{"id":345375,"date":"2025-07-25T09:30:55","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T13:30:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=345375"},"modified":"2025-07-25T09:30:55","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T13:30:55","slug":"dr-dale-dangleben-expresses-frustration-over-denied-duty-exemption-govt-responds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/dr-dale-dangleben-expresses-frustration-over-denied-duty-exemption-govt-responds\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr Dale Dangleben expresses frustration over denied duty exemption, gov’t responds"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dr Dale Dangleben<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trauma surgeon Dr. Dale Dangleben, originally from Dominica and now based in the United States, recently expressed exasperation over the denial of duty exemptions for a shipment of medical supplies.<\/p>\n

Speaking on Q95 this week, Dr Dangleben said that the shipment included modern medical equipment and personal protective gear (PPE), and was delivered to the Woodbridge Bay Port earlier this month. According to Dr. Dangleben, he diligently adhered to all required procedures and notified authorities since late April about the arrival of the container, which was part of his efforts to support healthcare initiatives in Dominica through a newly established health distribution center in Pointe Michel.<\/p>\n

However, he shared that just two days before the container was cleared, he was unexpectedly asked to submit a detailed, itemized list of all equipment intended for donation. At that point, he said that only a general inventory was available, and he was taken aback by the sudden request. Reportedly, the shipment was meant to benefit Dominican hospitals, but the lack of specific documentation reportedly hindered the processing of duty concessions.<\/p>\n

This incident prompted a formal response from the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services. In a press release issued on July 24, 2025, the Ministry clarified the circumstances surrounding Dr. Dangleben\u2019s situation and provided context for both the complaint and its own response.<\/p>\n

The Ministry acknowledged ongoing discussions with Dr. Dangleben, which took place between May 28 and June 24, 2025. During these conversations, the statement says, officials outlined the procedures required to secure duty exemptions on donated medical supplies.<\/p>\n

The Ministry emphasized that clear documentation was necessary, including an itemized inventory and valuation, to distinguish between items designated for donation and those intended for personal or commercial use. The Ministry explained that only items officially declared as donations are eligible for duty waivers. Any other goods, whether for personal use or commercial purposes, require separate applications and are subject to applicable duties.<\/p>\n

According to the Ministry’s statement, Dr. Dangleben informed officials that his shipment contained both donated items and personal or commercial goods related to his private endeavors. Despite being advised of the documentation requirements, the Ministry noted that it has not yet received the necessary detailed inventory and valuation from Dr. Dangleben. As a result, officials stated they could not proceed with granting the requested duty concessions.<\/p>\n

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and adherence to established procedures, emphasizing that all applications are processed fairly and consistently. It also expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Dominican diaspora and welcomed collaborations aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure in Dominica, provided they follow proper protocols.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

See full statement below:<\/p>\n