JUST DENNIS: Antigua’s 10 Year itch strikes again and the politics of win by the money

Dennis Joseph
Dennis Joseph

The whole buzz around the Caribbean is the results of the Antigua 2014 elections. Antiguans woke up on Friday 13th to a new government coming in through a landslide win, which toppled incumbents left, right, and middle. Outgoing PM Baldwin Spencer admitted he never saw this coming neither his supporters who thought they had it in the bag and that the polling of CADRES (Peter Wyckham) giving the ALP 10 -12 sets was flawed, but Wyckham was right on the ball this time. The money spent on the campaign made no difference to the mood of the people who wanted change, which is something the maturity of the Antigua voters has shown over the years. Since 1994,  leaders in Antigua have been subjected to the 10 year itch –  Lester Bird 1994-2004, Baldwin Spencer 2004-2014 and now 47 year old Gaston Browne replaces him. It supports my contention that after 10 years it is time to change the political leadership and bring in new ideas and talent if the nation is to move forward.

Across the ocean, there is also a buzz in political circles in the USA about the loss in a primary election in Virginia of the incumbent of thirteen years Eric Cantor who had his eye on the coveted House of Representatives Speakership. He lost to a little known challenger named Dave Brat. What is significant to me is that Cantor spent more than five million dollars on his campaign while Brat only had just two hundred thousand dollars to spend. All Cantor’s money made no difference, as the people wanted a change. Now in a US primary election registered voters choose their candidate by secret ballot just like in a general election. It can be open to all voters or limited to just party supporters. It is different in Waitukubuli where either the party leader or the constituency committees choose the candidates. In his gratitude speech Brat said, “We have proven that it is not dollars that vote, it is you”. However, in Waitukubuli, there are many who believe otherwise and that change is only possible if you have the money to do it so a whole lot are prepared to line up for their little share in order to decide who gets their vote.

Leblanc and Patrick John won elections with little cash when in those days of the 60’s and 70’s it was the other side who had the backing of the business community and the upper class and so had all the money to spend. It was a time of the ‘Bouko Rhum’(Cask of Rum) politics when it was common for the poor people at election season to wrestle each other to get to the front line to receive a drink of rum in exchange for their votes. They hardly heard what was going on from the platform speakers as their eyes never left the cask of rum there on standby. The coming of the Labour Party changed that and the slogan, ‘Eat dem, drink dem but doh vote for dem,’ found legs in varied forms. It became the pleasure of the poor to milk the fat cow without selling themselves and their valuable votes and the slogan became a staple of the Labour Party politicians on political platforms.

However, the wisdom of the Chinese tells us ‘We can only go as far forward as we see backward’. Fast forward to 30 years later and the DLP did a complete U-turn and is now the party with a ‘Bouko Rhum’ mentality under other fancy names and is giving out handouts for votes in small packages to the poor and substantially larger packages to the rich and better off among us. Therefore, it is no surprise that the bishop stepped up to the table to receive his half million-dollar package a few months before general election. Bishop Malzaire was falling all over himself to praise the PM and offer him God’s rewards in return for his generous offer. It reminds me of a time when the Catholic Church actually sold ordnances better known as prayers written on pieces of paper which as a boy I would go the Presbytery to buy for my Granny whenever she felt like singing, “Its me , its me O Lord standing in need of prayer.” He should have known better than to be a star on an obviously political show set up to buy the votes of us Catholics. This was not just a news release but a public all-stars presentation designed to benefit the Prime Minister’s re-election bid and all done in the name of what was declared, in 1215 at the 4th Council at the Lateran Palace in Rome, as the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic only true Church of Christ also known as the Bride of Christ. It is quite difficult for me to picture Christ the bridegroom standing alongside the Prime Minister stretching out his hand to receive a cheque for $500,000 to repair his church. There will always be righteous wise ones to condemn my supposed sacrilege and tell me that it is the body of believers that is the church and  it is we the believers who are symbolically married to Christ so the money is for us, and to them I say dream on. Yet there is more to this. In the future and in particular during election time, the best intentions of the bishop and priests will be closely scrutinized for dark motives in light of his fawning response to this gift  effectively creating a division among the political red and blue members of the church. The Bible has some nasty things to say about those who divide the body of Christ and as was said by Bishop Tony Palmer an envoy of the Man of Change Pope Francis, ‘Diversity is divine but division is diabolical.”

The Labour Party ‘money for votes’ policy belies their popularity boasts but it has also attracted those who come to the table carrying a large spoon. They treat the party as an ‘all you can eat buffet’ returning again and again to refill their plates. Because they benefit hugely they are out front to tell us that it cannot get any better than this. There are those in the diaspora who cannot wait for the next elections to get a free ticket from Skerrit for a free holiday to come to vote for him. All of this leaves we the people like pilgrims on a journey with no destination, scratching without an itch, laughing when no one tickles us only waiting for a ‘bon tan’ election campaign every five years to go to the polls and vote for whoever has the money to pay for the party and the drinks. The poor believe that the Labour Party is the same as of old; the clever use the party to change their fortunes from how it was of old and in the final analysis like a pack of goods, our votes are bought and sold as it used to be of old.

Nevertheless, there is another way. Rather than bargain votes for money let us force our politicians to debate issues on a platform where we all can judge their truthfulness and performance. If the politics of winning by money is not stopped in a hurry, there will be no change of government in Waitukubuli for the foreseeable future. We will not be like Antigua but like a clock with its pendulum stuck in the middle going no place, unwilling to make use of the fresh and gifted talented people who present themselves to us. It is no stretch of the mind to see that sooner rather than later political parties are going to sell our nation to the highest bidder including drug lords and terror outfits just to find enough money to compete. It is time to return to the real purpose of democracy which   is to ensure the freedom to change bad governments, and reject corrupt politicians.  It is more than time to truly have government for the people, by the people, with the people instead of the new process which is today to win government by the money, with the money and yes -wait for it – for the money.

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74 Comments

  1. Neutral
    June 16, 2014

    Ill say this much Mamo is dead so are Rosie & Pierro and am not feeling well myself.
    The wicked one are alive and well. You all know the wicked ones. SMH

    • Neutral
      June 16, 2014

      Observation both the wicked on the political stages are of DFP ilk.
      Reason why DA is more than screwed.
      Nothing’s gonna change. More things change the more……………………….One JA replaces another whoever wins.
      They will continue to go along with our invasion with passport sales.The lawyers and ther agent will continue to sell high pay the Treasury the agreed amount and pocket the rest. Build mansions travel like theres no resting place. They will continue to allow those with deep pockets and external financial interests to continue to steal our natural resources,exploit the poor and needy shaft those with cojones who present an iota of commonsense void of corruption. All the former cadres of the environmentalogist who are to tied in one way or another former progressives now religious, making a few $ now those who have big are depending on their sole daughter for grand children as their sons are gay. when i throw my corn am not calling fowls.

  2. Dominican
    June 16, 2014

    Thank you sir! A breathe of fresh air….and intellectually stimulating..!

  3. Impartial Dominican
    June 16, 2014

    Dominicans residing overseas should not be allowed to vote as they are not directly affected by the administration on the island.

    Alternatively, if Dominicans residing overseas want yo vote, they should fund their travel to the island to cast their vote. The Prime Minister should not be allowed to use our cash to provide a free holiday for those people.

    If you do not reside on Dominica, you should not be allowed to vote. Period!

  4. A Doubting Thomas
    June 16, 2014

    Okay, I stopped reading the article when the author starting hitting the Bishop and the PM and the Government.

    I am not sure if he told us later down in the article because I stopped reading at that point. It is my understanding that the Member for Roseau who is the UWP Representative requested even a larger amount from the Government for the Cathedral is that a fact or a myth?

    Are you telling me the Member for Roseau is unhappy with the government decision? Has he said he does not believe that the government should have given not even a red cent to the church?

  5. ?
    June 16, 2014

    I still there with you………..teach me teacher
    Jah bless

  6. be wiser
    June 16, 2014

    Yes Mr Joseph …little money HA HA HA,who was their biggest supporters at the time. Was it not three of the biggest merchants of the day. Astaphans, Mussons, and Karam. Wheel and come again.

  7. June 15, 2014

    MR JOSEPH i dont think u write this piece by your self …this one was writen by the hands of god ..i like mostly all your articles. I dont know how u do it but its always on point ilove .i really love it especially this one :oops:

  8. Hmmm
    June 15, 2014

    When are we going to find true men of integrity and honor? If the intention of the PM is to trade money for votes, He does not deserve to represent the people. I pray that God puts in a true leader who has a heart for the people and genuinely put God first in His decisions. A man that trust in The Lord will always prevail.

    • A Doubting Thomas
      June 16, 2014

      So it was votes and sympathy the Member of Roseau was looking for when he brought up the subject of the government helping the Cathedral? He never really wanted any help for the Cathedral? Is that, what you are now telling us, if we are to take the article seriously?

      It was all a bluff? To make him look as if he cared? And the government does not? When in reality he does not care? Somehow I don’t want to believe that. But what other conclusion can we come to then.

      So what happened the PM pulled the rug underneath the UWP feet and made it a reality now they blue vex!

      A campaign on the non caring government just went down the tubes again. Is that why they are so upset? Whenever the government shows it cares for it citizens the UWP does not seem too pleased.

      The big question is WHY?

  9. Hope
    June 15, 2014

    :-D Merci Dennis. I could not have said it better. Thanks for your insight. Change is smart. We cannot do things the same way and then expect a different result. We are smart. May God guide Dominicans to do the right thing. :-D

  10. The Times
    June 15, 2014

    i only read some of but well said from where i stop we need to wake up and smell the roses around us change is a must and thank u sir for the for words well written

  11. Let's think
    June 15, 2014

    Mr. Dennis I appreciate your article as it gets us to see and analyse situations beyond the length of our nose.
    It is said that Dominica is the only country that Christopher Columbus would recognise if he is to return because of our conserved landscape. However, I am adding Dominica may be the only country he can do business with; trinkets/money for our thoughts, words and deeds.
    However I live in hope! The young will inject their enthusiasm for a more innovative approach to managing the future of Dominica.
    They cannot be satisfied with the status quo; that to succeed in Dominica they have to go hat in hand to the altar of those who are in power.
    Their future is NOW and they have to embrace it on the wings of meritocracy.

  12. by the school
    June 15, 2014

    A commendable piece of political observation. Let the chips fall where they may.

  13. Herbert Sabaroche
    June 15, 2014

    School mate, I am elated to read your simply truthful words and the thoughts of some of us. Hopefully these words and thoughts will help to guide the inner feelings of the majority of Dominicans before, during and after the elections. Hopefully the words, thoughts and inner feelings will propel our actions for the good and benefit of self, communities and country, As true Christians would pray and say! So help me God!

  14. Just a thought
    June 15, 2014

    Dennis, cry me a river. The other party in Dominica shot itself in the foot long time ago by acting immaturely and foolishly and receiving compensation through deception by not attending to the business for which they were elected.

  15. pedro
    June 15, 2014

    Thanks Mr Denis for your inspiring commentary.

  16. Your School Mate
    June 14, 2014

    Excellent piece Mr. Joseph, well said, I do not think anyone could have articulate it better than that.
    Its unfortunate that those of us who can read and understand are clear on how we cast our votes.
    Some people may never get to read this article and so their decisions are directed to handouts and we all know these are in the majority.
    There lies the challenge of getting our people to understand, you get $500.00 today but it is better to work and secure $500.00 every week than to wait to receive it every election.
    Wake up my people; open your eyes.
    There are many people who envy our democracy. Exercise your rights with pride and dignity.

  17. St. Joe new voter
    June 14, 2014

    well said Denise and I do hope that Dominicans will wake up!
    Change is a must!

  18. FREE and FAIR
    June 14, 2014

    Why would the Skerritt DLP Gov’t be so stubborn to implement Electoral Reforms?

    The “Independent” Electoral Commission has lost its “Independence.” That institution, like many others in Dominica, has been disrespected.

    For Years now, the Electoral Commission requested funds from Gov’t to carry out Reforms to the Electoral process. It wanted specifically, Voter ID Cards, to clean up the list, get rid of all dead names and those not legible to vote. Instead, the commission was forced to produce NID Cards, which was not what they wanted. They wanted Voter ID Cards. The OAS and CARICOM, election observers last election also recommended the same.

    There must be a reason why there is such overt reluctance by authorities for reforms that would ensure elections are FREE and FAIR. Remember the famous E-mail, sent to whom by whom,. We know. Electoral Commission plans Kibosh. Bribery, cheating, stealing of our elections will not work again. DLP Govt, and political advisors and operatives better believe that.

    What about the airline to operate direct flights from Florida to Dominica, nuh? Not in January it had to start? The patriots put a spoke in their wheel?

    Free and Fair Elections must be the buzz word. That’s what Dominicans deserve. Nothing less. We will continue to demand Electoral Reforms and Free and Fair Elections. Change is a MUST. How Long? Not Long!!!!!!!

    • June 16, 2014

      Your statement regarding The Electoral Commission is so foolish and irrational. Nothing you said showed that the Electoral Commission lost it’s Independence. Political rhetoric and negation to examine facts does not give credence to your statement, the problem you fail to comprehend is the incompetence of The Electoral Commission in carrying out it’s duties regarding updating the voters list.

      Why would The Electoral Commission need additional funds to update a voters list containing about 50,000 names and a given time of 5 years, do they need a supper computer and extra manpower. As to The the issue of ID cards, where did you come up with the idea that The Electoral Commission was forced to produce NID Cards, which was not what they wanted. Here is a quote from Gerald Burton Chairman of the Electoral Commission at a public consultation exercise at the Portsmouth Credit Union Hall on Thursday July 18, 2013. “the Commission had no difficulty in moving forward with Government’s recommendation” Mr. Burton further stated quote ” We have had the opportunity to examine the MPID and the Commission became satisfied that the O.E.C.S proposed MPID met the criteria that we felt was required for the purposes of elections and its is for that reason that we indicated to the Government that we were prepared to utilize the MPID for purposes of election” You tell me is this something The Government forced upon The Electoral commission, regarding the recommendations made by The OAS and CARICOM election observers they just recommended using ID cards but did not specify what type.

      You have said such nonsense regarding the next up coming election. Why are you predicting such thing with no evidence.When someone like you call for change and display irrational thinking it does not help your cause for the change you are calling for.

  19. Love
    June 14, 2014

    Bro, you are preaching to the CHOIR. Good job for trying to energize your base. People who are blatantly rude, disrespectful, and arrogant cannot win the hearts of others. Your sermon wasn’t long enough. Keep on preaching maybe a member will wake up.

  20. LOVEMYCOUNTRY
    June 14, 2014

    Look who is talking the pot calling the kettle black. Why are you not in Dominica helping in it’s development, you all sit out in the diaspora and make suggestions behind a computer screen. This is the best Government that Dominica has ever had making our country stand out there in the world. What did Patrick do for Dominica but walk around Roseau like a” stiff necked fool” there was no development in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and worse of all the 90s. It is time you stop your jealous attitude towards PM Skerrit a young and dynamic leader who is concern about the poor and their welfare. I would really like to know what have you contributed to Dominica than walk around on you tip toes.

    • JoJo
      June 16, 2014

      Why should we be jealous of a P.M., who has imprisoned himself in a golden cage and rejoices in having the poor begging on his doorstep every wednesday, like an old-page pensioner throwing crumbs to the pigeons? Is that the example the people in Antigua saw and were desperate to copy? Come on Roosevelt, wake up and return to the land of reality please.

    • Espoire mal papya
      June 16, 2014

      I wonder how you walk LOVEOF COUNTRY.
      It is clear to all and sundry ON UR HEAD.
      AS A Dominican living in the diaspora,I take it personally.
      I left for personal reasons. and after 4 decades you want to tell me about leaders? These guys did what they did in their time. Backwards in retrospect but these were the times. But the y were more capable than this present” young” clown guys like you Loveofcountry help elect with the help of a few well positioned parasites.
      The guy is so helpless uneducated and immature he dear not even conceive the idea of debating anyone not even
      Cucumber if he was in the opposition.
      Speaking of opposition what opposition! Someone stated they shot themselves in the foot. I think they did and in both feet.lol
      The way I feel about the current political parties is like me having two sons and looking forward to my grand kids and it ain’t gonna happen because of their sexual orientation “their choice” no hating, just an analogy.
      It called espoire mal papye in local palance.
      Like Instruments would say I covered my tracks I hold no grudge against sexual orientees different from mine.
      Seeing DA ,using the aforementioned analogy has to male papua trees planted may never see a change in how things are done.
      In my case maybe I should try having a daughter as I only produced two sons. But am too old for that not prepared to lose sleep and change diapers and feed at ungodly hours.
      So maybe I should adopt? But who knows with the way lifestyles are changing these days I may run into the same situation all over again. Take home message DA needs an interim Gov’t to clear up all the BS.

      • Reader
        June 17, 2014

        Well said. I got the message alright! May I ask was that directed at a certain professional who has a Crapaud life style jumping from party to party for financial interest?Once a MND to DLP to UWP to Neo Labour to money?lol
        Am only deducing from local knowledge.
        Lets deduce the female papaya tree bears fruit.
        once downsized will the newly rented accommodation be an empty nest soon.

    • unbeliveable
      June 16, 2014

      Don’t kow which Dominica you living in my boy!

      Don’t think you love our country either.

      You have to be nuts.

      You may have asked your doctor for medical some medical

      marijuana or you get your fix from the RED CLINIC for the

      economic pains we feel daily so with your aide you don’t

      feel the pain as much.

  21. Es ou Tan Ki
    June 13, 2014

    Yes Dennis ! I have read every article you have written just like you read all I wrote in the pass in the old formate/print media.
    It brought me enemies , provided knowledge many a time in the form of satire. People enjoyed until…………….
    Some tried to cripple me politically but i only got blessed.
    Now you wrote the things i id only that I used serious humor. It offended many in the then DFP(original) and the solid team now gaseous alias currently Team Dominica.
    95 -2000 was when things really took a turn.
    I was of the opinion that DA could not have been more screwed until they came from 2004.There was no meteamorphosis of the DLP it was an infiltration of the DLP you refer to Old and new Labour Old can be termed Original Labour the new( that thing we have today) those who pay down pan ye/it are all of a common stock minus one we all know who. They all came from not humble beginnings only but from abject poverty no dads in the homes mothers who did not breast feed them,reason for their greed and manipluative tendencies.

    • Es ou Tan Ki
      June 13, 2014

      Finally, I want to correct you on New Labour. This was a hyjacking of a party of the common man by operatives of the DFP. It cannot be clearer to all and sundry when ur president is a pot DFP-ite your P.M was the president of young DFP movement. I ask seriously how can one ever entertain the notion that these previous poor guys and gals could have ever been DLP-ites.
      So dennis from now on, please refer to these guys who staged their coupe detente as Neo Freedom. They are certainly un worthy of being called DLP-ites.
      Good Night.

    • mouche miel
      June 13, 2014

      Finally, I want to correct you on New Labour. This was a hyjacking of a party of the common man by operatives of the DFP. It cannot be clearer to all and sundry when ur president is a pot DFP-ite your P.M was the president of young DFP movement. I ask seriously how can one ever entertain the notion that these previous poor guys and gals could have ever been DLP-ites.
      So dennis from now on, please refer to these guys who staged their coupe detente as Neo Freedom. They are certainly un worthy of being called DLP-ites.
      Good Night.

  22. FAST N FURIOUS
    June 13, 2014

    UWP supporters oublija fou avec elecsion.
    If you all find the PM taking too much time to call it;
    Just call it all you self. What’s the the big rush about?
    Does that mean UWPites are so busy to attend their party’s funeral?

    • LOVEMYCOUNTRY
      June 16, 2014

      Fast and furious lol you hit the nail on the head they are so busy to bury themselves

  23. Just In
    June 13, 2014

    Wow!!! people are waking up, realizing buying votes, taking bribes will not better your life or lower the cost of living in future, the money is for now but prosperity, integrity and peace of mind is for a lifetime. Change is a must, not an option. WORKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  24. fill
    June 13, 2014

    Jealousy is really a crime.

  25. Francisco Telemaque
    June 13, 2014

    “Across the ocean, there is also a buzz in political circles in the USA about the loss in a primary election in Virginia of the incumbent of thirteen years Eric Cantor who had his eye on the coveted House of”

    Denis, Canter’s pollster told him he was going win by thirty or more points. Cantor was so confident, the morning of his defeat he was at a fund fund rising, helping another obstructionist to rise money, he never anticipated getting kicked out of the congress. In this case we saw Cantor spending more than five ($5, 000,000.00) million dollars to retain his seat.

    The man who defeated him did not come close to spending a million dollars, as a matter of fact some people claimed he may have spent less than tow hundred thousand dollars throughout his entire campaign. When politicians are producing, people votes for them; however, when they fail to do what the people want, the people who are the real power usually take action.

    That is what happened in Antigua, the Birds control, and ran Antigua for years, until they their corrupted mind cause the people to see what they were doing, first the late father, and two sons, and I understand the one who lost last night might be a Spencerbird! I shall not define that.

    Except to say when I was a boy in Antigua it was alleged that there was a spencerbird. (I doh know) if it true.

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

    Anyway, no man is an island, and I doubt that the Labor Party returned to rescue Antigua, he was just the lessor of two evils right now. The fact is all the Birds are out! I am also happy Justin Simon will be no more, perhaps now I can call him and request our money back for work he did not do.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Antiguian
      June 16, 2014

      He huffed your money Fet? But is ur countryman that both allu bang water fe come Antigua.I guess you are the smart one Simon did not see the future.You left Antigua in its corruption.

  26. Anonymous
    June 13, 2014

    Great article! It is sad but so true

  27. Concern
    June 13, 2014

    Dennis, i must say to you that your rationalization is poor and senseless. AS an educated man you need to also speak truthfully. To make your case for change in Dominica using Eric Cantor and Dave Brat is POOR. IF you do not know ( FIY), Dave Brat’s mission to Washington is to destroy ObamaCare as a TEA Partier and leave over 7 MILLION people uninsured. There gold is one in common to bring OBAMA down, because he cares. How dear you insulting my parent and thousand of Dominicans stating, They voted for Leblanc in exchange for a shot of Rum? I was teenage in those days, These people voted for Leblanc because he cared for the poor. You are a very sad looking man and your eyes are lifeless. Its ok not to like an administration. But make you clear your heart of hate. It will make you look better. Man like you have no vision for country.

    • DA WOMAN
      June 16, 2014

      Concern he is so bitter that a young man from as PM Skerrit is taking Dominica to the next level in development. He thought he would have been PM but God takes care of his people because Dominicans would be walking around with their skirts on their heads. When he and Patrick was in government in the 70s these are the dirty tricks they were using on poor people. Thank God for the Freedom party or else the Roseau would have been dirty with blood.

  28. committed Dominican
    June 13, 2014

    Good job Dennis, well said.

  29. Views Expressed
    June 13, 2014

    Thanks Dennis,,,,just like the article “We building Structures not Character”, this article is timely and Godly. Our people need to read more and learn how to put things in perspective.

    Well said, well written Thanks
    Antigua has fallen so will Dominica in time…..”Call it NUH”
    CHANGE IS A MUST – TEAM DOMINICA

    • A Doubting Thomas
      June 16, 2014

      It will be called in time. It is not time yet.

      Be patient! Wait! We still have a whole year to go.

      Why you like elections so much so Nuh?

  30. nature islethis
    June 13, 2014

    Good job Mr Denis food for thought you said it 100% correct Dominicans wake up

  31. tell
    June 13, 2014

    People like you that make things difficult for others.

  32. maindesk
    June 13, 2014

    The money will still win this election just you wait and see

  33. Lapo Layzar
    June 13, 2014

    MrJoseph , in 2005 i was given a ticket by agents of the UWP to travel from St. Thomas USVI tocome to vote in Dominica. Yes sir i travelled to Dominica and yes sir i voted not for the UWP but for the DLP. For your information sir there are people in the USVI contacting people with offers of a ticket to return home to vote for Linton and the UWP. One guy said to me “just let us know if you onboard” so Mr Joseph sa ki pas bon pou zworve pas bon pou kanah nonplis. Money is not going to win the next general elections in Dominica. The DLP led by Roosevelt Skerrit and the people will win the elections for and on behalf of the people of this beautiful island. Guess what. You and the UWP can count on another five years on the opposition benches. Mr Linton must never forget how he treated the many good and hard working people who worked at DCP while he was part of management. Mr joseph what you wrote about is also a legacy of your party the UWP. The sad thing is Dominicans are said to have memoire poule, chicken memeory. Not me.

  34. Anonymous
    June 13, 2014

    Dennis, mu boy! I hope you find some wimed to rid you of that chronic bellyaching you have there so you can know what happiness is. Meaself, God made me so full of love and appreciation for my surroundings, happiness ca fan cor mweh tou les jour.

  35. There you have it
    June 13, 2014

    Another incisive piece from Dennis. Catholics beware. :wink:

  36. Anonymous
    June 13, 2014

    I am happy to weigh in on this piece by Dennis. The people of my island need to change their mindset towards these greedy and self centered politicians. Not even realizing we have gone back to slavery days. It is high time to let the politicians talk to us not not we bowing to them.

  37. They Fraid
    June 13, 2014

    When politicians are so scared of losing an election because of all the corruption they have been involved in, they will do whatever it takes to win.

  38. real possie
    June 13, 2014

    Ok D I stopped reading at however in Waitukubuli, cause I know what’s coming next defeats what you said before cause Linton is no Dave Brat. Its not money being spent on anyone like Spencer did that will re-elect this Government why I said that cause like you say money did not help Cantor or Spencer but keep dreaming my friend. One thing I will give you you’re a great writer only if you could use it to tell the truth that would be great.

  39. Anonymous
    June 13, 2014

    What’s your point Dennis? Oh please. Labour another 5 more years. By the grace of God.

    • anonymous
      June 13, 2014

      You won’t see the point because you are just bias. This is simply the truth what the man is saying. This is reality. Are you one of the red clinic beggars whose eyes are blind?

  40. Anonymous
    June 13, 2014

    The now leader of the opposition should know that he wanted to lead this country when he used to go on Radio and bash it

  41. Anonymous
    June 13, 2014

    What a beautiful, appropriate and timely article Dennis. I have been following you for some time, but this takes the cake. Let’s hope our countrymen step-up and deliver. I challenge their strength. Petty I can’t vote and will never demean myself and accept a free ticket for I am FREE willed and can’t be bought.

  42. anonymous
    June 13, 2014

    Thank you, Dennis.

  43. Anonymous
    June 13, 2014

    This is not about money or rum. We in Dominica have a government that is working and we know it. We would be very foolish to replace our government at this time.

  44. Consumer
    June 13, 2014

    Oh boy Denis. You are really taking comfort in the Antigua elections? antigua nah Dominica. Antiguans wanted change and they voted change. In Dominica the change seekers remain firmly entrenched among the leadership of the “The dynamics there are different. But we go see.

  45. me
    June 13, 2014

    when was it different ?

  46. Anonymous
    June 13, 2014

    It’s such a shame that a significant percentage of Dominicans prefer not to read, but to only hear from political platforms. How can our predicament be put into images, or on cell phones or other such present-day media to reach an ignorant electorate?

  47. DC
    June 13, 2014

    The mask is being removed slowly but surely. Dennis, do you expect rational thinking people to be swayed by your bias postings? Oh dear! Your case is very weak. What is the change that you are proposing? A man who keeps putting his foot in his mouth? A party with a leader who is so confused that he keeps making contradictory statements. This man has been yearning for elections, calling for reforms, clean voters list etc, yet, he takes a vacation for almost a month. This is a time when his presence on Island should be prioritized in order to convince the people that his Party is ready to lead, instead, he has turned his back on the people at a very crucial time. Dennis, we will resist this change because it is a disaster waiting to happen.

    • Neutral
      June 16, 2014

      We need term limits in the Caribbean. We need set dates for elections. This antiquated political system allows one party to hijack the country. Change is a must.

  48. Patat
    June 13, 2014

    You mean mister did not sleep last night? Alas he had change on his mind :(

    Anyway hope you notice is labour that coming in to join Skerrit throughout the Caribbean. Take that :mrgreen:

  49. be wiser
    June 13, 2014

    Dennis,thats a joke one of my best friends is a big UPP man and i told him they were going to get a licking….all the polls said so. FULLSTOP…………………and i live………….in DOMINICA

  50. UWP?
    June 13, 2014

    Looks like labour is on the rise again. In Antigua the people has spoken just as we did in the last election. We will speak again and electing the people who has the vision, our interest and a proven track record of good work.

  51. Just me
    June 13, 2014

    God bless Dominica and all our leaders. We are a democratic country and we all will vote as we believe we should. All this politics and political bias supporters who wants to sway our vote in their favor with all their fear mongering political strategy, to you all I say, come join us and put Dominica first.

  52. Truth
    June 13, 2014

    I like that ,I like that ‘I really like that

  53. June 13, 2014

    Eric Cantor’s loss is big news in the U.S., but it doesn’t translate well to Dominican politics. Cantor lost in large part because he paid very little attention to his district, instead focusing on his aspirations to become Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (a much more powerful position than Speaker in our parliamentary system).

    In addition, while the primary election was to decide the Republican candidate, anyone could vote in it, and there are reports now that many Democrats participated to vote for Cantor’s challenger in a successful attempt to sow disarray within the Republican Party.

  54. CIA on the Waich
    June 13, 2014

    DNO, a commendable commentary by Dennise. I was hoping to sight somewhere in his commentary that the electoral commission was commended for a job well done, that the voters list was cleansed and voter ID cards was issued even on the day of election, very little activity in the importation or bribery of voters all of these factors did contribute to the change.

  55. June 13, 2014

    Mr. Joseph. Please bear in mind that even though we live in the Diaspara we are Dominicans. You can take me away from Dominica but you cannot take Dominica away from me. Everyone is entitled to their constitutional right. Once you are registered to vote, though matter where in the world you are you are allowed to vote. Stop saying that Dominicans abroad will get free ticket from skeritt to come down and vote. We are Domincans for God sake and no one can prevent me from coming down to Dominica and vote even though I get a ticket from SKeritt or not . I am a Dominican and a strong Labourite and voting labor all the way when the trumpet has sounded. I want my sahre of the rum when they giving or sharing it yo go and vote. We contribute to the economic situation in Dominica by sending barrels and money. You have to pay customs to remove the barrels so the money goes in the treasury. Money Gram and Western Union has to pay the Government a fee for money transfer. So we are contributing to Dominica’s ecenomy. Those lazy bastards that sit and wait on hand outs from the government should go and find something to do for themselves and stop blaming the Government. Government come and Government go. Skeritt is not there forever and so are the others to come. Becareful what we wish for beacuse we might be sorry like in the early 1990’s.

  56. Art
    June 13, 2014

    Well done Dennis, well said. Some Dominicans don’t even know their history

  57. van
    June 13, 2014

    Very good article

  58. grell
    June 13, 2014

    Well said again Mr.Joseph,but let me give you this warning.It will not change in Dominica our poor folks have sold their souls to the devil.Labour has the money and the rum ready to bribe the poor souls.No change will come to Dominica no time soon.They have their mighty king @ the throne and the Syrian as the slavemaster. :(

  59. Oh No
    June 13, 2014

    I sense the gravitational concern in your tone this time around. There are people who listen to your advice and will take heed. Your voice is welcome and I encourage you to fear no more, we the people will stop and think and vote right this time. Change is around the corner.

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