Opposition convinced PM desires one-party state

(L-R) James and Green. *File photo

Committee member of the Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) and former leader of the United Workers Party Edison James has responded to comments by Prime Minister Roosevelt on his readiness to contest by-elections, describing it as a ploy to fulfil his desire of a one-party state.

The prime minister said at a function in Delices on Tuesday he has requested the Labour Party branches in Salisbury, Marigot and Roseau Central – constituencies won by the UWP – to endorse his party’s candidates for a by-election, “if these persons who have been elected to serve these constituencies continue to boycott the parliament.”

“This was really nothing but an outburst, an angry outburst in relation to the success of the People’s Parliament held in Newtown some weeks ago and the second People’s Parliament which was held at Marigot last night … but obviously something that seems to be angering him a lot,” James said about the matter at a press conference today at the Prevo Cinemall building.

According to James, Skerrit’s remarks had nothing to do with the business of parliament, claiming that his sole purpose is to get rid of the elected parliamentarians on the opposition side.

“It is just the ploy to deal with his desire to advance in his mind the one-party state which he has always wanted … He never mentioned any, as far as I am aware … any legislative agenda that the government was interested in advancing,” James stated.

James also referred to the prime minister’s comparison of the UWP’s loss to his party at the 2009 general elections by 18-3 seats as to a cricket match.

“He obviously is not up-to-date as to what is happening in the modern game. The umpire might give you out, but you can appeal. There’s an appeal system so we are on appeal now. We’re before the court … so we have appealed as the modern game allows and he seems to have a difficulty with that as well,” James recognised.

UWP leader Ron Green also defended his party’s participation in the People’s Parliament organised by the MRD and Dominica Citizens Forum.

Elected Member of Parliament for Salisbury Hector John said that the prime minister’s statements are a “laughable distraction” from important matters.

HERMISHA ROLLE, STAFF REPORTER.

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38 Comments

  1. A Texas Comment
    March 12, 2010

    As a Dominican living in Texas,I can feel the pain that our friends on the opposition are going through, the only thing is that, all of the energy that was put into the campaign to represent the people in all the constituences that the uwp represented, was really a lie by definition, because it is apparent that if they had won 12 to 14 seats in the last eelction would they not attend parliament either, or do they trust the electorate for the the mandate that has set, or that the anger and shame in the brutal victory by the Skerrit party was to much of a big blow andit is taking time to sink in. The fact is the opposition leader should scold the parliamentry members who won as promised in the campaign and has not attended parlliament, simply because it is really not a man business but a mandate. The office is much bigger than the office holder, even it is one seat, go and sit down and let the people of Dominica hear your side, because you were eclected to govern as well. The thre seats is not a sign of defeat, but a completion of the elected house in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Go ahead and govern, that is what you wer elected to do, never look at those seats and think defeat, think victory, and do not be plagued by the past either.

  2. STAY TUNED
    March 12, 2010

    hahahahaha….

    it’s amazing how foolish some people can sound…all because of blind politics

  3. C.I.H
    March 11, 2010

    I rather die with a one party state under Skerrit than with (so-called) democracy under UWP. Give me Skerrit anytime. UWP, your days are done. Wheel and come again. You all wont see power in the next 20 years. No way. Not over my dead body.

  4. STAY TUNED
    March 11, 2010

    Which Stay Tuned…….Another example of an innocent supporter who don’t understand what is going on and the implications of it….poor thing…I pitty some of my people….*tear*…lol

  5. Which Stay Tuned
    March 11, 2010

    STAY TUNES, YOU FOOLISH OR WHAT? EVEN IF LABOUR LOSES AT THE COURTS, THEY WILL STILL HAVE A VERY COMFORTABLE MAJORITY SO YOU STAY TUNED!

  6. onelove
    March 11, 2010

    You three are already heroes for refusing th betray the thousands who voted for you and on whose instructions you are putting country before self when you could be relaxing in the house.

    You must be the first party in the world to obey the people’s instructions the Guiness Book of World records should take note.

    aA grateful dominica says thank you because you dont need us WE NEED YOU so hold strong keep the bell ringing even those who did not vote you are now rallying to the cause for justice fairplay transparency truthfulness and honesty.

    At all levels of this country you have serious siupport and watch out . SOME WILL SOON BE COMING OUT to surprise the world (breaking news)

  7. plebeian free thought
    March 11, 2010

    opposition is as necessary as the wind that blows and the sun that shines.

  8. jj
    March 10, 2010

    Well the UWP is at it again, with James doing all the talking and Green as usual stading by as a puppet, that is what we call a real laeder.

    The definition of a one party state is and I quote ;
    Those states where a single party is accorded a legal or de facto monopoly of formal political activity. This may be enforced under the constitution, or it may be a consequence of denying rival parties access to the electorate, or of a failure to consult the electorate at all. Alternatively, the electorate may be selectively defined, or consultation be otherwise manipulated, so as to ensure the return of the governing party.

    So please my fellow Dominican don’t let these guys fool you into believing what they say. What the three UWP parlimentary reps should be doing is go to the house and represent the people who voted for them on December 18th, 2009 in a constructive way, not by forming a new party under the disguise of the Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD)

  9. Prophet2
    March 10, 2010

    A one party state is good, just ask the Castro brothers or Kim Jong Il or even the wannabe Chavez.

  10. XTE
    March 10, 2010

    What? Aye Sparks!

    You get D Edison James nose already boy? Lol… Ha Ha Ha…

  11. wow
    March 10, 2010

    To those who are talking about on party state, well its the uwp that is making this decision, they were part of the deplomatic elections the won 3 seats yet they refuse to go to the house of repretatives and represent the people who put them there, no one ask them not to be part of the state, they choose not to be, and they also know that if they stay of the house for three seatings there will be a bi elections, so stop playing games with the minds of the people, you dont want deplomacy you just love the malay, putting the country to fighting each other shame on you UWP.

  12. sherlock holmes
    March 10, 2010

    desmond..
    i was thinking the same thing! dominica becoming like haiti after papadoc and baby doc waddle in it. and also like zimbaway after mugabe did his thing…

    but ironically its not the uwp i see causing this down fall. hmmm.

    whether uwp takes a stand in the house or not, does that really divert us away from a one state party? it is as plain as day that the people have chosen. u are already in a one state party…. without the help of the uwp.

    just how much power, say, ranks, do you think ( the good, d bad and d ugly) could have in the house?

    exactly! what we the ‘blamers’ can do is file that the uwp boycott parliment and save that info for a very later date. because when some of us run out of excuses we will hold this peice as our trump card. incase the present government screws up and we need to blame someone!

    lets wait and see what happens next, shall we?. there is plenty more to see. so who doe c, come c.

  13. block 44
    March 10, 2010

    u w p has made dominica a one party atstate, because the labour party is the only party in the house. just keep it so, at the end of four years if skerrit fail uwp will have a land slide victory,but if skerrit do good then dominicans will make d/ca a one party state.avec uwp finni.

  14. only
    March 10, 2010

    A 1-party state is a dictatorship.
    The Constitution is not being adhered to, therein, is the problem.
    The more parties, the merrier.
    But get your platforms down solid.

  15. March 10, 2010

    A one-party state does not mean a one-party system. All parties were allowed to contest the popular elections. When the courts decide, and if the DLP loses the proceedings, it will still maintain majority and continue to perform the business of the people under a new Prime Minister.

    Should the UWP continue its foolhardiness and continue to boycott Parliament, it will be forced to contest a bye-election that will include Skeritt. UWP might lose Roseau Central and Skeritt wins again.

  16. STAY TUNED
    March 10, 2010

    THE COCOMS OF MY COUNTRY ARE ON A ROLL AGAIN…

    BUT I NOTICE SOME RIGHT THINKING DOMINICANS BOTH HERE AND ABROAD ARE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE THEM THINK OUTSIDE THE LITTLE RED BOX….

    ALL I GOTTA SAY IS….

    LET TIME ROLL….THERE ARE INTERESTING TIMES AHEAD IN THIS COUNTRY….

    WHO VEX WILL HAVE TO RUN….

    DOMINICA WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AFTER THIS COURT MATTER.

    MARK MY WORDS.

  17. Desmond
    March 10, 2010

    it would be better if Dominica were to be a one party state under Skerrit than a democratic under the uwp. in order to safeguard the economy and well being of the Country, i will never forget or forgive edison c james and his charade gov’t for how they sucked the blood off the country like vampires, i lived through it and will not forget. if given a chance they would bring this country to its knees like mugabe did to zimbabwe and papadoc did to haiti, but the people are wiser, thank God fo that.

  18. dreams
    March 10, 2010

    Movement of Retarded Dominicans ..AGAIN! CHOOPS..CHOSONI

  19. Thoughtful
    March 10, 2010

    The saga continues.

    I am kind of disappointed that no media houses in Dominica has conducted a scientific poll to test the pulse of the nation on this ongoing UWP saga. I would really love to see the results of such a poll.

    DNO, this could be the source of your next big story.

  20. Concerned
    March 10, 2010

    The UWP must go to the house and represent the people who put them in there. Accept defeat folks!

  21. March 10, 2010

    I would like to know how much power does 3 individuals have in the House. DOMINICANS if we are really serious ask ourselves that question 18 to 3 tell me how does that stack up with those that are commenting , stop fooling ourselves by thinking UWP would be the one that would be allowing the Government to form a one party state we the people have already done that and to justify it someone have to be the fall guy
    What is so laughable is the fact that their are people on the ISLAND who believe that if those individuals shows up in the House everything will be alright how irresponsible those individuals have the support of their constituencies and I applaud them, Taking a stand for DEMOCRACY is comendable it’s very serious so let’s the COURT do it’s job..

    TO THE PEOPLE OF DOMINICA THE ELECTION IS ALL OVER PLEASE ALLOWED THE CONSTITUTION TO WORK .

  22. gwah bay
    March 10, 2010

    “WOUNDED KNIGHTS”…Y DONT Y’ALL BLEED IN SILENCE AND DIGNITY? SPARE YOURSELVES THE PUBLIC HUMILIATION..MR GREEN I KNOW YOU ARE A GOOD SOUL. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW YOUR “LOVE OF COUNTRY” TO BLIND YOU AND LEAD YOU INTO THE SERPENTS’ PIT. THEY WILL USE YOU AND SPIT YOU OUT LIKE OVERCHEWED GUM!

    KOO-KOOM-KOOM!!

  23. On da real
    March 10, 2010

    There I thought these guys would retire hurt and injured and simply go out to pasture. But, I was obviously wrong.

    I’ve said it one and I will say it again: these guys are crippling the UWP and they are hoping to also cripple the country. James, read my lips … Dominican’s DO NOT want you back in power. It may be hard to accept but professional help will assist with the slow acceptance process. As for Hector John … you are a young man with potential that can do a lot to further the development of the country. Do not let these old goats lead you astray. Focus on how you can move DA along not on this debacle. To use your phrase, “nuff said”.

  24. Young Man in Dominica
    March 10, 2010

    i so agree with that comment to provest, Sir dont follow eddy. Eddy will win his seat back for sure but prevost and hector will lose for sure

  25. LAW ABIDING CITIZEN
    March 10, 2010

    By reading these comments all I can see is a set of Idiot Labourites disrespecting Mr. James. These people have nothing to do with their time so they can just sit and send negative comments about the opposition on DNO whole day like fools. Most of them maybe even still unemployed after voting red, a set of A%*holes they are & will always be!!!

    I guess the blood is in their eyes so they can’t see the truth. The time will come for all labourites to regret the vote they made in 09 elections don’t worry time will tell…. I waiting… …

  26. max
    March 10, 2010

    Well it seess to be that if DA becomes a one party state then Skerrit will have a bunch of puppets to pull their strings and he will be nothing but a puppet master- or the ring master of a circus. House of Assembly will be just like when the cicus comes to down—-jokers and more jokers.

    We cannot let that happen. Stay strong Mr. John, James and Green.

  27. lovely dominica
    March 10, 2010

    Its a pity that some people cannot accept defeat. Court or no court all u still lose. Hector John should be ashamed of himself – What is more laughable than having “peoples parliament” in rum shops and night clubs, what is more laughable than failing to represent your constituents, what is more laughable than avoiding question by the public about your own position, what is more laughable than regretting that you had left the United states to come to dominica to be unemployed, what is more laughable than being a puppet on a string, what is moe laughable than the UWP not wanting you Sprags or Prevost to be leader of the opposition.

    Sam and Arthie are “looking for their pockets” so you can continue to be a joker in the pack.

    Mr. James please be reminded that appeals can be made up the the final court.

    Oh Mr. James by the way maybe you thought you were playing a 20/20 or an ODI where its basically swinging the bat, making some blind shots. Maybe it was a one day, but the run chase was too much for you guys.

  28. 100% Dominican
    March 10, 2010

    UWP wake up and accept defeat!!!! Labour Power!!!!

  29. Dominican lover
    March 10, 2010

    Look the UWP ask for an election in May they got it and as soon as the Pm call the election they start to say it will be unfair, so they ask for observers they get it, then after the observers left they say it not fair, they apealing. Now they know the constitution so well, yet they doing their best to fullfill their dream of giving dominica a total majority government in the house. That is not a one party state, because we have five political parties in dominica. What we will have is a party with no opposition, but not a one party state. That may have been the dream of the UWP by there behaviour.
    I really wanted this guys to take their place and start analysing and working with the grassroots so they would be bettr prepared in the future. Instead they on a pappy show.

  30. lisad
    March 10, 2010

    The issue here is ,should the uwp parliamentarians continue to stay away from parliament, which will force bi elections in their consistencies giving the possibility of a one party state.?
    People of Dominica, let our arguments on this site reflect the intelligence of Dominicans and not just a people blinded by the colors blue and Red.
    The United Workers party has been given the priviledge to save Dominica from the effects of a one party state.They have chosen not to honor this priviledge by absenting themselves from parliament.They are very well aware that the consequencies of their actions will lead to bi elections in their consistencies.If the labor party was to win these bi elections, Dominicans would have no one else to blame for allowing a one part state, but MR.Eddison james, Mr. Norris Prevost and Mr. Hector.The electorate of Salisbury, Marigot and Roseau Central were heroes for preventing a one party state government from the December 18, general elections by giving you guys that mandate. Do not dissappointed them. Show your true love for Dominica and its democracy by representing the over 12,000 people who trusted you with their votes.

  31. vibes
    March 10, 2010

    i have said already. mr. james must give up the three seats which they holds and let those people have their one party state if they want. but when donincans start to feel the heat they wil want to run but it will be too late. already they don’t have money to pay colledge fees for students as they did promise and parents have to go about begging a money to pay cause their child or children was sent home. this is just the begining.

  32. March 10, 2010

    Dat pm spend 22 million EC dollars and spend US1.2 million to charter a flight, i agree with Eddo & Ron. People received cash in the valley to vote DLP, outright bribery. History will judge u all as heroes. People are blind to see our democracy is at stake before we become like Venezuela, cuba and China.
    You all are True Patriots. Dominica owes u all much. Right is Right, Wrong is Wrong!

  33. On top of the game
    March 10, 2010

    If anyone is looking for a One Party State in Dominica it’s the United Workers Party. and if that’s what they want that’s what they’ll get and they have started to blame skerrit for that already. Let them continue to boycott parliament……

  34. RESPONSE
    March 10, 2010

    OH PLEASE EDDISON COME BETTER THAN THE CORBO…..Dont blame skeritt for you’ll refussal to attend parliment. You”ll are the ones risking the three seats and is encouragin the “one party state” possiblilty

  35. STRAIGHT FORWARD POOSSIE
    March 10, 2010

    But Mr james, the prime Minister made those comments in Delices and the second papyshow parliament was not held yet. So your statement holds no weight. Mr James and the others can do the same job without being elected, so what is your he and cry. i can do the same. Why is Mr Green looking so pale? It seems like he cannot get over the fact that he was stumped out of his cris?

  36. 2 Hon. N. Prevost
    March 10, 2010

    please do not follow that lost ship. represent Roseau Central sir. please. eddo and hector will not lost thier seat in a by election. but you can not say that at all.

    so my advise to u is represent we roseau ppl at the house. ron green is looking for a losing company. ran green is at a stand still waiting to laugh at you big man

  37. Dominican
    March 10, 2010

    If this state becomes a one-party state it is solely the fault of the United Workers Party! NOBODY else can be blamed for this. So don’t say it’s what Skerrit wants. It’s what you gave to him on a silver platter with all of you all’s foolishness! Get over your loss already! Gosh!

  38. Delices Man!
    March 10, 2010

    Eddison James should really wake up! The PM compared the UWP’s loss to a ‘football game’. In that game the UWP lost to Labour 18 – 3! Wake up Eddie before you and your band of sour losers suffer a 21-0 defeat!

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