The Government of Dominica has signed an Economic and Technical Agreement with the Government of the People’s Republic of China amounting to EC$120 million in order to further develop the country.
The fund is expected to go towards the development of agriculture, education, health, and national security.
The agreement was signed between Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Dominica, His Excellency Lu Kun at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance conference room on Monday.
“This EC$120-million, some of it will be used to construct the agricultural complex in Portsmouth which will bring to Dominica a new thinking in agriculture, a more technologically based agriculture which at the end of the day will increase production and productivity on the farms and thereby increasing the investment returns for farmers, and increasing our possibilities and opportunities for gaining more foreign exchange for agricultural produce,” Skerrit said while addressing a press conference, during which the agreement was signed.
He said the facility will have a center for training where farmers and staff from the Ministry of Agriculture will be exposed to some of the advanced technologies in farming, “because we employ new technology in farming if we are to survive in agriculture.”
“In agriculture, we are exposed to increase pests and diseases on the farms largely due to global warming and the change in climatic conditions,” he noted.
Skerrit mentioned that also with new weather patterns, farmers need to know how to manage the pests and changes in climatic conditions, and how the issues of global warming can be dealt with on the farms.
“This facility will provide that kind of technology,” he said.
Skerrit said his government will also deal with advance tissue culture approaches to build more resilience and resistance in agriculture.
“We have to look at the planting material and the cost of the planting material, and to ensure that the stock that we bring in, the tissue that we bring in can withstand the pest and diseases on our farms,” he stated.
He said some of the money will be used for the construction of several schools in Dominica.
“We will construct a new Goodwill Secondary School, a new Thibaud Primary School, Calisbishie Primary School, Bellevue Chopin extension because we are now going to have a few hundreds of people moving into Bellevue Chopin…the Tete Morne Primary School, and the Sineku Primary School,” he explained.
He revealed that the other project from the Chinese government is the construction of new Police Headquarters and residencies for police officers.
“The first phase will be to construct the residencies, we have lots of land at Boyd Avenue, the idea is to build modern residencies and comfortable accommodations for the police and then demolish the section of the existing structure,” Skerrit indicated. “The Fire Service will also benefit.”
He stated that the balance of the funds will be used for the second phase of the new National Hospital.
Skerrit thanked the government of the People’s Republic of China for this generous contribution.
Meantime, LU said the agreement will open a new page for the China-Dominica friendship.
“Today we sign a new aid agreement to provide more support to our Dominica friends, we have opened a new page for the China-Dominica friendship and cooperation,” he said.
He said further that the agreement demonstrates China’s firm support to the social and economic development of Dominica especially through post-hurricane reconstruction and not only a reflection of the China- Dominica friendship, but also a symbol of China’s strong support to the recovery of Dominica after the ravages of Hurricane Maria.
He noted that last year the island suffered as a result of the ravages of Hurricane Maria and public infrastructure was severely impacted and many citizens were displaced.
“The Chinese government and the people feel strong empathy for what Dominicans have experienced,” LU stated.
What MOU????????????
“$120 million Economic and Technical Agreement” is peanuts for the Chinese government who really love Dominica or maybe the Double (Dr) PhD; will those spin Dr’s please tell Dominicans what is the countries foreign and national debt at this time? and at the same time disclose whatever happened to the $300 million that skerrit received from the MOU he signed with some firm in China sometime ago; with that money we would have built three times and more of what this joker is now proposing; row your boat comrade you will answer all the questions one way or the other one day soon.
All you too jealous.The 300 million has not been touched yet.It is being accumulated, sacre sot.
MOU, for 300 hundred million? This Chinese firm must be stupid just to hand over to Skeritt this amount of money for just signing an MOU. What utter BS.
soon the Chinese take over, how they did with Zambia. Dominicans please take heed
they already control much of our economy
whether you shop in their stores or not
many of the imported goods are coming off their ships
and was made in China
You can’t even find locally made souvenirs anymore
Its all made in China
They flood the market with cheap goods and once they’ve closed their competitors
they raise the price for their goods with a monopoly that was created by the Government
You all are jealous and envious of the man and the progress and development he is bringing to Dominica. Low life and envious UWP supporters. If the man was doing nothing, you all would still have something to say. What do you all have to offer Dominica? Nothing, but an empty bag of coals.
DS, if you are unable to comprehend the bigger picture of this matter, please sit down read and shut up and do not comment until you consult someone knowledgeable of this issue before you make a fool of yourself on social media. We know who is Skerrit is, we are not hidden away from him, we see him everyday when he comes out of the elevator from the back yard of the Financial Centre. Tramp must Go…Good bye, Get lost
How is the bag empty if it has coals….lol
After 20 years of labor Dominica should be generating that money by itself annually, what the heck is going on? Loans are bad for business
LOL allyou look at Levi there in the corner towards the left holding his mouth,,,
Marn wish he could be a fly on that wall listening to that mista must be thinking,,,
“Oh My what a fool can someone tell the Emperor he has no clothes” LOL
So nothing in this existence is for free, with every hand out comes an obligation,,,
With that said, DNO if this were a true Press Conference, One question allyou could ask the Skerrit regime is: How does the peoples republic of Skerrit intends to repay this hand our???
We all know Ross left, Tourism down, no agricultural export, no manufacturing nothing of value being presented as the country’s Gross Domestic Product, so how is it the Chinese expect to get a Return on their investment???
Do some research nuh DNO if not for allyou scholarly gratification but for the benefit of the ones whom will inherit these massive debt increases that the Skerrit Republic is amassing,,,
Why do we want to follow the foolish agricultural practices from the artificial mechanism they calling Chinese Agricultural practices when the rest of the world is steadfastly trying to go back to the original form of agriculture by generating healthy organic foodstuffs and not all the artificial…
Why are you using your limited understanding and political partisan beliefs to make silly statements and distort facts. There are many things in existence that are free, do we pay for the sunlight, do we pay for the air we breath, I do not want to get philosophical. How can you say “Tourism down, no agricultural export, no manufacturing nothing of value being presented as the country’s Gross Domestic Product” Why are you ignoring facts by making such statements, Your beliefs do not affect the reality as to what is happening in the Country. It’s you who need to do research, it ‘s for you benifit so that you can be better informed when expressing your opinion.
Your last paragraph regarding Chinese Agricultural practices calling it ” foolish agricultural practices” displays such gross ignorance on your part. Do you know China is the largest producing country of agricultural commodities in the world, is it wrong to learn or model their agricultural practices.
You clearly have stayed in the sunlight for much too long. Your brain has shrunk and you turned all red.
Is this grant funding or loan or a combination of both? DNO, you should have provided this info.
On reflection one has to ask what exactly did Skerrit and Reggie negotiated on behalf of Dominica with China in 2004!!
The first sign that the two clowns were fooled was when Reggie, the most foolishness government minister in the Commonwealth of nations told us that they negotiated for 19 Hours on the trotand Labourite were clapping.. Really Reggie? Your Liar!!!
I am convinced that China has this piece of rock called Dominica as one of its overseas colonies.
Plee Tar,Plee Twis!! I don’t trust Skerrit,I don’t trust his other MISLEADERS.
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
120 million dollars ec to found a million projects.you are a real joke doctor.
continuation: Revelation 12:3
Here we have actors on a scene who know nothing about the scripts. the Eagle is the United States emblem. The lion is the United Kingdom’s, the Bear is Russia’s and the Dragon is China’s! China’s color also happens to be red! is this a coincidence or is the bible accurate?
China is about 1/3 of the world’s population, but it is difficult to control the world from one location. So it will be successful in gaining at least 1/3 of the world’s strategic locations and economies. That’s why we see in Jamaica, some parts of Africa, allies in south America… you get the point!
The very people behind the banking services (Rothschild) is behind the one world Government. It is all about being the super power!
eventually, china will be so well poised that it will be comfortable to make war with Israel but thank God that He has put the US to guard.
This is not about PM or China. It boils down to the bible and our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The truth is, we were once a colony of Britain until November 3, 1978 when we took our independence from However we became a colony of China in 2005, the day Skerrit became Prime Minister. The difference is though, when we were a colony of Britain we exported our Bananas, our cocoa, our copra and citrus to them, which created employment for our parents so they could feed us, shelter us and send us to University. Now that we are a colony of China, WHAT in the world are we exporting to China? Folks it is China that is shipping their people to Dominica and they taking all our labor from us.
Only real D/cans can stop the BS from Doctor, doctor and his cabal financed by his Sinos (not too latent economic invaders.)
Bob Denis & Malcolm would say ” By any means necessary.”
It’s Creole festival, independence and last but most important inebriation time.
Wake up my people. Whilst we are drunk a boat load of Chinese may well be disembarking on our shores .
We are at the 11th hour of a SINO INVASION.
After years of British rule, during which time we helped enrich the British crown. How many of our children benefited from University Education during that? The British of which you speak left us poor and hungry. The British companies that operated on Dominica quickly made their exit around the time Dominica was granted independence, companies like L Rose, CDC and Geest come to mind. All countries enter into agreements that is beneficial to them. It appears that UWP and it supporters wants us to return to the dark days of colonization and slavery. As a non-regional member of the CDB China helps provide funding for this important institution, China is a global economic power with a permanent seat on the UN security council, in my opinion that is a good friend to have.
.
Man Mr Wana sell our country man?
I am led to believe that tbe Chinese are playing a part in influencing political outcomes in Dominica. Is it possible that the proclamation of the support of the one china policy is met with favours especially before election to ensure election of skerrit? Why is it important? The carribbean has always been seen as a soft spot in the struggle for world dominance against the US. The PM of Dominica is a weak link because of his insatiable appetite for easy money and supreme power. China is doing everything possible to stump that ladder and we are nothing but chips in tbe game. DNO i would like you guys to look back few the years and see the amonts of money donated for projects before elections. If the Chinese are by anyway doing this to give a political advantage to the labour party i say they need to ne expelled by force. I will never trust a liar and a man who serves to decieve the population every chance he gets. We seem to be a Chinese colony right now. How much do we owe these ppl
Dominica is being developed which is good for its people but what is China’s motive and role. You see the moment we bring God into the equation many will be turned off. We have accepted man’s decisions over God!
Examine this for your own development and relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not meant to be political but rather spiritual. God gave us the book of revelation to show us what WILL happen. How loving, merciful and considerate is the Lord!
Rev 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Everything that is happening now on earth has already happened in heaven! The earthly realm is a manifestation of the spiritual realm.
In every country I’ve been to, the Media seems to have made it their responsibility to educate the populist, ecxcept in Dominica where the Media seems to have taken a decision to keep the people in ignorance, so long they get their kickback. I mean how could DNO be so bias with their one sided propaganda of Skerrit’? Not one mention is made of whether this $120 dollars is a loan, a grant or just part loan part grant. I know DNO will argue that they just reported what the PM says but my God, shouldn’t the media question the PM so they could get the facts before reporting to us? If they pushed the pm for answers and didn’t get from pm then say so that all could see it as what it is? DNO has become worse than DBS, KAIRIE & GIS that just pushing Skerrit’s propaganda
In other words DNO, the writer is asking for an analysis, comment/respond objectively on the merit of this massive loan and what kind of rewards would it bring to us and Domininca. The thing is DNO, many projects have been so called upon from big cash and donations and loans but we do not have nor seen the rewards nor the benefits where it uplifts the social life nor the economic life of us and Dominica that offers an environment worth living in.
This Labour corrupt government is a failed government the worse we have seen since Haiti under papa Doc and Baby Doc.
Note:
– DNO is not an investigative journalism medium. In that sense it is not a newspaper with an editorial direction…..at least not in public.
– Media is the singular form of medium.
If I had money I would say to HELL with Dominica and get rid of Ross University, the banana industry and every damn thing Dominicans depended on for a livelihood to ensure that they come and bow their knees to me because “praying to Jesus takes too much time.”
If I had money I would pass in every village and town and dish out money to those I carefully made poor, for their vote, to ensure they keep me in power.
If I had money I would literally breakdown their hospitals and ensure health care is at its worse, so I could bring down the Chinese hospital and tell those religious fools that the “Chinese hospital was a God-sent”. If I had money I would take all I can get from the Chinese knowing that my children are Americans, my wife is American and I am French, so when Chinese decide to bomb the country for their money my family will be safe and secure, while you all’s children will be under slavery. If I had money I would even sell my villas and let all you stay in all you misery.
I am aware that there was a Taiwanese delegation to st Lucia. Anyway. …..
Be honest and tell us who has jurisdiction over the One Mile agricultural station where the Chinese have occupied for a few years. ….for the info of the public the coffee plant is directly across the road.
Boy. …all you building up de grounds before construction? Everybody not stupid by the way.
Police station? This officially means you have sold our security to the Chinese military! !!
De first phase of the construction of the hospital finished nuh? During the last budget I thought the PM said that works on the hospital was about to resume in a couple weeks.
I honestly thought that the hospital money was apportioned by itself from just before construction. …….why de hospital funds can’t stand by itself? But it’s obvious someone is playing with our heads.
Hospital business is separate……..otherwise we were lied to from de beginning of the project…….
I don’t want to stress the guy given the enormous task he is faced with to rebuild the country. For Christ sake can’t he just give us an idea of the MOU, its making us very nervous; can someone in his entourage just spill the beans? After all, you won’t face jail for that, be brave.
All investment is welcome. Once there are measurements in place to show accountability for monies given. Also.. 14years later still no hospital & we were told its a grant in 2004. SMH Priorities.. healthcare = longevity of your people hence increase in output..
“China-funded hospital project forms part of the four-pillar projects agreed to in Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Governments of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China when the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2004”
One day, in the very near future, Dominicans will get up to hear news that the BLOOD of Dominica will be shed for these free monies Santa clause seems to be dumping on us. It was during the last election, in my home village of Wesley, PM Skerrit said “if we vote for Linton and the UWP, the blood of Dominica will be on our shoulders.” in any other country if the leader of a party or PM made this statement he would be questioned by the police because it was a huge threat. The police did nothing. if we follow the trend before us we will realize that the Chinese Army is slowly building their army base in DOMINICA and mark you, part of the money is for national security. Is Dominica at war? Maria left us with our back against the wall and if anything, one would expect a caring government to seek money to put people at work, with view of rebuilding our country and NOT money to build Skerrit and China National Army
That statement Skerrit made in Wesley at the time would go unchallenged because he is in charge of the police and he is in charge of the courts and soon he will be in unchallenged in charge of his he entire as country as the leader of a one party government very similar to what exists in China right now. China will provide him with a small defence force to support his police force. You all mark my words, Dominica will be a satellite of the Chinese imperialists with Skerrit as defacto ruler.
If one bridge costs 18 million, how many schools will 120 million build . That money also has to facilitate health and security. . . These must be one room schools.
“The fund is expected to go towards the development of agriculture, education, health, and national security.” Is this election campaign money? Make no mistake about that come Nov. 3, an election date will be announced. Now is this a loan, grant or money for Skerrit to spend as necessary to buy yet another election? I want Dominicans especially the Opposition to take note of His Excellency Lu Kun, in this signing especially in light of his statement during the hospital visit here, when he said this according to DNO “He said he strongly believes that under the Da Labour Party (DLP) government the “brave Dominican people” will rebuild the country.” see full article here : https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/health/visit-of-hospital-ship-a-new-milestone-in-dominica-china-relations-dr-darroux/ This is no doubt Skerrit’s ambassador that is prepared to do what it takes to ensure Skerrit and the DLP remains in office.
I feel DA is sold to the Chinese and just a matter of…
Where are the markets?
Our government is hard at work!
But is hard at work doing what.
Getting a good deal for selling Dominica .Did you read the vagueness of Skerrit’s utterances above?Sure you didn’t.
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
Skerrit must go on to build Dominica! Go Skerrit go!!!
Oh My God we seem to owe China more than Dominica is worth and therefore I wonder what will happen next especially when we know for a fact that our government is not transparent and China is not known to be transparent either. We are about to celebrate our 40th anniversary of independence from England come Now 3; I wonder if we should not cancel the celebration and instead announce that we are now a colony of China. We are definitely NOT FREE in Dominica and China gives nothing for nothing. These are very BAD and DANGEROUS signals I am seeing and is further proof why Skerrit had to get rid of Ross University. Remember my code RED post because we will pay for it. Code RED means danger
Now the end has come: Doctor Doctor Rosie Douglas- Skerrit former young freedom president , Radical Revolutionary President of 1979 fame , his below par cabinet, his Parasites & Saprophytes from the Original DLP( who together) sold DA to Chinese expansionism have sealed their deal created in 2004.
This not an if ,but or maybe or a scenario it’s for real in your face.
You are entitled to your opinion, but your scenario and what seems real in your face is a result of your ignorance coupled with your political partisan beliefs. When you make such comment you are not being rational in your assessment. The opening paragraph of your comment is such a poor argument in support of your what you believe, especially when you using the phrase “Chinese expansionism” saying Dominica is being sold to the Chines, woe unto you what you believe.
Gary, you too is entitled to your opinion, but when distorted and in denial of the truth, you point finger at someone who obviously shared their damn concern over the corrupt s.ituation in Domininca created by your failed PM and corrupt Labour Government. Are you really happy with the state our Domininca is in Now, after in office for 18years. This is political abuse administered upon us. Your irate blind political partisan beliefs is voodoo style patriotism just like practiced in Haiti by the corrupt wicked Papa DOC and Baby Doc, well advised and accommodated by those who clinged to them because they benefited from th state`s funds and abused handouts of states money. Does that ring a bell? Where is Haiti today. All the monies dumped at Haiti under this corrupt wicked Papa family with their associated greedy alliances, (Just like in Domininca) obviously) brought Haiti to the doldrums in deep poverty and today cannot recover. Where are the Haitians running too now? Miami and Domininca
Folks do we/you recall the 2008 mortgage crisis in the USA & further ?
Millions of folks we under water meaning their mortgages were higher than the house in current value so is DA in respect to loans from China to Skerrit and his Cabal than DA is worth.
Doctor , Doctor is under the notion that daddy Rosie willed him DA . He only facilitated him winning the seat in VC he totally disregarded Pierro.
We have worked very hard and continue to do so making Creole our language do we have to forget it to learn Chinese soon? Doctor , Doctor when is the official handing over of DA to China?
what do we have to give back in return??
This isn’t news, and you may ask why!. As we all know china is trying to take over the world, and these gifts grants loan whatever they call it we are just becoming their stepping stones !!.
Eh Bon. Dominica will end up like them African States. I really thought by now this man would seen what China is doing. They give ridiculous amount money to countries they know that cant pay back, then you will hear China owns the port, DBS ect….. When will he learn.
History repeating itself. African rulers were happy to sell their people into slavery in the past.
The Prime Minister is licking his chops just thinking about him being minister of finance and him getting his hands on all that money.
Stop writing rubish, the Chinese will not be giving the government money. People like you continue to be blind. The Chinese will build the Police headquarters like they built the State college, the state house, the west coast road, the stadium and the hospital that is now been built. They bring in their workers to do the job and then hand over to government a completed project, the Chinese control the finance, not the government or Skeritt.
You should top writing rubbish! You should be ashamed of yourself to support that corrupt dictator and indirectly aid him to run our country to the dogs!!
Paul. T, Stop writing rubbish, (and it is spelt with 2 B`s). The Chinese are welcomed guests to Domininca, in their own country there are serious human rights been violated and every small island like ours fear in raising it to them. You can`t promote religion, ou cant talk politics otherwise publicly, or else in prison for long sentences. I have no issues with China in our country, but object to telling us that we cannot have Taiwan also. Taiwan was extremely helpful to Domininca with great opportunities for us, but China says to Skerrit, h=get rid of them, because we can offer you more money. China is a Dictator, Taiwan and a formidable democracy.
You want to help Domininca, we have our workers here struggling, you bring in your own as slaver workers, at the same tie Dominicans under their demand, China must have 95% of workers. That is not fair and balance co-operation, that is abuse and not helping to build the resources of Dominicans who wish to be skilled workers.
Neville and viewsexpressed , you all sound like fully uneducated individuals. I stated a fact that non can dipute including the 13 who gave thumbs down. When your non corrupt party wins they will of course abandon the one China policy and return to Taiwan. Taiwan is not a member of the UN even the US accepts the one China policy. Writing nonsense about human right in China shows how ignorant you all are, in foreign engagement you have to put your interest first. China is the US biggest trading partner it also holds a big chunk of US debt together with Japan and Ireland, so the US has $trillions of reasons to stay out of China’ s internal affairs as it is in their own best interest. Viewsexpressed in his ignorant world wants us to concern ourselves with human rights and the internal affairs of China, the second largest economy in the world with the largest population. Sometime in the future I hope we will get a formula to fix stupid
Who is going to watch the money after it is handed over to the Prime Minister? It may grow legs and walk or fly to a bank account in Switzerland or the Cayman islands or in Florida. What is being promised to China for this money? A naval base in Portsmouth maybe?
Wow, Pity your ignorance for making such comment. Do you think such funds for the Country is deposited in The PM account, wallow in your ignorance.
What portion of the funds are loan and what portion is grant? What are the terms and conditions of the agreement and which aspects will commence immediately, what are the timelines? That jab a sac thing you onto there i want to know who you think you fooling
This is not his first “”Diab En Sack”” deal you know…I am convinced that this man has sold the country away already…Those who cannot hear will feel down the road.
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
We have been receiving endless cash, in the form of grants, loans, gifts, developmental and otherwise, and after this 18 years this corrupt Labour Government under this failed inept Skerrit, where has all these monies disappeared to? After 18 years where is the development, where is the turn over,? Why on God`s name did China again offer this massive loan to this failed corrupt Labour government and this failed worthless leader called Skerrit. What is the plan, where will this money go? We have no agriculture, no produce to sell, how is this gong to work. At least does, or has China not smell a rat. Some time ago was the same chorus and theatre crap, that we just signed this massive loan with China. It therefore means that China naval is tied to Dominica`s naval for a long time, that’s how its done. I believe that we should go back to Taiwan where development is focussed and more discipline.
This is not develop cash, it is election cash to run about last minute dishing out lavishly.
Skerrit has started the sell out of our country
Bring streets of gold to us Skerrit,you will still be rejected ..
Hurry give us the Election date .Your deceiptful nature is well known to most of us . International airport was the lie of 2004,2009 and 2014.. This time you are only fooling yourself.Under your lazy leadership we just can’t get lower…. Lazy,!!
The PM is not lazy. He is downright incompetent.
You know recently I was putting into prospective this administration’s time in office. Babies who were born in 2000 are now having babies of their own. Young adults in effect have only really known one government.
This governement is defintely passed their expiration date.
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
An agreement implies an accord between consenting parties. What does China expect from us in return?
The Country. Making it one China.
We too drunk now to think it thru. By the time we sober up we will be out done 25 to 1 Our pop will be 1500000. All now is inerbriation time. Our diasporans came for crab backs( they should ask LL to locate some for ’em. He knows a thing or two about crab backs. Now many like Manicou & agouti. Isn’t hunting season closed? hahhahahahaha.the 40th Anniversary can be considered the end of what we knew as Dominica. Is the new technology going to increase the frogs Manicou and other wild life
No wonder a decade ago ” Skrit” signed a MOU that is sealed like a juvenile records Lol! Now $120 million is added.
Is this $120 million ‘aid’ (“generous contribution” as labelled by Roosevelt) in the form of a loan(s) only or a combination of loans & grants?
If it is a loans-grant combination, what percentage of it is in the form of loans (including interest) to be paid back by the Dominican taxpayer & what percentage of it are grants?
As the saying goes, ‘there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch’.
Like you, Channel 1, this arrangement worries me. This amount of money under Skerrit’s watch, worries me. That is not sufficient cash to bring our economy and productive sector on the way back again. The biggest impediment is this inept PM Skerrit and his Corrupt Labour Government. I do not trust Skerrit with my $5.00 much less for Millions of dollars. This money is not gong to take us and Domininca anywhere. There is not a developmental National Plan and as a result we will be nowhere to development under this failed immature clowns of 18 minister and a very Odd Minister. This is hurting us, our professional colleagues within the Financial Centre and those on the field, moreseo. Skerrit government has been dangerous and is very dangerous to Domininca. Skerrit must Go, Labour must Go. Let us brig more decent, honest, professional to run this coutry. UWP, please be prepared, we know of your loyalty & concern for Dominica. This boyish Clown must Go. We need mature experienced to lead…
Chanel 1, I have asked myself those specific questions. What precisely is the signed agreement. It’s the people’s right to know whether it’s a loan or a grant. The phrase ‘signed an agreement’ is a loose term, where is the specificity. One has to tread carefully in dealing with the Chinese. The Chinese grant loans at high interest to poor countries for major projects. When the countries cannot repay these loans, the Chinese swoop in for their pound of flesh. Building schools, police station, assisting farmers are all good but there is a need for transparency and accountability. Again, is this a loan or a grant? If so, what are the terms of this agreement? I can state this with mathematical certainty that the money has to be repaid in some way.
Why do you write such nonsense. I would like to debunk the nonsense you have written in this comment, unfortunately, time and space does not permit me. Your statement “The Chinese grant loans at high interest to poor countries for major projects. When the countries cannot repay these loans, the Chinese swoop in for their pound of flesh.” Can you name a country or countries where such a thing has taken place. I will end this by telling you nothing fosters ignorance more than one’s own opinions.
Gary, I realize that you are not widely read so your knowledge on most thighs are embarrassingly limited.
Here is evidence for my assertion. In Sri Lanka, China took over Hambantota Port and thousands of acres of surrounding land as part of a debt forgiveness package, raising concerns bout sovereignty.
China lending practices are deemed “debt-trap diplomacy”. Critics worry that China wants to create debt problems with its partners to gain leverage.
What you often do, Gary, is to question people’s intellect. You severely lack the intellectual capacity to even argue with an average 12 year old and win.
To Ibo France
The evidence of assertion you gave does not prove what you are accusing the Chines Government of doing. This was a complex mega structure estimated at over a billion dollars. Do you know the events which took place prior to the Chines Government granting the loan for such infrastructure. Do you know what lead The Sri Lankan Government to default on the loan, and after they defaulted on the loan The Sri Lankan Government still owns a percentage of the ownership of the Port in an amicable agreement. The Sri Lankan Government was paid about a quarter billion dollars and monies are being paid to The Sri Lankan Government from revenue generated from the Port, while payments are being made towards the loan, does this sound like your words “Chinese swoop in for their pound of flesh” wow, what a distortion of the truth.
@Ibo France, a Mexican company has taken over the operation of the ports in Jamaica. I think there is too much skepticism about China aid and this seems to be fueled by wetern propaganda
I would like to know how is Dominica going to repay all the loans the Chinese is handing over to the government of Dominica. Dominica does not have such economic to repay those loans. I do hope they are grants; which I doubt; Chinese do not give money for nothing. PROBLEMS AHEAD
What I don’t like is that this article doesn’t mention whether this is grants or loans. And if its loans, what are the terms and conditions?
Is it not ur business to know, also if reporting, isn’t this one of the core pieces of information to include in the report?
The Government of Dominica has signed over the deed of The commonwealth of Dominica to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for all the loans etc made to Dominica in the MOU of 2004
The agreement was signed between Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Dominica, His Excellency Lu Kun at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance conference room on Monday. Skerrit said his Gov’t on behalf of DA owes too much to China hence it is easier to hand over the country than to repay. I will be dead by the time crisis begin.He noted that last year the island suffered as a result of the ravages of Hurricane Maria and public infrastructure was severely impacted and this Gov’t cannot handle the mess. DA is sold period.
Thanks for the Likes I like too hahahahahah FET let me hear you. Do you want me DA. I can take over and improve ur lives but it will cost U many a freedom. No importation of Alcohol if U really need it make urs. Chinese presence has to be restructured but you guys won’t like my methods. Present politicians all straight to jail monopoly style. Intellectuals more so the opportunists and sell out crapeau smoke ur pipes. ej PS’s Chief Secs all cross over opportunists.
more selling of the country. You not hearing what they already doing in Africa? I hope you have plans to pay those people back otherwise they will own every damn thing. and we will be left like 3rd class citizens in a country that we fighting to keep afloat.
That double doctor certainly is pulling out all the stops right now to fool Dominicans. However one thing is quite worrying that they mention national security in this context. This has nothing to do with ‘economical and technical’ but it has everything to do with a massive strengthening of the police force and presumably further Chinese military aid and possible stationing of Chinese personnel on our island. Dominicans don’t let Skerrit to deceive you any longer.
Paul Rossnof with a Russian name like this you are part of the take over. You are certainly to be taken with a grain of salt. Please change ur name b4 u can even be considered as part of the resistance.
Presence of guys like U with a Canadian passport it further complicate our dire straights.
No offense, just clear given ur name of choice. Why not Nkomo, Ephraim, Kunta, lol tickle me U with passport in hand Canadian new citizen hahahahahhaha U like Skerrit man agreements left right and center.
I’m not in the habit to hold conversation with foolish people like yourself! Sorry!
Election mele. When the bathestate river come down that way again……………