United Workers Party (UWP) candidate for the Castle Bruce constituency in the 2019 general election, Senator Ernie Jno. Finn, is adding her voice to that of Kalinago youth, Whitney Melinard, in appealing to telecommunication providers, Digicel and Flow and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) to find urgent solutions to the problem of the lack of internet access in the Kalinago Territory and other parts of Dominica.
Earlier this month, Melinard, a young student of Lead Institute, voiced her concern, in a video on social media, about the challenges that the lack of internet is posing to students in those areas, particularly at this time when online learning has become so critical due to COVID-19.
“The student’s comments were not taken in good faith by the Minister of Education,” Jno. Finn stated in reference to Education Minister Octavia Alfred’s response at a news conference, to Milenard’s statement.
Alfred disagreed with Melinard’s mention of implicit systemic racism against the Kalinago Territory in her video and suggested that much of what the student had said was not true.
“I don’t think we should sit there and behave as if it’s the first time we hear kinds of things like that, this is not the first time and when we check the background, this is not true,” the Education Minister stated.
“‘The student doesn’t even live in the Kalinago Territory for one, so I wouldn’t even go there,’” Jno. Finn also recalls Alfred as saying, and pointed to what she termed the “swift condemnation on social media” of that statement.
“This attitude displayed by the minister was very disappointing, though not unexpected,” JnoFinn remarked.
She described Melinard as a dedicated and focused student whose main desire was to get her message across to the telecommunications companies on the island that the students in the communities in question are at a disadvantage due to the lack of internet access.
“In my opinion, the minister should have used her good office to be an interlocutor with the telecommunication companies. Instead, she appeared to have treated the student’s message as ‘noise’ and as a result indirectly stated: ‘I don’t let noise detract me”’, Jno Finn said. “Madam Minister, please be reminded of what Philippians 2:3 tells us, ‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourself ‘”.
She implored Alfred to take cognisance of the fact that several sections of the Castle Bruce constituency do not have access to the internet and recognize that these residents make sacrifices to pay for data just to see their children succeed.
Jno Finn called for Dominicans, including every politician, to continue in their resolve to have an open, tolerant and respectful country where all views contend.
“That Kalinago youth was doing what all youth have been encouraged to do …speak up and when such responses are given, they face intimidation by the very same people who accuse them of not coming forward,” she noted. “We need to see all elected political leaders stand up against any curtailment of freedom of speech and human rights in general.”
She urged members of cabinet to condemn the Education Minister’s “behaviour” and suggested that to do otherwise would be “a real disappointment for the thousands of young people in this country who believe that Dominica is a democracy where we all have the right to freedom of expression.”
“I salute that young Kalinago brave student,” Jno Finn declared.
Executive Director of The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC), Craig Nesty, has said he is in total agreement with Melinard.
“This is completely unfair,” he said while commenting on Q95 Fm’ Hot Seat programme.
Nesty asserted that a number of people in Dominica are disadvantaged and don’t have access to fixed internet, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic situation where most people are forced to stay at home. He explained that the NTRC has been working “very hard” with the providers to find cost-effective solutions to the problem and has tried to put out tenders using the Universal Service Fund to address those gaps.
According to Nesty, the proposed prices in those tenders were so high that they thought it best to ask the providers in the areas where there is no fixed internet to provide mobile data at a flat rate.
“We even proposed that we will meet the cost of all the mobile modems, LTE modems and we will also subsidize some of the costs for subscribers in those areas…” he revealed but ultimately, the NTRC Director believes that what is needed is fixed internet service on the east coast like what exists on the west coast.
You are so right mountain. who can beat the best in evil, lying, cheating, love of money, evil strategies to steal an election? Can you? But we know who can and hide behind being a pastor wife… and now she cannot see the people. and the pastor not even preaching at his home first, doesn’t he know it start there first.
yes Bayfront boys and the people said nothing about that. The Catholic priest was so kind in allowing the SDA to use their church building but you think that would be ok with this evil person…no..she had to blast it on facebook. I wonder why they call her Pastor wife, is that something to camouflage or hide behind. when people like division and cannot see good in others just as she cannot see Ms. Melinard putting her best foot forward. Always opening her mouth to utter garbage.
lol.. Mountain,.are you refering to the people of Castle Bruce that go to this woman house? Are you indirectly telling the people of Castle Bruce that they shouldnt go to the woman house? You reminding them she has an office…lol Good for them, they knew this woman never like Castle bruce people. She even removed her children from the secondary school and send them roseau and the children that stayed at CB did better than them. since then they should see she doesnt like them but USED them.because they came back and taught at the same school. we are refering how she is uncouth and we wont talk about LYING!!
Well done teacher Earnie….. Full support to the young lady, her fight is not only for the KT students but for the rest of the Castle Bruce catchment too, facing the same problem. The minister should have just shut it.
As the saying goes…. It’s better to shut your mouth and thought of as a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.
We should always listen to our young people especially when they voice their concerns on matters which adversely affect their advancement.
The Minister of Education, just like her colleagues, practises the antiquated way of politics ( Slash & Burn). What the minister did was unconscionable. Here is a young, erudite person, who mustered the courage to shed light on a serious problem and this uncouth and ill-mannered ‘servant of the people’ sought to berate, denigrate and silence this voice of reason.
Is this the caliber of people we should have in public office to represent us? HELL NO❗
This attitude displayed by the minister is what has the country tethering on the brink of social implosion and economic collapse.
Thank you Senator Ernie Juno. Finn for being a strong voice of reason.
“Whitney Melinard, in appealing to telecommunication providers, Digicel and Flow and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) to find urgent solutions to the problem of the lack of internet access in the Kalinago Territory and other parts of Dominica”.
Okay, that is clear and acceptable to me. But why all the negative reactions against the Government, pertaining to this appeal.
Can the Government put a gun against the head of those telecommunications providers to do their will? Providers, in this case, mean that payment must be returned, for the service.
Who gets that payment? For that has to be where the profit comes from. I am sure it is the provider, who invested its finances for this provision?
And if the quote above was true, why would the Education Minister say it wasn’t? Also, unless the providers arranged with the Government to install that project and they refused, why do they get the blame? O, dear!
The Minister of Education is not employed by the telecommunications companies. It was NEVER her place to speak on their behalf. She sounded like one of those woman that too like beff. It is not her concerns. As rightfully stated, she should have used her office to be of influence to address the matter which affect ALLL students from the territory. Instead she thought it the best thing to say was that Melinard doesnt even live in the territory so lets not go there. Best response from a supposedly grown (maybe not mentally) educated woman who we expect to have compassion and common sense when dealing with these matters. The people from the territory need to now put plenty pressure on Kosier to address this slap in the face of the youth of the Kalinago territory who herself look like she is part Kalinago. SHAME! You cannot buy class. Pigs in palaces will always and forever still be just pigs.
Ken-g,
If you are of the view that someone is/was behind the young lady, then I ask you “who is behind you”for your current ” dotish” comment??
From her post and the contents therein, it is evident that she needs no one to be”behind her” to express her views.
On the other hand it is plausible to conclude that “someone is/was behind you posting this garbage of a comment.
Everyone is NOT like YOU!! Got it??
Please relax yourself.
HOTEP!
The minister of education is frustrated. She keep saying that castle Bruce people are not good so why are you representing them. Get out!!!!! We fed up with you. You attacked the priest after hurricane Maria for allowing the seventh day Adventist to use the catholic church . The people on the ground voted teacher ernie. Thanks teacher ernie for standing for us . We love you.
So, how did this lady end up winning the castle bruce seat? awa wi castle bruce.
you are not the only one asking this, how did this person end up winning the castle bruce seat…The Bible says, For we Wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities , against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12.
Thanks senator.
wow!! great job Ernie. At least the young student has opened our eyes. Lets continue to get the youth on board and motivate them, we can learn from them. Ms Melinard is another dynamic Cara Shillingford in the making. A piece of advise to you Ms. Melinard look to Ms. Shillingford as a model for your career.
Psalm 8:2 says ” Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies , that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger”. Even Mr. Craig Nesty is on board.
” Whitney Melinard, in appealing to telecommunication providers, Digicel and Flow and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) to find urgent solutions to the problem of the lack of internet access in the Kalinago Territory and other parts of Dominica. ”
Everything in Dominica is a mystery!
Why?
That in the quote above makes no sense!
Cable internet service uses the same coaxial cable network as cable television to provide people’s home with internet.
As long as there is television in the house getting internet and wifi should not be a problem.
First, the internet service provider sends a data signal through the coaxial cable, or coax cable, into your home; specifically, to a modem.
The modem then uses an Ethernet cable to connect to your computer or router, which is what gives you access to high-speed internet.
If you choose to use a router, you can then broadcast a Wi-Fi signal throughout your home.
Problem is they all want the…
It is quite okay for someone to give thumbs down if they read a comment and understand what the author conveyed.
Nevertheless, when people are ignorant of scientific and technical information not understanding what they read, they would be better off to remain quiet than expose their stupity.
I challenge the two idiots who gave thumbs down to counter me with a technical argument let’s if one knows the science as well as I do.
All some talking want is free internet, government must give it for free.
Beggars crawling for scum.
I have always admired people like Mr. Nesty who stands for justice. Mrs. JnoFinn you too. Ms. Melinard has really started a movement…go girl!! People at this caliber are agreeing with her.
Ernie, The sea is an education, it gets rough and calm, rivers overflow, All trees change their leaves once a year. For humans, before you enter an office, you must knock. Mrs. Alfred own an office, no one enters her office and she refused them. She never call anyone a liar, she simple said the story is untrue. You cannot beat the best. Mrs. Alfred tells no one what to do, therefore, no one has the right to tell her what to do, she will deal with a situation as she fills fit and fair. Floor gossips,you cannot kick against the prick.
Mrs. Jno Finn has so much class. This is the way to address a situation. Anyway you are our Representative in the Castle Bruce Constituency the other one they just stole it for her.
You are a dlp kiss asa and that’s all you will be. We dominicans need to put party aside and work towards the betterment of our country
see your level and disrespect…you remind me of this woman, my name is Bonnie and I love monie. why do you sound like her? hmmmm same sort of cognitive capacity and uncouth tongue. good luck with that. This youth will rise above this. she will be an example for you two…
I am happy that someone is speaking and standing with us. Thank you for your encouragement.
Mrs. JnoFinn thank you for supporting this student for talking out on our behalf. This is the attitude that needs to be demonstrated towards the young people of Dominica. Even Mr. Nesty agreed with the youth.
Who do you believe is behind the young lady. Now you know.
Mrs. Finn you are falling in the same trap. At School that Mislaid person never listen to you. She never learn about adjectives and when and how to use them. She did not obey rules and follow proper procedures. The Parl REP, the Chief and village Council is not ISP .She should have gone through the proper channels. Obviously, she acted older than her age. A big let down for the institute who enrolled her.
You seem to have a twaka with Ms. Melinard. Was she ever addressing these people and she definitely knows they are not ISP. If you were able to comprehend as it is clearly shown you never learn comprehension. What proper channels should she have gone? Can you tell us? Can’t the Palp Rep and Chief and other leaders see that the area needs that kind of service? Apparently she has to be 90 years to talk about needing this service. What crap and lack of basic common sense on your part?
….did the so called woman in castle bruce follow the proper procedure in representing people? Ask her? Then you will talk. Im proud of this youth and so is Leeds Institute. Smoke this, her eloquence and brilliance and brazenness has just began. Look out and get out of her way.
GOOD COMMENT HOPE,but no man is an island,dont matter how good you may think you are ,there is always some one better..we live and learn
Im happy you like my comment and even CAPITALIZING!! stop making noise with a student who is trying her best for her community. See the best in her and compliment it. Learn from her as you said, you can always learn from someone better. Do something for your community too. Talk about all the injustice and poverty going on around you…
Ernie, shut your stupid noise and go away since when you lots have ever taken notice of the Kalinago people, dirty hypocrites looking for cheap votes after all that nasty things you have said about them in the past.
There was a water project in the kalinago territory.Ernie party,UWP,gave it to the CHAIRMAN of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS of DOWASCO,a POTO UWP.The water project started,money finished,project never finish.
So why not since DOWASCO is the nations water provider. Who should they have given it to? Arthie Martin? Now when was this? Maybe you are talking about when the party had different people running it. If thats the case we can talk about when DLP was trying to sell the country and involve Dominica in terrorism. So much that the DLP leader was jailed in Stockfarm for decades. Lets talk about that since we talking about the past and different eras of both parties. Your ignorance urks me as it is grown people like you who make the youth beleive that this kind of ignorant and childish exchange that will propel Dominica forward. Save that for when you in your little rum shop with your little friends LinCLOWN. Not when you in public forum among big people. whats shameful is that the many people who dwell on nonsense and rubbish that voted what we have representing us today like the current castle bruce rep Hurting the country for the sake of greed. who cares whether dominica flop, once you get
I am a student of Leeds Institute and I am proud of Ms. Melinard and so is Leeds Institute. Can the school you went say the same about you? Right now you waiting when you turn old enough …lol to have a real discussion. See your level of discourse. Keep defending Bonny but again you have no choice.
I am SORRY but you are so WRONG.
As a Telecoms Engineer who is also trained in telecoms policy, regulation, telecoms management & working at the UN Specialized Agency for Telecoms/ICT, I can tell you that the young lady did the right thing to highlight the present situation to the Local government, Policy makers and regulators (NTRC). They in turn ought to bring the matter to the attention of FLOW/DIGICEL. By her public advocacy she was also indirectly highlighting the matter to the TelCos/ISPs.
The issue of Cherry-picking in rolling out networks is a policy & regulatory matter appropriately addressed in Competition and network roll-out regulations. By speaking out, not as a personal matter but one for the collective good, she is presenting an informal case to the NTRC to look into. What the Carib Council ought to do is formalize a request for the NTRC to address it to the TELCOs.
The NTRC seem understanding in this matter so work with them.
BIG-UP to Whitney!!
Mountain at school the word is mislead, not mislaid.