Minister of Youth Affairs warns against violence

Justina Charles

Minister of Youth Affairs and Culture, Justina Charles, has warned the nation’s youth that they should not subject themselves to violence because of fear.

“Stand up and let your voice be heard, let your voice be heard in your families. Do not subject yourself to the abuses within the homes just because you are afraid of what will happen,” she said.

Charles was speaking at a special assembly at the St. Martin Secondary during which a declaration against violence by the youth of the island was presented to the public and various government organizations.

She encouraged the students to find someone to confide in when threatened by violence. “I am certain there is somebody out there who is willing to listen to you. Find somebody who you think can be a support to you, a mentor who can mother you and confide in them,” the culture minister said.

The formulation of the declaration against violence was one of many activities taken by the island’s CARICOM Youth Ambassadors. It aims to raise awareness about violence and eliminate violent activities in society.

It was put together by students from various schools on the islands at an Orange Day Symposium on 24th November, 2012.

It reads in part: “We the youth of the Commonwealth of Dominica, with God as our guide declare that violence is ignorance and we come together to reject it. We choose the path of love and wisdom and we strive to be positive role models in our communities. We claim respect and the right to live lives free of fear as one of our fundamentals human right. We pledge to actively engage in activities to stamp out violence in our homes, community and our country, region and the world.”

A copy of the declaration was given to the minister Justina Charles, the Bureau of Gender Affairs, and the Youth Development Division.

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24 Comments

  1. February 6, 2013

    Tony, unless I am confused, confounded, or simply high on some white rum, or some other alcoholic beverage, or perhaps marijuana, or crack cocaine I have a hard time finding a single sentence in the three submission I wrote where I called anybody an undesirable, or derogatory name!

    First of all I do not use marijuana, nor do I smoke crack cocaine, never have in my entire life of living, and never will; now I would be a liar if told you I never drink alcoholic beverages, when it comes to that I drink every thing which contains alcohol; however I cant remember when last I got drunk, and surely while I was writing the kid was not drunk nor under the influence of any fire water oui:

    Hhhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

    I mentioned “an ostrich ” if that word is unknown to you, or you believe that it is derogatory, be informed that an Ostrich, is a very large bird found only on the continent of Africa, at night fall, and when at rest, or when the wind is blowing strongly, the Ostrich bury’s its head in the sand.

    Now I believe you know that.

    Secondly, I used the term illiterate peasants, I did not call lady Charles, or even the smart soul who talk his/her crap about global, and education an illiterate peasant.

    So, I have idea why would suggest I am into name calling, thirdly it is good that you recognized my intelligence. I do not have to tell someone I am educated okay, because the taste of the pudding is in the eating!

    If a person writes some on DNO and they are an intelligent person, everyone will know it based on how well they articulate themselves.

    Keep in mind a computer cannot make people smart; I learnt a long time ago with a computer, if one puts garbage into it the output will be garbage!

    “Garbage in garbage out!”

    I am not into name calling except when dome of my foes or friends on DNO try to insult me, de boys an dem!

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

    FET.

  2. BoBo
    February 6, 2013

    Sports is a way of trying to get kids and young adults away from violence. Sponsoring the district leagues of all sports which benefits young people from her constituency and Darroux contituency is a must. There should be more “money where your mouth is”.

  3. Anonymous
    February 6, 2013

    If you take part of the statement and comment on it, then you will misunderstand what the minister is saying. All she is saying is that if someone is abusing you, don’t stay quiet, find someone you can share with and tell them what is happening to you. Forget the politics and look at the common sense part of it. She is making sense.

  4. rescue 911
    February 5, 2013

    if grandbay pal rep was a teacher she should go back to teaching,she is not a politician and we all can tell.

    • (.) (.)
      February 6, 2013

      Bondiere…give the woman a chance nah. No one was born neither a teacher nor a politician. We all grow and learn. When her term finishes she can decide whether she wants to remain in politics or go elsewhere. So far, I don’t see any seasoned politician in Dominica.

  5. weezib
    February 5, 2013

    i don’t know what all the hoopla is in the comments but i was at the assembly and found her words to be poignant and right on cue…

    the first time i’ve heard her sound so comfortable and confident speaking on these issues… she’s maturing as a minister, right in front of our eyes…

    • ....................
      February 5, 2013

      @weezib Yes because you are standing on your head!And stop talking weezib…Your name says a lot about why you couldn’t understand a heck about what she said.

    • February 5, 2013

      You found nothing wrong with her comments, either because of your lack of comprehension of the English language, or simply prefer to bury your head in the sand as an ostrich; as most Dominicans usually do when they seek handouts from the politicians.

      Well, let me tell you there is nothing in her comments worth dignifying, such foolish comments defy’s commonsense, if you are a kindergarten graduate the nonsense she spoke might make some sense to you only.

      As far as I am concerned you do not even know the meaning of the word poignancy, so you had better not mention it; because if you classify her words as poignant, one does not have to wonder why our country is in the state as it is when we have people such as this lady in government, and are revered by your kind.

      Such foolish sentiments I expect to come from a common illiterate peasant, and not from one considered a leader in a community.

      Here are some definitions of the word poignant:

      . Pervasive

      . Deeply affecting

      . Painfully affecting the feelings of others
      based on what we say, and the context in which
      we say something

      .Piercing

      . Pleasurable stimulating

      . Comments, and remarks designed to make an
      impression.

      .Cutting

      Indeed she has made an impression on our nation, however, the foolish comments she made,there is nothing poignant about that!

      You should not repute such nonsense!

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • Lougaoo Mem
        February 6, 2013

        It’s so difficult to explain to one who doesn’t know the “B” in the bull’s foot.

      • February 6, 2013

        Good afternoon. Hi Mr Telemaque why do you have to used such derogatory words at people. Why don’t you just make your point and stop calling people such names. Also you are not the only educated person on this website. What is wrong with asking the children to come forward and speak to someone if they are a victim of abuse.

      • Grand Bay Girl
        February 6, 2013

        ‘Comments defy’s!lol

    • Malgraysa
      February 6, 2013

      I beg to disagree. The message may be a good one but the messenger has a poor delivery and this distracts.

  6. Malatete
    February 5, 2013

    The good lady is clearly out of her depth in her ministerial role, despite her good intentions.Does she ever craft even her speeches herself? Please, for everybody’s sake, find her a role that has less public exposure.

  7. En Ba La
    February 5, 2013

    DNO why are you not posting my comments. Golly!
    Admin should I put my own disclaimer let me know.

  8. %
    February 5, 2013

    This speech will help to break families if DNO leaves it there for the next second, since children who are not level headed will mis construe it totally …..
    WAY PAPA! WELL LOOK IT. WE FINI BAT IN DOMINICA!
    Children will rise up in the various homes in Dominica for any piece of good advise we.

  9. Morihei Ueshiba
    February 5, 2013

    Bring back Crispin, this is the worse parl rep. :mrgreen:

  10. Patience
    February 5, 2013

    This is one of the worst statement I’ve read on DNO. Did the minister read that or she just said it off her head.
    That is very immature and irresponsible.
    If a child is being abused and he/she raises her voice, the next step is that the child will be killed!

  11. February 5, 2013

    To the edditor,
    I am from Grand-bay Dominica and living in the United State’s for the pass thirty years.I strongly oppose to any form of violence on or against any body.But at same time,the minister of sports should start addressing the condition affecting the people of Grand-Bay which she represient and stop being a spokes woman for crime and violence.

  12. February 5, 2013

    “Stand up and let your voice be heard, let your voice be heard in your families”

    This lady need to educate herself regarding the home, and the bringing up and training of a child, or children as a matter of fact. When one advised children to ” stand up and let their voice be heard in the homes of their families” she is actually advising children to rise up against their parents.

    That to me that is bad, and foolish advise:

    I agree that we have child abuse in our homes in Dominica, such conduct has been perpetrated on children for as long as Dominica is in existence. The fact that parents abuse their children in the twenty-first century is because they experience the same thing from their parents, thus they believe the way in which they discipline their children is normal.

    Beating a child, combined with continuous screaming, and shouting as people do in Dominica is by no means a way to correct, or discipline children. Unfortunately, that is the way parents in Dominica, and the entire Caribbean does it.

    Rather than this lady advising children to stand up, and attack their parents whom they are obligated to and are dependent upon, I think it would be more appropriate for this politician to suggest an educational dialogue between parents and children.

    Perhaps it is time that parents take a look at themselves, and ask themselves: am I doing the right thing; couldn’t I resolve the problem without beating the kid; what have I accomplished by screaming at my child?

    Politician Charles, if you want to do something, start by suggesting a massive parental education on how best to raise a child.

    Example: they say any child who live past their eighteenth birthday in Los Angeles is lucky. I do not believe in that. I raised four children in the middle of Los Angeles, they are all alive and well, highly productive, however, just about all the children who went to school with them; grew up on the same block; many of them are dead, murdered, or are in jail!

    I did not beat my children, nor scream at them, I used diplomacy, by talking, and pointing them into the right direction, that works, it is more effective than a whip!

    A little love in the home makes a vast difference also.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Lougaoo Mem
      February 5, 2013

      I fully concur! The Grand Bay constituency can definitely do better than what they have gotten, when it comes to representation. It’s a big shame. Someone, pleeeze help us!

      • heavy
        February 5, 2013

        Here we go again politic full my pocket and remain a fool i will be on your side this is the shame i don’t believe in give me i rather give to the needy because the needy don’t comment at all they are gratful for what is given to them ease up and RESPECT

    • heavy
      February 5, 2013

      Did you really understand what was said or you handle it in your own meaning many people read and don’t understand a statement given in a conversation so go back and read you will understand it all lower your meanings its not coming from the right direction”RESPECT”

    • February 5, 2013

      Francisco Telemaque, to you what she says may make no sense. However to a more informed and educated audience and according to global stats, parents and adults generally do not listen to reason, do not want to be counseled, therefore,children should be given an opportunity to talk to the relevant bodies, organisations if they are being abused and ill-treated. It does not mean that the adult is being automatically accused, but at least the circumstances can be investigated. You all vent and are so blind-sided that you all fail to see simple reason. All in the interest of children. I agree with Minister Charles – children should let their voices be heard – through the appropriate channels.

      • February 6, 2013

        It is not my intention monopolized DNO, however, whenever I read nonsense such as you have written here it makes me want to disgorge everything that is inside of me.

        What better educated and global crap you are talking about! By the way you do not know me, you do not know my academic background, so be carefully what you say to me or loop me into any category, try to know who you are talking to or about before you launch your personal attacks.

        Look I’ve lived it that is why I can the comments I made, for your information, I know how to deal with children, since raised and cherish four of my very own, I will not elaborate, but I invite you to read over my first comments perhaps it may enlighten you okay!

        I am not dumb, and surely I am better educated academically than the lady minister. And if you had any inelegance you would have detected, or see the danger in the crap she has spoken. In the first place, ask yourself, to children of what age is she conveying her venom?

        If a child is old enough to stand and argue with me in my house, that would mean I am dealing with an adult; an adult, therefore, the adult should find their own home, if you are grown: get out, and I will not have any power over you to discipline you.

        You are so far out; the concept behind what I said is beyond you, had it not you would not have made the ignorant comments you made!

        I am not contending that child abuse exist in Dominica, all of us without exception was subjected to that at one time or the other; and only an idiot would not understand that it is something inherited culturally!

        So how do you change that?

        The changes should come through education: Whereas even in Dominica we have children giving birth to children what do you expect. Address that then perhaps you will find a better argument to throw at me. Until then you have not said squat!

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

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