It appears that Jamaicans are at odds over their island’s relief to Dominica following the ravages of Tropical Storm Erika.
The Jamaica Observer has reported that some of its readers went on a “tirade of vitriol while others applauded Jamaica’s move” after a report was published in the newspaper on Jamaica’s assistance to Dominica.
Last week Jamaica’s Junior Works Minister, Richard Azan, led a delegation to Dominica and presented a check of US$100,000 to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit towards the island’s recovery efforts.
The move did not go down well with some Jamaicans, who commented on the Jamaica Observer’s report.
One commenter according to the Jamaica Observer, Jamaicans Unite ByLisa, said, “No mi nah laugh… Haven’t these wolves in sheep’s clothing heard about taking care of home first? LOl. I’m all for helping those in need, but if my kids don’t have any shoes, and my neighbour’s kids don’t have any shoes, whom do I first buy shoes for?”
Another, James Dallenk said: “where would they get that kind of money to pledge, when no jobs created in Jamaica, fire trucks don’t run, hospitals have no supplies… the citizens better make sure they get involved in this or any giveaway…”
But some readers took a different stance.
One who goes by the name, Noshel, said, “I am sorry sister, this is a little narrow… Just look at the help that had poured in to Jamaica after hurricane Gilbert, what if every donors would have looked at it the way you are doing now? Come on, I know you can do better, and better you must do regarding this special disastrous circumstances!”
Jamaicans Unite ByLisa then responded to Noshel’s comment by saying: “I am all for helping others, but I have to make sure that my home is taken care of first. Like someone said, we could have given our support in the form of sending members of JDF (Jamaica Defence Force) to assist in their recovery efforts. Do you see Haiti, the only country poorer than us is the Carribean, dishing out cash that they don’t have? Right now we’re very short on cash in every which way, so I don’t see why we are giving what we’re in dire need of ourselves.”
Another Jamaica Observer commenter, iisdebabyfadda, said, “Poor argument. The issue is not about poverty. A natural disaster occurred where people lost their lives. Consider it this way, if you’re penniless and homeless, but you see someone stumble in the roadway, do you go help them up, or do you say you’ve got too many troubles as is, why go help someone else out of theirs?”
The Jamaica Observer reported that sentiments on Facebook were similar.
“Look how Jamaica people them a suffer, and if u nuh have school fee them a complain. Smh,(wh)y them never put it towards our youth education? Smh, and them a talk bout country poor and find so much money fi Dominica,” Nicole Stafford wrote.
But Kimaner Julien, thanked the Jamaican Government by writing, “Thank you Jamaica… those who experienced hurricane Gilbert has some idea of what we are going through in Dominica presently.”
Another, Georgia Robinson said it was a good gesture but questioned what is happening for places in Jamaica without basic amenities.
“It’s a gud look, but wha happen to some place in you country wha want wata, light , road, and some people wah nuh live no weh, ah bwoy, smh, politicians,” she wrote, according to the Jamaica Observer.
Sad the Jamaican feel that way.If we giveore we will receive more.That’s why we lack because we don’t give and when we give we amidst. So the people who don’t have and speak like this need to change their way of thinking so the lord and bless them. The lord say do unto others as you want them to do unto you
When we give in time of our need that please god and he give double portion
Nah give Skerritt money in he ‘and man. should a give it to Redcross! di Dominicans nah see one penny of this money. Why put pressure on other island and him refuse foo ask America?
Some of these low expectation people making these callous comments about why Jamaica shouldn’t lend a hand to Dominica in its most urgent hour, only serves to reinforce the stereotype of the welfare lot who think that the only way they can get ahead is if the govt gives them a steady dose of the dole without working hard for it, and when a disaster merits a helping hand, which can happen to any island at anytime, they cry foul and show their selfish core!!!!
Ok!!! The small-minded people of Jamaica must stop the nonsense. Whatever is going on in Dominica is much bigger than their individual and selfish concern. Thank you To the Government of Jamaica for doing the right thing. Stay bless!!!!
100,000 is a joke. your govt. gave liat 8 million.a private company.most jamaicans i have met in new york never heard of dominica. the british rule is divide and conquer.i just hope that all the cash received is accounted for.
The Jamaicans commenting think is Spanish Speaking Dominican Republic that deporting their black Haitian brothers.
Dem ignorant and doh know wey Dominica Dey!!
I am very angry that my comments are not published by DNO. I never disrespect anyone I voice my opinion like everyone else. The blogs I put on is small change to what I read on DNO against the Honourble PM is it politics? Just asking
Thank you to the Jamaican government for assisting Dominica in time of need. Your help is greatly appreciated.
God bless you, your country and nationals.
What You Give Is What You Get (Helen Steiner Rice)
The more you give, the more you get
The more you laugh the less you’ll fret
The more you do unselfishly
The more you’ll live abundantly
The more of everything you share
The more you’ll always have to spare
The more you love
The more you’ll find
That life is good and friends are kind
For only what we give away
Enriches us from day to day
Note: Nation helping nation in time of need. Every country has poverty and poor people. If we hear and read about the woes of poor people, even those who are employed, the working poor, we would be surprised. Nevertheless, Heads of State will still find the funds to assist other countries in time of need.
Brothers, Sisters, neighbors helping those in time of need. It is a command from God to help one another at such times. May we not fail to do so. By this we will be judged and receive our just recompense, as we deserve, from no other but The Lord.
I have said this previously in another article, probably more than once. Every country has contingency funds for emergency purposes. Jamaica is no exception.
Those who oppose the help to D/ca, they are merely projecting their ignorance, selfishness and lack of generosity. This is their mannerism and lifestyle.
A book is judged by its cover. These are also projecting their true colors. I would not like to meet them. In fact, their words are unimportant and worth nothing. Just as some people write for the sake of writing with no substance, some speak for the sake of speaking. They deserve no credence.
The world today is such that all types of people have a voice unlike in those days. They feel important talking and criticizing. Some of them have contributed nothing to their country. In short, they want much, have taken much and give nothing in return. They have the loudest mouths and barks. If only we met them we would soon find out who they are.
Not all Jamaican’s are alike. I help a Jamaican couple establish their business for years in America and they are yet to offer a penny in my country relief effort. A few I barely know did donate. So you see, it’s not the people you help that will help you in return. Just pray nothing bad happens to everyone at the same time because we need someone to help someone when in need.
In time, one way or the other, whatever they sow they will reap two-fold.
It is always better to do good; far better.
The blessings come from God who knows, sees and hears all things, whom nothing is hidden from and who rewards the good and punishes the wicked.
God heard them all, the kind ones and the unkind ones. May the latter not say, “Why me?”
Who is watching all the money flowing into Dominica to make sure it does not get ripped off by crook politicians and deposited into their overseas bank accounts?
Waste not your time to as much as think of it. Do not be of small and narrow mind.
Nationals in need of are being helped. Let God be the Judge. You are not. Do your best to assist those in need, if you are able to do so. God will judge you accordingly.
we vote to give you the job, face book minister.
Hi John as long as you are not the one watching the money all will be safe
dope
Jamaicans need to learn the Bible principle, “when you give from the little you have your jar will never run dry.” The residents may be with upset but I pray that God wi reward them double the gift bestowed on us. Thank you Jamaica.
What’s the point of this article?
Do you not know? Others got the gist of it. Why not you?
Re-read it over and over again. It may sink in, into your narrow mind.
Free speech…I respect the Jamaican dissenters concerns. I do NOT think the dissenters are against giving. They are just revealing their realistic situation.
The economy is really bad in Jamaica–high in unemployment; low in jobs. Jamaica may be the second poorest country in the Caribbean after Haiti. I was even surprised they gave so much.
Thank you, Jamaica.
Dominica will be in a position to give back to Jamaica pretty soon. None of the islands are immune to disasters, we should all know that. Today is Dominica, tomorrow can be Jamaica. Not that I’m wishing, because these disasters sets the islands back and place a few into abstract poverty. Let’s pray for each and every ones country from harm.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. As we all know there are many short sighted people around us and in other places. Their lack of willing to understand things and people outside themselves is what got them where they are in the first place. Shoes is exactly what the Jamaican commenter will use as her example because Jamaicans are now more concerned with fashion than education. If she said we need scholarships and investments in small business and the means to trade our products globally instead of iphone and high heels her comment would have been better received. anyway Dominicans need it more so…
Well thank you jamacia for your suppot. And to the commenter lisa, that what happens when you have a so call democratic socialist, leftist people’s national party government. Of a prime minster who has been in government since 1976 almost 40 years. Who tells the jamaican people the way to a better life is free, housing, health care, schooling, and everyone should be equal.
So you end up with everyone poor, unemployed and at odds and without shoes. And the icing on the cake, she attends Harvard university, John F kennedy, government school, That not where poor socialist students go to seek an education. But as P.M. Portia Simpson, said “I am the people’s prime minster” 
If it be an individual or a nation the principle is the same.
King Solomon 1,000 years before Christ wrote and I am paraphrasing his words ”There are those who hold back more than is appropriate and it results in their own poverty.” (The Proverbs). Later in history Christ Himself said ”Give and it shall be given unto you, …” (The Gospels).
When we see a need we should see it as an opportunity to sow a seed that will result in us receiving an abundant blessing when we are in need ourselves at some future time. By doing so we are actually securing our future and enriching our own lives!
Yes, each of us have needs of our own. There are nations with poor citizens who have needs. But this should not stop them from helping others. It should not prevent a nation from assisting another nation that has been struck by a disaster.
God will bless Jamaica and any organization or individual in Jamaica who assists Dominica at this time.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald…
I don\’t think its fair to criticize Jamaicans on a whole . There will always be opposition from persons who find that their country could have used that money to help its own citizens ( unemployed, homeless etc). If it was Dominica giving aid to another country some of us would be quick to criticize and ask why. Let us not be quick to bad talk a whole country based on a few comments on social media. persons have free speech anyways.
It is not bad-talking. It is stating the truth. Anyone who could make such a statement against assisting a country which suffered a disastrous storm and what it did to the country and its nationals is heartless. Ignorance may also be the cause of it. However, make no excuses for them. If they had it in them, they would be happy that their government assisted Dominica.
If they are insane they are excused. Otherwise, they do not deserve anyone making excuses for them.
What does DNO expect to achieve my this misleading article except to start a war of words between two Caribbean countries who are trying to come together?
If Dominicans had made similar comments against helping Jamaicans, I doubt if their newspapers of all would have enough space to write their comments denouncing Dominica and that would be putting it mildly. These types would not hesitate to insult us and call us derogatory names. If the situation were different with them, we always say, put themselves in our shoes and see how it would feel.
Who Jah bless no man curse, when the rain falls it does not fall on one Dominica house. Remember that. Life goes on. There must and will always have persons for and against any thing. Win loose or draw. Rast a man live up. Long live Dominica.
no matter where we come from we are one people.if these people are feeling the squeeze and their leaders make such donations no matter to who or where they have a right to voice their opinions. dominicans voiced similar opinions when pm skerrit donated a large amount of funds to the catholic cathedral not too long ago.
THE Government of Dominica should give back Jamaica the money they need it more than us Dominica, but having said that there are people in Dominica with very bad attitude as well just take a look down the road at Q95 say no more.
It’s very important that we encourage free speech. What’s really good about this is that the majority of Jamaicans welcome their Government’s assistance to us. Those who are opposed to it have their own issues and frankly it’s important that they vent. We thank the Jamaican Government for their generosity. God bless the Jamaican Government & God bless DOMINICA & it’s Government.
Tommy lee has contributed his payment to Dominica in aid of disaster relief
yea the supremo, should let tommy give a concert, it might generate more money that what the have plan
These people never seem to Amaze me at All!
We don’t have to look too far for such attitudes, we have a similar attitude in Dominica and am not refering to the vast majority of Dominicans. These are just Jamaicans with an opinion on how their government should be spending their money, the same way some Dominicans questioned the wisdom of government giving $300k to help in the reconstruction of the Cathedral. The constant complaining when someone from another islands lands a job in Dominica, the question always is why not a Dominican. So we can’t worry about a few Jamaicans, mean spirited as it may sound who are concerned about their Government use of scarce resources.
What the contribution to the catholic church for the cathedral roof has to do with the relief for ALL Dominicans? And it was $500 thousand not $300 thousand.
This article is tactless. What’s the point?
They just want us to know that even a gesture of good will and an act of charity brings naysayers out of the woodwork.
It shows you cannot please everybody. Even when you do good to help others there are people who will be offended.
Non – Christians and people of other faiths may have different reasons for doing good. For whatever their reasons are it is the proper thing to do. God bless them!
My own Canada based denomination – by which I am ordained and to which I report – is working with international relief charitable organizations to deliver help to Dominica.
Hopefully, Christians are motivated by their love for others.
Take note: We are obeying and following our ”ancient texts” (the Bible).
”… whoever has this world’s goods, and beholds his brother has need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him
” (1 John 3:17)
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, Evangelist.
The Catholic Church, the First Church was the first to have the Bible. When Martin Luther left the Church, he took a Bible with him. He took off some Chapters from it as also The Book of Maccabees. He took off what he wanted according to his mentality and lifestyle.
Henry VIII wanted to marry another woman while his wife, Catharine of Aragon was still alive. He imprisoned her because she could not give him a boy, an heir to the throne. He asked the then Pope for a divorce. He refused to give him a divorce for obvious reason.
Henry VIII, defiant, decided to form his church and turned practically all of Great Britain into a non-Catholic country. This is why there is the King James version of the bible. Know that, it is a “version” of the Bible; not the true Bible. Others followed suit.
“Some” of Henry VIII’s descendants who were also Kings and Queens persecuted, executed and beheaded some Catholics who opposed him.
Read the book on Martin Luther and Henry VIII.
A little more history:
Catharine of Aragon, a Catholic (as Henry VIII), died in prison.
Most of the countries Great Britain owned, ruled and reigned, the majority of its subjects were/are non-Catholics. This was the influence of Henry VIII, down to “some” of his successors. Those are the countries from Antigua to Jamaica.
Jamaica is predominantly non-Catholic. All because of Henry VIII.
He also had a few of his wives beheaded. He was termed as a mad man and a wicked one. He died young enough. If I recall, at the age of 53; not surprisingly for that era, it was stated he died of consumption. I often wonder where that soul is in eternity. God and the soul know.
Jamaicans are too selfish and greedy. We must stop bringing those Reggae Artist here. Jamaicans think they are the best thing after sliced bread. In a time like This one needs the other they suppose to be our sister Island. Well anything is expected with Jamaicans BUJU sing “Look how they fighting Sensimelia making way for coke to come”. see where he is today and for what.
True talk
this is an unfair statement. some voiced opposition while others supported it and the government demonstrated the support by donation and yet you generalise and categorise ALL Jamaicans??? you are showing your ignorance. what’s worse is that their are 21 other ignorant people who gave this drivel a thumbs up
What is new? Jamaicans have always been at odds, especially with themselves. Any help we receive is voluntary, there is no obligation. I don’t think any different of those who give or those who don’t give but to those who did give I say “Thank you”!. Peace to all.
WAH GWAN JAMIAIKA —-
Oh shut up typical Jamaican.
Was there any comment from Tommy Lee?
Tommy Lee probably saying “where is MY money Skerrit?”
Him done get him maillians fram Skerrit, ander de cover a darkness, him do kay, de bawy hab plenty Dominica fu feed he!
If I was tommy lee, every week i would book a flight to dominica. I he is arrested and deported that more money in his pocket