These three sub-themes: our Health, our Heritage and our Future are but perfect rallying points for our nation at this time in its history.
Our Health: Never in our history has the health of our nation been so threatened as in this Covid pandemic. This invisible and insidious virus shows no respect or partiality for personages, whether on the level of colour, creed, or class. Therefore, any fight against such an unforgiving enemy demands a national approach. The numerous calls by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Churches, public sector groups and private citizens, for the adherence to health protocols and vaccination to both alleviate the spread and eventually irradiate this common enemy, have been relentless. Commendation is in order for these groups and especially the frontline workers in the fight. Unfortunately, confusing theories about the pandemic itself and the resultant pushback from those in the anti-vaccination camp have not been lacking. One thing is certain, our success in this fight is largely dependent on our approach as a united force.
In this time of national celebration, I pray that we grow in a deeper awareness and appreciation of our interdependence in this fight to maintain a healthy nation. As we celebrate 43 years of nationhood, the adage, “united we stand, divided we fall,” speaks loudly to us.
Our Heritage: Heritage connotes birth right, our patrimony, a legacy. It essentially begs the question: What have we to offer to the rest of the world? As the saying goes, we can only give what we have. Traditionally, during our celebration of nationhood, we portray our creole apparels, cultural dances, rich cuisine, and the like. They no doubt symbolise a certain sense of unity as a people. However, a greater part of our patrimony is our spiritual heritage. In fact, we take the liberty in describing ourselves as a Christian nation, recognising that it is only on that level that our true character is revealed. A people of character is a hopeful people. Let us together build on that hope.
Our future: It goes without saying that a people’s future is dependent on its past and present endeavours geared towards the common good. So, too, will the future of our beloved Commonwealth be dependent on how we managed our past and navigate the present. Therefore, both foregoing sub-themes: health and heritage provide us with much on which to dream.
No one can doubt that getting past Covid-19 will significantly change the present trajectory of our nation. Without a common and national approach to the present health situation, we might not have much of a heritage to pass on to the next generation. I have on other occasions described any positive approach to the pandemic, including vaccination, as an act of love for self and love of neighbour. Therefore, the unity of purpose which we seek through this year’s celebration finds it true meaning in this virtue of love.
On this our National Day, let us thank God for our leaders both civil and religious, our civil servants, especially those on the frontline in the fight against the pandemic. Let us be grateful for our farmers and fisher folks who continuously provide for our nutrition, our educators, lawmakers and practitioners, our merchants and all our citizens who contribute to building a positive Dominica. May our future be characterised by the values of discipline, genuine love for country, and a sense of selflessness and concern for others. With this unity of purpose our success is sure.
Happy birthday Dominica!
Well you sure do have your begging bowl out…
Weak, a very weak Bishop Malzaire who his made me abandon the Catholicism religion. A Bishop should speak TRUTH to POWER by recognising the need for courage, self-criticism, trustworthiness, single-heartedness, joy, humility, creativity and “trusting union with Christ”.
Being sacraments and witnesses of God’s generous love speaks to defence of the destitute and the oppressed, but the man refuses to do that in Dominica.
All he does is to sing for his supper, in a sign of suppressed emotion or determined reticence.
In light of the devastating consequences the policies of the ruling adjust region are having on the people and country, the clergy keeps as quiet as a church mouse because many of the pastors are closely connected with the evil, corrupt, incumbent regime.
It’s unsurprising that their flock is rapidly diminishing. Most of the people have lost faith. They see the church as an irrelevant institution that takes their little money and is oblivious to their pain and suffering. This should not be.
The restoration of the people’s religious faith and trust would only be had when the church begins to be more visible in the community and grow a spine by speaking out against the injustice, greed, selfishness and the widespread pauperism plaguing the entire nation.
Give his Lordship some respect and stop all this gossiping and fretting for nothing. Stop your painting of a bleak picture of Dominica. Dominica is a wonderful place with beautiful people. Skerrit is doing well for Dominica. That was a wonderful Independence message which has resonated with many a person except with you disgruntled, frustrated, UWP pariah. Go live in North Korea.
Dominica is a perfect replica of North Korea. Both are well established dictatorships; their economies are practically dead; police brutality is inescapable; tyrants are in charge; poverty is widespread; people are arrested on bogus charges; 1% of the population is filthy rich while 99% lives in unimaginable poverty.
Dominica is the North Korea of the Caribbean. Just maybe Skerrit and Kim communicate telepathically everyday.
There is a big difference. In Dominica Skerrit allows you to run your mouth and write all kind of shi…. No problem. In North Korea, KIM JUNG UN would have had you executed the moment you open your mouth. That is how beautiful Dominica is.
Let the bishop remain in his ivory tower and talk about”happy” independence. So many are feeling despondent and have not received any assistance from the government in this time of Covid-19 pandemic which he rightly said challenges us as a poor country. Where is the happiness for vendors and other self employed? As regards our heritage I don’t know what he’s talking about because prior to his financier Skerritt Dominca had a tradition of the West Minister system. One for each and each for all was the practice of everyday life. We now have a system that if you’re not red then you’re better off hungry, unemployed and ostracized. What unity of purpose when Skerritt says to the citizens that there’s no need for opposition and the Bishop never offered a rebuttal to his flock that this is not right. So many international scandals harming the good name of Dominca and the Bishop never stood on the side of justice publicly. These are just empty words by the Bishop
Oh Jonathan, your words are even emptier. Tell me what you want from Skerrit and I will fix you up. What can you do for your country? Nothing but talk. Talk is cheap. I salute the late Norman Rolle but not Jonathan. Jonathan is an empty vessel. The Opposition party is useless and clueless. Spend more of your time praying. The Government of Dominica contributed over 500 thousand dollars to the restoration of the cathedral. What have you contributed? Nothing. Malaway.
@ds, stop and reflect on what you have written. If Jonathan is an empty vessel then why do you stoop so low to respond to what the empty vessel has written? I don’t believe it’s because you have nothing better to do. Go figure. 😜🤣. I don’t need your salute, ds, nor do I need your bribe. You are clearly trying to bribe me by offering to swing some goodies from Skerritt to get me to stop expressing by mind. My advice to you, ds, is go stuff it where the sun doesn’t shine. You should be ashamed of yourself. I cannot be bought nor sold. Modern day, in the flesh Judas to my country Dominca.
You have that sort of powerful political connection and close relationship with the dictator? How did you attain such power? Did you assist the dictator tin procuring his two artificial doctorates?
I want you to help me get Vince ambassadorial post if he happens to treat or cheat his way to a win in the G/Bay upcoming buy-election.
You partisans are the most useless party shills ever. Making your party look more and more stupid with every word you belch out. Stand for your country.
My Lord Bishop, shame on you, shame on you, shame on you! Since when our health is only about a vaccine?
You must ask the Ministry of Health to jump start the “wellness” part. Stop harassing people about vaccine.
I am waiting for one of your homilies to talk about how your congregation should eat properly, get enough rest and exercise.
Oh and maybe you should ask the health authorities to provide us with pertinent information like how many vaccinated persons have died, and how many vaccinated persons are spreading this virus.
AMEN to the exercise part.
Bishop Malzaire, there are many things I would like to say to you but I will not because I know DNO will not post it. But here is what I will say to you from Ezikelle 3:17-18 17Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 18When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Bishop when I think of where my beloved country is today under Skerrit, I can’t help but hold people like you and others for our demise, just for an envelope Skerrit handed to you. I just can’t understand how our first Black Bishop from our sister island would allow Skerrit to destroy us and you are playing a blind eye. Shame on you Bishop!
I know all you will say I am disrespectful but I can’t be disrespectful when I am just quoting somebody verbatim. So let me quote Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit here “Go to hell” Dominica is “ not your damn business “ so have nothing to say to us now because you are part of our problem
I endorse your blogg 100%.