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Volume No. 1 Issue No. 71 - Friday August 26, 2005 |
The News in Brief from The Dominican.net News Desk
August 25, 2005 � Roseau
IMF Team to Conclude Short Visit to Dominica Friday
Roseau, Dominica � August 25th 2005��A Team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will conclude a short visit to Dominica tomorrow, Friday, August 26th 2005. The Team arrived in Dominica earlier this week.
The Mission led by new Mission Chief, Mr. Abebe Selassie, is here in Dominica to complete the fifth review of the Programme under the Fund�s Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF).
The Team will also conclude the Article IV Consultation which was started on their last Mission in Dominica in June of this year. The Annual Article IV Consultation is an economic surveillance mission undertaken in all member countries of the IMF.
Over the last few days, the IMF officials have held discussions with Officials from the Ministry of Finance and Planning on economic data to the end of the fiscal year ending June 30th 2005.
There have also been extensive discussions and analysis on the prospects for the economy going forward.
The IMF Team is expected to meet with Cabinet on Friday before leaving for Washington later in the day.
Roseau- August 19, 2005
Public Servants Seek Salary Increases from Government
The Public Service Union (PSU) has rejected government�s offer of a three-year wage freeze.
General Secretary of the PSU, Thomas Letang said the union will continue negotiating with government until a satisfactory position is arrived at.
According to Letang, his union was asking for a 5 percent increase in 2005 to be followed by 4 percent increases in each of 2006 and 2007.
The General Secretary observed that an increase in wages was long overdue since the public servants last received a 2 percent salary increase in 2001-02.
In 2003, the government imposed a 5 percent levy on public servants salaries as part of an IMF-backed austerity package. The levy was finally removed in July 2005.
Roseau- August 19, 2005
Another Cyclist Killed in Traffic Accident
For the second time in three months, a young Dominican was killed in a motor cycle accident. Twenty-six year old Glenroy Moses died from injuries he sustained when the motor cycle he was riding collided with a passenger bus.
In May, twenty-six year old Anthony George died when his motor cycle was struck by a car as he attempted to overtake under the Canefield cliff.
New York � August 12, 2005
Two Dominicans to be Among Awardees of New York City Council
On Thursday, August 18, 2005 starting at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, The Honorable Dr. Kendall B. Stewart, Chairman Committee on Immigration, of the New York City Council, The Honorable Yvette D. Clarke, The Honorable Gifford Miller, and The Black, Latino and Asian Caucus of the New York City Council will honor and award two individuals from each of the Eastern Caribbean Islands of Barbados, the Commonwealth of Dominica; Grenada, Caricou and Petit Martinique; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
They have, without much fanfare and little or no recognition for their volunteer efforts in contributing to the physical and social growth and development of New York City while promoting the heritage and culture of the country they represent.
At this the First Annual Event, award recipients are for: Barbados:
Basyl Barrow, Standard Bearer for Barbados/United States and United States/Barbados Tourism and Culture, and Gloria A. Boyce, Health, Housing and Senior Citizen Advocate.
The Commonwealth of Dominica: Agnes M. Abraham Pan African Student Activist, and Mc Donald Ian James, strong and resolute mentor and tutor of students; Grenada, Caricou and Petite
Martinique: Michael Mc Quilkin, dedication of his time and resources to help and nurture Grenadian athletes, and Wilfred J. Thomas, Ambassador for Caribbean Culture and Tourism.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
Verna V. Arthur, Cultural Icon, Community Organizer, and Senior Advocate, and Darius Bynoe, Community Advocate and provider for the needy and distressed.
Admission to the event is free. Refreshments and Entertainment, Attendees are asked to "show their colors - walk wid u flag" Flags, bandanas, bracelets, and tee shirts for the event are available from Antoine International at 698 Washington Avenue, between St. Marks and Prospect Avenues in Brooklyn.
Telephone 347 385 7418.. Even if you are not of these Caribbean Islands you are invited to join in this salute to these builders of New York City.
St Vincent � August 8
International Airport for St Vincent and the Grenadines
Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has unveiled plans for the building of an international airport in that country. The airport is expected to be completed in 2011 at an estimated cost of EC$ 480 million (US$ 177.6 million).
New Jersey � August 8, 2005
Dominican Named America�s Outstanding Black Agricultural Economist
Dominican Agricultural Economist and University of Rutgers Professor Dr. Edmund Tavernier was recently honored as the �2005 Outstanding Black Agricultural Economist.�
The honor was conferred on Dr. Tavernier by the Committee on the Opportunities and Status of Blacks in Agricultural Economics(COSBAE). The ceremony formed part of the annual meetings of the American Agricultural Economists Association (AAEA) held in Rhode Island.
August 8, 2005 - Roseau
Police Commissioner Calls for Enforcement of Laws Aimed at Protecting Animals
Police Commissioner Mathias Lestrade has called on his officers to enforce laws aimed at protecting animals. The Commissioner made the appeal at a seminar for law enforcement officers organized by the Mayor�s office and the Organization for Cruelty Against Animals.
In addressing the seminar, Mayor of Roseau, Cecil Joseph reiterated his commitment to deal with the problem of stray dogs on the streets of Roseau.
August 8, 2005 - Roseau
Midnight Groovers to Perform at Music Festival in Belgium
Dominica�s premier cadence band the Midnight Groovers will perform at an international music festival in Belgium. The groups participation was secured by the organizing committee of Dominica�s World Creole Music Festival. The Groovers will do four performances and will use the opportunity to showcase Dominica�s rich musical heritage.
August 8, 2005 - Roseau
The UWI Center in Dominica has a New Resident Tutor
A former lecturer of the Dominica State College Francis Severin is the new Resident Tutor and the Head of the University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies. Mr. Severin replaces the recently retired Edith Bellot Alleyne who served in the same position for almost twenty years.
The new Resident Tutor promises to focus on alumni relations and taking distance learning to the rural areas of Dominica.
Roseau � August 05, 2005
Government Budget Approved by Parliament as Opposition MPS Stage Walkout
The 2005/2006 Budget was passed in the Dominica House of Assembly late last night as members of the Parliamentary Opposition walked out of the Chamber.
Speaker of the House, Hon. Alix Boyd-Knights, asked the Sergeant-at- Arms to escort the Parliamentary Representative for the Salisbury Constituency, Hon. Earl Williams, out of the House after the Opposition MP failed, despite several attempts by the Speaker, to withdraw an expletive he uttered, a remark the she described as �unparliamentary�.
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Planning, National Security and Overseas Nationals, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, presented a $308.8 m Budget to Parliament on Wednesday, July 27th 2005.
Debate on the 2005/2006 Budget began on Tuesday, August 2nd 2005, when the Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau North Constituency, Hon. Julius Timothy, opened the debate in the absence of Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Edison James.
Parliament last night also approved the Supplementary Appropriation (2004/2005) Act 2005. The Act was introduced to sanction certain payments from the Consolidated Fund of Dominica in excess of the sum provided by law for the services of the Commonwealth of Dominica during the year ending Thirtieth day of June 2005.
Parliament also approved the authorization of a loan of EC$55.3 million from Agence Francaise De Developpement for the funding of the rehabilitation of the principal road from Roseau to Melville Hall for the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
During the Sitting there was also the first reading of a Bill for an Act to provide for the imposition and collection of Value Added Tax. There was also the first reading of a Bill for an Act to provide for the imposition and collection of excise tax and for related matters.
Meanwhile, Hon. Alix Boyd Knights was reappointed Speaker of the House of Assembly for a second term. Hon. Ian Pinard is the new Deputy Speaker.
The House of Assembly was adjourned Sine Die.
Roseau � July 27, 2005
PM Removes 5% Stabilization Levy on Workers Salaries
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced the removal of a 5% Stabilization levy on workers salaries. The announcement came during the presentation of his government�s budget to the Dominica Parliament.
The levy was imposed in 2002 following government�s decision to accept an IMF austerity package of measures for the country. The measures focused primarily on cutting government expenditures and increasing revenues to stem a widening fiscal deficit.
The measures are widely credited to have succeeded with the IMF announcing in May that the Dominica economy was on the rebound.
VIEW AND READ ENTIRE BUDGET ADDRESS
Roseau � July 27, 2005
Value Added Tax (VAT) to be Introduced in March 2006
VAT will be introduced in Dominica in March 2006. The tax measure was announced by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in his first budget address of his new term to Dominica�s Parliament.
The new tax system is expected to broaden the tax base and simplify Dominica�s system of taxes.
Roseau, Dominica � July 26th 2005
Prime Minister Skerrit to Present 2005-06 Budget When Parliament Convenes Wednesday
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Planning, National Security and Overseas Nationals, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, will present the 2005/2006 Budget when the First Meeting of the First Session of the Seventh Parliament gets underway at the House of Assembly in Roseau on Wednesday, July 27th 2005.
At Wednesday�s opening, there will be an address by President of Dominica, His Excellency, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool DAH and the Administration of Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance and Oath of Office to Speaker and Deputy Speaker. There will also be the Administration of Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to Members.
Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit is also expected to introduce a Bill for an Act to provide for the imposition and collection of value added tax. The Prime Minister will also introduce a Bill for an Act to provide for the imposition and collection of excise tax and for related matters.
The Prime Minister and Minister for Finance will seek parliamentary approval to borrow and guarantee by means of fluctuating overdraft a sum not exceeding in the aggregate of thirty-four million, five hundred thousand (EC$34,500,000) from local banks to meet Central Government�s current overdraft requirements and to guarantee overdrafts to statutory and public corporations for a further period of one year, commencing from July 1, 2005.
Parliament is also expected to deliberate on a Schedule of Supplementary Estimates for the Financial year ended 30th June 2005 to be presented by the Minister for Finance.
Government will also seek parliamentary approval for a loan of $55.3m from Agence Francaise De Developpement for the funding of the rehabilitation of the principal road from Roseau to Melville Hall.
Mahaut � July 25, 2005
OFFICIAL FUNERAL FOR THE LATE ELKIN BERNARD HENRY,
FORMER MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
The Government of Dominica has decided that Mr. Elkin Bernard Henry will be given an official funeral on Saturday, July 30, 2005.
The Dominican Flag shall be flown at half staff on all public buildings in the State on Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30, 2005.
Mr Henry served as a Member of Parliament between 1957-1970. In the 1957 General Elections, Mr Henry was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Western Electoral District and appointed Minister for Social Services.
In 1959, he was appointed Minister for Labour and Social Services. In the January 1961 General Elections, he was elected Member of Parliament for the Western Electoral District. In February of that same year, Mr Henry was appointed Leader of the Opposition. Between January 1966 and September 1970, Mr Henry served as a nominated Member of the House of Assembly.
Official Mourners at the Official Funeral Service shall include His Excellency the President and Mrs. Liverpool, the Prime Minister and other Members of Cabinet, the Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly and other Members of the House of Assembly, former Presidents and Prime Ministers and other Government Officials.
Public viewing of the body shall be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral in Roseau on Saturday, July 30, 2005. The Official Funeral Service will commence at 10:00 a.m.
The late Elkin Bernard Henry will be buried at the Roseau Roman Catholic Cemetery.
All Official Mourners are requested to be in their seats no later than 9:45 a.m.
Roseau � July 25, 2005
Visa Restrictions Imposed on Visitors from Haiti and The Dominican Republic
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt has announced the imposition of visa restrictions on visitors from Haiti and the Dominican Republic seeking to enter Dominica.
The visa restrictions were announced in response to the continued trafficking in humans in Dominica. In the recent past, the French, Antiguan and St. Maarten authorities have intercepted several hundred Haitians who were attempting to enter their countries illegally.
For several months now, the Haitians boarded boats in Dominica and were transported to the neighboring countries even as they sought to flee the hardships in their country.
The continued trafficking of the Haitians had strained relations between the French islands and Dominica, and the St. Maarten authorities recently called for talks with Dominica on the issue.
Most of the visitors from the Dominican Republic, who are women, remain in Dominica where they join the growing sex trade.
Observers estimate that as much as 15 000 Haitians have entered Dominica over the last year. Before the visa restrictions were announced, the visitors were only required to make a $500 refundable deposit.
This is the first time in Dominica�s history that visas are being required to enter that country.
Roseau � July 25, 2005
Police Investigates Murder in Newtown
Police are investigating the death of a young man of Newtown. The young man identified as Mr. Vanterpool was reportedly stabbed to death following an altercation over money with another man from the same area.
This is the second stabbing death in Newtown in three years. Meanwhile, Police are reporting that Nicholas Ducreay of Roseau had his arm completely severed from his body by a cutlass wielding assailant. The attacker, who is known to Police is still on the run.
The two men reportedly had an argument earlier in the day.
Roseau � July 13, 2005
International Youth Soccer and Educational Camp for Dominica
Plans are well underway for the major International Youth Soccer and Educational Camp scheduled for July 19 -26, 2005 in Dominica.
The camp will feature under18 players from Dominica, Canada, the United States and Great Britain. The majority of the overseas players are of Dominican parentage.
President of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) Dr. Clayton Shillingford views the staging of this event as crucial in encouraging children of the Diaspora to remain connected with Dominica.
The Camp is a collaborative effort between the DAAS, the Newtown Football Academy and the Dominica United Kingdom Association (DUKA), and will feature a week of football competition even as the visitors get a chance to immerse themselves in Dominica�s culture.
Several parents and other Dominicans will be accompanying the teams to Dominica.
More information is available at DominicaSports.org
Roseau � July 13, 2005
The Mighty Spider (Roland James) is Dead
One of the most celebrated Calypsonians in Dominica is dead. The Mighty Spider died recently after suffering from lung cancer. One of his most popular songs was �I singing Sankey for OJ and John�, to signal the demise of the John Labour Party government following the events of May 1979.
Although a consistent calysonian for decades, the Mighty Spider only won the coveted Calypso crown on one occasion. He will be buried in Roseau on Wednesday, July 13, 2005.
Read more of the EARLIER NEWS IN Brief
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