CariMAN questions hosting of WCMF in light of Ebola crisis

The Ebola virus has been causing havoc in parts of western Africa
The Ebola virus has been causing havoc in parts of western Africa

Citing fears over the threat of the Ebola virus, Caribbean Male Action Network (CariMAN), is questioning the prudence of staging the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) and LIME’s Creole in the Park (CITP)activities this year.

“CariMAN is concerned about the ongoing threat that Ebola poses globally but more specifically, to small island States like ours,” the group said on Thursday. “Since the festive season began, there has been growing concern over the risk of the expected increased in the number of visitors who will be coming to our shores,” it added.

CariMAN said although it is aware of measures being taken by the government, “there is still cause for major concern given the recent development of the situation globally.”

“Consequently, CariMAN questions the prudence of going ahead with the Word Creole Music Festival and Creole in the Park activities,” the group said. “We need to emphasize the Proverb: ‘Prevention is better than cure.'”

CariMAN said one case of Ebola in the Caribbean “can be catastrophic.”

“Therefore, CariMAN is asking the authorities and organizers of the festivals to revisit hosting the activities and consider making a decision in the best interest of the general public; and in addition review access to Dominica from countries where it is seen vulnerable that the EBOLA is currently having an impact,” it said.

“CariMAN stands in solidarity with all victims, their families and countries where the ebola virus is currently identified and under threat. CariMAN will also support the Government in actions to be taken to address the growing threat of the Ebola virus.” the group stated.

The 18th edition of the WCMF will take place on October 24-26, at the Windsor Park Stadium.

Creole in the Park will be held at the Botanical Gardens from October, 27-30.

Nigerian group, Flavour, has already been stopped from appearing at the WCMF.

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73 Comments

  1. Tall is her body
    October 18, 2014

    The cruise season is set to begin on the month end, as well as Creole in the Park and WCMF…My question is what happens when less than suspecting individuals arrive here from the States – Dallas or Ohio who may have had contacts with someone who is infected with the Ebola virus? Remember people move far and wide in the US. Also what happens to persons arriving on yachts, how are their faeces disposed of in our waters? What screening measures are there for persons arriving on the Ports..have the Ministry of health ordered clinical infrared thermometers?

  2. Just Saying
    October 18, 2014

    The decision to cancel the event is not for the fear of ebola, I think right now it is more the fear of people staying home and not attending, its a revenue issue at this point with so much fear place in the mnd of the public.

  3. hmmm
    October 17, 2014

    Trinidad is highly considering canceling Carnival 2015 and maybe even 2016 because of this. They said it would not be the first time because Carnival was postponed in 1972 because of a polio outbreak. Their Government establish a fund from which each bandleader can be reimbursed the financial cost incurred if 2015’s Carnival is cancelled. They can use the money to take care of any and all liabilities. These reimbursements will be considered as interest-free loans and must be paid back to the Government by the end of 2016’s Carnival if bands earned any money. (If there is carnival 2016)…. Prevention is better than cure. Remember that.

    Is Dominica too small or TOO BIG to take heed? Let me know. :-|

  4. De Observer
    October 17, 2014

    I hope the PM is listening yo ABC news today. One of the infected nurse is presently on board Caribbean cruise line heading for the Caribbean. PM I know the world leaders have the cure so you are ok but your people are not. Please stop ebola from reaching our shores by putting a band on travellers coming from affected areas now less the wrath of God overtke you!

  5. On D Step
    October 17, 2014

    What about Election…do we cancel it too?
    We know more ppl will be coming for the election than the WCMF and CITP combined.

  6. A Doubting Thomas
    October 17, 2014

    This is such fear mongering. It would be better to tell Dominicans stay in their houses; do not even go out and stop inhaling oxygen period.

    People are becoming paranoid. This disease is no joke but we are becoming jokers.

    We have not locked down the country for SARS nor did we lock down the country for AIDS which is similar to EBOLA in the way it spreads. Why now?

    We need to take the necessary precautions but we will kill ourselves with stress and this presently is more unhealthy and deadly than EBOLA at the moment and then we will blame health professionals and the hospital for being unprepared for the influx of stress victims and that is not contagious but can become an epidemic.

    What other deadly disease that are carried in a more contagious environment than EBOLA we have in the world. TB; Measles; Polio; Dengue; Small Pox; Malaria; MUMPS; Whooping Cough; AIDS; SARS and Other sexual transmitted diseases and the list goes on.

    Why all of a sudden the world is on such alert? Why did so many Africans die before the world saw this disease as serious and deadly? Just as AIDS? Could it have been before and why wasn’t it?

  7. What????
    October 17, 2014

    should we stop the cruise ships from coming. season opens soon

  8. The Facts
    October 16, 2014

    The government, along with the organizers should decide if WCMF should be cancelled. Be aware that this is a big decision. The African group have already been cancelled. The Festival date is just around the corner.
    An advice to you is to take care of yourself and eat nutritiously. Replenish your body with adequate amount of water daily. Drink citrus juices; eat your fruits and vegetables. A little rum or rum punch will not hurt; it could help. :lol: Everything in moderation.
    When the immune system breaks down, people are susceptible to every sort of virus. The Minister of Health should advise nationals accordingly.

  9. Anonymous
    October 16, 2014

    This is real! This needs to be cancelled. The whole world needs to be taking the necessary precautionary measures in order to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. Jumping the gun and cancelling the WCMF is a great start.

  10. Anonymous3
    October 16, 2014

    If one ebola case reaches the nature isle god forbid but all man down. pm please do whats best. WCMF is no where more important than our health. health before money and festivity

  11. Dr.Dre
    October 16, 2014

    Go to hell…go to hell… allu fraid ebola and not afraid of hell.

  12. Liberian national
    October 16, 2014

    We are living in the end of times so the grace of God is slowing leaving the Earth. Expect more Plagues and more Fete… This year we going to have a bumper crowd… Satan says let the Party begin, who are you to say it should stop…
    I do not expect Born Again believers to be part of the Fete, but I hear a lot of them saying they will be there because it’s our Culture… Remember Lot’s wife turned to a pillar of salt because she too turned back to take a last glimpse at the culture she was leaving behind…
    So without a word more… LET THE PARTY BEGIN and PARTY TO THE RHYTHMS OF THE WCMF 2014
    :lol: :lol: :lol:

  13. Trre hit de Road
    October 16, 2014

    This is really a serious suituation because one person can cause or carry Ebola and it can spread. This is not a joke. :(

  14. October 16, 2014

    Dominica should take measures like St!. Vincent and St. Lucia. People are interested in the fete, but this disease is dealy and only God knows if this should enter the Caribbean. I support the call 100 percent!

  15. Stoney
    October 16, 2014

    Dominicans have grown so much into fools in a world record rate on planet earth, thus totally blinded to see the need to take preventative measures….WOW!!

  16. sewo
    October 16, 2014

    I pay my ticket so i reaching d.a festival or not

  17. faith
    October 16, 2014

    my fellow Dominicans,this ebola is a serious matter,i think its time that we focus less on politics turn and trust the Lord with this,because festival or no festival ,there will still be the migration of people.the government should come together working for the better health for everybody,its scary just writing this but GOD has not given us a spirit of fear,those of us who know the LORD,he will put none of the diseases that he put on the egyptians’ on us.let us think positve, get information,and hope for the best

  18. Ungamunga
    October 16, 2014

    This disease is to deadly to be taken lightly.We must take whatever measures to safegaurd the country.Our way of life cannot handle dem ting dey.No offence but roseau in itself with it’s sanitation woes would be a coffin for the rest of the island.We can have a better festival next year i say.Prevention better than cure.

  19. Anonymous
    October 16, 2014

    So the entire world should go to sleep until the Ebola outbreak passes?

    • yes
      October 16, 2014

      if need be..

  20. bla
    October 16, 2014

    My god. Festivities do bring about an influx of visitors but visitors will come in regardless. What next? Stop everyone from coming in and going out? We don’t need a large crowd for it to come in. Any ones aunty can come in from away and bring it. Jah! Wisen up ppl

    • WHO VEX VEX
      October 16, 2014

      More imigrants higher the risk of it arriving to our shores. COMMONSENSE

    • October 17, 2014

      To you and the person who commented above you. please do not be so ignorant.

      Do you understand the concept of percentages or probability in statistics?

      The chances of getting in case when there is an influx of visitors is soooo much greater than if a few people come in on a normal scale.
      I guess you figure since we cannot remove the possibility completely we should not try to decrease the risk level of having it? SMH

      • Open Minded
        October 17, 2014

        This is what we need to understand. The more people we have coming in at one the the more difficult it is to screen them efficiently. Just imagine the number of persons disembarking from the Ferry Terminal on a normal weekend – farless for the Creole Festival. It is going to be a very long and tiring process to screen all of them without making errors. We have to be very careful with this virus. Although it may be too early to decide to suspend the festival, I would not dismiss the discussion. We have to take all possible precautionery measures to keep the Ebola out!! It is so serious and we have to treat it as such! I have decided to stay away from the Festival. Although this is not a guarantee that I may be totally protected, it is a measure that I have decided to protect myself. One would say I could get the Ebola right inside my home, that is true, but I have decided to stay away from the festival. Those who decide to attend, enjoy yourselves and be as careful as possible.

  21. what??
    October 16, 2014

    boy i hoping d pm cancel that boy , i can wait another year for it …..

  22. Anonymous
    October 16, 2014

    Its all well and good to say ‘cancel WCMF’.

    If we do, then we must also think of cancelling CTP, Cruise Ship Season, Independence (the list is endless), all of which brings hundreds if visitors.

    My family and I are all concerned by Ebola, but we keep asking ‘Why just now. Why were we not informed about Ebola before’.

    The first cases were in 1976. 280 died in Congo and 151 in South Sudan. Between 2001 and 2013, 546 known cases died due to Ebola. 2014 the latest count is 2431.

    When is was thought to be only a West African problem, did we care?.

    • what??
      October 16, 2014

      you sound so foolish , of course people care but what can we do ? so because its in west Africa we should just open our arms and let it in ? how concerned are you and your family? because if that post is of concern well crap is taking over the world something only bothers us when it comes knocking at our door and thats a fact , i for one do not want to see or hear Ebola anywhere in our Caribbean …….why teach me science if i want to be an accountant????? the fact now is that people did not have access to Africa now we do, travel is more rapid and these viruses can be contracted and spread ………….

    • The Facts
      October 16, 2014

      In those days there were no Internet service and computer systems. The information may have been published in especially US magazines and newspapers. How many people got them and read them in those days? Furthermore, since the Ebola illness escalated, it is obvious we are hearing more than previously. Times are different today.

    • huh.
      October 17, 2014

      2014:
      Total Cases: 8997
      Laboratory-Confirmed Cases: 5006
      Total Deaths: 4493

    • R.I.W
      October 17, 2014

      100% agree!!!Precaution is better than cure yes! so if the WCMF should be cancelled then also the Cruise Ship Season.We can’t put the country on a break for Scientific work,Scientific need to try their work else way and not on humans.
      Can’t you people see that the Americans trying all kind of scientific work on us humans? They have got the cure but still they using someones blood to see if it can work as cure because they have treated that person for Ebola. Now they are saying they have no more medication. Oh please!! Scientis are trying to depopulate the world

  23. please PM
    October 16, 2014

    I am pleading to the PM to stop this activities now because the date is fast approaching, and people are already coming in so please make a decision today for your people. If we have one case here you have no idea what is going to happen. The people Panicing alone will drive you mad. Its not abot politics now its aabout our lives. For example if there is ebola in the country I mean even one case, everybody will stay home and Dominica will be like a ghost town, we all know how we Dominicans are we have big mouth but when the thing actually happen is when we getting mad. So let’s come together and pray. Most of us might stay hungry and not shop fearing an ebola infected person touch the groceries. Man its hard

    • Anonymous
      October 17, 2014

      but is not wcf alone we got to stop but the tourist season to.

  24. smell a rat ta tat
    October 16, 2014

    Suggesting that we cancel festivals that people from other countries will participate in would also mean that we shut down the cruise ship season, airports and airports. Total isolation from the outside world. How does CariMAN feel about that?

  25. Anonymous
    October 16, 2014

    100 % in favor of the Creole Festival be cancelled this year. Citizens of Dominica remember The primary stage is PREVENTION.

  26. concern
    October 16, 2014

    Totally agree … The festivals should be canceled… and its not about instilling fear but instilling Readiness…. The government should step up and think about ppl lives

  27. Pure
    October 16, 2014

    LMFAO…Days after Nigeria was declared ebola free..They stopped Flavour from coming..Now Ebola is in EUrope and US let us see what is gonna happen…Now Nigeria is free of ebola, no flavor is coming anymore, no worries about Nigerian students… Now how about Americans and the Europeans who are coming in, Ross University students, and will be coming for the Tourist season… Because there are not from Africa..They are not black??… lmfao…Racism and discrimination is not only among white and black,it is found among our own black people especially the foolish and ignorance ones..Ebola is not a racist!!!!!

    • ...........
      October 18, 2014

      Hit the nail right on the head.

  28. rebel
    October 16, 2014

    Precaution is the only cure! Even if we make money on festival that money still cyan buy the Ebola vaccine.

  29. Shay
    October 16, 2014

    It is really sad to see people are more concerned about partying than the seriousness of Ebola. Yes regardless ebola can still come to our shores even if we cancel WCMF but cancelling it definitely lessens our chances. People are talking about screening. Come on! Infected persons still got into America. We need to stop presenting ourselves as small minded every single time. Sewo this Sewo that. Smh

  30. Justice
    October 16, 2014

    I’m in total support of the CariMAN’s position on the prudence of staging the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) and Creole in the Park activities this year. This is the best commonsense action the government must take, in light of this Ebola epidemic which has the potential to become a pandemic, if the international community is slow in dealing with this public health problem at its source. Skerrit and his other incompetent and footless ministers would be foolish to put the lives of Dominicans at risk, in their attempt to use the WCMF as a vehicle to buy political votes. The leadership in some of the other OECS member states have demonstrated their ability to take decision(s) in the best interest of their people. Skerrit has always been self-absorbed in what’s best for him and Dominicans must understand that, the only thing that this labour party is good at is perpetuating its politics of poverty, on the unsuspecting people of this country. It is clear that, Skerrit and his sycophant advisors are incapable of looking after the best interest of Dominicans when it really matters.

  31. Blank
    October 16, 2014

    Miami just hosted carnival last weekend inspite of the US having 2 reported cases of the ebola virus. Can anyone tell me how many new cases whether confirmed or unconfirmed has developed as restult of hosting this event? The WCMF does not attract as much people as Miami carnival and yet still this event was not canceled, why should we cancel ours. Cariman thanks, but no thanks.

    • October 17, 2014

      get educated on the disease before you post. We cannot tell you yet . give us about 21 days for symptoms to show and a few more for it to be reported to CDC and then to the public. ignorant you are !

      You said last weekend right ? ok. count the days.

      Secondly… They already have cases in the US. What you mean even if we get two cases too is ok?

    • wake up
      October 21, 2014

      US have hazmat suits.do we?they have wayyy better screening methods.wake up!!

  32. diva girl
    October 16, 2014

    Cancel the festival its the best thing for Dominica an Ebola out break is going to devastating for our island Dominica ……prevention is better than cure and Dominica is not yet prepared for that kind of virus :( :( :cry:

  33. jane messam
    October 16, 2014

    I don’t think CariMAN is right. What Dominican government need to do is screen visitors and have all the necessary measures in place should anyone arrive suspected of having the symptoms of Ebola. There are countries all over the world who have planned activites scheduled eg. Jamaica for one. What the government did when they cancelled the African band was a good idea. I think if they go ahead and cancel WCMF it would not be a good idea.

    • smhhhhh
      October 16, 2014

      I agree with all da positve ppl who wrote.I would definitely cancel the events,even though we talk, sing, have press conference, debate or wateva. Its not gonna change dat government decision in dat country of mines dre.money n sewo can “go to hell” but my health in jesus name comes first………I tend to think if they have families or worst rather babies…….. Banning countries or closing airport or cruise ships could be fare.wat about those going backdoor.dem zeze coastguard won’t c ntn

    • October 17, 2014

      The US was suppose to have all measures in place too wi .
      Are those the measures you want us to take? or you think we ready for and can afford better?

  34. mr p
    October 16, 2014

    cancel this dam even instead have three nights of pray at the stadium

    • Free Thinker
      October 16, 2014

      Couldn’t agree with you more…..too much SeeWoe!

    • October 16, 2014

      May God give wisdom to the leaders of the Caribbean, it takes just one person with Ebola, as there is inter island trade going on and thats it. Every leader is accountable before the Eternal God for his dealing with those he has promise to serve faithfully. May they consider this. They might think its the ordinary people who will be most exposed to it and ok, so what. It is a time for all to pray.

    • The Facts
      October 16, 2014

      It would be something else if WCMF was cancelled and later there was even one case of Ebola. What would you say?
      Prayers alone may not help. Prayers go along with love, worship and good works. It is amazing when there is an epidemic or disaster how many people who never did will suddenly do so. After it is all over, they return to their normal life as if nothing occurred.
      It also happened after 9-11. Churches were crowded. Now what? Some of them even speak ill against the Church. Since then the world has become worst and immorality has gone down further. God knows! Is this the reason why from time to time He allows these epidemics? They may be for our mortal and spiritual benefit but are we listening, taking note and changing?

  35. Anonymous555
    October 16, 2014

    it’s Amazing how u’ll fear Ebola and Not Christ…..Consentrate more on jesus and give him ur everything then u’ll fear nothing

    • The Facts
      October 16, 2014

      You hit the nail right on the head. :lol: How true. In many respects, it is amazing how many people do not fear God. Even as they grow older, they take him for granted. They fear everything else but God. Recall as in the New Testament: “…For our God is a consuming fire.”

    • October 17, 2014

      Christ is not a virus. he came to save not kill. He came to take away suffering not give it .

      What rubbish posts i seeing under that story. I have an hour to burn i replying self.

      stupidness self and see all that people who like it ?
      even Jesus was tempted. As long as you have human in you you will fear things.

      let someone threaten your family or you lose someone you love you wont feel pain or fear because you trust in Christ?

      So those that fear you have more faith than them?
      rubbish mi say!
      I trust in Christ, I do not want to see my loved ones or family suffer from this illness . I fear for the souls who are not saved who could be infected and go to hell. I love God, but I have fears.

  36. Dam
    October 16, 2014

    I think this group needs to take it easy ok dont think of the upcoming festivities alone what about the tourist season opening and the students coming in??? ?? And besides if u didnt know America and Spain have infected ppl no ban for them to?? We need to think outside the box also

    • wake up
      October 16, 2014

      do you honestly believe that tourists will visit dominica if the island becomes infected with ebola? i think we should take the necessary precautions.

      • No Name
        October 16, 2014

        Have you thought about it the other way around? Tourist BRINGING Ebola in?

    • farmer2
      October 16, 2014

      we need to ban the students and visitors coming from there also until things cool down ijs

    • anonymous
      October 16, 2014

      o man i forgot about tourist season… our tour guides should be given protective clothing and training of how to……i cant even finish my statement its frustrating we arent even being proactive just running lip sitting around waiting like what shall i do ….are we goin to wait till we get a case after the festival to start doing something

      • The Facts
        October 16, 2014

        I reside in Toronto. Canada has many foreign students; every province/city has them. What do you think is occurring while the authorities speak about it and may have made plans to be ready in the event of an outbreak? We travel and shop of all among millions of people. Life continues to go on and must go on. They cannot shut down a city/country. We hope for the best.

  37. Grapefruit
    October 16, 2014

    Boy! Where the virus come out to want to cancel man vybez nuh boy….Aye Everybody Put an Overall with a clear Mask on…lol…CANCEL no CANCEL it still going an have sewo.Ask EDWARD ROY…

  38. concerned
    October 16, 2014

    Cariman you are so right all these activities should bo suspended with immediate effect. money cant pay for our soles

    • anonymous
      October 16, 2014

      Trinidad is thinking of cancelling their carnival which is so far away.More people are getting the virus, our small island state can’t handle contrary to what Timothy said…im thinking of not goin fest but whats the point i do have to go work ,sit besides ppl , pay the bus driver, pay for my groceries GOD FORBID WE CATCH A CASE OF EBOLA CUZ THATS ALL IT NEEDS JUST ONE CASE IN D.A I SHUDDER AT THE THOUGHT…i think it should be cancelled ppl can keep their tickets, the airlines can compromise in this circumstance something can and should be done.Losing money is the least of our worries as compared to EBOLA

  39. bias
    October 16, 2014

    Stop placing fear in people….CARIMAN seems like they want to be relevant. …..there is no need to cancel the event…how many visitors do we receive from west Africa for the event?….Dcans sit down and relax

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2014

      If you are not aware this disease is not only in west Africa but in countries such as America where a lot of the people come from. some people need to think before the speak and stop put money before the life of people. there are other countries who host major events and are deciding to cancel these events.

    • update
      October 16, 2014

      Well actually not sure if u seen recent news but ebola is nt only in west africa it is also in the usa, canada , texas n alot more coutries… n pple from all these places is going to visit dominica for this event. I totaly agree wit cariman.. atleast postpone this event until this is under control.

      • smh
        October 16, 2014

        There is NO Ebola in Canada.

      • The Facts
        October 16, 2014

        The two suspected cases, when tested were confirmed as negative. Thank God. So far, so good. At the same time we do not know this is certain. Reason being, governments have a way of playing down those matters and hiding them so as not to scare the public.

    • Hmmm
      October 16, 2014

      Dear bias. how can you think so , it is not West Africa alone the virus is your monkey . Don’t you listen and watch the news , it is spreading and it’s mainly through TRAVELING.

    • by the school
      October 18, 2014

      What utter shallowness. To say that Cariman is looking for relevance when making such a statement about a killer disease is so downright stupid. Cariman is right.

  40. Anonymous
    October 16, 2014

    we need to put lives before sewo. the best political, economic, social and health decision is to cancel these activities. People let us get serious this is serious business with this.

  41. Anonymous
    October 16, 2014

    cariman is right

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