Gov’t commits $50,000 to Dominica Cancer Society

Participants after a “Walk for Cancer” over the weekend. Photo: Dominica Cancer Society

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced that his government will be committing $50,000 to the Dominica Cancer Society.

Speaking on state-owned DBS Radio on Sunday night, he said a large chunk of the government’s public support programme goes to health care, especially for people suffering from cancer-related illnesses.

“I would like to commit $50,000 to the Cancer Society,” he said. “I know they have outreach programmes and the $50,000 will be used for whatever the society decides they want to use it for and I am hoping by Friday this week they could get the cheque so that they can continue the excellent work that they are doing.”

Skerrit went on to say that it is important for those who are suffering from Cancer to let family and friends know that they are ill and need emotional support.

“The emotional stress of people when you are ill, or when you know someone is ill, can be difficult and there is nobody who can go through this by themselves, no matter how strong or how huge you are it is difficult,” he stated. “You need the support of family and friends. It affects your mind, your psychological being in a traumatic way.”

The Prime Minister pointed out that illness is 80 percent in the mind.

“If you tell your mind you are going to die, you will die,” he remarked. “If your mind tells your body I am going to die, then you will start dying before people’s very eyes. If you tell yourself, I am going to fight this … I know somebody who had cancer 30 years ago and is still alive, I know somebody who had cancer 25 years ago and is still alive, I know somebody who has diabetes and you see the person, you would never know, the person is looking good and so on.”

The Prime Minister also encourages persons who suffer from hypertension to take their medication.

“I know most men do not like to take their medication because it affects their ability to perform otherwise but I have been advised that there is an upgraded medication that you can take, so it is a matter of engaging your medical practitioners and to seek the best advice,” he said.

Meantime, he commended the Dominica Cancer Society on their annual ‘Walk for Cancer Care’ fundraising and public awareness event which was held on Saturday.

A number of persons showed up to give their support and walked from the vicinity of Seamoon Club in Massacre to the Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard, while others walked from the vicinity of the Cemetery in Pointe Michel.

This year’s walk was held under the theme: “I Can, You Can, Educate and Advocate for Cancer Care.”

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37 Comments

  1. hmm
    October 9, 2018

    50,000 is not enough…common

    • Jheri Curl
      October 9, 2018

      “I would like to commit $50,000 to the Cancer Society,”

      That means SKERRITT paying the $50,000 or the Gov’t paying the $50,000.
      Because if the Gov’t paying it then he should not say “I”
      and if he’s paying it then the headline shouldn’t say Govt

      Skerritt is not the Government

  2. Just thinking
    October 9, 2018

    The Prime Minister shows he is a complete and utter ignorant being.To state that illness is 80% in the mind of sick people is just beyond belief.We know that positive thinking is good when you are ill,BUT this statement by the PM is beyond moral comprehension.Time for you to go Roosevelt.

    • Jheri Curl
      October 9, 2018

      I don’t know how he gets away with this!
      You’d think the man would know better since he’s a Doctor/PhD

  3. Survivor
    October 9, 2018

    You people playing with sickness.This is not the first time assustance has been given and will not be the last.Stop your ridiculing,you could be the next victim and it may be too late.Stop it,Karma is a bi…!!

  4. viewsexpressed
    October 9, 2018

    The real cancer hurting & poisoned Dominica and Dominicans years this contagious Cancer within the ill-operative of this corrupt germ-like Corrupt Labour Government and headed by a man who is immature, know not of development and all these handouts are to buy and patronise people and organisations in need of cash to undertake this own charity work for Dominicans in need. That is jot how a reputable NGO, organisation operates. On the other hand the cancer within Skerrit’s Office where he has created this dirty poison germ called the Kool-Aid Red Clinic where poor Dominican que up to receive handouts rather than this lazy poison Labour government create jobs for the poor, Skerrit reduced these Dominicans to beggars rather than consult the Welfare Division and its committed team to address the welfare of our people, rather than Skerrit playing bobol dirty politics with the welfare of or poor people. Skerrit must Go. He is a danger to the people of Domininca. Get lost Skerrit. You failed.

  5. Man bites dogs
    October 9, 2018

    When ever Mr Skerrit, say or do something good one could always tell. Those blue headless chickens would call Q95 radio station, Then writing pathetic rubbish on Dno and Facebook.complaining Iam saying to you lots take a good look at yourselfs in the mirror because 99.9 % writing lies and talking rubbish about Dominica and our beloved Dr.Skerrit prime minister are sick and evil people.

    • another Dominican
      October 9, 2018

      I am sorry but there is nothing redeeming about our prime minister. I was happy to support him when he first became prime minister but Ihave been bitterly disappointed since then and now feel embarrassed to tell people I am a Dominican. I don’t want them to think I am like him. Matt
      is still trying to talk him up but honestly is only shame I feel. Maybe is the deal Matt made with his lawyer not to go ahead with the court case between them, I don’t know because Matt never disclosed the details of that settlement but honest to God I wish he had been stronger and go ahead with that court hearing and maybe we would not be in the state we are today. Yes, I am Dominican but not like Roosevelt Skerrit at all. Is he who makes me feel bad like that.

      • Man bites dogs
        October 10, 2018

        another Dominican, Iam sorry to hear that you no longer put your trust in our brilliant prime minister Dr.Skerrit. So what’s your stupid problem, you have a choice vote UWP or DFP and you will be kicking stones for the rest of your life. Good luck!

  6. RandyX
    October 9, 2018

    Whilst I have no issue with the donation itself, the question remains was this yet again a political move by Skerrit. Elections are close and Donations and Grants or should I say presents are in full flow in Dominica. DA at election is the land of milk and honey.

  7. Your auntie brother
    October 9, 2018

    If Mr. Skerrit says 80% of illness is in the mind I would like to ask him why we in Dominica have the third highest death rate in the world for cancer. It is fifteen years now since he is in charge and you are telling me that is now our people die because they feel so miserable they must die like that? You must be very unhappy to feel that way but I think it is more our bad state of health care that is to blame and not our minds.

  8. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    October 8, 2018

    I did not graduate from the unaccredited university of Punjab; I am not Dr. Punjab Roosevelt Skerrit; what I do know is simply this; given money as a political gimmick, and talking bull as  Roosevelt has spewed here will not help single cancer patient.

    Marching will not help either; what is need are trained doctors who are specialized in treating cancer; general cannot treat cancer effectively. I do not have a medical degree; but what I do know is that cancer is any malignant, cellular tumor. The term cancer encompasses a group of neoplastic diseases in which there are transformation of normal body cells into malignant ones.

    This probably involves some change in the genetic material of the cells deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Oncogenes are the genes that organisms have evolved to regulate growth; and repair tissues; they are genetic codes for the proteins that functions as signals cells send and receive to regulate proliferation. Note: every human has cancer cells in their body:…

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      October 9, 2018

      It is not yet known why cancer cells proliferate in some people, and not in the majority; nevertheless, these oncogenes are the targets  of carcinogens. Mutations, and transformation of oncogenes may permanently  affect a cell’s  ability to control cell growth. Damage to the cells’ genetic material maybe caused by carcinogenic agents. Normal cell lines can be transformed into cancer cells by viruses, chemical carcinogens, and radiation.

      Transformed cells lines have the ability to develop into malignant neoplasms; such cells may also be recognized by other characteristics which include altered antigenicity, diminished contact inhibition, reduced requirements for certain nutrients, and the ability to grow in suspension.

      Altered cells pass on inappropriate genetic information to their offspring, and begin to proliferate in an abnormal, and very destructive way. Under normal circumstances, reproduce continuously, or shall I say “regularly” to replace damage old tissues, to…

    • UKDominican
      October 9, 2018

      Alright, alright Francisco. We know that cancer is a wicked disease, not a figment of the imagination as intimated by our honourable “Dr”. But you are losing the readers again by your compulsion to show us how clever you are. Cool it and keep it simple. We coul have read your dissertation on Wikipedia ourselves.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        October 10, 2018

        Is it not better to know; by learning the truth about something; rather than listen and read the crap some people write!

        What I  am writing is not ” they say:” it is science which can be verified and authenticated: That which I disseminate are taught in medical school, that is where I got it; and not from they say and the nonsense Roosevelt spewed in your face.

        If what I write is too intellectual for your understanding, be quiet about it, nobody will know you do not understand; nevertheless, don’t try to dictate to me what I should write.

        As long as the administration of DNO grants me the privilege of writing on their site, I will endeavor to write things which are true logical, and educational. Because you may dislike what I write does not mean others do not appreciate it.

        To each his own Madam/Sir!

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      October 10, 2018

      It cannot be assured that one process is actually involved in the ethology of all cancers: the exact cause of the conversion of  normal cells into cancerous ones is still not yet understood. An important factor is the permanent alteration in the DNA of the cell, which is passed on to subsequent generation; however, it is not known what triggers the change in DNA structure, and why some people succumb to a cancer, and many others do not.

      Cellular immunity without any doubt plays a significant part in one’s ability to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Some believe that most people develop many small cancers over their life span; nevertheless, not developing clinical sings or symptoms due to their body defense mechanisms destroys the malignant cells; thus preventing their Replication.

      Oncologists, (which we do not have in Dominica) recognize that environmental, hereditary, and biological factors play a significant role in the development of cancer.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        October 10, 2018

        Finally:

        Environmental causes are believed to account for approximately 50%, and probably in some types as much as 80% of all cancers: i.e., cigarette smoking is directly related to no less than 90% of cancers  of the lung.

        Environmental carcinogens such as industrial pollutants, and radiation are also contributing to the development of cancer.

        In the industrialized nations such as the United States, among the chemical carcinogens which causes cancer are arsenic from mining, and smelting industries; asbestos from installation, at construction sites, and power plants; benzene from oil refineries, solvents, and insecticides; and products from coal combustion in steel, and petrochemical industries.

  9. Lord help us
    October 8, 2018

    Skerrit is a hypocrite that just uses the stage to promote his hypocrisy when deep within he doesn’t care a damn about us. I read an article today where President of the Dominica Cancer Society, Yvonne Alexander, called on men in Dominica have their prostate checked for early detection of the deadly prostate cancer that killing so many of our men. After reading it I said, God that’s a very good call but at the same time I said with the situation in Dominica today, early detection is good in a normal country but in Dominica today, knowing you have cancer will just send you to the grave earlier because Skerrit has done everything to impoverished the people, to the point that if they want to buy a paracetamol they have to come to him. So imagine knowing you have prostrate cancer and you have no money to get the medical help you need. People’s health is not important to PM else he would not have closed down a hospital and 13 months since Maria, work is yet to resume on the PMH. Just…

  10. Bring back the kidnapped parrots
    October 8, 2018

    $50,000 is all good and fine, just make sure they show the receipt for the money.

  11. anonymous2
    October 8, 2018

    It must be election time soon.

  12. Julia
    October 8, 2018

    DNO the headline should be “HUNDREDS WALK AGAINST CANCER” or something to that effect. The donation from Skerrit after seeing the tremendous response for the Cancer Society was to take away from their awareness building initiative. Everything does not have to be Skerrit.

    Congratulations to the organizers of the walk and to the hundreds who responded so positively. Let’s pray against this evil that’s plaguing our people.

    • anonymous2
      October 9, 2018

      It is amazing to me how people can be so duped by the slogans like “cancer awareness, Wear a pink ribbon for breast cancer, Marathon for cancer & walk for cancer” to name a few. You have been deceived by the controllers people. These are FEEL GOOD tactics. This Why do you think that they emphasize “the CURE for cancer” as opposed to “the CAUSE of cancer?” It all has to do do with MONEY. There are already ways to reverse cancers, however, they aren’t anywhere as profitable as the drug companies and medical establishments milking the people for money, both those that have cancer and those that don’t have it. If cancer was easily reversed, they wouldn’t make all this money and they make billions a year off of poor, desperate people that are deceived by these industries. The doctors are controlled by them. Stop wasting your time and money on these gimmicks and start cleaning up your environment of all toxic materials and that includes the food and water supply as a start.

  13. Perfect idiot
    October 8, 2018

    Did Skerrit treat Ross University as a bad tenant so they could run? That’s unbelievable man and I cannot understand why the people allowing Skerrit to talk his shit on all other subjects except to tell them what he did to Ross. What’s wrong with our people? Did they become kookoo? Can you all not see that Skerrit planned the departure of Ross because he felt they were spying on him and, he knows he would be booted out and that would cause a civil war.which would give the US a right to come and protect their citizens with or without anyone’s invitation? Now he talking his crap about landlords meeting with a prospective investor that he has not signed a contract with and those fools believe that. But while he saying he already has a prospective school or investor to meet with landlords, he still saying he has another three applicants and one will send their application in a month time. You hear lies and deception! What type of school is he talking about? Is it a school of lies?

    • waypapa
      October 9, 2018

      You are indeed a perfect idiot wow

  14. Ou fou compere
    October 8, 2018

    cont’d Medard knows peeps with cancer HTN ,D.M 1& 11 who are still alive 30,25,20,15, 10 ,5 0 -5 -10 etc yrs hahahaahh. Medard you are so much more than a fool as FET would say.
    Receipts from 1 passport goes for1/4 million plus depending on the buyer( the agent never divulge the actual price receive – their cut. hence page in our goes for more than $50K US and ur donation is in EC.
    How much more insulting can you be with a society of cancer patients?
    Medard hell if it exsist has a special place for guys like you.
    Take a hike Medard with ur BS. D/cans have to be dumb to be so good to listening to ur BS yet alone accept it.

  15. Possie Direct
    October 8, 2018

    Another propaganda of Skerrit’ to blind the minds of the people. Skerrit needs to tell us what the hell he did to get rid of Ross University. I heard the man talking about a contract he has for the use of Ross and three more coming in a months time and people believing the man. Who in their right mind would invest in another school here after seeing how Ross had to spend US$30 million dollars to run out? In fact Skerrit told us they left because of Erica and Maria. But are better today to have four schools waiting? I live in New York and I understand contract and if Skerrit said he and Ross renewed the contract 3 yrs ago, for another 25 yrs, why did Ross run after 3 years and Skerrit does not want to take them to court for breach of contract but wants a peaceful settlement? When he said he has a contract from another school, he reminded me of when a landlord wants to get rid of a bad Tennant so they could replace them. All they do is don’t fix anything so the Tennant can go

  16. Ou fou compere
    October 8, 2018

    Medard ou fou garcon!
    “If you tell your mind you are going to die, you will die,” he remarked. “If your mind tells your body I am going to die, then you will start dying before people’s very eyes. If you tell yourself, I am going to fight this … I know somebody who had cancer 30 years ago and is still alive, I know somebody who had cancer 25 years ago and is still alive, I know somebody who has some who are not yet born who have cancer Mr. Medard hahaha man you talking the bebel talk like Gregory did about his grandmother told him. I was and still tempted to ask him what did his NENEN TELL HIM Hhahahahahah

    Skerrit! lol soon you’ll tell us you know people who are yet born who have cancer.

    • waypapa
      October 9, 2018

      FET you change name but still a fool. Cancers are different some more aggressive. you can tell yourself what you want if its an aggressive one that’s it.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        October 9, 2018

        I did not see this: But I need to ask you are you talking about me?

        What are you talking about change name? My name id Francisco Etienne Telemaque given at birth. When my mother Yvonne Dodds “Dods” died I decided to hyphen her surname Dods to my middle name so that I can never forget my mother every waking moment of my life till the day I die.

        You are writing crap as if you know me!

        I do not know you, I could care less who the hell you are, you do not even have a name, I do not associate with low life scum of the earth; pick on someone else, you are not my type!

        If you go in Wesley and ask anybody their sixties  if they know someone called Son fu Ma John they  will  tell you; yes we know him but he left a long time ago!

        shut up you fool!

  17. Ou fou compere
    October 8, 2018

    Don’t get me wrong readers but there’s an underlying similarity in all those DFP-ites turn Neo DLP. They hold office and cannot dispense not even if they do an intern by Jolly’s LMAO really loud.
    The former chief cab sec told us recently n his bebel post ” My grand mother always tell me bla,bla bla I was inclined to ask him what did ur god parents tell you? Now our so called P.M is ut from the same cloth and maybe worse. bebel too.If you tell your mind you are going to die, you will die,” he remarked. “If your mind tells your body I am going to die, then you will start dying before people’s very eyes. If you tell yourself, I am going to fight this … I know somebody who had cancer 30 years ago and is still alive, I know somebody who had cancer 25 years ago and is still alive, I know somebody who has diabetes and you see the person, you would never know, the person is looking good and so on.” dont you know a few Mr.Medard who have D.M 20 , 15, 10,5,0-5,-10,-20- yrs and so on…

  18. jamie
    October 8, 2018

    Skerrit private sectors give to these foundations all the time,and am sure citizens give also,so you don not have to announce this just give it dude,and is the citizens money any way.

  19. we need help
    October 8, 2018

    The cure is here for all t use, just make it legal already. :)

  20. JV
    October 8, 2018

    Kudos to the Dominica Cancer Society. They continue to do a great job. Keep working from strength to strength.. :)

  21. Frank Talker
    October 8, 2018

    Has anyone locally made any real attempt to identify the cause of the blossoming of cancer and stroke in Dominica recently? Why is there suddenly a massive increase in the incidence of these killers? Someone wrote in a newspaper article recently that the increased incidence is directly linked to what we consume. There may be some truth to this, but what is the evidence? It would be interesting to take a look at the evidence to support the conclusion. There is a thought lingering in my mind for some time now as to the possible cause of cancer. I too have no scientific evidence; it’s just a lingering thought.
    The Biblical Codex says that humans should consume fruit only if such fruit has seed, and that seed can grow and bring forth a tree bearing like fruit. It seems to me that the text is saying that we should not eat seedless fruit. Take a look at the grapes on the shelf, the pomme si terre, the limes, grapefruit, orange, etc., and you will notice that many do not have seed.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      October 8, 2018

      “The Biblical Codex says that humans should consume fruit only if such fruit has seed, and that seed can grow and bring forth a tree bearing like fruit. ”

      Which bible are you referring to; unless you can quote a scripture out of a book in the King James version: The Protestant Bible; or the Roman Catholic Bible I will note that in the quote to be a lie!

    • Fbother
      October 8, 2018

      Your jack arse grapefruit and orange don’t have seeds??? There is strong evidence that if cancer runs in your familly u are more likely to get it… no one knows what causes cells in the body to grow out of control. .not even doctors. .. A cell DNA can create errors and that’s when it multiplies out of control… what we need here in this country is better health care .. fix that bloody hospital ..get rid of that coshor gov so people can live a prosperous life.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        October 9, 2018

        “no one knows what causes cells in the body to grow out of control. .not even doctors.” ..

        You are practically correct, use the scientific and medical term “proliferate” rather than grow!

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