Tonge regrets statements made about locals

Tonge said his statement was misunderstood

Minister of Tourism and Urban Renewal, Robert Tonge, has said he regrets statements he made about locals managing projects in Dominica on a radio show recently, saying he was misunderstood.

Giving an update on the West Bridge Project in Roseau on the Heng recently, he stated that government has chosen the right individuals to manage it. The project is managed by N.S.G. Management and Technical Services of Barbados.

“We are really happy that the government chose the right individuals especially to manage the project,” he said. “Most of the work is being done by locals, but the management is critical. As you can see, many people can attest that if this was done the local way, more than likely it would not be at the stage it’s at right now. If it was done the local way, more than likely much of the work that has been done would have been washed away.”

But Tonge’s statement did not go down well with many in Dominica and he is now backing down.

“I want to categorically state I was in no way condemning the work quality or ethics of local craftsmen, contractors and entrepreneurs. An attack on local would be an attack on myself and my family,” he said in a statement on Wednesday. “I fully support local, in my current role and my previous roles I have given and continue to give tremendous support.”

He stated he regrets his statement was misunderstood.

“I regret that my statement was misunderstood, however many times when questions are answered quickly, the delivery can always be improved,” he stated. “My concern, as was articulated, was on the management of such projects. The current management company has shown that such projects can be executed on time.”

Tonge sought to explain his statement.

“My statement was meant to highlight the positives and successes of this project that was subjected to so much opposition,” he said. “Whilst the management might be foreign, the actual physical work is local and we should be proud of that. We should not ignore the tremendous positives on this project particularly the transfer of knowledge. While a few are up in arms with my statement, we as a community, local contractors included must continually work towards improved efficiency including but not limited to (1) delivering products and projects on time, (2) managing resources to avoid cost overruns. As we work together we can ensure that the best possible product from Dominica is being presented.”

He said regardless, “we as local entrepreneurs must meet or exceed the expectations of our clients by providing consistent and excellent service.”

“Once again I wish to insist that my statement was not an attack on the work quality or ethics of local craftsmen, contractors and entrepreneurs,” Tonge said.

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107 Comments

  1. March 17, 2017

    Birds of a feather flock together.

  2. MILITANT DOMINICAN
    March 16, 2017

    i doh like mr, but he is talking the truth

  3. Charmery
    March 16, 2017

    This is a fact that local contractors do not complete their work at the stipulated time, and on many occasions the work is of poor quality. Our local contractors and engineers work with no vision.

  4. BIG PETE
    March 16, 2017

    MR Tonge, I know the political response is to say you regret that your statement was misunderstood. Let us be honest with our self Dominicans, the minister is correct in his statement. let us put politics aside and tell me when was the last time a locally managed project in Dominica was done on schedule. I have worked in Dominica and now work overseas, and the level of commitment to work done on island is lacking big time. sometimes we need to take constructive criticism and for what it is and not vilify the messenger. until we change our mindset our blessed country will continue struggle in it’s development. Don’t be mad at Robbie for talking the truth, just go out there do the job on time and prove him wrong.

  5. WHAT!!!
    March 16, 2017

    Guess the government is looking to kill the construction sector like they killed Agriculture. Instead of doing something to keep these sectors abreast with technological innovations, they are being criticized or shut down.

    • Anthony Ismael
      March 17, 2017

      This is a cultural mindset. Ask anyone who built a home recently to detail their experience about local contractors to you and you will see that Robbie is right on the money.

  6. tru d bino q la
    March 16, 2017

    Mr. Tonge, I don’t even know you but reading your aura, I always felt that you were made of good material; however, that sentiment has degenerated to the same I hold towards some your associates. You seem to have drank the wine, got contaminated and begin talking ‘Glossolalia’ It is not what you said but rather the lack of tact, saying it. Now you are caught in a political col_d_sac (for lack of a better word) being the fall_guy while simultaneously negotiating a contrite exit trying to retract. Your best strategy now would be to depart membership of this moral/ethical cesspool.

  7. smh
    March 16, 2017

    Mr tonge you have nothing to apologise for. this is a very true statement. dominicans know good and well that this is a true statement but some people will try and put a spin on it to make some big deal.

  8. Anthony Ismael
    March 16, 2017

    For a change, I agree with Robbie. He should not apologize for that one at all. Our local contractors are talented, but management is missing. If it was locals managing this project, they would drag it on beyond its completion date, just to eat more money from the government. That’s the local mentality. Once trade men and women get paid on a Friday, they hit the local rum shop and you’re lucky if you see them back on the project, until their money run out. They work two days, but they expect five days pay.

  9. James Charles
    March 16, 2017

    Why does the caption state that Tonge regrets his statement when in the article he says,”I regret that my statement was misunderstood”?

    • WHAT!!!
      March 16, 2017

      My problem is not with what he said, but the fact that the government knows this and remains complacent. Maybe it is time to invest in the local contractors and get them the training they need to keep up with technological innovations. I can never support a government that is simply satisfied with its country being left behind while the rest of the world is advancing.

  10. Iamanidiot
    March 16, 2017

    “If it was done the local way, more than likely much of the work that has been done would have been washed away.”
    You words were not misinterpreted it’s what you said.

    • va resident
      March 16, 2017

      maybe a Donald trump in the making.

  11. March 16, 2017

    You have nothing to regret. With local contractors on big projects, the money finishes before it’s half way done.

  12. March 16, 2017

    Tonge, you are not wrong. I wonder how long the local contractors would take to complete such a high-maintenance job. You have nothing to regret other than Dominicans feeling butthurt about the truth.

  13. Lougawoo Memm
    March 16, 2017

    Self inflicted wounds, oh! they hurt. Mr. Tonge, your inappropriate words are your worst enemy so, I hope lessons taught lessons learnt. Thanks for re-evaluating your utterances and hope you can move on with a clear conscience. Good luck Sir!

  14. washmoney
    March 16, 2017

    They will all soon regret. Ship is sinking fast :twisted:

  15. CONSCIOUS
    March 16, 2017

    People make children but sadly they do not always carry the passion from their parents. His parents are good people. They are shaking their head just like us.

  16. washmoney
    March 16, 2017

    Tong is not a local; he is made in China. Next time you talk so you will bite your tongue.

  17. CONSCIOUS
    March 16, 2017

    I have an observation. probably when the local guys were doing something they did it with their heart. Not trying to do it very fast to get most of the money for themselves. Can someone tell me who did the Layou bridge and what year? So many foreigners have worked on bridges and they do not last. Our people did quality jobs not HURRY-UP jobs.
    Tongue is being his last name. wagging his Tongue. He is being an example of being brainwashed into believing that nothing good comes from Dominica. It was the Social Norm. After being educated you have to make decisions for yourselves. I would think as a young man if he think he is capable for his job why aren,t the architect and the contractors born in Dominica. He is actually telling the public since he is born in Dominica he is incapable of executing his job. TONGUE HOLD YOUR TONGE

    • queenzy
      March 16, 2017

      that’s so not a statement to put up. i have worked on projects for Dominica most of my life, some local contractor always go beyond the time they are suppose to construct things , they never finish on time , and the government just make THEM GO just so but by right they are suppose to give the government money back as long as they don’t finish on time.but the government try to please Dominican and to like to depend on how the look to the country and don’t sue them for shit they do .i myself would never give local contractors that project because when they don’t finish is government that have to pay back

  18. March 16, 2017

    “If it was done the local way, more than likely much of the work that has been done would have been washed away………..”not difficult to misunderstand this statement..

    • March 16, 2017

      Correction and revised remarks:Not difficult to understand this statement, anyway thanks for the apology and stop putting your foot in your mouth.

  19. Truth Be Told
    March 16, 2017

    It is better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!

  20. Zor Bon La
    March 16, 2017

    Amazing! Mr. Tonge, please try to maintain your credibility when faced with tricky situations. No one misunderstood your statement. You said exactly what you wanted to say and we get it. Now that you have thought about it, or some people reminded you and brought it to your attention, your attempt at an apology just made it worse. An adult takes responsibility for their actions. All you had to do was to issue a corrected statement and to apologize for the first. Now, you have destroyed your credibility among intelligent people. Please try again.

  21. Robbie Tonge, a once admired and respected young man, has placed himself waist deep in the mud and muck of divisive DLP gutter politics. Mr. Tonge’s utterances of late are rather mind boggling. Mr. Tonge directly and blatantly insulted our local engineers and tradesmen with his statement that “it would be washed away”. Yet, instead of making a full and contrite apology to those he offended he again puts his foot in his mouth by stating: “I regret that my statement was misunderstood”. So, Mr. Tonge is not sorry that he made the statement, he DOES NOT APOLOGIZE…he just regrets that YOU misunderstood what he said because, of course, YOU are stupid and your level of comprehension and understanding is low! This level of arrogance and feeling of entitlement should NEVER be tolerated! What Tong(u)e said was quite clear…local Dominicans are incompetent!!!! Did YOU misunderstand him? I, for sure, did NOT! Robbie Tonge should resign!!!!!

  22. jaded
    March 16, 2017

    Politically incorrect for a minister of government to say something like that publicly but, as we all know, he spoke the truth.

  23. Hendricks ismael
    March 15, 2017

    To tourists with money. We already know that it’s difficult to fill up a Liat flight carrying Dominicans , so how will a large airport generate income?

  24. Hendricks ismael
    March 15, 2017

    St Barts attracts workers from Portugal and Brazil with an average income of $37.000 annually . Every thing on the island has to be imported , to include food and water, but it runs like a well – oiled machine . St Barts is known for its white sand beaches , designer shops , and high end restaurants , but the island has none of Dominica ‘s natural beauty . No Morne Trois Pitons National Park , No Boiling Lake , No fresh water Lake , no Emerald Pool , no TiTou Gorge , and not Cabrits National Park . St Barts attracts high-end visitors because of efficient governance and citizenship that knows how to accommodate guests . That’s what Dominica needs , not an oversized airport , which we will not be able to maintain nor manage . Such an airport will be a liability because it will not automatically generate traffic . Look at the neighboring islands with large airports . Direct flightsto Dominica from Europe , America and Canada will not make the island more accommodating to tourist .

  25. 000 percent
    March 15, 2017

    Its time for Robbie to GO, Please go back to you Dads business. All other ministers staying quiet, but you. you want to speak even for the pm? please allow my pm to tell us about the money for the airport in the treasury. keep your to tongue in check boy.

  26. ye yep
    March 15, 2017

    Mr. Tongue. why are you devaluing yourself for Mr. Skerrit? Get out of this mess and save what reputation you have left.

  27. Hendricks ismael
    March 15, 2017

    The Dominica Government currently subsidizes Liat , because the airline can’t fill up many of the 50 seater aircraft coming to the island . Few tourist’s fly to Dominica , so most of the passengers on those flights are Dominican . Compare that to Gustaf-lll-Airport on the island of St Barts , which is served by small regional propeller commercial aircraft like the Twin Otter . Gustaf-lll Airport can’t accommodate jet planes that carry hundreds of passengers , but on average 200.000 tourists visit the island every year . Approximately 130.000 by boat and roughly 70.000 on eight -seater planes, which are seldom late , that fly from St Martin every 15 minutes . The area of St Barts is about 8.1 square miles with 9,279 inhabitants , but the island generates more income than the entire eastern Caribbean during tourist season .

  28. Hendricks ismael
    March 15, 2017

    Airport, for decades many Dominicans have wanted an international airport. Well guess what ? Every flight to Dominica comes from another country. So this means that Dominica has two international airports; Douglas- charles and canefield. In reality, we’ve asking for an airport that can accommodate large jet planes carrying hundreds of passengers . Such an airport will be a status symbol instead of an economic necessity .

  29. Long Lost Dominica
    March 15, 2017

    so wait! bassically you saying we dont have good local contracters. 17 years allu in power and no local cant keep hold of a major project, shame on you guys.

  30. Hmmmmm
    March 15, 2017

    Lol…tonge that explanation not cutting it….. we want ur resignation now….. u too damn out of place!!!

  31. star
    March 15, 2017

    tonge is best you go in hiding until further notice.. ur name popping up too much…u trying to clarify things for your master not knowing you making a fool of yourself..

  32. Tj
    March 15, 2017

    Was your ill advised statement an apology to DA residents?

  33. Fact Checker
    March 15, 2017

    Robbie, being a trained and experienced businessman, must have had some basis to make the statement that he made. Does he have examples of such projects not meeting time and costs constraints? If so, he should inform and educate the public. His statement was obviously general so he might want to apologize for that.

  34. March 15, 2017

    Sir congrats on your recent wedding, I have lost all respect for you ,the way you talk , and treat your so call fellow Dominicans is very condescending, you talk down to the public like they are idiots, sir you did not apologize you said you was miss understood[ that’s not an apology ] you think all Dominicans are stupid, and are all drinking from your cool aid bowl, like Jim Jones , no we wont , it is time for you , and your cronies to stop using the tax payers money to buy houses, pay people light bills, giving away cement , galvanize, why cant we fix the drain in Roseau, that smell, where is the Roseau mayor?, a famous quote sir , there are four things that come not back [1] the spoken words, 2- past life, a sped arrow,- and a neglected opportunity .you have miss two of them go figure.

  35. Faceup
    March 15, 2017

    That little boy?

  36. Just Me
    March 15, 2017

    People doh buy Robbie’s crap. He’s deep in that cabal.

    As him to “Grant” us a favour. Research his family ties properly and connect the dots.

    Dem fellas know exactly what they are doing.

  37. %
    March 15, 2017

    Tonge i am getting ready to attend the Dominica PUBLIC SERVICE UNION (DPSU) RALLY tomorrow…Tell me not to go nah.I have convinced six other public Servants to do the same.
    Tonge Must Resign
    Robbie Must Resign
    Tonge Must Resign.

  38. CARTREATS
    March 15, 2017

    Robert Tonge just in case you dont knoew the difference,let me educate you

    APOLOGIZE:express regret for something that one has done wrong.
    REGRET: a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done.

  39. Dominican
    March 15, 2017

    Mr Tonge, your statements before and now do represent an attack on Dominicans. You are categorically stating that Dominicans can follow and do the work, but they are not leaders and not managers. You have insulted the Dominican populace twice with your statements.

  40. Bourgeoisie
    March 15, 2017

    say it proudly and loudly…. Locals have no idea what customer service is. what time management is. what project management is or even what management is. Locals can follow directives perfectly to the T but the majority of them cannot lead… Example A: Roosevelt Skerritt… while many people think Labour doing well and Dominica growing we’re doing worse than anyone else… Example B: Lennox Linton… cannot manage his party for nothing… All now he even quiet and best he stay that way he sounds better.. Example C: customer service in Dominica.. you walk into a store you ask and question and the attitude that follows with the answer most times is simply atrocious…

  41. Has it come to this?
    March 15, 2017

    I believe that you need to keep your mouth shut and stay in your lane. Do not confuse the pronunciation of your last name to use this small piece of meat in your mouth to condemn Dominica professionals. I am so disgusted with people who lack the managerial skills to manage their lives, yet they are experts on assessing others. Robert, I am a professional in my field of work, and would never use my position to critic others without data to do so. Therefore, I ask you to point out which companies that has failed to manage a project of over a $1 million dollars in Dominica? Was it you who promise to have the metal that once anchored Cable and Wireless phone booth South of Jay’s Bookstore would be removed? To date it is still there; can you imagine how the senior Engineers who made the bad call about the bridge safety in Machoucerie feel? Your statement just compound the embarrassment they feel. Focus on your ministry instead. When you are sorry, do not put a play on words…

  42. Knowledgeable
    March 15, 2017

    Would Mr. ROBERT Tonga be happy if the same local people boycott his fast cash, insurance company and perkys pizza. We should think about that seriously.

  43. March 15, 2017

    Again, Tonge just made a complet fool of himself :-D :-D

  44. James Charles
    March 15, 2017

    The quote is included in the article, the man did not say anything wrong.

  45. Esau & Jacob
    March 15, 2017

    Mr. Tonge it’s time to man up bro. Your previous statement was well thought of, well calculated, and well spoken. You DID NOT make NO mistake. You said what you and your party wanted to say and you said what you had plans of saying. That’s how you all think as seen in everything you set your hands to do. We saw it with your manifesto, Tshirt, Windsor park, the state palace and you just name it ok

  46. James Christopher
    March 15, 2017

    Very good Mr. Tongue!

    • dee
      March 16, 2017

      How come nobody seeing that not an apology .
      de man still insulting allu Dominicans saying allu dow have de capability to understand what he said in plain henglish. Is allu dat failing to understand , dat misunderstood , dat take it de wrong way even thouh he say it in english .
      ahhh margway sar , he and all his ministers alone can understan henglish .
      GOOD FING I NOT DOMINICAN AGAIN TAN .
      I IS A TRUMPOCRAT

  47. committed
    March 15, 2017

    Tonge again!
    What’s wrong with you Mr.Tonge?
    You see ,it’s people like you all who desecrate this country and blame it on the opposition.
    Me, Dominica? No Sah. Let’s wait until intelligent people come in.

    • indira Ghandi
      March 15, 2017

      Tonge lost control of his tongue

  48. My dear
    March 15, 2017

    One thing all you can do is brake us down but remember every thing that happening Dominica is c b I I am 32 and all off a sudden every thing I hear in is c b I where I m f where is the Chine’s from scene the thrive were cough is c b I but it o k pero many tuning in his grave thanks to skerit and pero wife

    PS all off all u must go 4 kin shit all u doing da let’s rise skerit is a French man not a dominican remember that see wat he did to urban baron wat about us

  49. Who put the spirit
    March 15, 2017

    Mr. tonge you are a business man unlike Skerrit, tell us can a mere bridge and wall cost 18 million dollars.

    • The Darkness
      March 15, 2017

      The bridge alone could cost that amount of money. supplies, labour, architecture, fuel, contracts… the list goes on.

      All of these add up.

      Please note i don’t support politics in any way or “side”, nor color. Just being factual, :-|

  50. Dan is de man in de Van
    March 15, 2017

    Tongue in cheek. Bro u should never ever give a rebuttal. U will be trapped. U made a donkey out of u and u should remain as such. Now look what u done. U made it worse by trying to untangle yourself but u can’t u are tangling yourself. Hungry. MAn eat raw beef. Think think think before you all open that hole underneath u all nose.. Sacway toneh……

    • Goodwill
      March 16, 2017

      Mr. Tonge, you remain a very honorable and competent man. Keep up your good ifwork for Dominica

  51. Puss in Boots
    March 15, 2017

    You try a Kelliann Conway but bro that doh take me. Your boss may be a Trump mixed with a Kim Jong -il but that Kelliann…Nah nah nah.
    Next time remember. It is better to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
    Next time you shoot your mouth out like that without thinking I will call for a boycott of your daddy’s place. Now put your finger on your lips and sit in the corner….

  52. FRIEND OF THE STATE
    March 15, 2017

    bro if your statement was misunderstood you should not regret, you should clarify, matt; its better to be thought of as a fool than to open you mouth and remove all doubts, next carnival join amnesia

  53. Tony
    March 15, 2017

    Wow—- is that what happens when people think they have real or imaged power? Sad. Apology is not accepted Robbie—- you hang with the wrong group and you become like them- the gang mentality is well and alive here……..

  54. real talk
    March 15, 2017

    well he didn’t say anything that is not true

    • Carlton G
      March 15, 2017

      Robbie,

      You said nothing to relieve your disgraceful statement about local expertise.

      Staff

  55. Chakademus
    March 15, 2017

    Hmm, I hear you saying that you regret that the statement was misunderstood, but do you regret making the statement? That would be more acceptable. It would be even better if the you were to retract the statement completely. If I understand English, what I read was a deflection, not an apology.

  56. Not a herd follower
    March 15, 2017

    Tonge does not apologise for dismissing all local contractors. He only regrets that he was misunderstood. But there is no misunderstanding of his statement. It is clear: ”If it was done the local way, more than likely much of the work that has been done would have been washed away.” It is clear that the man has very little faith in the capacity of locals (his own people) to deliver good quality work despite evidence to the contrary. It is clear that he has not apologise to the local folks, Dominicans. Yet, this is a man who wants the people’s votes. SMH

    • Alas
      March 16, 2017

      He never got Dominicans votes. Remember he was given a position of which he has no experience and still does not.

    • Amarossa
      March 16, 2017

      Wants people’s votes? 8-O

      Robert Tonge was not elected by the people. You forget de AM/PM just gave he and Mirium Blanchard ministerial positions?

      These people never campaigned.

  57. Shaka Zulu
    March 15, 2017

    Everything thing this administration has done is a reflection of how it views Dominica. Incapable, helpless, uneducated, people. What you said originally was what you meant. The bottom line is the country should have minimum engineering standards set by competent individuals that should be in harmony with the hazards as it relates to topography, climate, hurricanes, floods​, landslide…….Etc. all registered engineering firms should be knowledgeable of these standards and the government provide checks to make sure things are done within codes. This is done to protect life and property. That’s how a properly functional society works. Your government has constantly displayed how it feels about Dominicans. The sad part is they are probably right but instead of empowerment so we can do better for ourselves​, you guys preyed and took advantage.

    • Ibo France
      March 15, 2017

      Shake Zulu, you are precisely right. I completely and wholeheartedly agree with every word you have stated. The Minister’s utterance about Dominicans gives you a very vivid insight as his perception of the very citizens who elected him to office. How much is the Minister willing to do for the betterment of his fellow Dominicans when he regards them as indolent, irresponsible, inept, unintelligent and literally worthless. The Minister’s asinine statement should be severely and universally condemned. I hope that his constituents would kick him to the curve next election. His defense that his words were misconstrued is utterly preposterous. This only proves that he thinks the citizens are all nincompoops. Mr. Tonge should hang his head in eternal shame.

  58. %
    March 15, 2017

    Tonge dont even attempt to explain anything to people like me…What you said was pellucidly clear,and any Joe Blow man/woman could understand…YOU HAVE CRITICIZED,mutilated,mangled,distorted,the psyche and confidence of Dominicans who like you,stayed burning the midnight oil studying to contribute towards Dominicas development..But you all so called ministers must say things to please Skerrit even if it impacts on your character and credibility..Therefore after THE PUNJAB DOCTOR has belted your butt with a tamarind whip,I CATEGORICALLY REJECT YOUR APOLOGY….
    ROBIE MUST RESIGN
    TONGE MUST RESIGN!
    TONGE MUST RESIGN
    ROBIE MUST RESIGN
    TONGE MUST RESIGN.
    I think you shoud bury your head to the ground when walking in Roseau..That what you get when you associate with Labourites!

    • No No
      March 15, 2017

      ?% why resign, worry about the moneython that has to be raised for putting your foot in your mouth. Hurry up so I can help you pay the £££££. MR. Tongue has man up and apologize. How about you? Soon somebody will own your pants. Where is your degree! Marigot biegass academy of sciences has been closed..

  59. Frank Talker
    March 15, 2017

    Be yourself, pardner. Stop trying to impress Roskit. To speak and behave like the man is unlike you. That’s not your style. This new trend you have adopted of maypwe and childish comments targeted at the opposition is not your style. You have some moral and ethical values which your parents taught you, please do not depart from those values. Archie is your uncle. Grantley’s son is your first-cousin. Son is your uncle. Alexandrina Burton-James was your aunt. Sico-Seco is your brother-in-Law.

  60. Eat Rocks.
    March 15, 2017

    This is the kind of foot in mouth people we have controlling Dominica. …. he will say anything to make Skerrits look good and the critics look bad. Shame on you little boy.

  61. antivirus
    March 15, 2017

    Robbie I used to have respect for u…. Always admired u before…..But ever since u put urself in politics….Smh……U became dotish…..Lost my respect for u…..

  62. LifeandDeath
    March 15, 2017

    Thx Mr. Tonge, stick by me and I’ll stick by you as all ahwe ah Dominicans. Your statement was misspoken rather than misunderstood..but it’s commendable that you recognize that and tried to make amends..unlike Skerrit, that is never wrong.

  63. March 15, 2017

    Once again here is another example of people of people not being appreciated by their own. We as a people never seem to appreciate our own because we believe and has been taught to believe that any thing foreign is better than ours. And what makes it worse is when it comes from people in authority. Secondly he did not even apologize but instead is implying that his words were misinterpreted. Come on my brother be a man and own up to your mistakes and apologize already. But I will not hold my breath because that is the modes operandi of this government. Sad but true.

  64. zandoli
    March 15, 2017

    Robert you should stand by what you said. It may not be universally true that locals would not have managed the project properly, but I have see projects done by local contractors which went on for ever and a day.

    That Belfast bridge next to DCP took well over a year to be constructed. Tonge may have been too general in his statement, but there is a kernel of truth to what he said.

    • jonathan st jean
      March 15, 2017

      Not all locally contracted jobs go on for ever and a day.When the wrong person is given a job because they are “red” and not because of competence what do you expect delays and cost overruns

      • zandoli
        March 17, 2017

        I have no argument with you. As I said, Tonge’s statement was too broad and was not universally true.

  65. Lang Mama
    March 15, 2017

    Robert if you had only appologize without this rubbish about your statement being misinterpreted,I would have given condiderable credit but you have further destroyed your character by suggesting that you were misunderstood. A real man own up to his errors without blaming others and this is exactly whst is very wro g with the gang thst Robert Tong is rolling with. Too much hubris and arrogance.

  66. Anonymous
    March 15, 2017

    Partner I think you should step down for making such a disgraceful statement about your own people. Your nonsensical explanation does not cut it. It’s really sad to see all of all you hating on your countrymen for political expediency. Take your foolish infantile declaration and your foolish explanation and go.

    • March 15, 2017

      Skerrit have money spreading around and he has let loose his ministers to spread the bull to go with it, but Dominicans ask to be treated that way because they accept such nonsense from these guys .

  67. Just looking
    March 15, 2017

    Robbie I’ve know you for well over 20 years since you were being groomed by your Dad which is a well respected honorable man, in my opinion. I don’t know why in God’s name you join this deceitful bunch and compromise you and your families integrity. Recently the statements you make just don’t look like you for those who know you will attest to that. I firmly believe you are just toeing you leader line. Brother you are much more than that, your family success was from a humble beginning. Take a page from your fathers book and get out of that mess. If your friends you keep can’t grow you and add value it’s time to part ways. Protect you and your parents image and self respect.

  68. Diana
    March 15, 2017

    Does he regret the statement or not? The above does not express regret, it seeks to make excuses and justify. FAIL!

  69. Zead lloyd
    March 15, 2017

    Glad to hear

  70. Ideal
    March 15, 2017

    “Tonge said his statement was misunderstood”. Now you calling Dominicans dummies as if we can’t understand english? We heard what you said “Dominicans are not smart enough to run the island, just to remind you Mr. Tonge your Labour party is in charge and that does not say much about you all. Why don’t you guys resign and let the intelligent and smart Dominicans take charge. Do you guys think before you speak? That’s what educated people do.

  71. Erasmus B. Black
    March 15, 2017

    Thank you Minister Tonge for your comments. Indeed, you may be on to something important here because you are part and parcel of a Local group that has mismanaged the country for the last 17 years. This is why we need a change. Thank you.

  72. Dissapointed
    March 15, 2017

    Robbie, the English language may be be indeed complicated. However, your statement was pretty strait forward and certainly left no room for misunderstanding. The spoken word happens to be one of those things like a sent arrow, that cannot be taken back. Admit it you were caught you with your pants down. Is it now a case of you being influenced by your associates. “THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK” IS STILL AN APPROACH THAT IS ENCOURAGED. MAYBE YOU SHOULD STEP BACK AND DO MORE OF THAT BEFORE YOU END UP PUTTING YOUR FOOT IN YOUR MOUTH AS YOU DID THIS TIME.

  73. Locs Girl
    March 15, 2017

    Loose lips sink ships.

  74. ????????
    March 15, 2017

    Chupeees. Shame on you.
    Since Labour party in power all contracts are for laborites or foreigners.
    Just check around Mr. Minister and you will see that there are many highly qualified engineers in Dominica who could manage and build that bridge. But they will never get the contract because they are not labour party supporters.

    Shame on you Mr. Minister for supporting such injustice and victimization. I expected better from you.

  75. Me myself & I
    March 15, 2017

    You too NUFF and u not even in deep yet… damn Skerrit release him … he’s too weak minded rotfl.

  76. jihan
    March 15, 2017

    You should never apologize you meant what you said,many of our people lack that,most of the material would have been stolen already.

  77. Amarossa
    March 15, 2017

    Robbie, nice back-pedal.

    Because you realize we wouldn’t support Fast Cash and Tonge Inc group of businesses anymore!

    So if that’s not what you meant, what DID you mean? :-?

  78. Jonathan St Jean
    March 15, 2017

    Tongue you are talking from both sides of your mouth Management of the bridge project is different from the work on the ground and you say that the work was not washed away and it’s being done by Dominicanns.Yet you are implying that Dominican tradesmen don’t do quality work.What are you saying Tongue.You are a disgrace to disparage your own people like that.It proves that Skerritt was wrong to give to the management of the bridge project and the contract to the Bajan firm instead of a Dominican one and there is no justification for it.Shamevon you guys who hate Dominica and Dominicans

    • Me
      March 16, 2017

      Tongue in cheek!!

  79. Rosie
    March 15, 2017

    Robert Disappointment Tonge, your original insulting statement still stands, you still believe that Dominicans are incapable of managing a project of that type, where a Foreign Contractor is given EIGHTEEN MILLION DOLLARS ($18,000,000.00) to do a project that should not cost more than TWELVE MILLION DOLLARS ($12,000,000.00), an extra NET profit of SIX MILLION DOLLAR ($6,000,000.00), tax free, VAT free plus their normal profit on the real price and you, Robert Tonge, want to insult Dominicans that they could not deliver a project like that?
    Any Dominican Contractor with a brain could deliver this project, if given the same amount of money. We would do like a Senior Counsel and buy our services from the U.K. because the PRICE IS RIGHT.
    It would be interesting to know what is Robert Tonge’s stake in that project. Does he have a stake? To make this statement as a government minister is strange, because the project is not yet completed and there is still time for a conflict. Disgusting.

  80. From the outside looking in
    March 15, 2017

    Stop digging the hole !!!

  81. LIL
    March 15, 2017

    It’s a freudian slip. Own it! You said what you thought about your fellow citizen. You aren’t the first public official to do so, sadly.

  82. Papa Bondieu
    March 15, 2017

    You were once my boy but then since you joined that cabal government you became a

    Please listen to speeches from diplomats like the Honorable Joseph Isaac and learn.

  83. Music Producer
    March 15, 2017

    I regret this, I regret that…WTH is wrong with these guys! Allu need to regret putting DA in such a bad and vulnerable situation. 8-O

  84. Clinging on to power
    March 15, 2017

    What utter bufffonery if you have no problem with the quality of work of local contractors then why not allow them to bid for the contract? This entire cabinet need to hand in their resignation with immediate effect, time for talk is long been over!!!

  85. Alice
    March 15, 2017

    Sackway topeh Curtis tongue control your son

  86. Dominican
    March 15, 2017

    Nothing to regret MR Tonge, the locals tief all the money and project never finish. At least with the foreigners the projects get done. No shame in saying that but you are a polite person so I will say it, locals tief the money and never finish

  87. Chanter
    March 15, 2017

    Admin: can we get the quote from Mr. Tonge please?

    Mr. Tonge; the prayers have you dayparlaying. There’s more to come!!!

    Mr. Tonge you told us at the opening of this year’s carnival that “the money that was sent back is money that was placed on hold” in reference to the CBI money saga. Please explain to us why the money was put on hold and subsequently sent back.

    I thank you.

    • James Charles
      March 15, 2017

      The quote is included in the article…

  88. Tjebe fort
    March 15, 2017

    Robbie you are immature ti fwere. Time to grow up my boy. If you are apologising I accept it but p[lease, be more sensitive next time.

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