I had to pause and respond to the Hon. Prime Minister of Dominica, Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit, who, in my view, made some rather brazen public statements on Friday March 16, 2018.
The statements were given in reaction to an initiative taken by the union representing workers at Dominica’s Ports, the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), to solicit a reaction from the authorities, the Dominica Air and Seaport Association (DASPA).
Mr. Skerrit remarked that other interests might be behind the union’s move, that the workers were undertaking a lawless and selfish activity and that the country could not afford any salary interests in the wake of hurricane Maria, a category 5 weather system which had severely impacted the island. The PM also indicated, rather forcefully, that ‘he’ would not negotiate with the union while the workers were taking “industrial action.”
Union members reported to work on March 16, but withdrew their services for a brief moment. The reason for their action was blamed on the lack of response to a two-year old correspondence which the union had sent to DASPA on behalf of the members. But what really sparked the move was DASPA’s no-show at a scheduled meeting with the union earlier that week; the union members demanded action. DASPA is a statutory corporation in charge of running Dominica’s port and Skerrit has no direct role to play in that corporation’s operations, or he should not.
In a discussion with Mr. Thomas Letang on the ongoing impasse, he advised me that DASPA’s CEO, Mr. Benoit Bardouille had assured him (Letang) of a meeting on Wednesday March 21 to address his union’s proposal. So, as a consequence, the union’s action was discontinued. Now, it is my view the statements were not only unwarranted, but they were untimely and probably even ill-advised.
Mr. Skerrit, based on my humble observation, continually asserts himself in such situations with the misguided illusion that he alone can move the system. And he simply cannot, nor is he the system. This trend is worrying and the Mr. Skerrit deserves to be called-out as often as he does this sort of thing. It may be assumed that the Skerrit is a political actor who is consumed by his desires to maintain power “for the next 10, 20, 30, 40 years,” to quote him directly. The question is: at what cost is he, and his enablers, willing to achieve this “legacy?” I, therefore, felt the need to contribute to the ongoing debate with the view that such contributions keep the wheels of democracy turning.
It is my opinion that Mr. Skerrit tried, by this statement, to further assert himself as Dominica’s ‘Strong Man,’ but he must be very careful not to miss the mark as to how far he can push the people. I am beginning to think that the Prime Minister’s antics might challenge him more negatively than it does his political opponents as time goes by. His move was a rather premature one which was generally aimed at maintaining prominence in Dominica’s political arena.
Bravo Thomas Letang! I stand in solidarity with you, the DPSU, and the workers and people of Dominica. I also stand with and for them who do not believe that there is a cause to stand up for. Fear is a misconception of one’s own strength and the collective abilities of others. On the other hand, such show of resilience strengthens any democracy.
Opinions expressed in this commentary are not necessarily those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
Alex needs to simply get a real job. What nonsense is this. Dem Home Depot jobs just don’t cut it for a grown ageable man. Quit the dependence.
Hi Joe, FYI: http://www.palmbeachstate.edu/PF/faculty.aspx?id=brunoa
Will you all just shut up from your safe perch overseas? This island was totalled, many many people lost homes and livelihoods. Just because you still have yours doesn’t mean you are entitled to a change of government at this time. Very insensitive of many of you. I do not think govt does anything the way I would do them either. However, this devastation is huge, bigger than all of us. Who are you wanting to put in their place, some inexperienced group. No, not at this time. Wait for the next election. You all behave just the same as the corrupt idiots on all sides in Africa depending on donor money to fill your pockets. Well, it’s his turn now, just stfu wait your turn at the next general election. And yes, this is political. You want a raise, you want to take over the country that’s being rebuilt totally with donor money and you want piece of it,,, now? ?? Are you kidding me? Many are sitting overseas with homes broken in DA, dilapidated not even coming home to fix them. Shut!
The Brono article is hitting the mark.
What mark are you talking about, an opinion formed by partisan political beliefs disregarding a fundamental factor such as the duty of The PM and his responsibility as a leader of The country to intervene when the country could be facing a national crisis.
Ex President Zarkosy of France was arrested early this morning in connection with alledge illegal election campaign financing from Libya. You think this’s could happen in Dominica? Do we need campaign financing laws in Dominica. So powerful people can not buy elections?
Well researched and written peace. Well done Mr. Bruno!
Do you know what it is to research something. There is nothing in the commentary that was researched. Expressing an opinion based on political partisan beliefs is not something that was researched.
Jah will continue to punish Dominica until the system change to favor the people and not those that are in power.
That until the basic human rights
Are equally guaranteed to all,
Without regard to race, political affiliation, or class
Dis a war
– Bob Marley
Wow, really, do think your Jah functions by hocus pocus as to what you perceive, nice try with your lyrics from Bob Marley, unfortunately, this is not the reality in Dominica.
Trying to make yourself relevant through the PM is the easiest job in the world.
You have no role as a political pundit but you get A for DNO effort.
As always the obsessive focus is on the Prime Minister and not on the topic at hand.
your article would be relevant if it were another workforce but these are government employees.
shutting down the port is an incredibly selfish act especially now.
They are in fact preventing the other facilities who need materials from obtaining those materials in a timely manner thus impacting thousands and putting the country at risk.
There is a time for everything, now is not the time to strike, you are striking against your country for your personal needs and wants.
its time go above and beyond and make sacrifices you’d have to be completely disconnected from reality and irresponsible to think that this is the right thing to do at this time.
The Biggest problem with Dominicans is the lack of ability to be objectively neutral..how has this become a party thing? Alex struck the nail on it’s head and that’s all.
More Dominicans need backbone to call out wrong regardless of WHO it is committing these atrocities..DA is for all of us to build and no one man or woman has divine jurisdiction on ideas or over this little land..Skerrit and who ever else seeks to proclaim to be the “be all and end all” must STOP IT!!
Why write such nonsense. Do you think Alex was objective with his commentary, wow. Do you know what atrocities. Are there really atrocities committed in Dominica. Where and when did you ever hear The PM say he is divine and it’s his divine right to rule Dominica, why would you attribute such thing to The PM.
It took one young man and God to destroy goliath, And it took one young man and the devil to destroy a whole country Dominica, Wow
You couldn’t be more true than that! It took a bold face no face 63 year old WORK IN PROGRESS MAN and the devil to destroy Dominica, Wow
In regards to your biblical story of Goliath,which is a religious belief it does not require proof, and those who don’t believe such story no proof is possible, as to your second part of your comment proff and evdience is needed before you make such nosencecial statement regarding an evil entity and one man.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions therein lies the basic expectation of a society free and fair to all mankind. How ever in freely expressing ourselves, we must be very careful to at the very least , be true to ourselves. There in lies my problem with your commentary sir. Your achievements I genuinely salute however I am constrained to understand why you always cloak your writings under the supposed veil if impartiality. Frankly sir you are not impartial in my humble oppinion a review of your writings over time has clearly been the basis for my inference. I fully endorse your right to free expression and salute you for making use of your constitutional right so to do but I humbly suggest that you take not solace in any veiled sense of false impartiality and speak to us clearly and truthfully as a true sympathizer of the Opposition. Which to yet again be pellucidly clear is your right.
That is your opinion and you are entitled to it, just as much as Alex Bruno is entitled to his. Agreeing or disagreeing with someone is not obligatory.
Is it wrong for someone to tell Alex to stop pretending he is nonpartisan.
Where does the opposition get into this matter between DPSU and the Port Authority?
“,…………..and speak to us clearly and truthfully as a true sympathizer of the Opposition…….” What nonsense response is this? What an insult to Alex Bruno. Alex has penned an analytical opinion where the work of (or lack of) the head of our government is not performing to par and you reduce your response to that of in support of the Opposition. How clueless can you get? I recommend that you read again. That analysis would be attributed to anyone who hold that prestigious position of Prime Minister. Alex has seen that that position has been operating in a very “odd” manner and has the right to write.
Skerrit should not have held this position., due to immaturity, lacks experience in government and good governance and inability to learn on the job Skerrit is a big failure.
Skerrit must go
Well done Alex.
You are a thinker you read between lines. Alex thinks he can fool people by pretending he is not partisan, such self-deception on his part.
The above comment was intended for BrianGFrost, you are right on with your comment regarding Alex.
Excellent article and thanks for pointing out the important issues at hand.
But Alex, who do you think you can fool with this one sided view. This democracy will thrive not only on your right to express yourself and for workers to stand up for what they perceive to be instances of injustice at their work place. This democracy also thrive on the rule of law. In this instance it would be wise to consult with the Industrial Relations act Chapter 89:01 at sections 61 and 62. I can almost read the reaction to this reference to the law. Perhaps not by Alex, but the Rose Valley, MITC or JJ from castle Bruce. I propose that we try to live in a society where we dispense of all laws as desirable controls over the abuse of us all. Can we do just that? It will be a situation where any and everything goes. Oh yes, do away with the constitution and law which manages the good order of an otherwise civil society. Let’s see which law, which constitution can tell Mr. Linton that he was not duly appointed Leader of the Opposition following the elections laws of Dominica.
I beg to defer with your opinion. Though I am not a supporter of Skerrit but as the PM he must voice his concern and take steps to address any situation that has the potential to negatively impact the country especially during these difficult and challenging rebuilding process. A strike by the port workers will definitely have a negative impact on the already struggling economy. In fact, that is exactly why the Union is using this opportune time to make a statement.
I am a bit taken back by your statement that,”His move was a rather premature one which was generally aimed at maintaining prominence in Dominica’s political arena.” What does that really mean? This sound more like political rhetoric than an opinion drawn from facts within the argument/conversation in relation to the port workers strike.
I look forward to your continued contribution and dialog which helps keep the wheels of democracy continuously spinning in DA.
Well said Alex this PM is mad he should
Visit Dr Benjamin’s office
Last proverb above cut short above repeated…/
It was the English Dramatist William Shakespare who died on 23 April 1616 that uttered: “There is no darkness but ignorance”.
Why are you surprised by the PM’s antics… the man continues to act unwisely/imprudently. He lives his life by idiocy, void of such sentiments:
It was the British Poet John Donne who died on 31 March 1631 that uttered: “No Man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent”;
It was the great Buddha Leader who died 483(BC) that uttered: “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path”;
It was the American Athlete Yogi Berra who died 22 September 2015 that uttered: “It’s like deja-vu, all over again”;
It was the German Physicist Albert Einstein who died 18 April 1955 that uttered: “Everyone should be respected as individuals, but no one idolised”;
It was the American Leader currently still living that uttered: “The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder”;
It was the English Dramatist William Shakespare who died on 23 April 1616 that uttered; “There is no…
Why do you believe such proverbs can help you establish the nonsense you perceive as the truth, it won’t, facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored by you.
By making such ill-conceived statements and interjecting himself in matters that are strictly among the DPSU, its members and the DASPA, the PM thinks that he is the sole arbiter of any matter or dispute concerning Dominica. This man has an over-inflated ego that needs to be deflated. The PM’s intrusive and misguided interventions in matters to do with statutory bodies can only lead to ill-will and upheavals. This period is a crucial time for servant leadership, humility and graciousness not bluster, conceit nor authoritarianism.
I quench when I hear you write such nonsense saying The PM statement is ill-conceived meddling in the affairs of DASPA workers and their union DPSU. Why make your partisan political beliefs and hatred for The PM drive you to make such an irrational statement. Once again, your eloquent writing style using certain words and terms means nothing, since they do not paint an accurate picture of The PM nor the matter, that is why I have always labeled you a propagandist.
Commandment number 6 – ?
Letang and yourself are rocking the same boat of UWP wickedness don’t pay.
Alex Bruno I dont always agree with you views , some times i get the feeling you are just trying too hard to be relevant but i must say i a in total agreement with your commentary on this matter . Since we are on this topic i think is time you consider jumping in the political arena HINT”: TEAM DOMINICA
Well said. I am in total agreement.
Little confused, although I have an inkling, why DNO feels the need to end certain articles with “Opinions expressed in this commentary……………………………..are not necessary those of DNO…..
DNO likes only comments (WHICH THEY THINK) will put the government in a bad light.
I see comments with threats insults rude disrespectful comments and Tim and his crew feels it’s ok to publish it because it will put PM in bad light.
But they can edit delete wash away how much they won’t.
But they can’t NEVER EVER WASH AWAY OUR VOTE FOR ROOSEVELT SKERRIT AND THE DOMINICAN LABOUR PARTY
Things here are just people’s opinions likewise mines but the reality is DNO IS A UWP OPERATIVE AND A BIAS MEDIA HOUSE WHO DELETE PEOPLE COMMENTS THEY DONT LIKE.
If someone take their time to write expressing their views kn what DNO say it’s a free media and at the end DNO/workers crew feels it not making my party look good and delete them woe beyond to them.
All this does is make Dominicans see all I true colours and it strengthens our support for Hon. Dr. Roosvelt Skerrit.
So keep deleting. DAvibes won’t Kairi won’t dbs won’t Dominicans won’t us. Labour ka twavi
ADMIN: We entertain all views at DNO that is why we published your comment. Comments will be published once they meet the standards of our comment policy which is at the bottom of every article, it can also be found here:https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/policies/#comment-policy
understandably that workers need more money as the cost of living is extremely high, the timing of or an increase is a bit premature considering the wake of Hurricane Maria.
When is the right time to call a strike? How long have the workers been trying to bring resolution to this problem? How many more insults, how much more disrespect should the union and its members endure? There is a limit to every thing. Even a cowardly dog would attack you if it is cornered. How many more times should DASPA kick the can down the road before they decide to engage in professional and serious deliberations? Let’s be rational.
On a more substantive note. I am not sure how you can expect any statutory corporation to be free of political guidance. Their boards are politically appointed and their governing statutes all make provisions for ministerial influence. Not that that is a bad thing in itself. Our ports (along with Solid Waste , Aid Bank , DBS, The Planning Corporation,Public Works etc … all Statutory corporations) are vital cogs in the running of the state and the state probably needs to have some veto interest in how they run. The workers at the port may have a genuine grievance. But to expect us as a nation to be stopped in our tracks (essentially what happens if the port closed down) and for our premier political representative (the Prime Minister) to have nothing to say about it is , in my humble opinion, naive at best… and advocating gross dereliction of duty at worst. This is doubly important of this time of post Maria recovery
You speak like a true supporter of a dictator. On one hand you begrudge these workers a salary increase (they haven’t had one for years) and on the other hand you are quite happy for your PM to cheat the country out of very scarce resources. Hypocrite! But that’s what the DLP is all about.
On a more substantive note. I am not sure how you can expect any statutory corporation to be free of political guidance. Their boards are politically appointed and their governing statutes all make provisions for ministerial influence. Not that that is a bad thing in itself. Our ports (along with Solid Waste , Aid Bank , DBS, The Planning Corporation,Public Works etc … all Statutory corporations) are vital cogs in the running of the state and the state probably needs to have some veto interest in how they run. The workers at the port may have a genuine grievance. But to expect us as a nation to be stopped in our tracks (essentially what happens if the port closed down) and for our premier political representative (the Prime Minister) to have nothing to say about it is , in my humble opinion, naive at best… and advocating gross dereliction of duty at worst. This is doubly important of this time of post Maria recovery
You guys seems to have only one ear open and that’s when the PM speaks. Where was your humble opinion when the leader of the opposition made all these outlandish statements? You all want to look non-partisan in the eyes of the public but we are stripping you all naked.
Point well taken Alex and I am in agreement that we should not only call out the PM but all leaders that go foul of democratic principles. It is interesting that you failed to call out Mr Letang on the need to address with the port workers some of the very relevant points raised by the PM, such as the inefficiencies at the ports, that continue to hold Dominica’s recovery to ransom.
Can Alex Bruno stop his hypocrisy and declare his hands as an operative of the UWP?
This man is the biggest hypocrite, ever. For some reason, he believes that having a degree entitles him to write and say whatever he wants in an attempt to mess with our minds. He would be more believable had he been candid with his criticisms across the board. He is just too bias to be taken seriously. The only people who supports him and like writings are those looking to bring down the government even if it means destroying the country in the process.
i totally disagree with your response
Good Move Alex Bruno, time more of our Intellectuals stand to support our little Dominica and call out the negative practices plaguing the country. Skerrit must know that his one man show antics is becoming more and more distasteful..
A B, hush your A… One expects no more from you.. Traitor! Is so you ALL love the country.
Kid On The Block. Is it not Lent for you? You there cursing people for Labuor Party.
Shame on you.
Garcon nobody cares what u think.
Why does this article keep referring to PM Skerrit as “the” Skerrit.
To draw an affinity with the Donal? Not a flaaering one I would think.
whether you like him or not, he holds public office as PM. it sounds almost belittling and disrespectful. not what a professional news agency with national readership should be writing. on Whatsapp or facebook fine, refer to him how you like, but not on DNO, you can do better. Even if his name was spongebob, refer to the PM properly, not as the spongebob.
Respect should be earned!!!
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This man think we are his kids because he states further I hope it is not who I think it is.
Will you execute him or lynch him/her in public?
This is the talk of a dictator. Look at China back to dictatorial rule. Russia. These are his friends.
The right to strike or protest is no longer. We no longer have rights in this country.
When will Dominicans wake up?