PM Skerrit warns about including children in politics

The Prime Minister spoke at a town hall meeting recently

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, has condemned the inclusion of children in politics, especially on social media.

In speaking at a recent town hall meeting, Skerrit said that in his time as a politician, never has he included the children of other politicians in the field.

“I have been in active politics for seventeen years and I have never gone to attack an opponent’s family, never brought their children into politics. For us in the Labour Party Government that is a no-no, stay away from that,” he said.

Skerrit spoke about his children’s names appearing in the politics of social media. This, he described as “a lack of decency.”

“Where is the decency? What does a three-year-old have to do with politics? What does a one-year-old have to do with politics? These people are not about representing people,” he stated.

Despite all of this, Skerrit has made it known that his government will not react in a like manner.

“You will never hear me bringing in any parliamentarian’s children into politics in a negative way. If I have to mention their names,  [it] is something positive and constructive I will have to say about these people,” He remarked.

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62 Comments

  1. How does it feel Dr. Punjab Sri Knight Mountain Chicken Carpaud (Crapo) Mentality Roosevelt Skerrit?

    While you wreak havoc destroying Dominica, and its economy to a point where our only economical resources comes from a none sustainable source which is the sale of passports, which you know in the interim will cause the nation bankruptcy, hence Dominica will become a fail state, where the situation will rival Mogadishu and Somalia in general.

    Because of that you ensure your children are American born so that their future is well secured here, while you hide in exile living on your corrupted acquired millions from some illegal source!

  2. Anonymous
    July 23, 2017

    Not only must you not use children in politics, you should set a good example if you are in the public view. You ca not leave them with a legacy of supplying diplomatic passports to foreigners that get arrested with criminal charges against them. What reputation are you leaving for your child with behavior like that? Think very careful before your actions become a stigma for your children future..

  3. P.I.
    July 23, 2017

    In the beginning was the world, and the world was with GOD,AND the world was GOD. Mr. Skerrit is the PM and also a politician. He was pointing to the upbringing with the children at home. Lord you give your life for us and how do we pay the ransum? No one yet to find the answer,”remember me”. If you travel with a Dominican Passport,they search your luggage piece by piece.With a US passport a quick look and go.If you can find people to buy this devalue items sell them all.Strangers shall clean your vine yard.

  4. July 22, 2017

    It has been said that politicians, their marriage partners, and children live in glass fish bowel. It is difficult for them to have a private life. People see things, or become aware of things, they disagree with or do not like.
    They talk about these things. Unfortunately the wives and children of politicians are included in these discussions. What children hear from their parents at home gets repeated outside the home.

    The same things happens to pastors and church leaders if they are married and have children. The children have disagreeable things said to them at school. In time a child can come to resent the church and wish
    their dad did something else for a living. It is totally unfair that the children and wives of those in the public life should suffer.

    If you or your wife have something critical to say about a leader (politics or the church) you are at liberty to discuss it. But please do it privately when your kids are not present.

  5. Anonymous
    July 21, 2017

    Roosevelt and Mano, Brother Ali, sister Alison and associate Francesco wish you a very happy weekend> It is not your fault they got apprehended.

  6. July 21, 2017

    Skerrit wants to play the music and dance. It cannot work both ways for you Skerrit. Remember what you were saying about the female politician from St.Joseph before you act like Mr. Moral. What is good for the goose is good for the gander, remove the beam from your eyes and don’t forget to sweep in front of your door step first. Curses work from generation to generation.

    • viewsexpressed
      July 23, 2017

      Amen, tell him again. This man keeps forgetting his deliberate sickening statements and disrespect for people. He forget what he said to Hon Linton about working his yard..? Well Linton has children and Skerrit didn’t you think about your immature rhetoric before you open your silly mouth.?

      Go clean your house and corrupt office before you go at other people. You bring your garbage n the public and not the hat is ne you pretending there is decency coming from you.
      Look man, ” Go to Hel….Go to Hell…its none of our damn Business..” You cannot lecture us on decency. Skerrit must go

      • July 24, 2017

        Dominicans are pure and simply blinded by handouts but at the end of the day, it will be their fault if their children will not have anything left for them in the future. In which country you have seen that the gov’t is repairing shops after they are broken down by vandals? don’t you think that shops should have insurances for vandalism? where do you know that any gov’t is giving out money to people who want to do business when banks are there to give loans? which prime minister asks his followers to throw words at the opposition party people when ever they meet them? Only Skerrit.
        Skerrit remember there is an end to every thing.

  7. Me
    July 21, 2017

    This is Dominica and Dominicans for you…..If they hate you , they will hate your children…if they can’t get thru to you, they will go after your children. If I were the PM, I would not even take them on. They are just jealous of those beautiful kids. Oh, and they were born in the U.S.A. Anything happens, just take them to where they were born and leave those crabs in the barrel alone to fight amongst each other

    • Me
      July 21, 2017

      Please note. I did not say this. And by the way, does Roosevelt Skerrit have only these two children. What about his firs born son for example. Is he out of the picture, doesn’t he count?

    • viewsexpressed
      July 23, 2017

      PM is a failure, doh take him on.

  8. Jonathan St jean
    July 21, 2017

    By their fruits we shall know them.Having said this just look at the actions and listen to the utterances of Skerritt and you will agree that they are so purile that he is a child and so he is speaking about himself and asking for cover.Whilst I agree that the children of politicians should not be attacked personally,however,the issues surrounding them are legitimate fodder for political points.For example Skerritt who professes his love for and if Dominica chooses to have his children born in America,is legitimate to raise in political discourse.Therefore it amazes me why Skerritt always wants to introduce red herrings and seeks to school citizens on things he ignors himself.He talks about too much politics yet is always criticizing Lennox personally.My advice to you Skerritt is look in the mirror

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      July 21, 2017

      Speak for yourself and judge yourself. No exception. By your fruits they will know you; your comments; what you state.

    • indira Ghandi
      July 21, 2017

      Good point,Johnathan?
      What is his reason for having his kuds born in America. The same country he pretends to hate so much.
      Tell us where is his first son being schooled.
      Tell us,what is his first son doing in ICELAND?
      DOMINICANS,we need to open our eyes.

    • viewsexpressed
      July 23, 2017

      Amen Johnathan, Amen. Speak brother speak. Tell Skerrit, he lives in glass house , Don’t throw stones…..

  9. July 21, 2017

    Dominicans like to take a little thing and stretch it eh. They could not wait to let that come from the PM’s mouth to do what they are best at. I come to realize that they must do that to allow time to pass

  10. Me
    July 21, 2017

    Quite right, boys don’t play polo, men do.

  11. Sadformyhome
    July 21, 2017

    Not sure what Dominicans waiting for to vote him out nuh? Waiting for us to get to Venezuela’s state? At that point it’ll be too late eh.

  12. Marcus Hill
    July 21, 2017

    hypocrite
    [hip-uh-krit]
    noun
    1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.

    2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      July 21, 2017

      Do you not know that God knows the hypocrites? You are one of them, judging the PM. Judge not that you may not be judged accordingly and two-fold.

  13. Analyst
    July 21, 2017

    I believe children are sacred and should not be involved as pawns to correct the sins of parents. Let children be children.

  14. Just Me
    July 21, 2017

    Go to hell … Go to hell… Go to hell…..

    Who did you tell about the Americans coming to do study on the international airport?

  15. Tj
    July 21, 2017

    Mr. Skeritt prctiicum 101 is a course you should consider. You should set the example and inform your followers to respcec the opposition children.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      July 21, 2017

      As if you have any respect for anyone. Are you any better? You must learn to respect the PM and his children.

  16. Dominican
    July 21, 2017

    Children should not be held responsible for the sins of their fathers. Likewise it is obscene to use them as props at public manifestations to engender sympathy and support for political gains.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      July 21, 2017

      Some people get on this website and criticize as if they are perfect. All fathers/mothers and others commit sins; some grave ones. Therefore who are they to judge anyone?

  17. Damas Victor
    July 21, 2017

    Charles De Gulle, the great politician/leader once said, “politics is too serious a matter to be left only to the politicians’. Dr.Punjab will want you to feel that you are wrong. Philosopher Ambrose Blerce observed that politics is the conduct of public affairs for private advantage_Dr Punjab would probably have given him a high-5.

  18. Let The Truth Be Known - Original
    July 20, 2017

    Some of you Christians which you are, watch your words, your language. The Lord is taking note of all what you say and do.
    Why do you have to mention the PM’s children in your political comess? You depict that you are not nice people, filled with hatred for the PM and his family.
    In the eyes of God, you are committing a grave sin, bringing innocent children into your ill-will conversation. STOP IT! Do not further incriminate yourselves for your judgment, heaping additional hot burning coals on your heads. If you were smart, you would be kind at all times in what you say and do. Think of your future and what will happen to you as you live and age, if you live long enough to age.
    You also give those of us who are broadminded, who want what is good for Dominica, a bad impression about you. Not that we hate you but hate your actions which do not benefit you nor Dominica.
    God frowns on your words. Leave the PM’s children out of your warped mind and mess.

    • indira Ghandi
      July 21, 2017

      Do you think the p m children are more important than the farmers children

    • viewsexpressed
      July 23, 2017

      “Go to Hell….Go To Hell…..Go To Hell…….” The famous phrase from a questionable political literate. lol…lol.

  19. shrewd
    July 20, 2017

    You are right, we should have never included you in politics. when you ought to be a man, you are so childish.

  20. SELLY
    July 20, 2017

    You said, that you are just a Disciple and Jesus said do not leave the children out. you are a good disciple because you parade your children in political gatherings, you told your son the date of election, before anyone. You said you want to remain prime minister until your children start making children. I think you should be declared mentally brain dead.

  21. just saying
    July 20, 2017

    Wasn’t it he who said only Dimitri knew the date of last election? Or he would be prime minister til Dimitri become a grand father or mention Monelle dead baby even making fun of it?

  22. June
    July 20, 2017

    I know this is the wrong topic for this but i just want to air this concern if you dont mind. Those muslims going around with their face covered is scaring me. They come to the place all you see is eyes. Im not sure if its criminals who are dressed like them. At least uncover your faces. Just the eyes you see its creepy. There should be something done
    My daughter is always scared. Can word be passed to them please.

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      July 20, 2017

      If children see them for the first time dressed all in black with that mask will obviously be scared. They will not listen to you or anyone else. These people do the same thing all over the world. There was one who worked in the same department as I did. Imagine only seeing eyes. Some of them are not clean; they do not bathe and do not use deodorant. You can smell their stench.
      They will go to Court to fight for their religious rights. They do not realize, when you are in Rome, you do as the Romans do. They want all rights in other countries. We will not get those rights in their country.
      If the government of any country prohibit them from wearing that covering on their faces, you will hear the UN and other such organizations lambaste them.
      Government should have a right to ask them to take off that covering.
      How can anyone make friends and communicate with these people who wear that. They are their own enemies. Ignorantly, they do not know that.

      • viewsexpressed
        July 23, 2017

        Well said and it is banned in France and one or two other countries. So, it can be done here.

        I do not understand why men to subject women to this level of dress. As a resut it moe than men look at them,. this dress brings attention to them

    • ye yep
      July 21, 2017

      with all the passports we selling there is now it start!
      SELL PASSPORT STILL and destroy our country

    • Channel 1
      July 21, 2017

      @June – I totally agree with you. This nonsense going on MUST be put an immediate halt by the authorities.

      In many of the Islamic countries, one has to follow their rules and sometimes keep one worship of Jesus to a minimum or even refrain from doing such things in the public sphere or else risk persecution or even death.

      But these Muslims believe they have a right to enter other people’s country and push their warped false religion on society.

      This must be stopped. Dominica must resist all covert & overt attempts to Islamize the nation.

      Interesting article – http://www.defendproclaimthefaith.org/tracking_influence_of_muslims.htm

      • UK Dominican
        July 21, 2017

        Nothing to do with religion but everything with social intercourse and security. On principle I refuse to attend to anyone who does not want to show their face.

    • Scampy
      July 21, 2017

      The wearing of the hijab originated in India. It has nothing to do with religion and is not mentioned in the Koran at all. It had to do with the protection of women from the marauding Muslims in ancient times who invaded, raped and pillaged most of Asia and Europe. Women then were encouraged then to hide their womanly charms from the invaders so as to avoid rape.

      Since then, the practice passed on under the guise of religiousity and the control of women by men.

      I agree, June, it is a disgusting, criminal and unsocial practice which should be banned in all civilised countries.

    • Dominique
      July 21, 2017

      Please educate yourself on other religions and cultures of this world. This is just plain ignorant and prejudice.

      • Anonymous
        July 23, 2017

        Seems to me we must always accommodate their practices while they flout ours. You can not practice Christianity in Saudi Arabia but you are welcome to be a Muslim in Dominica. Tolerance works both ways. I rest my case.

  23. block 44
    July 20, 2017

    doctor dinpels you first put your son in politics,you said on national radio that the only one you have told the date of the general election was your son de- mistry he was about 4 months old.sorry sir that makes him a big politition to day.don,t blame any one

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      July 20, 2017

      Some Dominicans are projecting how foolish they are. Is it lack of godly enlightenment and earthly education?
      You must be ignorant to make such a statement. You expect him to hide his children and not speak about them? You know they are children. You must have respect for them as children.
      You do know the Golden Rule. How would you like others to make certain statements about your children? It would hurt you and you would retaliate. You surely would not like it. Then, treat them as you would treat your own. Respect them.
      For God’s sake! They are only children! Leave them out of your hateful political words. As an adult, do you have to be told? You sound like one who is acting worst than children.
      This goes for all of you who negatively comment about what the PM stated. He is correct.

  24. Oh please!
    July 20, 2017

    “I have been in active politics for seventeen years and I have never gone to attack an opponent’s family, never brought their children into politics. For us in the Labour Party Government that is a no-no, stay away from that,” he said.

    For Pity’s sake – I agree with the PM. But papa, don’t come and lie to make yourself look good.

    One particular member of the opposition was the butt of you and your party’s jokes during last election campaign, all over youtube still!

    Start by apologizing and invite reggie to do the same.

    “Laddies and gentle men if I had a daughter I would want her to be a Catherine Daniel, a Athenia benjamin but I would not ant her to be a monell williams” …remember that? Now that you have a daughter, I wonder, do you feel the same?

    it is that hypocritical mindset that perpetuates this lack of social decency.

    • Channel 1
      July 21, 2017

      @Oh please & block 44 – In addition, also remember that this is the same Roosevelt that brought his child’s name into another one of his nonsensical political ramblings:

      “He then added, “If it’s really go they want me to go, ladies and gentlemen, I may very well stay there with the help of God and the people of Dominica until my son Dmitry start making children.”
      Obtained from – https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/politics/pm-skerrit-stands-firm-amidst-calls-for-his-resignation/

      So when Roosevelt involves his child’s name in a statement such as the one above in an obvious attempt to taunt the opposition,………………….(sigh)……………….Roosevelt, you need help – URGENT HELP!!!

  25. dissident
    July 20, 2017

    If there was an award for decency in politics you would not win de medal skerrit.

    I hope you not trying to make some people forget or pretend that they didn’t hear de expose’ delivered by Linton 2 weekend ago.

    You don’t have what it takes to sway me with pretty words Roosevelt Skerrit.

  26. me
    July 20, 2017

    By “children’ he means his own. It’s ok to disrespect the opponent’s family at will; be it on the streets on social media, wherever…. But please spare his babies (literally) from the harassment, but allow the opposition’s to take blows 24/7? Amen PM! So thoughtful of you.

    The Headline should read “PM Skerrit warns about including his children in politics”

    What is good for the goose, good for the gander!

    PS. But forreal, what do babies have to do with politics anyway? Now that’s pathetic,

  27. Ibo France
    July 20, 2017

    I completely agree with Mr. Skerrit that politicians’ children should not become targets of political vendettas. But too many of the PM’s speeches and those of his Senior Counsel’s are heavily laced with smears, innuendos, disrespect, distortion and spurious accusations against their countrymen and women who just happen to oppose their style of governance. The divisive political rhetoric has pitted citizens against each other from the womb to the tomb. The coarse and divisive discourse would not end until those at the top lead by example. Dominicans would never fulfill their God-given potential unless selfish individualism gives way to community love and cohesion.

  28. Observant
    July 20, 2017

    I totally agree. However, one has to note that YOUR and ALL Dominican children LISTEN to what politicians say. And so the “leaders” must be mindful what they are saying not only to their children at home, but also in the public arena. Simply put-speak in a manner that your children would be proud to hear a parent speak, not only are they looking, they are also listening!

  29. 1979
    July 20, 2017

    i’ve instructed my children that they should refer to NO MAN as HONORABLE until they have seen his actions and deemed them as such…. and let NOBODY ask them to do different for me to tear that person apart…

  30. MILITANT DOMINICAN
    July 20, 2017

    I Personally Doh Like, Nor Respected U Until NOW Mr. PM!
    Take A Bow!

    • ye yep
      July 21, 2017

      Who you think you fooling?

  31. Hugh .G. Recshun
    July 20, 2017

    I completely agree.

  32. Toa
    July 20, 2017

    Thats excellent, best of a politician. Leave childish behaviour for children just as demonstrated in the house of Assembly.

  33. %
    July 20, 2017

    At least I can see where you are coming from,because it is your own DLP slaves,acolytes,mouthpieces who are so blinded by DLP divisive and vile confrontational politics who blogg on here that your son will be the one to replace you..Blows those numskulls Skerrit.HOPE THEY STOP IT Mr PM.Even if a man lies,but once in every 500 days ,he can stutter a little truth Papa Bondieu!
    I wait to see how the DLP slaves will respond to that,Mr PM,MY FRIEND!.You could have cautioned those attending your townhalls,to leave the children home also.The vote buying idiocy discussed at these vot buying meetings,may also pollute their young minds.PM IS CHANGING MAN!
    SKERRIT MUST GO
    SKERRIT MUST GO
    SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!

  34. Dominican to the bone
    July 20, 2017

    Your drag your own kids into politics sir.. It is you who began calling ur kids names on platform when you talking,, guess you should think before you speak

    • Let The Truth Be Known - Original
      July 20, 2017

      Some of you project your ignorance and manner of thinking. You will never comprehend anything which is sensible.
      Some politicians do that. They even mention their wives names. It happens in Canada. The listeners and even those who view them on TV laugh. Everyone likes a good joke. They do not criticize them for making them. They know what to say and what not to say.
      Canadians are more sensible and broadminded than some of you in Dominica who are small-minded and negative. Children are cute and the things they say. They love to hear even jokes made about them but in a nice way. No one insults them and their children and speak ill of them.
      Do you not know that people love to talk about their children? So what if he called their names on the platform. This does not give anyone the right to mention their names and in an unbecoming manner. Learn sense and become broadminded!

      • AP
        July 21, 2017

        Yeah you have no sense lol

  35. Dominican abroad
    July 20, 2017

    So Mr PM when spoke about ……… dead children……… “what was that???????????? “all you have jokes we in Dominica

  36. July 20, 2017

    I agree but no matter in which context that their names are used it will still border on the political.

  37. maho constituent
    July 20, 2017

    Good words mr prime minister…. in my constituency it saddens me wen the parl rep has to find out which party a child’s parent support before he or she is invited to a christmas party sponsored by the government or to provide the much needy children with school supplies irrespective of their parents political affiliations this has been the case in my village for yrs and this has not been going down well with the villagers… so u must instill this beliefs in ur members cause these words seems to b falling on deaf ears

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