Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, has called for a coronavirus (COVID-19) response budget of at least fifty million dollars.
“Dominica needs a COVID-19 response budget, at least fifty million dollars, for the national effort to prevent, detect and respond to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and to assist our people through the rapid days of the economic fallout,” Linton said during a United Workers Party (UWP) press conference on Thursday.
He said, given what the data reveals about the behaviour of the virus around the world, Dominica is at risk of a twenty-five (25%) infection of the country’s sixty thousand population (60,000) in the coming months, which is well before a vaccine is available to treat this killer respiratory disease.
“This means a possibility of fifteen thousand COVID-19 cases, seven hundred and fifty (750) to one thousand five hundred (1,500) of which will be serious and in need of hospitalization,” the opposition leader noted.
He revealed that Dominica has only two hundred and twenty-five (225) hospital beds, four (4) intensive care beds and four (4) ventilators.
He said Dominica’s preparedness to prevent, detect, rapidly respond, protect health care workers and treat the sick in the event of major epidemic was ranked 172 out of 195 countries around the world in October 2019.
The opposition leader stated if [or] when the virus arrives, persons must be prepared to limit the spread and should intensify immune system boosting, good hygiene and ‘social distancing’ disciplines.
“No school, no entertainment events… no public gatherings of more than twenty (20) people for the next few months will contain the spread of COVID-19 and hopefully, avert the calamity of a completely overwhelmed health care system.”
Linton added that Dominica urgently needs to increase its hospital capacity to at least five hundred (500) more hospital beds, fifty (50) more intensive care beds, fifty (50) more ventilators, adequate supplies of basic medication, cleaning agents and protective clothing and equipment for all health care workers and those on the front-line of engagement with persons entering Dominica.
In light of the food shortages that will result from the impact of the pandemic on the global economy, Linton stated that the country is in need of an emergency national food production program to supply planting material, production inputs and cash advances to farmers to finance specific projects.
Hon Linton so correct. For your information it`s the same process being implemented by the UK Government. Stop being unnecessarily critical. See big picture.
Schools and most business places are restricted/closed. Trains and other public transport are reduced by 90%. Nurses and medical staff have been cautioned. So Hon Linton is correct, on Que:-
“He said Dominica’s preparedness to prevent, detect, rapidly respond, protect health care workers and treat the sick in the event of major epidemic was ranked 172 out of 195 countries around the world in October 2019.”
The opposition leader stated if [or] when the virus arrives, persons must be prepared to limit the spread and should intensify immune system boosting, good hygiene and ‘social distancing’ disciplines.
“No school, no entertainment event, no public gatherings of more than twenty (20) people for the next few months will contain the spread of COVID-19 and hopefully, avert the calamity of a completely overwhelmed health care…
If the Government may have taken time to listen to what the honorable Lennox Linton was proposing, maybe 50 million would have been enough, now the government has confirmed there ignorance, this amount could quadruple burdening the already depleted economy that it’s only back bone are promises from the ignorant skerrit.
Exactly. Obviously this man has no clue what he is talking about. Verbal Diarrhea..
All political nonsense. Of course, every level of preparation should be made right to fight the disease, but there are ZERO cases on the island. The debate should be on how to maintain zero local infection. Giant China with numerous airports now has ZERO new local infections per day, despite having numerous INFECTED people arrive from outside its borders every day!!! How? Every person arriving in China is put in a government watched 14 DAY QUARANTINE. Follow China’s example or suffer like the USA and EU. The right policy right now is to implement a 14 DAY QUARANTINE ON ALL NEW ARRIVAL TO DOMINICA.
Linton linton linton. Have you been watching the news? The richest country on earth does not even have masks to pro is for Nurses. Didnf you see the CDC asks Nurses to use their scarfs and bandanas to use as masks? Are you paying attention to the news in NYC? Not enough icu beds? Scrambling for staff? You need to be quiet. This is exactly why you lost in a big way. Your arrogance and divisiveness. I hope UWP does the right thing and get you out of there.
VIEWSEXPRESSED,Linton as usual is making a JACK A of you and him.The population of Dominica is 73,286 not 60,000.No wonder this guy has lost 2 elections.His briefing before this one was 20% infection,now it’s 25% infection,next week it will be 75%.Dominica does not need UWP advice.A bunch of CROOKED TRAITORS .I wonder who is advising that COONU.
He is only agitating. Now is not time for opposition padna, we’re in a serious pending crisis.
Ask Me you and Linton find the money and do something for your country for once in both your lives. Where is Dominica going to find that money.
I pray that we are spared. Not only us the caribbean
Sometimes i does think DNO wicked we boy. They trying to make Linton look like a fool. But I listened to him talk last night on Q95, and i’m wondering what is wrong with this man?!
He wanted to be leader of this country, what benefit is there to be spreading fear and panic? Is this how he would have approached the situation if he was PM? say 15,000 people will get affected, 1500 seriously and with only 4 intensive care beds and 4 ventilators- i’m guessing over 1450+ deaths? Is this how he would present this information? My God.
What I find so appalling really, is the fact that he has no shame. 18-3 just 4 months ago, let Skerrit do this thing. Just say you a readily available to provide support in parliament if needs be. But know your place. People doe want you as a leader. You just dere because you still need the Opposition salary or else you would starve. If you had pride, you would have resigned as MP and had a successor for a by election. Take Sprags with you too.
It is expected that Opposition Leader here would make a comment on the COVID 19 pandemic. One expected though that his contribution would have been informed with facts from the authorities (WHO and PAHO). e.g What is it that PAHO or WHO has prescribed for Dominica, which is within our ability to do, that we are not doing? He must not come here in a vain attempt at rediscovering the wheel. The government has said that it is taking advice and shaping Dominica’s response from these two credible, world respected organizations. What is wrong with that? Who is advising Mr. Linton on the specifics for his budget? Did he simply pick a figure from the air and hoping to sound intelligent? Of course government has to come up with a financial package to help the country combat the pandemic and a further package to help reboot the economy. How much is that Mr. Linton. Have you done the homework? When you speak you must not only seek to sound intelligently. Your contribution must be intelligent.
Observer, you are so right as this comment represents you fully. “You, must not come here in a vain attempt at rediscovering the wheel in an attempt with this challenged we have before us that you must not be that myopic.
How do you know that Hon. Linton did not do his research before he commented? For you information Hon Linton is an exceptionally intellectual person, who is well read, researched, analyse and comprehend before he goes public.
Therefore you and others including failed Skerrit and his Corrupted Labour Government operate spontaneously just to buy loyalty from our people including you and others who may go after failed Skerrit Red Clinic and who is useless in such matters. And because of that You all go after intellectual Hon Linton who has worked in Caribbean Islands as a proud Dominican for many years and we are happy that he is back and in this critical position as “Leader of the Opposition.” That we are proud of. Skerrit has insulted us thru his corrupted Red…
Observer and Open Mind, please Observe carefully and let us put into context as far as our government is concerned we expect to be reliable. Also the Leader of the Opposition has a say in this as a critical member of Parliament. Hon Linton`s critical role therefore is to monitor, supervise and hold The Prime Minister Skerrit`s government accountable, to both the Leader of the Opposition and the entire Parliament including the UWP members in Parliament and also we the people. We need Skerrit to be accountable transparent in dealing with the affairs of OUR damn hard earned Money that is paid in taxes and many other ways.
We call on Skerrit and his failed Labour government to be transparent and accountable when dealing with our states resources, be in our taxes paid, our passports and our money that is abused converted into this devious corrupted Red Clinic Bobol. This is shamefull, dishonest and unprofessional. We have the Welfare Division and Skerrit is being devious and pathetic.
If the US, Europe can’t get enough ventilators, masks, beds and all other medical equipment, just how exactly is Dominica expected to?
Just how is Dominica to provide 500 beds in time? Do we have enough hospital facilities to accommodate 500 beds?
As opposition leader in time of a crisis, we need support, not alternative plans. It sounds out the wrong message.
DNO, 225 or 205? Your writing is confusing.
Admin: 225. Thanks for the observation.
Very interesting questions!
Such questions are what Roosevelt Skerrit should be pondering upon, rather than talking fart about schools will remain open as if that is gold falling from the sky.
Leaving the class rooms open could mean that within days there might not be a single student walking through, because no student might be left to attend classes.
Observer, even if Lennox pulled his figures out of thin air, or in the sky; he always makes sense; but because of your hate for Lennox, his concern has evaded you!
Why do the government have to wait or depend on advise from as you claim the PAHO, or WHO, in order to take measures to protect our nation from a killer virus!
Man there is no actual medical medicine available to treat the virus; quarantine and isolation might be soon needed in the country, couldn’t fifty million dollars serve the purpose of immediately building a fifty or at least a hundred bed hospital?
Ever thought of becoming infected too!
Open Mind, (Or is it “closed Mind”), you really penned this chaotic nonsense? Are you for real? You further went on with this ridiculous statement below: Lets read this illiterate thought of yours.
“As opposition leader in time of a crisis, we need support, not alternative plans. It sounds out the wrong message.” This is an idiotic thoughts an statement.
This statement above “Open (Closed) Mind” is disgusting, and an oxymoron. What you said above is an “Oxymoron Moron Thought”. Totally disgusting and out of text.
Are you for real? Did you really comprehend this on your own…?
For your information: This is what you should pen, and don`t hang about Skerrit`s thoughts. it is a waste of time, who does not get us anywhere. Just big fanfare idiotic talk. This is it: “….We need support, and most importantly we need to have alternative plans.
its just a matter of when i gets to dominica.. we need no excuses for preparedness please take note MR.PM
A lone voice of Dominica speaks….
You trying your best to antagonize and annoy Skerrit but, you will not succeed. All Skerrit has to do is to ignore you. You are a …, an anarchist, a pariah.
I sat on my toilet at 5
23 am and read this news item by linton I read the comments I now conclude that Dominicans are willing to die for their pm I don’t take part in politics at all I listen to news daily I know money base on news around the world on covid19 linton didn’t talk about money think of building to house if 50000 is infected which is possible millions are infected in Italy think of equipment think of medical care I guess the readers only knows the small money they receive at the end of the month and the small amount they beg for at red clinic now please take note if fifty thousand is infected which is possible fifty thousand into fifty million that’s just 1000 per patient so imagine constructing are building it my just wind down to 100 per pattern please note I I’m a hard working man who has seen more than 5 election who has never taken part please listen to bbc please do the math I believe Linton said 50 mil because da broke pray core don’t hit us hard
“You trying your best to antagonize and annoy Skerrit”
DS, Skerrit is already there, big time, long time. He got himself in this situation and has not been this intellectual and open Prime Minister. Skerrit is not yet well aligned to the processes of good government and what it takes to lead a poor island like our Dominica. Skerrit lacks vison, he is immature, he is not focussed but only in matters of the little thing that are capable of, which has nothing to do with our development.
ds, you`re despicable, why.?, because rather than commenting on the serious issue before us, you are wasting your precious time with this hypocritical message above.
It`s not a time to make up innuendoes about who is likely to be antagonising or not. Hon. Linton made a suggestion and he has that right to do so. DS, respond to it in a qualitative way and not hypocrite way. If you feel Hon .Linton has not said enough, them respond with suggestions. Stop stooping yourself to labour standards and you take care of yourself, by reading, analysing, to comprehend the bigger political and health matters that is before us.
Your role is not to protect Skerrit of his failures by getting at Hon. Linton and other people. Skerrit must rise up and try to be performing like a mature person who in this important office. Too much Bobol and lack of respect of our people as our Dominica is going down. Skerrit is a failure, immature, visionless and has no sense of socio-economic matters. Too much Bobol.
ds, Skerrit is already antagonising himself, we don`t have to try to antagonize him nor annoy Skerrit but, you will know that Skerrit will succeed or has succeeded in antagonising himself. He does this self inflicted pitiful matter upon himself. He has to take care of it himself, with his so called friends.
Skerrit has failed us and our Dominica. This man is immature and if people like you can put Skerrit before you and our Dominica then we are really heading for the biggest abyss of all times. It is time that we take o ur Dominica back. Skerrit does not own our Dominica nor we the people of Dominica. He is suppose to be leader of the government but after 19yrs he has failed us miserable and reduced our people to begging, created this Red Clinic, along with the Fertlizer Bobol and passport Bobol. We need answers. As Opposition Leader representing all of our people & Dominica, Hon Linton exposed Skerrit on these Bobol matters. The Cabinet and Parliament should have debated. Bad PM.
ds, No one antagonise nor annoying Skerrit. He does it to himself better than anyone else. So ds, go take a break and reax. Skerrit is what he is and he will always be this failed Skerrit. Who the hell would want to do that?
Let it be known that Skerrit is good and best at Agonising himself. Just follow the scripts and useless addresses in the past 19years and we hope that you will understand. We need serious change in our government. We have had enough failed corrupted 19 yrs under this failed Skerrit. We need to move on, we need sound and intellectual experienced person to be our Prime Minister. Skerrit Must Go. Get Out!
Ds, remember that Skerrit is not that of an intellectual, so therefore you are so right that All Skerrit has to do is to ignore Hon Linton, because there is no way that Skerrit is able to attain this level of intellectual that Hon.Liinotn posses. Hon Linton is visionary, intellectual and exceeds in his speech, decorum and understand the bigger picture of management, decency in politics and good governance. Hon Linton is NOT of the BOBOL Team, that you failed blind loyalists of Skerrit are scared to talk about. Stop being in denial, accept the truth that Skerrit has failed us and our Dominica severely. Go after failed Skerrit, he is the one who has our people in Bondage and in to feel nice like Santa Claus, he abuses our states funds, open up this Red Clinic so that this poverty he has created for our people, he has these people out there crying, “We love our PM Wi”, Shame! Just to get a loaf of bread and milk. Get jobs for our people, no deception. Skerrit has failed us, our people.
“Linton calls for 50 million Dollars Covid-19 response budget” I only read one line of that crap then I realised that today is Friday the comedy show is on, OK Linton where did you get that ridiculous figure from and who wrote that pile of crap for you was it Frankenstein? Linton less is more
everytime you open your mouth you put your foot right in it that so-called press conference was a joke how about Hector John in New York is he not a great risk to bringing the Covid-19 Virus back to Dominica, will you be asking him to self – isolate if and when he gets back to Dominica? 🤔
Man Bites Dogs, stop biting yourself with this nonsense. It has been and still on the International news that those countries who are stuck with this virus have source money from all over to ASAP address this desease plaguing these countries. Most cities and capitals have been closed down and people, workers have been sent home. Millions are not working and are receiving money in shape of emergency cash, not salaries. Therefore Hon. Linton is correct that we address this matter ASAP before it gets worse where people will be asked to stay home and the city of Roseau will be closed among other villages where it may be seen to be vulnerable to all residents.
Mr Man Who always Bites Dogs, stay away fro our people who are intellectuals and have the interest of our Dominica. Your ony interest is to protect your Boss PM 24Hrs a day, irrespective of his failures in office and therefore because of Linton`s astuteness and challenges the failures of Skerrit, He has the interest of our people.
“Linton calls for 50 million Dollars Covid-19 response budget” I only read one line of that crap then I realised that today is Friday the comedy show is on,”
Man Bites Dog, what else are Able to do but laugh out loud at your silly self (lol lol). You lack intelligence, you lack the bigger picture, you lack common-sense, you Laugh at Yourself and you make a fool of yourself.
You have reduced yourself to idiotic verses and messages. You need to be well read, analyse and compose that we are able to check on literacy and not your illiteracy.
Everyone who writes a message on DNO or anywhere, for me to comprehend and appreciate it, I read it many times and appreciate other views of those who write that we can see that they were well thought of and adapted accordingly that we the readers will comment & appreciate in full and put in perspective.
Man Bite Dogs, get off dogs fleas, open your brains. You`re too blindly linked to failed incompetent Skerrit and don`t go after our Hon.Linton.
So Mr. Linton, answer me this question…..how much are you prepared to contribute towards this $50M budget you say we will need? Considering that you are so detailed about how many people will contract the virus and which ones will be serious cases, please tell us how much are you prepared to contribute towards this budget. By now you think we don’t know what to do to practice proper hygiene and to boost our immune system? These are things we hear every day and don’t need you to come in a press conference and say it again. Stop making yourself relevant!!!!
Stop it, stop tat silly talk. This is a serious states matter not a personal Skerrit of Linton matter. These two Honourable gentlemen have work to do. One is the leader to be decent, not vorru0ted nd not immature and incompetent. The other Hob Linto is the “watch dog,” that th9s failed Prime Minister does not abuse our tax money and other resources of states. It is dangerous if a Prime Minister is ignoramous and let loose to do what he thinks he can with our money without we asking that it is accounted for. Hon. Linton resents this fully. He is damn good.
Views Expressed your hyperbole nuance alongside DNO will fall right back at you. DNO you have allowed Lennox Linton to politicize an epidemic that neither you or Lennox Linton have no medical nor scientific knowledge off. I will definitely send correspondent to the ministry to be scrutinized as to the reasons why they were not published. DNO should be shut down for constantly publishing Lenox Linton MANIFESTO.
ADMIN: You want DNO to be shutdown for publishing views that you don’t agree with. Perhaps all your comments should not be published because you are criticizing DNO – but that’s not how free speech (protected by the Dominican constitution) works.
I believe Mr. Linton has made a very good suggestion. Mr. Linton I realize is very proactive while PM Skerrit seems to be more reactive. That’s why I believe there should be a house debate so we could hear both sides of the debate. With the coronavirus threat the world is under I am surprised that the parliament has not called an emergency meeting to prepare for the dreaded Covid-19. So for now in the absence of the other side, I will agree with Mr. Linton
@Ask Mel, The government of the commonwealth of Dominica has been telling us every day what is being done what that thicko Linton is talking about is crap as usual he will only be fooling people like you not much else.
DNO shame on you all for continuously posting this political destructive statements by Mr. Linton. Is Mr. Linton an expert in Health financial matters? Everything Mr. Linton spew these days DNO is reporting. Yesterday there was a press briefing and the Ministry of Health authorities gave some important information but you all haven’t written one story but as customary you all are there pushing Lennox’s stories. Did you all hear the Chief Lab Technician on how we became the only OECS island that can test for Covid-19? Did you all hear the Principal Nursing Officer and the preparation made to deal with Covid-19? Did you all hear the epidemiologist on the fact that 28 people have been tested and not one is positive so far? I guess these are not sensational so DNO will not publish them. DNO time to take up your corporate responsibility. Dominica is at war and I think we should be all singing from one hymn sheet.
Admin: I don’t believe that you’re being deliberately dishonest, reader, but your premise for this criticism of DNO is wrong and if you do a genuine search on the site, you will find out that, between the 19th and 20th of March,2020, many more stories on the coronavirus were published from government sources than from the opposition. Do your research.
Mr. Disappointed, Blind, DNO follower
“DNO shame on you all for continuously posting this political destructive statements by Mr. Linton. Is Mr. Linton an expert in Health financial matters? Everything Mr. Linton spew these days DNO is reporting.”
Give our Hon Linton a break,. We know that he is this formidable politician that challenges immature Skerrit and his failed Labour government.
As Leader of th Opposition his role is to keep a close eye on behalf of we the people of Dominica that Skerrit is not engaged in devious matter affecting our states resources and mainly and our tax nd other monies coming to assist in our development. Skerrit must Go
You make yourself look so stupid. Read the news on DNO and stop focusing only on what Mr. Linton said, which is as important to all the other news as far as the Corona Virus.
Mr. Linton is the Opposition leader and he has a voice as well. There is no need to hate at this challenging time that we are faced with. We ought to unite as one people instead of constantly fighting each other. It is a shame that we behave like this at this present time when lives are being taken by this virus.
UNAPOLOGETIC
“DNO shame on you all for continuously posting this political destructive statements by Mr. Linton. Is Mr. Linton an expert in Health financial matters? Everything Mr. Linton spew these days DNO is reporting. ”
“Disappointed DNO follower”, you must be disappointed because you appear o be a blind follower of the wrong party. If you were this balanced person you would have done your research and not be a blind follower f this failed Skerrit corrup0ted incompetent Labour government. I have moved away from these failed political clowns and they are just not down to be intellectual and understanding of processes ad role of a government. The corruption and abuse of states funs, our hard earned tax money is very worrying as we are just not succinct to this incompetent failed corrupted Labour government under this failed immature Skerrit and his blind Cabinet ministers. When are our people gonna wake up and learn that this failed Labour government has our people in deep poverty and as…
What else do you expect disappointed DNO follower, DNO is just another branch of the UWP propaganda site helping to try to bring Skerrit and the Government down .
Once it comes from the opposition everything is nice and dandy for DNO. No correction or research needs to be done.
ADMIN: KID, you are aligned with the government you know full well we do our best to publish nearly everything the government puts out why do you complain when we allow a voice for the opposition?
A democracy allows space for all views.
In fact due to this current medical crisis, the majority of articles will be official government information, so allow opposing views their voice.
Mr linton you are dominica’s rightful leader…its you to lead the way…am so happy that you are not angry at dominicans for all the tricks kar kar doc is trying on you….
OPEN MIND,Dominica is much smaller that the USA.Because of Dominica’s population and the fact that very few people visit Dominica,it is easier to check COVID-19.Pure commonsense which VIEWSEXPRESSED,LINTON and the other UWP TRAITORS does not have.
Mr. Linton is making a fool of himself. One time the government illegal. Next time he is calling on the illegal government to call Parliament. Next time without any consultation and a lack of understanding of what is needed to deal with Covid-19 he is proposes a budget of $50M. DNO kindly ask him to show how he came up with that figure. Mr. Linton doesn’t learn. It is a time to come together instead of sending out these mix messages. Mr. Linton you need to go to your constituency and educate your people on how to deal with Covid-19. Go on the radio and help educate Dominicans. Stop the political pandering it it just creating mayhem and lost of confidence in the authorities who are tasked with the job of combating this destructive virus
Mr. Idiotic you`ve made a fool of Yourself.
As Opposition Leader Hon. Linton has that constitutional Right to address, scrutinize that Skerrit account for our money, No Bobol, Linton is watching.
You are with idiotic views, visionless, blind to the reality of things affecting us and our people are still jobless and in poverty, created by your fake, failed immature, incompetent corrupted failed Labour government and Odd Minister Skerrit.
Hon Linton is a visionary politician who is concerned of the failures we are in under this incompetent corrupted Labour Skerrit government.
MR. “Frightened about Covid-19, stop being ridiculous silly and immature in your thoughts. Stop being personal and silly and I will advised you that as I am within the government service the evel of bobol and incompetence we see coming from this immature failed Skerrit and his rotten dirty failed labour government. Go investigate the abuse of our states money that went into the Red Clinic, Bin Bobol, Fertilise
Concur, you behave like you are in love with Linton,no man is an Island,to tackle this virus does not call for money,but wash the hands regular,to wash hands you provide water not money
@Ask Mel, The government of the commonwealth of Dominica has been telling us every day what is being done what that thicko Linton is talking about is crap as usual he will only be fooling people like you not much else.