Amidst the noise of every election campaign we sometimes come across a sentence or phrase that in retrospect defines the parameters of the campaign. Some of us, depending on our level of political sophistication, seize on that pronouncement and seek to highlight its importance not only to the outcome of the elections, but as harbinger of things to come should the sitting government be returned to office.
One such moment occurred last week. And the notable sentence was: THE DOMINICA ECONOMY IS DOING ITS BEST.
This sentence was spoken by the current prime minister, the Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, as he sought to defend against charges that he and his Labor Party have mismanaged the economy resulting in unprecedented levels of unemployment and underemployment, rising national debt levels, low levels national economic output as measured by the GDP,( and especially in comparison to our peers in the OECS), an epidemic of crime, partly as a consequence of the sick economy, and generally, a feeling of hopelessness that nothing positive is happening that drives young people to a state of despair that nothing good lies on the horizon.
In other words, a state of malaise has descended upon the country and the prime minister, in his own words, is saying indirectly: this is how it is, we are doing our best, the country is doing its best, and that we should all be patient and accept this reality for what it is because things are not going to get better any time soon.
The truth is words do matter, even in the political arena. And the prime minister knows that. So it is somewhat enigmatic to hear these words from the prime minister. I am sure his campaign strategists would love the prime minister to take these words back. Some might even want to describe them as a “gaffe”. But I am reminded of the practical definition of a gaffe as a true statement that is politically embarrassing! And more often than not, there are lessons to be learnt from a gaffe; they often contain more than a kernel of truth, if we take the time to analyze and come to the right conclusions.
So let’s begin. Is the economy really doing its best? A cynic would answer that it depends on who you ask. If you ask a diehard labourite, quite predictably, the answer would be in the affirmative. If you ask the same question of a credible economist, the answer would be a resounding no. But what matters is the opinion of those whose lives are affected by the dismal economy that Mr. Skerrit claims is doing its best.
There is no dearth of anecdotal evidence that the economy which Mr. Skerrit claims to be doing its best is taking a brutal toll on the young people of Dominica. It saps their morale, it leads them to question their decision to invest their sweat and financial resources in their education and at the end they have no means of landing a decent job. One such person is a beautiful young lady from the village of Coulibistrie. She is one of about a dozen young Dominicans that I have helped financially over the years to acquire a higher education, some at The University of The West Indies, some at American Universities. Let’s call her Althea.
The last thing Althea had on her mind was to obtain a university degree. No one in her family has attained this milestone. So I encouraged her to believe that she could obtain a university degree and over the years I served as her mentor, always reminding her to stay focused on her goal because some day she would be rewarded. The good news is that she wrote to me last week to advise that she would be graduating from the University of The West Indies Open campus with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Second Class Honors. I cannot describe my elation. YESSS!
And then came the sad part. She writes: “I guess you must be hearing what is going on in our small economic state. I have been trying to get an internship at least to get some experience, but my efforts have failed so far, but yet still, I am not giving up; I am still searching”.
The second part of her letter broke my heart. But it propelled me to pen this piece especially in the context of the prime minister saying that the Dominica economy was doing its best.
Well, if the Dominica economy is doing its best, people like Althea have no reason to hope. It would be a nightmare to imagine what it would be like if the economy was at its worst.
Part of the reason for my profound disappointment in the record of accomplishment of the ruling party is that they do not seem to be focused on understanding the plight of the young and as a consequence they engage in gimmickry rather substantive policy initiatives that could make a difference in the lives of people who need the most help.
Exhibit A is the so called National Employment Programme (NEP). This has gimmickry written all over it. It may be good politics but it is bad public policy to use public resources to create illusions of jobs for party supporters when the sole intent is to create income generating opportunities for some who, arguably, are making no meaningful contribution to economic output. A more credible employment programme would entail, for instance, efforts to improve farm production efficiency coupled with renewed efforts to secure lucrative end markets for farmers who in turn would offer real, not fictitious, jobs to those in the agricultural sectors. This model could be replicated in other sectors of the economy, as the Opposition UWP is intimating. Their promise of 5000 jobs is not an illusion. All it takes is a little planning, foresight, and the ability to execute.
It is often said in the corporate world that the most important quality of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is vision. A CEO must have a vision in terms of where he wants to take a corporation. This vision thing is even more important in a political leader. He must be able to articulate his vision for the country entrusted to his care. But vision is not enough. He must be able to assemble a team , do some serious medium and long term planning and must be able deliver on that vision. On all counts, Mr. Skerrit has come up short, and his statement that the economy is doing its best is proof that he lacks vision, not to mention plans and the ability to execute in a manner that could make a significant difference in the lives of people like Althea.
But back to the corporate analogy. Can you imagine a CEO of a company in a performance review before his board of directors saying something like this:” This corporation has failed to achieve its key metrics under my leadership over the two terms I have served as your CEO. Revenue has declined double digits, profit margins, especially in products where we have had a competitive advantage, have declined several hundred basis points. We have lost market share to our competitors in some of our key markets; employee morale is low and there have been significant defections to the competition. The only bright spot from my perspective is that my personal net worth has increased astronomically, thanks to your generous stock incentive program. But this aside, the company is doing its best and I trust in your benevolence to extend my contract for another term.”
It’s fair to say that the CEO, assuming he has any self esteem, would not wait to be shown the door.
So this election is about the economy and much more. The question that must be carefully weighed is: Does Mr. Skerrit have anything close to what it would take to make a difference in the economy when he himself has said that the economy is doing its “best”?
The voters are being called upon to decide.
What a bunch of baloney written by Sampson !!!!! LABOUR has a good record — Victory for LABOUR at the polls
If the economy is doing good, why is there so much unemployment and people resort to seeking assistance by the droves at the finanancial centre every Wednesday?
Whether the writer of the article is correct or not i’ve got one common sense question .If the economy is doing good, why every Wednesday there is so many people lining up at the finanancial centre seeking assistance in a b.Does egging fashion? There are people all through the week begging. D
I heard this one man yell in town “CHANGE IS A MUST”, then a bypasser (who was a female said) No, CHANGE is an OPTION”. Alot of mixed reactions on the ground, so people should get off their high horses and start walking to feel what we young job hunting people feel. i don’t support any political party. i just need what is best for me and the many other youths in this country need, a chance to work and have a life to build our family(take care of our family). Peace up.
Our current Pm is not capable of such, because he is known for coping other people work. Our Government has run out of ideas on any thing of substance. So the only thing left to do is just clean house and bring in fresh ideas. Only the UWP , Team Dominica can get it done. change is a must!! So God will bless you Dominica, with Team Dominica.
My analytic thought has lead me to believe that if 10 years ago, the current labor administration had a vision for improving the economy of the country, today employment would be on the rise, young persons would be hopeful that they would be able to be gainfully employed. And with this vision, it would be extremely difficult for any other party to outseat the ruling party until and unless their vision would have given the ordinary citizen much more needed hope. But when you engage in a politic of giving, any other party whose has the ability to get can give. In short, this country is suffering from a lack of political vision
The final analysis should be the general election. Those who are enjoying an economy at its best will vote Labour…The others will inevitably seek an alternative…it’s that simple..
Tony, thanks for your contribution. I could not help naming you because your literary style and your twisted logic are unique . I will respond to you in another forum but suffice it to say for now that I do not mind being associated with Clayton Shillingford or Thomson Fontaine, both of whom I consider to be friends and worthy of being called patriots, and your effort to demonize them reflects poorly on you.
I think that speech should be recorded and played on the radio
well written. that Nep is nothing to boast about. Instead of the government depositing to the economy they are withdrawing. The NEP clearly shows that the economy is doing very bad. This is because the public sector can’t afford to employ individuals on it’s own, government has pay persons who they send to work in the public service. This action only confirms that the economy is very bad.
Hmm, I wonder if Roosevelt Skerrit could write an equally eloquent piece, by his own hand to counter this??
We have heard Mr. Linton publicly say, as far as he is concerned, Skeritt, lies, cheats and steals. I am concerned about the lying and fooling of the people. On November 16th 2009, this is what Skeritt had to say, while addressing the people of Dominica. Please bear in mind he called the UWP Team Dominica’s 5000 jobs in three years coshonoie. “I have a vision of Dominica a boasting near 100 PERCENT EMPLOYMENT. With the multi-faceted economic formula that I have outlined for this country, I see no reason why in three to four year’s time, every able bodied person that wants to work cannot find a source of employment.” Is what he said five years ago, true of false.
Parry –if I wuz etc ????where and how does Parry have anything to do with a Labour Government ..the former press secretary of the FREEDOM PARTY ..
Being out of touch for years and only now noting the political developmentsin my homeland ..my last take was the brutal attack by Parry And the PRESIDENT on Labour .
True to say that sheep in wolves clothing have now inherted the house of Labour .
Great article from the former EDITOR OF THE NEW CHRONICLE
Parry, I would congratulate Mr. Samson, for his most educational commentary captioned, “seven words that define this election campaign.” Parry should inform the Prime Minister that the statement as regards the economy was ridiculous. He should also inform the Prime Minister that he should graciously bow out and clear the way for UWP Team Dominica with its four economists to take over.
Parry would never do that…he is singing for his supper
What utter rubbish JB (Lennox Linton) Sampson!!!!!
what is rubbish about that? labourites simply like to deny the facts!!!!!!!
Bravo. Well said. The statement “The government is doing its best” is the most absurd thing i’ve ever heard. There’s no such thing as a perfect system. To say that the gov’t is doing its best is to suggest that there is no room for improvement anywhere. Really Mr. PM? The most streamlined organizations on this planet wouldn’t make such a statement. There is ALWAYS room for improvement, even in an apparently flawless system you’ll hear Leaders say “we can do better”. At least tell the people that the government is taking their concerns to account and is doing a very good job. Don’t make such ridiculous statement.
The country can do better than that! don’t settle for the crumbs you getting!
Thanks but no thanks Julius. Like Thompson you have failed to provide the evidence to substantiate your point, and has pointed to “anecdotal” evidence. Do you believe that you can really plan the development of the Dominica’s economy simply on anecdotal stories? Unlike me, you may have some professional experience in economic planning or economic development related field. Do you plan an economy based on anecdotal scenarios. How, for example, in the absence of statistical evidence can you explain Dominica’s successes on the regional stock exchange? All bonds issue have been swallowed up i record time at very little interest rates. Is there any suggestion that there is something positive about the Dominican economy. I don’t know, just asking. Are you suggesting that those who rushed to buy Dominica bonds and cleaned it all up in one day should have heeded the anecdotal stories you and Thompson keep bringing up? Can you go on the record and say that these professionals with no partisan, political ax to grind in Dominica are unaware of what they are doing? In your area of work on the stock exchange, do you deal with anecdotes, or you work with hard facts and evidence?
By the way Julius, you and others like you (haters of PM Skerrit) were very deafeningly silent when the expertise of Thompson et al on “Transfergate” and “Landsgate” was exposed. I supposed you were a member of the DAAS and was interested in seeing the organization grow and flourish. Weren’t you embarrassed by the fact that the Treasurer and the President ended up with the assets of the organization against the advice of the General Counsel. You want to tell us in Dominica about anecdotal stories as measuring sticks for those who lead our dear country, but have closed your eyes to the real life, factual and data supported evidence of those who have demonstrated not anecdotal but hard evidence that they cannot be trusted. I chose to align you with the Thompson Fontaine and Clayton Shillingford’s of Dominica’s world. You did not say you belonged either. If however I am wrong, then write an objective piece on those who lead and those who aspire to lead. tel us that we do not need a leader with tried and trusted academic qualification.tel us we need leaders who after sacrificing their time and effort at universities now turn around and tell us that education is for large countries and not small island states like ours. Comment Sir, on the plagiarizing reality that has been un-earthed – comment either way. Tell and show us by real example (not anecdotes) how a poor underdeveloped country like ours, dependent on the financial realities in the world’s economic and trading centres, a poor island state struggling to find its nitche in the international scheme of economic players can create 60 months create such massive economic turn around ssuch as 6-7% economic growth and 500 jobs. No anecdotes sir, no fancy writing too! Just hard facts. That is what the people of Dominica want to see from those who say they can do better than the present government. We need to move from a mere promise to intelligent discuss and objective analysis of the issues – the real issues. Call me a blinded person, with no university training – a Skerrit’s slave. But I live here. In an intimate way, I know those who have lead this country before. I know those who presently lead our coutry and I belive I have a good hold on those who aspire to lead. That is no anecdotal matter. It is the real thing. But Sir, keep writing anyway. It is your right.
Very well said!
The question that JB Samson should really answer is if Lennox Linton were to present himself for the post of CEO of any of he JB Samson business would he ever even consider Lennox Linton!!!
Isn’t it amazing how the messenger is being vilified and the message ignored? What do Clayton Shillingford, Thomson Fontaine and DAAS have to do with Sampson’s message? Go back and read the article, Just Observing. Better you just observe and close your trap.
Excellent Piece
The economy is doing the best it can under Skerrit
Well, if that is the case he is a very inadequate CEO
Great article we are sitting on millions of dollars in agriculture in dominica and these fools cant see it.Water is a key resource and these fools cant see it.God deliver dominica please.Skerrit is a multi millionair from the blood of the poor people,am not a supporter of any part but when corruption is rampant in my country these men and women have to go.
i wonder who is the fool ….why don’t you tell the young people to go work the land instead of they jus sitting idle by smoking sellin crack drinkin rum in rum shops…we have haitians coming n work the land they are makin it n we complainin that we doh hav jobs all security is haitian go in the market is haitian most barber shops is haitian what happen to our young men do we need the govenment to cum take them and bring them to the fields why educated people like doh try to influence them to do sum farming etc….instead of comin there and talk crap…..
government alone can’t do everything….
Ask yourself that why Dominicans are discouraged to toll the land?
Linton is not even in government yet, he is unemployed and yet he is already a millionaire on the backs of uwp supporters and We The people Inc. You need to think about that. He seem to be travelling every other months to many international destinations. Wouldn’t you like to know where this money is coming from or do you just don’t care? I guess the rules are different when it comes to your party.
Are you implying that you ca not be a millionaire if you are not in government? I don’t know if mr. Linton is a millionaire but if he is I would say “good luck” to him. I would like to be a millionaire also. One thing is sure, whatever money or assets he has they did not derive from his employment or involvement with government.
This is a tremendous piece of work, careful and simple analysis and analogy. Let the objective mind be blessed.
Credible economist you say? That is why the IMF fired “credible economist” like Thomson Fontaine because like you he is failing to see what is right in front o his eyes. The IMF, World Bank and CDB all have given favourable reports on our economic progress. These to me sound like credible sources.
From a common sense point of view we can look at the projects we have in the pipeline. Honestly, how can you tell me geothermal, the abattoir and the coffee plant does not present a positive outlook for our economy. We are improving our road network, enhancing our towns, improving housing and providing all our citizens with access to running water. We are building hotels for when the investment start rolling in from cheaper energy which will be brought about by the geothermal project. We will be lowering our import bill considerably by using our own local pork and poultry. There is also room for income in that department. Also think of the jobs these projects are going to create. It seems to me that creating 5000 to 7000 jobs and growing our economy by 5-7% is much more far fetched since no other country in the region, as a matter of fact, in the world is able to do it in these hard economic times. It sound quite reasonable to me that economists who cannot manage their own personal economies are doomed to failure if they are entrusted to manage the economy of our country.
I am now very much convinced that all the members of an organization which I shall not mention with a lot of so called doctors and economist has a lot to hide and will do all in their power not to see the ruling party remain in government.
This comment seems self serving and I am 99 per cent sure it was written by the man himself, the one who has the most to gain. Readers know who I am referring to.
Well, if it was all I can say is that it comes from a brilliant analytical mind.
PS. Watch those eyes bird, they are getting rheumy.
thanks mr fontaine for that thought ..i really appreciate it but i didn’t know the country was a corporation…are you really reading wat u ar writing ar u really envisioning what you are say’n my fren i’m no economist but i’m no fool too u n ur frens say 5000 jobs in 3 yrs come on u know thats far from the truth m b u’ll reading to much fairy tales books come back to reality
Terrific piece.
great article, loved the analogy…it was perfect for this situation…i really hope dominicans open their eyes and do what’s best for them
“The economy is doing it’s best”, as stated by the PM. Sounds like something on auto-pilot. I believe your article is brilliantly written, however apart from this medium for circulation it and many other articles needs to be displayed or discussed on the radio. I say this because most people in our country predominantly listen to the radio instead of read newspapers and online sites like DNO. I say that because this information needs every medium to reach Dominicans. Again great article.
true.. I agree with you. most people listen to the radio stations. good observation
My God, Mr. Sampson, I thank you very much for this message and encouragement as to where my vote will be.
Careful, you will be marginalised and called all kinds of names like Dr. Irvin Eipigh Pascal and others have faced.
You are right in your analysis of the country`s presenting deeper poverty situation and the inability of this Prime Minister Skerrit to be able to comprehend let alone articulate the needs and follow up strategic plans for Dominica as a misdeanomor. Skerrit lacks the basic skills to begin to understand the situation let alone put up a credible team to assist him (They, THOS E MININISTER AND INNER CIRCLE) ARE all engaged in practiced BLIND LOYALTY).
He and with the abled help of some Senior Counsels have ruled with impunity and disdain that they are lost and trapped in a dirty web of their own making. Dirty, disgusting, corrupt governance and leadership and use and abused the poor vulnerable people to blindly show loyalty to a dying regime.
Dominica is crying for sound leadership…decent leadership.
Skerrit and his team has disappointed us Dominicans and the faster they exit the better for us and Dominica.
CHANGE IS AMUST
CHANGE IS A MUST….DOMIJNICA COMES FIRST
Educational, Skerrits best is just not good enough, it time for him to go, he had his CHANCES
Are you on the planet EARTH! The economy is the issue. The moral and ethical conduct of your political leader that is the issue? The best of economies in the world remains stagnant today. What we want is a strong opposition who could become productive.. With all the controversies how can we trust or believe you
the moral and ethic of which political leader? watch your political leader, skerrit, because his moral and ethics aren’t nothing to be proud of…just saying!
Educational, Skerrits best is just not good enough and its time for him to go, there are no two ways about it
Well said Sir. We need to fire tis CEO and hire a new one.
What a dismal report card for the leader Rooster Skerrit of the Dominica Latrine Party.
CHANGE IS A MUST ABSOLUTELY IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST