Gov’t gives $100,000 in financial aid to DSC

Tuition-logoPrime Minister and Minister for Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit, has said that it is unfair for students to be sent home or denied the opportunity to write examinations because they cannot afford to pay tuition fees.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came while he was making a $100,000 cash injection toward the creation of a financial aid program at the Dominica State College (DSC), on Tuesday.

“I’ve said to the President, I need to know of these students and as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, we will find the resources to pay for these students, but I do not want anybody to be sent home because it is not necessary,” Skerrit stated .

He noted that the payment of tuition fees always places a burden on the College and said that the government started using the college to implement training initiatives under the small business and employment program and it is their hope to make some money out of this which can be used to reduce the burden on the ministry of education.

“Nonetheless, we have to continue supporting the students who are unable to meet the tuition fees. And I have always said that is unfair and unwarranted for the college to send anybody home because they cannot meet the cost of the tuition or for the college to deny anybody the opportunity to sit an exam because he or she cannot pay his tuition fees.”

The Prime minister also said that he will give instructions to the state owned institutions to make contributions annually to the financial aid program. He added that it is his hope that the private sector and those who have benefited from the education at the State College, will make contributions to the program so that all the students can benefit.

The financial aid program will be managed by the Dominica State College on behalf of the Ministry of Education. The program will assist students to meet their tuition fees to attend the Dominica State College.

DSC President, Dr. Donald Peter, received the cheque on behalf of the Dominica State College at the school’s newly built auditorium.

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142 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    October 10, 2013

    Be careful with promises. There is a prominent youngster who got a scholarship and it is stranded out of state. Right now de mamie have to turn her hand to help her child

  2. Ashley
    October 9, 2013

    This is no financial aid. This is an installment on what Skerrit owes the college. Ooh pa las manti.

  3. October 9, 2013

    To many hand out going on in dominica find work for your people to do so they can pay for there kids education and stop the hand out please.

  4. Concerned
    October 9, 2013

    For crying out loud, where is the Minister of Education? Shouldn’t he or she be the one to make the presentation? And, why is Skerrit personalising the concern when delivering tax-payers’ money?

    • jj p
      October 10, 2013

      he undermining his own ministers, he is micro managing them, ofcourse its the minister of education suppose to be doing that, but he wnt it to look like he is the one gwo boog skerrit, he needs to stop this nonesense.

  5. playboy
    October 9, 2013

    What we have here are issues of perceoption, real or imagined.
    There’s the percepyion that we’re galloping fast round the track from socialism to communism. After all, there is free health care for a huge number of our citizenry; ther’s free total care for many of the elderly; free cooking gas for many; a free house thrown in here and there.
    And now, FREE EDUCATION. And don’t forget the Red Clinic.
    And where is the money coming from? Taxpayers!!! (except maybe the gas bit).
    Take from the haves and give it to the have-nots.
    Then there’s the perception that the PM is just a super-caring man.
    Another perception is that his eyes may be on elections and nothing else.
    And that he wants to keep us in a state of dependency on him.
    Which perception(s) is real, and which imagined?
    This is the big question.

  6. hand out stat
    October 9, 2013

    @ frustrated STUDENT. the reason u not getting your tuition paid is because the p.m is out there promising all students abroad and in state that he will pay their tuition.he did it to someone i know. promise that he ill pay tuition for university and have the person coming to look for him every Wednesday at red clinic.

  7. Jay
    October 9, 2013

    What are the roles of the Ministry of Education and the Social Welfare Dept.? Where was the Parl. Rep for the constituency in which the college is located? Increasingly we are seeing Govt. aparatus being hamstrung, becoming moribund and people being sidelined to, enable one man, and one man alone to play the savior.. This is unhealthy, no it is more than that. It is very sick!

  8. EASY WIPEOUT!
    October 9, 2013

    so I saw the headline so I decided ok.let me read…then I said ok let me STOP READ! TALK TALK TALK AN MORE TALK ALONE THAT SKERRIT LEAD GOVERNMENT DOING!!!!! TALK!!! YOU D**M LIE! just last week I listened to the face to face cry of one of the DSC and I quote “THE GOVERNMENT JUST KEEPS FOOLING THE PEOPLE, THEY SAY THEY WILL PAY FEES FOR STUDENTS AND THEY DONT! THEY SAY THEY WILL PUT MONEY INTO THE COLLEGE AND THEY DONT, THEY JUST MISLEADING THE COUNTRY TO BELIV THAT THEY HELPING THE COLLEGE”… I am sick an thedup of this nonsense in this country all young people 18yrs an above if you TRULY HAVE A BRAIN THAT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY!!! you will see this government is not for young people.they don’t care weather we take drugs/sell drug/steel/kill/make bom/run high life (with them too) to survive. THEY ONLY CARE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THEIR POCKETS…DAMN SHAME!!
    CHANGE IS A MUST NOT AN OPTION!

  9. HAHAHAHA
    October 9, 2013

    oh! you mean the PM pay the money that they have been owing the college for all those so called schorlarships they handing out? we know your game PM it will not work, you can give 100,000,000.00 OUT YOU GO.

  10. Anonymous
    October 9, 2013

    Why is the Pm using every situation to pretend he is a hero an saviour. Funds for the college should have been in the recently past budget. For my part it shows a lack of preparation by the ministry of education, the college administration and the Gov. Where did the pm pull that money from. His pocket or some other program. Public has a right to know.

    When will the college start soliciting funds from past students. All those folks who in the past got scholarships from the gov should be contributing to an education fund to help in such situation. We have to start paying back to our country which we love darely. We do not have to be in dominica to contribute. The ministry of edu should set up a department to track down all who have recieved any scholarship and request cotributions. Not compulsary but i believe people will donate.

    • playboy
      October 9, 2013

      I agree. It’s very simple. It’s called an Alumni Association. I contribute to my Alma Mater.

  11. no name
    October 9, 2013

    Elections really coming

  12. mahaut in de uk
    October 9, 2013

    I believe the PM have good intension for the country but as i have already said in subsequnt comments, he is personalising what should be government/ ministries role and responsibility.

    Can i say, maybe he doesnt think the ministers will be able to express themselves on the platform as seems better able too.

    Nevrtheless, in say all of this, i commend the PM for being active in matters of the country.

  13. YES I
    October 9, 2013

    Mr. PM
    You mean well, but you are doing things incorrectly. You can’t offer free College Tuition simply because someone is from a particular Village. How is that Justified?

    I support financial aid, and tuition assistance. BUt we much teach our young people responsibility. Everything is FREE FREE FREE. that is not sustainable.

    Help this generation, but use methods and systems that will ensure they pay for the next generation. Use all that money and offer zero interest student loans. That’s one idea.

    That will ensure current students tuition and housing bills are paid but guarantee that when they complete, their repayments can support the next generation.

    There are many people who can afford tuition fees, but because of that FREE concept the country is going down a slippery slope.

    Mr. Prime Minister. You mean well, but this is not the method.

    why should I pay for something that Thibaud Children will get FREE for no valid reason? When pressure begin you will have no choice but to cover fees for all Dominicans. Which is what you will say before ELections…

    And then tax pays will have to cover the bill. Colleges/ student loans is another why to broaden the lending and monetary base in the country.

    Teach our youth how to manage debt.

    Student loans are not only for those going abroad to study, but for local students also..

    Give Credit Union/ aid bank/ Commercial bank Capital to over loans to students. Stop that FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE

    And the people can see beyond this bullshit?

    Support or youth. People appreciate the things they have to work for. Give give give and then they won’t CARE a RES ASSSSSSSSs

  14. finance personnel
    October 8, 2013

    is there any process or policies in the allocation of funds for assistance to education or other houses or other project. I am not being a critic however i am only inquires why such large amount is made donatted to different projects. at this time when the economy is weak and unstable Were these donation budgeted if not it is goin continue negatively affect the Dominica economy because we are incurred further costs without the increase revenue being obtain to offset this cost just saying. We need to grow the economy not being political just giving a financial view on the matter in simple layman language. I am quite dissapointed with technical persons in Finance dept who have the necessary experience and knowledge to give fair and unbiased prudent financial advice as financial professional we should not compromise our professional and financial judgement as because of fear or political repercussion

  15. stupes
    October 8, 2013

    hahahahah,santa is in town boi :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: i myself want wi….just remember people to vote them outtt :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  16. jah know star.
    October 8, 2013

    I don’t think you labourites get the point. It all well and good the pm college children school fee but why now? Why is so many students unable to pay school fees ? Support your party but always remember you is a dominican first.

    • stupes
      October 8, 2013

      u doh seein dem labourites doesnt get any point…look a set of people wi jah… 8-O

  17. How
    October 8, 2013

    I hope they can put the lecturers back on full time employment. I know some of them were put on part time to save money. DNO do research if you’re questioning whether my comment is true. IT IS !!

  18. Anonymous
    October 8, 2013

    That is politics 4 you
    Skerro sweetening the ppl all over the island just b4 election and i cant say UWP did not try to do the same with the airport. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  19. Dno
    October 8, 2013

    I stumbled across your website and is most impress on the fact that everyone can express there’s views on what they believe . Cherish that Dominica for many of us in other lands are oppressed and have no say . So please respect each other’s beliefs and ideals . Gods blessing !!!

    • coconut
      October 8, 2013

      I smell you. You are a labouritrrre. Why pretend you are a foreigner?

  20. open your eyes
    October 8, 2013

    The UWP would give people jobs to pay for their kids tuition, not hand-outs so that they can become dependant and come to beg for more. Give a man a fish, you’ll feed him for a day but if you teach him to fish you’ll feed him for a lifetime!

  21. Genuine tax payer
    October 8, 2013

    If you are owing the college over $700,000 why not pay that sum outright. Millions of dollars have been made from the heavy fines of drug dealers.

  22. October 8, 2013

    Why is our PM so deceptive , he promised to pay tuition for those students who can’t afford to pay some time ago, his Government has failed to do so and is now owing the State College over $ 300,000.00 .Now he is talking that kind of scrap as if he is giving money to the college and how children must not be sent home and so on . If he had kept to his promise no student would be sent home . HE HAVE FAILED THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY AGAIN . LIES LIES LIES AND MORE LIES . FATHER PLEASE RESCUE US FROM THESE INCOMPETENT SET OF JOKERS THAT WE HAVE IN GOVERNMENT .

    • Anonymous
      October 9, 2013

      Amen to that!!! I think that the priest in potters ville should help to pay the arrears too; since he is such a fanatic when it comes to the PM.

  23. kunoo mounoo
    October 8, 2013

    i agree i am a kunoo mounoo and call myself one but this prime minister thinks all of us is kunoo mounoo,,

  24. war on corruption
    October 8, 2013

    When a business keeps failing what do most owners do? Do they keep pumping more money or do they get rid of the management? Well Mr. Skerrit, as owner of the DSC, you better think of getting a new management team to run the college because if you are not careful, it will run Dominica broke. But then again how can you fire the management team when your politics contributing so significantly to the failure of the college? Why should it not fail when you just promised Free education to all Thibaud children attending the college? What about the 100’s government paying for in secret while many parents are well capable to pay but because of your political agenda you making payments. Sir, you might as well make it a government owned college and let it be free to all instead of taking government money to pay for a few while others have to pay. Be fair to all if you really believe that “ALL SHALL EAT.” Other villagers who are not as fortunate as Thibaud children should use that to vote you out.

  25. Jimi Hendrix
    October 8, 2013

    But coming to think of it: why is the government making a big deal about this when it appears that the have done a poor job of providing adequate resources for that institution? After botching the job, he now comes across as the hero? Isn’t this a classic case of munchausen syndrome by proxy?

  26. was a 79 bystander
    October 8, 2013

    HEAVENLY FATHER SEND YOUR ANGELS TO ENCIRCLE THE PM WHO HAS A CARING HEART.WE WILL ALL BENEFIT WHEN OUR CHILDREN ARE EDUCATED.

    • Papa Dom
      October 9, 2013

      Please tell me how we are all going to benefit. Will the students get jobs once they finish at the college? If he was so caring why isn’t he doing his damnedest to create an enabling environment where industry can flourish thus creating jobs do the likes of you won’t have to beg him? In any case where is the money coming from to do all this politicking when revenues are down? If you don’t know I’ll tell you, more debt is created for those same students who can’t find jobs to pay.

    • Concerned
      October 9, 2013

      Bondie oh! A caring heart?

      Wasn’t it he who said, “Madam Speaker, these people are too free, these people are to free”; “Go to hell! It’s none of your damn business where Labour Party get their money from”; “We will mash them up…”

      A caring heart, you say? Well, 1979 Bystander, I don’t want to be around when he get real vex…

  27. Open Eyes
    October 8, 2013

    Skerrit again and his showmanship. The man could just ask Petter St jean to hand over our tax money to the DSC, but no he just had to make a big lavway. Tom drunk but Tom no fool.

  28. truth
    October 8, 2013

    PM I am very happy that you are helping students to be able to sit exminations by providing funds to meet financial problems. I also want to tell those who have this opportunity make good use of it, because in my time there was no funds for those who could not pay. On this I am happy but PM I know that you make promises you try to keep. students over seas need some assistance. Many countries have made financial assistance for students studying abroad. Dominica need to have a structure in place to fund studies abroad.

    • I'mWondering
      October 9, 2013

      Great comment1

      I do understand where you are coming from however, we must relaise that Dominica is NOT like many countries.

      Dominica is a small, struggling, third world nation where there is extreme poverty and unemployment.

      The govt is struggling to get Dominica out of the mess it is in and cannot in all honesty be expected to fund every program or initative.

      People on here always quote the teach a man to fish – well, i say, having the opportunity to study abroad is a huge opportunity. You have been taught to fish. You have been placed in a situation where if you just try alot harder to help yourself – you will see youself through.

      in these other countries where most people tend to travel to study, there are always means of employment which can assist you. Find one – just do not break any laws.

      Help youself – you have a fishing rod, so FISH, BABY, FISH

  29. Anonymous
    October 8, 2013

    Tax payers money is being used to play politics again.

  30. Mama
    October 8, 2013

    Wey wey wey Domniche ebey zor pa feb, hope the PM back is like a dasheen leaf wi papa.Think about the children whose parents are having difficulty to pay,even Obama helping the less fortunate, nothing wrong in this move, yes I agree employment is needed greatly but Rome was not built in a day all over the world there is vast unemployment, what the government have to look into is young people who I know for sure are beginning their own small businesses and no help from anywhere, a call to Peter St Jean pay attention to the young people who gets a small favor to have an audience with you and you fail them, to u wi sa lapey. P M good job.

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      Oh oh..
      I missed out one more.
      Once and not one …
      Twice and not twicw.
      So why don’t you take the opportunity of the advantage the PM has given to the students.
      Do why the criticism….

    • YES I
      October 8, 2013

      so WHAT ABOUT the children at GSS who attend school in what appears to be a GHETTO….over TWENTY-FIVE YEARS a new school is promise…when rain falls the teacher and student in classroom getting wet….Come on a hot DAY you cannot breath…POOR WORKING AND LEARNING condition…DGS gets $25000, Petit Savanne gets $20000 DSC get $100000 …..What about the Forgotten school GSS

      • I'mWondering
        October 9, 2013

        oVER 25 YRS?

        WELL… someone failed to rally and bring their cause to the forefront

        whatever happened to SHAMING the government?

        hello..YOU HAVE THE MDEIA, you have DNO – use your efforts and rally.

        USE the media to shame the govt into action…. get or start some fund raising project…take the initative.

        But I strong suggest effectivg advocacy on this one

    • stupes
      October 8, 2013

      so only around election time he can do a good job :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: i say vote him after we get d money :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    • stupes
      October 8, 2013

      vote him out…….. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: we fed up of labour..

  31. Anonymous
    October 8, 2013

    If Dominicans make skerrit full them again this time I wouldnt know what to say. I just know he can’t full me again. Bill Clinton once said, ” Full me one shame on you, but full me twicw shame on ME”.
    Now I say, ” Full me once shame on you, full me twicw shame on the system, full me three time shame on my family.

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      Point of correction.
      FOOL AND NOT FULL.
      Twice and not TWICW…

  32. Curious
    October 8, 2013

    Wasn’t honorable Skerrit already owing the school money? Is it really just paying dept or donating? (just a question)

    • cohenval
      October 8, 2013

      Government owes the college over $700 000 dollars, in unpaid tuition fees for students.

  33. Frustrated
    October 8, 2013

    Another day for hand outs. The question I ask is: Why can’t so many people afford to pay for college? This for me is an indication of a poor economy and too many people on the bread line. For a PM who boasts his great work, it seems his greatest legacy is the number of hungry people begging for crumbs

    • Discombobulated
      October 9, 2013

      From what I remember dominica has always been poor. Education beyond college has always been an issue. I have seen more students coming from Dominica and going to university now than I have ever seen and that is a great achievement, no matter how it is funded. Education is the key to success. If Dominica is going to move forward, it starts with education.

  34. burst toe
    October 8, 2013

    what if it was the UWP govt doing that

    • open your eyes
      October 8, 2013

      The UWP would give people jobs to pay for their kids tuition, not hand-outs so that they can become dependant and come to beg for more. Give a man a fish, you’ll feed him for a day but if you teach him to fish you’ll feed him for a lifetime!

    • Malgraysa
      October 9, 2013

      I would cricize them too, for exactly the same reasons.

  35. Discombobulated
    October 8, 2013

    Boy all I can say is well done eh. Education is the way forward. I am an advocate of education to the highest degree. The more the youth are educated, the more their eyes are open and the more they have to lose. That can only lead to self awareness and enlightenment. A sense of pride and belonging. We need educated people in this country to get it moving. We have so many air heads that just bump their gums and do not do anything positive. They are the same ones who do all the embarrassing crimes on the island or make stupid comments about the country. The govt of Dominica, every and any govt on this planet have flaws. Look at the current state that America is in. There is a lot I do not like with our govt, but I can never criticise a govt on education.

  36. brainn
    October 8, 2013

    THAT’S THE WAY TO GO PM. :lol: the thing is nothing you do for the country the other side don’t like…..i wonder what they can do to top all of this…After all say something with a positive mind.All all-you do is critize and go on and on with the same talk……CONTINUE DO YOUR JOB PM GOD BLESS YOU

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      Yes that’s a good job and education is key. But the question is why now, is there are motive? There needs to be consistency in education not convenience . Just saying ….

  37. Anonymous
    October 8, 2013

    Skerrit has to be reminded that he cannot take all the money from the people and give it back to them like he is doing them such a hudge favor. The people have to remember that it is not skerrit’s money. It is your own money the he took from you through vat, taxes, custom duties, levy and other fees.

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      :lol: stupessss..
      Who vex loss.

  38. yes lion
    October 8, 2013

    all the negative people making negative comments go to hell

    • brainn
      October 8, 2013

      you can see who is for :wink: and who is against :twisted: …election is coming but he is doing what should be done. ill repeat nothing the PM does is never satisfying to the opposition

      • St. Joe Massive
        October 9, 2013

        the statement should read, what should have been done four years ago.

    • Can't stop
      October 8, 2013

      You are a skerrit follower, I can tell. You and skerrit like to tell people go to hell when you dont agree with them. Dominica was not willed to you and skerrit. You and skerrit must learn to respect people and their views.

      • Anonymous
        October 8, 2013

        Tell me are all respecting others views?

    • stupes
      October 8, 2013

      go first nuh….. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  39. Concerned citizen
    October 8, 2013

    I have been reading these comments for the longest while and I feel compelled to say something. I often wonder where do they find these many negative and idle people. While it is true that the views expressed by a few does not represent the views of the masses, but I am still surprised that this country is still functioning with these many negative people. People it is high time we rise above all these pettiness, everything does not have to be political. It’s about time we learn if you have nothing good and productive to say then say nothing. Maybe you guys should go and volunteer your time at the hospital or mentor a child, or become model citizens instead of engaging in destructive behavior and defeating each cause. Grow up people these foolishness that you guys are annoyed about pale in comparison to what is going on in the world. Please do us a favor and get a life we are tired of reading crap.

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      That is your perception concerned citizen. But wait which means you are idle also that’s why you are posting and reading . It’s a good thing that we all can freely express our views. Besides imagine how boring it would be if we all agree on every issues. So let’s embrace that freedom of expression who knows we might not have that in the future .

    • Papa Dom
      October 9, 2013

      If by negative you mean against then I am very comfortable being negative and I’m not idle. It is reported that the government owes the DSC in excess of the $100,000 as a result of a previous promise to fund students tuition, is this more of the same I.e making promises and not fulfilling them? You’re saying that everything does not have to be political but you are being very political and so is skerritt in making this announcement. Unless you live on Mars or are totally devoid of common sense, then I fail to understand how you can’t see this for what it is; a political gimmick. People like you need to grow up or be honest with yourselves instead of trying to denounce the rest of us as idle and negative for speaking the truth.

  40. VIEILLE CASE
    October 8, 2013

    IS there a minister of edu am so fedup of the pm the pm the pm.if he can do it all by himself why have so many useless mine eaters

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      Minister of money = finance. Money to give money = minister of finance = PM. Get it?? sacway sot!

  41. "O" STRESS"
    October 8, 2013

    Politics is an art of gamesmanship an art of convincing persons and delivering at the right time like it or not the “PM” is doing all that and more therefore if not his Government then who???? Win, loose, or draw. The present Government will win the next election hands Down! All other Tom, Dick{S} and harry just not ready. I say this to see how many thumps Down this post will receive to illustrate how my People are so gullible and stuck in their political shell and refused to call a spade a spade. Keep toying with those jokers that’s what they are. I am Dominican, are you.????

  42. Anonymous
    October 8, 2013

    keep on the doing Gods work pm…God will continue to bless u.

  43. hmm
    October 8, 2013

    Better I was going college when election was near cause is seems like only when election close by donations are being made .. But that still not directly addressing the problem why not create jobs so that the parents and other family can actually afford to pay for the school fees

    • open your eyes
      October 8, 2013

      wish I could give you two thumbs up! I feel the same way. He is doing everything in his power to turn Dominica into a nation of beggars and not doing enough to turn us into a nation of workers.

  44. Fustrated Student
    October 8, 2013

    Mr Prime Minister,

    Let me first commend you on your efforts in trying to get every Dominican household a college or university graduate. Sometimes I feel that your words are just words and not words in actions. You say that the youths must take advantage of the financial aid that is available to them, well guess what I am one of those youths. I requested financial support to attend university after graduating from DSC sometime this year. Your office promise both my mom and I that you would have helped. Mr Prime Minister people have faith in what comes out from your mouth!!!. I went to pursue my studies on the notion that the Government of Dominica was helping to fund my educational goals. Two months now and up till present my mom, my family and I have become beggars of the state….some of your officials are tired of our calls, they don’t even take our calls anymore..shame shame shame…too much begging to have your tuition paid…my mother is a farmer of 6 children…things are rough PM….just tell me when will my tuition be paid? why do you give these EMPTY promises???????

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      Maybe your mum should have farmed land. You graduated this year and you want to go away to study right away? Even people that have money to send their children wait a year. “your office promise” Was that the PM??? You people are the same ones talking about handout. SMH

  45. Lougaoo Mem
    October 8, 2013

    Don’t think Dominica is the island of the blind.
    No Sir! We’ve passed dat now. We’re now praying to the Lady full of grace, to guide and help us navigate the upcoming political race.

  46. paro
    October 8, 2013

    so skerrit tek it pon himself fi just dish out Dca bobs for ppl children that lazy and just nah work and him doh wanna pay civil servants fairly…. boy we need a serious strike ina this country eh… a really nasty strike….. 3 -4 months!!!!

  47. Fed up
    October 8, 2013

    Isn’t it a little early for Santa Claus? Remember the old nursery rhyme? “Christmas is coming the gifts……please put a penny in the poor man’s hat”
    Boy it seems like Linton use good “Bois Diabe” to light that fire, every body running…things getting hot…Zort porkor wei ayien….Keep the fire burning Linton. They can fool some of the people sometime but they surely can’t fool all the people all the time…

  48. Sports Lover
    October 8, 2013

    When the dust settle. UWP has elevated someone who has no experience of running a political party much less a country. I know emotions are running high because of the leader of the UWP. An individual who has over the years attack and as he puts it truth to power. IF you don’t have your head on and you don’t follow the running’s of the world one would get caught up in the emotions of what is taking place. The UWP choose to highlight the so call ills of the country. DLP choose to provide for the country. When the dust settle and if it means that the UWP take office. When the dust settle, the DSC will still be existing and reality will sink that money has to provided. Focus has to be placed on early childhood education. The infrastructure over time has to be maintain and rebuilt, natural disasters will happen and funds has to be source to take care of the damages. When the dust settle we will understand that production of food is being product in other country at a much cheaper and rapid rate and the quality is compromised. When the dust settle our quality of food is by far the best because of the natural process it takes. When the dust settle we have to accept that the outer would is looking for mass production at a cheaper cost. When the dust settle we have to understand that the cost of transporting produce back in the 80’s is more expensive to export today resulting in the increase in cost result in business decision that does have to do with who is in power as a political party. When the dust settle we have to find a way to import more people to consume our product by promoting the healthy leaving. Making Dominica a destination that have the healthiest people in the world. When the dust settle Dominica needs a leader that can lead in crisis. Its easy to lead when the odds are not against you but when they are against you that is when the true Leader stands out. When the dust settle I will support the Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit.

    • Ted Lewis (posie)
      October 8, 2013

      @ sports lover
      why are there so many students unable to meet there tuition fee?

      Also you don’t need to import more people to consume your surplus rather you should be aiming at external markets for your excess produce. Also the excess produce of these primary products can be transform to manufactured products.

      when you import people they have to work also and we all no what’s going with job creation in Dominica.

      In crisis time you need a leader that’s innovate and creative. I am not sure your leader meet those criteria nor do he understand the macro economy.

      While I believe that college education should be free , we really have to ask ourselves why so many student are unable to pay the tuition.
      That answer should give us an idea of the state of the economy.

      • Sports Lover
        October 9, 2013

        @ Ted Lewis (Possie). The question of why so many student cant pay there tuition, simple put cant afford it. An if you research all over the world you will understand that in every country there are financial Aid programs. Dominica is no exception, its a normal practice, financial aid, scholarship etc. That’s one way of reducing poverty. Educate your youths so that they are equip to work and even go off to university. Are you aware that the credits earn at the college can be transferred to university reducing your cost to an overseas education. You mentioned about importing people, you got my idea of importing totally wrong. Importation is not to have persons migrate to live in Dominica. Its developing a tourism product that increase the visitor arrival and promoting our natural produce. If UWP do take office instead to spending million to export, spend the million to develop the tourism product and in turn our surplus will be consumed. Yes manufacturing is good but again if the UWP gets into office. It has to sit and examine the cost to manufacture and if our neighbours will choose our products over another because its organic or its cheaper. Remember the consumer determine the choice of the importer. Cost over value. When the dust settle, lets be realistic. The technology now is the not the technology back then. Remember we are a population of 75,000 and not millions and so cost to produce is very high. We have minimum wages and so your production will be based on that very minimum wages and also the cost for fuel. So cost to manufacture locally if depending on external force. Do you really belief in this modern society that college education should be free. Can you serious point out any country in the world that provide free college education.

      • Ted Lewis (posie)
        October 10, 2013

        @ sports lover ; if you read my last paragraph you will see that I believe in a free for where education is concern at least up to college level. I am not sure of the tuition fee in dominica but I sure its less than 1500 ec which is no where close to that of regular university . not even uwi. so please don’t go talking about aid programs etc. attended university twice so I know, the point , people are not earning enough now there is enough jobs and you know it . it cannot hide boss. look in the preschool in dublanc .only 18 student parents not paying now government have to pay. war on pit toilets again these people cannot even afford to put water which is why they using pit toilet.

        you mention I misunderstood you when you spoke about importing people though I get you point but you are still using the word wrong. with tourism you are exporting a service . then you should have said we need to attract tourist to our country.

        you also said the consumer determine the choice of the importer . again I don’t know if you vex but relax and take your time to develop your comment. the consumer are already the importer.

        any let me try comment on the point I feel you trying to make. first I believe in Say’s law that supply creates it own demand. now I think you trying to make a point which has to do with external competitiveness. we have a fix exchange an high energy cost so we have to focus on increasing productivity , product differentiation for eg organic like you mention , we market eco tourism making use of all the sulphur springs advertising heavily on its medical use, etc
        I can continue but to be short , the minimum wage you mention also cause cost to be lower.
        to be continued.

      • Ted Lewis (posie)
        October 10, 2013

        @ sports lover ; if you read my last paragraph you will see that I believe in a free for where education is concern at least up to college level. I am not sure of the tuition fee in dominica but I sure its less than 1500 ec which is no where close to that of regular university . not even uwi. so please don’t go talking about aid programs etc. attended university twice so I know, the point , people are not earning enough now there is enough jobs and you know it . it cannot hide boss. look in the preschool in dublanc .only 18 student parents not paying now government have to pay. war on pit toilets again these people cannot even afford to put water which is why they using pit toilet.

        you mention I misunderstood you when you spoke about importing people though I get you point but you are still using the word wrong. with tourism you are exporting a service . then you should have said we need to attract tourist to our country.

        you also said the consumer determine the choice of the importer . again I don’t know if you vex but relax and take your time to develop your comment. the consumer are already the importer.

        any let me try comment on the point I feel you trying to make. first I believe in Say’s law that supply creates it own demand. now I think you trying to make a point which has to do with external competitiveness. we have a fix exchange an high energy cost so we have to focus on increasing productivity , product differentiation for eg organic like you mention , we market eco tourism making use of all the sulphur springs advertising heavily on its medical use, etc
        I can continue but to be short , the minimum wage you mention also cause cost to be lower.
        to be continued.

    • Papa Dom
      October 9, 2013

      DNO please permitt me to say this to A sports Lover. You are by far the biggest J@@& @$$ I have ever seen on this site. The only comment made in the public which comes close to yours in absurdity is that made by a certain ambassador in relation to truth in politics.
      So according to you, when the dust settles we should just lay down and die because every other country is better that us in every single thing and we should be grateful that we have a leader who is prepared to sit and beg. We’ll I have news for you, we will not sit and Waite for others to take pity on us but will strive to create a place for ourself in the world. We will work hard to maintain our identity and not surrender our dignity at the alter of stupidity.

      • Sports Lover
        October 9, 2013

        @ Papa Dom thanks for the name. Lets engage into a discussion. Identify the issues that faces us and after you do provide a logical solution. And when u do that implement it. After the dust settle lets see who is the jackass. There is something call reality. Wouldn’t you agree that the dedicated farmer are getting down in age and so the production is not like before. Can we agree that the said farmer work to sending there children to school to focus on becoming lawyers and doctor and not develop a system that they can study ways to make their farms more sustainable. When banana was king and money was beating money could that money be spent in putting sustainable agriculture systems in place. Or were we to busy drinking rum and not investing wisely in developing program that will sustain the future generation. You can get emotional and call me names but the fact is the present generation and the present policy make are here to develop programs for the future and if you want to point finger as to why the agriculture industry in lack examine those where in power when it was making money. What foundation was put in place. The European mentality we still have. Look at when we were under England what infrastructure was left in placed that the present generation can benefit from, none. We keep talking about what was good then, what was enjoyed then but those who enjoyed it what did they do to benefit the present generation. Each generation is responsible for the next and what we do now will affect those to come. All the ill that taking place is as a result of the past generation. They fail to develop system that will benefit those to come. I support the present DLP because of foundations being laid, DSC, Stadium, Roads, Sea walls, geothermal energy, the coffee factory, abattoir, the cleaning of the Portsmouth bay front and more. The time has come to make meaningful contribution to develop Dominica and with your backward mentality will surely sit and beg if we don’t put systems in place.

      • DC
        October 9, 2013

        Reason why our PM Skerrit had to sit and beg is because Eddison James and his incompetent team sucked Dominica dry. Claiming that they were doing a great job. Remember what state Dominica was in? Until the DLP had to impose a tax on its civil workers to bring the country back to something. UWP left the country with NOTHING! That’s why poor little Skerrit had to be begging. Can’t believe the height of ignorance y’all have towards reality! Now that there is money in treasury, and the country is slowly getting to look like something, although we are still a developing country, you want to put UWP back???? Really???

      • Anonymous
        October 9, 2013

        DC, you are the one who has a problem with truth. Doh be telling me about what you think or you hear people say because I suspect you have not been to Dominica in 20 yrs. The situation which Dominica is in at present demands that skerritt be replaced.

      • Papa Dom
        October 9, 2013

        A Sport Lover. I ‘ll be back to engage you in a few hrs ok. I’m off to do something important now.

      • Papa Dom
        October 9, 2013

        Hey Sport Lover, I read your piece above and must say it didn’t make any sense. You have identified most of the problems so tell skerritt go fix them instead of waiting on handouts from other countries all the time.

  49. Yes
    October 8, 2013

    Skerrit turns Santa Clause! Hows that for a heading.
    This situation is so funny The Guavenment really donating this week pal.
    In this hard Guava Season….Hopefully some Dominicans will have guava jam to put on their bread. hah haha ha

    • Grand Bay Girl
      October 8, 2013

      It’s not funny. Mocking the less fortunate .Would
      like for you to have a conversation with Mother
      Theresa God bless u have both the jam and the guava

      • Observer
        October 8, 2013

        That is not mocking the less fortunate. That is exposing Skerrit for what he is: A mocker of the less fortunate, playing on the fact that they are gullible and poor. A poverty he created. Poverty is created by corruption. Having created the problem, he now presents himself at election time as the solver of the problem. That is criminal. A special kind of criminality that is not punishable by the voters. But its punishment will come…in time. Years to come, he will see that it was better that he had hung a millstone around his neck and jumped into the sea. Behaviour like his and its reward has precedents, like Saddam Hussein.

      • Yes
        October 9, 2013

        Who you think is mocking the less fortunate Skerrit is an insult to the poor people of Dominica for using their situation to make political mileage.. now that he feels the pressure of the people of Dominica for accountability for all the years in office. Now he is dishing out money like it is growing on tree. Wise up.
        And also an insutl to thinking Dominicans.

  50. dafriend
    October 8, 2013

    There is a marked difference between unable and unwilling. My understanding of the situation is such, that the majority of outstanding fees fall in the category ‘unwilling to pay’. If this turns out to be true, than these students or rather their parents should be put on notice and eventually be excluded. It can not be right that the average taxpayer has to pay for these students to get an education for free only to leave Dominica as soon as possible to the UK or the US. A waste of taxpayers money and a gross injustice!!

  51. Wondering
    October 8, 2013

    Is it true that the PM said that “The Prime minister also said that he will give instructions to the state owned institutions to make contributions annually to the financial aid program.”? Which state owned institutions? Statutory Corporations which are supposed to be independent? Statutory Corporations which are established by law? I am wondering. I hope that is not what was meant.

    Why does the PM need to know the names of the students? Shouldn’t it be enough to put criteria in place to determine who qualifies? The name of a student should not be a determining factor. It should be their means. Who will have the right name? Just wondering.

  52. Anonymous
    October 8, 2013

    Ebeh Skerrit u found dat out well late……will and come again tan…..whoyyyyyyy……….the man without de degree have u on ur toes……have u busy…

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      what do u all want…common people.the grass is never greener on the other side……

      • FuturePolitician
        October 8, 2013

        Sadly due to the lack of investment in agriculture it not greener on this side neither!

      • stupes
        October 8, 2013

        of course its greener cuz u on d order side :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  53. kunoo mounoo
    October 8, 2013

    our prime minister was in a coma…now he wake up,,,,,,i wonder why ?

  54. Just Thinking
    October 8, 2013

    A donation to an education institution should it not be made by the Minister of Education under whose portfolio the Ministry of Education falls, which includes the Dominica State College and any other educational institutions in Dominica?

    • Wondering
      October 8, 2013

      Micro management is what is going on.

      • coconut
        October 8, 2013

        Them labourites think micro management i a good trait so none of them putting thums down. it bet after they read my post they will put some. Dumb those labourites dumb like that.

  55. my six cent
    October 8, 2013

    Election around the corner we paying all kind of bills and donating all kind of money :mrgreen:

  56. portsmouth
    October 8, 2013

    Heeeeer heee tax payers money is being used ti dupport the dtste college and the politicians are flaunting and shiwing off. What a joke. State dpindordhip of the state college is and should be a basic function of government. Stop indulting people.
    Mmayvr the dtudents shiuld line up ti receive a personal check so the vote buying scheme could be more dramatic.

    I have never seen d uch low class behavior. Such childish and foolishness. What a country we have become.

  57. MAMIE
    October 8, 2013

    It is rather sickening that this man makes money available to all kinds of surficial problems without addressing the root causes. The saddest part is the people who continue to say well done PM. When will be understand development? I urge you Roosevelt, if there is a cash flow problem at the DSC, find ways of sustainably generating money such as selling text book, developing modules and training programs that can be sold to the public, engage staff staff in grant writing and proposal development that can bring in money,raise the damn tuition to break even at least, give the college a free hand to allow it to make its own wise financial dicision and offcourse get rid of the guy in red at the top. Then and only then will will see change. Stop your crap, you see desperate that grabing at any straw to score political points after more than 14 years at the helm.

    This really sucks now, and i call on all civilized Dominicans to get rid of this regime once and for all and bring in people who understand what development really is

    • Rebekah
      October 8, 2013

      I agree with you. This sounds like socialism. Let’s not teach the man how to fish, let’s just hand him fish. Tax payers money keep going to giving handouts then we have to borrow from China to create infer structure. Eh beh Bon.

  58. FREEDOM OF SPEECH
    October 8, 2013

    Education is the key to success.Good move prime minister.No child should be left behind.

  59. Ann Derass
    October 8, 2013

    Isn’t the government owing the State College over $700,000.00 according to Donald Peter? So if he pay 14% of the debt how can that be news?
    Skerrit you still owe them people $600,000.00, the heat is on, you have plenty more cheques to dish out.
    Time is up! Man in a panic.

  60. Mee3
    October 8, 2013

    That is a double edge sword. The rich can also say we cannot afford to pay for their children and get help as well cause you do not know eveybody’s pocket. The people in the middle can say well if the govenment going to pay for some, the should pay for all. I do not not like this one bit. I think all that money that’s going out to GIVE people thing for FREE could have been saved to start some kind of business to give alot of the same people a job so they can help themsleves. How long will the govenment be able to give people things for free. I am not saying some people do not need the help, many people do, but that is going to the extreme now. I think we should try to get some employment for those people and let them help themslevs, i don’t think the govenment have a money tree to continue that trend. If they think the can go on doing just giving out things, please go right ahead.

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      Teaching a man how to fish makes him less dependent on others. Educating people increases their ability to qualify for the kind of jobs that help them to “help themselves”. Its a case of the chicken or the egg. Pick your choice of which one first.

  61. YES I
    October 8, 2013

    GSS Goodwill Secondary School NEEDs Help…The FORGOTTEN School…why

  62. Life
    October 8, 2013

    skerro it’s a good move,but provide jobs,all now my vote for sale and is first come first serve! i tired struggle for job and all d educated ones sit down in petro caribe jimmit n ministry!

  63. De Blackheart man
    October 8, 2013

    Com’on DNO isn’t it the government making the donation….is the pm alone the government? Is the money his personal Money to state the story as is

    • lightbulb
      October 8, 2013

      is US de taxpayers, that making the “donation”, and now they going to tell us taxes not going to be raised.

  64. YES I
    October 8, 2013

    ASK thePM…to…HELP…GSS…it…is..a.shame…what..condition..for..students…to…learn..and..teachers..to..teach..in…SHAME..SHAME…COME..AND…SEEE…

  65. sandy
    October 8, 2013

    Good voting strategy Mr PM. Dominicans look out elections might be round the corner.

  66. April
    October 8, 2013

    And the dish ran away with the spoon!

  67. Pedro
    October 8, 2013

    Admin: Just a point of clarification. Is it the Prime Ministers donation or that of the Government?

    Admin: Noted. He was making the presentation in his capacity as PM and Minister for Finance

  68. Anonymous
    October 8, 2013

    Oh, this is so thoughtful of you Mr. Prime Minister. God bless you.

    • open your eyes
      October 8, 2013

      Are being sarcastic? I just had to ask, because your naivety is unreal!

  69. 2 CuTe
    October 8, 2013

    Great Stuff.Thank you Sir #student

  70. IT SE LASSIE I
    October 8, 2013

    Thanks Skerrit,

    • lolopop
      October 8, 2013

      hmn that is the last finance all u getting say thanks :-D say thanks lol .when they win again all u must suck salt hahaha or concrete.

      • justice
        October 8, 2013

        You can say it again. They will really and truly eat concrete. They are so blind and ignorant. How long? Not long!

      • Curious
        October 8, 2013

        Not only last, but our parents heavy tax money for years that was given… Tell all you parents thanks for always paying taxes

  71. Doc. Love
    October 8, 2013

    Go a head partner,but your votes. One thing I know, change is a must, not an option.

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2013

      dominica is staying red..we are not going backward.

  72. Concerned Pam
    October 8, 2013

    Excellent Move Prime Minister!! God’s blessings! Education for all!

  73. Stealth Critique
    October 8, 2013

    I understand the intent, but it seems like lowering the cost of the education would be a better goal than just helping a few.

    • Informant
      October 8, 2013

      If you are practical what the students pay at the State College is a drop in the bucket compared to what they would pay for an Associate Degree overseas. And the qualifications the students gain here at the College is comparable to that which they would get overseas, hence the reason the get their credits transferred when they go to study overseas after attending the College.

      • FuturePolitician
        October 8, 2013

        Not all credits can be transferred, especially to the more accredited colleges.

  74. old marn
    October 8, 2013

    wayyy papa election coming. :lol: donate donate I want money too :lol:

  75. Views Expressed
    October 8, 2013

    “PM donates money….” Give me a break…what a laugh….lol…lol.. this PM is a big joke. DNO, Is it the PM`s money or the States money, my hard earned tax money..
    The DSC has been having money and budgetary money issues for years now, go ask the Board members….go ask the current President and previous Presidents. We are just spending money and not earning.
    These parents of the students are without jobs and the means to pay – there are no jobs in Dominica and what they earn is lower than their bills and commitments. PM Skerrit , get real, if you are unable to get the job done, please get out, discard, go away.

  76. hopeful
    October 8, 2013

    this year payment MIGHT be on time I really wonder why

  77. Jimi Hendrix
    October 8, 2013

    Why is the financing of that instituion seem so ad hoc? Isn’t there any forward planning?

    • Informant
      October 8, 2013

      That’s what happens when you have a ********* who fires hard working people who would go the extra mile to get things done, and say it is due to lack of finances, but turns around and hires his friends, and even create new positions for him, and a ****** who cannot do the most simple Accounting. If it were not for her staff things would even be worse.

  78. DLPeeeee
    October 8, 2013

    PM Man when we going to have our rally
    It was so nice to see you at DSC today
    Crowd too thick to get my foto and autograph
    I thought it was carnival we…those well we the youth love love love love you and the DLP…mwahhhhhhhhhhh thanks for that new DSC………we have our red shirts/skirs/hair/nails/shoes etc all reddy up for that BIG MASSIVE SEA OF RED……and those blues get quiet all of a sudden….what happen to their lav way nuh…..OUR PARTY NOT BROAKS … some people docking bus drivers lol…..

    • FuturePolitician
      October 8, 2013

      Before coming to congratulate the Prime Minister on an action that the GOVERNMENT OF DOMINICA please learn how to spell. As a matter of fact read a Non-Fiction Book with no pictures. Hopefully you can start with the Communist Manifesto so when you return you can sound intelligent and not and like you attended school behind the black board

      • Anonymous
        October 8, 2013

        what is u all problem dominican….stop all this fighting….this is not call for….be careful what u ask for..the country is moving forward,we do not want to go back….

    • Alas
      October 8, 2013

      There is no way you are a college student. A college student would set an example and write a better thank you note.

  79. african queen
    October 8, 2013

    Oh papa skerrit when will you stop this coco mackac. when when! Its time you stop making people believe that yo are Dominica Saviour. You are only paying all the money you owe for students fees to the DSC. Stop it Skerrit. Stop! Stop§ Stop!

  80. Pedro
    October 8, 2013

    Keep up doing the good work DNO. Would help if you could get us a story or at least photos of the new facilities. is there going to be an official opening?

    Admin: We’ve been told that there will be an opening but the date has not been set. With regard to the photos, we are working on that.

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