Deafening screams of a nation in distress have been reduced to fading gasps, as she withers away into mortality, at the hands of an abdicable leader. It is therefore incumbent upon all of us sons and daughters to come forward and rescue her by demanding the immediate resignation of Roosevelt Skerrit and his entire Administration. This includes those who blatantly manifest a clear dichotomy between what is true and that which is perceived as true. That is to say, they boastfully speak of our country’s beauty and potential, while hypocritically neglecting to mention the burning issues plaguing her, by burying their heads in the sand.
The realism is, however, against the backdrop of a deplorable economy – which has rendered the country virtually incapacitated for well over a decade – comes a disastrous Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, coupled with the reprobate diplomatic passport for cash. With no other tangible engines of economic development in place, Dominica’s fate of survival is now hinged on borrowed time. It is analogous to the old cliché, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I am alluding to the recent demand by international and indigenous banks for proof of all corresponding evidence of due diligences associated with passports sold – in exchange for transferals of future CBI funds currently outstanding. Thus, with hardly any other revenue-generating mechanisms for economic sustainability, it will be quite interesting to see how this one plays out.
Although our treasured citizenships had already been found in the possession of several arrested international criminals, it all began with the bombshell Passport for Cash documentary. Hosted by CBS’s Steve Kroft this past January 1st, the program revealed that Dominican citizenships/Passports were being sold to nefarious characters, bypassing due diligence – a rigorous vetting process designed to uncover any suspicions of a checkered past in their records. In many cases, applicants even obtained naturalization through mail order – a policy of delivery by mail-in, rather than in-person. Such negligence can potentially offer facilitation to criminals wishing to evade authorities and/or circumvent their inability to enter certain countries. Incidentally, this precarious practice had always been a concern of the Opposition United Workers Party; however, the true impact of its danger was not realized by the vast majority of Dominicans until the 60 Minutes revelations.
But, the arrests of these unsavory holders of our prized diplomatic passports – the likes of Ng Lap Seng, Diezani Allison-Madueke, Francesco Corallo – and many more, can’t hold a candle to the genius of Alireza Zibahalat Monfared. Stationed in Malaysia, the 43 year old fugitive was able to swindle upwards of $2.8 billion of Iran’s sanctions-busting money, while selling oil to countries like China and Singapore. Evasion was possible by displaying Dominican flags on oil-transporting tankers housed in Greece. It is alleged that Monfared audaciously strolled into our country with suitcases of his loot, remained on island for a period of upwards of six months, where he was accommodated by government officials. This potentially may constitute aiding and abetting or harboring of a fugitive. The runaway was eventually captured in the Dominican Republic by Interpol, where he was eventually extradited to Iran. He is currently awaiting due process.
By harboring Monfared, a man who violated US economic sanction laws, the government may have crossed the line thus placing Dominica and Dominicans in perilous waters – locally, regionally and internationally. Despite signals of apathy being sent by CARICOM and the OECS, however, there’s no telling what our country’s future holds with these entities down the road. Dominica could conceivably face ostracization, as well as international sanctions. More importantly, Dominica’s image has been marred, thereby putting citizens in a position of disadvantage in many cases. For instance, they may unfortunately encounter difficulties when applying for visas to international countries such as the US, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Retrospectively, it has become crystal clear that this prime minister has failed the Dominican people. The lies, deception, corruption, and lack of transparency/accountability have rendered him unfit to lead the nation. As a consequence, all Dominicans – whether affiliated with Labour, Freedom or UWP – should coalesce, demanding the immediate resignation of Roosevelt Skerrit and his entire cabinet. It should be noted that this is by all accounts a nonpartisan coalition. The level of ill repute that the country has been subjected to merits a vigorous call for the removal of this leadership – or lack thereof. Rather than being an albatross around the necks of the people (the oppressions, suppressions and persecutions), in the interest of the country, this gentleman should do the moral thing and vacate the honorable office of Prime Minister. Dominica is relying on all of us to do the right, be firm, be fair.
Opinions expressed in this commentary are not necessarily those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
Everyone has so much to say as if they have no skeletons in their closet themselves. A set of hypocrites who like to hide behind pen and paper…. well internet now. Why don`t you return to Dominica and start a program that will create jobs and better the lives of the people? Instead you prefer to write those baseless comments. Hope you can substantiate them in a court of law. All of a sudden everyone is an interlectual now! SMH
Bondieu! Dem coup people executing a big coup on Skerro and denying their coup at the same time. Boy they too stupid and lying to know they stupid and lying.
We support Jefferson Joseph and Dominicans for the Defense of Democracy in calling for the immediate resignation of Skerrit. Skerrit appointed the diplomats who were all arrested as criminals involved in theft and moneylaundering. Skerrit is also denying a commission of inquiry. His master is Tony Astaphan who defends him and who can’t explain why all those diplomats are under arrest. The government has also refused to disclose the due diligence reports on the diplomats or provide a list of the persons who have been appointed as diplomats. The attacks on Gabriel Christian, Dr Sam Christian, Lennox Linton, Thomson Fontaine and others are not going to excuse the corruption in government that has Dominica in a dark hole . SKERRIT MUST GO!
Awa wi. I really wanted to read to the end but the blatant unproved so called truths you speak of here are highly circumstantial and the way you write is highly opinionated and I just can’t see beyond that to add any credibility to what you are saying. But I see you have joined the DNO House of Assembly welcome to the panel and please introduce yourself.
Seriously??!? You expecting a Government of any kind of serious country to fall on the basis of unsubstantiated accusations and assumptions of guilt not proven in a court of any kind?. If any Government fell on that basis what would it be replaced by? Get real and apply these writing efforts to a campaign that makes sense. A bookmaker might give you a 1 in 10 chance of winning the next election … but you need to get a grip and show the country you are ready for Government .. and this nonsense fake news faux eloquence is not helping your cause.
Calibishi Warrior,
Please explain this, “A bookmaker might give you a 1 in 10 chance of winning the next election …”
What do you mean?
By the way, you don’t have the ability to predict the outcome of the next election. YOU SIMPLY DON’T HAVE THE ABILITY.
I truly believe that there is an attempt to conceal information from the public. The situation with the banks (local and foreign) is deplorable. It spells a bad word for Dominica – Poverty. I long for the day when we can have an honest, hardworking, and trustworthy government. In this country, the government gives everything, or rather, tries to give everything. Where are the independent, hardworking people from this country. This government has basically arrested their economic freedom by creating an environment of poverty. Pleas note, only when the growth engines are working will this country improve. The CIB program is soon to be demolished then this will leave us desperate. We need a working agricultural industry, tourism, construction, services, manufacturing and small business enterprise.
Wow! It’s back.
Why was my comment removed? Free press!
Let alone mine.
All I stated was : Lot’s of “educated maybe studiated opportunists benefiting from the corruption of the crooks the Neo DLP passport selling idiots who cannot see the ship is sinking. All the enablers even news media supporting the most backward regime in the region. . They all are looking for a front sit on the Skerrit Titanic. Hope those opportunists with human faces can swim. Most of the lawyers are natural swimmers lol
Shark never eat each other unlike many other animals in the kingdom/ journalist, doctors ,Dentists ,police and many other animals in the D/can Kingdom do.
More rubish!!!
No,!!
The truth will offend you, but it can never be rubbish..Monfared dodging the Iranian authorities in Dominica will never be rubbish…Dominica is corruptly governed!!
The truth cannot offend me, what is offensive is when people like you attempt to present rumors and allegations as facts. So again I say that this commentary is utter rubish.
UWP was first in line to corruptly govern Dominica. Still at present, although out of office making promises to people like you,%, and Monfared…. FOR THE ISSUANCE of ( DP).
Nicely written article Mr Jeffers Joseph. Your claims have not been heard in the local arena previously. I therefore suggest that you reference your claims. One of the most poignant claims is that the ships with Iranian oil was transported with Dominican flags (please reference same) as well as the claim that both international and indigenous banks are now demanding evidence of due diligence before the CBI monies can be handed over (Reference please). BY reference we are not simply going to quote an individual but we need the reference from responsible, respected sources and not just someone who has had an axe to grind.
I must commend you however, as a fellow from Wesley, I was impressed with your article which was better written and stronger than all I have seen previously and It makes for the most compelling claim for the instant removal from office of the honour Doctor Mr Roosevelt Skerrit. If your claims can be verified, I suspect Mr Skerritt will have a lot of questions to…
You can do the homework yourself.Go prove him wrong or come back on here and tell him he was right
That’s the style in Dominica, just say anything without evidence to support it. The person making the allegations should be the one presenting the evidence. Skeritt was taken to court because he was a French citizen and the uwp wanted him to give them evidence so that they could prove their case him, just pure nonsense.
Well said
Practical Dominica will finish if we continue on the Skeritt tRain to hell.
Well written patriot,thanks for the enlightenment. It’s a pity that those blinded by partisan politics and crumbs falling from slave master, will not be mentally free enough to stand against these rogues posing as government! Moreover, we have a masses of ignorance who can’t read and some of those who are able to read may not have the capacity to overstand. But with the persistent will power of people like you and the help of the HIGHEST POWER, the illegal rogues posing as government will crumble!!!
@ Reasoning, you keep playing that same old song ” slave master ” let us change the lyrics a bit and stop talking rubbish, any man or woman who want power you have to earn the respect of the people it will not just come to you that is why Linton will never be prime minister of Dominica, Mr Skerrit has all the qualities a man could ever asked for in other words Mr Skerrit is bless.
If Dominica is the dog who bite him? Not LL. not the unblessed lol so???? what is the colour of the white car? hahahahah
Now change the biter & the bitee
Do you know, all propaganda is well written. There is nothing enlightening about this commentary, innuendos, distortion of facts and yes, lying cannot be considered as something enlightening. Jeffers Joseph and others in the diaspora who keep calling for the Government to go, are a bunch of jokers. The Government cannot be removed by writing such commentaries, this is wishful thinking. If they got better ideas as to move the Country forward then come on down to Dominica partake in the political process.
Thank you sir for your outright and forthright disgust to all what’s going on in this country for a long time now.we the Patriotic citizens of this country welcome and appreciate you putting your thoughts in print to the world and that’s the call we are making now.skerrit and his entire …yes the ENTIRE Cabinet must go. The writings have been on the wall for a very long time now but like king Nebuchadnezer with every passing day the writings are getting clearer.
Needless to say in as much as you know so much you should go to police and give a statement or are you rather they take you in for questioning. The PM COME CLEAN ON THE MATTER, there are investigations in progress presently, they will report their findings and make recommendations, according to your statement they may require more time
Zangee return to the swamp and camoflage. Continue to be Blindly loyal to those with the crooked money the crooks and take ur seat on the Skerrit Titanic.
If there was an election next week, I wonder who would win?!
The crooks. Good guys finish last.
ask the Neo DLPites
Those ambassadors with diplo passports 4 sure and on 5 out of 6 boards.
It’s all a joke right.
Long live the crooked.
One million 4 U 20 4 me.
hahahahahaha
“Deafening screams of a nation in distress”…. never truer words were penned!!!!
You didn’t put him there so you’ll have to wait. Is this about Roosevelt or your suddenly insatiable, overwhelming and overcoming lust for power? If you say you are that patriotic and love us Dominicans so much why do you want to subvert her constitution in your mad rush for power. Or is this a case of ‘ no law, no constitution ‘ . Ponder brother. We change governments by the ballot box and not by staying across the ocean and sending unsuspecting vulnerables to perish to satisfy you own selfisf wish. I know that interlectuality is not wisdom but then I would expect that any level of interlect would guide a certain level of commonsense which would inform you that if not the ballot box it can only be violence and chaos which no level headed patriot would want for his country. Think! Sorry truth is that you all are begining to live your propaganda. Labour is now an even greater force than the last election. The same medium you use to propagate your lies also reveals reality.
Skerrit ain’t going nowhere. You UWPites did not put him there. You All have NO MORAL AUTHORITY to ask him to go. I f you ALL can’t wait for 2019, too bad. Skerro is there to STAY.
It is pellucidly clear to everyone with a modicum of commonsense that Dominica’s image has been sullied by CBI Program and more particularly by the Diplomatic Passport Scandals. The present governing regime should accept blame for the current state of affairs. Getting the PM and his colleagues to even acknowledge that they have caused harm and damage to the country because of their lax policies, is inconceivable. Even when you objectively pinpoint their mistakes, they and their supporters try to humiliate and diminish you with attacks on your character. The people of Dominica will never fulfill their true potential unless and until we eradicate this destructive phenomenon, Political Tribalism. Too many people give blind political support to their party and there is where the problem lies. For the good of the country, rise above the ugly partisan politics!
Dominica’s name has been sullied by the reckless and stupid statements of the UWP. The say that the issue of diplomatic passports and the sale of passports under the CBI program by Dominica threatens global security. Yet not one country including USA, UK, France and Canada have voiced concerns. I wonder why?
You all forget Lennox said all Diaspora stay out of our business
I humbly support tis great piece by the writer. Dominican comes first and inept Skerrit and his corrupt Labour Party Government just vacate their seats ASAP as they have failed us, lied to us, deceived us, shock us with lies and innuendos, and associated themselves with nefarious friends the looks and likes local and international that Dominica wish not to have. We need to have serious, loyal, honest people with the know how of political decency, will not condone Bobol and corruption, deceitfulness, immaturity, but trusted with the funds of Dominica`s resources. Skerrit has been a big failure and disappointment, even with his unnecessary bash style like dance in the street of Lagon. Skerrit, please go to hell, go to hell and go suck salt with Baroness who appears to be under question by the UK government in connection with funds? Well, we are asking.
Where you power hungry loins surfacing from
Home boy Wesleyan residing in the Big Apple
Long you had not written.I enjoy reading your truthful and fearless commentaries…Well although Skerrit knows that he has sullied,smeared,damaged and destroyed the good name of Dominica,by his reckless dealings with people of ill repute,and will quickly bring an end to the CBI programme,he is still frittering the $$$$$$$ away,to garner sympathy…I personally believe that we concerned Dominicans need to put more BOOTS ON THE GROUND…The first time was great,but it cannot be a one of thing..This is whatgreed can do to the fabric of a
nation.I am one of those who never believed that Skerrit could governvern a country,and i have
been vindicated time and time again..ISHALL NEVER BE AN APOLOGIST FOR EVILMEN!!!Skerrit MustGo! Skerrit Must Go! Skerrit Must Go!
In all honesty Dominica cannot wait for another month with Skerrit as Prime Minister. All of us sons and daughters must come forward now and save what is left of Dominica. Ideally I wish we could get rid of Skerrit and allow a new leader to continue but unfortunately I looked deep inside my party and there is no one to turn to, as Ian, Blackmore and Reggie are very embarrassing to say the least. Dr. Darroux would have been a suitable replacement but of late he too might
need a lot of hand sanitizer. Our only solution at this time is to get rid of Skerrit and the entire cabinet and put a government of national unity in place, to prepare us for elections within 12 months. I speak as a photo labor but very embarrassed. They just need to go for the good of DOMINICA
have
You are so right ‘Photo Labour’ That shows hoy Phony you are
Sir, your intellectual abilities and your level of precision is of noteworthy acceptance. We have yet to get this form our Roosvelt Skerrit. This cabinet is made up of people who are “reflectors of other men thoughts” – that of Skerrit. This is the last term for wait LABOUR but we can’t till 2019, we want them out now.
Boss, we cannot sit down and wait for another general election.
@Practcal. I am trying to make sense of what you posted. Please, reexamine your post.
Thanks.
Sir, your intellectual abilities and your level of precision is of noteworthy acceptance. We have yet to get this form our Roosvelt Skerrit. This cabinet is made up of people who are “reflectors of other men thoughts” – that of Skerrit. This is the last term for this DLP government but we cannot want for 2019, we need him to step down now.
kind Regards,
Practical
You either have to wait for 2019/2020 or or face the reality of blood shed on the streets of Dominica. Consider this! You think 15 Parliamentary seats will simply roll over for 6 parliamentary seats. You will need 11 parliamentary seats to form government Sir. Your six does not in any way resemble 11. By the way. Did you hear Gabriel Christian’s admission on TV. When pressed for the evidence to justify what you said in your commentary, you know what his response was? Find out for yourself Sir! As a matter of act he said there’s no hard evidence except a letter written by somebody in Europe. Some time ago you leader told the Huffington Post that the evidence he had in one instance was a “tip off” from a third party. Is that what you are talking about?
Roseau South
What is even more interesting is that the Sun Newspaper had hard evidence of the same intention of the previous government re diplomatic passports and campaign financing that the present government is being accused of. Not innuendo, not over-the-top allegations; not hearsay –EVIDENCE!
Dates; hotels names; names of people met; country where meetings were held and who was present at the meetings; quantum of monies received for election campaign etc.
There has been no denial, no threats of lawsuits, nothing but silence from the party accused and its usual ferocious advocates. Yet people on this site are expecting Dominicans to exchange Mr. Skerrit for them. In my view they are entrenching Mr. Skerrit even more because, logically, what’s the difference between “six” and “half a dozen”?
The attitude seems to be if we keep quiet about it, this inconvenient nightmare which suddenly surfaced may just “go away”. Will it?