Hartley Henry, Principal Advisor to PM: Overview of Conditions in Dominica

The following is a message from  Hartley Henry, Principal Advisor to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, on general conditions island-wide, post Hurricane Maria:

 

This is Hartley Henry – Principal Advisor to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica.

It’s 4 30am and I just spoke with Prime Minister Skerrit via satellite phone.  He and family are fine.  Dominica is not!!

Tremendous loss of housing and public buildings. The main general hospital took a beating. Patient care has been compromised.

Many buildings serving as shelters lost roofs, which means that a very urgent need now is tarpaulins and other roofing materials.

Little contact has been made with the outer communities but persons who walked 10 and 15 miles towards the city of Roseau from various outer districts report total destruction of homes, some roadways and crops.

Urgent helicopter services are needed to take food, water and tarpaulins to outer districts for shelter.

Canefield airport can accommodate helicopter landings and it is expected that from today, the waters around the main Roseau port will be calm enough to accommodate vessels bringing relief supplies and other forms of assistance.

It’s difficult to determine the level of fatalities but so far seven are confirmed, as a direct result of the hurricane. That figure, the Prime Minister fears, will rise as he wades his way into the rural communities today –Wednesday.

The urgent needs now are roofing materials for shelters, bedding supplies for hundreds stranded in or outside what’s left of their homes and food and water drops for residents of outlying districts inaccessible at the moment.

The tarmac at Mellville Hall [Airport] was not too badly damaged so the strip should be opened in a day or two for larger relief planes to land.

The Prime Minister is hoping to make contact with ABS Radio in Antigua this morning to speak directly to the outer world as to the state of Dominica and its urgent needs.

The country is in a daze – no electricity, no running water – as a result of uprooted pipes in most communities and definitely to landline or cellphone services on island, and that will be for quite a while.

In summary,  the island has been devastated. The housing stock significantly damaged or destroyed. All available public buildings are being used as shelters; with very limited roofing materials evident.

The country needs the support and continued help and prayers of all.

Will update further as new information is received.

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44 Comments

  1. September 28, 2017

    these thieving cell net works should open up the net work let people call their relatives

  2. Another Scam Advisor
    September 22, 2017

    Now that’s funny, Hartley Henry – another fake advisor – https://hartleyhenry.blogspot.co.uk .

    Where is Tony Astaphan, SC???? Is he not the principal advisor and spinner of Dr. Skerrit?

    Tony, where are you!!

  3. Scampy
    September 21, 2017

    Instead of bleating about the wrath of God!

    God did not do this hurricane!!

    HAARP/ CERN did! All Dominicans should be writing to Donald Trump to ask him to put an IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT END to the US’s weather manipulation via CERN and HAARP technologies as tools to control every country on earth though the principle of ‘order out of chaos’.

    We Dominicans will never be subservient to this agenda. We will continue to reject tanshumanism ; the legalisation of same sex ‘marriages’; the legal enabling of men and women to change their sex on paper authorised by governments so that they can masquerade as members of the opposite sex; the establishment of a one world government via the UN!! We were born free and will die free. Their hurricanes and earthquakes will never subdue us because we KNOW that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Master and will give us salvation from your evil and that of your master, satan!

  4. Tony
    September 21, 2017

    Hello and good afternoon my people. Well we are waiting to hear from our family but Mr Henry is telling us that he spoke to the Prime Minister. I am wondering why couldn’t Mr Henry record the PM statement and release it to us because we haven’t heard anything from any elected official from Dominica. We need to know if there were any lost of life and when will the port and airport open so we can send supplies to our family. We need information.

  5. Paul Rossnof
    September 21, 2017

    We are not interested in hearing some wishy washy statement from the adviser to the PM.
    What we want is: get the damn communication network up and running again so we can talk to our relatives and friends who no doubt are worried to death what happened to all of us!!!
    Digicel and Flow make enough money out of us all. Get your hands out and get things fixed!!!

    • jihan
      September 21, 2017

      Pure ignorance my friend bur wont say more,try being more productive,help your country.

    • Emile Dominique
      September 21, 2017

      The PM has no choice than to let this wishy washy adviser talk to dno because dno cannot handle direct serious information from the PM. So a wishy washy outlet can only get wishy washy news.

    • Lesson
      September 21, 2017

      Paul I am ashamed that you are a Dominican. Learn to be humble and exercise patience. I can see although
      we experience such a disaster you have not learnt anything

  6. jihan
    September 21, 2017

    So sad that politics is still front and center,the same politics that has caused the almighty to place his wrath on Dominica,you all need to stop the hate,and help each other,the almighty gave us a great warning when Erika struck 2 years ago but the fighting continue,i pray for all those who have lost family members,he is in control and will open our eyes after Maria.May the ALMIGHTY CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR LOVELY NATURE ISLAND.GET OVER THE POLITICS MY PEOPLE.LOVE CARE AND HAVE COMPASSION FOR EACH OTHER.AMEN

    • viewsexpressed
      September 21, 2017

      You expect us to stand by and watch incompetent politicians, like your hopeless friends in government destroy Gods Nature island, paradise? We have a very incompetent PM and a corrupt labour government who have placed their immaturity and wrath on Dominica. God will handle them because they are deceitful and they rob from the poor. God, Your God, My God, our God, never did promote this attitude on our vulnerable people and you now condoning it. Would you agree that this is a sinful, greedy attitude. You political friends do not care of the poor and suffering, they steal from them and like the thieves Robin went after ad stopped and therefore, we will continue to fight them, so go open your eyes and repent.

    • viewsexpressed
      September 25, 2017

      There is no hate you idiot, all we ask for is accountable, Transparency and good government. Leave the bible out of your stupid political alliances. The devil may not be visible to you, but it is to us. Labour government made it dirty. No respect for Dominicans and I feel we are being used and brought into poverty while your friends in high up places are rich and enjoying life on the bread and butter of us Dominicans. “The almighty to place his wrath on Dominica because of the dirty corrupt Labour government, the devil in polities that you condone. Go read your bible. “Suffer the little children no more”. Do you know what this means.? Go read your bible – Jihan, if this is your real name.
      We need to fight the fight the fight of corruption. Do you recall when Jesus challenged the big pushed over all of the produce in public as they had contempt on poor people, where they took advantage. We need the same lessons in Dominica. Push over the corrupt Labour government. Skerrit must GO!

    • September 28, 2017

      the fish rots from the head

  7. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    September 21, 2017

    Hartley Henry is one responsible for Dominica’s backwardness in the twenty-first century. He is Roosevelt Skerrit brain; he fills Skerrit head with bad advise, advise that when Roosevelt implement them, they only take Dominica backwards.

    He was dormant for a while, now he sees the money, the pay for advise, he has surfaced to dictate to the Dominica joke-man so called Prime Minister. Who the hell need to hear from Hartley at this time who is nothing but a Dominica blood sucker.

    We do not need any Barbadian yard foul to dictate anything to our people, as far as I am concern. Is it not ironic that there is no communication in and out of Dominica, unless Hartley is resident in Dominica, how did his comment get into you system DNO?

  8. September 21, 2017

    It is CRITICAL that the satellite phone communication be able to render SPECIFICS of WHOM is missing from Ross Medical School and SPECIFICALLY what is being done (hour by hour) to SEARCH out the missing and unaccounted for students….PLEASE!!!

    • Rahja
      September 21, 2017

      Dr. Durbin,
      Will the US Embassy in Barbados send personnel over to help out with the search?

  9. JesusITrustInYou
    September 21, 2017

    DNO
    I am saddened by the comments from my fellow Dominicans.

    At a time when we should be uniting as a people and yes going on our knees to pray to the Almighty God for His mercy and intervention, we are casting aspersions and venom.

    When are we going to learn that Dominicans NEED to change their focus from political squabbling, envy and jealousy to a love of God and neighbour?

    Lord, I pray that You will deliver Dominica out of this catastrophe and that we will turn to You in prayer and thanksgiving.

    • viewsexpressed
      September 21, 2017

      “When are we going to learn that Dominicans NEED to change their focus from political squabbling….” we agree with you and go tell your Skerrit and his corrupt labour Government. God does not like the rich and powerful stealing and being deceptive on his poor and vulnerable people. When are you gonna take these political thieves to the confess box before God with you. They need to be punished and you too, for conding it. you re encouraging the suffering and poverty and begging of Gods people. He will deal with you. We are not the issue, we are trying to put right what is wrong. Amen
      And I end with your quote,,,”Lord, I pray that You will deliver Dominica out of this catastrophe and that we will turn to You in prayer and thanksgiving”. Now go pray for forgiveness and for those politicians of yours who abuse Gods innocent people.

    • GIVE THANKS
      September 22, 2017

      JesusITrustinYou.

      Dominicans really have gotten on God’s last nerve with their political hatred. Praise God! with such devastation so many lives spared. Now is the time to unite in love and set politics aside and to help each other from village to village to build Dominica. Wake up people!

      Lord Jesus help Dominicans to know and be still and know that I AM GOD. He is in control.

  10. Church street
    September 21, 2017

    Love Dominica speedy recovery.

  11. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    September 20, 2017

    I still have not heard from my family and friends in Dominica and I am anxious to know how they are. I am not able to get through to Dominica since the telephone lines and internet are still down. I will hear in time soon. I pray they are OK at least.
    Sad times for Dominica. Poor Dominica and Dominican national residents including the overseas students and visitors. I hope you are OK.
    For those who lost their home, business and other personal effects, as long as you have life and strength, all will eventual work well for it. May God grant you the resilience to cope during this time until you are back to normal.
    Those who were hospitalized when the PMH roof caved in, I pray you will recover. Much medical help is on the way.
    Those who are injured, I pray you will be healed in time.
    For those who passed on, may their family be comforted by a Loving God who knows best.
    Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace…

  12. viewsexpressed
    September 20, 2017

    This action & position is really an insult to us Dominicans., Or is this team of Skerrit & Hartley see us as Dummies in cans. This is fraud & nonsense. Hartley does not live here, or is he and who pays? Is this a voluntary position or highly paid one? Was this position approved by Parliament? “Principal Advisor to the Prime Minister of Dominica, on general conditions island-wide, post Hurricane Maria:” Give me a break! Where is the Local Government Commissioner, where is the ODM officer. What on earth does man know of Dominica’s rural villages and terrain to advise Skerrit. Is Skerrit illiterate to our environment or to the dangers of a Hurricane. Why is this Hartley clown telling us about roof, airport, that Skerrit is so stupid he is being fed with the immediate ABC`s of hurricane. This is Dominica we can see and this man Hartley is not in Dominica and is giving a commentary as to what has happened to us. This Not an advice in anyway to Skerrit.
    Skerrit Must Go
    Hartley Must Go

  13. viewsexpressed
    September 20, 2017

    What? “Hartley Henry, Principal Advisor to PM!!?: “Overview of Conditions in Dominica…” What on earth is this, how did this overseas man become Principle Advisor to this inept PM? What are his Terms of Reference!?” Who is paying him, is it our State money or that of this Inept PM? I say so because he is “Personal” Advisor, he is onto Skerrit, not onto us the tax payers of Dominica, hard working people seeing our money off to some strange position, achieving what, or just a fly by night making extra money, while poverty and unemployment is high in Dominica? what on earth is he being advised on? The questionable corrupt CBI affairs? The many loose ends and questionable deeds of accounting for our tax payers’ money? Recall Hon Lennox Linton brought to the open the Bin Bobol and Fertilizer Bobol. Was this an advice from this Hartley Man to this Skerrit man? Well, Hon Linton should have been the Advisor to Skerrit to advised on dangers of corrupt practices in govt, Skerrit Hartley…

    • Wrong is wrong
      September 20, 2017

      During a storm that has many of us troubled Skerrit speaks to us through his Bajan advisor? From 10am I’ve been waiting to hear from him and no address no statement from the only person that has the ability to tell us what is happening to our loved ones? If he is too tired is their not a minister of government he could trust to tell us what is happening? No one in DA? Not even Tony or the commissioner? This to me is pure cr*p to say the least

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 20, 2017

      What happened to Dominica will not change some people. You sound as an angry person who has no love and peace in the heart.
      At a time as this you make such derogatory comments? I suppose I do not know your heart and what is embedded in it, but God knows.
      I can tell you are not in Dominica. Otherwise under the conditions you would become a humble person. Shame on you!
      You have something against the PM. Well, leave him alone! He made international news and all were in awe of what he stated. The Toronto news also printed his messages.
      You cannot keep a good man down. Is this what gets you angry?
      As a Christian Catholic, you need to pray better and ask God forgiveness to mellow your heart and change it. If I knew the priest of the parish where you attend church, if you do, I would tell him about you and also ask him to pray for you.

      • viewsexpressed
        September 21, 2017

        As I walk through Portsmouth, second town, a pillar of opportunity, is dead & deprived with no growth. It`s Ross university which has Portsmouth where it is today, and you want to talk rubbish to me about I have something against Skerrit. It is personal yes because he has failed as a Prime Minister. The home of Mike & Rosie Douglas, the stalwarts of political and social development in Dominica. Skerrit, you and his blind supporters know nothing of this and without Ross Portsmouth would be dead. I have heard it said that Skerrit knows nothing of social and economic development and only wastes giving hand-outs. Who on earth are you to address me and challenge me on something that you know not of other than be a blind supporter of this corrupt government and its inept leader. I have risen above this and I am original, can you say same of yourself proudly without looking at Skerrit.? The Red Clinic is an abuse. He has disrespected Welfare Division and our professionals.
        Skerrit Must Go.

      • viewsexpressed
        September 21, 2017

        God has forgiven and it is because I write the truth to help protect his poor children and not abuse them & their parents with disrespect subjecting them to beggars. You go pray and ask God for forgiveness, stop pointing finger at people who knows the truth when you have four fingers of your own pointed back at you.
        Go read your bible in detail and what God has said of false preachers in his name abusing his people with wealth and goodies. I am blessed and clean, can you say the same of yourself and your so called leader? Yes! I am convinced that Skerrit is a failed leader. Do you recall the Bin & Fertilizer Bobol that Hon Linton exposed them? They lied & as the truth surface they lied more but it was obvious states money was stolen. That is why all scared of Linton, he too powerful in wisdom for all you bobol & meritocracy. Go repent & come back.
        Go ask your Skerrit who initiated the Bin Bobol & other bobol. When they leave office they will be charged, abuse of states funds. Bless

      • Caz
        September 21, 2017

        Well said ! what has the advisor being Bajan have anything to do with anything?

      • wrong is wrong
        September 21, 2017

        ” You sound as an angry person who has no love and peace in the heart.” “At a time as this you make such derogatory comments?”

        Sir, I guess you are loaded with love and peace in your heart and good for you! Can you please point out one statement I made that is so derogatory? I will not even ask God to judge your heart. FYI, the PM finally spoke to us and and I feel much better. But as I look at DNO I see a lot of blogs from you as though you, and you alone own DNO and you are able to say what you want and no one else is able to say a thing. Good luck

  14. Doc Love
    September 20, 2017

    Hartley Henry stated that he is the Prime Minister’s principal advisor and at the same time he is a pollster. How can his predictions be genuine. It is obvious, his reports, as stated, will be tainted. That makes me believe, Alex Bruno’s report was more credible. Before he went on his mission to get a public opinion, as to who Dominicans felt would win the next general election, he made it absolutely clear, that he was not affiliated to any political party, when compared to Hartley Henry, who has publicly disclosed his affiliation to the Prime Minister, who is political leader of the DLP.

    • Wrong is wrong
      September 20, 2017

      You confusing Hartley Henry with Peter Wickham, the pollster.

  15. Chad
    September 20, 2017

    This points to the need for the Government to run budget surpluses in good times so that there will be a reserve to draw from in bad times.

    Instead, politicians spend every dollar they can get their hands on all the time, and then beg for more. When disaster strikes, they cry and beg again, but people are tired of hearing the same old same old.

    Save. Don’t spend. Live within your means. It is spendthrift behavior that keeps black people in the bad books of most other people around the world.

    And, above all, stop using tin roofs. Concrete slabs will not blow away in a hurricane. Develop and enforce proper building codes!!!!!!!!

    • Caz
      September 21, 2017

      Interesting view. :-? I’d be interested if Chad could refer to ONE country that has been affected by hurricane Irma or Maria that does not require help or assistance from the outside world? Or does not ask for help and assistance in times of disaster. Dominica is not unique in this way. This is the same all over the world. This is NOT the time to start blaming politicians or making this a political (nonsense) argument. I assume you are working for the government to make such a bold statement as to how politians spend public money? This is THE time for everyone to be UNITED. Good advice on ‘saving’ and what constructions should be used – but not the advice that’s required at this time. I’m sure you also realise that people using tin roofs may be as a result of what people can afford.

      Suggestion :Why don’t you focus on advice on what can be done to help our people and what they need NOW?

      • viewsexpressed
        September 24, 2017

        Caz, you deliberately miss the point. If our politicians are not disciplined and accountable with states funds in the event of Disaster like this one Marcia we will be forced to resort to be dependent on outside resources and states for help. We are in the hurricane zone and we need to be prepared all year round. This government failed us and have been more engaged it appears in CBI money having alot of nefarious people rich and gaining riches from Dominica. Some are in person in far away lands and it appears others are wanted. I believe our government ought to be accountable and should be dismiss and apprehended until a serious commission o=of enquiry is put in place. We need answers and new people in office to govern this ruin economy and country in deep poverty. This Skerrit lead government is inept and hopeless. They have failed us. Skerrit must Go. Chad is correct…Caz is lost.

  16. Doc Love
    September 20, 2017

    A, A, what happened to Tony, they put him in the so called dog house. :lol:

    • viewsexpressed
      September 21, 2017

      Woof woof,,,, oh yes….and maybe chained too…..woof woof.

  17. James Ugbo
    September 20, 2017

    Me and my family feel so sad abut the devastating effect of hurricane Maria on our ‘second home’ Dominica. We have lived in Dominica in the past and love this nation of lovely people. We pray that The Almighty console all affected and the entire Dominica for this great tragedy. Lord have mercy. I will be looking for ways of contributing towards a relief fund.

  18. Believer
    September 20, 2017

    Thanks very much for your detailed report.
    We are thirsty for as much accurate information as possible.
    God Bless.

    • viewsexpressed
      September 20, 2017

      Give me a break. A school child at Primary or First form at Secondary school could report this nonsense much better. It shows Hartley Henry is just there as a boom boom fly loyalty to an inept person.
      If that`s what I read from HH comes from so called “Principal Advisor” then some people illiterately dunce and just given a position for some favour. Our state tax money is likely to be paying for this crap for we need better than this. This Henry should be sacked and flown out of Dominica on Hurricane Irma long ago before he wrote that crap above. Was Henry in Dominica when he wrote this disaster, or dictated to him as he sits in Barbados? It has to be!? We are asking and need to know. When we get rid of this inept PM and corrupt Labour government we will have a comprehensive state inquiry and Henry among others will have to account for the suppose work they have “overdone” which has not benefited Dominica but we must ask, is it benefiting them? We need our money back & now…

    • viewsexpressed
      September 20, 2017

      Detailed Report my Foot. Absolutely nonsense. What Report?

      • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
        September 22, 2017

        @ viewsexpressed:
        What are we going to do with you and your indifferent comments which are uncalled for at this time? :lol: :lol: :lol: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  19. Fran
    September 20, 2017

    I’ll Keep on sending prayers and anything else I am capable of doing.

  20. Nous Meme
    September 20, 2017

    My heart goes out to all in Dominica. This reminds me of Hurricane David. The pictures fill me with sadness. May God comfort all in Dominica and those in the path of hurricanes, earthquakes, land slides and other disasters.

    I will be part of the recovery efforts in the USA.

    God bless you all.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      September 22, 2017

      I heard there is another hurricane brewing, “Lee”. It is said it is too early to know what Lee will do and what path it will take. May the Caribbean as Dominica be avoided.

      • viewsexpressed
        September 30, 2017

        @ viewsexpressed:
        Why don’t you let the Truth be known…live by your name and faith. Or go to confession, an act of confession, Oh God I am really sorry in promoting this corrupt Labour government taking advantage and abusing the intelligence of your poor people for votes and friendship.

        What are we going to do with you and your indifferent comments which are uncalled for at this time? :lol: :lol: :lol: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

        Well, we will continue to expose the corrupt Labour government. They have failed the people of Dominica. Open thievery and poor governance and preference is taking place at a time like this and all you all labour hypocrites concerned about is saving and promoting your inept Pm into this political rot. Skerrit must ho. keep on reading. As long as there political hypocrites and blind ones like you about , we will write and expose you all.

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