DFC working with health officials to address Ebola

Piper said the safety of all is paramount
Piper said the safety of all is paramount

As the 18th Annual World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) draws nearer, the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) is working closely with health officials on island and the region to address the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

“We are working with our health officials here and working with all the ports-of-call,” chairman of the DFC, Collin Piper, said at a press conference on Tuesday. “We have people coming from Paris. We have people coming through Guadeloupe, Martinique, so we are in the process of understanding what the process, the policy and procedures are for each of those hubs so that it will inform our plan here in Dominica.”

Fears have been expressed that the virus could enter the island during the festival since large numbers of people visit and groups from parts of Africa, where the disease is rampant, are set to perform on stage.

According to Piper, just today (Tuesday) he had a telephone conversation with the Director of (Airport) Operations in St Maarten, “just to understand as people come through what their screening processes are…So, that is something that’s a working process that we continue to work on,” he stated.

He mentioned also that a meeting to discuss the Ebola matter was held between the DFC and health officials on island a week ago and another meeting is expected this week.

“To just dot the I’s and cross the T’s,” he stated.

Piper believes that the safety and security of all Dominicans is paramount.

“So the DFC and Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) may put a note together for the government to be apprised of all the options that the collective minds can come together and do what they believe is in the best interest of Dominica, not only for the festival but in general,” he said.

Health officials are expected to be present at the DFC’s weekly press conference next week Tuesday to further address the matter.

Earlier this week leader of the United Workers Party, Lennox Linton, called on officials to begin the process of ascertaining whether the African groups set to perform pose any risk.

The (EVD), formerly known as Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever, is a severe, often fatal illness. Up to nine out of every 10 people with the infection, die. There are no licensed specific treatments or vaccine available for use in people or animals. The time between acquiring an infection and showing symptoms and signs varies from two to 21 days.

The virus is also highly infectious and is spread by person-to-person transmission through direct contact with bodily fluids or secretions of infected persons including blood, sweat, urine or feces.

Symptoms include fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, external bleeding and rash.

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69 Comments

  1. peanut brain
    October 9, 2014

    DNO Why did you take my comments off?? I think they are important except the one about you doing an article about Ebola to put it across to the people organizing the Creole Festival that they should stop the bands from Africa.?

    • me say so
      October 9, 2014

      because thats how they behave if they dont like your comments

  2. October 8, 2014

    this IS sounding like Noah and the ark people is still unconcern even planning festive season my GOD LOOK A NATION!!!!!

  3. John
    October 8, 2014

    If this Ebola virus gets into Dominica it could kill half the population before it could be brought under control, the government should consider cancelling the festival until they are sure it will not enter the island, what’s more important having thousands of people possibly die or a festival?

  4. concern
    October 8, 2014

    WHY DO WE FEAR? Oh ye of little faith. Fear is satanic. God has not given us a spirit of fear but A SPIRIT OF LOVE AND SOUND MIND. When we are afraid we turn to God not MAN . We need to PRAY earnestly for my God is well able to erase ebola permanently from the face of the earth .As one people , one nation we need to come together , in Prayer seeking God’s Divine Intervention. No need to be angry , no need to condemn , no need to be afraid . With one voice , belief and faith in the Almighty God we can do it . LET US PRAY. AMEN . I LOVE YOU ALL .

  5. I DON'T PLAY
    October 8, 2014

    I so cantbelieve this gov and dfc,,,,,is it all about money……..one thing I want to say. If dat ebola comes to my island bcuz of wcmf,I certainly know that the persons who are responsible won’t be a victim of the virus…..I will deal with them myself

  6. concern
    October 8, 2014

    Stop condemnation.Africa is our motherland. They are all our brothers and sisters . Take a little time to asses what is going on. Why is it that all bad diseases starts with Africa ? Cant you see that it is an attempt to destroy the masses , the black race . P lease the motherland needs some sympthy not castigation. Let us all come together as a BLACK UNION AND BIND THAT DIS2ASE IN THE NAME OF GOD TO SAVE AFRICANS AND THE REST OF THE WORLD .’ Africans I LOVE U WITH MY ENTIRE BEING ,,,,,,,,,,,ONE LOVE

  7. PlutocratforthePoor
    October 8, 2014

    Brisbane was right, how can you build a state palace instead of a hospital, this is madness, look we have a coming crisis on our hands and we not ready! 8)

  8. LILY
    October 8, 2014

    Come on fellow Dominican this is one time we have to unite with each other and say NO….not this time maybe next year when all this is over we can welcome them to our shores. Why gamble with the lives of our love one for just nights of feting for lifetime of heartache. One of the ways in which this disease is past on is SWEAT….it don’t take a a genius to figure it out! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

    • love for
      October 8, 2014

      This is real i live and France and its in the franch news1

      BOSTON, United States, Wednesday October 8, 2014 – Scientists have warned that the deadly Ebola virus could spread across the world within three weeks, infecting people from the United States to China.

      Using Ebola airline traffic data and spread patterns, a team of researchers at Northeastern University in Boston have calculated the odds of the virus spreading globally.

      The American scientists estimate there is a 75 percent chance that a traveller carrying the disease could reach France by October 24, because the countries worst affected by Ebola include Guinea, a French-speaking country with busy travel links.

      They estimate that there is a 50 percent chance of the disease reaching Britain by October 24, due to Heathrow Airport’s status as one of the world’s largest travel hubs, with frequent links to Nigeria.

      Other countries outside Africa thought to be most at risk in the short term include Belgium, the United States and Germany.

      Within Africa, the risk factors point to Ghana, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau, South Africa and Kenya.

      The estimates, published in the journal PLOS, are based on air travel remaining at full capacity, and are frequently updated by the scientists, who last reviewed the figures based on data from October 1.

      The estimates preceded the shock infection of a Spanish nurse, who this week became the first person in the world to contract Ebola outside of Africa.

      According to the US scientists, the risks change every day the epidemic continues.

      Lead researcher Professor Alessandro Vespignani said: “This is not a deterministic list, it’s about probabilities. But those probabilities are growing for everyone. It’s just a matter of who gets lucky and who gets unlucky.”

      While noting that air traffic is “the driver,” Professor Vespignani pointed out that there were also differences in connections with the affected countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone), as well as different numbers of cases in these three countries. “So depending on that, the probability numbers change.”

      Nigeria, Senegal and the US have already had people carrying the Ebola virus, apparently unwittingly, into their countries.

      Last week, Liberian national Thomas Duncan became the first person to fly into the US without knowing he was carrying the virus, and 114 people came into contact with him before he was diagnosed.

      The Northeastern University study suggests that significantly more people may travel without knowing they are infected.

      While British Airways and Emirates have suspended some flights to the worst-hit countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not placed any restrictions on air travel and has encouraged airlines to keep flying to the region.

      The virus is spreading rapidly across West Africa, and a recent report in the New England Journal of Medicine warned that the epidemic might never be brought fully under control, and that Ebola could become endemic, crippling civic life in the affected countries and posing an ongoing threat of contagion elsewhere.

      • A Doubting Thomas
        October 9, 2014

        We all must die one day. If God want to destroy mankind with EBOLA HE Will.

        Stop this propaganda in Dominica. The US that have the other case of EBOLA has not shut down the country yet. Do you think the US want all their people to die?

        Before any one can travel to Dominica from outside the Caribbean they have to travel via a First World Country or somewhere with an international airport remember we do not have an international airport? Now that could be seen as an advantage and blessing right now.

        So everyone living in a First World Country do not have to come to Dominica to get the EBOLA Virus, they can get it right where they are.

        The EBOLA Virus is very serious just like every other deadly disease. What events has the US stopped because the EBOLA Virus have reached their shores? Basketball? Baseball? Hockey? Or is this another scare tactic by some of us at home? And for reasons we know!!

        How do we know who is carrying the Virus?

        Let us keep in mind if each person who is capable take care of his and her own health. Know how the disease is spread. Every individual must take care to see that we follow as much as we can the preventative measures for ourselves and and family. If each of us do that, we will be safe and the virus will not spread.

        Should we prevent Dominicans living in the US from coming to Dominica where the EBOLA has been also? Or should the US also close their boarders to Dominica as a precaution so Dominicans not living in the US will not get the EBOLA virus?

        Let us be reasonable let us stop the fear mongering and Let us hope and pray, while we do our best and let us hope no hurricane, earthquake, volcanic eruptions, no disease of any kind and other man made disaster will destroy our country.

        Or we all better stay in Dominica, do not leave the island or send or receive any goods that is not in Dominica. How do we know who is handling the goods we received? They may have been in contact someone or something with the EBOLA Virus.

        I am not saying to throw cautions out of the window; I am saying let us be cautious but at the same time be reasonable and stop the fear mongering and pray, oh yes and pray! and let us enjoy life to the fullest within reason. And have a successful incident free Creole Festival.

  9. Morihei Ueshiba
    October 8, 2014

    Where skerrit????? 8)

  10. October 8, 2014

    Right now it is 22 mins. past 7pm where i am in europe ,i just heard on the news that the african man who came from africa and travelled to american is dead..This man was screened when he was leaving africa,,he had no fever ;yet he was contaminated with the ebola virus . This virous which kills the majority of the people that are being affected , saturday alone in sierra leone 200 people died ,it is a world wild emergency now ,i am pleading on the gov’t to act swiftly and take the decision to put a hold or rather cancel the creole festival before it is too late…i am in the health sector but according to the dangerousity of the virous is by luck and chance someone survives …

  11. Daily reader
    October 8, 2014

    This country more concerned with making money and partying over their own lives. Y’all want to put the country at risk for 3 days of fete and the same time y’all want God to protect y’all right? smh

  12. My Views
    October 8, 2014

    DNO you and your supporters has shown nothing but disdain, hatred and disrespect towards an person who disagree with you. I am complaining because of your unprofessionalism and biasness. Any article that doesn’t favor your agenda isn.t printed. You guys could do this because you are narrow minded, you can’t stand constructive criticism. You have thrown a once quiet and tranquil nation into chaos and hatred. Stop instilling fear,and manipulating the masses.

  13. Anonymous
    October 8, 2014

    If the African bands come, even the threat of Ebola will keep many persons away from the Festival. So DFC cut your losses now.

  14. Anonymous
    October 8, 2014

    DFC please cancel and pay all Bands coming from Africa. If USA cannot cope, how do you expect Dominica to cope with even 1/10th of a an ebola case.

    • Anonymous
      October 9, 2014

      Sorry to say but commitee ows them nothing they are to stay in africa my mother in dominica am in antigua and I feel they are violating our rights by getting on planes the planes dont have protective suits

  15. peanut brain
    October 8, 2014
  16. Anonymous
    October 8, 2014

    Dominica did not have a plan to fight chickungunya. It spreed rapidly among the population and the health department could do nothing to stop it. Ebola is not chickungunya. That is a serious disease that becomes an epdemic quickly. Government therefore has to do everything possible to prevent that deadly disease from getting into Dominica because if it does we will not even have time, or place or resources to bury our people. As I first step I think we should not allow the group from Africa to come to Dominica. I would even go as far as to suggest that we should consider postponing or even cancelling the festival.

  17. truthman
    October 8, 2014

    guys why are you all panicking? we have paracetamol in the hospital and if the hospital thou have space to put sick people we will use the state house. oh and i feel so safe because guadeloup and st.marteen screening for us. bull

  18. Visionary
    October 8, 2014

    The United States of America could not save the first diagnosed case of Ebola in their country. The man just died in a Texas hospital a few hours ago. The Prime minister and the Festival Commission should act now, this should not be open for debate. Under no conditions should the Africans be allowed to perform at this year’s Festival. NO NO NO.

  19. hugo
    October 8, 2014

    WHO’s European director, Zsuzsanna Jakab, said it was “quite unavoidable … that such incidents will happen in the future because of the extensive travel from Europe to the affected countries and the other way around”
    Source: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/07/ebola-europe-unavoidable-who-spain

    European officials confirm that Ebola is unavoidable in Europe, because of extensive traveling between Africa and Europe. Bearing that in mind what makes people like Collin Piper to believe that a conduction a couple of meeting and placing phone calls, will help to mitigate the risk?

    According to WHO officials Europe is able to cope with Ebola…is Dominica ready or its again African option: spit of all dangers, put jokes and demonstrate of a lot of bravo and then S##T hits the fun – declare an emergency and beg for help from US, China and Europe?

  20. CONCERN
    October 8, 2014

    This is a lethal disease and are the authorities keep any drills as to how the medical officials should protect themselves and treat the sick. The hospital need quarantine rooms and a special team of DRs and NURSES. Just my 2 cents

  21. RIGHTHERE
    October 8, 2014

    Are they serious?? what is wrong with these people????? why would they expose our people???? My people welcome everyone and give their all when it come to hospitality they have it, but I don’t think it is fear to import something which the authorities cannot handle. Pay them their money and say thank you honor the contract. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.

  22. just saying
    October 8, 2014

    the authority are not in touch on whats happening on the ground , airport for example

  23. huh.
    October 8, 2014

    “Ebola ‘contained in Senegal and Nigeria’
    UN health agency says Ebola outbreak “pretty much contained” in Senegal and Nigeria.” 23 Sep 2014

    http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/09/ebola-contained-senegal-nigeria-201492302548319863.html

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2014

      What does that mean? You think nobody with ebola leaving those states? The man who went to Texas had no signs of ebola and he was allowed out of the country.

  24. facts
    October 8, 2014

    i don’t know whats wrong with PIPER :?: my brother we don’t need Africans here to perform 8-O . leave those people where they are u see how ALL U HEAD HARD SMFH what all u looking for all u will get….. i’m very upset :!:

  25. Papa Way
    October 8, 2014

    EBOLA VACCINE ONLY WORKS ON WHITE PEOPLE??? Don’t know how true this is….but folk have been saying that if were killing white folk at the rate it is killing Black people there’d be a cure by now. Ebola is not a new thing…it’s more than a decade old.

    http://www.thenewsnerd.com/technology/cdc-says-ebola-vaccine-works-white-people/

    • hugo
      October 8, 2014

      once you deny education, books and other forms of intelligent activity – then you start to believe in all kind of medieval nonsense – like ebola vaccines work on white people or AIDS was invented by white supremacist etc Another aspect of lack of brain activity is full absence of any critical reasoning which is basically believing in everything you hear on radio or watching your TV…its inability of your intellect to cope with propaganda and blatant lies which pour on your via media outlets on daily basis…

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2014

      We really need to stop this nonsense. Cancer has been around for ages killing both black and white and no cure has yet been found. They nay find a cure for ebola but for many it will be too late.

  26. Visionary
    October 8, 2014

    SERIOUSLY? Are we really considering bringing this band from Nigeria, and the people from Congo to perform at the festival? Are you idiots watching the news? Can you imagine what would happen in Dominica if we have an outbreak of Ebola, do we have the facilities or resources to handle such a deadly disease? In the interest of Dominica and Dominicans, I strongly suggest cancelling all performances from all African groups, during this year’s World Creole Music Festival. The RISKS are just too high. Further we should have a travel ban on all people travelling directly from West Africa to the Caribbean until further notice.

  27. Peacock
    October 8, 2014

    Dear DNO.. an informative link to what actions are being taken in the USVI. They do not need festival to start planning:

    http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-USVI-working-towards-strong-Ebola-preparedness-and-response-23098.html

  28. Truth be Told
    October 8, 2014

    3000 people have been killed so far in Africa alone with the ebola virus and it is estimated that within a month this figure could become 1 million as those infected from the 3000 begin to show the signs and die! If one case of ebola enters Dominica with its small population of 70,000 people, that will be one case too many! We cannot afford 1 case of ebola, so please cancel all acts from ebola affected African countries or we will not live to regret this! You cannot depend on St Maarten, Guadeloupe or any other country’s screening process with this deadly and stealthy strain of ebola virus, as a person could show no sign of infection then but begin to incubate the illness while in Dominica. My question to the Dominica authorities is what is Dominica’s screening process? You do realise that a festival would provide the perfect conditions for a massive outbreak in Dominica if 1 person enters the festival incubating this virus? Happy independence!

  29. Lockhart
    October 8, 2014

    Just cancel the African bands.but again the officials concern about their money and not our health

  30. wait
    October 8, 2014

    Why open ourselves to such a lethal potential risk? Is having these african groups perform that necessary for the success of the festival? Honestly I do not go to the festival for these groups to begin with.

  31. Kammie
    October 8, 2014

    Where are the thinkers in Dominica and was someone paid a bribe to say yes to this band.

  32. Kammie
    October 8, 2014

    It’s unbelievable that the Dominican authorities who cannot manage Chikungunya would selfishly exposed the whole Caribbean to ebola. Even Luciano has cancelled his African tour. Feting takes priority over the Caribbean safety, oh how selfish.

  33. da
    October 8, 2014

    Please please cancel that wcmf this year, money is not all our health is much more important than that, this Ebola is dangerous and deadly

  34. Roach
    October 8, 2014

    My God… all dat symptoms…

  35. Pondera
    October 8, 2014

    Please my people, I beg restraint in what we say at this point. The festival can be hardly affected if we make irresponsible statements. None of us want this product to fail. The Health officials along with the festival commission are doing all what it takes to ensure the safety of all. Closing of borders or restriction of travel is not recommended at this stage. I believe firmly that our health professionals will advise and act accordingly. Screening at the ports of entry is critical. A good social history from any one coming from the affected countries in Africa is a must. Additionally, effective surveillance measures must be in place. Education sessions targeting every citizen is also very important. Awareness of the disease, its mode of transmission and the symptoms to expect are all points that every one must know. The festival will be fine.

    • Anonymous
      October 8, 2014

      The man who was diagnosed in texas, lied about his contact with another person infected with ebola. How can you be sure that these people will speak the truth

  36. Cops @Robbers
    October 8, 2014

    If they care for us more than money they will cancel the African band or even creole festival.

  37. bwarpoowee
    October 8, 2014

    ok the us is now thinking of stopping flights where ebola is on a rampage. Saw it on the news. can the pm please stop Africans from coming to dominica please, please. If this happens we are all dead. The health system cannot take care of this issue. Now let u see who cares about our people.

    • bwarpoowee
      October 8, 2014

      now let us see typo error on previous comment.

  38. Information
    October 8, 2014

    Yes. What exactly is being done? 2 weeks left… What is the health dept policy? Where are the health officials? Is it an organised OECS or CARICOM approach, or a haphazard effort? Please, we do not have the resources, so again better safe than sorry. There is always next year.

  39. October 7, 2014

    Precaution is better than cure, look at chikungunya it’s still among the people of Dominica the health department cannot deal with it so how can we deal with Ebola. So let us see if the health department, PM/DLP, Creole festival committee , and all the others that are just looking to make money will put the lives of Dominicans in danger, it’s safer to cancel the African group for this year just to be on the safe side that’s all we are asking those who are in charged to do that’s all.

  40. out of south city
    October 7, 2014

    Why is it that everything negative always comes from Africa? Africa is always the experimental ground for germ warfare and that gives us very negative feelings toward the Motherland. What we have to realise is that we, as a race of people, have always been under attack and the plan of the European is to wipe us off the face of the earth by any means necessary. Many people will not agree with me but that’s the truth, if we know our history and do the research. Our history did not begin with Christopher Columbus and our history is very rich. The Europeans had to go to Africa for knowledge, especially in Egypt. We just can’t see the larger picture until we get off our comfort zone. We tend to be in love with the people who have enslaved and still enslave our minds and it’s business as usual for us.
    We have a prime example in the Caribbean; Haiti. That earthquake in Haiti was not natural. It was by design. Nothing under the sun is safe anymore. The water, the air, the soil, the ocean and other things that we are not aware of. That Ebola breakout has caused us to shun our African brethren and the Motherland more. This is the Willie Lynch syndrome, to continue to divide us as a race of people, to continue that hatred for each other and to see ourselves as enemies of each other and lovers of our oppressors. Ebola was planted in the Motherland, just as the AIDS virus was. Take note my people, and be willing to change your frame of mind. Be receptive to change and know what’s going on around the world. Know what time it is.

    ONE LOVE.

  41. youth
    October 7, 2014

    please government dont let the group from africa to come to dominica. better safe than sorry

  42. yesterday
    October 7, 2014

    I go to the festival every year…however I think I will omit myself from all independence activities this year. Precaution is better than cure. Time for us to repent and seek God. The world is in a tail spin now and it’s about to get hairy. Seek first the kingdom of heaven and all the rest will fall in line. Turn your water into wine.

  43. Satelite
    October 7, 2014

    Whatever the process, policy or procedure, I strongly believe that the groups/bands coming from Africa should be stopped since they are coming from the core area of the virus. 2 to 21 days is a long time before symptoms are identified. We can’t deal with such a virus here in little Dominica. We could do nothing against the Chikungunya, far more for Ebola.

    Remember its my views, those guys are bent on making their monies, so no matter what we may comment they will still go ahead.

  44. Anonymous
    October 7, 2014

    This is a very important issue. DNO, thanks for informing us that officials in Dominica are working together on this matter. DNO, please tell us what specifically are they doing about the expected influx of persons to Dominica who have traveled from or through Ebola affected areas. Are persons traveling from these areas required to demonstrate that they are free of the virus. How will they do that. Are the necessary equipment and protocols in place to deal with someone showing symptoms of the illness. Where will potential carriers be isolated. These are but a few of the questions to which the public needs to know the answers.
    DNO, in this complex world of today, news is a bit more that attending a news briefing and quoting what the officials say. Getting the story on what is omitted from the statements is what educated people expect from the reporters. They should ask the questions, not to embarrass the officials, but to get more pertinent information and to take the story to the next level. I could say to the folks at DNO that I expected more from this news story. I trust that DNO will come again with a more in depth story on how Dominica is preparing to deal with Ebola if by chance it arrives on our shores.

    • Peacock
      October 8, 2014

      You are right on point. So far, DFC is concerned about what others may be doing but we are not hearing anything from our own Gov’t and health officials as to what we are doing to prevent it, and what measures are being put in place to address when it comes.

      An official in Spain said the Gov’t is similar to the Ebola disease – invisible yet lethal.

  45. Thank you Linton
    October 7, 2014

    “According to Piper, just today (Tuesday) he had a telephone conversation with the Director of (Airport) Operations in St Maarten, “just to understand as people come through what their screening processes are.” How foolish Mr. Piper! You mean just today? Did you all know about the deadly disease before Linton spoke? Isn’t creole festival less than a month away? You depending on SM to help you understand their screening process? Did you all know the following facts: 1. The time between acquiring an infection and showing symptoms and signs varies from two to 21 days ( 2) Up to nine out of every 10 people with the infection, die. Based on what you said sir and what we know, is it worth the risk? Further proof that we have a backward thinking government in Dominica that depends on reacting instead of being proactive.

  46. AGAIN!!!!!!!
    October 7, 2014

    Colin stop playing with FIRE….

    Tell Dominicans the amount of profit DFC would lose from stopping the Nigerian band from coming…..I will say non!!!
    I think WFC would have a reduction in INTL visitors due the present of the Band which would reduce their profitability.

    Another angle for discussion , let say WFC said they would lose money if the band did not come then please quantify the dollar value.
    Now you an opportunity to go to the public an inform them you are increasing the ticket price to cover your lose . Folks will be more than happy to pay the extra price than put their lives and family at risk to Ebola in addition to our poor healthcare system.

    No negotiation skill is the problem and the ability to think outside the box is lacking.

    Have a good day SIR!!!!!!

  47. October 7, 2014

    Educated Dominicans must immediately cease and desist from making shameful prejudiced and inhospitable remarks directed against our Nigerian guests.

    The World Health Organization credits Nigeria’s Ministry of Health for responding “urgently, dramatically, appropriately and effectively.” Nigeria is the first and only country in the world this outbreak to be declared Ebola-free. WHO goes on further to conclude “If Nigeria can control an outbreak caused by such a deadly and highly contagious virus, right from the start, any country in the world can do the same.” https://www.internationalsos.com/ebola/index.cfm?content_id=418&language_id=ENG

    The United States has requested assistance from Nigeria regarding their Ebola management. Imagine that! Only self-hate inferiority complex and pure malice can agitate for the exclusion of Nigerian artists from the World Creole Festival – this at a time when Nigeria is the only country in the world qualified to provide helpful consultation.

    Only the illiterate masses can be excused from this kind of silly paranoid hysteria. A Nigerian did not bring Ebola to the US, a Liberian did. Get the facts straight.

    Si nous mort nous mort nanay sala, but let’s not make fools of ourselves in the process.

    • Truth be Told
      October 8, 2014

      In the land of fools, “let’s not make fools of ourselves in the process.” :lol:

  48. Curious
    October 7, 2014

    Man the African groups coming in to perform should be asked to defer. We do not know who is infected or not this is a show where we will be sweating and rubbing on each other. Dominica cannot handle Ebola period.

  49. jouyen
    October 7, 2014

    first of i am positive that there is nothing set in place for this ebola virus .if someone was to come to dominica today and identified as having ebola..what then..are there provisions set in place ..where are these patients going to quarantined?are there sites ..equipments..or are you all waiting until a case shows up to decide??? yes if we are suppose to get this theres nothing we can do ..god is in control..but we can atleast try to mitigate the situation.we are not ready!!!!the nurses in the hospital doesnt even know how to control a simple flu..then what!
    i strongly belive with no secong thinking that this african band should be banned and thats that……dominica is not prepared for this crisis.

  50. John-3-16
    October 7, 2014

    I would like wo hear what Kabral have to say on this issue

  51. Shameless
    October 7, 2014

    I see LLL and Team Dominica (UWP) finally got the MooMoo to talk. However, its better late than never. We will continue to watch and talk Mr. Piper.

    Assertive, NOT Agressive! :twisted:

  52. ME
    October 7, 2014

    u guys are just a waste of time ….u reallly think you can deal with ebola in dominica ..hahhahah….first of this african band should be off the chart long time ago so second thinkin.god guide us …

  53. catsbae
    October 7, 2014

    i think that the best solution is just cancel this years creole festival till this virus simmers down :-| :-| :-|

  54. Rocky Hills
    October 7, 2014

    Another point why Dominica is rated the Poorest and basically A lack luster island in the eastern caribbean.

    This elbola virus is around they should have been more Pro-Active and quicker of the blocks, but what u expect the lame droll Dominican vibe…haha…

    The Health sector in Dominica doesn’t exist if their is one.
    When you take a q off the Chief Medical Doctor he isn’t convincing at all, he is out of touch with reality..

    my advise to anyone honestly would be stay away from this Years Fest , there will always be another i hope..

    why run the risk that is simple to see..

    But Dominicans are so lame and dull they can’t even make a basic decision that’s why they even being laughed at CARICOM and other levels…

    Dominicans should feel ashamed of their leadership in all sectors…..

  55. rasta
    October 7, 2014

    I think the best thing is to leave the festival alone for a while think about the amount of people in dominica could be infected cause africa have a bigger population than US its a risk why takes risk just for one moment in a year

  56. Frank Talker
    October 7, 2014

    Piper’s words of comfort are not comforting enough, by a large margin. I understand this is uncharted territory for us; un-navigated waters for all of us, but the public needs to be told what our defence measures are and how to enjoy the festival even with the Sword of Damocles hanging over our heads. Will it be logistically and financially imprudent to require the Nigerian artists to enter Dominica at least 21 days after leaving their home land? Or can the DFC partner with an external health care provider to test for the virus on the arrival of the artists? This second option is inferior to the first option, but it may provide some comfort to festival patrons, taxi operator and hotel employees who have to deal with those artists.

  57. Soooo
    October 7, 2014

    just cancel the festival. We should spend the three nights praying and fasting for West Africa and the rest of the World.

  58. Hmmmm
    October 7, 2014

    :idea:

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