PM shuts down Dominica ahead of Tropical Storm Isaac

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has taken the decision to “shut down” the country on Wednesday, August 22, as the threat of Tropical Storm Isaac looms.

However he has said that all emergency personnel and security officers should report to work.

“I want people to remain safe and stay in doors as we brace for the storm,” PM Skerrit said on Kairi FM adding that he came to the decision based on advice of officials from the Office of Disaster Management and the Meteorological Office.

At 8 pm, the center of Tropical Storm Isaac was located near latitude 15.5 north, longitude 54.9 west or about 430 miles or 690 km east of Dominica.

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187 Comments

  1. -----------
    August 23, 2012

    but dominicans .. the pm said to stay home so all u can prepare for the storm, get all u tooth bruth and the rubbish all u have at all u home that is valuable and get out of the 2 by 4 house to safty.. next time i want to see all u go work..
    u know i will want to see the pm tell all u to go work and hurricane come, and all u not prepared,, wonder what u guys would say..
    the man care about the safty of the people who elect him..who dont want to be safe shut the hell up..geezzzz.. dont know how u please all u ungratefull people..

  2. Positive vibes
    August 23, 2012

    Ppl!.stop tlkin bout who said this and dt. The main ting is the PM did not have to shut down the country. He could have at least made it a half day. We all saw how the storm arrived only late in afternoon.
    @ Justice Truth…..i think u should stop criticizing ppl. it’s their opinions!

    • I CAN'T UNDERSTAND
      August 24, 2012

      I think i can say you have never experienced a tropical storm. Maybe heavy rain, some thunder and lightning.You know there is nothing wrong with being safe rather than being sorry.A half day would be fine, yes.
      Choose, a dead loved one over a 8 hours of work, lost, compared to an asset to the company that is no longer there to provide you with that service excellence or an 8 hour day where you maybe work honestly for about 3 hours of that day.
      Comeon we need to open our minds.

  3. speaking logic
    August 22, 2012

    before any announcements are made, all media house are to be informed that the P.M will be making an annoucement soon, so everyone gets the news at the same time…there are five radio stations in DA…that is the job of the press secretary

  4. Yankee Doodle
    August 22, 2012

    The Prime Minister should have not shut down the country an entire day ahead. He should have informed the public that a decision would be made by 6;00am the following morning. For him it’s a flat salary but for other people it is an entire day work. I think it is time black people stop been so afraid of bad weather. In the States rain, snow or sleet people will go to work. Prevention is better than cure but i believe he was too anxious

    • CB BOSS
      August 23, 2012

      Why do you people like to mention about the States?

      Leave the states out of it because you don’t know what you’re talking about.

      You might be living in the States, but it is clear that you know nothing about the States.

  5. Query
    August 22, 2012

    DNO….Is it the PM or the government? I know we can get misled in that area of authority. Please look into this.

  6. intoxi
    August 22, 2012

    Yow the is a good man he means well but the people he have advising him are a bunch of idiots and they are the ones that is sucking the country resources am making he the PM pass like a JACK***.The report said they deliberate for hours last night before they came to a decision for the closing of the country bear in mind its a tropical storm 218 miles east of Dominica traveling at 18 mile and hour that is simple maths to me but any ways they had to deliberate on that too. if it was a hurricane God know what would be the order. You know sometimes i feel sorry for the guy the PM need to stop that fren thing he have mix up with politics and hold them guys accountable for making him pass as an ass. If he do not know he is the one that looks bad and the real idiots go home and laugh at him.I mean how could them guys get this so wrong with all this technology today.Why does the pm have to do everything where is the minister of national security what was his advice why does the pm have to do his job and that of the other ministers are they incompetent? if they are then why are they there ? PM send those guys home and take their salary for doing there job. i know you say they will have to present their case for runing the next election but no dont wait till election time do it now we the people are see your good work we will vote for you even if you have no ministers because the rest are feeding on you. Dont you see anything that happen all they say is if it was not for the leadership of skeritte we would not.that is to show you they are sitting there waiting just like everybody else.i mean common man. If i was suppose to behave like that at my job i would be fired i can tell u that much.

  7. V.I Resident
    August 22, 2012

    @Cosco you are such a???????. There’ s a big difference between a tropical storm and a ordinary rainfall .think about it

  8. Ihatemedard
    August 22, 2012

    Way papa more poverty how u expect people to get out of poverty if u don’t want them too work! For a Storm Geez Man!

  9. DISGUSTED
    August 22, 2012

    i am so sick of this petty politics in this country.Do good, people are talking;do bad they are still talking.Jeez man, everything the PM does some people just have to criticize.You know what, next time a Storm or Hurricane is approaching us, the PM must not shut down the country.Let us go to work because all of a sudden we all like to work and see if it will not be the very same people that will be saying that he doesn’t care about people.PM you just do what Dominicans elected you to do.You will never be able to please the masses.MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOU BE SAFE TOO.B

  10. Anonymous
    August 22, 2012

    well do hope you all ride the storm we are at sea and feeing the storm from the ship lots of shaking but good distance away

  11. DominicaFirst
    August 22, 2012

    Some govt buildings are safer than their houses.. Never mind me don’t know what I’m saying.. Stay safe my friends.

  12. MAMMY
    August 22, 2012

    Mr PM if at all you are the country’s PM, will you please respect the listeners to Q95 and treat them like those listening to Kairi,Couldn’t you inform them of issues like the impending storm also,and at the same time? That’s what a real leader would do.

  13. Vigilant!!
    August 22, 2012

    Some people are now in de road in their villages enjoying their wet fetes. The PM said to stay home and find safe shelter, but there they are ignoring all warnings and making people talk about the PM.

    • *
      August 22, 2012

      Why can’t people talk about the PM? Isn’t he our PM? People are talking about the most supreme being “God”? Are you aware? By the way are you loco or what?

  14. Anonymous
    August 22, 2012

    You mean we couldn’t have put in a HALF day?! Yes I. We are supposed to prepare for de storm, not wait on it!

    • laparowl
      August 22, 2012

      true dat… slight drizzle.. no real rain up to now

    • Andrea
      August 22, 2012

      exactly! but that announcement was made on a political talk show. It was not carefully calculated and based on the direction of the storm the announcement could have been made in the morning at 5:00Am.. just a wasted day.

      • Anonymous
        August 22, 2012

        at 5am..lolol..u think people would be awake at that time.

      • Grand Bay Girl
        August 22, 2012

        Y did’nt u wake up @ 5am and make d announcement lol stuppes

      • DA-BOY
        August 23, 2012

        Morons St.Croix is close down since yesterday and the National Guard (including me) has been activated since yesterday.

        Based on guys idiotic thinking you are saying the Governor should wait and ‘play chicken’ with citizens’.

        He given prior warnings of the storm’s path by the pofessionals and that’s all he needs

      • DA-BOY-CORRECTION
        August 23, 2012

        Morons, St.Croix is close down since yesterday and the National Guard (including me) has been activated.

        Based on guys idiotic thinking you are saying the Governor should wait and ‘play chicken’ with citizens’ lives.

        He was given prior warnings of the storm’s path by the pofessionals and that’s all he needs. He is not God.

        Please people think before you comment. Its disgusting. We not only one reading these comments.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 22, 2012

      @ Anonymous

      Excellent and brilliant comment. You made me laugh. It is not like “waiting on the Lord.” :lol:

    • I CAN'T UNDERSTAND
      August 24, 2012

      i hope you never have to experience what it feels like to think that you a well prepared waiting and at the end of the day you forgot just one little, tiny thing. When you roof gone where to run. It happened to me at 6 years of age. I had to wait for it, people was not to certain if it would hit DA but it did and killed so many. Well sit and wait, prepare it is the same thing.
      We should say praise God it did not hit because i tell you with all the complains about the pm and his government. There will be no end

  15. Doc. Love
    August 22, 2012

    Sometimes it is not what you do but how you do it.This strong man stile behavior is not good for Dominica.DNO along Q95 and the nation station were not officially informed of the closing down of the country. I noticed under criticism you changed your first head lines,I agreed with your headlines as was previosly shown.Skerrit must understand,this is no one man show. He talks about politicising everything in Dominica, but he is also guilty of this way of life.The great announcement relating to the closure of the country was not made on the Nation Station or GIS but on a political programe on Kairi.

    • LIKE OR DISLIKE
      August 22, 2012

      Man get a life.All you there for is pick and critizise.Don’t worry,Skerrit will leave for you all one day!

    • Justice and Truth
      August 22, 2012

      @ Doc.Love

      Whose style is good for Dominica? :twisted: Could you or anyone else do better? I doubt it. The PM has enemies and you are one of them. His supporters should not expect any better from people as you. :twisted:

    • I CAN'T UNDERSTAND
      August 24, 2012

      Nonsense, you say that because you have cultured yourself to think that way as many Dominicans have.It was a recording from DBS played on Kairi. If Q95 was not blue down in their soul they would have made the issue based more on they asking for a copy to bring the information to their listeners and not whether the move to shut down the country was a wise one.Even Mr. Peltier at one time was embarrassed by his callers focusing solely on the action of the prime minister rather than the impending threat.
      On another note, I can’t say that i blame him if that is what is going on. He has been misquoted so many times by Mr. Peltier. Wrong as it may be .
      I believe the so called news men at Q95 should be as passionate about obtaining the information necessary to keep their listeners abreassed of bad weather condition as they are at scrutinizing other aspects of the PMs life with extreme prejudice.
      Oh, and yes he is guilty of that life he is a politition. You would be the same.

  16. Country Man
    August 22, 2012

    I can see this for a hurricane but not a tropical storm. It should be a voluntary shut down and not mandatory. We have been through several tropical storms without a mandatory shut down. What makes this one so special. Then again this is mostly for the city dwellers. The farmer man and his family still have to tend to the livestock and get the food from the land so they can have a warm soup while the weather does it thing. Hope everyone stay safe in the process

    • Anonymous
      August 22, 2012

      what are you talking about ner,’I can see this for a hurricane but not a tropical storm’. Tropical storm can do as much damage as a hurricane depending on different factors!

    • Justice and Truth
      August 22, 2012

      @ Country Man

      You are talking nonsense. :twisted: Left to business owners, they would not give their employees time off. Come hell and high water and when all else breaks loose, only then will they close their businesses and tell their employees to go home – too late.
      Appreciate the PM for his consideration and be grateful.
      If you are thinking of the loss of business in monetary terms, you should know that money cannot buy everything. God is in control and He provides. Nothing is lost in His sight. If you are a godly person you would not complain about the PM. You are not the PM and never will be. Have respect for him and his decision as Prime Minister of Dominica.

      • Country Man
        August 23, 2012

        I am trying figure what are you getting at. From where I sit the decision of the PM has no effect on me and I have absolutely no interest in politics. Whether he shuts down or opens the country does not change my life or that of my family. I have seen David in 79 and all what has followed to present and it is the first time I have heard of shutting down the country for a storm. What about state of emergency – all school closing and nonessential businesses closing. But I can’t get my head around shutting down a country for 40 – 50 mph winds with rain. It shows that our preparedness and ability to operate/manage tropical storms is weak.

    • I CAN'T UNDERSTAND
      August 24, 2012

      Have you ever sat on the back of a pick up moving at 60 miles per hour. Not to mention 4 to 8 inches of rain, flying debris and a bunch of other issues that may or may not occur. Are you sure that you know what a tropical storm is capable of. I don’t think so. If you do or have experienced one and still believe that then your an unreasonable person.

  17. Rule
    August 22, 2012

    Most people would have stayed home anyway. This is a function of Law enforcement and medical authorities. At times it seems like one one runs the country and all these other ministers remains in mute.

  18. trolol
    August 22, 2012

    oh well, I guess it is the right decision.. Apparently like you someone said “The PM decision is above everybody.” I will say this tho, I bet it’s nothing serious.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 22, 2012

      @ trolol

      Some of you make some silly statements. You are a laissez faire person as your comments, who do not take matters seriously, when they should be taken seriously.
      What if Dominica would get the hurricane and in a worst way and damaged your house and you lost everything? You would be shedding tears of sorrow and wailing and expect the government to assist you to rebuild and provide you with the necessities of life. Know that it would be a punishment for you. You know fully well what a storm or hurricane can do to a country and yet you make such ignorant comments.
      For God’s sake! He is the PM and has the right to make this decision. You should not be criticizing him for that. You lack respect. Know your place. Some of you find everything to complain and criticize about. Miserable people. You are never satisfied.

  19. god fearing
    August 22, 2012

    would you all think the prime minister.would just go shut down a country like that.if is not base on an advisory.st.lucia does it .would some of you all know there is danger and still go there .precaution is better than cure.what you all ratter something go wrong buch of casualty.asking other islands to asist where we could i list make preperation.and to know is not sudden and it better to b warn.YOU DONE WELL MR PM.YOU CAN PLEASE ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME PEACE

    • positive
      August 22, 2012

      Well said God fearing

    • Anonymous
      August 22, 2012

      Well said boy. I don’t know what happening to Dominicans. They forget what happened last year with tropical storm Ophelia? People would be going on about business as though nothing was going on. We could even have deaths because people travel from all around for work. Dominicans seem to forget how little it takes for landslides and sinks in the roads. They seem to make everything about politics and not about the well being of their countrymen. Such hypocrites. Thanks for the one or two voices of reason on here. Thanks Mr. Prime Minister for thinking of the safety of my Dominican Countrymen.

  20. cool running
    August 22, 2012

    I cannot blame the PM for taking that decision. He made it clear that he was motivated by “Advice of officials from the office of disaster management and the meteorological office.” So I can’t blame hime for acting wisely. However, I do believe that either the PM or those who advised him about the threat of this storm, did so based on lessons learnt from pass storms that were taken for granted.
    This one reminds me of an umpire giving a batsman out when replay shows that he was clearly not out. So to show that he is fair, he decides to payback for the bad call, by failing to give the new batsman out when he was clearly out. So whether the bad call was from the PM or those who advised him, someone is trying to payback.
    Why is the PM using Kairi FM to make such important calls? Why not the nation station DBS? Does he have shares with Kairi and as a result, is trying to make them the number one station? I can understand he might want to keep DBS from politics but this one is not politics; it is an elected PM addressing the nation on a potential disaster. I really don’t get it!

    • ______________
      August 22, 2012

      He involves politics in everything then he comes and talk nonsense to keep politics out of the question.He garbles from all corners of his mouth.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 22, 2012

      @ cool running

      You are not cool at all. Keep quiet!
      Who do you expect to address the country? It is his obligation to address the country/the people. Who else in Dominica is the authority if not the Prime Minister?

  21. trute
    August 22, 2012

    No matter what the PM does, its like he can’t win. I am not into petty politics but please let’s just unite as Dominicans. I wish everyone a safe day/night and that there will be no destruction and loss of lives.

  22. sense outa nonsense
    August 22, 2012

    nobody cyanna cross it, not even the kids them can go to school. yesterday a bus was coming from town, with a bus load of people, just the mercy of God why the bus don’t go over. the bus cyan swim, believe it or not, the bus cyan swim. every body havfi walk. the fisher men cyan cross it, the fisher woman cyan cross it. nobody cyanna cross it, no… no…. nobody…..

  23. Bee
    August 22, 2012

    The PM made this decision on he was told by the
    desaster manangement. Nothing his man does is
    being credited.

    • Anonymous
      August 22, 2012

      of course he is being credited!not by all but by some so you shud not say nothing.

      • Bee
        August 25, 2012

        You should not say anything likewise.

  24. Desmond
    August 22, 2012

    Some comments are so sick its upseting the pm made the dicision on the advice of the disaster management office, im sure if they could call the shots they would have done the same thing, what is really and truly wrong with some of our watered down inteligence, if you love your country and its ppl, protect them and not put them at risk owing to some person blatant stupidity and political garbagery

    • T
      August 22, 2012

      @Desmond But you are the biggest hater of your country and its people. So you mean to tell me that the PM does not know that a very significant percentage of Dominicans listen only to Q95 so it should have been necessary to have the announcement on Q95 at the same time? Are you stupid or WICKED?

      • Justice and Truth
        August 22, 2012

        @ T

        Did Q95 not tune in to the other Radio Station? The management should have done so. I am certain that they heard the entire broadcast and some of you are making a fuss and criticizing the PM saying that others did not hear it. They must have heard because they did not go to work or school. Right? Let people speak for themselves and mind your own business. Your comments are not fair and they are in vain. Do you not have anything better to do with your time?

      • JIM
        August 23, 2012

        @Justice and Truth..You sound so ridiculous and stupid.It is the duty of the PM, the one you adore as your God, to inform all and sundry and not a few of an impending disaster. He is totally wrong to believe that a matter of national importance should be politicized. And fools like you are in sync with dat…You need to educate yourself what good leaders do, so thet you do not sound so stupid and illiterate.SOT!

    • positive
      August 22, 2012

      I agree,if another man takes their wife is the prime ministers fault,water ho is his fault, they feelings sick,is his fault ,wea papa mr.prime minister.

      • *
        August 22, 2012

        @ positive Will you please go dump your garbage where you took it? The PM or your God is at fault to believe that it’s only listenere on Kairi,that are citizens of Dominica? YOUR IDIOT CAN’T YOU SEE THAT. Your big head is empty man!

      • Justice and Truth
        August 22, 2012

        @ positive

        One day they will answer to God for their attitude and unloving one.

  25. Magnetic Current
    August 22, 2012

    He should have announced it on all the radio stations simultaneously and not just one… 8) What’s so difficult about that?

    • NIS
      August 22, 2012

      why can’t the other media outlets – radio, web, etc – just share the information to their listeners? Why should de PM have to go to every media house? What nonsense is that?

  26. poe-ki-toe
    August 22, 2012

    it is a sound decision based on the information presented re the looming tropical storm. those of you who agree are wise, those of you who disagree are otherwise.

  27. Andrea
    August 22, 2012

    The PM made a good decision based on what was told to him. My question is for those who gave him the advice…. how certain were they that the storm would hit today.

    • tie toe
      August 22, 2012

      only god knows the answer to your question

      • trolol
        August 22, 2012

        Meteorolgist with good technology also knows the answer to that question.

    • positive
      August 22, 2012

      I forgive u my child u sound young, ask about DAVID and u will understand why the ppl in authority takes no chances

      • Andrea
        August 22, 2012

        Are you saying that a decision like this could not have been made in the early AM. Do you understand the significance of the country being SHUT down? It’s a big deal if you ask me.

    • Anonymous
      August 22, 2012

      are we not getting the rain? the soil is already saturated and therefore more rain added to the alreay saturated soil can cause lanslide.get it so far and so it was necessary to keep people away from falling rocks and area prone to landslides.

      people life is more important than money.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 23, 2012

      @ Andrea

      How stupid can you be to ask a stupid question? You really do not deserve an answer. :twisted:

  28. Coco DiFiolo
    August 22, 2012

    Mr Prime Minister i do not always agree with you and many of the decisions that you take,however i am honestly convinced that you acted in the best interest of the nation.As much as i criticize
    you and the ruling party,i believe those of us who are critizing this decision are really off the mark on this one.People come first.

  29. resident
    August 22, 2012

    then restart of dominica is scheduled? :)

  30. Doc. Love
    August 22, 2012

    DNO must be honest with me,if you have decided to ban my comments,please inform me. You have my email address. Why a comment sent you to you since yesterday is still in moderation.

  31. Anonymous
    August 22, 2012

    Boy u really can’t please Dominicans if he did not do it then all u would have something else to say ….thats a good move and i support it 1000%

  32. Maryland USA MCL
    August 22, 2012

    PM You are a great leader, bright decision, you really care about your people. Love my PM

  33. August 22, 2012

    Well thats the best thing careing about the Dominican ppl is just dat not everyone understands wat a life is wroth so pls let the man do his job!

  34. gosh
    August 22, 2012

    If the PM had not taken early precautions by ‘shutting down the Country, you all would have had a big problem with that. He used his discretion by using the ‘better safe than sorry’ method, and you all still got a problem with that. Something is really wrong!

  35. grell
    August 22, 2012

    good move by the pm the next 24 hours other islands will be doing the same.protecting the live of citizenz should be a primary goal.

  36. Choupa Tat
    August 22, 2012

    ‘SHUT DOWN’ ???? Admin ?? Well I can overstand. Show your colours.

  37. Citizen
    August 22, 2012

    In the face of possible disaster people are playing politics. SICK!

  38. August 22, 2012

    one more mistake pm u keep making to many

    • Justice and Truth
      August 23, 2012

      @ roof spider

      :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
      You are indeed a spider
      :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  39. roof spider
    August 22, 2012

    a other mistake from de pm

    • dirty harry
      August 22, 2012

      and u just made one by saying dat

    • MY sweet Dominica
      August 22, 2012

      He is just correcting his last mistake , When he left us stranded the last time . when he went on his cruise .

  40. MIB
    August 22, 2012

    I don’t like the headline because it can send the wrong impression. The PM took a decision to ask the people to stay home for their own safety. So I think a better headline would be “Due to Storm warnings, Dominicans to stay home today, says PM”.

  41. Virgin@50years
    August 22, 2012

    Better be safe than sorry, if the PM is acting on the advise of the met office and disaster office, he does not have a choice; he is not trained in any of these areas, he can only act based on the information presented to him. So please even if we have issues with the PM and his style of managing the country, when disaster is at our door step, turn the negatives into positive and pray for our safety, and for the Almighty to spear us from the impact of the storm. That is more important and this critical time. God Bless Dominica.

  42. Cosco
    August 22, 2012

    More nonsense as usual.

    This is a hurricane season, so what you going do. Call a shut down of the country every other week ?

    Of course you will get lots of people approving. You dont have to convince Dominicans that staying home from work is a good thing. Of course they love their PM, all he has to do is play this card every other week.

    This shows the inability of people to plan.

    Anyone who knows how to use a computer can see when this thing is supposed to start affecting us in reality.

    Give people in outlying districts the option to work half day and ask the population to be vigilant.

    Banana republic without bananas.

    • ....
      August 22, 2012

      and what about those with no computer? you all are selfish and political prostitutes yourself while pointing fingers at others. Every damn thing is politics for you all. Saftey first. Work half day and how the hell will they get home, you rather stay behind your PC to read landslides covers busload of people travelling back from work in Roseau? Our lives are important, and depending on where you live in Dominica like me it is not at all calm in my area so zip it you selfish airhead

      • Cosco
        August 22, 2012

        You can get covered by a landslide every day in Dominica during hurricane season. EVERY DAY

        The whole country is a disaster zone waiting to happen when it rains. So you going shut down DA everytime ?

        The isnt about not caring for people. The issue is about making snap decisions that you cannot make everytime. That will end up biting you in the tail.

        you ever read the story about the boy who cried wolf.

        The last time we had the river in Massacre burst it happened on an ordinary day with little or no warning.

        But keep on defending.

    • August 22, 2012

      Anyone using a computer is not a geographer, meteriologist or expert on such things. The expert writer should know this. If people went to work today and the Layou river behaved as it accustomed to recently and people got stranded or hurt, the PM would get hell from you. Stop being myopic.

      • Cosco
        August 22, 2012

        If and If and If.

        There are ordinary days with heavy rain that Layou river bursts. You tell people to stay home then ?

        This is nonsense and everyone with a brain knows it.

        You cant just shut a country down on a guess everytime because it looks good to do so.

        There is plenty rain to come. Lets see how you going deal with that.

        What a country.

    • kakarat
      August 22, 2012

      More nonsense as usual.

    • Justice and Truth
      August 23, 2012

      @ Cosco

      Do you own a business in DA? :twisted: :twisted:

  43. hmmm
    August 22, 2012

    am happy that our PM shut down the country, because many other are shut down as well…
    the only thing is that CLEAR HARBOR HAS WORK AND I FIND THAT IS NONSENSE…

    • NANA
      August 22, 2012

      that is nonsense?????????????????take vto …..voluntary time off please

  44. me
    August 22, 2012

    EverYthing for some Dominicans is a problem. You don’t what to do to please them. SMH

  45. HAHAHA
    August 22, 2012

    Why shut down the country for an entire day even before we are even aware what part of the day will be affected? Why not half-day to ensure everyone gets home? Then again Dominicans love their holidays so everybody praising PM for ensuring that the country produces $0 today…smh

    • Anonymous
      August 22, 2012

      d/ca is a small country so duh with that large system the entire country will be affected

  46. Tri-Sate Beauty
    August 22, 2012

    I pray that the forces of nature subside and leave Dominica and it’s citizens untouched. I pray and hope that every single sea swell,wind blast, rain drop will be a blessing to this beautiful island and cause no serious damage. I pray further that our people heed on the side of caution and stay in their homes with their families so that our emergency personel and policemen can attend to situations that are real emergencies should the need arise.

    PM I commend you for putting lives above profits and doing what is fair for the island people in this situation. Heck Puerto Rico with all it’s US aid etc is prepping for shut down and the wind is nowhere near them. This too shall pass, we will weather this storm.

  47. Anonymous
    August 22, 2012

    oh god guide and watch over our conurty and our peorple lord in this weather i pray of the in our thought jesus christ amen

  48. FIL
    August 22, 2012

    Good idea he is trying to keep the people safe
    form the storm. May God protect DA and the rest
    of Carribean during the hurricane season.

  49. Very concerned
    August 22, 2012

    It appears that Skerrit needs a lesson in leadership and governance. How can a Prime Minister make an announcement declaring a public holiday on a party political animal radio show?
    If a public holiday is to be declared Skerrit should make a national statement on all media houses to inform ALL Dominicans.
    Skerrit has not given the private sector the opportunity to secure their facilities before he declared a public holiday.
    School children are already on vacation, schools are closed so why the hurry to shut down the country.
    It appears that the politicians are desperate for a storm to show off their heroics in a situation where the country is at a standstill.
    Employers should send Skerrit a bill for the payment of their workers.
    Does Skerrit realize the implications of a public holiday? The private sector is already facing serious difficulties in a sluggish economy, can this private sector pay its workers for no work done? From all indications Thursday will also be a holiday. The private sector should not pay for this Skerrit and Don Corriete holiday.
    What is Don Corriete’s qualification to be Disaster Preparedness Coordinator? From Canefield Airport manager to that position, a clear square peg in a round hole.
    Incompetence is killing Dominica and costing its citizens. The government must pay!

    • HATE
      August 22, 2012

      NYC Shut done last year for a storm. Yes, Bloomberg shut it down. YOu all like to complain too much about everything. Employees should have funds set up for times like these. YOou can’t operate a business and have no plan or policy to take care of your employees during time like these?

      YOu should pay them for a personal day or a holiday. I hope your employees have that benefit.

      • AFAN
        August 23, 2012

        but he didn’t go on some party radio station to make the annoncement i am sure he made a public broadcast announcement to ensure that everyone hears his message no matter what station or what type of media they use. and i am certain the decision was made only after being certain about certain things, like the size of the storm, etc. cause closing down a state for an entire day has some serious tax and productivity issues, so that is something that should be done properly and not in the manner it happened.

      • Very concerned
        August 24, 2012

        Do you employ anyone? Obviously NO! So shut your clappers, Idiot!

  50. gentle man
    August 22, 2012

    no work today and kfc staff askin them to report to work???does not that applies to kfc too?hmmm

    • V.I Resident
      August 22, 2012

      No it dont that’s fast food for u honey . We sometimes go to the same thinks here in the v.i when all government works are asked to be send home we in the fast food service are out there working out butts out .and guess what during these time are the most busiest times

    • Justice and Truth
      August 23, 2012

      @ gentle man

      KFC serves the public, in the event you do not feel like cooking or you run out of food and they can reach you. This is why they asked their employees to come to work. Restaurants and other food outlets hardly ever close down. The weather has to be really bad and impassable for them to close. The same applies in a big city during winter storms of all.

  51. dominican canadain
    August 22, 2012

    good job pm way to go

  52. ya kill me, si!!!!!!
    August 22, 2012

    caring prime minister.
    he couldve said, hell with that, who dead dead
    but he decided to advise everyone to stay home
    thumbs up

  53. happy
    August 22, 2012

    Good deal my beloved PM, GOD will always bless you. Dominican please remain in door for christ sake. But don’t forget GOD is in control.

  54. NY, NY 10025
    August 22, 2012

    Great idea. Lord please protect my people and country from any harm and severe damage.

  55. curious
    August 22, 2012

    Its just a pity clear harbor really doesn’t care that much. As far as I heard they’re still expecting all workers. SMH

  56. prayertime
    August 22, 2012

    oh lord hw can we please our people they forget when it waz the tropical storm 2 week end back it was said that we under warning and the pm still making us go work now is another bell that is ringing people of Dominica take hid remember 1979 it took us unaware
    pm please no one true to take care of our country and who that live in it

  57. mboy
    August 22, 2012

    last september we watched maria split in half and clear us by 30 miles on both sides! pray for repeat.

  58. mboy
    August 22, 2012

    is there an official website for air travel during the days surrounding these events?

    • HATE
      August 22, 2012

      Liat.com

  59. Very concerned
    August 21, 2012

    Why shut down the country?
    Storms are unpredictable and there is sufficient time between now and tomorrow morning to determine at what time the country should shut down.
    The storm is expected to make landfall sometime in the early evening, three or four hours in the work place would allow employers the opportunity to prepare and secure their facilities. Now employers are left on their own or must pay double time for workers who are asked to report to work.
    Is the government going to pay the private sector workers? As a struggling employer I cannot meet the cost of this public holiday, I will not pay because I cannot afford it period, if I;m forced to I’ll close down the damn business and all of us, employees, will join the unemployeds.
    Skerrit does not know what it is to run a business in Dominica. Give your public servants a holiday but don’t decide for the struggling private sector. We are intelligent enough to use our discretion to tell our employees to stay home or go home if there is danger.
    The incompetence never cease.

    • HATE
      August 22, 2012

      Stop paying Salaries and introduce holy pay. Plus as a business owner you must have a structure set up to compensate your employees in time like these?

      YOu sound like an old school business owner!
      Get new books, get up to date. Happy I am not working for people like you!

      • HATE
        August 22, 2012

        Hourly Pay*

      • Very concerned
        August 24, 2012

        You will always be a slave to a Boss and in the process steal to make up your salary. Do you know what it is to pay wages for no work done? Idiot!

  60. valley gal
    August 21, 2012

    Good decision Mr PM we need to be safe

  61. Name
    August 21, 2012

    This is an emergency!!

    well i listen to Q95

    it was not aired on Q95,
    so I goin work then i sueing somebody

  62. Red Pen
    August 21, 2012

    Shut down for a tropical storm….Evacuation for a Hurricane?? Lol….yal eh focus…a little winds and yal shutting down? Give half day or something not shut down.

  63. Powerful
    August 21, 2012

    Overrated Again!

  64. August 21, 2012

    Forgive us Lord for our transgression and Inequities
    . Wash Dominica off its sins and raise a human to break down all its idols.For we have sins against you Lord. Bless the Lord for His mercy endures forever. You Calm the raging sea, and the wind obeyed your voice. Father into your hand we commit this country and its people as well as the foreigners, save us from all storm and evil and violence in Jesus name we pray. THANK YOU LORD FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS

  65. willis dew
    August 21, 2012

    I SORPORT TH PRIME MINISTER A 100% KEEP IT UP MR PM.

  66. Justice and Truth
    August 21, 2012

    I pray that Dominica will be spared this storm or hurricane. Those who have experienced at least one should know it is to be feared. Pray and keep praying throughout the duration of the storm.
    Our Blessed Lady, the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, told us through the visionaries to “Pray with the heart.” This also means fervently. Know that as you pray, all of Heaven is praying with you. God does not abandon his children, no matter what. Keep in mind that He tests our faithfulness and perseverance. St. Paul said, “When we are weak, it is then we are strong.” This is, we have recourse to God and He is always with us through our trials, pains, sorrows and whatever else as the storms of life, emotionally and physically. Never despair and never give up. Stand firm in faith and in prayer.
    A special prayer which all Catholics may know of is The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave this prayer to a holy Nun, since departed, St. Faustina Kowalska of Poland. He also told her to spread it throughout the world. This is being done through others.

    Commence with The Our Father, Hail Mary and the Apostles Creed. Then:

    Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

    For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

    You died Jesus, but the source of life flowed out for souls and the Ocean of Mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fountain of Life, Immeasurable Divine Mercy, cover the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

    O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You.

    Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and the whole world. Amen!

    Jesus, King of Mercy we trust in You.

    Say those prayers for Dominica and nationals – substitute Dominica. May God protect DA and all of you from any storms or hurricanes. I will remember you in my prayers.
    God bless!

  67. Anonymous
    August 21, 2012

    Most of us know what it is to go through a storm, except for people who were born after hurricane David, and those who lived abroad at the time. Please stay safe, lets hope that the storm remains a minimal one. We know that we will get a lot of rain, so lets remain i doors, unless it becomes necessary. God bless.

  68. Pondera
    August 21, 2012

    I note with keen interest that the PM’s decision was taken upon advise of the office of disaster management. This is professional indeed. let me hope that Dominica will be speared the worse as the storm moves on. There is wisdom in being pro-active and take the neccessary decisions that would mitigate the impact of the storm. Great leadership by the office of ODM and the PM.

  69. positive
    August 21, 2012

    i am trying to wonder what kind of people that is in Dominica they are sooooooooo da* donce! that they take everything and play politics even when it matters to our lives they have it playing politics, but is not that all those disappointed all you have to do is REPORT TO WORK !!!!!!!!!
    In Dominica you can never please anyone so ….. all those critics

  70. Nameless
    August 21, 2012

    Is Kairi FM the national radio station now?

    Someone called to inform me that they heard that the PM said that there is no work tomorrow due to the weather situation. I have been listening to DBS since 9PM, and I am yet to hear the voice/address of the PM. What is really happening in this country. We were told some time ago that we should listen to the national radio DBS for weather advisory during the hurricane season . When I did not hear anything on DBS I checked DNO and saw the story. Tell us Mr PM and Don is Kairi now the national radio station?

    • Justice and Truth
      August 23, 2012

      @ Nameless

      Many of you are indeed playing politics for everything. I do believe that there is some sort of discrimination here against the PM.
      The PM does not have to go to every Radio Station to broadcast his message. The other Radio Stations should be listening-in and then relay the PM’s message to their listeners. This is how it is done in big countries. Do you think the PM or Mayor goes to every Radio and TV Station? Some of you are too small/narrow-minded. You make a mountain out of a molehill. Grow up and be broadminded.

  71. Anonymous
    August 21, 2012

    Stay safe, we on the other side of the world (U.S) are praying for every body in D/ca. Lets hope it remains a minimal storm.

  72. sleep
    August 21, 2012

    well looks like alot of people are happy to recive a holiday… stay safe everyone… donot be curious. stay indoors all

  73. Just born
    August 21, 2012

    Tomorrow is a holiday den!!!!?????? :cry: :lol: :-D

  74. hmmmm
    August 21, 2012

    better to be safe than sorry but shutting down a country for a storm isnt wise..a hurricane yes..butttttt

    • Allan
      August 21, 2012

      what do you know, don’t you think a storm can turn out very bad? so i think the man is the boss and have the right to say how he feel’s!

    • Justice and Truth
      August 21, 2012

      @ hmmmm

      Are you residing in Dominica? You are not smart. What if it turned to a hurricane while you are at work or out? Think again. In any case, if you are residing in DA you should be happy for a holiday. Who does not love a day off from either work or school? :) If you are in DA make the most of the day; keep fruitful and in prayers. Waste not time.

    • totocan
      August 22, 2012

      well go to work!! no one holding you…..

    • Homeboy
      August 22, 2012

      And if storm turns to hurricane and lives are lost then you guys will blame your PM. Stop acting Luke children! When the man does something good say do! When it’s bad criticize constructively!

    • d/ca
      August 22, 2012

      some of u people make me sick… u all are so dumb. can’t please u at all would like to put some of u in a box and throw away the key in a pit.

    • Disgusted
      August 22, 2012

      but WAT?? If you had die because of de storm your family would be singing a different song!! stupes.

    • look at dat eh
      August 22, 2012

      What a stupid thing to say!i try to dislike and end up liking by mistake!!!!

    • Tri-Sate Beauty
      August 22, 2012

      How you know it can’t develop into a hurricane? What about the landslides and boulders from cliffs? Are the lives of Dominicans less worthy than yours? If he didn’t go on the advise of the qualified officials and shut it down, and worst comes to bear you would be the first slamming him.

    • ASCP
      August 22, 2012

      It is obvious to me that you are either not living in Dominica or you are suffering from memory loss. I’m sure every Dominican living in Dominica and a number of Dominicans abroad will recall the dilemma last year when residents from the West coast and North of the island were stranded due to the Layou river flooding, and not only the Layou river, but all of the ravines and streams from Fond Cole all the way up the West Coast. Some people didnt reach home not till early the next morning. Is this what you would like to see happen again? 4 – 8 inches of rain could easily cause this kind of flooding and landlsides in landlside prone areas. So before you mske these kinds of comments think of the majority of the people who could possibly be stranded on their way home from work.

    • strange
      August 22, 2012

      stop making comments wen u do not know nothing. the last time there was heavey rain, many plp got stock in town due to heavy flooding, lanslides and demolition of the roads. So to keep his human resources safe for the next working day, its better to allow them to stay home until the weather man says its ok. he is the prime minister who was put in charge by 18-3 to make prudent decisions such as this.

    • kakarat
      August 22, 2012

      You are free to disagree. I guess you are one of those who may not have to go to work or travel far to work. The PM made the right decision. PREPARE FOR THE WORST HOPE FOR THE BEST!

    • lol
      August 22, 2012

      You just made history for thumbs down. New Guinness World Record. :lol: :lol: :lol:
      102 and counting :lol: :lol: :lol:

      • smart
        August 22, 2012

        111 that person broke their own record :lol: 8-O :lol: 8-O :lol: 8-O :lol: 8-O :lol: 8-O :lol:

  75. cheryl
    August 21, 2012

    Dominicans are in my prayers.

  76. tie toe
    August 21, 2012

    stay safe dominican.our thaughts are with you all always.we are praying that god watch over you all.

  77. OMG
    August 21, 2012

    Poor Clear Harbor workers cuz this just NOT applies to them. Hope everyone will be ok and to my fellow CH workers. Plz be safe while attending work 2moro

  78. Mz Sophisticated
    August 21, 2012

    Apparantely the PMs decision has no effect on Clear Harbor as their workers still have to report to work……DNO please look into this!

  79. August 21, 2012

    ?

  80. August 21, 2012

    i like skirrit for that

  81. da gyal
    August 21, 2012

    just saw it on the here in the US as I was reading this; Hope eveeryone stays safe over there

    • da gyal
      August 21, 2012

      *news

  82. Doc. Love
    August 21, 2012

    Why does Skerrit believe that their are only two radio stations in Dominica? You can treat Q95 with disdain as much as you want,maybe, one day it might be Q95 that will express your opposition views.

    • Doc. Love
      August 22, 2012

      Over three hour in moderation,WHY?

  83. D
    August 21, 2012

    clear harbor workers too :-D

    • dcan in gwada
      August 21, 2012

      u will go work though skerrit holiday is not us holiday

      • D
        August 22, 2012

        well if u dont like ur life i love mine…and im not going to be foolish and end up getting stranded or in a worst situation…the RADIO said its not mandatory for us to go to work… GREAT!

    • Anonymous
      August 21, 2012

      U know dat not gon happen lol

    • Anonymous
      August 22, 2012

      LOOOLLL same ting i wondering wii, aa so because we working clear harbor means we not part of dominica too then

    • Me
      August 22, 2012

      In your Dreams… Clear Harbor doesn’t close

    • Fan
      August 22, 2012

      Clear harbor will never close for nothing. you will have to report to work or get punished.

    • c.h worker
      August 22, 2012

      u know clear harbor will not be part of this, ch is a america who has no storm to worry about

      • Anonymous
        August 22, 2012

        i glad america doe hav storm but dominica have, me that workin clear habor staying at my home, espicially when it hav ppl the hav to pass on road where stones fallin and landslides runing down on road…

    • fedup wit negativity
      August 22, 2012

      shut down meanz evrybody! no organisation iz above d PM’s decision. is clear harbour an emergency institution? Stay home my frend.

      • D
        August 22, 2012

        CH even offering double pay for people to do OVERTIME stupes…not even those that work from since morning..wicked

      • Anonymous
        August 22, 2012

        they offering overtime for their workers to go and see doctor after.CH workers all u need to strike regardless if it is an american company, the environment is totaly different from america, CH management should know better than that u cannot have pple goin work when it have storm watch and hurricane. what if those building roofs fly away hmmmm????? anyway those that go work hope you all reach home safe espicially those who has night shift …..

    • Alergic 2 negativity
      August 22, 2012

      wat u mean if is clear harbour workers 2? Do day deal wit emergencies? Only emergency personnel should report 2 work. NO organisation is above d PM’s decision ok so stay home my frend!

  84. alert one
    August 21, 2012

    ….. okay … this is getting serious …. we all have to pray … and lay our hands on dominica

    • Brain DAMAGE
      August 21, 2012

      Agreed we ought to pray, but not to wait when something is going to happen. We need to pray in good times and bad times. Amen

  85. Torre
    August 21, 2012

    God of all mercies, in your hands I place Dominica and her citizens. Please father in the name that is above above every other name, Jesus the Christ protect and see DA through this, give her people strength and courage.

    All power is in your hand gracious Father, keep them safe till the storm passes by, in the name of Jesus I ask that Issac change course, remains on the sea and cause no damage to no people,place or thing. In the name of Jesus we ask, Amen.

    • Virgin@50years
      August 22, 2012

      I join you in this prayer my brother/sister, Amen.

  86. Coolridge
    August 21, 2012

    A very wise decision by the P.M.- better safe than sorry. Let’s prepare for the worst and yet We pray and Hope for the best!
    Remain safe Dominica and May God Bless our Nature Isle always…

    • August 22, 2012

      The country should not be closed down the PM was not listening or didnt understood the weather reports before he take the wrong action the persons he should consult with were those in the Met and Disaster offices before he goes on the air but this guy doesnt care what or how he govern the Island.Is he going to say shut down the Island whenever he hears about a storm is coming people I beg of you all to think before opening your mouth and before posting comments because I know my people are not foolish but they have just given up they allow the powerfull to direct them into darkness,and may I say to you God is not an ignorant being he haven got to use storms to discipline us whenever we fall short of his expectation he is the only one in control over Dominica.

      • HATE
        August 22, 2012

        last year Mayor Bloomberg shut down NYC City for a storm. YES< THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS was shut down. The didn't hit as expected, but he made a decision to keep the people safe.

        Who is ignorant? You?

  87. lulz
    August 21, 2012

    I am not impressed one bit with the title of this story. its simply fear mongering

    • Justice and Truth
      August 21, 2012

      @ lulz

      Negative again? How long have you been living on this earth and in Dominica for that matter? Whenever a storm is approaching and it may become a hurricane, the custom was to stay home from work and school except for those as the police and nurses, if they can get to work.
      It is not surprising that the PM will give directives accordingly. What if Dominicans go to work and then the storm becomes worst into a hurricane with flooding, how will they be able to return home for the night? Better be safe than sorry. At home they could pray and hope that Dominica will be spared.

      • Guest
        August 21, 2012

        J&P, what Lulz was and I think trying to say is that the way the title is written is scary. I was alarmed at the title until after opening the link I realised it’s just the PM, proactively and on expert advise, preparing the island for impending disaster.

    • Wise Dominican
      August 21, 2012

      awa wee. y’all got a problem with everything… typica Dominicans… be safe as Issac approaches us. God Bless u all

    • ...
      August 21, 2012

      @ justice and truth, lulz was referring to the ‘title of the story’ not the fact that the PM asked ppl to stay indoors…You ppl always quick to shoot down others comments. READ FIRST MAN!!!

    • Man in Dominica
      August 22, 2012

      This is one circumstance in which fear should be mongered. But feel free to ignore the warnings yourself. Take a boat out and get us some good pictures.

    • Alergic 2 negativity
      August 22, 2012

      what is rely rong wit u pple? Bcuz u dislike sombody doesnt mean u have 2 oppose evry livin ting day do! My god man! So u want ur fello dominicans 2 get trapped outdere, covered in landslides,carried away in floods an so on? u doe c all d damage dat take place in layou up dere wit a lil rain alone? u doe hear bout d major landslide in borne on friday nite wher no vehicles couldnt pass cuz d road was cut off? Thank God no one was passin @ d time. common pple lets stop all d negativity ok and lets support wats good. Be safe dominicans and our visitors! May God bless and protect us all!

    • Anonymous
      August 22, 2012

      Knucklehead!

  88. silence
    August 21, 2012

    good decision Mr. PM

  89. P.C.T massive
    August 21, 2012

    PM shut down Dominica.broad heading

  90. Sweet Carib
    August 21, 2012

    Woy woy woy. Wa chubble is this now. Lol

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