I speak here to all sides including myself. Like everybody else, I have my own biases. I have never pretended to be what I am not.
I also appreciate that not everybody will support the issues, positions and opinions I have dared to share with the public. But, as it is their right to choose, I am also within my constitutionally guaranteed right to choose as well. Because I do not subscribe to the ongoing media based, partisan crusade, mask under the very attractive guise of seeking after the truth, does that make me unintelligent, lacking immoral and ethical values that I should not be heard?
Does that make me less of a human being? Sorry to disappoint. I have been following developmental issues here for more than 30 years and so I do possess an acute mind for politically and partisan-driven subterfuge activities. When I see wrong doing, I know it. When I see hypocrisy and selfishly driven programs, I know it. When I see a media frenzy of “everything negative in Dominica, I know it. When I see farmers calling “sour grapes” after the fact with nothing to show for all the intelligence, experience and technology they possess, I know. When I see a well planned, but disguised program intent on fanning the burning embers of conflict and anarchy, I know.
But even with my own biases, some may say petty, politically-bias views I do have the ability to see, judge and act. I am confident that I can rise to the occasion in an objective way, whatever the issue. I repeat. Who does not have biases? I am sure there will be a response promoting a bias for good, accountable and transparent governance, ethics, democracy, freedom to information etc. Whilst we might differ on the strategy (the how) for achieving the same within the confines of the law and our institutions, we all do agree that these are exceptional qualities that any country would want to aspire to.
In present day Dominica we seemingly are caught up in a suicidal act of trying to be the only one (person or group) to bring development to Dominica. And if it is not me or my party that brings development to Dominica, then nobody else shall. It is as though we have declared open warfare (some say political tribalism) on Dominica’s development. Every discussion topic in the media, whatever the subject matter, has to take on a partisan slant. Even when obvious development (social, infrastructural etc) takes place before our very eyes, we chose not to acknowledge the same for fear of appearing to be softening up as it were. So we hold dear to opposing and opposing at all costs, never relenting, forever dissenting.
In certain sections of the media, when the news about Dominica is damning of its people and institutions, not to mention government officials, it is promoted to the farthest corner of the world. When the news is endearing to the aspirations of the Dominican people and gives a certain amount of kudos to the government it is criticized as nonsensical, not representing the truth and in large measure swept under the carpet. One popular talk-show host told me once that promoting the success of government is the job of the GIS. His job is to look for the “other side”.
This situation is getting worst by the day. It is as though a certain level of irritancy has set in as the “people’s” response that has been advocated, has not materialized. But we continue to speak for the “people” nevertheless. In so doing we have become immune to the barriers that we ourselves have placed between us – supposedly a civilized people. Frankly speaking, these barriers will only result in a retardation of Dominica’s development.
I have advanced the foregoing view points to illustrate how far we have gone. I am however very mindful of Prime Minister Skerrit’s constant public submission that he does not believe that his ruling Labour Party is endowed with all of the answers and strategies for Dominica’s development. Given the frequency that he has repeated that statement, I have concluded that he is extending a participatory hand to whomever wishes to assist with other ideas and strategies that would compliment ongoing development programs. This is laudable indeed.
In our political system, it is expected that those who seek to replace the present government will be loathed in offering any such assistance without consideration to the possibility of upstaging the ruling party. That is the nature of our politics. Any less of an expectation would be foolish. According to a former prime minister, this is “the cut and thrust” of our political system. It does not mean however, that in attempting to score political points when going after the opportunistic “political jugular” of our opponents, we must be in constant, never-ending “cutting and thrusting” at each other. I hereby submit that there is much political kudos to be gained by both sides when government and opposition are seen or appear to be working together. The threat of political strife, chaos and confusion in society would be greatly reduced. A peaceful country is what we all seek after. Can we therefore find a common formula for advancing that which we all desire? Is it beyond us to be civil with each other rather than the absolute character assassination that has become a daily development in our country?
The search for peace and understanding among our people is not as elusive as we might think. First of all we have to desire it – and desire it badly. Before we desire peace, understanding and respect among us we must first of all recognize that there is need for a more cordial, Christian relationship between our people. On the face of it, even when we stand proud and refer to ourselves as Christians and “born again” we are constantly at war with each. Recently, a pastor was heard in one of the “people’s parliament” crying down fire and brimstone on the government and its supporters.
Wait a minute. Shouldn’t that “man of the cloth”, an espoused Christian – meaning a Christ-like person, display greater expressions of love, tolerance, non-judgmental attitude and understanding of the country’s leaders? Has he lost sight of the need to pray for our leaders – and in this case both government and opposition? Shouldn’t he have been praying for God to imbue all our leaders with wisdom, truth, justice and understanding and to allow God to decide who among our leaders are better equipped to deliver on these social, spiritual ethical and moral virtues? Shouldn’t he have been praying for a more equitable, just and Christian society? Isn’t that his responsibility as the representative of Jesus among his people? I wonder what his congregation is like. If all are of the same political, partisan complexion, something definitely has got to be wrong. That would be defying the law of human nature in every way. Consider that even from among the twelve that Jesus himself chose to specifically walk with him, one went amiss. Jesus cleansed ten lepers, only one returned to say thanks. Human beings do not think and behave alike on every issue, all the time.
Our speech, either by way of innuendos or straight name-calling tends, only to heap coals of political and social dysfunction fire on each other’s head. When will the character assassination cease? Our Christian values must determine how we treat with each other. When we believe that the other human being can never do any good but only evil, and embrace unto ourselves soaring moral and ethical values to the high heavens, we are but evil, and certain less than Christian. When will we recognize that we are becoming less human when we see only sin, wrong doing, immorality and disgrace in another human being? Is that what we were created for? Aren’t we all created in his image and likeness?
This is not to say that we ought not to call a “spade a spade” or identify and speak about wrong doing in the society. Absolutely not. I submit with every fibre of my being that any “wrong doing” remains a “wrong doing” irrespective of who does it. The difficulty arises when we see and highlight the “wrong doing” of the other side and then turn an utterly blind eye on the “wrong doing” of our side, our associates and well wishers. At this juncture, the question must be asked: Is it fair therefore to identify, scrutinize and publicize, for months, years on end now, the perceived, as yet “legally unproven wrong doings” of the government and in the same breath uphold the other side as repositories of high moral values and ethics, when the opposite is the unqualified truth. When we take such manipulative stances, we then lose the moral right to speak about any other wrong – irrespective.
But there is but a faint light of hope down the tunnel. This is the season of hope and so I draw strength and optimism from the following incidents. After the 2004 and again after the 2009 general elections, Prime Minister Skerrit offered an apology to all those he might have wronged during the “cut and thrust” of the general elections campaign. The day before Mr. Brisbane delivered his petition to the president, he submitted on radio that in his present and past campaigns, he has made mistakes along the way. He has not been a perfect human being. Sir Brian Alleyne, eminent regional jurist, has offered a mea aculpa for his role in not pushing for the establishment of the position of “Parliamentary Obudsman” during the 15 long years that he served in government, including two stints as attorney general. Senior Counsel Tony Astaphans is on record acknowledging his own shortcomings on one or more issues he has defended and offered an apology. These are all positive indications that all is not lost.
Sadly, I am not aware of any occasion when the official opposition in Dominica or its more recognized media operative (s) has for once volunteered an apology of sorts or recognition of their own frailness for any action done or left undone. It has been a life size ego all the way. To this day years after the infamous bugging allegations against a former Prime Minister, there is still talk in certain circles of “there is no smoke without fire”. You would want to think that the public apology and the money that was paid as a result would have brought closure to that sorry episode in our political life. That attitude is food for aloofness and will not assist in nation building. In fact it has become feisty occasions, like sharks in a bloody frenzy.
As a God-fearing country, we can certainly do better. We can begin by exercising simple decent courtesy to each other. Each one of us is deserving of recognition. We can achieve so much more as a nation if we learn a few simple lessons for respecting each other and the various talents that each one of us brings to the development process of Dominica.
Yes! We have issues. We will never agree all the time on the same development agenda, how it should be achieved and who should lead it. But we agree that the differences ought not and should not be stronger than the bonds that unite us. There are many of us who do not and perhaps will not get any opportunity to settle elsewhere. This is our land – our very own, so we have to build it. How can we do that? We can start with respect for each other. An appreciation for each other’s worth. There can be “unity, even in diversity”. Let us therefore seek to maximize on the areas we agree. Let us maximize the positive attributes of each other. Let us cultivate greater respect and love for each other. Where necessary, let us settle whatever our differences are within the limits of established judicial review systems. Importantly, we must commit ourselves to turning down the evil rhetoric and partisan vitriol that has gripped our nation for so long.
May the celebration of the coming of the Christ child, bring us new hope. Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to everybody.
Ronald, you stirred up a honets nest. Unfortunately, your peice so well put together will only be ready by those who see that you were speaking to the opposition. The opposition in turn will hail “fire and brimstone” on youir head because they think you are protecting Mr. Skerrit. Either waythe true essence of the article willbe lost because we live in such a partisan polarized society. It is all well to discuss, dialogue and even argue political issues, that is our right, but for us here in Dominica, the party rules supreme. How unfortunate. The message is clear for all to read. It never challenged anmyones right top freely speak and associate. What it did was to appeal to our christian calling, in that even if we disagree on how Dominica should be run, or vene if Mr. Skerrit willbe found guilty of criminally deceiving the Electoral Process, shouldn’t we treat him another fallen comrade, forgive him and move on to develop Dominica?. When we fight with each other so every day, how canwe unite, when Skerrit is out of the equation to build Dominica. Is there anybody in Dominica”s politics today with a magic wand to wave in order to unite the country – after Skerrit falls? That is the inherent message.
Well written Ronald. Will we see you in 2015?
To Lizavier4Jesus
Why is it you always want to make a thing true based on your religious beliefs., Everything has to suit your religious beliefs to make it right or wrong, notice i used the word “religious beliefs” that is a terrible way to go through life.Religion seems to have a way of making people abandon logic and thinking The more the fruits of knowledge become accessible to men, the more widespread is the decline of religious belief . I always say If God doesn’t like the way I live, let him tell me, not you.When i look around I see we have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.
Lizavier4Jesus speaks truth not from a religion perspective but from the perspective of the word. Stop making excuses for living your life how you want to and even say that God will speak to you. Not everyone of us can hear his voice. We have to prepare ourselves ie be sanctified so his presence can be with us. We have to prepare ourselves to seek his face. It is not automatic and it is not religion either. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts us but we have to be vessels. We cannot say we serve the Father and yet live how we want to and say i fhe doesnot like it , he will tell us. This is not religion. The Father has given us directions in his words and we have to live in obedience and live in the spirit. Living in the Flesh, we will find fault with everything and everyone, but in the Spirit and fully surrendered to him, we will understand what is happenning around us and understand phrophesy. He has also chosen persons / individuals to do his work in the World and if youread the holy book, you will notice that he can use anyone even a donkey to speak to us.
This is not religion. This is facing the truth from Heavenly Fathers’s words and commandments.
Sorry to have strayed from the topic in question but I had to speak to my bro Gary and let him see another side.
Gary one can only speak and understand when they have experienced what was spoken about. My challenge to you is to surrender all to him note well I did not say go to this church or that church. Seek his face and develop a personal relationship with him. Be humble and recognise that even still you can make mistakes and lean on his everlasting arm. The Spirit will convict even when you do anything against him. Gary this is a nice experience.
To Gary
For the past couple days I have noticed some of the comments you posted, they had nothing to do with me of course. But I actually respected what you had to say. Why? Because you spoke with the same understanding that I had pertaining to the particular news articles. A couple days ago I even posted a comment to commend something that you said, as I agreed with you. I never thought I would do that, as I know that you do not like me.
It is unfortunate that you continue to disagree with me everytime I speak about God, and His Words in Jesus Christ. But you need to understand that I cannot stop doing this work, as God has willed me to it. Everyone around me sees and knows that God is working through me. And I will not exchange that glorious privilege for the whole world. Jesus once told His disciples: “My “food” is to do the work of the Father, who sent me.” It is the same way with me. I am being fed Spiritually, as by my faith, and through the control of His Holy Spirit, God does His work in and through me.
God is Spirit, and He needs a physical body and voice, by the control of His Holy Spirit to do His work–whatever that work is. And believe me, God does all sorts of work in this world. That is the reason it was imperative that He took on Flesh and Blood, identifying Himself as the Son, in the Person of Jesus Christ. God’s greatest work in this world was to suffer, bleed, and die, on the cross that you might have Eternal Life. The person whom God has chosen to do His work, cannot stop Him from doing what He has planned to do through them.
But believe me, I am definetly not telling you how to live your life, I have no authority to do that. Even God, Himself, does not tell us how to live. He simply gave us a choice by telling us that if we obey His commands we will live; but if we disobey them, we have chosen to follow Satan. But Satan wants us to die. Jesus simply asked us to desire to become like Him, to be His disciples. And He said: “If you are my disciples, you will know the Truth and the Truth will make you free”. I know this kind of “freedom” that Jesus is talking about, and I wish that you could know it for yourself.
Watcher for Jesus
Thank you once more again for standing up on my behalf. I have tried over and over to explain to Gary that I have nothing to do religion. He has refused to accept this; but because of God’s Holy Spirit in me, I understand that it is Gary who needs spiritual wisdom and understanding. His accusations does nothing to me, but it is unfortunate that he continues to believe that he knows everything, as he turns away from Life–the Love of God Almighty in His Person, Jesus Christ.
But you and I can maintain hope and pray on his behalf, that it is God’s will for Gary to come to know Him. And if so, the time will come. Jesus has said: “My Father chooses my people for me.” When this happens to a person, he/she will know it. Let us hope and pray on behalf of those persons who will become sensitive to the presence of God in their lives, by the manifestation of His Holy Spirit.
Remain in the Life of Love, by your faith in God, through Jesus Christ. May He bless you with abundant peace and joy–the energy of your soul–this yuletide season. Amen!
Hi Mr Charles
Nice article indeed. I took my time to read and indeed you have touched on some of the issues that is really affecting us a people. Let us capitalise on the good and the old people would say “tke the good and cover the bad” . We seem to be intigating a civil war in our own country.
A very objective article. Hope some of those who hate would read and take in what was said.
People Mr Charles spoke on something that I have always said ‘ Let us pray for our Leaders so we can enjoy the peace in our nation. All let us remember , we are not perfect and we are apt to make mistakes but we jump on the backs of our fellowmen instead and spew hatred and create a violent and intolerant sociey.
As we appraoch the season, where we celebrate the birth of the one who died for our sin, let us pause and reflect and see if we are doing the will of our Blessed and Loving Father.
Love to all.
Ronald Charles concluded that Skerritt is extending a participatory hand to whomever wishes to assist with other ideas and strategies that would compliment ongoing development programs. Ronald must be mentally deranged. Participatory? Go ask the people of Layou who will DIE SLOWLY from those poisonous fumes from that asphalt plant close to the village against the wishes of the entire community. What does PARTICIPATORY mean?
Skerritt mistrusts Dominicans and LIES to the TEETH in BROAD DAYLIGHT. Why is Ronald so upset by claiming that persons who are concerned about BAD GOVERNANCE, CORRUPTION and GREED have some partisan motive?. How many National Projects undertaken have stakeholders and communities been consulted before implementation of those projects? For example, Which DLP Govt. consulted Dominicans about the $27,000,000.00 President PALACE? What about the COFFEE PLANT or the OIL REFINERY? Who speaks about that are partisan?
So many non-participatory acts Is that what you compliment Skerrit and the DLP Govt. for? Which local Dominican Construction was invited to tender for that huge capital project, the President Palace? So no local Construction Co. has the ability or capacity to build that PALACE? How comes is the Chines Co. building it? Ronald don’t you think that the money should be better spent in one of the PRODUCTIVE Sectors? Agriculture or Manufacturing or Agro-processing?
Ronald’s article expresses a lack of sincerity, totally in defense of a corrupt regime led by Skerritt? He takes issue throughout to chastise those who dare express their God given RIGHT to FREELY express their concerns and dissatisfaction with those in Public Office who commit criminal acts. The facts are all there for all to see.
Wasn’t PM Skerritt a dual citizen at the time of Nomination in the 2009 Elections? Didn’t he LIE about it? Isn’t that a serious criminal offense against the CONSTITUTION? Isn’t Skerritt an ILLEGAL PM? What about the numerous SCANDALS involving those people of HIGH REPUTE? RUBBISH BIN and FERTILIZER BOBOLS, Trafalgar Land deal, ownership of VILLAS and SO ON and SO ON and SO ON? No investigation and you are not worried about that? Why does Ronald feel that Dominicans should not SPEAK about those irresponsible and CORRUPT acts? Any body who speaks against corrupt practices are PARTISAN? COME on Ronald.
I could bore a huge HOLE in that article filled with ridiculing of persons who show sincerity and patriotism in standing up against what you seem to condone. Not because you support a party or Govt that everything the party or Govt. does is OK and so you find fault with anyone who criticizes even constructively.
Ronald be in defense of TRUTH, FACTS, RIGHTEOUSNESS, HONEST, INTEGRITY, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY. The article is pungent with RULING PARTY BIASNESS. Ronald you failed in trying to be diplomatic with the written word. Any right thinking Dominican reading that article could pinpoint many instances of utter arrogance for the TRUTH. Why attempt to put all blame on talk show hosts or others who are not afraid to express themselves against Dictatorial motives? Dominicans know that the DLP Govt. has been inefficient, incompetent, corrupt, with an ILLEGAL PM Skerritt in the helm. Their actions speak much louder than their words. Do not gloss over falsehoods and Bad Govt. The facts are stubborn things to accept.
I thought that it was only the PM who had dual citizenship. There were others who also had dual citizenship and has been in Public Office. Isn’t that so?
Mr. Charles in his openning statement admitted to having his biasness as well and not pretending to be what he is not.
What about your article above? Is it pungent with “Oppositon Party biasness” (I refuse to put this in Capital letters. Capital letters speaks to persons by screaming. This is writing protocol).
Mr Ronald Charles tried his best in bringing an objective article that would seek to bring a more peaceful community. You seem to barage him but I could also say that your article above too seems to be in search of a “more intolerant and violent and anarchial society” which I must say in my own true biasness is what is being potrayed by the seemingly opposition party that you support. This is not strange since we all know their aim and ambitions is to get into power not by the ballot but by stirring anarchy in our peaceful country.
Sir I expect you will spew negatives towards me but as I always say the pit dug for another, we usually fall in it. Let us say the Opposition wins the next election. Is this the kind of people you would want to be in the country – the same you stirred and incited to getting all they want by violence and gossip and demonstrations and hate games? Let us wait. Time will tell and this is, sir, my humble biasness as well.
But the prayers of the Righteous will not go unanswered as I know we have a lot of prayers and fasting on behalf of our Nation. We must pray for our leaders so peace will reign in this country. You can also this is my humble biasness as well. We need peace here not war. We can disagree peacefully and what about going to the house of Assembly to give your inputs to the development of the Nation. Isnot this the forum for airing your concerns and laying down your alternative plans. This again is one of my humble biasness. Leaders should act as adults and not children. What are these leaders protraying to the young ones – intolerant and is this the way that you would like to see our young ones behave when we are on our walking sticks and all grey haired? This again is one of my humble biasness.
Wow! I do not agree with everything thing the writer said, but he made certain excellent comments. It is his own irrespective of his self confess bias, but we do need more people to share their opinions whether we agree with it or not. He certainly did not hide his bias like some “media practitioners” do when they hide behind the cloak of journalists but go on to spell out the in very lucid way the agenda of the opposition. He was true to himslef and that is what we need more of in Diominica. People who would call a spade a spade; a wrong a wrong irrespective of who did it or how much tiome has passed. If Skerritis worng today, Ron green was wrong yesterday. Letus agree on that.Itis common sense. The Dominican people will forgive Ron and Skerrit, as we must but both must coem to agree that they were wrong in the first place. Ron served in the parliamentand government illegally before Skerrit. He served in the house with Skerrit. Both were worng. So why is Skerrit wrong today on the same issue that Ron was gulity of yesterday? oh,I forget, this time Ron was not elected and he nomination and appointment too place afterhe renounced the US citizenship. Scholarly, a wrong is a wrong.
I believe scholarly missed the point. he failed to recognize that his right to be a christian and a citizen, active in the development process was not criticized. In fact this is laudable. What was criticized is the manner in which he, like most of us chose to show “love” to each other. His attitude was not different to that of the evil one – looking for bloodshed and mayhem. The writer did not ask “the man of the cloth” to change allegiance. What he clearly inferred is that even with your allegiance remaining in tact, but, as a spiritual leader he can demonstrate greater love and respect to even the one he percieve or know is doing a wrong. What would Christ do in this situation? He would most certainly call a spade a spade. But he would do it in love. That is his commands to us and that is what we need in Dominica.
The writer is right on tract. Let us hold on to the good and reject the bad.
To What’s Up
You response to Scholarly is so much like mine, it would seem as if I copied from you, since you posted before me. But then you should notice that Scholarly’s post is before yours, so I got to it before I read yours, as I started from the first comment on my screen.
However, I hope you have noticed that God teaches us; and those of us who receive His teachings receive the same message by the wisdom and revelation of His Holy Spirit. That truth can be seen in the comparison of your sentiment and mine to Scholarly.
Let us give thanks to God, for His teachings of Love–Life in us– by our faith and the power of His Holy Spirit. And also let us pray that God will raise more people in Dominica, and in this world for that matter, like Mr. Ronald Charles.
Did not think that i would have read the whole article but it was actually interesting. It’s all about respect. I like that you make no apology about being bias. At least you are being honest.
Mr. Charles, a man of the cloth can be a citizen and a Christian at the same time. And if you are a Christian, you should understand that faith and works are BOTH necessary to follow the teachings of the Word. Just as you have an opinion and a right to speak, so does this man of the Cloth. In fact, praying without speaking up about the issues, seems to me an esoteric and ineffective way to bring about needed change in any society. You make some good points in this piece, but indeed there are many logical fallacies in your argument that are a symptom of the greater problems of Dominican democracy. Perhaps as a nation, we might think of building and furnishing more places (LIBRARIES) for our citizens to read and think about what democracy is, what it does and how each citizen can participate in credible civic engagement, rather than have so many fake pundits who clearly need to do a little more reading and thinking before offering their two cents on issues.
To Scholarly
Pertaining to your understanding of “faith and works” you have missed the point. According to the message of Mr Charles, that Pastor was definetly not demonstrating “works” as of the traits of Love, which is the message of God, in His Letter–the Holy Bible.
Mr. Charles did describe the nature of “works” that this pastor should be doing as a Man of Cloth. I agree with him. Yes, as a pastor, he has the right to feel disturbed about unlawfulness in his environment, but his responsibility is to take those concerns to God through personal relationship. By faith and through the authority of His Holy Spirit, God will show him how to approach those disturbing matters.
The people of Israel were a very rebellious and unfaithful people, towards God, as they lived in the wilderness. They expressed no reverence to God Almighty, who, through His servant Moses, had released them from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. Do you know that God forbade Moses, the leader He chose to deliver those people from bondage in Egypt, to enter the Promised Land?
Yes, Moses died in the wilderness as punishment from God! Why? Because Moses expressed his frustration against those people, who unfairly rebelled against God, Himself. How did Moses do that? The people complained as usual, this time it was about not having drinking water.
Moses took that matter before God as he usually did. God commanded Moses to go back to the people and speak a rock before them, that it might release drinking water by His words of authority, through Moses. But in his frustration against the rebellious nature of the people, Moses strike the rock in anger.
God could not hold back His authority, for by His words it had already been executed. Besides it would have been a defeat to His glory before the people. So He allowed water to flow out of the rock; but He told Moses: Because you did follow my command, you will not enter the Promised Land. Joshua was given the privilege to lead the Israelite into the Promised Land. Moses was given the privilege to look down at the Promised Land from the top of a mountain, where he eventually died.
My point of that story? A man of God must allows himself to be guided by God’s Holy Spirit, in him. I know for sure, that the conduct, which Mr Charles mentioned in regards to that particular Pastor, is not the conduct of God’s Holy Spirit. Jesus advised us to love and forgive our enemies, not call for their destruction.
Yes, faith is not just saying “I believe” We need to demonstrate or put to work what we believe. That work of faith is the demonstration of Love–the Life of Jesus Christ–which is the Light of our awakened soul. This kind of work is not a demonstration of anger, resentment, or a side-taking attitude and conduct to satisfy a person’s ego
correction
speak to a rock
because you did not follow my command
Good article I read every word and agree with much of what you said.
Problem is that you’re preaching to the choir. UWPites don’t want to hear any talk about peace and reconciliation as long as Skerrit is in power.
Let us not worry about what they will hear. Let us believe that nothing is impossible with God.