The foreign policy gimmick known as ALBA, created by the late Hugo Chavez to bolster his international standing relative to the United States, held a summit in Cuba this week.
Attendants, including Dominica’s prime minister, seemed to ignore the elephant in the room: A remaking of the world economic order driven by the spectacular collapse in the price of oil in the international markets.
The winners are the consumers of oil worldwide; the losers are the producers of oil. The losers are Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Nigeria and other oil despots. Losers also include mendicant countries that rely on the largesse of the oil producers for foreign aid and budgetary assistance. The latter category includes many of the participants in the ALBA Cuba summit.
The losers must now focus attention on containing social unrest in their countries if this oil price collapse persists and can hardly be expected to continue to open their wallets to the likes of Dominica who have come to depend on handouts in exchange for aligning their foreign policy with Venezuela.
Venezuela, already bedeviled by a troubling epidemic of crime and woefully short of foreign exchange to meet its domestic economic needs, must now decide whether and how to reconcile its ambitious foreign policy agenda with its crumbling economic fortunes. In the process of rationalizing its economic posture going forward, Venezuela will have to reach a decision regarding the future of its foreign policy ventures including ALBA and Petro Caribe.
The collapse of oil prices presents another instance when good times seem to distract leaders from doing the right thing in favor of doing the convenient thing. Many of the leaders including our own prime minister of Dominica allowed themselves to be seduced by the milk and honey flowing from Venezuela while ignoring their domestic economies which continue to struggle from high unemployment and underutilization of domestic resources.
Unfortunately for many territories of the OECS, a fascination with Venezuela and ALBA has led them to dream big without empowering them in ways that are sustainable or in a manner that will enable them to realize their dreams. Perhaps when they wake up from their dream they will see ALBA as an unnecessary distraction at a time of real economic crisis.
And Venezuela is not the only prominent loser in this latest oil saga. Russia, judged by many experts as a Third World country with nuclear weapons, is a conspicuous loser, its currency, the Ruble, having been turned into rubble over the past few weeks as the US dollar continues to climb in international markets. How far the carnage will go is anybody’s guess but it is fair to say that the near future will not look nearly as good as the recent past for many of the oil producing countries and the satellites who depend on them for handouts.
Sadly, it is in times like these that we can get a fuller grasp of the fallacy of our economic stewardship. Hardly a week after a general election that ushered in a new government, prime minister Skerrit is off to a Cuba summit without getting a heads start on the economic challenges facing the country and which have been ignored for much of his 14 year term in office. To believe that Venezuela or any other oil rich country can do for Dominica’s economy what nationals cannot do for themselves, is to continue a form of delusion that only a collapse in oil prices can cure.
When Mr. Skerrit returns from Cuba and the glow of the summit fades, he will have to begin serious contingency planning for the potential collapse of Venezuela and with it, ABLA and Petro Caribe. Indeed, if he is honest with himself he will not escape the conclusion that despite his electoral “win, ”his biggest challenge remains a domestic economy that is adrift, without a rudder, without leadership and without a realistic plan for moving forward.
The world oil price has dropped from U.S.$.100/barrel to U.S.$60/barrel. Why haven’t we seen equivalent drops in fuel prices in Dominica and therefore lower electricity prices? Is this government holding us over a barrel? Come on mr. Skerrit, you are supposed to look after the people.
Do we have a Coherent Foreign Policy Doctrine?
In examining some of the firestorm that was created because of the critique of Sampson’s article, where Dominica’s alliance with ALBA was ridiculed and labeled as a “Gimmick,” one has to ask aloud, what is Dominica’s Foreign Policy Doctrine?
In essence, Dominica and her OECS neighbors have no coherent foreign policy doctrine. What we practice can be labeled as “Pseudo Foreign Policy.” We pretty much align ourselves with any nation that will serve our needs at a given time.
Those who want to assign a litmus test to the countries that we choose to associate with must walk a continuous tight rope. While some nations are worst than others, they are all imperfect in some way shape or form. Brazil which was not mentioned in the article has some of the worst forms of racism and social injustice in this region.
As the world’s 8th largest economy, there is burgeoning activism in the US as we speak, to shed light on its internal transgressions. With the second largest concentration of Negroes only to the US outside the continent of Africa, social relations and indiscriminate killing of the down trodden by a brutal police force is atrocious. Of course, these issues will never make it to the front pages of most major news networks or DNO.
A few years ago, our relationship with Japan was called into serious question because while we proudly labeled Dominica as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” we were supporting Japan who still practices “International Whaling.” When international organizations such as “Green Peace” threatened to “Black List” member states from the OECS and bring our tourism product to its knees, we abstained from voting on the issue during the annual United Nations General Assembly Meeting.
This little move allowed us to maintain our cozy relationship with Japan, continue to receive financial and technical assistance from her, while avoiding the might and power of “Green Peace.” Their continued technical assistance especially the training of our local fishermen has and continues to be invaluable to us as a tiny island nation.
Those who continue to lament that we must utilize our own resources to grow internally, conveniently and deliberately leave out our recent history. During the 1980s President Fidel Castor offered assistance to his Caribbean neighbors including Dominica. Dame Eugenia Charles refused all aid from Cuba, because of their communist regime and at the behest of the US State Department.
Those who are quick to castigate others on this need to sit down and dialogue with individuals like “Severin Mckenzie” and others like him. Ask them how they were received in their home country when they returned from acquiring technical skills and expertise in various avenues that Dominica desperately needed?
They were branded as “Communist” and they were never given the opportunity to be employed with the government. Many of them migrated to North America and vowed never to return home. The recent easing of the 50 year sanctions against Cuba by the United States, represents a major shift in US Cuba foreign policy relations. Although the US will not normalize relations with Cuba fully, it’s a move in the right direction.
With some 11 million people and a literacy rate of 90% residing 90 of South Florida, this is a ready market. So now that the world’s biggest and most powerful super power has changed course, I would imagine that it’s okay for us to follow in her footsteps. But, when we tried to do the same in the 1980s, our country men and women were branded as “Communist.”
We ought to be sophisticated enough to dialogue about issues pertinent to Dominica and the wider OECS territories without thinking that asking pertinent questions is somehow below the intelligence level of an individual, or woeful blind support for failed economic policies or a particular political party.
Then again, if you have little access to information and your only source is Dominican Academics who appear every so often, it’s easy to be mesmerized by the messenger without fully evaluating the pros and cons of the message itself.
So if anything, and in spite of my own qualms the Dominica Labor Party and its failed economic policies, I will give Prime Minister Skerrit some credit for his willingness to investigate and seek a new alliances for economic cooperation. We know that mistakes were made and we became too dependent on handouts.
The “Pendulum” moved a full 180 degrees from no social assistance to probably too much social assistance. Nonetheless, I have to commend the government for paying attention to those who were unable to help themselves, either through lack of talent, ingenuity or their own follies.
Every modern society has a moral mandate to assist those who cannot help themselves. Dominica, like most small island nations was woefully lacking in that area. I too have questions about how money was spent at Silver Lake. However, providing housing assistance and removing “Blight” from one of the main avenues to a popular tourist destination was a stroke of brilliance.
Besides providing housing for residents of Silver Lake, blight was removed from that area. Some who critiqued the move, were either too critical or too sanctimonious to fully understand its full scope and shape.
Anthony, a long dissertation to say that the OECS is a collective of brothels with tin-pot leaders for Madams.
Wow, you got such a very shallow view. This is not about depending on others to prosper. Look at your life are you not dependent one something for your life to prosper, whether it is a job or even oxygen for your life or food to eat which farmers grow for your are we not as a society dependent on Government and even further Governments are still dependent on other Governments to prosper, countries need other countries to prosper, there is something called dependent by necessity. Look at China, are they not dependent on other Countries for their prosperity, for resources they do not have. Working hard and being wise as you think does not eliminate dependent by necessity. What you are doing is associating begging with dependent, you are using your political partisan politics to describe the Government as a Government who beggars for help.
When you said that Dominica has been in this situation since you were child, meaning always seeking help from other Countries.Do you know there are certain factors contributing to this which is beyond Governments control, one is Money
I think you misunderstood my point. In my response to the article, I merely stated that whether it was ALBA or something else, Dominica’s alliances are simply based on her needs at a given point. Money is just one component in the equation.
We banished so many of our brothers who tried to uplift themselves by training in Cuba. Think of where we could have been today if we were more open to maintaining a more healthy bilateral relationship with our sister island back then.
Dominica is also very conservative. We resist change at all cost. Look at the fire storm that is still raging over the exploration of geothermal energy on the island right now.
Never place your eggs in one basket. No man is an island onto himself.
To the writer of this article I simply say “don’t bite the hand that feeds you!”
Sounds like you would rather in your overly educated creatively challenged brain to revert Dominica back to a time of borrowing from the IMF just to get by while DA infrastructure was non existent. That colonial mentality is for backward people that somehow cant wake up from their nightmare. Here’s a news flash! Dominica is not a colony of any country, we can support any government we like especially if that government has our best interest in mind. Dominica does not need UK or USA or any other country for that matter to define its foreign policy, our foreign policy should be based on what is best for us and our region. Cuban, Venezuela and China, Cuba for providing Bachelors, masters and doctorate scholarships, to educate Dominicans who otherwise could not afford it, China for the grants, loans and professional assistance to develop the infrastructure and Venezuela for subsidizing fuel to Dominica at an affordable cost which otherwise we would not be able to provide energy for the country, the EU for providing investment and expertise in Geothermal energy, Japan for investing in fisheries, Morocco for investing in tourism etc etc etc. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt gets it!
He understands we have international affairs and are in fact an independent nation. FYI USA just took steps to normalize relations with Cuba today. Its time to stop living in the past garcon!
Hello and good afternoon my people. Well Mr Sampson this is a one sided article and I can tell your Political leaning. I don’t reside or Vote in our country but you must try and be fair and used logic. This is a plot by Saudi Arabia and America to try and collapse the Russian economy but they will fail when American Oil Companies determined that they cannot sustain this collapse in prices.
Listen Mr. Julius Sampson when all else fails we have our passports on sale & remember that the market is very lucrative & don’t forget the legal money launderers oh what awonderful country where ignorance is bliss and is worn like ” a badge of honor ” we are unique the police are scared shitless of their political masters, the courts and legal system is now beyond comprehension what more do we need when we have a Prime Minister who states that no law and the constitution can prevent him from being nominated is’nt this the best country on earth leave us alone we are in the bliss of ignorance
The dependency on Venezuela was a necessary evil, you are right, Uncle Sam was not providing us with much help. In fact I retract that, look at the number of Dominicans living and working in the US. That is a tremendous area of assistance to our nationals both there and at home.
However, my bone of contention is the waste and bobol that has accompanied the help we received. Can any of you confirm that the Chinese traders on island are paying any VAT. All the profits accrued by the Chinese is not invested back in Dominica, they go back to mother China. Given that most of the retailers in Roseau (Portsmouth is following closely) are Chinese, that amounts to quite a bit of change. So we lose twice, no VAT money and no/little share of the profits being spent here. Don’t tell me that they are employing Dominicans, they are more token gestures, more like the NEP.
Why have we not asked/received some assistance for the establishment of some light manufacturing plant for example. What happened to the Coffee plant and the Abattoir and the juicing plants. These are avenues for sustainable employment if properly managed. How can you build a coffee plant when coffee production on island is non existent. My thoughts are you first incent the farmers to plant coffee prior to you building plant.
So why don’t all you knowledgeable posters talk about these issues, Let me hear from the enlightened ones such as Anthony Ismael and co!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The opening paragraph of this commentary is so flagrant with arrogance and ignorance. What I’m referring to is Mr. Sampson calling ALBA a gimmick. Condemnation feels good especially now when it has become a staple of politics in Dominica used to foster a political agendas, but let us not forget comparison and facts changes everything..Can we honestly ignore the fact that Dominicans benefited from ALBA, and what about the other Caribbean countries, did they not also benefited from ALBA. Let us assume that ALBA never existed,would the International Monetary Fund be a better alternative.
The economic shift that is happening right before us regarding the drop of oil prices is the result of economics being used a weapon to punish certain Countries. It also shows how Governments are not in control of their financial and economic destiny. The drop in oil prices did not happen in a vacuum and not natural, let us not forget markets can be manipulated, it is the reason why we are hoodwinked into believing that wealth is created by markets rather than production.There are many theories related to the price plunge. One theory, Western allies in the Middle East helping to punish Russia, Others state it is the result of a price war between OPEC and new oil producers to keep them of the market, we should never forget the fact that there is a winner we do not see, the ones who benefit by causing such economical shift plunging the price of oil.
The attack and criticism of Venezuela is all based on ignorance not understanding the Country history and past before The late Hugo Chavez came to power. The oligarchy who ruled and governed the Country was dismantled by Chavez, resulting in a battle to destabilize the Country, such destabilization is aided and funded by The US. Now another hurdle faces Venezuela the drop in oil prices.
There is so much hypocrisy and dishonesty in this commentary.To say that the Government neglected it’s responsibility over the 14 year term in office regarding the economy shows bias and blatantly neglect for facts, it is the hallmark of this commentary, that’s all it is.
Actually the PM was very wise in his choices, America had her own problems, and his alignment with China who is not our enemy has never been our enemy was wise, also Alba is about people with the same history joining together to gain economic strength. thus making us less dependent on others. This should be applauded. The PM may have done wrongs, but economically he has tried his best in a difficult situation and world economy. I applaud his building on the foundation which Roosie douglas began.
The gentleman is completely correct. We can never prosper by depending on others. We have few resources but we can make it by being wise with the ones we do have, working hard and developing our people. Relying on others to bail us out is okay as a short term transitory thing but we have been in this situation since I was a baby, and my locks are now turning gray. To make it worse, we hitched our wagon to an autocratic socialist dictator who was quixotically opposing the only remaining superpower. How stupid was that?
Points well taken. I sincerely doubt that anyone in their right mind would agree with a dependency mentality. However, what were Dominica’s other options as far as diplomacy was concerned?
The United States isn’t concerned with the OECS anymore. Examine Obama’s policies from the time he took office and tell me what did he do for our cause. ALBA was a political expedient move. Now that things have changed globally as they always do, it’s time to move on.
I think we’ve always had this disease of celebrity academia without tying it to anything tangible that benefits us. If Mr. Sampson had laid out some type of vision from his lens I would be in accord with him. His article is one that anyone of us with access to a computer could have read in any forum.
There are were no specifics regarding Dominica’s growth or the wider OECS. It merely stated the obvious as most of these articles usually do.
To: Anthony Ismeal
Hello and good afternoon my people. How many Times are you going to comment on this.
Look who’s stupid now! I hope you and you grey locks read the news today. God favors the bold!
Sir., DOMINICA right now do not like truth , truth makes them sooooooo uncomfortable ,
SIr ,its a new era now we living in ,IS follow the leader and sink the ship ,people now dont care about family, country or GOD , but party and their king skerrit ,,so sorry for those negative feed backs from the fools who despise wisdom <GOD will reward you for your good work ,and continue doing what you are doing ,for the salvation of the lord is about to strike this land ,where darkness tends to comprehend light
What Dominicans like more than truth is real tangible solutions. Writing a well written article that merely states the obvious without presenting any concrete plans for our future is pointless. We must learn to understand that when some of us disagrees with a particular point of view, it doesn’t mean that we believe Skerrit is the Lord and savior of Dominica.
As one respondent said in a post, gone are days when a few people had degrees and they would mesmerize us with their brilliance. Those of us who read foreign policy journals and who have lived some of these decisions view things quite differently.
The Federal Palm and Federal Maple were given as gifts to the Caribbean back in the 1950s during the days of the “Federation” and they went out of business because even back then Caribbean nationals refused to travel by sea. Today we have some “Big Surname People” in Dominica telling us we don’t need a new airport and we go along with it even though the statistics tell us otherwise. Hotel rooms are empty, the cost of traveling is the most expensive of any island in the OECS. Yet we persist with the same failed conservative policy.
If we can’t even differentiate fact from fiction, then how do we even move forward as a nation. The prime minister went against the grain by joining forces with ALBA and China, but what were his alternatives? I am not a supporter of the Dominica Labor Party, but I can understand why some of those decisions were made.
I saw dozens of my fellow citizens die unnecessarily underneath the “Canefield Cliff,” because there was no guard rail to protect them on the Western End of that road. We had scores of Civil Engineers drawing their monthly salary and living the high life in Dominica. Not one of them stood up and did anything.
It took a simple Inspector of traffic to end the madness. I have been dealing with the “Celebrity Dominican Academic my whole life.” They always have the answers from afar, but when it’s time to bring real tangible solutions to the people they are wholly absent.
We have become so wrapped in political foolishness and “Idol Worship” of celebrity academics, that we can’t even tell fact from fiction anymore.
Thank you Anthony, apart from your critique of Julius’ analysis, what would be your suggestions for a solution as we go forward. I am genuinely interested in this, not just from you but any one.
Don’t you think you are just the same as Mr. Sampson, merely commenting on what has been already said but offering no solutions either?. By your criticism of Mr. Sampson, you give the impression that you know the solutions then why don’t you present them.
“Writing a well written article that merely states the obvious without presenting any concrete plans for our future is pointless”. (Anthony Ismael).
Please share with us what concrete, tangible plans you have submitted for the future development of Dominica. If you must criticize, give us the solutions or your criticism is equally pointless.
I have been wondering whether we are aware that the drop in the price of oil in recent times raises much concern over the impact this could have on our country since we are so heavily dependent on Venezuela for foreign aid! I have found it quite odd that there has been no mention of this until now through this article! Can we expect to hear anything from our PM on his return? I would really like to know his thoughts on this!
Hey guys, news flash… the Elections are over MOVE ON…………
TIEF my frige and then tell me move on
So people are only supposed to talk about issues that affect Dominica during election season?
Very good observations. No matter what party we support in Dominica we should be paying attention to how the global economy affects us. It stands to reason that if the price of oil continues to drop then these oil rich countries will be strapped for cash and will not be able to sustain these lavish foreign assistance program. I would expect them to take care of their own people before giving handouts to others.
If you watch the news for one hour tonight (CNN, BBC, FOX or Aljazeerah) you will see what is already happening with Russia and the value of their currency. And remember the whole thing is intertwined. Russia gives support as well to Cuba and Venezuela.
Our whole economy over the last decade has been built on the assistance recieved from foreign nations. It is time to start focussing on how we can as a people develop our own country and build our economy.
Many people will probably shun this article and the points expressed therein because of the mere fact that it presents opposition to the ruling government, especially the beloved prime minister. But no amount of denial can change reality. In the case of Venezuela it would take some kind of miracle to get that country out of the state that it is in right now. The collapse of the country’s economy could have been avoided if more care and supervision had been applied in the managing of the country’s finances and resources. However the former leader was more concerned with pushing his socialist ideology to as much of the world as possible to be concerned with the fact that his country was slowly falling into a state of decadence.
Now that he is no longer around to sway the public with his charisma and powerful speeches the covers are being blown off on all the nonsense that has been going on for years. That country WILL fall. The only question is how long will it take. It is already getting worse every year. We should really start making plans for how we are going to replace all those sources of aid that originate from Venezuela because they will soon be no more.
Mr. Sampson, thank you for spelling it out so easily that all can understand if they choose too. I share your sentiments 100%, and if Dominicans do not want to wake up, then I am afraid that by the time they do, it will be much too late. Another major concern for Dominica is in the area of economic sanctions that were recently placed on Venezuela by the U.S. Sadly, I see Dominica falling into an even deeper hole because once these crippling sanctions start affecting Venezuela, this will be the second blow to Dominica. And to think that Skerrit would even take a hint and tone down his rhetoric at that summit. There he is openly and boldly supporting Venezuela’s abuse of human rights blatantly and outrightly defying the U.S. Now, what do you think the repercussions of that are going to be? Dominicans get ready, I pray for my country because plenty will run, but there will be nowhere to hide. The 50% who chose change will unfortunately suffer the consequences of an arrogant power hungry dictator. My heart bleeds!
In my final post on this article, I want to examine Dame Eugenia Charles’ negotiation skills in the international arena since foreign policy was a central piece of your article.
For all the accolades that was bestowed upon Dame Eugenia Charles during the reign of the Dominica Freedom Party, Ms. Charles was a poor negotiator in the international arena. Bear in mind that we had a “Black Woman” from a small island nation in a world where women in particular and “Black People” are not seen as equal by their white counterparts. I doubt that many of us at home ever considered these dynamics.
Of particular concern to me, was the “Shaft engineering Job” that was done by “Rush and Tompkins,” on our local roads. It’s some of the worst “Civil Engineering” that I have ever seen. This was sadly supported by “Civil Engineers” within the Ministry of Communication and Works. They all should be sued and jailed for this.
When the roads were resurfaced underneath the “Canefield Cliff,” in particular, no guard rails were installed on the Western end of the road facing the sea with huge rocks below. Rush and Tompkins could have never escaped with this garbage in the United States. I recall that we were losing (14) people a year to road fatalities underneath the Canefield Cliff. Tarreau was yet another death trap that “Rush and Tomkins” was involved in.
It took then Inspector of Traffic Aflred from Canefield to institute a “Single White Line” and no overtaking underneath the cliff to stop the incessant madness. We were so happy with the new asphalt that we totally forgot and ignored road safety.
I make mention of this particular fact, because in a small island nation of some 70,000 people, human resources are quite important and paramount to our continued success. Compare this “Hack Engineering Job” with what was recently done underneath the Canefield Cliff. It’s literally night and day.
I think when you understand both the academic complexities of foreign policy, you follow world events daily and you have lived some of these failures within the affected territories such as Dominica, the view is quite different from someone who writes from a purely academic posture.
Great article. Not enough of us pay close attention to the wider global issues that could impact our fragile economies. What could also be mentioned in detail is the fact that all the countries in the ALBA pact are also putting a financial burden on future generations in that oil sale concessions to those countries including Dominica are partly issued in the forms of loans which are to be paid over a 25 year period. Due to lack of transparency and accountability we do not know the magnitude of loans accumulated to date and these figures of course fluctuate with oil sales. The government has not been forthcoming with the figures. So the largesse is well disguised but the house of cards will come down. When (not if) Venezuela is forced to scale back what then? We will have to issues to face: cuts on the unsustainable social and education programs and secondly massive debt for the future which will also affect ability to attract future financing. There is no safety net.
Under president Obama’s leadership, significant changes were made to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code. US citizens and OECS nationals must now report any assets held in these territories as part of their annual income.
Gone are the days when OECS nationals could hold accounts in these islands and avoid reporting them on their annual taxes. Local banks within the OECS territories are also required to report the assets held by OECS nationals to the IRS if the holders themselves fail to report them. If the banks fail to do so, their overseas assets could be frozen by the United States.
With these stringent measures being imposed by the US led Obama Administration on these OECS territories, ALBA was a must despite its political gimmicks.
When we review in greater detail some of the decisions that were made by the US in particular under president Obama’s leadership and how it adversely affected these islands, the reasons for joining ALBA are much clearer. To political novices who either aren’t aware or who chose to focus on the then “Bravado” of Hugo Chavez and his animosity towards the US, the devil was lost in the details.
I can’t name anything of significance that was done for OECS member states, underneath president Obama’s leadership. There are articles floating around on DNO about Skerrit supposed ambivalence towards the United States in particular, but what was he supposed to do as a leader?
Going back to my dating theory, if the girl who you secretly loves ignores you, then maybe it’s time to start looking elsewhere. ALBA was born out of political necessity and expedience. The political gimmick of this new framework replacing the Organization of American States (OAS) or playing its role was a simple selling tool to citizens of the OECS territories.
Okay bright spark we got money that the US would not give us through ALBA; what has been done with the ALBA money/loan that has and will help with economic growth in Dominica? How has the loan be invested in Dominica so that future debts being accrued through the program will not kill the country dead dead dead?
I am asking because you seem to want to engage in a dialogue.
This is where concerned citizens like you come to bear.
Low interest loans are part of the equation. Are we holding our government accountable? Are we selecting the most appropriate ventures to invest in?
Are there checks and balances in place?
You fail to acknowledge that the US is the one escape net for disenfranchised Dominicans.
The majority of expat Dominicans live in the US and the UK, both liberal capitalist countries.
None of you are pining to move to Venezuela and Cuba. For good reason too. Venezuela has some of the highest murder rates in the world and is a cesspool of violence and corruption and chaos and Cuba is no place for anyone who has ambition.
What you fail to realize is that if Cuba comes into the fold, that will be the end of ALba. The US, as a hegemonic nation has no intent of letting Alba continue to sustain Cubas resistance to capitalism.
And if Cuba comes into the fold, what do you think happens ? What happened when the BErlin Wall fell ? What happened when Ceuacescu fell or when the former Soviet Union fragmented.
The profiteers come and pick at the carcass. Our tourism industry will die on its feet if Cuba is reintegrated with the US. Its on their doorstep and cheaper and more practical than the nonsense people have to go through for this so called paradise that so many of its own people run away from.
Of course unless you pay them to come home and vote.
Go back under the rock you crawled out from!!!
When a commentary is above your levl of comprehension it is easy to fall back on a stale and unoriginal remark intended to disguise your level of cognition.
Mr. Sampson’s article is intended for those with the literary skills to appreciate it. Sorry, pal, if you feel left out.
Wow! No one has yet to present an alternative. That’s my issue. I understood the article quite well. This article falls in the same boat as all the other articles that have been written in a similar fashion.
Sampson’s comments and view points have been echoed by policy wonks in various formats for years now. I can turn on CNN or Fox News and listen to similar commentary about the world economic outlook, vis-à-vis the rise and fall of oil prices and despotic Arab leaders who must maintain power at home.
My question remains the same and maybe you can help to enlighten me. What should Dominica do?
I responded with concrete facts dating back thirty years about some of our diplomatic failures. You appear to be in the camp of those who are mesmerized by fancy jargon with no benefit to Dominica whatsoever.
And this more than any other reason is partly why we are where we are today. The internet, an array of sourced information keeps us all duly informed today. Can someone with knowledge higher than mine, please provide me with details for Dominica’s future?
If I can’t even ask that question, then the article is meaningless.
let me just say that i am not a supporter of either political party. Having said that, i was totally into the points made by Mr Sampson UNTIL he cheapened the commentary with partisan politics.
How does criticism of the government translate directly to partisan politics? Nowhere does he mention any particular party, he is just making a commentary on the policies of current ruling government.
I am on board with Sampson’s observations. I was hoping for more tangible information and practices that we can apply at home. We cannot continue to separate academic theory from practice.
This preoccupation with referring to articles that dare to critique government policies as partisan politics and “cheapening the commentary” is insulting and cowardly.. “To be impartial is to take sides with the status quo” quoting Desmond Tutu.Grow up people!
Sampson, this is the most ridiculous comment I have ever read, there maybe was a time when you would have sounded bright and taken seriously but in todays world where all of us are given the opportunity to have university degrees and is also aware of what happening in the world it makes you sound dunce.
You seem to forget where you live also produces oil and if the countries you mention will fall, your place of residence will also fall!!!
This is the world wide web, remember that at all times before you post BS!!!!! DA
U miss Sampson point. You seems much duncer that Sampson. If you do have a degree , you bought it online….
good job positive thinkers!
DNO, you did it again. My comments on this piece by Julius, like many before ,you seem not to like for your own reasons. I posted a comment some time after six this morning and it is not even up for moderation. It simply disappeared. What did I say that aggrieved you DNO? I think I will stop commenting. That should make you happy.
The Dominica ambassador to ALBA supposedly has a PHD and he could not answer some basic questions posed by SC students. His response to their questions was a banal “I like that, I really like that” so your point about university degree is bogus. Lennox Linton has no degree and he is more articulate than 95% of all the degree holders in Dominica,
By the way i am no UWPite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t know who you are but for writing this piece which is the truth. you will be called all kinds of names rather than your accusers focusing on what is the truth…. dumbinicans tie allu waist the pot holes are deep
Very well written.You’ve hit the nail on the head. I guess many dominicans won’t post a comment because they are afraid of the truth. Well the russian ruble is crumbling. The rate of exchange at this moment is 85 rubles to 1US dollar. It traded at 35 to 1 yesterday. So, can you see the trend? Who is going to continue giving handouts to Dominica when they cannot even sustain their economy?
Dominicans the worst is yet to come. The red clinic won’t survive this time around. HA HA.!
Stop this negativity,
Elections are over!
I can post a comment. Haven’t we seen drastic currency fluctuations in the past before? If my memory serve me correct, this is not new. We get the point of the Red Clinic. It was a terrible idea. Now is time change course that’s all.
I know you’re pretty intelligent. The options for the OECS territories in a post 9/11 world were bleak. Read the tea leaves from Obama’s Summit in Trinidad and Tobago when he got elected. There was nothing in that summit for us.
The mean spirited US Congress shut down the US government because of infighting on policy issues. I mean, you guys are acting as if the US came to us with billions of dollars in aid and we turned the other cheek and sided with Chavez and ALBA. That was not the case at all.
I don’t like Skerrit and many of his policies either. However, I can see things for what they are. Let’s tell the people the truth as it happened instead of lambasting each other based on partisan political leanings.
I recall our own local historian writing an article about the end of “King Banana” that sent shock waves through our local communities. We have seen this before and we shall get through it.
One love people. We are Dominicans aren’t we? Gees.
Mr. Anthony Ismael please present your alternatve
chupessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
very valid point there… they failed to discuss the issue… while the oil prices droping worldwide.. Venezuela is fighting hard to get oil back up to 100.00 a barrel.. how does that fair for us in the dominica and petro craibe
What we as a people need to realize is we need to put our hands to the wheel, work hard, utilize what we have and stop this begging from craptain right down to crook.
Tell our GOVT that…..But after 15years of aid with no trade , I don’t think they know how to proceed in that direction.
Tie Allu Waist!
Unfortunately that gloomy picture is the reality. And on top of that I understand he wants to introduce the Bitcoin in March, which will throw ordinary Dominicans into real penury, while he and the boys will keep their foreign U.S. Dollar accounts. Christmas is coming and I pray Dominica will not turn into a cruel beauty.
Another demonstration o the massive disappointments among UWP aligned supporters in the diaspora. They came in their numbers to strategize, finance, trump on the ground and monitor the elections. The elections came and gone and Mr. Skerrit is back at the helm for a fourth consecutive term with very comfortable margin. So rather than congratulate the Dominican Pm, Here goes Julius again. How do you explain Sir, the recent welcome of two OECS countries to ALBA? Are you suggesting that the government’s of these two countries are bereft of any understanding of world economics? You election disappointed guys are really something else. By the way Mr. Sampson, unless you and others like you can show how (with facts and evidence, not allegations and innuendos) the DLP did not win the recent general elections, then do Dominica the honourable thing, Stop spewing hate and shame on our country.
Dominicans and skerrit will be crying soon.
Dominica has never been savvy enough to train, hire and retain a skilled diplomatic core who is adept at representing its interest and helping her to change course when necessary. Furthermore, members of a nations’ diplomatic core are usually political hacks who are either rewarded for their party loyalty or who are seen as threats to a leaders’ authority at home. So they are essentially sent overseas as a form of “Banishment” with some power. “Joseph Kennedy” comes to mind.
So let’s examine for a second, in great detail, what Dominica received for its role during the Grenada led intervention that was led by Dame Eugenia Charles and the Freedom Party Administration. Because this decision was and still adversely impacts Dominica’s economy thirty years later.
The Grenadians were savvy enough to negotiate with the United States, a deal that saw them completing “Maurice Bishop International Airport,” at no additional cost to them after the “Proxy War was over.” What did Dominica receive for its role in this alliance with the United States and the so called eradication of the “Communistic Threat to the US and its national interest:?”
1. The Blue Coast Guard Boat Melville.
2. A few dozen old Chevrolet and GMC green army trucks that would probably have been in a US landfill.
3. Assistance with the resurfacing of roads throughout some parts of the island by “Rush and Tompkins.”
4. How could we forget the photo-opportunity with former President Ronald Reagan at the White House and the accolades as one of the iron ladies of the world, like former prime minister Thatcher.
If we for a moment remove the “Rose Colored Glasses” and compare the gifts that were doled out to both islands, post Grenada led Intervention, they are not even close. Not by a country mile. We have and continue to miss the boat of opportunities.
What “Mamo” should have done, was play hardball with Reagan and get us an international airport while the giving was good. However, she was more interested with her own legacy and standing in the international community when compared with decisions that would have changed Dominica’s course for generations to come. That wasn’t done.
When “King Banana” was under attack by the World Trade Organization, WTO and she was being sucker-punched by Dole and Delmonte, “Mamo” tried diplomacy once more by convincing OECS member states that ” A Man for all Seasons,” President Charles Savrin was the man for the job. We paid for his lavish expenses for five plus years in Brussels. He obtained his law degree, came back home and built his mini-mansion and secured his small fortune at tax payer’s expense, but the OECS member states would eventually lose yet again as the might of the international community and the winds of change was simply too much for us.
So Mr. Sampson, you cannot write these articles without presenting a thorough historical examination of how decisions are made and why they are made. As I said in my previous response, I would love to see a more detailed follow-up article from you about your vision for Dominica. As brilliant as your article is, I could have read that in the Times everyday. Tell me more details about Dominica’s future and what vision you have that is specific to its pressing needs and fellow OECS member states. What is the way forward I ask? Enquiring minds are waiting.
For all his follies, Prime Minister Skerrit has at least entered discussions with the People’s Republic of China where there’s a possibility that the: Build Own Operate and Transfer, or BOOT strategy, “May” get us this much needed airport. There’s no guarantee that it will come to pass. However, if he is successful, this singular move will undoubtedly be the “Foreign Policy Coup of all time.”
Wow, why are you so short sighted with you comment. There is one thing you do not understand, US foreign policy, It is based on their interest first and foremost, to say that quote “Mamo” should have done, was play hardball with Reagan and get us an international airport while the giving was good” is somewhat foolish and naive.
Why are you so silly, in thinking that Mr.Sampson has a vision for Dominica. You know there is a saying when a person sees the difficulties so clearly that he does not discern the possibilities he cannot inspire a vision in others.
Great commentary……Again the eluision of grandeur clouds the reasoning and reality of most of our people, like insects drawn and hypnotized to a light that will only cause our ultimate demise. Remember the glow of an inviting bright light is only for a while. Zaaapppp!!!!!!
Julius u agree very much with what you said and many other Dominicans. However, after the result of the recently concluded elections majority have shown that they love crap. Its better to write mepuis and make up stories of begging and how much diplomatic connection you have. Those idiots have decided so let them feel the pain. 3 years I giving him.
Quite an interesting and thorough article that lays bare the calamity that is Dominica’s economy. Although I disagree with some of the decisions that the prime minister has made during his fourteen year tenure in office, I can’t call ALBA and Petro Caribe a “Gimmick Policy.”
Islands like Dominica who are unable or unwilling to utilize natural resources at home to grow their economy internally, were left with little choice, but to join ALBA, irrespective to its unrealistic and unsustainable mandates.
Although you did not specify a particular foreign policy course of alliance for Dominica, I can deduce from your well written article, that you would probably be “Policy Content” if Dominica was more aligned with the old days of the American and European foreign policy mandates.
Foreign policy is much like dating. You love and cohabitate with those who love you in return. After President Obama’s first historic election, he held a summit with Caribbean leaders in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago. I am certain that you were aware of this summit and its focus.
The focus of this summit was to ensure that these islands were aligned with the United States’ foreign policy, vis-à-vis internal security from both domestic and international terrorism.
One of the outcomes of this summit was as follows: OECS citizens can only use one passport to travel into and out of Dominica. No longer can we use our Dominican passport upon entry into Dominica and our US or European passport during departure.
I specifically mentioned this outcome because the summit did not concern itself with the internal economic needs of these islands, nor did the mean spirited US Congress and its increasingly conservative members see any value in aiding these small islands whatsoever. Gone are the days when former Prime Minister Dame Eugenia Charles was a “Star” at the White House with former president, Ronald Reagan. The Grenada led intervention occurred in some thirty years ago. The world has changed dramatically, since then.
I have my qualms with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the Dominica Labor Party. However, he was smart enough to sever ties with Taiwan and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, while also embracing the One China Policy. Foreign Policy should never be examined through “Rose colored glasses” devoid of the stack realities of those small island nations who must continually make decisions for their immediate and future survival.
Oil prices are “Cyclical” as you are well aware. Currency fluctuation is nothing new to world economic markets. While the short term effects are devastating, nations who depend on the largesse from petroleum exports and the hard currency it produces are adept at surviving internally. Venezuela was already a mess internally. While this latest market downturn in the price of oil will only serve to heighten internal strife and social tensions, I’m sure the reverse would not contribute to an inverse social harmony either.
Like most relationships, if our prime minister is smart, he will be mature and realize that while he had some wonderful times with the old girlfriend, she is about to break up with him and it’s time to pick up the pieces, head for the exits and regroup. He needs to reposition himself and find a new and better girlfriend who will be able to meet his needs. And while his past transgressions with the old one will have some impact on potential new relationships, that is not a reason to stop looking and stop repositioning himself.
O;ECS Island nations like Dominica were never adept at maximizing both human and natural resources to their fullest potential. We can trace our economic history and economic compass to “Slavery and Post Emancipation,” where we always produced the raw materials such as sugar cane, but the refined products were produced in “Mother England.”
Following a mono-crop agricultural policy where “King Banana” reigned supreme in the 1980s was yet another nail in our economic casket. Sniper attacks from Dole and Delmonte in particular, where current US Attorney General, Eric Holder led an economic onslaught against these islands as their chief legal council was just par for the course.
I love your article. However, I would love to see and hear more concrete plans from you, about Dominica’s economic future and where she should be heading next. Revisionist “Foreign Policy Politicking” serves no inherent purpose at this time.
Probably a follow-up article with more details would suffice at this time.
Excellent article Mr. Sampson and right on cue. Unfortunately the masses in Dominica, as the recent results of the recent general election indicate, are of limited intellectual capacity and will not grasp the seriousness of the analysis you have just presented. When I return to this site tomorrow I will not be surprise to see a preponderance of negative comments.
He has risen from the dead – Julius Sampson. Why didn’t you stay in DA so you could steer the economy in the right direction with you financial expertise? It should not concern you if the economy is adrift because you really have no interest in DA. You criticized the late Charles Maynard for supporting the government. The man was a true patriot who worked for the greater good of our island, unlike you who is living a life of luxury in the US. I am sick and tired of the remote controllers like you. Just go into oblivion!
Mahaut, but you just allowed the same remote controllers to come and vote skerrit back in office, so what is your point?
That remote controller doesn’t come down at all.
Excellent commentary Julius. I have been following the markets for some time now and I can see only social unrest in our future. Dominicans are generally slow to react but when they do, the leaders in office always end up with the short end of the stick. Skerrit thinks Dominica is his fiefdom but he’s in for a rude awakening. He may have “won” the last election, but one thing is for certain; this is not 2009 again. A new dynamic has been engaged in Dominica by the UWP; it is a force to be reckoned with and anyone believing that is not so also is in for a rude awakening.
Well Stated Sir
Very well said sir. Except in a country with weak political analysis from the press and a very unsophisticated electorate who is satisfied with crumbs from the prime minister’s office, there is little more to expect from this government.
Brilliant article!
That’s all I can say. Brilliant!
That reality of which you speak is really scary. Having said that, Skerrit is a pragmatist. Despite all his pretensions, he will drop Venezuela and Cuba in a heartbeat and lean even heavier on China. At the end of the day, the Dominican economy will be spared the severest shocks of other ALBA followers.
So Julius, since the man has shifting principles, you wouldn’t be surprised to see him waving a big American flag in the next few years eh?
Hi Mr Sampson
Well written. Just to add, the economic decline in Venezuela began long before Mr Chavez passed. I raised the issue of sustainability of the ALBA programme to Venezuela and the recipients – you can think of the fancy economic theory I received from the supporters of the programme,.
I do hope that our Dominica Government can begin to review the ALBA programme and hence develop and implement wealth creating strategies for Dominica. Tough times lie ahead.