Dominica’s Labour Commissioner, Dr. Matthew “Ross” LeBlanc has resigned from the Dominica Public Service after fourteen and a half years of dedicated service.
Dr. LeBlanc, who has been on vacation leave since July, resigned before he returned to work. His resignation took effect on September 24th.
“The decision was well deliberated upon and in my view, very timely and appropriate,” Dr. LeBlanc told Dominica News Online.
He said while some may wonder why at a time when the global and national economies are constrained. “I would decide to walk away from my job while everyone is crazy to find work. I say to you that the Lord is my provider and even in time of greatest troubles he remembers those who trust in him,” he said.
Dr. LeBlanc has spent 25 years of public service, also serving as a police officer who specialized in criminal investigations at the C.I.D for more than ten years.
He was the first and only Labour Commissioner in the region to hold a Doctor of Philosophy or Science Degree. In addition to his Doctorate in International Relations and Political Affairs, he also has a Master’s Degree in International Economic Relations, a Bachelor of Laws Degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration & Affairs as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Negotiations.
“I hope the working people of Dominica will continue to benefit for many years from my inputs in policies and laws on Labour and Immigration both in Dominica and the Caribbean. It is my hope also that my example of resilience will inspire those who knew me best, to be positive and always to do what is right before God first, in order to live in his peace and be strengthened by his joy,” Dr LeBlanc added.
Dr. LeBlanc was one of the most qualified in the public service and had gained years of experience as he was the only Labour Commissioner in the OECS and CARICOM who simultaneously managed Labour and numerous aspects of Immigration during his tenure.
This led him to have been identified and retained by the CARICOM College of Trade Negotiators in 2011, to be the lead spoke person for CARICOM on Labour matters during the CARICOM/Canada Trade Negotiations.
He is also among Dominica’s most knowledgeable experts on regional integration and the free movement of persons and labour.
During his entire tenure, he served on the Dominica/Caricom Joint Working Group on the movement of Labour and Persons as well task the Dominica/OECS Regional Integration Task Force, for the free movement of persons. He was the Managing Desk Officer for all matters concerning CARICOM Skilled Workers Certification and served on the Dominica Technical Vocational Education and Training Council (DTVETC) for more than ten years.
His work also involved the promotion of International Labour Standards and Occupational Safety and Health awareness in the workplace, the promotion of the ILO HIV workplace policies, Labour Inspections and the provision of counseling and advisory services to the public as well as his management and leadership in Alternative Dispute Resolution (Conciliation, Mediation, and Negotiations) in Dominica.
Dr. Leblanc is reported to have had an excellent working relationship with his social partners and was highly respected among other managers in the public service.
He enjoyed a remarkable relation with all Trade Union leaders in Dominica and leaders of the numerous employer’s representative, including the Dominica Employers Federation, the Hotel and Tourism Association as well as the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce.
Dr. LeBlanc is a linguist with fluency in five languages which includes French, Spanish Italian, and Portuguese. This made him a versatile manager within the Public Service and provided the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs with a rare and peculiar talent.
During his tenure as Labour Commissioner, Dr. LeBlanc made several appearances on national television and various local radio stations informing the public on matters of labour and industrial relations and providing much clarity on numerous matters of interest to the public, such as sick leave and vacation leave, redundancy benefits, termination of employment, employment safety as well as matters concerning work ethics, among many others.
Why the long CV, DNO? Is it essential to the main story (his resignation from the public service)? The reader is more interested in the reason(s) for his departure. And how long did he spend in the public service- 14 or 25 years? The article left me confused.
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I want to congratulate Doctor Leblanc for his service to Dominica but at the same time I am concerned about what’s up next because I remembered Charles Savarin retired from a government minister one day and next day he was Skerrit’s President. I also remembered when Gretta Robert was kind of removed from a School and, there was a national outcry only to find out she was going to be Skerrit’s candidate for Grandfond. I thought of that dasheen man that was allegedly beaten by a government minister for alleged stolen dasheen, only to find out the man got his little house and said on a labor platform that if he knew he would have taken his blows longtime. Now I am hearing Mr. Leblanc is from the Vielle case area together with wicked Skerrit and Kid on the block who is known to be a defender of Skerrit, is now saying that Mr. Leblanc is his good friend, I really have reservations about what to say to him. So for now I will play it by ear.
well qualified indeed, yet under his tenure Chinese laborers were able to get work permits. issuing of work permits to unskilled workers is something which has not been done before, and those positions are normally reserve for locals since they form the majority of the population. just a well qualified bureaucrat who did not serve in the interest of Dominicans! see the amount of youth on the streets, unskilled and unemployed, facilitator of kleptocracy.
I fully agree 100%. These certificates and qualifications means nothing if they are not used to benefit the public in such an important position. All there is an embellishment of his personal achievements but didn’t help the needy. That’s what God wants from us. He allowed us gifts and talents and wealth etc. but we can use these blessings to benefit only self.
Dr.Leblanc is a personal friend of mine.My brother,I wish you the best in all that you do.I remember you as a young policeman.
How could a man of such good character and be your personal friend you kid on the block. I wanted to say some nice things to Mr. Leblanc but after reading your comment I changed my mind because little kid, you have been a supporter of everything evil and knowing both Skerrit and Rossie Leblanc are from the Vielle case area, I wouldn’t be surprised that you that little kid is from Vielle case as well and the Evil has corrupted the good.
With friends like that he does not need any enemies.
Perhaps he is going to open his own church. There is much more money to be earned in the church/god business.
Your slight at the gentleman of impeccable character is quite uncalled for. Why such a distasteful insinuation? But, again, when a ‘leader’ is corrupt, vile and mischievous, his diehard adherents like you, take on his persona.
When the best of our people are frustrated into leaving the public service, while we worship and celebrate incompetence, mediocrity, inefficiency and gross ineptitude simply for political favours and nepotism, you know that we are finished as a nation! Dr. LeBlanc you are a distinguished and professional son of the soil, honest and humble public servant, Dominica needs more like you! But sadly you do not belong with the “den of thieves” to quote our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Dominicans do not deserve you! I wish you all the best in the future and may the good Lord continue to guide and protect you. We support you, your honesty, integrity and genuinity 100% – God bless you, my Dominican brother!
Here we go again. These guys make everything political. What a shame. If you do not have anything sensible to say, just keep your mouth shut for one minute.
You should talk! Calling the kettle black madam.
Wow! Here’s wishing Mr. Leblanc every good success in his future endeavors. God bless you and may he keep you in his peace.
This man should be heading the whole government, and I know for sure is some noncens in the government that think they know more than him, with no respect .
I’m not casting any aspersions on the good Doctor. This is just an observation.
Too many Dominicans have this tendency to put people on a pedestal for mentioning God. Mr. Skerrit exploits this every election campaign.
I’m not at all impressed with those who often shout God’s name and quote scriptures. Convince me of your unshakable faith in God by practising God’s words, that is, by walking in His footsteps.
Umm but he just did by walking away from a good job in this hard times! What more proof do you want of his faith in God!?
God has left this land… only a few good men still walk it to stay his hand from exacting retribution.
You have done well Sir. Your work will never go unnoticed. You know when it’s time to move away.
God bless.
You know sometimes I wonder what are you all’s opinion based on. No doubt Dr. Le Blanc is well qualified, but can you see tangible results of his work on the Dominican labour landscape? Remember racketeering at the Labour Division? Remember the debacle with the Haitians? Who was at the helm then.
The sooner we stop basing our decisions on emotions, and our love for people, the sooner Dominica will become better.
bour division
Dr. LeBlanc academic achievements are very impressive indeed. I, however, like to judge people on qualifications of course but much more on performance.So, I would like to judge this very erudite doctor on his performance as labour commissioner.
Is the state of labour relations in Dominica satisfactory? Were workers exploited by the government and private enterprises? Were workers rights respected by their employers?
I can’t answer these pertinent questions in the affirmative. What I know that labour relations between employers and employees leave much to be desired. There is a pressing need to educate the labourforce about their rights.
I’m awaiting to hear more from you Dr.
I left the public service in 2017 but before that I heard this man pray at a function and he left a mark, I felt a fire in my bones. I saw him as a humble person then, hope he still is now. Never knew he had accomplished this much. It is indeed a blessing to see those who put God first do well. Sir I wish you every success and God’s guidance.
This is an impeccable resume’. What else can parents, especially the mother, ask for from a son/child. Well grounded, Mr. LeBlanc. You deserve a break. Next step, hopefully, a run for Prime Minister.
He is more qualified and even experience than that ___________ that there!!!
A lesson for inspector cuffy…..you were appointed by a few stupid diasporans to hunt their brother…jah let the cabal frame you…all wickidnesd is wicked ness
Reading this, it seems more like a resume for a job application. If so qualified in everything, why not serve our beloved country until retirement age? Something happened somewhere. And he was out since July? Ehh??? I’m sorry I don’t have anything available for you now. But you’ll find something good. They have good people at CARICOM. Trustworthy folks. Ehh heh
Wow well rounded man..and as u say, God first
Thanks for your service sir. I never believed you would have survived this cabal simply because you were not one for nonsense. Even when the Haitian Scandal broke you held strong because your Hans were as clean as holy water. As a Cop in Possie and later Roseau you were well respected but those were the last days of integrity and service to country rather than man. I sincerely hope you will one day consider serving as Chief of Police because you were well suited for that job. So my brother, journey on for the world is now a global village and I am 10000% certain you will succeed in any country if you choose to immigrate. I remain tuned for news on your next venture.
Such a distinguished career but even more so is your faith in God! Another Dominican serving his country with class. May God continue to bless your life. All the best!