In a few days time Dominica will see the commencement of the much talked about Venezuelan funded coffee plant in Portsmouth.
On Tuesday at about 5 pm, a Venezuelan Air Force plane landed at the Melville Hall airport bearing all the necessary equipment and materials needed for the 10 month project.
Speaking to DNO on Tuesday, Venezuelan Ambassador to Dominica Hayden Pirela, said that on completion, the coffee plant will increase job opportunities in Dominica.
He said that over 22 labour engineers have arrived here to begin work immediately.
“Today they came to start the project. When they finish the project in 10 months, there will be more work in Dominica… during the construction phase only 5 or 6 workers from Dominica will be employed,” he said. However “as soon as the plant is ready, surely there will be 50 direct and around 100 other indirect workers” Ambassador Pirela indicated.
The agreement for the construction of the coffee plant was signed by the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Prime Minister Skerrit.
The Venezuelan Ambassador said the cost of the project was not a concern to his country “the most important is whether we are helping Dominica…we are okay but Dominicans have to be very happy. That is a gift from Venezuela (Late President Chavez) to Dominica.”
How many coffee farmers are there in Dominica???
Well first Venezuela claimed ” bird island”! Next they will claim Dominica as their own!!
I so agree to these comments supporting the plant.I believe its time we the literate ones come to understand that fools will always be fools no matter what,and the parasites shall always remain that way.You think labourites want to work?they caan just run up a few flights of stairs nad beggg and they feeling good.Instead of asking for jobs and low interest loans they all want a free house..ah magwa sa!
Mr PM a word of advise stop giving the dumbnicans bagay freeness,provide employment,cheaper prices on building materials,food and clothing.Make the cost of living a lil more comfy and we will all be happy.
You think we care if allu pocket a lil of what is in the public purse oh not at all,just give more than u take!The country is in a falling state…Too much concrete!
A state house no employment?
A college?
morroco Hotel? in all places portsmouth?
I am okay with all the river walls but were they built only in Hon Blacks constituency?
Now coffee plant?lol I guess the venezuelans cant build it in venezuela so they come Dominica I hope they did not take our luscious trees for coffee trees?lolllllllll tell them the truth you kno skerro….
Politics,thats in the game…
Venezuela is doing good!! look they just added another Colony to their SOVEREIGNTY. Dumbminika…
I only hope it’s the locals that will be employed for once papa bondier and not Venezuelans or Chinese
Come on Dominicans give me a break why are you
people doing your best to destroy your own country it’s like crab in a barrel just put politics aside for once. The people I see in the picture are average people trying to give a helping hand to average people like them there should be more of that in the caribbean. It is time to put that slavery mentality aside. It is time to throw away the yoke of jealousy, and distrust. Gone are the days when people had to protect themselves from their neighbors by using all those evil potions, and that is why so many people left Dominica, and never to return. Though I live overseas I could feel the hatred coming from these posts towards people you don’t even know.How many more years before the vestiges of slavery be exorcised from Dominica.
Well a coffee plant now with no coffee to process. A slaughter house for pigs and chickens! 1,000 pigs can be killed a day and 2,000 chickens an hour! Again where are the animals coming for this project! The Venezuelans must be very happy to give their money away on futile useless projects doomed to fail! Utterly ridiculous!!
I’m asfraid you are misinformed. The abbatoir will have a capacity of 1,000 birds- and 50 pigs per day (GIS press release 25 Feb., 2013). Note, this is the stated capacity and does not necessarily mean that it will be the quantity of animals actually processed.
Thank you for the correction, however, it is totally the wrong location for the slaughter house. The slaughter house is being built on the water table to the whole of the Layou Valley! The roads to this location are very bad. The buildings are being built on two acres of land! Why have they put this slaughter house in this location??????????????
will it be cost effective to operate below full capicity? If it doesn’t, will it mean that the products/output will be more expensive than imported products?
“Malatete,” you gave me a haedache! Here’s what you said: “The Abbatoir will have a capacity of 1,000 birds and 5 pigs per day.” I was just wondering – that “per day” thing have me baffled a bit.
The Venezuelan government honored the promise of Mr. Chavez to continue assisting Dominica and obviously other countries and Venezuelans nationals after his death. This is being done.
Even though he is gone, we can still thank him through the pcurrent President. We must be grateful for what the government of Venezuela has done for Dominica and some nationals in the past and present.
The coffee plant is a welcome project. As it is stated, upon completion it will create jobs. This is only the beginning. I have no doubt that the future plans and of employment will be released in time. This is the first stage to construct the plant. Everything else will fall in place after its completion.
Thank you Mr. Chavez for your concern and promise. Thank you Venezuelan government of honoring your beloved Mr. Chavez wishes. R.I.P. Mr. Chavez.
Let us also welcome the Venezuelan workers and make their stay a comfortable and enjoyable one. I am certain that they will enjoy working and living in Dominica, be it temporary. God bless all!
Let’s get serious now, let’s get a name for that Coffee.
Cafe ALBA
boy look kix
I really like howDominican workers would be called “LA BOU WEH” but Venezuelan Workers are called “LABOUR ENGINEERS”
He said that over 22 labour engineers have arrived here to begin work immediately.
All You not easy .
A citrus plant would be a better for us in Dominica.
ahhh what a smart boy you r…
they have all them fruit falling an rotting and parrot eating what the stay on the trees but now people have to go and plant coffee?
There has never been a free project in the Caribbean,why believe it going to start now. There are always future considerations, sway on a UN council, sway on an EU project,sway on money for fisheries(future whaling)etc.. The sooner everybody realizes that nobody is doing anything from the bottom of theie hearts, That’s its all business and politics. Learn to take what benefits you can get, accept that it has a cost and move on. If you can do better, do it. Otherwise stop bitching about all the foreign entities controlling everything. If you can do it for yourself, do it. Otherwise, take the money and stop complaining.
once they do not put a ban on nescafe i ok with it but if we really want to make money and create jobs just legalize the cultivation of weed,we do not help with that we are very good at it already
Be realistic my man, if weed were to be freed the price for it would drop drastically and we would be in the same situation we are now with bananas.. They already growing high quality weed under controlled conditiopns in countries like Holland. As long as it is illegal the price will stay high but so are the risks.
but if it is legalized we can free up the prison and the court system which will allow the authoritys to go after real criminals,its just a little dream of mine,i am fully aware that it is not realistic,i dont even smoke weed but i tired see people go to jail for it when there is real criminals outside
The government is broke and still boosting off gifts from the dease Shavez. That’s the last trick in the book. Come on Skerrit use something more comprehensive. What happen you take Dominicans for fools. A coffee plant with no plan on production and supply. HmMmmmm, I smell coffee!
Always negative as usual. What do you know? There you go assuming again and you know nothing about the future plans. Everything does not have to be divulged to you. Have respect for your PM. This is what you are lacking.
When you make statements it is for yourself and not for the majority of Dominicans. Cease generalizing.
Some of you are crying “no jobs”. Now you are criticizing this new project which will provide some jobs for the unemployed. There are Dominicans who will welcome additional jobs. Those who are unemployed will be happy to apply for them.
Did you read at least some of the articles when Chavez passed on? Prior to his passing, he said that the assistance he gave to Dominica must continue after he passes on, words to that effect.
When you read the articles you must take your time, read and re-read so as to comprehend wha is written and memorize the important parts of it for your future reference. It pays to have a good memory.
You smell coffee? Have you really smelled it? Many will agree that it smells good and especially that morning cup of coffee.
Justice and Truth, you need to check yourself to the earliest doctor’s appointment…
you seem to be living on Mar, are you?
I smell coke
Truth, are you serious? Its clear you are not a supporter of this government–but come on. This is an opportunity for 50-100 Dominican to have dependable long term employment. When the government receives donations or grants, there are criticisms (an rightfully so) that they should seek more dependable source of revenue. Now here is an opportunity to fulfill the latter and that to is criticized? This amazes me.
Just FYI, I am not a Laborite.
At some point one has to “give to Peter what belongs to him.” My mother use to say if you can’t say something good, just say nothing.” Just an advice.
I hope I do smell some coffee.
Dominican, I agree that to create jobs is wonderful but they should be sustainable. Don’t forget that coffee is a seasonal crop. What are these people going to do for the rest of the year when no beans are available? Import them and subsidize our exports with tax money that we don’t have?
Malgraysa my first point come in the form of a question, would rather not have a job vs a seasonal one? Secondly, do you know that this coffee business thing is nothing new. Starbucks grow coffee beans in Africa and South America, there are other companies have this very system and are able to provide year round work. How do they do it. Why can’t we do that too?
Yes, if is economically feasible to import beans in off season– then do it. In my opinions the sort of questions we should be asking should focus on how can we take advantage of this opportunity and make it sucessful. Tearing down the idea in it infancy stage when we have no specifics about the action plan is just ridiculous.
Picture this… A factory employing 50-100 full time workers….buying cocoa from anoth 50 local farmers (ala DCP).. down the line developing a unique coffee drink that is Dominica and exporting it around the world… or better yet developing a coffee shop franchise that spreads around the Caribbean or the world…. or starting a small but high quality unique type of chocolate that flies of the shelf/ or a big company…..Do you get my drift people. You have to allow yourself to be optimistic not pessimistic. Most successful inventors or business persons look at an opportunity/idea and wonder how can I make this into something better or more appealing.
I love my people but this is one of our achilles heel. We always have opinions but we lack foresight.
Anonymous a good idea in principle but tell me this. Could imported coffee still be marketed as uniquely DOMINICAN and demand a premium price?
You know very well that this plant from Venezuela was a gift from Mr. Chavez, following his visit in 2009 and which we could not refuse. It was a spur-of-the moment reaction and it did not come about as the result of any forward planning. Dominica produces excellent coffee. It is the only kind I drink but I firmly believe that because of our high costs we can only market it as a premium product to get the price we need and for that it has to be of genuine Dominican origin, just like the famous Blyue Mountain coffee from Jamaica.I wish this venture good luck but forgive me if I have my doubts.
Election bogus/gimmick.. surely a white elephant.
I bet if you are unemployed when the plant is completed, actually prior to its completion, you will be one of the first to apply for a job. If you are employed, you will encourage others who are unemployed to apply.
When i say the only thing the opposition can do is oppose people getting vex.
I did not read any thing negative from the news above but yet there r negative/OPPOSING comments.
Opposition! what opposition. I am a Labourite, and I am not afraid to call a spade a spade and a thief a tiff.
They consistently criticize. It appears it is a trait. Could also be envy. I view them as unhappy lots who lack peace and are not interested in Dominica’s progress and additional jobs.
The complete coffee processing plant has been in Dominica for practically four years now (it arrived on 22 July, 2013 as per DNO report of 7 June of that year).
Still, better late than never I guess.
The pertinent question is: where is the coffee to feed this plant? And which are the intended markets for the processed coffee and under what brand will it be marketed, if any?
In May 2010 (DNO 28 May, 2010) Ricky Alport, then Act. Dir. of Agriculture reported that only 75 acres were under coffee cutltivation at that time (island wide) and the target would be 300-400 acres plus to be rehabilitated with coffee in target areas such as Syndicate and that a project had been sent to the Minister of Finance for funding to encourage farmers to get involved in coffee processing.
What happened to this plan? Was it ever executed and do we now have enough output to keep this processing plant going efficiently? Or will we face the prospect of seeing imported beans arriving on our shores, to be processed here and then shipped out again? Will we be exporting genuine DOMINICAN coffee or will it be a product surreptiously labelled as such? Why can’t we put the horse before the cart for once?
Correction:”..it arrived on 22 July 2009″
lets see what happens. I pray that the coffee plant will pave the way for food processing.
WHY CAN’T
Though i welcome this project or any project that have potential of generating sustainable employment i am a quite circumspect ( given the absence of the proper market research ,cost-benefit analysis and etc)about the viability of this one.
My main reason is that i am not sure that Dominica holds an absolute nor comparative advantage in the production of coffee over existing competitors.
Do we , in Dominica have the economies of scale ,to drive down that average production cost so as to be competitive externally.
is it the aim to compete through branding ,quality and not price.
Do we have available land access to cultivate coffee without having to forgo cultivation of another crop. Or are the needed feeder roads coming to stimulate farmers to go further up hill.
Whats the potential earning per farmer in a year. eg how much would a pound of coffee beans cost .
Whats the potential amount of coffee beans could be produce on one acre of land .
Most Importantly are Venezuela prepared to buy all our produce at the prevailing market price.
These are some of my few concerns that i hope will stimulate some debate or the authorities will answer so as to motivate farmers to return to cocoa plantation.
Food for though!the recent drive to boost local chicken were not successful since the end product are being sold 9 ec per pound at whit church. totally out of reach by the local people pocket.( that’s where economies of scale comes in).
Can someone tell me if there is a drive to encourage farmers to plant cocoa. This DLP government said they need hotel and roads before the international airport so i will be surprise that they are building a plant before cultivation begin.
Or are they using some form scientific technique to have the plant bear fruits in a short space of time.
this last plant refers to coffee tree
Ted i stop at where if theres land for that and the rest u said befor its not your size its your might look at the hotel that just got the 3rd best in the caribbean what wld u have said to the owners,theres other hotels in town every one has there own neech.While they working on the black segatoga we will plant coffee.
What is our development plan? Is coffee production/coffee plant part of that plan? It seems we are just throwing things out there hoping something will work. When you look at the coffee industry and how competitive it is globally,how are we going to penetrate the market to make this profitable? especially when you take into consideration cost such as transportation and energy. Dominica does not have coffee to support a coffee factory – what are the long term arrangements to keep this thing running? A plant not operating at its optimal level can become a liability – the list of questions can go on and on. If these questions are not reasoned through by this administration then they are failing us since – FAILING TO PLAN is really PLANNING TO FAIL.
All u not easy, skerit protecting his win vennezulans protecing their interest..tht corn they spreading there i doh eating, they always going and do something..vendors arcade, hospital, riverside pomnadade, health insurance, boat 4 for farmers where it…yo paka fer ayer…we need something to happen…that will affect our purse in a positive way….
what was the teething problem why the coffee plant has not been built after such a long time Venezuela sent down the old equipment? Money wasn’t available? The 22 ‘labour’ engineers from Venezuela couldn’t come down? The Venezuelan Air Force plane couldn’t make it until now?
What is so difficult to entice those donor Gov’t to have Dominican construction workers build such facilities, with possibly technical assistance from Venezuela. Surely, Dominicans have the capabilities to build such projects. Doesn’t Govt. trust our local construction firms and workers?
Speculation. Something coming. Desperation creeping in. Have Govt. put plans in place to increase the acreage in coffee? What is the present acreage planted in coffee? How many more coffee trees Govt. envisages to plant? None of that info is forthcoming from the Minister or Ministry of Agriculture. They were sent a gift, unaware that they were not ready and it was not on their priority list. But beggars are no choosers.
they do right give us things close to elections because we have memois poule if they give it to us too early we will forget.
Can we do the same for Citrus, Mango, coconut , yam dasheen, avocados and all the other products we have in Da that waste?
Why do these countries even bother to spend or loan or grant their money on this place just full of political quacks?
Why can’t Dominicans get employment on those projects. In One Mile where they going to build the coffee plant, there is a chineese plant on the other side of the road and the only people you see around there everyday working are Chineese and Venezuelians. Where is the work for our people?
Skerrit appears to be very concerned about Ian’s popularity in Portsmouth.They just received a Hotel, a housing scheme, a high way to Portsmouth and a Chinese developement at one mile.Dont be surprised, the much talked about International Airport will be built in Portsmouth. The Kalinago people are the ones that deserve the Coffee Plant.
Coffee plant, Bulk fuel, Hotels/Restaurant, whats next, banana farms and supermarkets? I am not sure if it’s me but it seems that the govenment is competing with the private sector. If i am wrong i am ok with all thumbs down.
Wow, are Dominicans gonna build it? And where are the jobs gonna be created? Geez boy I wish islands were exercise books cause I would just pull this page out and crush it and throw it in the trash and start fresh..
You boost the economy through capital projects that create jobs from their conception to completion and beyond… Mangotree economics dominica running on.
as u can see them man was even unloading there own cement for the project not even cement they want to buy in dca for the project so u think is dominicans they goign to get to build there thing there nuh
There is no pleasing you people is there? On one side of your mouths you want the government to create employment, help farmers, blah, blah, blah, now when they try something is a different song all you singing……
What’s next?
Ha Ha Ha, Woye woye woye something’s happening!!!!!!!!!!! (lol)
The customs need to inspect those bags to see if they not cokaen that in some of them. And have a proper taly on them I mean for real. And open packages the same way they does do to Dominicans cause arms chraficing is there Venezuela strong. Take no chances.
Cement and building materials to give away for elections…
22 Labour Engineers to build the coffee plant donated to Dominica? How many years now those old set of equipment were sent to Dominica?
What kind of arrangement is that? But there are several local Dominican Construction Cos. that could do the job. The assistance of Venezuelan technical personnel could be welcomed, not Venezuelans building the plant. After all, our construction workers need the jobs too, or should able-bodied Dominican men continue to climb the steps to the “Red Clinic”.
What acreage is planted in coffee? What plans have been put in place to increase the acreage of coffee? Did the Gov’t. or the Ministry of Agriculture really wanted, as priority, a coffee plant from Venezuela or beggars are no choosers.
What were the problems that caused the long delay, money, equipment, Chavez’s bout with cancer? The problem was with the Venezuelans or the Dominica Gov’t? Should we speculate the coming of elections, without Electoral Reforms, Voter ID cards and cleaning up of the “dirty” Voters List? Be careful, air force plane could land anytime, carrying equipment, personnel etc. etc. Mark my words.
It is a gift horse my friend and you do not look into the mouth of a gift horse! But remember the horse of Troy was a gift also and you recall what happend there?
hmmmm big things happening.
Hmmmm allu better wake up and smell the ‘coffee’. Election train has started.
Come on man. Spread the bread. Portsmouth is already plagued with business from Ross. Can’t that plant go seomewhere else. What is wrong with the South and East of Dominica. The people from the South open your eyes. NO ONE CARES about your well being
Hello scotty doh bring that white elephant thing here leave it in Antigua. Labour party is known for completing their projects.
Drugs is in some of those red bags mix with coffee seeds.
i well need a ride home from venezuela..
“Are we going to import coffee from outside to process it and later export it back out, and at what price would it be sold?”(the eye).
I am noted for a very negative individual, and even I the kid will not defend against that, nor go into denial!
However nothing can be more negative than what is written in the quote above. I have no reason to critique, or be negative about the Coffee Plant; even if it was going to provide employment for just one, (a single person in Dominican).
Even if all the raw material in the form of coffee bean are to be imported.
Nonetheless, unless we have chopped down all of the coffee plants I remember existed in Dominica over the years, there are still quite a few people who might still be able to earn a living by selling their coffee beans to the plant.
It is important to note that into the late 1950’s Dominica exported coffee, limes, grapefruits, vanilla, cacao(coco), and in some cases cinnamon spice, nutmegs, and cotton!
By the time the Green Gold (Bananas) took over as our major agricultural export, the aforementioned was phased out.
I see absolutely no reason why all of the products I mentioned cannot be reintroduced, as a matter of fact planting and selling coffee is still a very profitable business. Focus on Brazil, and other South American countries will prove me correct.
I pay almost five ($5.00) dollars for a single cup of coffee here in Los Angeles, and there are no shortage of coffee drinkers in the universes: The banana industry will die a hundred times the world over, before the coffee industry die once!
People should not be too critical about projects such as this one. A coffee production plant is more valuable than a cricket stadium, because if we do the appropriate thing which is to plant coffee in Dominica, thus eliminating the importation of unprocessed beans, instead of planting Bananas, Dominica could become a major exporter of coffee even if only it is to the other Caribbean islands.
In the final analysis, expert duties have to be paid into the government treasury on the amount of products exported, taxes has to be paid on salaries earned,that is another way the government collects revenue to run the country.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Two Thumbs up for you sir
Are you trying to say that you live in lOS Angeles or you are in Los Angeles on vacation, or you have been to Los Angeles already? Be specific.
Thats the Francisco i know, onjective to the core, i support your every word on here!!!
We need more objective persons to discuss issues on here, good say yes and why if we think its bad say so and why, not bash because it is being concieved by a political party you don’t support… cause at the end your political party may continue it anyway!!!
I agree with you 100%. I hope they have not destroyed every coffee tree in Da.
Good Points Telemaque and to add to your post, The coffee industry in the United States is valued at about $19 billion each year. Coffee: The Second Most Traded Commodity In The World
http://www.coffeemarvel.com/blog/post/2010/05/17/How-Big-is-the-Coffee-Industry.aspx
This business venture makes sense
Francisco, put on your thinking cap. Your first sentence does not make sense. You lack intelligence in this matter. I am unable to comprehend that it would cross your mind to state coffee will be imported for processing in Dominica and then exported. This does not make sense. Who told you so?
it is tasty. Actually, I was never a coffee drinker and still, to a certain extent not but there are times I welcome a cup of coffee in the mornings especially in winter and it must be tasty and usually homemade.
When last were you in Dominica to know how many coffee plants are grown in DA? Have confidence that it is not a stupid project and that coffee grows in Dominica. I would think the farmers throughout Dominica who are aware of this new coffee plant will also commence growing additional coffee for sale, to be processed in Dominica. This should commence from the local level.
Are you addicted to coffee or do you purchase coffee when traveling to work or while at work or out on business?
Do like some others. Brew your coffee at home and drink it or put it in a mug and bring it to work with you. This is less expensive, unless you are not interested in saving a few dollars. Consider over time how much you could save by making your own. Furthermore, you know how it is prepared and what you are drinking.
There are times in Toronto, a bottle of good instant coffee as Maxwell House costs $3 to $4 on sale. Normally it is approximately $6.00. It depends on the size. Consider how many cups of coffee you could get out of that and how long it will last. I would think that coffee is less expensive in the USA compared to Canada.
Sometime ago I purchased a tin of Maxwell House Coffee, original roast, 925g for $6.00. It is not instant coffee. It is not yet opened and may not be for a long time, probably next winter.
I would welcome purchasing a bottle, package or a few when the Dominica plant is operable for business.
What I recall of Dominica’s coffee, the real unprocessed stuff,
“I am noted for a very negative individual, and even I the kid will not defend against that, nor go into denial!”(FET).
Justice and Truth if you believe that it does not make sense for an individual to acknowledge that he/she can recognized their attributes, such as been sarcastic, negative, or positive; then something is wrong with you!
You commented on my first sentence, well my first sentence spoke about me; my ways, my attitude, my behavior, and how I react to situations, you better learn to read and understand what you read.
You are suggesting that I put on some thinkingcap, because you cannot understand what you read?
I write in the simplest form so that an kindergarten kid can make sense, and interpret what they read from me.
If you are an adult who profess to have all the answers, and knowledge of everything are unable to understand the full context of what I wrote; that is an indication you are a very shallow, and dumb person, so do not blame me for your short fall, and inefficiency; I hear you live in Toronto, if that is the case you still have the opportunity to attend kindergarten classes at night if you wish in order to be able to think and understand cognitively.
I read just about everything you write on DNO, and based on that I can assure you that you are not scholastically, nor academically educated.
So, watch your mouth, or fingers whenever you get into the mood of trying to insult me!
If you are educated at only elementary level, no matter how much, and how often you jump on your computer, it will not make you smart, because with a computer if you insert garbage into it the output will be garbage!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Francisco Telemaque July 5, 2013 “I read just about everything you write on DNO, and based on that I can assure you that you are not scholastically, nor academically educated”
Atta Boy! Way to go! I could add to this, but the rating you have for that post, should be enough to keep that Torontonian individual quiet against other people’s comment for a while. I hope she has learned a lesson from this one.
But the truth is that she did not understand your post, she was talking against the quote you used to base the theme of your comment–not aware that it is from another blogger.
She is doing the same thing to me all the time, as she uses the stupidity and craziness of her man-made religion to speak the things of her carnal mind against me. Let me see how she is going to deal with 0-10 for her posts compared to 31-3 for you.
Oh by the way, I rated you, but now I do not remember if mine is in the 3 or the 31 at this point. Hehehehehehehehehehehehehehehehe!
Great time to get your coffee farm in order. Coffee will always be needed. I think I should get my little piece of land ready for coffee production. The only thing is, coffee trees take to darm long to grow and start producing coffee. I wish they had told me about this five years ago..
I welcome every form of development and job creation, but Dominicans please don’t be fooled!!!
It’s like a man neglect his child for years and then on Christmas day he drops him a nice gift… I mean on election day!!!
This government policies have reduced Dominica to poverty, dependency and ruin.
The reason why America is strong is because of the private sector not the government.
Over 4 years now me and a business partner have been trying to open business in Dominica and have been turned inside out.
A Company that would employ 5 people from the start and possibly more. One might say 5 is not a lot but think of the other small businesses that have been stopped because of government stupidity.
For years my sister ran a profitable clothing business which had to be closed down because of competition from Chinese businesses.
While I have no problems with Chinese living and doing business in Dominica why are they given duty free and not made to pay taxes.
I could go on and on about this government ineptness !!!
Dominica this is your last chance to get rid of this government or too late might be your cry!!!
Did the immigration officers checked each bag?
Frabo, immigrations officers do not check bags, unless of course you refer to human beings as bags!
Customs officers would inspect bags.
Skero track record
1) Honesty F
2) Transparency F
3) People health before state palace F
4) Mano Case F
5) Night Landing improving air access F
6) Petro Caribe lowering fuel costs F
With a constant track record of failures, we can expect an F for the coming coffee plant and geothermal project, we have alot of money spent with very little to show for it.
Well outlined Summary…
Sadly Dominicans, love Rulers who bling and results with Failures….
I know in Venezuela their salary is lower then we here in Dominica,I hope they not gonna treat us the same here,our government should monitor how our people will be treated.
Good stuff once this gonna create employment is a relief for our unemployment,The government should try convince the Chinese do the same,instead all the small shops and doesnt generate our economy just taken our money away,
The only thing though! I’d take their planes over Liat’s.
Tell Mr. Pirela dont insult our workers in Dominica we have highly skilled Engineers that can do the very same work that his men came down to do but again that’s another example of how the Govt conducts business with outside countries and when they set their condition GOVT cant even say NO, they continue to take our people for granted D’icans dont have to wait till the plant is completed to get jobs they should be the ones doing it.
Hooray!!!
Dominica should be called Monkey Island because our people are so dumb. They seem to have no understanding beyond their nose bridge. Japan, one of the most industrialised countries on earth imports more than 90% of all its raw materials for its industries!!!
SO what’s the fuss about?
Come on people get real.
Don’t we need the jobs?
Our economy is so small. We produce nothing for export and our import bill is so high.
Thank you Venezuela we love you. oh how I miss daddy Chavez. may his soul rest in peace.
You can tell when something is fishy. Why unload the materials and place them on the ground? Didn’t they expect a “shipment?” Come on!! I have never seen it done in this fashion. Why not have Vehicles ready, so the load could go from the “Plane” to the our trucks? NO! it has to be exhibited on the ground, so every-body could see the stash. Well well well. We still not voting for Shavez. We want nothing to do with Radical Communists. Take your coffee and smoke it.
That’s why they are still considered third world and small minded in them parts esp Dominica..
Regimes,esp in Dominica know how to trap the Citizens as they are not known to be thinkers…
Trap them for 4.5 years them open the doorways to Heaven and all shall be saved…
Disgusted with affairs in Dominica…
They are way too laid back to be developed…
Easily fooled by sweet talk and so minor goodies.
Above is the norm in..Today’s Dominica!
Are we going to import coffee from outside to process it and later export it back out, and at what price would it be sold? or can local farmers provide all the coffee needed to keep this plant viable. was there a plan to stimulate farmers to go into coffee production? Since Dominica can only benefit fully if we produce all the coffee to feed that coffee plant.
Is the Govt. of Dominica (dotish?) where is the coffee going to come from to feed the plant?
shouldn’t there have been some project going on before to have farmers plant coffee?
I think this is going to be a waste.
I really do not understand how our leaders think.
Seem like they think backward or their brain is upside down.
Japan imports all its raw materials to propel its manufacturing industry. See what they have done. can we all wish Dominica well without the not so subtle invectives.
Are you sure about that? Do you know what are Japan’s main manufactured exports? It’s certainly not agricultural commodities.
Japan’s main export goods are cars, electronic devices and computers. Main imports are oil, foodstuffs and wood.
The coffee plant can only add value to the GDP of Dominica if there is a backward linkage to the domestic production of the cofee beans. Otherwise, the benefits to the domestic economy will be minimal since the purchase of the beans from overseas will constitute a major leakage for the local coffee industry.
Japan imports raw materials to transform them into high-value end products. That is clearly not the case here. And by the way, since this plant will consume a lot of electricity, how competitive will we be bearing in mind the exorbitant cost of that energy in Dominica? I guess the plant has to pay Domlec the same tariff as all other manufactuers, unless of course they install their own genrators and get their diesel at cost price ( after all, it is Venezuelan).
Wait nuh how can this comment get 12 dislikes!!!
Who is reading these comments??? a whole bunch of pacified individuals who just drink the cool-aid and don’t really care about all the toxins and chemicals in its composition,,,
This is a very valid statement/question and comment,,,
So whomever wrote/edited this article need to go back and ask the real question(s),,,
What Coffee is going to be produced and at What Cost,,, Why is it the Venezuelan Military doing all these operations on Dominica???
Last time Marn Checked is More Cocoa Dominica have and more Coconut wi???
Why not make improvements to renovate and revitalize the Coconut Products it’s what we have in Dominica!!!
Stop asking and do.
Thanks to the people and Government of Venezuela.
Much needed jobs on our island.
I’m not good in math, but I will try and understand these numbers. 22 Labor Engineers (22), 5 Dominican employees to start. (Part time or full time?) then later on there will be 50 direct workers and approximately 100 IN-DIRECT workers. So, how many Dominicans will be employed there at that “Coffee” place full time? and also, how did they arrive at these numbers? WHY 22 ENGINEERS AND ONLY 5 Dominican workers? 22 ENGINEERS to set up a Coffee plant? They build the Belfast factory with with less than 5 “ENGINEERS.” Something smells like “Coffee.”
And that’s the nonsense we as Dominicans accepts and that have to stop yes we need jobs so that people can support themselves and by spending we will see the change in productivity and I know our folks will he happy but stop the bull and agree it smells like all the other so call projects.
so true
If you have 22 Dominicans and 5 Venezuelans the project will take 10 years and not 10 months
I would suggest that you find a real job, why spend your 24 hour on DNO commenting on every crap…why are you so political man?
Are u sure that you are off sound mind? Do you know how to build a coffee plant? operate one? make coffee off good quality? Know how to operate the machines? are the engineers off same specialty? Do you know how long it takes to erect a coffee processing plant? hmm? do you? do you? smh
Go suck a mint!
There are different types of engineers..Civil, mechanical, aeronautical, etc. These are Labour Engineers. I googled it but couldn’t find a definition.
Maybe someone can help us with that.
I guess more Dominicans need to study engineering.
The report said “22 labor engineers”. In other words, labor technicians who are experienced or trained in the assembly of the production facility.
Then, it was well considered while Hugo Chavez was alive that Dominica’s small arabic coffee production would have to be supplemented by Venezuelan type to be adequately marketed. Dominica coffee will be blended with Venezuelan coffee before being introduced to the open market.
Blended coffee is an extremely pricey commodity, and Venezuela’s involvement in this joint venture will provide the marketing expertise necessary to put us in the futures market.
Yah! Start looking for neg-atives instead of going to plant some coffee. Go ahead, look for something to cry down.
they can sent ten thousand engineers if they like. we will accept them. They are giving free service to Dominica, why complain about the numbers? allu dominicans will never be satisfied
You are really not good in maths and the time factor. Are you aware how long the Belfast factory was built? You are comparing it to this coffee plant in the year 2013? Were you born when that factory was built? Was it renovated recently? If it was I expect the cost would be higher than even when the factory was built.
I would not worry about all what you are concerned about. Let the plant be built. A plan is in place for what will be undertaken upon completion; everything will be in place.
Some of you worry prematurely and about matters that should not concern you. Leave it up to the authorities. They have the plan of what will be done and how much staff will be employed after the plant is completed.
Furthermore, you will not be paying for it; the money will not be coming out of your pocket or wallet. Therefore why concern yourself? What is important the plant will create jobs. This is what you should keep your mind on.
It smells like coffee but the smell of coffee is good.
Are we going to import coffee from outside to process it and later export it back out and at what price? or can local farmers provide all the coffee needed to keep this plant viable. was there a plan to stimulate farmers to go into coffee production? Since Dominica can only benefit fully if we produce all the coffee to feed that coffee plant.
Aanonymous – very good points. Our farmers should be involved in the early planning in an effort to advise and encourage them to grow coffee to supply the plant. But as usual, we know how these things are played out in Dominica. Brainless leaders.
Yeah, ok. One thing I know, ain’t nothing for free. Hope someone checking those bags, lol
Our Local customs are not allowed to search anything coming in fron Venezuala, didn.t you know? LOL
Did you not read that it is Venezuela-funded? Where are your brains? Some of you are difficult. Nothing done will ever please you. You will always negative.
Hmm, elections are surely around the corner folks..
This is just to Pool Wool over the eyes of the Citizens, after Labour caused “Death and Poverty”
To the economy of Dominica…
Haha what will happen if ever Dominicans fall for these Ball Tricks Display by Labour, on the eve of Elections….are Dominicans better off living wise under labour…those are the hard core issues..Voters need to think before placing the “X” at the Polls..
God forbid they sneak a win at the Polls..that Project will be a white elephant and things will be even worst…
Labour was never on the Picture looking to make the Lives of Dominicans Better..
A few shall eat!—-that’s the New Labour Party Slogan.
you and your family in poverty, but not me.Call poverty on yourself dont call it on me.
Is this not something else? Sometimes I have to laugh at the stupidity and narrow-mindedness of some people. When people do not support a government, they never cease to criticize that government no matter what is done for the good of nationals.
You are not a nice person. The project is Venezuela-funded and some of you are being negative about it. No need for me to repeat what you stated.
Are you not pleased with the progress of Dominica? Dominica today is in a better position than it was in bygone years. Or were you born a few years ago that you are not aware of that? Learn it! Ingratitude displeases God. He could send a punishment so that you will learn to appreciate the good that has been done in Dominica and will continue as this coffee plant which will create jobs. Learn to be kind.
Hold on!!!! Did you really just say “sneak a win”? You have absolutely no shame at all to come in here saying that after the thrashing that you got at the last election. You guys need to sit down and come up with a proper strategy to defeat the incumbent party and stop blowing hot air.
SETTING UP BASE?
Did customs check this plane thoroughly? Thank you for your gift Venezuela
I hope is coffee they dropping there