By Caribbean Medical News Staff
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has “banned” the Nigerian group Flavour from the World Creole Music Festival as fears of the Ebola virus grip the island.
According a press release, the party of four was cancelled from the music festival on orders from the PM through the Dominican Festivals Committee.
“To date a total of EC$147,000 has been expended on professional fees and international travel by this group. This is a lot of money. But, in my view, it pales into insignificance when matched against the consequences of exposing the people of this region to the risk of the Ebola virus,” The PM told a press conference.
While saying that the group was full of talent and lauding their skills, he said the group would be able to visit Dominica at a later date. He said the island just is not prepared at this time.
According to other reports, the World Health Organization has said that the outbreak in Nigeria was contained. Similarly, a group of ninety students en route to Barbados were told that they were no longer welcome “until further notice” by Minister of Health, the Hon. John Boyce, until the situation “is more settled”. Meanwhile, their representative, Donna St. Hill, a former journalist in Barbados says that the student nurses were tested three times and were “in the clear for Ebola and not infected”.
“Flavour is obviously a talented band and we would like to welcome them to Dominica at some point. Indeed, I would love if, by this time next year, the Ebola virus could have been brought under control, if not eradicated; regions around the world cleared of the threat of the virus, and entertainers, such as Flavour, could visit and perform in Dominica. This indeed would be my wish for the outcome of the discussions that will be entered into,” said Skerrit who said the public should still promote 18th World Creole Festival nevertheless.
“While I know there are those in our midst who believe they must dissect and ridicule everything that government says and does, I believe it would be helpful and responsible for all citizens and residents to move on now with the job of promoting this year’s World Creole Music Festival. We have an impressive array of talent from around the world. Without Flavour, the line-up remains impressive, and I insist, that there is the potential for this year’s World Creole Music Festival to be the best ever! All it takes now is for citizens and residents to join in the promotion and in the hosting of this spectacular event.”
A second group made up of members of African origin and who are based in Paris, Montreal and New York, is scheduled to visit Dominica. Their flights do not originate in Africa.
