Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) Economic Team and UWP hopeful for the Grand Fond constituency, Dr. Thompson Fontaine, has laid blame squarely at the feet of the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) for having the country’s economy in what he described as a “state of collapse.”
Fontaine made the remarks at the UWP press conference on Monday on the topic “Reversing the decline in Dominica’s economy, job creation and generating economic growth.”
“After close to 15 years of the Dominica Labour Party rule, the Dominican economy is in a crisis and in a state of collapse,” he said. “The evidence is all around us. Hundreds of young people are unable to find work, families, even those with working members, incapable of meeting their daily living expenses, parents unable to pay school fees or buy uniforms, financial institutions refusing to give consumer loans and actively repossessing houses, land and appliances, as well as declining export levels…”
He said Dominica has an “almost non-existent economic growth, which has resulted in debilitating poverty and a country on the brink.”
Fontaine, who is a former employee at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said no one is to be blamed for the current state of affairs in Dominica but the DLP administration.
“I ask the people of Dominica, who is responsible for this state of affairs?” he asked. “The answer is clear. We have come to this point as a direct result of the inability of the DLP government of prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit to offer solutions to those problems. Looking back over the past 14 years, it is evident that the DLP government lacks the competence, skills, expertise and even the will to make a difference.”
He said as a party, the UWP plans on targeting growth rates of five percent primarily focusing on the construction, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and services sectors combined with aggressive tax and fiscal policies, a revitalized private sector and a higher inflows of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
“To immediately ease the hardship and suffering of thousands of our fellow Dominicans, the 15 percent VAT will be removed on all basic food items, medicines, school supplies and children clothing,” Fontaine stated. “In addition, all custom duties on personal effects imported through the crucial barrel trade will be removed.”
He mentioned that the party’s plan on tax reform will be backed up by aggressive enforcement to ensure that the benefits are passed on to the consumer.
Fontaine said the UWP also plans to reverse what he said is the DLP’s practice of providing tax breaks and cushions to a few privilege friends and supporters of the party and the UWP will provide those breaks to a large number of the poor and suffering people of Dominica.
da is dead.you stupid reds.why did they borrow money from macau this month to pay salaries
When someone is asked to resign from any job he or she did something very bad. For eg DAAS, IMF and maybe other places something is wrong. Dominicans do some homework on Fontaine there is something fishy about this guy. IF follow Domincans love their country who really knows the truth about the DAAS should save DA from thompson.
Not to oppose error is to approve it; and not to defend truth is to suppress it; and indeed to neglect to confound evil men, when we can do it, is no less a sin than to encourage them.”
Very well said Dr Fontaine, You are 100% correct based on matters of facts regarding the economy. Everything is going down hill. The only thing going up is the wealth and prosperity of these ministers, their friends and family and so forth… Otherwise, life in Dominica is all about pressure and poverty……..which is sad indeed…… 15 yrs of decline and more and more debts… Dominica must be laden with debts and so forth cause by this careless and reckless government. One would have felt that the PM being a man who came from grass roots would have improved the economy and get rid of all the bad eggs in the baskets but sadly He must be held fully accountable for the bad state of the economy….. The Pm must tell the people the truth bout the economy……
From all shall eat to all shall suffer and starve, that’s not cool.
Anybody with a good conscience, can never ever support this government because of the mismanagement of the economy.
Everything is dying or almost dead in Dominica……..
Dominicans are people of the resurrection therefore this government must clear the way.
Instead of attacking Linton at lagoon please tell the people how you all are sorry for letting them down. A bad sign is that, you hardly hear them apologising, and asking for forgivingness. Its like they are perfect which is a bad sign/////
Who can fix another that is harder and could not fix your own.
You should remove the wax form your eyes before wanting to fix Dominica economy.
When he was fixing for Labour party allu loved him, now he is going up for UWP Allu vex and hate him. Politics doh have to do allu dat nuh pal. Shame labourites does behave like razor blades, same thing with Julius Timothy, nobody can take labourites comments seriously.
Thompson Fontaine is an Academic, someone who is very good in a classroom or on a class project where real world implications matter very little. In the real world he is having difficulty translating what he’s learned into reality. Putting theory into practice.
We see people like this all the time. They just come in different sizes and styles. They think that because they were affiliated with some well known organization or lived abroad that Dominicans are not as experienced as they are.
Well, Sah…….. Dominica has been independent since 1978 and they are doing fine.
You need to get out more Bro…..not everything you read in a book…..is true!
I think you are referring to the PM who said he did English at University level but cannot speak proper English, he cannot even write a speech.
Stop taking out things on Labour and trying to pin it on UWP.
For you to speak like you did you do not understand Thompson’s line of work.
CHANGE IS A MUST ABSOLUTELY.
Who killed the DAAS
An other thing Thompson, if the economy was falling like you claim? the PM would’ve called the election long time like Edison did and lost. Hey don’t worry that plagiarism will not be going any where any time soon.
just one question doh,isn’t the same IMF that held the entire caribbean economies hostage,even damaged the economies of some couple years ago,of which mister fontain was an employee of,well i guess he should no,because he was part of that conspiracy,your countries development begins with it’s history,and in this case dominica is behind based on what happened in it’s economic history,could you believe fontain is speaking out on the economy of dominica like the IMF had helped dominica
What is the question?
@forreal September 16, 2014
As a teacher in many ways I have rewritten your message for the satisfaction of “rosebud’ who asked you: “What is the question? Read it below:
Just one question though. Isn’t it the same IMF that held the entire Caribbean economies hostage, even damaged the economies of some couple years ago, of which mister Fontaine was an employee? Well I guess he should know; because he was part of that conspiracy.
Your countries development begins with it’s history, and in this case, Dominica is behind based on what happened in it’s economic history. Can you believe that Fontaine is speaking out on the economy of Dominica, as if the IMF had helped Dominica?
Well what do you think?
Dominicans, please take heed that DNO is part of the Internet and so, the world is reading your sentiment through writing. Hence you are also part of the development of your country–it starts with the seed of your thoughts into your mind– you reveal that product through your words and actions
People of Dominica if you are going to express your views based on the progress of our country–what your sentiment– please try your best to do it right–or else your are simply making a fool of our country and yourself to the world.
They will say anything to get in. Please I’m not for no party I had a message they are not good don’t let them in.
Uncivilized, no manners and respect for each other and uneducated.thats what it takes to kill a country
Well what a Fountaine.Please explain what happened to the DAAS.
Wow! Shallow Dominicans – questioning why a man of Fontaine’s status would come back and try and help. I cannot fathom the crap thats in these DLP followers mind – the brainwash menatlity. Fontaine was my teacher many years ago and I think he has the opportuity to effect change for Dominica. Its a bloody shame that dumb folks are questioning his patriotism to country. Wake up !
Who cares? He is not better than us. If things were so good he would have ever been in Dominica. Tell him go put back the money in DAAS.
When I read the rubbish of the opposition party and consider how hard our Divine and Ordained Leader has worked to bring Dominica out of the pit that it was in under all former administrations, I am deeply saddened! Why are these novices seeking to downplay and discredit the great accomplishments of Dominica’s Divine King, the Most Honourable, Roosevelt Skerrit. Our Divine Leader has made Dominica the paradise it is today, attracting thousands of Tourists each year and quickly rising as the premiere destination in the Caribbean. Our Divine Leader knows how to govern this backward Island and it’s backward-thinking people! He has the connections that gives him access to millions and millions in funding and gifts. Can Dominicans afford to lose that? Please take a moment to think before you answer! Our Divine Leader knows what he is doing and in the next 15 to 20 years of his Administration ALL Dominicans will see his true Divinity and realize that our Great Leader comes directly to us from GOD! His humble servant…TA
I am sure not one of the backward thinking people you are a part of. Stop your backward thinking elementary psychology.
Why do you call the man divine leader it is almost as if you are worshiping the man. T.A. Only God is to be worshiped and reverenced. Divinity is not for every one be careful with your words. It actually sounds to me like you are part of some cult and you are worshiping a man. Is that how it is in DA? SO Sad never thought i would see the day.
Oh please now all fall down for Thompson he is ready to build Dominica to dom late. You were ask and begged to help in the 2000s and you turned your back on the country you so loved. I would like to remind you we still pay pennies in Dominica.
And this Fourth World country doesn’t need change?
The 20 Worst Economies In The World
#20: Dominica
Wikimedia Commons
Dominica
Est. 2012 GDP: 0.45%
Est. 2013 GDP: 1.25%
Est. 2013-2017
GDP CAGR: 1.7%
Economy: The economy of this banana-producing nation has been increasingly buoyed by tourism. The government has enacted comprehensive reforms since 2003 in an attempt to liberalize and diversify the economy. This island nation is vulnerable to hurricanes like Dean which caused damages totaling 20% of GDP in 2009.
Sources: IMF World Economic Outlook, CIA World Handbook
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DNO I have a special tribute for the UWP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKhQUqt8pO0
Oh my this song is well fitting.
That is some serious dreaming.
First of all anybody who has been following politics in Dominica will know this hurried press conference was an attempt by the UWP to bounce back from the allegations of plagiarism by its current leader , Mr. Linton.
The budget debate was less than two months ago. So this already is some recycle news. haha!
Secondly the amount of projects outlined at that press conference to be started in the first five years tells every right thinking voter that Dominica will soon be going to have debt to GDP well in excel of 200%
It means therefore that the Dominica Social Security funds are going to be dried up ; the UWP government will have difficulties paying salaries and deductions and whatever state assets available will be on fire sale like how Domlec was sold. The PMH must be privatized in that madness; the State college will be closed down ; National Bank will be sold out to a bank in Trinidad and Tobago; school transfer grants will be cancelled ; transportation of children to schools will be cancelled ; school feeding programs will be cancelled; school fees will triple; vehicle licenses will quadruple before any improvement begins to be noticeable.
Balderdash. If you do not know the meaning of this, look it up. In those days Dominica did not crash when there was less money and no new jobs. Today, with financial help from certain organizations, it will never crash it is not on the brink of collapse.
Fontaine is a scaremonger and getting back at the PM. Some politicians want to get in power. What will they not say to get votes and power? I would not give his talk any credibility.
DA has been going downhill ever since the British left, however, this present administration has dropped it almost to the bottom. It will be a tough act to resurrect it and it will necessitate people coming together and changing their selfish behaviors. The question is “Are Dominican’s up to the challenge?”
I wish Skerro knew the meaning of bastard .Can somebody pleaseeeeeeee tell him .If you want to know the meaning go to Viellecase the people will tell you.
a tex book from the corrupt antigua barbuda labor party pie in the sky pomises to fool the people..dominicans are wiser than that.labor on the move..labor power by the people for the people..
Fountain why don”t you start by creating some kind of employment in your constituency and for those unemployed men on your dream team since you happen to be the big IMF brain box?
Why not talk to your parl rep about that? At the same time make some negotiations for yourself and leave the man alone.
BRAIN-BOX???
IMF brain box???
Why would you want to stimulate the Construction Industry in an economy which is “in a crisis and in a state of collapse”and where “…financial institutions refusing to give consumer loans and actively repossessing houses,”? In every market driven economy, the Construction Industry, mainly construction starts for a given period, is an INDICATOR of the health of the economy. Who is going to build and or buy the houses to be constructed if there is no economy to support it? The other problem you will run into is the number of unskilled contractors who are now busy with work. As I write this I am looking at three defective buildings; they are crooked. By stimulating and thereby increasing the need for more contractors and construction workers you will generate a shortage of labour in the industry which will drive the cost of labour up with a concomitant reduction in the quality of work and an erosion of the benefits derived from the reduction of taxes.
What you need to do to start off is to take the existing bunch to the classroom where they will be trained and certified; something the government appear to be resisting.
Next you need to stimulate the entire economy so that the necessary wealth will be generated which can drive the construction industry. That way there will be no need to remove taxes on construction materials.
Quality construction needs to be generated in DA. Too much sloppy construction.
Mr. Fontaine who killed the Dass?
We eagerly await your expertise Dr. Fontaine. I strongly believe we can do much better as a nation with rare potential to improve the socioeconomic status quo.
Are you crazy? Dr Fontaine has exhibited a total lack of fiscal responsibility in managing his own affairs. He has defaulted on numerous credit cards and loans, had his house foreclosed on and is currently facing serious issues regarding his failure to make regular payments on a loan at NBD. And this is the man you would have to “fix” our economy. Wheel and come again.
Very well said Dr. Fontaine! The economy is in a state of crisis and the evidence is there to prove this fact. There is not one honest Dominican that will doubt this fact whether they are DLP, UWP,DFP or even Pappy supporters. I encourage any doubting person to take a trip to home town of Mr. Skerrit, who is the PM and Minister of finance. For example, I challenge any fellow villager of Vieille -Case or any laborite to point out any New House built in Vieille -Case in the past 15 years. I am not referring to the mansion of Skerrit and that of his brother right next to his and the ones Skerrit built for people. The village is flat out dead! Not only that, but many villagers have fled the village as unemployment continues to cripple us. So dead is the village that I cannot even remember a wedding that involves two villagers to have taken place in the last 15 years. The same is true in Penville and Thibaud which forms the Vielle-case constituency. It’s the same story no matter where you go in Dominica. Only persons like Skerrit, his friends and ministers have made progress at our expense.
Itassi Too jealousy is sin you wanted too much for because he is from Vieille Case every other village needs.
@Iassi Too don ‘t blame Skerrit of your problem selfish people like you make it difficult fo others. Well done for Fontaine if ever they get it you all will not be on the map. You all hate uour own because of jealousy.
I heard Curtis matthew questioning Fountain on the facts of his claims that the economy is on the brink of collapse and thought he was trying to hard to make him understand. Dr. Fountain needs to realize in a brain drain society common sense is almost non existence so please be patient. If Curtis matthew cannot understand that 0.1% growth is leaving on the edge of collapse then how will his listeners understand. He went on to say other islands have similar growth and not on brink of collapse so we OK. I can only shake my head.
We have negative growth and 1/4 of the 500 million budget is from grants and loans, a significant amount of which goes to social programs for votes. We are already in a valley and the current government policy serves to only throw debris on our economy in the form of VAT and loans, and does nothing to pull us out.
As I said before, what is wrong with DA (and not just DA) is the people. The people don’t care. They want somebody else to fix everything FOR THEM. It doesn’t work that way. Every person has to start caring and start doing something unselfish in order to turn this mess around. Otherwise, there is no hope.
Good
Thompson let me point out a few things to you.
1.You have already compared Dominica to some of the poorest countries in the world why would you want to come back to work here for such a small salary.
2. You have a PHD in Economics where you worked for the IMF, now that you are not employed with them again that should be good enough to have on your curriculum Vitae (CV) to obtain a reasonable job somewhere else, so why do you want to come back in this poor country to work?
3. You have criticized D/ca your homeland so badly to the outside world and now you want to come back in it. If someone returns from overseas and finds their parents home in a mess would they go in the public to say such things about it , that is exactly what you have done ‘magwe’ sa.
4.While you were at the IMF how many children in Grand Fond did you assist?
5.During the Austerity measurers it was said you were offered a Job to be economic adviser and you refused. I wonder what is the difference between a minister and an advisor salary
Your questions are so silly it is painful to read.
Let me give you a reference, if you know what that means:
There is Ebola now affecting some parts of Africa. Who would you send to help the sick people
A) a policeman
B) a bus driver
C) a Barber
D) a medical doctor
The first step to fixing a problem is to acknowledge you have a problem. How else will you become sober if you do not think you have a drug problem, when you take drugs everyday.
Dr. Fountaine does not need Dominica. He worked at IMF and could be making a shit load of money somewhere else. However the IMF is about helping struggling countries. It is a gift an a sacrifice for him to leave all that behind to come use his talents home.
When I see a choice BTW dr fountains or skerrit to manage our economy its a no brainer. If you think he is not fit then why is the PM all about one college graduate in every household. Dominica need more people like dr Fountaine. Educate yourself.
A fool’s a fool by any other name.
Would have been good if you had dealt with the issues pointed out by the good Dr.
instead you are try to be clever with drivel.
he dont have to boast about helping people these people knows themselves . he is not a boaster. take your words back.
I eh even concern about if uwp can change the economy. ..right now after 15yrs n what i hv seen n i know am just concern with changing this incompetent laba government under the leadership of rosevelt Skerritt. .. enough is enough …. DA deserves better than that now….DA Need change n frankly am starting to see its really coming… man just call d dam elections…fed up!
Dr. Fontaine, what do you have to say about “landsgate”
and ”transfergate”? Remember you were the custodian of the assets – money and land of the DAAS. You ended up being the major beneficiary of the DAAS’s assets in ways that are today still very questionable. Can you explain Clayton Shillingford’s numerous emails to you to restore the money? Why did it take you so long to so do? You talk about the Dominican economy in shambles. Is your personal economy a prosperous one or you are waiting in vain hope to be in government so that your economy will improve? Why is the NCCU suing you for not paying your debt to the institution?
Can you give honest and straight forward answers to the claim leveled by senior the counsel Tony Astaphans about your dealings with DAAS. When you answer the above you will be in a mighty moral position to question the state of Dominica’s economy.
In these times….hearing the plans of them workers people is much much better than all the maypwee from labour….I remember the days when I had to carry my fig….twice a week …every week….I use to go marker every Saturday with my little veggies and ground provision…..I use to make a living for me and my family…I use to have money in my pocket…credit union use to see me regularly saving…labor come tell me performance doesn’t matter….and workers corrupt….sort me listen to them and follow them….today I am like 90% of Dominican…cannot pay my bills….cannot sell my produce…..and what make it worse…the man that use to hold the purse..they say is a sacway vorleh….I believed them….now he in their camp…but time will tell…allu must go…change is a must….call the blasted elections we fed up hearing allu sort
typical dominicans they ask for plans we bring it to them they have a problem.. it hurts them to see that a party in government for the last 14 years can’t come out hold a press conference and lay out their plans to take the country foward… team dominica will continue to demonstrate how a government is suppose to run a country..when last has the prime minister expose himself to the media to be questioned? and i don’t mean my curtis matthew who is afraid to ask the hard questions or the clowns at kairi either…don’t just hand pick media hourse sympathetic to the labout party..include all media houses.
You are applying for the job as a minister of government. And you are now the shadow minister of finance. State the facts the stats. Where we were and where we are now. Bring the fact when you presenting. Words can be put together to convince. But support it with facts. Is Dominica really that bad or is it that we do have a strong economic base that other nation find it wise to lend Dominica money. That we know excist. Are you try to convince us to change base on fancy wording and not facts. Get real please. Have your party study what is taking place in the world. Do you think that investors are examining what is taking place. Facts meaning show the ECCB reports on Dominica. The world bank report.
They are all online for you to see if you really want to.
All this nonsense about bringing facts, you know darn well Dominica produces next to nothing and live on hand outs by Chinese and who ever else we can beg for a dollar.
Lets look at the banana industry and why our exports has decrease. Does it have to do with the present government or any other government that will take power. Lets get real. Companies and countries are looking for a cheaper way of buying produce. Have we examine the cost to export our produce compared to the South American countries that don’t have a minimum wage like we do. Where cost to produce things are way cheaper because they have the natural resources such as oil to keep down their cost. When an economist of IMF qualification sit and identify only the things that have been in existence such as agriculture, tourism, taxes and tell us that we have to look at exporting more agricultural produce and don’t examine the cost factor that is associated with it. When you can only tell me that building an international airport will solve our tourism problems. When you can tell me lowering tax will. Then why should I vote you in. The present government said they will building an international airport. They have created night landing and flight and arrival have increase. In the last budget taxes have been reduce. I am saying that to say the points you make are not game changers they will not give the economy the shot that it needs. Example there are cruise ship in the port during the tourism season does it give us the need cash we need. That new cash to come into our economy, no. It gives us a lot of visitors yes but the dollars don’t add up. So being able to have a big plane come into Dominica, spend all that money to build the airport it will bring more people but would it equal or benefit our economy how we want? Politician lets get serious. Have you really examine Dominica and what we have to offer. First, we need a golf course, that will attract the rich and famous with more spending power than a plane load of people or a boat full of passengers. We need a state of the art marina, have you pass in possie when its tourist season and see the amount of boast there. Boats pay to dock, we have to pay the big jets to land. Pull we have so much boat builders its big money to repair the boats if we have a marina. Lets get real. We have people living for years and its as a result of our natural food. Promote Dominica as a place where you can retire and live long. So the reduction in tax and speed boat to deliver agriculture produce is fine but it will only bring such money and to achieve that 5% growth that wont cut it. Dominica needs new clean money.
Dominica is blessed with a lot of natural resources. but we are not exploiting them. Do u need some ideas Dominican? I will show u a few e.g Using our rivers wisely to produce fresh water ponds for wearing of fish as well as prones for export purposes. Factory for processing our fruits, Grass for producing animals feeds etc etc But i could go on and go. We don`t have to look for markets but we need to create markets out there.
Mr. Fountain I believe your team plans are very feasible but I did not see the removal of VAT of electricity or at least a gradual reduction until it gets to at least 5% in five years. I say this to say that manufacturing and job creation seems to be some of your main focus on bringing back our beloved isle to economic stability but we must agree with this double taxation on our electricity bills the players in the market cannot do the necessary restructuring in their business or new entries to contribute to the plan
Its been a long time coming for some Dominicans to use their brains and lower the VAT, laybarites will benefit if you eliminate duties on barrel and lower the VAT, u fellas really serious about helping people.
The doctor needs to see a doctor.
Explain why. Coming with your stupidity because you don’t understand what big people are reasoning about.
Just say I don’t understand and you will be educated.
Both you and the doctor need to see a doctor then.
DNO, You forgot the include the part about the removal of duties of building materials and the lowering of mortgage rates. That’s what I’m waiting for.
I need to build my house.
Skerrit call the elections you’re wasting my time!!!!
Thompson has to convince me. He has to get or create himself a job and then I can rely on him for one for my daughter who will be graduating in December. Part of DLP’s agenda to have a graduate in every house. Start planting vertiver on the plot of land in Rosalie at least.
You people are amazing!!!!
Estern Lady….He is sacrificing not looking for a job so he can create many more jobs for Dominicans like your daughter in his capacity as finance minister.
Not sure what else you want!!!!!
One other economist describe our economy as clinically dead and he did not get menu is for saying so.
Dear Sirs
Please help us understand on what income you intend to run the affairs of the country i.e. paying salaries on time and not 1 week late like when UWP was in office (I know I was a civil servant then). Unless, you plan on also instituting a new or increasing exisiting tax and charges – which you have failed to mention. If none of the above will be done, this is pure nonsense. It’s a trickle down effect to even notice the effect of reduced taxes and a positive impact, if any, on jobs in any economy – YOU KNOW THAT. So, until such time (years, by the way) that is done, please detail how you and your fellow leaders intend to fund the affairs of the country. You know that taxes, like MOST govenments around the world, is the #1 source of income.
Nou tout pas sot.
Ask Julius Timothy!
The solution is simple, if the various sectors of the economy are booming then more people will have money to circulate.
If 2000 acres of land in Castle Bruce, New Foundland and Woodfordhill is put into banana production on a strictly commercial basis, 500 people can be permanently employed. If 50 acres of land is dedicated for the cultivation of hot peppers for Bello and 50 acre for passionfruit, thats’s 50 to 100 jobs.
Team Dominica has the answer. This is just two examples.
It doesn’t seem like you are sot. I seems like either you didn’t listen to the press conference, or you are mischievous. They indicated that the lost from the VAT will be recovered by growing the economy. In other words there will be other areas to collect VAT when there is more activity in the economy. So if Skeritt can’t understand that economic principle then what good is he to us.
Remember you are commenting on DNO eh. So don’t expect to receive nothing but ‘thumbs down’ for you comment.
It is interesting to note how some people in Dominica view their brothers and sisters plight. I mean when questions like whether pay will be late to make a point it’s mind boggling. There are guys who brush cut for government and other sectors like owners of equipment who receive late payment. I mean even in our personal lives we pay bills late so one does not have to look to far per this issue (eg loans, credit to shopkeepers for groceries etc) to name a few. I believe when we dislike something or someone we make all sorts of excuse to avoid the main issues and one day it’s going to hit us in the face when we least expect with a surprise. I believe the Dominican populace has made it so easy for political parties to walk into their life without a gone and hold them hostage. Let’s look at the use of education for example, who are the people responsible for the “world Economic Crisis”? Educated people of course with their complete math models trying to decipher the stock market trends with the help of traders with insider information. Education is good, but the use of the knowledge is where we most times get bugged down with the thought that educated people knows it all, trust me this is not the case. Most times educated people are dead wrong and are too proud to admit it because society gives them this dogmatic advantage where they feel they cannot afford to admit wrong and in the process loose credibility. I say nonsense to that type of thinking as person with wisdom is one who is humble enough to accept when he/she has made a mistake and not feel too big to learn from a child if that’s what the situation calls for at the moment. Therefore, stop allowing politicians from dictating to you what is best for you, but rather sit with your family and discuss the issues that matters to you all and make an informed decision as to who will represent your interest best.
We will make people like you do an honest days work for your pay.
That’s the idea. Let us discuss pertinent issues of development. Not rally to discuss Mr Skerrit. The political discussion must have substance. Plagiarism has nothing to do with the issues that Dominica faces. Team Dominica seem ready for governance.
Provide specifics about what you intend to do. No more “if we say what we are going to do the DLP will still our ideas” No more of that – none sense. Come clean. If I am to change from what we have– no diable en sack, then I must be satisfied that the alternative hold not only a greater PROMISE, but indeed is able to transform rhetoric into real action. “Team Dominica – UWP” must know that the people of Dominica are more discerning now and are better able to discuss and analyze development issues. They must not believe that mere promises that are well spoken and presented, by itself will do the trick. Now we know that the original philophical talk which about chartinga new course for Dominica was not original – and the people of Dominica were not told that it was not original work. It was taken from another similar talk in an other island. What will work are the characteristics of sincerity, humility, love for people, caring and experience will rule the roost. Enough rhetoric of truth to power, transparency, democracy, good governance. People want hope – real hope. If team Dominica cannot appear to be able to deliver on the above, then they will not cross that magic cross in the sand.
Go on, mystify me.
Team Dominica have to come with all kinds of fancy talk to fool people like you. We talk thru action and you can see evidence of that throughout the country.
Fontaine as a former employee of the IMF, an institution that have made developing countries poorer, an institution most hated by developing countries, here you are proposing the removal of VAT and all forms of taxation.
Has a review being done by any of these national agency prior to UWP making such crazy recommendations? Is this prudent economic by a FORMER IMF employee…
Every Government get its money from two pockets which are VAT and income tax. When these are eliminated how is UWP gonna pay salaries and service its debts?
As an economist please tell us what is the single impetus for growing Dominica’s economy!!!!
Double taxation is the most wicked thing a government can do to its people especially in a poor country like Dominica.
Fool some
I try not to comment on partisan issues, because there seems to be “a six /one half a dozen syndrome” affecting us presently. In other words “same difference” or as another blogger put it “pick your poison”.
However, I am getting a little tired of people who live in America trying to talk about the level of taxation in Dominica and Dominicans are shamelessly encouraging that fallacy. Of course all of us wish we that we would have to pay no tax at all but is that feasible? And one has to use one’s intelligence to analyse a situation where someone promises less taxes or no taxes at all but simultaneously promises the moon.
I am subject to correction but don’t the following taxes/fees apply in everyday living in America?
1. Tax on purchases in the stores
2. Tax on personal income
3. Heavy annual tax on homes to the extent that “home owners” basically never own their homes. A lot of people refinance loans to pay the annual tax and these add up to be unmanageable that is how many of them lose their homes.
4. Payment of road tolls every so many miles that one drives.
5. Payment of parking fees almost everywhere one parks.
6. Monthly Association fees on homes in gated communities for upkeep and maintenance.
7. Exhorbitant fees for day care services.
8. Exhorbitant school fees.
9. Exhorbitant fees for visits to private doctors and dentists
10. If one does not have insurance, crapaud smoke one’s pipe in the emergency room or hospital room because every bandage and glass of water is costed into one’s bill.
11. Exhorbitant tips in restaurants that are almost mandatory!
Shall I go on?
How do u read or listen to a statement and still get it all wrong…. where did mr fontaine say uwp goin and remove income and vat on everything… toneh!!
my friend ??????????
I really was not paying much attention to what Mr. Fontaine was saying particularly since he has resurfaced, as I am getting a little tired of all the rhetoric and double standards, some of which does not even pretend to be anything else.
I was actually making a general comment based on the numerous attacks on our economy and institutions which I read here from time to time.
Peace!
@ Babara, why would you want to compare America with Dominica? Isn’t Dominica a developing state unlike the US?
Furthermore, when you are comparing the taxes compare the size of salaries, level of employment and price of goods as well.
And yes compare Dominica’s stock market with NASDAQ and America stock market too, pat sot.
CHANGE IS A MUST ABSOLUTELY
Fool some,
You are contradicting your own logic. It is precisely because America is a first world country with resources and capacity that we don’t have, that its level of taxation to support its revenue base should be lower than that of a struggling small island developing state like ours.
I was not the one comparing! It is the many bloggers on this site particularly those who have been trying to pretend that North America is heaven who have been cursing Dominica for its perceived high taxation level. It is also those who have failed in that economy and now have all the answers for us here.
I was simply pointing out, for the benefit of those who may have not had exposure to life in America and so that they do not continue being fooled by those with their personal ambitions and agendas that perhaps even some developed countries have higher taxation levels than we have.
And don’t give me that argument of yours because America too has had its struggles with high unemployment and yes the price of goods may in some instances be lower, that is if you do not do the mental conversion to EC for comparison when purchasing and you do not take into account that Dominicans have to import the stuff and pay for the associated costs to get it here.
“I am sorry”, like the automated telephone responses tell us everyday, I cannot join this belittling of our nation and cursing it at every turn and figure that there will somehow be milk and honey flowing through its streets “not long” from now. I refuse and that’s my constitutional right to do my brother !
Just see what’s happening to poor Mr. Obama! That’s the reality in which we live!
i finish school so lond and not today i looking for job.ehhh so long i kia get a job in that damn place! i fedup with dat .mr skerite call the damn election let me contribute to change u there too long and not nothing u doing for us !! nothing!! u think i stupid like those labourites that bawling labour ka travai ? i doe see noting all u doing for young people like me in dominica!!!!!!!! calll thw damn election i say !! call itt i fed up!!!!
Sorry but maybe you need to go back to school and qualify yourself because looking at your sentence structure, it would seem that you rushed to finish school but failed to pass the English language course!
Young fella
The Haitians and other nationals are getting jobs. Why not you?
Talk to the growing number of Dominicans who are frustrated with building contractors, plumbers, people who they try to employ to clean their yards, employees in business places and offices who actually have jobs; home assistants and the list goes on.
They will tell you of the atrocious work ethic, the ripping off of people on projects, the sub-standard work that is given, the almost beggar status to which the person dishing out the money is subjected to get them to finish projects started, sometimes after they have extracted the money from the project owner to start the job; the shirking on the job and the list goes on.
You go out there and demonstrate that you are prepared to make a difference, you just might get a job!
Let us stop the blame game and step up!
Barbara Saunder would you ask any of your family members after they graduated from college to take up the jobs the Haitians are doing in DA ….Servants, Barbers,low wage farm labour.
You behaving like the slave plantation owners….using black folks against each other to keep them down.
Rather than saying the GOVT has a responsibility to grow the economy so these graduates can receive meaningful employment and proper wages.
Just take a look at your spelling and punctuation. If this is the way you are submitting your letters and resumes, there is no way you will get hired.
You are indeed very stupid
I thought you finished school; you need to continue.
This man can’t create a job for his own self how can he create jobs for anyone else.Which island in the Caribbean is growing by or is expecting to grow by five percent?Wishful thinking Fontaine.
Who is the labour minister for finance ?he is to blame ,he probably well rich lol.All labour ever did after a time cause they started well,was promise this and that with no end product.Basically they took advantage and exploited Dominicans.
We need specifics re agriculture & manufacturing re which products & markets, a plan for expansion of the tourism and services sectors and less bull re taxes. What will replace the income that the country loses from removing vat on consumer goods? Where are the foreign investors coming from how are we gong to attract & keep them and in what sectors will they invest?
C’mon, Blue Bawi! It will take the entire DNO website to enumerate the specifics of the UWP’s plans. I attended a growth and employment symposium hosted by the party last year and had you been there, you would have gotten all the specifics you could handle.
I want you to know, however, that globally, border tariffs are falling. Countries are being alerted to move away from reliance on customs duties because, one good day, this will be no more. The world is slowly moving toward free trade. Governments and States must therefore become creative on meeting their financial needs. One way to do this is to move toward adding value to products and services. The UWP is therefore on target to stress the need for resurgence in agriculture and manufacturing.
So open your mind toward world trends and do not remain in the coocoon of DLP failures. The infrastructural works and social welfare which the DLP seem hell bent on pursuing CANNOT grow an economy. That’s why the USSR crumbed (among other reasons). To grow, we need to produce and export and generate wealth. Sadly, this is not happening under DLP.
All I asked for is specifics & you give us jargon & empty rhetoric.
I suggest u go to uwpdominica.com or changeisamust.com. The party’s “manifesto” is there. U can find the specifics
Change is a must thats what DA needs now..
yes it’s time that the poor people of Dominica enjoy life again.The goverment is realy protecting astaphans and nasif for too long.Blood suckers .Also is time to get some standard supermarket and home improvement stores in dominica to compete.ex (cost u less, home depot ,walmart old navy,auto zone also some french super market. No dame competition make things too dame expensive and poor quality in Dominica ALso DUTY FREE ON TRANSPORT it should not be for some people only and the list keep goinng on and onoooooooo Things are toooooooo tight in DOMINICaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
when asked my Matthew to prove it he went moomoo lol
Please expand. Tell the full story. What was the question? What was the answer?
stop telling lies he handle matthew very well,,but matthew wasnt please and wanted to push his labour party agenda and keep insisitng..in uwp its a team so we dn’t just depend on one man like in the labour party..matthew got all the informatioin he wanted and more…he also got some lessons on being balanced when reporting..gave the guys an 8+ this morning..
Now that is how political parties must present issues.
You assess the environment and look at the trends and offer as close as possible realistic alternatives.
This is a start. I await my party’s response. We the citizens will stand to be the biggest beneficiaries at the end.
And you with all you know how and your education out of a job just like the young people you speak off. Who are the investors that would invest in Dominica you speak of? how is it you party still asking the poor people to donate to your party? why aren’t those investors you all claim in waiting cant back you all financially? bigger islands that’s way more advance than we are with oil and whatever else having a hard time growing at 3 and 4%, how can you grow an economy that rely on the same tax you going to remove?
@Real Possie my big toe! Is Thomson the only qualified Dominican out of a job? And his being out of a job may just be a very good analysis of the state of the economy. But, let me put this question to you: if Ambassador Aaron, PhD did not sing the DLP tune, wouldn’t he likely be out of a job too? Similarly, if Thomson did sing the DLP tune, I am certain he would be in the public service. Do you know of the number of Dominican PhDs who desire to return home but because of lack of employment opportunities, they remain in the diaspora? Thomson chose to focus his attention on governance of our country and this decision has to be commended. If you fault him, you have to fault Rosie Douglas and Pierre Charles too.
@ Frank, IF is a big word, how do you know the man would be out of job? do you know the IMF are always looking for a few good men, they are heavily finance so paying people like Fontaine is not a problem, his contract was not renewed I wonder why. The other part for an economist his finances sure took a hit allegedly, that’s the problem I have, if you cant handle your own how can you handle the peoples own? last I checked Aaron is not running for political office, so why bring his name into this?
Thank you! There is hope for the people of Dominica under the UWP.
If Dominicans give the DLP another term, that will be it for us in Dominica. A few Dominicans and the thousands of Asian people that will be coming to our country, will take over our shores if this DLP wins the election. They will be the ones that will benefit. Dominica will no longer belong to us and our children. It will be very important this election to vote for our children’s future. Don’t sell your vote for this corrupt labour party government at the expense of the natives and our future generation. Dominica will be lost to our children. They will have no say but to blame us, their parents for what we have done. Save our country by voting the United Workers Party. Please people let us come out in large numbers and vote out this corrupt government. Hope is sounding once again for us across our country. Thank you, gentlemen! Yes, every single Dominican has become poorer under the DLP government over the last fifteen years. We, the people of Dominican want to be able to help ourselves and not to be beggars. Lord, please rescue Dominica from the hands of corrupt leaders who are using the wealth of this country to their own benefit, where they have become extremely rich and majority of Dominicans have become poorer. Alas, Papa Bon Dieu, please help us.
Dominica GDP growth rate was 3.2 ,, the industrial production growth rate is 10% and the exchange rate remained the same for the passed 5 years in a row .. so how can they say the economy is in a state of collapse .. lie ..lies and more lies the things people will do and say for power
U are clearly quoting from a source on a topic u kno absolutely nothing about. Exchange rate is always the same has never changed. The us dollar os pegged to the ec dollar at 2.7169. Growth of 3.2% gdp is grossly inaccurate. Tjere is a difference between real gdp growth and nominal growth.. according to the last budget rpt the economy grew by 0.5% the year before that it contracted… now if industrial growth is 10% and we only.managed to have a growth rate of.0.5%, then the other maijor contributing sectors of the economy must have. Cntracted significantly
When the cat’s away the mice will play.The nerve of some people! Mr. Fontaine you are in no position to tell us how to run the economy. You are a failure as an economist. Tell us where is your leader.
You realize that rite? every time their leader in waiting puts his foot in his mouth he runs away for it to die down, and only then you see all these guys comes out and speak once the leader is on island not one word. I had no idea Thompson was still running, but don’t worry that DAAS talk going to come up even more since you raised your submarine telescope LOL. By Wednesday, all you will hear is down periscope, down periscope. LOLOLOLOLOL.
@. Here we go again. But hold on hope is on the way once Skerrit pulls out the lection date from his back pocket.
You are attacking the man and not the issues at hand.
Conclusion: small minds talk gossip people large minds talk about ideas:
You are dismissed.
@ Lucy call election for what is election due rite now? they already broke by the time next year comes they will be dropping out the race like fly’s, LOLOLLOLOLOL.
Change is a MUST not an option. Woorrrrrrrrkeeeeeeerssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doc your scare tactic is appalling. But desperate times call for desperate measures. Considering your past history and employment records, your motives are questionable. Can you imagine putting you in charge of the treasury in
Dominica? It is like putting the dog to guard the fowl coupe.
Don’t forget you also promised to pave the streets in GOLD
OMG, 15 percent VAT will be removed on all basic food items, medicines, school supplies and children clothing… now u talking Fontaine.
And No duty on barrel, I can now feed my children.
Thank God for UWP.
Queen liar, why don’t you move from the VI to help you family in DA. you graduated from high school two years ago and you don’t have a job, typical of you and you don’t have children. As a young woman do you think such lies can improve your character. I am embrass with the lies and hatred you are consistanly spreading, in order to make your point , you are lying by portraying a single mother. The national guard job that you applying for , they should read your blog.
preach it and those who think otherwise are fools, the economy is stagnated, compared to other countries dominica is dead