Prime Minister Skerrit hopes Ross University School of Medicine will return to Dominica by May 2018

​The Government of Dominica hopes Ross University School of Medicine returns to Dominica by May 2018. Following the passage of Hurricane Maria in September, Ross announced in a press release that 1,400 students, faculty, and staff planned to relocate temporarily to Knoxville, Tennessee. to continue their program of study. Prime Minister Skerrit told a press conference on Tuesday, that a committee was appointed to study the Ross situation, and to work with the school towards resuming of classes.
 
He added, “we are also helping the property owners, the Dominican citizens who own properties in Picard, to rebuild. That is why we have extended the loan facility at the AID Bank to the property owners so that they could have their apartments fixed, and be able to buy some new beds – those who need beds – appliances and so forth so that they can get that going in quick order”.
 
According to the Prime Minister, based on findings, about 80% of the homes Ross University needs for student accommodation, is available right now. “There are some property owners that were not impacted, those who were impacted moved very quickly to have their apartments fixed. Ross has water, Ross has electricity, the telecommunication services are in place, they can get internet, and we are working to extend the DOMLEC coverage in the north.”
 
He stated that the government is in constant contact with Ross University, and added, “It is our understanding from sources, that the majority of students would like to return to Dominica. Dominica is the best place to study and Ross had tremendous successes in Dominica.” He said in his travels in the United States, parents of Ross students said they are willing to send them back to the island.
 
Meantime, Skerrit says he will be meeting with the President of All Saints University School of Medicine, to discuss their recommencement of classes. He remarked that the school had indicated that once accommodation for students is available, it will return immediately.