The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services acknowledges the recent public statements made by Dr. Dale Dangleben regarding his shipment of medical equipment and supplies to Dominica, as well as his request for duty concessions.
We would like to clarify that the Ministry has engaged in multiple discussions (between May 28 and June 24, 2025) with Dr. Dangleben and has provided clear guidance on the procedures required to facilitate duty concessions on donated medical supplies. These discussions included specific instructions regarding the documentation needed to process the waiver, which have also been reiterated by the Ministry of Finance.
During these conversations, Dr. Dangleben informed that the container in question includes not only items intended for donation to the Ministry but also personal and commercial goods related to his private business. He was advised that, in accordance with standard procedures, an itemized inventory and valuation must be submitted, clearly indicating which items are designated for donation. Only items officially designated as donations to the Ministry are eligible for duty concessions or waivers. Items intended for personal use or commercial purposes require a separate application for duty-free allowance or the payment of applicable duties, as they are not eligible for processing through the Ministry.
To date, the required documentation has not been received from Dr. Dangleben. As a result, the Ministry has been unable to proceed with the concession or waiver request.
The Ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the consistent application of established financial procedures. We also reaffirm our openness to collaborations with individuals and organizations who share our goal of improving healthcare in Dominica. We value the contributions of our diaspora and welcome all those who wish to work together within the appropriate financial frameworks.
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