Local Government was introduced to Dominica as part of a system of political decentralization by the British to administer the island. These comprise of three (3) municipal (urban) councils, the Roseau City, the Portsmouth Town and the Canefield Urban councils which were established over one hundred years ago. The Carib (Kalinago) and thirty-seven (37) Village councils have been strong and effective functioning institutions in their more than fifty (50) years of existence.
These Local Government bodies which function under Chapter 190 of the 1961 revised laws of Dominica are popularly elected bodies ‘empowered by law’ to regulate and administer affairs in their respective areas. It is a system of institutionalised political decentralization which fosters local autonomy, popular bi-partisan and inclusive participation in the life and development of demarcated areas. The entities were funded by government grants for requested projects and from local house and land taxes.
The development of Village councils goes back to the 1930’s and to the events in the village of Marigot. In 1933, ten (10) villagers including former Minister of Government, the late W.S. Stevens, a school principal at the time, organized in order for them to improve the conditions of the village. In 1963, there were ten (10) Village Councils, twenty (20) in 1968, thirty (30) in 1975 and thirty-seven (37) in 2002.
The councils have been the most “grass-roots “and by far the most bi-partisan and effective arm of government within Dominica’s ‘democratic’ system. But that was before Skerrit became PM. He has since abolished the Ministry of Community Development which was responsible for Local Government and replaced it with the Ministry for Constituency Empowerment. Observers allege that this new portfolio is nothing more than a conduit through which funds and resources are passed to the councils to do Skerrit’s political work.
Sir Clarence Seignoret, then President of Dominica, in his June, 1991 Presidential Address at the House of Assembly he stated, ‘The functions and objectives of Local Government are to develop local institutions and leadership potential at the community level capable of managing the development of their areas. These objectives are central to any true democracy and can be achieved through an effective Local Government system.”
Today these entitles have fallen prey to big money and are viewed as political footballs embroiled in a bigger game they don’t understand. Mr. Skerrit presents himself at the village council inaugurations and acts like Santa Claus carrying envelopes with large cheques with promises of more later.
The monetary reward each council gets depends if they are ‘naughty or nice’- on their level of loyalty and the amount of ‘pirating’ it does for Skerrit.
At the St. Joseph Village council’s 21st inaugural meeting in March, Skerrit said that $15,000 will be distributed to the St. Joseph Farmers group to purchase fertilizer to aid in farming activities, while a second amount of $278,000 will be given to the council to put into effect proper washroom facilities within the community. He will also make available a further amount of $113,000 for the construction of a foot bridge. A few weeks earlier during a Labour party public meeting in that same village which was broadcast live on radio, he instructed his supporters to call the UWP leaders traitors wherever and whenever they are seen.
Later in March, with rumours of the pending resignation of the popular UWP Roseau South MP due to legal issues, Skerrit raced to that constituency to attend the Giraudel/Eggleston Village council meeting. He gave a cheque of $80,000 and promised that he will engage the energy company DOMLEC in discussions to procure eight (8) street lights for these communities.
After announcing the June 7th date of the bi-election in the Soufriere constituency in April, ‘uncle’ Skerrit once again pulled out a cheque worth $597,000 out of his back pocket and presented it to the Soufriere/ Scotts Head/ Gallion Village Council for community projects.
Skerrit also hosted a party on the same day in Soufriere where he met with almost 100 people. The cheque presentation and the ‘sewo’(honey) campaign event pictures quickly appeared on ‘Facebook’.
Did any of these councils formally requested in writing with specific details the need for project funds as required by law? On what basis did the PM determine the rational and timing of the awards? Were proper procurement protocols followed and adhered to or these are just exercises in political expediency?
How and what formula if any was used to determine the amount of the grant awards? These are vexing questions that lead to more questions than answers. Why is Skerrit planning to repeal and replace the Public Procurement and Contract Administration Act No.11 of 2012?
Many allege that unprofessional and probably illegal behavior is just Skerrit (‘in-your face’) breaking the laws of Dominica because he thinks can get away with it. He always concludes his ‘Santa Claus’ gift trips to the councils’ events with a juvenile like ‘tongue lashing’ of Mr. Linton, the UWP Opposition leader.
This alleged blatant abuse of power by this PM means that public accountability of government’s funds opens the door to massive fraud and corruption. If no written formal requests were made with progress reporting time lines with expense reports, then no one can be held responsible.
If that is the case, then Labour party stalwarts in the councils may now not be accountable to the government for their performance or lack there –of in the use of these funds. What probably matters are if they are doing Skerrit’s political work. This dangerous reality of the allege appearance of the ‘purchasing’ and dismantling of the traditional model of Local Government is one with far reaching consequences for a long time for Dominica.
For over 50 years, it has been successfully demonstrated in Dominica and in the sub-Caribbean region that decentralization, enhancement of Local Government and participation of civil society in governance have been a major force of development, especially in rural areas. This writer can attest to this fact growing up in the rural eastern village of La Plaine.
The Local Government protocol has commanded the attention of major international agencies, academicians and policy-makers throughout the world. Today the heightened interest in these inter-related concepts and practices is driven by a growing imperative for developing countries around the globe to find ways to improve the quality of governance, deliver services in a more cost effective, transparent and legally responsible manner.
Opinions expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
Dr. Emanuel Finn ,
This writer can attest to growing up in the rural eastern village of Riviere Cryique during the 1970s where roads were deplorable. pit latrines was evident and you walked 1/4 mile to collect water.
What if the article read as such. After announcing the June 7th date of the bi-election in the Soufriere constituency in April, ‘uncle’ Skerrit once again pulled out a cheque worth $597,000 out of his back pocket and presented it to the LaPlaine Village Council for community projects.
Just a thought ……..Incomprehensible….you said it best…..”Unfortunately, when the disadvantaged is desperate for immediate relief, they will happily take hand-outs, and not look into long-term efforts for change, as that cannot come soon enough.”
Very good article by Dr Finn,with an accurate review of the current situation in Dominica.It’s very sad that it has come to this.It is a society which is in decay right now,its undergoing entropy,and all the dirty energy Skerritt brought to the country will dissipate sooner rather than later.The PM is inept,the chief of police I’d a square peg in a round hole.He can’t solve murders in the country,can’t conclude an investigation into break-in at office of DPP,his renegade officers leak confidential criminal statements without authorization,the country is in reverse gear on all levels,health,education,employment,manufacturing,agriculture,tourism etc are all in decline under this government.Accountability has been swept away for the first time in Dominica’s history.The mistakes of 1979 have come full circle upon us.We will get rid of this disease brought on by “Doctor pweh kye”Skerritt
I have been a councilor for over thirty years before becoming a councilor my late father was , my Sister served as clerk for over twenty years, I have been a community worker all my life . to say that village council today is not better positioned than the powerless of years gone by is to be ignorant of the principles practice`s opportunities, and power which has been now placed at the disposal of Today`s Village council!
Shame on you.
Like Napolean said petit Corporal. But this is big time petit Dicator… ( little Dick tator) )
Dominicans witness an undisputed act of bribery just before the bye-election in the Soufriere constituency. That act is really a political contamination of a village council by a Minister of Finance.
For Years, the citizens of Soufriere have been pleading for their road to be rehabilitated, the unemployment rate is high, many youths not working, a community that’s not seeing the tourist dollar, yet all of a sudden , Skerritt, because he has access to the State’s finances, unilaterally with cheque in hand, gives it to VC clerk, just before the Bye-election there. NO budget, no project submitted by Council, no costs, so on what basis did Skeriitt hand out that cheque?
Skerritt has his formula to deal with Village Councils. Attend inauguration, or visit the council. Each and every time walk with cheque in hand to deliver to Council Clerk? Skerritt ask,”what is your Price?”
Bomb threats instead of jobs.
http://www.trinidadexpress…
Dr. Finn your brilliance is not limited to dentistry. Your intiition is highly accepted by those of us who see objectivity as valuable for the growth of country. This is value for now anf forever. What you said is factually correct. My plea to us is to learn from our mistakes and reject dishonesty and corruption in all their forms.
This is no longer a mendicant society in the making but rather a full fledged bribed, fooled and bought society that continues to be used by this man for his own gain. Why have dominicans allowed themselves to become so susceptible to the con’s of this mentally deranged person. What happened to the Dominica of old where every man, woman and child was a fighter for what is right. The Dominica of E.O. Leblanc, Mamo, Roosie and Pierro.
Today, even the spouse of the said Comrade Pierro is on the political pulpit honoring an “alleged” child molester beyond comprehension.
. These people have become lovers of money instead of lover and worshipers of god. They have become Skerro’ keepers instead of their neighbors keeper. Jah please put a hand before its too late 
Fantastic piece again Dr. Finn, god’ guidance to you and the caring diaspora sir.
Always Assertive!
so how is this a bad thing,the objective is to finance and assist these communities,the government is simply playing it’s part,what about the private sector,don’t you think they should play a role to in these community projections,you all guys just sit down and condem any actions of the government with you all political conspiracy theories that have no footings and solutions for the people actually on the ground,another commentary of political bull….,if the government was not getting involved,you all would cry foul,the government is getting involved because these communities voted them into power,so the government has an obligation and a service to honor,despite whatever conspiracy crap you guys write……..man,you all does want to make people write bad words to address you all,get over it,the UWP will never run and ruin dominica
ADMIN:Enough of the foul language or in future your comment will not be approved.
I second DNO’s motion to ban you. My name is Floridian Diaspora and I approve this message
@for real
The writer is not saying government should not help council, understand this well, it’s the council duty to request
Help for needed projects in their respective communities. U cannot just come up with a figure write a check and say
Do what u want.
That is just wrong, every council on island need funds for some project or another it’s their duty to request it.
This is clearly to score political points.
We are yo quick to call wrong right.
I voted for a government to do the business of the country. I voted my village council to take care of my village!
What shallow and childish response but then again that’s what is huiexpected from the support base of Labour, no substantial response to the real issues raised by the writer. That aside I think the writer missed out on the fact PM does not operate alone in the destructive and blatant disregard to laws and to good governance. He is aided and abetted by so called professional civil servants. He can only get away with this abuse with the support given or the blind eye given by people like the FS, the Cabsec and Director of Audit together with top PS’s. Monies for many capital projects (18 million for bridge, Monies for farm roads, for village councils etc) are being done without parliamentary approval. In fact parliament has not met for months at a time. So the PM is not only disregarding financial regulations and laws but he has succeeded in circumventing parliament for his own interest right under noses of the so called professionals in the public and private sector. Only in…
The PM has been operating outside of the laws of Dominica and that of parliament for most of his political tenure. But PM does not operate alone in the destructive and blatant disregard to laws and to good governance. He is aided and abetted by so called professional civil servants. He can only get away with this abuse with the support given or the blind eye position taken by people like the FS, the Cabsec and Director of Audit together with top PS’s. Monies for many capital projects (18 million for bridge, Monies for farm roads, for village councils etc) are being done without parliamentary approval. In fact parliament has not met for months at a time. So the PM is not only disregarding financial regulations and laws but he has succeeded in circumventing parliament for his own interest right under noses of the so called professionals in the public and private sector. Only in dominica.
Forreal, it really makes no sense attempting to educate you on the bribery of Village Councils because it appears you have no notion, knowledge of the concept and purpose of the Local Government Authority in Dominica. Dr.Finn is 100% correct in his analysis of this Skerrit lead Corrupt Government. Most who appears to assocated with or wish to be associate with thi DLP regime are bought, pursued, attacked under the name of Skerro, the worse thing that has hit Dominica and positioned it as a begging bowl worse than that of Hurricane David,.
Thanks Dr. Finn, even in you village of Castle Bruce that council has been compromised.
At the end of the day it the village councils along with the villagers who have to maintain their integrity. Are they willing to be bought? In any case because village councils have no revenue generating authority they have to rely on central government for all their significant needs.
And the thing is majority of the Dominican public won’t care. What would be wonderful is, why isn’t the opposition or citizens taking the matter to court. I don’t have the resources to do so. Why are we standing by while they break the law? I really don’t know what Dominica is coming to. I can’t wait for the next general election.
One day one day those who blatantly violate our constitution will pay and will pay dearly. The volcanoes will erupt one day. Leaders have to live by example. Believing you so loved is no excuse to break the law. In other words you can still be arrested for rape on your wife.
Whilst I blame Skerrit in how he handles things I must admit that I blame the majority of Dominicans even more. They allow him to buy them for peanuts. A society like that deserves everything they get. The problem I see is – where is Dominica going from here? Once a society is corrupted to such an extent it might take decades to snap them out of it again.
Mr. Gabriel u are a max man u hit the nail direct on it’s head that is what I am saying every day not blaming the Pm. but the people
Just look and see how the woman face light up in the pic above because of wha,t may be a little pittance,
Unfortunately, when the disadvantaged is desperate for immediate relief, they will happily take hand-outs, and not look into long-term efforts for change, as that cannot come soon enough.
oh my, what a pretty young lady
Yes in the wrong company to learn and be aware of the benefits of good governance, accounting for public money and lost to what is good governance at local level.
a very good and truthful piece i must say cousin. so sad. all village councils are Skerrit puppets.
This is to blind dominicans more than ever as election is close by.
I tip my hat to you, sir!
HOTEP!
Very interesting article..Dominica is dealing with a very Sick man..Note the timing of the major monetary handouts and also the disdain and lack of attention that the village councils in opposition constituencies receive…Skerrit continues to corrupt and destroy every meaningful institution for personal political gain, but what’s worse is that Dominicans seem to be in a trance, there’s nobody else other than the named “political opposition” that says to that man..take your blood money and shove it..who wants to do the right thing for a future of integrity in that “blessed” country?
Life-and-death, when you wakes up in the morning you must always wash the shit from your eyes ? to say Dominicans is dealing with a man Skerrit and what would call Linton this guy have been kicked out of most part of the carribbean now he is in Dominica causing trouble roo but every dog has got it day.
Again shallow response attacting Lennox and not the substantive issues. The unfortunate thing is that there are many Back Jacks out there so we need to continue to educate them without insulting them. Leave the insults for their leader to do.
It is unfortunate to read your response to the serious issues raised. It is even more unfortunate to learn that there are many black jacks like you out there. However I thing those of us who contribute meaningfully should not be deterred by your shallow comments and personal attacks on the leader of the opposition rather we should continue to try that’s all we can do, is try, to educate you on the issues. In light of that I would encourage you to re-read the article and then to comment meaningfully on the subject matter. Try to leave the personal attacks for the rum shops and side road. I know it might be difficult because to be fair to you that’s how you hear your leader speak most of the time. But I would encourage you back jacks out there to read and comprehend the issues first and to comment sensible. Love you my brother /sister just want to see you raise your intelligence level to a greater levee. Peace.
Black Jack, there is no way you can compare Skerrit with Hon Linton. This is a fact. One`s name is credible, the other is questionable.