Dominica News blog

We're moving!

2011-01-21T16:44:00.001-04:00

With the re-launch of the NewsDominica.com website, we'll be posting new snippets there rather then here, so feel free to visit us at NewsDominica.com

Grassroots democracy to launch tonight

2011-01-17T13:24:00.000-04:00

A grassroots program to fight for electoral reform is to be launched this evening by the opposition United Workers Party at a public meeting in Roseau.

Education, Church will help solve crime

2011-01-17T13:21:00.002-04:00

PM Skerrit has said that raising educational standards, and intensifying dialogue with churches, are two prongs in Government's fight against crime. He also called on parents and the community to fight crime.

Mas Camp starts tonight

2011-01-14T13:39:00.000-04:00

Mas Camp begins tonight at Harlem Plaza in Newtown. The show is an integral part of Carnival, which is in March this year.

New Police stations

2011-01-14T13:25:00.000-04:00

Police will have new stations in Grand Bay, Calibishie and La Plaine. This, Minister for National Security Charles Savarin, will help fight crime.

NDFD 'helps poverty reduction'

2011-01-14T13:24:00.000-04:00

The National Development Foundation of Dominica has made a mark on the problem of poverty and national development. The NDFD was established 30 years ago.

19 year old is Island Scholar

2011-01-14T13:20:00.001-04:00

A 19-year old from Elmshall is Dominica's 'Island Scholar'. Martin Atherton Jean-Jacques of the State College received the highest aggregate marks in A-level GCSE. He gets a scholarship.

Man dies in car accident

2011-01-06T13:20:00.000-04:00

A 44 year old man was killed in a road accident at Silver Lake yesterday around 5pm. The car, reg. PR395 was driven by a Shawford resident.

Woodford Hill man arrested for shooting

2011-01-06T13:18:00.000-04:00

A Woodford Hill man has been remanded in custody for the shooting of a man in Wesley two days ago. Roger Samuel is charged for shooting Patrick Joseph in the course of a house burglary.

PSU, Govt agree on pay

2010-12-15T13:26:00.003-04:00

The Public Service Union has reached agreement with Government for a 3% increase in salaries and allowances for 2009-2012.

Melville Hall residents concerned

2010-12-15T13:25:00.000-04:00

Residents of the housing scheme near Melville Hall airport have voiced their concerns at recent letters received from Government demanding that they move. Marigot MP Edison James is calling on clarification from housing minister Reg Austrie, pointing out that some of the residents have been there 20 years or more.

Source: DBS Radio

Wesley shooting

2010-12-15T13:21:00.000-04:00

A man was shot in the village of Wesley last night. Vaughn Dodds is nursing serious gunshot wounds at the hospital.

PM: 'take it to court'

2010-12-15T13:19:00.000-04:00

PM Skerrit says if the Opposition thinks he will resign they are wrong and they should take the issue of his dual-nationality to court. He is accused of holding French nationality contrary to the rules of election nomination eligability.

Police warn on counterfeit bills

2010-12-13T13:24:00.000-04:00

Police are warning people to look out for counterfeit currency, especially EC $50 and $20 notes, and 50 Euro notes. They said to always check for watermarks on notes.

Canefield to be cruise village?

2010-12-13T13:21:00.000-04:00

Canefield airport may be turned into a 'cruise village', despite being nowhere near a cruise ship berth. The announcement was made by Ports Minister Rayburn Blackmore at the launching of a new air service. He pointed out that the Government was losing money in the operation of the existing airport. The newly-launched Caricom Airways will connect Dominica and St Lucia starting Jan 2nd 2011.

Electoral Reform campaign continues

2010-12-09T13:23:00.000-04:00

The UWP-led campaign for electoral reform continues with a December 17th 'people's assembly' outside the Financial Centre in Roseau.

Hand severed

2010-12-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

An 18 year old man of Layou was seriously wounded by a 17 year old of the same community. His hand was completely severed in the incident.

Body found

2010-12-01T13:18:00.000-04:00

The decomposed body of a 31-year old male was fished out of the sea near the coastguard base at Fond Cole. The man has been identified as a Kings Hill man who last lived in Massacre.

Dominica to host Test cricket

2010-11-26T15:58:00.000-04:00

Dominica's Windsor Park stadium will host test cricket next July. The third test match of the series between West Indies and India will take place July 6th to the 10th, 2011.

Bank found to have charged excessive interest

2010-11-12T13:27:00.000-04:00

The Royal Bank of Canada has been found to have charge excessive interest in a case heard at the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. Owner of SAG Motors Desmond Carlisle had challenged the bank in 1999. It has been suggested he will be paid back around $700,000 by the bank.

'Find new ways to deal with sex offenders'

2010-11-12T13:20:00.000-04:00

Dominica was told to find new ways to deal with child/sex offenders by a UK specialist. This follows a UNICEF report on the issue. A draft plan of action is being prepared.

SAT launches digital services

2010-11-11T10:26:00.000-04:00

SAT Telecommunications yesterday launched new services, comprising of Internet, digital TV and telephone. The company also celebrated 10 years in operation.

Hilary Clinton says 'Happy Independence'

2010-11-01T15:58:00.000-04:00

"On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Dominica on 32 years of independence this November 3. The broad partnership between Dominica and the United States is based on a shared commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting sustainable development that widens the circle of prosperity to more people in more places. As you gather to enjoy festivals and celebrate your rich history, I wish all Dominicans a safe and happy Independence Day. I look forward to a future filled with friendship and cooperation between our countries."

http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2010/11/150250.htm

Clean-up after Tomas

2010-11-01T15:44:00.000-04:00

Dominica was returning to normal after a weekend of bad weather brought by the passage to the south of Hurricane Tomas. Most damage was caused by the gusty high winds on Saturday night.

Hurricane Tomas brings wind, rain

2010-10-30T15:14:00.003-04:00

The passage of Hurricane Tomas to the south of Dominica has brought a day of gusty winds and heavy showers. No damage has been reported as yet, but the current poor weather conditions are set to continue overnight.

Creole Day

2010-10-29T13:11:00.000-04:00

Today was Creole Day, and many people sported their splendid Creole dress in Roseau. Creole Day is part of Dominica's Independence celebrations.

Cancer treatments not available

2010-10-22T13:24:00.000-04:00

The Dominica Cancer Society said that treatments and drugs are simply not available for cancer sufferers locally. They said drugs were not affordable, and the society was lobbying various bodies for funds. Meanwhile the Minister for Health said he was lobbying for the OECS Cancer Treatment Centre to be established in Dominica.

"Maximise opportunities"

2010-10-22T13:18:00.001-04:00

The call was for the youth of Dominica to maximise opportunities. This was made at today's National Youth Rally.

Small Business Week opens

2010-10-18T13:25:00.000-04:00

Small Business Week opened today. It seeks to highlight the Government's Small Business Unit. Activities include a small business exhibition.

Taxi drivers unhappy

2010-10-18T13:23:00.000-04:00

Taxi drivers have voiced their displeasure at a new arrangement for them & cruise ship visitors by walking out of a meeting this morning. Under the plan, they would be relocated into specific parking places, further away from the Bay Front. They were also pissed off at the late arrival of two officials at the meeting.

Teachers reject 3%

2010-09-15T13:22:00.000-04:00

The D/a Association of Teachers has rejected Government's 3% pay increase offer, and submitted a counter-proposal.

Monday for night landing

2010-09-15T13:19:00.000-04:00

Monday sees the start of night landing, with evenings flights by Winair and Liat. There will be an official ceremony making the landing.

SAT not increasing rates

2010-09-13T13:22:00.002-04:00

Cable TV company has assured customers that they won't be increasing the cost of their cable TV service.

Marpin defends price hike

2010-09-13T13:21:00.000-04:00

Marpin TV is defending their decision to increase their rates, saying the cost of programming has increased over the years without an increase.

900 small business jobs created

2010-09-10T13:24:00.000-04:00

Over 900 jobs have been created by the Small Business Unit of the Ministry of Finance. The 3rd week of October will be small business week.

Independence 2010 launched

2010-09-10T13:20:00.000-04:00

The 2010 Independence celebrations were launched today, and start Sept 25th. New events include a National Coconut Exhibition and a Creole Foodfest & Fashion Show.

Dominica will be celebrating 32 years of independence.

New tourism measures

2010-09-08T13:22:00.000-04:00

Minister of Tourism has announced new measures to help boost tourism after the news that Carnival Victory pulling out in November. The measures will make for a cleaner and more beautiful Roseau, better organised vendors and other measures.

Farmers can access $1 million

2010-09-08T13:18:00.000-04:00

Banana farmers can now access $1 million (well, not all of it at once) at the AID Bank. The money is for the Banana Recovery Programme, and has been given to the bank by the Government. It is aimed at increasing producation and quality.

PM announces change to Community Day of Service

2010-09-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

PM Skerrit announced that there will be no cement, steel or tarish provided for the National Day of Community Service. He said villages were encouraged to clean-up and beautify their surroundings.

LIAT to help with cargo

2010-09-06T13:18:00.000-04:00

LIAT have said they want to help Dominica boost its trade with the October launch of its regional air cargo service. They also said they are introducing a system in its planes to carry more luggage.

'Offer quality service'

2010-09-02T13:22:00.000-04:00

Minister Charles Savarin has called on tourism stakeholders to uphold standards and offer quality service. He was speaking following the announcement that Carnival Victory will no longer visit Dominica from later this year.

2.7 quake

2010-08-30T13:29:00.000-04:00

A small 2.7 earthquake hit the south of the island last night. No damage was reported.

Coastguard ship, barge runs aground

2010-08-30T13:25:00.000-04:00

High seas due to the passage of Hurricane Earl has caused the police Coastguard ship, and a barge, to run aground under the Canefield cliffs. The barge belongs to the Dominica Solid Waste Corporation.

Carnival Victory will no longer visit

2010-08-30T13:21:00.000-04:00

The Carnival Victory ship has announced that they will no longer stop in Dominica. The news has been greeted with dismay by tourism stakeholders, who say it will have a major impact on the local tourism industry. The Victory made one visit a week throughout the year, and has been visiting for 21 years. The company has said the cost of fuel was the main reason.

'Constitution must apply'

2010-08-26T13:25:00.000-04:00

Former regional judge Brian Alleyne said that it comes as no surprise that the Prime Minister will have to go to trial regarding the issue of dual citizenship, since the Constitution is clear on the matter of foreign citizenship. He said that PM Skerrit might have to contest the seat again, or it may be awarded to the second place candidate.

PM tells UWP to resign

2010-08-26T13:19:00.000-04:00

PM Skerrit has called on the management of the United Workers Party to resign, following yesterdays High Court decision. The court upheld the UWP's challenge on the matter of the PM holding dual-citizenship but dismissed most of the petitions. The PM and Education Minister will have to go on trial on the dual-citizenship issue.

Night Landing certification this week; good for Festival

2010-08-25T13:26:00.000-04:00

It was been announced that night landing will be a reality with the certification of Melville Hall airport this week. It was hailed as a big boost for October's World Creole Music Festival.

Ministers to stand trial

2010-08-25T13:23:00.000-04:00

The High Court has ruled that the Prime Minister and the Minister for Education will have to stand trial regarding their dual-citizenship. An election appeal had been lodged by the opposition UWP Party regarding the two, who hold dual citizenship but were elected in the December General Elections contrary to the Constitution. The other election appeals were denied.

Man dies at Portsmouth beach

2010-08-23T13:20:00.000-04:00

A Portsmouth man died by drowning at the weekend. 23 year old John James of Glanvillia drowned at Coconut beach on Sunday evening.

3 arrested for robbery

2010-08-20T13:25:00.000-04:00

Three men from the north east have been arrested and remanded following the armed robbery at the NDFD recently. Police PRO said the investigating officers should be commended. A pistol was recovered, as well as some of the $3,000 which was stolen.

More regional bureaucracy

2010-08-18T13:22:00.000-04:00

A sub-committee of CARICOM has agreed to form yet another talkshop, this time about 'governance'. A permanent 'council of ambassadors' will provide oversight of CARICOM. PM Skerrit said the Secretariat did need to reassessed, being 'overweight' and 'overstaffed'.

Census launched

2010-08-18T13:17:00.000-04:00

The 2011 Population & Housing census has been launched. It will provide information for development. The census is taken every 10 years.

50 back at work

2010-08-17T13:20:00.001-04:00

Over 50 employees at DCP who had been temporarily laid-off have been taken back by the soap-making company. This reflects an increase in orders from Jamaica as a result of the stabilisation of the situation in Kingston.

St Jo Fire Station

2010-08-17T13:17:00.000-04:00

Charles Savarin, Minister for Fires, opened a new fire station in St Joseph. He said even though resources were stretched, the opening was still going ahead. He said everyone was stretched.

17 year old in custody after chopping death

2010-08-13T13:19:00.000-04:00

A 17 year old from Canefield was in police custody after chopping a man in Jimmit in the early hours of the morning. The man died after crashing his vehicle in Massacre, en route to the Roseau hospital.

New Ambassador to Brazil

2010-08-13T13:17:00.002-04:00

The Government has appointed Jennifer Aird as the non-resident ambassador to Brazil.

Stronger firearms laws

2010-08-12T13:21:00.000-04:00

New laws are being formulated to control illegal firearms. PM Skerrit said he sought to strengthen the hand of the law to fight crime. He described the legislation as 'Draconian'.

New Ambassador to Cuba

2010-08-11T13:22:00.000-04:00

Dr Corbette of the Ministry of Carib Affairs is the new ambassador to Cuba. He will take up his position soon.

Digicel promotions launched

2010-08-06T13:27:00.000-04:00

Digicel today launched a number of promotions, including one that allows you to call another network for 50 cents, and another free off-peak calls on weekends.

No increase in water rates

2010-08-06T13:21:00.000-04:00

There should be no increase in water rates. PM Skerrit said despite the cost, the people of Dominica will be provided with water at the same rate. He was speaking at the commissioning of Campbell's new water system.

Campbell water supply

2010-08-05T13:24:00.002-04:00

A new water supply in Campbell has been commissioned.

Govt. confident in WI Power

2010-08-05T13:20:00.000-04:00

The PM has stated his confidence in St. Kitts-based West Indies Power that they are the best company to develop Dominica's geo-thermal energy potential.

UWP names 4 senators

2010-08-05T13:18:00.000-04:00

UWP has named 4 senators to sit in Parliament. They are Ronnie Isidore, Ronald Green, Claudius Sanford, and Ezekiel Bazi.

Lawyers are impediment to small business set-up

2010-08-05T09:52:00.000-04:00

Legal fees and delays were cited as an impediment to small business set-up, a seminar heard yesterday. The fact that lawyers charge between $1k and $2k for drawing up what is often an 'off-the-shelf' template Articles of Incorporation document was cited as one of the reasons setting up a small business in Dominica is costly and time-consuming.

Landslide in Newfoundland

2010-08-04T13:24:00.000-04:00

A massive landslide at Newfoundland (near La Plaine) is presently being cleared, and one way traffic may begin soon.

Night landing soon

2010-08-03T13:22:00.003-04:00

Dominica may be issued with certification for night landing by August 9th. Minister for Ports said negations with the Guadeloupe/Martinique authorities who control our airspace may result in night landing in a few days time.

50 room airport hotel from Morocco

2010-08-03T13:18:00.000-04:00

The PMs recent visit to Morocco has resulted in the possibility of a 50-room airport hotel. He spoke at a press conference, and also said it will go hand in hand with night landing 'which will begin soon'. Morocco may also provide cheaper fertilizer.

Need for more, before night landing

2010-07-30T13:21:00.001-04:00

Dominica is waiting for full certification before beginning night landing at Melville Hall airport. Minister for Civil Aviation, Blackmore, said additional requirements have to be met which will make Dominica exceed some airports regionally. A list of 16 items were specified by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation regulatory body, such as more lights and markings, which have been implemented. Now a recent letter specifies more changes, including grading top soil at the end of the runway, before a certificate will be issued.

New trade agreement with Canada

2010-07-29T13:19:00.000-04:00

A new trade agreement will soon be signed with Canada. Non-traditional areas will be a focus and provide new opportunities.

15 year old missing

2010-07-28T13:24:00.000-04:00

A Roseau woman is asking for help in the safe return of her 15 year old daughter. The girl is apparently with a man but being held against her will in the Wesley/Marigot area.

80 loans, $10 million

2010-07-27T13:25:00.000-04:00

The National Housing Board is celebrating 30-odd years in operation. One highlight of the past year alone are 80 loans totalling over $10 million. Funding comes from the D/a Govt. and the Dominica Social Security.

Emancipation celebration launch

2010-07-27T13:20:00.002-04:00

The 2010 Emancipation celebration is launched tonight. The event will include poetry and drumming.

Dominica forging new relationships

2010-07-27T13:19:00.000-04:00

Dominica is forging new relationships in North and Sub-Saharan Africa. The PM is presently on tour there.

Dengue watch

2010-07-26T13:24:00.000-04:00

Dominicans were urged to be on high alert for Dengue fever. They were used to ensure there were no places for the mosquitoes to breed.

Concern at State College

2010-07-26T13:21:00.002-04:00

Chief of Admissions at the State College has expressed concerns at the low number of applicants for the 2010/2011 college year. Only 385 applications have been received for 1,000 places. He suggested that people were waiting for exam results before applying.

World Creole Music Festival launched

2010-07-23T13:22:00.001-04:00

The 14th WCMF was launched last night, and one of the headline bands is UB40, who will appear on Sunday 31st October. Digicel is the headline sponsor, providing over $250,000 to the event.

World Creole Music Festival launch

2010-07-22T13:26:00.000-04:00

The 2010 World Creole Music Festival will be launched this evening.

Better health care this year

2010-07-22T13:20:00.000-04:00

Dominica's Health Minister J. Timothy said measures to improve health care will come into effect this year. These include an upgrade to the Marigot Hospital (including a defibrillator) , upgrades to health centres around the island, and a new X-ray machine for PMH.

Batteries being collected

2010-07-21T13:26:00.000-04:00

Dominica Solid Waste Corporation. has recommenced its collection of used lead acid batteries. 40 tons of batteries have collected and been shipped overseas.

More police officers

2010-07-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

50 more police officers are being added to the police force, Minister for National Security Charles Savarin announced. He said a higher visible presence will be a deterrent to crime especially in Roseau.

New cargo shed at Melville Hall

2010-07-20T13:26:00.002-04:00

A new cargo shed will be effective August 1st, says head of Dominica Air & Sea Ports. He said the new facility will free-up space for air passengers baggage.

Marigot 'neglected by Government'

2010-07-20T13:23:00.000-04:00

MP for Marigot Edison James said people of Marigot are tired of the neglect showed their constituency by Government. Villagers will be meeting to decide upon an action plan.

Night landing 'later this year'

2010-07-19T13:25:00.000-04:00

Night landing at Melville Hall Airport is due 'later this year'. Minister for Public Works Rayburn Blackmore made the announcement recently, and little red lights were indeed seen at the airport last night. But that might been because the Prime Minister was arriving.

Better, quicker service at ports

2010-07-19T13:21:00.000-04:00

Cargo users of Dominica's air and sea ports have been promised better and quicker service. A new Risk Management system has been introduced as part of a major upgrade for cargo customers. Rates have also been changed, effective today.

"No human trafficking"

2010-07-13T13:31:00.000-04:00

There is apparently no evidence of human trafficking (as defined by the UN) in Dominica, say Minister for Hon Charles Savarin. Rather he said Human Smuggling is a major problem which began in the 1990s, especially smuggling Haitians out of Dominica. He was speaking at a workshop for law enforcement professionals.

No new taxes

2010-07-13T13:16:00.002-04:00

No new taxes were imposed upon the Dominican people in today's Budget Address. Highlight of the address was a report on poverty levels which suggested that poverty in Dominica has been reduced.

$25 million sea wall

2010-07-12T13:20:00.000-04:00

The Caribbean Development Bank-funded sea defence wall & road for Pointe Michel will begin in September. It involves 720 meters of wall and enhancements to the road.

Training in human trafficking

2010-07-12T13:17:00.000-04:00

Law enforcement officers will get training in the area of human trafficking. 50 police and judges will be trained to identify trafficking, crime scene management and other topics. The project is funded by the OAS.

$17m from EU soon

2010-07-07T13:24:00.000-04:00

The EU will give EC$17 million to Dominica as part of their 'vulnerability assistance scheme'.

'Be more competitive'

2010-07-07T13:18:00.000-04:00

Acting PM Rayburn Blackmore has called upon banana farmers to be more competitive. He was speaking at the opening of a EU-funded banana reception centre in Fond Cole.

'Guard against greed'

2010-07-06T13:19:00.002-04:00

Police spokesman Cyrille Carrete said we need to guard against a decadent and greedy society. He was speaking after the recent arrests of two men on money laundering charges.

Sineku playing field developments

2010-07-05T13:25:00.000-04:00

Work will commence on the Sineku playing field. This follows signing of a contract, and will develop the field for playing cricket and other games.

$12 million education project

2010-07-05T13:19:00.000-04:00

A $12 million educational project was launched today. Funded by the Caribbean Development Bank with a loan, the 4-year project addresses the development and delivery of skills, especially technical vocational skills, and teacher training.

Children at risk

2010-07-02T13:18:00.000-04:00

A UNICEF study released today suggests that children in Dominica are at high risk of abuse. The study shows an increase in cases of child sexual abuse.

Sexual Abuse Action Plan

2010-06-29T13:26:00.000-04:00

A Sexual Abuse Action Plan may come out of a workshop tomorrow. Findings of a study will be presented. The study was funded by UNICEF.

$.5 million to business training

2010-06-29T13:21:00.000-04:00

The Business Training Centre has received almost half-a-million dollars from Government. Govt. Press Secretary said it shows government is committed to business training.

'Continue eco-tourism'

2010-06-29T13:17:00.002-04:00

Dominica was told to continue its eco-tourism thrust. Finland's Ambassador said so, and donated $50,000 to the sea turtle preservation trust.

July 13 Budget Day

2010-06-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

July 13 is Budget Day. The Budget will be presented at the House of Assembly beginning 10am.

WCMF to reduce costs

2010-06-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

Organisers of the World Creole Music Festival are seeking to cut costs.

Finland consul

2010-06-28T13:19:00.001-04:00

Finland launched their first ever honorary consul to Dominica. Julian Johnson will serve Finns in Dominica, and advance cultural and economic cooperation between the two nations.