Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has said the ten-year relationship between Dominica and China has not been an easy one but it has been a blessing to the island.
Speaking at a function on the weekend to mark the anniversary the two nations established diplomatic ties, Skerrit said the Dominican experience has not been easy for successive Chinese ambassadors and embassy staff.
“I am well aware, your excellency, that the past ten years in Dominica has not been an easy or uneventful experience…” he said in remarks to Chinese ambassador Li Jiangni. “Up to recently, before necessity warranted, you were vilified and demonized. The MOU signed with good faith and with the best intention by your government was mocked and ridiculed.”
The prime minister noted that many have refused to accept some of the projects undertaken in Dominica by China.
“There were those who initially even refused to enter the spanking new Windsor Park Stadium and who to this day, have berated the concept of a state house, even though virtually every country in the region boasts one,” he said. “But truth won out in the end, thank God.”
He noted that the China/Dominica relationship has positively impacted the life of Dominicans.
“Every project embarked upon and associated with China, and our ten years of friendship and association has been a blessing to Dominica and has positively impacted the living experience of our people,” the prime minister said. “For these, your excellency, we are very grateful.”
Skerrit also pointed out the relationship between the two nations has been based on mutual trust, understanding, “as well as respect for each other’s sovereignty and freedom of thought.”
He stated that Dominica has supported and continues to support China on a number of issues of global importance and whenever Dominica exercised its right to say no to certain matters, there was “absolutely no repercussion to our relations and our deep bond of friendship.”
For his part Jiangni said the the occasion marked an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
“We have a lot to celebrate and reflect upon,” he said. “In my view the basis of our success is based upon a few principles both of us adhere too, including mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, independence, equality and mutual benefit as well as mutual understanding and support.”
The ceremony was held at the $27-million, Chinese-funded state house.
Dominica and China established diplomatic relations in March 2004.
As a Dominican I have taken the interest in the article and its comments. there are many Questions : are the people of Dominica really benefiting from this agreement with China?could that money be used in better environment? wouldn’t it be best that this money been spent equally in investing in the youth and methods of The education system? The Island certainly needs money for development. let give the government the credit they deserve for going out and finding it.
we have one if not the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. with fertile lands. wouldn’t it be better that the money go into a farming program to the local Dominican farmers who wishes to grow products for export? tourism play a key role for the island economy. wouldn’t be better that investments made for better facilities to accommodate tourist etc. there are so much left to be done. It nice to dress up the island of beauty but if its ill with cancer she will soon die!!
PM Skerrit said the idea of a state house has not been accepted by many in Dominica. Photo by Ambo Visuals
that is because you built it at a time when our economy, unemployment, exports and manufacturing is at its lowest and corruption is at its highest.
every country needs a palace but we need key structures eg(inter/airport) hotel tourism and manufacturing, just to mention a few, which can generate revenue to support the palace maintenance.
Thanks you pm for our state house !5 more years
I think the state palace place great significance in the country. It’s fitting that it houses all the office under the jurisdiction of the president. That’s a great idea. WHO EVER THINKS THAT ITS A BAD IDEA IS AN IDIOT AND NEEDS TO CRAWL FROM UNDER THE ROCK THEY LIVING IN.
America owes china more money than it can afford to print AMD America is much wealthier than Dominica
How does Mr. Skerrit expect the China/Dominica relation to be easy, when:
1. Skerrit, is the only one that knows what is on the MOU after 10 yrs?
2. How could it be easy Mr. Skerrit when your dealings and actions have not been transparent with neither the Chinese nor Dominicans? Mr. Skerrit, in January 2013, you told Dominicans that work on a state-of-the art hospital and primary school in New Town through gratuitous aid and concessionary financing from the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC were among projects to be undertaken in 2013. Skerrit, we were still in 2013 when you ran to China and signed a secret deal with a Chinese business firm ASCG for the same hospital to the point that the Chinese embassy here had to quickly inform Dominicans that the deal you signed was with ASCG, and NOT with the Chinese government.
3. Mr. Skerrit no one hurts the China/Dominica relation as much as Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit.
to my knowledge Dominican don’t know what they really want because there are lots of them that have the money and not trying to invest it in the country so if the Prime Minister is trying to develop the dam country let him do it cause the money is’nt coming from our pockek. am a proud Dominican leaving abroad and am happy what the P.M is doin so who vex loose
self made smart girl…
Dominicans are a sad set of people with low expectation
I love the picture of the State House. It is beautiful. I visualize what the inside is like with up to date features. It could remind us of the US White House. Dominica needed such a building. Be proud of it. Many who visit from abroad and tourists alike will admire it. It will be a landmark and a tourist site.
Good example of a bad investment.
It took a small part of that money to make the biggest companies today.
Skerrit is good at foreign relations,
Not the economy or recruiting talent.
Also there are very few good business leaders who he could partner with.
There is place for you Mr. Skerrit on team Dominica.
Everytime the PM opens his mouth its tha same kind of nonsense that comes from it. This man is not cultured at all. How on earth can one make those comments to a stranger, of the country.
I don’t know but the PM upbringing has been coming to light in the last few years. This man have no leadership skills but to throw maypwe in a tit for tat fashion.
I mean look at world leaders, do they get on like that? This man answers to every crap someone says. A leader should first of all know how t speak, when to speak and when he speaks know what to say, or else don’t say anything at all than to make people wonder about him.
I really what that Chinese man thinks about him.
Dominica needs a mature, cultured, respectable peoples person to run the country. Someone who knows how to speak and what to say.
“I am well aware, your excellency, that the past ten years in Dominica has not been an easy or uneventful experience…” Did Mr. Skerrit really say that? If so, then Mr Skerrit must blame himself for the following reasons:
1. He embarrassed the Chines embassy when he signed the so called MOU with ASCG to the point that the Chinese embassy had to clear the air “The Chinese Embassy in the Commonwealth of Dominica would like to clarify that the widely-reported US$300 million MOU, including the construction of a hotel, a hospital and an airport by using concessionary loans from the Chinese Government, was not signed by the Chinese Government,” the embassy told DNO via email.
It pointed out that the MOU “was solely a business activity of an enterprise.”
2. Skerrit has not been truthful with us about the Chinese. Here is a perfect example: DNO Jan 15th, 2013. The construction of a state-of-the-art new Princess Margaret Hospital and a new Primary School in New Town are among projects to be undertaken in 2013 through gratuitous aid and concessionary financing from the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). later we understood the money for the school was set aside for a school in the village of Thibaud as confirmed by both Ambrose George and Roosevelt skerrit. The hospital we understood was from ASCG. Furthermore skerrit, we in March 2014 and no hospital
3.WE need to see the MOU. Shame on you Skerrit!
Honestly the majority of Dominicans do not oppose diplomatic relationship with China and i mean both parties, what we are concerned about is the M O U Skerrit says that was signed in good faith and is yet to be declared to the nation, why all the jobs are in the hands of he Chinese? why do we have to take loan and employ only Chinese when Dominicans have to repay that loan? what concessions hat Chinese business people are getting as opposed to the local business people, How many passports dose Skerrit make available to China as citizens of Dominica? What other deals that is in the M O U we Dominicans do not know about? those are the concerns and these concerns lay squarely with Roosevelt Skerrit and not the Chinese since he is the Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Once again congratulations to the relationship looking forward to continue with the New Administration.
We have gotten so accustomed to silliness that I think real progress sometimes presents a difficult challenge for some of us. Fort Young Hotel is a significant location in Dominica, due in part to its historical origins.
However, anyone who believes that hosting foreign dignitaries and meetings at this venue should remain the norm is absurd. While the cost of the state house was alarming to many Dominicans, given the current economic climate and needs of the country, the building will definitely enhance Dominica’s image.
Furthermore, some people are acting as if foreign dignitaries are forbidden from enjoying the hotel and its ambiance after they’re finished attending their meetings and conferences. Fort Young Hotel is literally across the street from the brand new state house.
Our prime minister certainly made some mistakes and he is not perfect. However, he has taken the lead in several areas that were either neglected or forgotten for many decades. The rehabilitation of the West Coast Road, the construction of Windsor Park Stadium and the Dominica State College, just to name a few.
I disagreed with his administration regarding the upgrade of Melville Hall Airport. However, after reviewing a speech he made some two years ago, US$300 million is a hefty sum for the country to borrow for the construction of an international airport. While this is a very difficult decision for us to agree with, I believe that he got it right.
If Dominica can secure 80% grant funds and borrow 20% to construct an international airport, this would benefit the country immensely and further avoid a burdensome debt load. We know that traveling to and from Dominica is a nightmare on Leave Island Any Time Airline LIAT. Competition from other carriers can quell this nightmare in the interim.
Thanks China. Very nice building. It is a good landmark and will be put to good use. “Skerrit’s Legacy; The King built a state palace.. Just make sure we do not go to any subtle colonist. I do not want to be enslaved again. We’ve come a long way from slavery. I am not going back. Free me up before I lose my mind!!!
He said in remarks to the Chinese ambassador Li Jiangni. “Up to recently, before necessity warranted, you were vilified and demonized.”
Skerrit needs to take a weekend immersion course in public international diplomacy and language——This is bad…..
You that stupid. I don’t see nothing wrong in the comment.
But Mister has a degree in English, not so Kenny?
Do you not think the Chinese government is not aware of what has been stated also right here on this Website? Do you think they did not read the comments? It is amazing that they did not pull out of D/ca. People must be appreciative and grateful.
Put in simple language, the P.M. is tasting sour grapes. This is puerile talk, not befitting our leader and certainly not on an occasion of supposed celebration. The Chines are good listeners and will interpret it in their own silent and diplomatic way.
Skerrit, you are again talking nonsense. All this is your fault. Give the people the MOU!!! If there is nothing to hide – what’s the problem? Purely the fact you are not telling us, answers all our questions. Enjoy your last few month as PM. The clock for you is ticking. You are a liability to this country!
i thought this story would have 200 hits already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The reason why this story don’t have 200 hits is because people don’t have time to entertain workers story on crying down everything the PM is doing.
you get land and toilet
Probably tomorrow.
Stupes why build a palace for $27 million when u don’t have an international airport to receive dignatories to stay in it, just shows u why st.kitts, st.vincent, st.Lucia wayyyy ahead of Dominica.
Don’t worry soon Skerrit will have a helicopter landing pad on the front lawn of the State House for his vip guests.
It should be easy for Skerrit because he is selling Dominica to China piece by piece, one day in the near future China is just going to annex Dominica. Dominica has lost itself to Chinese control.
What about the other islands?
The Dominica Grammar School… My Dominica Grammar School… was that not part of the original pillar project. To date 2 wings have been constructed and everything else is shut-up. Has the Dominica Grammar School been sidelined or has construction come to an end and the project completed!!!
Parry, I would tell the Prime Minister, whereas China has made a considerable contribution to Dominica, it has been compensated by the numerous business places owned, specifically in Roseau. It is reported that they owned no less then forty businesses. Parry should remind the Prime Minister that during the time of the Taiwanese in Dominica, not one business place was owned by them.
IF I WAZ, Are you saying that the business sector has improved since the Chinese arrive in Dominica, and that is a bad thing. You mean opportunities existed and you did not try to use them? WHY? Why do we always lag .Before it was the Serians who was the business people now it is the Chinese?
Guys stop talking from the crack of your backsides and get real.
What country in the world does not have poverty? And Dominica is no exception. You guys in Dominica are too obsessed with CORRUPTION.
Every government of every country on planet earth is riddled with corruption. No one can escape that. It is the nature of politics.
Every government of any country has to indulge in a certain amount of corruption in order to function and to run the stately affairs of that country. THAT IS SIMPLY THE NATURE OF THE BEAST.
If any state government has to justify and give reasons for their everyday actions; then their entire time would be spent justifying every action to the people.
Some of you Dominicans are living in CLOUD COOKOO LAND AND NOT IN THE REAL WORLD.
Every government has a shelf life. The moment the next government comes into power, again alot of you will be screaming the word again.
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE WORD AGAIN? YES YOU GUESSED IT RIGHT.
CORRUPTION??????????????
So is God that make Skerro be king of corruption for labourites to have him there stealing forever? No one else should get a chance with the goodies too?
I will agree that corruption in high office is not some thing Dominica has a mortgage on, but in all Democracies where it’s found it is investigated and prosecuted, but in Dominica’s case it is celebrated, like you are doing. In fact you appear to endorse it.
DNO: “The ceremony was held at the $27-million, Chinese-funded state house.”
Yes, DNO! You are playing your part, bwoy. I like how you inserted this sentence.
SMH!!
I thought it was a $27 million Chinese funded LOAN. The Tibetans must be having a good laugh at Dominicans.
As was said elsewhere, Roy Wiliams was never known for his smarts.
Roy Williams ,Tibetans do not know that Dominica exist. There are people right there in Florida who do not know anything about Dominica. Your comment is irelevant..
What is wrong with our diplomatic relations with China,?How negative can you get?
dno know well the state house is only one of the many projects funded by that same amount not only the state house but again they playing therir politics. stupes
it’s a beautiful building and should be dam pound, it’in DA right now it’s a land mark ! so take it or leave it or put it in your pipes and smoke it what done is done.
“proud?”
It will not be long they will be singing its praises to the entire world.
I don’t recall any Dominican said “no” to building a State House! Those who say otherwise are simply trying to glory, and wear “pips” on their shoulders now the project is completed and really looks good. The opposition to the State House has always been about the cost of the project, the financing arrangement, the timing, and the almighty secrecy. Many of us felt the cost was too heavy at this time in the state of our economy. The history of this administration has taught us to be careful when we hear about financing of major projects. Many of us also felt that that kind of money could be better spent on impacting the productive capacity of the country. As a country, I believe our cries were about not creating another Windsor Park; a project substantially lacking local involvement, one built with much inferior material, and very infrequently utilised but amassing high electricity charges. So, while it is a beautiful landmark, Dominicans will continue to hold that because our economy is grinding to a halt, that money could be spent elsewhere.
“I don’t recall any Dominican said “no” to building a State House! ”
I can remember Mr. Lennox Linton commenting as to what he will do with the State Palace when he becomes Prime Minister.
To Frank Talker
Why are you talking nonsense about what you recall regarding
the opposition to the building of the new State House, stop beating around the bush with you subtle guilt.
@ Gary. I clearly recall that the oppositions to the building of the State House all had to do with the opportunity cost of the project. In other words, the $M27 could be better spent building the productivity capacity of our shrinking economy. Put it this way, if Dominicans were told, “citizens, we have $M27 at the treasury. How should be spend this money?” I can bet my bottom dollar that almost no one would respond, “let’s build a new State House.” And it’s not that we do not need a State House; but on a scale of priorities, State House would not make the first 25 priorities. Don’t you agree, Gary?
Roy Williams, I remember how close you pretended to be to Patrick John when you come to the baptism of his son in pandex shots and saying “water must flow” and how you kept your distance from him after Mr Lennox Linton and his gang (including his two sisters) stoned you out of Dominica.
Linton will never be Prime Minister. He does not have the qualification or the experience to manage anything but his retirement. So any promise he made to you for your support will not happen. His promise is as empty as his big words. Do you remember Simbort, his favourite word was “BOMBASTIC” ,would you make him PM.
@Emile. Reggie Austrie frequently acts Prime Minister. What are his qualifications? What is his claim to fame?
Progress progress progress we welcome progress this is the 21 century would you guys want DA to stay undeveloped? come on be real i wish they would knock down a few of the old houses in Roseau and make the place look more updated. I welcome state house, roads, colleges, and all that comes with progress. how do you think it feels when peopl ewho visit the Island redicule Dominicans for the look of the country, and the fact that we are or was unable to house persons visiting on a proffesional level. Everything that happens in DA takes place at the Fort Young hotel we need a venue to hold the creole festival, calypso shows, carnival queen shows etc. the only event that should take place in the Windsor Park is cricket and the parades, so bring the Chinese on the only thing that I would say is that we should teach Dominicans deadlines they have no idea what the word completion is .
I look forward to the completion of the hospital, the next project should be teaching Dominicans to stop moaning.
I think we should give the Chinese a chance (an experiment) to run Dominica for one year and let Dominicans see the difference in work ethics.
These people work with a sense of purpose not the laid back always complaining Dominicans! I am very impressed with the way in which the Chinese workmen carry out their duties.
Good job!
Do not worry about giving the Chinese a chance to run Dominica for a year because when they annex Dominica soon they will have full control forever.
All we have is big concrete, expense: electricity, water, maintenance, air condition,…….
I am NOT impressed, we need change
That palace will be put into good use
CHANGE IS A MUST…….TEAM DOMINICA
Who cares if you are not impress. The development of Dominica does not resolve around you and what you believe regarding the change you want.
So far I think the PM is doing a better job than when workers was in power. And if he keep it up I believe he going to be in there for a long time. I don’t know what they talking about change is a must when change is already there. What they don’t want to see in they backyard they going to see it on they front porch for the next 5 years and more.
You cannot even appreciate the beauty of the building?
So we eventually got the keys to our White House? Thought the Chinese did not want to hand the keys over?
They may have been thinking of it because of the ingratitude of some Dominican critics.
Skerrit says ”when it is necessary to say no to china ” well it would be nice if he could mention one instant when he did because the reason these countries have their people eating from garbage cans in the street but find billions of dollars to doll out to other countries is so they can be used at the U N to support the wicked and senseless decisions they make . remember skerrit calling on the U S A to remove the embargo on Cuba? , promising to work to reunite china and Tiawan. There was a vote at the U N to settle a matter between Guatamala and Belize, Dominica abstained because they could not vote oposing the side Chavez suported . I have one question for Skeritt if his son comes home with a bike one day one month later a computer ,four months later a toyota, next year a B M W .now all of this comes from Moses,would you not ask what is this guy up to ? what does he expect ? what is he looking for ? Now the people of Doiminca should be told by Skeritt what M OU or is it U O ME is betwen him and the communist nation of China. Dominica does not belong to him he is a servant of the people
You have made such ignorant and uninformed statements. Do you know there are people eating from garbage cans in the street of the great USA and they are spending billions of dollars in aid to countries, the same can be said to Canada and other Western Countries and this has nothing to do with soliciting votes at the UN. China like the US are members of the Security Council at the UN these countries do not need other countries vote to carry out their agenda, it is very silly to think that China needs Dominica support for such purpose, you have a wrong idea of what the UN is all about.
Your analogy regarding Skerrit son is silly and cannot be compared to what the Government is doing.This nonsense about an MOU between China and Dominica having the perception of some hidden agreement can be answered and clarified for the Dominican people .The next setting of the house of assembly why not put pressure on the Leader of the opposition, Hon Hector John to ask the PM to make such thing public, once and for all, it is not in his interest to do so, since it helps to propagate the notion that there is some secret deal with the MOU between Dominica and China a perception the UWP has created it works good for them. You are right The PM is a servant of the people and so is the opposition Leader and he needs to ask questions on behalf of the people regarding issues such as the MOU between China and Dominica and stop playing political games to gain political mileage.
Gary
please read my statement again I said these countries have their citizens eating from garbage cans while billions are given to countries to influence support .china is not these countries it is one of those .Now I donot know where you live but i live in the queens in the usa for almost forty years i work paid taxes evey week this included medcare .Now retired the social security that i paid taxes on is taxed. That is before $104.00 is taken for medicare.if i sell my house in any part of the world they want to know about it. inheritance is taxed .young people go to university owiing hundreds of thousands yet there is MONEY TO buy influence .And i stand by my statement that skeritt is bound to use phrases like ”I WILL WORK TO UNITE CHINA AND TIAWAN . AMERICA MUST REMOVE THE EMBARGO ON CUBA .And you are right about members of the securit council but have you heard of the grneral assemble where Dominica is a voting member ?the people of Dominica hold the I OWE YOU ,WHILE CHINA HOLDS U OWE ME AND SHOULD KNOW WHAT IS IN THE M O U THINK OF THE PEOPLE OF TIBET ARE WE NEXT? does Skeritt know what the chinese have in mind
Still does not look as good as my countries real “Whitehouse”
God Bless America.
There is no accounting for taste, so I wont even go there. However, it does remind me, with uneasyness of the great Plantation Houses (…Masters’ Residences! ) in S. Carolina and Georgia.
Mister P M, truth did not win out in the end, it was might and force that won , and therefore that win cannot be enduring, the truth is being revealed and will be revealed totally in time.
you mr Pm should accept full responsibility for de so-called demonization, mockery and ridicule (your words Skerrit) of your Chinese masters.
I bet $1 billion that the Chinese people know nothing of the details of an MOU signed between their government and that of Dominica..likewise we Dominicans have no details of a so-called MOU supposedly signed between The Government of Dominica and The Government of Communist China.
We doh have no details.
What you want us to boast of?
Every other country in the region cannot boast of a Chinese-constructed $30 million Presidential Palace..you lying again
You see why we cannot trust you?
de projects sponsored by de chineese a blessing you say?
you have guts..
Its a blessing to lock me and other qualified Dominicans out of an honest job with construction experience as a project manger, estimator, building inspector, concrete inspector, plumbing inspector, electrical contractor
-can you tell us how de chinese presence has added to our employment opportunities?
-can you tell us how it has added to our housing stock?
-can you tell us how it has added to improved technologies in de areas of small/light manufacturing
De chineese can celebrate their strategic locations of influence and control in our little caribbean
Jamaica to the North
Dominica in the center and
Trinidad in the south
what does CARICOM boast of??????????
CARICOM IS WE!!!!!!!!!!
MAYBE
Every government is judged by it’s ability to deliver tangible programmes/projects towards the progressive development of the country and the people it represent.
Over the last ten years this Labour government has delivered projects like the state house, the state college, world class international stadium, refurbishment of the entire west coast road, housing projects, refurbishment of the airport which has enabled night landing, and I am sure that there are many more which I am not aware of because I don’t live on the island.
As a proud Dominican I take my hat off to this Labour government who has the country’s progressive best interest at heart.
All you ever hear from the doubters and scaremongers is CORRUPTION, CORRUPTION AND MORE CORRUPTION.
Well in life nothing is perfect. And those of you who thinks another alternative government is going to be whiter than white is living in CLOUD COOKOO LAND.
The nature of politics dictates that you can’t please everyone.
The people who has criticised Dominica’s involvement with China are just negative individuals who do not have a better alternative.
Dominica is a tiny poor island, so where the hell do they expect the island to generate the huge sums of money to finance these projects that would drive the country forward and to provide jobs, improved infrastructure, and a positive impact on the island and on people’s livelihood.
THIS LABOUR GOV’T IS NOT JUST TALKING THE TALK; THEY ARE WALKING THE WALK.
If we were to have another ten years of improvement of this level; then I say BRING IT ON SKERRO.
This new state house is very essential. It enhances the image of the capital city Roseau and in turn will give a boost to our tourism product by uplifting the image of Roseau and the country in general.
What is essential in Roseau are public toilet facilities, closed drains, demolition/reconstruction of delapidated property, proper sidewalks and traffic signs and control of the paros. They definitely do not enhance our tourism offering. Now we have the opulence of a new State House sticking out like a sore thumb in a sea of tawdriness
state house is good for the country,but what kind of revenue is it producing,so many mothers cant feed their childremn pm, i still dont get what planet your on,
You think of people who, probably through their own fault are poor and did not mind being poor otherwise they would have done something about it to elevate and enhance their lifestyle a long time ago. Do not blame the government for this.
We marvel at other islands state house and dont want to appreciate ours.I will suppose Progress !!!
I am also happy that we didnt have to give ” F Hotel” that money.We have our own !
Now it is this type of mindset that has Dominica where it is today – poor! Why would you say that you are happy that F Hotel is not getting that money?? How many people do F hotel employs compared to what the state house will employ?
Do you guys care about our businesses and the people they employ? When our businesses suffer we all suffer. Businesses are the life blood of any economy. A strong economy is based on private businesses.
It’s really sad that Dominicans are now prepared to accept anything, putting party, a man before country.
I remembered after the earthquake struck Haiti one of the commentators was lamenting the fact that Haiti had such a luxurious state house among such poverty.
The PM claimed that every other country in the region has a state house – sir all other countries in the region has an international airport. Tell me which is more viable to our economy, a state house or an international airport?
Boy boy boy!!!
Reon ………..Grab A Beer …
What mind set are you talking about.Why don’t you start with your mind set, stop and think and stop being assumptive.The decision by the Government to build a State House was not the intention to neglect the importance of an International Airport or ignore the importance of small businesses. It is about timing and affordability.
You can have your personal opinion regarding a matter but to say quote “It’s really sad that Dominicans are now prepared to accept anything, putting party, a man before country” that’s just being arrogant, why would you make such statement. Regarding your comment about Haiti, an Airport and a State building are both infrastructures which are not immune from natural disasters caused by earthquakes. As to your last question, an Airport is more viable to the economy but getting the finance to build such an infrastructure is difficult.The finance to build The State House was made possible by the Government of China which was a affordable to our Government.Let us enjoy it, I’m a confident that soon we will get our International Airport which all of us are looking forward to.
I am happy about the State house.W
the only thing i like that MOU for is just incase of war, we (should) hopefully have the chinese military on our side.. oher than that mr skerrit, i am tired of you insulting the people of dominica.. its time you have some respect for us
Oblivious
who do you expect to go to war with? If god forbid we have a Morris Bishop in DA are the chinese going to support Da to throw the cubans , north korea , caracas out so you could live freely as you do now?
All you have respect for him? stupes
I’m afraid you are misinformed.
The E.C.27 million were exclusively earmarked for the construction of a State House. The funds are part of a, U.S.$.40 million (approx. E.C.$.108 million) loan the Govt. of Dominica negotiated in 2009 with the Import-Export Bank of China, to be repaid over 25 years at an interest rate of 2%. The balance of the loan was intended for 3 other projects in the Roseau area::
1) State College
2) road rehabilitation
3) housing development
(See also my comment on DNO of 15 March 2011 and a relevant press report in the Island Journal of 5 Sept., 2009, which includes a picture of Roosevelt Skerrit signing this loan agreement at the Finance Centre)
@ Cerberus that’s why I said what I said that’s poor reporting cause it was a four pillar project so by taking it apart and make it seem like that’s all that money was part of was poor reporting, I might not be the brightest but that’s why I said Holistically.
Yes I saw Austrie on you tube beating up himself, repeating who is DR Fontaine. I can tell you he is the torn in your flesh.He does not have a big surname by your standards but he is a very humble educated Dominican.You will build your blood pressure up but you will make way for other Dominicans to take up the mantle of leadership. Mr Austrie look at the clip and see for yourself Dominica does not need this. Your only concern is your loss of political power driving you nuts.
“The ceremony was held at the $27-million, Chinese-funded state house.”
DNO, its disgraceful to see a reputable news site as yourselves publishing such blatantly incorrect and misleading information.
Closer home it is a sad day for Dominica when a minister of Government Austrie is saying that there is no place for PHDs in the country.Dominica belongs to us, not to the labour party, This man Austrie, is calling DR Tomson Fontaine, uneducated ,one of the most qualified in his field. This brings us to the question, did this man finish high school?, It is obvious that when our so called leaders are creating such a low impression of Dominica in and out of the country then it is time to vote them out. This man is desperate he knows Labour party days are numbered .
How come we have yet to see the full MOU that the Pm signed with China?
Right is right! and its only a foolwho opposes what is right and beneficial to the people. Thank you very much to the chines for taking our development to a lever personally I have not experienced. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION”. Some will differ and that’s their right to do so it gives rise for us to agree to disagree without being disagreeable. I AM DOMINICAN! ARE YOU!??????
D.N.O. It must be Saturday and you all might still be in a weekend state of mind? I say that cause I know depending on how comments or views, for or against any issues are posted on your site. Clearly it appears there`s a double standard. Correct me if I am wrong. Or educate me on how the decision is made to post persons views or comments on your site. aside from your stated policy. But thanks for your service half of D.N.O. is better than no D.N.O. I am Dominican. Are YOU?????
This is not correct. We fund the Palace ourselves with a loan from a China bank which we have to pay back with interest.
Is that not being misleading when u say its 27 million are u guys playing to your choir? that money did not only go to the state house it went to the state College and the housing that going on in Tarishpit or where ever so holistically that’s a misleading report, now I see the reason why u cant even have your Picture of your State House as a news media but the usual suspects will be here in droves to spew their venom but the concrete is already poured and painted and like they say they cant eat concrete so it will be there for a long time.
Noticing dno like
esp they doing it, lay ban workers
Will be there for a long time?? Boy, never tempt your fate. You remember what happen to the palace of Sans Souci built by mad Henry Christophe in Haiti? He shot himself with a silver bullet at that place only seven years after it was built and earthquake took care of the building itself just over twenty years later. You remember more recent what happen to the palace of Papa Doc in, also in Haiti? Boy, our palace looking like a Greek building and you know what they say about Greeks bearing gifts.Mmeanwhile we still owing mortgage on it to the Chinese so I just keep watching.
What a morbid mind,if this is your augment regarding your country having a State Building it is very sad indeed.
@ Jo H well for some one love their country that would be the last words that would have left my lips cause if from what u say then Dominica would have had a severe Earthquake its sad u have to make your point by going back in time to justify your feeling towards the State House.