Fellow Dominicans, residents, visitors and friends,
The celebration of our national independence presents the opportunity to highlight and showcase the many attributes that define our character as Dominicans. It is an occasion to recapture and project our folklore, our song, dance, music, dress cuisine and many of the other traditions that make us unique. But it is also a time to pause, to reflect on the progress we have made, to assess where we are, where we want to get to and determine how we can get there, remaining united, peaceful and strong.
Our theme for this year`s celebration “ Our Nation, Our Responsibility”, calls us temporarily to draw away from the fun and merrymaking and to take account of whether we have been faithful in discharging our responsibilities to ourselves, our families, our communities and to our country.
As Prime Minister and leader of the Dominica Labour Party, a party pledged to create opportunities for all Dominicans, and to lift up the weak and vulnerable who, if left on their own would fall through the cracks, we have used all the resources and talent at our disposal to live up to that pledge. But we will not rest, for there is still a lot to be accomplished.
One of the characteristics of a truly independent nation, is to be found in the recognition it gives to citizens who have blazed a trail of excellence and who have made profound sacrifice in service to the country and to the global community. This year, in addition to the traditional presentation of meritorious awards, our independence celebration is being punctuated with two flagship events honouring three Dominicans who have indelibly left their mark on this country. The renaming of the Melville Hall airport the Douglas – Charles airport, and the naming of the highway from Pond Casse to Melville Hall the Nicholas Joseph Orville Liverpool highway, not only adds one more chapter to the Dominica Story, but also represents the writing of Dominican history from a local perspective.
The two, Roosevelt Douglas and Pierre Charles, fought for and gave their lives in trying to create a new and free Dominica, free of the shackles of colonialism and at a time when the world was split into two ideological camps, allowing little wriggle room for small states like
Dominica.Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, through his achievements in academia and the Law, has been one of the stalwarts in the development and modernization of Caribbean jurisprudence. He has discharged his responsibilities as law professor, Dean of the Faculty of Law of the University of the West Indies, legal consultant and ambassador, with distinction. Their names and their works will now be immortalized in the pages of our history. Let us move forward with our celebrations guided by the examples of discipline, commitment to service and loyalty to Dominica exhibited by these three gentlemen.
To those of you visiting and those reconnecting with family and friends, I extend a warm and fraternal welcome. To you all, let us celebrate our thirty sixth ( 36th ) independence anniversary with a sense of responsibility, remembering that the sun will rise tomorrow when we continue the task of taking up our individual and collective responsibilities in building our nation.
May God bless Dominica.
i relly have god on my side on independene pzza side
why this pm not helping me
November 4, 2014
“Patrick John did not do Dominica and Dominicans any favor whatsoever when he caused Dominica to secede”
Secede from what, and where, from you?
You see how stupid, and just an out right liar you are? Where are you from, under what rock have you been living all these years?
There are some people who believe you are smart, and they give you credit for the fart you write. Patrick John did not cause Dominica to secede as you make in your lying claim. If you want to be in things, before you open you mouth; ask questions, perhaps somebody who knows will have you informed before you make a fool out of yourself as you have done with your stupid argument from which I extracted the quote above.
Say Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque, told you of all the English speaking Caribbean islands from Trinidad in the South to Jamaica in the north, and let me add Guyana in South America, and Belize in Central America. formally known as “British Honduras” all were forced into independence by the British Government, and if you cannot understand what I conveyed; let me rephrase it; “England which ruled us: the colonial power Great Britain as it is commonly called forced us all into independence.
First they ordered us to become a State in Association with Britain, they told us we will manage our internal affairs’s for a duration of five years, while England will remain liable for our external affairs and our defense. They made it abundantly clear that wether or not at the end of the five years we are capable of managing our country, or not they were letting us go, they no longer wanted to rule over us anymore; they wanted no part of us. The same applied to all of the English Speaking colonies of that day.
The only two islands in the Caribbean they retained as colonies as of this day; are the island of Montserrat, and Tortolla; and the reason for them keeping the two, is all due to the population which to this moment are very small. Patrick John, V. C Bird Sr., of Antigua & Barbuda, the Primers of Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Guiana St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts Nevis, and Angulla, they had no choice, they had to accept independence greacefull otherwise: The British would have pulled out without giving a document of our draft Independence. You need to shut up, stop babbling about things you do not know. Who are you? You do not know any thing about Dominica’s history, ask someone as Lennox Honeychruch to give you a rundown on that; if he states anything different to what I said, it will not be too far off. However I am 100& sure what I conveyed to you is absolutely correct without error. There are people in Dominica who are under the impression that Dominican’s fought for independence, that is a lie!
Even Skerrit perpetrated a similar lie, when he made the claim that Rosie Douglas and Charles fought for only he knows what in Dominica; you and Skerrit, and others need to stop the damn lying, stop telling lies!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
I am talking to “The Facts” in that last submission:That woman is so stupid and lie it is not funny; she is a fabricator of lies!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Anonymous
“I mean seriously dude….Francisco Ettienne Dodds Telemaque……what the blazes are you really saying???”
You see Anonymous, the reason you do not know what the ” blaze” I am talking about is because you your level of comprehension is below a first day kindergarten student.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
And By the way “Etienne-Dods is suppose to be hyphen, and Etienne only have one “t” in the spelling; and I have chosen to use one “d” in Dods because that is the correct way to spell Dods, I mean id people like my Cousin Gloria want to add a second “d” that’s a matter for them. nevertheless, Dods (Dodds) is a salve name originated in Ireland. And the second D; got in there by accident, it got there by one who stutters: you know like we call stoma in Dominica, well while saying his name he got stock on; dddddooods. That is what that is all about.
I am certain of that: When I decided to hyphen my mother’s surname to may middle name I researched her surname, and found out there is only one “D” in Dods. At the same time I research “Telemaque” and found out that the great, great, name “Telemaque” originated in Senegal in Africa, there are people in Dakar Senegal this very day with the surname Telemaque, and we are from the Wallop Tribe, as a matter of fact there are people all over the Ivory Coast who’s surname is Telemaque.
So there you have it, some history for your enlightenment!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
I find this years speech was missing substance. He should have dedicated some time to highlight the success of some of our students that did very well in University like this bright female from Paix Bouche I think, who graduated with honors. I blame the Parl Rep, Matthew Walter, for not telling that to the PM so he could put that in his independence message. Well Christmas is here again and let’s remember Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name jesus
when is he going to stop fooling Dominicans?
Dominicans are behaving like a young girl who believes because a young man smiles at them he is in love with them, and they allow the man to take advantage of them.
DNO did Mr Skerrit really read that O.J Seraphin was the president of Dominica. Someone said that while reading the speech and prior to getting to the section that stated that O.J was the president of Dominica Skerrit stopped for a second as he was not sure that the statement was correct nevertheless he continued with the script and proudly read that O.J was the president of Dominica.
Roosevelt Skerrit, Laborites, Dominicans, UWPites O.J Seraphin was the interim prime minister of Dominica after Patrick John was ousted. What a shame that the PM of Dominica after 10 years in office and 10 years of delivering the Independence speech would even read something that is so wrong.
The questions that came to mind are
Did Mr Skerrit even took time to review that speech before coming out there to embarrass himself and genuine laborites.
Whoever wrote that speech – is the person really Dominican. It is my understanding that the speech allegedly was written by the Bajan H. Henrey and if so is it now a big joke that our PM of 10 years relied on the ignorance of a “non degree” advisor to completely distort our political and social history on the biggest stage in our calendar of events.
Would a genuine Laborite PM in a LaborParty government make such a mistake particularly one that is dear to the history of the Labor Party in Dominica. Any genuine Laborite those who are old enough to remember and those not old enough but Labor Party conscious enough would know that O.J Seraphin was first a minister of government under the Patrick John Labor Party. He was then fired by PJ. O.J Seraphin was nominated interim PM and contested the 1980 general election as leader of the DEMLAB- democratic Labor Party. I coud go on and on this but I would prefer that MR Skerrit as well as his advisors take sometime to read or research the history of Dominica
Question- Mr Skerrit you said that you wont debate Lennox Linton because Lennox has not read one boo about Dominica nor the IMFWell Mr skerrit ay I ask which book you read about Dominica which states that O.J Seraphin was the president of Dominica. I will understand if that which you read was written by Tony, priest Lennox, Karmala or theee “I like it” fella.
So once again the speaking notes have exposed the imposter, the fake Laborite, the liar and his coconspirators. 36 years of independence yet our prime minister cannot rely on the grass roots knowledge of the people but instead runs to a man who does not have a degree ( according to the requirements of the Dominica Labor Party) from Barbados and makes a complete mess of our history.
How much more symbols, signs, writing on the wall that we need to get rid of this mistake.
E, E, Ezee Is it the same guy who presented the ‘lazy man’s budget?’
By your action, ‘your pocket is your resposibilty’.. Talk, talk talk but crippled, corrupt, crooked corroded’steel walk.
This great message by the wonderful, upright, blessed and Christ-Like Supreme Leader, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, is one of inspiration and motivation to ALL Dominicans. In this very polarized political climate it is important to put party aside and focus on nation building.
As a true patriotic Dominican I would like to reach out to the people on the other side of the Isle and wish them all and their families a happy independence day! As it stands, Dr. Skerrit IS our current Prime Minister. Please let us try to work with him for a better Dominica and stop crippling the Country with division and hatred.
Speaking as a loyal Laborite, I can tell you that the Prime Minister is not perfect, but he IS trying his best to build a better Dominica for ALL Dominicans. Instead of shooting the messenger, let us embrace the message and try to do the best that each of us can do to better ourselves, our communities and our country.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL DOMINICANS, both home and abroad. It is now 36 years free from colonial oppression and foreign control. Let us enjoy it, improve on it and protect it in all that we do and say. I am Dominica, are you???
Humbly,
Trubble Sum
You are so ignorant!
Instead of all your election-Ploy, I woulld appreciate if you, calling & timtim could teach tony to land-plough on Community Day of Service.
The problem with us Dominicans is that our educated people do not want to go into politics. So now that we are getting the brunt of mediocrity , the economy must suffer.
But there is an alternative and I hope this time around , we will vote for our country.
Mr Skerrit u said in your speech O.J Seraphin is a former President, get your facts straight,for the young ones growing up.
Donincans that are putting the curse on the country becareful what you all are asking for cursing the anointed is a curse don’t play with God for he is watching.
your statements iof the labour party programs are misleading no one goes in a draw and pulls out money and pay people.it is done through proper recordings you apply an appointment it set up for you and if granted you go to the treasury for a check which you change in the national bank .and the aid you get in America is expected to be more significant than Dominica the important thing is that an effort is being made to help the needy.LABOUR KA TWAVAY.
We love you daddy Skrooo my PM
skeritt , Stop reading other peoples speech,write your own for once,if you do so ,then your words and your action will be in tune if not ,Then your words and your action will continue to tell a different story, you saying one thing ,But you doing the next, TIME TO GO
God bless and thank you sir for a job well done.
Mr skerro deserves an award for progress
how do you measure progress?
I think progress should be measured by improvement in the living conditions of the people as well as infrastructural development.
Yes we see one bridge donated by the Chinese and another that had nothing to do with skerrit. Labour Government met the money and the plan for the link road. it was donated by the Kuwait Govt.
oh and they resurfaced the road from Roseau to Portsmouth but Agriculture is dead. young men remain unemployed. Corruption and crime are on the rise. If that is progess you need to do some reading.
Don’t dribble anymore. I am tired of wipping. Or is it that you are mocking little D.
Today, I watch our country as a citizen and ask myself where we went wrong as a people to deserve this form of governance? After pondering on the question for a while against the theme, ”Our nation, our responsibility” we are a far cry from the days when our agriculture, fishing, other creative employment like (needle work with patterns on pieces of cloth) that was used later for design work, Agro-processing and Citrus Packing plants on Goodwill road; these were the days where people had an independent spirit because they provided for their family and the begging on the streets was mostly concentrated in Roseau, now it is widespread to the out-districts with the lack of creativity of a government to find a way from this dependence that constantly drains it’s budget and thereby causing government to request supplementary estimates to fund these projects ala “Red Clinic”. The government has also engaged in personally injecting more money into village council for projects and partisan selection of contractors is at play.
As a young person I watch and listen to all the things happening in this country and there seem to be a systemic problem causing a deep divide between the have and the have not. I ask each Dominica to look around and watch who are truly making it this country. In fact, when you beg the government for money to feed your family? Ask yourself why is this situation of induced begging brought on by poor decision to create jobs not being fixed by this government? A simple example area of job creation can be in skill sectors where Dominica is deficient (e.g. Plumbing, Tiling, Electricals, HVAC, to name a few). We need legislation to mirror those in the Bahamas where any project to be undertaken by foreigners like the Chinese should have 40% of the work subcontracted to locals to keep the monies received by the government on loan or grant; so for example there can be a prime/main contractor in the foreign company, however 40% of the work subcontracted to locals.
Finally, we as a people need to do a few things to take our democracy and while it may sound controversial I believe that we are at a major crossroad in our development. We need to work together to demand accountability from government. Right now in Britain the Chancellor of the Exchequer is releasing a report to tax payers as to how the government spends their money. This is something new and needs to be adopted to show transparency in government. Now, given the highly politicized situation in Dominica the time has come for people found to be so patently bias in their support of a party despite clear signs of the social contract with citizens being broken by government, family members who are more rational in their thinking should approach these individuals through dialogue, and if they continue to remain steadfast in their support with these governments they should take certain tough positions that would bring these individuals to understand their role to not be dogmatic in their support of any party; this will in future not threaten the economic power of the family member with more potential to earn when their relatives do not get government assistance.
U’re talking about way back in the 80,s wake-up stop living in the past.
I do believe that some of you are exaggerating the situation in Dominica. You must ask yourself what have you done to enhance your country and make it a better place. More good action and less talk.
Well, if you must know I am developing my country providing consultancy work, and the same people who support this government have difficulty paying for this work. Now, if I may ask what are you doing to develop Dominica?
To the other person saying this was in the 80’s and that I am living in the past, well Trinidad is providing most of the can and box juice we drink in Dominica and this is 2014. Is it possible that you prefer to import things which is causing the diabetes to be on the increase among our youths? The later will put if not already pressure on our medical service to provide health care. Therefore, stop being part of the government machinery that mislead our people, rather educate them to do better. I surmise your idea is more of a Fred Flintstone type the cartoon depicting stone age.
what have u done yourself?
I am not a detractor to the decease Douglas- Charles may their souls rest in peace. Mr. Skerrit is trying his utmost best to rewrite factual dominican history into a propaganda LIE. If the next generation is’nt told the truth about our local folk history, then they will believe that the decease pierre charles and roosevelt douglaswere the only worthy ones. there are many others who have impacted and have changed the course of history in this land yet Skerrit is trying to place them into the halls of fogetfulness .Skerrit you are trying to mess with history. History will not be kind to you.
Uwp all you to fool of hatred ,stop it for let who has no sins cast the first stone.
Anyone with just half a brain will know that it’s not from thr real %. It’s from a Labourite who is smelling defeat.
Is this Labourite trying to plagiarise % in the same way Skerrit did with th speech of the Mauritius Pm. Poor Labourite. Linton CorP!
You are as much a thief as skerrit. Even a name you are stealing! Your true identity is @bomboclat. You have been gping on this way for some time. The truth really hurts you!
If only they would do something contributory for Dominica rather than their criticisms, the latter which do no good. They are blowing the situation out of proportion and trying to make others believe that Dominica is in a bad shape under the leadership of the PM. They are so wrong.
YOU ARE SOOOO WRONG MY FREIND,,, GET FACTS AND OPEN YOUR EYES….
Sorry Skerrit I just got a hard time believing anything you say
So do I having a hard time believing what you stated.
Same old words , nothing much in it. I’m not imressed
“impressed”
I am also not impressed by your words.
I must say this message was lacking in substance. Is this just an excerpt of the full message?
We need not be so negative in describing the Prime Minister. I am not one for politics, but if I have nothing good to say, I keep my mouth shut. I am sure The PM is doing the best he can with his limited know-how and resources. My fear is, I don’t see anyone else that can do a better job. That concerns me as a Dominican. That being said, lets try to build up each other not tear down. There is much to say of working as a collective. We need to look at great examples like Signapore. Lets keep hope alive and put God first in All things. He is still on the thrown.
That’s it
where is the rest 
I would grade this as “INCOMPLETE” not even assigning a percentage…
Go back and write that!
The Prime minister have to be crazy: You are not talking about the Roosevelt Douglas that most Dominicans know, you are not talking about the Pierre Charles that we Dominicans know. Sorry Mr. Skerrit; you are trying hard to mold the two into something that they were not: Rosie Douglas, and Pierre Charles fought for nothing in Dominica, and contributed nothing to the development of the country!
Yes, Rosie talked a lot, made plenty of promises; however, when he slipped in by the backdoor, as a result of the coalition government, and became Prime Minister, and had the opportunity to do something constructive to help improve the economy of the country, he did nothing! His accomplishment as Prime Minister of Dominica, is that he succeeded in getting some Military Uniform from Libya Gadaffe’ okay, and talked about creating a holiday in Dominica in the honor of the American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., as a result he brought King’s son to Dominica, to impress people.
Anther of his great accomplishment was appointing a criminal, one who professed to be a Muslim, who vow to overthrow the government of the United States; the man, and his gang walks around in America with AK 47 and other machines guns, nevertheless, that is the kind of person Roosevelt Douglas appointed Ambassador to Dominica, to the United States. His greatest Accomplishment was when he did not know what to do to get things moving in the country; hence he spent more time out of Dominica hiding. Remember the letter you all wrote to him, I think it comprised eleven pages long in which you all threatened to revolt. He retaliated and want to call an impromptu election, which had you all crawling to him your bellies, because of fear he would loose the election, and people like you would not have a job. The only good thing I am aware, and very sure he did; is that he tried to improve communication between government offices.
As such he contacted a Dominican scientist, who worked for a company I also worked for at one time. Rosie Called the Dominican in Canada and ask for assistance in getting the electronic equipments for that purpose. The man and I can call his name, he is from Grand Bay. Mr Xavier, sent all that was needed, however, the equipment remained on the docks of the port where they were destroyed by rain, and the elements. You know why Mr. Skerrit? All because of a corrupt permanent secretary who took money from Cable & Wireless, to pay his son tutition in College, and was told if he allowed the communication equiptment to be installed, he will have to pay for his son education.
As for the late Pierre Charles, there is plenty I can say about him, but because I would have to mention his physiological problems, and since I do not wish to get personal, I will simple say his greatest contribution to Dominica, was the day he ordered the people from Trinidad who were the engineers, and contractors, who was on the island for the construction of the International Airport. I will not even talk about the embracement they caused our country, when they said the University of Louisiana was going to build a University in Dominica. We found out that was a lie, when the University personal came on National Television here in the United States, and said they do not know anything about building a university in Dominica: In the event you have forgotten Roosevelt, ask your second in command Ambrose George!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
This is an empty message that offers no hope to the people.Time For Change.
While the Skeritt led administration is spending thousands of dollars on the renaming of the Airport and the Pond Cassa so called highway, it doesn’t appear they have any interest in the renaming of the Sports Stadium. The people of England must be making fun of us, because they must be wondering how can, in this day and age, their could be a Park in a Stadium. We still refer to the Stadium built by the Chinese as the Windsor Park Sports Stadium. There is no such name as Windsor Park, their is Lord Windsor, an English man who made the land for a sports facility available to the people of Roseau and by extension Dominica.
Thank you sir for a job well done. There is always room for improvement.
God Bless you sir! God Bless our beautiful Dominica ad our great leaders!
Okay Cousin Doc lol Baby doc died a month ago .
Who is Mr. Skerrit’s speech writer?
Many Dominicans are still mentally and economically enslaved by the Skerrit Labour Party,so what is he saying here. Isn’t Wednesday visits by multitudes of Dominica to Skerrits RED CLINIC for money to buy bread, rice,flour, sugar,milk,oil,etc a new and most wicked,debasing and unconscionable form of enslavement? Does Skerrit even know the true meaning of independents? This man needs to release Dominicans from the shackles and the stranglehold in which he has them.As a former card bearing member of DLP,I am ashamed,of what the party has done to the people of this country. Labourpartiees world-wide try to elevate the social and economically lot of the poor, the party I struggled to ensure that it did just that has virtually eenslaved and condemned the poor into almost abject poverty. THATS WHY ALTHOUGH I AM NOT A UWPITE,I AM ON THE CHANGE MOVEMENT,BECAUSE MY COUNTRY COMES FIRST! HOW LONG? NOT LONG!.
You all go to the Clinics in the US to get food stamps why cant it be done here
Clinics in the us are facilities where patients go to take care of their health issues not for money. Maybe you should do your research and stop your ignorance. Food stamps have nothing to do with u all red , purple, yellow whatevercolour you all call it clinic.
very funny…u try’n n play labourite
With this critique, you may very well suffer for it someday and it will not be under the DLP.
Not a bad speech but missing some substance. Comparing the two speeches, opposition’s was more meaty , with more substance. John’s speeches was far less about personal achievement than skerrit’s
Agree. Mr. John’s speech focused on this year’s theme.
His last independence speech before he is kicked out by the electorate. The most incompetent and inept leader the country has seen, and will ever see. His most damning legacy will be his cultivation of the begging syndrome on island and the proliferation of poverty.HOW LONG? NOT LONG!
Mr.Skerit… this is the right moment you should announce to the Dominican voters when general election to be call, your leadership similarly as a dictator, we only judge you by your works not words, you deserve credit you know what to say to fooled some Dominicans.
jus like you..havn’t you fooled enough young girls yourself ?
… And more to come to be fooled.
Hmmmmmmm really?
Someone keeps using my ‘name’. I’ve now changed it to Truly Dominican.
Skerrit, Patrick John should be invited to ALL Independence Celebrations, because had he not led us to Independence, we would not be ‘celebrating’ today.
Have you done enough for the safety of All Dominicans?
I travelled to Soufriere some time last week and was terrified by the sight of boulders precariously perched over the road leading to Champagne. That is a disaster waiting to happen.
The type of soil along that route is loose; it doesn’t take much to bulldoze the hillside. The excuse that there isn’t enough money does not hold, because friendly governments, regional and international organisations gave millions of US$ specifically to rehabilitate roads that were damaged during the tropical wave which affected us on 24th DECEMBER, 2013. I understand your timing – election is imminent, so try to fool some people. Also, the job was rushed and left incomplete so that you could run to Savanne in Scott’s Head to show people that your government is “working’. Well, you can fool some people some of the time, but not all people all of the time.
Blackmore and Skerrit, you will be held responsible if falling rocks, boulders cause damage to vehicles or cause loss of life to users – Dominicans as well as tourists -of the Pointe Michel to Soufriere road.
By the way, since when does a GOVERNMENT PAY CHILDREN FOR TAKING CARE OF THEIR PARENTS/RELATIVES? Imagine, people are being paid now to beautify the environment – plant flowers along the road side and cut grass – all things that can be done – free – for Community Day of Service.That’s a new kind of governance.
We don’t like it Skerrit. Stop it! People who can work, are not allowed to work because they’re getting free money and materials, while hard-working Dominicans cannot make ends meet. That is not fair.
Honesty is the best policy. Some people will not be fooled.
no way!
@TrulyDominican. Why should Patrick John be invited to All Independence Celebrations? While we have to not forget that he was instrumental in obtaining Dominica’s Independence, we should also not forget that he and the DDF conspired with mercenaries, the KKK and others to overthrow Dame Mary Eugenia Charles from office to turn Dominica into a gangster’s paradise and to enslave Dominicans. By virtue of this fact, he has forfeited all rights to be invited as a guest of any Government to any Independence Celebrations. If a government choses to invite him, then so be it, but do not come here and say that he should be invited to All.
Happy 36th Independence Dominica and All Dominicans. Our Nation; Our Responsibility.
One Love Dominicans!!!
Over the weekend, I had a conversation with someone about Dominica’s Independence celebration and almost being sold by this man and his corteges to foreigners.
His mother worked as a maid for J.B. Charles. This great man, J.B. Charles (RIP) was instrumental in him attending the St. Mary’s Academy.
During that election campaign against Dame Eugenia Charles, he was extremely disrespectful to her. Talk about ingratitude.
She granted him a pardon after his prison sentence for treason.
He has lost a good reputation. It is something he will have to live with. Can Dominicans forget that? They should not.
Patrick Roland John has paid his debt and has served his time .It would seem to me that Patrick John is the worst individual to ever have existed in Dominica according to some people’s point of view. Not because someone has serve prison time, it does not mean that they are beyond redemtion, there are many amongst us who have a facade of uprightness , outwardly a model citizen, very pious and they are monsters in secret. they are every where, in the top echelons of society even the churches, the govt. hirachy and those who pretend that they are the essence of righteousness and goodness Patrick John may have done a wrong but in his time he did a lot of good. Why have in low esteem still?
But what is wrong with that Facts thing nou? He/ she wants to respond to every blog posted and always likes to wish people evil. Here is the hypocrite trying to talk down PJ, the man that brought us independence and accusing him of almost selling Dominica but he jumps on every comment in his defense of the Skerrit who has hijacked our independence and might very well have sold us to China. Sacwey hypocrite!
“By the way, since when does a GOVERNMENT PAY CHILDREN FOR TAKING CARE OF THEIR PARENTS/RELATIVES?”
They do it here in the United States, however, it is done through an organized program within the Health, and social security system it is termed in home care: A few years ago, I had an accident, and was sort of demented, I applied for the service, naming my daughter as my care-giver, she was paid to look after me, though she had a regular job.
You know there are some in Dominica who shout “I Francisco crazy long time” Well, demented in this case or in every case means someone who cannot help themselves. The accident I had resulted in loss of memory for a period of time, you see, and that’s all. If I could not remember everything I could not help myself.
The kind of thing that the government does in Dominica is far different to what they do in England, Canada, Germany, and as I said in the United States, government officials in these countries does not push the hands in a draw, and pull out fist full of dollars to pay anybody’s daughter or son to look after them, and the type of service I am talking about is not welfare, as in getting handouts.
There are other programs such as Section 8, where State and Federal government pays the rent for the unfortunate poor, and these people are not people existing in poverty, as we see in Dominica. I rent a three bedroom apartment to a woman and her children, for $1,800.00 per month, here rent is paid by Section 8, of the $1,800.00 dollars Section 8 pays me about 95% of the rent, the lady only pays me $90.00 from her pocket.
That is different from the mess that Skerrit has going on in Dominica.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
I mean seriously dude….Francisco Ettienne Dodds Telemaque……what the blazes are you really saying???
What is the difference god don’t like ugly, you think you have the answer to everything and nothing. Good redeem to you.
Dominica is not the US or Canada or other progressive countries, the latter, if there are, even though we tend to compare it’s system and certain policies to them.
Let us say, for at least the present, Dominica has its individual system and we should respect that. Similar to respecting the rights of religious people, their religious practice/devotions and their Dogmas/Doctrines. It is a mark of godliness and graciousness to possess respect for others and to practice it toward them.
Their parents/relatives, senior citizens who are not able to help themselves as the ill, are being helped. This is the aim of the present government, to provide immediate assistance to them. It should be appreciated.
Hopefully, someday a new system will be implemented as other Dominican systems which may need to be revamped. Everything takes time, nothing happens before its time and by no means overnight. Patience must be exercised.
Let us be elated that those who are in need of are being financially and physically assisted. This is one way of getting relatives to take the responsibility of caring for their family. Some of them cannot afford to do so without government assistance.
If this is the system, so be it. Give it your blessings if you are compassionate person. Keep in mind those who appear to be healthy, one day they will not be if they do not die suddenly and will be in need of overall help.
Governments in those countries may provide financial assistance through an established program. However, agencies are utilized. They employ support workers if their family is unable to help them.
Government financial assistance is provided, only if the family cannot afford to pay for this help, based on their income. Not everyone – family benefit from it. This help is not inexpensive. Furthermore, they may not get the best help and support. You should know about that.
In those so-called progressive countries, some of their parents and grandparents are placed in a home for the sick and aged. If their family cannot afford to keep them in the home, the government pays those nursing homes directly. It is all based on affordability or not. Spending their final days in a nursing home, could be a sure way to die sooner.
It is better to care for them in their home or in their family’s home, the latter, if it is possible to do so. It may increase their health and life span by a few years. People are comfortable and happy in their home.
In addition, in those countries, the era we reside in, some relatives have no time to take care of their sick. Only those who care keep them at home or in their own home.
It is better to make suggestions and try to cease your criticisms, those of you who do. God will be pleased with you, bless you and make you wiser for this compassionate gesture.
Tell them cause all they do is sit down and compare dominica with the us. Teach them tele , teach them. All u living in da a zip mouth …
Okay Mr. Telemaque
You were sort of demented. That explains things a little bit!
Patrick John did not do Dominica and Dominicans any favor whatsoever when he caused Dominica to secede (withdraw formally – to make a formal withdrawal of membership from an organization, state, or alliance) from Great Britain. The majority of Dominicans were not in favor.
This was not brought on by the late Prime Minister, Dame Eugenia Charles and the present Prime Minister, Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit. Please give this a good thought which is food for thought.
We cannot turn back the clock and have no alternative but to accept it, move on and look to the future. Nevertheless, memories of those times will always remain for this is history and recorded in the history book, never to be erased.
All the same, God bless Dominica. May it one day be fully independent of any nations’ and organizations’ financial assistance. If all nationals play their part as they are obligated to do, and bear their responsibility to their nation as faithful patriots, to a certain extent, this could eventually be achieved. It may not probably occur in our lifetime. However if the world continues, in some generations to come. For the present, it is worth a start to pave the way for future generations. Leave something good and worthwhile behind for them. Less criticisms and more action for the betterment of Dominica.
God bless all nationals as they celebrate Dominica’s Independence. You have it. Therefore, make the most of the opportunity. Love and peace to all!
We must face the facts, not water it down and ignore it. We must be honest about past and present situations. However, be fair.
Lest we forget, bearing in mind past circumstances, Patrick John should never be invited to any such celebrations and attendance as one of honor. He has demeaned Dominica. However, as a national, a member of the public, he is obviously free to be a participant at those functions, if he so wishes.
Dominica’s supposedly Independence was obtained by a price. There was much discord, disturbance, hostility, shedding of blood and burning down of the original Registry building. Those were sad times for Dominica and nationals both at home and abroad as those proceedings unfolded which should never have occurred. May this type of history not repeat itself.
The following are worth contemplation on. Without prejudice or discrimination, Dominica is Independent only in name. It is well to note, a few meanings of independent are:
Able to function by self; able to operate alone because not dependent on somebody or something else.
Self-supporting – not forced to rely on another for money or support.
Financially independent.
Capable of thinking or acting without consultation with or guidance from others.
Carried out or operating without interference or influence from interested (other) parties.
Therefore, consider if Dominica is fully independent.
Have a happy Independence Day celebration of feasting in unity, and pride for our Dominica–all of you.
Mr. Skerrit do not forget that as the primary leader of our country, God wants to work through you along with your men and women of the present Government–and God’s work will always be prosperous.
I pray that He will continue to bless you with the virtue of humility–for that is the attitude by which you glorify His work of Love–and for the goodness of our Dominica.
Be humble my Prime Minister and let God exalt you as you do the works for our Dominica, which are by His will, not yours. Blessings to all; I say it again, blessings!
Oh, so the highway goes to Melville Hall?
I thought you wanted to get rid of the name “melville”
Mr.PM… We can only judge you by your works not your words, we should know by now when general election should be call you are leading our country like a dictator Mr. PM, Let we elect which leader we trust,
Stupes… skerrit just call d damn election ehhh… we ready…
Mr.Skerit I can judge you by your works not by your words, you are not a trueful Dominican, you already have everything made for when you ousted from office,I believe you already purchased a property aboard once you ousted from office you and your wife, son will flown out of Dominica the reason why you sent your wife to gave birth in the U S.
That PM is so disrespectful. He has never given credit to the people who made it possible and paved the way for our Country to become an independent nation. Shame on you! Liverpool made you PM while our Pierre Charles body was still warm, no wonder you honor him today.