US President Donald Trump will meet five Caribbean leaders this Friday with Venezuela and China among a wide range of topics to be discussed.
Trump will meet the leaders of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, the Republic of Haiti, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia on Friday, March 22, 2019, at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday.
“The President looks forward to working with countries in the region to strengthen our security cooperation and counter China’s predatory economic practices,” she said. “The President will use this meeting as an opportunity to thank these countries for their support for peace and democracy in Venezuela.”
She said Trump will highlight potential opportunities for energy investment in the Caribbean region and will reaffirm the US relationship and commitment to the region.
Dominica is an openly vocal supporter and ally of both Venezuela and China.
China has a large embassy here and has funded several major infrastructural projects on the island.The US has warned countries in the region about accepting Chinese investment. Last October, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters in Mexico City that “when China comes calling it’s not always to the good of your citizens.”
The economic and political crisis in Venezuela has been a sticking point in the Caribbean region with countries such as Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines openly siding with President Nicolas Maduro.
Some other countries, including Saint Lucia, have said the election of Maduro for a second term in office was illegal and have called for new polls while at the same time maintaining diplomatic relations with Caracas.
Check the history of the KKK, it was started by the Democratic party.And I dare you proved wrong.
Charles Williams a black man who was imprisoned for 35yrs was the first recipient after Trump signed the bill,to give those incarcerated for minor offenses a second chance.
You want to know,who is this J.John-Charles….I am a BLACK U.S citizen from Dominica who dare not to allowed himself to be brainwashed by the Democrats,but think for myself
Is he going to tell them how to grab pu-c?
Mr. Is a pu-c grabber. Thanks Skerrit was not invited.
Trump is all about making deals. I wonder what deals he is preparing to offer these 5 countries.
I will agree that Trump isn’t the typical politician.When he is attacked he fights back, and his retaliation is stronger than what is fired at him.This president don’t believes in PC (political correction) and when he gives back it’s always a bigger blow.Then CNN,NBC,ABC New York Times etc,etc.will broadcast and print this is beneath the presidency.Let me also say, if your source of receiving news are from the ones mentioned above,you will not see the U.S under this businessman Trump.Is the envy of the world.Black under Trump has never had it better, this is history.Those not working are the ones brainwashed by democrats,who made them believe they are victims and is because of slavery 200yrs ago they are in this condition, and when Republicans encourage them to get a job instead of government dependency,they will tell blacks don’t believe them they are just racist.
In closing, let repeat…I love the U.S.A and I love my PRESIDENT Trump….Thanks to DNO
Who is this person J. John – Charles that keeps writing rubbish and crap on this forum? Next he /she will be telling us KKK is the best thing since slice bread
That bird island was ceded to Venezuela by Britain in the 1800’s.
So we should not make Venezuela the bad guy . They have political problems that they should solve with the help of the UN. But those are internal problems that will not be solved by USA invasion. If anything the USA will only make the situation worse and result in a civil war.
The next best action would be for new elections with UN observation , regulations and supervision. The UN must ensure and guarantee free , fair and peaceful elections in Venezuela.
This matter should not be seen as a bi-partisan issue. We should look at it objectively and informatively. If the USA succeed in its goal this will become a bad practice of international law and diplomatic practice….. So if Dominica had the power and did not like what is going on with Brexit we should recognize the leader of the opposition of England and we invade England.( That is an imposible example , but you get the idea ) This action would destroy the international practice of respect for sovrinity and non- interference in internal affairs. Just look at the pressure on Russia for interfaring in the US last elections. And would destroy the peace keeping attributes of the UN and the mutual defense agreement of the OAS.
In the 70’s when Venezuela was claiming two thirds of Guyana, it took the leadership of EO Leblanc with good relationship of both countries to bring peace. When Dominica thought that we had claim to Bird island it took Leblanc to point out that bird island…
Maybe they want to talk about the construction of a Trump tower hotel in Caracas. By the way how come Skerritt was not invited.
Hello Lenpro
If 800.000 blacks are behind bars in the U.S,give thanks and praise to Bill Clinton.Because he signed a crime bill in 1994 and under his presidency hundreds of thousands of blacks were dumped in prison for for minor offenses.I don’t know how old you are,but maybe you have heard this phrase”Two strikes,and you are out.” From Abraham Lincoln to Trump.B.Clinton have the record of putting more blacks in prison.And remember he is democrat.
Obama talked about prison reformed and did nothing in 8yrs.
In 1996 Alice M.Johnson (black) was put in prison for life,for a first time nonviolent drug offense conviction.Do you know who forgave her and set her free?TRUMP THE RACIST.not Obama.I mentioned prison reform,it have to do with people in prison for nonviolent offenses and instead having them in prison,give them a second chance.Do you know Trump was the one who signed this bill.and the first person to benefit was a black man TRUMP set free.
And Democrats are nowhere to be seen
Why haven’t we heard anything from Skerrit regarding what is going on with Maduro and the United States? Why is he being so silent?
Not a politician that’s just my opinion…
What’s the difference between what Puttin does and what Chavez does…
Why is he embracing one with the left hand and kicking the other with the right foot….
Isn’t that double standard….
First time I ever agree with Tony. Where was Trump when these countries were sucking salt until they got meaningful assistance and not the pittance aid the US give to ‘strategic important’ friends in the Caribbean Basin, a thing they have done before. Remember Iran/contra complete with the crack infestation. This is only a ploy to get Russia a foot into these nations.
Oh you see thru that too, it is a ploy to sell arms and at the same time satisfy the arms dealers and NRA.
Donald is a joke. The best meeting Donald should have in the Caribbean is with Puerto Rico and St. Croix to fix his own territory after he neglected both countries ravaged by the last major hurricanes. Donald dont care about black people and where you all live. In his own words black countries are shit holes. Donald knows very well he will soon face serious charges after he lives the President office, so he is trying to destroy everything in his path with the power entrusted in him, and his wrath is especially aimed at blacks and your countries. America envy China’s relationship with Caribbean island and around the world and they are trying all they can to threaten these countries for having relationships with china.By the way, what is America doing for the Caribbean? Can anyone tell me? If you all think America care about you blacks, you are in for a ride. There are about 18 million ( black men) i mean african American in America. Over 800,000 are behind bars. Thats love for blacks.
Please talk with Skerrit about Venezuela but don’t forget to ask him about the one hundred Million dollars debt forgiveness from Venezuela, ask him where is that $100,000000.
Has anyone informed him that these are the ‘shithole nations’ he once disparaged ?
They announced they were taking names of countries not kissing Uncle Sam posterior the countries that plant their lips on Sam butt cheeks are now revealed.
There are 4 windward islands three are together. One is seconding to Florida. The Leeward islands are are together. Barbados is with the rest of the OECS countries.
The truth is except St. Lucia the OECS is united
If Labour loses the next election, I want to come on DNO and read nothing but good news and wonderful stories. There should be no more moaning complaining because DLP would be gone. Right? All will be good and wonderful, China will be gone, because the UWP don’t like them, we won’t have to worry about Venezuela either, will just have to get our oil from the US. Hopefully, they’ll help us build the roads, hospitals, stadium etc just like they used to (right?) We will build an international Airport, with a generous loan from the US or someone else because CBI would be abolished, and UWP will have such a wonderful relationship with the World Bank, IMF etc. So, all in all, it will be so wonderful I can’t wait.
All DNO does is report the news. They have reported pro Labour, pro-Venezuela pro-China etc. Hell there’s an article up RIGHT NOW about dominica and China celebrating years of their relationship. What are you even on about? Or does the truth really hurt that much?
When Labour loses the up coming General Election, presume your visa is stamped for China already…
This donlad trump is just a character, a puppet of the evil elite/establishment who owns and control this world. All he/they do is use their brain on the dumb masses. All big world government work together against the masses okay. They are not enemies. They are all part of the freemason brotherhood. Running PSYOPS on us and then pass their bills and laws to continue their fear and control over us. The dumb masses are and have been fooled by these so world leaders. Space force my behind. Those of us who are awake knows that there is no outer space. we live under a dome/sky/firmament in an enclosed system.
For all of you who are here making a big issue about Dominica’s non invitation to Trump’s meeting are totally misinformed and do not understand international politics. First of all trump commands little respect in international circles and even here in the United States. Not being associated with his toxic and divisive policies is a good thing. This meeting is going to be another talk shop and photo-up so there is nothing to miss. What Trump and Pompeo want is military intervention in Venezuela and it is not going to happen. The inconsequential invitees will not consent to military action on their doorsteps and the congress knows better than to have a war in their backyard. Grenada is still spoken of as a colossal mistake, even today.
Moral standing not always end up victorious but unfortunately hardship. Recent black listed by EU and different visa requirements by U.S.A. ,shows some people alienating Dominica already. You mustn’t fight with alligator, while you are still in the water.
Whenever there is a vote in the UN, Dominica always votes against the US, why should they invite Dominica when it is public knowledge that Dominica supports the regime in Venezuela.
Skerrit is academically handicapped both in speech and leadership ..The USA also has a ‘hawk eye’ on him. He needs to tell us why!!! Skerrit is a total embarrassment to leadership..An accomplished “”makak we” . Remember the man did not become PM based upon competence,but by trickery and deception.Of course some people said two holes on either side of his face appealed to them .Ha!Ha!!!
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
DNO are you reporting about this meeting which is to be held or are you politicking? Cause for the life of me I cannot understand how DNO get from reporting about the meeting and its purpose to where Dominica’s position stand on its relation to either China or Venezuela.
‘
Leave DNO allone, they are educating us on what is going on and how we stand with the international community
China has a large embassy here and has funded several major infrastructural projects on the island.The US has warned countries in the region about accepting Chinese investment. Last October, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters in Mexico City that “when China comes calling it’s not always to the good of your citizens.”
So I am assuming that the U.S is the international community?
And by now DNO hasn’t taken the time to educate us on the outcome of this meeting and what is going on in the international community.
So I beg the question again DNO are you reporting or are you politicking?
SMH!!!!
You cant only care about news in Dominica. Dominica is barely a speck in the world you need to have a wide education of what’s going on.
Welcome to DNO if you don’t already know.
It would make sense that labourites cannot understand context.
The stooges and uncle Tom’s have always sell their souls. All these so call Leader’s are visionless. They can’t see Africa at all..
Even today our people fleeing from Africa to western nations. Why?
So de master negotiator Dr Dr is not welcome eh
That says a lot about who have friends…. our millionaire can’t seat in the same space with a billionaire.
Since it is going to take place in Florida not even Tony get an invitation…..de PM say Tony can speak for him anytime on any subject.
I mean Dr Dr is PM for the past 15 years….. and at a time like this with a general election soon to come our PM get snubbed eh.
DLP doh even have a say in that!
This is global politics.
No room for yard fowls
I would have liked to see my Dr Dr PM tackle global politics….. but he failed us.
What a legacy to go down in history of Dominica!
Matt had that on Q95 this morning making political milage about why Skerrit was not invited. Matt was going on like is Dominica only in the Caribbean that was not invited. Does Matt really knows how many islands in the Caribbean? Matt doesn’t even know the purpose and the reason of that meeting but he has it playing his politics. Matt must know that Skerrit is not Trump little boy. Trump cannot tell Skerrit what to do and what not to do. Tell Matt get a life.
What I hate with the media #oar is when you ask him a question and he is cornered by it, he is answering you with a question irrelevant to the one you asked him.
Kid on the block, which country is Matt a citizen of again? As a citizen of Dominica and a person who loves his country, Matt like me is disappointed that our country is not put on the world stage by being selected to meet with the leader of the most powerful nation on earth to discuss matters which affect our country and region and to have an input. We have been told that Skerritt is the best leader in the Caribbean region so what do I expect of and for the best? That his knowledge and insight would be sought in formulating plans to benefit an area where he is supposedly the best. It’s not politics to be disappointed that the best was ignored and to wonder why? Put your ignorance to rest when saying that Skerritt is not Trumps/America’s little boy. Why did Skerritt have his kids born in the USA? Wisdom calls for humility and that is what is lacking in Skerritt and his leadership style. You can’t approach the world with open hands begging and still show disdain and contempt.
Jonathan why do you like to spin things. Anything to try to bring the PM into disrepute. Even if the thing is not good and he says no, you guys look to always spin and push the PM to show in bad light whether what he does is ok. Nothing about him is not ok with you guys. Guys man I do not understand why you all hate on someone so. Did your mum (Teacher) tell you this one – Hayee chien may dit dent blanc.
I really cannot understand your high handedness when you talking about humility when you of all people are not humble.
Words of wisdom: Haters cannot be humble so please do some introspection. Sit down forget the man and start with you seeking the only one who can help to to be humble and love. I have interacted with the PM and this man is very humble regardless of the naysayers like yourself. See who is contemptuous!
It’s so sad in these times that some of us are still living with this slavish mentality and are so mis-educated. No progressive thinker’s will ever make this issue political. Goodness… Gracious… Caribbean people stop sleeping through out this revolution. Stop following these ignoramous miscreants.
According to this article, “Some other countries, including Saint Lucia, have said the election of Maduro for a second term in office was illegal and have called for new polls while at the same time maintaining diplomatic relations with Caracas.”
Dominica, PLEASE FOLLOW SUIT.
But I doh see with the DLP people who are upset that he did not invite Skerroo , when his UN foot stool Ms. Loreen Bannis openly criticize the U.S at the Security Council meeting .
Skerrro is under the microscope and not long until his downfall.
Well Haiti beat us to it because today they dismiss their P.M. After only six months in office. I wonder who Trump is going to meet now from that country.
This is typical Trump, Divide and Rule. Trump does not listen even to his closest advisors. This session is to award his most pliable Caribbean rear-kissers with a photo-opt opportunity. We, in the Caribbean, will never have any genuine integration for we allow ourselves to be torn apart by petty jealousies and outside forces. CARICOM has been deliberately sidelined and Messrs. Chastanet, Holness and Minnis see nothing wrong with this. This meeting will just serve to create a rift among Caribbean countries concerning support for US foreign policy on regime change in Venezuela instead of speaking with one voice. Sad commentary.
Ibo France you hit the nail on the head. Allow me to add that Trump is no good and is only interested in regime change for controlling Venezuela’s oil, the largest oil reserve in the world. He is persuing the USA rogue foreign policy of divide and rule for regime change. He is looking for a consensus to invade so that he can say it was not his unilateral decision. The same policy and patern as the Grenada invasion .
He does not have regional MAJORITY consensus of the OAS or CARICOM to interfare is Venezuela’s sovereign internal affairs. Nor UN international support because that would go against UN policy and Conventions. So he want to operate illegally through the back door. He wants to make a fool of intrnational democratic process.
He claims that he is trying to protect democracy in Venezuela….But the opposition boycotted the last election. Then the opposition leader declares himself President and he receive support from some countries. He is not in control of…
He is not in control of the government. Neither de facto nor de jure. So how can he be President. People do not like the situation in our sister country , but this situation is caused by agents of the USA to distablelize a friendly country. How is Venezuela a threat to the peace and security of USA, the Caribbean, the region or the world. If it was it would be facing the raff of the UN Security Council.
So USA will justify a solo invasion, but it would be detrimental to its image so it have to pretend that it has some backing for illegal activity.
After the last depression the Obama Administration borrowed billion of dollars from China Which USA have not repaid. Trump does not appreciate that and would like to get away from this debt. He is so ungrateful and unappreciative. Who know where the USA economy would be. Even now the USA economy is in deficit and operation on credit cards (CREDIT). Fort Knox gold is over valued, reserve is gone, and Dollars cannot be printed.
None of you stuck up for Guyana when the Venezuela government have national guard mistreating people in Esequibo for the claims they making to Guyanese land. Bird island was taken from us without so much as a peep but all of a sudden Caribbean leaders are “rear-kissers” because they decide to side with those that represent the will of the Venezuelan people over the corrupt Maduro regime?
If it’s not just for pure ignorance it’s pure wickedness and hypocrisy that cause you all to take these positions. It must be nice spewing all this nice sounding rhetoric from a nice place where you have lights and water and food and security. Meanwhile the ordinary man in Venezuelan is fighting for exactly those things.
Agree with you on this one, Joseph John. Do you know that most countries in the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Asia are adamantly oppose to the US foreign policy of regime change in Venezuela? Only in Europe Trump seems to have some solid support. If Trump succeed in Venezuela, what is to stop him from invading other sovereign states in the Caribbean and around the globe? This is a dangerous precedent. What we need in Venezuela is a peaceful, negotiated settlement by the opposing factions. Let Venezuelans, with the help of a neutral entity, solve this problem. They don’t need any outside force to use bullying tactics and then create a protracted civil war as in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria. Every time America invades a country with their farcical assertion on humanitarian grounds they create a bigger mess, a never ending war.
@Joseph John, irrespective what Trump wants, if Skerritt was wise he would have been given a golden opportunity to get the USA on our side to get our Bird Island from Venezuela. Don’t you think that by getting Bird island we would be better off than getting a few barrels of oil or debt forgiveness from Venezuela? If Skerritt is wise he has to look out for Dominica but alas he prefers Maduro than the suffering people of Dominica. I am sure that those countries invited to the table will be putting forward their own interests, not Dominica’s.
Jonathan Y St Jean, so you suggest we kiss up to a country that does not do care about us, who will manipulate a situation to control our resources? We must understand that the US does not care about the development of other countries except their own and will use a “parasitic” diplomatic relationship for their own development no matter the consequences to our own economy. No. Regional Integration should be the Caribbean’s focus, not a discussion on the next best way to divide our one economic integrated policy.
Thank you very much. I posted but it appears ccording to DNO my comments were not fit for publication. You are among the few who really understand what’s going here. The majority sees the none invitation as some sort of indictment.
ADMIN: Your comment was posted as well, this one was just posted before yours.
Well Ibo, best Skerrit remain in office for another 15 years or so. We will do fine as Venezuelans.
Ibo France and Joseph John, I could kiss you all right now but you guys may be a man so no. Lol.
Unlike the former colonizers, the US has not been so subtle in their attempts to become the leading economy through manipulation: To divide diplomatic partnership that can result in the strengthening of other economies and to conquer the resources of another economy through whatever means necessary. It is just sad that the leaders of the Caribbean don’t have a spine to stand up to what we presume to be “big, bad but prosperous America”. We do not want to accept the reality that together as one large economic force, we ourselves can make a footprint in the international economy, develop our own policies and not be lead by the perception of another economy that has no interest in our own development and growth.
I would not trust Trump as far as I can throw him. Trump is a business man not a politician so to speak he only seems to see things his way on his terms and conditions.
Man. Trump is a consummate LIAR. Fact checks numerated that his lies are over the thousands. A person have to be a complete idiot to trust him. The people trusting him has a lot of hidden motives for protecting their interest, not their country’s interest but their PERSONAL INTERST, QUID PRO QUO interest.
Since when Trump is interested in our small Caribbean Islands. I wonder if he knows anything about them. He know that we cannot have any effect on his will. We cannot influence him in any way. If he decides to invade a country who is to stop him. He will do it and then go on twitter and TV to give his usual fake accusations and justifications. He does not care what anyone thinks about him. In his arrogance he is always right. He can say and do whatever . Remember that he said he can shoot anyone in broad daylight and get away with it. He thinks he is untouchable and can get away anything.
This meeting is to give those invited their opinion. One sided talking.
From the tone of the advertised meeting, it seems to have consensus building as an objective, a motive which runs contrary to the white house! Let us see what is achieved but my best guest is nothing.
Dominicans get skerite outt!!! That man will cause the U.S to impose sanction on Dominica!!!!! If that happen we finish… in all you mrdar harsss them labour rass get skerite outttttt!!!!!!!!!! Get them wort list people ther out and jail them!!!!!
Let them put their sanction. You and your bullying US will one day pay the price for the evil you all have put on struggling people.
One day Skerritt will have to give account for the suffering he has brought on the majority of Dominicans. Anon, do you know of a powerful nation which hasn’t done some wrong things from your point of view? The national interest of the USA and other European nations has never been the interest which ordinary folks think they should be. The nation without a track record of having never done questionable acts please stand up
That Red Clinic have put struggling on people since 2005. You foolish evil being
I am not sure what the purpose of the meeting is. Trump does not listen to anybody so what is the point of talking to someone who is only interested in forcing you to see things only from his point of view?
He does not you are right. The problem is he is most powerful man in the world right now like it or not. It is crazy to think this guy has power to launch nuclear war and can give order to US military. As we always say never give a monkey a gun. His impulse makes the world on edge and Dominica should be worried. I think we are used by Chinese but this American president in his lunacy might make us suffer. 1979 all over again instead of Russia it is mostly China. Skerrit is backed up in a corner because if he swings there are lots of bad hombres in Venezuela, china and Russia he been dealing with and as they say you play with the devil you will go to hell. He has sold his soul and dragged Dominica in the fire. That day where we are in cross hairs was bond to happen. China and Russia are not about help to us. They are only there to stretch thier influence power and dominance and we are pawns in the geopolitical game. Why? Power, poverty and dependency propergated by Skerrit and clowns.
Mr. Trump will not always be President but his country will still be there after hid departure, as will be ours. Fortune always favours the prepared.
@zandoli- Boy please keep quiet. Nobody wants to be friends with Mr. Trump but that is not the objective. The U.S is the most powerful superpower 90 minutes from the Caribbean shores we cant ignore it that fact regardless of who is in the White House.
The fact that the PM of Dominica was not invited to this meeting being one of longest serving PM in the region should be a matter for concern.- This is not about friendship but about diplomacy, opportunity and business- so please keep quiet Zandoli because you don’t know what you are talking about.
@ Neal….
This has nothing to do with business. The heads of government who were invited have made their views known; they have spoken against Maduro. This is just a way to acknowledge and reward their opposition to Maduro. Don’t read anything else into it. Trump does not give a rat’s behind about any of these islands. As soon as the meeting is over, he will pick a fight with another opponent and he will forget these guys in less than 5 minutes.
Other than in Dominica where mainly Labourites see Skerrit as a leader, ouside of Dominica this lazy, lousy two-bit , inarticulte, petulant parody of a leader is a non entity. I refer to him as a MISLEADER, soon to be discarded into political oblivion!!!
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now..Dominica is losing astronomically with Skerrit as PM …..
He is lazy, myopic, incapable, incoherent..
Shameful!!
Skerrit Must Go
Skerrit Must Go
LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now
Dominica’s leadership needs to look at how our sister island, St. Lucia is taking care of business. The difference in development and their tourism sector is staggering. There are no real benefits to the people of the country in the relationships with Venezuela and China. Seems like it only benefits those in charge.