DENNIS JOSEPH WEEKLY: Look out! They want to change the Constitution

Dennis Joseph

I think that the entire unnecessary roar now on-going  about the process by which the president should resign is just a deliberate way to amend parts of the Constitution by creating a constitutional crisis.  Who dey fink dey foolin’?    Not me.   I welcome constitutional advancement but not under the shadow of deliberately created constitutional crisis.   The administration is taking full advantage of our love of talk and no action.

I call this inaction national apathy.  So what is apathy you ask?  Well check this:  As you stand on the sidewalk, a blind man is standing in front of you. Without warning, he begins to cross the street.  He seems to be in no danger until you see a car about 100 yards away speeding towards him. Totally unaware of the situation, the man continues walking agonizingly slowly across the street. As you and many others watch in horror he is struck by the car.

Although every single one of you had plenty of time to rescue him, you just watched, hoping that someone else would do it. That is bystander apathy. People attempt to convince themselves and others that they were justified in their inaction because “I didn’t want to get involved.” Excuses like this often stem from fear -avoiding physical harm, public embarrassment, loss of jobs, and as too personally risky to take part in. And strangely enough, standing up for right against wrong is seen as one of these “personal” risks.

In this administration the real contempt for our Constitution started when the PM announced his masterpiece, “No law not even the Constitution can prevent me Roosevelt Skerrit…”  Yet no leader can violate the law if the people do not allow it to happen. While the PM tells us we are too free are we really?

Politicians over the years have stifled free thinkers by making their lives difficult and through their public relations machinations, have been known to ruthlessly make them out to be exiles.  Many will advise that it is unwise to criticize the government if you value your well being as a word to its fanatical supporters about your supposed ulterior motives is enough to open you to verbal or even physical abuse by incensed foot soldiers, who crave your punishment.  It is also a guarantee that any project which needs government assistance or approval presented by you will be gleefully quashed.  Even this columnist has met with some colloquial scathing remarks over my writings.

I do have a request before one of such government bodies and the reply was an innocuous, ‘This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter’ and no more since years ago.  My writings against wrong do not help me but hinder me personally, so should I not stop and think of saving myself or hide behind an anonymous nickname?  Perhaps I should because to serve a different point of view to the people has its sacrifice and media workers like me who cannot afford it, know that too well.

Government supporters protest against any protest and  rather than help light a candle they curse what they perversely perceive as darkness.  They will aggressively with great emotion point to the ills of the past government in that regard and so comfort themselves.  The death of CAHUR, which appointed itself as the guardian of our utility bills in particular protesting DOMLEC high electricity rates is an example.

A street demonstration by CAHUR despite the vigorous radio talk show opinions against DOMLEC and promises of “I will definitely be there” the organizers  almost numbered more than those who showed up.  Later to swallow their inaction with a dose of embarrassing water  they slammed the organizer for what?  Wrong time of day or even of year for a demonstration et on.  Whither we goest Waitikubulians?

There is also the false comfort of thinking that because we go the polls to elect a government every five years, then democracy is alive and well.  Those who are clever have found a way to handle this process as well, with the seductive use of mucho funds and flash.  Unfortunately democracy does not flourish after election night, but what seems to continue is electioneering.

The divide and rule approach of the 80’s which legacy goes on today has  dominated the life of this nation on a daily basis.   “Government for the people, by the people, of the people,” is a great and satisfactory definition of democracy, but when it comes to its fair and workable details it fails to meet the criteria by a wide margin. In the USA, the common word among dissatisfied voters is, “Call your congressman” but here it is “Defend the Prime Minister.”

An informed people are the best guarantee of continuing democracy. The first step in this educational process is mass instruction as to what the Constitution itself means and the knowledge of rights under the democratic system.  To a number of citizens the Constitution is a strange  slang with no meaning in their daily lives.  That is where radio and TV which has now rapidly come of age can greatly assist.  People must be made to understand that protest against wrong is not a condemnation of their favoured political side in general but of the particular offense.  Democratic nations are judged by the type and caliber of the officers they elect, and also by the will of the people to refuse to accept oppressive and deceptive behaviour from their government.

Deliberately and with strategically thought-out planning in creating a crisis so as later to present the way to solve it is an old government trick all over the world.  The opportunity to make changes to  the Constitution and supreme law of Dominica is now made available to the government by the apparent constitutional crisis that the government itself has deliberately created.  So what changes the government wants to make in our Constitution?   Look out for a white paper with a ton of proposed changes which will not be limited to just the process of the changing of a president.

Stay tuned or rather look out.

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79 Comments

  1. September 15, 2012

    I posted a commented regarding this subject and it does not appear in the above list> DNO can U please inform me why

  2. Delicious
    September 15, 2012

    Evil men do evil things and that’s a sign of evil things to come….my people be afraid why should someone be allowed to change the constitution to suit their needs….it’s a guide line to keep our democracy and we should be 100% against that none sense

  3. Anonymous
    September 14, 2012

    I fully support every word that Mr Joseph has said, We stand aside and talk but never act, so we get treated like children who does not know better, nor deserve better, what the hell is wrong with our people?

  4. 911
    September 14, 2012

    Going through these blogs, Denis should be happy with the response. There are those who support every word he has written and even the words he did not have space to write. Conversely, if he says he is for democracy, then he should also welcome the response from the non-sympathizers.

    Hope he does not, in his next piece, take issue with those who had a different view.

  5. LATITUDED810
    September 14, 2012

    its been 12yrs since hee has tasted what its like to be in control,what its like to be on the boards so he writes,i have read the constitution over and over and it cannot be that the opposition including lennox linton is right, because when he is taken to court, on matters that he says he knows quite well he loses his cases in court, so who is right.

  6. Mie
    September 14, 2012

    I loved your music Mr Joseph. There are many different ways to contribute to your country. Personally I fed up with political games.

  7. T mama
    September 13, 2012

    Yes Mr Joseph we are watching and waiting…something is going on there…not good…..and time is telling…

  8. Michelle Marigot
    September 13, 2012

    Well written Mr Joseph.

    • September 14, 2012

      A set of words strung one after the other that most readers cannot make meanig of is not really good writing. Mr. Joseph should ensure that he punctuate what he says with facts and examples so that most if not all of his readers can get the jist of what he is saying or really wants to say. I used to enjoy reading his articles in the newspaper though.

  9. Intellectual Witch
    September 13, 2012

    Speaking from the house: I I I I. Constitution Faker. Send your application to scare-it or Karette. Though you are older, you are not wiser. Rest your heart on these men, for milk, butter, cheese and boisbande.

    Here it is ‘defend the prime minister’ though matter all the LIES.

  10. ROSEAU VALLEY
    September 13, 2012

    Dennis, my brother, I am with you. This is brilliant. I love it- and this is not to patronizing you.

    Who dey fink dey fooling when they stuttered in Prime Ministerial lies that there is nothing unconstitutional with the process and there is no provision in the Constitution for the resignation of the President? They are fooling themselves –not us.

    They call us baccahnalists and all the names that they can invent- saying we are inciting violence etc. But they know that they are on the wrong side of what is right and they are slowly losing it.

    Look out! They are signing their own political death warrant with the promulgation of this infectious “unconstitutional bug.”

    There are some of us who do not fear throwing stones because we do not live in glass houses. We have shown that we can take the heat and entered the kitchen to put out this unconstitutional fire of Labour. We pledge to stand up for right against wrong notwithstanding the risks.

    However, what people like you, Mr. Alleyne, Dr. Severin, Lennox, Angelo, Arundale, Blessings, Coipel, Arthie, the Aaron brothers (Randy and Pat) have been and continue to do, is patriotic, courageous and simply admirable.

    I admit that contributors like Roseau Valley are cowards (justifiable so) compared to you guys, who do not hide behind an anonymous and vague blog name like 1979 and Met yo. But some of us have suffered as victims of the attack that you reference because we have used our names in serving a different point of view. Indeed, it is a huge personal sacrifice that must be evaluated in determining whether it is worth saying who we are rather than being an alien on the internet highway.

    But it is hoped that we could start thinking critically and intelligently with focus on the issues rather than discussing the messengers, authors, broadcasters, reporters or announcers. We ought to focus on engaging in healthy and informative debates, where each side advances its point of view in a mature, structured and professional manner.

    We must evaluate the pros and cons of the issues and in that way, we will be open to the understanding that not everything that a person does or says is wrong or right. That approach would allow us to resolve critical national issues in a more amicable fashion. By willing to discuss the issues in an open and professional manner, we shall become more informed as a people and we will be in a better position to fight for and guarantee our continuing democracy.

    Like you – I patiently awaiting the white paper on constitutional reform. You can be guaranteed that the views of ROSEAU VALLEY will be shared on the recommended changes.

    Keep doing what you do brother. Great job!

    • winston warrington
      September 13, 2012

      Roseau Valley, you are preaching party politics and nothing less, Apparently, there are only two sides to every issue – your side and the wrong side. Just how did you lose the election when God was on your side?

      • mornepros
        September 14, 2012

        The man has never said thathe right all the time. He expresse his opinion like everybody else and leaves it up to people to decide what is right or wrong about what he writes.
        On the contrary, you are the foolish one who thinks you are right when everybody thinks you are dead wrong

      • Happy Joe
        September 14, 2012

        Never seen this Warringto guy offer a valid comment. His comments are always some foolish response to somebody’d comment. Just means that Winston Warrington cannot Stand up on his own – ooopps I made a boo boo. he cyan hold a discussion

  11. Listening
    September 13, 2012

    In short on the back drop of Mr. Joseph piece. This is where we are as people….Ex: If my mother is stealing from my bank account I should not tell it is wrong and still lover her. It seems base on the behavoir of the govt supporters, I would have to hate her first to tell what she is doing is wrong. That is really sad…bc if I have to hate her first to tell her she is doing someone wrong then I need to examine myself as an individual.

    Dominicans we can still love our politicians and tell them they are doing wrong and if they dont stop the wrong doing we can get them out of office and still love them.

  12. September 13, 2012

    Dennis, can I get an answer to this question? How many Dominicans have a copy of this Constitution in their homes? Are copies of this Constitution placed in all Schools on the island? Can a copy of the Constitution be readily available to the locals? If you are talking to the Dominican voters you need to inform them on what it is that is in the current constitution and what changes the Prime Minister is about to implement that will affect them.
    Give suggestios to,recommendations to, challenge the Prime Minister on the changes at hand and stop making political noise on DNO. Not everyone is educated.

    • Papa Dom
      September 14, 2012

      Very stupid questions to Mr. Joseph, if I must say. When are people going to take full responsibility for their actions or inactions as the case may be? As a young man in my 20’s, I bought myself a copy of the constitution not long after Dominica became independent. What prevents the young and not so young, especially when there is so much talk about constitutional matters, from arming themselves with a copy? I know! Things are bad.
      As a child I was told that to be forewarned is to be forearmed and this tenet sit foremost in my mind as the current events unfurl. Do you have any idea, dear A Reader, what the “doctrine of necessity is, how it operates and when or where has it been used? Your call to Mr. Joseph to “make suggestions to, recommendations to, challenge the Prime Minister” is most disingenuous to say the least. Haven’t you seen and heard the many voices doing just that in the last year and especially in the current fiasco? Have you not aided and conspired with skerritt to ensure that the voters of Dominica remain in ignorance? Why then are you asking these questions of Mr. Joseph? If you are interested in educating of the people of Dominica then I suggest that you answer those questions yourself and if you are not happy with the answers, then do something about it.

    • deba
      September 14, 2012

      You can read the constitution on line so go read it yourself and express a balance and non bias opinion

  13. crony
    September 13, 2012

    I think that Dominica is covered with a veil of evil. Whether we support blue, red, green or purple any rationally thinking person can see that the prime minister has absolutely no respect for Dominicans let alone the opposition. His actions since taking office speaks volumes. The only thing left for him to do is to spit in our faces. So called educated people who ought to know better turn a blind eye to the skullduggery taking place. It is easy to see that we are populated by and large by people who are full of hatred, greed and jealously.Do we love our government that much that we cant even tell them when they are going wrong? I leave you with this famous quote;”The only thing necessary for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing.” Then again do we really have GOOD men amongst us?

    • September 16, 2012

      Good men were born and brought up to be Prime Ministers, Lawyers, Teachers and Doctors for Dominica. They stood up against the ‘Evil Men’ of the past and did something to take Dominica forward. However; it is the “in your 20’s” generation that is seeing it fit to sit by and create ‘evil to flourish’ and seek to destroy what it is the Good Men have done and have been doing with your remote control politricking, Facebook and the Internet. I will say it again, ‘Challenge the Prime Minister, Challenge the laws coming in effect, Engage the law makers, provide feedback,give alternatives to the changes being made in the Constitution and stop the noise making on DNO.

  14. Weave
    September 13, 2012

    Mr. Joseph I agree with everything you said by calling a spade a spade.Some of us say nothing due to many reasons,but deep down we are just waiting for the right time to do what we have to do to kick this oppressive government out of office.Still waters run deep.

    • No Name No Warrant
      September 13, 2012

      Isn’t still waters stagnant and disease carrying insect and pest? Why would you want to be that…use a different reasoning.

    • winston warrington
      September 13, 2012

      The horse’s leg is broken, shoot it in the head! After lampooning and lagonising the President of our Country as being sedentary, indolent and of questionable probity, we proceed to use the cover of Constitutional law to lengthen the torture.The Constitution fails to mention the need for a letter of resignation from the president and even so, the knowledge of incapacity obtains a period of ninety days before decisive action for approved replacement.
      All responses from a previous article appear to conclude that there is no need for a President, so why pursue the matter of undue process?

      The Constitution is not engraved in Moses stone,and not even as old as the President himself who was a consultant during its authorship. It is alive and overdue for amendment to march in rhythm with the times. So. with such an overwhelming majority, this government could, if so inclined, effect constitutional reform – legally!

  15. No Name No Warrant
    September 13, 2012

    LOL…Dennis Joesph is now considered a UWP…this man has been reduced to the image of Hector John woooven into a lennox linton and Ediot James…Oh Lawd

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      September 13, 2012

      With the death of Prof. Wikileaks and the ineffectiveness of Peeping Tom, the ground is now fertile for the germination and growth of new contributors without logic and originality, except in names. May you die a slow and miserable death from the pressure of the number of thumps down that you will get on this website. Good luck in displaying your stupidity.

      • No Name No Warrant
        September 13, 2012

        The man is a Hector John protegee…please

    • Nac Vibes
      September 13, 2012

      You people are dangerous. As soon as some one disagrees with your red point of view, they are labeled UWP.
      Sorry to disappoint you sir, but amazing as you may find and unlike you, there are living beings who practice that God given right to think and make decisions for themselves, so label me as well.

    • Michelle Marigot
      September 13, 2012

      Did you read his piece properly? I think not your head is so stuck ( I will not say the rest ).

    • September 13, 2012

      To every one that speak truth to power is a UWP what is wrong with DOMINICANS when I think of what is going on in my country I only feel for the children God help them otherwise Dominicans get what they deserve and there is much more to come Mr.Joseph you say it as it is and it’s not worth your time to respone to the less educate and stupid people who just survive by hand out all of the will come to an end I support you sir.

  16. Anonymous
    September 13, 2012

    The poor grasp of the English language is shocking. Eliminating ‘from being nominated ‘ is vicious and deliberate. D Joseph is aware of this poor grasp of the language and he is using it to manipulate. If I were to say that no law could stop me from walking into a church, I would be right, as no law could! The constitution allows it! It is the same thing with Skerrit ‘s complete statement. Please, guys, stop the ignorance.The world is laughing. Intellegent people do not ponder issues wearing emotions on their sleeves.

    • Deauditor
      September 13, 2012

      This reasoning surely takes the cake. I challenge your moderator to produce an article which is more void of common sense than this one by Anonymous.He\she clearly could not have graduated from Grade 1 or “Prep”.

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      September 13, 2012

      For a while I thought of commenting on your post but decided to join the rest of the world in laughing at intelligent people like you, who keep making a fool of themselves and do not ponder on the value of their contributions on DNO as they are so blinded by prejudice, ignorance and bias.

      I just decided to give you a thumps down instead and let it be as I have a very poor grasp of the English langauge.

    • Nac Vibes
      September 13, 2012

      We are not english

    • Papa Dom
      September 14, 2012

      So is that different to the many thing which are said on a certain radio programme. Have you ever called that programme and complained about “the vicious and deliberate manipulation”? were you happy when Mr. Brisbane’s letter was interpreted as “Do not gve aid to Dominica”. If indeed you are interested in truth and preventing the worldfrom laughing at us, then there is aa whole lot you can do about it by first of all, saying to your god skerritt that he is wrong.

  17. Observer
    September 13, 2012

    Denis writes well. He expresses himself in a manner that few of us inDominica can. Check his use of words. he is seemingly is a free thinker – atleast he would like us to belive that. But where has he gone wrong? Like the political journalists on “Right on Cue” he has concluded through his writingsd, that all wrong doings in our society lies at the foot of the government, more so the Prime Minister. Like Lennox and Matt etc, the opposition for him has done nothing wrong. In fact its activities are not even menntioned much more to be criticized. Only the government has done and is capable of doing wrong. the opposition for him are “little altar boys”.

  18. September 13, 2012

    which side is declaring there is a “constitutional crisis”??? The gov’t or the Opposition? If the latter, then the columnist’s first paragraph is absolutely illogical.

  19. 1979
    September 13, 2012

    THIS MAD DRIVER just decide to take everybody in Dominica along on his mad journey?? forget all the rules on the road and just bringing me and my family where he want for who he want???? but what’s wrong with this MADMAN nuh..

    MESSIEURS CHAUFFEUR PUT ME DOWN!!!!

  20. Reader
    September 13, 2012

    Mr. Joseph, at best, your piece is comical.

    Did you really write this: “Many will advise that it is unwise to criticize the government if you value your well being as a word to its fanatical supporters about your supposed ulterior motives is enough to open you to verbal or even physical abuse by incensed foot soldiers, who crave your punishment.” Let’s get real here. In today’s Dominica, any comment or action that appears remotely in support of Hon. PM Skerrit is met with scorn. You automaticaly are singing for your supper (don’t even go far – just scroll down to the comments to Jude’s post); you’re waiting for hand out at the red clinic; you are lazy, an idiot, a monkey, a donkey, etc., ect. Ain’t that a wonderful case of the pot calling the kettle black.

    Creating a crisis to ammend the constition? Really? Least you forget Hon. PM Skerritt easily commands the majority of the seats in Parliament. The law and the consitution gives him authority to ammend the constitution if he thinks it pertinient. Why would he have to fabricate a crisis just to do something that the constitution gives him the power to do?

    And then you talk about apathy? I think the real apathy is that right minded people are not more concerned with all the calls for a repeat of 1979 and boots on the ground and all these other rhetorics. Our inaction will cause us to be run over by your proverbial speeding car.

  21. Grasshooper
    September 13, 2012

    Skero my Boy do whatever you want with this Paper they call the constitution….they love you dearly..

    Skero..you have made Dominicans richer smarter too
    Skero..next thing you need to do is Open or turn or re direct the Red Clinc…to Sundays Prayers and Worship……you the Best we ever seen in Dominica…soon implement visa for those to enter Dominica..as your citizens love you to the MAX YOU HAVE FULL COMMAND OVER DOMINICA..

  22. jojo
    September 13, 2012

    Ken R,good ting u move out.

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      September 13, 2012

      You know, it is interesting that you mentioned that.

      I recall my sadness and disappointment a few months ago when this highly respected international journalist exploded with unjustifiable criticisms and viciously attacked Lennox Linton in his contribution as a panellist on the media issues in Dominica with Kamala et al.

      At the time he was still very fresh from his stint at the BBC in England. He had not yet fully appreciated the extent to which the criminal enterprise governing Dominica was functioning.

      I hoped then that time would have opened the eyes of this experienced and great media personality as it appears it has. According to Ken, Lennox should use his energies in making a more positive contribution to the development of the country. He should focus more on the good stuff and use his skills and talents to advance the country rather than constantly seeking to bring it down—words to that effect.

      Time may have vindicated Mr. Linton and challenged Mr. Richards. Both Mr Richards and Kamala, will admit that the contribution of Mr. Linton to Dominica over the last few years (as a non-journalist) has been enormous compared to that of Ken, Kamala, Ms Green-Brown, Curtis Matthew and all the experienced, trained and qualified journalists in Dominica who know media at the back of their hands.

  23. Nac Vibes
    September 13, 2012

    The interesting thing in all this is the completion of the State Malice.
    We will have a new president and a change in the constitution and after a few months in office the new president will be too ill to continue and at that point skerrit will declare himself president and move into his palace.
    All this will come to pass before he has to call the next election.
    He will then rule for the next 20 years silencing all challengers and will meet his end hiding in a hole like Saddam. Mark these words

  24. lol
    September 13, 2012

    http://www.da-academy.org/DA_Constitution.html

    just give us de link noh for us to see who lying?

  25. Unspoken
    September 13, 2012

    This a brilliant piece of wirtting by Mr.Dennis Joseph.
    He was not adding or subtracting the facts, but was calling the shots as it was.
    But again to D.J, as the older people have told us back in the days, ” you can take a cow to the water well, but you can’t force it to drink.”
    And I am afraid that this is the problem that my Domninican people have.
    Just the other day, I was talking to a fairly educated person (whom I thought would know what’s going on locally) and the things that came out of that person’s mouth was mind burggling to me.
    For example, they did not know that Skerrit and St.Jean were in court to defend their citizenship status, they did not know that the U.S gave Dominica two coast gaurd boats and Skerrit gave the U.S ambassador a bottle of Bois Bande Rum in return as a gift and told him on national radio how to use it.
    I mean I can go on and on, about the inaction and none involvement of my people.(But I love them thou)
    By the way (for the record) I am not saying that you are supporting any political party over the other.

  26. Anonymous
    September 13, 2012

    Well said, we need more “baccanalists” in Dominica we just sit on the wayside and accept everything not realising that one day it will come back to bite us.

  27. Anonymous
    September 13, 2012

    “Deliberately and with strategically thought-out planning in creating a crisis so as later to present the way to solve it is an old government trick all over the world. ”

    Well said Mr. Joseph. You put things so clearly and skillfully transfer thought into spoken and written word… will take note of that statement for the PM, AAANNNNDDD the disgruntled likes of LL and EJ too.

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      September 13, 2012

      Count me and the majority of Dominicans among those who are disguntled. LL, HJ,and EJ like the majority of Dominicans have cause to be disgruntled and upset with the conduct of the PM, the Speaker, the AG, the president and fellow Dominicans like you who are not prepared to call a spade a spade and stand in defense our democracy.

      • winston warrington
        September 13, 2012

        Aspade is a spade when its anti-Skerrit and pro-DNO.

  28. pontius pilate
    September 13, 2012

    this is a very good article. we are really afraid to voice our opinions even when the government is doing good or bad. we are afraid of government victimization and for supporting the government when they perform in certain aspects of civil society. If you support the government you must always continue to do so or else…………..

  29. Observer
    September 13, 2012

    As long as Mr. Denis Joseph’s comments (his opinion) are not slanderous or libellous to anyone,then “no law, no constitution” can prevent him from expressing his views and opinions as freely and as biased as he want to. Is that understandable? Do you have any problems with that Mr. Joseph?

    When a committee under the learned Telford Georges was appointed by he UWP government in 1997 or thereabout to review the constitution, I did not hear Mr. Joseph criticize the move. The committee went about the country and solicited the views of the country through public discussions. There may have been a white paper too.

    In this instance there is a suggestion by the Hon.PM to undertake another review of the constitution with the publication of a white paper in 2013. By the way the recommendations of the Telford Georges Constitution Review commisison was never implemented. Mr. Joseph now finds difficulty with what is still an announcement. But then it is his right to agree or disagree.

    • Glanvillia Observer
      September 13, 2012

      Observer thanks for reaffirming the mantra of the Labor party. UWP had their own white paper so Labor can do it too. UWP was corrupt so Labor even more corrupt too.

  30. Rule
    September 13, 2012

    @Jude Nicolas. Regardless of what the rest of the statement is, the mere fact that he implies NO LAW NO CONSTITUTION can prevent ME is indicative of his disregard to the constitution. The reasoning is that he self-consciously knew that he IS a French Citizen and echoed these sentiments, shows his level of disrespect.
    As a Prime Minister of a country, you just don’t use such reference to validate your cause.

    • Concern One
      September 13, 2012

      I thought that the matter went to the courts and the PM won the case.

      • Free Thinker
        September 14, 2012

        I will remind you of the matter after November 13th 2012.

  31. Doc.Love
    September 13, 2012

    Within the next few days you will be criticised by the red boyz in particular for that piece.During the criticisms they must not forget,”democratic nations are judged by the type and calibre of the officers they elect, and also by the will of the people to refuse to accept OPPRESSIVE and DECEPTIVE behavior from their government.” Before you cast the first set of blows, presently,is Mr. Joseph right on Q.In my opinion the bystanders mentioned are the head of churches,the bar association and DAIC.

  32. LATITUDED810
    September 13, 2012

    i aggree with jude nicholas, this writer started of and you can see which political side he is on and it is his choice but do nottry to lead the rest to believe that the pm is wrong i have a copy of the Dominica Constitution and the pm is right. i find the pm took to long to make ammendments to part of the constitution that is not clear.the dame did it and so i support the pm its time for action.he will leave a legacy so that any other leader can follow.so let the oppostion try and change their tune from CORRUPTION to UNCONSTITUTIONAL let them go and i will be their for the swearing in of MR.WILLIAMS

  33. flower
    September 13, 2012

    even you too wants violence. Power you all will never get on earth. Set of Bad hungry power Dominicans.

  34. Anonymous
    September 13, 2012

    I must go back in the archives of the Chronicle to read Mr. Joseph’s commentary between 1995 to 2000. I do hope he was showing as much concern then as he is now because of course politics as is life is all relative. Yes, compared to now UWP looks like Jesus himself but back then actions were unsettling at best and horrifying at worse.

    Unfortunately the vocal Dominicans today against the present regime is, ironically, one of Skerrit’s main strengths. They were mostly UWP cronies who enjoyed the spoils of war back in the day and gave little or no regard to the ethical, moral nor legal questions constantly being raised back then. Too busy gorging at the trough to care.

    Now they are full of concern. They are however playing a critical role within the dearth of smart inevstigative journalism – they are at least bringing into the arena the facts and figures. So I guess those of us Independents are forced to feel thankful although I have to be honest it does still stick in my throat.

    • Brathwait
      September 13, 2012

      “Government supporters protest against any protest and rather than help light a candle they curse what they perversely perceive as darkness. They will aggressively with great emotion point to the ills of the past government in that regard and so comfort themselves” You read it and yet was unable to see the words directed at you even before you read your piece. SMH.

  35. Jude Nicholas
    September 13, 2012

    I believe for a writer to be taken seriously he must be honest and have credibility. Of fundamental importance is the fact he must not quote or appear to be quoting some one more so a Public Figure out of context.

    Case in point here “No law not even the Constitution can prevent me Roosevelt Skerrit…” Why not complete the entire statement made? why deliberately cut off the final part which state “from being nominated as a candidate on Nomination Day” Any credible and unbiased writer would then eruse his constitution to check whether the entire statement is correct or false.

    However this writer has taken a perfectly correct statement from the PM in context of election laws in Dominica to suit his politically pervert mind. I have no respect for such columnist. I challenge any to point out which law or the constitution section whch could prevent anyone from being nominated on election day.

    Thanks for the Space DNO

    • MeT Yo
      September 13, 2012

      OH CUT THE CRAP WILL YOU!

      The man said no law including the constitution will stop him from being nominated. At that time, there was concern than he was about to breach the electoral laws. This was his response, No law will stop him from being nominated.

      So if today, we said Skerrit said no law including the constitution will stop him, how is that out of context?

      Whether he said will stop him from being nominated….will stop him from throwing rubbish by the bay…will stop him from blowing eddo cool wash….he made the blasted statement…in the wake of concerns about breaches of the laws.

      stop making excuses for this man, his days in political office are numbered.

      • No Name No Warrant
        September 13, 2012

        Please stay in NY…please vote Obama

      • MeT Yo
        September 13, 2012

        @No name No Warrant

        I will be right there to drive around and have “something’s happening” on blast after allu get the constitutional cool-wash brigade.

      • September 14, 2012

        If the opposition leader and members knew the constitution as they say they do, and they now believe what they say, Hector should not have had any consultation with the PM. He and the rest would have put forward their concerns as soon as he was invited to the consultation. He went, held discussions, and speaks to the media after and expresses the view that the consultation went well. He went on to say in his own words that the PM mentioned who his nominee was but the opposition had someone in mind but will notnrelease the name. John was on TV in his suit sayig these things. He is on the newspaper and all what he said is on the paper. He cannot now say that was was done is wrong after he felt so happy about the discussions. If he was spending time on doing what his constituents voted him for by going to the house (for at least two years) spending time to read and understand the constitution he himself would not have made a MISTAKE by responding positively to the PM”s request. He must LEAD not FOLLOW

    • Jude Nicholas
      September 13, 2012

      My apologies I meant in the final sentence on nomination day

    • Shameless
      September 13, 2012

      And the sparrow keeps on signing for his supper :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: ! Als, alas, alas Jude. When will you get it? With friends like you who need enemies anyway?

      Fortunately for Mr. Joseph, he does not have to sing like the sparrow because he is a principled person/ columnist whose integrity at this point is unquestionable.

      Assertive, NOT Agressive!

      • Concern One
        September 13, 2012

        we all say that when we support someone. Politics again.

    • Dorival John
      September 13, 2012

      You know, I’ve never commented on this “No law no constitution” thing, for one reason or the other.

      Here is my take on it. And I am going to use myself as an example:

      I was in Dominica, raised in Dominica, did my early childhood education in Dominica. I carry a Dominican passport, I have a Dominican driver’s license and a Dominican Social Security number. I left Dominica to study and came back. I consider myself 100 percent Dominican.

      If I want to run for political office today, I can proudly say that no law or constitution can stop me because I have done nothing to violate neither the law nor the constitution.

      Maybe that is what Skerrit meant, I don’t know eh. Maybe in his eyes he had done nothing contrary to what the constitution and the law dictate.

      Of course there is the unresolved matter of the dual citizenship for Skerrit….and that is another story.

      • Jude Nicholas
        September 13, 2012

        Good Analusis Mr. Dorival John. However, even if you were an American Citizen with an American Passport as an adult, there is no law or the Constitution which could prevent you from being nominated on nomination day.

        If you were elected, then your election would have to be by challenged by election petition.

        The UWP was within its right to challenge Mr. Skerrit and Mr. St Jean in the election court by election Petition. It is for the Coulr to Decide the validity of ones election. Only the Courts.

      • Marcus Hill
        September 13, 2012

        Mr John, Bad example. Your are not a French Man. You do not have a French Passport.

        Go back to the backdrop against which Skerrit made his now infamous statement. It was when news surfaced and his constituents were warned that he was a French Citizen and hence a vote for him would be wasted that he came out with his letter to his constituents and subsequently made this ignorant and irresponsible statetment.

      • Nac Vibes
        September 13, 2012

        Trying to put a softer spin on it won’t wash.
        Bragging that no Law can stop me simply means, what ever the Law states, I’m disobeying it, so wheel and come again.

      • Dorival John
        September 13, 2012

        I am not putting no spin to it…that is just my opinion, ok? Am not even a fan Skerrit, if is that you want me to say.

        Obviously we all have different opinions on that matter. If you are not doing anything which contradicts the law, there is nothing the law can do to penalize.

      • MeT Yo
        September 13, 2012

        WIcked dominicans i tell you

      • Mamizoo
        September 13, 2012

        Really Dorival – your rationale is simply based on just on a non peripheral perspective . A person sworn to uphold the law should act accordingly. So when it was declared that Skerrit had a French passport the PM should have explored the situation fully, consult with his lawyers, his advisors before making such a bold statement. It is the pattern of behavior ( shoot first aim after) that we continue to see from Roosevelt. The Land tax evasion is and was clearly a deliberate and total disregard for the rule of law. As the person in charge of the public purse the PM should insure that the taxes were paid instead he waited until the whistle was blown to have his infamous lawyer tell us it was a mistake. Dorival if you ever purchase any property in Dominica the government share is the first part of the transaction. I guess in Skerrit’s mind he thought he was doing the right thing. What about the garbage Bin Transaction- isn’t that the same reckless I am lord and King attitude? When the guy can declare in parliament the country is too free what was he thinking ? Dorival the list goes on and on. Had the “ No law No constitution” episode been an isolated incident then I would understand your take but the repetitive pattern of behavior justifies the suspicions that Roosvelt Skerrit is not just arrogant but a dictator. Now we know the traits of a dictator.

      • Asterix
        September 13, 2012

        @ Dorival John stop making an Idiot of yourself. Skerrit knew he was a french citizen at the time of his comments. Stop making excuses for his disregard for the letter of the law.He would not have been qualified at the said time while holding french citzenship

      • Mamizoo
        September 14, 2012

        @Asterix

        Let us not engage in derison instead let us agree to disagree. You can dispute Dorival did not insult anybody he just expressed his opinion.Had Mr Skerrit not shown a repetitive pattern of disrespect for our constitution I too would agree with Dorival’s point of view.

    • Doc.Love
      September 13, 2012

      Please remember when the statement was made he knew, he knew, he was holding a passport of another country and that is against the constitution.Had he not been holding the passport, maybe your comments could be right. In any case why should he be so damn stupid to make such comments on nomination day.

    • Mamizoo
      September 13, 2012

      Jude it is sad to see people like you Jude Nicholas and Gary make such a fool of yourselves. What difference does it make whether or not Dennis includes your favored part of the Skerrit declaration of “ No Law No Constitution”. What is interesting though is that Skerrit is yet to apologize for such a reckless statement. In addition Skerrit continue to demonstrate that the “ on nomination day “ part of his declaration is actually an umbrella for any situation – be it during the top COP nomination, president expulsion, garbage Bin transaction and much more.

      “Too late shall be the cry”- the PM is definitely a threat to our democracy and constitution and the evidence is plentiful. Those who feel that they must defend misconduct , corruption and dictatorship just for a salary or the Cheese and butter will one day account for their action.

    • Brathwait
      September 13, 2012

      You must be really ignorant of the issues in this country. As per your challenge,-‘Dual citizen’, Does that ring any bell? Let’s keep it real.

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