The attitude of customs officers at Dominica’s port of entry and honesty among taxi drivers are two issues singled out by a French visitor as a deterring factor for Dominica’s tourism industry.
Aneth Nemorin, from Martinique, who visited the island with her husband Arthus Nemorin some years ago said while they are impressed with the island, the welcome they received at the port of entry by customs officers is cause for concerns.
The couple also indicated that they were overcharged by taxi operators who brought them to various tourism destinations in Dominica.
The two issues have left a lasting impression on them.
“We visited Dominica four years ago, Dominica is a beautiful country. I am not saying that all Dominicans treat visitors bad, but the attitude of customs officers has to change,” Nemorin told Dominica News Online (DNO) at the staging of a Dominica Marketing Tradeshow in Martinique last weekend. “The first impression is a lasting impression and that is a very bad impression of Dominica.”
Nemorin noted that other nationals from Martinique have raised the same concerns.
She indicated that customs officers need professional training in how to treat visitors.
Despite this Nemorin said she still hopes to visit Dominica in the future and spend some time in the Kalinago Territory to experience the indigenous people’s culture and enjoy various dishes.
The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has been undertaking several training programs with custom officers and the first entry officers to improve their skills.
The taxi operators have also been holding several meetings and training programs to assist the bus drivers in terms of how they should treat tourists.
Pricing has also been singled out as an issue that the DDA said they are currently addressing.
I have always praise the custom and immigration officers in DA for politeness and doing a good job. And I have been around the world.
The French visitors should observe how Dominicans visitors are treated in Guadelope and Martinique. I forgot they are French theforecit is allright for them to be rude.
Don’t blame these people , they don’t travel , they have no idea they are doing anything wrong. Hard times and lack of exposure to the modern world have contributed to this ,coupled with stupidity. They were trained to protect the gate at all cost . The only thing the world has moved on and the were left behind.
Some Dominicans need some good training. From the hospital nurses to customer service all around DA. People need to learn to respect others. Tarzan no longer lives in the jungle and we sure are not jungle people so act like it. Too much attitude for anyone to take. DA wants tourism to improve this is where it starts. The officers have right to ask any question but it is how they ask and how people respond that makes a difference. Maybe the officers need to be trained in how to address their nationals returning home. I do not have a Dominican passport but I have never had an issue with any of the officers.
I am a law enforcement officer from the US and i have no problems with customs neither immigration anywhere in the world when i travel. i think if people just had respect and knowledge of what traveling is all about they would not have so many problems with Customs and law enforcement officers. In this age of money laundering, smuggling and theft, one can really take no chances. Every question which a customs officer or immigration officer asks has reason behind it and is only asked to aid in their profiling of a passenger. If only some of us had respect and manners when these questions are asked like in the US, all would be well. Dont respond by saying things like what you asking that for? or with your face wax, i am sure in the US everyone who has traveled there is humble and even answers to things which they are not asked. A lot of criminals are traveling and this is why Customs are there to protect the Country and safe guard citizens.
With respect. We are discussing the situation Dominica, not the U.S.A. or any other country. Have you ever visited Dominica? Please do.
When I visited Dominica the customs officers made my skin crawl. They flirt and they are so unprofessional. Dominica is a beautiful country, but these officers need to be trained to do their jobs effectively. I have traveled to other various countries and never had any customs officer attempt to take my number or give me theirs.
De woman doe lie… Give any Dominican a little or big post and they start playing heavy… They think de place is there’s and there family… Ne security ne customs all of them need training…. I never see a country where people just not in the business to facilitate trade but rather all in your business to @@@@ u up
These people and their procedures are a barrier to developing our tourism. Not only tourism but also Dominican citizens visiting their own country. When I present my Dominican passport why do I have to fill in a long form, where I am staying ,how long and so on. That is none of their business! You think foreign visitors or French going to Martinique or Guadeloupe are troubled like that? this really pisses people off. And then they rummage through some old lady’s suitcase in public exposing all her underwear and private stuff. Why can’t they do like the French or English with a channel that says “nothing to declare” and have random checks only. And the worst hing is to ask you pay cash separately, in another line for departure tax. You think that makes people feel wanted? You know these days I’d rather go and spend my money in Martinique or Guadeloupe where they don’t have an expensive dollar either. Dominica is my country but they can get stuffed with attitude like that
Training of all persons or groups involved in the tourism sector is fundamental for the development of the tourism industry
in Dominica. First impression is Lasting so at the points of entry it’s imperative that custom and immigration oficials conduct themselves in an adequate manner so that the visitors and returning Dominicans can feel welcome. Fortunately all the times I have returned home I was always greeted with warmth by all the custom and immigration oficials. I have seen an improvement in the way visitors are treated.
However, in relation to the Taxi driers and fees I think standard prices should be posted and reviewed periodically so that visitors can at first hand know what they are paying. That’s something that should be looked into ASAP.
i strongly believe some of y’all mixing up custom officers, port security and immigration
get y’all facts right!
Many port of entries have a section for nothing to declare except Dominica. I travelled couple times to Europe and beyond nowhere my luggages were except when I returned to my country Dominica. Custom officials even check your under wears!
During the creole festival imagine what the visitors go through the delay with immigration and hostile custom officers! I been to Guadeloupe many times I was never stopped by a custom officer
This is a reality throughout the Caribbean. Public service people are extremly rude and harsh with visitors. It seems as if smiling is an abomination, much less being kind. The last time I visited Dominica, the woman checking my bag just started throwing my things away and never even looked at me or said anything to me … just flung my things into the trash! When I complained, it was me who was chastised for being rude!!! Unbelievable. I had travelled throughout the Caribbean and never had a problem with my luggage … until Dominica, where it seems anyone wearing a uniform immediately gets an attitude. It was ugly and, if I ever return, I will put on my mean face and clench my fists while being disrespected. Oh yes, and suck my teeth ad nauseum while rolling my eyes and mumbling while staring at the floor.
That lady’s comment couldn’t be more justified and should be considered as A VISITORS DESIRE THAT THINGS IMPROVE . She genuinely stated that she wishes to visit again, which should speak volumes to the authorities, as of course she would expect to have a better experience on her next visit .
Hey I didn’t know this over charging still going on .
Let me share an experience as related to me .
My country man, a very well recognized and wealthy Dominican living in the Diaspora, on a short visit back home ,elected to board a taxi at Canefield Airport to my village . Bearing in mind that he elected to use that taxi so he could pay ,he had the option of a call to anyone to facilitate his travel as well as the privilege of borrowing my car, which was then at the airport. The man was taken up to Bath Estate down through the Gardens, up and down Kings Hill down and was about to be taken up Wall House when he calmly said ”Garcon moin par anleirre tour, Karsharkoo moin dis ou moin kar…
Contd ,
Karsharkoo moin dis ou moin vlay allez .
He said he had never before seen such large eyes as he saw on that taxi dirivers face .
He still gave him a healthy tip with the appropriate reprimand, convinced that the driver had seen the error of his ways and trusted his promise never to do that again.
I believe he genuinely wanted to change his ways as he personally came to me and apologized .
Training in Customer Care has to be a continuing exercise.
I always believed that the Visitors first impression could be that lasting one.
There are many other interesting places to visit with beautiful nature and scenery.Now that Dominica is even more vulnerable to natural disasters, makes it worse.People are scared of taking the risk of visiting the island,because they don’t want to get stuck as it is difficult to get out.Adding to the problems people have with Dominica is the rogue corrupt government,the island has a bad name among foreigners.In the developed world,nobody likes a government like the one in Dominica.
The whole of Dominica is in a mess and all of its institutions.Traveling to the island once,there were German visitors among us and their first impression about the island is that it is not ready to receive visitors.A French national said the same thing to me on another occasion.Our port officials are considered to be savages and not properly trained to receive visitors.When one looks at the people doing security at the ports,one can see that they are not fit for the job.They seem to be there appointed by politicians, a whole heap of Labour party supporters.I know alot of them, labour party is written on their faces.Visitors only go to Dominica for the nature,this is the only interesting thing about the island, apart from that,nothing else.The town is a nasty stinking place and the services are poor with hardly any good food to eat.A friend of mine visited once and bought souvenir mugs, within the same week of use,it was peeling off.People are no more interested in visiting Dominica.
Lady I agree with you 100%. The last time I returned home from a 10 hr flight I had to endure an 2 hrs of interrogation because I brought down an old keyboard that they wanted me to pay for. I even tell the officer he need to travel to learn the difference. You spend more time at the counter stamping your passport than foreigners. SMH. They even asking u where you will be staying…..as a national does it really matter
but if you traveling from st Thomas to Puerto rico or the US mainland,they ask what is the purpose of your visit,even if you are brandishing a US passport,i think is only protocol,but Dominicans have a vollee attitude which they have to change,is not their fault is the high level of ignorance Dominicans grow up in
I was born and raised in DA and I did not grow up in a high level of ignorance. You are high rude and out of place.
Customers officers alone that need training? Any one that deals with the public should be in training.
true…but we not talking about the public and the lady you meet when you go to cash by astaphans. We were talking about factors affecting tourist
the truth is the truth. these custom people are power thirsty and power hungry and taxi and bus operators stop tiefing visitors.
I’m sure something can be done about pricing on the island. Flat rate to there destination. Make a price Manu ok to hot water everyone knows the price, Scot head the same A card with all prices on it I’m in NEW YORK CITY, from the airport to any where in the city is already priced . So nobody can be over charged. The city make the standard price.
Stop behaving like a country bookie suffering from I never thought. Every where have their set price menus including Dominica. But just like NY, if the taxi drivers realize the person doesn’t know the place and the set rates they over charge them. How many times have NY taxis take people round and round the block over and over just to make it look like they driving some where far and charge them wayyyyy more than the direct route.
carcon you and other apologists don’t get it do you? You are happy to point out that other places are just as bad. Is Dominica we are talking about, not New York. We should try and be better than anybody else not just the same mediocre style. We have a beautiful island and should be happy and proud to share that with visitors instead of pissing them off. We can do better than yellow cab drivers in New York, some of whom can’t even speak English. I am really tired of people like you who are proud as long as we are not worse than others but being malcassay like them is ok.
I visited my family in January of this year and my experience was the total opposite. I was greeted with a smile and the custom office was very respectful. No hash treatment from anyone. Customer Service is a must not just at the airport. Last time I landed at Melvin Hall was nine years ago, trust me, things are getting better—–slow, but much better than 2007. The roads are much, much better. I will visit again..
Are you talking about Dominica? Melvin Hall…. I wonder what country is that you speak of…..
Lady you are the proverb1al exception that proves the rule. Lucky for you.
Keep in mind that Police officers are assigned to the customs division also. So it is not just customs, but the National Police and customs force. I am of firm belief that a school of etiquette should be opened here. to teach young boys and girls to be proper gentlemen and ladies.
There is no customer service in Dominica. Sad place really. I will not be returning.
DDA has carried out extensive training with the customs officers earleir in the year, but from feedback, they only attended because they were ordered to, and even then most showed and shared their unwillingness to change their ways. customs officers asking “how are they going to frisk and search someone if they have to be forced to smile and be pleasant?” Many were present but didnt want to participate, giving objections to the trainings. i mean how do we train our public servants especially those who interface with the public (foreign and locals). From growing up my parents tought me to be courteous to everyone to be polite and to have manners. These officers are like dogs sometimes. No greeting, no pleasantries, just angry acting and sounding people sent to to the front lines to process visitors and locals. Unless they know you, then you can get a smile.
Oh yes my lady you could not have said it better.. If customs officers are not trained then it is going to be worse for Dominica. They even question Dominicans who are coming back on island from a couple of days out when they should be welcomed home!!
Training does not seem to have an impact on many Dcans associated with customer service.
Oh yes my lady you could not have said it better.. If customs officers are not trained then it is going to be worse for Dominica. They even question Dominicans who are coming back on island from a couple of days out foolish questions when they should be welcomed home!!
how does the lady know she is being over charged? you Pay about 30 Euro an hour for a tour in Martinique and most of the other French territories. Now some taximen have to take some blame because some of the charge 5 and 10 US which is a hungry man price while others charges 20, 25 and 30 dollars which should be about right for most of the areas. Now about the customs…..people have been talking about that for years, not yesterday or today but for years and if anything it’s actually getting worse. Even locals get treating like criminals just to go through customs and don’t even mention if you have something to pay duty on.
French ppl pishh on a whole especially when they come to Dca it like all of them believe is a free no charge island we have.. woman stupessss tan
You are a prime example why they complain. We are happy to take their money and not give them respect. Not all of us are like that but uneducated smack heads like you that spoil if for all.
What do you mean how does she know she is being overcharged? cant she ask a question to get a second opinion after the fact?? i know many people who have been overcharged in the past by taxi’s.
The P M is not responsible for tourism.Allyou to volere in DA ive been over charged as a Dominican who live awsy. Also your attitudes towards returnees and visitors stinks
Your custom officers do not have a clue of how to treat people at the sea or airports. someond should film you guys and play it back to them they would be alarmed by their own behabiours
Just thought that i would point out good critisism , backward attitude. Send them on courses and after a long journey that aint funny
Dominica is not on its own, try St Lucia and Antigua .If you are black tourism you have a problem. I find Dominica to be welcoming and my expereince travelling to Dominica is good .
DDA is addressing pricing??!! What can DDA do about pricing?? There is enough tourist visiting the island to survive as a tour operator on this island…DDA need to do their job and increase the number of cruise ships and stay over visitors- a task they have been struggling to achieve. Further it is very expensive to maintain a vehicle in Dominica especially to keep in a condition suitable for transporting tourists. The condition of the roads, the prices of parts and customs charges on vehicles and vehicle parts is very high; the roads are unsafe and winding; the price of fuel; are among the many factors affecting prices….reducing the price of the tours is not the first solution to the problem!
True, but if a bus driver gets a tour for $10 a head, a next bus driver going to pass and say $9, then a next one going to tell the other tourist, $8.00 in the end… you’ll just hurting yourselves.
Secondly…everybody cannot drive a bus.
How about following the lead of other islands where their method has proven successful.
For example: Set fee from Roseau port to trafalgar, set fee from Roseau port to Emerald pool, etc. Set fee for an all day hire around Roseau, or a set fee for an all day hire to certain sights.
It’s not that difficult to regulate.
Post the pricing at the port of entries, in/on all taxis/buses
Fine the driver for not disclosing the set fee to the passenger
Taxi rates are posted on the vehicles in the US, posted at the taxi stops in St. Kitts, Mexico, and other places across the globe.
Why do we waste so much time in correcting/updating simple things that we’re continuously 50 years behind the rest?
Online GPS gives you the exact mileage from point a to point b and back, etc., use it to our advantage and figure out a mileage rate plus the driver’s fee – BAM, a set price for that trip!
Four years ago !!!!!!
Yes DOMINICHEN
four years ago
Here we are four years later and at a trade show , she remembers , states her concern that things should improve, hopefully so ,and of course she clearly states her desire to visit again .
Can that first impression be altered on her next visit to the level of what an international visitor expects as experienced in other countries ?
LETS TRY NAH .
This most definitely is true, when ever I come to Dominica I feel like I am under attack by some of these custom and immigrations office. This is a good opportunity to help develop some well needed skill. I love Dominica but the customers service all over the island is terrible.
These people are the first you meet when you land in Dominica, we need to see more smiling faces and a good greet, They also have to realize that visitors come in all nationalities.
Only the two police officers who are looking at passports that are well mannered.Custom officers treat foreigners AND Dominicans also who pass through the port like criminals ,only in Dominica custom officers ask you for you passports after the police have checked it.Another wasting time ,while people that are wanted by interpol as criminals get Dominican citizenship.A custom officer used foal language in front of a bus full of visitors after another custom officer told him that she was not told to open the gate at the ancient harbour .A custom officer nodded his head over and over at me when i forgot a bag on my should ,he never opened his mouth to say a word ;A woman asked me where did you take that ticket many times instead of saying you are missing a ticket which I paid for.These custom officers are not well mannered, They should have lessons to learn how to formatt a welcome speech because even criminals have rights ..
maybe you need to differentiate between the different port officials.. seems you don’t have an idea who is who. and you absolutely have no idea what the different officials do and what they may require to do there work…. you sound like someone who is being disgruntled because you think Dominica is a free port.
let the people do there work.. you all want things to work you all way and you all way only. go to the French countries, see if the officials will try to speak English for you? you all look for all avenues to hit at enforcement officers.. you all must also learn to be civilize travelers and work with the law cause you all know it rather than trying to the wrong and trying to blame someone… all these people giving negative comments are those who don’t want to pay duties.. there are some officers who are not customer caring but the majority I have dealt with I had no issue.. you have to pay your duties pay it.. those people speaking negatively have probs with paying…
I agree with her statement that the government officials definitely should uphold a higher standard when it comes to dealing with people in general. Many Dominicans as I see it, inherit this cultural flaw, this “indiffirence” that is shown towards “non nationals”. I believe it’s springs from not being invested or interested the country’s future. Why else this disregard?
I find it great that DDA is adressing theese issues and hopefully we will soon see change take place.
To say some to the person in this segment who’s having a problem with DA:
I think people from Martinique shouldn’t spread too much critique around, seeing as their own island isn’t more effective when it comes to the public- and tourist transportaion system and the airport shuttles.
The DA government officials at the ports are the first and last individuals that travelers will interact with, as they come and leave DA and so it is crucial that these people are customer friendly and will be leaving a good…
Many dominicans dont have the respect for each other much les for visitors these days. Saying good morning to someone has become a daunting task for many. Saying thank you to someone who holds a door open for u is asking too much. We have become savages without any class or morale.
Truer words has never been spoken!
Dominica tourism will keeep on going down the drain,Dominica has become a begging nation, custom officers has no respect,i show them none whatsoever,i have complained many times about their attitudes,Roosevelt Skerrit cares nothing about visitors concerns,once his passports monies are coming in and the poor citizens get their handouts ,what else does he care,Dominica will be free one day from this brutal dictator.
CAMERON,
Helas
I do not share that view, ‘customs officers have no respect , I show them none whatsoever ‘
Why not show that you know better , that’s why you expect better.
you have been fortunate to experience how a true visitor should be treated and therefore unhappy with the Dominican experience , but two wrongs don’t make a right , they should be treated with the respect the office holds and hope the individual recognizes he/she needs to do better than that .
The way forward .
I am a frequent visitor to the Caribbean and have spent time on numerous islands staying as long as ten weeks on one island. I have not yet been to Dominca but God willing I want to visit there.
Dominica is not the only island where there are reasons to be concerned with the custom officials and taxi operators. I have noted this on other islands. Ms. Nemorin offered constructive criticism unlike some commentators whose motive seems to be to cast Dominica in a bad light. I am happy to see the lady’s words appear to have been well received and it is said the complaints are being addressed. This can only help the tourist industry.
It seems to me the custom officers and taxi operators are concerned with certain specifics of their jobs. But they don’t think of their responsibility as being a public relations exercise. They do need training. These are often the first people tourists encounter when arriving on the island.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
So Reverand, you mean to tell me you that does have THE MOST to say, after Fransisco Telemaq Dodds about the goings on in Dominica, and you have NOT YET BEEN TO THE ISLAND? WAW! Thank you for that “confession”. As of now, until you can set foot on my land, my country, my heritage, and see for yourself what is happening here; you are not allowed to say anything about what happens here. I mean you’ve never even been here, but you talk about our issues like you are an expert on the goings on in DOminica.
smmfh:
Thank you for reading my comments and responding.
It may be worth noting the following.
(a) Though I have not been to Dominica I have spent considerable time on other islands with an
Afro black population and culture similar to that of Dominica.
(b) What I know about Dominica I have learned from reading DNO every day for over three years, and from Dominicans themselves, plus from doing research on the internet zeroing in on many subjects and matters related to Domini
(c) The comments I post on DNO are regarding subjects I have studied and am well versed in. I avoid the many subjects I know nothing about. The events I comment on are matters my educational background and work experience enable me to speak to intelligently.
If I write something that is as a matter of fact incorrect please inform me and give me your evidence to the contrary. You will be doing me a favor and the public a service.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
keep you slimy bias to your self
so you have not been Dominica and yet you speak on all issues wow that says a lot. it such a pity that you give so much advise but you don\’t see it fit to Dominica.
Burt:
Thank you for your response.
Allow me to clarify my position.
I am an evangelist with an international ministry based in Canada.
When I visit another nation I do not go as a tourist. I go as an evangelist to conduct a gospel crusade.
First I must receive an invitation from a church or group of churches in that country. Then it must be approved by our directors.
Our team members have been praying for Dominica. I have written to several church leaders in
Dominica and informed them that I was making myself available to them for a crusade but they have not replied.
Churches on other Caribbean islands have invited me so that is where I have gone.
One of your neighboring islands sent me a letter signed by the lead pastors of three churches .That visit included services in churches, a service in a large prison, a hospital service, and a massive overflowing crusade in a ball park supported by eight churches.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
What business do you have commenting on here? You’ve never been on the island, so whatever you think you know about the island is pure ‘hear say’. Go on other websites of countries that you have visited yourself and try and sell them your wisdom. By the way, I wonder why you have never visited Dominica? Could it be its a poor island and your pickings would not justify your efforts? I’ve met some ‘evangelists’ before and all of them are in it for the money…
and four years later……
The pm not concern about that!! Right now he concern about spending money on winning elections and by-elections..wish I could say it like Charlo,,,
This is not rocket science. All the customs and immigration officers need to do is treat people with respect and dignity. That applies to everybody, visitors, nationals, rich, poor, Black, White, Chinese, Indian, everybody.
People know the officers have a job to do, but they do not need to throw their weight around to show you who is boss. That is not necessary.
What she said about the Customs Officers are so true. Sometimes the attitude they give is like the money you use to purchased the ticket comes from their pocket.
And many times its like, What are you coming for!!!!
This country sucks! I hate having to call this place my homeland. So many negatives!!!!
the Customs Dept in Dominica sadly needs leadership the boss at the helm is out of touch with reality period, nothing personal, but surely lacks maturity and vision…
he is afraid of taking corrective measures…change is needed at the top of customs
i concur the customs officials lack any sort of class, they need to travel to learn how to profile passenger they lack tact.
they think because they’re the island’s watch dog in terms off collection of revenue that they hold a foolish pride, which is surely a turn off in many situations…
just look at their overall outlook in/out of work at that sums up everything!
The whole service industry need to take courses in customer service. I was in Dominica recently – planned a surprise dinner with a cake for my Mom. We arrived at the restaurant – Mom was surprised – and the first thing the waiter asked is when should they bring the cake. SMH.
The people running the country need to get serious about improving the nation for its people.
Go to Desiderata for that sort of thing, they have their act together there.
Mr. Foerster, Tony Astaphan or his wife not getting a penny of my money. I know it is not the people working there but going there would spoil my appetite and I make no apology for that.
Very valid point.
Actually, my consortium will be opening the Customer Service University of Dominica soon and our hope is that the DDA, MOT, Customs, DHTA and taxi drivers will take advantage of our intense three month course on customer service. Press release soon.
I wish you luck because you will need it. As long as Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit and his friends do no have to endure these experiences nothing will change. They pass through VIP without hindrance and do not tel mel that is not so. would any customs officer dare to search his luggage? No law, no constitution is stopping him so what is a mere immigration- or customs officer going to do if he does not want to put his employment in peril?
thank you my lady. i totally agree with you. some customs officers are very savage and mean and it is not only to visitors. to nationals too!!!