Britain won at Commonwealth summit, says Antigua-Barbuda PM

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne

Dominica’s nominee, British peer Baroness Patricia Scotland may have won the post of Commonwealth Secretary, but Antigua and Barbuda, whose candidate Sir Ronald Sanders lost, remains unhappy with the situation.

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Grenada’s Keith Mitchell were among OECS heads who tried ahead of the election for Commonwealth Secretary General in Malta, to get Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to withdraw Baroness Scotland from the race to give Antiguan candidate Sir Ronald a better chance of winning the election.

Prime Minister Mitchell is also not happy with the results in Malta, as he indicated to the parliament in St Georges.

According to Dr Mitchell, the Caribbean got a black eye over the issue.

Baroness Scotland – the first woman to become Commonwealth Secretary General, was born in Dominica – her mother is Dominican and her father Antiguan.

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58 Comments

  1. blood
    December 9, 2015

    http://antiguaobserver.com/pm-browne-new-commonwealth-secretary-general-is-a-success-for-antigua-and-barbuda/ stop play u all dirty mind games on ppl….yes im talking to u….why go so low eh come on jus to make the country look bad yow. Weh weh weh why dont u post this statement by browne its actually in the antigua observer news paper on like the article u claimed was on observer radio news but posted by caribbeannews n now the story changes,no mention of observer radio,words are smartly put in place n the link now goes to west indies news network hehehehehehehehehehehh dno u all r a bunch of jokers..?.stop misleading the ppl ok

  2. blood
    December 9, 2015

    Dno u all need to stop play political mind games with the ppl ok….why now the link to the full story is not what that was first posted which is caribbeannews whatever. U all change it to west indies new lol come one why it doesnt say its news fr antigua observer radio anymore hehehhehehehehehe cuz u all now that this news wasnt on observer radio or observer newspaper. U all dont need to post it but i kno u read it and is ppl like u who makes the country so divided all in da name of politics

  3. Thorbjørn Jagland
    December 9, 2015

    Skerrit destroy all the hard work of Eugenia Charles & Eric Williams in one shake. Go and leave in Venezuela, cause u only dividing caricom.

  4. Face the Facts
    December 9, 2015

    I am pleased that the PM nominated her.
    I am elated that she was elected.
    I consider her a person who applied herself diligently and reached this height in her career.
    She is intelligent. She is to be envied to a certain degree that she held these positions and obtained this status, through hard work.
    She is to be complimented for her achievements
    As elected SG of the Commonwealth, we have every reason to congratulate her and wish her the best.
    We must have confidence and in view of her credentials that she will make an excellent SG.
    D/cans may one day meet her. She may pay a visit to Dominica.
    I, personally would love to meet her someday, if the Good Lord wills. :)
    D/cans must be patient to see how well she functions in her new position. It will not occur overnight.
    Let us simply be happy and carry on with our duties in life.
    All of us have an assignment to perform in life. Those who do not know theirs, pray to God and He will reveal it to them.

  5. December 8, 2015

    The P.M only did what was right, you don’t betray family /or native born , you stand with them, that’s what you call loyalty .

  6. disturbed
    December 8, 2015

    Dear DNO some time ago I posted a comment on the election of Baroness Scotland as Commonwealth Secretary-General alluding to the fact that the entire process had left Caricom divided. My comment was not posted. In light of the statements made by Gaston Browne and Keith Mitchell following the election’ of the Baroness, I wonder whether you are of the view that the sentiments expressed by these Prime Ministers are any different from the views I expressed. United we stand; Divided we fall. It is a downright shame that Caribbean Leaders had to be admonished by the President of South Africa who more or less told them that by coming with three candidates initially they had cooked their own goose and refusing to unite behind one candidate made bad matters worse. Who is to blame? When you put the cat among the pigeons, you should not be surprised at the outcome. What Caribbean leaders must now ask themselves is who is the cat? May God give us leaders who put country before self.

  7. Dominican in Antigua
    December 8, 2015

    I\’m not even wasting my time here on LNO—-Lennox News Online. This is a news agency which is followed by UWP supporters and most of the comments are from the UWP candidates disguised as citizens of Dominica. I\’ll listen and give my views on DBS. GOD continue to BLESS DOMINICA IMMENSELY AND EVEN FOREVERMORE. Those who curse this island may GOD have mercy those who bless her shall be BLESSED. She is trying but is suppressed, Her leaders try but are down trodden. Give them the strength against adversity because our neighbors are poisoning the minds of her people to suppress her development. I pray for the opposition, give them wisdom because they need it.

    • Tjebe Fort
      December 9, 2015

      You just did what you said you wouldn’t do bro. You wasted your time.

  8. blood
    December 8, 2015

    Who is the head of commonwealth? Who governs the laws and principles of commonwealth? So anyone thats in such position MUST follow the agender of the queens commonwealth idiology. Now i would like to know why they are crying that the caribbean did not stwnd as one when it was never said that only one nominee can b put forward by caricom. Big men acting so childish and even want to pull the race card when there are going up for the position which is headed by the queen

    • Poomba Gellingsworth
      December 8, 2015

      You couldn’t have said it better blood

  9. joe hy
    December 8, 2015

    Pm Brown the queen is the head of the antiguan government.if britian had a candidate in the elections,it was sir Ron saunders. So when sir ramphal won with british support ,he too was a british CANDIDATE.

  10. Zandoli
    December 8, 2015

    Caribbean unity is a very sound concept, but don’t forget we are also recipients of British aid. So I really don’t see a contradiction here.

  11. Joe
    December 8, 2015

    Nonsense Gaston Brown talking!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Secretary General to the Commonwealth has responsibilities for the whole of the Commonwealth and not just for Caricom, even if Sanders had won same difference.

    Tell Gaston stop being a SORE LOOSER!!!!!!

    • blood
      December 8, 2015

      Like a nominee fr caricom goin to change the agender of the commenwealth lol…..like sanders will b putting the caribbean first n all other commonwealth countries comes after…..like caricom would rewrite the mission of the queen and them guys need to stop that sh1t bout dominant nationality cuz is water she bang togo england she wasnt born in england….tell him to stop all antiguans who left young and spend all their life overs to nit send back money orbuild their houses in antigua when they retire cuz their dominant nationality is not antiguan…..like u know where di lady money n assets lie down eh Browne.

  12. too late
    December 8, 2015

    Mr browne try and tell this to labourites in Dominica they think Dominica won something lol.they think their pm had a great victory not recognising that was all about britain. however when you try and have a conversation with the labourites alll they tell u is they love their PM lol

  13. December 8, 2015

    If we are to be so united why are so many Caribbean countries including Antigua still not part of the CCJ. They still prefer to remain with the British Privy Council. So you see Mr. PM, it appears that we in the region inspite of slavery and oppression still love a little British. :lol: :-| . Caribbean countries holding on to the Privy Council shows a greater form of disunity than the election of Baroness Scotland, at least she was born in Dominica. Why did all the Caribbean countries not exit the Privy Council at the same time?

    • looking
      December 8, 2015

      Why was there a rush just before elections to exit the Privy Council and to be part of the CCJ? Why the rush was it because of something to hide? Personally i would love to have what is ours that is CCJ but the threat to justice is greater with the CCJ. All senior judges know each other in the Caribbean. There are many laws in our law books that should be abolished they are old and are for colonial times. Let’s liberate ourselves from slavery and take action and clean our law books.

      • December 8, 2015

        What can you hide by moving from the Privy Council to the CCJ please tell us. To me adopting the CCJ is a significant move away from our colonial past.

    • truth
      December 8, 2015

      because antiguans are not as foolish as dominicans,anon ,open your mind and your brain

    • Tjebe Fort
      December 9, 2015

      You have a point there brother. Mr. Skrit did not want the British Privy Council but at the same time to make made sure we have a British head of the Commonwealth, who is a British lawyer, a QC. That man is full of contradiction.

  14. OSU
    December 8, 2015

    PM Browne wanted Ronald Saunders to win solely for Antigua to gain recognition.

    • truth
      December 8, 2015

      osu, you really do not understand, ,if skerrit had chosen charles saverin .mr brown would not have chosen sanders ,because britan have no interest in charles saverin, open your mind ,use your brain , just as skerrit have taken you and a few dominicans for a ride , so britain england have taken skerrit for a ride,presenting this woman as a dominican,knowing well that she have no interest in dominica,she is nothing but british, take this to the bank

  15. joli
    December 8, 2015

    A person born in Dominica of a Dominican mother and a father born in Antigua came to Dominica as a young policeman,got married to someone from Delaford, the family then moved to England for many years then came back to Dominica to retire,lived in St.Joseph for a while then bought a house in Goodwill.Both the parents are buried here but she the Baroness is referred to as an Antiguan! I am sure if she had done something out of place she would be called a DOMINICAN!

    • Titiwi
      December 8, 2015

      Joli, I would not even refer to her as an Antiguan because that would be an insult to the intelligence of the citizens of that country. Baroness Scotland is British and her very title confirms it. She is a sitting member of the House of Lords in London, which pays her £300 a day, tax free, merely for signing in, on top of every thing else. Baroness Scotland is a very ambitious woman and a social climber, who is only interested in herself. Period!

      • Barbara Saunders
        December 8, 2015

        And Titiwi, I bow to your extreme intelligence!

        I guess that those traits can be found only in Baroness Scotland and except for the derogatory overtones of “social climber” what is wrong with those traits? I just saw an article about a presentation done by Dr. Irving Andre and guess how he was described? – “Canadian Jurist and Dominican” I do not know how much he is paid daily for sitting on the Canadian bench as a judge, nor do I care, because the man must have got where he is through his blood sweat and tears and I certainly would not want to deprive him of his just rewards.

        I am certainly proud that a young Dominican born in Portsmouth I believe, has reached that height of achievement in good old Canada! Imagine the number of glass ceilings that he had to break to get there.

        “Jalousie c’est maitre socier messieur” Hope my creole spelling is right!

  16. observer
    December 8, 2015

    Baroness Scotland happen to be born in Dominica” of Dominican and Antiguan parentage. Mr. Brown should have continued with his “happenstance” comments and say that Baronness Scotland “happened to have an Antiguan father”. That would be consistent.

  17. calibishie warrior
    December 8, 2015

    How sour do those grapes taste, Mr Browne? That …. you put up was never going to cut it .. It’s ok .. the Baroness will do her best for you too .. the just how we Dominicans roll.

  18. Face the Facts
    December 7, 2015

    It sounds like the Dominican election last year. They are not letting it ride that another Party won. This PM is doing the same.
    Fellow Dominicans, ask yourselves. If Sanders had won how would it have benefited Dominica? The same if the African woman had won. Neither here nor there.
    Baroness Scotland’s father is an Antiguan. Her mother is a Dominican. She was born in Dominica even though she did not reside there all her life. I am certain she is more acquainted with Dominica, having visited there more so than the other two.
    Did Sanders visit Dominica at all? Did the African woman visit Dominica?
    Is Dominica not a member of the Commonwealth? So is Great Britain. So what? The Baroness won. I do think she will perform efficiently as Commonwealth SG. Note her expertise.
    PM of Antigua and Barbuda, it is time to rest your case. Allow the Baroness to get on with the business of Commonwealth SG.

  19. Derick Gonsalves
    December 7, 2015

    Well well dno quoting Caribbean News Now as credibble source???? Really guys??

  20. udohreadyet
    December 7, 2015

    First of all Mr 1970’s mustache wearing, Evangelical pastor looking Antigan… people just don’t happen to be born somewhere. That is the country of her birth. She was the best choice for the post at this time accept and move on.

  21. Caretaker
    December 7, 2015

    MR. LOOKING did you mention prostitute, just look around you. THIS is English speaking country, they did not single out any particular country, English speaking. So THEY select a leader from the master. Unity from whom, the pm leads the way so the others must follow suite. Stop that empty vessel business, live and learn. Liston to you all and when it comes to the ballot box you know where to put your xxxxs,good on you boys and girls., do the business

  22. forreal
    December 7, 2015

    awww lick your wounds man,this man is hurt because his ego has been brused,that’s all what this is about,the friggin dollar that is his countries currency pictured point and blanked with the british,eliezabeth,tell this man take a hike with his british assumption,they all the Caribbean leaders that are kissing the british behind,skerrit won that round

  23. The voice of god?
    December 7, 2015

    “But Baroness Scotland was not a Caribbean candidate she was a British- sponsored candidate who happened to have been born in Dominica with Antiguan parentage,” he asserted.

    First of all, I thank you Mr. Brown for this info because I never knew the Baroness was of Antiguan parentage, and was born in Dominica. So she is Antiguan, Dominican and British.

    Secondly, Britain did not win. It was Skerrit, Dominica and the DLP that won so much so that upon hearing the news of the victory, the madam speaker wanted to jump ten feet to the point of bursting the ceiling. However, the Caribbean minus Dominica suffered loss.

  24. Abraham F Joseph
    December 7, 2015

    With the imprisonment of Allan Sanford in the USA for money laundering can someone tell me of any significant role played by Antigua in regional affairs ?

  25. Doc. Love
    December 7, 2015

    I hope Tony read the statement made by Mr. Browne. He gave listeners on Kairi the impression that Mr. Browne had wholeheartedly supported the Baroness. The election was a big jewboom. Browne supported the Skeritt led Labor Party during the last general election. I assumed he thought Skeritt would return him a favor in the future and did not say or do anything to infuriate his friend. He never told the press that the Baroness’s father was Antiguan, she was convicted of a crime and didn’t deserve to be elected. The dust has settled, he was allegedly crooked. Ian should have warned him as regards the man’s behavior. By opening his mouth in Antigua, he believes the people of Antigua will forgive him at the polls. I hope he realizes, Skeritt will not be welcomed on any political platform in Antigua

  26. out of south city
    December 7, 2015

    The truth must be told and that’s what prime minister Browne is declaring. First of all, HER MAJESTY still has control over the Commonwealth countries and she has used Patricia Scotland to continue her power. I agree with prime minister Browne that she was a British candidate and does not really represent Dominica. What really has been her contribution to Dominica? She left Dominica when she was two. At that age, what did she remember about Dominica? I was truly surprised when she was elected.
    We have to open our eyes to see the larger picture. These oppressors will continue to do all in their power to further their control over an oppressed people and the leaders in the forefront of these countries are just puppets whose strings are being pulled continuously by the British monarchy.
    To hell with oppressors of black people and all those who are in allegiance with them.

    UNAPOLOGETIC

    • Barbara Saunders
      December 8, 2015

      Out of South City

      And I guess voting for Sir Ron Sanders/Saunders whichever, ( if the latter,perhaps he is even my cousin) would have changed all of that including the cessation of oppression.

      My goodness, how hatred of people can blind us to basic common sense. The long and short of all this halloballou is that the lady was nominated by Hon Roosevelt Skerrit’s government. Beginning and end of the matter, so the only thing some of us have left to do is call her a prostitute. All her achievements and the pride we should feel about her being Dominican are blown away by her link to Mr. Skerrit.

      Guess what, when you are born in a country you are a citizen of that country, nothing can change that (unless you are a Haitian born in Dominican Republic at a particular time), so you bloggers can huff and puff you can do nothing about it. Time to move on guys. The lady is there! congrats to her!

  27. HA!
    December 7, 2015

    I wonder what the Labourites have to say about this…..

  28. negremaron
    December 7, 2015

    His analysis is correct.

  29. Dominican in Antigua
    December 7, 2015

    The Caribbean was treating Dominica as an Outcast even in Eugenia Charles Day. We cannot allow them to intimidate us. With Divine intervention it happened and i\’m glad. You don\’t know how Antigua Governments hate Dominicans. These are the very same Governments who will do all p[possible to suppress us from even having an International Airport.
    I am glad that PM Skerritt did it. Let the rest of the region SHUT UP and respect us for once. PM Browne wanted to put Saunders there for Antigua and Antiguans only to benefit. Dominicans in Antigua are 100% behind the Baroness. GOOD TEK THAT IN ALL YOU NE NEN.

    • December 8, 2015

      All you hear this nuh. You in Antigua talking crap. Come back to Dominica nuh. Why aren’t you coming back when you claim that the Antigua government hate Dominicans. Come back home under Skerrit that luv you and you so luv. People like you come home to vote Skerrit and his mess and you complainING about Antigua government hating Dominicans. Come back home – I dare you

      • Dominican in Antigua
        December 8, 2015

        Don\’t worry my dear. My Grandfather is Antiguan, My mother is Antiguan, My father is Dominican and I was born in Dominica. I have seen and heard the prejudiced statements against my people in that Island and I will continue to fight for my people there. I realized that even though i\’m a national of that land, I was treated as an outsider so yes I support everything Dominican. From the age of 5 I was Dominican and i\’m still Dominican and no one can take it away from me. My parents taught us everything Dominican, our accent, culture et al. Everyday I was told to make something of myself to make Dominica proud and that\’s what i\’m doing. For those of us who missed the warmth of our island hope to return one day to make our contribution and that\’s what i\’m doing. I am the eyes and ears of Dominica here and I do not appreciate the way we are treated here and Dominicans in Dominica some of you encourage it.

  30. December 7, 2015

    I respect Sir Ronald and think he would have been excellent, but that’s not what happened. What did happen is that someone with strong Caribbean roots just got elected to be Secretary General of the Commonwealth and Caribbean people still find excuses to complain about the outcome and revisit a fairly decided election.

    Dominicans in particular should take yes for an answer — we’re a country of 70,000 in a Commonwealth of 2.3 billion people, that someone who was born in DA is the leader of the bloc is a statistical miracle.

    • Face the Facts
      December 9, 2015

      Some of them do not practice the Serenity Prayer, if they know it. Nevertheless, common sense should prevail.
      It is a great prayer. If it is practiced by everyone, what a wonderful, happy, peaceful and safe world we would have. We, in turn would be likewise to everyone, also on this Website. We would be the happiest of people,

      O God, grant me the serenity
      To accept the things I cannot change
      Courage to change the things I can
      And the wisdom to know the difference. Amen!

      This is one of my adopted mottos.

  31. %
    December 7, 2015

    Dominica was the spoiler.The other Caribbean heads need to teach the spoiler a lesson.He needs at the appropriate time, a bitter dose of his own medicine.

  32. December 7, 2015

    Labourites, can you believe these sore losers? The elections are over, the Baroness has won, yet here is the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda making aspersions as to the legitimacy of Baroness Scotland’s nomination. Great Britain did not nominate Baroness Scotland, our dear and precious, beloved and adored Supreme Leader did. It was a decision of pure genius and strategical maneuvering. As a master Psychologist with almost supernatural understanding of political affairs, our Supreme Leader, His Eminence, His Majesty, ordained and knighted within the halls of the Most Holy Roman Catholic Church, the right, the honourable Dr. Roosevelt M. Skerrit chose to present a Dominican-born legal professional to the entire Commonwealth knowing that her experience and credentials would surpass any of the other proposed candidates. Refusing to kowtow to regional pressure, our Supreme Leader stood with the utmost confidence behind his nominee. Thank God! He was right as always!

  33. December 7, 2015

    Tell me who is their god? Power and Money. They play the people as pawn in their games. Even in this ya time the white man still use black people to divide and control black people.

  34. REAL!!!!
    December 7, 2015

    Thanks for the frank words as PM Skerrit has undermine the Caribbean countries and sold out to the British. This must hurt deeply our Caribbean leaders!!!!!

    We are quite aware you were in Dominica campaigning for PM Skerrit to be re-elected therefore it would be very interesting to see if you will find yourself here next time we have election campaigning for PM Skerrit again……….

    Our Eyes and Ears are open!!!!!!

    • Face the Facts
      December 7, 2015

      It is not surprising and is nothing new that those who do not support the PM will endorse what this man stated. I expect nothing better from people as you. Your eyes are still closed. I wonder when they will ever be opened to the truth and fairness?

    • Barbara Saunders
      December 8, 2015

      So I take it that if Baroness Scotland had not run, Sir Sanders would have won Mr. Antiguan P.M.? And if he had won, would he be representing Antigua’s or the Caribbean’s interest specifically? No he could not. He would be the Commonwealth Secretary General and would have to represent the interest of the entire commonwealth of nations so can you show us what is the disadvantage to the Caribbean in Baroness Scotland’s win?

      If as was demonstrated Sir Sanders didn’t stand a chance, it means that you would have preferred someone from another region to take the position rather than a Dominican/British person, never mind which nationality took precedence?

      Did you remember Caribbean unity when you were cursing out your colleagues in the worst way when there was discussion about moving LIAT’s headquarters to Barbados in an attempt to make it more viable? It was your national interest then, so who cared about Caribbean unity?

  35. looking
    December 7, 2015

    Dominica was used like a prostitute

    • Shaka Zulu
      December 7, 2015

      Dominica has been a prostitue for 15 yrs in a menage a toi with China and Venezuela. Did you not see all the gifts you got, yet the country in negative growth and people now catching their ass. All those civil servants that getting raises say Amen. The foolish will perish. If I plant a tree that supposed to bare fruits in 5 years and 15 yrs later the tree cannot grow from the ground I either root it out and plant a better plant or abandon the darn plant and move on to next crop. Dominicans endorse stupidity, mediocrity, abuse, and self devaluation. Skeritt is again saying we in the Caribbean are not good enough just like he tell Dominica it not good enough to do anything. I want to see how long it takes for people to get rid of that nuisance.

    • Tjebe Fort
      December 7, 2015

      Dominica used as a prostitute, you are right! And who is her pimp?

    • mecry
      December 7, 2015

      It has been used that way for about 15 years now…….

    • December 7, 2015

      PM Skerrit if you want money from London England it will cost you so we want you to support Baroness Scotland, because we want you as well as the other Caribbean leaders to change some of their policies such as the banking laws and homosexual laws first, and what Dominican PM did he betrade his Caribbean counter parts . Dominicans have to understand that PM Skerrit is all for money and very little about moving the Island forward .

  36. Me
    December 7, 2015

    I agree with P.M. Browne. And It was Roosevelt Skerrit, who opened the door for the British member of Parliament Baroness Scotland by legitimising her candidacy as a citizen of Dominica. Skerrit can not be trusted.

  37. ANU
    December 7, 2015

    well said MY PM …… skerrti must learn the saying, unity we stand, divided we fall….. skerrit has left a bitter taste in the region’s mouth and has divided the region for his personal gain.

    • Barbara Saunders
      December 8, 2015

      ANU

      If his personal gain is Dominican pride then this is one time I agree with him.

      Dominica is the only country that I know of (there may be others) which has some of its citizens on a mission to make it look bad in every situation and circumstance. Some even travel the world to spread the word about the doom and gloom of Dominica and its people who, for them, are the silliest in the world because not everybody here is as gullible as they think and can recognise their common motive.

      Jamaica with all its crime and economic troubles seems to be the pride of all Jamaicans and they carry their flag and colours wherever they are. Their food and other cultural norms are on display wherever you find them. Those are patriots. I wonder what some of us are?

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