Douglas describes last few days since Ross’s departure as “very rough”

Ian Douglas

Parliamentary Representative of the Portsmouth Constituency, Ian Douglas, has described the last few days as “very rough” following the departure of Ross University School of Medicine after 40 years of operation in Dominica.

The minister was speaking during a live interview on the State-owned DBS Radio on Tuesday morning.

 “After 40 years of partnership with Ross University, the greatest contributor to our local economy and significant contributor to the national economy, the last few days have been in fact very rough,” he remarked. “But we are strong people and we will survive, we will go through this period and come out of it stronger…”

Douglas said he has been meeting with a few constituents one-on-one, some of those who are directly involved in provision of services such as accommodations and other services to Ross University, to discuss a way forward.

“We have been dialoguing on ways we can move forward in the absence of Ross University,” he said. “Of course you know we have three hotels being built and nearing completion in Portsmouth…” He named the Moroccan Hotel, Kempinski and a “major housing residential development project…” as areas in which Ross University employees can be absorbed and we can move on,” Douglas stated.

Douglas is of the view that Ross University cannot be immediately replaced or substituted in the short-term or medium to long-term and there is tremendous potential in picking up from what was left over by its departure.

“Just when Ross University, when they announced their departure last week, we welcomed a new Ferry from Pointe-a-Pitre to Portsmouth and we have been speaking to the captain and the principals of the Ferry on the weekend, looking at ways we can use the Ferry Service to generate more economic activities, night life in the Portsmouth area…,” he explained.

The Portsmouth parliamentary representative reiterated Prime Minister Skerrit’s optimism about attracting economic opportunities in Portsmouth, the north and at the national level, to generate the same level of economic activity as Ross.

Douglas insists, in light of significant criticism to the contrary, that the government did all it could to try to keep Ross University in Dominica and that the weather system had a major part to play in the company’s decision to leave..

“First you had Tropical Storm Erika and on the heels of Erika, on our recovery path of Erika, we had Hurricane Maria which created tremendous difficulties for the University and for their students as far as logistics were concerned, [in] getting the students out,” he noted.

Douglas said he suspects that one of the main reasons for Ross’s departure and relocation to Barbados is that Barbados, although it’s a Caribbean country, will be less affected by the frequent weather systems that Dominica is facing.

“That is behind us now that they have announced their departure, we have to look to the future, we have to sit down and brainstorm as to how we are going to continue with the robust economic activity that was generated by the presence of Ross in Dominica,” he stated.

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83 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    August 9, 2018

    You’ll surprised at Barbados? More to come.

  2. JAH KAL
    August 9, 2018

    Ian I cannot believe u let Ross leave your back yard If Rossie could make a turn back he would disown you that a shame.

  3. August 8, 2018

    I listened with awe last evening on Kairi FM as a bunch of apologists Ian; Tony; Darryl; Vince and Clarence try to spin out of that one by blaming ROSS; what a bunch of ging-gan-gollies; why is it that these bunch of Intellectually Dishonest rogues not come clean with the less than educated mouton batalie followers who will not admit that a novice PM took the Punjab PhD to the cleaners with her honest approach to business and development. JOCKERSSSSSSS!!!

  4. Child of Itassi
    August 8, 2018

    I am not UWP, FREEDOM, nor DLP. I am Dominican. You Mr Douglas are an embarassment to the people of Portsmouth. On numerous occasions I have attempted to have a conversation with you and you were so drunk (in public) that your incoherence was disgraceful.

  5. Pragmatik
    August 8, 2018

    It must be tough looking like an idiot after talking about how construction work going on at the campus means that Ross is thinking about coming back and now we are hearing from the prime Minister of Barbados that as early as May 31st Adtalem had already decided to cease operations in Dominica. smh

  6. Mabouya
    August 8, 2018

    You dlp guys are quite skilled at passing off blame. Keep blaming Maria for your poor recovery plans and implementation. You all got 25mil USD from CCRIF within the first five days following maria. where the leaders lack vision, the people suffer… However, I believe people get the leaders they deserve. Food for thought.

  7. viewsexpressed
    August 8, 2018

    Ian Douglas, among the other failed and incompetent ministers of your Labour corrupt group. You time is fast moving to exit and stop killing our loved Domininca. You all have failed us and Domininca big time.

    Please pack up and go meet Mia Motley in Barbados. Go, just Go and get some medical health care from Ross University, that same institution you and your clown PM and failed Laboour government all have failed to have remain in Domininca.

  8. RandyX
    August 8, 2018

    Ian, go and keep on talking to your supporters in that rum shop in Calibishie where you like to hang out. No doubt you will find willing listeners there and they would even believe that a new ferry service to Portsmouth could be a substitute for lossing Ross. I’m sure they will also believe you when you say the Moroccan Hotel should open soon…. Just in case you encounter some minor scepticism from them, I suggest you buying them a few glasses of cheap rum. They will agree with you soon!

  9. Be free
    August 8, 2018

    When Carnival Cruise Line returned to Dominica, it was the effort of the Government; when we received the package (the 3 pillars project) from China, it was the PM’s good negotiation skills; when the World Bank assisted Dominican farmers after Hurricane Maria, it was the PM’s outcry to the UN.

    When Ross leaves Dominica, it is because of Maria, Erika and purely a business decision by Adtalem. It is unfair, dishonest and a shame for the Cabinet to blame everybody and everything else for RUSM departure, while they fail to assume some responsibility. Clearly, there were lapses on the part of the Government of Dominica and there should be lessons learned. Please stop blaming everyone and everything else!

    • Neville
      August 8, 2018

      Man you are so right…

    • Truth
      August 8, 2018

      be free, I like that, leadership was everything, but oll of a sudden , Leadership is some things HAHA,HA

    • Truth
      August 8, 2018

      Leadership is everything, Everything, Ross leaving, is leadership, Leadership is everything,
      I listen to the government talking foolishness and lies to Dominicans, and I feel sorry for our people, just that I cannot give concrete information which could help the public as a worker working with ross for over 20 plus years, because every time I post information which would be vital to Dominicans ,Dno do not post them, I don’t know why, I try to be as respectful as possible ,but still, So I just have to sit and mourn the ignorance of my people, as they digest the lies of this disgraceful regime, sorry

  10. Josh Shae
    August 8, 2018

    You forgot to mention a category 7 hurricane called dlp that ravaged the Portsmouth area was the greatest factor that caused ROSS to run! Worthless bunch of criminals that dlp!

  11. waiting for election
    August 7, 2018

    All u want to turn the country like Haiti, we ll not let u,next election u re all out!

  12. Sisserou
    August 7, 2018

    Ian boy, I borrowed a five dollars so I could come see you. :mrgreen:

  13. Sisserou
    August 7, 2018

    Boy, we still getting all 21 seats :-D :lol:

  14. Pioneer
    August 7, 2018

    Man you are just incompetent, period. If you didn’t know Ross was leaving then you should have known. Boy Dominica is a hot mess. All you man let Ross slip through all you fingers and then talking about ferry and night life? This happens when politicians are not held accountable and that is on all Dominicans. It seems that people in the diaspora more outraged than the people on the ground. This couldn’t pass so in no other country.
    Erica and Maria are only the straws that broke the camel’s back, but this fiasco been going on for a while. For 1% of their GDP Barbados pulled out the red carpet and all you cut style on 30% of all you GDP? All you man should not draw one more month of tax payers salaries. Well right now we go see who’s gonna sousay sel…

  15. My little take
    August 7, 2018

    How can we trust Ian and Skerrit when they knew Ross was not coming back, yet they telling us Ross coming back and Skerrit in a press briefing told landlords to use their insurance money to buy mattress and furniture in preparation for return of Ross when they knew very well that Ross was not coming back. Ms. Martly pm of Barbados exposed their lies when she said that she was contacted by Ross since May and she discussed it with Skerrit and Skerrit has her WhatsApp. To understand the pain and hurt let’s think of a loved one that is terminally sick and all hope of life is gone. However, when taken to the hospital the doctor knew she would not survive but instead of telling us to prepare for the worse he tells us to take her to Barbados or Guadeloupe because the situation is not life threatening, though he knew it was. So based on the doctors advise we took a loan to fly our loved ones for treatment and days later she passes. That’s exactly how Skerrit, Ian and the government treated…

  16. No hope
    August 7, 2018

    Why didn’t he say that in Parliament? What a shame.

  17. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    August 7, 2018

    “After 40 years of partnership with Ross University, the greatest contributor to our local economy and significant contributor to the national economy, the last few days have been in fact very rough,” he remarked. “But we are strong people and we will survive, we will go through this period and come out of it stronger…”(  Ian Douglas).

    Baloney talk talk one can only be in partnership with a business or company when one invest money into the company or business.; hence be it government or an individual they  become a share holder, Dominicans did not have a financial share in Ross not even you Ian was in partnership with Ross!

    Anything less than that is not worth talking about! And mind you the only way you could have prevented Ross from leaving is only if you rich old boys owned 51% of the business, and that could not prevent them from leaving, all they would decide to is sell their 49% to you and walk.

  18. Iamanidiot
    August 7, 2018

    IAn those Rooms you said and i quote “Better than rooms you find in North America”, I hope you go and stay in them.

  19. My little take
    August 7, 2018

    Ian Douglas like Roosevelt Skerrit should do the honorable thing and resign forthwith! In fact they should have done that the same day Ross announced that they would not be returning to Dominica. I mean in as much as I am hurt by the departure of Ross I am even more hurt by the manner we were mislead and lied to by our government because all evidence suggest that for months they knew very well that Ross was not coming back but instead of preparing us for the worse they are on record saying Ross is coming back which got us excited and caused us to invest and prepare for Ross. Example, here is Ian Douglas https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/general/douglas-says-evidence-shows-ross-university-will-return-to-dominica/ in May 2018. But as we listen to the the Pm of Barbados, she made it clear that since May1 she was approached about the Ross saga. Remember Ian said in May 2018, that he was one of the negotiators. So he knew Ross was not coming back yet, told us they coming

  20. AP George
    August 7, 2018

    Ian Douglas is an idiot. The way this man talks is like he ready to eat someone. Never has anything sensible to say. Oh the company of fools and imbeciles!

  21. Davido
    August 7, 2018

    I’m looking forward to the future…one that DOES NOT INCLUDE IAN DOUGLAS!!

    Please RESIGN NOW!

  22. RastarMarn
    August 7, 2018

    “After 40 years of partnership with Ross University, the greatest contributor to our local economy and significant contributor to the national economy, the last few days have been in fact very rough,”

    This statement alone should be cause for a shakeup at Parliament,,,

    You mean to tell me on Lands that can produce Organic produce, on fertile volcanic soil that doesn’t need any additives to grow food, allyou greatest contributor to the economy for the past 40 years is a medical school that can just close its doors anytime after a strong wind blows,,,

    With a straight face allyou still trying to be reelected for future administration of the Economical affairs of Lands and inhabitants at Dominica,,,

    So on National Broadcast one of the main Fellows is actually confirming that this Country does not have a Domestic Product which can be trading on the open market but is actually heavily reliant on Service industry for it’s daily bread,,,

    Awaah Allyou Doh ready yet…

  23. ben
    August 7, 2018

    BREAKING NEWS , Dominica was NEVER an OPTION for Ross , so the leaders new that all the time thats why low level govt. representatives were sent to meet with Ross . Wow, please listen to the pm of bados. DA was never an option

  24. Colihaut
    August 7, 2018

    I cannot believe this guy Ian was so quiet before Ross left and is now coming out making excuses after all DLP ministers get their financial benefits$ from the deal that sent Ross away from Da.
    Portsmouth people should already pack your bags and put you on a Pipweei to nowhere.

  25. Roseau River
    August 7, 2018

    The loss of Ross should be the last straw for the citizens of this country. Would be good to give another party a shot at running this country. Will the citizens of this country rise up?

  26. Bajan Dominican
    August 7, 2018

    You must give the Dominican populace the impression that someone else is to blame other than your inept, incompetent, corrupt government led by the same as leader. Mia did not beg Ross to come to Barbados, they chose to come on their own. Mia represents the interest of Barbados, that’s what she was elected to do. Remember it was people like you who said Dominica does not need an international airport, they just need night landing, so you are reaping the Karma that those like you put on your island. For 17 years Dominica was building an int airport, last election Skerit said in st. Joseph, that he has entered into a BOLT (built, operate lease and Transfer ) agreement with a company to build an int airport, even having a plane flying around to find a location. Ross leaving has nothing to do with Maria, but rather air access and a competent stable government, who would take them seriously, none of which Dominica has.

  27. Bajan Dominican
    August 7, 2018

    I disturbs me when I hear people speaking concerning issues that they are ill-informed about.
    First of all, Barbados does not have any issue with sinking Ground!
    There was one occurrence in 2007 where a house constructed without planning permission partially collapsed into a cave causing lost of life. Other than that, there has not been any similar occurrences.
    These are the reasons why Ross left for Barbados.
    1: Stable competent Government. Dominica does not have that.
    2: Easy air access. Dominica does not have that, period.
    3: A Higher standard of life.
    4: A government that is serious about stamping out corruption. For sure Dominica don’t have that.
    5: Higher/ better Social services.
    6: Better social activities. Dont even talk about that, Roseau shuts down by 6pm.
    7: A government that takes investors seriously. Dominica Government laking in this area… Leaders too arrogant.
    8: Superior Tourism product with greater stayover tourist.
    So please do not mislead readers.

  28. Zammy
    August 7, 2018

    Boy, boy, this government is real stress you know. You guys let Ross leave Dominica for goood after 40 plus years… John brown bweelay, what will happen to Alll the big apartments, businesses?
    Ross was the driving force of the North…Don’t worry Portsmouth people will vote Labour…. Dominicans are the worst…..
    Dominica is now an official failed state…. Don’t blame Maria n the Bajan people…… Blame the Labour party Government
    Its saddddddd

    • Me
      August 8, 2018

      They’ve had forty years to improve the place and the last eighteen it’s done nothing but go beackwards… they’ve had enough.

  29. Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
    August 7, 2018

    I suggest that Ian return to the rock from whence he came from. It was suggested that you guys install “Broad Band” in Portsmouth to enable high-speed internet service connection. That wasn’t done. Not one new hotel can finish yet. The roads inside Portsmouth are a complete mess. You never developed Benjamin’s Park. No activities etc. Ian you are a total waste of time. Your uncle is rolling in his grave right now. You have the last name, but not the stamina or fight like your uncle. You’re a light weight!

  30. A_DAMassive
    August 7, 2018

    Let us go back in history for a bit. Do you remember who was instrumental in helping Mamo to assist the US in its invading of Grenada? Barbados!!! Yup, so there is a history associated with Barbados acting like it is not part of the Caribbean. So it was not surprising when I heard they double cross DA.

  31. deadpirate
    August 7, 2018

    We need to take to d streets,,,ban all bajan companies from operating dominica,,no bajan companies in dominica,,,,,

    • Paul Rossnof
      August 8, 2018

      We need to take to the streets and get shot of this useless and corrupt government of ours. Barbados just took what was on offer to them and it was on offer to them because Skerrit even refused to talk to the Ross management in person. HE left Ross with no alternative!

  32. deadpirate
    August 7, 2018

    We need protest,,,we need to sanction all barbados company from working in dominica,,,no barbados company should not operate in dominica,,letss take d streets ,,,protest against bajan cmpany,,,

  33. RoseauGirl
    August 7, 2018

    Boy you and your friends just need to pack your wax and make your tracks. Pack up….Time is up!!!

  34. Possie Direct
    August 7, 2018

    Ian is the worse failed politician that Dominica has ever produced. What caused the last few days to be worse than others? This is a government that got into office through deception, ruled through deception and will leave because the people of Dominica will one day be able to know a lie from truth. They lie to us on every subject but just that this time their lie exposed them. It was just last month Ian said on kairie that Ross was coming back because of works on the ground and campus. He said he was part of the team, as parl rep, negotiating with Ross. Reggie as Deputy PM made similar statements a month ago and said they did everything Ross asked of them except the international airport that would start next year. A day before the bad news broke Reggie said is UWP that wrote lettert talalala. All at that time Ross wanted to make an announcement but we’re being pushed back Skerrit until that morning they made it clear to Skerrit that they were going to, Skerrit ran to prepare us

  35. Hambrin
    August 7, 2018

    Mr Douglas, I have said it and I will continue to say it. Dont let intelligent people hear you blaming hurricane Maria for the departure of Ross. Barbados as much as the entire Caribbean falls within the hurricane zone. We suffer land slides. Barbados has the problem of sinking ground. Remember a few years ago a house was swallowed into the ground? That’s just as threatening and frightening as a land slide. If Douglas and the rest of the government tell me that Ross left because the country was not progressing I will agree. Students have to catch a dozen flights before getting to Dominica because we do not have adequate landing and air access. Why dont we have an international airport. They left because the port facilities are inadequate. It is almost impossible to travel from Roseau to Portsmouth with a 40ft container. Why should that be when there is such beautiful water ideal for port development in Portsmouth? The roads from Roseau to Portsmouth are a threat to the meanest dare…

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      August 7, 2018

      So, in Barbados they have a problem with sinkholes, the same as in Florida, where the earth opens up and swallow anything on it.  Hurricanes do screw up Barbados also; you will never be able to convince Ian; Roosevelt nor any of the incompetent clowns in the Labor Party that the main reason Ross left is because we  do not have an International Airport in the country.

      Ask pop-eye Ian where is the International Airport he said he and the labor party could have built for a fraction of what the UWP was spending to build the one that he and the late Roosevelt Douglas, and others including Roosevelt Skerrit shut down twenty-three years ago?

      Ask Ian Douglas where are the lending institutions that he said he could have got a soft loan from interest free to build his International Airport?

      You see when they out there talking fart about what they can, do and how many  investors they have waiting to help; by time they are elect investors disappears! 

    • Tre
      August 8, 2018

      Hambrin argue your case but don’t be a liar creating fairy tales. What sinking ground is there in Barbados? A flat island without rivers composed of strong limestone. The house you say was “swallowed” actually collapsed in a cave more than ten years ago. It remains an isolated incident. It occurred because the house was built on the lip of the cave without Town and Country Planning permission. I believe three persons died.

      Barbados luckily has not faced many natural disasters e.g earthquakes, hurricanes, floods etc. That doesn’t mean calamities cant happen. It means historically they are rare. Last direct hit from a hurricane was Janet in 1955.

  36. Laplaine Observer
    August 7, 2018

    Mr. Puppet. You guys have failed Dominica miserably. This inept and incompetent administration is a testament that the country has been on a downward spiral for the past 18 years. The government’s inability to convince Ross to stay is evident that you guys are ineffective and have ran out of ideas. As a country, it’s time that we put aside partisan politics and bring it new ideas from all walks of life.

  37. Possie vibes
    August 7, 2018

    Long time i been saying Ian Douglas is a disgrace to the Labour Party people of Portsmouth Dominica and his Father and uncle the late beloved Hon Rosie Douglas. That’s all i have to say.

    • Carmen
      August 7, 2018

      Politics is not in his blood, but in his big toe! Ian you need to call it a day!

  38. August 7, 2018

    Douglas, what is noteworthy is that Ross left Dominica in its moment moment of most need under the watch of you as parliamentary representative and your Labour party after 40 long years. I hear you supposing why Ross left, but this does nothing for the economy nor the people of the north and Dominica in general. Take the rough sleepless nights my boy, because your leader couldn’t stay in Dominica but was moving around the world like a drunken bee. Now you think a ferry service to Portsmouth will replace the big dent of 30% in the economy? Even with 3 new hotels, where is the easy access by air? Keep on crying Douglas but much more is needed and you have failed.

  39. DA citizen
    August 7, 2018

    Dominica has become the biggest joke , while ross was preparing to vacate dominica that minister Ian was in Parliment trying to be a choir leader singing which he made a mess out . I guess that was Ross funeral.Please resign ur dad must be turning in his grave sure is not proud of this ………

  40. %
    August 7, 2018

    Is he trying to tell us don’t worry Ross is gone,but we have a ship/ferry? Is he inebriated?These DLP Misleaders leaves a lot to be desired.They have wrecked Dominica.In any real country,bot incompetent Ian and lazy,dunce,inarticulate Skerrit would have to resign.
    Where The Wicked Rule The People MOURN
    This DLP is a Wicked and Evil Party

    • =
      August 7, 2018

      And my thing is, this buffoon is not only the MP for Portsmouth, but he is also the Minister for Employment, Trade and Commerce.
      This guy needs to resign with immediate effect!

  41. Bring back the parrots
    August 7, 2018

    A Dominican born expert in hotel operations is running the new hotel in St Lucia, that says a lot right there. It seems that she should be using her expertise to help her home island but maybe does not want to waste her time due to the poor leadership of the current Dominican leaders.

  42. Madame speaker
    August 7, 2018

    Ian for the sake of your kids step down .you are an embarrassment to your family and consistency.

  43. REAL!!!!!
    August 7, 2018

    Ian and his GOVT is a very disgraceful and corrupt organization.

    Portsmouth people have if rough now NOT YOU!!!!!

    Skerrit and you will have it rough when they decide to vote DLP out of power, so you all can then now understand what they are feeling….SMXH

  44. Sam
    August 7, 2018

    Honestly is uneducated fools that voting dlp and lazy people and those on welfare in the USA that come and vote dlp Ian fool yourself you are a looser you mislead the people of Portsmouth you and pm have no difference all you need to go so dominica can move forward

  45. August 7, 2018

    Well well all the political partt in Dominica are the same. They are recycle political partie, you calling on this present party to resign and bringing the other one but they are the same party different name different people but the same ideology None better than the other. I think Linton is worse than Skerritt I used to listen to him on observer radio in Antigua and he use to make me sick. Of the nonsense he talk. All I’m asking prime minister Skerritt. Let’s start to work on the International Airport. And more better things than Ross University will come to Dominica

    • viewsexpressed
      August 7, 2018

      Stephen James, wake up and sell the coffee. There is no way that you can compare Hon Linton with this overstayed political clown Skerrit. He has not produced anything new to Domininca but misery, false promises, silly school ta, lacks in debate and has failed Domininca. This is where the corruption is, at the feet of this failed m and his corrupt inept Labour Government.
      Skerrit the little empty political boy must go. He has been a waste of time and has been engaged n playboy boy type politics. Ross has gone, Skerrit must Go…he failed us. He is just silly foul mouth like talk. Rubbish.

    • %
      August 7, 2018

      Unadulterated garbage,that can only come from a sick dotard.
      Where The Wicked Rule The People MOURN!!!
      This DLP is a Wicked and Evil Party.

    • kean meade
      August 7, 2018

      so you hate Lennox more than you love country

      this is not about Lennox. this is about sending a message to qualified dominicans that we want them to join in. you dont Lennox, he is the only one at this moment to create an environment to welcome others to get into the political arena.brilliant minds dont want to join skerrit, a man divided Dominica in red and blue.

      people I not saying Lennox is end all be all, but we need to change teams in an effort to encourage others , more capable, to join.

    • Jonathan Y St Jean
      August 8, 2018

      @Stephen James, you are a lost soul. You are so” red” that red is all you see. To say that all political parties are the same is to talk utter nonsense. The Freedom party and the UWP governed Dominica before Skerritt- led government and there was progress in the country. There was DCP, Ross University, Coca Cola and Juicy were made in Dominica, Pauls Pasts, Candle Industries etc. There was a growing manufacturing sector and agriculture was contributing significantly to the overall economy. Contrast this with the state of affairs under Skerritt where the unemployment rate is very high, the health services sector is in shambles,less air travel into Dominica, but more ugly news of corrupt foreigners as Ambassadors with diplomatic passports. Man wake up from your lazy sleepy state of mind and realize that Skerritt cannot lead and govern. It’s time for him and his bunch of incompetent pals to leave so others can bring progress and development to Dominica and it can once again have…

  46. Rammy
    August 7, 2018

    Ian no kidding-then as Ross departed why don’t you depart from Skerrit like your father (RIP) did with Patrick John? Ian no body feels sorry for you if is that you are asking for. Go hide yourself under a rock is the only nice thing I can tell you..

  47. More Fire
    August 7, 2018

    Has been rough?
    But you said they coming back……………………………..smfh……………………

  48. Jacinta
    August 7, 2018

    Dominica is behind and suffering because it doesn’t have a international airport.

  49. RandyX
    August 7, 2018

    Ian, we don’t need you to tell us how ‘rough’ it was but we rather expect you to resign. You, your party and your leader have failed your constituency and by extension the country. If you have one once of pride left that’s the only way for you to go.

  50. Ibo France
    August 7, 2018

    Dominicans need to get the DLP out of office at the soonest opportunity. Douglas, like his mendacious leader, still falsely throwing blame on Maria for the departure of Ross University from Dominica. Maria simply exposed the inadequacies of the island. The lack of an international airport which severely restricted air access to the country, the poor, crumpling and inadequate network of roads were the most significant factors in Ross decision to vacate ‘Eden’. Yet the government refuses to do any introspection. If a man have an alcohol problem and he refuses to admit that he has a drinking problem, how can he overcome his problem? Dominica is severely underdeveloped, needs more resilient roads and bridges, an international airport and seaport, a modern first class hospital, and better shopping and recreational facilities. These would attract foreign direct investments. The gov’t is allergic to learning anything. They are not committed to hard work. It’s much easier to blame Maria.

  51. ddddddd
    August 7, 2018

    But I thought Ian said the amount of passport money we have we don’t need Ross? So, how comes he bawling already, playway rwum.

  52. Voice of Reason
    August 7, 2018

    I fail to understand the Honourable Minister’s thought process. While he may be correct that the recent weather patterns and disasters can be attributed to Ross’ departure, most islands in the Caribbean basin are vulnerable to hurricanes and other disasters.
    What’s different is that most are better prepared than we are. We are limited in every respect, whether by air or sea (getting out before the storm hits), or adequate shelter for protection.
    As far economic growth and development, I’m saddened by the fact that “a ferry” would make a significant contribution to the economy by improving “night life” in the area! Night life?? What night life??
    Is that our plan to create and maintain high occupancy in the three hotels being built? How about air access into the country?
    It is obvious that the government was not prepared for Ross’ departure but to demonstrate a blatant void of ideas for economic development for the areas affected, including the national economy, is simply…

  53. Moistest Jheri Curl
    August 7, 2018

    Oh poor Dominica
    my country is languishing

  54. Jacinta
    August 7, 2018

    Yes, the airport now would help a whole lot, please don’t ignore that Mr PM, Ian and the others.
    Please let the airport be priority #1. Once the airport is built am sure a lot of Dominican will be coming home, including myself.

    • Jess in not
      August 7, 2018

      You dont need a international airport to come back to your country the same way u left u can come back so

    • Paul Rossnof
      August 7, 2018

      The only reason you and your ilk are coming home is to vote. You need Skerrit to pay for you tickets. Otherwise I presume you could not afford it. Useless people still spinning for that corrupt dictator.

    • August 7, 2018

      What does an international airport have to do with people coming back home to stay ?

  55. jamie
    August 7, 2018

    Rough Ian!!!You have not felt the pressure yet Ian,just give it up dude,your a shame to your positive truthful family.

  56. R. Linton
    August 7, 2018

    I am fed up with a Gov that is only proven to be reactive. We need a proactive approach in all sectors to lift Dominica. Its the nature of politicians to win sits and yes give a lil extra support to party loyalist…But there are times we need get our heads out of our …… and put country first. This strategy of taking care of only your political base, in other to win another election, instead of concentrating on growing the economy which will result in your party gaining confidence from the population at large thus resulting in wining, is just sinking us further into the Abys.
    My people every time we loos opportunities such as ROSS, the Gov go into panic mode and therefor rush to bring a false sense of stability. Which most of the time ends up being a short term carrot mockery! Boss we need to stop!!…Breath in some fresh air…Bring all heads together…and chart a way forward for the Benefit of Dominica and NOT Party!!! Fed up Citizen of WAITUKUBULI.

  57. DA Fails
    August 7, 2018

    I want to know how many laborats that become (die-as-poorer) Dumbnica finibat :lol: :lol:

  58. Shaka Zulu
    August 7, 2018

    The Ross executive said why she choose Barbados. Why are you still suspecting. She said in some words there is a leader who is dedicated to action education and the development of health services in the foreseeable future. Guess what she did not see that in Skerrit and neither do I. Ian i know one thing that Dominica can work together to make change and improvement in near future. Vote you all lazy asses out. In june you lied to the people telling them Ross was putting things in place to open. Some of these folks may have taken loans to upgrade. After 40 years ypu have allowed and aided skerrit in bringing the name of Dominica and everything it stands for to the gutters. Its passports, its people, its birds, its industries, its agriculture and also its reputation as a medical tourist destination. You are a failure in possi but these people are to dumb to see and make wise choices. If i were you i would resign as gov official and go meet aunty in Hampstead generate some income.

  59. Maria
    August 7, 2018

    Ian should be kicked out of office. Rosie and Mike must be crying in their graves, if only they could, to see the hopelessness and incompetence of Ian.

  60. aaaaalllhhh
    August 7, 2018

    I am not even reading that foolishness

  61. DA Fails
    August 7, 2018

    But we are strong people and we will survive, we will go through this period and come out of it stronger…

    Mr loyalty residing with de labor party not possie, me self not living possie so that’s there business, since 2008 Roseau people trying to vote out labor, but those in de north was holding us back, now you reap what you sow… :roll:

    • Neville
      August 7, 2018

      …and what exactly do you dream at nights??? Go away with your red propaganda, this government has to go and that’s it. Full stop. No more excuses and big talk.

  62. UKDominican
    August 7, 2018

    Ian, I don’t think you are lying, which means that Roosevelt Skerrit did not confide in you and now you are looking for straws to clutch. You should have started to look for alternatives much sooner and not wait for this bombshell. Yes, we had Maria but that was only the catalyst for the inevitable to happen, as was the case with DCP. I am sorry to say that to me you are not your father’s son.

  63. nng1332
    August 7, 2018

    And after Erika the bailey bridges and devastated roads remained so what hope did Ross have after Maria? Stewps!

    What all you doing with all the passport money? I am not seeing anything in DA to show someone well we selling so many passports the country shining. Nothing of note. After 18 years!!

  64. ??
    August 7, 2018

    We need to start the building that airport now and stop forming the fool. We need the tourist to come in ASAP. The government needs to move quicker on their idea. Some of these projects should have begun before Maria.

    • Uncle
      August 7, 2018

      You know how long it takes to build an airport like that? And where are we going to find the money to pay for it. P.M. says he saves money every month in a special account for that but that is just a story. Has anyone seen that account because it would be silly to save money when you have plenty of debt to pay first. That just does not make sense to me.

    • RandyX
      August 7, 2018

      No, this government doesn’t need to do anything no more apart from resigning. They had 18 years to do and actually did nothing. We want another government that actually can do. We have nothing to loose because any other government potentially coming in can NOT be worse than the present one!

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