Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has promised the government’s full support for residents of Silver Lake who were affected by a massive fire in the community on Monday night.
Eighteen families lost everything in the blaze and are now homeless.
The Prime Minister said on Tuesday morning the government will step in to assist and there will be no need for radiothons and the like. Each family will receive $1,000 on Wednesday followed by a periodic allowance.
He stated that students will return to school in the new year with all their necessary supplies.
“We will provide all of that for the children,” he said. “When they get to school, nobody will know that they had a fire at their home. So the resident will get the fullest support of the government.”
He also stated that those who are willing to help, can do so but there will be no need for things like fundraisers to assist the residents.
“There is no need to have any radiothon or PayPal or bank accounts opened or soliciting money, that is not necessary,” he said. “The government, as we have done in similar situations with disasters …we will come forward and assist them fully with immediate and long-term solutions.”
Skerrit also said this on his Facebook page, “I have requested that contracts be signed immediately to complete the construction of townhouse-like apartments at the same location that were already in motion but to speed up that process especially for those now displaced.”
Meanwhile, Disaster Risk Management Consultant, Cecil Shillingford, said John Fontaine, local government commissioner, will be coordinating the social aspect of the disaster.
He said in the short term the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) will be providing mattresses, blankets, sleeping bags and pots to various shelters that have been identified to house the residents.
Two shelters in Bath Estate, the resource center and the school next to it, have already been identified.
“The ODM can also provide improvised comfort kits which include some toiletries and what have you and this will be provided to each head of household ..” he stated.
Shillingford noted that the ODM also has clothing that will be distributed.
He also stated that the Rotary Club was already in action on Tuesday morning assisting the affected residents.
“That we will accept but we don’t want any mass distribution of clothes at this time,” he said.
Mr sick boss.. The country economy already at a receession is not better if they give… So the government will have less ro spend and then save money?? U doe see mr sick.. Get rid of mr and is labour party.. Them people there for 17 years and nothing much they have done to remove people from the state of poverty they are in… The only darn thibg is that mr and his wife getting rich on poor people..
ok give foxy bread depot his praises!
Folks, the only time Skerrit wants assistance from the diaspora is when he wants them to vote for him. What is wrong with this fellow?
You can see the man’s arrogance displayed in this statement. It’s a big SHAME for a leader to sound so foolish. When ERICKA hit you you said we went back 20 years. Other countries assisted the state in anyway they can and you gladly accepted it. All of a sudden you out and about with your foolish talks. That alone would make me not vote for you. Stupidity at it’s best in that statement.
You know I really don’t get Dominicans. Even in tragedy we are still so bloody partisan. Okay the residents of Silver Lake support Joshua…fine and so what? They need help and they are getting help. Can’t we just be grateful and move on? Does everything have to sink into a constant back and forth on who should help and how. If the PM didn’t help people would say he doesn’t care and he has millions wasting on other things. He took charge and is making sure that urgent needs are met. If anyone wants to give additional help through donations or otherwise go ahead it’s your choice no matter what the PM said…GET OVER IT; no one will stop you. Remember it was the same Joshua, who is the rightful parliamentary representative, who called the PM and not Lennox first. Obviously he knew where immediate help could come from.
People in 2017 we need to take a very deep retrospective look at ourselves. We have become ugly over this political feud. Damn, I’m ashamed of…
Skerrit has turned this situation into a political affair. To just blatantly state that he is in charge of relief efforts and ignore the assistance from the Diaspora is folly. Folly because suppose a series of disasters befall Dominica, he will need the support of more than just the Diaspora.
On the other hand, one has to wonder how much money is stored in various off shore accounts from what is perceived to be economic citizenship investment returns. If Skerrit can state with such confidence that he will assume total responsibiliy, then one can deduce that he has access to hoardes of cash, moneys that the treasury has not accounted for. One can only wonder, should another disaster befall Dominica again would he behave in the same way. Would he have acted differently if it had been in Salisbury or the North East.
In summary, this raises a red flag. While I applaud Skerrit for instantly reacting to the disaster, this should also raise eyebrows.
I was just reading a report that says that Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world at an average of 83.7 years. That means that people in that country can expect to live to that age when they are born. I tried to find the figure for Dominica and the latest one is from 2002 at 76.6 years (U.N. data). now Japan, has good social welfare services and universal health care but what is disturbing is that we do not seem to be reporting data for the last 15 years. Don’t we have a statistics office in the Govt.? Maybe this information is secret also? I really would like to know what the life expectancy in Dominica is today because that is a good reflection of how well a country looks after its people. It is also an indicator of poverty levels because typically poorer countries have lower life expectancy also.
PM Skerrit pounces, never loses out to a potential missed opportunity…
What has presented itself is the opportunity for the “HAVES” to benefit from the “HAVE NOTS”, by dishing out handouts in an effort to make them totally dependent on Gov’t.
I have never heard a leader of a country tell his citizens (and maybe even those abroad) to NOT assist their fellowmen in time of need? Did I just read that correctly? Are people sitting by and allowing this to happen??
What arrogance and stupidity by Skerritt.There is no need for radiothons and the like for solidarity money.How can this man be so stupid to tell Dominicans we don’t want you helping your brothers and sisters in need because I your God,your one man government Skerritt will provide your needs.At a time when the people from Petit Savanne have not yet been fully helped,when there is still a lot that needs to be done to restore post Erica,it seems that Dominica or should I say Skerritt has discovered a gold mine on his plantation Dominica.He does not even want people from overseas to assist. Skerritt have your head examined
The PM wants to do what is right for those who are affected in Silver Lake. Allow him his governmental privilege of assisting them. He has some officials who could organize this assistance in an orderly manner. When and if help will be further needed, then Dominicans will be told.
I do think the PM wants to do this in an organized fashion. You know the saying, “Too many cooks spoil the soup/broth.”
In supplication on behalf of the Victims of Silver Lake Fire
Out of the depths
we are crying to You, O Lord;
Lord, hear our cries!
Let Your ears be attentive
to the words of our supplications–As per Psalm 130.
Where do we go from here?
Lord God of Hope, touch our hearts
and guide our lips in prayer
By Your Grace alone O God
we will cast away all our fears
to free ourselves from the depths
of the despair which we now face.
Lord, lead us through this darkness, and gloomy day
Please take our hands, O precious Lord,
and guide us on our way.
Give us strength that we might find
abiding faith and peace of mind
so we won’t ask, where do we go from here
As per prayer in Song from my heart to yours
Let peace prevail in you. In Jesus name Amen!
{The Prime Minister said on Tuesday morning the government will step in to assist and there will be no need for radiothons and the like. Each family will receive $1,000 on Wednesday followed by a periodic allowance}
You know I just cant comprehend this mad man. The Christmas seasons is known to be a time to give, share ,show perpetual love and respect to each other, create friendship and propagate mutual relationships. Mr Skerrit is telling the people of Dominica “There is no need to have any radiothon or PayPal or bank accounts opened or soliciting money, that is not necessary.”
Mr Skerite is making an impetuous and insensitive comment, when he blatantly tells the people of Dominica that there is no need to give and solicit money from the people who are willing to offer their help on the basis of sympathy and respect, in a season that solicits love and social integration. Mr Skerite is chanting down and is willing to destroy the good life principles that people possess for…
PM! You are the world leader. Sadly it cost so much to educate the people but they learn the wrong things. You are not to be blamed. Just do what you have to do. They are lost cause.
An eel is a slippery animal that feeds on cadavers
Mister living in buzarro world!
Your local everyday super hero.
De community cooperative spirit of helping ourselves by pulling our resources together will always get blows from that unhappy despot!
He’s saying all this on Facebook!
De man doing his own public relations. ……..that excessively good guy image!
Smile for the camera.
Humpty Dumpty wasn’t a golden egg sir.
That’s why he broke his azzzz!
Watch yourself! !!!!!!
Some of allu Dominicans wicked and malicious……….If the PM didnt act swiftly to help the people some of allu would have all kind of things to say……the man act swiftly to help the people and allu still vex….. He well right to say no to radio thons and such.. All dog and cat does be setting up gofundme account and the money does never reach the people. Thats a FACT…So I totally agree with that move by the govt……It is the duty of the State to assist persons in need….who vex lost wicked allu be
While the assistance promised by the Government is commendable the Prime Minister is not authorised nor is he able to prevent any person or group inside or outside of Dominica who has the desire or resources to help
Skerrit said no need for Radio fun! He got this!
So i want us the fire victim of virgin lane to be heard,it hurts some much to see how the ppl of silverlake got assistance that quickly,nothing wrong in helping but wat is good for the goose must also be good for the gander.we need help up until today
The Prime Minister appears to have a problem with Dominicans both here and overseas making monetary contributions to assist the people of Silver Lake. According to his instructions, no radiothon, no pay pal or bank account should be opened. Many Dominicans believe the instructions about radiothon were directed at Matt. I am thinking differently. Maybe, the Prime Minister was bitten twice and don’t want to be bitten again. Remember Scotland, who was appointed by the Prime Minister to be in charge on collecting donations etc. after Storm Erika, what have happened to the donations she may have collected. It has been over a year, no report from her. Remember Baron, a year has passed, since a picture showing her receiving a check of $10,000 US, for a charitable organization in Dominica, to date, no charitable organization has reported receiving the check. She has never denied receiving the check. The PM isn’t trusting anybody, not Matt, not Joshua.
Wasn’t there talk in Dominica about a housing Revolution?!!Did that revolution ever take place?…Can someone tell me where???So many little galvanize houses scattered all along the passport production country?? I would really like to know who benefitted from that fake revolution….!!!MAG WAY SAR!!!
yes Sir, no wonder P.M. tells passport buyers overseas it is not necessary to visit their new home country because he may be embarrassed for them to see the poverty and mess and the stink of Roseau. As long as they pay for their passport and vote for him that is ok.
I understand the sentiments and the sympathies, I cant imagine the hurt and pain. I also can’t help noticing that something is very strange as questions keep popping up on my head.
Why the PM is asking that no radioton be held? From my experience with Petit Savanne residents whoever does radio fund raisers please go ahead and do so.
The PM signed a construction contract to build town houses in the exact location-that is a very interesting. Does that mean that plans were already in motion and the fire just facilitated the plans and contract signed immediately
Why the place was bulldozed immediately-what was the rush. Was there a health issue, hazardous materials issue
A fire put 18 families on the street and no arson investigation. Even if it is poor people they deserve to know what happened or cause the fire.
Another hand to mouth project by the DLP just to make it seems like they doing something and after the dust settles they run back to their same old ways.
Where is the Social Services office in Ministry that is supposed to take care of the people in situations like that ?
Skerritt , you are not going to fool us any more with your handouts.
“Santa Clause” came very late to Silver Lake residents,
THANKS TO JOSHUA FRANCIS EFFORT!!!!!
This is what all governments do,when citizens are in need….At least these unfortunate ones will get a speck of sand from the sales of our passports…Thousands more need to be given…!!!IT’S NOT ONE SET TO EAT ALL!!
well I will keep my donation papa since the PM said, “HE GOT This!’…SMH
What bout quick, professional investigations into that tragic fire that engulfed a section of Silver Lake?
How long was the scene condoned off, or was it, so that the police and fire dept could do their work? We are hearing correctly that Skerritt ordered an excavator to clear the debris, after the fire? Investigations completed?
How many Years now since that dreadful, heinous criminal act of firebombing Emanuel and his wife on Christmas Day? Case close?
What about the fire, a case of arson, deliberately set which Skerritt and the DASPA CEO claimed destroyed millions of dollars worth of Communication equipment for the airport? PM said publicly he knew who the culprit is. Investigation stalled? case close? who really did such a malicious, criminal act?
What about…..What about……What about all those other acts, wnat look like mysteries ?
Likely story. I lost my home on Hillsborough street 2 years ago and never got assistance. They full of cheap talk. Really sad what happen to these people. With God, everything will work out. Just keep the faith and pray.
Skerrit must behave himself and stop playing politics with peoples lives and taxpayers money. Those people from Newtown who lost everything in the fire still waiting for the help promised by him. People affected by Erika in Coulibistrie and other parts of the island still waiting for help. So when he run his mouth about $1000 per family he better make sure he keep that promise and do more because that money cannot fo nothing for those people that lose all their belongings. What he think a $1000 is for him to say no need for any other assistance. Is politics he playing these people need all the help they can get regardless of where that help coming from. One day the govt doesnt have money for basic things the next day he running in front and playing millionaire and making all kinds of irresponsible promises and statements. This man is wicked.
One of those days i will see Dominicans opening their eyes and understand whats going on and do something about it.
This PM is so arrogant…how on earth can you instruct people who are willing to help, to not help? This guy is totally full of himself, man! Stuuuupes! That’s why I will continue to stay overs.
Yes ahh Dominicans. You all cannot be pleased. I know it must be difficult for the families at this time, they need all the help they can get. Where does Erika come in this? Why you all asking for Joshua? Why all you condemning skerrit? This does nothing to help or comfort the victims of this fire. Families lost everything and your concerns are about Erika ration? They amount of money given to the families? Smh man.
What comes out of the human mouth; defiles his/her body. If there was any doubt that Skerrit is an ignorant man, or just a stupid dictator, as stupid as many before him, her is the proof! In a time of need, concern people use se any means necessary to solicit help by collection donations.
What better way in the twenty-first century to ask the public to donate than through a Radio-thorn, via Telea-thorn. By doing so, once you give an address where the money can be sent, or some place cloths and food can be taken; seems much better than going door to door asking for help.
Skerrit mentioned each family will receive a thousand dollars today, after that they will receive a handout! What happens to the house, shack, or building they lived in which is reduced to ashes? Will this one thousand dollars put a roof over their heads, and the periodic handouts feed and shelter them from the elements forever?
This is just another opportunity for him to play politics, so my wife will feed…
Continue:
This is just another opportunity for Skerrit to play politics: so, my wife will feed the children with junk food; I will keep the victims of a fire in subjection to me by giving them periodic handouts, and make promise until the next election comes around. Meanwhile he could care less where the victims sleep.
To people who cannot count hear they will get a thousand dollars, will believe it is plenty of money, but by the time the try to buy some material to rebuild they find out they cannot buy a dozen pieces of lumber with it, in reality that pittance will not even be enough to feed them for any length of time.
A thousand dollars is nothing more than peanuts change!
We Dominicans say strongly that there is every need to have radiothon or PayPal, or BBQ fund raising, or bank accounts opened or soliciting money, that is necessary, a worthy cause, that we the patriotic Dominicans all over has pledged. We the honest, decent Dominicans here and abroad, as we have demonstrated in similar situations of disasters will come forward and assist our brothers and sisters, and children of Silver Lake fully with what is needed to have them return to some level of normalcy, and family togetherness. God Bless. Merry Christmas and Happy new Year.
isn’t it normal for any government to afford such assistance, not directly through the “magnificence” its leader but the institutions that have been put in place for exactly such occasions. What do swe have an expensive government, and parliament for if only one man decides what should happen in the country?
Well observed. We are currently living within a abused political system which obviously is corrupt.
The man is head of government, and he has stated clearly what is going to be done. What is wrong with that? If he had remained silent and done nothing, for you that would be good. The area Parliament rep was running off his mouth saying he trying to talk to the PM as if the PM not aware of what is happening. Peoople are hurting they need help,for a change leave politics out of this.
No ZN, all he had to do is let the agencies and organisations that are already there do their work. There is nothing wrong in helping people but what irritates and upsets a lot of people that this Prime Minister keeps interfering in everything and wants to play God all the time, making everybody else look small , including the trained professionals who know better than him how to tackle a situation like this.
I am afraid he is creating disunity and resentment , which our little poor country can well do without.
Guy, you are pretending you do not know!
Skerrit is behaving, and doing exactly what dictators do. In a situation like this, where it is an emergency, if government wish to help the appropriate way such should be handled in a democracy, is like this:
An emergency cessation of parliament should be called and the matter discuss, a vote should be taking resulting in the allocation of money to help the victims get back on their feet.
The money should not be a give away, but in loans to be repaid with very small interest, over a long period of time. Only dictators makes decisions without the entire government body having a say.
Dominica is the only place claimed to have a democratic system in which one man Skerrit makes all the decisions; any wonder Dominica is politically, and financially bankrupt! Dominicans sit on their backsides like lambs waiting to be slaughtered, while Skerrit fleece the nation. When shall the eyes of the people open, and overthrow Skerrit?
The man is…
What are you trying to say
Yes those institutions are called insurance companies.
but skerrit is a must all d hundreds of millions u and ya cabal have saved up of our passport money! is not a choice is a must!!!
This is the only way the poor man can benefit from that money in our passport production country..
Srlfish
WHERE WAS JAISIAH DURING THE FIRE? Is joshua dat was with us during our time of need is he we supporting. You bringing jaisiah silverlake with you for photo opp? We doe want him!!
I agree bo.. , that Iaisiah fellow is a creep. Roosevelt Skerrit using even this human tragedy and misery as a political opportunity. I am really disgusted at his lordly behavior. Is Joshua that was there right very early this morning not that upstart Iasiah. Is Joshua’s constituency, not Iaisah’s and if Matt wants to run a radiothon for the poor people of Sliverlake is his decision, not Roosevelt Skerrit and I will make a contribution.
Tell that Skerro, keep that guy out of our backyard. Cha man Go `way.
Thought Jaisiah was discarded long time we..Is not Ambruise Pwen Couwee nah they were making a recycling plant of?GOOD JOB JOSHUA!!!
While i applaud tue governmet for for taking control of the situation and promising to care for the affected, this is being done the wrong way!!! The government cannot come and tell ppl to seat back and let them run thi gs.. that is unheard of. Telling people do not contribute, doe send clothes etc…i mean like seriously? SO 1000 PER FAMILY will get things back to normal. 1 family have 5 ppl. 200 per person?
How i see it is skerrit dem see joshua and lennox on the scene right away and he just checking all u have talk but we have d money. BUT ANYWAY i hoping and prayi g for the best for the silverlake ppl
Ain’t this the same PM that make a big show saying we have to assist Haiti? Prayers bound to throw that man down!!!!
He may be trying to prevent mass confusion which could create a melee. Nevertheless, if you know some of the people, I am certain there is nothing wrong in you assisting them personally. It looks like they will be in need of help for a long time especially the children.
Skerrit watch how you talk and beat your chest like turkey…be a little more diplomatic with your choice of words. What if God forbids a storm or another fire comes raging thru do you think you can do it alone?This high & mighty approach of yours will be your downfall. It would be better to ask people while you appreciate their concern and desire to wait until an assessment can be done, rather than snub them in a “we don’t want your help style..” because there will come a time when those very people will leave you in your melee and ignore your pleas for help. By the way what the hell you brought Josiah Benoit to Silver Lake for? he’s not the parl rep and NOBODY will be voting for him, so do what you were elected to do with state funds and the Panama hidden money and stop the politics, they’re still not going to vote you. Relax a bit too, you seem scared and panicked in your FB pics, they are humans not canibals. Your wife smiling and you tense like a tensil..
eat your heart out
@Lena I like that ridiculing of Skerrits petty politics,playing saviour…Remember a blasphemer called him God at Lindo Park?????Dont forget some of the things that have this passport production country in this quagmire..So is not Ambruise Pwen Couwee again?One month is Ambruise,next month is Jaisiah???Remember everything for them guys is politics,,but JOSHUA FRANCIS diffused the time bomb..!!!BOOM!!! WELL DONE SIKIRI!!!!
stuuuuuuuuuuuuupppppppppppppppppppsssssssssssssssssssssss……
you sound so angry be careful you a only destroying your self.
Up till now people waiting for assistance from Erika the …… man just won’t stop fooling Dominicans?
eat your heart out
I can imagine u typing that eat your heart out…with vengence… i suspect is u dat eating ur heart out
I am really delighted to hear of that, thank you PM because my heart really goes out to these kids that were directly affected, as a prospective leader of this country I must admit that this approach is indeed commendable and i believe too it’s the right one! Thanks again!!!
This is the right approach to tell Dominicans residing out of Dominica, especially in the United States, don’t make monetary contributions. I am referring to the people who have Pay Pal access.
..This approach is indeed corruptible…….Big time….
you done know.the people behaving like is pm that burn the houses.he doesnt have to do this, but he is human so he is helping
yeah, yeah rakit. Dr. Benjamin’s patients are human too brother.