Veil of secrecy on China/Dominica relationship must be lifted

CommentaryWhile most Dominicans supported the decision of the Roosevelt Skerrit administration to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 2004, it is widely felt that the relationship has been conducted under a veil of secrecy.

Today we marvel at the vainglorious State House, a world-class Windsor Park Stadium, a new Dominica State College, the rehabilitated West Coast Road and the provision of university scholarships.

But after a decade of bilateral relations, we see that the absence of a policy on China that is in our national interest has placed our country at a disadvantage.
Doubts still linger about the authenticity of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and whether it was in fact the total package Prime Minister Skerrit negotiated over a period of “19 unbroken hours” in Beijing.

Beyond the grants and soft loans we have received from China over the last decade, what is our policy on China? China has a policy on Africa, the Middle East and other regions of the world. As one of the least populated countries in the world, what policy does Dominica have in place to guide and manage the relationship with an economic giant like China with 1.3 billion people? With a greater influx of Chinese citizens expected in Dominica in the coming decades, have we considered the consequences of demographic changes on our small 70,000 population ? Do we know how many Chinese nationals own Dominican passports?

After 10 years of diplomatic relations, little is known in China about Dominica beyond the Chinese government political machinery. Little has been done to increase Dominica’s visibility even among a fraction of China’s 1.3 billion people through radio, television, the internet and social media. China is the second largest economy in the world. It is the world’s largest exporter of goods and the world’s largest trading nation. Very little has been done over the last ten years to reach the burgeoning Chinese middle class and what success have we had in attracting a fraction of the millions of Chinese tourists?

The lack of jobs in Dominica remains a major issue despite the many infrastructural projects being funded by China. Unlike the experience of Taiwan, the majority of workers on projects funded by China in Dominica have been Chinese. Chinese business people are now dominating the commercial sector in Roseau at a pace that threatens social stability.

Rosie Douglas, who as leader of the Dominica Labour Party and Prime Minister, forged relationships with traditional and non-traditional friends welcomed foreign investment, but with conditions: In 1992 he wrote: “We believe that foreign investment should as far as possible be directed to areas of the economy where local entrepreneurs lack the capital and technological/marketing know-how to handle. Areas of petty trade, restaurants, laundries etc should be the exclusive domain of local entrepreneurs except in very few exceptional cases where a high degree of specialization is required.”

In Dominica today there is a feeling that the playing field is uneven with suggestions that Chinese business owners are not paying their fair share of tax.

Even after ten years, there is suspicion in the public domain about the role played by Grace Tung and David Hsiu in the move to China. The Dominican embassy in China was run by a Chinese businessman, David Hsiu and members of his family, a highly unusual situation in international diplomacy. Mr. Skerrit succumbed to public pressure when he read what he said was the MOU of March 23rd 2004 in Parliament in 2005.But closer inspection of his Address to the Nation on March 29th 2004 to formally announce the switch from Taiwan to China, revealed significant discrepancies between the two documents.

The MOU of 2004 speaks of the completion of the second phase of the Dominica Grammar School project. But in his address of March 29th, 2004, Mr. Skerrit said the Chinese had agreed to “the construction of a modern, fully equipped and functional secondary school to be located in the environs of Roseau.”

By 2003, work had already begun on the construction of the new Dominica Grammar School with funds from the Republic of China (Taiwan). Why then didn’t the PM in his address mention the Dominica Grammar School by name? It is obvious that the school referred to in the address by the PM was not the DGS, but possibly an International School for Chinese located at Layou. The MOU made no mention of that new school.

The MOU made no provision for the US$15 million Dominica owed the Government of Taiwan at the time of the severance of diplomatic relations prompting the Taiwanese to file a law suit against the Government of Dominica in a United States court.

In November last year, a Chinese firm informed the world that it had signed an MOU worth US$300 million with the Government of Dominica. A pattern has developed where Roosevelt Skerrit continues to conduct foreign policy under a veil of secrecy. Parliament and other institutions of our constitutional democracy continue to be sidelined. There can be no doubt now that Dominica is in the grip of an elected dictatorship.

While Prime Minister Skerrit continues to enjoy the plaudits for the 10-year Dominica-China bilateral relationship, it must be recorded in the annals of Dominican history that Rosie Douglas and Renwick Jean Pierre, at a party level, recognized the importance of China since the early 1980s. It is often forgotten that the first China-Dominica Friendship Association was established by Rosie Douglas. In 2005, China’s first Ambassador to Dominica, Ye Dabo spoke about Rosie being an “early pioneer” in the Dominica-China relationship.

In September, 1984, Rosie Douglas, the International Secretary of the United Dominica Labour Party (UDLP) and Renwick Jean Pierre, Mayor of Portsmouth, visited the People’s Republic of China. In a press statement in 1984, Rosie Douglas wrote: “Attempts to build relations exclusively with Taiwan as is the case with the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is shortsighted, reactionary and not in keeping with current political and economic relations in the world.”

Their visit to China resulted in a commitment from the Chinese government to construct a US$ $1 million Multi-purpose Municipality Community Complex at Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth. Despite numerous letters from the Portsmouth Town Council to Prime Minister, Eugenia Charles, the gift from China was never accepted. There was also communication on the proposed facility between the Council and the Chinese embassy in Barbados.

As we look ahead to another decade of cooperation with China, we need to take our bilateral relations to a higher level, shedding our role as gracious benefactors of Chinese benevolence and engage China in a more mature way as we seek to find our niche in the huge Chinese market. Roosevelt Skerrit’s conduct of the relationship in utter secrecy has serious implications for the future.

As a country we need to formulate a comprehensive policy on our relationship with China. We must also learn from the Chinese experience in developing countries, especially in Africa. That policy must place much greater emphasis on trade, foreign direct investment, technology transfer and cultural and social exchanges. The policy must also articulate that while Chinese investment is desirable, given our colonial past, safeguards must be put in place to ensure Dominicans do not become second-class citizens in their own country. The views of all Dominicans should be solicited as we seek to fashion a comprehensive policy on China that reflects our needs and priorities in the 21st century.

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67 Comments

  1. Juan
    April 6, 2014

    The Chinese are not spending all that money in Dominica just for the hell of it, their ultimate goal is to establish a permanent military presence in the Caribbean with a Navy Base in Dominica at the natural harbor at Portsmouth, a blind man can see that Skerrit may have already made the arrangements in his secret MOU with China thousands of Chinese are going to move to Dominica and the Dominican people are going to have to leave to find somewhere else to live.This is being done while the United States, Britain and France are asleep at the switch they and the countries in the Caribbean better start paying attention of what they are up too before they have that base. Just wait and see.

  2. Anonymous
    April 4, 2014

    Doubts still linger about the authenticity of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).. thee Authenticity or thee CONTENT of the MOU!!!! because we want to believe that this bilateral relationship is authentic

  3. Anonymous
    April 4, 2014

    Sean your introductory paragraph is contradictory…. Most Dominicans did not support the decision of the Roosevelt Skerrit administration to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 2004… why because it was done under the veil of secrecy. We did not support a decision to establish diplo relations when it was already a done deal…. we did not support that move and as such told our government to go ahead with the plan.., but rather we were informed of the move AFTER the deal was done and swallowed the pill with a lime squash without sugar!!!!

  4. April 4, 2014

    $300m US dollars could rebuild Dominica three times over. How was that money spent? Which projects were completed? Dominica is still stagnant. The Chinese has really put Dominicans OUT OF BUSINESS.

  5. For Richer Or Poorer
    April 3, 2014

    We should thank the Author. Whether it was meant to provoke doubt in our relationship with China. This timely article is an eye opener, in case we thought the UWP press conference was not something they thought we wanted to hear to gain votes saying that they would not change Diplomatic Ties with China. I am sure they are not too pleased that the article came out just now. Good timing.

  6. Hyperbolesylabistics
    April 3, 2014

    Shawn’s writing is evidence that Change is a must .It is a gradual process that began the day Skeritt took office so it is well on it’s way .Change is a must for example Qaddafi is no longer with us ,neither is Chavez! How much more proof You want?

  7. Ras I Respect
    April 2, 2014

    As an observer born on another caribbean island ( who has traveled the caribbean extensively) this much is clear. The Chineese are buying off the politicians of the Caribbean for peanuts. Beware.

    Nuff respect

  8. UDOHREADYET
    April 2, 2014

    the only veil of secrecy that exists is the one put over your eyes in regards to the West… did you know that the map of the world is grossly inaccurate and European countries are depicted as being larger whereas A continent such as Africa which is 13 time the size of Greenland is show to be the same size or in the case of Russia which Africa is double the size of, Russia is shown as being larger. Wake up china is not your enemy. If you don’t believe me do your research.

  9. Macbeth
    April 2, 2014

    Sean while I share your sentiments but I find it very interesting that is now and only now you are being so articulate.

    I suppose you got new glasses. I am not sure if you are the best messenger given your past involvement with this regime but I surely agree with the points raised in this article.

  10. concern citizen
    April 2, 2014

    Sean, I am complete agreement with your article. I have been singing the same song for a long while. Yes, it’s good that the government is trying to bring Dominica in line with other countries but at what cost? Dominicians the Chinese will take over Dominica and you all will become second citizens in your own country. They do not believe in giving non-Chinese jobs in their companies. You are class as outsiders. Some of us Dominicians like to wait for others to do for us, rather than trying and doing things for ourselves or wait for others to do for us and then complaint that their is no jobs and wait for handouts. The Chinese will walk over you all and take control of everything. They are ruthless people with no remorse and consideration to anyone when come to making money.
    The Government is SELLING Dominica slowly under you all noses. WAKE UP BEFORE IT IS TOOO LATE

  11. Thank you
    April 2, 2014

    The whole thing is scary. What are their intentions. And world’s class Stadium? The thing looks like our was made using some metal that is already rusting. Does China make anything that lasts? Would China do all of this for free? No! Not China! What is our policy Mr prime minister. How can we trust you when you remain so secretive. We are an educated people and we read enough about China to be concerned.
    Has the stadium generated enough income to pay for itself? Has it generated enough fans?
    Why did we need such a glorious state house? When visitors come to Dominica, Should they not expect to experience Dominica? Would it appear to visitors like our government may be corrupt when they drive through the country and then through Roseau and see a glimpse of what Dominica is. But the pulls up in front of this glorious state house! Doesn’t it give the impression of where our government places their priority. And how are we going to repay or debt to China?
    Please, we need some transparency. We as a people are not a people who are idiots or easily impressed with the goods flashed before us. What is our policy with China!

  12. my view
    April 2, 2014

    This is a weak article from a man who was fired by the DLP and trying to make a apolitical point. He is just repeating what most uwp supporters have been saying all along and cannot present any facts to make his story relevant. Or, maybe he is trying to give us a history of how Dominica began having relations with China. The mou that everybody is asking to see is just a broad general statement on the kind of relationship the two countries hope to have. It is not a long drawn out detailed contract. Even if the mou is presented to uwp supporters they would not believe it. They want to believe what they want to believe.

    Despite all that is said about Chinese labour doing most of the work on the projects there is no doubt that Dominica is benefitting substantially from this relationship. To all of you who THINK that there is some kind of secret deal you need to bring out some proof to the public. Until then, it is all just speculation.

  13. Mary Black
    April 2, 2014

    Reading the article has reveal what I has been saying for a fews years to family members and friends in regard of the Chinese government handouts to Dominica. They are slowing taking Dominica over and for sure we will be second class citizen under these people.

    The only way that all Dominica can know for sure what the Prime Minister has offered to the Chinese is for the whole country to stage a strike. The pressure will make him open up to the people. The Prime Minister knows where he will be heading the day the Chinese invade Dominica.

    • For Richer Or Poorer
      April 3, 2014

      Those are very good handouts; nothing like we’ve seen in the past. The E.O. Leblanc Highway; The Windsor Park Stadium; The friendship Bridge, The States House, and so much more. These are things we can see and that tells me all I have to know.

      This article coming out now makes the UWP statement that they will continue Diplomatic Ties with China even more interesting. Good timing I would say; speaks very loud. Should we thank the author?

  14. Dominican Mon
    April 2, 2014

    Now …now .. For years have you been blind?
    You sleep with dogs you wake up with fleas..

  15. John
    April 2, 2014

    The Chinese are not giving all that money for nothing they are going to want something in return eventually. A military base in Dominica maybe? A Navy Base in Portsmouth, right smack in the middle of the Caribbean islands between two French Islands, they may have a military agenda planned for Dominica when they make the island a Colony of the PRC with their puppet Skerrits help.

  16. American Dominican
    April 1, 2014

    I can smell what’s playing her just anothground,er political battle. The article raises eyes for real, but let see where this its heading,I know how the game its played but am eye wide looking at where this guy is aiming.

  17. winston warrington
    April 1, 2014

    That Sean would question the authenticity of the MOU between DA and China suggests that there might exist another agreement different from that with which he is acquainted; yet, he states our relationship with China is conducted under a veil of secrecy. How can any journalist be so careless with his prose?
    Have we promulgated any defined policy toward the US, Guadeloupe, and more importantly, did Rosie ever articulate his foreign policy towards Canada?

    • Thank you
      April 2, 2014

      O be quite!

  18. Oh No
    April 1, 2014

    Sean, I am beginning to appreciate your honesty and help in clarifying and educating the people of Domnica. Your reasoning makes political sense. Thanks

  19. abroad
    April 1, 2014

    Excellent Piece of reporting and all i can say when you sit back and think of how theses countries such as China operates and treats its own citizens. For those who are also supporters of some of the things Skerrit has done shouldn’t we know all the details as to what china is benefiting for all these gifts. Dominica may have already been sold, and there’s nothing we could do about, am sure they make decision as to how its run. Don’t be naive my people,stop being so damn political and wake up,wake up

  20. Anonymous
    April 1, 2014

    Oh boy we have no idea what’s comming

  21. As I See It
    April 1, 2014

    Sean Douglas has been reduced to a Lennox Linton follower. I expect anything now.

    Someone please give me a call when the resemblance starts to take place

    • KAMALA
      April 1, 2014

      dont crucify the messenger.. think of your childrens future

    • FORKIT
      April 1, 2014

      but what is that nor, sean say he labar to de bone even if skerrit destroyed him he still labour, because de man wrote an article about skerrit dishonesty about the china relationship you calling lennox name in it. WHAT ALLU AFRAID OF DE MAN FOR.. LEAVE LENNOX ALONE FOOL

  22. fam
    April 1, 2014

    Sean, where have you been.

  23. love I
    April 1, 2014

    Great article…The Government has to be more forthcoming…..Honesty is the best policy…..secrets eventually surface…

  24. Kudos
    April 1, 2014

    Excellent piece. The points are all salient and well-stated and something that Dominicans should take into consideration. I have learned new tidbits from this piece that affects how I think about some political situations. Like Rosie’s articulated foreign policy positions and how ridiculously conservative Ma Charles was (not that we didn’t already know). Keep up the writings. More educated Dominicans need to put pen to paper when it comes to political issues and provide a wealth of information for others to learn from.

  25. Comrade Napoleon
    April 1, 2014

    Excellent piece. The points are all salient and well-stated and something that Dominicans should take into consideration. I have learned new tidbits from this piece that affects how I think about some political situations. Like Rosie’s articulated foreign policy positions and how ridiculously conservative Ma Charles was (not that we didn’t already know). Keep up the writings. More educated Dominicans need to put pen to paper when it comes to political issues and provide a wealth of information for others to learn from.

  26. Doc. Love
    April 1, 2014

    It must be obvious by now, the reasons why Skeritt must win the next General Election at all cost. Despite the many allegations of corruptions which are regularly pelted at the Skeritt Administration their is always an unsolved mystery, what is in the MOU between Dominica and China. When Skeritt hears those words “change is a must, not an option,” he must be praying to Almighty God for such a reality never takes place to Dominica.

  27. warrington
    April 1, 2014

    AFTER they pack you is when you see to DEPARLAY. :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P BUT workers NOT taking.

    • warrington
      April 1, 2014

      workers NOT taking YOU

  28. Shameless
    April 1, 2014

    Great job classmate. That veil MUST and SHALL be lifted because change is a MUST, NOT and Option!

    Like you, I once was blind but now I see. If one only listened to the calypsos this year and saw the crowd reaction at the finals you will understand the plight of the people.

    “I AM FOR CHANGE, ARE U? 8)

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  29. Peeping Tom
    April 1, 2014

    Sean’s commentary has two parts: there is no clear China policy and the MOU is not the MOU.

    Anti-Skerrit or anti-DLP commentaries all too often share the same common error. They are so full of venom for Skrerrit that they evolve into a confused mess of facts, suspicion, and fantastic imagination that is only matched by writers of fiction novels. So, I will skip over the second major part of Sean’s commentary.

    The first, however, seems to have some credence. I don’t think we can recall any detailed and clearly articulated policy on China by the DLP administration. We know that the government considers China a critical financing partner but we cannot conclusively state anything beyond this.
    However, it is a feature of our political culture that successive administrations in Dominica do not spell out clearly and/or in print what their policies are. We simply make pronouncements and then amend as we go along without spelling out our vision. This practice is unwise, but Skerrit’s DLP administration is no more culpable than others before it.

    • Jay
      April 2, 2014

      Tom, I can see were your dissertation is leading but the the axiom that two wrongs never make a right always applies. I feel that in Dominica right now we are on a cusp that will decide whether we mature into a true socio-democratic society, which can be a model for the entire region, or descent further into a society where the devil takes hindmost. I do believe that we have a golden opportunity to grasp the first option, admit where we have gone wrong in our attempts to find our feet since independence, clean up and start afresh, always remaining humble. In that sense I support L Mr. Linton’s vision, which is a non-political one, that Dominica can be the the best place to live, work and enjoy life. One may laugh and be sceptical but I’d rather follow a route of constant improvements on a never ending way to get to that goal than go down into Dante’s inferno.

      • Bogoroy
        April 3, 2014

        Lol, Jay did you say a non-political vision of foreign plicy? How are you gonna do that when teh rest of teh world takes a political view? The only way to do so i suspect is to live on Mars. This is why Linton’s talk of “principle of enlightened blah, blah, blah” is all fantasy, unreal, “pie in the sky.” This is the kind of dreamy kumbaya singing society that you want m eto vote for? This is 2014, do you realize?

  30. 007
    April 1, 2014

    This said it all wake up my people.

  31. Anonymous
    April 1, 2014

    I think this article should not be taken as a political attack, but rather, food for thought and genuine concerns by Dominicans.

    • Thank you
      April 2, 2014

      Thank you! And that is why many of us will remain in the dark because we misconstrue extremely important concerns to party politics and they become dismissed in our minds. By doing so we keep the blankets over our head while there is trouble brewing around us.
      Some of us are concerned about Dominica and can see beyond the party politics and see when there are true concerns which are bound to affect us all.
      We need to see our complete policy with China and with any other country we have dealings with. We need transparency!

  32. Mamizoo
    April 1, 2014

    Sean I would like to ask whether or not you saw a copy of that MOU. Your article suggest that you had not seen the MOU. I ask the question because Daryl Titre who now is in the position that you once held said that he has seen the MOU. Although I am of the opinion that Daryl is obviously out of hi league and says things just for the heck of it , I must ask why it is that is Daryl supposedly saw the MOU and Sean didn’t .
    Nevertheless I would have preferred if Sean had first apologized for deceiving the people and then revealing the truth about this MOU. It is not like we the open eye Dominicans were not aware of the darkness behind the MOU. we are also fully aware that we are looking at a dictator in our government.
    I am sure fully understands that people will have apprehensions about Sean Douglas the former press secretary for the dictator Roosevelt Skerrit. One thing that dictators o well or if you will the hall mark ofa dictator is the dictator’s use of others to dole out deception, intimidation and even victimization. Take fr example the length that Daryl Titre will go so far as to be rude and condescending to the citizenry and senior member of Parlament Mr Prevost. Mr Prevost could ave been Daryl’s father. I must ask Sean whether or not he condones Daryl’s behavior, is it art of the job and what would Sean do had he been in position of press secretary.
    Someone said that Sean is posturing for a UWP administration. I say to this really really. Why a guy lie Sean would do so when Sean has access to resources where not only Sean, but the Douglases in general can under a Team Dominica and their vision and plans do wonderful things for the economy as businessmen and women.
    So I would like to give Sean the benifit of my doubt and opine that Sean is having a epiphany. Let us hope that there will be others who were or are part of this ominous Labor Party administration- hench men, senior counsels, pastors, priests , Bishops, advisors, stepfathers, uncles etc

    • Thank you
      April 2, 2014

      Again, another idiot who are trying to silent the peopleof Dominica concerns with party politics! Really?

      • Thank you
        April 2, 2014

        Who is*

      • Mamizoo
        April 3, 2014

        Wow! if you are to embarrass to say so I can arrange for you to get some tutoring in basic reading and comprehension .

  33. papament
    April 1, 2014

    well i want to know to eh , not because i getting bread and butter don’t mean i don’t want to know where it coming out and why , we Dominican to naive we should know how we getting things man , Mr.Douglas good article is true cause some parent taking thing from their Daughters n doe ask how they getting it …..same concept

    • wil
      April 2, 2014

      Wise words!

  34. UDOHREADYET
    April 1, 2014

    Great article… i’ll take China over Taiwan any day!!!

  35. Marlpardee
    April 1, 2014

    Well well. When i see a chinese in the bank saving how much money, i say yes, look at all the money they make from dominicans. Tell me , how many black people do you see in chinese country own businesses? How many black people are employed by chinese? How many black people own a chinese passport? The list goes on. My recent visit to dominica was very depressing. I could not believe the things i saw. It hurts to see my fellow dominicans are out of jobs, especially the young people roaming the streets and have absolutely nothing to do. Food a necessity, which is so expensive, alas my heart aches. Can someone tell me why dominica is importing so many goods? A country with so many resources, left to “die”. I must say, with the way things are, not only the poor can’t survive in dominica, but everyone can’t.So many foreigners in dominica and no benefit to the country. I believe it is time that citizens of this country come together and fight for what is ours. Dominica the nature island…if you can’t stand up for your country the chinese and all the others surely will. Do not let our beloved country down. Dominica needs you!

    • anonymous2
      April 1, 2014

      Good observations however, the country is no longer yours. Need to get an honest leader in office to disclose the current situation.
      Good luck with getting Dominicans to stand up.

    • papament
      April 2, 2014

      Dominicans Are overseas to …and you are overseas to …working right? so how you want the people from that to act fight with you for whats theirs? a JOb is Job once you obtain a job it don’t matter where you’re from

    • April 4, 2014

      “Dominica, a Country with “so many resources,” left to “die”.” “The poor can’t survive in Dominica, but everyone else can”. “So many foreigners in Dominica and no benefit to the Country.” Agreed on all points; however, those in position made it difficult for Dominicans to progress by not extending equal opportunity to its people. There is nothing wrong with foreign investors on the Island, what is wrong is that they come with their employees living our citizens in the unemployment line. How can we ever benefit from that mentality.

  36. Bystander
    April 1, 2014

    A lot of nuggets to chew on. Before thinking of political party, think about the little nuggets of facts presented. I can’t say much about what has been said in this article until I do my research.

    I urge people to do their research as well before they automatically agree or disagree based on which party the like.

    • Thank you
      April 2, 2014

      Thank you and instead of bringing up these party politics which many of us have no interest in, bring us factual answers or links to trusted sites and unbiased information where we could look more into our dealings with China

  37. DFR
    April 1, 2014

    Well written with much detail. As I have been commenting on numerous times in the past there is no transparency in this government . As a democracy the voters are entitled to know the real debt that has been incurred so that there will be no surprises in the future.

  38. hmmmm
    April 1, 2014

    Very good article. Excellent points raised. I hope it is recieved in the spirit of national development in which it is written.

    • Marlpardee
      April 1, 2014

      Thumbs down

      • Marlpardee
        April 1, 2014

        Sorry that was an error

  39. Shame on you
    April 1, 2014

    Welcome Shawn on the band wagon. You are just one of the douglas clan who thought power would have remained in your hands.

    We know what you are up to so come good. Work hard for your job under the UWP regime but you will have to wait a while longer.

    • Tell it like it is
      April 1, 2014

      Shame on you, well said. They have to wait a very LONG time that’s if they don’t “SURCOME” to their bull crap

      • Malgraysa
        April 1, 2014

        Do I note a struggle with proper command of the English language in those fervent Skerrit supporters? “Shame on you” can not spell Mr. Douglas’ name, which is “Sean” and not “Shawn”, while “Tell it like it is” spells “surcome” instead of “succumb”. May be there is truth in the rumours that Mr. Skerrit does not want his supporters to be educated so he can control them easier.

    • Anonymous
      April 1, 2014

      Tame yourself.

    • toma
      April 1, 2014

      you are just one of those dumb Dominicans

    • ASHAMED
      April 1, 2014

      what does politics and colors have to do with this article. the questions asked are legitimate questions which the government have not addressed.
      all other countries publish their MOU and can also be found online, so why is ours hiding in skerrit’s personal vault.

      • Thank you
        April 2, 2014

        Thank you! We have to ask the current government because they are the ones who made the dealings and unfortunately they are the one keeping the transparency from the people. This is not political, but common sense. Who else are we to ask? China? O that’s an idea! How can we ask China about their relations with Dominica. We have enough Chinese students in China, surely we can find out.

      • Ronald Riviere
        April 2, 2014

        Let us forget the messenger for a minute here. This is a very interesting and analytical commentary. There are genuine questions being asked here, if we are interested in our countrys’ welfare we should do some serious soul searching and ask ourselves some questions, whilst searching deep into our inner being for answers.

    • grell
      April 1, 2014

      Its all about party for poor people like you,chinese own dominica right now,we are the second class citizens,with a dictator as a pm.But take a good look @ the statistics.skero is only fooling the poor people.those who are average dont care about party and politics once they work hard and support their families,@ the end is the poor that continue to suffer under skerro,the uneducated cant help it,they continue to get the handouts.very sad for our country that had so much respect throughout the caribbean and today we are the laughing stock.god help my country.

      • anonymous2
        April 1, 2014

        God helps those that help themselves.

      • Anonymous
        April 2, 2014

        Question; How many Chinese are there in Dominica and what percentage of Businesses do they own?

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