Member of Parliament for the Salisbury Constituency, Hector John, has stated that the government of Dominica has been neglecting the village of Coulibistrie, especially after Tropical Storm Erika.
He was addressing parliament during the debate on supplementary estimates on Wednesday, May 24.
“Do you know what happened to Coulibistrie on the 27th of August 2015? Are you aware of the promises made to the people of Coulibistrie after Tropical Storm Erika? Are you aware of the small businesses that got affected in Coulibistrie after Tropical Storm Erika?” he asked.
John said that had the government gone back to the people of Coulibistrie to meet with them and assure them that things were under control, the situation would have been better, especially considering that Coulibistrie was the hardest hit by Erika after Petite Savanne.
“Let us be real about it, let us put all jokes aside and let us deal with the issues … after Petite Savanne, Coulibistrie was the hardest hit after Petite Savanne. Promises were made to the people of Coulibistrie and we are hearing the type of monies that is being spent around the island…” John stated.
He added that the government did not “have the courtesy” to give some form of assurance to the people of Coulibistrie after the storm.
John noted that a number of projects are going on around the country, including the construction of river walls, river dredging and others, yet nothing is happening in Coulibistrie.
“We are seeing dredging of rivers after Tropical Storm Erika, and nothing is being done to Coulibistrie,” he said. “I am not saying that the other places do not need it, but at least throw an eye on the people of Coulibistrie.”
He also included concerns over water in Salisbury saying that villagers have to either buy water or drive to other places to get water, saying it is a “serious concern.”
“Everybody from Salisbury have to either buy water or take their trucks and go for water … everyday there are people from Salisbury taking bus going to Mero for drinking water…and that is a serious concern,” he remarked.
But Public Works Minister, Miriam Blanchard, John’s claims are not true.
“You all have to stop deceiving the people of Dominica,” she said in Parliament.
She said $276,000 was spent on the Salisbury village road. Additionally, $134,000 were spent for road and drainage works in Church, Lane and $456,000 has been approved for Petite Macoucherie, among others.
isn’t Salisbury parl rep the same set of people who complained about not having roads. then the government build new roads then Salisbury people decided to dig up the road and also burn fires in the same road? Allu all about nothing but ignorance!!!
I would not take them on!!
my boy u hard to many drinks look around u
The Intake in Salisbury is still in a state of disarray after TS Erika water is a basic necessity. I have to go go to Mero twice a week and full bottles for drinking and cooking, yet my water bill remains the same..come on man
Hector John, you are a blatant lier to mention in the house that no river dredging was done in Coulibistrie. How were the silts and stones removed from the village roads? How did the river return to a state of normalcy? This river was dredged three times and all of the sand and silt removed which is why villagers can move freely around their premises. You all need to stop spreading hate and propaganda because it will come back to haunt you. The truth is always the truth and no matter how much you try to distort it, it will remain and TRUTH.
I am so proud of the Salisbury people…!!!
The man spoke about water you speaking about road. Who is deceiving the people? You all think that because you have the upper hand you can belittle everybody? He said the WATER supply! What about that and the payment of salaries to people who work for public works!!
That’s not true. That was one of the first villages to receive help. Why do politicians lie so much just to gain some power. Sadly some people actually believe them.
Do u live in Salisbury? What help did they receive? We still have to buy water in Salisbury. GOVERNMENT has abandon Salisbury.
Looks like the Salisbury Constituency was/is being misrepresented by their representative. Remember sir, you were elected by the people of the constituency to serve the constituency. Show-up, man up, speak-up on behalf of the people of your constituency. If you run with wolves, you will learn to howl, run with Eagles and you can soar to the highest heights. Thus far, you sir have been a huge disappointment. Spend some time on you and brush up on your mannerism and knowledge level on the workings of Government so that you can better represent your people. Enough of the howling and start representing.
OneLoveDominicans!
Miriam you should be ashamed of yourself my girl….stop trying to defend the indefensible…just admit your government blundered and promise to do better. All the examples you gave in Parliament, these places are not part of coulibistrie.
Liar, liar pants on fire. Do nothing OR its very very much convenient to blame Skerro. Your inability to even visit your constituents is appalling! The PR for Colihaut spends more time in Coulibistrie than you. Wait you smell a rat?
I can tell you for sure that there is no problem with the water that Dowasco is providing for the people of Salisbury. The fact is whenever one person makes a statement everyone else follows suit with no proof. Dowasco tests the water around the country every week. There are people who lives in Salisbury that are working for Dowasco who are drinking the water so what does that tell you. Some Salisbury must stop ssting the water is not good and as u can see I said some because it’s not all of them. Stop spreading rumors trying to make the company look bad. I live in Salisbury and I drink the water every single day
I agreee fully. Cannot just be for one set alone. But that is all politics. Starve them so it looks like SPaggs et al not doing nothing for them. Lower the finances that must be given to the local governments and councils so they cannot help themselves. Force them to vote the other way through suppression because they wont get anywhere for not voting for the rulers. so it is in the country. victimization at its best. I always say each village or constituency needs to become self sufficient and self reliant. That way, you do not remain as slaves to your government and other organisations that can take advantage of the people.
The majority of the people in this village are not supporting the gov’t in power hence the reason for this neglect.