Donor pledges are not like ‘Abracadabra’ says PM Skerrit

Skerrit addressing the conference in New York in November 2017

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has said that there is a long road between pledges made by donors and the actual delivery of those pledges and it is not like magic.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he said he heard the Leader of the Opposition making reference to pledges made to Dominica at a donor conference in New York after Hurricane Maria but these things take time.

“It is not Abracadabra,” the Prime Minister said, referring to an incantation used in stage magic tricks.

In November 2017, Skerrit attended a High-Level Pledging/Donor Conference at the United Nations Headquarter in New York organized by CARICOM with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to assist hurricane-ravaged member states.

He subsequently said that estimates show that Dominica could receive up to EC$1-billion.

On Wednesday he said the funds will not just appear in the country’s bank accounts since there is a tedious process involved.

“Those of us who understand international financing will recognize that there is a long road between pledges and delivery of those pledges,” Skerrit said. “So it is not that the money has been transmitted and deposited in our bank accounts. It is a process and this process can be tedious and this is why the government suggested and we are pursuing the setting up of an agency that will be responsible for the execution of many of those interventions, assisting us in overcoming some of the procurement requirements, documentation required for this because they make a pledge, you now have to submit documents in accordance with their requirements.”

He gave an example of the process involved.

“There is one donor that has committed some funds for one particular project and as the Minister of Finance, I had to sign eight different documents for this one project including letters to this government,” he explained. “In one case I was even required to submit, as the legal authority, as per the constitution as Minister of Finance, my passport for them to have in their file that this is the person who had signed these agreements.”

He stated that interventions the government has been engaging after Hurricane Maria have been financed by the country’s own resources.

“I would daresay about 95 percent and largely financed by the CBI because there is no tax revenue coming into the country in any significant way,” Skerrit remarked.

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52 Comments

  1. Jonathan Y St Jean
    January 22, 2018

    Then Skerritt since you see first hand how responsible governments and organizations go about being fiscally responsible with their moneys,then why do you think you can operate a slush fund from your office for whosoever wash your foot and come,once they are labour party supporters,utilizing tax payers money.All those who care about fairness and process will admit that you werr grossly wrong to operate the “red clinic” as a one man show to buy political favor from selected criticizes based on party credentials.Go and do the right thing

  2. ATKINSON
    January 21, 2018

    Can’t we just sell a few passports and “CBI” or way out of this :mrgreen:

    • anonymous2
      January 22, 2018

      Do you understand that the vast number of passports sold are sold to criminals or people with criminal intent? Who in their right mind would pay that kind of money for a Dominican passport if they really wanted to live here and be a decent citizen. They would go the residency route. Think about it. This is costing DA its reputation. Who wants to visit or live on an island full of criminals?

  3. Henry
    January 21, 2018

    No they are not abracadabra but they will surely disappear under your administration like abracadabra!

  4. Minenut
    January 20, 2018

    What you expect after 26 generators went, missing.
    The Australian government promised one million $us, but will give it to the International Organization responsible for migration to build homes for the vulnerabe people of Dominica. PPlease ask why they didnot give the money to government of Dominica.

    • Hmph!
      January 21, 2018

      Exactly! Can we trust these huge sums of money in just anyon’,hand?

  5. Sad it's so sad
    January 20, 2018

    Dominicans, do you all take pleasure in thrashing your country. I have never seen any or the country bad mouth their country on social media for the world to see and hear like you all do it’s a shame. You all blame the prime minister for everything but it’s not all him, we Dominicans are very Wicked to our country we claim to love. The countries that pledge to help Dominica after Maria some of them in two minds weather to help Dominica because of all the negative talks they are hearing coming from Dominicans mouth. Do you all think that if and when u w p ever comes in power do you all think that all will be well, I don’t think so because these countries knows year and see all what opposition is doing 2 bring down Dominica, so do you all think they will want to work with them to help build Dominic a I don’t think so…its really sad to see how low we will go to destroy our land

    • Neverson St jean
      January 21, 2018

      U are wrong, we are bashing the government

    • Anonymous
      January 22, 2018

      Blame Skerrit pal. He is the root of all evil in our country. Consorting with people like Monfared, Madueke and these two just the tip of an iceberg. You think foreign authorities don’t know? Be real.

    • Jonathan Y St Jean
      January 22, 2018

      @Sad it’s so sad,I don’t know in which universe you reside but here in the USA Isee how not only educated politicians and ordinary citizens are free to call it like they see it,ala Trump,the Republicans,Fox News etc.,so how date you think that Dominicans are unique in calling out their government when it’s corrupt and on the wrong track.I know you have difficulty understanding and making sense of issues or you would understand that all those criminals being arrested with diplomatic passports all over the world is because of the corrupt government.Who else can issue diplomatic passports?Also CBS did an expose on the corruption involved in the CBI programme and your holy prime minister wouldn’t even defend Dominica before the world,butgoes on Kairi and DBS to talk to fools like you.Get lost pal

  6. Truth Be Told
    January 20, 2018

    It is called due diligence, probity, accountability, and transparency, and I would suggest that you get used to it Mr Prime Minister. In fact it would be good if you and your Government begin to practice it! But why would you, when Dominicans refuse to hold you to account? You see, donor organisations and countries have to account to their Board o Directors, or their tax payers. Hard to believe that 40 years after being independent, the Dominican citizen and electorate is still so very immature as it concerns citizens rights and responsibilities. That’s why I blame Dominicans and not you, PM Skerrit, for your mishandling and mismanagement of Dominica’s economy and development!

    • Hmph!
      January 21, 2018

      I would also blame him. He did not ensure become our people self reliant. We want our people to be independent so they can be proud of their accomplishments. Where has your pride gone Dominicans?

  7. Myriam Alfred-brown
    January 20, 2018

    We need to stop and think about how these comments on social media will affect our country when you personally attack your leader. Dominica will rise but not with curses and such negativity from its people. Pray, give thanks to God for his sustainable grace. We have made it thus far after the effect of maria. What can you do to help and not just critcize. People it’s time to think positively for the betterment of Dominicans.

    • Praying for DA
      January 20, 2018

      Negative comments on social media? Did you miss all the fundraisers, collection drives, and gatherings FOR Dominica as well? People who care about their country will do what they can to support INCLUDING asking probing questions when things aren’t being handled properly!

    • Hmph!
      January 21, 2018

      Yes. We have to think positive but the people whom we depend on, can we trust them to do things in an honourable way. We cant just pray to God for hrlp . We also have to help ourselves.

    • Paul Rossnof
      January 21, 2018

      Stop talking nonsense. Why should I stop attacking a leader who is corrupt, has dictatorial tendencies and refuses to be accountable to the parliament and citizens. If you are to stupid to see the signs or refuse to see them don’t ask us to follow your ignorance.

    • Belle Beff pou Jeff.
      January 21, 2018

      “It is not Abracadabra,” the Prime Minister said, referring to an incantation used in stage magic tricks.Myriam Alfred-brown it once was with free money from Chavez, China the Russian Mob as our local Russian reps.
      We owe or don’t we owe Maduro? Have we been told what’s the contents of the MOU with China. The Bin Borbol, fertilizer, and the CBI monies if in doubt ask the Passport agents who are living large ,leaving Colossal tips when they take visiting guest/pld friends to lunch or dinner(to impress) if still in doubt ask Barbara she seems to know all those whos sell buy etc.

    • Neverson St jean
      January 21, 2018

      So if the govt. One man is doing things wrong, we should stay quiet? Is that what u suggest we xo

  8. anonymous2
    January 20, 2018

    The PM needs to contribute some “abracadabra” from his own bank account. You can’t believe anything that he says.

  9. Roy Williams
    January 20, 2018

    Roosevelt, you cannot blame Dominicans for believing the receipt of pledges are like, according you, just saying ABRACADADRA, boom, the money is in the treasury. It is over four months since Marie, you are yet to call a meeting of Parliament or an official address to the nation in order to inform Dominicans as to what is happening as regards pledges, donations and grants. Occasionally, to go to Kairi or DBS and make a statement in terms of where Dominica is, post Marie, therefore, a certain amount of speculations and unfavorable comments must be made. You behave as though Dominica was willed to you by your mother, father or Mr. Lennox Linton and the opposition parties are your bitter enemies.

    • Belle Beff pou Jeff.
      January 21, 2018

      Bogory I can see you flying catching footballs in the goal back in the 70’s But I don’t know who his father was /is Some say Rosie was but Pierro took over from Rosie when he passed . I don’t know about that I was not there. But I sure was in Windsor Park

  10. shrewd
    January 20, 2018

    Well use some money from the panama papers. or some millions that’s hidden away.

  11. Ibo France
    January 19, 2018

    A country never receives 100% of donation that is pledged. The donation is not strictly raw, hard cash. Some is given in services, materials and other forms. There must be a high level of transparency and accountability when these funds are disbursed and used, both of which are alien to the Skerrit’s administration. Only as a cohesive unit, only as a collective force, only with unity of purpose can Dominica pull itself out of this monumental predicament. Only a charismatic and shrewd leader may be able to do this. Does Skerrit possess the innate qualities it takes to unite and inspire the citizens to rise to the challenge? Judging from his abysmal record this is highly doubtful. What the PM has done since he has ascended to the throne is to disunited and pauperize the country.

  12. Karfwane Wedgehart
    January 19, 2018

    Beggars are not choosers because if they were, they would stop being the world’s most executive pan-handler; get a job! and leave leadership to leaders now!

  13. Dave Bertrand
    January 19, 2018

    Skerrit you have made it even harder for Dominica to get those money pledges. You have made a mess with the relief aid. You think the donor countries stupid? You and this DLP is a hindrance to development. The faster you leave office the better it will be for Dominica.

    • Gary
      January 20, 2018

      Why do you make such nonsensical statements without facts and evidence to prove the things you saying.When you say quote “Skerrit you have made it even harder for Dominica to get those money pledges” How did The PM make it harder for Dominica to get the money pledged. Have you heard any concerns or complaints from pledged donors questioning the credibility of The PM.

      Do you know how silly you sound when you say quote
      “The faster you leave office the better it will be for Dominica.” such statement is your opinion which is not held by the electorate, it is the electorate that decides what is better for Dominica not you, so long for your fallacy.

  14. UDOHREADYET
    January 19, 2018

    He stated that interventions the government has been engaging after Hurricane Maria have been financed by the country’s own resources.

    “I would daresay about 95 percent and largely financed by the CBI because there is no tax revenue coming into the country in any significant way,” Skerrit remarked.”

    That my friend is an amazing job and a magnanimous effort!!

    • Paul Rossnof
      January 20, 2018

      You of course believe that BS.

      • Gary
        January 20, 2018

        Well if you do not believe BS you tell me how the Government was able to meet its financial obligations after hurricane Maria when all its sources of income were severely affected, didn’t public service workers got their salaries on time.

  15. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    January 19, 2018

    “It is not Abracadabra,” the Prime Minister said, referring to an incantation used in stage magic tricks. ”

    Such poor vocabulary, about the level of an illiterate  seventeen century peasant!

    It took you plenty of time to realize it does not take a magic wand to get anything done or get money as your pretend to your puppets, and the ignorant people in Dominica who keep voting for you; only to have you obstruct progress in the country.

    More than half the promises made in regards to monitory  donations to aid in the rebuilding of the country, will not come to fruition, as long as you are prime minister of Dominica! Your corrupted reputation is know internationally, hence, no donor nation want their taxpayers given money did not go to serve the purpose it was intended!

  16. Truth offends
    January 19, 2018

    “In one case I was even required to submit, as the legal authority, as per the constitution as Minister of Finance, my passport for them to have in their file that this is the person who had signed these agreements.”
    Skerro boy you can’t fool me anymore. I am not Ian to be fooled by you more than one. Personally speaking, I believe the reason they asked for a copy of your passport is so they could see the countries you visiting so they could have a better idea of the people you might be meeting with. But that might still not work because you could give a regular Dominica passport, a diplomatic passport, a French passport or even an Iranian passport, if Monfared helped you with one.

  17. Paul Rossnof
    January 19, 2018

    … those of us who understand international finance, Skerrit said. Well I have to give you that, Skerrit, you most certainly understand international finance in particular when it concerns you personal finances. I refer specifically to Panama and Ltd. companies in the UK and Chanel Islands.

    • UDOHREADYET
      January 19, 2018

      The Prime Minister clearly stated that because of the Governments foresight ,95% of recovery funds so far have come from our own coffers and your BS comment is to get personal!!?!!… it useless vermin like you that are trying and failing to keep the country back so you can feel good about yourself!

      • Paul Rossnof
        January 20, 2018

        But it’s vermin like you to bring the country forward? I wonder when you are going to realise that the only thing you and your friends are ‘bringing forward’ is Skerrit and his cabal, you make them fat and rich at the countrys expense. By now even a blind man would have realised that. I assume you are not blind so you must be part of the cabal. Go away, you make me sick. No honour, no character, no loyalty to your country.

    • Gary
      January 20, 2018

      You mentioned Panama and Ltd. companies in the UK and Chanel Islands, is there any record of The PM involved in hiding his true wealth from the Dominican people.

      • Anonymous
        January 22, 2018

        Gary you must think we were all born yesterday. THe P.M. Would not be the first person to hide his assets behind a company that does not disclose its owners or beneficiaries. His apparent wealth and spending cannot be explained by his income as a P.M.

  18. thethingswesay
    January 19, 2018

    that is like when you tell your woman and them yes you will send $1000 for the carnival costume. Donor pledge. Meanwhile all after carnival they still waiting :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:. But dont believe they forget you.

    • Kermit
      January 20, 2018

      Well they dumber than bricks. Because why the hell you asking a big married man that always with his wife for money. Bye!

      • thethingswesay
        January 22, 2018

        You know why. He offering, whether he married or not. That is how men these days get and keep their women. by paying them

  19. Looking
    January 19, 2018

    “I would daresay about 95 percent and largely financed by the CBI because there is no tax revenue coming into the country in any significant way,” Skerrit remarked. Off course there is tax revenue, in that although there was the announcement of tax exemptions, vat is still collected by individuals and companies on goods they received tax free. Additionally, they charge exorbitant prices.

  20. January 19, 2018

    The funds will come, but Dominicans should not expect 100% of what was pledged. After the Tsunami that killed thousands in Asia billions of dollars were pledged but only a fraction was received. This type of aid is subject to various factors, a country might pledge 2 million but before it is delivered they could be faced with challenges of their own which could force them abandon their pledge. We seem to want a running report on how monies are been spent by government, that information will be in the budget when it’s presented in 5 months time.

    • Anonymous
      January 20, 2018

      Of course we do, as do the donors. Otherwise we end up with that nonsense in parliament of massive extra spending, over and above the budget that was presented and approved, when It is too late and the money has gone already. This makes a mockery of budget presentations by the Prime Minister.

  21. Dominican
    January 19, 2018

    Sometimes I think a comments section on DNO is utterly useless. Just a bunch of people complaining here with no proper goal.

    • Dominican Passport
      January 19, 2018

      What goal you can have in the comments genius? People are just stating their opinion, everybody has one.

    • Roger Burnett
      January 19, 2018

      On the contrary, I find DNO comments enlightening and an indicator of grass-root feelings. I agree with some and agree to differ with others. The only drawback is that I do not know the true identity of many that I would like to warmly shake by the hand.

  22. Anonymous
    January 19, 2018

    So why did the bragard have us all hyped up after the conference in New York? It would have been better if he had not said anything about the amount of money he expected to bag.

  23. Roosie
    January 19, 2018

    The international donors will not allow Skerrit to use their tax payers money like he uses the sale of passports or Petro Caribe. Transparency and accountability will be the key to receiving the funds. If not we will be like Haiti, we will see the money, smell it but will never touch it.
    Why won’t Skerrit just do the right thing? It’s so easy! Whoa!

    • Paul Rossnof
      January 19, 2018

      I’m afraid to say, you are right on the money. Nobody is going to transfer a heap of cash into the governments account. Everybody knows by now about Skerrit and government funds. Who is suffering, poor old Ma Dominique.

  24. Shaka Zulu
    January 19, 2018

    Blah blah blah. It not the first time this has happened so we all know the procees. What you need to do is make available info on when the funds come in and how they are used. All this breying is useless. Countries pledge 1 billion we recieved 500 million so far used to do x y z with backup info and records so if i search what you said matches public records. Case close. Stop flattering yourself thinking is you alone tbat know how international relations and procedures works.

    • Shaka Zulu
      January 19, 2018

      All that talk of what he has to do is irrelevant. Skerrit is sounding like it is a burden to him. He is used to going to china and Venezuela and ghadaffi get a briefcase an no one ask for anything. Well the world not gping give you money just like that. If it is a burden let me go get. What is relevant is that the minister of finance make publicly clear % of pledged funds received, where and how it is spent for recovery and back up documents. Dominicans realy gullible. Same ole crap year in year out. It will take next hurricane season to wipe out the place before you guys realize this guy is full of sh……..

    • Anonymous
      January 20, 2018

      Shaka, you are right. I am still waiting to hear what our Baroness collected since she was appointed our relief coordinator after Erica more than than two years ago. What happened there?

      • Neville
        January 21, 2018

        We will never know. The same way we will never know how much Dominica did receive after Maria. Skerrit just refuses to be accountable. We need to force this man to present animal account audited by an independent body. In the absence of an independent body in Dominica it would have to be KPMG or Price Waterhouse.

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