Darroux says process underway to re-engage Doctors Pascal and Ricketts

Dr. Pascal (l) and Dr. Shillingford-Ricketts

Health Minister, Dr. Kenneth Darroux has said that two esteemed and long-serving doctors, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Hazel Shillingford-Ricketts and ENT Specialist, Dr. Irvin Pascal  are still needed in the health service sector.

Both doctors retired recently and questions arose as to why they were not allowed to continue to work at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

At a recent press conference, Dr. Darrroux explained the process in the Public Service Regulations whereby retired public servants can be re-engaged.

“In order for you to be re-engaged or brought back, whether it’s on a contractual basis or otherwise, you first have to be officially and legally retired,” he said. “So when you reach your retirement age I think the process, the Establishment Division, they write to you. You now have to write back to say that you acknowledge whatever package…”

Darroux went on to say that it is illegal to re-hire somebody whether on a contractual basis or under any other terms, unless they are officially and legally retired from the system.

“Now they have done what they have to do to be officially and legally retired, ….we can now begin the discussion,” he stated.

Darroux said the process is already advanced, “because they would have already submitted proposals to the ministry of health for re-engagement.”

Meantime, he said some of the statements made in the public as it relates to the situation were deceitful.

“Because they were playing on the public emotions,” Darroux remarked.

He said both doctors know that the Ministry of Health and the government would have no problem in engaging them, because their services are still needed.

“So while we welcome the services that are being offered by our Chinese counterpart in the case of the Ophthalmology and Cuban in case of ENT, the experience and of course, the local knowledge of these two esteemed and long-serving doctors are still needed,” he pointed out.

Darroux said there is no way that any minister or ministry of health would not do all within their power to re-engage these two outstanding individuals.

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39 Comments

  1. Eyepig Partner
    April 10, 2019

    These doctors are clearly still viable as physicians and that is not in question. And the country stands to gain from their long experience. But this must be subject to budgetary constraints.. doctors getting a full pension plus their accumulated savings, private work etc should allow younger cadres to gain experience and make a living.

    It is singularly strange that nobody is suggesting these well established, highly trained and qualified doctors give of their services free. What’s so outrageous about serving the county for free in your well-cushioned retired years?

    • Ibo France
      April 11, 2019

      The two local doctors should just volunteer their services totally free of cost. However, the numerous Cuban and Chinese doctors should be handsomely paid. Most of this money is ‘extradited’ back to their homeland. When our local doctors are paid, the money circulates in Dominica to help strengthen our local economy. We are always trying to find frivolous excuses for the government’s policies of blatant victimisation and deprivation.

  2. P
    April 10, 2019

    Fellow Dominicans I am sure there is a ministry of planning in our Country Dominica whose mandate among other things is to help the Chief Personnel Officer of the Establishment Department – the department that is responsible for recruiting, paying, and informing public officers of their retirement from the public service to develop between three and five-year strategic plans for the man-power needs of our country.
    That alone should say to all public officers that you one day will be replaced.
    While it is wonderful for the Government to have expanded foreign relations and a political affairs officer to assist in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with these external relationships to tap into those countries human resources our Government of Dominica should not negate the development of its own young citizens skills sets. These tactics facilitates a bloated cabinet, expanded welfare that yields no returns for the treasury and little economic growth after 40+ years of independence…

  3. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    April 9, 2019

    One of the reasons some doctors do more harm than good is because they do not know when to retire.

    The eye is one of the most delicate organ of the body to treat; a doctor treating the eye must themselves have near perfect vision, if one has a 20/40 vision working on my eye that could present a problem.

    A doctor recently went into my heart and perform a surgery which lasted approximately six hours, that is a job for a young doctor with all his/faculties in tact.

    If one is older with poor vision attempts an operation as I required, past fame might not be enough to have a successful operation.

    When we get to a certain age we develop neurological issues, hands shake, vision becomes weak, we forget although we are not senile.

    I believe the duo should simply bow out gracefully!

    Trouble is the pension in Dominica is so small they may have a problem surviving, that is the problem with small backward country!

    • Spectator
      April 12, 2019

      Always amusing to read the excursions of excuses people go on to justify what otherwise would be commonsense. This should of never been a thing! The fact that it is screams at best, poor planning and at worst blatant victimization on the part of the Government. The excuses make the whole thing more disgraceful and tragic!

  4. Braindamage
    April 9, 2019

    This Doctor needs to see a doctor.
    The General Election is around the corner;
    people of Dominica, please vote them out!

  5. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    April 9, 2019

    Darroux, this  shows how ignorant you are; the fact is doctors get older too; and no matter who we are, and what profession we are into, there comes a time when we must retire!

    Consulting is one thing, but when one decides to engaged they must be in a very knowledgeable situation to do consultation, because medicine is a science, one cannot practice forever using the techniques they learn thirty or fifty years ago, unless they continually maintain a sound mind. 

    Sometimes it requires constant refreshers, and the reading of medical journals  constantly.

    One cannot go on forever treating the eye of another, when even the vision of doctors fades also.

    I am an Electrical/Electronic Engineer. Right now I have some electrical work to do in my house; nevertheless I am not  venturing up into my attic to screw with electricity. Recently I pay more than $60,000- dollars to do work that I know how to do.

    You see I had eye implants, “ah ware” glasses too!

    • Frank N Stein
      April 11, 2019

      We all know you are full of storie. For years you are here trying to impress the public, what manner of mental issue do you suffer from Mr Telemacack that you see it fit to try so hard for years? You are jack of all trade master of none. You just throw up encyclopaedia, dictionary and wikipedia everyday here as if we dont know. We just dont see the need to impress anybody. Jesus relievethis man from whatever he is suffering from.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        April 11, 2019

        When Frankenstein created his monster, he failed to give it a mine; hence the monster was shallow, growled like an animal until it was destroyed by the villagers (so claimed the folk tail).

        You are an idiot trying to bring me down to your level: nothing I write comes from Google, or wheresoever you believe.

        I am an academically educated man; I have more then twelve years combined between a two year collage, a four year college, and a four year university!

        I accomplished that by working days, attending school at night.

        You do not have a name!

        There is nothing I write involving science, medicine nor anything else you can google; go on Wikipedia and find verbatim!

         I challenge you: piece  of human …… nothing; if you are so smart,  chose anything I write on DNO go to your school google or Wikipedia find where I copied what I write, present it, verbatim!

        Your jealousy of me will be your demise …..!

        I Am Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque.

  6. Zammm
    April 9, 2019

    Dr Darroux needs to be commended for at least having some testicular fortitude to speak out on health issues n the politics in the health sector. The question to Doc is why now?
    You guys should have been strong enough to speak out on national matters n challenge the PM. One would like to see, Johno, Ivor, St Jean and allll the other discarded labour candidates speak out now…
    On another note, only in Dominica will politicians get away with such foolishness…. The labour party turned Dominica into a begging state n a place of hand outs. Imagine, Skerritt have people giving testimony of how he saved them from embarrassment because they got toilet ? How low can a country get?

  7. TJ
    April 9, 2019

    I was in DA few years ago and thanks to Dr. Shillingford-Ricketts an item left in my eye socket(after an operation in Washington, D.C.) that were creating a swelling problem was removed. I mentioned that all the time. Her bed manners as a Dr. was superb,Thanks again.

    Do not let her gentle into the night night, she is the best.

  8. Willeb
    April 9, 2019

    All your press conferences are very misleading. Please speak the true language and stop fooling around with Dominican People.

  9. bel
    April 9, 2019

    Pure rubbish….i remember my grand aunt was rehired they right after they even paid her for her leave. So Dr. Darroux rubbish

  10. Maybe Later - Not Now
    April 9, 2019

    clearly it’s a bunch of amateurs running the affairs of our country–please get out Darroux and others–also

  11. Karl Orndem
    April 9, 2019

    uhh huh. These two cannot currently be replaced. the people are crying for their services at PMH. Then again there is no urgency. Take your time Darroux. As long as you would like. Elections coming.

  12. Progit
    April 9, 2019

    Hahsahh boi them labour fellas there is real coshony haha boi call the election for us to kick all you mrdar *** out and deal with all you after

  13. Lang Sal
    April 9, 2019

    I wonder if these people know what is “SUCCESSION PLANNING”….
    What a waste of time to have these people leading you!

  14. My Bad
    April 9, 2019

    But seriously speaking Darroux does not sound like a government minister let alone health minister. He does not even sound like a trained medical doctor. Darroux does not even sound like a Parl Rep. Awa mister sounding off like a person under a serious spell man. Wow! The man sounding like a wounded and defeated chicken

  15. Little boys with Pampar
    April 9, 2019

    After listening to the out going failed minister of health, I conclude that Skerrit must have promised the man a very rosie flower garden that is dependent on him covering for Skerrit so Skerrit could win and deliver to him.

    He also reminds me of the other failed minister from Portsmouth that told the world about nature of the deceptive Skerrit he knows as a back stabber, to the point that if Ian wants to use the toilet and knows Skerrit is left with another friend he would prefer to poopoo on him than go to the toilet because he knows if he takes a toilet break Skerrit will back bite him to the friend. But for love of party they will take a blow to ensure the party is safe.

  16. Ibo France
    April 9, 2019

    It should not have come to this as these two eminently qualified, experienced, fiercely patriotic medical practitioners were left out in the cold. In dealing with the sick, communication is key be patient and doctor. There is a severe language barrier between the Cuban and Chinese doctors and their Dominican patients. There are no such communication nor cultural impediments with the local physicians. This Skerrit-DLP-led experiment has done irreparable damage to the people and country of Dominica with surgical precision. No amount of promises can assuage the suffering and pain perpetrated against the populace.

  17. A&E RN
    April 9, 2019

    Lol. Darroux you getting me and plenty Dominicans who voted for you VEX VEX VEX with that nonsense you talking. So tell me why Dr at the A&E contract was not renewed too and he is moving to much greener pastures with less stress. Is it that he has been asking for decent working conditions like the other Drs & nurses?

    We have been there with them and see and feel what nonsense going on. These are the same medical professionals you and the “elite” run too for “friends” & family emergencies.

    Your incompetence at the highest management level together with your CMO and PS is why. Not the poor hard working Drs and nurses you targeting now for your incompetence. See so many trained local Drs and nurses leaving us. Just now is Spanish and Mandarin we have to speak to get medical care here. SMH!

  18. %
    April 9, 2019

    DLP tail is in serious trouble, so you are trying to see if you can extricate them from their fetid commess!!!
    You discarded Darroux was part of the problem, stop playing nice boy now ..Hypocrite!!!
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  19. Frank N Stein
    April 9, 2019

    Elections have you fellas nervous. All you will make manna fall from heaven before elections

  20. B boy
    April 9, 2019

    I love Kenneth commitment to the cause of Roosevelt skerrit, although discarded he still shields this scam. If only he would show this kind of commitment to the cause of Dominica?

    • Neville
      April 10, 2019

      Skerrit pays well for staying in line. That’s why none of the inner circle never spoke up. But don’t worry, once Skerrit is gone they’ll sing like birds.

  21. Bb
    April 9, 2019

    I love Kenneth commitment to the cause, although he was discarded he is still committed to RS. If only his commitment was to the good of Dominica ?

  22. Jack Sparrow
    April 9, 2019

    SMH…
    It is said a poor leader has poor organization skills.
    You mean to tell me that you allow the contracts of these two knowledgeable doctors to expire, causing undue pain and discomfort to all Dominicans who required their services, and now you talking about “process under way”.
    Doctor D, you have failed your people. Perhaps the problem was not you, but as the head, the buck stops with you.
    Their contracts should have been prepared long before the old one expires, that would have provided continuity of service so the average Dominican would not have been disenfranchised.
    The more all you talk, the more hopeless all you sound.
    SMH…

    • Ibo France
      April 9, 2019

      Jack Sparrow, you are perfectly right. Why didn’t the administration make the necessary preparations to renew these doctors’ contracts months in advance to facilitate continuity ? The unthinkable things these people do or leave undone defy common sense. Police stations, health centres, hospitals, post office, roads, bridges, court houses, schools, all are or had been in a desperate state of disrepair due to years of neglect. The regime’s focus is sadly misplaced. Malaise and complacency has taken hold in this government and is doing untold damage to the country. TIME’S UP!!!!

  23. Iamanidiot
    April 9, 2019

    Darroux dont act like it’s a hard process. Government re hire retired people on contract all the time even when they are not needed. Dr rickets she has a skill that cannot be easily replaced. But so many people come back just to sign papers because they are the wife of “So and So” and friend of “So and So”. (Ps. I aint call name so don’t block my comment). When you thinking your supervisor going to retire so you can finally get a promotion they come back on a contract and by time they do go at their home, it’s only two years before you yourself retire and best joke is they putting their friend in the position vs someone who next up.
    Can I get an amen?

  24. Secretary of the poor blick service
    April 9, 2019

    Hmmmm….interesting

    How then did he secretary to public service commission retire on 30 november 2018 and has a contract from 1 december 2018?

    • Youth
      April 9, 2019

      Lord gave mercy on this country. I am fed up with this government and their nonsense.. Just talk, talk , talk and no action.

      Vote them out!

  25. A Failed Doctor & a FAKE doctor
    April 9, 2019

    These two doctors retired? Dr. Pascal in particular is younger than me and I have not reached retirement age. Now let’s be real Mr. Darroux because you said there were some deceptive statements to work on the emotions of the public. Who made those deceptive statements and, what exactly was said that was deceptive?
    Dr Darroux did they retire or were fired? Were they forced to retire? Did they retire because they were threatened and as a result they had to retire to protect their benefits?
    Dr. Darroux over the last few days has said more than he said in 15 yrs and definitely in the press conference alone, he said more than he said when Skerrit and Erika had him to perform so many funerals and more than he said when the new houses were given to his people.

  26. zandoli
    April 9, 2019

    Now that Dr. Darroux has seen how the present legislation hampers the smooth running of the health services, one would think the government would take steps to streamline the process. But then again this is a government that continues to do the same thing because that is the way it has always been done. So today it is Dr. Ricketts and Dr. Pascal, tomorrow it will be other doctors who have to jump through hoops to provide their services to the health care system. And one wonders why this country will forever remain backward and poor.

  27. The UK Contingent
    April 9, 2019

    Darroux STOP talking and DO!!!! In little Dominica why the long,drawn out process to ensure continuity of service? You guys can fast track what you want, when you want. Or do you think adherence to bureaucracy is more important than a suffering Dominican who can’t delay or put off their suffering from eye or ENT ailments? Hurry up!!!!

    • Ibo France
      April 9, 2019

      Don’t fool yourself, UK Contingent. This is no bureaucratic bumbling. It’s the stubborn, protracted politicization of the civil service. Sherrit’s misguided leadership has pitted Dominicans against Dominicans, relatives against relatives, community against community. The country is suffocating; it needs to breathe once more. TIME’S UP!!!

  28. SN
    April 9, 2019

    This is good to know but why wasn’t this statement made early in the process? This would have removed all the conjecture. By the way, it is time to reform the public sector employment laws which mandatorily retire civil servants at such an early age (55, if I am not mistaken – somebody please clarify).

    • Ibo France
      April 9, 2019

      @SN
      “This is good to know………” Don’t believe anything that emanates from these people’s mouths for they are expert liars. After each promise has come to fruition, then and only then, one should rest assured.

  29. AA
    April 9, 2019

    Boy this government is incompetent and wicked. How can you allow persons who are specialist in their field, their contracts expired and you do not get them a new contract before it is expired? Boy darroux you are a DAMN A@@ according to ASA. How can you people leave with you all’s selves? This is so shameful the depth of idiotic thinking and behavior that this country have been plagued into.

  30. Just me
    April 9, 2019

    Shame Shame Shame! Damn liar. Election gimmicks. They are about to be kicked out of office. The lies won’t work this time around. Keep playing politics with people lives. Wicked and evil bunch of people that are in this Labour administration.

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