Qatar donates to Dominica’s hurricane rebuilding efforts

PM Skerrit shakes hands with Ambassador Al-Sahouti

Qatar’s Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Khamis Al-Sahouti, presented Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit with a donation of US$300,000.00 towards Dominica’s rebuilding efforts following the destruction caused by Hurricane Maria.

The presentation took place at the Office of the Prime Minister today, Tuesday, December 5, 2017.

 

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61 Comments

  1. marie-claire R Skerrit
    December 6, 2017

    Let me bet he promise them a stake in developing some business on the island smh

  2. December 6, 2017

    I blame the Government of Dominica ?? and I mean the DLP. For all these negative comments posted. If there was transparency and accountability in all these monies Dominica is receiving the people would not behave that way, it’s simple just tell the people how much money ? you have received so far and how it’s being spent and there will be nothing to hide up to now the people don’t know how much money Dominica received for Erica and what was done so far. This is one of the reasons I would not support this DLP ? % . That’s y I choose to just help those in need on a one and one basis. Am not discouraging those who wants to give directly to the Government but I want to see and hear where and what my money is doing. # going for a good cause ?

  3. Tyre hit de road
    December 6, 2017

    I have never heard of this country before here is a little history about it we need to know where these folks are coming from and who they are.

    http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14702226

    • Anonymous
      December 6, 2017

      They are a very rich nation and that is all Skerrit is interested in.

  4. Tyre hit de road
    December 6, 2017

    In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, among other Gulf states, cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting and funding terrorism and manipulating internal affairs of its neighboring states, an escalation of longstanding tensions with Saudi Arabia.

    • Tyre hit de road
      December 6, 2017

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qatar this is where the information originated

    • Sams Gutter
      December 7, 2017

      Some of us Dominicans have been to Qatar.

      • Me
        December 7, 2017

        What ,to sell passports?

  5. Perfect Idiot
    December 6, 2017

    There is no way the government of the US, Canada, France, England, Australia, New Zealand, or any of the Democratic countries in the world that believe in transparency, hand a check of $50,000 dollars to Roosevelt Skerrit, let alone $ US300.000.00. To see any Ambassador or government do such thing is mind bubbling and I don’t have to possess a doctorate to believe their is something crookid about this money, just as their was and still is, something crookid and corrupt about Venezuela giving Skerrit and Austrie a cheque book by the name of PETRO CARIBE, for which at one time Skerrit told Parliament that Dominica wasn’t indebted to Petro Caribe, but last month at the UN, Venezuela announced they forgave Dominica for that US$100.000 dollars but yet, Skerrit days nothing to us about that forgiven debt and Skerrit’s police asks no questions of Skerrit. In this case am I to wonder if that $300k is some Diplomatic passport payment?

    • Gary
      December 7, 2017

      Why spew such nonsense. Do you ever think at all before you write such comment which is not based on facts.Why make accusations and innuendos out of thin air. What you have written is an opinion, worthless. The last sentence of your comment suggesting that the $300k is some Diplomatic passport payment, wow. Why would an Ambassador of Qatar want a Diplomatic passport from Dominica, so long for your foolishness, wallow in it.

  6. shrewd
    December 6, 2017

    PM please take your $100,000 from that, because your supporters and even religious leaders have said to me. If you go out and get money for Dominica its only fair that you pocket some from it. That’s not stealing is only when people loot, so take yours sir.

  7. Thanks
    December 5, 2017

    I am happy that we are getting donations from all over the world. And to all , I say thank you . The prime minister seems to be using his physcology and Charisma to win their hearts and my friends this is a good thing . HOWEVER, let me say this , these funds are for the development of the country and not for any personal gain. God is watching every Penny . So if you all don’t want another hurricane next year to come, use the money wisely.
    it very fraustrating to be building and rebuilding .
    Take note You can be Punished for wrong deeds. You too will one day face the Good Lord. Be an example not fall into Temptation.
    Amen.

    • Me
      December 6, 2017

      The snake in the garden of Eden had charisma too!

  8. Emile Dominique
    December 5, 2017

    So many negative comments. We need to be more appreciative and thankful. I wonder when will we depart from all the negative mind set. It is good to monitor the activities of a government but we can do without the discouragement.

    • Reon88
      December 6, 2017

      Thank you Qatar… we really need that Money… very appreciative.
      A lot of times when people speak, some people refute, is that it is negative speech or speech out of hate. I have no Malice in my heart. I don’t hate but love the PM as a person.
      But it would be biased of us to honestly, with a straight face, God fearingly say that the PM has handled the state’s money fairly and efficiently. Less we forget that sometimes ago we received massive donations for Erica. Can we honestly say the money was put to it attended use?
      I remember during the Freedom party era we had companies like Sentra, Melotia and others building our roads, fishers etc. This in my estimation would be a better approach to infrastructural development in DA.

    • dee
      December 6, 2017

      I dont care what allu say
      but there must be a time when one thinks ”Ok i have enough now , i dont need anymore or else i will float ” ; so lets all hope the time is now , so finally, the funds received on behalf of the ”PEOPLES OF DOMINICA” will actually be utilized for THE PEOPLE OF DOMINICA.
      THE TIME TO START IS NOW,
      but we still want a final figure of the amount received after Erica , so we can now say , well you’ve already taken enough in truth.

  9. I Hate what God hates
    December 5, 2017

    As a person that grew up in the Pentecostal church all my life and heard how pastors like Pas. Bell, Pas. St. Claire, pas. Coffee, Evangelist Peter R Augustine, along with many foreign preachers used Acts 5, especially the story of Ananias and Safaira, who lied about how much they sold their possession for and how they were buried for their lies, I truly have a hard time with the PM’s nontransparent approach to monies given to Dominica. I am troubled about the US$100 dollars Venezuela said they forgave Dominica for, when the PM had convinced us that Dominica was not indebted to Petro Caribe. Where is that money then? Did the PM lie to us? Unless he clears the air about this and many more questions, I have a very hard time with him handling any money on behalf of Dominica. You MUST be transparent PM and God requires that of his Stewards. PM I LOVE YOU, but I hate what God hates and God hate deception and so do I.

    • Jerry sambo
      December 5, 2017

      They forgive the debt and to help you u derstand ifthey forgive the debt is because you cannot repay it so which money are you looking for

      • Ave Maria
        December 6, 2017

        What debt they forgive when Skerrit said their was no debt to Venezuela, according to their Petro Caribe agreement?

    • December 6, 2017

      Well spoken and because of that statement there are those who sit back and say you don’t love the PM, I don’t think that Dominicans search there mind they don’t know how to put the politics aside and focus, they are loosing out on the messages that come thru to them and if a poll is been conducted now it would be surprised some of the responses would be . We see all those people come into Dominica and say they are going help the people but do they really, and what do they get in return, and that must be the questions so when they ask questions of the PM and his team is because they keep holding out we are kept in the dark.

      • Gary
        December 6, 2017

        Wow, if anyone is in the dark is you by your ignorance.

    • Gary
      December 6, 2017

      The things you are troubled about is a result of your ignorance and unwillingness to use your God-given intelligence, very sad indeed. What the mind does not understand it worships and fears. It so laughable reading the nonsense you attribute to God. You cannot use your intelligence to understand simple affairs of your Country but you can rant about what God likes and dislikes, wow. Accusing someone of lying without you knowing the facts and not making any effort to seek the facts of the matter before making a judgment is somewhat ludicrous on your part When you say quote “I hate what God hates” this is such stupidity and absurd it not what you hate God hates, so long for religious absurdity.

  10. Boman
    December 5, 2017

    I thank the ambassador for contribution. The people and government of his country should know that many Dominicans serving in the US military have deployed on numerous occasions to Qatar, ensuring the security of this remarkable country. Dominica needs a lot of help, so we look forward to your continued support.

    • A
      December 6, 2017

      Dominicans serving in the U.S. military are Americans.

      • Boman
        December 7, 2017

        I deployed twice to Qatar before I gained US citizenship.

  11. Man bites Dogs
    December 5, 2017

    You little stupid scumbags criminals criticising prime minister Skerrit for all the hard work he is doing to get our Dominica back on track and better for us all and your children now all he gets is maypee and insulting words from that so-called opposition guy and them idiotic lowest of the low crocodiles :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

    • Paul Rossnof
      December 6, 2017

      Hey, the stupid scum bag is you!! What exactly has your hero done for Dominica? He is receiving a few cheques from countries that would have donated these monies anyway, with or without him. So, once again what has your PM exactly done for country? I mean apart from deceiving us and lying to us on each and every occasion. Just think about Petro Caribe, since your Master is unwilling to tell us where the 100M disappeared today, maybe your as his loyal follower are able to tell us. By the way, how does it it fell to receive a little envelope from time to time from your master for turning a blind eye??

      • Gary
        December 6, 2017

        Wow, to suggest that Countries would have donated these monies anyway is somewhat nonsensical on your part, only a person with an irrational mind would suggest such thing. I wonder if you really think at all before making such comments. When you ask the question “what has your PM exactly done for the country” I will simply tell you this, facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored by you. Why do you keep making foolish baseless accusations regarding PetroCaribe when you keep doing such thing it only shows how ignorant you are regarding such matter, stop being captive to the cult of Ignorance that has perpetrated such nonsense regarding PetroCaribe.

    • Yes I
      December 6, 2017

      Stooping to name-calling will get you no where. I am not a party follower. Never have and never will be. You all need to comment on these issues with a level head. You sound bitter and have an axe to grind. Make an educated and infomed comment so you can persuade people to open their eyes to what is really happening. There is no need to be bias!

  12. Dominican Passports
    December 5, 2017

    They can pocket de money if they want wii, Is now Dominica will finish fall apart :lol:

    • Gary
      December 6, 2017

      Wow, just saying nonsense out of thin air does not give credibility to your comment.

  13. John
    December 5, 2017

    That money should not have been handed to the PM, it should have been given to a representative of the Treasury, and deposited in the treasury. Who is going to account for the money? The PM? bad idea. Dominica is the only country in the world where the PM is also the minister of finance, something up with dat.

    • Jerry sambo
      December 5, 2017

      Not sure where you get your facts from but dominica is one of several countries where the prime minister is also finance minister stop lying to people and trying to make it look like you know what you talking about do your research and come again

      • Yo Yo
        December 6, 2017

        Jerry you say he is the finance minister but you people also call him Dr and he is not, i believe that to be head of finance a person would have to be in possession of some kind of accountancy certificate, do you know if Dr Deli has such documents, if he does not then we can safely say he is not a legal finance minister, what do you think.

    • anonymous2
      December 6, 2017

      The PM is the Treasury………unfortunately.

    • Gary
      December 6, 2017

      Why would you take the time to write such nonsense, your comment is not based on knowledge and understanding, wow, very sad. Please note Dominica is not the only Country in the world where The PM is Minister of Finance. Allen Chastanet The PM of St.Lucia
      is Minister Finance, Economic Growth.

      • Me
        December 6, 2017

        Does that make it more palatable Gary?

  14. More Fire!
    December 5, 2017

    Another donation…….We still waiting to see what happen to those large donations
    for TS Erika………………..More Fire………………………Greater Maria on the way, fool the people still……………….

  15. pues toutes D'cen aveg
    December 5, 2017

    Anyone seen or heard of the Russian legal rep former Mahaut DLP cadre turn UWP then left only to return to support Ron last election

  16. dissident
    December 5, 2017

    Hip hip hooray for EC$1 million dollars!!!!

  17. My little take
    December 5, 2017

    Anybody that gives Skerrit them money is just like them. I wonder what Mr. taking back to his country from Dominica. I sure don’t expect half of that money to be used on our recovery, just as the Petro Caribe money was not spent on Dominica’s recovery. I would like to say thanks to Qater but sorry, monies handed to Skerrit is under heavy dark clouds and as such let Skerrit and his gang say thanks

    • pues toutes D'cen aveg
      December 5, 2017

      A few 100 passport My little take lol! 80 -20 % ratio between ordinary & diplomatic.

    • Concerned Dominican
      December 5, 2017

      MY little take
      What monetary contribution have you made to Dominica pre, during and post Maria. You little ingrate. How have you helped your neighbor whose roof was gone? How have you helped children to get the proper attire to go to school since all their clothing was gone. Did you use one tool to clear roads, rivers and dams to make the transition easy for your fellow men?
      Judging by your comment I think it is safe to say none, while Skerrit like him or not is travelling, staying in house and pleading to us who live in the diaspora for our hard earned money to help people to live a decent life.
      I am sure if there is housing to be given you will receive one. If there is money that skerrit is sharing to Dominicans regardless of political affiliation you will stand in line to collect.
      Everyone has a responsibility to build their country . It is not Quatar, America, Haiti, and the other countries to provide for you.
      Do something and stop complaining. UNGRATEFUL DOMINICANS

      • My little take
        December 5, 2017

        @ concerned Dominican, let me respond by quoting Mr. Skerrit to you: “it’s not your damn business….go to hell, go to hell, go to hell” lol. Take this as a joke ok because I am not that rude to say such thing even if I am not under any obligation to tell you my business

      • Zandolie
        December 5, 2017

        @Concerned Dominican. I endorse your sentiment.
        Its very easy to complain about stuff but very difficult for some to try make a difference.
        Been asking all who keep complaining,
        What have you done personally to assist home?
        What is your contribution?
        Who have you assist in any way ?
        Why can’t you go home to assist?
        if nothing then please shut your………!!!!

      • Yo Yo
        December 5, 2017

        When he come back from travelling please ask him to explain who or what is the compass bank and in what jurisdiction does this bank operate, I ask this question already but as usual no response from the spin bowlers so lets try again.

        https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/compass-bank-donates-us50000-to-dominicas-recovery-efforts/

        Do bare in mind that Dr Deli’s press office put out this information but it appears incomplete so as a member of the public I have a right to ask, who is Alfredo Portelez and what are the contact details for the compass bank. To clarify this bank has nothing to do with compass bank Texas or Spain.

      • Anonymous
        December 6, 2017

        Yes, he is my P.M. also but that does not make him less of a con artist in my opinion.

    • Gary
      December 6, 2017

      The opening statement of your comment is irrational, such a silly perception to harbor. The money given is not given to Skerrit, it is money given to Dominica. The check does not say pay to the order of Roosevelt Skerrit. To ask what Mr. taking back to his country from Dominica says a lot about your mindset, messed up. Do you know how arrogant and silly you are to suggest quote “I sure don’t expect half of that money to be used on our recovery” so long for making such ludicrous suggestion.

  18. Vernon
    December 5, 2017

    I am glad that we are receiving these assistance but I have one observation. I have been seeing and watching the PM accepting Donations, Gifts, Aid, etc on behalf of the people of Dominica – not on behalf of the PM or the Dominica Labour Party.

    However, I am not seeing any Technocrats such as the Cabinet Secretary, Financial Secretary, Dominica’s Ambassador, Consulate, Representative representing that country or other high ranking government officials present during these functions?

    To me, when these ceremonies were taking place before one or all of these technocrats were normally present.

    Is that the norm in the diplomatic circles?
    Is that the new Dominica we are building for our future generation?

    Just asking, inquiring minds want to know.

    • Gary
      December 6, 2017

      The questions you are asking is not the treat of an inquiring mind, stop the self-deception. When you suggest that quote “is that the new Dominica we are building for our future generation?” you are suggesting something sinister and inappropriate, a perception which cannot be an inquiring mind. If you look at picture 1of 4 it clearly shows two other people in the room, one is Dominica Foreign Minister and another person which I would assume would be someone accompanying His Excellency Khamis Al-Sahouti. When such events are made public and pictures show the PM receiving the donation it is foolish to presume that there are no other people in the room, it is standard Journalism practice for a Photo OP showing The PM and his counterpart exchanging a handshake, that does not mean there are not other people in attendance witnessing such event, of course, there is, so long for your inquiring mind.

    • Anonymous
      December 6, 2017

      Vernon, the answer is very simple. He does not want anyone else of his minions to steal the limelight, not even share it.

  19. Paul Rossnof
    December 5, 2017

    I’m wondering the same thing and ask myself how much Dominica will see of that money.
    Talking about money, I think it is time now that the citizens of Dominica demand an answer from Skerrit regarding the US$100M from PetroCaribe. Since Skerrit and Austrie have been stating on numerous occasions over the past 2 years that Dominica doesn’t owe Venezuela any money – why did the government of Venezuela then officially state that the debt of $100M was written off. We demand an answer from you Skerrit. Why would the Venezuelan government make a statement like that? Are they lying? But why would they? What has happened to that money? Where is it? Skerrit, we want answers!

    • Gary
      December 6, 2017

      Of course, your chronic pathetic mind will always lead to believe such nonsense. Do you know how foolish you sound asking the citizens of Dominica to demand an answer regarding PetroCaribe debt.Why would you want your fellow Dominicans to join you in your ignorance regarding such matter, something you clearly do not understand, your ignorance belongs to you alone, wallow it.

      • Paul Rossnof
        December 6, 2017

        Hi you clever piece of s… Why don’t you enlighten us all. Since your master is unwilling to do it and since you are so clever explain to me what in your view happened to the PetroCarib money. Since you are at it maybe you can also tell us
        where the money from all the passport sales is gone.

    • Gary
      December 7, 2017

      To Paul Rossnof
      Wow, I’m a piece of s… Why do you need a piece of
      s… to enlighten you. I do not make politicians my master. I am a Citizen of Dominica and seek to understand matters pertaining to the country. I do not condemn and make accusations without knowing what the facts are. The debt forgiveness of PetroCaribe by The Venezuelan Government has nothing to do with The Government of Dominica. PetroCaribe is a subsidiary of The National Oil Company of Venezuela. How can The Government of
      Dominica embezzle or steal monies from PetroCaribe which is a subsidiary of The National Oil Company of Venezuela. PetroCaribe ran into debt by excessive generosity helping Dominica and Dominicans with various projects, money coming from the sale of oil sold in Dominica. PetroCaribe did not go into debt because the Government of Dominica did not pay them for the oil purchased. You have a mind use it, don’t be held captive by the cult of ignorance pervading in Dominica.

      • Paul Rossnof
        December 7, 2017

        Ok, I’m clear now that you do not know what you are talking about. In Dominica, PetroCaribe has been under the operational management of Energy Minister Reginald Austrie. It’s finances are to be supervised by the Ministry of Finance, headed by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, with the Financial Secretary Rosamund Edwards and Director of Audit Clarence Christian (now retired) playing important roles. Austrie also is/was managing director of PetroCarib Dominica who is responsible for the sale and distribution of PetroCarib products in Dominica.
        Now everytime one purchases gas at a petrol station in DA one has to pay the petrol station. The petrol station obviously has to pay PetroCarib Dominica for the Petrol. Now, Petrol Carib Dominica should have paid PetroCarib for the fuel they supplied but ultimately that never happened and hence the government of Venezuela was never paid for the fuels they supplied over the years.
        So my question to your Master and Austrie seems a legitimate…

      • Dominican
        December 7, 2017

        Gary, perhaps you genuinely do not know that Petro Caribe (Dominica) Ltd. is a joint venture between PDVSA and our government i.e. it is not 100% Venezueland owned. Furthermore through an odd arrangement it is the Dominica Petroleum Company, 100% government owned, chaired by Reginald Austrie but controlled by the Minister of Finance (Roosevelt Skerrit) that is reponsnble for settling the bills with the Venezuelan suppliers of fuel. I have never fully understood why that is so but I have a very good suspicion, more or less confirmed by recent developments.

      • Gary
        December 8, 2017

        To Dominican
        Yes, I know Petro Caribe (Dominica) Ltd. is a joint venture between PDVSA and a local registered company, Dominica Petroleum Company, state-owned. PDVSA owns the majority of the shares, PDVSA is a subsidiary of The National Oil Company of Venezuela.The National Oil Company of Venezuela does not want to sell their oil to a private company, the reason, eliminating all intermediaries.That’s a clause in the PetroCaribe agreement.

      • Gary
        December 8, 2017

        Paul Rossnof
        To suggest that Venezuela was never paid for the fuel they supplied over the years is such nonsense. PetroCaribe has always paid The National Oil Company of Venezuela for the products they supplied. If PetroCaribe was not paying The National Oil Company of Venezuela for the products they supplied why would they be in debt, and it is also foolish to believe that the money was embezzled or stolen. Do you believe PDVSA a subsidiary of The National Oil Company of Venezuela the largest shareholder of PetroCaribe in the joint venture would allow such thing to happen without they knowing and doing nothing.Why would Government of Venezuela have such a good relationship with Dominica up to this present time. You must also
        know PetroCaribe debt is not incurred in the National debt. Your tunnel vision is preventing you from seeing and understanding the big picture. Your assumptions are your windows on the world, scrub them off every once in a while or the light won’t come in.

  20. Victoria Hamilton
    December 5, 2017

    I just hope that you not going up the steps or the Elevator or the Other Pqtl Rep home to beg

  21. Pamala
    December 5, 2017

    Dominica not seeing half of that

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