Ross University to reduce staff in Dominica

Ross University will continue to maintain a core staff in Dominica

Ross University School of Medicine has written to its staff informing them of the institution’s intention to lay off some employees due to changes being made to the operations of the school after the passage of Hurricane Maria.

Dean of  Ross University, Dr. William .F. Owen Jr., told staff in a letter last week, that following the relocation of some 1300 members of the campus community to St. Kitts and the temporary relocation of some of the school’s operations to the state of Tennessee in the US, they have assessed and reviewed the work needed to sustain and restore the home campus.

“As many of you have experienced with the move to St. Kitts, the workload in Dominica has lessened substantially. As a result, we will continue to maintain a core staff in Dominica, we will no longer be able to continue to employ our entire Dominican Campus as we have since Hurricane Maria,” Dr. Owen stated. “We know this is a difficult message especially at this time of year. However, as many of you have expressed to us in personal letters and inquiries, you have a strong desire to understand what is next for our campus in Dominica and we agree it is the right approach to be transparent.”

According to Dr. Owen, “those impacted by our changing work needs will receive a financial package and will continue to receive their regular pay through the official notice period.” He said exact dates will be provided as soon as they are confirmed.

“Once a date is confirmed, we will communicate exact timing for colleagues for their planning and all colleagues can be assured they will continue to receive their full pay and benefits through at least to the end of January,” Dean Owen promised.

He said the school will ensure that transitioning colleagues receive support beginning with in-person meetings in early January to notify them of their status.

Dr. Owen said that since Hurricane Maria, Ross University School of Medicine has continued to employ 100% of its staff and with the support of its parent organization, Adtalem, has provided care packages, monetary assistance and additional support for colleagues throughout the University.

Ross University School of Medicine was established in Dominica in 1978 as the University of Dominica School of Medicine. The institution’s contribution to the Dominican economy has grown over the years.

Below is a copy of the letter from Ross.

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48 Comments

  1. Ross Parent
    December 30, 2017

    Does anyone know if the belongings the students left behind in Jenner are still there? We heard that the building was looted right after the students left the island but Ross administrators have not confirmed or denied this rumor saying they do not know because they have not been back to the island. Thank you.

  2. Dominican
    December 29, 2017

    99% of you all have no idea what is happening at Ross. What I can say is every one should be grateful for what Ross have done for Dominica through out the years. and Ross will be back. so stop wishing your country bad.
    Now what you all should be concerned with is our country lack of development. no country should depend on one company for its existence. look at every other island in the Caribbean. we are the only one without an international airport. without a proper seaport. no tourism. a dead agriculture industry. no exports. no job creation have taken place in ages. no light manufacturing. nothing. not a hotel. every island has a sandals hotel. Dominica is the most natural and resourceful island, with the second largest boiling lake in the world. and not a cruise ship in port. not a proper hospital. not a welcome center for tourist. now. ask your self why are you voting this government for 20 years. its only when we will be eating dog …., we will change. laborits are brain dead.

    • Gwarbay
      December 30, 2017

      Your so right… goin to 20 years under this government and we have seen little to no development in this country.. what we have seen is mininters getting rich and the people jobless and poor.. Tony will continue to make money.. and we will remain poor.. general election should be next week ..so I could vote this Government out..

    • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
      December 31, 2017

      Because Labor is working hard to destroy Dominica. That’s why.

  3. Real!!!!
    December 29, 2017

    This GOVT cannot provide the confidence for the largest INTL business company to remain in Dominica after 39yrs of operation………This GOVT needs to go NOW!!!!!!!

    Who is next Clear Harbor Call Center???

  4. Kaval
    December 29, 2017

    Time for ross to vacate.who care bfore ross dominicanz were nous daye ka vive .and to all the thepolitical hacks blame yourselves doh blame skerrit bcause some of allu that have domininca so politacal virus as allu are

  5. J.John Charles
    December 28, 2017

    Me-Aloe and Anonymous,you are missing the point. I never claimed that Dominica’s vote is the reason why Ross left the island.You don’t know and I don’t know if Dominica’s vote had anything to do with the uncertainty of Ross return.I gave my opinion and you gave yours. but what does Jesus, Mary and her husband, the 12 apostle being jews have to do with the topic at hand.?

    ALL THANKS GOES TO DNO FOR ALLOWING US TO EXPRESS OUR 0PINIONS.
    THANK YOU AND ALL THE BEST FOR THE NEW YEAR.

    • Anonymous
      December 29, 2017

      You certainly implied it Sir. And yes, thank DNO for its impartiality.

  6. Henderson
    December 28, 2017

    Well I must say Its TIME for Ross to pull out of Dominica and I’m certainly not sad the reason Being , you drive down to Portsmouth and its a concrete jungle ,
    no planning whatsoever beautiful exterior building crappy and nasty looking interior all scenic design is place on the exterior when the interior is non functional disgusting furnitures , Crapy workmanship its horrible , bedrooms are like Army Barracks no proper access road Lord its horrible .. and I’m very happy Ross finally get a reason to leave this Horrible place and allow the people of Dominica to reflect on what really they are selling to the world Dominica please re-brand yourself, help each other stop cursing at the prime minister because guess what you all will be very sad for a long time and please please Dexia need to go waste of tax payers money Form groups and clean up , stop rely on GOV”T :roll:

    • Anonymous
      December 29, 2017

      Yes Henderson, I agree. Portsmouth is in mess. It does not even have a proper sewage disposal system. And yes, we must blast Skerrit for this state of affairs. He has been the leader of our country for over 13 years now and let this happen. Why, only look at the state of the Moroccan hotel he caused to be built in that totally unsuitable location at the Cabrits. Of course I blame him!

    • Dominican Passports
      December 29, 2017

      Facts! :lol: :lol: :lol:

  7. Paul
    December 28, 2017

    Lord God I have my loan to payyyyy. . Lord :cry: :cry: :cry:

    • December 28, 2017

      So sorry Paul. Hopefully something will work out for you. May god see you through ?

    • Shameless
      December 28, 2017

      Paul, under those conditions I say make a move elsewhere and take what you get to sustain your commitment. Its not going to get easier in the near future especially since the “immediate” response time is over. Now Posse people and the rest of the country need to bond together and get rid of this deceitful, lying, corrupt cabal before its too late. Fire Ian the koo-noo-moo-nou immediately. That jardin-patat labar nonsense MUST stop for Dca to rise from its ashes.

      Assertive like the rod of Moses! :twisted: :twisted:

    • Beauboi
      December 29, 2017

      I Feel your pain!try to look for something in the mean time.

  8. Mother
    December 28, 2017

    Did mr. Skerrit lie to us or is he genuinely misinformed? Either way, it is bad for us if we cannot rely on what he informs the public .

  9. ATKINSON
    December 28, 2017

    So what is our fearless, evil leader, “Dr Supremo” saying or doing :?: Why can’t the “Dr Supremo” call Dr Owen, and solve this out, doctor to doctor :mrgreen: What about that “BIG” Dominica diplomat, that we have in st kitts, what is he saying, is he advocating for his country :roll: Or wait, could it be that the PM ruling party of st kitts is low balling the evil “Dr Supremo” by giving Ross a better deal, as a payback for getting involved, in their political fight :?: Well we can always used the ross campus, for the all saints students, or the state college, maybe the university of the west indies, will take it over, or just turn into a shelter for the grotto home. But the the Douglas run NEP, will hire the lay off staff :-P Or just open a citizen by investment (CBI) office at the location and sell passports to pay for the recovery :mrgreen:

  10. December 28, 2017

    Oh my goodness! This is sad. Dominica gone under. God have mercy.

  11. A. George
    December 28, 2017

    I would ask the powers that be to use this as an opportunity to fix Picard. Many home owners just want to make a fast money and the apartments are not up to standard. They should cater to the tastes of their foreign tenants, simple things such as 110 voltage is lacking in some apartments … there are very few (if any) tended green spaces, many of the roads are in disrepair, there are no sidewalks. Some Ross students come with their families and is to see women fighting with rough road to push a stroller. Aye magway say. I am not rejoicing that they are leaving in anyway. I pray for the good of our people that they will return but please let them return to something better that way they will want to stay. We are not the only ones that want to have them.

  12. Beauboi
    December 28, 2017

    oh my that’s not good.

  13. True
    December 28, 2017

    Well is now i give up and urgently need to leave Dominica. Ppl Ross is quitting!
    Skerrit said Ross would be ready for next semester. .. where did he get this info.

    Sad!

  14. Bird eye view
    December 28, 2017

    Skerrit make them stay nah, not you that is Bruce Almighty nah, you need people to occupy the lilac houses before crabs go in them.

  15. Traumatized
    December 28, 2017

    Bondiay! Ebbeh Dominica finish!

  16. OLD ROSS PROF
    December 28, 2017

    The best indicator of when Ross will return would be knowing what are the state of repairs which are ongoing at the school. If repairs are in progress then the return of Ross is highly likely. If repairs are not getting underway by now I have grave concerns. Can someone that knows about the state of repair tell me what they know?

    • Credible Source
      December 28, 2017

      Rest assured, repairs are under way at Ross. They are slated to return in May 2018

      • Me
        December 29, 2017

        So why are they laying off people if that is the case?

  17. J.John Charles
    December 28, 2017

    When Dominica voted to condemn the U.S. in siding with Israel,I scratched my head and said.While Dominicans are hoping and praying that Ross returns to the island,the powers that be are making it difficult.Who knows, what if the owners are Jewish or strong patriots of the U.S.?. This move by the president is not a Republican/Democratic thing ,both parties are in full support.of course democrats may play a little politics.many of the big businesses and industries are owned by jews
    The p.m.must remain neutral when big people are doing their thing….I just hope Ross returns.

    • Anonymous
      December 28, 2017

      Mr.Charles, you are full of crap. The catalyst for Ross’ decision was hurricane Maria, which took place well before the UN vote. Please, don’t forget that Jesus was a Jew, as were Joseph, Mary and the twelve apostles.

    • Me-Aloe
      December 28, 2017

      @J.John Charles … The relocating of the students of Ross University from Dominica has nothing to do with whether Skerritt voted for, against the Isreal thing or whether he remainded neutral. They moved out since after hurricane Maria because of the condition the country is in. That was total devastation and the country is yet to get back to 1/4 of what it once was. And, it’s going to take a while to get back close to what it was. From the time I understood they purchase either a university or land in Tennessee to accommodate their students (with is more convenient for them), I said ‘that’s it for Dominica, they will not be returning. Hopefully the buildings don’t go to ruins.

  18. Roland Alan Mitchell
    December 28, 2017

    I am sad to see that Ross University is reducing its involvement in Dominica. The town of Portsmouth will have reduced economic activity. To ensure that they return, the government of Dominica has to quickly replace the hurricane damaged infrastructure- roads, electricity, water, and telecommunication and broadband. In addition the government has to give some incentive to Ross to come back. For example by investing in super fast, fibre optic broad band, with speeds above 1,000Mbps. This would facilitate live streaming which is good for students. Only in D.R. of S. Korea do we have these speeds country wide. Doing this in Dominica, would be a plus point in Ross Universities calculations.
    Finally, Dominica must not rely on one source of income. We need to encourage modern agriculture, fisheries, tourism, engineering, solar energy etc, so that all our eggs are not in one basket.
    This requires vision from our leaders. Let us pray that in 2018, Mr Skerrit will take advice and diversify.

    • I rise
      December 28, 2017

      This is the most sensible and educated comment I’ve read on this topic

  19. UKDominican
    December 28, 2017

    Beginning of the end. Expect facility to be mothballed and eventually sold to other foreign interest, most likely Chinese. Kempinski not expected to go through with hotel under their name and demise of Skerrit rule. My predictions for 2018.

  20. Zandoli
    December 28, 2017

    I feel very badly for these people. The worse part us there are not many options available for those who are about to lose their jobs.

    This may be the time for those who are able to transition into agriculture.

  21. Deeyeshaveit
    December 27, 2017

    Ok when will you ever learn DNO? Where did you get this date less letter? What is the source? Yes I have seen it on Facebook on people’s profiles. Ross has been dutifully providing updates on their website re their status and Maria. Why is this letter not on their website? Is your desire to run to “print” so dire that you can’t fact check? Why should I even bother smh

    ADMIN: We have verified that the letter is authentic.

    • Me
      December 28, 2017

      Those eyes cannot be very good if they cannot see that your Emperor hath no clothes.

    • Me-Aloe
      December 28, 2017

      @Deeyeshaveit …I guess your eyes need it’s annual check-up. The letter is right under DNO’s post. Can you not read, or you were so quick to respond or criticize negatively that you forgot to continue reading?

  22. Real truth
    December 27, 2017

    It doesn’t look good folks…when an institution or business reaches this point , there are only painful decisions and attrition ahead, of which Dominica is the receiving victim…. If we loose Ross, Agro and Eco tourism is our only immediate hope and solution…….. Start praying for real people, game over!

  23. Pas toutes D'cen aveg
    December 27, 2017

    Ross University School of Medicine was established in Dominica in 1978 as the University of Dominica School of Medicine. The institution’s contribution to the Dominican economy has grown over the years.
    Below is a copy of the letter from Ross .PM Skerrit welcomed Ross University’s new Dean and Chancellor
    Ross University relocates students from Dominica to Tennessee. With Da in bap did he really beleived Ross would continue?
    PM Skerrit hoped but he knew long before Ross University was not returning to Dominica in May 2018. He tried saving face. When Pierro was going thru his grind what did Skrit do? he fly to B/dos to meet Chinese behind his back. The rest is History. Pierro was upfront with the trruth daily. he was criticed insulted by the like of that fool with the radio station. He is now Skrit’s buddy .Another of the 5 faces of Rosevelt Skeritt -Douglas Jr. soon he will be the P.M for life with/on an island of 1000 peeps . Not even with manicou all dead lol Liar Lying Skerrit…

  24. pat st vallr
    December 27, 2017

    I will tell you what,they ain’t coming back.

  25. December 27, 2017

    Undated letter? I wonder why…..

    • exile dude
      December 27, 2017

      Ask the liar Medard. What a joker, dishonest dude. Just one look at the guy’s face indicates he is a bloody crook. He can’t hide it. He looks like an African corrupt chief all the way. does anyone has a different opinion from my truth?

      • exile dude
        December 27, 2017

        Does anyone have a different opinion from my truth?

  26. December 27, 2017

    Forget it. Ross is quitting Dominica.

    • Gary
      December 28, 2017

      Is this something to rejoice about.

      • Paul Rossnof
        December 28, 2017

        If he was what business of yours is it. If you want to question people, go and question your political master. Problem is and you know that as well as anybody else, you would only get lies. So in the meantime leave us to it and keep your red propaganda and political blindness to yourself. People like you make me sick because you are in no small part responsible for the way Dominica finds itself in at the moment and I’m not referring to the Erica and Maria.

      • Anonymous
        December 28, 2017

        If it contributes to the removal of Skerritand his band the answer is yes!

    • Dominican
      December 28, 2017

      This, combined with a reduced population will also have a negative impact on our air access. No students at Ross All Saints means less airline seat capacity, ergo fewer flights. A sad day for Dominica and I can’t see how all this talk about climate resilience is going to change that.

      • Paul Rossnof
        December 28, 2017

        It’s not, it’s just Skerrit talking. In the end that is all he has to offer Dominica…

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