Dominica signs documents with China for economic cooperation, military aid

PM Skerrit shakes hands with Ambassador Kun after signing documents for economic cooperation

On Wednesday morning Dominica signed a number of documents with the People’s Republic of China for economic cooperation and military aid.

Also at the ceremony, letters were exchanged for the seventh phase of the agricultural technical cooperation between the two countries.

Cabinet Secretary, Steve Ferrol, said the ceremony represented the spirit that binds Dominica-China relations.

“The ceremony represents positive action to assist a friend in need and reflects the spirit that binds Dominica-China relations,” he stated. “A spirit that has been the cornerstone of our bilateral relations for more than a decade.”

Ambassador of China to Dominica Lu Kun described the signing ceremony as “momentous.”

“The signing of this agreements is not only a reflection of the valuable China-Dominica friendship but also a symbol of China’s quick and strong support to the recovery and the rebuilding efforts of Dominica after the ravages of Hurricane Maria,” he stated.

Kun stated that China and the people of China empathize with the people of Dominica after the hurricane.

“We stand together more closely in face of this natural disaster,” he said. “We provided emergency humanitarian relief cash aid of US$800,000 to the Dominica government. Furthermore, China has offered a grant of US$3-million through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement a roof restoration project in Dominica.”

He reported that the material for that project is “under procurement” by the UNDP and is expected in Dominica by next month.

“We hope the project will start soon and be completed within three months,” Kun noted.

He stated that the new agreements will “open a new page” for China-Dominica relations.

According to the ambassador, under the agreement China will provide about US$14-million to implement post-Maria rebuilding projects, especially in the area of public infrastructure.

“We are looking forward to receiving the project proposal from the Dominica government,” he explained

Additionally, he said the Defense Ministry of China will provide Dominica with “logistic material assistance” to the value of about US$3-million, “to strengthen Dominica’s rebuilding capacity.”

Furthermore, Kun said China will send agricultural experts to implement the Seventh Agricultural Technical Cooperation “as soon as possible”, stating that this will help Dominica revitalize its agricultural industry.

Meanwhile Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit said China continues to show its firm friendship with Dominica in its most difficult circumstances.

The prime Minister remarked that Dominica continues to respect international law and respect that there is one China “as a matter of principle.”

“So rest assured of my government continued support to the One China Policy and doing all we can for the peaceful unification of the whole of China,” he stated.

Skerrit said within hours of Hurricane Maria, Dominica heard from the leadership of China expressing concern, care, and commitment to the island.

He pointed out the agreements signed on Wednesday involved some $EC50-million in agriculture “and other areas which the government of Dominica will determine.”

“I want to say to the general public that as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, I have taken a decision ….that entire amount will go towards education, towards the construction of smart climate resilient schools for our citizens and our students,” Skerrit stated.

He noted that he has given the Ministry of Education eight days from Wednesday to submit proposals for the schools to be considered which will be forwarded to the Chinese embassy and government.

“We believe that investment, your Excellency, will no doubt fit within the vision that the government has articulated in respect to creating the first climate resilient nation in the world,” he remarked.

Skerrit said in terms of the US$3-million in military support, both Dominica and China will determine specifically how those funds will be utilized.

“They were discussed in the cabinet on particular areas which we will share with the government of China,” he stated.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Francine Baron (left) signs agreement for military aid

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64 Comments

  1. mags
    December 4, 2017

    China is known for their solarpanel industry.
    Is it possible for them to arrange for all dominicans to get solarpanels to restore electricity supplies during daytime?
    Sounds to me like a very practical and fearly easy to arrange and most of all neccesary contribution…

    Just a wild idea… :-D

  2. UDOHREADYET
    December 1, 2017

    Great job!
    keep moving forward and leave the naysayers and do nothings complaining, chastising and criticizing behind and in the past!

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      December 2, 2017

      Keep moving froward where, couldn’t you before the hurricane see Dominica was at a halt; stagnant economically?

      The Chines were probable there repairing substandard work done in the past, work which the Taxpayers of Dominica are responsible for. If you do not believe me read that part where the China man said they will continue to do the work they were doing prior to the hurricane.

      One have to appreciate the few dollars they gave in hurricane relief, but to sit there signing some dumb contract, or stipulation, talking about Economic and Military assistance makes no sense whatsoever!

      Dominica do not have a military: Economic assistance without creating manufacturing, and exporting industries where people can be employed to earn a pay check is no economic assistance at all!

      Between China and Dominica the one who befits economically is China, because when they dump their inferior commodities in our country, the money goes out of Dominica into China’s economy while we are…

  3. Roger Burnett
    November 30, 2017

    Military Aid begs the question, who is our enemy?

    Or is it as Marcus Garvey said: “The West Indian does not need an enemy from outside while he remains his own worst enemy from within.”

    • Primrosette
      December 1, 2017

      Ye Roger Burnett we don’t need enemy outside with you on the inside, ponder on that

  4. Governance
    November 30, 2017

    Thank you to China and all the other Countries that have assisted and continue to assist Dominica. I am still concerned with the PM’s statement. “I want to say to the general public that as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, I have taken a decision ….that entire amount will go towards education, towards the construction of smart climate resilient schools for our citizens and our students,” Skerrit stated.
    Then read the last two paragraphs of the statement.

    Skerrit said in terms of the US$3-million in military support, both Dominica and China will determine specifically how those funds will be utilized.

    “They were discussed in the cabinet on particular areas which we will share with the government of China,” he stated.

    How confusing. Which is correct. Poor cabinet Ministers.

  5. November 30, 2017

    Xièxiè PRC! You have been a friend and partner with us for many years, and daily we are reminded of the lot you have done for us. You have worked with us, and for us. You have provided educational and vocational training to our children, you have been prudent and wise in your dealings with the government and people of Dominica. Because of you we have schools and infrastructure to be thankful for; employment opportunities as well. Dominica is grateful for this partnership forged by the Hon. Prime Minister Skerrit. Truly indispensable friendship.

  6. November 30, 2017

    Thank you China, you remain one of Dominica’s truest friends. We are indeed grateful for your help throughout these years.

  7. john3 16
    November 30, 2017

    ok spill the beans

    what do we give back??

  8. Amarossa
    November 30, 2017

    But what is the hysteria about nuh?

    Military assistance could mean better guns for the police force, or to build a new police headquarters. we all saw how the present building got flooded out. Military assistance could be in the form of a helicopter….
    I don’t think we should panic. After all, when was the last war was China directly involved in??? As opposed to the good old u.s of A.

  9. Just Cool
    November 30, 2017

    We appreciate all the help from international partners.
    Can we get a date on the recommence of the capital projects by the Chinese. The hospital, roads etc.. We talking resilience in every speech to get international funding however we must think loNg term.. just saw Antigua leading a delegation to China for the signing of 100 USmillion deep water harbor n increasing capacity for mega cruises but bad will said we need 51million US to fix d jetty n the ferry terminal.. Like our estimates in DCa are very astronomical for the quality & size of work :( :(

  10. Ideal
    November 29, 2017

    Military aid? Are we planning on having an army in Dominica? Is trouble on the horizon in Dominica? Are we going to war soon? We Dominicans would like to know Mr. PM.

    • Primrosette
      December 1, 2017

      Ideal you are such a simpleton. Take a sit, have some tea and google or something. Get some education in your head. If the first thing and only thing that came to your mind is war when you hear military aid you are not suited for these conversations. Take a sit.

  11. Enough is enough
    November 29, 2017

    So… This is it! !
    Question : can someone tell me how many passport we have sold to Chinese individual ? Hello?? I m waiting….. Well !! The fact is: noone knows!!!!!!( ok….. a few people knows….) anyway ! ! Over the past 20 years. No matter if your passport was red or blue ……it was and it is still a dominican passport ! The ” sleeping dragon” is not sleeping anymore.d Dominica is such a nice spot between the two America’s .¡!!¡ Good luck my people. no matter what you do in life … At one point : you get the bill!!

  12. Shameless
    November 29, 2017

    “Skerrit said in terms of the US$3-million in military support, both Dominica and China will determine specifically how those funds will be utilized…… More tear gas for anyone who dare protest..hmmmm :twisted: . Some will doubt me but I dare anyone to prove me wrong when all is said and done. In addition, sounds like he is again giving the reformation of the Dominica Defense Force serious consideration.

    Assertive like Mama Eugenia! :twisted:

  13. As I See It
    November 29, 2017

    Dominica is in a serious crisis, if not in very serious danger. We are now on the border line and anything can happen at anytime. We need to realize that in order to cross the border to get to a point of safety and stability, PM Skerrit MUST either resign or get fired. But he won’t resign so we know what the next step is. Sadly China wants Skerrit in power and will do whatever it takes to keep him in power, while Skerrit knows he needs China, if he is going to remain in power and therefore the marriage between the two, is producing a very dangerous future for their children, Dominica.

  14. Tony
    November 29, 2017

    Hello and good afternoon my people. Well why can’t we allow China to build a military base on the East coast in that way they will have to build infurstructure like, a Pier, Roads and bridges.

  15. Say Moins Meme
    November 29, 2017

    For the very reason you wrote and I quote “when we saw how poorly the police response was during and immediately following the hurricane.” Obviously you recognized a gap for proper training of the police from the top down so it then begs the question, what is your point? Had the police been able to control the mayhem which occurred post-Maria when some citizens allowed their animal instincts to predominate their common sense as they trashed what was left, there would have been no need for foreign military aid. Let the Chinese come to show them how it is done. There is a serious lack of law and order in Dominica which needs immediate attention if the country is to recover from the abyss in which it languishes.
    Good luck!

  16. War zone
    November 29, 2017

    Those who saw Dominica the morning of September 19, would swear that Dominica was destroyed by a war enemy. In fact some international media houses declared the devastation as a war zone, though we know it was hurricane Maria. But this signing today for military equipment at a time when many schools are still closed, over 60% are without water, electricity and a roof over their heads and Dominica has to depend on the UN and donor countries for assistance and I too had to break my bank to assist my country, first thing pm Skerrit is doing is to sign a contract with China for military assistance? Is he about to attack the enemy that destroyed Dominica on September 18? This is a very wrong message Skerrit is sending to the free world as it is clear that he is about to launch an attack on his political opponents and I hope the US where I pay my taxes and President Bill Clinton, who was at the fore front last week, pleading for aid on our behalf takes note

  17. November 29, 2017

    Military assistance? so we have an Army now ? so skerro can send his goon squade to the farmaers at Mero , Dominica is becoming like Haitei and skerro is baby dock Duvalier. Dominican becarefull what you ask for, cu you will get it and youall are getting it now thru hurricane tropical storms and all. waite for the BO BONIC pleaqeu.

  18. Rambo
    November 29, 2017

    when is the killing starting? 8)

  19. November 29, 2017

    China is never doing anything for free.Skerrit you are putting your feet in shoes that are too big for you.Never play in big people’s yard.right now you are about to sell Dominica to a dictatorial country. So many people in China need emergency help, yet they are crippled under a total misery. Why is it that to get help from China you need signing a contract. Haven’t you realize that you are only begging for help back and forth? Dominica needs a productive system so that people can fish for themselves.Stop messing about begging for promises and finance only to pay people and offer gifts for ballots for the future election.Dominica will only become poorer while people like you can leave to take residence abroad.You can only speak to the Dominican public to make them dance and laugh while you blind them with gifts.

  20. Wrong is wrong
    November 29, 2017

    As we speak Dominica no is still in a state of emergency and it doesn’t take a lot of rain to see something similar or even worse happen to vulnerable communities like Point Mitchell, The west coast, pitite Savanne and others. These communities and Dominica still have not recovered and some of the deadly ravins and rivers still possible a severe threat to families and Dominica. I would expect a country like China with all of their engineering capabilities to send us some help to protect our country in the event of another storm. But instead Military? Is China using Dominica to plan a military attack? Or, is our government planning a military type of attack against it citizens that exporting their evil!

  21. Pamala
    November 29, 2017

    We would like to see a copy hope is not the country he sign over to them

    • indira Ghandi
      November 29, 2017

      I hope so too
      i hope we will all know what is in those documents.
      we need TRANSPARENCY

    • anonymous2
      November 29, 2017

      He already did that several years ago. Now they will be bringing in the military.

    • dee
      November 30, 2017

      Is that a good sign that we now hearing figures of incoming funds ?
      yes i say , a step in the right direction .
      It is beyond my comprehension no one questioned the figures of donations received after Erica , amazing .
      I for sure know ”de salt thrower lady ” received a cheque from a large Supermarket chain in the UK as assistance after Erica and that never surfaced. Now Maria come, she dare not ask again ; they got wise .

  22. Possie cry
    November 29, 2017

    Well this time with all that financial aid Dominica getting let me see what excuse the government will have this time not to move the country forward in a more developed direction.

    • anonymous2
      November 29, 2017

      Lost cause. That was never the purpose.

  23. Pas ne vacances
    November 29, 2017

    Hey DNO, would it be possible to get pdf copies of these documents and post them on the site. I mean these agreements should be public knowledge and available to the people.

    Also would it be possible to get the terms of the current state of emergency? (are we even in a state of emergency? I never saw any kind of document signed by the person(s) in charge. I’m just curious.

    • dee
      November 29, 2017

      De Chief out of it now , he fell short after de hurricane.
      Next Commissioner is Chinese , wait for it, he’s been here all along with the hospital building contigent . Fings falling into place.
      kei poole kwarzay ,
      Is it me alone dat noticing, since de other leader from de other side , come from China he docile ? Was he warned , bought, bribed , threatened to keep a low profile ?
      Leave de PM alone or else .
      we fini batt now.

  24. November 29, 2017

    After hurricane maria we got MILITARY AID from Jamaica, Trinidad, Netherlands, UK, France, Venezuela and the US. So what is the issue with getting MILITARY AID from China?

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      November 29, 2017

      If need be tell me to shut up Anon; however, may I ask what sort of military forces do we have in Dominica? Are we talking about the local police force? Are you talking about an Army, Navy and Marine forces?

      So, what type of military assistance do we need; which country are we going to defend against: Iran when their warship enter into Dominica’s waters? Don’t say I say read all about it in Caribbeannewsnow.com
       I doh want you to say I is de only person who know bout dat eh!

      Of all the military assistance I am reading, about, who are we going to use all such weapons of war against?

      Which country, or nation we hope to defend against’ or the stock pile of weapons are intended to be used on the people of Dominica, as Skerrit did when he ordered his police and soldiers to fire into the homes of old people women and children in their homes in the village of Salisbury?

    • Not a herd follower
      November 29, 2017

      Do you know the nature of the military aid from China?

    • Bella Dona
      November 30, 2017

      We didn’t sign any documents for the aid from those countries. Why do we have to sign with China for theirs?

    • dee
      November 30, 2017

      Anon
      Big Big issue
      issue that you cannot see with the naked eye .
      you have to have linnette bois to see that there is trouble brewing down the line .

    • November 30, 2017

      After hurricane David the US army spent months in Dominica providing different forms of aid, this was military aid. This form of aid does not include fighting or military intervention it is purely humanitarian. I guess if the US Army corps of engineers were to offer to rebuild our bridge that could also be an issue as this would be military aid. Again what is the issue with military aid from China? I Would welcome an explanation based on facts and logic not on frivolous political sentiments.

      • Yo Yo
        November 30, 2017

        i believe u answered your own question aid is humanitarian something that is given freely, chiney military aid cost money, hope this helps it was a no brainer if you ask me.

      • Yo Yo
        November 30, 2017

        just to eliminate confusion when chiney give money to African and Caribbean countries it is never as a true friend, the intention is to reap plenty, plenty plenty more than what they sow.

      • November 30, 2017

        @Yo Yo, how do you arrive at the conclusion that when China gives money to Africa and the Caribbean it is never as a true friend? I guess this is just more of your stupid political propaganda based on the color of your politics and how much does military aid from China cost? Waiting for answers…..

      • Yo Yo
        December 1, 2017

        Anon Firstly where in my comments is there any mention of politics or colors, “waiting for YOUR answer”, you refer to me as stupid just because I said something that you don’t agree with, which in turn according to you immediately makes me a supporter of the opposition, with a mindset like that am I to assume that you are the educated one, if so I will happily stay stupid. Google is a tool that even the educated can use so do a simple search and check out the current situation in Jamaica with regards to your chiney friends and what the input of their friendly dollars has done to the local economy. I’ll save you some time here is a start https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1PwYMirzeo

        Do you know about the copper mines in Africa that were taken over by the chiney for 30 pieces of silver and subsequently reaped millions every year, what did the African ppl gain from these rewards a sports stadium in the middle of a desert with no electricity, do you know about ghost city do some…

      • Yo Yo
        December 1, 2017

        Anon So in answer to your question how much does military aid cost, I am including any aid from chiney BILLIONS. Just in case you feel my estimate is way off then I will give you another way to calculate the answer. Tell me what can little Dominica do for a super power like china, when you work that out the true figure may astound you, oh don’t forget in your calculation try not to leave out human cost.

        Yours Sincerely

        Stupid

      • December 2, 2017

        What resources that Dominica have that would allow them to pay BILLIONS to China for military aid. If Dominica was so rich in resources as you are implying we would not need aid we would be equal partners in all our global agreements. The truth is, Dominica is a poor country, after centuries of colonial rule and 38 years of independence that is the sad reality. So no amount of slight of hand to pull wealth out of a hat like a magician pulls a rabbit or a bird out of his hat will change the truth.

      • Yo Yo
        December 2, 2017

        Anon you should research first not speak first did you read what the Antigua PM said about the Dominica cbi program, Dominica receives 50 million a month from this program, repeat a month, man drug dealers don’t get that kind of yen, so how can Dominica be poor that is the peoples money, I mean last months 50 million would fix back every roof in Dominica in any climate resilient material you want, with that kind of bread everybody can get metal roofs 6 inch thick steal if you want lol. Dominica has the french stealing the island millions of dollars going to someone else, Barbadians and chiney take every contract, to many chiney shops in town do you think that when the tourist arrive on the ship they all book tours to the chiney shop, Noooooo local they come for, and you ask what resources does Dominica have, the nature isle, you are showing your ignorance, wise up its not to late.

  25. Jonathan Y St Jean
    November 29, 2017

    Why only 8 days to present plans for climate resilient school reconstruction.If these structures are going to be resilient I would think that more time is needed to prepare properly.This shows the high-handed manner in which Skerritt has operated and wants to continue to operate in Dominica.No wonder there is so little development to show after more than 17 years of his government in power.Additionally the question must be asked,does Dominica have a military? The answer is no,so why is China giving military aid.Is this a top priority for Skerritt at a time when we saw how poorly the police response was during and immediately following the hurricane.There are so many needs in the lives of citizens and I’m sure military assistance does not fit into the equation, unless Skerritt has some sinister plan which he is yet to tell us about

    • November 29, 2017

      Not eight days to submit plans but to submit proposals for the schools that are to be considered.

      • November 30, 2017

        Some people do not read to understand. Alas.

      • Jonathan Y St Jean
        November 30, 2017

        @Anon,the words plans and proposals are always used interchangeably,I didn’t suggest plans to mean drawings as when one decides to build a house.It’s not as if each school has an architect and environmental specialist on hand to focus on what the specific needs of each school local requires,so in addition to the many tasks which teachers have to perform Skerritt is asking them who are not trained in engineering and related areas to come up with proposals.This is a tasks which requires consultation with those skilled in the disciplines to propose anything sensible and workable.Don’t split hairs and try to deceive

      • November 30, 2017

        Jonathan, who is tasking the teachers to to perform engineering task? The ministry of education is well aware of the schools that got damaged and in a good position to submit proposals without undue delay. Stop spreading PROPAGANDA.

  26. Blind mice
    November 29, 2017

    Did the PM say i am giving notice that “i have taken a decision” to put the money towards education? wasn’t that suppose to be a cabinet decision? hmmmmm SMH

    • Irma
      November 30, 2017

      So you don’t know is Skerritt that is the entire cabinet of Dominica?

  27. I Must admit
    November 29, 2017

    Is Dominica at war with another country and therefore needs military assistance from China? Are our people at war? Who are we at war with? Are we at war against those amongst us with opposing views? This is very frightening I must admit.

    • 4Eva tru
      November 29, 2017

      I must admit you ignorant. Lame comment. Do a country gave to be at war to get military assistance. Smh.

    • November 30, 2017

      PM getting his military trained and ready for the next election no one is going to take him out of office he is going to stay and be a dictator run Dominica with a iron fist. And is he going to start training boys and girls from school level and is that the real reason why he ask the education minister to come up with a proposal to present to China.

      • Real truth
        December 1, 2017

        He is already gone…… He just doesn’t know it………….!

  28. Not a herd follower
    November 29, 2017

    Military aid? Hmmm?

  29. dissident
    November 29, 2017

    My issue is military support…..
    Officially we are now stooges of China.
    We have no military…….. not even a defense force eh!
    Or is Skerrit jumping ahead of the police review?
    Dominica going to turn like Haiti….. mark my words!
    More of us will get to hate Skerrit….. police will act indiscriminately and alot of people will pay the price.
    Skerrit want to completely destroy this country….. with China’s help.

    Dominica by size is just a ghetto in China!
    China playing de game worse than de US!

    Politicians have a habbit of f@#$&_g ghetto people and the poor and underprivileged!

    • November 30, 2017

      Ignorant. Receiving military support does not necessarily mean we are on the frontline of war or we are at the threshold of our downfall. It’s people like yourself and “I must admit” who scare others with your preposterous claims and questions. Shut up if you have nothing good to offer on this thread. Your negativity is not welcomed.

  30. Han
    November 29, 2017

    ‘signed a number of documents with the People’s Republic of China for economic cooperation and military aid.’- Don’t understand the wording here ( military aid)or the concept. Will Blackmoore or Ms. Baron care to explain if they know or have any clue of what this guy Skerrit is doing? I a see lots of things Post Maria which are unsettling as Skerrit tries to hold on to power—stay tune…..its gonna be a very rocky ride for Dominica folks—–

  31. switches
    November 29, 2017

    With all these signing of documents, PLEASE PLEASE just enjoy the safety of food coming from China is 100% safe.
    We all know in certain parts of the world government/companies will STRETCH or go beyond their means to feed their people/population,by cloning, HGH, etc etc.We have been hearing bout fake rice, or vegies or chemically induced flavored meats etc..Govt please just ensure these do not end up on our shelves..Other than that we always welcome assistance from foreign.

    • November 30, 2017

      The fake Rice and some veggies a a real problem, so the masses keep looking checking the products before taking it home.

  32. Truth Be Told
    November 29, 2017

    PM looking on and thinking that is peanuts! It seems like the days of 30, 40 and 100 million dollars from China are over! Thank you china on behalf of the poor folks of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The rich ones have their apartments overseas.

    • Not a herd follower
      November 29, 2017

      Good observation re the size of China’s grants

    • dee
      November 30, 2017

      Truth Be Told
      de man looking on and it crossing his brain that ”they maybe well watching me , so i cannot touch de cookie jar again, i have to be careful now . ”

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