21 year old murder accused Issa Alleyne has been acquitted of the murder charges with respect to the death of Wayne Dalrymple at the court Thursday. The incident occurred on carnival Tuesday 2006 when a man was reportedly seen stabbing the deceased. The courts decision to set free Mr. Alleyne of all charges was not taken easily by mother of the murdered, Norma Dalrymple. She expresses great disappointment in the police and the justice system. She strongly believes that the decision to acquit Alleyne of all charges rested on the position that his father holds.

Meantime, The Chronicle Newspaper Reporter Carlisle Jno Batiste called the hot seat this morning after following the Wayne Dalrymple case for the last four days. According to Mr. Carlisle there was not substantial evidence to prove that it was Mr. Alleyne who committed the crime. He stated that the jury makes decisions based on factual information and if there is any doubt their end result would be to rule in favor of the accused. Jno. Baptiste said that in this things were vivid and therefore he sees the verdict as just.

Felix Chen, owner of one of the companies in a court matter says he would still like to carry on with previous plans to build a luxury hotel on the Checkhall estate as a partner in a Shanguila international development company in collaboration with the Government of Dominica. But he says the success of Sino Union’s wishes to work with Government lies upon on the positive result of legal action on the way in the British Virgin Islands. He is Dominica to discuss the continuation of the project with heads of Government. Chen is pleading with those who stood in the way for example Ambassador David Shoe to step aside and let progress which will serve to benefit Dominica carry-on.

Dominica’s Reunion Independence Celebrations will include some new attractions. The programme was officially launched Thursday. The Celebrations will be launched officially on 27th September and will run until November 4th.

All is encouraged to take along a small Dominica Flag to the Opening of the Celebrations. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Reunion Committee Hubert Charles told the launch of this year’s celebrations that it was an opportunity to revisit national commitments and obligations.

National Day of Community Service is an important event on the Independence Calendar. Local Government Commissioner John Fontaine says some 163 projects are to be submitted to Government for approval this year and some 200thousand dollars have been approved to implement these.

News Source: Q95fm

A resident of Point Michel, found Mr. Charles while coming back from his garden at about 2.00pm.

Charles was taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital where he was rushed to surgery. His condition was listed as critical but stable.

Police are continuing their investigation in the matter.

The Opposition Party (UWP) has submitted the names of businesswoman Patricia Inglis and former High commissioner of Dominica to the UK, Georges Williams for consideration on the Integrity Commission.

The Government has nominated experienced lawyer and former Cabinet Secretary, Julian Johnson as Chairman along with Financial Secretary Alick Lazare and former Archbishop of Castries, Kelvin Felix.

The Integrity Commission is expected to finally come into operation on September 1, 2008.

Bus and Taxi Fares Increase

The Dominica Taxi Association had submitted a proposal to Cabinet for the hike of bus and taxi fares, following the increase in fuel prices at the pumps. Cabinet have went ahead and approve the increase in bus and taxi fares effective August 18, 2008.

Increase in bus fares range from$0.25 cents to $1.50.

Jaw Broken Over a Class of Juice – Cop Accused

Dominica Police Force has launched an investigation against one of its own after he was accused of breaking a civilian’s Jaw.

National Cricket player, Jamie Jno Baptiste of Salisbury was rushed to the Princess Margaret Hospital on August 10 after his team-mate of the police Sport Club punched him in the face over a glass of juice.

Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Claude Weekes informed the media that the necessary actions will be taken when investigations are completed.

Airport route to be upgraded

From September 2008, commuters will be diverted to alternative routes while a key part of the route from Roseau to Melville Hall airport undergoes a major makeover.

The Government of Dominica signed an EC$29.4 million contract with Contractor Emil Gaddarkhan et Fils of Guadeloupe to upgrade the Imperial road from Canefield to Pond Casse as part of a project to enhance road access to the airport.

The first phrase of the project is expected to be completed in 12 months. The project is funded by Development Aid Funds and the Government of Dominica.

On the popular morning talk show – “In the Hot Seat” with Matt, the young lady says that since her number was exposed in the internet prank, she has been bombarded with calls and text messages from persons and it has become very annoying.

The police are said to be investigating the internet prank.

Source: The Times - Dominica’s Only Investigative Newspaper

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says that despite speculations that transactions which happened in 2003 will not be up for investigation as it relates to the Integrity in Public Office (IPO) Act, will be included. The Prime Minister also spoke on behalf of his Cabinet members at panel discussion on the IPO Act which took place Thursday evening at the Garraway Hotel, saying that neither do they have anything to veil, calling them good-standing citizens of Dominica. Source:Q95fm

WEF is Taking Steps to Position Dominica as the Premiere Eco-destination

The Founding Member of the Waitukubuli Ecological Foundation (WEF) Bernard Wiltshire says his organization is taking steps to position Dominica on the world stage as the premiere eco-destination. WEF is scheduled to hold an international conference this year, under the theme “Moving Small Island States to Sustainability: the case of Dominica”, which Mr. Wiltshire says is meant to pool the brightest in the eco-industry worldwide to chart a way forward for Dominica. Former US Presidential candidate and Environmental Activist Al Gore is expected to be invited. Source:Q95fm

Marpin’s Receivership Woes Badly Affecting Staff Morale According to WAWU

Officials of the Union representing Marpin Telecoms and Broadcasting, WAWU says the company’s receivership woes are severely affecting staff morale and the union is seeking to stabilize the matter. A recent court decision has granted the Dominica Social Security and WRB the rights to acquire the cable company’s assets. According to President of the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union Kertiste Augustus, the staff is entitled to certain benefits, including a 45-day payout as part of settlement, since the staff will be made redundant. Source:Q95fm

Youth attend First Ever Youth Festival

At the First Ever Youth Festival held at St. Joseph over the weekend, an address came from Education Minister Vince Henderson urging Dominica’s youth to take full advantage of opportunities created for their development. Meanwhile, Ken George who is the Chairman of the St. Joseph Village Council told the young persons present that they can rely on the support of the adults any time challenges may arise. Source:Q95fm

Media Workers Association President is Supporting Suggestions By a Political party

President of the Media Workers Association of Dominica Thelia Remy is supporting suggestions by a Political party that more needs to be done regarding the proposed Broadcast Act for Dominica. A former senator in the House of Assembly and Executive member of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) Swanson Carbon says the Broadcast Act is aimed at attacking freedom in Dominica. Source:Kairifm

Employees at the Dominica Banana Producers Limited Could Lose Their Jobs

A number of Dominicans employed with the Dominica Banana Producers Limited could lose their jobs following a restructuring process there. The General Manager of the Dominica Banana Producers Limited says the restructuring is as a result of threats by FAIRTRADE to provide a number of services currently being offered by the DBPL.

The company has decided to reduce its workload and as a result some staff will not be required. Meantime the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union is discussing the matter with its employees. Source:Kairifm

She was granted $35,000 bail by the court. Her mother and father bailed her. As apart of her bail conditions, Ms Shilling was asked to surrender her passport and report to the police headquarters on a daily basis.

This is not the first time that Ms Shillingford have been arrested on drug-related charges, just in December she was charged for possession of marijuana which was found in her suitcase as she attempted to board a flight at Melville Hall Airport – where she pleaded guilty and was fined EC$9,000.

United Workers Party (UWP) leader Ron Green has commenced his tenure as Leader of the Opposition with a call to all Dominicans to unite and work towards a fresh start for the country. Green, a former Minister for Education, took his oath in the presence of President Nicholas J.O. Liverpool, party supporters and members of the media at a ceremony at the State House on Friday. He was elevated to the office of Leader of the Opposition and leader of the UWP following the departure of Earl Williams who resigned amid corruption allegations of wrong doing in his private law practice. Source:Q95fm Radio

Farmer takes Labour Party Government to Court

A Marigot farmer has begun legal proceedings against the Roosevelt Skerrit led administration for damage caused to his plantation by parrots. Walter Williams said failed attempts to have the matter rectified with Government over the past four years have proved futile, hence his reasons for taking the step further.Source:Q95fm Radio

WIBDECO expresses concern on quality of Dominica bananas

The Windward Island Banana Cooperation (WIBDECO) is concerned over what they say appears to be poor quality of Dominican bananas over the last few months. Communications Manager of WIBDECO Freemont Lawrence said the quality of some of the bananas delivered to WIBDECO and exported to the United Kingdom has suffered significant deterioration. He said as a result of the poor quality of Dominica’s banana, Windward’s Bananas has been receiving and settling quality claims from the purchasers of these fruit who have found the quality unacceptable.Source:Q95fm Radio

Dominican Consumers of electricity are saying that their electricity bills are now out of control and that they’re can no longer afford it. For the past few years consumers have been complaining that their electricity bills have been steadily increasing with no end in sight. The incumbent Labour Government has made several promises to take action to bring electricity down to manageable rates, but so far nothing has been done, even in the face of decreasing disposable incomes and the rise in cost of living.

The popular Morning Radio Talk show ‘The Hot Seat’ with Matt Peltier last Friday was burning hot with cries by Dominicans advocating other Dominican electricity consumers to take to the street to demonstrate their dissatisfaction and hold the Government accountable for not taking action to reduce the cost of electricity over the past seven years during which the Labour Party have been in power.

It appears that the electricity commission which was appointed by Government has not been effective in regulating the electricity sector, and the bills continue to go up on a regular basis. And the question on everyone’s mind is – why is the government so silent on the issue?

In the meantime, there are continuous concerns about the level of poverty in the minds of the people and in their voices you can hear the anguish, frustration and desperation for help.