“Proper management” is the solution to what Dominica’s Education Minister Petter Saint Jean says are problems facing the Dominica State College (DSC).
Saint Jean made that declaration as a guest on Kairi FM’s Heng program this week.
The DSC is reportedly facing financial problems and is unable to pay utility bills and staff.
However, Saint Jean said while the institution is facing several challenges, it must be managed properly.
“The Dominica State College has challenges, but as government we are addressing those issues because it is too important an institution in Dominica for us to leave it on its own,” he stressed. “However the management has to take full responsibility for the operation and ensure that they have a proper system in place to ensure success,” he pointed out.
Saint Jean disclosed that government provides the DSC with a monthly subvention of $249,000 and argued that the issue is not about the finances, but the management of the organization.
Meantime Saint Jean has also brushed aside claims that government is unable to pay the tuition fees of students receiving public assistance.
He said government assists more than 90 percent of students who attend the DSC by paying their tuition.
“Government does owe the state college some monies for the students for whom we pay the tuition. That is being addressed by my ministry,” he explained.
The arrangement, according to Saint Jean, is such that the education ministry advises the DSC that government will pay the tuition for certain students and the government is subsequently billed.
“So we don’t usually pay up front but we always make good on our payments. It may be late from time to time but we always pay,” he stressed.
Saint Jean said the ministry is currently going through the list of students being assisted to ensure it is ‘sanitized.’
Mr Minister is now paying the price for lying in the courts and before the people of his country and the world whatever anointing he may have blessed with has been taking back from the Most High Petter God knows all its just a matter of time Repent while u have time
Has the Minister laid in Parliament the Reports of the DSC Board required to be submitted to him annually? Has any Parliamentarian raised any questions on this? Will the Report(s) be made public?
Management at the DSC is doing the best that can be done with the finances available. A greater part of the problem stems from the past. Current finances are being used to service
debts of previous which should not be. If the government from inception of the DSC had conducted regular audits the DSC would not be in that position today. I’m just saying!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you guys are a joke
These minsters can say what they want because they know that Skerro cannot win without them. It used to be the other way round, but now they have Sherro afraid, so if he just talk too loud they will switch party and move cross the isle.
Looks like Skerrit has let his ministers loose and they are saying strange things. First, acting PM Austrie on 300 imaginary jobs from a would-be call centre; then acting PM George, and now Saint Jean on the management of DSC. No wonder Skerrit keeps a close watch on them…
Can he even make that evaluation?
Mr. St. Jean, I am surprised it is only now that you all find out that DSC is poorly managed; I thought the $50.00 my chile owed and they did not want to give her, her semester grades was what was causing all the problems at DSC. This place is causing frustration for the students and many of them don’t even complete there programs; the teachers don’t show up and the dedicated few ain’t getting paid.
I thought Dr. Peters would have made a difference, but it appears it got worst…. we need a woman at the head. Ms. Seaman, she should have being given the position in the first place…but again JOB FOR THE BOYS!!!
As the Minister of Education shouldn’t Mr. St. Jean be the one to ensure that everything at the College runs smoothly? Sir the management at the college cannot do an effective job if the finances and other resources promised are not coming in as they should. Stop blaming others for failing to your job as head of the education ministry. Better Donald Peter was Education Minister, I’m sure he is more qualified than you.
Is this an indictment of Dr. Peters, who’s appointed was hailed with so much fanfare after his sudden departure from the top post at West Indies Cricket? Just wonder if we should read between the lines here.
Say what all you want, curse me, call me all sorts of names, give me all thumbs down, I could care less, but I giving this government 2-3 more terms in office because I don’t wish to be fooled again into thinking that politicians who outside talking going to come in and do any better. The present government have made many mistakes but atleast they have the experience. Therefore a new party would simply come and have to make too many more mistakes before they can gain the experience to do better. In an island as difficult as Dominica to develop I believe a government needs alot of time to do work. Countries like the US and Uk have had their democracies for a very long time so hence the country is strong so they can afford to change government more often but we need time. The UWP is now rather a new party so there is no guarantee that they can just pick up the ball and run with it and who can’t see that must be living in dreamland, where that is. It has never happened in the past and certainly won’t happen now if you were to follow the history of Dominica you would notice under every government people cried out about poverty and so to migrated.
Woy something happening. I am hearing about so much millions and invoices for building materials and they cannot even pay the light bill at the college. Labour your days are numbered.
Ninety percent??? Really? This explains why the institution is in this mess. Why should the government be sponsoring more than ninety percent of the student body…for votes? People lets get real in this country. My daughter is a student at the college and tuition has to be paid on time in order for her to write exams. In addition, the institution is so poorly organised that she is supposed to be graduating this October and still missing a grade for a course she completed successfully even after begging the lecturer and others to have her grade posted. Very frustrating I must say.
Garson if allu pay the college the subsidy and tuition fees on time the college will do just fine. Further, you all appointed management through the board so quit speaking on both sides of your mouth.
Another nail is being put into the coffin of a great institution while those charged with the responsibility for its success stand by and point fingers. Mediocrity and finger pointing remains the order of the day in Dominica. But be reminded, “Change Must Come” and that will be sooner rather than later.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
That is what St.Jean was fighting against Ron for, nuh? To be Minister of Education without anything to show but decline in our education system?
Compare St.Jean to Ron Green as Education Minister. Check his qualifications. Compare the present Minister of Sports, check her qualifications and competence compared to Ron Green. In both examples, is like comparing chalk and cheese.
Is that sectors of Dominicans like, inefficiencies, Square pegs in round holes. What do you expect?
Your comments is not consistent with the focus of the article. Learn to read, understand and analyze an article before you comment. We need to learn to communicate better and show others that we criticize that we are intelligent.
please get these men . words throwing out of office
Proper political/economic management and the ouster of the DLP from Office are the combined panacea for the ailing state of Dominica that includes the economy, the judicial systems and the dying health, construction, agriculture and education sectors.
How could the DSC be facing financial problems and is unable to pay utility bills and staff, when the College is being management by supposedly very competent and degreed professionals with vast experience in tertiary education management.
What does it mean to say that “management has to take full responsibility for the operation and ensure that they have a proper system in place to ensure success,” when the college is said to be the beneficiary of substantial government assistance to more than 90 percent of students who attend the college. Does that mean management of the DSC has not been taking responsibility or is reluctant to take responsibility?
If government provides the DSC with a monthly subvention of $249,000 and the issue is not about the finances, is this a clear declaration of no confidence in the management team at the DSC? Defend yourself Dr. Peters.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
Having degrees does not make someone a good manager. One needs to utilize the management skills efficiently in order to produce good results. Theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge are two different things but, when both are used in sync better results are obtained. The President of the college is fully aware of the numerous management problems that exist at the college and should have taken measures a long time ago to help solve them. Problems do not only exist in the financial area but also in managing the human resource at that institution. Hon. Peter St. Jean is right to be concerned about what is going on in this institution of higher learning. He should recommend an immediate audit both financial and otherwise of the college. Just my humble opinion.
who’s to be blamed for the non salary payment of teachers at the DSC, non payment of electricity and the commencement of school at the ending of september.
peters, i think not…. minister, oh yes
The Christianity in Petta made him answer the question about the money the government owing.
One truth does not cover for the previous lie.
By the way tell Skerrit Pay the college before he throw stones at Isaac.
Boy it seem like them clowns operating like lone rangers. There is no connectivity – eit seem like every fuchette just saying whatever.
Reginald say Hurrican Ophelia was in 2012 whereas Hurricane Ophelia was in 2005. Then he said that he was trained in the jungle.
Ian say no cotton hill Skerrit say is cotton hill
Reggie say chavez money in the bank then somebody tell him to say chavez sent the bills from purgatory or heaven too late.
Reggie tell Penville people 300 jobs coming, Skerrit came back from the job search and is Isaac Kwedir he chose to talk about.
Reggie in charge of energy then he is not
Ambrose now tell us 300 jobs taking the next LIAT out (when the ATRs becomes available).
Blackmore doh want anything to do with truckers money then he want to then he doh want to again then all of a sudden he praising himself for getting some money for truckers
As for the others
Justina Charles – all she know is Colchore or markitin
Mathew Walter – Allah Pa Pa Bondieur at least Romanus Bannis had character and charm
Dr Darroux – what a sad case
Castle Bruce Rep – zen zen
Toulon – abeh beh
Dr Mac – To busy thinking of what Tony Astaphan has to say ( woy lol)
Gloria – she doh know if Wesley in the North East or East north
The Carib Rep – wellhe must collect his salary
Hey! Leave our Parl Rep alone. This is one of Skerrit’s best men at the secret wedding. Well loved by Skerrit.
Dr. Mac is too busy advising his people to take it easy and be calm while Ariel tramp closes, injection wells being constructed in Laudat and Lilly Valley (TR) drying up warm water sources in Wotton Waven, worried about how he can spend more money in Morne Pros to get votes, pushing hard to get the Cochrane road completed before Skerro calls election to satisfy the crazy Speaker of the house, who once again successfully brought an abrupt end to Fete Che,and WORRIED about what Tony has to say or will do with him for trespassing.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
This is hilarious but real.
Justina Charles – all she know is Colchore and markittinn
Mathew Walter – Allah Pa Pa Bondieur at least Romanus Bannis had character and charm
Dr Darroux – what a sad case
Castle Bruce Rep – zen zen
Toulon – abeh beh
Dr Mac – To busy thinking of what Tony Astaphan has to say ( woy lol)
Gloria – she doh know if Wesley in the North East or East north
The Carib Rep – wellhe must collect his salary
Thanks for the laugh
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
hahahahaha..I love this piece. a good piece of humor with a touch of reality embedded!
Are you reading over the crap you are writing?You sound like a real HOLE.Those that give you the thumbs UP are even worst than you are.
Mr St Jean whats up with the investigation,Mr Semion Joseph conducted on your behalf re homosexuality in secondary schools.Whats up with the naming of the La plain playing field and the football house in bath estate after the decease coach and player.Sir just more talk ,that’s why you are on your way out.
Mamizoo….. Very good articulation of the situation in the country.
Much Blessing…… I hope many people read your posting.
I commend the Minister for accepting that the tuition fees are owed and confirms that the fees WILL BE PAID. Nit many politicians are so up front and honest. This Minister is one of whom I’m very proud. His heart is in his Ministry and he’s doing a very good job indeed. I’ve followed his progress even his recent accomplishment regarding US visas for Dominicans. I just wish that people would stop looking for unnecessary criticism and at least give praises when they’re due. Well done Minister. God bless DOMINICA
Hi Cyrique,
if you don’t mind, please elaborate/list his accomplishments for the viewing public. I am genuinely interested in learning of those.
thanks
I have yet to read about government ministers not been paid on time maybe that should happen or there salaries should be linked to how well there ministry is running.
Ye I ah , they push Dr Peters under the over loaded , reverse gear only Next Level bus. The hallmark of good management is self evaluation and the willingness to take responsibility for take responsibility even when there is short falls.
I long to see that day when these blokes will look themselves in the mirror and say ” accountability starts with me”. We have never heard the college being unable to pay the electricity bills – Never.
Now when the government is not holding it’s share of responsibility to the college then Dr Peter and the college administration gets subjected to allegations of corruption. I am sure Dr Peter is learning the valuable lesson of how to avoid getting fleas by not going to bed with the dogs.
If the government is financing 90% of students at DSC and DSC is short on cash dont u think that the nonpayment of fees by the govt is a primary reason for the problem? What this man says clearly shows he is confused
Can you believe the gull of this man? He is basically blaming the management of the college for his own and his ministries’ incompetence. That has always been the modus operandi of this administration, blame all else but themselves for their failures. Further, they are the very ones who hire the management of the college, go figure.
To add further, how can you and your ministry be so tardy with your payments to the college and then turn around and criticize the college’s management for being unable to pay their bills in a timely manner? How else other that through tuition does the college collect most of its finances? This simply shows that your poor management is the root cause of the college’s problem.
Help me with this one, DNO! Is the Government giving the DCS a subvention of xcd249,000 monthly as well as paying the tuition fees for more than 90% of the student body? And yet the DCS is financially strapped?
The government pays for 90% of student fees as and when it feels like.The minister confirms that it pays late.How can you run an organisation with this sort of revenue funding.
Hey Mr. Minister are you saying that Dr. Peters an accomplished professional is incompetent? I guess this is all part of the blame game.
It seems that all the walls are crumbling around this lazy and incompetent government!!! Poor us with labour!!!
The entire country is faced with serious economic and political chaos and the DLP government is overwhelmed in dealing with the issues that confront us.
While they are critical of Lennox for not having a university degree, the very minister of education has not been close to the gate of a university and clearly he does not seem to be capable of addressing the issues confronting our education system.
Above all, the dishonourable man has demonstrated that he is not a friend to the truth and therefore he had to rely on legal technicalities advanced by our legal guru in a bias justice system to free him from his lies re his dual citizenship.
The solution to all our problems is to vote the DLP out of office. This is the declaration of the UWP.
That is why we fear no more because their is nothing more to fear!
We are so sure with the SAW in Hand that we are getting rid of the shoe that is squeezing us. Change for us is not an option but a must
But wait a minute… them man have a death wish man? they making headlines with a set of garbage. Look that one come and shoot himself in his foot. Hello sir, it is the “Dominica STATE College”, you suppose to be the head of all heads as the minister of education. yoi suppose to have things under control. If they are not then why come blast it like is the faculty fault. Allu forget majority of the staff and students are Dominicans, the same Dominicans allu have no regard for, allu just doing what allu want with tax payers money. When food to eat and bill tp pay and bus fair and school book son staff and parents mind because things hard hard hard you think things can be “managed” properly. hmm, I going to dance in the rain that Jah will send as blessings when allu heads start to roll. Get outta here, go back Dominica State College and learn how to run a country properly for the benefit of all. Stupes
What a thing to say. If the minister has so little confidence in the management of the DSC, instead of embarrassing the man publicly, he should fire him and get somenone who he believes can do the job. That public dressing down of the man is not warranted.
If you are not happy with his performance, fire him.
I will also promote to others that attending the Dominica State College is a bad and stupid decision to make.
well what i have to say about that is this. i will never attend that school again. After i spent a year in college spending money they cancelled my major. what do you call that pure nonsence. right about now the money spent for the year i cant get it back. its not my major alone that has been cancel. LACK OF FUNDS NO LIGHT WAT KIND OF SCHOOL IS THAT. i will never go back their because of Cancelling my major. It has affected both me and friends who was doin my major.
you could sue for the monies you already paid
One would assume that to attend college you did 5 years high school? Or did the CXC privately at BTC or on your own?
Your grammar sounds like your mom gave a vote for you to attend.
lol… people don’t believe the gentleman. i can tell you dr. peters is more than capable. we know our guys in ministry, always willing to throw others under the bus. for e.g if gov’t is responsible for 90% of students, then how can they be owing a ‘little’ money??? do the math, it will run to over 3/4 of a million e.c dollars. i’ll stop for now, had to change my wway of writing and bad grammar to hide myself. anyway tanto tanto
Everything is upside down ,inside out. Proper management can only go short distances without the necessary financing. How can you make promises such as paying tuition for students on a non producing economy. Back in the Freedom Party days I paid tuition – I believe it was about $40-60 per semester and we had a productive economy then.
How much laughter we need when it is obvious that the government administration is desperate and petulant.
What instituition take up responsibility to support all kind of “buy vote” programs and does not have the money to do so.
Let us see some of the signs of our failed state.
Road Projects cannot be completed and the people must endure that inconvenience
Bus Drivers cant put gas in the buses to carry the kids cause government cannot pay them and in the middle of the program you are asking some kids to pay while others ride free.
Bus drivers are still not fully paid
College electricity bills cannot be paid cause government cannot pay the tuition promised
Students on scholarships at home and overseas cannot receive their dues
The consulate in NY cannot pay their bills
Venezuela made 18 request from since 2011for monies owed by Dominica
Dapex struggling to get paid
Public Works starving
All of this happening yet we are making promises to pay the people who are due for lay offs at the Clear Harbor. We are sponsoring Calypsonians who are going to North America for party. There is now money being paid for votes in various constituencies. Need I say while the people are languishing in poverty.
Boy oh boy I never thought I would see the Mobutu and Idi Amin syndrome in Dominica. The country is dead broke yet the politicians have enriched themselves. No doubt no doubt. I do hope that we make an example of these politicians in government right now so that our people may never have to go through this by a next set of corrupt, greedy politicians. We have to stop this – All deserving hands on deck.
I do like the presentation. Honest and unbiased view of the way it is in Dominica. Yet it is sad when some of us choose to see with blind eyes and hear with deaf ears. The leader like to talk about his charity to the poor as if he uses his personal funds to assist the poor. I think he loves to use that term ‘poor’ as he sees himself as a saviour casting hand me downs to the poor. These politicians are slaves of greed and are doing anything to stay within their luxuries while poor people don’t even have breakfast to eat. Dominicans will we not stand and say enough is enough while one set sucking on breasts and the others struggling to buy back and neck.
I applaud the Minister of Education for being so blunt. Usually, politicians are not as straight forward on a subject that will reflect badly on their government. Isn’t the state college a government institution? If so, then the ministry of education is responsible for its management. If privately own, then government can aide in providing proper training to management as it is the main college on the island. Maybe, it’s time to recruit new management.
yes the Minister is the ultimate Manager of the College so we need new management right from the top .A new Minister!
Thanks for clarify. I was not in DA when the college was established, so for a minute I thought it was privately owned. Amazed that the minister would publiclay expose his failure.
You and the rest of your gang of no goods must go !
That story describes everything that is wrong with this government. MR. ST.Jean says it bad management. Solution: get new competent manager who has experience in running such institution.
Secondly he mentions Government pay 90% percent of students tuition some of which is late. How you expect the
college to pay their bills on time. He is hence skirting around the real problem. Soon we will hear we cannot maintain the roads and the stadium. Increasing tuition fees may be a solution. Those who cannot afford will stay home. According to dominicans a college degree is not needed to run this country so why bother.
miss management is th sexy thing in dominica right now
Are you saying that Dr Donald Peters failed as head of the DSC?
The State College is in a mess and has been so since the previous President who is now somewhere in the USA. The then President did not give the College the due diligence it deserved and the Reunion Committee of which he served as Chairman received more attention – go ask staff and go ask Board members.
Secondly the government just sent students up there and said we will pay and they never did or it was always late so the Government, both Education and Finance ministries and their ministers have to accept responsibility alongside the President of the college.
It appears the current President has failed and under estimated the challenge and mission of the college. There is no harmony there, only fear as to who next will be summarily dismissed – sent home – fired. Just like that. It is pathetic the running of the place no wonder the Minister is so upset. Poor management. It is our understanding that the current President was not the choice for the job….?????????????????
Oh God Help us.
We hear your cry and that of others. we note your fears that there is no harmony. Fear as to who next will be summarily dismissed – sent home – fired. Just like that. It is pathetic the running of the place no wonder the Minister is so upset. Poor management/poor leadership.
God will help those who help themselves.
Have no fear. Be sure with the SAW
Vote UWP when elections are called
HELP MAKE THAT CHANGE A MUST NOT AN OPTION
When Dr. Peters was appointed to his current position at the college i remember that this Minister of Education said that he Dr. Peters was well qualified to take the college to the next level and revolutionize the edducation system in Dominica. Where has he gone wrong that his bad management and incompetence must be exposed by the same Minister who appointed him.
Mr > St. Jean , sir the Management staff @ DSC is very EFFECTIVE, stressing EFFECTIVE………. Dr . Peters and Staff is pushing themselves to the limit and beyond with the very little resources made available to them…. its the lack of your incompetent ministry thats not providing adeaquate support,.. When your ministry give 8 out of 10 children scholarship and you all do not make the financial comittment , how sir do you expect the institution to remain afloat,,, take note also due to tthe poor economic situation in dominica the collge cant increase fees.
i wonder what Doc peters have to say about that. hmm
a fake dat there
no record of success
he has d pm in his back pocket
GOVERNMENT LATE PAYMENTS and that is great management
GOVERNMENT PAYS TUITION FEEES FOR 90% OF THE STUDENTS in a poor country and that is great management
EIGHT WEEKS OF SUMMER HOLIDAYS AND HEAR DAT ” WE ARE NOW SANITIZING THE LIST”
POOR EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT FOR LAPLAINE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ROSO HENCE WE TAKING THEM CASTLE BRUCE INSTEAD BUT WHO PAYING FOR THEIR TRANSPORTATION TO CASTLE BRUCE waw great planning and foresight.
TWO acting PM in ONE WEEK CONTRADICTING EACH OTHER….one say 300 the other says 243 …I guess the next one will say 57 or 543…..wosh dats great management.
…
Clueless Leader + Clueless Ministers = The present mess Dominica is in….
Hey, you know, the UWP had stated in its past campaigns that under a UWP government, the DSC would receive the necessary support and attention tat it requires to ensure that it becomes a leading institution of education in the Caribbean.
A UWP government will;
– Continue the improvement in the physical infrastructure of the college to ensure the maintenance of a state of the art library, cafeteria and other modern facilities;
– provide the necessary support to enable the college to beef up its programmes with respect to training of teachers/lecturers, budding engineers, architects, and nurses in order to meet national demands;
improve on and maintain high standards of education required to ensure that graduates of the college have easy access to other regional and international institutions.
The UWP is ready to take us beyond the next level.
Have no fear. We are sure with the SAW
Change is not an Option. Change is a must.