Dominica Island Blog: Sharing Every Dominican Moment with the World

Morning Brew: September 26th, 2008

Written by Chris in Dominica News No Comments →

Your Dominica morning news roundup for Friday September 26th 2008:

Let me start this brew by apologizing for not being able to post the regular “Morning Brew” - reason: serious headache.

After winning three regional titles, the latest being the Miss Caribbean World pageant in Tortola, British Virgin Islands last Saturday. The Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC) has taken a decision to name the VIP section at the 11th Annual World Creole Music Festival after Dominica’s reigning Carnival Queen Marah Walter.

The DFC sure knows how to treat a Queen – hmmm… let’s just name the VIP after her. Note to DFC – monetary prizes are also welcome.

According to the CPI report, Dominica is still on Corrupt Countries list. Dominica came in 33 with a 6.0 score out of the 180 nationals survey globally. Countries with scores less than five out of ten indicate a serious corruption problem. Well I’m guessing it’s safe to say that Dominica is on the brink of “Serious Corruption”.

Question: Is this the type corruption brought about by our officials in public office this report is talking about?

Twenty students from the Dominica State College are among the first batch of sixty (60) university students to be trained on how to identify and develop a response to opportunities within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The objective is to engage the next generation in the Caribbean in identifying career opportunities in the field with regard to wage employment, self- employment and starting a business within the CSME.

In my personal opinion CSME is all talk – and the field promotion in Jamaica is a perfect example. Most of the CARICOM countries are years away from being CMSE ready.

National E-Business Incubator on the Brink to Foster Great Entrepreneurs in Dominica, and is seek to transform inventive ideas, start ups and pledging businesses into sustainable enterprises which will be equipped to compete internationally.

Commissioner of Police told the press that together with the Minister of National Security there will be zero tolerance of any kidnapping here in Dominica or persons setting up road blocks. The police also announced that two of the men responsible for a recent kidnapping incident were taken into custody by the Dominica Police Force.

Take note lawbreakers - Dominica is maybe the only place in the world where someone get sent-away for 25-30 years for kidnapping and setting up road blocks.

Fuel Prices Go Up Again in Dominica

Written by Chris in Dominica News No Comments →

Between the gas pump and the high prices of groceries at the checkout counters, Dominican have plenty to reason to list inflation as Economic Enemy No.1. But how bad is it, really?

The straight answer: it’s bad enough, but don’t just judge the problems only what it cost to fill up your tank. It’s not surprising that many people feel as it price inflation is running hotter than a summer day in the Caribbean.

Dominicans will soon have to pay more for public transportation services, which eventually a perception factor will trickle down to all types of local consumer spending.

Gas prices reached a record price on May 15, according to price on world market, up 38 cents in the past month. Food prices this year are also reaching record prices. These are the prices rising fastest and these are the ones people see the most.

So while the prices of some important items bought less frequently, for example cell phones, clothing, even buying a house –have fallen or remained flat, the prices at the checkout counter are sky rocketing.

Another cause for worry: Wages are not keeping up with inflation — people are still being paid the same salaries. Recently government increased the basic wage, but the rate at which prices are rising- these basic wage increases will not cover the expenses of the local consumer.

My question to the readers: What happens if energy prices continue to go up, which eventually will have an influence on the other sectors in the Dominican economy? What happens then?

P.S. Whatever happened to the Petro Caribe Project? To my knowledge the project is presently up and running. For all those who don’t know about the Petro Caribe Project – (in my understanding) the project was an agreement between the Government of Venezuela and Dominica; where Venezuela would setup an oil bank in Dominica and in turn will help lower the prices of fuel in Dominica. Sadly to say the prices of fuel continues to rise in Dominica…What happened?

In The News 01/23/08

Written by Chris in Dominica News No Comments →

Ex–Parliamentary Representative Passes Away

Wardsworth Languedoc, the former Parliamentary Representative for the St. Joseph Constituency, died in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Sunday, January 20. He was 55. Funeral services will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, January 26.

Man Accused of Murder Walked Free

Jerico Stevens from Newtown was released after being remanded in 2005, after the judge said the self-defense plea was compelling.

Carnival, Funding and God

Dominica Carnival needs financial contributions ‘in the name of Jesus’ said Head of the Carnival Festivals Commission Val Cuffy. God will bless those who contribute greatly.

Outbreak of TB at DOMLEC

The Chief Medical Officer said suggestions of an outbreak of TB at DOMLEC have been alleged, with only one person testing for exposure.

Increase in Disposable Income

Several measures were put in place in the last Budget that will increase disposable income; including a lowering of income tax said Prime Minister Skerrit. He also stated Governments intention to increase the minimum wage.

Low Price Increases

Dominica featured as one the islands with the 2nd lowest price increases in the OECS between 2002-2006, PM Skerrit announced in Parliament today. The rate was 8.3%; only Antigua’s inflation was lower.