An opposition MP has made a case in parliament for the Dominica government to help finance the restoration project of the Roman Catholic Church’s Roseau Cathedral.
Roseau Central representative Norris Prevost of the United Workers Party (UWP) told the House on Wednesday that there should be greater support for tourism including in the city where many cruise passengers visit two main sites, the Botanical Gardens and the Roseau Cathedral, which UWP’s Prevost described as an important, significant national monument.
The diocese of Roseau is about to undertake restoration work on the cathedral expected to cost some EC$8 million.
Prevost told parliament that the Church still required $3.5 million of those funds, and that the government could provide the money to ensure the upgrading of what he considers an important site regularly visited by tourists.
He indicated that he has written a letter to the finance minister, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to “put some funds into the Cathedral restoration project”.
Prevost was at the time participating in a debate on a $20 million loan that the government is trying to obtain from the National Bank of Dominica for general purposes.
The opposition MP said he supported the measure, while urging the government to allocate some of those funds to the Roseau Cathedral project.
Tourism Minister Ian Douglas supported Norris Prevost’s appeal for support for the church project, telling the House that he was sure the government would be able to assist the project when it gets off the ground.
Was just reading today ….. See who called for the Government to help in the Cathedral Restoration. None other than the Parliamentary Member for Roseau …. Hon Norris Prevost – UWP.
Now who is criticizing the donation to the Cathedral??????? The same UWP party.. Hmmmmmmm they must have forgotten that article by Honourable Norris Prevost February 2012.
I will gave money to it
ohhh how comes? I am the leader of an international Gay mouvement…will the well thinking catholic church ready to accept our help???
The Catholic church is 80% the educator of our children.They have contributed massively to D.A. TheCathedral is a tourist Site The samehelp that was given to the Cabrits should be given to the church.The so called christian give their pastors 10%of their pay. why was a pentecostal pastor being paid monthly to advise the majority of cabinet who are all catholics? Who started the Credit Union in D.A. of which we all benifit come on people ask you govt. to support a Historic Site.
Go to the Vatican for help or pray to one of the statues in the Church. AMEN!
Dominicans talking about nation building yes its true that the money can be allocated else where however what you all fail to realize catholic church has done a lot of nation building so theres nothing wrong with helping them even in a small way … the catholic church started education at secondary level in d.a ,the nuns were also the first to give Dominicans health care in terms of surgery they created jobs through these things , our parishes was named by catholics .some of the villages was also named priest such as salisbury and so much more was done ..so yes i see no problem in being grateful and donating some funds to a church that has done so much and mind you am not a catholic am a Christian
@ hmmm
Some godless person gave you thumbs down. I have noted that whenever people state something good and positive, there are a few who will oppose it.
You are correct. The history of Dominica should indicate this that the Catholic Church has done much for Dominica. It has not been appreciated especially in recent years when the influx of Protestants found their way to Dominica and falsely indoctrinated some of the gullible Catholics to join their church.
Sadly, those Catholics do not know what a grave mistake they made. If not before but when they die they will see what a grave mistake they made, too late. I leave this for them to ponder about and to ask God for His enlightenment and explanation of what I have stated in this paragraph.
The Catholic Church also deserves due respect for a Consecrated Church to God.
Those who have especially renounced their Catholic faith will oppose the help. I do feel sorry for those people because “they do not know what they left” and if only they knew, they would not have left it and now have become its enemies. God is taking note. I love to quote my dear mother’s wise saying: “God is good!”
May God bless you for standing up! As the words of a religious song, “Jesus Needs A Few Good Men/Women.”
While I support yoiur comment, I have to ask you this. Who says that being a Catholic makes you a non-christian? Only God Almighty knows the heart of all human beings…… knowing the Bible and going to an evangelical church does not make one a christian. Too often we judge others because think we know everything. We need to preach what we practice, and live our lives like Jesus Christ our Lord and Savoir told us .
Come on now, that has to be a joke. The Catholic church, the Vatican is a city within it’s self, is one of the richest organisations in the world. The Dominican Government is struggling and the country is needy in so many areas, why would Government even be approached to assist in these repairs.
Please folks, lets get serious here, Government CANNNOT assist with Cathedral repairs.
Revolution Now
You will be revolting on your way to eternity, Hell, where you will end up with Satan and his fallen angels. Your words have given you away and have shown whose side you are on.
I do believe you are already a fallen angel and well on your way to the everlasting cauldron of fire. Otherwise, you would not have made such statements.
In your ignorance, you write about what you do not know about and are spreading propaganda. Woe to those who cause others to believe their propaganda and to follow them. God will deal with you in time.
When you die the truth will be revealed to you but it will be too late for you to repent.
You need to re-think the nonsense you are saying, and look around you. Nobody can rob you of your homeland, if you believe in God and you live in harmony with your black brothers. If black people used to come together slavery would have never happened. They would fight to the last man, to ensure their freedom. Read the number of white soldiers versus the number of blacks, and that should tell you something. Just remember blacks helped the whites to enslave their own people. Leave the Catholic church out of your negative talk. If you feel they have done wrong to you bring them to court. This show how we in Dominica always remain behind because some of us are too small minded.
ou call yourself revolution, you can go to Afghanistan or some country with a cause and find a revolution.
Mr. Prevost I support you 100% on this one. I can vouch that the tourists do visit those areas. They are historical and prominent places of visit.
No exultation here. God rewards. Yes! I love to give but one can give only so much.
When I was in DA there was a tourist boat in the harbour. I always visit the Cathedral to pray. On that visit as I was leaving the Cathedral some tourists came in. I spoke to one of them who informed me that she resides in Toronto. We had a nice chat and I wished her an enjoyable visit.
Another day, again, as I was leaving the Cathedral, I saw an elderly couple walking along virgin lane. They had a map in their hands. They asked me about the route to the Botanical Gardens. I told them I was going along that way to go and visit a friend. I walked them all the way to the gates of the Botanical Gardens. I wished them an enjoyable stay and told them to be careful.
We spoke along the way and I told them I am from Dominica but that I was visiting from Canada. I am trying to think if they were from Canada; probably. I can’t remember.
The Roseau Cathedral is a beautiful Church building. It reminds me of the Cathedral in downtown Toronto, St. Michael’s Cathedral. Yes! It is as big as St. Michael’s.
The Prime Minister should aid it in this improvement. The people of DA are not rich enough that they can fully assist it although they do and in various ways.
We, the practicing Catholics in Canada, give to the Church on a weekly basis and nearly every month, there is a separate envelope for this and for that. Each parish is responsible for maintaining the Church building.
There is also a monthly envelope for the Church building. For churches need to be repaired, be it a roof leak, etc.
In November, there is the parish bazaar and in December another fundraising for a Church group of children. I have taken it upon myself, those weekends, to make as many breads and cakes as possible for those bazaars and also a favorite dish. The Priest asks for international dishes since it is a multicultural church, people from different countries. I cannot only give one. This is one of my contributions to the needs of the Church in the parish where I reside in. I told some people that I will open a bakery and cake store; in fact, a restaurant.
Fellow Dominicans, practicing Catholics do whatever you can do to assist the Church. In time I will also do so and will inform some Dominicans here about it.
Go pray and ask for sight and less biasness.Oh by the way please stop being a troll.
@ Lang sal
You do have a dirty tongue. It must be as black as tar and as Satan’s Hell cauldron of fire. When last you cleaned it and with toothpaste? You think you are smart and smarter than others and I? You could never measure up. Today, all types of people have computers and they utilize the computer and On-Line for evil and evil slurs.
People’s words, and statements and actions give them away. I am surprised to know that Dominica has so many bad/evil people and with bad tongues. You are really a bad person. The devil has your soul. God punishes those with dirty tongues on earth and for all eternity. He rewards the good and punishes the wicked.
You and your friend Satan will not prevent me or anyone from stating the truth of THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
You need to be taught THE TRUTH. You could learn something from this writing, to do good, state good words and perform good works in Jesus Name.
Evil people with dirty tongues will never enter God’s Kingdom. If you call yourself a Christian, you are a hypocritical one. You should know what is contained in Holy Scriptures. Have you deviated from godly teachings?
You would do well to wash your mouth with Holy Water. On the other hand I do not expect that of you because you have projected that you are an enemy of the Catholic Church. It would do you no good anyway. You are too far gone.
Let it be known that Our Lord Jesus Christ established HIS CHURCH. No other church takes precedence over THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. No other church is important and by no means more than THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. God gave a mandate to THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. No matter what and no matter how strong its enemies, GOD IS WITH HIS CHURCH. This is THE CHURCH WHICH WILL REMAIN UNTIL THE END OF TIME. All others, God will strike down in time and gradually for He did not establish those churches. They are wasting their time and effort. Their day is coming.
I support you 100%. Positive comments.
I don’t agree for my tax money to build/rebuild/renovate any church whether in Vieille Case, Roseau or anywhere.
Where’s the Vatican???? Government, Government, Government….chooopssss.
Increase you and your families collection and whilst you’re at it get your others boys in blue to drop into the offertory basket.
I am a supporter of the separation of church and state,but here again,both of them have fallen in de same hole.
@ simple mind
Indeed! You are a person of simple mind. It is nothing to be proud of. You cannot even think beyond. You only see and think what is near your face. Too bad for you. Do you reside in DA or overseas? Your words sound like an agnostic or atheist. The government will institute immoral laws and you will go about saying you are a supporter of church and state. WOE TO YOU!
One day God will change that, separation of church and state, when he will bring everyone who is against His Law and His Church to naught. He will also shut their mouths forever in Satan’s cauldron of everlasting fire where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. This is where those who are a supporter of separation of church and state will also end up.
Yes..I believe in, and advocate for the separation of church and state,but here again, both of them have fallen in the same hole.
@ Anonymous
You have fallen in a deeper hole, one foot on earth and one foot in the entrance of Hell. Take care, you fall in forever.
ANYTHING TO THE EXTREME IS ERROR…. In your quest to “defend the church” you have gone overboard and become as negative as the ones to whom you are replying. Who are you to decide who goes to hell and who doesn’t? SHAME ON YOU ELTON!!!
MR NORRIS IS A FARCE, HOW THE SIXTH-LETTER HE EXPECT A TINY BIDGET STATE LIKE DOMINICA TO ALLOCATE FUNDING FOR ANOTHER HUGE BUDGET UN STATE, WILL ALREADY OCCUPIES THE LAND? THE DAMN CATHOLIC STATE HAS DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY IF HE DOESN’T KNOW AND A GRAND BUDGET AT THE BATICAN, CHUPES!
History shows how much work the Catholic church has put into the welfare and advancement of Dominica even when the state turned its back. Following are a few.
*Financially it was a pioneer in the establishment of credit unions which continues to ensure some financial independence for Dominicans. It showed people how to care for themselves and their children through the Social League and continues to do so.
*The provision of hight quality education which their government counterparts are struggling to achieve because of various reasons from pre school and day care to secondary school level.
*The provision of affordable housing such as Sister Alicia apartments on the Roseau River bank. A home for Dominica’s aged and providing food for them through the Roseau Infirmary and REACH respectively. Not to mention CALLS and all the silent work that religious and lay persons provide as demanded by Jesus Christ without seeking praise.
I am sure participants in the tourist industry can tell you of the numbers of tourists who visit the Cathedral on a daily basis, indirectly contributing to the economy and there are no user fees.
Indeed many Dominicans have seen the light of day because of the church. And you wonder what the Church has done for Dominica… Try putting a price!
@ BJR
Do not criticize. It is for a good cause. May be you can help as well, whatever you can afford? God will be pleased with your sacrifice.
You people need to proofread what you type, you make us feel bad that you cannot spell and write proper English
@ Anonymous
Cease criticizing people. Are you perfect? Never made an error in your life and more to come?
St. Paul said, if you correct, do so with love. But do not water-down and deny the truth.
Let me get this right, it is wrong for government to build a proper state house but ok to build churches. OK, i get you now.
@ ONE STONE
With your one stone, you can kill two birds. What is wrong with the government assisting the Church? Do the employed parishioners not pay taxes?
I AM READING WHERE THE DA GOVT GIVING CHURCH MONEY. WHY WOULD THEY DO THAT WHEN THE CHURCHES HAVE BIGGER BUDGETS THAN DOMINICA ITSELF. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS ONE OF THE RICHEST CORPERATIONS IN THE WORLD. DA NEEDS MORE HELP THAN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. IF YOU WANT TO SCORE POINTS IN POLITICS COME UP WITH SOMETHING BETTER THAN THATO:-) ROME MUST BE SMILING
@ PRO CHURCH
What pro church are you? Do you know what you are talking about? The Church in Dominica has more money? Do you know where they get money from to assist them in general and maintain the Church? How much do parishioners give and how much can they afford to assist in maintaining the Church?
PRO CHURCH, THE CHURCH DID NOT ASK GOVERNMENT FOR MONEY, IT WAS MR. pREVOSET WHO ASKED. WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL, GET THAT CHIP OFF YOUR SHOULDER. WHEN YOU ALL ARE POSSESSED WITH EVIL SPIRITS IT IS THE CATHOLIC PRIESTS THAT EXORCISE THE DEMONS. BECAREFUL WITH WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY….. YOUR LIFE IS NOT YOURS, AND YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT CONDITION YOU WIL BE TOMORROW OR IN THE FUTURE, GUARD YOUR TONGUE, AND ASK FOR GOD’S MERCY. HAVE A NICE DAY.
Big talk on building a State House…But now they asking for Govt. to put millions in building a CATHEDRAL..UWPITES, What is you all take on this one?
They are not asking for gov’t to ‘build’ a cathedral but to help out. The catholic church started its fun raising efforts years ago to ‘restore’ the building. And considering it is already a tourist landmark, what is the big deal?
@ Is that So!
It is so! Did Mr. Prevost ask for the government to give the Church millions? Some of you distort everything according to your mentality. He asked for financial assistance and did not specify the amount. Read the article.
The government gets money from tourism. Surely, it could allocate some of that to the Church which is in dire need of repairs.
Have you left the Catholic Church or do you belong from birth to another church? If you were a Christian Catholic and a practicing one at that you and any others who criticize what Mr. Prevost stated would not make such comments.
Beware of derogatory comments you make against the Catholic Church which Our Lord Jesus Christ founded. He is hearing, seeing you and noting what you state. Someday, some people will pay for what they say and receive their fair and just recompense from no other but God. Careful!
the church is the menbers,the building is dominica,s history. that church will always be in roseau, it can never be taken to rome.goverment help if you can, 2millon and am not catherlic.
# block 44
God bless you! You have His blessings, graces and enlightenment. He is pleased with you. I give compliments where they are due.
After all that time away from parliament that is the best allu can come back with??????? Ruling party have it’s problems, but bon diay de opposition party is a problem by itself wii… All of allu need to go in that church and sing Nearer My God To Thee!!
It was father batoleme de lascas, i hope i spell his name correct that said that the negro race was better adapt for slavery becouse they were strong dark skine, and mandigo like peolpe, he was a catholic priest, condoning slavery. anyone can google his name and check it out.
Dominica sepration churh and state
I would shake your big toe on that! I read about this during my undergrad and this made me run from the catholic church even faster than I intended to. The majority of them are still so poisoned that they see nothing wrong in bowing before a white man every sunday morning. SMH
I do not agree with the state using our money to buid churches, but correct me if I’m wrong; The young man gave OUR money to repair the Vielle Casse church a few years ago?
I admire Mr Prevost’s smarts and usually good ideas however I disagree with him on this suggestion. People have fought for a separation of church and state simply to avoid conflicting interest and authority. The cathedral is the responsibility of the Roman Catholic Church. We are well aware of the effects of politicians on the clergy ; w hen the church becomes a dependent on government subsidies the church becomes the voice of politicians instead of the voice of reason, morality, honesty and integrity.
I do understand to some extent the reason why MR Prevost is making such a suggestion as it is public knowledge that the DLP administration has been giving 100 of thousand of dollars –tax dollars to evangelical churches. It is quite understandable why some of these clergy people are so silent in the face of a country upside down in every way.
We never fought for separation of church and state in this country. This is an American ideal. It is for this reason also, that you find foolishness like “a moment of silence” replacing prayer. We don’t want that for Dominica.
DA you are wrong on this. Western civilizations fought for the separation of church and state. The great Jesus christ despised the the convolution of church and government; he preached about corrupt politicians posing as clergy and visit versa. The very reason why they executed Jesus.He spoke against the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees.
@ DA
A place like Dominica, this should never happen. Is it any wonder some students are uncontrollable? They do this to pacify the godless. It may be the type of lifestyle that they live. One wonders if the devil has their soul.
I say to some politicians, those who introduce such, woe to them. They better think God for God is seeing them and taking note. Little do they know what is in store for them.
There are some people who detest the Catholic Church and make all sorts of derogatory statements about it. Some never go to Church but when they get sick, are dying and die they (their family) want a Catholic funeral and burial. It happens in Toronto. God knows those hypocrites and He will deal with them in time.
amen well said
Regardless to Mr. Prevost”s reason for asking the government’s help. What is the problem. He is a Decaman in the church, it is his responsibility to ask for help for the church he attends, I don’t see the reason for these critisms. You sound like a politician. It is very sad that you have an alias to hide behind to make these negative comments. Are you a member of the Catholic faith? What do you expect to hear preached from the pulpit? The church does not side with anybody. Many politicians from the different parties are members of the Catholic church, and the church does not take part in politics. The duty of the priests is to pray for people and lead them closer to God. Although you can lead a horse to water, but twenty people cannot make them drink the water. One reason why the politicians have not caught anybody red-handed in their so-called criminal acts is because, people too like to talk….. collect evidence and then sue.
Why isn’t there a new report on why Prevost raised the topic? Namely that Government are asking for a EC$20 million loan from NBD?
Which Vatican/Pope? When our Bishop visited Rome last year or the year before, he had to use a map to point out to the Pope where Dominica was located. So if you think the Pope even know that we exist, think again. Far less to offer us assistance.
@ Yes!
You make no sense whatsoever!
You are lacking in knowledge of the truth. 
Of course, the Pope knows where Dominica is. If he does not know, someone will point it out to him. He knows how many Catholics there are in the world. Therefore, he must know about the countries. He knows fully well that they are not only in those countries of Europe, Canada, the U.S. and Africa.
When Pope John Paul II was alive he visited St. Lucia. St. Lucia has an international airport. He did not visit Dominica because it does not have an international airport.
The only reason that they know about those big countries, for obvious reasons, they are big ones. Do you expect them to know about every small island. Does that make sense to you? Learn from others who know more than you do.
The Vatican is very rich. It has its own bank. Why should government pay to repair the church. Let the members of the church pay to repair it. Vatican can pay to repair it or the church can take a loan from the Vatican. Government must do everything man?
@ Broom Broom
Which is just what you are. Brooms have no sense. I am amazed of the nonesense some people write and they do not think.
The Vatican helps but it has to help all the Churches of the entire world. It can only help so much. A country/parishioners are responsible for assisting the Church.
All Churches in various parts of the world also help the third world countries. This money comes from the parishioners as I, their hard-earned dollars.
The very money which the Bank will give to the DA government comes from taxpayers’ money abroad. I am one of those taxpayers that the World Bank, Caribbean Bank and other banks of the world get money from. If there were no taxpayers, there would be no banks as well to give money to countries as Dominica. Comprehend this?
Therefore, all of you better watch what you state.
It is as yourself. You have to help yourself. You cannot expect the government to always help you. If you have children, the day will come when you will not be helping them and they will have to help themselves. Makes sense to you?
SO WHY COULDN’T BISHOP DANIEL TAKE A LOAN FROM THE PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES?
@ Jones
Enlighten us on this one. Make yourself explicit. Would love to know more about that. Not everyone who comments on this Website reside in DA.
Why should some one with a right mind, asking government to get involve in church building or restoration?. This is a dangerous move.
@ J.J.J.C
When people help the Church, they are helping God. Some of you lack godly knowledge and enlightenment including His blessings. Otherwise you would not make such statements.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “In the least of these, that is how you please me most.” In other words, He said: “Whatsoever you do to the least of these, you do to Me.”
It is the same Church they will run to, to pray and receive the Priests’ blessings and advice when all hell breaks lose in their lives and when they get sick and are terminally-ill and dying.
You must also be a non-practicing person or a church-hater.
If they cannot help the Church, they are not helping God. Need I say more?
@ J.J.J.C
Only those with right minds will help.
as a catholic i disagree – the government should not be giving money to the church.
@ Anonymous
You are an unfaithful Catholic who probably does not practice the faith or does not practice it as you should. Shame on you! If you do, you should leave it. Years gone by a person like you would be excommunicated. You are of no good to it and do not help it and support it. You are one of the hypocritical cradle and redundant catholics who serve no purpose in the church and not even by going to church. You are wasting your time for your words have spoken against you as not even being a friend of the Catholic Church. Some unfaithful member you are.
THE MESSAGE IS: DEFEND YOUR CHURCH! STAND UP FOR IT! SPEAK OUT FOR IT! SUPPORT YOUR CHURCH! PASS ON YOUR FAITH!
Those who do not do this might as well leave the Church. The last thing The Church wants is to have enemies from within who claim to be Catholics. Go elsewhere to worship except the only Church which God recognizes is The Catholic Church which He founded. Eat your heart out!
Well meant but ill advised mr. Prevost. You want the church to be beholden to our political leadership? This is exactly why the catholic church maintains its own independent State, the Vatican and an appeal should be made to them in the first place, even to the point of embarrassment. Anyway, why are you doing the bishop’s job?
Bunch of hypocrtical dominican christians. More scandal have to come out in you”ll so called churches.
@ Anonymous
How many different Anonymouses (mouse
:mrgreen:) write on this Website? If you are the only one, one minute you say one thing and another time you say something else. You do not appear to have a mind of your own and probably do not even remember what you stated.
One more hypocrite as you. Beware; you will fall before the Catholic Church falls. In fact, it will not fall. What God has founded, no man can put asunder. Only hypocrites will fall but not the Catholic Church. We are two billion and counting.
This reminds me what a U.S. Archbishhop Fulton Sheen (since departed) said: “Before God cleanses the world, He will cleanse His Church first.”
What has happened and is currently occurring is “a cleansing of The Church”. No problem! God knows the faithful ones and the unfaithful ones as well as the hypocrites as you. This is the reason why some have left the Catholic Church. Who knows? It may have been God’s cleansing of His Church and they are ignorant, lack godly spiritual enlightenment and they do not know it.
Anonymous, you need to read some good Catholic books which will assist you to become knowledgeable in the faith. Pray to God for His blessing, graces and enlightenment also that you might become a faithful Catholic. At present you are not. You appear to be devoid of God’s graces.
Archbishop Fulton Sheen also said: “God has two pictures of us. What we are and what we could be.”
No one could ever deceive God.
Elton YOU are the one being deceived.
Seein as the slaves buit it for free, maybe it is It is now time for the church to repay the ancestors of the slaves and fix the roof with the reparation money from the free labour they got,to build the church. Now is the time for the Bishop to appeal to the Pope in Rome to send the money for the repair of the roof. Rome can well afford it, with all the money they stole from the people in the name of Isabella of Spain and the Holy Catholic church.
Please, get your facts right. Slavery was abolished in Dominica in 1838 and the curch in its current form was constructed after after that date.
The Catholic church too had to be emancipated by law and at a much later date by Britain, you should get your facts right
Ok, so will the church now belon to the state of Dominica, and every roup of people will be able to use it to worship in? Or will the state be giving money to every church group the Anglican and Methodist church and Gospel Union,Pentecostal and Adventist churches, these churches were all built by our Ancestors, so will they all get money for renovations when needed. Church and state dont mix. Dominica does not have a state religion and if he ive to one, he has to give all, even the chines will need oney to build them a Budhist temple as they too are Dominicans.
how many of those churches you mention are tourist attractions benefiting Dominica
@ Law and Order
There may be a reason why some state as you Church and State do not mix. Note the amount of different churches in the past to the present, all types which have sprouted up approximately 100 hundred of them. I wonder what God is saying about that? It must sadden Him including the lack of love, unity and peace which those types of religions have created in the world and among people.
Think God! Know that those who cause lack of love, disunity and lack of peace in the world, as some say they are serving God He will deal with them in time.
Jean Catholic tow sort. Just start going to a nother church and you will see how quick the Pope will give you a brand new church
hehehhehheheh BEST COMMENT SO FAR!
tell all dem priest to sell their cars and all de land dem old people leave for dem. i am sure they will raise more than 3.5 million
3.5million = to 175 scholaships at a cost of two hundred thousand dollars…
that would be more productive to dominica rather than giving a regime money that collects money from its members every sundays, sometime three times a day
@ FORKIT
That name, it is exactly what I would like to call you. Your words are not worth a quarter of a cent and less.
You call the Catholic Church a regime! May God have mercy on your soul when you face Him for your judgment.
Watch carefully how you age and your health. God has a way of paying people back, punishing them right on earth and the final one for all eternity.
As the Lord said, “…On the Day of Judgment, by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.”
It appears that the enemies of the Catholic Church, the non-supporters as yourself will be condemned. They have already condemned themselves as you.
HAHAHHAHAHAH…”THE ENEMIES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WILL BE CONDEMNED” ?????? Says who? Are you in the ministry of judging others now? LOL LOL Zor catoliks kay chway moi papa!
We have to be careful with our request, however ,it is ok for the government to help because the church does not pay taxes but this also puts a silent on the church. The Church will be even more silent on social issues for fear of their funds/benefits being revoked. The church needs to be fair and not to be afraid of speaking out. We are all citizens of the land. The church needs to hold car wash, cake sales,food fairs and bazaars. Yes government can assist but also the church needs to request funds from the Vatican. We all need a place of worship and the money the church has already collected they can start doing some remodelling. The roof will take more money so leave the roof for last.
Don’t you think you have put the cart before the horse? It is exactly because the church doesn’t pay tax it should help itself, using its own resources rather than make an appeal for tax payers’ money. That’s how the catholic cathedral was built in the first place. Not being of the state relegion the British Govt. did not provide funds for its construction. Yet it did arise, on an even grander scale than its nearby Anglican rival, through contributions in materials, money, services and labour provide by its own faithful.
Why can’t this be repeated today?
Did you know that prisoners worked in the construction of the church? We were not there what is all these questions about who paid or did not pay for anything. Those people that don’t want the goverment to put money in the church should just give money themselves, and stop the accusations, it does not produce any positive results, just people bashing each other. Then telling tourists that we are warm hearted people. Brrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ FLORIDA
As a Catholic, the problem with some members of the Church, they may be uncooperative. Few may consider suggesting to the Church authorities that they could hold fairs, bazaars, bake sale, etc.
The Churches in Canada do a good job of that. However, there are some members who could not be bothered. Every year it is the same people who help, who organize and who donate and with also their time.
Few of those Catholics in DA may be willing to assist. Few may be generous and will offer a helping hand or even give more than they do. They leave everything up to the Church, forgetting that they are “The Church”, as it members.
St. Paul said “Who had more did not necessarily have more. Who had less did not necessarily have less.” Also, “God loves a cheerful giver.”
I also wish that those critics on this Website would consider this. They are condemning themselves by their words.
prevost, as a politician i support you, but you are stepping in the wrong direction… how can you ask the government to pay tax payers money to a regime that has benefitted and systematically reap off millions of black people in the name of god.
the vatican has enought money to fund this… and lastly, do you remember how silent the churches have become with regards to the immoral activities of the government.
ti bwoy behave courw
@ FORKIT
Do not think that the Church is silent. The Church will not shout out to the roof. The Church will pray and is surely praying for everyone, as its enemies with no exception including politicians. The Church does more than meets the eye as also yours.
Your name says it all. Nothing will ever be solved in our country because you always stray from the topic. Bring your evidence agasinst the government and take them to court. What can the church do that we cannot do ourselves. Take a good look at yourself, and ask yourself….’Have I done anything that I am not proud of>’ Have I always been erfect…. We live in a world full of corruption, and when our families are in the hot seat we try to cover for them, and make all sorts of stupid excuses for them. Thse who have family in the cabinet will do the same, because this is how we are. We always make escuses for our family and friends, but we want to persecute others we do not support or care for.
The Catholic Church has done nothing to you, so stop attacking it. Have you ever been to the Vatican? What did they do to you there? You have a problem, take it to court, and stop acting like a spoilled child crying over a broken toy.
is that a priority considerin other social challenges dominica is facing such as youth unemployement which can be seen from an increase in crime.Thats alot of money which i guess vatican can look into and not tax payers money.
all d money he making from prevost cinemall, y he doh donote it to the roof fund?
since before i born, the catholic church raising funds to fix a roof,and u mean to tell me up to now,they doh collect enough yet?
Because allu catholics too peeche, when putting money in the basket. Only the kind that shakes not the kind that folds. If allu would pay allu tithe like when allu join those protestant churches then the church would have raised that money long time. And for the record the Bishop has not asked anyone for money. Prevost is asking as the Pal Rep and on the basis that the church is a historical and tourist site in the city of Roseau.
@ Anonymous
You must be still a baby in diapers.
I may be older than you and I cannot remember when I resided in DA the Church itself was raising funds.
Prevost, keep the church out of your business. If you were really concerned you would have followed protocal and make your request the correct way. Everyone supports the idea but do not drag the church into your foolish politricks. This is shameful.
This is what happens with the can of worms that Skerrit opened, buy the churches and their members with tax payers money! This is crap! Whichever side it comes from!
Shirley, shut up. When was the last time you made a meaningful contribution to Dominica? Tell us why you refuse to come to Dominica. You are a disgrace to this country. All you every do is criticize. As a matter of fact we don’t need people like you so stay where you are and freeze.
She knows what she’s talking about. They made a contribution to protestant denomination.
I put my name there for a reason,I was absolutely sure all the ignoramouses were goign to come up with their stupid mooronic comments once they saw that name!!! They can’t help it! Talk to the issue if you can, I am NOT the issue at hand!! What c ontribution you want me to make? What do you want from me? You want me to come and bathe all you and feed all you? Is that what you want from me? What contributions are you making? Don’t mind me! Be the change you want, just do yours!
@ True Patriot
This is what happens to some of them. When they migrate to another country, they become fresh and all of a sudden they have mouth which they never had when they were in DA. They think they are so smart and smarter than everyone else but foolish and ignorant. Even changing their religion saying that they have found Jesus. Oh my! They had Jesus all along and they suppressed Him and His Holy Spirit with their lifestyle. Bye, bye to them. The Catholic Church is doing very well without them as members. They are not missed. Her attitude is not unusual to me.
God is not blind, deaf or sleeping.
u dont want to clear the bounced cheques?
Ian Ian Ian- when the government get off the ground? Tongue and cheek. Skerrit saying we doing well Ian saying the government is in the ground. Ebeh weh papa. What should I believe. I believe that the Roman catholic institution must be forthcoming and start giving back the riches to the people around the world instead of them leaches in Rome who are living in luxury. However Mr Prevost is making a valid point with regards to maintaining the Cathedral as a tourist attraction. After all we are spending 27 million on a state house where the DLP justify the expenditure claiming that the building will be a tourist attraction ( so far I don’t see that happening) . In addition the very same government is spending / giving other churches a lot of money for the “Roof Fund”. So I do agree with Shirley – if it is good for the mercenary pastors of the DLP then why not for a genuine tourist monument.
What has Skerritt done to you shirley. You are always angry, every where you comment it is the same. This is a new year, we are all older, life is short, it is time for us all to put all this hatred aside abd start living in peace. Prevost asked for money on behalf of his party, not the church, nor anothing political, what is your problem. You are acting as though some one committed a crime against you or your family. You are an adult, you need to act like one and stop this hatred. Hate leads to sickness, it is like a plague. Just make your contribution and stop hating. May God have mercy on us in Dominica, with all this political nonsense that is going on. The Catholic Church is a Universal Church where no one forces anybody to do what they don’t want to do. Anybody can enter and leave the church at anytime, they are free, it is not a political church, like some people want it to be. When was the last time you attended Mass at the Cathedral, what was the priest speaking about. Do yoiu know anybody that paid off the priest, if so let it out, and make sure that you have evidence to back up your statement. Too much small mindedness. We need a spiritual awakening in our country, and stop all this political confusion.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
@ Shirley Allan
Be careful what you say and this includes the other critics of the Catholic Church. God could strike you and the others down in a twinkling of an eye. In later years to come when you encounter problems, do not wail and say, “Why me?” Think of your words and you will realize why not me.
STUPESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!… This is what happens when people place more emphasis on religion as opposed to spirituality…
check de pope for donations…DE END!!!
If that’s the kind of contribution Prevost and the UWP are going to make at the House, then I must conclude that Dominica was better served with them being out than their return.
If Government is going to help the Catholic Church, then they should help all other religions on the island. Pure Crap prevost to come out of the mouth of an educated man like you!
i certainly agree with you. why he cant come with something better. i mean am a catholic and all but thats not a strong point at all. let d priest go and ask rome for money to finish the church… Alleluia!!!!!!!
@ tell us the truth
I will tell you the truth. You need to be enlightened because you lack it.
The Catholic Church in DA does not get as much money as those other churches. Those other churches expect their members to give them one-tenth or more of their earnings. The Catholic Church has never told Dominicans how much they should give. It is left to those members to give whatever they feel like. This is the difference between the Catholic Church and those other churches.
Those who formed their religion saw a way of making money which is why they became pastors. Do you think it is because they love the Lord and love others? They saw it as a money-making venture. Note what type of houses they have and how well they furnished with no doubt the most expensive car. Note how they are dressed.
Have you ever seen a Priest dressed as they do? Do the Priests possess those material possessions as they do?
Since their influx to DA they have indoctrinated some Catholics and lured them away from the Catholic Church. They are now receiving alms from those people and getting richer off them with fat bank accounts. Need I tell you more? Do some research before making such statements against the Catholic Church.
I am not a supporter of this administration and frankly if an election were to be called this year I would vote for the UWP. However, Prevost is talking pure crap! Why should my money (tax payers) be used to build catholic church and their idol worship? Prevost as a Catholic has made enough money and people like himself, Charles Savren, Charles Maynard and all those rich bedoe Catholic should give their money to build their church. Stop making yourself a laughingstock prevost!
dem catholic have so much money!!!!! they can very well afford it.
all you have more cos all you could give pastor $50,000!
Give Catholic a break!! Hypocrites
History has taught us that government and religion are a terrible mix. Having said that, it is a known fact that the Catholic church has squandered its wealth on lawsuits dealing with pedophilia in its ranks, and there seems to be no end to the saga. Sorry if you think that my sagacious comment on this suject is absurd, but I’ll maintain that the tax payers’ money should not be a part of church building. Let the parishioners’ tithe and offering take care of such. Schools, scholarships, nation building etc. is far more important to address at this time.
wow! u ruff!
You see what happens when both sides are in the House; positive contributions and supported by both parties (Prevo and Ian Douglas). I applaud the move, see beyond party colours… i hope this continues with other issues as well, put Dominica first!
How is this a positive move. The Catholic church isn’t exactly short on money.
Is not me that say. I heard it from a member’s mouth live and direct. Yes government can assist but the Vatican has a lot of money. Why don’t they help fix their places of worship? Is the pope is just building his empire more and more or is he just sitting on that money?
That should be a no brainer
I am a firm believer that Church and State should be kept separately, but seeing the Government gave the Pentecostal Church in Goodwill 100 000XCD for roof repair, I don’t see why a historic building cannot be given the same amount at least to contribute to roof repair.
We have to be careful with our request however because as soon as a church will end up in the g/ment’s pocket, the Church will be even more silent on social issues for fear of their funds/benefits being revoked. Thin line here, trust me.
Ok scratch what I said below……churches recieve special treatment when it comes to taxes because…i dont knoe…..because thety are churches……but asking for government to fix a church …..rediculous
Seperation between church and state?the government stay out of it the catholic churh should look towards Rome for assistance,they have millions of dollars in gold, real estate, you name it they have.
We need a state of the art hospital in dominica,so we can stop sending our patient to the niegboring island, even miss charlse had to be sent to martineque, or guadeloupe. WE need a new hospital [ASAP]
Give them the money. It took about a hundred years for the church to be built by our ancestors. Read the Lennox Honeychruch book. The church was built by slaves, former slaves and children of slaves and former as Dominicans rejected the British and their Anglican faith.
This church is a cultural representation of Dominica. Give them the money, but I must note that the church should try and raise as much money as possible before they ask the government.
note that they did not ask the government for money is Prevoe who tell the government to contribute the money
are you aware that historians are known for distorting history and the truth..
dont be fooled slaves could not reject anything..
did he also wrote that the catholic church sold pieces of wood saying it came from the christ cross, and murdered millions in its so called holy wars, hide or pass laws forbidding people to own bibles..
READ THE DARK HISTORY ON THE CHURCH OF ROME.. it will show that lennox is a baby historian
You my friend need to read the full history of the Church. Not just the parts that satisfy your own ignorant, self fulffiling atguments. Read about the prtestants as well, and all that was done in the name of Christianinty. Those in glass houses shouldnt throw stones. I could refer a few books if you need help.
Everyone has a history….Take a shower!
I think it is a good move! All other churches and their pastors get duty-free! Bishop has also been quiet on a lot of the “cries of the people”.
I think it’s because churches don’t pay taxes ….that is why they recieve duty free products….churces are non profit organizations…but I think it is absurd to ask for the government Assistance…..take the tax money of the catholics to fix their building
you not hearing? is Prevost who suggested that to that government.