A former Ambassador of Dominica to the United Nations, Crispin Gregoire, has said that some constitutional reform in Dominica is needed in order to enhance a sense of democracy and nation building.
Gregoire was the guest speaker at the Dominica Freedom Party’s (DFP) 32nd Annual Delegates Conference which was held on Sunday, August 6th, 2017 at the Public Service Union Building.
Gregoire outlined a few reforms that he thinks are “glaringly necessary” in order to effect such change including term limits for the office of the Prime Minister, saying that two terms would be a “satisfactory tenure” for any Prime Minister, and would limit the “immense power” that the Constitution gives to that position.
The former diplomat noted that the Integrity Commission Legislation is one that must be “re-amended” to allow for civil society to fully participate in its work. He said he also believes that the idea of dual citizenship should not be a limiting factor to the aspirations of Dominicans to serve in higher office.
“We have to find a way to tweak that because ladies and gentlemen, more (Dominicans) than the population of Dominica [are] residing abroad. Our country today as an independent country, is not limited to the shores here, is not limited to the three hundred and five square miles of this island Dominica,” Gregoire pointed out.
According to the US-based Gregoire, Dominicans abroad are people who are “immensely important” as they form part of the definition of what ‘country’ is in this present age.
Skerrit must stay!
Skerrit must stay!
Skerrit must stay for as long as he wish!
You mean that Crispin should not be subject to the existing law? Where does that come from? He can contribute many things to Dominica without being in parliament if he does not want to give up his U.S. passport.
Why such a belief that a reform in our Constitution is the magic bullet that will enhance a sense of democracy and nation building at our present juncture, especially those outlined by Mr. Gregoire, why peddle such an illusion. Why Mr. Gregoire thinks that by cherry picking what he wants to appease his political agenda and beliefs is somewhat beneficial to Dominica growth and development. Lately there has been a cult following suggesting a term limit for the office of the Prime Minister, it is very ludicrous to suggests that two terms would be a satisfactory tenure for any Prime Minister, and would limit the “immense power” that the Constitution gives to that position. The term “immense power” given to describe the present office of The Prime Minister is some what misleading, and a dishonest statement.
To be continued
It is also ludicrous to suggest that dual citizenship is a limiting factor to the aspirations of Dominicans who want to seek the highest political office. The aspiration to seek the highest political office in your Mother Land should not come down between a decision to give up a convenience, dual citizenship, if such thing occurs it means that the aspiration was not genuine, it is also a slap in the face of the people in the Country who you intend to represent. The change that we all seek for Dominica cannot be brought about from outside it is an illusion, change comes from within with action and sacrifice not fly by night speeches pedaling a political agenda, are we not tired of such thing.
This makes no sense Gary. If you cannot see the genuine, existential dilemma in a person having to give up their entire life’s work and possible future prospects for the risk of doing “public service” in their homeland then you are idealistic to the point of being hopelessly naive. People would be much more willing to take the risk knowing they have alternatives if things do not work out (which in politics is almost always a 50/50 chance). As far as “change from outside” comment, it is a slap in the face to call overseas Dominicans outsiders. We are through and through Dominicans who are skilled, educated, resourced and yearning to give back if only we are allowed to.
Gary i am 100% with you and i must say well written!!!! i too is fed up with those guys!!!!!
Yes, cowboy I see the dilemma but you have a choice after all.
The same way uwp has crispin up is so they had Jason Fontaine, lol just wait, Now china up the same china that was communist and dictatorial and have human rightrs issues. uwp aint anywhere better than dlp and that’s why people not chaning their votes
that dual citizenship thing I have a problem with that . so many ready made citizens because of our passports selling like hot bread.
A message to the inept PM Skerrit and the the corrupt Labour Party Gang:
Crispin Gregoire, has said that:
1. “Some constitutional reform in Dominica is needed in order to enhance a sense of democracy and nation building.” Meaning the system has been corrupted under this corrupt Labour leadership
2. “glaringly necessary” in order to effect such change including term limits for the office of the Prime Minister”
3. Integrity Commission Legislation is one that must be “re-amended” to allow for civil society to fully participate in its work
Three key issues addressed to this rotten Cabinet, lead by an immature PM, knows noting of development but relies on puppets to guide him. It is pretty obvious.
A former key member of the Labour Party now hijacked by rejected Freedomites and other opportunists looking for their own feed. Shame on you guys.
It is time that Skerrit Goes:
Skerrit must Go
Skerrit must Go
Skerrit must GO
Take your passport and Go
Crispin. you and Thompson are the same. When your service was needed you both refused and felt Dominica was not for you and didn’t want to give up to serve your people. Today THE TIDE HAS CHANGED you both are coming to Dominica with your selfish ambition but dum as you both think Dominicans are we are NO fools. You hungry for POWER now? It’s too late now! We can see through you. You are TRAITOR and a CROOK. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
When the UWP or DFP come in Office they can make all the changes they want, DFP had a three term in government and the need was not there and it wasn’t changed. UWP had 4 1/2 years and they didn’t change it either because they thought they would win again. It was okay for them then, when they won the election, no change was necessary.
Now that the people are voting Labour because they have more confidence in the DLP Government. Wait your turn to come again; when the people are tired with the DLP they will vote for you and you can amend then.
Why would any sitting Government who still has the confidence of the people do something so silly just to accommodate power hungry individuals. We have a democracy, the people go to the Polls every 5 years; so it is the people ‘s choice.
What happened the last time the DLP lead government wanted to make some constitutional laws clearer what was the respond of the opposition, can anyone remember?
We are not even commenting of what these same people put the PM and the Minister of Education through and now they want the constitution changed to accommodate their dual citizenship?
Give up your other citizenship come back and live in Dominica and follow the constitution if you want to govern us in Dominica.
One thing that amazes me is this: the party that is in opposition always asks for laws and constitutional amendments that are generally in the best interest of the people. The parties in power only seem interested in passing laws that give them a political advantage.
We need a completely new Dominica and not just a reform. Skerrit destroyed the entire country to the point that we need another independence, this time from Skerrit, so that we could rewrite our Constitution and ensure that no one could be a Minister today and president tomorrow like Challo; a Constitution that will empower the people to elect their president, their police commissioner, their election commissioner and just about everything Skerrit used to destroy our country.
I can tell u that you surely not one who is important to us in this country anymore. Because u became to selfish and dishonest and we see u as a manipulator and those who u can’t manipulate you hate.
Meh nu ka west-pay-yayw ah Gwabay.
Sacway opportunist
All u want to come and run election but other people can’t come to vote.
Not here tho.
All you time pass.
When you say “us”,what do you mean?He showed you how relevant he was on Sunday.He is on a relevant trip to China with the official opposition.He can share his expertise with anyone since he waS a highly respected UN diplomat.Why dont you attend Summer School?Thank God he has left the rotten organisation that uses the name DLP!He is surely a TRUE LABOUTITE!!
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO NOW
So does this mean that Dominicans residing abroad can come to vote at our General Elections? On the issue of dual citizenship; is that why you didn’t contest the Grand Bay seat? or was it because of something else?
Go read and understand.The man is just PROPOSING reforms,PAPA BONDIEU,which he thinks are necessary…No wonder Skerrit is taking so many of all you as FOOLS so! You too can do the same thing.These are just proposals,for consideration,and off course tweaking,in some cases serious tweaking
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!
No he is not. You should take your own advice and “go read and understand”. Firstly, integrity legislation amendment is not Constitutional reform, but secondly, his proposal regarding dual citizenship risks being seen as more self-serving (I.e. to enable him to run for office) than in the national interest.
% your mannerism stinks. For a person who wants to lead our nation must you always insult or use derogatory words? Why do you always praise yourself? Why do you want our beloved PM to go, when he is overwhelming love and affectionately admired! Why are you the only person who feels that way, we the majority love love love our dimples PM!
In all yours biasNess tell us some of your accomplishments! Please % and views expressed please give me some new lyrics. Stop beating the dead horse. Your message is DOA.
@%Friend Unless you are under the weather,or you are suffering from senility,the 2014 election result told me that after spending $32 000 000.00,he was stilled KICKED OUT,by the electorate..Go to the Commonwealth Team Observer report,and glean a little knowledge.You sound like one of his unsuspecting clappers.
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKRRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!
% is a boomboom! go and tell pm to go na.. moron
Quite interesting, from the former Ambassador. Constitutional reform as to the two term limit is welcome indeed . With reference to the dual citizenship, I am hopeful to believe , this applies only to those nationals born in Dominica ,and if I am ignorant of a fact, then I stand to be corrected. Nevertheless , as this reform is important , I see a more pressing electoral reform that needs urgent attention . Probably ,one of the least recognized , but most needed , is that of campaign finance spending. This particular area is one of the most critical aspect to a fair outcome to elections results, if regulated. . Everyone , candidates and the electorate , will have more confidence and assurance in the process , during campaigning ,and when going to the polls, knowing no one has the advantage over the other. It is beneficial to all.
I agree with you on campaign financing. In order to have a level playing field this should be regulated. As a matter of interest, however it is not necessarily the case that the party with the biggest financial resources always wins. To illustrate, during the last election it is alleged that the DLP had access to financing in excess of $30 million, more than ten times of the opposition if true. Yet, that same opposition took three significant seats from the DLP at no loss of their own. I look forward to reform to both limit the amount that can be spent and prescribe the sources of funding.
You cannot regulate the amount that can be spent, each political party will have the right to strategize on winning which will call for different amount of funding…
Campaign Financing laws merely addresses the who that sponsor and even that is not publicly disclosed as many sponsors prefers to remain anonymous….. it also does not necessitate an even playing field it only allows for transparency….
Statement from Crispin Gregoire
“According to the US-based Gregoire, Dominicans abroad are people who are “immensely important” as they form part of the definition of what ‘country’ is in this present age”
I agree with that statement and think that we would be better off if we engaged the Dominica Diaspora in a more organised way,,
Dr. Shillingford I agree but I draw the line at them being members of parliament. First of all that means that people who buy our passport can sit in parliament too and secondly those people in parliament with second citizenship, say U.S.A. can run as soon as the sh…t hits the fan an leave us with the doodoo. Dominicans born here don’t have that luxury. I don’t think that is right and is not fair. If you are that desperate and sincere to be a member of parliament become like us and give up your second citizenship. That would make us all equal. Those people who wrote our constitution knew what they were doing and were not stupid.
The constitution writers were not visionary. They could not see how the modern world would evolve. I agree it should be born Dominicans but not that one cannot hold dual citizenship. Many countries allow that. A microstate like DA simply cannot afford not to when a large portion of it population dwells elsewhere. You are too simplistic and outdated in your conception of what a nation is. It is a community of people with shared heritage and vision. Their geographic location should be secondary
Statement from Crispin Gregoire“According to the US-based Gregoire, Dominicans abroad are people who are “immensely important” as they form part of the definition of what ‘country’ is in this present age”
I agree with that statement and think that we would be better off if we engaged the Dominica Diaspora in a more organised way,, says the guy who told us what role his father played in motivating him without ever mention his mother-Clayton S.I understand all the economics of foreign aide etc etc. Now the persuit of Power seems to depend on CHINA? It is disheartening that all 3 parties have the same common hope based on Chinese investment.We hae had a few yrs to deduce China is in it for our water another dumping ground fr their excessive population.Afriaca is being exploited again after 1400’s to today. This mentality is annoying as the Role of the Russians in the US’s 2016 election. Julian Johnson asked a pertinent question to his gang over drinks. why such a large staff
Cont’d
@ the Chinese embassy? $ spying Julian. which has enabled analysis of the D/can political temp
which resulted in the invitation of the UWP to the mainland China. Instantly LL & UWP have done a Skerrit going to China and forgetting Taiwan. The pursuit of power renders us beggers all parties. There seems to be much HOPE which by definition is premeditated disappointment.
I rest my case Dominica.
Here , the sheep are being led towards China blindly. China’s embassy has borne fruit. ASper JJ the ex-Parl Sec question .They have gathered all the necessary infor culminating in the invitation of LL et Al to mainland China. All 3 groups are stipped in the pursuit of Power and their hope for DA seems uniquely based on Chinese investments. We have had ample time to recognize China is in it 4 our waterways. & to dump some of their excessive population like they have been doing in Africa not only stealing their minerals but using their population to enrich selves. They leave pollution barren lands behind. To all the various parties HOPE by definition is premeditated disappointment. Seems am one of the few D/cans who refused to drink that the booze/coolaid.
We know what China is doing in Africa with the mineral mines in the Congo & Zambia. Theyare exploiting both countries for their minerals. In the process they make the land barren and polluted. Child labour is Ed James as President will leave fig &return to mining which he attempted in 1996 with Al Marsari. if UWP wins 2019’s elections. All the groups are hell bent on Chinese investments as DA’s future. I beg to disagree and oppose vehemently.It appear am one of the few who refuse to drink the Chinese coolaid.Remember Ji Jone in Guyana? All parties in pursuit of power have hope in Chinese aid to develop. Hope by strict definition is premeditated disappointment. I rest my case DA.
A woman scorned
Yes call.for it you hypocrite if you did not have one you would not. Care and we put him there ,so let him stay there. Wait your turn which will never come you and your gangsters
Concern, I agree with you we must never let them baboons in office again, Workers Party is all about failures this lots could not Run a water tap between them bloody idiots.
Dual Citizens serving in government is a no no. You cannot serve two masters!! Ron Green was allowed to get away with it but this should never happen again. The constitution should be amended to make it clear that individuals with dual citizenship are disqualified from holding elected office in Dominica. If you want to hold elected office in Dominica you cannot be 50% Dominican you must be 100% Dominican.
It is allowed only if this other pasport holder is a member of the Commonwealth
This is a hollow argument. What makes a person who happens to be born in Dominica necessarily more patriotic than a person either born outside of Dominica who subsequently acquires Dominican citizenship or a person born in Dominica who for career or economic reasons acquires a second citizenship? Take for e.g. a person born in Dominica to a non-Dominican parent or parents say one day, one week, one month, etc after they arrived in Dominica. Is that Dominican more Dominican and/or patriotic than one born outside of Dominica to a Dominican parent or parents?
can our passport purchasers run too? what % d/can are they?
Sound ideas ! But how do we achieve these if those in power will not allow these to come to a vote ?Any ideas ?
We Support the call on term limits because it encourages new ideas, approaches and new thinking to flourish in the country it also gives more people an opportunity to participate in the leadership of the country because after a while our leaders become too comfortable and take the county governance for granted. Knowledge does not only reside in one leader head.
With regards to diaspora participating in national politics, this is also very important for the diaspora because they have their family living in the country to support and are very interest in the advancement of the country. If we advocate one Caribbean Community why would we exclude and isolate our nationals overseas participating in the democratic process. Good points Mr Gregoire but this should debated at length and something should be done to correct this abnormal situation. You have my support on this.
While I have the greatest respect for Mr. Gregoire I do not support his proposal that our constitution should be amended to allow holders of dual citizenships to become M.P.’s, because it fundamentally questions their first loyalty. There are countries in the world that do not allow dual citizenship for this very reason. I realise there are many Dominicans in the diaspora, who hold passports other than a Dominican one and I do not object to that. However, if they really want to stand for Parliament they should be prepared to give up their non-Dominican citizenship. If not, they can use their talents to assist their country in, equally meaningful ways without foregoing their rights ass a Dominican citizen.
What was illegal in 2009 and 2014 is illegal now. For Mr. Gregoire to want to change the constitution to make dual nationality legal for parliamentarians is no different from Mr. Skerrit wanting to change the law on elections. We should keep the constitution as it is.
Ah good idea for the term limits – 2 terms, I’m for it. Such things as amending laws to allow use of video surveillance footage in court should be done and soon. But dual citizenship in elected Gov’t posts will not be in Dominica’s best interest as someone can hide in another country while running aspects of local political policy and life, while getting paid by our government. Not good Chrispin, but keep sharing your expertise with us.
That dual citizenship issue is maybe the most important reform we need to make in our country at this time. Waitikubuli is pretty unique in this regard .. that more of us live overseas than at home (I am at home btw). And to cut off a persons citizenship rights also limits and suppresses that persons abilities and impetus to aid the country’s development. To deprive ourselves of the skills and qualities of persons who have had to take up other nationalities in order to educate themselves or work and develop skills overseas is basically shooting ourselves in the foot. Of course it would regularize the whole ‘bringing people back to vote’ business. We should move to sort this out expeditiously.
I beg to differ, we are not that unique. The largest democracy in the world India does not allow its citizens to have dual nationality, despite the fact that millions of Indians live overseas. Nor is it alone in its stance. China does not approve of its citizens having dual nationality as do Venezuela, Japan, The Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Indonesia, the U.A.E. and Poland among others. How many Poles live outside there own country?
If Mr. Gregoire has his way a citizens. let’s say from Syria, can simply buy a Dominican passport through the CBI program and stand for parliament, even if he has never been to Dominica. I’m sorry but that does not sit right with me
Getting involve in Politics is not the only way our overseas brothers and sisters can assist in the development of the country…..
It is the most painful choice to have to make. To seek citizenship in the country of opportunity but at the expense of never again being able to play an elected leadership role in your homeland. It is deeply wounding and so unnecessary, and wasteful of the side of DA best talent.
The present constitution of Dominica is not set in stone. Modernity would demand that we make the occasional necessary changes to the constitution, we see fit ,solely to enhance our democracy. The present constitution of Dominica as in many other Caribbean countries allocates too much power to one person, the Prime Minister. This person wields power over most aspects of our governance. So much so that a person with corrupt intentions who finds himself in the post of prime minister can easily turn into a dictator. Changes are needed to the constitution to protect the country from prime ministers with ‘dictatorial’ intentions.
What is the powerr of the Prime Minister?????
Go and ask your pal Roosevelt. He believes he is omnipotent!
This guy, Mr Gregoire is such a BRILLIANT person/patriot with roots cemented in the good Labour party of the past.In addition to what he said,i also believe that corrupt politicians with SMELLING dirt on them should not dictate to, and emasculate any state institution, IPO,POLICE,DPP,ELECTORAL COMMISSION, etc.We need Freedom of Information Act, any one vying for PM SHALL be engaged in debates,etc. Presently,with so many things missing,its no surprise that the country is in this terrible backward state mired inall sorts of mess and controversy.
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!!!
If he is such A PATRIOT, why can’t he give up his American citizenship so he can serve Dominica at the highest level? Why should we ammend our constitution to satisfy the ambitions of Crispin Gregoire?
Anon you seem to have a problem with the word “patriot”…You are certainly not one,but rather an accomplice of corrupt government and corruption in government,plus a lazy groveller..You hypocricy extends even further when you supported a lazy,inept,dunce insultive man with dual citizenship ti be your leader..So you are a terriblly bad and shameless example plus a groveller.Have you gotten any vote money,under the guise of small business?
SLERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!
Anon while you are singing for your supper,your DLP camp does not have ONE leader,but 18 “MISLEADERS”..I am so elated that the dirty and corrupted,fetid deck of cards is crumbling…
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!
% I agree Skerrit must go but the rest of your comment is crap.
Thanks Gregoire. The problem o have with People like you is when you were in the position to talk about it your mouth was shut. You were a diplomat. Why didn’t you bring it up? No benefits now so you not in favor? And now me as the ordinary citizen who has always been on the bad end of the stick should jump now and agree with you?
You realize how Gregoire is adamant that it is “glaringly necessary” to effect changes that will curtail the authority of others but he seeks “tweaking” that will allow the empowerment of himself and his ilk? No wonder he is rejected by the DLP. This chap is all about himself.
This is a real man of immense integrity and valor, a true man of the soil who puts country before self. Dominica missed its calling when they did not acknowledge Crispin and men like him.
I fully endorse everything he says .
Dominicans, everyone is sounding the bells in our ears that things are not well with this Government, it is time we listen and express our disapproval of DLP.
Ask yourself just one question.Would them fellas want such a seasoned,and real Labourite like CHRISPIN GREGOIRE in their camp?NO WAY!He would expose them.Remember them fellas are exploiting the term “DLP””,but NONE of them are LABOURITES.Would a Labour Party DELIBERATELY keep its members poor and begging,just to catch their votes? Does this party even have an ideology or phylosophy?NO! Thats why I refer to them as””MISLEADERS””,not leaders..
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!
You are wrong , they are Neo-DLP as opposed to the authentic
Nothing against Crispin in person but if he truly puts country before self he should not mind relinquishing his foreign citizenship to enable him to participate in the parliament of the country. If he does not want to do that I have no problem with that except that I would not like to see either an M.P. , Senator or President that has an allegiance to two countries. That does not feel right to me.
At the end of the day, he is still a born and bred Dominican.He was a teacher before he left Dominica. Every body needs a better life and if you have to leave the country to find a better life this does not mean that you are not a Dominican. He is very often in Dominica. Stop making a soup out of politics. We need people with a plan who by all means can develop the country. Not people who a committing fraud from overseas after they leave the country, then come back to Dominica simply to encourage corrupted politicians and their followers to taunt the opposition leader including his followers. This is not the Dominica that we had long ago and we don’t want it as it is now. Do not step in the way of people who have a real project for Dominica. This country is at its worse now. This has to stop.People who are above 50 years old know how productive the country was.We are improving in the reverse. Skerrit has to go because handouts is not a factory.
Tjebe fort “Nothing against Crispin in person but if he truly ……”
That should be Nothing personal against Cristophene. English certainly is not Tjebe fort’s forte.
U guys continue to refer to this to this BEAST Gov’t as labour they are Neo Labour. A group of cleptomaniacs, whose fathers abandoned at birth migrated to Guadeloupe,,England mostly.Not breast fed hence greedy and think they missed out in their youth so now they begave like de Congo man -Sparrow