In the race to the bottom in Dominican politics the plight of the people has become an inconvenient afterthought.
When I speak of the people of Dominica, I am speaking of the professionally qualified and well presented mother from Bioche in desperate need of EC$5 to buy a litre of gasoline – just to be able send her children to school on a full stomach.
While the sideshow of corruption allegations occupies centre stage, the rising cost of living coupled with the lack of job creation in Dominica has pushed more of our people below the poverty line.
“Dominican’s were better of under slavery. At least under slavery your slave master was responsible to take care of your food, clothing and shelter” says a local farmer.
“Whereas today, people are still working just as hard yet cannot provide their basic necessities…” he concludes- barely taking note of the carnival parade of orange and white costumed men jumping in unison in the background.
While many throughout the island are reluctant to speak out about their plight, no such caution exists in Dominica’s bastion of political consciousness, Grand Bay.
“In Texas I was paying $2.99 for a lb of peanut butter now that I am back in Dominica the same lb of peanut butter is costing me $25 – now you tell me how that making sense…!” adds a local trader.
As the sound of the horn and drum intensify – a forceful but cogent explanation is offered from a man – with eloquent precision – his voice rises as he is now competing with the passing street band for attention:
“As a country we are not exporting nothing,” he shouts. “We import 85% of what we consume – sending all of our money overseas. So our purchasing power is declining while the prices of imported goods is rising, which means by the time you add VAT it actually has the effect on your pocketbook of a 40% tax in terms of real purchasing power…”
If this is the case, one can only wonder how the small business owners are coping…?
“No matter how much they spend on tourism, the money is not reaching here, says a local Morne Jaune man as a crowd gathers outside a shop – we are a farming community” he adds.
With dominos crashing down as match point approaches – a local Dublanc proprietor wonders why the lower fuel prices delivered by Petro Caribe are not being passed down to the consumer?
One senior farmer in Castle Bruce bemoans the fact that the price of fuel is so high that he can no longer afford to transport his produce to the Roseau market.
Overlooking the now famous banana plantation where Loreen Bannis agreed to join forces with labour in 2000 – a young, educated professional stops for a chat after a long day of work:
“The current administration has a lot of explaining to do…and even then labour will have difficulty retaining this seat, certainly if no improvement takes place prior to the next election.”
In stark contrast to the almost fanatical sea of red I was greeted with in Ville Case, and to a lesser extent Portsmouth, the fiercely independent people of Colihaut seem to be a bit more flexible, at least those who have not boycotted politics altogether.
At one point I ask a local shopkeeper if he could elaborate on the extent of the poor parliamentary representation in the village – he replies bluntly:
“To say our representation has been poor is an understatement, the fact is our representation has been non-existent from day one.”
A middle-aged father adds his two cents to the discussion:
“I would say that Colihaut has been an unlucky constituency – we’ve been unlucky under all governments. There is no political party that can come down here right now and claim they have earned our vote.”
The question of effective representation was a reoccurring theme during my tour as a senior Portsmouth fisherman explains:
“The big problem I have right now is that dem man were elected to serve you, yet every time you check dem man, they carry on as though it is you that supposed to serve them…”
With election season approaching in Dominica, and the plight of the people slipping further and further into the background of Dominican politics – you the people have spoken!
And, the message is loud and clear:
The people of Dominica are calling for a united front to serve this country under one flag – the Dominican flag – and given the economic realities on the ground, our very survival as a free, independent and economically viable people might just depend on it.
Cabral Douglas is the son of the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas. He has been working in Australia as a lawyer, investment advisor and business editor for the last seven years. He is now back home permanently.
Views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
no cabral DOUGLAS
And all th time I thinking Tiyani changed hsi name to Cabral
It is funny you wrote about the plight facing Dominica and have not given any solution to end this plight other than a united front under a flag.Do you think that a united front under a flag can save Dominica from this plight as you would like to think, how naive, what a folly imagination.The People of Dominica do not need more political rhetoric on top of what they are already been hearing.The plight you are describing is not going to be solved by a Political agenda around a flag.I would like you to explain to me how a united front under a flag can reduce the price of oil.It irritates me when you mention that a professionally qualified and well presented mother can not afford a gallon of gas nor afford to send her children to school on a full stomach.Can I ask you this,do people who call themselves professional and well educated deserve special treatment.I’m sure there are many non professionals and none-educated people, depending on your definition what education means,who can afford a gallon of gas and do send their children to school with a full stomach.
It is also sad when you go out and get a farmer to say such nonsense quote “Dominican’s were better of under slavery. At least under slavery your slave master was responsible to take care of your food, clothing.I hope your united front under a flag,there will be a means to eradicate such thinking.This type of mind set is typical of of what is the root cause of the plight you are talking about.This is what needs to be address,
political rhetoric is not the answer, and by the way I’m sure this farmer owns his land and also a free man.What is it that is keeping him back from providing the necessities needed for his Family. I’m also sure that this type of thinking is rampant, and what makes it worse is Politicians and people who know better exploit the situation as a means for political gain. Dominicans need to be wise and be able to understand political language and political rhetoric because sometimes it may be designed to make lies sound truthful.
Gary
Very good questions – see answers below:
It is funny you wrote about the plight facing Dominica and have not given any solution to end this plight other than a united front under a flag…
Answer: The title of the article is The Plight of the People – obviously the aim was to simply echo the human hardship currently being faced by our people – something you rarely hear from any elected officials in Dominica…
Do you think that a united front under a flag can save Dominica?
Answer: Politics in Dominica is as divided as it have ever been except for the period in 1980 leading up the the ousting of Patrick John, and so, we are too small and poor to be divided so deeply – national development is not a one man show – and surely some level of national unity would be required to achieve a better Dominica so yes regardless of red or blue politicians need to become united in the interest of Dominica as a prerequisite to any level of economic success…and off course they must put the interest of the people and country before their own interests.
Can I ask you this do people who call themselves professional and well educated deserve special treatment.
Answer: No but it goes to show that the conditions have deteriorated to the point where people who were in the middle class have now slipped below the poverty line…the has a lot to do with, our massive trade imbalance, lack of job creation, and lack on innovation generally. Dominica has always been a poor country but now we are heading for a crisis situation…
It is also sad when you go out and get a farmer to say such nonsense quote “Dominican’s were better of under slavery. At farmer owns his land and also a free man.What is it that is keeping him back from providing the necessities needed for his Family.
Answer: the collapse of the banana industry, high cost of inputs, lack of government support – in many cases farmers are selling their land in order to be able to send their children to school but what is the point if those same children will be working for the Chinese 10 years from now? So the point is, if we continue down this road, we could very well be heading back into slavery…so I think the farmer has a valid pint.
I’m also sure that this type of thinking is rampant, and what makes it worse is Politicians and people who know better exploit the situation as a means for political gain.
I do not see how a united front under one flag can be considered exploitation for political gain…so you will need to clarify that one…exploitation for political gain is when the ruling party flies you from overseas to vote for them, have sex with young girls in exchange for a free house in Chance, and thins of that nature…
One thing I realise about Dominicans, is when their fellow men and women go out there, educate themselves, get experience, network and create strong ties with reputable people and firms, then come back and try to pass on knowledge, they are rejected, they are ridiculed, they are seen as crooks and get comments like “because they was overseas they think they know everything”. This is not encouraging for anyone returning to make a meaningful contribution in his/her country. In light of this, these people pack up and leave Dominica with their education and experience, find opportunities elsewhere and continue to excel, then people start hating, talking crap like” what have you done for the country”. I been there, and I see it happening over an over. Dominicans keep you all thick shades on and you all will reach far. Whether up or down, you all decide.
I do understand what you are trying to say.But may I ask you, what knowledge this commentary is sharing.Someone describing a plight of his country which he feels is easy to exploit using political rhetoric and then suggesting a political agenda to solve the plight he describes has nothing to do with sharing knowledge.
Your poor damn fool
Supported article. Photo:-(strong genes). Looking at his eyes I see a man of character, positive, serious, genuine, focus, honesty, respect, passion, compassion, integrity, humility, collaborative, communicative, fearlessness. As compared to that of all the photos of our present leader what you failed to see is what you got: corruption, lack of accountability, playing favorites, deceitful, too passionate for wealth, power & prestige, approves unethical business, reacts negatively to criticism, crooked cunning smile etc.
Take heed Mr Cabral and help save this Dominica. I shake your hands. Keep in contact with Honourable James, the best that we have in parliament today. He is a wise man. Age has brought more reason. He can only do good at this stage.
Edison will be best advised to keep as far away from political snakes as much as is humanly possible. The UWP is not for sale and trust me a Douglas purchaser doesn’t qualify at all at all at all, not under my dead body. We know trickstars when they appear ; once beaten twice shy, no wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
Eddo call me I work near our Coconut treeeee!
The opposition strongly needs a united front. Take each person on his or her own merit. Do not brand a whole family. That is bias thinking in the eyes of God.
you are a non issue Cabral…..where you come out ? Who fooling you.
it appears that thes interviews were skewed towards those people who are dissatisfied with the present administration. Apparently he has not interviewed any persons who are of the opinion that the present adminis tration is doing a good job bearing in mind the liminited resources which they are working with. I know that he could also find many like this if he had tried. He talking fouchette!!!
“While many throughout the island are reluctant to speak out about their plight, no such caution exists in Dominica’s bastion of political consciousness, Grand Bay”.
NOT TRUE TODAY! That was Grand Bay during your father’s days. Today the community is in denial and is a symbol of a mentally enslaved people by the DLP. They care less for their children’s future, rather dead than change the color “RED”. That’s reality.
“While many throughout the island are reluctant to speak out about their plight, no such caution exists in Dominica’s bastion of political consciousness, Grand Bay.”
NOT TRUE! That was Grand Bay then, the years during his father Rosie Douglas’ political tenure.
Today, Grand Bay is one of the poorest, and most mentally enslaved community by the Labor party. Wonder what his dad would say about the people today?
Good observation! I fully concur with my brother Kaizai. Grand Bay is no longer what the people use to be, they have no interest in what is good for their future.
Skerrit cannot be feeling all that comfortable knowing that a potential rival with pedigree looms over the horizon. The PM’s much publicized statement that he intends to rule for a long time is beginning to look like a pipe dream, given the reality of the new political talent that is emerging. And that’s healthy for our democracy.
To be honest, there are times when I am full of despair about the fate of this country: The failing health of our institutions, the growing lethargy of the majority, the lack of economic opportunities for the young, the growing corruption of the ruling class etc etc.
But the despair seems to dissipate when I read of the promise of new leaders, those who are not yet corrupted by the lust for power and the pursuit of illicit wealth.
So yes, Mr. Douglas, please throw your hat in the ring and serve as counterweight to the political masquerade of the moment.
One piece of advice: Be prepared for an onslaught on your character and the kind of demonization that has become the hallmark of Dominica politics.
Since when Dominicans vote for degree? You must think before y ou speak, in your haste to dis Skerrit you cloud your own mind.
Well said
Welcome back, Cabral! And good luck…
I absolutely respect and admire the Douglas family. These people have passion and they genuinely care about our country. They are the core of the Dominica Labour Party and deserve to be the ones leading our country. Rosie Douglas was indeed a great man. As one person said he cared for the less fortunate and most importantly he was humble. Not arrogrant like Mr Skerrit. Actually all our leaders have been humble and approachable, at least Rosie, Pierro and Edison. I can’t say the same for our present leader. His head has become too big lately
Here is the truth that the writer spoke whether you like him or not Dominicans, “In the race to the bottom in Dominican politics the plight of the people has become an inconvenient afterthought.” From all the comments posted here I see that no one else cares about this. Why do people bother to try to help you people? Dominicans have received the government that they deserve and they and their government should just be left alone right now – in fact give the PM all the constituencies – all the seats – because that seem to be more important to the government than the alleviation of deep seated poverty and underdevelopment in Dominica right now. In the class of other Caribbean islands Dominica is now ‘kakarat’ – wake up people! Stop attacking messengers and review the message – think!
Rosie and Mike Douglas did very good for the country. Since their passing, Dominica is sinking.
They were not selfish like this present government.
I hope you not a hypocrite like these present administration. Dominica belongs to all of us. So when Dominica sinks all of us and our future children suffers. Hope you have all the experience you have to help build back Dominica. I keep coming to Dominica, and want to stay permanently, I don’t know how to prepare to stay, because nothing is working for the betterment of the nation. I am a Dominican living abroad. Everywhere have problems. I world prefer to spend the rest of my life in my country, but I am so scared.
We are not respected in the Caribbean much less the international world. We were leading in the Caribbean twenty years and back, now we are lagging behind in more than one way. We need God and second good leadership who cares for the poor.
We also need accountability and responsibility. This present government has none of that. Lord please we need your guidance.
Yow – our problem in DA is lack of unity and this goes back to the history of slavery. The reality is Dominica cannot provide the capacity (tertiary education, experience, exposure, etc.) needed for its sustained development so our bright industrious young people have to go out to acquire the capacity which is needed. In the process not all of them come back, but I can tell you the majority of those who return surely get a hard time and in most cases find it impossible to utilize/implement their skills. I experience this first hand – as a country man returning to DA with experience, qualifications and a non political mentality I was never given the light of day or support. I left DA as a student and came back as a professional and it was a nightmare. I felt like people in and out of this administration were threatened by my return although I was not looking for anyone job but rather to create jobs. I spent 2 yrs running up and down the steps of the ministry meeting with PM and other pertinent ministers and was given the run around just to see some foreigner come in with the same idea and the gov’t goes to the end of the earth to grant them the opportunity. We would rather be servants to expats than to work with our brothers and sisters in making DA a better place for DA people. We should be welcoming Cabral back in the land and not looking for opportunities to shut him down
we also know that most of them foreign agents are all about maximizing profits at the expense of the masses to benefit the few
Any idiote who can say that any people were better off under slavery, is demonstrating the height of ignorance, about slavery. That person is not worthy to run for politicaloffice in Dominica,where our ancestors suffered under the so generous slavemasters, who raped pillaged and killed our people. Left them gnorant to talk the nonsense i am hearing from a so called educated wanna be poltician.
I think it was just a way to emphassize the seriousness of the situation now.
If I say you are as big as a house; you don’t have to take it word for word. It just means that you are very big.
PASCAL marigot May 28, 2013
Its rather pathetic that when these guys spend all their life out of Dominica. Some of them have made no known contribution to the reduction of poverty.
Pascal, I take offence to what is written in the above quote?
You talk politics very well, however, an analysis of the total contents of all you wrote boils down to nothing more than sweet sounding rhetoric without any economic resolve. I need to ask you when you say we spend all of our life out of Dominica, and made no known contribution to the country, what sort of contribution you anticipated?
It is stupid comments from people such as you which discourage some of us from returning to invest in Dominica, since you believe we have no absolute rights in Dominica anymore; you see the crap?
On the other hand, are you anticipating that every dime someone sends to their family someone should go on Radio, and Television and broadcast about the help they gave to someone?
For your information Pascal, had it not been for the contributions such as money, hard cold cash, and to a certain extent what you all call in Dominica “the Barrel Industry” life would be much harder for most of Dominicans,some poverty stricken people would die from hunger. An expatriate can only do so much!
Indeed we need more than just sending a fist full of Dollars home to our people, we need more than the barrel industry, however, long past and present government has made it so difficult for people to invest in Dominica that no reasonable thinking Dominican at this point would risk their life savings investing in a place where they know they will loose their capital invested in about six months or less.
And even those who are brave enough to chance it when they arrive in Dominica to consult with Prime Ministers, they are left to sit outside of the their office: Prime Minister is too busy to talk to them.
You talk about cousin Edison James: well he is my biological cousin also, I know for a fact, an Dominican Scientist, one of the best in the world in his field of Magnetism, he and his nephew traveled to Dominica, to consult with Cousin Edison James, because they intended to setup a communication business on the island, they sat in front of Eddie’s office for a long time only to be told that cousin Edison James was too busy to met with them.
The man left and went to Barbados, where he established his business, and employ I understand sixty people the day the doors were first opened.
A few years ago, I could have brought an annual film Festal to Dominica, I tried hard to make it a success, I tried to hook up with Mr. Skerrit, all the people I tried to go through, including Ian Douglas, the whole venture boiled down to nothing.
So if the contribution you are talking about is money directly into your pocket, or the pocket of some politician, you are a joke, because the best way to help by contributing, is to contribute something that will create jobs, and employment in the country.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Telemaque you can be used as a vehicle to bring in a Douglas into the UWP but this shall not work. You are not trust worthy and you coward attack on our King Edison C James is noted. We shall never allow our party to fall into the hands of disgruntled labourites who have nothing to show in terms of Dominica’s development. What has happened to the Rosie Dougls Foundation ? DEAD DEAD DEAD;;;so we know where Cabral priority lies.
You are known to be gullible and I don’t know why you think that we in Marigot are not good enough. Please don’t try to attack Pascal for he is your equal and more; a man with a proven conscious record of achievements for all to see. Lenox Linton belongs to the same field of brilliant Northers who will keep UWP alive.
we need no contaminants. WE say no to cabral!
That is your opinion and you don’t mean no harm. We have to disagree to agree and agree to disagree.
boy boy boy, it never ceases to amaze me how much people are jealous of the douglas family. Its such a shame , but the name alone speaks volumes, don’t u wish u were a douglas, or a mcintyre, or armour, or rolle, garraway? not my fault if your mama did not choose your papa!!!!!the man is talking intelligently, whats your problem, does everthing have to be political? and last time i checked, quite a number of dominicans study and work overseas and come back home. did u go an study or u still waiting for a scholarship to china or cuba. damn a…
Joan…you have a poor sense of self. These surnames are black bourgeoisie surnames. Their ancestors owned estates and exploited their workers. Rosie in his book ” Change or Chains ” spoke about these exploiters who were part of the ” landed aristocracy ” and had tendencies which were shameful indeed.
History will record that these persons did well because of they became the natural benefactors of the PROCEEDS OF EXPLOITATION and hence were able to go to the best schools in Dominica , Grenada, America and Barbados and later England etc.
If such opportunities were available then as theyre now then Dominica would be much further. So when you speak about jealousy, I don’t know what the heck you are talking about. If those surnames you named have to look deeply ‘ then and assess what wrongs their families did to the poor people who worked on their holdings/plantations they will be a shamed. Those maids/servants, farmers et who were treated like animals etc in some cases. Is this something to be jealous about. Old people talked about their experiences and the information have passed on from generation to generation throughout many communities in Dominica. So when you see some people playing “MOST” if you examine their roots and background you will look at them in a different vein. now is DRUGS but before it was “something else”. Rosie and Mike were almost discarded by their Dad for fighting against the manner he treated their workers who worked in sub-human conditions and were treated as “things” and paid slavish wages. Jealous of who or what. Know your History. I cannot condemn the current generation of members of these families but the truth is to be told. Read the flipping book. Granny used to say ” when you see people with things don’t get jealous for you never ever know what they or their family do to get it”.
UWP will remain a force in Dominica’s politica and we don’t neeed a Douglas element to diffuse or distract us. Skerrit can use his monies to plant all kinds of crooks.
It is simply wrong to reclaim the corruption as a side show when in small country like ours poverty is a derivative of corruption. It is because of corruption that thousnds of our passports were sold and the bulk of the money went through the laundry mart. What did the people get – nothing.
It is because of corruption that our government took millions of dollars in loan and chinese are the ones benefitting from these loans Dominicans on the other hand are unemployed.
Fr thirteen years our government have been operating like I schemer pretending to be productive whereas is it s All an empty shell
Cabral Douglas.
Hello Mr Douglas I reside in NYC and I don’t vote in Dominica but you sound like you returned just to run for Office. I am tired of people like you with family name recognition who feel they should run our country. Anyway based on the article you are an educated man but just remember that Politics is corrupted. It seems like you went around the country and you interviewed people but I hope you didn’t just report what fits your agenda . Also you document a lot of allege failures of our current administration but you didn’t say what you would do if you was running the country.
Why is it we cannot be pleased when our people try to do something good? I swear that Dominicans only like to hear from our people at the point of illegal and immorality!?! Why are you personalizing this into your small mindedness!?! All around the Caribbean men and women who when educated overseas come back to build their countries. Why are we always suspicious when our people do it?
Mr Cadral Douglas.
Good morning Mr Douglas. Well I see I get a lot of thumbs down therefore I want to offer this suggestion to you. Now since you are an Attorney for which I don’t know your specialty and you are a Investment Advisor. Why don’t you form an investment group so middle class people like me can invest in Dominica and I can be assured that my investments will be safe. Also please review the banking Laws because its very time consuming and restrictive to open a saving account in Dominica. The banking law are preventing us from keeping our money in Dominica. I was just home for carnival and I tried to open an account and they gave me an appointment which was two days after my departure date. I brought that up to the clerk/account advisor but he said he cant do anything about the date. I went to St Thomas and in two hours I open an account. That is where much of the financial problems are.
Why didn’t you say the same thing to me when I wrote my one article? Give the man a break; after all, he is not from Grenada.
Destiny.
Hello I don’t know what article you wrote but he should tell us what his platform is. He cannot just criticize the current administration and don’t tell us what he would do that’s different. I have no problem if our educated citizens return and want to contribute but we cannot just go on family name recognition. He should put his positions out there so we can decide if we want to support him.
@Tony, you strike too fast. This is just chapter one of 100 chapters.
Appetisers-dinner-desert.
Wake up can u all see wat is happening that’s truth don’t be blind open ur eyes realize wat Is happening look we on blacklist now stop being stupid
So what if france put us on black list.What have they done for us?We help them during the war and they made promises which they never kept.
I’m of the strong belief that don is a tool of the present govt. they do a great job of not posting or postponing posts which are in any way shedding light on issues in the country
You ae right. I suspect they have one or two bias editors, who when they are on shift screw and skew up things. Management need to investigate that. Sometimes comments do not appear at all, for no sensible reason. But, we are in Dominica.
Its rather pathetic that when these guys spend all their life out of Dominica. Some of them have made no known contribution to the reduction of poverty. They have , after they have used the better part of their energies and perceived talent overseas. They then come down to team up with the DLP WAGON TRAIN in a deceptive ploy to mislead the masses. We in the UWP will not be fooled by your antics and we know the enemy when we see them. Nice words and theories will never fool our people.
Form all kinds of alliances if you wish, within the balls of your labour party but keep away from Opposition and UWP Politics. I hate it when some people say one thing on the media and another thing at secret party and family functions. Another Douglas continues to eye the big cake of PM of Da and we know it. So you will stay with your beloved labour and there is a vacuum for the deputy leadership because no one wants Ambrose George.
WE in the UWP dont want people like you near our camp. We will stay with the hon Edison C James as our leader. Cousin James ( Shaky ) have worked all over the world and SHAKY has 5 doctorates and is far very brighter then you will ever be ‘ so your lawyership will not fool us. We have enough smarty people and qualified people in Dominica.
What has happened to the MIKE/ROSIE DOUGLAS FOUNDATION? We as African people must never delude ourselves into a false sense of educational arrogance. On the heels of African Liberation Day we have to remain humble and not “confusionistic” in our outlook. Everything cannot be confrontational or confrontational. A wise man keeps a still tongue and in Dominica now it is time to keep a cooler head. Those kind of grand standing makes endless nonsense.
Our people have growned up and may well have done so a little too slowly. Sometimes some of us think that we still operate in the Colonial time and mindset. Take sometime and assess this country, learn the people before you rush into a customary parotic mold. I recognize the Culture Shock Syndrome and some form of anecdotal mechanism is needed for reality to be seen and believed. I wander whether some of us suffer from a superiority-driven intelligentsia complex; a factor which is in currency within the third world. Knowledge is at our finger tips and one of the few areas we have seen advances in Dominica is in the area of Human Resource Development.
It is rather regrettable that some people are of the view that due to their surname Dominica owes them something. They can just sing a song and our people will dance along. Yes Labourites are great dancers but other segments of a more mature , though minority opposition are not so easily driven by showmanship. Is it an inherited psychosis defect that triggers some people to become prostitutes of the media. They treat silence as a punishment and hence they get a huge hard-on by seeing themselves on the news or hearing their voices as part of a news item or reading an article/feature appertaining to them on some newspaper? What about those who perfect the art of “verbal verbosalia” i.e talk talk talk and more talk rare medical but inherited condition. Such a unenviable talent is so potently portrayed at political meetings, talk shows, debates, lectures, panel discussions etc.
I feel so sorry that some of us go about our task as landed TRUE PATRIOTS and so by making the sacrifice of residing in Dominica and WORKING TIRELESSLY for its development. Some people claim the Dominica label when it is politically or propagandistically convenient to them. Some hardly ever know that Dominica ever exist and we can hardly think of a Charitable cause that they have been part of. But the Grand standing continues…..and they people are looking. The North Eastern Group wont be distracted by your pseudo-objective and seemingly neutral posture. WE know from whence you came and we are looking.
LONG LIVE THE SUPPORTERS OF THE UWP…WE HAVE TO BE MORE VIGILANT THAN EVER. A NORTH MP has an exit plan ( promised huge job in the overseas )
and the member for Jeff Jo Constituency shall be leaving to further his studies–hence political opportunism is at its best. There is more to come…..
@PASCAL This is a hypocritical and foolish piece of garbage. Douglas is dead right, clear and current on the miserable state of the country, and irrespective of your long heap of garbage, the commentary resonates well with Dominicans that’s suffering more than slaves were going through grinds on the plantation.
You seem to be one of those singing for their supper. You obviously need to go under Skerrit’s table and pick the crumbs.
I totally and absolutely distance myself with this corrupt gang of people.
I WOULD DUMP YOU LONG PIECE OF GARBAGE AT THE LANDFILL!
PASCAL….wow you said an ear FULL….very informative opinion…DEEP…very DEEP….
If you are the face of UWP, only God can help you with that attitude.
people like you have a poor belief in your self and can be easily fooled by lazy big surnames
That’s Dominica today. Is so we come. It’s a corrupt style of politics taking place presently, the me myself and I politics. In a matter of a short space of time these guys are billionaires: money launderere, drug traffickers, buildings upon buildings and they even go as far as taking from the have not in taxes etc, just to fill their purses. They are all on the bobbol list.
Bro welcome back home , we along awaiting on you to serve the country. Keep your head up and wish you well in your future endeavors what your father stand for it’s not here at all.
This is not the party he stand for.
Well Dominica has never been in the poor and pathetic state that it is today at any moment in its history.It’s largely due to corrupt leadership, laziness and greed exhibited by those that the electorate has entrusted to take care of business on their behalf. In every nook and cranny on island the unemployed is lurking the streets begging. This mendicancy syndrome is the brainchild of the corrupt regime,in its desperate bid to perpetuate itself in power.
While all this is happening healthcare is at the receiving end of business.You will hear even the poor and dispossessed saying that they are afraid of going to the main hospital for a myriad of bad reasons.SHAME ON THESE HEARTLESS POLITICIANS! This government is like a curse sent on this failing country. They spoke of housing revolution? Housing revolution my foot!Who has the houses? I am sure it’s not the lady from Chance? She told the world that it’s “DRY COKES WE I EATING”. The heartless nature of these evil leaders has gone “Next Level”. It’s now all about insulting and denigrating the poor, by telling them that they are breeding children like factories, so no one should feel sorry for them!
All signs are this country is so pregnant with issues of mismanagement, bad,lazy,greedy, incompetent and corrupt governance, that it will soon become unbearable.In the meantime these leaders are filthy rich.
Thank you Cabral for coming home. We need young bright minds like yourself. Let’s work together to build this country.
Dominicans are strange people. No comments on this article yet MiRiDom is thriving with attention.
They like sexs talk rather than development.
Is this all you have to say, wow
Have patience Dominica chane will come for the better
Of our people. Onemdb must start to make the change and god willing we shall prevail over the oppress !
Great observations. With your experience in business i hope you come up with a plan to revive the Vast resources owned by the Douglas Familly in Hampstead. This is part of the problem and hope you can fix your own house. Show me how you can transform the estate into an income generating enterprise employing my people on the Northeast and then I will listen to you. Talk is cheap
To whom much is given much is expected. The best way you can fix some of the problems you identified is by utilizing the resources wisely. Let me here what you and your family plan to do with my countries resources to fix some of the problem. Every year a new Douglas come out of the sky and all i hear is talk talk talk.
Hello. I am trying to figure out how many sons Rosie Douglas have. It seems like every month another one come out with some statement or plan that never change anything. I say give the ordinary man/woman a chance because we never know where good governance will come from. I am tired of family dynasties which isn’t helping our country.
TALK TALK TALK and then badam they pack their bags and back in d overs.
Shawna left Da and came back after ROsie win.
That family spent more time overseas than in Dominica.
I doh c y people wasting their time with those DUAL CITIZENS who have nothing to show on the ground as per development; not one scholarship for a primary school child, not one donation to a football team in Glanvillia or a netball team at St John’s or PSS etc ?
Take a walk down POSSIE and ask the people.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who is to be blamed for the plight of the Dominican people.
In any civilized country the power is in the hands of the people. “We call it People Power”. But in Dominica,the power is in the hands of the DLP leader, the “A” talking lawyer, and a few elitists who continue to flaunt the laws of the land.
There’s no doubt in my mind that from the North to South, East to West of Dominica, majority of the people is going through hard times, while they defend the status quo that continues to disrespect, ignore their needs such as jobs, marginalize their rights, and fail to promote a decent life-style for the poor.
But Why? It seems like the venality of the people has gone beyond comprehension. In as much as they feel the pains of helplessness and hopelessness, they are quick to say, “I love my PM”. How do you convince the people that the one they love does not really love or care for them? They were not informed prior to his change of status, even though as a public servant he has the moral obligation to do so. They are told to “Go to Hell, It’s not your darn business where the party gets its money”. Yet still they love their PM.
At the end of the day, they are the very ones who can’t provide meals for their kids to go to school because there are no jobs. Their political masters have made it a point of duty to ensure that they depend on a system that will continue to mentally enslaved them throughout… And last but not least, those who are privileged to receive large sums from the taxpayers treasury are free to ridicule the single parents for having several children.
This is the state on affairs of Dominica and the plight of its people.
The plight you are describing is based on your political beliefs.This Government was elected by the people of Dominica,if the people are dissatisfied with the Government then they know what to do.In the mean time stop moaning and crying it is not going to help.You are entitled to your political beliefs, it is people who change Governments at the ballot box not people like you who sit and cry foul with cliche remarks.
Serving the Public, You could not see the truth even if it was right in front of you. Dominica is not getting any better. Unless we reverse the trade deficit, there the ordinary people standard of living will not improve.
While this piece expreses things that I have heard from a number of my people (supporters and opposition alike), I am a cynic and don’t things at face value. What’s motivating this commentary Mr. Douglas?
a desperate publicity stunt trying to get the pulse of the people and the restaurant on borrows square and the movie house is in same condition .
Who those big mouth fooling?
who cares about the motivation. Dominica is hurting and Mr D’s heart is bleeding. He is Dominican and I am too. It’s a start in the right direction.
yo u are a liar that $ 2 99 is back in the days nor now that same butter in new york is $ 8 99 in new york do the maths son
Amilka cabral , Washway, Behanzi douglas et Al could form a party these three can run in the north or perhaps behanzi being fromst.Joe can run there .get crispin to run grandbay, the doc for Roseau centralJoseph from loubiere the save the children guy,Parra can try againRock bruno marigot Wesley griffin st.Hilaire can move back to the rest of his former party.Revive tinco mahaut,he washing ton d.C lawyer Chrisitian for godwill etc seeing julie coco cannot talk.These guys can win and cause a shift in the balance of power screwwing those DFP transplants who invaded the authentic DLP.
Cabral Douglas is the son of the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas. He has been working in Australia as a lawyer, investment advisor and business editor for the last seven years. He is now back home permanently.
As an investment adviser I hope you have some investment ideas to alleviate xome of the plight and its not politics as usual.
Be a man, do something and dont get into this endless talking…if you do…you will be a feature on Q95 and you will get nothing done….
@ IPO You must stop your hypocrisy. Let people voice dissent. You are to petulant and thin skin. So you own Dominica then? Is it only grovellers like you that have a voice in Dominica? So a Dominican must have investment in Dominica to see or express his views of “in your face corruption on island?” Your defensive posturing speaks volumes, Poor you do not even know that you cannot bat for the government, or rather the corrupt cabal. You have no gloves on, no helmet on, no bat in your hand. In other words lapdogs like you are inconsequential when people are analyzing the greed and corruption that is staring Dominica in the face.
THE GENTLEMAN IS DEAD ON THE BUTTON.Wonderful piece of real and living commentary on the state of Dominica under Skerrit and his cabal.
Are u kidding me? am I reading a stupid article or I am stupid.After the first two sentences I was lost. Ok I am stupid.
So
Sure you right! It’s the latter you are. I strongly recommend a little reading comprehension because it will take you a long way.
maybe u are because u cannot interpret some basic English or has labor power blunt your senses
You are not just stupid. Ou SOT!
well said ma sister from Gwabay foolishness alone that there. DemDouglas Labouries all get madd or what????? ALAS.
Good work Cabral. You are a breath of fresh air. One thing we didn’t have to look like Rosie like that>
Cabral are you throwing your hat in the ring? hmmmmm……. BTW, How many sons Roosie have? Just wondering….
They’re like the Bush family. When you think you’re done with one douglas another one popping up. It’s like Ta Da! Magic
Great article, observation…I say good luck Dominica!
I have a hard time understanding why people keep putting all the blame on government when single parents cannot afford $5 (as stated above) to take care of their children (plural). So no mention of the fathers? Is it ok for guys to spread their seeds and pass on the full responsibility to the government? Also, didn’t the single mother noticed after one child (singular) that she could not make ends meet? You people never cease to amaze me.
Another one coming out with cry stories to be voted in to do the same things they crying about again. We will prod along and make do. They say better the devil you know and we know those there and what to expect at the next level which is nothing really and the art of sucking us out of what we don’t have and empty promises.
on who’s ticket you’ll be running in possie nuh?
SURE not our UWP for we aint want him
Cabral Douglas is the son of the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas. He has been working in Australia as a lawyer, investment advisor and business editor for the last seven years. He is now back home permanently
who cares?????
Stupes!! First two paragraphs and its not worth reading anymore.
@ Serving the Public Because you brain is smoked. It is a pellucidly clear and honest commentary on the state of this failed state called Dominica after 13 years of Labour rule. Are you now ashamed that you have been an accessory in bringing Dominica to its knees as it is today?. Did you listen to the plight of the poor lady (Labourite ) from Chance, which your leaders are bouncing around like a bumping ball?
Why is it not worth reading? That is the truth. I went home on vacation in 2009 and was appalled at the prices of everything back home. I was planning to move back permanently but I cannot afford to. I will not raise my kids in a system like this one. They deserve better and so does the Dominican public.
Something about you makes my nose smell a rat.
I guess he wants a job too!!! From the people!!!!
So Cabral who voted in Laybore then? I guess the voices you heard do not go to the polls or is it that just you managed to be lucky to pick out the disgruntled few! I am puzzled!
We have a shortage of unbiased leaders with vision for our country. Too much party politics and an electorate which is mainly uneducated to the workings of what’s needed to make a country economically stable….God help us
We tend to blame the Government for everythng that is happening in this country. Haitian and Spanish coming to Dominica and can find a job, set up their own businesses but some of us Dominican just was to sit down and things given to us. I understand that things are hard not just in Dominica but all over. We need to help ourselves before someone else can help us.
Haitians selling their produce for 2 arms and 2 legs? who want that? U?
And the Spanish is prostitution/buggery galore. Do you want that?
Poli Tricks huh?
Are you thinking what I am thinking
Mr. Douglas, I commend you for taking the time out to interact with the Dominican people. I must say that I admired your dad very much, his love for the less fortunate, his strength and bravery, his sacrifice for people of color. However, you have identified the problem, and so as a son of a great champion you must be a part of the change. You should form your own party if you are disenchanted with the current Administration. My advise, never associate yourself with the UWP, the former leader referred to your dad as a criminal, and so you do not want to be a part of followers. I must say that your brother has great potential, however, quite frequently he has disappointed me. Currently, we have a very weak opposition, so much so, their leader has no impact. Rarely, his name is mentioned at a DLP rally. Mr. Douglas, be a part of the solution, we need action, form your own party with the help of your brother, then, there may be an alternative. Blessed Love!
Dominicans so dam illiterate, ignorant, and brainwashed you guys need prays.
“Petro Caribe” has not started importimg gasolene…hence lower prices cannot be passed on.
Cabral Douglas, Esq…May i say “Welcome Back to Dominica. i enjoyed reading the aforementioned article. I had a few comments.I fail to agree with this statement “Dominican’s were better of under slavery. At least under slavery your slave master was responsible to take care of your food, clothing and shelter” says a local farmer.
No one is better off under slavery period. However such language is typical of farmers etc….
Secondly, “No matter how much they spend on tourism, the money is not reaching here, says a local Morne Jaune man,as a crowd gathers outside a shop – we are a farming community” he adds. And he is 100% correct. Having spent my early childhood in Riviere Cryique which neighbors Morne Juane there are ZERO Tourist attractions, so zero = zero tourist dollars period.
Lastly, Mr Cabral Douglas son of the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas. Who has been working in Australia as a lawyer, investment advisor and business editor for the last seven years. Who is now back home in Dominica permanently, what solution do you offer to the plight that Dominicans face. The people of Dominica are calling for a united front to serve this country under one flag – the Dominican flag – and given the economic realities on the ground, our very survival as a free, independent and economically viable people might just depend on it. Please share your solution, that i ask of you. SIR.
AND YOUR POINT IS
Cabral cheeups
all you really think all u can fool dominicans
Don’t you have a mind of your own to see and analyze what is gonging on in your country.Why is it you need someone else opinion to tell what is happening, or to validate what you think,wake up.
The author “is the son of the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas. He has been working in Australia as a lawyer, investment advisor and business editor for the last seven years. He is now back home permanently.”
Hence we have another huckster with eloquent words just back from the diaspora trying to bootstrap on family name and catapult himself to the forefront of Dominican politics. Thanks for returning home, some day I will, but the self serving intent of the article is just so obvious.
what else??????
he walked upon the moon also
he got the cure for aids
jeeeeeeeeeezeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeMAN
Chakademus.
Hello you are absolutely correct. These people with family name recognition have a lot of balls and they think they should run our country. I say give us someone without family name recognition or money who truly care.
Zorrrrr…..I read the entire article before I realized it was not Tihani….lol….my bad
Very good writing.witty,informative and even provocative at times.interesting way of highlighting some of the main issues confronting the ordinary folk here in Dominica.
Hi don’t be fooled by his article. He is looking to run for office because his timing is just right to qualify.
So what?