Visit of hospital ship a new milestone in Dominica/China relations – Dr. Darroux

The Peace Ark arrived in Dominica on Friday

Minister for Health and Social Services, Dr. Kenneth Darroux has said the arrival of the Chinese Navy Hospital Ship, Ark Peace marks a new milestone in the bilateral bond that exists between the two countries.

He was speaking at a welcome ceremony for the ship held on the Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard on Friday.

“The arrival of the Peace Ark is yet another manifestation of this extraordinary friendship and takes the deep and strong relationship between the People’s Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Dominica to a whole new level and marks a new milestone in the two countries bilateral bond,” he said.

According to Dr. Darroux, the “harmonious mission” will provide humanitarian services to Dominicans in a time of need and as the island recovers from the ravages of Hurricane Maria.

He said it underscores the continued commitment of the People’s Republic of China to provide support to the Commonwealth of Dominica in the area of health.

He mentioned further that over the years the health sector in Dominica has been receiving tremendous support from the People’s Republic of China.

“A little over four years ago an Eye Care Mission benefited 85 Dominicans patients…,” he stated.

Meantime, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency LU Kun said the visit again confirms that the Chinese government will do its utmost to support the economic and social betterment of Dominica.

He said he strongly believes that under the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) government the “brave Dominican people” will rebuild the country.

He thanked the officials and the medical staff of the Peace Ark for the visit.

The ship will remain in Dominica till October 19 and up to 600 people are expected to be accommodated for health services beginning on October 13.

A range of services will be offered to the public including; gastroentology general surgery, Gastroenterology, gynecology which deals with the female reproductive system, males and their prostate, respiratory, dental, dermatology, traditional Chinese medicine to name a few.

Officials from Dominica and the Peace Ark on Friday

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32 Comments

  1. Zammm
    October 14, 2018

    Mr minister of health, on which planet are you to consider a visit by a mobile hospital a milestone? Are you saying that everything free is a milestone? Perhaps you guys take Dominicans for such backward people that a ship visiting will make them shout Amen? The milestones will be to fix the health sector, build state of the art health facilties, equip Health centers n hospitals with modern computerised health check equipments n machines. Make Dominica a health Tourism destination… And do what you must as a minister to improve the condition of health workers and convince them to stay n work hard in Dominica instead of going overseas where the grass is greener. It would be a milestone if you understand your role as a health minister or a mini-sta

  2. Ken
    October 14, 2018

    How is receiving charity a milestone? Is that what we aspire to?

    • Paul Rossnof
      October 15, 2018

      I’m afraid the answer to your question is yes. That’s what 14 years of Skerrit gave Dominica!

  3. I Afraid Boy
    October 14, 2018

    This statement from China’s Ambassador LU Kun made it clear that the purpose of this trip is to campaign for Skerrit with this statement: “He said he strongly believes that under the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) government the “brave Dominican people” will rebuild the country.” An ambassador should not get involved in the politics of the nation but rather, should works with the government and people of Dominica. For him to single out the “DLP” will rebuild the country is very, very very concerning, to the point that I am afraid for supporters of the opposition that will be visiting this RED Navy political hospital ship. Ambassador LU KUN made the purpose for this trip very clear and, since they are here to ensure Roosevelt Skerrit and the DLP remains in power, why should I not be afraid that they are prepared to ensure Skerrit returns as PM BY ALL means possible, including sending UWP supporters to rest since the different districts provided a list to they and they know who is…

    • Anon
      October 14, 2018

      What you’re saying is accurate, but It also isn’t news.

      When the DLP came into the power, one of the very first things they did was severe ties with Taiwan for the relationship with China. China will support whoever continues gives them the UN vote, and the opposition didn’t.

    • Truth, no lie
      October 15, 2018

      Not one minister or their family members will receive medical care on this ship, You think they foolish?Let one of them fall sick now, see if is not to America they flying, , Alas, Only the wise will survive

  4. Ibo France
    October 14, 2018

    This particular Minister of Government went in parliament and launched a most vicious and an unprovoked verbal attack on the overworked and underpaid nurses. Why should anyone take him seriously? Just look at the present state of the health care system. This is the absolute worst of all the sectors. Many of the hospitals and health centres are housed in buildings that have seen much better days. There are an acute shortage of doctors and nurses, inadequate equipment, horrible working conditions and the list of complaints could be extended. This is gross incompetence of the Minister. If this man were in the private sector, he would have been summarily fired. He lacks the requisite vision to bring relief to a daunting situation.

  5. October 14, 2018

    China will never do anything for free. They have a big plan but this is how they give the bait to the stupid government who has no plans nor any idea about how to develop a country except by receiving charity monies and charity aids. They did the same in Zambia and after many years of baiting, Zambia belongs to China now. China will employ more Chinese and run Zambia with its Zambians under their feet. Dominica will belong to China if the present government continue its nonsense and Dominicans will be controlled by Chinse dictatorship. Where was China after hurricane Maria when it was most needed? They are trying to possess African and West Indians, why are they not trying to possess white majority countries? Skerrit is too dumb to understand the tactics of superpowers, his only ambition is to full his pockets while the country is sinking in poverty.M aria does not have anything to do with the economic situation in Dominica, it the way that the country is governed …

    • carlton
      October 15, 2018

      Best china take over the country. it will develop eh.less rat in the place

  6. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    October 13, 2018

    Darroux, if you believe there is anything bilateral  between China, and Dominica; then I submit to that  you are a confounded fool who does not know the definition of the word bilateral.

    Symmetry in which similar anatomical parts are arrange on opposite sides of a median axis so that only one plane can divide the individual into essential halves; I can give you other simpler definitions, but people like you does not have any clue about the nonsense you spew.

    Dominica is not in any way equal to China, and will never be; we do not have anything in common with economically, or politically; clowns like you and Skerrit are only pawns to the Chines. By the time they leave do a survey to how many people they treated, and the treatment was successful.

    Count the dead too, and those who are worst off before they were treated by the Chines!

  7. Joseph John
    October 13, 2018

    Why do we want to disrespect China? Why don’t we appreciate the kindness we receive from that country.
    China certainly can do without our friendship.. It is the second most powerful country in the world after the USA. It certainly will surpass the USA in all aspect of socioeconomic development.
    We should be usuing the Chinese model for own development. Its partnership between the private sector and the public sector is quite successful.
    We should go into partnership with China for the transfer of technology. China is a world leader in information technology. Its time to stop the hate towards a friendly nation.

  8. steve jarvis
    October 13, 2018

    now they going to plant a chip on you all . labourites till jesus come ,dohtish for life.

  9. Yes i
    October 13, 2018

    No my peeps. The ship was built only to provide aid to Dominica only.We in this country are so naive and wicked.

  10. Karl Orndem
    October 13, 2018

    isnt there a US medical ship in our waters that wasnt allowed to dock because the chinese were coming?

    • Amino
      October 14, 2018

      Yes and they want to stay for 3 years not just a week….. wonder why they not allowed….??

  11. UDOHREADYET
    October 13, 2018

    Ignorance hates progress because progress forces ignorance to evolve! you can see the level of ignorance in alot of these comments. Its easy to tell, the more hateful they are the less they actually do for the country!

    • RandyX
      October 14, 2018

      Progress for Dominica most certainly is not to be found at the shores of China, Russia, Venezuela, North Korea or Cuba. To me and to others it’s clear what the Chinese interest in Dominica is. Your beloved PM also is very clear what China wants from DA in the long run. Why do all you think Skerrit isn’t willing to present the MOU with China to the citizens of Dominica. Remember the old saying and it is so true: there is no such thing as a free lunch. This saying is even more true with the likes of China and Russia. Skerrit must go before he sells out our beloved country completely!!

    • truth
      October 15, 2018

      well you do not hate dominica, so go nor , Go on the chinys ship, Receive your medicals, get some plastic tablets, Get injected, Your pm brought it for you, later will be greater, When your teeth began falling off , Then you will remember jim johns, trust no Man., for a bouble minded man is unstable in all of his ways.

  12. Ibo France
    October 12, 2018

    When will Dominica be able to provide adequate health care for its people? The ship will pull up anchor and leave in a few days then it’s back to square one. Dominica has become enormously dependent on mercy of foreign countries with dictatorial governments ( China, Russia, Venezuela, etc.). Bridges, roads, hospitals, sporting facilities, all of these projects cannot come to fruition without foreign intervention. By the way, these countries only assist with strings attached. Dominica then becomes a puppet on a string and feel compelled to vote for/with these renegade countries in international forums. This then put Dominicans at odds with the rest of the world community. The re-application for a US temporary visa is a perfect example..

    • BRAD M KING
      October 14, 2018

      I am not at all familiar or educated with the issues discussed in this forum. But i have been a US tourist to Dominica over 5 times in the past 20 yrs.
      Its sad to me that Dominica is not a good friend of the US. I would have no problem with some of my tax dollars going toward to support of such a lovely nation.

      • truth
        October 15, 2018

        Brad, Dominica has always been a good friend to us, Is since this rouge feller became pm ,He sought to change things, But the people of Dominica are still and will continue to lean closer to the us, when change comes, which is very soon, The world knows, china is not to be trusted ., Only the labourites do not know, because they are being mouth fed, instead of hand .

      • Joseph John
        October 15, 2018

        Mr Brad M King Please continue to visit Dominica and tell your family , friends and relatives how pleasant the country is. Both the Dominican people and its government considers the USA and its people good friends . Dominica respect the internal affairs of the USA. Dominica has no issues with the USA or its American nationals.
        Our currency is tied to the US dollar which is legal tender in Dominica.
        The Dominican government foreign policy is all inclusive, and the Dominican people are friendly to all.
        Sir, If you have instances where you perceive an unfriendly attitude, please write our President and the Minister for Tourism. They would appreciate a heads up on this matter.
        The government has a policy for tourist development with the USA as a source for tourist travelers, and would appreciate any feedback in that regard. Thanks.

  13. Just Looking
    October 12, 2018

    People that’s how the oppressor spreed the diseases to try their vaccine,then in the next couple years we are going to hear of some form of diseases out break in Dominica and the cure is from China.
    DOMINICA STRONG Not DOMINICA Test Lab. Just say.

    • UDOHREADYET
      October 13, 2018

      why are you so ignorant?! why is your mind so low thinking that you only see Dominicans in an oppressed view… the issue isn’t Dominica or China its you and your small mind!

    • Karl Orndem
      October 13, 2018

      Chinese vacines too.

  14. WHAT IF
    October 12, 2018

    Some argue that the Chinese Navy hospital ship went to Grenada b4 it stopped in Dominica and no bad reports. However the situations are different. In Grenada there is a government that put people before power. Furthermore Grenada doesn’t have a secret MOU with China that the people don’t know of. In Dominica we have a government that MUST BE in power and, we have a secret MOU with China that we don’t know about. So what if Skerrit has a delivery date according to the MOU ?

    • October 13, 2018

      What secret MOU? You mean the secret MOU that lives in the imagination of the UWP and its disgruntled supporters?

      • Paul Rossnof
        October 14, 2018

        You silly ignorant fool! Why don’t you ask your master about that MOU. It most certainly exists but Skerrit failed to inform the citizens of DA of its contents. I wonder WHY? Keep wallowing in you ignorance.

  15. I don't Eat Chinese food
    October 12, 2018

    So all you expect people to trust Skerrit and his Chinese army then? As for me I don’t trust anything Skerrit and his government is part of. Honestly speaking I have a hard time visiting any local doctor that I know is associated with Skerrit. Example, if I dying and I have to be seen by Dr. Christmas or Dr. Darroux please let me die instead of allowing them or any friend or associate of Skerrit to treat me. As for Justina, the former nurse, I don’t even want her to put a bandage on me in case of an emergency. If I cannot trust local doctors that are connected to Skerrit tell me if I can trust Skerrit with his Chinese doctors on their Navy hospital ship.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      October 13, 2018

      Those two are not the only ones you should be skeptical about, any of them who claims to hold a medical degree out of a Cuban and Chines  so, called medical school, I would hesitate to visit until they prove themselves capable.

      There are a few trained in Cuba, upon graduation the went through internship in Jamaica and Guyana, before they were allowed to practice in Dominica. A few of them I would perhaps trust.

      Nevertheless, I would not allow myself to have anybody leaving China come to Dominica, and play doctor on me. The same goes for a Cuban doctor; the amount of malpractice these Cubans, and Chines committing should never happened!

      Rosie Douglas would be alive this day if one of the so called Cuban doctors who last saw him had enough commonsense and training to do a simple VT, where he would find Rosie heart rate was so fast: death was imminent, and by simply taking some blood pressure medication could have saved him! 

  16. %
    October 12, 2018

    Darroux this is just cheap talk.. Why not a state of the art hospital well equipped and staffed? .. Is it because you and the other DLP MISLEADERS can afford to go to Martinique?Stop the nonsense talk..It irritates .
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

    • You You
      October 14, 2018

      Man up %, regardless to what you have never accepted defeat, therefore it’s hard to say anything constructive. You are presently holding a part time job as a Parliament Representative, but you have the guts to call others lazy, shouldn’t that be your last NAME % aka views expressed. Do you read other people’s opinion, if you do your shame bag burst!

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