The burden of taxation to repay the massive loan of $27-million used to construct the state house will rest almost entirely on the shoulders of our youth. The investment in a State House in Dominica falls under the category of government capital expenditure which is a subset of the larger concept of government fiscal policies.
There are two categories of action that a government can take in pursuing its fiscal policy. The first is the taxation channel and the second is the government expenditure channel. The objective of any additional government expenditure from an economic perspective is always to reduce the level of unemployment.
The thinking is that by creating capital expenditure projects, our nationals will gain employment in the construction sector. This in the short run will jolt the economy as consumption will increase. As people gain wages and salaries from these projects they will purchase more from the producers giving rise to increase demand for goods and service in the country.
This will eventually decrease the overall national unemployment rate. When the unemployment rate reduces it is expected that the government revenue will increase as more income and sales taxes will be paid into the government treasury. The next stream of economic benefits evolves from the multiplier effect. The concept of the multiplier effect states that the circulation of $27,000,000 in the economy will eventually lead to a greater cash flow in the overall economy. This will advance the investment climate generating further employment. This will improve the general welfare of the people. This is a conducive and simple illustration of how fiscal policy dynamics work in the context of this article.
Let us first start out by looking at the background of the state house project.
– It is a government loan of $27,000,000.00 from the Chinese.
– Our nationals are not employed in the construction of the project.
– The State House will be a tourism attraction by government admission.
– This project was not debated in Parliament. It is a one man decision.
My two pence knowledge indicates that something is fundamentally wrong with this project.
Firstly, the present scenario is at odds with all established economic principles. We (Dominicans) will be left with a loan that we will have to pay back with interest. Clearly we (Dominicans) did not benefit from the construction of the project since locals are not employed. This is defeating the objective of capital expenditure as a fiscal policy. Dominicans would not have benefitted from the multiplier effect since all the money would have gone back to China through the channel of the constructors and not circulated in the local economy.
The burden of this economic blunder by the government will rest solely on the shoulders of the youth of this country. One may ask, how so?
The explanation is simple. The loan payment will come from the taxes that we will eventually have to pay. By the time the loan matures it will be the youth of today, those who will be lucky enough to have a job that will bear the burden of taxation. Over time, by all predictions, the tax rate will be much higher than at present.
The altruism argument to justify the taxation burden on the youth is futile from all perspectives and should not be attempted.
My question to my fellow young people of my country is this: Is it fair to us to bear the burden of a $27-million loan that our fellow Dominican brothers and sisters had not benefit from? Will you stand by and watch this economic catastrophe unfold and do nothing?
Secondly, the established dogma of rural development is to exhaust the use of existing resources before expenditure is extended in new ventures. Frankly we have not exhausted the space available to us in the existing physical infrastructure. The explanation provided by government to construct the state house was not convincing. It blatantly lacked conviction. In my opinion it is a fallacy. There is nothing of cultural significance in the construction of a state house. The financial viability of this project is simply not realistic. It does not support the expenditure of the vast amount of money. It is also not a priority in the context of national development. It is not sustainable by all necessary measures.
So many questions come to mind regarding the conceptualization of the state house. Many of my peers ‘floated’ these questions:
1. Could it be Mr. Skerrit’s idea to use the 18-3 majority in parliament to become president for life by a constitutional change?
2. Could it be a payback to a Chinese firm for campaign funding?
3. Could it be another kickback scheme by this already tainted government?
Whatever is the reason, it is clearly not a project that can be voted as a priority to national development. Nor is it a measure to reduce unemployment.
More importantly, the tax burden it rests on the shoulders of our youth is not justified. As a youth of this country, I am personally putting on the record my dissatisfaction with this massive financial undertaking by government. I have little faith in the profitability of the state house as tourism product in a currently declining industry.
So, I appeal to other Dominican youths to take a closer look at the events transpiring in our country, sooner or later the responsibilities of the country will be laid at our feet. As leaders of tomorrow, it is imperative to rise to the occasion today. We should not leave the calculated errors of this government go unnoticed.
Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online.
“Our nationals are not employed in the construction of the project.” Did you CHECK by yourself or you were dismissed because of your bad work?
I think you have dimissed before.
Im confused! If we are going to take US$40 million loan that we have no intention of paying back why aren’t we using that loan to invest in green houses, subsidizing a juicing plant for example, grants to small hotels to improve their properties, bigger destination marketing budget to get tourists here who will spend spend spend buying our products and services, A PROPER HOSE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SO POOR LITTLE OLD LADIES DONT BURN TO DEATH, in other words – creating opportunities for Dominicans to work and earn money in a sustainable manner??????????? Instead we are borrowing all this money for concrete buildings that will do F’ALL for anyone in the long run but cost us more money?????????? and you people support this stupidness????? or is it because being the beggars that you are you feel Government can take yet another loan that it will not pay back to do that too? in which case why dont you demand they steal money to do the right things first to get the country working and making money THEN steal to do the stupid things?
we don’t need green house we have allowed other idiology to take us by storm . we were once the talk of the travelers who loved our agricultural look. now we follow them down the same road they loose on. get real
.
I believe this Chinese loan is similar to the sort of thing the World Bank has done in many “underdeveloped” countries. There is a very good book called Confessions of an Economic Hit Man that describes the way the game works. You give a poor country a loan for expensive infrastructure projects, but the contracts must go to contractors you designate,( i.e. from your country). So the money you are loaning is really primarily going back to your home country to pay the contractor and his workers.
But the country where the projects are built gets a debt obligation. In the end the country can not pay the obligation, as the project is not revenue producing or self sustaining, so the country making the loan asks for something else instead—a military base, votes in the U.N., land for their nationals to expand their farming for export, mineral exploration rights, etc.
There is no such thing as a free ride. In the end one way or another the piper must be paid.
Beh! Zor still far-shay. Three cheers to PM Skerrit and the governemnet for the fantastic foreign relations policy. While others are talking, the Government is working
Brilliant article. Don’t worry about the loan. Tim Tim already said they have no intention of repaying the loan.
As a dominican, I will pay it.
you alone
I am employed by Chinese firm. The salary pays good on time. I have a happy work. UWP should have got a better writer.
The author made a fatal mistake in this article. as far as I know, it is not only a loan, but a concessionary loan. That means Dominica only pay little interest for it. During the world financial crisis, the US and Europe also find it difficult to borrow money, even with high interest, let alone Dominica. We should be grateful for Chinese help. Because the state house will improve our national image and accommodation capacity. and this is important for the development of our tourism. I believe, under the leadership of PM, Dominica will have a bright future.
in our green and eco friendly land, the building will go up as planned, the Skerritt University will be done all projects completed..we can go on for hours spouting bile..
1. anywhere along the new road requiring lights, it should be mandated that they are solar.
2. I hope the plans for the school and state house include solar water heaters and solar lighting, in the case of the state house even if it is just in the corridors, we are after all leading the world as an eco-destination
(Costa Rica has shark finning, turtle habitat destruction, and other things they would rather hide, go check for yourselves)
Lastly, all this nonsense about no opposition, we have an opposition who refuse to sit, thereby affording the incumbents to run carte blanche. if they were to take their duly elected seats, a vote for NO is recorded as such, no vote is a wasted vote.
It was really disconcerting to hear the PM jokingly justify this undertaking. He said “UK has Buckingham Palace, US has the White House so why shouldn’t Dominica have some similar building of stature” That is so pathetic. Tourists coming from much more sophisticated worlds are gonna be impressed by a State House in Dominica, dream on allu people who are so brainless to accept this BS when the toilets at PMH dont have any toilet paper?
I was in Toronto the other day, and Truth & justice was talking to his neighbour about that same story, he said he is gonna help them pay back the $27- dulars….and he is planing on contesting the next general election…
It’s an embarrassment to borrow money and agree to terms but then expect to not pay it back. Does that speak of integrity? Monistry of Finance are you seriously using that as an argument for the project? The fact that your administartion is so dishonest and without a shred of morals or pride? LOL! Cant sink any lower but somehow you probably will.
Wait, Wait, that money is a loan? so if is a loan why is it that chinese controlling who working there, and why we take a loan of that amount to build something that will bring no revenue in. Bondie i regret i did not throw them three stones behind my back What THE M***** A** is that for me nah?
Bacause we are sleeping on us, so the cabal is doing what they want with the country..Really hope that we are waking up to the realities of the corrupt Dominica we are living in.
Listen up if there is anyone standing is Marigot!! so non of your nonsense SANTUS OR STUPIDUS!!
MARIGOT DONT FOLLOW WE LEAD!! LEARN THAT
I believe you. All of you leading each other down the garden path. Enjoy!!
good luck to all dominican who have to pay income taxe so gouvernment can pay back the loan
when the govermet change let all of them that support te goverment pay it.
Disapppointing!
There is a marked dissonance between the logic forwarded by the writer, through his/her arguments, and the conceptual framework that he/she elaborated so well at the beginning of the article. In fact, once i read beyond the framework, i thought that two different persons had written the article! The arguments do not fit in that framework. They are based, unfortunately, on speculation and phastasmagoria.
I am disappointed beause I had thought that finally there was some commentary that could stimulate our thinking and would encourage constructive debate. Instead, we have more of the same…empty talk that supposes that all Dominicans think and speak only with emotions and loud words.
Another disappointing piece.
you were expecting a text book man!!! well put your pen to paper too nah. I think it would add to the debate..For the general reading audience I think it was a good piece. It was not an examination the person was doing, papa-met oyyy!!!!the politics always add a little spice to things…
I waiting for your piece…
They are based, unfortunately, on speculation and phastasmagoria.
I think this is the new phrase for Q95 and UWP
What an A..hole you are pEEPING tOM to not have gotten a message so clear and concise but then again you probably have the weight of ignorance and arrogance weighing down on your brain. When are the likes of you come to realize that your blind loyalty is what have our country in the state that it is today? Can you write exactly what it is about the peice that you can refute as being incorrect instead of your gneric semantics. Your post offers nothing contructive. Tell me please how it is that the state house construction right now stimulates the economy. Can you deny that it is the youth who will be left with the burden of the loan repayment? These are what your opposition to the oeice should be based on. Peeping yet you can’t see
What a brilliant piece…It should be read by everyone who has the ability to understand sensible and straight forward logical information…APPLAUD YOU SIR/MADAM.
Written in a clear and logical way…We need more information of that nature to be disseminated to the general public.
first you need to learn to spell.
The items mentioned are real.A project of such nature should create economic growth by employing local carpenters, operators,steel benders but guess what? this is not so true.
Even food vendors would welcome this project.
Now in terms of economics,how is this building going to support or pay for itself?Do you think that revenue from a few tourist if ever can? Tourist would be more willing and exciting to pay if this was something ancient or natural but I don’t think they will for something they use to seeing in those developed countries or where they are from.So then who is to pay? you and my tax.
I hope you get it!!!!!!!!!
This is the common problem in the third world apart from them giving us loans they are also bringing labour and cheap one for that mater..Do you need a bricklayer from China if i guess Dominica has plenty? sad indeed
This article says it all. How can one in their own sensible mind dispute what is said here . It is quite understandable that people like WIKILEAK will make fools of themselves with such comment that are intended to divert attention from such a direct and meaningful article. When I read WIKILEAK’S comment I am reminded that in this world there are people who will create diversionary tactics to derail what is good. The Neg Mawon approach. It is the same WIKILEAK who yesterday said that he prefer, Jamaican, Antiguan, Baj or St Lucian because they think bigger than we do and today he is making such statement. To use the word hypocracy next to WIKILEAK is a disservice to mankind.
This article strike the very core of what is wrong with the government administration. The writer fell short of calling the state house a travesty and a total disregard to all Dominicans including most members of the cabinet. Where were the 10 advisors when such a decision was taken, where was the productivity consultant Parry Bellot, the spiritual advisor( busy humping the carnival queen) , Where was Charles Maynard with his $10 K/month salary.
Dominica is under siege we must all take up the role of the Steven Segal character and rescue our country.
An aside- I expect DNO to provide Dominicans with the government’s response on the Corello incident in Italy. Let everyone know how insiduos and deceitful this gadministration really is; the confirmation of the passport sionce DLP apologist said there was no passport so everything is fine; Why did we not hear about this arrangement prior to the incident and why the ministry of foreign affairs cannot tell us about the financial arrangements made with Mr Corello. Just asking because follow through is essential in the news reporting sector
BRO we have already lost Dominica, I advise that you try to get a way out. I am! if i stay here i am failing my children and handing them over to slavery.
Mwen Chien, I love you. I have suddenly become the second most popular man in DA, thanks in part to your endless WIKILEAKS reference.
Now to get back at the think BIG…Garcon, you think a Lucian or Trini or Bajan or Jagan is going to worry and kickup dust about the construction of State House /College/and Urban Development…Garcon all you “sot” wiii.
Wey, wey, wey, wey , wey….And goons like him want the money instead to pay for opposition office, electoral card, defense for the unwanted people case…
It’s really difficult to be an Un -Wanted Person
DNO I wish to respond to the foregoing article.
1. The Government of Dominica did not borrow EC27M dollars fot the State House Project. That premise by the writer is FALSE.
2. The Government of Dominica obtained a BILERTERAL SOFT Loan from the Government of China of US40M dollars to undertake a number of needed projects in Dominica. This loan carries a 2% interest rate, 10 years morotorium, and repayment over thirty years.
Under any standard this is almost free Money.
The projects to be undertaken include
The State House project (Underway)
The State College Project (underway)
Refurbishment of all the streets in Roseau.
Housing Appartments in Roseau and Bath Estate.
3. The entire loan was approved in parliament as required by the LOans ACT. The writers statement that the loan was not brought to Parliament is totally FALSE.
4. As a condition to such soft loan Chinese requirements is that a Chines Contractor is employed and Chinese labour is used.
However local labour is also used and all material, sand, cement, concrete, steel etc is purchased locally.
5. This is a government to government loan and in 99.9% of cases these loans are eventually written off by the lending government. Hence the probability of a burden on the youth is near zero.
Again this is not an institutional loan. It is a Government to Government loan.
The writer must state what else he/she would have done under the prevailing condition
Economist
Ministry of Finance
Dear Ministry of Finance Economist. If you consider interst payments of U.S.$. 800,000 i.e. E.C.$. 2.16 million (more than E.C.$41,500/week!) “almost free money” it explains a lot about the perilous state of our “national debt”.
Don’t forget. With the 10 year grace and 30 year payment term, that $40 million, after inflation will be worth much less than it is worth today. I am not entirely sure we needed a state house that badly, but loans on such terms are a good thing if it builds long term infrastructure. As I said, I am not sure if the state house qualifies as needed ingrastructure.
Thanks for this clarification @Economist.
More of this type of discourse will surely benefit the Government and the masses.
“The Government of Dominica did not borrow EC27M dollars fot the State House Project”.
“The Government of Dominica obtained a BILERTERAL SOFT Loan from the Government of China of US40M dollars to undertake a number of needed projects in Dominica”.
Did not borrow, it was a soft loan. Borrow and loan? help me out there, you mean they doh have to pay back?, this is what the writer is saying. soft loan or not is still borrow and there is pay back involve and mind you with interest as well.
Economist, please do not ry to insult our intelligence and bamboozle the people with fancy words. “Bilateral” simply means “between two parties” and by that definition even a simple mortgage or personal loan is bilateral Fact is under the agreement we have to pay both the interest and repay the principal unless- and until the lender agrees to waive this.
Dear Economist,
By my calculation that free money will cost Dominica $5,400,000 in interest over ten years in addition to the thirty year repayment schedule for the principle of $27,000,000. By your own admission well more than half of money goes to built the new State House. What do you estimate this new edifice will contribute to the repayment of this obligation annually? You should know.
Additionally, where is it written that this loan will be forgiven by the Chinese? This nation has not demonstrated extraordinary largesse even to its own people. What exactly will the Chinese demand from Dominica when it does not have the money to repay this debt? What is legally recorded is the debt and the obligation to repay. Nowhere is it written that the Chinese government will in the end forgive this debt. What sort of childishness is passing for economic expertise in the Ministry of Finance?
Is this an example of the economic planning capabilities of the ministry? The plan is to not repay the loan?
Beholder
The records show that bilerteral loans are granted for specific reasons by different countries.
All such bilerteral loans granted to the Government of Dominica have been forgiven by the lending country. Britan, Canada, Venezuela, etc.
Generally Governments grant loans to Government when it is felt it is not practical at the point in time to give a grant. Always after a few years such loans are eventually forgiven.
If this was not the case the Chinese Government would allow the EXIM bank to grant the loan which the Government of Dominica would have to repay in full.
As I indicated this is not an institutional loan but a government to government loan
You are not in the system this is how it works.
Thanks, Economist. I suspect that you are new to this forum. Here, as in many public forums of talk/discussion in Dominica, facts do not matter. What prevail is a large, and sometimes filthy mouth, an obsession with rumours and denigration and tales of fantasy and conspiracy.
Thank you for trying though.
Don’t know which college “economist” attended but sounds like he learned more about mist and no eco.
What is the definition of a loan? How can you call borrowed money free? Don’t we have to pay it back? Didn’t you state that it is to be repaid? Is 2% equal to 0%? If the loan is something that can/will be written off then why not a grant? Where did you go to economics school. It seems that your schooling was somewhere in lala land. Oh and all that crap about streets in Roseau and apartments let me inform you that these were never part of the original plan. These came about when this ONE MAN venture was baraged with criticism by concious minded citizens who truly have Dominicas’ interst at heart. These additions were just a lame attempt to try and justify this senseless venture. One of these days folks like you who continue to blindly support wrong, will surely come to a point where you will have one foot stuck in your mouth and wanting to speak and the other will be up your …. and you will eventually choke and it will be all because of your profound arrogance and ignorance
mr economist i have never heard of a soft being almost free money. Your term is not fitting.
I need you to tell me or calculate for me 2% interest on 27M . Is does not add up to zero.
If my mathematics is wrong then tell me.I this hard economic times EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS.
How can you not borrow, when it’s a BILATERAL SOFT LOAN? a loan is a loan whether at 1/2%. Do you really Believe that 40 million U.S dollars can achieve the number of projects that you have listed? the refurbishment of Roseau streets alone would consume that money.
Who in their right minds, in an economy of high unemployment imports workers. that just shows how much regard this government has for it’s citizens or they just can not negotiate. why did the saint lucians build their own stadium, hospital and road with chinese funding?
Purchased locally from which company because based on recent events it would appear it’s not Public Works. Which companies are the suppliers and who exactly are the financiers/owners of these companies?
You seem to need some more schooling as a soft loan is still a loan. How exactly did you get a job in MOF?
Supposed China does not write off the loan? That’s a heck of an assumption to make and not only very irresponsible but retarded but then again very consistent with DLP.
Dear Economist,
As you rightly point out I am not an insider. So I am not privy to how government loans work as far as repayment is concerned. If the government intends to never get repaid why not make the interest 0% and the term indefinite or 99 years.
Please tell me how the IMF looks at this obligation. We are still an economy monitored by that organization, am I wrong?
This loan carries a 2% interest rate.
If it’s the truth, I think it’s good. Because RBC and NBD will never give such a low interest to us.
Stop trying to mislead people with wrong information part of that goes to housing, some to state college.for to
Long Dominica looks like Columbus never left we now have a visionary who is bold enough to move is forward
And no matter how much they try bringing him down he
Will continue working to improve dominica’s image.God bless him.
The article is well thought out and written. The economics are sound and relevant. Kudos to the author. I second his/her concerns and would like to add a few…
How will the monies be divided among the three stated uses?
Clearly, the State House compound will take up a significant portion of those funds… So, how many classrooms will be added to the DSC? How many apartment units will be available in the public housing?
The thing with these capital projects is that the costs aren’t just the initial cost to build; the cost of maintaining the new compound and additional infrastructure at DSC will be significant over the years… How do these new costs affect the Government’s budget for the next few years?
So many questions and NO answers. Smh.
This is a very factual and positive article. I keep asking myself what is governments priority,is it a state palace or is it a few trained surgeons for the PM Hospital, surgical hardware to perform bone surgery and hip-replacement when dislocated or medical supplies? Operations with reference to orthopedic needs serious attention at the hospital, since there is a lack of hardware to perform surgeries relating to bone injuries. Only one surgeon is available to the PMH for such surgery. Why government is not investing in the training of surgeons in the field of orthopedics. Education and health should be the top priority of government instead of this palace. We asking Dominicans overseas to build retirement homes but when ever they get sick they have to fly over seas for medical treatment. Whats a shame.
Well boy Mammo had her stadium, I guess Skerro have his palace.
It is always a shame when the government don’t listen to the people.
It is NOT political to say ‘the president does not need a palace’.
Dominicans desperately need you leadership. Skerritt he isn’t educated in the ways of finance and allocating appropriately. But it really doesn’t tak a brainiac to figure out that a 27 million state house wasn’t needed at all. I mean skerritt did english at the university level and part of that is comprehension and analytic ability. I’m sure how he got a degree but I know for a fact that if Domincans vote this man in one more time they’re just as foollish as he is!
What timely, insightful, informative, truthful, comprehensive, analysis of that ill-thought of National Project. The construction of that State Palace is a clear example of VOODOO Economics in action. Thanks Sizzle. L. Please ensure that article gets the widest coverage Sizzle, in all the Newspapers, radio and T.V. stations and further. Extended stay on DNO PLEASEEEEEE.
Such educational articles should give the people of Dominica the knowledge and strength to fearlessly express their views on such matters which affect their lives. The YOUTH of this country must heed the call. Inform yourselves. Read. Discuss issues. Analyze. Research. Seek the TRUTH at all times. Dominicans are being treated with too much utter contempt and disrespect. The unemployed construction workers of Dominica are hurting.
VOODOO Economics in our face. Dominican citizens have to pay back the hefty $27,000,000.00, but according to the Agreement between the Chinese and the DLP Govt., it is a Chinese Co, that had to be awarded the contract to build. No tender for the project. Not even a chance for Locals to bid. So not one local Dominican Construction Co. have the capabilities to build that structure? Look around the country and see for yourself the potential skills, abilities of our engineers, joiners, steel benders, masons, and other skilled men and women? See the kind of beautiful structures they have put up over decades.
Youth are unemployed. The skilled and semi-skilled will remain unemployed although that million dollar project is going on. Will the Chinese be paying Social Security? Are they renting houses? $$$$$$ back to China for sure. WHO HAVE eyes to see, let them see. Who have EARS to HEAR, let them HEAR.
What is the country’s development priority? Regarding how Govt. came about with that idea, All Dominicans must dig deep, reflect on the three questions floated. Excellent again Sizzle. Good, tasty Food for thought. THE TRUTH must PREVAIL. The TRUTH is like a THORN in the sides of the unpatriotic ones among us.
I saw a lot of Chinese buy food from our market every. Our agriculture is developing. Our business is developing. Our Govt is developing. Only UWP remain and stay.
By my calculation, almost 2/3 of the money will be spent on the State House. This means that approximately 1/3 will be left for the following capital projects:
1. Upgrading streets in Roseau
2. Improving the Dominica State College
3. Construction of apartments in Bath Estate
Dominica’s labor cost is prohibitively expensive. So I am to believe that some US$13,000,000.00 will be adequate to complete the aforementioned projects.
Like the economist stated earlier, we’re not in the Ministry of Finance, and hence, we’re not privy to the inner workings of such government-to-government agreements. However, questions still abound about cost benefit analysis regarding major capital expenditure.
No one has shown any models of projected ROI i.e., return on investments for the monies that are being spent on the State House Project. I am not no an economist but logical questions from a simple mind still abound.
The uwp are crying for $27million dollars the Chinese will never see.
The worst that could happen to any Domiican is to know that he has to go another day identifying with uwp…alas alas
You are a disgrace to all Dominicans and I am ashamed to be part of the Porstmouth association because of people like you. You disgust me dude.
You epitomize the the very reason why ouir country is so underdeveloped and plagued by corrupt politicians. There is obviously no cure for people like you who are obviously the scum of the earth. I make no appologies for this out burst because your maroon like behavior is counter productive and mischievous.
Porssie, you should be ashamed of your damn bloody self. Your short comings are nothing more that a product of your attitude.
Doers don’t complain…never does. Just look at the people compalainin around you…the unproductive sectors.
So start doing somethng and stop dragging your tail on DNO…capiche
you know what you are and it doesn’t need reiteration.
No Wikileaks, the worst and saddest that could happen to us that we have to leave our beloved Dominica because we can not afford to live here anymore.
Please leave, I want to replace you with One Haitian, 2 beautiful Dominicana, two Chinese …can you please leave now.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
I think that this article is a logical piece that begs one to question the state house project. I my view the weakness of the author is he should at least included some citations so that it would make his case stronger.
Dear brother Abu. Citations, or prayers do not pay bills.
While I agree with the author, I wish the political bias was left out. The last part of the article made it sound like it was coming from someone who has an axe to grind.
We don’t always have to inject politics into everything that we do or say.
Where is the politics stated?
What about a home for the mentally challenge who sre are being treated like animal
The 27 Million is not for the state house alone!!! There is also the state College renovation and a housing component for Roseau as part of the Urban renewal project Tim Tim Ministry is heading.
Your really think Skerrit that mischievous to build a state house for 27 Million Dollars in poor Dominica?
Please read for yourself. Jerry B had it all wrong and pride has caused him not to retract his erroneous statement. Skerrit is just as popular before Jerry made that ill-informed statement. By the way does Jerry still pay Q for making these statements on their radio?
And no one has blocked his freedom of speech and freedom of expression.
Unfortunately you are misinformed. The E.C.27 million, allocated for the State house is only part of a U.S.$. loan agreement, totalling max. U.S.$40 million (i.e. E./C.108 million at an interest rate of 2%) with the Import/Export bank of China, signed by Mr. Skerrit on 1 Sept. 2009 and the Ambassaor of China as per the Govt. Information Service (GIS) own press release (by Emmanuel Joseph).
Totally miss the essential of the article. If you want to be seen as intelligent deal with the contents of the article. Comment on the fiscal aspect of the loan. Demonstrate that you really understand basic economic responsibility. Disaggree with the article if you wish but deal with the contents therein. Stop being a crack head hoar for political party. It is time to put Dominica first.
We ( the youths) are already paying for it, anyone heard of 15% VAT,
We the youths are all looking for our way out. As Buju said: “who can afford to run will run…”!
but what about those who can’t??? they will have to stay, opportunity a scarce scarce commodity, in this time i say. when mama spend her last and send you go class never u ever play. its a competitive world for low budget people. spending the dime while earning the nickle.
Shirrez L, are you a Dominican by marriage or economic citizenship? Cuz I am Dominica. Are you? And I am proud and happy that so many BEAUTIFUL IMPROVEMENTS are happening in MY country. Oh by the way, remind me: where was the opposition when the allocation of the funds for the State House project was being debated? YO PAS TEY LA SO THE AYES HAD IT!!!! And stop your lies about there being no debate. What is more, if Brisbane had wanted better for Dominica, he would have built his magnificent resort hotel in Dominica, where he made his millions selling to Dominicans, instead of St Kitts. Brisbane, I am Dominica. Are you? It is time we patriotic Dominicans, who form the vast majority of the population of this BEAUTIFUL land, recognize you INFIDELS for who you are.
The eyes didn’t have it because there are leaks coming out of the cabinet that this was a non cabinet decision and in other to pretend that the cabinet is united cabinet members had to go with the flow. This is why timothy came out and made that dumb statement that tourist will come sse the the state mallice. Timothy said that because the government did not have anything to sell to the people Re- the state house.So Timothy had to come out and say something so stupid.
Not my children for sure!!!! She will not be here to help pay back skerrit misappropriation.
Girls u make? U not a man yet!!!
I so glad is girls I have, If one like you come out I pushing it back up or I crossing the woman legs. I wont say more about that, but MAN have to take care of their children< boy or girl. I am more man than u, since I taking up the slack where one like u FAILED
oh my u are so idiotic, U do right comment anonymous, since it seems that is two men that ehemmm to make you!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
admin, they say if u dont like flies dont chook poop….
let me guess!! your mother must have abandoned you, and your paps used to beat you just for the hell of it, right???
ohhh you just hate women because they always seem to get fed up with you??? come get a hug.
U didn’t know that he not man yet…He uses like 12 different names to make up..He once told me he is half man, half UnWanted People
wikileaks, you want to be my girlfriend?? every time u see me post you get all aroused and want to eat my ripe fig?
you must be swinging like a pendulum because every time you see my “post” you getting hot and bothered. do u know if u are male or female?? come spend the night with me…
is there anything else you wanna say wiki dou dou???? and u dont need to hide behind anonymous to say what you wanna say okay baby.
TIP: There is alot of single mothers out there raising kids on their own, find one and raise a child that is not yours, be a father to someone who doesn’t have one, THEN you can say you are MAN like I am!!! who knows maybe the girl I am raising is the one u forgot existed. LOL talking about MAN??? LOLOLOL better to be thought of as a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt! Mat thanx for that one.
One of these days (hopefully) our citizens will look beyond party colors and take the interest of Dominica to heart. I have held similar opinions on this matter as it relates to the west coast road project and the stadium. Yes we got a world class stadium and yes the drive to portsmouth will be a more pleasurable experience. At the end of the day though, other than the sites, what is there for the average Dominican? If all the moneys for these projects are leaving the country since we are importing labour and exporting money, none of our people are getting employed. The unemployment rate will note be reduced, of course less taxes for the economy. People see beyond skerrit and think of the future of our children!
My children are under 10. Hopefully, I will be getting my Green Card within the next 2 years. So my children will not be part of that. Honestly, I’ve given up on Dominica!
amen!!! anonymous have BOYS so he and them will foot the bill, my GIRLS are saying bye bye
The West Coast project was a ‘gift’ from the Chinese – no loan to pay back.
But I would have liked to see more locals employed on that project. However, keep in mind our usual laissez-faire work ethics, strict 8am to 4pm work day, etc.
Don’t divert the attention. Is State House (Palace) we talking about. What contribution does this make to our economy or social life?Today Matt had to have A “WHIP AROUND” TO HELP A YOUNG LADY WITH AN ACCUTE MEDICAL CONDITION. Palace is
just folly of one man. Papa Doc had a palace from which he lorded over his people. Papa Doc dead, Palace crumbled. Oh, vanity of man!
God teaches us to be grateful for what we got.
SANTUS IS WARNING NEXT ELECTION IS 21 TO 1 AND THAT ONE IS SPAGS ALONE THAT WILL BE THE ONE MAN STANDING. LET EM SEE IF HIS WILL NOT SHOW UP FOR PARLIAMENT…… SORT
Ay la. I cant wait for my Green Card to come.
18+3=21 and not 22. So it can’t be 21 to 1. You people make me ashame of being a DOMINICAN. I want to LEAVE so bad!!!
SANTUS what level of math did you reach? It seems clearly that you cannot count pass your five fingers. Let me help you from 10 up to 20. 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20. 20 + 1 = 21 so please learn that 21 + 1 is not 21 ennnggggg!
YOU THAT CANNOT COUNT SACREA SORT SANTUS WILL SANTU YOU DAM RUDE OU PAR PLE’
Better to be thought of as a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt..
HERE THOSE RATS GO AGAIN MASIERE SAR KI KAR WIVAY SAY WAT SORT SARLAR????????? DO AND SAY ALL WHAT YOU ALL WANT YOU WONT STOP THE RAIN FROM FALLING… GO SKERRIT GO! WE WILL PAY FOR IT. WE ARE PAYING TAXES TO PAY YOU ALL FOR NOT ATTENDING PARLIAMENT, WE RATHER PAY THE LOANS WITH OUR TAXES THAN TO PAY YOU DIRTY GUTTER RATS FOR BEING LAZY AND NOT SHOWING UP TO WORK FOR YOUR CONSTITUENCIES.. DAM IT.
Did you actually think about your comment before you wrote it? Or did you even read the article? I know people have preferences in who they support. But a lack of commonsense or should i rightly say Uncommonsense shouldnt be part of it….
If you are a parent its just plain out SAD…
Allah allah – ignorance is a bliss and a plague to our country.
UTTER RUBBISH AS USUAL!!!!!!!
When the government gets grants to implement vprojects, they are begging. When they get soft loans, then you question who’s gonna pay it???
There is some much half-truths, innuendoes and self-conclusive garbage in this so-called commenatry that I don’t even believe it’s worth mentioning.
However, in the final analysis the government was elected to do a job, we are free to criticize as we may but it’s the MAJORITY of Dominicans (not a biased, politically-motivated, selfish few) who will determined if it is in fact doing a good job given all the circumstances. Not withstanding the barage of similar attacks from the likes of the author of this article and others,the MAJORITY decided overwhelmingly (18-3) that they supported the programs of this government. And, i am convinced that whenever they are called again, a majority of Dominicans will AGAIN respond in like manner, since there are no viable alternatives with any concrete development agenda that we can choose from, other than individuals infected with a daily sickness of verbal diarrhea.
So if you buying my recess, paying my school fees and giving me a few things under the table, why would I go to any other viable alternative that may or may not exist?
18-3 support? that is a joke, a government in power knows or should know exactly what to do not to loss elections “wait A minute”it has nothing to do with the way the run the country or what you perceive as the good they do for DA; all about themselves, in other words corruption. They came in to fix corruption and they are worse.
The last time I it was very easy for easy for RUBBISH to identify his RUBBISH partner
Are you sitting on your brains or what? When the government get a loan from China for $27 million and then government turn around and have Chinese build the building to the exclusion of Dominican contractors and labourers, the tax payers of Dominica in effect are paying not $27 million but $54 million.
This is just how some people put their personal interests before the country. This is tantamount to taking a loan from a borrower, returning the money to them and still having to repay the loan. How stupid?. An persons like you support that kind of behaviour.
how do you get the conclusion that Dominica has to pay $ 54 m? stupid.
YOU KNOW MY MOTHER WOULD SAY DO GOOD YOU GET A KICK DO BAD YOU GET THE SAME KICK.
SO WHAT TO DO ?
Shantus…You a chinese?
Lord I already crying for my child, I wanted to leave the life of crime, but now it seems I will have to lay down my life to open a way for my children. I always knew that it was my calling to die in the revolution, because only blood will change what is already in motion.
These mules will not understand what u are saying brother, I am not a f ing Dominican, because Dominicans do not exist. They are extinct!!!!!!! They have lay down and died!!
Stop your ignorance