|
 |
Volume No. 1 Issue No. 69 - Tuesday June 21, 2005 |
The News in Brief from The Dominican.net News Desk
Roseau � June 29, 2005
GOVERNMENT ACHIEVES UNIVERSAL SECONDARY EDUCATION ONE YEAR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
Roseau, Dominica � June 29th 2005��The Government of Dominica has announced that the country has now achieved Universal Secondary Education. That announcement was made by Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Sports and Youth Affairs, Hon. Vince Henderson at a Press Conference Tuesday as he announced the 2005 Common Entrance Examination Results.
The attainment of Universal Secondary Education in September 2005 is a major achievement for the Labour Party Administration, months after the party was returned to office on May 5.
Upon assuming office in 2000, 6 out of every 10 children who sat the Common Entrance Examination went to Secondary School. As a result of increased investment in education over the last five years, USE has now been achieved one year ahead of schedule.
Of a total of 1546 students who wrote the Common Entrance Examination this year, all have been selected to attend Secondary School in September. For the first time ever, every child of secondary school age in Dominica now has a place at a Secondary School.
On the basis of this year�s results, Government has decided to award scholarships to 67 students and bursaries to 200 students.
With the advent of Universal Secondary Education, the nature and form of assessment at the end of Grade 6 is being considered by the Ministry of Education.
Roseau � June 24, 2005
SAT Cable Manager Hopeful that EC$ 16 million Bid for Rival MARPIN Cable Co Will Succeed
Managing Director of SAT Cable, Malone Alexander is hopeful that his company�s EC$ 16 million bid for rival MARPIN Cable will meet with the approval of the local receiver.
SAT made the bid for Dominica�s oldest cable television company after it was forced into receivership last year. The receiver however turned the company�s assets over to a group of investors led by the Dominica Social Security (DSS).
The DSS bid was subsequently challenged in the local courts, and just last week the decision to reverse the deal was upheld by the Organization of American States Appeals Court. Meanwhile, the DSS is expected to appeal the decision to the United Kingdom Privy Council.
MARPIN Cable TV was the lone cable company for several years in Dominica until it was challenged by rival SAT cable. Both companies were started by local entrepreneurs.
Roseau � June 24, 2005
Cement Shortage Continues in Dominica
Dominica continues to face a cement shortage, which has brought a halt to several major construction projects on the island.
Andy Sylvester, technical manager of Caribbean Construction and Development (CCD), which imports �bulk� cement into the island blamed the shortage on damage to the boat usually used to transport the cement.
Sylvester also indicated that the government failed to approve an increase in cement prices, which would allow his company to quickly address the shortage by bringing bagged cement into the country.
According to Sylvester, the shortage will not be addressed until the first week in July.
June 21 - Carib Territory
Carib Chief Put on
Probation by Carib Council
Carib Chief Charles Williams has been placed on six months probation by the Carib Council. The decision to place the Chief on probation was in response to what has been described as the Chief�s penchant for taking decisions without consulting with the council.
The council has indicated that if there is no improvement after the six month period, new elections will be held for the post of Carib Chief. Meanwhile, Chief Williams told the local press that the council�s action was illegal and that he would continue to serve as Chief. He also indicated that he was ready to go back to the Carib people to seek vindication for the council�s course of action.
Chief Williams recently generated some controversy when he went on record to request that Disney remove a scene from the film Pirates of the Caribbean, which depicted the Caribs as cannibals during filming in Dominica. On that occasion, he was overruled by the council which argued in favor of the film citing the economic benefits to the Caribs.
More than 3000 Carib Indians live in a specially constructed reserve in the North East of Dominica.
Roseau � June 14, 2005
Thirty Haitians Deported from Antigua to Dominica
The Antiguan authorities on Monday deported thirty Haitians to Dominica who had entered the country illegally from Dominica several days ago. The Haitians were loaded on a LIAT flight and arrived at Melville Hall airport an hour later.
Upon their arrival in Dominica, they were taken into Police custody and were expected to be sent back to Haiti.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Lestrade told the local press that the Dominica authorities were looking into making it more difficult for Haitians to come to Dominica. Under the current system, Haitians pay a deposit of USD400 upon arrival. Lestrade noted that they were currently considering raising the deposits as well as ensuring that Haitians coming to Dominica has a local contact to vouch for them during their stay on the island.
Dominica is increasingly becoming a transshipment point for Haitians wanting to enter the neighboring Caribbean islands. Most of the migrants board vessels in the North of Dominica and sail to the neighboring countries, usually under the cover of darkness.
Roseau � June 14, 2005
OECS Heads of Government Meet in Dominica
Heads of State of the eight member Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will hold a summit in Roseau beginning on Wednesday, June 16.
The summit will be addressed by outgoing Chairman, Dr. Kenny Anthony of St Lucia as well as the new Chairman Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica�s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt.
The main item for the discussion will be the Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME), which is scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2005. The CSM is expected to include all the members of the Caribbean Common Market (CARICOM). However, Bahamas have publicly declared that they will have no part of the CSME since they don�t stand to benefit from the arrangement.
Roseau � June 10, 2005
Thirteen Venezuelans Fined and Remanded to Stock Farm Prison
Thirteen Venezuelans who were detained by the Coast Guard on Wednesday for trying to enter Dominica through Scotts Head, appeared before a Magistrate in Roseau today. They all pleaded guilty and were each fined US $2 000 payable immediately, for failing to stop when ordered to do so by the Coast Guard.
None of the thirteen were able to meet the fine and were therefore transferred to the Stock Farm prison. In the meantime, the Venezuelan embassy is attempting to contact their families to arrange for the payment of the fines.
The Venezuelans are expected to be sent back to Venezuela when the fines are paid. Police have also revealed that the boat, which was seized during the operation will be returned to the crew.
Grand Bay � June 9, 2005
Escaped Prisoner Phillip Registe Stabbed to Death in Grand Bay
Police in Dominica are investigating the death of Phillip Registe who died from a cutlass wound to his neck.
On Tuesday, June 7, Registe was one of six prisoners who escaped from the Stock Farm prison and was being sought by the police.
Just minutes after the stabbing, Police arrested and charged seventeen year old Denison Toussaint in connection with the death of Registe.
The escape from the Stock Farm prison was the second such escape in just over two weeks. On May 27, seven prisoners escaped including one who was to be released in two weeks, after using a �hack saw� to cut their way through prison bars. It was not immediately clear how the later group escaped. To date, only two of the escaped prisoners have been recaptured.
The security situation at the Stock Farm prison continues to be a source of concern given the recent rash of escapes and the general overcrowding of the facilities.
Roseau � June 9, 2005
AIDS is a Continuing Concern in Dominica
National HIV/AIDS Coordinator nurse Julie Frampton says that the incidence of Aids continue to be of major concern in Dominica.
According to Nurse Frampton, 287 AIDS cases have been documented in Dominica since the first case was reported in 1987, with more than half of those contracting the virus having died since.
The Caribbean has the second highest incidence of AIDS cases in the world after Sub Saharan Africa.
Scottshead - June 8, 2005
Thirteen Venezuelans Attempting to Enter Dominica Illegally Arrested by Local Police
Thirteen Venezuelans were detained by a police coast guard patrol when they attempted to enter via Scottshead, which is situated at the southern tip of Dominica. Two of the Venezuelans were injured during the ensuring arrests and were treated at the Princess Margaret Hospital. They all remain in police custody.
A police spokesman said today that the 30-foot boat that was used to transport the Venezuelans was also seized. No other information was given as to what course of action would be taken by the authorities.
Roseau- June 8, 2005
Boat Carrying Haitian and Dominica Republic Migrants Capsizes in Waters North of Dominica
Authorities in Guadeloupe in conjunction with the St. Kitts coastguard rescued several persons who were traveling in a Dominica registered vessel in waters just north of the island.
The boat was carrying several Haitian and Dominica Republic residents when it started taking water. Someone on the boat made a distress call, which was picked up by the French authorities.
Police in St. Kitts detained the Dominica captain and another member of his crew and said that the passengers would be returned to their respective countries.
Dominica has become a transshipment point for Haitians and Dominicans attempting to reach the neighboring French countries of Guadeloupe and Martinique, and St. Marteen. Haitians and Dominicans have been coming into Dominica by the hundreds and then board boats to take them to the neighboring countries.
Just two weeks ago, a bus carrying Haitian migrants overturned in Loubiere when the driver attempted to avoid the police who were investigating an accident. Tensions have also risen between the French and Dominican authorities over the number of refugees from Haiti and The Dominican Republic who use Dominica as a staging point for entering their territories.
Roseau � June 3, 2005
Twenty-four Dominican Students to Study at Mexican Universities
Twenty-four Dominican students will leave the island on Sunday to begin studies at various Mexican Universities. The students who have been granted full scholarships by the Mexican government will undertake five-year courses of studies in the areas of agriculture, engineering, tourism and information technology.
Commenting on the scholarship program, Education minister Vince Henderson stressed government�s commitment to the youth, and expressed confidence in the persons selected being able to achieve their goal of higher education. The minister also thanked the Mexican government for creating the opportunities for the Dominican youth.
Late last year, the Venezuelan government also offered several scholarships to the government of Dominica. Over a period of several years, hundreds of Dominicans have obtained scholarships to study in Cuba in diverse fields including a number of local medical doctors practicing medicine in Dominica.
Roseau � June 3, 2005
Director of the National Development Corporation Deny Allegations That His Organization is Promoting Gay Tourism
Vincent Philbert, Director of the National Development Corporation (NDC) has been responding to allegations that his organization is promoting gay cruise arrivals into Dominica.
According to Philbert, the NDC is engaged in following its mandate in promoting Dominica as a cruise ship destination and no particular group was being targeted. �All manner of persons are welcome to Dominica and those who can afford will come, and gays are no exception as long as the laws of Dominica are observed�.
Philbert reiterated that there were Laws against public exposure and other lewd public contact, and he was of the view that these laws will continue to be observed.
Last year, an all gay cruise ship arrived in Dominica amidst a public outcry from the mainly catholic population. Two such ships are set to return during the upcoming cruise ship season, which opens in June.
Roseau � June 2, 2005
� Edison James Remains as Leader of the United Workers Party
Opposition leader Edison James received a vote of confidence from his party executive when he was reaffirmed as leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) at a party meeting held in Roseau on Wednesday. James had earlier tendered his resignation but it was rejected by a majority of the UWP executive.
Following the UWP�s second successive defeat at the polls in the last general elections, there were repeated calls for his resignation. However, party president Ron Green informed the local press that it was the decision of the executive party to keep Mr. James as party leader.
Member of Parliament for the Salisbury constituency Earl Williams had openly challenged James for the leadership vowing to wrest control from the embattled leader. Meanwhile, former finance minister Julius Timothy who many believe was also interested in challenging for the leadership refused comment to the press following the executive committee�s decision.
James has led the UWP since it�s formation in 1988 and became Prime Minister following the 1995 general elections. However, under his leadership his party has lost three general elections becoming the first ever political party in Dominica�s history to fail to win a second consecutive term in office.
Roseau � May 24, 2005
The Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences Donates $3.0 million of medical supplies to the Princess Margaret Hospital
The Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) have made a donation valued at more than EC$3.0 million (US$ 1.1 million) in medical supplies to the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).
The donation was facilitated by AMERICARES of the United States of America and was given at no cost to the government and people of Dominica.
In an official handing over ceremony at the PMH, DAAS treasurer Dr. Thomson Fontaine noted that this was the second such donation that the DAAS had made and that he was expecting a further shipment, which would bring the value of the donated medical supplies to EC$ 12.0 million.
In accepting the donated supplies, health minister John Fabien thanked AMERICARES and the DAAS for their assistance in helping to maintain the health standards in Dominica.
Earlier this year, fire completely destroyed the Central Medical Stores of the PMH.
Roseau � May 24, 2005
Filming on Disney�s Pirates of the Caribbean Ends
Filming on Disney�s Pirates of the Caribbean II and III recently ended in Dominica. The sequel to the hugely popular Pirates of The Caribbean was filmed on location in the beautiful Nature Isle.
Most of the filming took place in the Calibishie area, but scenes were also filmed in Portsmouth, Vielle Case and Laudat. Hundreds of native Carib Indians were used as extras in the film, which is estimated to have provided an economic boon to Dominica.
The film generated much publicity after it was revealed that a scene would depict the star Johnny Depp roasting and eating his victims. The Carib Chief voiced concern over the portrayal of the native Carib Indians as cannibals and had called on Disney to remove the offending reference. It is not clear if that particular scene will be edited from the film.
Meanwhile, tourism officials are moving to capitalize on the exposure to the island generated from the filming of the movie. Plans are being made to significantly improve the promotion of Dominica as a nature paradise.
Release of the movie is expected in July 2006.
Roseau- May 10, 2005
Honorable Roosevelt Skeritt Sworn in as Prime Minister
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt took the oath of office for the second time as Dominica�s Prime Minister on Monday, May 10.
In 2004 the then 31 year-old Skeritt became the world�s youngest serving Prime Minister when he replaced Pierre Charles who died suddenly in office.
Skeritt who campaigned on a platform of hope and prosperity for the Dominican people, won a new five year term in one of the biggest electoral victories in Dominica. His DLP gained 12 seats and won 52 percent of the popular vote.
His party also created history by being the first single party to attract over 19, 000 votes in Dominica. Even the Dominica Freedom Party at the height of its popularity in the 1985 elections polled only 18, 434 votes.
Roseau- May 9, 2005
UWP Leader Edison James to Protest Election Results
Dominicans are waiting to see how supporters of the United Workers Party (UWP) will respond to a call by party leader Edison James to descend on Roseau in protest over the results of the last general election.
Addressing hundreds of his supporters in Castle Bruce who had come for a rally in support of free and fair elections, and where the DLP won by one vote, Mr. James told the crowd that his party was cheated out of victory.
According to Mr. James, he had written to the President of Dominica to protest that five of the twelve seats won by the Dominica labour Party (DLP) were because of irregularities at the polls.
In a stunning statement, Mr. James then detailed that he could not expect any help from either the courts nor the President of Dominica or the Bishop of Roseau. He told his supporters that they were the only ones who could defend their rights and was therefore calling on them to come to Roseau in protest.
Mr. James also informed the crowd that no permission was needed to assemble in Roseau and that he was calling on them to stand up with his party to ensure that the new party is not sworn in before his concerns are addressed.
The UWP is accusing government of paying the airline tickets of hundreds of Dominicans to return to vote in the elections using funds from money laundering activities.
The accusations have been firmly denounced by Prime Minister elect Roosevelt Skeritt who accuses the opposition of trying to ferment unrest after been decisively beaten at the polls. The DLP won 12 seats; the UWP won 8 and an independent candidate sympathetic to the DLP won the other seat.
Castlebruce � May 6, 2005
Lorraine Bannis of the DLP Declared Winner in Castlebruce Constituency
Lorraine Bannis of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) has been declared the winner in the Castlebruce constituency. If confirmed at the end of the official count, it would take the DLP�s tally to 12, and a two seat majority in the twenty-one seat Parliament.
At the end of last night�s preliminary count, the United Workers Party (UWP) candidate, Leonard Newton was the declared winner with 792 votes to Lorraine�s 719.
The DLP had earlier indicated that they would challenge the results after it was revealed that there were a disproportionately high number of rejected ballots in a particular polling district.
Roseau � May 5, 2005
Roosevelt Skeritt�s DLP Elected to Second Two-year Term
In one of the highest voter turnouts in recent history, Dominicans reelected Roosevelt Skeritt's Dominica Labour Party (DLP) to a second five year term. Skeritt who became the Prime Minister just over a year ago, campaigned on a platform of major infrastructure projects, youth development and responsible government.
Meanwhile, twice defeated opposition leader Edison James has hinted that he may not continue as party leader. Jame's United Workers Party (UWP) first contested general elections in 1985, and in 1990 formed the government with a one seat majority.
Five years later, his party was defeated by the DLP admist yet unproven allegations of widespread government corruption.
In the recently concluded elections, Charles Saverin's Dominica Freedom Party failed to secure any of the two seats it contested.
In his first address to the Nation following the elections, a jubilant Skeritt thanked his supporters for conducting a hard campaign, called for National unity, and declared a national holiday on Friday.
Roseau � May 5, 2005
Thousands Expected at the Polls to Elect New Government
All indications point to a heavy voter turnout as polls opened at 7 a.m. today Thursday. Coming at the end of a bitter campaign season, many Dominicans were simply grateful that the time had come to cast their votes.
The polls will close at 5 p.m. and the winner is expected to be announced by about 10 p.m. tonight.
Dominicans first voted in party elections in 1957, and since then have built a legacy of fair and open general elections.
Read more of the EARLIER NEWS IN Brief
|
|
|
