Saint Jean promises assistance for needy DSC students

 Saint Jean said gov't will assist needy students
Saint Jean said gov’t will assist needy students

Education Minister, Peter Saint Jean, has told new students of the Dominica State College (DSC) that in the new academic year they will not be denied entry to the institution due to the lack of school fees.

The minister made that declaration during the school’s orientation ceremony held at the Stockfarm campus on Monday.

Close to 700 students will be enrolled in the institution during the new academic year.

According to Saint Jean, the government will assist parents who are incapable of paying school fees.

“The government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, has ensured that every young person or the families who experiences financial difficulties in providing for the requisite fees that are charged at the state college that the government moves in to assist,” he stated.

In fact, Saint Jean said, the record shows that just about 92 percent of students registered at the DSC are assisted in one way or the other, financially, by the government.

“So for those of you entering, let me say to you that the government of Dominica will not allow any young person to drop out from DSC because your family cannot afford,” he stated.

He mentioned also that education is a right and so the government will do everything possible to assist young Dominicans, “not just to enter, but to achieve success throughout the two or three years that you are at DSC.”

The orientation ceremony will continue throughout the week.

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47 Comments

  1. August 28, 2015

    Cyrique whoever you do you live in Dominica

  2. south East Dominica
    August 27, 2015

    Dominica need real honest state men like honourable and respectable men like Ron Green to brings us back to civility

  3. August 26, 2015

    Oh i almost forgot.The real facts you blowing hot and cold at the same time. Do you have an agenda,if so what is it?

  4. August 26, 2015

    the real facts, Mr st jean will never agree with you on that. what you are suggesting is the way to teach the yutes to be responsible from early on. Although they know that they won’t implement it as it’s against there agenda which is vote catching. Any blind or dumb person can see that

    • Me
      August 26, 2015

      “youths” Charles, “youths”.

    • The Real Facts
      August 26, 2015

      Those who are blind cannot see. Those who are dumb cannot comprehend and are beyond comprehending.
      It is not a matter of hot or cold. It is a matter of stating the truth at all times without compromising it, teaching it and expecting it.
      My nurturing was one of discipline and it has not hindered nor harmed me in anyway. It has been an asset to me.
      Some of us see one set of things and others see it another way. The manner in which we see it, it should be for the betterment of everyone and the country.
      I do believe in, honesty is always the best policy. I stand firm in that. Those who do not practice honesty, in time, they will fall by the wayside. Life has a way of paying back exactly what we put it into it and twofold.
      Therefore, those who do not recognize what should be done for the good of the students, the economy and Dominica on the whole, it is not being judgmental to feel sorry for them and what they are not able to foresee in the future.

    • The Real Facts
      August 26, 2015

      Teach the children discipline and appreciation. Today, there are not enough of them who appreciate any gift that is given to them. It is the Me era of “I want” and “Take” This is as far as it goes.
      Ask yourself. If they lack these virtues, what types of adults will they become? Just as charity begins at home, so do discipline, appreciation and gratitude. Those who lack them will one day live to regret it.
      Therefore, when adults complain about the children of today, some of them are the primary contributing factors to their indifferent attitude.
      I do not endorse giving free college/university education. Primary and secondary education, yes.
      These children are well on their way to adulthood. They must be taught to bear some of the cost when they have obtained employment. This is the reason why they attend college/university in the first place. They should repay a portion of this assistance. This should teach them some degree of responsibility/appreciation.

  5. Jack
    August 25, 2015

    Tell the college students stop stealing toilet paper , and dont block the toilets with stones. Sooner or later when they distroy the college you will blame Skerritt. They are stealing toilet paper all over.

  6. Jack
    August 25, 2015

    Question for all the brilliant people out there? In any country with a free people with brains in a democracy ? Who should create the jobs? Government or private enterprise . ? What is our tax base , do we collect enough taxes to have a 100 percent welfare state. When are we going to create the jobs our selves. We have the caribean and the Atlantic ocean with a lot of fish ? Why dont we learn to catch tones of it and sell it to Caricom.0365-rivers flowing into the sea ? Why can’t we put it in a bottle and sell it to Caricom. We have fruits falling all over the place why can’t wr can it. We are all proffesional beggers who refused to think and do for self, when are we going to stop waiting on Government to save us . Resources are limited because people are to lazy to create the jobs for them selves.

  7. Yanis Varoufakis
    August 25, 2015

    Tell skerrit i want to know where he going i paying taxes, time u fellas start earning your de money we paying all u

  8. ATKINSON
    August 25, 2015

    So after 15 years of this socialist government st jean is saying that 92 percent of the college student’s needs money. That shows and tell how bad of a “job” this government is doing, when 92 percent of the students or parents cannot pay their school fees, And suppose 92 percent of the student graduate where are getting a job in dominca. Are they paying back the money? Hey in keeping up with the DLP_socialist ideas, why not give 92 percent of student the degree, and then place then in the wonderful NEP jobs program. Then the employment rate will be 8 percent, win win win :mrgreen: and we will not have a billion dollar debt.

  9. Business Minded
    August 25, 2015

    I was just wondering whether the Honorable Minister would ‘please’ give the same guarantee to the students studying at UWI…

  10. uk Dominican
    August 25, 2015

    the expression…… read between the line, is right in our face, we are being told that majority of Dominica parents poor.
    and that is how Saint Jean and the Labour party want it. depend on us to give you your every thing. and labour will remain in power what a shame

  11. Sylvester Cadette
    August 25, 2015

    Statistics are like a bikini. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.
    :!:

  12. Jayson
    August 25, 2015

    92% require financial assistance???! And this joker is waving around this figure like as if it’s a great accomplishment??!! My God! What has the leadership of this country come to!

  13. grell
    August 25, 2015

    Saint Jean you make me sick to my stomach everytime i see you on dno,stop the bull,but dominicans deservr all waht they are gettting from this corrupt government.

  14. Views Expressed
    August 25, 2015

    St. Jean, what about the tablets…the promises. Also, have you consulted with the Governing Advisory Board of the DSC before you make open statements. Is this constitution operational after illegally booted out and college functioning on a one man show.
    This is sad under your watch. Put democracy in action please and with the cry all over of the increase of sexual abuse on our young girls and students we have to keep a watch of all our educational institutions in particular the State College….

  15. Tout Twele
    August 25, 2015

    Is Dr. Peters out of State? I wonder what his response would be to that statement!!!!

  16. Looking in
    August 25, 2015

    Why don’t these guys shut the hell up??!!

  17. Cyrique
    August 25, 2015

    “No student will drop out from DSC because their family can’t afford it” This is what Minister Saint Jean said. Say what you all want but this is a man of his word!! We should be pleased that such an emphasis is being placed on ensuring that the needy are not denied an education because of lack of funds!! Please look at the bigger picture! allyuh just criticise for the sake of it. This won’t stop the Minister from helping our needy students. Well done Minister St Jean. God bless you!!!

  18. laylay
    August 24, 2015

    some of those parents can afford self.their creole festival ticket on stream.those big woman have man giving dem money to buy nice clothes why dey cannot pay their school? government cannot pay their workers but they can pay for all dose big people there and plenty times no school and dey dressing up and hop bus go town to meet their man and say is school dey going? poor out tax money.vote skerrit want?one of dose days dere dey say dey not accepting dose children in college because government not paying.how many tongs peter st jean have?

  19. The Real Facts
    August 24, 2015

    I am wondering, would a loan and a grant be better rather than full funding with no conditions of repayment attached?
    There should be conditions for obtaining government student assistance. They should repay some of this funding.
    The government could probably consider, after graduation, when employed, within a certain period, they should be expected to repay at least a portion of this funding, as a student loan. In this case, the government will be able to assist future students.
    Teach them responsibility and appreciation for this funding. It is not wise to fully fund education if they are not island scholarships or granted a scholarship.
    What do you think Minister Saint Jean?

  20. lok
    August 24, 2015

    More talk as usual from a big mouther who is yet to complete the Laplaine playing field after almost five years.

    • mabouya
      August 24, 2015

      laplaine playin field 5 years….garcon dats notten………grand fond playing field goin on 25…..evry inauguration they getting hundreds of thousands of cardboard chechcke…….lmao :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: .

      • Yes
        August 26, 2015

        Coulibistrie own started during last election, now it just there……smh….

    • The Real Facts
      August 24, 2015

      Education is better than local sports. if you are smart you should know that time flies and they get older. While there is time they must embrace the opportunity for higher studies. The government is willing to assist them. These are not mere words for it pertains to their continued education. If it were you, would you not be elated about it?

  21. Shameless
    August 24, 2015

    Garson STOP making empty promises and give them people their tablets. So long allu promise tablets cocoa and never delivered now you making more promises. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: . You making me laugh in french :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: .

    Assertive, NOT Aggressive! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  22. August 24, 2015

    well sir your words have have been proven to be empty before and i have the evidence to prove that. what you are promising is a good thing but i have to see it to believe it will ever happen. you guys are full of empty promises

    • The Real Facts
      August 24, 2015

      I did not criticize nor debase you for lack of punctuation and improper ones at that.

  23. Time will tell
    August 24, 2015

    Is a socialist state you guys are running,kill our lively wood like agriculture and then say government will pay.Just to stay in power you made the entire country dependent?Wicked set of people.

    • The Real Facts
      August 24, 2015

      lively wood? Did you mean “livelihood?”

    • Titiwi
      August 25, 2015

      You have a point there. We are judged by the company we keep and at the last Human Freedom Index by the Fraser Institute appears to confirm this. It is a measurement of personal, civil and economic freedom and it shows close friends of ours, with less than democratic regimes, at very low ratings: Morocco 121, Azerbijan 126, China 132, Venezuela 144. Compare that with the highest rated country in our region Costa Rica at 39. Is that the next level the govt. is taking us to?
      PS. Canada ranks no. 6 and the U.S.A. 20. Dominica is not listed. I guess we are too small.

  24. Tutankhamen
    August 24, 2015

    Remember the FREE tuition PROMISE for all the Kalinago students enrolled this year!!! REMEMBER THAT!!!

    • The Real Facts
      August 24, 2015

      You should learn what it is to give compliments rather than criticisms.
      Compliments are acts of love and encouragement, as imbedded in the heart and mind. This one, if given, will make you feel happy and at peace.
      Criticisms, not. This one will make you a miserable and unhappy person with no peace. What you spew you receive in return. This is something to contemplate on.

    • Tjebe fort
      August 26, 2015

      Why this discrimination? We are all supposed to be equal. Mr. Skerrit talking unity but is division he is creating. He will never change.

  25. UserName
    August 24, 2015

    Saint Jean said, the record shows that just about 92% of students registered at the DSC are assisted in one way or the other, FINANCIALLY, by the government!!!!!!…. What was the total enrollement at the DSC for the last academic year? Better we make the DSC free for all and stop playing with close to 700 to be enrolled this academic year. This would send a very strong message to all aspiring students especially at the Sec. level. not to mention the National Prominence this bold and courageous move would acquire. It can be done and it has been done in other jurisdictions. Somebody in PARL. better do the homework, get it corrected and/or revised by their peers and put the motion before the House. But the other side is did the Hon. Min. really understand what he said!!!

  26. IslandG
    August 24, 2015

    Full up of education yet no on no payroll. Do these people who lead understand what they say? 92 percent of students registered receive assistance. In other words people have no money to pay for themselves. So what next? They get fancy degrees to sit on the road to do nothing expect party and vote for you next election? In the meantime, who is supposed to foot the bill? The government trying to close down public works cuz they “lazy”. Its the poor many thats losing the jobs and the rich exec at the public works still gonna get a nice job somewhere in the government like Abruise n them. 5 more years indeed. You get what you vote for.

  27. Zbigniew Brzezinski
    August 24, 2015

    St.Jean Communism fail everywhere it is tried, look at Venezuela, look at China crashing, when will u fellas ever learn. Is it that u all have no ideas? If so why did u all go in Govt if u all don’t understand the function of a Government. This country will remain poor under u fellas.
    Instead of giving assistance improve de bloody economy so there parents can pay the fees without u all butting each time like saviors, i really tired of this communism crap.
    You cannot build a nation on handouts and taxes, it can only be done on reforms, where are your brains Ellsworth Toohey? :-|

    • The Real Facts
      August 24, 2015

      You who complain and criticize about handouts, when they graduate they will be capable of contributing to D/ca’s economy better than if they did not have a degree. In some manner they will be able to give back something to D/ca. Give them your blessing; not curses and let time take care of the rest.
      What are you contributing to D/ca?

  28. Titiwi
    August 24, 2015

    92% of students at the DSC are assisted by the Govt. financially, one way or the other! That tells me that the parents, or guardians of these young people are not able to pay for their advanced education. It would be fair to assume that if these people were in regular employment with decent pay such would not be the case. If that is not an indictment of the failure of our economy I don’t know what is. Only 8%, fewer than 1 in 10 parents can afford to to send their children to the DSC without Govt. help!!

    • The Real Facts
      August 24, 2015

      I do believe it is better to commence early and get the necessary education. You know, get it over and done with and later obtain a better job.
      Many who worked after leaving high school, missed that opportunity.
      Thank God, today the opportunity is available for some.
      I also believe that some may not attend College and will prefer working. Therefore, it evens out.

  29. Hmm!
    August 24, 2015

    “In fact, Saint Jean said, the record shows that just about 92 percent of students registered at the DSC are assisted in one way or the other, financially, by the government.”

    I suppose the above statement is being put forth as a positive but to my mind it paints a bleak picture of our economy.

    • Ma Moses
      August 25, 2015

      You are right , of course. It shows how out of touch the minister is. He obviously said that with pride to show how much the government is doing and how generous they are but he overlooked the fact that his statement is a bad reflection of our economy. Why discriminate against the 8% that are still paying themselves. Maybe they want to go to a 100% communist state?

  30. ME
    August 24, 2015

    If they have the proper grades but the money is short, this is a great idea.. I hope is not red clinic for all tom dick and harry with grade five six and seven

    • ME
      August 25, 2015

      Seems like this post hit three nerves lol lazy go and pass cxc before you try to go college the horse preceeds the cart

  31. Student
    August 24, 2015

    Am I going too far to infer that 92% of our Dominican populace is in a state of poverty? If that is the case then the Hon. Minister should be ashamed.

  32. Key
    August 24, 2015

    Well, well, well. More promises. I wonder who will get the assistance. Bunch of liars

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