President of the Dominica Calypso Association Kelly Williams Expresses his Pleasure to Witness the Official Opening of the DCA “Million Dollar Calypso House” Located at Bath Estate                  Reporter: Shamalie Louis- Saturday January 23rd 2010

President of the Dominica Calypso Association Kelly Williams stated that it was a pleasure to witness the official opening of the DCA “Million Dollar Calypso House” located at Bath Estate. The Dominica Calypso Association Headquarters was officially opened yesterday afternoon. Williams believes this grand opening is symbolic of the hard work of all those associated with the calypso art-form. He highlighted the reasons for gathering for the historic opening of the Caiso House and noted that encouragement should be given to the younger generation to follow in the footsteps of veteran calypsonians. Williams stressed that the Caiso House does not just represent a place for calypsonians but can be described as a centre for performing arts. He urged all those who will use the space to uphold the structure. He also briefly noted the many locations calypsonians used before having an official Caiso House.

                                                                                                                                  Representative of the National Authorizing Officer Eddie Henry says Development of an Island is Largely Dependent on the Strength and Capability of NGO’S and Non-State Actors       Reporter: Shamalie Louis-  Saturday January 23rd 2010

Representative of the National Authorizing Officer, Eddie Henry stated that the development of an island is largely dependent on the strength and capability of non governmental organizations and the non-state actors group. He explained that the government of Dominica through DISSIF, has funded many initiatives of these critical organizations and as a result has aided in the progress of Dominica’s development. Henry stated further that Dominica is currently at the head of the game as regards the non governmental organization movement. Mr. Henry also explained that without the help of the European Union many projects would not have gotten off the ground.

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Sam Raphael Wants to Sensitize Dominicans to the Reality that Investments in their day to day lives is not  a Major Concern to the present DLP Administration                                              Reporter:Lakisha LaBassiere- Saturday January 23rd 2010

Independent Candidate in the 2009 Election Race, Mr. Sam Raphael says more has to be done to inform and educate the Dominican electorate on the effects of participating in the bribery tactics of some politicians. Raphael says the little money taken from these politicians in exchange for one’s vote is nothing compared to what one has to undergo throughout the ensuing five years. He says it is imperative that Dominicans become sensitized to this reality. Raphael is of the view that investments in the day to day lives of Dominicans is not of major concern to the present administration.

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A “Give peace another chance” Youth Assembly was held Today at the Convent High School to Highlight 2010 Reconciliation, Healing & Peace Concert                                                     Reporter: Midian Pacquette- Friday January 22nd 2010

A youth Assembly was held today at the Convent High School to highlight the 2010 Reconciliation, Healing and peace concert which commenced this morning at the St. Joseph Church grounds under the theme “Give peace another chance”. Apart from the assembly at the Convent High School, there was a Eucharistic Celebration along with performances by the Curato Dance group from Venezuela and local talent from the Convent High School. Father Franklyn Cuffy says the activity is a success thus far and expressed appreciation for the participation.

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Dominica Freedom Party leader Judith Pestaina Leader is Questioning the Capacity & Preparedness of Dominica Disaster Coordinating Unit in to Handle a Major Disaster                 Reporter: Lakisha LaBassiere- Friday January 22nd 2010

Leader of the Dominica Freedom Party Judith Pestaina is questioning whether or not the Disaster Coordinating Unit in Dominica is prepared to handle a disaster of the magnitude of what is currently being experienced in Haiti. She says though one cannot be fully prepared for such a disaster, the Disaster Coordinating office need to take steps to ensure that they have the necessary resources both human and financial to handle a disaster of that extent.  Additionally, the DFP Leader says CARICOM and the OECS seem to be quiet on the crisis faced by Haiti. She says especially since individuals in the Caribbean for example persons in St. Lucia and Dominica are able to provide assistance in translation.

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Roseau Central MP Norris Prevost says 2009 Election Marred by ‘moneycracy’ as Candidates Purchased by the DLP are Serving Solely because They were Paid to Do so                                 Reporter: Lakisha Labassiere- Friday January 22nd 2010

Roseau Central MP Norris Prevost says the 2009 General Election was marred by what he termed as ‘moneycracy’ as opposed to democracy. Prevost says this term can be defined as the use of money to buy officials to represent a party, and to bribe the electorate. The Roseau Central MP says this is a new form of human slavery as persons are stripped of their pride, free will and national patriotism.  He says the candidates bought under a DLP ticket during the 2009 elections, are not serving because they want to represent the people of their constituency but rather because they got paid to do so.

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Parents furious over Allegations of Teachers Abusing School Children as Two Teachers Dismissed from Roseau School after Students Complain They were Being Abused by The Teachers        Reporter: Midian Pacquette-  Friday January 22nd 2010

It is alleged that two school teachers have been dismissed from a school in Roseau after complaints were made by students that they were being abused by those teachers. On Q95 Hot Seat Program today numerous individuals and parents in particular called to voice their concerns and offered suggestions to correct what they describe as an outrageous situation. Some Parents emphasized that the officials of the ministry of education should visit the schools and that an urgent investigation should be launched to put a halt to the outrageous acts.   A past student who did not disclose her name called and expressed her gave personal experience in a similar regard before she finished high school last year. She explained that after reporting the situation to the principal the end result of the efforts to solve the problem was completely unsatisfactory. Parents are furious about these occurrences and are calling on the school principals and authorities to do something about the situation. 

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Status quo until ‘status aparte'
www.bbccaribbean.com -  Saturday January 23rd 2010

Ruling parties in St Maarten and Curacao were the victors in Friday’s final parliamentary election in the Netherlands Antilles. In St Maarten the National Alliance which is the local governing party won the three seats assigned to the territory in the 22 seat parliament of the Netherlands Antilles. In Curacao, where the parliament is based, The Partido Antiyas Restructura (Par), won six of the island’s 14 seats. The Par heads the current ruling federal coalition which comprises parties from the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles. The result of the polls means that the coalition will remain in power as it controls 14 of the 22 seats in the federal parliament. It was the final parliamentary election of the Netherlands Antilles before what’s being referred to as the 10-10-10 ‘status aparte’. The federation will be disbanded on 10 October this year with individual islands having more control over their internal affairs while maintaining ties with Holland.

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Cruise passenger dies
www.bbccaribbean.com -  Saturday January 23rd 2010

The authorities in the Cayman Islands are investigating the death of a cruise ship passenger. Police in the territory say foul play is not likely involved in the death of the 37 year old unidentified man. He was found inside a cabin on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas. The ship docked in the Caymans on Thursday. The police say they are investigating.

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Havana unsure about games
www.bbccaribbean.com -  Saturday January 23rd 2010

Cuban authorities say the island is unsure whether it will attend the Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico. Officials in Havana say they are unhappy with visa restrictions and other regulations. Cuban Olympic Committee representatives have been quoted as saying that none of the responses from Puerto Rican sports authorities and games officials had met their demands. The games are set for 17 July to 1 August

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