Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the US congressional delegation has agreed that the issue of banking relationships is of significant importance and deserves a congressional hearing. There has also been an agreement to convene an annual US Caribbean Banking forum, and to incorporate access to corresponding banking relationships into aid and development relationships with developing states like Dominica. Last week Prime Minister Skerrit participated in the Caribbean Financial Access Roundtable in Barbados along with other Caricom Heads to discuss critical issues regarding correspondent banking relationships like de-risking, anti-money laundering & related banking issues. The meeting was Co-chaired by US Congresswoman Maxine Waters and included other senior officials from the US House Financial Services Committee. Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit
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Mr. Sheridan Gregoire President of NIDCLF was a guest on the “Talk on the Block” program on Q95 Thursday afternoon. Mr Gregoire responded to a question regarding the arrest and punitive bail conditions imposed on Dr Thomson Fontaine, by saying that the court should not prevent Dr. Fontaine from returning to South Sudan to continue carrying out his duties which is his source of income to support himself and his family. He said this case has been going on for 5 years and no progress has been seen so far and the evidence to support incitement did not appear to exist. He believes the court should allow Dr. Fontaine to return to Sudan and attend any court sessions via “zoom” media platform. Mr. Gregoire said the bail amount of $75,000.00 which was imposed on Dr. Fontaine by the Magistrate was excessive for someone who does not have a criminal record, and he called on the attorneys representing Dr. Fontaine to present a strong argument to have the bail amount and conditions varied. Gregoire added that no one has come forward to testify to having been incited to cause any harm, for which Dr. Fontaine and the opposition members were charged, so therefore appears to be no case, therefore the charges should all be dismissed. President of NIDCLF, Mr. Sheridan Gregoire
Political Scientist and Treasurer of NIDCLIF, Dr. Dion George believes Dr. Thomson Fontaine’s arrest and the charges leveled against him may have been strategically organized to frustrate any plans or intention he may have to contest the next general election. As a result, it is in the publics’ interest to comprehend and support the dismissal of the punitive unreasonable bail restrictions that were imposed on him by a magistrate. He now appeals to the general public to visit the NIDLCF website and donate to help fight for democracy and the equal application of the rule of law by the authorities. He is now urging the general people to go to the NIDLCF website at www.nidclf.org and donate to support the battle for democracy. Political Scientist and Treasurer of NIDCLIFF, Dr. Dion George. NIDCLF Board member Attorney Gabriel Christian argues that Dominica is at the 11thhour, and Dominicans at home and abroad must devote themselves to preserving their democracy. Christian added that NIDCLF was founded for situations like these, and for current and future generations to fight for their rights. He also urges individuals from all walks of life, and from all organizations, to go to the NIDLCF website and donate to help maintain their freedom, democracy and the rule of law in Dominica. Member of NIDCLF, Attorney Gabriel Christian
DFP Leader & Microbiologist, Bernard Hurtault, labels the charge of incitement set up against Economist Dr Thomson Fontaine by the authorities as unjust, politically motivated and baseless. Dr. Fontaine willingly returned to Dominica, to address the matter of a bench warrant issued by the court on April 23, 2022. Dr. Fontaine was picked up at the Douglas Charles Airport by police authorities who placed him in a smelly rat-infested Jail cell on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday he attended court and was released on an EC $75,000 dollars bail, under some inexplicable oppressive conditions. DFP Leader & Microbiologist, Bernard Hurtault
NIDCLF Board member and Former US Army Command Sergeant Major Ralph Alcendor was a guest on the “Talk on the Block” Program on Q95 on Thursday Afternoon. He expressed the view that the action taken against Dr. Fontaine is evidence as to how Authoritarians and Autocratic leaders work around the world. Alcendor urged all Dominicans to stand triumphantly with Dr. Fontaine who is a son of the soil. He said this is a reason to donate to NIDCLF which is planning to help with advocacy and Civil Defense. He urged everyone to visit the NIDCLF website and Donate to the cause. Alcendor said Mr Anthony Haiden of Montreal Management Consultants and the Prime Minister allegedly have some unaccounted $4.2 Billion that belongs to Dominicans in their keeping, and he call on the young and the old to get involved. NIDCLF Board member and Former US Army Command Sergeant Major, Ralph Alcendor
Dominica State College advances to the Finals at this year’s 5th Annual Windward Island Debating Competition.Noah James, Samine Darroux, Shawnalee Gordon, and Hananel Valerie will represent the Dominica State College and Dominica at the 5th Annual Windward Islands Debating Competition Finals. They debated against Grenada’s (TA Marryshow Community College) on the topic, “The shift to virtual learning during the pandemic exposed regional governments’ failure to successfully integrate ICT into our education systems." Dominica State College got 609 points, TA Marryshow Community College 603 points, and the best Speaker was dubbed Hananel Valerie (DSC). Dominica is poised to recapture its position as the regions Debate champions. Senior Communications Officer, Mrs Nathalie Jolie Francis
The Debate Coach of the Dominica State College Team, Ms. Trudy Christian, expresses satisfaction on the team’s success, as it works to win its 3rd title. Ms Christian who also the DSC Director of Student Affairs, spoke with Q95 after the Team’s success in making it past the semi-finals. Dominica is to debate the topic “countries have a right to impose vaccine mandates to protect the health of their populations.” Dominica will be opposing the subject. Dominica is to be represented by Hananel Valerie, and Mr. Noah James. Ms. Christian is encouraging Dominicans to show support for the team. Dominica State College Team debate coach, Ms Trudy Christian
Ms. Laurent said Personal Finance is indeed personal and needs differ from person to person. She was a guest on Q95’s “Roots Connection on Q” program on Wednesday evening where she spoke on Financial Literacy Month which is observed in April every year. Laurent empathized that budgeting is important when it comes to people spending for themselves. She also spoke on good debt when it pertains to acquiring a loan to be invested in a business which will bring in returns, and allow one to earn income. She also urged individuals who are planning or have taken a debt to keep in mind the purpose of acquiring the debt. Ms. Laurent said individuals should be mindful of management of the debt they take to gain income. CEO of Finance Focus Consultancy, Ms Luana Laurent
On April 28, 2022 the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay arrived in Dominica, reaching the 55thdestination out of the 72 Commonwealth nations and territories it will be visiting. Arriving from Montserrat, the Baton officially touched down on Dominica’s shores after arriving via the Montserrat Coast Guard having been accompanied by a small delegation from the Montserrat Commonwealth Games Association. The Queen’s Baton, which carries a message from Her Majesty the Queen, arrived in Dominica as part of its journey to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in England from 28 July until 8 August 2022.
The Queen’s Baton is in Dominica for a few days and during it’s time here, it will be carried by Baton-bearers, including current and legacy athletes, and will visit some of Dominica’s natural sites, historic sites, the Kalinago Territory indigenous community, and pay an official visit to President Charles Savarin and will experience the warm Dominican spirit with a run through the city of Roseau by athletes from various sports,plus visits to local Primary schools and school sporting competitions, among other activities. President of the Dominica CGA, Billy Doctrove said: “It is fantastic to have the Baton arrive in Dominica today. Its arrival signifies an exciting moment in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and I’m really looking forward to the various visits and activities during its time here.” The Queen’s Baton will be carried by “Changemaker Baton-bearer” Adicia Burton; a 20-year-old young female who is a Kalinago Representative of the National Youth Council of Dominica, a Youth Parliamentarian and stand out national Volleyball and Cricket player having represented Dominica at the Youth Olympic Games among other competitions. Dominica State College is being represented big time at the 5th Annual Windward Island Debating Competition, from April 28 and tomorrow, April 29, Noah James, Samine Darroux, Shawnalee Gordon, and Hananel Valerie. Debating against Grenada’s T.A Marry show Community College on the topic, “The shift to virtual learning during the pandemic exposed regional governments’ failure to successfully integrate ICT into our education systems." Dominica will be opposing the topic, and Grenada will be arguing for the topic. For the first time the competition was held Live via virtual platform, on the college's Facebook page and Multi Solutions Inc.'s website. Trudy Christian, debate coach & Director of Student Affairs, in her address gave special recognition to all those involved in the debate, and encouraged the students to do their best and represent with distinction and honor. Ms Trudy Christian, debate coach and Director of Student Affairs. Here is a sample of some of the arguments made earlier this morning. Some of the debaters at this morning’s competition.
If Dominica’s team advances to the finals, they will debate on the topic "Countries have the authority to enforce vaccine mandates to defend the health of their populations" on April 29th, 2022. |
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