The opposition United Workers Party (UWP) may nominate its own candidate for the office of President of Dominica.
Opposition Leader Hector John told Dominica News Online that someone from the party has given consent to be nominated.
“Someone has given consent on our side … I have not given the Prime Minister our nominee and while he has given me his, I won’t disclose it since it is for him to do,” John stated.
Although he did not make public his choice for president John said he has the ability to agree, disagree and nominate.
“It won’t take long before for that issue to settle as long as the constitutional requirements are met,” John declared.
John and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit met on Wednesday as consultation for the nomination of a new president got underway.
John described the meeting as fruitful and said that a replacement will be announced soon adding that everything is being done to ensure that the constitution is respected.
It has been reported in the media that Prime Minister Skerrit’s choice for president is former public servant Eluid Williams but John would not comment on that matter.
“The Prime Minister made his nominee known and I think I will leave that for him to make public, I will respect the prime Minister and let him inform the nation on his choice for president but we will continue from there in terms of consulting,” John said.
The country’s current head of state, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, is expected to demit office one year earlier due to health reasons.
According to the Constitution of the Dominica: “Whenever the office of the President is vacant or the term of office of the President is due to expire within not more than ninety days, the Prime Minister shall consult with the Leader of the Opposition as to their joint nomination of a suitable candidate for election as President”.
If the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition agree on a join nominee for the Presidency, then the Speaker will be advised in writing and the individual will be elected without putting the question to a vote.
If they do not agree, the Speaker will be advised and the House of Assembly will be informed accordingly. Then, within fourteen days, “the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition or any three members of the House” may submit to the Speaker “by writing under their hands, nominations of candidates for election as President”.
“We are moving in the right direction, the meeting was to the point and straight and all questions were answered,” John concluded.
The office of President no longer represent the symbol of nationtionhood, but has been reduced to a party operative. The office of president is now a drain on Tax payers with no benefits.
Ok, so the state palace was a malace because we thought that Skerro was going to sleep there. But now it is a palace and no longer a malace because one of our boys have the chance of sleeping there too. lol.
President for what….
i think mr.eluid williams is a great choice
WELL I SAID IT BEFORE THESE ARE THE CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT
1—-MR JOFFERY HARRIS
2—-MR DESMOND BLANCHARD
3—-MR BRIAN ALLYENE
4—-DR WILLIAM WATTY
THESE MEN ARE VERY OUTSANDING ONE OF THEM SHOULD BE PRESIDENT RESPECTABLE DOMINICANS
any women?
Look like the OECS historical Parliament inauguration where PM Skerrit and Opposition Leader John sat together had positive effect,,,hope thyis spirit of Consultation continues,,,good for Dominica opverall
i thought the same thing. new beginnings are good.
Indeed! Spaggs will represent DLP in the next General Elections….you will remember I said so.
Eluid Williams for which President???
but how Hector John secretive so???? no wonder Skerro doing what he wants??? how he means he will leave it up to Skerro to do the announcing….im un impressed Hector John…
All in a sudden he understands what discretion is and why at times information cannot be given right away. Funny eh?
if he had said otherwise you all would be on his back. typical dominicans. anyway mr john,you ar on the right track. we need a healthy and forward thinking opposition
you sure u understand what hector john said wen he say he will leave it up to the pm to announce his own nominee, and nothing is wrong with that, i find we make issues out of alot things which was neva suppose to be an issue
John you look happy that the “PM” is finally consulting with you on matters of the state. My suggestion just a suggestion. Man just walk across to the other side things will be much happier for you and your family who knows you might become a minister in charge of “Zandoly”. Make Edison day.!
This level of garbage is symptomatic of the morass that this country has deteriorated into.It is in government,in our schools, in offices and in several other places.Is it by accident that we are such a backward country?.SURELY NOT!
I want to congratulate John on his diplomacy and professionalism in this matter. I also want to commend the office of prime minister for trying to do this consoltation in the right way that it is suppose to be done. maybe the just concluded oecs general assembly and the issues raised by opposition leader representative had something to do with that. lets see if the pm is genuine.
How the hell hector become leader of the opposition, Wow its just crazy politics in that country of ours.
Consultation has become the sexiest word in the political lexicon in Dominica. In several instances, the Constitution of Dominica calls for it. Most times it is ignored. Sometimes, we have none of it. Sometimes, not enough of it and sometimes it is done grudgingly or reluctantly.
Consultation has a vague interpretation in realty but it has its benefits when done properly. It helps in building our democracy. It breathes life into our constitution. It promotes civility but demands political maturity. For the most part, we are critical when there is no consultation or lack thereof. In this instance, however, the question is whether the ongoing consultations are legal or constitutional.
Consultation must take place to elect a President in accordance with Chapter II, Article 18.1 of the Constitution of Dominica. We understand that consultations are now ongoing to elect a new President and according to the Leader of the Opposition, “We are moving in the right direction.” I am not sure of that. These consultations are said to be taking place based on an alleged “expectation” that Dr. Nicholas Liverpool may be leaving office one year earlier allegedly due to health reasons. The discussion on the need for consultation in Dominica ought not to be limited to whether it occurs or whether enough of it takes place but more importantly when and how the consultation takes place. If consultation takes place post facto, it becomes “to inform” and if it takes place ultra vires the Constitutional provisions- I dear say, it may be unconstitutional.
In that regard, I would like the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, LEN&AS, Dominica’s Senior Counsels or even Matt, Kamala, Angelo Allen or Arundale Thomas to explain to the people of Dominica under what legal authority or constitutional framework are the current consultations taking place. Certainly, these consultations cannot be pursuant to Article 19.1 of the Dominica Constitution as that provision only calls for the type of consultation that the Leader of Opposition considers to be fruitful “whenever the office of President is vacant or the term of office of the President is due to expire within not more than ninety days.” Therefore, to the extent that the current President is still in office and has not yet tendered his resignation nor is he within the last 90 days of his presidency, there is no legal or constitutional vacancy for the post of President of Dominica
Just as the lack of consultation is unconstitutional, it would seem that to have such open consultations without the vacancy of the presidency may be equally unconstitutional. In order for there to be any such consultation moving ahead, Mr. Liverpool MUST submit his resignation forthwith.
I am just saying that we have to pay closer attention to our constitutional provisions. We cannot cry foul only when things do not go our way. We MUST start doing things the right way- both government and opposition.
sexiest???? wow and we talking about CXC english. oh i get it now that s why it sexy.
Spaggs was not quoted as saying the following words “that someone from the party has given consent to be nominated”. But these though are attibuted to spaggs. I sincerely hope that we are not going to get someone who see the role of President in party colours. Apart from Fred Degazon, we have been very fortunate to have some excellent personalities for President. Even when the nomination of Vernon Shaw was fraught with much partisan arguments, Mr. Shaw served the state as President with great distinction.
The name Eliud Williams speaks to a man of strong character, discipline, intelligent, incisive and clear thinking. No one will tell him how to act. He is a no nonsense man, but a people man from the ghettos of St. Joe. Garcon Ma Black. He can do a good job.
Now that the PM and the Opposition Leader have been in consultation and it is official that the search is on for a President, then the names of the various personalities who are being considered must be made public. Already we have one ostensibly from the government side. Mr. john did say that his party was considering someone as well. Who is that person?
By the way, I want to acknowledge the dignified way in which Mr. Hector “Spaggs” John responded to questions from the media about his audience with the PM. He acquitted himself very well. This goes to show that when Spaggs is not pressured by the older heads, then he can rise above the fray. Spaggs be your own man and lead as you are appointed so to do.
One time Permanent Secretary of Legal Affairs, one time Chief Magistrate, one time legal officer for AID Bank, Anthony Commodore fits the bill when it comes to looking for a President for Dominica. He is in the Siegnoret, Shaw, Sorhaindo mould.
I wish to recommend Dr. Clayton Shillingford.We will need Mr. Lennox Linton later when Mr. Edison James has retired two years after the general election, to be the Prime Minister.
I love the way in which both partys conducted themsleves…This is the level of maturity and respect Dominicans would love to see continue among both partys. Mr . Hector I think you have shown great leadership skills and a high level of respect for our constition. Lets hope the others that has no political Etiquette and respect for the constitution can learn from this great move of yours.- Political Maturity I LOVE IT!!!
Consultation has become the sexiest word in the political lexicon in Dominica. In several instances, the Constitution of Dominica calls for it. Most times it is ignored. Sometimes, we have none of it. Sometimes, not enough of it and sometimes it is done grudgingly or reluctantly.
Consultation has a vague interpretation in realty but it has its benefits when done properly. It helps in building our democracy. It breathes life into our constitution. It promotes civility but demands political maturity. For the most part, we are critical when there is no consultation or lack thereof. In this instance, however, the question is whether the ongoing consultations are legal or constitutional.
Consultation must take place to elect a President in accordance with Chapter II, Article 18.1 of the Constitution of Dominica. We understand that consultations are now ongoing to elect a new President and according to the Leader of the Opposition, “We are moving in the right direction.” I am not sure of that. These consultations are said to be taking place based on an alleged “expectation” that Dr. Nicholas Liverpool may be leaving office one year earlier allegedly due to health reasons. The discussion on the need for consultation in Dominica ought not to be limited to whether it occurs or whether enough of it takes place but more importantly when and how the consultation takes place. If consultation takes place post facto, it becomes “to inform” and if it takes place ultra vires the Constitutional provisions- I dear say, it may be unconstitutional.
In that regard, I would like the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, LEN&AS, Dominica’s Senior Counsels or even Matt, Kamala, Angelo Allen or Arundale Thomas to explain to the people of Dominica under what legal authority or constitutional framework are the current consultations taking place. Certainly, these consultations cannot be pursuant to Article 19.1 of the Dominica Constitution as that provision only calls for the type of consultation that the Leader of Opposition considers to be fruitful “whenever the office of President is vacant or the term of office of the President is due to expire within not more than ninety days.” Therefore, to the extent that the current President is still in office and has not yet tendered his resignation nor is he within the last 90 days of his presidency, there is no legal or constitutional vacancy for the post of President of Dominica.
Just as the lack of consultation is unconstitutional, it would seem that to have such open consultations without the vacancy of the presidency may be equally unconstitutional. In order for there to be any such consultation moving ahead, Mr. Liverpool MUST submit his resignation forthwith.
I am just saying that we have to pay closer attention to our constitutional provisions. We cannot cry foul only when things do not go our way. We MUST start doing things the right way- both government and opposition.
Let’s see who will be the first resident of the new State House.
My thoughts of this article is as thus:The opposition United Workers Party (UWP) may nominate its own candidate for the office of President of Dominica.
Opposition Leader Hector John told Dominica News Online that someone from the party has given consent to be nominated.
“Someone has given consent on our side … I have not given the Prime Minister our nominee and while he has given me his….(Such childish behaviour) I won’t disclose it since it is for him to do,” John stated.(That is truly a sign of weak leadership John….
Although he did not make public his choice for president John said he has the ability to agree, disagree and nominate. Why wait John?
“It won’t take long before for that issue to settle as long as the constitutional requirements are met,” John declared. man you weak,,,,,,,
John and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit met on Wednesday as consultation for the nomination of a new president got underway.
John described the meeting as fruitful…..was themeeting of all words fruitful????? Because of all the fruits that was served or due to the participants that was present…. and said that a replacement will be announced soon adding that everything is being done to ensure that the constitution is respected. Why RESPECT NOW…..
It has been reported in the media that Prime Minister Skerrit’s choice for president is former public servant Eluid Williams but John would not comment on that matter.
WHY NOT JOHN….LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK,,,,
“The Prime Minister made his nominee known and I think I will leave that for him to make public.kbone kinda politican. John you is one weak no back bone,,,,, I will respect the prime Minister and let him inform the nation on his choice for president but we will continue from there in terms of consulting,” John said.
The country’s current head of state, Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, is expected to demit office one year earlier due to health reasons.
According to the Constitution of the Dominica: “Whenever the office of the President is vacant or the term of office of the President is due to expire within not more than ninety days, the Prime Minister shall consult with the Leader of the Opposition as to their joint nomination of a suitable candidate for election as President”.
If the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition agree on a join nominee for the Presidency, then the Speaker will be advised in writing and the individual will be elected without putting the question to a vote.
If they do not agree, the Speaker will be advised and the House of Assembly will be informed accordingly. Then, within fourteen days, “the Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition or any three members of the House” may submit to the Speaker “by writing under their hands, nominations of candidates for election as President”.
“We are moving in the right direction, the meeting was to the point and straight and all questions were answered,” John concluded. What questions…..you weak man……go on home
My take on this is as follows: The structure of government need to change from this British thing. I believe it would be better and i am just making this suggestion: That there should just be a President and Governors. No Prime minnister office. So, just the President and then Governors will represent their constituencies repectively. Like United States Of America. What do you think? Good Idea or Bad Idea?
GREEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT IDEA
I was hoping the UWP would have nominated Lennox or someone pure
Someone pure? A Virgin you mean? Don’t know where you going to get one
Lennox ki less???!!!
For which president??!! ??!!
You call Lennox Pure?
did my comment offend you admin? lol
Then the palace will no longer be a state malice right?
You people are something else.
Well if Lennox pure….I purer…nominate me plaese!….
@ El Presidente, Ghost and Dominican : STOP concentrating on Lennox. Concentrate on the mass poverty which this lazy and corrupt government had brought the majority of the population into. LENNOX IS JUST ONE MAN, though he is a serious thorn in all you flesh.
This issue though it is political is going to make that nominiation looks like a party supporter from either side is going to be the president. A constitutional Amendment for the electorate to vote for a president would be the best option at this time, in such a case it will be a majority vote, anyone who will be successful on either side will make it appear as a supporter of either party. That method of choosing someone for the highest office in the land who has to represent all interest of the political divide and social strata is too divisive, if the Labor party choice is the person selected from what we read earlier on, this gentleman as i known him to be is a labor party stooge and supporter we all know him in Mahaut and St. Joseph to be in labor corner, so how then can he be fair and balance towards the opposition, are we to conclude that all the Seignoret’s, Shaw’s and Sorhaindo’s no longer exist in Dominica all that is left is party stoogies. So Help Us Lord
so what about you, seems like you hate yourself and your name.
Partisan politics should have nothing to do with the presidency; as long as the individuals selected are extracted from any political party one can anticipate some form of biasness where it pertains to the functions, and performance of his/her duty.
As such, it is my firm opinion that the person selected should be capable of standing on neutral ground!
I know it is unlikely that such a person can be found, nonetheless there must be a few in Dominica who are not party clones on either side.
We need someone who will not become a puppet on a string for neither the UWP, nor the Labor Party.
Indeed this person should be someone with a legal background; capable of interpreting the laws of the land, and indeed have some knowledge of international, and common law in general!
Perhaps it is time to consider women as prospective, and again not anyone who are so closely attached to any of the party who may find themselves in a situation where they cannot function at the appropriate time in the event a situation arise where they may have to intervene to effectively resolve it.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Mr. Dods Telemaque, you mentioned about the person to be norminated should be a person of legal backgrounds but among all the other presidents , only Mr. Nicholas Liverpool had these qualities
On another note, why did’nt Hector John mentioned his norminee,when he knew who was the PM’s choice?
Look at it this way, there can be only one Prime Minister at a time in Dominica, and whereas he discussed his choice for the position, wether Mr. Skerrit agrees on the person he sighted, it is the responsibility of Mr. Skerrit to make the announcement.
On the other hand, I believe the first President was a man St. Lucia born Cruckshank, had a legal background now do not quote me on that, correct me if I am wrong.
Indeed the position of a president in our country is basically ceremonious, however even at that there are occasions when he/she may have to become involved in constitutional matters, and the constitutional laws of the land. I am aware that some lawyer such as the AG might be able to brief him on the law governing the constitution.
What happens if the lawyer error, and gives the president bad legal advise. One knowledgeable of the law may be able to identify the error thus preventing him/her from affixing their signature to something which may uphold even a bad law.
Once the president signs something, that’s it and once it becomes law, I suppose the people have to live with it unless it is overturned or repeal!
Finally Spags acted appropriately when he did not revel his preference, he has recognized that it is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to make the disclosure.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Dont worry it would never be Gloria Dods
What about Dr. William Watty or his brother?
Blessings for President.
Way to go
I will say again, whether or not the PM’s choice is the person or Mr John’s choice is the person, that a country like ours cannot afford to be frittering money away to a man/woman called a president.This person will in most cases be a political appointee/apologist/lackey/accomplice for the ruling government. While many many many people are catching hell to make ends meet this person will be earning thousands of dollars and many other benefits for almost ‘absolutely nothing’. It makes no sense to me, since i believe the money could be channelled to worthwhile humanitarian ventures/gestures.
Left to me, i would do way with this ceremonial figure,and help ‘MAL A WAY” children/mothers to get on in life. These people would contribute more to our growth and development… Reasons why i lament the waste of money and capital resources to help a man/woman to live a luxurious life, at the expense of so many.Without any shread of contradiction i remain firm in my conviction, that a president in our country is A WASTE OF MONEY AND A WASTE OF TIME.
This is my take!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well could you offer an alternative type of head of state? Or some other system of government structure?
Because if you do not have a President or other head of state you will just have the Prime Minister as head of government with no one to oversee the transition or act in time of government crisis.
Give a suggestion for an alternative system then!
edison james for president. U.W.P !!!!!
lets go uwp lets take out labour in pour
Somebody please refresh my memory….
Why do we need a president again? What a waste of economic resources for such a small island state. I think it’s about time we amend that hand-me-down constitution to reflect the true wishes of the people of Dominica.
Hand me down?????? Do you even read history books??? Excuse me but the people who crafted theconstition were born and bred dominicans like us.
Loe I Austin? ……Born and bred Dominican?
You the one need to read the history books
Sorry Leo
my bad narcisticmod/wesleyman. you all also refer to skerro as de frenchman. Leo(singlehandledly crafted the constitution)ALAS!
lol….. YELLOW they want to nominate. lol good leader for the blue bug..
Foolishness…………..Opposition Leader Hector John told Dominica News Online that someone from the party has given consent to be nominated.
why do you have to choose somebody from the damn party? Labour don’t need to choose somebody from their party neither sould you’ll. That is just a recipe for disaster.
see the outgoing president everybody complaining about him being “on the DLP side”
NO Eluid Williams for President. on to the next…
Nominate Dice for president…….I don’t think he takes sides…..just like me…..
He will legalize marijuana for the healing of the nation…and b****** too…lol
Only the PM can do that. The president does not make or pass laws. So have no fear.
All you have to do is to sing to him the National Anthem. You know Dice has an ear for music. He is also on the handsome plain.
…..an exercise in futility at this point in time.
He Ha he ha let the games being
Let us have a uwp president and a labour president so both sides will be happy
first time they agree so nice..
Personally I do not see the need for a President, it is just following history but we live in a modern world. Dominica is the smallest nation to have both President and Prime Minister. We can barely pay civil servants but we have to build a palace and give a man a salary – a man that already has all his money and children well off—-for what – to receive salute, attend functions and pass law….if makes no sense whatsoever, be it a UWP or LAbour nominee.
sigh** I love my country but I feel sad for its future
What would you prefer (a)A governor- general who represents the British monarch or (b)A president? I’ve come to realize one important fact.The education department need to have radio/tv programs throughout the year to educate our people about the functions of both the prime minister and the president as stated in the constitution of the land.I agree people have a right to call for changes in the way the head of state is chosen but to show such lack of understanding by so many of our people both here and overseas is heart breaking even schocking.Would our people want a king/queen instead? Is social studies still taught in our schools? Bondieu mih sot-tay en la terre.Do we understand the how governments function?I see an opportunity for our legal minds and historian(s) as well as political leaders to teach our people and help erase some if not all our ignorance.
Is there a Prime Minister and President in England or America, when they are the super powers of the world?I think that we can do without one of them, is either we adopt a Prime Minister or a President, not the two of them
that s why they are superpowers duh