Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, is seeking to clarify and put an end to questions about what was being discussed with the Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, in a photo taken in parliament last week that went viral on social media.
In his response to the National Budget on Monday, Linton said they were actually discussing ways the United Workers Party can assist in the budget.
“As I said to you Prime Minister on Friday, that picture captured which has gone viral around the world, as I was saying to you in that conversation, we stand ready to assist with specific items in this year’s budget that will help to advance the cause in Dominica,” he stated.
Skerrit and Linton were seen in the photo apparently having a conversation, moments before the Prime Minister presented his budget address.
The general perceptions of critics are that both men are at loggerheads and members of the public began to make all kinds of remarks about what they could have been discussing.
Linton indicated that his party has welcomed government’s initiative to address specific national issues.
“In fact in keeping it very real, we have welcomed government’s initiative to address specific national issues as much as we engage government to make use of our own ideas and suggestions especially those dealing with economic growth and job creation,” Linton stated.
The photo has also been the subject of several memes on social media.
That photo tells us how foolish some of us are when we hate others for their political affiliation. The UWPites in Salisbury most be fuming to see this photo, what a wake up call for you guys eh. The amount of insults and hatred sent to DLP supporters in Salisbury it is not funny. and for what and for whom a politician who is not better than the one you guys hate. This shows us that we take this too seriously and it is time to respect another persons right to support their party and move on. Take that! Even Lennox knows when to stop the fighting.
People please let us take heed to the sound of the call and to “RISE UP” from that little slumber in our minds given the differences of opinions and create more unity amongst us. “UNITY IS POWER” If the politicians can show it even though it may not be real THEN why can’t we let them see that the PEOPLE ARE.. It’s time that we make a start before e have deeper regrets.
Hello and good afternoon my people. Well it’s just a photograph showing Democracy at work because I expect our leaders to engage in constructive conversation. Both men are the leader of their respective political parties therefore they must discuss our country business so my people don’t get carried away over a photograph. Sweet Dominica I coming hope for Creole Fest.
It is a sad day for Dominica that a photo of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition having a conversation to be taken for something that people consider weird, unusual, scary, troubling, suspicious and threatening. What happened to civility?!!
I agree with your observation. Our leaders must find common ground to ventilate on national issues. infact the constitution provides for opportunities (limited as it is) for the PM and Leader of the Opposition to dialogue and “consult” on important matters of State. Mr. Linton seemingly went out of his way to explain what was taking place. Was an explanation necessary? Does Mr. Linton feel that the people should not have accorded to him the statesmanship he deserves albeit for this brief moment of civility and perhaps a photo op? That is where I somehow differ with your comment “jaded”. Mr. Linton’s response is sufficient testimony in support of the long held view that the opposition is in no mood to even want to appear to be civil in matters of State. That is the issue and that is why the picture went viral. For me personally, I believe we need to see more of this representation of our leaders in order to lessen the partisan tension and stress that is presently plaguing our…
bro u understand me u know that am bro butter my mouth u need that bad
In an attempt to interpret the PM conversation with the opposition leader, here goes:
Bossman, I want you to know early O’clock that I will not be able to listening to your full presentation. I would like to apologize for my tardiness in advance. You will understand by now how difficult it is to listen to this after years of getting whatever I want in cabinet and in parliament. Remember, it’s nothing strange because I am the PM and all these guys are afraid of me. Also, I have instructed G.I.S to withhold the youtube link to avoid to dotish Dominicans from knowing the truth of what the budget should really do for the productive sectors; imagine I told fellas that I will give them $500,000 for assistance with music and they are singing my praises, so most Dominicans are about money and care little about facts so I am taking no chances with prodcasting on youtube. In the end it’s not personal it’s just protection of my election legacy and I am working all now to win the next…
Boys dominicans not easy. Why does mr. linton or mr. skerrit have to explain the photo? what ever dominicans speculate, if i were both of them i would just let the people speculate. I have not read the comments i just read the article and went straight to commenting because , this simple photo and the speculations especially the negative ones says quite a lot about our people. So you mean to tell me two grown men ,regardless of them being on opposite sides of political parties, cannot have a civilized conversation or exchange a few words. Boy the problem of dominicans mentality is deeper than i thought.
Hi! I wanna ask some questions real quick! But first I would like to state my opinion.
It doesn’t matter what party you support, but I think it is necessary for one to consider the qualities of their leadership. Abandon all the political reasons of support and welcome the ones of worth, such as a good education, honesty, confidence and other leadership skills. In conclusion be fair and honest no matter which side you support.
Now for the questions! (Please ask yourself)
1. Does he/she show love for God?
2. Is he/she capable of doing good for country?
3. Is he/she educated enough to represent Internationally?
From an inquisitive 13 yr old
I guess what Linton was telling Skerrit just before he Skerrit presented is simply this: “Skerro keep it real please doh use your time to tell stories and lies like you did for the last 14 budget addresses”. Plezzziiing!
Vegnag or maybe he was saying Good Budget, Good Budget!! Complimenting the PM!!
Unity is strength! Only in love and unity can our beautiful island move forward!
Those who do not know better would think that Roosevelt Skerrit would bite the head of Mr Linton due to the way some of his critics describe him. However he demonstrated great humbleness and prudence even to one of his biggest critics. And even greater he won’t even come out to specifically take credit for a picture. Well done Skerrit!!!
They still walked out that means they have not changed. Power hungry. now not time for walk outs. I applaud Joshua “Julie” Francis for not following suit and walking out as well. This my people indicates another stateman with leadership skills. Joshua Francis .. put God first …. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The Almighty Father is not one of ugly. Let the Father direct your steps and this mean going in direct relationship with him. Obedience and walking in his ways is the way to go.
The Body language portrays Skerrit’s arrogance. If Skerrit was interested in whatever Linton was saying there should be an eye to eye . notice that Skertit gives him the side of the face as if to say “my ears is all I need”. In professional and diplomatic circles this is cinsidered disrespectful.
I would like to be wrong but the facts would not mske it that easy when Skerrit is on record stating that he takes no afvusr from the opposition
So I guess you have never in your life listened to someone by not looking at them? maybe its just me but if am in a room full of people I would prefer have someone talk to my ear rather than my face so I can really hear what is being said. But maybe that’s just me
Common Don’t be ridiculous from the photo u can see they are not communicating for others to hear or just between them like soft speech, therefore i cant give u my eye but the listening ear your dummy. Always have negativity that’s why in this world people can’t prosper. is because of people like you all giving the public the wrong impressions. there are already so many wrong impressions going on but we make it even bigger
should he have kissed him too. The fact is they are having a conversation and Skerrit walked over to Lennox and vice versa that’s what matters fool.
Why should the PM take advise from Lennox Linton. The ruling party in Canada does not take advise from the opposition.
Real Fact – On ! that is not true. my aunt who is a political scientist in Canada, says otherwise.
Dominicans are shallow minded…you included. You opinion buddy! Ha! Ha! Ha!
For this photo to illicit such interest, shows the level of political immaturity in Dominica and of Dominicans. Because idiot Dominicans have made enemies of their friends and families over politics, they seem surprised that the leader of the opposition and the prime minister can have a civil discussion over the matter of national interest.
zandoli, my sentiments exactly
thank you zandoli, and they are so embarrassed that they making foolish comments as if they expected the two to be wearing gloves in Parliament. I remember Mike Douglass and Eugenia Charles. In Parliament is licks and after is family. It is really bad in Dominica. UWPites support their party no DLP supporter insult them for that. Once you are known to support DLP well you are the worst thing God ever created. Can you imagine a mother hate her daughter and her husband because the two don’t support her party. She just attack her granddaughter yesterday in a west coast village in the middle of the street. That’s how violent they get. But I know that girls father, a policeman, he don’t play games but he is a strong person and will not take her bait.
I come here just for jokes lol..u guys are funny…snd y do u hve to explain a pic Lennox?; you will nt mke it far if u hve to worry about others opinion about a picture…lol
Well Dominicans a pictures means a million words please give peace a chance. What is there to clarify.
Political ignorance is an epidemic in my Waitikubuli.
Some people actually are of de opinion that de two leaders shouldn’t speak to one another!
Should we start painting our homes and business in line with our political affiliation?
Should a DLP supporting baker refuse to sell bread to a UWP supporter?
Our political maturity appears to be still in its embyrionic stage…kindergarten politics!
when will we mature and grow up!
In all fairness Lennox Linton has been able to raise alot of eyebrows on political maturity.
He is actually raising de bar…I applaud you, Sir.
De most times dis-honorable Speaker of de House recognizes that…although with very little enthusiasm…..she cannot help but reserve her praise since that would be political suicide.
Lennox was just a talk show host a few years ago.
De gentleman deserves his praise.
I cannot expect anything less from kelvar and de rest.
those of us who really care know how we feel…and we express it openly
Very interesting photo. While Aaron is making a fool of himself on talk radio and print media about Hon Lennox Linton and the Prime Minister, who knows, maybe, those guys are having their grogs in private and are friends out of the political arena.
In fact Lennox Linton and Roosevelt Skerrit Family were very close a long time ago, even when Skerrit first became a young parliamentarian. You all need to do reseach. Go back to the interview, when skerrit first won the vielle case seat, with linton on marpin. Listen to the interview very well, look at the body language. Analyze!
They were never close! Don’t use an interview which is customary to make stories. just now you will say matt and everybody he interviews are close?
It is customary for people to make memes on politicians and celebrities. This pic made a good meme topic and that’s all it is, no need for conversation. I find the memes humorous and humour makes rounds on the internet no need to come here “playing smart”
lol i know right
This is jus wonderful to see the Leader of the Opposition and Prime minister conversing. I think Mr. Linton was giving him some ideas. Would u Dominicans think so?
Actually I like that picture. I vote it Best Picture of the year so far on DNO.
Dominicans Missed an opportunity to elect this honarbale man Mr Linton to the PMs office
Thanks for the laughter! I am really living a dream.
Dominicans are too shallow minded. I guess all they expect is for our leaders to always be at each other throats. Come on people it’s about time we all come together
What this photograph represents to me and other faithful and dedicated Labourites is the attentiveness and open-mindedness of our great and precious Supreme Leader, the right and Honourable, Dr. Roosevelt M. Skerrit. His Holiness, great knight of the most holy Roman Catholic Church, the highly esteemed and ordained Supreme Leader is not opposed to listening to suggestions and ideas from His Dominican Citizens. Notice that he listens attentively to a man known to be an uneducated political novice who has criticized and vilified Him for a number of years on a certain radio station and, most recently, in our Parliament. Labourites are quite aware that the novice can NEVER have anything meaningful to contribute or suggest to our charismatic and dynamic Supreme Leader. However, the fact that Dr. Skerrit has the patience and kindness to give ears and attention to His greatest critic is a testament to His great Christ-like compassion and His commitment to His Country. What a LEADER!!!!
who tell you mister is a doctor
you have your brain screwded on straight?!!!
I must laugh at labourites while operatives like you who may be making $96,000 and so forth have to run to red clinic every week and wait for a tablet since January.
I meant to say while poor labourites have to run to the red clinic every wednesday and wait on a tablet because they cant buy theirs
Awesome LaborofLove….just awesome
Boy, it seems to me you want you behind burst?
If a clack whip is to mild for you, I suggest you become disoriented, and find yourself a boyfriend and let him damage it for you oui!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
Disgusting Francisco…. I would not seee it amusing that you advice someone “I suggest you become disoriented, and find yourself a boyfriend and let him damage it for you oui!” Use your intelligence aptly. Read Phillipians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Also you may need to Physically check your emotionally struggles. May be the things that happenned to your family in the past , you may be stilll carrying that hurt. And perhaps being how you are , putting on a facade (covering up). I wish you all the best.
@?????????????????? July 28, 2015 –”
“Also you may need to Physically check your emotionally struggles. May be the things that happenned to your family in the past , you may be stilll carrying that hurt. And perhaps being how you are , putting on a facade (covering up).”
I sincerely agree with you. That man is extremely rude and nasty, so nasty that he doesn’t know how much–that is the reason he boldly writes those nasty comments for the public to read–how shameful!
I will continue to pray for people like u
Labouroflove you need to wash your mouth with some bleach,the filth that comes from it stinks.
Why would something like that go viral is beyond me. At least they appear to be to civilized people engaged in a normal conversation! Personally I have not detect any anger on the face of either of the men.
I suppose there are some who wish they saw their hands around each other neck, or each have a gun pointed at each others belly!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
Facts and Elizabeth, I want to see how you are going to deal with this one. One of them is me real cousin, the other is me Almost Nearly Cousin, I suspect me Almost Nearly Cousin, was asking me real cousin why is that boy Francisco always on me back? Real cousin perhaps said me doh know de man you eh!
Is it not better to live in peace, and corporate, for the betterment of the country, than the powers that be always arresting the members of the opposition?
Man stop mentioning my name in your things of fiction. Seems so much like you are dying for attention with your thing about “real cousin” “almost nearly cousin” I don’t want any part of it.
I saw that picture on face book from many different persons, and yes they were captioning it through all sorts of wild imagine–like your “twilight zone” caption here– some of them even made me laugh.
But if I commented at all, I simply said that it was a business discussion–which is what Mr. Linton clarified here.
And just in case you have misunderstood as usual; viral simply means that a lot of people viewed or posted that picture on face book–this simply means that a large number of people paid attention to it–and who would not expect that reaction about a picture of Prime Minister Skerrit and Lennox Linton in a close-up pose.
Elizabeth, what do you mean if I do not know the meaning of viral.
Certainly if I was one of your students you taught at age twelve , I might have know the meaning; I would learn it when you were lecturing on it, the same time when you taught Skerrit the science of Hotel Plant oui!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahaha!
Boy, I think you gone carzy.
But Francisco why do you castigate Elizabeth like this. This is a real woman of God who is wise in the things of the Lord (The bible). I have been privileged to meet this lady in person. You seem to have a vendatta with this Lady just like you openly spew hatred against the now seating Prime Minister. For your edification, I would advise to read Numbers 12. Our Heavenly Father is a loving God who gave his son for us all – You included but it depends on what one does with that knowledge. It grieves me that you make a mockery of the Lady; & also as I have told you before, you said that you are educated. I respect that. But you lack wisdom which is not found in the world. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the bible states ” touch not the Lord’s annointed. It also states that the Father takes the foolish things of the world to confound the wise (educated). Wisdom is free …. submit to the Maker (recognise his soverienity and Power, Authority) I pray for…
@?????????????????? July 28, 2015
Thank you for letting this man know that you know personally–more than he will ever know about me.
Tell him that you compared my writings as Lizavier4Jesus and Elizabeth Lina Xavier, and you concluded that it was the same person–because God has made me who I am–not even me, myself, can change that
Tell him that you are my friend on face book since 3 years ago; tell him that you visited me twice in Giraudel while I was in Dominica in 2013–because you wanted to meet me in person.
And so the next time he tries to discredit me, he will remember that there is someone on this site, who knows me much, much better than he will ever come to know me.
No need for explanation. Not my business if was a private convo.
linton asking skerrit to orde him some valium cause he cah sleep since after the election and his
As someone who supports labour. Please refrain from posting such bile. As a country I think it is excellent when our leaders can converse in a civil way on matters of national importance in the house……Please if you love Dominica truly leave the trash out and lets look to the positive possibilities that this Picture can bring thank you
i will pray for u gem
It’s good to talk, but will Skerrit ever listen? Good words of wisdom and understanding goes through one ear and immediately exit through the other. Team UWP has what it takes to move Dominica forward Mr Skerrit. Humble yourself and let’s push Dominica in the right direction.
What’s wrong with you naiive people living in ignorance?This island called Dominica has a mass of ignorance.Do you all think it’s some war or competition between the two men,it’s about governance?By the way,Skerrit does not have what it takes to govern the island properly.
@REASONING: I FULLY,TOTALLY,COMPLETELY endorse your last sentence.He Skerrit is intellectually very poor and visionless.
You wish eh?
Honourable Lennox Linton, sir you are really a true Dominican patriot and statesman.Dominica belongs to all of us. It is pellucidly clear that this lazy, inept,wicked and corrupt gang cannot do the job, so keep on offering your help.I know our international economist who told us long ago that the NATIONAL DEBT was more than a BILLION dollars, but very little to show in terms of where the money was spent,will help DLP also. Can you imagine that Skerrit is the Minister of Finance of a country? WHAT A SHAME!!
I am not on Skerrit side right now, as a matter of fact I hate the name Labor Party, but I wonder how many people are born with the credentials to be minister of finance. One thing your may not know, the ministers of government are not actually calling the shots.
True they are elected by the people, they talk plenty of garbage and victimized anyone who are in opposition to them. However, the true power are the heads of all the ministries, the permanent secretaries, the minister of finance (Skerrit) can only act on figures provided to by the permanent secretary in the ministry of finance.
If you do not believe me, think about when parliament is dissolved to accommodate an election. Who becomes the government during that brief period! Ask Skerrit, if he wish to deviate from lying, he will tell you the permanent secretaries are bind of that burden of governing. Not even the war hero Charles Savarin can dictate what happens when parliament is dissolved.
Francisco if you are believing that Dominica is like other countries, KEEP ON DREAMING. Skerrit will tell both you and the other technocrats Go to Hell and three times and do his own thing. Have you heard OF the Red Clinic? THIS IS JUST ONE AREA!
Francisco we will meet in person one of these days as I have met Elizabeth. A learned man like you should be able to use your intelligence not to hate anyone – even the name Labour party as you claim in your comment . You think that you are the only educated person and that is a problem I do have with you. You insult persons with your sarcastic comments … Time to be humble seek the Heavenly Fathers face and let him direct your step. Give back some of your self acclaimed education for God’s glory. He made you you know … he has a plan for your life …. you should start to preach love not hatred. You openly claim your hatred for some persons. You do have some good articles sometimes but hatred and arrogance makes you seem like a monster which I am sure you do not want to be but a menter. Give it to Jesus, he willl make you the person he intends you to be. But first you have to seat and talk to him and think about the hurtful things you have done, said and even think.
” Can you imagine that Skerrit is the Minister of Finance of a country? WHAT A SHAME!!”
If you find it hard to imagine that Mr Skerrit (a University Graduate) is finance minister, then it must be very wrong that Mr Linton (who has little education) become a junior minister let alone Prime Minister.
@TSB Go to your bed little boy,/girl.Are you telling me that education is just a piece of paper (which Skerrit does not have anyway). GO TO SCHOOL! The morass that we are in today,has a lot to do with our Minister of Finance. CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF SQUARE PEGS IN ROUND HOLES!
TSB! Boy you all are fooled. thats what skerrit and his comrads led u all to believe that linton has little education. Ok! continue to believe all the lies.
stupes… why the need to clarify? it is what it is. Even the best of things the critics perceive as bad.
I would just leave it at that and let them wonder.
Your COMMENT is very puerile. With so many people wondering and suggesting what was discussed, it is sensible for Mr. Linton to say what actually was discussed.
He did not have to answer.
We Stand Ready ! Go Team UWP-
