​Local Pastor Rodney distances himself from Monsignor Eustace Thomas’ remarks made at the recent CBI Consultation. Rodney has denied making any such partisan political remarks, as claimed by one caller to Q95.
 
This controversy surfaced following a prayer by Catholic Priest, Msgr. Eustace Thomas, in which he described those who oppose the CBI Program as unpatriotic, ignorant and prophets of doom and gloom.
 
This statement angered many within the Catholic community, while others have sought to justify these statements by listing pastors whom they claim, also engage in partisan politics on the pulpit.
 
Pastor Rodney, in response to these allegations on Q95's Hot Seat Thursday, stated categorically, that he is not partisan. He says however, some of the comments in the prayer are unfortunate, and should not have been uttered, as every pastor and priest has a responsibility to speak only what God would speak.

​Meanwhile, Rodney is calling on the Catholic Organization in Dominica, to categorically state its position on partisan politics and its role in attempting to influence votes here.
 
This call comes at a time when many Dominicans are now questioning the integrity of the Catholic religion and its hierarchy, because of the utterances of one priest, namely, Monsignor Eustace Thomas, at a National Consultation Conference held at the State House on Monday.

​Rodney says a proper and truthful statement from the organization, would restore some level of confidence to Catholics on the island.

​Harris paints is collaborating with the Dominica State Prison to deliver a five (5) day training session on painting processes.
 
The sessions beginning on 8th May include, Surface Preparations, Product Knowledge, Painting Techniques, Troweltex and Wood Care. Locations around the prison will be used as practice areas during practical sessions.
 
According to a release, the project will be delivered by a Harris Paints Rehabilitation team, coordinated by Attorney Tiyani Behanzin.
 
The sessions will climax on 12th May, with a closing ceremony at the state prison, where participants will be awarded with proficiency certificates.
 
The Harris Paints Rehabilitation Project Team will also select the best product from among the participants, that will receive an award. 

​Leader of the Dominica Freedom Party Michael Astaphan says the creation of implementation of nation Voter ID Cards is good idea, and will ensure the sanitization of the voters list.
 
However, Astaphan stressed that the Freedom Party is disturbed by the slothful act of Government to create and distribute such a significant item.

​Meanwhile, Astaphan is concerned with the Government’s behaviour, when conducting Town Hall Meetings, and when fulfilling certain of its duties.
 
Astaphan believes the DLP Government is engaged in treating, and is calling on the administration to cease from the act immediately, as the country’s constitution deems treating as an offence punishable by law.

​The Dominica Cancer Society will hold its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 29th April, from 10 am, at the conference room of the Prevost Cinemall.  Various reports on the Business of the Society will be presented to the meeting.  These will include the President's report and the Treasurer's report.  
 
Elections will also be held to install a new Board of Directors, who will steer the Society going forward.  The Society is encouraging members to nominate persons to serve on the Board, before commencement of the meeting. Individuals and agencies that have contributed significantly to the work of the society in the past, will be recognized.
 
Everyone is invited to attend& registration of new members is encouraged.  Cancer is impacting lives all over the world, and people are encouraged to do what they can to help those diagnosed with cancer, as early intervention saves lives.

​Tourism Minister Senator Robert Tonge has announced a number of Tourism Developments to be undertaken in the Portsmouth area.
 
Among the attractions to be addressed are the Indian River and the Syndicate National Park. Tonge was addressing a Town Hall Meeting in Portsmouth over the weekend.

​He also advised against posting negative images of the attractions, and highlighted one such example in the Indian River area.

​Tourism Minister Senator Robert Tonge

​A Buy Dominica Supercentre could soon be established in the French neighbouring islands. That's word from the President of the Dominica Manufacturer's Association Severin McKenzie.
 
However; Mr McKenzie says the quality of Dominica's products is hindering the establishment of the supercentre.

​McKenzie says the association is working collaboratively with the Ministry of Finance for technical assistance for the upkeep of machinery.

​President of the Dominica Manufacturer's Association Severin McKenzie

​Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the issue of unnecessary sick leave has to be addressed directly.
 
He made those remarks following complaints from employers over the level of productivity in the country.
 
Speaking at a National Consultation on the CBI Program this week, Skerrit accused some Doctors of colluding with employees, to grant them sick leave.

​Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has told residents of Portsmouth to position themselves to take advantage of the major hotel developments taking place in Portsmouth.
 
Some of the ongoing hotel development projects in the town of Portsmouth include the Cabrits Resort Kempinski, the Moroccan funded Cabrits Resort and Spa Hotel and Silver Beach Resort and Spa.
 
Highlighting a number of areas in which development is needed in the town, he urged persons to not wait until the hotel projects are completed to begin developing business ideas.

Economist McCarthy Marie is calling for Government to use CBI funds to help pay off the debts of hotel property owners in Dominica.
 
Speaking at the National Consultation on Monday 24th April, Marie said that would be useful to property owners, as the payment rates for some, are inconsistent with the condition of Dominica’s Tourism Industry.
 
He believes, if the Government were to refinance these loans at a rate of 3%, it would be a great benefit to these hotel businesses.

Political Activist Athie Martin says the DLP Government is trying to temporarily shield their supporters from the reality of a fast failing economy, through handouts, in order to maintain their votes.
 
He says, the Skerrit led DLP Government has handed out temporary jobs, business loans, grants and more, to individuals, primarily based on their declaration of support for the party.
 
Martin believes these actions will serve to hinder the development of Dominica’s economy,and more than half of the productive population will, suffer as a consequence.