PM Skerrit condemns notion of ‘Red Clinic’ attendees being beggars

Prime Minister Skerrit has condemned what he describes as forces at work “to besmirch and undermine the good name of Dominica in the eyes of the region and the world.”

In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the prime minister said, “the sight of hundreds of persons outside the Office of the Prime Minister seeking an audience with the Prime Minister to discuss matters of personal, community and national interest, can be seen from different perspectives.”

Skerrit’s statement comes against the background of photos of these people circulating on social media, some of them bearing text which is critical of the Red Clinic, an avenue through which members of the public can seek assistance from the prime minister.

“I take strong abjection and serious offense to the interpretation of this as Dominicans being hungry and desperate for food and coming to the office of the Prime Minister for a pittance,” the Prime Minister said in his statement. “Nothing could be further from the truth and I unreservedly apologize to all those who were defamed and insulted by the portrayal of them as such.”

Skerrit said what happened on Wednesday was indicative of an open door policy which he instituted since he became prime minister where Dominicans can have as much access to him as any other person, foreigner or otherwise, who has a reason to meet with the prime minister.

He concedes that “the scene outside of the office of the Prime Minister today, Wednesday January 9th, was particularly unfortunate and unsightly.” He said he assumed that following the holiday season, many people wanted to meet with the Prime Minister “and they all came on the day they know his doors are thrown wide open.”

The statement continues, “I take strong objection to the notion that people come to their Prime Minister to beg. That is wrong! It is offensive and degrading!”

The Prime Minister’s full statement is posted below:

 

The following is a statement from Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica

Once again, forces are at work to besmirch and undermine the good name of Dominica, in the eyes of the region and the world. Pictures not only tell a thousand words, they also tell the story that is narrated.

The sight of hundreds of persons outside the office of the Prime Minister, seeking an audience with the Prime Minister to discuss matters of personal, community and national interest, can be seen from different perspectives.

I take strong objection and serious offense to the interpretation of this as Dominicans being hungry and desperate for food and coming to the office of the Prime Minister for a pittance. Nothing could be further from the truth and I unreservedly apologize to all those who were defamed and insulted by the portrayal of them as such.

The facts are that ever since my becoming Prime Minister of Dominica, more than 15 Years ago, I have instituted an open door policy, in which citizens and residents can come see me and speak directly with me about matters of interest to them.

There is no restriction on subject matter. My philosophy is simple… the same way that foreigners can hop on a plane and come to Dominica and request an audience with the Prime Minister, any Dominican from any walk of life, can call and come see the Prime Minister.

That is what my leadership as Prime Minister is all about. I find time for investors, I find time for business people, and I make time for the ordinary people of Dominica to come see me and discuss issues of interest and concern to them.

I have no apologies for this and I shall continue to employ an open door policy, as long as I am Head ofGovernment of this country.

However, the scene outside the Office of the Prime Minister today, Wednesday January 9th, was particularly unfortunate and unsightly. I would assume that following the holiday season, it can easily explained that many persons wanted to meet with the Prime Minister and they all came on the day that they know his doors are thrown wide open.

I do not blame them for coming. Indeed, I am sorry that many did not get to see me today, but, I have instructed that each be contacted and a specific date and time given for them to come, so we can meet.

I take strong objection to the notion that people come to their Prime Minister to beg. That is wrong. It is offensive and degrading!

I do not know how and why some in our midst get such great pleasure from degrading their fellow man. But I can say, with all truthfulness and in all honesty, that the majority of persons coming to see me, are not coming about any personal material need.

Our discussions range from employment opportunity to the status of their own hurricane recovery efforts, to securing scholarships and opportunities at home and abroad for their children. Many also come with ideas  on how the process of governance can be improved in their communities and the country. So for it to be suggested by those opposed to this government that hundeeds of persons came to Roseau today in search of food and because, as they said in social media, ‘that the people of Dominica are suffering”, is false, offensive and downright insulting to the people of this country. That is simply not true!

Indeed, many who come to see me, often bring produce from their farms and from their own cottage industries as gifts to my staff and I. It is really unfortunate how in this country we have allowed partisan politics to remove our brotherly and sisterly love for each other.

I will not shy away from seeing and hearing my people,  because as leader of the country, I need to know what is affecting citizens. I need to know what policies are working and those that can be improved. I need to know which services are in high demand and which are under-subscribed. I have time for the people of Dominica and they are welcomed to come see me at my office!

However, after the massive turnout today, I have asked that a structured appointment system be put in place, effective next week, so persons can be given a specific date and time at which to come meet their Prime Minister.

I have also asked that upgrade community based Social Enhancement Programs, so that not everyone in search of social relief or assistance, would see the need to come to Roseau to discuss such with the Prime Minister.

Notwithstanding the great strides we have made in our hurricane recovery efforts, there are still persons out there hurting.  These one on one sessions, help me to appreciate the need for us to enhance and expedite the delivery of services to our people.

I apologize to those who did not get to see me today, but I want for you to be assured that you will be contacted, with a view to being formally re-invited to the Financial Centre for a personal appointment with your leader.

To those who take pleasure in circulating and espousing negative vibes and images of Dominica, I say shame on you! I shudder at the thought of Dominica being saddled with a leader, who is unwilling to meet with ordinary people.

Another viewpoint in this scenario could be that no where in the world, is there a leader more accessible to his people than in Dominica. And no where else in the world, can a person walk up to the office of their leader and request and be granted an audience to see their leader. But of course, that perspective would not serve the interest or the agenda of those who wish to paint an ugly picture of Dominica.

What I wish to assure citizens, however, is that we shall structure appointments better and there shall be a more orderly flow of traffic into the office of Prime Minister as of next week.

But under no circumstances, shall the doors of this Prime Minister be ever closed to the ordinary citizens of Dominica. That’s the solemn pledge I make to the people of Dominica!

I thank you

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91 Comments

  1. Spiral
    January 13, 2019

    Such a sad state where a leader refuses to create a public institution where the poor and needy can go to and apply for assistance only to instead have them come to him directly under the guise that “Every citizen should have access to their Prime Minister”

    Dominica we have truly fallen to new depths of dependence and it existed even before the natural disasters struck in recent years.

    Frail tourism industry, non-existent manufacturing industry, failed agricultural industry etc.. all this happened before Erica and Maria.

    Selling Passports for revenue is what we have been reduced to under this administration and yet to speak out against all this corruption and mismanagement is to be branded as an opposition supporter..

    I used to believe in the DLP but no longer.. it is time more citizens wake up from this illusion that the DLP has been feeding us.

  2. Manyways
    January 11, 2019

    This link will allow you to understand what the PM explains right now on the subject at hand is far from the truth.

    This is said by Ambrose in parliament about the red clinic.
    https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/politics/red-clinic-visionary-ambrose-george/

  3. Dr Claton Shillingford
    January 10, 2019

    This whole red clinic exercise is disgusting no matter how Skerrit wants to describe it

    • Joseph John
      January 11, 2019

      And the learnt Dr speaks so I must listen. I listen but will not agree. You have an educated right to your comment. But tell us about DAAS. Tell us what kind of tract record the Smithsonians hold on that organization that collected contributions and dues that they used for private investment. Was DAAS an NGO in accordance with IRS regulations. Was this Dominica Academy of Arts and Science ever boasted of its graduates. You were a school master at a high school so you can explain what an Academy is to those ‘poor red clinic beggers’. A BLUE CLINIC that only taketh away with all kinds of money thon, radio thon and pay thon, ….thon,
      …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

      ADMIN: Your comment was fine until you stated rumours and your own allegations as fact. The portions that violated our comment policy were removed. Read full comment policy here

    • Me
      January 11, 2019

      If you want to pretend to be Dr. Shillingford, at least get the gentleman’s name right: Dr. Clayton Shillingford.

  4. dora
    January 10, 2019

    well said my PM

    • viewsexpressed
      January 10, 2019

      “Well said my PM”, My foot. What is it this clown failed Skerrit said which he said well? This man is a clown, killed out island economy, no jobs, has beggars coming to office for money, parents, people at the foyer, entrance of financial Centre and you there wring nonsense BS that “Well said PM”? your Pm Skerrit is a big joke and a well said liar and has performed poor and hopelessly as PM. he is a failure, you got that? Skerrit is a failure, hopeless and incompetent. ….and he must and mind his Funky Dirty Business. Go get lost. Go to Haiti or Africa or New York. you have failed us enough and have our people in poverty and suffering. Skerrit must Go, get lost , move and make way for decent government and decent people ready to return our Dominica to some level of decency where you have stained our isle of Beauty.

    • viewsexpressed
      January 10, 2019

      This is the silly “Well said of Skerrit” “well said my PM”, some idiotic people want to believe. Now, let read Skerrits`s nonsense: “Once again, forces are at work to besmirch and undermine the good name of Dominica, in the eyes of the region and the world. Pictures not only tell a thousand words, they also tell the story that is narrated.” Dominicans this is what Skerrit really wanted to write. Here goes…read on!
      “Once again, the forces of failed inept bobolistic Skerrit and his blind acolytes are at work to besmirch and undermine the good name of Dominica, in the eyes of the region and the world. Pictures not only tell a thousand words, they also tell the story that is narrated.” ,..and that story is the lies and deception and hypocrisy of Skerrit`s work and his failed incompetent 18b ministers, doing what?
      Skerrit and his bunch and acolytes must Go and go Now. There is no development taking place in Dominica. Ross University ran off under Skerrit`s foot. Where was…

    • viewsexpressed
      January 10, 2019

      “Another viewpoint in this scenario could be that no where in the world, is there a leader more accessible to his people than in Dominica”. Yes Skerrit, you seem to be buying the loyalty of vulnerable people in Dominica with no money, cash, food and jobs. That the price of loyalty, so you and clown followers stop promoting this BS Nonsense that things are happening in Dominica where this is a big lie and deception to buy loyalty.
      Skerrit Go, you are a failure and an incompetent prime Minister. You must Go, pack up and go away. You have stained our nature isle, so go away, let professionals run Dominica. Go to Venezuela, they need help down there.

  5. Jonathan Y St Jean
    January 10, 2019

    This sounds like a drowning camel clutching unto a straw. So the double doctorate dude would have us believe that investors just show up at his office to see him and have an audience with him? What a stupid analogy. I’m sure that potential investors make an appointment to see the prime minister before just showing up. Only wayward and unruly red clinic participants would cause such a commotion. The question also arises why then didn’t Skerritt meet with RUSM when they had an appointment set up to see him but he was a no show. Is this dude saying also that other politicians in the region don’t make time to see their citizens? How pathetic and low class can a guy with two doctorates be. The thing is it is a true reflection of the state of poverty and dependency on the state coffers which exists in the country just like in Venezuela and Skerritt loves it so because these people are bought.

  6. weh
    January 10, 2019

    Shouldn’t citizens be going to their parliamentary reps if they have business to attend? Why is everyone throwing themselves at skerrit’s feet like he’s a king?

    • DEE
      January 10, 2019

      No where in the world but in Dominica
      No other Prime Minister in the World but the Dominican Prime Minister ,
      no other Finance Minister in any other Government in the World
      SPENDS THE PEOPLES MONIES WITHOUT GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF HOW MUCH WAS RECEIVED AND HOW ACTUALLY SPENT .
      Skerrit even the less intelligent Dominicans are beginning to see through you .
      No other people in the world would remain silent about the economy of their country and the actual steps taken to boost a dead economy ,
      Only in Dominica , Only Dominicans .
      I not no Dominican again i say
      let somebody try to insult me by calling me one .

  7. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    January 10, 2019

    Call it what it is by any other name, I am viewing a vote buying welfare line! The red clinic is not a legal governmental system; Roosevelt originated that sort of welfare. That is designed to encourage dependency on him for handouts!

    When one think and speak in terms of a clinic; it is anticipated they are speaking of a place where people go for medical diagnostics, evaluation and recommended medical treatment.

    A medical clinic is not a place where one goes for treatment and the only medical professional in sight is the prime minister of the country; sitting behind a desks, and his only question is “what do you want?” 

    So, the poor hungry soul commence to cry his/her heart out! The devils tool sits behind his desks puts his hand in a draw takes out a few dollars and hand it to the poor, who soon finds out they are bought with a few dollars which cannot feed them and their family for a day!

  8. The Evangelist!
    January 10, 2019

    Not only did Skerrit destroy Dominica by getting rid of Ross, Breezes’ Mart, Belfast, The banana industry, plans for an international airport etc, but the man is destroying the very laws God put in place to ensure the well being of man he created. It was God that established in the beginning that it’s by our sweat we should eat bread and that if a man does not work , neither should he eat. But not only has Skerrit created a begging national but the man has created laziness and it’s only a matter of time before people start to steal and kill when they can’t get. Not only that but by his actions he also destroying marriage and the family because women in particular don’t have to depend on no one man to help put them in a house. So men and women are more rentals than committeed lovers. We see more people going to the Red Clinic than people going to work. Skerrit is really attacking God and before it’s all over we will all pay for it

    • chester
      January 10, 2019

      I know you evans will eat from whatever money these people bring you. So how would you feed these same people until all the jobs you fellas have “in mind” are created? Wouldn’t you also have them all crawl to you?

      • %
        January 10, 2019

        Do inica was never so. This will be the most damning legacy of Skerrit,and it will affect Dominica for years and years to come.
        Skerrit Must Go
        Skerrit Must Go
        LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  9. Jonathan Y St Jean
    January 10, 2019

    You say what have you done? Well, to begin with, we pay our taxes to the government. Isn’t that doing something? The money Skerritt uses to give handouts to able-bodied people who should be fending for themselves is all taxpayers and citizens money. Go figure

    • Joseph John
      January 10, 2019

      Go figure. The IRS of America stated a while back that people who use paying taxes as a crunch are those who never pay taxes. I have seen that happened in Dominica. People who abuse public property like to say “its my tax dollars ” when they never paid SS or any tax: progressive, regressive, direct or indirect.
      Well Mr St Jean, you said “go figure”

      • Anonymous
        January 10, 2019

        Can you back this up with real figures Joseph and no, not pertaining to the U.S.A. but our own little country Dominica. You should be able to do that since your are a beneficiary of our social security system. Blanket statements mean nothing.

  10. Ibo France
    January 10, 2019

    Skerrit controls the public purse and he uses it, to the fullest extent, for political advantageousness. Not one cent that he gives to these poor, desperate people comes from his pocket. The money belongs to the State of Dominica. The billions of dollars collected from the sale of the passports of Dominica, should be used to incentivize local entrepreneurs. This will spur much greater economic activity as small businesses are the engine of the economy.
    Order is Heaven’s first law. If the PM really wants to converse meaningfully, one on one, with the citizenry, he would have them make appointments to see him, then set a reasonable time and date to give them an audience. He has no respect for these sufferers who have been put in this position by his fourteen years of misguided policies.
    This situation reminds me of a farmer feeding pigs. The farmer goes to the sty with a container with food, and all the hungry pigs trampling each other to get first bite. Awfully shameful!

  11. REMEMBER VENEZUELA
    January 10, 2019

    In Luke 17:32, Jesus himself told us to “REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE”. What does Jesus want us to remember about Lot’s Wife? All I know is the story of her death is very sad in Genesis 19:26. But in the midst of the destruction of Dominica by Roosevelt Skerrit, for his political survival, all I want to say to Dominica is, REMEMBER VENEZUELA. All what Skerrit is doing in Dominica today is a carbon copy of what Hugo Chavez did in Venezuela in his 14 years as president of such a rich and blessed country, with abundance of oil. Chavez crippled his country and ran his “Red Clinic”. He jailed those who saw the fall of Venezuela and spoke against it. However at the age of ONLY 58, Hugo Chavez who was seen as the god and savior of Venezuela died and shortly thereafter, the great and rich island of Venezuela fell into poverty, crime and all manner of evil, although Chavez picked Maduro as his successor. As we speak Venezuelans are begging for toilet paper, food, sanitary pads and many are…

    • Neville
      January 10, 2019

      After all Skerrit learnt well of his Papa…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        January 10, 2019

        Have anybody seen Roosevelt ” Rosie”  Douglas?

        Can anybody tell me where he’s gone?

        Can anybody tell me how many children he left behind?

        Kid Francisco that dog, that little black rat from Wesley know eh, but I doh talking eh man!

        Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

        I know but I doh talking wild horses doh can drag me far enough to cause me to talk eh; cause if I talk DNO doh going an print it eh!

        Dat is me alone know secrete eh!

        Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

  12. Sisserou
    January 10, 2019

    What a rich, lazy and incompetent leader; rich because he as finance minister have failed to give us an account of one hundred million US dollars of petro caraibe morney and millions of our passport money, lazy because according to him he sits on his butt all day and incompetent because he destroyed agriculture the livelihood of all these people coming to him for handouts.

  13. Child of Itassi
    January 10, 2019

    A sinking ship does not need a captain.
    Dr. Dr. abandon ship while you still can.

  14. May
    January 10, 2019

    PM I think you working for what you have why cant you give these people a job than you have them coming to you begging you what you are encouraging is laziness and you take joy to see them come in front of you like that you hypocrite lazy skerrit you and your caboose must go

  15. ................................
    January 10, 2019

    HIGHER PAYING JOBS. thats a must. raise the minimum wage 4 each sector
    the movement 4 small business has been taking roots longtime & i applaud that, lets keep that course & have stricter regulations 4 the collections of money 4 small businesses & may some of the monies allocated 4 small business go 2 technical support where its mandatory for WISE, TRAINED, COMMITTED officers provide assistance 2 new businesses in setting up until a level of independence is reached. please continue this SMALL BUSINESS INITIATIVE.
    with greater pay there should b a better TAXING SYSTEM. i heard him boast about lowering tax & all that tax talk im not smart enough to repeat but im smart enough 2 know that developed countries have strict tax measures & thats y they have good infrastructure & public systems.
    i also think that there should b LESS NEPOTISM, its very bad: contracts, employment, scholarships, every area.
    finally, VILLAGE COUNCIL CLERKS should b rotated every 2 years (favoritism is BAD)

  16. FOR THE LOVE OF COUNTRY
    January 10, 2019

    Even if giving the PM the benefit of the doubt, it seems a rather unproductive use of his time, having an audience (as he says) with D/can civilians at large. Each and every concern of the individuals falls under the purview of the respective government institutions. Therefore, why these people aren’t directed to the respective Secretary of States for resolve to their concerns, etc?

  17. Watching
    January 10, 2019

    So admin you blurr who you want yessa

    • misslyn steadman
      January 10, 2019

      i was going to comment on this. its very unfair that two people are blocked and the others are left for all to see. admin can you please blurr out all the heads? that would be kind, thanks. one man is already huffing and puffing about it. never know where this will end.

      ADMIN: Those faces we blurred were directly facing the camera. The rest of the picture only shows the back of people’s heads, hardly enough to identify anyone on its own. If that is the concern, then what is the reason for huffing or puffing?

      • Rodney
        January 10, 2019

        Admin, none of the faces should be blurred. Why should they? They’ve got no shame anyway, none of them in that queue. The entire world should see Dominica’s professional beggars queuing up to sell their votes for a few dollars. What a bunch of miserable individuals!

      • Ibo France
        January 10, 2019

        If it’s a public open area or a public building, one should not expect privacy. Once you are in a public place I have the right to photograph you. At least, that’s my understanding of the law. Journalists can seek clarification from the legal authorities.

      • Anonymous
        January 10, 2019

        If they are there to pay homage to their P.M., as mr. Skerrit claims that should be a positive thing, not so and there should be no objection to showing these supporters’ faces. Why would they want to remain anonymous?

  18. January 10, 2019

    “We created our MONSTER and we have to get rid of it” and the monster has now created his impoverished monsters and cannot get rid of them; but double (Dr) PhD tell me “if you planted coconut how on God’s green earth did you expect to reap dasheen” and what makes you think you could lie your way out of that one; and what is more disturbing is that the intellectually dishonest spin doctors while the Dr has conceded “that pictures not only tell a thousand words” continue to place metal frames over their eyes and break stick in their ears; but my people be encouraged even that too will pass and the wicked “chavezmo” attitude of this cabal will end.

    • viewsexpressed
      January 10, 2019

      Amen,….Amen… Long ovrdue.

      • Y U Say
        January 10, 2019

        It is sad to see how %, views expressed spends his time on a daily basis. You have becom a clown 🤡 and a annoyance, every topic that goes on DNO, you are putting you dirty 2 cents. As an obstructionist and a yard dog 🐕 not even a bird 🦅 or a rat could pass by if you don’t bark!

  19. Zandoli
    January 10, 2019

    For some reason Skerrit does not see anything wrong with such large numbers of Dominicans lining up outside his office looking for a handout. If he had done his job, few people would need that type of assistance. He should look himself in the mirror and ask if dependency on government is a good thing for the nation or a good thing for him and his party.

  20. Neal
    January 10, 2019

    What absurd world does this joker Skerrit lives in? How can anybody take this guy serious and have respect for him. This guy has to go.

  21. viewsexpressed
    January 10, 2019

    PNo Skerrit, do not turn and twist the argument and the abuse and insult you have created upon our surviving people. You are a disgrace to humanity and Dominicans. You have created a corrupted system of Begging (Skerrit) style where people without jobs ad cash you have take advantage of the poor and unemployed, insulted them as you have failed as |OM o create jobs for them, so elections is soon, so your ratings as low as 5%, you are therefore scared of Hon Linton and his UWP professional Team, that you are unable to compare with your failed, fancy 18 ministers. What a waste of state resources. Shae on you , you are disgusted and ridiculous. To have this very immature, childish, boyish young man to come into the reigns of being PM of Domininca must never happen again. This is the biggest failure compared to baby Doc and now Bay Skero in th Caribbean. Both this Failed, immature PM and Failed babyish President Doc of Haiti has killed our islands and all we see Bobol activities. Skerrit Go

  22. Channel 1
    January 10, 2019

    Any time a man starts making these self-proclaimed grandiose statements that he is the ONLY leader in the [whole wide] world who is this accessible to his people, then you know we are dealing with a very, very deluded and deranged individual.

    Does Roosevelt suffer from a Messianic complex? Something just ain’t right with that man.

  23. RandyX
    January 10, 2019

    Skerrit it is you alone and your political friends that besmirch and undermine the good name of Dominica in the eyes of the region and the world. I would take it further, you made Dominica the laughing stock of the region because each of our neighbours manages to make a decent living. Dominica however despite selling the most passports is still lagging light years behind. Skerrit, explain that fact to your fellow citizen. I dare you!

  24. Blackadder
    January 10, 2019

    Look at Skerrits beggars with all their rucksack on their backs. For a few dollars they are happy to promise their vote to him. And their are still people that insists that Dominica has FAIR ELECTIONS. Skerrit is using the people’s poverty, which he is responsible for in the first place to secure another 5 years in power to make them even poorer. What a cunning scheme!

    • Pipo
      January 11, 2019

      No, no, no, you got that all wrong bro.They are not poor beggars with empty krucksacks on their backs. They are foreign investors and advisers coming to consult Roosevelt Skerrit and carrying the cash for him to invest in their schemes.

  25. Neville
    January 10, 2019

    Skerrit is the leader of a nation of beggars and in true fashion tries to blame others but himself for it. We need to show this little teacher from the north the red card. We can’t go on like this.

  26. Dr Dr Tirreks
    January 10, 2019

    Skerrit, you are making a spectacle of yourself now. You are running out of arguments and clutching on straws!

  27. Neville
    January 10, 2019

    Skerrit face the facts, you and you alone made Dominica a nation of beggars due to a lack of jobs, destruction of agriculture and failed investments in the tourist sector. So stop crying foul when straight thinking Dominicans criticise you. They criticise you and NOT the country because it is YOU and your failed politics that got Dominica where it is today. If you would really care about Dominica and it’s citizens you would do the honourable thing and resign. You had over 15 years and failed! You can’t expect the country to give you any more time!

  28. RandyX
    January 10, 2019

    If the Red Clinic was available to all citizens regardless of political affiliation I would not mind to much but unfortunately it’s only available to DLP supporters and as such it’s ultimately a vote buying institution for the PM. It was Skerrits economic policies or rather the lack of it that has forced so many Dominicans into poverty and the exit of Ross exalerated that even more. A country can’t have an economy based on selling passports and constant begging of mainly communist and other rogue countries only and hope for the best. Let’s face it, Skerrit has not got a clue how to lead this country. The only thing he knows and is good at is enriching him and some of his political friends at the expense of the country.

  29. Your auntie brother
    January 10, 2019

    You made it so Roosevelt, you yourself. These people coming there not in adoration of their saviour but because they are desperate poor souls. You are confirming that your institutions like social services are not working and that you must control everything. These people ran out of money over the holidays brother when you were galavanting overseas, God knows where. You are delusional and it getting worse. You should seek psychiatric help, seriously. Let it be better new year for all of us, you included.

  30. King of Kings
    January 10, 2019

    Well done Skerrit.. you turn what should be a Agricultural Gem into give me give me..
    You said 15 years as PM and you can’t see the disgrace???

    Anyone supporting the DLP should be ashamed! 1 step further F all of You…I am not a UWP supporter btw. I support the truth and what’s best for country. Change is neccessary asap

  31. Iamanidiot
    January 10, 2019

    Red Clinic is NOT needed.

    The Prime minister should not have people coming to him, and plead their case for a 5,000. THAT is begging.
    Each ministry, be it education, health should have their own system, or lets say you want one system that goes on in an orderly fashion where you apply. Not a system where you have to come and follow a line etc etc

  32. foreign observer
    January 10, 2019

    What an extraordinary statement. Merited reading more than once…

    It beings with “I take strong objection and serious offense to the interpretation of this as Dominicans being hungry and desperate for food and coming to the office of the Prime Minister for a pittance. Nothing could be further from the truth …and later continues with “I take strong objection to the notion that people come to their Prime Minister to beg. That is wrong. It is offensive and degrading!”

    Yet within six paragraphs of the latter statement: “I have also asked that upgrade community based Social Enhancement Programs, so that not everyone in search of social relief or assistance, would see the need to come to Roseau to discuss such with the Prime Minister.”

    There’s the contradiction in black and white and the implicit admission that is precisely why people attend these “audiences”!

    On the other hand, the next time I’m in Dominica, as a foreigner I think I’ll also request an audience.

  33. Joseph John
    January 9, 2019

    Beggers or not Dominicans should be proud to have access to their P M. I do not know of any country with that kind of interaction with a head of government. Good job Sir. If I have the opportunity like that I would be taking selfies to show my kids and grand kids. This is really historical .
    Some people are amaze because they only see their Head of Government on T V.
    Good job Sir. You are the PM of all Dominicans, not of only those social elites who are too important to visit their P M.
    Opposition forces will try to use their primitive strategy of FEAR and SHAME, just like the colonial plantation masters use the “country bookey” to try to intimidate us and “make us feel small” the laugh at us. Well dudes “masa day done” Labour have the reign, have the crown. Labour come to work and pray.
    You cant touch the DOMINICA LABOUR PARTY….EVER. you cant touch this too legit real thing.

    • Workie
      January 10, 2019

      I love your comment. So tell me, do you work for a living?

      • Joseph John
        January 10, 2019

        No I do not work. I retire about 5 years ago. I am on S S . I have been spending my time preparing and studying for a new career/profession. I am not sure where and when I will arrive at my goal, but no worries I have all the time in the world.
        I find DNO a good sourse of contradiction and conflict and challenges in the political arena.
        Opposition forces like to criticize and insult me, but no worries because i resist the temptation to stoop to their low level of technical maypwee . So I just ignore them like a duck or dashen leaf does to water. So they cant stress me with their same and fear attributes. They have proved that they have nothing to offer or contribute. So I just drop the mike every time.
        A person can only intimidate you if you allow them, that is damage control at its best.

    • viewsexpressed
      January 10, 2019

      “I do not know of any country with that kind of interaction with a head of government..” Joseph John, this hypocritical, ignorance and stupidity in its saying. I sincerely hope that you are not a civil servant, let alone an intellectual, if so, of the low level for you to bring out this hypocritical reason for condoning thee Abuse of states funds by this failed Odd so called Prime Minister. Where we sit in at The Financial Centre, we know what is happening and how its works, so don`t come with Bobolistic excuses of Skerrit`s hypocrisy and abuse of states funds and the abuse of poor people in need that he has failed corrupt Labour government has placed on our people who has seen many reduced to poverty and turned into beggars to feed their family and aging parents and family members. Get lost Skerrit and you r bid loyalists. By the way Mr. Odd Skerrit, when and where is the next big trip and for what and who will be with you on this blind journey where Dominican people will not…

    • viewsexpressed
      January 10, 2019

      Joseph, you r comments and understanding of this matter is hypocritical, ridicules and outdated and get pen to the rel world. Is any head of state other than Domininca, for example PM May in England, opens 10 Downing Street and have people quing up for cash, she will be arrested for fraud and before that, the people who will first apprehend her will be her own government/party ministers and will likely be jailed for a minimum of 15 years. , because it is fraud and an abuse of government resources whereas there is an effective Social services to address these matters. So yo Joseph have behaved stupidly, ignorant to how a government functions ad that is why around the world Transparency International is monitoring the level of bobol corruption around the world governments and their corrupt abusive Presidents and Prime Minister. In Domininca, people like you condone promote corruption whilst our country slip deeply more into corruption and poverty. So go mind your funky business. Voleur.

    • RandyX
      January 10, 2019

      JJ I thought I saw you in the line. Right at the front!

  34. Zammm
    January 9, 2019

    Dear goodly PM, this whole bad and low life habbit that you are encouraging is nothing short of oppression, disregard for the dignity of hardwork and gross dependancy on you as supreme leader.. Its nothing more than a back to plantation days and a slap in the face of our independence. No one is against helping the people of Dominica but the way you are using n abusing state funds is very degrading n vexing. Your explanation is very poor, because you know exactly why these folks line up to beg for money, to pay bills, buy groceries, and to even to say they are going to open a business which is always a lie… You guys are deliberately using dat red clinic to avoid answering questions about Blackmore gate, Rossgate, Maria bobol gate, binbobol gate, corruption gate, what app gate, airport gate. You all turned Roseau into a market… Bring food n we give money, very shameful. Only in Dominica dat foolishness going on. Grown up folks going to beg daddy santa Claus Skerritt.

  35. JAH KAL
    January 9, 2019

    Skerrit u a tired u look sick u a very angry its time to go as a Dominican i have never seen that before growing up in DA every body work to get what they want and thats what u do to my people u will pay for it.

  36. Treadstone
    January 9, 2019

    So this Grinch siphoned off Dominica’s wealth leaving Dominicans miserable and destitute. Then he sets up shop and encourages the very same people he stole from to come and grovel at his feet for a mere pittance in exchange for their adulation. Garcon, what a criminal!! Hell’s hottest flames are reserved for this immoral ….-pile and his senior counsel.

    • DAadvocate
      January 10, 2019

      Well said, that’s about the yeast of it in a sentence. One hand takes a thousand dollars and the other returns 2 dollars. Labour supporters regard that as a good deal and for good measure they keep on voting for him.

  37. RastarMarn
    January 9, 2019

    Aright so all well and fine,,,

    So you want to distribute moneys to people like it’s Christmas every Wednesday all well and good you is financial ministry so you can do what you want when your hand scratch you,,,

    Garcon allyou never hear that when you feed a man a fish you feed him every day but when you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime???

    Skerrit so if you reading this which you should, or more so your minions who still think this dude is some kind of savior tell him to bring back the strong progressive public sector like it used to be where people had union jobs and everybody had a healthy retirement!!! that’s what truly counts!!!

    Not to be dishing out Money to people like they coming and ask you for favors,,,

    If you really say you care about the folks at Dominica give them back their public sector Jobs and stop awarding all these contracts to your friends ……………………………………………..

  38. Anon
    January 9, 2019

    Well they are, aren’t they?
    This is so distasteful, degrading, couldn’t they think of something, …like unemployment office ran by the state, Is this still going on?

  39. LifeandDeath
    January 9, 2019

    I listened to Skerrit’s statement and trust me, if a person is not of clear thinking he makes it seem like he really cares about seeing the hundreds of people who come to see him, even if is to talk about hurricane recovery..I would suggest that both Skerrit and those hundreds of people return to proper productive work in the country..and 2 nights a Week, he should get on the radio and take calls from the citizenry..If as he claims the Majority comes for chit chat and not for material need.
    He will have better time to deal with those (the minimum, as he claims) that has material needs will by the suggested appointment system.
    ..But the real truth is many of those people don’t have a 9-5 to answer to..they don’t have to punch the clock, and that is the level of unemployment the man panders over under the guise of cheerful King meeting his subjects.. Both Skerrit and those people must get back to work. He is only measuring his voting strength for next elections..DA fini bat..

  40. Paul
    January 9, 2019

    He concedes that “the scene outside of the office of the Prime Minister today, Wednesday January 9th, was particularly unfortunate and unsightly.” He said he assumed that following the holiday season, many people wanted to meet with the Prime Minister “and they all came on the day they know his doors are thrown wide open.”

    Now mr skerite feels embarrassed to see the amount of people that infront the financial center. .that technique of having people coming to him is now exploding In his face and is now looking bad to the outside world… I mean so only on Wednesdays u have a open door policy??? What happen to other other days??? Why Wednesdays only people flooding up the center?
    I mean this man lies so bad now that he has become a pathological lier. .. He has brought this country into shame …look at the amount of young people that is outside the center looking for money.. my God!

  41. pydana
    January 9, 2019

    thats a shame. shame on skerrit. shame on all dominicans voting for skerrit to be their pimp. that’s a pimp. U W P supporters should flock to skerrit office to mingle with him and his supporters every time his doors are opened.this man set this thing up in a way that is only people who supported him can come to him. if you want my money you have to (worship) support me. skerrit want worship just like satan does but I will let skerrit know that God also wants worship and worship only belongs to God so watch your self mr skerrit you are looking for serious trouble because God do not share his worship he is a jealous God. shame on you making dominicans poor and then start taking advantage of them.( IF YOU WANT TO GIVE DOMINICANS HELP WHY IS IT YOU ARE THE ONE WHO HAVE TO GIVE THEM THE MONEY IN THERE HANDS?: APPOINT AN OFFICE TO DEAL WITH THAT. THE PEOPLE ALREADY KNOW THAT IT IS COMING FROM YOUR GOVERNMENT: YOU ARE A PIMP. THANK GOD MY PARENTS DID NOT HAVE TO SEE THIS DAY.

  42. Ibo France
    January 9, 2019

    No one should blame the people who mobbed the Red Clinic. Desperate people do desperate things. To a hungry man even bitter is sweet. Desperation and hunger forced these people to compromise their pride and human dignity. The PM has reduced the people to social parasites. Has anyone seen this level of hopelessness and defeatism in any other OECS country? There is no plausible defence to the growing magnitude of mendicancy in Dominica. The ruling few are doing pretty well while the masses are catching economic hell. This type of governance in Dominica is equivalent to Plantation Politics.

  43. Roseau
    January 9, 2019

    Sending out an SOS for Dominica. The seas are rough, the boat is leaking water, hundreds are at the door of the captain and there is no land in sight! Calypsonians, anybody help us!

  44. Massacre
    January 9, 2019

    I have spoken to so many people who support Skerro and to say the truth they told me that they are ashamed of what they saw. All of them are overseas and could not belive what they had seen . “A picture tells a thousand words.”
    Skerro excuse is that some of the reasons he met with those people is to discuss jobs and national development. If this was the case how comes non of the ministers were there? Why arn’t you telling the peole to go to their Pal Reps? If a person want a job as a nurse , policeman or schoool teacher , why do they have to go to you?
    I think you are suffering form a lack of child love and these actions give you a HIGH to see so many people coming to you for help. You think only you can help them. Now that these pictures are on the international scene and some media outlets are compering it to Venezuela , you now want to come and say that we who are exposing your Power-Rage are bringing down our Country? We love Dominica and want to save it from you!

    • viewsexpressed
      January 10, 2019

      Skerrit is a Massacre, a destroyer of poor peoples` suffering, a loose train on the run to anywhere, where is able to suck and blindly win or gain support from people he has kept poor and with no jobs for 18 years. Who in hell will want to be associated, a supporter to this failed blind political clown. Well, only those in denial and expect to get much handouts, in cash from the Red Clinic, our tax payers money being abused and misused. Shame, shame shame Skerrit. Skerrit is right, here is where he is right: This what the PM clown has to say about his bunch of corrupt 18 ministers and headed by he himself. This man just does not think. “Once again, the forces of Skerrit and his blind boom boom flies, weak government are at work to besmirch and undermine the good name of Dominica, ……” People , that is where we are with inept Skerrit and his bunch of irrelevant Boom boom flies killing our Domininca and its institutions. Skerrit must Go. Skerrit operated abusive Clinic for years…

  45. Jonathan Y St Jean
    January 9, 2019

    Well if each person is waiting to see Skerritt individually on personal matters it will take him months to give a proper audience with his supporters. Therefore why are they all gathered at the same time rather than being given appointments to return at different times? Skerritt is obviously embarrassed and trying to lie his way out of this shameful mess. No one is believing you, Skerritt. These persons are there to receive handouts from your government and you are embarrassed that the rest of the world gas gotten to see Venezuela like conditions occurring in Dominica under your leadership. Don’t worry my boy it won’t be much longer before the country is liberated from this beggarly episode.

  46. lula
    January 9, 2019

    You mean to tell me that Dominicans are that desperate that they have to crowd up the prime minister’s office in such manner? Or they just greedy or malcassay.
    Solution …. No walk-ins….Appointments only and no more than 30 people are seen daily. Teach them manners.

  47. LaPlaine Observer
    January 9, 2019

    This is the result of the deplorable state of dependency you have created in Dominica. Your inability to create jobs for our citizens by being ideologically bankrupt and your ongoing douceur of the vulnerable, have placed us on a trajectory to be the poorest Island in the Caribbean.

  48. Shaka Zulu
    January 9, 2019

    Thats exactly what they are doing and you have no shame to have Dominica in that state. Skerrit shows syntoms of a man who did not have love and attention of his mother and father when he was a kid and getts a high on the amount of people coming to worship him. This is nothing but a disgrace and yes they are beggars. There should be social services in place and help provided per set standards. You cannot sit in your office and decide what who and how you helping people with thier personal life. That is a misuse of state funds, abuse of power, circumvention of the parliamentary established social department and abuse of state resources. Two many soft people in this place allowing PM do that nonesense. Skeritt cannot use state resources for some like this. A prime minister using office as a charitable organization and no one telling him that should be illegal. The whole country should show up for help every Wednesday. Look a place.

    • Redder Clinic
      January 9, 2019

      I said the same thing today. They must show up EVERY DAY. If you get already, STILL COME BACK!!

      This man is really nuts to believe that is love people love him so.

    • Shaka Zulu
      January 9, 2019

      Furthermore i saw those pics and some of them seem to have been taken from inside the financial center at an elevated position. This tells me it must be from someone who works in there and have some importance. I think Skerrit himself orchestrated so he could spread propaganda. It has happened before. When equipment was damaged at airport he blamed opposition and made story. Everytime elections near he does the same things and sorry people buy it. All of a sudden he releases official statement to make himself look like he cares. Someone must be coaching that liar well on propaganda. The last poll conducted did not favour his re elections so look out for an onslaught of propaganda like the staged press conference ro nation last night. What the opposition need to do is get truck loads of people to finacial center every Wednesday let them peacefully stand in line to see PM. Doors open. Just stand in line and ask for money do all kinds of things. See how fast doors close.

      • Neville
        January 10, 2019

        I don’t put anything past this cunning and ruthless individual. Wolf in sheep’s coat comes to mind and it is a spot on description of Skerrit.

    • Concerned hard worker
      January 10, 2019

      I agree create jobs for those people, build factories and let us start exporting more than im porting

  49. %
    January 9, 2019

    This is just a fraction of the mammoth crowd that was at the Red Clinic today. Very clear evidence that Skerrit and his MISLEADERS have turned Dominica into a mendicant society like Chavez did to Venezuela.
    Do we still have a Social Welfare Division with its staff?
    He (Skerrit) has made them (the people) poor, and very poor,even indigent, then the deceiptful soul wants praises for dishing out $$$$$$ to them!! This is evil by another name.
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • 💕 U 💕
      January 9, 2019

      Shut your front door %, the Bible says feed the hungry, clothed the naked, and give drink to the thirsty. Any nation or country, who doesn’t take care of the elderly, the down trodden, and the marginalized is doomed. . Thanks PM, there’s a special place for you. Skerrit Must Continue His Good Works. %, become a contributing member of society. Views Expressed What Have You Done To Enhance The Lives Of Dominica 🇩🇲? The UWP, Unified Worthless People are all talk and no work, You will be rejected 🙅 again and again. 👠⛑🧣🎒👠 Let Off!

      • Neville
        January 10, 2019

        You shut your front door and the rear one as well, there is an unpleasant smell around you.

      • Jonathan Y St Jean
        January 10, 2019

        You say what have you done? Well, to begin with, we pay our taxes to the government. Isn’t that doing something? The money Skerritt uses to give handouts to able-bodied people who should be fending for themselves is all taxpayers and citizens money. Go figure

  50. james martin
    January 9, 2019

    That’s ashame on a leader to have the citizens in such predicament.Skerrit you should be ashame of yourself and the office of Prime Minister,but apparently you are a man of no shame.The world can see what you are doing to the people, you are exposed now.The lies are being exposed.

    • vrai den
      January 9, 2019

      Let the whole world know!!!!!!!! Let each one decide for themselves, is it positive or negative. We have never seen this before. Dominicans were a hard working people, encouraged by their ancestors, forefathers AND LEADERS, to do just that, work hard and build your life. Our parents and former leaders are turning in their graves, for the nation they have worked so hard to build has been totally destroyed and its people turned into a needy crowd, looking for hand outs. How long can this go on, my people. Ask yourself a question. How sustainable is this, and more importantly, WHAT is the purpose of this?

      • jamie
        January 10, 2019

        Thank you,Skerrit just dont get it,beggers paradise.

  51. dissident
    January 9, 2019

    after 14 years as PM you overwhelmed. The scene you witnessed PM is in fact what you encouraged to display one’s love and support for YOU,,,and the dlp!
    ok….let me use my imagination…..
    dlp wins a landslide victory…….you will have to either leave your door open everytime or shut it down for ever.
    reap your fruits ……..how does it taste?
    Lovely Domiinca!!!

    • Joseph John
      January 9, 2019

      Those people sure do not look like beggers. THEY LOOK LIKE LOVELY Dominicans in a nice country.
      If you want to see real beggers look at Lucy Lou’s presentation on the net to see some of the over five million Americans homeless beggers living under freeways and bypass, and in tents in the dessert near Las Vegas.
      CAN THEY EVER SEE THEIR PRESIDENT, OR TALK TO HIM. they cant even see him on tv because they have none. If they try they would be arrested at the entrance and jailed.
      Lovely Dominica….Dominica nice.

      • Pipo
        January 10, 2019

        Joseph John, don’t try to divert the attention shamelessly so. Trump has his own problems and his country is America. Dominica is ours and that is what we must concentrate on.

    • Joseph John
      January 9, 2019

      Have you seen this winter’s weather reports. PEOPLE ARE DIEING in the USA out there in the cold.

      • RandyX
        January 10, 2019

        …and what exactly has that got to do with people in DA queuing up to see THEIR PM to sell their vote for a few coins??

      • Joseph John
        January 10, 2019

        Before you think that my claim is outlandish, fact check with the Bureau of Economic Analysis and you will notice what poor beggers are. You would never try to degrade people who receive assistance from the RED CLINIC again.
        The poor homeless in the USA is over 550, 000. They have to endure extreme winter outside. Some freeze to death. They would be happy to have a RED clinic instead of BLUE days.
        The only reason opposition forces are trying to belittle and reduce these people human value is because the want to enjoy seeing Dominicans in extreme shades of the blue , in a BLUE straight jacket. But we staying RED to enjoy RED LETTER DAYS , more red letter days are coming on the aircrafts that will be landing on the INTERNETIONAL AIRPORT. It will be called the ROSEVELT SKERRIT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. if I am able I will pay for this sign.

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