Dominicans expecting barrels from relatives overseas for Christmas will pay less for them when they are collected at the port.
Effective November 28, the government is giving each household the opportunity to bring in two barrels for the season without having to pay the normal customs duties and port charges to clear them.
Recipients shall also be exempt from customs import duty and customs service charge on the barrels.
The measure will remain in place until January 13, 2014, a release from the ministry of ports said.
However, the release made it clear that the programme is for items that are for personal use only. “Each barrel could contain foodstuff, clothing, toiletries and toys and the value of the items should not exceed $1,500.00 to qualify for the concession,” it said. “The items in the barrel shall be for personal use and not for commercial use.”
To avoid confusion the release defines a barrel as “non-commercial packages received in receptacles such as barrels, boxes, crates, packages and drums.”
“Recipients of barrels will be required to pay a flat port charge of $10 to the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) for charges related to handling and storing of the barrels,” the release said.
At least charge $20. Let’s be realistic. People are not asking for zero customs duties, the duties are just too high. We do understand they need to make money but, the kind of dollars they charge at customs are just not fair to anyone, business nor poor people.
Excuse me? The news report said “The measure will remain in place until January 13, 2014, a release from the ministry of ports said.”>>>UNTIL JANUARY 13 2014 MY FOOT >>> persons are on the port today (29 Novemeber 2013) clearing barrels and apparently the Customs Officers are saying they missed the duty-free. The Customs Officers claims that it was only a one day duty-free. Something is not right>>> we need to stop mislead the people
DNO, What about my comment you don’t like? It’s going on three days now and you keep refusing to publish it. Can anything there cost you a law suit? I am posting it again hope you don’t play politics again.
But off course! If those that can afford are allowed to bring in containers of Ham and Turkey for their political gain, then why should those who have been made victims of poverty be not allowed to get two barrels duty-free especially when election is around the corner?
Also, I know I am a perfect idiot and no need for anyone to remind me of who I am. But as an idiot, I am left to wonder about that January 13 deadline for duty-free barrels to be in. It kind of tickle something because if I am not mistaken January 14, is the date for the Election Jet that is called CIT is suppose to commence non stop flights from FTL to DOM. Everything is pointing to election
Thanks P.M. and all the Dominican politicians who made this possible , there will always be haters, so just let them hate, but continue to particepate
all this will do is contract the economy for the Christmas season. Why not a local strategy of NO VAT for the season. This will encourage activity in the country. People will spend more because of lower prices and retailers will be in a position to hire ppl temporarily
DNO, where is the part about the related Customs charges that will be exempted, that was stated by the release? Please provide full the info to avoid less confusion and provide Clarity for our sakes.
That just more ways to finish kill and close the remaining natives clothing shops and groceries shop look stupidness for a failing economy where at that time of year is when the small shops and boutiques try to make a money for all the months that was extra slow what kind of management is that
I remember once when I went to clear a barrel & I told the Customs Officer that the PM had said that we would not pay anything etc, he said “mam, I do not know anything about that. I had not seen any correspondence.” I jolly well had to find money to clear my stuff.
I ain’t even reading that, all I wanna know is if any of those barrels from China or Venezuela. Just look @ the US of A for opportunity still then bad mouth them.
cannot please some black ppl…soo ungrateful
“Recipients of barrels will be required to pay a flat port charge of $10 to the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) for charges related to handling and storing of the barrels,”
What about the DUTY do we have to pay duty. read above
Don’t be fooled by this….it is only a waiver of $20. Last year I still had to pay close to $200 in Port Charges.
if u paid $200 for a barrel, u went after the designated date. Tell the truth and be honest.
From barrel to Skeritt? WOW….my final conclusion, And Yes it is true….Prime minister Skeritt is the most popular man on earth….MAN GETTING from east west north and south….and the funny thing!….all those haters cannot vote, and they know Skeritt will win the next election……..
I get it! Why not reduce VAT and the other ridiculous taxes and duties at customs to spur economic activity on the island?
We’re back to fooling the people again.
The benefit is for all not one so why the negative comments?
Have you cleared anything at customs between January to November recently?
The individuals who are crying down our sweet and blessed Dominica are either politically brainwashed or just repeating what they hear from haters like parrots and are the same ones who drive nice cars and live in beautiful homes and still have family overseas who work two and three jobs to send them money clothes and barrels of food.
Besides, they are the same ones who have lots of land most of which is uncultivated. So please my people stop depending on Government for everything and on what your country can do for you and try to make your own positive impact to prove to others what you can do for your country.
I think you people are blessed with just too much freedom of speech. (DAMN IT)
well down PM, so long i waiting for that, my barrel just left the states so i in that…..oh and by the way OOPS i am employed ha ha. God bless u Sir u and yr family
Again another great initiative by this labour party goverment!! We support this goverment 100% on the west coast!! viva la revolucion!!
While this is a good gesture and we thank papa skerrit for it, Our family overseas are also facing financial constraints and are unable to send barrel. Even if we decide we sending them the money to make barrel, our salary can not meet that need.
The struggle is real.
hmm, the same people here complaining seems to be definitely from a different party. Well here’s what you guys will be the first to be on the port receiving your barrels and taking advantage of the 10.00. If you don’t like the idea simply ask your families to send you the barrels after Christmas when there’s the normal rate. You guys are a bunch of dummies and seriously need help. When Skerrit wins again you all will kick dust.
DEAR Beauty,
i wonder who are the real dummies…?
give allowance for two barrel worth 3000 ec $ is the most stupid decision for the country. for sure if you think short term and election this is the Best measure to implement, but if you think long term and interest of the state this is a non sense! the state will collect less taxes and duty, the business will see their turn over going down while it supposed to be up for the season. less vat will be collected and so on..did this saying ring a bell to you : give the man a fish , he will eat today, teach him how to fish he will have food for his entire life. bad governance means that you have to make sure that your people need you to eat .. what a shame!!
I love laborrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! at least for now…
Yes free barrel…it have plenty that doh getting barrel ..that doh working so if it sounds like icing on the cake…well, d employment program that going to start 2 Dec. After d grant done will they continue to work…
i am referring to Oops comment not D
What about the vat is that included
What about the tail gate? Is this a separate fee
Please clarify DNO.
That fee is anywhere from $20. And up per barrel.
Under normal circumstances this government would have provided employment for our young people that they have some level of dignity to go pay for their well sent barrels from loving families and friends. Our economy has not grown for 13 years under this Skerrit lead government so they have to reduce rates considerably to accommodate their mismanagement….this is sad when a people are reduced to handouts and wishing where their next earned dollar would crime from.
Skerrit and corrupt government have lost it and ran out of ideas. Next election ..OUT YOU GO
I would talk all the workers supporters put them ina barrel an sink them in the bottom of the see.i cannot wait for election to come for me to vote to make sure that the worker party don’t win. Them fellas sick
This is a fantastic Christmas gift from our Government. I’m sure that the food stuff and toys will bring Christmas joy to many. What a fantastic gesture. God bless Dominica
That 10 dollars flat is a damn lie. every year they saying the same damn thing and when i go they charging almost two hundred dollars. we should pay a danm dollar like Antigua. they to freaking cruel in that damn country. I don’t know if them port officers pin pocketing ppl money. we must look look into that.
It’s amazing the things that can transpire during the bells of elections. All these years we paying so much for a Barrel, but now as election is coming they want to fool us and lower the price.
Get up stand up send your barrels take the opportunity. They are all doing it, go to Jamaica and Barbados all you will see.
We hear this Fairy-tale every year. Unfortunately no one seems to make the port authorities aware. I still have not heard a single person that was granted this “grand gesture” when they went to retrieve the barrels. This is a bad joke at the expense of poor Dominicans.
The ones talking negative about the barrel initiative are the first ones to pack their barrel and pay the $10 flat fee….come on people, see the good in something and give a little GRATITUDE…if you are not interested in the barrel just opt at paying the normal fee…bet you are laughing and saying heck no…enjoy the season and celebrate with friends and family, don’t mix politics with Christmas….
does tht also apply at the post office? i getting some clothes and stuff just want to find out if the same deal happening there
The statement is for OOPS!PEACE
Relief more like bribery for a vote.
Why not encourage to send home money to spend in the economy?
Most of the stuff that comes in the barrels can be purchased here.
Take a peek into those barrels and you’ll see peanut butter, paper towels, toilet paper, tin stuff, dried fruits and other things that can be bought here.
Which one is better? A barrel with things that you can do without or the US$500.00 cash that you can spend with your own choice? Plus the money circulates in the economy.
These politicians are blind and do not see beyond their nose.
A few years ago, I stated the same to someone and was informed Dominicans like to receive goods from overseas.
Thanks for the relief many will benefit from it including my own mom,Dominica is much better than what those jack rabbits are trying to make people believe it is they the same people who wants to rule Dominica yet they are comparing Dominica to Haiti and some of the poorest countries in Africa,but we Dominicans know better.Their whip will be on Election Day .
Thanks for the break since I’ve just sent the fifth
Allu workers are sick sick sick sickkkkkkkkkk people ! This is a wonderful thing in time for xmas and allu talking so negative and with hatred! Lor d election will come and go yer ! Jah guide!
Those that vex, its because they not getting barrel
But off course! If those that can afford are allowed to bring in containers of Ham and Turkey duty-free for their political gain, then why should those who have been made victims of poverty be not allowed to get two barrels duty-free especially when election is around the corner?
Also, I know I am a perfect idiot and no need for anyone to remind me of who I am. But as an idiot, I am left to wonder about that January 13 deadline for duty-free barrels to be in. It kind of tickle something because if I am not mistaken January 14, is the date for the Skerrit Election Jet that is called CIT is suppose to commence non stop flights from FTL to DOM. Everything is pointing to election
Wonder how many Dominicans will be able to pay the $10.00. Hurricans Skerrit has destroyed the hopes, aspirations and dreams of a large proportion of the population.It would be interesting to get a figure of the number of people who go to him for handouts, because of unemployment and poverty.
Are you one of those that won’t be able to pay?
What do you know? Just beating your fingers to the keyboard and not thinking straight?
They cannot afford $10.00 cost per a barrel filled with household/personal items? Those who send the barrel will also provide their family with that amount of money and more.
Your comments are worthless. Have you considered how much it costs to purchase a barrel in addition to the cost of transporting it to the home for those who do not have a huge vehicle, the cost of purchasing the items, time it takes to purchase them, to prepare the barrel for shipping and the cost of shipping it to Dominica?
You are complaining about the cost of $10 stating that people cannot afford it as you criticize the PM? You are one mentally sick, wicked and inconsiderate person. You suffer from a mental problem; not a nice person at all. See a psychiatrist.
you too sot
$10.00 is something to complain about?lord Jesus you are crying on Dominica so much it’s no wonder the economy is bad.
I wonder how many Dominicans crying poor malehway yet have iphones, samsung galaxy, cable, internet etc.
there’s a difference between wants and needs. Dominicans always want the wants and forget they need the needs.
Typical black people lifestyle some of them living – above their means.
It’s like seeing some guys boasting on the rides they have….but they do not have a pot to call their own.
Some Dominicans need to redefine their priorities.
Where would they get the money to pay? Are those getting the barrels employed? Ask Skerrit about the unemployment rate.
You and pen name Barrels are two stupid people and I’m embarassed if you’re Dominicans. I don’t know what makes allu think everybody in Dominica are malnutritioned and cannot buy a looaf of bread. We wish things were better-like the rest of the world- but we’re ok in comparison. We can sewo every weekend and we nearly have more festivals than parishes. Go clean something. Shameful people.
Those barrels are filled with food that Dominicans who are on welfare here in the states are buying with food stamps that us tax payers are paying for……WoW
What about boxes for those who cannot afford to full a barrel? please reply.
This should be considered. It takes a lot of items to fill a barrel and it could be costly in addition to shipping it.
The difference is the barrel holds more, it may not burst open or get wet.
There are small barrels. Check around. Hurry! You only have one month to Christmas if you want it to arrive before then. Good luck!
Read properly: “To avoid confusion the release defines a barrel as “non-commercial packages received in receptacles such as barrels, boxes, crates, packages and drums.””
Read carefully…. Boxes are also mentioned.
Read the article well nah… “To avoid confusion the release defines a barrel as “non-commercial packages received in receptacles such as barrels, boxes, crates, packages and drums.”
who is to reply?
The story says, “non-commercial packages received in receptacles such as barrels, boxes, crates, packages and drums.”
You people are sickening. I think I’m starting to like this guy Roosevelt Skerrit. I can imagine what is he going through with you people.
Did you read the article?
To avoid confusion the release defines a barrel as “non-commercial packages received in receptacles such as barrels, boxes, crates, packages and drums.”
to AVOID CONFUSION:
To avoid confusion the release defines a barrel as “non-commercial packages received in receptacles such as barrels, boxes, crates, packages and drums.”
But u cya read.smdh
Signs of a poverty stricken country where the people cannot afford basic necessities of life. Similar to some of the African countries. That’s what 14 years of Labour rule has delivered upon Dominicans. POVERTY, MISERY, INSULT AND UNEMPLOYMENT.
Call the election Skerrit for us to KICK YOU OUT!
Take a chill pill my boy! you ready to burst a blood vessel for something so commonplace? This is done every year in most Caribbean countries. If you feel such a concession is beneath your dignity you do not have to avail yourself of it.
Don’t worry some people are seeing right through
them for the hate towards Skerrit. I have heard people say they get”turn off from them” so they doing much service to him and his Administration.
I truly support you on this point. We Dominicans are to colour minded and they politicies every thing. The Caribbean governments do the same thing so why can we enjoy this opportunity. If a barrel relieve can persuade your political destiny then you need to go and see a doctor. We Dominicans are not blind as people think and we will be making the right judgement at the polling ballot. So therefore don’t be afraid my brother.
You are a jack wagon. St. Lucia is doing it, You haters need to make up your mind. If its not done you complain. Well when you or your family go and clear their barrel, tell them refuse the offer. SOTTTTT
You are a darn jack! What does Skerrit have to do with people choosing to send barrels to their families? So if I take my hard earn dollars and buy stuff to ship to my family it means they’re poverty stricken? Somebody fault nobody not sending you ? What was the reason when it was done under UWP and DFP? Some of you just like noticing!
Spread the Christmas joy! Do you have no joy in you to spread to your fellow people daily? You must be a pitiful person. I feel sorry for you.
You should not use DNO to spew your hatred and insane words at the PM. You are not being fair to him and to readers, whichever Party they support. We are not interested in what you stated.
I have never seen/heard a set of people criticize a government consistently like that. If you feel that way, you should first take a look at yourself and how you conduct your lifestyle. Look within you and your conscience! Therein lies your problem.
I’m away on vacation and doing my shopping also…..I’m going to send home 2 or more barrels. Does it mean that I’m poor?
doe sound like the Fox who could not get the grapes,so he say it sour,you sound jealous of the people who have relatives sending stuff for them.
doe be a Hater”,Dominican that is benefiting,uwp,dlp,dfp,pappyites and all independance peoples.
stop rideing the Hate Wave.
Please note this has been done annually for many years but it has only been properly announced to the public over the last 3 years. Additionally it is not unique to Dominica, many other OECS countries do the same during the season. Let’s not make everything political.
it is because of these foolish and ignorant statements from the UWP operatives they continue to find it very difficult for the MASSES to listen or support them.
And once of IF UWP wins, the barrel economy will cease? Think again!
thank you thats very great idea.
$10.00 flat rate funny and customs will be another high fee. Who you all fooling, we want to know average custom fees to. It might be a relief but one sided.
Read and understand no custom fee
I guess the article said “without having to pay the normal customs duties and port charges to clear them.”. It refers to CUSTOM duties. Please read again.
I bet you failed reading comprehension….
Great !
The country has been made so darn poor by Skerrit’s misgovernance, I think that is the only way out, because 99% of those getting the barrels are unemployed, so the barrels would not be cleared anyway.
ALL YOU THINK SKERRITS DEVASTATION OF A COUNTRY IS JOKING! He blames it on global Financial Crisis.So ludicrous!
I’m sending barrel for my family not because they are poor, it’s a good gesture at this season of giving, pm skerrit continue to do what’s best for ur people, u will never please every one. May God bless u and may God bless Dominica.
same here. i feeling sorry for oops if that what he/she thinks
Have a conversation with yourself, The Pope. Nelson Mandela ,Mother Theresa,Obama and Martin Luther King. Then go in the mirror. Then you will have a better appreciation for the less fortunate
PEACE 2 U.
OOPS alright!
You have committed a grave error! Is it because you will not be receiving a barrel for Christmas? Envious?
You should reside in a progressive country. You would pay your taxes, shut up and have respect. Money does not grow on trees. Those who send barrels are caring and generous. It is a sacrificial and financial effort for them. They have their monthly personal and financial obligations to fulfill.
Everyone has a voice but for God’s sake, why this criticism when Dominicans are being favored with receiving a barrel each and will only pay such a low cost of $10.00?
nonsense you writing about .so many people that can afford and have good jobs also gets there barrel. all we got to say that’s a good idea.if someone told u that they going to send u a barrel u would be so excited.I wish all Dominican would have a barrel on the port which would be nice so we all will have plenty to eat for this Christmas.bless this country lord.
With ridiculous comments like that I wonder if you are employed? I am employed and I have 2 barrels coming next week simply because the items in the barrel are a gifts for the entire family.
OPPS you are a J.A
so you think the people sending the barrels will send the barrels for them to just sit on the port?
you do know that most person with people in foreign normally get their Christmas money, Christmas barrel and money to clear the barrell.
stop acting like Dominican people so damn poor and malayweh.
they have homes, food, clothes etc…they have how many phones, tvs etc…
they may be poor but they have pride and if they are getting the barrels, they’s do whatever it takes to clear them… because they are poor – it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are stupid