“Trade Union Movement is here to stay” 
By Tyrella Alexander- Friday 9th May 2008

General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union Thomas Letang says the trade union movement is here to stay. He was speaking on the Dominica Freedom Party’s ‘Freedom & You’ Wednesday. He said there is a role for the trade unions in Dominica, despite several challenges now facing the movement. Meantime President of the Waterfront & Allied Workers Union (WAWU) Kertiste Augustus agrees the union is here to stay. His statement comes despite concerns that the membership of the WAWU has declined and that there is need for greater support for trade unions.         

Dominica Police Force to soon receive a new patrol boat     
By Merville Defoe- Friday 9th May 2008 

The Dominica Police Force will soon be equipped with a new patrol vessel. Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore made that disclosure at a press conference Thursday. He said he will be traveling with members of the Police Department to undertake the hall inspection of the vessel on June 6^th 2008. He added that the construction on the vessel is in an advanced stage and will be the property of the force before the end of 2008. The Ministry of National Security has invested 3 million dollars on this project.     

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DOMLEC gives commitment to deal with Fuel Crisis                     By Jozef Faddoul- Friday 9th May 2008 

Dominica Electricity Services Limited (DOMLEC) says it is committed to dealing with the fuel crisis. DOMLEC Chairman Robert Blanchard says the company recognizes that it needs to be as aggressive as it can, in addressing the problem. “We have to operate as efficiently as possible. We have to go from a fuel efficiency stand point and from an operational efficiency stand point as a company.”  He added that the issue was discussed with the shareholders at the company’s annual shareholders meeting Thursday. DOMLEC also proposed the possibility of improving and expanding its generating capabilities.   

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Do more to enhance food production                                            By Jozef Faddoul- Friday 9th May 2008   

Trade Minister, Senator Dr. Collin McIntyre believes more can be done to enhance food production. He notes that concerns continue to rise regarding the increasing cost of living, but says it is also important to recognize that there is increased competitiveness on the world markets. Mr McIntyre, who is a former Agriculture Minister, believes that just selling local produce as they are, does not extract the added value and income which can be generated from them. “We produce dasheen but let’s start having it in a manner whereby it is more friendly towards preparation rather than having to peel it…”      

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Labor Minister says minimum wage issue is critical   
By Merville Defoe- Friday 9th May 2008 

While there have been calls by local trade unions for a review of the minimum wage in Dominica, Labor Minister Rayburn Blackmoore says this issue is critical. He told a news conference Thursday that all factors have to be considered before fixed rates can be adjusted.  He said there is no quick solution to locating a common ground on which all stakeholders will benefit. The Labour Minister said it is critical since all factors have to be considered…“ You have to look at the cost of living realities too, of the workers.”   

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Work continues to get rid of derelicts  
By Merville Defoe- Friday 9th May 2008 

Citizens will soon see a difference in Dominica’s environment as the initiative to rid the country of derelicts has commenced. This initiative is being undertaken by the Ministry of Health and Environment and according to the Health Minister John Fabien work has already began. He said that the removal of these derelicts will greatly enhance the beauty of the country for locals as well as visitors. “The compactors are now at the Jimmit site. These packages will be taken out of the country. The sites in Grandbay, Portsmouth and Laplaine will be cleared.      

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Twelve to compete in 2008 DOMFESTA song contest      
By Sandy Alexis- Friday 9th May 2008  

Twelve individuals will compete later this month, to become the winner of the 2008 DOMFESTA song contest. This year the winner will walk away with $5000.00 as the grand prize. The songs will represent a number of musical genres including cadence, calypso, and reggae. There will be guest performances from Tarina Simon and Joy Stoute. The event is organized by the Division of Culture in collaboration with the Dominica Broadcasting Station, under the auspices of the National Cultural Council. It will be held at the Arawak House of Culture.           

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USVI police hunt for rape suspect
caribbeannetnews.com - Friday 9th May 2008    

Police on St Croix in the US Virgin Islands have reported an alleged rape that happened in the Frederiksted area on Saturday, May 2. The victim reported to police that her home was broken into by an unknown male individual who sexually assaulted her and threatened her with a knife. The USVI Police Department is investigating all leads in this matter. The VIPD has always had a strict policy of not divulging the names of sexual assault victims or any information that may provide information that may lead the public to surmise the identity of the person. However, on Tuesday a local newspaper reported that a “police source who spoke on the condition of anonymity” had provided unauthorized information on the identity of the sexual assault victim.

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Another US travel agency boycotts St Kitts over alleged animal cruelty
caribbeannetnews.com - Friday 9th May 2008 

The travel boycott of St Kitts instigated by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) over the alleged mutilation and killing of healthy sheep, donkeys, and goats at the island's Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine is under discussion at travel agencies around the globe. While some agencies are reportedly planning quietly to steer travellers to other destinations, Washington, DC-based Green Earth Travel has publicly announced that it will encourage its clients not to visit St Kitts until the veterinary school ends its cruel and deadly surgical procedures on animals. PETA has been urging Ross to join other veterinary schools and use only modern, humane teaching methods.   

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Dominican Republic seeks funds to produce more food
caribbeannetnews.com - Friday 9th May 2008  

The Dominican Republic is seeking some $1 billion in external financing to boost food production and increase exports to neighbouring Caribbean countries that are struggling with high prices of agricultural commodities, especially grains. Foreign Minister Carlos Morales Troncoso told Reuters this week that the Dominican Republic needs financing from multilateral banks to become a steady supplier of grains to the Caribbean, helping mitigate the impact of a global food crisis. "The Dominican Republic could become the Caribbean's granary if the United Nations and the industrialized countries agree to finance it," Morales Troncoso said during a telephone interview after meeting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York.

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