Head of the University of the West Indies Open Campus in Dominica Dr Francis Severin has indicated that society and adults should take some blame for the issues currently affecting young people in Dominica.
Severin was delivering the feature address at the North East Comprehensive School’s graduation ceremony this morning.
“Boys and girls are told to be honest, truthful and respectable citizens and they will thrive. However they observe on a daily basis, older men who are dishonest, deceitful and disgraceful thriving without being punished. Boys are told to be respectful to women and treat them with chivalry and with kindness. However they witness their older counterparts being disrespectful and being abusive to women and the women who are so abused are returning love and loyalty to these women. Such men even hold high office,” he said.
According to Severin, boys and girls are aspiring to become policemen and women that will allow them to earn a decent living.
But he said however, they observe day after day that policemen and policewomen are struggling to keep their families afloat, “experiencing the disappointment of seeing criminals going free, not being able to build decent houses and to buy road worthy houses, while drug men laugh at them and criminals walk away from the courts with their lawyers…”.
He said many in the Dominican society are idolizing and romanticizing criminals.
“Boys and girls are told that we need Christians. We need honest and decent people in parliament…so that the country may grow and develop in the long run however they (youth) see politicians who are more interested in power than service. Who are more captivated by the short term benefit for a few rather than long-term benefit for the majority, who are preoccupied with accumulating wealth rather than distributing wealth legitimately…” he said.
Severin said the youth have also been promised that the court will dispense justice and fairness and that once one has done what is right, and followed the rule of law, justice will prevail, but instead they see justice and fairness as being a figment of the imagination.
“…They see justice has little to do with what is right or wrong but depends on who has money to hire the best lawyers and win in the courts. They also see magistrates are being told that their punishments are too harsh while the victims of crime are offered no comfort even when they suffer the murder of their children,” he said.
He also touched on the issues of bad parenting.
He said many children see their own parents being more concerned about identifying with one political party rather than concentrating on being good Christians.
“Many of our boys and girls see their parents idolizing politicians in a cultish fashion rather than professing faith in God. They see their parents receiving handouts and defending politicians. In the mean time, the same politicians smile quietly to themselves saying “… we got all the fools in town on our side”
Well papa, all the ant-Skerrit (Dominica hating) brats, suffering frm LOPS (Lost Of Power Syndrome) suddenly came out to attack me just because I expressed my opinion as I see it (as the good Doc deed). I never questioned the Doc rights to express his opinion, and I NEVER WILL for surely everyone is entitled to his or her opinion in a democracy. So to you SVBaker and MANCHAT, please get this: None of you punks can get someone like me to shut up! I suppose that is the kind of government that you all would like to see restored in Dominica one of fear and intimidation where everone who disagrees with your viewpoint is demonized and visciously attacked? Certainly with the barage of antiSkerrit attacks, accusations and false propaganda that people like you put out in all media circles on a daily basis about Dominica and its government it is just testimony to the great and abundant freedom of expression and democracy that exists today in our country like NEVER BEFORE. Surely people like you wouldn't have dared to say some of the things you are saying now during Mamo's time and still hold lucrative government jobs and appointments in any area where the government had some influence. So go ahead and enjoy these freedoms. Just don't try to take mine away from me, because you can't and I will come right back at you, YOU COWARD! And, the last time I checked I was not taking anything (except some good dose of commonsense, intelligence, good judgement and objectivity). I wish I could say the same for you, because everyone who have landed here in the past two to three years, after not having been back for years, are congratulating the government for the tremendous strides that the country has been making (except naysayers like yourself). I wonder which one of us needs to take a trip to Cuba to get an eye check (free of charge I might add, courtesy again of a hardworking, visionary government).
Visionary you are like your P.M laughable. hahahahahaha lol! you ought to give up that thing you are smoking in secretcuse it sure sold you out. You cannot be serious . you must be from that underground/indirect control camp of silent haters who have their palms buttered ( reason for your sqeauking) the one who sqweaks gets the grease.Dr. Savarin has the right to speak it may not be what you wish to hear but you got to allow human rights and freedom to rule.Things are not going right today on the commonwealth of Dumb-ini -ca. your DFP hybrid party is in charge and the upsurge in crime ,corruption, lawlessness loss of our country is more pronounced than etc and this is the best you can come up with? Shame on you blindman. You ought to register with the association of the visually impaired. On second thought they should not even consider your application they are able to see the ills that you are incapableof seeing. Ask skerrit for a ticket to go to eye surgery in Cuba with the next team. Visionary my foot. Do us readers on DNO a big favour and wipe the lasscey from your eyes when you rise in the mornings you little dishonest brat. Look like your smoking of that wee 's affecting not only your sight but your logic too. you need to go to a medically aproved store to obtain your supply.PHC comes in different concentrations, it could be 3,4,5% medically controled. if you buy from the streets you do not know where it comes from and the concentration varies yours might be from Coloumbia and at 15% hence your inability to reason, hear things correctlly. That would explain your hallucinations both visual and aduitary. So both Drs ricketts and Pascal should check you for eyes then ears,nose & throat. When they are done with you you go see Drs.Sharma or Benjamin.If none of the aforemention helps it's time to go see a resident haitian obeah man or woman.if you are not resolved then it time to go to G/loupe .after all is done go see Drs. Savarin & Parra Rivere and apolgise for your stupidity. In retrospect maybe you could solve the issues skip them all and just accept you are bias, stupid polarised for what you've getting from the current regimeor both.
Pride 365 you said you'd like to come out but you are fearful of victimiaztion.My suggestion is come forthon the 365 th day ina leap year. You are a grown man/woman what are you afraid of.There in lies the issue if more of us would come forward like we did on may 29th 1979 this regime would be trated just like we treated the one of 1979. The issue is there were some of us with testicular fortitude mixed up with DFPites who had their own agenda and they took power & held it for 15 yrs. now many of us who did the dirty work stayed in the wilderness from 1979 to 2000. then Rosie died so did Pierro and a former young DFP-ite infiltated on behalf of the old guards of the DFP( post mamo) and took over the Original DLP so now we original DLP-ites have become second class in our own party. The evidence is clear as the water (clean water that is) can we recall the meeting with all the living DFP ites invited to the House that Johnson built by the current false DLP leader some attended the meeting with catheters hanging out the pants the other medication in their shirt jack pockets? he was giving thanks to those who served during Mamo's reign who now control the policies even those whose mental stability are in question run external policies. Many of the cadres from the 70 80's joined the UWP only to leave in fustration some referred to eddie as being beast-like etc.look at chief black power leader of UWP a former cafeteria commie anouncing his party's manifesto is on line .How many D/cans have access to the internet? That was a laughable I'll agree if Skerrit had said that then.See guys like Ron wiltshire etc etc even those cadres of Athie( who he help educate in the USA) have watered down not even 1/8 of what they pretended to be.They have found Christ and renounces satan with all his works. They have kids in college house mortgage hence have lost the will and conviction to even brush the teeth in the mornings.No wonder Skerrit again say the men in DA have no testicular fortitude .I guess his advisors minus SC has all the balls! lol! So PRIDE peeps like you need not be afraid ( not sure if you are male or female) matters not to me. Mamo was female??? and had more balls than all the men in Skerrit cabinet including Skerrit himself( maybe Mamo left Skerrit some testicles in her will to run the country.( remember always he was a youngDFP -ite before 2000elections.So Pride 365 get some testicular fortitude on the 366th day just for once in your life.
Dr. Saverin speaks the truth despite knowing he is of DFP extract we know the vine from whence he sprang but his education not his studies can take him on a different road.he has more than what it takes so let him be. In regards to Parra DR Riveire: Visionary needs to ask Skerrit to send him to Cuba for an eye check up as he cannot see tht that Parra is ona different level to most of our politicians he has history behind him of being intransigent and refusing to be partof our 19th world mentality the guy is long gone on the next level the current regime in using as it's mantra. When a people can choose Reggie over Parra it speaks volumes of who we are as a nation. A friend who resides in the USA always tells me most and he reiterates each time most of the people of a previous era post independece who made sense left DA many moons ago and that has left DA as it is and has become.If we are awaiting true political liberation and econmic development it will only be feasible in the next life. As the material to acheive it in this present life is just not there. Corruption and mediocracy rules.Our psuedo- leaders today are all MBAa not Masters in Business administration but ………..MBAs if you can figure the other meaning .
or even comb their hair so they go bald instead.
well well..well said.. u see some people are so subjective that they believe its an attack…my friend its the truth, if one is a drug man, a criminal, a corrupt, Dominica is a safe haven….it is glaring to see how the country is run by this administartion and the ones that benefit advocate the PM to be immaculate… a good man…
Mr. Severin we need many like you… i too i would like to talk but i am fearfull of victimization in this democracy…
hail to the you …others please come forward, Dominica is for all of us.. being political is being patriotic
Quite the contrary Sir,it is you, on the other hand who are demonizing this man with all your deceptive and cunning craftiness.But you see my well learned friend you can fool some people some of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time..You sir, i must confess are good, very good at what you do. Yes, i must say. With all of your rhetoric and propaganda,your twisting of the 'Good Doc's” words to suit your own agenda,almost to the point of being dangerous. You almost had me.I would swear that you have a PhD yourself, you are so crafty. Check you out; and that one is the least of your venom:….”demonizing the vast majority of hardworking Dominicans are exercising their democratic rights to support their party”.(lol).. Yes, that may be so, but how about the “Good Doc”,he has no democratic rights to voice his opinions?,he has no democratic rights to stand up for what he believes in?, to speak on the injustices he sees in his society.The corruption and lack of integrity he sees in Govt.?,the lack of opportunities for the citizens of Dominica,especially the youths?.The vast accumulation of wealth by some in Govt.,whilst most of the citizens have it so hard to make ends meet?. So hard to feed themselves and their families and to pay their bills?, while some rely on handouts from the Govt.?…you don't see nothing wrong with that picture?.
No, because you sir, are part of the machine,and as long as the machine keeps on running you are quite happy indeed. It benefits you and yours. And it is your duty,sir,to protect that inner circle by any means necessary.
He left no stones unturned,there was no partiality in his speech.We all have to bear some form of responsibility and should be accountable. Accountability and respect is quite lacking in Dominica.
Dr.Severin, is a Dominican and has a fundamental right to voice his opinions just like ever other Dominican regardless of what political party he supports,without coming under attack,being vilified or demonized. Or even questioning his motives for that matter. I don't know him, and i am not defending him.I do not belong to, nor affiliated with, any political party. I am certainly sure that he is more than capable of defending himself. That my friend,is why i saw right through you. If he has his eyes set on Political office,that's his right as a Dominican also. I hope to GOD he does…How about you, where do you have you eyes set?.What motives do you have?.why can't you set your eyes on the PM's seat instead of being a political stooge or a crony?.
Whenever any smart and intelligent Dominican with some guts, sees and understand what's going on in society, stand up, talk about it and say this is wrong, or resist being part of your status quo, woe be onto him or her. Especially if they can't be bought, they are deemed “anti govt.”, a threat to your machine. That is what democracy is all about.Freedom of speech,freedom of expression,Standing up for ones rights,and for what is right.Being a voice of reason.Defending the Rights of the people.Isn't it?.
On the other hand sir,is where you come in to play,with your masterfully crafted propaganda,cunning as a fox and full of deceptions.
Political tribalism is alive and well in Dominica. It's political party before Country and this is so wrong,very wrong. It is divisive, it causes division, and spreads dissension. What ever happens to; your Country first?.Know the affairs of you State.Study the predicament of Dominica to find out how it has reached where it is and where is it going.The last time i checked i didn't see any politician mentioned in the National Anthem, did you?
One of the obligations of Govt.,is to facilitate the creation of opportunities for its people.My question to you is,..is Dominica governed by a political party that is interested in the interest of the political party,or that of Dominica and its people? I need an honest answer, then again, the only time that a politician speaks the truth,is when he don't open his mouth.
And can you honestly tell me, sir,that crime is not on the rise in D/ca.? These senseless and unsolved murders,assaults,aggravated assaults with intent to commit grievous bodily harm,robberies,breaking and entering,larceny,and drugs(crack cocaine and cocaine), human trafficking and an influx of guns into the Country. Do you really know what's going on?Do you choose to ignore,or your head is so far up your political party's behind that you are too blind to see.Thank GOD that we are not on the level of Jamaica.not yet at least and hopefully,far from it…But if we don't wake up now and take stock ,we may just find ourselves in their predicament.
And to tell you the truth ,sir i am a bit concerned with you last paragraph…I just hope that this is not a threat to the 'Good Doc” from a technical aspect…and yes all the God fearing and intelligent people of this beautiful Island know what's going on but most of them are just scared of the political ramifications. So to avoid the consequences, most would rather remains quiet,…. for now.
Dominica needs more people like Dr.Francis Saverin. May GOD bless him, and may GOD bless lovely and beautiful Dominica and its people.
All the best and…
Peace Profound!!!!
MANCHAT!!!!
Good Speech mr. SEVERIN! The truth always offend. We need honest politicians in the
Parliament!
What is so extraordinary about this speech? Dr Severin is only involved in his usual anti-government political rants disguised as a 'motivational speech'. I only feel sorry for the students who had to seat through this barage of insults and negativity. Surely Dominica is much better than the narrow mirror in which Dr Severin seems to constantly be looking at the country
I was wondering if I was the only one who noticed how heavily politicized that speech was. I won't attack the fine gentleman though.
i will say however that if he truly said that Dominica crime is on a level with Jamaica then he either doesn't know what he is talking about or he is intellectually dishonest and that's a credibility issue. seriously, population difference or not, how does 6 murders annual average for the past 10 yrs compare to 1500 average?
Well spoken DR SEVERIN,ALL THE BEST IN YOUR LIFE.
While I agree with 'pockets' of Dr Severin lecture, I have been observing this individual in many of his recent speeches and pronouncements and they all seem to be leading in one direction i.e. towards a political, anti-government (DLP) slant which the “good Doc” somehow believes deep within will propel him into the political limelight someday to lead one of our many 'dying' opposition political parties and hopefully into the coveted seat of PRIME MINISTER OF DOMINICA. Ofcourse, the 'Good Doc' with his PhD and all and 'full of integrity' and 'ultimate wisdom' appears to be very calculative and jumps at any and every opportunity to put his 'hidden agenda' into motion. But, alas, dear Doc, many have seen through you, and you better be careful hence you become like another 'Doc' who formed his own political party and had a frequent radio show, only to have gone into hiding since December 18th 2009.
Anyway 'Doc' continue to give your speeches and lectures whenever the opportunity presents itself (even insulting hardworking parents of this land who worked hard to ensure that their children went to school everyday and graduated) refering to them as beggars and 'pagans' worshipping 'political human gods' (in the person of Roosevelt Skerrit, I am sure you meant). Yes continue to demonize the vast majority of hardworking Dominicans for excercising their democratic rights to support their party. You could have as well condemn them all to hell (that is those who I am sure wave the red flags). I suppose the green and blue flagwavers would undoubtedly be those worshipping the one true God and destined to heaven!
Again enjoy your freedom of expression, my friend, and fear not because you can walk anywhere in DA without any fear because contrary to your recent assertion that Dominica's crime rate is as high as that of Jamaica, this country remains a peaceful and beautiful land full of God-fearing and intelligent people (even if the majority cannot boast of having a PhD as you do).
Words from a wise man! This is sooooo true. Bless!!!
good message in that speech but it is up to the people to absorb it like a sponge. but i dought that because hand out is not involve
These are true words spoken from the heart by mr.Severin.
The same thing we are going through down here.
Many times the teachers union is brodcasting those words but no one listens.
Carry on the good work mr.Francis Severin
Spoken by a true man of wisdom.
AMEN!!! COULD NOT HAVE BEEN SAID BETTER. A Exemplary Dominican “Man”. We need more like him!!!!
I LISTENED AND THIS WAS A GREAT SPEECH! NOT A SUPRIZE AT ALL,
DR SEVERIN ALWAYS GIVES EXTRAORDINARY MESSAGES.