The reluctance of the new chief executive officer of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) to talk about the growing number of Chinese businesses in the capital Roseau that’s said to be affecting local businesses is having an apparent backlash on the association.
Cyril Volney in a recent interview with Dominica News Online suggested that these Chinese business owners were likely economic citizens and as far as he was concerned they were Dominicans like the native-born entrepreneurs with an equal right to conduct business affairs in Dominica.
However some businessmen here have suggested that DAIC’s Volney is ignoring what many of them consider a real problem of these Chinese businesses in Roseau having an unfair advantage over locals, some of whom are reported to be going out of business.
Outspoken businessman Jerry Brisbane says at a time when the DAIC is seeking to consolidate its present membership and expand that membership, the CEO’s stand on a matter affecting home-grown businesses is not encouraging.
“How is he now going to try to attract new members when his behavior, one of clear arrogance I believe, is what we just experienced,” Brisbane told privately-owned Q95, adding that signing up for membership of the DAIC could not be a priority under the circumstances.
Another businessman, Michael Astaphan, also denounced the Volney position on the matter.
However he says rather than staying away, he now wants to play a greater part in the association, to counter the kind of approach being promoted by the new chief executive.
“The role of the DAIC is to protect the interest of its members and you cannot have its members under onslaught, some of them not only losing their businesses, but their mortgages on their house is at risk because their businesses can no longer pay them,” Astaphan said.
The issue is one that’s also stirring emotions in St Lucia.
The head of the St Lucia Manufacturing Group, Paula Calderon said recently that Chinese businesses are threatening the economic stability of the entire OECS.
She told Q95’s Matt Peltier that the Chinese were competing directly with small businesses in St Lucia, and putting locals at risk of going out of business.
“We cannot have the Chinese coming in and making bread in St Lucia, opening an employment agency in St Lucia, and last week I saw them selling clothes by the market just like our vendors. And we are not saying anything?” Calderon queried.
She said St Lucia, Dominica and other OECS countries affected by that problem needed to nip it in the bud instead of waiting for local businesses to displaced.
“I think something has to be done,” she warned.
There should be an investigation into the type of foods and materials brought in here by the Chinese. We need investments but at what cost? The number of careless fake products that are being used in china itself is staggering with fake wine, paint thinner for vodka, pork disguised as beef, plastic rice and spaghetti, its unbelievable. The perfumes are cheap but what are they made of? We are already burdened with an increase in cancer on the island we can’t afford to have more carcinogens added to the list. The ministry of health and bureau of standards should crack down and quick.
This is truly an explosive topic and poses no clearcut way on how to resolve it. This is a real dilemma. We need the investments but at the same time we must try to have a level playing field. Unfortunately this is not possible. Everything depends on cost of merchandise. By now all of us should know how this works. If not do not know please do not comment. China must find outlets around the globe to sell its products. Then it sets up its agents to distribute. They have a distinct advantage in labor costs because of their huge population. We should create a local think tank to study the situation carefully and make good recommendations to be implemented . If we do not protect some of our local businesses they will dissappear too and we will be on the outside looking in.
Really leadersship is of and from the people and so Volney represents the mind set of those who elected him …SHAME REALLY ON THE LIKES OF ASTAPHAN AND BRISBANE TO ALLOW what some may call INSIPIDNESS TO BLOSSOM UNDER THEIR WATCH !!!
DAIC of the 70.s and 80,s was vibrant, very involved in all aspects of the life of DOMINCA , Ask Leblanc PJ and OJ….,NOW WHAT ??
SILENCE ON EVERY ISSUE –NOTHING SAID ABOUT THE CHINESE CITIZENS OF UNKNOWN INITIATION FLOODING CANADA, DISRUPTING OUR DA IMAGE WITH THE CANADIAN AUTHORITIES AND OUR BUSINESS CONNECTIONS AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT HARMONY
NOTHING SAID ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION MATTER WHICH WAS AT THE COURT ON THE ISSUE OF DUAL CITIZENSHIP WHICH AFFECTS THE CLIMATE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE AND RESPECT FOR LAW ULTIMAETELY DECIDING ON OUR IMAGE FOR BUSINESS .NOTHING SAID ABOUT THE MANNER OF ABUSE OF TAXPAYERS FUNDS IN STRANGE EXPENSES OUTSIDE THE SYSTEM OF TRANSPARENCY , ..DAIC purportedly as a group being the highest tax payers in the land .
NOW WE HAVE VOLNEY ??!!!
POSSSIBLY THE LEAST OF THE DYNAMIC PRESONALIITIES I AM AWARE OF IN DAIC
AND THIS IS A COMPLIMENT! .. WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR PEOPLE? WHERE ARE OUR LEADERS .. THEY ALL HAVE RELEGATED TO THE IGNOMINY OF BEING B.. B.. FLIES FOR CRUMBS AT THE MASTERS TABLE !!!!
MAYBE IT IS TIME FOR THE LIGHT OF HEART AND THOSE WHO ARE COMFORTABLE WITH DONIG NOTHING SAYING NOTHING DEPART AND PACK UP AND LET THE JUST GRADUATED AND JUST INITIATED BUSINES OWNERS WITH THE POSSIBILY OF 2 SEEDS IN THEIR PANTS ..TAKE OVER!!!
I SUGGEST THE SAME FOR THE LAMEDUCK MISSING IN ACTION LEGAL ASSOCIAITION ..ALL SHOULD take a back seat enjoy their money by not shaking up the status quo and LET THE NEW YOUNG LAWYERS WHO MAY before they get soft and docile use the SOMETHING IN THIER PANTS AND SPEAK OUT ON ISSUES WHICH THIS GENERATION NEED TO ADDRESSS THROUGH THE VARIOUS LEADERSSHIP OF THIS LAND !!!
Crab in a barrel? most of the buildings in Roseau are owned by the church, rent goes up locals cant pay it the subsidised Chinese businesses can. They charge VAT but according to popular belief never pay.
Every store sells the same garbage, buy it today, it breaks tomorrow. If you want quality, prepare to pay for it. otherwise be quiet
Chupst.
Why are Dominicans competing with vendors in Antigua to sell their produce at cheaper rates putting us out of business. Dominicans have no right in our market places and setting up provision shops on our island. Antigua belong to Antiguans. We will have to boycott Dominican business they making all dey money and sucking Antigua dry. You cannot just don’t want people to come and invest in Dominica while you all living good in Antigua and stealing our jobs and wrecking our families.
If Mr. Volney iwants to increase the membership of the DAIC he is surely going about it in an odd way by roughing their feathers.
And so what if the Chinese take over here? We will just have to go back where we came from, it seems we forgetting we were brought here. All i getting from you people is fear, fear, fear, oh this will happen and that will happen. What about, what may not happen? Black people not ready yet to lead anything or anywhere because they are not united you see it in a large way in our little Dominica. This island is way to small a black population to be trying to fight anyone especially knowing how we are not willing to unite. I mean just take a look at where the largest civilization of black people lives the great Africa yet still they are only good at fighting themselves. People all you need to do is calm down and relax stop making fear control all you lives because at the end of the day what is to be will be. In my view what we should be doing is thinking positive of how best we can develop our own personal lives through the little we getting and hope for the best. I know i may sound helpless but what else is there to do considering the realities, to me it’s dumb to go fight when you know you will loose. Therefore i feel it’s better to play along observe and take the little you can to servive.
Play Along Observe?? …If that approach was taken by our forefathers we would still be slaves, sitting at the back of the bus, not being allowed to go to school. Man in this time you have to fight for your rights and what is right – plain and simple. No man is perfect and no system is perfect so there is always room for improvement. It is the play along observe attitude that have us in this current situation – whether it is in Africa, Europe, America, Asia or the Caribbean.
Playing along and observing is not just for the sake of it you know, so it doesn’t say put off fighting like our “forefathers did. All am saying this is not a case to fight but rather be more technical in our way we do things but first we must unite as black people to do so. How can we be fighting ourselves and expect at the same time to fight anyone? We need to build strength through unity and that’s what my whole point is, it is a mind war our there and we black people are last as usual. What we seem to be doing here is just talking but not making any personal changes to our fellow black, all i see more hate and jealousy growing. Therefore the real issue to me is not Chinese business here but rather how we as Dominicans (Black) pull together through support for each other so unless that happens we will always be last and everyone will take over us.
But wait, i remember when Astaphan and Brisbane was forignr in Dominica and copawazon passer ke sa, so now they talking because they have some real competition.
Well thank God for the chinese the Astaphan monopoly is over and the Brizee Matt monoply, so poor Dominicans can have choice.Mr. Volney say it right, the chinese are Dominicans too, soon they will marry our sons and daughters, just how Astaphan marry and Brisbane, and we will be a nation better for the chinese present.
The chinese renting from the ame people that was sucking Dominica blood before, the Astaphan, Shillingfords and those other bourgoise Roseau, that would not rent to local black people.
Solution:- The best way to start the demonstration is for Dominican to not patronize the Chinese stores, buy Dominica’s local products, buy from our Dominican business men and women. To the Dominican business owners, don’t shut down, compete with them, reduction in prices is better than no revenue at all.
Having read the various comments on this inflamable issue and knowing well cuban history it’s revolution etc.( I have been visiting cuba from canada since 1982 twice a year.) Let’s say am a keen student of the Cuban revolution. I know well it’s acheivements as well as it’s deficiencies.
That having been said: I can see clearly why it succedded in 1959 and how it had all those Volney-like aristocratic wanna bee’s fleeing for florida never to return and keep barbbling for decades in Little havana and elsewhere on mainland USA.They had to flee their mansions estates , thriving businesses not forgetting the alcohol free sex etc havana had to offer then.The Castro overthrow of Batista was a great big blow to so many.They never got over it and maybe never will. currently there are cuban grads who have profited from the current corrupt regime.They know themselves and the history of the cuban revolution better or as well as I do and are now beneficieries of the courrpt rogue regime.The there are DFP ites were know them well who have shifted 180 %.
I would welcome a D/can cuban style revolution not like the coco marcaque of 1979 which was a little failed experiment.
Chinese D/can alike will have to skip town for ever like the marielitos of the 1980 exodus. It’s not that farfetched.When I listen to and see all the bull crap happening on this island it make serious minded D/can want to blow up a church.All this posting and in fighting ain’t gonna solve shit all we need a cuban style revo let peeps run like it we a sprint of their lives.
Check the difference in relationships. Cuba has assisted Dominica tremendously in developing our Human Resource. Cuba has trained hundreds of students in several fields. How many Cuban businesses are set up here? How manmy Cuban goods are imported and sold here? True China is a much bigger country and more developed. That is no reason to agree to everything that is going on. The EU funded the Waitikubuli Trail and many other projects. US funded also many programmes and projects. Should EU and US nationals set up shop here, dealing in small restaurants, boutiques and so on? Chinese businesses, boutiques, stores, little restaurants all over Roseau. Even Chinese construction firms are now engaged in construction of a State Palace with funds we borrowed from China, which Dominican taxpayers have to pay back.
Are some so blind that they could not see? When Dominicans are so displaced, say nothing? Genuine, non-libellous comments about the relationship are censored? Just take what we get because a road is rehabilitated, or a stadium built or we getting some money? What about our Sovereignty, our dignity as a people. What about our sustainable development, creating wealth from our own initiatives using our natural resources? Will we remain beggars who should not be concerned of that rapid influx of Chinese taking control of first Roseau with their businesses? Who cares, nuh?
How could any Dominican think that the locals could compete with the Chinese? The playing field is just not level. What is Dominica trading with China? Our market is wide open for all kinds of Chinese goods. What do we have to export or trade? Where is the MOU? What are the contents of that Agreement? Authorities said the agreement was signed on our bahalf, but we do not know what is that agreement about. How strange!!!!!
There are Dominicans who would rather sit on their money than invest in some business. If our mentality is that we should put restrictions on people who want to invest in DA then the same should apply to Dominicans overseas. Is it okay for Dominicans to prosper in a foreign country but a foreigner cannot do the same in DA?
Thats what I was about to say I was in a foreign country at first things was hard. A few years later I opened a business that is where I got eneimes they came for credit but their dry money was for other vendors I pass through hell on earth with these ppl. jEALOUSY IS A BAD SICKNESS SAN GRUERIZON They try their best to couleé me but I use my common sense thats why up to now Im afraid of ppl and I will not part take in that sheet.
Voodoo economics. Unequal foreign relations. Dominicans closing down their business, but is OK, is competition some say. How sick. What madness. Locals cannot and would never be able to compete with the Chinese, not now, not in the future. Those receiving countries are told to open your markets for our goods, inferior or not. We hear of the entire Public Works area to be sold to Chinese, who have shown interest in buying the land to build a hotel.
A relationship with a foreign country where the latter’s citizens displace locals in areas of commercial activities, is not mutually friendly. It is unequal. Dominican will never get to know what the MOU with China ia all about. Why would a Govt. not want its people to know about an agreement signed with another country? How could Dominicans stomach that disrespect? Are we too foolish to read or be informed about the deal? Irrespective of all the calls and pleadings from people for access to the document, Govt. is reluctant. What is the secret that we should not know about?
Not being able to see beyond the tip of their noses, supporters of Skerritt and his Govt. refuse to understand the impact. So while Dominicans are migrating in droves to other countries for jobs, the Chinese are incresing in numbers. Chinese business swamp Roseau. We aint see nothing yet. who cares about Sovereignty? Who cares if chineses come and take over? whio cares if local businesses close down because they cannot compete? Who cares if you are a 3rd. clasa citizen in your own homeland? Many among us are satisfied with begging for crumbs instead of a policy of using our natural resources to create our own wealth.
Chinese construction co. and workers are rewarded with contracts to engage in construction work,even though Govt. borrow money from China for those projects. Meanwhile local construction workers remain unemployed. What negotiation is that? negotiation or domination again? It is clear for all to see who are the owners of businesses in Roseau. Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise. People in the Caribbean fail to learn anything from those hundreds of years of foreign domination. The chains have been removed from our feet and placed on our minds. That is a worse form of slavery, mental slavery. Many are made into beggars and many love that ranking. Put butter around the cats mouth and it is under your total control.
For real
You know when you mention that quote “The chains have been removed from our feet and placed on our minds. That is a worse form of slavery” You are referring to you self. It does not seem that you understand or have any regard for facts of which you are reckless of. Yes, you are entitled to your opinion. Begin challenging your own assumptions. Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in awhile, or the light won’t come in.
Whether money is borrowed or given as a grant it want to make sure that value or benefit is received by spending it. How many Governmental projects have been completed on time and within budget???? They are either incomplete or completed overbudget all because there strikes….people want more money…..having more coffee breaks than productive work….too sick to work and so on. they literally and virtually priced themselves out work. Too unreliable.
The Chiness pride themselves in getting the work done on time and within budget
So given a choice as the Government or PM which one would you select.
The LOCALS are too expensive…Things they buy 10 for a dollar..They resell 1 for $10…Dem are reap-offs.
Customs duties are high for Dominicans, not chinese. I dont have a store but I have to hide stuff when I come in with them.
New businesses are established to provide a service that is needed or does not exist; it is evident that if Dominican businessmen can provide the goods, cheap and as useless as they are, then the Chinese would have to find another market. The consumer loves competition, the exploiter hates losing the loser.
once labaryte get their red clinic , galvanize, plywood and ham anything goes
Brisbane and staphan are tacking the issue at the wrong level. These conditions must be addressed at the time these people are getting their citizenship. Once they are here as citizens, how can the government tell them what sort of business they can engage in? These guys are attacking the wrong person.
How would we like it if we went up the the States, become citizens and then turn around and dictate every aspect of our lives even when we have done nothing illegal?
Just because they look differently from us, all citizens are equal under the law. Sorry guys, the barn door is wide open – the horse has bolted.
How could any right-thinking leader of a country sign an agreement, a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), establishing relations with that foreign country, China, but refuses to allow the people to know excactly what that agreement entails?
It could not have been done on behalf of the people because the people do not know two hoots about the agreement. Today, Dominicans are feeling the effects of that secret Agreement. The locals are displaced, their businesses closing down, they will never be able to compete with the Chinese. Dominica has become a dumping ground for all kinds of Chinese goods, inferior ones as well. The Bureau of Standards do not have the capacity to check Chinese cheap goods for lead levels or other poor manufacturing practices.
We must see life beyond a stadium and rehabilitation of roads, building of a bridge and so forth. Google ‘Chinese relations in Africa’ and read for yourselves. Colonialism all over again, but a different Master. It is all about laying hands on the vast riches – oil, minerals etc. of Africa, while the majority of Africans remain poor.
The country’s Sovereignty, the people’s dignity must never be sacrificed. A new form of colonialism? Where is the mutual respect? Where is the mutual trade? what are we selling to China? Where is the equality in that arrangement when the locals are being displaced? Roseau, the capital is swamped with Chineses Business and sooner rather than later, Dominicans would be 3rd. Class citizens in their own Land, with hands outstretched, begging for crumbs. The policy of selling passports to all and sundry will hit us straight in the face. One man making unilateral decisions as relates to relationships with foreign countries is disgraceful and outright dictatorial. Worse still to refuse to allow citizens to have access to, to read, see, and be informed of the Dominica-China relationship. Why treat the Dominican people with such mistrust and contempt?
Think of 10-15,000 new Chinese immigrants controlling all kinds of commercial activities in Roseau, in Portsmouth, and free to buy prime lands, etc. Imagine a Govt. rewarding construction contracts, ahead of locals, to the Chinese, to build major projects. Where is the multiplier effect as regards those projects. So we are Beggars and so must go along with everything the Chinese or any other country says.
What about our own interest? Must we sell our people and country for a Few dollars more? Are we for SALE? and for how much? Are authorities and supporters so mentally enslaved not to realize that there is no level playing field, Chinese influence has penetrated their psyche? We must shout out loud,”Never again slavery or domination by any foreign power.” The struggle against dictatorial rule is a world-wide phenomenon. A stitch in time, saves nine.
See that nah! A ‘pot calling the kettle black’ well neither of them are black so let’s say Syrian/Lebanese calling out Asians. If anybody should speak on the behalf of small businesses it should definitely not be Brisbane and Astaphan. They are guilty in not only putting small businesses out of business but preventing them from coming to existence. They have taken up a Wal-Mart approach (one stop shopping-from dasheen to pampers) even having food court selling cheap chicken. Now these hypocrites have competition from small businesses own and operated by Chinese who unlike Dominican small business people have the means to do so they opening their mouths. Dominicans a business can only survive with customer support example the Astaphan’s and Brisbane’s businesses. Why everyone rushing to the Chinese’s stores or restaurant and neglecting other local small businesses? People even claiming that the Chinese products are inferior yet they are buying it. So the Chinese are not the problem. The problem is the attitude of Dominicans as a whole in not supporting local small businesses own and operated by authentic Dominicans and many of those same locally operated small businesses not providing quality services and the appropriate atmosphere needed at their establishment. Chinese are better today because they have mastered the art of Business and what it takes to be successful at it. Small business owners should learn from the Chinese and only then they will be able to compete. The Canadians are learning the Americans are learning so forget your pride and get busy small business owners. Time wasted cannot be regained!
It’s quite simple, You can’t beat em because their products are much easier to obtain for them than a local business man. I think this has something to do with the MOU, If anyone is hoping to start a business similar to what the Chinese are doing they are out of luck and would have a better chance fleeing the country. Again all this is part of the governments plan to keep it’s citizens poor anyway to have them depend on hand outs.
Am curious though why tonI, Gennie,Giezelle and Nurma not talking…i mean come on J.Astphans have good stuff for sale and people may not even realzied that. but the chinese selling look a likes for cheap cost but ain’t worth the investment. the chinese selling junk to poor desperate D/cans. well I for one not buying by them, occasionally I would pass to see what crap they offering and how crappish it is..but they ain’t getting my money!!
You lie! If you have no interest in the Chinese crappy stuff why do you stop by occasionally to see what they offering? You buying the crap self! Why don’t you open a store and try to compete with the Chinese?
Who are the people spending at the Chinese stores?
Who are the ones flocking to the Chinese stores?
I thought so. So what is the complaint again?
Settle down, people. Everything in the USA is made in China. Little Dominica is not immune to this virus called Beijing, OK? Not that I’m for the Chinese, I’m just saying that if China conquered America, let alone our tiny, little, bitty island that receives all this “free” money from them!!! You all think this “free” money is really free? Wake up!! Our Leaders have sold our souls to the horned guy wearing red spandex, and donning a pitchfork.
We are all fussing and fighting over the Chinese opening up business in Dominica but have we seen any Chinese putting up a building in Roseau to do business? I have not seen this happening but they are all over Roseau.
I am saying this to say that we should not just blame the Chinese and the government but we must also take a closer look at the owners of the properties that the Chinese are occupying and realize how many of these property owners have kicked out local businesses to accommodate the Chinese for a few extra dollars in rent. Some have gone as far as raising the rent on local businesses to make it difficult for them therefore finding reason to kick them out because they are not able to pay the high rent.
Some of these property owners have for years been in the media talking about what is “right and wrong” but it appears that what is right and wrong only applies to the government and not to them. Those who are condemning the DAIC’s CEO must also talk about these property owners but maybe they won’t because some of these people are their friends and counterparts….is not poor malewee that have property in Roseau….
Justice is justice and if we are truly honest with ourselves and we love Dominica the way we say we do, we must at least attempt to condemn all that is wrong. The property owners in Roseau who kick out local businesses in an effort to get rental money from the Chinese are certainly contributing in a big way to local business people not only losing their businesses, but having their mortgages on their house at risk because their businesses can no longer pay them….
Why do you expect property owners to be altruistic and take less money than they can get for renting their buildings? That seems to me like an unreasonable expectation. Look instead to why Chinese business owners can afford to pay higher rent (if that is true) than Dominican business owners can afford. Though I doubt that all buildings are fully occupied such that there are Dominican business owners who have the capital but no place to go – why do you think that is so?
In the days when the Syrians and Dhazwani owned business in DA there was no complaining because there was no internet. After most of them closed shop and returned to their countries, the Dominicans who owned businesses became rich overnight because of the inflated prices; the poor man could not afford to buy. Now that the poor can purchase affordable goods from the Chinese, some people are complaining about Chinese monopoly. It’s the poor people that are buying from the Chinese! Those who can do otherwise do not have to patronize the Chinese.
Don’t be naive on this. The Chinese are definitely at an advantage. I know one time here in the US, there was issues with the Chinese selling their goods below the market value to put out some of the American business. The plan is once these businesses go under, the Chinese with jack up their prices to make a profit. Sometimes these people have an unethical way of doing business and we have to be mindful of that. I strongly believe that the locals should be aided in their business, whether to reduce cost, or provide training and other incentives to make them more efficient and profitable. Remember China got 2 billion people and a whole lot of money. They can easily wipe out the local businesses, and be a majority population to. It is imperative that regulations be put in place to protect the locals.
Ahhhh boy! Chinese causing problems for local businesses. I cannot understand how these Chinese businesses continue to operate with such ease, while many of my people are struggling to make ends meet. Hmmmmm! That day the contents of that MOU is revealed we all have to put our hands on our heads and bawl (smh)
While you where sleeping off the rum and jump up from last night the Chinese and Haitians took over. They are not afraid of sacrifice to feed their family. Have you ever seen a Fat Chinaman? They are not foolish or lazy. I think if you can’t beat them or run them away join them. Watch how they get the job done and learn to be competitive. I did notice that the Caribs have the chinese ways, they work really well as a team for the most part. But I see too much drug and alcohol abuse. Don’t forget you have white people working hard and making money in Dominica. And please don’t take offense I know there are many hard working Dominicans especialy older farmers. But the overall culture is way to layed back.
Of course-ever heard of sumo wrestlers? lol
Sumo wrestlers are Japanese, not Chinese.
tHIS SITUATION CANNOT BE ATTRIBUTED TO PEOPLE BEING LAZY OR @SLEEPING’ WHILE OTHERS SLIP INTO THEIR POSITIONS! nO WAY…….THIS IS AS A RESULT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY AND SLACKNESS!!!HOW IS IT THAT WE IN DOMINICA HAVE CHANGED OUR OUTLOOK ON DECENCY AND HONESTY, MORALITY AND PROGRESS SO QUICKLY? IF THE EXAMPLE TO THE NEXT GENERATION IS THAT IT IS OK TO ACCEPT PROSTITUTION, DRUG MONEY, INFRUSTRACTURE BEING BUILT FOR US IN EXCHANGE FOR OUR CONTROL OVER OUR SOVEREIGNTY AND NATIONALITY AS WELL AS CONTROL OVER KEY DECISION MAKING AS IT RELATES TO OUR NATIVE PEOPLE, WELL WHAT KIND OF DOMINICA WILL OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN INHERIT!!!MY GOODNESS, GOD HELP US!!!!
The question I want answered is if, as Mr. Volney says, these people are Dominican and so he does not see what the problem is, do these people get treated as Dominicans get treated as it relates to CONCESSIONS (INCOME TAX, EXCISE DUTY ETC.), or do they get preferencial treatment because they are Chinese citizens whose government has negotiated a deal with the Dominica government which gives them all sorts of exclusive rights over and above those afforded native Dominicans?????????? When are our people going to wake up to the fact that the government is answerable to them under our constitution and that we must demand and get honest answers to these questions?? The further down the road we go, the longer this is allowed to go on, the more ‘Dominican citizens’ we will have with these exclusive rights and priveleges and the harder it will be to resolve!!!!!
A friend of mine said to me that she, if she could get a job at home which paid her well and allowed her to live comfortably, she would return home tomorrow!!!! Then she said in response to the rapid influx of Chinese nationals, ‘but Dominica needs people!!! The population is too small!’ So I said to her, ‘Well, the emphasis should be on creating an environment where conditions are attractive to us as native Dominicans so as to convince us to move back home!’ Dominica cannot be opening it’s doors to every Tom, Dick or Harry who has money to buy a passport, regardless of where they get that money from or how they intend to make a living!!!
It would be extremely wrong of our government to have negotiated a deal with the Chinese, which allows them to provide their people with capital to move to Dominica, opening businesses at all levels, and with a variety of products, both high and poor quality, with concessions which may be unavailiable to the local man. It also appears, from statements made by ministers both in Dominica and in St. Lucia, that this policy is here to stay as it would ‘disrupt the delicate balance which exists’, were we to do otherwise!!! The St.Lucian minister seems to suggest that his St.Lucian counterparts, despite in some cases, many years of experience, sometimes generations of experience, are unable to ‘be competitive’ and that they now need the assistance of the government to TEACH them how to be better competitors. How insulting!!! In Dominica, the Minister of Health suggested, when questioned about the PLACEMENT of Chinese doctors within the Dominican medical system, despite the fact that some of them appeared to speak little or no English, that he accepted that it was a ticklish situation, but that the government of Dominica would sit with the Chinese and bash their heads together in a meeting the following day and ‘sort it out’. Now that statement suggests to me that they would be ‘bashing heads’ from a position of total weakness as they had no power to reverse this decision or even to demand that the doctors, in order to be approved, would have to satisfy certain criteria, including that of being fluent in English. They were in such a weak negotiating position, that the Minister was suggesting that they could possibly use interpreters, which would mean risking miscommunication in such a key profession as medicine, and would also mean extra cost……..the question is to whom, the taxpayer???
When last have we demanded of our leaders that they account for their travels and travel expenses in detail? Do functionaries of the government travel on government business and return unused funds upon return anymore?? Is that still a practice undertaken today? When are we going to ask them to display receipts for expenses, showing which hotels they chose and what level of room they occupied? How much were the total expenditures for particular years for each person individually and collectively? After doing the calculations, we should ask ourselves does our economy generate the amounts of money that we are talking about in order to establish whether we are running a real or a false economy!!!
Think and ask my people!!!! God bless Dominica!!
@ Country
If the Caribs appear to be progressive and team players today, it was not that way in bygone years. Think back if you are able to do so.
In this age of “I want! I want!” the Caribs along with their Chief want too. Note the change today in the Carib sector. I reiterate that it was not so in bygone years. It may be beneficial to them. However they want to keep their three villages on their Reserve (?) to themselves and do not want other Dominicans to reside there or interfere with them as they seek financial help from the Dominican government, taxpayers’ money.
They act as if they are not Dominicans and are not a part of Dominica. I sense a certain degree of intolerance and reservation among them.
Wait till the Chinese start selling coco nut cheese, coco nut tablet , cassava Farrin , bakes and codfish and roast plantains. The next time you tell one of the Chinese Pe Chuw that does not mean shut up you will just be calling him by his adopted name
@ Jacky Chan
You make me laugh.
It is only a matter of time and they will be selling them or wait until their children, born in DA will purchase land and will commence selling them.
I foresee that in the future Dominica will be one Chinese nation and not recognizable as Dominica and as DA nationals migrate to other countries.
Dominican nationals better give this a good thought and do something about it. Secure your land and other property and by purchasing land and tilling them. Take note! Otherwise you will be like outsiders, looking in.
Sorry I have to state this. As for those young men who involve themselves in criminal activities of various sorts, they should consider this and purchase land. If they have served time and of course are out of jail, the government could assist them so that they will be fruitful. They, too, are responsible for their nation and must make good use of their time that, hopefully, DA will remain DA and look like DA.
hahahahaha….its another good example of dominica…once local business faced a competition then immediately you need to put protectionist measures…
@ Anonymous
It is obvious that you do not visualize the seriousness of this matter. It is a grave concern. Wake up! Open your eyes, ears and with your brains if you have any, reflect on this. If something is not done and soon enough, consider what will happen to your beloved country and how DA nationals as yourself, if you are residing in DA will suffer. Do not just sit back and write. Think and think beyond. Put on your thinking cap.
Incorrect!!! What needs to happen is that the foreigners who have been given concessions, whether they be ‘Dominican’ or not, should be made to ‘compete’ on a level playingfield and the responsibility lies squarely on the shoulders of the government, to protect it’s people from unfair bussiness practices and policies! You go to regional meetings to argue for Dominica to be given equal opportunities for investment throughout the region and then you are going to facilitate unfair practices detrimental to your own people, within your own land and BY YOUR OWN HAND???????? Come on people!!
How is it that the Chinese are able to come here and sell their goods so cheap? I know they do mass production and use cheap materials and labour but please tell me how it is that they are able to pay containers and ship these goods half way around the world, clear them from our customs and still sell them cheap? Do they get duty-free or what? Do they have freight/shipping subsidies? We need to know what it is that gives them that edge- are they given unfair advantages that are not accessible to our local businesses? Our customs charges are killing us so how are the Chinese able to make it? Why doesn’t the Government try duty free ports -at least for a year- so our locals can stock up, be able to sell their goods cheaper and level the playing field a bit more? Duty free ports can also significantly lower our high cost of living. We need to do something to allow ourselves room to compete or else the Chinese will soon become a monopoly. And I can see the decline in quality goods getting worse and worse already.
i think you have all the answers already… u don’t need no one to justify them… any good thinking person knows whats up… and them ministers will take about protection.. no one is asking for protection… rather we are asking for a leveled playing field
It’s because they are given many shipping and duty concessions that the local business man does not have. That cuts their overhead allowing them to sell cheaper. Plus their government gives them money, literally gives it to them. Thousands of dollars to start up. Not like here where you have to go through a long process with AID Bank or NDFD to get money. They give it to them because one of their goals is to expand Chinese interest around the world. So since Red Clinic close, who just giving the local business men money? No one!
@ Just Wondering
You asked a good and relevant question. We who reside in Canada and the U.S. and no doubt Great Britain and other countries would ask the same question and of other nationalities who are employers, as Chinese, Koreans, Indians, etc. Their goods are cheaper. How could they do it? The goods are imported; some from China. How could they be sold so cheap and some of them are good? The only thing is people do not question why. I have yet to hear anyone question how could they manage to sell them so cheaply. They are too happy to purchase them at a minimal cost.
In this age of cost-cutting, downsizing and job losses, unemployment, etc. Many people are flocking to those stores especially Dollarama and Everything for a Dollar Stores and others for “certain items”. I do it as well whenever I need certain items. The disappointing part is that Dollarama has increased some of its items to $1.25, $1.75 and $2.00. These include sales tax. The similar stores have followed suit. Their sales have doubled. As I heard on TV, Dollarama reported an increase in sales especially at Christmastime. They do have some good items which look expensive. All the same, now that they have increased the cost of items, I call all of them greedy.
I have stated that if they continue to increase the cost, in the long run they will lose out. People will shop elsewhere at those same stores that are more expensive. These stores have a better refund and reputable policy. It is only a matter of time.
Those stores, as in Dominica may be getting some concessions when for their imports. They have to pay their employees, no doubt paying a minimal income. They also have to pay taxes. How do they do it? Only the government and they know the secret which we are not aware of.
I cannot believe how people who are suppose to be the leaders in industry and commerce in our Country getting on like children, this just confirms all along these people were never in the true sense business people or Entrepreneurs with any foresight.What is the bickering and fighting about why the division.It seems they have never understood the basics of business or doing business.
First of, the DAIC was never organize and functional at all looking after the needs of our Country, to me, it has always operated as an old boys club.What is happening now is their own demise and not so much the Chinese to blame, the Chines are laughing at them fighting amongst themselves where they should be united trying to find solutions as to how to make their business more viable and competitive in this day of doing business. Most of them do not understand that the world we do business in has changed, can they wake up and see that. To survive these days in business you have to be totally concern about the cost of the goods or service you bring to the market.Even the the attitude of the consumer has changed bottom line affordability.
Doing business can be brutal if you do not have vision, and innovation you perish, make
way for those who have.These business people in our Country need to understand that Dominica is bigger than them we are living in a different era.
Have your read what you’ve posted. You chastise the local businessmen like you have business acumens but a elementary school kid will realize you have no idea what you are talking about Gary. Your character went into hibernation and all off a sudden you’re back with even greater biasness.
It’s a different era and that is why the government must put in place the environment for our local businesses to thrive. What we have instead is politicians in the pockets of these special interest Chinese who have no significant interest in the wealth fare of Dominicans. If China wants to show it’s genuine concern they must stop shipping arms to the Sudanese government to massacre the people of Dafur. They7 must also support the Arab League and the UN mission against the slaughtering of the Syrian people by it’s government.
Garry this is not about politics and you need to take your head from where it does not belong and stand for your country not party politics. The cry of the people in Dominica is the cry of the people in St Lucia , Antigua, St Vincent, Trinidad, African and South American countries. Are you prepared to tell your grand children that Grand Pa sold Dominica for a stadium and a rehabilitated west coast road. I have to agree with you Garry that we are living in a different era , one where people like you are expected to make informed decisions; decisions that your grand father and mother were not privileged to make.
To Porstmouth
There are certain things that destroy the capacity in some of us to see the future of our Country and you display some of that. Fear, and holding on to old traditions in the name of patriotism. The one permanent emotion of the inferior man is fear, fear of the unknown, and that is what you are expressing, since you cannot make sense of what is going around you or an understanding of what is taking place you are looking at outside conflicts to which you have no understanding at all regarding international Politics.The conflicts you mention have so many hidden players involve you simply do not understand, pity you ignorance, and so you are trying to bring
comfort to your fears and make sense of them.
With regards to you not wanting to let go old traditions masquerading as patriotism and love for Country. It is folks like you want the Country to remain the same with that close mind mentality, like having the same road
infrastructure, the same old Windsor Park and the same two bridges in the City, the same businesses in Roseau operating the same old way,why are you afraid of change.How more silly can you be to suggest that Dominica sold it`s wealth-fare to China for a Stadium. Did the Government of Jamaica sold their wealth-fare to China because they accepted money by China to save their Sugar Industry.Can you honestly say that the money China have put in the region have not been beneficial.
We are in a period right now in Dominica that changes are happening so fast that some of us cannot make sense of it and so we play the blame game instead of trying to understand what is happening.Dominica is bigger than all of us, we cannot take it to the Grave with us, it the attitude some of us portray, some of us would even put a fence around Dominica all in the name of patriotism. I will end with this only time is the judge of change.
Only now I understand why Chris Volney’s contribution in the citizen’s forum is one of a DLP apologist. My God my God what is happening to my beloved country. I listened to Volney’s interview and I was just dumbfounded. An issue so integral to the DAIC and the man now heading the DAIC is saying that he is not comfortable talking about the very nature of the economic citizenship program. It is clear that the economic citizenship program in it’s current status is infact working against the people of Dominica. Over 60 small Chinese businesses resulting in the rapid shut down of local businesses and Mr Volney is OK with that.
How can the so called negotiator allow our local businesses to be trampled upon by economic citizens who are obviously not playing on a level field. This is the same PM and his friend in ST Vincent who are complaining about the Caribbean Airline not competing on a level playing field. Is it that the MOU is such that the brilliant negotiator is now unable to level the playing field because the sparkling gifts hindered proper reading and consultation on the MOU? I am just asking.
“A hundred Chinese cannot be wrong” – the situation is prevalent and growing in Africa and throughout the Caribbean so how can we be wrong about our complains here in Dominica. Some Labor Party apologist in shame will make disgraceful comments like “ it’s happening in America “ – nice nice nice 500 chinese in Dominica will have the same impact on North America.(AYFKM!!!!!!!).
Dominicans it is time to take back our country from those who have bought it with corruption money and from the politicians who now have the proceeds in their offshore bank accounts. What interest can China have in Dominica? Mr Volney is yet another mercenary employed to further inflict economic woes upon the poor and struggling people of Dominica.
@ Time to talk, stop talking crap and go learn from the Chinese how to be productive and make money. get of y’all lazy butts and stop the complaining. Where is the innovativeness, adaptation and creativity from our local businesses??? whatch how long some of them have been in busuness (some for decades), you mean to tell me is chinese that cause them not to be able to expend or get into other areas??? get off with it fools!!! Continue the blame game, and see where it will get us!!!!!
Those business people who remain silent and adapt may stay in business but I think that it is probably convenient for the government, that Dominican businesses go out of business as they will be the biggest opposition to the government and it’s policies. But when the Chinese businesses flourish, they will invest in the governments political life in order to secure their position. The more Chinese businesses there are, the more support they can give to the government policies. The more ‘Chinese Dominicans’ there are, the more votes there are for the present government longterm. The more campaign finance avaliable. Beware my people!
Growing influence of China is called colonization, growing influence of the United States is called development.
@ Serena
This is what is feared. I do not blame DA employers and nationals.
The Local businesses are ripping off Dominicans.
Take for eample>
I purchased a pack of men”s underpants in St Thomas USVI for US$2.99 for a pack of three. That is about EC$9.
three
That same underpants was being sold at Grand Bazaar at EC$15 for a pack of three. I consider that reasonable.
The local establishments sell one(1) underpant for up to EC$12 to EC$15. They open the pack of three and sell one for more that ten dollars. That is a rip off.
Before commenting my friend ask yourself how much import duty our govt. charges on that same item, not to mention 15% vat that goes on top of that again! As far as I remember St. Thomas is duty free That’s why we can buy only one underpant at a time!
Boss, I see where you coming from, but you know where the biggest rip-off takes place? At the CUSTOMS! The input duties are crazy! I can’t comprehend how these governments sit down and say they are for poor people and charge these kinds of duties. Anyway, based on what you said you pachased a 3-pack for about $9 EC, and grand Bazar sold the same 3-pack for $15 EC. That may seem like a profit of $6EC, but it is really not. You did not take into consideration shipping cost, and CUSTOM duties. They also have to pay workers, and pay exhorbitant light bills, and pay mortgage. When you consider all that, I am certain a few dollars have to be added to the cost of the item. I know of a guy that came in with a new shoe on his feet, because the custom officer knows the man sells stuff, he charged the guy for the shoe on his feet! See how merciless our custom is?
As a tariff clerk for my company, i can tell you that shipping, port charges, customs duties and charges, and vat have to be factored into the local price. Not to mention a fraction of the overhead costs and profit. People not investing their money in business to make no profit.
Don’t understand why underpants attract customs duty in the first place. Are the Govt. saying thuis is not an essential item? Should we all walk around only in a long shirt made of flour bags and defecate by the roadside? I would be more impressed if they got our merchants to pay proper taxes on the profits they are making!
that is so true…n another thing them chinese work together but we west indians dont like to unite,they rather sprinkle powder for them to sell more than di other…in london dem middle east store owners come together n support each other.wait but is we dominicans that buying fr chinese.
It’s the price that they are forced to sell it if they want to make a profit..
Unfortunately, Dominica is what we call a captive market. As such, competition was scarce and over the years, locally grown businesses had a monopoly on the prices that they charged locals for goods and services sold. Mark ups on goods were astronomical. Now that there’s competition, local businesses used to total command and control are now struggling.
Here are a few examples of this captive market behavior:
1. Before telephone deregulation, Dominica was one of the most profitable hubs for Cable and Wireless with an annual ROI (Return on investment of 25% per annum).
2. There was no hire purchase before Courts opened it’s doors in Dominica.
3. Local car dealerships charged astronomical prices for motor vehicles before locals were able to log into the Internet and order directly from Japan, based on what they were able to pay.
The reaaction to this move was a new law and new tax by government, adding some $6000.00 per vehicle, if that vehicle is more than five years old. It was billed as an environmental tax but it came into being because of intense lobbying from local car dearlerships, who tried to maintain the monopoly that they have on the sale of vehicles on the island and their gravy-train of profit margins.
Dominicas are no longer stupid. We travel and the power of the Internet allows us to by-pass the nonsense.
A desk top computer for $US1000.00 (EC$2500.00) approximately sold for some $EC 5000.00. That’s 100% mark up if you’re counting.
My mother worked for one of those business owners for the grand some of $EC55.00 per week. That business ownder died a millionaire many times over. I do not feel sorry for these people. They are nothing more than exploiters. The Chinese need to put them all out of business.
if u had to post it how much will it cost,and to clear it .
completely agree with you! instead of finding a cheaper source of underpants or another optimization schemes allowing to keep cost down…they better buy or even smuggle underpants from neighbor island and then sell it to you. That’s not rip off..its stupidity!
well once Domiicans shopping Chineese their beusiness will prosper eh so …….
http://bizjournalonline.com/?p=2060
ECLAC’s recently released report ‘Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean 2010’ said Chinese companies invested almost US$15 billion last year in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“In 2010 China became the third largest investor in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a share of 9%, behind the United States (17%) and the Netherlands (13%),” according to the report.
In 2009, Chinese investment in the Caribbean alone totalled US$7 billion which went into major infrastructure projects.
Dr. Adam Wu, Chief Operating Officer of the China Business Network told the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) held in Montego Bay, Jamaica in early May that there’s nothing mysterious about Chinese investment in the Caribbean.
China Eximbank also plans to launch a $US1b sovereign fund to invest in Latin America including the Caribbean.
Countries in the Caribbean and Latin America which broke off ties with Taiwan, the self-ruled island that China deems an illegitimate breakaway province also received significant investment from China.
Many Caribbean countries which have full diplomatic relations with China have been on the receiving end of attracting investments.
But lack of diplomatic relationship has not stopped Chinese investing or visiting destinations. For example, China plans to invest $462 million in a stalled beachfront resort in the Dominican Republic.
Tiny eastern Caribbean island Dominica has benefited from a US$17 million cricket stadium and US$122 million in economic assistance; Guyana –a US$100 million purchase of a majority stake in OmaiBauxite Mining while Trinidad and Tobago has received US$3 billion for an Aluminium project; construction of the prime minister’s official residence and the National Academy for the Performing Arts.
Over 90% of confirmed Chinese investment in Latin America has targeted the extraction of natural resources. In the medium term, this country’s transnational enterprises are expected to continue to be active in the region and diversify into infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, according to the ECLAC report.
Through its analysis of the sectors targeted by FDI, the United Nations Commission points out that the investment flows are reinforcing the region’s production pattern.
In South America, the main recipient sectors in 2010 were natural resources (43%) and services (30%). Compared with the period 2005-2009, a greater share of investment takes the form of primary sectors. In Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, investment continues to target mainly manufactures (54%) and services (41%).
The share of Latin America and the Caribbean as a recipient of investment with a high technology content remains small compared with other regions, although there has been an increase in the number of FDI projects in medium to high technology sectors and those associated with research and development.
Do you understand what is happening dude. China’s investment is not what you are trying to convince your timid and gullible mind with. China’s investment comes with hardship on the people in the places of investment. Wherever China invested in Africa the Chinese have come in with their companies and they are now shipping raw material from Africa back to china. The Chinese are setting up minning companies just like you mentioned so that they can use Chinese shipping to ship Chinese junk products into those countries whil the ships return with raw materials- do your research on that.
Poor Mr. Volney. You just hold up a little job to keep you from being bored “under de mango tree” and is that maylay you in already? ayla! SMH.
That’s all you EMPTY BARRELS know how to do, talk rubbish and criticize others when their views are not in line with yours???? Continue that way my friend and see where it will get you!!!!!
Mr. Volney needs to do his homework …the chinese were likely to be … does not mean they are economic citizens
i suspect most of them are here on work permits
I don’t know what people expect to change about the Chinese here. Do people not want outside investment? Do people not want goods that cannot be manufactured here? Outside of some crops like coffee and bananas, and small products like soap, nothing is actually made here, so we have to import everything. And if someone wants to come here and run a good business, we should be glad. If you want to compete, then run a better business and provide better service to your customers. I think far too many business owners and their employees take customers for granted here; competition can only be a good thing.
The complaints about the statues on the new bridge really shocked me. As if Dominica has ever had a “pure” culture – African, Kalinago, English, French…all came together to mix here. And we listen to Jamaican and Bajan music, watch American television… The surest way to kill a country’s economy and make its culture stagnate is to close its borders to outside influences, particularly when it’s as small as Dominica’s ever shrinking population.
If Chinese people want to move here, obey the laws, and work hard, we should welcome them with open arms and expand our view of Dominica to include them. I don’t see Chinese immigrants in the news committing armed robberies here. They are not a part of the problems here.
I totally agree…..Lack of education and knowlegde of the global economic environment that we are living in is quite revealing.
Some love the status quo because life is comfortable for them.. the whiff of change in the air or some thing different occurring that they do not understand there is panic
The USA’s WALMARK can most of goods from China and have Japanese producing and selling cars (even cheaper) to the US consumer, but somehow there is a problem in DA
100% in agreement. Its a pity I cannot give you 2 thumbs up.
I agree with u Man in Dominica u are so right. While we mind the chinese they are working hard for a salary and some of us sit infront of the tv all the time waiting for hand out. I love all hard working strangers in DOMINICA that respect my country because I will not forget when things was bad with me I travel eles where to earn a living and I say thank god.
The six people (as of right now) who have “disliked” my comment — it would be more productive for you to explain why you disagree than to just click “dislike! dislike!” Maybe one of us might learn something or understand each others’ position better.
I mean I was shocked to hear Volney being questioned about the advantage the Chinese merchants have over other Dominican merchants, and his first response was to jump on the race card.
Am I then to understand that anyhow someone questions the unlevel playing field as it relates to the Chinese merchants getting incentives from their Chinese government and local government, that they are racist?
What the reporter should ask him is if local merchants can get the same deals and discounts that the Chinese get from China?
Boy if our local governments and agencies cannot afford us the same protections and rights that the Chinese governments provide to their locals, then we lost Dominica.
Volney deserves a backlash for real. I hope Dominicans don’t take this lying down.
I watchin’ still!!!
I agree- we need to get the same deals, discounts and incentives. The comparative advantage is not only ridiculous but dangerous. Our business are at serious risk of closure.
I see it this way…JERRY / ASTAPHAN order chinese good sale it to us at 10 times the prise or let the chinese sale it to us at a low prise.( I say no more)…You see no one goes to the Islands to shop no more ,we get it right here.
long b4 chinese came here jolly’s,nasief n charles pharmacy were already selling alot of chinese products…whitchurch selling a 24 oz kellogs cornflakes for 18 dollars brisbane selling the same size for 30 dollars…i mean dem local business ppl killing us more than the chinese killing them….the world is a circle
brisbane never originated fr dominica,brisbane dont sell local stuff alone,brisbane brings in containers of juices hmmm is that helping the local farmers who selling local fruits….
I have differing views on this matter; one for and one against. The Chinese, if they are citizens, should be free to invest as any native Dominican unless the circumstances of their citizenship limit them to certain economic interests. I recall the days of Eugenia Charles and her efforts to attract investors from the east to invest in jewelry and hotels etc,. My other view is that if the Chinese are here only for economic reasons, they should be restricted to areas of activity that the locals either do not have the capacity or capital to participate.
Good point
if they are citizens and if they are here for economic reasons??? my friend it’s always business with the chinese… not that this is bad…. the thing is they get preferential treatment from whatever deal our gov’t did with theirs
These points are so timely.
I really wonder who buys from the Chinese?
Is it Dominicans buying from them or other nationals that come to Dominica?
Are Dominican forced to buy from the Chinese?
Just thought I would ask a ?
Domincans buying from the Chinese. They do have cheap things and are just about the only stores in Roseau now! And you cannot find some of the things in other stores. if you want to buy a gift besides them where to go?
Buying a gift from one of those stores? Boy, that really IS cheap!!
@ All for one its dominicans buying it see some off these shop owners come up here buy stuff real cheap they have contacts at the ports then turn around and sell those stuff for so much money.Am not asking am telling what i know,they make three times what the pay for it.
Well those who supposedly speaking out are the ones who initially started putting locals out of business so now they in the situation is another story. what goes around really comes around. But on a serious note its really disturbing with all these chinese store in roseau.
Chinese making bread in St Luia? If it taste better and sells cheaper I see a problem…people are going to buy chinese bread…
But wait? I hope its not fake bread.
I would not eat their bread not for nothing, why do you think they only employ their people in their restaurant, do your research and then post your comment
Too many of their restaurants are being closed in Canada, due to rats and roaches while people enjoying their meals so the thought, them animals running all over them
@ WIKILEAKS
You made me laugh.
Thank God I usually make my own usually with a breadmaker. I love homemade. I also have all sorts of bread recipes. I like a variety. I would not purchase that bread. St. Lucians better beware. Some St. Lucians should open bakeries. They should visualize their present and future situation and open their own.
*******IT’S A FREE ECONOMY*****
Our leaders keep telling us it’s a free economy and we must let the market do it’s thing.Let the strongest survive.
So there we are suffering at the hands of “the free economy”. While the chines are looking out for there fellowmen and their economy we in Dominica [and maybe the other islands] are trusting our economic fate to the hands of everyone else EXCEPT our own!!
Remember Bob Marley’s words:
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mind.”
So until we can listen and realize these words we shall be hopeless, desperate and mentally and economically poor!
-Thanks
TELL THAT TO THE POSTER ABOVE YOUR COMMENT, HEAR HIS RESPONSE AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHERE WE ARE IN OUR LOVEEEELLYY DOMINICA.
hey don’t forget the haitians are a threat to our local farmers also.they all over roseau.there’s compitition all over
haitian is african brothers.. this we can deal with… all dominicans have to do is plant and sell also…
Haitians are of Africans Brothers and sister, so you think, i will never forget he way hey treated Dominicans in Guadeloupe, just because they speak Creole and French, when ever they would past and see Dominicans working, they would go back and say to the people why they hiring Anglais people
Haitians do not care less about Dominicans all they concern about is to make their money and send it back to Haiti Via money transfer
when it is all said and done many of you will not be able sleep in homes and your farm land will never be the same time will tell, both nationalities are bleeding DA resources
@ mouth of the south
You have made an excellent point. Hats off to you. This is what Dominicans have to do without much ado.
And the chinese they are yr brothers also tout moun ce moun. Dont blast the chinese blast those u consider are yr AFRICAN brothers they are more dangerous and underneath to discover their vis u must be strong so take warning sir.
until we see the REAL MOU we will never know whwt is realy going on.
we will only know after 90% of our business disappear!!!!