Suddenly, like the violent crash of a bomb-blast, Dominica nationals at home and in the Diaspora are awakened. They were once entrenched in a tradition of conspicuous and ubiquitous peaceful existence, but now it seems that it is no more.
The peace and tranquility of that nation has recently become under rapid challenge. Intellectuals, ordinary citizens and scoundrels alike are seeking to preserve her nostalgic status.
They are finding strength in the vision and agenda of the Peaceful World Movement, created and led by a native son, Chicago based, and internationally recognized criminologist and sociologist, Dr Peter K. B. St Jean.
The cost of the proposal is ridiculously high…the People of Dominica simply cannot afford it. Secondly, this whole issue of crime and violence has to start with our individual responsibility as people to self and country. What value do we place on human life today? Morality and individual responsibility cannot be paid for. I came across this and felt that this is timely:
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:-Knowing when to come in out of the rain; – Why the early bird gets the worm;- Life isn’t always fair; – And maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies, don’t spend more than you can earn and adults, not children, are in charge. His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights,I Want It Now,Someone Else Is To Blame,I’m A Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
-John Alexander Oberman
I did not see Dr. St. jean call anyone a morun and I do not know him to be that type of person and he would denounce such vile ways of referring to people. Let’s be civil to each other.
So Southman is asking Dr. St. Jean to do it for free. That is interesting. We can spend all sorts of money for campaigns and such but something so important should for free. Wow.
I think we have found ourselves in a position where we not able to deal with crime anymore and therefore peace sounds like a far-fetch-thing now.
The once pecaeful Dominica lost its way because of three major components of peace, which is the strengh of any country, fell apart around 2004 and we did not take notice. Yes, I am referring to: Spirituality, Justice, and Good Governance.
Since I am a Christian I want to start with the church.
1.Spirituality. The church ought to be the backbone of any strong and peaceful nation, since its key role is to stand against unrighteousness. Is that what we are doing today? I remember during the reign of UWP, the evangelicals stood against any mistake made by the UWP administration. We chastized them for just about anything that we did not like. Lead by evangelist P.A. we gave them no break. Now at that time I really did not see any spiritual blunder but because we were encouraged to stand against wrong doing, we all jumped on board not knowing that our spiritual leaders were indeed politicians who used the church as their platform. Today, we can see evil all around but the church is busy covering evil. It is that same evangelist PA who is now telling us that God has blessed us with a God fearing PM. For the first time we have a Christian leader as the spiritual advisor to the PM. However, I cannot understand why in the midst of all what’s going on the so called spiritual advisor has failed to resign.
2.Our Justice system has failed us miserably. They go all out after the poor but when their frinds and associates are involved, they do all they can to shield them. Even now we have a person of interest whose name was called in the Christmas morning fire, and the PC said that he would do what it takes to bring him down for investigation. Where is he Now? Do you think they don’t have his addrees, phone number and other important info?
3. The Government. At one time they were honorable men and women but how have they fallen! The names of these leaders are mentioned in just about everything that is wrong. Our constitution has no meaning for them and they continue to be currupt and pay lawyers to defend them. When these components of peace have left us, we will have nothing but confusion.
No JESUS..No Peace. Know JESUS..Know Peace.
ALl of those proposals are excellent but there is not a nation in this world that can experience lasting peace to any degree without an infused double dose of CHRIST and righteous living. Proposals based on self righteousness can only result in temporary solutions which ultimately float to the bottom as filthy rags. The issues facing Dominica and the world today are clearly addressed in the BIBLE and can only be resolved with spiritual solutions. Not only did the BIBLE outline that these problems will surface in times like these, but it gave us the answer on how to fix them. “If my people which are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from Heaven, forgive their sins, and heal the land” 2 Chronicles 7:14. Let’s go back to God and obey the 10 commandments. God is not going to change his mind on how to fix things at our convenience. The Devil is on the sideline laughing at our “0” prayer lives and having his demons go out and destroy our folks. I regret having to utter these words but most people who are so inclined to embrace science generally open the windows of their mansions and seemingly throw GOD out and replace him with their educational achievement. God is asking us to get Wisdom and the spirit of discernment to live peacebly with all men.
SMH ….
WOW, so you mean if we pray every single one of our problems will cease to exist……WOW!!!! WOW that’s all I can gather myself to say like B.A B.A – waaaaaaaaaawwwwww
CRITICALLY CRITICAL: I would have expected you of all criticizers to get the point but obviously you cannot. You seem to flip flop with every other comment of yours. Maybe you should take a chill pill, clear your sinuses and join the next conversation.
I am critical, and critically so….the essence of what you are conveying is vague any almost non existent, please be more explicit….YES we must pray, but that is not all, because god promises to help those who help themselves, and rightfully so, because all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do NOTHING!
I know its cliche but i’m sure you get my point
WOW that’s nice
so thank u 
So for all these thousands of years the bible and religion is around yet we are still talking about peace.
The bible and other intiatives can work together to help bring about true peace.
Some of the most wicked set of people are those in the churches crying down on us.
Dr. St.Jean;
You will never be alone….why?
This intiative reminds us of the mission of Christ in a time when technology can definitely enhance the miracles of now times.
Your thought process has endorsed the dream of repairing a hurt people which cannot be done without a peaceful backdrop; otherwise cracks will open for corruption and deception.
As far as we see,You are going the right way.. the educated and humble way…and if there are ways for improvement . it will come from the workers of this initiative…we must get off the ground and start the implementation as soon as possible.
We are seeing this initiative as part of the reparation that is internal to Africans in the west who inherited nothing after 500 years of total destruction of the fibre of manhood….the mere idea of you in such a position of influence tells wonders of the human spirit….your forefather being a slave…we can overcome if we will.
The struggle to restore people stripped of their core, to our rightful place on the human stage will only be addressed by us (the children of the africans who laboured without pay). IT WILL NOT BE OFFERED ON A PLATTER. OUR INTELECTUAL POWER IS THE WAY OUT.
However,BEING IN THIS LAND FOR THAT LONG WE HAVE COME TO REALISE THAT THE SAYING…YOU CAN BRING A HORSE TO WATER BUT DONT DARE FORCE IT TO DRINK..holds stronghere.
This reality is strong here on this economice slave plantation where our leaders facilitate this ugly perpetuity.True to say….allllllll
We are now experiencing a recycling of a society of a pool of the left overs of the shattel slaves who really need to be nurtured into true humanity… the criminals were not born that way.. they inherited it from a criminal society who deprived them of the basic tools to wind their way of out poverty and injustice.
Thank you.
We wish you well.
On the other hand, like Mr. Christian who almost bled to be embraced with his remedial programs for Waitikubuli is now being welcomed by an African nation to invest and work among the dispossesed…..
Dont allow yourself to behurt by ungrateful exslaves who lace themselves with jealousy, greed, and prefere to leave their old rides to rot on the wayside than to hand it over to the youths to keep them occupy.. just an example of the mentality ofsome of us here.
Keep your head up and count your blessings… we do acknowledge this initiative as a blessing that can sustain the world starting whith this land; but surely a blessing to you and your children who once in the constant path of Christ will not be revisited by the curse of slavery.
Watch your hurdles as the keys for endurance
The message is a good one but why does the author present it in such a convoluted way?If you want to reach the maximum number of people you will have to apply the lowest common denominator and not obfuscate in a desire to show off your literary craft’smanship.By the way, could someone, please enlghten me? What are:”horn dogs”? Next time, please keep it simple for folks like me.
Cassandra,
because he’s intellectually endowed.
Dont complain when you are challenged in that direction. Get into the big picture.
listen to his lectures….all can understand.
His written word is more sophisticated..it’s my challenge too.
Keep wishing him well
A horn dog is someone who desperately would like you in his/her pants. He/or she (ladies can be horn dogs too) will do anything to get in your pants. Who let the horn dogs out? Bow Wow.
Roosevelt Skerrit has lost his mind. Are Dominicans sleeping?
don’t say that about Roosevelt skerrit or else will tell him.
Ha ha ha ha…the one named ‘Justice and Truth’ had to break up his 1000 word monotony by posting as ‘Anonymous’, ‘Time for Truth’,
‘Possy Radical’, my guess is he doesn’t reealize that DNO also has a chat room for all this. Some of your postings do make sense sometimes; but Man it’s getting too monotone, just get out of retirement, find a part-time job, comment from timt-to-time and give DNO readers a chance to read other contributions please/ Peace, Thanks a million!
in my opinion truth an justice is not a “good Shepard” He is trying to tell people that even when you are being trampled upon you must be humble and peaceful. while i appreciate peace, justice is crucial to maintaining that peace. we cannot expect to trample on peoples rights and expect for them to remain as sheep. this is ludacris to say the least. We must be careful of the interpretation these bad shepards employ to enslave the minds of the people. claiming that we have departed for gods ways when we awaken and start to demand accountability from those who owe it to us….should we always turn the other cheek and live obliviously.
The proposal is a good proposal especially when the increase media attention is given to Dominica because of hightened technology. However the proposal is at a really high cost which the Government has indicated that they cannot afford especially when there is no guarantee that it is going to be successful.
The government did not turn a blind eye to the proposal, when it was considered and response was given to Dr St Jean indicating that the Government cannot afford the proposal.
What happen to the diaspora helping their birth place. Dr. Peter K B St Jean is a Dominican and I think if the Government said that they cannot afford the project, he should meet them halfway and reduce the price of the proposal. Consider another option. What other option in terms of cost was given to the Government? What happen to negotiation? When he collected his statistics on Dominica, did he pay the police for their help? Did he pay the persons that he interviewed? How many abled Dominicans was involved in all the data collection when he was in Dominica doing research? This is an area revenue. Does the proposal include the employment of Dominican hence the distribution of revenue?
Were there enough statistics to be considered to the success of the program? Yes there are benefits to be derived from the proposal but would the cost outway the benefits hence the reason why the government thought it was too expensive?
The proposal is a good one but just too expensive. Dr. Peter K B St Jean, the cost of the proposal needs to be reconsidered. You should assist your country it you are a patriotic Dominican. I am not saying that it should be done at a $0 cost but it should be reduced in order for the government to be able to afford it. Don’t say that the government is turning a blind eye.
People be reminded that migration from Dominica started long ago even before 1980.
Let’s be realistic.
DA For 4 Real. Thanks for the questions and comments. If you read the posting I presented before this one, you will see answers to your concern.
We have offered the PM and Government opportunities to negotiate and they have not responded yet. We imagine that they will, in time. Meanwhile, we are letting people see the contents of the Plan and get their feedback. We are also seeking funding from other sources to for the same Plan.
The figures are not cast in stone and are negotiate in dialogue, where two sides participate. We are hopeful that this will still happen, notwithstanding that the Proposal is being viewed by other good citizens like yourself.
We cannot put an exact price on the value of peaceful existence and reputation, and measure it against the high financial, social, psychological and other costs of high crime and violence that we seek to avoid.
However, if one thinks that a start-up average of about 1.6mUS is too much to invest to avoid the crime problems of countries such as Trinidad, St. Kitts, Jamaica and even Antigua and St. Lucia, ask those countries what they would be willing to spend to avoid those problems.
By the way, I never said that the PM and Government are “turning a blind eye” on the proposal. They asked for the proposal in the first instance, and have reviewed it.
Of course, Dominica nationals will be employed in the process. No police did not get paid for stats; it does not work that way.
If you are serious about knowing more feel free to send me an e-mail or call. I hope that this clarifies some of your questions. Indeed this is realistic and we can collaborate to make it happen for our nation and Peoples.
Thank you for responding. I apologise, you did not say a blind eye but “Yes! Men of power are turning a deafened ear as horn dogs imperil all the land and intellectuals mourn for peace for they see the approaching danger” So if they asked for it and have review it perhaps they are still thinking of the negotiative approach.
Like I said the proposal is a good one and hope that the negotiation process will commence and the cost reduced so that it will be affordable for my country so that peace will prevail, Dominicans will find some form of revenue and all will be happy.
Good luck.
Dear Anonymous,
Thanks for the comments and questions. You are a great citizen.
Please be warned that this is a lengthy response, for to my mind, for good reasons. Your questions are great ones and deserve the attention.
See my responses below your comments which I placed in “quotations”.
“The problem is not that government will not engage the service or refuses to engage the services; the problem is with the price for the service!!! Can we at least come with a tailored price? Is it a take it or leave it at the current price?”
It is absolutely not a take it or leave it price. Not at all. The price can be considerably reduced. Certainly. I mentioned that in the proposal that our team is still ready to do so, we consider this a natural process for which we have not had an opportunity. The price reflected on the proposal is based on the implied value of the work and estimates based on certain expectations for outcomes. Even while writing the proposal, I had already considered sections that could easily be forgiven as pro bono or severely discounted during negotiation. The research that went into preparing the report is an example. The figures are important to outline the worth of the work that is being proposed – not a “must pay” bottom line. I have negotiated prices with the Government of Dominica before, to the point where both of us were satisfied. I welcome this process again. Here is what was written dated August 10th 2011 and available on our website at http://www.stjeanpeacefulworld.com/uploads/Letter_to_Prime_Minister_Skerrit_81011_C.pdf .
‘We also want to remind you that, as is the case with most proposals, the rates are open for discussion and potential negotiation. We expected that you would have attempted to negotiate costing and rates with us as part of the process before determining conclusively the extent to which the Proposal is affordable. We are still open to such discussions and negotiations.’
“The Prime Minister is only being practical!!!”
I do not disagree with you that the Hon. PM is being practical. If the money is not available, we need to seek outside sources as the PM said he is attempting to do by going to the OAS. I imagine that he will soon respond to our letter reminding him that we expected, and are still open to negotiating the price. This is for the Dominica Peoples, we can make it happen. We also believe that before taking the proposal to OAS or the like it should be tailored and updated. This will inevitably result in reduction in cost. An example is the line items of US$36,000.00 for the Peaceful Dominica Week events of 2011. That date is gone. Several other items are estimates and can be reduced in negotiations when expectations for outcomes are discussed and can change.
“Why it is the good Doctor cannot reach the Prime Minister half way?”
I am willing to meet the PM on behalf of our Peoples of Dominica more than half way. It is honestly not about making a certain amount of money for me. It is about being able to get the quality of work that I believe Dominica deserves done, and done well. We do not have to do it all at once, we can do what is practical, urgent and possible. We can make this happen before worsened problems demand an even bigger budget.
“Are there any guarantees with such a program?”
Good question. It is actually not a program, but an initiative– an entire system of actions designed to better gather, analyze, understand, disseminate, evaluate, and update a new and ground breaking approach to the issues confronting us based on existing understandings of what is possible as baseline efforts. It is based on developing a series of interventions to deal with a variety of important issues at the same time. It will entail a few programs. Programs are often short term and short lived, to produce results at certain points in time. We are talking here about a long term investment and investment into peace as an industry – creating PEACE JOBS, a CULTURE OF PEACE – HAVING PEACE AS PUPULAR CULTURE to replace the culture of violence and death that is to prominent in the world and present too close or already among us. It is about otherwise capitalizing on the economic power of peace.
On the question of guarantee, it is imbedded in the integrity of the approach itself. If you read the proposal, you will see trend analyses of crime. Based on those predications, we will be able to guarantee that given full implementation of an approach, certain results will be realized up to the point that is logistically possible based on scientific algorithms that I have formulated.
It will not be able, for example, to guarantee no homicide in 2012 if we happen to have about 10 this year. However, I can guarantee to realize certain reductions in burglaries through implementation of certain strategies. Read the proposal and you will get a better sense of what may be possible along the line of various crimes, based on the predictions that I have already calculated. If certain strategies are not working, we guarantee to adjust them through the process of assessment to recalibrate them to where they need to be. That is the spirit of guarantee I propose with this sort of social scientific approaches because you cannot really fully guarantee that people will actually behave themselves if they refuse to become motivated to do so – but certain sensible predictions are possible given certain initial and subsequent interventions. Makes sense?
“Are there success stories that we can be pointed towards?”
Vaughn Dodds and some of the conflicts we resolved in the Wesley area are examples in Dominica. Speak with some of the youth in Trafalgar, Grand Bay, La Plaine, Portsmouth, Salisbury, Mahaut, Wesley, Woodford Hill, and in some of the high schools, and the State College where I have done workshops. I have the video footage of their testimonies, and some of it is in our documentary, Peaceful Dominica: Prospects and Concerns whose premiere promo you can still see you Youtube. Of course the workshops do not entail the entire package, but they have gotten tastes of the promise. Speak with some of the police officers about the training that they received from my team and me in 2008—training that requires evaluation and update.
Read my first book Lessons from Grand Bay: Prospects for Maintaining Low Crime in Dominica, Nature Island of the Caribbean to see what the community safety effort realized in Grand Bay. These are some of the foundations that we stand on.
My pilot tests in the highest violent crime sections of Buffalo, NY, and Chicago, IL will produce testimonials from real people about changes that have occurred within themselves, their families, and communities as a results of the sort of teachings that I advance through the Peace Intelligence training that I have developed.
Some of the ideas such as development of Peace Intelligence training in schools, teaching of various forms of ethics and compassion techniques in schools show promise in literature but have not been implemented in any setting based on the new adjustments that I have introduced.
We are talking here about Dominica being the first nation in the world to develop peace as an economic industry and infusing it in various aspects of society as the Proposal outlines. Take for instance the recommendation for a Peace Czar. Dominica would be the first nation in the world, from my best knowledge and that of my colleagues, to invoke the services of such a person.
Some countries have Crime Czars and the like but not a special advisor to see to the development of peace as an economic industry – to advise the PM, Minister of National Security, Police Chief, local government, faith based organizations, businesses and ordinary citizens about critical issues relevant to the socio economic development of peace in the nation – and for that to be an industry that employs people and develops new careers.
I am sure that you have heard of the old adage that (s)he who fails to plan, plans to fail. We cannot continue to have a scattered approach to those crime related problems that face us. Instead we need to have a vision that is mounted on immediate, midrange, and long term plans with a platform which is evidence based – having the ability to be evaluated, and adjusted with time to meet the desired goals.
We are not too small, and too underdeveloped in our crime problems to invest in this vision of developing the double benefit approach toward peace: 1) Uunselfish and ethical economic, social, cultural, spiritual, and psychological prosperity while b) basking in the enjoyment of peaceful living. That is the vision of the Peaceful World Movement in
http://www.peacefulworldmovement.orgmovement.com.
This is about investing in a life-style change in ways that no nation in the world has done before. It is not the adaptation of a program that may or may not have succeeded elsewhere and may not fit our society. This is an initiative developed by the son of the soil based on a decade and a half of research, activism, and intervention, and piloting in various aspects of the Dominica society.
“Name one Caribbean Country that was once bad and have made a turnaround or making a turnaround!!!”
Kindly, once again, this is something new that I am asking Dominica to be the first country in the world to implement. There are interests elsewhere but I am still seeking to have Dominica be the first to implement and experience this new approach that I anticipate will set the trend for other nations.
We are often brainwashed to believe that the things that others create are always better than what we ourselves invent. We are encouraged to be consumers of knowledge rather than producers of it. We are taught to shop around for “best practices” when often the best we see is just not good enough.
What you read in the Proposal is only the surface of what is dynamically possible with this vision, and with our collaboration. No one else has thought of it to that extent, and has developed an action plan around such a vision before. This is why you will not know of it anywhere else at this time, but I can assure you that this vision will pick up momentum quite quickly.
I was taught when I was a little boy in Trafalgar that if I have something good to give, that I should first try to give it to those who love me, support, me, and are closest to me. This is Dominica to me, and I still hold those values. I was taught that after offering it to my people, others will see that if it was good enough to give my family, then it may be good enough for them.
I simply want to give Dominica the first opportunity to benefit from the cream of my inventions and creations. I am being completely honest with you.
Thank you for asking the question, and for because of good and wonderful people like you that I have devoted my life’s work to reducing suffering and improving quality of life. I would just like that my nation and Peoples get to make the best use of this vision while I am still on this earth, and not wait for after my death to search my files to know exactly what I wanted to lead us to accomplish.
Or to the very least, wait for someone else (who may well not look like me or have the love for our Peoples) to steal the Peace Industry idea, package it in another form, and sell it like some of the bottled water that some despise buying for lower prices in Dominica.
I believe that, as a doctor, my primary job is healing. This is the call that all doctors are challenged to do, from my point of view.
While my wife who is a medical doctor has the individual human body and sometimes the family as here patient, I see our entire society and humanity as my patient.
Like all good doctors, I care deeply for my patients, and only want to do the work that I am called here to do: to help reduce suffering, and improve quality of life.
The hottest thing on the market of my own creation is enshrined in the Proposal that you can read on our website, and has been submitted to our national leader and Peoples, for their consideration.
I see it as my duty to try to do my best for all of us, with the talent that has been lent to me.
On a final note, the posting of the proposal and the letter to the PM on the www is not intended to cause any embarrassment or trouble for anyone. It is a decision that my team and I made to help attract interests in the vision that we so strongly recommend for our nation.
We believe that the more that we circulate the vision around is the more we will have chances of getting the sort of necessary assistance to make this happen for our Peoples and nation.
I hope that I have answered all of your questions completely.
If not, feel free to post again or contact me at [email protected] or call me at 716-603-0992. I promise not to blow your “anonymous” cover. Please join our movement…. Peace, Love, and Unity.
Dr. Peter K. B. St. Jean
This man has a Phd in Bullshit!!!
We black people seem to be best at bringing down each other with hate and jealousy. We hate to see another man have, be it family or friend far less a stranger but when we do what ever we do to have what we have, by that time it becomes right.Why do we hate to see another black man making money because we not getting from it? At times even if we getting from it we would still help cause thier down fall.What is the matter with we black people? What is our role on this planet? Is it to be every other race football? Is it to pick up every other race garbage but fail to pick up that of another black? I fail to belive that because i know i love my country and my black race and wants the very best always. If unity is strength i hope that we can find this unity so to have this strength.
SMH…….. what jealousy you talking about????? STOP making excuses for those who deliberately misappropriate funds meant for community development among others…..i am tired of CLUELESS people using this jealousy card as a detractor to the heart of the issue. YES I am jealous, when people pocket money from projects funded by the EU, and plunder our resources FOR FREE not giving back a dime to the community and the people whom good intentions were directed to…. stop looking for excuses and apologies..
He who have no sin cast the first stone!
I often wonder if we humans really understand this meaning when ever we make comments, or do we at all ever seek to be balance in spite of. I happen to be a libran, which sign is the scale now am not a believer in this sign thing but just feel lucky that it represents me. I have found out that in the absense of…..(THE TRUTH) each opinion becomes…….(THE TRUTH). How is that possible? Don’t ask me but it seems to be based on ones bias. I always come here to DNO for the sake of laughter by reading the comments, yep it’s really amusing to read or listen to humans.The way they go at each other like am expecting someone to come at me although i believe it to be a black thing mainly to go each other.
One Stone it is not a black thing to go at each other. This kind of thing happens on all chat room, from CNN on FB to HLNs so stop bringing down the black peop;e.
This is a great article but I am left to wonder if it is not too late to speak out now. In order to speak out we need to be honest with ourselves as Dominicans and ask ourselves some very important questions such as:
1.How are we to speak out and by what means?
We cannot use the nation station (DBS radio)to speak out because since Dominica is very small and most of us are known and treated by the political colour we wear, by the time you open your mouth, you will be cut off and later get victimized by those in authourity.
2.Then we have Kairie FM which trats you the same manner that DBS treats us.
3.Q95 is the only station where people can voice out their frustration but we all know that they are under their rader and it is just a matter of time according to the PM.
4.Then we have DNO which gives us an invitation to post our comments. However, they are very careful with what they allow especially when you are critical of the administration. If you are getting at the opposition they will let you go all day. They allow DLP supporters like WIKILEAKS, BUWO, ANTI HATE to say what they want and sometimes allow them to post all like ten comments each, on any given subject. When you are an opposition, though they allow some critics but whenever you say something that really brings out the truth they will not post it. If you ask why, they are quick to say blame it on ‘Law suit’. Infact they are so much into it that they are now telling you that if you don’t like it, go somewhere else.
4. You have a PM that does not dialogue with the people he leads. He never calls a press conference where we could ask questions; though we often hear him on DBS and Kairie FM, he is never live where people could call. He only calls the program; We did not vote for Astaphan or Charles Savrin, yet they are the ones that want to address us.
So in reality, I believe it is already too late to speak and yet we cannot speak even if we lould like to. So maybe we may have found ourselves ina situation where we must FOREVER HOLD OUR PEACE.
DNO sometimes appear to be a bunch of bureaucrats. Have you had a chance to watch their avatar on gmail? I’m not sure they changed it but they seem to clearly NOT like black people (if they rightfully own the email address [email protected]) And yes sometimes they can be very unprofessional and very biased with whom and what they allow on the website.
When labour unions are free to stage industrial action when it is warranrted.
Justice is served and There will be peace.
When industrial action is taken and workers get paid fairly and ON TIME
Justice is served and There will be peace.
When unsolved crimes and murders are solved
Justice is served and there will be peace
When the gospel is used for its intended purpose, which is to free minds and unify rather than to enslave and divide.
Justice will be served and there will be peace.
When our leaders understand that peace cannot exist without justice
Then peace will endure forever.
I believed that the learned doctor diplomatically and discretely avoided the root of the problem so as not to draw unpleasant attention. I well understand that nowadays speaking truth to power and identifying problem areas(hitting the nail on the head) is not the popular problem solving methodology.
The cause of the turbulence in our social environment is deeply rooted in the socio economic status however the underlying solution the problem noted is squarely on the backs of those who are in position of leadership to include the leaders in government, opposition and religion.
It is imperative that we regain our independence – economic and mental. Over the last decade we have become a people so dependent on handouts. The politicians have propagated a hand me down culture. Today the people in Dominica are forced to seek the semblance of comfort in the bosom of the party in power. The people with the ability to be independent had to migrate ; trades men are gone , farmers have abandoned their plantations and the academia must start to signing to a discordant music by the party in power less they be left out to wither in the sun.
Are the politicians willing to change the status quo – It is not only evident that they won’t but it is also a fact that the only reason some of these people are in the position that they are is because the masses are forced to become supplicants to these leaders. During the 1980 Dominicans develop the pride of independence, the drive and desire to become entrepreneurs; The farmers had become a force to behold, construction workers and skilled men and women were finding employment.
How can we right the wrong , call a spade a spade or discard of the poisonous characters in influential positions when one’s livelihood is at stake. Why miss the only train leaving the station when there are no other forms of transportation. Essentially the man holding the money bag calls the shot in Dominica. The people who speak against the broken system are labeled as the enemy or are themselves another bunch of manipulators just fighting to get in under a different color cloak ; some run the risk of getting burnt alive, some could have their personal affairs released in the public domain. The problem we face is convoluted but fixable. However For the very same reason that Ivor Nassif will not encourage that we eat what we grow the political leaders are not interested in enhancing and promoting an independent minded people of Dominica.
Yes I believe so to “political Correctness” is on of the biggest impediment to truth! We resolve any conflicts with political correctness, it never allows one to address the root cause of any problem! I agree wholeheartedly with your anaysis
REAL REAL REAL TALK, remember the bible, YOU COULDN’T HAVE BEEN MORE REAL!!!!!!!
The problem is not that government will not engage the service or refuses to engage the services; the problem is with the price for the service!!! Can we at least come with a tailored price?
Is it a take it or leave it at the current price?
The Prime Minister is only being practical!!!
Why it is the good Doctor cannot reach the Prime Minister half way?
Are there any guarantees with such a program? Are there success stories that we can be pointed towards? Name one Caribbean Country that was once bad and have made a turnaround or making a turnaround!!!
STOP MAKING EXCUSES!
I am not making excuses so shut up
I have observed and I have experienced. I have my personal and spiritual views about peace and how to achieve it amicably. We are all in it and all of us are responsible for promoting peace and living at peace with others. If we fail God will hold us accountable.
Some time ago I wrote about what politicians need to know and do about to achieve peace and permanently so. We must not be hypocritical about it for God is not pleased with hypocrites since He knows our hearts.
Live God’s Commandments, worship Him, pray for everyone, not only ourselves, prayer, penance and sacrifice. Adverse thoughts and comments about and against God will not help to achieve peace.
I am emphasizing that there are some who renounce their Catholic faith to follow other religions. This has produced divisions, lack of love, peace and unity. Let me inform you that this does not please Our Lord Jesus Christ who founded His Church, that we might be one.
They also need to live at peace with others, their wives, girlfriends/boyfriends, other members of their families, co-workers other politicians and other members of society.
There are times we need to speak our truth without hating and insulting others.
They need to generate love towards others and neighbors whether they reside near us or even far away as also commenting on this Website.
They are not to initiate, legalize, promote, applaud, encourage and be complacent about immorality of any nature. This highly offends Our Lord.
God has set His Commandments which will never be severed or changed by mere mortal thoughts, words and earthly laws which specifically offend Him.
Our Lord told us prior to His Passion, Crucifixion and Death, “My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”
Some years ago He who is the Prince of Peace said to a saintly nun now departed, “Unless mankind (womankind) turns to My Merciful Heart there will be no peace.”
I am not a negative person but a confident one. However, knowing what Our Lord, The Divine Mercy said, unless we turn to him and ask him to cleanse our lives, our hearts, our souls, there is not going to be any peace. Mark my words.
We need to sincerely pray with a humble and contrite heart if we expect God to answer our prayers. We need to ask Our Lord to assist us, to erase all hatred and negativity from our hearts. We need to ask him to imbed love in our hearts, to have mercy on us and assist us to live better mortal (moral) and spiritual lives. We need to do this consistently. Our Lord said, “Pray without ceasing.”
One more mortal thought which is also a spiritual one, when you meet people, take a good look at their faces; listen to them and their conversations; also their reaction to discussions. Their reaction will tell much about them which they will not be able to hide. Then you will conclude if those people are peaceful, possess peaceful hearts and are capable of bringing peace to the world, to any country and its nationals or wherever they may be.
A few years ago I taped some religious songs which are all about peace based on Holy Scriptures. They are inspiring and uplifting. I love playing them for my family and friends. They bring much peace to my household and most of all my heart. I also ask the Lord to erase any hatred/ discord from my heart.
Our Lord said: “Ask and you shall receive…” Believe me He gives in abundance. As we do for others, lovingly, patiently, going that second mile and more in Jesus Name, He gives to us bountifully. Try it you will like it.
I will further state that some people are capable of living at peace with others. Others are incapable of doing so. They need to transform their lives, mortally (morally) and spiritually if they hope to achieve peace and successfully.
Finally, we must consider the young children, the youths/adolescents. Parents are to live in love and at peace and to teach their children about love and peace. We reside in a different era of bygone years. It is necessary that this also includes the schools which the young children attend.
Education and discipline commence from the home, the moment that children are able to understand. The schools and church must play an important part in their lives while they have the opportunity.
This is the remedy for peace and for sustaining peace in our environment, wherever we may reside.
As the saying goes, we have to nip it in the bud and strike while the iron is hot. This means while children are innocent.
We must not blame society for what we have become or what the children have become. Yes! Adults and mentors, good models could be an example to them by words and example. We have only ourselves to blame if we fail in all these respects. Much more could be stated about this.
God bless every one. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with each and every one of us. May His peace be restored to society and Dominica in general.
Are you saying that I should teach my children to accept peace where there is no justice??? I am catholic, NOT A MORMON. I don’t think that I am born to be subjected to any mans whims and fancies nor are my children. I want peace for my children, so I must seek justice now. Justice is the seed I must help my nation to ingrain into the culture of our people, so that peace can prevail and endure. EZEKIEL chapter 22 v23-31 and chapter 34
WOE BE UNTO THE BAD SHEPARD WHO CLAIM “THE LORD SAYETH, WHEN THE LORD HAS NOT SPOKEN” WHO LEAD MY FLOCK TO THE LIONS MOUTH AND ALLOW WILD BEASTS TO ROAM THE PASTURES AND SLAUGHTER THE FLOCK..
THE PATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS BESET ON ALL SIDES BY THE TYRANNY OF WICKED MEN, BLESSED IS HE WHO GUIDES THE WEAK ALONG THIS PATH FOR HE IS TRULY HIS BROTHERS KEEPER….
READ AND INTERPRET THE MEANINGS FOR YOURSELF
THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL
this chapter is very intresting please write another scrpt
The Lord’s church is not the Catholic Church. The Lord’s church is those that have the testimony of Jesus. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy. Read Revelations: 19: 10. Also read Revelation 14: 12 here are the patience of the saints. Here are those who keep the commandments of god and the faith of Jesus. The Catholic church does not keep Sabbath so this church was not founded by God. Hence in trying to respond to this article by saying and I quote, I am emphasizing that there are some who renounce their Catholic faith to follow other religions. This has produced divisions, lack of love, peace and unity. Let me inform you that this does not please Our Lord Jesus Christ who founded His Church, that we might be one. You have just turned me off.
very good article my dear friend dotor st jean,but some of us in Dominica who’re party color blind will turn it into something else,and careful the boss of dominica who is Skerrit attack you like a pitt bull eh, because no one can speak about the wrong that is goin on now,so many young people astray what do we expect crime must be on the up rise help us all lord.
The wrath of Rebecca Theodore’s pen. Now I see the reason why you are paid big money to write and speak, Take all criticism as jealousy my girl…
I am glad to see the proposal that Dr. St. Jean and his group of people in Dominica and living overseas are trying to put forward to advance our country getting widespread coverage. I am an 18 year old who has attended Dr. St. Jean’s workshops in my community of Grand Bay from 2008 when he visited with police that he was training, and he is a good source of encouragement for many young people and me. I heard him say on the radio sometime ago that the youth understand clearly what a peace economy is about. I for sure get and support it. He explained it again on Mapin Tv with Athie last year. I want all Dominicans to read the proposal on the Peaceful World Movement website that they have. I want to be one of the young persons leading this positive change for our people. They already have my support and I am calling on other young persons to support what we are doing. I hope the idea gets money behind it to help us.
Thank God an intelligent educated person whew thought Dominica was dead and buried.
Very sound article and advise. A previous post made reference to a song “pull string” I know of another one “who let the dogs out hoew hoew!! See what they did to the Knighted one when he posted a commentary highlighting the constitution and the law as it relates to Foriegn alligence – all that the gentleman did was to interpret the law for the ordinary man like me and to go on to mention in essence that in addition to the law one talking the Oath against that same law and the constitution has a moral responsibility to be truthful and honest to the very law and constitution and by extension to the people. For that the dogs were let loose on him. So Dr St Jean the mere fact you mentioned the Prime Minister dancing around the issues – garcon watch out – you next ; the new saying now is at ” the appropriate time nad now the place” they will unleash on you just wait and you will see; I honestly think given the trend in St Lucia, Trinidad and St Kitts we need to take your project on board sooner rather then later before it is to late.
Brilliant article – and as the comment above said We know the song “Pull string” but there is another famous one ” who let the dogs out hoew! howe!” watch out Dr. Peter St. Jean like Sir Brian who educated us on the law and the constitution and although the law and constitution says one thing the persons taking an oath against that same law and constitution has a moral obligation to be truthful. And now who tell the Knighted one to say that garcon they let the dogs out on him – and the mongrells not satisfied yet – so look out brother they coming at you soon–they juet waiting for ” the appropriate time and now place”. Garcom meh debar!!
alas, that Rebecca Theodore lady really cannot write!
Alas! I sorry you don’t understand.
of cost I understand bobo
don’t say that if u say that again u are mean
sir we have the same problem coming up here in Dominica we have a hi level of poverty, unemployment in our country started from 2002 sometimes while crime is not right we have to take a look at what is driveling crime, people may do it for fun or anger, most of the time is because of anger. were there is no jobs to help people leave better crime will increase, in Dominica its hard to know at the end of the month your unemployed cant get a job & have a family to care for & politicians talking nonsense about the economy is growing in Dominica, sir one more thing we seem to be ignoring is the increase in I.T Technicians that growing in Dominica every body wants to do I.T now were are the jobs in that field! some might engage into electronic crimes because of unemployment, we need to be concerned about this before it gets to late
“we have a hi level of poverty, unemployment in our country started from 2002 sometimes”
Dude, are you halucinating or something with that statement? It’s amazing how some people just like to make absurd stements without backing them up with facts. Truely amazing!! Only in DA!!!
how many of us remember this calypso:
PULL IT PULL IT
A PULL STRING!!!!
pull string sa la CA COULAY DOMINIQUE
STOP USING YOUR POSITIONS TO INFLUENCE WHO GETTING WHAT, WHEN, WHERE AND HOW….
CHAIRMAN
GENERAL MANAGER
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER
MINISTER
LOANS OFFICER
STOP PULLING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ADMIN: I don’t think you are pulling no strings, but I just have to say, don’T!!! I hope you had a good rest this weekend….and i hope u are planning to take that vacation I keep telling you about…..
PULL IT PULL IT!!!!
To Admin: Please do not make me laugh.
Many talk about “PULLING” here and there and about “PEACE” but they do not live at peace with others. What comes out of their mouths and also through their computer keyboards and unto DNO Website tells a lot about them and what is imbedded in their hearts. The manner in which they treat others, what they state to others and to those who have a close relationship with them also tells a lot about them. As God looks on and takes note, if they also cannot live at peace with others, they will never achieve peace in this manner and never will be able to live at peace with others. So much for their promotion of peace and wanting peace.
Go in peace pilate.
ADMIN! You are the BOSS. YOU are so right!
talk is cheap. Everybody wants to verbally participate in the notion of PEACE here and PEACE there, but that peace comes at a price that few would want to pay.
talk is cheap! good one ADMIN
All respect to Dr. St. Jean but i think this guy is all about himself and cementing his place in history.
ADMIN: Please not the comment was not written by us!!
you see the thing with us people, as long as people are telling us the BLUNT TRUTH, automatically we become the enemy….like an uncle of mine, I slammed him with a dose of truth one day and from that day on he refused to speak to me…..one day he cut himself with his cutlass and who was the first person there to take him to the hospital….YOURS TRULY….we have to understand that the truth, though it may be offensive it is never a crime……and those who speak the truth to you no matter how bitter the taste are often the ones who truly have your best interest at heart.
St Jean is just another “IMPRESSIONIST”. EMPTY VESSELS MAKE THE MOST NOISE.
Doctor A Aka DCC: I read your last submission in the newspaper last week, I found it wanting for a little more umph!! Much more to be desired sadly….sigh oh well…
why do you say that
u all may not believe me but… trust that.. if d/cans in d.a don’t want to take their land back,,,, then those in the diaspora will do it from the outside…
Believe me, we will.
“the ‘government at present or the foreseeable future cannot afford the rates….’
Yes! Men of power are turning a deafened ear as horn dogs imperil all the land and intellectuals mourn for peace for they see the approaching danger.”
SOURCE: Caribbeannewsnow
I love this!!!!
Sister May tell you: COME BACK HOME!!!
Great article but i can garantee u some moron is going to read this and turn it into politics. I do hope we all can read this with an open mind.cause it takes all of us to solve the problem we face. If this country fail, we all fail and it matter not hat party you support.
Government, through its law enforcement agencies, seek to modify human behaviour, whether through prevention, interdiction or enforcement. Furthermore, Dr. St. Jean is attempting to sell an economic crime-fighting model to the populace, despite the fact that the government has not accepted it.
So it does not get more political than that. It definitely involves the science and activities of governing. So why do you call people morons if they dare offer criticism of the plan? You are the one confusing petty partisan politics with the broader view of political science.
I agree that the prevention and interdiction of crime is very important and we all need to play a part. Dr. St. Jean must be aware of the limited resources available to the government. His business would thrive if he donates his talent to his native soil at affordable rates. The success of his program in DA would win him clients in TNT, JA, Haiti and the other members of Caricom.
Where has his model worked? Is his “Peace Czar” modeled after the “Drug Czar” in the USA? And how is the Drug Czar working for them. So, here we have it; a “…peace industry, ( headed by a ‘Peace Czar’), seems to be the only way out”. The rate charged may be better spent on training our law enforcement officers in forensic science, crime scene investigation, a forensic lab and psychological methods of interrogation. Yes, I said it!! Call me moron if you wish. That’s OK.
Nicely put…South Man..You are a thinking person…..I like when people think through issues…
Intelligence,is about understanding.
…All the very best to you.
REBEL!!!