Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has reacted to a resignation notice of MP for Roseau South, Joshua Francis, saying it would have served Dominica better if that announcement was made by the leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton, saying it was he that was retiring from politics.
Last week Francis wrote to the President of the UWP announcing that he will not contest the next general election, saying he is withdrawing from the “political space to cure some issues.”
At a press conference on Tuesday, Skerrit said, as a rule, the government and his party, the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), do not embroil in the “workings and machinations of the opposition United Workers Party.”
“We merely take note of the announcement by the member for Roseau South,” he stated. “But what I would say in passing, however, purely from a national perspective in terms of what’s best for Dominica, it is a tad bit unfortunate that such a letter was sent to a current political leader of that party and did not actually emanate from the individual who leads that party, the UWP. That we believe would have been a good thing for all of Dominica.”
He added, “Our position is that it would have been in the best interest of the country had it been Mr. Linton the one saying that he is bowing out of politics.”
When asked whether he has a recommendation for Francis, Skerrit said he had none, repeating that it would have been better if the announcement was made by the leader of the party, rather than Francis.
Skerrit was asked whether the eventual resignation of Francis would create an opportunity for the Dominica Labour Party to reclaim Roseau South, as has been expressed by some in the DLP in the past, and he responded by saying the next general election has not occupied any of his time.
“I am preoccupied now with assisting the private sector where necessary to reopen their businesses, to restock,” he said. “Getting farmers to be back on the field and providing them with the necessary support, covering the homes of many of our senior citizens who do not have insurance and who do not have the means of recovering there homes, getting these 1,000 homes completed quickly so that we can get 1,000 families into their homes as soon as possible signing additional contracts for homes, assisting the public servants with some limited funds to recover their homes … these are things that preoccupy my mind. Elections are not on my mind.”
He added, “Needless to say, the people have been disappointed with the representation given by the United Workers Party, not only in Roseau South but the entire country.”
You mean the Parl Rep say he resigning effective the end of his term in office and the PM of the nation must not have a say on that? And he should just let it pass like a waste of precious time post Maria. So PM comment is comedy, whereas his silence on the matter would have been good politics of useless protocol to heed. Yet the nation can see the whole big hole blow wide open in UWP leadership and machinery. Since the glaring evidence is a waste of time…
What next?
Many bad men are rich and many good men are poor; however, we will not change virtue for riches, since virtue is always secure, while money is constantly passing from one man to another.
ABIGADO!
Mr primeminister while you found the time in your press conference to give your thoughts on the resignationof the opposition member it would have been even better had you given the total amount if monies received from the international community and how it’s being spent.
He won’t do that because it’s none of our business.
The ministry of education should read the comments posted. No only does it gives a reflection of peoples opinion of what is going on in this country but it exposes the poor level of the English grammar written on this website by contributors .
While attending high school, my stomach turned when my English subject teacher open her mouth to speak.
I do understand when we are at home but we should really put an effort in wrting properly. I olso think the student and parents should challenge teachers to do better.
You could make a start by using the correct past tense of “open”in your second paragraph.
@CONSCIOUS…..it looks like someone should read over what he/she typed before posting. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
Conscious lol LMAO- Only one is right . how about that? I know I numerous errors in my dispensation before going to Law school in B/dos. They laughed at me. in class. As a minister I thought I was it.
Skerrit, this failed Pm and politician, is in no position and has no authority to comment on Hon Francis. Skerrit must look at the mirror first before he attempts to spew words without proper dictate when n his camp serious questions and allegations are made of poor governance, corruption all over. Skerrit you should go, clean up the back yard and camp of the corrupt labour Party yo are leader of and resign, rather than staining it more. Your people inside are scared to talk so they tell us in private that you are a liability and failure. The Bin Bobol must be haunting you , so is the Ferlizer Bobol and now the passport Bobol. What credential follows this man, it is a shame as Dominica is brought low with a bad name from this political no go fool killing our country. You say what you want say, we know where the fingers are pointed, at you and your corrupt Labour Government.
Skerrit ust Go…you have failed us and Dominica.
con’t… a belief of being so evil as to be beyond redemption, and many other things.
If one could write his/her mind, it would be a mirror to other minds where they could find themselves and not feel as the only wretched souls in existence. Go on then, write your mind in a book and publish it.
TRAIT OF AN EVIL PRIME MINISTER…
The universe runs on the principle that one who can exert the most evil on other human beings runs the show. You know them; you know an evil one when you see them: is he/she good at delegating responsibility? Does he/she value strong working relationships with stakeholders outside government? Is he/she committed to strengthening our democratic institutions?
What if a PRIME MINISTER could write everything that came into his/her mind. You could find their acts of barbarity, brutality, savagery and wickedness, depth of utter despair, heights of the most callous behaviours, killing fields where we slaughter our enemies, moments of doubts, dark chambers where they commit infidelity against their partners, counting their misdemeanours, hell nightmares and cursing of their enemies, profound immorality and wickedness – especially when they regard themselves as a supernatural force, con’t…/
All Saint
You should probably have titled your piece “Trait of an evil Leader” because somehow when I read it( trying to ignore its convoluted construction and focus on the message), more than a few people came to mind. Perhaps you can re-read your post?
Joshua did what he was supposed to do long time ago he did it so whats the bid deal.
“it would have served Dominica better if that announcement was made by the leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton, saying it was he that was retiring from politics.” (Roosevelt Skerrit).
If it is in the destine of Lennox Linton to become Prime Minister of Dominica, neither you Roosevelt or anyone else will be an obstacle in his way; you had better worry about you: because when the time comes and there is no money to buy votes, and bribe people; the door will burst wide open for your exist!
“No man is an island” Roosevelt; it is only a matter of time before you find yourself on the outside looking in. Nothing under the Sun last forever, you said you are invincible; we shall see, whereas there are some who wish to vote for you forever, you will eventually self destruct: so, I doubt Lennox have you to worry about, your corrupted ways will be your destruction!
And this is a premonition!
all u can never win Roseau south again, uwp forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You even responding uncle skerro. He resign he resign. Darpway them. Linton next and so on. Uwp die we lol. Don’t waste your breath leave dem. They cannot take the pressure. Show them who is man
Yes,show them who knows how to lie and steal and bribe
Well if the DLP or the Government or Roosevelt Skerrit was paying attention to the issues of the opposition…DNO would need to have a part two of the PM comments. He said so much from one side of this tongue and on the other side ….he saying its not his business.
Mr Skerrit,
You are capable of winning elections on your own merits, without resorting to these comments. You have been on the bridge of the “Dominican Ship” since the Hurricane. Do not be distracted. You are trying your best. Maybe Mr Linton is doing his job well, by being your conscience. Leave him be. Try to persuade Mr Pinard- Byrne to give up this vendetta.
I well remember your good talk to us just after the hurricane, to mend fences. Please remember your own advice. Dominica needs Linton and you, to get back to full strength. You know that we do not have enough money to pay salaries, fix all this damage. We have zero exports. The people cannot afford VAT at 20%, and passport sales will be low for some time to come.
Focus on what must be done to make Dominicans self sufficient. If you need help ask for it. Do not think that you can do it alone. There are many who want to help, but are afraid of being burnt by the fire of politics, and jealousy. It is one country, with…
Pinard Byrne is part of the Skerrit cabal no one should be shocked, but what goes around comes around and someone will pay for the wickedness that is spreading over the Island.
but why he oshan so behind lennox and uwp business so nah
Really PM surprise at your remark. Now is the time for love and unity. Those who laugh last laugh best. Be blessed. Hurricane Maria blew on all. God is always in control, He is not asleep.
Isn’t Mr Joshua man enough to write and announce his own resignation?Why make a story out of someone’s resignation if this resignation is for the good of the country? You Skerrit is trying your utmost best to distract the illiterates who are your followers so that; they will never educate themselves to see your body language and your thoughts are very deceptive.A resignation letter should not be sent back and forth to whom it does not concern; in other words; it will arrive at its destination. Act like a man even though I think that it will be very difficult for you because it is in your DNA hence the reason why your followers are being infected by your polluted principles.This is not your business and if birds of a feather flock together especially under the same roof one will not be able to help each other. There were prime ministers before you and there will be after you but remember that the end of the tunnel is never far.
“Needless to say, the people have been disappointed with the representation given by the United Workers Party, not only in Roseau South but the entire country.” Skerrit what can the Uwp do for the country when they’re not in power
Needless to say we’re actually disappointed in the ruling government since y’all control everything that goes in and out of the country 
What do you mean what can the UWP do? They could have source some relief supplies from Shirley who runs her mouth on Q95 day and night ….. from America. And all the others from the diaspora who seem to express their disgust with the system. Now is time to prove what you have…. Hurricane Maria passed not one tent they donated or a generator to a school. Magway ca!!!!!!!!! You mean they have no contacts who can help much less if they were in power, Dominica would die and bury.
First of all sir I’m not a Uwp supporter, party should be disbanded by now, Uwp non a factor, is labor that is the factor because is they that in power. And If skerrit doh even want to spend money they receiving from relief on Dominicans, why should people waste money outta there own pockets on y’all? Your ignorant name proves my point
Skerrit I Voting and Dominican,
You are both ignorant and wicked people. Read and understand before you comment. Erika came, DA did not recover yet, but your inept PM found most appropriate to break down an undamaged bridge. ‘Rebuilding’ cost 18 million. Who got the job????? Now here comes Maria. Your so-believed God-sent and wannabe-Dr PM still has no clue on how to manage a disaster. So he does what he he knows best: divide so that only he can rule. Don’t forget ‘tout cochon ni samdi yo pa cho patience’. Time will tell.
Stop spitting on the diaspora! They are Dominicans just like you. 17 years Labour in power; we still cannot come back, but ‘Labor ka twavay’. Don’t spit in the sky, it wil fall in your eyes.
I am nor DLP nor UWP; I am Dominican to the bones. Sa ki fache di yo kwache.
Who do you think should control everything that goes in and out of the country? The opposition? Of course it has to be the sitting government. This is not a joint venture for it is not a part of our constitution to have two parties that oppose each other leading the country. Could you imagine the madness that would occur?
Brother man, the point I’m making is that Labor is the government, they control what goes in and out of Da, so all fingers should be pointed at them, not the opposition that ready to collapse and has no say, or resources. That to hard for you to understand?
This is a man who comes out on many occasions saying that there is too much politics in Dominica,and rather that just let the announcement of the pending resignation of Joshua Francis go, Skerritt has to open his mouth throwing out political trash.Skerritt,how low can you go?.Do you expect the opposition to ride rough shod over the Constitution as you continue to do knowing fully well that the Dominican Constitution does not make provisions for the opposition parties to jump in and steer the ship of State whilst your party forms the government.It would have been nice if you had sought to include the opposition in the efforts to attract resources and decide where and when these resources are utilized.Aren’t you ashamed that after the passage of TS Erica your government did very little to nothing in perparing the country for acatastrophe like we saw with Maria.All you and Baron-mess Scotland did was high profile PR.The 2018 election electoral reform better occupy your mind
Politics will continue to destroy this country.Tired and sick of these foolish politicians.
Agreed. They behave like a set of school girls with all their gossiping and silliness.
Roosevelt, unlike your cabal the opposition members are not treated like kids and allowed to speak for themselves. You want to control everyone and eveything like a true dictator.
every man is entitle to their own opinion….
On another note, yes UWP party has it supporters but why does it seems like the UWP team Dominica is self-destructing.
Linton is the thorn in your side huh?????
What you just doh like Linton nah PeeM….. what he do you so lol lol lol
Nice photo P.M. Merry Christmas to you and all Dominicans of all colours!
You really should not have commented. Leave the folks to their own devices. Joshua has been coming and going for a while now. He has got bashed and bruised from within and without, he has spoken in multiple languages that no one can understand. Even his resignation is in a language I cannot understand. What did he resign from if not from the UWP and if he intends to serve out his term in Parliament?
I think you have a lot of work and responsibility on your hands, so you should have resisted the temptation to talk, which is the main occupation of some other Dominicans. I have had my fill of that meal. My stomach has shut down.
Sounds like you have a crush on the man Babs…..?
Which one Me? PM Or Joshua? Actually neither you know!
At a press conference on Tuesday, Skerrit said, as a rule, the government and his party, the Dominica Labour Party (DLP), do not embroil in the “workings and machinations of the opposition United Workers Party.”
Skerrit was asked whether the eventual resignation of Francis would create an opportunity for the Dominica Labour Party to reclaim Roseau South, as has been expressed by some in the DLP in the past, and he responded by saying the next general election has not occupied any of his time.
Does anybody in their right mind believe these utterances of Roosevelt? If you do, I have a mountain to sell you at discount price.
Rebuilding Dominica is what is on our parties agenda my dear. Not stupid political talks. We dont occupy ourselves night and day with nonsense but we focus on where we are at now, which is recovering from Hurricane Maria. While you all are talking Skerrit is on a plane heading somewhere to see what he can get for Dominica to make things better for us. Boy some Dominicans really ignorant eh.
@skerrit I voting. Lol he is on a plane to see what he can get for Dominica. Oh my will you people stop depending on other countries to build your country. At some point counties will stop giving, What are you guys gonna do. Tell your pee -M to find ways to develope the country, With so many resources Dominica has. Be creative stop begging
@Skerritt I voting,who’s words are being qouted in the above article?It is clear to anyone but you,that Skerritt is the one who is ignorant and can’t rise up to the dignity expected of the office of Prime Minister.For a man who keeps on saying that there is too much politics in Dominica,why does he have to be so low class and bring up the wish that it was a resignation letter from Lennox.He should have said something about the contribution of Joshua Francis and his contribution to the Democracy in Dominica if he has any class,but no ,he remains in the gutter politically and drags along persons like you who wallow in the political cesspool of ignorance
It has been a bad week for the UWP and it looks like it may get worse.
You got that wrong expat. It is not the opposition or its leader who are under scrutiny for selling diplomatic passports to international crooks and vagabonds.
@Expat – Huh? It has been a bad week for the UWP? You sure about that? A member saying he won’t run in the next election constitutes a bad week?
Ask Roosevelt if he wouldn’t have preferred a bad week like the one you claimed UWP has had instead of the ‘bad weeks’ of challenges he and his government is facing post-Hurricane Maria.
Expat… what’s a bad week in the making of Dominican politics is the state of the island’s economic affairs right now and it looks like it may get worse.
Why all this fuss about what Skerrit says to Joshua’ resignation? isn’t the same thing being said in England, USA, Canada, Trinidad when those in office wants to get under the skin of the opposition? that’s what we call political ‘MAUVAIS LANG” in the caribbean. Paul Rossnoff, please stop being a forever antagonist, Dominica doesn’t need it at this present juncture, your intel can and should be used in a different way of your choosing .
Isn’t Francis man enough to tell the nation of his intentions, don’t think he needs a party head to speak for him. All he had to do was Informed the leader of his intentions then let everyone know. Saying that the opposition leader should be making the announcement is rather childish
.there lies the problem a true leader is someone ability to delegate, doing everything yourself don’t make you a leader. All it makes you is a control freak.
Skerrit calls on Francis to resign as Roseau South MP
Dominica News Online – Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 at 8:17 AM
Skerrit wish comes alive..
Joshua is not a moomoo. He can speak for himself. Skerrit is just obsessed with the leader of the opposition every move that even when he is not speaking, he is on his mind. If Joshua say he resigning, I think he is the best person to announce that, had Linton make the announcement you would say something different.
Skerrit, maybe the leader of the UWP was not informed by Francis beforehand. Furthermore, it’s none of your damn business (your own words) anyway. As for your other statements I’ll refrain from commenting since DNO would not publish it anyway. Suffice to say, just keep on talking…
That’s the true chracteristics of our pm for you; look good lie bad
Yes this PM is a messy you know what