Parliamentary Representative of the Roseau South Constituency, Attorney Joshua Francis, has said a decision needs to be taken to determine whether dual citizens can contest elections in Dominica without any problem.
He was speaking during an interview on State-Owned Radio DBS.
“It is only fair and proper that we look at our constitution and make the necessary amendments to align ourselves with the regional and international developments, because moving forward we have to determine whether dual citizens can contest elections in Dominica without any problem,” Francis said.
According to him, the constitution needs to be reviewed.
“We need to review our constitution. After all, since we gained political independence, we have not reviewed the constitution,” Francis stated. “What has happened is that we have had social transformation over the years as a nation and as a nation within the region and international space and as such, certain norms and values have evolved.”
Francis also called for attention to be placed on what he referred to as “dead limb” issues.
“One of the dead limbs in the constitution is the appointment of an ombudsman man,” he noted. “Are we going to allow that provision to stay in the constitution or are we going to give life to it?”
He indicated that there are a number of other issues within the constitution that have to be considered as far as appointments on public commissions are concerned.
“We need some legal framework read within our constitution to define what is a procession, demonstrations, meetings…,” he explained.
Francis pointed out that there is a need to enhance democracy, however, there are limitations.
“We do not want to create a situation where the law is ambiguous or dubious to a point where we feel like we can injure the public,” he remarked. “We want to have a law where we have a right to protest without any injury to public interest and there seems to be some ambiguity in the law as to what is a protest? To what extent a citizen can go as far as articulating his issues, so we need legal clarification on that.”
Lennox Linton, taking to the airwaves or disguesing your self as a symbol show the public just who you are as a human being. A foul mouthed disgruntled old man with a childlike mentality, insults and belittle anybody who doesn’t share his political ideology. As a political leader patience, understanding and being able to withstand criticism are your greatest attributes. Being a bully or praising yourself just shows how insecure you are %!
Stupid and idiotic idea.
There are countries, which either prohibit dual nationality or or are very restrictive in granting it to their citizens, mainly because of concerns about loyalty. India, the largest Democracy in the world is one of them as is Indonesia, home to the largest number of moslims, the united Arab Emirates, ironically the hub of our CBI activities, and our close neighbour Venezuela, just to name a few.
I think it is a legitimatie question to ask a dual nationality Dominican, who aspires to be a parliamentary candidate why they would not want to surrender their citizenship of a foreign country if their professed first interest is that of Dominica.
Great idea : Joshua Francis, for ROSEAU SOUTH ALWAYS
I do not entirely agree with the Hon. Francis. First of all, if you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country, like Gt, Britain or Canada for example, and at the same time a citizen of Dominica you can stand as a candidate for election as a an M.P.
I guess, that with an eye on the upcoming election, Mr. Francis’ comments are particularly targeted at those of us, who also have U.S. citizenship in particular and at present are precluded from being nominated. Of course, there is always the choice to surrender your second citizenship, unpalatable as it may be. On the other hand , if we were to remove this barrier for dual citizens we could end up with a non-native, who has no roots in our society but has access to a lot of money to secure his nomination. This is a very sensitive issue and if we decide to go ahead with this at all, I would insist that campaign financing is not only restricted but also the names of any donors must be made public. I welcome the debate.
I do not understand what you do not agree to as your argument does not establish that.
A dual citizen as referred to by Mr. Francis would be a Dominican national who has acquired citizenship of another country.
You’re right on the money with campaign finance reform as this poses imminent danger to our democracy.
I think this guy is confused what is he talking about just have to make a statement or what in
London you hear of Dominican holding public office you need to stop crying the past prime minister St. Kitts was a Dominican from Castle Bruce so do your home work before making these comments.
It makes no difference whether the individual is a native born Dominican, who acquired a second citizenship or the other way round. Foreign citizens , who purchase a second Dominican citizenship have exactly the same rights as a Dominican who has citizenship through birth. However, both are barred from standing as a parliamentary candidate in Dominica if the one of the citizenships they hold, in addition to their Dominican one, is not of a country that is a member of the Commonwealth. It follows therefore that a P.M. of St. Kitts, hailing from Castle Bruce was legally nominated and elected.
With regard to the U.K. the voting rights of a Dominican, legally resident in that country are reciprocal. Such a person can participate fully in he U.K. election process.
So by your comment Francis is right, the constitution is bias, when its allows commonwealth countries citizens to take part in dominica elections, why is because they were colonies of Britain, which america was also. But an american citizen cannot run for government in dominica, then there is countries like Mozambique which was never a colony Britain, but the a part of the commonwealth. Then there could be an issued, of thousands of dominican passport-citizenship sold to people and criminals that, as the cabal DLP say proudly say you, don’t need to reside, or ever come to dominica, but once you have access to money, you are dominican with all the rights and privilege
A positive suggestion.
We need guys with new ideas. Francis is bright and humble and this is the sort of leadership we should clamor for. I agree we are out there anxiously waiting to serve just for the love of country. We left in hopes of returning to make a difference but being a citizen of another country has been a hindrance.
I with Mr Francis that the constitution should reflect the reality of Dominican situation and make provisions for persons with dual citizenship to be candidates in elections.
Mr. Francis said: “We need to review our constitution. After all, since we gained political independence, we have not reviewed the constitution,” Francis stated. THIS IS NOT CORRECT AT ALL.
By letter dated 10th September 1997, the cabinet of Dominica appointed a Constitution Review Commission comprising of:
Justice Philip Telford Georges, O.C.C
Dr. Francis A.C. Grell
Mrs. Eudora Shaw
Mr. Ray C.M. Harris ( He resigned on 1st July 1998 and was immediately replaced on 1st July 1998 by Mr. Alick Lawrence (now Senior Counsel). The terms of reference of the Constitution Review Commission was to, inter alia:
a) consider, examine and inquire into the Commonwealth of Dominica Constitution Order, 1978 (S.I. 1978 No. 1027(UK)), and other related laws; b) submit a report etc. among other TORs from (a-e) with b having sub clauses.
3000 copies of the booklet OUR SOVEREIGN CONSTITUTION: A REVIEW ON OUR 21st ANNIVERSARY were printed & distributed 17/6/1998.
Check the archives Joshua…
In Dominica these days we seem not prepared to embrace truth. I am certain people are going to take me to task for my above comments in setting the record straight. They may even think I am attacking Joshua or I do not like him. THE THREE POLITICAL TRIBES (DLP, UWP,DLP) have consumed independent thinking. It is like a MAD CRAZE now. So Sad.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Yes indeed. And you yourself forgot the Matthew Commission of 1983 So there have been TWO Constitutional Review Commissions but no action has been taken on either one. And no Ombudsman, as laid out in the constitution has ever been appointed.
You are correct about the two reviews. I concentrated on the last one particularly as it would have taken into account the report and recommendations of the first review. I anticipate that if at any time a new review is commissioned it would encompass the last and also address a number of new issues that are needed to be addressed at this stage in Dominica’s socio-politico-economic development.
I recall Dr. Lennox HonyChurch having an article on Constitutional reform back in 2012 but it was specific to the Presidency: https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/general/the-evolution-of-the-constitution-urgent-constitutional-amendments-required-for-the-presidency/. Dr. HonyChurch was also a delegate and part of the Constitutional Conference at Marlborough House, London, May 1977. Although Still relatively young by todays standards, he ay be the last standing member of the delegation together with Former PM Patrick John. It is good to still ask their views and perspectives.
It may be good for Civil Society, the Bar Association and championed under the direction of the Presidents Office (no less) to do the following:
1. Start a dialogue on constitutional review and encourage Govt to start a non-protracted constitutional review (free of undue political influences by any political tribes)’
2. encourage schools to reintroduce civics & study of national symbols.
I am in total agreement. There are many well meaning Dominicans who migrated for education and became citizens elsewhere but maintained Dominican citizenship. As we progress in life we may feel the need to return to contribute to the nation’s growth in a more personal and tangible way in governing the country. Alas in the current state of affairs we are no longer good enough. Talk about true brain drain. …… I encourage today’s leaders to give this serious through if they really care about what DA will look like in 200 years.
At this most opportune time , I Bob Denis , wants to be on record in saying that Mr Joshua Francis can have a tremendous impact on Dominica moving forward , why not make him the leader of the UWP ? , as a Lawyer , he would be more level headed in decision making , plus he thinks before his mouth is opened . UWP needs a new face , new ideas , new Vision . not the same ole, same ole . Mr Francis’ head seems to be in the right place .
That’s not left to you Bob Denis.. It’s in the UWP’s constitution that delegates decide upon who should be the party leader, and the delegates want patriot Linton. What about that?
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
i tell you the truth this is the only guy i see from the other side ,that can move this country in a forward direction..words of wisdom coming from him ..he always talk like a leader unbiased unprejudiced
I wonder if mr have good head. Allu was anti dual citizen candidates, now you for it. Just likethat, out o the blue.
And thats the problem with UWP, they saying what they want when they want with no cohesion between them.
Can you read and comprehend what was said. OMG it is annoying that we quick to comment before understanding what was said or asked…. READ!!!! Then comment.
@ Reading is hard, Your comment like the rest including Joshua Francis, makes me laugh you guys taking and thinking like the lot of you been drinking stale cabbage water for breakfast no possibility of sensible taking but all rubbish, even those goats that calling themselves so-called Workers leaders do not have a clue what they on about very very sad people 😕🙃
Stop the lying..The law clearly stated that not “”all you”” or UWP!!!!!!
…You all DLP sycophants lie too much .
The thing with UWPites is that they quote the law …
Stop being an inveterate liar in public .
The law,the law,the law, it’s not Joshua Francis saying so!
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
Why the insults? Can discussions be still civil and pleasant?
The constitution says no dual citizenship. He was never against dual citizenship. He was against breaking the constitution. .. guess what, if they ammendment the law they won’t be breaking the constitution. That’s all they always ask is to do things within the law and constitution.
My sentiments exactly, Ti Garcon. In my last entry on Mr Francis, I pointed out his undeniable love for self promotion, a sort of narcissistic personality, a feature which I find most troubling in a prospective leader. I indicated the need for the leadership of the UWP to reign in its members to avoid this dichotomy and implosion.
Here a few days later, the deputy political leader, a responsible position, I may add, opens his mouth without doing the necessary research and contradicts one of the primal pillars of TEAM DOMINICA. I am baffled, what is going on with UWP? I believe that Mr Francis is malignant and must be booted out of the party if it is to survive. He does not seem to be a team player and has on several occasions proven his exact mettle.
Has the legal issue been addressed? or is this only possible in Dominica?