And MP for the Roseau South constituency Joshua Francis says Silverlake residents are strong and resilient, and although they were in despair and in a state of unrest at the time the fire was raging on Monday evening, when some 60 of them lost everything they owned; they are in a somewhat better emotional state at present, and fortunately, there were no reports of injury.
Francis told q95 that he is holding himself available for contact, by any individuals who would like to contribute in one way or the other, to the displaced residents of Silverlake, at this time.
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Meanwhile, Government delivered $20,000 today, to the residents of Silver Lake who were affected by a devastating fire on Monday evening, as was promised by Prime Minister Skerrit yesterday.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Housing Minister Reginald Austrie stated, reaffirmed the promise of swift re-construction of the homes lost in Monday’s blaze. He assured residents, that they will be able to move back into their homes in the soonest possible time, with a restored sense of normalcy. Road collapses in the Shawford after heavy rains in Trafalgar and is closed off to vehicular traffic12/28/2016 Information reaching Q95 News has indicated that the road in Shawford, Trafalgar has been closed off to motor-vehicular traffic after heavy rainfall caused a large portion of the road to collapse.Reports indicate that up to 100 feet of the road fell into the river on Wednesday morning. UWP President and candidate for the Roseau Valley, Ronald Charles, says he has been advocating for the roads in those areas to be repaired for quite some time now. In the meantime, motorists are being asked to take the Copthall to Wotten Waven Road as an alternative route.
UWP Leader Lennox Linton empathises with the families displaced by the Silver lake fire on Monday12/28/2016 Leader of the United Workers Party Lennox Linton expressed empathy with the affected families of the Silver lake community, who suffered complete loss of their possessions and homes in a ferocious fire which occurred on Monday evening.
Linton hopes however, that the displaced residents will receive better living standards, housing and economic benefits, when they are resettled. Dominica's PM Roosevelt Skerrit says the country is winding down 2016 with the hopes of greater things to come in 2017.He says while there are still challenges, all things considered, the government has done a swell job in the country. Mr Skerrit says government will also continue on its mission to completely eradicate pit latrines in 2017.
Former Agriculture Minister Atherton Martin warns Dominicans not to become too materialistic12/28/2016 Former Agriculture Minister Atherton Martin warns Dominicans not to become too materialistic, even as he acknowledges that having certain material items is essential.
Martin says however, it is even more significant to value life and uphold moral values. MP Joshua Francis seeking help for 60 Silver Lake residents; homes destroyed by fire on Monday12/28/2016 MP Joshua Francis is seeking assistance for some 60 Silver Lake residents, whose homes were completely destroyed by fire on Monday evening. Eighteen plus families are now homeless, as a result of this fire.They have lost practically all of their possessions, but no one said to be was injured.
MP for the area, Joshua Francis, is now urgently appealing to all Dominicans to assist those who have been affected by the blaze. He said “we have at least 60 people who were directly affected. They were living in two long houses, each had a total of nine families, so that would be approximately 18 families, whose homes were completely destroyed. They lost everything” He said many children are among those who are now homeless as a consequence. Mr Francis said “To me, they are in serious and urgent need. Many of their family members are in Guadeloupe and they have no one to turn to.So unlike some fire victims who can run to a neighbour, or run to the home of a friend, there are many of them who do not have even that minimal privilege”. Francis identified the urgent priorities of finding a place for those affected to sleep; raising funds for them, and finding clothes, food and other basic necessities for them.He stated, “So I am taking the opportunity to appeal to the public to assist the Silver Lake people. They are in great need. They have lost everything. I am calling on the charitable organizations, whether Red Cross or others, to intervene and assist these people as a matter of the utmost urgency.” Francis said “I called Prime Minister Skerrit on Monday night concerning the fire, and to find out how the I can work with the government to assist the displaced people of Silver Lake, but the Prime Minister told me that government would take care of it. He did not embrace my offer to help. Meanwhile, Francis is calling for the Silver Lake people to unite, after the tragedy. He said, “They have each other and no one suffered physical injuries”, adding that they are suffering emotionally and will hopefully get counseling soon.He appealed to Dominicans at home and abroad via Q95fm Radio on Tuesday, to open up their hearts,& assist their less fortunate brothers and sisters, in their time of great need. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Skerrit held a Press Conference on Tuesday Morning, where he reportedly advised on what action government would be taking, as a consequence of the Fire at Silver Lake. Only two radio stations were reportedly invited. Q95fm Radio was not notified or invited to cover that press conference.
Mr Skerrit reportedly said,the government will provide full support for all of the residents of the Silver Lake community, who lost everything following that said ferocious fire on Monday night. Hepromised thatgovernment will step in to assist. He added that there will be no need for any radiothons or anything of the sort. Skerrit stated thatstudents will return to school in the new year with all necessary supplies. He also stated that those who are willing to help, can do so, but there will be no need for things like fundraisers to assist the residents. Meanwhile, Disaster Risk Management Consultant Cecil Shillingford, advised that local government commissioner John Fontaine, will be coordinating the social aspects of the disaster.He said in the short term, the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) will be providing mattresses, blankets, sleeping bags and pots to various shelters that have been identified to house the residents. Two shelters in Bath Estate, the resource center and the school next to it, have already been identified.Shillingford said “The ODM can also provide improvised comfort kits, which include some toiletries and what have you, and this will be provided to each head of household”. Shillingford noted that the ODM will also be distributing clothing. He said the Rotary Club was already moving into action, to assist the affected residents.He said, “We will accept that, but we don’t want any mass distribution of clothing at this time”. Unconfirmed reports also indicate that Prime Minister Skerrit may have ordered equipment to begin clearing the site of the fire, even before the Police and Fire Officials had carried out their investigations into the cause of the fire. Q95 is following this story, and will bring you updated information on the matter, as it becomes available. Christmas Eve also known as ‘shopping day gets mixed reviews from buyers and sellers in 201612/28/2016 Christmas Eve also known as ‘shopping day’ came in for mixed reviews from buyers and sellers in 2016.This day is traditionally the busiest day in the year for Christmas shoppers, and for businesses in the city of Roseau. Several individuals and business representatives shared their views on the Christmas shopping activities in 2016, in comparison to 2015 and prior years.
Many stores open their doors early, and several of them close their doors later than usual. Many more vendors also locate themselves on the roadsides, and adults and children alike have traditionally shopped as they prepare for the holidays.Some business representatives stated that the Christmas season was busy this year,but also claimed that it was slower than in past years. Some retailers who sold electronic items said some people spent on bigger items, but to a lesser extent than expected. It appeared to business representative thatelectronic items like phones and tablets sold more in the past, but this year larger items like refrigerators, washing machines and stoves sold from their store. Abusiness source noted that many people started shopping earlier in December, so there were some brisk shopping rushes throughout the month, band that the week of 19th December was the busiest for this year. The Toy Stores were among busiest, as parents scrambled for last minute gift items for their children.However, several roadside vendors said they had a different perspective and experience. One of the vendors stated that the Christmas season was very slow, and on several days, it not good at all.Another noted that compared to previous seasons, there has been a decline in sales. The source speculated that the downturn in sales may have ben due to lack of consumer confidence in the economy, and lack of enthusiasm; added that Christmas week can no longer be called a peak season, as sales continue to decline every year, and the volume of shoppers keeps shrinking. Another person said the Christmas season has died, it is not lively as lively as the past, when one saw many more people shopping in Roseau,along with their children; but this year, there was not as much shopping activity. Celebrity Cruises ‘MV Celebrity Eclipse’ made its first and only call to Dominica on 25th December12/28/2016 Celebrity Cruises ‘MV Celebrity Eclipse’ made its first and only call to Dominica for the 2016/2017 cruise season,on 25th December2016, at the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth.
TheMV Celebrity Eclipse has gross tonnage of 121,878, and is 1040 ft. long. It has a carrying capacity of 2850 passengers and 1000 crew members. The ship has 17 decks with features including 9 restaurants and food bars, swimming pools, a casino, a theatre, shops, a library, an art gallery where art and glass are auctioned, an Internet café, an Apple product shop, plus the usual amenities. The ship’s inaugural call was markedwith a welcome reception, which includeda plaque exchange aboard the ship. Government Officials and tourism stakeholders were present to officially welcome the ship’s captain and crew. A total of one hundred and seventy-three (173) cruise calls are projected for this cruise season. This translates to approximately 313,600 passengers. There are 5 more inaugural calls for the 2016/2017 season, from three (3) different cruise lines. Last week, Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) sought the cooperation of tourism stakeholders and the public, in ensuring a welcome and enjoyable visit for the MV Celebrity Eclipsecruise visitors, by ask that every effort be made to ensure a safe, friendly, clean and hassle free atmosphere for them. |
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