Political leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), Dr Thomson Fontaine, has said that he is willing to meet with Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit if it is in the interest of the people of Dominica and to discuss many issues “that we can have a good conversation about.”
In an interview with the Caribupdate Channel, he said many members of his own party are opposed to such an idea but it is something that is not only about him.
“It’s about the party that I lead,” he stated. “It is about the interest of the people of Dominica and ultimately if the best interest is to speak to the prime minister, I will because we still have issues to discuss.”
Following the victory of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) at the December 6 snap general election, Skerrit said he planned to meet with all candidates who contested the poll to see how they can participate in the “national reset that we have spoken about.”
He also said he will meet with the UWP leader although the party boycotted the election on the basis of the lack of electoral reform on the island.
“And of course, I will meet with the leader of the United Workers Party to discuss with him some of his views where the country is concerned,” the prime minister said.
He has already met with all those who opposed his party during the general election and it is unknown at this point when he will actually meet with Dr Fontiane.
But for the UWP leader, the door to a meeting remains open since there are a lot of issues that need to be discussed.
“I want to discuss the issue of electoral reform with him,” he pointed out. “I want to discuss the issue of the fact that more than eight members of the UWP are before the courts, including myself. I would like to discuss the issue of the number of persons from the village of Salisbury who are before the courts, I would like to discuss the issue of he major divisions in the country.”
He stated that these are issues which he thinks they can have a good discussion about in the best interest of Dominica.
“So yeah, I am looking forward to that discussion,” Dr Fontaine said.
However, he was mindful that many of his supporters are “adamant” that such conversation should not take place.
“But I honestly believe that there is nothing to be lost by speaking, especially where you are speaking about the issues that will ultimately bode well for the country,” he remarked.
He blamed such unwillingness to speak to the prime minister on the toxic atmosphere in the country but he believes it is his role to cool thing down.
“A number of them say that we should not meet because he has not been fair to the opposition,” Dr Fontaine, who was elected UWP leader on November 27, said. “A lot of it has to do with the recent atmosphere in the country, very toxic between the opposition and the ruling DLP and part of my role in all of this is to lower the temperature. You know, say after all we are all Dominicans, we can agree to disagree on policy issues. We can agree to disagree on how best we can move the country forward and at the end of the day we should not be at each other’s throats. We should really behave as Dominicans, be kind to each other, reach out to each other, love each other and really be one big family. And that is what I have been pushing and I think, also, that this is one of the reasons why I have gained so much support in those three weeks because people understand that I am sincere in my intentions to unite Dominica and Dominicans…”
UwP, have only themselves to blame for staying way too long with the past leader. It’s also very rough starting from the first rung of the ladder, rolling up the sleeves and getting the hands nasty, are some of the things that build character, and Mr Fontaine seems to have a packet full.Dominica is entering a beautiful political age, and if not checked, could led to longterm changes. Time will be our Teacher.
Fontaine, just in case this meeting comes about, could you ask the CM if it is true that he had to pay a large amount of money and a brand new car to each Ian, Austrie, Blackmoore and Darroux in order to keep them subdued after the ‘Reset Election’. Did they attempt to revolt against him but this was averted only with the help of one Carlo Savarin, who happens to be the President of this country. Please do ask Skerrit on our behalf. It would be interesting for us to find out where the money for the payoff and the cars comes from.
Thompson is a weak leader with too many issues to rule effectively. He is not a man of moral standing because any man who abandon two families cannot be trusted.
Yeah, yeah, yeah….LL was too serious because he never smiled now you trying to make something stick on the good Doctor I see. Be damed I say!
The so called mega-thief you all are worshipping is well alleged to have broken up several families, abused countless women in exchange for “help” including some in my very own family is what you need to focus on getting rid of asap. The nerve of you! The demon of death and destruction is now all over Dca daykarlaying the country and claiming several victims in various ways but people like you remain blind and focused on staying in power. But…..it’s 2023 so tik tok tik toc!
In any event Thomson, as leader of the opposition, there is nothing wrong meeting with Roosevelt Skerrit, since he is supposed to be prime minister of the country; nevertheless; you are encouraged to be graded when dealing with a liar and one as crooked as he is!
Do not forget Lennox Linton experience, after hurricane Maria, when Roosevelt invited him to give his input suggesting ways in which they could proceed in reconstructing the island.
After the meeting (I took my very ears and herd Roosevelt on Radio told the nation that Lennox contributed valuable to the reconstruction effort).
Days after Roosevelt praised Lennox contribution; and people began talking about hope of unity between Lennox and that crook Roosevelt.
The crook Roosevelt went back on Radio, lied to the nation, assassinating Lennox character, claiming he contributed nothing!
Skerrit is so conning and cynical, he gave Lennox a telephone number, when he call it no answer, he dialed it in front of Roosevelt:
Yes, indeed when Lennox stood next to Roosevelt and call him on the number Roosevelt told him he could be reached, in Roosevelt presence, his phone did not ring; the crook still contend that is the correct number!
Thread softly, when dealing with a crook, because Roosevelt is going to seek to destroy politically, and personally.
Roosevelt is a slimy deadly cobra.
The most venomous snake on the planet is the Taipan, Roosevelt caries more venom, just be very careful!
Why would you want to meet a liar. He needs to go find and meet his two families he abandoned.
If the liar is supposed to be the prime minister both foreign and local dignitaries at some time will have to deal with the liar, even if they know the liar is a notorious thief maybe like you!
Caribbean leaders encounter that lair and thief every once in a while they laugh at him to his face: Ralph Gonzalez is an example.
Tell me that’s not true!
I don’t know who you are, nevertheless; you are an upholder of the liar thievery of the nation money, you that 🚮 little nobody are aiding and abating a damn thief in the destruction of Dominica 🇩🇲 Dominica while you might be hiding in America living off some welfare cheque.
Provem me wrong by naming one large industrial company you worked for in America.
You can’t because you are fake, just another of the liar lapdog.
I can name the four companies I work for in this country, prior to retiring young.
I for one don’t see anything wrong about a dialogue with those who oppose you. In mature democracies eg the USA the leader of the Republicans meets with the leader of the Democratic party. That shows a level of maturity and self confidence to look the other guy in the face and tell him in diplomatic nice ways what you want to see for the country. It shows a high level of maturity to represent those who belong to the opposition party. What would be good as well is if the Freedom party is in the same meeting. Forget about APP and Alex Bruno’s party because they have little or no traction with the voters in the country. At the end of the day what such a meeting will do is hopefully set a new tone for politics in the country once Skerritt isn’t allowed to talk down to those in attendance and all promises he makes his foot must be held to the fire. Go ahead Dr Fountain and pursue such a meeting with Skerritt. Bold dynamic leadership requires it.
Well said Jonathan. Dr. Fontaine is the new leader of the UWP and has definetely displayed a level of maturity for which I commend him. The election is over and it’s time to move on.
How else can he counter the government’s path forward if not by meeting?
Like I’ve said before, just sitting on the sidelines and preaching all things “Doom and Gloom” on island is not a strategy and amounts to nothing more than poor messaging resulting in continuous losses.
I wish him all the best for a productive meeting.
Dr. Fontaine you are sending mixed messages to the Dominican people and at the same time giving legitimacy to Roosevelt as prime minister and validity to the must concluded sham election.
The only person that should be holding talks with Roosevelt is a judge. These talks should cover the whereabouts of the missing CBI billions; the PetroCaribe $270 000 000; the US $10 000 000 donation by Hugo Chavez to the Kalinago people.
The opposition should be resolute in bringing Roosevelt to account for all these disappearing moneys. If only the country can recoup such humongous sums of cash, Dominica can become the El Dorado of the Caribbean.
I have those billions. Do you still want them? Why does Fontaine keep abandoning his families and want to be a PM at the same time? Have you asked yourself that question?
I am not surprised to hear you have the billions
For all we ds and Roosevelt are one of the same.
So ds you confirm you are a thief.
Let me correct that by saying, ds and Roosevelt are one of the same by admission he has the unaccounted Dominica billions.
No, you don’t have the billions. The money wasn’t hidden in a latrine. I mean that’s were you spent most of your day to earn a miserable living but not enough. You are still dependent on your masters little handouts. Shame on you man. Shame on you!
Mr fountain I applaud you for extending hands to meet with the P.M. a good leader faces all challenges and will do the best for our country.
The Rich man in hell wanted a meeting with Lazarus the beggar. He asked Abraham, “Father Abraham, could you send Lazarus over here, please? My tongue is dry I need water!” Skeritt will pretend to the world that there is cooperation on the ground while smiling and shaking hands for de camera. What a slime! For what he has done to my country he needs to go now. Don’t strengthen his hands by meeting with him. Skeritt cannot change. He will not change because he has sold his soul. This is a man without a soul. So if you all have time to waste go ahead and waste time. He should be pressured to resign! Not to make him feel good about what he’s done.
Never ever trust a liar and a thief. So what’s the point in meeting one. No value at all.
Absolutely agree! Roosevelt will make political hay from this intention by ‘turn the other cheek’ political leader. That strategy might work with a rational, reasonable person in authority, not with an evil, abusive, cold b!loved despotic villain.
Some charlatans who profess to want better for Dominica are now expressing opposition to a meeting between between PM Skerrit and Opposition Leader Dr. Fontaine.
What could be so wrong with the two leading political figures of our small island state sitting down to lend each other an ear in the name of country and progress even if they agree to disagree on form and substance?
This is what is wrong. Roosevelt should first show some sign of goodwill. He can do this by asking the AG to withdraw the bogus charges which his regime has laid against Dr. Fontaine, Lennox Linton and others.
This will be a promising sign of good faith. Roosevelt knows that these charges are patently false but stubbornly insists on persecuting these law abiding citizens. Can Satan correct sin?
That is what the parliament is there for. Charting a path forward for the nation should be done by representatives of individual constituencies in the place where those agreements are binding by law. It is called a parliament. Meeting with skerrit is a waste of time and prescribing to his lust for authoritarian style governance. Skerrit is no saviour, no king certainly a crook and have over 20 year record to show he does not have a vision for common wealth and growth. All we hear are excuses and lies.
What is wrong with this meeting you need to ask? Come a little closer to the screen and lend me your ears, CORRUPTION and RIGHTEOUSNESS don’t agree.
Yeppers, I do not believe dr. Fontaine is meeting Skerrit to try and turn him into a good man because that is impossible. But he could me making that gesture to sooth the Skerrit supporters that still support him and secondly to get intelligence to help him formulate the next government and that would be smart.
Get your facts right. Fontaine is not the Opposition leader since he is not elected to serve in parliament. He may be the UWP leader for now but certainly not the parliamentary opposition leader. Remember his party did not participate in the election.
“A number of them say that we should not meet because he has not been fair to the opposition.” That is why you are the leader. Leaders lead. Politics has become a dirty game dominated by crooks and individuals hungry for power, even those who started with the best of intentions. It is ok, to banter during campaigns, but once the elections are over, collaboration is the key. No harm in meeting and discussing. Right move Dr. TF.
One Love Dominicans #OLD
This meeting, if accepted by Roosevelt (that’s a big ‘if’), will be a monumental waste of time. We would like to appeal to someone’s better angels inside, but Roosevelt only does things that are politically advantageous in his favour.
For two decades this man has been at the pinnacle of power in Dominica. Has he ever solemnly offered an olive branch to the opposition? Why can’t the man who has all the trump cards initiate this meeting? I’m pretty sure Dr. Fontaine will accept. This meeting doesn’t necessarily have to originate with the opposition.
The problem is this. Roosevelt thinks that if he make the offer to meet with Dr Fontaine, it will diminish his lofty stature and the Office of the Prime Minister. He came from the humblest of beginnings but now too pompous to hold court with many of his own countrymen.
De enemy of our beloved country has come to steal, to kill and destroy. The evidence of partisanship are clearly seen on the entire Island, as well as on the faces of the sufferers. This enemy cannot show mercy because the heart is made of steel. Hardened Steel that only God will break. Never thought that there could be such a man in modern time. But yes, there is this creature named Skeritt. His cruelty has just begun. A fool’s pride is as high as the sky. Lucifer was a little higher; still, the Almighty Father cast him down. So, I’m certain, that nothing fruitful which could benefit the people of Dominica will come from meeting with this man. My warning to us all is, brace yourself for the next general election. Because I will tell you this…this one is going to be something like we’ve never seen before or will ever see again. Unless, there is an even playing field which will allow every Dominican to participate in a fair and free election. We don’t need any observers here.
God is the guiding light for Dr. T so I see no reason why he cannot meet with Skerrit especially if its on his own terms. He should ascertain that an attorney is with him and record the meeting because Skerrit will be doing the same unknowing to him.
By merely assuming the leadership of the UWP he has caused Skerrit to run like a gartay-wasse and give up the ministry of finance so we can now blame the sickly, clueless Dr. Mac-Inlier. So as we can see, Skerro is running scared because he knows the ability of Dr. T . Keep the pressha on him Dr. T.
Bwa-Banday do you really think a trying of significance can come from this meeting initiated by the opposition ?
This same infidel is so consumed with animus for his opponents that every time Mr !Linton got up to make a presentation in parliament Roosevelt made his exit. Infantile, irresponsible and undisciplined behaviour.
Can a consumers professional bargain with an adolescent?
*anything of significance NOT ‘a trying of significance’
*consummate professional NOT consumers professional
My friend if I have to use a famous quote, “You are either part of the solution or part of the problem”. While I rarely challenge those away from home (note I did not say diasporas) , it appears that sentiment of not meeting the PM is primarily that of those in this category. No one is saying Dr. T has to agree with the liar in chief or kiss his rear end, but rather hear him out loud particularly as it pertains to electoral reforms. Not to give him any ideas that will make him look good.
At the end of the day, Dr.T now leads the largest opposition forces on island so he has to be in a position to negotiate with the enemy within. Thats how how most decisive battles have been won historically. If boots are needed on the ground ,it will take strategic placements of available resources and walking blindly will never help. So, thats my respectful take.
What rubbish, Fontaine is not in any position to dictate terms of any meeting with the PM. He is not even a member of parliament, he is just the leader of the UWP. Skeritt is the Prime Minister and no amount of hate and jealousy from some UWP operatives can change that.
These are your words Pointless – “Skerrit is the Prime Minister”. You are sadly mistaken. Change that P in prime to a C.
I would change it to an S. Supreme Leader of Dominica. After being in office for 20 plus years, you then become the Supreme Leader.
You see the thing is, only you would advocate for that. That shows how out of touch and crazy you are.
But, why would he want to meet with the head of a Government that was elected through a “sham election” that was “rigged” and is “without legitimacy?”
See how confused the UWPwee is?
More things change, more they remain the same. Fontaine and his gang should join the National Reset. In any case, PM already done say that Fontaine and his gang will have to wait their turn in line because they are now on the streets, not even in the yard.
No opposition leader should engage with this rogue CM until such time he accounts for missing CBI funds, PetroCaribe funds and other state funds. Meeting with him partly legitimises his shady dealings while in office. This man needs to be isolated. The time for dialogue has long gone!
Dr. Fontaine is the leader of UWP and not the leader of the opposition. Big difference.
Good idea to be meeting with the PM to hear his agenda for the next 5 years. Can’t hurt.
Negative folks like yourself with your very poor messaging are responsible for the continuous losses of the UWP so it’s high time to change your message.
Where in my comment did I state that Fontaine is the leader of the opposition? Where?
To hear the PM’s agenda for the next 5 years? Man, you are not well. It will be exactly the same as in the past 20 years: lies, deceit, corruption, theft, narcissism, to name but a few.
That is a true Dominican. Proud of you Sir.
Bad idea. Skerrit is the same liar and deceiver that was there prior to December 6th. This guy was not elected but selected and is looking for some satisfaction. Here is why. You guys said the election was a sham. No reform no elections. Elections went ahead peacefully with military style preparedness to use force. If the elections are a sham then the man who heads our legislators is a sham and his zeal to have audience with him is symbolic in accepting him as legitimate. All what you are thinking of asking does not need to be requested. Skerrit has heard it enough, unless he is leaving under a rock in Morne Daniel. All he has to do is stop interfering with the judicial process, relieve tony Astaphans as senior counsel, transfer the revenue inflows from CBI to Treasury, fire Corbette and Carbon, and the bunch of butt kissers placed to do dirty deeds, reconvene a special parliamentary session to get the byron reforms, set new election date and resign. True reset. Then we visit him jail
We should also deny him the respect of calling him the honorable prime minister because if that is Dominica definition of honor we are a destitute country.
Roosvelt skerrit is nothing but a vagabond and a dispicable individual cloaked in a half complete sheep skin. The lone wolf does not even care to cover his true intentions. If the elections are without the corruption influence then by all means. But at this point skerrit is looking to satisfy his own ego and probably goes home to play with himself at the thought of him being PM for life. It is mind boggling you guys not seeing the BS. After 20 years stats and results matter. What else we are trying to see that we have not seen before. This guy is an agent of the Chinese philosophy of governance. Just look at the fruits of our blind support.
Where is the hurt with Dr. Fontaine meeting with the PM? Whether you or others like yourself like it or not, Roosevelt Skerrit is the PM of Dominica so get over it.
A lot of you “know it all smart guys” could have stepped into the ring during the last election but chose to stay on the sidelines so stop complaining and move on with your life.
The fact that Skerrit supporters like yourself hail this to be a good idea, is good enough for me to say it’s a bad idea. Skerrit needs legitimacy after the sham election and since he didn’t get it from the voters, he is looking to get it from the leaders of the other parties. Them meeting with him, without anything ever coming out of it, is just valuable propaganda for Skerrit. What’s the point of boycotting an election and then sit down with the self proclaimed ‘winner’ to engage in nonsense talk? What I am saying, Fontaine got this one wrong!
Dr. Fontaine became the leader of UWP only weeks before the election therefore I think it’s unfair to blame him for the boycott. There were other UWP forces at play here so I really don’t know how significant a role he played with the boycott.
I like his approach. He appears to be different, seems more willing to engage therefore only time will tell whether his meeting was the right move.
I caution him though to be his “Own man”, listen to others who have something to contribute but pay no attention to all the “Doom and Gloomers”.
He is the leader and the decision ultimately rests with him.
My friend your first decision as a leader is to meet with the devil, has the emperor changed his clothes, no so what’s the rush? Uncle was and still is the strongest person you have, you are good at economics, I not interested in a man who smiles that not why he gets a vote it’s about thy works. Every time the emperor with no clothes smiles he is not telling the truth, I personally I don’t trust a man who smiles all the time like UK prime minister rishi sunak, he recently said the UK is not a racist county, just goes to show no matter how high one may climb you are still a slave.
The fake doctor plunged the country in ICU so he definitely needs help from the real doctor. But to be honest it’s too little too late . Brace up people for austerity measures as Dr McIntyre prepares to take one for Skerrit
Call me a pessimist. My conviction is that the two would not mend fences at anytime. Roosevelt still persists in pursuing those bogus charges against the top echelon members of the UWP.
Reasoning with Roosevelt is the same as conversing with a box of rocks. Insane. The guy is more stubborn than a mule and as inane as a buffoon. Successful negotiations need TRUST. How can you trust a man who believes his own lies. The man is an inveterate LIAR.
I support Dr Fontain If the PM wants to meet with leader of the IWP why not meet with him. Pressure is on Roosevelt Skerrit from the international so he must try to sell the impression that he is trying to unite the country. If the Dr doesn’t meet with him then he can say to them that he tried but was rejected. So let’s start somewhere and put the pressure back on rooseo
Serious let me lay it bare a meeting between corruption and RIGHTEOUSNESS makes a mockery of the boycott of the election, the mockery will be laughable when one considers that they out in di yard with the fowl Dem right now and who negotiate s with yard foul.
I trust that your meeting with the PM will be one to one: on your own terms and on your home ground.
It should not be a repeat of the Prime Minister’s invitation to meet with the newly elected Marigot. That meeting took place in the Prime Minister’s office and included the recipient having to face what appeared to be the the entire cabinet. It ended with a smiling photo op.
Please do not fall for that bag of tricks.
Roger, Dr. Fontaine cannot set the agenda for the PM since Mr. Skerrit is the leader of the country. It is standard procedure for the senior person in any government or organization to set the agenda and you’re smart enough to know that so don’t play dumb. Have you ever heard of the leader of the opposition party setting the agenda for the US president? NEVER….
It is a welcome sign that Mr. Fontaine is willing to work with the government since this could only turn out to be a win win situation for all.
Mark, I do not recognise Skerrit as the leader of our country and nobody can force me to do so do you say about that.
Sorry Toto, I forgot. He’s only the PM….
Doc meeting with this guy is a waste of time ,that guy is a compulsive liar, then he gonna say is you who wanted to meet with him. Doc if you planning to do that you must ask the people of Salisbury and Marigot, if you must go, and dont forget what skerrit and his goons put you through. He is that kind of guy that suffer with amnesia to suit his a gender, Now is the time to demand what you want.
After you blasted the man in every corner, you want to meet with him. Doesn’t that sound foolish? Tell us what you were able to achieve in Sudan for the last four years. If you were not able to achieve anything concrete, we do not need to meet with you.
@ds
The man is the Prime Minister of the country. You (the fool), can blast him as much as you can, but he has the moral responsibility to serve you…
It’s sad that this PM is a liar and a conman who cannot mend fences. His ego is too dam big..
Left to me i would not meet with this liar, but i respect Dr Fontains position.
He is the prime minister by fraudulent means. Only in Dominica this mega-dunce could be in pole position of the government. Compare his acade.if achievements with that of the other OECS leaders. The man is a tortoise in a thoroughbred race.
Mister “Smart man”, why didn’t you throw your hat in the ring during the last election? Would have been an easy victory against this “mega-dunce”.
DS when skerrit go out there and do his dirty deals hide dominicans money do you ask him to tell you how much ,where he hide it, what they give him . Who ever you a Dam Sot suit you . You a so pathetic . Dominica am sorry to know you have people like that speaking on your behalf , Nou fini dat eh plac sala.
Ds, we are grateful that Dr Fontaine is willing to to talk with Mr King Liar to discuss the issues that are affecting the Dominican people.
Not you.. you are in living Maryland donkey years.
We do not need your large mouth in Dominican affairs…
Why would you want a meeting with the PM less than a month after elections??? There is a simple rule you don’t vote you do not have a say…. You encourage citizens to withdraw their votes yet your Party was actively advising people to vote for independent candidates…… A BOYCOTT MEANS YOU ARE TAKING NO PARTY………. The PNP of Jamaica in 1980 boycott the elections and had no say…. You all UWP people want to have it both ways….. Mr.PM please do not waste your time talking to this JA in Da…. Thank you
Real talk opposition forces definitely confused