DENNIS JOSEPH WEEKLY: Are leaders born or made?

Dennis Joseph

Take a look at how a simple proposed resignation of one president and subsequent procedure to appoint a new president has become a big issue.  See how a simple act of registering a name as a nominee to contest general elections is still an issue in court three years after the matter took place.

To date we still wonder whether the PM is the PM ‘but we doh know.” Notice how a simple matter of consultation becomes extended confrontation and almost every top government appointment is rife with controversy. All involved   know what’s right and wrong but partisanship and its sister called arrogance accompanied by loose power   is too intoxicating to compromise. This constant controversy leads many to now question the effectiveness and integrity of our national leadership.

For several years, the concern whether leaders are born or made is an issue of great debate. Among other definitions, a leader is defined as a person who influences a group of people towards the achievement of a goal. Leaders are also thought to be people who listen and learn from others, energise, act for the benefit of everyone, develop themselves and others, empower others and most importantly to recognize achievement of all and not just the dubious mediocre efforts of the boom- flies who call them lord.

It is said that visionary leadership is transformative. It involves greatness, penetrating the ordinary, and reaching through to bring out the best of what the leader and the followers have to offer.  Leaders with vision have total involvement, a willingness to put everything on the line, a true sense of mission and purpose.   Our PM has the charisma and great presence but does he have a strong vision for our future?  The Bible says, ‘Where there is no vision the people perish.’ (Proverbs 29:18)
Some church leaders have taken this to mean that without the word of God the nation is lost but I think it is also something else.  I believe it is more like this quote from Peter Drucker the late management consultant and writer of many motivational books, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Of course a leader with a vision but without the ability to convey this vision to his followers is similar to a plane without a pilot; the vision of Skerrit for Dominica is yet to be conveyed to us.  Handouts are not a vision, but just vote chasing and a desire to be the “papa noel” for all the little ones. When he claims that his cabinet ministers may not be working at full steam and implies frustration with those who eat the honey of the Labour Party his leadership comes into question.  Where is the visionary purpose that motivates them to action?

The game playing days are over and it is time to take stock.  That is why the next Independence Day address should not just be about chest beating and sloganeering, but about the way forward.  From 2007 we have had the colourful slogans such as, ‘Building our country, celebrating heritage; Celebrating the journey together; Celebrating progress and development;’ it seems we are constantly celebrating something; just progress without motion.

We need leadership that motions us into the world of new ideas.  It is about how we as a people will   be producers building runways and piloting our own planes. So far we are just pawns in the bigger political chessboard of China and Venezuela.

It is not going to be easy in this hostile global economic environment and that is why we need steady leadership to meet the obstacles ahead.   All hands must be called on deck, the silly tribalism that is being promoted by those who live in fear that their dream of fame and big salaries could suddenly end without Skerrit does not help anyone not even themselves.  No one must be made to feel that because of contrary opinions and not being boom-flies they do not have a right to live and prosper.  Even more crucial is their right to contribute and be recognised as contributors.

Those who claim to represent the PM’s interest and who constantly are on the attack with wave after wave of vitriol demonising other people who have different ideas are just muddling up things creating unnecessary mountains against unified development.  It is time to relax and allow the PM to show that he can do more than lead his party to elections with tons of money  or reduce our development to just a prance around the world begging for money and show how he can lead the nation after elections.

Those who aimlessly or just for the heck of it launch waves of   accusations of misconduct against the administration without credible proof are doing just the same damage. The true test of leadership is results.  If we are satisfied with our lives today, our standard of living, our freedoms, our future development and that we are better off than before he started his watch then by all means Skerrit has proved his leadership skills and it must be Skerrit to continue.

However if we are not satisfied, then who?

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35 Comments

  1. Pat
    September 9, 2012

    There are all kinds of leaders, we have leaders like Ghandi, Churchill, Bill Clinton, Obama, leaders who make a lasting mark on their people and who defined a vision for their people, leaders whose satisfaction is in the success of their people very much like parents whose delight is in the success of their children.
    We also have leaders like Ghaddafi,Sadaam hussein and Fernando sanchowho we saw in the cowboy movies we used to enjoy, who shot his men if they did not move fast enuff. leaders like mobarrack of Syria, who will kill everyone who dont want him to lead them. so Dennis is on asking these questions. Finally there is one thing I want to remind the leaders like Mr. Skerrit WHEN ALL ROADS OF YOR LEADERSHIP LEAD BACK TO YOU, YOU GO NOWHERE EXEPT ROUND AND ROUND IN CIRCLES

  2. 4u2C
    September 8, 2012

    Very good piece Mr .Joseph, I love it. You are right down the middle. One writer stated that Skerrit won 18-3; let it be known HE DID NOT WIN!! Under any normal democracy this man is a sole losser and we know that. We doing too much hype and celebration on wrong doings and think its helping…all its doing it is stiffling development. Over the past 12yrs DLP has spent more time braking the rules, – BASIC RULES OF GOVERNING, cheating the populace and as a result has to spend taxes money always defending or doing damage controle. All other island discussing development and progress we yet to reach there. IF not busy braking the rules the PM all over the world begging for he and his supporters supper. NO plan for the country, no new business, no employment, NO VISION!!
    Soon Chavez will change course and the Chinese will have very little to handout. What do we do, wghat is the PM plan? Where is the blue print? Show me a plan? where are we on that plan? Those we build a house without a plan have u seen the result? Those who build and don’t follow the building codes and rules, don’t we know the results? HAiti for exampple during the Hurricane!!! what make us so blind to see we are heading for DISASTER with this type of leadership. Folks lets us get real, the world is moving on, stop using USA and CANADA and others as your get away route when we know DA is heading in the wrong direction…BE REAL!!!

  3. September 8, 2012

    To answer the question which ought to be the theme of the message of this news article, I am saying that as human beings we are born; thus so are the leaders of our country; it is robots which are made to function according to it maker.

    King David of old, a leader as well, declared about himself and God: “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed; and in Your book they were all written–the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” Read this at Psalm 139: verse 16. What great words of wisdom!

    Hence God knows what our every move, as we enter existence in this world, will be, as we come to know ourselves and the patterns of our mind.

    God knows whether we will be damned through disobedience and self conceit as we remain conformed to this world, and He knows whether we will experience the blessing of Life, through our character of obedience and our virtues of trust and humility–regardless of our status in Life.

    God has a gift or gifts of ability, whether spiritually or physically, for all of those who will not allow the enemy in this world to feed them with the attitude and conducts of laziness–through carnal mind–we have “free will” and we ought to use it for our profit–not our loss

    In other words as human beings we are born, but God’s chosen people are called that He might do His work of Life through them or in them.

    The effectiveness of God’s work, as He calls us to duty, will depend on our willingness to surrender to His Will–but come what may, God’s Will, will be done through those whom He calls to do so.

    And that goes for everyone whom God will call–especially our Leaders of the world, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit is no exception.

    There are times that God will not be pleased with the action of the person He called to do a certain work, but to maintain His authority, He will still allow that work through that person–however that person will not go undisciplined for his or her error.

    There are many examples this truth in the Word of God, even with Moses and David.

    Moses died in the Wilderness! He did not get to lead the Israelites in the Land of Canaan, because the people themselves cause him to flaw, as he executed a command of God on their behalf–even if God allowed that command to go through.

    David fathered Solomon to a Bathsebah, the woman he has sinned with against God and her husband, his army officer, whose name was Uriah. We know that God blessed Solomon, as the King of Israel, because he was David’s son.

    What hinders those who are called to do God’s work, for the welfare of His people and their Nation, is the consistence interferences of those who believe they know better, even better than God Himself.

    Those servants of God, are human beings like the rest of us, they are consist of weaknesses that will definitely cause them to make many mistakes because of unreasonable pressure from those who oppose to their work–regardless of if they know that person is doing well.

    Of course there are many reasons for those unfair interference–such as greed, envy, jealousy, pride–the weapons they accept from the god of this world, who wants nothing but toil and strife, discord and disharmony among God’s people.

    But will the person who is called to do God’s work finish his task to give God the glory? Yes he will, for God can never be defeated! Never!

  4. Jude Nicholas
    September 7, 2012

    I am De man with de Master Plan! wat de Captain do; he D..M well do!

    Are we old enough to remember those days and those sayings??

  5. Concern One
    September 7, 2012

    Dennis, you do write some interesting pieces, which encourages much debate. I say that because as a writer I don’t expect any form of prejudice/partisan politics to cloud your judgment and cast cloud over the message that you are trying to convey. Though your message portrays that you are in bed with the opposition, I want to believe that this is your strategy to generate debate. As for leadership, I am of the belief that leaders are borne. The question is who determines who is a leader and by what yardstick do we measure that person. Our opinion will just be our opinions. Here we are judging the PM, but we must never forget that it’s the citizenry who decides on their leader. Our articles, our speeches, our debates and arguments contains our opinions with the sole purpose being to influence the populace. There is no doubt that we reside in a democratic society. The majority of Dominicans whether we like it or not, have decided that the PM is the better leader to lead the nation. This is shown in his 18-3 victory at the last general election. I think we all should respect the populace decision and accept the PM as their elected leader. Further more we should allow him to conduct the affairs of the country, for it is by his action that he will be judge by the populace at the next election. Falling short of this, is share disrespect to Dominicans, an attract on democracy and gives us no right to lecture the citizenry on who should or shouldn’t be the leader. I will suggest that we all should tie our waist and work hard together to build a better DOMINICA.

    • Pat
      September 9, 2012

      It really seems that many Dominicans at home and abroad are so politically tainted that we have lost our sense of truth and fairness, or did we ever have it? to say the government won 18 – 3 is so lame. I remember when the opposition held their convention at St.Joseph, before the election, Roosevelt Skerrit held an emergency meeting at Morne Bruce because he saw that he could not win the election from the local citizens, so he pull the devils tail to come up with his 20 something million to buy tickets for hundreds of overseas citizens to come down and make that difference for him, and they came, from all over they came. I met one a friend name Peter, i asked him if he came to vote for his brother, he scuffed at me. I asked,” so u voted against your brother? he told me they paid his ticket, drove him around and showed him the road projects and asked him to give them, the government a chance to finish what they were were doing. I asked him,, so you think the local citizens are against progress, road projects and so on? tell me I asked him, dont u find it strange that a government doing good things for the citizens have to bring you guys down to vote for them?” he said to me” Boy i never thought of that, but its too late, i voted for them already, I am sorry.” well that is how the 18-3 happened. Skeritt’s polster told them how many votes they needed to win in various constituences and he paid it off, so my friend 18 -3 dont reflect the desire of the Dominicans at home, the ones who know and feel it, and I will put my house on bet, that if a fair election was to be called in Dominica today, Roosevelt Skerritt CANNOT WIN.

  6. Gigg-la
    September 7, 2012

    When my leader cannot keep the once mighty farmers on their land to continue sending their kids to school without having to beg for money for even pre schoolers then he is not visionary. when my leader cannot fix the school system to allow those who are not quite ready for high school to keep working at improving grades rather than burdening the high schiool he is not visionary. When my leader cannot put system in place for parents who notice behaviours in their kids that they cant deal with then he is not visionary.when my leader cannot see that idleness causes too much pain and suffering among our youith then he is not visionary.

  7. Doc. Love
    September 7, 2012

    In my opinion leaders are born. The present arrogant leader doesn’t have the slightest inclination as to what it is to be a true leader. At no time in Dominica’s young age have we seen such a leader carrying so many tons of confrontational baggage. Apart from the disastrous manner Skerrit has governed Dominica,he encloses himself to what appears to me with everyone and everything RED.A true leader doesn’t only depend on charisma and beauty but the love and understanding of its people along with some visionary leadership skills.A dictator,a homme mapuis,a man who believes the constitution of his country is worthless,cannot be born a leader.

  8. Cosco
    September 7, 2012

    Lemme see if DNO censors.

    Today we see the elevation of some of the most unintelligent people because of their political alliance, and the demeaning of some of the most intelligent ones, to create a pappyshow of their intelligence. In the land of the moomoo, the stammering man shall be eloquent.

    I Cosco say this.

    It has to get much worse and we have to consider that it may not ever get better. Dominicans, like most people have an amazing ability to be cruel to each other as we have seen in many historical examples.

    They cheat on each other in every form in life and in business, and they expect to abuse each other and get away with it whilst smiling in their faces. That is why they implore each other to give Skerro a chance.

    He is them, and them is he.

    Mamo represented the elite. Tough. Skerrit represents the elite. Tough. The Elite HATED Edison James. Really tough.

    How do you ascend in Dominica when the poor people on one side begging for bobol so they can get a something, and the rich on the other side want to continue to rule, and provide devoted allegiance to those who let them.

    And in the middle, the little middle class trying their best to make their salary and pay their bills by any means necessary.

    Here is the formula.

    You take money from the rich, and tell them you will continue to give them economic power like under Mamo. They will invite you to their light skin gatherings and sing your praises until KFC cannot burst enough bellies.

    Then you take the money and you give a small percentage in rum and money to the poor, especially the women. Making bom as we call it is an institution, practised by politician and businessman alike. Women run this country. If they love you, you can rape someone in front of them and they never saw.

    And then when you get into power you bribe the small middle jackclasses and the priests and pastors with donations ,awards and some jobs which can be taken away like rum from a drunk.

    If you pray, pray to whichever God you worship that the barbarians do not continue to multiply, because they are turning up as Chairmans of every Board of directors, every commission and breeding in the only way that dotish and potos do. FAST.

    That is leadership. Made from low esteem and envy and bathing in insecurity.

    • September 8, 2012

      @Cosco

      Your fist paragraph above, is an exact description of the word of the apostle Paul speaking God judgment of mankind. Here is what Paul says:

      “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many are wise according to the flesh; not many mighty, and not many noble are called.

      But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world, to put to shame the things that are mighty; and the base things of the world (like things which are buried)and the things which are despised God has chosen; and the things which are not (cannot be seen), to bring to nothing the things that are (meaning in existence) that “no flesh” should glory in His presence” Read 1st Corinthians 1: verses 26-30

      If you can understand what this Scripture says here, you will know that you have said the exact same thing–even if you said it in patois, broken Englis, and English itself. That is amazing!

      I need to tell you that you are a messanger of God, being able to perceive His work in that corner of Dominica or wherever you are right now

      Yes indeed! You are right! It will get worse, because God wants nothing to do with the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of man in this world” Humanity must be done away with, that spirituallity might dominate.

      For God will remain in authority for Eternity. However, He wants nothing to do with the flesh, which is the nature of human beings, as they exist with a carnal mind, that cannot comprehend His ways of Love in Spirit and in Truth.

      Therefore: Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may know what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect Will of God. Paul’s advice to us again, at Romans 12: 2

      Unfortunately, human beings continue to ignore those warning, as they wander about claiming my life this, my life that, my life the other, referring to the nature of flesh bones–say what!

  9. ROSEAU VALLEY
    September 7, 2012

    After submitting my last contribution, I felt a surprising need to come to the defense of Prime Minister Skerrit. I was struck by the thought of how difficulty is must have been for a young inexperienced man at such a tender age to take over the helm of leadership as the political leader of a major political party by outmaneuvering so many others with the same interest of being political leader and being victorious.

    Mr. Skerrit then became one of the youngest Prime Ministers in the world and there is something special about that. In spite of all odds, he successfully took control of his Party, lead it to two general elections successfully and he has sustained power as leader of the Country to the present day.

    Without a doubt Mr. Skerrit came to this earth with something special from within. This may have been molded and nurtured in time in order to become the leader he is today. It could be said that he was born with something that many us simply do not have and he was destined to be where he is at present, albeit it is acknowledged that he was at the right place at the right time and he wise in capitalized on the combined factors.

    The truth be told – not any young person could have done or accomplished what Mr. Skerrit has accomplished. It required a lot of personal strength, self-belief, self-confidence, conviction and natural buoyancy to be where he is today and no one can take that from him. As one who is just about the age of the Prime Minister, I often wonder how he did it. How could he have sustained this for so long at such a tender age? And if only for that reason, he has my respect.
    But like everything else, power has a way of doing things to every mortal being whether or not we are born with natural gifts or we are properly molded by experiences, events and exposures. Sooner rather than later, the true test comes and controversies are abound, which cause others to question the style, effectiveness and integrity of our leadership.

    Recognizing the challenges that this young Prime Minister- Mr. Skerrit has and continues to face and aware of the tremendous challenges that any Prime Minister encounters on the job, I though it was disingenuous of me as a young person to be too critical of the Prime Minister in concluding that he is not a good leader even though I recognize that he is deficient and limited in many ways.

    Mr. Skerrit possesses charisma and some other good qualities as a leader. He displays some level of compassion and caring for others but he needs to develop and improve crucial others to be the type of leader we need at this crucial stage of our development. He is human after all. As long as he understands that he is not God’s gift to Dominica and he is mortal, he will hopefully humble himself and listen to all his “subjects” including Edison, Hector, ROSEAU VALLEY and Dennis, who do not always support his actions.
    A lot about leadership is about who are being lead and the expectations of the followers. There are always those who do not agree and who opposes leadership but in the final analysis as long as we are in a democracy and the system continues to function, all we can do is voice our concerns while the politicians continue to do what they believe to be right for the benefit population-even when they are dead wrong.

    As a leader, whether born or raised, I still hope that Mr. Skerrit will be smart enough to acknowledge that he is not always right. That he does not always have the answers – that sometimes his opponents are correct and that he is willing to listen, engage in good faith consultations and debate the issues in a humble and cool headed manner in the best interest of the nation.

    Mr. Skerrit definitely has the charisma and great presence but he must be more willing to combine his limited natural strengths with other prevailing factors to become the leader that Dominica deserves now and in the future. It would be untrue to say that Mr. Skerrit has no vision even though one could criticize him for having a narrow and limited vision and he stubbornness in recognizing the positives in the vision of others, including his opponents. For a man of his tender age, his vision can only be as big as his background, experience, learning, qualifications and exposure would allow.

    Whether or not Mr. Skerrit is a visionary leader, the issue that plagues him may well be his immaturity, arrogance and partisan consideration that cloud his nationalistic view of the issues that conform us. Hence, he is unable to articulate even his own limited vision to those who do not agree with him.

    So Dennis, whereas I share some of your observations of the leadership style and substance of our political directorate, as you have acknowledged it has not been easy, it is not easy and it will not be easy in this hostile global economic environment to be a leader of quality and substance. Therefore, I agree with you that the times in which we live demand a higher level of intelligence, competence, conduct and skills set to really take Dominica to beyond the next level.

    In that regard, we really need steady leadership to overcome the obstacles ahead. The leadership that we need must demonstrate a greater maturity to deal with issues beyond narrow partisan interests and posturing. This type of leadership cannot continue to hide behind Senior Counsel to defend every action and unintelligent utterances. It is the type of leadership that is big enough and willing to apologize when it is wrong and willing to stand with our constitution in defense of our laws. A leadership that will not invoke the defense of “self incrimination” to avoid telling the truth to the people on important matters. Leadership that is tested and proven. Leadership that we can respect. Leadership that is seasoned, ripe and mature. Yes, we need adult leadership that can bridge the divide and is willing to work closely even with those who oppose policies and who is willing to compromise, when the situation demands.

    Surprisingly, I am not prepared to condemn Mr. Skerrit to the dust bin of history. In fact, I am still awaiting the consolidation of leadership in the opposition in order to provide that level of leadership that we need. However, it is clear that we can do better under the present circumstances. There is still a tremendous opportunity for Mr. Skerrit if he is willing to learn and improve by at least recognizing – if not embracing the feedback from critics and where appropriate putting the good advice to use.
    Mr. Skerrit has to be prepared to adjust and modify his thinking and conduct based on the feedback of the people that he serves in order to get better results and ensuring that things are done right in the best interest of the nation.
    His failure as a leader may well rest in his rapid climb to the leadership position of his Party and the Country. His repeated mistakes suggest that he failures to learn from his past experiences and from the criticisms of his conduct.

    Good leaders turn bad situations to good by learning from their previous mistakes and current experiences. They take control of their own development and seek out opportunities to learn. Mr. Skerrit is still very young. He still has a lot to learn for leadership learning is a lifetime activity. One never stops learning ways of improving but the evidence suggests that our current leader is learning to do the wrong things and we fear that the more he learns to work around the Constitution and the laws of Dominica, the more undemocratic he will become and the less freer we will be as citizens of Dominica in our Country.

    ADMIN: Please keep the comments short….or they will not be published.

    • Very Aware
      September 8, 2012

      With undefined idiots like U and the 10 of thousands of hungry,indebted opportunists. lawyers hailing from extreme poverty who did not have fathers to guide em.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        September 8, 2012

        I am sorry but what is it you intended to contribute to the debate? Your contribution has left me much LESS AWARE.

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      September 8, 2012

      ADMIN: I take note of your reasonable warning. I thank you for tolerating me. I hope that this warning goes to all contributors including Lizavier4Jesus.

      The thing is I know that Labourites and supporters of the government do not read my lengthy contributions and therefore, this was the best way to speak so warmly of Mr. Skerrit in the open but hidden from them.

      I hope that your next warning would not be a limit of one comment per story. I am sorry but I am becoming addicted to DNO like a drug, like gambling, an extra marital affair etc.
      Love and respect to Mr. Durand and the DNO crew. Keep informing us.

      ADMIN: We are cutting back on ALL long posts. Moderators who are confronted by thousands of posts per day are really feeling the heat.

      • September 10, 2012

        @Roseau Valley

        I am glad to read that at least you notice me on the board of DNO, that you can even identify my “post-name” so well.

        Just to let you know that DNO left the same message to me. And I respect the wish, accordingly. I am addicted to DNO as well, in that so many of their news article provoke me to do the work that I love so much. Blessings!

        By the way it seem as if it does not matter with DNO how many times a person post to a certain article, so instead of grumbling about me, why don’t you simply speak you opinion using two or three posts.

  10. ROSEAU VALLEY
    September 7, 2012

    This is a question that has occupied our thoughts for centuries. Everyone has an opinion but no one is correct. The least that we can do is appreciate that our view is not the only one on the subject and we are not the wisest among the multitude who attempt an answer.

    Before we seek to answer whether our current leader was born as a gift to Dominica or whether he was made and facilitated by good fortune and circumstances, we are still asking the questions to the Court of Appeal whether he is a legitimately elected member of our parliament.

    Amazingly, after 3 plus years, Dominicans still do not know who our legitimately and lawfully elected members of parliament are. We express much gratitude to the undue and unreasonable delay in our OECS legal system.

    Because of the nature of our leadership, our entire process of governance in this country continues to be undermined by frequent bouts of unnecessary, avoidable but predictable unconstitutional attacks. Our immature leadership always seem to know what is the wrong way of doing things right, while failing to separate partisan political support and arrogance from objective analysis.

    Whether the entire crop of our present political leadership is a gift from the divine, Supreme Being or whether they are made out of the mold of unfortunate circumstances around them, there is a need today to examine the effectiveness of our leadership on all sides of the political divide.

    To attempt an answer the rhetorical question, I think we are all born with certain basic traits, characteristics and personalities, which are either developed, enhanced, damaged or destroyed over time depending on the extent of the nourishment given to what we were born with.

    Quality leadership, therefore, is molded, learned, developed and matured over time from the basics inherent in us. True, quality leadership is a learned skill while doing, observing, studying and emulating behaviour.

    For that reason, politicians usually identify role models and mentors in the way that Mr. Skerrit has sought out the leaders of China, Cuba, Venezuela, Kingdom of Morocco and Republic of Azerbaijan. Given time, we know where we are heading with that type of leadership.

    • winston warrington
      September 8, 2012

      How many “Roseau Valleys” are there?

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        September 8, 2012

        Thanks for monitoring me Winston. I note that you are very vocal on the issues that I discuss not only on DNO but on other blogs. Appreciate your feedback always.

        Let me say that very story has more than one side to it. ROSEAU VALLEY looks at issues from all sides in any attempt to be fair and balance. Therefore, whereas he may generally be critical of Skerrit’s leadership, there are some good things that can be said about the man as was done in the instant case. The fact remains I was one of those who support youth empowerment and advancement. I was very proud of Skerrit and wished him well. However, I am now disappointed that he has lost his way.

        So don’t worry Winston, Roseau Valley does not suffer from multiple personalities. DNO does not have another Sarah Lyn on its hands

  11. Colour Gray
    September 6, 2012

    yes my honour!the gloves from;SC-T;attack dog;cra-z T;red ant;voiceferious mammy and the red army from the red clinic,are off on you now dennis.
    look news;real news;

  12. phucet
    September 6, 2012

    Athie Matin would get my vote for sure!!!

  13. De Informer
    September 6, 2012

    Mr. Joseph, how was the leadership of Former PM PJ, whose team you were a part of, better than the present administration. Did you all not travel all ocver the world regularly begging-with hardly nothing to show for it? At least Skerrit has something to show.

  14. El Presidente
    September 6, 2012

    Dennis Joseph has failed in his hack job again?

    If these are the critical thinkers/brains we have in Dominica…where is their advancement?

    It is so easy to stand on the fence and accuse, yet offer nothing.

    If I had 100% the brain of Dennis I can guarantee I would be able to create a little bake stand.

    Since I don’t have his intelligence and vision I will continue working my 9 to 5 Job.

  15. Frenz
    September 6, 2012

    Dennis here is my answer to your question. I think that there are born leaders however leaders can be made.Note however that there are faulty products. Is Skerrit a born leader ? Absolutely not. Is he a made leader? Yes a few chaps from Portsmouth and and others decided to TRY Skerrit only because at the time Earl Williams was considered young and that the Labor Party needed to match youthful leadership. A faulty product will keep getting by because people on assembly line refuse to identitfy the faulty product.
    If we allow crooked banana inspectors to decide the fate of our banana industry for example then the banana industry is doomed.So too we are doomed to allow a faulty made leader to continue to man this country.

    • laughing
      September 8, 2012

      Lousey reason to have elected such an…………. ur choice readers fill in the blank

  16. Mwen enkor
    September 6, 2012

    It seems that some people will accept what you say, depending on whom they think yo support.It is so difficult for Dominicans to take a speech or an article for what it is.
    Well said Mr Joseph. I know you don’t worry with who brand you. Keep them coming.
    Who the cap fit, let them wear it.

  17. Reader
    September 6, 2012

    Somewhere in this jibberish, I admit there were a few gems. I am neither an “apologist” nor a defender of Hon. P.M. Skeritt. What I am is a person who has become cynical and disenchanted by the politics, people and political leaders of Dominica. I agree, a leader much be able to have and articulate a vision and get folks to buy-in and work towards that vision. Mr. Joseph, name me ONE (not two) just ONE Prime Minister in Dominica that has done that. Some where along the way, we the people created a vision, a reality for ourselves: one that glorifies mendicance. The late Dame M. E. Charles saw it and articulated it. So our Prime Ministers (all of them), win the elections, come onboard with a so called “vision” and quickly realize that they have to work within that framework of the people’s reality, the people’s vision – for the people, of the people, by the people. How pregnant that phrase.

    But … back to your peice and the question that you asked. Hon. P.M. Skerritt has demonstrated the qualities of a leader. Yes, he is a leader and since he took office, we are undoubtedly better of.

    • Daba
      September 6, 2012

      Who is better off? you and your cabal friends. Please don’t make blanket staements and can’t support the statements.I implore you therefore to support your punch line.
      If the mind set of a leader is to reduce a once proud people to the woes of dependency and mendicancy then obviously the leader has created his own framework.

    • JUST 4 FUN
      September 6, 2012

      If the people are blind or playing blind to receive the handouts from China,Hugo etc funeled through one who cannot even channel his words in english creole nor french( from VC with french citizenship ) avoiding debates at all cost what kind of vision are we talking about.I doubt he to has any vision.
      I am not saying their are not persons with vision every & anywhere but most get are paid off to shut up or auto- shut up

  18. Concern Citizen
    September 6, 2012

    Well written and straight to the point. Thats the kind of article I expect from Dennise, layman language and less complicated.

    • Reader
      September 6, 2012

      Really? Because I read it and had a different take. It left me with my own question: Are writers born or made? :-D

  19. LATITUDED810
    September 6, 2012

    I can see clearly which side you sit on, in the world of Alice in wonderland your concept can work, but in the real world the skerritt concept is what that can work. what planet are you really on, have you seen what has happened to england,greece,spain,italy even the great america.
    have you been watching the republican and democratic convention, then come down to the real world, begging is a must if you are getting free money why not take it only a fool would not, have you seen what is unfolding in grenada, i see boss come down to the real world. that why skerrit will win again he has the foresight unlike you

    • Nac Vibes
      September 6, 2012

      Well they say the devil takes care of his own.

  20. 5th Ave
    September 6, 2012

    Folks need to Understand that Dominica isn’t as Simple as it looks and Sounds…..

    Dominica will always be there,, but will always be a a Low ended island pretty much gaining a few crumbs here and there..its boils down to what the people want if they want to soar higher or accept less,Great Islands or Countries which have moved up,Foremost the mindset of the society is key..what its policy makers want etc..

    Look at he Bar Association remaining quiet on all important issues..look at places like Jamaica Barbados to name a few Professional folks contribute to the discus for wider input…that’s how islands and countries move up..

    Dominica is a classical case matter which needs maybe alot of spiritual and mind flushing medications to ride the culture and improve new age thinking…..

  21. fix the voters list
    September 6, 2012

    Who else besides Skeritt? Pappy,Ron Green,Judy Pestina, Hector John, Edison James, Bernard Wiltshire, Lennox Linton, Matt Peltier, Athie Martin, Norris Prevost, Crispin Gregoire, Thompson Fontaine, Clayton Shillingford and lots of others….

    • flower
      September 6, 2012

      Dennis :lol: Joseph for PM :-D

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