Dominica’s Parliament is meeting today on what for what has been described by the DLP Administration, as an emergency meeting of parliament, to amend the Police Act, to facilitate new health insurance considerations for police officers, who had been demanding this facilitation for quite some time, through their Police Welfare Association (PWA). A second item is also on the order paper, to amend legislation with respect to offshore banking and the exchange of information. It is hoped that these will help remove Dominica from an EU Blacklist This move also comes on the heels a statement made by Justice, Immigration and National Security Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore earlier this month, that the Insurance legislation would be taken to parliament. The Police Welfare Association (PWA), headed by Chairman, Jefferson Drigo has been advocating for several years for government to amend the Police Act so that the PWA could leave the financially collapsed Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO), due to late refunds and failure to provide other benefits. A draft of the amendment was eventually presented to the Police Welfare Association (PWA) on March 21, 2019 which the PWA accepted, urging government to move quickly on the matter. Meanwhile, as the new medical insurance for police officers on island moves through parliament today, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is on record as saying that the current medical insurance has expired, and it required a simple amendment to the law to allow the cabinet to engage formerly with other insurance companies. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit
Parliamentary proceedings began at 10:00 o’clock this morning and are being broadcast live by state-owned DBS Radio.
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Health Minister Dr Kenneth Darroux is seeking to assure the population, that his ministry is deeply interested in improving the health sector in Dominica. Speaking to media on Thursday at the graduation ceremony of 27 participants, who completed PAHO’s Community Health Program, Dr. Darroux stressed the importance of this program in advancing the Primary Health Care system here in Dominica. Health Minister, Dr. Kenneth Darroux
Dominica Labour Party candidate for the Grand Fond Constituency Gretta Roberts claims she is the change that the constituency needs. She was launched in Grand Fond on Sunday, as she reached out to her constituents seeking their support to join in the effort to work together in a campaign that is free of violence, personal attacks and defamation of character. Roberts says the constituency like other areas across the island bore the brunt of Maria's raff, and is beginning to rise again, and she commended the government for its rebuilding efforts. However, she admits that there are lingering issues and concerns. DLP candidate for the Grand Fond Constituency, Gretta Roberts Meanwhile, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says persons who will vote against the Dominica Labour Party, or not vote at all, will be doing the country a terrible disservice, striking off Opposition Leader Lennox Linton as a good incoming Prime Minister for Dominica. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
Dominica's Ambassador to the United States and to the Organization of the American States Vince Henderson says he does not think there is need for electoral reform in Dominica, but instead, he is opting for continued enhancement of the current electoral process. Henderson’s position is contrary to that of the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as the churches and the majority of Dominicans at home and abroad. Henderson was speaking at a recent Dominica Labour Party meeting Dominica's Ambassador to the United States & the OAS Vince Henderson.
Photo: Dominica News Online Newtown MP and Deputy Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) has hailed a mini health fair in his constituency as “A huge success. Several doctors and nurses screened patients for free under tents at the Fatima church grounds in Newtown”.
However, despite the success, the group encountered some challenges along the way as attempts were made to prevent them from using the church grounds. Francis however complained that “Certain supporters of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) tried to stop us, by complaining to the Bishop of Roseau, but we stood our ground and we were then allowed to use the church grounds. These grounds belong to the people of Newtown and Dominica by extension and this notion that people are fearful of letting members of the opposition use public space should stop. The church should be an example…and while the church should not be in politics, the church must stand for what is right.” Francis added, “We are not here with microphones and speaking politics. We are looking out for the health of the people and this activity is for the people, and is aimed at bringing the people together, bringing families together and the church has an important role to play”. The Roseau South Constituency Parliamentary Representative went on to say, “We had over eight doctors. We met our objective and I am very impressed with what I have seen so far. Health is wealth, and I urge people despite their political affiliations to check their health…sickness is a respecter of no one. We have brought the doctor right there to you”. The Dominica Boxing Association held an epic boxing tournament on Saturday April 27, 2019. Headlining under the theme “Boxing in the Nature Isle”, the event was held at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium Forecourt at 8pm. It was a night to remember with Boxing Matches featuring Regional and Local boxers. Some of the participating countries included Guadeloupe, Guyana, St. Lucia, Barbados and Dominica. There were eight (8) bouts, covering Lightweight, featherweight, super heavy weight, and female boxers. One of Dominica’s knockout winners, who participated in the supper heavyweight division, Delroy the 767 Bommer, knocked out his opponent in the second round with a signature bomber to the face instantly planting him to the ground, in what was an epic moment of the night, and demonstrating the strength of Dominica’s youth. In an interview with a Q95 journalist on the grounds, the young bomber gave a picture of his mindset leading up to ring and carving out his victory. The young Bommer is encouraging other young men to take on training and join the academy, rather than being ideal. He does however state that Dominican boxers need a proper training facility, but he doesn’t let that stop him, and it should not discourage other interested athletes. One of Dominica’s knockout winners, who participated in the super heavyweight division, Delroy the 767 Bommer
Still no official word on casualties, if any, from the collision involving two vehicles on the road at Grand Savanne, Salisbury on Friday night.
Unofficial sources informed 95fm Radio that a collision involving two vehicles occurred on the road at Grand Savanne, Salisbury, on Friday night, April 27, 2019, one of the vehicles caught fire, and there was an explosion shortly after the accident. The road was temporarily blocked to vehicular traffic as a result of the accident, but it was cleared about two hours later. Details surrounding the cause of the vehicular collision are still unconfirmed officially, and the extent of injuries sustained, if any, by the occupants of the two vehicles involved, are still unknown. However, Q95 news was told by a reliable source that all occupants were pulled out of the vehicles, before the explosion. Investigations are said to be ongoing, and Q95 news will provide an official report on the matter, as soon as it is made available. The United Workers Party (UWP) appears to be raising some serious fears within the upper ranks of the Dominica Labor Party, with its successful campaigns for “Real Change” in the Diaspora in North America and Caribbean, which had been dominated by DLP visits in past elections. Dominicans in those audiences appear to be clamoring for real change.
Within the last three weeks alone, UWP Team Dominica Leader Lennox Linton and members of his team, have attracted huge audiences and received very warm welcomes from Dominicans living in several states in the United States, Canada and some Caribbean Islands, and it appears that Dominicans in many more US States and in Canadian Provinces, as well as Dominicans living in other Caribbean Islands with large Dominican populations, are eagerly awaiting visits from UWP representatives. Those visits are accompanied by fundraising activities organized by the coordinators and members of the enthusiastic audiences. Linton held successful townhall meetings in Miami and Atlanta this past weekend, and previously held very successful townhall meetings in Texas, New York and Toronto Canada. It appears that the UWP Team Dominica’s website is turning up constant contributions from grass roots Dominican contributors who are showing their support for real change through their humble cash contributions. Fund raising efforts seem to be ongoing in those and other areas, long after the visits of Linton and members of UWP Team Dominica. This is an interesting political development, and Q95 news will bring you more details of what actually transpired, in the voices of the presenters themselves at these events, as well as that of the persons in the audiences who posed meaningful questions to the UWP presenters. Dominica’s Health Sector added 27 new medical personnel to its human resources, as a result of a Community Health Training Program. Health Minister Dr Kenneth Darroux spoke at the graduation ceremony which took place on Thursday 25th April 2019, where the graduates were officially awarded for their participation and hard work. Dr. Darroux congratulated the 27 graduates and reminded them that their training will serve the Primary Health Care Sector well. He acknowledged the contribution of PAHO country program specialist, Ms Wilson, in helping Dominica to reboot its health sector. Minister Darroux said it is fitting that after hard work, one reaps the benefit of success, and acknowledged the efforts of the participants. Health Minister described the occasion as a very important one, as the health ministry tries to replenish and increase its human resources. Health Minister Dr. Kenneth Darroux
Dominica’s Social Workers have completed a 2-day workshop, organized by the Cornel University, and facilitated by Hanith Benjamin, who holds a degree in criminal justice, and a clinical master’s in social work. Benjamin told media that the two-day training held in Dominica sought to aid participants in understanding the youth they work with, and how to best assist them in advancing positive behavior and character. Meantime, Benjamin is calling on all social welfare officials to effectively use new and creative strategies to reach out to the youth of the Caribbean Region. Benjamin believes proper communications need to be developed, as this would significantly aid in solving negative behavioral patterns developed by today’s youth. Hanith Benjamin, Criminal Justice & Clinical Master of Social Work
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