Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has responded to the Opposition’s ‘walk out’ of parliament.
On Tuesday, for the first time since the 2009 general elections, the United Workers Party (UWP) representatives officially showed up at the House of Assembly to be sworn in and appointed. However, shortly after this formality, they walked out.
In a press conference after the walk out, Opposition Leader Hector John said that the walk out was as a result of the government’s refusal to address electoral reform.
But Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit took the opportunity to voice his dissatisfaction with their actions during the proceedings of the House on Tuesday, which he described as “disrespectful and unfaithful”.
“You come to the parliament and you take a Bible and you hold it in your right hand, and you say on the Bible that you will bear true allegiance to the parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica; that you will do so faithfully and then just after you have done that you walk out of parliament in a … very unfaithful and disrespectful manner to the real constitution of Dominica…” he said.
“This is not for congratulations but for condemnation. I cannot stand in the parliament, Madam Speaker, as a respectful member of this parliament and the constitution of Dominica and of course as a Christian myself to congratulate you for that action,” the prime minister stated.
He is convinced that the leadership of the UWP is not effective and should be changed.
“I believe that the supporters and members of the Workers Party recognize that the present leadership of the … party is not leading them on the right path. That for this party to be of any real meaning to the future of Dominica they have to go through a process of internal cleansing and the cleansing must start from the top,” he stated.
The prime minister took a personal stab at one of the opposition’s parliamentarians.
“I came into parliament at age 26/27 thereabout, when you get to age 70,71, 72, to come back here as a senator in the house in the backbench, Madam speaker. I mean really and truly, you’ve denied the young lady from Grand Bay the opportunity to come here to represent the interest of Grand Bay to assist the member of parliament from Grand Bay,” he said.
“You’ve denied a number of young persons Madam Speaker, who made themselves available to the party, to the country to represent the issues to the parliament and you’ve set them aside and you’ve brought in an octogenarian to the parliament and then you come here and instead of making good use of the time and energy and your good health to represent the interest of people in parliament you come here, you take your oath on the Bible and you walk out; just to register your name in the treasury to get a salary,” he stated.
He further asked, “Now how many hard working Dominicans Madam Speaker can come into their workplace clock in and clock out at the same time and get a salary Madam speaker?”
The prime minister suggested that legislators should advise the government as to how they can deal with the issue from a law-making stand point.
“They must advise the government what legislation we should put in place to deal with those issues. because in other jurisdictions, Madam Speaker if you miss one sitting… you out,” he said.
“The only party serious about the well being of the future of Dominica is the Dominica Labour Party,” he added.
Parliamentary Representative for the Salisbury and Marigot constituencies, respectively, Hector John and Edison James and senators – Ezekiel Bazil, Claudius Sanford, Ron Green and Ronnie Isidore were the UWP members who attended parliament yesterday after a nine–month boycott.
Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central constituency Norris Prevost accused the speaker of the House of Assembly of obstructing the work of the opposition in parliament.
Prevost, who spoke at a press conference which followed the opposition’s ‘walk out’ of parliament Tuesday morning, said that several questions submitted to the speaker by the opposition were turned down based on “arbitrary” reasons.
@Naomi: The U W P has people around the country to represent and you labourites cannot tell us who or where best need representation, You have your opportunity to appoint five senators why not appoint the young lady from Grand bay.
I have been active in politics in this country since I was 13 years and I have never seen more “mal casay” and don’t care from any opposition in my life. When will the UWP stop greiving and get down to repositioning themselves and their party (and that goes to the Freedom Party also) so that they can look like ALTERNATIVE government; reorganise their parties and get ready for the next round? But maybe that is a good thing, the more time they spend greiving over the 18 to 3 shocker the less likely they will ever impress voters to give them a chance to govern. Skeritt, Charlo and Julius are committed to the development of Dominica and its people; while ‘Spags’hetti, ‘Edie’os and Maca’Ron’ are committed to one thing and one thing only, that is getting into office, getting power by any means necessary. Get it guys no amount of malmanufactured issues and stories will replace the hard work you guys need to do to impress any voter. KEEP ON GREIVING, and keep Labour Party in office. You greiving? you lieing? you promise to keep doing that? Then Thank You!!!
@possi in new york: you from possie and i doh expect anything better from you… if something is wrong then let us say it.. skerrit will go down in history as the most corrupt and a pathalogycal liar.
i supported the labour party but i can see the poverty he will bring to the people. infrastructure is good developement but your most sacred resources is the citizens….
so dont just sit in foreign and make party color comments come and help to build d/ca not by sending barrels but by making a physical contribution.
The Pm said he is a christian and thats between him and God. So many of us claim to be christians and we `re ashame to say it.
@Amonrah Kobadi: man i agree with you 100%..these ppl stay here in the USA, and elswere, and just have nothing good to say about one of the best PM dominica ever had..SOME don’t read other world news to hear the difference between our beloved country and the other caribbean islands.DOMINICA is making progress..BUT those playing party politics are not dealing with real issues.TO them nothing possitive is taking place in dominica.They need a dose of reality.BIG UP TO THE GOVERNMENT.
@following their master like poodles: Don’t get me wrong. I agree with you on the point of the Electoral Commission. However while you are focusing on it the UWP seems to be “all over the place” on the reason why they keep on walking out of parliament.The press release after the walk out did mention the reform of the Electoral Commission but at the press conference the focus was on the Speaker of the House obstructing Opposition in parliament and electoral reform was never even mentioned.
The lack of focus and coherence is not doing the party any good. What they need to do is embark on a solid and focused PR campaign in order to bring their issues to the front. Right now their actions are not “gelling” with the majority of the population and that is not a good sign no matter how honorable their intention.
@Di Mirror: wELL YOUR MIRROR LOOKING AT THE WRONG IMAGE PAPS….LOL
@Lycan,
@Marlon Giraudel: I will not change my comment for no one. We fail to see that our Government is trying their best to see that things look up for the people of Dominica qand all we do is complain, complain , complain, complain.
I never saw UWP do anything for our benifit rather than put Dominica in Further DEBTS.
@LICKS FOR SKERRO: I CAN BET YOU, IF THE OPPOSITON WAS IN POWER WE WOULD BE SUCKING DOGS …
PM Skerritt hypocritically refers to Bible? PM Skerritt talks about being unfaithful and disrespectful to the real constitution of Dominica? Almost every page of the said Bible denounces stealing, lying, dishonesty, corruption, criminal acts by people in high places like the kings of biblical times.
Pure Narcissist behaviour. PM Skerritt says he is a respectful member of this parliament and the constitution of Dominica? Wasn’t it that same PM who said, NO CONSTITUTION, NO LAW, OR POLICE COULD PREVENT HIM FROM DOING WHAT HE WANTS, REGARDING NOMINATION? Doesn’t the CONSTITUTION stipulate that a person with DUAL CITIZENSHIP could not go up for elections? What about the Bin Bobol, Fertilizer Bobol that cannot be refuted? What about numerous corrupt and criminal acts committed by persons in public Office? The almost $200,000.00 owed to the Treasury, what about that? What about real ownership of the VILLAS, etc. etc. etc.? No responses when questions are asked which the Dominican public need to know about, since it is their money and business to know about? Wasn’t it PM Skerritt who said, ‘is not your damn business where I get my money from?
Is PM Skerritt reading the Bible at all? Is Skerritt a true Christian, a follower of Christ’s teachings? All Dominicans know that is the exact opposite behaviour of PM Skerritt. Actions speak louder than words. Was Christ arrogant, disrespectful, dishonest, stealing from the poor, aligning with the rich, amassing massive wealth through controversial means? Who were his 12 disciples wealthy people or ordinary men? Does Christ accept those with dictatorial tendencies or accept those who fool and manipulate the poor for their own selfish reasons?
Did Christ ridicule the elders aged 60, 70,71, 72? What is the age of the leaders of Cuba, China, Zimbabwe, Morocco and so many more countries? What was the age of NELSON MANDELA in the GOVT of South Africa? Really and truly, absolute power corrupts absolutely. All the manifestations are in our face. It is said by psychologists and psychiatrist that LIARS have very poor memories.
@LYCAN CASIMIR:
lol lol you cracking me up
I think UWP parliamentarian forming the fool. They are taking this thing for a joke now. Mr John I love you as a person, please use your opportunity wisely. And I agree wit Skerrit at least this time., the young lady from GRAND BAY should be in there. I speak first as a woman, then as a Grandbarian.
@Chief
While your concern is focus on UWP and playing politics my main issue is The Electoral Commision which is a creature of the constitution of Dominica and an independent body with capable and intelligent people on it has made a recommedation. I am asking why is it that PM refuses to adhere tolerate or respect and implement them. We are in a democratic country last time i check or is that he consider himself Chief in stead of humble servant
@JL: AMEN
@LYCAN CASIMIR: STUPEEEEEEEEEEEEES. GO HOME
All those hateful things being said about the PM is from people who have no respect for those in power, your children are looking at your actions. Well God help the next Generation.
DLP is the only Government that I see brought wealth to Dominica, New Infrastructure , benefits for the people, provided jobs and many more.
Skerritt, you’re bringing wealth to Dominica in the name of the lord.
Dude what the hell…your people committing crimes of the worst nature and that is all you care about ? You’re a Chrisitan you say? and you’re not concerned with the alarming number of senseless killings in the past two weeks? What do u care more about? Your power or your country? You’ve said nuthing about the events of this month..NOTHING!!! I have lost respect and faith for u and ur administration. Help me regain it. STOP TALKING AND DO SOMETHING!!! IF you are honest with yourself you would know that you cannot speak against crime because you sir are a criminal yourself…..Repent and FIx this country PM…..Our blood is on your hands….
@looking in from the outside: Keep on looking on from the outside
I live out of D A but love my country very much.I do not want to say much,it would be nice to see the L P and UWP for at least a hours to put politics aside come together and discuse what can be done to help the rise of crime lately.Juust maybe you can agree on this ONE THING .PLEEEAAASSEEEE!
767 —-my god even his looks killing all you. god made him, remember
i cannot understand one man talk and everybody want to bark, PM you are on the right track.One thing is for sure, sorry to say , but the critics are just jealous of skerrit and that’s a fact
@JUST GIVING MY 2 CENTS: Let amiracle happen and Skerrit in opposition he’d do more negative things that is the reincarnation of Patrick John New and improved you looking at.
Hartley Henry is Don Pierson.
PM we are praying for you more and more everyday, or continued guidance and protection
all those comments about the pm boy, he must be doing something right
Amonrah Kobadi: Dotish! This why we are not in DA.You better go back as there is where you belong at this time bozo.
@: He didn’t study psychology nuh? and he cannot use it now? Instead he chatting phat. Do so never like it so.He study English too and he sounding like the fugitve UWP lawyer lol!..
@Bojangles: Dominicans are jokers we talk too much. I done resign myself to seeing anything happening here. Alittle clown have big man jumping and afraid to speak their minds. A lot of cowboys pre cai. Cowards and hypocrites we are.
@Ragodor: I would like to congratulate you for putting it in a nutshell.As a D/can living in the diaspora for many a year. I guess I have grown out of this D/can mindset.However i am a D/can at heart. My problem with my country of birth is as follows: Not for the life of me I can comprehend how our current population thinks.Roosevelt Skerrit is in my view not P.M material. I understand our people vote based on popularity the problem is the kind of popularity.I have three young adults who were born out of DA and visit rather frequently and are of a similar view. They mingle well when they go home and have a special take on my homeland. They are the ones who keep me reading and discussing events taking place in DA.They think am hard on my homeland re: standards. I guess they are young and adapt better to an ever changing caribbean/Dominica.They are the ones who keep reminding me of my good fortunes as a young boy back then and that most did not and may never get the opportunities I got.I am not ready to retire and have so much to offer my homeland but i will not cannot allow my self to be governed by lesser shit heads like the curent and past regimes. Over my dead body so i guess this is another D/can who is willing to stay clear of backwardness until they people demand the explusion of that crayfish from VC who accidentally or other wwise became the P.M of DA. Eddison et all are of no consequence either. AS an aquintance of the President I am ashame of what he has become,Guys like Grell MD the Parry Bellots ,the retired PS’s who have become lesser beings in their golden days shame on you.I install you guys into the D/can hall of Shame. you should be educating the Crayfish P.M Instead you shitheads are allowing him to rape DA.
Oh by the way,,,it seems is The Prime Minister alone that can be disrespectful towards the constitution of Dominica. Others shouldn’t… Oh boy oh boy oh boy.
Address the issues mr prime minister…..stop focusing on reforming the UWP and address the reason they walked out. Stop playing mind games with the general public. We all know what you studied at university…….and you are using it to make the public look foolish. mind games,,that what you studied. One day you will stay focused on the issue in front of you. Hope that day will be in this lifetime.
IF I WERE IN YR PLACE I WHOULD CALL A NEXT BI ELECTION TOO SEE WAT U WILL GET.. FOOL AS YOU ARE.. THIS IS THE MOST DISGRACE P M DOMINICA EVERY HAVE, SHAME SHAME , AND MORE SHAME ON YOU SKERRITT… ONCE AGAIN SKERRIT SHAME……
Mr Skerrit,’Do you have an interest in the villas at Savanne Paille just past Portsmouth?
@Sahara: Yes you saying exactly what I have been saying but we just have to coniinue reaching out to our fellow men we need the Opposition in the house
@Sahara: Writer you a so correct and we as DOMINICANS will only have outselves to blame folks I know that were planning on coming home after they retired are reconsidering that move now, I hope people are reading those commments with messages.
God help us all.
Way Papa Skerrit say he is a Christian….God Help Us cause we are in serious Danger!!
o m g…skerrit suck it 2 dem good….u go skerrit!!!!!! i love you
dominica labor party is here 2 stay
@following their master like poodles: Walking out of parliament is having absolutely no impact on the government just like the so-called “people’s parliament” had no impact.on it. In politics you don’t yield to your opponent easily or it will make you look weak. That is a hard lesson the UWP need to learn. Hence they need to devise another strategy to strike at the government where it really hurts.
Boy, well if corruption, dictatorship, and bobol rampant in Dominica and the Opposition cannot do any better, well Dominica well pwee wee….
Who is gonna save us?
Despite all the arguments for and against what that going on here, can the UWP supporters come here and honestly say that before the by-elections, these guys said that they were gonna swear in and then walk out on Parliament?
If not, you have been fooled, like all other Dominicans, by these guys once again.
I mean how are these guys even better than Skerrit? If Skerrit so bad, and I am not putting my neck on a block for him, how are you guys taking the higher road, the next level?
But like I said already, the power is in Dominican’s hands. Everybody should go to work tomorrow, clock in and then walk out and go and protest infront of Parliament. Because if the political leaders can do it, and you guys paying their salaries, why can’t you?
And ofcourse the PM and the people were blindsided, because if political leaders, men of ‘integrity’ say to the nation that they will enter Parliament and then reverse course, people have to be blindsided.
Isn’t accepting the country’s salaries for work not being done, is in of itself corruption? Satan cannot correct sin….
I watchin’ still….
@following their master like poodles: Many of the issues being laid out by the UWP are valid points for discourse and I agree with the majority of them. These issues need to be addressed. I have said in other posts that the method being employed by the UWP to bring attention to these matters is not the right one. There are pressing matters of state that need to be addressed by both sides of fence. I suggested a grassroots movement all across the island. I think something like that would have more of an effect that walking out of parliament all the time.
DO SO NEVER LOVE SO, IF ITS GOOD FOR SKERRIT, IT IS DAMN WELL GOOD FOR THE OPPOSITION, MANY WAYS TO SKIN A CAT, GUNS N BOMBS DON’T ALWAYS WIN WAR.
@domnichen:
Dominchen
correction I think he / you means that UWP constitutionally elected member are not doing what he wants them to do.
But from the results of the Bi-elections just a couple months ago they are representing what the people who elected t them wants.. Apparently not what you want….
EASY SOLUTION SIR ……….
DECLARE THEIR SITS VACANT …….. AND
call by – elections ……………
AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN …………. AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN
AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN ………………. AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN
and againnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
@BROKEN: THE OPPOSITION ARE THE ONES MAKING THEMSELVES LOOK BAD.
@Chief:
I see you decided to not address what i consider the main issue typical and i am not surprised maybe you blind you didnt see it or maybe u have been blinded and cannot see it
@ Rolle i think you are not telling the truth because you still went on to vote in 2009 after all what you heard so is people like you that really have us in this mess, Now alas my lord i laugh until my mouth burst in 2 when i heard Skerittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt calling himself a christian , that is one of the reason i dont call myself christian because even the devil in hell is a christian i call myself a beliver there a different between christian and beliver, so yes Skerrit liar keep christian i will keep beliver , now my people tell me something who is Skerrit to be calling people names since i know myself living i never heard anyone call any leader of my country theif in public and thats what they calling Skerrit at home so Skerrit tell me which is more hurtful , A A you guy not listening to Mr he even calling people old and he forgetting he enter parlaiment @ the age of 26/27 as he say alas my people ask him what is his age now, is he still 26/27? and when the clung finish he talking about respect for people and parliament and the sad thing about it the old clungs them sitting in there with him while he insulting them and they laughing like they not old at all , well my my Opposition party keep doing what you all doing it getting to him he going off one day he will burst out on them in parliament , i can see the angry in his face i can hear it in his voice that disrepectful wicked man your day coming you in parlaiment knowing that you carry a french passport but is you that christian, you know what everytime i hear that man talk he sicken me to my stomach and am getting real upset so God help us all
OK, forget that walk out and all the other stuff for a while. As far as i know there were two bills to be voted on or discussed which ever is right. Customs has been a concern to many dominicans for a while now and i haven’t heard the UWP commented on that bill. maybe they did not even read that bill. Lets focus on the important stuff.
D PM ONLY MAD HE HAD NO ONE TO JEER AT.HE NOT INTERESTED IN THEIR GOINGS OR COMINGS HE JUS WANT TO MAKE D OPPOSITION LOOK BAD TO GLORIFY HIMSELF.THEY WELL TAKE HIM.HE WAS CAUGHT UNPREPARED BECAUSE HE NOW HAD TO REWRITE HIS COMESS HE NORMALLY WOULD HAVE SPOKEN.TAKE THAT MR . PM PUT IT IN YOUR NEWLY ACQUIRED WEALTH AND TAKE IT TO D ALBA BANK.
UWP supporters have been sayign that SKERITT is not abiding by the CONSTITUTION. This is the law of the land… so what happens when the Supreme LAW of the land is ignored? Do we just sit and complain – or take it to the Courts which ensure that the laws of the land are being followed?
What baffles me is that how does 1 man manage to rule an enitre nation and disrespect the CONSTITUTION. the PM is not the Constitution and the Constitution is not the PM. The Constitution is the law of the land – THE SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND… so if the UWP CANNOT even get 1 man to obey the Constitution, how are they supposed to lead a country of many men?
Is it me, or is Skeritt just supremely powerful? They are talking like the PM is a GOD. i do not get this. They made the Constituion yet they cannot get 1 man to abide by it.
Doesn’t the court enforce the laws of the land? Why is it that the Constitution cannot be used to handle SKERITT??????
I’m just wondering….. maybe the poto UWPites can tell me so that perhaps i can come Dominica and vote for them in the next election. Never voted, never been brided to vote…. but i’ll come vote to make a difference….. And i am DOMINICAN… so the PM in power represents me also.
I do not understand how the Opposition expects to have an impact on the actions of the Government by refusing to be in the midst of the elected ministers.
If you want somebody to do something, something that is of importance, you have to be in their face or at them all the time. It’s like dealing with a lazy child. You have to keep talking, keep reminding them, keep telling them how important something is. They will either go off the deep end or just complete the task so that they don’t have to listen to you nag them. This also applies to some marriages. Lol!.
My point is that walk outs, boycotts and insults are not working. Bombard them with letters and requests. Educate the public on what is and isn’t being done. Go to Parliament and give your views even if you have to say the same thing over and over again. Visit the ministers, the Prime Minister, the President. Never stop. Never give in. Perseverance pays.
As Dominicans, we fail to see what is happening in our “beloved island”. The PM spoke of the opposition being disrespectful, who are they being disrespectful to? Isn’t the speaker of the house disrespectful to the opposition parliamentarians? How do we expect them to feel when they are always being dumped on by that whale that call her self the speaker of the house. In her position she is supposed to be neutral but she is not, she clearly dislikes the opposition and shows it. Instead of redeculing the opposition why don’t Dominicans ask the speaker of the house to stop being bias.
DLP spoke about taking Dominica to the next level, they have indeed taken Dominica to the next level, five murders in less than a fortnight.
Mr. PM take your problems to the Lord in prayer, it is easy to say that you are a christian; you really believe that Dominican are fools?
Dominicans take heed, one of these days your beloved Dominica will not be yours; remember Grenada
what does being a christian have to do with anything concerning politics? (paragraph 5 line 3)..Like staying in parliament will make you a more favorable “christian” in “God’s” eyes.. I think alot of ppl are christians when it suits them. Then again… who am i to judge. Priest, Pastor, Police, Politician…i doh trust non ah dem!.
To me this makes no sense,what do you gain by walking out? at least you stand a chance by staying and insisting that your voice be heard,but when you walk out there is no chance that you be heard, i believe that the opposition must get their plans right,up to now whattever they have tried is not working,so please change stratigie.
The only reasons they should stay are to:
1 get the seargent of arms to arrest those who are illegal having allegiance to the foreign French power.
2. Invoke the Treason act.
@Margeret Rose:
Full support for Skerrit-That is wat your comment is all about. I wish I could see it differently.
……….I am sorry people but Roosevelt Skerrit is the very last person to talk about and quote the bible. Who gave this man permission to do so when his actions contradicts what the good book says?——I suppose maybe some of his followers and apologists.–This is now high noon comedy in DA- but it not an ‘alhahaha’ laughing matter. Our country needs real leadership now.
The PM is right. THe UWP members must realize that they are not representing their constituencies. They should not receive any salary either. Put your constituencies above your personal greed !!!!!
I agree with UWP, Hell with mister and his parliament, No COnstitution can stop me from running for vielle case, i have no interest in those villas, no Bin Bobol refund. 22 million to win an election, that pm doing too much, now he want legislation to deal with uwp walking out like some countries LIKE CHINA & CUBA.
Well… the only important thing for Dominica now and for the next how many months and years is electoral reform. And without that, it is impossible to achieve any sort of development or try to resolve any other matter in the country.
So, if the UWP can’t get electoral reform, because everything else is so mundane and not deserving of proper attention, except some views now and then, when they feel like on the radio or at the people’s parliament for less than one third of Dominica to hear, then… they are right to walk out.
CRACKER I do understand your reaction to BAYGON OF POLITICIANS Why because people like you Mooton Batali is really the cause of the backwardness of Dominica. People like CRACKER is just the type of support the DLP
Need to function or rather malfunction. .
As much as I think that UWP should consider an alternate course of action or reaction we will all agree that the Parliament sessions is a waste of time. The government gets to do whatever it wants; The opposition blah blah; The government refuse to be transparent ; The opposition oppose for opposing sake. UWP guys are just getting the taste of their own medicine. They were arrogant just the same. The DLP has taken arrogance to the next level
if you live in a glass house don’t throw stones skerrit
it shame to see ways u wp doing there thing. it time for two parties to get alone .it time for work together with labour party to move country to next level.all over world people hearing all them ….the leader labour party is willing to work . but u wp is not ready thats why keep walking out doing… i dont live dominica .u w p the out side laughing at you guys .u guys are big jokers out there.take dominica next level labour party.i just love this young pm you guys dont no he getting alot respect out there.keep working push dominica forward.
I am soooo fed-up with politicians, and I mean World Wide!! So I will just say it like that, ” Ah So Yuh Move”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIoaygxKd9k&feature=related
@Devoted Dominican.:
Free your a–s and your mind will follow
@following their master like poodles: You are so wrong. A vast number of moderate UWP supporters I have spoken to disagrees with the strategy being taken by the party. Only the die-hard supporters are in agreement. I guess they are just following their masters like poodles.
To say that the UWP members were given the green light twice in one year (due to elections) to continue the protest is just poor logic. These constituencies are hard core UWP constituencies and the party will win there no matter what issues they run on. You need to talk to more moderate UWP supporters and you will get a different picture.
@Bojangles:
Tell them
I am glad that some of us can still think for ourselves. focussing on the issues.
The day of redemtion will come quicker than some of us think.
So Mr. Prime Minister, do you plan to give up your seat at the age of 55? Where would you be today if the OLD FOLKS didn’t nominate you when OLD Pierro (r.i.p) expired!
@Unwell: You are really Unwell, Go take a rest darling and look again
@EXCUSE ME: You are Ignoring the issue which is at hand… Within minutes of Vowing to be “Faithful to parliament” these men walked out…walked out on their words! How am I suppose to believe or put my faith in anything that they are to profess in the future? And this is the issue at hand!!
who fool skerrit ner ,
@Bojangles:
BOJANGLES, IF EVER I HEARD OF SOMEONE TALKING FROM THE OTHER END OF THEIR BODY, IT’S YOU. I TAKE IT THAT YOU ARE A UWP MEMBER AND THAT MAKES YOU ONE OF THE SCUMS OF THE EARTH AS DO EDISON JAMES, RON GREEN, NORRIS PREVOST AND ALL THE OTHER CRONIES THAT YOU FOLLOW. WHY WONT YOU AND ALL THE OTHERS WHICH I HAVE JUST MENTIONED FIND A HUGE ROCK AND CRAWL UNDER IT. FOR THAT IS WHERE YOU ALL BELONG. DAM IDIOTS..
@role……………..U were so wrong to vote for himm all those years your little idiot fool.and just to inform you that you are not no labourite stop lying .who you think you are fooling ? petty head?????????? stop being a joker and go find work to do …..
The painful fact of politics: when you are in opposition you don’t automatically get what you ask for. The solution: devise strategies that will attract attention to your issue.
It is my opinion that boycotting parliament is the wrong strategy. Issues such as election reform in Dominica is a valid point for discourse (and I agree with the UWP on that point) but to deprive the people who elected you their voice in parliament is just not the way to go. I am sure there are other pressing matters within individual constituencies and the country as a whole that need to be addressed.
I suggest that the UWP initiate an island-wide grassroots movement to pressure the government into addressing their issues. If the issues strikes a chord with the people and some sort of movement is started I am sure it will have an impact. Nothing beats the voice of the people.
I am lost to understand why is it the only people commenting on what the Opposition is doing is the people that didnot and cannot vote for them. The members in less than a year twice has been given the green light to continue the protest by the people they represent. I would like to believe that voting them back is clear very clear indication that the people they represent are in favour. But that is not the main issue here the main issues is that the Electoral Commision what is a creature of the constitution of Dominica has made recommedation and these are being ingnored and trampled on but the Prime Minister who does not have the authority to do it. That ladies and gentlement is where the gross disrecpect of the constitution is and its’ authority(Electoral Commision). Why is it he cannot respect and adhere to that part of the constitution?
After reading all the comments, I think you are all missing the point, this is not about the P.M.
When James and John, got re-elected, they said then the Boycott was over, the swore on the Bible then walk out, they called a Press conference, they all gave different reasons, Prevost said the Speaker won’t allow his Questions, John said they were not consulted about different appointments, Ron Green said they are staying out until the Electoral Reform is address.
But the UWP has never given the People of Dominica full representation, have they, Carbon got elected for Wesley, but he lived and worked in St. Thomas, Earl Williams got elected, he went to live and work in New York, they both got dere salary.
Please we want what is best for Dominica, and these UWP men are bleeding Dominica, by getting paid for doing the job they were elected to do.
Every Parliamentarian has a moral responsibility to best represent the interest of his/her constituents in particular and Dominica in general. The UWP Parliamentarians have that moral responsibility as well. How they choose to exercise that responsibility is a matter for them and their constituents provided they do not take the Law in their hands. If they believe that by walking out of Parliament they will get the results they are seeking to get then by all means they have that right to do so. Democracy do not put a noose around any one’s neck since it is the very Democracy that allows us the privilege to protest within the Law when we want to get things done and serves as measure to pressure the authorities to get things done…
On the other hand if it is against the law to walk out of Parliament, and this can be proven, then the UWP Parliamentarians would be doing themselves and the country a dis-service. If it is not then they have the right to walk out in protest.
I guess if they can walk out I can too, I’m walking out on my teacher tomorrow.
@EXCUSE ME: @SAD HEART: why u wan to judge? so evne he say he is a christian? am sure u say it urself…
@????????????//: ki dwabe interpersonal skill?….Oh please! he like everyone else id fed up these dicks coming n playing like dey smart when they r just real idiots!
frustration because why they cry about dis n dat, they come in regster to get a salary n like wat they accuse ppl of doing , do exactly that.
@BAYGON OF POLITICIANS: behhhhh…the same SOB u r!
I agree with the fact that the Oppostition is paid to do a job and if any ordinary person were to go to their place of employment, sign in, then walk out without a valid reason, that person would be disciplined.
I believe it is time that action be taken. As i have always stated, the UWP can do things in a different manner, without being disrespectful to the people of Dominica … not their supporters(because in their eyes- the actions are right,) but the the thousands of people who did not vote for them. They are trying to win over a nation, yet, they are turning around and disrespecting that nation.
Come on guys…
I agree with Skeritt … they went in to ensure that they get paid… well, if i were THE ALL POWERFUL Skeritt… … i would enact a law preventing them for earning tax payer dollars until they become men and do the work they want to get paid to do…. that means – signing in and staying for the duration.
We all know that it was planned… the press release confirms it. What I want is for the UWP to show the respect which they keep saying the the government lacks.
Why are they not rising above and be better politicians. They are no better than the party in power because their idea of trying to rebuild a nation is by walking out on their paid duties. They owe a duty not only to their supporters, but to DOMINICA and to those whom they are trying to lure away from the Labour party.
I tell you, they are definitely not acting reasonable when it is the tax payer dollars that are getting wasted. Yet they complain about how many millions wasted on an International Airport…. i’m sure if their salaries are added up, it would still equal to money wasted…. waste is waste, big waste, little waste, it is still money wasted. All waste drains the treasury, and they are wasting tax payers money.
So to preach one thing and practise another makes them HYPOCRITES!!!!!!!!!!
DIregard for the TRUE CONSTITUTION. Notice the words TRUE CONSTITUTION”. That is to suggest that there is a constitution applicable to those in power and another constitution applicable to the subordinates. Now that we are on the path where the constitution is on a “ AS APPLICABLE BASIS” shall we examine a section of the constitution that applies to thieving, deceitful politicians.
I agree with the “NO WORK NO PAY” attitude. What about go to jail for raping the treasury; what about go to jail for using the affairs of the country to get rich . SOB.
SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME on the opposition UWP,were is LOVE FOR COUNTRY.GO GO GO REPRESENT the PEOPLE who VOTED FOR you ALL.
from my observations, it appears that the only negatives about our pm is coming from dominicans not leaving in dominica. i myself do not leave in da but i am always in tune with whats going on in da and i must say that the masses are satisfied with whats going on as far as the direction that our pm is taking the country. so i would say to those negative people, move back to da or zip it.
I am not a skerritt fan but the way i seeing UWP going it’s not good at all. This boycutt from parliament is getting to me now. I really thought after the by elections i would see positive things going on from the opposition. By next election i don’t think they will have supporters. When i look at their behavior this just tells me they don’t know what they are about.
I thought Hector John would make a difference for the party because he is young and intelligent but if he keep on following the “older” ones i feel sorry for him.
ON MANY OCCATIONS I HAVE REALLY TRIES TO UNDERSTAND MR. SKERRIT AS A LEADER.MR. SKERRIT DOES WHAT HE WANTS, WHEN HE WANTS WETHER IT IS IN PARLIAMENT, AS MINISTER OF FINANCE ,THE RESPECTING THE CONSTITUTION.HE HAS A NEW ROLE ,HE IS NOW TELLING THE OPPOSSITION WHO THEY MUST SELECT FOR THE PARLIAMENT.I HOPE MR. SKERRIT WILL NEVER GET OLD.
It is said that who so never like so. ALL IS MINE.
The symptoms of the boycut is begining to show on the PM. He is now expressing frustration or rather lack of interpersonal skills to deal with it.
@Jah Son: How many Domincans acn be accused of doing wrong and not answer the questions. how many domincans can say no law no constitution or no nothing can prevent them from doing things? how many domincans can build houses and own so many assets on small salaries? How many dominicans? tell me?
Mr.PM.
I mean no disrespect, but are you for real ? Please answer these questions for me and for for ALL DOMINICANS who have been asking and those WANT TO ASK, BUT ARE ARE AFRAID TO
1) How do you account for your MILLION DOLLAR ASSETS, on A $5000 SALARY ?
2) Why have. You not since 2004 revealed the contents of the MOU signed with CHINA on behalf of the PEOPLE OF DOMINICA ?
3) Why is it that the PEOPLE OF DOMINICA still do not know the REAL contents of THE ALBA agreement signed with VENEZUELA on their behalf ?
4) Where are the THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS that have dissapeared through the BIN BOBOL, under YOUR WATCH ?
5) What is the SOUCRCE of the $23 MILLION spent by the LABOUR PARTY last year to PURCHASE the DECEMBER 18th, 2009 ELECTIONS ?
6) Who was it that responded to the QUESTION RRGARDING YOUR “DUAL CITIZENSHIP with the words “NO AMOUNT OF LAWYERS, NOT EVEN THE CONSTITUTTION CAN PREVENT ME FROM BEING NOMINATED AS THE CANDIDATE FOR THE VIELLE CASE CONSTITUENCY” ?
7) DO YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE VILLAS IN THE PORTSMOUTH AREA ?
The above and others too numerous to mention are all questions raised as a result of OCCURENCES DURING YOUR WATCH.
DO YOU CONSIDER THIS “DISRESPECTFULL & UNCONSTITUTIONAL ?
I am sure there are many DOMINICANS who think it is, more so than the OPPOSITION WALKING OUT OF PARLIAMENT, which by the way they have a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to do.
Just a reminder MR PM, contrary to popular belief there are still several DOMINICANS out there “WHO DO NOT WEAR THEIR IGNORANCE AS BADGE OF HONOUR !!
For the first time in my life I agree with Skerrit. That is nonsense now man. Stupes
My fellow Dominicans,
What do you expect from a selfish, corrupted, uneducated despicable, lowlife, stupid set of people? Nothing good. For Edison James, Ron Green, Norris Prevost, Hector John, Ronnie Isidore and the other (UWP) representatives has destroyed Dominica by (RAPING) the whole population to a state of no return. I say to these people, that God is not a policeman nor a politician. That Some day he is going to demand retribution from Edison James, Ron Green and Norris Prevost. For they are the leaders of the pack. May god have mercy on your souls..
omg, this man is something else………
The Prime Minister is very right, “Now how many hard working Dominicans Madam Speaker can come into their workplace clock in and clock out at the same time and get a salary Madam speaker?” This is getting out of control… A law should be past to prevent such silly political games from persevering in the country.
You come to the parliament and you take a Bible and you hold it in your right hand, and you say on the Bible that you will bear true allegiance to the parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica; that you will do so faithfully and then just after you have done that you walk out of parliament in a … very unfaithful and disrespectful manner to the real constitution of Dominica…” he said.
“This is not for congratulations but for condemnation. I cannot stand in the parliament, Madam Speaker, as a respectful member of this parliament and the constitution of Dominica and of course as a Christian myself to congratulate you for that action,” the prime minister stated
These are the words of the Prime Minister.
Let me remind the people of Dominica this is the same Prime Minister who said that the law or the constitution cant prevent him from running for elected office in Dominica after he admitted he got his french passport in 2006. The man is insane. The Prime Minister himself shows no respect for the constitution. The constitution works both ways. Only in Dominica that the PM is allow to insult the intelligence of all the hard working men women and young adults. People wake up the world is watching
It is sad the PM did not comment on the rule of law as it relates to the way in which the Speaker of the House dismisses the opposition as soon as they, express their intention to raise a concern.
The Electoral Commission should be free from Gov’t’s involvement and it is so disappointing that more D/cans are not coming out to speak out against these blatant subversion of the Constitution.
Someone once said the D/cans are small minded and it is so sad the I am now seeing their point.
“DOMINICANS, WE HAVE TO STAND UP WHEN WE SEE ANY PERSON OR GOV’T ARE NOT RESPECTING THE LAWS”
He is so cute!!
so is one set then mr skerrit?
too much childish behaviour in Parliament. STOP PLAYING POLITICS AND REPRESENT DOMINICA AND ITS PEOPLE
well what can i say Hon.. pm.. You started a dirty came with some veteran politicians who were in parliment when u were still taking breast milk now DeAl wItH It!!! THESE GUYS HAVE GUTTS AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT THEY WILL MAKE U MISERABLE…
I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU LET THEM BE. DO NOT PAY THEM ANY MIND. THEY ARE A BUNCH OF PUSSY CATS.
your dam hypocrite.you have no respect for dominicans when u leave and nobody knows ur whereabouts until u and ur croneys are on ur way back.all u do is call press conference and fool some people not me anyway.you are no different from saul in the old testament in dealing with the nation of israel.
Many may disagree with what the PM has to say but here is my opinion. I AGREE with him 100%.
UWP cannot say that they are for the people yet, walk out to say that they are proving a point. The best way to fight injustice is to tackle the issues as they come. What kind of a message are you setting by not showing up for work (Parliament is part of their work) expect to get paid, but don’t do anything deserving of the salary.
Putting all that aside, although the PM took a stab at the opposition party, he made a very clear point when he commented on the age factor.
There are many young Dominicans such as Hector John that can make a change for the island. How are they expected to do so if the seniors are not stepping down to allow them room to grow?
With all that being said, there will always be politics and conflicts. There will always be wrongs and rights. We may not be on the same page BUT, we are looking out for our Island!
In a couple of short years, there will be another election. LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
Here we go again. Prime Minister Skerrit you are quick to condemn the opposition and talk about respect for the constitution. Charity begins at home. Look in the mirror and you will see who does not have respect for the constitution. You invoke christianty, think Bishop Eddie Long. Unless you and your gang set the tone for good governance and lead by example, the nation will continue on a path to end real democracy. Your dissatisfaction should be with your behavior and how you conduct the nation’s business in respect to the constitution. You are yet to set the example of an honest leader. Instead, you have chosen to devide, panipulate and deceive the very ones who elected you. Before you condemn the opposition, clean your house and terminate the culture of corruption that you and your thugs continue to perpetrate. We the people pray that you see the light and start leading by example.
“CHRISTIAN”
Who is PM Skerrit to be giving lessons on Morality? …. He wants the leadership of the UWP to change because he cannot have his way with the current leadership, to corrupt them like he has done others. The UWP must stand strong because what they are doing is the fighting for democracy in Dominica. PM skerrit is in the process of establishing a dictatorship in Dominica and right thinking Dominicans must step up and confront the PM on what he is doing.
I voted for the labour party in 2000 and 2005, I voted against them in 2009, this is because my country is what really matters. The things that the PM and his cronies are doing is not in keeping with the principle of democracy and good governance and in some cases just illegal. I am very concerned for the future of Dominica with a low breed individual as PM. The PM should sit and think carefully at what level he has brought the country…
The PM is not commited to any Country, Person, institution, party but himself. Dominica has taken a turn for the worst under the leadership of PM Skerrit, we are now seeing rampant crimes in our country, curruption of the judiciary, disregard for the rule of law. All PM Skerrit is talking about is pouring concret and he call it development, take a look at Saudi Arabia, they poured alot of concret with their oil money but the country is still backward. Development of the individual is what truely builds a country, creating Jobs, proper health care, Justice for all, good and affordable education, reviving our manufacturing and farming, that’s what is development., but the PM would not know that because he just does not have the brain capacity to think at that level.
hmmmmmmmmm our prime minister stated that he is a christian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
then let dominica see christ in you pm.
i guess they didnt have the chance to behave like that in HIGHSCHOOL so now as big men they going through the stage they miss!
cute pic but again looks are deceiving.