Leaders must be educated says Dr Donald Peters

Dr. Donald Peters
Dr. Donald Peters

President of the Dominica State College (DSC) Dr Donald Peters is of the view that modern leaders must have, at least, a college education.

Addressing the DSC graduating class of 2013 earlier this week Peters said a leader must first be educated.

“Don’t be like those people who say its Okay in the 21st century to be a prime minister of a country without ever going to college,” he said. “If you want to lead people you must first educate yourself.”

Peters explained to the graduates that they were leaving the DSC at a time when the world is barely coming out of a severe financial crisis and a time when the country is in need of professionals with new ideas and energy to run the agricultural and tourism industry.

“You need to embrace the ethics of work, your future depends on your ability to work for the good things in life even though you have to start at the bottom. You need to not be afraid to start at the bottom. You are entering a workforce that is in dire need of young minds and energy,” he stated.

The President told the graduates that they have the ability to move Dominica forward by shifting the paradigm from one of complaining to one of doing.  He also informed them that while many may seek white collar jobs there are others which do not require dressing up but still earn a salary.

“As a college graduate you need to change that thought process. No job is beneath you unless it is illegal. You need to show the nation how to develop through hard work and for you here’s what it means. It means arriving to work on time and helping the people you serve reach their objective,” Peters noted.

The president reminded the graduates that they should use their education to better themselves, and their country and select a career that excites them.

364 students graduated from the institution.

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282 Comments

  1. August 6, 2016

    Right away I am going to do my breakfast, afterward having my breakfast coming yet again to read further news.

  2. well
    October 22, 2013

    @ rastafari. leaders will be able to swallow skerrit cause he cant stand up to debate lennox. however i bet you lennox can debate any phd or pm out there

  3. well
    October 21, 2013

    PHd: Poppet Holding Degree

  4. Rastafari
    October 21, 2013

    Every one of you beating up Dr. Donald Peters, missed the point. If you are going to represent any country overseas, you better have a college degree, period. These sharks out there have multiple degrees and will swallow you up if you give them just a glimpse that you can’t talk the talk. Most of you are a bunch of hypocrites and haters who don’t understand who the GLOBAL world works. The leader of any country who wishes to trade with the rest of the world leaders, had better acquire a college degree, or more, if you are to be successful in representing me.

    • simplygorgeous70.
      October 21, 2013

      Rasta well spoken because we were disappointed when for 19 hours our P M,was in negotiation and came out with no understanding :-x :-x :lol:

    • Llama debois
      January 28, 2014

      You guys are talking utter rubbish

  5. looking
    October 21, 2013

    There is formal and informal means of educating oneself. Also there are many types of intelligence. Examples are Linguistic-Writers and Orators, Bodily Kinetics-Athletes, Mathematical….. Emotional Etc. There people who have never gone past the primary level and show amazing feats. A leader has to be humble and have God in his heart. Else he will be a failure

  6. Observer
    October 21, 2013

    I consider myself a very educated man having a masters degree. I also consider a man like Lennox Linton a very educated man. While I believe that a college degree helps. I believe that there are a lot of people that are very educated, even more so, than some with a ‘formal’ education. I listened to Lennox over the years and I don’t see what you all have on him with all the Dr. in front your names. We all know that getting doctorates and masters is really studying a narrow subject matter extensively. If the more educated the better you are at leading, then why don’t we go for the best and have people with doctorates lead the country. So let man like Dr. Thomson Fontaine lead Dominica. But I know you would have a problem with him to, because you believe that Skerrit is a better leader, or you just have to sing for your supper.

  7. Views Expressed
    October 21, 2013

    Justice, when you say something you have to qualify it and with some reason as to how it came about and respond in a qualify and professional manner that we learn.

    If you read Dr. Peters` speech, he just pick off the hat and said that…etc……
    “Don’t be like those people who say its Okay in the 21st century to be a prime minister of a country without ever going to college,”

    What does he, Dr. Peters mean by “those people…”…who are those people? That statement is insultng and ridiculous from someone who profess to be a scholar, a doctor a lecturer etc. From the beginning the value of discussion has never been that a college education is not worthy We also ask to recognise those who never made it, but are successful, dropped out and are self taught and even pursued training at higher educational colleges and institutions……so who says Lennox is not qualified..how does one quantify this. You mean to tell Dr Aaron is qualified, a man supposedly qualified and educated with a doctorate and writes such crap illiterate nonsense about one man Skerrit every week in the newspaper. That is the nature and extent and capacity of a man with a doctorate to bring himself so low in the political garbage?
    Give me a break
    Why is the same action and concern not directed at the Minister for Education, the AG Chief Welfare Officer, the President etc…why just Lennox. It is just a low political fight with no substance.
    Lenox is qualified to be Prime Minister of Dominica….He earned, he deserves it. What we have to make sure is that, there will not be the boom boom flies hovering about, e.g… Senior Counsel, the Lawrence’s, the so called Dr Aaron’s, the Bony and Clyde’s. These are the architects of poverty and economic slavery, bobol and deprivation. They are dangerous
    Dr. Peters has to account for this statement.

  8. TED Lewis ( Posie)
    October 21, 2013

    Dr.Peters i think that you should be a little bit impartial in your delivery especially given the timing of your speech. Too me you are saying to the students don’t support LINTON.

    We all know that in recent time there has been public discussion etc with respect to whether the Prime minister should have some form of qualification. In your speech you said to the students “don’t be like some people out there who say in the 21st century……. if you want to lead people you must educate yourself”

    Dr.Peters is education and qualification synonymous ? You are right that one need to educate themselves . Can someone be educated only through college /university /distance learning ?Sir, can a person who is well read be considered as educated .
    Sir the best mechanic in DOM in my opinion is from Posie who got kicked out from PSS in second form. He learnt from his dad at home .On many occasion he has put those at auto trade with their certificates etc to shame . Is he not educated about engines SIR ?
    Sir while i agree with you that education is important for everyone i firmly believed that a person who is well read in a particular field or fields can be considered to be educated.
    With respect to leadership and in our case in point the Portfolio or Prime minister and ministers of government i believe that person holding this position should be educated ( read properly, speak properly , knowledgeable about governance, market condition, knowledge of the constitution and the international political environment and a good negotiator ) not necessarily qualified , must posses good judgement, sound character, committed and full of integrity.
    As a civil servant for 13 years , i can clearly say that the political leaders don’t do the technical work but they must be in a position to understand the cost and benefit of certain recommendation. Its more important for us to ensure that the top technicians and advisers are qualified in their respective areas .

    A leader can be very successful if he surrounds himself with a sound technical team that he trust and listens too. Many of us civil servant knows the difficulties in getting the leaders to listen. Most times what is recommend is never what gives the politician political mileage. However we know the job of a politician is to maintain power but a good leader will be one that can strike a balance between putting the country first and scoring political points.

    Let me reiterate my point . Education is important but not necessarily qualified though i would love to see each and everyone of us attain some form of qualification. Being qualified gives you an advantage so i believe we all should strive to become qualified.

    I also have some problem with a lot of school driven by a profit motive affecting the quality of education.That i will leave for another time.

    I also want to state in response to some comments below that elevating Linton to leader in now way sends a signal to student to quit school or don’t get themselves educated. we vote for men who commit adultery, fornication, drink rum all over the place, corrupt, who have known drug dealers as their friends etc while at the same time we hypocritically oppose casinos,and exotic dancing and encourage slots machine and national lottery.
    Then if alleviate Linton as political leader is telling our kids don’t go school then what else are our action at the polls telling them .

    Can we then say that recent government policies are telling our young kids and girls ( like the teenage girl in glanvillia that got a house)in particular its ok not to do well at school just vote labor and you will get land and house free . when you not able to pay your bills just go to the red clinic in a red shirt.

    Isn’t it educated men who cause the recession in this 21st century.

  9. chow mien
    October 21, 2013

    Having an educated leader is good news, however having an educated fool as your leader is the worst way go.

    Many people have educated themselves into imbecility.

  10. Tj
    October 21, 2013

    Fear of God, good morals, common sense and a sound education should be our aspiration regardless of our career field.

    Common sense is great, and will produce an excellent leader when accompanied by academic training. A well “schooled” leader who lacks common sense will make poor choices. A leader with common sense who is uneducated in his particular field may have difficulties adjusting and relating to structures.

    Having a degree does not necessarily mean you’re educated. For example, someone with a degree in Biology is not educated for a post of an Accountant.

    In years gone by education was a rare jewel and could not be attained by many. Many of our former leaders were not highly educated but wise. Most citizens were not highly educated either. Therefore our leaders led people who were mostly uneducated. Today all children have degrees and all kinds of schools are avaliable. We can literally go to school in the convenience of our homes (online). A degree can be obtained within two years or less base on one’s determination. It is an investment worth attaining.

    In 2013 common sense will prompt leaders to obtain an education. For those who have been “schooled” but continue to exert dishonesty and poor judgment -take a page from wise King Solomon –asks God for wisdom. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

    • October 21, 2013

      Thank You, Thank you, so very much Tj.

    • simplygorgeous70.
      October 21, 2013

      Education is other persons idea we adopt but one is born with God given wisdom and knowledge a Leader is born not made education only elevates u to the thing of the World. AM satisfied in my leader in waiting He is able to understand the politics of the world well pose aticculate smart, and has the command of the English language. :)

  11. Anonymous
    October 21, 2013

    Dr peters were you not the same person who said Dominica students are to focused on taking test. That they need to get
    Away from that and start focusing on practical skills. What are you really trying to say here DR peters!

  12. Nomination committe
    October 21, 2013

    Will you boycott any of the independence activities as suggested by Linton?

    One political who do not have a degree called on Dominicans to boycott two Independence activities and the results of the poll is posted below:

    Now his party is advocating the education is not important. One of his advocates has stated that he hide his degrees in a cupboard.

    No wonder even on a DNO poll respondent have rejected his uneducated advise.

    Education is important

    Will you boycott the two independence activities?

    No (52%, 925 Votes)
    Yes (39%, 693 Votes)
    I really don’t care (9%, 145 Votes)
    Total Voters: 1,763

    • Jay
      October 21, 2013

      Well committee, I for one am very surprised that so many voted not to participate. Being a nation of prty-loving people (…no pun intended!)I frankly expected a much lower “yes” vote. Some people see a half full bottle, others a half empty one. Have a drink on me with the surplus 2% “No” vote and enjoy the celebrations. You never knows what may come next!

      • Really!
        October 21, 2013

        @ Jay, you should not be surprised. The boycotting is not on the SEWO (partying) events, its on the serious main issues that is the very important events of our Independence celebrations; and that s the youth and military parade where the young people and adults from various communities in Dominica, will receive their meritorious awards which they worked so very hard for. Let Lennox tell people to boycott ” Creole in the Park” and the popular weekend ” World Creole Festival”. Then you will see how many people will support. Tell him to call a boycott of the jump- up, and all the other sewo.

        Many people may miss the parades but not the sewo including the jump up. At the parades there are no rum drinking, and music for dancing and twerking. Lennox may be a high school drop out and does not hold a degree but he is not a stupid… . Well…..

      • Nomination committe
        October 21, 2013

        A DNO poll of 59% in favour of the Labour Party Government can be interpreted literally 85% due to their for Bias. The true sitenfic figure is 264 or 15%.

        You can take that to the bank.

  13. I'mWondering
    October 21, 2013

    Education is a MUST, no IFS, ANDS, BUTS or MAYBES.

    In this changing society where a high school diploma is the minimum how can we expect leaders to represent us in the free world without even that?

    No matter how well spoken you are, outside of Dominica, in the developed countries, you won’t get a well pying job if you do not have the minimum – high school diploma.

    so to tell your kids that it’s ok to not have a diploma at least is ridiculous. Gone are the days when our grandparents and greatgrands could struggle and survie without education.

    In this day and age – to mkae it in life and not live in poverty you need more than just a high school diploma. Degrees are the minimums of the future…so all those that talking about commonsense and education not being so important – good luck. you guys will become the future unemployed/ underemployed/low income workers going pay checks to pay checks.

    I just ask that you encourage this new generation to aim higher than ever before because anything else, nah go mek it.

    Common sense can only getting you as far as it goes among common people. Being in a room of political leaders who are masters in their field of education, well, good luck with the commone sense vibes. Let’s hope that when all the big words start dropping commonsense can define them.

    • Malgraysa
      October 21, 2013

      The constitution disagrees with you. Sorry.

  14. Panty Man
    October 21, 2013

    Say what all you want even if the economy is bad and Chinese have the few jobs I will be issuing my regular Christmas gifts – thongs for her, Victoria secret all the way.

  15. Ail
    October 21, 2013

    Being educated in the wrong field and not educated is the same thing to me. So Skerrit has a degree in English that he has not mastered what qualifies him to run the top buisness in Dominica? You would have a point if he had a degree in Business, economics, Finance or Public administration. On the other hand the UWP team has the degree in the right areas. DR. Fontain – Economic, Sanford – Public administration, Isaac – Business & Economics, Francis – Economics and Law, John – Computer science. The list goes on. so it’s a team it’s not about Linton Only.

    • Really!
      October 21, 2013

      Well , I wonder why they have Lennox as the leader of the Boycott Opposition party! Knowing that they have all those so called college educated candidates! Mmmmm.. I wonder if they have him there as a puppet and they know full well that he is good at propaganda, he is well experienced in boycotting . ( learnt that from our President as he was a supporter of Charles Savarin and the DFP who brought down the DLP in 1979.
      So Lennox should be told that it is not all about him. He’s too arrogant! Pretty soon we will be hearing of the power struggle when those educated men, those with their doctorates etc… Finally coming to grips with themselves that their leader is a NOVI CE and a high school drop out! Wow!

  16. Me me
    October 21, 2013

    Dr. Peters, who would you like as your leader? A man who has a degree but is a liar and a thief and arrogant or one without a degree who is honest, hard working and willing to learn from others.

  17. Morihei Ueshiba
    October 21, 2013

    Peters is a Doctor and he cannot even manage DSC without begging Govt for assistance. :mrgreen:

  18. Looking in
    October 21, 2013

    Holy crap….even the head of DSC is into politics while addressing a graduating class??? AHH NO.
    Starting with you Dr Peters, being educated and having or not having a college degree, one must learn to put aside petty nonesense and focus on what is important especially when addressing young people who are about to enter the work force.
    we in this Nature Isle just not going anywhere…just sad!!!

    • CONRAD CESSAR.
      October 21, 2013

      sing for meal

  19. Dominican by birth
    October 21, 2013

    Leaders must be educated MUST be loyal to the citizen that put them in power MUST be honest and transparent MUST listen to the peoples plight MUST not curse and insult the people they suppose to be serving MUST not be greedy and lover of vanity where they reach the point of selling their country MUST not disrespect the constitution and MUST stop using their position to take advantage of young ladies MUST be our servant and not expect praise for what they are being paid to do. I support education and want all our young people to excel but when you have made it treat others with respect, it’s a package.

  20. Climb we Climbing
    October 21, 2013

    Dr Peters, your support for Skerrit and against the UWP is so biased. If you talking of education, the UWP built three and a half high schools in Dominica in 4 and 1/2 years. The labour party has not built one in almost 15 years. So just remember that a lot of parents do not have a degree but they will do all they can to let their children have one or two.

  21. acini
    October 21, 2013

    Dr. Peters is correct when he said “if you want to lead people, you must first educate yourself”. However, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines educate as follows: “to develop mentally and morally”. This can be accomplished in several ways including attending college, trade school etc as well as self-education. Blessings is an excellent example of self-education. Kudos to you my brother.

  22. Rereree
    October 21, 2013

    It’s a shame that Dr.Peters would misuse his academic perch to make a political statement. This is a dishonest and dishonorable attempt to sway the political dialogue while masquerading as an academic above the political fray.
    What Dr. Peters failed to convey to his graduates is that what they may encounter in the workplace may bear little resemblance to their classroom experience. In fact a great educator opined that “education is what is left in you after you have forgotten what you have learned at school”.

    I wonder what the learned doctor thinks of the former president of Brazil, Lula, a former factory worker who is widely acknowledged as the architect of the economic miracle in Brazil over the past decade or more.
    Peters has effectively endorsed “academic elitism” which is an unhealthy attitude that inhibits progress and development in poor countries.

    About the target of his unfortunate rant,Lennox Linton, Peters could have said that there are more than one path to leadership. Some arrive there through academic pursuits while others get there through professional training. Mr. Linton is a University trained broadcast journalist (University of Texas)and it should hardly matter whether his training led to a “degree” or a certificate attesting to his completion of a course of study in his chosen field. And besides, the end product is what matters: a productive work force where all can contribute to national development whether it’s via academic training or professional development.
    It is sad that such a seemingly educated man can come across as a pathetic agent of deception and disinformation.

    • Oh yes
      October 21, 2013

      I love your take on that. While academics are free to express matters of choice they must be careful not to expose their weaknesses in a small polarized society like Dominica.

      • Nomination committe
        October 21, 2013

        Dr. Peter is right. Doctor Severin of UWI cannot challenge him on that because the UWI would ask him to resign.

        As the head of the DSC Dr. Peters has the responsibility to use every opportunity to expound the true value of higher education. His statement will definitely contribute to an increase in enrollment at the DSC.

        We are ensuring that our members educate themselves with degrees.

        Any opposition the Dr. Peter’s statement is anti education and a very lame excuse for Lennox Linton lack of accredited education.

  23. Nacinimod
    October 21, 2013

    The good doctor is spot on. We must lead by example and an earned college degree is a good starting point.

  24. Malgraysa
    October 21, 2013

    Some people are clever and smart.
    Some people are clever but not smart.
    Some people are born leaders
    Most people are happy to be followers.
    A certificate does not guarantee you are any- or all of those!
    Formal education is good but it only gives you a headstart in life, the rest is up to you

  25. Rule
    October 21, 2013

    A degree can be helpful but not necessary. Skerro has a degree with no relations to finance or economics and see how disastrous his leadership is to the country. The former British prime minister John Major did not had a degree and he was a great leader.
    All the degrees in the world will not help if you’re dishonest.

  26. lisad
    October 20, 2013

    I am so upset right now about Dominica. After working so hard trying to send my children to school, Dominicans are saying there’s no need for degrees. look at the rest of the world laughing at us. I am not saying that Mr. Linton cannot make a good leader because he doesn’t hold a degree but the approach we are taking towards having a degree now is dangerous Dominicans. Stop telling the youbg people that it doesn’t matter. Please Please.

  27. Doc. Love
    October 20, 2013

    My son was just asking a simple question as regards to Nantan’s qualifications in terms of being an advisor to Skeritt. Someone writing as Truth and Justice felt is was his duty to educate me about University Degrees. He wrote,” one does not have to have two Un. Degrees unless one is a Bachelor’s Degree and the other is a Master’s Degree.” I wasn’t the one who first said that Skeritt had a University Degree in English and one in Psychology. Dr. Philbert Aaron writing in the Chronicle dated 20th September wrote,” Skeritt is an honours graduate of the University of Mississippi where he earned a BSc. degree in Psychology and a BA degree in English.” Therefore, if Truth and Justice want to call Dr. Aaron a fool, so be it.

  28. Anthony Ismael
    October 20, 2013

    I have to disagree with Dr. Peters. Being idealistic, visionary and forward thinking will always beat a good education.
    Thinking of what the world needs and creating products that consumers will buy, also beats a good education any day hands down.

  29. its me
    October 20, 2013

    Street smart will always beat Book smart take that

    • Really!
      October 20, 2013

      Can you imagine if PM Skerritt was not college educated, how the Boycott Opposition Party would make ” ding dong” with that!!! We would never hear nonsense like ” street smart is better than book smart” ……….. But it is their novice Lennox who is the high school drop out, whose one line resume says under education: ” street smart”. I hope that’s not the advice you adults are giving your children! This is just too funny!

    • Justice and Truth
      October 21, 2013

      Some of your comments are not worth responding to. They project your educational status – nil. You are merely projecting to Dr. Peters how many Dominicans are educated and how many are not who would not make good leaders. By the comments, it appears the majority of them. You have confirmed exactly what he stated. Who got the last laugh?

  30. Say sa
    October 20, 2013

    Dr. Peters,
    Having a degree is one thing, but with no good moral values, being disrespectful especially to young ladies is worth nothing. put that in your pipe and smoke it. you know exactly where I am coming from..

    • Factoidal
      October 21, 2013

      I know also from Boston to Misty woods of NY country far up state to bermuda to T&T to DA panty man syndrome prowls.

  31. Fairy Tale
    October 20, 2013

    If is labourites who are afraid why are you all commenting the most? Hahahhahah. 19 -2!

  32. Fairy Tale
    October 20, 2013

    So every time somebody open their mouth and talk about lack of education now UWP supporters vex. I wonder why.

    • Views Expressed
      October 21, 2013

      Fairy….UWP people and Dominicans are not vex….we are putting things into perspective…thanks for your contribution……

  33. Big-Bannan
    October 20, 2013

    So to those of us who oppose, are we essentially saying that the uneducated become better leaders?

  34. Pat Aaron
    October 20, 2013

    One percent of college graduates have their degree
    the other 99%, their degree have them

  35. anonymous2
    October 20, 2013

    What does a degree have to do with common sense, the ability to think for yourself and integrity. Most education is mind control. Watch out for charasmatic leaders who use mind control methods.

  36. Rubbish man
    October 20, 2013

    The picture says it all. It is with a snobbish sneer of disdain that he looks down at all those who have not attained the result of passing college classes to gain what he thinks is the most distinguished asset in a person’s life – a diploma.

    “But when he once attains the upmost round.
    He then unto the ladder turns his back,
    Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees
    By which he did ascend.”

    Brutus, thou sleep’st: awake, and see thyself.

    Needless to say; the college president is an honourable man.

  37. Help
    October 20, 2013

    With an o level grade C in geography and an unfinished attempt at a diploma in Europe while eating tax payers money man oh an I can be president to.
    If I triblean 2 nd form in PSS I too can be GIS macaque.

    If I don’t have a degree I can be the advisor to the PM who suppose to have a degree in English or Sychology or whatever it is.

    If I receive jungle training for three weeks in Guyana and learn to bathe dead people at Ross I too can be minister peep peep

    • REAL TALK!
      October 21, 2013

      You see if you had taken your school work seriously I am sure you would not spell Psychology with an S. I am also sure that his advisors would not spell Psychology with an S

      • Nomination committe
        October 21, 2013

        HELP

        You are proving the point that a degree is important. If you really knew the persons you referred to you would have nothing to say in defense of your Novice unqualified leader, the said Lennox Linton.

  38. Sweep Dominica
    October 20, 2013

    Is coul-wosh the peters guy throwing. A fior for somebody he don’t like.

  39. Santa Claus
    October 20, 2013

    Mr. Peters, Like the story told in Luke 10:30-36, about the Good Samaritan, you should realized that the problem we found ourselves with in Dominica was NOT created by a leader without a degree. In fact it was created by an individual you ensured graduated with two degrees from your college in the US. Is it that you did not do your job well in the US college? Better yet, you are right there with him and yet you allowed him to sink the boat with you on board? Furthermore, neither your boss Mr. Peter St. Jean nor your newly elected president, Mr. Savrin has a degree. PM advisors, Emanuel Nanthan, Bernard Joseph are all degreeless while press secretary Mervin Paul only made it to 2nd form.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      This is uncalled for. Your comment is way out of line, ignorant and has absolutely nothing to do with this article. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted:

  40. Anonymous
    October 20, 2013

    Hahaha.. Donald Peters boss AKA Min of Ed does not have a college degree. This is too funny. Unless he does not view him as. A leader.

  41. Yup
    October 20, 2013

    I think that we have missed the point of Dr. Peters message. Though it is not right to completely X out the drop outs it is not something that we should condone. He is right to say that a leader should at least have a college education. We must not allow our youth to think that it is right to go through life without a good education. Education brings one far. We must stop using the examples of the persons who have made it without the college education because though they have made it, their advice to people trying follow in their footsteps usually begin with a getting a good education. And these are the people who are willing to spend thousands on their children on a good education to ensure that they are successful.

    • Rubbish man
      October 20, 2013

      Well, all that education did not do much if you have to explain what he meant.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      He did not X out the drop outs. He made an excellent point that leaders must be educated; not should be but must for obvious reasons. This should make sense to the sensible.

      • Sharmine Lewis.
        October 21, 2013

        Mr Leblanc was an excellent leader and P M SKERRO MENTOR LEAD WELL LIVED WELL PENNIES HE COLLECT NOT YET DIED WITH DIGNITY

    • Views Expressed
      October 21, 2013

      YUP, in principle what you are saying is correct. Our concern is that Dr. Peters went out to say that, and you can read in the DNO story above that says….
      :“Don’t be like those people who say its Okay in the 21st century to be a prime minister of a country without ever going to college,” he said

      “Don`t be like those people who say…..” the question is which people is he referring to? No one alluded to this, education consists of many things. I have seen many people pass licence to drive and they still are unable to master the road and the vehicle. You get my drift. So Peters statement was too general and not helpful when his boss does not posses what he is asking for. The issue of this story is targeted at Lennox Linton who has proved himself to be on par with Dr. Peters and certainly more educated that PM Skerrit and majority of those who hold high office in Government. I am staying in education we must honour, respect and recognised those who are self taught and possess the prerequisite to perform and hold high office by their own work over the years.

  42. prisca
    October 20, 2013

    OMG!!! My fellow Dominicans, you have taken ignorance to a new level. You UWP supporters are the worst I’ve seen and heard of in decades. I didn’t think we still had so many biased people in our country.
    What is so wrong about what Mr Peter’s said? If he is so wrong why do you mortgage your homes or sell your souls to the highest bidder so your kids could get an education overseas? Are you all for real? Stop that damn politickng.

    • Malgraysa
      October 21, 2013

      There is absolutely nothing wrong with persuing an education but that does not necessarily make you a leader or successful in life. That is no guarantee.

  43. mr yoda
    October 20, 2013

    interesting what person with good education can do in such place like dominica? don’t get it as offence but seriously…business is a monopoly of 2-3 families and entrance threshold is high (consumption is low, legal contracts enforcement equals zero etc)…politics is a monopoly and closed community. It leaves only 3 opportunity for educated people: 1) become lawyer 2) become a medicine professional 3) leave this island and go elsewhere

  44. Hmmph
    October 20, 2013

    Dominicans or should i say Dumbnicans , i wonder how many of you commenting have a college degree of some sort. For those who say College and University does not teach you about the aspects of leadership that is complete bs of course they do , if you went to College you would know. For those who think that if one has a Bachelor in English or Civil Engineering all they did was study English and Civil Engineering for 4 to 5 years then you need to get your ass up and go get a degree and see for yourself most of the subjects you do in college sometimes have nothing to do with the degree that you are pursuing. And if you all must know it was stated that in the U.S by 2014 if one does not hold a bachelor degree of some sort then basically you wont be able to get employed so to those of you who plan on fleeing Dominica without a degree don’t bother, yes becoming a leader without an education before was acceptable but not in this day and age it is highly impossible because of technology and science which makes even commonsense invalid. Why ? because going in global meetings you would basically be sitting there like a dumb-ass wondering what’s going on and what are they talking about. This day and age it’s either you’re a liberal or conservative Dominican leaders just confused and don’t what they’re about

    • Views Expressed
      October 21, 2013

      Huuump ….So Charles Savarin Should NOT be President….??????

      Fair enough
      Please relax and lets talk, debate ….do not burst a vein or vessel or whatever, it is not worth it

    • afan
      October 21, 2013

      while going to college might help to shape and hone one’s intelligence, its very foolish to think that having gone to school automatically makes you better prepared than the other person is false…. that is why you find an air of entitlement among many who have graduated from a college. there are many among us who were even looked over when secondary school places were being allocated but have built empires and continue to be well liquid while many a trained persons are living hand to mouth or worse. keep in mind as well that many go to school but few are what you will call top students, many have minimum passes or take additional years to finish their degrees. a leader should first and foremost seek to inspire, like the leaders in sport, the captain/chief/ boss isnt always the most talented or the fastest or the best but he/she possesses the ability to make others work for the collective good.. and just by general observation, if having a degree makes you so much better at managing and so on, why does our country and region seem to be doing so much worse now that we have countless of professionals as opposed to when the amateurs ruled?? it may indicative that what you and DR Peters are just blowing hot air and continuing to stroke you’ll ego thinking that you all are so much better than everybody else when there is nothing to show for what you all cherish so much… are the students leaving our state college now better than a generation ago? the latter is an open question which i hope you take the time to respond to… cheers

  45. Discombobulated
    October 20, 2013

    But yes, obviously we need people educated to the higest level in office. I think college is even below the requirement. University degree or nothing. People can talk about commonsense all they like but commonsense is not evidence on what will be the best decision. Commonsense is mere logic. How can you make an informed decision on investments in your country without being qualified in the field of an investment personnel? ie, investment banker, analyst, accountant. How is someone with commonsense going to keep the country’s books well balanced? With common sense? I think even now dominica’s leaders are educated below the required level. What is the PM’s specialist career before being in govt? Where did the expertise come from for him to be minister of finance? By the way I don’t know what education he has, I am merely making reference as example. I mean, it should be in the constitution really. This is the 21st century. How are our leaders going to have intelligent conversations with other leaders who went to havard, Cambridge and Oxford? By choking? By not understanding sime business terminologies? Dominica will be a laughing stock, will be taken advantage of and not be taken seriously. We need experts in fields to be ministers in those fields. And their aids should be the same, if not better at it. The minister is meant to be able to analyse everything the advisers recommend. He/She should be able to go through it with a fine toothcomb and say, I think you calculation is slightly off, or to make counter recommendations themselves. GET OUT OF HERE WITH THAT FOOLISHNESS ABOUT EDUCATION IS NOT IMPORTANT. And you all wonder why people keep taking foot on us? They’re always 20 steps ahead because our leaders have no idea. No disrespect to uwp nor labour alike. But educated leaders are definitely necessary. Dominica has enough young educated people now. Some with great careers. They can make a difference. The thing is, Dominicans don’t like their fellow countryman to come from overseas and have anything to do with politics either. I guess we going to have to beg the world top universities to open up shop right here on the island. Lets face it, after a university education, Dominica cannot afford to house graduates. They cannot pay them the salary they deserve. That’s another hurdle on its own.

    • Views Expressed
      October 21, 2013

      Discombobulated……no one has said or is saying
      that…and I quote you that…….

      “GET OUT OF HERE WITH THAT FOOLISHNESS ABOUT EDUCATION IS NOT IMPORTANT”.
      Please go easy…all the millionaires and billionaires are without degrees etc. and are communicating effectively that is why they are rich….Please take this on a case by case basis.

  46. October 20, 2013

    The issue with Linton is NOT whether he is a better speaker than Skerrit..he is! We are more concerned with the CHARACTER of Linton. He apparently didn’t appreciate the VALUE of further education..or was it that he figured he knew everthing ALREADY and no one, no university could teach him anything. I have problems with that knd of arrogance for a leader.

    • Views Expressed
      October 21, 2013

      Dom Citizen,

      I beg to differ. I see arrogance in my face, on radio, on tv on labour party platform ever so often..
      Go to hell….go to hell…none of their damn business……….”no Law no constitution”….isn’t that arrogance ….real arrogance from a head of state….? This is un becoming, distasteful and stupid. And there is more of this arrogance, you know them, help us out, your turn now to spell it out. Or you rather Ian Douglas sing out on stage for you????????
      Lennox is not the issue, our finances will be safe hands, no bin bobol…no red or blue clinic, no disrespect of our poor and vulnerable

      • Tell it like it is
        October 21, 2013

        Or so you think! People, dont be too quick in believing that Lenox Linton will fix all of Dominica´s problems. How naive! The world is still in a financial crisis that a little country like Dominica cant just pull out of by one man. Pierre Charles did his bit, Skerritt is doing his bit and I would hope that Lenox would do his bit if he is elected. But it requires hard work and dedication from all.

  47. Anonymous
    October 20, 2013

    I fully support education and attained my Master at Mona 10 years ago, but I Dr. Peters should not make a graduation ceremony a political event.

    In addition to those highlighted John Major (England’s PM from 1990 – 1997) left school at age 16 in 1959, with three O-levels: History, English Language, and English Literature. He later gained three more O-levels by correspondence course, in the British Constitution, Mathematics and Economics.

  48. ...
    October 20, 2013

    tell that to Lennnox

  49. My Constituency dyin
    October 20, 2013

    Well I did not hear the entire presentation, but I hoped he had positive information regarding the existence of jobs in Dominica for the graduates. Truth is, a leader can have his qualification, but if he is a scamp, he becomes a qualified scamp. One of the biggest functions of a Prime minister is facilitate and create employment
    and of the many college graduates I know, very very few have created employment for anybody, most of them dont even create employment for themselves. Most of them get a job at a firm created by some primary or secondary school leaver.
    I have also observed that most of my qualified friends, while acquiring the university education do seem to lose some important human qualities, such as; willingness to start at the bottom, or integrity, or honesty, or caring for others, even the ability to accept God’s simplicity. A college degree is a tool, it can help or it can hurt depending on the character of the person and purpose. A degree is not as important as the person with the degree.

  50. Tell it like it is
    October 20, 2013

    I am very concerned about the state of affairs in Dominica. It seems to me that people are not free to express their views without being attacked by someone of opposing views. It is frightening the trends that are being manifested these days. If you express your view on the call by Lenox Linton to boycott our independence celebration, you are attacked. If Dr Peters expresses his views on the importance of education for people who aspires to high office, he is attacked. If you support the appointment of Charles Savarin as President, you are attacked. Whatever someone says in Dominica, as long as it does not agree with the point of view of certain people, that person is attacked and verbally abused. We are all entitled to our point of view so let us learn to respect one another.

    On the issue of the presidency, why do we want to force people to accept our position on the matter? Aren´t we entitled to believe what we want? Why does Lenox Linton want all Dominicans to accept his position on the matter? Why can´t he accept that other people see it differently? Who made Lenox Linton “lord almighty” over Dominica and Dominicans? These are some of the questions that have been bothering me. I don´t understand why politicians think they have to control people´s point of view?

    On the statement made by Dr Peters, I support it in principle. As to whether it is politically driven, I am not certain but I think it does make sense. I think we should aspire for the best heads in our land to hold leadership positions and hopefully they will help move our country forward. So the argument has merit. But since I did not read or hear the full text of his address, I cannot comment on the motive of his delivery. And that is the biggest problem in Dominica. We judge people without even understanding the context in which they make their comment or express their point of view.

    I believe we must move away from this practice of attacking people for their expressed view. Let us be mature and demonstrate more care in the way we respond to people´s comments on how they see things.

    To Lenox Linton, I think your intentions are noble but please don´t think that just because you see something one way that everyone else must see it like that. You have been elevated to a very high and prestigious position, leader of a political party, use that position with humility and respect. If you truly want to make a difference on the political landscape, you cannot join the band wagon and do exactly what others did before you and are doing right now. Show that you are really different, the future. So far, I cannot say that you are any better than those before you because you actions have been the same – boycott this and demonstrate about that!

    I would really like to see something different. We cannot continue the old ways but neither can we force people to accept our point of view just because we think we are right. People are entitled to believe what they want. That is the democratic way. Because if this is not so, I am afraid you, Mr Linton, might end up being a worse dictator than the people you are accusing of dictatorial tendencies.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 21, 2013

      Some people should return to school and to start right from the beginning. They are adults who are acting more like children than children. It is as if they received no training as children.
      They must also learn discipline and respect, how to communicate amicably with others and how to be diplomatic in their conversations and discussions. They have not yet learned, “free to agree or disagree”, to get along and to respect the opinion of others. This is derived through experience, maturity and the company people associate with and keep. The saying: “You either have it or you do not have it.”
      This consistent criticism, negativity and bashing will prevent some people from accessing this Website. I have previously stated that these comments do not make for pleasant reading. Some of them are disgusting, silly and uncalled for. They have no bearing on the article whatsoever and should be disallowed. They accuse others but thir mannerisms and verbal thrashing are no better.
      Why do they have to bring politics into it? Dr. Peters made some excellent points that leaders must be educated. This is not politics. He addressed the issue to the point. We reside in an era that leaders should very well be educated. Some people took offence as if the cap fitted them. Would it be guilty conscience?

      • Views Expressed
        October 21, 2013

        Justice, when you say something you have to qualify it and with some reason as to how it came about and respond in a qualify and professional manner that we learn.

        If you read Dr. Peters` speech, he just pick off the hat and said that…etc……
        “Don’t be like those people who say its Okay in the 21st century to be a prime minister of a country without ever going to college,”

        What does he, Dr. Peters mean by “those people…”…who are those people? That statement is insultng and ridiculous from smeone who profess to be a scholar, a doctor a lecturer etc. From the beginning the value of discussion has never been a college education is not worthy…we also ask to recognise those who never made it, dropped out and are self taught and even pursued training at higher educational colleges and institutions……so who says Lennox is not qualified..how does one quantify this. You mean to tell Dr Aaron is qualified, a man supposedly qualified and educated with a doctorate and writes such crap illiterate nonsense about one man Skerrit. That is the nature extent of a man with a doctorate to bring himself so low in the political garbage?
        Give me a break
        Why is the same action and concern not directed at the Minister for Education, the AG Chief Welfare Officer, the President etc…why just Lennox. It is just a low political fight with no substance.

        This is yotaly misleading and that is what we are resoinding it and hem Dr, Peters has to account for this statement without any basis.

    • Views Expressed
      October 21, 2013

      TELL IT LIKE IT IS: I think you have missed out of the bigger issue here. It is not Lennox`s view that we are supporting, it is the essence and the morale of the issue we support. It is what is affecting Dominica we support. Lennox is one of many TRUSTED vehicles articulating this and many other issues affecting us AND DOMINICA. He is in a position of leadership and good quality why we support his qualified view.
      Once upon a time we recognised the views of Skerrit and Savarin but they are now corrupt and their principles and standards of good governance is corrupted with too many so called dangerous friends around them that they have lost track and crippling Dominica.
      Also with your last statement about worse dictator, there is no sign of this and you certainly have not been following the debates, presentations and analysis of Lennox in the past years to arrive at this bold and inappropriate statement, or conclusion.
      That is why when we hear statements as these we wonder who is hiding behind the name “TELL IT LIKE IT IS”.
      Your statement is way out of line and I do not think that you are following the same debate and issues affecting Dominica like I have, and others have.

  51. Malgraysa
    October 20, 2013

    Well, well. Raymond, Reggie and Justina when you are appointed acting P.M. you are not really qualified if we believe Dr. Peters. Did you know that? So it is only a pappyshow you are in then?
    Just be gratetude to the God-appointed leader he lets you keep his chair warm when he is away on one of his divine missions.Malgraysa

    • D/can Spirit
      October 21, 2013

      All the people you call there have their degrees.

      • NKRUMAH KWAME
        October 21, 2013

        Degrees in WHAT?

      • Malgraysa
        October 21, 2013

        So, my doctor says it have several degrees…of madness!

  52. Santa Claus
    October 20, 2013

    It seems to me that those of us that do not have a degree should just pack our bags and move so that those with degrees could move on. Since degree is a must to become PM and to hold any leadership position then Dr. Peters and the rest of you please help us by answering the following question:

    I know Emanuel Nanthan bka MANO very well and we graduated from PSS together. I know he does not hold a degree in anything and yet he is the advisor of degree holder and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit. Why then encourage our PM to take tax payers money to pay a person without a degree to advise a PM that hold a degree? Can you also tell us how much Mano gets to advise the PM?
    Also, Does pastor BJ have a degree? That’s a big no! Why then is he paid to advise the PM on spiritual matters when clearly it does not seem as if his advise to the Pm is good or maybe the PM not taking his advise?

  53. DonK
    October 20, 2013

    Degrees are a dime a dozen.

    Feel free to go get one, ’cause when u come back I can pay u to answer my telephone.

    These ‘for profit’ schools are killing the education
    system as we know it.

  54. the sage
    October 20, 2013

    common sense beats education any day,,,,a lot of educated fools out there.Aint wat u have but wat u do with it “memba dat”

  55. Anonymous
    October 20, 2013

    Dr. Peters is a highly educated man, for which I commend him. His record, however, suggests he’s not a leader

  56. Anonymous
    October 20, 2013

    Dear Dr.Peters

    Garcon I could not agree with you more. Our leaders need to be educated. And we must remain uneducated so when our educated leaders have us begging them on Wednesdays, give jobs to Chinese over us, we will just shut our mouth and take what we get.

    So hooray for our educated leaders; poor us the uneducated. Nou fini bat!

  57. as a dropout
    October 20, 2013

    well I glad we supporting dropouts and low academic achievers as our leaders. It means that more children who are suffering and struggling in high school should leave and find gainful employment because the opportunity to become the country’s leaders still is an open option for you. There is no need to try and be the top student bec itause the person who did not work as hard as you can become the prime minister. Well it seems to be happening all over the NCCU has a head without a degree, Dice is six time king and dropped out and so much more and the place doing well so too hell with degree let all men have a chance at

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      Just try to understand the man’s point and surely you will change your opinion.

    • Joe Burton
      October 20, 2013

      Peters did not say any thing that is patisan politics.He spoke of jobs in agriculture and tourism.These two aspect of development complement each other.I did not see anything where he was singing for his supper.He does not have to.We always want Dominicans with qualifications to return to help.In any country right now Peters could command his salary so he does not have to sing for anything.He could easily make over $200,000 US in any school district.So he does not have to sing or prove anything to anyone.So give him a chance.Give him a break.Peters I say to you give the media people a wide berth.They are evil,Just like Fox.

      • Rubbish man
        October 20, 2013

        “Don’t be like those people who say its Okay in the 21st century to be a prime minister of a country without ever going to college,” he said. “If you want to lead people you must first educate yourself.”

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      Your comment is a poor one and not encouraging for the youths. You are the last person, if not at all, anyone should go to for advice. Was this calypsonian you mentioned not arrested with illegal drug?
      The problem of ignorant people with limited minds who give such advice and who cannot see beyond their face is, they do not know which way the table will turn in the future and while they are still young.
      It may look good for some as you mentioned who are earning an income, making songs about people and reaping a financial benefit for now but how long could this last? It would be wise that they have some sort of education to fall back on in order to obtain a legal paying job.

  58. Doc. Love
    October 20, 2013

    My son said to me,” Dad, this fellar called Nantan is a political advisor to the P.M. He doesn’t have a University Degree, how comes he is advising the P.M who has two University Degrees, one in Psychology and one in English.” You think those young children in Dominica stupid. :lol:

    • FEDERA
      October 20, 2013

      Obviously he heard that from you. By the way, what’s his age?

    • DON'T YOU KNOW?
      October 20, 2013

      I can’t believe that the P.M has a degree in English! Please tell me which university did this. He is far from being considered as an eloquent speaker. Well well, i think he needs to go back for an other 4 or 5 years. That is….. just to learn English in the proper way!! Ha Ha ……

    • Anonymous
      October 20, 2013

      Your son didn’t say that to you… You said it to him. How your son see Nanthan CV?

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      How old is your son? How did he know about the PM’s advisor having one Un. degree? You must have told him or he must have heard this during a conversation. Eavesdropping I suppose as children do. Careful what you say when they around. It may appear they are not listening but their little ears (if they are small children) are listening and taking in what is stated. Their memory is also good. They will repeat what they hear whether to you or someone else. Project good examples to him or them.
      There are many people without college and university degrees who hold important jobs. the majority of them are in a certain age bracket. It is nothing to be ashamed of based on their past and present circumstances. Do not blame them for it. However, know that it is a thing of the past.
      One does not have to have two Un. degrees unless one is a Bachelor’s degree and the other a Master’s degree. Financially, it is expensive pursuing a degree.
      In bygone years, Dominica did not have a college or university.
      My father a brilliant man, held a certain important job throughout his working life prior to retirement. Some years ago, during a course of conversation one of my sisters informed me that if when he was young and Dominica had a college, he could have obtained a degree. He did study on his own and obtained some certificates/ diplomas relevant to his career which he proudly displayed at our home.
      Common sense dictates that today, tomorrow and in the future, college and university degrees will definitely be an asset to obtain those jobs. This is what the emphasis is on today with most students entering college and university.
      The world has changed and so has education and jobs. It will be necessary to be educated, whether they are a politician or not and even for the lower-paying jobs.

    • lisad
      October 20, 2013

      ok dad,what a way to encourage ur son to get an education.

  59. %
    October 20, 2013

    Dr Peters tell us the qualification(s) for the presidency now.I AM WAITING!!!!

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      I thought he was making a general point, that our leaders need to be educated. President or PM. I also believe that if one has the aspiration to lead people he should prepare himself to do so. Failing to do so is preparing yourself to fail the people.

    • Really!
      October 20, 2013

      You think Dr. Peters have time for our foolishness?! Don’t waste the man’s time. It is very simpe; do your research and and get the answer. And once again, the Boycott Opposition Party should take the matter to court if they believe that the appointment of President Savarin is illegal.

    • #Behonest
      October 20, 2013

      THANK YOU!

  60. Anonymous
    October 20, 2013

    Without honesty and integrity, education is just a weapon to be used against the poor and vulnerable.

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      Your have a good point, but in the 21 st Century education should be a must. It shappens your skills, thoughts and decision making process. It makes you a better leader. I must say that not all educated people are leaders.

    • anonymous2
      October 20, 2013

      Very true.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      Who are you throwing words at? It is the same negativity that Dr. Peters spoke of. You possess it. When are you going to change this poor attitude?

      • Anonymous
        October 21, 2013

        For your information, I have a Bachelors degree, a Masters degree and a professional certificate, and I am talking from lots of experience. Too many educated persons think that their education and professional qualifications are an entitlement to grab all, at all costs at the expense if the less fortunate.

  61. well
    October 20, 2013

    For those of you who ask about leaders with no degree
    Nicolás Maduro. Profile of Venezuela’s new president

    His background suggests he may be more comfortable as a pragmatic negotiator than a charismatic leader. Born in 1962 into a leftist family as the son of a union leader, Maduro began his political career as president of the student union at Jose Avalos high school in El Valle, a working-class neighbourhood on the outskirts of Caracas.

    Records show he never graduated, but he was remembered as an imposing and conciliatory figure.

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/apr/15/nicolas-maduro-profile-venezuela-president

    • Really!
      October 20, 2013

      @ Well, Nicolas Maduro is not the only one; but you know what, is this what we want for Dominic?! :-? Is this the example we want for our youth?
      The irony of the whole thing is, in an interview with P.M. Skerritt conducted by Lennox Linton, some years ago. Hon. Skerritt. Told Lennox that he wanted to o back to College to obtain another degree and Lennox had the guts to tell him that he can always do so online. Why didn’t Lennox take that advice for himself, so many years have passed since then and he still haven’t gone back to school. Do yourself and Dominica a favour and go back school; stop your nonsense about dreaming to be Prime Minister or Get at least a degree.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      It will not be so for the youth in his country. In future, they will possess degrees, especially that college and university may be free.
      In bygone years how many people could afford to go to college and university? Some of them needed the money and had to work after completing high school and even not completing high school. You should know today the situation is different than yesteryear.

  62. Lespwi
    October 20, 2013

    Dr. Donald Peter,
    My Late Grand Ma once told me “Endycasion cest pas lespwi”.You should preached that to the current leaders we have in Dominica. Remind them every good time comes to an end.

    • Grand Bay Girl
      October 20, 2013

      That was then this is now. need more than common sense to run a country

      • Malgraysa
        October 21, 2013

        You measn a paper certificate beats common sense? Sister, it would be wonderful to have both but if I have to chose I would go for common sense first, always.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      This is a nonsensical comment. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  63. Positive Thinking.
    October 20, 2013

    Well said Dr Peters, Young people who dropped out of high school for whatever reason, more often suffer from low self esteem and find it difficult to get back on tract.If help is not sought in time, this behavior manifest in adult lifen.

    • %
      October 20, 2013

      Dropping out of high school is no reason why the learning process should not continue. He should have told you so, since you are not smart enough to know that.

      • Justice and Truth
        October 20, 2013

        Some people who dropped out of high school returned to school and even while working.

  64. well
    October 20, 2013

    any one knows whether charles savrin have a degree?if so in what field please?

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      What he said goes to Severin or any other leader acording to what I read. Is there something wrong with what he said?

  65. Malatete
    October 20, 2013

    Dr. Peters is on a dangerous slope here. The constitution of Dominica makes no reference to educational qualifications for the eligibility of someone to to be nominated as a member of parliament or a senator, except that such candidates must be able to speak and read the English language with sufficient proficiency to enable him/her to take an active part in the proceedings of the House. It does not even stipulate a requirent to be able to write! Dr. Peter’s assertaion may prevent anyone without a degree from becoming the leader of our country, even if they are sitting members of parliament.
    It would take us straight back to the days when people were disenfranchised from casting their votes because they were not land owners. The constitution provides for anyone, who is entitled to vote to bave the opportunity to become the country’s leader, or even President without the prerequisites intimated by Dr. Peters. Like it or not, this is true democracy.

    • much need
      October 20, 2013

      This is so true in the 21st century we cannot want to push an agenda whereby uneducated persons are thrust into our top leadership positions it will be a reflection on us as a society and the mediocrity we accept. This mediocrity suggest that our productivity will be at all time lows and no successful and enterprising will want to invest in our country. I agree its the democratic process but just as the jobs such as principals and others in the public sector is directed by guidelines will clearly stipulate that the holders must have at least a bachelor degree. Even now the private sector is demanding that porters have a minimum of 3 cxc passes I believe it is time to amend the constitution to ensure all persons that aspire to be parl reps and pm must have a minimum of a bachelor degree.

      • Not a herd follower
        October 20, 2013

        Although I agree that we must encourage persons to become educated at the highest level that is possible, let us not equate education with having a degree. Many persons have contributed to the advancement of mankind without having a college degree. Read about those who introduced innovations during the Industrial Revolution in Britain during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They had intelligence and perseverance. These qualities must be encouraged as well because having a college or university degree does not necessarily mean you have intelligence.

      • Justice and Truth
        October 20, 2013

        Worldwide, this is exactly as it is. Everyone must have some sort of certificate, diploma, college and university degree to qualify for a position. It is a way of life today. Sensible people would not be negative about it. Those who do not possess at least one may not be able to obtain a job. They will be left behind. May they not blame the government. More people who are employed, the better the economy and more jobs will be created.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      This is so stupid. What are you trying to prove? You are wasting your time. You should not even bring this up. You know an education and a higher one is important.

      • Malatete
        October 21, 2013

        Dear Justice & Truth. Are your seriously inferring that what is contained in our constitution is stupid? That the those, who compiled it were not of sound mind and that therefore we must not bring it up? It is an axiom and a true manifestation of democracy that absence of a formal education does not exclude anyone from becoming a representative of the people, who chose to elect him or her. Indeed “politician” is the only profession I know of that does not even require a school leavers’ certificate.

  66. Shillingford speaks
    October 20, 2013

    Well in your world there is obviously no room for honestly in leadership….my conclusion. I wish to suggest that you should have reminded these students to avoid cheating at all cost, especially on their way to further\higher education.
    Just my 2 cents.

  67. Tim
    October 20, 2013

    Wait a minute! Is this guy an educator, academician or a leader? Now you know why we are in the ‘state’ we are in when you have people like Donald Peters holding such visible and critical positions saying such things on such an occasion to young impressionable minds. Folks that is why we have found ourselves where we are as a country and people- underdeveloped in mind, soul and discourse to all our detriment.

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      No, it is because of people like you and your political bias. I do have issues with the current leadership in DA but we must always strive for eccellence.Excellence. Everyday we send our children to school, investing in their lives. Why do we do that? Because it is important to us, to them and the country. Why then should we encourage people to hold leadership positions in our country without an educational background? Are perpetuating mediocrity ? Is that what we want our children to emulate.

  68. Just sayin'
    October 20, 2013

    What can the man say? You sell chicken feed, you will not advise feeding table scraps and worms. He is selling education…

  69. John Paul
    October 20, 2013

    I have seen many People who have come out of University with Degrees. I have also seen many People who have not been there and have no degree and are employing People with degrees.
    I have listened to People with degrees who make no sense and on the other hand those with no degree make a whole lot of sense.
    Degree or no degree You must make sense .Wisdom and understanding are not qualities You inherit by going or not going to a University.

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      Imagine what those without a university degree could have done with an education. They could have moved mountains.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      This is no excuse. Dr. Peters is referring to also the future. Did you not comprhend what he stated? In these modern times and increasing years, an education is a necessity and a higher one will be expected and demanded to qualify for a good position.
      The world has progressed and is continuing to progress. The sooner you grasp this the better for you.

  70. Objectivity
    October 20, 2013

    Amen.

    When a person can’t graduate high school and then demonstrates an arrogant and illogical thought process – as well as lacking the aptitude for leadership – the quality of inclusion an ability to build people up … in Dr Peters words an “ability to move Dominica forward by shifting the paradigm from one of complaining to one of doing” – that individual – Lennox Linton is not qualified to be Prime Minister.

    Commentators here are saying Dr. Peters is be political – maybe he is being political – however his statement is still correct.

    We are in too much of a perilous time to gamble on an un-educated man with a temper, an egotistic arrogance manner of I Linton am always right – the other is always wrong – an aptitude best suited for a one man show – and – not as leader of a country.

    • %
      October 20, 2013

      @ Objectivity Someone like that who has demonstrated such a high and excellent level of articulation, who has the ability to discover and expose malfeasance and BOBOL in public office,will surely be my candidate of choice.Someone like that who because of his discovery has caused $500 000.00 plus stolen money from the people of the country to be returned to the treasury,will certainly be my candidate of choice. Someone like that who has the ability to openly challenge to debate someone with a degree in English or psychology who has been cowering away,will certainly be my candidate of choice.Someone like that who has the ability to bring forward such a brilliant team of candidates to DISCARD the out going PM,will certainly be my candidate of choice.Someone like that is indeed POWERFUL!!!!I MUST VOTE FOR HIS TEAM.
      What Dr Peters failed to tell you, and what you in in your ignorant bliss, has failed to realize is that even if you dropped out of school in Form One, all is not lost. You still have the ability to be the brightest citizen of your country….LEARN THAT!
      OOPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!He told you nothing about NOT STEALING, NOT CHEATING, WHY BEING HONEST IS SO IMPORTANT, AND WHY LYING IS SO DECEPTIVE AND DANGEROUS. You must ask yourself why he left these things out from his political speech.
      LEARN THAT!

      • Objectivity
        October 20, 2013

        @ Objectivity Someone – while I appreciate your comment – please address Mr. Linton’s aptitude for his arrogant and illogical thought process; please explain his inability to move away from the politics of destruction, his inability to move away from just complaining to one of actually doing – constructing something beneficial, productive for society

        Please – besides his loud mouth, his bullying, speculative conclusions, based on lack of facts – an just his opinions – what have he achieved?

        Please explain. Convince us with facts – don’t just repeat his speculative opinions from his so called radio. Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck do the same in America. Like Linton, they are hateful destructive parasites.

        Wait – I will show my fellow Dominicans before the next elections actually proof of his parasitic nature.

      • Justice and Truth
        October 20, 2013

        Try getting a well-paying job if you dropped out of school in Form One. Why did parents in former years to the present ensured that their children at least complete high school? Some went on to obtain degrees. They surely would not make that comment which you made. They will encourage the youth to study hard, graduate from high school and do their utmost to continue on to obtain a college/university degree. Is this bad advice? Those who have obtained it are pleased to inform others about it and encourage them to do so for a future career and livelihood. They could go places with having one.

    • Views Expressed
      October 20, 2013

      % I question your level of understanding this subject mater and I have been trying to grasp and analyse what is it you really trying to say. My God if you follow Lennox`s work and endless presentations compared to that of Skerrit how on earth can you suggests that Lenox is not qualified to be Prime Minister. We have followed his track record working for CANA, stationed in Barbados, also stationed in Antigua, he must have had something that he stayed there employed for so long…..

    • MIND OF MY OWN
      October 20, 2013

      So if your present PM is not a one man show why is it that you hear almost nothing about the Parl reps but all about Skerrit. Everybody thanks skerrit. God bless skerrit. Skerrit, skerrit, skerrit. And why the utterance from skerrit go to hell, not your d.. business, no law no constitution can stop me. I believe the same things you are accusing LINTON of being is exactly what your SKERRIT is

  71. Fairy Tale
    October 20, 2013

    Well said. Leaders must be educated. Why do UWP supporters send their children to school. You are confusing them. Please keep them home.

    • Views Expressed
      October 20, 2013

      An example of a real ” Fairy Tale” story..

      Please open your horizon

    • BULL
      October 20, 2013

      @ Fairy Tale: I do agree with Dr. peters that one must educate himself but is that a criteria for holding an office in Dominica? Mr Skerrit is the minister for finance but is he a degree holder in Account, Finance or Business Administration? N0!!! Based on the few problems we have on qualifications Mr Skerrit should not be the minister for finance because he does not have the qualifications-period!!
      If we were to run thru the labor government there are many unqualified people. (1) Does Mr. Blackmoore holds a degree in Engineering to hold the post as minister of public works? (2) Is Mr. Austrie a holder of degree in land development/Engineering to hold the post a minister of lands? (3) Is Mr. St,Jean a holder of a degree in eduaction to be the minister for education? (4) is skerrit a degree holder in finance to be the minister for finance? Finally do you know why? The constitution does not make any provisions for that and therefore Mr.Peters stop playing politics. I can now see why Miss Francis was not given the post!!!!!

    • Joe Burton
      October 20, 2013

      Not only leaders .Everyone should be educated pass high school,the mind is a terrible thing to waste.Peters was trying to motivate graduates to take up the mantle of leadership in every aspect of life,an expectation.These days everywhere you go to look for jobs in every country they ask for Qualification.This is the international standards.Do you think Obama could ever become President as a black man.

  72. valda Bruno Durand
    October 20, 2013

    while i am inclined to agree with Mr. Peters that an education is of great importance, he stoped short of telling the students that they must also accompany that education with COMMON SENSE, good values, morals and scruples. It is important for educated people not to be too quick to bow and let themselves be bullied by’so called’superiors, be educated but be a leader and not a follower. I would like to see your speech in its entirety cause thus far it seems very politically motivated, and with all your ‘education’ i do not think that you need to be singing sankie for your supper, leave that for those of us whose only certificate is our birth certificate. Be true to yourself.

    • Alas
      October 20, 2013

      I am a Dominican and I approve your message, Miss Bruno.

    • Views Expressed
      October 20, 2013

      Was Dr. Peters successful at his interview for the job he holds or he was politically hand picked for the job ignoring the recommendation by the qualified interview panellists…
      Recall before interview and appointment it was all over the newspaper and rumoured that the supremo had already sanctioned his job.
      Why is this esteemed Doctor no longer working at a university in the USA…also was he attached to the government of Trinidad and did he complete his stint there..???????answers please????

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      You are making a great point but I do not see in the statement what makes it political. It only appears to be political because that is an issue being discussed in DA reference one of our leaders. It makes sense to warn our students in staying away from that mentality that our leaders need not educate themselves. Students with leadership qualities when educated surves only good for DA. Any good leader must be honest, have good values, morals and scruples, and must be educated, for all these make them a good leader.

    • London
      October 20, 2013

      I am Dominican and I APPROVE your message Ms Bruno

    • October 20, 2013

      Well said

    • Fairy Tale
      October 20, 2013

      And you not politically motivated when you accusing him of singing for his supper?

  73. kunoo mounoo
    October 20, 2013

    this is a classic case of singing for your supper,shame on you Dr Peter

  74. Anonymous
    October 20, 2013

    Some people are not reading properly, Mr Peters said all modern leaders should educate themself, and he is righttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt, I have seen people in certain position come to England to speak on behalf on Dominica, and it was damn right shameful..

    • rocky
      October 20, 2013

      Ya u damn right jusz like skerite its shamefull.ask him aboit the llevel of his education. Physcology to fool peoplee like all u..all u hqve to cry wolf and nobody will help all u idiots

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      :lol: This one made me laugh, :lol: I also heard it. They brought with them a certain amount of entourage to assist them. Putting Dominica to shame.
      All leaders in democratic societies possess a degree or even three. They have more than a high school certificate for that matter. A few were lawyers in private practice and educators, etc.
      These are modern times and everyone must step into line and emulate those countries. After all they emulate their bad habits or try to and immorality. Why not education?

  75. Jbaptiste
    October 20, 2013

    I totally agree. so why not enroll the current prime minister? How would you like lets say a ‘qualified’ civil engineer to do open heart surgery on you? Is it just qualifications or qualifications with purpose? When a PHD have to ‘sing the tune’ to keep himself employed, one have to wonder what is the value of an education today.Id expect a PHD to be the most independent person around who should be seek out for his obvious knowledge/expertise and not the other way around.
    One may not like lennox but he have shown himself to be more worthy than our PHDs.I would still choose Lennox over Peters(PHD) any day. Imagine the guy had an open call for a debate to the entire cabinet and DLP apologists collectively and everyone running scared.why? I would have loved to see such a debate and have it with an international or regional audience without prior knowledge of who holding what.I wonder who would seem more educated.

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      Are you saying that our morden leaders shouldn’t be educated? If lenox wasn’t in this position, would you hold that same position? I guess not.

    • Channel 1
      October 20, 2013

      @Jbaptiste – “When a PHD have to ‘sing the tune’ to keep himself employed, one have to wonder what is the value of an education today.Id expect a PHD to be the most independent person around who should be seek out for his obvious knowledge/expertise and not the other way around.”

      Absolutely fantastic point. These guys have so much ‘education’ yet they allow themselves to be bouncing balls and yo-yo’s for…………….

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      You do not have to be sarcastic and make foolish comments which are not relevant to what Dr. Peters stated and meant. Some of you love to twist and turn what others state and make a lot of senseless comments. You project yourself to be stupid and without understanding. state. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  76. Antigua
    October 20, 2013

    True to that ! Well said

  77. nigel
    October 20, 2013

    very true Dr.Peter. you are a wise man.

  78. Friend
    October 20, 2013

    so the PM didn’t even pay all of what the gov owing the college and Mr Peters singing so? Mr Peters, as an educated man you should know ‘There is a time and place for everything’ at a college graduation is not the place for your political agenda!

  79. WHO VEX VEX
    October 20, 2013

    i understand it was not the place 4 politics but on the other hand when i listen 2 q95 instead pastors speak bout God they talk politics so lets not be ignorant on the matter.

    If u are UWP the DSC president’s statement will indeed offend u same way the pastors on Q95 offends me with there political statments.

    So if this guy is Skerro’s puppet, the pastors are Eddo’s puppets also.

    And if his advise is false say its false and if its true say its true.

  80. Nomination committe
    October 20, 2013

    The statement by the Dr. is clear. No kind of political language can distort it. A college degree should be one of the basic requirement for consideration to vote for a Prime Minister. What is wrong with the statement?

    I you want to be elected Prime Minister, among other qualities you must have a college degree. Why have a State College?

    Stop playing anti education Politics.

    • %
      October 20, 2013

      What is lacking with the statement is that if you are a liar, you steal, cheat, you are arrogant and insultive and you are not honest, you are not ready yet.That’s why the people will discard you!

      • Justice and Truth
        October 20, 2013

        What type of common sense do people as you have to make such a comment which is way out of place and does not pertain to this article?
        According to your comment, when you accuse others of what you stated, have you never been insulting, arrogant, dishonest and a liar? You think you are so perfect?

  81. Dry Bone
    October 20, 2013

    Right now I can see that Lennox Linton is a thorn in their sides. They are running really scared. Now I have a question. Who taught the person or persons who got the first degree in the world?

  82. jahcure
    October 20, 2013

    tell Venezuela that. they that helping us and there leader was a bus driver

    • Justice and Truth
      October 20, 2013

      So you are insinuating that a higher education is not necessary. Remain that way. Do not move on and forward with the rest of the world and see where that will get you. In a few years that advice you are giving will return to haunt you and also your children including those who accept your comment as being wise.

  83. boohoe
    October 20, 2013

    Hear the man talking politics.who he throughing that for nor.sacray becuz skerite theeere he singing for his supper.all of all.u.will come out.there just now just wait.u have nothing to tell the graduates but about pm should be educated .whar educutation skerite have.

  84. cast the first rock
    October 20, 2013

    Political or not, the speech is a timely one.
    We ask our students to get degrees, spend money to get educated to pick up the garbage on the streets or to drive a sales truck, then we turn around and say that Leaders who hold the highest office in the land should not worry about learning outside of their narrow window boxes?

    Shame on us! Whether red, white or blue Dominica deserves to have men and women who have found it important enough to put themselves through the rigour of learning something other than what is available within their grasp.

    We should not be offended when people seek to want the best leaders. It is only be getting the best that the trickle down effect will work. There are many qualified Degree(d) farmers who choose to go to the soil with their degrees-does that make them any less? No, it makes them more knowledgeable about what they plant, how the plants are treated, how they can maximize space etc.

    Grow up Dominica! Don’t you see we are searching to find good learners…where are they? All educated and outside where they are valued, even when not making much money at all.

    I still believe we could have done better for President! #justsaying#

  85. coyote
    October 20, 2013

    Mr peters is right, one needs an education but what it education .here is the definition of education:Education in its general sense is a form of learning in which the knowledge, skills, and habits of a group of people are transferred from one generation to the next through teaching, training, or research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of others, but may also be autodidactic.[1] Any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered educational. So one does not need a college diploma or university degree to be educated.

    • Views Expressed
      October 20, 2013

      Cocote….Amen to that and that confirms the qualification of Lennox Linton to high office and many others like him who are self taught and also had some exposure and tutorial at a university and or college. Thanks

  86. Free Thinker
    October 20, 2013

    A college degree without integrity means nothing. Education is not just about academics, it takes in all of the seemingly “little things” which some people wish to cast aside.
    Many of the educated ones among us have a very shady track record!! Dr Donald Peters knows some of them very well!!

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      You may be correct but how does that change the message. Is the message wrong?

  87. BEN HAYNES
    October 20, 2013

    How we miss this type of leader, and this kind of leadership. Well this is the best speech ever. All D/cans should heed this warning. Thank you Sir, l mean
    , Dr. Peters.

    • Views Expressed
      October 20, 2013

      Ben Haynes,,,,I wonder what is the Doctor`s, as head and leader of a very important learning institution, social and communicative skills are like…? How does he or any other qualified leader refer to their colleagues? Is he a team player, has he demonstrated respect to other members of staff, has he encouraged them to move up or move out..or have they been kicked out unceremoniously? You see this is why we have to interview all for the job to ask these pertinent questions to capture the other hidden and important skills (or lack of)you never see on application paper. Is there respect for clients who are vulnerable, respect for the welfare of staff and their issues. All this adds up the qualification….they are referred to as competencies

  88. Rubbish man
    October 20, 2013

    When you selling meat all vegetarians become your enemy.

  89. Listening!!!
    October 19, 2013

    Donald your response does not surprise us……We understand clearly brown-nosing is what keeps you employed.
    Sorry to say a qualified man have to brown nose to keep his job not even your educational achievement can keep you employed under this administration.
    But educating you was a waste of time which our ancestor bled and fought for…..Uncle Tom!!!!!

    • mwen sot
      October 20, 2013

      tell lennox do like brian and go to LEEDS and do his masters in a year

      • Views Expressed
        October 20, 2013

        …..Men sot…..and where is Brain…what is he doing with all the education.. he is limited….is he a consultant….can he consult, or is just walk about the streets……if with this qualification, this BRAIN and experience and he is unable to occupy himself with this education and knowledge learnt, I will have LENNOX everyday, because he,Lennox is diverse and engaged in consultancy around the Caribbean. You see you must ask yourself what is education and doh get involve in mepuis

  90. Anonymous
    October 19, 2013

    Agreed, but if educated people are carrying on like they have no common sense, neither moral nor ethical compass then what is the use of the that degree?
    Education should help an individual think critically and make wise decisions. Common, Da have a high percentage of persons with degrees but what has it done for the country? It is hard to discern those who have from those who donot. It seems like it is almost a bad thing to have a degree in Da.

    • as a dropout
      October 20, 2013

      tell lennox do like his brother and go LEEDS and get his master degree in a year he will qualify for entry asout a mature student if is degree they want to talk ab

  91. Santa Claus
    October 19, 2013

    Lenox Linton and the state in which Dominica found itself in today reminds me of the good Samaritan story found in Luke 10:30-36.
    1. The innocent man. Dominica is like that man that fell among thieves which stripped it and left it half dead (Dominica is maybe more than half dead now).
    2. Those with degree. But interestingly, the priest and the Levite which represents the scholars and degree holders of their time, when they saw it they said nothing but instead passed very far from that man that was stripped, bitten and about to die. Can you understand why our educated persons and religious leaders have decided to leave us in our condition and chose to say nothing.
    3. The Samaritan. They were the no good ones the uneducated one; yet he was the one that had compassion on the dying man as he took from his own to help save the dying man. That’s where I see Lenox who had to raise his own money to fight our cause when sued and as we speak Dr. Peters and others are doing everything to knock him out but you know, like the good Samaritan he understands his mission in life and we all know that he will put us first. What Dominica needs today is a GOOD SAMARITAN and I believe he is on his way.

  92. Erasmus B. Black
    October 19, 2013

    Despite lofty announcements and pronouncement from people in and out of the academic closet, there is nothing in the Constitution that requires any particular educational level to be Prime Minister of Dominica.

    Addressing the commencement class at Yale University a few years ago, former President George Bush (yes, he graduated from Yale)took time out to salute all the “C students” and told them that they too could be President of the United States. Channeling, Mr. Bush, and per our Constitution I would like to say to all the non-degree citizens out there, “you too can be Prime Minister of Dominica.”

    If my memory and eyesight serve me well, the college president may be the same person I saw in a red shirt on the stage at the last convention of a certain party.

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      No wonder why you believe in Bush. This is the same dude that messed up the world. A man who bought his way through university . A man who through this world into problems. Today, education alone isn’t enough to make you a leader but it is a must to make you a good leader. We need the best we can get.

    • US Judge
      October 20, 2013

      Yes George Bush can say what he want, but, America will NEVER have a C student as a president. Not even someone with less than a doctorate in this day and age.

  93. *
    October 19, 2013

    What exactly do you all mean by an education. Education is not a piece of paper in your hand. So many people have this piece of paper (Degree) and did not work for it so put them to do a job requiring commonsense they cannot even perform. I know some people who went to study and sent all their assignments for people to do for them or paid people to do it for them.

    • Watcher
      October 20, 2013

      @* – It would be interesting if one could run an investigation into how many persons who earned university degrees really learnt their work, completed critical assignments and passed exams through their own honest personal efforts and work.

      I don’t think it is absurd to suspect that quite a number of university students these days engage in crookedness and dishonesty to gain a degree.

      So some folks have a degree but upon probing these persons, one realizes that such persons have a poor knowledge of the subject/coursework they have the degree in.

  94. Santa Claus
    October 19, 2013

    We all including LL encourage people to get their education. We all know that in this day and age a high school education means nothing. However, Lenox is an exception because of his broad knowledge of any given subject and his hard work he has been involved in to continue to educate himself. I have seen Lenox take on SC T. Astaphan on legal issues and SC could not stand with him; needless to talk about the PM who got a degree from your college in the US.
    The fact of the matter is, when a person is sick to the point of death and has been given up by the best doctors, he will accept treatment from any one he believes can help him degree or not. Similarly, Dominica is at the point of death and it was brought to that point by a person that holds a degree and he is surrounded by many persons like yourself with doctorate, and yet every decision of his further plunges the country into more trouble. Not only that but many with degree just using their degree to get money from us and care less about the country. When I think of where the country is today and think of ALL our politicians with degree, my question is, who is honest enough to put country first? Who can we trust to care for our cow, Dominica? Is there anyone I can trust with the cow milk? After a hard and thorough look I saw one person I could trust and that is a well educated and honest person called Lenox Linton. He along with team members like Dr. Fountain and many more team members with a degree will no doubt restore our country back to us.

  95. Roseau.
    October 19, 2013

    Well said Dr Peter.

  96. Anonymous
    October 19, 2013

    Edward Oliver Leblanc,no college education but the best we had.Pierre Charles brilliant.mamo well educated break down our stadium at cane field.eddison great.Rosie Douglas made educated but teach possie people to beg and depend on others for survival.Roosevelt skerrit educated but the worst leader we will ever have.have brought our country to its knees.corrupt every sector of our society that is y u Donald peters can run ur mouth.

    • ()
      October 20, 2013

      Skerrit is indeed the worst we have had, and will ever have.

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      No wonder we have become a nation of political puppets (blue, green, red). We can’t even see the truth as long as it hurts our political party. Why not just correct the issue?

    • Joe Burton
      October 20, 2013

      Edward LeBlanc had a college education education.Read Enest Andre book.

  97. Dr. B
    October 19, 2013

    Good advice

  98. Alas
    October 19, 2013

    Amend your words Dr.Peters. Leaders do not have to be educated. They have to be wise and be surrounded by a strong team of economists and advisors.

    Now I am going to provide you with a least of successful business leaders without degrees, Dr. Peters:
    Paul Allen, Richard Branson, Michael Dell and Bill Gates.
    By the way, a degree in English does not qualify anyone to be prime minister. A prime minister is a manager, administrator and Chief Executive Officer.
    Reginald Austrie, Graneau, Kelver Darroux, Peter St.Jean and others have no degrees. If you live in glass house, do not throw stones.

    • Anonymous
      October 20, 2013

      All the billionaires you mention were very well educated and highly intellectual people. They all LEFT college to get a jump start on the new technological wave. Your point is weak and does not prove anything.

    • anonymous
      October 20, 2013

      Can you imagine the education minister talks about his passion for education and a university graduate in every home . he should take the lead and get a degree. He speaks to the many holders of degrees in his ministry like he knows it all. Oh I would like to know if he has a teacher’s certificate? Did he go to the Teacher’s College?

  99. Malgraysa
    October 19, 2013

    Should educated people be leaders???

  100. fouchette
    October 19, 2013

    i am total disappointed with you Mr Peter as head of the college you not let yourself be entangle in politics you are an administrator in education not a politician total disappointed as former college student under you i dissapointed u get entangle in web of being biased and pushing a political view

  101. Neg
    October 19, 2013

    Donald! oh please, why didn’t you also speak on politics of truth vs. politics of lies that was said by one of yours on the K FM station?

  102. BRAIN DAMAGE
    October 19, 2013

    Drake, you will see Lenox become a PM, and you will remain as an AM.

  103. Massacre
    October 19, 2013

    Dr.P stop putting politics in education.
    lead by example

  104. MeCamem
    October 19, 2013

    What can I say.. I get some I lose some

  105. Pinez
    October 19, 2013

    People are running for public office because they have degrees in Jack and Jill, and when they get in office their Jacks keep falling down and their Jills come tumbling after.

  106. River Street
    October 19, 2013

    Well said Dr. P. As an educator tou have the right to advise your students,to attain the highest level possible; why be like the rest,and not the best? Can’t we leave politics aside? Let’s look at the bright side in the speech and accept the advice therein.

    • %
      October 20, 2013

      He should also tell them to stay away from STEALING,CHEATING,LYING.
      He should also tell them how important it is to be HONEST. Without these qualities the students are destined to fail,whatever they do, and wherever they go.If they happen to become leaders, they will fail miserably, as our present leaders of government. LEARN THAT!

  107. Pinez
    October 19, 2013

    More they are “educated” is more they VOLEH. Education is not integrity, not honesty, not dignity. Instead it makes fools out of fools. Education has nothing to do with being a good leader. You want the names of some educated fools?

    • Car Boost
      October 20, 2013

      Tanks DNO for editing and not deleting my complete comment. I like that!

  108. Sound Mind
    October 19, 2013

    Donald Peter’s it was Peter St. Jean the Primary School teacher from Laplaine (your boss) who has placed on the public record that despite your high level education you are not able to manage and effectively run this college. You should be ashamed of yourself my friend.

    This statement has specifically targeted the incoming Prime Minister but heaven knows the brilliance of this man. You see the bible says that a man’s gift will make room for him and cause him to attain a great seat. Lennox Linton is wise (wisdom comes from God), he is very profession and can garner support. See how many professional men/woman are attracted told and are willing to throw their hat in the ring to be led by him. The ruling Labour party do not have this luxury. Tell me what degree Ivor Stevenson, Emmanuel Nanthan, Mervin Paul, REGGIE AUSTRIE, Charles Savarin, Reggi Savarin, Ronald Toulon, Petter Pepper, Mathew Walters, Sam Martin, Johnson Drigo, Ashton Graneau, Kelly Graneau, Kamala Aron, Crazy Tee, Edward Registe,Kelva Darroux have?

    The members on the government side with degrees, I dare say that those degrees are not worth much when they are more qualified than a Prime Minister with only a bachelors degree in ENGLISH and two psychology courses, who can dictate to them and be so disrespectful to them. If you think I lie ask HON. IAN DOUGLAS (LAWYER), DR. KENNETH DARROUX (MD), AMBROSE GEORGE (AGRONOMIST, so watch your mouth sir and be careful what you ask for!

  109. Jail-corrupt-leaders
    October 19, 2013

    Education peters and dsc always in financial problems u fellas bold :lol:

  110. Anonymous
    October 19, 2013

    If we talking leaders, then teachers are leaders too and they must be educated to impart knowledge to their students but, more importantly, they must respect these students and allow them to enjoy their childhood.

    I hope someone will give a speech on this point of respect for our students! We too hypocrite in this Dominica. We all know what happening and we keep quiet because we ‘fraid they sue.

  111. bachelorette
    October 19, 2013

    It is important to have a paper from some school. I working at that office for donkey years. I know all the ropes. A little novice came with a piece of paper and now she above me, even if is me that doing the bulk of the work. I would encourage all even Lennox to get a piece of paper too. He has the opportunity now

  112. October 19, 2013

    Mr peter the truth is an offence tell p m novice need ascholarship the are to desperate

  113. fair play
    October 19, 2013

    Shame on you DR. Peters.A politicle speech to a graduation is just not right.

  114. Francisco Telemaque
    October 19, 2013

    “Don’t be like those people who say its Okay in the 21st century to be a prime minister of a country without ever going to college,” he said.”(Donald Peters).

    Donald, everybody who remotely looks as if they possess a small amount of commonsense, can see, and knows exactly where you are going with that sort of argument; it is quite obvious!

    I however, shall not zero in on your actual comments except to say, you are political about it okay; and in my opinion designed to arouse a political debate, you have actually tried to set off a debate in the country which again is designed to divide, and cause confusion among the people; I do not believe that you should have made such political comments in an commencement.

    You see we all know that leaders are not born, because everyone of us was born with a clean slate, we are born with nothing imprinted on our brain, however, we develop as we grow, we recognized our berth mother, or the one who take the most care of us in the early weeks and months of our development, such care giver face becomes imprinted on the infant’s brain.

    If anyone was born with a brain loaded with information, then the Word of God would prove not to be true when it teaches “God is no respecter of person!”

    I believe no one should be deprived of a collage, or university education; that however, does not guaranty that such education will produce, or make anyone a good leader. Since we are concern with Dominica, one can count as many college graduates which are at the moment serving in this president government, yet we fail to become a prosperous nation, Dominica remains the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere; poverty has caused lots of problems for us, more so than in the days, when the people who ran the country had no college education.

    Eugenia Charles had a Law degree, she ran Dominica for almost twenty years, died and left Dominica, worst of than in the days when the legislative counsel under colonialism ran the country.

    We had people such as the late Charles Maynard who was a so called economist in government for all of these years, yet all we have accomplish is mouth talk such as; Dominica is the most beautiful place in the world: that is crap the college educated politicians used to blind the people while they get paid, and the rest of the country suffers.

    The way I see it right now; maybe anybody who knows how to use commonsense, and make wise decisions can do as well as anything we see in the past, and present government in our country. Donald, I know many multimillions who can only barley write their names.

    I know of an entertainer, the man may have over a billion dollars to his name, however, this man does not know how to read and write, although he has a way of putting his thoughts down on paper, now when someone who can read and write try to read what he wrote, there is no way to understand his writing.

    We found that most of the wealthiest people in the world have not had any college or university education, the man who owns Virgin Atlantic, is not a college graduate, as far as I know the man is a high school dropout.

    In recent years, we saw prime ministers of England, and Ireland who had no college education, there were some found in the Caribbean also; yet they did not cause any of the nations they served to sink at the bottom of the ocean, there are lots of leaders in the world without a degree leading, and have not caused their country to disintegrate.

    As a teacher you are supposed to be neutral, leave your politics at home!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  115. Sampson
    October 19, 2013

    Only in Dominica we will have this ridiculous discussion.. Why do you need a university/college education to be a prime minister ? How will a degree in Maths, English, history, physics, engineering etc. prepare someone to be a prime minister ? A prime minister needs to be a leader and this cannot be learnt in a university course. Leadership is a skill that is developed based on experience.. There are several leaders of great companies that do not have college education .. Here are some of the companies.. Microsoft, Facebook, Apple .. These companies revenues are 1000’s times bigger than the GDP of Dominica..

    Education does not make a man.. It should never define who you are… And should never be a qualification to lead..

    • ON POINT
      October 20, 2013

      Then tell me why you are sending your children to school? Investing all that money in their education.

  116. Time for Change
    October 19, 2013

    Donald Peters so many of those around you in your circle without a college degree why you preaching. Preach to them first. Are you telling us this is why this administration has failed because we have so many leaders without a degree?

  117. FAST AND FURIOUS
    October 19, 2013

    Well sai Doc.-Modern leaders must have at least a college education.-Look like that piece really offened them UWPeas.Seeing and knowing that their Leader does not even possess a school leaving certifacate.The TRUTH really offens.

  118. Mec
    October 19, 2013

    Because he said that you wpp pll do not send ur children to educate them self .

  119. %
    October 19, 2013

    He sounds like a Skerrit puppet. Shame on you man.Go get into the political ring on the Labour Party ticket. That’s where you belong. DOMINICA DESERVES BETTER THAN THAT!

  120. %
    October 19, 2013

    Hope you told them to stay away from, and do not be like those who: LIE, CHEAT, AND THIEF/STEAL what does not belong to them.
    Hope you told them of the poor and miserable state of the Dominican economy, after 13 years of Labour Powder rule.
    Hope you told the ill gotten gains is wrong, and they will one day pay for it,if they acquire them.

  121. white skin sugar
    October 19, 2013

    Peters you sound like a poppet. It is easy to know when people like you get paid. Why stress on Prime Minister? So many uneducated leaders in D.A. You trying to tell the students who to vote for indirectly, but they are smart and feels the every day struggles. . Common sense beat education.

    • REAL TALK!
      October 19, 2013

      Well I graduated and I can assure you my vote will go for the Dominica Labour Party.

    • dog bite
      October 20, 2013

      What planet are you living on? Let me be the first one to say you make no damn sense. Can you be that stupid?

      • REAL TALK
        October 20, 2013

        I cannot be stupid because i graduated with a 3.72 GPA and first class honours. Better than you could have ever done

    • John Paul
      October 20, 2013

      Wait till they try to get into the work force and find out the only few jobs we had were given away to Chinese workers.

    • I AM DOMINICA
      October 20, 2013

      He`s stressing on the Prime Minister because its the highest level of leadership in Dominica. Isn`t that logical?…. what about common sense plus education?… In any case Linton has enough time to do a crash course before the next election.

      • %
        October 20, 2013

        Why didn’t he stress on the presidency?

  122. %
    October 19, 2013

    A political speech,or a graduation speech?
    Why so many educated fools in Dominica? Wasn’t it graduation time?
    Was that speech to attract the attention of the outgoing PM?

  123. October 19, 2013

    i just hate when these educated parows are so see through. This GUY is so transparently a labourite that he makes a fool of himself. Does he have to embarrass himself like that?

  124. RubbishNews.da
    October 19, 2013

    Politics in everything. Alas alas. Although i dont dispute the value of a college education, not everyone who has a college degree acts like it. For many it was a total waste of time.

    Age and life experience countd for domething as well. And there are many college degrees that are worthless and not every degree progr prepares someone for leadership.

  125. MIND OF MYOWN
    October 19, 2013

    My Dear Dr. Donald Peters, luckily i do not get flustered by folks with doctorates and degrees. All of you politically appointed cronies will always say what the PM wants to hear. I hope you tell the PM that the way he wants to run the college like some welfare organization is causing the college to be persistently bankrupt. The ideal thing Dr.Donald would be to advise the PM to stop running the college like it is his bread shop. And you Dr. Peters you should be advising the young people especially the young girls the right road to follow. After all you are university graduate and you of all people should recognize that the young ladies at the college need guidance not take advantage of them. Imagine you are educated and the college is still just a HIGH SCHOOL with a college name. The reason why I say so is because you know that there are many students at the college who CANNOT handle the work. The criteria to enroll at the college is too weak. can you imagine Dr. Peters that the college accepts students without math and English and then you have remedial courses for them? In which college have you heard such nonsense happening? Examine yourself sir before you try to belittle other people. I for one would prefer to be not a college grad if is that kind of confusion at stock farm i have to attend.

  126. BRITISH CITISEN
    October 19, 2013

    People think of your country and stop this singing for supper.

  127. Singing for my Super
    October 19, 2013

    Then why is the State College in such a mess. Peter St.Jean knew what he was talking about when he called for proper management of the college, stating that you as management has to take full responsibility for the operation and ensure that they have a proper system in place to ensure success. Stop making a joke of this tertiery institution. Stop the rum shop talk and display managerial skills. If you cannot carry out the practical, then the theory is useless. Be of good example. The manager cannot manage. Shame.

  128. Chavez Bling Boy
    October 19, 2013

    where are the jobs sir

  129. Ambassador bughim
    October 19, 2013

    Why jyst the PM Donald Peter. Why not all heads of departments like ministers; what about advidors to the PM? What about the president of Dominica; whst about the head of GIS;
    Mr Peter while you there brown nosing did you factor in the Square Peg round hole syndrome as a major set bsck to our country.
    Donald it woukd have been better if you judt STU. No need to talk about those bad behavior thst now have you kissing up to corrupt PM who is blatantly destroying the country.
    Mr Peter stop sutiweying corruption and foolishness. Some of the greatest leaders did not have college degrees

    • Britbob
      October 19, 2013

      De man throw his corn …he doh call no fowl.. haha

    • Dem WorkersName
      October 19, 2013

      Name one Leader!!
      The Dr. Peters is right: as a leader of a country one (in todays world) an education is a must! Presidents (including OBAMA) has a doctorate. You might say well “Obama is the President of the US.” while this is true, Should we settle for Mediocrity?

      • T
        October 19, 2013

        People like you have settled for so much mediocrity, I guess it should be the norm. Do you know the number of times Skerrit has insulted people like you? The number of times he has blatantly lied to people like you? Has infringed the constitution and people like you remain MOO MOO?
        You all sycophants of Skerrit are the biggest barriers to progress in Dominica.

      • Nyc
        October 19, 2013

        Whenever someone speak the truth or try to educate us the pm sent them to be the messenger. I am for no party and I cannot vote in Dominica but as a child of the soil, you don’t need a college president to tell you education is a must. You should not be our PM if u don’t have a college degree. This is 2013 not 1320 so stop the green, red and blue nonsense. When I go to UN and listen to the PM I want to say wow not because he was babbling but he got a standing ovation. Let us grab the president and stop pointing fingers.love Dominica

      • Fire from Zion
        October 19, 2013

        And how has this doctorate helped to distinguish him from the other failures? Obama is about the worst president the US has ever had. A divisive man who knows nothing about commerce, finance and definitely not about negotiation.

        On the other hand, many presidents who have never been to college are deemed much better leaders than he is.

        Did not graduate from college

        George Washington (The death of his father ended Washington’s formal schooling; however, he believed strongly in formal education. In his will, he left money and/or stocks to support three educational institutions.[1])
        Andrew Jackson
        Martin Van Buren
        William Henry Harrison (attended college but never received a degree)
        Zachary Taylor
        Millard Fillmore (founded the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York)
        Abraham Lincoln (had only about a year of formal schooling of any kind)
        Andrew Johnson
        Grover Cleveland
        William McKinley (attended Allegheny College and Albany Law School but did not receive degrees)
        Harry S. Truman (went to business college and law school but did not receive a degree)

      • Anonymous
        October 19, 2013

        Check out the president of venezuela who our boys have so much respect for. Former bus driver with only high school (and dubious at that) education

      • Views Expressed
        October 19, 2013

        DEM WORKERS NAME: Thanks for your feedback but please try to look at the bigger picture and try to analyse what you are saying. Seriously, look at Dominica and our leadership or lack of.
        Dr. Peters is too focus on recent events of Skerrit and must also recognise those who were unable to go to college but work hard and do a good job.

      • Ambassador bughim
        October 20, 2013

        The former PM of St Lucia Mr King was just a messenger at a law firm . During his tenure St Lucoa made circles around Dominica.His tenure ended last year just so you know.
        Who have been acting PM when Roosvelt Skerrit is out guess ; Reginald Austrie; Peter St Jean.
        In any case if Roosevelt Skerrit’s leadership ability is a tedtimony of a college education then no one is impressed.

        A college graduate is afraid to debate the issues with a “high school drop out” isn’t that funny

      • October 20, 2013

        Gerald Ford was a U.S President and he didnt have a degree and their are and were many more great and smart men/women who were leaders and didnt have a degree, Peters is getting paid every month so he have to stand by the PM/President he cannot see beyond that.

      • Anonymous
        October 20, 2013

        Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, agree with you, well said Mr Peters, some of the ignorant comments I have read there regarding Mr Peters speach on education to the graduates baffles me, why are our people sooo damn ignorant and backwards, The more education the better chance you have in life…

      • Hans
        October 20, 2013

        Rosie, mike, Leblanc,Pierre Charles none of them had degrees.
        If Pierre Charles was alive I wonder whether Donald would be preaching crap. Well I am not sure cause people like Lenmox Lawrence, Tony Astaphan, Donald Peter, Parry Bellot,Charles Saverin, Emmanuel Nanthan , Arthley Aaron etc would not be sucking our marrows. Pierre Charles did not want these around him.
        So Nanthan is special advisor to the PM and does not have a degree so what do we call this. Non degree advising degree?

      • NEW DSC STUDENT
        October 20, 2013

        while having a degree is essential for todays leadership,
        1) i would like to know if it is a criteria laid out by the consitution to run for public office.
        2) would like to know why is the degree waving prime minister affraid to debate the uneducated opposition leader,
        3) statement of fact, is that if both speeches of the aboved mentioned political leaders were listened to by leaders of the international community, if asked about degree, they would think its skerrit who dont have a degree, and if told he have a degree they might think he have a doctorate in maypwis..

        in conclusion skerrit has yet to come in and outline a proposed plans to make something of this country, he has not revealed whats in the MOU, he has not come clean with PDVSA, he has not apologised for the stollen bin money, land transaction, villas, lilac buildings,passport sales, diplomatic passport to criminals,gun toting president, four hundred thousand dollar house, geothermal deal and many othe issues.. dominica has been a victim of “plunder and left for destitution”. columbus did it for queen and church, now skerrit and his rich educated friends are doing the same for their pocket.
        if the people of this country are not seeing then they will feel, Dr. Peters STOP THE POLITICS AT THE COLLEGE..i can see through that. i wish i could have walked out but thats not me..

        i am not a supporter of party but my eyes are open and a fist time voter… i need to hear positive things from the PM to feel his vibes, he have serious issues from what i am hearing…

        and skerrit stop the giving away of public funds for votes, it undermines us financially..

        lord please help

      • u not real
        October 20, 2013

        we want to go all the way back in the 18th century to find examples all you workers good. I really do not care about what other countrymen with oil resources do but in dominica there is no way we should accept that in the 21st century I agree

  130. Anonymous
    October 19, 2013

    While trying to shoot an arrow at someone you need to be mindful of those around you, because there are few fools around you who needs to start over from the elementary level, This is the most idiotic statement to make at a graduation in this country. Many of the citizens are more educated than the present Prime Minister and all of the other ministers. Let us count them one by one and see how many we can dismiss. I think Maturity and professionalism is what we should be emphasizing.

  131. October 19, 2013

    Skerrit just gave you people a 100k, what else will you say? :-)

  132. October 19, 2013

    Well said Mr President and Amen to that. I hope as a mentor to the students they can leave with these strong words of wisdom. It speaks volume.

    • Really!
      October 19, 2013

      Can you magine, because the “Boycott opposition Party” leader – Lennox is a high school drop out and not college educated , all of a sudden education is no longer important. Not only is he not educated but he is even a political NOVICE (that he has even publicly admitted).

      Please people! But there is space for him at the Dominica State College and Prime Minister Skerritt will definitely give him a scholarship. Dr. Peter has a right to advice the young people at the college before they emulate the drop out Novice.

      • Anonymous
        October 19, 2013

        DNO, please subtract one thumbs up. I gave one to this silly comment in error.

      • Views Expressed
        October 19, 2013

        REALLY: I want you to really read over what you wrote. For your information Lennox Linton is more qualified that Skerrit….in all fields of good governance, project identification, budgetary control. Whys I Dr. Aaron wasting so much time writing on Lennox, does he not have confidence on Skerrit`s qualifications and ability to deliver on it..?

      • Francisco Telemaque
        October 20, 2013

        One thing you have to remember, is that no school, college or university can educate a person! In reality in life an educational institution can only prepare one for their education in life!

        Even if Lennox did not complete high school, that dose not mean he could not have obtained a better education than someone who sat in and attend classes. You need to remember, that both his parents, father, and mother were educators, principals who served throughout Dominica, and have prepared many of our scholastically informed for their real education in life.

        Have you ever wondered they may have taught him the entire high school curriculum at home? Even in the twenty-first century, a vast majority of people teach their children at home, home schooling has been in existence for more than seventy years.

        As far as I am concerned, Lennox seems to be better educated than most of them in politics today. I have spoken with people who know Lennox personally, and when I say people, I am talking about someone who has a in certain profession which I will not mentioned that person told me both he and Lennox worked on certain projects which I will not mentioned so that I do not give out a clue, nonetheless my contention, if Lennox was that dumb, or his intelligence was less than or equal to that of a high school graduate, he could not have participated in any project with the individual who is a university graduate.

        Let it be noted ” Birds of a feather flocked together.”

        We saw Lennox on working in Television in Dominica, he had a regular program On Marpin, the seems perfect, he spoke perfect English, and proved to be one of the more popular journalist in the Caribbean, he once again proved himself when the Derrick’s of Antigua employed him to anka on their Radio Stations.

        If Lennox was not a capable individual; the Derricks I knew way back when I was a boy, would not have employed him. This I can attest to, since I was once employed by Mr. Vincent Derrick, and note I do not usually bestow the honor of Mister on anyone unless they have earned my respect.

        If it is in ones destiny to be whatever he/she must be; ridiculing, and trying to bring the person down shall not change the inevitable!

        It is okay to be scholastically educated, nonetheless, the most successful, the richest people we see are not he most brilliant, or educated. I do not know if he is going to be Dominica’s next Prime Minister, but the way things have evolved in our country since independence I doubt if it makes any difference wether the person at the apex of the country has an college or university degree.

        Certainly, the head of the nation, El Presidente” does not have a university. As far as I remember he may have finished high school, and taught at DGS, however, he failed every teachers examination he attempted, thus he was moved to the public works department where he did some work in Land and Survey, until he entered politics, where he failed also, apart from a successful insurrection in which he overthrew Patrick John.

        Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • 100 % Dominican
        October 20, 2013

        I will give you my ‘uneducated’ assessment of this statement!!! One word……..UTTER RUBBISH!!!!!!!!! The man they say is uneducated speaks in a language which ALL can understand and is excellent at speech…. Look at our world leaders over the years……….many were not highly educated in schools but they had a wealth of knowledge!!!Ronald Reagan ended, effectively the cold war…..There are many more……Hmmmmm

      • October 20, 2013

        I would say you show a lack of education yourself and if you believe a graduation speech should be about politic you have long way to go Peters and yourself are working and getting a pay check every month dont you think these men/women would like the same will politic or politicans employ then, you seem to know that Skerrit have money for scholarship so why dont he have money to create jobs for those students who are out and dont know where to turn, A you happy about that and do you know “A mind is a terrible thing to waste” so check yourself first before posting your comments

      • Anonymous
        October 20, 2013

        @really.
        Please tell me why a graduating class is been told not to drop
        Out of college, did you miss the fact “graduating” SMH.
        Why are you people so ignorant. Did lennox advocate not going to college. There is something called life experience universities and colleges give credit for that, so why is it because we don’t like someone we denigrate so many by saying people who did not finish college are failures.
        This nonsense needs to stop.
        I am marketing director of one of Toronto largest retail chain, I did not go to college but experience and dedication to my field got me where I am today, however my daughter is a medical student, does that make her smarter than a person who is a tradesman that learn by doing. It only makes her more knowledgeable in her field. It’s about time we stop this ignorance.

      • Doc. Love
        October 20, 2013

        Really, put your money where your mouth is. If Mr. Lennox Linton is considered to be a nonentity, why don’t you ask Skeritt to have a national debate. On Friday passed, Skeritt was invited to appear on the show Kingdom Come where the question of qualification would be discussed, he used a piece of psychology and never turned up. Dr. Aaron writing in the Chronicle of September 20th, wrote that Skeritt has a BSc degree in Psychology, maybe it is that psychology he uses on Dominicans, why the country is going down slowly according to King Spider.

  133. Anonymous
    October 19, 2013

    I agree!! All my hard work going to waist then. If that so called big L(LOSER) can be prime minister I can be one too. I have an associate degree in Psychology and Economics so I might as well quality for the position.

  134. me story
    October 19, 2013

    JULIAN FRANCOIS want to go up for paix bouche constituncy he never been to a college from high school to police what ministry is he goin to hold how is he goin to talk on dominicans behalf,what is he going to say,can he represent dominica oversea, he cannot even talk in public what happen is it a papishow thing, tiger is smarter than him send tiger in paixbouche

  135. MAMIE
    October 19, 2013

    When will you stop playing politics with your speeches?. We know that you have been rejected everywhere. Stop it Donald, should i say, duck.

  136. Doc. Love
    October 19, 2013

    Dr. Peters, are you referring to President Charles Savarin or Mr. Lennox Linton. Maybe you are referring to Reggie Austrie who, on occasions, acts as Prime Minister. By the way, does the Minister of Education have a College Degree, the Commissioner of Police, the Comptroller of Inland Revenue and the Director of Social Security. I know of some modern people who have degrees, for example, Mr. Edison James, Mr. Spraggs John, Mr. Claudius Sanford, Mr. Norris Prevost, Mr. Joseph Isaac, Mr. Joshua Francis, Mr. Ron Green and Skeritt.

    • Doc. Love
      October 20, 2013

      Oh, Oh, I forgot to mention the Superintendent of Prisons and the GIS boss who was a prison warder and wants to be a politician. As we can see, its not only Mr. Linton who needs a scholarship from Skeritt.

  137. MeCamem
    October 19, 2013

    Dr. Peters, as an educator myself, I hold a special comradery and reverence to you, and an ultimate respect for the indispensable service you provide to the country. However, I think your timing was not the most judicious- with reference to a college education and leadership. Remember, our State College is very young, and (financially) not everyone had the ability to compete for a place in college, which was always out of the country.

    Although I totally agree with you that our leaders should experience and complete higher education – even if it is just to serve as an example for our young people; yet, one could perceive this as a subtle attack on Mr. Linton.

    I must also add: I simply cannot understand why Mr. Linton would not complete an online degree to put this matter to rest.

  138. me story
    October 19, 2013

    have u ever heard him spoken in public he cannot talk how is he going to address dominican ha ha ha JULIAN SORRY NOT U WE DOH WANT U FRANCOIS

  139. the truth
    October 19, 2013

    Tell that to the boy dat want to go up for the paix bouche contituncy he have never been to a college what happen back wards we goin now from high school to police boy just behave yourself MR.FRANCOIS WHAT MINISTRY WILL U HOLD.

  140. ROSEAU VALLEY
    October 19, 2013

    This is a stale issues, which has been debated in many different fora over the last few weeks since Lennox Linton was elected as the new leader of the UWP.
    Without addressing the substantive point of Dr. Peters, it suffices to caution that people in authority must be careful what they say, where they say it, the occasion in which it is said, the presence of whom in which it is said and the context in which the statement is made.

    Roseau Valley understands the sentiments of the good doctor and appreciates the need for leaders to be exposed to college education. This is not in dispute. However, it is clear that whereas on its surface, this is a reasonable statement to make, the context in which the statement was made is unacceptable and should be condemned.

    The President of the college was addressing the DSC graduating class of 2013. he ought to have searched deeper for the professional wisdom and strength to resist the partisan political urge to take a swipe at the new leader of the UWP. It is in that regard, that Roseau valley considers his statement was uncalled for, unfortunate, unprofessional and out of place.

    Dr. Peters did not act in a dignified and professional manner as protocol would mandate. His bold expression of his personal opinion as the President of the college, while addressing a graduating class was in poor taste and unwise as this is an issue that is currently receiving a lot of partisan political attention.

    The President should have the sense as a decorated college graduate himself to rise above that political talk and leave his agreement or disagreement with those people who say its okay or not in the 21st century to be a prime minister of a country without going to college. This issue is very debatable as there are many examples of people who did not go to college and who have proven themselves as good leaders, albeit the importance of having a college education.

    Clearly, Mr. Peters was involved in the classical act of throwing maipuis. His statements devalued the importance of the occasion and he should apologize to the students and parents attending the commencement ceremony. This was a cheap political shot at the new Leader of the UWP, which Dr. Peters may regret making in the future.

    By his own reasoning though, Dr Peters is saying that more than half of Skerrit’s cabinet are not good leaders because they lack college education. He is also saying that the Minister of Education, who may not have a college education along with the person who deputized for him at the same function as the Acting Minister of Education are incompetent as neither possess a college degree. What is he saying about the newly installed gun-point President who does not have a college degree?

    Considering the fact that Roseau Valley does not have a college education, who am I to argue with the learned Dr. Peters?

    Respectfully
    Roseau valley

  141. %
    October 19, 2013

    The beginning of your speed is one of the reasons why so many many people see you as one singing HOSSANA FOR HIS SUPPER.Guess if you don’t do it, you will be fired! who are those leaders you are referring to? Wonder if anything was mentioned to to the graduating class that most of them presently face a bleak future in this poor and backward Dominica,since our present leaders have impoverished the country, while they are filthy rich. Wonder if you told them ANYTHING about being HONEST in the workplace, since some of them(as little as it is), will soon be employed. Wonder if you told them anything about,respect for the LAW, INCLUDING THE CONSTITUTION,. They should be told about NOT BEING GREEDY, since it causes other people to suffer, while they will be in search of wealth.
    Wonder if you failed to tell them that there are EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE IN EVERYTHING, where for example, a few people have not gone to college and these people are HELL SMART, ARTICULATE, HONEST, CAN DETECT MALFEASANCE IN PUBLIC OFFICE, HAVE CAUSED LARGE SUMS OF MONEY TO RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY’S TREASURY, HAVE DISCOVERED BOBOL, ETC, ETC,.
    Wonder if you told them anything about when they become leaders (some will), they must not insult the people that they vowed to serve, that they should not deliberately cause people to be dependent upon them etc etc etc,.
    Part of your speedh was poorly presented,MORE SUITED FOR THE POLITICAL PLATFORM THAN A COLLEGE GRADUATION.

  142. Channel 1
    October 19, 2013

    There is no course or degree in the world titled how to be a Prime Minister.

    So say you go to some tertiary institution to learn English or Spelling or Civil Engineering, does that really translate into making you ‘smart’ and/or a genius in leadership?

    As far as I know, if you pursue a degree in a particular field, you become quite knowledgeable in that field but that does not mean you know everything else.

    After all, take a look at the calamitous nature and problems of this world today. Now who is in charge and seemingly do not have at least a faint clue as to how to go about solving even basic issues? Isn’t it the so-called ‘educated’ folks……..

  143. Anonymous
    October 19, 2013

    You don’t need a college degree to lead. University and colleges don’t teach anything about leadership. Some of the greatest leaders in the world don’t have college degrees.. You are living in the ancient world .. Is that the brain washing that is happening in DA?

    I have university degrees, but I have many great leaders without.. I am of the firm believer that leaders are born and taught..

  144. Anonymous
    October 19, 2013

    I am confused! While it’s ok to be prime minister without having to go to college, why does he who wants to be prime minister want to offer free education for all?

  145. hommeclelot
    October 19, 2013

    A “degree”in any subject of any quality from any institution?

  146. Channel 1
    October 19, 2013

    Boy it seems as if everybody that has been put in place (directly or indirectly) by the PM has to help him to try to grasp on to power by uttering all manner of nonsense eh.

    As I heard someone say, it seems as if the more educated you become, the less common sense you have.

    For some people, education is inversely proportional to common sense.

    I hope all those people who never got a chance to go to college and/or university but who have still persevered to make something worthwhile of themselves are paying close attention to these insults from these guys.

    These guys are basically telling people who out there who did not attend some tertiary institution that they are not fit to hold any leadership position in the land of their birth.

    Let me see if you all are going to tolerate this level of high-grade disrespect?

  147. well
    October 19, 2013

    Doctor, it is also important to teach them

    not to be corrupt.
    that if they become leaders that they should be able to debate
    that they should have respect for the constitution
    that the truth matters
    that they should not bribe
    that a prime minister , ministers and advisers should not get involved in a private matter between mr mano and a lawyer.
    that mr emmanuel deserves justice
    that seeko seko should not be shielded
    that it is important to have a clean voters list
    and that they should not fire bomb

  148. concern
    October 19, 2013

    Hu RA congratulation to the students and Dominica. and what good words of wisdom from a good and educated wise man

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