Former executive director of the Dominica Festivals Committee (DFC), local musician and entertainer, Val “Young Bull” Cuffy, has said he wants clarification on a matter involving musical icon, Gordon Henderson, and his appearance and honoring at this year’s World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).
“As one of Dominica’s leading entertainers and musicians, a patriot and a former Executive Director of DFC, I request clarification on the matter concerning Gordon Henderson and the staging of the 19th World Creole Music Festival,” he said.
It has been reported that Henderson was chosen to be honored at the staging of the festival but days before the line up was announced, it was revealed that he was out and Ophelia, another musical icon, was picked instead. The Sun Newspaper reported that its sources said Henderson was dropped because he did not support the authorities. Henderson himself has said that he has been politically attacked over the past 14 years and the opposition United Workers Party has condemned what it described as “political victimization” of Henderson.
Cuffy is of the opinion that both Henderson and Ophelia should not be ‘dragged into controversy.’
“Both Gordon Henderson and Ophelia Marie do not deserve to have their outstanding contributions to the musical industry of Dominica and Dominicans as a whole dragged into controversy over a single matter,” he noted.
He said there are a few questions that he is putting on the table that require “professional answers.”
They are: was Gordon Henderson slated to be this year’s honoree? Was he dropped? Why wasn’t he informed of this in advance? Is there a plan to honor him in a bigger way, at the next festival?
“Further, why wasn’t Mr. Henderson informed that he would have been this year’s honoree when it hasn’t been confirmed and having been so informed, why wasn’t Mr. Henderson informed in advance that he was being replaced?” Cuffy queried.
He described this as a matter of “courtesy and respect” adding that “there is no way that this level of administrative incompetence should be allowed to recur.”
Cuffy, who recently called for more respect for local artistes, lamented that the matter has the potential to create great controversy and the works of both Ophelia and Henderson should “never be allowed to be trivialized,” because “great Dominicans are born here, they have caused the name of Dominica to be proudly known everywhere and they ought to be properly recognized.”
He said as the country looks forward to the staging of the festival and “we need to display more maturity, and try to make the WCMF the best that it should be.”
When questioned on alleged political meddling in the matter, Cuffy said that he was in no position to say whether this is true or not but, “if it is so, it is regrettable and I am hoping that it is not so.”
Although there are no words from the authorities on the matter, he noted that, in his opinion, there is no reason why Ophelia should not accept the honor and he is concerned of the silence of the members of the music fraternity on Dominica.
DNO contacted Daryl Bobb, a member of The Association of Music Professionals (AMP) for his opinion but he said he had inadequate information on the matter and declined comment.
While not mentioning Henderson, another member of AMP and local singing sensation, Michele Henderson, wrote on her Facebook page: “one day people, one day we will come to realise the value of art and the gifted people who produce it… we will learn to recognize true patriotism and even if we disagree with a patriot’s position we can continue to respect his invaluable contributions. Sadly I may not see that day dawn in my land but hopefully my grand children will…”
She also said she has supported Henderson all her life.
standing in solidarity for a cause is something the Dominica public has no concept
I am wondering as a former executive director of Dfc wether some of the questions he is asking ,he should be answering.i believe he could inform us about the the selection process,so we would be in a better position to make our contributions.every body hiding information,so they could play important. We Dominicans just keep making statements with no information.Val cuffy could just give us at least some basis information on the selection process.
8
I think every Musician and Creative Arts person in Dominica should have and opinion on what has happen to Mr Henderson. They should also let there voice be heard in the media, let people know how they feel about it.I hope they do not take the $500g the PM gave as hush money
Val thank you,Daryl Bobb is a sell out,the 500.000 Skerrit gave him so he no longer sings about him,I will be boycotting the kINGS OF KINGS THIS WEEKEND.So i will not have to see this sell out Bobb.
While Skerritt and his DLP Gov’t continue to treat fellow Dominicans with contempt, disrespect and arrogance, he and his Cabal carves out 15 acres of our land from Cabrits National park and gives that to Range Development, a foreign concern, plus our passports to sell.
The area where our local PWC have operated for years, building Dominica’s roads and doing other important works, The Gov’t has also given that land to the Chinese to build hotel. Skerritt even sign a US$300 million loan, from a private Chinese firm, part to build their hotel. But that loan Dominicans have to pay it back. Hotel would not be ours if built.
How many foreigners were given our diplomatic passports, given diplomatic immunity. How many selling passports. Millions making.
See the treatment to our local musical, patriotic icon. Remember King Dice forced to sing old road march songs at 2014 WCMF?
Skerritt knew Gordon was iced. Met with musicians to fool them about $500,000…
Ophelia is an international super star, but notice how recently Mark Marie has been grovelling at the feet of Skerrit. It is clear today that in Dominica reward is based on Skerrit and not on merit. May God deliver us from this evil.
Hope everyone remembers that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. So those thinking of boycotting, there will also be a reaction to that. If an international event can be so affected by one man’s non-selection for an award, then maybe that event should be discontinued. Why would a country depend on a major event that could be so easily brought down by man?
If the show does not go on because of this very poor selection process (compare process with selection of persons for an Oscar in the U.S.A.), then it is time to look carefully at the pros and cons of the event.
Mr Cuffy what kind of clarification are you wait for? Haven’t you read the article by Leroy Charles, Chairman of the Band Selecting Committee? What more do you want? Mr Cuffy I would advice you to persuade other Bands and artists to boycott this year’s World Creole Festival as a respect to the way Gordon Henderson was treated by this dictator. I need not go into details as to how his festival came about. You are too aware. The same can be said about the Waitukubuli trail. It’s not a question of agreeing to disagree by this lunatic. I think that all true loving Dominicans who appreciate the true value of our brothers and sisters in promoting our culture should stay away from this year’s festival.
Dave, may it would be god to go into detail of how the festival came about, because the man who brought it about his name is not mentioned at all; every body is taking credit for his brain child.
(I doh want to take about it) because the link will come straight back to my Klan, since his grandmother is from Wesley, was born with a name like “Telemaque” who just happens to be my late aunt, she lived in New Town! Soon from now that Mountain Chicken brain mentality Me Almost Nearly Cousin Skerrit, go take all de credit eh!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaha!
I personally beilieve that Ophelia should not have accepted to be Mr. Henderson’s replacement esp not as the circumstances surrounding her after-refused consideration is brought to the surface. She should have rather stood in solidarity with her fellow colleague in the music industry….big up the Devine Song and Michelle Henderson for your solidarity comments on your respective facebook pages…..It is a shame that in a country that ballyhooes itself as being democratic a man is being victimized for his opposing viewpoints about the government and tgeir quwstionable practices, and I am reading silly comments from political acolytes that the man has brought it on himself for speaking out publicly about a regime whose ideologies he doesnot espoused….then, what is so democratic in a country where its citizens have such shallow, lopsided thoughts.
Gordon is already appreciated by Dominicans and other people in different areas of the globe. A political award is of no consequence to a talented individual like himself.
for all you foolish Dominican that saying to boycott the world creole festival, let me tell you something. You are not doing it for the government of Dominica if you boycott the great show in the world.. you are doing to yourselves. You are boycotting all the entrepreneurs that wait an entire year to make an some ,money. You will show how incompetent you guys are in handle one of the worlds greatest shows. Haiti wants to hold it, why not just hand it over to them. You are not thinking about the amount of revenue the stores the airline company, beverage company and many more would lose due to this stupid idea. Politics has taken over you all ability to stay focus and develop your nation. the Government is not only the reason why this place is at a stand still. It is you the people. stop promoting evil and wicked doing and develop your nation. So sad to me
his is the same skerrit who offer the olive branch after the election, this is the same skerrit who is azking for unity on the piece ofrockhis unknown father willed to him, this is the same man who is victimizing his opponents, this is the same skerrit caling Dominican global citizen, this is the same skerrit who gave thousands of dollars to Dominican all over the place to vote for his party, today this same skerrit is doing all in his power for a civil war in Dominica, the same skerrit today is depriving Mr Gordon, Henderson the privilege of receiving an award in the land of his birth. Skerrit your day will come all the millions you reaping from Dominica you will not enjoy it , the blood of Dominica and Dominican those whom you are victimizing wil torment myou and your household just a matter of them skerrit, just a matter of time for your karma, the lodge will not save you, the knighthood cult will not save you, your lies and curruption will not save you, time will tell skerrit
Where is Denis Joseph in all this.. he should be the best person to clarify this situation. After all he knows all the inklings which constitutes the subject of a victimised person. I am sure given his extensive knowledge in cadence and Calypso he will be able without a doubt to analyse, dissect and come to a conclusion of exactly what took place and how it should be rectified….
Just Denis
I think you people are not seeing the bigger picture. I don’t think gordon henderson cares about an award. I think he is concerned about the disrespect in not informing him that he was no longer up for the award.
Ophelia was to receive her award next year. It’s quite natural that if gordo n was no longer up, she would be next in line. This is not ophelia accepting gordon’s quWass. We must really loom at the bigger picture. Personally I have been to gordon’s home in Dominica (long ago) and the amount of awards Mr have, a room is not enough for it. This is not about the man receiving pr not receiving an award for jah sake. Stop pretending like you don’t see the bigger picture here which is politics have no place in music.
am in d us this year I boycotting this year
It would appear many Dominicans are being convinced, Hon. Linton and UWP, Blessings, Coipel, Alleyne, Arondale and other patriots only cannot save Dominica. They have began to speak, as a result, I wish to thank Val Bull Coffee for being frank and fearless. However, I am disappointed, we have not heard the voices of Ian Douglas, parliamentary rep. for the hometown of Gordon. Mr. Depex, Fitzroy Williams, Chubby, Ophelia and her Hubby, Bobb, to name a few, in support of Mr. Gordon Henderson. Mr. Letang has indicated he intends to shut down the country because of the manner the PWD workers have been treated in recent times, therefore, all those supporters of Mr. Henderson, Mr. Ossie Lewis, Mr. James, security officer of Melvilehall Airport, the Salisbury people, have a great opportunity to give Mr. Thomas Letang their fullest support and teach Skeritt and the Government that the people’s power are always greater than the Government in power.
Ophelia resides in Dominica and has a business here and needless to say she is well loved by all. Gordon has a house in France and also in America please educate me where in Dominica does he employ anyone JUST ASKING
You see YB, although I don’t care for either color, It seems to me Gordon went running his mouth on FB, tweeter whatever about Skeritt gov’t. If you don’t want to be victimized by politicians like Fela Kuti was, stay out of open politics, and just mask your opinion in songs.
By the way…. You didn’t seem to show much respect to the Kinds of Cadence Lypso ‘Midnight Groovers’ as former DFC chief for their contribution?.. Natalie was big in that respect, aided by Wadix (who they are trying to make the fall guy) You had every opportunity to respect the legends. Go figure people like you out.
“Former DFC executive director wants clarification…” FORMER being the operative word, NO CLARIFICATION is owed to you. Keep it moving!
The boycott would be very effective, however as a people we are not united, we say one thing but when it comes to practical actions we become devided.
The Chronicle is right!!
I see nothing wrong with the article. The fact is as a true UWPite Gordon wants to make political mileage of everything.
Three questions.?
1. Why was his guitar playing icon removed from the WCMF logo.
2. The last time he performed on at the WCMF, did he refuse to perform until he received his asking price although he had a
contracted price.?
3. What guarantee did the WCMF had that he would not repeat his same trick?
wait but,that is not the same val that was involve in some boobol scheme some time ago,gason last jeuwe choudere.ca deu bourdi neuw
Skerrit had a motive and knew exactly why and what he was doing, when he gave the musical association that half a million dollars. Darly Bobb praised and glorified skerrit for buying the association with tax payers money to control and dictate their ever move as he is doing to the village councilors all over the island, thd national radio station, the police, kairi ect, he is presently tavefting4 the sports asociation, I am wondering if the football saga had something to do with his latest move, since he cannot control the football association by putting his boys to run the association. Skerrit need to know that because he is selling Dominican and Dominica those who condone his lies, his corruption his dictatorship, his evil and he doing all in his power to mute Dominican there are many of us Including Mr Henderson who is not for sale and in keeping it real will denounce his corruption, his dictatorship, his lies, and his bull, I stand in solidarity with Gordon
How much lower can you people get in Dominica. Dominicans open your eyes Val ks lloking to full his pocket of your backs. How many schoolarships has he given any children let me answer none.
You knowDominica will remain backward ever through your small minds.
Well I have never seen the likes, so
wonders will never cease. I beg God to take out the generational curses. May our people be cleansed.
Back to fundamentals my dad would say!
Ophelia and Marie taught me in High school. They show as a proud couple decline the offer and let skerrit take it himself .He can do his cock dance ( remember Lorraine Bannis wanted us put it on CDs and sell it in the diaspora??? LMAO) he did in 2006 for independence and challenged the other joker who was on stage & in-charge 1995-2000
So Mrs O Marie first lady of creole we no you are wholly female but please find the balls/cojones or C.O Jones 2 tell Medard et Al go 2 hell with their award. Then will begin an avalanche of decent and the fall of a STUPID handicapped regime.
We can then elect you Madam President you got more than is needed despite what most peeps in DA think you are. You are educated studiated and talented so that puts U a cut above all in opposition & this thing we have now as Gov’t.
DNO contacted Daryl Bobb, a member of The Association of Music Professionals (AMP) for his opinion but he said he had inadequate information on the matter and declined comment.
How do You expect the Bob to comment when He was recently part of a 500,000 Dollar Bah Bou Chette?
By now everyone should know the mode of operation of this Administration.When You get paid you cannot speak freely because you have been incorporated into the corruption .
Ophelia will also take part in Carifta in Haiti from21-30 August, as the sole representative of Dominica.
I don’t know who is responsible for paying her fees but since this falls under the auspices of Caricom it is unlikely her participation could take place without the official approval of our Govt
Another typical example of Mr. Unity, who exhorts us all to work together and in the mean time plays friend against friend, foe against friend and foe against foe and revels in it. Don’t think he is receptive to any criticism, except for his ego getting bruised perhaps. It simply is not in the man, his characteristics are permanently embedded in his genes and the only time things will change in Dominica will be when he departs office.
Don’t worry about Ophelia, She is old and wise enough to take care of herself and not be used as a playball. I’m sure Gordon would have advised her accordingly.
Sorry, I meant to say Carifesta of course. My mistake entirely.
Mr Cuffy…..there is a single explanation. What was a simple choice of accepting one cultural icon out of two was made into a controversy because of oppositionites attitude towards women. That is all the explanation that is required. The submission favoured Gordon the Government favoured Mrs Marie, a lady.
Is the Creole Music Festival funded by the government of Dominica?
If so then he who pays the piper calls the tune.
Of course. It’s a freebie for the VIPS.
like i have always said, it does not matter what your profession. whether a dominican is a farmer, police officer, doctor, fisherman, priest, singer. performer, paro, criminal, dog, cat, parrot, etc. As long a person does not agree with this labour government. You will be targeted, victimize,marginalize, fired, arrested, etc. etc. As for mr. cuffy, when this government stopped and arrested tommy lee at the airport. Whether people like him or or his music or not, where was he and the fraternity
Daryl Bobb, you’re a great disappointment to every local musician. How can you not have an opinion on something of this nature? It’s right up your alley. Just incompetent. Now, regardless of whether or not the iconic Ophelia Marie supports the DLP, she needs to do the right thing in this situation. It will be interesting to see how she handles this. I just don’t understand how so many local musicians are voicing their opinions on the need for seriously developing Dominica’s music industry and more respect for Dominican artistes but they’re so “moomoo” on the Gordon Henderson issue. A pack of jokers. Bloody shame.
Dominicans need a Government who is smart and engaging. To much politics in every day life in DA. Dominica will only move forward when our leaders learn to grow up.
GOOD that you have the courage to speak out brother. So many Dominicans are Moo Moo when they are in a position to speak! Skerrit will not answer, BUT YOU HAVE SPOKEN! NUFF RESPECT!!!!
What sort of clarification you are looking for, and from whom?
If you are not simply trying to get noticed, while pretending to be over important, you will recall in Henderson’s article he mentioned a personal grudge Skerrit is holding against him. With that said you should realize that is all the explanation, and clarification you need, that’s all you will get!
Francisco… …….You hit the nail on the head except that grudge seem to be personal and mutual between those two. Like Gordon said it has been going on for 14 years. I do not see why this is such a big deal. To me the reaction is childish. Its like a big brother is vex because mommy gave the only cookie to his little sister. Big brother felt he is over important and should always receive preferred treatment. Big brother will go on the warpath and complain because he is disappointed.
“that grudge seem to be personal and mutual between those two.”
The grudge can be personal, that is between them; they can either bury the hatchet, and not compelled to be friends, nor maintain a friendship. Nevertheless, we should never allow our personal feelings to allow us to cause harm to others simply because they do not corroborate with our methods of operating.
I have a personal vendetta against that boy Skerrit right now, and I suppose he knows why, but in the natural I would never do anything to deprive that crapo, that Mountain Chicken mentality brain Skerrit any honor he deserve. He should be a bigger man than that and allow the honor to be bestowed on Henderson, because he is deserving, and politics should be part of it!
Francisco Telemacque you said “you will recall in Henderson’s article he mentioned a personal grudge Skerrit is holding against him” It is factual that he wrote this in his article but it does not mean what he said is true.
In fact let’s not go down that road because it is more likely that Gordon is holding grudges personal and otherwise against the PM.
It seems that the Young Bull is asking questions for which he already has the answer.
You know we can try to put on a spin as much as we like on the matter; however, the truth cannot be hidden, we can lie and try to make it sound truthful, the truth of whatever the matter will prevail.
In Gordon Henderson’s case, the truth is obvious and is prevailing; if any musician in Dominica deserve such honor, Gordon is more deserving than they all. Any musician who was capable of giving Dominica a sound, a musical rendition as he has done deserve to be honored.
the man is a musical genus, I remember when I lived in Antigua, he used to visit on Kentish Road with a guy who played trumpt along with him, I believe he is brother to Vivian Richards (former WI cricket player and captain). I had a business a few feet from where he visited, the guy who played with him in Guadeloupe would come by and we would talk about Gordon and his music, if he was capable to get an Antiguan interested in playing Dominica music, there must be something special about Gordon!
WAY way way…… you Francisco again…… disrespectful. You want persons to respect yours… why not respect another. Anything that is said against the Pm you support without being objective. Val has not said anything that would purport that he sides anyone. Francisco time to emancipate yourself from hatred slavery. You are only hurting you self … those attitude can get one sick.
I respect people (thing). I do respect the opinions of others, nevertheless, they cannot convince me with anything positive pertaining to Me Almost Nearly Cousin: Roosevelt Mountain Chicken Crapo mentality Skerrit!
The worst thing anybody can do to me is lie to me. Skerrit lied to me as such I will fight, engage him in combat for the rest of the years both he and I have to live on this earth.
And I tell you what, I will haunt him in his grave oui!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
I supported him whole heartedly, I dot ridicule and eve got threatened because I supported that man, he lied to be caused me to turn on nu! I can be a very good and loyal friend, but I can also become ones worst nightmare, I can become very dangerous, and rootless too! Right now I am that mountain chicken crapo nightmare.
Let us plan a massive boycott.
let skerrit and his clan alone go to the WMC
let us show Skerrit that THE POWER OF THE PEOPle IS GREATER THAN THE PEOPLE IN POWER.
I support your opinion1000%! Dominicans need to come together because we hold the thrump card…let cabinet alone go and wine and dine in the park. Let`s stand with Gordon Henderson!
you must be a crazy person,UWP had you all try that already,and failed,ophelia is alright for now,some other sweet time for henderson
you think you are hurting skerrit if you boycott creole festival? hahahahaha… that kind of language is so expected.
Good that val spoke out. I commend u mr. cuffy, as a former director and musician. the questions u asked are reasonable. Shame on Daryl Bobb, but i am not surprised. Coming events cast a shadow. I saw that coming from the time the pm in his usual arrogant style said he was going to take over the music business for a year, etc 500,000 thousand dollars etc, etc.
Mr Gordon Henderson, I love what you have done for DA, but there is a bothersome thought I have. You are a public figure, big time entertainer well known in the Caribbean..How the hell you could allow your self to get into politics, critical of the government in power…Well they taught you a lesson, Musicians bring unity among politicians, ask Bob Marley…YOU GOT CHECKMATE…I wish you the best
You probably never heard of Sweet Micky, Michel Martelly, now the President of Haiti, a supposed pal of Skerrit (…if the latter is capabable of having any real friends that is), who’s son has been afforded a podium performance at the WCMF. No, not Gordon but the son of Sweet Micky!
It is called a democracy.I wish there were more people like him.He is a true patriot.He calls it like he sees it.Being critical of the govt is common place in a democracy .Obviously he is not following blindly like others singing for their supper.
Dominica is a democratic country and the man has a right to call a spade a spade. This regime just seems to continue disappointing me with all this petty politics and hypocrisy… Causing division then extending olive branches with thorns
It is clear to all even the ignorant that U are face down.
This is an age of consequence 2004 -Present. reason why GH is using his status to educate peeps like U Facing sideways..
U ought to have benefited or -ing from this rogue regime to think otherwise. It people like U with their faces not only down but in the sand like an———————— begins with O and is a great big bird.
who did not take time out to vet this piece of………….. U fill in the blank and elect a ———————–
You need a political, sociological economic re-education.
So lets begin with assigned reading.
Grounding with my Brothers
How Europe underdeveloped Africa,
How long has the Train been gone.
Then after you have complete the aforementioned , you will be allowed to read my script for my book.
How the remnants of the Latifundists help skerrit to screw up DA
Hey face side ways ! maybe U had a stroke lol which not only twisted ur face but ur thought process. even ur eyesight maybe! So U maybe seeing things in the reverse.
But I also recommend Dr.Willy & Dr.Reviere/Parra help in ur orientation. Dr. Honey is no longer around to give a tim tim bois sec interpretation of our History in the third world. Moreover he has turned face up of late that’s why he is no longer on island. It looks like even he has come to the realization it’s an age of consequence.
He is a citizen of dominica and has the right to air his political views without the threat of victimization
You are a fool …almost 95% of the politicians were doing something else before doing politics ..so what?
How can you ask a musician who loves Dominica and free speech not to speak out against a corrupt government if he deems it necessary to do so? All intelligent Dominicans should be involved in politics in all necessary aspects whenever possible.
Well said , Mr. Val Cuffy. NO REGIME LAST FOREVER !!!
In my opinion some people wanted to create a controversy and congratulations it has happened. I am convinced that was done deliberately. Another let us get the Government and see how many names we can get Dominicans to call them. Give the Opposition some Press time. See how fast the Opposition UWP jumped on the bandwagon and had their say even if they knew or did not know the selection process. Is it because of the Government Budget Town Hall Meetings are being so successful so a distraction was necessary?
Why else was the expose so important at this time? Why if you must speak not after the Festival? Do we as Dominicans really want to see the demise of the Creole Festival to show the Government? Really? And that we will only hurt them not us? Truly?
If there were two recommendations and one was chosen, why all the fuss? if two are recommended why choose you and not the other? I mean both are brilliant and talented Dominican icons. Isn\’t that so?
You are very ignorant.Are you listening to yourself.UWP do not nominate the candidate.Stop being so politically ignorant.The event had to do with talent and not politics.The PM has no reason than the fact Gordon speaks his mind.Only kids behave that way.
Thomas …….Amen to that. The voice of reason. The Government did not just pull a name from a hat. They acted on a recommendation and the person chosen is well deserving. So far no one has said that Mrs Marie does not deserve the honour. So why the vexation.
“If there were two recommendations and one was chosen, why all the fuss? if two are recommended why choose you and not the other? I mean both are brilliant and talented Dominican icons. Isn\’t that so?”
Very important observation here, that both quaify but ONLY ONE could have been selected. If Henderson had been selected, would Q95 et al be as vociferous in their outrage that he was selectd over an equally highly qualified Ophelia? No, because he is in their camp.
Justice is only served when it serves the UWP and its associates.
But why are THEY so BLUE vex?
@Kid On The Block I guess they are so Blue vex because they are fed up of seeing you as a doggone doormat, sycophant and beggar maybe even a slave to a regime which Lies, CHEATS and STEALS. Your darn brainless and accomplished SACK SOT,learn to call a spade by its correct name!!!!!
You kid on the block, facks, turh, justic and your other fake alias, you need to go and take a plunge in one of Canada’s Great Lake, cause all your comments stinks. Just asking a question, are you one of Skerrit’s Passpirt Agents in Ontario Canada?. We have to put our political colours, the Red, Blue, Green and white asiide and call a spade a spade, what skerrit is doing to people who oppose his wrongdoings in Dominica, to Dominicans in and out of the island is wrong. Who the hell is skerrit for him to take it upon his ministry and himself to deprive Mr Gordon Henderson one of Dominica’s international icon to receive an award in Dominica his place of birth, also depriving Mr Henderson’s fans in and out of Dominica to celebrate this great achievement with him, this is a disgrace, and very disrespectful of skerrit and his cabinet, also those in the musical arena who supported skerrit in treating Mr Henderson like he is nobody. Ophelia should denounce skerrit and stand in…
You all not easy in Dominica.
Pastor bull, you and others must speak. But to allow the appearence of alleged interferance by persons known and unknown is not only petty and shameful to those involved. But by extention is an attack on freedom of opinion and freedom of Expression. our beautiful Country is in serious trouble, in my opinion Every thing is up side down and inside out, if i did`nt know better these types of occurrences would surprise me. But they Dont! cause im one who does not listen to rethoric and hot air BS. But looks at ones action, cause action speaks louder than words. Smh. Think of these things??????? I am Dominican! But Im crying, and feel sorry for our next generation, our history will not treat them kindly.
In my opinion some people wanted to create a controversy and congratulations it has happened. I am convinced that was done deliberately. Another let us get the Government and see how many names we can get Dominicans to call them. Give the Opposition some Press time. See how fast the Opposition UWP jumped on the bandwagon and had their say even if they knew or did not know the selection process. Is it because of the Government Budget Town Hall Meetings are being so successful so a distraction was necessary?
Why else was the expose so important at this time? Why if you must speak not after the Festival? Do we as Dominicans really want to see the demise of the Creole Festival to show the Government? Really? And that we will only hurt them not us? Truly?
If there were two recommendations and one was chosen, why all the fuss? if two are recommended why choose you and not the other? I mean both are brilliant and talented Dominican icons. Isn\’t that so?
Let us be objective for…
I sympathize with Val Cuffy but the govt. wil probably tell him that it is nothing to do with him, to mind his own business and there is very little he can say to that.
On the same subject: I find this week’s Chronicle front page story “Just Gordon being Gordon” demeaning and offensive, not only to Gordon Henderson, but to all who work within the creative arts. It is a sad reflection on the editorial standards of what was once a respected newspaper.
the chronicle has been bought, now the cabal is in control
Not necessarily, nobody forces you to buy the Chronicle, never mind read it.
From the 60’s when the Chronicle supported the oppositionites it was a good paper. Now it support the government in power it is bad. Change was a must. Now there is change.
I hope another newspaper headlines read: Skerret, just being Skerret.
Cuba is getting away from communism, should open the eyes of the dictator of DA.
National, regional, international boycott
Agree with you all Mr Henderson fans in the French Territories in Guadeloupe , Martinique and all over the globe including those in Dominica should boycott this year’s event, also regardless of what Mr Henderson said Ophelia should need to boycott the event and stand in solidarity with Mr Henderson, there Re many Guadeloupe Nationals expressing their disgust and disappointment with Skerrit and his miniters standing in solidarity with Mr Henderson, they were so excited and planned to go to Dominica to celebrate this occasion with their icon Fter hearing of the way Mr Henderson is being treated by his countryman and will be staying away from this event this year, the government of this tiny piece of rock is a disgrace, and is treated Dominican like nobody in the island, Dominicans need to put their party colours aside and stand in solidarity with Mr Henderson and boycott this year’s event, shame, shame, shame on those involved
So Marie Claude … your point …. so Ophelia no deserving? Your point…. 2 selected … 1 given. What you can probably say… be an exception and give 2 awards instead of one. They both have the French crowd behind them. Your point Marie Claude. Everything is politics or just against the Government. Make a suggestion. Way Papa all you the difficult people only trying to create conflict. When will this stop. When we do not agree with something, we should suggest alternative.
Should we not also stand with Ophelia?
I profoundly believe that Mr. Gordon Henderson was specifically targeted for victimization by those who are responsible for the approval of him being the recipient of that prestigious award. There are those who are aware of precisely what transpired but remain tight-lipped and unforthcoming about its veracity. Why in the world should we as a people condone such disgraceful behavior by people we look up to as leaders. The contributions by Mr. Gordon Henderson towards Dominica’s music is no doubt invaluable and of course legendary. There should never be any controversy centered around the process involving his approval for receiving such an award. The people and the institutions responsible should be ashamed for treating a Dominican Icon in that manner and to make it even more disturbing is the fact that it may have occurred because our political leaders decided to send a message of retribution to citizens with different political views. Childish behavior!
Well, I understood through the grape vine that Radio stations in Martinique and Guadeloupe in support of Gordon Henderson will not do any marketing for this year Creole Festival 2015 in Dominica, so Wadix don’t waste your time..
Here we go again…it never surprises me why Dominica is so backward and continues to remain the Poorest In The Eastern Caribbean block…the facts are dead on…too many Foolish citizens reside in Dominica!!
administrative incompetence, GarCon now u wake up man that is de norm in DA
Daryl Bobb, a member of Association of Music Professionals (AMP) for his opinion but he said he had inadequate information on the matter and declined comment.
Good one Bobb stay out of it don’t take a stand
Why do we wast so much time as bottom feeders asking for nothing instead of building a nation. We need job creators and people with brains to help us move forward. From 1978 we have not done enough in the thinking department, in the talking and begging department we have done much better. In the dreaming and salvation we are all getting ready to go meet our maker, that’s why we dont do any thinking on earth. We are all geniuses at doing nothing? I wonder when are we going to stop living in Kalamazoo land we dont even know where that place is. As a people are we ever going to wake up in the real world.
Lead by example……otherwise, shut the hell up!!!!
Is Ophelia a labourite?
I am just curious to identify a pattern in the activities of my Dominican comrades.
Yes she is, 95% of Pointe Mitchel Freedom people turn labour, pointe mitchel people always voted papa Moses including Ian and his entire family, hope ophelia do the rightful thing by boycotting the ceremony since she is a after reject nominee
Thanks all who have responded to my query.
My analysis is now complete.
In conclusion, if you are a labourite you could do well in Dominica, however if you happen to have other affiliations, then you are doomed in Dominica.
Unity, my foot! Exclusion, segregation, ostracization and victimisation, yes!
I will stand with Ophelia as long as she is standing up for the industry and nothing else, the DLP should not have put her in that position ever.. now do the right thing lady .
good question tracy, that what i wanted to know
Ophelia is a survivor
TRACY To answer your question please go back to the budget read by skerritt last month and read the comments on D N O that followed . Who was it who jumped for joy at the fact that the price of sugar that people need to feed their kids was going up . who earlier had called to have this tax imposed ? that was done months earlier I am left to wonder who’s idea that was
Hear you now…if Ophelia is a labourite. When will you all stop that foolishness. Ophelia is just as deserving as Gordon Henderson. Get grown … politics is finished until 2019. Then you will vote again but remember the majority wins regardless of who you vote. Only hatred and quarreling for the five years… make yourself do something for the country. Time for working for our country … trop hatred, jealousy and quarelling.