Two members of the La Plaine Village Council walked out of a statutory council meeting on December 13, 2018 preventing councillor-elect Jason Fontaine from being sworn in.
This was the first statutory meeting of the council since the October 1, 2018 by-election. The departure of the two members left the council without a quorum resulting in Fontaine being unable to take his oath as a councilor as is required by law.
Fontaine, who won a bye-election on October 1, 2018, has been encountering with difficulties with members of the council.
“I believe that Mr. Toussaint should have allowed the swearing in to take place since the meeting started with a quorum so I am very disappointed that this did not happen,” Fontaine said.
However, acting local government Commissioner, Glenroy Toussaint, who was present in La Plaine to oversee the swearing of Fontaine called the actions of the two councilors “sad and very unfortunate.”
“He must take the oath with a quorum and since the two members walked out there was no longer a quorum; the meeting had to be aborted. I didn’t feel good at what happened…I must compliment the chairman of the council for trying to get the matter resolved and putting the business of the council ahead of personality. This is what the others have to do,” Toussaint said.
Chairman of the La Plaine Village Council, Jones James, labeled the situation “very sad and unfortunate.”
“I was expecting that the people who walked out would have had the capacity the deal with their responsibilities as per statutory obligations. I also have differences with Mr. Fontaine but I can’t mix my private matter with public business you have to separate them,” he said.
He further explained, “I spoke to all and ask them to think…it’s sad; I will still keep on trying. I am in this for the upliftment of the village. Mr. Fontaine does have his ways but you have to ignore him when you are dealing with the people’s business. The local government commissioner was present and spoke with them. I want this to work; I tried everything. I got the place, prepared it and organized it but it’s sad what happened.”
The next monthly council statutory meeting is set for January 2019 and James has vowed to have the situation not repeat itself at that meeting if a quorum is available.
Jason is a pretender…let him get a large sum of cash while in that position and see how much he has changed!!! Con artist to the highest extent… just wait y’all will see… stop being bias…the government of Dominica is doing pretty well in keeping the country going…which government before did all the positive things tht Skerrit is doing? Doh do majee with allu self and vote labour…God is with the DLP… Jason can go to hell… liar,con,sakwe voleh.
Jason should have not been on the ballot in the1st place. He is a convicted fellon. A con artist. I understand that people change but Jason has shown no signs of changing with incidents happening as recent as this year. Just imagine the number of schemes he can pull off in this position. It’s a shame that people voted for him just because he is vocal against the government. This should not have been a determining factor.
Agreed! In no other democracy in the world is someone with a record allowed to contest in any type of election. In some countries they can’t even vote. This needs to be looked into and a vetting system should be put in place.
Dear Objective & It is the truth:
Nelson Mandela! After 27 years of imprisonment, he became South Africa’s President. He went on to do other great things. So your points are both moot. Persons with criminal records do go on to do good things, so give Jason a break, his story is not over yet.
Stop comparing Nelson Mandela to Jason, that is the height of disrespect. Mandela was in jail for fighting oppression, Jason was in jail for being a con artist. This arguement is also dumb because you can’t compare modern democracy with the way things were before. In the time of Nelson Mandela there was no democracy,that’s what he was fighting for. The current laws are put in place all over the world for a reason. These positions are too important to be “giving people chances” when there capable people out there, esp when Jason has made it clear he isn’t changing. I’m looking at Jason as an individual and completely ignoring his affiliation to any party. A lot of UWP supporters are actually disappointed and angry that these people voted him in. Because they are objective free thinkers. Unlike you who would rather compare a con artist to a hero. Ridiculous you should be ashamed and thank God that this is anonymous because this argument shows how small minded you are.
Peter how low can you go ain’t you a leader i listened to you on the radio talking about Jason baying thing that we all already know about him this not the point right now let the man pass be he pass and you should be wishing him better . when he was on your side did you not know who he was.come on man ‘ it seems that you are stooping much lower that Jason . As a minister and should be an example to the younger kids Please stop this mess with you own people .
Mr. Toussaint a lot of you people will have to answer to Dominicans for all you actions.
This episode is of utter disgust and shows the ignorance of the two mis-guided fellow members , Black men i suppose , with no regard for the rules of the council , and the reasons for their election , and that is to serve the people instead of serving themselves .They should be called out or forced out of any Gov’t proceedings. politics Dominica , is heading for some tumulus times , this might be the starting point .
what on earth are you talking about, why use the word black men? Dominica doesn’t have race. you’re just talking nonsense, Jason is a convicted criminal, the council members have a right to protest, just as he has a right to be on the council if elected. take your negative nonsense elsewhere. the process is working, it should not be easy for him based on what he’s done, he has to know that people are aware of his past.
UDOHREADYET,your name says it all! If Mr. Fontaine was qualified and met the criteria for contesting the election, he should be sworn in!
Skerrit u and St Jean gonna pay big time for your foolishness trust me on that.
Mind you don’t go loco after the election…. because
Every where Skerrit go the majority will follow
What on God’s green earth does a Prime Minister have to do with village council, why are even mentioning that? Village council in Laplaine is not political, Laplaine people are smarter than that.
Politics has never stopped or left La Plain and it is sad.
Jason says alot of untruths and hurtful things about people and merely character assassinate them. He needs to humble his self and stop running to the media for every little issue. There is always 3 or more sides to a story. If Jason is as trust worthy or humbly as he thinks he is, tell him to MAN UP and make a public apology and then things will fall in line. You out there get the other sides to the story and then make some meaningful comments. Typical Dominicans
And so Jason should apologize to the people and then what? That is not the point. The point is that like it or not the man won a by election fair and square and that should be respected.
Walking out of a meeting to prevent an ELECTED person from taking their oath is TOTAL RUBBISH. No different that when we put blows on UWP for walking out of Parliament.
Jason has a name, Toussaint has a name, Jones James has a name, but the two political stooges who made a fool of themselves and embarrass the community of La Plaine do not have names. DNO, you are the one reporting, please call Jason, Toussaint or James and get the names of these two idiots. This report insults the intelligence of your readers because the story is not about Jason, it is about two idiots who abort a meeting against the wishes of the people of La Plaine. Who are they? That’s the story!
The message of the two mutineers , blinded by politics, is that they must decide for the people, the people are not intelligent enough to decide for themselves. They cannot appreciate the damage they are doing to the community of La Plaines. They are walking in the exact footsteps of their leader. “I decide what is best for you, my ideas must prevail at all times.” Dominica needs unity, harmony, cohesion in society to realize its fullest potential as a nation. The political animosity and acrimony will remain entrenched in the psyche of some of the citizens as long as the leaders keep this divide and rule strategy firmly in place.
They should share the names of those individuals
they’ve disenfranchised an entire community of voters
yet we cloak them in secrecy?
If they disagree with the voters and don’t believe in the voters wisdom
then they ought to tender their resignations
Perfectly said, Jheri Curls. I cannot add anything more to your comments. Precisely on point!
Ibo France, the single mutineer blinded by your biasness, greed and jealousy be careful of your health. You are doing too much damage to your heart and mind. Relax, Chill out. You ought to be focusing too much on Skerrit and you pay no attention to Lennox. Ain’t you walking in the exact footsteps of your leader who believes he is the Alpha and the Omega? You and Him think you both know it all. Your comment about unity is so hypocritical. The two mutineers you refered to, stood their grounds and you got to respect that. Who in the kitchen feels the heat. Jason is doing more damage to the Laplaine community than anyone else with his political agenda that he implements in the council. He has divided the council in two. A BLUE side and a RED side. Can the council work effectively with such division?
This Kid on the Block, will never get it, the level of ignoramous in response to matters of intelligence is quickly picking up speed. When will this childish behavior stop. With a child, a kid sitting on the block gossiping and picking up trash, no wonder this labour government is corrupt. These blind loyalists to failed Skerrit, continue to feed that nonsense to distract us Dominicans of the high level of Bobol and corruption and their incompetence and failure of Skerrit is on going and there is nothing of substance that comes out of Skerrit mouth or from his hypocritical acolytes running and raving to defend him. Skerrit is a failure and the only way for him is out of government and let us have decent Dominicans in office and in government. This man is tainted & stained for life and no Kid (childish behaviour) on the block can get him to that level of decency in politics. Skerrit must Go. This corrupt Labour Government Must Go. They have failed us. Go away, make way UWP Decent Team
Kid On The Block, this time I will commend you. I love your observation! Nicely put!
I read Ibo France, but I almost did not observe thesis as well as you did Way to go!!!
Good move to the two councillors who walked out. This guy Jason is a serial troublemaker. All he does is divide the council with his political agenda. Yet he says the council should be non political. Thumbs up. Keep the fight going.
Only in Dominica. This place is unique for its absurdity,. Only an unschooled person will support these two misguided, unenlightened councilors’ regrettable action. The longer the council is non-functional, the more the people of La Plaines suffer. It’s quite conspicuous that the people’s wellbeing and welfare is of little or no concern to these two deluded members.
Nothing in Dominica seems to be good or right if it’s not you all UWPites bidding. Have you listened to the utterances of Jason on Q95. As one who cares and non-political, is that ok with you, WISEACRE? Damn hypocrite as you are.
Education is not always common sense. You Ibo seem to know too damn much.
KID, the fact is, the clearly man won the election without a scintilla of anything untoward. Suppose this misguided action is taken at national elections? This will create complete anarchy in the country. There’s no justification for denying a lawfully elected person his/her seat of the table.
KID, stop giving succour to wrongdoings. Put common sense before politics. Let the people’s voice prevail. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
Ibo France, I’m very happy that you know that the voice of the people is the voice of God. The people have decided and will decide again that is Dr. Dr. HONORABLE Skerrit THEY want to govern and take care of their business in Dominica; so why and who are you, %, and the other UWPites want to go against God’s voice? Even for God you DESPERADOS have no respect?
Manipulation of the electoral commission & DBS, bribery of the people( Red Clinic, Free Pampers, Free Plane Rides, etc.), are some of the reasons Skerrit is still barely keeping his head above the surface of the rough seas. His ship will hit rocks and capsize next election. Nothing lasts forever. The majority of people has overcome this autocrat’s misrule. What a day of rejoicing that will be. God doesn’t like ugly: corruption, victimization, lies, thievery, dishonesty and tomfoolery.
Nice one Kid on the Block, I see how prejudice you are to the wrong things people do. That saying is the same that should be addressed to you failed friend Skerrit and we will help you t exhale on this matter h9ch is going on now for 18 years. “This guy Skerrit is a political serial troublemaker. All he does is divide the councils and the people of Domininca because they do not support his corruption and childish behaviour and with his dirty political agenda. Yet he says the council should be non political. ” That is where your focus should be, on the evil habits. You Kid on th Block, please stay away from these decent people and go talk of political decency with you failed Pm Skerrit. Stop minding our Funky Business, a business not suited for you and your failed Skerrit and your hopeless 18 failed incompetent Ministers.
Skerrit ust Go and Corrupt Labour Must go. You people have failed us and Domininca. Get Lost
One of these things have nothing to do with the other… why are you mentioning the Prime Minister name in a village council matter? Village council isn’t political.
However, acting local government Commissioner, Glenroy Toussaint, who was present in La Plaine to oversee the swearing of Fontaine called the actions of the two councilors “sad and very unfortunate.”
Chairman of the La Plaine Village Council, Jones James, labeled the situation “very sad and unfortunate.”
The question which I think should be asked here is how can those two members who walked out be replaced, and how soon. They were present at the beginning which means they were able to make the meeting, no excuse for sickness, emergency, etc. Therefore they walked out and abandoned there responsibilities to the people of that village. How can they be replaced and how soon. Start working on this as soon as possible.
What a shame in this once beloved country,Many of you keep proclaiming Skerrit as God ,but in due time God will deal with all,Dominica has gone to pure hate for each other and forgot God is in control.Mr.Fontaine they will lose the battle.God has your back,treat them with not hate my brother.
Thats so childish and unprofessional but hey that’s how DA like it.
It would be remiss not to underline that this was an orchestrated ploy to interfere with the process of Mr. Fontaine taking his oath. These two members who walked away from their responsibilities are direlect in their duties. This is shameful that people cannot put aside personal vendetta and conduct the business of the council without disruptions.
Just wondering if the same can be said about the UWP members who walk out of the House of Assembly (Parliament) strange. Are you trolling?
@Finishedcoveringmyhousenow – You that is the troll!!!
You are so locked in blindly with this Skerrit and his corrupt labour Party that you respond ridiculously to a matter that you appear ignorant to not to be knowledgeable of. What is the comparison you wish to talk about? You seem to be mixing rotten apples with poison. That is the situation of the failed Labour Party with blind followers hoping o the band wagon with no knowledge of the current socio-political shituation that our Domininca is in.
The UWP walked out of Parliament because of this silly, childish behaviour of your inept PM and this corrupt failed Labour government which has brought us into deeper poverty. Whenever your failed Skerrit and his corrupt Labour government are caught with their pants you guys are quick to run to them to help pull up their pants to hide their on gong Bobol behavior in government. This Labour government has failed us and clueless of development. Go drive about Domininca and you will feel the poverty after18 years in government. They must Go, Now
Your leader Lennox Linton should set the example. Have you noted how many times Lennox has walked out of Parliment? As leader of the opposition is he keeping to his responsibility and being direlect in his duty? Isn’t that shameful that Lennox linton cannot put aside his personal vendetta and conduct the business of the people who elected him to do so in Parliament?
It’s unsurprising that you have to present some asinine, diversionary, impertinent comparison. The inane action of the two was deliberately done to thwart the decision of the majority of the people of La Plaine. The walking out of parliament had to do mostly with the ill and unfair treatment meted out to members of the opposition by the deplorable and biased Speaker. Never once did they (opposition) walk out to protest a duly elected member of parliament from taking his seat. As usual, you are mixing apples and oranges but that is expected of someone like you whose ability for rational thinking is severely affected by blind politics and an under-developed kindergarten brain.
Pure politics that have engulfed this council….Under DLP all institutions are broken and compromised. What a shame.
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now
Why have the names of the two who walked out of the meeting, knowing full well that their actions would result in loss of quorum and failure to swear in a man duly elected by the residents of La Plaine, not been published? And why have they not been challenged by the media as to why they acted in the way they did?
Very true. I Agree.
I concur .
Only in Dominica
Have the media practitioners ever challenged Jason Fontaine on his conduct? You all must know that Jason is no saint. Quite apart from his criminal past, he is not a pleasant character to work with; very well-suited in his proxy role for the UWP even though Linton has publicly distanced himself from him.
Get the full story!
Tom, Jason may not be everybody cup of tea. He talks too much for my liking but he has paid in full for his past misdeeds and has a clean sheet. He was democratically elected by the people of his community as were the two who walked out of the meeting to prevent him from being sworn in. That is sad and wrong because
they are frustrating that same democratically process that put them there themselves. Whoever advised them is misguided.