Blackmoore calls on Dominicans to be “neighbors’ keepers” during Hurricane Season

Blackmoore said he wants everyone to be safe during the season
Blackmoore said he wants everyone to be safe during the season

As the 2016 Hurricane Season begins, National Security Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, has called for Dominicans to be their “neighbours’ keepers,” in an effort to ensure citizens’ safety in the event of a disaster.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Blackmoore urged people to prepare adequately in the event that any weather system strikes the island, or comes dangerously close.

“Shelters are provided for those persons who need them, and in areas where there are no shelters, let us be our neighbours’ keepers, by opening up our homes to them,” he said. “This is a key area of preparedness, as we would want everyone to be in a safe place during the passage of a hurricane or storm event.”

He asked that community groups and village councils to work closely with our community residents, to ensure that all are prepared and safe at all times during the season.

The Minister added that special attention should be paid to “more vulnerable groups, like the elderly, women, children, sick, and the physically and mentally challenged.”

Residents were encouraged to promote safety in their communities by cutting down dangerous trees which may pose dangers to the public, and by clearing waterways—to include ravines and drains—in order to avoid flash flooding.

The Office of Disaster Management is observing this week as Disaster Management Week.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast that the 2016 Hurrican Season will be a “near average” season.

NOAA said there is a 45 percent chance that there will be a near-normal season, there is also a 30 percent chance of an above-normal season and a 25 percent chance of a below-normal season, with predictions of 10 to 16 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher).

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45 Comments

  1. There you have it! A word of advice for Dominicans to take care of each other in the event of a hurricane. This would apply in any other serious life threatening weather event.

    Not from a foreigner like myself. But from one of your own; Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore. The minister is especially concerned for the vulnerable. He mentions various people groups that would fall into this category, They include those who are most likely to be alone, and those who may have difficulty getting out of harms way: the elderly, the sick, and the children.

    I was saddened to learn of 12 seniors losing their lives during Erika. I have no knowledge of the circumstances of any of them. I only know IF it CAN be avoided it SHOULD be :!: It may mean having an elderly family member stay with you until the storm is passed, or going and staying with them so they are not alone.

    Thank God for a Minister of Security speaking out. It is his job.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

    • viewsexpressed
      June 3, 2016

      Give me a break. “Speaking out…..?” lol…ha ha

  2. AAGabriel
    June 2, 2016

    Instead of giving us patronising advice get the damage fixed that the last storm inflicted. But that, almost 10 month later, you cannot or don’t want to do for whatever reason. Get out of it, you and your colleagues are not capable of running this little island. Almost 20 ministers and the same amount of advisers are being paid for doing exactly what???? …going to the media once a month and talk rubbish. I can find people like that that are willing to do that for a couple of Dollars. So, get out of it!!

  3. Favoured
    June 2, 2016

    Skerrit hasn’t been around for many disasters. Just check it he was absent for Hurricane Dean went on a cruise the day before the hurricane; he was not there for the Christmas eve trough system and again he was not there for Erika. Captain never there ‘Air’ Dominica on remote control. So there is no guarantee he will be around for any storm this season so Blackmore taking in front boy!

    • viewsexpressed
      June 2, 2016

      well he is a disaster…..right??

  4. Favoured
    June 2, 2016

    Blackmore join the English class of Reggie and Justina Charles nuh? I hear Reggie say the ‘child in your stomach is a children too’, while Justina said ‘ cabinot’ now ,I hearing black more saying the hydraulics of the bridge and the river. Prosper more ammunition for your show on Sunday just listen towards the end of Blackmore news statement to hear for yourself ha ha. On a more serious note however is Blackmore the minister of Injustice, Migration and National Insecurity because according to the PM racketeering is taking place at Labor Division’ mayhem is taking place at the police station and as a result no body feels secure all happening under Blackmore noise.

  5. I rather be a Doctor
    June 2, 2016

    Blackmoore what about Goatville, will it be available. We know it’s empty.

    • I rather be a Doctor
      June 2, 2016

      That is the newly constructed building at Bath Estate.

  6. Mous girl
    June 2, 2016

    Mr. Minister good advice, but this should not just be lips service. Enough talk. So the villages where there is no village council, which received tremendous damage from TS Erika arent they part of the country. who is going to put money towards the roads, do they have to fix it themselves. What about the broken water systems and the villages still without water. Shame shame shame.

    • AAGabriel
      June 2, 2016

      As far as Skerrit is concerned, your problem is not an emergency but the West Bridge which is still ok is an emergency…

  7. Caretaker
    June 2, 2016

    when it comes to jobs, promotion and increase in salary where is Blackmore’s neighborly. He puts hurricane first before human. Fair is fair

  8. d-a born
    June 2, 2016

    But the PM said to confront people and call them traitors. Now I’m confused, what should I do!?!?!

    • JJD
      June 2, 2016

      Use your discretion!!

  9. Me
    June 2, 2016

    None of the rivers have been cleaned out – even after all this time. Not even the small ones!
    Heavy rain going to bring problem for people there. If politician families lived near rivers, they would have been cleaned long time.

  10. Ex da lawman
    June 2, 2016

    This government is a joker.identify the places that a prone to flooding and build shelters in the event things get bad or the roads are cut off in these places.Let the people know where they can seem shelter.Police stations can also be used as shelters.Heavy duty equipments should be in place in certain areas in the event they are needed to clear areas for evacuation or emergency personnel.Also assign one person to every area of concern to coordinate with emergency responders.

  11. pope
    June 2, 2016

    shame shame shame u are the wrong person making this statement the only thing which was done in campbell after erica was clear the road and deliver rassion to ur supporters in a press confrence in mhaut where u and skero was putting money in the hands of ……. u mistaken mention campbell everywhere in the constituency receive except campbell and tareau but u are so right u will win ur sit again is felix the senator for uwp the guy who contest the mahaut seat that came in late and got uwp votes is he alive is he out of state is he sick so many persons like myself voted for this guy and doesnt know him thats what blackmore know thats y he can neglect hes constituency and asking dominican to be each other neighbour during the hurricane season

  12. June 2, 2016

    Blackmore, it’s sickening to hear talk about being neighbors keeper during hurricane season, when you know that you, Skerrit, and elements of the dlp distorted that spirit of unity that once existed in Dominica before 2004. You all destroyed the family amd communities for political advantage and now because we are into a hurricane season you want unity? Where was unity when you were only giving bread to laboutes? According to Skerrit, go to hell with your hurricane call for unity

  13. June 2, 2016

    Since Skerrit became prime minister he has successfully divided the country to the point of no return. He established his own labor village / town councils, own police force that only serves his interests, own church with his pastors, priests, and bishops and evangelist; his own public works; his own PSU, own beggars sector and the evil and corrupt list goes on. When a government has so badly devised a country how on earth you expect us to be neighbors keeper during a storm?

  14. viewsexpressed
    June 2, 2016

    Blackmore, you and government have not been good and credible neighbours to us Dominicans. You all are not accountable, we hear half truths of matters relating to Dominica`s development and overseas deals. We do not want you to lecture us on decency, honesty and good governance, let alone good neighbourhood. We still have outstanding cases to resolve, for example the bin bobol, the fertiliser bobol and as our so called good neighbour , you need to practice this qualities. Our neighbour villages, Soufriere, Scotts Head, Gallion, Pte. Mitchel has been abused by honourable people with women on platform pucking nonsense talk promoting a man accused of girl child abuse while your neighbours of kind out there publicly ignoring this intrusion and abuse on our neighbour child and family. What a demonstration of insult. Go clean your house first before you try to be neighbourly.
    Other than we do not trust you and your corrupt associates in government.

  15. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    June 2, 2016

    Shut your mouth Rayburn spewing your hypocritical bare face lie! Your lie is not about the expected hurricane, since that is a natural phenomena our nation have to deal with, and cannot be avoid, nor evaded.

    Your hypocrisy is your call for Dominicans to be their neighbors keepers! You know that the probability of people becoming their neighbors keeper in a place where you and your Labor Party has set so much asunder, is slim to actual zero. You and Skerrit and the rest of your circus clowns has divided the people of the country to a point where parents, and children has turned against each other, because of the blood communists color of red!

    Don’t be surprise if a child or parent would see parent or child in harms way during a storm, and refuse to do anything to help or prevent the other from loosing their life. The damage to neighbors relation has long beenaccomplished, compounded by Skerrit telling your supports anywhere they encounter someone who does not support him and…

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      June 2, 2016

      Continue:

      The damage to neighbors relationship has long been accomplished; compounded by Skerrit telling your supports; anywhere they encounter someone who does not support him and your kind, they must harass them.

      Skerrit told his, and your supporters, when you meet them in the streets, in the stores, on a aircraft, even in another country, harass them! That to me is giving your red clowns the privilege of breaking the law of harassment in the country (Dominica) to release their vengeance on the none supports of the Labor Party: now you come along an bloody roaring lion in sheep clothing telling your supporters to be “your neighbors keepers. ”

      If you told your clowns, and monkeys I may say to harass those who do not support you and your backward politics, don’t you think they would prefer to see the demise of your none supporters?

      Man shut up and get lost; take a dive you damn lying hypocrite!

  16. Storm
    June 1, 2016

    Mr Blackmore, the biggest hurricane is the on going bad performance n segregation you guys practice day in day out.
    You Coming here playin Saint, whereas you all are destroying the unity of the state. Just listen to you all and hate language on the radio n during the by election.
    Next point, Mr Blackmore is the big King of Dominica, driving numerous fancy vehicles with attitude of arrogance and disregard for the poor. You should bury your head in the sand instead of coming out and be this hypocrite. If your talking about neighbours practice what the Bible say my brother…. Always in fansy Van in ac n dark windows……… Only God knows how many vehicles you guys own………
    Neighbor neighbor……… Who is my neighbour.. Read the good book.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      June 2, 2016

      Ask him how can a man who has nothing, could not afford anything on a police officers salary, and as soon as that man entered into politics, and became a so called government minister; that man was able to own a house valued at more than a million dollars in less than ten years.

      Ask him where did that same X-police get the money from to build a house for more than a million dollars which his salary could not afford. Ask him where he and his associates in government find the money to buy all the expensive motor vehicles they drive.

      Maybe you should ask him how come everybody in the country is poor however, all of the members of the labor party are the only rich people in the country? Dominicans should demand these people file Income Tax each year, and their returns made public so that we can catch the thieves among them.

  17. Justice for Gon
    June 1, 2016

    Yes Sir Mr. National Security Minister! Let’s look after our neighbours.

    Too late aye this message for the assistance of GON Emanuel and his wife who were nearly murdered by the terrorist arson attack on their property.

    Mr. National Security Minister, Sir, why is it that since 2010, they still have not had justice in the matter.

    Sir, why are you sitting on your hands on this matter? Could it be because someone high up in your government is implicated in the affair? Could it be so Sir.

    Yours respectfully and Obediently.

  18. Speak the truth?
    June 1, 2016

    Padna, All you doing in your Ministry is victimizing people, In the police, Fire and Prison. You just finish destroy the National Disaster Office. All of a sudden the Disaster Sepcialist is the best thing that happen since the discovery of dry biscuits, Specialist of what? talking disaster Rhetoric on radio. But i guess you all have one thing in common!

    You are a neighbour to no one but yourself.

    We just have to pray for a safe, calm season. Heaven help us?

  19. June 1, 2016

    blackmore whilst this is good advice you are the wrong messenger . you must practice what you preach. just keep on riding your high horse sir.

  20. Valley Rat
    June 1, 2016

    Mr Minister, you calling for us to be each others keeper, how are we doing that when your government have done nothing to keep the people together, but divide them.Look at the watten Waven link road, a bailey bridge was placed, and we can only access it by foot, your inept government have done nothing,after the Jamaican defence force installed it last september, if a repeat of Ericka, and our Pal Rep knows what happened to the Carlton Phillip road, and what came down in front his sisters house from the hill above, we from Laudat, shawford, and Trafalgar have no where to access roseau, and your Government is spending Millions on a by election, what is more important, winning a by election, or the lives of the people of our beautiful Dominica.

  21. Air Panama
    June 1, 2016

    “Security Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, has called for Dominicans to be their “neighbours’ keepers,” in an effort to ensure citizens’ safety in the event of a disaster.”

    Blackmoore, you meant to tell Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, to stay put in Dominica this hurricane season, and not to plan any trips to Macau or anywhere, like he did during Erika. I know you meant to tell him that while he was gone and Erika struck, we were indeed our neighbors kepper In fact you need to tell him that we were not separated by partisan colors, and Mr. Linton lead us by example, when he and you reached out to all Dominicans on DBS radio.

    Since he truly was not present to witness that spirit of unity the day of Erika, I hope you told him what was missing was not “neighbors keepers” but governmental leadership as in his absence no minister was able to take decisions, as dead bodies were moved to bus stops and no one could give directive, while he was cutting his cake and signing papers in…

    • Dominican
      June 2, 2016

      Just to remind you that he was not in Dominica either when hurricane Dean hit us in 2007 and Vince Henderson, very ably took charge. I believe Roosevelt Skerrit was gallivanting at the time

  22. Mouche miel
    June 1, 2016

    As the 2016 Hurricane Season begins, National Security Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, has called for Dominicans to be their “neighbours’ keepers,” in an effort to ensure citizens’ safety in the event of a disaster.
    Ok Blackbird! After the storms what happens? Hunt opposition with drones in November even if everyone’s drunk thru Nov-Feb/carnival?
    Give us a better laughable statement U joker.
    The idea is a noble but not from hypocrits. The same goes for the opposition.
    Look at how Corette et Al were trated former DFP-ites under Mamo sucked up to the guy who fell thru the political crack and became P.M with the help of many opportunists# the current President and short acting one from St.joe.

  23. charles
    June 1, 2016

    your party have divided the people.

  24. Jerry
    June 1, 2016

    What happen to the million of Dollars they spending on campaign? Build shelters for the poor. Look out for people when we can’t even eat bread.

  25. meeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!
    June 1, 2016

    Mr. Blackmoore

    Thanks for the call to be good neighbours. But i am sure i would like us to go a bit further and be great citizen by protecting our children from Child molesters and abusers. You are a father, brother, uncle, minister responsible for security – which should include securing the safety and welfare of our children. Please issue that call Sir.

    If you are serious about national security then please include the safety and welfare of our children in that too

  26. Lets be Reasonable
    June 1, 2016

    stuuuupes..so long Erika pass allu neva do not one …now u coming and talk bout “neighbors keepers” when we all know during the season half of allu doesnt be here on island.whats new?and those of u that are there well secure in allu shutere- down point wateva million dollar mansions….so spare me if I think u shud just take ur advice and put it where them hurricanes can take them when they pass this season…look at the conditions of the roads and bridges….allu still have them bridges they borrow allu until allu rebuild and up to now nothing happening…roads undermining like nobody’s business…a lil rain that pass last weekend it had flooding…rivers not dredged…BUT ALLU BUSY CAMPAIGNING SPENDING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS FOR BY-ELECTION…like really? Are u ppl serious??smmfh…

  27. South City
    June 1, 2016

    I’ve never seen any other Caribbean Government so prepared for Natural Disasters yet. kudos to you guys for keeping us abreast with pertinent information and for sensitizing the nation.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      June 2, 2016

      A damn fool usually cannot see further than the tip of their nose; I challenge you right now to disclosed which of the islands in the Caribbean is less prepared for a hurricane than Dominica?

      You are an idiot, who has never been anywhere! No matter how hard hurricanes and storms hit the other islands of the Caribbean, you have ever seen any of the islands crawling on their belly begging for money to rebuild their country.

      Their money in their treasury is the their preparedness, Dominica is the only island in the Caribbean operating on a bankrupt treasury.

      Dominica is bankrupt that is a lack of preparedness for a storm!

      Some ministers are wishing that this hurricane season the whole island will be devastated, so that when people donate money to them to help the unfortunate, they thief the money for their gain. Some Government minister has not accounted for money given to her since Erika, ask questions about that money and stop talking fart!

    • viewsexpressed
      June 2, 2016

      South City, y are so rght, i concur fully. I have never seen any other government so preparted in creating its own National Disaster openely and cresartively. Doiminica will have a long hard way to go to repair this National Didsater created and staged managed by this Skerrit lead corrupt :abour party. They are masters of the disiater in ther Caribbean, big time. Not even Zika can stop these guys, they are immune to decency in public office.
      It is because you have sensitive me that cause me to respond to your nonsense talk about a this corrupt government.

    • Tjebe Fort
      June 2, 2016

      Hey South City, I always thought you are a black man and not a red one! Not only that, you appear to be blind as well. Time to start thinking rationally brother.

  28. tooth pick
    June 1, 2016

    Sir, you were in charge of roads etc. Why has your Government done nothing about fixing the roads except for Bailey bridges from Erika!! Did you all not get funds to do this. How can you be in this article complaining about the hurricane season. Dominica is in a fragile state. Nothing at all has been done. How can you give out money for the by election and not spend any money on the infrastructure of Dominica shame on you. Shame on all of you. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  29. Papa
    June 1, 2016

    Too little too late pal. You guys had since Erika to do right by the people of Dominica. Now you want to tell us to be each other keeper? We are always and will always be each other’s keeper because we cannot rely on you guys anymore. Once you guys get our vote then to h… With us .we have seen the light. May the lord have mercy on your wicked souls

  30. Whistler
    June 1, 2016

    pretty good advice, but what’s your regime policy re villages etc in terms of funding for storm drains, roads, and retaining walls etc…

    why i’m asking is that the one man government seems to have house loaded with funds possible from the passport sales i would think, where he just shows up and villages councils and drops off hundreds of thousands of dollars, what message does it send to the rest of the village councils on island, so the one man government just wakes up and if he feels to drop a monies off wherever he feels like hmm, does that show a policy structure has the one man government made a statement to the nation re those massive drops offs to villages he likes..or wants votes from them…

    that style of government will just continue to make the island poorer as he is doing this month and year in year out without any success…

    dominica continues to be highly proud of being the poorest and the slowest economy in the caribbean…will never back labour they r…

  31. %
    June 1, 2016

    Blackmore I think when it comes to accommodating someone in trouble,particulary during a natural phenomenon, most Dominicans do not need stuttering and lisping Blackmore to tell them anything…WE DO THAT WELL!!! What the people need incompetent Blackmore to tell them is why almost a year after Erika,the entire country is in this terrible state of disrepair…Will every village Council get almost $600 000.00 as was the case in Soufriere?.Most times when you or the other clowns and square pegs in your cabinot speak,if I could I would take a breathalyzer to check how bwelay you all does be!!MEN AND WOMEN!!!

    • AAGabriel
      June 2, 2016

      Spot on right!

    • Mr.Mc LAUGHING
      June 2, 2016

      Extremely well said all posts were anti the regime. Doesn’t that speak volumes?
      Every seem to have expressed the Gov’t is a bunch of hypos if not idiots.

  32. Scott
    June 1, 2016

    Blackmore does not believe what he says. If you neighbor is UWP Rayburn do you care about him? Not if anyone knows Rayburn. Right message, wrong messenger.

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