the future.
I do feel, in the future, China will own those countries.
Pastor Hill, what you are agreeing with is wrong. Any fom of restriction with regards to religion in China is place on CHINESE citizens. Foreigners are free to attend church and practice their religion. I lived in China for many years and I went to church for all of them. Don’t just join in blindly without knowledge on a topic because as a pastor people will believe you are knowledgeable and so tend to think whatever you say in regards to that topic is true..
Though there is some level of censorship, persons are still freely able to attend church without it being underground. This is outdated information.
Were you aware of the fact that plain clothed government agents attended the same services?
If religious liberty exists in China why was a Canadian pastor (my friend) arrested and jailed as he stood in the pulpit of a church bringing greetings to the congregation?
Sincerely, Rev. Dr. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Lived in China and went to church freely…so I don’t know where exactly your facts coming from…but I had a totally different experience
I’m pretty sure you’ve not been to China or else you would have not made the “while there you won’t be able to go to a church ” statement …that’s far from the truth. People are free to attend churches in China ..like every country there are rules which people have to follow. Don’t just go about repeating stories that you heard somewhere without getting your facts straight. I know people who go to church services every Sunday and whenever there are bible studies, prayer meeting etc., people even go shout handing out tracts to Chinese and foreigners alike openly.
Sa kot Agriculture!!!!!
Well done kidos.. pursue your dreams. It is nice to see that while some children seat at home doing selfies all day and looking at ways to destroy themselves.. some are busy trying to pursue an education.. yes sometimes people are connected but even if you are connected they have to push for themselves and have the desire to go..
congrats to all the recipients in particularly Diandra Jnobaptiste
Congrats. Please take advantage (earning a degree) of the tremendous opportunity granted to you.
I congratulate these thirteen students for their academic success which put them in line to receive a scholarship.
Noted that they will be studying in worthwhile fields that will make them a blessing. If they return to Dominica and serve the future of your beautiful island it will be truly wonderful.
Much thanks is due to the Chinese government. These are “full scholarships” which I find breath taking! Their parents or guardians must be overjoyed. I identify with this because my granddaughter who is going to university this fall has received several smaller scholarships which have been very helpful.
My only concern as a parent would be the distance these students will have to go. We should keep them in
our prayers for their health and general safety. Also we should pray that God will protect their minds against the influences of the Chinese State which would love to take over these young lives and use them for its own purposes.
Continuation …
Please encourage each of these students to take a Bible with them and read it every day. Three thousand years ago Israel’s most successful and famous king – King David – told God in prayer “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:104,105)
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Notice that the USA doesn’t do anything like this. Or England, which populated Dominica with slaves.
The USA
ENGLAND
Obama said he would send financial assistance to gay activist lobby groups in nations that did not move ahead on gay rights.
Cameron said he would withhold financial assistance from any nation that did not move ahead on gay rights.
It is unlikely that either the USA or England will suck up to Dominica like China is doing because all they want is to spread their pro-choice (abortion) and gay agenda. China wants a piece of the Caribbean and they have the money to develop Dominica.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
What time do you set aside to study your bible and prepare a sermon / message for your congregation? You always on DNO 24/7
It would be interesting to see the transcripts of those who obtained these scholarship, vs those who were turned down. Nepotism at its best.
It would also be interesting to know why the Government of China is doing it.
On the other hand it is a nice thing to do. If Dominicans can benefit from it unscathed well and good.
Let the Government of Dominica be watchful of what is its own.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Do you want to see mine? I’m sure you will take your words back and go and try to educate yourself like we have all done. Don’t remain illiterate and ignorant.
Well some people have it easy when they are connected. 4th Chinese scholarship now for the Dr…. went to China last year didn’t like the school went back home after a short time, now a new scholarship..No one bats an eye.. Sad.. other folks need the opportunities to.
The reason he left wasn’t because he didn’t like the school. Smh
Get your fact straight. That’s not y he came back…. Stop spreading propaganda..
Lol lol lol ….someone said it! Doe watch Dominicans so na, they don’t put water in their mouths to talk
Show us the accomplishment of the previous 150 and where they are currently impacting the development of Dominica. Its great to get scholarship but what are they coming back to? Lets get serious and wake up….we walking around wearing our ignorance on our sleeves and our eyes wide shut!
Senator Jaisiah Benoit is actually one of the graduates of the program
@dotish…what world you live in!! people personal achievements are their personal accomplishments what it got to do with you,we live in a professional world you need to wake up and stop surrounding your life with dominicas environment,these people could attain their degrees and go wherever they find it suitable to live their lives..who said that they are obligated to the development of domiica
@forreal I bed to differ…is government going to give citizens scholarship opportunities, then the onus is upon us as citizens to come back home and play a hand in nation building. Why should we go to other countries when we should come home to work? So more jobs means more of us outside studying will find it lucrative to come home
forreal,really unreal! Is this your misconceptions, students are given scholarship and are not obligated to their country
Wonder why this island is doomed with people like you, exactly what you’re accusing of,the silly environment you belong to! Are you saying that a government and nation should invest in and train its citizens for another land 
Only in this island one can probably have such a dumb thinking ! You are accepting that your government is a failure for not being able to accommodate its people after training them!
As for you aself I give up on you mr. forreal. The other day you posted a comment stating that you’ve made up your mind that Dominica’s economy is a small one and that’s the way it will remain instead of having the mentality that this labor garbage should strive to expand it. People like you are sick. You don’t realize the route of all evil in this country; that evil seed that was planted over 10 years ago. The fact is this labor government is like a widespread cancer on this island and they’ve brainwashed you into believing that they’re doing their best. If Dominica so nice why don’t you come down here and live? Why did you have to seek greener pastures on the other side? The place so had that not even those Spanish woman that can sell their kitty cat at a reasonable price because them jobless fellars don’t have the money. If bargin not work in Dominica tell me what else can work? No wonder it doe even have agriculture again
That is a dotish statement if ever I saw one. A camelion/lazar is no longer a mystery we all can recognise them.
after all they are not obliged but common.. if it wasnt for dominica would they have gotten the chance to go and study.. so the least they can do is come back and contribute to the developement of the island…. they go and study and we never see them again.. but guess what do i blame them no.. no oportunity here for them.. so they do right.. take d scholarship learn well and go and contribute to the development of the United States or wherever you land…IF THE MAJORITY OF THOSE SENT TO EDUCATE THEMSELVES CAME BACK THEN WE WOULD NOT HAVE A SOCIETY FILLED WITH SUCH IGNORANT NON EDUCATED CITIZENS WHO ARE BLIND TO ALL FACTS
you sound like your name…………………….. Each of us is stamped with vibratory signature of our own state of consciousness.
-Paramhansa Yoganada
so dotish what you are saying is they should not take the opportunity to get themselves an education because the may or may not get a job when they return? people please take the opportunity and get yourselves the education. i think what dotish is trying to say is look for the job then go and get the education. dotish is your surname by any chance sot?
Several have returned to Dominica and are contributing to the development of Dominica. It is not publicized but some of the greatest work achieved are not advertised.
Well I guess Dominicans are going to learn how to make boot legs for example fake jewelry.
It takes time. Only the coming years will show if and how their education will serve their communities and nation. But considering their chosen fields here is how it is likely to pan out. Some will decide they can build a more profitable career elsewhere. Others who love Dominica or simply want to be near their families will find their place of service on the island. These will have the potential to contribute to the country’s well being.
I hope and expect this will be the case with a significant number. They will realize there is a need in Dominica for what they can offer. Beyond that they may have a better chance of getting established because of less competition. A need and less competition seem to go together depending on the field, right?
Nevertheless, they do have a choice where they live and work. May God guide each of their lives.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.