Dominicans like me who were looking forward to the “new projection for the year 2011” by the UWP were left with a sense of disappointment after their first press conference for the year revealed nothing new.
It is no secret that democracy cannot thrive without an opposition that can be viewed as a viable alternative to the government in power. The role of a strong opposition is constructively criticizing government policies, suggesting alternatives and keeping the public informed about issues relating to government administration. The opposition scrutinizes and seeks to hold governments accountable for their decisions.
When no new strategies for fulfilling its role as an opposition emerging after the press conference, I was left to wonder what has happened to the once noble party that in its heyday had made defending banana farmers its raison d’être.
I believe that the UWP is stuck in the political mentality of the era in which it was formed and it appears as if the organization is good at “holding on” to the oldsters in the party instead of charting out a new course which would ideally complement the contribution of the political veterans. It is my belief that when the founders of the party, entered politics at a time when most men would be rather sitting comfortably in their “day jobs”, it has created a template of leadership in the UWP where the head of the party and senior personnel must be literally dug out before the party can have a chance at renewal.
It could even be argued that because of this, the UWP has never fully, at any stage of its existence, had any real chance of renewal. What has in fact happened is the old ideas from the party’s primeval past are securely and painlessly passed on to new leadership, and for the sake of survival, that new leadership ensures that the political rote of the past is continued, even if the exigencies of the information highway demand new thought, new approaches, and a radically new direction. This can clearly be seen in Hector John’s continued support of the parliamentary walk outs, and idea cooked up by the “old boys,” despite him being the new Leader of the Opposition.
The UWP came into existence at a time when the world was reeling from great geopolitical upheavals after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the ‘defeat’ of orthodox Communism, in other words, the end of the Cold War. For all its danger, the Cold War was essentially quite simple thanks to bipolarity and nuclear weapons but after it ended a new, complex, ambiguous and uncertain world emerged and political leaders tended to dig in, probably out of fear the new realties facing them. It is my opinion that the UWP fell victim to the philosophy of that era and has not changed since.
That era also saw the emergence of organizations dominated by the victors of the Cold War that were to regulate global affairs and one such organization was the World Trade Organization (WTO), that was to preside over the death of the lifeblood of the Dominica’s economy, the banana industry.
The WTO officially commenced on January 1, 1995, the same year the UWP came to power for the first time, replacing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which commenced in 1948. By the time of the WTO’s birth the writing was on the wall that the banana industry would not survive its scrutiny despite the fact that the industry was protected on the international market by the LOME Convention.
However the upper echelon of the UWP did not see it fit to explore or even contemplate diversifying the economy, an idea that had been floating around since the days of Patrick John and was being amplified by Dame Eugenia Charles.
By the time the WTO ruled on September 1997 that the LOME Convention was unfair international trading, effectively killing the banana industry as we knew it, the top brass of the UWP had not changed its position on the economy and its diversification. Although its argument diversifying the Dominican economy would cause thousands of Dominicans to lose their only source of livelihood (the cultivation of bananas) was probably correct, I believe this was the first signs of a party that would hold on to the dictates of the “old boys” despite opinions suggesting otherwise.
It is my opinion that the continued walk outs and boycott of parliament are signs that the UWP has never gotten over its past of holding on to the ideas of the “old boy.” However there are many members of the UWP who have questioned the validity of the present strategy employed by the party. A well-known young leader is on record openly expressing his opposition to it.
I believe that by openly opposing a strategy developed and employed by the “old boys,” a long standing status quo in the party that ideas should be handed from the old to the new without question was broken. However it is through such as actions that renewal in the UWP is possible.
Without a doubt men like Edison James and Ron Green have played important roles in the development of the nation but the onus is on the party to renew itself and chart new courses which would ideally complement the contribution of these political veterans but would not have them dominate it.
An opposition should be seen as a ‘government in waiting’. It should be able to demonstrate to the masses that it has the capabilities to hit the ground running and has the proper mechanism in place if it is swept into power. It should constantly renew itself; seeking new leaders, new ideas, new strategies. We need a strong and credible opposition in Dominica. It is not too late for the UWP to renew itself and take on this critical role.
@ just facts.
What is your point? So that is why the opposition is ineffective. Are you saying that they should be
babies and stop bringing good ideas to the table?
It does not matter whether the government accept their ideas. They should continue to bring them
(if they have any) for the betterment of Dominica, their good ideas will be noted by the populace
and will pay off some day.
Trying to bring down the country because you lose an election is the wrong way to go.
This is a well written, clearly thought out and well analysed article.
A healthy democracy needs a vibrant opposition. Last year the UWP was ‘hibernating’ and provided very little leadership. It is not fair to expect the likes of Lennox Linton and Matt Peltier to provide meaningful opposition to the government. It is the role of the party in opposition and it should take this responsibility seriously.
It is hoped this year and beyond the UWP will take its rightful place in Dominica’s politics and show it self to be an alternative to the Labour Party. At the moment there is only one party in Dominica, the Labour Party.
While I am at it, its important for the regeneration of the party for Messrs James and Green to progressively play less of a role and to assist Hector John to emerge as the leader. The UWP should have a time frame, within two years for Hector John to become leader of the party. At the moment there are two centres of power and it is not good for the party.
The UWP will not win an election based on this arrangement
Some time ago the disgraced former opposition leader Earl Williams in his rebuttal to the budget, proposed that the police prosecutors should work more closely with the office of the DPP. the government laughed at the idea but lo and behold the former AG before stated that there were moves to bring the police prosecutors under the jurisdiction of the DPP. She went on further to say that it was an OECS initiative. I am wondering whether Earl heard of it before the government or whether the OECS HEARD OF IT FROM EARL.So if they could accept it from OECS why didnt they take it from Earl. This dismissive attitude towards the opposition did not start here but it has flourished because the supporters of parties like to see it happen. They hate it when they in opposition but love it when they in government. Just one example of when the opposition brings forward ideas and the government refuses them.
Am a young person who decides to study Political Science.The uwp are no politicans they teach no one anything just cryng over spilt milk everyday like when u steal a child recess.They have no foresight.They live on gossip not facts.They speak of the youth yet they show no example to us.Everyday thier radio station q95 just spreading hatred in the land.I hope when am able to vote people like James Hector John and the uwp croines are not around.The headboy at the school i attend shows more leadership skills than the so called uwp politicans they are imature.Trying to destroy everyone who oppose them.Am left to wonder if uwp understands what is the meaning of democracy.Dominica if free there is no dictator in dominica.We free to say what we want about people we worship where we want,No police spying on us,no phones are tapped by security forces.Some of even goin as far as cursing police officers and nothing happenein to us.Uwp supporters goin on qfm calling people thief.Even the illeterates have thier say.So uwp I want one of your leaders to tell we the youth where is the threat against democract.Please tell us.I hope uwp leaders read this comment and answer the youth u so care about.Liars.
First lesson free, You should have said I am or I’m not am ok.
You have a long, long way to go deary, first learn something before you talk, you are definately not a political scientist yet!!! Bad start! Maybe you should study democarcy instead of politics and don’t depend on the UWP to tell you what it it.. There are lessons on democracy all over the internet. Here are some lonke to start with.. And you are done please wiegh it aganist what is going on in Dominica and come back and tell us what you think!!! Deal?
http://www.america.gov/st/democracy-english/2008/May/20080609194207eaifas0.8688013.html
http://faculty.umf.maine.edu/scotterb/public.www/essay1.htm
http://www.civiced.org/index.php?page=EOD
Honey Bunch- Democracy is not simply voting (Qeustionable election or not) every 5 years.. iT is much more than that.. As you will learn some day.
A young person questions,instead u commenting on grammatical error.Exactly what i was saying no answers from uwp.That shows how thier leaders think.How do u expect the youth to take uwp as mentors when is nonesense they only speak.Trevor Johnson daughter was on puke qfm speaking everybody commended for a bold step they took.Instead u give me more courage u looking at spelling mistake.I guess papa dom brains like blessing own.UWP are just jokers.When u listen To Charles Sarvin,Tony Astaphan on thier show i learn many things i didn’t know but when i listen to q95 fm i learn nothing all i hear is mepuis.Nothing sulstantial.That why i sent that challenge to the leadership of uwp and hear the ansewr u giving i wonder if u have any children god knows how foolish u sound.fooooooooooooool jack donkey
Poor child, I feel so very sorry for you. If Charles Savrin and Tony Astaphans and the rest of these people are your mentors, my worst fears for Dominica are realized, we can only go down further into decadence.. Lord help us and the future generation.
like was said above, you should not rely on party political operatives to educate you. If you claim to learn from tony and charles savarin, then you really are uneducate.
Where are you studying? At DCS? Poor you! Imagine you have problems with the illiterates on Q95 and you cannot even spell and punctuate. No wonder you saying this foolishness. So tell me, if what your favourites teachers on Kairi are responding to the illiterates on Q95 what do you think that makes them and you who are so impressed with them?
As always, instead of building we break down. We are talking about our youths. Where’s the encouragement?
My people , it’s 2011, yet we are stuck in the same old mindset.
Come on! Time to rise and shine.
16 year i personaly admire you if you real but honestly you lack the ability to discuss issues
you need to research more and take your social studies more seriously…
deal with the issues as presented to you…go watch FOX News Channel and see issues and also BBC Hard Talk those will enlighted you more and improve your base of thinking deeper!!
DEAL WITH THE ISSUE AT HAND!!
I expected to called all sorts of names by UWP supporters.If u all did psychology I was trying to prove my point by saying what I know about the UWP and this exposed thier supporters who always try to bash who share different view to them.
Honestly I expected more tongue lashing than that.Everybody who reads this article will see how I proved my points about The UWP and it’s supporters.
The answer to the question abou the threat to domocracy was never answered.But tongue bashing because of my youth and opposing you party.Uwp expect the youth to learn from them when they can’t answer a simple question posed to them instead get insults.That’s how u care for the youth.I did it delibrately to catch all u prove yourselves to be real foooooooooools.A young person taking all u for a ride.Blessings should teach you all better psychology.Shame.
Is not democracy and transparency critical for investor confidence?
Why go to Parliament if questions cannot be asked?
What message When a former chief magistraste’s home is firebombed and no government condemnation?
What message is sent When ministers call for the demolition of one of the only foreign exchange earners in a poverty stricken village what message is being sent out?
Is the following not a direct reflection on the country’s leadership? Highest ever Crime, corruption, murders, child molestation, prostitution, satanic sacrifice, human trafficking, mental health crisis, teen drug use in the past 10 yrs.
Yes we need to boycott an illegitimate administration.
u sure u really understand what u are sayibg.I really don’t beleive.When u go to pariament ask questions according the rules.UWP knows the rules yet they go into the house and ask personal questions to the ministers when they should be asking about the ministry the minister holds.
The former chief is yet to tell the police in writing what really happened he went on puke 95 fm and gave his view.The governement can’t condem when they have nothing in writing and signed by u follow saying it was a fire bomb.Put sense in ur head and shut ur toilet mouth.
The people with the property got thier money for the place u fooooooool.
Crime was there before Skerrit was in power.When people can’t resolve the problems who is to blame Skerrit? why don’t u say that the uwp leadership causing crime when the defying the law of the land by not going to parliment to resolve problems.
Prostution was there sience time of creation,satanic sacrifices were there before skerrit was born,Black people were brought to da as slaves was that not human trafficking?People mad long befor Skerrit came there.The way u speaking u seem to be a mentally Ill person.
Skerrit doesn’t take the drugs and put in the teen mouth so whats you point.You sure Who voted brains okay.I guess not.Put disinfectant in ur toilet and make sure u flush it properly before u open it and speak.
It looks like u are illegitimate one because u are Just like you leaders spewing pooh pooh from ur toilet you with The name Who voted?
UWP still has about 4 years before the next election to get their act together.
So its not too late. Its politics, DLP could also make more serious blunders!
But UWP needs to start acting sensibly now!
Get capable people in positions.
Ensure that people speaking on their behalf (like AA, Linton’s etc) don’t alienate potential and existing support.
Start focusing more on How to Win and less on How it Lost.
U so right.To get supporters u have to stop cursing and insulting people.to every action there is a reaction.Them guys must stop thier announcers from cursing people.How do expect to convert a person from labour to uwp when you always cursing when they don’t agree with u they must cut off people like blessings.uwp must notice the programs on kairi fm are more informative the uwp talk shows on q95.Everybody speaking disagreeing but no cursing and call bad names.Angello not learing.I guess he cant because his brains maybe bar-b-que too much smoke in his brains.Angello must clear his brains and his mouth before he comes to the program.He knows all criminals but he not saying what he doing is a crime he knows what am speaking about.
UWP clearly needs a new and different strategy. Maybe new leadership as well.
The 2009 election is gone ; they lost, fair and square . . . OR not.
If they have the interest of Dominica as paramount, then they should be preparing for another peaceful election process in 2014/2015. Not calling for strife in the country.
We need to see UWP as a Government in waiting, not as sore losers.
Yes, call for electoral reform and point out the corruption taking place.
But let us know what you will do to improve our lot when you are the Government.
Find out what we want and need and constantly promise to deliver it to us.
Like, AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; A DECREASE IN INCOME AND CUSTOM TAXES; AN AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY STRATEGY to decrease our ridiculously high food import bill.
. . . we might take the bait if you tell us HOW you plan to deliver these.
And PLEASE, Please, UWP must cherish all Dominican, those here and abroad.
Any electoral reform should ENCOURAGE overseas Dominicans to come home to vote.
Imagine the boost to our economy if we can get 10, 15 0r 20 THOUSAND visitors here every election. Then maybe I’d support a 4 year term with SET election dates.
Mr. Sanford thank you for your piece on the UWP. While I agree with most of your article however, I must say that there is more to the problem that you have written about.
In Dominica, historically and culturally to a large extent politicians and political parties do not invest in preparation of candidates for public office. The second cultural issue is that the involvement of the people are sidelined beyond the general elections by both the government of the day and the other political organizations in the country. The various houses media are the only opportunity given to the people to contribute on issues affecting them. Until these and more funder mental issues are address differently by all the political entities in Dominica there will always be lack of leadership and courage within the political community.
I am doubtful that the UWP leadership sees and treat the United Workers Party as an organization. My argument for this is simple. Where are the evidence? What is the party doing or planning to do to attract suitable candidates and to show the people how they plan to get back in government? How do they plan to use their once large(now declining) pool of human resource? How do they plan to keep their supporters motivated for the 4years that they will be in opposition. These are basic operational issues that MUST be address every day by UWP.
i love this photo………..3 and a half men
BWAHAHAHHAHHAHAH
To All those who Constantly Claim D/ca is moving Forward!
Define moving forward. Priovide statistics (objective evidence) that a country whose vital resource (its people) has progressively shrunk over the past 10 years has shown improvement in
a) human capacity
b) creativity (not the abilitity to pass exams, get degrees, read pros)
c) productivity
d) ability to offer more to humanity (rather than beg).
A fool does not recognize one is a fool, as the frame of reference does not permit alternative.
YESSSSSSSSS IT IS MOST DEF TOO LATE!
Instead of the UWP protesting they should be planning a manifesto. In that manifesto should be election reform. In stead of walking out of parliament they should be in parliament to question the PM. Instead of complaining about bobol they should be promising to clean up corruption should they ever get into power. Instead of going to court about the PM citizenship, they should promise to uphold the constitution and ensure that every member they present to the people will be upholing the constitution. They should demonstrate a Dominica of equal opportunities for all. Instead of lambashing the police force they should promise to uphold the authority of the force to ensure law and order in the land, there is so much they could be promising if they had any serious intent.but they are not about Dominica they are about ego, and how to bring dowm Skerrit. That is why they will be in the political wilderness for a long time to come. yhou towh sort.
The manifesto will be on line as usual u will never see that.Well Hector Computer Brains will make sure it is online not Ron.
UWP were in power and the way the police were treated it was ashame.They call police “greedy” when police were asking for equal pensions for those who joined after 1976.Mr james can remember that.They never provided a donkey for police to ride on.Police were doing the same work yet they come now complaining about plain clothes police following them.
UWP defies everything.A party of disgruntled men.They asked for elections they got it now calling foul.They failed to agree Skerrit caught them with thier pants down when he call elections.
They have dishonest lawyers in thier camp.Did you listen to Lennox Linton’s interview on Marpin when he was asked where did he get the document he was reading on the radio he replied”From an attorney by error”Who is that attorney Tony Astaphan should Investigate.Everybody should know the lawyer and who he representing…There should be a way to make these lawyers pay for thier dishonesty.
****************************************VERY SIMPLE********************************************
It’s very simple…. the UWP has little chance of forming a government in the near future! WHY??? Because the leaders of the party has very little to offer and contribute to the development of DA!! Look at Hector John……… so far has he given us a real plan as to where he would like to take DA in the future? Has he? NO!! Has Mr.James? NO!! what about Mr. Ron and the rest No!! & NO!!
It’s a quite simple reason for that……. They all lack the vision for a better DA!!
Please don’t get me wrong……. stay with me……. I am not trying to bash the UWP but this party has already been in power and while in power they showed lack of leadership & vision. That helped in their downfall at the polls. I have never seen a party self-destruct so quickly. One term and they were out!!! I really want the UWP to be strong for the good of DA….. but ever since the party’s ill advised attack on MAMO about this wire tapping craziness……. they have caused mamo to ochestrate their defeat for what seem to be a never ending defeat!!! A defeat which they have yet to recover from!!! Since then the UWP has fallen and has yet to show signs of recovery! Hector John has been of little or no help!!!
DFP…… well you need another Mamo or Papa to energise you!!! It’s not happening with your current leader. The thing about the DFP is that they have a respectable past in DA’s modern politics. That’s the best thing going for it!! Exploit that where possible; that’ll serve you well for your recovery!!!
DLP….. don’t fool yourselves either!!! You just happen to be the only choice left for running DA!! You seem to look mighty because you have no real opposition to confront you!! Enjoy it while it last!! Remember DLP, you’re in… but what’s really your plan for DA?? Really??? What will you do when the major projects are over?? The new hospital… the major west coast road!! I am very thankful for your contribution. I must tell you that you are really doing some infrastructural work.
But you do not seem to be troubled that employment in DA is stagnant!! You do not seem to be troubled that manufacturing in DA is stagnant or deteriorating!! You do not seem to be bothered by the increase in DA’s import bill!! What’s happening to the fabric of DA?? Are you taking DA’s economy to be dependent on imports?? You are causing DA to lose its ability to create and produce. DA’s self reliance is diminishing!!……….. while most people will concentrate on the new roads or bridges……… I concentrate on the real barometer for DA’ progress!! The size of our import bill… our manufacturing sector…. local small business development and so on..
So… that’s my view…… I don’t expect everyone to agree with me but please……. if you don’t agree then please… write a reasonable or sensible feedback!! I would like to read a reasonable contribution from you!!
-Thanks for reading!!!
too much spin there call something wrong dont spin around it…DLP isnt good at all…
things were far better prior to their labour coming 2000 if you were a smart person read over what you just read and smoke it in your pipe you a typcial person who tries to confuse those who dont understand issues…..wrong cant be right stop bringing that level of curse on the island when you hide behind and pretend! shame on bringing dominica to the gutters…
Okay Gee. I enjoyed your peace…you put things in prospective. Couldn’t have said it any better.
Most of what you said are correct except that the wire tapping incident was before they came to power so a little error there.
Fundamentally, good points made but this is a very awkwardly written article.
The governance of Dominica is following the same path of the dictatorial style of African countries.
Keep the people poor, give them handouts and they will die to protect you. Steal the resources of the country and make sure you buy or destroy any opposition. The guys in UWP are speaking for honest, hard working Dominicans. Young people will find themselves worst off than their grand parents, as the lands and business will be in the hands of Skerit friends from China and Iran. Wakeup Dominicans.
Pedro! Kindly look at the middle of DNO Home Page with the ad “PAYPAL” and you’ll find out who is begging and asking for hand-out. Sure you’ll realize that he is not a DLP supporter. So what exactly is you point about hand-out?
Lennox is not a beggar and he is WORKING for the people of Dominica pro bono. Please do not insult my brother… Here is a very short list of people with legal defense funds. He is not alone. Stop the ignorance. THis is what is done all over the world.. Go learn something.
http://www.fsilaw.com/~/media/Files/The%20Julian%20Assange%20Defence%20Fund.ashx
http://poracldf.com/
http://naacpldf.org/
http://sarahpalinlegaldefensefund.org/
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46855.html
http://tripatilegaldefensefund.com/
RED CLENT!!!!!!
WHERE IS RON? IS EDISON TEXTING HIM TO COME ALONG?…EASY, PREVOST..YOU MOVING TOO FAST, YOU ARE PART OF US, EVEN YOU’RE NOT IN “BLACK” LIKE US.
Someone talked about Chinese taking over business.
1. Who are the people leasing and renting out the buildings and getting the checks monthly? Dominicans right?
2. Who are the people whose sons have been going to Gwada to sell drugs, rob and steal and bring home the nice shoes, clothes, jewelry and euros to shop?
3. When these people are stuck at home, and drug deals go bad, who are the ones responsible for the murders/drug related crimes?
4. Who are the people who are totally unproductive and sit listening to gossip all day, facebooking, and all kinds of nonsense and getting paid to do nothing? Who is to blame for low productivity in the country?
5. Who is to blame when our farmers never taught their kids to farm and then cry agriculture dying?
6. Who is to blame when governments distribute tens of thousands to farmers and green houses and farms are abandoned months after?
7. Who is to blame when your daughters are out in the street with piece of pants and our young boys come home smelling of marijuana? Who buys the clothes, who punishes for smoking weed? We pretend not to know or we ourselves compete in looking sexy with the 16 year olds. Right?
8. Who is to blame when our people refuse to put wrong where wrong is and right where it belongs because of political ‘loyalty’?
9. Who is to blame when food and moral upbringing are prioritized but giving our children a blackberry?
10. Who is to blame for a backward, unproductive country?
If every Dominican did what they are supposed to do. We would have been way farther ahead and many of the issues we are facing would not have been. But we blame governments only and do not take up our responsibilities as citizens.
Government is supposed to tell your 14 year old daughter do not come in at 11 pm. And we fail to see that even if the opposition is fighting a just cause, they are feeding us with what we like to hear and do. Not take up responsibility, play the blame game, just talk, talk, talk and be unproductive. Government should, government should, government should… This stupid, back hole culture needs to stop.
Last time I made a similar comment, someone said i lacked common sense….
I couldn’t agree with you more…..
One thing you forgot…..
This band they call Tripple Kay….with the type of songs that they let lose on our youth… does nothing to build them positively.
The band leaders do not realize the impact they have on our youth, and the influence they have because everything they say goes. Why don’t they bring positivity into their lyrics…(not that they even have any lyrics), instead of chanting nasty songs like “I want to go down in you sous”. All this is bringing down the youth. This band needs to be warned.
hmmmmm u need a energy drink to prech on. tell us more. u seens very inteligent. everyone els is to b blame but us.
u said it in the best way it could be said
it could not be brought forward better.
i applaud you.
stop playing the balme game micheal jackson said if you want to see change go look at the man in the mirror and make that change. the change start with us dominicans.
stop putting every thing on government.
and WOW i agree with you a 100% that tripple k band they dont realize the influence they have on the youth. everything tripple say they do so why dont they sings more positive thing so the youth people will do more positive things.
come people we need to do what we have to do stop pointing fingers cause when u point one you have four pointing back at you.
Nice! I agree with your observations.
four half horse half men not strength ner but makak-wee
That was funny. But just see who is the opposition leader,that alone explains.
UWP is on the right track Hats off to you Guys….sadly Majority of Dominicans are so damm small minded its A BIG JOKE….in this Modern Day of Living its a Totaly Joke that Dominicans arcoss the lenght and breath of the island are bought for amouts like a shoot of rum ecd5.00 upwards..
Its Going to be a Big Task to open Dominicans Minds as they have confessed to be Proud to be Ignorant
Dominicans settle for less across the board it shows once you arrive in the island…lack of ideas upward vision…they love being poor…thats why Dominica will never atract any postive large scale investments as investors have being told that Dominica isnt a proggessive island and the Dominica Labour Party doesnt not respect the laws of the land they keep their citizens dazed!!
Vibes, I think you are insulting your people………… and it’s sad!!!
Typical uwp supporter always want to insult people who share different view to thiers.Do expect people to support uwp when they are insulted by the said uwp? instead of trying to resolve a matter insults.Just as Lennox,Angello,Psychologist Blessings,They can’t stand anyone who oppose them.We are Dominicans and all of us cannot support the same party.Uwp must grow up be adults.U loose elections try to find where u went wrong insted of insulting people who voted for Skerrit and Labour.
Every day blows on police,priest,pastors,public servants,teachers but fail to understand that Uwp is just burrying it self deeper day by day.U expect when u curse the police u would get officers to vote for you next elections.
so sorry for u vybs. i needtosend uto opperation dault quaks.
after they had Dominica on the Black list I don’t know who in their right minds would re elect the SAME PEOPLE THAT WERE RESPONSIBLE for it. Get new fresh faces and new blood. Do away with the old hags that mess up the Country in the 1st place.
do you understand what this black listing was all about please they may not be what you want but read on this black listing thing before you comment
The UWP is certainly in disarray, but then it never way a well organized, smooth-running machine anyway.
Don’t people remember when the UWP was in government, what a terrible job hey did? Remember how they had Dominica going backwards, how they emptied the treasury (that Mamo left full). Does no one remember the rampant corruption under the UWP?
Come on people, it is the same party that nearly destroyed our beloved Dominica, what could you expect from them but more of the same.
We cannot even contemplate a return to the failed policies of the past, the UWP has nothing to offer Dominica and will never be returned to office.
was the Dominican treasury ever full. was it really going forward. I think you guys need to go to the other small islands and see the difference and i think you will change your mind
Whats the unemployment rate now Mr. know it all. Development is not development without the individual developing. Don’t worry…you will see what I mean when they turn on who ever is in controll when their is really can not provide for themselves.
While we are on DNO complaining about everything that is morally wrong with our country, can
someone please tell me why the Haitains and Santodomigians are doing so well?
Has the landscape in Da change just for the Haitians to grow their produce and not the Dominicans?
Our people have become to dependent on others. Gone are the days of tilling the ground.
Some people think it is a capital offense for them to do hard work. They would rather beg , steal and burrow rather than work hard to earn a living.
For those who have relatives overseas, we need to be more self reliant rather than wait on them to send barrels and money through money gram. There are people who really need and deserve the help but there are others who don’t. Especially the young men and women who think that society owes them everything.
We don’t have to wait on Government to do evrything for us. We need to start finding ways and means to help ourselves. We did in the past and I know we can do it again.
So stop sitting around and blaming the Government for all the misfortunes in our lives. Instead, let us create our own opportunities.
i dnt no y ha hah ha dnt put on his/her thinkin cap. can ha hah ha remember wen LPO’S was flyiin black white an center? ha hah ha can u not remember wen computer was always braking down? which treasury dat ws always full dr? if dat ws d case y i had to work an cannot get paid on the 31st of every month? y is on the 39th an 40th of every month i was getin my salry? it had to take dis government to take measures to fix it. today month have 23 an 25 days. i think HA HAH HA should rewine ur mind an get to d reality. u no hand outs started under BARABASS leadership. LPO LPO LPO LPO.
My friend it is not acceptable to just say “rampant corruption” without pointing out what exactly you are talking about. So I suggest that you return here and spell out for all, young and old, to see what it is you are talking about. I know you are reading so don’t disappoint me, I’m waiting.
Garcon you too barefaced. What is the rampant corruption you talking about? You ever heard of the acronym TFMS? That was Riviere in 2003 when the large cabinet and all the new SUVs ran the country broke. That is when and why we were brought to the IMF. Let me give you some of the monies that were there. The fisheries complex in Marigot, the NEC, and yes the Stadium that was started. You know the sad thing about you labourites is all you too ungrateful. All you forget all about Pierro and Rosie. All you will do Skerrit the same thing. the 20 years you stayed in opposition must have stolen some of you all decency
Such a well-written article… something different coming from the Blue side. I was pleased and even inspired when reading it. Impeccable research and articulate too. Keep up the good job R. Sanford.
Much of what s/he said I have either thought, said or written in this forum. The UWP is old, tired, needs a new face, new strategies and a new plan. This is what they failed to present at the last general elections, and that is the main reason they lost as badly as they did.
So while I am not a “party person” – I am strictly for Dominica – I welcome the opportunity to read/listen to more reasonable discourse from the Blue side… the Red too. Because as the article states, one cannot have a true democracy without a functioning opposition.
That is My2Sense.
UWP needs to go back to the drawing board and cleanse its entire slate of those hardbacks, intolerant, stagnated and foolish people. For an entire year a party focused only on Electoral reform and democracy !! That diet is over done people are fed up, so even if Skerrit were to thief all the money Dominica has people dont care because UWP is being viewed as a joker party.
Yes Skerrit has made errors, sohas everyone else but my God, go into that blasted house and let us hear you all make a vaild noise not on Q95 with the Chel Baliwa LL… Man i am fedup with that shit.
Skerrit can call elections now, Workers will lose 25-0 because they too ZEZEr
WE need strong Opposition that can really get Skerrit thinking,. Skerrit knows the populace is on his side so planning any May 29th coup will backfire big time. Doh even go there…. Workers lack the support of the masses. Hector make Eddison and ron turn him susie moosie… Afterall Spaggs a young man like you… ah wahhhhhhhhh man.
WE ALL SUPPORT A PARTY OF CHOSE BUT DOESNT MEAN THAT WE HAVE TO BE BLIND AND EVERY THING OUR PARTY OF CHOOSE DOES IS RIGHT.THE UWP DECIDED TO TATLE CRIME WHCH THE DLP HAS NOT ADDRESSED. A LETTER IS WRITTEN TO THE PM CALLING FOR ALL INSTITUTIONS IN DOMINICA TO COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM,INSTREAD OF CALLING THE UWP BOSSES TO COME AND FORM A PLAN TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM,THE PM PASSES THE LETTER TO PATTER ST.JEAN. THE UWP DOESNT GET THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT WHENEVER THEY PUT A PROPOSAL TO THEM,WHAT ELSE CAN THEY DO BUT DISRUPT PARLIAMENT AND DEMONSTRATE IN ORDER TO GET THE DLP’S ATTENTION. A SIMPLE THING LIKE GIVING THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION AN OFFICE TO DO THE PEOPLE’S WORK,THE DLP HAS REFUSED.DAY IN DAY OUT THE UWP HAS BEEN ASKING FOR ELECTORAL REFORM NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY THE MINISTER OF FINANCE TO ASSIST THE ELECTORAL OFFICE. THE UWP IS BEING STIFFLED IN THE HOUSE YET PEOPLE ARE CALLING FOR MORE ACTION ,WHEN ACTION IS TAKEN THEY ARE CRITICISED.PRESIDENT OBAMA WANTED A BILL PASSED IN THE US,ALL HE DID WAS TO CALL ON THE REPUBLICANS FOR HELP AND THEY DID,THE UWP CANNOT EVEN GET THE DLP GOVERNMENT TO FOLLOW THE LAWS OF DOMINICA AS REGARDS INFORMING THE UWP WHEN ,FOR INSTANCE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE,THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT COOPERATE,THEREFORE WHAT MUST THE UWP DO. THE DLP HAS ACCESS TO DBS RADIO AND THE GIS WHENEVER THEY WANT, THEY WILL NOT EVEN ALLOW THE UWP ONE HOUR A WEEK TO ADDRESS THE COUNTRY. GO AHEAD CRITICISE THE UWP FOR NOT BEING STRONG,BUT IF YOU TIE MY BOTH HANDS YOU CANNOT EXPECT ME TO FIGHT BACK.
There are different ways to skin a cat. Politics is about WHAT, WHEN & WHY. If these ‘learned’ politicians cannot figure out a way to strategize around that.. they probably should not be involved in politics. Yes in an ideal world compromise would be a beautiful reality as far as politics is concerned; however you cannot expect the government to give in to any and every suggestion proposed by the opposition.
If you want to bring US politics into it; let’s take a look at the health care bill. Do you remember how much back and forth went on before it was passed? Did Obama just give in to the proposals from the republicans or did he fight back?
I admire the confidence of the UWP and their decision to stick to their beliefs (not that I agree with all their beliefs eh). However, they need to realize that it is one thing for them to THINK that they have the best answers for the country, but it is another thing to convince the voting public that their ideas are indeed the best. Sadly this is where they are lacking… their inability to convince the electorate that they are capable of doing better than the present gov’t. Until such time… their hands will continue to be tied behind their backs.
It’s a hard pill to swallow but it’s the truth!
i like this response
U so right they show no one that hey can do better.They must stop The three stooges Linton Angello and Matt and things will be better for them.Q95 has no respect only mepuis sunday to sunday no prayer just Angello insulting people every day whe they disagree with him what a jack of no trade a jack donkey pit mouth which is full of filth
The word is CHOICE! CHOICE! CHOICE! not chose nor choose!!!!
Opposition represents an alternative government, and is responsible for challenging the policies of the government and producing different policies where appropriate. Opposition is not just about opposing the Government. There are occasions when the Opposition agrees with the Government.
CAN U GIVE ME ONE INSTANCE WHERE THIS OPPSITIO SUPPORT ANY OF GOVT POLISYS POLITICAL SIENCE? ISNT IT IN PALIMENT GOVT PRENSENT POLICYS? HOW CAN UWP GIV ALTERNATIVE OR SUPPORT TO GOVT POLISYS WEN DAY WLK OUT OF PALIMENT? GET REAL MY FRIEND.
Chinese take over businesses in Roseau. Prevost proposed a BUSINESS INCUBATOR Where the ALL SAINTS University is. Govt. cast aside the idea. Instead Govt. gave the place to a foreign entity who said they would be there only for a short time before establishing in GrandBay. Wouldn’t that project in the Old Health Centre assist young business-minded persons? Wouldn’t that proposal if implemented set the pace for local Dominican business entrepreneurs an avenue to begin? Who blocked it? Wasn’t it the DLP Govt.?
Isn’t Electoral Reform a necessity for Dominica to ensure FREE and FAIR elections instead of the FRAUD Dominicans are witnessing in our election process now? Didn’t the Independent Electoral Commission recommend Electoral Reform about SEVEN YEARS ago? Who is blocking that? Isn’t it the Govt., who is refusing to DISH out the money to them to do their work better, like providing VOTER ID CARDS and to CLEAN UP THE BLOATED VOTERS’ LIST with so many DEAD people’s NAMES ON IT? Is it the opposition who is wrong to speak about that or preventing Reform?
How could any Voters’ list have 67,000 names on it in a population of about 69,000 people? Is that what you all want, future BOGUS elections that are NOT FREE and FAIR, where electoral Laws are disrespected and disobeyed? Laws mean NOTHING to Skerritt and you all, that’s why he is now in court for disobeying the Laws of the land regarding dual citizenship.
Dominica now has an illegal Leader. ELECTORAL REFORM is done all over the world. Dominica is an exception because some people believe in and are doing all in their power to STEAL Elections and commit all kinds of FRAUDULENT acts against the LAW. That is a RECIPE for CHAOS.
Are you all not hearing about the situation in COTE D’ivoire, Ivory Coast. Gbagbo is an illegal leader clinging to power and killing the country.
OH BOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
when u retarded u retarded eh!!!
U.W.P.
BETTER KNOWN AS UNABLE WORKING PEOPLE. YOUR MOTIVE IN LIFE IS TO CREATE ANARCHY, DISTRUST, DIVISION AND TENSION BETWEEN THE PEOPLE OF THE ISLAND AND THE GOVT. YOU FOUR MEN BETTER KNOWN AS THE FOUR STOOGES OF DOMINICA HAS NO PLANS FOR THE ISLAND, HAS NOTHING TO OFFER TO THE PEOPLE, AND ARE ONLY THERE TO UP-STRUCK WHATEVER PROGRESS THAT NEEDS TO BE MADE IN DOMINICA FOR IT’S PEOPLE. THE FOUR OF YOU WALKING NEXT TO EACH OTHER ARE LIKE FOUR BLIND MEN LEADING EACH OTHER TO THE SLAUGHTER. FOR THIS IS EXACTLY WHERE YOU ALL BELONG. LONG LIVE THE D.L.P
PRECT IT DEVOTED DOMINICAN
@ Just Facts,
Mr. Sanford, can you answer this question or write a peace on what any opposition party did or was doing during their opposition period that’s different from what the UWP is doing. Like, Just Facts stated I like your peaces because you articulate your points very nicely with some backing. I said some backing because you are refusing to be all inclusive with your facts.
When you make your statements remember we all somewhat privied to verify the information you addressed or is addressing. We are aware of what the Labour and Freedom parties were doing and saying during their periods of opposition…and they were mostly engaged in party politicking and mostly opposing the efforts of the government during those periods
.
I wish you would draw yourself a little more in the middle where you could be much more useful in regards to disseminating information. I said that because you either failed to see the importance of electoral reform or you are guarding against disturbing your friends or losing your line of favor. I hope the latter is not the case since I consider you a useful contributor in our political discussions.
I would appreciate your understanding of the political games and a better effort at helping to keep things in prospective. Although I do not know you personally I count you as a friend to the country and we the people by extension. You noticed Jerry Brisbane on radio calling Tony Astaphans his good friend. Most of the top influencers, even on opposite sides are good friends. They eat and drink together and laugh about things. It would be nice to encourage Dominicans to be cordial with their comments and peaces because in the end we are still all friends. You noticed the level of response…
I applaud this constructive criticism. You are right, the writer probably needed to delve a bit more into the information which he presented. I however could not miss a little comment from you which says, “…losing your line of favor.”
Why is it that whenever someone seems to be pro-DLP it is assumed that the person is ‘begging for their supper’ or as you so eloquently put it they are “guarding against disturbing your friends or losing your line of favor.”????
Who knows, this guy may or may not be in a position to receive favors from the government. However, the average DLP supporter in not in such position yet I have noticed that this sentiment is usually thrown around at most DLP supporters.
Thanks Sojourner,
Did you miss where I wrote that, ‘I hope this is not the case?’ Excluding information tends to bread suspecions but in this case, i trust Mr. Sanford more than you might think. He is a good person.
Are you suggesting that the politics today is the same as in the past hence the authors piece is not a true reflection of whats happening today? If thats what you are suggesting lets lets take a trip back in time. from the time the DFP became the Govt. of the day the DLP remained in opposition for about 20 years. Now if the UWP is doing the same as the DLP did when in opposition then surely they are in their rightful place. There is no doubt that the opposition is not doing a good job of convincing the majority of Dominicans which is needed to win a general election, that they are a better choice than the DLP.
More of our people today are educated, with the advancement in technology we are more aware of what’s going on in and around DA thus we are better able to access things and make an educated decision when it comes to casting our votes. The opposition and Govt. alike must take heed and change the course of our politics and more so the opposition must change its strategy. We must agree to disagree for we all will never agree on various issues. We must remember that we all have one common goal and that is to move DA forward into prosperity. We may just defer as to how we get there.
We we all should never do is to let our greed for power take control and we destroy DA in order to get in power, for when we get there we wont be able to hold on to that power. Let us all just put DA first and do whats best for the love of our country. Lets all do our part, for we all will reap the benefits should DA rise to prosperity. Lets do it for our kids to come, our kids, our grand kids and families. Lets do it for DA. I love you DA.
But don’t count out the UWP just as yet. It’s true that Spraggs John is not as dynamic as Skerrit but he is still learning on the job. I see the best and possibly only way forward for UWP is to be part of a wider coalition of the willing. So the intermediate and long term focus is that the party will morph into some form of coalition comprising of affected ( anti-Skerrit) Labourites – old Rosie laborites-, what’ s left of DFP and the Diaspora group that is coming on very strong.
Will or who will emerge as a leader and consensus builder from that larger coalition is anybody’s quess at this time. It most will mostly likely will not be Spraggs John. It will not be the transitional leader Ron Green either because he is on his way out. It certainly will not be Mr. James because he is tired and his time has come and gone and he blew it.
Will it be Washington based IMF economist Dr. Thomson Fontaine from Grand Fond with strong backing from the Diaspora? That is a strong possibility if the newly formed Coalition in the Defense of Democracy (CDD) gathers speed, momentum and visibility as a ‘nation building’ group and fostering good and ethical public policy.
But UWP with its four seats (counting La Plaine) and possibly more will be a deal maker and breaker when the courts are done with Skerrit or in the next election. So I would not count them out as yet but the party is struggling not just financially, but for new and innovative ideas to excite the electorate as the alternative to the allegedly corrupt Skerrit lead Labour government.
senator bazil has shown leadership skills so far.
HELLO HELLO ADVOCATE. DID I READ WAT I SAW? BAZIL WAT! LEADERSHIP WAT? MAYBE LEADERGOAT OR RUM. ANN PLEASE WE DOMINICANS DONT HAVE TIME FOR LEADERS WHO NOW TRYIN TO LEARN THE JOB. IF SPRAGS WANT TO LEARN THE JOB TEL HIM HE IS THE WRONG PLACE. BARABASS WONT TEACH HIM CUS HE DNT WANT ANYONE TO TAKE HIS PLACE. THANKS GOD TIM TIM LEFT. DATS Y BARABASS HATE HIM SO MUCH.
UWP has one fundamental problem….THE MESSENGER…CANNOT BE TRUSTED
It , doesn’t matter who are what is the message..people read it, forward it and or discard it
The UWP and its message feels like those chain emails and chain text you that says do this prayer and send to 3-5-7-12-15 people and if you don’t then you will be screwed for the rest of your life.
How many of these email or text have you received and forwarded to so many people but you are still screwed.
So here is UWP with all their revelations, emails, hijacked, tampered….we get them to many people, some of us delete it…and we are still screwed with no credible information
UWP stop screwing with people emotion
GET SOME WORK DONE
But don’t count out he UWP just as yet. It’s true that Spraggs John is not as dynamic as Skerrit but he is still learning on the job. I see the way forward for UWP is to form a part of a coalition –so the intermediate eland short term focus is that the party will morph into some form of coalition of affected( anti-Skerrit) – old Rosie laborites, what’ s left of DFP and the Diaspora group that is coming on tong. Will a leader emerge from that group is any body’s quests but it will mostly likely not be Spraggs John.
It will not be the transitional leader Ron Green either because he is on his way and certainly not Mr. James because he is tired and his time has come and gone and he blew it.
Will it be IMF and Washington based economist Dr. Thomson Fontaine from Grand Fond? UWP with its four seats (counting La Plaine) and possibly more will be a deal maker and breaker in the very near future when the courts are done with Skerrit. So I would not count them out as yet.
Funny thing about the leadership story…
Seems like almost all supporters of the Party keep asking Edison to return, and all non supporters “dislike” him the most, as much as non supporters of Skerrit dislike he Skerrit.
What that says to me is that although Mr. James has stated he does not want to even contest elections again, he is obviously the juggernut (not in the dictionary sense) of the party.
Just an Observation!
Mr James is the most capable political leader and the the labourites know that. The problem which the UWP had is the very thing which they trying hard to establish or protect, DEMOCRACY! The UWP failed because ministers were allowed to dictate or suggest what they felt their ministries or constituencies needed,unlike what obtains now or during the fredoom party’s reign. Can you imagine Julius Timothy being told by Mr. James what he should or shouldn’t say? today he is in a choke hold by a little boy whom he feel and knows is incapable of running the country, what a sad state of affairs!
FREELABWORKER U WANA NO Y WE ON EDISON CHENFILL JAMES CASE LIKE DAT? IS BECUS WE CNNOT AN WILL NEVER TRUST BARABASS. THIS HAM HAS PROVEN HIS SELF TO BE A LIER. HE PUBLICLY SAID TURE MY FUALT TRUE MY FUALT MAMO. HE SAID I DID IT AN I WILL PAY U $72,000.00 FOR THAT. HOW CAN WE TRUST ANYTHING OR PEOPLE TAHT DIS MAN IS INCHARGE OF/ OR EVEN WAT HE SAYS?
TAKE MY WORD FOR IT EDISON SAID HE LIVIN ACTIVE POLITICS LAST YEAR. RIGHT? WATCH AN SEE IF HE NOT GOIN TO COME BACK EH. N HIS EXCUSE WILL BE “THE PEOPLE CALL ON ME AND I REPONCED” TODY IS THE 8TH DAY OF JANUARY 2011. IF WE DIE B4 ANTS WILL BRING NEWS FOR US. THIS MAN IS A SNAKE.
Quite an optimist I see!
TELL THEM TO LEAVE SKERRIT ALONE NO MATTER WHAT THEY TRY SKERRIT WILL STILL WIN SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STAY AWAY SKERRIT NEVER LOSE SOOOO TRY ALL YOU CAN UWP WILL NEVERRRRRRR WIN.LABOUR TAKE THE WILL SKERRIT GOOD JOB .
VERY GOOD. NO WY DEN FELLERS CAN SEE OFFICE AGAIN. NOT IN THIS LIFE TIME
hhhhmmmm the spin doctors coming out to spin the windmill,,,,so allu heard no plans!!!! o.k keep on not hearing,,,,,
If the DLP is THE ONLY PEOPLE who can lead Dominica, well my Dear if that is the case Dominica is in much more trouble than I thought.. I will agree though that the UWP seem to have lost some steam, but consider the machinery, the odds that they are working against. DLP has the bully pulpit, the have their ghost financiers, they have the media, they have the so called intelligensa, they have corrupted all the institutions including the judiciary, and law enforcement.. Let’s hope that the virus has not contaminated the civil service this is the only hope for Dominica right right… We need some whistle blowers, tell us what’s going civil servant and we will see who are ready and who are not worthy of leading Dominica. Never under-estimate the power of money! unaccounted money. When the bell tolls, we will wish UWP was there with all their shortcomings, because trust me Skerlock is going to come for his pound of flesh one of these good old days.
Its that kind of mentality that will never ever see the UWP in power and the DLP in power for at least 20 more years.
UWP and its supporters have been desparately Trying to attack 1 MAN!! In hopes that if he gets out they’ll have a shot at winning an election… Get real.. Do you honestly expect me to Believe that Prime Minister Roservelt Skerrit is the Only man Doing everything in the country? the DLP is a team, they work together, skerrit is the leader and if he’s gone then someone else from that party will just take his place and continue in the Direction that the PM is leading Dominica into, Which is DEVELOPMENT!!
Did you really read what I said before you started yapping procon? Do you spell SKERRITT (DLP)? Which is what I said? You sick people with pre-conceived notion about what everybody is saying must learn to READ and ANALYZE before you start yapping, maybe this is the only think they program all you to answer. That’s everything everybody says has the same answer/comments form you idiots. Pre programmed robots… Besides the party is supposed to be a party, but it does not take an Einstein to realize that you idiots have made Skerritt the labor party and you are always quick to defend that…So relax sister or brother… First let’s address the issue of Skerritt’s legitimacy, and let’s establish whether he has been speaking the truth to you idiots. Ask him again for me if he owns property in New York and Miami, I have the address of the properties if you need them.
Respect – Dogs are the one who yaps. You are answering a Human being. Do unto others as you would like them to do to you.
Typical UWP like Trevor Johnson,Lennox Puke Linton,Angello Jack Donkey Allen thier psychology proffessor Blessings most illeterate man in St.Joe,Michael Male Female Coipel,Bernard Shim Wiltshire.Geoffrey The Man who asked a doctor to draw a vigina in court as a prosecutor Letang.Shirley Allan who sits in states and refuse to work living on the labpur of her children.No wonder she could not come to attend her mother’s funeral shame.
Anyway, some people on this forum are not the brightest in the pack.. They have no contributions to make except to assassinate the character and get personal with people who disagree with them. If I were in their places the time I spend here giving people mapuis, I would enroll in a class somewhere to learn something, and they expect people to come to Dominica to visit them. I do not blame Dominicans who do not want to come among these people. They are poison..Come on people elevate yourselves, stick to the issues and learn to disagree agreeably.. I feel so sorry for you people. You sound so much like people from banana Republics.. I cannot believe that what I am reading here is coming from a people who are supposed to be literate.. Remember people, the whole world is reading!!! They must be saying who are these people?
Honestly, I am ashamed to be a Dominican after reading what is being written here..
PROCON I LOVE U. U ARE SO RIGHT. DAY MUST SAY OUR PM IS BAD BUT WE NUST NOT SAY HE IS GOOD. THESE PEOPLE IS MENTALY DISORIENTED. NO LEADERSHIP. ALL DAY HAV IS LEADERGOATS. U DONT WANT DAT KIND OF LEADERGOATS IN DOMINICA. WE ARE VERY SATISFY WIT OUR PM ROOSVELT SKIRRIT LEADERSHIP STYLE. DATS Y HE ASK FOR THE NEXT 50 YRS AND HE HAVE OUR BLESSINGS. IF HE WANTS ANOTHER TEN HE WILL GET IT AFTER THE FIRST 50. DATS WAT DAY BLUE VEX ABOUT PROCON
With thinking like yours then there really is no hope for the UWP. Just talk talk talk and nothing positive!!!
TEL THEM LEAVE SKERRIT ALONE AND BRUSH THEIR DIRTY TEETH IF THEY WANT SKERRIT TO COME AND SIT DOWN ON THEIR BACKS HE WILL NT SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO STAY AWAY AND HE WILL WIN AGAIN.
I must admit, I must….that this was well written. The writer says he is a supporter of the UWP and he effectively puts forward his position on where his party is, the issues with the party and the need to move beyond these past times.
I do remember the support for not diversifying by Edison James. He did so for political moves and fear of Farmers losing their jobs, but in the end Dominicans still lost their jobs with nothing to replace it.
Mamo championed this diversification even having tree crops imported/grown on the island….I think it was called ‘Tree Crop Diversification Project’…correct me if I am wrong here.
I do not know Mr. Sanford’s motives, I will assume that they are purely in the best interest of Dominica and his Party. But he makes some valid points with the one about ‘Government in Waiting’ being an important one for me.
Constructive criticism is needed for anyone or any entity. It is a sort of introspection and if people who are deep into what they are doing do not see the folly in their ways, then they are doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
ROY SANFORD IS OR SAID HE IS A SUPPORTER OF THE UWP?
BUT ALLU HAVE SPECIAL GLASSES MAN?
WHERE YOU SEE THAT? WHERE YOU HEAR THAT?
YOU SAW SANFORD AND YOUR MIND CAME ON CLAUDIOUS SANFORD?
PAPA MET
One word, Amen
One of the UWP’s major issues is that the face and mouth piece of their party, the investigative journalist is a one-trick pony.
He’s good at digging up stuff but then he is always in the spotlight and he is always in attack mode, he doesn’t seem to know any other way. Everyone knows where he stands so lots of people just tune him out.
Persons like Bazil and I would think the Carib dude Sanford who seem to have worthwhile contributions to make are overshadowed and marginalized by him.
UWP take y’all party back from the journalist, he should be complementary to the party not the focal point.
LENNOX IS THE PARTY INFROT AN EDISON IS THE BACK. MARIGOT DAY BOTH COME FROM. BUT PREVOST NOT I ALL U THING. BUT ALL INN ALL LENNOX IS LABOUR BIGGEST FRIEND. LABOUR HAV NO NEED TO CAMPAIGN WEN WE LISTEN TO LENNOX AN MATT DEM. KEEP TALKIN GUYS.
WELL SAID. ….
TELL DEM FELLARS THEY MUST TELL US WHAT THEY GOING AND DO IF THEY WIN
NOT CLIMBING ON SKERRIT BACK AND FORCING HIM
THAT’S JUST CHILDISH
TELL ME ALL YOU GOING TO PUT DUTY FREE OR TRY DUTY FREE
TELL ME SOMETHING
DUTY FREE WILL HELP US ALL
Well what is it that opposition can do in our democracy? let’s be honest and stop this crap about government in waiting. I know for a fact that the former PM submitted a project to a foreign country for some development in his village and even if the country agreed the then government did not endorse the project so the funds were not drawn down until the government changed. What exactly did the DLP and Freedom did when they were in opposition that the UWP is not doing? To me these are the pertinent questions that should be asked. Our system of governance favours the government side too much.
I do believe that the UWP needs to change this boycott strategy. There is also need for a leadership change but where do they turn? Where will Labour turn in the absence of Skerrit. The advantage that Skerrit successor will have is that he is inside. It is also not true that the UWP does not offer alternatives. You would not support these alternatives anyway so why are you bringing them up? It is strange that you Mr Sandford give not give your take on the electoral reform issue. Lets leave the other colourful allegations aside.Don’t you guys think that we need electoral reform. So tell me who can authorise these reforms? Not the opposition for sure. So therefore if the UWP develops the most perfect scheme for the reforms it cannot be implemented untin the government agrees.
So you see for the democracy to work the government should work with the opposition too. Finally Mr Sandford, you sound like an astute person so why not cut to the chase. The UWP is fighting Labour, the classical Freedomites and the remnants of the mullatoes and bourgresoise that never liked the party anyway. What I would suggest is that your next piece, I enjoy your pieces bythe way, should be on how any group, party or organization will make headway into this well entrenched criminal structure that is running and ruining this country.
Let’s all agree that the UWP is not doing a very good job now but what next? I am sure that you would not want them to fold and leave then the fears you have will be real horrors. Let us beat them up for all the things they not doing and saying but let us, all of us, fight for electoral reforms.
FIRST TME I READ A U.W.P comment that was that long
and it was very good, so i like to hear people talk
But that electoral reform does not much interest me
cause we did not complain about it under freedom and UWP
LABOUR IS JUST USING TO THERE ADVANTAGE
SO UWP CAN DO THE SAME
Mike Douglass held the freedom party at bay. he offered alternatives, solutions, advices, the then government maybe paid no heed, but the masses listened to him and understood him. the labour party went around the island grouping and regrouping till they had a group of men and women who were ready to run the country.
in opposition they gave scholarship to many persons, even those who did not support them and later contested against them. they had many community projects and keep with the people. they stood in parliament and championed the plight of the people, CAN YOU SAY THE SAME ABOUT THIS UWP?????.
Thank you!
well said @king man. earl williams would rather be kicked out of parliament than to stay out.
SO TRUE THAT KING MAN. EDISON DEN IS NOT ABOUT PEOPLE. ALL THAT IS HAPPENIN DR IS THEY VEX DOMINICANS KICK THEM OUT OF OFFICE. AN BCUS OF THAT DAY VEX WIT A YOUNG MAN THAT DIDNT PUT HIM SELF IN OFFICE. BUT THEY HAV A LONG TIME TO GET EH. WE DID WHAT WE HD TO DO WHILE IN OPPSITION. THATS Y WE ARE NOW REPIN THE FRUITS OF OUR LABOUR.
EDISON WAS IN OFFICE. NO ONE TOLD HIM TO CALL THE ELECTION EARLY AN LOST.
HE NOT RESIGNING BCUS BARABASS, spa-GAY-ty an edison main-MAN lennox say so. IT IS OUR TIME….WE INCHARGE. U REMEMBER WHO SAID THAT? HMMMMMM. WEL U NO LONGER INCHARGE AN WIL NEVER B AGAIN. SO GO AN ROLL UR ROSRY BARABASS.
I commend you for your interesting piece. We need to see more like this on here instead of the ‘mepuis’.
UWP needs to rethink, revise, revamp and then they will be able to return.
I totally agree… What UWP has infact doing is making it impossible to voters to see them as a better option than Labour. Hector is allowing the same thinking of the past and mode of behavior…. guide him. There was a reason UWP lost…. They need to sit, think it out, and reorganize. But if they continue blaming voters who came down and fraud for their loss… They will suffer the same defeat next election. We need a stronger opposition, who know what they want and how to get it. Stop holding on to ideas/people of the past!!!
SO TRUE TORY TAYTAY
“However the upper echelon of the UWP did not see it fit to explore or even contemplate diversifying the economy, an idea that had been floating around since the days of Patrick John and was being amplified by Dame Eugenia Charles.”
Are you serious? You are not a student of Political history. You should take a look at the old DEXIA records and the plans that went hand in hand with the International airport to see that as far as farming the UWP was the administration which had the most success in finding viable markets for non Banana crops. Farmers had non banana crops literally FLYING all over the region and the WORLD.
Check the figures at DEXIA and Min. of Agriculture.
Also the only serious contingency plan with regards to Agro, Wellness and Large scale eco tourism was hatched by the UWP.
New exploits into fishing and new ways of using fisheries facilities (like the now sleeping concrete in Marigot), to include training were hatched and on stream.
The tying of the Planned State College with the North Eastern Educational Complex were also examples of diversification.
Hospitality Management, Lifestyle Tourism, Modern fishing practices, were all to be part of the tourism and Economic thrust geared at including the North-West, North, and North-East into what was to be the Northern Economic Turnaround.
Again combined with the still needed International airport…
Are these attempts at diversification?.
Just asking
I agree An opposition should be seen as a ‘government in waiting NOT a government with No Direction. They have lost their way! A new year and the same old KOSHONY!!!! UWP need to UPGRADE! Its like them man still using WINDOWS 98….Protest not working! Boycott not working! We want to see how you plan on building the economy of our country! Yess iiii
I Have Interrupted!
MR. INTERUP THE OPPOSITION IS TRYING TO SWIM B/TWEEN THE DEVIL WHO CAN BE CALLED BARABASS AN THE DEEP BLUE SEA. SO THEY HAVE A HARD HARD HARD TIME TO MAKE IT.
Well is ‘bal fini violey en sac” for the UWP
Their demise had been prophesied since 1995. It would dissipate and disintegrate after that term in office. “Voila”
Spaggs came in but he is still towing the line. Nothing new from him “Same ole same ole”
All they are doing is taking out after PM Skerrit who is making things happen in DA, and getting more loved everyday by the masses. Everybody hearing them but nobody is listening to them
So”dem fellas” must try a next stroke
Food for thought UWP. Are you ready to govern this country if the opportunity presented itself TODAY? Are you a government in waiting?
THEM MAN JUST TALKING ABOUT A GORVERNMENT THAT IS DOING GOOD & NEVER TALK ABOUT PLANS TO HELP BUILD THE COUNTRY!!!!!
Yes I was dissapointed too because I was waiting to hear what proposals, strategies they would come up with as an alternative for taking Dominica forward. They complained so much about Dominica “going down the drain”, so where are the solutions to the problems they identified?
It just goes to reinforce the point that the present UWP is lost in a wilderness of “maypwe” and spreading of salicious gossip. They are LAZY! and Hector has no initiative for a young man.I am extremely dissapointed in Hector.Waste of time!
But then again this is just like election time when they launched their manifesto…in a new way..a green way…online! Up to now I wondering which line? phone line? clothes line? fish line? I guess their 2011 strategies will be available “online”!!!!
HECTOR JOHN SAID AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE THAT HE WILL CONTINUE THE “PROTESSES”
“protesses” wft???? u sure that’s what you heard? lmfao!!