​Opposition Leader Lennox Linton has reinforced the critical imperative of growing the Dominican economy. 
Speaking on the UWP's weekly radio program Thursday, Linton said in the past three years, the DLP Government has ignored calls to create sustainable jobs. 
He says at a time when Government has more money than any other Government in the political history of Dominica, the middle class is slowly disappearing, and persons are becoming even poorer. 
During the last general election campaign in 2014, the UWP had proposed that it would create 5,000 jobs in its first three years in Government, if they were elected into office.
Linton says growing this economy is critical to the survival of Dominicans.

​Member of the Dominica Freedom Party Kent Vital says the DFP will present a credible team of candidates before the next general elections.
 
Vital says based on the performance of the ruling party, there is a need for change in the country, as the current leadership appears to be doing all they can to damage the country’s democracy, while doing nothing to grow the economy.
 
He went on to say that at the next general elections, the people of Dominica will be faced with a choice, to make a difference in the country, with either the United Workers Party or the Dominica Freedom Party.

​Speaking at a ceremony on Thursday, to observe the 12th Anniversary of the PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said, in a world of uncertainty, the proper decisions must be made.
 
He warned against what he called ‘gambling the leadership’ of Dominica. He said that he saw that as a serious matter, and noted that, “…. you have to determine these things in a very serious, sober and mature manner”.
 
He added, we have seen what’s happening in the rest of the world, where people asked for a change of an established long-standing government; but the world is now more uncertain than before, because electorates go about voting in new governments, and the next morning they are all upset with themselves for what they had done without proper analysis of the situation. He went to say that those who have children want a better life for them.

​Eight contracts for the construction of 47 washrooms for persons living in Bagatelle, Fond St Jean, & Pointe Caribe valued at five hundred eighty-four thousand, EC dollars (EC$584,000.00) were signed earlier today.
 
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Friday, Minister of Health and Petite Savanne MP Dr Kenneth Darroux, stated that as minister of health, he is proud of this washrooms project, and while some may view this as a modest project, he is sure the recipients will appreciate it.

​Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the love & commitment of Former Jamaican PM Portia Simpson-Miller will be recorded by historians. Miller resigned as Member of Parliament for South West St Andrew effective June 29, 2017.
 
She has had a phenomenal career and done well in her over 40 years of service in politics, serving as the MP for St Andrew South Western for 35 years, during which she served twice as Prime Minister. She still remains Jamaica's only female Prime Minister to date.
 
In a post on his Facebook page, PM Skerrit said "You have been a great source of inspiration, not only to women in politics, but to me as well. Your love and commitment not only to Jamaica, but to the region, shall no doubt be recorded by our historians. I have not only seen you as a colleague, but as a friend - a dear and sincere friend - one I could always rely on for sound advice and guidance. While you have retired from active Parliamentary Representation, I have no doubt you will continue working for and on the behalf of the people of Jamaica. Hugs and kisses to you my dear Sister P." 

​Health & Environment Ministry Liaison Officer Dr Martin Christmas has revealed that Dominica must completely phase out ozone depleting substances (ODS) by the deadline year 2013.  Ozone substances which deplete the ozone layer, are used in air conditioners, refrigerators, fire extinguishers, in dry cleaning, as solvents for cleaning, electronic equipment, and as agricultural fumigants.
 
This 2030 deadline was revealed by Liaison Officer in the Ministry of Health and the Environment, Dr. Martin Christmas on Wednesday 28th June 2017. He added that for Dominica, the management phase-out deadline date of December 2030 is not much time”, considering the large number of refrigerators and AC units that are presently in homes, offices, and vehicles Dominica. He added that successful implementation of this phase-out plan requires input of government officials, and the private sector working together.
 
Dr Christmas was addressing the opening ceremony of a training workshop for customs and other law enforcement officers, on Wednesday 28th June 2017 at the Fisheries Complex, on behalf of Health Minister Dr Kenneth Darroux.
 
He stated that “Limiting and ultimately ending the use and emission of HCFCs in the atmosphere, will not only protect our ozone layer, but will also combat climate change. So essentially, by implementing the phase out management plan of HCFCs, we are killing two birds with one stone,”
 
He noted that as the Nature Isle, we must set the example by phasing out harmful HCFCs, and begin using more environmental friendly refrigerants, that are now available on the market.
 

​General Manager of PDV Caribe Henry Blanco, reports that the company’s social contribution to the island over the years, has exceeded EC 1.8 million.
 
Speaking at the 12th Anniversary of PetroCaribe in Dominica Solidarity Service on Thursday, Blanco said the company has supported numerous programs in education, sports, and others focused on uplifting the lives of Dominicans.
 
He went on to announce the successful launch of the company’s LPG commercial program, which has increased sales by 16%.
 
According to Blanco, despite the issues facing Venezuela, the country will continue to uphold its commitment to supply petroleum under the PetroCaribe agreement.

More rainfall is expected into this weekend, as a westward moving tropical wave located in the Tropical Atlantic, is expected to generate an increase in cloudiness and shower activity across the area, by late Saturday into Sunday. That's according to a weather forecast from the Dominica Meteorological Service.
 
Meanwhile, low level cloud patches moving westward are expected to produce cloudiness and scattered showers across parts of the island today. This will be followed by a gradual drying out of the atmosphere as a high pressure system will begin to establish itself across the area.

Some concerns expressed by DPSU members relating to ongoing salary negotiations with the Government, have still not yet been ironed out. That's according to General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), Thomas Letang.
 
Letang says following a meeting with the Government Negotiating team this week, they were informed that their requests have not been approved.
 
He says the union is still hoping to hold discussions on these matters, which include a contribution from government to the monthly premium of members participating in the union's medical group insurance.
 

​Member of the Catholic Fund Raising Committee Val Cuffy has revealed that M$3 is still needed for the completion of the Roseau Roman Catholic Cathedral Renovation Project.
 
The renovation of the Cathedral began in 2004.
 
Cuffy says however; a better commitment from citizens in terms of doing more for the church is needed.
 
He was addressing a press conference held at the Bishop Arnold Bogart Catholic Centre conference room in Roseau Thursday morning.

Member of the Catholic Fund Raising Committee Val Cuffy
 
Engineer Bernard Loric gave an update on progress of works thus far.

​Engineer Bernard Loric.