PM Skerrit urges Dominican citizens of US to vote on November 8

The Prime Minister interacts with a member of the diaspora at the forum
The Prime Minister interacts with a member of the diaspora at the forum

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has urged Dominicans who are citizens of the United States and who live in that country to go out and vote on Election Day which is slated for Tuesday, November 8 when Republican Donald Trump faces Democratic candidate, Hilary Clinton.

Addressing a Diaspora Forum at the State House on Tuesday, he pointed out that voting is both a right and a privilege.

“I am aware that many of you here currently reside and are eligible to vote in the United States of America,” Skerrit said. “I am not here to tell you who you should vote for, but I implore you to go out and vote.”

He said Dominicans who US citizens should carry that citizenship with pride and honor adding that he has a problem with those who sit and complain without doing anything to bring about change.

“I have a fundamental difficulty with persons who sit on the sidelines of national development and complain while not doing anything to influence positive change,” he said. “Voting is both a right and privilege. My advice is you get out there next week and vote if you have not already done so.”

The Prime Minister stated that here in Dominica general election is far away and this provide an opportunity to reflect on the progress of the island over the last 12 months and plan for further development.

“For the next two years, I want there to be no red, green or blue in our attitude to the development of this country,” he remarked. “We have a golden opportunity to rebuild a strong and thriving country and economy for future generations and I would love for all Dominicans to sign on to this task.”

“We need all hands on deck,” he added.

diaspora-forum

 

 

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60 Comments

  1. Lang Mama
    November 2, 2016

    I thou6 Skerrit would say vote for Trump since Skerrit told us a few years ago Trump was interested in investing in Dominica.
    Oh Skerrit.

  2. free
    November 2, 2016

    And the next time we all voting Lennox Linton…Change is a must

  3. Massacre
    November 2, 2016

    I urge all returning Dominicans to vote for UWP in the next election.

    • November 3, 2016

      Dominicans diaspora after listening to the PM let us all agree to give the leader and the UWP are chance to bring changes to the Island , if they cannot do the job we will vote them out but we need to do something if we want this Island we love and call home start moving again.. PM just speak without understanding what he said .. casting a Vote is a privilege in the USA so I ask PM why it’s not the same for Dominicans at home why does he have to bring in folks from the diaspora to keep him in power. He wants Dominicans in the USA to cast their votes for Trump and if they do they would be fools, this guy we have as PM could never stand up in Obama shoes .. never ever.

  4. May
    November 2, 2016

    But he doh no that they also cannot vote in two country as a us citizen

    • November 2, 2016

      Show me the law.

  5. cameron
    November 2, 2016

    Take a good look 2 the audience,they are all HIS OPERATIVES THAT GIVE OUT THE TICKETS DURING ELECTION.Skerrit we are not given a free ticket or be paid to vote,WHY DONT YOU HAVE ELECTION REFORM AND SEE THE TRUE RESULTS.

  6. November 2, 2016

    cont…
    Another of my observance is that the world is getting really ripe for the son of perdition …who will not only be shouting ( make America great again ) but instead it will be ( make the whole world great again ) …and many will go down with his lying signs and wonders….
    As for me…good riddance to Trump, Hillary, Theresa May,Francoise, Skerrit and all the other girls and boys.. six in one …half a dozen in the other …none not better than one…..

  7. November 2, 2016

    My citizenship is in heaven..from the time I became born again …a child of the MOST HIGH GOD ( JEHOVAH ) my allegiance is no longer anywhere down here on planet earth…I am now just a pilgrim passing through this barren and messed up place called earth…And so many fake christians keep saying that’s spiritual or it’s future…No it’s for right now..There’s no dual citizenship in GOD’S kingdom…it’s either you’re in or out..The world is a kingdom unto itself..be reminded when Satan told YESHUA that, he would give HIM the kingdoms of this world if HE would only fall down and worship him..The world is the enemy of GOD’S children..it’s for that reason a child of GOD cannot love the world and GOD at the same time…The problem is that many are believing some natural man or woman can bring about paradise down here on earth..well I say, good luck too that wait for it…nice one…tell me when it arrive…

  8. November 2, 2016

    I don’t understand why Dominicans are so interested in the US election and don’t care a damn about the mess Skerrit has Dominica in. Mr. SKERRIT, since you seem to be so interested in the election I am sure you followed the debates where both sides articulated their vision and had to answer very tuff questions. Unfortunately the majority of those in attendance leave in the free US yet they come here to vote an oppressor, very corrupt leader who will ONLY address and lie to diasporas that only visit for a week each year and cannot face those of us that are stuck here.

  9. Reality Check
    November 2, 2016

    It is really disturbing that of all that was spoken of during the meeting, only the PM’s call to those eligible to vote in the upcoming US elections do so, seemed to have made any traction. He was simply doing what many other heads of state, academics, and .members of tbe clergy have done, which by the way is the responsible thing to do. Just so you are aware, while no mention was made of Dominica during the US debates – and I cannot imagine why they would, it would not be in the best interest of Dominica if the wrong person gets elected. So, it is everyone ‘s business. Tune in.

  10. November 1, 2016

    “I have a fundamental difficulty with persons who sit on the sidelines of national development and complain while not doing anything to influence positive change,” he said–News Article

    Prime Minister Sir, people who stand aside and is plagued with complaints are they who maintain a negative state of mind. The product of that mindset is nothing but futility. To be concerned about this people will take us nowhere; we simply need to continue forward and upwards with every privilege of positivity. We cannot allow our works to be shattered, because we are too concerned about negative minded fellows.

    • Hans
      November 2, 2016

      Elizabeth hypocrite.

  11. Bawi
    November 1, 2016

    Skerrit we in America are not foolish like those people living in Dominica….. So please we know our right.

  12. Bawi
    November 1, 2016

    Tell Skerrit to mind his business…..

  13. SHADOWS & DUST
    November 1, 2016

    Presidents are selected NOT elected. Votes DON’T count. smh :roll:

  14. Continue:

    While you are running off you mouth advising Dominicans who are citizens here to vote; be informed no one who is not a citizen of the United States can vote in an national, nor local election, that is jail work. When one goes to the poling station, before they are handed a ballet to vote the voter must; (it is mandatory) that they present a picture ID (identification card ) be it in the form of a driver license, or any other. It must be a government issued document.

    And they have ways to identify whether it is fake! When you present that ID, your name is checked out on the voter registration list in that poling station. If your name is not listed in that consistency where you register, you are disallowed from voting. Think about that Skerrit!

    I cannot leave Los Angeles and go to New York and vote on December, 8th, I cannot vote outside of my neighborhood within a certain radius! From where I live to where I go to vote is less than a square mile, which comprise more…

  15. A
    November 1, 2016

    Why are we so caught up in the US elections? From what I see regardless of the outcome none of the cadidates have shown any interest in the Caribbean, it is all about America, Mexico and the Middle East. Simply put there is no benifit to us from either candidate, so why don’t we just mind our business. Telling people to vote in the us election when no candidate has articulated a position that would benifit the region is stupid.

  16. Lol
    November 1, 2016

    Trump and Hillary had three debates .the American ppl sure don’t need your advice Mr punjab because they are much more enlightened about their affairs than dominicans In Dominica. Did you ever see any big billboard of trump or hillary all over America? How many debates did you ever had or contemplating to have with Mr Linton before your ochestrated election? Only a coward hides behind an old speaker red dress

  17. forreal
    November 1, 2016

    after reading some comments addressing voting in dominica,when one becomes a US citizen his or her’s allegiance changes to the flag of the country where they migrated and chose to become citizens,question to lennox linton???? if one resides in a foreign country and has not changed his or her’s allegiance to the flag of he or hers country of birth…where does that person have a right to vote??? because I know for dam sure…no non US citizen can vote in the US,,so educate me

    • :)
      November 1, 2016

      There is a thing called Dual Citizenship. Once you are a Citizen of a country you have the right to vote no matter where you reside. As it should be.

      • Titiwi
        November 2, 2016

        You are mistaken I’m afraid. There are plenty of countries that do no allow their citizens to have dual citizenship such as Norway, Sweden, Japan India and even Venezuela, to name but a few. This precisely so that their is no question about their citizens’ loyalty.

      • November 3, 2016

        Can you tell us when did the USA signed up duel citizenship with DOMINCA.. I know that Dominica and Canada share duel citizenship I know Dominica and Canada are Commonwealth Countries so where does the USA fit Dominicans would like to know.

  18. Lol
    November 1, 2016

    Mr Skerrit all dominicans know that you are out of depths as it relates to international matters and big country business. America is not a banana republic like the 1/2 dumb set of people in Dominica who you are their little god.So please stay out of America politics and try to put in place proper voter identification so that dominicans can remove you and your rogue regime from power. At least Im putting that to you as a test .But alas I know you will fail miserable. ..stop trying to fool Dominicans with cunning words and your cocky smile

    • Just Passing Through
      November 1, 2016

      Lol didn’t I hear one of the candidates liken the US to a Third World Country? I cannot remember which one.

      We just have to look at what is happening in the US and for anyone to say we should not really care of the US Election is not really living in the real world. The Caribbean people living in the US better vote if they care of their future. Your vote is precious and it is yours and that 1 vote can make the difference in any elections you can cast a vote.

      Too many people fought and gave their lives for the right of black people and women to be able to vote for us to be taking it as if it is nothing; especially black people. Don’t allow anyone to tell you that your vote is unimportant or cannot make a difference.

      The PM is a wise man listen to him and vote wherever you live and is entitled to. Your vote can make a difference. Anyone who wants to deprive another citizen from voting is not interested in the well being of that individual in my opinion.

  19. Magwaysa
    November 1, 2016

    when they come and vote and put this wicked one man government on the backs of the suffering people our tears WILL fall on them and their children. THEY WILL NEVER SEE GOOD>

    • mine
      November 2, 2016

      certain words usually come back at us.

  20. ???????
    November 1, 2016

    All those Dominicans that come down here for 5 days and pack up the State House. Why don’t you all return home to live. You all know jolly well it is a struggle to live in Dominica.
    No Jobs for our children….
    Farmers catching hell….
    Qualified persons at their homes cannot get jobs
    Mortgages cannot get paid
    Rampant prostitution

    You all think its easy to live in this country?
    Only the labourites and supporters have life good
    Just return here for a short time and say one word of criticism against Skerrit and you will find out

    What you see here is just sugar coating….Even the clean up of the country and the painting of the bridge was done just in October

    I challenge all of you to live here for a year and then tell me if Dominica still as nice as you think

    WE THE HARD WORKING DOMINICANS WHO STAY HERE AND LIVE OUT THE STRUGGLLE ARE REALLY PISSED OFF WITH YOU ALL!!

    TRUMP WILL BE GOOD FOR ALL YOU IN AMERICA!!!

    • Reality Check
      November 1, 2016

      Yours my friend, are the rantings of a deranged mind. How dare you try to deny us our birthright?
      Now get off your sorry behind and help yourself. Perhaps I will send you the handout barrel you are obviously looking for.

      • ???????
        November 3, 2016

        Obviously you are an overseas labourite who waits for a ticket every 5 years to come home to vote……guess what? There are hard working people like me who manage to survive in Dominica through the sweat of our brows under this repressive regime. We are called UWPites. We do not need you barrels filled with canned foods and Wall Mart clothes….Go give them to your other struggling friends who are waiting for the next ticket come home

  21. November 1, 2016

    I would vote for trump before I vote for skerro

  22. Truth Be Told
    November 1, 2016

    Mr PM are you trying to divert attention from the problems in Dominica! The Dominican diaspora who came down for Dominica’s independence and who are here sitting in front of you want to hear about Dominica! How are you addressing the unemployment, rising crime and general lack of development destroying our beloved island? When they are in USA, Europe, Canada and other places they hold their politicians to account, so you do not need to lecture them on that! Today, they paid their money, traveled the distance, and came to Dominica out of patriotism and love for Dominica. They want to know and hear about Dominica. Do not divert attention by talking foolishness! Mr PM you are no leader. You lack effective leadership qualities and by the time you are gone from office, Dominica will suffer for the nearly two decades of wasted rule by this Labour Party administration!

  23. Silver fox
    November 1, 2016

    SOME workers supporters i really feel sorry for that lot my life , I am not the sharpest tool in the box, boy that lots takes a beating most of them would drink red bull and monster +smoking ganja and complaints about everything that the government would do to help them.

  24. Tjebe fort
    November 1, 2016

    He’d better mind his own stall in Dominica first and clean up our electoral list for a start. Keep your nose out of someone else’s country bro.

  25. papa
    November 1, 2016

    My your own business take care of da

  26. Iamanidiot
    November 1, 2016

    Hope you dont bring them down to vote in our election.

    • The fly
      November 1, 2016

      lamanidiot, And what are you Linton and Co going to do about it ? Dominica is my country of birth no one can stop me coming and going voting or not voting bring it on pm Skerrit, u are the man.

      • Iamanidiot
        November 2, 2016

        Yes you are Dominican…more power to you. But if you leave when you were 19, lets say you’re 35 right now and you have your house,wife, and family in Alaska. For heaven’s sake WHY!!! do you need to come to Dominica to implement a government be it red, blue, pink or purple. If a law is passed or whatever that affects us negatively is just us that have to deal with it, if we have to protest against it you’ll not come down from Alaska to help us protest. So why would you want to get involved.

  27. Pres_Donald_Trump
    November 1, 2016

    Skerrit want Hillary to win cause he corrupt like her, but Americans not like Dominicans, they have morals :lol: :lol:

    • Dominican
      November 1, 2016

      So they voter Trump?!? too funny to laugh :mrgreen:

      • November 3, 2016

        PM again using his charm on the diaspora he want to take off the spot light on himself so what he does better is cast it on someone else so why not ” Donald Trump ” and the people fall for it, that’s why I like the people of Marigot and Wesley they can never be taken for granted by this PM. Dominicans wake up and open your eyes focus on the development of Dominica and where are we moving too, we need hlp we are stock, and the people have the key to unlock the Island so use it don’t be afraid.

  28. November 1, 2016

    Why are they the only ones to have the right to vote from overseas?

  29. d-a born
    November 1, 2016

    Nah, neither one of those two deserve my support.

  30. lap seng
    November 1, 2016

    They are born Dominicans now American citizens.

  31. Chalice
    November 1, 2016

    You urge Dominican citizens of the US to vote in the US election cause it’s a right and privilege . And then later still send for them to vote for you. I believe that as a Dominican in the US of A I have no right to participate in a Dominican election as the bulk of my spending. Daily livelihood and paying taxes are done in the US. Two weeks on holiday in Dominica does not qualify you to vote. You stay at your family’s home. Hotels aren’t making money. You’re not a rooted contributor to the development of the country. Diaspora shouldn’t be involved in Dominican politics and election. It is very unfair to the people back home when we come in for 5 days just to vote and then board a flight back to our merry land of WIC and Walmart and coupons and god know all what else and the people of Dominica are left behind stuck in the same rut! So yes Mr. Skeritt, we will vote come November 8th but do not invite us to vote in your election later on. Governance only matters to you when you…

    • The Govt. One Man
      November 1, 2016

      I like that answer.

    • forreal
      November 1, 2016

      you are not a US citizen…because if you were…you would know that a US citizen cannot vote outside of the US due to an allegiance to the US flag,only a non US citizen that can vote in dominica,that is there right,there allegiance is still to the flag of dominica…linton need to educate you all people on human rights as Dominican citizens, living in the US does not make you a US citizen,you are still Dominican until you have changed or denounced your country of birth and change allegiance…look up the facts before you publish a statement,especially one of the nature

      • Cassie
        November 2, 2016

        Well Sir/Madame whoever you are, this is real contradictory because I know of seventeen (17) persons who voted in the last election and all have changed allegiance . So please be careful what you are saying, five of them came from my family and I cautioned them about it and their reply was “was who cares”. So please be careful about asking who to educate who.

      • :)
        November 2, 2016

        @forreal Umm.. There is a thing called Dual Citizenship. And US Citizens who are also Citizens of another country can vote in both countries (That is if the other country allows it, which to my understanding Dominica does? The US does).

        @Chalice… YOU might not CHOOSE to vote in Dominica since you are living in the US.. but it is the DEMOCRATIC RIGHT of every Dominican Citizen to vote in Dominica. Maybe you are living off the US Government using WIC.. but there are many Dominican/American Citizens who can afford to send down money and barrels to Dominica, and/or who also have land and other investments, and/or who plan on moving back to Dominica when they retire. They contribute and have a vested interest in Dominica. They also have family that are at an age were their voice can not be counted by a vote yet, and they want to make sure Dominica is at it’s best for their nieces and nephews.

      • bak
        November 2, 2016

        If diaspora who are not eligible to vote but can do so simply because their name is on the list why it is that a diaspora with another passport can’t contest the election.
        There is also an argument about vested interest by diaspora.why those with vested interest are not allowed to contest the election.

      • Me
        November 2, 2016

        Warning: All U.S. citizens, who are also Dominican citizens must declare all thier assets and income, worldwide to the U.S. Inland Revenue and the Govt. of Dominica is obliged to disclose such details if asked to do so by the U.S. authorities.

  32. The Govt. One Man
    November 1, 2016

    Just for clarification. Somebody educate me:
    Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has urged Dominicans who are citizens of the United States and who live in that country to go out and vote on Election Day.
    Does the same apply here? If you are a citizen of Dominica and you don’t live here, are you allowed to vote?

    • forreal
      November 1, 2016

      of course you are a non US citizen…you are still in allegiance to the flag of dominica

    • :)
      November 2, 2016

      I would hope it applies here… but that is besides the point. Dual Citizens (US/Dominicans) have the right to vote in the US… even if they are living in Dominica (absentee ballot)

    • November 3, 2016

      Dominican don’t have duel citizenship with the USA , Canada have duel citizenship with Dominica . This is a topic that we are calling on Angelo to educate us on… Angelo and Arandel ( Q95 ) we need your help
      DOES DOMINICA HAVE DUEL CITIZENSHIP WITH THE USA ?

  33. Channel 1
    November 1, 2016

    VOTE TRUMP 2016!!!

    VOTE LENNOX LINTON next elections in Dominica!!!

    • Dominican
      November 1, 2016

      Now that’s even funnier lol

    • moi & moi
      November 1, 2016

      :mrgreen:

    • November 1, 2016

      VOTE “NO” ON TRUMP; “YES” ON LINTON. How about that? Surprise!

      • Channel 1
        November 2, 2016

        @Itassi in Florida – Huh? Vote “NO” on Trump? 8-O 8-O 8-O 8-O

        So in other words, what you saying is Vote Hillary and her democratic party? You have got to be joking. Seriously YOU HAVE GOT TO BE JOKING and intent on forming de fool.

        Hillary and dat democratic party dere? Steuupppsssss!!!!!!!!!!!!

        Go do a Google search to find out which party formed the US government during the 1995-1997 era & who was the sitting US president during that time when the Caribbean banana industry was dealt a fatal blow by the actions of that then US government who took the EU to the World Trade Organization ‘court’ to stop them from giving preferential treatment to Caribbean banana exports to the EU. The US won its case against the EU and…………(the rest is history re: the Caribbean banana industry).

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