EDITOR’S NOTE: This letter was sent by a Dominican student, complaining about the government’s lack of financial support for some students’ tuition fees in the United States. This is one of several complaints we have received.
I am one of many students attending school at Midwestern State University (MSU) in Wichita Falls Texas, who was given a letter from the government of Dominica stating that they would pay a specified amount toward my tuition. Every year it has been a battle trying to get payments made to the university.
As of now many of us are in a bad financial standing with the university and are unable to view transcripts or register for school (which starts on Tuesday, 18 January).
The government of Dominica has become an annoyance to MSU simply because a large number of students are entering the university with these “promissory” notes that seem to have absolutely no meaning. Students are being removed from classes and losing credibility here because the government cannot keep their word.
The Caribbean student organization at MSU is founded on Caribbean unity and trust, but there is only so much the organization can do to cover up the faults of Dominica’s government. At this point I am ashamed to call myself a Dominican.
The attachment is an email sent by the MSU business office to me informing me of the lack of payment for fall 2010 and the action that would be taken against me. Many other students have received this notice but are afraid to speak up. I am fed up. I am graduating soon and I refuse to let the government of Dominica prevent me from finishing what I started. All correspondences with the government concerning tuition payment are in hard copy and would therefore have to be faxed to your office. (I would rather not scan and email to ensure that there is no question of the letter’s authenticity).
I would like to remain anonymous because of the high level of terrorism going on in Dominica. But feel free to contact me for any further information you may need about this situation. I trust that you will report this matter and not sweep it under the rug like those pro-Skerrit journalists, because we are at the end of our rope.
Thank you
A Disappointed Student
MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Business Office, Room 103, Hardin Building
3410 Taft Boulevard, Wichita Falls, Texas 76308
Business Office (940) 397-4101 / Fax (940) 397-4302
CORRECTED
E-BILLING MONTHLY STATEMENT
PAST DUE BALANCES
As of 01-06-11
You are receiving this e-bill because our records indicate your account is past due.
You may pay your bill online by going to mwsu.edu/onlinepayments. If this is your first time to pay your account online, your University ID# is the M number listed below. Your default PIN is your birthdate in mmddyy format. Click on the make a payment option underlined and highlighted in blue. Then click on the word “Pay” highlighted in blue in the middle right portion of the screen. Then select your payment type and finish processing your transaction.
===========================
Account Balance: $3685.42
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If you are unable to pay in full, please contact us to set up a monthly repayment schedule. We want to help you work this out. If you have already made payment arrangements please consider this billing as a courtesy reminder. If regular monthly payments are not made, we will be forced to turn this account over to a professional collection agency. The Board of Regents has authorized us to pass on the cost of collection to the student. That cost is 35% of your past due balance. Your account will also be reported to a national credit bureau. Please contact us to protect your credit and avoid collection agency fees.
You will not be allowed to register AND MSU cannot release your transcript until your account is paid in full.
Thank you.
MSU Business Office
(940) 397-4100
Is government paying the tuition or making a contribution to the students education? If this person is part of the Ministry of Education scholarship assistance program?
@deport dem:. Like you, I too graduated from MSU. You are INCORRECT to say that not being registered by January 18th means a violation of terms of student visa. In fact, there is an official enrollment date (I think the 12th day of class). While I will say that the tone of the student’s letter bordered on “a feeling of entitlement”, I hasten to add that the tone also suggested that the student may be frustrated and may be has no other source of assistance. Many of us react/over-react when we are faced with fear and uncertainty. Additionally, don’t you think that you are being extreme to suggest an immigration sweep? The folks in International Students Services are very efficient, so if/when the person who wrote the letter gets to the point of being out of status, I am sure ISS will take the necessary action. Weren’t you happy to graduate and get your degree? Why then do you wish for someone else to be deported? You must not wish bad for people.
I was a bright high school/DSC student and UWI did not accept me for their academic program because my grades were from Technical College. Thanks to MSU, I obtained both my Bachelors and Masters Degree. Though it is not perfect, the Caribbean Students Organization’s program is better organized than many that I have heard about, so I cannot sit idly by and listen to you bash them. Stop trying to discredit a program/university at which you stayed your full course and graduated from. If it were that bad, why didn’t you transfer schools? Instead you sit behind your computer spreading lies by saying, and I quote “the Caribbean Student Organization at MSU is misleading [&] they do not give you the true cost when you are applying for entry in to the programme and they give all these false promises of jobs on campus knowing full well that you seldom ever get jobs until maybe in your 3rd year in the cafeteria or as a Lab Assistant.” At no time did any of the university representatives mislead us about campus job opportunities and costing. During their recruitment meetings in Dominica and even at subsequent meetings after enrollment, they were pretty clear about what the program entails.
You ended your response by calling the writer “Ungrateful bastard” but to my mind you are WORSE THAN THE WRITER. Dit merci Bon Dieu pour MSU and don’t bite the hand that fed you, as my parents taught me!
I GUESS BRISBANE OPENED THE LETTERGATE ON DNO. SO RIGHT NOW THE LETTERS ARE POURING IN.
DON’T STOP NOW! JUST KEEP THEM COMING.
you ignorant
Hello wait nuh ! Is the Government of Dominica that sent you to study at MSU? Let me tell you something about this arrangement ok. It is a scholarship wavier that you are getting from MSU. How Do I know, I GRADUATED from there many years ago when thing were rough and set the way for people like you to make these statements. You know full well that you did not go to MSU on the governments account. It was your responsibility to secure financing BEFORE you went to MSU. Also the $95,000 Cap that the AID Bank offers does and will cover your school cost, how do I know because i took one and did not depend on the government. Further to that, the Caribbean Student Organization at MSU is mis leading. They do not give you the true cost when you are applying for entry in to the programme and they give all these false promises of jobs on campus knowing full well that you seldom ever get jobs until maybe in your 3rd year in the cafeteria or as a Lab Assistant. I am not speaking in defence of the government but I think that the people preparing the letters need to explain the process to students. If an assistance letter is given to you in September 2010 that means the monies are budgeted in 2010 but will be sent to the school in September 2011 after the governments’ obligations are met. You should have informed yourself of that process. So there is much blame to go around ok. To may those statements about being ashamed to be in Dominica is downright appalling. But you know what, the best joke is , if you do not register for school by January 18, 2011 it means that you have violated the terms of your student visa . It is a good idea that someone calls the US immigration on you so that they do a sweep at MSU. Then you would be deported to the country you are ashamed of being from. Ungrateful bastard.
Thank you sister, you and I both know how it is….they can fool SOME people SOMETIMES….!
Really….I was given a letter in 2009 its 2011 and they ain’t paid the school yet!!
When the UWP was in Government the Salaries of Civil Servants were always Late.
that’s not the topic here…. y’all too ignorant
Let us be real. All of us poor malaway parents want our children to go to college. We just cannot afford to send them. Then along come the politicians with their promises. Maybe we are foolish but we believe them and their promises to support our children and pay their way through college.
Is it fair then that they turn around and refuse to pay the tuition. If we could afford take a loan or come up with the money some other way, we would not wait on the government. Now our backs are placed against the wall. Do we take from the pitience that we have to feed our other children to help our one child who wishes to advance him/herself. Do you eever sit and think about the stress and worry that parent go through when the government does not meet it obligation?
If the government cannot afford they must stop granting scholarships. Try to settle with those who are already out then start again. stop playing politics with poor people children. It is just not fair. And I am not just talking about the Labour Party government. This has been going on for generations but it just seems to be worse now.
My humble advise to the government is to find a way to fulfill their promise to those who are already out. Re-evaluate their position re granting more scholarships and stop hanging our children out to dry. They work hard to maintain their images as outstanding students, they take jobs wherever they can to pay their rent and buy food, they do without much of the time. As a parent I am willing to do without myself to send pocket money and rent money. But as a poor hard working Dominican, I cannot afford to pay tuition, so plaease Mr Skerritt, look after my child and pay the tuition before they lose status and become illegal.
Thanks in advance because I do believe that you want the best for all the children of Dominica
Worried
If you were soo concerned you would have seek funding for them to go and study. If you are sooo concerned, buy a ticket for them to come back home until you can afford to send them to study. They did not have to go to the US. They went on their own accountnot the governmnet. There are many options for pooor people children, Cuba, China, Ven, all you too up ! All youpoor but all you want to go America. Stop using the govenment to migrate. thatis the only way some of all you would get to enter the US. Since they would have turned down the visa many times !
That is besides the point. Yes some people were given letters of scholarship by the government so they did not go to AID bank and not everyone have the collateral to get loans so if tthey knew they were not going to help them then they should not give letters. Not because u went to a school u know everything. This does not haPpen for. MSU alone but all over. They give letters to say they will pay , the school accepts it and its not forthcoming
Everything is so contradictory isn’t it.
One day, the gov’t is only giving handouts. The second day, the gov’t is not assisting and is wicked.
The same way people complain about handouts to sick people who go to Martinique and to people without homes so that they can put a roof above their heads, it’s the same way we should speak to our kids and explain to them that sometimes in life we can wait a bit longer before going to study, especially if as a parent you are completely unable to help the child.
Here it is that the turnover of high school teachers is so high because the college graduates go off to study in droves annually (in other work places as well), why don’t we tell some of them to continue to work for another year or two instead of running off with a promissory note from government?
We in Dominica too like to speak against things when it’s convenient for us, and instead of teaching many of these children who prematurely run off to the US to study about patience and how to fish, we sit and lambaste the country left, right and center.
It’s an unfortunate situation for the student writing the letter, but a lot of times this is the fault of the parents.
And you know what, these situations exist, by mammy, daddy, paweh and nennen all have tickets for the graduation two months later. weh, weh, weh, weh…
stupes!! disagree with you.
i wonder if u went to school
Immigration does not allow us to work off campus while in school. We can only work 20 per week on campus.Thats it. When one graduates thats when they can file for a permit to work. Its not that easy find a job not being a citizen/GC holder. The consequences of working off campus is bad when they catch u.
What can I say, I agree with the student 100% because I too have not one but two of these notes as of 2008 abd I am still waiting. It is such a shame. I actually gave up University so that I could survive. I do hope that the government will realise what they are doing and pay us what they promised.
De government need to stop hanging their hat where their hand cannot reach! Instead of sending “one student from every household”, they should try sending a smaller number of students that they can afford to comfortably support!
It is not right to send people children to a foreign country on a promise that you will meet a certain percentage of their cost, and leave them to “suck salt”!
It is true, they need to ensure they can pay before promising to do so. Them kids would have tried other avenues…..
Time to step Skerro and do right by them kids.
Government that send people children in foreign country huh? SMH
How dare you all sit here and blame the students who were put in this position? Are you saying that we should not trust our government? If the government makes a promise to someone, of course they expect them to keep it. If the students could afford to pay their own tuition, they would not go to the government for help. Some of the students did not even intend to go and study until the government made all their sweet comments about wanting one child from each family to get an education. The government took up this mission, it was not forced on them. If you can’t afford to pay for all these students to go to school, stop making promises. Stop sending more students oversees when you can’t afford to help those you sent already. You are sending these children to a foreign land and then leaving them to fend for themselves. It’s hard enough going to school full time and then some of you are suggesting that they work? Yes, that could be helpful but there is no way they can work enough hours to pay for their tuition, rent and bills and still be able to attend school full time. Then what would you say when they return home with mediocre grades? Oh they didn’t try hard enough? I hear a lot of ignorance coming from some of you guys. Seriously, I believe that most of you with the negative comments are jealous. Jealous that you are not able to leave Dominica, jealous that you didn’t get the opportunity to go to school or jealous because you have to pay your own tuition while the government is paying the tuition of others. Don’t be so stupid. You should be happy for your fellow brothers and sisters. Dominica looks like crap right now. There is nothing there. So why wouldn’t you want people to get educated so that they can start some businesses in the place and bring in revenue to the country. You all are sad. You want to keep others back because you are not able to accomplish your dreams. The government made promises that they are not keeping and that’s all that should be the issue here. The student did not write to find out your opinions on how they can support themselves. They just want the government to keep their word. I know many students in the same situation and it pisses me off. It’s stupid. I am glad Dominica is not paying for my education and I refuse to return to that retarded country. I will not waste my time and talent with a bunch of ignorant people that are not going anywhere. I won’t waste my brain in a country that doesn’t care about it’s people and won’t do anything to help you move forward. Dominica is not going to go anywhere. It’s going to remain dread because of the government and because of people like you. I’m glad people are speaking up about this because it’s a mess. The government should come better than that. SMH.
papa u give it to them harsh , !!! me myself pay 4,57 euros to go to university, it is a shame dat dca gnvt promises things dat they cannot keep!! wat a shame, wat can i say!! hold on
Right on!
I am not surprised. I thought Dominica wasn’t affected by the recession that almost everyone felt…. anyhow sorry to hear. Hope you’re not one of those people who come to study and end up having to miss meals, sleep in churches, even sleep with people for money…Hope yall take the education serious after that.
So all you mean to tell me all you so loyal to all you Dominican boyfriend and girlfriend that all you cannot check a sin with one of those American students that come out of rich family? Ratid.
I checking all you Dominicans still in all u shell man. Bro a J.A. student would ah never take that so. Dem man know how to hustle a sin and get on Dean List and have US Companies falling at their feet offering all kind of scholarship to dem students dere. You doh hearing man even getting funds to do PhD even if they never had plans initially to do Doctorate
I checking all that is entitlement mentality still and Government does always get d short end of d stick from students; dem man does never come back and contribute unless Government have a job for dem.
All u man on all u own dread and is time all u man start hustle rather than play heavy with all kind of goodtime photo on face book posting tons of pics of party and not attempting to make Deans List. Focus dread and strive for honor.
I notice none of all you doh crying that all you starving!!! So all you have money for food, drink, party, rent payments, buy old car, buy nice clothes, and bling up in d US culture and ting and even planning to pull up in d US for some time after study!!!
Is bes all you man eat Irish potatoes and Mac and cheese every day and save d little money all you does get from relatives to pay for all you tuition and when d gov’t check come negotiate with d school to let all you get refund. All universities doing that. Another ting dread , all US universities does always have free money from all kind of foundation that seeking tax break from Uncle Sam.
Trick is you join one of de many groups it have on Campus and if a group becomes too big you form ounou own group and d Dean dem ah give you ah money to further your campus activities. Lunch for your posse everyday dread! Is what you tink dem man charging so much for University?
IS to give it back for those who seek d funds dem!!!
If all what all you try and fail check dem man that run DAAS in USA like Shillingford, Christian , Thompson, Shirley, and all d rest of d 29 people that want to be in government. All you will be permanent secretaries for dem man when dey get in power.
Do what you have to do dread – get married, work in a club, wash plates, do work study
What you fell to realize is even though the American schools have all of the grants and “free money” foreign students are not entitled to any of it as they are not residents of the state or citizens of the country. American students have a hard time as it is getting that free money without any string being attached to it. Why would you think it would be any easier for someone who isnt to receive you so called “free money”. When you talk about forming clubs and such to get meals everyday from it, it is not that easy. You are held accountable for any and all money that is spent. The money must be used for the enrichment of students on campus. Also club size is a big determinant on the amount of funding you may receive.
Before you give advice like this please understand all the facts.
Oh get off it UNDERSTAND!!!
If you make the Dean’s list you get MONEY….I DID!!! Making the Dean’s List isn’t hard at all….one semester I received $2500 US because I was the top student in my department….so come again!
Well hoorah for you….why is it that all the people who have had experiences are giving such harsh advice. Dominicans are truly non-hospitable.
now THIS is what you call TOUGH LOVE! THE TRUTH!!!
Strupes…is all schools that does give you money for making the deans list? I’ve made the deans list every semester and all i got was a certificate and that was only once. so not all schools give rewards for making the deans list
I cannot defer to say that I will not give you 100% of my trust… i can give you some percentage as far as PAYMENTS made by the Government of Dominica. The Administration who handles these payments are within the Ministry of Education. I do want to put forward that you DO NOT NEED or HAVE to have a friend or relative working or know someone in the government to pull a string for you.
I have a “somebody” who works in the government, who in turn has a somebody attending “MSU.” I will say that I did confront the person like any other normal, education searching person in dominica would. Thus, in all my abundance, I did not obtain any assistance from such person. No one else. I did however make my steps and walked my path and made the stand to obtain the assistance which i so desired without the help or assistance of any other body but GOD’s GRACE and WILL.
I attended school here in the US as well and YES, there were times and semesters that the government took more time than required to pay the school that I attended. I did not attend MSU and so i hope that no one feels that i am absurd for not declaring where i attended. The government made me upset as well, BuT at the end of the day i decided that this is my Degree and regardless who i asked for help It is up to me to make a decision and win this and achieve my goal. Yes, i was waiting on the government, and yes they didn’t pay and i received letters from the school. but in time It comes down to who really wants this… ME? or the GOVT?.. .its stupid in terms of the government considering or promising to pay tuition and fees and makes late payments. They have other bills and its the same as we living in a household and cannot afford to pay our light bill or water bill and sometimes many months in one year paying late every month there is.
Please, we all can be considerate. When considering a motive and a path like Furthering one’s education, NEVER, NEVER rest on the shoulders of your government for financial assistance in full. Ensure that atleast you too can pay ATLEAST one semester. OR you just might suffer the consequences as you are currently doing. I do know of your situation hence, i have been through similar situation. However, we have to be considerate, knowing the financial situation on a global scale. We need to PLAN OUR WORK and WORK OUR PLAN! way before we bear the cross.
I successfully graduated out of my degree and rest assured one of my semesters was on my behalf. Thanks to family as well, cause i learned to save up for the rainy days, and still was able to study, attend school, work and have fun on the side. Many of us are unable or not that fortunate to work. Does not mean that we cannot still search for something and have FAITH.
I am displeased with your situation, don’t get me wrong but I am certain something will be done. And please Although Roosevelt Skerrit may be the Prime Minister, we tend to lay everything upon his shoulders when the wrong is done or when failure precedes the government. We need to look at those who also work BEHIND THE SCENES cause they too have a role and part to play when, we know that some of them sit behind their desks and look at you with crooked eyes when they know you’re at their office for educational financial assistance.
HAVE FAITH MY FELLOW MEN. WE SHALL SUCCEED!
I agree to an extent. The PM cannot do everything on his own. Not even the ministers can.This has been made into a bigger mess than it should be.
well the government shuld tell dem its a scholar goat ……
KUDOS to you… great advise!
While I sympathize with you Dear, I must say that non-payment of fees by the government is not a new thing at all. This has been happening decades now. My advice to people who intend on accepting a “promise” of a scholarship from government is to at least have some money of your own before leaving. Do not depend solely on the government!!!If need be take out a small loan, but at least have something you can fall back on…. HAVE A BACK UP PLAN. I for one I’m happy that I have never depended on any government to support my studies and today I can proudly hold up my degree!
Best of luck!!
Cause y’all don’t know how to hustle on the slide. Now granted many kids are foucesed there but Dominican kids I know there many of them like to get into social groups rather than money making groups. a.k.a employment
Now they can’t legally work because of their status but I assure you if they weren’t too busy socializing for halloween, homecoming etc etc they could put their heads to gether and make money on the slide. I hustled for years here legally off course but even the other way around ther’s money to be made. Example: Some study nursing at midwestern. Why don’t you go see if any old bat wants some cheap in home care service? You charge one of these old folks $300 a week. That is so cheap for them cause some pay $500 + for it. Research and Advertise on the craigslist etc. Doh put your eggs all in one basket. If they don’t pay it you not only lose your time, personal invest and transcripts which means no school will accept you without it in case of transfer and if you start somewhereelse all over again. Uncle Sam is a hustler and you got to be one to. He will understand!
P.s: why are ou guys worried about credit? Are you all planning on not returning to DA to do your due diligence? mmmmm?
Yup. While in the states, i offered help with math, accounting and spanish,,,all for a price. I had this one business woman pay me US$25 / hr for 6 hrs a week of spanish. Algebra, finance, english writing, statistics…anything i was good at i offered to TUTOR for a price. I searched out on campus jobs. I volunteered a whole semester before i got into the school learning resource center. You are allowed to work 20 hrs a week as a student. Use ur time wisely. Craigslist was my main advertising tool but i also used word of mouth in my classes.
Honestly I think its a case of Peter paying for Paul!! Do you have any idea of how many Dominicans living in the US, UK and Canada who were given govt scholarships and never looked back?? Some of them without even completing one year of studies.Some of you students who sit waiting for govt scholarships could stay in your jobs in Dominica and go to UWI open campus for 25-30 thousand EC dollars but just want to say you all are studying the States/England or Canada for 100 thousand dollars on tax payers money. Parents need to stop waiting on govt to mind their kids and take responsibility for them. I know what I’m saying because alot of those crying for govt monies are the ones with parents living bourgeous lives.My suggestion to you is come back home and go to UWI open campus where you can take advantage of the payment plans and get educated by one of the best in the world!!!
THIS IS THE BEST I’VE READ SO FAR. YOU ARE SO RIGHT.
Sad. Guess the Government is trying to fullfill its promise of a college graduate in every house. To do that, they make promise that they cannot keep. when you get there is fend for yourself. How sad
I feel your pain. Been there and i can tell you it is not the best situation to be in, especially when you miles away from home with no support. Desperate times call for desperate measures. So imagine the desperate things that some people are forced to do.
all i will say.
The Goverment of Dominica are spoiling the kids with there big dream to go America what about tthe university of the Westindies where it is much cheaper ,And the kids are going to the most expensive unniversities and all not most of them getting married they are not comeing back to Dominica they are living all that money spent on them and do not even care they are digging out on there parent how many Dominican parent lost there business because of those ungrate full Dominica kids. America do not even pat for university for there kids they all have to take student loan is money Dominica have so. We Dominican like to much freeness let tem take student loan or go to the countries that giving the scholar ship fracar.
I’m a student at MSU and I can say with 100% certainty that this student is telling the truth.
Not being able to register or view your transcript is just 2 problems caused by having a balance. It gets worse, another problem is this creating bad credit for you, because the school will report non-payments to a credit bureau, if you don’t pay after a certain number of warnings. Now this poses a problem if the student wants to stay in the U.S for a while and gain some work experience.
I went to study with financial help from my family and up till now is receiving help from my family for tuition payment. Unfortanately (or rather fortunately) for me I am not one of those who had a friend or relative close enough to a minister or parl rep to source gov’t funds for me, so that’s why I’m not faced with the same dilemma. Yes, I said it, the only way you can get help from the gov’t is if you have a friend or relative to pull a string for you. Well I know of students who are relatives of a minister, I wonder if they getting help…hmmmmmm.
I hope the student can find some way to pay the outstanding amt. Good luck to u.
I believe that this Student is telling the truth I was promised tuition assistance and never received a black cent from the Govt. Thank God for my family and close friend I was able to complete my studies.
As for Ministers relatives @ MSU… hmmmm I hear they dont have any issues with paying their tuition; they are so update everything is fully covered.
Charity begins at home yes, but if minister call in mac in tyre, is really ensuring that his relatives get assistance then other people children should get help too…well as usual, is one set to prosper and one set to suffer, is so the country be
Before you all talk, get the facts. The Macs at MSU are experiencing the same exact problems ok. It is not unique to you only. Fortunately, some persons are able to take loans etc. Do not make these statements because you have no idea what so ever my dear.
It is rather unfortunate that an MSU Student and D/can Patriot would make such comments. The MACS at MSU are waiting for the Gov’t hand outs unlike some of you. In fact, although 2 were promised government assistance, they did not wait for it. They experienced the same issues but the parents took the step and either paid it from personal funds or bank loans. I know, I can tell you. Do not make these accussations here, just for political reasons people. The family believes in education as you know and the parents in order to push their children made the sacrifices. If you are serious about your education maybe you should go the extra mile like these persons did.
It is rather unfortunate that an MSU Student and D/can Patriot would make such comments. The MACS at MSU are NOT waiting for the Gov’t hand outs unlike some of you. In fact, although 2 were promised government assistance, they did not wait for it. They experienced the same issues but the parents took the step and either paid it from personal funds or bank loans. I know, I can tell you. Do not make these accussations here, just for political reasons people. The family believes in education as you know and the parents in order to push their children made the sacrifices. If you are serious about your education maybe you should go the extra mile like these persons did.
Them children at MSU suffering the same problems. If you were looking closely you would have known that one almost could not sit her exams as a result of non payment. Allu like to talk too much without the facts.
Oh brother….ask the MACS where the monies came from – Dollars were flying during the last quarter of 2009. Some of them don’t have to worry ablot school fees they are all set. Ah force all u think ppl dotish
Remember Freddoes had sing is pull string for pull string. So do the maths.. or is it barter?
Hello,
You may be an MSU student but I am an MSU graduate and I DID Not go to MSU and depend on the government. If you did not make arrangements before you go to MSU stay at your home until you can. The assistance letter is made with budgeted allocations but will not be paid until the following year. Students should inform themselves that payments are made after the governments’ local obligations are met. And guess what I got one of those letters during the UWP administration and it was the same process. Note, I never got the money. So do not leave Dominica and go seat down in MSU waiting on Government, no matter who the government of the day is. Also, all dog and cat going to government for assistance, even people who are in Dominica doing stupid Leicester programmes. That is wrong for them to give these people assistance and they are working even in banks. Besides, if you were interested in Dominica you would not worry about credit in the US since it is something you need to live and stay in the US. If you were truly about Dominica your thoughts would be to come back to Dominica to help build it so they can send money to the next batch of students and not credit affected. Further, student loan debt does not discount your credit ask anyone who knows about the US credit system. The long and short of it secure your funding and go and study on your own accord. Stop depending on the government to give all you a ticket to migrate from Dominica.
First of what are your grades like did you do well enough to keep your scholarship
Good question my girl, she is only giving ONE SIDE OF THE STORY!! TO maintain your scholarship you have to MAINTAIN a certain GPA!!!
It seems like this is her first semester though!
Why is the messenger being scrutinised? That’s far from the issue. Man you people give some funny advice.
I do believe that if the government promises to cover a portion of students’ tuition they should be held accountable for it. However if they are extending promises that they can’t keep based on forcasting and budget they need to re-evaluate the funds they are able to contribute or the number of students they are able to assist.
I however condem the student’s claim about terrorism because you come across as ignorant for a student who is about to graduate. It is so true that common sense beats all education.
In addition, even if the government is responsible for one’s tuition parents and family members, even students themselves must do their homework. Reach out to other students or alumni who has attended the school to learn about living situations, potential expenses, employment options on campus(one does not need a working visa to work on campus), etc. I know some parents really cannot afford to pay a penny of their children education but what about holding off on the ticket to visit home, the cost of a ticket for each year of study can go towards one’s education. I know it is important to be home with family especially during the holidays but that is a TEMPORARY sacrifice we may have to make to make ends meet. Also, they need to have at least a year of their own funds in reserve in the event that they get into a situation like this. The government can even make this as part of the agreement for securing a scholarship.
All in all, if your education is important try to make the effort to explore alernate methods and the government need to hold up to the end of their bargain as well. We are the ones responsible for our career no one else, as such we need to make an effort on our part to facilitate the process and not be totally dependent on the government or others.
Well is some students that getting their tuition paid on time. I am a student too and they have bull s… me numerous times….When i am stepping out of the business office after trying to work out my situation, am seeing some Dominica student with their big checks from the Govt of Dominica. They have their ppl . Some student get checks 4 time already and i am yet to get one. I have evidence to back up my words.
Truer words have never been spoken
Please send Peter Pepper with a briefcase of counterfeit money the same way they had done when with Cuban students Ambrose George was Minister of Education. They make people children go to jail in Cuba. These rouges there! I tell you I would enjoy seeng Peter Pepper being hauled to jail in America! That would make my day!
u are really sick!!!! u cant be atrue ominican .becareful what u wish for others.
Yeah I know the only true Dominican are those who support the rouge behaviors!! Please go read this http://www.ethiopianreview.com/content/3344 and see what you can make out of it!
two things you may never see, that and ……..
Governments are always late to make payments to students(nothing new)but the money always get paid finally.
so its ok for the students to go through the embarrassment? what bull.
bull ……apparently u have never been a student waiting on government funds…. i was promised assistance with tuition fees,given letter and all..by the grace of god i was able to graduate…to this day i have not seen the money. Oh i feel for these students, i really do.
@ Stupes…………i was only implying that it is bull …..or wrong on the government’s part to have our students facing such embarassing situations…………..thats why i chose to do my studies online, you get the same degree at the end of it all………….so for upcoming students……..please take note………..don;t go readily accepting promissory notes/words from these selfish ministers.
wow dominca has really fallen. This is the level that we are today. I respect everyone’s opinion here but some of you need to be considerate to other people’s situation. To the negatives: have u all ever wondered what if u were in this person’s situation? it is not a matter of they need to do their own thing. I must say If ms Eugenia was here today honey u won’t suffer. May the good lord bless her soul for all the financial support that she gave to students. When u all realize that nothing done in this country is for the country, then u all will start speaking sensible stuff. In addition, mayb if some people in the gov’t was not taking money and support their promiscuous behaviou,sr then there would be funding for education. my statement is based on facts, not friction cause it came from the horses mouth. Today is not carnival i am not calling names. This is just disgusting…….
Many of the responses have been from people who studied overseas. And yes, while it is extremely difficult and experiences differ, it is doable. You can work on campus, get side jobs, exploit a skill you have, etc.
Also, the point made about having at least one or two semesters worth of tuition is very important. Caribbean governments are notoriously bad debtors; they don’t pay well. We all know the economic situation in Dominica and the relationships with foreign schools over the years. One should never depend solely on a grant or promise from the government to pay something such as tuition.
thanks my dear,my daughter is over there studyin and she does all little jobs she can to help out because she knows she is not the only one government has to assist .
Whoever it is I feel sorry. The situation is not getting any better. My cousn is studying in Jamaica, has a full time scholarship with the Government of Dominica, and he is experiencing the same bull s…. Praise God for his family who is giving a helpiing hand. Lord promises, promises, promises. What is the Ministry of Education doing about these embarrasments to our Dominican students?
Hmmm….This is not new nor shocking! The government hardly settle their bills on time or in a timely manner! There is a similar situations with the schools in CUBA, Venuezula and even right here with out DSC Its true that they mean well but these institutions has bills and has to operate. The school can only take so much!
I wish that upon reading this article that they act promptly and respond in reasonable time so these students can complete
before u all had to scrunt on all u own to go to college .all u too like freeness.GOD!!!
First of all contrary to what the student wrote, a promise of financial assistance is NOT a scholarship. Secondly, even persons with so called full scholarships, need additional funds. Why would you go to the USA or anywhere else to study and be totally dependent on the Gov’t or anybody else? What if the Gov’t collapses or changes, then what happens to you? If you cannot afford a loan for at least your tuition costs, then study on line.
We need to stop depending on the Gov’t and others for everything.The AID Bank is ever willing to give student loans; do like me and take a loan. I did at age 25 and I am almost done repaying it, while working in DOMINICA. I never had to worry about how I was getting my tuition paid because all I needed was to certify that I was enrolled in school (transcript) and AID Bank would prepare my payment.
Secondly, the writer spoke about terrorism in Dominica. If that is the case and you are so opposed to it, why would you want the terrorists to support your financially? Isn’t that being hypocritical? Further, what happens when you finish your studies? WIll the terrorism be over at this time? Will you be returning to your homeland to give service? I sincerely doubt it.
So many of us have gotten financial assistance from Gov’t (whichever one is in power at the time), and have declared that we are never returning to Dominica.
My dear if you cannot afford to pay a semester on your own, get a job. While at college in the US, I worked as a Tutor (at school) for $11.50 an hour, and also tutored privately for $25.00….which was used to pay my rent, buy food etc.
Like Really stupes??? The maximum amount that AID bank gives is not even enough to pay tuition at the cheapest school in the US. Lucky you that you were able to work while going school not everyone gets that opportunity. STOP condoning the nonsense that the government is doing. The principle is that they promised to do it so they should do it. I know of many students in that same situation. It is plain and simple, if the government cannot afford, they should commit but i guess Skerro wants to keep to his word ‘that every household in Dominica should have at least 1 college graduate.
Nonsense you talking about AID Bank’s maximum amount. Wheel and come again please.
first of all how do you know what have already been paid by the students……….
and too add what is the full tuition, i doubt it’s 3 gran so this just proves that some have been paid
Tuition is about that price at MSU for 15 credits
Good Point but there are other factors that you have to take into consideration!….
WHILE I FEEL SORRY FOR THIS STUDENT AND ALL THE OTHERS, I MUST SAY THAT TOO MANY OF US DEPEND OF THE GOVT. FR EVERYTING. SO MANY D/CANS HAVE GONE TO STUDY ON GOVERNEMENT MONEY IN THE PASS AND NEVER EVER RETURNED TO D/CAN TO GIVE A ONE CENT BACK ( SO THAT THEIR TAXES CUD HELP ANOTHER PERSON) ITS RIDICULOUS . IM NOT TELLIN PPL NOT TO GO AND STUDY OVERSEAS, I DID, BUT I WORKED FOR YRS TO SAVE MONEY, THEN TOOK A LOAN , THEN WENT; AND EVEN WHILE I STUDIED I WORKED ON CAMPUS AND THERE WERE TIMES MY FAMILY HAD TO HELP PAY FOR A SEMESTER WEN TUITION WENT UP. AND EVEN AFTER I PAID MY WY THROUGH, I CAME BACK TO GIVE MY LIL ONE CENT TO MY COUNTRY OF BIRTH. IM NOT CONDONING ANY GVT. NOT KEEPIN ITS PROMISE- ITS STRESSFUL WEN U CANNOT PAY TUITION- I HAVE HAD FRIENDS WHO STRUGGLED EACH SEMEMSTER TOO – AND THEY HAD ABSOLUTELY NO MONEY AT ALL, THEY WERE TOTALLY DEPENDING ON THE GOVERNMENT AND GOD'[S GRACE. WHILE THIS IS GOOD, I TINK U HAVE TO GO AND STUDY WITH SOMETING TO PUT DOWN WEN THEGOVT DOESNOT COME THROUGH. HOPE EVERYTING WORKS OUT FOR THIS STUDENT AND THE MANY OTHERS IN THE SAME SITUATION
well it is really sad to be in such position! In french country we dont have those headache i only pay unviversity 4,57 euros cts, plus everymonth scoolarship, & the gvnt pays half of the rent!! free social security with that… I can feel allu pain & suffer, hold on!
i went to a french university also. School fees were cheap i had a scholarship and they would pay some of my went. but guess what i still had a job on the side to get a lil extra money for food and transportation so please they can try to help their self. Don’t always depend on others to help u.
skerrit too busy to check allu students in the US. check allu own scene PAY ALLU OWN TUITION. LABOUR POWER!!!!!!!
The govt is at fault here! If they were unable to fulfil their commitment, they at least owed an explanation to the students, and notification within a reasonable time, that they were unable to meet the commitment!
Having said this, if this has been happening for a while, it’s the students due diligence to help themselves. They should at least try their best to find jobs to help contribute a lil more to the tuition. There is a payment plan in this case… tallk to your financiaal aid and see whetehr you can work out a deal.
He/she must have known that the payments were not coming or were delayed, so he/she owed it to him/herself to try to assist him/herself!
We must remember that YES, the government is trying to help individuals obtain great educations, but ti’s also the individual who manages gis/her future
One needs to help oneself and not always depend on the kindness of others!
You have the opportunity to get an eductaion – take it and run, yes the government is WRONG, but you need to be inventive, think outside the box and help yourself.
I worked – 40 hrs a week at nights, and went to school fulltime during the day – i had rent to pay and other bills. Guess what – i struggled, but i did it myself and i made it happen. I sacrificed my wants for my needs, and now i have a legal degree for all that hard work!
I can sit and stare outside my office and say thank God i did not depend on the kindness of anyone, but i depended on myself and accepted the kindness of others!
Good luck with your education ……..
If the government can leave their citizens in such a position in a foreign land, why should they come home to be unemployed or make less that they can else where. This type of handling does not only affect the students but creates a very poor image for the country as a whole.
I am a past student of a foreign university with a scholarship offered through the Government of Dominica. I understand wht these students are going through since in our time, we wrote to the DLP Government many a time to ask for assistance with school fees and our situation. All other countries in the Caribbean, who like Dominica had financial woes were sending their students a yealy stipend. To my recollection, the responses read “Dear students, your letter for assistance has been pout on file”. We went to that particualr country (Mexico) with promises of support, promises that they already had assigned us universities. When you get to these places, you discover the truth. Our Govenrment needs to stop making promises that it cannot keep and when u do make them do not treat us the scholarship recipeints like we are pests who constantly bug u. Had u been fulfilling your promise, these complaints would never have been coming your way.
Now the situation at MSU is very unfortunate and many comments and opinions have been shared. Those at MSU and those who have had various experiences are entitled to express the precise situation they went through.
I respond to you simply to make a brief correction as there are many persons reading this comments. Yes, you are correct in having said that we never anticipated having to search and enroll in Mexican universities through our own efforts. Given, there were many other difficulties that we faced and with very little help and so on. sticking to the money issue, please please a monthly stipend and a real sufficient stipend was provided in Mexico through the Mexican government on a monthly basis to every student who maintained the given average. Also, persons were advised against attending private schools due to the fact that they would be paying the tuition from their stipends. Therefore, money was not an issue in mexico and ones decision would have placed constraints on his finances. The Dominican government did assist with a bi-annual stipend, which was a kind gesture given it statred after 2 years in Mexico.
after two years right? tell me how much help after two years? you call that kind? every other country looked out for its students from the same year. I will remind you of wht the real negotiation here was. And you damn well knw! Scholarships to Dominican students were sold in exchange for voting for Mexico concerning…! We the students sucked salt before our Government paid any real attention to us. I remember Vince came to Mexico on 2 occasions and went home and nothing came out of it only after 2 yrs. I did wht I had to; worked illegally, my family helped, but thk God I graduated with my degree. I am not saying tht I am not grateful for having been given the opportunity to study. Let me reiterate my focal point! Our Governement like everyother needs to live up to its promises. If we cannot help our students in a foreign land, its better to offer them scholarships closer to home (UWI, U Tech Jamaica etc, Monroe St. Lucia), where they have closer connect with family and friends and support can be easily maintained bcuz of minimal currency conversions or none at all. I am sure your family had to mortgage its land in teh country to secure a student loan for u.
It’s not that the gov’t can’t keep those promises… it’s more like they dont want to keep it. Why is it that there are folks who NEVER encounter such difficulties? It is because they matter and we dont. Pure and simple. It is only a certain set who encounter such difficulties, while some of us bawling, some people receiving 10,000 US extra from the Bursar’s office because of overpayment by the gov’t.
Thats a damn lie gurl…$10,000 US EXTRA???
“yes I”
Real shame that the Government would offer a schlorship to a student and not pay up. This has been the case for over 5 years now. Students are forced to drop off. Some are in situations where they can take up the cost themselves but some are not.
I agree that the gov’t need to stick to its promises and commitments.
While I do empathize with the students, I have to admit that they are partly to be blamed especially since we keep hearing these stories over and over again. I know how difficult it is to attend college especially when you do not have the financial support, however if your education is so important to you (as I assume it is), then one should at least try to ensure that they have 1 or 2 semesters worth of tuition set aside. We never know what will happen and when it will happen but having a lil cushion will help us better absorb the impact of what ever happens. Case in point… that student and students like him/her would have been better of if they were always 1 or 2 semesters ahead of the gov’t check. If your tuition is due and you have not received it from the gov as yet… then you dip into your money set aside for times like this and you pay it.
I know it may be too late to consider this lil advice but I’m hoping that other persons may take heed to avoid a situation like yours.
Remember …It’s YOUR life, YOUR education, YOUR future… DON’T allow anyone to determine it’s course for you… especially NOT the government.
$3685.42, and you are in the last year? It’s not a shame on the government, but your parents.
The government AS WELL AS the students are a nuisance because it shows that you all are heading up to the US of A totally unprepared financially, dependent on the government. It’s good to fight for your dreams, but at times, it;s either you can or cannot, and going to a university, unable to meet at least USD3, 684.42 raises lots of other questions.
Anyhow.. continue to fight and hope you graduate. But it’s not like you are going to return anyhow. Ask the US gov’t to assist because you intend to stay in the US right?
Sad situation for real.
well it’s obvious their parents can’t afford to pay. but that cycle looks like it’s goingto be broken if a proper education is completed by those individuals. they will be able to pay for their kids education.
Bear in mind that the economy of Dominica has grown by less than one percent under this labour government.
When will Dominicans stop wearing their ignorance as a badge of Honor. The credibility of the Government is at stake, the policies of the Government is Ad hoc, and lack substance. The supporters of the Dominica Labour Party have degenerated Democracy to Mob Rule, and now feel justified to attack the next generation of acadamia for the lack of integrety of the Labour Party.
I live in the Commonwaelth of Dominica and i too feel ashamed to be Dominican. This country is EVIL when supporters of the government no longer see reason but are prepared to attack for crumbs.
rEMEMBER THE POLICY OF THE Government re Education (A university graduant in every household). Bare talk for talking sake, if not the students out in the world of acadamia woud be respected as ambassadors for the country. Dominica seem to have lost all capacity for indiginous deveopment since the new generation labour, ther seem to be total dependent of the caucasions (IMF and CARTAC).
According to the Bible one day to the lord is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day. This implies that last night (Figuratively speaking, 500 years ago) the people who Dominica is dependent on for economic direction, thought thatt the earth was flat. For the last five years with the assiateance of the imf Dominica’s economy seem to be constantly declining, non the less the policy makers insist of having these defficient beings give direction to our policy makers. It is obvious that the capacity was in Dominica from 1995 to 2000. WHERE HAS THE DEVELOPMENTAL CAPACITY OF DOMINICA GONE TO.
I pray that the students who are studying not loose faith for they are the capacity being built for the 2012 cycle.
Keep the faith my children you shall attain success.
thats the thing, they dont come back to Dominica after they finish studying, but everything is the Govt. After they gave her the help she wanted now they lasping she bashing them…I hope the others learn.
bull …apparently u have never been a student waiting on government funds…. i was promised assistance with tuition fees,given letter and all..by the grace of god i was able to graduate…to this day i have not seen the money. Oh i feel for these students, i really do.
I am really sorry about your situation and I really hope that things work out for you and your fellow Dominican students who are in the same situation. The reality of the situation is that the country is broke and our government have been creating the impression that that country is doing well. Hand me down money from Chavez and the Chinese is not sustainable revenue. To all the gullible Dominicans it is time to think seriously and disperse the DLP administration smoke screens. Our only source of revenue is the VAT and we are just barely getting by. If someone can prove me wrong I willing to listen and to be objective. In addition I yearn for a bit of optimism.
I do understand your situation and can only offer you advice. I am sure you’ve explored on campus jobs. There are also off campus jobs that you maybe able to do. Just keep on keeping on and don’t be discouraged when one door is closed. Sometimes it just the lock that is bad.
If that, is the case then i feel for you. You produced all documents, but the most important one from the government; the promissory note. You should have posted it on there. You could have scanned the hard Copy and attached it with this letter to DNO, so we the public could read everything concerning your case. If it was faxed to DNO, then DNO should have posted it on there along with this article.
Another thing, you should have stayed away from politics in your letter,. It seemed that you are doing this because you are anti-government from your last paragraph. Another question, why would others not speak up, if they wanted the government to pay up their debts?
Yes, Mahaut, you haved stated some good points. There is always a motivator behind the action. The question remains: What is the purpose of that motivator?
i don’t think the person needs a motivator,,,,n even if the person is motivated then they are motivated for a good cause,,,,sometimes we blindly let our brothers n sisters fall by the wayside bcuz of our political affiliation,,,, since u know the bible so much,,,would jesus christ allow the gov’t to leave these students stranded,,,,in fact he warned against such institutions,,,, the person showed proof of letter from the school,,,,so we can’t deny what they are saying,,,,so don’t be blind n question who’s the motivator,,,,we should all question WHY????? the gov’t haven’t sent the necessary funds n hold those accountable to do the required job liz……….
TYPO,
* Are you sure
I know it can be an embarassing situation and I understand your frustration but first lets say thanks to the Gov’t for the students they have helped. Sometimes I think the govt has bitten more than they can chew just to try to please everyone. Maybe they should cut down on the amount they help, lets be fair they cant help everyone, so help those who are really in need.
That’s why government has initiated a no-security, low interest rate loan facility at the AIDBank for students whose parents can’t afford. Government has indeed re-assessed it’s position.
I studied in London and paid my way through working nights. Some Dominican students have left behind the ‘work for what you want’ and become dependent government sources. Based on the economic situation government ability to meet committments can change. Even students can learn to guird their loins and roll up their sleeves and do what has to be done. It’s a pity though, given the American economic situation, work maybe hard to come by.
Having a mindset to succeed will drive any student, wether hunger, cold weather or anything that seem impossible!
HMM!! so sad
I understand this individuals situation.
I was recently in a position like this and can you imagine that efforts are still not being made to make the tuition payments
It is fortunate that some of us have understanding deans and bursars so terrible actions are not taken against us.
All i can say is that you should be strong and if you can make your own payments, go ahead and do that. Don’t get kicked out of school on the basis that Government will or wont pay.
I don’t see why the government giving you all anything in the first place. How many of you coming back? To me that is just wasting money
I agree with you…
me too.some of them u study as a means to go and live in the state and is we the hard working tax payers that paying for it .what a disgrace.
And come back to what? So many people return after spending how much money and cannot get a job to pay back the same loan they take to be free of gov’t support. If they do get a job they cannot even be paid enough to pay back that loan and live. I agree if they don’t return. DO what’s best to make urself and your family’s life better cause the gov’t sure doing that for themselves and their family. It’s a selfish world. I just live in it!
I wouldn’t call it a waste of money because with education comes more opportunities for individuals regardless if they return home or not.
Thinking of my country not these students that go and study. And you do make a good point it isn’t wasting money for them so go head and pay ur own way.
Weren’t you on the chartered flight? You should have asked the government to pay your tuition instead of giving you a free trip to Dominica!
Are you ever going to grow up Trevor?
The student is drawing attention to his/her plight and dire situation – yet you try to write some rubbish.
At some point, you have to start being a little more responsible man, really!
Oh put a sock in it Trevor…..! Of course you would know who came down and on what they came down to vote.
thats uncalled for trevor. u sound like a baby with a wet diaper the pm forgot to change wennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
That is utter embarrassment.can’t believe the government. Well let me stay my skin here before any embarrassment
well stay there because is on Govt account you must go and study.
Don’t be a fool. I’m studying and i;m here and not on govt pockets
‘I would like to remain anonymous because of the high level of terrorism going on in Dominica’
‘At this point I am ashamed to call myself a Dominican’
‘I trust that you will report this matter and not sweep it under the rug like those pro-Skerrit journalists’
That really sound like a ‘desperate’ student! What a positive mindset to have in a tough situation.
Have you contacted the AIDBank, with its no-security, 5 % interest loan, for students just like yourself? You seem well on your way. The number is 1 767 448 2853.
This facility was initiated with funds from Government! Advise your fellow students appropriately.
Thanks
My sentiments exactly…
Sweetheart, you ever hear the saying ‘freeness brings worryness?’ I had to endure the same thing…the money will come late but u will be able to register and get into your classes. The university will send you emails to notify you that your account is overdue. They will inform you that you will not be able to register. By the way have you contacted the Ministry of Education or minister? It seems that hte ministry would be better able to assist you than putting them on blast on DNO. Remember, in everything we have to give thanks and not be like the 10 lepers.
I do understand your predicament though because I had similar experiences. But with great gain comes GREAT SACRIFICE. We were not allowed to go to the cafeteria to eat so cannot register is nothing my dear. YET i graduated with HONORS and I am back home 3 years now….it will not last forever my dear. Everything in life is a sacrifice….just be strong and continue excelling in your work.
wow hhhmmmmm well what can i say about that,,,,’it’s a shame and shocking’
This is also happening to students in the UK. A promise of ”one university graduate in every household”. Talk is cheap. Please put words into action and pay up the students tuition.