Vagrancy in Roseau being addressed – Darroux

A vagrant in Roseau
A vagrant in Roseau

The government is getting closer to solving the vexing issue of vagrancy in Roseau, Health Minister Kenneth Darroux, has said.

He stated that the matter has been handed to the Ministry of Health and a cabinet paper has been finalized.

“This issue of the vagrancy has been going back and forth for the longest while and finally it was handed to the capable Ministry of Health,” he said on Wednesday.

Darroux pointed out that the accommodations for vagrants will be handled by the non-profit organization, Wisdom To Know (WTK).

While not giving away too much of the information, he remarked that there is a “small cost attached.”

He noted that this undertaking was done through multiple stakeholders including the Ministry of Tourism and the Psychiatric Department.

“Cabinet has essentially approved the paper in principle but of course we need to see it in black and white and by next week hopefully it will be approved,” Darroux stated.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Environment Helen Royer said that families of some vagrants have been identified and will be assisting in addressing the problem.

“Even if we put a day care or a night accommodation for vagrancy, the vagrants come from families they come from homes,” she noted, stating that authorities will meet with families and begin engaging them to discuss effective ways of bringing back or rehabilitating the vagrants into their families.

“Some of them can go back to their homes,” she said.

Royer mentioned that authorities will also be talking to the public and having media forums so people can share their ideas on the matter.

The issue of vagrants in Roseau has been a long standing one in Dominica.

They are said to be a nuisance to tourists who come to Dominica and a reason given for the island receiving low ratings by visitors, according to reports.

In November 2013, then Tourism Minister, Ian Douglas, admitted that he was unsure how the matter is going to be resolved.

He threw it at the feet of the Ministry of Health, which he said is ultimately responsible for dealing with it.

Earlier this year Darroux said the matter would be taken to cabinet for consideration since it is having a negative impact on, “our visitors especially those from the cruise ships.”

Last year Director of Tourism, Colin Piper, described the matter as having a “negative impediment” on the tourism industry.

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23 Comments

  1. Mane
    May 12, 2015

    You will find people with different personality all over the world. Humans have a right to exist, and live freely. Mental illness doesn’t choose it victims. It is not something that going to go away overnight either. Instead of building houses for health young men and women. You should look into having a mobile team of mental health screeners , a group home at least to house and feed the sick , and counselors to support them 24 hrs to ensure that they recover, and blend back into society. They need help and proper care. If you cannot give them that, leave them alone. They have a right to survive.

  2. Mr. Browne
    May 9, 2015

    The vagrancy talk again… I’m actually tired of watching this movie.

  3. CYRIL Volney
    May 8, 2015

    What’s so difficult about this? There are only about 12 “vagrants” in Roseau hold us all hostage. Round them all up, hold them for three days, and assess them. In three days you will know who are the crack heads, and who need psychiatric treatment. Stop PASSING THE BUCK!

  4. IJS
    May 8, 2015

    Addressed? Still>?!

    We don’t want a few fancy words about what you are going to do dear…. We want action. Btw…..as if this is the second time I’m reading this on DNO!

    Do something already!

  5. Mamizoo
    May 8, 2015

    Here is some reading for honest people. I am no historian but I love the archives and if I was a reporter I would continuously remind dishonest and worthless politicians of their lies and empty promises.

    https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/general/progress-made-roseau-vagrant-problem/

  6. Kubuli Kountry
    May 8, 2015

    To Honourable Darroux,

    Sir with all due respect, I must say I hear that song play on de radio already.

    I sure you know what I mean.

  7. Lex
    May 8, 2015

    all you have to do is put all of them in prison and throw the key because they doesn’t have any use to society.

  8. Lang Mama
    May 8, 2015

    Owatafooliam to expect papaw from a male pawpaw tree.

  9. Trevor Fabien
    May 8, 2015

    Correction to my post.

    Should Read:
    It is evidently clear that this problem which has blighted the capital for donkey years not will have a solution to it anytime soon. We as a very small island, a young democratic country seems to be adopting all sorts of unscrupulous ideas to generate money for the selected few(Citizen by Investment). However when it comes to the adoption of ideas to deal with the problems of this nation we want to reinvent the wheel. We need to look outward for solutions, take them and tailor it to our needs as it relates to helping solve our problem locally. We have driving, drinking and homeless problems which can be solved by researching how these were solved in different parts of the world and tweak it so it can be effectively employed to solve our problems.
    Stop passing the buck from minister to minister and please tackle the problem head on. This is harming the economy yet we fail to address it. Wake up from your sleep and slumber you inept…

  10. Trevor Fabien
    May 8, 2015

    It is evidently clear that this problem which has blighted the capital for donkey years now will have a solution to it anytime soon. We as a vet small island, a young democratic country seems to be lending all sorts of unscrupulous ideas to generate money for the selected few. However when it comes to lending ideas to deal with the problems of this nation we want to reinvent the wheel. We need to look outward for solutions, take it and tailor it to solve or problem locally. We have driving, drinking and homeless problems which can be solved by researching how these were solved and tweak so it can be effectively employed to solve our problems

  11. The Facts
    May 7, 2015

    This is a good start, to ensure they are well-taken care of and do not roam the streets, especially begging the tourists, harassing them for money. Everyone will agree they are a nuisance. The vagrants are in need of help in many ways. It appears this is forthcoming. Good luck in this major and humane undertaking.

  12. mandate 2 mismanage
    May 7, 2015

    ahahahaha I swear…sometimes listening to the difficulties of these ministers/ministries one would think Dominica has a population of 100 million. What difference does it make which ministry takes this issue over…any serious minister would have to consult across ministerial lines as ALL issues overlap in some way.

    Why isn’t the ministry of social services involved, for example? I mean geez people…I bet the ENTIRE count of vagrants doesn’t exceed a couple hundred. If they were protesters I’m sure one ministry (the ministry of Skerritt) would have found an unlawful charge and would have found a solution for them tout suite!

    What a nation of nitwits! Anyway continue doing as you do, Dominicans have lost of all hope anyway. The slaves will continue paying your salaries to do nothing but blow hot air.

    • The Facts
      May 7, 2015

      You obviously did not give it a thought that some of the vagrants may have a mental problem; some may be ingesting illegal drugs. This is where the Ministry of Health comes in.
      The Ministry of Social Services should also be involved and especially when the vagrants are youths.
      The Ministry of Finance should also be involved to assist in financial support with the Ministry of Social Services.
      I am certain, in the end, it is not only one department that will be involved.
      You would do well to give these a good thought.

  13. faceup
    May 7, 2015

    You guys not ready yet.. Vagrants ?? If you guys cant afford a proper rehab centre for drug and alcohol addiction to help your fellow citizens. the issue of vagrants /or still suffering addicts out there, the problem will never be resolved.. And one more thing, and I have said it before, there is a department in the government in DA that deals with drugs, they are a complete waste of time and tax payers money…

  14. May 7, 2015

    This matter is not a health issue,but it can become one.having talk show on that matter cannot solve the situation,are you all politicians wait for the public to tell you all what to do ?it is a shame,vagrants are hungry looking for food ,some a drogies,treat them,find them a place to stay and see to it that they respect the law,,

    • The Facts
      May 7, 2015

      Yes! The views of the public are necessary. People see matters differently and have different ideas and useful suggestions to offer, except you I suppose.
      The vagrants need to be housed, clothed and fed. If they are ill, they will need medical care. Rather than criticize, you could think of something worthwhile to advise the government which will be helpful in placing them in a proper accommodation and also taking care of any mental problem they may have.

  15. alas
    May 7, 2015

    I want protection for my children first!
    To hell with dat!
    I haven’t heard de Attorney General nor the Minister of Legal affairs address the nation on the issue of sexual predators. and the damage it causes to Dominica’s vulnerable youths.
    De challenges and frustrations and damaging effects on our young one, family structure, social living etc.
    I propose issues such as these produce de kind of lyrics, lifestyle, music of our young ones.
    I listen to our young one s talk sometimes….sad.
    De emphasis on having a no profit organisation do the work along with the families apears to me that Government want to wash it’s hands clean and not have the responsibility of protecting the public good with specific regard to vagrancy.
    i keep hearing alot about these gestures.
    I want to see dem work to de benefit of de affected individuals and families.
    you guys have a long mouth to just talk and a poor project implementation record.
    PM agrees with me

  16. Views Expressed
    May 7, 2015

    Dominicans read this carefully Above and the choice of words:

    “In November 2013, then Tourism Minister, Ian Douglas, admitted that he was unsure how the matter is going to be resolved”.

    He (I guess Minister Ian Douglas) threw it at the feet of the Ministry of Health, which he said is ultimately responsible for dealing with it.

    The Ministry of Health. LOL…LOL…LOL….these government people are sick..

    Is this a health matter???????

    • OneDestiny
      May 7, 2015

      Yes, and no….most of the vagrants are either drug addicts or they are mentally unwell. These are health issues. However, it’s a social issue as well and maybe these 2 ministries need to work together to solve the problem. Whatever the case , at least it will be getting the attention that is required……hopefully

  17. Lang Mama
    May 7, 2015

    I have never seen so much cochoniii administration. 5 years Ian Douglas has been saying that the issue was being resolved by his ministry and government now we hearing the issue is finally in the charge of Darrow ministry. Note one m
    onth ago min is terrible Tongue was in charge of the matter.
    All you look joke. We have right foot in the left shoes,left shoes in the right foot and donkey wearing man shoes but they are able to climb several flight of stairs.

    • Peter Potter
      May 7, 2015

      I keep on saying it. This government and its leader are confused. They do not know if they are coming or going. All problems in Dominica are, as far as the Labour government is concerned, resolved by talking about the issue and talking about possible solutions. That is as far as it goes – it never goes beyond this stage. But why change anything, Dominicans are quite content to listen to the ongoing BS.

    • Shameless
      May 7, 2015

      “We have right foot in the left shoes,left shoes in the right foot and donkey wearing man shoes but they are able to climb several flight of stairs.” :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ! Garson Lang doh kill me pleaseeeeeee :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: ! Could not have said it better.

      Assertive, NOT Aggressive! :mrgreen:

  18. drinkwater
    May 7, 2015

    Yh we need that problem to be. Solved ASAP

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