First 38 homes handed over in Petite Savanne Resettlement

PM Skerrit hands over key to Pte. Savanne Resettlement resident with Parl Rep Darroux in the background

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has said that the resettlement project at Bellevue Chopin for Petite Savanne residents who were displaced by Tropical Storm Erika in 2015, was built with a sense of community in mind.

The prime minister was speaking at the handing over of the first 38 residential units on Friday, December 7, 2018.

“We did not want to just build buildings, homes, what we call homes. We wanted to build a community, to make you feel part of a community. Now, we didn’t just take you from Petite Savanne and put you somewhere in a house; you can’t turn left, you can’t right,” Skerrit said.

He said a number of factors were taken into consideration in designing the homes.

“Recognizing that in Petite Savanne, there are children who are taking care of their parents. So, we built duplexes, so, the children upstairs, the parents downstairs. You see what I’m talking about and to do this, you have to know your people because we were building for people who we know,” the prime minister explained.

He continued, “A brand new health centre will be constructed with nurses quarters, a basketball court, a playground for the children, a brand new playing field, a market for the sale of fresh produce, agricultural produce and a massive commercial plaza where the barber and the coiffeurs, you know, the hair stylists, the supermarkets, all can have their businesses and take advantage of the economy and the opportunities here.”

Skerrit disclosed that an additional 130 residential units are expected to be handed over in January 2019 with another 34 in February and 81 more in April. He said the final 80 will be handed over in June bringing the total to 353 housing units in the Petite Savanne Resettlement Project.

Anthony Haiden of MMCE at the contract signing for the resettlement of Petite Savanne

The project, which will cost in excess of $100 million dollars, is being constructed by Montreal Management Consultants Est. (MMCELtd of Canada.

Skerrit said the project is being financed entirely by The Citizenship By Investment Programme (CBI), however, the developer provided the funding upfront to start the project.

“He assisted us in paying for the lands and he signed contracts and started work and we did not pay him one dollar not until after about 10 months after the project started,” Skerrit revealed.

He thanked Dr. Haiden and MMCE for their “great partnership.”

Dr. Haiden had said in a release issued by MMCE in June 2017, that MMCE was developing the community without the use of any of CBI money prior to completion, describing it as a “calculated risk”.

“Our plan is to recover the costs via our own direct sales of citizen by investment cases via our firms. We were the only company that had the initiative, guts and resolve to front the money for this project,” he said.

He gave the assurance that MMCE “will continue and complete the project irrelevant of any sales secured.”

Haiden also said then that the government of Dominica carries no risks “as it would render CBI concession upon the full completion of phases of the project.”

Prime Minister Skerrit exhorted the beneficiaries of the residential units to care for them.

“It is not because you are not paying for them, you must not appreciate them like you went to the bank and get a loan to do so. I want you to care for them.”

He revealed that the government intends to build a similar project for Grand Bay residents, comprising 68 residential units, on state lands located close to the Pierre Charles Secondary School.

“That housing development that will commence very soon opposite the Pierre Charles Secondary School, will be called the Nurse Charles Housing Development,” Skerrit declared.

Aerial view of Petite Savanne Resettlement

 

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45 Comments

  1. Joseph John
    December 11, 2018

    Spy action of terrorists agents. They think they are off the hook for invading a friendly nation, a close ally in the CARICOM group. Accusations: breach of law and order and international and diplomatic law and order, beach of protocol and friendship procedure, security and sovereignity threats and invasion. You know they even had a press conference to put their dirty deeds on record (evidence?) There is no statute of limitation.
    So let those wanabe political aspirants continue their bubble head bla bla games, while we wait for the right time for full disclosure. So let those little opposition forces continue their character assassination. Even some media entities can be sued or publication. Tony Astaphan and Cara Shillingford will be rich.

  2. Joseph John
    December 10, 2018

    If giving homes to citizens of Dominica is political propaganda or political manipulations give us more. Give everyone in Dominica who does not a standard home more of the same. There are many people in Peuto Rico and the USA who would love to get some of that manipulation . There are victims of the USA west coast fires, victims of bad weather, and more than half a million homeless Americans. Who would love that kind of political manipulations. But opposition forces want Dr, Dr Hon. P M Skerrit to treat his fellow citizens of Dominica as refugees and victims. Skerrit sees housing as a human right. He is executing and taking his housing policy into practice. As a wise man ounce said ” the proof of the pudding is in the eating”. Many Grand mothers have lectured their grand, ” a friend in the time of need is a friend indeed”
    I am sure that recipients never complain, but ask the good Lord to shower blessings on Skerrit, the Doctor who healed them from homelessness. Life saver ?

    • Paul Rossnof
      December 11, 2018

      No doubt you got one as well, man with a brown tongue.
      By the way nobody has an issue for the government to provide housing for the people that lost most. The issue I and others have is that the allocation isn’t done fairly. Furthermore, the occupants should pay the going rent for the properties as the money to built them was state funds. If people can’t pay then they should be means tested and should receive help. The problem is, only Dominica people receive help when they sing Skerrits song on a daily basis and wave a big red flag with labour written on it. So JJ don’t come on here and justify your masters corrupt doings with a little bit of political spin. You are a disgusting human being!!

    • Get real
      December 11, 2018

      Sorry writer, but I beg to disagree. Public housing is never owned by the tenants. It belongs to the government and rented to the indigent at a cost that they can afford. These developments have to be maintained periodically and I assume that the government will also cover the cost. We are building a nation of dependents and that’s a sorry sight. Political advantage also has it disadvantages and a bad precedent is being set and may present a precursor to acts of rebellion when similar disasters strike and free housing is not made available. Folks cannot be conditioned to exist in a state of dependency. It’s just morally wrong and impoverishes their very being. They have to earn their keep period. . Remember the old proverb. “ if you give a man a fish he is hungry again in an hour. If you teach him to fish you do him a good turn.” Please please create jobs, not hand outs and steer the nature isle into a prosperous nation as we journey towards number 50. .

  3. Manyways
    December 10, 2018

    A few months back i commented on what may be the current population of Dominica after hurricane Maria.
    Statement’s were made that a huge number of persons left Dominica and migrated and did not return.

    Now the question i am asking is, what is the current population of Dominica?
    What is the percentage that is eligible to vote (being above 18 years)?

    Lets say there are (50,000) people in Dominica out of the ( 72,000 )normally, when you divide (50,000) x 18 ministers of government, you have (2,777 )people.

    When you remove the percentage of eligible voters from this figure, i do wonder how many will this sum up to. Also taking into account the other party supporters.
    These housing projects are built in key strategic parishes for the ultimate goal of wining elections.

  4. Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
    December 10, 2018

    Those commentators who are quick to turn this into a political argument for or against Skerrit must understand that we are merely asking questions that must be asked with these projects and their long term success. It’s a noble and humanitarian idea to help those who lost everything. Now comes the hard part.

    • World's Moistest Jheri Curl
      December 12, 2018

      People moved from their ancestral homes
      to a housing project

  5. December 10, 2018

    The double (Dr) PhD as usual with his Chavezmo style and talk again; however we must complement the Government whenever it comes to the rescue of it’s citizens in time of need; but we must never loose focus on the essential point which is the Governance and accountability of this DLP led administration; why is it that this bunch of “wanna be’s” do not think that they have an obligation to tell the people of Dominica what are the terms and conditions under which these houses are delivered; it’s not a secret it’s the right of the citizens to know for God’s sake; it does not matter where the monies comes from; it’s the peoples money and can’t be spent or given out “willy-nilly”.

    • Joseph John
      December 10, 2018

      Gabriel if the people want to know what the conditions are they may ask the recepiants . I for one know that these people escaped being buried alive with all their possessions and thank god for saving their lives. I for one have lost my roof (twice) by two hurricanes and I know what it is to be without a place to rest your head. I know the trama and stress that can lead to depression. So that is enough “conditions” already. You can go and ask the 95% people re Maria about conditions, even those who had insurance.

  6. carltymas
    December 10, 2018

    This is GREAT. I am happy that the people have a space that they can call theirs again and be together again. This is one of the projects that I have been looking forward to. Great Job by the Government.

  7. Manyways
    December 10, 2018

    Electorate manipulation
    Manipulation of demography

    In many cases, it is possible for authorities to artificially control the composition of an electorate in order to produce a foregone result. One way of doing this is to move a large number of voters into the electorate prior to an election, for example by temporarily assigning them land or lodging them in flophouses.[5][6] Many countries prevent this with rules stipulating that a voter must have lived in an electoral district for a minimum period (for example, six months) in order to be eligible to vote there. However, such laws can also be used for demographic manipulation as they tend to disenfranchise those with no fixed address, such as the homeless, travelers, Roma, students (studying full-time away from home), and some casual workers.

    Another strategy is to permanently move people into an electoral district, usually through public housing. If people eligible for public housing are likely to vote for a particular party.

  8. jae
    December 10, 2018

    I hope they dont forget which house is there’s…..

    • Anon's buddy
      December 10, 2018

      Jae who taught U at school? Not dead, Linton, froggie, Sir Luther etc.
      Their’s ought to be the word. I guess like Anon you were born in the 80’s( and he drinking already)

  9. RastarMarn
    December 9, 2018

    “Our plan is to recover the costs via our own direct sales of citizen by investment cases via our firms. We were the only company that had the initiative, guts and resolve to front the money for this project,” he said.

    But wait nuh DNO allyou not reading what allyou writing man,,,

    Direct sales of Dominican Citizenship??? How can a private entity be acting as a branch of the Dominica’s Government???

    So they are going to sell to whomever they choose to, and nothing can be done about it because they gonna have overall control of the direct sales,,,

    Marn doh care which way you slice that statement it doesn’t make any sense!!!,,,

    Could Somebody go ask Levi Perter Attorney General what exactly is this going on and how it is he can just stay there and let the Rule of Law be so neglected as sale of those Rights to Lands inherited from our forefathers just be given out Willy-Nilly like dat!!!!

  10. Desmond
    December 9, 2018

    May the vision of the Government continue to inspire people. May the haters continue to sink in the ground. Their comments will give you more strength Skerrit. For you to be called lazy, its obvious their are ppl who must be urgently treated for disgruntlement. This is exemplary by any standard and your haters cannot stand it, But guess what, they don’t have a choice. HAHA

    • RandyX
      December 10, 2018

      You are another one of these bright red people with a brown tongue. Shame on you for openly supporting corruption!

  11. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 9, 2018

    My question is with so much idle land in The country, why the concentration on Apartment building, especially in a village?

    I could understand Apartment living in a city or town where building space is limited; nevertheless, in a country where the population is small, and we have land in abundance: apartment living should not be a priority.

    Not unless, some government clown believe that they into meteorologists living. in any event it is not comfortable living in apartments, once you become involved in that the walls are thin, and unless they are built sound proof your adjacent neighbors can hear what takes place in your bedroom.

    One cannot speak loud, or discus any personal business knowing someone is listening! 
    Sooner or later your business gets into the street; perhaps in the form of a calypso!

    Now who owns these apartment buildings, if they are built as how apartments are built, who is responsible for the water bill, and cleaning of a blocked drain.

    Town House are…

    • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
      December 10, 2018

      As usual, you’re asking too many intelligent questions. My other question is: Who will maintain these apartments? You can factor in at least 10% of total building cost for your annual maintenance of the property. With our precarious weather unpredictable hurricanes, floods and landslides, that number will be much higher. What I see with these apartment buildings in the country side, is future ghettos all across the island.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        December 10, 2018

        Anthony, I could understand if they were building attached Town Houses, which would all have separate sewer lines, emptying into individual tanks. 

        In Town Houses Utilities such as light water and sewer are the responsibility of the person who owns the Town House or Condominium; which are practically the same. With apartment buildings, all toilets are connected to the same line, in Parallel; the water supply features the same.

        So, unless someone owns the entire complex I see a huge problem, because assuming there is a sewer blockage caused by one tenant, the main line in the system system will be backed up into every unit in the building. I own apartment buildings, and if there is an emergency with water in one apartment from the main, I have to shut the water off, and all tenants have to wait until the repairs are done.

        In a Condo, or Town House the situation is different; I agree with you they will all become ghettos!

        Apartments; a very bad idea! 

  12. December 9, 2018

    First, let me say that after over three years of temporary accommodation I am pleased that the villagers Petite Savanne are being re-housed. I also commend the planners for keeping in mind those taking care of their aged parents.

    However, beyond that I have serious reservations about re-locating a self-sufficient rural community to an urban housing estate. I have dealt with these issues in previous DNO commentaries.

    I visited Petite Savanne a few months after Tropical Storm Erica. The villagers that had remained on their home ground against all odds gave me a warm welcome. They were busy working their land and making fish pots. In their actions I sensed true resilience.

    On my way home I stopped by the Grand Bay petro-casa estate for those displaced from south coast villages. In contrast the householders dejectedly sat in their doorways with nothing to do.

    Re-locating a Rural Community to a Town Setting” & “A Pinch of Salt for April Fools

    • Neville
      December 10, 2018

      That’s exactly what Skerrit wants. Make them completely dependent on him so he can control them even better. They are like blind sheep being guided to the slaughterhouse and still loving their PM.

  13. Reader
    December 9, 2018

    (3)”It is not because you are not paying for them, you must not appreciate them like you went to the bank and get a loan to do so. I want you to care for them.”

    (2)
    Skerrit hands over key to Pte. Savanne Resettlement resident (with Parl Rep Darroux in the background)

    (1)) Skerrit hands over key to Pte. Savanne Resettlement resident (with Parl Rep Darroux in the background)

    I placed em 3-1 as evrtything is upside down.

    • Another reader
      December 10, 2018

      It appears the 3 dislikes are standing on their heads or the construct just flew over their heads.

      Got ur drift Reader

  14. %
    December 9, 2018

    You can build houses of gold…Your election campaign has long started ..This DLP which you Skerrit leads is arguably the most corrupt government in the world ..It is a regime of Inconscionable MISLEADERS who have failed Dominica ..
    You Skerrit a former teacher who struggles with the English language,who cannot debate,who accused the opposition with your lying tongue of staging a coup d’etat against your government is trembling,because the electorate is prepared to vote you out
    Houses ,bridges,airport,of of Ross building,will not save you ..We the good Dominicans will not let those things sway us….We’re you a geologist to just take it upon you and ask the people to live their village and relocate them in a place that was about to be evacuated in 1998, because of constant tremors related to nearby volcanoes?Get Dr Shepard report…
    You are a bad and wicked leader ..Good Riddance.
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • Anon
      December 9, 2018

      Look out, he may have the mercenaries around the election site.

    • Expat
      December 10, 2018

      Someone is not happy. Contrary to that the Petite Savanne people are elated; just look at the expression on the lady’s face. You just cannot beat that. I am very happy for these people.

      • RandyX
        December 10, 2018

        Typical Skerrit supporter. Can’t get their belly ful. Wednesday she’ll be at the red clinic again!!

    • I often wonder
      December 10, 2018

      % This guy is a pots head the man has a disability. in addition to not being able to dispense the English language let alone Creole and French and he suppose to be a Frenchman.
      What have our people to deserve such gross incompetence for a P.M ?

    • Me 2
      December 10, 2018

      But last time I checked petite Savanne was actually the safest place on island during Maria. The before and after pictures of t Savanne were practically the same. After maria

    • Badbaje
      December 10, 2018

      Good morning %. Something tells me you were not one of those who received one of those homes.

    • ???????????
      December 10, 2018

      % When will u get positive or say a positive word? You are like a pre school student with your nursery rhyme. You are a stuck record.

      Are you not happy for those displaced persons even if you hate PM Skerrit so???? Pardner the facts are here to be seen. Lazy you say! Must go you always say! Show me something you have done or those who you support! Only negative, negative on all your comments. May God bless you!

  15. neilcuffy
    December 9, 2018

    I hope that the opposition members were also invited cause that’s a government function and not labour party . Time to unite the country again for Christ sake. Starting with the leaders.

    • Ibo France
      December 9, 2018

      Good point. Those in power have a serious misconception of government. They constantly blur the lines between a political party and a government. A political party is primarily concerned about its members and supporters, a government, on the other hand, should look after the best interest of all citizens for you govern for everybody. All working people pay taxes to the government so all should benefit regardless of their political affiliation. All citizens and legal residents are asked to pay VAT, land &house taxes, wheel tax, etcetera. So all should get a fair share of the assets of the State. What is most needed in Dominica presently are good paying JOBS. So, instead of depending on the government for handouts, the government creates the enabling environment for the greatest majority of Dominicans to empower themselves. Only a tiny minority of the population would need governmental assistance. Skerrit has turned Dominica into a country of mendicancy and abject poverty.

    • Badbaje
      December 10, 2018

      Very good point there neilcuffy, very good point. Those houses, indeed that whole project, was funded by the people of Dominica, not only those who are memebers of that party.

  16. December 9, 2018

    Congratulations to all those who Benifited, and stand to benifit. Le Bon D Bon. God is good all the time all the time God is great. Give thanks and praises for every little thing.

  17. RandyX
    December 9, 2018

    Election propaganda at its best. Skerrit should tell the citizens of DA:
    1) what is the criteria for being considered for one of these apartments
    2) what does the selection process look like
    3) how much is the monthly rent for one apartment.

    • Ibo France
      December 9, 2018

      @RandyX
      These are very pertinent questions. Why does this regime withhold vital information from the public? The people want a government in the sunlight. In fact, sunlight in government is the best disinfectant against corruption. Any government that is shrouded in secrecy is usually corrupt. Transparency and accountability should be the hallmarks of any true democratic, well-structured government.
      I’m happy for the people who have gotten somewhere to call home.

      • don2fresh
        December 10, 2018

        Stop pretending as of you all do not know the answers. The internet is really a dangerous weapon in the hands of the wicked and ill intent. The man has been repeating for the last 32 years plus, the houses are free for all the residents (family) of the community of Petite Savanne. Get real with yourselves. Everything does not need to be opposed frère.

    • A. George
      December 10, 2018

      1. Be a resident of Petite Savanne at the time of Tropical Storm Erika
      2. Be a resident of Petite Savanne at the time of Tropical Storm Erika
      2. Probably nothing, these people probably still paying mortgages on homes lost (or not) in their village

      • RandyX
        December 10, 2018

        Oh yes? No doubt you also believe in Father Christmas!!! You see I know what I’m talking about and you on the other hand talk BS. I happen to know some opposition supporter from Petite Savanne and none of them have not been considered. However all 38 that did get are all well know Skerrit supporters. As for you George you are just as corrupt as your master. Shame on you. No doubt on Wednesday you’ll be queuing up at the red clinic to get your reward.

      • don2fresh
        December 12, 2018

        lol… Randy X and the others are trained or they may just be the same person with different identities. Look throughout the history of DNO ANYTHING that happens good in Dominica especially if it’s under the hands of RS or a supporter of DLP, they turn it into something conspiratorial and negative. Don’t believe me? Search housing, search roads, search scholarship. Just search anything that the government has done over the years and you’ll see.. Since election is around the corner, their excuses will to handouts for votes… Mark my words eh.

        ADMIN: We also invite everyone to review our articles, not just the headlines and then jump to the comment section, but the entire article.

        Remember the comment section is an expression of the public’s view and not DNO’s view, if that was untrue we would not have posted your comment.

    • don2fresh
      December 10, 2018

      Nothing is ever good enough for you all. It is either “Election Gimmick”, “That is part of his job”, “That project is BS”, “The project isn’t being coordinated properly”, “They should have done this project instead and not that”… It is ALWAYS something with you people. Every project or programme for the past 15 years (from roads to buildings to social welfare) js a negative comment. And I know the job of the opposition is to criticize but Jah, BE HAPPY SOMEONE IS HAPPY NUH. But IDK why I’m even asking because if people could talk down the Yes, We Care Programme who are they to talk this down. UWP and their supporters need to be more positive. Getting people to support you all does not only mean being negative and opposing EVERYTHING.

      • Neville
        December 10, 2018

        You are another one of Skerrits spin doctors. Shame on you corrupt people!!!

      • don2fresh
        December 11, 2018

        Neville, People like you have plenty balls and guts to call anyone spin-doctors. You all are the EPITOME of spokesmen for Skerrit Conspiracies Inc. The ant crossing the road would have you all over the place crying “Skerrit pollute Dominica with ants. He’s giving the ants rights over Dominica”. I’m on this earth too long my brother to not see why I support who I support and I’m proud of it. I don’t wait next to a radio to be given the next reason why or why not I should support something. I go to school, I educate myself, I read, I try to understand how an economy work, external and internal elements that build or destroy our economy, our history and how it relates to our present. So yes brother. I AM WELL HAPPY TO SUPPORT SKERRIT CAUSE I SEE AND UNDERSTAND ALOT.
        And I bet you can say you are proud of your party for… whatever you proud of them for.
        Talking about shame on me. My brother SHAME ON YOU. Every time something good happens you all’s claws out

      • Joseph John
        December 11, 2018

        don2 fresh. I have decided to ignore these bullies, dropping the mike big time ( for now). Give those gang bangers and bullies all the rope to hang themselves. I will monitor what is going on in Dominica by reading stuff in the media. I think it would be good to monitor and keep a dossier on these bullies, untill the time is right .
        For example how come opposition forces and their agents can crash and invade a Heads of Government Conference and claim they are the ‘OFFICIAL PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVE’, but re Maria they were M.I.A. They forgot that they were official parliamentary members as the claim to be. Three storms….Erica, Mathew and Maria, no show….and they behave like a lost tribe.
        Their leadership is like judas goats leading a few people to harms way, to . Just think for a moment that we had to depend on them. What would be the state of affairs in Dominica. That thought is mindbogging and nightmareish (madness
        Back to Guyana, their action look like a spy

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