Head of the Commonwealth Secretariat Electoral Observer Mission (EOM) to Dominica, Jean-Pierre Kingsley, said that he is assuming that voices calling for a change in the electoral process in Dominica will be heard.
He said there is a “growing consciousness” that changes in electoral statutues are needed in Dominica.
Kingsley is part of a four-man team and one of three EOMs which observed and made recommendations following the December 8th general election in Dominica.
“I will talk to you very honestly. We are dealing with a new parliament here and there’s a government that has been reelected and at the same time there has been a change in the composition of the house,” he said outside the Electoral Office during a United Workers Party (UWP) protest on Friday. “There has been a change in certain players and there is a growing consciousness that there is a need for change to the electoral statutes. Obviously that is why there are manifestations and I am assuming that voices will be heard, people will be heard, and politicians will take stances.”
He stated that one can hope that the calls for change are translated into laws.
“People are interested in seeing positive change take place and one can only hope that this would find its way and translated into laws that will improve the situation for Dominicans, for the electoral system,” he noted.
Kingsley, who is the former Chief Electoral Officer in Canada, mentioned that it is up to the people to review the report written by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s EOM and see the changes discussed in it.
“It is up to the people to review what is written, to see what is provided and to see if this is something that makes sense to them when they read our report,” he noted. “And to see what are the changes that are being discussed in there and to see if that is something that suits them.”
Kingsley noted that the Commonwealth Secretariat EOM is on the island because “we care about good elections around the world.”
“This group of observers is not here to dictate anything to Dominicans, we are here at the invitation of the Dominican Government, the Electoral Commission and obviously the people,” he said.
Last week the Chief of Mission of an American Organization States (OAS) Observer Team to Dominica, Adam Blackwell, said, despite numerous recommendations and in some cases repetitions of recommendations from a 2009 EOM, the general election held in Dominica was free and fair.
Blackwell said electoral reform, campaign financing, women in politics and the size of the voters list are some of the areas that need to be addressed.
Toute nation a le gouvernement qu’elle mérite (Every nation gets the government it deserves) ….J de Maistre
Sorry Sir:
But you truly sound like the second coming of Pontius Pilate..
What is this guy saying or is he speaking in diplomatic language? If there reform in the electoral process then well Papa Doc here comes Skerrit……….
The only people calling for changes the the electoral laws are UWPites.
I hope your are not saying that labourites are all sheep?
The only brights heads in Dominica. the ones who strive for justice and not corruption. Yeah, you are right.
intelligent people usually appear to be in the minority.
A pen is mightier than a sword. A population of 71,000 from 2009 obviously to 2014 ,people have grown in age and right to vote. You made a request in writing and asked for this to be amended.Now there is a need to open a boxing sport in Dominica. You cannot run a country on mobile phones ,proper records must be kept to avoid all this uncertainty and corruptions
Peeps before you comment please observe (pun intended) that the article refers to 2 distinct and separate electoral observer missions (EOMs). One was from the commonwealth secretariat- the major part of the article is about them. We have not gotten their report or their final assessment of the 2014 Elections. They seem to have some interesting and different recommendations. They observed in Dominica for the first this year.
The other was from the Organisation of American States (OAS) – they are merely mentioned in the article. And we have gotten their report which says that elections were free and fair; although none of their recommendations after the 2009 election were undertaken. This mission because of the utterances by the commonwealth mission seem to backtracking on the findings of their original report and assessment of the 2014 Elections.
Yes I do agree that way the article is written that it is easy to mix them up.
Do u think that its electoral reform when a candidate is living in Portsmouth and be the parl rep of Grandbay?Can he vote in Portsmouth and cannot vote for himself in Grandbay?Do you think it right for a Political party to take my money in St.Croix campaign in Dominica and then tell me I cannot vote in DOMINICA as a registered voter?Do you think its right for a political party to tell their supports its their right to come to vote in Dominica only when they are in Government?
You need to include the role and quality of the speaker of the house. That should be part and parcel of the reform. We are suffering. So right here, I say to the ABK and who vex lost.
De woman should decline from taking that post. All she has to say is that “she fears for her life,” because 99.1 percent of the citizenery are against her being in that chair.
I can’t understand how Dominica is independent when we have all of these people still having a major role to play in our affairs. They will never relinquish power over the people of colour. They can go to hell as far as I am concerned.
The elections a observed by the Observer were free and fair. No one was prevented from campaigning and no one was prevented from voting. The UWP need to evaluate and take advice of its weakness, and strengthen its weaknesses, concentrate on gaining more ground so it can be the next government.
Thats why Africa is what it is. Because of people that allow truth and justice to evade them. Free and fair means Skerrit can go around bribing people. I think being that type of person is actually worse than the person that doing the bribing. Skerrit knows he cheated, it just you who refuse to accept it.
they did and it was stolen by the DLP because they simply cant be fair.
lol What You think the UWP is doing just that and electoral reform is a condiut to achieve their goal.No doubt there is a need for reform and the party in power has ignored this call !
Mr. kingsley, sir, the election is over. The role you were invited to play is way over…. so pack your suitcase and await another invitation in the next five years. Dominica is not Canada. As you said it, you can only suggest. Bonne Voyage!!
Touche’. I guess you did not like that comment. Everything cannot be one way. These observers did a thorough job. We have been members of the Commonwealth for a long time. These folks know us. We may not be Canada, but we came from the same system. We carried a British passport up till 1979. Don’t be so quick to dismiss someone if they do not support your point of view. I guess you expected them to say “free and clear”. Well they had another opinion. I may not agree with everything they say but I’m willing to listen to their argument.
For those united states citizens who ran away joined another country, pay no taxes and take bribe to vote on me!!!!!
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”
I hope the UWP has the names so that they can be released to to The Department of Homeland Security.
Please, there are people who live abroad pay taxes to their country of birth, even if they are not working in Dominica. Get your facts straight.
two days later Skeritt in Cuba cursing the USA on one side of His mouth they are “Yankee” then He turn around and warning drug dealers that He will cooperate with all those He referred to as Imperialists to catch them,meantime we have a Venezuelan tanker sitting in Jimmit ,people going on and off nobody watching
I agree that there should be change. 1. Noone who has not completed high school should run for public office. 2. Noone who is mentally ill should run for pulbic office. Put that in the laws and enforce them along with the voter ID cards. Now we are ready to roll!
You should add illiterates also
@ theresa lewis : you will keep your aristro-cat attitude and mentality to yourself
U issued some. No one with a history of lying shud be primeminister…no one who continuously insult ppl on political platforms shud be allowed to,contest elections……then we will be more than good to go
Also. Anyone who is running for Prime Minister, should and must have 3 debates with the opposition. Are we good to go?+
@ Theresa Lewis
It seems that you’re making a basic error in deciding what the characteristics of a leader ought to be. I imagine you’re referring to Lennox Linton. Obviously you do not think that honesty, respect and empathy are important traits that a leader should possess. What about the propensity to resist the temptation to become a millionaire in a relatively short space of time, while the masses are forced to come to you on a regular basis, in order for them to meet their basic needs ? On the issue of mental illness, Joshua Francis, through his victory in the last general elections, has proven that he is level-headed, articulate and fully aware of the ways in which he can make life more comfortable for those he chose to represent. Quite frankly, I don’t think you can match his intellect.
Destructive criticism of others sometimes bounce back on our children .We must never allow politics to make us sound ungodly .Remember God is listening .
It is over and you have lost.
Be quiet!
its a shame how those who have not completed high school are more competent than those who r suppose to have a degree or some cooked up certificate in sumtin…..and its clear..the difference in intelligence and wisdom is overwhelmingly clear. the simplest issues needing attention that suits the people of dominica cannot be dealt with by a clang of fools, leaches and greed.
Theresa, you would be excluded because of your lack of education. There is no such word as “noone”. Secondly, you obviously have not read the constitution which stipulates the qualifications a candidate for election as a member of parliament has to comply with. I am perfectly happy with them, as are many others, and I suggest you acquaint yourself with them too before exposing yourself to public ridicule.
You sound like you have some close mental and illiterates around you…just wondering about your outburst
You just excluded yourself from running
I often feel that although the UWP is passionate for reform, they have not taken the time to understand the currents within which they swim. In order for your message to have the desired impact on an audience, you have to know your audience, tailor your message to that audience and tailor your presentation of the message so that it elicits the desired reaction. The UWP has tried successfully to get electoral reform. It hasn’t borne fruit. Now is the time to regroup. I say to the UWP, change the strategy. Take a look at your mantra – Change is a must. It also applies to you.
You just like Skeritt if You backing Him stop telling UWP how to proceed ! Why should they listen to a collaborator? When asked about where all this money is coming from You remember Mr. Skeritt?” It is not your damn business”
Mr. Skerrit has come across to me as a man who does not know the difference between right and wrong.I have also observe a trait in the Prime Minister that he is stiff neck and arrogant who is bent on doing as he wants regardless.For how long does he think that he can tharwt the will and the aspirations of the people? It is now clear that the voices of Tony Astaphan , Hartley Henry , Lennox Lawrence and the rest of the self serving team is more important than the voices of the masses Mr. Skerrit remember that AMBROSE George & Julius Timothy did not see it coming. Sir if you are certain that you have the love of the people & you do not have the kind of fear that the wicked have,then do not sow seeds of unrest ,do not rely on always on force to be used by the police .Sir you have a golden opportunity to do the right thing . Sir your refusal to bring electoral reforms is a sign of weakness and fear more so from the group who is telling or advising you against it .
The election was free without a doubt. Fair? Far from it. I agree with the observer mission. They can only make recommendations, it is up to the people to decide. They have chosen crap so that’s what they will get. Sometimes you have to fight for what is right and just. No man is an island.
These obsever organisations are rubbish, if your recommendations has no fortitudde and is not significant what is the point in coming to observe. The government invited you to come observe. The one who pays the piper plays the tune. They are all in the same organivsation, watching each others back and collecting the benefits. No one cares for the people hurting and feeling the pain, but there is a season for everything. This system of things will be destroyed. God will wipe out all manner of evil and wickedness.
When you mention God’s Holy Name ensure that you are genuinely living a righteous life. God knows all about you. He expects that you will look to yourself and not be the judge and jury of DLP and act as if you are God and know it all.
He will also wipe out, destroy consistent criticisms, negativity and hatred and those who also cause disunity and divisions among nationals in Dominica. He knows the guilty ones who practice them. You are not exempt and will not escape his justice.
God judges no one in the manner you, UWP supporters judge the PM and his cabinet and direct derogatory words and language at him.
There are too many hypocrites. God does not approve of hypocrites and those who hate. You people hate and consistently criticize the PM because you do not support him and his Party. In your eyes UWP can do no wrong while DLP does everything wrong. Is this fair to DLP? It is also discriminating against that Party, every member. Those as you who do are themselves not nice people which is what they portray by their words. You are showing yourselves to be.
The OAS group are not stupid people. They read what all D/cans write pro and con. They are fully aware of all concerns; not only the bias and unfair UWP supporters.
I reside in Canada and I have access to the Canadian Electoral Office. Since I submit an annual income tax return, I have given them permission to include my name on the electoral list. I do not fear writing them and voice my concerns if I feel I should. This includes the OAS. I will find their address as well. All I do is to telephone the MP or MPP’s office for it and I will get it as their website and email address. If they do not have it, they will direct me to whom I can contact to get them.
Let me further inform you, some Canadian polling stations in all the provinces of Canada have not been perfect. They, too have their problems. I reside here, I listen to the News and read the News and know what has transpired at some of the Canadian Polling Stations in certain provinces. They are also not perfect. They also need to clean up their act before they try to clean-up Dominica’s electoral list and other such matters.
As for the OAS group, they are from different countries. Pertaining to their election, their countries are not perfect in this regard.
God is not a name. God’s holy name is Jesus. Jesus was mentioned nowhere in “righteousness’s” comment. lol
You are not a humble person. You make me laugh at your mortal and spiritual ignorance.
twisted: mrgreen:
What type of bible do you have and where did you got it and from whom? You must be an atheist or a non-Christian. You lack godly inspiration and knowledge. Do you ever need to study Holy Scripture. Whatever you think is not important and has no power and strength. The problem with some of you, you interpret Holy Scripture to suit your warped mentality.
You keep in mind that the Catholic Church first had the Bible. Others as Martin Luther who renounced It took the Bible and took off some Chapters from it. Some others who formed their church did likewise. I suppose this is why you made that comment. It is one that lacks substance and truth.
It is shocking that you do not know Our Lord mentioned “God”, His (Our) Heavenly Father and the apostles and disciples called him Jesus.
Learn this for your information: There is God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit. All Three In One. They are also called the Blessed Trinity.
Our Lord said:
John 14:7:9:10 – . If you know Me, then you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him. Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father. I am in the Father and the Father is in Me..
Matthew 11:27 – All things have been handed over to Me by My Father. No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.
I cannot figure you out including your thinking, according to your comment. So what name in the New Testament do you call “The Father”? What name do you call Jesus who is Our Lord, King and Savior of the world?
Know this that Christians are people of the New Testament. What are you?
BREAKING NEWS ! ! ! that is for those persons who were fast asleep…. DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY CANNOT… I SAID CANNOT WIN AN ELECTION IN DOMINICA WITHOUT BRIBERY ! ! ! elections were indeed free but certainly NOT FAIR …
All any party needs to be elected is 11 seats and DLP has 11 seats that are steadfast and another 3 that are strongholds based on the candidates. The others are strong but may be slim. That is something which UWP definitely CANNOT say…. LL said the CADRES polls were unfair as well
The true picture of this election:-
DLP 10 seats
UWP 11 seats.
DLPs win is not a true win.
Roseau South was a stronghold….. so what’s your point?
Keep judging. The day will come when you will be judged for your words. You will pay a dear price for them.
@ the facts: you are telling everyone who comments against skerrit that they will be judged, but what about you ? it seems to me that you think that you will never be judged. have you lost a screw? if not i am asking from which planet that you came from ? you are bickering with too many people for their personal right of expression. you come across to me that you wish that those withwhom you do not agree with that you wish that you could shut them up . you do as if you have an answer for everyone and you dont have any for yourself . please reserve some answers for your self you must be bickering with yourself even in your sleep.
Only God can judge man. Leave it to Him. God sees the heart of all men and you speak about Him so eloquently then you know He is on top of all things. Quit with the glorification of the Prime Minister you are creating a false god by idolizing him. you know what God says about false gods right??????
Your brains are in the cloud or somewhere else. Take them out of there. Some of you misinterpret what others state and make an issue out of it, troublemakers that you are.
Who are you to make such a statement? Your comments tell how much you do not know.
I never stated that I will not be judged. I did not exclude myself. I am stating that people (the plural form) will be judged by what they state. When I use the singular form, I mean the person who made that comment. This includes you as well. You lack godly enlightenment.
You are informing me that you know more than I do?
You are foolish to think that I glorify the PM. Did I ever mention about glorifying him? I am a Christian and I glorify no man or woman. I support DLP and the PM. It is my right to do so.
Your problem is you cannot stand anyone to speak in favor of the PM because you do not support him to the point of hating him. For the latter, those of you who hate him will be judged accordingly. This is the Law of God.
You support Linton and you glorify him. That is your business. Did I comment about that? I could not care less.
My business is to stand up for what I know is right. This right is to support the Party of my choice. It is not your business to tell me what to do. You are very much out of place. Know your place! You are causing division and lack of unity among people. It appears you will act in this unbecoming manner for the next five years. Too bad for you. Eat your heart out.
I am elated that DLP won and the PM is re-elected. Grin and bear it for the next five years.
Recommendations were made in 2009 and they were never adhered too what is to say this time they will PM want to stay in power for life and he doesn’t care what others say or do, and it’s time that Dominicans and electoral advisors accept that we have a dictator at the head
its time for action less
Lets look at the big picture here. If UWP were in power I would say the same thing. That is be fair and honest because there may come a time when the UWP are in power and the treat Labour as labour had treated them. Some times its not ever the person or persons that repay the compliment lol
listen FELLA…… what kind of kindergarten thinking is this??? tit for tat??? butter for fat??? REALLY man????? HOW OLD ARE YOU??????
What do you expect? You should know what goes around comes around and if it were UWP, they will get what they dished out. Sometimes it takes years but it will occur. It may be worst and it may not come from DLP but through another channel. This is the way the ball rolls. This is why we must treat everyone with dignity and respect as we expect of them. You also know what goes around comes around in time and two-fold.
UWP will do well to do good at all times with no fail. Otherwise they will reap what they deserve. Who knows how soon?
Yes! There is a God above who will repay everyone according to their works, in words and deeds. I did not learn this as an adult. I learned it since from childhood.
I hope Eligible Dominicans in the Diaspora, like Canadian electors in the Diaspora will get the same right apply to vote by special ballot. With a special ballot, Canadians can vote by mail from anywhere in the world.
Canada for example – if they live abroad and they meet certain criteria, they may apply at any time to be added to the International Register of Electors. When an election is called, Elections Canada mails a special ballot voting kit to all eligible electors in the International Register.
In Canada, Britain, US, Israel, South Africa and many other countries in the world give that right. To apply to be added to the International Register and vote by special ballot, they answer a few questions etc. Based on their answers, Electoral Commission will provide information and an application form.
Electoral reform in Dominica must include the right of citizens travelling, or temporary living abroad, economic ‘refugees’ whom remain involve, our Dominicans with multi-state/country residencies – Disporans – the right to vote from anywhere on earth in elections in our homeland.
Well said but guess what until such processes are put in place what obtains now in Dominica is totally immoral and illegal.
They have at least four years time to implement it if they so wish. It would be worth looking into.
What you fail to consider is that the size of the absentee voters in the countries you name are not relatively large enough to make a difference to the final outcome. However, if you look at Dominica, 5,000 voters could dramatically affect the outcome of the vote as we saw in the recently concluded elections. The constituencies are small so I could impact the result by strategically implanting a few hundred voters in each constituency.
Very Good point, Zabocca. My own recommendation is that those in the Diaspora who do not meet the residency requirement for voting and are still interested in DA should be allowed to vote for a particular representative for Dominicans living overseas. The representative would represent the interests and concerns of them and would be limited on the issues he or she can vote on just as senators’ voting rights are limited in the Parliament. But his or her votes should be more restricted than those of senators who may be ministers of government.
The suggestion of the D/cans in the Diaspora voting is a wise suggestion. We are considering Canada, USA, Great Britain, Caribbean countries as of course the West Indian ones outside of Dominica. If we take a count of the amount of Dominican-born, some of whom were (also) adults prior to migrating they number in the thousands, if not millions.
I visualize this would be a huge undertaking which will require expertise and many capable D/cans to effect this. I would think it would take some years to put this into effect. It could be done.
I am a confident person. The saying, “Nothing beats a failure but a trial” and you also know, “If at first you do not succeed, try again” while life goes on. Persistence and perseverance win in the long run.
So – you want to limit the citizenship rights of Dominicans overseas because more of them are overseas?
I have previously stated that. Some nationals have voted in Canada for their country’s leader. The best thing to do is to address this to the D/ca Electoral Commission who will also inform the PM about it.
Then again, there are some who may not even accept honesty for they are bent on negativity and criticism.
Should this be implemented, honest people will be required to manage it. Life, health and strength permitting, I could volunteer for this one. There will be no cheating with me around. Honesty all the way.
Well, let us see if this will ever come to fruition. It is worth discussing and taking action. I would surely vote for the Party of my choice and encourage eligible D/cans to do likewise.
Dominica is becoming a lost case when comes to preserving Democracy and for free and fair elections, never have we heard of electoral mal-practice so rampant and the electorates affected are so docile.
The voices calling for change in the electoral process had been loud and clear since the 2009 elections in The Commonwealth of Dominica, only to fall on deaf ears. What is taking place on the island could never happen in the neighboring islands. The government is endemically dishonest, corrupt, and I’m sure the Commonwealth Secretariat knows more than we think. People in the Caribbean think of our people as,……. I’d rather say different and unique. I know one thing, the U.S. State Dept. is eyeing the whole thing at a different angle. Roosevelt Skerrit will not leave a legacy that’s kind to him, and will definitely be held accountable for the alleged accusations, allegations that continue to haunt him and his government.
Our people continue to put self before country. The supporters are selfish, dishonest and corrupt as their leader. They have no moral compass to guide them and do not know the damage they help perpetuate to the nation. We shall continue to be divided until we as a people stand on common grounds collectively, against the wrongs to protect and defend what is right for God’s sake. If not, we are doomed to fail and will continue to be last in every category of growth for the nation. Almighty Father, please enlighten and help our nation before it’s too late.
If you were a true loogawoo you would know that the US state fepartment should be looking at itself.
The problem is as Lougawoo (I do not know why that name is used; it is not a blest name), they keep criticizing and make it one-way. The other Party has to bend over backwards for them while they keep criticizing. They will never reach a consensus. Unless UWP supporters also compromise, nothing will be achieved. They will keep at it, consistently criticizing with no change, as much as they say they want change.
The PM extended an olive branch to them and their UWP leader along with their supporters rejected it as they criticized his effort for peace, unity and cooperation. What more can he do and say?
I could inform the US State Department to stay out of this for UWP is not an easy Party to deal with.
”Our people continue to put self before country. The supporters are selfish, dishonest and corrupt as their leader. ”
Lougawoo Mem, referenced your statement quoted above: You have succintly and correctly captured the reason why the masses continue to vote a corrupt and poorly performing government back into power. It has nothing to do with the absence of a credible alternative. The people who vote for Skerrit would ape his behavior in office if they were in Roosevelt Skerrit’s position. People do not vote for corrupt politicians time and time again amidst glaring evidence if they themselves are not corruptible.
I foresee what would happen to Dominica, in Dominica and nationals if UWP had won the election. The situation would not be a good one but a grave one for at least the next five years.
I have noted that the PM will do his utmost to reach out further and help the people of D/ca and I add, those who are especially in need of. UWP supporters criticized him for that, the critics saying it is only talk/words and nothing will change.
These people are too negative. The change D/ca needs is a change and cleansing of their hearts. I read their comments. I could write a book about that.
The voices calling for change in the electoral process had been loud and clear since the 2009 elections in The Commonwealth of Dominica, only to fall on death ear. What is taking place on the island could never happen in the neighboring islands. The government is endemically dishonest, corrupt, and I’m sure the Commonwealth Secretariat knows more than we think. People in the Caribbean think of our people as,……. I’d rather say different and unique. I know one thing, the U.S. State Dept. is eyeing the whole thing at a different angle. Roosevelt Skerrit will not leave a legacy that’s kind to him, and will definitely be held accountable for the alleged accusations, allegations that continue to haunt him and his government.
Our people continue to put self before country. The supporters are selfish, dishonest and corrupt as their leader. They have no moral compass to guide them and do not know the damage they help perpetuate to the nation. We shall continue to be divided until we as a people stand on common grounds collectively, against the wrongs to protect and defend what is right for God’s sake. If not, we are doomed to fail and will continue to be last in every category of growth for the nation.
Well said, very articulate, measured and right on point
‘Kingsley, who is the former Chief Electoral Officer in Canada, mentioned that it is up to the people to review the report written by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s EOM and see the changes discussed in it.”(Kingsley).
kingsley I am satisfied that you have the nerve and guts to recognized that something is wrong with the electoral system in Dominica, nevertheless, if new laws were written today five years prior to the next election, the result will be the the same as that of December 8th.
Laws are written and tabled in our country only to be ignored, by government. And let me be specific, the laws of Dominica means nothing to Skerrit, and his regime; nor law enforcement from the police to all sections of the judicial system: here is an example, recently an old man in his seventy’s criticized Skerrit in public, he broke no law, however, some so called police officer decided to arrest the old man, beating him in the process, when the old man question that criminal police, asking him why are you beating me, when I’ve done nothing? The criminal police officer informed the man “you are cursing the Prime Minister, you are cursing Skerrit.” If Dominicans exist in a democracy, we should be able to live free, and express ourselves without fear of the police.
I live in Los Angeles, I can go out into the street, and say anything I wish about the President of the United States, without fear of the police arresting, and beating me while they take me into custody. I been to Canada, many times and heard the political opinions of lots of people not favorable to the government; however, they are not told “you can’t say anything about the government,” nor the Prime Minister of Canada!
The man did not express himself in any threatening way, nor made any terrorist threat, he did not say anything threatening in regards to Skerrit; yet some nobody arrested him assaulted him in the process, and no disciplinary actions have been taken against the perpetrator of the assault! People are murdered in Dominica, and the police does not even investigate, personally, this year one of my nieces were actually beaten to death, the perpetrator escape to the island of St. Lucia, where he remains, the government, and the police has not done anything to get the criminal extradited back to Dominica in order to stand trial. More than three years ago a former magistrate home was firebomb while he and his family was asleep in the house. The man who firebomb the house implicated himself, yet the police claimed he is a career criminal therefore his evidence will be accepted by the courts. Finally, I have a nephew who was found with his throat slashed, murdered, someone came forward and confessed to murdering my nephew, the police refused to arrest the culprit saying he is incompetent, therefore they ignored him, a few days later the confessed murderer was himself found with his throat slashed!
Even if there is a law which prohibits the bribing of people, and the buying of votes, in the country, the ruling government ignores the laws, and openly provides tickets to Dominican residence in Toronto, and across Canada, and the United States to return home to vote, buying, and bribing people to vote is a felony, yet that is tolerated in Dominica: Law’s mean nothing to this present regime, ours is a rouge state, controlled by a rouge Prime Minister; a total dictator!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Dominica is a lawless country. Laws are not being adhered to.
If you belong to a certain class in Dominica you can do whatever you like and no law no constitution can stop you.
The Canadian government has its share of problems with ministers of different parties in different respects. Some have been asked to resign. Others have had to repay the government – the taxpayers for overspending.
Life is a two-way street and not a one-way one.
I cannot recall that an election was announced that far in advance. The provincial one last year was announced approximately six weeks.
The most I could do is to try to get a job at a Polling Station, if I so wish and time permits. I worked once. I thought the hours are very long. The pay is good enough. If all goes well, we will see. Prior to that there will be meetings which those who are accepted (they always need people) must attend and to pick up their kit prior to Election Day. It is a long way away as life goes on but something to look forward to when that time approaches and who will be the Canadian PM.
Do you think Canada does not have its problems as also the US? I do not think they want to be bothered with little Dominica.
The affairs of Dominica is an internal one and all Parties concerned should try to rectify its problems. However, it is not only a UWP problem, to consistently criticize and to solve them. With their indifferent attitude, nothing will be solved. They need to act as matured people with courtesy and humility, just as you should towards others especially on this Website, Telemaque.
Today, I heard on the News that Canadians will be going to the Polls on October 16, 2015. It was announced rather early that I thought it is April Fool’s Day.
I do not know yet if the PM will be campaigning for another term. He is on his second term. We are not making a fuss about that.
The Canadian PM and his Party are preparing for this election, likewise other political Parties and others concerned throughout Canada.
I will not be campaigning
The Dominican Parties must do their utmost to cooperate and to serve the Dominican people effectively, in dignity and unity. They must set the example for the people to follow their overall political examples.
Sir you said the same things in 2009 and not a damn thing was done about your recommendations. You should be ashamed of your organization making the same recommendatios again after you know nothing was done for 5 years,and you are talking as if Skerritt cares or you are his spokesman or his conscience. You called the elections free and fair.It might have been too free and sure not fair.Too free for the government to violate the constitution,and surely not fair,as opposition was not allowed access to state owned media.You have to do better than just offer hope.recommendations
Yes J, I agree with your comment 100%. When we were growing up these kind of things never happened, and we had political parties and we had elections. That is the “next Level” that they talking about.
How old were you then or have you forgotten those days? . . . And we did not know anything about how much money they got from overseas and also Great Britain. We were left in the dark up to D/ca’s Statehood and Independence. We had no TV and Internet then. In this respect, they did as they pleased with the money received.
Dominica was really poor in those days. The poor/unemployed and senior citizens did not receive a cent from the government prior to Dame (Ms) Prime Minister Eugenia Charles (RIP) assuming office. There were also no programs to assist them. Need I state more?
Some Dominicans of today do not know and appreciate how fortunate they are under the leadership of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
If UWP supporters will not state it, I will: God bless him!
JJ from the East…the home of the wise men…….you are so right my brother,,,
Castle Bruce is dead….a dead village with no semblance of development. Jono spent his last five years giving out goodies to people from Skerrit and they call it development. I call it a shame and disgusting and a damn shame of the people of Castle Bruce. IT IS ALL ABOUT SKERRIT.
Dominica is again locked with this wicked government for another five years ONLY if the people rise up and maybe Castle Bruce will take the lead.
Dominica is rising in poverty and this Labour Party of Skerrit has turned Dominicans into beggars.
shame
That OAS commission making me laugh. First they made a whole set of recommendations. Then they say not enough time, now this. They should have just said that they were not able to give a report this time due to the fact that we did not have enough time to observe. They looking guilty from where I stand.
Head of the Commonwealth Secretariat Electoral Observer Mission (EOM) to Dominica, Jean-Pierre Kingsley, in 2009 your suggestions fell on deaf ears….Now it has fell on deaf ears….. assuming that voices calling for a change in the electoral process in Dominica will be heard.
Blackwell said “electoral reform, campaign financing, women in politics and the size of the voters list are some of the areas that need to be addressed”. Yet still he had the audacity to say the elections were free and fair! wow!! you had to be blind in one eye and can not see in the other to know that this election was a total fruad.
Show your face. We do not want to see the back of your head.
I will translate this for him……..LABOUR TIFF DE ELECTIONS
I will translate this for you UWP lost the election.