PM to present $489-million budget

The prime minister said  gov't is committed to building a strong platform for growth
The prime minister said gov’t is committed to building a strong platform for growth

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit will present the 2014/2015 National Budget when the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Eighth Parliament under the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution gets underway on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at the House of Assembly from 10:00 am.

Prime Minister Skerrit will present a motion for the house to approve the Estimates of Expenditure for financial year ending June 30, 2015 amounting to $489,975,480.

Following the presentation of the motion, Prime Minister Skerrit will deliver the Budget Address details of which are contained and outlined in the Draft Estimates of the Commonwealth of Dominica for the year ending June 30, 2015.

The estimates contain the plans and projects to be implemented by the Dominica Labour Party Administration for the fiscal year 2014 – 2015.

The Prime Minister has stated that while Dominica has not been spared from the ravages of the global economic recession, the budget will not place undue strain and hardship on the Dominican people.

“You can expect a Budget that is responsive to the needs and the wishes of the people of the country but also a Budget that is responsible because we continue to say as a Government that fiscal prudence and responsible approach to the management of the State’s finances must always be paramount,” he said. “That has to be our guiding principle because as small countries, small open economies like ours that are so susceptible to external shocks, we have to ensure that we manage the affairs of the country in a responsible and prudent manner.”

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

56 Comments

  1. transporter
    July 24, 2014

    alas, to all our citizens who went to study to attain a degree or two,and to get better jobs no hope for them. can you believe the people in parliament clapping about a $25.00 TOP UP that is how we come, public servants no salary increase na all you a is grass and skerrit in the slips waiting to catch on election day .

  2. AP George
    July 24, 2014

    Read this article and see why there are no tax increases:
    http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-No-new-or-increased-taxes%2C-says-Dominica-PM-22120.html

    I’ve always lamented that while Skerrit has completed some commendable infrastructural projects, Dominica is STILL a beggar nation. The budget is subsidized by foreign grants…

    Examine this carefully…. the fact that there are no new taxes for one, may mean that the tax base in Dominica is exhausted. There are simply no more services to tax. Secondly, that means productivity is at an all-time low. If you are not producing, you cannot collect taxes on non-products.

    $500 million – is pittance… whether U.S. $$ or worse if it is EC $$. That to me indicates Dominica’s economy is stagnant and that is not good for a country with so many needs.

  3. Anonymous
    July 23, 2014

    So many people running while they can out of Dom …its only when we travel to.other neighbouring.islands who.are so.much smaller than.us and they are doing better than us …..people open your eyes….alot of.things just.not adding up…..we are a resourceful country with so.much.to.offer and so much potential…..our economy sucks #sadbuttrue

  4. Morihei Ueshiba
    July 23, 2014

    Antigua will soon see an increase in flights from American Airlines and Delta :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
    Aye las Dominica. Aye Las

  5. listener
    July 23, 2014

    I remember a pappy show uwp had in recent time where they Coolay the palrep of Roseau by using all his ply wood to erect question marks all over the country that was nice but this one is even nicer , uwp gon mad part 1 is a record breaking comedy, Possie look out for part 2 it might be coming your way very soon, comedy at it’s best, Bozo is the best comedian that Dominica has ever seen thumbs up to you sir.

    • ....................
      July 23, 2014

      @listener Even greater Pappy show is what we have posing as a government of Dominica now. Coolaying the country. Imagine the government is givinga paro and lazy soul like you money at the Red Clinic.? You are young, strong and vibrant. You developed this laziness long time ago. Everyone warned you it’s like that you would end up. BEGGING BEGGING BEGGING.
      It’s a pity we do have a rehabilitation center to help you. You are so clever in your laziness, but many people know that you are on the white dust.That is coolaying the country.
      On another note, i was highly impressed by the incoming PM Lennox Linton budget address last night. I think Dominicans will be talking about it for weeks and months to come. It really offered hope to thepoor people of this poor country. WELL DONE LEENNOX AND THE TEAM!

    • dafriend
      July 23, 2014

      You are a simpleton and clearly a recipient of the Red Clinic! For only people that constantly gain from this incompetent government can still stand in their corner. Anybody with a sound mind and a clear process of thinking knows by now that the Skerrit administration needs to be voted out.

  6. Dominica_Lover
    July 23, 2014

    Ok, so the budget is roughly $6, 000.00 per Dominica. Horah!?

  7. Anonymous
    July 23, 2014

    After listening to Mr. Linton present such a brilliant budget proposal last night, i wonder if i can listen to Mr. Skerrit’s humdrum today? It’s a pitty.

    • Anonymous
      July 23, 2014

      well sure, we’d all be happier if someone tells us that we’re never going to die but the truth still stands. We are going to die.. point is, Lennox has to be real.

    • UDOHREADYET
      July 23, 2014

      The hum drum is the beat the country is marching too… your brilliant budget proposal is not a real one. If Linton was smart he would have waited for the Prime ministers budget proposal then address the items on that budget not make a fake budget before the real budget come out.

      • The Facts
        July 24, 2014

        This is exactly my views. He is the opposition. What right he had to present a budget at this time anyway? Did he not overstep his bounds? This type of action should be stopped forever. Only the PM should be able to present a budget for the nation – not the opposition. I find this on the part of the opposition out of place.

  8. Positively Dominican
    July 23, 2014

    We have listened to Lennox Linton sensational 2014-2015 budget speech last night. We are hopeful!! Every statement is fresh in our mind. We are waiting for the PM’s copy and paste from Lennox’s version. We are waiting and will be listening attentively.

    • joe
      July 23, 2014

      That was not a BUDGET

      You were not impressed you were BAFFLED with BS!!!!!

  9. idealist
    July 23, 2014

    PM.i applaud your work….also it is about time we as Dominicans stand behind you to continue building our country …. if we don’t who is gonna build it for us? we look on the other Caribbean countries and try to implement there style of organizing and development into ours but these countries have something we don’t notice that’s the unity,togetherness and strict laws. I would go on and on but that’s all am leaving with you Mister Prime minister…..I love my country and I would hate to see the economy fall because I am in the next generation what will I stand on?

    • Free
      July 24, 2014

      @idealist if we are to be united and implement the strict laws that the other civilized counties do 1/2 the government minsters would be behind bars.. It’s no coincidence they won’t take that step so we must take it for them by voting them out..then a proper investigation into there miss deeds can be done and the necessary penalty applied.

  10. Mr Joe
    July 23, 2014

    P M

    Please allocate some funds to Soufriere as the village desperately needs it. To start off a community centre and a fully functional sports arena would be most welcome.

    I have deigned to post this request as I truly beoieve that Soufriere needs urgent facilities.

  11. BRAIN DAMAGE
    July 23, 2014

    Mr PM, what is Dominica’s debt now? Is it in the millions or in the billions?

    • Stamos
      July 23, 2014

      Lennox didn’t tell u that yesterday? I thought he presented a budget.

  12. john
    July 23, 2014

    How can someone be Prime Minister and also Finance Minister of a country, who made him also Finance Minister, himself? this opens the door for corruption and crookery. If he is PM and also controls the Finance Minister that being himself he will never tell the people where the money is or where it is really going. He has never explained where all those millions from the sales of passports is located, it may be in his overseas bank account for all you know.

    • The Facts
      July 24, 2014

      Dominica is a small country. Therefore, utilize your common sense. Do you have any?
      The elected PM presented his budget. We could ask how can the opposition present a budget around the same time the elected PM presented his? Do you not find this strange? Is it not meant to influence the people against the PM?
      You speak of the Constitution? This opposition should never have been allowed to do so, not when it is not the elected government.

  13. Francisco Telemaqe
    July 22, 2014

    The propose budget is almost four hundred ($490,000,000.00) ninety million dollars, we can expect the majority of that will be used to pay the salaries of the so called ministers in government, and the civil servants. A good amount will go to pay the so called ambassadors around the world.

    All of the advisors such as the Bajan boy Hartley have to be paid, the China kid from St. Kitts has to be paid; Gonzalez of St. Vincent will dictate how much will be spent on LIAT. We will hear that a certain amount will be spent on the resurfacing of roads; by the time it is broken down into dividends, the Marigot Hospital will remain be closed. There will not be enough to purchase medication, and equipment for Princes Margaret Hospital.

    Patient will continue to die for the lack of medicine. I wonder how much of that will be used to pay existing local merchants debts, and debts owed to the Chines, and the government of Venezuela?

    (Dem Venezuelans want dem money eh, cause dem people sufering too oui!)

    We heard so much talk about International Airport, and talks are continuing with the Chines, nevertheless, the total budget is only about $489.9 million dollars plus, there is no way the cost of construction of an International Airport can come from this budget, hence by now; Dominicans will realize that under this administration, Dominica will never under this government see daylight of an International Airport in our country.

    And so, instead of going forward we are moving backward, by reverting to the six-seater airplanes for our sole means of air transportation in and out of Dominica, as the first one which crashed at the end of the runway in 1958. This budget is a reminder of how poor a country we have; yet the Labor Party try to impress people that life is good, better than under any other government; and how Dominica has a safety net!

    Yes indeed some invisible Safety Net; the one created by the labor party to catch their useless spoken words, which are all lies!

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

    I feel sorry for the people who supports you all.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • July 23, 2014

      You’re talking about Hummingbird Air starting up as though that were a bad thing, but it’s not. More choices are always good, and if you don’t like small planes, stick with Seaborne and LIAT.

      • Francisco Telemaqe
        July 24, 2014

        “You’re talking about Hummingbird”( Steve).

        Steve by, those are your words not mine!

        Please don’t try to set strive, and enmity; because I know Sam Raferael, I also know his uncle the guy who heads a certain bank in Dominica, he is my buddy when he is in Canada, I doh know if we still friends since he returned to Dominica eh. In any event I still count him as a very good acquaintance.

        The last time I was with him in Canada, he entertained me and my nurse (girlfriend) at his home, in Toronto the guy is a very good chef!

        I have nothing against Sam, at least he is doing something no matter how small, perhaps if we had an International Airport in the country he may aspire for a 777, or a couple of 747, and that is not hard to come by since anybody with enough ambition to set up an airline can even rent aircrafts in order to conduct business, okay.

        So, that’s not a big deal, if you have the ambition you can come out here, and I can take you to a place called California City, out there in the Mojave to a place where you will discover thousands of refurbish aircrafts, and scraps that you can purchase for a little bit of money, fly them to Dominica, where you can start your own airline okay. One day when I worked for Glutton Engineered Magnetic’s, I wen tot the machine shop, I got into a conversation with a black guy, by the time of the conversation was over; he asks me “what are you doing for the weekend” it was Friday, so I told him I may go to Palm Springs and spend the weekend.

        He asks me “what do you have against Las Vegas,” I told him the distance of a little over three hundred miles each way I did not want to drive. The guy told me, we can fly to Vegas, we can fly to Vegas in less than an hour, and went on to tell me, “I have my own plane over at Northrop Airport”, not too far from where we worked; it turns out the machinist who reported to work at 7:00 A. M. each morning had an aircraft which could accommodate more than twenty people, sitting at the Airport which he flew simply for pleasure. So what’s the big deal about a six seater?

        Don’t you know you can buy a Cessna for less than a hundred thousand dollars out here?

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  14. Views Expressed
    July 22, 2014

    Skerrit …GO to Hell….GO to Hell………
    ……………………………………Go to Hell…………………………
    ………….we need honest government………………………………
    ………………………..you have nothing new……………………………………

    “Go to hell make way for new honest government”

    CHANGE IS A MUST…………………TEAM DOMINICA

  15. DA MASSIVE
    July 22, 2014

    What are your recommendation towards the budget? How would you outline your plan ?

  16. Doc. Love
    July 22, 2014

    If there is any politician that should stay away from Parliament is Skeritt. It has been approximately fourteen years, Skeritt has never taken a proper vacation, as a result, he is mentally tired. Tony realizes that, therefore, he is fed with numerous bad decisions and statements. I wish to suggest to Skeritt that he takes his beautiful wife and young son on a vacation far away from Dominica and its problems. If he continues in the manner he now operates, his political legacy will be destroyed with the assistance of Tony.

    • dafriend
      July 23, 2014

      I agree, go far away from Dominica and never come back again.

  17. anonymous2
    July 22, 2014

    Where is that money suppose to come from?

  18. King Skerrit
    July 22, 2014

    After hearing Team Dominica’s Budget tonight of growth and hope- Skerrit bound to go and re-write his own. No sleep for the wicked tonight. :lol:

    • The Facts
      July 24, 2014

      How easily some people are deceived by a piece of paper being read.

  19. RED 2 BLUE
    July 22, 2014

    hey Skerro, Take out dat blue shirt. You look better in red

  20. Ben Haynes PsyD
    July 22, 2014

    That’s what l am saying. It is political. Nothing else.

  21. martinee
    July 22, 2014

    I wish I could listen to that budget address from the prime minister tomorrow , to analyze and conclude for myself how poor or healthy the address will be. I can not listen cause I will be at work. Pleasant listening to all Dominicans at home and abroad

  22. The Facts
    July 22, 2014

    The critics are at it again and more to comment. Note the amount of money, $489 million. It takes that much and more to operate a country. This amount is not all from taxpayers revenue.
    Dominica is dependent on outside/foreign help and always will, as you are very well aware of. Therefore, folks, be considerate and understanding. Ask yourself, as adults how much have you contributed to its revenue and also in previous years?
    In addition, everyone in a country should pull their weight and resources and assist their country including themselves. They are not nationals for nothing. It could be done in various ways. You have talent. Therefore, put it to good use. Think of something which will benefit you, others and your country.
    The government cannot go it alone. Your cooperation is necessary. Say to yourselves, “We are all in it. We must put our heads together.”
    Those who are still students, be studious, be diligent in your studies that some day when you graduate, if you hopefully decide to remain in D/ca, you will obtain a good paying, stable job and be helpful to the economy. Be examples to others especially the younger ones.
    Those who are presently unemployed, I hope you are doing your utmost to seek employment. You know the saying, “Nothing beats a failure but a trial” and “If at first you do not succeed, try again.” This is what life is all about.
    Less complaining, griping, negativity, derogatory names and more optimism. You will be happier for it. With happiness there will be peace. And so, progress and success come with hard work. Ask those who appear to be progressive and successful.
    Keep in mind, too, that life is not a bed of roses. It takes working at with all its pitfalls and disappointments. Consider, others who have gone before us went through similar situations. Yet, through it all, they smiled, laughed and prodded on through thick and thin.
    It was not my intention of stating this. However, as I wrote, the thoughts came to me. :) Accept them as a good form of advice. I mean well for all my fellow Dominicans. We cannot purchase happiness. God bless you!

    • Francisco Telemaqe
      July 23, 2014

      “Ask yourself, as adults how much have you contributed to its revenue and also in previous years?”

      You know I do not even understand why you ask a question like that.

      Citizens of a country does not contribute anything directly to a government minister, saying I want this going to “the revenue of the country.” Nevertheless, had it not been for the money we in the Diaspora sends home to our relatives, and friends; life for plenty of people in the country would be much more miserable.

      Hence we contribute to the economy of the country in directly, when the money we send home is used, and circulate in the country.

      The appropriate way revenue is generated in a country, is via tax deduction from the employment pay cheques of the working employed people. The more people employed is the more revenue the government collects. In the Dominica the government does nothing to encourage investments that will bring employment to the people. As such the nation treasury will always be empty, because the main source of revenue derives from customs duties, and taxes; and departure taxes from people leaving at Melville Hall Airport, the sale of stamps, driver license, and sale of stamps which are traditional.

      Perhaps you read where Ian Douglas made that stupid comment about the Value Added Tax is the backbone of our economy, what this government fail to realize is that the population of Dominica is small, and bleeding the public by taxing the people blind will not be enough to maintain a vibrant economy.

      We cannot do anything in the country unless we go somewhere these days to crawl on our belly like a yellow snake begging for some loan from struggling nations such as Venezuela, citizens of a country are not supposed to give handouts to the government.

      If that’s your concept, that is a warped concept. The resolve is to industrialize the country; all the labor party talk about is nothing more than sweet smelling fart; like nature island of the world, instead of talking industrialization; industrialization, and more industrialization, which translate into employment, employment, and more employment, which results in more parole taxes decduction, hence resulting in more revenue collected by the government.

      Have you ever thought of it that way?

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  23. July 22, 2014

    How much of this budget will be loans.

  24. Anonymous
    July 22, 2014

    To much waste

  25. Desmond
    July 22, 2014

    PM jah is your guide do the best you can and the father above will do the rest, you know from day one all the other side does is oppose each and every thing, that’s the best way they can show they want to build Country and lead as Gov’t, by bashing every inch of progress good bad and ugly.
    Jah is your guide

    • T
      July 22, 2014

      Gues she would answer to you Go to Hell Go To Hell Go to Hell. Very insultive individual.

    • The Facts
      July 22, 2014

      I endorse what you stated. However, I have noted some of you use the word Jah instead of God – Our Almighty Father – Our Heavenly Father. Where did you get that name and how long has it been in existence? Can you explain this?
      I believe you were a baptized Christian and probably a Catholic one at that. Just where did this other name revolve from?
      We have but One God, Three in One – God the Father, God the Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit – The Blessed Trinity.
      In this era of different beliefs and ideologies, people give God a different name. He is to be called by Only One Name – God and as I stated, Our Almighty Father, Our Heavenly Father.
      If he is called by any other name, my instinct obviously inform me that He is not pleased. Just as we want others to call us by our rightful name, do you not think we should do likewise to Our God, Our Lord, King, Savior and Judge? Give this a thought.
      If you have adopted this from others and are in a doubt how to call HIM by His Most Holy Name, please pray to HIM, humbly, for enlightenment. He will be happy to reveal His Real Name to you.
      There is no other God but HIM, as stated and which all those who call themselves Christians and practicing ones at that call HIM. May God bless you and grace you with enlightenment.

    • RASTA
      July 22, 2014

      Last budget the minister declared that small businesses will be assisted and to this date my two friends in Roseau who owns businesses is still waiting for that money. he also said that money will be made available to rehabilitate feeder roads on the island. I am still waiting for my road to be repaired. He also said the under road maintenance that sufficient money will be made available for road maintenance but they owe Public works so much money, hence they had to take protest action. Personally I don’t believe anything that is said. Skerrit is it just time you go.
      Over people are suffering!!

  26. Anonymous
    July 22, 2014

    :twisted: :(

  27. listener
    July 22, 2014

    That’s a real PM and a real budget forward we go ,no time for pappy show budget LABOUR KA TWAVIE.

    • RASTA
      July 22, 2014

      @Listener: Where are they working? Go Roseau and talk to business people and you will see how well they are working.
      Dominica is last in Foreign Direct Investments in the caribbean, Last in Visitor arrival, The largest cabinet in the OECS yet providing the least results. Your Government:
      Minister of Housing: Toyota Hilux( $165,000)
      Minister of Public Works: Honda($100,000)
      Minister of Education: Nissan X-Trail( $120,000)
      Minister of Sports: Suzuki Side Kick( $100,000)
      Minister of Community Dev. : Suzuki ($100,000)
      Rest of the Citizens: Cannot even buy a Bicycle!
      Should I continue? Yo CA Twavai Pou Cor Yo!
      Time for a change!

    • What a shame
      July 23, 2014

      You Laborites are the most disgusting humans. You haven’t even heard the budget yet but you think it’s a real budget. Lord help us.

    • ....................
      July 23, 2014

      @listener It’s not your fault. You simply lack the understanding.
      I DO NOT EVEN BLAME YOU. I blame Skerrit form making you his slave.

  28. ()
    July 22, 2014

    I do not listen to you Skerrit.
    You are a BAD EXAMPLE!

  29. King Skerrit
    July 22, 2014

    More lies and smoke screen. Hocus pocus. Zazimouzie

  30. Poison
    July 22, 2014

    P.M is time we start talking billion..Two decades ago parpee use to talk billion…if we had given parpee a chance we would be talking trillions today..step up brother..

    • DA Native in Texas
      July 22, 2014

      Your name says who you are…you look around the Caribbean countries around us and tell me which one has a budget of the billions and trillions you are talking about..MORON…

      • Free
        July 24, 2014

        I’m not even going far…Antigua just next door national budget deals in billions….u need to listen to what’s going on in the outside world..also read some more… Don’t just listen to the garbage on kairi fm

    • idealist
      July 23, 2014

      please speak some sense…….this is not a joke…building this country is not a joke its something that’s serious…..

  31. De Observer
    July 22, 2014

    Way to go Pm!

  32. famalay
    July 22, 2014

    lazy budget

    • .
      July 22, 2014

      What else do you expect from an incompetent government?

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available