President of the United Workers Party (UWP) Isaac Baptiste is of the opinion that the quality and accuracy of information from the Ministry of Health re covid19 should be called into question when the Minister of Health, wellness and New Health Investment reacts and responds to criticism the way he did in Parliament. At the fourth meeting of the first session of the tenth Parliament on October 26, Minister of Health Dr. Irving McIntyre falsely accused Kalinago Senator Annette Sanford of being dishonest when she voiced concerns over the closed out-patient clinics at the hospital.

Baptiste believes the minister of health should have contacted his PS or the Hospital Medical Director to verify the statements re the suspension of out-patient clinics at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital instead of falsely accusing Senator Sanford of being dishonest. He claims the minister knew of the situation, but attempted to score political points by responding unprofessionally& denigrating the Kalinago Senators name.

​Baptiste said though McIntyre has conducted himself professionally with regard to the disseminating Covid19 information, it appears he is slowly moving to the wrong side.

​President of the UWP, Isaac Baptiste

​United Workers Party Salisbury Constituency MP Hector Johnclaims that to date, he has not been engaged by Government Officials since his call, to Government to collectively change the name of the newly refurbished Government Salisbury Primary School on October 14, 2020.
 
However, he expresses optimism based on the reception of government Officials who attended that function.
 
He says such a move will ensure that residents feel a greater sense of ownership and responsibility toward that facility.

​United Workers Party Salisbury Constituency MP, Hector John.

​General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), Thomas Letang, says the level of representation in parliament has been reduced drastically over the past 15 years in Dominica.
 
He says a reconditioning of the attitude of the country’s Leaders needs to occur, to ensure that citizens’ rights and requests are respected, this in turn will create a better environment for the citizenry to develop better attitudes toward each other.

Additionally, Letang reminisces the good public practices and principles which were practiced by Public Officers, Leaders and private citizens, in executing their duties.

General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), Thomas Letang

Triple K International postpones all activities for this independent season, Due to Covid19 and encourages everyone to stay safe and adhere to the Covid19 protocols during the creole celebrations.  According to Triple K Band Manager Jeoffrey Joseph, a myriad of variables forced the band to adjust its planned ‘Lock The Gate Series.’
 
Mr. Joseph says though the situation is unfortunate, the band shares the belief that it is their social responsibility to protect the beloved Citizens of Dominica.

​Joseph says 2020 presented many challenges, but it also revealed the resilience of the people.He also shared words of appreciation to the fans “who have stood side by side with their band, providing words of encouragement and positive feedback at all turns of the winding road of uncertainty.

Joseph says a revised date for the hosting of the series will be announced as soon as the situation gets the green light from the health authorities.

Triple K Band Manager, Jeoffrey Joseph.

DEXIA Wishes everyone a happy Creole Celebrations and encourages people to support and embrace local, as well implement the health protocols during this time.
 
That came from DEXIA’s Information Officer Ayeola George.Ms George says as a result of Covid, this year couldn’t have the usual grand Official Ceremony and entertainment as previous years.

Ms George says health protocols will berespected, and sanitizing of hands and wearing of masks is being emphasized.

DEXIA is encouraging people to come Saturday morning 6am to get all your local produce and entertainment and have a great time, whilst being safe.

​DEXIA’s Information Officer, Ayeola George.

Senator Annette Sanford says the actions of the Prime Minister in parliament earlier this week has not only affected her, but young Kalinago individuals interested in entering politics as well. She says the attitude displayed in parliament is discouraging.
 
Sanford was addressing an alcoholism stereotype directed by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit against her.

​Sanford advises young individuals not to give up on their dreams of becoming a parliamentarian.

​On a different note, Sanford also highlighted the Concord Primary School for wearing their indigenous wear for Creole Day for the first time in Dominica’s history. “As we continue to embrace our identity and appreciate our culture, let’ keep our heads high”.
 
She expressed her hope that next year more students from schools in the Kalinago territory will be wearing their indigenous outfits.

​Kalinago Senator, Annette Sanford

With regard to derogatory statements and the disrespectful stereotype comments directed at Kalinago Senator Annette Sanford, by Prime Minister Skerrit on Monday,Salisbury MP Hector John says he was much more disappointed in the reaction of the seven other women in Parliament on the government side.He asserted that the UWP will not and has not attacked any woman in the House of Assembly.

Hector John believes the stereotypical statement of alcoholism was a reflection of how the Prime Minister views the Kalinago people.

​Salisbury MP Hector John
 
Meantime Senator Annette Sanford says she has never been convinced that the DLP administration genuinely loves the Kalinago people.

​Senator Annette Sanford.

Sharing the events which occurred after her contribution to the debate on the IDA loan facility for the OESC health project at the fourth meeting of the first session of the tenth parliament on Monday, Kalinago Senator Annette Sanford reiterates the quotes “I am battered, but not broken”.
 
Though she expected the reaction received from members of the DLP administration, Sanford revealed she was surprised at the unprofessional derogatory statements from former colleague Dr. Irvin McIntyre. Dr. McIntyre, Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investments on October 26th falsely accused Senator Sanford of being dishonest about the closure of out-patient clinics at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

According to Sanford, the DLP Administration has a history of lying and misleading the public.  

She encourages the public to conduct their own research and not rely solely on word of mouth from politicians.

​Senator Annette Sanford.

Public Relations Officer of the United Workers Party Steve Benjamin is encouraging persons to use rational moral judgement when supporting politicians.
 
Speaking via telephone interview, Mr. Benjamin said one must do some self-introspection when actions taken by politicians are not of positive merit or mature, and not give them a pass simply because one is a party supporter.

He says no right-thinking mind will support such behaviour.

​Public Relations Officer of the United Workers Party, Steve Benjamin.

Event Promoter and Culture Activist Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles, says he agrees that a National Grant scheme needs to be established to Financially compensate Dominican musicians, producers and Artists, as the Covid-19 Pandemic has negatively affected the ‘Struggling’ Entertainment Sector in the country.
 
Charles calls upon workers within the Entertainment industry to unify as a grouping, to formally make an appeal to government for the creation and implementation of such a scheme.

Event Promoter and Culture Activist, Leroy ‘Wadix’ Charles.