The CBS 60 Minutes Report – A Call to Responsible Action!

Gabriel Christian

On  January 1, 2017 CBS 60 Minutes aired a program which reviewed the sale of passports (now referred to as “Citizenship by Investment”) by several Caribbean islands, to include Dominica. With regard to Dominica the report also featured the fact that several of our island’s diplomats have been arrested or are persons of ill repute. Those are facts which were known on island and among its Diaspora before CBS 60 Minutes ran its program. 

The leader of the United Workers Party Lennox Linton was featured in the CBS program. What he said was nothing new. Shortly thereafter calls were made by Government partisans to execute Linton and that he was a traitor who had committed an act of terrorism. Such incendiary calls are condemned here and are beneath contempt. Those calls are regrettable, irresponsible, disturb the social peace and are most unworthy in any country which favors the principles of democracy.

 
However, the calls to rectify,  investigate, evaluate, suspend and/or  reform the passport sales scheme are nothing new. A wide cross section of Dominicans, over time, have expressed displeasure over the manner in which the program of conferring citizenship on non-Dominicans has been run. Indeed, the manner of operations of that program by the United Workers Party was a major issue in the 2000 election to the point that Prime Minister Rosie Douglas suspended it during his short term of office.  His action was inspired in part by the imposition of visa restrictions on Dominica by the Canadian government. Some of us have even engaged time and effort to recommend or propose ways in which accountability and transparency could be enhanced and the social impact made more manifest in the lives of our people. 
 
The above considered, and legitimate fears of terrorists or criminals using Dominican citizenship or diplomatic passports as a cover, it was only a matter of time that a major media operation such as CBS 60 Minutes would focus on Dominica. No amount of character assassination, threats of execution or victimization of government critics will cause this issue to go away.
 
CBS, Steve Kroft, Lennox Linton etc. are not charged with the governance of diplomatic appointments, or the CBI program. Dominica’s government must now account to its people and cease the distraction and hiding behind unelected and self appointed spokes people, some of whom disguise themselves under false names. 
 
To assure our citizens and the international community that all is well, I make this call for what is the responsible course of action-
 
To Restore Confidence in the Governance of Our Affairs as a Law Abiding, Democratic and Sovereign Nation:
 
I challenge all patriotic and sincere Dominicans  to now join with me to ask for the following:
 
1. The passage of a Foreign Service Act in parliament without delay to govern the appointment of diplomats and others in our diplomatic service;
 
2. Appointment of a  Commission of Inquiry presided over by a distinguished Caribbean jurist to fully and comprehensively audit and investigate the CBI program and diplomatic appointments in controversy and report its findings to the Dominican public. The terms of reference would include:
 
(a). Numbers of passports issued under the program from inception.
 
(b). The names of all passport agents and full disclosure of their contracts of service.
 
(c). A complete audit of all monies earned under the current administration from the passport/CBI program and the appointment of diplomats.
 
(d). The location of all monies earned in the past where banked and the manner of expenditure of said monies.
 
(e). An audit of all diplomatic positions granted, public disclosure of the names of all persons given diplomatic passports and whether any monies were paid to the government or its agents/assigns for such diplomatic pasports or positions. Full disclosure is also to be provided to the Dominican public as to the actual benefit to the country provided by such diplomats.
 
(f). Government officers, ministers and agents to be summoned and made to give testimony under oath as is normative in democracies. (For those of you who live in the US, UK, or Canada  that is how it is done. Do not apply a double standard to your country)
 
(g). That the parliamentary opposition be granted a member on the five person commission which should include a member of the Government of Dominica, a local non partisan professional and a qualified forensic auditor from a Commonwealth country or the US.
 
(h). The Commission of Inquiry should be held in public, and in camera, in the parliament of Dominica. 
 
If all is well in the manner in which passports are now being sold or diplomats appointed, then the Government of Dominica should have no problem in acceding to this demand. Indeed, such a Commission of Inquiry is part of our democratic tradition and would restore confidence in the citizenry that the public interest is being well served. To dismiss this justified demand will only further undermine  the credibility of Dominica’s diplomatic corps and  the manner in which the CBI program is currently run. 
 
I call all well intended Dominicans to join me in this call for good governance, and governance in the public interest. In a democracy, the government is our servant not our master. Dominicans have an absolute right to request an investigation into the conduct of those who are their public servants and swore an oath to uphold the Dominica constitution.  It is now high time that ordinary Dominicans at home and abroad stand in defense of the country and ask the Government to responsibly and publicly account for its actions. The world is watching.
 
As a member of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) which has a visa free entry protocol, our island has a duty to protect the national security interests of our fellow Caricom members. As a member of the United Nations and Organization of American States we must follow best diplomatic practices and cannot, must not, be seen as an outlaw nation with lawless representatives from some rogues gallery. To act now, and support this call for a Commission of Inquiry, is to secure our reputation among the community of nations as a responsible people and so enhance our national pride and self respect.
 
 
Gabriel J. Christian, Esq.

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87 Comments

  1. The Death of Our Independence
    January 18, 2017

    What the lawless regime ruling Dominica has do is to hasten the death of our independence. What is national pride when we have persons who the regime knew, or should have known were shady, crooked or to use the words of CBS 60 Minutes “Dodgy” appointed as diplomats. A diplomat is one of the highest honor. They are called excellence. Nations which have pride and are law abiding or serious people appoint only their best as ambassadors. No other nation on the face of this earth right now that I know of has had such a shameful legion of crooks front for their country. The fact that the regime would stoop so low is indicative of its lack of moral judgment . The resistance to the call by Dr. Gabriel Christian, a proud Dominican who has promoted Dominica since I met him in college tells me that they have too much to hide. And by hiding this government has destroyed our independence as a nation by selling our birthright. Where these bought citizens number more than 5000 or more we are…

  2. FMJ
    January 18, 2017

    Great suggestion, Gabriel. I agree!

  3. Just Passing Through
    January 18, 2017

    I notice whenever something is happening in the US we see some want to bring it to Dominica. A new election, a new President. new hearings, debates Dominicans get itchy and want to feel that they should be in the news.

    How long have we had the CBI program, 5, 10, 15, or more than 20 years? The program is working and Dominica is benefiting and suddenly UWP does not like how the CBI is working for Dominica and some want us to believe they care so deeply for Dominica, that they now wish the US to blacklist us?

    They tell the US we are making it easy for terrorist to their country? That tells me they are saying Dominica is not their first or top priority. The UWP forgets they did not cancel the program as a matter of fact they re-engineered it. Any checks and balances should be done from the beginning of the program and we can also see how the UWP operated it when they were the government and who were agents and who got citizenship and were granted passport.

    SMH

    • John Paul
      April 10, 2017

      What about all those Ambassadors who are getting picked up by various authorities? Is that working? Who is responsible for picking all these rich Crooks as Ambassadors?Are You comfortable with that too?

  4. Sizing up D/cans
    January 18, 2017

    One of the most pressing issue with this CBI is the list of new potential voters who can influence election. I say this against the background of the voter ID process being changed to include allowing Dominican citizens to vote oversea. Having said that my concern is the ruling party seem to be the one with that list of names with new citizen contact information. As a result they can be more readily contact these individuals prior to election, and put the opposition parties at a tremendous disadvantage.

    • %
      January 18, 2017

      Agree in full to your concern!!This is why this CBI Programme is…….!!

  5. tru d bino q la
    January 18, 2017

    That is a fair request; if no response, let’s start: Build a Wall! Build 2 walls! ……

  6. The truth
    January 17, 2017

    This PM all he is willing to do is TAKE,TAKE,TAKE from the country this man must made to pay, can we all remember the Villars,where is that case?

    • John Paul
      April 10, 2017

      Skeritt systematically disabled the IPO.He took out it’s teeth and gave it soft plastic dentures

  7. Big Bannan
    January 17, 2017

    Gabriel is by far one of the most educated amongst us, one who has donated to healthcare , and a mantle to us Dominicans. May the foolish please adhere.

    • January 18, 2017

      The establishment of a commission to investigate into the CBI will be a total waste of ,Time , human and financial resources. nothing short of the collapse of the Roosevelt Skerit lead DLP Will satisfy Gabriel , Lenox, and there crew.
      To the GOVT. I say lets move on.
      The socio , political, & Economic advancement of the nation and in particular the ordinary man and woman, is seen as a Major obstacle to them weaning an election within the next 10 to 15 years.

      • %
        January 18, 2017

        I HATE CORRUPT ACTIVITIES! This CBI programme is Dominicas biggest mess!!

  8. Dorian Shillingford
    January 17, 2017

    I share Gabriel’s position…..Support the program. But care deeply about good governance.
    The government should be transparent to the opposition and to the people, while still maintaining the privacy and confidence of the program’s applicants.

    It is the lack of parliamentary accountability and governance that leads to distrust and ultimately the oppositions actions, which in some parts were outside the bounds.

  9. between you and me
    January 17, 2017

    skerritt nassifi and all the insiders of the labour party is on radio saying that lennox went on CBS to air Dominicans dirty laundry ,its so true.they are admitting that Dominica have a dirty laundry
    BUT if we Dominican are honest we would have herd many years ago that same which we are now talking about I live in England I was always glue to the program (between you and me)

  10. Real!!!!!
    January 17, 2017

    Gabo I am with you on the high thought out recommendations to address the allegations around the CBI program and Diplomatic Passport/ appointees.

    Let us see how Mr. Skerrit and his handlers proceed as you have provided an instructive clear framework and opportunity for them to save the “CBI PROGRAM” and restore its confidence in the INTL and Local market.

  11. Ideal
    January 17, 2017

    All we Dominicans want to know from our government is the truth and how this “Citizenship by Investment” works and where the the funds are going. It is the right of the government to inform the people and keep us up to date. On the CBS 60 minutes Antigua’s prime minister was there to defend his island. We just want the truth. I strongly endorse this Mr. Gabriel Christian.

    • January 17, 2017

      Read the law, get the gazette and listen to the budget debate. The information is out there. If after reading you have concerns make recommendations.

    • %
      January 17, 2017

      You missed out something…Antiguas PM was there telling the world about his country’s programme,our PM and all his surrogates were in all parts of Dominica hiding..If you cannot be interviewed about the programme,SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH IT!!!!,

  12. Jay
    January 17, 2017

    Gabriel Christian is nothing but a man driven by disdain for Roosevelt Skerrit because he was not able to bamboozle the “little boy from Vieille Case with his sweet talk. Gabriel Christian was kissing the same Skerrit’s butt for all kinds of concessions to invest in businesses in Dominica which he got. Where are the businesses? Where is the electronics assembling plant? Where is the chocolate businesses? You see these guys have all the answers but they are only contained in rhetoric. This article is a continuation of the nonsense we hear from Linton and Thomson; a heap of accusation but not one straw of evidence. Show us proof learned lawyer that any diplomatic passport was sold under the table. Give us names; tell us how much was paid and when? Which bank account was the money transferred to? As an attorney you should know better than make reckless, unsubstantiated statements. Tell us about the mismanagement of DAAS money while you were their attorney.

    • Cowboy
      January 18, 2017

      What you are asking for is exactly what the commission will provide. Why are you afraid for the issue to be reviewed in the public sphere?

    • John Paul
      April 10, 2017

      So You have no problem With Skeritt’s Diplomatic picks that keep ending up in custody of various authorities? They are all rich and vulnerable and were hoping their diplomatic statuses would keep them out of jail .Did they pay big money for those positions? Who collected?

  13. Marcus Hill
    January 17, 2017

    What is missing is the “if not”. Skerrit will not investigate Skerrit so, while this is a good proposal, it will not happen.

  14. Gary
    January 17, 2017

    Why is it a political agenda takes center stage over objective evidence.To say that quote “the report also featured the fact that several of our island’s diplomats have been arrested or are persons of ill repute” such a statement is a distortion of facts and evidence.
    All events have a sequence in which the events unfolds,it is deceptive not to state the facts as to the time fame when such ill dispute occurred or the time frame when the diplomats were arrested.

    It is very silly to suggest that legitimate fears of terrorists or criminals using Dominican citizenship or diplomatic passports as a cover rest on a report by CBS 60 minutes. The US State Department made a statement regarding St. Kitts CBI programme, don’t you think that if there was any fears concerning Dominica CBI programme the US Statement Department would have made a statement.

    To be continued

    • Gary
      January 17, 2017

      It’s true CBS, Steve Kroft, Lennox Linton are not charged with the governance of diplomatic appointments, or the CBI program, but it should also be mentioned, that CBS and Steve Kroft hold up to the standards of journalism, which is to report the truth accurately and objectively, they circumvented these journalistic standards to validate their investigative report tittle “passports for sale.” As to Linton, a member of Parliament, Opposition Leader it is his duty to uphold his integrity, if he dislikes how CBI programme is being run by the Government, why lie and distort facts to show his disagreement.The opposition over the CBI programme will continue, fueled by two forces, those with a political agenda and those who just refuse to take their time to understand the programme. I just hope that we as a Country will not be remembered more for what we destroy than what we create.

    • John Paul
      April 10, 2017

      More pressing than the CBI is the suspected sale of Diplomatic positions to persons of interest to various international authorities namely the Mon Fareds the Maduekes the Corallos the Lap Sengs and many others we are not aware of because of the veil of secrecy surrounding these appointments
      Who is collecting that money ? Not the treasury?

  15. Joe
    January 17, 2017

    Gaboo you yet to present any evidence of your wild allegation, for a lawyer i find this very telling on your qualification!!!! I AM NOT WITH YOU!!!

    There is no need for all what you requesting!!!!!

  16. January 17, 2017

    I concur, let the cheaps fall where they may

    • Cowboy
      January 18, 2017

      chips (like casino tokens) not cheaps :-D

  17. binsley
    January 17, 2017

    gabriel, what is wrong with you
    you think you so great and mighty like another i know, you want to come in like you so important and prudent
    As if to say the you are like the Ayatollah who must kosher things in India
    As if to say that you are the authoritative head who have been giving the facts, pondered upon and dissected it with a Judges precision

    you know what you really acting like, not a judge using his prudence, but more like Moses coimng from the mountain with just one tablet and forcing who knows to drink it
    Do you ever see America producing names of Visa and Citizenship recipients names publicly, i would like fools like you to tell me just what is transparency
    transparency isn’t throwing names out there but getting vetted by the proper /audit institutions, recognized by IMF and WORLD bank and ECCU

    • binsley
      January 17, 2017

      sorry’
      “given the facts” not “giving”

  18. Vaffanculo_PM
    January 17, 2017

    Isn’t Gabriel Christian from the same country like gregor, colin, and Sohrainido! They all looked at the same cbs inteview yet the three fellas have it all wrong.

    • Just Passing Through
      January 18, 2017

      Stands to reason only the UWP see what the leader of the Opposition did on 60 Minutes was a good thing. Why? Because they want to bring the PM and the Government down. It has nothing to do with the CBI or anything else, they are searching as they have done since they lost the election for ways to install themselves in office and maybe is trying to see if the US government will invade Dominica an put them as our country government as they cannot win at the Polls. SMH

      We heard the Leader of the Opposition said words to the effect that the Government of Dominica; has a good and transparent CBI program when he introduced the PM to a woman wanting to be an Agent. So when did he change his mind that the program was no longer good and the Americans should be weary of what we are doing?

      Were there some Dominicans living in the US also responsible for the trashing of Dominica by the Leader of the Opposition and what was in it for them?

  19. kingman
    January 17, 2017

    when we needed answers about DAAS where were you, now you have all answers. We know your type too well.

    • lapseng
      January 17, 2017

      Ok Balty

    • %
      January 17, 2017

      Are you a member of DASS,or a Skerrit beggar?DASS is not a Dominican commodity…Our passports belong to all of us including Mr Gabrial Christian…He has 100% authority to talk about it,especially when it is so intransparent!!Well done Gabriel Christian!!Well done our Dominican patriot honourable Lennox Linton!!Do you know Skerrit ran and hide,so that he would not be interviewed by CBS 60 minutes!Ask yourself why!

  20. Optimist
    January 17, 2017

    I am in full support of these recommendation.. I hope that our Government could put a hush to all the public concerns, vociferous pleas and outrage due to the lack of adequate information.

  21. oh Yes
    January 17, 2017

    I strongly endorse!

  22. January 17, 2017

    Who is Jonathan Seeker Reed Brown?

    “Ambassador Brown is a fellow UK citizen who has been residing in Florida for several years. He holds the title of Ambassador-at-Large but exactly what he has done for Dominica in the intervening years since he has acquired his diplomatic passport is a great mystery. How he came to be in possession of our diplomatic passport is an open question and Ambassador Brown refuses to tell us how he came to be in possession of it” [Excerpt from Mas in the Cemetery].

    Every Dominican at home and abroad knows that something is highly suspicious about all these UNKNOWN diplomatic appointments. We cannot afford to remain silent and pretend that there is no issue or that the issue will somehow go away..

    • binsley
      January 17, 2017

      …… is your real name coward, who the hell are you talking about can we belive you, stop hiding behind names, entities you are

    • Joe
      January 17, 2017

      I looked up that name and no where did i see him as an Ambassador, so where is that information coming from??

      Do you know Mr. Linton as head of the PAC can get all that information from the MoFA but he prefer have you idiots spread BS on the internet!!!!!SMDFH!!!

      • John Paul
        April 10, 2017

        Do You agree Mon Fared ,Madueke,Lap seng ,Carallo are Ambassadors? If so how many bad picks does Skeritt have to make before We call for His resignation?

  23. January 17, 2017

    Mr. Christian, as you rightly stated changes have been done to the CBI program over time. The program was at one time suspended due to concerns of citizens and some countries in the international community. Changes were made to the legislation that govern this program to make it more credible.
    There is much talk about the threat that the CBI and the issue of Dominica diplomatic passports poses to the region and the USA. People like u sir seems to be overly concerned about the security of your Homeland the USA, that I understand as you are an American. What about the many Dominicans that depend on this program?
    The complaints about the alleged sins of the program seems to be coming from people like you and the UWP. Could you point us to any published official report by the USA over the past 5 years stating that the Dominican program is a threat to their security.

    • binsley
      January 17, 2017

      Mr frog too

    • Practical
      January 17, 2017

      The issue is not the CIB program but how it is managed. Would you prefer a corrupt program that helps development or a well-run, credible, transparent program, that yields development to the country?

      • January 17, 2017

        I am only hearing that the program is mismanaged from the UWP and they provide no evidence absolutely no evidence. Provide the evidence of mismanagement and coruption not hearsay or gossip and then I will be concerned.

    • %
      January 17, 2017

      There does not seem to be anyone against the programme,but the truth is we need transparency and accountability,reasons why I support the people asking for that,and fair treatment to all….,Why marginalise the constituencies won by UWP?..The passport belong to them also.!!Thank you honourable Linton for your appearance on the CBS 60 minutes show…YOU ARE A REAL PATRIOT!!

    • January 17, 2017

      Point, you seem to have information that the rest of the public haven got ,so who are the many Dominicans that depend on this program, we the people would like to know more about what is going on.

      • January 17, 2017

        You can know by listening and reading. Where is the money coming from to assist the people displaced by erika, to support the NEP, replace pit latrines, finance the yes we care, build the west bridge, provide financial support to the village councils and assist the fire victims of bath estate. You don’t have to believe the government just talk to the recipients. If you want to believe political propaganda that Dominicans are not benifiting from the program, you are very misinformed.

  24. January 17, 2017

    This CANNOT be viewed as political but someone with the best interest of Dominica at heart. I endorse this!!!

    • binsley
      January 17, 2017

      if you all are real UWP supporters then publish your names, stop hiding behind alias’ which a many different people use

  25. January 17, 2017

    100% agreed

    • January 17, 2017

      1. The passage of a Foreign Service Act in parliament without delay to govern the appointment of diplomats and others in our diplomatic service;

      2. Appointment of a Commission of Inquiry presided over by a distinguished Caribbean jurist to fully and comprehensively audit and investigate the CBI program and diplomatic appointments in controversy and report its findings to the Dominican public. The terms of reference would include:

      (a). Numbers of passports issued under the program from inception.

      (b). The names of all passport agents and full disclosure of their contracts of service.

      (c). A complete audit of all monies earned under the current administration from the passport/CBI program and the appointment of diplomats.

      (d). The location of all monies earned in the past where banked and the manner of expenditure of said monies.

      (e). An audit of all diplomatic positions granted, public disclosure of the names of all persons given diplomatic passports and…

  26. Sayitsnotso
    January 17, 2017

    I’m awaiting the answers as they are legitimate; I would love to hear Tony Astaphan say why this cannot be done.

  27. Theresa
    January 17, 2017

    Mr Christian has essentially created an easy path to redemption, the framework of guidelines to full transparency and a mold for accountability. It is to the interest of DOMINICA , the ruling party, and all stakeholders to come ye forward ….. stand and deliver – for the truth shall set our Nation free.

  28. Dr. Nodigry
    January 17, 2017

    I listened to the interview on Q95 and was ashamed of my country Dominica and the manner in which this little rock is being governed.
    I can’t believe that people who ought to know better will stoop so low and accept/condone all imaginary immoralities in governance as long as they are benefiting PERSONALLY!
    I only hope that when the government changes, the blood suckers of the nation will be investigated and justice served.
    Dominica has become the undisputed prostitute of the Western World!!!

    • binsley
      January 17, 2017

      another coward, what is your name, then e will tell you all who have de passports, we do not answer to bots, wearing fake names

    • %
      January 17, 2017

      You should say we are not answering YET!!One day the answers SHALL come!!! It’s early still !

  29. Exdaass
    January 17, 2017

    Really sir, now you surfacing? Where were you when I wanted answers to my investment in an organisation I wanted answers to? Boy you people like to spin eh!!

  30. Tj
    January 17, 2017

    Well put together, well said, and ready to work to regain our respect in the caricom states and the world.

    There are so many DA nationals both at home and the diaspora who do not have blinders on. The leadership in DA should embrace the thoughts of Mr. Christian post haste.

  31. Diaspora
    January 17, 2017

    Well supported points.

  32. %
    January 17, 2017

    I am 1000 000% in favour of the COMMISSION of ENQUIRY into this passport selling business…I believe anything short of this,will just intensify the concerns of Dominicans, and the TALK WILL CONTINUE!!The manner in which DLP lackeys are coming on DNO in support of the programme,also makes level headed people HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS!!These are people who have never spoken about the plight of the poor man,the high level of criminal activity,unemployment,the shenanigans going on in our parliament,the destruction of all our institutions,the need for free and fair elections,etc,etc.Why is it that this is the only issue on island that interest them?.REALLY?We are not all FOOLS on island!!

  33. Henry Luke
    January 17, 2017

    For too long, all my fellow men are content to do is talk. We offer exhaustive and lengthy ideas but not prepared to follow up with action. As a people of colonial background, we have been psychologically and emotionally scarred to the detriment of our wellbeing.
    183 years after the abolition of slavery, and 39 years post independence from Britain, too many Dominicans still walk around with mental and emotional shackles around their necks, too wimpy and weak-kneed to stare their task master in the face. Given these facts, those who govern see themselves as entitled, as they continue to prey upon the vulnerabilities of the governed, and treat them with both contempt and disdain. Dominicans at home and abroad should be made to understand that duly elected government is appointed by the people to serve the populace, and as such, is accountable to every citizen and constituent and when the affairs of the state are questionable, those elected should be called to task. It is high time.

    • Gary
      January 18, 2017

      Why all this “cliche” historical talk, are you a sociologist. Why write such nonsense quote,”Dominicans still walk around with mental and emotional shackles around their necks, too wimpy and weak-kneed to stare their task master in the face. Given these facts” what given facts are you referring to, an opinion is not a given fact.

  34. Henry Luke
    January 17, 2017

    Mr. Christian, Sir, I am a Dominican national living abroad, and I wholeheartedly affirm, endorse, and validate your call for a thorough, detailed, and exhaustive public inquiry and investigation into the highly suspect, and scandal plagued, CBI program of the nation, run by the current Cabal.
    However, given the fact that the majority of Dominican nationals, both at home and abroad, have clearly exhibited a spineless, cowardly, and gutless stance on all matters of national significance (particularly when they feel that their livelihood is threatened), how do you propose putting the mechanisms in place that will rally support for this noble and just cause, and at the same time lay the ground work for such an investigation. I am fully supportive of your proposal and ideas, and, if you can, in your capacity, identify some individuals, and/or groups that begin to get this thing in motion, then Dominicans at every stage of the spectrum, will benefit from this.

    • January 17, 2017

      That is right Henry Luke…” identify some individuals, and/or groups that (will) begin to get this thing in motion, then Dominicans at every stage of the spectrum, will benefit from this”. Don’t just talk about it, actually start putting it together…contact individuals and put these proposal to them, ask them to facilitate, assist or participate wherever possible or necessary. When actual people are on board to push this thing forward then the ball will be in the Government’s Court to decide if this is a good idea or not and to explain why it is or isn’t.

      • Gary
        January 18, 2017

        Why do you entertain such wishful thinking. Do you really believe that the Government would accept such proposal as it stands, even though you or others identify groups that (will) begin to get this thing in motion.The Country is so polarized, lies and misinformation are the pinnacle of such polarization,objective evidence takes the back stage due to political agendas. Have you not once sat down and ask yourself, where all this polarization all started. In politics noting just happen out of thin air.Politicians and People with political agendas need the populace to assist them in carrying out their crafted plan.

  35. Prophet
    January 17, 2017

    It looks like those who want questions answered are those who never took the time to read about the program on the government’s website.

    • %
      January 17, 2017

      You all have impoverished the doggone country,you believe hungry people can go on website..Why didn’t you do like patriot honourable Linton and explain to the CBS interviewers?

  36. D/can Political Historian
    January 17, 2017

    The world is watching. Gabe! you think these care? Am not sorry- these guys maybe beings but what prefix would you apply to these Pirates? Human , social, neither applies here Gabe.
    Our people are steeped in self interest Gabe all our comrades of better years are polarized. Those from our days in the struggle.You and I as well those of our generation late 50’s and early 60’s born are a diferent bride they don’t us anymore. The sad part is some of our very epoch are non-resident ambassadors professionals who have left the original DLP/transformed MND/ Independence committee/DLM you know the transformatives. are bz making money and have forgotten what they started fighting for -Reo -speed wagon. sad state cousin Gabe!

    • January 17, 2017

      Is Gabriel working for free? Why is he not in Dominica? Just a set of pretty empty talk. Gabriel wants to dictate to Dominicans from his lofty tower in Washington. The inquiry might be a good thing, it might reveal whàt the UWP did with the Layou River Hotel money and how they spent the money from the reengineered CBI program.

  37. EnfantDiable
    January 17, 2017

    CAS De Majeur,, Sampson The Great, Robo de XBanker, Josh Shaw and the other Diasporan academics and Intellectuals in North America must support this move . This call for a full ,independent Inquiry and the passing of comprehensive legislation to manage our external affairs have merit. We expect that they, ALL of them, will come down and give evidence at the hearings. Watch out NABES AND I and the BELEFAN of KAICHE will give Gabu plenty blows next week.

  38. Possie (60 plus wasted years of Labour )
    January 17, 2017

    That’s a move in the right direction. I second that move.

  39. Laplaine Observer
    January 17, 2017

    It’s irrefutable that the CBI program lacks competent leaders who can effectively demonstrate the ability to preserve the integrity and the intended use of such program. While there’s no secret as stated by the PM that some Diplomat passport recipients have had their appointments revoked due to criminal issues in their respective countries, we must not negate the fact that the screening process is deficient and it must be fixed with proper oversight.

  40. Shaka Zulu
    January 17, 2017

    I concur

  41. concern
    January 17, 2017

    I would like ask this question. I think I seen that Dominica is a Sovereign Nation , is that correct?

  42. uk Dominican
    January 16, 2017

    investigation must be carried out to wash out the stain that our country is covered with

  43. Zandoli
    January 16, 2017

    Gabu, you asked for a commission of enquiry to be held in public and in camera? These two conditions are contradictory. In camera means out of the public’s view (in private).

    • LawieBawie
      January 17, 2017

      Well we all know that he meant “on” camera. This is just a typo.

  44. AK
    January 16, 2017

    Let’s see if they take you suggestions seriously or “An Open Letter” or Maypuis.

  45. MWEN ENKOR
    January 16, 2017

    IS THERE A PETITION FORM PREPARED TO BE SIGNED?

  46. MWEN ENKOR
    January 16, 2017

    This is the best suggestion that has come so far since the program was aired.
    I support every point 100%
    Any honest person cannot be against these proposals.
    If you do, it simply means, you have something to hid.
    Remember, NO LIE WILL LIVE FOREVER.
    WHEN YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH, YOU DON’T HAVE TO REMEMBER WHAT YOU SAID.
    BUT WHEN YOU LIE YOU MUST REMEMBER EVERYTHING BECAUSE YOU WILL EVENTUALLY CONTRADICT YOURSELF.

  47. %
    January 16, 2017

    This is a highly intellectual piece,coming from an accomplished intellect,as opposed to a profusion of crap from self serving cowards which preceeded this piece!

    • binsley
      January 17, 2017

      interllect? , every one who utters a word is in his own wright
      an interllect, he must think to speak, even if it sounds gibberish to you

  48. Jonathan St Jean
    January 16, 2017

    I’m with you all the way brother.One would have though that educated persons like Tony,Gregor, Vince, Rupert etc would take the high road and call for what you are advocating for so that the program can be saved and Dominica rescued from the precipice it’s heading into.

  49. %
    January 16, 2017

    Good Piece!!!
    I listened to the programme myself,and I keep asking what did the honourable Lennox Linton say on the 60minutes programme,that have so many cowards coming out everyday asking for his head?..! In fact my biggest disappointment was the absence of those cowards,who prefer to eject their vile,vicious,wicked and deadly attack on honourable Linton on DNO..The CBI PROGRAMME or passport sales business is a mess,and people like me will keep opposing it UNTIL a thorough audit is done to inform Dominicans about sales and revenue….The CBS investigators who obviously knew everything,fell short of telling us that this programme is a fetid,but we know it…A few people are raking MILLIONS,while so many are still poor,indigent and marginalised..Aren’t the opposition constituencies part of Dominica?Why are their hollering for help keep falling on death ears,while flower planting ideologues are laughing at them!!! Are DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS BEING SD UNDER THE TABLE?We want to know!

  50. January 16, 2017

    Knowing this present administration under the leadership of the Honourable Doctor Sir Roosevelt Skerrit, I believe your proposal is only wishful thinking. However, thanks for trying.

  51. Shameless
    January 16, 2017

    Love it Gabo! Finally a respectable voice in the diaspora has spoken. Will the cabal take heed and do what is right or will they continue to hide behind the spin doctor and under the skirt of the of the bully in the once honorable house? I remain ever vigilant and hopeful that one day some people will pay for abusing Ma Dominique. :twisted:

    Always Assertive! :twisted: :twisted:

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