EDITOR’S NOTE: Makonnen Leonard Christian, a 17 year old Honors student and senior at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland. From tender years he contributed to mobilization efforts for Dominica’s development promoted by the Diaspora or in aid of disaster relief. He is the co-author of “Our Visit to the Island” with Samora Dominique Christian (Pont Casse Press, 2005).
I once had a dream in which I returned to the wonderful and lush island home of my parentage. The nature isle of Dominica is the only other country in the world that I would even dare to consider myself a part of, as well as call it a home. While I have not been home in quite some time, I do see the turmoil that she has been forced to suffer and the indignities she now faces.
It seems not so long ago we were all banded together to face the crisis of Tropical Storm Erika, a truly destructive and terrible force that ravaged our island. The act of nature has forever changed the landscape of the island, while Dominica is no stranger to storms or hurricanes it has always retained its beauty and integrity. My friends, we are in the middle of another storm. Not one of rain and wind, but one of men and greed.
I have learned that economics, politics, and money are all social landmines; a variety of topics that seem to alter the course of conversation that might be otherwise pleasant. Ladies and gentlemen, we are at the epicenter, the eye if you will, of a political storm, one that has been building in the wings for quite some time. This is no act of God, but simply the backlash of man’s actions. Our “leadership” has failed us; those whom we have appointed to represent us have failed us. I am not a man to name names. I am a firm believer in the conscience of man, and while they may sleep at night I assure you it is not soundly.
This torrent of greed, of selfishness, can only be arrested by us. We, the people, and those who care about Dominica, and I mean those who truly would lay their lives down for the country, must band together and take action. We must educate ourselves on the actions of not only our elected officials but on the government as a whole. You cannot simply elect a man and sit back hoping that he deals with every little thing. It takes a nation, a coalition of the willing and able, to truly have a successful government. To breed exceptional leadership, if it takes a village to raise a child, then it must take everyone to build a nation. We have the power as a people, to not only withstand but also rise above this “storm of man”. We must work together to form solutions, better legislation, and truly look into the eyes of those who seek to run for leadership and ask; “Are you going to let Dominica down?”
The good people of Dominica must band together right now, to make sure that this island will still be here in the morning, and that when it is we can begin an age of rebuilding. It will not be easy, nothing worth doing ever is, but if we work together I assure you it will be something great. You cannot simply say, “We are going to do better”; you have to be better. Ladies and gentlemen, I will continue to pray for Dominica to rise above, as I know it surely must and will.Today I received word that my uncle, Dr. Samuel J. Christian, was arrested by Dominica police for speaking out for democracy and good governance, and we ask that he be released now!
It’s not the messenger it’s the message. Does it matter who relays it? I swear Dominicans love suffering; they love begging. That’s all I’ve seen going on. The only income the country is deriving is from that of passport sales. Unemployment at its highest and still you turn a blind eye and deaf ear. Fine Lennox may not be the answer but open you eyes and see the rapid decline of the economic stability. Many of you can’t pay bills ,line up at the red clinic for small pittance just to make ends meet. If you like that I can only deduce that you are lazy. Growing up I’ve never seen Dominicans as a lazy people. So many other countries are slowing prospering and its not due to passport sales. This cannot be the form of economic dependency for the island it just cannot. Soon international countries will have no choice than to impose further restrictions and limit the ability to travel. Please Dominicans open your eyes; stop being in love with your El Supreme, your future is at stake;
Why not a letter about the DASS.
Like father like son apple don’t fall far from the tree
so very true
Young man at one time or another I believe that propaganda and innuendos. It all depends on who is relaying the storyline. I migrated to the USVI over 45 years ago. At one time,that was the American playground now it has become the worst place on earth. I was able to retire and live the rest of my golden years in Dominica it’s all good.
Gabriel your son did not write that post. Why are you so hungry for power. When you have glass window you don’t throw stones.
Anytime a man wants power through violence he will always stay in opposition the government is doing a great job if u Lenox saying that dominica is the best place to live why are u so negative about it. Don’t be like saul both Skerrit and Lenox children born in USA
Power hungers relax promotion don’t come through violence the people have the power which voted a competent government and the man who u all claim was the little boy from vieille case. The man is doing a great job along with his colleges stop making the outside world laugh at u all especially Lenox linton. Since Lenox heard that DCP is reopening his arrogance just take over him. Dominica is the best place to live says Lenox so why is he so negative about a country he wants to lead, and remember both Skerrit and Lenox children born in the USA . U all should not do like saul
I support my brother in nearly everything he does and I support the country that my parents are children of and therefore I also consider myself a daughter of Dominica. But what I do not support is the political corruption and greed that has been eroding Dominican society and causing so much strife. I am not usually publically vocal on these matters and tend to keep it that way but I will say this: To the individuals who claim to be leaders of our beautiful isle I shall warn you, You must realize that your damning behavior is running our people and our country into the ground and WILL come to an end. There is no future if things continue like this. Please listen please beware and please restore our great country’s dignity.
Our??? You are not Dominican. Go protest againt Mr. Trump.
Who are u…? You have never commented on any positive development in Dominica befits all of a sudden u awake.. Stay whee you are and dealing your crices on USa. I don’t even think you have any intention of residing in Dominica
According to the index in 2013, Dominica is slightly less educated than the average country at 0.61 out of 1.
Dr. Skerrit knows that such commentaries have no effect on the polls. He appeals to the masses (uneducated) so these commentaries are exercises in futility.
Mi deba se ca tout sel ou ni pour dee ebem zorts ni double TOPAY PAPA.
You are correct in your thoughts, yes it was a disgrace that the good Doctor was arrested, soon however others will be arrested for the wanton and wrongful theft and those who wished to silence any opposition have failed. Adolf Hitler silenced any opposition this is what despots do. but in the end they pay the price of their avarice and greed, and they do it without any mental reservation of any kind provided they are making lots of money, moral duties and responsibilities go out of the window they have been found out, young man have you considered a political career I think you should
New Hospital in progress, every DOCTOR enchass!! Their head is swelling!
Young man this is one of the best article and response to all the controversy that has been published by DNO. Well written, better than the nonsense that Tony has written and will ever write. Continue to believe in the goodness of man. We can only hope that their conscience will be their guide; but as you can see, it’s not that easy with the men that has been placed in high positions. Stay focused and stay strong. Dominica will overcome!!! The people will overcome!! POWERFUL PIECE!!!!
Good article young man. Come Tuesday after our peaceful meeting, this thing will be no more, as Roosevelt Skerrit and his passport selling team will be gone, and gone for good! In previous years we were hardly on the map though our bananas, our International Cricketers, our part in the deliverance of Grenada during the 1983 USA-led Invasion of Grenada. Today, Dominica is finally put on the map not for doing good or producing, good cricketers, or for feeding the world with fresh fruits, but unfortunately, for the sale of our passports tocrooks and criminals in the world, by, Roosevelt Skerrit, who once applied for and got french citizenship, while in government. I call on all Dominicans; DFP, DPL, UWP, &, Papyites to come to Roseau in large numbers on Tuesday as we show the world that we are ready to restore our country during our peaceful meeting. No one should be afraid as Skerrit will be gone. I call on the opposition to invite CNN, CBS, ABC to our meeting to show the world
Time is up
Well Tuesday came and went and the leaders of your peaceful meeting are denying any intention to do what you have just said the plan was. Skerrit is still there and now after all the D-Day chants, adverts, build-ups and preparation for Skerrit’s departure, it is now somebody else who caused all the trouble on Tuesday night to embarass the UWP.
I am beginning to review some of what I was believing to be true because if a person flip flops in one situation he/she is likely to be flip flopping in another. I am also beginning to think that some people say to us what is convenient at a particular time!
we have traitors running the police remember the traitor who open Diplomatic connection with the Chinese ambassador in Barbados behind Pierre Charles back while he was a junior minister now priminister of Dominica.
the word I meant is trators
son of a patriotic Dominican, we have tractors in the highest level running the police in Dominica. and running the country.
When last u visit Dominica? Hope u realied new law law is coming in zUk once article 50 is triggered. Once you was nit born theree u are not guarantee u willl remain all your life. Go trad home off later draft coming out soon
Good for him an honor student, parent should not encourange their children in such. I am wondering he had ever write an article about Dominica before and how often has he visited Dominca.
I am amazed that your family is so interested in the well being and progress of Dominica all of a sudden. I recall that some years ago your ` illustrious dad’ wrote a scathing article about us ,(in his own words) the unambitious Dominicans who do nothing but party all year! who make no attempt to educate ourselves, unlike he and his wife, and that is why they never came back to Dominica until they had successfully met their educational goals.Now it seems that the party people are making progress and there is room for the educated elite, you want to put your foot in the door, well, Hell No! Stay where you are! We can do without Alli Baba and his gang of forty thieves.The young people of Dominica need the money that was bequithed to them by the people who donated it and was stolen by Alli Baba’s gang.
If i was near you ah shake your big toe
That’s a very good article young man and like yourself and many others, I sure cannot understand how we allowed Dominica, the isle of beauty, isle of Splendour to get into this mess. This is the island that once fed Europe and most of the Caribbean with fresh fruits and produce. Oh how it hurts to see we cannot even eat a fresh banana, green or ripe from our soil! In fact in most cases fruits have to be imported into Dominica, not because of a hurricane or any natural disaster, but because Dominicans put partisan politics ahead of country and as a result, allowed Roosevelt Skerrit and the DLP to destroy our beautiful country from agriculture, to sports, to police, to the judiciary, work ethics, local govern, to even the church. Now we are finally ready to take Dominica back, but the question is, is in not too late to deal with that stage 4 malignant cancer that we allowed for 12 yrs? Yes it’s better late than never but the cancer has done so much harm that I am afraid for our future.
Your uncle did not get arrested for speaking out, he got arrested for speaking words of riots. That same lush green country you spoke, would you like to see it turn red with young people blood? There’s a way of fighting a cause, the people are asking for the proof of what your uncle is accusing the PM of. Once he does that he will have the people behind him, till then feed people the truth and not Alternative facts.
You should run for civil rights young men. You have what it takes. We all who leaves in foreign know what is going on in Dominica, and we must continue to pray for our country. God bless.
You know what’s happening in DA via hearsay. Majority of you who are blogging on here, haven’t been back (DA) in years or only for two (2) weeks, if at all.
What is that? The Christian Party in the making. Allegations without proof is not good. Sometimes learned world men become puffed up and lean on their own understanding. Wisdom is from above. No coup no coup. Wait for the ballot. Donot be so desperate that it shows the hatred within. Let good actions and not parlaying without proof prevail. Where are your track record in assisting persons? Some of us prey too much on those we think we can get through with sensational stories because we may have attended some college, universities etc. Wisdom is from above. The foolish things of God confounds the so so called worldly wise man. Greed and want of power by fraud and whatever means is all too blatant but remember the earth and the fullness is the Lord’s and God alone sets up and brings down Government. Be careful and I all you do and say remember that God is in control. He knows our hearts so he knows who genuinely loves Dominica and who craves for power at all costs.
Continued…. There is a great shaking and he is causing this. Open your eyes people and turn to the LORD. Remember he is love too. Too much hatred against one person and isn’t this trials and testing so real. But at the end of the day, whilst trying to bring down a son of the soil, God is the vindicator. Would you like to be treated the way you treat this man? I leave this with you all who want power by all means and cannot wit for the ballot. Every dog have their day. We will see when your turns come, if the Lord let it’s happen. He knows the heart of all men.
Continued…. There is a great shaking and he is causing this. Open your eyes people and turn to the LORD. Remember he is love too. Too much hatred against one person and isn’t this trials and testing so real. But at the end of the day, whilst trying to bring down a son of the soil, God is the vindicator. Would you like to be treated the way you treat this man? I leave this with you all who want power by all means and cannot wit for the ballot. Every dog have their day. We will see when your turns come, if the Lord let it’s happen. He knows the heart of all men. Truth will prevail.
When one’s time to fall finally reaches no one can prevent it. You can give everybody money in their hands, you can build everybody toilets. You can put labourites as the DPP, AG, Speaker of the house, In the IPO, in the the Electoral commission, as President, as Police Commissioner, in the main media houses. You can paint the sky red nothing is going to prevent it from happening. The longest rope always has an end.
Great article young man! Well written and showing wisdom well beyond your years. Storms never last. They all have a beginning and ending point.
Future PM of Dominica! Excellent!!
As I always say, it depends on whose side you are on.
Nationals should not make such statements and expect they will get away with it. They must utilize their discretion, if they have one. The comments are glaring. His arrest has nothing to do with politics.
Boss come home and see for yourself and stop saying what you hear on Q 95 and you bitter father. Our county is bless and the envy of the Caribbean. Ask you father to take you to DA for a holiday and I guarantee at the end you will say DA is the best and well Goven place in the Caribbean.
Other commentators, regardless of their message, might take a leaf from Makonnen Leonard Christian’s book by being succinct.
Hello and good afternoon my people. Well young man you go to school in Upper Marlboro ,MD on Brooke Lane so please study and maybe you might be an Attorney or Doctor some day , but leave politics in sweet Dominica for us. I am certain that you know having an arrest record for an African American in America is terrible so in this regard don’t follow your dad or your uncle. Maybe when you grow up you can study to be a Civil Engineer and help our country build better roads , in that way you would provide a better service to Dominica rather than engaging In politics.
Good show!
Great piece. Spoken like a true diplomat
Nice piece. Well written. Yes democracy must prevail in our beautiful island.
Well said Makonnen I see you are all grown up now..My greetings to you and the family
Uncle Clayton
Well done Young man. You sound like a future leader already.
You are Dominican? How often u visit? Asn swet the question s
This kid should worry more about what the mad fascist dictator (TRUMP) have in store for black Americans rather than jumping on the band wagon with his dad, uncle and others who want to harm our peaceful, lovely little paradise.
Our arms will still remain open for the deportees to come back home anyway. “When they go low, we stay high” ………Michele Obama!
He has nothing to worry about Trump…Our struggle is his struggle,and he has to champion it together with us!Well done young man!
Great piece,but it should not stop here..You all must expose the corrupt activities being carried out on island to anyone,any group,organisation authority that will follow and monitor a roguish,corruption saddled DLP government ..Its forte is befriending crooks and criminals and is exposing us to retaliatory measures by bigger countries.Interesting to note that after almost 20 years of DLP rule,they have killed agriculture,tourism is half dead,so is manufacturing..The country has been transformed into a “Passport Production Factory”..It is the most intransparent activity in the Caribbean..Rest assured that law suits will not silent the people..WE SHALL TALK,and expose them,till they are called in by the proper authorities.
Outstanding!!! God Bless you
May God Bless Our Dominica!!
Whaaoooooa, very impressed, very thought provoking to adults and those who are not politically astute and holding office and holding this country to ransom. Very impressed of the leadership of the UWP, individual fighters, patriots for leading this vociferous battle to get rid of this corrupt leader. I am even now more moved for change after reading this brilliant young Christian brother thought of where we are in Dominica and what we ought to do to save it firm this corrupt Labour leadership.
Mr Young Christian, thanks for giving e the momentum to stay on a d fight on and also the bravery of your uncle, my dear friend, Sam and also Gabrielle in Atlanta. We grew up together in Goodwill well disciplined of good governance within our respective home, I am proud to see that it transcends in you…..an example and that these qualities lacks in this corrupt labour government.
God Bless and God help us save Dominica
I expect much more to come from you because DOGS don’t make CATS. Protect your tuff! You think the POLICE would arrest your uncle for just speaking out for democracy and good governance? Keep praying my friend. Your uncle is bad instigator!
Great piece of work young man. If you were not in Maryland, USA I would have sworn that you are a student of the greatest high school on island the St. Mary’s Academy
. And please don’t tell your dad I said so 
.
Thankfully your uncle Dr. Sam, our national hero and treasure like your dad has been released and will one day soon be set free by the courts. Thanks for caring so much about your ancestral home and continue to pray for us in our time of turmoil. But good is good and so the days of the greedy dictator and his goons are numbered. God bless you and your family.
Assertive and ready for the ultimate sacrifice!
