Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit wants more public cooperation with regards to the vehicular congestion in the city and said the public must cooperate with the police in order to address the problem.
“Everybody wants to park right next to where they are working and nobody wants to walk. They want the bus to put them down everywhere they are going,” he said.
Skerrit said the country cannot afford a car park at this time.
“I cannot tell you that we are going to do that anytime soon. There are some Caribbean islands where car parks were built and they are not doing very well,” he said.
Meantime Prime Minister Skerrit says government is working towards riding the city of vagrants. “It is a challenge for all families. The response has to be a societal one,” he said.
Skerrit said government may have to seek assistance for rehab centers around the island.
Well I came to Dominica in 2010 and I saw the stadium then I reliazed that there is no where to park. They should have build undergroung parking and charge a fee. I think the most practical thing is to build a structure over a section of the Roseau River to accommodate one thousand vehicles. The Police should also enforce the traffic regulations because people park where ever they want. The Government should also mandate that any new structure in Roseau must have underground parking because I saw a number of new structure but no underground parking.
Tahkns for the insight. It brings light into the dark!
I see an opprotunity not a problem. Put in parking meters and a couple people to enforce. Funds generated can be use for rehab or develop Roseau.
This problem in Dominica is not a goverment issue, this is a private sector issue. The Goverment of Dominica is not responsible for every piece of instructure on the island except if Dominicans just want a state run enterprise like some countries in the region.
This is a private sector opportunity that can be had through various long term funding, There are Dominicans out there who are able to do this like Mr Thompson Fountaine etc
This problem seem much bigger than the solution.. but who knows, someday we might get our wish, but first start with beautifying those old building and small couer in Roseau..make me say WOW…….when I come home, I don’t mind contributing…..again some Dominican are so brissfer…they will do their be to destroy it…those neg rumme…
And therein lies one of our biggest stumbling blocks; we prefer to wait to see if our neighbor does the ‘right thing’ instead of taking the initiative and doing what we know is right.
A parking structure would be great. Parking meters could also work on some streets. But what is required is an all out effort by every motorist and pedestrian to clean up our streets. Parking needs to be regulated, streets need to be re-surfaced and painted appropriately, the public needs to be made aware…
In an ideal world, we would have two parking structures (one at either end of Roseau) and there would be shuttle buses moving from those structures to specific drop points in Roseau. These shuttles would be funded by the public and so passengers could use prepaid cards to pay per ride, per month, etc. The shuttles would operate between certain hours convenient to the working public of the capital city.
Sounds like a dream doesn’t it?!
Roseau is probably too small to support this type of system though. Until people are serious about fixing the problem, all we will do is write on forums like these.
That is My2Sense.
The major problem is that Skerritt and his DLP Govt. does not believe that people come first in any development process. Time and time again they have shown how arrogant they are. They are not willing to listen to the people. They mistrust the people and refuses to allow them to participate in the development of their country Skerritt and his bunch of incompetent colleagues are bent on believing that they have the right to do as they please anytime, boasting that the electorate gave them the mandate to rule.
Skerritt enjoys POLITICAL and recently ECONOMIC POWEr that he will not listen to the Dominican people who have good ideas or advice and willing to share those ideas. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Just check the numerous viable, feasible, good suggestions that people have stated on that issue on DNO. Who are we, ordinary Dominicans, to suggest anything to those presently IN POWER, WITH POWER?
So there is a recognized problem with traffic congestion for the longest time. But what Skerritt tells us in a dismissive, arrogant manner? No Parking Lot. Govt. cannot afford car park at this time and in his attempt to make people believe his foolishness, he qualifies his statement by saying that some Caribbean islands have built car parks but they are not doing well. But Skerritt, papa Bon Dieu, there was no urgency to build a new STATE PALACE for the President, however, you borrowed $27,000,000.00 from China to build it and what is worse to create jobs for the Chinese. What madness !!!! Skerritt is really suffering from NARCISSISM. He needs PSYCHIATRIC HELP. You the supporters of Skerrit and the DLP Govt. as well as non-supporters please advise Skerritt to seek such help sooner rather than later. But Skerritt is so full of himself he will refuse to listen. The country is suffering. Further Skerritt wants to make us think on many occasions that is people every time who are the problem, who are not doing things right, who have bad ways and poor attitudes, but not he or his Govt. which have no VISION.
What has all this got to do with Skerrit and the Government?? It has all got to do with the selfish and vagrant behaviour of most motorist in Dominica!! Nobody wants to walk a yard anymore. Install parking meters and have them policed properly. Other cities in the world far larger than Roseau had this problems and they all managed to sort it.
Roseau does need a decent size parking lot for sure. That would really ease off the parking issue. But Dominicans do want to park right next to where they are going. That need to stop for sure. When I go to town I park all up by the ministry just because the place is so congested.
But honestly mr pm, we do not need nothing fancy. Just clear a piece of land somewhere and throw some concrete on it. We good. As long as it can hold about a hundred cars then the city will feel a relief. Then you can give tickets. Till then, I think the ticket thing should be shelved. Especially when you all give tickets for the most pathetic reasons ever. Not for speeding, for parking near a corner that nobody turns into?
Paint the road in town and put no parking zones where it is a hazard and let people park where it is hazard free. Dominica is in desperate need of some kind of code on the street. Most people in Dominica have no idea what double yellows stand for. Introduce some proper codes man
Has the Prime Minister ever heard of a parking lot? I think they should demolish those old houses in Roseau to build one. It is very hard asking people to park elsewhere, because that elsewhere will also be congested as well. And with these bus drivers driving so recklessly, with bad tires, people prefer to drive if they have a car.
I saw some suggestions to have a bus system, I think that is a great idea. so people can hop on and off.
What the PM sees as a problem, I see as an opportunity for the government to raise revenue. They don’t need a large parking structure. As someone said, Roseau is a small place within easy reach from anywhere in town.
The solution?
1. Place parking meters in town
2. Erect “no parking” and “no stopping” signs in designated areas that are prone to congestion
during certain hours
3. Hire a few traffic enforcement officers and most importantly, ENFORCE the law.
4. Make renewal of the vehicle registration contingent upon all outstanding tickets being paid.
Do these and you will see how quickly you clear the streets to allow traffic to move.
There is no need to reinvent the wheel. That is how it is done in most developed countries.
That sound like a sound approach taking into consideration all the mitigating circumstances facing us in Dominica. The fact is people like freeness and as long as the Government is willing or unable to institute a meter system or as some suggested have proper structure proper marking of our roads ect ect, we will sit on our a….. and say it cannot happen therefore we are destine to fail. Simply put if I live at NewTown and want to travel to Roseau driving my vehicle just knowing that on my arrival in Roseau i have to pay “X”amount to park which might be far more than taking public transportation clearly! i will opt to take public transportation instead of driving my vehicle ,right there the problem will began to take care of it self. Fellow Dominicans what is so difficult about that? As our grand parents used to say FREENESS CA_BA MALTETE”and thats certainly our headache with congestion in Roseau all because its free for all. MAN wake up! Wake up! with that simple approach we are killing Two birds with one stone” Tounge in cheek” One we will generate funds and two for those big shot they will put their money in the parking meter so to speak, and at the same time for those who wants to avoid paying for parking will leave their vehicle at home. The only break would be to suspend paying for parking on sundays. Need i say more??? Truly Dominican.
Good suggestion, but the city residents should get a break – they should have special permit
I do agree 100%
It is sad that the people who can really contribute to our national development must be willing to get on their knees to satisfy the corrupt politicians and become part of a mafia type movement. The Melleville Hall airport fiasco is another example of the inefficiencies of the government administration. In a serious system people would be fired , starting with the resignation or firing of ministers, permanent Secretaries , technical and financial advisors.
A government who can’t find their way around. I couldn’t help but smile at the PM’s statement because I’ve come to realize that whenever the PM must own up to obvious government deficiencies his immediate reaction is to blame the people and or make comparisons with other Caribbean islands – which by the way are all making strides way ahead of Dominica.
A government without foresight exist on the lamentations of hind sight. There is an opportunity/ a viable means by which the government can raise revenue and create employment and our PM is basically taking a nonchalant approach. Success comes through analysis of failed systems. In St Lucia for example the government realized that in order to allow the parking facility to be successful the people must be forced to utilize the facility and so the government enforced parking regulations.
A good administration , one with foresight should have seen it coming. The environmental fees that is charged on the internet ordered vehicles should have been used towards the development of traffic and generating revenues through parking enforcement i.e like many have suggested parking meters and ticketing officers.
Instead of giving such a vague response It would have been prudent to indicate that the government would conduct a study of the failed parking facility in which ever island referenced by the PM. To indicate that we cannot afford to build a parking lot in Roseau is the same as saying that the government cannot rectify the problem that exist. Government does not have to undertake the construction and management of a parking facility however government should facilitate the private undertaking of such a venture as a parking facility or facilities is the only way out of this horrible problem in Roseau.
Some of the old buildings should be refurbised beautifully or broken down and turned into parking garages with several levels…. So you drive in, there is an automated machine that will give you a ticket with the time you enter…then you drive in, the first how many hours should be free, but after a certain time, you should be charged. On your way out there sould be someone in a booth to collect your ticket and receive the payment if applicable. The moneys earned from that should go toward repaying the debt taken to construct the parking garage. The government should not be the ones to do this but a private enterpreneur..(This would generate a business and success for the undertaker)
Then the bus drivers can come to the different parking garages and drive people to their jobs for a small fee of $1 per person. (Because we know Roseau is not that big) And this way, more job opportunities are generated for that bus driver.
But to encourage people to use these garages, there should be clear sectioned areas with parking meters throughout the town with higher fees/hr. So if you work at Whitchurch and want to park right infornt the building for convenience, then you should have to pay the higher fees for it. But you will have the option to take your car down to the parking garage and park your car for the day and walk to work or take the bus/trolly. (On the positive, walking betters your health). And a good way to meet up with co workers and freinds while you talk to work.
Or people can carpool if they live in the same area and split the parking fees.
These are just some suggestions for right now
The PM is asking for the assistance of the public with regards to the traffic congestion in the town. I have read a number of good proposals from the Dominican public on DNO, this is not the first time. I too have commented. I believe that the PM asks for assistance but is not willing to listen to proposal that would solve the problem. This is the second ridiculous statement from Govt on DNO this morning that i have read (the first being that from Hon. Ambrose George).
Dominicans have been crying out for the authorities to step in and do something to make Roseau a city. Please do not let us down Govt. Listen to us please.
I made a proposal some years ago to alleviate parking and traffic problem in Roseau. I will summarise them below (I have seen a some of them mentioned throughout these comments).
1. Build a parking lot/structure outside Roseau. Say canefield at the airport – turn into a relatively cheap parking lot, and have a government subsidised bus service to transport people to the city.
2. Set up toll boths to enter the city (place a signifiant enough price to deter drivers, and make the parking a more attractive alternative.
3. Build a parking structure (a few stories high) over the Roseau River (just close to the market)
4. Use traffic lights instead of police men and women to cordinate traffic
5. Decentralize – place some government services outside Roseau – say Portsmouth, Granday, La Plaine etc. This will reduce the need for people to commute to Roseau for certain things/services.
Observer what you are saying makes so much sense. I hope they take ure idea. It’s a very good one, just saying
@ Observer.
When I commenced reading the comments the thought of building a structure over the Roseau River crossed my mind which is what you stated in No.3.
No.4 – street lights in certain areas with heavy traffic is another possibility which I have mentioned in another relevant writing.
No. 5 – decentralization of government departments could be feasible.
If the government considers them, they would take years of planning and to implement. However, they are necessary to decrease traffic in Roseau.
In progressive countries the public is advised to leave their cars at home and take public transportation in order to reduce traffic congestion. In addition, the life of their vehicles will be extended; less wear and tear on the tires, the entire vehicle for that matter. In view of increased cost of fuel and other costs it will also be less expensive for them.
Some people only use their vehicles at weekends.
Specifically during the week, some drivers prefer leaving their vehicles at home so as to avoid paying for parking lots specifically for five days a week. Driving in traffic and heavy ones could also be nerve-racking.
In Toronto, at certain times of the day/weekends, the cost of parking is decreased.
The transit company encourages commuters to purchase a monthly pass at a reduced cost which will enable them to park their vehicles in the parking lot at no cost and/or reduced cost.
Therefore, there are ways and means to offer incentives to drivers which will encourage them to leave their vehicles at home and use public transportation.
We cannot have everything. We must sacrifice one for the other and decide what is more important and less expensive.
There are other advantages to taking public transportation.
My instinct informs me that the government or government watchdog reads the comments and takes note of them. Implementing the sensible and feasible comments will take time and at a cost.
I have confidence that as Dominica progresses, in time those views and advice will be established.
I am also all for safety of pedestrians. Pedestrians must also be considered. They must be allowed to cross the streets safely. Considering that Roseau has no street lights, drivers should give them the opportunity to cross the streets. Drivers should “slow down” after driving across the bridges, to and from Roseau.
The government should employ “street guards” which may be less expensive to police directing traffic, specifically during heavy traffic in the morning and afternoon to ensure that pedestrians cross also in safety. Pedestrians should not have to signal drivers to allow them to cross the streets and wait approximately 10 minutes, if not more, to cross the streets. Pedestrians have rights too and right of way.
For the time being Dominican drivers must exercise patience and cooperation with one another including pedestrians.
I recognize that traffic congestion is a major problem in Roseau. The last time I visited I experienced it. It was scary. In some months, if the Good Lord Wills, I will be visiting Dominica. My thoughts are also on the increase of vehicles, traffic congestion in Roseau, the accidents which occurred and reckless drivers who drive too fast, overtaking other drivers, not remaining on their side of the road and with no traffic lights and no one to direct traffic. This is a serious problem to the safety of everyone, drivers and pedestrians alike.
The Dominica government should conduct a research about the best manner to reduce traffic congestion in Roseau and the driving mileage, also on the roads outside of Roseau.
Consider the decrease of accidents; how many lives could be saved; and fewer injuries or none at all. It is well-worth it.
Put parking meters up and see how many will put money into the island funds !
Those who don’t pay should be ticketed and billed accordingly. Vehicles can eventually be seized and sold for non payment or driving previlages suspended. Yes i said seized , sold or suspended driving previlages !
Don’t worrk I will build the car park. I will be accepting investments. I will anounce and Initial Public Offereing (IPO). Your percentage will determine your portion of the profit and re-investment(up Keep). All interetsted parties let me know!!!
The government can’t do it all. This looks like a job for the private sector.
I’m very interested. I’d happily invest. we the people of Dominica overseas and at home can get this done. Serious talk
more no parking signs, also public transportation ( govt owned) the gas prices should motivate people to walk more but doesnt seem so
Mr PM have the mayor of roseau introduce parking meter in the city from Monday to Friday. This investment will create employment for meter maids. Secondly have the non essential civil servants start work from 9am and the essential workers at 7am. School rush hour should not conflict with works rush hour. School should be from 7am to 2PM. If this remedies are implemented we will realize a great difference in the congestion and the flow of traffic in the city.
Roseau should be a walking city with vehicles only being allowed to pass through during certain hours. There should be a shuttle service from a central parking lot located outside of the direct city. Updating, fixing the streets and sidewalks and putting a facelift on Roseau would have been a much better use of the 27 mil, especially if you are concerned about tourist traffic.
I agree with those who say that people don’t want to walk any more … maybe that’s linked to the increase in obesity on island. Kids don’t walk to school like they use to – mom and dad must drop them off. People don’t walk with 2 plastic bags from Nassief to the bus stop – they want the bus driver to come pick it up. People no longer want to walk to bayfront to buy lunch on their lunch break – they want to drive over there.
I’m not opposed to anyone owing a car, because God knows I like the comfort and convenience of having mine. But when I get to work and park, that bad boy ain’t moving until it’s time to go home! People, Park the cars! Walk a bit! You will find that it lowers congestion, blood pressure and the waistline!
AGREE 100%
If we have a problem and we cannot afford to solve it, then who will solve it for us? I just don’t get it. According to the PM the problem is existing and yet, the government cannot promise they will solve it anytime soon. Is it that they are void of ideas? If yes, then what about small steps like: putting parking meters? If we cannot afford meters then what about parking permits? What about designing certain areas as Bus Stops and if the are seen stopping in an unassigned area, then charge them?I’m quite sure that if the government takes any of these steps they will solve the problem. Please mrPm, tell us you don’t want to solve the problem instead of telling us you cannot see the way out.
skerro designate no parking zone how difficult can that be common sense.
Public Cooperation is needed and useful in all areas of our development not only with regards to the vehicular congestion in the city. But When citizens are not allowed to participate, when all ideas are not allowed to contend, when critical information is not given or disseminated to the public about National Development issues, when questions are prevented to be asked in our parliament, do not expect full cooperation from the public.
Wouldn’t it be much more difficult for citizens to cooperate with Skerritt and his DLP Govt. when he lied to them about his dual citizenship, deliberately disregarding the Constitution and Laws of the land and now is deemed an illegal parliamentarian and leader of the country? Of course, Dominicans should, need to cooperate in an effort to move Dominica in a positive direction. But Skerritt is, as usual, making blanket statements, not realizing that in many areas he and his DLP Govt. has not been cooperating with the people.
Has he cooperated with the Electoral Commission and Dominicans, in general, in their consistent quest for Voter ID Cards and cleaning of the Voters’ list for years now? What about responding to the public requesting him to make the MOU with China available. What about ownership of the Villas? What about cooperating with the majority of people who are concerned about spending $27,000,000.00 on a State Palace, at that time, instead of putting that money into productive ventures, creating jobs for Dominicans instead of creating jobs for the Chinese? Did Skerritt cooperate with the Village Councils and Councilors all over Dominica recently when he told them, “No cement, No tarish for Community Development? He never consulted with the councils which had already submitted projects to Local Govt. Dept. to build drains and repair roads using tarish and cement. Is that cooperation? Be frank, is that cooperation? Skerritt was high-handed and disrespected the councilors and villagers. Cooperation involves information-sharing, respect for people and institutions, participation, consultation, honesty, transparency, accountability.
A long list of examples could be cited on DNO where Skerritt and his DLP Govt. has refused to or has been reluctant to cooperate with the Dominican people much to the detriment of the country moving forward in at atmosphere of greater participation from the people. If the people see that Govt., and others in authority are willing to listen to, inform and cooperate with them in matters of National Development then and only then will they be urged to cooperate. Deceit, lies, uttering words like,” No Constitution or Laws could prevent me from being nominated,” even in the face of illegalities, and “Mind your Damn business’ as well as “Go to Hell” could never be the right things to say if one wants citizens to COOPERATE.
who beat u, u crying?
What is the use of the joker in a packet of cards? You have a problem understanding the written word. At least you could have tried to refute the comments made. of course I lament for the country with people like you who think if those in authority refuse to cooperate fully with the public, that the public would be willing to cooperate with them. Please let the truth set you free.
That’s what I do not understand about my fellow Dominicans like “Joker.” Always ready to give some cheap shot, but never addressing issues raised by other contributors.
We may not be able to afford a car park, but the road should be marked in certain areas for parking. We all have to take a parking test to get a license, so we should be, able to fit our cars within a certain space, anything over that should incur a fine. This will teach us to be mindful of others when we park; i.e., we will not park selfishly anymore, and it will be a source of funds for the developemnt and upkeep of the city. The Bayfront is another area to be tackled. Most of all, our police have to be more vigilant and stop turning a blind eye to people breaking the traffic laws.
The gov’t is tunnel visioned. Yes its true that part of the problem is people want the convenience of parking close to their destination. This is only natural and would happen anywhere. The government should encourage innovation that includes the private sector. Saying that it cannot be afforded assumes that all development of such has to be in the hands of the government. Why can’t the government consider how it can encourage or incentivize potential private investment in a car park facility? Also, there are many ways and means to encourage fairness in parking and potentially earning extra income for the government. For example a two hour limit could be imposed on parking in certain locations and tickets could be issued in such violation. I know some people will find fault with that, but until such time more space is available for parking, that may be the way to go, as the country is still increasing its car population at a steady pace.
Put parking meters on some streets in Roseau . See if they will park all day.
This is exactly what he was saying… why can;t you walk?? Roseau us just a few blocks small, easy to navigate and get around, you do not need to park next to where you are going. We are toooo laxy. I park across the bridge and walk into town to do my business, saves me a lot of stress, you must try it sometime.
All of a sudden people want to be on a health drive? Give me a break!!! LOL
Too bad for you if you think i am on a health drive, i may just be a lot smarter than you, and healthier and no where near as lazy as you….
Fix the public transportation system.
tell the pm what roseau need is a parking structure
tell him yourself!
Xxx, I think that would be a great business venture for you to undertake. Form a parthership and get that proposal together you definetly got what it takes. What do you think? After all, Dominica’s development is its private citizens business too.
How can people find places to park when every other parking spot in Roseau has a “NO PARKING” or “PARKING FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING” sign???!!!
About doggone time! I struggle to find a parking from 8am to 8pm. I often end up parking far away from where I intend to go…I was trying to go to Digicel’s office in town and ended up parking near the Ministry. Too many people own cars for such a small island, we definitely need to address this! There is parking on the link road but who wants to park there in 30 degrees heat and walk down into town? HUH???!!!!
i want to agree that u can really spend alot of time struggling for a parking spot eh and it irritaates to the bone. every where is a no parking and a silly keep clear. but i want to disagree that u said too many people own cars, really and truly if we got to make that statement it means u and me too must not have cars , because in this day you would not be able to say who should own cars and who should not own cars and really is because customs kill us for a vehicle hence the reason why every household dont have a vehicle. because we purchase the vehicles at very reasonable prices. but sometimes we need to make the effort to walk and to a lack of a lil communication and love and patience is what causes the headache . u might agree with me that sometimes u give someone a lift and there is no parking to where the person is going ddown and u just stop for a minute , then here goes the driver at the back of u goes hey wild because he cant wait for a minute, although i am not saying there are not some people who stretch it as we would say , but we really lack a lil patience and the policemen in dominica are very selfish wen it comes to parking. sometimes u tell them u just going there for two minutes and they still give u a damn ticket.
If u have a car why can’t others; are u willing to give yours up?
learn to walk
padna look Digicel’s office look the ministry wii. u talk like u ended up parking an hour away…please man relax ….and if u really think that too many people own cars for such a small country, start by selling urs funny guy