It is with a sense of satisfaction and at times bemusement that I have read comments in the media over the past weeks and months emanating from the sleeping giant that is Portsmouth.
Former Magistrate Behanzin calling out the corrupt elements of our government and those whom he perceives to be providing comfort to criminal elements in our wider society.
Sean Douglas, former press secretary to the Roosevelt Skerritt administration has finally broken his silence, alleging widespread corruption and nepotism in government, whilst admittedly not providing any real evidence or instance of said practices.
Kim Douglas writes from the Far East lamenting the marginalization of the Douglas legacy in the politics of Dominica and his yearning for an elevation in the level of political discourse in our country.
A scathing attack on Sean Douglas from no less than Eisenhower Douglas, uncle to Sean, Kim, Ian, and Behanzin insinuating that Sean’s reluctance to assume the throne of RBD vacates his right to comment on what he sees as his country’s “slide into dictatorship” and a diversion from the ideals espoused by the venerated Roosie Douglas (r.i.p).
I have not referred to comments made in the not too distant past by Adeneur Douglas, McIntyre Douglas and even Ian Douglas, in reference to the political landscape of our country. The common thread is that in some way or the other all the Douglases who have seen fit to comment, in some way or the other have expressed deep disappointment with the Roosevelt Skerrit administration; that is, with the exception of Eisenhower who has proved a staunch defender.
The undertones to these comments are always that the Douglas legacy in our politics must be maintained. I am disappointed that none of these esteemed gentlemen have seen fit to point out the glaring lack of representation that the people of Portsmouth receive from the current custodian of the Douglas political legacy Ian Douglas. I am disappointed that they overlook the fact that the greatest threat to the Douglas legacy and to the legendary images of Mike & Roosie, is the inept performance of the man who has followed in their footsteps.
Ian Douglas should be given the Sisserou award for putting on his greatest performance as the ‘disrespected, disliked, outcast, parliamentary representative in the Skerrit cabinet. A sterling performance geared towards garnering sympathy from a public fed up with his inept representation at parliamentary level. His ranting on alleged corruption by the PM and the PM’s dislike of him have been from time to time a public spectacle. “I mean what else could explain the fact that no real development takes place in Portsmouth? Skerrit must not like Ian so he has sought to destroy him and the Douglas legacy!”
This is all an act on the part of our Parliamentary representative to excuse his underachievement as Minister and Representative. Even if it were the truth, it would beg the questions; What is the parliamentary representative’s primary role? To whom is he accountable?
In my mind it is quite simple really. The Parliamentary representative should be accountable to his constituents first! If the parliamentary representative feels that he is disrespected to the point that his representation is ineffective then he should resign.
If he feels that he is so disliked within his own government that he cannot properly represent his constituents then he should either have the testicular fortitude and the nous to change that government to suit his purpose, or to resign that his people may find themselves a representative who is more ‘liked’, who would have a better chance of communicating effectively their aspirations to the powers that be.
If the parliamentary representative knows that the government, more so the prime minister is corrupt then he should as a matter of principal tender his resignation.
The retort might be that I say these things because I am a Freedomite or Workers, even a disgruntled Labourite or supporter! I am however a concerned citizen crying out for the betterment of our people.
In the meantime, for those who are not aware, we have in Portsmouth, rampant poverty and underemployment. Few opportunities within the economy exist for those who are not qualified, or lucky enough to get a job in Picard.
There have been reductions in the number of cruise arrivals at the Cabrits. Cruise ships have pulled out citing the alarming litter situation. Emergency meetings were held by the minister. More of the same really as no real action has been taken to address the problem. There is now a reduction in the number of stay over visitors and a truncated yacht season with fewer yachts calling. The internet is littered with stories from yachters highlighting abhorrence of the host of derelict ships along the waterfront.
At the same time the litter situation in Portsmouth in general escalates as the Portsmouth town council struggles to deal with the upkeep and sanitation of the community even whilst the Minister of Tourism and Parliamentary representative provides no representation in that regard and pronounces, in his most profound contribution to the achievement of the goals of his ministry “I am Dominica are you?” “How can you be Dominica if not Portsmouth first?”
The Portsmouth town council on advice from the Prime Minister himself has made submissions to the government of Dominica for equipment including a tipper truck to be used in the sanitation of the community. This promise of assistance has not been forthcoming. The council has proposed an overhaul of the property tax system in the community, that has been declined. The council has requested an increase in subvention to meet the expansion of its workforce in an effort to cater to the needs of an expanding community, that also has been declined. Meanwhile Portsmouth central has entered into a state of squalor and returning visitors and residents alike have been heard to comment that this is the worst it has ever been.
Appeals to residents to pay land and house rates have fallen on deaf ears mostly, or to the retort, what do we get for paying taxes? Frankly, it’s a chicken and egg situation. No one works for free these days and the council cannot do the work first then collect taxes to pay it. Only through the collection of rates can we increase the level and quality of service provided to the community.
The litter situation along with the overflowing of drains within the community worsens, with the alarming prospect of a Leptospirosis outbreak within the community a possibility. Still our citizens are complacent, some still expect the long awaited ingenuity and generosity of this ungrateful Labour Party government to aid us in realizing the development we know that we deserve. “I mean, 55 years is a long time to wait!” Some have given up and now wallow in the comfort of their despair and pity claiming that there is no better option available than the mediocrity of our representation.
The list of unfulfilled promises to the people of Portsmouth grows longer. In Chance, one failed housing scheme program is followed by the stagnating Petrocasa project. Roads hastily commissioned before elections now remain incomplete whilst the ones which were once paved are now impassable for all but the huge SUVs that our ministers parade around in.
At sunshine village a plywood hotel with a group of long stay guests of Moroccan descent, has risen from the mosquito infested swamp. After the Haiti earthquake of 2010 the UN rushed Nepali peacekeepers into the country without proper screening. By March 2011 4672 persons had died as a result of a cholera outbreak associated with the Nepali peacekeepers. Reports of unexplained illness amongst resident our resident Moroccans are worrying to the local community. We still await the start of the hastily commissioned Cabrits – Moroccan Hotel.
More than Two months ago statements made by Benoit Bardouille, Chief Executive Officer of DASPA indicated that within two weeks we would see movement of derelict ships which litter the coastline, and beaches in Portsmouth. To date not one rivet off one ship has been lifted and the promise is yet to materialize.
The residents of Lagoon who were promised development of the prime beach in the area along with the opportunity for better housing in the Cotton Hill land development scheme now have to accept that the “land is too good for them” and that it may be more suited to an enclave of Chinese immigrants.
The I.T park at long house promised but not delivered. The Ross University and ancillary services remains the sole important source for anyone seeking employment within the community. No diversity has been introduced to the economy of the community within the tenure of this government which we are part of leaving the economy of Portsmouth and Dominica at tremendous risk were (God forbid) there to be a withdrawal of Ross University from the island, or even a significant reduction in their intake.
A proposed (start date January 2010) water and sewerage project has not materialized.
The Portsmouth Development Plan commissioned by this Government, then sidelined are just some of the rewards that we have received for unfailing support to Ian and Labour.
Allegations are surfacing that through the action of two Ministers, a section of Halifax Street in Portsmouth has been sold to an individual through a cabinet decision with no consultations with the people of Portsmouth.
Rumors are that even after objections to the dumping of sewage into Prince Rupert’s bay was voiced by stakeholders that the plan “the cheaper option” is to pump waste from the proposed sewerage project into the bay.
The focus of my attention is squarely on the development of our community. Not those national happenings does not engage me, but I must be Portsmouth first to be Dominica. I will along with others who feel that passion, continue to express my opinions and to encourage the open discourse on the current and future state of affairs in our community. I welcome my detractors as they are but part of this conversation which we must have.
Unfortunately for us, few in Portsmouth have stepped up to the plate to effectively voice the aspirations of its people.
Portsmouth is a community of tremendous natural resource, a community with an equally abundant human and intellectual resource! Unfortunately it has been reduced to a choir led by our Dr. Alba, who himself has become no more than a glorified cheerleader to a Labour party which still exists only as a figment of his imagination. The chorus they sing has gone from “All shall eat” to “Thank God for Skerrit”. Pitiful!
The people of Portsmouth must rise to shape community and destiny. We cannot continue to be laid back and complacent. We must act to reverse the years of decline associated with inept parliamentary representation. We must act to reverse the years of apathy and indifference. We must seek to create positive impacts within our community for our sake and the sake of the generations to come.
The upcoming Portsmouth Town Council elections is an opportune time for civic minded individuals to step forward to make a contribution towards the development of our community.
We will Rise Again!
Ashton Riviere has been a councilor on the Portsmouth Town Council for the past three years.
The opinions expressed in this article does not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online. Hence Dominica News Online does not take the responsibility for anything that was expressed here.
Ashton, you have said it better than anyone. You are brave and real. I hope that the people of Portsmouth take the time to read this piece because it is so relevant to this election. I support everything that you have stated in this article. You make me proud to be from Portsmouth.
I find it really sad that i must stay quiet in my own community to avoid being a victim to a Government that has done nothing for Portsmouth. There are many other Ashtons in Portsmouth but they are afraid for their jobs trust me. The blasted economy so stagnant that you have to kiss ass and take your blows in portsmouth to get by. I personally dislike talking politics before spies make me lose my job. I apologize to the educated and affected persons in Possie for being a coward. I really love my job.
The biggest flaw of democracy is that a certain individual looks promising in Politics and after they die their entire family gets involved in politics and all of them sittin like Tehbeh. Ian is prime example.
Well said Ashton. My father used to say that the Douglases have been in power in Portsmouth since the 60s and in all that time, they’ve only managed to install two public toilets – and that’s because they’re so full of it.
But you know, better than me, that Portsmouth voters are deeply entrenched with Labour. So the questions are how, when, and where do we motivate the free and progressive thinkers? Who will step up and lead the masses? What is our first step?
I hear you loud and clear Ashton….Inever thought you had all of that in you…
I will not say more before DNO do not post my comment but keep on pressing on my boy….
I agree with Jepjep. I didn’t know you had this in you Ashton. You’re making the Lagoon people proud.
I left Dominica a young man after living school in seach of my destiny which I have successfully achieve. Dominica was never a help for the poor. yes poor and what I got from my adopted country is better than what I have got from my own country. not getting a school living in Dominica. I am now the holder of a college Degree. My adopted country send me to schools in England and Canada. In the USA I climax with a business Administration Degree. Why did I say all this is to say that Porsmouth has always deen left out by Roseau and whose falt it is without fair the DOUGLAS dynasty they have never look for anything good for Portsmouth. It does not matter which one of the Douglases that gets in pover it will always be the same as it was in RBD days so it is today. I came to Dominica in 1988 at the invitation of Dame Euginia Charles and I saw the condition of the beach in Portsmouth and I voice my concern at the meeting for visitng Dominicans. and what I read of the condition of Portsmouth is no suprise. Portsmouth is just a doom Town. Its time to do away with all the Douglas Politicians. Get a new breed of people. They have kept our people down by giving them rum and so they vote for them. May God have mercy on Portsmouth. Believe me or not I LOVE D/A
ALL WHAT GOIN ON IN DCA IS PART OF SKERRO NEXT LEVEL!!!
I call it, “Constructive Criticism.”
Well said, my broda
Well said.
I have been trying to understand my Dominican people and their acceptance of mediocre from themselves and others. I have grown to dislike a country i hold so dear to my heart. Not a dislike for the land and physical structure of the country; but for the system that is running and shaping the country; the mentality that our people has developed.
I was forced to leave my island to seek better opportunities, came back decades after just to see the country in an even worst state than the early eighties, taking into consideration we are in 2011. I have no other choice than to give up on this country because one man cant change it. And dominicans staunch resistance to change make it impossible to see any betterment in the near future.
I still hope that this country can change for its 100000+ that have left to come back home where they rightly belong..
TALK, TALK, TALK, TALK, TALK, AND MORE TALK THAT IS DOMINICA.
Illiterate! Let me quote the man for you…
“The retort might be that I say these things because I am a Freedomite or Workers, even a disgruntled Labourite or supporter! I am however a concerned citizen crying out for the betterment of our people.”
COMPREHEND!
SMH
Ashton my friend, my school mate, if you are waiting on the “DOUGH DLASSES” to do anything to improve the lives of the Possie people, I guess ants will bring news for you in your grave, but it won’t never ever happen. My suggestion to you is to rally with your dedicated Possians and get things off the ground, whatever you wish to get done, and then maybe, just maybe, the minds of the others might change. I know you may need some form of cash possibly to start off, but God is good, if you tap your resources, you may just get the needed help.
hahahah! Go Gillette and claim the villas as the property of the people of Portsmouth. Sell them and start a trust fund for Porsie general development.
Bwaaah! Allyuh Donichere just start to see….Allyuh getting just what allyuh deserve b/c the truth be told allyuh is a wicked lazy and greedy set of people….Allyuh had tink Skerritt wid his 300 milliyion $ was going make roads of milk and honey….allyuh had tink the reserves would stored in those deep dimples in his cheeks? Allyuh had also tink allyih would do like them fast food places and just refill when empty….Bwaaah…the Bible is right you reap what you sow!
PREACH IT SISTA OR BROTHER OR WHOEVER ANONYMOUS IS!
I LIKE THE PART WHERE YOU SAY “LAZY GREEDY SET OF PEOPLE”
BEAUTIFULLY PUT
lol
Ashton I applaud the maverick in you. It is very tough to stand up against the labor Party in Portsmouth; I must also add that today it is a rsik to speakout against the labor party anywhere in Dominica less you want to have your house fire bombed or your kid victimized.
Ashton we grew up together with Ian, we know what kind of person Ian can be. As I’ve always said Ian by nature is a good person and I love Ian. In fact Ian is the only Douglas guy that I’ve dealt with and cordial with. I was not a fan of Rosie nor Mike. Like most of RBD’s offspring Ian is a talker however when it comes to walking the walk the Douglases are always MIA. As a person who was engaged in community work I can give countless examples to back up my statement but that is not important at this point. Let’s just say that people lead by example that is how others follow.
I am done trying to figure out the reason why Portsmouth people vote like they do- Blind Support. I can’t imagine that there is another place in civilization where someone gets rewarded for continuous failure and a lackadaisical approach. As painful as it is I must admit that no amount of lamenting from a handful of concerned “Porssians” is going to change things. Think about it we have professional lawyers, Dentists, Doctors, Teachers, Engineers, Meteorologist, pastors , horticulturist ,etc who are prepared to vote for Ian Douglas and the Labor Party come next election. Note that these educated professionals are Laborites by “inheritance”- their parents were and are Laborites and so they refuse to be anything else. In anticipation of the reprisal let me just say that we have had very good alternatives for parliamentary representation both for and against the Labor Party yet we chose to be like a one track train.I fear that Portsmouth is destined to remain as is – If the educated ones cannot break the pitiful status quo who will. I am sure that somewhere in their hearts the parents are expecting their educated children to make better decisions. The problem lives on- the children of these educated ones who now look up to their parents are now forced to carry a shameful tradition which was handed down by grand pa and grand ma. “Se Labar mwen labar et mwe que tojour Labor” Sometimes I wonder whether or not Sheridan , Leslie Martin or RBD is still alive in Portsmouth.
I know that I have digressed from Ashton’s very brilliant presentation however I do share the same passion for my town. I do agree too that the Labor Party has been very ungrateful to the people of Portsmouth. One must also ask the obvious question –why tend to a vineyard or a potato field that is guaranteed to produce a harvest whether rain ,shine, wild grass, bug infestation or a irresponsible farm attendant (Ian).
In all sincerity good luck fighting this incurable disease in Portsmouth.
Brown-Sugar, move your skin there.
You is inside-possi???
Ashton Riviere and your gang can never stop
LAYBA from getting to the next level, so, go wash your mouths!
THE ‘NEXT LEVEL” IS THE LAST LEVEL BEFORE THE CLIFF.
Another foolish labourite
GOOD EFFORT SIR, BUT ALL OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE COUNTRY HAVE BEEN TAINTED WITH POLITICAL COLOURS NOW.
WHEN I WAS ON MY VILLAGE COUNCIL, THERE WAS NO SUCH THING AS LABOUR, FREEDOM , WORKERS…. THERE WAS ONLY A DESIRE TO GET WORK DONE ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE
After reading the commentary twice, I have no doubt that Mr. Riviere is a true and genuine patriot who cares dearly for Portsmouth and his community. The question is: How many more Ashtons are there throughout the island to come forward and say it as they see it? Grand Bay, one of the most populated districts in D/ca, is propably one of the worst communinty of neglect, and one that has heard and seen more lies and unfulfilled promises from a Government that enjoys majority support from the villagers. To read that the Skerrit’s regime has designated an enclave for Chinese immigrants in D/ca is outrageous. Certainly, the time is now for every civil servant and Labourite to stop believing that without Skerrit they wont have a job, or there wont be any China, Venezuela or countries to give aid to D/ca. The time has come for every Dominican to come out in large numbers, demonstrate in public to show that enough is enough with this regime that has shown no concern for the Constitution. How long shall this nonsense continue?
Correction: Grand Bay, probably one of the worst communities of neglect by the DLP.
Serve them right them fools deserve it
Can’t agree with you more than that…Nothing is done in Grandbay, because the Labour Party has always considered it a safe sit….So why spend money to advance their cause…They will vote me anyway….WHAT DISRESPECT TO A PEOPLE…
Grand Bay will vote for a donkey bottom once it’s Labor,they do not care about development once they can sell drugs that will do.Politics in Portsmouth and Grand Bay is tribal.
WELL PUT
Another Possie man votiming for his supper,sad!
Illiterate! Let me quote the man for you…
“The retort might be that I say these things because I am a Freedomite or Workers, even a disgruntled Labourite or supporter! I am however a concerned citizen crying out for the betterment of our people.”
SMH
Dont bother yourself with them;the wise man Solomon said”If you pound a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle,yet his foolishness remaineth in him.
LOL i will keep this close to my heart…thanks!
What’s wrong with these people!!! This guy needs to go find his lover man.
Get your stats, he is happily married. And what he says is so very true. I myself fed-up of all these so-called political gimmicks, who call themselves STALWARTS of the DLP.
I HOPE MR.ASHTON RIVIERRE IS READY FOR HIS POWER PRESSURE BY IAN AND HIS ANIMAL TEAM ON TUESDAY NIGHT.REMEMBER,ASHTON,JUST CALL LENNOX LINTON ON Q THEY FRAID HIM JUST LIKE DE DEVIL FRAID DE CROSS.
talk de tings them.give thanks for life.better mus com.
‘I am never a concerned citizen crying out for the betterment of our people.’ was this a typo… i’m thinking ‘never’ should be ‘however’… any way i think it is good that this gentleman is keeping tabs on his constituency… i think ian must be man enough to challenge the status quo of the d.l.p… he must seek to challenge skerro for leadership… get his people to rally behind him… ian acting like a child… a grown man like him….
you did not read “never” the word used is “however”
OMG ANOTHER ONE!
I THINK THE PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL HAVE FINALLY PASSED THE CLOUDS