Commonwealth Secretary General-designate, Baroness Patricia Scotland, has raised concerns over the issues of corruption and violence across the world, particularly the Commonwealth countries.
Scotland made her first visit to Dominica on Friday after being elected to the top post at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta on November 27. She’s here for four days at the invitation of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
“We have big issues across the world particularly in the Commonwealth countries, developing or affected by the issues of corruption because we now have trillions of dollars being spent off which affects poor vulnerable people,” she said during a brief ceremony held at the Douglas-Charles Airport shortly after her arrival on Friday night.
Scotland continued, “I think there is an opportunity for us to share best practice, to look at what works and enabling us together in partnership to collaborate to make a difference and as I already have indicated, there are issues in relation to children.”
She said there are also issues of domestic violence as it relates to women.
“One in three women in our world is affected by domestic violence…,” she stated.
Scotland pointed out that while working on the issue of domestic viloence in the United Kingdom (UK) she was able to create an approach that worked to reduce domestic violence by 64 percent.
“I want to do that for every country in the Commonwealth,” she noted. “Can you imagine how much better our world would be if we reduce the violence?”
Meantime Scotland said it was an honor and privilege to be elected to the Commonwealth position.
“It is the most enormous privilege to be asked to represent your country and Dominica is my country, it’s where I was born, it’s where my mother came from, it’s where my family have been for generations…,” she remarked.
Additionally, Scotland said, “Edward Leblanc was my cousin and Rosie Douglas was my cousin too. So, if I am not Dominican I am scared to know who is?”
According to her, Dominica hase come a long way, “some people think we are too small to have had so many honors placed on our shoulders.”
“We already have a great honor of having the Secretary General of CARICOM, we have PAHO and now we have been graced with the Commonwealth,” she stated.
She added, “I am conscious that although my heart will always be Caribbean and my soul will always be Dominican, I will serve my region, the Commonwealth, and others to make sure that we deliver what we can, to make our world a better place.”
She said she is deeply grateful to all the good people of Dominica who have supported her all the way through.
Scotland is scheduled to attend the President’s Charities Foundation Annual Christmas party for over 300 children at the State House grounds from 1:30 pm today.
Baroness Scotland was nominated, promoted and vigorously supported by corruption and I believe she knows it. While Dominicans were at home suffering after TS Erica, corruption was in England throwing a big party on YOUR (speaking to EVERY DOMINICAN) tax-dollars for this same Baroness who has yet to give an account of anything she did or received as Dominica’s International Relief Coordinator. Don’t believe the hype!
Madame! We love you and a god send, every Island needs a Super Power behind it and, you are our “Super Power. “Love and Blessings as well, Peace be with you.
What a great honor for our country! To God be the glory. Dominica is of much more value than we often believe. I wish Baroness Scotland every success at her new position. Together and by God’s help, the world will be better place by her leading.
“I tore the invitation”. Can you imagine the man’s gall. Has he told the Dominican public why he continues to oppose election of Baroness Scotland, weeks after the Commonwealth spoke and bestowed on the Dominican nominee such an esteemed position as Secretary general of the Commonwealth? Shouldn’t he, a self-appointed patriot be pleased to see another Dominican rise to such lofty heights in an international office? Why continue the partisan divide and foolish political vitriol? Did Dominica’s leader of the Opposition say or explain to the general public and his loud cheering fans in particular why he tore up the invitation to attend a state sponsored function in honor of the visiting Baroness – Dominican born, Commonwealth Secretary General elect? Did he say why he was so moved to decide on not attending but really to have the none-sensical political gall to tell the world that he had “tore up the invitation to attend a function with the Baroness? Lennox is really a novice.
Oh my God, what a hypocrite. Doesn’t she know that someone needs to clean up their back yard before they tell others how dirty their own is? This woman is under the influence of a man named Skeritt . This is like the equivalent of the devil telling world not to sin. Both this woman and Skeritt are wolves who are dressed in sheep’s clothing, hoping to deceive the unwise ones. She was right when she said that “those corruption issues are particularly in commonwealth countries” My lady look no further. It’s right here in front of you in Dominica. Nothing good can come out of Nazareth. You shouldn’t try to teach the world good manners when you don’t even wash your hands after using the toilet
“So, if I am not Dominican I am scared to know who is?” I’ll tell you — The people who cannot hop on a plane after four days and free themselves from the harsh realities of life in a declining economy, corrupt government, and dangerous healthcare system, or those who work hard abroad to support fam and friends struggling under an inept regime at home. Is that your experience?
As a woman, have you inquired about the status of many young women and girls that have been exploited by members of government? Have you taken steps to fight for the many children being sexually abused on island? A rampant problem? Since you are concerned about violence, are you aware of the 5th anniversary of the firebombing of GON Emmanuel’s home? Do you care? Were you as shocked as we were to have heard about a Christmas day firebombing? I suppose not since you were thousands of miles away.
Madame! since you been away for 37 years, one has been sent to prison for 35 years, another found in GUADELOPE,And lots MORE TO come, you are a god send. No one is getting engaged or married. We know you can do it, Leader of the opposition knows more than he is saying just a runaway.courage,mom courage they know you can do it.The best thing that ever happen to Dominica after 37 years hooray
I have great difficulty with the utterances of the Baroness and the contradictions which exist in her having made them right after having enjoyed and taken advantage of the right to nominate (her) for the position of Secretary General to the Commonwealth by a Prime Minister who has been accused and suspected of corrupt behaviour throughout his years in government. Never before have we had so many and such serious accusations made of a PM and his cabinet her in Dominica. Of all the accusations made, some of which have resulted in money being paid into or returned to the treasury, NONE HAVE RESULTED IN DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS OR OTHER PUNISHMENTS TO ANYONE SEEN TO BE RESPONSIBLE. Investigations appear stalled in the system, sometimes due to the actions of lawyers acting on behalf of the government to have this happen. Normal accountability practices are none existent. WHAT ARE THE BARONESS’S VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO BE RUSHED THROUGH PARLIAMENT ON TUESDAY 15TH DECEMBER…
Oh Madam Scottland, how little do you know about corruption and DOMINICA….. I don’t think that went down good with the people who invited you or maybe that was all planned to shift the focus so people will think that the country leaders are not corrupted. You people in the high places really think you all are smart. Nice try madam nice try……… If that was a genuine ,meet with the opposition and let them tell you about corruption, please IF you are there for every member of the commonwealth countries and the people who live in these countries, meet with our opposition before you leave, get to know first hand what is going on here, IF you did not know.
Sad Times In Dominica……sad times
DNO hopefully this is the last story on this lady she is not welcomed here unless she bringing $100,000 to assist with post erika
“We have big issues across the world particularly in the Commonwealth countries, developing or affected by the issues of corruption because we now have trillions of dollars being spent off which affects poor vulnerable people,” she said during a brief ceremony held at the Douglas-Charles Airport shortly after her arrival on Friday night………………….”
Madam Baroness, I sincerely hope that you an open and frank Tete a Tete with Skerrit and his cabal.
Poor people are made to que. up in droves for hours to receive a few dollars from Supremo God then sign the alleluia praise that “We Love our PM Wi” as they return home with little to see them through the weekend and then repeat the scenario by returning the following Wednesday to the Red Clinic with another baby likely borrowed to again be reduced to insult and injury and insulting these people dignity.
What poverty, what insult, what a disgrace while the big boys bank…
all issues that the good lady is concern about is very prevalent on the island of her birth all she or her secretary have to do is review the news papers in the last six month then the Baroness will be very sad to be Dominican.
you used one of the most corrupt and scandalous government in caricom to nominate you while you represent British interest. corruption 101.
Shouldn’t have to look far….
The corrupt practices she is talking about should have a post date following the statement. In order words, it should be told that with immediate effect, she will not abuse the system, in terms of corrupt practices. Isn’t this the same person who was indicted and charged in the courts for employing illegal aliens. She sounds like a born again Christian. They commit all kinds of evil things, however in their old days, all of a sudden they tell you they have found Jesus, then comes and preaches to you as to what is wrong and what is right. I wonder if the Baroness, after she was indicted and charged in the courts , locate the aliens and asked for their forgiveness, incase she had under paid them during their time in her employ.
Hello and good evening my people. Well I would like to congratulate Ms Scotland on her successful election and I wish her the best. Since she brought up corruption I would like her to look into why there are five prominent families in Dominica that control the economy through Sole proprietary contracts. If one intend of opening a business they will have to do business with those five families even if you have your contacts to purchase your goods and bring it to Dominica.
Anybody notice how quick Patricia covered up her blunder.” It’s a privilege to represent your country and Dominica is my country to”. Patricia if you are Dominica why just say it is a privilege to represent our country. It may be just me but that came across as someone disconnected and acting out a role of pretense.
By the way Patricia Rosie was everybody’s cousin.
the only people this woman will impress is skerrit and cameroon. she is their agent , she is is their plant.
Corruption? Where’s the proof?
Corruption and violence, especially against our children and women. You came to the right place Baroness. You can begin your work right here in what you call your country.
My friend stop the crying about whether you are Dominican or not! I never knew you as a Dominican, but this does not change anything. I would like you to narrow down the talk about corruption,and maybe look at who is the most corrupt,wicked,heartless, inept, lazy leader in the OECS!The one who STEALS,cheats and lies the most.This is the elephant in the room, as far as this new genre of OECS leaders are concerned.
Baroness Scotland, I just hope you will have a good stay in Dominica. December is the month of festivity; it is not too early to be a part of it–I hope that you had a great time.
Baroness Scotland, It’s a good start for you to mention the word corruption on your first visit to Dominica,where we are only concerned with corruption in our country. Let the rest of the world deal with theirs,whilst we deal with ours,and we have plenty in this little country.The question is,and what are you going to do about it?We will keenly await to see and hear in the coming months not what more you say but what you do.
In the Dominica context young men who entered government with no money and hardly any assets, can have enormous wealth when we know that they didn’t win the lottery. We know through the government gazette how much they get paid yearly,and which can’t get them so wealthy. Some abuse their power and neglected to pay necessary taxes.
I expect you to privately denounce those perpetrators, you can easily know who they are by talking to your people, the Dominican people. Also exhort them towards good and opengovernance.
Sensible statements on approach and priorities! Godspeed.
Tell her look around Dominica and she will see corruption at the highest level and also women being brutalized my a male chauvinistic society here in Dominica. Let us cut the crap and the ridiculous rhetoric
Maybe this is our time in having a representative who can help play a pivotal role in curbing the wrongs of our culture. Truly, you don’t understand how screwed up Dominica is unless you leave and take a look at it fro the outside. When I hear the “Commonwealth” I think British, colonialism, slavery, lynching, abuse, violence, religion and a recipe to manipulate and suppress black people.