President of Dominica His Excellency Charles Savarin has called on Dominicans to build a culture of peace saying it appears that there has been a breakdown in private and public discourse.
He made that call during the start of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the Ninth Parliament on Thursday.
The President said disputes will arise among people, including between Government and the Parliamentary Opposition but the challenge is how they are handled.
“The challenge is to be able to engage in discussion and debates on these differences without resorting to violence and social disorder in search of solutions. Rather, in keeping with the theme of this year’s Emancipation Celebration, “Building a Culture of Peace”, an alternative approach is necessary and should constitute a priority for all concerned residents and nationals of the Nature Isle,” he stated. “Furthermore, recourse to the Judiciary is an option available to every citizen or organization, central to whose work is the resolution of disputes and dispensation of justice.”
According to him, while it can be said that the country has generally performed well post Erika, “I am compelled to make reference once again to the tone and quality of our civil and political discourse.”
“It appears that there has been a breakdown in our discourse, both private and public that threatens to eat away at the core of our democracy and which impedes the rate at which we can progress as a developing nation,” he noted.
Furthermore, he noted that it is a matter on which Members of the House should be particularly sensitive, as the wider society, social media and even the press, take their cue from how members of Parliament treat each other and articulate on issues of the day in and out of Parliament.
“Concerned observers in our society have been lamenting that we seem to have lost the niceties and the fine art of democratic and parliamentary debate, and replaced them with invective, innuendo, name-calling and blatant misrepresentation of the truth,” Savarin said. “Madam Speaker, I am driven to invoke the words of our late President Dr. Nicholas J. O. Liverpool when he addressed the opening of the Seventh Parliament in 2006. He had this to say: “If we attach undue weight to individual rights at the expense of our duties and responsibilities, we could create an excessive individuality which could easily blind us to the needs of the Community or the State to which we belong”.”
The President had some words for commentators and writers who he said have chosen to use the word “patriot” in their commentary or writing.
“This is often done to convey the impression that the use of the word gives credence to what they have to say,” he stated.
On that matter, the President again quoted the late President Dr. Liverpool, “We also ought to be extremely careful to ensure that love for our preferred political party does not in any way compete with love for country since love for party often manages somehow to commingle itself with patriotism. We must at all times be on our guard and avoid becoming so beholden to our respective political parties that we find ourselves unable to place love of country ahead of the particular political party which we support. The good citizen must always place his or her patriotism beyond the sphere of political affiliation because patriotism does not consist of putting our blind trust in anything that our political leaders tell us.”
Everybody giving Charlo blows like he not the President of the country. lol. and if hehas done so much that he should be the last person to talk about peace.
coming from an agitator. laughable
You started Dominica’s first Civil strife in 1979! So why don’t you do all of us a favour and end it with your retirement from Dominica’s politics?
Mr President, I Quote: “Go to Hell….Go to Hell…..”Go to to Hell, ” Its none of our Damn Business what Skerrit do with our money and corrupt governance….”
Savarin, if you good and concerned, Fix it….Help Clean up and Fix Dominica.
I am sure that it will fall on deaf ears……..just as the government is deaf to the people.
Very good word my president. Hats off to you. It seems like you are also feeling the downward pressure placed on us up-full citizens to survive and grow in our nature isle lawfully. However one thing stands out in my mind. How is it that our judiciary system is legally set up to support these failures? I mean legally. Just a question.
Dominica just the biggest joke EVER
Though I was only 12 and about to enter high school. this country was on lock down. Did you have mercy for the children who needed to be in school. You need to say why you did what you did.
I will remind you. You were the then secretary of the Civil Servant and a member opposition party, the Dominica Freedom party under the leadership of Dame Eugenia Charles. You used the Civil Servants to eventually oust Mr Patrick John out of office.
When I saw a picture of you shaking his hand at the hospital. I said he forgave you for what you did to him.
Is Savarin suffering from a terminally illness. Is he about to meet the creator so he is trying to clear his conscience. Everyone has a chance to think differently probably his time has come. He probably had a dream. First I need him to go to any radio station and pour his heart out about what he did to Dominica during the first Prime Minister of Dominica, Patrick Roland John leadership. Dominica children need to know what happen and only then they will aspire to do different. Confess his sins to Dominicans and ask the land to forgive him because his conscience knows he should NEVER be in the position he is right now.
Build a culture of equality and you’ll get a culture of peace.
The lack of peace is universal.
The human race lost its connection to God when Adam and Eve sinned. Our relationship with the Divine was broken.
Individually we are all sinners. (Romans 3:23)
The result of sin is spiritual death. (Romans 5:12)
We cannot save ourselves. No amount of good works or religious activity will save us because salvation cannot be earned. (Ephesians 2:8,9)
But God has provided salvation by giving His Son to die for us. All our sin were laid upon Him. He paid the penalty on the cross so we can go free. (Isaiah 53:5,6) (Romans 5:6-8). We must simply BELIEVE this with child like faith, and RECEIVE Christ as our Savior according to St. John 1:12. What does it mean to receive Christ
It means to ACCEPT what He did on the cross as the full payment for your sins. GOD was satisfied 
Now YOU must be satisfied 
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Man ! Severin is not Jesus christ if thats who you want to compare him to. You always there with your nonsense rhetoric. I tired tell you when you come to dominica for your first time we will accept your rubbish. Until then, if you have never stepped food on our land stay out of our issues.
Amen, amen, amen. Sanctimonius weaseling,
Rev. Hill. can you please, please Rev. put in perspective. What is the morale of your story. We have a corrupt government in office for years hurting we the people, it is like a Judas surrounding Jesus, our Saviour. What message are you sending, please open up and tell us.
, On July 21 the Government of Antigua & Barbuda proclaimed the annulment. with immediate effect of eight knighthoods awarded to individuals connected with the controversial Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. This follows denouncements by Buckingham Palace and statement by the grand chancery of the order in Spain that neither the promulgator of its activities in the Caribbean, Anthony Baily nor Baroness Scotland have ever been a member or officer of the order and that it has never exchanged decorations with any State.
Does this render the award of Knight of the Grand Cross of Merit, with gold star to Charles Savarin on 5 Nov. 2014 invalid and worthless, as it would the same decoration ( without gold star) awarded to Roosevelt Skerrit on the same occasion. Would an insistence on wearing it subject them, and their office to ridicule?
I’m afraid that, “we’ve been had”, although the catholic church benefitted from a government donation of E.C.500,000. Who laughed…
What a laugh, Charles saverin, , You spent all your years as president Harbouring ,honouring , and insiting violence, Now your time is almost up ,is now you realizing your mistake, Well sir, First things first, Ask the nation forgiveness, Then, Tell your supremo the message, And then, Come and talk to us
That’s rich from the scamp who led the revolution against Patrick John! Skerrit must go and retire ……………..in New York!
Like Speaker Alicks Boyd he is required to do and say everything that pleases the Government so as to ensure his gets another term .Can you really blame him?
Mr president have u forgotten we have not forgotten
You are the same
Charles Severin
Same may 79
Same Breezy mart shut down
So stop being a hypocrite
The nerve of Charlo!
Garson please take the advice and hand it over directly to the Labor Cabal ruining my country for the sole purpose of staying in power. You sir taught us how to hate, despise and be violent against our own. How can you preach peace when guns are being brandished in parliament by your DLP Cabalist and as president you are still silent on the matter? Hypocrite, epokweete, pretender are some of the words I would use to describe this statement.
Assertive like the rod of Moses!
Fake news!
President Savarin also warned Domincans about fake news in his address to the House of Assembly on 27 July.
On 26 March 2015, DNO as well as Dominica Vibes and news site Malaysian Insider reported Mr. . Skerrit Skerrit’s interview with the The Edge Financial Daily of Malaysia, during his high-profile visit to that country at that time, as stating that one purpose of his visit was:”…to oversee the setting up of a High Commission in Jalan Ampang, following the Malaysia and Dominica formalisation of bilateral relations on January19″.
I am sorry your Excellency but that was an alternative truth and fake news. No such High Commission ever materialised, nor were diplomatic relations with Malaysia ever established and I challenge Hon. Francine Baron to refute this.
I am also sorry that you let yourself be used to read an address that in my humble opinion was crafted not by yourself but a stalwart of the ruling government.
*…build a culture of peace.*
If people of very nation could be motivated to do this we would see such vast improvements in society.
We should all strive for peace. Pastors and priests have a role to play in teaching us how. Let them begin by publically reading and explaining Matthew 5:38-48, and Romans 13:1-7, along with other scriptures that address employment, marriage, family, community, and government. Let the teaching of these principles become a regular part of church life.
The best we can hope for is relevant temporary peace in our day. Know this. There will not be true and lasting peace until THE PRINCE OF PEACE returns. Then nail pierced feet will mount the throne. A nail pierced hand will raise the scepter over the nations. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! Then the glory of God will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.
Even so come Lord Jesus!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Very important ,and overdue ,Mr. President . As much as this should be the goal and responsibility of everyone to do his or her part , Sir ,your function and role , for instance , could go a long way to fulfilling much , to bridge the gap . The introduction of the most relevant electoral reform by the independent Commission , will create a more favorable environment, and help reduce social tension , to some degree ,despite political affiliation and preference . Help make access to all state -owned media available to all parties , and independent candidates. , so the vision will be seen , felt , and appreciated . These and so much more can be done to bring some equality toward that peace drive .
“It appears that there has been a breakdown in our discourse, both private and public that threatens to eat away at the core of our democracy and which impedes the rate at which we can progress as a developing nation,” he noted.
Charlo You should have first apologized for Your actions in 1979 because without such an apology You are looking like a humungus Hypocrite
You remember Your statement “Tonight We will teach Jo joe a lesson” well there was no more Civil discussion after You said that Your mob went over to Mr. Karam’s house and almost filled His porch with stones.
You appear to be saying “Do as I say but not as I do ”
First apologize then repent and You should have refused that nomination for President!
It is said that change is inevitable…..
Maybe the President has changed over the last 38 years.
Is it possible to hear and act on the message – which I suggest is a good one and much needed one, at this stage and forget that it is coming from the President.
Practicum 101 Mr. President.
Peace ? when a member of parliament bring a gun in the so call skerro”s white house , and nothing has been done about it, eh eh , is this law , and order we ask? he should be charged for at least brandishing a fire arm , where was the security apparatus to search this people? so next time some one will come in with a gun and then what, everybody n is finish?. this scary skerro check your people, and every body els,
Charlo are you living in fear or what ? what was good for Patrick is good for Charlo hahhahahah FET must be enjoying the turn of things of late.
Charlo you can always do a Degarsson fly to. Brussels he flew to England. You lived in the former when Mamo sent you into exile. for your role in 79.
38 yrs after May 79 you ought to be close to 80 yrs now with a weak heart Sure U can’t take any stress.
Unorable president Kool _Worch, is that you thirty eight years later, trying to wash away the blood off your hands and it would’nt come out?
Mr President “Everyone is crying out for peace, none crying out for JUSTICE.”Peter Tosh.
No justice.no peace.
You are still standing with Skerrit who encouraged his followers to throw words at the opposition followers.How can there be peace? A leader should show the example. Long ago every body were friends even when they supported a different party. Now even the color of your clothing can make you enemies. When there will be no handouts tongues will not be at rest. Search yourself Charles and sermon your surroundings.
He is mad losing it
The president acts like an extension of Skerrit’s Cabinet, that’s NOT the role of the President.
The sentiment is a noble one, however, coming from a man who orchestrated and led a dark time in the history of Dominica,demeanishes the concept.President Saverin sits by in the $30 million mansion and has nothing to say about the harassment of the political opposition,the neglect of the communities which vote for the opposition,the use of the police force to harass and intimidate protest and legal,lawful descent in a country which says it’s democratic.Where is the crafty,and above the fray leadership from President Saverin.Instead he spends time in parliament arguing werher Columbus would recognize Dominica today.Take a leaf from persons like Sir Louis Coolslatigue,Sir Clarence Signoriett,and come down from your high tower and lead the parties to more harmony and peaceful coexistence.Dominica needs leadership not just empty words
The President said disputes will arise among people, including between Government and the Parliamentary Opposition but the challenge is how they are handled.- How do we resolve it Mr. President? Like May 1979-but x 10000
“The challenge is to take action once and for all to get rid of“all citizens or organizations who have kept these hoodlums in office including U Mr. President The Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was picked up from his bed at 3:00 AM and ousted dumped in Costa Rica. can U handle that with a bad heart @ such an hour? NGLapSeng is in custody and facing yrs in prison look out Skrit as Groovy bat would call him. Also Nkomo, Nanaton Baron & the Baroness and other enablers
This Dominica`s so called President: “According to him, while it can be said that the country has generally performed well post Erika, “I am compelled to make reference once again to the tone and quality of our civil and political discourse.”
Savarin, let us refer to the tone of silence you have endured over the past years in your comfort and denial of the truth of poverty, corruption, lack of transparency and accountability in Dominica created by your corrupted trusted friends in office who have failed us Dominicans. The same corrupt Labour government of inept Skerrit and political gangs of no goods.
Savarin, you are stuck in this big White elephant doing nothing constructive for ailing Dominica created by your subjugates engaged over the years in bobol and corruption activities.
This country has failed – you as a failed president and in support of a failed corrupt PM and Labour government.
Now Dominicans need your credible support, you out there talking garbage and….Recall…
You can’t have peace without justice
Has Charles found God? Seriously, I have great trouble with a man who has always looked after his selfinterest first. Is he sincere?
Mister is such a waste of space ,
what are his duties as President nah ? what responsibilities ?
what has he done since becoming President to benefit the People of Dominica justifying his income .
Now that is one Post that could go in slim lining Govt.
With the days of modern technology there is no need either for all these ministers and suckers of the countrys’ resources .in the days when the ministers did not have mobile phones , lap tops nor computers they were more efficient carrying out their duties by hand written notes and letters . i remember a Minister sometimes walking through entire villages in his constituency , now they drive about and if challenged to often sit in their vehicles trying to talk to you about issues .
some of these people are a total waste of time , square pegs in wrong holes .and even de round pegs cannot fit into de hole dat too big for them
Mayshancetay
Savarin where was your aesthetic training, in 1979, when you organized an uprising in the country, which caused the first civil war in our nation in which people were killed; hence you overthrew a legitimately elected government, a labor party government, your very own party led then by Patrick John!
You are the last hypocrite on earth to talk to people about peaceful culture. Actually I do not believe you can define your own words “peaceful culture” because there is no such ideology or words, and if you wish to argue that concept with me; try me, so that I can get to pulverize you with the English language!
How would you like a repeat of 1979, this very day whiles you are there running mouth talking nonsense; you have no power or influence, you are ceremonial; shut up!
He also caused the first President of Dominica Mr. Degasson to flee and live in exile now He telling us about peaceful discourse HYPOCRITE!
and he rejoiced over that fate; he was very proud for doing so!
When making such requests, YOUR EXCELLENCY, maybe you should stand next to someone else…
How are your exorbitant, un-taxable salaries though? The rest of us are still suffering… just saying!
Still wondering the purpose of a President:
– tax free income
– everything is catered for (food, electrics, water and lodge)
– attends all functions (paid for)
Sounds like a lodge retirement plan to me…
. You were one of the persons who started this type of discourse; have ypu forgoten when you used to be on Kairi when you instructed persons to stop shopping at Brizeesmart?
Patriot
Its to bad he couldnt listen to his own advice back in 1979
What a hypocrite of the superlative degree U are Mr> Fake President.
“The challenge is to be able to engage in discussion and debates on these differences without resorting to violence and social disorder in search of solutions. Rather, in keeping with the theme of this year’s Emancipation Celebration, “Building a Culture of Peace”, an alternative approach is necessary and should constitute a priority for all concerned residents and nationals of the Nature Isle,” he stated. “Furthermore, recourse to the Judiciary is an option available to every citizen or organization, central to whose work is the resolution of disputes and dispensation of justice.”
This request is also hypocritical of U.
Are you scared bc you are 38 yrs older & sick( the Heart) the public upheaval could initiate a Heart attack?
Suggestion Mr.President. Fake one.
Are U asking him to fake a heart attack? So He can leave b4 the deck of cards coe crumbling down? hahhahahahaaha good advise bc it’s coming.
This political situation is rough Mamo died Rosie, Pierro, NAN, Reviere, Liverpool, and the one last week.
political office is risky place.I heard Skerro is hiding an ailment. LL are U in good standings with Mr.Health? He seems related to Bazil.
Charles Severin the same reason why there is no peace today is the same reason why there was no peace on MAY 29 1978. Stop the hypocracry it seems you have memoir poul.
1979 Zandoli 78 was independence they did not want to see PJ as the first P.M
Mr President,this is long vacuous verbage.Dominica has always had a culture of peace,except in 1979,when a particular leader with a riotous mob, carried out a “KOOL WORSH BRIGADE”,on a constitutionally elected government..To this day thousands of Dominicans have not forgiven this leader.
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO
SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!