The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) has received a cheque of $100,000 from the government of Dominican, for recovery within the tourism sector, which was damaged by the passing of Tropical Storm Erika last year.
The cheque, presented to the President of the DHTA, Gregor Nassief, by Minster of Tourism, Robert Tonge, at a press conference, on Wednesday, is to be presented to members of the association, based on their needs.
Tongue revealed that while the country saw up to EC$1.2-billion in damage from the storm, the tourism sector suffered over $40-million worth of damage, $39-million of which was suffered by the accommodation subsector.
He referred to the findings as “heartbreaking,” and spoke of collaboration with the DHTA to achieve successful recovery within the subsector.
“Of immediate importance to the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal was the result of the effect on our hotels, guest houses, and facilities, sites and attractions which were very near to or part of the river systems, such as waterfalls, pools, trails, etcetera. Our preliminary assessment was heartbreaking, as many of the trails, roads, and other infrastructure were severely affected…” Tonge said. “The government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal, consulted with various partners in the industry, especially the DHAT, to identify some areas of assistance was urgently needed. As a result, a list of areas were compiled, and forwarded to the Ministry. Based on this list, the Ministry made a request of Cabinet for requisite forms to address the situation, and to meet some of the needs identified in the consultation.”
He went on to state to that “owners of vehicles in the tourism sector [who] have also suffered loss of their vehicles have received concessionary support for the importation of replacement vehicles. Furthermore, the government continues to work to help property owners whose properties have been affected by the storm, to return their properties to pre-Erika status.”
Nassief expressed his appreciation for the donation, which he explained, will go towards the renovation of seven properties, with a total of 60 rooms and 60 employees.
“We are really extremely appreciative of this. It is both symbolic, and also meaningful… We, the DHTA, will be focusing on some specific properties, and those have approximately 60 rooms and 60 employees. It is a total of 7 properties that have been affected, really, specifically through the destabilization of their sites,” he said.
Dom inicans your government is keeping his supporters would be supporters in line . He learned well from Cuba and Venezu ella . Every rope has an End. My prayers will be answered soon, Now you find my fields are not filled Mr DNO you really disappoint I THOUGHT YOU WAS A MAN OF pRINCIPLE YOU DISAPPOINT ME
Dom inicans your government is keeping his supporters would be supporters in line . He learned well from Cuba and Venezu ella . Every rope has an End. My prayers will be answered soon,
This government has deep pockets. PM Skerritt, the minister of finance is dishing it out left right and centre.Money for charitable organization in India,money for Giraudel council, money for youth group in Vielle Case,money for DHTA etc.Is that strategic planning? We’re these monies budgeted for or is this government buying favour?Just asking.At a time when government receipts from the productive sectors are way down, that must mean that selling of passports is bringing in more than we are led to believe. Mr Skerritt, can we get some honest accounting
U fellas need to make up your mind as to what u want u keep saying u don’t want an international airport, yet, u searching employees like they clearing US customs at fort Young hotel.
While we’re still trying to recover from the effects of Erika, for which we require over a BILLION dollars, how is it that the government can find money for a consultancy of a former minister to do something every school child knows; to appoint a special advisor to the Ministry of Health to do the work of Dr. Christmas, Dr. Johnson, the Parliamentary Secretary and others; and now a huge fund total to DHTA.
Where is it all coming from?!!! And do we have our priorities straight?!!!
Or do we even care, as a government, what the populace is thinking?!!!!!!
In political terms it is called building and strengthening of a power base.
well well well Govt present a cheque of 100.000 EC to the D.H.T.A and the man smile. Mr Nassief sir from what i know about your guest houses down in the north its very beautiful indeed and that you have found a way to attract many visitors to our shores. when i consider the way in which you operate your business i wish many other Dominicans could come up with proper rooms style like what you have presented to Dominica, however if you were to have 40 guest for the month of april 2016 at the nomal rate of 1000 U.S Ddo the maths, its over the amount that Mr Tonge is now presenting to you. please take the cheque go stock up your beautiful bar with the best drinks ,cigar and the likes.the balance of the funds please fumigate around your property to protect you guest and staff against zika. just No repect for this tourism industry .
Well, well, well… I am speechless. So the government is going to give all other organisations in Dominica that have been affected by Erika the same money? I am talking about car dealers, car rental companies, retailers, in fact any business organisation. Or is it perhaps a little appreciation from Skerrit to the DHAT for being not too critical after Erika. Boy, what a country we are living in.
One thing I’ve noticed and I’m sure all of you have noticed too is that the entire Labor government is secretly saying behind closed doors “thank God for Erika”. You see the thing is with the passage of Erika they have something to blame for everything. They have a reference point to speak about as to why things are so bad in the country. It’s simple, blame Erika for everything. While it is true that Erika did some damage, that same damage could have been way less had things been done properly before the passage of their favorite storm. Skeritt maybe all wishing for an Erika #2 to pass for him to able to say “is not me that do this, is not me that do that. It was God and nature that had their way.” Then when they pass around and do their favorite hobby which is to hand out stuff (in this case a check), the ignorant ones look at them as heroes and applaud this vicious mockery
No one is saying “thank God for Erika” or hoping for another disaster to befall Dominica. It’s healthy to be sceptical about politicians’ motivations, no matter who is in power, but this comment is far, far beyond that.
Just start fixing our roads! Tourists travel on them. 100,000 EC is a drop in the ocean………………………………………..
peanuts. mere peanuts.