My fellow citizens, residents and visitors to our fair isle,
It is with a deep sense of patriotism and pride in being Dominican, that I warmly embrace the opportunity afforded me to extend this message to you as we celebrate the thirty-fifth anniversary of our political independence.
In the preamble to our Constitution, we affirm: “that the Commonwealth of Dominica is founded upon the principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, faith in fundamental human rights and freedoms, the position of the family in the society of free men and free institutions, the dignity of the human person, and the equal and inalienable rights with which all members of the human family are endowed by their creator.”
It is to God therefore, that we must give thanks for seeing us through the many challenges which we have encountered as we journeyed forward as an independent state these last thirty five years.
The period surrounding November 3rd, the anniversary of our independence, has the effect of drawing Dominicans of all walks of life together, wherever they may be in the world, in a kind of homecoming characterized by joyful expressions of brotherhood, as we proudly display and celebrate our Dominican nationhood, heritage and culture.
The theme for our celebrations “One Mission, One Dominica: Celebrating 35”, calls on all citizens and residents alike, to a deeper reflection on the kind of nation we want to build, and to a collective unity of vision and purpose in getting there.
As we continue on this important journey of perfecting our democracy, our institutions, our economic strategies for growth, and for improving the quality of life of all, I invite you to direct your reflections on the provisions of our Constitution as written, on the institutions which it establishes for the good governance of our state, and on all the organizations, development partners and individuals who have stood firmly and consistently by our side in building the country that we cherish as home.
Let us welcome in a special way all our visitors to our shores, more particularly our brothers and sisters living in the Diaspora, who are visiting relatives and friends, and who are looking forward to re-immersing themselves in, and enjoying our rich cultural heritage. We should encourage them to visit our tourism sites; to hike the various segments of our world famous Waitikubuli National Trail, based upon their individual levels of fitness; and to familiarize themselves with the developments which have taken place all over the island since they were last here in their homeland.
One important development to which we are committed is renewable energy, more particularly geothermal energy. We are satisfied that we have the potential not only to generate enough geothermal electricity to meet our needs but also significant surplus which we can export to Martinique and Guadeloupe in the first instance. Less expensive electricity will benefit all consumers and lower the cost of doing business in Dominica. We have pursued this with the support of various development partners including the regional councils of Guadeloupe and Martinique with whom we hope to share the benefits of non-carbon emitting, clean and less expensive generation of electric power. We are also committed to regional cooperation.
To give meaning and relevance to the regional integration movement, we must embrace the freedom of movement and right of establishment provisions of the CARICOM and OECS treaties and welcome our OECS and CARICOM citizens who take up residence here in much the same way that we would expect to be welcomed in other CARICOM and OECS countries in which we seek to reside and work. Our CARICOM Community Passport is one of the most tangible symbols which identifies us as citizens of a wider Caribbean community.
We must also welcome our closest neighbors from Martinique and Guadeloupe with whom we share a Creole culture and language, and who visit us in large numbers at this time of year to participate in our festivities and in particular the World Creole Music Festival and Creole in the Park. Both Martinique and Guadeloupe have expressed their interest in becoming members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The economic and social benefits of such expanded regional integration are tremendous, especially for us here in Dominica as we are located between these two overseas departments of France.
If we truly embrace regional integration as the way forward for our overall development, we must refrain from statements and actions which in their ordinary meaning could be interpreted as being insular, hateful, racist and xenophobic. In a democracy, we must tolerate differences in opinion on a whole range of subject matters including matters of policy and national development. Debate on such issues must be respectful of other people’s views, of the law and the Constitution, and should not degenerate into acrimonious exchanges aimed at destroying the personal or public reputation of those with whom we disagree. In fact, vigorous debate can be for the common good, as it can assist us in a wider examination of proposals put forward to advance the national interest. We must not however substitute opinion for fact, nor import into our laws and Constitution, provisions which do not exist, in an effort to bolster our arguments. We must rely on the facts as they are, whether they are convenient or inconvenient.
As we observe our 35th anniversary of Independence, let us resolve to put the national interest first and foremost in all our endeavors, and let us treat with each other as members of one Dominican family with one mission, to develop this island state for the benefit of its entire people at home and abroad.
My wife and family join me in extending to one and all God’s blessings for an enjoyable and peaceful 35th Anniversary of Independence.
Did not listen will not read, cannot learn anything from a dishonorable man…your track record proves it.
You know. God is a good God. To all you haters, just check this out. God is in control here. The weather, the proceedings, the turn out at every event, the participation in all activities, Awesome. God favors his own and no matter what the hatters plan , God is God all by himself and he takes care of his own. Thousands are praying for the Government, especially the elderly people and God is listening to their prayers. Everything working out for good to them who love God and are called by his name. Stop hating and replace it with Love. ALL YOU LOOSING ALL BATTLES, SO GIVE UP.THE WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE ARE NOT CARNAL BUT MIGHTY THROUGH THE PULLING DOWN OF STRONG HOLDS.AMEN…..
The president looked upright infact he look very much like a statesman and the full house stadium applauded him which is a major disaster for the uwp more you call for boots on the ground and boycott the greater the turnouts when will guys ever learn that the people of this nation is use to the UWP blowing hot air.it is a shame
Sorry to hear about your daughter. You rather be at the sewo at the Stadium rather than your own daughter, knowing fully well her mind was not at peace because of you, which lead to her mishap.
Happy Independence despite the sadness.
All those talking about saverin would have done the same if they had the opportunity including sir Brian. Saverin only headed the civil servants .you had the nurses association the police the teachers who took part in the 1979 strike nobody talk s about their leaders. You had other key players like sir Brian Eddis Athie Jenefer and others too many to remember who were at the forefront Athie wanted to name dbs radio free Dominica. The main culprit of the 1979 issue is Patrick John and all the critics keep a tight lip on Mr John. SAVERIN and the others actually prevente Dominicans to go back to slavery. Remember Don Pearson The lady koclock clang. Leave President Charles A Saverin in peace. God bless him
Amen
really what happened months after the over throw .. where did savarin find himself,or was it calculated …know ur facts
that is so amazing, what skerrrit have grown men doing..
Do you realize that you adding to the confusion?
His speech is as plastic as his smile. While Savarin possesses the intellect to be President he certainly does not possess the fairness, the objectivity, the statesmanship and the political honesty that the position calls for. While the boycott was not strategically sound and Dominicans were correct to ignore it, Charles Savarin pollutes the position of President. He is not be in the category of Seignoret, Shaw, Sorhaindo who dignified the highest office of the land.
And, that is the situation his supporters do not yet understand. If they do, then they can hardly be considered patriotic.
Talk to the hand the ears ain’t listening to you
to the uwp people incase u all win the next general election linton and his whole cabinet will be sworn in by the so call illegal president so that would make linton and his cabinet illegal too and would linton say to us there will be no youth rally and independence celebration because Charles savarin is president?
@just WHEN the UWP wins the next election, one man cannot prevent a government that the people has voted for to represent them,to get in the way of progress.The menmbers will be sworn in, and business will be taken care of later.
Anyway,i speak for myself NOT for the UWP.
keep on dreaming labour will still be in power when elections take place on jan 23 2015
and we might even have marigot because marigot people already done realise labour will and wan tto take marigot to the next leve the next Portsmouth is marigot jus give us a chance u will see
Have you ever crossed a bridge before you reached it? However, there will be an acting healthy President by then. His spirit will not be willing and the flesh of the heart will be weak from grief.
“A beautiful speech filled with unity togetherness and brotherhood, no hatred or division. So once again I ask what was the UWP ranting over?”(Desmond).
It is not only people who’s retina of their eyes are damage by glaucoma, or cataracts who are the blind walking around; one need to free themselves from political demagogy, and recognize a hypocritical speech when it is presented.
I do not know how old people such as Desmond are; so perhaps such people have no knowledge of the harm, and pain that Saverin caused Dominica in the past.
Here this man is talking about the preamble, and making reference to people’s inalienable rights bestowed on us by the constitution. He need to remind himself that when he effectively organized his insurrection which caused so much havoc and pain on the island, and which caused the innocent to loose their very life in a riot, or practically a civil war: God, the preamble, and our inalienable rights existed, since our nation was already an independent nation.
He had no respect for God, the constitution, nor the inalienable rights of the people, including Patrick John who humbly accepted the gift of Independence from Britain. Violence, and the craving for power was in Saverin heart, he cared nothing of the peoples inalienable rights then. I suppose he has now become aware of the rights of the people because as the days past him by with nothing to do, he may have read parts of the constitution which he quoted; thus he has delivered one of the most hypocritical speeches I have ever read; there is no substance within!
It is disgusting that we are celebrating of our independence; nonetheless, the name of the man who headed Dominica’s government at the time when independence was forced upon us by the colonial masters; his name is not mentioned, no recognition is given to Patrick John. In spite of what he did; whether or not we wanted to invite him to any of the festivities; recognition should be given to Patrick John.
Some claim that Edward Leblanc is the father of our nation; I strongly disagree with that; if one is satisfied that when Leblanc and the rest who served with him when he was Premier went on a quest to chase every white person out of Dominica in the 1950’s; if that was their rendition of building a nation, then I might have to accept their brand of nation building.
Wether we hat John or like him; Patrick John, though disgraced by his final act as Prime Minister of the country, he must always be recognized as the father of the nation; it unfortunate that I am unable to mention some of his successes, such as the first Stadium built, which the DFP broke down when they over threw him, we will recognized our social security system now in tack, and functioning; also the aid Bank which many are burrowing money from and not paying back today came by the efforts of John; hell, give the man the credit that is due to him.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Are you for real. Where were you living during one of the most heroic demonstration of leadership by Mr. Wavering. Can stop trying to be intelligent.
WAY PAPA! Look Savarin talking about constitution now. Well this man is not easy.
If the appointment was unconstitutional, take it to court and stop crying.
What does DAH after his name means noh?
I agree with the others.
VERY BAD CHOICE TO HAVE SAVARIN AS PRESIDENT!
Admin: DAH is the acronym for Dominica Award of Honour
Thank you!
hmn mister have guts wi even talking about constitution……………..he and scare it mashup the country.just like the devil have his followers the people will still follow him.i will hear about all u in years to come.go on
That man Savarin, Our Country’s President made sure our constitution was upheld and preserved for us.
It is fitting that he is the current holder of it now. Any person who is not mischievous and care to be honest would know that.
It is a good thing 95% of Dominicans know that. The other 5% at least 3% of them know the truth but they are hoping they can manipulate the 2% who may not know how very important that man Savarin is and was for Dominica they may think they are achieving a brain washing of the 2% but alas by what I saw on Friday and Sunday the 2% are beginning to question them and what to find out for themselves. I say hurrah to them. Today was or all Dominica and Dominicans and they could not have said it any clearer and louder. Bravo!1
@For Richer or Poorer You are really Dominica’s most mischievous and carefree individual. Fly away from home. You are dangerous.
Hello and good afternoon my people. I want to wish my country a happy independence. I would like to know where can I purchase a copy of our Constitution or is it available at our United Nation Mission.
The constitution is available ONLINE! GOOGLE it.
Allu supporting skerrit and dont even know what the constitution says smh
Behonest .
Hello and good evening. Hi I born in Dominica and raised in St Thomas and New York . I don’t belong to any political party and I have never voted in Dominica and I have no intention of voting there. I want the best for our citizens and I will respect any Government our citizens elect. I am simply interested in acquiring a copy of our constitution so I can familiarize myself with its content.
i wish all Dominicans and especially those that coment a happy independence
Booooooooooooooooooo
The consummate politician. Spoken like a true politician.
According to the record it is our birthday and usually we celebrate our birthdays; However, I am not too sure too many of us are happy at where our country is, and where it seems to be heading, but let wish all Dominicans God’s blessing on this special day and do hope happier days are ahead.
For goodness sake, Savarin should avoid mentioning our constitution in any of his talks as his presence ALWAYS reminds us of a “No constitution, no law state.
Wrong! Most of us are happy.
INDEPENDENCE is NOT about SAVARIN nor SKERRIT. INDEPENDENCE IS ABOUT “US” and our ISLAND’S FREEDOM FROM the BRITISH.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL WHO BELIEVE.
Please do not remove the constitution from all this,or I will reject your message.
Kool Freedom from the British and into mental slavery and partisan blindness
You should be ashamed to give a speech on independence day. You of all people.
Thanks Sir but No Thanks
And can it be…
My Fellow Dominicans,
Today we celebrate the 37th anniversary of our independence. I ask you to join me in paying homage to all the tall leaders who have made great sacrifices on behalf of our independence. Today is a day of great joy for me.
I thank God for our Constitution! Do you, my fellow Dominicans have compete faith in me as your President?
We achieved independence in 1978 under the leadership of Reverend Doctor Colonel the Right Honourable Prime Minister Patrick Roland John. Today, as I can look back with a great sense of satisfaction and pride on on the immense nation-building roles I have played since then. Let me tell you that the Presidency was not what I sought. But as you know, I have always been a fighter for the little maliway and I saw the presidency as a platform to continue to work with sincerity and honesty on behalf of the maliway. Public servants can attest to that.
From today onwards, I exhort you my fellow Dominicans, to go where you may, roam through every town, village, hamlet, and nook and cranny and search out the enemy and the unpatriotic ones. And when you have found them, then you can say with me, not any with hypocrisy or shame “who? where? when? why?”
Dominica reigns!
Admin: Reader, I’m certain that you meant to write 35th anniversary and not 37th.
Fellow domincans can’t you all see, the same people that helped put the constitution together is saying nothing wrong was done, by appointing mr Savarin. Mr Savarin keep your head high as you have done over the years. Just remember that all the people who talks badly about you, THIS TOO WILL PAST. If i die tomorrow ants will bring the news to me, Mr Eddison, lennox, Thomson and all the other members of the jokers party time will tell. Because you guys do alot of bad things and hit hard on the present administration. THE WOOD THAT YOU GET IS THE WOOD THAT YOU’LL BURN!!!!!!!
To all of u on here saying he is illegal do u all know u can take the government to court its your rite any ways happy 35th to all have a blessed day to one and all.
This is already being challenged in the court.
God bless our President especially as we celebrate our Independence!
Why do you leave your family and the people of Dominica out. You have no broughtupsy.
But I wish you blessed season.
Gun point president. U will deal with skerette, its a matter of time. Mr williams thought it was a joke , uwp had warn him and now look how they treated him. Time will tell skerette. Good times don last forever.
I was not aware that Charles Savarin had read the Constitution. Had he read and understood the Constitution he would not have accepted the Presidency under those conditions. If we were to forgive him for the disaster of 1979 under his watch, in my opinion, he doesn’t deserve my forgiveness when he knowingly accepted the Presidency even though he knew beyond any doubt that the Constitution was violated.
In my opinion, the only Constitution Charles Savarin respects is the Constitutional Kool Wash Brigade.
Doc Love can you tell me where or what part of the constitution was violated? Not just say it research it then come back.
Come back and tell us so we all can know what section of the Constitution you believe for yourself was violated. Don’t repeat what others say – show me which section of the constitution was violated.
If you can’t, may I suggest you stop repeating what other people say and find out for yourself. You will be wiser for doing so.
Even though I was to print the violated section all over your body, as a supporter of Skeritt you still would not recognize it.
Doc Love you have answered my request with your non answer. I it were an exam you would get zero or not properly answering a question. You have no idea what part in the Constitution was violated. You know why? That is because no parts were.
My guess is you must be among the mischievous 3% who likes propaganda rather than truth.
You have d heart to mention my Constitution in your mouth..after what alu did to it? Shame in you
he have more guts than casguts
hope your daughter is doing better !
All your talk about the constitution is simply hypocrisy. You helped to tear down and trample upon the constitution. A polarizing president INDEED. POOR CHOICE!
WISH ALL DOMINICANS A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE.
Please share the section of the said constitution that was violated and the sequence of trampling events that caused this violation, for our education. In so doing, do no repeat or quote the repeated messages from the political right, left or center but use your intelligence and common sense. I thank you. Happy Independence.
I cannot agree more.
You are right on target. We thank you.
Happy independence to all Dominicans,despite the fact that I see this present president as a very poor choice.
What a shame Savarin.
SHAME ON YOU TOO
Thanks MR PRESEDENT for your speech. As I duly noted we have an over flow of brains in our lovely country and that’s all fine, but I also realized that there`s also lots of under hand and back hand strikes at all our critics with a view to ridicule them. We have to be careful that we do not speak from both sides of our mouth. Call a spade a spade but be careful with all those coded words. Remember the long tongue can hurt both ways. May God continue to bless our Lovely unique Nature Isle{now FAIR ISLE”}??? too many names might kill our Country. Lets remain fair in thoughts words and deeds. A proud Dominican” Are YOU?? Happy Birthday Dominica and many, many more to come regardless of who is in power.
Charles Sarvrin telling Dominicans about the CONSTITUTION and the LAW. When I think about it our people are taken for granted over and over again and we allow these men to continue their disrespect and insult of us.
Sarvrin will go down in history as one of those persons who successfully distroyed the basic fabric of our ISLAND.And we Dominicans should stop burying our heads in the sand pretending it will all go away it will not so it’s time we begin to educate our young people accordingly
A beautiful speech filled with unity togetherness and brotherhood, no hatred or division. So once again I ask what was the UWP ranting over? I am convinced they are anti progress anti development and could well be anti Dominica at the rate they are going. But as a people we are too wise to be fooled by some power hungry and angry men, God bless Dominica today and going forward.
More hot air coming from an empty bag.
You mean hot air coming from another dumb laborite
A relatively descent speech albeit one that lacks a sense of patriotism and nationalistic pride in the way we have become used to with past Presidents like Siegnoret,Sorhaindo and Shaw.
This speech has more of a political undertone rather having the objective of bringing people together in unity on our 35th Independence. It is void of a sense of patriotic pride and sincerity.
Imagine Charles Savarin saying to us…”as we journey to perfect our Democracy,” when it is he, Skerrit and their cronies who continue to do everything to destroy that democracy.
Mr. Savarin wants us to direct our reflections on the Constitution “as written” when he and his government refuse to do so and repeatedly violates our Constitution. What exactly does Mr. Savarin mean by “as written?” Is he telling us that we should simply focus on the words like robots without appreciating the SPIRIT of the Constitution as he and Skerrit claims to have been done?
Without reading the spirit into the words of the Constitution, our reflections are essentially meaningless. To do as advised by Mr. Savarin is be Constitutional zombies as the PM, the President and their advisors have become. When the constitutions calls for consultations with a view to having a joint nomination of a suitable candidate for President under section 19.1, it is not just the words as written we should focus on but we must reflect deeply on the intent/ spirit of that provision- something regretfully Charlo and Skerro have failed to do.
In spite of the above, out of respect, I wish the holders of the offices of President and Prime Minister a happy 35th Independence Celebrations.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
Positive comment RV….I feel the same way too..
My sentiments exactly. Couldn’t have said it better. Thanks, Roseau Valley.
What I like about the comments about the President’s message is the fact that though the usual DNO contributors tried to be critical, they could not find fault with the message itself. They tried to attack the messenger but are clearly not in tune with the Dominican people. The ovation which the President received on entering and leaving the National Stadium today is unprecedented! One writer referred to Section 19 (1) but clearly he did not read 19 (3) to (7) which provides the procedure to be followed “if the Prime Minister is unable to agree with the Leader of the Opposition as to their joint nomination….”
Bad choice as president. Political and divisive.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE TO ALL!
Like every Dominican I join you to wish our country happy birthday but you are too polarizing, can’t unite the country and frankly speaking your presidency is illegitimate.
Who you saying that to me?? I DONT THINK SO
Have folks confessed about wrong doings and evil deeds….
heard a preacher on DBS Radio at 8am only speaking garbage in my view..
he fails to pin point the injustices in the island.
typical Dominican casting the blind eye..
all these religious folks in dominica suck period
god is in control mister soften your heart you could be skerrit father dont allow him to drive you into more youve done enouth; the dominican people need a apolgie from you,you and skerrit cant do what you want it should stop by any means i love where i was born my home in v/c but hate to come in it cause theres apolitical war on ignorant labour slaves is all over the place begging the red clinic branch in the village opperates nonstop
You and uwp supporters need to apologize to the Dominican people for trying to bring this country down to the gutters in order to win an election. It just shows that you all are not for Dominica but for self.