Ammendment to the House of Assembly (Election) Act causes controversy

The introduction of a Bill to amend the House of Assembly (Elections) Act when Parliament meets on Tuesday, May 23, is causing controversy and is generating much discussion on the airwaves and social media.

On one hand, the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) is saying that certain aspects of the Bill are encouraging bribery or treating, which is illegal in Dominica, but on the other hand the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) government is saying this is not the case.

Of particular concern is Section 57B of the amendments which reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, the transportation of electors or the facilitation of the transportation of electors to or within Dominica for the purpose of an election does not constitute an offence unless the transportation is provided or facilitated with the intention to corruptly induce an elector to vote for a particular candidate for whom or party for which the elector would not otherwise vote.”

“It is not right for the government to be sneaking in this draconian piece of legislation that will effectively legitimize the electoral offenses of bribery/treating,” political leader of the UWP, Lennox Linton, said in relation to the amendment.

Linton believes that more time needs to be taken to address aspects of the Bill because there is concern over things that will “injure the public’s interest.”

“There are segments of the amendment that needs to be revisited and there needs to be a white paper on this very important matter circulated for public education and to facilitate public consultation before this matter is dealt with in the Parliament,” he stated.

But Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit said the UWP is misrepresenting the facts of Section 57B.

“They went to the Bill and they selected a clause, 57B, and what they did was that they selected a part of 57B and put a full stop, a period in it and left out the second half,” he said at a town hall meeting in Goodwill on Thursday. “The Bill says ‘For the avoidance of doubt, the transportation of electors or the facilitation of the transportation of electors to or within Dominica for the purposes of an election does not constitute an offense,’ and they end the clause there. They put a full stop there.”

He added, “The clause goes on to say unless it has a proviso, unless the transportation is provided facilitated with the intention to corruptly induce an elector to vote for a particular candidate for whom or party for which the elector would not otherwise vote.”

According to Skerrit, if one stops at the word ‘offense’ in the Bill, the meaning will be different.

“But if you end it at offense, it will have a different meaning,” he stated. “But the clause goes on to have a proviso, unless, and it tells you what the unless is. But they leave that out and they go on Q95 and they go on the internet and some of the waste of time people in the diaspora and some of the people that they are using in Dominica are taking this and running with it without reading for themselves and informing themselves.”

Meanwhile, Linton has called on all “patriotic Dominicans” to go down to the Parliament building and let it be known that the people are not accepting amendments.

The UWP has also planned a series of town hall meeting that, according to Linton, will “educate persons on what is going on” and to seek the support of the people in demonstrating to the government in a “massive way” on the day Parliament meets for the postponing of the amendments.

The meetings will be held in Mahaut, Coulibistrie, Wesley, and Marigot, and Linton has urged all Dominicans to show out in large numbers on the day of Parliament to let their voices be heard.

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93 Comments

  1. Silver Sliver
    May 23, 2017

    How do es one reconcile this move in parliament by the government and the statement by Mr. Volney, to sort out dominican citizens living oversaes? I guess this might have been his last invitation!
    I am seriously concerned about the ability that will now be presented for “dominican citizens” to register at designated “electoral offices” whereever the administration chooses! That is very dangerious and opens many avenues for cheating and manipulating of the registration of electors!!

  2. Patriotic Labourite
    May 22, 2017

    Dominicans will not be following the advise of the UWP by coming out in massive numbers to any protests. We want the amendments and support the amendments to the Election Act to make it easier for the DLP to win any and every election in Dominica for the next 50 years :lol: :lol: :lol:

  3. Tj
    May 21, 2017

    Mr. P.M. A clear and clean electoral list does nor need your type of admendment.

  4. Joshua for P M #2
    May 21, 2017

    Since 1978, Dominica has been using the same act to go to the polls; why is now it has to be changed even when we have a serious population drop, why is Roosevelt Skerrit so afraid to to face the polls fair and clean; u know these ideas are not those of Skerrit but remember Angelo warned us about Tony Astaphans e-mail to skerrit and copied to Alick Lawrence.

  5. Views
    May 21, 2017

    Skerrit knows he cannot win an election in Dominica if it is free and fair. In fact he would have lost the last two elections. That red show last Sunday was just a good time for his supporters from Grandbay and the South and Portsmouth and the North. Dominicans must come out in large numbers on May 29th to teach him a lesson. We are fed up of his crockery and trickery.
    Those who don’t learn from History are doomed to make the same mistakes. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  6. they fraid
    May 21, 2017

    Dominicans make no bones about it. It is real. What we read about dictators in other countries in the world, putting everything in place to ensure they do not lose any elections, is right in our foot and under our noses.

    The electoral laws, the CONSTITUTION have been violated and disrespected. According to the laws, bribery and treating are wrong, illegal. Such practices have taken place in our elections and need to be stopped.

    Quite interesting Skerritt and his Cabal are now going to change the law in Parliament on Tuesday may 23rd. to legalize bribery and treating. Skerritt is imposing his rule to ensure that he never loses an election, like Mugabe in Zimbabwe. It is p-lain to see. Dictatorship is being entrenched. the world will not sit idly by and witness Skerritt and his Cabal undermine our democratic way of life. Dominicans must, if they love their country and children RESIST.

    Passport sales, criminals, FBI, INTERPOL, CIA, Iran, oil tankers. They fraid.

  7. May 21, 2017

    Bribery is paying someone to do something wrong or to do something that they would not normally do. So how can it be bribery if the UWP provides transportation for Blessing to go to vote or the DLP provide transportation for Mamie or Kokom to go to vote? Blessing would vote for UWP even if the devil was the candidate and Mamie and Kokom would do the same by voting for DLP no matter what. So how does providing transportation for your supporters to get to the polling station bribery.

    • LifeandDeath
      May 22, 2017

      Blessings, Kokom and Mamie all live in Dominica and have to pay VAT daily..if the road bad they drive on it daily..when there is a blackout, all of them feeling it..the people brought in by planeloads as Hachet men and women to do a job like mercenaries and return to their $2 a gallon of Gas country should not be facilitated with transportation to keep a stifling regime on the backs of Dominicans..

  8. “Section 57B of the amendments which reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, the transportation of electors or the facilitation of the transportation of electors to or within Dominica for the purpose of an election does not constitute an offence unless the transportation is provided or facilitated with the intention to corruptly induce an elector to vote for a particular candidate for whom or party for which the elector would not otherwise vote.”(UWP).

    You know anybody who would write that in the quote above, to become law in a country, is a very dishonest person; and is not fit to serve in public office!

    “the facilitation of the transportation of electors to (“meaning from overseas”), or within Dominica for the purpose of an election does not constitute an offence.” That in the second quote is a disgrace, all Skerrit is doing is giving the labor party a license to import people from the Diaspora at random to illegally vote in the country.

    If that is passed, it should…

    • Cont:

      If that is passed, it should ignite a revolution! The idea that the amendments read transporting people within Dominica, to vote, means they can illegally transport people from different place to vote multiple times in different constituencies! If this Bill is passed in our country, we will be counted the most stupid people on the planet.

      • KaliBud
        May 22, 2017

        You know u’re a real idiot u know. It have other sections outlawing multiple votes. And read the entire section, not part. The law does not work by omitting parts of sections.

  9. Kaval
    May 20, 2017

    Linton shoebox

  10. THE SHOAL
    May 20, 2017

    Obviously you don’t have management skills. In a Company, Certain member of staff bringing money into the business and others taking money out of the business. Which of the staff would you kept in? No one wants their business to fail.

  11. Spike
    May 20, 2017

    “The introduction of a Bill…is causing controversy….” No, I think that the need of the UWP to have there be controversy, is what is causing controversy. Busing voters to the polls is part of election-day partisan organizing. Any party can do it. It is not so much that you make the voter feel indebted to vote for you, as that you identify who is already predisposed to vote for you and mobilize them–though any attempt by partisan government to distinguish the two will bog down in…partisanship. If you have the manpower, this follows phoning your backers to find out whether they have voted and remind them. “Draconian”? “Bribery”? Oh come now, Mr. Linton.

  12. vin
    May 20, 2017

    It is simply preposterous that this administration spent countless hours trying to convince people that the importation and treating of illegal overseas voters was lsgal,moral and ethical and now they are telling us that “for the avoidance of doubt”. Whose doubt it is their doubt? The people who have been opposed to it are still opposed to it.

  13. Glory to God
    May 20, 2017

    Att tension lawyer pal rep
    Please use this admitted action of offences to declare this administration illegal.

  14. stupendous
    May 20, 2017

    Dominica is a fall State. All the institutions and civic groups are dead, they exist only on paper. No checks and balances in the systems. The institutions some of which has constitutional authority for the oversight of governance are totally non-functional.. They have all been dismantle not in a subtle way but in a bold in your face way. The institutionalizing of the abuse of process that leads to corruption has taken root in this land so I am not at all surprised at this mode of governance. Town hall meetings were in order to do damage control ref. CBI but this amendment does not merit the same. And guess what! the BAR Association is dead silent; quick though come in defence of a Judge criticized on social media but on behalf of the people emmh not important. PM says he could have imposed his will on the choice of site for the new hospital really? remember the statement “we shall show them we can build it on this site” haha. Dr. Pascal said otherwise,Medical fraternity mute lol.

  15. Tj
    May 20, 2017

    Why create a problem Mr. P.M?
    Let us have an electoral list withou caveats, why are you afraid? I thought you said that you will be president a vie.

  16. May 20, 2017

    ”If it ain’t broke why fix it” So mr Punjab PhD why amend the Law which you said all along was OK; be warned that Dominica is not North Korea or Venezuela.

  17. little yout
    May 19, 2017

    He can do whatever he want, but he must go, he must go, skerrit must go, skerrit must go, skerrit must go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Original Mahaut Man
      May 20, 2017

      go where?

  18. Infrared
    May 19, 2017

    All forms of Corruption and wrong doing is being legalized in Dominica at a rapid pace to suit skerrit whims and fancies. Then why not free all prisoners from the jail.

  19. Jonathan St jean
    May 19, 2017

    The opposition needs to choose which fights it will wage and which ones it thinks it can win.Thise it thinks it can win it must put all its resources into them and go all the way.The fact that Skerritt and his stooges (yes men and women) have enough people to get the amendment passed in parliament even if the UWP has a point that it legitimizes a wrong.However there are other aspects of the voting act that can be used as a wedge to render this amendment toothless.The residency requirements and proof of the residency requirements provisions has more power and this is where the fight should be focused.The proof has to be presented at the polling booth to the returning officers plus representatives of the political parties and candidates contesting in that poling station.In the absence of the proof then no vote

    • %
      May 20, 2017

      The voters will just be required to take an oath,even if they have not been leaving in the constituency.However his/her ballot is casted…Challenging anything in our corrupted court system,the worst in the Commonwealth, is a waste of time..Thats why the people should stand up to the Punjab PhD trickster,who brags about being so popular..WICKED SOULS they are.
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!

    • Truth Knowledge
      May 20, 2017

      I usually am not able to find any area of your contributions with which I can agree, so it is a pleasant surprise to on this occasion be able to say that you have a point. Perhaps unwittingly, you have identified what is probably the biggest impediment to the UWP managing to succeed at the polls i.e. misdirected focus. I would just add, that you are a little off target regarding the proof element, as everyone will need a national ID card to be entitled to vote and it’s only those who are unable to provide this who will be subjected to the questions you refer to.

    • Papa Dom
      May 20, 2017

      Jana than, the residency requirement amendment and the treating amendment go hand in hand. According to what I heard explained, moves will be made to confirm the electoral list as it stands. What this means is that persons who are on who have been out for over 5 continuous years will be able to confirm their registration. This gives Labour more candidates to bring down since some who had a conscience and would not have come before will now have no problem because they will be cleared. So the fight has to be against the entire amendment

    • May 22, 2017

      This is not a UWP problem or responsibility yes they will join the masses but this is for the people of Dominica to come out and show the one man Skerrit the PM that he has gone to far and you all had enough, so don’t blame the Opposition party or Leader if you stay at home and allow this Amendment to go thru, it will be you as the residents that will suffer much more than you a now, You want a change will if you don’t go out Tuesday and the amendments goes thru, then they will bring in those who purchased Passports and Citizenship to vote at the next Election.
      Dominicans the power is in your hand and you shouldn’t be afraid to exercise your rights . .And when he want to change other items such as making money available for Pampers legal and other personal matters what will you do then. Stop the PM because you have been disrespected far to long.

  20. RastarMarn
    May 19, 2017

    Listening to speakers at the town-hall meetings One would deduce that these fellows have a sense of urgency, their speeches does not sound like the ruling party which is giving the public an honest account of their actions as promised from their last campaign, they appear to be a group of fellows anticipating an election in the coming months not years,,,
    town hall |ˈˌtoun ˈhôl|
    noun• (town hall meeting) North American an event at which a politician or public official answers questions from members of the public:
    at no instant whenever these fellows come claiming to have these meetings , they have given individuals chances to ask questions (please correct Marn if Marn is wrong)

    AG the other night sounded like he was trying to present a case in court till he was booed off the podium,,,
    Austrie came and try to fix the situation, he mentioned he could identified people who came to his office for hand outs,,,

    These Fellows need to to go!!!

  21. Just Thinking
    May 19, 2017

    This is without doubt a manipulation to destroy any semblance of free and fair elections.No party transports electors either local or international to vote for the opposition.How do you prove the opposite.
    An amendment of this nature should have been discussed and indeed presented way before this meeting for public debate.
    The first meeting of Parliament for how long? Yet millions of dollars have been given or promised to village councils with no audit or accounting methods.The hallmark of a Dictator.

  22. Driver
    May 19, 2017

    It shouldn’t be so hard for the Opposition to come up with an alternative to the amendment. Then they could proceed to debate and educate in parliament.

    • You are talking crap; couldn’t you figure out the purpose of this amendment is designed to serve an illegal act of transporting people from across the Caribbean, Europe and North America,(Canada, and the United States,) to illegally vote for Skerrit?

      In addition it states they can also transport people within Dominica to poling stations. That gives them the opportunity to transport crooked corrupted bribe voters to vote in multiple constituencies.

  23. ermaempr
    May 19, 2017

    The ONLY qualification a Dominican, local resident or Diaspora should require to be able cast a vote in our general election is that they are over 18. If you’re registered, then You Can Vote: period
    How voters get to the ballot box should be insignificant.
    If Linton/ UWP encouraged/instructed their “thousands” of overseas supporters to come down to vote, Dominica Wins in more ways than one.
    Instead they’d like to tell Skerrit/DLP how to spend their campaign funds, instead of securing funds to Run a winning campaign. .
    . . . that’s my 2$ . .

    • stupendous
      May 20, 2017

      I honestly think you should go back to school Emaempr or follow a course online then your argument will be worth a little more than $2..

  24. freedom fighter
    May 19, 2017

    People in the Diaspora allu hear dat; all the election controversies in Dominica is because of you. Allu want to impeach Trump but want to leave Skerrit on our backs. Anyway I letting you all know once you reach DA you can’t go back. Once you black you can’t go back.

  25. Daryl Joseph
    May 19, 2017

    The PM refers to people living overseas as ( waste of time people)) I wonder why all these waste of time folks keep voting for him.
    Yes when people say where are you from, my answer will always be Dominican. To call me a waste of time is rather insulting
    Any idea what the freedom party is doing? Because it’s clear both men needs help

    • Continue:

      His last two children with his wife Melissa are born in a hospital in New York, and Dominicans do not see anything wrong with Skerrit ensuring a better life for himself, wife and Children in the United States. Ask him how many homes he has in America, Some people have property’s registered in other peoples name, but they may find out they will never enjoy such homes and property’s.

      If those of us living in the United wonted to waste or time, or were waste of time people we would be living Roosevelt, smelling his feces each time he defecates. We are much better of than Skerrit, because we know how to work and make an earnest living, we do not steal our money, and some of us a very prosperous, and financially secured!

      Tell him if he is the might god Roosevelt Skerrit prove that by coming into the United States lets see what happens!

  26. Dr Clayton Shillingford
    May 19, 2017

    What is the meaning of ….. “unless the transportation is provided or facilitated with the intention to corruptly induce an elector to vote for a particular candidate for whom or party for which the elector would not otherwise vote.” Clearly any party that would provide transportation will have the intention to persuade the individual receiving the transportation to declare they will vote for the party or the party would select only those known to be on its side…What other motivation could there be?? Is that not the practice in past elections.??.For example could the DLP be giving airfare to persons not sure where they are or on UWP side.. ?? Not likely!!!Conclusion by logic is that all fares paid will be to pre declared DLP supporters and so it has been and will be under this new legal arrangement.. This scenario is aligned with Skerrit’s declared objective to remove any UWP opposition by holding unto all DLP seats and capturing the UWP ones…to one party state

    • Dominican Resident
      May 20, 2017

      Agreed with you 100% Dr. Shillngford. From the time I heard it on the news, that was my first thinking. Where are the wise people in Dominica?

    • rasta
      May 20, 2017

      @Dr. Clayton shillingford: Sir this the greatest piece of “short” paper you have ever written. I am not too sure that your thesis for your Ph.D could be better. God bless the wise among us!
      Rastafari!

  27. Me
    May 19, 2017

    Will there be poling stations and ballot boxes in Dubai and Bejing??

  28. Corruption in passport
    May 19, 2017

    One I am a sure of labourite them self has to turn against the very same government they now supporting, they will stone them out off office is just a matter of time. Just look what is happening to good friend that use to give us all the money, look at how they are

  29. Titiwi
    May 19, 2017

    Mr. Skerrit, Sir, I’m afraid you are really insulting our intelligence and playing the Dominican citizens for dummies!

    -Why would a party pay Dominican voters living overseas to come home for an election, if it is not to cast their vote for that party? Your offer to pay their fares and expenses is a contract with their vote the implied consideration.

    – What criteria are used to select the beneficiaries of such a free, expenses- paid visit to Dominica

    – If it is the political party footing the bill, where do the funds come from?

    These comments, and questions apply to all parties, regardless of their political huel

    • Truth Knowledge
      May 20, 2017

      It is very sad that someone of your alleged intellectual prowess should so deliberately and unashamedly seek to mislead. It is inconceivable that you truly do not comprehend the totally unambiguous meaning of the words you cite. If however, you focus on the words “unless”, “corruptly induce” and, lastly and germane to your ‘ignorance’, the words “would not otherwise vote”, the meaning will be clear to you. In the absence of corrupt intent, assisting, facilitating or bringing to the polling booth voters who wish to exercise their franchise in favour of a particular candidate or Party of their choice (i.e. as they would have done if unaided) does not now, nor has it ever, constituted the offence(s) of bribery, treating or any other election offence. What the Opposition Parties should be doing is organizing themselves so as to be able to ensure that as many eligible voters as possible who wish to cast a vote in their favour (wherever those voters may be) are able to do so.

  30. winston warrington
    May 19, 2017

    As smart and intellectually astute as members of the UWP claim to be, I think they would take the bribe and still vote for their party. But they are not politicians.

    • stupendous
      May 20, 2017

      I don’t know why I was hoping for a more educated response from a person like you on this sensitive and patriotic matte.r disappointed ? not really some of us just cant see beyond our noses.

    • Me
      May 20, 2017

      Winston, I infer from your comment that:
      (1) – in your estimation one has to be open to bribery (corruption) to be a politician
      (2) – ergo, by this definition member of the UWP can not be members of that club
      Thank you Winston, it is never too late. Truth lasts forever, politicians are perishable.

  31. Doc. Love
    May 19, 2017

    If Skeritt was honest, he would have brought this controversial bill before the people for a better understanding. Skeritt is giving his own interpretation. Tony is giving his own interpretation. The AG is giving his own interpretation. Lennox is giving his own interpretation and certain members of the electoral commission are giving their own interpretations, therefore, why doesn’t Skeritt put everything on hold until all Dominicans get a clear understanding of the bill. Maybe he wants another May 29th 1979. Remember he changed the IPO bill to accommodate him. Maybe he believes the same thing will happen in the case of this bill. Dominicans are aware their is a case pending in the courts against his government concerning the last general elections results. It is unfortunate, the bar association is very quiet on the bill, but again, many lawyers are involved in the sale of passports, in that case, their pockets are more important then the people of Dominica.

    • Truth Knowledge
      May 20, 2017

      You make a point about you desire for more discussion and then spoil it by bringing your own bias. Passport sales (to use your words) have absolutely nothing at all to do with the election law and amendment Bills. Also, it is simply untrue that “many lawyers are involved in the sale of passports”. Let’s stay focused on the real issues.

  32. May 19, 2017

    Dominica, a country where resources are so scares, why would any government want to use tax payers money to facilitate bringing in people to vote, while we got 3 bridges on the west coast and one on the east waiting to be build? If people want to vote, why don’t they allow them to dip their hands in their pocket and pay to come home and vote? Why the rush to pass that bill? I could only come up with one conclusion and is to manipulate the election. After 17 years in office, let your achievments speak for you or there are none?? :-D :-D :-D :-D

  33. jaded
    May 19, 2017

    The point is it is not possible to prove bribery if I give someone a ride to the polls. Is there a Labourite who would vote UWP if a UWP supporter gave him a ride? Is there a UWP supporter who would vote Labour if a Labourite gave him a ride to the poling station? Skerrit is submitting this law only because UWP has been calling for it for years but really, that is a silly and unnecessary law. Well, UWP, how do you like it now? Be careful what you ask for. When you ask for nonsense you get nonsense.

    • Concerned
      May 19, 2017

      Are you stupid? If this is what UWP asked for would they find an issue with it now?

      • Jaded 2
        May 22, 2017

        UWP finds issue with every thing. According to the leader, having entertainment at a public meeting/rally is treating/bribery. When confronted with the his own actions in this regard, he appears not to remember and ask the question. Are his actions in st. Joseph with Tazzi being challenged in court? Gladly, the recording from back then and his remarks today are there for all to see. Yes, UWP complain about everything. They see their role as preventing government from functioning. So they dream of any and every silly matter to complain about and asking their supporters to come down to town. The reason? We Go see. I hope they should by now realize that the DLP can full Benjamin’s Park. They in turn is bent on burning down Roseau in frustration over the non-availability of supporters a la DLP.

    • ShameOnSkerro
      May 19, 2017

      A “ride to the polls” within Dominica may have at most a $20 value. A “ride to the polls” from the US/UK/Canada has a value of well over $1,000.

      Second, it is one thing if a person gives another person a ride, a totally different thing when a political party has arranged for a ride.

      One must consider WHY the need for this change? What was the original rationale for including it in the constitution? What were the writers concerned about…after all the goal of the constitution is to protect Citizens not politicians!

      • KaliBud
        May 20, 2017

        As far as I know/read, it is not forbidden by law and is a common practice by all candidates to arrange transportation for their people. There is no mention of transportation of voters. This is the first law that addresses the issue.

        And bribery is not reflective of the expenditure but the intent. I think it is better to have something that can be legally contended. Right now there is no law to prevent it

    • stupendous
      May 20, 2017

      jaded are you a classical idiot or what? but I like how you view this government as the same bunch of idiots that delivers nonsense ; good going my brother, Please feel free to identify other areas of nonsense this government delivers and hashes out on the people it will be good for your soul..

  34. Shaka Zulu
    May 19, 2017

    I only have one question. Well two. Was the accusations the the DLP transporting people from abroad to vote really true? If yes why put an amendment in laws? My only conclusion is the government knew what it was doing was illegal.

  35. Look It
    May 19, 2017

    DOMINICAN ZOR EH!!!!!!

    The second part of the this clause actually supports what Linton is saying…. because guess what>>>THEY WILL HAVE TO PROVE THE PARTY’S INTENT, TO DETERMINE IF THEY HAVE OR HAVE NOT COMMITTED AN ILLEGAL ACT!!! AND HOW THE HECK YOU GOING TO PROVE THAT?????

    AND YOU MEAN TO TELL ME, LABOURITES COMING UNDER THIS POST TO DEFEND THIS!!!!! Stupid set of people, I tell you stupid!!!!

    WHEN WILL COUNTRY EVER COMING BEFORE SKERRIT??!!!

    After God is land/country…. but for this skerrities is Skerrit AS GOD and nothing after!!!!

    GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR’LL A*SES

    • Jaded 2
      May 22, 2017

      Linton knows of everybody’s intent in this regard except his own intentions on stage in St. Joseph with Tazzi.

  36. zandoli
    May 19, 2017

    But Skerrit knows full well it will be near impossible to prove motive in a criminal court, unless the person who was transported/facilitated has hard evidence to prove coercion.

    But then again, the person so transported, can choose to vote however way they please.

    One can make the argument: is there a difference between one being transported/facilitate between Roseau and Colihaut on the one hand, and being transported between New York and Portsmouth.

    One takes more effort and money, but for all intents and purposes it is the same thing.

    • Driver
      May 19, 2017

      Right on!!

  37. 767 I from
    May 19, 2017

    From time immemorial, parties have been providing transportation to rallies and polling stations. I am not sure what the cry is about, now that the “doubt’ is being removed as to its legality or otherwise. What Lennox may wish to consider, is a push for the introduction Campaign Funding Legislation.

    • Ibo France
      May 19, 2017

      Before any changes to the electoral laws, these changes should be fully ventilated in the public domain. The country, especially the electors, should be fully cognizant of these changes and their ramifications. Remember, our electoral laws are the pillars on which we build our democracy. Any decision to change our electoral laws, no matter how slightly, should be bipartisan so no political party would be adversely affected or gained an advantage. For Heaven’s sake, why can’t we do things that unite us and not divide? The government sets the tone for the rest of the country. If the government is non-consultative and disrespectful to its people then the citizenry would do likewise to one another. Let commonsense prevail, more consultation is needed .

    • ???????
      May 21, 2017

      You labourites are really wicked. Which other party goes through the voters list and determine how many people to bring home to vote in a constituency?? :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  38. KaliBud
    May 19, 2017

    Right now there is no law against transporting voters. It can be done legally, irrespective of intent. This amendment criminalizes the bribery aspect of transportation. UWP needs to be more forthcoming in their arguments.

    And I cannot fathom the idea that every foreign Dominican would vote Labour. As far as I see it, the diaspora are.All Dominicans, and they’d vote in similar proportion as the people at home, that is more than 2/3, or 15-6.

    Stop agitating the populace. U have been rejected.

    • Papa Dom
      May 19, 2017

      Why don’t you step aside, listen and be educated before you comment? The law skerritt should pass is one which prevents persons like you from voting. Stupid people like you should not be allowed to determine who governs my country

      • KaliBud
        May 20, 2017

        So u want a law to prevent a Dominican from voting. Is ur country not mine. I may be stupid but I did finish high school. And as I see it, whether or not I vote we’ll have the same result 15-6. U will still be in the minority. Smoke that.

    • stupendous
      May 20, 2017

      Kalibud you are so myopic in your thinking its not funny- there are other ways that have been proven and tested to get people from the Diaspora to participate in elections in many countries. I do not see the republicans and or democrats chartering flights to transport Americans to vote in US elections nor do I see it happening in England or Canada or in the more mature Commonwealth States- what they do is facilitate by a transparent and proven system their citizens who live outside to participate in the process. The UWP has been calling for that model as a form of best practice in absentee voting to ensure there is no unfair advantage to any one political party. What in this World makes so hard for people like you to appreciate and to understand. Only someone with a myopic mind will close their senses to the suggested alternative.

      • KaliBud
        May 22, 2017

        Yes, I agree that there should be some form of absentee voting. In this age of techno, we can do that. But we don’t, pity. However, I still believe that this amendment is addressing an issue that needs to be outlawed, however difficult it is to prove. Without this amendment, no one can challenge such voting because there is currently no legal backing. This amendment contradicts the many views expressed here and is hopefully a stepping stone towards making provisions for the entire.diaspora.

        We are being too emotional without reviewing what is there vs what is proposed.

    • concern citizen
      May 20, 2017

      Dear Kalibud,
      thanks for UR. comments but it make no sense, SKERRIT has never win an election fairly, all he does is to rage elections which is Illegal, now it is to obvious so he is trying to make it legal, I have been seating in the poling station as a Presiding Officer for many years and seeing Illegality happening in my very eyes, but I can’t say any thing because ny voice is to small, and especially in UR. CURRUPT country D/ca
      Thompson fountain was a candidate in the 2014 general election at Grandfond in his very eyes he saw them stole his votes and could not do any thing about it, so who am I a small fish like me to open my mouth in D/ca Big Man business?

  39. Gullible
    May 19, 2017

    Why is the opposition talk, don’t say anything let the lawyer pass let dictatorship take root, then you will see exactly who will be crying

  40. YOU Too
    May 19, 2017

    Typical of you Linton to stir controversy.. Listening to your rumbling there’s nothing anyone can do or say that you will not criticize, your criticism must be constructive..if you had any accomplished portfolio, I would say patience, but my boy you didn’t even complete high school or as an adult attend an institution of higher learning. Yet you are exposing yourself to know it all. We will never be the laughingstock of the world in the 21st century. The bank building a house and purchasing a vehicle cannot go in YOUR portfolio. Please let someone with a valid education lead the party.

    • stupendous
      May 20, 2017

      That’s your argument to get personal with the guy but at the same time the leader of the DLP and the country is afraid to debate publicly the guy you claim that does not have a secondary education. In fact none the Ministers want to debate the man including you because you sound like a Minister at least you write like them. So my friend put your money where your mouth is , organize a debate on this very same issue or any issue and invite yourself and your colleagues to debate the man who does not have a secondary education in the open public. You know how long we waiting on that . But all you fraid.

    • KaliBud
      May 20, 2017

      I totally agree. How can someone who is not qualified for any government job be allowed to dad the country, and represent us among international dignitaries. And most amazing is the number of times I’d see his followers call labourites stupid and uneducated. Such a deep need for introspection

  41. May 19, 2017

    Yes the last election labor provide transportation for a lot of the senior citizens, so who do you think they gonna vote for? LABOUR ka twavi , so lets fix that.

    • Driver
      May 19, 2017

      Great, why didn’t UWP do the same?

  42. zeebee charles
    May 19, 2017

    Linton you shut up your trap we are accepting the amendments is this not what you wanted now you get it you beating up yourself .read and understand

    • ???????
      May 21, 2017

      Know your place :twisted: :twisted: Dominica belongs to all Dominicans. It was not willed to Skerrit.

  43. REAL!!!!!!
    May 19, 2017

    Skerrit why would you want to legalize bringing INTL voters to vote but not cleaning the voter list via re-registration with proper voter ID Card?

    Skerrit claims he has overwhelming support of the people who live in Dominica so why the need to legalized the bringing in of INTL voters?

    You said Dominicans who live outside cannot run the country by remote control but the same INTL votes can be used to keep you in power?

    The people in Dominica both DLP and UWP supporters will not forgive themselves if they don’t stop the GOVT from implementing this DANGEROUS amendment to the ACT.

    • %
      May 19, 2017

      I blogged something similar,before reading your comment..Both Skerrit and his lackeys boast about being popular,but this popularity is predicated upon IMPORTED VOTERS..He knows fully well that the opposition will crush his corrupted gang internally in any election..Thats why those of us who love Dominica must stand up to those villains.
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO!!
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!

    • ermaempr
      May 19, 2017

      How exactly is the amendment DANGEROUS?
      Are you saying that the politicians should not facilitate their supporters with transportation?
      Or that there should be a limit on the value of that facilitation?
      I agree with the amendment

      • ???????
        May 21, 2017

        Sick….twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :mrgreen: :

  44. Looking
    May 19, 2017

    So how are we going to prove or disprove the second part mentioned by the honorable PM ” unless the transportation is provided facilitated with the intention to corruptly induce an elector to vote for a particular candidate for whom or party for which the elector would not otherwise vote.”?

    • stupendous
      May 20, 2017

      It beats me how on earth one can prove this in a court of law worst and especially what passes for a court system in Dominica. You are so right! Just look back at the case against Skerrit in reference to he being French citizens, Man I tell you. Only in Dominica.

  45. Lil Ms Sunshine
    May 19, 2017

    And how is someone to prove that your intention was to just provide transportation? Cause you say so? I am no lawyer but this amendment is to allow politicians to do s**t and cover their a***s. People do not allow this!!!

  46. Me One
    May 19, 2017

    As usual papie show will be dancing to his own beat of music. Over and over you are calling for the disruption of a civilized society. Why don’t you call on the people you represent to March for the health care facilities or better roads. People are laughing at you. Tell me YOUR accomplishment as opposition leader not UWP official.

    • May 19, 2017

      After 17 years in office and control of the people’s purse, tell me whats Skerrit and the DLP’s accomplishment??
      It seems like some of us are sitting on our brains :-D :-D :-D

    • ShameOnSkerro
      May 19, 2017

      His accomplishment is FORCING the government to spend all that CBI money in Dominica! If he didn’t open his mouth and disrupted the corrupt business in session, all those CBI funds would have stayed in the hairy banks!

    • Tjebe fort
      May 21, 2017

      Return of bin bobol money to the treasury for a start. Ou ni memoir poule garcon?

  47. My little take
    May 19, 2017

    As far as I am concerned it makes no sense to have anymore elections in Dominica until Skerrit dies …….. The man is desperate to stay in power until he is replaced by his son and he will do anything it takes to buy votes and bribe voters. So just let him remain in power till death do him part, instead of allowing him to destroy our country and construction, to stay in power. You have it Skerrit: know more elections till you die so please don’t go to parliament to change laws that have served us well for years. Please for God sake save our laws and Constitution because we will be in need of them when you die in office or arrested in office. Thank you

    • May 19, 2017

      What??

    • HIFIVE
      May 19, 2017

      Agree with you My little take….this PM it appears to me has no intention of leaving office. First he changed the law with regards to the IPO when he saw he would have been on the losing side of the law. Now with a case against he an his MP’s pending he is again going to Parliament to amend. The way I see it the young people of this country will in years to come talk of the warning that opposition gave and they paid no heed.
      All these unsuspecting supporters are going to be in for a big surprise. This labour party does not represent the so called ‘little man” like it did in the 50’s and 60’s. These guys are just using the so called ignorant majority to remain in power and enrich themselves…….BE WARNED

    • %
      May 19, 2017

      He knows what we do not know.Thats why he wants to stay in power so desperately…Can you imagine a man that says that he is so popular among the people can go that far?I am willing to fight against this one,as i have done for every other just cause in the past!!!
      SKERRIT MUST GO!
      SKERRIT MUST GO
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW¡

    • concern citizen
      May 20, 2017

      Thank You My Little Take,
      U see I am not blaming SKERRIT for what he is doing to D/ca country, I am blaming those who put him there and are trying so desperately to keep him there such as the former resident Judge of TIT ETC

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