As we mark the 35th year of our political independence, we must pay homage not only to those who are with us today but also to those who are gone but left behind a legacy that cannot be erased. In consideration of the selfless contributions made by the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas to our political and national development, I see it fitting to bestow upon him a national recognition by naming the airport in his honor.
As we reflect on the strides we have made along the path to economic independence. It goes without question that as a young nation, we still have a long way to go to harness our natural and human resources in order to reach our full social, cultural and economic potential.
After 35 years of independence, it goes without question that we have reached the stage where we can now move to dismantle all remaining vestiges of colonialism to once and for all free our people from the shackles of mental slavery from which many still suffer. Our constitution must be revised in order to guarantee true democracy vis-à-vis the will and aspirations of the people and also to strategically position ourselves whereby we can survive on the ever shifting global political axis.
Words must be backed by actions. Therefore, we must move quickly to address the sections of the constitution that prevents our brightest sons and daughters in foreign lands from participating in the political process. Time and tide don’t wait for any man so it behooves you, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and your cabinet to put words into action and without delay begin the process to convene a constitution review convention.
It must be noted that in order to set the stage for full political and economic independence, the following issues must first be addressed.
1. The issue of dual citizenship.
2. Implementation of term limits for elected representatives.
3. Setting a fixed date for general elections
4. Implementation of the electoral reform recommendations
5. Decriminalizing canvassing on Election Day.
6. Reviving the discussion on ‘name change’ for Dominica.
Ideas don’t dwell in only one head and therefore, it is very important for everyone to participate in the debates going on in the country irrespective of party affiliation, religious belief or social background. We must practice to live by the notion: All for each and each for all.
May God bless and protect everyone as we celebrate our 35th Independence anniversary. Long live the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
“Bossman, I only take advice from one man and one man only,H Henry, lately not even the S Counsel.. Kinda not trusting him anymore. Secretary,all letters of advice to PM should be discarded. Cause at the end of the is me and me only”.
Some people just don’t get it! Don’t you know that there are Dominicans in the Diaspora who are contributing more to Dominica than some of you who sit on your behinds wasting time morning noon and night on FB, DNO ETC playing patriot and pretending to be nationalistic? Be careful! If you keep your mask on for too long you might forget who you are.
Some people just don’t get it! Don’t you know that there are Dominicans in the Diasporo who are contributing more to Dominica than some of you who who sit on your behinds wasting time morning noon and night on FB, DNO ETC playing patriot and pretending to be nationalistic? Be careful! If you keep your mask on for too long you might forget who you are.
Today marks the birthday of the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas. If he was alive he would be 72 years today.
I came out boldly and was not afraid to use my name to generate healthy discussion on civic matters. I owe no explanation or response to naysayers, negative thinkers and so-called patriots who are hiding behind aliases and fake names. Come out and be real. Who the cap fit let them wear it.
I came out boldly and was not afraid to use my name to generate healthy discussion on civic matters. I owe no explanation or response to naysayers, negative people and so-called patriots who are hiding behind aliases and fake names. Come out and be real. Who the cap fit let them wear it.
It is right that we are all allowed to express our opinions, but at the end of the day, opinions are what they are,opinions.
Statements however, can be considered official accounts of facts, so I challenge you to set emotions aside and define your statement regarding the legacy of the late Roosie Douglas as it relates to Dominica’s political development. In my opinion, sentiment alone is no recipe for bestowing high honors.
On Economic Development
“As we reflect on the strides we have made along the path to economic independence. It goes without question that as a young nation, we still have a long way to go to harness our natural and human resources in order to reach our full social, cultural and economic potential”.
Your above statement would suggest a nation who’s economy is independent of foreign aid. Please explain how all infrastructural developments within the last ten (10) years or so has been achieved with foreign aid and gifts.
Are you disagreeing that all infrastructure projects in the last ten years was achieved through foreign aid or gifts? If you are then you must be living on Pluto. The country is in debt to our eyeballs and we have nothing to show for that but you come here wanting to challenge the writer. If you believe that he is incorrect in what he said then show us exactly what is and give us the facts.
It is right that we are all allowed to express our opinions, but at the end of the day, opinions are what they are,opinions.
Statements however, can be considered official accounts of facts, so I challenge you to set emotions aside and define your statement regarding the legacy of the late Roosie Douglas as it relates to Dominica’s political development. In my opinion, sentiment alone is no recipe for bestowing high honors.
Keep thinking about honoring allu self among people that are far stronger than you… you should honor the ‘people of Dominica’ not as descendants of slaves because slavery didn’t last in Dominica but as self-sufficient strong people who brought about their own independence even while others were enslaved.
Implementing term limits for elected representatives is not a good idea for a small country like Dominica. We cannot pattern everthing on big countries like America. America has a much larger pool of resources to draw from.
WELL PENNED PAUL ALEXANDER.
It’s not too late to come TO GRANDBAY and give the UWP your support.GrandBay has been largely neglected by this bad Labour party. I voted for you when you almost became the parl rep in 1980.You gave both Pierro and Judiana Henderson good contest.Sadly what we have now is a gang of greedies, parading as a Labour Party.I DOUBT YOU WOULD WANT TO BE PART OF THIS TEAM.
For sure there is an urgent need to review/reform the constitution. Dispite our “independence” the laws on the books was designed to keep us as subjects to the white man ideologies.
Now that the black race has the opportunity to correct the wrongs, why is it taking so long to make the necessary changes on the books/behaviors;Or was it a matter of the white man passing the whip to our black brothers?
Nonsense… Dominica was the first British colony in the world to have self-rule by a majority Black legislature in 1838. The island was also the last Island in the Caribbean to be colonized in the Caribbean due to our people and topography. So your comments about black and white oppression in the constitution is a mockery of those who actually fought when no one else was fighting to achieve independence and self-determination. The constitution has nothing to do with race… it’s a STANDARD! Apparently there are people who cannot live up to that STANDARD! Those who want to lower the STANDARD! To make it easier for them to corrupt the political and civil processes which are there to keep the zandolis at bay so they don’t rise up and pocket all the wealth and opportunity before our children can have a chance.
you are nothing more than a coward. you speak of change yet afraid of taking the action to effect it. Our black legislatures of 1838 did well in building us a frame work and expect us to improve on it as time and situation change. They would be very disapointed in us not taking the necessary “legal” actions to create a better chance for our children.
If change for the better is a must not an option; why the constitution an exception?
this is Dominica, Don’t bring USVI rules here to govern an island that’s part of the OECS ,REMEMBER ARE LIVING IN THE US,not us.
At the end of that Discussion Skeritt will make amendments to the Constitution and end up as the Executive president in the White house the Chinese built for Him.He will also say “Is all You that wanted to make amendments”
Very well stated Paul. I totally approve the contents of your message. You are a great patriot who cares dearly for your community and country. God bless always!
First we got to change that greedmentality and have the interest of the Dominica and Dominican at heart
I liked Roosie Douglas as a person, but unless I am blind, I cannot see all the good he has done in his short time as prime minister. He was a good talker. What can we point to that we can say was transformative to the lives of Dominicans?
Nostalgia is one thing, but we need to be objective here.
2 jimi hendrix i find u to be very disrespectful forwasd and out of place to call our former pm the late honourable rosie douglas a talkative this was a man for the ppl by the ppl a man who serve his country well.one who help the poor irrespective of who you were roosie was always willing to help .and he wasnt greedy and corrupt nor was he competing with the private sector. a revolutionist a man who stood for morals very down trodden.not one of this so call politician of today has the caliber of rosie may his soul continue to rest in eternal peace gone but will never be forgotton this labour party will never get my vote again in history and thats why portsmouth is slowly turning to blue
I so agree with you. Roosie like Athie Martin and Lennox Linton are just talkers. Roosie was tied when he entered the ministry and all he did was travel. Athie talk and talk, when they give him the agriculture ministry, he resign for the garden wall. He just didnot know what to do and the same thing will happen to Lennox. TALK WITHOUT ACTION
Mr.Alexander though I agree with most of your concerns, it is your viewpoint on dual citizenship that bothers me the most. Any individual who really and truly wants to participate in our electoral process has to be willing to pledge allegiance only to our country. Sacrifice your other citizenship for the love country and put Dominica first. An individual with dual citizenship is pledging allegiance to two countries and that is not enough for our lovely Dominica.
Today as people in america celebrate Columbus Day… it’s a nice letter, its important you recognized Dominica was independent long before 1978 (the 35th year of our POLITICAL independence) Dominica was the last Island to be colonized and one of the first to have internal self rule. Thanks to the Caribs, hard independent minded blacks and the mountainous terrain. Concerning the constitution its my humble opinion that it should not be changed… leave it alone. If we change one thing, someone else will take office later on and chnage another, soon enough ministers will offer their own versions and in a matter of 15 or 20 years the constitution will be rendered useless. I understand the Savrin is now President and the president has powers related to the constitution but doing so will set a bad precedence. In America since Bush was voted into the Presidency and Obmama took office we have enacted thousands of new laws and bills to support the agendas of people with self serving motivations all the while enlarging the government and bankrupting the country to effect. In my humble opinion leave Dominica’s constitution alone… it was written by us for us since we had internal self rule since 1838.
who is this person, and what is he saying?.
Dear Paul Lexander,
Appreciate your thoughts and notes re this letter to the PM. The spirit of your letter is honourable and timely.
I wish to quote you that: “After 35 years of independence, it goes without question that we have reached the stage where we can now move to dismantle, and I add …”discard…” all remaining vestiges of poor governance, corruption and mendicancy in Dominica.
It therefore means that we have to clean up our house first, discipline ourselves into good governance and free our own people from a new form of slavery and “own colonialism”. Sir, please be advised that “The enemy is within”, not out there…… and the Skerrit government is the worse that we have seen since “3rd November 1978”.
What you request for sir, this government and leadership do not have the capacity to understand and implement, they are politically illiterate.
Changing the name of Dominica is NOT a priority and is not going to bring development and create employment, we have to work hard at it, with good and accountable government, trustworthy and competent people in government and not fly by projects under the guise of development.
After 12 years the RED CLINIC still attracts hundreds of poor Dominicans; mothers, children, fathers’ nenen begging for money from one man…what a shame.
So sir, these are the priorities for Dominica, among the top list is to get rid of this Skerrit lead administration, they are inept. Thank You
Views expressed.. And to think you know it all. They come back home and run away from their villages. They all want to have their cake and eat it at the same time. Alas, views expressed.. you want a ride on the people’s backs in Dominica? No!!!!!
Befor you adress the dual citizenship matter, tell us .what country in the world aloud you to be a pm head of state a holder off two passport. if you are not born in the usa ,you can not be the president of the usa. if there is a war were will your alegend LIE to me as a dominican that is a no no ,if you leave out of Dominica and you want to sever your country. hold a green card. leave the people passport alone. you can not server two master at the same time. you want to servsr come clean, doe put no pass port in your back pocket ,so you can run and leave use.we in dominica do not want polition with one foot in and one out,NOW I AGREED SOME THING MUST CHANGE.OR AREMENDED.ONE LOVE D/A.
There is a flaw in your argument…
…”if you are not born in the usa ,you can not be the president of the usa. if there is a war were will your allegiance LIE”….
Why is the US employing people in the army to their wars, is there the possibility that the gun could turned on them ????????
A call for one is unfair. Let’s call to honor: Pierro Leblanc Mike.
I second that. Well penned!
I think these ideas make a lot of sense. In addition, I believe the former PM, Honorable Edison James, should also have something in his name, and the same when PM, honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, departs from the political scene; there should be no politics in this. Living out in the diaspora, and still a citizen of Dominica, I believe that I have a right to vote. In doing so, I would also be willing to pay some extra tax directly to my Country, if that will be accompanied by lowering the tax burden on my family, and fellow Dominicans living on Island – too much tax, including high import duties is making cost of living way too high. All you government from all political parties that say you are for the poor people, show it in some tangible ways!
What drivel… and trivialities! Of all the huge changes and development Dominica has made – economically and socially – on reflection sir, your call on the prime minister to review the constitution so that ‘brightest sons and daughters in foreign lands from participating in the political process’ is mild and by no stretch of the imagination is it in accordance with our independence spirit and value!
Dominica’s independence was fought for by Dominicans and it will continue to be maintained by Dominicans!
If you love your country as much as you say – renouncing a US citizenship and coming back to give a few years of dedicated service in your country should be easy!
That is often a common cry to people living in the diaspora. We have to be very frank though, because one has to be able to take care of himself. We all want financial security. I am Dominican living in Dominica but if i get the opportunity to go abroad to make enough money to live comfortable why not? I would still have Dominica dear to my heart. We just have to be realistic nobody wants to be burdened by dept. Every Dominican who has gone and is able to return and contribute, you are most welcome.
I Concur concise and to the point.
Paul Alexander’s open letter to Pm Skerrit is timely. The issues he raised are very important to the further development of Dominica. I might want to add also that the no. of constituencies should be reviewed to reflect a smaller number. Let the discussion begin. Should we add the professional qualification of a Prime Minister?
OPEN DEMANDS….LOL
It must be noted that in order to set the stage for full political and economic independence, the following issues must first be addressed.1. The issue of dual citizenship.2. Implementation of term limits for elected representatives.3. Setting a fixed date for general elections4. Implementation of the electoral reform recommendations5. Decriminalizing canvassing on Election Day.6. Reviving the discussion on ‘name change’ for Dominica.
You want to stay outside Dominica and give advice?
At least he is doing so as a DOMINICAN, what do you have to say about the man who sits in Barbados and gets thousands of our dollars a month to direct what happens on Dominica? He decides when to call elections, whether or not to have electoral reform, write simple addresses to the nation, don’t you think that this is a dishonour to the people of Dominica?
You’re asking the guy to reform most of the things he has violated. Do you honestly believe he will act in good conscience and change the things that made him rich?