Darroux rejects notion that delay of Marigot hospital is victimization

The abandoned, mould-infested building which formerly housed the Marigot Hospital

Minster for Health, Dr. Kenneth Darroux, has condemned the idea that people in the Marigot constituency are being victimized by the government because of the length of time it has taken to begin construction of the highly-anticipated Marigot Hospital.

His comments came in response to protest action in Marigot, last week, over the delay in construction of the new hospital.

The institution was shut down in 2016 due to mold and fungus infestation of the building which housed the facility. Prior to that, it was shut down because of a severe termite infection.

Speaking on Kairi FM’s The Heng, last week, Darroux demanded that such a notion be dismissed as he would not be part of such a conspiracy—one which he claimed would also harm representatives of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP).

“I, Dr. Darroux, being a medical doctor by profession… would not like to be associated with any organization, person, or group of people who would think that an area is being victimized in terms of health because of their political inclination,” he stated.

Darroux continued, “The notion that the people of this area are being marginalized is one which should be discarded because Dominica is divided into seven health districts. Now, the Marigot health district covers not just Marigot proper, but also parts of the Kalinago Territory which is being held by a Labour Party [representative]. It also covers part of the Paix Bouche constituency, Calibishie and I think, a few neighboring communities which is also under the watch of a Member of Parliament of the Dominica Labour Party, and the Wesley constituency.”

In March 2017, the Government of Mexico made a commitment of US$5-million (EC$13.5-million) towards the construction of the Marigot Hospital.

Darroux attributed the delay in the construction of the hospital partly to the “bureaucracy” associated with the donation, and a shift in priorities following the passage of Hurricane Maria in September 2018.

“The process has been a long back and forth. [There are] documents to be signed, agreements to be signed…,” he said. “After Hurricane Maria, priorities and focus were shifted.”

The Minister stated that the final documents, agreed upon by both parties, were signed last month.

“So we finally signed this document, I think about a month ago— the final, final one that both parties were comfortable… and satisfied with,” Darroux divulged.

Darroux expressed the Government’s firm commitment to building the Marigot Hospital.

“I just want to recommit and reaffirm to the folks of the Marigot Health District… and to the population of Dominica by extension, that the government of Dominica is committed, and we are well advanced towards building a new Marigot hospital,” he elaborated.

In December 2017, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, said that the final documents had been signed and submitted to the Mexican Government for the construction of what he described as a “smart hospital” at Marigot.

In March 2018, Darroux revealed that government was awaiting the designs for the hospital from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and in May, he said site clearing for construction of the building had started. The chairman of the Marigot Village Council, Edgar Jeremy, told DNO recently that the site clearing had been done.

However, in his latest announcement, Darroux did not mention a date for the ground-breaking of the Marigot Hospital.

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45 Comments

  1. Lady Valley
    December 29, 2018

    Darroux is a huge disappointment. He lies just like Skerrit and Trump.

    • Bring back the kidnapped Dominican parrots
      December 29, 2018

      Maybe he has a degree in B/S from Trump University of Truth hanging behind his desk.

  2. Anthony P. Ismael MInister of Free Pampers
    December 28, 2018

    I have seen knowledge used to bludgeon inquisitive minds about the construction of a new hospital in the village of Marigot. At this point, it’s time to turn inputs into outputs. Anyone with common sense is aware of what the entire process looks like, including an environmental impact assessment survey, tendering the contract, sourcing materials etc. All this technical happenstance, fails to answer the central question at hand: Where are we in the complex process and what is the time table for the construction of said hospital. Furthermore, the process of pulling off such as complex process is not an excuse why the ruling administration could not have provided residents of the East with an update about said project.

  3. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 28, 2018

    Gary, I took my time to respond in a civilize way simply to ensure those who read you bit of garbage and may think that you know what is the definition of government, and I do not. Gary I must say to to you that you are an uneducated………
    ………………..

    The Mexican government donates money to build the Hospital in Marigot, the amount in US Currency is over East Caribbean Currency of forty (EC$40,000,000.00) million dollars, that forty million dollars is enough to erect a building! If more than two years has past, and we have yet to see a building, never mind medical equipment in place, the conclusion must be that some form of victimization are being perpetrated on the people of Marigot, or the forty million was used for some other purpose.

    In that case the grant (money given by the Mexican government) have been misappropriated. Try another insult, I am wiping my feet on you intellectually! 

  4. December 28, 2018

    Bro if the “delay of the Margot hospital is not victimization” then tell us what is? garcon be careful what explanation you give because you may just be exposing the “INCOMPETENCE” of this DLP administration; first of all when you all sought to upgrade the Airport; the hospital should have been given priority; and as far as i am concerned and it should have been done before the airport project. US $5 million is a joke as far as you guys are concerned to spend on election rigging; so why depend on Mexico.

  5. December 28, 2018

    Before Mexico decided to assist with the Marigot Hospital a new hospital was already planned for Marigot, when Timothy was Minister of health. I know in these situations bureaucracy is always a delaying factor. Based on what the minister saying it is not clear where the bureaucratic road blocks are, is it in Mexico, the UN or is Dominica failing to submit the required documents on time? Just asking.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      December 29, 2018

      Anon no insults in this one okay. The Mexican government gave the money to our people to build a hospital. Unless, the Mexican government wanted certain features in the building, or some special ward for treatment and wish to oversee the plans, and supervised the construction, it is all up to the government of Dominica to proceed with construction of the building! 

      The UN “United Nations” do not have anything to do with anything which takes place in Dominica, they do not have any say in money donated by Mexico or any other nation, or private individuals or institutions.

      The, we cannot even complain about a bureaucracy in Dominica, since we know that Dominica is ruled by one man in the person of Roosevelt Skerrit. Nothing moves in Dominica unless Roosevelt say to move it!

       I detect, Roosevelt ha used the donated Mexican money for some other purpose, be it paying civil servants or some other purpose, one way or the other he has misappropriated the money! 

  6. Shad
    December 27, 2018

    So… Constructing a hospital in Marigot, not only for that community but for all the other neighboring communities is not a priority? Really Darroux? You all do not want the hospital to be located in Marigot…be honest…be real. Stop these lame excuses and just be damn honest.
    Kenneth Darroux, do you know what a micro hospital is? A micro hospital costs between 7 to 38 million USD. In that hospital, there can be a trauma center, an emergency center, x-ray and MRI room, about 12 rooms for patients etc…. You want to tell me after 5 tears not even that you all can come up with?
    Remember this hospital is not only for Marigot people but for the entire country; but as someone said just last week, when they build the airport at Woodfordhill, then the hospital will come. For people in Dominica to be that ignorant, it’s a damn shame!!!

  7. Addictedness-Anonanus
    December 27, 2018

    Noni/ANON/Anus/

    • Read again
      January 4, 2019

      You are off topic, it’s about Darroux/Marigot hospital. What’s all the anus stuff shows where your mind is.

  8. Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
    December 27, 2018

    We have never valued human resources nor have we learned how to maintain structures. The situation in Marigot is egregious. You have the island’s major airport just a stone’s throw away. Should there be any major accident with an aircraft, what will become of those who suffer life threatening injuries? Additionally, residents in the East are forced to travel all the way to PMH for medical services. Maybe you should remove your political lens and adorn your humanistic eye-piece and view this issue from the preview of those who reside in the East, instead of your political party.

    • Gary
      December 28, 2018

      Lol, you asking The Government to remove it’s political lens. Do you ever remove your political lens when you make comments on DNO. Why don’t you remove your political lens and look at things with an understanding of what it is, in so doing you can be in the position to offer credible advice on till then you are not in any position to give genuine advise.

      • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
        December 28, 2018

        I have no political lens whatsoever. My lens is always from a humanistic perspective. This is where confusion begins for many. They associate all points of view from a political lens, which often blinds their judgement. The Eastern part of the island needs proper medical facilities to serve its residents. As a tiny island nation, our “Human Resource” is one of our most important commodities on the island. We should do everything in our power to ensure we are able to provide time sensitive care to all our citizens. If you want to categorize this as a political view point, then be my guest. Marigot needs a new hospital. I am indifferent about who builds it, so long as it gets done sooner, rather than later.

      • viewsexpressed
        December 28, 2018

        Gary, you r response is childish, immature, illiterate, bombastic and disappointing. It is so because you seem to be very personal and hugging Skerrit whether he be wrong or right, or that he as not yet owned up to our questions of th Bin Bool and the Fertilizer Boo ad the abuse of stats funds for the Red Clinic rather than creating jobs for our people. To this day after 18 years your failed inept Skerrit has not created any jobs in Domininca. All our industries have gone, no more bananas and other crops are being exported. The only export we have to lands so far is that of the failed Skerrit who is always out of state, to do what ad achieve what that we don`t know and yet to see. So Gary, check the lassie in your eyes and that of your Labour colleagues from Craptain down to crook and conduct a good assessment and analysis of where our Domininca is, a failed state under your corrupt labour Government and failed Skerrit. Never again we take a little boy to Prime Minister of Dominica.

  9. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 27, 2018

    Darroux, stop being a hypocrite, and a liar! If the people of Marigot are not victimized, then we should simply say you and Roosevelt are imposing some sort of demonic punishment on the villagers for no other reason than the people of Marigot,  Wesley and Woodford Hill who do not vote Labor!

    You cannot deny that the people and government of Mexico gave more than fifteen million US dollars: which is an equivalent of approximately EC$40,500,000.00 thousand dollars to be utilized in building a new hospital.

    The problem should no be money; so my question to Darroux, Roosevelt Skerrit, and the rest of your cabal, what have you people done whit the money given by the Mexican government? Where is the money; and if it is no longer in the government treasury, if it was ever there, what have you people done with it?

    Perhaps I should go to the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles, and suggest that the Mexican government ask some questions about their money!

  10. RandyX
    December 27, 2018

    Darroux, you can talk as much as you want the fact remains that it’s nothing but victimisation. You and Skerrit are notorious liars. The days of the DLP government are numbered and I hope for your sake that you have an exit strategy. Not only is the Skerrit administration incompetent and useless but also vicious to opposition politicians and their supporters.

  11. Ibo France
    December 27, 2018

    I am forced to repeat this statement more often than I would like. Everything the Skerrit-led does it’s strictly calculated to have some sort of selfish political impact. Whenever they do something, it’s to gain favor with the voters. They see people as votes not as human beings in need ( the distribution of cheques to farmers, materials to rebuild, houses, etc.). When they blatantly refuse to do the right thing, it’s to punish the people who are not of the same political stripe (refusal to rebuild the Margot hospital after deliberately letting it to deteriorate to a state of ruination). This is an administration without a soul, selfish, individualistic, uncaring and nakedly corrupt.

    • Gary
      December 28, 2018

      Propaganda is a very dangerous thing. You do not think as well as you write. Why do you think that your perceptions are correct. You seem to find comfort in the illusions of you perception it’s where you find your solace.

      • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
        December 28, 2018

        So Gary let’s leave propaganda alone for hot minute and focus on a more fact based set of questions to be asked. If money was donated by the Mexican Government to rebuild the Marigot Hospital and that task has yet to be accomplished, should the residents of the East not inquire about the current status of the project and a time table for its commencement and completion? So by your argument, a mere question about this project is tantamount to some type of illusion, propaganda or swipe against the current ruling administration. I know you’re quite intelligent, but I am struggling to follow your logic here.

      • Ibo France
        December 29, 2018

        Anthony P, I agree with you on most things for your points are usually thoughtful, salient and very profound. I vehemently disagree with you that Gary is intelligent for he’s not. He, for the most part, launches frivolous and ad hominem attacks on critics of the Skerrit-led regime. He has never offered any rational or insightful argument on any topic. His first instinct is to defend the sordid record of this kakistocracy.
        A man who writes “on till” instead of “until” cannot be that intelligent.
        A man who writes “…….The Government to remove it’s political lens” shows he doesn’t even know the difference between it’s and its – simple Grade 2 grammar.

      • Gary
        December 29, 2018

        To Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers

        The people of Marigot have a right to inquire what is the problem and the delay regarding the construction of The Hosptial which was supposed to be built with funds donated by the Mexican Government, it is an essential infrastructure.The Government has given the explanation for the the delay but Linton makes accusations of victimization, and his supporters are accusing The Government of misappropriating the funds, lying to them and making promises. Why politicize the issue , and then you telling me quote “let’s leave propaganda alone for a hot minute and focus on a more fact based set of questions to be asked.” wow. Why didn’t Linton leave the propaganda alone and focus on the had facts. Do you think the Government can benefit politically by victimizing the people of Marigot. The hard facts are there regarding the matter.Why obscure the hard facts with propaganda.

      • Gary
        December 29, 2018

        To Ibo France

        Wow, I pity you for equating grammar with intelligence. Every time you criticize me you are just showing how childish you are. Your use of words and your ludicrous perception which you take comfort in does very little to help your agenda. Your use of words and English grammar can never be a substitute for understanding the matters and issues facing The Country, the only people who depend on such skill are propagandist.

        I laugh when you accuse me of never offering any rational or insightful argument on any topic. What about you, do you think that your chronic criticism leads to any insightful rational argument. Have a happy new year and let us be thankful to DNO for giving us this forum to express our differences regarding the issues facing our Country.

  12. Anon
    December 27, 2018

    Well it is victimization, isn’t it? If you have an airport where the closest real hospital is 90 min away you need to have available at least a facility where you can triage your way thru real injuries, you can’t wait to reach Possie 35-40 min thru those winding roads with Dominica’s signature DEEP uncovered drains on both sides.

    • Cardi D ot B( age group )lol
      December 27, 2018

      At Anon alias Offset. Boy U can talk we papa! That’s all you do. I would like to see your mouth & Lang.

    • Bere Anos/Anonanus
      December 27, 2018

      Qui Offset ou couyaher hahhahahaha sa ca parler un lo! Anonanus sal-a. monsieur mange bondar Jacko wee!

  13. Ibo France
    December 27, 2018

    “The institution was shut down in 2016 due to mold and fungus infestation of the building which housed the facility. Prior to that, it was shut down because of a severe termite infestation.”
    This statement speaks of gross incompetence, cold-heart insensitivity and callous disregard for human health and life No caring government would allow an important health facility to fall in a state of such hideous disrepair for a country’s health is a country’s wealth. Unacceptable and unpardonable!!!
    Why does this regime have to always rely on outside assistance to fix everything: hospitals, schools, bridges, roads, houses, agriculture and the list of important things to be done is overly exhaustive. Skerrit’s policies can be coined as governmental malpractice. They lead to pain, suffering, division and underdevelopment.
    Take a serious look at Dominica’s health sector, it is in shambles. This reflects accurately on the competence of Minister Darroux. The man is a corpse as a Minister.

  14. Zandoli
    December 27, 2018

    What can be more important than the health of such a large percentage of the population?

    • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
      December 28, 2018

      Traveling around the globe and selling passports.

  15. Nacinimod
    December 27, 2018

    I blame the people of Marigot and environs for sitting on their backsides waiting for handouts from impoverished nations such as Mexico and Cuba. The people can build the hospital themselves. They have the know-how, the manpower, the materials and equipment to build a 20+ bed hospital in Marigot. All it takes is coordination of labor and sourcing of materials.

    • Concerned Citizen
      December 27, 2018

      Why should the people of Marigot build their own hospital while the government is building housing for people free of charge. Some of these are working people who can pay the rent? Since when have Dominicans become so insensitive to the plight of their fellow men?

      • Neville
        December 27, 2018

        You are a typical labour supporter. Greedy, very greedy but don’t want to work!

    • Iamanidiot
      December 27, 2018

      What garbage are you spewing, a community can build a hospital together? What?

    • Just me
      December 27, 2018

      Nacinimod…. I am not sure what village are you from, however the people of Marigot are not beggers we don’t sit and wait for handouts from the PM. He is trying his best for us to come begging at his feet, but that will never happen. We understand the english language quite well and we will not be fooled. You sit there and think the hospital is the Marigot issue . I am pretty sure that Marigot didn’t receive any relief supply from the government, but we survived much better than many other villages that got relief supplies. We will never go hungry in Marigot. We are farmers, fishermens, teachers, bankers , entrepreneurs. Do your research, look up the names of O n Phillip, Belgrave Robinson , W S Stevens, Neva Edwards, Edison James and I can go on. We had estates in Marigot that employed people from other villages . Call Mr Lenox Honeychurch he will give you the history of Marigot.

      • viewsexpressed
        December 27, 2018

        I concur with you. Where on earth did Nacinimod got this idea from? This man is referring to Marigot people, the home of a highly professional son of the soil, Hon Lennox Linton, the Next Prime Minister in waiting.
        Marigot is deliberately ignored by immature Skerrit and those who surrounds him are also to be blamed. Skerrit must go. The people of Marigot must remain resolute and strong, the time is close by when we will have a new chapter in our political history, that the people of Marigot, Vielle Case, Grand Bay, Castle Bruce, and Domininca overall will kick out this failed Prime Minister and his hopeless failed 18 Minister. God Bless and continue to Guide Hon Linton and his trusted professional UWP Team and the People of Domininca. Gods Guidance to save our Domininca from incompetent Skerrit. He must Go, he has been a failure.

      • December 27, 2018

        I know DNO will not post this comment but hands raise to you for telling the people of Dominica what and who the people of Marigot are all about, congratulations for a job well done, now they can turn to Lennox Honeychurch for more information if they really want to know.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      December 27, 2018

      You do not make any sense!

      One of the true definition of the word Government is this:

      Quote me.

      ‘Government is an elected grope of people who decides which section of a country, or community gets’ what and when!’ Marigot people are not sitting waiting on handouts; the people of Marigot are citizens of the Dominica; subjected to the law’s of the land governed by a written constitution.

      People are supposed to work; earn money, pay their taxes, and the taxes collected by the government is supposed to be used on the infrastructure of the country; just in case you do not know a hospital, as well as roads airport, or any other government buildings are indeed part of the infrastructure of the country!

      Foreign Governments and private individuals, and other organizations usually donate money to country’s affected by a disaster. If the ruling government misappropriate the money as in the case of the grant from the Mexican government, how can you foolishly blame the people of…

      • Gary
        December 28, 2018

        Where did you get your definition of Government from, Wow. Pity you for such a shallow definition.. Before you criticize The
        Government why don’t you look in your backyard, the place you call home and pay taxes, see the dilapidated infrastructure of highways and bridges that needs repairs despite all the taxes you pay, did you ever question the use of your taxes.

        If you would put aside your ego and political partisan political beliefs you would not write such nonsense accusing the Government of misappropriating money as in the case the grant from the Mexican government. Monies from foreign Countries designated as a grant for a project does not go directly to the receiving Country, such monies are dispersed through a third party who overseers the disbursement of money for the project, it’s a way of making sure the money is spent for what is was granted for. You have displayed such pathetic ignorance with you comment regarding the matter.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        December 28, 2018

        Gary note I said: ‘one of the true definition of government!’

        What does that imply?

        Intelligence should have dictated there are other definitions of the term “government.” Here is a another compare it to my first: Government is the political direction, and control exercised over the actions of the members, citizens, or inhabitants of communities, societies, and states; and direction of the affairs of a community.

        Here is a another: Government is defined as a system by which a state or community is controlled. In  the commonwealth nations the word government is used more narrowly to refer to the collective group of people, that exercises authority in a state this usage is analogous to what is termed an administration, in the English language!

        Gary when you see a quotation mark ‘thus’ that means whatever is in the quote is used or said for the first time; if you repeat after me it’s mandatory that the quotation makes must be like “this.”

        In any event my first…

    • December 28, 2018

      Nacinimod you must be from the Planet of the Apes it’s strange you did not recommend that the people of Roseau build their own hospital :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  16. viewsexpressed
    December 27, 2018

    This reference Darroux & his failed ministry delay is true. The failed Minister is saying: “Minster for Health, Dr. Darroux, has condemned the idea that people in the Marigot constituency are being victimized by the government because of the length of time it has taken to begin construction of the highly-anticipated Marigot Hospital. Darroux we condemned your thoughts and appears you are in denial. It`s years I recall that within our ministry this matter has been brought, raised, written, discussed at Cabinet, Q 95, DBS, Kairi FM, and sit there as if it is recently you have heard about this. If failed Skerrit and his failed government has forgotten, then wake up and get the hell out of office. This hospital is strategically located to service the airport in the event of any accident and, that I know you`ll are aware of but deliberately has side lined this areas because it is not one of your comical stooges who raised it. Hon. Linton & his constituents have waited years. Skerrit must…

  17. JBaptiste
    December 27, 2018

    Is this the best spin doctor this administration have?
    “After Hurricane Maria, priorities and focus were shifted.” To what/where?

    No victimization here just plain old incompetence. If the commitment was given in early 2017 I would believe that the Mexican Govt would be inclined to expedite the process after Maria. keep in mind the longer we stall the greater the risk of losing the commitment altogether. No kickbacks means no priority.

  18. jamie
    December 27, 2018

    Dominica is doomed,and politics has caused so much hate,evil and corruption,Until changes are made this country will never move forward,Darroux the people are absolutely right,this is pure victimization and you guys need to grow up and be real men.

  19. December 27, 2018

    You guys have given the people a reason to say this is a victimization.And it not only affects Marigot people.It hurts me when I see this happening in my country,Something the government should’ve been fix.

  20. December 27, 2018

    This government is messing with people life’s,This is poor management in a country,Mexico promised to build a new hospital for Marigot you guys have the money to rebuild the hospital why waiting on Mexico for so long you guys have a small country governing the government should know the immediate need for the people you and the leader kept saying on the air Mexico will build a new hospital for Marigot,Its shameful,

    • viewsexpressed
      December 27, 2018

      We all need to come together in our respective areas to get rid of Skerrit and his failed corrupt labour Government. They have failed us and our people, who all over Domininca are without jobs &, proper housing, and are given “Handouts” like Skerrit is used to, which is to buy the people, take advantage of poor suffering people., Build monuments like our people are in 7th Street in New York,. It may because that some Odd Minister may have family extremely comfortable in NY somewhere enjoying the best life and education while poor families are having issues finding jobs to take care of their families rather Than hearing daily lies of something is happening and our people starving and are jobless. Skerrit and his team have killed agriculture and other products including tourism. Is this man a liar or just devious or just holding on? Well, e want him ut because the tasks is too much for him. Skerrit must Go and make way for decent government in that of Hon Linton, his credible UWP Team.

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