No matter what current headlines are used to the catch attention of audiences, usually in essence the following text in the article or comments depict several things that indicate that there is an unhealthy atmosphere in Dominica. Unhealthy for our country and just as unhealthy for our people. I don’t want to use big words like “damaging” or “exploding”. I don’t even want to point out what the incidents or circumstances are; I don’t want to point to individuals either. It doesn’t make sense to rub things in and it doesn’t make sense to take sides. Audiences will make up their own minds and so be it.
Most disappointing is what seems to be lack of common sense, but therefore instead the furthering of polarization into groups that are either supporting or opposing.It comes in various ways. Sometimes it is about attack and defense of actions. Sometimes it is about soothing financial and material gestures that may have the odor of swamp gas, instead of the intended smell of perfume.
Missing is the ability and willingness to unite people and still leaving their own different views intact. I believe that at the end of the day, no matter what is said and done, it is all about one country and one population. That is where I believe the lack of leadership comes in, and I’m not pointing to any individual or side. I’m talking about leadership as a virtue not as form of power. Virtue means behavior showing high moral standards. What are its characteristics? Goodness, virtuousness, righteousness, morality, integrity, dignity, honor, decency, respectability, nobility, worthiness, purity, principles, and ethics! Use those 14 characteristics as a checklist and apply it to the various events and individuals that make the headlines of the media front pages of Dominica. Try and see what you find out with regards to true virtues of leadership.
No matter on what side you are, don’t you think that there is something here that should get some more attention? Shouldn’t we try to find a common denominator? “Either my way or the highway” is definitely not an option. Instead of some trying to take the high ground to position themselves and polarize, wouldn’t be better for all to look for the common ground and unite?
There are facts of life that sometimes seem to fade because all the communication in our society appears to focus on fame, fortune, competition. Some examples of those facts? There is no such as thing of being the richest person on the cemetery. You cannot buy hearts, souls, happiness, or health. Societies before ours didn’t even know what money was and the people smiled and had fun. They too had to survive, but they were able to spontaneously dance with each other and sing in chorus. Amplifiers don’t improve the quality of the music. Silence can be the most beautiful sound that doesn’t interfere, nor distracts, nor manipulates. Wouldn’t we be better off to tone down a bit and find common ground so that we don’t split into groups, but rather be able to love each other, or at the very least respect each other?
Society means a collection of people living together. Don’t you agree that our society is called Dominica? Doesn’t make common sense then that Dominicans live together in harmony and equality? In essence no one can have more power over another. Ordinance may regulate some behavior. But individuals are humans; we all are. The treatment of all humans should be the same in our society. There may be a difference in wisdom or expertise. It still doesn’t give the right to believe that in their heart one person is better than another. Leadership is the ability to recognize this, act accordingly and serve all without exception.And so, I end with the same with the same question that I started out with: ‘Does Dominica lack common sense?’
Opinions expressed in this commentary are not necessarily those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
ask myself the same question. Do.we lack common sense ?
I am from Sudan in Africa
from Africa -Sudan
I ask myself the same question , Do we lack common sense ???
If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch; and that is the case in the kingdom of darkness.
Hi Claudine, Who are you…what’s your profession, where do you live, what’s your occupation.
I appreciate this piece and one you penned sometime ago. Great thoughts. Just impressed with the thoughts shared re our islands development.
Hope your share my questions.
Thanks
Best Regards
Well written indeed . However ,this input of mind is not so much about the content ,but in reality , it is more difficult now to have different views and to live together with them . One of the most significant concern , apart from one’s own ideology and theology , is the political environment that has built a large gap , which seem to be widening . The strong democracy that was so thought of and anticipated to help in setting the stage has fallen short . Political debate , and party preferences cannot be avoided , but there is a component that will be of benefit to all the people as a foundation in the effort of remaining in unison and respect of each other to some extent . Electoral reform , especially , regulations of campaign spending for all . One of the major areas that can create complexity , and unfairness in the minds of many .
We must give thanks when it is all said and done to Mr Linton and his party ,that the monies are now finding it way to do and hopefully complete things,a BIG BIG BIG thank you
The comments of some of our people are the reason why you have my full support and admiration; like one of my mentors said to me a long time ago quote ” i don’t know why the word was called COMMONSENSE when so few people possess it”
Truly good article please understand avast majority of DA dominica conceptualize and rationalize that way, lack of understand poor association, resistance to understand and reason major issues.. It is what it is, but things wont change not now good effort spreading insight!!!
A long article like yours , one has to read it over and over before you can make a worthwhile comments. COMMON SENSE, we did not have to go to college to learn that, gift from our creator. Dominica is a beautiful Island with self sufficents.The difference is the people. When a baby is born we communicate through signs so,however,what you teach them that’s what they grew up to understand. No Dominican wants to take the blame for their mistakes .They pass it on to others therefore the problems are never solved. HABIT: Remove the H and you have ABIT,Remove the A and you have BIT and if you remove the B YOU ARE LEFT WITH IT. So lark of home training and respect, divide the people. Good luck.
Well written, well intended, but in my opinion the train has left the station. Hope im wrong. we go see. It starts with me.
No I have not said that yet
Woman keep your opinion to your self
Dominica is in deep shit.
You can’t “Lack” something you never had!
My second issue with this brilliant article is a lack of proposed solutions and this is one of my major issues with these scholarly articles. They are empty as far as I am concerned if they do not point a way forward. While there are disparities from one community to the next, based on income, race and other socio-economic factors, I reside in a community where I can access basic essential services when needed. This is the key missing element in not only Dominica, but many other small island Caribbean states. When you create a survival of the fittest mentality amongst the most vulnerable in our various communities on the island, the end result is what you so eloquently described.
Let me sum up a simplistic, but sound response to your article. Dominica has a major design floor, dating back to slavery, colonialism, post colonialism and post-independence as well. None of the leaders who were elected since November 3, 1978 cared, nor have they taken any steps whatsoever to rectify this flaw. As a result, inhabitants who reside outside of Roseau and Portsmouth are living in a permanent hell! This permanent feeling of despair leads too much of the reaction that you see on DNO daily. The art of development is to provide basic essential services to citizens in the communities that they live in.
I agree with your statements made CW; however talk is cheap and that is all that ever seems to happen in this country.
We need to “talk” and act on what we say… not just hope someone else will do it. Even then, we should pitch in and assist to ensure something positive occurs…
God helps those, who HELP THEMSELVES. Feeling entitled to everything is our downfall. Only death is assured when you are born.
This is painful to read. I got to “perfume” and I stopped.
Lady, if you want to write interesting columns, please learn to write properly and clearly.
If you’re missing common sense, you’re not alone. The U.S. has the same problem.
> Missing is the ability and willingness to unite people and still leaving their own different views intact.
This is exactly what happened in the U.S. elections. Both major candidates were absolutely positive regarding their own correctness, oblivious to the fact around half of the population disagreed with them. Something I’ve noticed is, the more rabid a person’s support on whatever issue, the less likely that person can articulate the position of the opposition. I guess it’s easier not to confuse yourself with too much thinking.
Like I said before very well said Claudine. Question is do you actually think of that while on Facebook?
I’m a born and raised Dominican and ever since I was able to understand and differentiate between what’s right and wrong, Dominicans have been and are the same. Slight difference, the population has increased and the use of technology has allowed people to go on social media and therefore interact more with the outside world.
The above comment is beautifully and Incisively written and thought provoking. I have on many occasions ask myself the same question. Do.we lack common sense or is it ignorance,which i know it isnt..Because we are a learned people. No matter on what side of the political devide we are we can’t continue to demonize each other. We must learn that we are not different than people in other countries with different political leanings yet those people more often than us recognise when a party does well for the country and come together to advance the countries interests.
Let’s not fool ourselves the only perfect leader is the almight God. The present leadership is well intentioned and needs our support and we should in spite of unproven allegations to rally behind him and help our country move forward.
Our Dominica is arguably one of the most beautif countries in the Caribbean and I firmly believe in my heart that our best days are ahead of us.
Clayton Felix, are you for real with this silly comment? “The present leadership is well intentioned and needs our support and we should in spite of unproven allegations to rally behind him and help our country move forward.”
You in denial, or absent from the truth, or you have lost all of your senses of rational thinking and knowledge as to the current poverty and financial situation I Dominica. Let me rephrase your false and idiotic statement above about the most inept Prime Minister and the most corrupt government in Dominica since independence. ” The present Leadership is devious well positioned to engage in questionable deeds of our resources and no thief, or corrupt person with devious behaviour in government deserves our support. And as a result of all our proven alleged thievery, for example the Bin Bobol, the Fertilizer Bobol, current passport Bobol we will rally in Roseau and protest this grotesque open thievery and help Skerrit out. Skerrit Must Go. No little boy to PM…
How devious are you! You are as phoney as the mask you are wearing? Why do you hide behind the slave master mask! What are truly your objectives. Your double standard character is appalling. Haha have you seen the light, all the gutter politics you have written on you face book site, now you are throwing a different senero. Please use your time wisely. YES we have all our Sences. Keep YOUR hyperbole nuance where it belongs. Natural Beauty Woman!
F o r real I second d motion
is you she talking bout
I really admire your opinion..An share some of your views.
However I see the trend that we make the leaders the focus of our life..
Not only political,but in every aspect of life..I believe that if we could build on
Family an Love relationship we can move forward here in the Nature Island..
Well said Claudine! I hope your positive message will be humbly received and pondered upon so that we can become more sensitive toward each other. I know that we can do it once we put our minds to it! We must reverse any form of negativity.
Dominicans have a MD in lacking common sense period!
The state of affairs currently on island is factual to that!
As a island where folks have common sense the best factor would prevail.
Dominicans and hypocritical and double standard people period!
san antonio u r an idiot
Well said well written and worth reading and I’m sure there are more young people out there who have something to contribute on what they see is going on around Dominica, your time is now don’t hold back it’s time to speak out because we can fix our Island.
allay pack
Well put together Claudine, excellent write up! Many of your points raised challenges the social impediments in our society, whether because of our cultural adherances or because of external inflictions. I look forward to another article of similar calibre.