Bishop of Roseau, His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire, has called for measures to be put in place to ensure that the upcoming general election is free and fair.
The next general election in Dominica is constitutionally due by February 2020.
Bishop Malzaire made the statement while delivering a homily at the Roseau Cathedral Chapel on New Year’s Eve.
“Of concern to many here in Dominica, especially during the past days, is the issue of electoral reform. It’s a long standing issue which is impacting and affecting our society,” the Bishop stated. “It is imperative therefore, that those responsible, move with some alacrity, to see that all is put in place for the appearance of free and fair general elections which is due this year.”
He continued, “Brothers and sisters, we are duty bound to do all in our power to maintain a just and peaceful society. We must seek as a people, to transcend party political interests and work for the good of all citizens in our beloved country. We must allow ourselves to be guided always by truth and seek justice for all.”
The Bishop declared, “All the parties involved are duty bound to present a viable proposal for good governance for the sake of the common and greater good in our country. Today is no doubt a good day to make appropriate resolutions in that regard.”
The Head of the Catholic Church in Dominica was speaking within the context of a message, delivered by Pope Francis on the occasion of World Peace Day which was observed on New Year’s Day. The theme of the Pope’s message is Good politics is at the service of peace.
In what Bishop Malzaire describes as a “most enlightening but challenging message,” he quotes Pope Francis as saying, “Every election or re-election and every stage of public life is an opportunity to return to the original point of reference that inspires justice and law. One thing is certain good politics is at the service of peace. It respects and promotes human rights which are at the same time, mutual obligations enabling a bond of trust and gratitude to be forged between present and future generations.”
The sub themes which are addressed in the Pope’s message include: Peace be to this house!”, The challenge of good politics, Charity and human virtues: the basis of politics at the service of human rights and peace, Political vices, Good politics promotes the participation of the young and trust in others, No to war and to the strategy of fear and A great project of peace.
Bishop Malzaire recommends the Pontiff’s message to all politicians in the country and said that he has sent it to all the political parties in Dominica.
You all treat PM Steritt as super human with divine powers by always bringing religion into the mix and pointing to him! Yes he leads the current team but he is human! Now the Bishop gets a voice in the matter? Why does the Bishop not focus more on overall social injustice, the known murders and murderers, covert and overt thieves, paedophiles, drug abuse, gender inequalities at every level and adulterers in Dominica? Electoral reform will come whether the current PM is in office or not. This is the 21st Century and as long as technology is effective, retinal, voice or finger print recognition will become the way to go. So stop the braying, individual adoration of a man and crap. Get on, develop, clean the yard, and move forward! Religion has brainwashed and kept societies subservient for centuries. UN inspectors can monitor the next election but that will not shut some up!
WELL SAID BISHOP
Good and timely secular exhortation.
No venomous or inappropriate expressions or leanings or personal persuasion.
What more can a Bishop say to a nation, people and government?
The bishop is nothing other than a puppet.
Puppet master , please go read your Bible if you are able to ut some thoughts together that we may learn from what you say and politely respond to you , providing that you give us something of substance to respond to. Can you raise to that level? That is the issue we have with Skerrit an failed Labour government, he and others within this failed corrupt labour camp are unable to raise to that level of political decency and discuss. Thi sis a failed government hurting our poor Domininca. We cry for decent leadership, honesty, planning, and accountability. Skerrit must Go
One must applaud the Bishop for this message. It is imperative that the Electoral Officials must listen to the people and and ensure beyond the mere the appearance of free and fair general elections. However, it must be noted that as long as our constitution and electoral laws allow Dominicans who are legally registered to remain on the voter’s list ..meaning they may reside overseas but return to the jurisdiction one or more times during a 5 year period, it is very possible that the existing voter’s lists could be a lot more than the number of residents. and there is nothing illegal about that. In fact, even if there is a re-registration exercise and people eventually move to reside overseas thereafter, the list may become obsolete in a few more years as long as the laws are not changed. The Voter’s lists DOES NOT equal the number of Dominicans of voting age who are RESIDING in Dominica. Residency is a requirement for registration NOT voting per se.
Mr Francisco you have it wrong sir, it is Roosevelt that’s the puppet not the other way around,the church has always been in control and will always be until the Almighty says enough enough with Babylon.
Bishop malzaire i see that the Pope’s letter finally removed the noozle from your mouth. Anyway the pope is watching and knows about all the broad daylight corruption and election treating that’s going on in Dominica. Jus ask tuss.
The Bishop may have the best of intentions but he made his statement less compelling by using the word appearance. The people of Dominica deserve free and Fair Elections, and not the appearance thereof. Appeasements are not welcome here. No more macakqui.
Actually no. The Bishop is right. It has to be SEEN to be fair. So the authorities must do all in their power to make it be SEEN to be fair
LIKENED TO JUSTICE
It must ‘…not only be seen to be done, but manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done’ [1923: R v. Sussex Justices Ex p McCarthy].
Thus, it must appear to all a sundry that ‘…an election was free and fair.’
Good expressions Bishop.
Free, Fair and with Peace and Love.
Skerrit will make it in 2020, no matter what. Skerrit is here to stay. Keep up the good work, Mr. PM. We need someone like Maurice Bishop – handsome, intelligent, well educated, charismatic, outgoing, eloquent, loving, and working hard.
Check your history evil empires and dictators never win,Skerrit day is coming,Dominica is cursed,until the evil is removed.
ds, like it or not, Skerrit will go. If that Skerrit returns then Domininca will reduce to the abyss of no return, but only talk and promises by this failed corrupt Labour Government. There is nothing happening in Domininca today and yesterday that will see our young people and those currently unemployed begging for money and will be uncomfortable to feed their family. Skerrit`s family and children are in the big USA and they are nice, comfortable and Daddy visits them pretty often. How revealing that our people i Domininca are so blind t see the truth. They are suffering and yet the out there on DNO and o the crazy radio promoting a failed PM, while they are without bread and supper and children are crying for toys, school books while their parents and adults are promoting a failed questionable Skerrit who has failed us. Shame on your Skerrit, you have failed and we are in the abyss of no return as long as you stay there. You are a failure, o get lost. We need change and Now too.
@ds
Is this an attempt at humor? You certainly gave me a healthy laugh. Nothing is further from the truth. The leader that you so embellished is inarticulate, narcissistic, dishonest, corrupt, dull-witted and closed minded. The last placed, bottom of the ladder position of the country among its OECS counterparts is a true reflection of his leadership abilities and his inferior acumen.
@ Miss Ibo France I agree 101% , who present himself at a Head of Government Summit as an imposter then call a press conference. Had he tried this at a G7 or G20 of Heads or was the meeting held in Jamaica, he would be in jail. His diplomatic status would be declared null and void, he would be declared persona non grata and tried as a terrorist.
Skerrit is here to stay to prove more to you all jokes that he is a failed Prim (ODD) minister. The country is in ruins and y9ou there protecting and promoting to put this political clown back in power, whereas we are asking to account for the Bin Bobol and the Fertilizer Bobol and you clowns stay there crying out all you Love all you PM. That hypocrisy is telling us how people like you think and in denial.
Skerrit must Go. He is the biggest failure, He must Get up and just Go, Get out of our Dominica business. Go Mind your Funky Business. leave us alone
Skerrit, his 17 MISLEADERS and followers should be ashamed of themselves . This party has brought a curse on the country .
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
When some people try to sound smart often they do the exact opposite. Which country in the world has the same number of people on their voters list actually living in or always available in that country at any given point in time? That’s why the USA & UK have absentee ballots because they understand that their electors are across the globe. That 70,000 population and 72,000 voters list is the dumbest bit of cow d*ng I’ve ever heard.
For Ex.: if someone has lived in Dominica all their life and they recently move to America, it would simply mean that the population would go down to 69,999 and the voters list would still be 72,000. FACT!!! The list doesn’t change every time someone leaves the country. So the extras on the list are just people who are duly registered, but not living in the country.
Electoral reform is important, but the UWP cannot demand reform on their terms and alienate everyone else. The same reform UWP / CCM are asking for is the same reform they blocking in…
“That 70,000 population and 72,000 voters list is the dumbest bit of cow d*ng I’ve ever heard. ”
It boggles ones’ mind that for the past fifty-six (56) years they claim that the population of Dominica is seventy (70,000.00) people!
For that figure to stand, that means over the past fifty-six years no one died, no children born, no one immigrated, no one return home to live permanently.
It simply makes absolutely no sense!
Even Dominicans who lived in the the United States, and Europe have died, within fifty-six years, in my personal family, if I count as many who died the number is certainly over a hundred, and that includes mother and father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, and sister, niece and nephew, cousins too!
I am only one Dominican, so if we only add up all dead from every family who lost relatives, one could well read into it and laugh this hogwash false belief that there are seventy thousand Dominicans.
No proof of seventy thousand in Dominica!
I have absolutely no idea what your point is. This 70,000 claim has been made by the UWP over and over and over, even up to recently at their CCM debacle, where they had placards stating this nonsense.
My point remains the same. NO COUNTRY has the same number of people physically in the country and on the voters list. Those two numbers WILL NEVER be the same. So if you have your whole generation of family that passed who’s names are on the list and your family never took steps or alerted the Electoral Office to have them removed, then their names will stay and can stay until eternity. Names can only come off with objection or evidence of death presented to the authorities.
People like you just keep misleading the public and punctuate everything you say with “Skerritt Must Go!”
Francisco, It doesn’t matter what you or your bunch of clowns come up with it’s all rubbish you lots blue bellys have always been useless dishonest and fraudulent bird of a feathers stick together.
What do I expect from a man name dog?
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaah!
At least I have a framed constructive argument; which can lead one into some statistics which involves the death and birth ratio in the country. The first thing one would have to do is go back to some census taken fifty-six years ago and anyone in between and know from that two previous counts how many Dominicans were born and how many died, and subtract the dead from the living.
The alternative would be to do a census this year, count the number of Dominica born living in the country today, in order to debunk this hogwash!
I reiterate there are less than thirty thousand people residing in Dominica! There might be seventy thousand Dominican alive, but I highly doubt that. In Dominica the death ratio is much high than the birth ratio. Now contradict me with an augment that can be sustained!
I do not need an insulting comment which cannot make sense, it must be educational!
Fet, these two clowns, Man Bites Dog & Jokr (Joker) in Phoenix are trying hard to raise the profile of Skerrit and his failed Corrupt Labour Government. One man is only focussed on biting Dogs, within his camp, whatever that is and the other appears to the mis-spelt Joker in the pack. That pack this corrupt Failed Labour Party has created. Joker, the UWP Team does not just do things on their terms, like you just jump to conclusion without merit or substance. The UWP Team are highly professional decent people and that is where you and Man Bites Dog and the whole failed clang of labour government and blind followers are based. In the wrong company. Skerrit and his gang of Labour party are scared and worried that they are about to lose the elections and will be accountable to the people of Domininca to answer questions before a commission of enquiry. We need this done. There is corruption obvious to the eye within Labour. Bin, Fertilizer Bobol, Red Clinic abuse, from the 5th Floor we know
This this no name talking about UWP mention seventy thousand over and over is confounded and ignorant; this person is so delusional, the rat has no idea as to when the UWP was formed. Fifty years ago which means about 1963/62 they said the population of Dominica was 70,000 people.
What did the UWP had to do with that?
If the UWP said so recently, they might be simply using the same unfounded rhetoric as the Labor party, who’s dumb ministers keep repeating the same nonsense!
I do not know where some of you uneducated clowns hale from talking nonsense! If is one thing a computer, or smart phone will do is expose the ignorant uneducated ones’ as well as those who knows what they are talking about!
My Jokr, that’s for informing us of you un smart move and I guess some level of being ridiculous. It you want to say something of substance and intellectual, get on with it and stop playing smart. You mindset is surrounding with the corrupt thoughts of your so called failed leader Skerrit. Rise above the level of this corrupt leader and his failed corrupt labour government. Go to church, pray for Domininca and the next Prie Minister who will stabilise our Domininca towards meaningful development and not used Skerrit Bobol tricks and applications. Skerrit must Go. Skerrit has to Go, Skerrit will be gone. He has abused his office and killed the economy of Domininca creating our parents and poor families to be reduced as beggars to que up at Financial Centre to receive cash. this is a shame and discriminatory. Skerrit is too immature to see the bigger picture and to be Prime Minister. Odd Minister is the best position for him, out of our government structure.
I wonder if ut came from his HEART, Deep deep deep within or just the LIPS
So finally the good bishop has spoken and added his voice publicly to the need for honest elections and good governance in Dominica. The thanks for the support on this drumbeat for clean and honest government must go to Pope Francis, a true man of the people acting like the messenger of Christ. The bishop reenacted the behavior and attitude of the Catholic church during world war two when it sought to protect its power and privilege rather than do right by the persecuted children of God. The bishop took $500,000 from the corrupt leadership of the labor party and in turn, his silence rendered the church corrupt too in Dominica. Finally, he has been forced by the Pope to say something but he has to do more and lead on this issue. The bishop must continue to hold the feet of the labor party to the fire until the desired outcome of clean elections and good governance is achieved. Thank you, Pope Francis, for saving Dominica from internal self strife and forcing the puppet bishop to act.
Now Charles Savarin, our President, you know it is not enough to sit in the front pew in church. That does not guarantee you a seat in heaven. I want to hear from you whether or not you support your bishop’s message. Than you Sir.
Well some have to see the light after having stayed in the dark for a long time. Good to hear this from the clergy. Hope.the others see the light.
just give the people electoral reform. Y is that so hard to do. I would come to understand that this double doctor smell a Rat. If the DLP is so Confident that they will win just clean up the list go According to the Constitution. Some times I really want to give the DLP some credit but with the behaviors I see and hear going on , More and more I come to distance myself away from them. Life doesn’t go on forever one day those who Oppress my people will have to answer to a greater power.
“Of concern to many here in Dominica, especially during the past days, is the issue of electoral reform. It’s a long standing issue which is impacting and affecting our society,” the Bishop stated. “It is imperative therefore, that those responsible, move with some alacrity, to see that all is put in place for the appearance of free and fair general elections which is due this year.”
This is not a concern of many, it is a handful of idiots that belongs to the UWP that believe they inherit the right to talk loud and say they representing the masses, they sure don’t represent me!!!! And bishop General elections is not due this year It appears that you didn’t do any research nor did you had a discussion with the Chief Electoral Officer who is an avid member of the Catholic Church, a choir member, who am sure would have been happy to enlighten you of our election processes to include the constitutional timing for General Elections which is NOT BASED ON THE CALENDAR YEAR!!!!!
Mr Joe Linton, you are so right, o have placed ourself well within the camp of this Corrupt Labour Government. I concur with you , fully to your statement: “it is a handful of idiots that belongs to the Labour Party……” If you live in Glass house, do not throw stones”. This is where you are, this bind, in denial Skerrit follower., in the meantime our Dominica is in deep poverty and where you are suppose to target, that is at failed immature Skerrit and his bunch of useless 18 ministers y9o try to tarnish the good decent name of Hon. Linton and his UWP Team. Well Joe that ain`t gonna happen. You labour people are too deep in the abyss of corruption to hide now. We will flood you all out and clean up the mess in Domininca. We need good and decent government, that we will have under decent, trusted Hon. Lennox Linton. Now put that in your dirty labour government pipe and smile it.
I do not believe you are a Linton biologically related to any of the Linton Klan! You are an an uneducated ………! Your conduct is despicable; if you are a Linton by any chance, I am ashamed of you!
You are perhaps the most ignorant person I encountered in a long time; you are an embarrassment! Could it be someone has paid you to impersonate our family name. Could it be you are paid by the labor party cabal to pretend to be a Linton to serve their insane and diabolic purpose, and you do not know you are used like a clown to amuse your puppet masters?
Man be quiet and go and get you an education; too late for college, and university; try to self-educate by spending some money on buying books and read them.
It seems to me as if you are out of a comic book!
We dont need stuff put in place for appearance. It needs to be in place for the intended purpose. This is what you should have been preaching all along. Electoral reform was recommended and the pepole ask for it. Why is the ruling party hell bent on not doing. I am happy you at least follow Papal. You should go further to ask those in power to respect the opposition and should not attend any activities where all parties are not treated with respect. Politics is competition of ideas based on principle, conviction and ideology. It does not have to be dirty, but men who are corrupted by power have only selfish intentions and so to are those who are driven by lust for power. I have never met linton and dont know him but for his speeches. However i know skerrit as my English teacher in 2nd form in high school, form teacher in 3rd form, instructor at college, and met him on several occasions when home. Power has corrupted this chap and we have passed the time for change. Country before man.
The Bishop Finally spoke… God is love
OMG
it is definitely a new year, but he could be precise 71000 population, total eligible voters 70000
but it is good to see the church taking back the mantle of the CHURCH.
Thank you Bishop. Now my question is who is responsible for electoral reform? The Electoral Commission? The government?
Read your constitution , which will tell you that the electoral commission is mandated to act independently from government.
Thanks. But I am hearing that some bill had to be passed in parliament first. I am really confused on this we
Well at least another man of the flock has spoken.He knows that the bible says “thou shall not lie,steal and cheat”. Thousands of Dominicans have heard Election 2005,2009,2014 we’re all stolen,and it has reached a point where people like me will stand up for reform ….
The DLP police goons need to be spoken to,because they will one day answer to questions before the court
We need boots on the ground again!!!!!
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
Oh my God, it’s about time! “Brothers and sisters, we are duty bound to do all in our power to maintain a just and peaceful society. We must seek as a people, to transcend party political interests and work for the good of all citizens in our beloved country. We must allow ourselves to be guided always by truth and seek justice for all.”
While one cannot look at a person and see how sick he is in his heart , the eyes says it all . After years of saying nothing , it seems Francis have given Mr Malzaire a new lease of life in being politically corrupt while preaching to his misguided congregation . Mr Malzaire is playing his role very astutely as he continues to carry the mantle of his former caucasian mentors , SHAMEFUL is the word , for leading his Sheep to the brink of the precipice , and Dominica , have its full share of such .
So the Pope had to speak for mister them to know that electoral reform and free and fair election are essential to any country?
Tell that the the evil “Dr Supremo” and his DLP cabal. They cannot and are afraid of a fair election, They have not play fair and not are more desperate to hang on to power. Because some of them are probably indicted and are cornered. If there was a fair election last time they would have lost
Dear bishop Malzaire. I held you to be a weak spiritual leader but I must say thank you to the Almighty that you have found the courage to speak up for justice and humanity, bolstered by that powerful New Year’s message from Pope Francis. I did read it, not once but twice and have taken it in. I pray it has the desired effect and will pull our little nation, in particular back from the path to hell. We should all practice humility and let charity be our first driver. There is hope yet, it is still not too late.
Sensible and just electoral reforms benefit all. The reforms will create a level playing field for all political parties participating in national elections. If these are implemented, there will be less rancor, acrimony and strife after an election. This will promote more cohesion and tranquility in society. Only a corrupt, unscrupulous, group of cheaters would stubbornly resist and reject changes to the electoral system that advance peace, harmony and fairness in the country. Let’s all become strong advocates of electoral reforms to avoid perpetual disunity and disgruntlement in the country which regards progress. Electoral Reforms Now!
*which regards progress Not “regards” progress
The correct word is ‘retards’ Not ‘regards’.
With regards to the retards.
“He continued, “Brothers and sisters, we are duty bound to do all in our power to maintain a just and peaceful society. ”
Man shut up; you hypocrite, you are the one who for many years uphold and support the evils, and amoral conduct of Roosevelt!
You know that Roosevelt Skerrit is the only person in the country who can direct the clowns who are getting paid to oversee such issues as electoral reform to implement something significant. It took less than six month; as a matter of weeks to produce and distribute voter identification Cards in Antigua.
The talk about ID taken took years in Dominica; until Roosevelt abandoned the idea: be a man, and not a mouse, we know that you are a puppet of Roosevelt, speak to him directly with your demands. And since you are soliciting money from people who are not roman catholic to repair your building.
Perhaps you should form a coalition with the people and demonstrate in the streets for the changes needed!
Francisco, I think that yo are a little to harsh on the Bishop. I concur fully with his thoughts and I believe that his message above is welcoming and accommodating. Our focus is on Skerrit, Blackmore and his other Labour rogues. etc embrace the Bishop as he has mentioned good things in his letter above.
Blessings…and go easy. Thanks Bishop Malzaire,, you are on the right track. Our ailing people comes first, they are suffering. I am a civil servant on the top floor and I can tell you there is bobol, compromising each other and this labour government is fable, false and corrupt. Bishop, we need prayer and unity to get rid of them. Please do not allow Skerrit to compromise your decency and the prayers for the poor, suffering, jobless and poverty Skerrit an his goonies have created. Blessings
We need Skerrit out, he and his corrupt labour government. Thanks Bishop. e know your position is one of neutrality and decency but the voiceless, poor, suffering, unemployed need your voice.
Viewsexpressed, let us refer to Malzaire as “Malzaire; which is his name. He’s not a bishop by definition: what qualifies one to be a bishop does not have as God requires in order for one to serve in the office of a bishop, found in:
“The First Epistle Of Paul The Apostle To Timothy in Chapter 3 vs 1-5.
1. This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach:
3. Not given to wine, not a striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient not a brawler, not covetous:
4. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity:
5. For if a man know not how to rule his own house; how shall he take care of the church of God?
Without a wife/children he can’t be a bishop!
A proud catholic by religion and Christian by faith, I am proud of Bishop Malzaire for taking this stance. I can only conclude that he acknowledges that there is a need for reform due to inconsistences in the previous general elections. Unlike the other false prophets singing for their supper, he is not afraid to make his opinion known. I would not hold my breath waiting for the leaders of other denominations to be that bold. I hope his words can have an impact and bring about positive change.