New GSS and five other primary schools will be ‘the most advanced in Dominica and the region’ says Chinese Ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, Lin Xianjiang

Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, Lin Xianjiang, has proclaimed that once completed, the Goodwill Secondary School (GSS) and five other primary schools currently under construction with China’s aid will emerge as the most advanced educational institutions in Dominica and the Caribbean region.

Ambassador Lin made these remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the China-aided project, which encompasses the construction of six schools, including GSS, Thibaud Primary School, Tete Morne Primary School, the extension of Sineku Primary School, Calibishie Primary School, and a new school to accommodate students from Bellevue Chopin, Pichelin, and Petite Savanne who are presently situated at Bellevue Chopin.

Understanding that education provides the foundation for the pursuit of development and to maintain vitality, the Ambassador stressed that after Hurricane Maria, Dominican students now need new modern schools for better education.

He underlined that these state-of-the-art facilities being erected by China’s Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, are designed to provide Dominican children with a modern, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing learning environment.

The Chinese diplomat said that this endeavour represents another significant milestone in Dominica’s post-Hurricane Maria school reconstruction project and underscored the deep-rooted friendship between China and Dominica.

The Goodwill Secondary School, which accounts for approximately 40% of the entire construction effort, will be the first to be constructed.

Ambassador Lin went on to provide a timeline of the project’s progress, starting with the exchange of notes signed on April 27, 2020, in which the Chinese government committed to reconstructing the six schools damaged by Hurricane Maria. These schools collectively span 12,117 square meters.

Despite challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, supplementary agreements were signed on December 20, 2021, and after numerous rounds of communication with the Chinese Embassy, the construction scale was expanded by 6% to accommodate additional facilities like staff offices and safety rooms.

The Ambassador highlighted the dedication of the investigation team who conducted inspections in Dominica in May 2022 and who, according to him, worked diligently for over 40 days, even revising design plans based on real-time conditions.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

For his part, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his gratitude for what he said was China’s unwavering friendship and generous support over the past 19 years to Dominica across various sectors, including sports, infrastructure, agriculture, and health.

He noted that as the world continues to experience shortfalls in revenue and economic uncertainty, caused largely by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the investment by China into Dominica’s education system “is a gift of a significant proportion.”

“The schools are valued at over US $30 million, or over EC $81 million. A substantial investment in any currency and certainly a major injection of funds into the development of Dominica’s education infrastructure,” the Prime Minister said

Skerrit stressed the importance of education as a cornerstone of national development and prosperity, which is one of the reasons he says this administration has spared no effort to educate Dominican children to the highest standards and create avenues for them to access lifelong learning.

He highlighted the government’s dedication to providing high-quality education, citing initiatives such as the $15 million Dominica Education Enhancement Project (DEEP) which supported the intervention of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs at secondary schools.

The Prime Minister stated his intention to retool Dominica’s workforce with competencies for the Caribbean vocational qualification (CVQ) which will allow for easy movement across the region for work and said that upon completion, the GSS will take this focus on skill training to the next level.

“Dominican citizens will have access to a fully equipped Center of Excellence for technical vocational education and training. Here, our young people will be able to select a trade, build on the competencies and prepare for higher paying competitive jobs in Dominica and the region,” he declared.

“I want this to be a place where the young men and women of Tarish Pit, Stock Farm, Yampiece, Fond Cole, and Gutter can sign up to learn a skill to create new streams of income for themselves and their families,” he remarked. “Here we will grow our CVQ programs to upskill and reskill our young people for tomorrow’s economy and certify our citizens to find and indeed create decent work wherever they live.”

Skerrit, who is also serving as CARICOM Chairman, emphasized the importance of education reform at a regional level. He recognized the need for updated curricula and advanced skills to prepare students for an evolving workplace.

As such, he vowed to work with regional counterparts to ensure every Caribbean citizen has the opportunity for a successful and fulfilling life.

Government and Chinese Offcials breaking ground for the construction of the Goodwill Secondary School

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40 Comments

  1. Poly Sye
    November 16, 2023

    President Xi is in America with Biden making friends. China’s economy is declining, they need America to buy their cheap stuff to survive. Don’t know how much money they can continue to give Dominica.
    I know some of you will disagree with me, but I know of what I speak. You all can check out the state of China’s economy for “all you self”.

  2. Roger Burnett
    September 12, 2023

    The picture of the ground breaking ceremony – being performed on a heap of sand – speaks volumes about the erosion of Dominica’s independence.

  3. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    September 11, 2023

    The Chines have what they term ” the one China policy” and that is in reference to Taiwan, meaning that Taiwan is part of China, therefore the rest of the world should not recognized Taiwan as a sovereign democratic nation.
    And so, when that corrupted crook, that damn thi.. went and kiss the less than human Chinese behind for help, they ordered him to sever diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, which he did, and made even the Taiwanese who were in Dominica teaching people the skills of growing rice out of Dominica.
    The only nation in the Caribbean loyal to China is Dominica, and not or people in General; it is only that dumb Carpaud (crapo) mentality Roosevelt Skerrit; who took his dirty mouth and proclaim that throughout the Caribbean Dominica is the only place to honor the one China policy!
    Is he stupid
    Eventually when the Government change in the future, and the amount of money owed to China cannot be repaid, when they annex Dominica, it will take the U.S tropes to get them…

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  4. Lin clown
    September 11, 2023

    That is what I mean.Every BS comment against Skerrit and the DLP DNO will post.Every 11 comments against Skerrit DNO will post,no awaiting moderation,no disclaimer.Every 11 comments exposing the lies corruption and crookedness of UWP,DNO will use awaiting moderation and disclaimer.For years UWP DNO readers has been disrespecting Skerrit and his wife,but,that is OK with DNO.Another bias,singing for supper news outlets.The DNO arm of UWP cannot get humpty together again.They cannot stand the truth.The time is fast approaching when all comments will be from UWP supporters.

    ADMIN: We are far from perfect but we tend to think we are doing something right when we can be accused of being biased for both Labour and UWP in the same day.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 11
    • Francisco Etienne-Dodd Telemaque
      September 11, 2023

      You need to shut up, respect is something earned, according to how we conduct ourselves, our honesty; and accomplishments.
      Having respect for Roosevelt and Melisa, is like respecting a barking wild dog!
      Some people respects anything, reprobates; even thieves too.

      To be a dishonest politician and more than twice or once green card divorce is not a criteria to earn decent honest people’s respect.
      Roosevelt and Melisa do not deserve respect from a gutter rat.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
      • September 11, 2023

        How about a church rat? You are nothing but a morocoy.

        • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
          September 12, 2023

          If a church rat is not sincere about their relationship with God, as long as that rat kept living in the church, there is hope that rat will change.

          However, the only hope for a gutter rat is that it will eventually find its way into some sewer system where it shall remain till the day of its demise!

  5. Lin clown
    September 11, 2023

    Randy x does not live in Dominica.If he does he must be blind.Randy x must ask Cara Shillingford who recently built the most expensive 5 floor mansion on Kings Lane in Roseau.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 8
  6. Original
    September 11, 2023

    are those buildings LEED certified? where is the collaboration with local professionals? how those this design represent our local culture? what about energy efficiency? nothing is stated which defines state of the art but we should just accept that it’s state of the art!…. SMH

  7. James
    September 11, 2023

    China Builds while USA Destroys.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 3 Thumb down 9
  8. September 11, 2023

    It is indeed a significant project that will contribute to the advancement of education in Dominica and the Caribbean region. I appreciate Ambassador Lin’s emphasis on the importance of providing modern and comfortable learning environments for Dominican students.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 6
  9. Lin clown
    September 10, 2023

    Hope DNO doe take me to the cleaners.
    More teachers,police nurses and fire officers employed by DLP.Galvanize factory opened.More public service vehicles.More car rentals.More university scholarship.More than 39,000 registered vehicles(Pop.72,000)All saints university.American Canadian medical school.Geothermal.INTERNATIONAL airport.Tan Tan seawall.Windsorpark back road.New Macoucherie,Batalie and Pointe Round bridge.Jungle Bay.Petro Caribbean.Indoor basketball court(Massacre)Newtown primary school.Kingshill road.Platt Ma Pierre housing.First pacemaker installed in Dominica.First DIRECT commercial flight from US mainland.State of the art primary school(Mahaut)State of the art cricket scoreboard(Windsor Park).Hillsborough York valley road.Repaid DSS $33,000,000 owed by UWP.UWP built the two most dangerous roads in the history of Dominica
    (1)Petite Savanne,Point Milatre road.
    (2)Warner road through Jimmit.
    Reason to pocket taxpayers money.UWP cannot and will not win another election…

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 0 Thumb down 10
  10. Roger Burnett
    September 10, 2023

    Without architect’s drawings, it is difficult to ascertain how the Goodwill Secondary School will fulfil the need for an updated curricula and the skills needed to prepare students for an evolving workplace. Classrooms with blackboard and desks are not enough.

    For example: does the design incorporate an auditorium with fully equipped stage; an engineering and carpentry workshop; a sewing room; a kitchen for teaching catering skills; an art studio; a music room and a science laboratory?

    All the above were included in the UK “sink” secondary modern school that I attended in the 1950’s.

    Furthermore, where are the teachers to be found to teach these skills? You can’t “upskill” (the new buzz word) without a skilled person to “up” you.

    • September 11, 2023

      Roger, you are just full of negativity and, that is all I can say to you.

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
      • Roger Burnett
        September 12, 2023

        My critique is not negative. Unlike a criticism, it is focused on seeking solutions and suggesting improvements.

  11. Lin clown
    September 10, 2023

    All blind lying blue traitors.
    Skerrit and Labour.built Dominica.
    Night landing.DCFH.Stadium.Marigot hospital.All 4 bridges across river from Bathestate to New Market.State house.Extention of DC Airport.EO Leblanc and NO Liverpool highways.Charles ave.NEP(4,500)Yes We Care(300)$300 for senior citizens(2,700)Free medical for 18 & below and 60 and over.Pit toilet eradication.Clear Harbour(1,200)York valley bridge.Hillsborough gardens village.Belvue Chopin city.School bus service.Roseau valley road.Cochrane road.Kapinski hotel.$1 sqft land for swatters.12 new health centers.Emergency funds,farmers and fishermen.State college.Free college tuition.Universal secondary education.St.Aroment,Bathestate road.Scottshead seawall.Emergency medical funds.Removal of HOSPITAL USER FEES.Sultan road.Vielle Case road.Portsmouth fishing complex.Portsmouth,CastleBruce,Grand Fonde and Laplaine housing.New Grammar school.FREE housing.Layou emergency center.100% water supply.Jimmit housing.DCP reopened…

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
  12. Let's Face It
    September 10, 2023

    Well needed project. It won’t be complete until we have a African Studies department or a Sheikh Anta Diop classroom.

  13. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    September 9, 2023

    “Did China take control of Uganda airport?”
    China will deny it took control of the Entebbe International Airport, but as usual they are lying they did; or have taken it over!
    ” The loan had a maturity period of 20 years including a seven-year grace period, but it had now appeared that the transaction signed with China’s EXIM meant Uganda “surrendered it only international airport, according to a SharaReporters.com, a news portal that focuses on Africa.
    Nov 28, 2021

    I wonder if Roosevelt was told by China, that they are in Dominica to give to him a free lunch?

    Roosevelt the Chines has already taken Wesley under you stupid nose; and is in the process of colonizing Dominica; the fact that; that China man is focusing on school curriculum, talking about “construction with China’s aid will emerge as the most advanced educational institutions in Dominica and the Caribbean region.”
    Roosevelt that SOB, is not talking about the buildings only.
    A complete takeover is in motion!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
    • JoinIn
      September 11, 2023

      We just have to get ready for war with those cross eyes.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
    • Electoral Reform
      September 11, 2023

      Why is everyone blaming Roosevelt for what the Chinese are doing in our country, while they sit on their both hands doing nothing? You don’t like the fact that your country is be sold to China, and all you do is post comments about it? Guess who is laughing? China, of course. China will have no choice to pull out when we the people decide and actually stand up and make a move. The Chinese are not being hindered in any way from doing what they have decided to do; and that’s to take Dominica. Do you think it’s impossible? China is already in control of our government, so what’s next? There are almost 100,000 Chinese holding Dominica passport so keep sleeping. The law in Dominica protects every Chinese person and they are immune from prosecution. What else do you want to know? They don’t regard hunting and fishing laws and no police dare report them. Bravo Coco. We the roots people have to clean up our country because they government is a merchant selling Dominica to foreigners.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  14. Bring back the kidnapped parrots
    September 9, 2023

    The Chines flag will soon be flying over the Government building in Roseau of the new Chinese colony of Dominica. Notice everything is in the Chinese language at their ground breaking nothing in English.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
    • What nonsense
      September 11, 2023

      @ bring back parrot. And all you do is accept it? Don’t be a fool by wishing or accept your own indifference attitude and the willingness to surrender without putting on any resistance. It’s folks like you who boost the Chinese morale. Get up and fight! Join the match, or stop posting comments of discomfort and discouragement to our weaker brothers and sisters. Post strong comments of victory over Roosevelt and the Chinese. Be a William Churchill or shut up.

  15. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    September 9, 2023

    Roosevelt you are the most pitiful SOB on the planet; you stand looking pitiful like a bloody faceless tar-bay, talking about gratitude to the Chines?

    We know for a long time that you are simply a secondary school alumni, we don’t know if you finished there either! And so I do not know if you know the definition of the term “gratitude.” So, for your information; gratitude implies the quality of being thankful to someone; or, the readiness to show appreciation, and to return kindness especially to someone whom has done them a favor for nothing!

    Get it in your shallow dumb head Roosevelt, the Chinese are not doing anything in Dominica for nothing, they are plundering the country! You think you are involved in world affairs, so you should have information on what the Chines took over in Uganda, for debt that government owes China.

    They have already taken Dominica from you that bloody clown shortsighted Roosevelt!
    They are about to change the educational system without…

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  16. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    September 9, 2023

    Lin, shut up you are talking Chinese bulls…!
    You need to this crap with you back to your pig hole in China.
    Dominica is the only place in the world you SOB’s have a foothold because that corrupted crook Roosevelt allow you nasty son’s to systematically, unofficially taken the country.
    Unless things has change, I believe there is Caribbean school curriculum, taught in the Caribbean, so are you implying that you that piece of nothing is going to change that in Dominica to cause schools in Dominica to become more advanced than all the schools in the Caribbean region?

    That is what you that damn liar is implying.
    Guy the architectural structure a building and the paint on the buildings is not the key to what is taught inside.
    So, Dominicans should asked what sort of curriculum are you going to implement in schools in the country to advance our schools over the rest of the Caribbean?
    Man shut narrow behind!
    Go to Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana count their college’s then…

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  17. Dominican Diaspora
    September 9, 2023

    So you all are just not conscious of the fact that Communist China is just buying their loyalty across the Caribbean? One day Dominica will need to choose between supporting China(and its soon to be invasion of Taiwan) and the United States and its democratic allies

    • Matt
      September 13, 2023

      We have seen that they and the democratic allies have only used us as cheap labor to built their countries. Yes some of us get some compensation build a house or go school, but you don’t repair holocaust victims and survivors by using them as cheap labor perpetually. Thus the need to align with someone else, wherever that takes us but not the same imperialist.

  18. Lin clown
    September 9, 2023

    Ah boy MEME,the Starboy have you,Juanita and Ibo again.While all you gossiping,lying and spreading fake news Starboy working.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 12
    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      September 11, 2023

      Somebody thieving too!

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahah!

      The damn thief never stop thieving the money uot of the treaury, and the proceeds of sale of passports, especially the diplomatic passports, the pay more.

  19. RandyX
    September 9, 2023

    … the most advanced educational institutions in the Caribbean region! Dominica for true is the land of superlatives, even though in words only. As usual the feed the citizen some fantastic renderings and bingo… Dominica has 6 new state of the art school. Anybody here remember those fantastic renderings of the ‘new Roseau’? Fantasy and Utopia!!!! The town is smellier than ever and nothing has changed since that famous propaganda speech. A promise is a comfort to a fool but at least it got Gucci a political vanity seat in parliament. Presumably a belated wedding present…

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  20. Aa
    September 8, 2023

    What does the red cross on all the building represent?

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 4
    • September 9, 2023

      A simple question from which we could all learn something, gets some thumbs down……politics

    • ChineseProvince
      September 10, 2023

      Well it’s communist China, so we know it’s not a cross.

      But it’s red and strange, so it definitely has something to do with the Chinese.

      I guess it’s their money. What can we do?

  21. Burn-D Branch
    September 8, 2023

    If you love your country, then you shouldn’t be working on any Chinese project. Don’t help to give away your country. Well, “we need the money.” Money’s not all. Because the little money you are paid and nothing is the same darn thing. Go fishing, plant a few yam heads, be creative. We must push back against this gudgriment (labor) with all our might. Most of us change but aren’t willing to sacrifice anything. Where’s Ophila Olivercheng? She’s not concerned anymore concerning people taking Dominica away from us? She was singing like a parrot 🦜 as a true patriot – Now I don’t think she wants that song played anymore because she is a Laborite with distinction. Rise up people, Rise up dear brother and sisters we must take back our country. It may seem difficult; but it’s not as hard as we make it to be. Just ask Charles Savrin. He is a Boss Riot Organizer. (BRO).

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 8
    • JustSaying
      September 11, 2023

      And you believe if/when the opposition becomes the government this will change?

      Ha Ha😂.

      • Let's Face It
        September 14, 2023

        It don’t matter but you have to change you government from time to time, be brave!

  22. Barney
    September 8, 2023

    Nothing but propaganda. Guess what, we all heard it before. I don’t believe a single word these Scharlatans say.
    One word of warning, Dominicans, don’t allow Skerrit to sell our country to this Asian plague. We have got much room to manoeuvre left before they start making demands.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 8
  23. If we knew better
    September 8, 2023

    Boy that is something else eh. Where are the new plans and designs? Dont the people who will be paying to send their children to school deserve to see what the Chinese intend to deliver to the Goodwill and Roseau North community? Was there a public call for tendor to construct the new school? Why are foreigners, particularly the Chinese the only ones getting these contracts? WTH is going on here!!!???

    the last drawing they had submitted was not suitable by any means and laughable when you consider the location. Dominicans pull your socks up. Also STOP SELL YOUR PROPERTY TO CHINESE PEOPLE. LEASE IT TO THEM BUT NEVER SELL YOUR PROPERTY TO THEM. that level of greed all you have will not serve you all well in the future. your children will have NOTHING!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 8
    • Burn-D Branch
      September 8, 2023

      @if we knew better. Your question “what’s going on here”? Quite simple. What I believe has been going on, in terms of all these projects implemented by Roosevelt and his unwillingness to employ or include our Dominica labor force on any project is that: It’s a revengeful and deliberate move by Roosevelt to punish Dominicans for one reason only and it’s because he, Roosevelt know and is fully aware of the fact that the majority of Dominicans do not vote for him – and that the only reason why he is still the pm is because he has to steal each and every election. So he has been carrying this grudge ever since. When Roosevelt noticed the power of Lennox Linton the Honorable, and how slim his chances of stealing another one had gotten, he ran like a horse on a racetrack and called a snap election. Otherwise, Dominica would have already been on the road to recovery with Lennox Linton being the PRIME MINISTER OF DOMINICA. Roosevelt is a scared Rat. He doesn’t stand another chance.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  24. Putin
    September 8, 2023

    Applause!!! Education is empowering. The Dominica Labour Party is the only political party that empowers. None other has empowered Dominican like the DLP. None!

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 9 Thumb down 36
    • Bring back the kidnapped parrots
      September 9, 2023

      For the new Chinese colony of Dominica, Hip Hip Hurrah.

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