The debate on whether individuals with dual citizenship should contest parliamentary elections here in Dominica and certainly the region seemingly has suffered some form of paralysis particularly as we await the decision of the High Court in a recent election petition matter.
Indeed the Caribbean awaits, perhaps with bated breath this landmark court ruling. Whatever the Judge’s ruling on the matter, further court proceedings will most definitely follow. The end is indeed not necessarily near.
That court case aside though, there remains the larger more compelling debate about whether individuals with dual citizenship should be allowed to participate in the electioneering process here. That debate must of necessity be allowed to continue with some intensity but minus the acrimony, name calling and innuendos. The debate must move from where it presently is and taken to another height, yes, another level.
The long, mostly partisan driven points of view, more often based on pure political drivel must be filtered out thus allowing the discussion to rise to a crescendo where partisan colours or subjective partisan persuasions does not feature in the manner it presently is.
If necessary, civil society, non-partisan state actors among others must take the lead and guide the discussion away from the narrow gauntlet of merely seeking to unseat the incumbent government. That strategy will not do. It will only isolate a sizeable proportion of the community to the point of sheer disconnect with the issue. Now is the time for real statesmanship in all its purity of purpose. Can we therefore rise to that level of political maturity? Can we discuss a national expediency without the name calling? Can we therefore find in ourselves the right attitude and moved by an objective purpose, rise to those celestial and dizzying heights of absolute statesmanship. Are we willing to try?
My view on the matter is simple. Given the limited human resource base of the resident population and aware of the vast pool of Dominican expertise that is dispersed throughout the diaspora, isn’t it desirable therefore, that as a nation we seek to attract and harness every available skill set and expertise that potentially could be made available to developing Dominica.
I am thinking of business managers, developers, planners, economists, resource managers, medical personnel, agronomists, engineers, social workers, educators, technologists, scientists, researchers, civil servants, financiers, etc. Few among us would disagree that we are in need of such skills and expertise. Such human resource skills, with or without dual citizenship are needed across every sector, even at the policy, political and ministerial level in Dominica. The only skill set we can do without are those of the gangsters and mobsters who have refined and honed their skills in the inner cities of the northern metropolis.
Presently, Dominicans with dual citizenship are constrained by law from taking part in the electoral process as elected members of parliament. They can however participate otherwise in Dominica’s development. The obvious question next is. Should Dominica consider making it possible for nationals with dual citizenship to participate in the country’s development process at the level of parliament? I am of the view that if positive consideration is given to the issue, this must be limited to Dominicans born in Dominica even if they possess foreign citizenship.
In order words, a person with Dominican citizenship either through naturalization, economic citizenship, or by virtue of being married to a Dominican or someone of Dominican parentage alone should not qualify for such a privilege. However, a person claiming Dominican citizenship as a result of Dominican parentage may be allowed to serve but only after first renouncing the citizenship of his birth place.
Those with dual citizenship and desirous of serving Dominica at the highest level must first meet a period of permanent residency in Dominica for a period of no less than three years immediately preceding the date on which nomination for the said elections is to take place. Such a provision would allow for political acclimatization with local issues, reintroduction to state apparatus and functionaries and generally to gain a greater understanding of Dominica’s development agenda.
Where such an individual finds favor with the voters and the leader of the government, he/she must be voided from taking up any employment (short or long-term) outside of Dominica for the duration of his/her tenure as an MP or Minister. Any failure in this regard would render his/her position vacant forthwith. Certain ministerial portfolios such as that of Prime minister, Ministers of Finance and Legal Affairs must be retained by Dominicans without dual citizenship. The other existing qualification provisions for elections to the parliament of Dominica must also apply.
I have concluded the above because I am of the firm opinion that there are Dominican nationals who through circumstance, often times beyond their control have taken up citizenship of another country but who have never, ever wavered in their commitment and allegiance to Dominica. They have the skills, training and experiences which we need. Some do have the right attitude and aptitude. I happen to know a few. Their commitment to Dominica which is clearly demonstrated by what they have achieved for the country speaks volumes for their commitment to Dominica.
There are also some Dominican nationals in the diaspora whose only interest is in the politics of Dominica and who are still not prepared to give up their privileged positions (albeit second class citizens) in those “greener pastures”. Many think only of themselves. Having arrived at their life goals, they never spare a moment in “talking down” on those of us who have remained at home and borne the crunch of taking Dominica thus far. Whatever we do in this regard, care must be taken not to open the door for such peddlars of selfish motives, as we have seen recently. They hold the view that the only way they can contribute to Dominica’s development is by getting involved in the political governance of the country – much of which is misguided and “full of yourself” attitude.
I have submitted my views on the issue only to provoke thought and discussion for some time even beyond the final stages of the ongoing court matter. It is noteworthy that many other voices with regional credentials, which I cannot even dream of, have sought to advance the view that we can no longer remain tied to the status quo. Surely, the time has come for us to rise above and soar beyond our ulterior motives to find that sincere spirit of Dominican nationalism. Are we bold and courageous enough to face boldly what is still today a vexing and divisive issue?
Yes, we can.
Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online.
I seem to find this quote in the article contradictory…..to everything else which was written regarding the dual citizenship issue “…Certain ministerial portfolios such as that of Prime minister, Ministers of Finance and Legal Affairs must be retained by Dominicans without dual citizenship.”
I’m giving the writer the benefit of the doubt based on the rest of the article and will believe that he meant that persons WITH DUAL CITIZENSHIP, can hold the Prime Minister’s Office
This the most positive statement, i have heard and read on dno for a long while, w need to look beyond the pety political rangling that is going around this issue and come clear and deal with that problem once and for all,truely, dominica needs all what it can get as far as strong , educated and skilled personell etc, is concerned,so this issue must be dealt with as soon and as discisive as possible, i have much to offer to my birth place DOMINICA.
Do we have law that governs this or do we not? And what does the law say?
End of story!
Did you read the article?
Well this is a very nice article by Mr Charles but it is simply attacking the current situation with the Prime Minister. My position is very simple in that if you were born in Dominica and you hold dual citizenship. You should be able to hold any public office once you returned to Dominica for a minimum of three years preceeding the election. In that way you should be able to get to know the constituents you want to serve. There are quite a number of us who left and pursue higher education and would like to serve therefore such opportunity should be available to us .
Stupes. Is BIRD ISLAND we want to debate about. An how d PM feel he want to giv it to Chavez.
Ronald has presented some points worthy of consideration. I will print out his argument and ponder on them before offering my own point of view.
I particularly endorse the approach he has outlined for how the public debate should proceed.
It is my understanding here that dual citizenship is not the main point of contention but the manner in which it was obtained having been born in Dominica. The question here is what is the difference in the way one acquires dual citizenship? If there is a difference, is this reasonable today to have a citizen barred from making a contribution to DA at the highest level? How do we measure allegiance to ones country? Does the constitution imply that one, who gets citizenship of another by the doing of his parents and keeps it, is more loyal to his/her country than one who got it through his own act? We must seek to answer these questions honestly.
Our fore fathers surely had great reasons for adding this to the constitution many years ago. Good decisions are taken on the information and circumstances present at the time. Today we are living in a new era. The mere fact that this issue is a debate of such contention shows clearly that it is time for some changes to be made. Time has change and so did the circumstances under which our fore fathers operated. Keep the discussion going.
At last!!!!
What a refreshing and considered expression of truth. This is the best and most balanced article I’ve seen on DNO for a long time. Well done for having the courage to speak out. I just hope that the comments posted do not try to bring this down to the gutter level that we often see.
Stay blessed
Ronald, Read sir Brian Alleyne’s article on the issue.
It is not something unique to Dominica. Nationality counts for something. Can you imagine an Indian who also has Pakistani nationality and is eleted Prime Minister of either India or Pakistan? Which constitution will he defend and if war breaks out who will he fight for. Because if he fights for pakistan, India will execute him for treason and vice versa.
You see that is why most countries have this proviso in their constitution. In America you even have to be born in the USA mainland to be eleigible to be the President. It is not even enough to have American citizenship.
The law is good just as it is. You can not serve God and serve Mamoth at the same time. Your birthright is sacred.
Where can Sir Brian’s article be found. Is it balanced or is casting aspertions at Prime Minister Skerrit in light of recent developments?
In America someone born in Dominica, but assuming US citizenship later in life e.g Ron Green can hold an office in the US government – cabinet level, legally speaking that is. He however cannot be elected President for obvious reasons. The writer did make the point that the Prime Min isterial position, Finance and Legal Affairs mustbe held by someone without dual citizenship. I would add the National Security porfolio to that list as well
I would also add we consider Foreign Affairs
Marcel, if someone is born in any part of the Commonwealth Nation he can be PM of Dominica? So this begs the question, someone from India or Pakistan can be PM of Dominica. But Peter and Rooselvelt Skerrit or ROn Green, can not be PM…because they were born in DA and have a little side book that say, I have dual citizenship or I have a passport.
But Marcel is smart enogh to know that there is no way a Pakistani could be PM of India and no Way and Indian will be the PM of Pakistan…is all a different kind of Cricket and Spin Bowling..Plus Pakistanis don’t do curry.
You see that is why most countries have this proviso in their constitution. In America you even have to be born in the USA mainland to be eleigible to be the President….you are incorrect Marcel, as per Factcheck.org. Whatever you say, should be backed up with facts
Here you go
http://www.factcheck.org/2008/02/john-mccains-presidential-eligibility/
RESEARCH
Janet Jagan (October 20, 1920 – March 28, 2009)[1][2][3] was an American-born socialist politician who was President of Guyana from December 19, 1997, to August 11, 1999. She previously served as Prime Minister of Guyana from March 17, 1997, to December 19, 1997.
She was born as Janet Rosenberg to middle-class Jewish parents in Chicago, Illinois. Janet’s maternal grandparents, Adolph and Rosa Kronberg (née Appelbaum,) were Jewish immigrants. Adolph immigrated to Chicago from Romania and Rosa came from Hungary.[4] In December 1942, aged 22, while working as a student nurse at Cook County Hospital, she met Cheddi Jagan, an Indo-Guyanese dentistry student at Northwestern University.[5] They married on August 5, 1943, and she moved with him to Guyana in December 1943.
Dont think we should be comparing or system of governance to Guyana. Just saying. Do your research
Can you elaborate further on the following please…”Certain ministerial portfolios such as that of Prime minister, Ministers of Finance and Legal Affairs must be retained by Dominicans without dual citizenship.”
I admire the effort by this writer to come forward with some sort of idea on the way forward re the dual citizen matter. While it is refreshing, I believe at present we must abide to the existing laws and regulations as spelled out in the constitution. we should not attempt to compromise based on our emotions or present ideology of what should be. while new thinking should be part of the equation for clearing the path on our way forward we should never compromise the wisdom of our forefather in putting these section in the constitution. First of all we need someone to explain the significance of not being a dual citizen in contesting an election in the commonwealth of Dominica. There must be some very significant reason for having it enshrined in the constitution. Let us explore the thinking behind it. Only then I think we can then put a case forward to modify it. After all being at the pinnacle of the country’s leadership definitely calls for unwavering allegiance to the state. And the experience of the last decade spells it out even more profoundly. Any elected member can assume the position of Prime Minister. lets not take this lightly. It started in Dominica with the passing of Rosie and Pierro, it happened in St.Lucia and Barbados and under different circumstances is now surfacing in Jamaica. So yes, I agree to the ideas coming forward but let us not be consumed by the superficial reasoning. we need to dig deeper into the realm of wisdom. Not everything new is best…
For the record, having dual citizenship does not, of itself, disqualify one from standing for election in the Commonwealth of Dominica. It is how the citizenship was obtained that matters. If one was born outside of Dominica, of Dominican parents, and acquired citizenship not by their own act, they are eligible. Also, if one is born in Dominica and one’s parent has another nationality and chooses to acquire their citizenship for their minor child (as is the case with Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit and Hon. Peter St.Jean) they are also eligible to stand for election.
The question of wither one “by his/her own volition” undertakes an act of “allegiance” to a foreign power by traveling on that countries passport and thereby under the protection of the country is another matter all together. While obtaining a passport is an administrative act and does not require any “oath of allegiance” it can be (and certainly has been) argued that choosing to travel on a “foreign” passport constitutes an overt act of allegiance.
The matter currently before the court in Dominica will do little to settle the debate on this issue as there is no evidence that either the Prime Minister or the Minister of Education ever traveled on any passport other than those issued by the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
i smell ur politricking…. my friend mr skerrit and st jean got citizenship by parents… but got a passport on their own accord…. meaning they acknowledged allegiance to another nation… this is where the issue lied… remember mr green gave up the passport and not the citizenship… skerro was badly informed and gave up his citizenship all together lol look joke
Who said the PM and St jean have any passport,the case did not say that,get the facts right mouth of the south
Your last point is relevant. Since the judge ruled that Skerrit and St.Jean do not have to surrender their French passports to the Court, I do not see her ruling that they owed allegiance to a foreign country when they contested the general elections in 2009.
great article… i truly believe to hold office of P.M and other ministries such as finance and security… u would have to be a dominican citizen only… but what does this quote mean?? “The only skill set we can do without are those of the gangsters and mobsters who have refined and honed their skills in the inner cities of the Northern Metropolis.” um i’m wondering if the writer is referring to metro’s such as N.Y or Toronto or Chicago and London… cause most of such people have come from the U.S.V.I and Miami…florida in extension.. not forgetting neighbouring guadeloupe and st maarteen
Read carefully. “the only skills set that we can do without are those of the GANSGTERS AND MOBSTERS”. Is there a need for any further explanation. If you are not a ganster or mobster, meaning criminal, why worry? Your skills what ever they are are required.
Ronald you really brave to expose yourself so. You should be aware of how we treat our thinkers. Made some good points for us to consider. As you say this is for debate and discussion. I have my own views on the matter but I dare not come out like you have. I am waiting to see how the message will be treated rather than the messenger. That might give me an idea as to how to proceed with my own thoughts on the matter.
That being said, the issue is a very delicate matter and should be treated with the utmost care. A lot of discussion is necessary out of which ideas will emerge that could be used to guide how the powers that be act. I believe the discussion must go on. This is just a start.