The Belizean Coast Guard is to conduct an investigation into an incident in which prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, was reportedly detained and humiliated by its personnel in Belize.
According to Belizean online news site, 7newsbelize.com, the incident occurred on Saturday, September 21, when Skerrit, who was in Belize for independence festivities as a guest of honor, was taken to a town named San Pedro for a stay at a hotel called Victoria House.
It is reported that in the afternoon, the prime minister was taken by boat to see the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, escorted by a representative of the Tourism Board, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a police escort from Special Branch and his own security.
The group, it is further reported, was supposed to have been trailed by the Coast Guard for security purposes, which is standard for VIP’s – but the coast Guard vessel didn’t show up on time. However, the trip went ahead as planned.
The Coast Guard vessel with four officers on board turned up eventually, when Skerrit and the delegation were heading back to Victoria House.
They were near their destination when the Coast Guard reportedly stopped the boat and proceeded to detain it by tying it to their vessel.
The Belizean escorts informed the Coast Guard that the prime minister of Dominica was on board the boat.
7newsbelize.com reported that a Coast Guard officer gave no acknowledgement only asking, “Who is is the prime minister?”
It is reported that Skerrit responded, “I am” but was ignored by the officer.
The incident ended when someone on the boat called the Tourism Minister’s secretary who finally got the Coast Guard officer to stand down and let Skerrit and his entourage through.
After the encounter Skerrit retired to Victoria House and did not attend any events that were planned for him that evening.
The Belizean news site said it tried to get a reaction from the Coast Guard but this has proven futile but it is reported that there was a ‘mix up.’
Disciplinary hearings may follow after the Coast Guard conducts its investigation, according to 7belizenews.com.
Honestly, i would not have fired the Coast Guard because he was just doing his job. I would blame the PM of Belize that informed the Coast Guards base to late.
well,well,well,the belize coast guard is a shame,as belize’s prime minister is a shame belize is wraped with too much corruption minister of national secuity and pm barrow were not prepared for the Dominica PM’s visit? itsss corruption in belize under barrow bze’s prime minister stinks,and yes it was not ready and it was not set rite for the visit.shame on the pm dean barrow.dont’ blame the coast guard it the ministry of foreghn affairs and the GOB fault.
Well as I see it, the coast guard blundered in not ensuring that the necessary security detail was provided for a head of state however mr. skerrit should shoulder some blame because he should have never left the port in the first place without the necessary escort. When he travels in small tranquille Dominica (relatively speaking)he has such a huge security detail with multiple escort vehicles even if he were to be visiting a pre-school of toddlers. He should know and exercise protocol as well but then again we know his record when nit come to following rules. Remember too when he ducked secret service of the US to meet with David Schu et al in Las Vegas some years ago for the so called “to strategize a defence” re the Layou River Hotel saga and the Chinese American investor?
I am upset with the backward system in Belize. no code of common. Prime minister I don’t know you. You are doing a very good job for this island. I happy you didn’t go to these meetings this gounes had in plan for you.Don’t go to these small places no more. Back to these small mined people in dominica you don’t make fun from this, most of you all will never in your Dreams be a prime minister not even your fourth generation. negative thinking people. I could never live amongs you all people.
Seriously you could be describing dominica to a T.
To be quite honest, I don’t believe that the Coast Guard intended to humiliate the PM of Dominica. Honestly they were just doing their job as per their scope of duties. In open waters anyone can allege to be a PM. I’m sure that the PM and none of his counterparts had ID on them. It is within protocol to call the immediate supervising authority to confirm identity and this is just what the Coast Guard did. Yes, it may have shown a lack of prior planning and communication on the Belizean Coast Guard’s part but I believe that their actions were in the best interest of national security. This is what we need to push for in Dominica. Some of our so-called ambassadors have poor diplomatic skills; they don’t know or understand protocol. I know because I’m a Political Science major. It may have been embarrassing for the PM of Dominica but he needs to look beyond that and to understand that their intentions were pure and within the scope of their duties. PM to be honest, this wasn’t any personal attack on you. I’m sure you would have wanted our Coast Guard officers to do the same if it were foreigners aboard a vessel whose identities were not very-well communicated. My advice to you is that it is worth mentioning the unfortunate incident but don’t push it looking for pity. It only shows poor understanding of protocol on your part.
Well said
On the local scene, ROSEAU VALLEY believes that PM Skerrit should be discarded but Roosevelt Skerrit is the PM of DOMINICA not just of Labourites.
In that regard, when the PM represents us overseas, foreign countries and their officials MUST treat the DOMINICAN Prime Minister with the dignity and respect due. This is not the type of treatment that the Prime Minister of Dominica, whoever he or she is deserves. We ought to be disgusted by that and the Belizean authorities owe the DOMINICAN people and our Prime Minister an apology.
For a moment, all Dominica should think broader than their partisan political prospective and express outrage, disgust and disappointment with the manner in which Mr. Skerrit was treated as a guest of the government of Belize.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
I am a Dominican, but it is shameful and annoying to read the stupidity and comments of some of my people. See what happened in Kenyan; see what is happening all over the world. We must stop that kind of irrational and irresponsible thinking. We would be better off by praying for one another.
Waaaah,,wahhhh…don’t they know who I AM?…sniff sniff….waaahhh,,,I am The Prime Minister of Dominica…waaaah….of where????…waaahh..sniff sniff….if is like that..sniff sniff..they want to treat me,..sniff..I am not going to any ..sniff sniff. functions….waaahhhh!!!!I want to go hooome…sniff sniff
ignorants, yes you out there opening your mouths and putting both feet in .
PLEASE read the comments from the Beliezians, and if it were our coast guard and a foreign head of state in similar circumstances given the amount of drugs being run through those little cays, i hope our boys would act accordingly and search the vessel.
by the way, has he ever been to snorkel in the SSMR
Admin, time to disable comment before our people make themselves seem more stupid to the outside world than they already are.
What happened? He wasn’t wearing his RED TIE?
wow it na looking like he was
hahahahahaah lol lmao gd one..
and wtf skerrit doing partying when he have people in dominica suffering !!!! and don’t replay and telling me nothing about he should be able to recreate
So because there are Issues in Dominica, the PM cannot have a life?
Hi do u think dat our country is not mad about wat happen our prime minister took control of it rite away. Me as a person I am so sorry to know something like dat happen to ur PM. But dnt u all think he should have waited for di proper security before he make a move, dnt point finge no guns was at his head to move about in a country dat dnt have proper security, why should they fired di solider wen he was not the person wth the higher authority anyways let’s hope it does not happen again ok let’s continue to be good frends
U all must remember that he was on high seas. drugs pass through the sea like dat all kind of things happen to people dat pass through our waters, do u know dat we still have big man like judges that are still missing up to this day. Can’t find their bodies their wives ae still waiting on them and up to dis day he is just a lucky guy, and di solider was doing his job checking his boat and had him on hold for a little while to mak some calls nothing was wrong wth that, we have to check every boat that comes through our waters, ok wat if it was not our course guard and it was Colombians and just kill all of them so u see why it was important for him to wait on security, now a man who has kids is out of job, all because of big men who cannot communicate well but if I was dat officer I would get an attorney and sue cause he was supposed to get a picture or someone who was partying wth the PM was supposed to advice him wat to do. Belize is a nice country dnt we dnt like violence wth other countries, maybe among our selves but not wth strangers. Next time th PM come to Belize I will take him around Belize so he knows our country and our people Nuff love from here to ther e
They thought it was a boat full of refugee. for how the body guards like to open their wings in Dominica, why they didn’t open it Belize? Is on us alone they have strength.
No body did not miss him and his entourage in the functions
I believe the Belize Government is to blame, primarily because the Coast Guard vessel was detailed at the last minute and was not within range to provide escort services at the time required. This is incompetence within the government ministry overseeing Hon. Skerrit’s visit arrangements.
With no Coast Guard vessel on the scene, protocol and security procedures were violated by allowing the PM’s boat to proceed on the trip.
The offshore waters are teeming with bandits and drug runners, reason why the H.M.S. Lancaster is currently off the Belizean coast along with the U.S. Coast Guard.
By this evening the captain of the Belize Coast Guard vessel involved has been busted to private. Nothing will be done to those senior officers who precipitated this disrespect to a visiting head of government.
those guys just doing their job. have you heard that less than a month ago the duke was held up at burking ham palace. he later made a statement that he was pleased that the guards are doing a fine job protecting him and the royal family.
if skerit have nothing to hide whats the bother and how come we havent heard from him about the incedent are they tring to keep it from or ears.
And I also think dat the head of di course guard should be busted for not doing his job. Then they attack the little man too advantageous but God is not sleeping all of them are sleeping and spreading bad rumors God knows wat happen so let’s wait on The Lord amen
I support my PM 100%, in not attending, after this disrespectful move by the coast guards From belize, PM skerrit needs an apology and someone should definitely loose their jobs for this .
Are you a petulant, sulking boy too?
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Stop the curse over this country; when you fight the government you fight God; The PM is not the evil one here, the people are, therefore relax and wait till election to see what happens, you will have another chance to cast your votes.
It is a shame that everything that happens in this country that you all take it to politics. Give the PM a break and let him enjoy his term. No leader is better than the other because if you get a chance to lead this country you are not going to make it better anyway. Let us work together to build that country and let us support those in power while they are there and when we get the chance to change them we will do so with our votes.
taking unanouced trips and failing to represent the people of dominica at a national function over seas over a foolish misunderstanding… stupes…….behaving like a spoilt lil boy,i bet he wasent missed at all
It really troubles me to see this heap crap on the news and the comments that follow. Its this constant display of stupidity that makes me ashamed to say im Dominican.
First of all by the headline of this article one would think that the PM was caught doing something wrong. Where the truth and in fact it was just a simple mistake and some arrogant dudes.
And omg these comments about the PM not being known. I mean seriously does everyone out there know every head of state??? I mean who can just quickly single out a Head of state in a group or crowd. I take it that you Dominicans are brain boxes.
And you ppl are rejoicing. Posting everything online to the world and theb wonder why Dominica is not moving forward. It’s because the worldwide audience is seeing how truly small minded and hopeless you people are.
YOU PPL NEED TO GROW UP AND GO FIND WORK TO DO
that is why we complaining.our P.M not creating work for us but he out there partying on state money which should be going into development for DOMINICA and DOMINICANS
Ok exactly who can make out head of sate wen it was a crowd of people wth him not even the ones wth him could not help him u see where they was in di high seas mien come on den he hides like a baby come out and show dem dat he is a big handsome young man, cause for real he is handsome, let’s keep it real
I don’t support Skerrit, but will not condone this disrespect either.
Wait nah? Belize just kidnap my PM there for a little while? Awa I not taking dat, I gonna look for a Belizeaneser :roll:… stupes, Belize person to quavay.
OK THAT IS AN ACT OF WARRRRR!!
hmn u kia blame the beliz coast guard because these people don’t know what is prime minister ,they know president.thats why the bloody country don’t need a prime minister it should be runed by the president.president.what the hell is prime minister
You are so damn stupid it’s not funny.Do you know that Belize also has a prime minister as head of government and a governor-general as head of (state) country? Why in the world do you people open your big mouths and expose your ignorance so the rest of the world can see/read?
Omg THANK YOU!!!!!! I am saying the same thing, they just quick to talk and display pure stupidity!!!
Utter rubbish!!!!!
They should handcuff them and take them in for questioning. What goes around comes around!!
Jesus Christ was humiliated several time and yet he was a strong leader.hold strong skerrro God is good,all that in the Game!
but skerro already back down a quiver by not attending the event
Legend has it to this very moment the coast guard still has no idea who Skerrit is.
The Coast guards were merely doing their jobs…Sorry Skeritt – everyday human being make mistakes – Skerrit should have Kept Calm, and Smile about it, and continue with his engagements…I’m sure he received an apology, and certain that the Coast guards in question will be dealt with…there was no need to sulk does he think he is inhuman… dam Get over it Skerrit….
But the way DLP wasyping that trip up and saying how Skerro was a gust of honor of the Blize Gov’t and ho whe was so popular , yet they treat him like that?
It just goes to show when the string plullers for DLp lie and big-up Skerro , it always falls back in their faces.
The DLP Kabal has outlied it’s usefulness.
What should have been a joy and goodwill gesture for both countries turned out to be ugly and very distressing because of lack of professionalism on the part of the Coast Guard of Belize. The Belizean authorities also have to take some of the blame. The Prime Minister of Dominica -their guest dignitary-was not accompanied by any high ranking political representative such as the Prime Minister of Belize or a Minister of the Government. Lack of protocol here.
Prime minister of Belize have work to do,Do you really think they have time to be parting or travelling around with another head of state who seem to be on a joy ride. some things they could do together like a formal dinner but not going around site seen, I believe they should have provided better security for the Dominican delegates.
Good thing I didn’t make any big plan for Skerrit and his crew. I didn’t go look for him first time and neither this time.
The only thing he said in his address was that Belize is the second best place after Dominica. Nothing about Caricom. mag way sa. The pm didn’t see it fit to bring minister of trade and of agriculture, Kelvar Darrouox, who is mista. Waste of trip
They most likely won’t apologize because there is nothing a country like Dominica can do for Belize, If they do it’s out of pity more than anything.
The entire nation of Belize apologizes, this is not how we treat people, esp a dignitary. We don’t know what happened to our Coast Guard and we are asking our Gov’t to ensure that the four officers are dismissed!
Dismiss for wat did they kill anyone or take away anything from anyone these men know drugs pass through our country like dat in seconds so they had a rite to detain and question them yes
You stupid
DNO Admin can you position the adverts better they are preventing us from reading the blogs in there entirety
U were there write it in ur own way J.A
i read what was said and what i get from it is ,,yes the Belize coast guard failed in thier duty,the prime minister of Dominica was treated like a normal human beign ,,,,,something he is not used too,,,,but the most important thing i get from this story is that after skerrit was ignored he went to his room and refused to play with anybody,this is how my 5 year old child reacts to been told what to do,,,mr skerrit grow up and realize that not everybody LOVES you,deal with it and be a man,you are a person,not a God, so stop acting like your so much better than us
i have never read more bullcrap,this is a primeminister of a foreign country,visiting your country,there should not have been no errors on part of security,the man could have been kidnaped by terorist,this countries are famous for this type’s of happenings,if that happened in dominica,could you imagine the out cry,a specialy people like you,so politically confounded,this is how your you regard another fellow human being,dominica need to blacklist this countries.
I am not a supporter of the Pm, but this is disrespectful… That’s the PM OF MY COUNTRY. If it was Mr Lennox I would be more vex …. not my peeps in D/ca.
Is Lennox still banned from Antigua????
Everything about the operations of this little country is amateur, not a bad thing except that there is little interest in making things better here at home. We are amused and entertained by amateur and unprofessional ism and extremely tolerant of corruptions and thievery. Not until we as a people suffer extreme pain, will we wake up and demand a stop to this nonsense.
Well well….I shall say no more.
Whatever You sow,So shall Ye reap!
I agree fully!
The Belizean Coast guard only has 7 boats their army is a defense force and they are as backward as you can imagine. With a population of slightly over 300, 000 they aren’t as organized as you would think. Constantly on the brink of war with Honduras and heavily dependent on England. Their personnel are corrupt and may have tried scare tactics to get a bribe from high level officials, luckily our prime minister is brave enough to identify himself. They may have ignored him because he is a black state official out of respect to avert confrontation and because of boldness on his part. Nonsense happens everywhere all the time. Stupidity is more dangerous than your worst enemy!
But, our PM is sooooooooooooooooooooooo popular, how comes this daft did not recognize him?
Dno dont have nuttin better to do stupes
WHO IS THIS PRIME MINISTER….hahahahahahahahaha skerro you aint got no ranks outside your backward lil rock…u gotta go bro..
Do you have ranks outside?
YES…very much so i dont depend on your labor hand outs nor do i work for this sad govt..skerro can come go die bury im still getting my money unlike some of u dumbinicANS WHO rather go beg financial center for a two jackari and school books for your kids…
I was wondering the same damn thing if you self have ranks right here in Dominica.
I am extremely surprized by all the commotion. I wasnt on the boat to see if the Coast Guard who was simply doing his Job, conducted himself badly? As a leader of another nation, who’s suppose to know the importance of protocol, why couldnt he allow the man to do their routine and (usually very professional,) search and then continue on about their merry way? Its true he is a VIP person and should be treated with a certain respect, but in the absence of the Coast Guard Escort, they should have known that the other Coast Guards could not possibly have been aware of
the VIP’s identity and has to carry out his routine Job.
It could have been different if people would simply be a little more humble and expect a little less worship!
The Belizean Coast guard only has 7 boats the army is a defense force and they are as backward as you can imagine. With a population of slightly over 300, 000 they aren’t as organized as you would think. Constantly on the brink of war with Honduras and heavily dependent on England. Their personnel are corrupt and may have tried scare tactics to get a bribe from high level officials, luckily our prime minister is brave enough to identify himself. They may have ignored him because he is a black state official out of respect to avert confrontation and because of boldness on his part. Nonsense happens everywhere all the time. Stupidity is more dangerous than your worst enemy!
You have NO IDEA about anything do you? On the brink of war with Honduras? Heavily dependent on England? Where is the real discussion? With people who actually know what they’re talking about? Charlatans..Stupidity in truth is a dangerous thing.
The blame is squarely on the Belizeans. The PM of Dominica was their guest. If it was President Obama, would he have been treated in that manner? Protocol and professionalism were thrown into the waters
If it was President Obama a detachment of inter-agency personnel and assets of the US Southern Command would have flooded the area – it would’ve been very difficult for the little coast guard boats of Belize to miss the massive aircraft carrier, guided missile cruisers and Aegis destroyers towering over them on the water obscuring their views the horizon or the sonic booms coming from fighter aircraft in the skies. Dominica does not have a massive naval fleet, it is foolhardy to make that comparison.
i wish i could give 2 thumbs up for that comment
Oh my…is that really Dominicans making all those silly comments or should I say Dumb-in-a-can..Wow..never see some people full of envy and jealousy for a head of state who is young..where cud young ppl go in this country? Hon.PM I trust that u r fully protected by the blood of Jesus from these satan company and keep up the GOOD works
The “Dumb” nican thing is getting old, and to top it all off, you’re insulting yourself at the same time.
Too bad u can’t b PM or President!!! Ouch..my condolences
AMEN TO THAT!
Always a follower..never a leader..JUMP!! come on..lol
sot! fig tree sot!
jump too!!…u can never win nothing or b recommended for nothing..stay neutral!! U not even necessary in an electrical plug.
he obviously giving u fig trees or feeding you…
Well right now skero going wit they island on till people don’t know we have a pm and is skero they asking who is the prime minister Dominicans wake up and smell the pipi
But isn’t the same way Skeritt police escort treat people in Dominica? My friend was almost thrown in a precipeice by police one morning because he did not far enough on the edge of the valley in Skeritt satisfaction
that’s an exaggeration! and some good storytelling
The waters of Belize is so dangerous this is why the group was supposed to have been trailed by the Coast Guard for security purposes, which is standard for VIP’s – but the coast Guard vessel didn’t show up on time. However, the trip went ahead as planned.why in the world did the PM and the crew still went on their journey knowing that the cost guard hard to accompany them and they see no trace of the cost guard they hard to call it of, but the PM think he is God because of how some of his supporters have him. They should have not gone in the first place. I think they look for it.
LOL!
Come on guys! Mistakes do happen. It is not the first time an official has been humiliated by overzealous security personnel. Give the PM a break on this one. Even the US President is subject to odd situations. Forget how he governs etc he still deserves some respect.
Wat he went and do up thereeee our tax money have too pay for it .did he tell us that he was going up there o by the way. Campain money he looking for .
Do you even work? The spelling is…..WOW
On a 2nd visit to Belize over the last few years and not once meeting with the Dominicans to reside there. Not even an acknowledgement of invitation to have dinner. If you can treat your own people so in a foreign country then why would the locals treat you any better.
When Skerrit choose not to attend any more functions he should have at least put some interest in his own people and reflect.
Tell them arab. As a fellow Dominican in Belize, I endorse your comment one million times over.
An officially ID should be made so anyone can recognize him. That okay simple stuff. He should have gone to the festival…to prove nothin can shake him. Be strong PM still ♡u. Supporter.
Bravo Skerro !!! proud of you,, Dominica may be small but we have standards,, I applaud you for not going to their event… Well Done Mr Prime Minister.
sar yoo kwarr,, nou par kwass kar kar ou saff
Sak way sout look for ur hospital in Dominica he is insured do
Even if he didn’t attend. They most likely didn’t notice him even missing and said everyone attended. L0000000L
“The group, it is further reported, was supposed to have been trailed by the Coast Guard for security purposes, which is standard for VIP’s – but the coast Guard vessel didn’t show up on time. However, the trip went ahead as planned.”
How do you authorize a go- ahead without the Coast Guard if that is protocol? Strange… I agree with the coast guard to some extent because protocol was not followed.
It really could have been any criminal trying to enter Belize.
What on earth tells you that the Belizean security detail saw Skerrit as a high level visitor, and what makes you feel that the Belizean Government owes the Dominican people and the Skerrit regime any kind of apology?
Hope you are not holding your breath waiting for it.
It is Skerrit who has it in his mind that he too mis a world leader
Skerrit was a guest of the Belizean government.
He does deserve an apology whether you like it or not.
you are so right..! the coast guard were doing their jobs. they may have not known it was the prime minister.. and they did not need to bow to any prime minister, they are not gods. i think that prime minister just being defensive..
Well he’s a world leader by definition. He is in fact the prime minister of the country in our world.
Ridiculous indeed. You pushing it now. SKerrit was the guest of the Belize Government in an official capacity. I take umbrage with your comment! How you mean they don’t owe him an apology? at the end of the day he is the duly Elected PM of the Commonwealth of Dominica and domestic issues have to be set aside, and call things by their names. He was disrespected and that’s that, and I wish he would have said something on his return to Dominica rather than let it leak out in the overseas press first. That’s the kind of ignorance that will have people chewing the likes of you up.
Skerrit broke with protocol that was appointed to him as a distinguished guest.Coast guard did their job.
The PM then gets upset?Why ?…There was no escort or anything in an official capacity to state he was a VIP….how many Dominicans even know the name of the Belize premier….I cant stand this high and mighty BS…it is precisely this that makes us in the developing world look so foolish. I invite you to my house and send my driver…you do your own thing and police stop you for a routine check…now you are upset…get real people!
I think they do owe the PM of Dominica an apology. I am not Dominican, but I am highly offended. To insult the PM of a country is to insult the PEOPLE of that country.
I could not agree more with you! Dominicans wake up… you were also disrespected!!
Oh please stop being so dramatic , it was not done on purpose.
Who is the pm of Dominica? I am. Who is the pm of Dominica? I am. Just last week u was talking about qualities for pm and international recognition and here u are in Belize and Olgadez could care less who u are.
Let us hope this experience is a humbling one, and next time don’t hide in your room like a child move on and show the world u are a strong individual.
so true. the PM was the one acting like a child trowing temper tantrums.if he is a PM he should act like one, by being educated and acting educated not acting like an angry child running to hide in his room, as if not attending the events would bring some kind of punishment to the belizean people. shame on him for making a simple incident become an international ridicule. THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE HIM THAT BECAUSE THEY ARE AT THE UPPER LEVEL THINK THEMSELVES “THE ALL THAT” AND everyone owes respect to them. what if he didnt have the position he is in right now. he doesnt think that at once in his lifetime he was NO-ONE.
@Morihei Ueshiba: Very good recall to memory. It was just last week for true he commented on how a leader should be known and respected by regional leaders and see what happened to him. Funny how things can turn around on you, to show the world the truth. They seem to forget that respect is earned.
Well as I see it, nothing is going to come out of the situation. You are only boss on your own turf. Suck it up and live with it.
Someone in Belize is going to definitely loose their job over this. Also, a public is also in order!
*public apology*
Was he hurt or injured , why is there a need for a public appology not everyone knows who he is , snd furthermore he should applogise for not attending the function planned for that evening. Not the kind of behaviour on would expect from a grownup
Good one let him wait
Yes I I agree
That is not true. The PM is the second son of God, after Jesus Christ, for us thoroughbred Dominicans.So that could never happen to him.
I wasn’t aware that Dominica was a monarchy…
Pure nonsense.
Proud of him for not attending.
For once on DNO I am seeing some balance in the comments. Regardless of who it is, a head of state, a prime minister should never be subjected to such. I am waiting on the apology to him and to all Dominicans. This is not about Lennox and so he should not try to make anything out of this.
ok, so whiles doing what they were supposed to be doing the PM, who is not exactly a noted face was humiliated. Very unfortunate, but sometimes things like this happens…move on. No intentional harm done here. Note, though, that the PM chose not to wait for the coast guard because they we late. That was a mistake. If they are part of your detail have a little patience and wait for them….it’s the wise thing to do, it is the save thing to do. When you are not home, you are no longer king of the castle, its someone else’s domain.
I want to see the movie, “HOME ALONE.”
If you don’t regard your own constitution, who will regard/respect you?
Aye, take my word for it – that was a set up. They just wanted to trash him. Boy look a COCKOY eh!!! let’s bet Skerritt not putting his foot back there!! and they won’t invite him either. That could never happen to OBAMA. Learn your lesson Skerritt.
If you don’t know who the president of America is, you’re mentally retarded or autistic.
How do you know that he “OBAMA” is a President? Boy look trolol!!
Making fun of the disabled. Really??
Grow up and stop making fun of the disabled!!!
This is bs!! As much as I do not support the administration, I do not support rude treatment of Dominicans anywhere, moreso our PM. The story does come across as a BIG faux pas but we cannot condone it.
oh please u all neeed to relax does people was only doing dere work, at the moment maybe dere did not kno wat the prime minister look like….
This current news headline “PM Skerrit reportedly detained and humiliated in Belize” is totally misleading. The news story and the news headline does not mesh.
trueman you are so right
The coast guard in belize sound like they have the same attitude of our local police. no respect for people and disregard .
U see it hve certain tings dominicans will never understand dem on states duty u hve to flow protocol dats all u do not do it u get it all wrong simple as dat learn dat dominicans
An obvious screw-up onthe part of Belizean protocol and security – an apology is in order, the officers need to be reprimanded, although I am inclined that they were being overly cautious in their responsibilities. Keep in mind folks that Belize is centrally located in the drug smuggling corridor – I saw an investigative special on the National Geographic channel about that not too long ago. The country has thousands of miles of unprotected coastline and porous borders with neighboring Mexico and Guatemala – drug trafficers use the country as a stepping stone so their security officers tend to be overly vigilant and assertive/aggressive. Cut them some slack.
Ok First thing DNO did you check with our PM to ascertain what happened??? Instead you guys ran and copy & pasted an “UNCONFIRMED” article from Belize. Secondly if that actually happened then the Coast guard officer should be disciplined, the protocol officer in the Belize Foreign Affairs should be FIRED and the Belize PM should issue an apology to our PM and the people of DOminica. No head of state should be treated in this manner (be it DLP, UWP).
There is no way something of that magnitude was a mistake talking bout security blonder heck no this was well thought out and planned. No dawg on respect for our country.
no politisizing there thats our prime minister we’re talking about to me if that man gets desrepected anywhere in the world all of us is desrespected too.that must have been a
security error.even the pope when he recently visited brazil was caught in a traffic jam. the security people there admitted that there was a security lapse
Am I to understand that the Belizean equivalent of the SSU were with the PM and they could not intervene and reprimand the coast guard officers.
I am not a labor supporter but the PM hD every right to decline further pleasantries along this trip!
The sailors it appears were unprofessional and discourteous. They should be demoted!
Then again where was the diplomatic ID CARDS to verify the spoken works.
I didn’t read anything there that said he was detained or am I missing something. Either way these things happen. It seems a minor incident and due to Dominica being a small country one can understand the PM not being a recognizable figure.
Didn’t know he was in Belize in the first place tho.
TW What is wrong with you? Is it ignorance or are you just pure evil and maliciousness?
To all well and sundry i am a Dominican, and i can only fight with other Dominicans, about my Country, if somebody else insults My PM be it Linton or Skerrit i would Pick Up Steam,
So as a Dominican DO NOT EXpect me to Laugh at my Head who was Humiliated by some Nincompoop in a foreign land.
I think his response was appropriate.
That headline wrong ..”HE” humiliate them ..He did right not to attend the rest of the events.
No respect for him , he have no respect for you,
Respect our Prime Minister.A-A.SMH!
I agree it doesnt matter who is the PM respect is due to him/her on the International stage. On the other hand the PM should learn from the incident to see how disrespecting others (Dominicans) is a terrible feeling
It sure reminds me of an incident that happened to a former Finance Minister in this same DLP and another party loyalist. One was arrested and jailed in the US while the government minister was humiliated.
Despite all the excuses I am reading here, it is very hard to believe it was just a mistake by coastguard, for the following reasons:
1. Mr. Skerrit was supposed to have recieved special honor by the government.2.A a VIP his boat was supposed to be trailed by coastguard for security purposes. The same coast guard somehow was late 4.When they showed up they stopped and detained the boat Mr. Skerrit was riding 5.They were told Dominica’s PM was on board 6. When asked who it was, Mr. Skerrit identified himself to them 7. He was ignored…mistake! boy to me sounds like a well planned thing
2.
now he know how it feels when Dominica coast guard doing that to innocent people that come with their family so spend time and treat them like criminals
That article headline not good. But anyways for all those that laughing, they have to apologize. When all you man and woman does embarrass all you, all you does laugh?
What worries me is that he sees a need to travel with his own body guard. Does he have any enemies, who may want to cause him bodily harm? It is not that many people know him, leave alone what his travel schedule is. He is not the Pope or the President of the U.S.A., after all. Famous pop stars have them but they can easily afford that out of their own purse. Poor man, can’t even move around freely.
This headline is rather misleading. I was astonished to say the least with the topic. The writer would score a C-, for not proving the topic in the paragraphs. How was the PM detained? What an exaggeration! PM hold strong!
The trip should not have gone ahead without the coast guard in the first place if that’s standard protocol and the same way the minister’s secretary could be called after the incident the same call should have been made to ensure the coast guard accompanied them. Lets hope it will not happen again.
I’m happy he did not attend any event
DNO is the word humiliated your opinion of the situation or did Mr. Skerrit say he was humiliated. I just think that this was a simple misunderstanding. It just got blown.
I thought he was escorted by a representative of the Tourism Board…why did the someone on the boat had to call the Tourism Minister’s secretary??
#intentional
Not a fan of the PM but this is ridiculous on the part of Belize. I agree with the PM not to attend function. A visiting head of state should always be treated with respect and his/her schedule followed to the T. It is basic protocol. Could have been a diplomatic nightmare and even if we do not agree with PM policies at home when he travels abroad he represents us. Disrespect for him is disrespect for for Dominica. Unacceptable
Prince Andrew had of the world was held up by his won guards recently, let alone mr skerritt.
People make mistakes so what, what goeas around comes around mind they though hold all you some where in the world especially some of you that going back door.
whaw! is that how our PM was treated when he was supposed to be their guest of honor. Well he sure was treated the way they treat drug dealers and the government of Belize must be held responsible. On the other hand, I wonder if the coast guard knows what we don’t know and therefore just simply followed orders. I vex about that man because you never treat a Prime minister the same way we we treat drug dealers.
it seems that someone called someone who called someone. this is outrageous.
if i were him i would not have attended anything
Get used to being detained!
nothing personal just for fun and laughing sake hahhahah that Coast Guard working for uwp
papa bon dieu
see how day embahrass my PM
That can happen to any one it was just a mistake
So the Brazilian Coast did not know that there was going to be a VIP on board? If yes, why asked the question “who is the PM”. What a diplomatic embarrassment.
Most uunfortunate but I guess the simple explanation is that many people would not know, who Roosevelt Skerrit is outside our own small country.
PM, glad to know you are fine. What the Coast guard Officer was thinking? Look out for the “Skerrit blood hounders”.They just got ammunition for their week. Indeed, the weekend at Londonderry will come alive with that news.
Oh boy someone is getting fired or demoted.
Mr Skerit u does not operate like a prime minister of a country all that is expected..u live Dominica to travel when u want how u want without a news reporter without a member of Cabinet, u are now married not even your wife shows up at official gathering,,
OMG. PM is a bad man unno. lol lol lol he didn’t attend any events planned for him that night. ahahah
Seems that there was a lapse in the communication somewhere. Could have happened in any of these small countries. If I were the PM, I would not have attended any other function that were planned. These things unfortunately happen when your security detail is not planned like the CIA/FBI an so on.
Ebeh weh
So sorry to hear that but u. Should still attend the remaining functions this I find was very childish of u we normally hear from u and other leaders inspite of the circumstances that we are faced with never give up I hope the authorities send their apologies
As always DNO misleading the people. Was the PM detained? SMFH
Indeed – that headline is pure sensationalism
His vessel was detained. So he was, by virtue of this.
When you read, you must also be able to understand or comprehend what you read. Clearly, paragraph states….”the Coast Guard stopped the boat and proceeded to detain it by tying it to their vessel.”
Interesting stuff. The PM’s security detail included a police escort from Special Branch and his own security. Why didn’t they act to protect him? and by the way assuming his own security came from the DPF and carried firearms, how were they facilitated through MIAMI International? or did the PM travel to Belize via Venezuela?
What rubbish comment is this?
You cannot be serious with those questions
Protect him from what?
Coast Guard doing it’s job, even though there was a misunderstanding?
Come one now – such ridiculous comments.
who Cares!!!!???
I do!
Well I do…whether or not i support his agenda and policies have little no bearing on this. He was humiliated…That Belizean robocop should be fired forthwith. You don’t know the Dominican Prime Minister by face and you still want to be insolent???? I agree with the Prime Minister, doh attend no dam function…and if I were him, I would an angry f@##$%ing note to the Belizean authorities.
obviously you cause you open the article, read or view it,take time off from your life you not going to get back to type “WHO CARES”
smh
Dem man was just doing their job!…hahahaha..leave my Prime Minister alone please!!!!!!!!
Yah where dem labour party pple defend him now nah in all u father
you stupid
somebody give this person a cookie
We are doing just that with all those thumbs down u r getting
he didnt need defending though.. was jus a misunderstaning.. what is there to defend? could have happened to anyone.
wow really?grow up the guy was disrespected by a stranger and you rejoicing,you sure you a Dominican?
Ignoramus… go crawl back into the slime under the rock from whence you came!!!! Like him or not, the PM is a head of state and must be treated as such.
@ never u will see them when election call thats when we will defend him,any thing thats bad u all jumping on that or seems to be theres two sides to a coin this is the head i will wait for the tail.
According to Matt, he received an email from Mr. Lennox Linton, leader of the Opposition concerning the humiliation of Skerrit in Belize. I hope the people on the animal show, will not hold Mr. linton responsible for the embarrassment.
like as if lennox linton cares whether or not the pm was humiliated.lennox linton wishes that the pm was detained and humiliated. even if he was, it is not out of the goodness of lennox linton heart that he contacted the media here.we all know he dont give a da*m about skerrit.so ask yourself why else would he send out a letter to the media of a possible unfortunate situation in belize involving the pm? to further humiliate him of course. if infact it is confirmed that he was indeed detained or humiliated i think lennox should hold a party to rejoice cause it seems that this is a victory for him. anyway by now lenox you should know that you and your tactics are like a glass of water and skerrit is like a dasheen leaf.
mr linton dont you have anything better to do?
@???? You are being malicious and deceitful. Some of you take your political blindness too far. Have you ever heard a personal attack on Skerrit from Linton? NO!!! Linton will ask Skerrit all manner of questions on villas, governance, bobol etc but the man in all fairness never attacks Skerrit personally. FYI Linton, Skerrit and Skerrits’ family are much closer than your idiotic mind can comprehend, stay there still and allow politicians to kick your bums around.
But why are you saying these things to Lennox? What did he do wrong? As a Journalist, he disseminated information. As a matter of fact, any one of us who had happened upon that info would have disseminated it. And honestly, I know that Lennox is NOT rejoicing over this faux pas. There is nothing to rejoice about cpmedy of errors; Dominica was humiliated, not Skerit. It could happen to Lennox if he becomes PM. So, stop heaping coals on Lennox’ head; he did nothing to deserve this.
If we didnt hear about the humilation do you believe that the PM or his ministers would make it known so stop you ignorance . I agreed that the PM had a right not to attend the other gatherings, another question did the PM had on him his Govt ID card and did he show it and if he did they should carry out the investigation we need to hear what went wrong.
As for your example as a dasheen leaf what you should ask yourself where does the water leak into.?
Why should they? It was Belize’s news medium that put this story in the public domain, not Lennox Linton Moreover, the same source states that Roosevelt Skerrit spoke to them himself. The cause of the misunderstanding, given in the article is: “…they (the coastguard) were not convinced that the man who identified himself as Skerrit was indeed the Prime Minister they were looking for”.
You can verify this for yourselves on the relevant web-site: 7newsbelize.com
Wow this is crazy,poor security on belize,this situation could have been avoided,the government of Belize needs to apologize big time.
regardless of your political leanings here at home, this is unacceptable treatment for any head of state who is abroad.
This is absolutely unacceptable and I do hope that officer is disciplined!
Well, this is something else……….he should tell them ” go to hell,it is none of your damned business!”
Get a life!!!!!!
After a thorough investigation those found wanting in this ‘mix-up’ should be severely disciplined and an apology made to the PM and all Dominicans.
An appology should be issued forthwith!!!!!
lol!
This is unacceptable. The prime minister of a sovereign state must always be treated with courtesy and dignity. Regardless of political affiliation all Dominicans are demanding an apology!
Lol….”It is reported that after the encounter Skerrit retired to Victoria House and did not attend any events that were planned for him that evening.”
Skerrit got scared man.Stay in DA sir you are safe here.
And the significance of this is???
If it had happened in Dominica to the Prime Minister of another country, you would have immediately known the significance.
Go alpha center
hahaha ahahahah ahahahaha if i could vote a million times for that comment I would
The significance is that it is news worth reporting. Even if I am no fan of the El Supremo he is my PM until such time that he is no longer and his safety is of paramount importance to all of us. This is a diplomatic nightmare and for those of us who travel a lot we know how corrupt military personnel in south and Latin America can be.
I am surprised they did not ask for money before releasing them. simply put, we should all be outraged that our PM had to go through this embarrassment. I await a formal apology from the Belize Government and update on any disciplinary action taken. Nonetheless, “Change Must Come” and hat will be soon.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Wow…El Supremo?? god himself wee..somebody in hot water papa
The end is near. ..
End of what?
.. for you I guess??? lol.
yours
Yes the end is coming soon
Omg thats what they did to my PM? I am insulted, for he is PM of my beloved country even though i am NOT NOT NOT a Ladourite,,,,, But one thing Skerro, that wont happen to you again cause YOU WILL BE OUT OF OFFICE VERY SOON,,, LABOUR MUST GO !
when or if it happen to lennox or Edison James u will be singing a different song…y’ll too twet
I hope when he go and u all get the international airport that uwp could not give u all before, u all will have big jobs and lots of money to maintain it and there will be no more cries.
Wake up from your dream boss. I aint gonna happen anytime soon!!!
Maybe labour will go but please faceup don’t u think this is unacceptable an ask for an apology instead of political comments for later
Of course, i would like an apology, from those guys who detained our PM BUT it is a another kind of ball game in DA.. LABOUR MUST GO !
And it will never happen to Lennox? Imagine what Lennox would get if it was him
Sweet dreams and get ready for a rude awakening Faceup
utter rubbish! the PM is first and foremost a human being and any person that happened to would feel bad; I reckon that’s just the same way he felt when he had gone to shop and the the poto UWP dancer-girl who was cashing at the big supermarket turned her back on him and said: ” I not cashing for that man!”
Well well well look politics.
What an inept bunch of people, there Belizeans. Complete morons.
In every country there are good and bad, smart and foolish people
This statement is uncalled for. The error of one arm of the Belizean Government is not a reflection on every organization in Belize, nor is it a reflection of the Belizean People. Note that what we post on here is not only read and enjoyed by Dominicans.
OMG so embarrassing! What a diplomatic nightmare! I think some additional training in protocol is needed for the Belize Foreign Affairs. They should have made sure that his arrangements were intact and not proceed until every security measure was in place to avoid this debacle. I feel very sorry for the PM. I would be so mad but I would have gone on to my events, provided apologies were made and security was heightened.
wow…this article need to be simplified………..it was reported that…it was reported that…..I still don’t know what happened …not a flowing article
Poor baby
***JUST RIDICULOUS***
Bee…. this is not about “poor baby” or politics.
But read this quote;
“7newsbelize.com reported that a Coast Guard officer gave no acknowledgement only asking, “Who is is the prime minister?”
First of all this is non of the coast guard business who the Prime Minister is. He is a…
“PRIME MINISTER” end of story!!
What there business should have been was to “KNOW” what their itinerary for the day will be.
That should have been reviewed WEEKS in advance.By doing that they would have known that a high level visitor will be coming their way.
Let’s not make this into something political.
As a government/country, the Belize officials just embarassed themselves for NOT doing the best job they could have done with a “high level” visitor.
They ALL look like fools!!
-Thanks
Maybe someone calls him baby but he certainly is not poor.Come on folks, ir was an unfortunate incident, that’s all and I’m sure apologies have already been conveyed to Mr. Skerrit by the Belize Govt., who’s guest he was. No need to go to war over this. There are more important things in life.