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Forty nine year old businessman, Zing Jian Yong has died following a shooting incident which took place at about 11:15pm on Tuesday night at Picard, Portsmouth.
Police say the Chinese national and resident of Picrd was taken to the Reginald Fitzroy Armour Hospital where he was medically examined and pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
Its investigations continue while the body is at Lyndhurst Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Some surveillance video, reportedly coming from the popular restaurant owned by Yong and seen by News Fresh Out, suggest his death is linked to an armed robbery at his establishment.
Policy Consultation at the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), Dominica. Pictured are (left to right): Mr. Cecil Shillingford, Consultant with the ODM; Mr. Fitzroy Pascal, National Disaster Coordinator, ODM; Mr. David Maximea, National Focal Point on the MSSP Project from the Ministry of Education, Dominica, Dr. Winston McCalla, Policy Expert; and Mrs. Eleanor Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Solutions Limited. Not pictured are Dr. Kerry-Ann Thompson, Consultant Project Coordinator of the MSSP Project, CDEMA and Ms. Danielle Nembhard, Assistant Project Manager at Environmental Solutions Limited.
Roseau, Dominica, May 20, 2019 – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis have commenced consultations toward the development of a National Safe School Policy. The Consultations are being held over a two week period, from May 13 – 24, 2019. The National Safe School Policy will provide the context for the amendment of existing legislation to integrate Disaster Risk Reduction and environmental protection measures for schools in the implementing countries.
Technical support for the Consultations is being provided by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) through Environmental Solutions Limited (Jamaica) under the project titled, The Implementation of the Model Safe School Programme in the Caribbean (also known as the MSSP Project). The goal of the Model Safe School Programme for CDEMA Participating States is to create safe, secure/protective and green educational institutions from pre-primary to tertiary levels, including public and private institutions through the development of simple, applicable and adaptable tools.
This first-stage of policy consultations was designed to garner stakeholder participation and consensus building within the national context. A number of key stakeholders have already been targeted in Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica including the National Safe School Programme Committee, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the Chief Education Officer, teachers, District Education Officers, the Labour Commissioner and Early Childhood and Special Needs Units within the education ministry.
In Dominica, a courtesy call was made to Mr. Fitzroy Pascal, National Disaster Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), where the work of the ODM toward the safe school mandate was highlighted. In the context of the deep involvement of the ODM in Safe School initiatives in the past, Dr. Winston McCalla, Key Policy Expert, emphasised the integral role that the ODM plays in supporting the National Safe School Policy and in the functioning of the National Safe School Programme Committee. The National Safe School Programme Committee serves as the nucleus for promoting and implementing Safe Schools as a Programme within the Ministry of Education in Dominica, as well as in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia.
Mrs. Eleanor Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Solutions Limited and Disaster Risk Management Specialist on the assignment indicated that consultations to date have revealed the centrality of the education sector to disaster resilience at the community level, the vast number of lessons to be learned in the aftermath of the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the need for psychosocial support in the aftermath of hazard events, and the need for policy considerations in relation to the use of schools as shelters.
Environmental Solutions Limited will also be in the targeted countries during the stated period to conduct school assessments.
About the Implementation of the Model Safe School Programme in the Caribbean
The CDEMA Coordinating Unit has received grant funding from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to the amount of EUR 746,000 to implement the Model Safe School Programme toolkit in Antigua and Barbuda and five other countries: Barbados, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Implementation of the Model Safe School Programme in the Caribbean (MSSP Project) was designed to, among other things, enhance the capacity of the six target CARICOM states to incorporate and mainstream comprehensive risk and disaster management considerations into education sector policies, planning and operations.
In addition to the development of National Safe School Policies for each state, the components of the intervention consist of: conducting school assessments in 33 schools across the targeted states; preparing individual costed action plans for reducing or eliminating the risks identified during the school assessments; developing an electronic application for the collection of safety and green data during school assessments; reviewing, elaborating and enhancing a building condition assessment element tool; and providing training for 90 local public professional across the six targeted CARICOM states.
Funding is being provided under the African Caribbean Pacific-European Union-Caribbean Development Bank Natural Disaster Risk Management (ACP-EU-CDB NDRM) in CARIFORUM Countries Programme.
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, May 1, 2019 – Five (5) countries: Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, Sint Marteen and Suriname adhered to the Caribbean Safe School Initiative and adopt the Antigua and Barbuda Declaration on School Safety during the 2nd Caribbean Safe School Ministerial Forum. The forum was held from April 29 to 30, 2019 in Kingstown and hosted by the Ministry of Education, National Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs and Information.
In 2017, 12 countries adhered to the initiative and signed the Antigua and Barbuda Declaration on School Safety in the Caribbean. At the second Ministerial Forum, ten Ministers of Education, officials in the education sector as well as disaster management stakeholders, regional and international partners participated in technical discussions on school safety and updated the Regional RoadMap for School Safety.
The Minister of Education, National Reconciliation and Information of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Minister St. Clair Prince, commented in regard to the Caribbean Safe School Initiative that “The 2nd Ministerial Forum has served to renew the commitment to build the resilience of the education sector in the Caribbean region”. He also added that “I am also committed as the incoming chair for this forum to ensure that School Safety in the Caribbean remains a priority nationally, regionally and internationally”.
This second forum was also linked to a Youth Forum “My Island, My Life, which provided an opportunity for youth to add their voices and join the discussion on school safety and identify safety issues around the three pillars of the Comprehensive School Safety Framework: safe learning facilities (disaster-resilient infrastructure), school disaster management; and, disaster risk reduction and resilience education. The conclusions and recommendations of the Youth Forum were presented during the Ministerial Forum.
At the Forum closing Sint Marteen announced they will host the 3rd Caribbean Safe School Ministerial Forum in 2021 and British Virgin Islands (BVI) will be hosting the 4th Forum in 2023.
The Caribbean is a region of high exposure to multiple natural hazards including hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, windstorms, tsunamis, landslides and droughts. Vulnerability combined with exposure to such hazards can serve to drastically undermine poverty reduction strategies, hinder development gains and jeopardize educational systems. Such events, if left unmitigated, can lead to devastating consequences to a nation’s economic, social and environmental wellbeing.
The importance of school safety had also been long acknowledged in the Caribbean. The 2014-2024 Comprehensive Disaster Management strategy calls for increased and sustained knowledge management and learning for Comprehensive Disaster Management, as well as standardization and improvement of educational and training materials.
The 2nd Caribbean Ministerial Forum was the result of a partnership between the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation (ECHO), UNICEF, GADRRRES, OECS, UNESCO, U NISDR and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
The Dominica Library and Information Service (DLIS) is observing Library Week 2018 from May 14 to 18 under the theme, ‘Notwithstanding, We Continue to Serve.’
As Dominica recovers from the impact of Hurricane Maria the focus is on the essential role of libraries in the rebuilding effort, the role of libraries as safe spaces for vulnerable groups and the response of the DLIS to support the information needs of citizens post disaster.
Major activities include informative sessions using online magazines and other e-resources, an online exhibition of the DLIS journey post Hurricane Maria, recognition of donors and Disaster Preparedness Day to be observed on Thursday May 17, 2018.
Due to the passage of Hurricane Maria the Library Service lost over twenty five thousand volumes of books and ninety-five per cent of its furniture and equipment. All service points of the DLIS were impacted with the Roseau Public Library and the Portsmouth Library sustaining extensive damages to physical structure. The roof of the Documentation Centre building that housed the National Archives sustained flood damage and a number of records sustained water damage.
Since then the DLIS has resumed services at the National Documentation Centre, National Archives Unit, the Portsmouth Library at Portsmouth Secondary School, the Roseau Public Library at the Documentation Centre Building providing reference, Internet, computer, and homework assistance and circulation of books to the general public, the Portsmouth Mobile Library on Bay Street, the Grand Bay Public Library at the Grand Bay Community Center and the Marigot Library located upstairs the village pharmacy.
The DLIS has also conducted an Art Therapy Workshop, sessions on Information Skills for Grade 6 students, a CARBICA Post Hurricane Consultancy & Workshop and provided technical assistance to school libraries.
Other new services launched by the DLIS in the past year include a new barcode-readable Membership Card, personal online accounts that contain reader history and the ability to reserve books and update accounts and access to E-Resources, online magazines and databases.
In the upcoming months the DLIS hopes to complete rehabilitation of the Portsmouth Library and re-establish sustainable services, reintroduce internet and computer services at the Marigot and Grand Bay branches, advance efforts to build a safer, modern and resilient Public Library in Roseau, continue the archival collection digitization project, enhance service provision to support students’ research needs through E-library platforms and enhance capacity of staff through training and specialization.
The Library Service wishes to thank the organizations and groups that supported its operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The Getty Foundation donated $55, 000.00 and the Belize Development Corporation $23,983.93 towards restoration of Portsmouth Library, the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust donated $60, 376.50, the Joshua-Jelly-Schapiro & Friends, $1, 162.10 and the Friends of Jamaica, $3, 000.00. The DLIS also received a grant of $6, 460.14 from the Caribbean Association of Archives (CARBICA) for placement of UV protected glass windows at the National Archives Unit, $24, 605.56 worth of equipment and materials from the American Embassy, Barbados to support the American Corner, replacement of the Consolidated Index Stock by the UWI Cave Hill Campus, 1000 books from Mr Peter Dick and Friends of the United Kingdom and 2,131 from Book Aid International. An additional 1374 books were received through Private and Organisation donations and friends of the DLIS.
Hoteliers and other key stakeholders in the tourism industry have expressed frustration with insurance companies over delayed payments. The lag, the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) says, “is preventing many hotels from moving forward with reconstruction and restoration.”
The tourism industry contributes to nearly 35 percent of Dominica’s gross domestic product (GDP) and serves as a major source of employment for residents. In 2016, the World Travel and Tourism Council noted that three out of every 10 workers are employed within the tourism industry.
After Maria struck in September 2017, the sector took a hit for the worst. A post disaster needs assessment revealed that of the estimated US $930.9 million in damages, 19 percent of losses were sustained in the tourism sector. Before Maria, the Discover Dominica Authority had on record 73 properties or 909 export ready guest rooms available. As of October 2017, 32 properties, that is 51 percent of the total room stock or 467 guest rooms, have been assessed as moderately damaged but are able to operate.
To continue operations, hoteliers admit that they are depending on insurance payouts for the cash injection needed to commence or complete rehabilitation works.
“The lengthy delay in the insurance settlement process is not only frustrating and stressful, but, expensive and debilitating.” Remarked one Hotelier. “Everyday that our buildings are left uncovered, causes even more deterioration. We are 1-month shy of the beginning of another hurricane season, and our property is even more vulnerable today than ever before. With this lack of urgency from our insurer may cost us our business, which then impacts the economy, less VAT collection, no capital tax collection, less employment, therefore less inputs into social security and an overall decline in economic activity. it is a no win situation for our beloved Nature Isle…”.
A recent survey conducted by the DHTA of 20 properties – representing 276 exportable rooms or 30 percent of the pre-Maria room stock, revealed that an alarming “75 percent of claims have not been paid out.”
According to the DHTA President, this coupled with the closing of the VAT/Duty concessionary period which was introduced after the disaster, we are seriously concerned about our members’ and stakeholders’ ability to bounce back and fulfil the mandate of becoming the first climate resilient country in the world.”
Given the importance of tourism, the association believes that “delayed insurance payments are detrimental to the industry and country. We see hotels, restaurants, dive and tour operators scale back their operations to barebones while they wait for settlements… that will frustrate anyone”
Mr. Kevin A Francis, Executive Vice President remarked that the DHTA has sat down with insurance providers and brokers to understand the issue at hand. “We have had a few meetings with the insurance industry to understand the challenges that the insurers themselves are facing as there is always two sides to a coin. Some of the information coming out of these meetings were eye opening for both sides of the issue and we are now working closely to ensure that payments are received.”
The DHTA has also teamed up with their Gold Level Corporate Partners; CGM Gallagher Insurance Brokers to help in this regard. “CGM, our Gold level corporate partner, is working with the association and the members to help mitigate some of this frustration with the insurance industry. They are assisting members in claim settlement, capacity building in understanding insurance procedures, appeals for advance payment etc. The DHTA continues to push our member issues and show value to the membership.”
The DHTA will soon begin its staple seminar series; ACTalks, that focuses on member interaction and information series, as members seek to make some sense out of this bad situation.
By Elias Leah Shillingford, DAWU – Acting General Secretary
Brothers and Sisters,
A few years ago, my message to you was entitled, “ LEST WE FORGET”. In that message I called upon us to NOT FORGET, May Day, which is celebrated every year as, “International Workers’ Day, meaning that it is a Universal Day of Work stoppage.
Today, I look back at the most powerful expression of a movement which occurred at the first International Workers Congress in 1889. At that Congress four hundred (400) delegates who were in attendance decided that the eight-hour day would be the first demand on their agenda. I note the determination of the delegates as they worked together to achieve their goals. In the end, they succeeded. I say this to inform us of the fact that a Trade Union Congress is very important for the achievement of a better working environment for any people and nation, but more importantly, the “power of agreement”.
Throughout the years, trade Unions around the world have been working together to achieve major advances in workers’ rights. They have demonstrated successes through strength of unity. With the application of a similar approach to cooperation, collaboration or even alliance, Trade Unions in Dominica could deliver results that would have a lasting impact on the lives of Dominican workers and their families. There is much more to be gained out of unity as opposed to isolation. The benefits would accrue to the workers and that is the ultimate goal of unions established to serve the people. Let us embrace the “strength in unity.
Many years ago, I sat in meetings with Anthony Frederick Joseph, the first General Secretary, and founder of the Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union, on the topic – A Trade Union Congress. Today, we are at the same juncture, as the past, with still no agreement to a TUC. Recently three (3) of us (Union Leaders), met on two separate occasions to discuss the TUC, and have been able to agree on some matters, like the Agency Shop Ordinance, Redundancy payment and the ceiling, Subvention to the Labour Movement, as well as appointments to Chairman’s Panel. Despite these agreements, we are still not ready to form a TUC. This Union acknowledges that we need to do more, and I call on my fellow Union Leaders to give the TUC priority.
May Day celebrations in addition to other key activities, consultations and initiatives that can be undertaken jointly are lacking due to an absence of the TUC. For instance, there have been lost opportunities for joint Union response and action to Government’s request on consultations and solicitations on matters of Labour, and policies that would affect the Nation in general. These lost opportunities seriously demonstrate the need for a TUC.
Having said this, I believe that the time has come for the Trade Union Movement in Dominica to “re-strategize and restructure”. With the decline of serious activities over the past years, it is possible to conclude that we have lost ground, or even stopped in time.
Some of the successes of prior years were linked to the vibrancy of the trade union movement. I recall the years that we met at the Windsor Park, spending the day, listening to speech after speech from invitees and locals holding placards, shouting chants and singing songs. In the Caribbean we are now enjoying the results of these efforts, including the Collective Labour Agreement and ILO Conventions and the Decent Work mandate. Having achieved these milestones, it is important to NOT FORGET the significance of the May Day celebrations in honour of the work done and lives lost to get us where we are today. The Trade Union Leaders and Workers, in Dominica need to continue to appreciate the significance of this DAY and not allow it to pass unrecognized. A “re-strategize and restructured” labour union system with a TUC would allow for more action on May Day.
The Workers and Employers in Dominica now have Collective Labour Agreements to operate by, making it very easy for both parties to enjoy not only the forty (40) hours work week, but many other benefits. The Unions have good mandates for their members, and throughout the year, not only May Day, the Unions continue to look after the needs of their members. However, there should be an alliance among the Unions and without the TUC, some Employers take advantage of workers, violating the Collective Labour Agreements, and many times renege on promises made.
In honour of May Day and in light of some of the examples highlighted above, the Dominica Amalgamated Workers Union will arrange to speak with the “workers”, on Non Communicable Disease (NCD’s), from a Bible based perspective. This topic will biblically explain how the Spirit Soul and Body operates as one, and by extension maintain good health, success and prosperity.
The Workers will be informed of the date and time of the event.
DOMINICA, 3 May 2018 – UNICEF and World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Directors for Latin America and the Caribbean today signed an agreement to support governments in the region to be better prepared and equipped to use cash transfer programmes to assist their population during emergencies.
UNICEF’s Marita Perceval and WFP’s Miguel Barreto signed the agreement in Roseau, Dominica, at the start of a workshop to review the emergency cash-based transfer programme the two agencies supported in the Caribbean country, which was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
In emergencies, transfers – either cash or vouchers – allow affected people to determine and prioritise their own needs and strengthen their autonomy and dignity. Additionally, they stimulate local economies and revitalise markets, thus promoting resilience in affected communities, as seen in Dominica.
The three-month programme the Government of Dominica implemented with the support of the two agencies in the aftermath of the Category 5 hurricane Maria provided emergency cash transfers to 25,000 affected people, including 6,000 children. Payments helped families meet their basic needs, including food, clothes, hygiene items, school supplies and reconstruction materials.
“Emergency cash helped vulnerable Dominicans who had lost so much get back on their feet again. The cash was a lifeline for affected people but it also allowed them to regain priceless strength and hope,” said Mr. Barreto. “We know these programmes work and can be used effectively by Governments, with our joint UN support, to prepare for and respond to future emergencies,” he added.
“When we take care of a child in an emergency, we are not only giving immediate protection, we are making sure that she can develop to her full potential,” said Ms Perceval. “Dominica’s pioneering experience using cash transfers as a response to emergency breaks the barrier between humanitarian and development work, and is a testament to what the collaboration of UNICEF and WFP, under the Dominica’s government leadership, can accomplish for the region.”
In the document signed today, the two regional agencies agree to collaborate in preparing feasibility assessments to determine if a cash-based response is useful in a given country or context, and co-financing cash-based transfer programmes. Both agencies will develop and/or strengthen key programme tools to implement cash-based transfer programmes in an emergency context; programme implementation and capacity strengthening of government partners; as well as monitoring and evaluation.
