The Carib Council this afternoon officially opened a new, state-of-the-art health facility situated in the community of Salybia in the Carib Territory which had been under construction since 2003.
The facility will seek to address the primary healthcare needs of the Kalinago people.
Kalinago Chief Garnett Joseph, addressing the handing over ceremony, described the completion of this initiative as a dream come true and acknowledged the assistance his council received from various groups is indispensable.
“We promised you a medical facility and today, this is it. It has taken a long time in construction, it also took a very long time to be put into use but after many years we are here today to officially mark the commencement of service in this building. This is a dream that has come together, put together and spearheaded by the Kalinago Council but built by the Kalinago people with support from persons who have an interest in the development of the Kalinago territory and its people,” he said.
The Chief mentioned that the project could not have been completed without the help of Childfund Caribbean, Nazarene Development Fund and the Salybia Mission Project. He also thanked the work of over 120 persons from the surrounding community who gave voluntary labor towards the construction of the facility.
Acting Minister of Health Justina Charles remarked, “The Ministry of Health welcomes the partnership with the Carib Council, geared towards the efficient management of this facility. In addition, this partnership, we hope, will ensure a greater sense of ownership and responsibility by the Carib people. After all, this is your facility. Above all, I appreciate the council’s steadfast commitment to Primary Healthcare. I wholeheartedly welcome your decision to make primary healthcare a necessary condition for improving the social welfare of the Carib people and also to make it clear that primary healthcare starts with people.”
Acting Prime Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore was also a guest of honor at the ceremony and assured the Carib Chief of his support for this effort. He also urged the Kalinago people to take care of the facility.
He said, “I want to just say to you, you built this facility and therefore you must show ownership of it. True ownership must be demonstrated in the most fundamental things. That is, to take care of the building. You have built it with your sweat and hard work. Do not vandalize it.”
Blackmoore, who is also Minister of Public Works, promised swift completion of the road network in the Carib Territory.
The facility, which began operations on August 6, 2011, was also funded by the Dominica Carib Organization in the UK and the Canadian Fund for Local Ingenuity, but required no funds from the Government of Dominica.
The facility boasts high-tech and modern medical equipment which includes a state-of-the-art ECG machine with a database of 20,000 heart conditions and which does not need a physician to make a diagnosis.
Congratulations to Chief Garnette Joseph, Dr. Sanford, the Carib Council and all who have been involved in the erection of this beautiful facility. I was thrilled to be able to be a part of the beginning stages of the clinic. Many of the Carib people volunteered their time in the time I was there to get the foundation and walls and septic system in place.
I would love to be able to come and see the completed facility close up but finances prevent that from happening. Take care and greetings to all our Carib friends.
Pastor Bob & Lavon Tattrie
I hooe and pray that there are suitably qualified staff willing to work in the”state of the art” faciity and operate the state of the art equipment. I would hate to see the equipment degenerate because of lack of use.
Good job, think our architects should start thinking out of the box and make a state of the art facility look like 1. Probably implement some of the kalinago type architecture or something but its good to know that the kalinago people can get good health care.
sometings take time but indeed step one is completed the building.step two equipments ,step three qualified and experience staff.where there is way there is a will.this is saying to me come home and give my people the quality care they need.as a CNA.
Nice effort.
People do not focus on the building. That isw just brick and mortar. Focus on the equipment and the people who will be staffing the building.
They should also use it to educate people on primary care and healthy living. Better to keep the people from having the need to use the facility.
Nice building!! Am happy for the Kalinago people they deserve this and more. It took them 9 years to get this done? We can do better. How many years it is going to take to put medication and other basic medical needs? Presently No plaster or dressing in neighbouring medical facilities…..How many years people? How many more? We have 27 million wasting while our people dieing….how many more years people?
I wish the Kalinago people and all Dominicans well, We can DO BETTER!!
i thought the D/c Carib Organisation in the UK would have more than just half a sentence to do with it………anyway even more I would like to say shame on the Government. An area so far from any hospital and didn’t have a health centre, the government couldn’t put a penny but the same gov’t can build a state house that is not even needed. This is the kind of Government we have. Shameful!!
@ Anonymous
Do not be negative. In years gone by probably prior to your birth Dominican villages were not fortunate to have a medical centre and such a beautiful building. I state probably for I do not know how old you are.
I do feel in some years to come Dominica will be a model country.
Today, they must thank God for having one. This also includes you, you critic.
Progress is being made. Be grateful that today they have one with more to come elsewhere in the country.
Looking in from the outside,
Keep voting for the right Party. Utilize your common sense and good judgment when you do.
Inform others and see how much Dominica will progress rather than regress and stabilize.
A Government needs encouragement and assistance from its residents. Offer more praises and less criticism.
Thumbs up, and many thanks to all those who gave their best to Kalinago-people.
God will surely bless you all in return!
AS I SEE IT
THE BUILDING IS REALLY NICE
BUT
THE PERSON WHO DONATE THAT PEICE OF LAND
TO BUILD HIS NAME HAVNT MENTIONED WAT A SHAME
DID THEY EVER GAVE HIM AN AWARD FOR DONATEING
HIS LAND I CANT BELIVE IT.
SHAME ON YOU ALL.
I believe it was a Mr. Frederick who donated the land. He was mentioned.
Why worry about who donated the land?
@ Anonymous
There you go again, criticism, criticism, criticism including negativity.
Think that some people who donate land, money or time for whatever reason may not want it broadcasted. It may be that the person is a humble person and wishes to be incognito. Who knows? The land could have been purchased.
Granted, if it is a donation, the person should be recognized for it by informing the public and thanking him/her.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Those who expect a reward in this life already received it.”
Reason being, if given in a cheerful manner, in time the person will receive their reward from no other but God Himself – Heaven. Prior to this, while on earth as well.
There are those who donate and who want the entire world to know of their almsgiving. They love earthly praises, honor and recognition. This is not the manner in which people should give.
On the other hand residents should be encouraged to give/donate in whatever manner they are able to do so, time, money and encouragement. This is true citizenship and love for country and others, to make their nation a better, happier, peaceful, safe and healthy place to live, for the benefit of all. We are not here for ourselves.
Thats nice…but it cant stop there..do they have staff and medication??????? a building doesnt treat people…
duh!…no is d walls dat will treat them chupes… How wld dey begin operations if dey doh hv personnel… …Anyways kudos to the kalingos…keep on moving forward!
@ HD
There are times that some of your minds are working overtime.
It goes without saying that the facility is equipped with staff and medication. How else would it be called a medical facility and opened to the public? Everything works out in time.
MRI????
This is a beautiful building which will serve a good, health purpose and the people well.
Dominicans of today are much more fortunate than in previous years. I am happy for you. Keep up the progress in various respects. God bless you!
May it not only be contained to one set of people but benefit all Dominicans, those who specifically reside in surrounding areas.
Who said that Dominica is not progressive?
totally impressive! Patients from the Marigot hospital may have to go there.
Lovely building!!
well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WELL DONE KALINAGO PEOPLE. YOU ALL HAVE DEMONSTRATED TO THE REST OF THE DOMINICAN PUBLIC, THAT NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO COME FORM CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.
Congratz to the Kalinago people! With determination much can be achieved!