Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has announced measures aimed at easing the financial burdens of pensioners and university graduates with student loans.
The prime minister made the announcement while delivering his message at Dominica’s 40th Anniversary of Independence Rally on Friday, November 3rd.
“Yesterday [November 2nd], I instructed the Financial Secretary to prepare the necessary paperwork for there to be a one-off gratuity payment to the lowest paid categories of pensioners in Dominica. Those who currently receive $300.00 a month as non-contributory pension shall, in the month of December, receive a total of $500.00,” Skerrit stated. “Those who receive between $300.00 and $500.00 each month, having contributed to the pensions scheme over the years, shall next month, receive an extra $300.00 as a top up and as gesture of this country saying thank you for services rendered.”
He said that as time goes by and the finances of the country improves, there are other categories of seniors and other individuals “whom we shall also identify and to whom we shall also express our gratitude.”
Skerrit also announced that from January 2019, the outstanding balances of all those who took student loans from the AID Bank Revolving Loan Fund and other institutions and have returned home, would be reduced by 40%.
Referring to them as heroes, the prime minister said he was impressed with those students who had borrowed money from the AID Bank and had chosen to return home on completion of their studies.
“I am particularly impressed with those who borrowed money from the student revolving loan fund and who, against all the pessimism and gloom preached daily by some in our midst, returned to our country, Dominica to contribute to the development of our island,” Skerrit stated.
He said their skills and knowledge have been a tremendous asset to Dominica in this period of reconstruction and added, that while they could have remained abroad and earned the “Yankee dollar,” they chose to return to Dominica and be part of the building and rebuilding process.
“They work each month and they make the sacrifice of repaying their loan. There are also those who, unfortunately, have not yet found employment or satisfactory employment but are still bonded by law to repay their debts. We need them home, ladies and gentlemen,” the prime minister noted.
He said the graduates’ skill sets were needed in Dominica especially now as the country embarks on the task of building a climate resilient nation.
“I admire their sense of patriotism and love for this country. I have therefore again, advised the relevant authorities in government to effect a system whereby come January 2019, the outstanding balance on the accounts of all graduates who have returned to Dominica and who are either working or are in the process of seeking employment, shall be slashed in commemoration of this particular anniversary of independence … shall be slashed by 40%,” Skerrit declared.
He continued, “Whatever they owe AID Bank or other institutions on their student loans, the government shall absorb 40% of the remaining balance as a means of saying congratulations on your achievement. Thanks for returning home and we’re grateful for what you’re doing to help build a climate resilient Dominica.”
Hello and good afternoon my people. My people I left Dominica in 1968 and returned in 2009 after I retired. I don’t reside or vote in Domnica but the biggest problem I recognize is that the Prime Minister is also the Finance Minister. He control our finance therefore this arrangement creates a major problem and we can’t get an accurate financial report on the country financial standing. If the students return and are employed by our Government for a number of years then one can forgive their student loan but if they are in the private sector then they should repay their student loans. We need teachers,engineers and nurses not more lawyers. The Finance minister should be appointed by the prime minister but must be independent and that’s how we will know how much funds are in the treasury.
Brilliant Tony, Brilliant, well put and welcome back home to a state with many issues, corruption, failed Labour government and incompetent failed Prime Minister. We need to challenge Skerrit and his failed government to account for our abused cases of states funds. Money spent like mad and we just cannot see the changes, the development and visionary plan to take us out of this Skerrit and labour government operations. they have failed us, in particular Skerrit, who came as a very immature playboy style political operations closely and ably supported by a bunch of no good fellows.
We are in deep trouble and need to get out, but first we must kick Skerrit and his failed jokers Labour government out of office. Skerrit has failed us and his surrogates aided and abated in pampering him for 18 years and we have seen no development taking place in Dominica. Skerrit must Go.
Skerrit tell us about Ross the CBI program why so many hotel and none cannot finish the airport what a u hinding we the Dominicans want to know why a you not sayiny anything, but when the big boys come around u must talk am saying it again u must talk enjoy your silence. Later will tell .
why dont you announde a raise in minimum wage. Why dont you announce the issuance of price ceilings on commodities to allow the poor man to live a comfortable standard of living. Why are you announcing reductions in student loan balances when your government is going to pay for all delinquent state college student fees again like you did last time? As the minister of finance, and leader of the country you must realize that the cost of everything has dramatically risen from when minimum wage was last touched on. EC$4.50/hr CANNOT bet you anywhere. Depending on where you work you might as well live on the job because to pay bus fares daily alone will run you broke.
There are also persons who study online, have student loans and have been juggling work and school. Consideration need to be given to these persons as well.
This man uses state funds to buy people. ..but why this man doe want to come out in office?? He does nothing to provide Jobs just building foolish hotels and have no airport of tourism product to attract tourist….just giving freaking money left right man just comout ther get out man… you people suck! Idiots alone that vote for you people… country goin nowhere these guys just giVing oUT. .thinking people stupid… disrespecting the peopel of Dominica
You made an error, should be The PM is using state funds to help people. Your belief does not affect the reality of what is going on in Dominica.
Dominicans, its time to get rid of this con-man. He lies so good nobody knows when he’s telling the truth. Dominicans love Dominica but is not satisfied how the country is run by Skerrit (_the one-man government) Give it up Skerrit.
That’s good, much needed help for these folks, but papa please save some to entice specialist doctors to stay or come to Dominica eh. Food for thought.
The undiluted truth is, the present government has turned Dominica into a country of fear, misery, deprivation, division, greed and corruption. The once smiling faces of the citizens have been replaced by ones of anger, despair and excruciating pain. They (the current regime) have turned the land of greenery, the rarest species of flora and fauna, the land of an abundance of water and sunshine into a land of desolation. This is now a land where the government offers mere occasional pittance to some segments of the population then clap themselves. Their farcical promises and offerings will not work this time around.
Words are cheap, the words you use to describe Dominica are worthless, words can be twisted into any shape, it is a way of satisfying your partisan political beliefs. Your words do nothing to the reality as to what is taking place in Dominica.
Bribery, election must be around the corner. The Prime Minister needs to explain what happened to the millions of dollars that was contributed to Dominica after hurricane Maria. It should be in the treasury, is it? Is it in his overseas bank accounts? That is a matter that needs to be investigated by INTERPOL the international police agency also by the UN. Millions of dollars that should be spent on hurricane relief needs to be accounted for to find out what happened to it after all he is also minister of finance and is in receipt of the money, he needs to explain and show.
Why should the monies Dominica received for hurricane relief be held in Treasury, is not to be spent for the reconstruction of the country, if such monies are sitting in the treasury it is of no benefit. As to your accusations, the money is in overseas bank accounts you have evidence of such a thing. If you understand how such monies are dispersed to the Government you would not be making such nonsensical statements wallow in your ignorance and beliefs.
@Bring back the kidnapped Dominica parrots
You name alone tells me that you are one of those young foolish people without a mind production of your own. You are simply speaking the thoughts of others, not knowing what they mean.
Must be an election coming around the corner!!
This is so embarrassing, as a leader that is your plan to stimulate the economy? Where is the assistance for the small businesses that were promised a year ago. What is the long term goal for Dominica, why is the economy so bad but you speaking about the economy improving. Why can’t others become successful, why does it have to be the government hand in everything, what happened to the geothermal plant that was supposed to lower electricity rates, why haven’t you gone to visit Portsmouth and re assure the people that you are working on a contingency plan. The list of questions go on and on and on but as a young Dominican i see no light ahead. All this talk is just what it is HOT AIR nothing is going on in Dominica economically, politics is the name of the game and selling passports is this government’s trump card but how many times can you play that card. It will stop some day and when it does there may be serious questions to answer so why not take them on right now.
Where is the budget allocation for this spending? I can’t fathom how the spending of state funds is being determined in this country! The fact that students after studying overseas can’t find a good job to pay off their student loans is a serious indictment on state of Dominica’s economy.
This GOVT is all about ENSLAVING the people with nothing about growing the economy and creating jobs to get folks out of POVERTY.
A few months ago they got money for people looking to start small business to create their own jobs and wealth. After many folks went through the process of paying to obtain the documents required by the GOVT. The GOVT decided that the money would not be made available and these folks were left to languish.
Today they continue their ENSLAVEMENT of Dominicans with a heavy dependence on cash handouts.
Dominicans just had 40years of Independence and therefore need to feel INDEPENDENT!!!!!!
Another example of the one man government in Dominica.No discussion in cabinet,the PM has instructed these measures to be carried out.The evidence that Democratic government no longer exists in Dominica.
Beware of Communist tendencies in Dominica…
In communist countries, state employment accounts for 70-90% of employment. In well-managed develop countries, employment rates are low 4-5% (due to a smaller share of tax revenue and limited government size).
Therefore, what’s the argument for Job creation?
Free market economists argue that the private sector is more suited to job creation because firms respond to consumer preferences and market trends and provide employment in areas of high demand.
Government spending, as witnessed over the years in Dominica discourages productivity.
For example, welfare benefits (i.e. Red Clinic, etc) reduces the incentive to work and encourages economic inactivity. Reducing welfare benefits (e.g. making it more difficult for the populous to rely on gov’t benefits) may encourage people to get a work and become economically active.
Your opening statement “Beware of Communist tendencies in Dominica” is somewhat irrational and misleading. A high employment rate by a Government can be attributed to two things, necessity, or a political agenda demonizing the private sector restricting their ability to function, that’s a communist tendency, the latter is not what is happening in Dominica. The Government is elected by the people and if the Private sector fails to step up and be innovative in creating jobs it is the Government business to do so, and that’s the necessity, why should the Government be looked at by you as having communist tendencies. Job creation is done by consumers spending money in the economy, not by the private sector who thinks of consumer preferences opening a business, at the end of the day it is the consumer spending at that business that will determine the sustenance of employment and growth of the business. Bottom line increase consumer spending key to economic growth.
It’s very silly by you to suggest that Government spending in Dominica over the years discouraged productivity. Giving an example of the red clinic or Government handout does not give credence to your argument, such cliche and stereotyping. When the Government of Dominica gave help to the new owners of DCP to restart production of soap making is that discouraging productivity. When The Government of Dominica gives farmers access to loans and grants is this discouraging productivity. When the Government help Whitchurch, was it discouraging productivity. When The Government of Dominica gave monies to the Hoteliers is that discouraging productivity.
Making it more difficult for the populous to rely on gov’t benefits believing it may encourage people to get a work and become economically active is never proven as a fact, it has been tried by Governments and proved disastrous.
In short this speech was all about Skerrit and skeritt future. After 18 years we have not gotten far. And please dont tell me about maria this and erika. The best way to be resillient is to ensure a strong economy and people have money in thier pockets in the bank and can pay thier bills. Unemployment needs to be low and private sector needs to be growing and bigger than government. All this millions gained from passport sales spent on social programs is like trying to full a straw basket with water. It is not that difficult to understand. We have 18 years of evidence to see it has not and will not work. I am tired with this overnight schemes that only serve one purpose. Self adoration and Skerrit. Only foolish and crazy people expect improvement with the same ole crap year after year.
Here goes your nonsense again, is this speech really about The PM and his future,Wow. How can this be about The PM when Students, Former Leaders of the Country and the less fortunate citizens of the country are being helped financially.
Here you go with your obsession. People dont need handouts they need the dignity of earning a wage to pay thier own bills, save thier own money, build thier own house, buy thier own land, send thier kids to school and be independent. How long are you going to bow down an ask for crumbs. After a 50 percent raise and all the travel benifits the gov enjoys the people sit and beg for a daily bread and you think thats ok. You and Skerrit must be one in the same. You must be the spirit he saw and drew on the paper. What it says that tbe students who came back cannot get work to pay thier loans so the gov have to step in. 18 years and tbat is what it has come too. Tbe best incentives to get people back is a great economy with good paying jobs for many. Why would i leave that opportunity elsewhere come back and beg in the name of sacrifice? Gary you need to get a life and stop walking on your brain.
Our young people now have a chance to escape a life on the govt. NEP programme (Never Ending Poverty). The BBC announced in London today that Commonwealth citizens can now apply to join the U.K. armed forces without the need to reside in the U.K. for five years, prior to joining. Go for it!
Go for what. Do you know why the UK is now accepting commonwealth citizens to apply to join the armed forces is because they are not meeting their quota domestically. Keep your silly advise, Dominican youths do not need to go and participate in wars which foster other peoples agenda. Why don’t you sign up, such a worthless comment.
The man is in so much trouble both in the polls and legal that he doesn’t know what to do to buy some votes. His situation reminds me of a story I once read in the Bible about Four lepers that we’re in trouble 2kings 7:3-20, and had to take a survival risk because to them, no matter what they did they were going to die. Similarly Skerrit is in serious trouble and if the man loses the election, we might need to read the story of King Saul in 1 Chronicles 10:13. Here is a clue : Saul fell on his sword to avoid capture in the battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. You remember Saul was tall, handsome and loved by the people? So now he holding on to a straw and the only straw he might have available is the people’s Pentitop and a discount on loan. So what you going to do for them next year since they will still have a loan but no job to go to? See how you destroying Dominica?
cont’d:
When it is general knowledge that El Chapo has roots and a hand everywhere from the courts everywhere even the USA,I worry about DA. Is it similar here on island? These techniques have been employed by the Sinos in the motherland. There is a well known case of a port being taken over by the Sinos under the pretext that the African nation could not repay China. Jokes included pon intended, After the hospitalis built will the Chinese run things will they be in-charge of the helicopter pad too? Will Bardouille still be chief of the port or will it be a Mr.Ling? It’s pretty obvious seeing: your opening about if your ideas are compartible with that of the DLP. I guess you meant the Neo-DLP controlled by former DFP’s gang of five & a few string alongs original DLP ites.
As far as this Dominica Labour Party is concerned, no matter where you are in the world, you’re a Dominican and once you have a positive outlook and a positive perspective, positive view about your country, we will embrace you,” Skerrit declared .Well Boss, You like papa noel long b4 X-MAS what are we to expect for x-mas itself free Hams, fruit baskets( but there is little fruit left on island at this point) we the diasporans used up everything .It was supposed to be season is closed but our arrival for Creole Fest & Independence or dependence we needed to taste (likewise our friends we brought home) Manicou, Gouti ,crab backs( LL leader of the opposition contact were stifled) Ok Skrit! So your hand outs promised was it a larger amount than $120M( from your Sino friends) say $400 Million? The rest being for campaign funds all mixed up?Man as I watched the news from the hotel I saw the jury trail of El Chapo. Potential juras are worried of retaliation on their family.
I listened to the PM independence speech and had to shake my head. This was nothing but another political rally speech and PM Is good at using independence moment for that purpose. First of all he bashed opposition, promised more social benifits and in his own interest wants to maintain tbe privilege after getting out of office by drawing a huge salary, having his own chauffeur and a gov vehicle. Skerrit does not care about Dominica development and gives concessions to the public so they can dismise his largesse. Its is sad that returning academics cannot find work or a sustainable salary. After 18 years every gov institutions have been weakened and the private sector decimated. It is clear that the seeds for progress had not been sowed and now we are in an intelectual and economic famine dependant on passport sales with no figures and assistance from foriegn. More foriegn faces were invited to sit on podium than locals who bust thier behind. See who he value.
This eleventh hour political gimmicks of Skerrit is further proof that he has destroyed the country and as such he cannot run his campaign because he has nothing to show. If only Skerrit had enriched himself and not harm the country, there would be reasons to hope for a better Domininica. But the FACT IS, it only took Roosevelt Skerrit 14 years to destroy what we were and who we were ever since 1493 to 2004, when he became PM. I am not saying this because I am a UWP or because I hate Skerrit, but evidence of his distruction is there for all to see . If we still had Belfast to turn to we would have hope; but he killed it. He killed the banana industry, he killed Breezemart, he killed the working class and replaced it with a beggar’s club; imagine a government taking farmers to court because they asked him for road to their farms! The man killed Ross University, he killed an international airport project at a time when coming to and from Domininica is like taking an Algebra test.
Da is far worse today than how Skerrit met it 14 years ago, though I must admit he has handled more money than all the Prime Ministers before him, even combined. That’s why I cannot understand how could a government that has handled (note I said handled and NOT brought in because it sure not circulating in our economy), more money than all other administrations, have done so much less to move the country forward. I was 18 when David and Fredrick wrecked Da. Although I was in 4th form, you know I got a cheque from DBGA, because while in school I was already selling bananas? There were a number of young men in my community that got a cheque and we all replanted our bananas and got fertilizer. Then later they were giving an incentive to plant coconut and citrus. My point is at a young age we knew we had to work to rebuild. Today after such devastation you don’t see the incentive to put people to work or help build back for tomorrow. All you see is political tricks to stay in power
@REd Ants BiteNovember
You sound as if you were not even in your mother’s womb 14 years ago, far more to know the situations of Dominica at that time. People like you should wait until you are fully grown with a mind that can produce its own thoughts, instead of making such a fool of yourselves the way you all are doing it
This pocket change cannot be pension, can this sustain a pensioner or non contributor even, for a month, and bills to pay. Will any gvnt minister accept a pension of 800 ec there off on a monthly basis.
As the election draws closer the level of poli-tricks and gimmicks will elevate. Don’t be surprised if a mansion is promised to citizens before the election but only a mongo is delivered after.
When mister will finish with DA and we the blind open our eyes it will be too late because by then he will be some place laughing at Dominicans
From my over 30 years dealing with International students coming into the USA to attend institutions where I did studies and one where I worked, the majority of them preferred to stay because of opportunities. Some returned for different reasons such as having to give a five service because the government or business paid for their education, some had good job and/or family, and did not want to start over in a new country. Many of the younger ones, especially those with exceptional skills, tried to stay by any means necessary. In some case companies where some of these students did an internship were offered a job with a handsome salary and benefits, and an opportunity to become a US resident. Across the border in Canada, some students are offered similar deals, and I am sure the UK and other countries offer similar deals to talented students because at the end of the day companies know that the return on their investment (ROI) on these students will be tremendous.
Skerrit you a big joker a liar u can’t fool us anymore so much to say don’t know where to start time to leave i mean office you have to pay for what you did to dominican you and your goons.
Great speech lets move our country forward and work together to better the country.
Wallace Sir ,
Did you listen to the speech in its entirety ?
Man I ,a Labour Party supporter, was utterly ashamed of what the leader of the Country has become. This was the Prime Ministers Independence day speech.Don,t those guys listen to the speeches of other World Leaders, they sometimes copy or compare themselves to? Isn’t there a time for gutter politics and a time for a true independence day speech like previous leaders.Sorry Sir, you could be bestowed with many more Doctorates but you could never step in any one of the previous Leaders shoes ,you have a long way to go with your personal attitude, you are so crass.
I say so because of the dig you took at Mr. Tavernier, who seemed so proud of his recognition .It was also uncalled for to mention about letter re. CBI to whoever and other comments alluding to action by the Opposition Leader .Man that was so low , real crass. That spoiled everything. Is it any wonder that Dominicans are at each others throats all year round ?
Man , i couldn’t believe people jeered and clapped at that . People who i thought knew better , people who knew of international protocol . unbelievable .
I have lost all respect for the Prime Minister as a Leader and an example to the youth of the next generation . No wonder they are so disturbed .
Do we have the most handsome P M in the world, the youngest too, the only one with the Dr Dr who wants Dominica to be the first climate resilient nation in the world. Putting Dominica first. Cool !
We have the very first comical, idiotic, inept questionable Prime Minister and failed Corrupt labour government in Domininca and the Caribbean. This man is a waste of time. Skerrit has failed us, he has crippled Domininca economically. Skerrit is not of the intelligent to think and complement that we need a diverse economy in Domininca. Skerrit is a fast food operator, what my Grandmother would call, “You are a very lazy and illiterate in your thinking, your behaviour and your intellectual, and therefore your demeanour is diabolical.
Skerrit must Go.
2 million has fled venezuela in past few years, no healthcare, no food – politicians have mismanged their funds – same here in DOminica – $300 a month is nothing short of bribery, NEP $600 is nothing short of bribery – Let this country go Skerrit so it can florish so people can have their own money and not depend on peanuts while you make millions
Where did you get such figure that 2 million Venezuelans has fled their Country. Do think that the reason there is no health care, and food shortages in Venezuela is a result of politicians who have mismanaged the country funds, same here in Dominica, Wow, what gross ignorance on your part. Thank God you are not one of those who need another $300 income to supplement your monthly income, but the reality is there are people who need such help, to sit at your computer and criticize such gesture without knowing the plight of these people only shows what type of mentality you possess. How can you suggest such a thing is bribery, this is such arrogance on your part, have you spoken to any of the participants in The NEP programme before you make such ludicrous assumption. Do think that if The PM leaves office things will automatically get better and the less unfortunate will instantly become financial independent, what a silly fantasy.
I am surveying my community in my mind, I can think of over 15 students who went overseas to study, im seeing ONLY ONE who returned, he is home taking care of his mom
Don’t pay Skerrit any mind. Nothing but lies and deceit you get from this man.
When does this man stop fooling the citizens of Dominica with little handouts. I’ve never met a more cunning person than Skerrit in my entire live.
Well the answer is in our hands literally Nevo! 1 small group a dirty dozen is all that’s needed. Well educated bold and mentally & .physically capable.
I rest my case.
So much squandamania,the increase should be more because $500.00 cannot enable one to subsist
for more than a week.Look out for more goodies as election approaches,and Skerrit’s fear of losing reaches a high.Don’t rule out desperation,and lies,lies,lies.Lying is his forte.Only the angel God cast down from heaven who is seeking souls to devour lies more than this man.What a terrible leader!!!
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
You will be typing that foolish statement for a long time
I guess another 20 years
Skerrit must go
He will be there for a long time
.Lying is his forte. Is he related to Trump?
Nah can’t be only in attitude.
Well done PM
This is a leader who is thinking
The majority is with you
Dominica is moving forward
Action speaks louder than words
What kind of wild promises is nah. Is this desperation
Every little helps in these economically turbulent times but much better needs to be done. Three hundred dollars ($300) for one month only for a most vulnerable section of the population is like one drop of water in an ocean, insignificant. What is truly needed is the urgent resuscitation of the economy. Without this happening, the vast majority of citizens, most particularly public servants, will forever continue to suffer financial embarrassment and unimaginable hardships. Prospects of procuring gainful employment of returning university graduates are slim to zero.
The PM , in his presentation, has as much acknowledged that the present economic climate in the country is foggy and sunless. These stark conditions were there pre-Maria.
The Skerrit-led regime is incapable of visionary strategic planning. They are only adept at bribing and cheating their way to an election win. Where there is no vision the people perish.
Now he’s buying votes with state funds. This man has got no limits.
Baway population-la financiamente.
This is how the mafia would operate clampdown on everyone. Control their finances.
Great move Skrit! Neo-Labour ka travaile.
Wow! Am delighted to get first knock, I feel like Sebo ,Nurse and a few open bats in cricketing history.
So I guess if many of us were not convinced who ever is advising the crayfish is doing a great job.
Isit Lambert ,Nkomo and the other deputy P.M lawyer? ( am not here referring to the Jungle trained guy who is deputy P.M) The crayfish has announced measures aimed at easing the financial burdens of pensioners and university graduates with student loans .In this extremely desperate times even the well to do are smiling. Do we expect these hungry bastards who vote to do anything dif than just vote blindly for the Neo DLP explioters.
They will and are already saying loud the passport money will do us just fine.
There are so many already benefiting. I know a few. I know one whose husband’s salary cannot pay the mortgage as she stooped working since DCP closed so how do they explain paying the mortgage for such a pad just around the round-a -bout .Pond casse. Corruption gone…