President of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), Loftus Durand, plans to make good his promise to continue protesting for electoral reform in Dominica.
He has issued a rallying call to all Dominicans who support the cause to gather in Roseau from 10:00 am tomorrow, to continue to make known to the Electoral Commission, their demands for free and fair elections in Dominica. Elections are constitutionally due in Dominica in 2020.
Addressing a crowd of protesters on Saturday December 15, 2018, which had assembled on Cross Street and Church Street, next to McMillans gas station, to drive home their message of electoral reform to the Commission, Durand urged his troops not to relent.
“We had gotten permission from the owner of the house of Jewel Street to use that place as our platform for our protest, but when we arrived, we saw the entire place barricaded. So, here we are and God works in mysterious ways: perfect place and bigger crowd,” the CCM president said.
He told the very active crowd who braved the rain and sun, that they should stick together and continue the “struggle for electoral reform” on the island.
“God is good all the time and all the time God is good. We will not relent; we are here today and our aim is to get our message across. We will be back here on Monday December 17, 2018, to continue the struggle so they can get the message,” he said.
Durand also told his audience that he has the backing of international organizations who, he claims, are “monitoring” the situation in Dominica. “I have sent them photos of the events. They are with us and are monitoring what is happening…I can’t call names for security reasons but this is important to us and for you to know what is going go,” he stated.
Also addressing the group was caretaker of the Roseau Valley constituency for the United Workers Party (UWP), Ronald Charles, who called on those gathered to “be ready and prepared” for the long haul.
“We are going to come back here on Monday…Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until we get this electoral reform,” Charles stated.
Some of ya’ll dlp need to get shots!! Allu time soon come, all ropevjas an end. #DictatorshipAtBest
Block the road, block the road, block the road, I say, block the damn road. Take your vehicle and put across the road and block the road. I saying it for the police to hear. My name is Arthie Marten. BLOCK the road. Block the road. BLOCK the damn road. It’s like I going mad now. Block the damn road I say.
President is looking for popularity. Alas
No he is looking for Electoral Reform for you and for all Dominicans…He deserves lots of plaudits and acclaim.Real patriot!
DNO I just cannot understand exactly what the issue is all about ” Electoral Reform. ” The slogan “free and fair election” without details make us wonder if there is reason to believe that elections are not free and equal for all in Dominica. Was the last three elections unfair ? What was unfair about them ? Were they challenged in court ? Were there regional or international observers present? Did they submit reports indicating that our elections are historically not free and not fair ?
Were presentations made for the constitutional or for legislation amendments that would make elections fair. I have not seen any postings to show what need fixing. You cannot solve a problem if you do not know what it is. Were there negotiations that broke down .
The police asked you to move to prevent anticipated trouble. They warn you about the consequences. You did not take heed but remain in harms way. Had you moved as requested the result would have turned out differently.
We have been having elections on the present rules since independence for 40 years. That should be 8 elections. The elections were never accused or proved to be restricted or unfair. So what has changed since last election ? I have been browsing the recent posts on the matter of “free and fair” elections, but the reasons offered does not challenge any particular clause of any laws pertaining to election. No mention of amendments of any disadvantage to any contestants.
The election lists : It has been claimed that the election lists contained names of dead people. Opposition forces are adamant on this. Have they presented a list ? So what are the names they want removed ? Did anyone appeared at the polls posing a dead person ?
I D cards : Agents of political parties at poling stations never had trouble identifying voters. I can see the need for a National I D card for all, for every activity, but not for just voting. We all know each other.
Citizens abroad : If you are a…
Citizens living abroad: If you are a citizen, you have a right to vote.
We are playing on an even playing field. Voting opportunities are available to contesting candidates and voters alike regardless of party. If your name is on the voters lists you have a right to vote.
Campaigning: Are there any restrictions on campaigning. Opposition forces say the DLP is the best financed party. So beg or borrow. Everyone is free to go to the bank or to invite campaign contributions.
The only concern may be that the party in power has a comparative advantage in setting the date for elections. But this has never prevented the sitting government to lose. DLP lost to Freedom, Freedom lost to UWP, then UWP lost tp DLP.
If opposition forces have a case why don’t they take it to court instead of taking it to the political streets, or the media.
Voices on the radio and their negative posting sounds of DESPARATION and FEAR They cannot see a way to win. Thinking of LOSING is STRESS.
Joseph, I like the last sentence.
And when people are stressed up that is the time they do the most foolish things. Demonstration for “free and fair” elections; and they say that it is “peaceful”. Peaceful unless authorities are observing and correcting their conduct, then the war begins–what is the good of all this, except to build unrest in the minds of innocent people.
Why do you and your fellow goons object to an electoral reform??? Your objections in reality speaks volumes!! Mind where you go…
If the ruling party who has all the advantages is so confident of its ability to win any election in this country, and is confident that the majority is on their side, then electoral reform should not be a threat. If anything, it should be viewed as validation. Indeed, if you have the majority, then cleaning up the electoral lists should mean nothing to the ruling party, because you already have the majority. Then the results of any election would have would have the appearance of being free and fair. But if there is concern from the ruling party about this list, then one is left to ponder what may be the cause of this concern.
Yo !!! The converse is also true . If opposition forces had the confidence to win they would not be so desperate and so stressed out. With a potential of five political parties posing to contest the next elections, the splitting of the votes, they have cause for concerns .
All polls indicate a sweeping majority for the DLP, and they know it.
The DLP is sitting pretty good. They are thinking “The MORE the MERRIER. No stress whatsoever..
So why do you and your master object to electoral reform since you are so confident in winning it anyway? It should not really matter then, should it??? Mind where you go…
This organization knows that this is a crab in a barrel exercise. There are other ways of achieving their goals.
1. Hold a public meeting, advocate that CITIZENS remove deceased relatives name on all accounts and documents including voters list (a practice that we Dominicans rarely do)
2. Instead of a NEW voter’s ID, why not a simple valid national ID.
3. Restricting nationals who resides abroad from voting shouldn’t be a priority. If they are citizens of this country, if their nationality is Dominican, no matter where they reside, they should be allowed to vote. This is your country and you are expected to be actively involved in the process of its development and that includes selecting the leader of the country. Take the US for example, once you are a citizen, you don’t have to ever live there, you are still eligible to vote.
If you are a U.S. citizen you are also to declare your income worldwide. Do the Dominicans, buying our passports do that? You are trying to sound like a person of reason but obviously you are preaching for Skerrit and his government.
No sir, I do not present myself as being fair or reasonable, I comment however I feel. You have been following my comments under different aliases and have deduced this not me. However, I will say I do agree that my number 3 do need a review that US citizens’ incomes are subjected to taxes. but note that residing out of the US does not erase the fact that they are US citizens.
That is not true. Taxes are not a restriction on your right to vote. Obviously you are not a USA citizen.
Correct Joseph John. Payment taxes or non-payment does not erase your status as a citizen of the US and you are still awarded the rights, benefits as a US Citizen. And as I said earlier, you don’t have to have ever resided in the United States to be awarded these rights as long as you are a citizen of this country whether by birth, naturalization, investment etc.
People in a working democracy, which we all cry about, have to have the ability to compromise. It not my way or the highway, which both sides on the matter try to do.
1. They should be holding townhall and village council meetings islandwide, but they have the same m.o as the UWP where they just hold public meetings in anger and expecting the nation to automatically be on you side. Communicate not Dictate.
2. On the Voter ID, why should tax payers WASTE money on this. ID’s should be required to vote- use your Social Security card, driver’s license or passport. SIMPLE. Nowhere in the world has this voter ID cards, i agree with Skerrit on this- compromise!
3. On the Overseas nationals, if you don’t pay taxes, and are not dependent on how these taxes are spent, they why do you want the right to vote. The LAW backs this, your’re out for 5 years then you have no right. I feel if they want to vote, then they should be taxed of min $300/yr, can be collected on passport renewal
Ti Garcon, I like this.
1. Holding public meetings and consultations are often more effective than a protest. This is a better forum for communication between the people and the group.
2. I agree. The voters’ ID is not a necessity. A simple national ID should suffice.
3. And I do agree with you. They should equally contribute to the country’s finance through taxes.
What a bunch of jokers! The same 60 people show up every time but when Skerrit calls a meeting 80% of the country shows up. These guys need to find real jobs. Dominicans are not interested in what they have to offer.
Because they think they get a little envelope with $100 in it or a glass of rum for free! Corrupt as their master they are!!!
Always remember one man can start a Revolution; the fact that there are people following a leader, means somebody is listening, and sooner or later the 80% you believe are following Roosevelt are the same people who will turn on him when time comes!
It is getting worst; I mentioned an incident which took place in the Portsmouth Hospital with a rat, I did not mention the name of the victim, but if you are in Dominica visit the village of Marigot and ask the villagers, if the knew the late Davidson Boland.
Ask what took place in Portsmouth Hospital recently how many times will this happen before people rise again like in 1979. If I know I am sick and know I am going to be warded some place where a rat will eat me alive I would rather remain at home and die!
The 80% you boast will soon turn on Roosevelt. Mr. Durant keep it going your support they cannot see!
What a bunch of jokers! The same 60 people show up every time but when Skerrit calls a meeting 80% of the country shows up. These guys need to find real jobs. Dominicans are not interested in what they have to offer.
You are simply a simpleton.Go read and listen to news and avoid being laughed at…For your edification,in a democracy ONE man can have a protest.So 60 people is a massive,huge protest..
Stop trying to be a voice of the south when you are so empty.
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now
Onlike that rotten fish head above talking and eating crap each day and calling prime minister Skerrit a dictator and also making false accusations on the Pm. The point I’m making it’s high time the law enforcement start taking heavy actions against those hooligans and leaders of the so-called criminal part they must be stopped by all means. The government should also put in place 2 or 3 water cannon trucks in Dominica because these people are behaviours is nothing short of animals the good people of Dominica is getting fed up with their diabolical nonsense now.
Man bites dogs. Now is the time to play it cool and take notes . Remember not to stoop to their level of calling names , insults and fake accusations. Let us address issues with reason and common sense . Remember when they go low, we go high, let us continue to operate at a very ultimate high level.
We should always have the attitude of statesman not streetmen.
You go high??? People like you, your PM, Austrie and Astaphan can not really get any lower than you already are! Otherwise you would be subterranean! You all have betrayed you country and you all will be held accountable.
Editor, Why are you allowing this kind of a remark by the Man bites dog? Funny how you are being bought up! Letting all kind of insult be seen as long as it backs up the Wolves in Sheep clothing. The ones coming with Lies, Cheating and Criminal Behaviour. The RECORDS are in the archives all what has been said bad about our Dominican people calling them Coachroaches, NO LAW NO CONSTITUTION can prevent the lie to the Courts on citizenship question. Calling people Terrorist. Oh you HYPOCRITES, I pray to Jesus to Help you attempt to ask his forgiveness. REMEMBER THESE ARE ALL RECORDED AND YOUR CHILDREN CAN HEAR IT. Just think when they get to the age of reason what they will think of you..
Those who Speak the Truth will prevail. The very framework of what is to keep us praising and giving God All the Glory, is being Mocked by the Blind support you give and there-in is the FALL. It will Come.
Try not to be Burned by the “Fire” “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers you do to…
Allyou so hungry for power.
Dominica too nice and too free eh.
Allyou can just protest without permission boy. So much freedom in this Democracy.
Come to the UK and see if you can try it. But, remember and be careful what allyou wish for.
I don’t know what part of the U.K. you live in but I can tell you that you are dead wrong. As per the official U,K, Government advice (Gov.UK): “If there is no march organised as part of your protest you don’t have to tell the police”.
Please, stop aiding and abetting the Dominica government with your untruths It does you, or our country no credit and makes you look foolish.
@ UKDomDom, You talking pure rubbish. If that nonsense you on about was taking place for example London the police would have smashed the hell out of that lot within 10mins. Any protest of that kind without asking police permission is required as criminal. Need I say more?
@ The Guard
You know nothing about the UK,unless you are telling us about the bushes,which seem to be your
place of residencee,so shut up !!!
The C C M is doing a commendable job.
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now
Oh boy! And Skerrit in his delusion thought that shofar was blown at the stadium for his benediction. It appears in truth it was the signal for his own downfall. The walls of Jericho tumbling down. May God be with us.
For the last eighteen years, Dominicans have experienced Hard, Hard Labour, it’s time to bring the misrule of Doctor, Doctor Skerrit to an abrupt end. Too many people, especially children, are going to bed without a dinner.
Good to go… No matter what the struggle continues, the protesting must go on…. Protest n march in silence and aloud….. Let the streets become our home and battle ground for freedom. Even if it means to die for freedom of our Nation let’s be strong enough to do sooo. Once the protesting n matching are indeed peaceful n within the law, everything safe… Dominica is now a military ruled state as we can see, but fredom fighters must be ready at all times… Don’t be intimidated by the tear gas or even gun shots… Walk for freedom and sing the freedom song :we shall over come… Take the protest to the Internet, social media and International news agencies,.. Let the protesting be a daily activity… Until that demonic government goes away…. Calling Pastors, priests, bishops, church goers to join the fight against this wicked n evil system….. Labour and that whole police hierarchy must gooooooooo..
Don’t relent! Never surrender! Cowards have never achieved anything of worth. CCM, you are on the right side of history. The electoral reforms that are being requested would not give any political party an advantage but would create a level playing field for all parties contesting national elections in Dominica. Should peaceful men, women and children be subjected to tear gas attacks for exercising their constitutional rights? A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. This is only the first stage with bigger and better organized demonstrations to come. Skerrit and his obliging henchmen (Police Force) must not be allowed to deter you from your goal of achieving fair and sensible electoral reforms. Dismiss the empty-barrel detractors of the corrupt regime. Stay focused on the prize for nothing good comes easily. The will of the people cannot be stopped now. It’s like toothpaste out of the tube, cannot be put back in. Forward ever, backward never.
Onlike that rotten fish head above talking and eating crap each day and calling prime minister Skerrit a dictator and also making false accusations on the Pm. The point I’m making it’s high time the law enforcement start taking heavy actions against those hooligans and leaders of the so-called criminal part they must be stopped by all means. The government should also put in place 2 or 3 water cannon trucks in Dominica because these people are behaviours is nothing short of animals the good people of Dominica is getting fed up with their diabolical nonsense now.