Imagine for a moment what our country’s infrastructure would look like today, had the many ground-breaking ceremonies and proposals chronicled during Roosevelt Skerrit’srulership been brought to full fruition. Given the lack of subsequent implementations let alone completion of these promised projects, it begs the question: Are these really groundbreakings, groundfakings or simply gimmicks? I suppose this frequency of groundbreakings has effected massive economic earthquakes, which continue to send our nation crumbling into the abyss. But, whether we take it with a grain of salt or simply refuse to swallow, Skerro’s recent coming-soon hospital sewo seemingly has the appearance of some nuance this time around – not the facade we have grown accustomed to. Allow me to explain.
Notwithstanding the barrage of fruitless proposals, dirt digging and festivities we have witnessed over the years, in order to maintain our own sanity and sense of pride, it behooves us to be hopeful that this time there will be some ‘meat on the bone’ for once, and not just another prank. Of course, knowing who Skerro is, it would be to our own detriment to neglect to leave at least an iota of pessimism at the possibility of yet another empty promise. I am alluding to the PM’s latest promise of a “state of the art” hospital in Roseau. To enhance this abstract idea, Roosevelt Skerrit ingeniously accompanied his proposal with a conceptual exhibition of exaggerated blueprints showcasing everyone’s dream of the ideal place to recover from an illness. Although it may have a pseudo appearance, however, given the allurement of the upcoming need to fill the Roseau South Seat, it would make little sense to question the PM’s generosity to that community. Stay tuned.
In addition to the promise of a hospital in the Roseau Constituency, Roosevelt Skerrit is offering to make $25 million available to farmers in loans to enable them to enhance their farmlands and products. However, before you begin scratching your heads, there must be some logical explanation to this newfound generosity. Although many of you may be doubtful as to whether these proposals have any teeth, I truly am of the firm belief that they in fact do. What is really playing out may be manifestations of an urgency to disburse tens of millions of dollars in order to demonstrate that Dominicans are the beneficiaries of the proceeds of the Citizen By Investment Program. In other words, there seems to be a driving force (some speculate that it may be driven by the Panama Papers, and the recently discovered shell companies and their millions) behind this emergent need to provide evidence of having assisted the people with a significant portion of the massive revenues generated from the nation’s passport sales. Let’s see how this one is going to unfold.
But…..here is the caveat. Beware of the saying that if something appears too good to be true – it probably is. Let’s unpack this $25 million offering to farmers. On first appearance it looks like a kind gesture; upon further examination, however, the devil may be in the details. Here is the million-dollar question: Where is the market for these anticipated products, to ensure that farmers are able to meet their loan obligations? This madness is analogous to offering deals on a set of new tires to someone who is unable to drive a vehicle let alone own one – total insanity. I find it extremely difficult to ‘wrap my head around’ a logical reason that would inspire this PM to plunge a nation of struggling farmers deeper into debt by making onerous loans available to them; this is especially due to the fact that only passport-selling agents have accessibility to a market in the country. Isn’t this stark insensitivity and cruelty to an already afflicted people? And, who will qualify for these loans? Maybe they will be largely offered to party supporters, with no strings attached. It could also be a reckless intimation to these farmers to take the money and run – who knows?
Whatever the motivation behind this sudden push to provide Dominicans with that elusive hospital, and to bailout distressed farmers, let’s watch this one play out. As cited before, I truly believe there is some propelling force thrusting Skerro’s sudden urge to spread the funds around. Whether it be the Panama Papers or some other entity, a struggling nation will gladly accept it. Additionally, how could we neglect to include the PM’s insatiable desire to gin up popularity and revel in grandstanding as a motivational factor? Oh, and autocrats relish any possible chance to elevate humongous architectural structures as emblems of power, authority and rulership – irrespective of the likelihood that they may turn out to be nothing more than white elephants. All we need to do is look at the white elephant State Building – an impracticable structure serving only to swathe none other than the architect of the 1979 revolution; how ironic!! It is therefore conceivable that we may soon be graced with a billboard displaying the following words: Coming soon is The Roosevelt Skerrit General Hospital – A State of the Art Facility. Cross your fingers and toes farmers; your day is coming to the tune of $25 million as well. Hold your horses.
Jeffers Joseph whoever you are have you ever contributed anything to this country? All you ever do is criticize everything the Government has done. Give me some of your contributions besides trying to force your proud and arrogant know it all articles. Get a life and something instead of the long “Show self know it all negative articles” Out of the mouth shows what is in the heart. Pure hatred, envy, jealousy. In your own words speech faking articles.
Interesting post.
This idiot just showed what his mental status was when he posted that crap. He stated that the PM is now giving twenty five million dollars to the farmers (it’s ten million dollars). The hospital will be constructed in the Roseau North Constituency..(what does that have to do with by-election in Roseau South?..and please idiot, tell us Dominicans which ground braking during this administration that has not materializez. I’m waiting.
the white elephant in Cabrits …. you know not because it has been built it has materialize …. if it fails to be operational and produce the outcomes boasted of then it has materialize…. you need to step out of your political box and truly examine things in DA….
Mr stupid or what
Good trick but you are well behind time: PLAN,ASSEMBLY;AND THEN LABOUR.you are going to miss out big time. If you have time in hand put it to good use. Forward we go
Short and sweet; JJ you are an idiot! According to a Novice who once said, Why don’t you get off your high horse and come to DA a make a worthy contribution to the country instead of you keep spewing the garbage you wrote!
Jeffers Joseph – you need to get a life. Think of how many groundbreakings you have done with your shoes walking on the ground. Time to get a life.
Ok, so if we understand the term ‘trash talking’, then we can understand why is a good example of ‘trash writing’.
why…this is…
I really do not see the point of this article.
If you are asking us to wait to see something you think will happen, we will wait. So if it does happen, what are we to make of your piece here? That he is using the sale of passport funds to build infrastructure? But that would be the hold point of what they are doing.
This just seem to me to be a circular argument.
we need to create a new disposal system in which to first fumigate , and then burry the ash mind of the writer of this article!
After reading the article, I realize that the problem is our negative attitudes and not the Government. We have spewed soo many hate against our country that the very death of our words takes effect.
Life and death is in the power of the tongue. Let us use our tongues to Bless our country, pray for her everyday, Pray for her leaders DLP and UWP everyday so that GOD will guide them and those of us who are living comfortable overseas should use our entrepreneur skills to help develop our country in what ever way.
There were so many Ground Breakings by the previous administration,this was the first time I was hearing of so many Ground Breakings. I cant remember that u commented on either of them.
When they traveled to the east to worship the rising SUN , what derived from it? U were around and heard of them This caused their down fall.
I know that u are living a happy life in The Big Apple what do u know about White Elephant What can the residents of ur community on the north {Wesley}claimed to be benefiting from u to ease their economic strains, why don’t u and ur brother start a program so that others might follow or even put something together to enhance the image of the Dominica Police Force where u both belonged to, before migrating to the U.S . I’m listening.
Your venom demonstrates that the writer is spot on…In less than FIVE years,it can safely be said that the past administration accomplished more than the corrupt DLP has, in 16 years…I applaud the writer,and I know that my ears are listening and my eyes are watching this programme,which lacks both transparency and accountability….But rest assured that questions will be answered one day!!! I aCBIlways look forward to this gutsy,tenacious Mr Joseph’s commentary,a man that will not stay quiet,despite what corrupt sycophants and slaves of a corrupt regime say!!!
%, you are just an idiot as the writer of this article! Get a life. You are nothing more than Lennox’s Toilet Tissue.
When the former government broke ground they meant it and the projects always comes to fruition except when they broke ground for the 2000 election campaign an election they lost and couldn’t complete the projects and which the Labour Party government refused to complete even though it was needed by the community.
very well structured.I feel your vibes my brother lets wait an see. but as for me and these culprits seeing is going to be believing for me.
Thank you sire for putting it to this promised nonsense of a scheme, another barrage of innuendoes and false hopes that nothing is happening and nothing will happen. This Skerrit led corrupt government is taking the poor people of Dominica for a ride to a dirty place of doom and gloom, one there is no return but an abyss of more poverty, lies, deceitfulness, and led by a pseudo false prophet. It is sad the state of affairs of Dominica and we have this inept Labour Party government and their distasteful circle of followers to be held accountable. God save Dominica, only if the people of Dominica rise to the occasion t take back their country fro this dangerous government
Mackerelvic, Macovic and Jalousyvic.
I read thru this “blue diatribe” expecting at every line there will be a chronicling of “the many projects that have failed post ground breaking. I completed the commentary very disappointed that there was no such effort. Instead the writer took the opportunity to echo the many negative sentiments of those who oppose the project on the simpleton argument that it is another Skerrit project. I am bold to say that the Morocco funded Hotel be among those Skerrit initiated projects he is referring to. But then he is chaklenged to make the “many” he spoke about. Those Skerrit hatera are something else. I take comfort from the Windsor Park Stadium. Wine the ground breakinfmg ceremony took place. There were many similar comments. We now know who was not joking. They are now saying thru their retired clergyman, that the Windsor Park Stadium is a white elephant. Yes workers!!! All you really good.
You Dominican that all you all do from generation cities any formof development . Am not no party supportor but the hospital is a wanted project..I support it applauded the the Prime minister. YOUR ALL PEOPLE ARE JUST A DISGRACE. . SAME MAN
Senseless piece of garbage.
Again you wrote a story of back in the day ideology, that means it’s a story by the wolf who could not reach the grapes so it says to the monkey eating the grapes that those grapes are the sour kind. The sad thing is that dang monkey saying yes it’s sour but can’t stop eating. A vision was set when it came to education, now look at the progress we gained with so much ones. The Windsor park was called Jurassic park, now we can sit anywhere in the world and see international cricket. Our roads are in better conditions than some of the roads you traverse on the BQE, so it pains me to see you write these misleading articles. The hospital may have taken time but just as the ones you all claimed could never be done was done. PS never remember them breaking grounds for the CT scans they brought in, maybe i missed it.
Also remember that the recently passed banking reform act passes gives the bank powers to take the farmer’s asserts not only his land.When the minister of agriculture recently told farmers that they were responsible for marketing their own bananas it was setting up the scenario which I hope farmers will seriously consider before going to the bank to sign on the dotted line.The same way they built an abattoir without providing the prerequisites to increase the supply of livestock,that is the shoot in the dark philosophy of the Labour party.Those who are profiting from their closeness to Labour will be able to buy these lands cheaply from the banks Duri foreclosure sale
Thanks Mr. Jeffers Joseph,i’m happy to be reading from a deep thinker who can analyze and see through the prime mistake. Like you, i feel and think the same,when it comes to the illegal prime mistake. There is nothing in nothing about in and about this illegal rogues posing as government when it comes to good governance,it’s all power to rob the island. Wish the island had a masses of thinkers like you,others who knows and can think well,should speak out!!!
It is better to play in the arena and lose than to sit on the bench and complain.
If the government is trying something figure out where and how you can help.
Criticizing while you yourself haven’t done anything gives you no credence.
The habit of sitting and waiting and expecting people to do everything for you and give to you is not a progressive mentality, a government alone cannot move a country forward, everybody needs to do their part.
Most of the people that complain are the one’s who do nothing and expect something for free!
Excellent, how true
This article is well written and factual. All you all have to do is punch in Dominica purchase passports and so many sites come up, it is so sick. Stupes, so sad. Dominica sold out to anyone, where is the money?? Labor all the way………………………………
Like you, I have already asked,on this medium, the question why all of a sudden Skerrit is making it appear that CBI money is being used in Dominica..This was (and still is) a totally intransparent programme with no accountability..My ears are tuned to the ground,and my eyes are watching..Re the hospital,again it’s beyond my comprehension,why Skerrit and his gang of scarecrows chose Roseau as the location of this facility..With so many active volcanoes in the south of the islands,not one idiot in the gang, could object this inappropriate location?Some of them travel on climate change conferences,but learn nothing,other than to eat like gluttons.. Keep on writing…Your commentaries are bitter pills that the cabal would prefer not to swallow!!!!!
I took time to read Jeffers Joseph loooong letter not once but twice to look for one thing. If you read the opening of his letter saying IMAGING WHAT DOMINICA WOULD LOOK LIKE BLA BLA BLA one wud expect to see at list one (1) example of a ground breaking that this Government did and didn’t carry on with the project. U was standing Infront a mirror. But as alway from that circle long talking and now substance or FACE TO BACK UP WHAT THEY ARE SAYING. Brother u would know about groundbreaking you know. Because you are part of a team who knows how to break ground when no money is there to even start the project. Let me take your mind back to 1998-2000. Just a couple of many examples that’s our party while in government. The egliston water supply, the caribe territory water supply, the winsor park project just to name a few. The only project they didn’t break ground for was the International Airport. You wana know y they didn’t? It’s because when we starts to demand the means of…
That so called United losers party are running to the Grave yards now who are the people that goes out and vote to put Linton for Pm of Dominica ,The man is stupid he can’t answer questions about anything properly he is always attacking women because he is weak why he does not try it out with a man and see what happens .I WILL not expect DNO to print this letter but I will have my say, Anyone who trying to destroy Dominica just to steal our money and land is an attack on me.
Jeffers Joseph is a confused man who fail to realise that Tropical Storm Erica has set Dominica’s development way behind.
He fail to realize that there are programs in place for farmers to develop their crop and trade.
It’s obvious that he is another foolish diaspora stuck on the outside looking in.
Who are you? And what you want? Why all of you blue vex UWP,jealous of the PM and his achievements. I think i know why!!! Honorable Skerrit is the same little boy in pampers that have you power hungry UWP by the balls. He is doing great things. Things other government could not fulfill. You know what, because you all know you all can never win by ballot, so you are plotting to try and get him out by any means,
VERY WELL ARTICULATED
you could not have said it better. Skerritt is using his reverse psychology to trap everybody because he is now realizing the sun is going down on him. The same evil skerritt is dealing with to stay on top that same evil has and will take him down. Time will Tell.
Very interesting article indeed.
Always Assertive!
I am still waiting for examples of these empty promises or as you put it ground faking.
This article reminds me of the Michael Jordan Nike Commercial.
“I wanna be like Mike”
You sir are a first class fool with Loss of power symdrome suffered by the UWP for the last 15 years……. You seem to forget conveniently all of the ground breaking ceremonies held by the UWP in their final months in office??? Your bias is glaring and apparent…….continue singing sankey for your super
Syndrome*
One really has to wonder why these people spend so much time being so critical of Dominica, what exactly is their motive? Is this because of love of country? is it because they feel they have the right to criticize and so they do? Is it more personal than anything else?
If only they would use all that energy in a more productive way, contributing to Dominica’s development, then our beloved country would be a much better place
The opposition reminds me of an abusive spouse who tells his or her spouse, you see what you are making me do? I do & say bad things to you because I love you and try to put ice on the black eye he or she gave.
If I were on the receiving end of the abuse, I would rather you tell me you hate me and I know exactly where I stand with you; some of us need to hear the words because we like to forgive if it is not spelt out, and sometimes when spelt out to make sure we understand what is said, we still say, well that is not what he or she meant.
Like the word which was used and rhyme with astute. No one including a country need these kinds of abuse from people pretending to care.
Thank God the Voters of this country are intelligent and have foresight and will not allow these abuses to be rewarded. We have the power. Our Vote is our power. We know our rights and will exercise it until there is an opposition who we believe is better than the DLP certainly not now.
Savarin’s famous calypso was always about ground breaking by the Edison James UWP Administration. I wonder what would be his comments on the many ground breaking by Skeritt. He once said that the UWP was breaking ground so frequently, if they were to be given two terms in office, the Dominica would be considered the earthquake capital of the world. It would appear the Skeritt Labor Administration has broken UWP’S record. By the way, expect another ground breaking or water breaking, don’t forget during the by election in Soufreirre he promised the people a new jetty.
That is just another scam and propaganda. I bet my villas that Skerrit not going to build ANY hospital. The man cannot fix what he met is build he going to build a new one, we fools? As far as I am concerned Skerro getting ready for general election. which could very much be this year, so faking to build hospital is his way of fooling Dominicans again like he has always done. But the sad thing is the way those little boys and little girls ministers of his helping to sell him out as the absolute hope. How sad! But then again I can’t blame them that much because they know very well that apart from Ian Douglas, Justina Charles, and Roselyn Paul, who all run in DLP stronghold constituencies, and they will win no matter what, the rest of them know very well that they CANNOT win any election without Skerrit, because he has the money to buy it for them.
You have played right into the hands of the opposition and supporters. Obviously, you are one of them. Your purpose is to also decry and debase the PM and his government. What satisfaction will you derive from this?
The Chinese government is responsible for building the new hospital. So what is your problem with this groundbreaking, calling it fake-breaking? You have projected what is in your heart.
I read in a Toronto newspapers that the Panama Papers are untrue. When I read it I thought of D/ca. I clipped out the article. I will have to look for it; too busy now..
The farmers are complaining. The PM is granting them some funds which will assist them. You find fault with it. Why not suggest as I would and others that a condition should be set for the farmers to receive the money and proof they will utilize it for the intended purpose?
Some of you love to criticize, stir up trouble and lack of peace in D/ca. It is known whose side you are on.
Pm Granting funds,…..!!!!What funds….where is it….? The Facts are that, we have been hearing of handover money t this and to that, yet we continue to see poverty, unemployment rising and starvation in Dominica. It will continue to be beak future in Dominica for years under this visionless and corrupt labour government.
the Chinese government is responsible for renovating the new hospital and not responsible for its improved or lack of services and operations there. The government has no plans for economic development that is why under Skerrit Dominica has become a begging society, running here there and everywhere being doctored by false promises while Dominican’s are made to wait for their handouts crumbs, such as the red clinic. Shame on this labour government.
This one is another ground faking. Because of the existing hospital with so many patient Skerro and his fake boys could not have ground breaking sewo exactly where the so called building will be erected, tell me how he is going to build hospital the same place, over sick people. If he was serious Dominica has a lot of empty land and he would either build the hospital somewhere else or, move the PMH patients and staff to another location like his mansion in Viellecase, or the Villas so he could get some of that money. The man is a joker and is only concerned about winning elections and all he will do is start something just before he calls election sometime in Dec. 2016 – early 2017.
I know Dr. Darroux is hopeful, but Darroux, remember what Skerro said a day t after Blackmoore spoke his nonsense “I wish to make it very clear that as Prime Minister I have the absolute trust and confidence of Chief of Police Mr. Daniel Carbon… ” Is not ur will but what SKERRIT WILL
@ HITA please tell me where you would erect the new hospital, did you do a research to find out what part of the island is at a higher risk if one of our volcanoes erupted? Am trying to understand what’s wrong with building where they’re building right now? people go to the hospital get better and go home, you make it sound like that was a nursing home that these people reside there year in year out. What if it was, is the work not going to be done after two to three years? Some of you have such childish behavior it’s a shame that we have read such none patriotic statements.
Y’all were whining and complaining when you didn’t know the whereabout of the CBI monies, what it was being spent on, or who was hiding it for nefarious reasons. Now you know where the money is , what it is being used for (to benefit Dominicans medically, and it will be a boost to farmers), you still complaining. Why don’t you use your time constructively and help the farmers find viable markets for their produce; manufacturing facilities to create by-products for sale locally and for export,; and celebrate the fact that Dominicans will not have to go overseas for medical care.
Tired complain!
How are they going to their farms when they have no roads. You people think with ur feet.I was in DA recently and I tell u I am ashamed of what I saw.roseau is like a village in Haiti.The hospital is a big shame .why can’t u guys call a spade a spade? If u all say it as it is I think the PM will do more and not sit on his laurels? It is because of people like u that Dominica is in the state that it is>How many people leave that hospital walking? tell me .90% leave in a body bag and u call that progress? The almost broke his feet in a hole in the street of Roseau right close to the social security building.I wanted him to sue the government. Do u call that progress? Roseau is the same as it was 40 years ago. no improvement.U stupid fool.Wonder what u do for a living
How many times did you review this piece of article before sending it to DNO, this is pure garbage. For a number of reasons.
Firstly, you mentioned so many groundbreaking: next time provide examples that the PM has broken ground and nothing has happened. Secondly, as a Dominica, you should stop trying to break everything that we are trying to archive in Dominica. Instead of lamenting on a modernized hospital coming to Dominica, offer suggestions. Instead of crying down the government for offering $25m to farmers, congratulate them.
In all the postings that I have read it just shows that you do not like the administration and no matter what they do, you will try to tear it down.
Lol,,,…lol….lol….”Trying to achieve….” you are so right. Happy that you have woken up.!!!!! I could not have said it better.
What is it and who is it that …” we are trying to achieve in Dominica”. Ge serious Mahaut, wake up from your political hidden Hut.