Minister for Community Development Gloria Shillingford is in support of cabinet’s decision to withhold the supply of cement, tarish and steel from National Day of Community Service projects for the next three years.
Earlier this week, the prime minister announced that these materials would not be issued for construction projects as a result of a decision taken by cabinet. Instead, for the next three years National Community Day of Service will be used for beautification and environmental enhancement projects.
Shillingford, who addressed the official media launch of Dominica’s Independence celebrations, said that the decision came at the opportune time as there has been a visible increase in litter around the country.
“I believe this change in focus is timely. Over the last few months the amount of garbage seen around the country has become a matter for concern. It is of vital importance that Dominica’s image of being clean and green be maintained if we are to continue to market our country as the Nature Island of the Caribbean. We all have individually or as community the ability to play a part in maintaining the natural beauty of our country and the first step towards achieving this goal is keeping it clean,” she stated.
The minister said that she is looking forward to viewing the creative beautification projects that will be executed around the country. She took the opportunity to inform that most village councils on the island had already been aware of cabinet’s decision before it was announced as she had had some previous dialogue with them on that issue.
“I’m sure no one here can say that we do not need to concentrate on this. And long before the announcement was made by the prime minister I had already said to many of the village councils because I’ve been on a drive to visit every village council and every town council in Dominica and each of them that I went to I’d already said to them let our concentration be on cleaning up of Dominica. So a number of them knew that. Some of them just did not hear it before,” she stated.
Shillingford is convinced that these clean up campaigns are a sure way of empowering communities. She assured that the decision was not intended to last forever.
“We did not say that we are going to stop it forever. What we are saying that sometime during the year, if you want to do some road that is very urgent and we have the money, we will give you the money and you will be able to do that. But for now, let all of us start just beautifying and cleaning up Dominica,” Shillingford said.
@lyric: well you clever person why not discard everything including your travels from the US even ask your friends and family to move away from the US if you have and move to your country thats gives us all the aid..
Ross Univ has contribute Millons to this Country more than Charvez and China could even do,,,look at the spill off in the North of the island….you clever person..
what are the big spill offs of china…maybe its in a tunel sowhere..!!
USA is a Superpower we in Dominica would be foolish to try to counter them…
got to be smart play the right game but we have more US interest than the other folks..ok
think deeply dont you have friends and family in the US…so be dipolmatic when you think…
The US has power!! Be Smart and stop listening to a Boy who does have a clue..
He sit with you and then the second back talks you he is a back stabber!! many are finding him out..
why does he got to Charvez for USD20M now….go tell him to go ahead…you must think and stop talking rubbish the US can squeez the blood out of you…silly….
@Grandbay: one thing i will tell you this DLP govt will never be able to move this island go personaly and tell skero a smart PM in this time of crisis cash flow wise
why would he think of putting 27millon in a state house…atleast you have common sense lets start the process as dominicans from their lets level the field ok…..
you have common sense who are we going to ge the ferilizer from morroco is it a one trans shipment or a ungoing process and what are the measures…
lets start to think like dominicans as the questions not just hide in the dark…
@prissy: you hit the nail on the head, thumbs up for you, the way how Dominicans think right now are MAD, MAD ,MAD UTTER MADNESS. I never saw from history that we are not concious of our environs. OMG the peope have gone MAD. We need to pray for our country, trust me someone has tampered with the good citizenship of this country.
The disrespect to officials, opposing every project that will uplift us…….hmmmmm.
I applaud the government for taking that stand. Dominicans you should be ashame of yourselves. Those of you who are posting those negative comments are mad because your people will not be able to steal the cement and steel to give to you to finish those houses you started.
This is just sour grapes. You should hear how people who come to visit Da talk of how nasty those town and communities are. You live in it every day so it does’nt bother you but think of the visitors to your shores. Don’t you think it bothers them?
Dominicans, you oppose to everything that will move Dominica forward. I think you all should go back Massa day
Lets all work together to keep Dominica clean and Green, removal of all direlict vehicle even at the road side. Put on your working clothes and lets get to it. With unity there is power, we can achieve our goal here. This is a good gesture from our minister.
@was: What are you talking about? Morocco is a safer country to do business with, Caribbean Star was operating on Moroccos finances through R Allen Stanford and Dominicans supported him. We even wanted to have stanford open business in Dominica and if it wasn’t for the present administration We would be in big scandal like Antigua.
We keep on pressuring the government about developing this and that, all I’m saying is that the issue here is to clean up the country , lets all give a lending hand and yes if they say lets worship or pray evry noon I will because, Dominica needs prayer.
@was: Morocco has been branded by the USA as a haven for US terrorists and money launderers, it’s the same money laundering activity that has Mr. Allen Stanford in Jail right now.
The USA is the number one secret supporter of terrorism, what has she done for Dominica? I would like someone to out line some of the things the USA did for Dominica. Remember President Bush and his priorirties towards war having young Americans giving their ives as ransom for their country. Obama who is an islam extremist wanting to rule out christianity in schools?
Is this same USA you want Dominica to associate itself with? I rather Dominica to have dealings with morrocco than to accept the mark of the BEAST.
@Grandbay: you completely wrong is your skero choosen leader from above with his policies….what has morroco got to offer dont you know the US State Dep considers that country as a breathing ground and safe heaven for terrorist go read and educate yourself…
the feds dont have to be told so the have agencies and agents who can tab to each and every country island on this planet…be informed!
since after 9/11 its be hightned even more…why is their a reduction is new students coming tell me… dont you see your leader and his style have you ever question anything or think deeply about any of his decisions he makes or speaks about NO because you totaly incapable of doing any independent thinking for yourself,if he says let go worship at 12am every friday you will never even stop to think you will be the first to go ahead…
you must have a mind of your own and think deeply…
@dont: I’m glad that you mention Ross University, our tongues are the ones that will keep Dominica from developing, don’t you think that Ross is not reading and seeing all that bad behaviour displayed by us online? The whole world is reading, take this into consideration. If Ross pulls out, then we are to be blamed.
well well dominican in the diapora that take dominica pennies and tickets to come and put a government who is incaparble the BLOOD OF THE POOR PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY IS UPON YOU SHAME SHAME . NO TOURIST NO BANNANA DOMINICA NEED SOME SUPPORT FROM YOU THE ONES WHO CARELESSLY TOOK TICKETS AND BRIBES TO COME AND HELP DOMINCA TO WALK INTHE NEXT LEVEL .
WELL SKERO I SEE YOU CAN PLANT FLOWERS IN YOUR NEW HOME AND THE VILLAS NO PROBLEMN INTHAT
I just need to know, how many of us will have national pride to ensure that our country and city is clean?
I will do all possible to work along with those in power to keep Dominica clean and green. That’s it.
@JIM: Its easy to say stupid when one like you have time to read it, I take my comment as an important one, Thanks for responding.
Did I heard correctly what the Minister for Community Development stated?…. Only in Dominica, I see we have taking our level of ignorance to the internet with pride. I thought it was the Sisserou parrot that was the pride of Dominica?. Hon. Gloria Shillingford may I suggest, you drop that hot potato, because you will get burn if you keep on holding onto it.
@GrandBay: i think you one of those who have graduated with a masters degree being ingnorant!!
if you were any sort of thinker,dont you see silly that the island in sliding down cant you see..
the next move is the Ross Univ is pulling out slowly maybe you were born without eyes or your eyes have being blind….any kid can see this Govt doesnt have a clue…
see how foolish this govt go and tell skero from your 3 cents brain building a 27million state house doesnt make any sense in this era of the island…
what are u going to benefit from this state house maybe it will be the red clinic base then..
thats why majority of this govt surporters will always be damm dum and idoits to the bone..
very foolish small minded can ask any questions…
tell skero to open a church on sunday and go hear skero preach to you!! bunch of JACK A…..
How much did the minsiter receive for sayin such a thing? If i were the minister i would have save ma self from pressure. To use the word – TIMELY – in such a context is just way way out of order.
Minister we all know u mean well but please remember Dominicans are sharp like zeb copay. Words have power so be ware of that. Can someone educate the Dominicans who think that when one makes a point its politically motivated. This got to stop: everyone is entitled to his or her opinion on any matter. Freeedooom of speak ladies and gentle men. We must agree to disagree in Dominica.
@Grandbay…Your comment suggests your level of ignorance and stupidity!!!!
All that negativity on there are from UWP Supporters , they are just biased, they are wrapped under a powerful spell in which GOD can break them free from.
Any spiritual person can see that the sense of negativity, even to clean up the country in a collective manner has a problem. There is a Demonic control over some people to go against the Government and divide the country.
If you think that your negativity is from god well , check the fruits you are displaying. I shall do my part to help clean my area and in any national project because I know that the government means well.
I will leave this one word for DOMINICANS who continue to oppose.
LET HIM WHO IS WITHOUT FAULT/SIN, LET HIM CAST THE FIRST STONE.
NONE OF US ARE BETTER THAN SKERITT AND VICE VERSA.
@ZERO: You must have a hard core leader for Dominicans and I like his tone, Dominicans are not easy people to deal with , our people have been dubbed the most arrogant in the Region, check the stats.
You guys talk about all kinds of bull just because you all are UWP.
All this is just part of the next Level!!. When we were wining and jirating to the melodious rythmn of Woye Woye Woye Something’s is happening; and we were screaming with excitment during the campaign of the Red Machine after every line “the next Level” we never stopped to ask “what is the next level” This is just the beginning my friends, the next level has just begun; and we will now start asking “what level were they talking about?”
We will see the level not in the too distant future!!! Something is Happening my people.!!!!!
HERE IS THE CATCH. WEEKS BEFORE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT THE MAYOR OF ROSEAU MADE A BOLD STATEMENT CLAIMING THAT ROSEAU IS THE CLEANEST CITY IN THE CARIBBEAN. THEN BOOM CARNIVAL PULL OUT OF PORT. THEN BODOOW BOW THE PM SAYS NO MORE GOVERNMENT HELP FOR COMMUNITY DAY OF SERVICE; EVERYOEN SHOULD GO PLANT FLOWERS ; TRUCK DRIVERS SHUT UP OR PUT UP DURING COMMUNITY DAY OF SERVICE
IT DOES NOT TAKE A RETARDED PERSON TO FIGURE OUT THOSE IDIOTS IN GOVERNMENT.
Wake up Gloria Shillingfor!
@sadDominican: Well said!! but infact the sad thing is fuels their ignorant base alot! because they only see in one angle….
imgaine everythings skero says in whatever tone style or direction is consider something from heaven thats how most dominicans espically their base view this man!
The concept is the right one…instead of pave more, green more. That being said, roads still generally need a consistent level of resources to maintain a safe standard…if the govt is going to route some of those resources to village councils at a different period of the year, that’s fine. With respect to the green aspects of this…is the government providing trash bags/bins to facilitate these clean ups? Are they going to encourage DOWASCO to do an evening pick-up after all these clean-ups so we don’t have bags sitting around for several days on the side of the road. I know money is tight for the government but there are things they can do to facilitate this process instead of saying ‘village councils go out and clean up…oh, and you’re on your own’. National government should set the theme and tenor for the event and facilitate the success of the village councils/communities in whatever the project may be but then it’s up to the council and community to get it done. As one of my friends suggested, beyond just picking up trash let’s plant things too…trees, flowers, etc…especially the ones with traditional uses, which of course would tie into the heritage aspects of Independence and Creole month.
Ms Shillingford,enough of this rhetoric..I do believe the PM is a full fledged dictator who insults people,speak in a pompous and dogmatic way to Dominicans,and who knows what he is up to,when he says cement and steel will only be available in the next three years?
During the election campaign noone knew what the mext level was,but we are seeing it now..!!!!!
No cruise ship,EC$ 27 000 000 FOR STATE HOUSE,no agriculture,no manufacturing,rampant unemployment,extreme poverty,but ministers of govt are living like kings……..WE CALL THIS NEXT LEVEL!!!! SOMETHING IS HAPPENING…!!!!!!! TAKE THAT..!!!!
“I’m sure no one here can say that we do not need to concentrate on this. And long before the announcement was made by the prime minister I had already said to many of the village councils because I’ve been on a drive to visit every village council and every town council in Dominica and each of them that I went to I’d already said to them let our concentration be on cleaning up of Dominica. So a number of them knew that. Some of them just did not hear it before,”
Wow!!!
I wonder if the good minister knew of that before she met with the Portsmouth Town Council just a week or two before this announcement by the Prime Minister…
DId she forget to inform the Portsmouth Town Council who were in fact informed that projects submitted by the council requiring the same cement steel and tarrish were in fact approved ?
Again this is just another example of people towing the line … paying lip service to unilateral decisions taken on the part of a government which seems to act on impulse.
There will come a day when some of you will see that integrity and character are more important than party politics.
what is teacher Gloria saying , that woman has bring herself to the gutters with these low life people in Government just for her to say she in politics anyway she talking about clean up and beautifies village so i hope she start in wesley with all those paros on the street dirtying up the village and she will know what am talking about , now she talking about 3 years this woman is disregarding that Skerrit is a french man and have to leave the office at once for her to help the people of wesley to be honest she helping to show them to be dishonest but i hope when the time come she will have the strenght to stand up and ask the people of Wesley to forgive her for putting them in that mess.
the government should lay some profound fines on littering, and also the government and village councils should ensure that there are alot of bins in every village, i know this will reduce the amount of rubbish we see on the side roads,behind bushes and in drains.
The timing of that decision by the PM is just not right! And And that pronouncement by the PM. The tone….. Hope the Government dont lose some points there. Aunty Gory will always support the Cabinet decision… What do you expect?
Is anyone going to give Mr. Skerrit some guidance on speaking to his people in a more rational and humane manner. It is sad to see that the people around Mr. Skerrit are guiding him towards his demise. A fast car with an irresponsible driver will crash hard.
Go ahead Ministers, encourage this young Prime Minister to continue to insult the people of Dominica with lies and vile talk; and the end will result in all of you saying why did we not see; and if we saw, why didn’t we do something. Let us stop being political. The Prime Minsiter was extremely aggressive with his statement about not giving cement, tarish and steel. You talk to your dog like this PM, not the people who actually gave you a job!! Your arrogance will destroy you.
DOMINICA IS ON ITS WAY TO ROCK BOTTOM, NO BANNANA, NO COLGATE, NO CRUISE LINERS, AND NOW NO HELP DURING COMMUNITY DAY…..BUT DID I HEAR THAT PM SKERITT WANTING TO SPEND MILLIONS ON A NEW PRESIDANTS HOUSE????? AS HE WILL BE PRESIDANT AT SOME TIME, WELL HE SEEM TO MAKE ALL THE RULES, THE MAN CAN PUT HIM SELF ANY WHERE…….
MY DEAREST MOST BELOVED DOMINICA I AM SO SCARED FOR YOU, I FEEL LIKE YOU ARE DYING IN FRONT OF US AND WE CAN NOT DO NOTHING TO STOP YOUR DEATH, FIRST THE CORAL DYE AND GO, WE ARE LOSING OUR PEACEFUL NATURE ISLE.
CRIME WILL GO UP AS NO ONE WILL HAVE ANYTHING, APART FROM DE CHINESE, NASSIF AND ASTAPHAN, AND THEN THE ECO TOURIST WILL BE TO SCARED TO COME,,, WELL IF THEY DO THEY WILL SEE OUR POOR UNKEPT COMMUNITY, BUT THE ROADS IN WILL BE FLOWER LINED AH!!!!.
I PRAY FOR YOU DOMINICA!!!!!!
Things may not be as easi as it may seem. No one is to be blamed for the condition of the streeets and the grass and garbage all over the place. The powers that be ought to have systems in place to deal with such isssues. Perhaps the parliamentarians can agree to a pay cut for the love of Country. A pay cut for threee years because in essence they are servants of the people not kings and little princes. Please pray that the parliamentarians may all say yes to a three year pay cut hence giving back to the country as well. We are all convinced that the politicians in Dominica will play the Mr Nassief Role- One dollar at least. Parliamentarians should be the ones sacrificing the most in crucial times. The politicians love Dominica so sos much one expect them to just bow and salute the pay cut for three years – if things tight let the politicians lead by example. Let the politician and was the ag and the ps’ forgotten come out big time and live out the words: what service shall we render theee Dominica we love – instead of singing what service shall Dominice render to me – Dominica loves me……………………. Think about that ………..
@dont: i agree with you!!
but isn’t there a litter policy and litter wardens? so why do i pay environmental tax on groceries and other items? is it only on community day of service that we have to clean the country? now that’s interesting? well,well we are really heading to the next level. where is the national pride? I think that the merchants that sell cement should contribute a quotta & the gov should balance that quotta against there taxes. & the gov sponsor the tarrish. then let local gov department look at critical projects & priortise them. it’s time that we start thinking outside of the box. we taxing the merchants & the other companies, still the country broaks. why not offset some of these taxes with what materials that these companies can deliver. i think it’s worth a try.
thumps up to the next article. unfortunately skerrit dont read most of the sense making articles. its unfortunate that no one in skerrit’s cabinet can voice an opposing thought. what he says goes. no room for dictatorship in d/ca sir. your decision not to provide these materials is clear. next election look out people cement, tarish, plywood etc etc will be on the free market. wait! on mr no nonesense skerrit. i say wait!!!!!
I’m in total agreement with the Government, we need to start beautifying our country, we just litter like we don’t care. Most of them people who are against that are at the height of being pure nasty citizens WHO DEPEND ON THE GOVERNMENT FOR EVERYTHING AND NOT BEING INDEPENDENT AND BE GOOD COMMUNITY CUSTODIANS.
The government dont have to tell us to clean our very surroundings, the onus is on US TO DO THE DAMN WORK.
Dominica before was giving each a helping hand, but now, our hands are tied, national solid waste will clean up on certain days and thats it, hell no, do it yourselves, let the caribbean see that ae taking pride in our country.
Ms. Shillingford, I applaud your effort at trying to diffuse the situation at hand but it would be in your best interest to admit that this decision is a huge mistake. We are not saying that keeping Dominica clean and green is not a priority. It is a priority. Government has taken a childish decision which is to punish people to force them into going a certain direction. It is like keeping an icecream away from a child and telling that child unless you close the door you will not get the icecream. There are ways of doing things and communism is not Dominica’s way.
I guess you did not hear the Prime Minister’s speech. The tone of his speech is nothing close to positive. If you want people to go in a certain direction you do not force them. It makes people rebellious. This is a good decision and I see it going very bad. People will rebel and not do a thing on that day.
What the government needs to do, is to use its resources wisely and see which projects are really critical. These projects should be given priority along with the cleaning and beautification of the surroundings. Just imagine, a clean and beautiful village with huge craters in the road. While you are driving through and damaging your vehicle you are enjoying the view. Ridiculous!!
You people are so transparent we can see right through that strategy. Three years from now, right next to election time, the cement will be used to campaign. Ms. Shillingford, do not insult our intelligence. Some of us actually learnt in school.
dont care too much dominica is already lost no need to headache yourself…the worst is yet to come
just pure talkers no action unless their isnt civil unrest to restore good governance in dominica
the slide will keep coming…as dominicans are the ones to stop it!!
this DLP govt has brought this island to the gutters by child politics…but we deserve it as we were warned about the ills of this govt by our heads are so damm hard like stone thats why…
“We did not say that we are going to stop it forever. What we are saying that sometime during the year, if you want to do some road that is very urgent and we have the money, we will give you the money and you will be able to do that. But for now, let all of us start just beautifying and cleaning up Dominica,” Shillingford said.
The truth is in the above statement by the minister, she is like a donkey towing the line even as she knows what she says is not true.
When she said “if you want to do some road that is very urgent and we have the money, we will give you the money and you will be able to do that”.
Clearly this says they hove no more to continue with this but they dare’nt admit it, not after boasting of how well things are to the extent of lending anguilla millions.Surely fixing the roads and other community issues alongside cleaning is all part of the beautification process.
Name it differently in the next 3 year and say you did it. This country has gone to the dogs and people are afraid to say it.
YES GO PLANT FLOWERS, TIE UP ALL THOSE PAROS AND YEST STILL OUR ROADS FULL OFF POT HOLES. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY COUNTRY. MAMO MUST BE TURNING IN HER GRAVE
WHAT ABOUT ALL THE GARBAGE BIN THAT WE PAID SO MUCH MONEY FOR. WHAT ABOUT LITTERING REGULATIONS AND ENFIRCEMENT. AFTERALL IT IS WORTH EMPLOYING SOME ENFORCERS RATHER THAN TO LOOSE THE CRUISE SHIP BUISNESS. DON’T EXPECT PEOPLE TO CHANGE VOLUNTARILY. THOSE OF US WHO KNOW BETTER SHOULD DO BETTER BUT ENFORCEMENT IS THE KEY. START TICKETING – THE PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS SUPORTING THE IMPLIMENTATION AND SUPPORT PROGRAM.
$100 – FIRST OFFENCE OR TWO WEEKS MANDATORY ROAD CLEANING AND GARBAGE PICK UP. SECOND OFFENSE $300 OR I MONTH HARD LABOR CLEANING THE CITY AND SORROUND TOURIST ATTRACTION SITE.
TO THE GOVERNMENT IT IS TIMKE STAND UP AND STOP PLAYING POLITIRCKS. PAPA CHAVEZ DOH HAVE MONEY AND THE CHINESE DON GET WANT THEY WANTED.. SO IT IS TIME WE SWIM ON OUR OWN. DAMN IT
trust me that is away of saying ‘PEOPLE WE BROOK’
on community service day we clean and
fix our little tracks where our children and elderly walk.
Now govt telling us just go plant flower along those same muddy tracks. well! is now dominica going to be dirty cause some people will wait for that day only,i think govt taking us for granted.first it was
we didnt have money to pay worker.We said give us de materal will pull our strenghts togither and
fix roads ect,Iguess we were to willing.by the way did they consult with the people ? whose decission
was this any way?.uors or theirs?
Always good when a leader try new things.good move mr.P.M you a man of vision..who jah bless!!!!!!!!let the haters respond labourits .
May weee.. First i heard that cruise ship stop come to Dominica because of gas prices. next thing no cement and tarish for community projects.
Dominicans should not be insulted in this manner, Talk to people straight. we going to spend the next three years planting flowers in an country that is already green ?
Boy look things for people wee. I feeling like we are in a communist state now we
In that case, I cannot feel sorry that the usual community day of service activities are not being held. If we need someone to teach people not to litter, then let it be that way! It is time to stop the nastiness – poverty is not an excuse. It is also time to start saying thankyou and please to improve our customer service – that comes free as well. Next community day of service, put all people in positions of service to sit in a course and teach them to be polite, starting with a certain department store’s staff and the lady at the Goodwill credit union.
THE ARROGANCE OF THESE PEOPLE MAKES ME WONDER WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE TRUTH.WHER IS THE TRUTH IN THIS GOVERNMENT.ARE THEY TELLING US THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF DOMINICA IS INCAPABLE OF KEEPING OUR SORROUNDINDS CLEAN WHILE STILL UPHOLDING THE WORTHY COMMUNITY DAY OF SERVICE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT? ALL IT TAKES IS AN ACT OF PARLIAMENT TO INSURE A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT.
THE POSITION THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING INSINUATES THAT -COME NOVEMBER 4 AND THEREAFTER THE ENVIRONMENT WILL BE CLEAN AND THAT THE PEOPLE WILL AUTOMATICALLY CHANGE THEIR LITTERING WAY OR SHOULD I SAY OUR LACK OF RESPECT FOR OUR SORROUNDING.
EVEN AS I SPEAK A D/CAN IS DROPING OF HIS KUBULI AND KFC CONTAINER RIGHT ON THE ROADSIDE. MADAME MINISTER DO YOU EXPECT SUCH BEHAVIOR TO SIEZE AFTER NOVEMBER 4? I SUGGEST THAT WE ENFORCE THE LITTER ACT IF WE DO HAVE ONE OR WE IMPLIMENT ONE.
FOR ONCE -I IMPLOR THE TRUTH FROM THIS ADMINISTRATION.THIS IS NOT ABOUT POLITICS THIS IS ABOUT THE FUTER AND WELFARE OFF OUR BELOVED D/CA.