Attorney general, Levi Peter, is dismissing as ‘nonsense’ claims that Dominica’s representatives at the Sochi Olympics, Gary and Angelica di Silvestri, were granted Dominican citizenship based on charitable work done on the island.
The claims were made by the couple themselves in interviews with US-based media.
Some media outlets have even reported that the couple had built a children’s hospital in Dominica.
“It’s a beautiful country; we fell in love with it, and the people are great, and we wanted to help them in some way,” Gary told the New York Times before the games, which were held from February 7 – 27. “These countries, they need assistance, so we did. We acted the best we could at the time, made a financial contribution to the country that went to different projects, and in return they granted us citizenship.”
He told NBC Sports that he and his wife were offered citizenship as a thank you for charitable works.
“It was kind of given to us,” he said. “It was nothing.”
But speaking on state-owned DBS Radio on Monday, Peter dismissed the claims as nonsense and said the process of granting the couple citizenship was transparent.
“The area where I think there may be some controversy…is the reports seems to indicate that the couple said or intimated or whatever, that they had been granted citizenship as result of either a contribution to or building a children’s hospital or something like that… that is complete nonsense,” he said. “And I think a moments reflection by any sober minded person will make that clear. First of all we don’t have a children’s hospital in Dominica. So I don’t know where that came from. Second of all no name has been mentioned. Who was this money paid too? Which government account, which government official, which government minister? I have not heard any name mentioned.”
He said as far as he knows, the di Silvestris did not make any contribution to Dominica, “apart from the US$100,000 that they paid in respect to the investment…which is required for the economic citizenship program to which they applied.”
“I am not aware that they made any other contribution,” Peter noted.
He pointed out that the two were granted citizenship because they met the criteria as stipulated by the government. “I have not seen nor heard anything which indicates the International Olympics Authority has any concerns of the two people who represented Dominica at the Sochi Winter Olympics,” he stated. “That should tell its own story.”
He noted that the application for citizenship by the two was received in August 2012. “They were interviewed in November 2012,” the attorney general revealed. “They were interviewed right here in Dominica at the financial center. They were interviewed by myself and the head of Special Branch. They provided all the information that was required under the scheme as it existed at the time. They were reviewed by the due diligence process … a due diligent report was written by the due diligence agency and they subjected to an interview as anybody else.”
Eyebrows were raised when news broke, before the games, that the ultra-rich couple would be representing Dominica in cross country skiing. When the games began, many in the media began asking questions about the di Silvestris since they were hardly known in international sporting circles. They were accused of being “sports tourists” who scammed their way to the games.
Despite the negative press generated by the two, president of the Dominica Olympics Committee, Felix Wilson, has insisted that Dominica has benefited from the experience and vowed that the island will continue to participate in winter games.
Hello, its good post concerning media print, we all understand media is a enormous source of data.
I don’t see why people still making this a big issue. It sounds like Dominica waging war against the US.
what does www watty have to say about the qualifications of the AG? if i was mr archer i would put you in detention on saturday for not writing a four page report on the news paper. i am waiting gaziboo.
stupid comment.
The government has no control over the Olympic committee. Please be advised. Mr Peters explanation was in simple English . Anyone who needs more explanation on the economic citizenship program should visit the government of Dominica website. The Di Silvestris went through the normal process and became citizens of Dominica and yes they did qualify to compete in the Olympics ( see IOC criteria for qualifications ) the business of the childrens hospital, no one knows where this came from. As far as we are concerned we are in the clear.
It is very disappointing the manner the Skeritt Administration aided and abetted by the AG choose to handle the Olympic fiasco. By going on the local press to do some damage control is not enough. The world press is involved therefore, we have to go to the world press. For instance, a press conference attended by the Prime Minister, AG and a member of the Dominica Olympic Association should be held in one of our many embassies, eg. Washington, New York or England giving our side of the story. Talking all that nonsense on the local press will not change the situation as regards the world wide bad press which Dominica has received because of what happened at the Sochi games.
Doc. Love,
Not even going to the international press will satisfy you. Be reminded that the Olympic committee did not disqualify them or had anything to say with regards to this couple. Shouldn’t that tell you something like the AG said. Think a little you people, think…
If this was an issue in the international arena, but it is not. I suspect the couple is more an issue than Dominica is.
Just who is Levi Peters? He is certainly not considered a legal scholar by his peers and he has 0 credibility.
He is just a political appointee -end of story.
I must speak and ask where the money gone. When Choudri from the Weekly Blitz was exposing Skerrit’s operation we heard Tony and others on radio calling Choudhri a liar but that was before that famous email exchange where Choudri demanded US $60K in other to stop the other stories.
I am curious to see whether or not the same mercenaries on Kairi are going to call the Silvestri liars. Let us wait and see even after we have been waiting since November of 2013 for them to respond.
What we should expect from the Jackos on Kairi is that now that Levi poke his head out we willhear people like Tony, Karmala, Lennox Lawrence and Jacko #1 Simeone Albert spewing garbage.
Speak brother! speak! but while you are at it do you remember that the same article made it clear that Skerrit and the DLP did not pay any money and that Choudri apologized to Skerrit. He also claimed that he was mislead by some people. Speak my brother, speak, but get your facts right.
When the DLP goes on Kairi FM and blasts Thomson Fontaine they have all the proof to back it up, so when you speak at least be able to back it up, but by all means, speak.
how many times they will throw mister “AG” under the bus? MR AG” Governments come and Governments go. If you do not want to be held in CO. With those ####### please do the right thing.RESIGN THE POSITION” Then we will all see that you will not be held to question. Remember your integrity is worth more than dollars and cents. According to pickie> HELLO, HELLO, HELLO,everything is upside down everything is inside out. But you can run before its too late. I feel your pain brother.
WHY!WHY!WHY! D.N.O.
Are you actually making a point?
Is that the level of advise the government gets form Levi Peters? No wonder they are so poorly advised all the time…
Two stories that sound similar:
1. Gary and Angelica di Silvestri, made it clear to the world how they received their Dominica Passports. They said clearly that it was because of their charitable deeds to Dominica. But in defense of the government, the AG and really the government is saying the story is nonsense.
Indirectly they are saying the Silvestri’s lied.
2.A Dominican confessed to have committed the Christmas Day Fire Bombing of GON Emmanuel’s house. He told us in details how he did it, who was with him, who paid him, who drove the car, make and color of the car, how much he charged etc. and again The then Police Commissioner along with government officials referred to his confession as “Rubbish.” Maybe they know what we don’t know. Sounds familiar? Maybe is just Perfect Idiot that cannot understand
Perfect idiot: People confess every day to crimes they did not commit. Yes, maybe they know something you don’t.
I have never heard so much deafening silence. It is impossible but you Mr Peters have pulled it off. You and the government have stayed silent whilst everyone is asking questions.
It is only a matter of time before Dominicans will be requiring a visa to travel to the UK. We will be soon joining the ranks of Jamaica.
Selling Dominican passport willy nilly will jeopardise the UK security sooner or later and they will lock us out. Be careful.
Mr. Peter, this statement of your caused double embarrassment to me. First, I am very embarrassed as a Dominican to see how low the name of my country has been dragged in. Secondly, I am further embarrassed as a Laborite to see it was my party, the party I have always voted for that brought that kind of shame to Dominica. I thought we were going to overcome the embarrassment of 1979 but you guys have brought more shame and hurt to Dominica and the DLP than anything we experienced in 1979. I am so ashamed of Dominica that I am not wondering if I should not take the example of my beloved PM and apply for French citizenship too.
Well said Mr Peters and clearly explained. Who do not understand do not want to understand.
Mr. Peters was clear with one thing and one thing only!!! That Dominica has ‘investigative journalists’ and that if they want the truth, then they will have to investigate the whole thing and figure out the facts!!! But he will not be forthcoming with any information other than to say that the claims of having spent more than the amount paid for the passports are totally false!! How does he know that no more money was paid? He kept saying ‘As far as I know’ x y z!! He should have the facts and should have come prepared with the facts!! Instead he came to try to twist the story!! Why did he not come with all the facts?? How is it that the particular people caught the attention of the government of Dominica or of the Olympic Committee when it appears that they were approaching ‘too old’ and apparently were not competitors internationally until they were offered the opportunity by Dominica and took it up?? They said that they were OFFERED the opportunity and that after having given it some thought, they thought it to be a once in a lifetime opportunity and could not pass it up. They were then given citizenship in appreciation for their contribution to this charity….whichever charity it was. So there is a lot of explaining to be done and frankly I think that the AG was rude this morning to come and suggest that this is trivial, is a no go on the International stage and even worse, that he would not have heard of this were it not for the local press drumming it up all the time!!!! If you want to let him off the hook unscathed then you are accepting his suggestion that we are all fools here but I will not accept this assertion!! Mr. Peters better come better than that sir!!! Something stinks here and that is why he is so careful to not step on any toes!!! Damage control is what this is………period!!!
Question: If the di Silverstris were acting in an official capacity as Dominica’s representatives to the Olympics, can criminal charges be brought against them for deliberating lying to the media about how they became Dominican citizens and thereby slandering Dominica and the government officials in charge of the economic citizenship program? Don’t their words qualify as slander?
they should be stripped of the passport and no refund of the $100.000 they paid for the passports. Dominica was already ranked one of the many poor countries in the caribbean and they said in their interview that these countries need help so they did so much work in Dominica and even build childrens hospital. where in D/A is this childrens hospital??. they should be banned from Dominica.
I do not understand why the questioning of character is directed only at the persons who benefited from the opportunity given to them to represent Dominica and not to those who facilitated it???I want to know how is it that this couple of all persons on this planet, came to the attention of the authorities and who suggested that they be given this opportunity at this late stage in their lives?? These people did not just decide to go represent!!! They were chosen for some reason to be afforded the honour of being the first members of a Dominican Winter Olympic Team!! How did that come about?? Why them?? What is the background to it?? How long before making the ‘Team’ did they become citizens?? What was so special about them that they would be chosen for this honour seeing that they have no history of prior Olympic participation of any kind and no GLOWING track record to suggest that they would be perfect candidates?? Someone therefore must have been a MIDDLEMAN who introduced them to someone with the contacts to make this happen!!! Who was it?? Why?? Was there a cost/payment involved?? Why did the government take so long to respond?? Why is the response that thre are INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISTS on island so let them do the job of uncovering the story!!?? Is the government not concerned??? My goodness, get a grip!!! Something surely stinks here and if you cannot smell it, well something wrong with your sense of smell papa!!!!
No crime was committed in Sochi. The Dominican government have an economic citizen program just like the one uwp are planning to have if they get in power. The Silvestris followed the proper procedures and became citizens. They represented Dominica in the winter Olympic games but did not complete their events. Who cares? It happens all the time and nobody cares. I find that the Thomson Fontaine being touted as our future minister of finance is a much bigger concern to Dominicans than this. A man who transferred money from the account of a private organization into his own. A man who miraculously finds himself in possession of a piece of land bequeathed to that same organization in his name all of this without the knowledge of the other board members. All of this while he was the treasurer of that organization Dominicans need to open their eyes.
Comments like yours are the kind of false and deceptive comments that put news organizations in legal difficulties. You lie just like your leader. But rest assured they will be paying for their deceitful tongues. When you publish lies you must be man enough to sign your name, so that you can be sued.
I noticed that you did not use your name either.
Pretty soon the government of Dominica will be selling citizenship to the Afghanistan Taliban the Taliban will be walking around other countries holding Dominica passports.
Well team Dominica keep asking more questions cause those leeches are actually feeling the squeeze.
Notice no answer on the Venezuela money – Reggie Austrie said Skerrit will answer – jic jhordi.
Is it true that the road project ran out of money again?
Is it true that the $1500 shown for skerrit’s trip to Monacco /Monte Carlo could not even get him a sit on a Pipwi to Monaco. If so why the cook who whipped up the travel report did not see that. Is it because the cook that made up the report thought that Monaco was a place in Penville?
Levi Peter do you have a LEC and if not why were you jumping on Tiyanni’s back.
If I was not raised in the Mang in Portsmouth I would be shocked at the behavior of Levi Peter as attorney general but anybody who grew up in the Mang in Portsmouth should have no reason to be surprised at Levi’s hubris, arrogance and dogmatic behavior. That is the Levi I expect people – so don’t be surprised.
Since Levi is in the mode of answering questions can he tell us what is the current status of Franchesco Corallo? Can Levi explain to us why it is that we have 8 diplomats holding diplomatic passports at the UNESCO? Can Levi tell us whether or not Isidore succeeded in selling that diplomatic passport to the Frenchman Rene Asidore? Can Levi Peter tell us whether or not the Indian fugitive who came to Dominica for three days and got a passport – is he still on the run?
This man is sounding so laughable. Why won’t he resign from that post? But then i dont expect anything better that from someone Labour party has in their hands.
INCOMPETENCE ALL THE WAY.
He can not resign, that is his pension and that’s why he is beholden to Skerrit.
The lamest excuse I ever read this entire affair is a disgrace to Dominica they deserve better much better, dubious people bearing the flag only serves to demonstarte the contempt the rulers have for for the people
Skerrit need to resign now
He is doing his job well but its the people he has working for him he need to sort the whole lot out. They are making things look very bad for him.
is true…..
Pawol Sot!
Really! Mr. Peters, they were interviewed by yourself and the head of CID/ In that case both of you should be replaced.
Of course in your case we are aware that if you were in the US you could not be able to practice as an attorney farless to become attorney general in any state, not having passed the bar examination, the Caribbean’s Legal Education Certificate equivalent, and given the recent announcement that you will no longer be travelling overseas to sign those passports, but rather that responsibility has been assigned to the current holder of the post of high commissioner to the UK. I wonder if this has anything to do with not having done the LEC?
But what I would like to know why it took you so long to speak out on an issue that has caused irreparaparable damage to the image of Dominica, and an embarrassment to every Dominican. My goodness, you fellas run the country like some little two acre banana plot, without any imputs.
DNO similar to fox news
ALl you just hate to see the embarrassment coming from the country. It’s news. read it. DNO dont make the news, they report it as it happens.
You all are the embarrassment for your pathetic attempt to make the government look bad.
@ Respect Life, let me on behalf of the many Dominicans that truly respect Life and information congratulate DNO and Q95 for feeding us with relevant information as it pertains to Dominica. I just cannot imagine what Dominica would be like if we did not have DNO and Q95 to pass balance information to the public. I cannot understand why the nation’s station DBS radio, is not making an effort to tell us the truth as it relates to this embarrassment as heard on Fox, CNN, NBC, and other leading media houses in the USA and the entire world. I know those spin doctors have been trying their best to twist and spin the truth but this wicket takes no spin. Thanks again DNO and Q95
This reminds me of that movie “BORAT” when this guy goes to Kazakhstan and paints them in a very negative light but then their ambassador comes out and says the movie “placed Kazakhstan on the map”. SMH. I guess we are Kazakhstan in this real life tale. To our leaders any publicity is good publicity.
Dominican wake y’all selves up. Take off the rose colored glasses!!!!
Dominica would be a better place? Thanks Q95.
To: not me alone
The most mitigating thing that can be said about mr. Levi’s comments is that he is naive, and that is being kind to him! But I go further and would ask: aren’t he Olympic Games first and foremost a sports’ manifestation ? We do have a Minister for Sports in our Govt. but not a single word his been forthcoming from the good lady on this subject. Is it that she is even more naive than the A.G. or perhaps not competent to address the subject and has been advise to keep moo-moo? Come on mrs. Charles, what have YOU got to say?
Its good to see that finally the AG is speaking in his own capacity as chief law enforcement officer for the government of Dominica.On too many occasions he remained moomoo whilst Tony Asterphans was his mouthpiece on national affairs which required clarification or clearing the air.
However i am not impressed with his explanation,and he is quick to call news information rubbish.I think it would be more appropriate for him to conduct an investigation since he is saying he does not know.And since the matter as stated by this couple sullies the good name of Dominica,I think Mr Peters should do more than call the statement rubbish.Mr Peter when you don’t know you investigate.
Also Peters uses the word ‘SCHEME’. When used as a verb, the English dictionary describes scheme as :
make plans, esp. in a devious way or with intent to do something illegal or wrong
Is the Dominica citizenship program a SCHEME?
Peters said “They were interviewed in November They were interviewed right here in Dominica at the financial center. They were interviewed by myself and the head of Special Branch. They provided all the information that was required under the scheme as it existed at the time. They were reviewed by the due diligence process … a due diligent report was written by the due diligence agency and they subjected to an interview as anybody else.”
Therefore, a transcript of this interview and report should be presented as a recording exhibit in an international court. Peters have used his own testimony to incriminate himself and other lawyers and officials in the Dominica government.
“As it existed at the time” is also a form of legal jargon that varies from place to place and from time to time. Does it mean that the procedure for Dominica citizenship no longer exist or exist partly with clauses that can be removed or added to fit its corruptive goal?
Many international law attorneys would be happy to nail you on the stand in a criminal court. So if I were you I would just stop talking because Interpol is listening.
The Attorney General, Levi Peter, should have been less ambiguous in choosing the word “nonsense” and should have said plainly what he meant and directly called the di Silverstris liars, blatant liars trying to gain some media favor and he should demand that the di Silverstris publicly apologize for their lies and how those lies have tarnished the image of Dominica.
It is pretty clear from reading the article:
“He said as far as he knows, the di Silverstris did not make any contribution to Dominica, “apart from the US$100,000 that they paid in respect to the investment…which is required for the economic citizenship program to which they applied.”
“I am not aware that they made any other contribution,” Peter noted.”
that the di Silverstris are the ones that lied and mis-represented the nature of their $100,000 citizenship. They did not want the world to think that they merely purchased their Dominica citizenship, so they lied to the media and tried to spin it as if they were rewarded the citizenship for charitable giving. Clearly that was not that case, or that, as far as AG Peter knows, they have never given any charity or investment to Dominica other than purchasing the citizenship. The problem is that the media believed, or chose to use their lies in order to slam Dominica, when even basic research shows that the economic citizenship program does not work that way, and that one cannot be rewarded citizenship for charity giving. The interview that AG Peter cited is a required part of the citizenship process. It is sad that the di Silverstris lied about how they got their citizenship and they owe a very public apology to the people of Dominica for doing so.
Adam are you pretending to be naïve or you are just sitting on the same old merry go round – party before country and people. You are s blind that you refuse to acknowledge that fraud and deception exist in tis passport peddling program. Why don’t you ask for a comprehensive audit report of the passports peddling scheme.
Adam I pity you but even more I feel sorry for my country.
I rubbish your comment because a West Indian cricketer was recently granted citizenship.. merely because he was good at cricket! So there is no set procedures by which one can gain citizenship in Dominica.
Mr. AG the claims were made by the individuals and you should open up an investigation. Why is the head of special branch interviewing individuals and not the head of imigration. I thought special branch was responsible for PM security. Let the terms and condition of all econimic citizens be made public and we will determine for ourselves if they are nonsense.
We expect that a full investigation be launched by independent party since you and the special branch guy was the only ones their how do we know you only got 100k on behalf of dominica. I am guessing this money was paid to treasury directly.
MRZ AG you are FOS
Go to the government of Dominica’s website.
If it was ths t simple why it took the Government almost two months to break the silence.
As I listen to Levi I kept saying why is he talking. Where is the PM and minister for national security.why is Levi deliberately going for the foot in mouth disease.
In spite of the obvious obvious cover up I was amazed and amused that even after waiting so long to respond Levi indicated that he was not sure who the sales agent is or was and he was not absolutely certain that The Bishop group was the due diligence agency.one would think that Levi would have definite answers for the obvious questions.
Now when lies are issued there comes more questions. Mr Levi it is obvious that the due deligence agency the bishop group had not done a good job prior to 2012. So why are we still using the bishop group.
Mr Levi the Silvestri said that they started their relationship back in 2006 and title was the Government who approach ed them. Why the Silvestri when so far we have sold over 15000 passports?
Levi you came to tell us that you interviewed the Silvestri well that did not lend anything to the mystery cause we know that if your sequence is correct then there should be no surprise as we know that you have been flying across the globe to conduct “interviews”.What was obvious Levi is that you had nothing to offer regarding “money magic”.
It is not beyond reason to conclude that Levi was actually calling the Silvestri people liars when he said that the donation for the hospital was nonsense and that sober minds should not consume such nonsense. Maybe just maybe the Government should question bishop, the passport selling agent in Dominica and then consider publicly denouncing the statement by the Silvestri and revoking the Passports given to them. Let us wait to see ccocktail grow teeth.
Come on, who is taking this foolishness seriously. The [process was very transparent and if you all don’t believe it do as much probing as you all like, in the end the truth will be revealed.
what a shame this morning. Mr, Peter it seems u have no idea what is ur roll as AG. Let me give u a few advise. Sir ur roll is to advise the goverment on legal matters,u have no reason to be answering to we Dominicans, leave this for the persons who have been elected to serve us, u not elected. I feel for u sir. I wonder why is it the head of special branch and urself had to be the ones to interview these two persons, which ministry do u really hold? I really hope u will be perpared to deal with the truth when it is finally out,remember all what u said this morning. Sir i must tell u it was very disgraceful the way u conducted urself this morning, i think u need to reflect, but knowing u guys,we will never see this, but all i will say to u. Our day is coming soon. We will be rescued. God is in control.
Can hardly wait for the outcome of your investigations. Mr Peters you did a fantastic job. Even my five year old could understand your explanation.
So Levi Peters has taken the role of press secretary and chief international press attaché? With all the speculations already taking place in Washington on criminals and terrorist holding Dominica passports, it would be better if he had just shut his mouth. Does it now mean that investigations should now focus on the attorneys within the Dominica government who help to process the bogus paperwork for citizenship?
Tony Astaphan would have done a much better job at explaining or defending the Government on this one. Say what you like about Tony (SC), but I admire the man legal abilities he is just good. Next time let’s use Tony to answer for us on matters of that nature because our AG did not do a good job.
No offence Mr. AG it’s just business Tony is the best at that.
Jon Carson do you know that Levi is the son of a preacher man. In fact Levi grew up in a family where he was supposedly thought to speak the truth and so Levi seem uncomfortable speaking lies. I am not surprise that he made a fool of himself by trying to cover up for the politicians that he serves.
Now Tony on the other hand is a chronic and inveterate liar and it is shameful that you admire such qualities. I would want to bet that profess to be god fearing. Telling blatant lies fabricating deception and derision is not the trait of a good attorney. If you are asking your kids to pattern their life and on that of tony then be prepared for pain and grief cause you can be sure that Lawyers with the behavior and conduct of Tony Astaphan will have no place with the future generation
In the greater society any lawyer or lawyers who behave with such reckless and without moral turpitude would most likely be in jail and disbarred.
What exactly did you not understand?
you people are too free calling people MR and HONORABLE when they do not deserve it.
You sound happy and proud that tony is able to deceive the poor ignorant unsuspecting masses of dominica. You may have noticed by now that the people who tony is deceiving are people who genuinely believe in skerrit. The majority of us who do not believe in skerrit are not the ones being fooled by Tony. Many times Tony’s boss has being caught lying to the public. Dr. A says that dlp believes in the politics of lies and uwp believes in the politics of truth. THAT SAYS IT ALL.
As far as I understand the Silvestris are self made millionaires who made their fortune legally. They had no ties to any terrorists or criminal organizations. They are American citizens and as such were perfect candidates for the Commonweaalth of Dominica’ s Economic Citizenship Program. It is also important to note that there was no form of wrongdoing at the Sochi games. Just a little embarassment, to me, mostly for them.
these people were not in dominica on nov 2012
It is clear that you are so confused that you really need help. I say that with all the love in my heart.
And the commess continues
Are you telling us that they did have a telephone interview with Mr. Peter and the police from the conference room at the Finance Center? Very interesting.
What a BIG FAT lying excuse! Where is the current minister of finance (PM) to explain the financial allegation? You mean to say the di Silverstris are flat out lying about donating monies? Come on Levi, try another lie. So now we have serious liers who proclaim they paid monies towards a children hospital, brought so much shame on us and yet they still have our passports? Mr. Ag, if you ask me I believe that its way over due that you and the minister of finance go! I am obligated to remind that Change Is a Must and all those who raped Ma.Dominique will pay the price.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
At least Dominica gets something for it’s economic citizenship program. Look at America where one can illegally enter the country, work for years under the table without paying taxes, use for free numerous government programs and benefits that actual taxpayers pay for, and then be rewarded for being a criminal and a thief with actual citizenship.
true dat.
give me a couple names and see what happens.
This is mind-boggling to me because here these couples are saying it was given to them and it meant nothing. So why represent a country in the Olympics whose citizenship means nothing to you? We need answers!!!! this is ridiculous. What next will this Government do.
DNO BEFF NEWS
DNO Propaganda Machine !!
DNO propaganda machine
I am Dominican living overseas and went thru hell trying to open business and a bank account in my own country. Shame on you !! Shame on you !! It screams corruption
The government should be doing everything possible to make it easy for small businesses and entrepreneurs to be successful. This means removing the red tape and politics and making it clear that the government will not be stealing the hard worked for fruit of a small business. I wonder how many in diaspora would come home if there weren’t all the barriers to being successful.
Are we to believe what attorney general, Levi Peter says? After all, we’ve been told over and over that the truth is not in their politics. Therefore, when the attorney general goes on DBS and say to Dominicans that the di Silverstris received their citizenship in a transparent manner, what do you expect?
Remember Francesco Corallo’s diplomatic passport saga? Then, the whole world found out that Franceso Corallo was a fugitive wanted by INTERPOL and subsequently arrested. Have you heard the attorney general said anything on the criminals who now hold our passports bought for large amount of money? I’m just asking. Thank you!
Which criminals are you talking about? It is interesting to not that the US and the European Union have no issues as far as our passports are concerned so stop trying to create problems where there are none.
Maybe Dominica should make it a requirement that if, after acquiring citizenship, it is then shown that the person who bought the citizenship is a criminal wanted in another country that they lose their new citizenship and forfeit the money. There is absolutely no future in allowing criminals to purchase citizenship.
Alah Mr. AG Peter! Alah, Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit! Why did you do that to my beloved country? Why drag down the name of my country that I am soooooooo proud of? Oh how degrading! Hear them:
“It’s a beautiful country; we fell in love with it, and the people are great, and we wanted to help them in some way,” Gary told the New York Times before the games, which were held from February 7 – 27. “These countries, they need assistance, so we did. We acted the best we could at the time, made a financial contribution to the country that went to different projects, and in return they granted us citizenship.” Here is my interpretation as the “perfect Idiot” 1. It’s a beautiful country 2. we fell in love with it. 3 The people are great. 4. We wanted to help them in some way, because they are poor and desperate and will accept anything for money including prostituting the beauty of their country. 5. They need assistance, according to their government officials and therefore we acted the best we could to assist them 6. We made financial contributions to help finance the Red Clinic, so these poor , black people could have their basic needs met; in exchange they just gave us instant citizenship. Oh, how crushing!
I am so crushed as a Dominica and Mr. AG calls it “Nonesense”? Guys, up to the last election I have always been a DLP and always voted DLP, I am begging you all to give me my vote back.
What does that mean, “IT WAS KIND OF GIVEN TO US” IT MEANT NOTHING. Imagine that statement. My fellow Dominican’s wake up and smell the coffee. Total decadence. Our beautiful country is beginning to be tarnished. Too much corruption. I am so disappointed.
Well you know what they say, Any publicity is good publicity but this whole saga went way too far without any senior member of the government saying anything. As a result it has mothballed into something which they have no answers to.
They should have limited the damage by giving statements as soon as the story broke.
Too Late shall be the cry, that’s exactly what is happening now.
Bad PR management Mr Peter. That is what you call PR suicide
Snowballed S/Bert, snowballed. Mothballed is when you put something away, out of sight perhaps for later…besides, moths have no balls! Even a fool like me knows that.
Seriously, Dominica did not do anything wrong. The major media houses of the world, which are propaganda mouthpieces for their governments do not like the fact that people can escape the overbearing tyranny of their home countries and get citizenship somewhere else. No matter what Dominica does, it will always be savaged by the mass media as long as it refuses to bow down and become a defacto colony of the powerful countries. Instead, Dominica should proudly defend it’s citizenship program as a model of freedom, and the ability of people to choose which country they want to belong to. Are not half of Dominicans actually in diaspora? The key is to make sure that no criminals get passports, and to fight that, possibly add a requirement that for the first three years, that the new citizen must actually reside in Dominica 75% of the time. Someone who is proud to be Dominican surely wouldn’t have a problem with living in Dominica would they? Bringing in new citizens to Dominica that will positively contribute to the Island can only be a good thing. Dominica could turn itself into a beacon of hope and freedom, drawing to itself freedom loving, hard working, contributing immigrants of the type that have made other countries great before their governments turned on them. It would be better to build Dominica up through the fruit of new citizens and immigrants than through the charity of other governments. Be proud of Dominica and recognize that the marks of good citizenship are not where one is born, but the things that a citizen does to contribute.
Seriously, “model of freedom” eat those words fool…Look around at what is going on in Dominica – fisheries, agricluture, etc all on decline with the youths sitting by the roadside while a handful of folks getting fat of corruption and the masses are blinded by a glass of rum.
Pure lie!
…….And besides that did the Dominicans overseas buy their passports to those other countries you speak of?
St. Kitts has a similar program for citizenship and I have never heard of rouges and vagabonds buying their passports
Does the government make people blind themselves with rum? What Dominica needs are entrepreneurs that can set up businesses and provide work and teach the youth the value of hard work. Anything that the government does to stand in the way of small business hurts Dominica. Whether these entrepreneurs are citizens that never left Dominica, returning diaspora, or new immigrants shouldn’t matter as long as they are CONTRIBUTING to the growth of Dominica. Even in America, 75% of the economy is built on the activity of small businesses, not on the large corporations. Dominica’s citizenship program should encourage the immigration of those who can do this, who can provide jobs and opportunity, and bring in much needed capital, and want to actually live in Dominica and be part of such a beautiful country.
Adam, which Dominica you looking at? There is no transparency in the “economic citizenship” scheme. Where is the money? Who has the money? Where are the economic benefits to Dominica? The only time we know anything about the program is when someone lands in prison or on the front page of the New York Times. The whole scheme is a scam to fill the pockets of them fellows…no advantage atall for the Dominican population. JMHO Bless
The people buying economic citizenship are writing checks for $100,000 plus to the Treasury. Surely someone somewhere has the paper trail that shows where that money is going, even if it is only going into the general fund. Or are you saying that the government employees are cashing these checks and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on themselves? The government needs to publish and show where the money is going because that is the whole purpose of the economic citizenship program, to bring money into the revenue.
Adam, grow up. Is not cheques these people write. Even I have a computer and these people transfer money electronically. That cheque business too traceable and going out of business. You know most big stores in England don’t even accept cheques anymore?Yi you have to pay cash, debit or credit card.Is only pee-pee bourgois in Dominica that want to show off they have bank account.
@ JoJo
And you don’t think that this leaves a paper trail? You are so naive.
Adam, your hormones must be playing up. You don’t find Eve yet. Go and find her and your temper will ease.
What temper? My post merely defended a program which is supposed to be bringing much needed capital revenue into Dominica, and should be bringing in hard working immigrants too. I have no trouble with transparency on where the money is being spent, which should all be spent on public works, and well publicized. If you disagree with me, and apparently everybody does, then state your case, but don’t make ad hominem attacks about my sex life, which is private, and was not part of the news article by DNO.
I am tired of having my coworkers here in Florida rubbing that nonesense in my face.
Those people have come up with all kind of stories and someone has to be responsible to undo the tarnish the name DOMINICA has received.
I am tired of people like you tarnishing the name of Dominica. Be proud of your country and stop playing politics.
i am proud of my country but not when it is run by thieves who you aid and abet.
Explain to your co-workers how the di Silverstris blatantly LIED to the media so that they would appear to be these great philanthropic people, when all they did was purchase a second citizenship. There is no shame on Dominica. ALL of the shame is on the di Silverstris for their LIES and they owe Dominica a very public apology.
The timing as regards a reply to the Olympic fiasco is nothing new. We have seen this behavior from the Skeritt Labor Government and their cronies on several occasions and in particular since Mr. Lennox Linton became Leader of the UWP. For instance, the UWP Convention, Employment Forum, now the reply by the AG. Just a few days ago during the UWP press conference questions were asked about the Olympic embarrassment, a, a, the AG has eventually found his tongue. Stop waiting on Mr. Linton to set your agenda.
I think it was fitting that he answered since the questions are still being ask. The Dominican public have a right to know don’t they?
Peter you may as well shut up, because the tangled web is getting wider! They told the press that they were give Dominica citizenship base on the handouts they give to our people, though not in such simply words.
When the press they were talking to try to get them to detail the type of assistance the give to Dominica, they became tight lips, and vague! You people lie so much; you help spread gossip, and propaganda believing your own lies!
These days the world has shrunk, it has become a small world. News no longer takes years to travel from place to place it is instant internationally via Radio and Television. News no longer travels in the Jungles of Africa, and the Amazon via the beating of the drums, and transmitted by smoke!
On the other hand the Dominicans you people are dealing with these days are much more developed educationally, we do not simply accept it as truth simply because the AG said it. We recognized lies and simple babblings from people like you who are simply lying to cover the truth.
If they told the world the circumstances, which affords them to obtain Dominica citizenship. and you come here with a useless wishy-washy defense, that makes you liar. When they were through talking to the press, they noted as tourist citizens of Dominica.
If you wish I can the full interview that was conducted by at least two different American media that was in Russia covering the winter which ended last weekend!
You do not know what the heck you talking about so just shut up!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Thank you Dno. On point again.
Mr.Ag may We ask,Sir what is Your job description? Sir may We ask You to stick to Your job description and what is required of You.Mr.Ag Who do You represent and speak for? Please do not let us be confused.
The Citizens must Speak,So Let Them Speak. “Overly excited!” What?
We must be Concerned because We are Aware. We Speak before We are outraged. And We Speak OF And WITH LOVE, Mild Answer To Turn Away wrath.
Why is it that Those Who Are Responsible choose not to speak before the people are outraged? Is silence a medicine? Laughter Is like medicine. Prevention Is Better Than damage control. For during the damage so much may be lost.
People Speak THE TRUTH. For THE TRUTH HAS POWER TO SET All FREE AND GIVE FREEDOM FOREVER. Such THE TRUTH GUARANTEES.BLESSINGS. ONE LOVE.
O.K. good one. I take it that you all will finally speak the truth about The Thomson Fontaine watergate and landgate affairs. We the people are still waiting for answers.
Brother, as judge Judy would say “put your listening ears on”. I certainly got my answers regarding Dr. Thomson Fontaine. That is issue is dead long rime but you and the P.M be my guest and keep beating a dead horse. I’m more interested, who received the money from Susan Oldie and used it for what purpose!
then who did he buy the land from DAAS or Rosalie Estate? I am still unclear.
Mr. AG and the government of Dominica by extension, did you realize the couple in question raised our national flag during the Olympics? If by describing themselves as Dominicans, with Dominican passports, and by raising our national flag during the Olympics, is “Nonsense” then what is the significance of a flag? Is Dominica flag useless sir? Why then did we place our flag over the coffin of our late Premier E.O Leblanc, late PM’s Rosie Douglas and Pierre Charles and also our late presidents? Is it not because our flag represents us and all that we stand for? Furthermore Mr. AG, do you remember a very good local cricketer (he should have represented West Indies),who during a regional cricket game in St. Lucia, attacked a fan? Does Mr. Peter remember how we crushed felt as a people? Sir, the damage done by this Olympian couple to Dominica is far worse than anything I can think of and if you and your government love Dominica as most of us do, everyone of you should resign from the cabinet. What a shame!
Not convincing at all. The AG sounds ambiguous and uncomfortable responding to the allegations. Some one is not telling the truth.
It sounded pretty straight forward to me.
If I was rich, I would love to build an actual children’s hospital for Dominica, or at least a Pregnancy Health Center, and you wouldn’t even have to send me to the olympics.
Buss nuh liars!!! trying to discredit the world media and the people themselves said it!
Is just so Skerrit give shanderpaul citizenship too, he ever pass back!!!
Well Well Well. What took the AG so long to come and speak out on this matter. I think it is a bit late as the damage have been done.. thanks AG for shedding some light on this..
My god. Mr A.G it is better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doupt.
What an embarrassment! Does a Dominican passport mean anything now? How could the AG of Dominica, who by the way IS NOT an elected member of the people’s house be so naïve and careless? Mr. AG, the name of Dominica and our reputation is in a mess and you call it ‘nonsense’? Is this what Dominica has come down to? How could the AG come with this nonsensical spin when the name our beloved country has been slandered by major media houses around the world? Did the AG hear what NBC, Fox, CNN just to name a few had to say about Dominica? To hear MR Peter rubbish this as ‘Nonsense’ is proof that this administration does not take pride in the fact that they are Dominican and therefore they should ALL resign.
That is the level this LABOUR Administration has brought Dominica to….the gutters. But Change is a Must….Not an option.
But change is already here. In our schools, our roads our hospital, geothermal plant, coffee plant abattoir, yes we care program you name it, it is all happening for us. What an exciting time it is!
Having put us through all of this public scrutiny now is the time to invest some money in the country you all claim you love. We are looking forward to your investments.
Me. putting some money into the country? Sorry Sir, not now. Imagine this Govt. would nationalise the assets I paid for, just like their buddy Venezuela.
Sorry JoJo we are not talking about you. You probably need some investments yourself. We are talking about people, like the De Silvestris who are able.
the attorney general is a trained lawyer and magistrate. he is the attorney general of the commonwealth of Dominica, and I feel very sorry that the people had to listen via the web to the person in that office who sound like novice, not Lennox, because that is one articulated novice.
Mr. Attorney General, you took THIS long to talk? And we’re supposed to take your word for it? try again
We got known in the international arena they did not commit a crime what they did was carry our flag so that I will no longer hear are you from the Dominican Republic, or Jamaica what is the big fuse leave well alone there are bigger fishes out there to fight.
Well, it seems that you were not embarrassed by the international media showing those two fakes for what they really are…fakes. So, I will bear the shame for the both of us. Keep flying that flag!
You can only feel shame if you know what shame means.
A very simple question mr Minister: why did the government take so long to refute the claims that they donated money to the Children’s hospital or made any other charitable donations? Why would we want scammers and liars representing us? Are we saying free and controversial representation or publicity was better than none? Why didn’t we simply yank their participation at that point. Values and Integrity Mr Minister.
This is very interesting Mr. AG. If it’s indeed true that the di Silverstri themselves made the statement or claims that he have contributed to a children hospital ion the island why would you dismissed it as nonsense? I would expect you to have some concerns with respect to their claims that they donated or contributed to a children hospital on the island.
I find it more disturbing that you as AG and the head of the Special Branch interviewed the di Silverstri. Who is the head of the Special Branch or acted in that position at the time of these folks being interviewed? As AG you have raised more questions than any resolutions to this controversy and I am disappointed. If I were you I would have continued to remain silent on the matter.
Absolutely! And to make matters worse…going on Q95, sounding like a fool and ready to fight!!
i do even no what to say about levi this ag is just not real