The Dominica government Saturday called for an end to the “unwarranted verbal attacks” against the Barbados Government in the latest twist to the ongoing controversy that followed the decision of the US-owned Ross University to relocate to Barbados.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in a radio and television broadcast said he wanted to call on “all who are accountable to cease and desist” from making attacks on the Mia Mottley administration “and by extension all Barbadians.”
“The decision to relocate to Barbados was a decision taken solely by Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM). The relationship between Barbados and Dominica is longstanding and amicable. The people and Government of Barbados have always stood with us both in good times and most recently in difficult times.
“Lest we forget, when we were at the mercies of the IMF (International Monetary Fund) in 2002, seeking to correct the financial mismanagement of the country by the United Workers Party (UWP) government, it was the Government of Barbados who first assisted us with a loan of US$10 million on concessional terms. At that time, this was a lifesaver for our country and Prime Minister Mia Mottley was a member of that Government,” Skerrit said in the statement.
He said Barbados came to the assistance of the island as recently as last year when Hurricane Maria swept through, killing more than 30 people and severely damaging the infrastructure of the island.
“After Tropical Storm Erika (2015) and Hurricane Maria, the people of Barbados, including Prime Minister Mottley herself, were at the forefront of tirelessly raising funds and securing food supplies, among other relief efforts, for us in Dominica.
“What is especially notable is that she accomplished this even though she was the Leader of the Opposition at the time. I do not think it is right, neither do I support any attacks on Prime Minister Mottley and the Government of Barbados,” Skerrit added.
Earlier this week, the Dominica government said it had informed the Ross University School of Medicine that it could have resumed its operations on the hurricane struck island even before the start of the January semester in 2019.
The island’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organisation of American States (OAS), Vince Henderson, speaking on a radio programme on Tuesday night, read from a three-page letter Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit had sent to the university in July indicating that plans were advanced for the resumption of classes in Portsmouth.
“It is my fervent hope that all things considered there will be a much earlier reopening of the campus that has been indicated in your earlier communication and during your visit in April 2018,” Skerrit wrote in the July 9 letter to the Adtalem Global Education President and CEO at Ross University, Lisa Wardell.
“I wish to assure you that all the arrangements we discussed for the accreditation for Ross by the Medical Board have been acted upon to meet the desired expectation,” Skerrit is reported to have written, telling university officials to “please accept my warmest regard as we work together for the recommencement of full operation in terms of the Picard Campus of Ross.
“I am prepared to meet with you soonest to discuss our continuing partnership,” he wrote in the letter that has now been made public by his office.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mottley denied there was anything underhanded by her administration into accepting the Ross University School of Medicine’s move to the island.
“Barbados came into the picture, only when, for Ross University, returning to Dominica for the start of the January semester in 2019, was not an option. This is not and has never been a case of poaching or enticing anyone away from Dominica,” she said in a statement.
Earlier this month, Skerrit announced Ross University, which had been forced to relocate its operations to St Kitts and the state of Tennessee in the United States following the passage of Hurricane Maria last September, would be leaving the Eastern Caribbean nation after 40 years. Hours later, Mottley and Wardell held a press conference in Bridgetown indicating that Barbados would be the new home of the American university by January 5, 2018.
In her statement, Mottley said while she could not speak for or on behalf of Ross, “the hands of the Barbados Government are clean in this matter”.
In his statement on Saturday, Skerrit said he was reiterating his call “to all Dominicans, including those who support me that these attacks (on Barbados) are not in our best interests nor to our benefit.
“It is not the Dominican way. It is not who we are,” he said, adding that “my camaraderie with Prime Minister Mottley has not been affected by the decision of Ross to relocate.
“Similarly, my profound love for the people of Barbados remains intact. I have never been and will never be an ungrateful person. These are Dominican qualities which we all should never stray from. As I said last week, Ross’ closure here is not the end of Dominica. There are ongoing discussions between Ross and my administration, and I am confident that they will conclude with our country benefitting.”
Skerrit said that Dominica “shall become stronger and indeed more prosperous from this experience and I trust that the good Lord will continue to create opportunities for us as a nation, just as he did numerous times in the past when we were jolted by natural disasters.”
He recalled that in 2016, Colgate Palmolive closed its operations in the country.
“I reassured the nation then, that we shall be blessed with another investor; and that we were. Less than two years later, that soap factory is making waves with its products throughout the region and it is swiftly expanding.”
Skerrit said that his administration would continue to work in earnest with investors to ensure this continued success.
“Similarly, after Jungle Bay Resort was decimated by Tropical Storm Erika, the government followed through on its promise and worked with the proprietor, Sam Raphael, to build an even larger resort, doubling the number of rooms to 120.
“Now, even after the passage of the even more powerful Hurricane Maria, the first phase of the hotel is set to be open for business in March 2019.”
He said also that 14 years ago, a call centre closed its doors here later to be replaced by Clear Harbour, with over 830 full-time employees.
“Today, the Government is creating additional space for Clear Harbour’s expansion. My call to us all, is to look forward. We have a country to build! Being negative and gloating on setbacks will benefit no one.”
Skerrit said that over the past few days, the international media have been “effusively endorsing our march toward becoming the first climate resilient nation, by applauding our ban on plastics which will take effect from January 1, 2019.
“Let us be energised and encouraged by this, and continue to show the world what Dominica and its people are made of. We must abstain from misdirecting our energies into instigating island wars and instead focus on rebuilding our nation,” he added.
Source: CMC
He’s talking to you CCC
Thank you, Prime Minister Skerrit. I hope the Bajans who have been opposed to PM Mottley on this matter will repent. I hope my friemd who on facebook was negative about Barbados will also repent.
I do believe Ross made a business decision, and I am glad that they choose Barbados as their new location.
GM Johnny Crow, I see that you have gain some wisdom and I concur at this time with your comments.Also note that Ross chose Barbados only because the BLP is in power and he university knows that good governance has returned to this island. You forgot to mention that.
GM Johnny Crow, I see that you have gain some wisdom and I concur at this time with your comments.Also note that Ross chose Barbados only because the BLP is in power and the university knows that good governance has returned to this island. You forgot to mention that.
typo correction made
I hope you BARBADIANS who ALWAYS RUSH to offer HELP to that Island take note of what the PM of DOMINICA told them.
Those BAJANS, who were critical of our own PM, are just a FEW of the STILL DISGRUNTLED,DEJECTED and MISERABLE bunch of DEMOCRATIC LABOR PARTY YARD FOWLS,PIMPS and PALING COCKS, who since the 25th MAY have continued with their repetitive wishing and hoping for the WORST for Barbados since ALL members of that DAMN LYING CUSS BIRD were OBLITERATED with one of DEM now ARRESTED and CHARGED with MONEY LAUNDERING and who MUST now wear a MONITORING DEVICE on his ANKLE UNTIL HIS DAY IN COURT….SHAME SHAME SHAME all around DEM.
All ya CUSSED Mia Mottley right up to the ELECTION and wha happen ?..now wunna doing the SAME THING AGAIN…keep on CUSSING, CRITICIZING and wishing the WORST for Bdos for the next 5 years and 90 days just because she is the PM and see wha gine happen…see if the MASSES gine vote wunna back in.
All ya were REJECTED and DISCARDED like cigarette butts and TRAMPLED at EVERY turn…who goes after cigarette butts ? only HOMELESS people and the DEMOCRATIC LABOR LABOR PARTY is now a HOMELESS and HOPELESS PARTY who cannot now call PARLIAMENT their HOME.
@Sheikh…notice that about johnny crow too and that is what I have been saying all along that I am not against anyone criticizing or finding fault with the BEES…but cheese on bread man… one has to be REASONABLE.
The DLP tried that CUSS BIRD and DRAG DOWN method to change peoples mind against MIA and the BEES and it COST DEM the whole hog and they promptly STOPPED it after their HUMILIATION.
Since then about three of DEM continued on their attack and one was SHAMED on a CRIMINAL CHARGE ABROAD…KARMA ??
Now we are STILL seeing some REMNANTS of that CLIQUE like C C C and PATTY..aka PATTY CAKE..aka PATT continuing along those same lines……wunna in gine learn ? all wunna looking to do is to cause trouble and making things worst for DEM .
After all ya ‘ LOSERS GET TOGETHER BALL where MOURNING COLORS it is alleged are not allowed,all ya should be rounded up and sent to the EDNA NICHOLLS Centre for TROUBLE MAKERS.
Click the link and share for another one’s downfall.
https://bit.ly/2kv7DPH
Skerrtt nice of you as a govt to start the healing process.But silence for healing emitting from the other side does no good towards the healing process
It takes two to tango
It is instructive to me that Skerritt will call for people to cease and desist from criticising Mia Mottley or Barbados when in a democracy people have a right to speak and express their views. However, at home, Skerritt never misses an opportunity to disparage Lennox Linton personally. The prime-minister will constantly criticise the opposition personnel and not focus on their policies, but see how fast he wants to tell people to hands off Barbados and its leader. Skerritt who will publicly criticise the USA, which gives and does so much for Dominica and the region, yet he feels the need to choose Barbados over the USA. This crime-minister has low principles and doesn’t know if he’s coming or going. Under his leadership, he has given contracts to Barbadian firms without even offering Dominican companies or individuals an opportunity of tender for such jobs which they are quite capable of doing. I wonder why, if like his predecessor, Patrick John, he is looking to form a joint state of Barbados and Dominica. Skerritt stop wasting your breath and your time. Stop running around Asia when you should be in Dominica meeting personally with investors and addressing the many issues which exist in Dominica. We the people reserve the right to speak about Barbados and Mia and you cannot stop anyone from so doing. Practice what you are advocating and stop criticising Lennox personally. You are at liberty to criticize his proposed policies.
Sticks and Stones and the other disgruntled Dems like Patty,Jennifer,Kevin,Johnny Crow and CCC,the game over.The Dominican PM has spoken ,so this diversion tactic away from Mr Inniss has backfired,and you as bajans should be ashamed of yourself for trying to pull down Barbados name in the pursuit of narrow petty politics.I believe you all owe Ms motley and Barbadians an apology,for your atrocious behavior.
Dear Jonathan St. Jean,
what is it you have a hard time understanding? Let me attempt to help you out then. Mr. Skerritt took a principled stand after he realized people were maligning PM Mottley and Barbados over the Ross by attempting to drive a political wedge between two the Caribbean people.
Now, if you and others still want to live the big lie; feel free because as you said it so eloquently ” in a democracy people have a right to speak and express their views.”
If you still don’t understand after reading this, let me know and I will send my 5 year old to explain it in language you may understand.
Sincerely/Mike
Elsewhere in the Dominican press the residents there are not so kind and are wondering if the capital of Dominca is Bridgetown, as their current PM has/had Avinash Persaud econ advisor, Hartley Henry/ P.Wickham political advisor/pollster, and cals our PM a ‘friend’ etc. But I dont think Mia is too blame, it was Ross’s decision.
@ Lorenzo, how I get a disgruntled Dem? who I voted for? Because I’m not bewitched behind a political party and give the B’s 10/10 for everything, that makes me disgruntled.
Most bajans are not that kind that will sit idle by and let our neighbours suffer. This outcry by some will never stop us from lending a helping hand where ever and when ever we can. Most of it is just “POLITICAL”, THAT IS WHY I STAY AWAY FROM POLITICAL PARTY POLITICS. I JUST CALL IT AS I SEE FROM EITHER SIDE OF THE FENCE.
Finally the PM of Dominica call on the loud mouths to stop the foolishness , but this is long after BARBADOS/BAJANS got a good “dressing” down from home and abroad.
We all know that the outside World play the Island against one other, so this is why you will see “every turkey for he own craw” going on time after time. Here we se it , I am here to save you, like the Knight in shining armor.
(SO CALLED) bajans – 98% literate – 100% BRAINWASHED.
@Jonathan St Jean – is this the sentiment of most so called Dominicans?
u sound quite acidic.
This could spell regional regression, we do not need this in 2018. Can this ROSS give their version, or is this like the good ole days.
Agreed we should not accuse Barbados of acting improperly if the evidence indicates otherwise and on that basis I am stepping up to withdraw my comment and would only ask that we take this one step further.
Contemplate the solution which is to look at how we can build regional linkages that favours the region and abandon the idea that we can run at bunch of poor islands with no real resources and do well. Even if its tourism are we saying that Barbados/ Antigua / St Vincent / Grenada and Dominica cannot get together and build their own hotel brand aka Sandals, Riu share the profits and give the staff profit sharing? Each island could have a resort that offers a unique value proposition.
Next drill down this regional strategy into the school system so that the kids understand that they have have inherited a paradise but to work and play in it they need to be smart and plan and execute as a team.
@clemkonan – now u see why the partial sub thought of Caribbean integration, movement etc will be a joke and a WOT.
@Jonathan St Jean – “Under his leadership, he has given contracts to Barbadian firms without even offering Dominican companies or individuals an opportunity of tender for such jobs which they are quite capable of doing”.
Here in babadus aka little England we get similar dung being splashed about i.e Trinidadian, Guyanese, Lucian and much bilge. But our vision is so clouded and neutralized that we cannot even see that its ALMOST ALWAYS the same numerator. And we continue to argue on the wrong scripts and players. what we need are fearless expose’s.
What Mr Skerrit is saying is being cemented and portrayed by Jonathan St Jean. I find all this quite disturbing.
All ya DOMINICANS are a pack of UNGRATEFUL illiterate people that play we for fools right ? calling we thieves and the like,but when the STORMS and HURRICANES descend on DOMINICA the SAME BAJANS leave their children,wives and family behind to come to DOMINICA to help you out.
Remember the DOMINICAN who had FAILED her exams at CAVE HILL and who returned to DOMINICA to say that she was attacked and humiliated on CAMPUS and proceeded to MALIGN BDOS ,but when INVESTIGATIONS were carried out was found to be LYING ?
Next time a weather system descends on you and all ya looking for help from BIM,I won’t be surprise if on opening packages from we THIEVES all ya don’t find some monthly USED and DISCARDED items…all ya would have DESERVED them.
@Alex – “We all know that the outside World play the Island against one other, so this is why you will see “every turkey for he own craw”
Exactly!!! scrambling for crumbs from the masters table. We get play from the inside/within/local world too, “guided” tug-a-war. And that will continue until…… WE DO NOT NEED THIS BS.