Former president of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS), Dr. Clayton Shillingford, has sought to clear the air concerning the alleged misappropriation of funds by past treasurer of the organization, United Workers (UWP) candidate for Morne Jaune, Dr. Thomson Fontaine.
For weeks Fontaine has been the subject intense criticism by some members of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) who said he had transferred money from a DAAS account to his personal account.
On Monday morning, privately-owned Kairi FM reported that it had in its possession “evidence to substantiate that claim” and the reason why Fontaine resigned as treasurer of DAAS.
According to the Kairi newscast, the evidence was in the form of “a series of communication” among top ranking members of DAAS on the matter, including then President Shillingford and Vice President Gabriel Christian.
It said Shillingford wrote to members of the organization saying it “is confronted with a situation in which DAAS treasurer, Dr. Thomson Fontaine transferred money in three transactions from a Wachovia (bank) DAAS acount in the United States to his personal account account in Bank Staff Credit Union.”
The correspondence reportedly said three transactions were made by Fontaine to the total of $27,500 and Shillingford said he had “no idea why the transfers took place without the knowledge of the DAAS.”
The newscast went on to say that Shillingford asked Fontaine to restore the funds back to DAAS for months “and he had not done so.”
But speaking on privately-owned Q95 on Monday morning, Shillingford admitted that DAAS funds were transferred by Fontaine but it was never misappropriated.
“Let me declare first of all that there was no misappropriation of funds from the DAAS while I was president,” Shillingford stated. “I instructed Thomson Fontaine, as treasurer at that time, to move monies out of the DAAS account and but into a CD (Certificate of Deposit) because we had most of the funds in a checking account and substantial amount of this money was sitting there and of course attracting no interest. So I asked Thomson Fontaine as treasurer to take some of those funds and put into a CD where we will be able to get some interest on the funds. That was an instruction from me as president.”
Shillingford explained “an error in judgement” occurred when Fontaine transferred the funds to the CD, as instructed, “but attached his name to it.”
“I think he did it in good faith but it was not the intention in an organization of that kind for certain things to be done,” he noted.
He stated that he had full knowledge of the monies at all times “and therefore the idea that he could have used that money for any personal purpose was impossible because I knew how much went into the CD, when it went into it, and how it went into the CD.”
Shillingford further stated that that matter was eventually corrected. “There was no money, let me repeat, no money, from the DAAS which Thomson acquired for his use,” he noted. “That never occurred.”
He noted that despite the error in judgement, Thomson felt he was being attacked and he elected to resign as DAAS treasurer.
“That was of course, his judgement, but let me make this statement again that there was no misappropriation of funds from the DAAS account,” Shillingford said. “Not a single cent.”
No doubt the DLP is using this story as a diversion tactic. At the time of this story, there were two major stories out there that really put to light the wrong dealings of this Skerrit DLP, and just to divert our attention they brought that up.Address these two questions:
1. Mr. Skerrit, we still want to talk about the reality of your trips and amount of money spent. The trips you posted don’t add up and the excuse of Mr. Christian even left more questions.
2. For two consecutive Sundays Angelo Allene of Q95 has been reading a letter that was written by a gentleman that was arrested in England. The sad thing about it is, the above gentleman used the letter head of Hon. Austrie, he mention the name of the PM on his letter and it was signed by the man. Mr. PM, up to today no one from the government has cleared the air and the good name of the people of Dominica on that. Would the Hon. PM tell the people of Dominica what he knows?
What does that story has to do with the other? I guess is they shouldn’t do, but we can. What a change.
@Really, Did you say what that story has to do with the other? REALLY? It has everything to do about not answering the questions raised and as a result, they came with a political diversion tactic to run away.
I support you!!
Isn’t Clayton Fontaine’s Campaign Manager/Advisor?
Change is a must? Change for the worse?
Dr Shillingford should not have said nothing because he is contradicting everything. Why is it only now tthat the got the courage to talk. He has to go on KAIRI FM and clear the air becuse that is where the story came from. Just agree it was wrong and is still wrong. Never thought the news would break out.
It is very sad to see the kind of politics that permeates through out the Country.Is it not time to ask ourselves where that type of Politics originated from.The Politics I’m talking about is Government and Opposition looking for dirt on each other,which involves character assassination and allegations.This all started with Linton calling himself an investigative Journalist with his weekly radio show who now is the Leader of UWP, do not not forget Matt in The morning,and Dr.Thomson Fontaine News blog.Is it not natural that The Government has to defend it self, this is Politics, The Government is not going to sit ideal while allegations of corruption is being talked about day in day out without responding, the result forcing The Government to have it’s
medium to defend it self, unfortunately using the same tactics as the opposition resulting in the type of politics we have today.
The allegations made about Dr. Fontaine is some what sad.I’m not going to make judgement on his character based on what is being told to us by The Government or What Dr.Shillingford said.What I can make judgement of is Dr.Fontaine Political antics.I wonder how he feels to have such allegations like this made against him.I’m saying this because he has made countless allegations against The PM and The Government using his News blog which forced The PM to file a lawsuit against him relating to Dominica’s Economic Citizenship Program.Dr. Fontaine is now learning one of the fundamentals in Politics you do not make allegations about your opponents and expect them to sit ideal at sometime they are going to retaliate, that is the reality of Politics.
Wise men learn from their errors of judgment and move on. I am not sure the same can be said about this current government. For one, the lack of transparency is truly disturbing. It is my hope that the next government, whomever and whenever, understands the fundamental meaning of accountability.
That’s just mere politics Mr Fontaine keep your head above the waters we need a change of pal rep Ivor is not giving good representation nothing is happening on the east coast we 100. Percent. With. You
After reading the evidence Kairi said they had to support their claim, and after hearing from both Dr. Shillingford and Dr. Fontaine, the only thing that is very clear to me is, not a penny was missing and both individuals attempted to clear the air. Now did they do a good job? To me no but they tried and no lawyer had to come and give an explanation for them and that I like. This to me is not that important since it was not tax payers money and not a penny was missing. Here is what I am very concerned about along with many other issues that the DLP has never sort to clear the air about:
Dominica News Online – Tuesday, December 7th, 2010 at 10:09 AM
“In September 2007 Isidore claimed to have made a $51,000 error regarding a transfer tax calculation on a 2.989 parcel of land purchased by Prime Minister Roosevelt SKerrit at Wall House. This was subsequent to pressure from the public on a land transfer tax evasion.
The amount was later refunded to the Treasury.”
$51,000 dollar error on less than 3acres of land Mr. Pm? As minister of Finance you did not notice the discrepancy? Treasury treasurer and others never observed it? Why did it have to take a person with no degree to observe it? Why haven’t you clear the air on this one? Why DLP never pushed to clear the air? That what is very important to the public.
Clayton, here is some food for thought. Matt always say that is better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and prove otherwise. Well, you did just that. Thomson is now under more fire since the emails tell the whole story. Isn’t it interesting that Gabu is silent on this issue? Wow!!!!! Team Dominica?????
Clayton Shillingford: “….We are confronted with a situation in which DAAS Treasurer, Thompson Fontaine transfered moneis in three transactions from the Wachovia DAAS acct US, to his own personal acct……..I was not comfortable with the arrangement and asked Thompson to restore the funds back to DAAS Wachovia a/c some months ago, he has not up to the present done so…”
Gabriel Christian: …. “Where Thompson does not do as requested it becomes a matter of law enforcement, it is that simple”……
Thompson Fontaine:”I hesitated in complying because of Claytons accusatory manner and that he had forgotten his role in having the money moved in the first…..”
There is more to come. There is no smoke without a fire.
Here we go again, trying to coil up the eastern doctor….. no case, no case…. Dr Thompson is Sampson, he is gonna clear up the play with jawbone of a donkey…
Labour playing cheap politics as usual, but their own candidates have cocoa in sun… de east Dr raised up on cocoa tea so he is not afraid …. he doesn’t have cocoa in sun…. check the shaky labour is they who got cocoa in sun……
Good ting Dr Thompson wont fall for kairi FM crap, kairi does it own papyshow…. but they cant bring the eastern lion down…the man is from a praying family,the man is a praying man.. been there done that…….
Uwp n doc got their days to make carnival with labour hypocrisy n commess…. but focus on change….
Team Dominica, no weapons formed against u all shall prosper… God is able…..
An error in judgement but yet still u felt the need to threaten him with legal action to return it??? LMAO… GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!
We should not compare credit unions in the U.S.with a bank or C.U. in Dominica.My wife is a member of Healthcare Employees Federal Credit Union. Because she works in a hospital owned By Capital Health.I am a member of Princeton University Credit Union.In my case membership are limited only to employees and their immediate relatives.We have a checking account and when comes for interest,? nothing.
Did the Doctor withdrew the money without the permission of the executive? again the answer is no.So it was a little error on his part.There was no intent to steal the money. If not, he is the most stupid thief in town
Those distractions will not work. Skeritt and the Labor Party supporters must get out of the mapuis mode, the rum shop politics like the old days. There where so many allegations brought against Skeritt during the last elections yet he still won. This should be an indication, the young people in particular want more dynamism, something fresh, something new, coming from our politicians. For instance the last general elections , the Labor Party came out with a new identity, new party song, new punch phrase,” move to the next level.” This time while they are concentrating on mapuis, allegations and distractions, Mr. Linton has not only put a young talented team together, he has brought in fresh ideas and have captivated Dominicans and the world by extension. For instance, a new punch phrase, “change is a must, not an option.” The twenty one in twenty five. Meeting Dominicans in six of the United States. The United Workers Party face book is loaded with hundreds on photos. The live Radio Broadcast of all their meetings whether they are in Dominica, United States of America and London to come. The 2014 calypso by Dice which is called, “time for a change,” appears to be very close to the rational of the UWP. The management of the DLP has a lot of work to do in order to catch up with Mr. Linton and the UWP in terms of popularity. The propaganda, mapuis, moeva lang will not work. It was the Labor Party who once said,” performance does not matter.” therefore, they will need something else and fast.
Skerro is there with us as our Young PM lover and we grow old together. That is real love for country. How can you change a working team? let me tell you, Skerro will stay right here, we the labourites will grow old with him. We doh want no new man,betin neuf PA NI LAMMOUR,
Alas and did so much of our pasort them lawyers distributing to Bombay using heir little secretaries to do their dirty work now they trying to discredit the Dr and have noting to aay on the present administration Mr fountain. All u need is the recommendation. From the IMF and you are all rite skerro never like smart people. Oh by the way why he never offer Julie minister of finance job. Go plan the debate skerro and stop writing comments on Dominica news on line and pretending is Dominicans asking the question
Wow this s stong propaganda war going on on borth sides. I am not sure if the skies in DA can handle all this.
God hates slanderers. Woe to such people who take part in doing so. Can one imagine that there is so much corruption taking place right in the Government of Dominica and some people say nothing? You labourites, shame on you! You know that the present government is involved in so much corruption such as never been seen in Dominica;yet you support them.
My consolation is God’s words that says “Fret not because of evildoers for they shall soon be cut off.” God is not sleeping. The evil that you people do to destroy a person’s character will fall back on you. Shame on you.
u put money that is not yours on yr name?we not voting for u in grandfond,stop fooling yr self
This is nonsensical,we know better,typical pawol caca,change will come for sure.
Ok , let’s prove who’s not telling the truth .
Everything the pm and dr Fontaine has been accuse of we r going to ask them to take a lie detector test. If there’s a cost I’m asking the people of Dominica to make a donation to the cause. Those in favour vote don’t against vote and that will solve the problem.
But one thing we r going to get the professional from a different country
What that got to do with the PM.boy boy.
Cha, you need not wait that long, just google Federal Reserve Bank, National Credit Union Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Controller of the Currency (OCC), as well as any State Banking Authority in any of the 50 states of the USA.
When you have found anyone look for Regulatory Compliance,.
and you will find guidelines provided by all these agencies, bearing in mind that each institution must develop and implement their separate policies and procedures for conducting banking in the USA.
Let’s all keep our eyes on the ball, there are going to be distraction, things that have little or no significance to the current issue,passports selling, homes building, duty free under the table, farmers crying,youths looking for work, northeastern comprehensive underdeveloped ,nuff loans,foreigners doing most of the jobs on island and only the PM can negotiate.Dominicans are we going to let petty differences stand in our way, about asking the many serious questions? So “Mr.PM,let us now begin to DEBATE the serious issues that will bring better progress to our nature island DOMINICA”.
What issue, some of you people are so damn lazy it is not funny……. Jobs ? what Jobs ? are you people for real ? ……. FOREIGNERS coming here and the very next day they are on farms, construction sites, at the market places all over the Island, Bus services, Housing, Barber Shop(some of the best on island), Security Services and ….. YES EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES ……. did they come over here with the JOBS ? …… What happen to the LOCAL who we said can’t get JOBS. Is two things i know that get one jobs … is being educated or have a skill …. or most times BOTH ….. NOW let’s talk.
Base on that issue the Jesus of Dominica should call election now.
DR Shillingford should just stay quiet.
Why?
y
Can somebody clear me on that please? How is it possible that mr funtain can be involved in these type of transactions with a simple US visa? something is not clear help me please
Are you for real.what planet u live on.
well,well I never knew Dominica had so many educated Credit unionists.Fantastic…
However Kassac and co need to further educate themselves about movement of funds on three different occasions during a period of a year and then call it “error in judgement” lolololol…….Tom fool but not all Tom that fool.
Thank you very much you are so right, and if you listen to the two doctors they are only referring to one of the transaction, what about the two others did Doctor the president gave the other the right to do the transfer.
Error in JUDGEMENTS!!!!!
laughable, you are really laughable,in the us companies and organizations do have their own credit union! you thought you were saying something.
Please people. Give me a break. Next issue please…take your pick: healthcare, education, jobs, help for farmers, more pay for civil servants, etc. etc. etc. Let’s spend time on the issues that really make a difference in our people’s lives.
What difference?
Then we all will be shouting corruption.
Laughable!
Best Joke for the Day!
Truth you dont know the truth even if it hits you in your face
labour take that is not bin bobol, nor land transfer taxes, nor counterfeit,
The silence of that Gabriel Christian the self proclaimed big time lawyer is deafening. I guess he vex he not in the limelight – he and his brother though Dominica was theirs for the taking !!!!!
His silence is indeed deafening!!!
I am a Dominican and I believe in honesty. I have made it very clear that after voting DLP for the last 14 yrs. I cannot vote them again and therefore I will vote UWP just to get rid of Skerrit. However, that so called explanation Dr. Shillingford gave makes no sense whatsoever. In fact it leaves me with more questions than answers. What silly error in judgement Dr. Shillingford talking about? If he was directed to transfer funds from one account to a CD, why attach your name to it Dr. Fontaine? I will not say you attempted to steal it but we need an explanation that makes sense. Also, while I applaud you for resigning, I hate the reasn Dr. Shillingford gave for your resignation. I would feel much better if you had resigned on the basis of principle to show that you acknowledged your mistake whether it was in error or otherwise. Having said all this, I have more problems with the present administration that continues to steal our money and they still in power. DLP should be ashamed of themselves.
Did he not explain the reason he use his credit union, the interest rate was higher.
Could not use the company name because they would not get
That rate.
He ended up paying the early withdrawal penalty.
There is an old saying do good is bad, do bad is..,,,,,,,,
Stop that nonsense.
He should have done the RIGHT thing from the beginning because he knows better. I do NOT buy the story, sorry…
What if Thompson had died while the CD was in his name in HIS credit union? How was DAAS going to retrieve it? Clayton when ACS book come out we will see how much of it is “unfact”
What an interesting question, we shouldn’t expect an important question like that coming from the people on Q because it is not labour supporter.
From listening to all the talk, I would think that It would go to his family or his estate if there was no will or some special instructions on file.
In that case, all DAAS had to do what to prove to the Estate that the money belonged to it. Thomson is not a thief. He would not risk his reputation and job at the IMF by stealing money. I know the man. I work with a regional organization and they require of their employees to be of the highest probity in their financial dealings. The same with international organizations like the IMF and World Bank. Thomson was simply trying to facilitate DAAS getting a higher interest rate.
Dominica politics never change.
Why didn’t Mr.Shillingford tell the Dominican people, what really happened. What was Mr. Christain’s role is all of this. Mr. Shillingford need to come clean and tell the D/can the truth.
why a qualified guy like Dr Fountaine is going to spoil his good name in the USA for a meager 27000 when in a month he can make much more than that in the USA in a month, people with Dr Fountaine level of intelligence don t steal pennies they misappropriate by the 100 of millions or billions so grow up dominicans and get a life
Which planet are you living on?
What? You disagree? That is peanuts. That is no money to lose your your reputation over.
You all are really a sorry bunch. It doesn’t surprise me that the die hard supporters are still trying to defend Fontaine and co. They are like Sol, they only see on one side.
On what side do you see you blinded bat
Dr. Shillingford pleaaaassseee!!. what crap from someone as yourself, I mean that’s the best you could come up with? you keep stressing that there were no misappropriation of funds, which may be true so let’s say it is, why then did he put it in his name? an error of judgement?!! is that the best you could do and do you really believe that we Dominicans are idiots? or wait, you do believe that we Dominicans are idiots! I mean that’s the only explanation I can come up with why you would make such a lame excuse as someone of your caliber. I mean what was Thomson’s intention by making such ‘an error in judgement’? The man has a doctorate in economics!! anyone of us whom you take for idiots would sure know better so why didn’t the DOCTOR know better? come on Clayton you can do better than that!! that is just pure rubbish you talking and you know it..
I hope Dr. Fontaine sues Ivor Stephenson and the rest of the propagandists of the Roosevelt Skerrit Labour Party.
Dr Fontaine did absolutely nothing wrong. His Credit Union offered the best rate of interest as much as 3 percentage points above that offered by the banks.
Obviously Dominicans do not realise that the Credit Unions in the US operate differently. This is the BANF FUND Staff FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, a members only organization. The good doctor was only trying to make some money for his organization and when his credibility was questioned he immediately resigned.
This issue was cleared on air since in 2010 when Tony first raised it. I feel sorry for the DLP clutching at straws as they see their day of reckoning approaching.
How does focusing on an internal DAAS matter five years old create jobs for the very ignorant few writing comments on what they clearly done understand.
I guess some of us should be excuse for doing wrong while others should be draged to the gutters.
@JOMBORIE- I do trust that readers get your point.
dominicans fontain is not a parlrep and therefore stop the focus. Have you all forgotten: the bin bobol, $400,000 house, villas,18 letters to PDV dominica to make payments, the land transfer deal. These are the real ISSUES!!!!!!!
Is not Skerrit,so they clearing Air;When is Skerrit they polluting AIR;Dem bias ones on Q.
@ Is That So! So they bias on Q but they are fair on Kairi? You sound so ridiculous. Do you really know the meaning of bias? You people in this land never cease to amaze me.
Skerrit dont answer questions so how can you clear the air ,tell him to open his mouth and speak out ah wa wrong
THE DR. FONTAINE I KNOW:
Character describes a person’s inner strength and is the link between values and one’s behavior. CHARACTER IS WHO YOU ARE!! It defines you and guides your everyday actions. Dr. Fontaine is a man of strong and honorable character who supports the values of loyalty for Dominica and Her people Integrity is steadfast adherence to a strict moral and ethical code of conduct. Dr. Fontaine embodies strong character and integrity.
I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Fontaine and observed his integrity and honesty, woven through the fabric of professional ethics. He was always competent, confident, open, honest, and showed moral strength and courage in all his undertakings. He was a great leader who was willing to provide strength, inspiration, educate, train and promote self-development for the greater good. He sought to establish standards that would provide purpose, direction and motivation. He took the time to listen and encourage ideas and learned how to time his action on any given situation in order to take the right action at the right time.
As a leader he always remembers that we communicate standards by example, by what is ignored and rewarded. He knows what and how we communicate either builds or harms the effectiveness of the message. Dr. Fontaine knows that as a leader, his values, integrity and character can impact greatly on the effectiveness of the message. We need more men and women like Dr. Fontaine – leaders with strong and honorable character. It is good to know that the leaders who stand out in history have shown the kind of honorable character that Dr. Fontaine possesses.
I am proud that I am Dominican and that this great man of moral ethics and strong character calls our Dominica home.
Dr. Fontaine is loyal to our Nation, a “true son of the soil”. He is an inspiring example for our young people to follow, a worthy role model of integrity and honorable character.
Thank you
Good piece die hard supporter in defense of the indefensible. Come on people, are we not promoting change, yet we are willing to accept one man error judgment or deception. Ask the man to resign and let us move on as a party.
Try again Shilling.
Labour party days are over,change does not roll on the wheels of inevitability,for change is a continous struggle.These distraction tactics wont and cannot work therefore change is a must !
I smell a rat.
Hope is a real rat and not your crack because that would really be sad .let me ask u how many off skerrit RATS did you smell, many i hope
The rat you smell is a Laborrat.
Is not Skerrit so they clearing AIR..When is Skerrit they polluting AIR..Dem bias on Q!
Skerrit already polluted de air his own doing
No beating around the bush. Whom did the IPO Commission ask to be interviewed regarding the declaration of his assets to find out, to verify for themselves, whether what he declared was true? Thompson or PM?
Who gave our diplomatic passports to culprits who have been involved in all kinds of criminal acts from foreign? How much $$$$$$$$ was received by he or those who gave our passports for exchange of whatever?
Remember the famous Rubbish Bin and Fertilizer Bobols? What about the kick backs? Is not true?
How much does Govt. owe Venezuela re. Petro Caribe operations? Where all that money gone?
Remember the 42 charges of alleged fraud filed by Mano against another Lawyer? What about that case?
Remember the horrible firebombing, attempted murder of Mano and his wife? Who were unsympathetic with those innocent victims? What about the investigations into that abomination?
What about the other secret deals that we know of and many we still do not know of?
Thompson have no fear, it is the cabal which is trembling and will do anything to remain in power. My people be on your P’s and Q’s. Desperate people do desperate acts.
I wonder how those on the ‘ANIMAL SHOW’, and those corrupt Labourites who were weeks after weeks trying to portray the learned DR FONTAINE as a distrustful and dishonest person will now feel.
Remember this wicked and evil gang on men/women in the Labour party together with their greedy acolytes, are clutching at straws now. They know dam well they cannot defeat the learned Doctor on the ground so in desperation they will make mountains out of mole hills.
THANK YOU DR SHILLINGFORD.
Skerrit is on his way out, the sooner he calls election the better for Dominica and Dominicans.
HOW LONG?
NOPT LONG!
Domninica’s issue is not Dr Fontaine. Dr Fontaine is above board. Dominica’s issue is corrupt men/women who are impoverishing our country, amking the citizens beggars in their own land.
LOVE YOU DOCTOR FONTAINE!
Unbelievable…All those labourite suddenly wake up and trying to crucify Dr. Fontaine for a non-issue that occured in a private institution. .Are you people fore real?…..For 15 years you people have blocked your ears to all the corruption taking place by labour party …so you actually know what is corruption?….It is a blasted shame on my fellow Dominicans who have kept their mouth shut in the face of open corruption, misuse of public funds for political gains…. sold our passports and benefited personally..get rich with a matter of years…This is so sickening…That is why so many young people in our society have gone astray….when grown ups who know better turn a blind eye to wrong….And that is why change will come and that labour excuse for a government will be no more….GOD IS NOT A POLICEMAN….HE IS LOOKING RIGHT DOWN ON US…examine your conscience my people….
Is this man for real? “an error in judgement” occurred when Fontaine transferred the funds to the CD, as instructed, “but attached his name to it.”
My God we will sell our soul to the Devil in this place. Please note that this is a man that is running for high office and more so has his eye on minister of finance. How can you take an organization’s money and put it in your name and call this an error in judgment? A man who is called a doctor, economist, and educated, after all, he aught to have known better.
according to you “a man running for high office” but don’t forget monies were refunded to the treasury by one in present high office, so error in judgement occurs but this one does not affect the treasury
Typical of the blind labourites to fall for the propaganda and lies of their leaders and mouth pieces. All along they never said one thing when Skerrit was found red handed in deliberate dishonest practices re the bin bobbol and short paying the treasury on his land transaction. Now, hungry for something to stem the tide of Team Dominica, they are excited by distortions fed to them by their masters.
Thomson acted in good faith. He belonged to the staff credit union at his place of employment and, as a member, he could get a higher interest rate on deposits. Thus, to augment the income of DAAS of which he was the then Treasurer, he put his name on the account. But this did not go down well with some members of DAAS. And it was their right to object. So, being the honourable man he is, Thomson closed the account, suffered a penalty for premature cancellation of the account, returned the money to DAAS and resigned as Treasurer. Has anybody of the DLP cabal resigned after being exposed even support with hard evidence of corrupt and dishonest practices?
Does that excuse Fountains behavior?
Are you forgetting that you already sold your to skerroooooo
When ……. made an “error” on the land application fee for the Prime Minister, wasn’t there a big out cry with folks saying that as a lawyer, he should know better? So, as a finance expert, shouldn’t Dr. Fontain have know better than to put an organization’s funds in his own name and account? Hmmm … interesting political times we live it.
How come we not hearing anything from Gabriel Christian? He not even giving Team Dominica his blessing..he wasn’t even at their meeting in Maryland. Som fing wong…..lol
Could the Credit Union League inform me where in the world exists a Credit Union branch that only serves one company? That is what Thompson said on Matt today and Matt is yet to question Thompson on that issue.
The Caribbean Development Bank has a Credit Union on its premises which only serves employees of the Bank and their immediate family members.Staff Members of the Credit Union are not even able to join, unless they are an immediate family member of an employee.
You are not so correct, Laughable. Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Dow Chemical Employees Credit Union, etc..
IDIOT….It is a Credit Union for workers at the World Bank…You people as so small minded…Don’t you realize that Dr. Fontaine must be rich…He worked at the World Bank as a consultant for over 15 years…..Check around and you will find out what World Bank consultants are paid…
Well said
@laughable, in the united states there are Credit Unions dedicated to one company. Companies like GM and Ford and other big companies can have their own CU
You are so ignorant that you are making a fool of yourself. First of the credit union in the US does not operate like the regular banks. I can tell cause the company I work for is affiliated with the credit union. If you are an employee of a company that is not affiliated with the credit union cannot bank with the credit union.
Educate yourself before making an arsenal of yourself
i was in the US. It happens. for example, the US army respective branches have their own credit unions.
he was not referring about any credit union in Dominica but in the USA and it is not so easy to opened an account in the USA this is base on your credit and do know that a bank will not loan you any amount less than 50 000 to buy a house in the USA so it is just a different system in the USA u see the banker don t give a whether u can pay the loan or not what he or she care about is making his commission paying the loan is your problem
Your comment is indeed laughable, jack a&&
Laughable my friend in response to your ignorant post, regarding credit unions, the most apt response to you can be summarized in this quote: “He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool shun him, but he who knows not, and knows that he knows not is a wise man teach him.
The former is applicable to you.
For you edification, credit unions in the US are actually credit unions in the reak sense, they are associated with a grouping of people with common interest, a real co-operative, while in Dominica, credit unions function more like regular commercialanks.
In Dominica one can walk into any credit union and open an account, in the US you must be a member of the group to open an account in a credit union.
The case of the IMF Employees credit union is a very good example, to have an account there one must be a member of the credit union.
The next time you feel the need to display such ignorance first take some time off to inform and educate yourself.
o lord,i pray that all those sour grape eaters will be cured by yr precious blood
ultimately were funds misappropriated?
@looking. Didn’t you understood what you read? THE ANSWER IS NO.
Wer you one of those propogating those lie?
Well Dr Shillingford has cleared the air now. Wonder how the GREEDY ones who were spreading this false information, are feeling now.
that is the important question, cause opening a CD in my name might be an easier temporary fix than opening a CD in the name of an organisation, which may require multiple signatures, even proof of registration and such. so while this isnt the best scenario i can see why this could be done to save time. the important question is WAS ANY CASH MISSING???? if not what is the issue?
You have a point there. I believe Thomson was simply trying to facilitate DAAS to get a higher interest rate on its deposits. There was no malicious intent. Many of us at one time tried to facilitate a close friend or a family member. For example, depositing our own monies into their bank accounts so that they can present a more rosy picture of their finances to the foreign immigration authorities when they apply for visias
The issue is the mepuis gang are trying to bring down Dr. Fontaine to their gutter level. But, he won’t go there.
What the hell!! Seriously! I sit and read about all these guys in government that have “Dr.” in front of their names, indicating that they are smart and educated. But that is not always the case; it seems that they are all making all these uneducated decisions when it comes to money and doing what’s right for the people that they represent.
seriously…did you vote for these guys in government? who are you referring to?
nice try shilling
you just made me laugh
money of an association being placed in someone personal account with only the president and treasurer knowing about that transaction, and all want to justify that as transparent?
ginger, you are back again, still displaying your ignorance. What is it about the English language you and a host of others have understanding? Or is it that you lack the ability to understand what you read.
A CD, short for certificate of deposit is a time deposit earning interest, and is totally separate from a checking account or a savings account. Your statement that he deposited the money in his personal account confirms your ignorance. He opened the CD in his name, is totally different from depositing the funds into his account. Be real all you DUNCE.
Those laborites just trying to bring down people with their personal attacks and they that have more skeleton in their closets. Clean up all you mess first people.
well worker have dead bodies in their cupboard
Who cares? Is it the people who have defended corruption for 12 years? Is it the people who have covered up crimes for 12 years? Is it the people who deny selling our passports and that the proceeds of the passport merchandizing did not all come to our treasury? Is it the senior counsel who refuse to let the court proceed with the IRD case against the company J.A.?
Whether or not Thomson misappropriated funds from a little non-profit organization how does that impact the woes in Dominica. Personally I don’t care and even if it does is Thomson’s action any worse than that of the criminals in government to include their lawyers, advisors.
Why have we not heard from the Labor Party government about the status of Francesco corrello, Timothy Cornwall etc. Why we have not heard from Roosevelt skerrit the government about the Petro Caribe money.
When the opposition talk about the mass corruption the bias people claim that there is too much focus on corruption now it is the labor Party government looking for dirt on the beach and cant engage in any discussion of substance.
What a country we have become. Poor fools on Kairi are such puppets
But I thought it was all about change? This reply by Dr. Shillingford explains it all. An error in judgement my but. Doc. look like I went to school on Sunday nights.
@mamizoo, it does not matter if Thomson misappropriated funds. As far as you and the UWP are concerned he is qualified to be minister of finance even after admitting that he had applied funds belonging to an organization in which he held the position of treasurer to his own personal account…well! well! well!.. what is good for the gander is no longer good for the goose.
@ ANONYMOUS:Is Dr. fontain an appointed member of government? who was Ambrose George? was’nt he the man who went looking for an invisible bank? was’nt he fired twice? What about the $400,000 house your P.M built and he land transfer deal, Bin bobol and the villas as MINISTER OF FINANCE. Can you please respond? Finally what about the 18 letters to the government from venezula to Dominica demanding payment? I see now what is good for the goose is not good for the gander. I refer you to “FORCE 10 FROM NAVARON.” EDUCATE YOURSELF PLEASE!!!!!
Well Said………
Politics can do strange things to the mind.
Well Neutral, you can’t pin the fact that you did not receive a thank you note from the DAAS organization on Dr Fontaine. Can you? He also has my vote and full confidence as Minister of Finance.
You’re right, Practical. Dr. Fontaine may have been treasurer, but I’m not sure whose responsibility it was to keep track of donors and thank them (to ensure that those willing and able to give would become REPEAT donors in the future). In other words, I was not impressed with the level of “customer service”, and I use this term rather loosely. Operating in Dominica is one thing, but when you’re a US-based organization run by intellectuals, that is another thing – I hold that organization to a higher standard.
Someone dropped the ball Nuetral. I was on that executive and this should not have happened. Apologies and belated thanks!
Poor Dominica we reallyneat the apple from the forbidden tree for true. I have never in my life come up against a set of people that swing with the wind it is either DWP , or Labour when any kind of cash is mentioned. They say that there is no loyalty.
Mr.Shillingford ,you said most of the DAAS funds were sitting there in a checking account so you asked Thomson Fontaine to put some of the monies in a CD;Why didn’t Thomson open the CD in the very same Institution the DAAS had the checking account or another similar on DAAS’s name? Why did he have to transfer the money to his personal account in the Credit Union that serves his company only?Furthermore,the account was opened in his name and not DAAS.Do you want to tell us,Thomson in his capacity,doesn’t know better?Something sounds fishy!
seriously.
Anonymous, stop sitting on the gray matter between your ears. It was clearly stated that the interest rate offered at his credit union was 3 percentage points higher, additionally, one has to consider that if the CD was opened in the name of DAAS, it would require documentation of DAAS’ registration, (corporate documents), as well as two or more signatures, which would pose a challenge to obtain, given the fact that Mr. Shillingford lives in Delaware, Gabriel lives in Maryland, and Thompson lived in Washington. Email, nor faxed ID are not acceptable in account opening procedures, all signers must be physically present ai ihe institution, and that separate background checks must be done for each signer on the account.
In your simplicity, ignorance, or your desire to drag down Dr. Fontaine, you assumed like all those ignorant laborites, and the party hacks, including Tony and Mr. Lawrence, that is the kind of non charlant Dominican approach to banking that takes place in Dominica is obtained elsewhere, particularly in the USA.
Why don’t you take some time off, go online and google banking in the USA, the process and the current regulatory environment.
In that case the decision should have been taken by all the board members and all should have been in agreement. Judging by the correspondence this does not seem to be the case.
I sincerely believe DOCTOR Shillingford when he said DOCTOR Fountain used poor judgement when he opened the CD in his name. YEAH RIGHT.
You know something: These guys really think the majority of us are “out to lunch “Not so DOCTORS.
Why is dlp keep grabbing at straws. Go tell your PM to explain where he get $2.6 millions distributed on his behalf. The evidence is clear for you to see. PM and his associates can’t even defend him on the matter. What is wrong with some of you Dominicans? !!! No political party own me.
“No political party own me.”… you are owned lock stock and barrel by the UWP, your head is so far up their ??????? that you are not hearing… good try though.
Thompson should have known better. He ought to have known that someone, someday would use that against him.
I have no doubt that he meant no harm, but when you are put in a position of responsibility and trust, you have to protect your good name.
Let that be a lesson.
He meant well? How?
Dr. Fontaine does NOT strike me as conniving. He certainly has earned my vote for finance minister.
A personal experience turned me away from DAAS. In 2007 0r 2008, I mailed a US $100.00 check in support of Charles Lawrence. My Maryland address was clearly stated, yet no one mailed back any acknowledgment. Bank records showed that my check was definitely cashed by DAAS. After this, I vowed that I would not be making any more donations to DAAS.
“He certainly has earned my vote for finance minister.” after such tardiness.
Don’t let that stop you from giving to a worthy cause. I had a similar experience when a young child needed medical care for a heart condition.
I sent a money order to a doctor who was spearheading the drive. I never got a thank you from her.
The thing is, over here when you give they never stop thanking you and asking for more.
We take each other for granted too much.
I could see that the manipulators from Skerrro and Tony group is at work, trying to come up with any thing and trying to make it stick on the opposition. But Dominicans know you guys by now and will not listen to your noise any more.
Change is a most!
This is a Labour party plot to shift blame from themselves and put it on anyone they can find in UWP.
But this wil not work because we are heard strong on removing this DLP regime from office.
Mr. Shillingford’s effort as clearing the air is so unconvincing that it makes him look like a bigger you-know-what. He also, makes Fontaine look like a totally incompetent ninny! It would have been better if he had not allowed himself to be sucked into this koshonie. I would bet that a few years from now he will be re-reading this and he’ll shake his head and ask “what was I thinking!”
1. After years of silence on the matter, Dr. Shillingford inexplicably and suddenly gets the courage to clear the air? Juss like dat?
2. Even a 5 year old would know that you only deposit money in your name if that money belongs to you.
3. How can Mr. Shillingford be so certain that that action by Dr. Fontaine was truly just an “error of judgement”? He cannot. Is Dr. Shillingford aware of an attempt by a former PM of Dominica to use state lands as collateral to acquire a loan to start a certain named quarry operation?
4. Will Dr. Shillingford, since he is coming clean, please now tell us who requested or pressured him to make this public statement?
Surely, Dr. Shillingford, you have only done further harm to yourself and your ilk. You expose yourself as a conspirator to cover up the incompetence of someone whom you know. You help Matt confirm how selective and biased a media worker he is. (Will he probe and highlight equally sensational claims made by the UWP?). And, you confirm that Dr. Fontaine is certainly not competent to be our Minister of Finance. (Goodness gracious! Can you imagine this kind of Fontaine as our Minister of Finance? The man does not even know that he cannot deposit DAAS funds in his own name!!! Dat is what the Dream Team is about? )
What is your take on the bin bobol fiasco and our current Minister of Finance.
Having said all that, BogoRoy, could you kindly ask the present Minister of Finance and Prime Minister, Mr. Rosevelt Skeritt, to clear the air concerning the $2.6 million he allegedly gave his lawyer to pay out to a Minister of Government, a lady residing in London and a business man. While you are discussing the $2.6 million, could you also ask him to comment on a statement made by a Chinese gentleman that he, the Chinese, was responsible for certain Ministers of Government allegedly receiving sexual favors, gifts and cash. Please, no long alleluia, just answer yes, no or I don’t know.
Well when this over we will know who will face stock farm for corruption.. For years money disappearing from treasury,
We go see.
May the Good Lord have mercy on us. Did I hear “Amen” from one of those other politicians? Hope I didn’t!
Amen for dominica politics a small country can we get along
@BOGOROY: What is your take on the following: The P.M said on air that he is building a modest three bedroom house costing $400,000 thousand only to find out that is worth is about 2,0000,000.
What is your take on the bin bobol, the land transfer deal,The villas. What do you suggest about your past and present finance ministers? Finally what would you say to someone who would say ” NOT OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS WHERE LABOR GET THEIR MONEY FROM.” BE HONEST!!!!!
riiiight …um … what was Instru story again?
Whoa! Thomson is being crucified for simply placing $27K in a Fixed Deposit make interest instead of it staying in a current account where the bank benefits.
Those who are tarnishing his good name and reputation continue to defend the Land Transfer deal and the Garbage Bin Bobol.
This is the type of character that Dominica is faced with.
Dr. Fountain SHALL overcome all the assaults. They failed to succeed with the misrepresentation of his statement so they come with this one, they will not succeed. Victory is certain.
Boy look BS, So what is misappropriation of funds? To apply wrongly. If you are instructed to put cash in a CD for an organization and you put it in your name, this is misappropriation. Ok you call the misappropriation an error in judgement, it was a misappropriation. So if it was an error in judgement. Why would the organization attack him? or Why did he feel he was being attacked even to the point of resignation? Did they lose pieces of the puzzle?
Grasping at straws DLP? What kind of thief holds your money for you in a CD and give it back when requested. All you wanted the man interest rate but fearful he might run with it. Alas.
Isidore, then the PM’s lawyer, erroneously (according to him) excluded the PM from paying adequate taxes on a land matter. The UWP has consistently cited this as evidence of “bobol” on the PM’s part. Now, a supposedly erudite economist, in fact, the holder of a doctoral degree in Economics, has erroneously deposited money from a private organisation in his name and this act is not “bobol” but an “error of judgment.”
Lol! The campaign to win an election is becoming much too funny to be serious.
@SHIM: please educate yourself and refer to” FORCE 10 FROM NAVARON” educate yourself and stop being a fool!!!!!
Did we listen to what Dr. Fontaine had to say on Q95 this morning?
we Dr. Clayton Shillingford it’s a bit to late for this most of us dominican know what you are trying to do it will not wotk! we have you guys just where we want.
so if that man ever place his hands on our treasury how much will his judgment err? who will notice all his errors??.
The same people who are the defenders of “in your face” corruption in the ruling administration now want to turn around and accuse someone else of corruption? Unbelievable! These people have no shame!
Mr. Shillingford while you clearing the air about DAAS. tell us what You ,Fountain, Christain and co, did with the Money from the Better Dominica” you guys set up before the last Election, now it’s called “Team Dominica.”
to my recollection fontaine was a laborite before he came to the uwp team… what is your point
Labour Party rope is coming to ean end. Ha! Ha! Ha! Nothing to hold on to.
Something not adding up… #fishy
@kle. Go get your calculator, and make it add up. Are you one of the Labourrats clutching at straws? Fontaine is clean. On the other hand,the Labourrats closet is extremely dirty indeed.
Lmao so true they wont no how to use that calculator
@KLE: Add up the following: 27,0000,000 state house plus 100,000,000 west coast road, multiply this sum by 40% for labor cost and see just how much money our local contractors lost. Take this amount(labor cost) and multiply by approximately 7% and see just how Social Security has lost. SHOULD’NT THAT BE A MUCH GREATER CONCERN FOR YOURSELF AND FELLOW DOMINICANS?????IS THIS ADDING UP???
once u attach ur name to a CD that means its urs and can b used as a collateral . so dont pretend that people dont know about CDs
A cd in his name? Come on, you all can do better than that. Are you trying to tell me that banks don’t issue cd’s in the name of organizations so he had no choice but to put it in his name? Mr. Shillingford, it does not add up,
@Anonymous. You don’t listen and that’s the problem. It was an employee’s credit union and that credit union do not issue accounts in organizations’ names. You got it now?
especially not someone as educated as Dr Fontaine
Don’t understand why this is being referred to as “an error in judgement”. To me this is creative and forward thinking on the part of the Mr Fontaine, the treasurer. Afterall, the president and other executive members knew exactly where the monies were. He did not hide it in an offshore bank in Cayman Islands.
Guess Thompson’s creative finance mind is too advance for these guys. He needs to teach them how to explore creative but legal ways of making money.
I take it from the comments from PRACTICAL that buying the CD in the name of the DASS would NOT be creative or forward thinking.
Could you then tell me what is creative in putting the funds in the name of Dr. Fontaine? Would he get a better interest rate than the DASS? Would it be more secure?
What exactly is creative about using Dr. Thomas Fontaine’s name vs the DASS?
We know that in his name he could use the funds as an asset on his application for a loan. Dr. Fontaine would benefit from use of the funds in that way but he would expose it to liens by his creditors. Even if he does not use it on a loan application the funds are put at risk in the event of a judgement against him or in a bankruptcy proceeding.
So I would argue that far from being creative and forward thinking and with NO apparent benefits to the DASS from putting the $27.000.00 in his name Dr. Fontaine jeopardized the organization’s funds.
@Creative???? Yes it was very creative. What would not be creative is if it was hidden abroad,knowing fully well it will one day be discovered, and he will have to stammer, speak broken english, not being able to insult the court, and finally return it.
WELL DONE DOCTOR FONTAINE.
Me no like all these creative way of handling our funds. We want the transparency you all have been talking about.
Clayton really? I mean come on man. How can you attach your name to a CD and not assume personal responsibility? I really believed in you until now
Govt. corruption trial begins in Malawi. The defendants, which include politicians, civil servants, and businessmen, have been charged with theft by public servant, fraud, money laundering and corruption.
Change is a must!
I lived in malawi for 7 years and let me assure nothing will change , corruption is endemic to the govt and the justice system, they no longer use bank accounts , cash is king and they prefer it to br packed in a suitcase or a designer handbag.
I can’t trust you guys. DAAS wanted to control how the government of Dominica function and when they were not successful they rant and raved like the bunch of egotistical men they are.
Shirley saying it was she Thompson and some others, who raised the funds, please get your story correct.
that shirley have plenty dayfoe where u see her on “dominica source” blowing hot air…just a matter of time
But we know Thompson, Christian and the like just thought they could bru-bru Skerrit, the little boy. For them to serve is swimming pool, guard dogs and luxury they wanted. As for me I see Skerrit as a man who loves elders and that alone is enough for me to vote him.WHO GOD BLESS NO MAN CURSE. AS FOR SHIRLEY SHE SHOULD REMVE THE SKELETONS IN HER CLOSET(LITERALLY)
they were trying to bring de man down. but the TRUTH always prevail. BLESS UP DR. FONTAINE. them REDS go try all they can to spoil yuh GOOD name
Sorry Warrington, but I think he doing a pretty good job all by himself.