DENNIS JOSEPH WEEKLY: And a president disappears

Dennis Joseph

Some may say he never appeared in the first place and was more like a recluse unwilling or too scared to be in the limelight especially on matters related to national governance.  Others say he was in this for his retirement money and the perks involved and became an expert at avoidance strategies.

The point is  President Nicholas Joseph Orville Liverpool came into this office in 2003 unanimously approved by all members of  the House of Assembly and was hailed as a super-brain with loads of legal experience and a heavyweight  scholastic  background.  The nation took notice and much was expected from him to whom so much had been  given.  It did not happen.

In late 2003, as General Manager and director  of Q95 I was called to the President’s office at Morne Bruce where in a discussion with him he informed me that with the backing of the cabinet of ministers he had taken up the task of  looking into  the Constitution for possible upgrading to meet modern expectations and wanted the help of the media in sensitizing the public about this.  PM Pierre Charles died soon after  and it never happened and that was the first and last I heard of it.   I thought then that the presidency should be of sterner stuff and I still think so now.

The appointment is left to the dubious “consultation” process between the Prime Minister and the Opposition  Leader with no one clear as to what “consultation” should really mean and with the PM having the final say anyway.  This leads to gift giving to a favoured one or to someone who pays for  it or is owed something and gets this as settlement or consultation and whose loyalty as president  is to the ones who gave him the stuff.  We the people who pay for all benefits and all the perks are not allowed to have a say in who gets appointed.

The President is the Head of State which is the highest position in the governance system yet is not accountable to the people just to the one who appointed him namely the Prime Minister.  His role is to legitimize the State and perform as directed by the Constitution and to do all possible to protect  constitutional law. He however cannot be required to perform any functions without his consent and he cannot be charged in any criminal or civil matter while in office. The only qualification for all of this responsibility and  benefits is age-no less than 40- and that he must be a citizen who resided in Waitikubuli for five years prior to his nomination.  Though the wording refers to a man and so far we have had only male presidents it is accepted that either gender could serve.

Considering the necessary qualifications anybody including the Chinese or Haitian naturalized or economic citizens could be nominated and the idea that we must have a very educated or experienced person is just our flavour and nothing more.  The  president has little to do but cut some ribbons, draw a salary, live in his own home or the new 27 million dollar palace in luxury with police protection 24/7, take salutes, patronize functions, have everybody stand when he enters  and be called “Excellency.”   In his singular most important function to do with the integrity of the general elections process the President has proven to be impotent.

It is this that has caused we the people to question whether we need a president in the present form or should we move to the ‘next level?’  We should.

We were the second small island  in the Eastern Caribbean after Grenada to seek political independence and the newness of it caused all sorts of seismic shifts and what some saw as opportunity to get rid of the Labour Party more specifically Patrick John.  Yet at the Independence conference in London when it was clear that nothing would stop the movement and  with all sides present, Opposition Leader Eugenia Charles surprised the meeting with a suggestion that the presidency should be an executive position with full executive powers and this found general agreement.

But  Patrick John, the father of our independence,  was of the view that with all the negative and  false propaganda spread against the Independence movement and  the general low regard at that time for such presidencies called “banana republics” in the third world and knowing from his experiences and that of E O Leblanc before him that the idea of a poor man from Lagon becoming the president of DA could send the upper class and wealthy into nuclear territory and taking into account the way poor people tended to believe that  the wealthy know best, we the people may not be ready and it would be best to go to it in stages.  He was of the view that perhaps this was a clever trap set by Charles to nurture the unrest which she had warned the British government about should independence come under PJ.

And for those who want to think that I am just throwing shots at the late Dame, truth is truth and my book to be released on May 29th 2013 will be of truth no matter who feels hurt on any side including myself.   PJ’s view prevailed with the British parliament  and though we are a republic on paper we are still a half and half piece of work.  It may be time to totally fulfill that mandate of a full presidential system after nearly 34 years and the “next level” crowd should be ready and willing to take us there.

However we must live with what we have and use it in the most beneficial way possible.  What to do with this highly paid official?

We have come through a rough time of years of bickering, quarrels and frankly disrespect of President Liverpool so now we must put our national foot down and demand that the next president  be a strict upholder of the laws and defender of the Constitution.  He must be the spirit of the nation embodying national values.  All the education in the world or the number of desk positions held prior to appointment does not a president make.  We should now know that.

The president should be like a national public relations person whose word is respected at home and abroad who is willing to take on promotions uplifting the people in the arts. In education, in promotion of our national aspirations, public  library and museum expansions and frequent visits to rural areas to be among the people so that he does not become a Town house president.  He must always land on the side of law and not political romance.

The disappearance of Nicholas Liverpool amid  a cloud of distrust and controversy is not deserving for such a man of special worth and should not happen again.  To avoid this the incoming president should make up his mind to be, well  different and yes indeed like in modern day parlance “presidentilicious”.

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71 Comments

  1. Cosco
    September 2, 2012

    it seems you all select to block my comment. gestapo like.

  2. conscious
    September 2, 2012

    Mr Joseph this one was well written. He was indeed a ghost president. I hope the new president will take his job seriously and give DOMINICA the direction it is crying, pleading and begging for. ALL LAWS IN DOMINICA NEEDS UPGRADING PLEASE MR PRESIDENT DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR CONSCIENCE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

    • Clayton Shillingford
      October 13, 2012

      I am largely in agreement with the article by Dennis Joseph.. I have been very disappointed in the functions and conduct of ex President Liverpool..

  3. Concerned
    September 1, 2012

    Man this President was a joke. Shy as shy can be. I dont think that during this man’s term as so called president he spoke a mile long. Never heard this man gave an address nor have i ever hear him say hello. Wish i knew what he ever said on his travel to meetings abroad. Really someone please tell me. “What was his duty?” and What is his salary and benefits. Who paid for all his travel and top securities abroad, and has any one heard any of his excerpts from any local, regional or international meetings? He was a silent man.

  4. me
    August 31, 2012

    In the Past we would hear the President making public addresses on special occasions, with the national anthem played before, and everybody would listen.To ne I’ve never heard anything from this President. We should really move to the next level. 100% right Mr Joseph.

  5. Peeping Tom
    August 30, 2012

    I have often found Mr. Joseph’s articles boring because it is so easy to tear them apart and shred them. There is little substance to them; just some well-written sentences laced in innuendos and metaphors, and really not different from the thinking of the ordinary plebeian. In other words, Mr. Joseph’s commentaries are so analytically empty and uninspiring that I usually ignore them; except when I am bored. Tonight, I am not bored, but in a playful mood. It is your lucky night, Mr. Joseph.

    In a nutshell, Mr. Liverpool was bad for Dominica and what we need is a President who is « a strict upholder of the laws and defender of the Constitution.» Or, no president with purely ceremonial functions. Of course, Mr. Joseph cannot show us how Mr. Liverpool was anything but a «strict upholder of the laws and defender of the Constitution.» And why can’t he? He cannot substantiate his hollow claims because while it is easy for him to cast aspersions, insult persons, and bombard us with inferences, it is harder for him to paint the truth as it really is.

    DNO, for the benefit of all your readers, let us contextualize Mr. Joseph’s attack on the integrity of persons who have been called to serve as President, Mr. Liverpool. When Mr. Joseph says that «we have come through a rough time of years of bickering, quarrels and frankly disrespect of President Liverpool» and he speaks of «the disappearance of Nicholas Liverpool amid a cloud of distrust and controversy», let us be clear…. The only persons who have found Mr. Liverpool to be less honourable or noble than any previous «best president» are those who have difficulty getting him to do their impossible bidding. It is as straightforward as this. The opposition often called on the President to chastise the PM or members of his Cabinet, even though it knew full well that the President is very limited in what he can do. So, failing to get him to do their impossible, he (not unlike the other institutions that they have ridiculed and dismissed when they fail to satisfy them, e.g. the IPO, the police, the justice system, etc) – has become the target of their scorn.

    So, Mr. Joseph seems to be calling for a President who is a «strict upholder of the laws and defender of the Constitution» so long as this individual satisfies the codes of the opposition. (Note the lower case ‘o’). Are we then surprised that Hon Hector John was proudly proclaiming to the world that his party had gleefully tried to corrupt the nomination process by nominating a presidential candidate from «our side»? See the picture, DNO? The only president who is worthy to Mr. Joseph and his associates is the one who does the undoable bidding of the opposition. I challenge Mr. Joseph, or any of your readers, to prove that H.E Liverpool has been less than a defender of our Constitution.

    Another empty contribution from Mr. Joseph.

    • Papa Dom
      August 31, 2012

      “I challenge Mr. Joseph, or any of your readers, to prove that H.E Liverpool has been less than a defender of our Constitution.”
      If you are indeed serious about this challenge remove the veil and say who you really are then an open and honest discussion will prove it.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        September 3, 2012

        This challenge is meaningless. The facts speak loudly for themselves.

  6. Donald F. Royer
    August 30, 2012

    I fully agree with Dennis. I am not too familiar with the duties of the office nor familiar with the present President’s background.However there should be someone with a backbone who is non-partisan at the top to direct traffic when things seem to be going haywire.d

  7. HELAS!
    August 30, 2012

    I applaud you mr. Joseph, so far you have even done more than the President.
    I think we should go to the next level and either we toss out that post completely in this hard economic times or we change it and all dominicans elect our president otherwise why should we respect the likes of…

  8. Dr George Daniel
    August 30, 2012

    Thanks for the history lesson, Dennis. Frankly, none of the presidents in the past have made any memorable or significant contribution to this Country or to regional integration.
    Like the many Governor Generals within CARICOM have been figure-heads, endorsing the wishes of the regime of the day irrespective of political party. I endorse the suggestion that in the interest of fiscal conservatism and in view of the difficult economic conditions that we are experiencing, the Country should move towards an executive president, like the United States, whereby the duly elected leader will be head of State and Government.

  9. ROSEAU VALLEY
    August 30, 2012

    DNO- Thanks for your demonstrated patience with ROSEAU VALLEY. It is much appreciated.

    The two most prominent and outspoken scholars advising the Labour Party-Dr Honeychurch and Dr. Aaron have been on a media campaign to attack Dominicans for what they characterized as “the malaise…a Skerrit malaise.” Both honourable gentlemen have commented on the DNO survey which suggests that Dominicans do not see the value in the office of the President. They have also chided the UWP for exercising its constitutional right of submitting its own candidate for President.

    According to Dr Aaron, these stories have “silently outraged polite society”- whatever this means. Dr Honeychurch asked, “Who is to keep the peace?” suggesting that in the absence of the President we would be in a state of lawlessness and a land of chaos.

    Dr Aaron has irresponsibly characterized the result of the on-line survey, in which approximately 60% of Dominicans do not see the need for a ceremonial President, and the action of the UWP as ‘degeneration” of society and suggests that such “degeneration has long been our preferred means of social control and keeping ‘uppity’ folk[s] in their places. DR Aaron considers anyone who disagrees with the Labour Party as “Unpatriotic”. He insults Dominicans by rudely suggesting that “whatever the verbal strategy, they are fueled by poverty, ignorance , a lack of patriotism and a dash of post-colonial self-hate in short a swamp of the foul stuff in our soul.

    Finally, Mr. Aaron ends his weekly column in the 24 August edition of the paper by praying that the next President, whenever he/she is (elected) should be in the image of the current President. Imagine that. Dr Aaron did not even reference the likes of Clarence Siegnoret, Crispin Sorhaindo and Veron Shaw. After reading this concluding statement, I became convinced of the intellectual dishonesty of Dr Aaron. Dr Aaron may believe that his is the smartest person in Dominica but I am not impressed with his level of disrespect for those of us without the initial of Dr. in front our names.

    Without a doubt, the current President, like the Speaker of the House, has been the worse in our nation’s history. This President has failed us and any reference in the Constitution to the performance of this President in relation to his powers and duties in the exercise of the executive authority of Dominica and to any other powers and duties conferred or imposed on him as President by or under this Constitution or any other law is nothing short of shameful and disgraceful neglect of the Constitution.

  10. Doc. Love
    August 30, 2012

    What has Mr. Joseph written to have raised such criticisms by the red boyz.Isn’t it time that regardless to wether we are red,blue, green or yellow, the facts are the facts and must be recognized as such.The President sent his intended letter of resignation to Skerrit instead of the speaker. Skerrit even though he had not yet received the said letter called the Leader of the Opposition for consultation.The Speaker of the House made an already bad situation worse by calling a meeting of the house to discuss the matter.While all that fiasco which was started by the President was going on ,the man sits in his palace and remains moomoo.Now someone has brought these serious breaches of the constitution to the knowledge of the masses, we are told that the President’s character appears to be denigrated.According to Mr. Joseph, officer,do you know what it is to be denigrated?

  11. Eyes wide open
    August 30, 2012

    Very well written, I really enjoyed reading.

  12. Pedro
    August 30, 2012

    Very well written article. Brilliant! The only question is do we care so much to rock the boat and secondly does the incoming president have the incentive to change things? After all there is no threat of any action that can be taken of him irrespective of what he may promise or how he may deliver, except perhaps for someone else to be nominated at the end of his term.

  13. Marcus Hill
    August 30, 2012

    Great Article!!

    Fully agree.

    This President is the biggest public disappointment to hit Dominica.

    With his wealth of knowlege in the law, his experience he could have:

    1. Written a booklet, explaining our constitution in plain language for Primary School children.

    2. Repeat the idea in 1 above for secondary and college school goers.

    3. Organise public forums to discuss the law and the constitution.

    4. Be an example of puntuality, productivity and love of our national symbols (a la Sir Clarence).

    5. Abstain from any form of commerce and trade to project an above-reproach attitude.

    7. Be pro-active during this time of interpretation of the electoral laws of Dominica.

    8. Make public donations (more significant ones) to charity.

    9. Be an example that we can all point to as someone we would like our children to follow.

    I am afraid he did not of the above.

    What will this President be remembered for? What will be his legacy?

  14. kim
    August 30, 2012

    de president getting about ten grand tax free and his pension tax free for the rest of his life

  15. MAN WITH ACTION PLAN
    August 30, 2012

    its so foolhardy that such expatriots out of convenience penned paper of untruths and improperGANDA to create division in our country. Its interesting that DENNIS made reference to that FACT that our distinguished president had been disrespected, he howver failed to state how and from which quarters. Evidently the Q cabal is primarily resonsible for this and this is consistent with their modus operandi…POLITICAL DESERATION AT ITS BEST! THE 18-3 TIMELINE CONTINUES TO FRUSTRATE THEIR EFFORTS AT GOVERNANCE.
    When an individual begins to belive in his own untruths then a psychiatric issues arises. Its easier for a dick-less person to be convicted of rape than for the oosition to win any General elections in Dominica. No respect for the RULE OF LAW, the institutions of the state, the constitution, the magistrate , high and court of appeal. They need to be charged with contempt of court and I think when this is done then a they will show respect for the rullings of the court whether its in their favour or not. The courts must not be respected based on convenience.
    One has to also consider that President Liverpool has served with respect and honor and choose not to get himself sucked into the corridors of partisan politics. A man of his tremendous intellect, great substance and dignity, with proven objectivity and honesty is the PRIDE OF DOMINICA. HE IS FOREVER LOVED BY WE THE PEOPLE. LET IT BE SAID
    ” AN ATTACK ON PRESIDENT LIVERPOOL IS AN ATTACK ON THE PEOPLE OF DOMINICA”

    • induendo
      August 30, 2012

      A legal friend once made it clear to me.If U have something to hide join those like U moreso when they are onstage and incharge.If you were once in the previous group which was incharge and they lose 18-3 join the other side so you can continue in ur own side show corruption.
      I would hope my anology carries lol!
      You spoke of the dickless re: rape. anology excellent.
      Now are you on Viagra?
      Tickle me lol hahaahahah.Don’t saw U did not get my drift. If u say you did not then it’s pure hypocracy.

      • Ya Man
        August 30, 2012

        Inuendo You meant I guess it was a typo no biggie You are on point and funny too. I know a few guys around like you described some switch party and in Gov’t also. lol Some even on the V substance and going blind lol you know anyone in that category? I know some. Go by Dr.Shillingford-Riketts office you’ll em coming out .lol

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      August 31, 2012

      Listen Man with an Action Plan…Whatever your plan, think it over. Whoever has criticized this President for failing to perform his presidential functions as per the constitution cannot be faulted. As a patriotic Dominican, I do not feel disrespected when people criticize/disrespect the President. This does not make me any less patriotic than you, who love the President in spite his failed presidency and ineptitude as the holder of the highest office of the land.
      I agree with you that the President has no respect for the RULE OF LAW, the institutions of the state, the constitution and he should be charged for not protecting our constitution? Yes, indeed, we are all very disappointed in the man, who came with so much promise and his tremendous intellect, great substance and dignity, but who has failed to demonstrate the objectivity, honesty and pride in country . HE WILL BE FOREVER REMEMBERED BY WE THE PEOPLE AS THE WORST PRESIDENT EVER.
      THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN SAID. LET IT BE Known to ALL.

      • Peeping Tom
        August 31, 2012

        Here is a suggestion, ROSEAU VALLEY, instead of just regurgitating slogans and loaded words, try, for once, to attach a logical argument to your claims, e.g that H.E Liverpool has failed «to perform his presidential functions as per the constitution.» Attach some factual statement to support your claims. Enough with the wild disconnected claims already! get with the program: In this «next level», we deal with facts, not beff, suppositions, fabrications, or phantasmagoria.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        September 3, 2012

        PEEPING TOM, I have great respect for you as an online blogger. However my friend, you are gasping for air. You are on the losing end of this argument and you are well aware of that. It is understandable that you must advance an argument contrary to truth. I envy your commitment and devotion to partisan politics, even when dealing with fundamental constitutional matters.

    • Papa Dom
      August 31, 2012

      whey papa!is a good fing I cannot speak good english because I would be really disappointed in my ownself. I wished that you would have pointed out the specific untruth rather than making a blanket statement about “untruths and improperGANDA” From what I’ve read and having lived most of m adult life so far in Dominica, this article accurately captures the truth as it related to this President.
      I would like to applaud you though, for recoginsing your faults and that of you god skerritt in the following statement.”When an individual begins to belive in his own untruths then a psychiatric issues arises” So you see my dear friend, the man in the mirror is speaking to you and you would do well to listen to him.

    • joan
      September 1, 2012

      how many voted to get rid of the presidency?

    • joan
      September 1, 2012

      does the new president have land that can be purchased by the govt. for 270000 dollars

  16. Observer
    August 30, 2012

    Yet another blue coloured driven attack on the character and person of President Liverpool. Whilst this particular column has not directly denigrated the charcater of President Liverpool,the aspertions cannot be denied. There are many other instances where the blue party media zealots have literally laid waste and deprived Mr.Liverpool (President Liverpool) of his good name and charcater. A tresure he took years of hard work and dedication to duty to build. The world knows about Mr. Nicholas Orville Joseph Liverpool. They know his tract record. No amount of partisan driven drivel can detract form that.

    I trust that SOON after demitting office, President Liverpool, soon to be Mr. Liverpool will be able to seek redress for the assassination of his charcater and good name. I sincerely hope that the law will allow and thathe is keen on seeking such redress. If not for him but for the sake of his children and grand children

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      August 30, 2012

      Yet another mis-directed, mischievous and unjustifiable attack on the UWP. My people, this is not a “blue coloured driven attack on the character and person of President Liverpool.”. This is a cry for adherence to our constitution, for a fair-minded, impartial and honourable President. Please!
      Dennis has no apology of denial for being respectfully critical of the president. Get over it! The man has been a failure as a President and he knows it. He does not need you to speak in his defense. In fact, he may not want that because he knows that he has been a complete failure notwithstanding his years of hard work and dedication blah! Blah! Blah!!!. The world knows that as a President, Mr. Nicholas Orville Joseph Liverpool has let Dominica down as a President never mind his illustrious tract record. It is his own biasness, blind partisan political allegiance and his un-presidential conduct that have undermined his tenure and legacy- not the UWP, Dennis, Roseau Valley of so called detractors.
      We trust that soon he will demit office PERIOD and sincerely hope that the next president will do a much better job for teh sake of our children and grand children.

    • HELAS!
      August 30, 2012

      All you people do is create fear!!!!
      Do not talk about me because I will…..etc.
      you are so sick? The article was a very true and good observation.
      Despite the President very past track record, what did he add, I was dissappointed in him. Please let me vote for my President or none at all

    • simple citizen
      August 30, 2012

      Wishful thinking.No fan of Mr Joseph really but he said /wrote it like it is/was.No ifs no buts no maybes Nicolas failed us.I see one of his middle names is Orville,That was one of the Wright brothers name.What did they do? I trust this Orville will do the same.
      In retrospect, a big dissappointment.

      • connecting the .....
        August 30, 2012

        You are good The wright brothers were in the first flights so you saying our Orville will fly out to B/dos where he may have dual citizenship.

    • him
      August 30, 2012

      @Observer We all know that ‘THE TRUTH HURTS’ and trust me it hurts very much.

    • MET YO
      August 30, 2012

      lol…what i hearing there nuh

  17. GRAND BAY
    August 30, 2012

    One of the foremost decorated legal luminaries which this great caribbean has seen is being villified by a select few UWPwee Operatives.Dr the hon Excellency N J O LIVEROOL has made an invaluable contribution to critical aspects of life to this our homeland DA , the wider caribbean and beyond par excellence. Its rather insane to see how low that this enbattled UWP opoosition has gotten to continue to attack the good name and reputation of this our most famous son of the soil.
    It has to be said that we labourites and in fact the good people of this Da will continue to defend and protect the name of our Doctors of laws ( LLD ), retired high court justice and retired appeal court judge etc and someone who sat on countless CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL REVIEW COMMISIION in the region and elsewhere. No one is better qualified and experience about the workings and operations of the constitution and role of the presidency than NIC liverpool.
    Its rather pathetic that some clowns and mentally derranged talk show operatives are bent on exercising absoulutely no degree of respect to the GREAT CARIBBEAN SCHOLAR.The Bar Association is also tight-lipped on this matter and a member of this body has allowed the host of this programe to embark on an unrelenting attack on the distingished holder of Da highest award Dr liverpool who also holds the highest award that any West Indian/ Caribbean national can attain from the region( honor of the caribbean Community )
    We as a nation must never confuse FREEDOM OF EXPRESION with FREEDOM TO DISRESECT. FREEDOM comes with RESPONSIBILITY. I THINK AN ATTEMPT MUST BE MADE TO SOLICIT THE SERVICES OF DR BENJAMIN AND ALSO SOME COUNSELLOR TO SAVE A MARRIAGE.
    SO dENNIS it will be of some interests if you seek legal help to look at our constitution and study the role of the president. Clearly you dont seem to understand.

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      August 30, 2012

      And why do you think people are disrespecting and vilifying Mr. Liverpool in a way that the other Presidents were not?
      It is not because Mr. Liverpool has Grandbay roots?. People are not doing so simply because they love doing it.
      Personally, I do not enjoy it but it is necessary and justified in the instant case. Remember- To whom much is given much is expected. As spider man was advised, with great powers comes great responsibility and as you ought to know respect is not demanded our owned, it is earned.

      So what if Mr. Liverpoool is a one of the foremost decorated legal luminaries in the Caribbean? What does his invaluable contribution to critical aspects of life have to do with his mediocre tenure as president of Dominica?
      It is rather insane that you have seen it appropriate to blame the UWP opposition for the legitimate criticism of the President rather than expressing disappointment in the manner in which the President has conducted himself in office after the UWP jointly nominated him for the high office believing that he was a man of integrity.
      As you have so correctly stated, freedom comes with responsibility.

      The President has not been free and fair in exercising his responsibilities as the president of Dominica and the citizens of Dominica have a constitutional right to speak out and criticize the president when he fails to perform his functions as the guardian of the Constitution. He is not about the law. We have to judge him on his performance as President. He has failed.
      President Liverpool has been a disappointment.
      He has not lived up to our expectation. He has not served us as an honourable and impartial President.

      Therefore, the criticisms though harsh and regrettable are justifiable in my view.

      Clearly, you don’t seem to understand what you have asked Dennis to do but as I hope you will respect my right to express my view, I respect your right to exercise your freedom of expression.

    • Pedro
      August 30, 2012

      To be fair the author of the article has not directly criticized the president but just echoed the reports and views held by many. He has also given us food for thought. Lets see the wider picture beyond the tenure of the current president! It would be instructive to take a poll and see how much support the public at large has for the institution and whether they value the work of the President. It is possible of course that the public simply does not know how much input he has had. This is separate and apart from his otherwise remarkable career in the field of law. I think we should separate the two. DNO conducted a survey which seems to support Dennis in his assertion but to be fair this was not scientific so we could choose to ignore it. We can debate the issue of his input or potential for a very long time. The more important question is where do we go from here.

      • Reader
        August 30, 2012

        So let’s have a referendum on the presidency. I think thre are people who would be in favor of keeping the post but would question the way the person is selected. I believe that the clause on consultation was included so to minimize undue political influence. But with the sittin PM always in the majority, consultation is pretty more a token and pointless.

    • simple citizen
      August 30, 2012

      Pure unadulterated BS is it G/bay issue? dottish.

    • Fan of Sparrow
      August 30, 2012

      Nuff said of his accomplishment, it is inarguable that Liverpool fail us. End of story.
      Don’t know if his predecessors were better but this guy was no good. He should not be given his gratuity retirement etc. A warning for those to follow.
      But Shorty and /or Dyer,one will go through that’s DA for you. Slinger Francisco put it well, so well.
      “We like it so.”

    • Anonymous
      August 30, 2012

      please list the presidents accomplishments for the state during his tenure

    • him
      August 30, 2012

      What you have written there in all honesty is empty to honest and level headed Dominicans. Leaving politics aside, i believe that the tenure of this president in office, has been the worst ever in our history.This is so true that even you trying hard to be his acolyte, failed in your comment to mention one of his accomplishments. Seem to me his only concern was what was in it for him. I heard a lot about the man, and i can only say SHAME ON HIM!

    • MET YO
      August 30, 2012

      pure pure pure rubbish..call Dominica Solid Waste Corp. to pick that up….

    • Worried...
      September 1, 2012

      In response to ‘GRANDBY’, I must ask the following questions. 1. Is there a VACANCY of the position of President of the Commonwealth of Dominica as per Dominica’s constitution? 2. Has the Prime Minister ‘consulted’ with the Leader of the Opposition regarding a replacement for the serving President? 3. Has he named his preferred replacement? 4. Has he, the PM, WRITTEN to the Speaker of the House to inform her of his inability to agree with the Leader of the Opposition on the matter of who should be nominated as a replacement for the position of President? 5. Has the Speaker of the House not said in a special calling of the Parliament, that the members have fourteen days within which to present names to be put to the vote in order to establish a replacement for the President, as ordered by the constitution, should the following conditions exist? A VACANCY OF THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT, CONSULTATIONS BUT NO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PM AND THE OPPOSITION LEADER, THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN INFORMED ACCORDINGLY, IN WRITING BY THE PM?

      Good!! Now, AS PER THE CONSTITUTION, A VACANCY MUST EXIST IN ORDER FOR THESE STEPS TO BE ENGAGED. The first question therefore, is the most important. When the constitution is consulted, it is clear that the first point, THAT OF THE VACANCY OF THE POSITION, has not been satisfied. The PM, therefore should not have gone into a process of consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, as that action, as per the constitutional requirements, is to take place only after there is a vacancy of the position. THIS VACANCY WOULD COME ABOUT ONLY WITH A LETTER WRITTEN AND DELIVERED TO THE SPEAKER, HAVING BEEN SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT.

      Since the above mentioned requirement was never satisfied, as confirmed by the PM in his statements to the house where he mentioned that he was simply told by the President in a conversation (verbal, not written), and then went on to say that HE had received a letter from the President confirming his resignation (not the Speaker of the House as required by the constitution), then the consultation process and then announcement by the speaker with regard to the vote are both in contravention of the constitution of the land, and so NULL and VOID.

      However, the process continues, though clearly illegal, with the intention being clear…..to replace the President and install someone in his place.

      SO MY QUESTION IS WHY IS IT, DESPITE THESE ACTIONS IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE CONSTITUTION, WITH THE CLEAR INTENTION BEING TO CHANGE THE HOLDER OF THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT, THAT THE PRESIDENT IS REMAINING TOTALLY SILENT? IS HE NOT SUPPOSED TO UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION AND THE RULE OF LAW, NO MATTER WHAT? ARE THESE ACTIONS NOT IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE LAW WHICH HE HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT? ARE THEY NOT A DIRECT THREAT TO HIM AS PRESIDENT AND A DIRECT THREAT TO THE POWER VESTED IN OUR CONSTITUTION?

      Ok, I will give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he is waiting to be unconstitutionally removed first, and then he will respond by speaking out and clarifying HIS position. But if that is so, let us hope that he will, at that point, speak out on all the other areas of abuses of power and disregard/disrespect for the law which have occurred throughout the tenure of this government under the leadership and example of Mr. Skeritt. Let us all hope that he will be totally honest and will defend Dominica at that point! IF THAT HAPPENS………PM AND OTHERS WHO BLINDLY SUPPORT HIM……ASK YOURSELVES THE QUESTION. WHAT WILL BE THE REPERCUSSIONS????

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        September 3, 2012

        Many of us are worried like you. I like your twist on this. Could it be that the PM is unconstitutionally pushing the President out of office and the President’s silence is one in respectful defiance?

        If so, I hope that the President will speak. He has to. He must- for the sake of his own legacy and in defense of the constitution that he swore to protect.

  18. miss
    August 30, 2012

    way papa do we really need a president and a pm why not just give a president like france and leave that thing alone

    • Jupe
      August 30, 2012

      FRANCE does have a President and Prime Minister.

    • Pte Caribe
      August 30, 2012

      saqway sort you from grandbay assusi? lol

  19. ROSEAU VALLEY
    August 30, 2012

    Yeap! That’s it. I concur.

    I often hear people say that Mr. Liverpool is the most qualified president ever and I ask myself what does this mean in reality. So what if the man is an educated and experienced legal expert?

    Perhaps this should have better informed his decisions or lack thereof on matter of fundanmental/constitutional importance but has it really mattered considering the role and function of the president? Is that even necessary to serve as the ceremonial-like president of Dominica? The answer isobviously no. Of course it helps but it is not an eligibility or functional requirement for the job.

    All the constitution requires under Articles 20, 21 and 22 is a person who is a citizen of Dominica of the age of forty years or upwards who at the date of his nomination has been resident in Dominica for five years immediately preceding his nomination. The next president could be Wang Cheng born in China or Toussaint born in Haiti- it does not matter. He could have no CXC or GCE certificates or seven university degrees in law, psychology or political science-it is not a requirement.

    Beyond the academic qualifications, there are certain personable qualities and competencies that are required in a president, which were present in some form in His Excellency Sir Clarence Henry Augustus Seignoret, His Excellency Crispin Anselm Sorhaindo and His Excellency Vernon Lorden Shaw. Although one gets the impression that these qualities exist in the character of Mr. Liverpool, the evidence of his conduct throughout his tenure as president
    does not support the rhetoric.

    I refer to the behavioural qualities of integrity, humility, meekness, humbleness, statesmanship, honesty, honourability, uprightness, veracity, reliability, accountability, answerability, decency, respectability, propriety, authenticity, genuineness, dependability, respectability, inspirational, uplifting, truthful, elevating, disciplined, professional, rational, impartial, unbiased, neutral, fair, objective, purposeful, independent and politically detached.

    The truth is we all thought Mr. Liverpool possessed these qualities as a gentleman when he received the joint nomination of government and opposition in 2003. We were so confident that he would use his rich and varied background, wealth of relevant experience and impressive academic qualifications to distinguish his tenure. Sadly, we have been let down so badly by the man.

    Therefore, in as much as I dislike the ongoing bickering, quarrels and disrespect of the person who occupies the highest office in Dominica, I must join you in calling for the collective courage to put our national foot down and demand that the next president- whoever he or she is- is prepared to turn things around with immediate effect. It does not matter which political party nominates the next president but he/she must swear to and practice strict adherence to the provisions of our constitution and the laws of the land. He/she must be prepared to defend the constitution at all times, regardless of who may be vex. He/she must speak boldly, independently, truthfully and with integrity when the situation demands him to speak on matters of fundamental national importance. Yes, he/she must embody the spirit of the nation and not the hatched man of the ruling party or the opposition for that matter.

    Thanks again for another wonderful piece.
    Good luck Mr. Williams and Mr. Dyer.

    • Observer
      August 30, 2012

      The below quote waas taken directly from Roseau Valley’s piece. “demand that the next president- whoever he or she is- is prepared to turn things around with immediate effect”. The question is. What is it that the next President has to turn around? Talk on behlaf of the UWP or get involved in the virulent partisan politics on the side of the UWP? See the issues exactly as the UWP seees it?

      For one those who lambast and tarnish the President’s reputation for not acting in the manner they want him to, are the vexed, tired blue party supporters led by the Greatest free thinker of all times, the Great Lord Chancellor of Morne Daniel. The man has no academic qualifications. Just an ability to speak well. Somehow they want the president to see the issues and act in exactly the samw way they see it.

      I somehow wish that apart from the Labour Party supporters and politicians, some other person, group or authority in Dominica would speak on behalf of the President. The President cannot get entangled in that partisan mess, but there is so much wrong with the attacks on his reputation. Like someone said before, I hope that the president get the opportunity (post September 2012) to seek legal redress whilst he still have some energy. His wife and children should demand that. Perhaps too, Roseau Valley et all can assist in showing the next Presisdent what it is that President Liverpool did that was so legally wrong.

      • Pedro
        August 30, 2012

        Come now people, lets go past the color and the implication about tarnishing the president. The real question is are you satisfied about the role and function of the President and is there something we can or should do about it to make it more useful? For some people the answer might be yes, for some it might be no, but its a debate worth having. Thats the essence of the article. The historical perspective is also relevant. Whether the president performed brilliantly or not is not a reason to not discuss as a nation what we want our republic to be. Lets talk constructively about the way forward.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        August 31, 2012

        Observer, What is it you are still observing? It is time that you start analyzing. In fact, thank you for getting involved and engaging. By so doing you are actually doing more than Mr. Liverpool has done. You have at least let the nation know how you feel. Congratulations! Keep it up, something I cannot say about Mr. Liverpool.
        You asked, What is it that the next President has to turn around? That is too easy. “Everything that the current President has failed to do as expected and empowered to do pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution.

        Space is too limited to enter into a lengthy discussion on the matter but as a start, the next President could ensure that when the Constitution demands consultation, such consultations are undertaken at the right time, in the correct manner, and with good faith. He will listen to both government and opposition and make a decision that protects the integrity of the Constitution and promotes civility in our political discourse.

        Yes, the President will not write secret or non-existent memos to the Prime Minister on matters that concern the status of the Presidency but instead he will follow proper protocol and write to the Speaker, when appropriate. Do you want more…he should not disrespect the Leader of Opposition and write to him as such and not as member of the UWP. The President should not get himself involved in scandalous issues such as a public fight with the Mayor of Roseau over a bottle of Whisky etc, etc etc, – You want more?
        You see Observer, I acknowledge my own political biases but when it comes to the Constitution and matters related to good governance of state affairs…..Roseau Valley expresses it as he sees it and if it means the Opposition deserves to be criticized too, so be it. Independent, objective, impartial, and like fox news- Fair and balance. You cannot accuse me as a agent of the UWP who gets involved in what you described as “the virulent partisan politics on the side of the UWP”. The fact that I may just see a particular issue exactly as the UWP sees it with regard to the Presidency may be that we are all right or we are all wrong but it does not mean I am an agent of anyone.

        The President deserves to be lambasted. He does not leave behind a strong legacy as a President. One cannot tarnish a reputation that was never intact. Please understand my criticism of the President is not because he failed to act as I would have liked but because he failed to act as he ought to have acted in accordance with his constitutional responsibilities and the expectation of the people that he serves.

      • Worried...
        September 1, 2012

        Listen sir!!!!!!! Despite whatever you may say in order to appear to be on the side of THE HONOURABLE, in order to be IN FACT HONOURABLE, you must accept that the job of President IS to remain non-partisan but more importantly, TO DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION AND THE RULE OF LAW AT ALL COST AND AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY!!!! If the laws are being twisted, misinterpreted deliberately, abused, contravened, questioned, ignored, side-lined etc. by anyone, INCLUDING THE HOLDER OF THE POSITION OF PM, the President has a responsibility in the interest of protecting the constitution and maintaining the RULE OF LAW, TO SPEAK OUT, NO MATTER WHOM IT MAY OFFEND! And if he fails to do so and allows things to continue and progressively deteriorate at the expense of the Constitution and the society it is meant to protect, then he is failing to do his duty as required and specified by the constitution and is complicit in the destruction of the institutions of state. Consider this!

    • LEGAL WIFEY BESTMAN
      August 30, 2012

      There is a saying that events are a useful forecast of other events in the contemplation of human habitation. Dominica . this beloved republic has seen its fair share of arm chair intellectuals and legal upstarts who hide behind a variety of means to attemt at insulting the known genius of the Dominican people. I would be wandering into the wilderness of fools if I say that such persons are in dire requirement of a WAKE UP CALL by injecting them and their cohorts with a sense of EXPOSURE to nullify their public distractive and hypocritcal posture. Some speak before mikes in studios with a callous and niggardly disregard for the conscience of truthfulness. I refer to such pseudo-clowns to be embarking on a crusade of self delusion which in the end will prove to be counter productive. Such deception will be over ridden by the invincibility of the truth. Wanderful yet utopian outpourings serve as a mask directed at luring the unsuspecting into their sexual and monetary fold.

      President the Excellency Nicholas O J liverpool is a man among men. Any reference to his many deliberations in our parliament during his sucessful tenure will provide any objective reader with a clear sense of his brilliance as president. His legacy is that of providing us this nation with sound guidance and leadersip on the many important issues as they pertain to our CONSTITUTION. THose minicrabs who are sucked up in their partisan melt baths are pointing fingers at the wrong person and in the wrong direction. This approach has only succeeded in absoulute failure. POLITICAL INSANITY is defined as an attitude which clearly manifests itself with a cloak of self imposed delusions of power-grandeur far removed from reality. I do belive that its symtomatic of mischief, jealously, deceit and immorality.
      let me take this opportunity to congratulate PRESIDENT-ELECT HON ELUID A R WILLIAMS…an absoultely qualified president who is already being villified by the agents in the opposition. salisbury, mahaut, St jo and in fact ALL of Dominica will shower unto you the respect that you deserve as we had done to your predecessors. Talk show politics will show its ugly face and we expect the chorus of disrepect to echo even louder against you. I need not say anything on DYER…clearly its rather unfortunate for persons to be innocently lured into such a fiasco-type of scenario knowing the full outcome.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        August 31, 2012

        Legal Wifey whatever, I am sorry if I sound disrespectful but this is a whole heap of crap to say that “President the Excellency Nicholas O J liverpool is a man among men”- I guess men like the men who sit in awe at Sherrit in Cabinet.

        I join you in extending best wishes to Mr. William with the hope that he will do a much better job. Of course , we will be watching closely and speaking when it is right to do so.

    • Jude Nicholas
      August 30, 2012

      Roseau Valley I wish you would point out all the unconstitutional or illigal acts allowed by the current President. Just because he has not sung in the same hymm book as the Lazy and tired UWP he i being villified in such a manner.

      It is a shame that the Bar Association stands idle by and allow the reputation of such a great Caribbean Jurist former Dean of UWI faculty of Law be brought to the ground. This attack has been lead by the Lord Great Lennox Linton ” the Lord Chancellor” himself with only his birth certificate, four GCE O’level and a great power of articulation.

      It is a shame! It is a shame that we as a people can so allow the denigrading of our National Icons in such a Manner.

      History will not be so kind on us.

      • Simple as dat
        August 31, 2012

        They stand idley by because : Meme bete meme puel,
        Simple as dat.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        August 31, 2012

        Jude, are you serious? My criticism is because the President has not sang from the hymn book of the Constitution that he swore to upheld- not mine or yours- we are insignificant nobodies.

        Are you seriously expecting the idle Bar Association to come to the defense of an idle president? What is with this argument about damage to the man’s reputation as a great Caribbean Jurist former Dean of UWI faculty of Law nonsense. We are evaluating his performance as the outgoing president. He may have excelled in these jobs but he has failed as a president.
        There is nothing more shameful that the way this president has conducted himself in office. There is nothing shameful about my disgust for the repeated disrespect of the president to the opposition and the people of Dominica.

        I regret that bloggers like you and Observer have seen it appropriate to attacked Lennox Linton, although this article is about the inefficiency of a President who must quickly fold and disappear.

        Lennox does not need lowly me to defend him. However, I will tell you that I have great respect for the man. In my humble opinion, the contribution of Mr. Lennox Linton (the Greatest free thinker of all times, the Great Lord Chancellor of Morne Daniel) at this crucial time of our development as a young nation is more value for money that is paid as the salary and remuneration package of the President. It is more than his ability to speak well. Lennox does excellent work that people with 3 university degrees behind their names (BA, LLB. L.EC LLM, S.C etc) may not be able to do so well. The man is skillful- Period. He is a good researcher, journalist (never mind Kamala), a good orator, presenter, educator, political analyst and commentator etc.

        I have no doubt that Lennox will be an excellent legislator when he is elected to the parliament of Dominica as the next Parl Rep of Vieille Casse with me as the next Parl Rep of the Roseau Valley. I make no apology in declaring my overwhelming support to Lennox and encourage him to keep doing what he has been doing.

        Finally, why do you all want people to “speak on behalf of or in defense of the President?” The President will not even speak to the people that he serves. He does not even speak on his own behalf or on behalf of the Constitution that he swore to protect.. He communicates in coded messages to the Prime Minister? The President serves the interest of the PM not the people. Therefore, let the PM and those who worship him defend the ineptitude of the President.
        Peace and respect
        Roseau Valley

    • Mouche Miel
      August 30, 2012

      See my friend this stems from extreme poverty, these guys even after getting the opportunity to obtain the numerous opportunities to study are not educated rather as Paul Keens -Douglas put it, are not educated but studiated.
      Their childhood poverty never seem to be leave them.We have numerous ejs they become lawyers more frequently than not and never get the hang of being satisfied. Greed ruin them, just look at their histories they never,never overcome their childhood depreviations.It’s a chronic disease like those the Dept of health is trying hard to control but not communicable in this case or is it?
      Our nominees do they not fall in the category described above? is it a causality or a casualyt of poverty? Theless complicated amongst us may say a co-incidence.

      • Lache bouef
        August 31, 2012

        Excellent analyst of opportunism’s origin mouche meil.Just lok at all repeat all toutes todo our lawyers jumping from party to party like caupaud.

    • Yes I
      August 30, 2012

      This Roseau Valley person makes us proud in de valley (Trafalgar, Wotten Waven, Morne Prosper, Laudat and Cockrane).

      This person makes some very interesting, balanced and intelligent comments on a wide rage of topics. He seems to be an independent freak, who is not afraid of the Skerrit Kabal. The only thing is that his contributions are too long but if you take the time to read his comments, you learn a lot -you will find that it is interesting reading. Does this person work? Where the hell he gets the time to write these things?

      Makes me proud to be from Kai Che de the Valley.

      • 100 % Dominican
        September 1, 2012

        I agree with you totally. The Roseau Valley writer makes some extremely valuable contributions which are well written and thought out. They are also written in such a way that most people, regardless of educational achievement, can understand. He must be applauded for his work. It is our responsibility to take the time to read contributions such as his, no matter how long they may be. They are always revealing, sensible and respectful of all. Thank you sir for your contributions to the debate.

  20. .
    August 30, 2012

    Many people would like to know the monthly salary of a president in Dominica perks and other emoluments included.

  21. Mamizoo
    August 30, 2012

    The truth is past presidents have never had to deal with a PM and government so disrespectful of the sacred laws of the land. The current president’s actions or the lack thereof only serve to highlight the flaws and dispensibility of the office of presidency. People were always concerned about the validity of the presidency. Nevertheless there is “don’t on paper” some useful function but alas so far every president that we have had has been moose boys of the Prime Minister; from PJ to Mamo to Eddie to Rosie Pierro and the worse off them all Skerrit

    • Mouche Miel
      August 30, 2012

      Second the motion.

  22. Good Ways
    August 30, 2012

    What ever the reason and it might reflect bad on Mr Liverpool but i was honestly left with the question because of his tenure what is the benefit of a president? Maybe i expected to much does that mean for his post i am paying to much?

  23. ________________
    August 30, 2012

    I am fully aware that the constitution dictates that we need a president, but after seeing how abysmal,and dissapointing the outgoing president (if at all he is going anywhere) performed his functions, i have lost faith and respect for this office.
    I use to hear people describe the man in such glorifying terms, i expected him to deliver, but i saw during his tenure the worst ever president Dominica has had, and the worst it will ever have.
    He cared nothing, absolutely nothing about the state or constitution,

  24. Patience
    August 30, 2012

    Very well written. I agree with what is said in this article. We the people deserve value for money!

    • JUST 4 FUN
      August 31, 2012

      SO DENNIS JOSEPH FOR pRESIDENT LOL!

  25. Anonymous
    August 30, 2012

    This article is not objective

    • Anonymous
      August 31, 2012

      objectivity is a subjective concept, LoL

  26. De Boxer
    August 30, 2012

    dream on dennis, dream on.

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