PM Skerrit hopes Ross University returns to Dominica in May 2018

Ross University’s campus in Portsmouth

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, is hoping the Ross University School of Medicine returns to Dominica by May 2018 in order to recommence class.

Following the passage of Hurricane Maria in September, Ross announced in a press release that 1,400 students, faculty, and staff plan to relocate temporarily to Knoxville, Tenn. to continue their program of study.

Skerrit said at a press conference on Tuesday that a committee was appointed to study the Ross situation and to work with the school in its recommencement of classes

“Our hope is to get Ross to be back in May 2018,” he said. “And we are also helping the property owners, the Dominican citizens who own properties in Picard to rebuild. That is why we have extended the loan facility at the AID Bank to the property owners so that they could have their apartments fixed, they could be able to buy some new beds – those who need beds – appliances and so forth so that they can get that going in quick order.”

According to the Prime Minister, based on findings, about 80 percent of the homes Ross University needs for student accommodation is available right now.

“There are some property owners that were not impacted, those who were impacted moved very quickly to have their apartments fixed,” he stated. “Ross has water, Ross has electricity, the telecommunication services are in place, they can get internet and we are working to extend the DOMLEC coverage in the north so that going towards the other communities in Portsmouth and in the north that we have sufficient coverage in this.”

He remarked that the government is in constant contact with Ross University.

“It is our understanding from sources, that the majority of students would like to return to Dominica,” Skerrit said. “Dominica is the best place to study and Ross have had tremendous successes in Dominica.”

He said in his travels to the United States, parents of students who studied at Ross, said they are willing to send them back to the island.

“Even in my travels to the US after the hurricane, where there have been Dominican gatherings, parents of students have made their way to these events to meet with me, to indicate that look, once Ross is prepared to come back to Dominica, they will agree to send their children back to Dominica because their grades have always been good in Dominica,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Skerrit said he will be meeting with the President of All Saints University School of Medicine to discuss the recommencement of classes.

He said the school has indicated that once accommodation for students is available, it will return immediately.

“For them, accommodation is a huge challenge…” he stated.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

42 Comments

  1. December 27, 2017

    As a student of Ross University, I can tell you the majority of students do NOT want to come back. Parents also do NOT want the students to go back.

    • student
      February 23, 2018

      I am a student also. And i WOULD like to go back to dominica. It is such a beautiful place with friendly and open people. Unfortunately some students never got the change to experience the beauty of it. I have been back to Dominica after the hurricane and Dominica is picking up nicely. I really do hope we go back in May 2018

  2. marie-claire R Skerrit
    December 26, 2017

    Bell beff. you think Ross coming back to Dominica any time soon. I dont think so butter cup Skerrit. They have lost allot of money hence relocation cost etc. I don’t think they might return sorry to burst you all bubble

  3. tellme
    December 21, 2017

    i think we can start negotiating with a university in China, Cuba, Venezuela, Morocco or even Punjab to take Ross spot……Dominica is a very nice place for studies and research. PM we doh have to depend on America.

  4. Rebecca Musgrave
    December 20, 2017

    Christ died so we can have live and have life in abundance. Jehovah God is still on the throne. The Most High God Jehovah created everything for everyone. Individually let us be Christ to everyone and do fulfill our destiny. Life with Christ in eternity. We are the seed of Abraham. Individually everyone has to claim and work for their inheritance. Every thing promised to Abaham is ours right this very minute
    Declare and decree and claim. In Jesus Name. The Name That Is Above All names. Christ already died hundreds of years ago. Read Jehovah God’s love letters to each one of us. For God so loved the world
    We are His children when we know Him and do and trust and obey and take it to Him in prayer

    • Anonymous
      December 21, 2017

      Pray, what has this got to do with the questionable return of Ross university to our shores.?

    • analy thomas
      December 21, 2017

      For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life!
      He gave his only son that anyone who believes in him (shall not perish) BUT have eternal life!
      When we believe, we must follow His commandments and statutes….
      If you love me, keep my commands (John 14:15). Some say that there are many roads to God but His word says, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) John 1:14 – And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
      Trust in God
      Glory to God!

    • Paul Rossnof
      August 7, 2018

      Seriously, some people. Going to church every Sunday in sheep’s clothing but the minute the pass through the door the wolf in them comes out. False prophets the lot of them!!!

  5. analy thomas
    December 20, 2017

    Based on my understanding, it is alleged that Ross may be releasing some workers. Any light on that?

    • marie-claire R Skerrit
      December 26, 2017

      Is true i heard that from my sources too

  6. December 20, 2017

    Don’t be mis-educated, ROSS UNIVERSITY is a business venture, big business at that, and TAXES will play a great part in wether ROSS stays where they are presently, its all about BUSINESS , and TAXES. DOMINICA?????????.

  7. Inside source
    December 20, 2017

    Hope??!! It’s atrocious to dish out false hope. Let’s be Frank. We had no control over Maria but, we can control our emotions after the passage of the storm.. News is that Ross is cutting back on staff, it already hard for us; false hope compounds the pain.

  8. Lang Mama
    December 20, 2017

    Skerrit really parents of Ross Students agree to send the kids back. First of all Ross studenrs are,adults and their parents dont get to make the decision.

    • Zor Sot
      December 20, 2017

      Skerrit just think ALL DOMINICA sey lae ban sot!!!!

  9. Anonymous
    December 20, 2017

    Makes you wonder if new development at pond is not intended for students ofAll Saints or the Chinese staff of the new hospital?Skerrit is not in the habit of telling us everything and if he does talk we are not sure he speaks the truth. So we are free to speculate, no?

  10. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 19, 2017

    Once a company, or entity, the same as individual people leave Dominica, they never return!

    It will be a miracle if Rose School of Medicine return to Dominica!

  11. John
    December 19, 2017

    He must be related to Trump, he talks just like Trump.

    • Anonymous
      December 20, 2017

      Funny you should say that. The two have met in New York you know. One megalomaniac talking to another and I bet our ownRoosevelt still thinks he is smarter than the Donald.

  12. so called trade man
    December 19, 2017

    Ross will not return unless you go, so please do the people of the north a favor.

    • 4Eva tru
      December 20, 2017

      Stop your foolish talk

    • December 20, 2017

      This statement makes no sense. When will you all learn to address issues and stop this childish, temperamental behavior. So many people are suffering and will continue to suffer because of the Ross situation, but all your tiny brain can produce is political garbage.

  13. Ibo France
    December 19, 2017

    Ross leaving Dominica would be a monumental economic loss for the country. I fervently hope that the school would restart classes in the shortest possible time. Let the PM use his verbal dexterity to convince Ross to stay . Talk alone of staying won’t suffice. Incentivize the homeowners and the university to repair, rebuild and restart. Mr. PM, prove to the citizenry that you’re not a bag of wind but a man with steely resolve. Don’t always use your enormous position of power to crush your opponents, use it often for the collective good of the country.

  14. Not this time
    December 19, 2017

    It will be very difficult for Ross to come back soon ,if at all.
    most students complained about the island, especially lack of direct access by Air.
    Some aspects of the standard and cost of living has always been in question.
    So Dominica must be prepared to offer more concessions and renegotiate, we need to learn to upgrade our products ,if we need to get sustainable business .
    Time we learn how to deliver better Services.
    You can’t go to bargin store and get high end products.
    Don’t plant potatoes and expect to get Watermelons.
    The lack of real life expectations is killing our country , Our best is not good enough. Ross has so many options
    So time to step up Reallity .

  15. Joseph Degennaro
    December 19, 2017

    I truly hope that the students that are currently on the ship, who have gone through the storm, will be able to stay in Tennessee to their completion. To uproot them again after all they went through would be an unfair hardship. Haven’t they been through enough!!!!

  16. Norman C. Ronald
    December 19, 2017

    LCME, the accreditation board for U.S. medical schools has recommended to the Department of Education that schools affected by the hurricanes be given the right to conduct classes in the U.S. until June 2019. Under this agreement, Ross must return to Dominica before that date. This is one year later than what has been suggested here.

    It appears that Dominica is working hard to bring Ross back. I hope for the island’s sake that they return as soon as possible. I wonder how work on rebuilding the school is progressing.

    OLD ROSS PROF.

  17. Real truth
    December 19, 2017

    For Ross to return in May would truly be a miracle! My only question is….. What is the plan if Ross doesn’t return?

  18. Nah la
    December 19, 2017

    His sources say..pffttt! And what if the students do want to return to Dominica! So what! The point is, if you want, not hope as hope connotes some form of uncertainty, if you Oh kinggod want them to return you’re gonna have to fork up some major concessions. Otherwise why would they return now that they are on US soil, now that they are “established” . Bon fide as it were.
    I

  19. Progress
    December 19, 2017

    Prime Minister announced in September that Ross will be back in January. that PM does say what comes out of his mouth, i don’t believe a word he says

  20. Primrosette
    December 19, 2017

    Move the all saints to the north there are enough rooms for them

    • Anonymous
      December 20, 2017

      Wishful thinking gets you nowhere.

  21. Real!!!!
    December 19, 2017

    This is only believable when I hear a press release from Ross University and All Saint.

    Till then….Truth from this PM has always been the most difficult thing to find.

  22. Jonathan Y St Jean
    December 19, 2017

    Skerritt a hope and a prayer isn’t leadership.Why aren’t you working through diplomatic channels with the principals of Ross to find out what it is that they require and you and your cabinet colleagues work to ensure that Ross returns.Skerritt you don’t inspire confidence with this wish and a prayer approach at leadership. I’m not surprised because after 17 years there isn’t much to see from the efforts of your inept government

    • December 19, 2017

      How do you know that the government is not talking to Ross, you empty assumptions does little to compliment your intelligence and I know you are an intelligent person. Ross is a business and any decision taken will be a business decision, it will not be based on the hopes and aspirations of the leadership of Dominica and its people. Ross has has two major Interuption to its operation over the past two years and that is no doubt affecting its bottom line. Ross might be thinking of cutting its losses and moving to a more stable environment. You talk of confidence? Let us see, government could guarantee Ross adequate returns on their investments whenever acts of God interup their operation, but people like will call that a bad and reckless move solely because it might be done by a leader you do not like even if that leader would save you and your family from drowning.

      • Jonathan Y St Jean
        December 20, 2017

        @Anon,you are getting ahead of yourself here.Recall that shortly after TS Erica, Colgate Palmolive packed up and left,now we are hoping that Ross having left will be temporary.I hope they return and so do you but the leader of the country is not you and me,he I’m hoping has learnt from the departure of Colgate Palmolive and is trying to retain Ross because of it’s tremendous contribution to the economy. I’m sure that Skerritt can quote the Principals of Ross if they give him a commitment and communicate with the Dominican people as to what Ross is seeking for them to return.But to tell the country that he hopes they return is not what we should be hearing from the leadership.Ross knows well that the region is prone to hurricanes,yet they facilities in St Kitts,Grenada which are also vulnerable to hurricanes,so to talk of guarantee on return on investment is out of the league of this discussion.No government can guarantee on anything it can’t control.Tell Skerritt do his job

  23. Enough is enough
    December 19, 2017

    You hope that they will come back in may……I m sorry Sir but it sounds d to me like you have no clue!!!! Like everything else by the way. Please show us the love you have for our country …..just resign!!!!

    • December 19, 2017

      Why not show love for country and shut up!! Resign for who?

  24. thethingswesay
    December 19, 2017

    You have to much more than hope brother. The school is no longer owned by Devry i am told. You have to meet with the new owners/ shareholders and impress upon them the need for this relationship between Ross and Dominica. Not to make them feel that we need them more than they need us, but to ensure them that their investment is very safe in Dominica. And that the Government will work with Ross to ensure minimal loss IF we ever experience another disaster like what we experienced in September. Sitting back and hoping will cause a serious hurt in your economy Mr. PM, Minister of Finance.

  25. Paul Rossnof
    December 19, 2017

    It’s over 3 month now since Maria hit and I can see very little happening since, the government could claim to be directly involved in. However, if you listen to Skerrit it’s like everything is ok again, Dominica is open for business, Hurricane-what Hurricane…
    However, if you examine his record a bit closer, very little has been done by the government. The few easy things they could have sorted by now, i.e. sacking the chief of police, he doesn’t want to talk about that.
    Skerrit the man of thousands words but no action. Remember talk is cheap and that’s the PM of Dominica.

  26. December 19, 2017

    I hope Ross return that will be good for Dominica, :oops: But what the Prime Minister announced I have no confident what ever he says,This Prime minister will say any thing before he has right information.

    • Me
      December 19, 2017

      This guy believes his own fibs!

    • Man bite dogs
      December 19, 2017

      @ Dahman here we goes those rattle snakes are at it again moan moan like little school girls the trouble is most of these guys cannot even look after their selfs in this world today this is very very sad.

    • December 20, 2017

      You are so right. From the time I spoke to a relative back home who indicated that he received communications from the school’s administration that they were moving to Tennessee, I immediately remembered Mr I am Douglas saying that everything is in place for a January reopening. We need to think before we speak as giving the populace false hope is dangerous especially under these circumstances. Be honest with the people so that they can prepare themselves for all eventualities.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available