Over 30 Dominica Labour Party (DLP) supporters who have remained steadfast with the party and its principles and purpose over the years have been honoured for their perseverance and loyalty.
Last night, a special awards ceremony at the Arawak House of Culture in Roseau was convened for that purpose under the theme “Celebrating Those Who Have Taken us to the Next Level”, and in line with the party’s philosophy that “all shall eat”.
The honorees, who were recognised for their significant contributions to the party’s success, hailed from all constituencies.
The award ceremony comes exactly one year after the party’s victory at the December 18, 2009 polls.
At last night’s ceremony, Senator Alvin Bernard, in his address, encouraged younger supporters to emulate the loyalty, perseverance and values of those honoured.
“I want to implore all the younger members, friends and patrons of the Labour Party to look at these people and emulate them. I think we should learn something from them and what we have to learn is loyalty, perseverance, a sense of purpose, a belief in God, and a belief in the values, the objectives, and the purpose of the Dominca Labour Party,” he said.
He added, “This Dominica Labour Party has travelled a long road. It must have been quite a difficult period in our days out of office and it must have been difficult for those persons who held on, those persons who persevered and those persons who cause us to prevail at this time.”
Bernard is convinced that the work of the awardees along with other followers stands as the reason for the party’s landslide victory at last year’s polls.
“It is because of these stalwarts, as we refer to them, that we are here tonight, it is because of them that we were able to conquer 18 of the 21 seats that we contested. Tonight we are showing gratitude; it is important that we all turn back to those who have contributed, to those who have sacrificed. And therefore tonight we are showing gratitude, to all those who have made such sacrifices way back in the history of the party and most recently during our struggles with the general elections,” he stated.
The senator believes that the DLP has unique qualities that sets it apart from other political parties in Dominica.
“The Labour Party has many qualities that set it apart from the rest of the other parties. Among these, and not absolute, will be inclusiveness, the concern for the less fortunate, and the concern that all or the desire that I should say, that all has a right to participate and to share in the common good of this land of our…and that is what sets the Domica Labour Party apart from the rest,” he said.
Awards were presented by zones: southwestern, central, western, north western, and southestern zones.
Last night’s recipients included Hubert Joseph of the Roseau Central constituency. He has been an active supporter for over 56 years.
Fred Abraham of Pottersville, Michel Joseph of Mahaut, Cletus Joseph of Colihaut, Hanes Shillingford of Salisbury, Veronica Charles of St Joseph, Clem George of Paix Bouche, Gertrude Thomas of Penville, Ursula Dailey of Kingshill, Bernard Antoine of Petite Savanne, were also among those who received awards.
Leader of the DLP and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit referred to recipients as “comrades who kept the flames of the Labour Party burning through thick and thin”.
He said that he was “deeply honoured” to address the ceremony where so many committed, hard working and fearless “comrades” were gathered.
There were 31 recipients in all – some whom have been associated with the party for over 50 years.
The DLP, which gained an overwhelming 18-3 victory over the United Workers Party at the general elections last year, will stage its “Big Red Day” event planned for the Macoucherie Beach today (Sunday).
Below are some photo highlights from the awards ceremony.
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“These guys ought to be shot in the morning after one had his or her coffee.”
ADMIN
Sir, would you like someone to say you should be shot for writing this as well. I was gonna delete your post totally, but I wanna show the world some of the things people like you want to be published and when it is not published you brand admin “red” or “blue”. Put your trust in God and not man. If you trust God, you would not be calling for people to be shot. God help us.
An award for being a political hardliner? Wow. And the PM was there. Wow. Well, it could be argued that the awardees are of his party after all. So no brownie points there. I see no other purpose of this than to boost party morale. If so, great work. Oh wait. There may yet be another reason for this. And I believe its already been said, but I shall restate: great diversionary tactic, sir!
That being said, how does this benefit the country? Well, if you share the Labor party policy as the way forward for the country, then you see some link there, I am sure. But how does being a political hardliner really forward any nation? I am pretty sure it causes more division than unity.
On another note, I am tempted to take issue of the fact that DNO has coverage of this divisive ceremony and yet did not see fit to place much emphasis on an award ceremony which was held recently and which promoted unity and praised hard work and nation building. I am talking about the public service award ceremony. Neither the PM nor DNO gave it much credit. The PM was not present (I’m sure he had more important duties to perform), and I guess DNO (I’m sure he had more important news to cover) saw it fit to skip the event as well. But I’ve spoken a bit too much I guess.
ADMIN
Are you finished?
one thing I know….lazavier4Jesus ,the figure u call “GOD”do not need neither witness nor jury, and does’t depend on our report.
psychology at its best.
THINGS LIKE THAT, THAT HAVE THEM(UWPIANS)GOING CRAZY..THIS IS GOVERNMENT OF CLASS…
I wonder who got the award for the most corrupt eh? Then again, who is the front runner for the award of compulsive lies or the greatest political liar? Hey! did we forget to nominate the most deceitful and arrogant leader of modern Caribbean politics? If so, please civic-minded patriots, let’s get these awards in ASAP. Remember, always give Jack his jacket. Hon. Lougawoo is ready and able to nominate and present these covetable awards to the rightful recepients.
:-x. 99 days for the volea and 1 day for the master. that day will soon come
Everytime I try to write something more….. I just find my self laughing!!! sorry!!
this is just what i can not stand about the PM………..he has done well for the country, but he uses the people for his personal gain…where is the ethics? where is the morality? I voted him once…never me again…..His ethic, morality and integrity….needs to be transparent.
The gifts receivers…take all u gifts..because when Skerrit ends up in jail…the gifts will return the memories and all u will say….”oh…I remember him. He was a nice man….but at least got something from him………
Blessed Christmas to all…
The next level……stockfarm prison….
Maybe..send him to a prison on “Christmas Island”…..
Because those prisoners escaping to frequently at stockfarm….
WHEN WILL DOMINICANS OPEN THEIR EYES AND ASK SKERRIT FOR LONG TERM EMPLOYMENT INSTEAD OF HAND-OUTS, PARTY AND DAILY BREAD?
This has been over due for we to be recognized by the leaders of the DLP thanks to all. Also we should’nt for get the supporters in the diasporia who have been there in good times and bad ones. A great achivement
i have never seen such non-sense before…. when skerrit has heat on him he always seem to turn to a public gathering of his supporters be it party or giving worthless placques to foolish people who cant see the damage he is doing…..
i doh thing god will bless dominica when the majority support ungodly deeds…
jess now i gone
THE RECIPIENTS ARE INNOCENT PEOPLE WHO THINK IN THEIR HEARTS THAT SKERRIT AND HIS GANG ARE GENUINE IN THEIR ACTIONS. WE SHOULD FORGIVE THEM
I READ A POST FROM L-4- JESUS, WHICH SAID THAT HE/SHE WILL PUT SKERRIT ABOVE THE CONSTITUTION IN THIS DUAL CITIZEN MATTER BECAUSE HE IS GOOD LOOKING?? GIVE ME A BREAK!! SO THIS IS THE MENTALITY WE ARE DEALING WITH IN DOMINICA TODAY??
DON’T YOU KNOW THAT NO MAN IS ABOVE THE LAW???
WHAT IS THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN DOMINICA TODAY??? THESE ARE THE AREAS IN WHICH YOU SHOULD RATING SKERRIT ON.
It’s good to see that the majority of those receiving awards are women. It shows that women do a lot more work in the background while the men take the credit (as in the case of the DLP over the years). For a change, it’s the women receiving the applauds. Good going Mr PM. Those criticising the PM for this gesture should think again and follow likewise, Women are the foundation of our society and behind every successful man is a strong woman. The success of our nation is based on the strength of our women.
By the way! I’m a man.
Congrats to all those who were awarded and Congrats to the DLP on their one year anniversary. Continue the good work as we strive to take Dominica to the next level despite all those trying to hinder our country’s development. God Bless my PM and the DLP and Dominica!
Well Well Well look It! Who voted to put them in power? These 30 or so party big wigs? Where is the party and award ceremony for ALL the women jumping front stage at the conventions? Where are the men , old, young jumping and doing madness for the party? Yes this is politics in pure fashion. Help me get in and when I get in I will kick you to the curb and it will be award ceremony for the big wigs. I mean yes they have to thank those who helped them. But to have a BIG DISPLAY of AWARD CEREMONY? Come on man, this is a smoke screen for the fire that they are feeling in their wire! I see them trying to bolster support because shi.. hitting the fan now. Well, then again this is what we have been reduced to, pay me to keep my eyes, ears and mouth SHUT! This is DOMINICAN STYLE POLITICS. SO BRING ON THE AWARDS AND LOTTERY STYLE WINNINGS TO THE FEW!!!!!!!!. Thank you Mr Prime Minister, oh my how lovely thou art. I want payment for my vote TOO!!!!!!
What a considerate thing to do. . . . give them their flowers . . .
This will likely improve their Christmas Cheer. Nice Pics
Maybe Ron Green and the UWP should have also been given an award by PM Skeritt.
After all, UWP’s poorly planned and implemented 2009 campaign was a big help to the DLP . .. .
EXAMPLE: Remember UWP inviting a large crowd to New Town for their Manifesto launching and Ron Green telling the crowd: ” we will launch it in a new way . . . . ONLINE”
They Had No Manifesto; After almost 5 years in opposition, when they should have been preparing/making plans to form the next Government.
The next level of more lies and corruption!!!
YOU ARE TRUELY AN” URBAN MAROON”..YOU SHOULD TRY TO GET INTO CIVILIZATION..
This is what i consider to be CLASS
Way to go labour party.
The PM = The Pied Piper. Try to figure that out.
In light of the recent developements over Skerrits dual citizenship fiasco, we will see all kinds of distraction tactics in the coming weeks. What we must not forget is the issues at stake. Lets not fall for free food and drinks. This guy must be laughing. he has an incredible ability to use reverse phyco on his subjects
Voice from the Wilderness
thats where you should stay i n the wilderness and wither into nothing ness
from your wriiten comment you ara jealous clod fish
whay do you want to sitir up strife and trouble
just get on with it already
can you not see the pm is a man of class and dignity,
you are a hater and an un loved person
go away
Karl Marx would be proud.
well said, and how true that is.
Mr Prime Minister, you are so young and good looking. It makes me want to say that I feel proud to have you as the principal Leader of my country, regardless of the accusations against you. For I consider you to be a SON OF DOMINICA, a truth that no written law can change,
Words can sometimes, simply, be the ideas of man written on paper. Paper can easily be crumbled, thrown in the gabage and put to the fire. But the mind lives on forever and ever regardless of its state.
The constitution of Dominica is written on paper, but you are a man of its soil with a mind that seem to be quite genuine, demonstrating your love for your homeland. I would definitely choose you over the words of the constitution. And if you have willfully disobeyed it rules or laws, I would not condone to that conduct in you, but I also know that as human beings we all make awful mistakes.
For that reason I am willing to forgive you if you are wrong, but most of all you need to ask forgiveness from Almighty God, not any man of this world, if you have done something wrong. However, I am standing by your words, of confidence, that you will have victory and to be exalted because of God’s Love.
My prayer to God is that He will sanctify your mind and to protect you from your enemies. I perceive that you conduct a powerful level of wisdom and philosophy. I pray that by your faith in God, He will mold that authority in you, that you might demonstrate it in its Spiritual form–the wisdom and revelation of His Holy Spirit in you.
You have declared God, in His Son, Jesus Christ, dear Prime Mininster. Allow His ways of Love, the functions of Life in Jesus Christ to flourish in you. Let God’s Will for our country, Dominica, be done through you, along with the men and women who reign with you. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
How pathetic. It’s AH’s like you who make Da what it is and has become.
Lizavier4Skerrit that should be your name AH!Are you by any chance on medical marijuana? You sure seem to be on something girl cause you sure emanating some serious …. I am sending Dr.Benjie to your home right now you hallucinating. Give me a break AH.
What a travesty, Oh how they prey on the ignorant! Makes me sick!
I want Lennox and Dawn Christopher to investigate those recipient and see if they violated Dominica Contistution ?
How can a party honour its members….lennox please look into this ASAP
Sakway Sort. I C U dont like originality & good deeds? no wonder u support workers