Wilson vows more Winter Olympics for Dominica

The island's reps posed with president of the Dominica Olympic Committee, Felix Wilson (left) in Sochi, Russia
The island’s reps posed with president of the Dominica Olympic Committee, Felix Wilson (left) in Sochi, Russia

Despite the negative exposure received by Dominica in the international media during and after the just concluded Winter Olympics Games in Sochi, Russia, president of the Dominica Olympics, Felix Wilson, has vowed the island will continue to participate in winter games.

“Dominica may not have snow on Morne Diablotin, however, it is the only country in all who participated in the Summer Olympics games that does not have a synthetic track for its athletes,” he said at a press conference on Saturday.

He made an appeal to everyone to inform friends and family with Dominican linkages to join with the Dominica Ski Association, which he said is affiliated to the DOC and International Ski Federation, “to get the country to Winter Olympics and international comeptitions.”

He said Dominica’s representatives at the Sochi games, Gary and Angelica di Silvestri, whom he described a ‘benevolent Dominicans,’ has indicated that they are willing, “to sponsor through scholarships some of our young athletes to reach great heights in the Olympic Games.”

Meanwhile, Wilson is brushing aside allegations made in the international media that the di Silvestris were “phony athletes” who essentially scammed their way to the games.

According to Wilson the couple took part in five races to qualify of Sochi.

He explained that for each competitor to be eligible, they must participate in cross country events such as 10 kilometers for women and 14 kilometers for men, to determine their FIS points. FIS point calculation is used in skiing to determine someone’s eligibility for games such as the Olympics.

“The official FIS website, WWW.FIS.Com, in its fourth cross-country point listed record 2013-2014 had Angelica 283.37 and Gary 2776.26 respectively,” he said. “These two athletes on their own, not financed by the DOC, between August 2013 and January 2014 competed in New Zealand, USA and Canada to qualify. Gary’s last race was on January 12, 2014 and Angelica’s race was on January 18, 2014. Perseverance, determination and sacrifice were their watch word and Dominica made it. DOC has not expended on cent on our two athletes and the di Silvestris has not given any monies to the DOC, neither has the DOC requested.”

Eyebrows were raised when news broke, before the games, that the ultra-rich couple would be representing Dominica in cross country skiing. When the games began, many in the media began asking questions about them since they were hardly known in international sporting circles. They were accused of being “sports tourists” who scammed their way to the games.

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59 Comments

  1. New town
    March 11, 2014

    When an old man, void of sickness will stoop so low and put himself in this positions for political mileage , it is really a shame on him. Mr. Wilson, now that the world knows that you are a political gimmick no one will ever give you money for any project.

  2. me
    March 11, 2014

    Sounds like fun I wanna sign up for Dominica

  3. Anon
    March 11, 2014

    Felix you have a Nerve! After dragging our Dominican flag thru the international mud? You had better resign because we are not going to let you do it again. NEVER!!

  4. NicE n NaughtY
    March 11, 2014

    I seriously want to know how to ski Mr. Wilson i need the information where i can go to practice for the next winter Olympics,

  5. Anonymous
    March 11, 2014

    Wilson you were better off not responding. I had a little bit of respect left for you but guess what it is gone, gone gone.

  6. Eyelash
    March 10, 2014

    The National Associations and especially their representatives who serve on the “two man” executive of the DOC should be ashamed of themselves for failing to take a principled stand against two ruthless persons who are milking the DOC for their own gain. Come on guys stand up and be counted and make your Associations proud. You can make a difference and bring about a positive change within the administration of the DOC…Do it for the many young sports men and women who continue to train hard only to see the benefits of the DOC shared by two self-seeking individuals.

  7. Righteous
    March 10, 2014

    The article stated that no money was given to the DOC. The question is how much money did the President of the DOC or the General Secretary get from the couple?

    “Dominica may not have snow on Morne Diablotin, however, it is the only country in all who participated in the Summer Olympics games that does not have a synthetic track for its athletes,” he said at a press conference on Saturday. What was the point in this statement.

    The DOC needs fresh ideas, fresh blood, fresh vision..The same goes for the DAAA.

    One Love Dominicans!!!!

  8. Erasmus B. Black
    March 10, 2014

    Colour me “not surprised” by the DOC President’s pronouncements. The Olympics Gravy Boat is now docked in the harbour. And, with such “fabulously rich’ and “benevolent Dominicans” at the helm it is so expected that some DOC members will be sailing all the way to every future Winter Olympics but in the interim will be travelling via the gravy train like latter day Arabian Sheiks. In the words of Dr. Seuss, the famed children’s author, “Oh, the places we’ll go, there is fun to be done. You’ll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you on TV. I’m afraid that some times you’ll play lonely games too, games you can’t win, ’cause you’ll play against you.” Unless, of course you are “President for Life” of the DOC.

  9. Roots
    March 10, 2014

    One day . . . the pages on your passport will run out!

  10. Skerrit_For_Pm
    March 10, 2014

    You like to insult people when they make errors but u make the biggest error of all making Dominica the laughing stock of the entire world and now u have the audacity to face our country saying u will do it again, resign now. :(

  11. Anonymous
    March 10, 2014

    My father is an American living in the United States. From his perspective, Dominica is still in the position where “there’s no such thing as bad publicity.” This is to say that whenever a potential tourist hears ANYTHING about Dominica, it’s good for Dominica’s economy. So there’s still reason to be positive despite the diSilvestris’ lack of performance. :)

  12. watchdog
    March 10, 2014

    mr wilson,where is the hospital

  13. tacaña y estupida
    March 10, 2014

    well good news..I heard that Canada hockey team of 1959 is ready to perform on the next winter games, so maybe its right time to contact them!

  14. not foooled
    March 10, 2014

    Change. Is a must.

  15. UDOHREADYET
    March 10, 2014

    THIS IS A FANTASTIC AND VERY BRAVE IDEA!! all the negative comments are form people that think snow is only for snowcones.

  16. Hmmmmmm
    March 10, 2014

    Do these guys Pray? or believe in God ?

    • Anonymous
      March 11, 2014

      I was thinking the same thing when Linton comes on radio to defend Fountain despite mounting evidence against him for the way he handled the DAAS finances as their treasurer. Really Linton! Fontaine is an honest man? Fontaine acted appropriately? How did Fontaine obtain a portion of DAAS land please explain to us? You cannot see any wrongdoing? Not even in the transfergate? I don’t know Linton, that says a lot about you, not only Fontaine.

      • Anonymous
        March 11, 2014

        Rumors are carried by haters,
        Spread by fools And accepted by idiots.
        Pray tell which one are you?
        Thompson this and Thompson that give it
        A rest, no one is listening!

  17. T
    March 10, 2014

    Why can’t the DOC vote Wilson out of the position that he now holds? This is sickening man.
    BAD LEADERSHIP!

  18. the engineer
    March 10, 2014

    For goodness sake Mr. Wilson, put more effort in the summer Olympics. Why you guys like to missappropriate scarce resources. You thought me chemistry and you were one of the most insultive instructor I ever had; you insulted people for the slightest error. Now that you are in the hot seat humble yourself and work with people within Dominica. You now have contact with the super- rich, try to have them sponsor a proper athletic track for the athletes. You have the guts to say we don’t not have tracks that meet international standards, and now you want us to continue to participate in an event where we have no facilities? Ebeh I can hear malay in DA wi boy.

    • the engineer
      March 10, 2014

      * taught me

  19. Free Thinker
    March 10, 2014

    Felix Wilson should listen to a replay of his responses at the press conference to hear how lame he sounded. I am of the opinion that the press conference made bad matters worse. In other parts of the civilized world Felix Wilson would have to resign.
    There are a few persons like Felix Wilson who think that the DOC is their Domain……. they want no one else to serve on the executive……….. one of their past presidents even died at the helm!
    After all this negative press which Dominica received, any man worth his salt would admit his error,apologize and step down, but some men are just too arrogant.
    Mr Wilson step down while you still have a shred of respect, step down,too much controversy during your presidency. We have not forgotten the Luan Gabriel saga.
    STEP DOWN SOONER RATHER THAN LATER!!

    • Just saying
      March 11, 2014

      this is minor compared to the Thomson Fontain affair yet Fontaine is still touted as our future Minister of Finance.

      • Anonymous
        March 11, 2014

        ????
        Are you for real.hmmm

      • Engineer
        March 12, 2014

        Some of you just don’t care a thing about Dominica. You can’t even deal with the issue at hand? Have you participated in National athletics competition or know anything about sports on the island? Are you not interested in sports, especially for the young people?

  20. dissident
    March 10, 2014

    only 10 comments on this story…does it take an entire day to moderate a comment?

  21. lightbulb
    March 10, 2014

    i wonder when we going to get an economic tourist to stand for election

  22. bigmack
    March 10, 2014

    i’m going to train hard to make that skiing team come 2018. i will start training at Morne Diablotin, we dont have snow but we have mud.

  23. Trevor Fabien
    March 10, 2014

    Forgot to mention that this lucky young man will be travelling to England next month to experience playing cricket in a different country.

  24. Trevor Fabien
    March 10, 2014

    This is how useless and feckless these people within the sporting echelons in Dominica.

    I am currently in the process of sorting out a 6 month cricket contract for one lucky young man in Dominica. The total cost in in excess of $20000.00.
    if I can do this all by myself how come the ministry of sports and the Olympic committee cannot give the talented young people such opportunities.

    This guy is a disgrace along with the ministry of sports.

    • looking
      March 11, 2014

      Who says the Olympic Committee are not giving talented people opportunities?

  25. true
    March 10, 2014

    Wilson get a job!

  26. coyote
    March 10, 2014

    OMG this is just a big embarrassing joke.

  27. Jay
    March 10, 2014

    One thing that must be said about Felix Wilson, he has balls of brass! To him, “hire an athlete” Dominica Olympics” is obviously a business at which he thinks he rather excels.
    What has been missing in all the furore is the voice of our Minster of Sports. Wher is she, what is the Govt’s official take on all this brouha? Perhaps she does not fancy confronting mr. Wilson head-on, who can talk the proverbial legs off a donkey.
    Let’s wait and see. I’m sure that the IOC will not take such a benign view of our flag being used for mercenary purposes.

  28. fan
    March 10, 2014

    Mr Wilson,enjoy your perks while it last.With you at the helm of our sports ,we are doomed to fail .What are we hearing about her preparation for Brasil.Mr Wilson i really do noit believe you have the passion for sports ,you are basically there for all the travel,and money gained whether legitimately or otherwise.I urge you to make a difference ,you hav failed in that regard.Tell me what have you done to improve any sporting discipline in Dominica- !The improvement you have made so far is in your wallet,increase stamps on your passport.Every rope has an end ! Wilson ,just do the right thing and make a difference i beg of you !you are a perfect example of "square pegs in a round hole."

  29. dissident
    March 10, 2014

    what is this……that is all the information that was revealed in that interview/press conference?
    After all that international media coverage?

    no wonder it was not followed locally…..all reports came from the international media. Oh please Mr. Wilson….just resign….there was nothing substantive of merit to report DNO

    no news is bad news

    stupes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  30. Anonymous
    March 10, 2014

    them people from laudat

  31. Labor Power!!!
    March 10, 2014

    Mr. Wilson, all I can advise you to do at this time is call my Prime Minister and ask him to tell Dominicans that they have no need to panic about the possible use of Dominican passports in the Malaysian flight that went missing Saturday night in which two passengers had stolen passports. Mr. Wilson, tell my PM that Dominicans are very concerned whenever they hear of anything like ‘stolen passports’ or even instant citizenship or diplomatic passports especially in light of the publicity we received during the last Olympics.

  32. brinsley
    March 10, 2014

    Wilson I always knew you were full of it, avoid this nuisance story about Winter Olympics for now, you are acting like you will want to explore space soon. Honestly, you tried something, it hasn’t brought about aany glimmer of hope, so it is time to drop it. Stop playing friends with these rich people, get back to your fig and dasheen and stop it. As a matter of fact give somebody else in who is less influenced than yourself to take your position, because you don’t get it, as a matter of fact you never did,. go back to education and stay there, even if you full of yourself, I think you will be better there.

    really honest guy

  33. aye
    March 10, 2014

    Wilson should be talking about boosting track and field he talk Ong about snow competition. I believe in global warning but darn Wilson dominica is not seeing snow in our lifetime.

  34. Anonymous
    March 10, 2014

    How was Sochi Mr. Wilson. Did you have fun?

  35. crucial
    March 10, 2014

    He living in denial that’s what it is.

  36. Curious
    March 10, 2014

    And of course Mr Wilson you are enjoying the perks of travel for yourself and ………who know who.The spirit of John Charles will haunt you.

  37. Not again
    March 10, 2014

    If you want to help Dominica and put us on the map build that children hospital you spoke about. Or should i say rebuild the hospital you said you built.

  38. Lang Moi
    March 10, 2014

    De Felix not easy, pal! I expect the scholarships they promise to be just as imaginary as the children’s hospital they build. Boy, boy, boy! De Felix have guts, eh! Doh worry… 99 days for the thief.

  39. ////
    March 10, 2014

    Ha, Ha, I find that so funny, does Dominica have snow? they would have to go at Pond Casse, in the snowy place to practice.

  40. stupido
    March 10, 2014

    WhAt about our children hospital are we still geting or what !! Quone quone quone

  41. Doc. Love
    March 10, 2014

    It was unbelievable that the press had an opportunity to ask Wilson about the promised Children Hospital and nothing was asked. Skeritt is silent, Wilson is silent, the animal show is silent, Minister responsible for the Hospital, Tim,Tim, is silent. At this time Skeritt and the DLP concern is about Dr. Thompson Fontaine, while every Newspaper in the world which covers Sports is putting blows on our beautiful Dominica. That is why change is definitely a must.

  42. Educator
    March 10, 2014

    It looks like Felixc is looking for an expense paid vacation to South Korea in 4 years. He is just setting the stage for some to pay for his trip.

    Allyou think he stupid?

  43. Ron
    March 10, 2014

    Come on…. let’s focus on the summer Olympics. We barely have a team.

  44. Dominiquen
    March 10, 2014

    Wilson is too full of himself!!! :?:

  45. oh please
    March 10, 2014

    May God bless these benevolent Dominicans !

    • Prim Prim
      March 10, 2014

      You are being sarcastic, right?

  46. Anonymous
    March 10, 2014

    Mr. Wilson asked for atheletes to take part in the Olympic games next time. Dear Mr Wilson the games comes around in 2018 my grandmother will be 82 by then can she participate? Or is age a criteria? Should you be young or old? Are you supposed to b a millionaire or billionaire? Awaiting your response

    • Educator
      March 10, 2014

      All you need to be is young at heart. Age is just a number :lol:

    • Remix
      March 10, 2014

      LOL! LOL!

    • Malgraysa
      March 10, 2014

      Criterion = singular
      Criteria = plural

      Let’s try to be Olympians in grammar .

  47. Norm
    March 10, 2014

    Felix you have some nerve to be still talking. You would find another line of work if you were elsewhere—–But then again maybe you were taken for a ride and now you are ‘momoe’ on that aspect.

  48. Mamize
    March 10, 2014

    Ehhh-ben-wey you have guts.

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