Dominican-born IMF economist Dr. Thomson Fontaine is supporting calls against the construction of a $27-million state house.
Urban Renewal Minister Julius Timothy said plans to construct a new state house will go ahead as planned.
But Fontaine said the project should not be on the list of priorities and the government should rethink its position.
“My view is that it is in the least in the areas of priority for Dominica. This money could be spent to stimulate growth in the agriculture sector, it could be spent to improve on the health services in the country,” he stated. “There are so many things that could have been done with this money. I just don’t believe it should be spent on luxury accommodation for the president.”
Fontaine said he is not against the construction of a new state house but the amount is too exorbitant.
“I am all for renovating the state house but I don’t think Dominica needs a new structure as indicated in the plans. The scarce resources of Dominica should be spent on something else. We could spend a lot less to simply refurbish the state house and put that for later down the road. Dominica is a relatively poor country and when you spend those kinds of monies on those kinds of structures, it leaves a lot to be desired. I think this is not the right move and not the right thing for the country at this time,” he argued.
Fontaine said one of the immediate implications is that other sectors will suffer.
“Every time you decide to spend resources in one area, it is at the sacrifice of another area,” he said.
WE HUMAN BEING SHOULD BE HONEST WITH OURSELVES. IF FONTAINE HAD GOTTEN THE
FAVOR AND JOB HE WANTED FROM THE PM HE WOULD BE SINGING ALLELUIA. THINGS DID
NOT WORKED HIS WAY HE SAYING THE GRAPE IS SOUR.
Please –you mean the almighty PM? The man is a professional and plus who wants tobe associated with a corrupt government.
Pat you are a shameless fool trying to confuse the issue. Why don’t you say what favor Fontaine was asking from the PM. You can’t because you know that to be a downright lie. Yet you keep putting it out there.
In the meantime, take a class in english, improve your intellect and open your eyes to what is happening around you rather than wasting people’s time by trying to impunge a noble and humble man of the soil.
I think some contributors actually believe that we are in a Socialist State. Democracy means that we have freedom of speech and the right to express ourselves. Whatever the projected cost, spending millions of dollars to construct a new state house is money ill-spent. Why not relocate villagers in Massacre and Mahaut, so that the Chinese can complete a proper two-lane highway, thus alleviating congestion and spurring travel and economic activity north of Roseau?
Construct a Youth Center and sporting facilities, so that young people have a positive outlet to exercise their mind, body and creativity. What of the Princess Margaret Hospital? Too many buildings. Build a twelve or fifteen story wing to house most facilities and patients with elevators.
Realign the runway in Melville Hall, so that we can accommodate night landing from all interested airlines, without reservation.
Mr gave a presentation in my business finance class….. it was good. i agree with him…. that’s too much money for a state house.
Invest in a canning Factory for God’s sake and create employment then the state house and other stuff can come. Dominica do not have one government owned business. It is time we stop think of infrastructure alone and think of other stuff ass well. I agree with Mr fountaine 1000000000%
Dominicans will soon realize what is happening to their country, but it might be too late. Skerit is making all kind of deals with foreign governments without the knowledge of the people. we are supporting policies which will make us second class citizens in our own country. Remember south Africa under appathied and Sudan under the Arabs.
Mr Fontaine you are very educated,but did you read and understand the Editorial,i read it and what it said is that the government will be barrowing 27 million dollars from China to spent on a variety of projects.The government is not spending 27 million to built any state house,part of the money will be spent to rebuild the state house,get it…..All of you need to go and read over the article.The angry business man is who started this whole story about gevernment spending 27 million dollars to build a state house……..27 million is a lot of money,what are they going to build the state house from…GOLD????.Oh ok i get it you all only read the article that the angry business man presented,well the government minister also present an article on this issue as well.Go and read that one and you all will see how the 27 million will be spent.
On weds. 2 Sept., 2009 mr. Skerritt signed an agreement for a loan not exceeding U.S.40 million provided through the Export-Import Bank of China.Term of loan 20 years, grace period 5 years, interest 2%. This loan to cover four major projects in & around Roseau, incl. the construction of a State House.
As per Govt. press release (#82) of 4 Sept., 2009
the government will be barrowing’. You dont know wha you are talking about.
The is always what is called the order of priority. On the list of priority projects one has to come up with the most urgent and need one at the moment. This does mean that the other projects are rejected or dumped but it means that can be given attention at a later date and time. As for the president’s palace this is not a priority project given the financial health of Dominica. The problem with Dominica and other small island states is that, whenever one would disagree with certain projects and points of view, its like one is against Government and individuals. In a democratic state, one can chose to agree or disagree and its one’s constitutional right. So for the president;s palace – that can wait – Dominicans need to see see the light.
FONTAINE THE STATE HOUSE WILL BE SERVING EVERY PRESIDENT AND PARTY IN POWER. THE BEST THING YOU ALL SHOULD BE DOING IS STOP CRITICISING ENCOURAGE WHOEVER
IN POWER, BY WORKING TOGETHER AND MAKE DA THE MOST BEAUTFUL PLACE IN THE
CARIBBEAN.
He never said anything about what party was benefitting. He was just clearly stating that it is money ill spent and that is a fact. There are more important things that this money can do for our country. And we Dominicans should learn to put politics aside. Mr. fontaine never mentioned anything political so I think you should do the same. Regardless of which party is in power at the time, not saying that is is not a good thing to build over the state house, it is too much money for it and the government should put their priorities straight. Get the country on it’s feet and then you can go ahead and build a state house.
I guess fontaine can say as well
now is not the time to pave the road to Grand Fond
now is not the time for the hotel at Rosalie to hire people
now is not the time for the people to plant dasheen etc. Tell him for me now is the time for Athie Martin to start the water project to create jobs. Now is the time for UWP to create some of the 1000 jobs they promised in their online manifesto (if it really exists) remember govt cannot create all the jobs. Now is the time for fontaine to make a tangible contribution to his community. IF NOT SHUT UP
Some of that money should be used to build a proper road leading to grand fond the existing road was mainly used by our great grand parents and neighbouring village people to travel to roseau via Laudat and up to today we are still in that state of O va! as related to me by my great grand parents it will be a win, win situation, provide employment to our people and open another link via Laudat and some of our leading eco tourism sites are hidden in that area.
Its too much money, they should reconsider the cruise ship village! That would definitely make Dominica more competitive and stimulate the economy, both in the short and long term. Skerrit is doing an excellent job, But sir all politics aside, listen to your people. Build yes, but build something that will benefit tourism. Listen to ur people on this one, alot of us are against it.
Forget this Labour/UWP thing and lets be sensible/rational about this project.
YES we need a new state house, BUT not on such a grand scale. I dont agree with just refurbishing the current one. Any property owner knows that if you just keep touching-up the damage, it may look good to begin with, but later you will have to do major repairs. So best to build, and at the same time generate jobs (even if it is short term).
Invest some of the monies on a few smaller projects. Top of my list would be Medical supplies/equipment for PMH. Youth centers. More street cleans. Updating the Roseau library (I’m an avid reader and the choice of books there are very limited). I’m sure some will say ‘buy your own’, and to that I’d say I do and I have donated books to the library.
Lets remember that big/grand is not always best.
Fontaine or waterfall,reminds me of the Christian Brothers.Sour Grapes.I hate nonsense.Just imagine them man have doctorate,i have servantrate.
I think an issue of this nature should be brought to the people, allowing us to have an educated debate as to whether or not this is necessary and if so is the fee too much to be spent because at the end of it we and possibly our children are the ones who are going to pay for it financially and therefore we need to have a say in the matter.
DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ROSEAU, WHEN THAT PROJECT COME UP, THE SAME PEOPLE WILL SAY TO MUCH MOENY TO BEAUTIFY ROSEAU. WAIT COMING SOON
DOH MATTER WHAT THE GOVERNMENT DO THEIR WILL ALWAYS BE HATERS ONLY BECASUE IS THE LABOUR PARTY THAT SE IT WAS FIT TO DO. SO SKERRO AND MY MINISTERS TELL THEM JUMP HIGH AND LOW IS LABOUR THAT BRING US TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND DEVELOPMENT IN OUR COUNTRY. THE MASSIVE IS WITH LABOUR. 18 TO 3. WAIT FOR 2014 AND TELL US WHAT ALL YOU CAN DO. BY THE TIME 2013 COME THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE DONE SO MUCH THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE AFRAID OF, SO WHEN ELECTION COME 2014
WE VOTING LABOUR AGAIN AND WE TAKING ROSEAU IN THE BAG. EAT ALL YOU HEART OUT
VERY VERY DUMB
So true that person is a very illiterate person. I mean come on, you all put everything political into every argument that you all make. Come on putting all that political nonsense aside I think forever positive to think of saying something better than this. i mean yes the government is doing something but for as far as i can see they are killing us slowly. dominicans need to open their eyes and face the harsh reality of the bull**** that our present government is doing. some of us a all high shouting thank God for skerrit and their pockets are still empty. You all need to think of better for yourselves and for our country and I don’t think a new state house at this time can help better dominica in any way.
Ok so this man Fontaine, makes sense. Why not invest in our health care, after all health is wealth and trust me, we do need better health care and facilities.
I think most people know that we don’t need a state house. That money can be used somewhere very needy for true. But let’s see. I still think that the agriculture sector should be improved for true and a bigger airport even better extention at Melville hall. But this gov works and maybe they know how the project going to turn out so…
I guess if you born and raise in DA and you go overs you no longer have a right to say anything about the development of this country. I guess all of a sudden you are a foreigner. Diasporas don’t know jack squat right? I will mention this. Its because diasporas have the experience of living in Dominica and other places they are able to contribute. The people that shouldn’t comment are those sitting down in those broken down houses typing on the computer (cause everybody have computer these days) oh labour power! If you feel so strongly about the works of Skerritt show us what he has done for you and your family. Are you living in a better home? Got more money in your pocket? etc etc. All I saying is if you not living in big house (all loans paid for said home) shut your mouth and let people with experience and those willing to assist all you ungrateful behind do so!
When i c these guys all i can think about is the story of the fox and the sour grapes
The bay front was a waste of money, this according to the UWP when they were the opposition during freedom time. Edison James said that the freedom party was, ” throwing money in the sea” He said the money should be better spent, same things being said today.
Then Mr.JAMES became PM, what did he do? He spent the peoples money to build an ugle fountain/ mosquito breeding ground on that very same bay front he was opposed to. It became a mosquito breeding ground because it never work properly. Waste of money.
The UWP also took half the canefield bus stop which made it smaller and more congested , spent allot of money to build a gazebo that generates no money and employs no one. Another watste of money. Anybody remember that?
Ask Fontaine to renounce his US Citizenship and Run for office.
All of a sudden he interested.
Like all the others he is part of the Economic Hit Team.
Forcing countries into debt by asking them to sell all their state owned Utilities etc.
period
Although I don’t like him, the man is right!!!!
you just sit your a&^ in a foreign land and put your stinking mouth in the country business stay out of it man….. it is those that in the kitchen that feeling the heat.
I forgot also to mention the upgrading of the Roseau and Portsmouth market including making them more beautiful and sanitary,and more attractive, and the building of proper vendor stalls or vendor arcades in both towns, investing in more businesses and jobs by government, the private sector, and foreign investors. We need immediate attention to all of those things to ensure growth and development for Dominica.
Why does every time someone makes a positive contribution on DNO, some person(s) from both sides of the spectrum (Labor & UWP) thinks it is politically motivated…There are those who just think it”s against Skerrit or the person is for Skerrit……
Dominicans go buy a plane ticket and see the world and if you are in the diaspora too long..come back and visit the nature island…and relax at “Screws” with a rum punch in your hand….
To those who believe, no explanation is necessary.
To those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.
So the opposition will never be pleased with the development that goes on in this country. They can’t see the tree for the forest
true say
Spend the money on the infrastructure in the city of Roseau…
Congrats WikiLeaks. You have the capacity to repeat quotations without a modicum of independent or relevant thought. The learned gentleman is not against development. He has a different perspective on how we should go about it.
Tenzing Norgay…he siad the learned gentleman…lol…is that a new phrase in Dominica..”learned gentleman”….what about knowledgeable, ambitious, leadership, proven track record.
So I will repeat again
To those who believe, no explanation is necessary.
To those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.
Learn….to acquire knowledge or skill; to become informed. And the new phrase is Dominica is “the next level” lol. Have a good weekend Mr/Ms WikiLeaks
Tenzig Andgay..Thompson is a politician and has to be treated as such…he is no differnet from Hector John or Eddiott or the uncombed Norris Prevost. Having a PhD is nothing, nada, ziltch. I like Proven Track Record…show me your achievement…not belching pawol passhi coco on Matt and Q95.
When I speak, I always speak form an informed position. Thompson should have know that 27Million alone is not for the State House…but he has allowed OD Brisbane and Sons, Spaggs John, Tenzing AndGay to cloud his thought process.
After 20 yrs in the US at the IMF and around the GLOBE, Thompson could network himself to design, configure, archeitect and execute any project he wants in Dominica….He Fontaine is at the craddle of finance.
If this man had the slightest idea of his position, he could become king of Dominica
The same can be said for the now defunct Griffin St. Hillaire
You guys need to learn to put politics behind and allloe progress to take the lead. What Thomson said has nothing to do with politics and it sure does not sound like an opposition. What he said is simple common sense, which I agree with and many Dominicans who do not put politics before progress believe in as well. Why in the world we should spend $27 Million on a state house when a good 60% of nationals are either uneployed or under employed? How much money do expect to get in return from the Sstate house? Mr. Fountain did not say never, but rather, “Not the right move for the country at this time.” Stop playing politics people because it is our stupid politics that have caused our country to be so poor.
i will give u 100% my friend well said
Man read between the lines. Stop being an idiot. You that playing politics and think you are so clever.
You are the biggest idiot in Dominica. You are so idiot that even when you try to read between the line you still cannot differenciate between the line and what you are suppose to be reading.
DO U EVER THINK OF THE COUNTRY BEFORE U SPEAK? U MUST BE A REAL DUMMY IN A CAN.
i think that we don’t need a newly built state house wat we need is is a way to pay back that loan we are about to take of $27 million dollars and put it into a factory in that way it will provide jobs and pay back the loan two birds with one solid stone ,we have so many crops in and on island why not look into those things. that alone would be a good structure for the people of dominica!!!!
another thums up
IT IS SURE A DISGRACE WHEN THAT ALL THE DR CAN DO IS TRY AND SHOOT DOWN THE PROJECT IN ODER FOR YOU AND YOUR POLITICAL WANNA BE’S TO BLAME THE GOVERNMENT, WHAT I CAN SAY TO YOU, WE HAD MORE OPPOSITION THAN WHAT YOU AND YOUR BAND OF MERRY MEN ARE TRYING, AND ALL HAVE FAILED. WHERE IS PARRY’S PARTY NOW,? WHERE IS THE REAL LABOUR PARTY NOW .? BERNARD WHILSHRE WAS INCHARGE OF UWI WHEN HE RAN FOR ROSEAU AGAINST MISS CHARLES AND FAILED, AND I SEE THAT THE OTHER DR IN CHARGE OF UWI WILL TRY AND FAIL SO GO AHEAD DR,DR,DR ALL OF YOU WILL FAIL.
ya, but, what about moral standards and regards for law, integrity and ethics. it seems that u and ur band of pirates have thrown that out the window. there will be no place for u to hide. Time!!!!!!!!!!!
IT IS PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO WILL BRING THE DOWNFALL OF DOMINICA PRETENDING YOU LOVE THE COUNTRY BUT IS SHERRITT YOU LOVE. SKERRITT LOKING FOR HIMSELF WHEN HE WILL BE PREDIDENT FOR LIFE BUT HE DREAMING NOT WHILST IT HAVE A FAITHFUL FEW IN DOMINICA WHO PRAYS ERNESTLY. “THE FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH” GO READ YOUR BIBLE LATITUDE D FOR DUMMY.
CORRECTION LOOKING AND PRESIDENT.
we got it. you wasted your time to write that?
LABOUR BRING DOMINICA UP TO DATE, HE SEE THE LIGHT WELL LATE, DOMINICA WELCOME HIM WITH LOVE HE REPAYING WITH HATE, HE DON’T KNOW HOW SKERRO WORKING HARD WHILE HE IN IMF CRITISIZING, HE DOH SEE THE GOOD LABOUR DO, HE IS ONLY THERE TO BAD TALK. HE WILL JOIN THE FAGET RING FOR THE FINANCE IT COULD BRING, ANYTHING TO BE IN UWP KABAL TEAM
dont get a nose bleed all those things must come to end and very soon.labourites will be labour downfall.the clock is ticking
The problem with us in this country is that we think too small.
We don’t think we’re good enough to have the best, so what we settle for EVERYTIME is mediocre.
And people like Fontaine, who should be encouraging us to think big and expect the best, prefer to keep us in a perpetual state of ‘smallness.’
Dr. Lennox Honrychurch has clearly oulined what this project is all about; it’s not just a comfortable house for the President. It is much, much more.
It has his endorsement, and even without it, it’s good enough for me:I”M ALL FOR IT.
Let Fontaine leave his damn desk in the IMF backrooms and come down and toil like the rest of us, and even invest in agriculture, which seems to be his pet peave nowadays.
Forget Fontaine and Jerry Brisbane and all the rest of them jokers.
Yes what else do y u expect from a play boy—–not serious just play. We are with Thomson
i like this one true dat ma brother true dat
When will Dominica ever be ready. I have heard this argument over and over again for the last thirty years. In 1980 we needed housing for those who were occupying tents in the Botanical Gardens rather than build an official resdience for the Prime Minister. Good politics that was. Successive Prime Ministers and Presidents have remained at their respective private residences unable to host a visiting dignitary because the provision of suitable state accomadtions for the leader of government and head of state were not priorities. For some it is still not a priority – perhaps playing politics.
In the same era (1980’s) government refused to repair the nearly completed, French funded stadium at Canefield because the stadium then was not a priority. Jobs for the jobless was the priority then – good politics again. The stadium project was abandoned. The perimeter wall for the stadium was taken down to provide space for the construction of factory shells so that jobs could be created for the jobless. Thirty years on the factory shells are still empty. Thirty years on the factory shells are still empty. Thirty years on the factory shells are still empty.The Soufriere – Scotts head Sea wall for example was too costly a project just for one community – so it was never a priority irrespective of the yeoman support that was given to the ruling party then. The list of differed national projects on the grounds of not being a priority is endliess. The state of the public library did not start yesterday. Indeed Prime Minister Skerrit has the responsibility now to ensure that the library is upgraded, but he did not start the rot. Therot started more than twenty five years ago.
Different governments have different priorities. The condition of many of our senior citizens was known by succeeding governments but it was not a priority to provide for them in the manner like is happening now with the Yes We Care Program.
It is not a crime as some people have advanced that government is taking on the particular project.
The question remain. When will Dominica ever be ready to do all that which is necessary to be done for national growth and consciousness.
This morning I sat and thought,
Why is this country so behind? And realized that throughout it’s entire history, governments never saw it fitting or the right time to do anything major. So everything is small, mediocre and inefficient.
Now, 31 years gone, and we are still waiting for when Dominica’s economy improves. lol.
Meanwhile, our kids have state of the art technology in their pockets (blackberries). Funny eh…. Then we wonder why neighboring islands are more developed than we are.
The answer is simple… Because nothing ever gets done in Dominica… the time is never right, we are never ready. Meanwhile, technology advances and years fly by. Governments come and go. Still nothing. Time is never right. lol
So what do we do? We run to the US of A, land of opportunities because there is Nothing in Dominica. lol again, lol again, lol again.
But for all those with memoire poule: How much was spent on the Bayfront fountain? Jokes for so… lol.
The bayfront fountain, an embarrassment of biblical proportions, cost at the time about EC$200,000. Thats no where near $27 million if you are adding right. But i agree with you, some times we have to act more decisively. We cannot keep waiting for a ‘perfect time’ or life will pass us by. Which is why it is now we must build a new library so our kids can read, or improve our health system, or invest in an actual airport. The state house is on our list of things to do, its just shouldnt be number 1 right now…
I am 100% for the construction of the state house. Growth and development is a must and we cannot prevent moving forward. However, if we going to spend 27 million, we should now decrease the salary of the president, or make him more active in nation building.
People keep mentioning the $27 mil should be spent on a new hospital, upgrading the old etc… I am sure that not so long ago DNO posted an article regarding the govt’s plans to build a new hospital. It was the same old issue – why not renovate the old one, why the need for a new one.
Sometimes, it is better to start fresh than to work on a dying thing. It just makes more sense.
Further, there are plans to build a coffee factory. I personally am not sure about that one, but there seems to be all kinds of plans for improvements in different sectors by the government.
They are constructing a new hotel in Possie. – Development – funding from an outside source, another country. Negotiations – just for that purpose
So far, i have seen more news about the government doing things, than they are not doing. I have seen various references to the government receiving funding from other nations to build or expand these projects… in all the news – the money is specific / tied to projects…each project gets funded by outside sources for a specific purpose.
So people….with all the money to build, construct, expand…are you telling me that there is no improvement in Dominica and no creation of jobs? These things are happening slowly but surely infront of our eyes.
I may not be in Dominica everyday- but i see the articles referencing improvements within the sectors. It might be marginal, but it is there. Slowly but surely Dominica will get to a better place.
As for the $27 mil, I have not seen any opposing party doing a cost analysis to show the difference between renovating the old place and building a new one.
I believe that $27 mil is exorbitant, but if taken into consideration the cost of building different buildings/ offices for all the proposed offices to be housed in that 1 new structure…the cost would be above $27 mil.
So right now, the issue in my mind is whether the $27 mil would be wasted on a new building, or whether the govt has resourced other funds for advancing the other sectors.
Borrowing from China is no crime – many countries and in the same predicament. Dominica is a 3rd world nation – we are poor. I am sure that the Chinese govt is not foolish enough to expect that a suffering nation entrenched in poverty is capable of paying $27 mil anytime soon. Let’s give the Chinese a bit of credit. There must be a reason why they are at the forefront.
And please people, do not come with that crap about CHinese trying to invade DOminica. This is progress. If not for immigration, many of the first world nations wouldn’t be that progressive. The multiculturality works in the bigger nations – they can work in Dominica. It’s time Dominicans open their minds to the changing world. Dominics needs to improve and if immigration is a way to eleviate the country’s standard of living – SO BE IT!
So…to all the naysayers about borrowing for advancement- it is the way of the world… Dominica cannot progress without advancement. The government just needs to show the Dominican people what’s on the horizon.
And that’s just my two cents
I applaud you on this.
dominica will always remain backward, it ‘s not about labour or uwp it’s about the people and what is best for them.when u build a palace for 27M who will get the job is it dominicans or china?
ASK THEM AGAIN CHINESE OFF COURSE.
china
Dominica will go forward
One side is saying it is a palace for the president and another side is saying it is a multi purpose structure which will also house the president. If the building is just for the president then we should not spend all that money on that structure but if the building will house the various offices and conference room and all the other facilities that are proposed then that is a great investment. It all depends on the purpose of the structure. If the government is right when they claim that the structure will compromise of all these facilities then there must be annual saving which can be used in the repayment of the loan.
What i would like somebody to say is:
How much gov’t is spending annually to host conferences in fort young and other?
How much is the spending in rental of the buildings currently housing the various commissions?
How much projected revenue that can be made from tourist visits?
What is the exact interest rate?
What is the repayment period?
What is the monthly installment?
And finally how do that structure fit in the overall development plan of Dominica?
Only with theses information and maybe others we can make an informed decision, not from individual opinion.
Excellent observation!
Great post! Those are the sort of things the gov’t should be informing the public about in their rebuttal of Brisbane.
Instead we got Timothy spewing nonsense, stating that we don’t need to repay and it will be written off. Some of the things Timothy says I wonder if he is an idiot or if he is very clever and trying to sabotage the party.
Absolute rubbish!!! When the government goes out and get projects after projects on grant funding you guys go on a campaign criticizing saying that is only beg we begging. Now this? This project was part of the DLP campaign promise which they were unanimously supported by the people (remember 18-3), so stop the hogwash and misinformation.
In addition to the jobs that will be created during the project, it is anticipated that much revenue will be derived in the long run through tourism and otherwise. So all you HATERZ and biased fools should just give it a rest. The government was elected to do a job and no amount of ranting and raving by would-be politicians and people suffering from LOPS (Lost Of Power Syndrome) will derail our development
Just stated my exact thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am just lost by the hypocrisy and stupidity of all this!!!!!!!!!!!
Dominicans want a better Dominica all for FREE!!
Haters gonna hate…It’s the way of life..
there is always a lot to be done, but we must start some place. even if the state house is to be built 15 years from now , you would say the same thing. to me that is progress, it comes at a slow pace but thank god its being Done. Dominica has achieve much in past 10 years. and we need to be grateful.let’s all lend a helping hand.
Your submission would make more sense on a pulpit.
when the supportes of state palace were asked what is bigger and important A BRAIN OR A COW THEY SAID A COW and the reason is cow is big ,gives milk and it have meat. PEOPLE WHO ARE AGAINST THEY SAID BRAIN, cause when you have brains you can do any thing in the world nothing is impossible for a success of mankind.
You all seem not to know that the emphasis now is on tourism, therefore, things must be put in place to achieve the tourism goals. Yes, we need a new hospital, and also improvement in our health services but everything cannot be done at the same time.
We talk about renovating the State House, sometime ago renovations were made to the State House at a High cost; the building is old and cannot take more repairs hence the need for a new State House. Perhaps certain adjustments could be made to the plan to lessen the cost, for instance, is there need for a swimming pool?
We have elected a Government, let us together help them to build our country and not always oppose for opposing sake. Let us look constructively at the planned project and not go on a rampage because we did not vote for the present government. This is our country and to go to the next level we have to support each other.
you are so true.
Citizen, have you ever considered the possibility that those of us who voted for this govt. may be totally opposed to this monument of vanity? That voting for a party does not automatically mean that we have to follow blindly everything they do in our name? That we therefore should shut up and not offer any criticism whatsoever?Keeping mum is not a strength but a weakness and renders you guilty of accessory.
Thompson makes great sense. Fine build a state house, but 27 million dollars???????? come on… As far as I am concerned the position of president in Dominica is ceremonial anyways. 27 million dollars way to much money when it could be sent in other much needed areas.
Lady, your post was short and on point. The president is more a ceremonial figure than anything esle. Personally, if you really look at it, we dont need a president at all. Just another office and title for the sake of prestige and wasting tax payers money. If the president was playing a real role in the country, then I would not have mind building a house for that purpose but why spend all that money just to house another retiree. The best thing that government can do to gain the support for this project is drop the presidential house business and keep the rest of the project. that way, man like jerry brisbane can relax cus if you really lool at the whole argument, the issue is not with the construction of the other buildings, it is the assumed “lavish presidential palace” that is creating all the fuss.
The state house is not going with the labour party.Mr.Fontaine have political ambition he will enjoy the beautiful building also.these guys have no problem with the building it is hurting them seeing the labour party doing so much development.
I have just one question for you Dr.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STATE HOUSE?
The right time to build this US27 million project?
After we erect a state of the art and modern hospital in Roseau, after Postmouth and Marigot are also equipped with modern medical facilities and equipments, after a modern fire service is established in the Melville Hall area, after an International airport is put in place, after Roseau is cleaned up such that it can attract and retain constant visitors, after we invest and establish projects that will channel employment for our citizens. These are the priorities sir/madam.
Build a state house when all these areas are covered. How is that?
Keeping Them Honest…Thanks i couldnt have explained that any better. PRIORITIES people!!!!
Right on Honest! Give it to them straight!
u said it right on point.building a palace is not wat the country needs now .u laid out just wat the priorties are .for dominica.
Why are you so against development???????? You all just hate Skerrit. There is nothing better that can be done than a new Palace for the King. This is real development. this is the next level. A new state house at 27 million dollars will bring in lost of foreign exchange and improve the economy of Dominica greatly as all the materials and workers will come from china. Dominicans open your eyes only Skerrit can lead us on the path of Total Destruction
It will be built anyway.
i am a strong supporter of the labour party and the government but i am totaly against them spending so much money on a state house at this time. mr fontain and the opposition are right on this one. i think the gov needs to rethink this one too. what income are we going to genarate from a project that we want to spend so much money on ? i call on the pm and gov to take a pole on this one and listern to the people .
I’m not a supporter of the opposition but am embarrasssed and disturbed by this wanton misuse of scarce resources. A lot of true labour party supporters must feel the same. A party that was established with the express purpose of helping the disadvantaged and poor has been hijacked for the enrichment and aggrandizement of a few.
You guys are pure liars!! You are NO supporters of the DLP, but just the usual opposition rabarousers continuing to play your usual opposition to EVERYTHING done by this government. Off with you!!!!
Rabarousers is not a word. Supporting a party does not mean you have to support it’s foolishness or ill conceived ideas.
Vibes, if your utterances are a reflectionb of the level of education in this country mr. Skerrit is facing more problems than he bargained for.
Is there ever going to be a right time, some people will always claim that there is something more important. Again its persons bent on preventing things from happening, sad.
Do you think a palace to benifit the rich and powerful is more important than a hospital, for god sake Domincas major hospital is not fit for purpose surely that would serve the whole nation not just a man who does nothing.
Couldnt be said better Nac Vibes
It seems like biased fools like you put cotton in your ears when certain things are announced and then take them out for others!!
Haven’t the government explained a thousand times that part of the four pillar project with the Chinese is the renovation of the PMH? This will begin after the West Coast road project. Come on now, please keep your ears open to all the development plans of the government and stop acting like a fool!!
Another Loan? WAW!!!
We have been stating what Dr Fontaine said all along. Why can’t we listen to the cry of the people who are directly affected? Maybe now someone as “high profile” as Dr Fontaine will cause the Government to rethink this venture.
who the hell is fontaine ,
A patriotic and higly qualifed Dominican from the belly of Dominica. Who are you? La bour party fly.
Yes!! Who the hell he think he is? Stupes!!
If Thompson is so interested in having a change in politics here as he claims, then he should leave his comfortable Washington home and job and come back on the ground. He can even join Jerry and form a new party to try and convince people that he is electable. But, to drop by every now and again making media rounds to spew out the usual recycled garbage talk surely won’t get him anywhere!!
You people are so bent on party affiliation! Filled with hate and ignorance. I am speaking from a neutral platform. RIGHT IS RIGHT. But follow party lines and affiliations to you all’s DEMISE!!!
we all see where Dr is coming from, he is totally against the government.
You are right on TARGET Thompson. Then here comes Julius Timothy telling Dominicans Let us take the loan and sell ourselves to China if we cannot pay it back. When are we going to OPEN these blind eyes Dominicans….
IT’s a mailcious “State Malace”. WE should build a State of the Art modern Libray and Information Technology Centre right across the Stae House. The poor state of our National Library is
reflects our priorities. In this day and age our children and our citizens need a better library than what we now have. This do nothing , useless president does not deserve such opulence and
pampering.
Yeh right, BLA, BLA, BLA!! While all you talking, Skerrit working!!!!!!!
BLA BLA BLA my foot! nobody can honestly deny that skerrit is working. thats not the bloody point! you will always be Bla blaing like a dam sheep and see the issue for what it is.
Finally someone with sense speaks on this matter. Optimal allocation of scarce resources is what effective management of a country is all about. Given all the demand for scare resources in the country, Government would have failed in their responsibility to the citizens of the nation, if they insist on going ahead with this project and ignore the dire needs in other sectors of the economy. This government will one day have to account for its continuous disregard of the legitimate concerns of citizens. Mark my words!!!!
As well that I agree with these sentments of waste and ineptitude of this government which continually act and behave in an arrogant way, I fear the words of the wise falls on deaf ears because no matter what history teaches us of the regimes who behave in this manner, the population of Dominca appear happy with it, so let them build their palace, it should be ready in time for skerrit to declear himself presedent for life.