Former Dominica Labour Party (DLP) candidate for Wesley and United Nations employee, Griffin St. Hillaire, has called for campaign finance reform in Dominica.
St. Hillaire made the call at a panel discussion hosted by the Citizens Forum for Good Governance at the Garraway Hotel on Tuesday afternoon.
He pointed out that at present Dominica do not have any campaign financing legislation and the campaign format these days is of what he described as a “vulgar and sewo type,” which he said never existed before.
“My own conclusion and proposal for campaign finance reform is based on four simple points,” St. Hillaire said. “I think it should be financed by the public, there must be a ban on all huge billboards, we must have spending limits, there must be a system to police and to punish violators of that system.”
In his 15-minute presentation on the topic of Campaign Financing, he noted that some of his proposals are radical, however if Dominica is serious about reform, the public, government and the treasury must fund campaigns and equal amounts must be allocated to all parties to run their campaigns.
St. Hillaire who works for the UN in Geneva said Switzerland, where he now resides, is referred to as a “truly democratic state” which has refused to join the European Union (EU) because in their view they practice a superior form of democracy than the rest of Europe.
According to him, Switzerland votes on every single issue and “I travel around and I don’t see these size of billboards and yet Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world.”
He argued that although some spending has to be done during campaigns, there must be a limit and it should not be “a free for all.”
“You have to run your campaign and you need to transport people, you need to advertise, you need to get some messages across, so there is a certain amount that you need to spend,” he said. “But there must be a limit on that amount.”
He also posed a question to those who fund the campaigns of political parties, asking what do these political parties owe them.
He suggested that the names of people who finance campaigns be published and campaign funds be available for independent audits.
St. Hillaire was the DLP candidate for Wesley in 1995 general election.
Also on the panel were attorney at law Cara Shillingford, former ambassador to the United Nations, Crispin Gregoire, and former press secretary, Sean Douglas.
Dr. Valda Henry was the moderator of the discussion.
To Francisco Telemaque
“Here you go again with your nonsensical assumptions and perceptions as though you are correct. You have given so much acolytes to Mr. St. Hillaire, but i will tell”(Gary).
Gary, because I do not want to waste too much of my time on a whaler like you, I will be very brief and simply say to you what you believe is nonsensical is the absolute fact: St. Hillaire will refrain from going into the gutter, so do not expect him to into the trash bin of history.
I who know what transpires as told by people to me by those who was involved in the betrayal of St. Hillaire. you can babble as all idiots do, but I stand firm on the truth.
And by the whaler is seaman’s term means a drunken sailor: You have to be drunk!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
@Francisco Telemaque
this Skeritt’s speech @ the United Nations this year. This is in response to your earlier post concerning his qualifications.
http://www.dominica.gov.dm/speeches-addresses/address-by-hon-roosevelt-skerrit-at-the-63rd-session-of-the-united-nations-general-assembly
Mr. St. Hilaire, as an employee of the UN, I, would have expected you to speak and refer to the occasion celebrated and a program championed by the DLP to which much criticism has being levied.
Wednesday marks the United Nations World Toilet Day, which highlights the 2.5 billion people worldwide without access to proper sanitation, including toilets. To put the problem in some perspective, more people across the world have access to mobile phones than toilets: While 6.8 billion people have cellular subscriptions, only 4.6 billion have access to proper toilet facilities.
This year’s focus is “Equality, Dignity and the Link Between Gender-Based Violence and Sanitation.” Lack of access to toilets means women and girls have no choice but to defecate in the open, leaving them at higher risk of sexual abuse and violence.
Following the brutal rape and killing of a female student on a bus in Delhi in 2012, there has been greater scrutiny in rapes and sexual assaults in India. Today, police and social activists say the majority of rapes and sexual assaults in India’s Bihar state happen when women and girls go outside to defecate. About 85 percent of those living in Bihar don’t have access to a toilet.
In addition, when people have access to toilets, some aren’t in usable condition.
“Where toilets do exist, additional inequalities present in usability. Toilets generally remain inadequate for populations with special needs, such as the disabled and elderly, and women and girls requiring facilities to manage menstrual hygiene,” the U.N. says.
At UNHQ a ’15-door-high inflatable toilet’ erected to mark #WorldToiletDay. 1-billion ppl defecate in open pic.twitter.com/t9o9fG1en7
— Melissa Kent (@KentUNCBC) November 19, 2014
Artists have decorated 25 toilets in Sydney to raise awareness, including one made up as a lush porcelain garden.
In February, UNICEF India released the song, “Take the Poo to the Loo,” urging citizens to defecate in a toilet to improve sanitary conditions. One billion people defecate in the open, according to the U.N.
I agree with what you’re saying but the issue in India is cultural one. In the old days Dominicans without proper facilities would use pots in their home at night and in the morning get rid of it. why cant the Indians do the same? You’re telling me in Bihar state which has a population of 99 million people over 85 million people are doing their personal business outside in the bush? That’s just plain disgusting. They need a cultural shift and a lot of shovels.
isn’t it amazing the party that went round the world to look for supporters could not muster the majority of supporters you all can try scare tartics all that will do is give the labour party a bigger win. but you all foolish ehh there is a labour government in Antigua, st.kitts, they they too coming.guadlope Martinique,they too. by the way is less than five years that a number of Dominicans have been home.what happen to all the reunion that toke place here, not forgetting Christmas, carnival and creole fest.
Should one party refuse campaign financing because of the inability of another party to raise theirs? should DLP share funds with UWP to make it “fair”?If uwp had raised millions for this campaign, I wonder what the narrative would be? Instead of seeking more funding uwp and their advocates are complaining and criticizing. Such an ineffective approach if you ask me! Hmmm! Is like an AWAY team telling the HOME team tell your fans don’t cheer for you as customary but cheer for us instead. Uwp is beaten already for many obvious reasons and there is no denying that. At the end of the day, when the dust has settled people vote for who they Love and who they believe cares for them the most and that’s why DLP will win hands down because the people LOVE them and endorse their performance. Incidentally, All great democratically elected leaders have been Loved by the people. My friends, LOVE always wins and cannot be defeated.
Are u not awaiting for ur air line ticket to come down to vote, or u should have come before election date to campaign (BEB).
You know, I might be a dumb person, nevertheless, as dumb as I am I would not write any garbage like what is in the quote above. How about writing it this way “Airline” instead of air line!
I would write Are you, rather than “Are u” and just incase you do not know ur does not spell your, so that is an indication that you are an uneducated little weasel who believe yo are all that!
In the first place Sir BEB, if I wish to travel to Dominica in order to participate in any event, all I have to do is sit in my house and call the airline an preferred airline and simply give them a number, off one of the many plastics I have in my wallet, and the date I want to leave, and simply show up at the appropriate time at the my point of embarkation, and depart.
I do not need any help from anybody to do what I wish to do, at least not from any Dominican politician. For in the interim, and for the long term, my help comes from God, and no earthly god at that. I do not take gifts not even from the women I mess around. I do not accept birth day gifts, nor Christmas.
The 3rd of last October, was my birth day, I invited a bunch of people out along with my grand sons, and we had a ball, I told the people who I took out to spare me no expense, when every body was filled, I ask for the cheque, and paid it all in cash.
I am not you, waiting on Skerrit’s, bit remember, the same as how he said he feeds you all, he will reproach you by telling you he paid you way home okay.
So, if you are talking about, you are talking about the wrong man,at the wrong address:
Hahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahah!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
let those who want to contest the election bring a substantial down payment ,then this and more can be used for campain funds
Parwein buy me ticket nah? I need two round trip first class, 5 days at secret bay plus a Kia Sorrento rental and free meals at Fort young, 4 bottles of Soca rum, 1 high rise, 2 ipads, a blackberry, topup, 2 poloquettes, a pair of air Jordans, manchester united Jersey, a pair of Rayban, a couple free night for 3 people at Screws oh plus 1 spleif, 2 bottles coconut and chattou water!
Tnx Parwein!
I remember in the 70’s Gaylords use to sing a song that goes like this: Take warning, you better take warning… More than ever befoere we need to heed these words. Also, read the story of The rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31. Here is verse 30: “And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.” Folks we have warnings from 9 of them that were part of government with Skerrit from 2000-2014, warning us about Skerrit; are we taking heed? Here are they: Crispin Gregoire, Griffin St. Hillaire, Atherton Martin, Bernard Wiltshire, Hubert sabroach, former press secretary, Sean Douglas, Urban Baron, David Bruney and yes, even Ian Douglas who is on record warning us. Over the last 5 years I have heard the voices of all of the former and present DLP ministers, candidates, press secretary and also top campaign manager warning us. Take warning Dominicans!
Now that they are no longer in the cabinet, they have become vindictive, spilling the beans and of what and for what anyway. They have an axe to grind. What wickedness! Just what are you up to? I would not pay attention to any of them.
As for quoting about Lazarus and the Rich man, who, in the world is not guilty of this, one way or the other. You are not exempt. Too many quote from Holy Scripture. Simply read their comments and one will know their hearts are as hard as rock. Their comments lack godliness, love and sincerity.
As Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “In this perverse and sinful generation.”
Imperfect people call others imperfect. Sinners call sinners, sinners. Who is perfect?
Fellow Dominicans, these people are no better. They, as human beings, have all their flaws. They have an agenda to fulfill which is why this “better take warning” made these comments.
What are you trying to prove? It is obvious that they are vying for UWP. For God’s sake! Let the people decide! They should be matured enough to decide who they want as prime minister. Cease lambasting the PM and stating unkind and unfair comments about him. They are campaigning and are not those who are the representatives of the ridings. Who asked you? I have never heard or read nationals who are not elected members or who are not campaigning go on the radio and write a Website to spew their hatred against a reigning PM so as to influence others. Is this your place to do so? Attack the other leader of the other party who is by no means perfect. A wolf in sheep’s clothing I would state. It appears you really want Dominica to go down the drain.
May God bless the PM and against his enemies.
S. Machine, if your argument is St. Hillaire was a member of Skerrit’s Cabinet, at anytime over the past fifteen years, let me correct you by telling you he was never in anything involving Skerrit, except for the time they were supposed to have voted him to be leader of the Labor Party.
Skerrit and some of them I am sure he bribe to stab St. Hillaire in his back, hence, they voted for Skerrit to become leader of the party. If they voted him; St. Hillaire would have become the Prime Minister of Dominica fifteen years ago!
How can he be vindictive when he was the person who got victimized! You see, I keep telling you and Elizabeth to be quiet because you do not know what you are talking about after the fiasco St. Hillaire left Dominica, went away, a far as I understand he was working somewhere in the Middle East. I do not know if that is true or false, but we now know he was employed within the United Nations.
I can find out because I have another cousin from Wesley who is also employed within the United Nations! Stop talking if you do not know what you are saying! I bet you your boy Skerrit cannot work for the United Nations, he not set foot in there to speak or anything, I the first place he is not paying dues, you know the fee we have to remain a member of the United Nations, he prefer to use the to do whatever, one of these days they kick Dominica out of UN, and it will be the fault of your god, the god Roosevelt Skerrit!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Better take warning from who!
In the first place the scriptures you have quoted has absolutely nothing to do with what I wrote or anyone else argument. Nor, does it have anything to do with politics in Dominica. For your information, and those who share your belief, God dose not play politics, nor does he take sides in politics. Some politicians usually pray to God and ask him to make them win. If they win, they give credit to God, or perhaps their personal “god,” but the reality is this; God Almighty said in his words: in Matthew 22:21 “Then saith he unto them; “Render therefor unto Cae’sar the things which are Cae’sar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.
We have to agree that Caesar was a politician, and if you are not aware of that you need to get rid of your Bible. So, I must contend if God played no part in politics more than two thousands years ago, in the heyday, and might of the Roman Empire, why do you believe he has changed his mind and it is his will to support lairs such a Skerrit, Douglas, and the rest of the culprits in his cabal?
Now I cannot remember exactly where it is written in the Bible, but I am 100% sure that God said he is the same yesterday, tomorrow, and forever. He never changes, So I do not see why he would be in support of bunch of lairs. God said in Romans 3:4 ” God forbid : yea let God be true, but every man a liar as it is written: That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings and mightest overcome when thou art judge.
You can interpret that if you can.
God hate a lying tongue okay, if you are following the warning issued by the likes of the people you mentioned, if you support them and they win the election, people like you should stave, because they all are responsible for the miserable economic condition in Dominica right now. Be reminded if Ian Douglas and others did not shut down the construction of the International Airport, Dominica would be in a much better position today; because it would have provided thousands of jobs directly, and indirectly.
Ian Douglas is one who claimed that he and Rosie Douglas Athie, Skerrit, Charles and the rest of them could get an International Airport built for a fraction of what Edison James and the UWP was spending on the one that was in progress. They lied to the people saying they have dozens of interested people in the background just waiting, and as soon as UWP lost the election, and let me remind you that was twenty years ago those investors would rush in build the Airport, and operate it for a few years, and then give it the lying bastards, and Dominica for free. Ask Ian Douglas about that. The ones you are revering and want them to remain at the apex of our country, has done nothing to improve the life of the poor common man, in Dominica, all they have accomplished is a few of them becoming millionaires. Do not use the Bible to try to intimidate me in particular, because I know what is written in it from Genesis down to Revelation, so the baloney you are talking does not impress, nor scare me!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Why did we not think of that when the other party was in power? Did you just suddenly find that out sir? We will consider it after election it is too late now. Hope you all don’t change your mind if you all ever get elected. The rules of the games should always be established before the game and not while the game is in progress.
I just don’t understand! Unemployment is so rampant in Dominica, yet the Labour Party can find money to bring in voters from overseas.
How does that math work? What happens to the economy after Labour wins this elections?
the same thing that happened after uwp won. stupes
An even better question for you… what does unemployment have to do with air travel?
The same that you have been experiencing in progressive Dominica with more and better times to come.
It appears you have not yet crashed. Things must be good with you. You have not yet starved and are not homeless.
it have jobs selffff, but we DOMINICANS don’t wanna do the job that there! we want those that will have us sitting behind the desks with leg up!
I Nominate Griffin St .Hillaire for Prime Minister. This man Truly loves Dominica and would look out for the best interest of Dominica and its citizens. He is not into lining his pocket at the expense of the country . Our ancestors are weeping at the state what you are turning the country into Skerrit. and you don’t want them to cry out on you.
You people make much sense…you want to vote someone who is not in the race. Just for information the office of PM and minister for finance are reserved to elected candidates.
Say it louder and clearer.
If an unelected candidate would happen to become the PM, he should be immediately ousted for his position will be a fake one and unjustified. Dominicans must be aware of that.
You think so because he made those uncomplimentary comments? How easily you could be fooled. I would not praise him for that. On the contrary, I would reprimand him for he is up to nothing good and trying to deceive the people.
He has not yet had the opportunity to line his pockets and you are praising him. He has not yet been tested.
Look! It is obvious that those who support another party will make such comments. So who are you trying to deceive? I am not impressed.
All of a sudden, these people forget that Dominica was under an austerity measure, the people of Dominica sacrificed, the Government pull the country together and now that something is having in Dominica these people want the tax paying Dominicans to support them in their bid to run for elections in the country.
Go and tell the Democrats and the Republicans in the US to have the government pay for their political campaigns. Americans pays $1000.00 and more a plate of dinner for fundraising their campaigns. If you want to represent the people, you have to do your best, put your money out and show us you are serious.
Where do you hear any government pays for campaign funds? The UWP mismanaged the money they got travelling all over the world in groups of more than three and now you want Dominicans to support you? What a load crap.
Are you really a Doubting Thomas?
You made some good points. The same applies in Canada.
They should organize fundraising and do not squander the money traveling overseas to different countries. What was the purpose for tat and what good did it prove? They should have concentrated on campaigning in Dominica. They would have had money in their coffers to run their campaign.
The US treasury does provide support for presidential candidates. There are limits as to what the treasury will spend. All other sources of financing raised by the candidates must be declared.
Before you disseminate wrongful information to the Dominican public, please check your statements
So St.Hillaire is now on the other side he is crying sour grape. I think hatred and jealousy is the common disease in Dominica. They never think this young guy would be doing such a good job. People alway get their salary every month end comupter was never broke. Thanks God for small mercies.
Anonymous are they paying you to be that ridiculous? Do you still have a conscience? Have you gone loco? Can’t you see the trend this nation is taking is a very, very bad one and we will all regret it one day if something isn’t done now. He that knows to do good and doesn’t do it, God’s word says that THAT is SIN. God have mercy on you!!!!!!!!
You are also an intelligent one. Envy will get them nowhere. I would vote the PM in any day.
My instinct is such that I know Dominicans need him to lead them. They will do well to recognize that and be smart at the polls to vote wisely. Five more years and more!
…Then Skerrit stood up on the podium, grabbed the mic and said,”tell them, its not none of their da** business where i get my money from.”
And it is not. Tell them to pay their taxes, shut up and have respect. There is too much disrespect among some people of this era. The Internet has done that to some of them. As noted, it has brought out the worst in some people.
“St. Hillaire said Dominica does not have campaign finance legislation.”
You know, matters as such should be looked into, we need plenty of changes in our country, political, and in every other avenue. However, to implement such changes, that will never happen as long as (Me Almost Nearly Cousin Skerrit), remains king, god, and dictator over Dominica. As long as Skerrit’s Labor Party has its tentacles around the neck of the land Dominica, and its inhabitance; one should not anticipate any meaningful, or significant change in our country.
He is not going to allow any legislation which he believes is going to have an effect on his reign. This is an opportunity for the people to see Skerrit for what he really is: His incompetents is quite visible; there is no doubt about it. If the people kick him out, this time, issues such as you have zeroed unto, should be legislated along with an absentee Ballot law, giving Dominicans residing in the Diaspora a bigger say in what should, and what should not happen in Dominica.
Whereas Skerrit seems to have a source, or shall I say a well of money that never runs dry, there should be law making it mandatory that politicians disclosed the source of the money they utilized in funding their campaign.
There should be legislation which makes it mandatory that every politician by the time his name makes it oh a party’s ballet, seek to represent any constituency, the declare their total assets. How much money they have in a saving account, how many arches of land they own, and how many house, and cars the possess. By so doing we can identify those who become rich overnight, although their honest paid money from the treasury cannot sustain their wealth.
They should be held accountable for the materialism they own while in government, or on losing their seats in parliament. In America if you want to buy a property, let’s say for cash you had better be ready to show proof of how long you had that money sitting in a Bank, If you are buying making as down payment, and holding a mortgage you had better ensure you had the down payment sitting in a Bank for at ninety (90) days, minimum sixty days prior to escrow closing. Politicians in America Steal, nevertheless, they usually get caught, and he who does not believe me, they have to do is research Jesse Jackson Jr. and a few others, Black and white.
If you are reading this guy give my regards to your uncle Mascolle, tell him I met Boltton in New York, and we reminisced on him a bit, you know we talked about his spin bowling, great cricketer who never got a chance to represent Dominica, the day when they were supposed to pick him up to play in his first: first- class match in Roseau they stood him up, and substituted someone else; that was a long, long time ago give him my regards. If he cannot remember me, just “Son fu Ma John.”
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemmaque(Son).
@St. Hillaire… I think if the Labour leadership shoe was on your foot you would be preaching a different sermon and marching to a different drum.
Ask yourself this… where/who did the UWP campaign funds come from?
You too wicked… allu taxing Dominicans too much, the little money people getting you want them to pay politician campaign for their own benefit! Everything is a tax tax tax, bus fare, rent, utilities, groceries, clothing, sales tax, payroll tax, social security tax, insurance, school uniform tax, woman tax, VAT tax, rum tax, Sewo tax, Creole festival tax, codfish tax… now you want people to pay campaign funding tax, seriously!!
I have a feeling there are some people… it just burning them know where Skerrit getting funds and how in Gods name he making so much progress. because they have the copycat disease once they have the info they want to do it too… I don’t blame you but what is yours is yours and what is his is his. Don’t hate the player hate the game!
U need to look on u tube for that interview of Lennox Linton with a newly elected skerrit…what did he preach then? Campaign reform…….14 years later 9 of which he’s been prime minister did absolutely nothing about it….
I agree with u 100%, how can he think to give politicians money from the treasury to run their campaign, monies from what I’m paying taxes from? I believe politicians should have their own way of raising their campaign money St. Hillaire , at one time contested the leadership of the party and he loose to Skerrit , now he is singing a different tune
Dominicans must pay attention to this why St. Hillaire is making such comments. He has an ulterior motive which is not a good one.
Very well said
I can’t understand why all of a sudden all Diaspora wants to come back home for piece of the pie. My PM has worked to get things done for DA the stress this man has to endure to get a bit of bread for us. Lets just get something clear here. Even if people like you return home to take part in the political process your contribution will never be as astounding as the PM/Government.
All these sources of assstance will be gone. DA looks pretty now and you all want a piece. My PM is a born leader and peoples person. Thank God for Skerrit.
The vulgarness and sewo began with UWP we just perfected it.
Why should the public finance the campaign, we are a Developing Country we don’t have that level of resouces.
Ofcousre you wont see these huge billboard in Switzerland…they don’t exist in America, Canada and uk. We are not a Developed country. That’s the means by which most Developing countries campaign so that’s a none issue. If you go to Africa you will see similar.
One man you all are trying to bring down just because you all didn’t get your way with him.
My PM is placed here by God and he will be removed when the Most High is ready its not when you all are ready.
U are clearly a Dum-Dum..i feel sorry for you and your children- cleanse your mind of this bribery and educate yourself
He who calls a man a fool is himself the bigger fool.
People like you need to shut your damn mouth, the reason why many of us are living in the Diaspora is because of the sad state in our country stands. If you are suggesting that St. Hillaire returned for America, and all the other places he has been to get a piece of the pie, I suspect you do not have any commonsense.
St. Hillaire could have become Prime Minister of Dominica; had Skerrit and his gang had not stab him in his back, and made Skerrit the leader of the party. If St. Hillaire was Prime Minister of Dominica, and served for five years, Dominica would be in a better state than it is right now.
What do you mean people in Diaspora returns to Dominica to get some bit of pie which Dominica does not have. That guy is a very educated man, would you prefer him to remain in Wesley taking crap from people who are less qualified than him if in fact they gave him a damn job. It is because of his ability, why he could have left and head for greener pastures. I am sure he about retirement age, so if wish to retire in the place of his birth, is that a crime?
This guy does not want to live in America, if wanted to be here he would have done what is necessary to remain here, and let me be frank, I don’t know that he is not a citizen of this country, he might be I do not know. I doubt he is since he is still playing politics in Dominica. Nevertheless, I met his aunt, in New Jersey recently; someone I know way back when I was a kid, I met her daughter, the daughter was surprised I knew her, she said to me you are the first Dominican I meet who knows me. Why am I beating up on you, I am doing so because I detest people attacking my relatives.
Yes, somebody is going to say Francisco buying family again, let me say hell no, his grandmother was born to a woman know as Mama Pretty, very beautiful woman, born with the surname Telemaque, she is the aunt of people such a the Dr. Ruben Telemaque, his doctorate is in theology, and also former Fire Chief Arnold Telemaque, so it is not a situation where I am buying him, so ease of the mans back, People such as Thomson Fountain did not have to return to Dominica, these guys can make it in America, because of their education.
I made it here all due to my academics, I have no intention of retuning to suck salt and drink sea water to quench my thirst, I know we have the vinegar, at home but without gall it may not help. Leave these people alone man focus and getting Skerrit out of the way, when that happens maybe I might return home and set up an Electronic business, to provide a job for you!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Thank you Francissco educate them ignorant fool tell them, Dominica would have been in a better state under mr. St.Hillaire.Preach sir
You sound like a bitter and disgruntled old man.
Are u not awaiting for ur air line ticket to come down to vote, or u should have come before the election date to campaign?
@Francisco Telemaque you generally have intelligent things to say but this particular article has struck a personal cord with you and may have skewed your objective nature away from the topic at hand. Saying that DA would be better off if so n so was in power years earlier is a hypothetical statement and has no merit. If the person you speak of held similar position to the prime minister and was able to do much better in that position then the statement might be valid… such is not the case. The tracks are laid, the train is moving and some some want to jump on, others are already on but there are those who figure they can be the conductor if they work against the current conductor. That remains to be seen.
Francisco you always talk from your hip. Why you dont have electronics business in States instead of renting out sub-standard houses? What you know about Dominica where you staying n you sweet Merica?
When last you visit us? You always boast how you almost became a doctor after hundreds of years of trying. “Almost but lost.” Skeritt is a BIG success and alllu belly burnin wi jealosy. 
Here you go again with your nonsensical assumptions and perceptions as though you are correct. You have given so much acolytes to Mr. St. Hillaire, but i will tell you this, why don’t you let him speak for himself, I’m sure that he can. It is so absurd when I hear you say he could have become Prime Minister of Dominica and if he had been Prime Minister and served for five years, Dominica would be in a better state than it is right now. Have you not seen the arrogance and nonsense in a statement like this,well here is something for you to digest.There was a man who was learned he could name a horse in nine languages, so ignorant that he bought a cow to ride on
.
To Francisco Telemaque
Here you go again with your nonsensical assumptions and perceptions as though you are correct. You have given so much acolytes to Mr. St. Hillaire, but i will tell you this, why don’t you let him speak for himself, I’m sure that he can. It is so absurd when I hear you say he could have become Prime Minister of Dominica and if he had been Prime Minister and served for five years, Dominica would be in a better state than it is right now. Have you not seen the arrogance and nonsense in a statement like this,well here is something for you to digest.There was a man who was learned he could name a horse in nine languages, so ignorant that he bought a cow to ride on
.
I hope when your PM lose you will accept God’s will
Yes, one man; all you little god, Almighty GOD is about to topple, for God himself said that you should place no other gods before Him. God’s Word says that He shall supply ALL your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, Christians or non Christians, all you have to do is pray and ask God in faith, have patience and see the salvation of God work in your life and that of your family members.
Campaign finance legislation I agree on but to have the people’s treasury pay the bill, I say a big no. Let the lazy politicians go ahead and raise their funds. It is ok to know who making the donations so that we do not have criminals influencing our elections. This year we have witness the ability of one political party who have done their homework and raise the needed funds while we have seen the inability of another to do so. This in itself shows how prepared that both party are to take Dominica through the next 5 years. One party (DLP) is clearly better prepared and positioned for the task.
They should have invited you to participant on the panel because you making so much more sense than Mr. St. Hillaire. Great comment!
DLP what? Which government spends twenty years in power? Are you people hypnotized? are you all insane? Because money flowing like honey, all you think its going to last!! Wait still, if DLP wins, its fifty more years of misery and reality, the reality all never wanted to face, but all you let money, handouts, materials and care packages fool all you.
well said i agree completly ………. uwp was just not ready
Sure, sure, after the election, but let us enjoy our sewo. With or without bill boards the people are going to vote their choice. As a person who is unemployed, how does Lenox get his money for the world tours? The UWP are also offering sewo, but the people are following their heart?
Baffling and simplistic, disappointed with St.Hillaire’s reasoning!!! While I agree that there is a need for campaign finance reform, Mr St. Hillaire’s assertion that D/ca should have legislation governing campaign finance reform simply because Switzerland has is superficial and is devoid of logic. He further states that there should be no massive billboards – to that I ask why????
My reason for supporting electoral campaign finance reform is simply to level the playing field. In small island states as ours, the democratic process can easily be tainted by those with more finance available to them.
We are a poor country, yes it is true, so how can we expect the public purse to sponsor political campaigns? One suggestion is that we allow each party to raise the funds individually and place the funds in a general pool with appropriate records. At the time of the campaign, each party is given a sum from that pool equivalent to 75% of the party’s contribution to that pool. When there is a disparity, the party at a disadvantage is offered an advance from the public purse and made to repay same with interest at the commercial banks lending rates. The party can either accept or refuse the advance. Once it is accepted the party will be expected to repay within a finite time period. The other 25% of the deposit in the common pool would be used to remove the posters, bill boards etc. post election.
I think those are good ideas. As to them being implemented, I will wait and see. However, good to see a fellow Wesley representing Dominica on the international scene. Also good to see some top former labourites taking some principled stands against an administration that has very little regards for the laws that they suppose to uphold.
He is merely matching to the UN’s tune. Many people are disappointed with the UN bodies. They put their mouth where they should not. Have you listened to the UN, what they expect of certain people and their immorality in laying down such directives for others to follow? I would fire every one of them. Those people are godless. The UN is financed by businesses and taxpayers’ money.
@WHat he doesnt need their money . you are an idiot, red clinic supporter its senseless to dialog with you.
Tell that to the democrats and the republican. Man please!!!!!
Concern Dominican a lack of education and knowledge is a dangerous hindrance for you and that is sad Mr. Griffin St. Hillaire spoke English and you couldn’t even comprehend that…
Well Well Well Change is a must !.
Mr. Griffin St. Hillaire opinion regarding campaign finance reform in Dominica is motivated by his partisan political beliefs and does not convey anything educational. The references made to Switzerland shows how little Mr. St. Hillaire understands the hidden hands of International Politics.
well mr Patriot for change, first of all you do not no me to indicate that I do not have an education. It is very clear that you have no idea what is the difference between being educated and being a wise person. he cannot compare switzerland with Dominica. Just imagine you take treasury money to fund political campaigns? You are saying it is ok to take the hard earn tax payers money for your own use. as said by Mr Gary. this man does not understand the “hidden hands of international politics.”
i listened, very educational and informative. this man know his stuff, Thank you Mr. St. Hillaire
Mr. St. Hillaire, how are you my brother. Listen, I can understand and appreciate what you are saying and the message that you are advocating for our beloved land. However, after carefully reading the article and based on the quotes I beg to defer with you on a few things.
Although, it may work in Switzerland that does not necessarily mean that it will work in Dominica. After all, you know the political environment in this country. Secondly, I do not support or advocate for any limits on campaign finance when it comes to any given political party on the island. I do, however, support limits for individual candidates. I think that a candidate should finance his/her own campaign and of course, can have the backing and support from their party. The party, which for the purpose of this commentary, I will call the “National Party” (i.e.: DLP, DFP, UWP or whomever) can render support to their candidates. But I think that each candidate should rally their constituency and have Town Hall meetings with their people on a one and one basis outside the “national sphere of influence” such as a large UWP or DLP rally. The UWP have done some of that and that was an excellent move. Don’t get me wrong, rallies are fine but candidates need to meet with the grassroots and the common man on the street in their constituencies, and that to me, is lacking until the “national party” comes in and have a one-time big showing and freebies. Griffin, why are you against billboards? To me, I see no issue with them unless they are prohibited by any sign ordinances and even in that case, those political signs are exempt during an election? There should be no problem with signs and billboards during election time however; there should be a time limit, after the election that they are taken down. In many cases, these signs and billboards have become eyesores for many years after an election on the island.
Finally, I am against the Government treasury funding any election campaigns in Dominica. The treasury should not subsidize any political campaigns because that is opening up a can of worm that will be subjected to abuse by the ruling party of the day. Keep in mind, that the ruling party will readily have access to the treasury funds. Having said that, I do concur and will support your call for proper campaign finance legislation, however, they should not be that radical as you are proposing in your presentation. I do think that one big problem in the country today, is, the influence of external parties, or elements and the big Countries who allegedly pour money into the campaigns whereas, at any given time almost all the funds are in favor of the ruling government of the day. Therefore, the publication of a donor list is critical to the process.
Good advice. Additionally with all the funds spent none of that trickles down to the people. It all goes overseas. Once funds come from treasury all items must be made and produce by Dominican hands to ensure the funds remain and circulate in our economy. Its is time for common sense to prevail. Good to see some people coming out. We the people have the power to pressure our parliamentary reps to do what is best.
Campaign financing is good for the democracy of the country and I support this proposal however the law of competition will always supersede in politics, every man thinks he has the answer and the other is too inexperienced to lead.
In addition to campaign financing we need a high level of morality, purpose and good intention to take us back to the purpose for which we want to serve because out of many is one must lead all but each voter must remember that all for each and each for all.
Politics now is wrapped up in individualism where people forget the purpose of serving and when you are elected to serve you become the servan of the people and and not reprimanded for the way things are and yes we must remember like Shakespeare says we are all players, one makes his entrance while another makes their exits.
Good discussion.
These days politicians don’t care where they get their money from, it could be from the mafia, drug dealers or other criminals , there are some that will still take it just to get into power or remain in power.
So Dominicans have a lot to learn about the right way of doing things.
That is so true
Very good discussion and I support them fully.
It is all good to say what needs to be done but you have to come up with ways in how to implement these changes.
The current politicians we have in Dominica are not too cool to this wonderful ideas. So guys like you with such good intentions have to go out there to educate the masses about the benefits of good governace which starts with your ideas.
disgruntled people are dangerous, but I must say to you all, your efforts are in vain especially with arthurton martin around, go and shake your bags where you all sold your coal.
This was a very informative discussion . There are so many things that need to be done re electoral reform in Dominica. For the past 5 years the UWP have been trying earnestly for this but it seemed to have been falling on deaf until now when the election is very near.
hahahahahah
You know, I hate to get into these partisan debates but, sure, everything sounds good and I suggest that Team Dominica make this their first order of business to clean up the lists, put campaign financing legislation in place etc. as soon as they take hold of the reins of government. That will ensure that they have sufficient time to get all of that done before the next election in 2019/2020, because we know that what is being done here is an exercise in futility three weeks before the election. The Electoral Commission has explained ad nauseum
the process for removal of names from the list of electors. The Commission has also indicated what it has been doing itself to do continuous cleansing of the list.
Welcome Mr. St. Hilaire and Mr. Gregoire. What was your inducement to come in to Dominica three weeks before the election? An ambassadorial position? Are you both qualified to vote and do you intend so to do? You shouldn’t be so qualified based on the logic of the party with whom you are aligning yourself. What is the difference between your arrival here three weeks before the election, possibly on the basis of inducement of personal reward for voting a particular party and other Dominicans in the Diaspora who are legally registered to vote and choose to do so?
What do you have to say about the rumour or fact making the rounds that Arthie Martin has publicly named a list of Dominicans who were planning to travel to Dominica to vote and for whom arrangements were being made to do so? What do you also have to say about the rumour or fact that Arthie also wrote to the State Department to endanger the Immigration status, jobs and other benefits of his brothers and sisters in the US and by extension affect their relatives in Dominica?
Is this new level of aggression and intimidation in politics acceptable? Should I arrange a group to go and stand outside the homes of those people that Team Dominica are arranging to transport to the Polling stations for the purpose of intimidating them too?
Has Arthie investigated those who may be planning to come to support the other side and are being assisted? Has he also investigated whether all new registrations on both sides were done within the law and above board?
I continue to pray that God will help us to eradicate all forms of wrong-doing on all sides, particularly sophisticated hypocrisy and opportunism dressed in coats of nationalism.
Very well said.