Visa Free Entry Of Dominicans Into Guadeloupe Issue                    By Rena Auguiste – Saturday February 24th, 2007

                                                                                                                                         The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) believes that the visa free entry of Dominicans into Guadeloupe and other French departments in the region has not turned out to be the major achievement, which Government talked about last year. Effective March 1^st, Dominicans visiting these countries for 15 days or less will not require an entry visa. However, Coordinator of the PDM William Riviere says they will not be able to enter without the appropriate documents. The PDM therefore calls on Government to reopen negotiations with the French authorities on the matter.

Back to top

Dominican Hucksters Trade With St. Maarten At Major Risk              By Kimberly Benjamin – Saturday February 24th, 2007

                                                                                                                                     Commissioner of Market Affairs in French St. Maarten Noreen Brooks says that anything less than professionalism in huckstering will not be the fault of the global competitive geography, but rather the incompetence of those in position (regardless of measure to make a change). Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Ms. Brooks says Dominica is a significant part of the huckstering trade and so, Dominican Hucksters should be more professional in their business in order for them to succeed constantly.

Back to top

Unity Is Main Element In Conquering Existing Challenges                 Tourism                                                                                         By Tyrella Alexander – Saturday February 24th, 2007

Unity is the main factor in conquering the many challenges existing in the world. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the statement while addressing the commemoration of the first Diesel Tank at the Petro Caribe Fuel and Distribution Plant in Belfast. Prime Minister Skerrit says President Hugo Chavez has insisted to assist Dominica with those challenges; nevertheless we all need to get involved in the fight. Prime Minister Skerrit says Dominica’s relationship with Venezuela at this time has broadened so deeply that it can be described as a friendship. He states that with President Chavez as the Head of Government an increased commitment to addressing the many world issues which are confronted on a daily basis has been seen. The issues of illiteracy, HIV Aids, hunger, poverty and homelessness are issues which are being addressed. Prime Minister Skerrit says that as people of God in Dominica, the crusade must be joined in order to improve lives of the ordinary mean and women across the world.

Back to top

Numerous Strategies Being Implemented By Dominica Solid             Waste Management To Ensure Better Waste Collection                      By Rena Auguiste – Saturday February 24th, 2007

                                                                                                          The Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation is implementing a number of strategies to ensure better waste collection during 2007. Public Relations Officer of the Solid Waste Management Corporation Jeno Jacob says the corporation has begun the procurement of much needed spare parts to sustain the current collection fleet. The new Fond Cole Sanitary Land field will be open to the public AT 3 pm on Monday 26 February. The land field was built to the tune of EC 10 million dollars funded by the European Union. The land field is said to be of importance in ensuring that the present solid waste management system continues.

Back to top

Alliance Francaise Continues Efforts To Promote Dominica's Culture

                                                                                                                                              As the Alliance Francaise of Dominica continues its efforts towards promoting the Dominican culture, its next venture takes the form of a sculpture and art exhibition of a few local and locally based artists such as Julie Joseph, Marvin Fabien and Michel Bousselaire. The two-week exhibition begins this evening at 6 pm, at the Alliance Francaise. During these two weeks, schools and tour operators will be invited to view the pieces on display.

Back to top

Board Of Directors Of NBD Issues Important Release

By Rena Auguiste – Saturday February 24th, 2007

                                                                                                          The Board of Directors of the National Bank of Dominica (NBD) has issued a release indicating that there have been many reports from time to time, both verbal and written casting aspersions against the Managing Director of the NBD, Mister Gregory de Gannes. The release further stated that such aspersions, questioning the Managing Director’s integrity, modus operandi and professionalism continue to occur in recent times. The Board of Directors is making it known to the public that they stand fully behind the Managing Director and executive team, who have been managing the bank through a particular difficult period of transition.

Back to top

Establishment Of Oil Refinery Raises Concern For Dominica’s           Tourism

                                                                                                                                             The Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association (DHTA) is concerned that the establishment of an oil refinery here on island might adversely affect our tourism product. President of the DHTA Judith Pestaina says her association would like to become more informed with regards to the development of the oil refinery. According to Mrs. Pestaina, the matter was expected to be discussed firstly with the public. The DHTA President says “oil and water don’t mix and what concerns us is the fact that this might be incompatible with our tourism product.” She says her association needs to be reassured with respect to the agreement that has been signed with Venezuela. The DHTA needs to know what kind of refinery is being discussed by government and the implications it will have for our tourism.

US Lawmakers Propose Easier Trade Rules For Cuba caribbeannetnews.com – Saturday February 17th, 2007

Four members of the US House proposed easier rules for selling food to Cuba on Thursday, such as letting Cuba pay US banks directly instead of routing the money through foreign banks. The legislation also would clarify the meaning of cash sales to Cuba. The Bush administration says Cuba must pay before ships leave US ports. The bill would allow payment before delivery in Havana. US farm and agribusiness groups see Cuba as a natural, nearby market. For years they have campaigned for sales despite the overall US embargo on trade with the island. Food sales have been permitted since 2000. Rep. Jerry Moran, Kansas Republican, said in a statement "this is an opportune time to encourage the United States to change its trade policies toward Cuba." He cited the decision by Cuban President Fidel Castro to temporarily give up power. "In addition to the clear benefits that opening this market would have for our domestic producers, millions of Cubans are in need of access to a safe and abundant food supply," said Rep. Stephanie Herseth, South Dakota Democrat and a sponsor of the bill with Moran, Missouri Republican Jo Ann Emerson and Arkansas Democrat Mike Ross.

Back to top

Europe Bans Suriname Fishery Products             caribbeannetnews.com – Saturday February 17th, 2007

The European Commission (EC) is imposing a ban on some fishery products from Suriname. Citing health and hygiene concerns, smoked fish and cultivated shrimps are banned from the European market. A recent EC inspection in Suriname found serious shortcomings and health hazards at shrimp farms and fish processing companies. It was discovered that some of the processing companies are smoking their products with wood containing carcinogenic substances. “Wood was being used for smoking that is not safe and which was linked with production of carcinogens, so there was a risk of cancer for humans,” said EC spokesman Philip Tott in an interview with Radio Netherlands. Suriname exports approximately 390 tons smoked fish products to the Europe Union (EU) valued 1.6 million euros, mostly to the Netherlands and Great-Brittain. “In the pond shrimp sector the establishments that inspectors visited were in very bad condition and there was no proper authorization procedure by the authorities.

Back to top

BVI Government Taking Steps To Combat Crime                               caribbeannetnews.com – Saturday February 17th, 2007

The Governor of the British Virgin Islands David Pearey and Chief Minister Dr Orlando Smith have issued a joint statement aimed at combating crime in the territory. They said ensuring the safety and security of the community is the highest priority of Government. The statement said the issue of crime is, therefore, a primary concern and this concern is heightened by the fact that criminal activity in the BVI carries the risk of negatively impacting the foundations of the Territory’s economy. It said given these stakes, the Government is resolved to applying every available resource to reduce crime to an absolute minimum. The Governor and Chief Minister said it is the policy of the Government that there is no such thing as “acceptable” levels of criminal activity and have decided to put a strategy in place to combat criminality through a three-tiered approach: Deterrence through effective policing with emphasis on community police partnership. Detection and punishment through vigorous investigations and prosecutions of all law-breakers. Prevention through education and civic leadership.

Back to top