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Volume No. 2 Issue No. 4 - June 11, 2007
The News in Brief from The Dominican.net News Desk


New York � May 31, 2007
Pirate Master Begins Thursday May 31, 2007

The latest in the CBS reality series Pirate Master will air on CBS television stations at 8 pm eastern standard time, and every week for the next several weeks.

The series was filmed in the waters and forests of Dominica and feature 16 modern-day pirates as they embark on a high seas adventure around Dominica in search of hidden treasure that will total $1 million. Over the course of 33 days, the pirates will live aboard a massive 179-foot pirate ship.

Viewers will also have the opportunity to see a special promotion on Dominica at about 7:45 pm.

May 17, 2007 � Roseau
Two New Ambulances for Fire Services

The Fire and Ambulance Services in Dominica received a much needed boost today when the Government of Dominica handed over two new ambulances worth $180,000.

Speaking at the Handing Over ceremony this morning, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore said the provision of the ambulances was �testament of the Government�s strategy to transform the health sector in Dominica�.

Hon. Blackmoore told officers that Government saw its role as �providing the tools of trade to make your task easier�. The Minister, who is also Parliamentary Representative for the Mahaut constituency, commended the hard work and dedication of the officers in the execution of their onerous duties.

In his remarks, Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Julien Jno Baptiste said that the ambulances had come at a critical time for his department.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Felix Gregoire, Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Jiselle Allport and officers of the Fire and Ambulance Services Division.

Roseau � May 9, 2007
Dominica Records 4 percent Real GDP Growth in 2006

An IMF Article IV mission to Dominica is confirming that the country�s economy grew by 4 percent during 2006. This growth rate is the highest registered growth in Dominica for the past twenty years.

Positive growth was registered in tourism, construction, services and the offshore medical school sector. The IMF mission commended the Dominica authorities for their fiscal discipline but stressed that challenges remained in continuing to grow Dominica�s economy.

Roseau � May 9, 2007
Government to Pay $3 million in Back Pay to Public Servants

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt has announced that his government will pay $3 million in salary increases to public servants. The payment represents a 3 percent increase in wages for the year 2006 and will be paid by the end of June 2007.

Roseau � May 9, 2007
Founder of State College Not Happy with Management

One of the architects of the Dominica State College is lamenting the absence of quality management at the institution. Dr. Donald Peters told local reporters that the college had not lived up to expectations largely because of its current management.

He urged that every effort be made to improve on management at the college and ensure that qualified managers were hired. Dr. Peters also expressed the hope that the college will go on to offer first degrees within the next few years.

Dr. Peters along with Dr. Hilroy Thomas were largely credited for the setting up of the State College.

Meanwhile, current President of the State College Dr. Bardouille is expected to step aside and will be replaced by Hubert Charles a former UNESCO official and Permanent Sectretary.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, May 7, 2007
China plays its hand in St. Lucia move

St Lucia's new administration may have hoped to keep a relationship going with both China and Taiwan, but the Chinese are having no part of a triangular love fest.

China officially called an end to a 10-year diplomatic relationship with the tiny island Saturday. The country's embassay in St Lucia issued a statement stating it was also immiediately ending its financing for a psychiatric hospital and cancelling plans to build a cultural center.

The Chinese announcement comes as the John Compton administration announced it was resuming ties with Taiwan on April 30th. St Lucia had originally severed ties with Taiwan in 1997. China has given millions of dollars to St. Lucia for many projects and helped with the construction of its stadium to help them stage matches in the Cricket World Cup.

The Chinese maintain a strict "One China" policy. China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has sought to push it into diplomatic isolation. Beijing and Taipei have been diplomatic rivals since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. (Copyright Hardbeatnews.com)

Roseau � April 30, 2007
Police Charge Danny Ambo in Shooting Death of Marcus Peltier

Police in Dominica have charged Danny Ambo in the shooting death of 35 year old Marcus Peltier. Ambo recently appeared before a Roseau magistrate where the charges were read to him. He was also charged with conspiracy to murder.

It is alleged that on April 13, he conspired with others to murder Peltier. Additionally, it is alleged that between April 17 and 18, he murdered Peltier. The preliminary inquiry is set for August 13.

Ambo was earlier placed on $50,000 bail after he was charged with Possession of cannabis and obstruction under the Drug Prevention and Misuse Act.

Meanwhile, police are continuing investigations into the murder of Peltier, who at the time of his death was the proprietor of Piwi�s Ice-cream.

Peltier was shot execution style at Rodney�s Rock in the early hours of April 18, 2007.

In May 2006, Police had arrested and charged Peltier along with Vincentian national Dillon Jacob with possession with intent to supply 258,250 grams (569 pounds) of compressed marijuana with an estimated street value of EC$1.7 Million. Peltier pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on bail with the matter pending while Jacob was remanded at the Stock Farm prison.

Roseau, Dominica � April 27, 2007
Additional Hotel Rooms to be Built

In an effort to increase the number of hotel rooms in Dominica and to increase the level of economic activity in the country, the Government of Prime Minister, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit continues to grant concessions to a number of private sector entities on the island.

As a result of the concessions granted by Cabinet between January and April 2007, at least one hundred and sixty (160) new jobs will be created and an additional eighty-three (83) hotel rooms are expected to be added to Dominica�s hotel room inventory with a projected capital investment of $31 million.

The concessions granted are in support of the establishment of a water bottling operation, hotel and resort developments and restaurants.

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica will continue to grant concessions in the form of tax holidays, exemptions and waivers to private sector entities in an effort to stimulate investment and boost income and employment in Dominica.

Roseau, Dominica � April 27, 2007
Workshop Held on Doing Business in Dominica

A one-day workshop on Doing Business in Dominica took place yesterday at the Public Service Training Centre in Roseau.

The workshop was hosted by the Government of Dominica through the Reform Management Unit, Establishment, Personnel and Training Department.

The Workshop was convened in pursuance of Government�s commitment to improve the enabling environment in which businesses operate in Dominica. The workshop took place against the backdrop of enabling environment and investment climate reviews that have been conducted in recent years by Britain�s Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

At the opening ceremony, the feature address was delivered by the Minister for Tourism, Industry and Private Sector Relations, Hon. Yvor Nassief. There were remarks by the Vice President of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Francis Emmanuel. Participants to the workshop included business persons, investment facilitators, bankers, consultants, customs brokers and representatives of key agencies of the Government.

At the end of the Workshop an Action Agenda for the Country was developed.

The facilitator of the Workshop was former OECS Director General, Mr. Swinburne Lestrade.

Roseau, Dominica � April 26, 2007
IMF Team in Dominica for Annual Article IV Consultation

A Team from the International Monetary Fund is currently on island to conduct an Article IV Consultation, which is an annual economic surveillance mission undertaken in all member countries of the IMF.

While in Dominica, the IMF Team will review fiscal and economic performance for the 2006/2007 fiscal year and examine prospects for the economy going forward.

The Team will engage staff from the Ministry of Finance and Planning as well as other departments of government. Meetings are also scheduled with officials from Public and Private Sector organizations and Private and Public Sector unions.

The Mission will be from April 26, 2007 - May 8, 2007.

Pointe-Mitchel, April 26, 2007
Volleyball on the rise in Dominica

Pointe Michel is showing early Dominance in the Cable & Wireless National Volleyball League for 2007. Both male and female teams from the area emerged as winners in their section of the Ballo-rama competitions Saturday, as part of the Official Opening Ceremony April 21.

Cable & Wireless Wolf Pac defeated Bloaters Breakers of Portsmouth 25-11 to become the men's Ballo-rama champs. And Cable & Wireless Strikeforce dominated Griffon Bank Panthers 21-4 to win the women's Ballo-rama title two in a row.

A record 21 teams have registered for the league and 18 were on parade. Nineteen teams participated last year and twelve the year before. So, participation in volleyball is on a steady increase across the island.

Portsmouth � April 21, 2007
Ross Physician for Human Rights Group Assists CALLS

The CALLS Centre for Learning has received a gift of $2,000EC from the Ross University group, Physicians for Human Rights. CALLS, which stands for Centre where Adolescents Learn to Love and Serve is part of the Adolescent Development Program and offers training to young people between the ages of 16 and 22 to help prepare them for employment.

Through the CALLS program students are offered, in addition to academic subjects, job related skills in such areas as woodworking, child care, electricity, nutrition, sewing, welding, cosmetology, and computer science. Students are able to choose the field of particular interest to them.

A request by Mrs. Olivia Douglas, principal of CALLS, for support for a technology class that had been suspended for lack of funds, prompted this year�s donation.

The money donated by Ross Physicians for Human Rights has made it possible for CALLS to continue the class this semester. Ross student members of the Physicians for Human Rights are: Kyong Ji, Neha Rane, Ken Drane, and Elizabeth Kim.

Roseau � April 18, 2007
Police Investigating Shooting Death of Businessman Marcus Peltier

Dominican police are searching for an assailant in the shooting death of businessman Marcus Peltier of Castle Comfort. Police also report that another man, Stowe Prevost of Roseau was hospitalized nursing gunshot wounds as a result of the same incident.

A police spokesman said that they were summoned to Jimmit in the early hours of this morning where they found Peltier�s lifeless body and that of Stowe. Peltier was shot several times in the chest. The spokesman could not confirm that the incident was drug related but rumors are rampant that this may have been the case.

The search for the assailant continues.

This is the first reported homicide in Dominica for 2007.

April 11, 2007 - Roseau, Dominica
Next Year will be Reunion 2008

Dominica will celebrate 30 years of Independence next year. A Reunion 2008 Planning Committee representing various districts and organizations throughout the island, has been commissioned by Cabinet to oversee the activities surrounding this milestone. The year 2008 will be dubbed Reunion 2008.

At a Press Conference scheduled for Friday, April 13, 2007, the Reunion Planning Committee will present the theme, mission statement and vision commemorating Reunion year. The initial thoughts on the activities that the Committee wishes to implement within the framework of the 2008 Reunion Programme, will also be shared.

During the official launch of Reunion 2008 later this month, the Logo and Theme Song will be presented. The Committee sees Reunion 2008 as an ideal opportunity for meaningful engagement of all Dominicans living on the island and in the Diaspora in the goal of national renewal.

The Press Conference will commence at 10:00 a.m. at the Press Room, Prime Minister�s Office.

For further information, contact: Mr. Hubert Charles, Executive Chair Reunion 2008 Planning Committee; at Email: [email protected]

April 10, 2007 � Kingston, St. Vincent
St Vincent Prime Minister Involved in Vehicular Accident

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonzalves, was rushed to hospital after he sustained injuries in a vehicular accident yesterday evening.

According to reports, Dr Gonzalves' official vehicle was hit by a truck just outside the capital Kingstown.

He reportedly received injuries to the face and mouth and was rushed to hospital.

Gonzalves' driver was also badly injured and had to be taken to hospital.

On Tuesday he was released from hospital and ordered by doctors to rest at home.

April 5, 2007
New Political Party to Elect Party Leader

Dominica�s newest political party will be staging its first annual convention on April 15 in Colihaut.

According to coordinator of the People�s Democratic Movement (PDM), Para Riviere, delegates will select a political leader and other key party officials.

During the convention, a plan for Dominica�s economic development will be put forward.

April 5, 2007
Cimpex a Hire Purchase Company to Close Operations

One of Dominica�s two hire purchase companies specializing in the sale of furniture and appliances will close its doors during April but will reopen as a new company in May.

According to former general manager of Cimpex ltd, Mickey Joseph, the company, headquartered in St. Lucia was experiencing financial problems and was forced to close down.

However, the management and staff were given an opportunity to purchase the company�s assets and inventory. The new company will be called MPV co ltd. As a result of the purchase, most of the 25 employees will be retained but the company will move to a new address on May 1, 2007.

April 5, 2007
Giant African Snail Sighted in Dominica

Agriculture officials in Dominica are reporting the sighting of the giant African snail in the North of the Island. The snail, which is noted for its destruction of agricultural crops, was seen in the village of Do Dane. The officials are hoping that it is contained in that area but are on the lookout for it in other parts of the island.

April 5, 2007
Ross Employees to Receive 14 Percent Salary Increases

Employees of Ross Medical University have successfully negotiated through their union for salary increases of 14 percent over the next three years.

Ross university is one of two offshore medical schools in Dominica and is located in Portsmouth.

April 5, 2007 � Roseau
Prime Minister Visits Japan Says Decision on IWC Vote Pending

Dominica�s position at the upcoming International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting in May is expected to be a top agenda item when Prime Minister Skerrit meets with Japanese officials in Tokyo this week.

The Prime Minister who left yesterday for Japan says the visit is also intended to further deepen and strengthen bi-lateral relations between the two countries.

Speaking about the pending vote, the Prime Minister noted that �we will take the process forward but certainly at the appropriate time we will advise the Dominican people as to where we are in respect to the IWC.�

The Portsmouth fisheries project will also be discussed during the Japan visit. Skerrit says he would like the Japanese government to inform him as to the date of the physical commencement of this project.

Among other matters to be discussed, is the issue of the UN Security Council as it relates to Japan becoming a non permanent member of that council.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied on his first official visit to Japan, by Minister for Agriculture, Dr. John Colin McIntyre and Ambassador-Designate of the Commonwealth of Dominica to Japan, Mr. Lloyd Pascal.

cricket

April 03, 2007 � Mahaut
Dominica Cococunt Produts now Colgate Palmolive Facing Imminent Shutdown

Local radio reports out of Dominica have indicated that the Colgate Palmolive plant on the island is about to shut down.

According to local radio reports, top officials of the company were in crisis talks today and had informed workers of the impending closure of the factory. The former Dominica Coconut Products was purchased by Colgate Palmolive in 2000.

The factory is the leading manufacturer on the island producing soaps and other toiletries and employs about 200 workers. If confirmed, the plant is expected to be completely shut down by September 2007.

Calls to local managers were referred to corporate headquarters in New York, where company spokesmen refused to comment further.

April 03, 2007 � Mahaut
Opposition Members Expelled from Parliament after Raising Questions on Financing of a Group Linked to the Ruling Labour Party

For the second time in the sitting of Parliament, opposition members were ordered out of the house by the speaker for attempting to raise questions not on the order paper.

Opposition MPs have been attempting to get government to comment on the finances of a little known group called the Citizens for a Better Dominica.

Reports out of Dominica have indicated that the company, which is registered in the name of key officials of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) received several hundred thousand dollars on the eve of the last general elections.

United Workers Party members have also alleged that the monies were collected from the sale of Dominica passports and were used to finance the election campaign of the ruling Dominica labor Party.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has however indicated that his government has done nothing wrong and that all monies coming into the country for the government is properly handled by public servants. He went on to say that it was not for him to comment on such individual cases.

The UWP brought suit against the Speaker following the first incident in which they were forced out of parliament. The issue is currently before the courts.

It was not immediately clear what course of action the MPs would take this time following their expulsion.

April 2, 2007 � Roseau, Dominica
Donation of linen to the Dominica Hospital System

The Dominica Hospital System is now in receipt of linen (sheets and pillow cases) valued in the amount of approximately $30,000 USD.

That project was made possible by the intervention of Claudette Loblack, Housekeeping Manager of the Wardman Marriott, Washington, D.C. working in collaboration with the Roosevelt Douglas Foundation and the Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences, (a US Non-Profit Corporation engaged in uniting Dominicans for development work at home and abroad).

Packing and sorting of the linen was done by Mrs. Joan Christian, Manager of the Law Firm of Gabriel Christian and associates. Much assistance with shipping was provided by Trinidadian born Ansell Hall of Liberty Shipping, a committed Caribbean business and civic leader.

Ms. Loblack has a long history of patriotic endeavor and, in the view of many, is Dominica�s unofficial goodwill ambassador in Washington, D.C. where she has been a leader in the Dominican community.

Marvlyn Birmingham, Director at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), recently acknowledged receipt of the much-welcomed supplies.

She stated that the linen was of a high quality and would serve patients at health care facilities nationwide for some time. She confirmed that Dominica�s hospitals currently maintained 228 beds at the PMH, 28 beds each at the Portsmouth and Marigot Hospitals.

In thanking the collaborators who made this project possible, Ms. Birmingham encouraged other Dominican individuals and organizations in the Diaspora to make their best efforts to assist their homeland in whatever way possible.


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