JUST DENNIS: Papa Bon Dieu What did Carlisle Do So?

 

Dennis Joseph
Dennis Joseph

A calypsonian asked that I write a song for his second appearance should he go past the selection process in the calypso competitions and I started to pen something, which spoke to the travails of Carlisle JnoBaptiste the well-known and sometimes controversial local reporter. Unfortunately that calypsonian named Beo on his first outing in the art, did not go to the finals and so the song remained unfinished. I wanted to write that, “ Carlisle is the only real reporter all flesh, spirit and bone and all the rest are just pretenders to his throne.”  That is why he is in trouble today with the Speaker of the House who just passed the ultimate sentence that he will never be allowed in the House while she sits on her throne. So the question is what has he done? Just like you, I do not know and if it was something so drastic everybody would know. The Speaker is acting more like a ‘fam debar’ (troublemaker) than someone in a lofty position as she now occupies. I believe that Alix Boyd Knights could be a very worthy Speaker if but she could put aside her personal cantankerousness  and clear party politicking.

However, what keeps power under control is not wishful thinking and idealistic dreams but action. Sometimes it seems that we the people and even supporters of Team Dominica believe that the members of the Team in the House should just stay there, suffer, and leave the rest to God. It almost seems that there is nothing we the people intend to do for ourselves and the dependency syndrome drowns us all into more and more dependency thinking-we depend on China who does not believe in God to solve our economic problems, on Venezuela to pay our NEP workers and to give us more charity even if Venezuela itself is suffering economically, the Labour Party depends on diaspora voters to keep it in power and the rest of us melt down into dependency on God to do all the rest.

While I expect the Christians will come out frothing as they usually do when anything is said about God that they do not like, perhaps they can tell me what to make of this:

The Bible tells us that the greatest movement for liberation of a people was the exodus of the people of Israel from the bondage and slavery in Egypt after 400 years of suffering. They depended on God and he eventually answered their prayers. He plagued Egypt with various sufferings ten separate times, he opened the Red Sea for them to escape from Pharaoh’s heavy horse chariots which was the weapon of mass destruction in those times, he fed them manna from Heaven and water from dry rocks in the desert but when it came to doing things on the ground even though he supported and instructed them it was their scandals on the ground fighting their enemies with swords not just waving their hands at them and marching around Jericho to take down its walls which finally brought them freedom and the way to God’s promised land flowing with milk and honey.  Clearly when we pray we are expected to risk something; a lot more than just the blistering of our knees and only praying without sacrifice is a distinct no-no.

It is time therefore that we the people take a hand in regulating the runnings of our nation and stop believing that it is all about what we do next elections because as it has turned out we do nothing much to change anything. The things we complain about today are the very same we grumbled about last time around and will continue except we show the powers we have elected that it is not about winning the elections which is a one or two months campaign.  It is about how we are governed after and between elections which is a 60 month process.

The story of Carlisle is a typical case of we the people standing aside and looking on and of course calling Mat in the Morning to vent and then life goes on. It is the case of we the people loving to hear Carlisle’s report on the ills in our society but when he is being crucified because of it like the biblical Peter the disciple we turn away, “I know not this man.” Not even the colleagues in the media seem to think that this has anything to do with them after all they think that it is all none of their business and they should watch out for ‘My Self’ and no other. I would have expected a call of a meeting of reporters and media workers  at the very least to send in a protest letter on his behalf and even threatening not to report on the House until this matter is settled favourably. It cannot be that a draconian sentence is passed on one of their colleagues banning him from part of his life’s work and seeking to interfere with his income and credibility while they stand aside staring into space as if to perversely ignore his plight.

Martin Niemoller who died in 1984 was a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in concentration camps for daring to oppose the all-great Fuhrer. He said these telling lines at one of his lectures after the war ended:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

He believed the leaders of the Protestant churches—had been complicit through their silence in the Nazi imprisonment, persecution, and murder of millions of people.

It is my view that the media workers are all complicit in the murdering of the talent of one of their own and if they are asleep at the wheel of their fortune and simply think it is Jesus who must take the Carlisle wheel then they should be prodded awake because just like it turned out for Martin Neimoller it may be later than they think.

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39 Comments

  1. mine
    February 23, 2015

    PAPA DON DIEU what happen to Dennis?

  2. Intransigent 1
    February 21, 2015

    How long will we the people using Dennis’s expression just continue to say good article?
    All over the world people are standing up to power and demanding their rights. When not responded to they take it. Even Isis even if I disagree with their savagery.
    The little Phats think they are so power ful I would round them up and open a modern concentration camp for the Neo DLP-ites.

  3. February 21, 2015

    My God? please deliver us from such tyranny.

  4. fantastic4
    February 21, 2015

    Carlisle again”! the big constitutional offices making Carlisle a football- taking target practice on him. First it was the President kicking him out of the swearing of Linton now the Speaker kicking out of parliament; PM Skerrit your Olive tree not taking root because there are no branches being extended from it or those guys are taking from your que that you never really meant it.

  5. van
    February 21, 2015

    Reporting and writing at its best.

  6. Example
    February 21, 2015

    Denis, I got lost in chapter 1. Your rambling and raving gives me hypotension. Well since you mention Matt, I think he should address, as to why the teen stood around DAWASO and spill their business in the streets of Roseau on carnival Monday night. Those who have glass houses should never throw stone.

  7. femmedominique
    February 20, 2015

    Mr. Joseph you could not have said/written it any better. At the same time, I just cannot understand this is the same Dominica that lead the Caribbean in UNDERSTANDING what it is/was to work towards democracy.

  8. Francisco Telemaque
    February 20, 2015

    “He believed the leaders of the Protestant churches—had been complicit through their silence in the Nazi imprisonment, persecution, and murder of millions of people.”(Denis Joseph).

    Denis, you need to remember, the Roman Catholic Church supported everything which took place in Hitler, and Nazi Germany (Deutschland). And indeed encourage slavery. So, indeed one who refuse to speak out against the wrong is a supporter, and upholder of the wrong and every evil. Many Dominicans brand me an idiot because I speak out against Skerrit’s government. Funny though when I defended him I was perhaps a lived boy. However I would be a hypocrite, an idiot to runoff my mouth in his support the trash that is happening in the country, even to Austrie’s conduct in the House today!

    • Francisco Telemaque
      February 20, 2015

      “I was perhaps a lived boy.”

      That should be loved boy. At the very top it should read “the Protestants were not the only religions to support Hitler, the Roman Catholic contributed to the horror also.

  9. DEMOCRACY 4 DOMINICA
    February 20, 2015

    Well said Dennis. DOMINICA WAKE UP!!!!!

  10. ??????????????
    February 20, 2015

    Dennis when will you stop showing your political side in your articles. On top of that, you are attacking Christians. David could have killed Saul but he did not because Saul was the Lord’s annointed. I am asking you to read Numbers 12 Dennis and I hope you learn a lesson. Touch not the Lord’s anointed. Let Jehovah deal with the Christian – fake or true. Vengeance is mine saith the Lord Dennis not my word. He doesnot need no one to help him and for your information, there is no bible verse that states that “Jehovah God helps those who helps themselves”. Research it Dennis and repent sir! I look forward to a more objective article from you even if you do not support the Government. When you criticize, you need to give alternatives not trying to get people angry. Time for a man like you (previous DBS reporter) to teach the ignorant out there and let them learn.

  11. Rough Road
    February 20, 2015

    if it have one time I agree with the old speaker is this time around..Carlisle is too irresponsible as a journalist…he was wrong to try and enter with his camera when he knew it was forbidden…let him stay in the yard minding men and women business in the usa

  12. Fini bat
    February 20, 2015

    Well reported brother – the people must stand up – Carlisle is the voice and the conscience of the people even the ones that have no clue what the DLP has done and doing to them

    • Osanna Mowanga
      February 20, 2015

      Wow,great piece of writng Mr. Joseph. Lots of food for thought.
      we need to support each other in their struggle. Today is Carlisle tomorrow may be someone else.
      Do not back down Mr Jno-Baptist.
      Keep on. Stand strong. Do not allow this woman to frustrate. Show her you are the bigger man.

    • Gary
      February 22, 2015

      Really, how reckless are you to say that Carlisle is the voice and the conscience of the people, Wow what utter nonsense to believe.

  13. A Doubting Thomas
    February 20, 2015

    As a media personal yourself who is interested in writing the truth, it would have helped the readers that you did some research before writing the article and would have gone to the source before you wrote on his behalf and have something to tell us. Saying you do not know does not help us.

    He must know the reason why but you are guessing; wouldn’t you agree? But of course, the easier thing to do rather than go to the source is to attack the Speaker once again and call on others without knowing why they should support him. Ask the gentleman to tell us the real reason. He must know.

    • Ba Yo Bwa
      February 20, 2015

      Well put. Trust me, he knows. They all roll in the same circles. Plus, Dominica is too small for Dennis not to know. I agree with you however that Dennis should let the man speak. More importantly, let the players speak. Conduct the necessary interview of both parties. Indeed, third parties too. On matters of so much import, some level of triangulation of the “facts” need to be attempted, for Dennis to be credible. But I suspect that would be asking for too much, considering fact checking is not something we do in support of our public positions in Dominica anymore.

      And where did Carlisle train as a journalist of mention anyway?

    • Titiwi
      February 21, 2015

      Carlisle said on Matt’s programme that when he walked into the House with an umbrella years ago the Speaker accused him of carrying a microphone to record and banned him. If that is correct the Speaker certainly never admitted her error and made amends. Of course, if you know different you are free to blog your version. I look forward to it.

  14. pedro
    February 20, 2015

    The behavior of the Speaker is formulated by the Labour Party to wipe out the opposition forces in the country. ALBA was established to transform our political system. A system of a one Party State. Carlisle represent a voice of truth, and independent thinking are not allowed in a totalitarian state.

    • Malgraysa
      February 20, 2015

      It goes beyond ALBA. China is also a one-party state and Skerrit has been set up as a vasal to rule Dominica on behalf of China, just like the Romans did with their conquests over 2,000 years ago. Only the Chinese are more subtle in their approach. If Skerrit thinks he is the boss, he is not and must pay homage to Beijing.

      • The truth
        February 23, 2015

        Really??? My God, we people are really loosing it.

      • Jaime 2 Malgraysa
        February 23, 2015

        Malgraysa! You Go Girl.

  15. COMBOS
    February 20, 2015

    wow, that is deep.. this man should sing his song on q fm (wice) we want to hear it.. carlisle brings the stories out to us and we love and appreciate it to the max… long live carlisle long live carlisle

  16. Truth and Justice
    February 20, 2015

    By the time Dominicans awake to their sitution they would be bound in slavery of their making their is another issue which is not being addressed, in Dominica the situation of the street venders versus Courts and Whitchurch,big cooperation the slave masters child ren versus the indegenious Domincan, and the government of the land is supporting not the local but the slave Master, but who are the people in power, people who forget their histoyr, so once again those in power repress the people Carlisle is an example ,the street vendors are another example,slowyl and surely the rights of the people of Dominicaare being eroded by forign interest. Everything that the Leblanc Labour party stood for is being flushed down the sewar in the name of slavery called tourism, capitalism, socialism, the only thing that remains is the poverty of ideas and ignorance of those who should know better.

  17. Ba Yo Bwa
    February 20, 2015

    From the Standing Orders of the House (Parliament) of Dominica, Section 83 – Press, reads: “The Speaker may grant a general permission to the representative of any journal (The Media, in today’s terms) to attend the sittings of the House under such rules as he may make from time-to-time for that purpose. If such rules are contravened, the permission may be revoked.”

    Say what you want, Dennis, the Speaker is completely on sound footing, supported by law, in her decision to ban Carlisle for having violated the terms under which he was invited to the House.

    Unlike you and other UWP operatives, most of us want a Dominica where the law prevails and orders civil society. Unless and until you guys remain in he House, choose to serve on the Standing Orders committee to deliberate and inform changes to the status quo, you, Carlisle et al are bound to abide by the law.

    Is that simple.

    • Anonymous
      February 20, 2015

      Why is it only convenient for people to remember the law when it suits them? Your very PM does not care a dam or follow the law of this land, only when it pertains to him. I may be wrong, but, ask your President about the law as he sees it today as oppose to when he advocate against it. It is unfortunate that DA has fallen into the hands of the lesser few; but DA will be liberated as some countries do – One Day as I have seen Big men fall. Patience people.

      • mine
        February 21, 2015

        We all can fall also you don’t wish it not even your enemy.

      • The truth
        February 23, 2015

        “DA has fallen into the hands of the lesser few.” Are you for real? Three months ago the majority of Dominicans voted a government 15-6 yet you are making such a statement. This is a complete disrespect for the majority of Dominicans who have choosen their leaders.

    • My View
      February 20, 2015

      So what rule did Carlisle contravene? You wicked labourites. Your time must COME TO A SAD END!!!!

      • A Doubting Thomas
        February 20, 2015

        I often wonder why UWP call labourites wicked and why they believe only labourites time Must COME TO A SAD END.

        Does the UWP believe that their time will come to a good end?

        We know their time must come to an end because all our time on earth must come to an end someday. So is the end which all of us must come to – is it about a sad end and a good end and when a UWP dies the UWPites will rejoice is that what you are trying to tell us?

        That non-UWPites will be sad and real UWPites will rejoice when their end comes? I cannot understand the obsession with the end of labourites. What did that calypsioan sing ago oh yes, You never know. You may just end up getting the bad you wish on someone – you never know.

        I wish everyone good because you never know.

      • True Politics
        February 22, 2015

        So what rule did the speaker broke?

  18. Observer
    February 20, 2015

    Do we an organization representing media workers here? If yes, is Denis Joseph a member of that august body? If he is not then the obvious question is why? If the answer to the first question is yes, then how comes Mr. Joseph was not so forceful about the treatment that was meted out to the young reporter Kisha (DA Vibes) at the hands of his (Denis’) Political leader. Remember the “nasty politics” remark when his leader was questioned about a simple matter – his attempt to export Crab backs without a permit. In fact Mr. Joseph maintained a deafening silence. Perhaps he was not in tuned with what was happening. Has Carlisle sought to “make peace” as it were with the Speaker? Remember when he called her a “vermin”? “vermin” is an expression that is used to describe the scandalous behaviours of our female folks. I believe a “tete a tete” between Mr. Jno. Baptiste and the Speaker can yield more benefits for Carlisle than his constant media bashing of the Speaker on public talk…

    • Zandoli
      February 20, 2015

      Last I checked, the House was not the speaker’s private residence. This is the people’s house of parliament. The speaker cannot treat the place as if she owns it.

    • Free and Fair
      February 20, 2015

      Are you suggesting the reason for the Speaker’s continued ban on Carlysle is personal? That is to say, he called her a ‘vermin’? Under which rule of the House does that fall?

    • February 21, 2015

      It was Alix Boyd Knights who stood up in Trafalgar and described HERSELF as a Vermin. Get your facts straight.

  19. DEAL or NO DEAL
    February 20, 2015

    Dennis, why can’t you agree that WE THE PEOPLE have taken a stand and have spoken?

    • Titiwi
      February 21, 2015

      Deal or no Deal I am one of the people and did not vote for Roosevelt Skerrit ( believe me, to vote for the Labour Party is to vote for one man only, SKerrit!). So do not speak on my behalf or the many, many other voters who continue to be ridiculed and disregarded. That attitude only makes my resolve stronger.

  20. AWADAT?
    February 20, 2015

    Majority of media workers will remain mumb…..They support Skerrit and his gang. If they dare, they will be ………………………..we all know. Signs of dictatorship

    • Ma Moses
      February 21, 2015

      I do not think they necessarily support Roosevelt Skerrit but may be cowered into silence in case they risk their career or lose their jobs. That is the hallmark of a totalitarian regime I’m afraid. I feel more sorry for them than blame them.

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