Public works minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, is promising a safe and permanent structure at a site in Williams, Pont Casse, where two national footballers lost their lives earlier this year.
He said government has secured $2-million from the Caribbean Development Banks (CDB), some of which will go towards that project, and work is expected to begin in the next few weeks.
“We hope to see within the next four to five weeks the actual, physical work taking place in the Pont Casse, Williams area, to have a more permanent structure…,” he stated.
Blackmoore said retaining walls will be built and guardrails constructed as part of the project.
“When it is completed, we have the hope that it will be something like eight times the capacity to discharge any potential water that may emerge as a result of adverse weather condition,” Blackmoore noted.
He noted that three contractors have returned bid documents and “we are just in the process of finalizing and selecting the actual contractor.”
Blackmoore also said that some of the funds from the CDB will also go towards “some clean up exercise throughout the country.”
The area gained notoriety when footballers, Kurt Hector and Norran Jno Hope, died after the vehicle they were traveling in fell into a huge opening in the road caused by heavy rains.
They were on their way to join the rest of their team mates for the trip to the airport to participate in the Windward Islands Football Tournament in St. Vincent.
The area is presently being served by a temporary bypass.
I am not against Dominica receiving much needed funding for those projects. On the contrary I am pleased that Dominica is receiving it. God knows, Dominica needs it under the circumstances.
Dominicans are the recipients of this help which will benefit them all with no exception. The following crossed my mind:
Action speaks louder than words. Let us do something good for a change and a lasting one. Too many times some expect to receive and do receive, but are not appreciative nor do they reciprocate. If we cannot give in return and of equal gift, we could show our gratitude in the form of a verbal special thank you or a special card of thank you. In this case, I recommend A Special Card which when received will be appreciated and placed in an appropriate, conspicuous area at those establishments which will be viewed and admired by also visitors.
People appreciate a note of thanks and gesture. Whether it is a grant or a loan, A Special Thank You on behalf of the Government of Dominica and nationals, should be sent to all the organizations who were instrumental in financially assisting Dominica.
Let us be unique, an example, go that second mile and (hopefully) be the first to venture to do this. If done, other countries which receive funding and are aware of it may follow suit.
In this case, it could be done in the form of A Special Card which many Dominicans could sign (if this is possible) as a mark of appreciation and gratitude.
A proficient artist in Dominica could prepare the card or as a flag with appropriate wording, as a gift, as well, of time and material, i.e., there should be no charge. It should depict Dominica’s emblem, the Flag and the Sisserou Bird. It does not have to be a huge one, just a reasonable size and at a nominal cost.
I read on a Catholic Church Bulletin: “A thankful heart has a continuous feast.” I also heard: “Gratitude to people is gratitude to God.” Indeed!
All of us should know what this means and the importance of being grateful for assistance received in whatever manner and how much it has benefited us and alleviated a burden and anxiety. Those who are shown gratitude are themselves elated that their gift/help is appreciated and put to good use.
We must thank God for monetary assistance received. Let us all be thankful, first to God who makes all things possible. Secondly, but not least, to our benefactors who, inspired by the Lord Himself (which they are not aware of), through their generosity, endowed the government of Dominica and nationals with funding. If it were not for them, the government of Dominica would be in a serious dilemma and would not be able to construct projects and to assist Dominicans who are especially in dire need of.
God rewards good deeds. We do know that whatever we do willingly and cheerfully return to us two-fold be it in the form of a certain degree of earthly happiness and peace which money or material possessions cannot purchase. God bestows blessing and graces on such hearts who act accordingly. The rest will be received in heavenly eternity.
Also send one to President Obama and the Venezuelan government who would greatly appreciate it.
Let this be a project, be it a one-time one to those enterprises who assisted Dominica. Let them know and see that Dominicans are good- mannerly and are grateful people. I hope this is taken into consideration and implemented.
Prime Minister and your ministers are you reading this? I hope so.
God bless Dominica and all nationals. May His loving peace and protection for safety prevail in Dominica.
It was a sad day and time when the two lost their lives. They should never be forgotten.
Joslyn Prince who survived this terrible accident was brave and strong enough to climb up the huge ditch to get help and to alert drivers of the danger. Despite his injuries and pain, if it were not for him God only knew how many more accidents, injuries and deaths would have occurred.
God was really with Joslyn including his Guardian Angel for performing this brave feat. In view of his injuries, it was indeed a miracle, from God that he was able to exert energy and succeeded. He should be cited for this.
Thank you Joslyn Prince for your bravery and conscientiousness in alerting other drivers! Did you tell us if you prayed as you climbed up the hill and thereafter prior to being transported to the hospital? Bet you did!
In addition, I expect there should be a formal opening when “the safe structure” is completed. Joslyn should be invited to the opening and to also cut the strip of this structure.
May a blessing be bestowed on the area with appropriate prayers to the Blessed Trinity, asking for drivers’ carefulness, patience in driving, their protection and that of their passengers, not only at that site but on all roads throughout Dominica in order to avoid accidents. During this blessing, God bestows his from above and seals his divine mark on it.
Know that Kurt and Norran’s spirits, unseen will be present at the opening.
Considering the amount of rainfall in Dominica, proper drainage should be constructed to avoid the rain water flowing underneath the structure which will hopefully avoid soil erosion and damage. This water should be diverted in the opposite direction. I hope that you have considered this facet.
Keep up the good work Mr. Blackmoore. You Can Do It! Yes, you can. Don’t let the idiots break you down. We are out there reading and monitoring your progress and we, in the USA, are impressed.
Congratulations again Mr. Blackmoore and God Bless! Please Don’t Forget to PRAY!
WE in Dominica are not impressed.
Vincent Rolle … Plizzzzzzzzzzzzzzz !
elections really around the corner…
Where did/does/will the Government get the eight million dollars I hear they gave/will give to liat if the country has no money
From No Where, your name suits your comments just right! You have no clue of what’s going on in D.A. You happen to hear something about the Government giving Liat money and you jump in. You have no idea if it was given, if it will be given, where the money came from or will come from, but you commentating! This news item is about the Pond Casse Road not LIAT! You just want to be negative so you blah blahing! Great job Hon. Blackmoore!
Praise God!
Isn’t it POND Casse?
Very good my recommendation is to use an arch bridge in the area it will raise the road, it’s safer, faster, better for that area and it’s life span is more than a hundred years. That’s what they use in the USA Trinidad and other countries we need to try it here that’s modern technology. Try it I have all the information on it and was trained to install it in Trinidad. very good the Government is working so some of those comments makes no sense from the opposition side The Labour party has vision the UWP has television they can only watch.
Blackmoore has NO SENSE OF TIME. Again, if you are NOT speaking the TRUTH you can never have a sense of time.
This project will be a half done, mediocre, low/sub standard and limited in its design. Am almost positive it wont be anything we can say its a signature of Dominica. ALL of DLP presents themselves sloppy and the projects look just like them—Moore sloppy and sub-standard.
Keep fooling the people Blackmoore!! It will END one DAY!!
They should have 2 million in treasury for something like that. Why CDB?
I am sorry but not enough money is left in the Treasury from the sale of passports I do not know what happened to it so we have to borrow the money from the CDB again I sincerely apologize OK! I hope you all can forgive me.
Here they(UWPeas)go again.Action is taken to fix a problem they themselves critisised so much earlier,instead they appreciate the notion of fixing the problem,they are loose spewing all kind of negative comments.Can this country ever develop when you have a GANG of NOMADS going about destroying the image of Dominica?These people are dseperate,distructive,wicked,you name it,THEY possess every wicked vein the DEVIL has.
This is not negative.Goverment should have this work under way a long time ago.Do we not have a contingency fund.A bridge would be a good option over this ravine
It has not been stated ‘what type of structure’. They know what they plan to do which will be suitable for that area.
Shallow minds. Empty vessels make most noise. They have nothing constructive to state. This is what they are made up of, their personality and characteristic traits. Complaints and criticisms are their names.
They do not know how to give compliments; only discouragement. They are depressing people. Whatever comes out of the mind and mouth, in this case through the fingers on the keyboard tell a lot about people. They give themselves away. What a way to live. Not a good, happy and peaceful way. Miserable people. No progress here. Feel sorry for them.
We call them ‘ENEMIES OF PROGRESS”. All programs, work projects etc. should stop right now because elections will be in the year 2015?!! Then the cry would be, ‘ they are doing nothing”.
Last night I took in Mervin on DBS all I am hearing is what the Government is doing for the people of DA over and over and over again, that is dirty brain washing politics directed to the very poor people who have just one little radio at there home. MERVIN YOU TOO HAVE TO GO !
What have you done for Dominica? What are you presently doing? What are your plans to do something good for Dominica which will assist you to be a kind, loving and generous person in words and deeds to everyone? Less criticism! Learn the way of love, the path to Heaven.
but I don’t understand. you are so right. the government is put in place to do things for the country and the people so no sense mentioning over and over again what the government is doing or has done. it’ s still up to the people on election day to make their choice. so is time politicians stop playing that reproaching game.
The government must remind you over and over again because some of you appear to walk around as if you are blind, deaf and sleeping, consistently criticizing him. You cannot see the good that he has done for Dominica. Visitors to Dominica are pleased. Why are you not pleased at what he has done?
Some people expect to sit back, live a leisure life, do nothing for themselves and the government should hand everything to them on a silver platter. It does not work like that! Look out for yourself!
If you are in dire need of help, the government will help you. If you are not, you do not deserve help. Then, do something good for others and less criticism.
If some of you were keeping busy, you would not have time to blame the government. Be a better, understanding and pleasant person. Help your country and nationals whom you especially know are in need of.
Yeah, hurry up do that before you leave office, your time is up, count down 10 9 8 6 5 4 3 not much time left !
And the 7 is out that is you might just leave before time is up.
Tebeh……wait still the pit you want to dig for Labour is your blue mileabug that will fall in it…….
The shoe party spends more money sending the pm overseas than fixing and modernizing the dominican infrastructure and hospitals. We need change Vote UWP.. Lennox Linton for PM.
Wrong thumbs. The change Dominica needs is that people as you to change your overall attitude and on this Website.
Thought d minister said at the time that work will start soon and complete by December. They haven’t yet receieved the monies and design he is talking . Election is close.
YES ALL YOU THINK IS JUST SAY I WANT MONEY AND ITS DONE. FOOLS
Do you have any money? If so, do not hoard it up for you cannot take it with you. Give them some of yours to assist the government to commence the work and complete it sooner.
Some of you ask some strange questions, make strange comments, suggestions and offer useless advice which is not beneficial whatsoever.
Justise& Truth be quiet. Why don’t you return home if things are sooo GOOd? You only comment when something is said against your Government. Why didn’t you comment when the young lady from Laplaine got the money to go to St.Lucia?
You must be a blind bat because you did not see my comments. You need eye glasses.
This Website is meant for amicable communication. It is not meant for your type of comments.
If I owned this Website or managed it, your type of comment which does no good to anybody would be prohibited.
Mr minister is this a loan or a grant
Do you really care?
every little thing we do in this country we have to get funding or borrow money,is there no money in the treasury,wheres the 15 percent i pay on everything,
good observation, soon you will know what time it is, because de govelmant broke, they build to much house , villias and apartment…
How often do you ever buy anything so as enough money is collected to do something in the country?
My Fellow Citizen everytime You eat ,buy clothes repair your shelter you pay 15 percent VAT.In fact Your Dollar is only worth 85 cents to You the rest belongs to the Government
What a stupid comment and question. How much income tax do you pay? Have you ever considered, when everyone pays income tax and on time and those who owe the government income tax pay up, probably money from outside governments will not be required. Give this a thought.
Build a bridge! not road or retaining walls, I just don’t understand why Dominicans are afraid to build bridges…. everywhere the road washes out should be a bridge. In the US for example the majority of roads are elevated its done so much that you cant tell the road is elevated from ground level. That my d=friend is a permanent solution for this type of problem.
You may have a small point. Bridges are always Best if it can be afforded. Whilst you are at it, do raise the money so we may elevate your next trip from melville hall. We can use bridges or elevated roadways to bypass all the villages, hills and valleys and you will get to Roseau in 20 minutes flat!
Excellent response. They love to comment negatively and ask questions which make no sense. They should have a fair knowledge of what the government can afford. I do think some of them comment for the sake of commenting. They also think they are experts and know it all when they are far from that.
In the US, yes the US, do you know that most of the bridges have lived past their life expectancy? The truth is that many of these bridges need to be replaced and some are dangerous, its just a matter of time before something happens. I know lot of you won’t believe that but it is an actual fact. If you read enough or even watch enough documentaries you would know that. I am no civil engineer so at the end of the day the best option will be elected. Hopefully
You are so correct. What do they know? The identical situation occurs in Canada which have killed and injured some drivers, passengers and pedestrians. There is soil/road erosion. Bad enough during the winter months. Vehicles have sunk in some holes. There was a recent one after a rainstorm. Fortunately the driver was pulled out and was not injured or badly.
We have road problems here and much of it, considering the number of vehicles and the strain on the roads.
The mayor of Toronto has asked the public, if they notice any potholes and areas which need repairing to notify his office, the appropriate department.