When you are talked about, you’re often thought about. Some say the only way you can gauge your success is by the way people act towards you and what they say about you. This is a myth of course, yet so many people believe that if evil things are being said about you, said to you or done to you, that you are not liked or not successful. If good things are said about you then you must be good right? Yah right! Truth is, if you are constantly being spoken of or considered in any kind of way, that means that you have to be on people’s minds and Edward Leblanc called Eddie by his friends is always talked about.
We should all seek our history and want to know about things that were but some think that if the history is unpleasant in its account of those they support or it makes them look worse then that history be damned and it should as much as possible be massaged or replaced with another history that makes them look better. Terms are used like ‘You are scratching old sores and Let sleeping dogs lie’ to blank out the inconvenient past. Leblanc who all rush to give praise was once the whipping boy of the Freedom Party who called him not “Nice Eddie” but a dictator and branded his Seditious and Libel law as the “Shut your mouth bill.’ It was on the back of this bill the journey of the Freedom Fighters group started from the dying Dominica United Peoples Party (DUPP) and those Freedom Fighters later became the, yes, Freedom Party now dying again. The panic flight of the Freedom Party stalwarts to become card carrying Labourites is laughable if it was not so serious. The reality is the Freedom Party intensely disliked Leblanc never mind their calling him the Father of the Nation after his death just to slight Patrick John who took us to recognised nationhood.
Today there is a sort of monument to his greatness promoted by a former young freedomite now Prime Minister and leader of the, yes; Labour Party and I ask myself, “Isn’t life a bleeping bleeper?” It is located right next to the Mahaut toilet facility and that monument in my view does not do Leblanc’s memory justice. The dancing lady monument built and opened with much fanfare for the Reunion ’88 celebration and christened Reunion Park is long forgotten and deserted, and many do not even realize that there is a Reunion Park though they walk past it every day on their way to and from the Woodbridge Bay harbour. Yet in its prime time looked far more presentable and eye pleasing than this Leblanc monument. To the unknowing the Leblanc monument looks like a pile of bricks covered over with tiles or something hurriedly built and with a photo of Leblanc more appropriate for a home picture album. To say that this is temporary is nonsense since this rehabilitation of the road was promised by the Chinese 8 years ago according to what we were told in 2004.
For a long time the now West Coast road ended at Macoucherie and you had to swim or boat the rest of the way until the Leblanc administration encouraged the British
Colonialist rulers to cut the way right up to Portsmouth. The thing is that after the money was provided to do the excavation and earth moving work the British abandoned the project claiming among other things that it was of little economic value and left us with a dirt road. It was the Patrick John administration which had to seek funding from other sources to pave the road. The West Coast road is today a rehabilitation effort of the Chinese government, a kind of ‘as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end’ project. The difference is that our public works personnel did the work in the beginning using British money but the Chinese repaired the road at the end using their own money to pay themselves. There will be a rush to tell me that if you have no money then you have no choice and beggars are not choosers but is that the vision that Leblanc had for Waitikubuli?
1967 was an eventful year for the nation of Waitikubuli. Among other things it was the year Claudia Hill won the Miss Dominica title with her stunning costume portrayal of “From rags to riches;” a youthful Lord Breaker became Calypso Monarch, Julie Alexander won King of the Bands and Rosemary Giraud Queen of the Bands which are features of our Carnival we hardly see today. It was the year after Queen Elizabeth came visiting for the first time and the year when we were handed on March 1st called Statehood Day, a new Constitution by Britain giving us full internal self government and Edward Leblanc was given a new title of Premier rather than just Chief Minister as before. Our flag was then blue with a sort of British Union Jack in a corner of it and we were told we were now in a new status of Associated Statehood with Britain. In 1967 we had just five ministers to run our affairs, Wills Stevens, Mabel James, N.A.N Ducreay, Ronald Armour, and Premier Edward Leblanc today we have a ton of them. Yet the sixties and seventies were years of mind-blowing development with just five of them.
After receiving and accepting the new Constitutional instruments Edward Leblanc said this, “Money and technical advice will help us to produce, and we can produce. We want to preserve our self-respect and one day have our name expunged from the beggars list.” Today we elect governments on how well they promote themselves as expert international beggars as Man Himself expertly put in one of his calypsoes. With this in mind Eddie would say to us from his Mahaut monument as we walk or drive past, “My dear fellow citizens it is 45 years since 1967, kote′ zor ka ale′ Waitikubulians?”
Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
what a very biased article, with some suggested “facts” that are simply UNTRUE! I suppose this matters little to those who would believe ANYTHING – once it is against Skerrit!
Dennis needs to understand that what happened in the past has a great deal to do with what we are today as a Nation but revisiting this past can contribute little or nothing to what we need to do now as a Nation to move forward.It should also be noted that every journey into the past can lead to delusions,create false memories, false namings of real events especially when it involves partisan Politics as Dennis portray with his rhetoric.
The quote made by Edward Leblanc “Money and technical advice will help us to produce, and we can produce. We want to preserve our self-respect and one day have our name expunged from the beggars list” you know Politicians sometimes can say things which sound nice but do we pause and ask ourselves is this true.First off where and how do we get money and technical advise needed to produce, these two things don’t just come from the sky and if it requires asking or making friends and alliances to obtain money and technical assistance from those who have, why is it thought of as begging.Let us not forget there is a difference between begging and asking and there is something called foolish pride.
Sad to say but some of these self proclaimed advocates of truth and justice are quickly losing credibility. At least some facts to back up their claims would be welcome. You never know what we might have missed, after all the sixties and seventies were times where a lot of people were high.
Nothing is wrong with constructive criticism but it is not too much to ask to give Jack his jacket.
what we need in DA is how should we save this sinking ship,talking about it sinking ain’t gonna save it.we need to save it for the children.so come on people let’s get down to it.
Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself
Dennis Joseph wrote..”Today we elect governments on how well they promote themselves as expert international beggars”
DJ, don’t fool yourself on DNO…being a failure is a better exit strategy for you
INTERESTING Historical recall and comparison with the present. Mr. Joseph must write a personal account of his varied experiences. Of course, his political bias will show but that should not be a reason the youngert generations shoulkd not benefit from his account. Leaning of historical events and personalities (even with personal bais) is one benefit.
thank you DENNIS.thanks a million
To say that freedom party is “now dying again” think of it Dennis Joseph. Freedom Party is Very Much alive through the young Freedom Movement whoa re now ruling this ocuntry, just look,at the following Parl reps, Soufriere,Grandbay,Laplaine,MOrne Jaune, Castle Bruce, Carib Territory, Wesley, Vielle Case,Colihaut, St Joseph, Mahaut,The Valley, ALL FORMER YFM MEBBERS, WHO THEY AND THEIR PARENTS WOULD HAVE KILLED ANY LABOURITE ON SIGHT BEFORE TWO THOUSAND. YES Dennis Freedom is now alive in teh Government of this country.NOw them blind labourites not seeing that “tall”
Given what DJ has been writing todate, I am wondering what was in his Master Plan. No wonder we have not heard a thing from him about that Plan lately.
He would make them sing the song of Siffluer Motagne Chorale..”pas quitte yo prend Dominique hod nou”
In responding to the poignant question posed to fellow Waitikubulians, kote′ nous ka ale′?” an anonymous Waitikubulian expressed gratitude for the first article that he/she has enjoyed by the author.
I too wish to thank Denis for the historical context of where we are today and how much we have regressed in terns of our self-consciousness, national pride and vision as a people. Unlike Anonymous, it goes without saying that I always enjoy reading /listening to the Denis’ work.
It is my hope that the number two caller to the Next Level program, a diehard Laborite, a former staunch UWPite and perhaps the sole surviving member of the 1967 class of five ministers, who ran the country and did so much with so little, would comment on this article.
Considering how well Mr. N.A.N Ducreay sings praises to the present Labour administration for bringing us to the next level of ignorance and corruption, I look forward to his contribution this Saturday night.
And so, if Mr. N.A.N Ducreay, the number two supporter –second only to Mammy – is prepared to challenge Denis’ assertions, observations and conclusions with regard to the mind-blowing development of the sixties and seventies as something less than honest, objective and fair, relative to what he appears to be so enthusiastically cheering today, I am eager to hear from him.
Before I have a clue kote′ nous ka ale, I am prepared to defer to the insights of wise, old and experienced political and national development pioneer, who can better advise on the differences in the nature, scope and rate of development of the sixties and seventies relative to what we experience today.
I look forward to the explanations from the apologists, spin-masters of truth and cheerleaders of the young Freedomrite posing as a Labourites on the differences between the functioning of the public works of the sixties and seventies particularly in the construction and maintenance of roads using foreign money vis-à-vis the rehabilitative road works of the Chinese using their own money to over compensate themselves at our expense.
I wish to hear/read the comments of others who remember the Lebanc era and who could expand on the profound statement of this visionary leader upon receiving and accepting the new constitutional instruments for Waitikubuli – juxtaposing that as it were, to our present day reality where money without technical advice is not helping us to produce anything although we can produce. We seem reluctant or unable to preserve our self-respect and national pride in having a national palace built by Chinese with their labour and money and with all intent to keep us on the international beggars list.
I express sincere gratitude to Denis for taking us to that place and await the details from those who served then with Leblanc and are now the apologists and cheerleaders of the young Freedomrite.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
It is very laughable when you are trying to give credence to the development of the sixties and seventies relative to what we experience today.Secondly, if someone is looking for genuine honest historical facts pertaining to the sixties and seventies do you really think that this can be told by Dennis Joseph.Why don’t you just stop being cynical, be honest and truthful stop letting Political partisan blind you of the facts.You are an intelligent person why would you want to be mislead by someone with a personal agenda and vendetta who construed historical,facts to satisfy his political allegiance.
Well Gary thanks for the compliment. Appreciated.
You know, I am prepared to learn from any and everyone. I am prepared to weigh varying views. I enjoy the debate and the learning process. I like what Denis has written. I welcome reading your opinion. I want to hear Mr, Ducreay and others who were part of the development of 60’s and 70’s. In fact I have heard Mr. Ducreay talked about that on political platforms when he campaigned with the UWP. He said the same thing.
Of course, I appreciate that some development took place under the Patrick John labour administration (late 70’s) , the Freedom party (80’s)- although I think the Freedom Party was in a position to do much more based on the availability of international funding and the geo-political reality at the time.
It is indisputable that within the short 4 years that the UWP was in government there was a lot of development and the platform was being put in place for even more rapid development in the future..
Yes, we have seen some development under the present administration over the last 13 years but at a tremendous cost and in a rather ad hoc manner- if I may add.
You may conclude that I am being blinded by political partisanship and I respect your opinion. However, I do agree with Denis that relative to the small size of the government (5 ministers) and the limited resources available in the Leblanc era , the development that he speaks about was unique and this is indisputable when you consider we have taken a loan from the Chinese to (not build) but resurface a road (not a highway) and we could not even negotiate to have Dominicans perform the work-for example. These are the issues that concern me Gary. Not partisan politics
With much respect
Roseau Valley
So true Dennis. In 2012, imagine a so called Labour Party Govt. erects a monument of E.O. Leblanc, with a tobacco pipe in his mouth, very close to the Belfast toilet. Total disrespect and utter contempt to the humble man, who all his life, did everything to elevate the standard of living of the poor and disadvantaged in Dominica.
Note well, however, on the other hand, the bust of Simon Bolivar, National Hero and liberator of Venezuela, is more beautiful and placed in a more pleasing area on the road to PMH.
Is so Dominica come under Skerritt and his DLP any people love it so?
Who cares? Those who have toiled hard, like E.O. Leblanc, to ensure Dominica become self-sufficient and the resources of the country belong to and are shared among the people, are being treated like dogs.
The bust at Belfast should be broken down, and a much better structure erected in a more appropriate area. That Govt. continue to show the people of Dominica their kind of character. Well who cares?
Yes, Mr Joseph is talking about mind blowing development because Dominicans had pride. They wanted to accomplish. When my grand father told me how they had to carry the pipes from the bayside in Salisbury up to the hills so that they would have water in that village. Mind you this was done while they were going to their garden. Did you ever wonder while taking a shower how did it happen?
I enjoyed reading this article. I love history because i always think if you do not know where you came from you will not know what path to take in life. Without variety in this world it would be boring hence the presence of beggars. In this world there are born beggars not because they are poor but only that they lack the will to envision a brighter future.
Thank you Mr. Joseph you are right on time.
Sometimes reality bites. Am no party pooper, but Sir(my teacher Standard5 R.B.S.) you nailed it. Very interesting piece.How about part 2?
Brilliant !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Something is wrong with u all in the sixties,seventies, eighties and nineties all these ppl were POTO LABOURITES. Now u all want to confuse me with talk, talk, talk no I HAVE ENOUGH OF THAT. Let us come together to help developpe our country before its too late. IT seems like STOCKFARM IS OUR YOUTH SECOND HOME so will join hands in hands in pray. GOD bless us all.
Appropriate expressions suitable o our times. Thanks for the historical perspective that so unique.
Why cant the statement,”opinions expressed in this comments do not reflect those of Dominica News Online or its Advertisers,” attached to comments which in your opinion is controversial.You hold comments for moderation from three to six hours,sometimes by the time a comment is posted by you, the story is lost somewhere in the bottom of the page. For instance my comments on Mr. Joseph’s piece was the first,so far five comments have been moderated,I am still waiting.
Very interesting read. It definitely gave this reader somethings to think about.
Mr. Joseph again always captivates my mind with the history of our country and where we are today. This is excellent stuff. This is what we need to teach the kids today so they can have more pride for country and self. Teach about our heroes…we NEED THAT!!!Thanks Joseph!!
Did I read Mr. Josph well? I am sure Mr.Le balnc, the father of the nation worked for all of Dominica? Yes! he did. Even those who chased him out of town in 1972. It is interesting that Denis is taking issue with those Freedomites who have changed their political allegiance from what was a rising Freedom Party,now dead and rotten to the vibrant very much alive Labour Party, more than forty years older than what it was when Le Blanc led the party. Is Denis suggesting that the young professionals who form the backbone of a burgeoning middle clas that the Labour helped developed should should remain the mirror images of the 1970’s, the bare foot man with no shoes on, no blue collared jobs, poor housing conditions etc. He cannot be serious. Denis himself has changed political allegiance. He moved from the bowels of labour, the party of the “little man’ to a party with no philosophical roots for developing Dominica. That fact was proven within less than five years of being in office. he still continue to hold on to it. He is free to so do.
Is Mr. Josph aware that without the support of the Freedom party the Labour party would not be in power today? His UWP would haveremined in office. That is why he is vexed with Freedomites after all thathe did to deny the Freedom Party access to the airwaves of the only radio station back in the 1970’s.
“We should all seek our history and want to know about things that were but some think that if the history is unpleasant in its account of those they support or it makes them look worse then that history be damned and it should as much as possible be massaged or replaced with another history that makes them look better”.
I look forward with earnest to next year May 2013, when Denis Jospeh will chronicle his views and perspective of what transpired in 1979. Much has been written and documented about the events of May 1979. Mr. Jospeh has not been featured in a good light. I am sure with his own version of things, he will not portray himself in bad light in his book.
Well said @ Observer, I forgot some of Columbus history but my country history remain in my mine woe unto those who are asleep in Dominica. Dont try to fool us sir, we dont get fooled agian no sir, I am a born Dominican, I one woman child know my country history try something eles it seems as if I dont know who is my father amen.
This is a very informative article. Lacking much needed punctuation, but informative. Great job Dennis J!
Is mr Joseph trying to tell me that freedomites can become uwpites or any other ite but not labourite when he says its laughable that they would become labourites guess he would be happy if all had turned to the uwp or would he?hmmm
i feel sorry for, you do npt understand the context in which the man made his statement.
This is a mind Buggling documantary. Truthful, Informative,Historical, and something that should be taught to our younger children so that they will know that we have had Self thinking men/women who have run the affairs of Dominica.
I am proud to be a Dominican, because I know that we have a strong history of loyal and trustworhty men and women who cared about our land.
Today I see people praising a professional Begger!! Antiguans, Monseratans and Kittians all use to come to Dominica to look for work. where have all that gone?
But where are those States-Men and Women today?
Cooruption is the in-thing these days.Everybody who is in-charge of money at any level in D/ca, seems to be putting their hands in the money. Is it because they have seen and are seeing the ones at the Top doing it?
I have always said that it was the hatred for Mr. Leblanc by the Freedom Party which was passed on to Mr. John that caused all that daybar which lead to May 29th. I have to admit that Mr. John made mistakes, but the mistakes in my opinion did not necessitate his downfall.The DUPP and then the Freedom party could not stomach another leblanc in the person of Mr John.After the resignation of Mr. Leblanc their ace in the hole was suppose to be Roseau boy R.O.P.Armour. When Armour failed to obtain the the leadership of the labor party all hell broke loose,unfortunately it was Mr. John with even more popularity then Mr. Leblanc that broke the camel’s back as the saying goes.In a short space of time, who told Mr. John to build International Stadium,who told him to take away rice and sugar from the big boys in Roseau who at the time had all the econonical power,who told him to build apartments in lower Canefield, who told him to appoint a foreigner as Attorney General and further, he rubbed the salt in the political wound of them powerful big wigs in Roseau by openning a national bank.Poor Patrick didn’t stand a chance.
DNO, Where is the audio? You gave us a taste of a good thing and then take it away without a word? That is unacceptable.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
ADMIN: The audio is delayed. We should have it soon.
And THUMPS UP and THUMBS DOWN too.
I was about to say the same thing Valley boy.
Where does Joesph gets this ridiculous thing to say
Sometimes its better to leave irrelevant people alone.
I want people that can positively impact us to speak
This is the first of Mr. Joseph’s article I really enjoyed. Thanks
The sixties and seventies were years of mind blowing development? Are you still talking about Dominica?
Good point Mie, it is visible to anyone that the current thrust in development far exceeds any period in Dominica’s history! Is now DA on the road to real, sustainable development!
dummynicans don’t care about that… they love to beg… true patriots fight for what they need and want… but in many lands… patriots are always few and Dominica is no exception… it’s obvious that begging is the only protocol this administration follows…