The northern village of Penville is presently up in arms over the building of a basketball court on what they described as the community’s only playing field.
On Sunday some villagers went to the construction site and start refilling a trench as a form of protest.
Former Chairman of the Penville Village Council, Gabriel Leblanc, told Dominica News Online that the villagers are happy to have the court built but is unhappy it is being constructed on their only playing field.
“It is not that we are protesting against the court, we are protesting against the location of the court,” he told DNO on Monday. “That is the only playing field that we have in this community and some money was given to the chairman of the village council to build the court. Members of the council, including myself, had advised the chairman that where he intended to put the court was not proper.”
In January 2013 Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the constituency, Roosevelt Skerrit, presented a cheque of $100,000 to chairman of the council, Justin Dubois, for what was described as a “much needed” basketball court.
Leblanc argued that the construction of the court on the playing field will prohibit the development of other sports such as football, cricket and rounders in the community.
“You will be removing the freedom of the young guys from playing football, cricket and rounders, so we are saying to him that they should backfill the area and set up a wall and then build the court there so it would not prevent any of us from playing other games,” he said.
According to former chairman, Dubois is not listening to the advice of the other members of the council and is doing “whatever he wants to do.”
“If he continues to put that basketball court where he intends to it is going to create problems,” he said. “They plan to put it in the center of the field right now and that is why we are protesting. He has taken on his own, we tried to get him to put a committee together so we could sit down and decide how and where we were going to put the court but to no avail. The Prime Minister gave him money and he decided nobody can tell him what to do.”
But Dubois defended the location of the court saying that although he respects the views of the protesters, the location was identified about a year ago.
“The money was given to the council about a year now and we had meetings and consultations,” he stated. “We had about three official public meetings for the community to discuss the court and then this location was identified.”
According to him the location was chosen because of the size of the court and due to the fact that the “the majority” voted for it.
“We explored all other options … the question about back-filling was brought up but there is the question about cost and the nature of the area that we are referring too may be hazardous to the children,” Dubois argued.
He stated Sunday’s protesters are not direct beneficiaries of the project and noted that construction has paused for ‘consultation and sensitization.’
Dubois also reported that the field has not been in use for cricket in about 12 years.
The funds for the court were made possible through Dominica National Petroleum Company.
allu dr talkin about court… but next time is warr cuz not for soooo long a water project going on almost 4 yrs and it kya done… i want water oyeee.. bonne!!
We The Authorities have suggested that due to the terrain in Penville, other sports like mountain and rock climbing would be better suited, but our suggestions went unheeded.
It was supposed to be a piecefull demonstration but our so called stops officer that dude who has absolutly no respect or discipline threatened to hout a guy that day. Mr fernix thomas has absoulutly no leadership style and not fit for the position that he serve we want the court but not in the center of the field….mr justin u have to acount for that money ,it was in a fix deposit for 12 months it should have increased by 4-5 percent were is it? It has nothing to do with pm or politice.
if there is one time Penville people have to come together is now… Now is the time Enough is Enough….
Justin must listen to his villagers and represent them effectively. He has to remember he was voted in not walk in to office….we will vote him out forthwith if he figures he can do what he wants. …Get a griop justin your door is closing on u slowly. Uneducated people know nothing aboutsustainability of future generation benifits neither do they use ethical judgements………oh please justin get a grip ok
you all should stop using de name Euella to make it seem like is Ma Joe. wicked people especially u MR. Farmer or MR. BUS DRIVER whatever. all now is all u so that bringing dem boys to PRACTICE in VIEELLE CASE cause they have no field.and u talking about bringing girls savanne paille. HYPOCRITES
Justin I doe c d point of a basketball court,Think of 3 n one on d way kids where r dey gana do dere sports eh dey doe even kno how to hold a basketball muchless play it. In d first plac i dont kno y penville people vote you as chairman.
who is the leader then tell me and tell dno I want back my position as chairman or I want to be the parl rep and even if uwp don’t want me I will go independent even is a hand full of penvillian goats that vote for me but I not giving up until I get my position long I doe put my jackets I use to like to put them. hep and vote for mel
y are we so negative when the goverment try to something for the country,guy this will not move the country forward. let us try to be more consturtive when comes to
Does anyone plan and design in Dominica?
When the new Winsor park was built, that was the same issue in Roseau. Why not build it in a location where they could still continue to play cricket,football and rounders. I think they call it common sense. It seems it is a multi-purpose field,so why build the basketball court in a location that would make it a single purpose field?. Common Sense people
Penville is big enough, and as Carib girl said, there are several other locations that can accommodate that basketball court.
Do NOT GIVE UP on cricket, netball and rounders. It would be a shame to allow these sports to drown.
mr chairman you have ur life to leave you did not ask for court but gg is mad he is not the chairman and will do any thing to turn it down, how this man wants to be the parl rep, well I said I would vote for him but I love cricket and basket ball and was looking forward for the court. so gg must re think because he will not be chairman nor parl rep, when salt has lost its flavour its to be set aside.
We the youth of penv need wat we ask for and gigi I cub say ………ble will not make him reach no where
Hay justin. please reconsider. man you should remember our time man not too long ago. man the amount of cricket that we play in penville . you remember every sunday the amount of cricket we played. at one time the priests used to preach about people leaving church early to go and see cricket. every sunday was a festive time after a cricket match. man we played with vielle case, paix bouche, capuchine, portsmouth,carib territory,bioche, man you name it. try to reorganise those days of fun. i saw basket ball in 1981 when i started going to PSS. we never know about that game in penville. i am not saying that we don’t have to move on but we cannot totally do away with what has keept the community for years.
Folks, I played cricket on this ground before. It’s a very small field that is too small for proper boundry marks. yet, it produced one of the best and fastest bowlers Dominica has produced in a number of years in the person of Fernix Thomas, who played for Dominica, Windwards and should have played for the Windies and is also the village of young George, who is on Dominica team. That’s what Mr. Skerrit intended to take away from the people of Penville just to play his politics. During the 1995 election campaign, I was on Skerrit’s campaign team, building a proper playing field for the people of Penville was part of the campaign. To make Skerrit’s failure as Parl Rep and PM look more obvious here is what the chairman had to say: “Dubois also reported that the field has not been in use for cricket in about 12 years”. Mr. Dubois, you mean to tell me that when Mr. Skerrit became the parl rep he met cricket in Penville and even met a Penvillian on the Windward island team, and in 12 yrs he has done nothing to encourage young villagers to play cricket? Not only that, but when he became parl rep in 2000 he was the young minister and minister of sports until he became PM and minister of finance and in 12 years he has not built the playing field he promised in 2000? Yet you all voted him big for three consecutive terms?No wonder they don’t respect you all
When we try to fix a problem we MUST take a look at the cause of the problem first; otherwise we will be wasting time blah-blah-ing. The root cause of this problem is the Hon. Prime Minister. I mean what new style is that the man has adopted? According to the report “In January 2013 Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the constituency, Roosevelt Skerrit, presented a cheque of $100,000 to chairman of the council.” Dominicans, whose money Skerrit gave out? Was it his personal money or government money? If it was his money then he should jump in and manage his money better than that. If it is state money, then how could the county’s money in the sum of $100,000 be given to the chairperson of the council to build a basketball court? Furthermore why should tax payers money be sitting in any council for 13 years? Is this accountability Mr. Skerrit? What if someone had touched from that money as seen in one of the councils in the south? Wouldn’t it be better to have this large sum of money be placed on a CD for 12 months and make some interest Mr. Skerrit? What if the council had used the money on the basketball court and the amount given was not enough? Would they have to wait until next budget to get more money or the project would remain on hold forever? Mr. Skerrit, the way government conducts transactions is by: 1. parl rep and villagers identifying the need 2. identify the location 3. government must send surveyors to identify landmarks 4. Government sends caterpillars etc to cut land if necessary 5. government pays workers either through the council clerk or government checks/cash. It is NOT common for the government to give such a large check to any individual for work to be done a year later. If the amount of money given was not used the balance could very well be pocketed by the individual or the parl rep. That’s a sign of corruption Mr. PM and no wonder there is this controversy inn Penville, which is the base of your constituency.
I agree with your argument, in part. Although the transaction probably was not done the way it should, you must remember that Penville people pay taxes too. I should say that the confusion could have been avoided if all parties referencing the location of that basketball court was in agreement. It is a good idea to keep the young people out of the streets and out of trouble.
true say. can’t believe educated Dominicas are still supporting the nonsense….
where is the accountability? checks n balances?
none.
Let us turn the table for a while,we strongly believe Lenox and Fountain behind that.
@patriot, Why do you strongly believe Lenox and Fountain are behind that? Did they give $100,000 to the chairperson a year ago? Did they send backhoe to dig those people playing field? Were they the ones trying to build the court? If the answer is no, why then this foolish talk?
Your questions and conclusion may not be accurate. Common sense is required here. Members of a Party could excel in influencing their supporters as they remain behind the scene, pretending and playing innocent that they are not involved. Give this a thought.
@patriot Linton and Fontaine are giving all you cold sweat.
I REALLY LOVE THESE TWO GENTLEMEN.
How is Skerrit doing nah?. Remember to tell him to check his mental health, and monitor his actions.Bye.
You do likewise for yourself. Have you forgotten that you a human being? You never know which way the table turns – on you. You forget yourself that you are not immune from ill health and other relevant causes and when you least expect it.
You should be more worried about yourself.
Anything is possible. I would not put anything passed them, the way that they are carrying on lately.
Definition of a SPORT: an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.
How then is Rounders not a sport?
And can you believe Sports Officer Fernix Thomas said that Rounders is not a sport? I wonder if his boss Mr. Trevor Shillingford saw that comment on DNO’s facebook page.
It is shameful because every district festival organized by the Sports Division includes rounders.
Fernix, I am disappointed but not surprised.
Well instead of using dictiinary definitiin check the ioc and the list of different sports and see where u fibd rounders then u can ask if it is.
In that case, what is cricket?
When you coming penville walk with a camera so you can take pictures of the ‘Great-Wall of Scar-bee…
The bridge built by the brumant guy
next protest is about me ” THE NEVER-FINISHING WATER PROJECT…
three years and counting
Pay us a visit and you will see what we have been going through in penville
Chris-t-mas is over. Let the water flow.
It is high time we the people stand for what is right , the three years water mess would not have gone thus far. All I know we cant be fooled all the time.
Sad day Alyou let pay attention. Penville revolt. But is high time see what they do to the Craft shop? if you know Penville well. And yes the focus is on the youth. Did the youth have a say asking for the basket ball court? to the Pal Rep or the Council? Tell me what happen to young George who played cricket for Dominica? Did the field had any impact on him and even Fernicks. Or is it now that the crush of NBA is winning? is that 12 years and why was the field not maintained? That is 12 of the 15 years of the Pal Rep you know. I not the same area the school utilizes for sports. “I must speak” says the Wave. We who are in power are not the masters take a leap from the Dice “There is another aspireing leader…..” Fix the field get an area for the basketball court Make new ones maintain the old Roundas is my thing
The field is in close proximity to the school.the pupil make full use of it.right now the school pupils have to go to viellecase to practiçe football.mr chairman is happy to be transporting them.that field is used for sports day too.wwe surely have produced the bedt there. Fernix thats where you played not portsmouth.
So why those men dress in BLUE? prisioners that come to do the job or what?
Take a good look at the protesters in the picture;by their fruits you shall know them;They ALL Blue vex.
@FAST N FURIOUS. Go on the Animal Show to spew your filth. These people needs leadership. Skerrit is not a leader. Is it that you are too dunce to see that?
@??????????If I had said it like you..’These people “needs” leadership.’I presume you would have ask me to go on Q95 to do so,right?!.That’s the problem with you all UW-PEAS.ALL YOU want to dictate to people what to do or say.Why are you all so aggressive and arrogant?Maybe it’s no fault of your own that’s what your LEADER TEACHES and advocates which you are too dunce to see.
Amen fast and the furious thats all it is.blue blue.
The Former Village Council Chairman has his faults, however he’s no puppet, and worked for the people…
no pipette in light but our own oil does fry us what u don’t know older than u
Let’s not even talk about the water/road project that has been ongoing for the past 3 years! Any time visit Penville, if you can’t because it’s behind God’s back, or you don’t want to meet a Penvillian Goat. Examine your love for your country and race.
“Dubois also reported that the field has not been in use for cricket in about 12 years.” Tell that to the people who use it every day after school,work, and weekends – playing cricket, rounders. Basketball was played ‘now and then’ in the road junction near the Catholic Church dodging traffic. Cricket is also being played on the highway because of current construction/destruction of the field.
It looks like he wants the easy way out in regards to the court construction. He wants to save by not having to build a retaining wall and back-filling and additional excavation works. Why walk away with $20,000 when he can walk away with $75,000 in profit?
imagine penville never a basket ball area……we dont no about basket ball ….all we no bout is cricket,football and rounders….. justin u no better than that
The word is ‘know” not ‘no’
@Penville boy, you just go introduced to Basketball. Have fun, enjoy, and make yourself useful.
Oops, you just “got” introduced
Football has never ever been played in penville.cricket at that site has been dormant for 12 yrs.if u are telling me the grown ups who play rounders are more important than developing the next nba star or the next nadal or the next jennifer nantgan in netball then this is real sad and gg and his band wagoon needs prayer.
tunnel vision!
This is so sad that people like you from that community can speak like this…Does the children count to you all? I have passed this playing field several times and I’ve seen children playing cricket…As a matter of fact two of these children represented the Dominican youth team oversees…Your fool think before you speak, all you want is hand out……
Mr gg gabriel leblanc shud also tell dno that he is angry over loosing the chairmanship of the council and he publicly stated that any form of development which comes to the village he will oppose it.tell gg I say think again.
Field out of Use for twelve years Mr Council Chairman is it that the field itself is in a state of disrepair etc…..just asking
It means that the little piece of land is to small to play anything that u need a regular playing feild to do.thats why its been wothout activity.
none sense Mr. Farmer
12 years all y did not use the cricket field ..now they developing the area ..its a problem..
well slavery really affected us..
According to Mr. Lennox Linton and the UWP, the next General Elections will call itself in 2015. I think they should re consider. In 2013, Skeritt gave the village council in his Constituency $100,000 to build a basketball court and it is only in 2014 preparations to build that court is about to begin. In the next twelve months, expect a lot of dayba, roro, mapuis, gifts and follow the leader by the DLP. Remember, the Employment Forum by the UWP, a few week later, the Skeritt Labor Administration had what some people referred to as a rent a job forum. On Thursday Mr. Lennox Linton and the UWP met the youth of Beotica at a Youth Empowerment Forum, on Sunday a youth organization was started by the Skeritt Labor Party in Grand Fond. Some Dominicans are asking whether the DLP is going to organize a twenty one in twenty five, an American Tour or sometime similar, may a Cuba and Venezuelan tour. Follow the leader Skeritt, follow the leader, maybe that might just help you to win the next General Elections.
A field in its natural state is much more ECO friendly to any community.including birds and the possible wild herbs that might be there .once you concrete that field, you immediately condom the spot for one use only, so let common sense prevail
We “condom” the spot for one use only? Really? Condom? Rubbers? Protection?
You see like every where else the field is part of our history .the old mill might be yours the field is mine . Last time I play I scored 60 runs that’s my memory.
The area could serve as a multi-purpose facility for various sports, putting a basketball court in the centre of the field is absurd.
The chairman must learn to listen, we have different sports interest in the community and the reason why the playing field has not been properly utilised its because of funding.
This is something that has been discussed. A project for a multipurpose facility should be written, and the necessary funding be made available, too many piece-meal thing.
That’s exactly my centiment. Preserve our history not distroy it.Let the kids have the option. Those three sports are our history not basketball. Not in the middle of the field. Lol.
Skerrit if you say you are a leader, go put peace in your constituency. Is it that they are discarding you too? Hope you visit the doctor for madness, because you are a mad man. LOST POWER SYNDROME.
dont lie on councillor past chairman u running ur show. why are we so afraid to move on to the next level think of the future not the now small minded people. get out of the box people and stop running on emotions.
penville people just are bunch of >Gabriel Leblanc wants to be parl rep, but tell him wait is not penville alone that make the constituency
They are not no bunch, the chairman must listen and discuss. The PM giving the money does not authorise him to do what he wants.
U that eualla better zip it.left to u nothing wud happen in the community cause u are not intrested in penville developing.u dont think its better to have the young girls playing netball in the yard than busing them to savanpaille every mondays to use the court in that area.
@sweet and Euella The Vieille Case constituency needs leadership. Is Skerrit a leader? Let leaders emerge, to take you all out of this mess.
If I know Euella….she would never use her name on here.Stop using other peoples names to spew what you want.Be brave and do it under your own name.
funny you think penville people are a bunch of ….as if your father from there?
@water project When a leaders work is against the ordinary man,especially the poor all manner of sin, evil, wickedness will follow him. THAT’S WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW. go complete your water project now.
Chairman Dubois, Listen to the people. You will do harm to yourself a politician and the other politician who gave the money. the fact that the playing is not fit for football and cricket doesnt mean the people are not interested!
lol can’t believe that
everywhere skerro go, is roro… walls of jericho falling down on skerro
ALAS POOR SKERRO Everything is just descending on him as though he is being punished for what he has done (all the ills) to Dominica and Dominicans.
but if the feild has not being use over 12yrs well why they cant build the court? all u dominicans have too much issue
So why then are pole was not held. I know cricket and roundas is our thing. We talk about the condition and because we request to see that continue they punishing us with a basket ball court. And Penville still have more place to put the court it have lower and upper Penville. Even if i live in Carib the council can consider putting something in lower Penville.
yess that cout could have been placed lower penville just across the leblanc’s home like it has been planned.. justin self self… idk how allu can take a tehbeh nd put for chairman.. neither he nor gigi not goood
Answer, if I cannot have it you cannot have it either. It is all about COMPETITION.
I agree though, if that money was given a year ago to build that project, why has it not yet built?
Hmm, wonder if that money was not otherwise spent and is now being replaced.