Petite Soufriere resident Sebastian Nicholas has been granted bail in the sum of $40,000.00 by Magistrate Candia Carette-George for possession of Cannabis.

Nicholas appeared before the magistrate’s court on Thursday morning on two drug related offences; possession of cannabis and possession of cannabis exceeding 15 grams on May 15th, 2012.

The drug was estimated at a street value of $23,600.00 by police prosecutor Innocent Toussaint.

The defendant who pleaded not guilty to both charges choose to have his matter heard in the magistrate’s court.

He was granted bail in the sum of $40,000.00 with his cousin Jean Laurent as his surety.

As part of his bail conditions he is to report to the Castle Bruce police station every Wednesday between 6:00 am and 6:00pm.

The matter is set for hearing on November 7th, 2012 at Castle Bruce.

Dominica Vibes News

The Ministry of Health is in the process of preparing a draft legislation to eliminate the use of tobacco in public places in an effort to “provide a tobacco free society”.

That’s according to Health Minister Julius Timothy who addressed members of the media at a chronic non-communicable disease press conference on Wednesday.

“The draft legislation has already been prepared; it’s just a matter of fine tuning it and handing it over to Legal Affairs. Government is committed to reducing the smoking of tobacco and to eliminate it in public places”.

He said there are persons who do not believe that marijuana has the same effects as tobacco.

“Our statistics on marijuana is not very good at all although the drug is illegal. I want the population of Dominica to be very clear, marijuana is not a substitute for tobacco because that seems to be a concept these days, but marijuana is just as bad as or worse than tobacco”.

According to Timothy a survey which was conducted in 2011 revealed that “Dominica in terms of the youth and tobacco use, we were probably the lowest in the Caribbean, but in terms of the youth and marijuana use, we were the highest in the Caribbean and that’s not good”.

If the legislation is endorsed by Legal Affairs it then goes to Cabinet for approval.

World No tobacco Day will be observed on May 31st, 2012.

Dominica Vibes News

The Ministry of health is hoping to adopt a Chronic Care Model Project as part of its campaign in addressing chronic non-communicable diseases or CNCD’s in Dominica.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is providing technical support to the island in implementing this project.

On Wednesday May 16, 2012 the Health Promotion Unit and the PAHO staged a one day workshop which provided health care providers with current information on CNCD’S and how they could improve the quality of care provided to people with CNCD’s.

Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Helen Royer described the workshop as useful.

“It is important to note that self management and empowerment of people with chronic diseases are the key factors for success in service development.”

Royer stressed however that in order for patients to play their role health care providers must constantly provide basic information about their disease.

The Health official noted that promoting the development of self monitoring skills and encouraging members of the health team, family, friends and community members is important.

She said this will assist in allowing patients to feel confident in the self monitoring and self management process.

The Ministry of Health is hoping that with the adoption of this Chronic care model it will better serve people with CNCD’S especially those with disabilities to facilitate their integration into the community and to empower them to become more responsible.

The Government of Dominica through its Health Ministry has taken active efforts in development of community based care services through the primary care health system for people with chronic problems.

Recently the Ministry of health launched its CNCD policy draft and commenced work on the strategic Plan for CNCD’s which seeks to give special attention to many of the components highlighted in this chronic care model project.

Helen Royer said “by adopting this model, Dominica will be joining countries around the world that have already initiated this project and will be consistent with the International standards that have been set”.

“This will provide Dominicans with a chronic care passport which will assist in keeping track of health problems and taking the necessary actions to address them…Royer said.

The Health official emphasized that while much has been achieved there still remains much more to be done to maintain high standards for care in Dominica.

Wednesday’s workshop was facilitated by Advisor on Chronic Disease and Mental Health at PAHO Dr.Tomo Kanda who will work with Dominica on this project for the next eighteen months.

Last year five countries in the Caribbean including Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St.Lucia and Anguilla conducted a similar project.

By: Tarnia Green
Government Information Service

A St Lucian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Philip Pierre is heading to Taiwan for the inauguration ceremony of President Ma Ying-jeou.

Ma was elected to a second term following his victory in the January 2012 national elections.

The St Lucian delegation includes Infrastructure Minister Philip Pierre, Youth Development Minister Shawn Edward, Education Minister Dr Robert Lewis and Health Minister Alvina Reynolds.

The ruling St Lucia Labour Party, which ousted former Prime Minister Stephenson King’s United People’s Party in the country’s November 2011 election, had indicated during the campaign that they might return the country to diplomatic relations with China.

St Lucia severed its ties with China in 2007.

The delegation left St Lucia Wednesday and will return to the country May 23.

St Kitts is also sending a delegation

Carib Journal

The Dominica Agricultural Industrial and Development Bank (AID Bank) is aggressively pursuing efforts to address the level of delinquency within its Loan Portfolio through the implementation of a number of strategies.

That’s according to newly appointed Chairman of the AID Bank Martin Charles.

Mr.Charles who took up his official appointment last month says the bank has a mandate to be a catalyst and leader in financing investment in Dominica. Charles says these developments will be compromised if funds owed to the bank are not repaid.

“Over the years the AID Bank has informed the general public that there are persons who have borrowed monies from the AID Bank, they are in a position to pay but yet still they are not paying their loans and as a result our non performing portfolio rose to a substantial amount.”

At the end of the last financial year 2010-2011 loans in the non-performing category totalled 19.91 million E.C dollars.

The newly appointed Chairman of the AID bank says strategies have been and will continue to be implemented by the bank to reduce this trend.

“Our five year strategic plan addresses the non-performing portfolio. If you look at our last financial report we were able reduce that portfolio significantly because of the strategies that we were able to put in place to deal with our non performing portfolio”.

Charles is however optimistic that defaulters will come forward and make good on their promise to pay AID Bank.

“We are not totally satisfied with where we are right now. We believe that much more can be done and will be done. All I am asking is that persons who are delinquent take a decision to make good on their promise and pay AID Bank its monies”.

Mr. Charles cautioned that the non-payment of monies will affect the Bank’s ability to finance projects in the productive sector, which is instrumental in sustaining investment, creating jobs, and increasing foreign exchange earnings.

By: Tarnia Green
Government Information Service

A nine member jury will commence hearing evidence on Thursday morning to determine whether a Portsmouth man caused the death of Clement James on the 20th of September, 2010.

David St. Jean has been charged for murdering Clement James of Good Hope who resided in Portsmouth and will stand trial when the High Court sitting resumes.

On Wednesday May 16th, 2012 State attorney Clement Joseph in his opening remarks to the jury Joseph said; “It is our contention that on September 20th, 2010 David St. Jean did murder Clement James”.

Information revealed by Joseph indicates that Clement James was walking towards Portsmouth along the eastern side of the Indian River Bridge while David St. Jean was walking on the western side of the bridge, when both men exchanged words and St. Jean walked across to the eastern side where James was and an altercation ensued.

“We are alleging that he [St. Jean] pulled out a knife from his pocket and stabbed James which led to his death,” Joseph told the five male, four female jury.

He told them further that St. Jean is an innocent man until proven guilty and that they are responsible to make a determination as to his guilt after all the evidence has been presented to them.

When Court resumes on Thursday, the state will present its case to the jury.

Dominica Vibes News

Police Spokesman John Carbon has reported that over $20, 000.00 Euros was discovered by police officers in the Marine Unit on a boat in the north of the island recently.

Carbon reported on Wednesday that on May 13th, 2012 about 11: 20 am the police intercepted one (1) local open keel boat in the north of the island which was occupied by three Dominican nationals.

After conducting a search of the vessel the police discovered $22, 000. 00 Euro which was hidden in the vessel.

The nationals, money and the vessel were arrested and handed over to Customs officials to be dealt with.

Carbon also reported that one police officer is nursing injuries at the Princess Margaret Hospital after he responded to a domestic report in Penville on Sunday.

“About 7:30 am on May 13th police responded to a domestic report in Penville. On approaching the suspect he threw a liquid chemical substance into the officers’ face and fled the scene”.

The suspect was found later that day “in a field of marijuana in the heights of Penville” where he was approached by police officers about pm.

According to Carbon, the police officers were “met with resistance and the suspect was shot in the thigh by police”.

Ashley Marcellin of Penville was arrested and charged for assault and causing grievous bodily harm on the police officer and cultivation of marijuana.

He appeared before a magistrate on Tuesday May 15th, 2012 where he pleaded guilty to the charge of cultivation.

He was fined $10,000.00 or in default will serve 5 months imprisonment.

He was remanded in custody for the offence of grievous bodily harm.

The Preliminary Inquiry is set for August 15th, 2012.

Dominica Vibes News

Five contestants from the villages of San Sauveur and Petite Soufriere will participate in the Miss Isidore Pageant set for Sunday May 27th at the San Sauveur School grounds.

The contestants are Ayesha Nichols of San Sauveur and Kerlincia Bernard, Shermaine Eustache, Denise Durand and Lina Nichols of Petite Soufriere.

The contestants will appear in talent, casual wear, evening wear and interview segments. The interview segment will be based on the history of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farmers.

The show begins at 4 p.m.

Andra Stoute of Good Hope is the reigning Miss Isidore.

Fete Isidore is observed by the villages of Good Hope, San Sauveur and Petite Soufriere. A panel discussion on the topic-‘Reviving the Agriculture Sector-Challenges and Opportunities,’ will take place on Wednesday May 23rd.

A games night and Lapeau Kabwit competition will be held on Friday May 25th and Fish night and the Kubuli 360 Big Truck Jam are planned for Saturday 26th.

On Sunday May 27th the Miss Isidore pageant will lead into a dance with popular DJ Miguel Labadie.

On Pentecost Monday, May 28th, a parade featuring local bands and groups will proceed to High Mass which will be broadcast live via radio. One elder who has given long and faithful service to the communities and to the celebration of the Feast of St. Isidore will be honoured.

Fete Isidore will climax with music from the Bouyon Pioneers WCK.

Press Release

Roseau, Dominica – May 16th, 2012…One thousand, two hundred and six (1206) students will write the Grade Six National Assessment (G6NA) on Thursday May 24th and Friday May 25th.

This figure represents 596 females and 610 males, and an increase of 61 students over last year’s sitting.

A total of 52 centers and 108 supervisors and assistant supervisors will be used for this year’s exams.

The number of students writing the exams from the North is 322, South – 171, East – 156 and West – 557.

The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development announces that the expected 2012 secondary school entry numbers are: Castle Bruce Secondary School– 86, Isaiah Thomas Secondary School– 118, North East Comprehensive School– 154, Pierre Charles Secondary School – 70, Portsmouth Secondary School – 170 and Roseau schools – 607.

The Grade Six National Assessment evaluates students’ achievements at the end of primary school. Secondary schools will be provided with performance data that outline students’ strengths and highlight areas requiring further attention.

By: Dionne Durand
Public Relations Specialist,Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development

Chief Cultural Officer Raymond Lawrence has described this year’s DOMFESTA festival activities thus far as successful and well supported by the public.

The event which is in its 29th year showcases the talent of a number of local and international artistes and groups.

“So far DOMFESTA has been doing very well we’ve had a successful Creole Spelling B competition, a successful poetry and drumming festival, a well- attended showing of the film “The Skin” by Antiguan husband and wife duo, a performance by the French musicians who were well appreciated at the Alliance Françoise and the Ethiopian band who performed at the Arawak House of Culture and that show was well appreciated”.

Tuesday saw the opening of an art and craft exhibition at the Old Mill Cultural Centre which will continue for one week.

On Thursday another art exhibition will open at Tiffany’s Art gallery in Canfield featuring the works of 20 year old Ray Francis and from accomplished and promising artists including Earl Etienne, Robbi Lalonde, Susan Weekes and Ellingsworth Moses. That exhibition will commence at 6:30pm.

This year’s festival is celebrated under the theme “Through Culture We Build a Progressive and Peaceful Society” and was created to provide more opportunities for creative expression for artists, to promote cultural exchange and closer regional integration.

Dominica Vibes News