Work suspended from 1:00 pm

Skerrit meeting with emergency personnel on Friday morning
Skerrit meeting with emergency personnel on Friday morning

Work for the public sector has been suspended in Dominica from 1:00 pm on Friday as TS Bertha approaches the island.

Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, made the announcement moments ago at a press conference.

The prime minister is also urging the private sector to send employees home.

However, all essential service will remain open.

Skerrit said all Dominicans should prepare for the passage of the storm.

According to the authorities, the storm will begin affecting Dominica late Friday.

More info later.

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45 Comments

  1. dominicaninus
    August 4, 2014

    Why does everything in DA have to be political. People wake up. I did not vote for President Obama because of Moral issues but I don’t bash him. Sometimes we have to learn to just be quiet even when things don’t go our way. Many of us Dominicans are too ignorant.

  2. Hope for the future
    August 3, 2014

    Thanks to the works and advice of the Disaster Preparedness Committee. Why are people overlooking the root cause.

  3. Doc. Love
    August 2, 2014

    Excellent job Mr. Linton, you have got Skeritt to wear a blue shirt in public.

    • Change is a must
      August 4, 2014

      Even skerro supporting UWP now…He has seen the writing on the wall. Why you think the man hopping so and trying to discredit the opposition? He really scared.
      CHANGE IS A MUST!

      • The Facts
        August 6, 2014

        So you think.

    • August 4, 2014

      That shows us Dominicans that the colors BLUE/RED are just that nothing else but what matters are the content of the persons wearing those colors .

    • The Facts
      August 4, 2014

      This statement is so silly. Can he not wear whatever color shirt he so pleases, as everyone else?
      I love wearing different colors; every day a different color. I think this is how it is with everyone especially in the work force.
      It is nothing surprising and exceptional if the PM wears blue. You are the only one who gave this a thought. The blue color is not meant for only UWP. They better not claim it for themselves.

  4. anonymous2
    August 2, 2014

    More vacation time.

  5. Roach
    August 1, 2014

    Good timing, Mr. Skerrit knos when to snatch the “cheese” before the cat comes…..

  6. See through
    August 1, 2014

    If people think that a simple announcement about stoppage of work in the public sector, or for private sector employees to be sent home, will take care of our preparedness in times of storms or hurricanes, think again.

    The Disaster Preparedness Office has meager resources, both human and financial. Their capacity to operate in any effective way has been a matter of concern by citizens.

    What about the PWC, our local company which has been reliable, hard-working for decades in clearing, landslides and bringing back blocked roads to motorable shape? They have shown much resilience over the decades. But who is dismantling, pressuring, owing PWC, selling the land under their feet, where they have operated for Years serving Dominica in rough times.

    How much is in the budget for environmental protection and conservation? How much for disaster preparedness and mitigation?

    The bigger picture regarding disaster mitigation and being really prepared is not being seen.

    • icepop
      August 4, 2014

      Well maybe the Public sector have a plan or policy and does not wait on the private sector- if the private sector have a plan they should be in a position to say when is the cut of time to closed down their business given an impending storm – we see it in the US all the time – ODAMA does not call private sector to tell them close nor does he call the federal gov’t because they know what they have to do – but here it looks like Skerrit have to tell everybody what to do. come on put a procedure together that gives you reasonable time to close your business in the interest of your employees and clients/customers. The MET offices says a warning means storm/hurricane conditions are expected within how many hours relative to where the storm is that gives you the time to make a decision in the interest of your businesses customers and employees without necessarily waiting on govt intervention – but I guess if you all can stay open until the 11th hour trust me you all will do it.

    • The Facts
      August 4, 2014

      Can people ever be prepared for disasters of any nature? They can only do so much. You should know the reason they got the half day off. It was to get home in the event the weather got worst and they became stranded either at work or while going home. It is as simple as that.
      They are to listen to the weather forecast the night before and in the morning and prepare themselves accordingly.
      Ever since all of Ontario had a black-out and then the ice storm in December with a black-out for some days, I take no chances. Once I hear the weather forecast, I collect water of all and ensure the lamps and flashlights are close at hand with necessary fluid and batteries. Every room has either a lamp or flashlight. Imagine being in the dark if lights go off in the evening.
      Power and water are the first two to go during a storm. Furthermore, without warning anything could happen. Imagine coming home to no lights and water; two essentials we need. People must pay attention to the weather forecast and remember previous disasters and what occurred then.

  7. August 1, 2014

    My people of Dominica, just remember that our God, who lives in His Person, the Man whose name Jesus, He has offered to us, that He be our Shelter in those stormy blast.

    Therefore, all you need to do is to allow your faith to lead you towards that Shelter from the storms of the world. God’s shelter for you and me is built from Spiritual texture which no storm can dominate and destroy–then you are safe in His arms

    Meanwhile, it must be that the storms are taking over the world; for here in Toronto, where we would normally have bright sunshine, which would continue until around 9pm–it is only 5pm and Toronto’s outside is like an evening of winter months, darkened by the showers of rain

    And so, I pray to You, O God. Please lead us through the darkness and through the gloomy days; take our hands, O precious Lord, and guide us on our way. Give us the strength, by which we can build abiding faith in You, so we will not ask: Where do we go from here. Amen!

  8. Frank Talker
    August 1, 2014

    But why can’t Skerrit pick up the phone and call private sectors leaders and associations before he makes public those decisions? It is about time he stops “advising” the private sector via the media. The Dominica Employers’ Federation is the private sector focal point on labour and employment; you also have the Dominica Business Forum. I understand that Skerrit cannot ordinarily send private sector employees home, but he surely can reach some kind of consensus with the DEF or DBF to the benefit the all employees in the land. C’mon man!!

    • The Facts
      August 4, 2014

      Why are you criticizing him? In the part of the world I reside in, if during the night the weather turns bad, the Media also advises the public to stay indoors.
      The best manner is the News weather forecast. Everyone listens to it. If we are experiencing a heat-wave, the senior citizens are advised against going outside and even keep their drapes closed to ward off the heat. I.e., if they do not have air conditioning. They are also advised to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. These directives do not come from employers.
      The PM is head of the country. Therefore, it is also easier and faster to inform the public via TV and Radio. As Prime Minister, he has done his duty to nationals.
      Can you imagine how many telephone calls he would have had to make to each employer? Consider time-wastage. Does this make sense?

  9. # Dominican.#
    August 1, 2014

    Great move! Solid and confident leadership, A stich in time saves lives. No politics here my people. Just a sign of our Government taking proactive approach to ensure and protect life and property. Give jack his jacket and give thanks and praise that every thing will be alright. Lets all pray for each other.

    • # Dominican.#
      August 1, 2014

      D.N.O. hurry a TS. is coming. we need your reporting. Stop moderating.

  10. AAA
    August 1, 2014

    St Lucia up and running .. Election coming

  11. eye
    August 1, 2014

    Some greedy businesses still have employees working. Hello value human lives.

    • The Facts
      August 4, 2014

      They are presumptuous into thinking the weather will not become bad. Nevertheless, the weather forecast is the guideline and the PM informed them to close due to the weather forecast. They should take heed and allow their staff to go home early. They want their money’s worth out of the staff. This is the manner in which business operates, business first and staff second or last. It is a selfish and greedy attitude.

  12. Doc. Love
    August 1, 2014

    Mr. Lennox Linton really has this guy in a tail spin. It is the first time the man has worn anything blue to address the nation. :lol:

  13. anonymous
    August 1, 2014

    I applaud Mr Skerrit. Better safe than sorry. Miniyas pottersville refuse to close. I don’t seem to understand the owners. We are not Jesus Christ so we shouldn’t put ppl at risk. We never knw when these disasters are taking a turn for the worst. It happens so quickly. Money is the root of all evil. Stop playing God. Aimes largent

    • The Facts
      August 4, 2014

      The Almighty dollar, eh? One day, it will be left behind.

  14. Hope for the future
    August 1, 2014

    Still praying for the best and that the blue sky will soon take over the white clouds as depicted by the photo. Praying that the storm disintegrates and events can take place. However, it is wise to take the necessary precautions in the event that………
    Good Luck every one.

  15. I like that
    August 1, 2014

    People and lives first? But the culverts and gutters blocked all over the place, no preparation done for hurricane season by the govt. potential flooding situation all over the island because this lazy govt not doing any maintenance of our roads. So sending people home early does not guarantee their safety. Just check de road to our main airport and see how much water that running across de road because those gutters blocked with debris. See what happen in Castle comfort on Dec 24 that can happen anywhere in DA because our environment is neglected by this govt. So it is hypocritical of skerrit to send people home early each time a storm coming while allowing them to be unsafe at these same homes.

    • Peeping Tom
      August 3, 2014

      Sit on your backside and wait for a government to clean your drains for you and let us see who feels first and foremost the effects of a blocked drain. You nincompoop!! Will you also wait for him to drive you to work after he creates the opportunity for you to work? Yet, you call him lazy for leading from the front? Do you even begin to see how foolish your comments appear?

  16. Yes i
    August 1, 2014

    What! PM wearing blue now? First time I’ve ever seen PM in blue. All his red shirts wet man? or is it a sign of things to come?

    • DANZIGER
      August 2, 2014

      It is called cross over and passover so wait still he will soon remainover in his seat.

    • The Facts
      August 4, 2014

      So, what else is new? :lol:

  17. Tri-State Beauty
    August 1, 2014

    That’s a very smart move. Safety first. I’m hoping all goes well for Dominica.

  18. Eye
    August 1, 2014

    PM you look really good in blue. Try using it more.

    • The Facts
      August 4, 2014

      I love wearing blue too. :lol: You do know, royal blue, navy blue, light blue and baby blue.

  19. Labour To The Bone
    August 1, 2014

    A concerned PM.

  20. kaya
    August 1, 2014

    What about the employees of Clear harbor who are told that it’s work as usual and that they have to report to work or face being penalized? Someone needs to step in. Its sad when big companies such as these don’t care about human lives.

  21. Peter J
    August 1, 2014

    Aye Skerrit! You really do not care a damn about the cost of production.
    Since Sunday the news broke that this storm was in the making, you never said a word to advise people to start preparations, now that the storm is 12 hours away you come with your grand styling and declare half day public holiday.
    People should have made all their preparations already. So now you creating panic and showing off that you have power.
    If payment for the workers you are sending home at 1:00 p.m. was coming from your pocket, you would have thought five times.
    The incompetence of this government sucks.
    On Tuesday I hope you tell your flock the cost of your decision. By the way you closing down Roseau tomorrow too?
    Anyway not long again, the clock is ticking, May 2015 will soon come.

    • The Facts
      August 4, 2014

      As also everyone, it is normal that he was waiting to hear further news forecast. Is there anything wrong with that? The weather has a habit of changing course or speeding up its course; also diverting its course elsewhere and even dying down. At the offset it is always wise to wait and see.

  22. Bad DA
    August 1, 2014

    thank you pm you u gave me just enough time to prepare

  23. Anonymous
    August 1, 2014

    so its now up to the private sector..

  24. August 1, 2014

    Clear Habor never listens to the plea.send the workers home u are putting their lives at risk.we are in the hurricane season,pple have to go and secure water, their families and purchase dry goods to keep themselves during the passage of the storm….CLEAR HARBOR LET MY PPLE GOOOOOOOOO

    • The Facts
      August 4, 2014

      Expect nothing better from telemarketing enterprises. The employees work their guts out and no free time. Do the employees not have to clock-in and clock-out? This should tell you something. This is the manner in which they operate. Do they really care if the end of the world is approaching?

  25. BULL
    August 1, 2014

    It seems the public sector has some hold over the prime minister. You are the prime minister are you not?

  26. fame
    August 1, 2014

    A working PM

  27. Verns
    August 1, 2014

    Happy that a decision was taken to send employees home,

  28. August 1, 2014

    again I applaud you mr PM . In times like these I put colours down and people and lives first . All the best to D/cans .

    • DA1
      August 1, 2014

      Why everything has to be political? It’s the PM duty as head of the country to protect it’s citizens….alas

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