Measures in place for WCMF African artistes authorities say

Piper said the safety of Dominicans is a primary concern
Piper said the safety of Dominicans is a primary concern

Chief Executive Officer of Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and Chairman of the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC), Colin Piper, said several measures have been put in place for artistes coming from Africa to perform at the World Creole Music Festival.

This as concerns continue to spread among Dominicans about the deadly disease Ebola, which is affecting some parts of Africa.

According to Piper, two musical groups from Africa are expected to perform at the event carded for October 24 -26.

He was speaking at a press conference organized to address the Ebola situation on Wednesday.

According to Piper, members of one of the groups have not traveled to Africa in recent times.

“We have requested information on their recent travel and have been advised that none of the musicians have traveled to the African continent over the past two to three months,” Piper said. “We will, however, require that each musician does a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and walk with the results so we can have that reviewed by our medical personnel upon arrival.”

The PCR is a technique that is used to amplify trace amounts of DNA (and in some instances, RNA) located in, or on, almost any liquid or surface where DNA strands may be deposited. That technique is used for detecting diseases.

“We will be requesting that immigration officers can review their passports along the way to ensure that there are in fact no stamps showing entry into any of the affected areas by any of the musicians on the way, ” Piper said.

Additionally, he noted, the Nigerian group expected to perform in Dominica left Nigeria on October 6 to perform in Dubai and will be there for two weeks.

“Currently the plan is to return to Nigeria for one or two days before traveling to Dominica,” he noted. “During that time we will request that they also undergo PCR check as well.”

He said the group is expected to depart from Lagos, Nigeria on the October 22, via Air France to Paris and from Paris to St Maarten and then onward to Dominica on October 23.

Piper pointed out that at the port of departure in Lagos, Nigeria, all travelers must take temperature checks and anyone measuring over 38.5 degrees Celsius is not allowed to travel.

“That is one of the measures taken by the departing countries,” he said.

According to reports, Nigeria was hit with Ebola after Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-born American, brought the deadly virus to Lagos when he flew there on July 20. However, the country acted quickly and has now been officially declared Ebola free. Nigeria has now become a case study on how Ebola can be contained, according to USA Today.

Piper also noted that screening for incoming artistes will be done at both of Dominica’s airport by the ministry of health.

He stated further that the African musicians are in fact aware of country’s concerns and have indicated their willingness to undergo any screenings to ensure that everything is in place

“Our primary concern is for the safety of our citizens…,” Piper remarked.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer Ferdinia Carbon said in response to the international Ebola threat, government has strengthened its presence at various ports of entry on the island.

“As we know we are concerned about trans-boundary movement of the disease and we know if the disease is to come to Dominica, it will come to us through our ports of entry,” Carbon said.

She said a shift system have been established at the Melville Hall Airport to ensure all flights are covered.

“In the last week in September we established presence at the Canefield Airport to ensure that our flights at Canefield are covered. We also have presence at the Woodbridge Bay Port, the Ferry Terminal, the Long House and Cabrits Port in Portsmouth,” she said.

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47 Comments

  1. Team767
    October 11, 2014

    Ask yourself, “is it worth it, just to have african performers at the WCMF?” …to put the entire country at risk just for entertainment purposes is simply ridiculous. Just don’t bring them in…

  2. EX slave
    October 10, 2014

    just stop the wcmf for this year . so it will not look like you dont want the african band. so the wont felt left out. any one of the band memembeers from any country can take it to dominica . it can be caught on the plane . boat or any person travelling to your country right now.

  3. AGAIN!!!!!!!
    October 9, 2014

    Colin….you are helping in anyway or form to elevate Skerrit in his madness of being a savior in an effort keep our people fooled in poverty.

    This was all a step to up have Skerrit come out and be Savior at the expense of Dominicans emotional fear of Ebola.

    You too will pay….. I know Your father raised you differently and you are capable enough without GOVT intervention to make the same decision as CEO of WFC.

  4. worried
    October 9, 2014

    This is jus pure nonsense cancelled d Nigerian artists to save our country those ppl care about $ n not d ppl dem ministers to wicked

  5. JEM
    October 9, 2014

    There are several potential weaknesses in the airport screening system:
    -Passengers could lie about their contact with Ebola.
    -Passengers infected with Ebola might not yet be showing symptoms or know they are infected.
    -Symptomatic passengers could lower their temperatures by taking ibuprofen or any common analgesic.

  6. what??
    October 9, 2014

    boy piper i was just going and tell you what asa tell d man d other day there …. but skerrit made the move he saved you … all you too wicked

  7. VI Vibez
    October 9, 2014

    Fellow Dominicans, please do something about that situation. This is very serious. All it takes is for one person to be infected and the spread is on. The most recent death is the young man who traveled from Africa to Texas. You all need to boycott the wcmf. No African Banda should be let into the country. Every where else is doing it why can,t our authorities do the same. Our country cannot deal with that.

  8. sam
    October 9, 2014

    Let’s not be penny wise and pound foolish, as much as Africa is big people are running all over the place trying to find safe haven chances are some may have the virus and do not know. The incubation period is 21 days we can risk wiping out this little nation. Cancel the whole show if that what it takes, the concern is not only the band, people will be coming from all over. Think about.

  9. Ban Mepuis
    October 9, 2014

    While I’m not in favor of total isolation, Dominica is unprepared for an Ebola outbreak. Just yesterday, the CDC reported that the experimental drug cocktail used to treat Ebola patients, has been depleted. They also stated that it takes a very long time to manufacture the drug as well.
    Given these salient facts, just how will Dominica deal with an Ebola outbreak?
    The deceased Ebola patient in Texas will be incinerated, to avoid spreading the disease any further. Do we have such facilities in Dominica?
    While we should not be ignorant about this disease, the concerns from the Dominican citizenry is wholly legitimate this time around.
    Then again, Tim Tim said that we are ready.

  10. Anonymous
    October 9, 2014

    This is just crazzzzzzzzy. Plus Minister of Health saying Dominica is Ebola ready yet they have a picture of someone at the airport screening with just a small face mask. she has on gloves yet most of the skin on her arm is exposed. Play with ebola

  11. Bob
    October 9, 2014

    Get serious. DA has no expertise to handle the Ebola virus. There is no know effective screening.
    To protect the Dominican people no bands that originate in West Afica should be allowed access to our shores. It would be wise to cancel these groups from coming to the WCMF. Dominica does not have the population to take that risk and our lifestyles are much different than those of the folks in the US. We fraternize much more things are bad enough lets not make it worse when we have the opportunity to control it, NOW!

  12. Outside Looking In
    October 9, 2014

    The lives of people are more important than the money to be made at the Festival. CANCEL the contracts with the two bands/groups. Accept the financial loss.

  13. Realist
    October 9, 2014

    I don’t know which is worst, the Ebola or an ignorant populace?
    Lord help us!
    :(

  14. Jahknow
    October 9, 2014

    WOW so many ignorant comments if ignorance is bliss..Dominica must truly be in a blissful state !!!

  15. Glanvillia
    October 9, 2014

    These guys are playing Russian Roulette with our lives. We the people should not leave the decision in the hands of this incompetent government. We must take to the streets and demand that the cancelation of the African groups. The authorities cannot be so naïve- we are all looking at the news and it is clear that the screening process right now is unreliable even from the great America.
    This is about our lives- this is cannot be about votes, handouts or election bribery. We cannot allow these dishonest people to take us to the slaughter house. It is not my intension to look criticize but the truth is we are not ready for this Ebola monster and just one case could totally destroy Dominica very quickly.

  16. Too Hard Too Long
    October 9, 2014

    Mr Piper, This is irresponsible on the part of the Festivals and the government. Cut your losses and cancel the band. We can take the loss of the money but Mr Piper, we cannot take ebola.

    Cancel the band. PLEASE.

  17. grell
    October 9, 2014

    Dominicans please stay away this disease is lethal.

  18. AGAIN!!!!!!!
    October 9, 2014

    I will say it again Colin Piper …..If the issue is DFC will lose it deposit then tell us what is it.

    We Dominicans will be quite happy to pay more for the tickets to cover your lose rather than put us at risk to Ebola.

    Next time you speak come to us with a solvent not exposure.

  19. Visionary
    October 9, 2014

    I’m in total support of a massive demonstration, maybe then Piper and the Dominican Government will listen to us, and if they don’t we BOYCOTT the Festival, and by the way where are the religious denominations to lend a voice to this critical issue? This is way bigger than Tommy Lee Sparta.

  20. October 9, 2014

    So stupid, Africa is a big continent, not all africans have ebola. do research, find out where in africa they have ebola.
    lets not be stupid, please educate and not hate.

    • Daily reader
      October 9, 2014

      obviously it is you who need to educate yourself! Don’t you know Nigeria has Ebola??? Go and research again..smh

      • huh.
        October 9, 2014

        huh.. in this article is says they have been declared ebola free.

  21. Dominican
    October 9, 2014

    We need a mass demonstration in Dominica against the WCMF and the Nigerians. Maybe thats the only way the government and piper and the others will listen. let’s take it to the streets. this is not about red, blue, green, yellow or even orange it’s about protecting our nation.

    • Peacock
      October 9, 2014

      I TOTALLY AGREE! Someone please start a FB/Twitter/ social media petition to call for protest. Please!!!!

    • I'm Just Saying
      October 9, 2014

      Why demonstrate against the Nigerians? A ridiculous and totally ignorant statement.
      All of this idiotic hysteria over a sudden virus, which was manufactered to keep US under control. Google Agenda 21 for more information about population control.

      Be aware and informed. Leave your ignorance elsewhere.

      SMH

  22. Anonymous
    October 9, 2014

    http://www.mzansireggae.co.za/luciano-cancels-africa-tour/

    Dominica please take heed. Please cancel the artistes coming from Africa and pay them. Do not risk lives for a few pennies.

  23. SUKIE
    October 9, 2014

    They want to Kill ALL Dominicans,, way papa

  24. Anonymous
    October 9, 2014

    So all you trying to import Ebola? boy look some selfish and greedy people. just for a few dollars you compromising our health. the money you all make I hope it can pay funeral homes. Its not a joke.

  25. Mamizoo
    October 9, 2014

    I am not sure that the measures presented here is fool proof against the transmission of the the Ebola virus. I am sure that the festival committee is concerned about having to pay the Nigerian band even if they are not allowed. If the money already invested is off concern I am sure we the people are more than willing to accept that.

    In reality the entire festival this time comes around is potentially dangerous and it is time we focus more on a comprehensive prevention system as oppose to zooming in on the Nigerian bands only.

  26. Peacock
    October 9, 2014

    The best way to protest is to avoid ALL WCMF activities. ALL!

    But, only one infection is needed to destroy ALL of Dominica. No wonder they were quick to state yesterday that Dominica is EBOLA ready so that they could make the announcement of the bands, today!

    If this is a time to speak out and protest.. no matter what the party colour is, it is NOW!

    • Peacock
      October 9, 2014

      The word is BOYCOTT!!!!

  27. Concerned
    October 9, 2014

    Suggest Mr.C. Piper read article “Ebola and Travel” on MSN.com. One expert makes the observation that at many of the airports they are not knowledgeable about reading the temperature. One cannot believe the information on the forms. It takes 21 days to show any symptoms. I want to know which hotelier will be taking these bands in light of all this information. Stop exposing your population for a few pieces of silver. Be warned! Can he tell us who will be held responsible!

  28. TRAP
    October 9, 2014

    if we are so concerned, LETS TAKE MATTERS INTO OUR HANDS. BOYCOTT THE SHOW, AND YES ive decided to stay home. and im not even going to the CIP.

    • ebola
      October 9, 2014

      u beta stay at home you don’t even have the money to pay for the event in the 1st place

      • TRAP
        October 9, 2014

        WHOEVER U ARE CHEK ME OUT, ILL BUY U YUH TICKET and plus yuh drinks BUT IM NOT going with u.

  29. TRAP
    October 9, 2014

    DONT FORGET mr. duncan the american had a normal body temperature when he was screened. TWO DAYS after– ALL HELL BROKE loose

    • Anonymous
      October 9, 2014

      This is just NOT true why on God’s earth do you people spread untruths? At what point, and in what country, according to you, did Mr Duncan have a normal body temperature only to be tested (where?) 2 days later and all hell broke loose? I defy you to give an exact place and timeline to confirm the rubbish you’re spewing. SMDH!

      • TRAP
        October 9, 2014

        cause i read it on a news site. do yuh damn research. if its untrue its not from me. u see how we dominicans are IGNORANT?

    • dominican abroad
      October 9, 2014

      exactly!!!!!!! that is what they fail to observe. the symptoms wold not be present the day they are being checked. the group is leaving on the 22 to arrive on the 23. by this time they will show no signs of the virus. why can’t WCMF just avoid ALL AFRICAN bands from coming in? Dominica is a very small country with little population. and to those that decide to stay home, they will also be at risk for how quick the fatal disease will spread…. These officials need to think hard about this matter and realize that the health of Dominicans now lie in their hands….

  30. October 9, 2014

    u can chat all u want mr piper and mr timothy.u all are blinded by money and do not care about the well being of the citizens. anyone who contracts this deadly disease after creole fest should take dfc and min. of health to court.

  31. SM passie
    October 9, 2014

    That’s interesting and is way too risky just to earn a few pennies. why the risk….

    Dominican need to think wisely, why the risk, is it the end of thr World? come on man Dominicans rather perish through Ignorance or just dam plan wicked!!…

    Dominica is a failed island period, it’s headless no law no constitution aspect, so what the hell u expect…

    i bet no one can put a stop to this not NGO’s civic groups not even the border personel including taxis, agents meeting the bands etc..why has Dominica become the circle where fools reside, why, why and why!!

  32. hmmmmmmm
    October 9, 2014

    How u so sure. And y u so insist of those ppl to come down…u paid dem a million dollars………..AS you can SEE ppl, the gov and collin piper does not care for the country health and well being,,,,,,,,,,,we should protest or do. Something….let’s not attend the wcmf……but wait I haven’t heard anything from the PM………hmmmmmm such a leader wow

  33. Visionary
    October 9, 2014

    Sometimes I think this Piper guy …….. First of all if your main concern is for the safety of our citizens, then the only thing you should do is stop these Africans from entering the country. Secondly, you want them to walk with their results, so you all can have them checked upon arrival? Wouldn’t that be too late if they are infected? Why don’t you request that they send these results ahead of time, so they can be reviewed, and verified before they arrive? This guy is consistently making bad decisions on behalf of the WCMF, He should be ousted.

  34. Anonymous
    October 9, 2014

    I think the group should be uninvited this year to protect the Dominican public.

    Dominica cannot gamble it”s citizens over money.
    America cannot handle this crisis, if Ebola hit Dominica we are finish.

  35. Bold
    October 9, 2014

    I heard prevention is better that cure. D A can never be ready for that. We cannot even control a simple flu far less for this disease. One question, Do we have the suits ready for the nurses and Doctors to take care of a patient that has ebola?

    • Anonymous
      October 9, 2014

      I also hear that ‘the thing that man fears falls upon him”

  36. .
    October 9, 2014

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