PM Skerrit urges Catholics to donate 10 percent of savings to Roseau Cathedral project

The project began in 2012
The project began in 2012. File photo

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has called on members of the Catholic Community in Dominica to give 10 percent of what they own in the bank to the Bishop of Roseau, His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire, to assist in the completion of the Roseau Cathedral restoration project.

He was addressing a church service in Vieille Case on Sunday.

“I challenge you to give 10 percent of what you own in the bank to the Bishop and I am sure by one collection the Bishop can not only cover the Cathedral but have much more money left to decorate inside the Cathedral,” he said.

He said efforts on the project have to be redoubled.

“I think we really have to re-double our efforts as Catholics to assist the Bishop in raising the required funding for the completion of the Cathedral,” the Prime Minister noted. “I think everyone of us here has a responsibility…and we must re-double our efforts and really give a little more to the Bishop.”

Skerrit said he would really like to see the Cathedral covered and, “we can go back there to celebrate and to worship our Lord.”

In July 2016, Member of the Catholic Fund Raising Committee, Val Cuffy revealed that close to $3.6-million is still needed for the completion of the Roseau Roman Catholic Cathedral renovation project.

In an effort to raise the monies needed, the committee hosted a Grand Bazaar and a family fun day at the St Mary’s Academy grounds on August 14, 2016.

Cuffy said the church has raised over $6 million thus far and has spent over $5-million.

The Roseau Cathedral renovation project began in 2012, following the discovery of asbestos material.

In 2014, the government of Dominica contributed $500,000 towards the project. 

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155 Comments

  1. lovebird
    November 30, 2016

    what is wrong with you all illiterate minds. Pentecostal, seventh day Adventist and name it gives to there church. so y all that controversy about giving to a church. if you are not a catholic then shut the ****. and leave us alone. stop hitting on the religion because it is not the worst. better you look for a place to worship and give your life to Christ. we are leaving in a world that everybody dies suddenly and hear what is on our tongue. give and it will come back too you.

  2. wil
    November 30, 2016

    What is soo expensive for a church? Over 5 million spent and still need almost 4 million more? Is this work being conducted efficiently?What was completed? Just a whole lot of questions. What was the initial budget? Is the project still within budget?

  3. wwfgid trey
    November 29, 2016

    Heh

  4. well well
    November 29, 2016

    As a Catholic I say NOT MY MONEY!

  5. Vye mwen
    November 29, 2016

    Pm if you give one tenth of what you gave in the banks they wouldn’t need my pennies. That would cover the whole 10+ million they need and you still would not be broke. Imagine what they need in Skeritt conversion is just 4+million. Remember your calculation in your house. $400,000 house with marble from Italy in world conversion is actually 1.8 million. OK forget that just give them half if Dimitri bank acct. And all will be settled. Hardy out lay dit monde pour bar leglise mail pouch out plehn.

  6. Lookout
    November 29, 2016

    Everyone savings in Dominica is 0.55 % so can they donate 10 % out of thst

  7. Titiwi
    November 29, 2016

    I think I will have my communications direct with God from now on. That is certainly much cheaper and I don’t have to worry about parasites.

    • anonymous2
      November 30, 2016

      You saw the light.

  8. Anonymous
    November 29, 2016

    Let them go to that Sacred Order of St. George for which the bishop put a large tha, grovelingnk you sign on the wall of the cathdral and of which Skerrit is a Knight already. Were are these clowns now and where is the Baroness.

  9. De Judge
    November 29, 2016

    Those were the days we used to worship under tents,i think we are loosing our faith,we care to much about luxury ,MY GOD SEES EVERYTHING.

    • CRIME STOPPERZ
      November 30, 2016

      under tents, true but as we move on through time we had the desire to build these mega structures with all kinds of statues depicting spiritual beings which is stated in the bible. god said that he do not want us to make these idols, I think he did that because it was one of the devils tactic in other to deceive us…. that is why when Moses came down from the mount Sinai he was disgusted at what he saw…the liberated people worshiping a golden calf… and the story goes on. also the worship of the many gods like the statue of the god of fertility and the sun god and many more. god also said he is a jealous god and he is the only god we should seek. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH/CHURCH OF ROME/VATICAN CITY has committed all kind of physical and spiritual crime, some not know to us…. IT IS TRULY THE HARLOT DRESSED IN CRIMSON WHICH IS DRUNKEN WITH THE BLOOD OF THE SAINTS AND MARTYRS.

  10. November 29, 2016

    Mr Punjab PhD now may be a good time to ask the Indian government and people to return the favor that you so graciously gave then; they are fast becoming a financial superpower; 10 cents from every Indian we could build many Cathedrals; but that may not be feasible since they are predominantly Hindu.

  11. being reasonable
    November 29, 2016

    some of you people here are so da*m hypocrite. i know for a fact that my adventist brothers and sisters donate 10% of their monthly salary to their church.yes i know that for a fact. i was told first earning goes full to the church and thereafter 10% of your monthly earning. you people have no problem with that do you??? anyway with that said, i am sorry mr prime minister, the salary that i receive after paying social security,domlec,dowasco,digiplay,feeding my children and myself is barely enough to make me reach next month end so i for one is out.

  12. Lang Mama
    November 29, 2016

    Witchurch owners excluded nuh Mr PM.

  13. Analyst
    November 29, 2016

    The Roman Catholic church is the 2nd richest church in the world, after the 7th Day Adventists. Why can’t they request help from Rome???? Why such a luxurious building to worship such a humble savior? Do you think Jesus cares about the building?

    • CRIME STOPPERZ
      November 30, 2016

      the church of rome is the first richest

    • anonymous2
      November 30, 2016

      You said it. What they call God, never asked to be worshiped. That was an idea of man.

  14. Labour Power
    November 29, 2016

    why don’t you tell us the truth. Your promised the Bishop money and he yet to get all. woyyyyyyyyy. Mr Show Piece.

    • Mamosa
      December 1, 2016

      Make the Bishop ask the Vatican for money.. The Government already donated $500,000, way too much for a struggling Country to give to such a wealthy organization.

  15. dissident
    November 29, 2016

    De bishop knew he didn’t have De money to do the job.
    As part of the plan De PM using tax payers money straight from the treasury. ….writing check to de bishop.
    Church offering comes from the poor man pocket too.
    Now they want 10% of people salary.
    This is classic comedy.
    Skerrit should make his contribution first and in the public.
    Skerrit should sell 5 passport and give Dem a check.

    • November 30, 2016

      Salary? 10% of what you have in de bank, my brudda. Not of your salary. Of your savings.

  16. LUB
    November 29, 2016

    who exactly his is he asking to give 10% of which salary are we getting a salary in Dominica we can hardly survive with the $2.00 we getting, plssssssssssssss Mr.PM.

  17. HEBREW NATION
    November 29, 2016

    That PAGAN RELIGION needs to be Financed by the Vatican. The Pope is sitting on Trillions. If he cares about The Soo Call Holy Roman Mary Catholic Church he should donate. My money not going towards Paganism.

    • CRIME STOPPERZ
      November 29, 2016

      they pagan to de bone

  18. pax
    November 29, 2016

    But, what the hell was he doing addressing a congregation at Church service any way, is he a preacher now? What is wrong with these Church leaders, allowing politics in the Church.

    • Me
      November 29, 2016

      I agree, totally out of order…and the bishop stays moumou???

      • Mamosa
        December 1, 2016

        That Bishop should return to St. Lucia. He cannot administer to his Flock because of Politics.

    • anonymous2
      November 30, 2016

      Church, especially the catholic church is full of politics. The Vatican is a prime example only most people don’t know how the system works. If they did, they might not partake in it.

  19. Me
    November 29, 2016

    The P.M.’s interference is not helpful and may have the reverse effect by inflaming sentiments against the church.

  20. CRIME STOPPERZ
    November 29, 2016

    skerrit we use all our savings under your d……. regime… why should we for a church that prosecute million throughout history and stole our ancestors land, ruffle our little boys back feather and is still the richest organization on the earth.. cha man, boy you not well reading enough

  21. LOL
    November 29, 2016

    I have always been amazed at the level of importance individuals place on a religious system that is so wicked and corrupt. The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church just gave his priests the power to forgive abortions.. did God give anybody that kind of power on earth?? The bible clearly states only God has the power over heaven and earth. Yet still you the PM of Dominica wants to watch a struggling individual like me and tell me to donate to a system that does nonsense like that?? There must be a capital ‘F’ for Foolish written on my forehead.. one day i pray that God will open the eyes of people so that they can see this so called church that they claim has been established by God for what it really is, the same church that nailed Christ to the cross. Good day people.

    • Roman Catholic Church Always Pays
      December 10, 2016

      And in Canada, UK and worldwide the Roman Catholic Church and its Orders are paying multi-millions in compensation.

      Compensation for what you might ask?

      Just do a search on Google: “Roman Catholic Church pays compensation”; ‘Roman Catholic Order pays compensation”.

      After you have done that and finished crying, take a view on whether you should send them any money.

  22. Outsider
    November 29, 2016

    This is crime…

  23. Adam
    November 29, 2016

    Maybe Skerrit can take the Bishop to Dubai with him next time ———–Are we are true Banana Republic ? Yes we are indeed the joke of the region.

  24. dno sucks
    November 29, 2016

    the church is now paying for their sins against us .god sees all.

  25. epic
    November 29, 2016

    what the catholic church especially de bishop done for people who lost there homes during tropical storm erica raise minimum wages by 10% instead MAYBE you will see something.

  26. Looking in
    November 29, 2016

    Start the ball rolling Skeret.

  27. Titiwi
    November 28, 2016

    According to the Washington Post, the California Wine Institute and other sources the Vatican has the highest wine consumption per capita. With 74 litres (or approx. 105 bottles) each annualy they consume about twice as much per head of the population than either Italy or France. They have their own supermarket inside the Vatican that supplies the inhabitants with alcohol almost tax free.
    I would respectfully suggest that a state like that does not need to beg savings from poor believers in Dominica to finish their house of God. Perhaps they could indulge less and help to finish their followers’ house of prayer as an act of abstinence and charitable contribution.

    • troof be told
      November 30, 2016

      yes cus they make their own wine. If you made your own wine wouldnt you consume as much as you liked?

  28. Tony
    November 28, 2016

    Hello and good evening my people. Well Mr Prime Minister am not giving one penny to the Catholic Church which is one of the richest oganization in the world. I will suggest to you that the bishop should call the Vatican in Rome and tell them he need some of the money they collected from our people for so many years. If they don’t have money to maintain the church then they should sell the property.

  29. Rev. John De Secalour, DD, Evangelist
    November 28, 2016

    The Roman Catholic Church should get the flock out of Dominica! They have had far too much of their being lorded over by you and patting on the back those who do Dominicans the most harm.

    Get lost, you servants of Satan!

    • Me
      November 29, 2016

      oh Lord. such words from an evangelist?hmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!

    • viewsexpressed
      November 30, 2016

      Your name probably should read: Regid John Secular, Damn Divisive(DD) Propagandist.

      I am not sure as a Catholic I will ever be so critical to another Christian church. There are many Christian denomination and I respect them all, I dare not attack them. This is wrong.
      Rev. if you have advice to give, do so, as the church, the building does not belong to the Bishop, Priest or pastor, or lay minister. It is the old adage of getting at the catholic church whose members are Dominicans like you and I and with family members attending your church and other denominations, non catholic.

      Bless you

  30. Mahaut man
    November 28, 2016

    Tell the Pope and the Vatican to help

  31. Mahaut man
    November 28, 2016

    People die just like that.. but skiroo u and your wicked ways time will tell just like everyone. Skiroo you have not given your works the 5% u talk about in the election,yet still u want them to give 10%

  32. Bumbble Lee
    November 28, 2016

    Now Scare-it wants to be a “Missionary?” Boy you must first be born again, eh.

  33. Memyselfandme
    November 28, 2016

    If he donates 10% we gonna have 7 cathedrals

  34. Stupesnstupes
    November 28, 2016

    How I giving 10% of 0? Are you giving public servants a double salary like the PM of st. Kit’s. I teLloyd out what our gracious Lord and master since you Hinkley we making enough to save…..wait….why do you have to keep giving money to people who can and are saving. So is greedy we greedy. If we could save do you think we’d need your help to buy bread butter sanitary napkins etc etc.
    Anyway back to my suggestion, from the sale that you made from CBI last month and this month give all of us 10 000. We will save it and givery the Chunch ten percent.
    Children happy. .is this year they getting presents…..I happy I have food and money to go into January. You happy we did what you asked. Church happy, renovations will be completed.
    See everybody happy….win win all around……

  35. %
    November 28, 2016

    10% from the hundreds of million from those few selling our citizenship,will do it…Even better 10% from Skerrits savings.It will renovate a cathedral in every country in the Commonwealth.

  36. DD
    November 28, 2016

    One passport Skerro!! Just one would cover that cost – also the money you spent taking your entourage to the East could cover that ??????

  37. Hussler
    November 28, 2016

    Just give the bishop a box of passports to sell instead….

  38. Jeff
    November 28, 2016

    The PM can easily afford to contribute the whole amount from his savings as this would only be a drop in the ocean to him.

    PM, I challenge you to give 10% of your savings.

    • Fairness for all
      November 28, 2016

      Perhaps there would be no need for anybody else to give if he gave.

    • November 29, 2016

      @Jeff; if he suggested it why do you think he will do the same? You people need to stop your negative mentality towards the Prime Minister –it benefits no one, especially those like you.

      • Elizabeth shut up, you are as evil as Skerrit!

        Why don’t send 10% of what you are getting from the Canadian government each month to live on, to Malzarie, and Skerrit! You are always talking fart!

        You are an idiot like Skerrit. According to the Bible the members should pay their tithes, that is 1/10 of what the possess. It could be ten bunches of bananas if the person have a hundred bunches. But some people in Dominica these days do not have a hundred fingers of bananas to eat so how can they give Skerrit, and Gabriel ten fingers!

        You that evil woman will support Skerrit crap until the he tie a rope around your neck and hang you! Tell him to give his boy bishop 10% of his wealth he accumulate from corrupted and cynical means, in order to buy forgiveness from Gaberial for his sins of corruption.

        The day will come when Skerrit will be investigated, and he will have to tell us how he got so rich, of his salary paid to him, not what he make in the brown paper bag

      • CRIME STOPPERZ
        November 30, 2016

        sort

      • viewsexpressed
        November 30, 2016

        There is ore to come…read on. Skerrit brought it on himself, he deserve the criticism. Stay tuned for plenty more to come. He has killed Dominica, I hope the Cathedral is build quickly that he is shown the confession box.

        God Protect Dominica

    • Bumbble Lee
      November 29, 2016

      So why U say savings? People so doe have savings – If so, it’s just for a cover. :lol: There is more food under de table than what’s actually on de tab. :lol:

  39. Lang Mama
    November 28, 2016

    DNO I have a suggestion for the bishop. If several priest say they want $50000 for their birthdays the money might just appear because rumor had it that when the pastor ask for $50,000 for his birthday some church members took loans to donate to the birthday fund.
    Lang Mama don’t partake in religion but I am to provide my suggestion. If Lang Mama see them priests and pastors riding around on donkeys as oppose to expensive duty free vehicles Lang Mama will admire their humility and sacrifice and help donate. Also if the church decide to eliminate the statues of white Jesus, Mary and whoever else and install black Jesus and Mary I will come to church and sit infront.

    • Fairness for all
      November 28, 2016

      Why not make a compromise and have a brown Jesus… ? The common denominator.

    • Dominican
      November 29, 2016

      priest not lucky like pastors. priest don’t lead cults

  40. Lang Mama
    November 28, 2016

    Skerrit just told the Chinese that Dominicans dont want to pay taxes now he is asking Dominicans to go on their accounts and give the Catholic church 10% of what they own. Note he is not telling them to give 10% of their salaries. Skerrit is living in his own balloon. Remember he ask Dominicans whether they expect him to eat bakes and salt fish when he travel but salt fish is now $15.00 per pound and the average man cant afford salt fish in Dominica. The guy is disconnected. 10% of his account is not like 10% of the man on the street account.
    Portsmouth church still not yet completed took 13 years to raise half the money among the congregation. This is a clear indication of the economic status.
    Jesus took one balaw to feed a multitude and now he cant even rebuild his church building out of the very little the people have in Dominica – ebeh bagay bien mouvais

  41. Joeblo
    November 28, 2016

    PM,

    If we calculate 10% of what we OWE, then I am sure 10 Cathedrals could be built….

    • indira Ghandi
      November 28, 2016

      Skerrit,i think if you give 1o % of all the money you have hidden it will be more than enough to complete the cathedral and decorate inside as well.

  42. truth , shall set you free
    November 28, 2016

    king skeritt,[ me that is you ,i would go to the bank and tell the bank manager to extract 10 percent of every labourite account for the construction of the roseau catholic church ,the only account not to touch is the prime minister own, Anything you do sir, You are wright , You are king,

    • maker
      November 28, 2016

      lol.. alu killing me..

  43. Frank Talker
    November 28, 2016

    Roseau-velt seem not to fully understand that the Holy See, aka the Roman Catholic Church, is a sovereign nation with its ruling government and a system of revenue collection. The Holy See is a country, not just a church. Nations of the world are accrediting their ambassadors to the Holy See, and Dominica followed suit. Now Roseau-velt asking Dominicans to take out their little pension money in bank and send it to another country? Roseau-velt forget that when the Spanish ships came to this region, searching for gold, and raping the Kalinago, the Priests were on board the ships too? When the Kalinago tried to resist the greed of the European conquerors, the Priests intervened, and preached Popery to them? When the Kalinago were converted, Priests changed their tactics, asking Kalinago to send money to Rome for their family to come out of purgatory.
    Instead of demanding reparation from the Holy See, Roseau-velt asking to send them our little pension? Magwe sa! Shame on you, boy!

  44. JOSH SHAW
    November 28, 2016

    I must say i agree with this skerrit character he is right by saying if dominicans give 10% of their savings the church would have a massive surplus after the roof is restored because his 10% alone cover that 3.5 million several times, hence skerrit donate yours first and then the rest of us ” may” follow.

  45. Concern citizen
    November 28, 2016

    Mr. Pm Just give the BISHOP 2 P passport to sell and help him self, before U keep running your mouth like that, If ……them could save 1.5ms in the bank and the bank have to question them on it then give the Bishop a couple to see what he can do!!!

  46. ganibbs
    November 28, 2016

    The prime minister should be the shepherd of the flock.He claims to be for all Dominicans ,then dear mr PM. lead by example, let transparency start in your donation off 10 % of your undisclosed sums of money ……., let the people of your country see your sacrifice, then I am sure the faithful will follow your lead.

  47. Roseau.
    November 28, 2016

    So we now have a P.M who tells his citizenry how to spend their money ? I don\’t know if to laugh or to fell sorry for the folks of Dominica . Since when the population has become like kids in a house?
    Dominicans you have some serious soul searching to do because soon , Skerro will tell you where to spend your money or else he will spank you . May he should ask you to give up a month salary and we will all see what his loyal supporters will do.This guy is getting out of hand and should be stopped!
    why don\’t you give more than 10%.

    • Mamizoo
      November 28, 2016

      Since Roosevelt Skerrit has made them beggars and dependent on him

  48. woi !!!
    November 28, 2016

    The 10% Skerrit donated was MOST LIKELY the $500,00 that he gave !!! I don’t know how he expect us to donate 10% of our salaries when we are scrunting to feed ourselves and our families !!! At the end of every month we have to pay:
    Water – or they cutting us
    Domlec – or the PAUG counking out on us
    Mortgage – or the bank taking the house
    Marpin or SAT or they cutting us
    VAT – or they not giving us the food
    IRD – or we getting a back lash at the end of the year
    AND SO MUCH MORE…..

    Please rethink your suggestion you freaking out the public !!!

  49. Ashley
    November 28, 2016

    Why can’t the Vatican take care of building the Cathedral? The Vatican has its own city. Asking citizens to donate 10% of their income is ridiculous.

  50. KID ON THE BLOCK
    November 28, 2016

    SO it was good for Lennox to receive thousands from poor Dominicans to pay PRIVY COUNCIL BUT all you HAVE SO MUCH THINGS TO SAY as the PM ask CATHOLICS to give 10% to the church. Boy you ALL anti Skerrit ain’t easy’

    • Frelance
      November 28, 2016

      Kid on the Block Donations to Lennox are totally justified just like donations to the Salisbury – the State already gets taxes from us either directly example income tax and or indirectly example vat; licenses; road tax customs duties surcharges etc hence all the money PM spending lavishly giving the very same church 500K; Whitchurch 500 K by giving all nick and sundry money guess what comes not from Skerrit pocket but from our taxes; the 100;000 trip to Dubai to sell passports came from our taxes or from our passport money. So all how you look or turn we are already contributing to Skerrit foolishness. To ask us now to give another 10% of our savings or earnings is asking us to squeeze blood out of stone.
      Skerrit should have taken the opportunity to tell the Thousands of enthusiastic Dominicans he met who are more concern about Dominica than many of us he claims; to donate towards the project. I am sure if the anxious thousand he claimed he met donate 5% Bishop will be happy

    • November 29, 2016

      Wow…………smart cookie.

  51. suck dem dry.
    November 28, 2016

    The ILLUMINATI, which sashed Skerritt have more than enough money to fund the renovation. The Vatican also have more than enough money to complete the project. But after Skerritt’s DLP Gov’t has impoverished those living in the rural communities, by killing the Agriculture sector, he turns around and is now asking those same villagers to put 10% into the project. The Catholic church has conducted all kinds of collections from the ordinary, poor citizens. They are dead broke. The economy is stagnant. Only those engaged in the sales of our passports are making the millions.

    The big salaries Skerritt is giving all those DLP candidates who lost the last elections could go a long way. The big salary the Chong guy as communication consultant is getting could add up. The extra $$$$$ millions , re. the inflated cost for the Roseau bridge, could also add up.

    So Skerritt wants to suck the poor citizens dry, then. Where are they getting the money? Wickedness!!!!!!!

  52. Enough is enough
    November 28, 2016

    What about you Mr pm?? I m sure 10% of your saving will easealy cover thé total cost!!! Instead of that you gave 500000 from our tax money and ask us to give thé little thing wé have on our saving!!! Are you ok?? You should talk to Kim kardarshian husband…he have thé same problem than you

  53. Rat767
    November 28, 2016

    Very soon Skerrit will ask them to pay a fee to be a labour supporter . I really want him to SMH

  54. Dominica
    November 28, 2016

    We need to ask, is he referring to 10% of each monthly salary? If so, this man is totally out of touch with the people’s struggles. Not even 10% on one salary we can afford sir. Get real. The church will finish when the money is raised without people squeezing their already tight pockets? You just do not understand the poor man’s struggle. So many of us would do with that 10% on our salaries. We have to choose to eat or pay bills sir. Its not your world, so you dont understand.

    • indira Ghandi
      November 28, 2016

      Mr. P.M, all you have to do is not pay public servants their salary for the month of December and give one big fat cheque t the bishop to complete the job.
      what do you think?
      Good idea?

    • Dominican
      November 29, 2016

      when the man see how the people giving lennox money he must say that

  55. Finbar
    November 28, 2016

    Why did they start the project if they didn’t ave the funds to finish it ?

    • Me
      November 28, 2016

      Very, very good question. I would call that irresponsible.

    • Just Passing Through
      November 29, 2016

      Finbar, I would maybe believe that people were getting wet in the church when it rains. Or worse the roof was so bad that it could have collapsed on people anytime. I wondered if the roof had collapse on people one day during mass, what would some people say. Both in my opinion would have been good reasons to start the repairs.

      From what I am seeing, maybe the estimates were too low. And what happens when an estimate is too low? Should the owner be responsible in any project? Because if you are told you need X amount of dollars for a project it should not be double or triple by the time the project is completed. Allowances should be made for the unforeseen delays and other mishaps. Or just maybe the estimates were right and the church just have not been able to raise the required money.

      As a Catholic and Dominican I would really like to see the Cathedral open it doors again and would like to know what the original estimate was. I am with the PM.

  56. john doe
    November 28, 2016

    give him the bishop 10% of what you own skerrit. with that alone the bishop will complete the cathedral!

  57. Horse manure
    November 28, 2016

    This is my suggestion for the fund raising:
    NSG: $18,000,000 x 10% = $1.8 million
    China Rail Road Construction: $21,000,000USD or $56,000,000 ECD x 10% = $5.6 million
    Skerrit and his main passport salesmen: $ Unknown x 10% = $unknown but much better than what I have which is $10 so 10% will only yield $1.00
    Oh shoot I did not realize the Chinese are not Catholics, so cross out their contribution, but then again is joke the PM making so we just going alone like sheep.

    Bishop take a look at this proposal and lobby the above people who can definitely help our situation.

    • Horse manure
      November 28, 2016

      How could I forget that man Skerro, man give the church 20 passports and let them huckster them and they will pay back when they pickup collection. At least am sure they will pay even is after 30yrs because the building is going to stay in Dominica, unlike Kempinski people who can leave at anytime.

      • Horse manure
        November 28, 2016

        Oh ho, now I know where this is coming from my people. Back in time people paid the Pop money to secure a place in heaven after they die. In fact a lot of people left land and houses for the church to secure their seat in heaven, and now this man knowing this is a psychological thing of heaven and hell played on catholic members in the past is trying to reinstitute it. How manipulative and devilish. God I pray that you deliver the people of Dominica.

      • CRIME STOPPERZ
        November 29, 2016

        and the pope did not refuse the money and educate them… these people are evil.. this little horn will cause the beast to deceive the whole world.

  58. TimTim
    November 28, 2016

    should tax Dominicans asses for 10% for two years to give to Roman Catholic Church I say. That is my pm a man of action .

  59. The Thinker
    November 28, 2016

    No problem then.Mr.Skeritt will donate 10% of his STASH ,job done.

  60. committed
    November 28, 2016

    Why doesn’t Skerit find work to do?
    Go and cut grass.

  61. Moi
    November 28, 2016

    DNO do some research into this. I think the Catholic Church owns the building where the DPP and other offices of government are housed. The question is when was that property acquired? I may be wrong but I think it’s some time after the restoration project began. If so, that money could have been spent on the project . In any case, the rental income from that property in “mita wo zo” should go a long way in the restoration efforts.

    It would have been sooooo great to hear my PM say – “I have given 10% of my savings to the restoration project and now call upon my fellow Catholics to do the same”

  62. Keebler Elf
    November 28, 2016

    Lmao!! Belle beff Skerrit. Donate 10% of the millions you have ……….. and we will follow suit.

  63. Shameless
    November 28, 2016

    That man is sick in his cabesa or or just plain wicked if you ask me. The place doh have money and all he doing is galavanting selling passports so where does does he expect people to take the money? :twisted: . He even saying that from the pulpit? No man, now I see why we having all those deaths and disappearances in the country. Garson stay out of god\’s house with your political gimmicks souplay. The election money you give Malziere so Catholics like me could vote for you finish?

    Man if you want to donate your money to my church do so freely but don\’t use the church as your political platform. You have too much darn tricks and baggage. Let the Bishop seek assistance from the church or Rome on his own. Looks like soon you will tell us when you think we should all go and Man behave yourself eh. :twisted: :twisted: Mark my work, Skerrit going to donate passport money to Malziere and just pre-empting. :twisted:

    Always Assertive! :twisted:

  64. Deb
    November 28, 2016

    Maybe 20% from the Passport sales would finish the job!!!!!

  65. Elephan
    November 28, 2016

    10% of $0.00 = ?

  66. Hamil
    November 28, 2016

    Are you crazy???????????. Why don’t the bishop sell all the buildings they own in Roseau especially the one they are renting to the government of Dominica and if it’s not enough . Call Rome. We have donated enough.we have our own bills to take care of. When I can’t pay my child school fees ,should I tell the school I gave their money to the church? Really?Where are the so called millionaires in Dominica? Alick Lawrence , Nassief,Astaphans, Rolle Sukie,t o name a few.T ell the bishop to sell the vehicle also and walk instead ,so he can meet the common people on the streets instead of driving in his aircon vehicle with his glass up. Do as pope Francis said go out and meet the people.

  67. Amarossa
    November 28, 2016

    That have to be a joke. I have to do some Maths in my head:

    I have been working for 18 years so far.

    18 years =$1,000*12 = $12,000 * 18 = $216,000…

    To summarize:

    If I was being paid a decent salary, by right I should have saved $1,000 from my paycheck every month. Multiply that by 12 months for 18 years….when I look at that figure I had to stop, because I realized that after 18 long hard years of work, I HAVE NOT SAVED EVEN 10% OF $216,000!

    • Amarossa
      November 28, 2016

      So far more for me to take 10% of the pittance I have in NCCU and give it to the Catholic Church?!

      According to my bff, on t.v. you seeing me, man?! 8-O 8-O 8-O

  68. November 28, 2016

    Good idea Mr. Skerrit ! Let us donate ten percent along with individuals with off shore accounts etc. Publicly Mr. P?M let me see give that ten percent! Lead by example.

  69. My two cents
    November 28, 2016

    Pinch me, this has to be a dream, is he for real?

    Where is the ‘savings’, where is the disposable income.

    You should have given the Catholic Church a few passports to sell and that would definitely take care of the deficit for completing the project. Then again there is a saying that ”religion and politics don’t mix.”

  70. Real!!!!!
    November 28, 2016

    This PM is so out of touch with the heavy poverty the Dominican population is experiencing.

    How do you ask a people who are not able to save in this poor economical environment to give up 10% of their saving to the catholic church?

    Nothing from nothing leaves NOTHING!!!!!

    Skerrit under the poor economical enviro

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      November 28, 2016

      Real, but ALL YOU could give more than that to Lennox to pay the Privy Council! Wasn’t the environment economically poor then?

  71. November 28, 2016

    Only stupid people will donate their little to the church, knowing the vatican is filthy rich
    Skerrit is getting more stupid the older he gets :-D :-D

  72. Doc. Love
    November 28, 2016

    Excellent advice, however, he should donate twenty present of his travelling allowance to the church. He travels very frequently, that would be a major help.

  73. Skerrit is actually a mad man now playing God. Here it is people; this guy is demanding that Dominica Roman Catholic give 10% of what they have in the to some man. What did Gabriel do with the five hundred thousand dollars of the taxpayers money to work on that same building?

    He is asking for a tenth of what people own, but not even the demands a tenth but whatever one can afford, and that if found in the where the woman had a few pennies and gave it, because that is all she could afford.

    Getting back to what people have saved in the bank, very few people in Dominica have twenty thousand dollars to their name. Ten percent of twenty thousand dollars is $20,000.00 X 10 / 100 = $2,000.00, with that calculated if Skerrit give to his boy bishop 10% of his personal wealth no other person in Dominica would have to contribute to his mess!

    Roosevelt Skerrit Roman religion is the richest in the world let Gabriel go to Rome and beg for money rather than power to forgive sin! The 1/10…

    • The Bible teaches that one should give 1/10 of what they have, and it is not compel to be money, because in Ancient days when a king or as in the case of people as Abraham went to war and win a battle and collected “the spoils of war no matter what it was they were supposed to give away 1/10 of it.

      Hence, when someone farm, whatever crop the reap, they were supposed to give away 1/10 of it that is why we read bring all the tithes into the store house. The Store House was built to accommodate agricultural products you see!

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      November 28, 2016

      You make no sense Francisco! All you have said is BS!

  74. labourtie and catholic
    November 28, 2016

    Hmmmmmmm i support your party but i doe support that statement at all.. where you can be making 950 a month. rent is 500 travel expenses is 200 and food not counting in that… awwa skerrit i sorry for you

  75. cameron
    November 28, 2016

    Smh where are the millions you have Skerrit and cant the vatican complete the project.

  76. LifeandDeath
    November 28, 2016

    Sometimes given the seriousness of the issue we try to remain objectively professional about it and not laugh..
    This is not a bad idea at all but what makes it disingenuous and eventually a laughing matter is that Skerrit himself will not deliver 10 percent of his personal accounts to the cause..

    Hopefully this Cathedral will be completed through the sweat and blood of the poor people it serves but what about the Church Hierarchy in Rome? Send some $$$ for the cause also..Good Luck with the completion of the project Bishop..

    • You need to shut up okay because The Roman Catholic Religion is the richest religious organization in the world, they own just about all of the largest banks in the world, including Bank of America, and JP Morgan Chase Bank.

      You may laugh at this or call me a liar, but believe it or not in Vatican, which is a city within in Rome, they have a building with bales of money how many feet high, that is where Gabriel and Skerrit should go and get money to finish their political church!

      You see, the way a church is supposed to take care of such issues are from the tithes the members pay, however, whereas there is no work in Dominica, even the Roman Catholics have no job, so nothing goes into the collection plate besides the word of God is not preach, and taught there, there the blessings of God is not in that place what we are witnessing is a result of the philosophy of man some dumb man they call pope! Preach the Word of God, and not the philosophy of man and Satan, and they will see…

    • another voice
      November 28, 2016

      his 10% would actually finish the whole job, ha ha… (and he just called himself a Catholic a few days ago in another story…)

    • November 29, 2016

      @Lifeanddeath

      Your name suits your comment, but there is more death than Life in your mentality, pertaining to the Prime Minister. You have simply decided that he will no do the same as he challenged the Catholics of Dominica; but you do not know that at all. That is why I know that the comments of you all here are nothing but futility and darkness, which has clogged your minds. Don’t blame your futile outcome on the Prime Minister and his Government.

  77. Lovey
    November 28, 2016

    I assure u skerrit, double our salary like the kittitian government and our church will cover.

    • My 2 Cents
      November 28, 2016

      Double your work

  78. man to man
    November 28, 2016

    public officers would love to ask Skerrit to give them a 50% increase in salary… He skerrit should take
    a pay freeze… So we can give 10% and deal with cost of leaving…

    Let us see if you are a serious man ?
    Or just a big talker ?
    Only if u want us to come like Venezuela…… Cannot buy toilette paper.

    You were the one whom spoil the churches…. you gave them 30 pieces of silver
    they want more, so u are sending them to us ?
    I glad for you !
    You not paying me well enough for that…
    Just now u will ask us to wear our underpants on our head to shelter the rain smh :lol:

    The last time we check… we had no money..
    maybe u should give the church passport to sell…
    people building hotels
    The church will build churches and give to the poor and needy :lol:
    what a country… just now you will tell us when to and where :!:

  79. TS Erika
    November 28, 2016

    oh so you talking on behalf of the church now……..i c

    • Me
      November 28, 2016

      Amen, he should not put his nose into the church’s business. State and church should not mix and he should know that. The cathedral is a luxury and our prayers can be heard anywhere where God is present and that is literally everywhere. The cathedral can wait till we have enough money to complete it.

    • Viewsexpressed
      November 28, 2016

      Yes wi…On his way to the con6fession box

  80. Shaka Zulu
    November 28, 2016

    WTF is wrong with this guy. People cannot pay their darn bills you yet to give public servants a raise in 20 years inflation killing people, yet you asking them give 10% of their savings. The Catholic Church have enough money to build their darn selves. Plus if the country was doing well and people had disposable income they would make monthly contribution. This just tells how bad the country is doing.

    On a different note the old church in Villecase took 77 years to build. They use to build for future. We build for today and personal gratification. The church building will finish when it finish. It is just a building. The cathedral should be already built in y’all hearts and minds. If you could understand that then there should be no worries about when building is finished. What is the point of erecting this building when you have evil running the country and the land using to tools of the devil. Lies and deception.

  81. DominicaNice
    November 28, 2016

    The Vatican sitting on millions… The same way they can pay victims for the abuse they faced in various places under them priests, they can send money to build the church… I am sure if this church was in any other those spanish speaking countries it would’ve been completed longtime ago with help from the Vatican… Our population is small.. how much more money you want us to give the church

    • viewsexpresed
      November 28, 2016

      This is our church, but when Skerrit take the state involved AND MAKE A BIG HURRAH, i Object, it was a personal popularity stunt. the Bishop should have taken him to the confession box.
      However it is us to rebuild, not the Vatican, this is ours, let us own it and repair. We need our church that our people assembly there and not on the fifth floor Skerrits office. This is an abuse of power etc etc… You know what I mean eh…
      God Bless

      • DominicaNice
        November 28, 2016

        My dear Matthew 18:20 says “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” So on my part the Cathedral doh never have to finish build…. Look St.Gerald’s Hall turn church… so who says we need a massive building and we cannot foot the bill…nonsense that there. Tell Pope Francis to send the money… he there forgiving all kinda things… money we want to finish the church… and while he at it to pray for us because that leap year wasn’t good at all. And what skerrit choose to do is his business… god will deal with him…my point is the Vatican is the head let the Vatican foot the bill… The Vatican has the largest ‘bank’ in the world… money cannot done… All the money they receiving from them latin American countries they can use it on little Dominica…we not asking for much.

    • Ashley
      November 28, 2016

      I completely agree. My sentiment exactly.

  82. Dan is de Man in de Van
    November 28, 2016

    skerit you should give all the money from the ……. passport sales deals to the Catholic Church and leave Dominicans alone with their little savings, there is no proper health care nor proper pension plans for citizens, the little that they have in times of emergencies you want them to give it so that in an emergency they can come waddling up ministry step begging you to go to Martinique or Guadeloupe for medical service. Where do you get off. Leave poor Dominicans citizens alone and you take care of what you create.

  83. Laplaine Observer
    November 28, 2016

    You must be delusional for asking patrons to donate 10% of what they own in the Bank. So if I have $50,000 in the bank, I should donate $5000? The Catholic church is one of the richest religious institution so they are quite capable of handling this restoration project.

  84. buster
    November 28, 2016

    Lead by example Mr Skerrit. Where your 10% donation?

  85. street side
    November 28, 2016

    to Hell with the system…dominicans are too wicked…

  86. mary mary
    November 28, 2016

    The Prime Minister should start the ball rolling by donating 10% of his savings. Then maybe the rest of us will not need to donate.

  87. jonathan st jean
    November 28, 2016

    Skerritt there is a problem with your stance on the matters to do with the Catholic Church.Since when are you a mouth piece for the Bishop.If you are asking the Dominican people to give 10% of their money to the church this is one matter,but to ask them to give it specifically to the completion of the one church building,when the church building in their parish might be in need of dire repairs as well,is fallacy.I have a better idea for you Skerritt.These agents you give to sell our heritage,why not ask in your agreement with them, that they each give a portion of their retentions for the completion of the Roseau cathedral.The Dominica people who don’t have jobs,because you have failed the economy,you want to tell them what to do with their monies,because you are so sanctimonious.Your brand of leadership has put the religious leaders in your back pocket,but there is no need for you to tell the Dominican Catholic community to support one building over others.

  88. Sea Soe
    November 28, 2016

    Boy our Prime Minister have jokes. Is that Lawrence Brumant leave for the PM – Tim Tim and jokes.

    • Always Lovable
      November 29, 2016

      Please allow my Dad to rest in peace please. You could say Timtim and jokes but this is still sore to my family and I. Not offended or anything, we still trying to cope.

  89. AA
    November 28, 2016

    Mr. PM i challenge you to give 10% of your wealth to the catholic church building fund. Just your 10% will complete the construction and have extras. Thank you

  90. viewsexpresed
    November 28, 2016

    You ran out like … for personal, political gain and publicity, called the media including your GIS cronies, ran to the bishop and offered him big money towards completing a roof and to date that money could not complete the project. Rather than asking for a projected completion costs and that our states money contributed, you favoured promoting yourself and silly stupid ego just for prayers and consolation, you ran to the Bishop. Many thought you were on your way to the confession box and used this donation as a scapegoat to be at the Cathedral. Your sins have not yet been forgiven Skerrit. Despite the on going work the confessionbox is still open for people like you and your cronies. You know them.

  91. 1979 is forever....
    November 28, 2016

    DNO PLEASE POST THIS SINCERE REACTION::

    LMMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    The catholic church better look to the pope to cough up something from the vatican bank…

  92. Tjebe fort
    November 28, 2016

    Look how much property that church have in Dominica and they are not paying tax. Let them sell some of that property. Not a cent they getting from savings I don’t hav, especially if I have to kiss that bishop’s ring, disgusting.. Maybe those that have off-shore saving can be more generous.

    • viewsexpresed
      November 28, 2016

      The Church is ours, not the Bishop or Skerrit or the Pope or the Vatican. Wake up, it belongs tous, and Skerrit and his dirty politics must stay away, only visit for confession and then prayers.

      Let us come together and work with the Bishop, Keep Skerrit away…No Entry for this man. Disgrace

      Forward we go…let us build for our children.

      • maker
        November 28, 2016

        we shall not rebuke him from the church of god.. god accepts us all sinners when we come to repent and ask for forgiveness.. my god is a forgiving god.. i ask mr skerrit to come to church the door is wide up… ask for forgiveness for how you treat dominicans and be a better man. turn away from greed.. dust to dust ashes to ashes.. do not try to accumulate the worlds wealth for there is no place in heaven for it.. you cant take it with you.. so give to the church… our father in heaven will bless us for this..

      • November 29, 2016

        Children does not need a church, they need good parents and proper education………..the CHURCH is a fallacy. A tool used to control the enslaved and is still being used today….ALSO SKE SKE is a mad man.

  93. November 28, 2016

    I can’t believe what I am hearing. Politics and religious affairs must remain separate. Correct me if I am wrong please. ok

    • DA
      November 28, 2016

      :-D 10% of what savings smfh. 45% or more of ones salary for mortgage, plus 35% student and other loan obligations. You must be a n extreamly wicked person Mr pm.

      My 10 % is to eat.

      Good luck to the church n i hope they raise the fundsame but not on our salary.

    • Dante Jones
      November 28, 2016

      Sadly our constitution is not as clear as that of the united states on that issue

    • November 29, 2016

      @pedro , you are wrong! Politics and Religion go hand in hand. It is our Relationship with God, that does not belong with neither Politics nor Religion

      When the people of Israel asked for a king like the other nations had, they entered “religion and politics” by rejecting the God of Spirit as their King.

      God warned the people that they would be going through much suffering, by the control of an Earthly King, but they did not take heed of His warning

      And so it started with King Saul right down to whoever leads a nation today–Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers–that is what Prophet Isaiah mean when he said: “All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned, every one, to his own way. And the Lord has laid on Him (Christ Jesus) the iniquity of us all.

      • November 29, 2016

        Jesus came to Earth to free His people, and the world for that matter, from their bondage of Religion and Politics–the worldly system that causes people to reject God’s Law in Love, and to do the things which He detests–all of which is known as the sins of mankind

        That was the reason for His suffering, bleeding, and dying; His resurrection from the grave, confirms that by the faith of man, and through God’s Grace in Love, he can become reconciled to God’s Love and Holiness–which is separated from the things of Politics and Religion

        However, even if it is the Prime Minister who made that suggestion, it doesn’t mean that Politics has to be involved. As the Primary Leader of Dominica and being a Catholic, himself, no one is better to make that call on behalf of the Church.

        Notice that he spoke to Catholics of Dominica, not the whole Nation. I think that Catholics should be ashamed to make negative comments to this news article–really!.

    • What we have here is conflict between Church and state!

      Skerrit has brought politics into religion in Dominica, Last election one of Satan disciples decorated his so called church in all red! The teaches if it is of God it will stand, it will prevail, if it is not of God, it shall destroy itself.

      The word of God is neither preached, nor taught in the Roman Catholic Church. When people pray to saints, and the Virgin Mary, and roll rosary beads, their prayers are not answered because it is not heard by God!

      Remember Jesus instruct Christians to pray to his Father Jehovah, in his name asking his father for what we want believing we will get it!

      Any prayers to any other source than God Jehovah, in Jesus name is vain, no answer will be received!

      • “The teaches if it is of God it will stand, it will prevail, if it is not of God, it shall destroy itself.”(FE-DT).

        “The ‘Bible’ teaches; if it is of God it will stand, it will prevail, if it is not of God, it shall destroy itself.”

        That sinful place of man’s philosophy is destroying itself!

        The word of God is not taught no preached in the Roman Catholic Church, therefore the blessings of God cannot be on a place like that! Skerrit is getting involved running off his mouth believing that he has so much influence over the people of Dominica, that if they have a few dollars save because he says so they will go to draw out their pennies to give to Satan!

        In the United States, where people scarcely can survive without a job, statistics show that most Americans of all races have less than three thousand dollars in banks, some many people do not have a bank account; never mind Dominica where more than 90% of the have no job or source of income!

  94. Communist
    November 28, 2016

    Look who talking. Why don’t u take 10% from your DUBAI trip or travel economy and stop driving in your rolls royce when u overseas to help build the roof.

    • Tjebe fort
      November 28, 2016

      Yes my man, fly coach class as penance and give the difference to your church.

    • November 28, 2016

      I read some of the comments from the people of Dominica I agreed with some and we as Catholics should get help from the Vatican there is nothing wrong about asking them for help. They are here to help every catholic community no matter what part of the world or country that needs help. Good luck and God Bless.

      • Dominican
        November 28, 2016

        Regina, you are right but like hell it is not Skerrit’s place, of all people to make that call. He really has a way of rubbing salt into people’s wounds and antagonizing them..

  95. papa
    November 28, 2016

    Pm give them a yr salary of yours that will help a long way thanks

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