As the restoration of the Roseau Roman Catholic Cathedral continues the Government of Dominica has made a significant contribution of half a million dollars towards that project.
The reconstruction of one of Dominica’s oldest buildings began in 2012 and is expected to cost an estimated $8-million.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described the government’s donation as ‘simple and modest’.
“The contribution to the efforts is in the amount of EC$500,000 that would be our contribution and of course as the Lord continues to provide for the state where the state can assist further the state will try to assist,” he said.
The prime minister explained that since the Roseau Cathedral is one of the main attractions for tourist in the country the state felt it was obligated to assist in its renovation.
“Many tourist who come from either the cruise ship or stay over, make it to the cathedral and so it is part of the historical landscape and also our tourist attraction,” he stated. “I understand that there always has to be separation of the state and church but one can all agree that we cannot do without the presence of the church in the state.”
He added further that it is important for the government and the country to recognize that presence of the church is important to the state.
“Dominica has been affected by the global and economic crisis but by the grace of God we have been able to hold our own and continue to do many things for our country and for citizens of this country. These are trying times,” the prime minister said.
In the meantime Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, Gabriel Malzaire, thanked the government for its contribution to the project.
“We do appreciate this very kind gesture of the government and we know that it will not go without rewards,” he said. “We know that the Heavenly Father sees what you do and I’m sure as he is looking down upon us He will see to it that you are given an abundance in the future.”
Bishop Malzare explained that Lot 3 of the project has just been completed.
“Lot 1 was the removal of the roof and the replacement of all the furniture,” the bishop stated. “Then the second Lot was preparing the structure for this renovation work and now we are just completing Lot 3. Lot 3 entails the entire retrofitting of the foundation. So what you are seeing here right now; trenches were dug here and reinforced concrete was placed and of course the concrete columns were changed.”
He pointed out further that almost half of the work is completed but a lot more needs to be done.
“The 4th Lot is the placement of the frame for the roof which is on order right now… so we should be receiving the frame very soon,” he said. “By summer the frame should be up and the covering will follow soon. Of course for every Lot we need a good injection of funds.”
Although the project is expected to cost about $8-million, Bishop Malzaire said that he expects that cost to increase.
He said close to $5-million have been raised already.
“So we have about $3,000,000 left,” the bishop remarked.
Photos below show ongoing construction on the Cathedral.
” we encourage our members to give 10% of their total income which is the tithe. We do this because it is a Biblical practice.”(Donald Hill).
Well, if you read my piece, by now you must have seen where I wrote “tides.”
Hahahahahahahahahahahah!
In any event, the kid is talking about “tithes.” The bottom line is simply this the Church must function, and survive on the tithe and offerings received from the congregation. There is nothing wrong with some people giving more, one should give as much as they can, since God made it abundantly clear, that he love a cheerful giver.
We should also remember that one cannot give more than they can afford, and we know this from the woman which the Bible said gave a few pence, which was all she had, and that was appreciated more than those who was giving for show, and not from the hear. We also remember Paul said it okay to give what one can afford, as long as they have it ready by the time he came. That is not a direct quote from the Bible, but it is found in the Bible.
With that said: My belief is that if the presence of God is in a church, any church, that Church would not be poverty stricken to a point where it has to take a handout from a government!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
“Gov’t contributes $500,000 to Cathedral Restoration Project”
I pondered over this one and question whether I should state my opinion. I had to think about if what I had to say would be offensive to the higher power; I finally came to the conclusion that since God plays no part in politics, the same as he plays no part in false religion, as the Roman Catholic colt, he will not punish me for my opinions.
Hence, I wish to make it abundantly clear that it is wrong for government to use the resources of the country in installing roofs, or buying any other form of materialistic products for any Church, be it Roman Catholic, Methodist, or any other religion for that mater in Dominica. Church activities should be supported by the membership, and those who believes in the philosophy and doctrines of their Church. All the tax payers of Dominica are not Roman Catholic, so why should the none Catholic taxpayers money be spent on a Roman Catholic Church? The Bible teaches “if it is of God it shall stand, if it is not of God it shall destroy itself.” I believe the reason any church would encounter financial difficulties, is all because God Almighty Jehovah and his Son Jesus Christ is not present in such churches. The tide’s and offerings which the congregation contributes to the church should be the resources used to repair the structure of the building, since Church is not a building, but the body of believers, the people is actually the church.
The Roman Catholics, of Dominica are so poor as everyone else, if they give their money to put on a roof they may not have anything to eat for a month. In the case of this so called Roman Catholic it will forever be poor because the word of God is neither preach, or thought in such places. One can say as many Hale Mary full of grace, from the day they are born to the day they die, God does not hear them. One can pray to all the Roman Catholic created Saints God does not hear them, because Jesus said, whatever, we wish ask it of the father; his father Jehovia in his name, believing we receive it and it will be given to us by his father! That was never thought in any roman catholic church in Dominica. I know that for a fact, because I attended the roman catholic church when I was a kid.
Now, the most ironic thing is that while the our Prime Minister found it fit to give away the taxpayers money to accommodate religion. The termite infested hospital in the village of Marigot which serves the people
of Wesley, Woodford Hill, and other surrounding areas had to be closed, five hundred thousand dollars could be used in the construction of a new building to replace the rodent, and termite infested old hospital in the village of Marigot. Now I do not care who gets offended. But, here is the politics of it all which usually cause conflict between Church and. This so called bishop, did not find it fit to thank the taxpayers of Dominica for the money, nevertheless, he express personal thanks to the Prime Minister, and assured him that he the prime minister will be rewarded.So, people you see what I am talking about conflict between church, and state, and why O am certain that God is not in the Roman Catholic Church, neither is God involved into gutter politics?
Mr. Prime Minister you have made another bad mistake; if you wanted to contribute money to that man and his colt, you should have given him your personal money, public money should not be used for such purpose!I suppose the Roman Catholic Church in Dominica, will now use their pulpit to Champaign for you and the labor Party: that is wrong!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
It is interesting the amount of negative comments this particular article has gotten. For years the Catholic Church has been trying to renovate the cathedral and I bet many you who are commenting have not made a contribution towards this venture. There have been numerous fundraisers to assist in this cause and there are times that the church has not received the support that it desperately needed. I believe that this contribution is good. This is a good use of my tax money as so many have put it. The church is responsible for not only the religious development of our people, but it has played its part in education. The church is an active member of our society and should be rewarded for all it does. We are thankful for the gift. we need to stop looking at the giver and concentrate on what the money will be used for. This is necessary and it is time that we stop be critical.
DNO, what about @ “Simply the Truth” you like that you putting out soooooooo many of his crap? Is it that he has part of your company? Or, is it because you want people to see how stupid he is? Whatever the case may be, it is not fair to the rest of us. For example, so far you have moderated 192 blogs and 41 (FORTY-ONE) of them are from this idiot (I call him idiot because he calls that to me and many others and you moderate him). The man make so big a fool of himself that at no time does he have a favorable Thumbs up rating. In fact when you look at the number of say laborites and Catholics that comment here, it is clear that they don’t support his crap because based on the rating, it is clear that they voting against him or just not in favor of his crap. What about him you like? Is it that you like to see his comments hidden for poor rating?
i am a free slave the catholic church is part of the problem in haiti, they control their flowers. telling them contraceptive is against GOD law. more members more collection on sundays.
You are right brother in Haiti followers are flowers and I hope they blossom but the church still making their collection. No cheques, no credit cards, but largen shjesh. Church, all churches is like one big washing machine for cleaning money. You don’t read Pope Francis replace his financial team at the Vatican last week? Ask yourself why.
Just like his brother this guy does not have a conscience. They will bleed anything dry and not even care about others- Didn’t call name DNO just this guy.
I know the family well and I can tell you they are gold diggers
DNO, you allowed all your favorite people to post their evil, derogatory comments against the Catholic Church, Bishop Malzaire and the PM. They are creating enemies of us when we do not hate them. Please allow my comments to inform them of the truth of the matter.
This is a serious matter and one to be taken seriously. It cannot be caste aside and nothing is done about it. We, genuinely faithful Catholics are obligated to respond which is a mandate from God, as faithful practicing Catholics. I take an attack on my Church and Bishop Malzaire extremely seriously and will not keep quiet about it. With the help of God I am obligated to respond and emphatically so.
The Holy Spirit directs me, guides me and inspires me to defend His Church and His Bishop of all including the PM who generously donated some funds to continue restoration of His Consecrated Church which has served His faithful people for generations and will until the end of time. There is no doubt the souls of our ancestors and others who attended this Church in their lifetime are in Heaven.
You have much to state against the Catholic Church and the Bishop. As a genuine faithful member, I have much more to state for it and in defense of it, the real truth which no mere words of its enemies could ever change.
The Catholic Church comprises of the lay faithful, all the Clergy, Priests, Bishops, Archbishops, Cardinals, the Pope – the Magisterium. Another word for it is the Hierarchy.
In the Catholic Church, the magisterium is the authority that lays down what is the authentic teaching of this Church; not outsiders; not those who renounced it and not those who are not well-versed in Catholicism. Your adverse words cannot change a thing which God Himself has ordained and approved for His One and Only Church. They might as well keep their peace.
I hope Bishop Malzaire and the priests read these comments and note how many have stated they are Catholics yet, as traitors, criticize him for accepting the PM’s contribution to assist in the Cathedral’s renovation. I view these people as wicked and unfaithful to God and to the Church. Bishop Malzaire and the Priest should speak about this in their Homilies and remind Catholics of all, their duty to God and to the Church. One of it is charity/generosity which has absolutely nothing to do with politics and votes.
When such people die they want a Catholic funeral and burial but it will not help them because they have been unfaithful and criticized the Catholic Church during their lifetime. They might as well be laid in a coffin and buried.
When you die you will know how much you served the Lord and others as He commanded, to love God and to serve others as a requirement for living in love and peace with your fellow people and for obtaining eternal salvation as some of you, hypocrites as you are, are quick to quote from the Bible.
In addition as Catholics, as some of you identified yourself as member of this Church, your words did not serve you at all, did not serve God for the purpose He created you and has for your life. One of it is to live in peace with others and as members, to stand up and defend the Catholic Church against its enemies who are numerous and increasing in this age of the apostasy. Of your own doing, your evil attitude will not assist you to obtain eternal salvation.
What a waste of God-given precious time, lives, going to church and praying. You are living a life of hypocrites, ignorant and narow-minded people who are deprived of the blessing and grace of God, worst than pagans and non-Christians, those who were never baptized Catholics and never practiced the Faith . Why is this Because you have been taught and you failed to practice the godliness which you were taught by primarily Our Lord Jesus Christ. He has told us, “Those who knew and did not practice it, will be more severely punished – Parable of the Talents, Faithful and Vigilant Servants and Disciples.
If you scoff at that, I feel sorry for you now and in the future to eternity.
You are too catholic for your own good and giving our church (it is not jut yours you know!) a bad name.
The Catholic Church gets half a million dollars for restoration but the police gets 0% increase! Where did that money come from? There is no money to give the men and women who risk their lives daily for Dominica but there is enough to give that huge amount to the church. I have nothing about giving to any religious organization but we must have our priorities straight.
Yesterday, after posting my comments and I signed off from DNO, the Lord revealed something to me through inspiration that all of you who opposed the PM donating money to Bishop Malzaire for the Cathedral Restoration Project which is really on your behalf, of all Dominicans, the genuinely Catholic faithful who number greater than you, the critics that you, “are all supporters of UWP.” Otherwise you would not make such ignorant and evil comments.
No one heals himself by wounding others. No one will amass voters and additional ones if they spew hatred against the Catholic Church and the current government. You are not smart people and do not realize that you are operating against UWP.
When you attack the Catholic Church and the Bishop, you hurt every member of the Catholic Church. Most importantly, you hurt the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Your evil words are causing divisions and disunity in the land. This alone will turn me off UWP. UWP will lose voters.
Linton, the leader of the opposition, UWP and Ron Green the President must speak to you their supporters. They must caution you to be careful what you state on this Website for it will cause voters to turn against UWP and they will lose votes. You are assisting to make this come to fruition.
Mark my words! Your ignorant and evil words which generate from your hearts are also showing DNO up as being biased to the DLP and those who support it. As God is looking on and taking note, this is bad for DNO’s business. I could point out a few reasons why it is bad for DNO. Let it be for the time being. Therefore, DNO should not encourage your evil words, of hatred on its Website.
It appears you are encouraged and spurred on by UWP. What will be your eventual lot of all of you? God knows!
People will hate UWP and its supporters (no doubt some have already done so), be it in their heart for your adverse, evil stance pertaining to the Catholic Church, Bishop Malzaire. In this case, you have done well for DLP. May God bless DLP.
When you make such statements and others who reside abroad read your comments, at least the godly and just ones, should a disaster strike Dominica and you are in need of, do you think they will help? Due to your overall attitude towards the Catholic Church, the Bishops and Priests, I for one will not donate a cent except to family and friends. I will inform all those whom I know about it, if they have not (yet) read your evil comments against the Bishop and the Catholic Church.
You are so negative and narrow-minded this is what you have wrought upon you, your household, your undertakings and on Dominica; also on DNO. It is a punishment from God for your evil ways. Evil people as you pay for your words and suffer for it. It will not be the fault of DLP government as you blame the MP for everything. It will be your downright fault due to your wickedness. Your evil words as imbedded in your hearts are the ones causing any dilemma which befalls Dominica and yourselves. God has taken note.
What does the party you support have to do with this donation? People are free to voice their concerns and this is a big concern to all true loving Dominicans. Hospitals are closing down. Patients are hungry in those that are open to the extent that they have to steal fellow patients food. Police cannot get an increase, healthy able body individuals have become beggers, our youths are becoming more deliquent every day. don’t you think that this money could be put to better use? If you cannot see that I think you are the one that is evil, you all just like calling God’s name when it is convenient to you.
I agree with you, no more money for bishop appeal fund again from the Catholic church in Portsmouth unless we get our share.
If the Catholic in Portsmouth do not get its share from the bishop, I think the members should not be putting collection for Bishop appeal fund .That money should go to Rudolph Thomas for the bill on the toilet.
The Headline should have read PM gives 500.000 to buy catholic votes. This is immoral and a reflection of the lack of conscience of both the PM and the leadership of the catholic church.
small minded,ignorant,self centered DUMBINICANS!!…The roof of the cathedral has been under reconstruction for so many years, while these people scramble to get funds. Everyone goes to the church,and let the collection basket pass them by, or barely put anything. Maybe, if the NEGATIVE PEOPLE WOULD SHUT UP AND CONTRIBUTE, then things would work. If the prime minister choses to help that shouldn’t be an issue. NONE OF YOU GUYS,are aware of where he got the the money,so the ASSUMPTIONS SHOULD BE KEPT TO YOURSELF. It’s amazing when you all come to AMERICA,and churchs ask for money for salvation,or 10 collections during one service, you all are quick to put it all,even though it’s your last dollar. GROW UP, GET OUT OF THE SMALL MINDED MENTALITY, AND AT LEAST CONTRIBUTE. THEN TALK. BS LIKE IS,IS EXACTLY WHY I WOULD NEVER TAKE MY SKILLS BACK HOME!!!!..
All these people, including myself, who comment on this insane behavior of this man skerrit, is just wasting time. Let’s just stop commenting on anything he does and simply vote him out in the coming election. With all these comments skerritt is getting is good for his ego. He sits back with a cold beer in hand and laugh at us all; while reading all these blood pressure raising comments about him. Let’s just ignore this man who knows nothing concerning running a country. This will be my very last comment on anything relating to him. Let’s just show him the EXIT DOOR come next election.
Thomas better don’t do any collection from now on
pure madness in Dominica demolition of a woman house she has eight children .almighty GOD do you see and hear all this madness. i call on you, maybe my heart is not pure enough, but the injustice need to stop.
Ok Bishop, now on Sunday please preach a sermon against thiefing and raping!!
Your mind did not inform you that you will pay for what comes out of your mouth?
$8 million…what the hell are you reconstructing. …The president’s church. ..lol
That place just confusing me wii. One side he taking out roof on people and on the other side he giving church roof. Lord help me understand.
This is just outrageous. The state should not be involved in the affairs of the church and vice versa. Therefore, Mr. Skerrit has no right to give tax payers hard earned money to the Catholic Church or to any religious institution whatever. Shame on you Dominicans for allowing that! SHAME SHAME SHAME! WHAT A MESS!!!
Correction! This money comes from the economic citizenship program not Dominica taxpayer money. The funds from that program by law are to be put towards infrastructure, education and charity programs all of which the church which is part of Dominica’s history represents.
Thank you! Educate them. However, it appears that they are beyond educating. They love to comment and criticize without thinking and without knowing anything. One day this will all stop for them. They will pay the price of their idle and wicked words.
The Govt. conducts affairs of state on our behalf, the citizens of Dominica. Govt’s debt is our debt and any money collected- or received by Govt. is our money., whether it is collected through tax, dividends, fines or grants. An individual minister of Govt. is not entitled disburse any of these moneys as they see fit.
So it seems Governments use these monies as their political tools to look good in the face of the public while the real issues go unresolved, productivity, GDP, employment Salary increments etc
Interesting
Well then it could of been used to improve the facilties in the playgrounds and classrooms , no one needs to be a rocket scientists to realise that this is to secure the catholic vote on the island.
DNO, for the information of not only Catholic readers but all readers, could you please post this for their mortal and spiritual knowledge, education and enlightenment? Thank you and may God bless you for this. Have a blessed and peaceful day!
This is the propriety of the Catholic Church.
The Catholic Church Evangomercial – Catholics Come Home Website
1) Our family is made up of every race.
We are the largest charitable organization on the planet, bringing relief and comfort to those in need.
2) We are young and old,
3) Rich and poor, men and women,
4) Sinners and saints.
5) Our family has spanned the centuries.
6) With God’s grace, we started hospitals to care for the sick.
7) We establish orphanages, and help the poor.
9) We educate more children than any other scholarly or religious institution.
10) We founded the college (university) system.
11) We defend the dignity of all human life, and uphold marriage and family.
13) Cities were named after our revered saints, who navigated a sacred path before us.
14) Guided by the Holy Spirit, we compiled the Bible. We are transformed by sacred Scripture and sacred Tradition, which have consistently guided us for 2,000 years, with over one billion in our family sharing in the sacraments and fullness of Christian faith.
15) For centuries, we have prayed for you and our world,
every hour of every day, whenever we celebrate the Holy
Mass.
16) Jesus, Himself, laid the foundation for our faith, when He said to Peter, the first Pope, “You are Rock and upon this Rock I will build My Church.” Source: Matthew 16:18-19
17) For over 2,000 years, we have had an unbroken line of shepherds guiding the Catholic Church with love and truth, in a confused and hurting world.
And in this world filled with chaos, hardship and pain, it’s comforting to know that some things remain consistent, true, and strong, our Catholic faith, and the eternal love that God has for all creation.
If you’ve been away from the Catholic Church, we invite you to take another look. Visit CatholicsComeHome.org today.
Ours is one family united in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
We are Catholic. Welcome home!
the catholic organization(Vatican) is the richest organization in the world with shares in many companies and banks. the Vatican received statehood from franco de mousolinni in around 1929, so Italy is one state and the Vatican in one within Italy.
the Vatican has it own police, bank, hospital, labs like any other country or thriving state.
sometime ago we heard of the tsunami which took the lives of over two hundred thousand people in an Asian country. we heard of the earthquake in Haiti and many other disaster in poor countries. JUST A FEW QUESTIONS
1) how much assistance(monetary) that the church gave to those countries, and is it true that the only consolation that some of these countries received is a visit from their most high infallible one.
2)did the church owned slaves(our four fathers who died caring those bolder for the cathedral).
3)did the church paid millions to victims of sexual abuse(young boys).
4) was the church involved in mostly all major wars through the years, crusades(invasion of Jerusalem), murder of indigenous people by its operatives in search of gold and to convert people to Christianity. the Spanish inquisition, world war two, Italy(franco de mousolinni) war against the Ethiopians
5)can you tell me where in the bible that jesus said that the rock he mentioned is indeed the catholic church, if you can tell me I will compensate you.
6)why did the church change the sabath day to sunday, why do they celebrate Christmas, easter and other pangan feast.
6) why is there so many sexual abuse of little boys in the church?
no person or government should take poor tax payers money in a poor country like ours to give to the riches organization in the world, while people receive lol 0%increase in salary.
the church fooled allu grand parents and they pass down de madness to allu.
So what? People as you are jealous of the Catholic Church. You have reason to be jealous. Satan your friend is jealous of it and he imbeds those vicious thoughts in your head, heart and mind. Satan knows he will never regain what he lost. Be careful you do not follow Satan’s path although it looks as if you are not far away from it.
People as you are bent on bringing others down. This is your trait and an evil one. You do not have a clean heart and mind.
People as you are bent on bringing others down and destroying their reputation while your reputation is no better and even worst.
No need to make you wise because you do not have a wise mind. See about saving your soul.
God knows what you do in private. Therefore, do not play goody two shoes. He has your number and is taking note of all what you do and say for your judgment. You will reap what you sow.
Simply The Truth, You must be careful. The Church leaders/hierarchy have done some heinous things. I am Catholic, but not blind to the faults and evils done by some of the Church ‘leaders’, both men and women over the past century, which is still being revealed today. Due to the power of the Church, many wicked acts were carried out by evil men with impunity. Up to this day.
Just today, news broke about a mass grave recently found with over 800 children from one of those ‘Catholic homes’ you mention in the list of charitable institutions, this one in Ireland. Their bodies thrown in a sewer!!! We must must acknowledge the church’s terrible past even while good works have been done. If we forget the past, we will be doomed to repeat it. See article below.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/04/children-galway-mass-graves-ireland-catholic-church
http://www.salon.com/2014/06/04/an_irish_catholic_orphanage_hid_the_bodies_of_800_children/
Seat of the anti Christ.
revelation 3:9
Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie.
Also applies to the Vatican.
You who put this on item 8. What is wrong? You doubt what is stated? Do not doubt it. Go to the Website and read what is recorded there. Better yet, contact the Website authorities and request the statistics of what you doubt. Everything stated on this article is accurate. It was not prepared without research of the Catholic Church documents and others.
When the doubters and critics die, they will see that the Catholic Church is The One and Only True Church Our Lord Jesus Christ established that “All might be one.” Throughout the years it has assisted many more people than any other organization in the world. It is documented facts. One day, it will be revealed to you.
I live out of DA in order to keep things going we have two collections every sunday. We supposed to give 10% of our salary dues in church as you know some of us don’t, with these negatives comments its not going to solve nothing. God is control of everything if he did want this contribution given it would not have happened. If the church is a landmark someone had to help. Please pray for the betterment of the country. Take note when we need help we call on the almighty and he helps so the Bishop called for help for the church he got help so why question it. Thats an act of God let him do his will.
10% of what to whom? Stupes tan in 2014 for you to come telling people of giving 10% of their income to whom? I have no issues in giving to a cause, a person in need, but 10% to which pastor/priest?
10% is not for either pastor or priest, please educate yourself. When you give you give to God not men.
What are you doing other than being a fault-finder and criticizing?
LOL. I am guessing you reside in Dominica, try any none catholic church in the US, and then rethink your statement..@tell is absolutely correct. Jah help our people back home. OPEN YOUR MIND, LEARN NEW CULTURES AND HABITS, EDUCATE YOURSELF. SO THAT YOU WOULDN’T SOUND SO IGNORANT.
When I saw that this was a Government of Dominica and a Roman Catholic Church matter I was not going to comment.
However I would like to comment on the matter of the 10% which is called “the tithe”. Sadly there is some misunderstanding about this.
I am an ordained minister in the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada who now serves as an evangelist. However, I have been engaged in parish ministry. At different times through the years I have served as a pastor and have had charge of various church congregations. Please allow me to share the following information.
In my evangelical denomination (the PAOC) we encourage our members to give 10% of their total income which is the tithe. We do this because it is a Biblical practice. It is a standard of giving that is fair to everybody. I am a witness to the fact that those who practice tithing receive God’s blessings in ways that often amaze them when they see how He supplies their needs.
As a pastor I made a resolution early in my ministry that I would serve the entire congregation equally, not just those who tithed. I have always been available to minister to any who call upon me in the community, even if they do not attend my services.
You should understand that the tithes and offerings that are collected in our church services are gathered by trusted servants of the church. The money is counted (usually in he presence of witnesses) and the amount is entered in a book. It is then deposited in the bank. You may be surprised to know that in most cases the pastor does not see this money. As a pastor I seldom knew how much money came in from week to week, nor how much any individual gave. I did not want to know nor do most pastors.
You may also be surprised to know that the pastors tithe. When my wife and I receive money we take the 10% out first, then we take out extra which are “offerings” beyond the 10% for special causes such as the building program or missions. All this goes in an envelope which we take to the church where we are members and present it to the Lord on a Sunday when we are not away conducting services in other churches.
The tithe is the Lord’s. It is not given to the pastor, the bishop, or any other person. It goes into the church bank account. How it is used is decided by faithful members usually chosen by the congregation at an annual business meeting to oversee the financial affairs of the church. These people are known as deacons (their Biblical title). They are the official board of the church and legally the trustees of the work.
The pastor’s salary is decided by the deacons (the official board) of the church. Here in Canada we have some pastors of small churches who work at a second job to balance the family budget. I have never heard one of them complain. In fact they are very happy men. When I see their dedication I realize how blessed their congregations are to have them there. And it makes me sad when outsiders who have no knowledge of church affairs and frankly no business to even comment make off color remarks about church finances.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
When I saw that this was a Government of Dominica and a Roman Catholic Church matter I was not going to comment.
However I would like to comment on the matter of the 10% which is called “the tithe”. There is some misunderstanding about this.
I am an ordained minister in the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada who now serves as an evangelist. However, I have been engaged in parish ministry. At different times through the years I have served as a pastor and have had charge of various church congregations. Please allow me to share the following information.
In my evangelical denomination (the PAOC) we encourage our members to give 10% of their total income which is the tithe. We do this because it is a Biblical practice. It is a standard of giving that is fair to everybody. I am a witness to the fact that those who practice tithing receive God’s blessings in ways that often amaze them when they see how He supplies their needs.
As a pastor I made a resolution early in my ministry that I would serve the entire congregation equally, not just those who tithed. I have always been available to minister to any who call upon me in the community, even if they do not attend my services.
You should understand that the tithes and offerings that are collected in our church services are gathered by trusted servants of the church. The money is counted (usually in he presence of witnesses) and the amount is entered in a book. It is then deposited in the bank. You may be surprised to know that in most cases the pastor does not see this money. As a pastor I seldom knew how much money came in from week to week, nor how much any individual gave. I did not want to know nor do most pastors.
You may also be surprised to know that the pastors tithe. When my wife and I receive money we take the 10% out first, then we take out extra which are “offerings” beyond the 10% for special causes such as the building program or missions. All this goes in an envelope which we take to the church where we are members and present it to the Lord on a Sunday when we are not away conducting services in other churches.
The tithe is the Lord’s. It is not given to the pastor, the bishop, or any other person. It goes into the church bank account. How it is used is decided by faithful members usually chosen by the congregation at an annual business meeting to oversee the financial affairs of the church. These people are known as deacons (their Biblical title). They are the official board of the church and legally the trustees of the work.
The pastor’s salary is decided by the deacons (the official board) of the church. Here in Canada we have some pastors of small churches who work at a second job to balance the family budget. I have never heard one of them complain. In fact they are very happy men. When I see their dedication I realize how blessed their congregations are to have them there. And it makes me sad when outsiders who have no knowledge of church affairs and frankly no business to even comment make off color remarks about church finances.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.
In the U.S. church has become a business and we are following rapidly here. Imagine, at 10% you need only 20 followers to earn twice as much as your average follower, tax free and you can chastise them and dictate to them. You can also ask the Govt. free tax concessions because you are “doing the work of God” That is voluntary slavery to me. So sad, you find suckers and charlatans all the time. The more religious people become the less tolerant they are of others, just like “Simply the truth”.
truth…. when you have ATM machines in a church then you know they in it for the wrong reason. I visited a Baptist church in New York one sunday and the pastor stated,
“Look at Oprah. I started this church the same year Oprah started her talk show. I should be as rich as she is right now. I am a medical doctor making this kind of change preaching the word to you.”
I walked right out because ain’t no way I’m helping to make him a millionaire. While I am driving a $20, 000 car he driving his BMW and mercedez, awah!!
It’s funny how all this money can be given to the church while I wait on peanuts owed to me from filing my taxes. Thank you for the assurance that God is in full control.
I now fully expect Father Thomas to thunder from the pulpit that to be ungrateful to Skerrit is to be ungrateful to God. Please, Our
Father, deleiver us from evil and false prophets. Amen
does this mean that they stopped collecting offerings?
Why wasn’t the money be shared between Roseau and the Portsmouth Catholic church.The Portsmouth church is gwaying to make a church we need some of that money and we need it now Malzare.
It is the Cathedral and this is priority. The renovation is massive. Note the amount of money which is required to do so. When it is complete, Portsmouth will get its share. There are some people from Portsmouth who have been assisting and raising funds for this Church. What is the general progress and status?
How much do resident parishioners as yourself contribute to the Portsmouth Church?
Some people of the Portsmouth area who have land that they do not utilize and is sitting idle, inform them to sell it and give the money to the Portsmouth Church. God will be pleased and bless them for their generosity to His Church and theirs.
If you were a faithful Catholic, you would not ask that question. How well do you give God his dues also in the form of worship and prayers?
You should have ample common sense to know the magnitude of the renovations and its cost. In the meantime, you should also know the Roseau parishioners are without a proper church of worship. This will take approximately two years.
You should never have asked such a question. I am refraining from giving you a devil’s face and a green one although you deserve them.
simply the truth, what about the church in pointe mitchel, it is also a top priority as well, also the main hospital in the vicinity of the airport, isn’t it top priority as well?, what about the road in the valley which is of more attraction to tourist, tourist do not pay to go to the cathedral as far as I know
What about the catholic church investment and spending which are kept secret
What about it’s real estate and arts
You are a poto catholic you should know that the church is priceless, between it’s arts, land, gold and investments across the globe
The catholic church is one of the wealthiest institute on earth and also one of Europe’s largest landowner including the building housing Bulgaria jewelers, with it’s own bank The Institute for Religious Works etc
Who do you think you are fooling with your BS
The Vatican have billions sitting in banks doing nothing, what are they doing with it, surely with all the billions the Vatican has it could build a new cathedral.
Satan’s kingdom must fall.
Skerrit, you helping build GOD’S house, so you cannot go wrong with that. the way the world is today is to leave God for last or leave out God completely. Well done in a world today where leaders are afraid to stand up for what is right!
I wonder if you would say the same if he gives money to complete the mosque in Portsmouth, that is a house of God too. I waiting for your answer.
many are called but few are chosen and beware of wolves in sheep clothing,
the lavish lifestyle will stop and the drunken harlot will burn
That may very well be a political move by Skerrit
But what does a politician do which doesn’t have political implications?
It is a very welcome move from the Bishop’s point of view.
But I believe that this money could be better spent to organize a few Government owned Agricultural Farms on Government owned Lands and put some people (not just Haitians) to work.
Te aerial tram brought over a hundred jobs and the government did not shore up the business. Three to Four Hundred peope affected.
The so called Morroco hotel at a grinding stop- now how can a country donate a hotel to another country. The donor country provide it’s people for the labor and the project has Chicungunya for the last 16 months. Lies lies lies
The airport road went blind and can’t find its way.
They breaking down squatters welt built houses
The Grotto home has been in trouble fora long time
Not one feeder road built or properly repaired
Bishop bishop where is your conscience.
Is not the marigot hospital very important ? the catholic church has the St.Geralds hall to worship still .Marigot hospital is very close to the air port .God forbid if something happens where is the hospital. I am Catholic and the church is not the priority at this time.
Skerritt said, ” in many parts of the world, people cannot practice their own religion” so, I would like to draw his attention to the following “Moroccan Christian jailed for shaking the faith of a Muslim”
Have no fear. Pray for the persecution of Christians. Some of you are not worshipping God and praying. You do more criticizing, etc.
My faith, hope and trust in God is strong. Those who act wickedly, in actions and words toward their fellow people will one day pay a dear price, on earth and to their detriment, in eternity. God is patient!
I mean, pray for the Christians that are persecuted. God will deal with those who persecute them.
You see that? And Morocco is a country that is supported by Skerrit? Well, well, maybe he prefers the way the king of Morocco can rule over his people?
“We do appreciate this very kind gesture of the government and we know that it will not go without rewards,” he said. “We know that the Heavenly Father sees what you do and I’m sure as he is looking down upon us He will see to it that you are given an abundance in the future.”
What is the Bishop saying? Who will receive abundance in the future? government, dominca, skerrit?
The so called bishop is catholic part of the ones who are really against the one and only true God, part of the continuing lie that will put up a painting of a white faced Jesus, part of the historical conspiracy to deny the Black race of their true heritage, that of God’s true people.
They will preach the lies from their pulpit and will not help the true Isralites (Black people to turn their face back to the Father.
I am not against the funds that was given for building the church but I hope it is being used wisely.
It is not your concern and you should not concern yourself about it. The Bishop is more honest than you are.
oh please. Being bishop does not necessarily mean that he is more holy than anyone. God knows our hearts. If you were a “REAL Christian” you would know not to judge. FOH with your B.S
My PM hold them, now all the catholic vote coming to us.
This is what those critics fear that they will lose votes. I hope the Catholics are aware of it and vote DLP.
Those whom I know always vote DLP. They are intelligent and people of stature. They know who is the better leader for Dominica.
Get out of here. Don’t you have work to do?????? You forever on here commenting on every and any thing. geese…….
@Itassi too, your family choose to bury you in the bush muddy hill so don’t blame anybody.
I have given the bishop’s comment some thought and I have found for a supposed to be educated person he is very insensitive to the feelings of some Dominicans when he says “We know that the Heavenly Father sees what you do and I’m sure as he is looking down upon us He will see to it that you are given an abundance in the future.” Even if we know he has fallen for Skerrit’s M .O. it would have been wiser if he had said ‘…. sees what Government is doing/does”
I am disappointed in the bishop. He knows the money is not skerrit’s .. It belongs to the government and people of Dominica. IT IS NOT LABOR PARTY GOVERNMENT its the government of Dominica
Who are you to criticize the Bishop? You are not more brilliant than he.
apparently you are not….. who are you to judge? The title of bishop doesn’t mean too much at the end of the day. Bishop or not, he is still human. He makes mistakes, has sinful ways, and is not the most intelligent human being.
Of course, the heavenly father sees everything but it is not the seeing that is important, it is the judging! A gift means nothing if it does not come from the heart, with no strings attached and is not a personal sacrifice. Some people think they can clear their conscience with donations to the church but believe me, St. Peter does not accept largan chess at the gate of Heaven, even not if it has been washed. first. And they have no VIP in heaven either, thank God!
truth
He” sees what you do” translation you can run but you cannot hide. An abundance of what? that’s the question, joy, pain punishment? it could be anything come on people think Bishop Malzaire not stupid.
Logical thinkerssss……calling us to analysis this move!!!!!
Lets look at this……Skerrit’s main reason for this donation is what???? For TOURISM….right????? For the cruise ship passengers (he said on News)
Now, what;s strange is that not to long ago, a statement was made by either Collin Pipper or Natalie Clark DDA/DFC informing that Creole N Jazz had NOT receive any funding from the gov to host the event. Correct me if I am wrong!
Am I the only one that will now raise an eyebrow and go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm????? How does the restoration of the cathedral; a said tourist attraction gets half a mil and Creole N Jazz a tourism event gets zero.
Secondly cruise tourism season is over but Creole N Jazz is struggling to happen this year BUT they did not get that money.
It is a bit confusing!!!!!! You be the judge of this one…….this donation serves another purpose!!!!! That’s what I’ve concluded.
analyze
This is a very dangerous precedent. Contrary to what many claim that this is a tourist attraction this appears to be nothing less than a political play to get votes. Where does it end? Is the government going to come to the assistance of other entities when the situation arises ? In addition the Catholic church is a very wealthy institution and can more than afford to maintain itself. Religion should be kept out of politics. If you do not think so look around the world !
Eat your heart out!
What can we say but thank you.Election is very near Brothers and Sisters doo not let this gift cloud your mind by the grace of God.It is God and God alone that gives the greatest gift.
Thanking the Goverment.
I believed it’s a wise gesture from the PM, but couldn’t it be done earlier? Election desperation…….
real desperation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As a Catholic I cannot hide my disappointment in this bishop. Either he is politically tone deaf or he has joined the Skeritt propaganda machine.
I mean how can this man of the cloth allow himself and his office to be used in this blatantly partisan political manner, appearing in this photo with the prime minister who obviously scored a huge publicity stunt? If this is not election propaganda nothing else is. And it’s interesting that the story appears next to another election propaganda story about talks progressing on international airport.
I am really ashamed to call myself a Catholic knowing that the church which I grew up in is being corrupted by a corrupt politician. It appears that there are no institutions left to be corrupted by Mr. Skerrit. Shame, Shame, Shame.
The Bishop has lost all credibility and he should be replaced.
It is all in your distorted, warped mind. You do not think clearly. What did you just eat and drink?
Christian, stop judging. All dem hypocrite calling their evil self Christian. I am not going around pretending to be so much of a Christian because I too have a lot of flaws. But come on, since you know the bible so well, remind yourself about that part that says you must not judge others, PLEASE
The Bishop should not allow Skerro to hand deliver the check. This is so Gross!
The Church need to demand an investigation and ask that he be replaced.
You are not smart. You must be a closet Catholic. Shame on you. Take out the word “Catholic” from your name.
Do not judge; do not throw stones and not at a man of God. You are cursed. You deny yourself the blessing and grace of God. God will replace someone instead of you and soon enough.
you are not smart either….. STOP ITTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you saying do not judge but you telling the person they not smart. stop it man. you need to realize that sometimes you hurt people feelings with your words. Let me do my part of judging: seems like you are very unhappy with your life. Spend hours and hours on DNO commenting on everybody’s post because you have nothing else to do with your miserable life. What you really need is some JESUS in your life. The real JESUS. JESUS Christ, the one who died for our salvation.”
Do you think it was right for me to judge you? NO.
Anyway, I will pray that you, and me, and Dominica, find JESUS Christ.
Not only gross. It is crass, vulgar blatant electioneering. Shame on the bishop to let himself be used like that. A true gift is given quietly without attracting attention to yourself. But no, this HAD to be a P.R. exercise with the necessary photo opportunity. To use religion in this way is base, sick and in very poor taste and will do nothing to enhance the image of the catholic church. On the contrary.
Bishop give it back to him, I am a catholic and this is wrong
There are many ignorant and wicked people who comment on this Website. You are one of them. You lack godly enlightenment. Woe to you! Keep on digging your grave.
Your are number 1. numero uno!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You point your finger not realizing you have 3 pointing back at you
Skerrit could have given that money to the Marigot Hospital wii to fix it up. Dem fellas priorities wrong. You close down hospital that is the closest to the main airport but you giving a church $500,000.00. WAW.
You critics who lack love and generosity, I would think everyone of you or nearly everyone have Catholic parents and ancestors who worshipped in the Catholic Church in whatever part of the country. They brought you up in the Catholic faith. You attended Catholic schools and some graduated from those schools. The general teachig of those Catholic schools are none to compare.
Today, some of you have chosen to speak ill of this Catholic Church which you were happy to worship in and to attend its schools.
What has happened to you through the years that you have swayed so far and gone down slippery slopes, took the broad path, the easy way out and became enemies of the Catholic Church? You have a spiritual problem and are narrow-minded. It is no joke and not a laughing matter.
You want your adverse comments read and expect others will comment and no doubt give you thumbs up, complimenting you for your evil words. Those who participate in evil wiorks will meet the same fate as you.
You will not get thumbs up from God. You will get thumbs down for you do not live up to His teachings which you have depicted too well. He is taking note of you and your words as imbedded in your heart. I am loudly proclaiming, you have made your bed and you will lie in it as you have made it. Therefore, “Woe to you.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Vengeance is Mine! I will repay?” This is the consolation of every faithful practicing Catholic that God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.
This is a warning and advice. Leave the Catholic alone that the rest of your days and your end will not be an unhappy, bitter and suffering one, then also in eternity. Otherwise pay the price of your evil actions!
So if people don’t support catholic church, don’t attend it it, or even catholics who don’t support giving 500 thousand dollars to cathedral they are against GOD? You are a sick twisted low life! Now you even know what GOD thinks of people? Where were you when that same catholic church hid sexual predators and slavery? It’s sickos like you with your blasphemous false tongue that turn people away from going to churches! What you need to do is get whip and enforce catholic marshall law on all non catholics in your ignorance.
Im sure we learned it all from you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The prime minister explained that since the Roseau Cathedral is one of the main attractions for tourist in the country the state felt it was obligated to assist in its renovation.
What a big lie! Folks, if this building was owned by a smaller religious group like the Jehovahs’ Witness or Church of Christ or any of the evangelical groups, there is NO WAY they would have given that much money in the name of tourist attraction. No Way. This is PURELY a vote buying strategy. But the man can do what he wants, he can give as much as he wants; he could even go and preach on Sunday and that will change nothing. His time is expired and God has seen and heard the cries of the people. He is GONE! He is so badly gone that although Peter Wickham gave him 8 seats, we cannot even see 6 sure seats.
I believe with all of my heart that $500K thing had one goal and that was to get the people’s attention away from the DNO story that came out at 10:51 AM, where the BBC rated DOminica as the cheapest place in the world to buy citizenship. That’s what Skerrit tried to defuse so people would see him as a generous man giving to the Catholic Chuch knowing very well that the Catholic Church has the majority of religious votes.
I have my own take on this story but I would need the help of those reporters DNO said Skerrit spoke to get the truth. Unfortunately, DNO did not give the name of reporters present. If they are reporters from DBS, GIS Kairi we know we will never get the truth. What I would like to know is:. What time Skerrit and the Bishop invited reporters to this event? Time matters because according to DNO, this article was posted today at 1:01PM. Here is what makes the time so important. At 10:51, DNO posted this story:
“BBC rates Dominica as cheapest place to buy citizenship”
At that time Skerrit was on the back foot and was under a lot of fire. So I believe to get the minds of people off that very negative and depressing story Skerrit pulled a quick one. Say this thing was planned with the Bishop and reporters before today, Skerrit and his lawyers knew the BBC report was coming so they organized to combat it. Skerrit cannot fool me boy. I worked to hard to ensure he won his seat in 2000, then worked hard to help him become PM in 2004, help win the 2005 election followed by the 2009. So I know and understand his thinking.
What business is it of yours when and where this took place.? Some of you like prying into what does not concern you and is none of your business.
You sounding just like Skerrit, intolerant of anyone that has a different opinion.
wait a while, you get piece of that money man??????????????
The Roman Catholic Parish Church of St John and St Louis located at Portsmouth was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 2004. It’s almost 10 years now and the church building is very far from being rebuilt. The church building also had some historical significance. The Parish church serves 2 traditional DLP constituencies; Portsmouth and Cottage, and both Parliamentary Representatives are Roman Catholics. Will the people of the Parish of St John and St Louis get some support from the DLP Government for the completion of theParish church building? After all, the Vieille Case church got some help, the Methodist church in Zicack, Portsmouth got some help, the Roseau Cathedral got some help… what about the Parish Church in Portsmouth… Portsmouth is the only constituency that has consistently voted Labour… they deserve more, and certainly deserve some help as well from the Government with the rebuilding the Parish church building…just an observation.
Marigot Hospital was invaded by Wood ants and nothing. The money is to enhance for the cathedral tourist appeal – really really. I guess a seasonal appeal is much more valuable than our health service.
This is an administration that cannot pay it’s bills – you know everyone know what this is about . But keep climbing up high cause the higher the monkey climb is the more it behind get exposed.
I am sick to my stomach
skeritt said is not our tax money he is giving us,
but did the church ask skeritt ,where did this money come from?Have the salt really lost its savor,
IS the church reading from a new bible now?
IS it the new skeritt;s version?
WELL the last thing he could have bought ,was the church ,and it looks like he really did
MY GOD , WE ARE DOOMED
Pray for us when the church sleeps with the Government…
to Pm Skerritt, what about the warm and friendly governments could they provide that money on a humanitarian concern….. what about the money from the Di Silvestris, them Sochi Dominicans who gave money for children hospital? you could some from it
To :Bishop Malzare, God is watching from a distant
To: All who wants justice and peace, PRAY!
Our Lord God who is in Heaven protect us!
Its too much….after almost a month in exile Pm Skerritt comes out to a dole out 5 Gs’ to bishop Malzare in a stunt of the good, the bad and the ugly.
Mr. Skerritt, of tax payers money? what about having so much diplomatic relation with warm and friendly governments, and what about the money from the Di Sivelstres for children hospital.
And to Malzare do not get involved with what is of the world. Free the people for God is watching from the Highest.
And to all who believe in justice say yours prayers!
I say to Dominicans. Take what all you get…. I am felling the pain also..
But I say take what all you get,, Love we love the PM.
Every day its one wrong decision after another, but yet some people defend everyone.
He tell them, no pay increase for you. He take money from there Treasury or five passport sales, and give to Catholic Church.
The catholic church should in no way be dependent on the State for any assistance. It is wrong. The PM knows it. The bishops know it.
Keep on bending the ‘ruler mr PM” at some point it is going to break and hit you directly in the face where is hurts.
I know because My primary school teacher use to tell me that because i was always bending my ruler. Until one day i bent it too much an it broke and hit me hard in my face…
Sometimes Skeritt really irritates me , not only by the statements he makes, but by the reasons he gives for those outrageous statements. For example,” many tourist who come from either the cruise ship or stay over, make it to the cathedral and so it is part of the historical landscape and also our tourist attraction.” I would like to ask Skeritt what was the Ariel Tramp. Approximately seventy Dominicans were employed, absolutely nothing was done to save this tourist attraction and jobs. Skeritt really believes by planting a seed as he calls it, that will exempt him from the wrath of the people at the polls. Election is just around the corner, therefore, Skeritt will do anything to remain in power, even blame the economic disaster, Dominica has found itself in, on the global crisis.
D Bishop doh give a damn where skerro get money or who is suffering, all he care about is fixing his church and preaching to catolics to vote for skerro. It is dat simply. So if you are catolic or not,,,who vex, well lost. Time will tell!!!
i agree with you
At a time where you offering public servants 0 0 n 0% you there given 500gran … showing your hypocrisy even using the church in ur dirty politics…God will judge you SKERRITT YOUR TIME IS AT HAND.
God will judge him with more vote that is blessing for the country for you to. Tell PSTT Linton to come back and bring it on dam wicked.
Take your mind off Satan’s filth and influence. You are the one that God will judge for your unkind words as imbedded in your heart and mind.
Yet politics is being employed to not give assistance to a school which is investing in the lives of the same young people they so love. Time will reveal all things.
its very interesting to see how such place like Dominica – a small nation without properly working economy, with underdeveloped and under-stuffed social services, poor education system and unattractive investment climate is going to borrow some ‘undisclosed’ amount to build international airport and meanwhile donating 500k to the church… Dominica very soon its time to rename you – your name should be Zimbabwe II ….
You need a change of name and an overall attitude change.
I am pretty sure that “yes!” will change right after you change yours.
15 years ago, when The Church use to be the Church no politician would be able to do that because they knew the church back then would speak out. But when Skerrit became the PM one of the first things he did was to unite the catholic Church with the evangelical in a very subtle and corrupt way so none can speak against the other. Years ago, the fact that the PM gave so much money to the catholic church, you would expect to hear the Methodists, Pentecostals, Baptists, CUM, Gospel Mission, Adventists and others to ask for similar treatment. But today every mouth is shut! Where is that popular Evangelist that always use to criticize UWP for anything? Is he sick? Is he dead? Or has he received SHUT UP gifts? My God in heaven! No wonder the bible says Gifts cause blindness
When you comment in this manner, leave the Lord out of it. He knows you, your heart and your never-ending criticism. Do you think He is pleased with you? If you are a practicing Christian you should know to keep your mouth shut and your fingers off the keyboard or you will receive, two-fold, what you have stated as you deserve. It is too late for you. You have already sinned against the Lord and offended him. The price will be paid.
only you can do it????? double standard. You should change your name to “Simply B.S.”
The intention is clear.
Where did all that money come from all of a sudden? Is not our damn business too?
That photo will be etched in the minds of Dominicans for a very, very, very long time. Bishop receiving 1/2 a Million dollar cheque from Skerritt? But Marigot Hospital was forced to shut down? Public works have problems, economy in shambles, poverty rising, unemployment rising?
Reminds me of the gifts, trinkets given by the colonial masters to the enslaved brothers and sisters. How history repeats itself in many ways.
How many times have we heard any advocacy on, any condemnation of abuses of our young boys and girls by “Big people” in authority, any condemnation of the many corrupt practices revealed, any talk on behalf of the poor and down-trodden, unemployed, while a few become richer and richer by dubious means?
Those acts, such photos reveal a lot to us Dominicans. Because Skerritt’s Govt is proposing no increase in salaries for its workers, but all of a sudden hands over $$$$$$$$$ to Bishop, to church, for what? Shut thy mouth, close thy eyes when atrocities. corruption, poverty, increased crimes and violence are slowly destroying our land?
But where did that money really come from, nuh?
Whose FOOLS are we? It is plain to see what is going on.
When all is said and done, that photo will haunt many in the religious circles. Who you all foolinf, PAPA God? He has already seen through the deception.
People like you bring down the wrath of God, on you, your household and your undertakings.
Gen. 14:21-23, And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. 21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, 23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
Commentary: By this the patriarch Abraham, proclaims to all concerned that his allegiance is totally and completely to “the Lord, the Most High God, the possessor of heaven and Earth.” In this, he proclaims the fact that he is beholden to no man, but yet gracious to all men.
When these Bishops, Priests, Pastors, Evangelist receives gift and money from corrupt men, they are proving to all how far they are from being Honest Men of God
If only you were godly enlightened. You are using Holy Scripture against the Catholic Church? Do you know who first got the Holy Bible? Where and how did you get it? Is it any wonder people as you misinterpret Holy Scripture according to your warped mentality? One day you will pay for it.
You are a non-Christian which is why you quote from the Old Testament. What happened to the New Testament when Our Lord Jesus Christ lived and taught us and left it to us which is the Word of the Lord?
If you were well-versed in it, you would know better to practice what Our Lord taught us and not criticize specifically the Catholic Church because the PM contributed some dollars to complete the Cathedral Restoration Project.
The Cathedral is there for everyone with no exception. All are welcome. No one will be turned away.
Some of you turned your backs against it. Too bad for you. One day you will see and experience the result of your error. You have no idea how much you have offended and hurt the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
I feel sorry for you and the other critics who are cursed and bringing down more curses upon you and upon them. The power of the tongue and your fingers on the keyboard. May God rebuke all of you.
Some of you call yourself Christians but your attitude, mannerisms and words are far from being Christian-like and leaves much to be desired. God knows it.
Matthew 4:7-12 . . . Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father. . .” Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and be thrown into the fire. . .
As it is said, when you see “Therefore” in the Holy Bible, stop and think what “it is there for.”
I have news for you. If you think you love God and are serving him and will obtain eternal salvation with that attitude, you are highly mistaken. He did not teach us to lambaste another’s church and also use the Holy Bible to do it. Such adverse attitude and character are not in the Bible! They come from within your heart, from Satan.
OMG!!!! I didn’t realize you were looking in the mirror while typing this. You are so right. This explains you perfectly. Wow!
mr really! he doh want to give civil servants an increase but he iving the richest organisation in the world the vatican all that money off the backs of tax payers like myself. Boy is high time for mr to be kicked out! time to get rid of skerrit!
Matthew 15:7-9 – Hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy about you when he said: “This people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, in vain do they worship me.
Well Krazy-t got 500 grand and he did say “d bishop is our boy” so I guess it’s all in keeping with the boys club! Skerrit if cathedral need money send them to the vatican and raise funds. You have been giving churches in Dominica money black is white. Not just the other day you give the salesman turn self titled bishop how much money? He didn’t declare we know, we know. This is wrong and the bishop is shameless to accept tax payers money to fix cathedral when right in Roseau have children going to school hungry. Marigot hospital close down, chikungunya eating up Dominicans and not even paracetamol some can buy! This is dead wrong and Skerrit just haughty and want to deflect attention from the filth festering and his lack of leadership! 500, 000 to a church, and police getting 0% offer? Wicked!!!!
You must be an atheist. Be careful that God does not at least close your mouth shut. Are you not aware that you will pay for your words?
My love TSB hahaha
@ Simply the truth! Worry about the child molestors in the catholic church and their role they played in slavery, I don’t have to condone wickedness to be in step with God, bloody hypocrite!!! Your tongue that. God will cease you always wishing basd on people! KMA
Simply the Truth get a darn grip. So because he doesn’t support that nonsense he is an atheist? You know him or anything about him? You arse GOD need to zip shut!! Always preaching doom and gloom as if anybody owes you and your catholic church a darn thing. Believe what you want and learn to respect others who share a differing view, you act as if everybody was raised Catholic or must support it. Why don’t you condemn the buggery and violation of thousands of innocent children. Speak to the 834 kids the same Catholic church buried in a mass grave in Ireland.
My DNO man I find you come-out
Leave my dimpled PM alone padnah, you forget he & Cesso them TOOK the Susan Oldie US $400,000 that was intended for the Portsmouth church? That money could have gone”1/2 1/2 1/2 “. For me this isn’t even about separation of church & state because he has bought them all. It’s about the everyday working public servant who gets offered 0%, the Roseau Infant School children, the Kalinago people, the super wealthy folks in St Joe who have been deemed indigent , the lack of response to farmers plight, the Marigot hospital, the health centers around Dominica, the PMH, The APU, … we have much more beneficial needs for which taxes are paid than this bs about helping cathedral with roof! What tourist? Dominica couldn’t even go forward with a bid to attract a cricket match that was laid out before them, because they lacked proper airport and adequate hotel rooms. This is was in the news just on Monday, and you mean we have money to give church 500,000 dollars?
Consider what the Bishop did today, and what our leaders here have been doing to what true men of God did in the past: Take a look at Abrahams attitude below when he was offered gifts
Genesis 14: 21-23 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
1. When the church receives gifts from politians, indirectly they are denying God is the possessor of heave and earth and as a result will see the giver (skerrit) as God. vs. 22 No wonder Matthew Walter, a poto Catholic and St. Jean, a preacher compared Skerrit to Jesus.
2. Abraham was concerned about his testimony and did not want man to say, they caused him to be rich vs. 33
I hope the policemen, teachers, nurses are looking at this. So now the bishop got his share I guess those notorious pastors will start singing ” bring it all onto Jesus and we will give you votes”
Who do you want Jesus, Barabas, Tony Astaphan or Saint Father Lennox Lawrence
Be careful and beware. You are digging a deep hole for your grave.
The PM says there is more to come.
The Bishop says more abundance to you
The poor become the beggars.
A government has no right to take the money of all the taxpayers and give it to one denomination. And to say it is because the so called House of God is a tourist attraction is to use what belongs to God to make political mileage. The naked truth is that Skerrit believes money can buy everything including the Catholic Church and he may be very right.
What did you put into the D/can economy and how much? This money is generated, not from D/ca and its economy but from overseas, taxes of hardworking people as I and many other D/cans specifically in the progressive countries. Yes and probably the Chinese government.
Therefore, which one of you should have a say at all? You are too ungrateful, primarily to God. Your day and just punishment is coming. Let the other Catholic critics know it. They will also not escape.
Is. 58:1 58 “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”
Our biggest problem and our biggest enemy in Dominica is not Skerrit, but those that we call Bishop, Rev, Pastor, priest, Father, Decon and elders. I am referring to those who have the religious titles in front their names. These are the people we respect and look up to. These are the ones that are supposed to point us to God and God’s way. But how they have failed us! They have no spiritual conscience and conviction whatsoever. When we get to the stage where our Bishops, priests, pastors, evangelists are receiving bribery enveloped in gifts, you know we are in serious trouble as a nation because you know these men will not condemn evil when done by these politicians and it will bring down the nation as God’s voice will be shutdown .
Well it’s not all pastors. There are those being victimized politically because they refuse to say what the government of the day wants to hear.
emmmmmh I think that half a million could have easily prevented the Marigot Hospital from shutting down due to termite infestation – and also be renovated to a real hospital for catholics, pentecostals, baptist, seven days etc – boy look a clear case of government having their priorities upside down.
The majority of Dominicans will continue to turn a blind eye. Thats extremely frustrating
Skerrit and that Cabinet is the worst the Caribbean has seen in modern day history.
I use to support labour. About after all these wrong decision can anymore. Most of my family continue to support HIM though. BUt i promise you MR. PM,… before elections is called i will persuade every one of them to vote otherwise.
I have made it my personal objective. And my family spans a massive percentage in one off the so called SURE LABOR SEATS!!!
To God be the Glory, on this rock the church was built. I would like to appeal to all Civil servants, and all public servants all 0%, 0%, o%. Please go to the church and pray for your increases, lets have a Day of prayer and fasting at the church cause God is Good all the time, and all the time Good is Good he will answer our prayers and guarantee our wage increase. With God every thing is possible, we will get our wage increase very soon. Thanks in advance.
I want to tell Skerritt that he can buy some people some times but not everybody all the time .
I am not going to make this buy-out influence my vote one way or the other.
How do you use your office to do this? The Catholic Church is an independent organization and is not state owned. The church is so rich and independent that when non Catholics die, they have to find a burial ground somewhere in some bush. Why take our money and give to them? Is this fair to us Mr. Skerrit? It is one of the richest churches in the world. Why take so much tax payers money and give to a church? In fact most of our primary schools are owned by the government. In the man’s very constituency of THibaud, Skerrit allowed the school to get in such a bad state that he had to close it down 5 yrs ago and have the children caged in like rabbits in a building designed for sports. yet he takes half a million dollars and gives to the Catholic Church for votes. How Wicked! How does the Bishop receive this especially at this time? If this is not bribery then what is? No wonder neither the Bishop, nor the priests, nor the Evangelist, nor pastors say a word about the evils in Dominica
You critics never listen intently and read thoroughly what was stated by the PM. You are too bent on criticizing him. I am repeating that one day you will be punished.
Punished because Skerrit is a GOD? I know Skerrit personally and he doh want no OLD TIRED WOMAN so your obsession is falling flat. Desperate old bart
DNO
Once again, I see you have decided to deny me a voice on the $500,000 gift story. Is this because you wish to protect Mr Skerrit?
where was all that money ,for the past 14 years?
HEADLINE NEWS………
“BISHOP MALZAIRE MUST RETURN POOR SQAUTTERS MONEY BACK TO OUR TREASURY”
The squatters have been evicted up Canefield East by Skerrit and his government with the help of the police and prisoners and NOT with the help of any Godly person, let alone the Bishop to wish them and their families well (WHO CARES) that they are well housed and Skerrit has the audacity to hand that kind of money to the church.
I am catholic and the church can continue to raise its own funds. I am just NOT happy with this alliance between Bishop, church and Skerrit. Seems like an ungodly alliance, buying friends and blessings. Satan appears to be working in mysterious ways and trespassing on Godly places. Election coming and its buying votes time.
Bishop Malzaire PLEASE RETURN THE PEOPLE`S MONEY TO
THE TREASURY OF DOMINICA, IF NOT WE WILL START A PROTEST OF RETURN…….THIS ABUSE OF PUBLIC FUNDS IS GOING TOO FAR NOW. BLESSINGS
did the church ask skeritt ,where did he get the money from?,OR what kind of money is it ,or what did he do for the money?
IS the church nw supporting corruption?IS the church now supporting frauds
didnt skeritt tell us ,is not our tax money he is giving us?
IS the church now using a different bible
IS it the new
skeritt version?
MY GOD MONEY MONEY MONEY ,the love of money,the root of all evil,the last thing he could buy ,THE CHURCH,GODS CHURCH,
OH LORD, WE DOOM
skeritt said ,we believe is our tax money he giving us ,
Did the church ask him ,where did he get the money?
DO they know ,what kind of money it is
Is the church supporting corruption or illigality?
IS the church using a different bible now?
IS it the ssskeritt translated version?
look out dominicans when the church compromises ,we are on our way to DOOM,
YES I…there goes the deception in this hard economic times 0,0 and 0 to hard working folks, but he can find all the doe to give to a church something is strange about the Caribbean Island of Dominica…
Unless folks don’t take to the streets, change will NEVER HAPPEN IN DOMINICA!!
Parry, I would complement the Prime Minister for his gesture, however, I would remind him that the Grotto Home has been under tremendous pressure to get money to complete the home which started several months ago. It is alleged, a business man was also given approximately $500,000, while senior citizens have to face another hurricane season in very bad housing conditions.
I am sure Jesus would be working up a storm looking at these guys take $500,000 of poor people money while they are making people homeless in Canefield east. Jesus for sure would say give F*****ing ceasar what is ceasar’s – pay the frigging civil servants their increase. Fix the feeder roads for poor and struggling farmers before giving the Roman catholic Church another tranch of our Frigging money.
You make those gestures when their is a surplus
Stop the darn hypocrisy – the grotto home struggling; the people cannot go to church hungry. The bishop knows that. The economy has malnutrition yet the men of god are taking food away from a malnourished economy through corrupt self serving politicians .
One thing I know for sure Jesus never said that money can wipe away wickedness and sin – like prostituting the young girls, lying, stealing and conniving.
But who am I to talk – jesus got his a&&&& whooped for speaking against hypocrisy among leaders of the church and governments
Frenz, you atheist, you lack intelligence and understanding. You of all people, what do you know about Jesus?
Our Lord Jesus Christ established his Catholic Church. I need not repeat it all, as contained in Holy Scriptures. If you had basic common sense and were godly enlightened you would know that Our Lord is pleased with the monetary gift which the PM gave to Bishop Malzaire for the continuation of the restoration project of the Roseau Cathedral.
As Our Lord said, your hearts are hard . . . in this sinful and perverse generation.
You lack generosity. If you knew anything about Our Lord and what He taught us as contained in Holy Scripture, you would know, “For God loves a cheerful giver.”
You are sadly lacking in knowledge of Scripture and knowledge of God. You have much to learn. Better learn it quickly and practice it before it is too late for you.
no you are. you desperate. Folks now we see the desperation of DLP with Simply the truth so desperately trying on DNO. Go back and tell Skerrit choose another DNO mule
Must admit, smart move by Skerrit. Buying the catholic vote at a relatively low cost – remember E.C.500,000 is only U.S.$.185,000. But also remember this is tax payers money and not everybody will be happy for this to help one religion only. I happen to be a member of that church but that does not mean I have to give it blind obedience, these days long gone. Is it not the same church that found an excuse for slavery? That church has always been a business, the original off-shore business because their income tax free.. They have their own State, Vatican and bank, the Bank of the Holy Spirit. Skerrit, you are cheap man but I guess, as far as you are concerned the end justifies the means. You have balls of putty and a heart of rock, but yes, the bishop moomoo. Let me tell you, your worship, the weak do not inherit the earth and no, I have no desire to kiss your ring.
You are already far gone. Do not condemn yourself further.
To all the ignorant respondents to this report take note that the cathedral has significant history to Dominica and beyond being a place of worship it is also a welcome tourist sight!
Well the church should have been charging tourist a fee all this time for upkeep. I cannot in God name understand people using this to justify giving tax payers money to a church. I am catholic. This is wrongy. The PM knows exactly what he is doing and poor Bishop too … to see cause he blinded by money. Yes I said it. There ate other denomination. Is he going to donate there to when they have projects. O can understand a couple thousand but not 500 k. This is bad and if the bishop has a conscience he will return the funds. If not I lost all respect. The church can raise funds without adding burden to state purse especially when we see no raises for civil servants and established facilities crumbling
Has anyone ever gave you a gift and charged you? Did your parents not worshiped in the Catholic Church? Were you not baptized in it, Confirmed and made First Holy Communion? Aside from you parents if they taught you about God, did you not learn about God in this Church?
Cease offending God and speaking ill of His Church. God is not amused. There is a price to be paid for that.
It is earthquake and hurricane season with more to come. Do not mock God and His Church. Whatever befalls D/ca will befall everyone in D/ca. The good will pay for the bad but the bad will suffer more.
I thought a church was firs of all a house of God and not a tourist attraction. If it is a tourist attraction then let those who benefit from it pay for it. Does the church pay tax? No! So why should tax payers fund the church? How can the bishop now speak out against social ills that bedevil our society under a regime that bestows gifts on him? Of course, he can’t, his silence has been bought. I hope when he look in the mirror in the morning and still call the person he sees a christian.
The Bishop should ask the P.M for the source of all that money. The Catolic church is a rich organization. what about the Trust Fund that is asking poor people for support, the health centers need supply, the squarters in Cane Field, an increase for civil servants, the feder roads for the farmers
Bishop and wicked Catholics bought and paid for hmmm? well is now the bishop will remain mute on corruption and other government ills. Now the priest will preach politics on pulpit….Look strategy….. PM you good…you really good.
If only God would strike you down for what you have said. It is coming.
Simply the truth, be careful what you wish for others, for you might be the person he will strike down. Boast not thyself for thou know not what the future holds, he also said, judge no one
i am praying for u all …i think u guys need it…..to God be the glory….
They have given themselves away, wicked as they are. They are one foot on earth, near to their grave and one in Hell. Satan loves them and what they are saying.
Am A Proud Roman Catholic but I am totally against what I read today. How can Bishop Malzaire accept this money. Did you ask him to declare the source of funds when they just said they cant give police increase, they owing civil servants increment, hospitals, schools, roads in a mess. where did that money come from. Sunday after Sunday you stand at the pulpit preaching right from wrong yet your actions and your words dont go hand in hand. Why dont you practice what you preach. If you say you are a TRUE Catholic Christian then show it give it back, Is that how low you have to stoop to finish the church. Where have your moral values gone. You need to take time to reflect as to why you are not receiving monies regularly from the members of the church. Stop stooping so low. Do a personal reflection and have faith as small as mustard seed then you will see how the Good Lord will help you.
The things that some people say as if they are babies learning to talk. If only God would reveal to you, your ignorance.
You are a proud Catholic? You are joking! Siding with the other enemies of the Catholic Church? You are not a smart person and not a faithful Catholic
Are you without sense, that the Roseau Cathedral is undergoing restoration? You should be grateful.
If you loved the Church you would not make such a statement. Your ignorance is showing and also of Holy Scripture. The Catholic Church has a few like you, enemies within. God knows you. He will deal with you accordingly.
My advice to you is to leave the Catholic Church. You are a worthless Catholic, speaking ill of it; a cradle one. It does not need another enemy from within, who does not defend it against its enemies, speak up for it and build it up, you big-time hypocrite. I hope I never meet you.
It is not only the Catholic church, the Government gave money to the Pentecostal church in Goodwill when they renovated.
Wrong is wrong. Evil is evil. Ask mr. Linton, who is more of a spiritual leader than the bishop.
…And Catholics would never criticize this church and state that the government should not help. Catholics never lambaste other religions but these people consistently do it to the Catholic Church and through the Media. Do they think they please God? No way!
Whatever our differences and indifferences, we are to help others in time of need. The rest we leave up to God.
Those critics are mortally and spiritually sick. One thing I also know whatever we say and do, one way or the other, we will either be rewarded or punished. As I have read, in Holy Scriptures, those critics will be punished by no other but God. They lack love and peace. If they knew what is contained in Holy Scripture and what Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us, they would have nothing evil to state against the Catholic Church.
Whenever DNO posts an article about the Catholic Church, the gates of Hell are opened and “the evil hearts of many are revealed.” They have showed us their evil capability.
Their day will come and soon enough. One day they will crying and wailing while on earth and if they do not repent, they will end up where there is gnashing of teeth in Satan’s everlasting inferno. This is where evil hearts/people end up and worst those who persecute the Catholic Church.
I know and have always said, it is better to do good than bad; far better. God bless you!
Where the P.M get all that money ?CUM go for,SDA go for EVANGELICAL go for,CHRUCH OF CHRIST go for,all religious organization go for. 0%, 0%, 0% for inspector Mills and Hunter. Squaters your houses must break down. I like that, I really, really, like that.
Are we forgetting after hurricane David, it was the Catholic Church that open their doors to the homeless. It became a little community. The people were happy they had a roof over their head and a place to lay down. We should welcome the gesture.
So charity has a price after all and now it’s pay-back time? My friend, I was taught, by that very same church that charity comes from the heart, should be unconditional and given freely according to need. Maybe they fooled me? This is my church and I will give, if and when I’m able but it has to come from me and not from someone else’s pocket like Mr. Skerrit’s donation. He likes doing that too much. Making himself look the great benefactor with money that does not belong to him.
This is MADNESS!!! The Bishop should give back the money! The catholic church has been around before Dominica ever had a government and the catholic church is known to be one of the richest religion. Why is skerro giving the church $500,000.00 when the Marigot Hospital is closed, Farmers have no feeder roads, Black sigatoka is killing the agriculture in the country, Some government schools don’t have proper windows to stop the children from getting wetting when it rains, unemployment is at an all time high and social security is begging employers to make their contribution. Skerrit is wicked!! God does not like that, he sees the evil in this gesture. SO Skerro want to folks to be really begging so the church can come in and say am ” here for the poor and meek”, then skerro runs away with the dough, the church stays silent and poor people gone to the alter crying and hoping God send manner from heaven. GOD do not like wickedness and that is wicked. The church can raise it funds otherwise and the state responsibility is to help its citizens who in turn would help the church. But its done backwards here. This is pure MADNESS!! A curse will follow….
$500,000.00 worth of church votes while police get 0,0,0 thats psychology (good strategy) at its best. 400 police officers vs $500,000 .00 worth of church voters hmm. I going with church all the time even if non catholic vex for their tax dollars. lol
That’s why the Bishop was politicking in Soufriere on Sunday during Confirmation.
He knew what he was about to receive from Skerrit.
That’s what the Catholic Church come too? Instead of converting the candidates he preaching Politics.
OMG
I hope the bishop use the money for what he say he going to use it for and not to pay off sexual abuse victims. If the bishop can find money to give to these people why he can’t get the same money to build his church.
Expensive vehicles alone I seeing those priests driving. That church has money, do not be deceived.
Instead of giving the church money, the gov’t should be investigating all these allegations of sexual abuse. I hear it is not just one but many victims. Where is the priest now, what a go on? Everybody has gone silent on this one. Time for those victims to stop hiding and come out in the open and speak up if what you say is true.
Instead we giving the church half a million dollars….life can never be fair.
I am catholic and damn proud of it but I am bothered by the actions of the state (PM) when they decide to give money to the church during election time. Further, are they going to donate to other religions to fix the churches, mosques and synagogues ending repairs? Skerrit knows that the majority of the population are Roman Catholics and simply trying to play on their emotions.
You can’t afford to give the police a 1% raise but there you are buying religious influence with state funds. The bishop should have “respectfully” refused the funds coming from the govern in the interest of religious harmony. This my friends once again shows how our society including the once independent Roman Catholic has become dependent on government for everything. We have reached a sad, sad, dry sad state of dependency in Dominica. I sonde what my rockstar Pope Francis would think about about such an act…
But Change is on the way…
“I AM FOR CHANGE; ARE U?”
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Don’t make politics cloud your mind, my son.
You had to ‘reactivate’ CB BOSS. Why did you have to do that? I am trying to complete what I have started.
Until such time.
I never thought that such Catholics as you existed. You are an enemy within., You have given me more to write about in my book.
Another Catholic who is a traitor to your Church and Faith. You will be punished. Beware there is a traitor on board. Examine the horns. You are not worshipping and praying as you should. Is it any wonder some people always experience problems and they do not know where to turn to and how to solve them? When you criticize your Church, the Bishop and are blinded, how do you expect to receive God’s blessing? In view of what you stated, you traitor, do not count on it.
I am a Roman Catholic and I wish the Bishop well, but I believe the timing is wrong. The church has been on a fund drive for approximately two years, why now. You are right in the middle of negotiations with all public service unions for an increase of salaries, you can find $500, 000 for the church but you are offering public servants zero, zero, zero when they requested an increase of salary. Skeritt must understand, all public servants are not Roman Catholics. That political strategy might just back fire. I hope Skeritt doesn’t have confusion or division of public servants on his mind.
OK Edo the same words Edo used that’s why we bawling for airport now hahahahaha wrong timing lol boy just say thank you nah and vote the man out hahahahaha.
You are not a sincere Catholic. Our Lord said, “A house divided by itself cannot stand.” This pertains to you, traitor. I cannot believe that people who say they are Catholics would make such comments against their Church, their Bishop, knowing the Church is under renovation. Where is your mind? It must be sleeping or dead.
Do people as you ever “think God” and “What will Jesus Say?” Do you not know that all what you state and do the Holy Spirit scrutinizes all your words and actions for your judgment, even a mini one while you are alive?
Your worship and prayers are not effective. They do not benefit you. They are redundant. You have condemned yourself.
You criticize the PM, all what he does. People as you bring down the wrath of God on Dominica and nationals. Ever give it a thought? Do so.
Elections are a year away. The PM is making sure he secures the Catholic vote at the expense of more pressing needs of the people.
If the Catholic congregation wanted to complete their church that badly, they could easily have raised that money.
There is no reason for government intervention in this project.
If Linton had given that amount to the Bishop, what would you and the other critics say since you are his supporters, which are too evident by your comments. Keep selling your soul to the devil and see where you will end up.
We dealing with facts and not hyothetical questions. The fact is that Linton did not give this money to the church, Skerrit did
Why is the Catholic church alone that Skerrit giving money to fix church. He give Vielle Case Catholic church, Portsmouth Catholic Chuch and now the Roseau Catholic church. Is Catholic alone that paying taxes. What happen to the Baptist church and Seventh day Adventist church? We not in it. That money could have given all Police officers, all nurses and all firemen a $412.00 raise this year. Imagine what this extra $412.00 can do.
This is clearly a case where good news could be ominous news.
Those of us who believe that there ought to be a clear line of demarcation between church and state see this as bad news, although it is good news that the Roman Catholic church is getting much needed assistance.
So why the need for separation between church and state?
It’s quite simple. The church must not be in a position where it feels morally obligated to the government which would inevitably constrain the church to speak out freely and openly on matters of public interest. People and, and yes, governments, usually give give gifts and expect something in return. In this case, the loyalty of the church, or at least an expectation that the church would be deferential to government and not criticize when there is a need to, on matters of morality and good governance.
Already we hear that some government ministers refer to the Bishop as their”boy”, meaning he is squarely in their corner. This is dangerous stuff. It is not enough for the church to be an independent voice of reason and ethical and moral behavior at the public policy level; the church must demonstrate in word and deed that it is a veritable independent voice and the acceptance of this gift from government compromises this independent voice which the church must maintain.
At the global level, much of the progress in the twentieth century in the realm of civil rights both in the US, South Africa and elsewhere has been spearheaded by the churches in the jurisdictions they serve: Martin Luther King, Archbishop Tutu of South Africa,etc, who maintained their independence to speak out and be the catalyst for change, much as Jesus Christ spoke out in his life of earth.
It would indeed be a moral tragedy if the church feels muzzled, as I fear it will, because they perceive they owe a debt of gratitude to government for the 500,000 pieces of silver they are to receive from Mr. Skerritt.
But the irony is, the 500,000 pieces of silver rightly belong to the people of Dominica, not the government, and considering that we live in a age when this government has gone to great lengths to create the impression that the people’s tax money is government’s money which they are free to dole out and expect political loyalty in return, we are treading on very thin ice. Think Red Clinic and the general impression that the money is coming from the prime minister, and not from the the nation’s coffers.
So what was the alternative to the government grant to the church? Simple: Individuals should have been encouraged to make charitable donations to the church and legislation enacted to grant a tax credit, dollar for dollar, not just a tax deduction, but an explicit credit to reduce personal or business tax liability by the amount of the donation. This would have the same effect of the direct government grant, without the baggage of knowing that the grant came from the government and false expectation of loyalty that the latter creates. That’s how it is done in advanced democracies and this is the model we should follow in the future to protect the right of free speech in a church that is expected to speak out on matters of morality in the public sphere.
At the very least, it would remove the temptation for political fanatics to refer to the bishop as their “Boy”, a characterization that even the bishop himself should reject.
After the state malice the bishop house is the second building which occupies only one man. Bishop do like the humble pope Francis and find yourself a space within the enclosure of the church property and sublet your mansion to make some money in aid of the renovation of the cathedral.
When you die, if not before, your mouth will stay wide open. Do you know what you are doing to yourself?
It’s all well and good may God bless this country…….. now please send some funds to the ministry of public works so that they can pay off contractor truckers etc.
Give and you shall receive!
@ Fast @ Furious, what about Gen. 14:23 Abraham said, ” I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich”:
God knows how ignorant you are.
Ephesian 5:6-13
The least that can be said about this is that it is insensitive and poorly timed and I am surprised that the bishop let himself be played this way.
Skerrit may have bought some votes but the church will lose support, even amongst its own members. I have a vision of Pope Francis shaking his head and saying:”Wrong move Gabriel. Why didn’t you come to me first”
Senseless comments. You critics give yourself a bad name. You have displeased God.
what about the marigot hospital…..close for months…what are this government priorities smh
If the bishop is really a true Christian he should let Skeritt understand that he should first take care of the homeless like the squatters of canefield. Where did that money come from I am sure its not from the treasury . Mr. P M please disclose the source of funding, is it from your millions that you have or is it money obtained from your last trip? we want to know. In the meantime you are offering the police 0% 0% 0% no wonder police have to do odd stuff to get extra money, you just can’t blame them. I am very disappointed in the bishop this is a corruptible move . T catholic church is the richest institution in the world , bishop you should make a request from the pope. This is to favour votes from bishop followers. The church is now in the corruption saga. good lock god is not a police he knows where the money came from this is another form of prostituting, money for vote.
You are not a true Christian. Speak for yourself. Stay tuned for your punishment and brace yourself up for it. .
Skerro paying the bishop to keep quiet,Bishop ask god for forgiveness if your a man of god give the money to the poor,but money buys anything,Skerro even paying of the bishop well look it.
This is “shut up” money for the bishop. simply , thanks for being silent while we plunder the country through sin and corruption!!
there can never ever be another Cardinal Raul Silva Enriquez!!!
I have no problem in donation to church. but that is nonsense when you tell the people that working for the state no increase and in the same breath you can give to outsiders. I guess that indicates where PM interest is, to give the bishop so he can continue to promote him. But public, police, nurses, teachers do not need convincing so I guess to hell with us. It is time for our Unions to join forces in our defense and concern. enough is enough! The country cannot be on our backs, it is too long now. WE NEED A RAISE.
welcome to the club
And you expect that I , a hard working civil servant will accept zero zero and zero percent? There’s money to pay me…..if there’s that kind of money for the church.
Render to the civil servant……
agree with you toootalllly.
You mean we really have that kind of money when:
Government comes short on payments to education institutions
can’t afford to give 3% increase to police/civil service
can’t build and equip a youth reform center
can’t repair roads
can’t sponsor more computers for schools
run out of medicines and ask patients to buy theirs
cant send youths to sports tournaments
cant repair feeder roads
can’t pay nurses more
cant make more money for community developments
on and on
I am born and raised Catholic and will always be. In a different time I would not question this, but with a current pm who cannot be trusted on where he gets funds, his inability to give civil servants a raise, negative growth in economy it makes me wonder. 500 k is a lot and I do not remember it being accounted for in the budget. My question is; Is this donation on behalf of the labour party or the government. If it is the Gov. Then the pm needs to let the public know where every cent came from and how he could make such a donation and cannot give officers a raise. If he cannot the church needs to return the funds to the gov. It seems like a good gesture but I do not know any government that just gives a church such huge sum of money. We are a multiple faith society and if that is done then every denomination is entitled.
the Bishop should reconsider his acceptance of the funds.
Shaka zulu, you could not of say it better, a wake up call to the Police and the rest of the public service 0%, 0%, 0% and they all like it so
If this Bishop is a good christian with a human heart he would do just like what Pope Francis would do advise the Government to take care of the poor squarters in canefield east whose homes are demolish and have no where to rest and the balance left to donate to the church/cathedral renovation. I also see this as a repeat of what happened before the last election which is this Hon PM and Government wanting to win the hearts of catholic voters.
Hey if tourist doh like the state Malice they cab just stretch their neck and see the state hypocrace.
I cannot believe the church took up such a project and didn’t secure the funding.
Isnt the church suppose to draw people closer to God. Our PM only recognizes the Catholic Church in Roseau as a one of the main attraction to the tourist. Its amazing!!!
While this gesture is welcome, it is obvious that the subtle and hopeful impact would be to get the “catholic vote”.
i really thought church and state should be separated.i am so ashamed of u bishop malzare.another act of desperation from a very desparate leader.wen u corrupt the church u corrupt socitey so wat do i expect from de so called religious leaders.
A worthy contribution in the right direction….
As a good Catholic thanks for the half a million dollar contribution to my Church, but it will not influence my vote this election season.
If the government was focus on providing a better economic environment for people in the country then the Catholic church could have gotten this money from it congregation.
But the congregation are poor and unemployed they cannot contribute financially therefore the GOVT steps in and wants us to thank them for this deed when they are the reason why we cannot help our church financially.
Bishop take the money it is really from your congregation and tell your congregation they must do everything to make sure they become economically independent. When they do I am sure they will contribute 1M dollars and more……..
Our Lord is watching!!!
I think this is a good gesture on the Government’s part. The Cathedral is a major tourist attraction in Roseau, and one must not forget the significant contribution the Catholic Church has made to Dominica. Many of us have been educated by the Church, they started the Credit Union to help the poor, not to mention the infirmary for the elderly as well as the social programs for the disabled started by one of the nuns amongst others.
bullll
Roseau…you talking rubbish………..the major distraction representing poor people namely squatters in upper Canefield, tell me who evicted them and what help do you think the state should offer them,,,, the police…? prisoners and eviction notice?????
You and that government should be ashamed of yourselves.
The crazy thing is that the Vatican is richer than Dominica!
The Catholic Church in Dominica is not the Vatican Church but Dominicans Church.
I am not Catholic…why is the PM using my tax money for this?
Anonymous, the Pope is the head of all the Catholic Churches a ll over the world, if anything the Bishop have to answer to Rome, why did the Bishop send the former Grand Bay Priest issue to Rome?, as a Roman Catholic i say to you, yes the Vatican is the richest religious denomination in the world with it’s own bank
Oh, the bishop now operating independently from Rome? No wonder he has to get money from Skerrit then instead of the Vatican. Maybe it is true then that Skerrit is the son of God?
Why should we wait on the Vatican to renovate what is ours? Critics will always be critics. It’s from FB to DNO!
@ Dominican, How could it be ours? When I die, I CANNOT be buried at the Catholic burial ground because I am NOT a Catholic. My family has to take me to a bush with MUD on a hill to be buried. Why should my government use my money to help them? If the government sees it as a tourist they need to buy for the state so all of us will have the same right to the use of that building. It is wrong, wrong, wrong!
what an idiot
u are wrong the Vatican is richer than the Caribbean .the vatican is worth billions of dollars