Dr. Benjamin calls on gov’t to provide housing for vagrants

Dr. Benjamin said vagrants are not allowed to stay at the hospital for long periods

Head of the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), Dr. Griffin Benjamin is calling on the government to provide housing for vagrants.

Speaking on Kairi FM’s Heng Programme on Tuesday he said the psychiatric unit is unable to house the vagrants for a long and extended period and it is government’s policy that vagrants should not be kept at the hospital.

“But it’s not a place to stay forever it’s not your home, it’s a hospital we have a ran a policy where we don’t keep people. It is not my job to give you a house to live I am not the government I am only the medical doctor working for the government,” said Benjamin.

Benjamin said he is only responsible for providing vagrants with medication and treatment.

“But if the government decide they not building any house for vagrant but they building houses for all pregnant women but not for vagrants, all women that can work, all old people who have families to take care of themselves they giving them all they want,” he stated. “Some women have nine and 10 children and the government thinks is their job to take care of these people with nine and 10 children walking the street, living their lives.”

He said that the government should provide assistance to those who are disabled and cannot take care of themselves.

“There are those who are disabled meaning their brain doesn’t allow them to take care of themselves that’s where government has to come in to take care of themselves that is where government has to come in,” he stated.

Benjamin added he is stepping forward to rehabilitate some of these vagrants so if a house is given to them they can actually enjoy the property and not destroy it.

“They are not going to work and find a house it is government duty to find a house and not at the psychiatric unit,” said Benjamin.

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77 Comments

  1. Anthony Ismael
    April 14, 2017

    With regards to vagrancy, we need to investigate and find out why they are vagrants. Is there mental health illness present? Are there substance abuse issues, loss and trauma, divorce etc. There are proven systematic methodologies out there that work and help those who are unable to cope with some of life’s stressors develop much needed coping skills.

  2. Anthony Ismael
    April 14, 2017

    The issues of vagrancy and mental health illnesses were conflated in this article. They are distinctly different issues. We have this crazy idea of simply giving away houses will change behavior. It will not. What we need is Supported Housing for patients with diagnosed mental health illnesses. In this type of housing arrangement, clients are placed in independent housing units, where they will be assigned a Case Manager and other supportive services who visits them in their homes, ensure that they’re ingesting their medication and meeting with treaters as needed. This form of housing is much cheaper compared to large housing facilities.

  3. Nature
    April 14, 2017

    Dr Benjamin is very right,this is one of the few people who have medicine at the best interest,if u really get to know Dr Benjamin he is very nice and sympathetic and wants the best for his patients,vagrants are not sick people and as a Dr u can’t admit or house a vagrant among sick people who are suffering from illness and want to get better are to home…APU is no different from the other wards,the patient are real n ill n needs treatment just like imray n Alford ward…

  4. Marcus Hill
    April 12, 2017

    Prioritise government assistance to those who can not help themselves is what the good doctor is saying. This is how it is done in civilized countries the world over but in Dominica things have changed.

    Pride means nothing.
    Begging and hand outs are acceptable behaviour
    Any criticism of government’s policy is now treason
    Victimisation is the norm
    Principles don’t count anymore
    Stealing is ok ones it is done by someone in authourity
    Supporters of the government constantly feel the need to sing for their supper

    And it will get much worse before it gets better. Mark my words!

  5. Marcus Hill
    April 12, 2017

    We need more fearless professionals like Dr. Benjamin. He certainly is not afraid to speak his mind regardless of the consequences.

    • April 13, 2017

      In Canada I see many homeless people in the city core loitering in the streets and parks especially during the late spring, summer, and early fall months who would be called vagrants. I am aware of the situation in Dominica from reading DNO. and know it is especially troublesome to those who think it bothers the tourists. However we should be more concerned about the vagrants themselves not what outsiders think.

      What we see is that many vagrants are unable to work for one reason or another. Most are beset by poverty. Some have serious mental health problems. Quite a few have an alcohol or drug problem. Besides their own burdens here in Canada they are frequently taken advantage of; sexually molested, robbed (of what little they have), or beaten. Sadly we sometimes hear of a homeless person being murdered, or dying in the street in the winter. In Dominica you do not have winter to contend with.

      • April 13, 2017

        Continuation:

        I have always thought our city churches should do more for vagrants. We sent money to foreign lands to support mission work and so we should. But what about the homeless and street people (vagrants) in our own country :?: Some church outreach work is being done but it is not enough. We need to think more in terms of counseling, treatment, training, and rehabilitation, not merely a band aide solution. For this more help would be required from the government.

        I agree that we need more fearless professionals like Dr. Benjamin who will take the initiative. Proper housing must be a priority. I congratulate this very capable physician for speaking out.
        May God bless him in his regular work from day to day, and whatever else he undertakes for
        the good of the underprivileged.

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill

  6. snowell
    April 12, 2017

    Jay

    You are a liar no such thing happened to you.

    • Jay....
      April 12, 2017

      O yes it did And I have the witness to prove it.

    • Jay....
      April 12, 2017

      And seeing that you have no idea of the person I am, please do not call me a liar. I have great trouble with that seeing that I am a Scorpio.

      • April 15, 2017

        Jay…

        I hope you are saying this in jest because I am a cancer.

        Anyway, I am not sure the planets dictate our character. If they do this would be altered if we are *born again*. Please read 2 Corinthians 5:17. However an honest person would be honest still because that is the Divine nature.

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

    • Jay....
      April 12, 2017

      And seeing that you have no idea of the kind of person I am, please do not call me a liar. I have issues with being called a liar. Being a Scorpio I have a real problem with lying.

  7. snowell
    April 12, 2017

    While I totally agree that people of disabilities should be housed in an appropriate environment and the government should indeed take on that responsibility. I disagree with his attitude towards the elderly and single mothers.
    Someone with his status is bringing himself own and sending maypwee God what next

  8. LABOUR
    April 11, 2017

    CBI Money will Build Home for them. Labour Working!

  9. ConFUSED2
    April 11, 2017

    You guys know exactly what the doctor id trying to say. What about the govt of the day build a rehab centre, so that the vagrants could be care for and also they get counsellling on drugs or alchol, come on stop defending mr skerrit and hi cabal

  10. TIna Alexander
    April 11, 2017

    There is an urgent need for a Half way House for vulnerable adults with mental health problems, whether rejected by their families or coming out of institutions such as prison, hospital or Youthquake.
    It would be a staffed unit providing food, shelter, clothing and occupation and preparing those who can to live independently.
    There is room for such a unit in the grounds of the New Grotto. It has a foundation already dug waiting for concrete. Judging by the cost of the dormitories already built it would cost about EC$400,000 to complete it and provide a unit for 16 men. On this occasion I agree with Dr Benji. An Acute Psychiatric Unit is not the right place for any individual to call home and the responsibility to care for the vulnerable unemployable is Government’s on behalf of Society the members of which work and pay their taxes.

  11. Friend of FET
    April 11, 2017

    Dear Dr Benjamin
    We know that your cousin who also happens to be my friend is a very wise man. Wise King Solomon had nothing on him. All his friends know by now that he have lots of degrees including degree in Health Science. I know personally that because of his wiseness he can loose patience with people like me. So that is why I’m asking you please if you can explain to him that vagrancy is not synonymous with mental illness. Even if some vagrants are treated at the mental unit, most of them live on the streets for plenty other reasons that may not even be close to mental illness. Being a vagrant does not automatically mean that you are mentally ill. Maybe you can explain it better than Me but I’m sure My friend FET will not mind. Thanks. you.

    • He who wish to make themselves a jackass at my expense, can go right ahead, but the joke is not on me it is on the idiot who fully confirm, I am a smart man; and that goes with question. I know, that I know I am smart!

      Vagrancy and mental illness are totally different things.

      Note: A vagrant is a person who has no established residence, and wanders idly from place to place without lawful, or visible means of support. A prostitute; or a habitual inebriated person (drunkard) conduct constitutes statutory vagrancy. A vagrant is one who is random, having no fixed course. What does that have to do with mental illness?

      I do not know who you think you are; but let me put you in your stupid place, I am not an idiot, when education was sharing I got mine, so there is nothing you can do to make a fool out of me! Here is how one defines mental disorder: In DSM-III-R a mental disorder is defined as a behavioral or psychological pattern that either has caused the individual…

      • Continue reading you will find out you are an idiot:

        In DSM-III-R a mental disorder is defined as a behavioral or psychological pattern that either has caused the individual distress, or disabled the individual in one or more significant areas of functioning.

        One must be able to infer that there is a genuine dysfunction, and not merely a disturbance between the individual, and society. I’ll leave it there for you to ponder, when you are finished look at your face in a mirror and say I have made a jackass of myself. If you are not an idiot, perhaps you will understand this. Here is a brief etiology: Peoples’s problems arise from an infinity of sources, nevertheless, certain problems are more reliable associated with particular causes or etiologies: i.e., psychodynamic theorists believe that anxiety aries from poorly repressed conflicts, and wishes. Knowing the diagnosis may tell something about the underlying cause if you think I am a nobody you are a fool!

        I do not have a…

    • Finally:

      I do not have a degree in psychiatry, I never made that claim but I challenge you or any psychiatrists to refute anything I stated from a medical scientific point view in this brief. I can mess up you mind up psychologically if I had the opportunity, don’t screw with people you do not know okay!

      You do not know me! And again I know who my friends are, I do not buy family or friends. Take your insults and shove them up where the sun don’t shine!

      Where in my comments you read anything that remotely gave you the impression that I claimed that vagrancy, and mental illness are synonymous? Synonymous simply means alike! Why don’t you just shut your dumb mouth!

  12. Let The Truth Be Told - Original
    April 11, 2017

    The matter of vagrancy and vagrants has been discussed. I suppose the government has not yet decided on a suitable location and rehabilitation, etc., for them. I visualize it will be a challenge to as much as keep them indoors day or night.
    Know that they love being out on the streets, roaming it and living in whatever manner they chose. It does not seem to bother them. They are looking for food and money. Yet, they are a nuisance in the D/can society since they harass those they see, begging for money. If they are not given they will use profane language and, they could be dangerous.
    Let us see what the government could do for them. They also need to be occupied fruitfully. Pray that something good will come out of it that, one day they will receive suitable housing and live a normal life.
    God help the effort to house them, feed them and to take good care of them.

  13. April 11, 2017

    I heard this comment done by Dr. Benjamin and am in support of just a place for the vagrance. the only thing who will care for them in the home. they will need medication because they will burn down the place. they too have relatives who can care for them. This is no such statement for discrimination of the Doctor. All the government need to do is take the advise. nut Doctor Benjamin needs to make the poposal

    • peculiar
      April 12, 2017

      Isnt he making one? smh

      • April 13, 2017

        No sir it is not. ,Dr. Benjamin is employed by the Government and any serious proposal he makes to government should be in writing not over the airwaves. Dr. Benjamin is playing politics.

    • April 15, 2017

      I expect most Dominicans would be in favor of this proposal with a wide enough majority to swing a federal vote. If the P.M. turned it down it would sad because most agreed this provision for vagrants is needed. Yet another M.D. presented the P.M. with a good idea only to be turned down. Until the government shows more interest Dominican professionals can not be expected to contribute much to a better Dominica.

      Many vagrants have alcohol problems. Many have mental health problems. Besides these issues many homeless people I see in the Toronto city core are robbed (of what little they have), some are beaten, others are sexually abused. We have had homeless people murdered in the streets.

      It is obvious safe housing is needed for vagrants in Dominica on a long term basis where they can also be treated since they cannot stay long term in hospitals. It is unlikely anybody in Dominica is better qualified to spearhead such a project than Dr. Benjamin.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

    • April 15, 2017

      I understand Dr. Benjamin has addressed the need verbally. To imply that he has not done so in writing is to run ahead of yourself. He may well have one so, or may yet do this.

      I am not a Dominican and have not yet been on the island. It is interesting how those who oppose my ministry which reaches world wide bray about the fact that I have not yet visited Dominica implying that I know nothing about Dominican society. If they knew my connections thy would feel foolish. However, I do not know the doctor except for DNO and from that I realise he is busy. He may be able to do more for
      the vagrants if he had more help from other professionals. Obviously this proposal represents a worthy cause that would not only help people. It would be a credit to Dominica.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  14. non ya business
    April 11, 2017

    How shameful and uncharitable! Is this how our so called “Professionals” think? Didn’t you take an oath as a medical practitioner? We all know that you are a supporter of the other party, since you made that so clear some years ago,but you do not have to look down your nose at the PM who is doing what the people of Dominica elected him to do ,which is, to help improve their lives.I am so happy that your country man has reminded you of all the skeletons hiding in your closet and maybe ours too! Tanto ! Tanto! Mr I have arrived.Time will surely tell!

    • %
      April 11, 2017

      Stop talking/writing/typing foolishness. This PM is the worst we have had. Incompetent, myopic, lazy etc. He is expired. He has the good name of Dominica in the worlds garbage bin with his association with people like Monfared, Corallo NGLapseng etc…He needs to Go! Go ! Go! His actions with the people mentioned above is despicable. He is shameless!!!
      SKERRIT MUST GO!

    • Living Abroad
      April 12, 2017

      I tried not to comment to this utter rubbish that you typed “non ya business”. First of all how are they thinking? Dr. Benjamine did not defame the Government character he is making a simple proposal that a housing system is put in place for vagrants. We can agree that there are alot of vagrants in Dominica, but once they are properly medicated they are in a better position to be calm or take care of themselves. You need to open your eyes. You are very foolish

  15. UDOHREADYET
    April 11, 2017

    Just when I thunk Dominican’s can’t be any more foolish… there it is.

    That is not a doctor that is learning from his experience and can offer any real solutions to issues affecting the people he supports.
    suggest more staff, better treatment, short term and long term, suggest ideas on how these men and women can contribute their time and energy.

    something… he’s just pointing the finger at the government which seems to be the trend while at the same time those very same small minded people blame the government for issues.

    you cannot ask someone for help and blame them for an issue they did not cause at the same time… its foolishness and irresponsible! a professional should not be this political.

    • FORKIT
      April 12, 2017

      thunk, really and you calling people foolish.

      • UDOHREADYET
        April 12, 2017

        yes, typo doesn’t make me sot, sot.

  16. Dan is de man in de Van
    April 11, 2017

    The first responsibility of any Government is to its Citizens…. its to its Citizens . Now u all dumb brains interpret as u please…

  17. B E B
    April 11, 2017

    All these vagrants have their families and people to look after them, why do u think that if these vagrants were to be placed in houses, what are the assurance that they wouldn’t set fires to these homes. Vagrants can eat from the gutters and that wouldn’t make them sick but if u and I would attempt to do that, surely, we are going to be sick, so these people made up their mind to live their lives, that’s what they will do even if one would put them in a palace.

  18. CONCERN CITIZEN
    April 11, 2017

    Homeless shelters for those in need. I agree 100%.

  19. xoxo
    April 11, 2017

    they vagrants have families too. so why they cant take care of them

  20. Jay....
    April 11, 2017

    O really. Talk is all it is. Talk about the vagrants for years now and still nothing is being done. I went to market on Saturday to buy my veg and I was harassed constantly by vagrants. Not a policeman in sight to help me. It took stall holders to intervene. I was called a racist and told to go back to the US, which I do not come from. I have been harassed by yellow, and told I am a whore and my mother should have drowned me at birth. I have been told that I should have my throat slit. Would I recommend anyone to come here to open a business or to live. NO. Just this Saturday past I was harassed by 5 vagrants. It is now getting really quite scary.

    • Roger Burnett
      April 11, 2017

      I was touched this morning to see that someone had left freshly wrapped bread alongside a sleeping vagrant. If I’m not harassed I sometimes give. Either way, I have always found Yellow understanding and her first concern is always about my family.

      Incidentally, I cannot recollect vagrants from when I first knew Dominica in the 1970’s.

      • Roger Burnett
        April 12, 2017

        I recommend George Orwell’s book “Down and Out in Paris and London” as a sympathetic first-hand account on vagrancy and destitution.

      • Titiwi
        April 12, 2017

        Roger, unfortunately this is a manifestation of the much- hyped next- level development.

    • Let The Truth Be Told - Original
      April 11, 2017

      I hope you filed a complaint with the police. These vagrants should be arrested. If they have mouth to tell you off and threaten you when begging you, they fully well know what they are saying. I deem them dangerous. What else will they not do? They should be arrested. Their actions should be considered serious enough to incarcerate them for a while. These types who cannot conduct themselves properly while out and harass others are a menace to society. The police should not ignore them.

  21. xoxo
    April 11, 2017

    what nonsense you talking benji. it not the first time they have tried to provide shelter for them. you know well they wont stay. what you want, to chain them in the building.

  22. Griffin, my intention is not to try to contradict you in any way shape or form, because you have the medical degree in psychiatric, I do not. Nevertheless, I do know something about mental illness, and how most patients behave.

    The fact is whether government or any other entity, or individual provide housing facilities for the mentality ill that would not grantee the elimination of vagrancy in the country. Mentally ill people most of the time appears absolutely normal, their behavior appears normal, they will hold a normal conversation with you.

    However, within a matter of minuets of an acute unset, they will simply walk way from a palace, or set it on fire, whatever the mind dictates during acute onset they will execute what the mind dictates. Some people become vagrants by choice, in Dominica there are several factors which caused normal vagrancy.

    On the other hand you as a psychiatrist knows if someone is predisposed to chemical imbalances in the brain, born with such…

    • Continue:

      On the other hand you as a psychiatrist knows if someone is predisposed to chemical imbalances in the brain, born with such condition, which are usually hereditary, sometimes the medication used to treat their condition, makes them worst off ; they become more sick. I am not going to mention his name, but we had a relative, and when I say we, that means you too.

      Our cousin was born with this chemical imbalance, he tried to drown me when we were kids. He grew up, and lived a responsible life, first as an educator teaching School; and then he entered the Methodist Ministry, and served in countries out of Dominica, he studied in England, and earn degrees in theology such DD. He was in his early seventies; returned to Dominica, and became Superintend of the diocese. He eventually return home in Wesley, reside next door to where you and I grew up, where he also grew up!

      Three or four years ago one of his brothers had some insecticide, used for killing weeds. Our…

    • Finally:

      Three or four years ago one of his brothers had some insecticide, used for killing weeds. Our cousin a very brilliant man academically who lived with his mental issues, and functioned normally until that faithful day drank the insecticide and killed himself. This cousin of ours who taught a man who was in the same dormitory with you in Cuba, you know Jonathan Provost MD. I know you have left the village for a while, if you have a faint knowledge of the relative in question; you can ask Jonathan about him, or you can reach me via [email protected] I will fill you in!

      It is not so much private homes that are needed, but rather a modern mental asylum providing modern treatments to patients who are mentally ill, vagrancy is another thing, perhaps some employment will eliminate that! If there is any doubt in your mind I do not know what I am talking about. Note: I majored in Health Science also. Ask Jonathan sometimes I used to ask him to help me while I studied oui!…

      • Kermit
        April 11, 2017

        But Mr know it all you have a problem with everything!!! Awa wii.

      • April 11, 2017

        So Fransisco, Benjie turn his back on Wesley?

      • April 11, 2017

        Dr. Benjamin is making a political point. I am convinced he does not care a rat’s behind about these vagrants. We call them vagrants but they are mentally ill people. What I expected to hear from the good doctor was a call on government build an institution where these unfortunate individuals can be taken care of, instead he attempted to disqualify the government housing program.

      • But Amos how you fool so nuh! (only inWesley).

        Did I say the man turn his back on Wesley, why are you people so stupid, just because I am not dunce and stupid like most of you, you all want to cut my throat! I am not the one who caused you all to be educationally handicap.

        Keep writing fart, there are other dunce people who understands, and like such nonsense. I will continue to express myself in an intellectual way, because that is what I am capable of doing. Jealousy cannot fade me, neither can a computer, or a smart phone educate and make people some one who did not spend plenty of time in school smart.

        If one does not have any academical background; a smart phone or computer will not give anybody academical knowledge, you only get that from college, and universities!

      • April 12, 2017

        Please return Hunt road…..It is not yours….

      • April 12, 2017

        Ma John left the earth with mental issues.. you should have saved the poor old 104 year woman by giving back her…….. Fill in the blank

      • If you think you know about my grandmother you know nothing. My grandmother, was not 104 years when she died!

        Since you are another disgusting dirty dog, be informed she was born on the first day of January 1890, and expired in 1993; making her 103 years old when she died! As far as I know she died of natural causes with all her mental faculties in tack, and functional.

        And mind you, she gave me her blessings the last time we spoke prior to her leaving this earth. The last thing my grandmother told me, when I told her I was leaving she to me “after this day, if we never see and speak again, don’t worry about, you have always been a good and respectful child to me; and God will always bless you.” So, run you all mouth of, I took care of both my grandmother, and mother to the day they died.

        I paid the late Felisha Oman to look after my mother, and grandmother, and there were relatives such an my late aunt Veronica Linton looking about my mother and grandmother. Also a lady…

      • Continue:

        Also a lady Julia freely volunteered to look after them, all because me! As for the dirt rat,who said give back hunt if you could read and write I might give the land to you, but as long as you live, you can crawl like the dog you will not set foot on. When I die my Sons and daughters, and my late brother Almoor Children will do what they wish with it. My sister Marie, and her son McDonald (Hansey) can do whatever they wish on it. Spread the word!

        You all have nothing to say about me that can humiliate me, while some of you pretending to know me and my parent did not move one finger tohelp! I am above your garbage, live in your hog dung; If those of you who are talking about my grandmother, and land are related to me be informed I do not care about you all, the reason is that you all are ignorant, and I do not want to have anything to do with you all; the land has been a nightmare in your life’s, you all will walk past it, and cannot set foot on it!

        I am not even…

      • Finally:

        I am not even interested in sending anymore money to my 83 year old sister anymore, because no matter what amount of money I send to her; you all thief it from her, what a shame! I been sending money for her to repair her house so that she can live half way decent, you all thief the money every time: waiting on Skerrit to give her house! To hell with you all! I don;t need you all, I do not want anything from not one of you in Wesley, if anything I have enough to give, which none of you will get.

        HI might help McDonald because he have one arm, but the rest of I could care less about!

      • April 14, 2017

        Fransisco, referring to Dr. Benjamin you wrote ..”I know you have left the village for a while. …”Garson live and enjoy your life.

    • UDOHREADYET
      April 11, 2017

      good one telemaque!

      well stated!

  23. follow the crumbs
    April 11, 2017

    do the vagrants vote? not so sure if most are registered at all. That is not their concern. Keep in mind Dr. Benjamin, anyone who speaks out against the government or complains or points out any lack of doing or inefficiency will be actively victimized by the government through the police force as well as DLP supporters. Look at what happened to Dr. Christian and Thompson, both arrested and had their tires slashed. be careful.

    • My 2 Cents
      April 11, 2017

      The doc. is trying to have a sensible discussion can you leave your petty and stupid politics out of this.

      • C, Dodds
        April 12, 2017

        No Sir. he is rude and out of place. he is making a case for he vagrants. He is also criticizing governments policy to provide housing to some among us who are without their home and citing family/children support for their parents without a house as a disqualification. How many times we have heard Dr. Benjamin call upon the families of the vagrants and other mentally sick people to come forward and assist with the care of these people? he knows they have family members who are capable of just that. Today, just to criticize government, he saying in a not so subtle manner that government should stop build houses for people who have children and family who can pay the house rent, for ever and ever amen -never to have a house they can call their own and to build houses for the vagrants – the same vagrants he wants their family to come forward and care for. That is the blue partisan politics of a “professional” in all its ugliness

    • Fear of another common man is man’s greatest enemy!

      God said fear him who can destroy both the human body and soul. The government and their supports are not God! No one in the twenty-first century in a democracy should live in fear of victimization, by a government, or any dictator and their supports, and subject themselves to their dictates.

      Beign a doctor is one thing, playing partisan politics is another,if he failed to speak out he would be condoning everything that is wrong with our medical system!

      What the Sam’s and Benjamin have in their heads are more important than what the dunce politicians have in theirs. Medical doctors, who are not quacks stands between God and death where it pertains to the patients. God gave doctors a gift to help heal the sick, and they should be respected by the politicians most of whom has nothing in their heads.

      There are lots’s of Sam Christian and Griffin Benjamin who would rather be in their own practice, than to work for…

    • There are lots’s of Sam Christian and Griffin Benjamin who would rather be in their own practice, than to work for government living like a slave in fear of a government. Griffin is a living example of one who has no fear of victimization, and I am very proud of him.

  24. Kermit
    April 11, 2017

    Put them at your home. Most of them have family members and they don’t want them at their home why is Skerrit that have to put up with that. Man behave yourself

    • Joe
      April 11, 2017

      Hmmm let me think.. maybe it’s because he’s the head of the government… all sarcasm intended

  25. LuCClu
    April 11, 2017

    “But if the government decide they not building any house for vagrant but they building houses for all pregnant women but not for vagrants, all women that can work, all old people who have families to take care of themselves they giving them all they want,” he stated. “Some women have nine and 10 children and the government thinks is their job to take care of these people with nine and 10 children walking the street, living their lives.”

    Where has professionalism gone? Is this really a statement made by the head of a department? SMH Saints preserve us!!

  26. Erasmus B. Black
    April 11, 2017

    They need to stop the waste and put the money where it’s most needed, not where the “caretakers” might pick up a few votes.

  27. Goopt
    April 11, 2017

    Boi benjamin u doe fraid they fire you??? U forget u in a state of non democracy garson? Papamet boi watch your back

  28. April 11, 2017

    The vagrants’ own families provide housing and amenities for them and they leave it to go roam the streets and sleep under the bridge in Roseau. Some of them sell all things in their families’ house at next to nothing rates. Most of these vagrants, their families are trying very hard but they’re sometimes too far gone to be normal again. You put them in a warm bed tonight, the next night, they’ll run out and go sleep on cold concrete. The government providing housing for people who have no desire to be rehabilitated is a waste.

  29. April 11, 2017

    What kind of old talk that nuh? The craziness contagious man?

  30. April 11, 2017

    Dr. Benjamin said this? Wow, very unbecoming of him. This is discrimination and bigotry at its best!! What is wrong with someone having nine and 10 children? Why is it your business how many children a woman decides she wants to have? Dr. Benjamin as if I find you out of place!!

  31. freedom fighter
    April 11, 2017

    Peeness, bugs and termites. :-P :-?

  32. Looking
    April 11, 2017

    Vagrants don’t vote!

    • %
      April 11, 2017

      Boy you were thinking exactly similar to me..Even if you bribe them today,tomorrow they forget you..They dont want galvanize or ply board either,so those evil doers dont bother about them..But Jerico wall must fall,and what a fall it SHALL be..We shall have a Thriving Dominica again.
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO!!!
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!

      • Hey
        April 11, 2017

        %% THE good Doc. Is referring to you. Since you are the biggest and highest ranking UWP official writing under different names you need to be in the Phycopath wing. HOLY WEEK look much controversy you are creating. Please Cardinal give the man HOLY WATER. % stop Skerro is praying. I Love Love love my PM.

      • April 15, 2017

        Not enough want him to go or they would have voted him out. Do you not understand democracy :?:

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  33. Annette
    April 11, 2017

    Well, Dr Benjamin, you will be a vagrant soon with that kind of talk

    • xoxo
      April 11, 2017

      you right annette, he must be loosing his mind

      • Goopt
        April 12, 2017

        You foolish labourit’s the man has his degree he is a professional …the man qualified. ..he don’t have to work here or go beg on wednesday like u foolish beggars.. you people are so dumb a government keep using u all for crumbs …foolish set of people

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