Dominica is to benefit in the amount of an additional US $6.6 Million out a US $15 Million World Bank Financing for Eastern Caribbean Health Sector Projects.The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved US$15 million to replenish funds that were redirected from these projects to support the countries’ immediate emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The World Bank provided speedy financing to Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by allocating resources from existing health projects to fast-track procurement of essential medical equipment and to strengthen medical facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tahseen Sayed, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean. On April 15, Dominica received US$6.6 million from those emergency funds to provide immediate funding for the country’s emergency response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic with a focus on enhancing health system capacity and strengthening food security.“A strong health sector is essential to save lives and build countries’ resilience. The additional financing ensures that important health projects receive quick replenishment of funds to continue their activities and accomplish project objectives,” Sayed stated. Additional financing of US$10 million is provided to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Regional Health Project in Dominica (US$3 million), Grenada (US$2.5 million), and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (US$4.5 million). The OECS Regional Health Project aims to improve preparedness capacities of health systems for public health emergencies. Additional financing of US$5 million was also approved for Saint Lucia’s Health System Strengthening Project, which supports improved accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness of key health services.These projects rapidly released funds to support national responses to COVID-19 using their Contingent Emergency Response Components (CERCs). CERCs allow funds to be reallocated rapidly from existing projects and used for emergency response activities.Additional financing for these projects comes from the International Development Association (IDA) with a maturity of 40 years, including a grace period of 10 years.
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Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the Commonwealth is uniquely placed to advocate on behalf of its members, particularly on small states imperative for survival. He says the Commonwealth must provide leadership on the issue of debt relief for small states, and creative ways to reduce the debt burden.He says it must continue to advocate for a vulnerability index for small states to replace the GDP per capita criteria applied to determine eligibility for grant and concessionary financing. He was addressing commonwealth heads last week. Meanwhile Mr Skerrit said the pandemic has exposed glaringly the inequalities in society, particularly as it relates to access to digital services. Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has stated that the emergency powers implemented as a result of COVID-19 come to an end on Tuesday June 30th. Government does not intend to extend this emergency, and he says therefore in large measure the country goes back to "normal". Meantime, Minister for Health Dr Irvin McIntyre says the chance of importing more coronavirus cases when Dominica opens its borders in July is real. Hence, he says to mitigate this Dominicans must continue practicing on the public health and social measures. Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit
Ermine Royer is advising persons to adhere to health protocols as it beneficial theirs and everyone else’s safety. She says that there is a plan in place to ensure that if the worst is to ensue, then all necessary protocols will be taken, but says that thus far the creator has speared us. The Mayor says that if/when the ports are open this will increase risk, but steps are being taken thus far. She says that the council is doing the best to their abilities, and says the same sentiments apply to the Hurricane season as it relates to having plans and protocols in place. Mayor of Roseau, Ermine Royer
The Ministry of Health has developed a 6-step plan for testing at the country’s ports of entry when borders reopen. Government had previously indicated that the country’s borders would reopen in July as health officials contained COVID-19 in Dominica. Speaking on 'Anous Palay' on Sunday, Health Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre said an elaborate plan is in place to minimize the risk of case importation. Dr. Irving McIntyre
‘We Struggle for reasons we should not be struggling for in Dominica!’ This statement comes from Vice President of the Tipper Truckers Association Everson Magloire makes it clear that there is a biased approach to national contracts being awarded to foreign Trucking firms, by the DLP-led government. Magloire is urging Dominicans and Leaders to be more understanding of the situation of Dominica Truckers. Tipper Truckers Association Vice President, Everson Magloire
Former Journalist, Marigot MP and UWP Leader Lennox Linton has made public the malicious, systematic and unwarranted attacks of Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan, against him, due to his stance on the acts of misconduct committed by Officials of the Roosevelt Skerrit Administration and affiliated business persons. The Marigot MP says such blatant neglect – after the conclusion of an investigation reveals mounting evidence warranting the arrest of the perpetrator – can only be done in Dominica. Former Journalist, Marigot MP and UWP, Leader Lennox Linton
Trade Minister Ian Douglas says the Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) will be restructured. He says the whole philosophy and ideology behind pushing the fresh produce from Dominica not only locally but on the foreign market is being given special attention.He added that Dominica has the shipping in place to do it, and the pack houses that will ensure the desired standards. Trade Minister, Ian Douglas
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit now says residents must assist the farmers on the island. He says the more Dominicans buy what is grown and manufactured locally, the better for the economy. He says if citizens keep buying things imported that are here in Dominica, we are putting our own people out of jobs. PM Roosevelt Skerrit
Agriculture Minister Fidel Grant says his ministry has been engaging in bilateral discussions as to how government can provide assistance to agro-processors on the island.He says it has been realized that the availability of machinery is an issue, and there is ongoing review of duties on equipment. Agriculture Minister, Fidel Grant
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