Dear Lennox,
Let me start with the most important clarification first. We have known each other for over 30 years – how could you suggest that I would ever want to bring harm to you or your family? Please Lennox, I would never think either of us were capable of wishing harm on the other. For avoidance of any doubt, when I said “I fear you may not recover”, I was referring to your political career – that I fear your political career may not recover.
I do remember the gentler days of the 90’s and did enjoy our scrabble games very much. If my memory serves me right, you were often victor. Scrabble is great- requiring knowledge, creativity and speed. And truth – words put down on the board must exist in the dictionary. All assumptions can be checked to be fact or fiction.
Your response to me illustrates that today you play a different kind of scrabble, one in which assumption and innuendo prevail over fact.
I have come to the conclusion that you really do not seek answers, you seek to question exponentially, to make assumptions, to manipulate public opinion and to mislead. Misleading Dominicans on local talk radio programs and at local press conferences is one thing, doing it on an international stage to the detriment of your country’s image is another. And that is how this conversation began.
To illustrate:
LENNOX: “You are the Head of Roosevelt Skerrit’s strategy committee for the assassination of the character of Lennox Linton”.
FACT: LOL Lennox. Not aware of such a committee and obviously not part of it. FYI, I have not met with or had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister in about 7 months. My perceived access to him is highly overrated.
LENNOX: In the CBI program as is the case in the mail order business, there is no face to face contact between buyer and seller in the exchange of goods and/or services for money…. there are similarities between buying a Dominican passport and buying a pair of shoes on Amazon.com.”
FACT #1: Mail order is the buying of goods or services by mail delivery. The buyer places an order for the desired products with the merchant through some remote method such as through a telephone call or web site. Then, the products are delivered to the customer. Acquiring Citizenship to Dominica is nothing like mail order. Amazon.com or any mail order company does not conduct an extensive due diligence on the buyer before agreeing to sell. Such due diligences are thorough and pick up every material detail on the applicant’s past. The requirement for a “ face to face” interview was removed to remain competitive in the market place as other jurisdictions first abolished this and can only be justified on the merits of the integrity and robustness of the due diligence process. The steps in the process are available on line: http://cbiu.gov.dm/citizenship/how-to-apply / To suggest the two processes are similar is intentionally misleading and damages the destination and its CBI program.
FACT #2: CBS 60 Minutes reported that the Prime Minister of Antigua stated that applicants are now screened by American intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and generally speaking due diligence in the Caribbean has improved substantially. The report continued “The small island offices with a few people are now backed up by international firms that take the screening to a higher level”. You deliberately chose to ignore the significant improvement on due diligence processing in Dominica and throughout the region, but instead chose to portray it all as “mail order”.
LENNOX: I did not merely suggest that we are selling passports to criminals. I stated as truth and fact that “We had a diplomatic passport in the hands of Francesco Corallo, who, at the time, was on INTERPOL’s list of most-wanted criminals”. (In the same context as Corallo, Lennox claimed that Rudolph King, a Bahamian fugitive from U.S. justice, held a Dominican passport and was Dominica’s ambassador to Bahrain.)
FACT: There is no question that Dominica has made serious errors of judgement in the issuing of some Diplomatic passports. I agree that it must be dealt with decisively. BUT there is absolutely no evidence that the public is aware of that “we are selling passports to criminals” and that these diplomatic passports are being sold for cash under the table. The Government has also stated categorically and repeatedly that Rudolph King was never appointed ambassador to Bahrain and has never held a Dominica passport. This was the most damaging aspect of your presentation on 60 minutes and you have provided absolutely no proof of these assertions. It is telling that you would discuss the details of diplomatic passports on a 60 minutes program focussed on CBI knowing full well that one has nothing to do with the other. Your intent to further your agenda at the expense of the country’s reputation for political gain is clear.
LENNOX: Since Roosevelt Skerrit became Prime Minister in 2004, Dominica Diplomatic passports have been traded under the table to scoundrels, fugitives, tax cheats, fraudsters, money launderers and racketeers.
FACT: Again, there is no evidence of “under the table trading”. That is your speculation. What is beyond speculation however, and the best example I have researched of selling passports to criminals under the citizenship program, and delivering a passport by mail and receiving money for so doing was before Roosevelt Skerrit came to office. Will you care to educate me and the public Lennox on the case of international fugitive Christopher Skase?
LENNOX: Under that criminal enterprise, the Citizenship By Investment Program has been mismanaged and corrupted to become primarily a source of funding for Labour Party theft of elections and wealth creation for a chosen few….
FACT: There is no evidence that the public is aware of to suggest misuse of funds under CBI. From everything I have seen and read and understand of the program, I have no reason to suspect misuse of funds. It in fact appears to be a very well managed program. I suggest you refer to Pages 32 – 37 of the last budget which goes into great details about inflows and outflows from the program:
http://finance.gov.dm/index.php/budget/budget-addresses/file/24-budget-address-2016-2017-building-a-more-resilient-dominica It shows on page 34 the balance of funds held at NBD and RBC. The details of expenditure are shown on Page 35 and 36 – $8.7m to NEP, $14m to Infrastructure works at Douglas Charles, etc., its all there. If you have evidence of misuse of CBI funds, please produce it. By making such an allegation you are accusing senior public servants in the ministry of finance of collaborating with the politicians to siphon off / steal pubic funds. Is this what you are suggesting?
LENNOX: ….have exposed the extent to which, in protection of your tourism profits and windfall passport money……
FACT: I have not received $1 of “windfall passport money” as you put it. While I am seeking approval for my development under CBI, the development is not CBI-dependant and it is not at this time operating under CBI as approval to date has not been granted. And yes, I am a businessman and hotelier and I will always act to protect my business and the industry at large.
LENNOX: Like you “I would never deliberately go onto a world stage and air what I consider to be my perception of our nation’s dirty laundry”. And to be clear, I did no such thing on 60 Minutes.
FACT: You clearly did such a thing by likening our CBI application process to mail order, by discussing in detail the topic of diplomatic passports, and by stating as fact that diplomatic passports are sold for cash.
I would suggest a return to investigative journalism, but even in that field, your obsession with assumptions over fact led you to the wrong side of a privy council judgement. I thought you would have learnt from that. Instead, you willingly engage in the same recklessness but this time on an international stage to the detriment of our country.
You are right, Lennox, my head may well be buried in the sand, but I prefer to err on the side of naiveté rather than err on the side of assumptions, speculation and innuendo. We may all have concerns about CBI but is it correct to state assumptions as facts to justify those concerns?
I believe that all citizens including myself want a strong democracy, good governance, full accountability, transparency AND an effective opposition – so that the country progresses to the benefit of all Dominicans. Peddling assumptions as fact greatly undermines all of this. That said, our Government should have been – and needs to be – far more proactive in public outreach and education on a topic as sensitive and controversial as CBI.
Like my position on Salisbury, my position on your appearance on 60 minutes is not personal or political. It is born out of conviction.
In my opinion, your appearance on 60 minutes was opportunistic and born out of personal and political ambition which was very unfortunately to the detriment of Dominica. Your negative spin was neither necessary nor truthful.
Finally, I would be happy to engage you in another game of scrabble on a morning talk show where we can review these points and confirm what is assumption and what is fact.
And I wish you and your family the very best of everything – health, happiness and prosperity – in 2017.
Gregor knows diplomats being appointed in secret. He knows that the Foreign Affairs minister declared in Parliament that number and identities of diplomats who represent the Dominican people and information about them is not the business of the people they represent. He knows that the PM spoke of a diplomatic corps known only to him and his inner circle that executes the island’s foreign policy overseas for no pay or perks even though there’s no such thing as a free lunch. He knows that official payments for passport are a fraction of the real charges siphoned off by agents that are not in the official record. He knows that, without exception, every person associated with the sale of passports and is getting conspicuously rich is a supporter of one political party. He knows that multiple passports in criminals’ hands is and international issue. He has no problem with all of that. But he takes issue with Linton for drawing international attention to an international issue: go figure!
Great response. Indeed my main concern is that people keep confusing opinion with facts and refuse to check information before absorbing it like sponges. We can do better.
Nassief family tree started out of Dominica. He wants to be an agent to capitalize in that area possibly. Just saying no research done speculation devils advocate.
At least check the links and fact check. Sigh..
Well said Thomas Dutting,PhD these people have sold their souls to the devil for material wealth.
I am confused as to why Mr. Nassief would want to get involved in such enterprises. He has a reputable business venture in Dominica and the sale of passport is obviously one where those with checkered pasts as well as others hoping to evade the system in their home country see opportunities like this as a quick fix. Why should Dominica be so uncreative and desparate to solicit tnese cronies? I remember growing up when Dominica was a country of morals and value, now everyone is chasing the get rich quick scheme and putting our country at risk. Since this system is already in place by the government, and there seems to be no end to it, to uncloud my mind about this passport scheme, I suggest more transparency with the funds and collected and maybe have these wonderful cirizens help create businesses in Dominica consequently, creating jobs for our young people. Let them help their new country out. This is what great citizens do.
But Gregor,you say idle by whilst Tony, Skerritt and others tried to disparage Lennox, saying that he is uneducated, didn’t finish secondary school, knowing fully well all along that Lennox who was your scrabble playing buddy was very intelligent.Your words.You never wrote a letter in his defense but kept quiet whilst benefitting from the largess ………….There is a saying,with friends like that who needs enemies.I’m also reminded of a cowboy movie I have seen many times called”for a few dollars more”
Gregor shut up!!!!! Lennox has a right to speak because he represents the poor, under-trodden, victimized and marginalized people of Dominica….while you represent yourself and your family.
Nassief don’t blame the messenger for the message, all the issues addressed on the 60 minutes program must have been fact checked or else they would be facing litigation for slander and misinformation,,,
What is undeniable is: there have been Passports sold to unscrupulous characters whom are now seeking criminal charges,,,
No one should be able to buy citizenship, there are too many complications of special interest “for Profit and not for good of country”,,,
Stop your bickering and join forces to introduce the next agricultural product that would benefit Dominicans on a whole like good old days of the banana industry,,,
Marn have said it before and Marn will say it again, “Is Land and fertile Soil Dominica have as part it’s natural resources”,,,
But then again look at Nassiefs’ pedigree to see where their true allegiance lie,,,
An influential individual to the Rosie Douglas administration once said “all Syrians take all their money and send you…
I am deeply concerned by what I read on this site, as I am deeply concerned about what has transpired , with our now President Elect Trump. Seemingly today man is prepared to believe anything other than the truth. Someone tells a lie and that lie becomes the truth, classic, disinformation, even when there is a recording of someone telling a lie, God Bless Dominica, this lovely but difficult to develop country, God Bless the CBI, which has given us a lifeline, A program that was created by Dame Eugenia Charles and embraced by the now opposition. Gregor and Linton alike are saying things as they see them, but as far as Gregor is concerned CBS, who cares only for the sensationalism of the story, is not the right, Parliament is, fair assumption, taking this matter to CBS does more harm than good at a time when DA is trying to recover after ERIKA.
Mr. Linton you can ask for more transparency but CBS, lord have mercy .
I do believe though that Dominica’s best days are ahead of…
But what coshony that ner.. Boss linton stop replying to mr bossman.. U making yourself look stupid..leave that idiot alone
I love all this discuss. Democracy is so comforting
I am looking forward to the day when we will stop attacking the messenger and instead focus on the issue, the message, the topic of concern.
Lord, I pray for the gift of wisdom for our people and for a spirit of togetherness. I pray that the curse of political division will be lifted and that our eyes will truly open so that we clearly see the full rainbow – the full aspect of the topic – and thus be able to discuss rationally, without denigrating the messenger.
We are a small nation. This constant fighting is keeping us back. It is time to stop.
It is obvious that Tony Astaphan, Alix Boyd Knights,s now G. Nassief thing that they were elected by the people. They were not and they should they should speak as citizens of DA? Maybe they all have Dutch passport.
Gregor, you are doing a great did-service to the Dominican people by deliberately trying to distract the population from the real issue. This is not about Lennox Linton and for sure it is not about Gregor Nassief, though it is clearly understood that Gregor is only defending his own personal interest.
The passport selling issue is a concern for all Dominicans, how many passports Skerrit intend to sell? Why is a chosen few given the privilege to become multimillionaires at the expense of the sovereignty of Dominican citizens? Who are the new Dominicans? When will they come and claim their country and return us back to second class citizens? What will be left for our children?
There are so many questions to be answered including this one to Vince Henderson, why did he lie about the CBS producers not informing him of the 6o minutes program?
So Gregor, this is beyond you, take a dive and chill out with your ridiculous love letters. BTW I did not read it!
Its amazing that Gregor Nassief confirm that he has applied for CBI development see the fact below that why he is speaking with so much vigor for soon he will be an agent selling passport . Got to sing praised to the masar to get your approval. See the facts below from his letter
I have not received $1 of “windfall passport money” as you put it. While I am seeking approval for my development under CBI, the development is not CBI-dependant and it is not at this time operating under CBI as approval to date has not been granted. And yes, I am a businessman and hotelier and I will always act to protect my business and the industry at large.
I say to send him packing back to Syria see if he can mess with ASSAD.
@ think about it, just in case you are too dam stupid to notice Mr Gregor, has done much more for Dominica, and is more of a Dominican than you or Linton, OK what have you ever done in your life to help better your self apart from giving maypee.
how about you back to Africa he is Dominican just like you we all came from some where so cut this hate out
Diplomatic Passport Service From Golden Nexus Advisory
Golden Nexus Advisory facilitates if you want a diplomatic passport, including Honorary Consul and Ambassador at Large. Not only you will be addressed as His Excellency or Mr. Ambassador, you will receive diplomatic immunity and travel privileges. Golden Nexus takes complete responsibility and all you need to do is to give us your passport, birth certificate, professional CV, personal bio data and additional supporting documents, if any, and we will submit those to several sending countries and help you choose the best among all. Within 4-8 weeks, you will receive your diplomatic passport and your title.
Diplomatic passports come with several unique advantages.
Use the diplomatic lounge and get red carpet treatment at airports.
No tax to be paid on several incomes.
Use the consul license plates on your car.
Meet high ranking officers in different countries easily.
Sovereign status of home and residence.
Visa-free travel…
Gregor
You think too highly of yourself. If you want to engage Lennon, there are many ways to do so. You can email, call him or invite him over for a beer.
I don’t think you need so subject other people to your opinions and rebuttals.
I read a few lines of your first “letter”. I did read Lennox’s and I will not waste my time reading your rebuttal.
Get a grip man!!
nasief u r pityful
To all those who want to see the end of the cBI programme for political gain. Please tell me how you are going to Finance the many programmes now being funded as a result of the CBI funds. Too many to be listed here.
It is so very obvious that a good tree can bear sour fruits. Mista fadah is such a nice man!!! But fadah has no choice, but to support his sour grape.
Lennox please no more responses to this man. He and his business pals are closing ranks on this issue maybe for their own selfish reasons. A question for Nassief- Do you plan to ask Mr. Skerrit for funds from passport sales to invest one of your projects to show the people that this passport thing is working? Skerrit would do well to stay far away from you Nassief.
Well I have my thoughts Sir- You and your types are first and foremost business people and when your types see opening and they move in hard and fast.—- This one man public protest is probably not about love of country but love of his business plan to make big money–you are dismissed Mr. Nassief. Happy New Year Mr. Linton and stay strong my brother.
Wow, what a bunch of words to drag on something which should be dropped.
Ok this back and forth is getting tired now.
I am pretty sure you men have eachotther email, whatsapp, facebook etc.
Or for god sake just go chill by the sea and have a real man debate while enjoying a drink of coconut.
Spare us readers your back and forth.
This game of ping pong is really unecessary.
The Govt and its allies can mitigate any percieved damage Lennox has done by refuting these allegations on CBS. I am sure they were offered the opportunity to do so but seem afraid to respond on a wider stage to a neutral audience. Instead they bicker and poke in safer waters where they hope their influence and control can help them better.
These guys are now reacting to events rather than controlling them as they have been able to for so long.
With the dubious characters and criminals the CBI scheme has attracted so far, anyone but a fool can see the damage which is being done to the international reputation of Dominica is by the current administration.
Furthermore, if CBI applicants make up 40% of the voters list (as reported elsewhere)then who are they if the do not reside locally and should their votes count?
If only the Govt can sell passports to anonymous non residents who are on the voters list, there can never be a fair…
First the Nassief’s have enjoyed the best of the Labour party over the years ,The growth of Nassief after the negre maron TAKEOVER OF GRANDFATHER at Geneva Estate was a benefit to them
COCONUT PRODUCTS AND Labour party government facilitations by way of special oils and fats arrangements to benefit Nassief by trade policies .Th emergence of copra and the planters accepting shares for their products which made the millions for Nassief FATHER in the Factory to the sale to COLGATE PALMOLIVE and then the sale of land at special market price through arrangements of government Picard estate and land sale takeover from Geest
Then the joke of his brother being a Minister at 1.00 a year salary which was disrespect to the people of Dominica
Tell me Mr Big Shot how do you accept that the PM gives to A NIGERIAN EX MINISTER who has a history of corruption to be an Ambassador -a person who was caught with millions of dollars hidden away..HOW can anyone believe that sums were not paid ?
All events has a sequence and an order in which the event unfolds. Why are you distorting the sequence regarding the matter of Madueke to suit your partisan political beliefs. To suggest that the Government appointed Madueke as an Ambassador who had a history of corruption is a gross distortion of facts,would you also say that Madueke was appointed as President of OPEC despite a history of corruption,would you also say that Madueke was named by Forbes Magazine the recipient of Africa award in leadership, despite a history of corruption, all these accolades were given to Madueke before she was arrested on allegation of corruptions, so was her appointment as Dominica Ambassador. Do think OPEC and Forbes Magazine would put their reputation on line giving Madueke these accolades knowing she had a history of corruption, and this also implies The Government of Dominica. How could Madueke being allowed a Diplomatic passport without the due diligence of British authorities.
Chicken
we need our own 60 minutes on Matt in the morning or the Heng with Simeon, with a face to face discussion with you two.
Lennox should stop this back and forth with this non entity. This is merely a strategy by the evil doers to keep Lennox bogged down in the trenches.
Gregor if you want popularity, make a change in our Tourism Industry in Dominica. Your father set the path for you so continue his legacy. You’re a grown man, Stop playing tag, you’re it.
GOLDENNEXUSADVISORY.com
Google it there you will see DOMINICA listed under destinations and under services provided DUAL CITIZENSHIP You will see DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS FOR SALE .
Sir/Madam
Please be aware that anybody can build a website and say anything they want on it. If the website was not created by or by the authority of the government of Dominica, ( which t is not) you cannot believe all that you read. The internet is filled with people who are trying to take advantage of others in anyway possible as long as opportunity presents itself.
SO WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????
I clicked all over that website and I didn’t see anything about “diplomatic” passports for sale….there is a difference you know…
Please stop the hysteria. If it can be proven that diplomatic passports are being sold, then by all ‘burst de bomb’. But if it’s ordinary dominican passports for sale, then that website/agents is doing nothing wrong.
Check it again: http://goldennexusadvisory.com/passports-and-citizenships/
It is there towards the bottom of the page.
Why don’t you read something and understand what you read. This site is from an agent advertising his services, it listed some of the Countries who are participants in the CBI programme. What an agent puts on his site advertising his services is not necessarily an endorsement by participating Countries offering the CBI programme. There is nothing on this site that directly implies the Government of Dominica is selling Diplomatic passports, how foolish you are to make that conclusion, This also shows how much you are willing to get facts an information regarding The CBI programme so you can express an informed opinion, so long for such nonsense.
It would concern any Government or country if someone is advertising their product for sale without their approval. The fact the this agent is advertising diplomatic passtport of Dominica for sale then don’t think they have the authority to do so?
We are fighting persons speaking the truth defending Dominica. The PM and his cabals give response that are very childish just like Trump. They are liers and vindictive- they are diabolical
To Madam la
There is a saying ignorance breads ignorance, If you got the impression that the agent is advertising diplomatic passports of Dominica for sale it shows your level of understanding and how much you are willing to defend your argument with ignorance.
When you said quote “We are fighting persons speaking the truth defending Dominica” very silly,your mere carelessness of not understanding what you read is an indication that you are not speaking the truth defending Dominica.The truth is not something made by your own accord as to what you perceive to understand. You do not find the truth by calling people lairs, and diabolical without looking at facts and evidence, so long for being on the side of truth.
It’s not the smoking gun that you’re implying.
There’s nothing about that on their page about Dominica. Elsewhere their site says this about diplomatic passports: “You just need to give us the papers, sign here and there and relax as we find several sending countries (countries which you will represent) so you can choose the one you like the best.” But there’s no mention of Dominica.
Dominica is listed on the site as a CBI country Steve. By implication, its diplomatic passports are up for sale, kapice?
So I suppose it was ok for Linton to go on CBS and do what he did. His supporters believed he was fighting on behalf of Dominica (never mind the fact that he painted Dominica’s citizenship as a waste). However when someone else speaks up and says what HE thinks ir right or wrong the public has a problem with that. So the same people who advocating for Lennox’s right to say whatever pleases him is the same people who basically telling Gregor to shut the hell up.
Talk about double standard.
You have just outlined the case of people who are following the cult of ignorance and who are participants in a game of deception.
Honourable (LLL)Leader Lennox Linton,did not say what he wanted…I saw the programme,and the patriot,voice of the voiceless in this poor and backward country,was extraordinarily superd.Can’t you see and feel how he has been embraced by wise labourites who felt that you and Skerrit should not go hiding?I already had very high respect for this honourable patriot, but it increased hundred fold, after the CBS INTERVIEW!This man is darn good!!
Your concern is only about Mr. Linton grabbing a great opportunity to get answers. You seem to be ok with Skerrit not providing any response to him in parliament . The behavior of our Government have consequences that is affecting global security and that don’t concern you. You guys laughed and scuffed at Mr. Linton when he asked valid questions , you never see the diabolical wicked responses given to him. In parliament the speaker engage in debating Mr. Linton like she is a parliamentarian.
You concern should not be about Linton appearance on 60 minutes , it should be about – is he telling the truth.
Your behavior reminds me of a child who tells her mother that – her man rapes her but instead of protection that child and seeking truth and justice for her . The mother turn on the child – calling her lier, accusing her of breaking her relationship etc. we call our selves ” Christians” but our behavior is so demonic
well look RORO lol.
But what is wrong with dem little boys there ner??
These war of words or letters makes no sense . Just cowards hiding behind words . Is that suppose to clear the air , or cover up my self when the real investigators start looking for answers .
It’s a done deal.
You Guys are two BIG MEN who knew each other and were friends. Just meet, have a drink and discuss those issues – banter if you must but this public Peacock Display by both of you is nonsensical and Puerile to the point of shameful behavior by two prominent business and political figures in Dominica.
Guys, enjoy a drink, CHILAX (as the kids would say), agree to disagree – if you may hold on to your position if you think its principled but do it in grace and not with this Peacock display of seemingly intellect and panache.
In fact this display de-intellectualizes both characters – How unfortunate.
I have three watchwords for these my TWO COMPATRIOTS – Lennox & Gregor. Let these three words guide both of you. Let these three words be also embraced by all Politicians and Public figures both in the Public & Private Sectors:
IMPECCABLE IMMACULATE and CIRCUMSPECT.
In the last seven (7) years I have been learning to embrace the philosophy that embodied Nelson Mandela and the underlying principles of his life and work to liberate – the UBUNTU PHILOSOPHY.
UBUNTU – BECAUSE YOU ARE, I AM. or “I AM WHAT I AM BECAUSE OF WHO WE ALL ARE.
In other words “A person is a person through other people strikes an affirmation of one’s humanity through recognition of an “other” in his or her uniqueness and difference”. I love that it captures the concepts of extroverted communities, socialization of prosperity, redemption, deference to hierarchy and humanism. Embrace and live humility, loyalty, love, compassion, integrity, perseverance, steadfastness…. as virtues to pursue.
At Sylvester cadette……..Stupes
Mr. Cadette
I guess if Mr. Nassief thought that was feasible he might have suggested it. I once saw Opposition Leader Mike Douglas standing on the stairs with government Minister Mr. Alleyne saying to him, anyway Brian that one was under the belt. Mr. Alleyne gave some similar humorous rejoinder and they both burst out laughing while they continued to share a chat after a sitting of the house.
Sir, those days are gone with the advent of the new political class! Hateful Innuendo, resurrection of accusations of class prejudice which I thought we had long left behind; character assassination with no supporting evidence; badmouthing as an art form on radio, social media and everywhere, quickly copied by the weak-minded; suspicion of everyone who has a different perspective or does not jump on the war-mongering bandwagon etc. etc.
I agree that someone has to rise above this exchange and whichever of the two has the temperament to humble himself should close this chapter.
Mr. Cadette, we need you to be Prime Minister of Dominica. Too much immaturity. We need real leaders. But again people love charisma and smiles and dimples. Because we as a people prefer to remain in mediocrity and not elevate ourselves to higher levels to hold our leaders to highest regard. Dominica beautiful as it is, is just a laughing stock in terms of leadership
You are so correct that times have indeed changed but I would prefer to say that ” Those days are SEEMINGLY gone” so as not to give finality to it as a resignation of acceptance. But I do agree that the present political cohort on both sides of the HOUSE, (except the Women more or less) seem on the shallow end of statesmanship and have boxed themselves into a cul-de-sac of no retreat with a lack of understanding to the redemptive and reconciliatory characteristics of true devotion to country through the political process. The majority seem to prefer constant fighting and insults as if that were the highest hallmarks of political endeavor. I cringe at that thought.
Sometimes in the past I visited the House of Assembly and observed the display between the Government side and the Opposition side as two pathetic undertakings, even on issues of substance.
BOTH SIDES OUGHT TO IMPROVE ON STATESMANSHIP or they will be reduced to little boys playing BEBEL behind their grandmother’s House
People like you Sylvester Cadette should be at the forefront and front line defending and protecting the island from corruption and bad governance!!! Instead you choose to write and comment on irrelevant selective topics!!! We the uneducated ones want to know from you what you know is wrong about the governance of the island!!!
If ever You read any posting of mine, he answer to what you are requesting is right there. Right before your eyes – always steering you in the face . I do not have to call names to highlight a problem. In fact I stated it and highlighted who the problem emanates from – BOTH SIDES !!
And Selectivity as you say is rather very subjective. My Objectivity is outlined and enshrined in the principles mentioned. If you read carefully what I have written then 90 percent of my opinion is embedded. Just read and comprehend – (and I do not mean it sarcastically).
Another thing I have noticed. If someone posts something educational or uplifting it is given thumbs down and called “irrelevant selective topics”. If someone writes insults people seem to love that. So I have concluded that a lot of Dominicans, including most of the politicians prefer argument instead of healthy intellectual discussion. They are refusing to liberate themselves So read again.
Many of the answers are before you
So right!!!
That’s just it
Mr. Cadette,I am disappointed that in your comments you have chosen to focus attention on what in your opinion is the inappropriateness of bringing matters of national importance to the attention of the citizens of the country through an “open letter”, instead of giving your frank views on the critical substantive issues raised in the letters of both Mr. Linton and Mr. Nassief!
You of all persons would know that an “open letter” is defined as ” a published letter of protest or appeal, usually addressed to an individual but intended for the general public”! Isn’t it obvious what the intentions of both “gentlemen” were? After all millions of us “global citizens” heard Mr. Linton’s reckless utterances on 60 Minutes, and his many lies and unsubstantiated allegations which, whether calculated or not, have threatened the Economic survival of Dominica. He followed this with personal attacks on Sam Raphael and Gregor Nassief! Wasn’t the public entitled to listening in on their…
Greets For the New Year Mr. Sorhaindo. First, thanks much for contributing greatly to my education (Integrated Science Room 101) during my time at SMA (1978-1980) and as Head of CDCC while I was there (1983-1985).
I note that you missed the point and totally misinterpreted me. In both Gentlemen’s initial Open Correspondences I read and tried to understand their perspectives (not myself being privy to all the facts) and had not commented because I understood an “Open Letter” in exactly the context you have outlined. NOTE I DID NOT CONDEMN THEM FOR HIGHLIGHTING ISSUES FROM THEIR PERSPECTIVES.
It is the unedifying approach that was highlighted of both individuals. The root problem for Dominica over many years is not that we are short on ideas or good policies or projects but because we are always embroiled in controversies, petty politicking for one side or the other and failing to address “root cause” issues. The mode used in Dominica On BOTH political sides is not
Contd. Mr. Sorhaindo, The mode used in Dominica On BOTH political sides is not at all educational and edifying in many instances and seem only to polarize. It is why I told them in my post to stop the “Public Peacock Display” and discuss on a higher plane. Surely you are not saying I should not ask people to be civil in their discuss – surely you are not saying that. The level of discuss on ALL SIDES (with no exception) have degenerated to petty political bickering.
You would have noticed I told them “…banter if you must” and that “…if you may hold on to your position if you think its principled but do it in grace…”.
Surely, to advice such CANNOT be wrong, or is it?
On a lighter note, I wish we could have a private discussion on this as space here would not allow for a expressing all thought. And to just discuss generally.
Success for the week and 2017.
Haha what is this? Next will be Lennox’s response to Gregor’s Response to Lennox’s response to Gregor’s open letter
wow. wow. wow. Help us Lord in this country
What is really happening to these people? So many things happening in the country and the rest of the world and you all are there arguing about petty things. Why dont you all come together face to face and air out your differences instead of going back and forth writing and responding to letters. I don’t usually read comments after every story that I read here, But I just had to make a suggestion. I think some Dominicans are quite negative (human nature) and they are bent on putting down others. Every positive story have some negative comment from someone who has such low esteem and self-hate that they lash out on even when someone is doing something good. I cant remember when Dominica became that way though I can’t remember. Lenox has a clear personal hatred for Skerrit as far as I can see, I may be wrong but let’s remember, if we bring down our own country we bring down out ownselves .Please people, life to too short just GET ALONG and let Waitikubuli be a happier place to…
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While you are running off you mouth talking fart, condoning corruption, the majority of Dominicans are suffering living in poverty, below the worlds’ poverty standards; don’t you know that? It is one thing for you run off your mouth talking about people should get along, that is nonsense.
Yes it is you wish that everybody in the country would simply roll over, play dead, say nothing or cover up the dirty lining as Gregor suggested should have done. If you believe that is how it is in the rest of the world, and the Caribbean, you must be existing on another planet!
Dora……quiet please. You cannot assume someone hate someone else just because they speak on an issue that can be collateral damage to a nation. So please!!!!!!
Lollllllll,
Don’t you worry Gregor, the facts are coming. WAIT FOR IT…WAIT FOR IT. LENNOX ain’t that stupid to just spit things out so the government henchmen can have time spin up some excuses and make calls to give their criminal tags the spined story to stick to just in case they are confronted. Noooo, he has to drop the facts when there is no room for the henchmen to spinoff.
Wait for it
the problem with DA, like many other Caribbean sister islands, is that the Head and the Opposition head are both seriously flawed, so a discerning voter and a well read citizen, is left disappointed with respect to options on election day.
Profound
Mr. Nassief, I’m sure you mean well but you are impetuous, which is not a good trait in business. Unfortunately, words once uttered, can not be taken back and they cause more damage than any other weapon that I know.
What is that for me there nuh?
What kind of verbal one-upmanship these grown men playing there nuh?
STUPES!!!
Starting to get tired of all this political bickering now…while you guys playing political footsie, the other OECS countries moved on from CBS’ 60 minutes long ago.
Gregor Nassief instead of your continued attack of Linton your time would be better spent on encouraging your boss PM to come out and debate the subject with the Opposition leader on open air so that the public could call and question both men, I agree with Linton to decline your invitation to debate the CBI program because you a not a member of the Government so don’t take it to mean Linton is backing out. Gregor you have been in D’ica since D’icans are asking questions of the CBI you never ever speak up so why now and don’t tell us it’s because Linton was on 60minutes and answer some questions because what he said were old news we as Dominicans and other persons following the discussion about the program in the Caribbean already knew that, I don’t have to support Linton to know that the CBI program have a lot of problems, and regardless you or your friends attack Linton the CBI program is the problem and it still need to be fixed, I’m’ sure a lot of Dominicans a glad for CBS…
While I think Lennox is ……… who runs his mouth to stay relevant, we cant deny that passports have fallen into the hands of wrong people. Citizenship to a different country always favor the wealthy and those who eye it the most are wealthy criminals which means we have to be on top of our game. Sadly, like most things in this country, the passport business has shown how lapse it is as well. Nothing will erase the fact that passports.. that too diplomatic… have fallen into the wrong hands. A failure by the Dominican Government.
Gregor, I really d not have time to read this long alleluia. The poverty in our country we love, Dominia is high and rising. The Skerrit lead government is corrupt bigtime and I am convinced that how blind and not aware of the high level of poverty in Dominica. We have not progressed and passport money has not helped and will not help.
According to Rosie Douglas (RIP) on taking a call while on Radio, from apparently and well off Dominica who lives in comfort.
He responded to the caller and says.”Sir, you call form the comfort of your Home (Castle Comfort) and appears you are oblivious to the level of poverty I talk about and what we need to do……).
Gregor, you are in that comfort of your home, wherever, and engaged in a passport scheme we Dominicans refer to as a scam. You being associated with this scheme and with this inept questionable Prime Minister leaves us not to trust you as we still do not see this so called passport business is not and has not benefited Dominica.
Boss you were not elected by anyone. Skerrit is the one to come and have some open discuss – not some kind of people that out for themselves and no matter how much you talk about not wanting you are a lier.
We are not interested in hearing what beneficiaries have to say. We want elected officials to speak on this issue
Gregor,get a life,give Lennox a break,allow the man to focus on providing a better Dominica for every one,as opposed to all greedy,corrupt, selfish and demonic guys like you all.
Very well put Gregor Nassief. The CBI programme was there since the days of Late Eugenia Charles, The days of UWP and it was not transparent but since DLP got into power we started to hear about the program and what it entails. That’s the only government in the caribbean who educated the people about the program.
We have been educated from time to time that funds have been used to build various infrastructure and support local business around the island and the account is at National Bank. Lennox should start looking investors for his community, show Dominica that you can develop Wesley and Marigot, let them see how resourceful you are. Right now Lenox have not convinced me , what he’s going to do IF he get into power.
Riley went out of production in 1969 I believe. Did they discoveran old example in a barn somewhere? if it is in running order and can it compete with more modern vehicles?
Well I have a say in agreement with this news article and I will point them out line by line:
(1) LENNOX: “You are the Head of Roosevelt Skerrit’s strategy committee for the assassination of the character of Lennox Linton”
—Well I am sure this is the other way around, with Lennox and his gang!
(2 )LENNOX: ” Since Roosevelt Skerrit became Prime Minister in 2004, Dominica Diplomatic passports have been traded under the table to scoundrels, fugitives, tax cheats, fraudsters, money launderers and racketeers”
.–That is where I asked myself what else was needed to confirm that Lennox was out to destroy Dominica, per the credibility & integrity of PM Skerrit on that 60 minutes program?
And he will not stop until he has completely destroyed his own self–that is the way the devil works with his people. Lennox does not even know that he is one of those people; for the devil comes like a thief to steal, kill, and destroy those who abide by his will.
(3) LENNOX: In the CBI program as is the case in the mail order business, there is no face to face contact between buyer and seller in the exchange of goods and/or services for money…. there are similarities between buying a Dominican passport and buying a pair of shoes on Amazon.com.”
— I asked myself, what is the state of this man’s mind? How can Lennox find it in his head to compare a transaction like the CBI project to that with a transaction of a buyer on Amazon?
We are talking about a transaction of hundreds of thousands of dollars per even less than a $100.00 for the price of a pair of shoes–why does this man not understand that there are more intelligent people with the insight to foresee the very move of his brain, far more for his state of mind–which is conveyed through his attitude?
The fact that Lennox continues to deny what he did was wrong, reveals his mental instability, too bad his followers hold up that mentality with him.
It’s a high probability that anyone seeking a second passport is a shady character,hence they would be willing to pay way more than $100,000 to aquire it. It’s no wonder we only target the arabian peninsula.(those who understand Islamic eschatology and the 12th imam would understand) The thing is we will never know how much is paid if done through agents,since they only need to account for 100k.
The most vociferous defenders know what’s at stake if CBI is halted. Therefore a hit on Linton is not farfetched.
What you said about who the CBI is probably true but that just means that more vetting needs to be done. Maybe bring back the mandatory interview. For what it’s worth I’m a normal family man from the US that has been looking at different islands CBI programs. I’m not a criminal or a tax cheat, I’m just looking for a second citizenship in a country who’s people more match my Christian values and has a lower stress and healthier way of life where I can raise my children. I plan on buying a home and slowly introduce my family to the environment and eventually become full citizens and residents. I might be in the minority of who uses these programs but I’m very glad they exist. I hope that by the time my family and I go through the process we don’t find that people will dislike us because of how we received citizenship. I do agree that it would be beneficial for the government to give a detailed account of ALL revenues in and out. Governments should be transparent.
Is it misleading to tell the public the truth Mr. Nassif? The truth is that the govt. is involved in selling passports by whatever means available to foreigners that can afford to pay and whether the applicants are thoroughly checked out is questionable. The fact that Linton had to be the bearer of the tidings instead of the PM indicates that something may not be on the up and up. I am sure that Mr. Linton would have preferred that the PM went on the program instead to explain things.
You guys behaving like kids… Move on brothers!!!!!
Just stop this back and forth nonesense for heaven’s sake.
The fact right now is that the United States Government Authorities and Law Enforcement Agencies are VERY concerned about the threat or potential threats that these Citizenship by Investment Programs pose or may pose to their National Security. Dominica, of course, is of keen interest at this point because of what can only be described as some very questionable DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENTS. We in Dominica can debate until our tongues fall out, the issue is far bigger than any of us. We’re here turning a beef between the United States and the Roosevelt Skerrit Administration into a debate between Linton and a bunch of passport beneficiaries. People Skerrit and his gang knows exactly where their true quarrel lies, they have to convince the U.S. Government (Donald Trump Administration) that they are above board with their program before the U.S. uses it’s massive worldwide influence to squash it. They know and they are afraid! So they blame Linton for their own doing.
Quite frankly I’ve had my belly full with this passport issue as I see no positive end to the debate. Those who benefit from the CBI Program will continue to defend it despite its shortcomings, and those who see no benefit will continue to highlight these shortcomings hoping that it will create a better program for the benefit of ALL Dominicans. I must say, however, that we in Dominica are dealing with a rogue Government that would rather waste hours of energy and resources trying to castigate one man rather than address an issue that concerns the Global Society in terms of security threats and vulnerabilities. The International Community, especially the U.S. Government, does not find it coincidental that Dominica’s Diplomatic Passports were in the hands of individuals in trouble with the law, not once, not twice, not even three times. All our Government’s attempt to spin this fact about not knowing and timelines when passports were issued is irrelevant at this point.
Why doesn.t Gregor accept his five minutes of fame and go away. Does he really expect Mr. Linton to reply to any more of his love letters.
Gregor; that smirk on you face only serves to compound the issue, this is not a writing contest for the readers on DNO to determine between you and Lennox who is the better writer; you lied in your open letter to Lennox when you wrote this:
“How could you go on a news program watched by over 12+ million American viewers and portray your island – our island – as a rogue nation selling passports “mail order” (suggesting you can buy a passport like you buy a pair of shoes on Amazon.com), and worst, suggesting that we are selling them to criminals?”(Gregor Nassief).
Again I say to you; you do not have a bone of honesty in you, because Skerrit has a Website telling the world they can become a citizen of Dominica without coming to Dominica, if that not a mail order business, perhaps you are too dumb to know the definition of the word!
Gregor you are a liar, a confounded pathetic liar, Lennox never said any such thing, and if you wish I can walk into CBS Studio in the…
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Gregor you are a liar, a confounded pathetic liar, Lennox never said any such thing, and if you wish I can walk into CBS Studio in the morning and get a transcript of what Lennox said and make it available to you proving you are liar!
You threaten Lennox in the words written below!
” I hope Dominica recovers.
I fear you may not.
Gregor Nassief”
What is going to prevent Lennox from surviving unless, you and you colleagues, in politics physically harm him?
Guy knowing someone for 30 years will not prevent a vindictive political puppet as you are from harming even his mother! You wrote a bunch of nonsense in your first crap, compounded with other trash, you are ignorant, you are a puppet bourgeoisie Nobody want to read your crap you have already cause the damage.
I agree with Lennox don’t reply to this latest letter instead lets have an open and transparent public debate the only difference I would suggest let’s have it at the national stadium so there will be no restrictions on the amount of people that will want to attend or if not at the Arawak House of Culture. The State House is to formal and restrictive in my view. Lennox has been calling for open debate but they alwAys backing down or out.
Nassief is questioning whether Mr. Linton is accussing hard working public professionals in the public service of colluding with Ministers and politicians to commit corruption. But interestingly he then he goes on to say in the article that the only diplomatic passport sale he knows of is under the UW P. I wonder what was the role of the public servants in that sale that he knows of. Isn’t he questioning the integrity and proffessionalism of public officers in that matter then. But where was Nassief when SC Tony and others accussed the UWP of massive corruption during there tenure in government without producing one thread of evidence. Wasn’t he concerned at that time that the integrity and professionalism of hard working and dedicated public officers were being questioned. How convenient it is for us to remember things to justify our agruement only to see it come around to bite us in the butt. There is a saying if you spit above your face it is likely to fall back in your face.
Get Off Your Dam Knees Mr Nassief, You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself …………..; Now Close Your Mouth
This is indeed a very long “apology”! Don’t you think? Just say sorry and move on, man!!! Lenox will answer you, then will come your rebuttal? Just take de matter to court. Oh, our court sucks.
Great response Nassief, look at my response to the bank report see the thumbs down on an accurate statement I made. So you are right when you said Linton misleads people, they believe everything this man says, and it was under UWP they changed the face to face meeting. I don’t see why these guys think they have to lie and fool people to win the elections. Another misinformed things they tend to say, they think that because of the CBI program they are at a disadvantage, that can’t be true when you kept your three seats and won three more last elections.
Linton tries to fool the people?Really?Does he tell his supporters not to listen to a certain radio station?Does he tell his supporters to call you traitor?Did he tell his supporters that he knows who burnt the communication tower at Melvillehall?Does he tell fools like you GO TO HELL three times?Does he go hiding in holes and pipes when CBS needs an interview?Have you seen him in Macau cutting cake?So many more..He has won the FIRST ROUND OF THE BATTLE IN A VERY BIG WAY,since after your God Pwen Couwee like Ambruise!!!I JUST LOVE THIS HONOURABLE PATRIOT,and voice for the voiceless..
No matter what is said from now on,AS I SEE IT,honourable Linton has won in a resounding manner the hearts of many people after the viewing of the CBI programme…BRAVO PATRIOT!!!.I hear it everyday at work,and from the barefoot man on the street…Gregor people like you,find it strange that your message and/or messages is/are thrashed by so many? I AM ELATE REALLY.Who wants to listen to unadulterated piffle..Your harangue is exceedingly long but empty for those of us who viewed the programme,and who understand english..GOOD JOB HONOURABLE PATRIOT LENNOX LINTON! You have really matured quickly,and is now providing to THOUSANDS of Dominicans,leadership of a very high quality!!!Thank you Sir!
Gregor, you are 100% right.
However, please be kind to Lennox as he is only playing out his part in the hegalian dialectic of the current masonic/ NWO system, eg., Trump/ Clinton; Obama/ Bush, etc.
We know the game. In politics there must be a good guy/ bad guy to give the illusion of choice and democracy. We know that LL and RS and friends, we saw this when they had their conspiratorial chat in plain sight in parliament.
Therefore, the only thing that will change the fortunes of Dominicans living on this island, are themselves. If they are looking to LL to solve anything for them, they will wait forever! You know that, I know that.
Take care and enjoy the CBI money while you can. But remember, you will need to resolve all this with God when you pass on. Serving the devil – a bad choice in the end.