At the risk of sounding repetitive and boring I will give my views on the goings on in my community once again. At the risk of being “crushed” due to my perceived political aspirations I will continue to speak because I refuse to “go quietly into the night” succumbing to the oppressiveness of a society in which everything revolves around politics and political parties; An atmosphere that stifles and criples the ability of our young people to express themselves without being a member of the flock. “Send me”
I am sure our parliamentary representative and his ad hoc committee must be pleased with the patronage of the opening of carnival in Possie. It must seem a great success. It was a in fact fitting precursor to “Chaos” as Possie Carnival 2011 has been branded by our parliamentary representative and his crew. Indeed the madness which unfolded on Sunday afternoon in Portsmouth was chaos and posed a serious threat to public safety .
The total disregard for public safety, lack of planning and lack of foresight. The obvious lack of organization and coordination in the parade epitomizes the carelessness and self indulgent attitude of the organizers of the event.
The disregard for the authority of the council in managing the affairs of the town and lack of consultation of the Parliamentary representative illustrates the disdain with which he treats the people of Portsmouth.
The police, entrusted to protect the public good are just as culpable in their authorization of this event at the entrance to the town, on the only route to the main hospital on the island and in very close proximity to a gas station. A veritable disaster management and mitigation nightmare!
Granted, I may have gotten to the parade late, at about 3:30pm, and granted that I had no part to play in the organization of the whole thing, as a member of the community I still reserve the right to comment so for those who will ask why I did not get involved in the organization of the event instead of running my mouth, just hold that thought.
I understand that funds have been negotiated for, sponsorships solicited on the behalf of the people of Portsmouth through the Northern Festivals Committee and as such good account should be given of these funds.
There is a misconception that good account refers only to the financial accounting of monies. Actually it goes way beyond that. In the allocation of scarce resources, enterprises who commit funds to community events seek to impact positively on the communities that they allocate these funds to, culturally , socially, environmentally and in a sustainable manner.
I refuse to believe that reputable firms subscribe to the idea that street jump up is carnival or is the sum of the cultural potential of the sleeping giant that is Portsmouth. As such stewards and managers of funds allocated to the public good, should ensure that those funds redound to the benefit of the community! I cannot see how a street jump up does that. A street jump up is not sustainable and as such our carnival and culture is dying.
I am quite disturbed that the parliamentary representative views street jump up as carnival! Portsmouth has had quality calypso and queen shows to rival that on the national stage. We have the talent, i.e. Queen Marcia Baptiste, King Derek “Hunter” St Rose, King Superior Castle, King Mico , Irish Kid, Royette et al! We should nurture it ! We should see it as part of our tourism product. We should see it as a resource! Our carnival should entail all the pageants and traditions that obtained in the past. It should indeed be a showcase of our history and culture and our passion for it!
Believe me, I am not against street jump up! I just see that there is so much more that can be done to develop carnival and culture in Portsmouth, but to listen to my Parliamentary Representative and Minister of Tourism saying on national radio that he is not interested in the hosting of shows associated with carnival within our community, fills me with shame and disgust.
Hearing a thirteen year old refer to the opening of carnival in Portsmouth as disappointing was at once disturbing and encouraging. In her opinion there was a lack of pomp, splendor and pageantry. I was encouraged that at her young age she aspired for more. She yearned for something more organized more structured and having some meaning! I was disappointed because once again we had failed our people in Portsmouth.
The Portsmouth Town Council has been pursuing the development of a establishment of a Portsmouth Festivals Management Committee that is accountable and guided by terms of reference geared towards the preservation of, restoration of and development of culture and social activities within our community.
For this effort I have been confronted and allegations made that “Ashton wants to take over carnival in Portsmouth” For this persons have sought to vilify my name and character.
Questions must be asked though, “Why does the Parliamentary Representative not support or apprise himself of the initiatives of the Portsmouth Town Council when he resides in the same house as the Mayor?” “Why does it seem that a situation which should obviously contribute to the development of the community appears to have made matters worse?”
I will revert to the question of leadership. Our MP should see himself as a facilitator of and a catalyst to the development of institutions in our community which would lead to sustainable development and progress. Mr. Douglas, in the absence of a properly constituted committee to plan events within our community we will continue to have events which are poorly planned and even worse executed.
We will continue to have potential disasters on our hands as pertained on Sunday. Thank god that there was not a fire or need for the ambulance to transport someone to the Princess Margaret hospital on an emergency. Thank god there was no fire or accident to the south of the event!
I do not expect my Parliamentary Representative to be the chief cook and bottle washer of every sewo there is in the community. I do expect him to help empower community organizations such as the council, NGO organizing committees, sporting committees etc to undertake events successfully within the community.
It does not impress me that my Parliamentary Representative on a day such as the opening of carnival is the one packing the beers in the cooler for sale, but It would impress me very much if our Parliamentary representative were to impress upon our government which contributes to carnival in excess of a quarter million dollars every year, to direct at least fifty thousand of those dollars to a duly elected Festivals Management Committee in Portsmouth.
That said, I must say it is incumbent on the people of Portsmouth to take ownership of our community. There is too much division within our community. There is the saying that “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Let us not be the ones to perpetrate this evil upon our children.
Unless we step up to the plate, own up to our responsibility as members of our community to play our part in its development, we will never move forward and the perpetual finger-pointing will continue. The greatest evil will be perpetrated against our community. Men of good heart will stand by watching the slaughter of innocents for fear of getting their hands dirty fighting the good fight! Our community will literally die before our eyes.
There is too much hypocrisy. Merchants, enterprises who make millions of dollars throughout the year from the ‘revelers’ refuse to contribute towards carnival and other community activities under the guise of religion.
To borrow from the Young Bull’s rendition, “bull shit!” Protestants , catholics, ‘heathen’, all benefit from community activities. For carnival, materials are sold, popcorn , barbecue chicken , ice cream ice pops and hot dogs with mayonnaise on them. Everyone makes a profit. It is hypocritical that so called ‘christians’ who do not ‘jump up’ make money from these ‘unholy’ activities.
Companies, merchants big and small must see themselves as corporate citizens and acknowledge their responsibility to contribute to events and activities that are community, regardless of whether or not they approve of the moral or religious inclinations of the ‘community’. It is the ‘community’ which supports your business!
I know this argument may be received with disgust, maybe even treated as blasphemy ! But I challenge those who do not contribute to our community on those grounds to refuse the collection of payments for goods and services from the ‘heathen’, the ‘revelers’, the ‘unrighteous’ throughout the year!
I will fervently argue that we possess within our community the resources to transform it from a society in regression to one which is progressive and presents hope for generations to come. I will argue too that we possess the resources and capacity to develop our culture, morals, values and economy simultaneously.
It has always baffled me as to why a ‘christian’ cannot go listen and enjoy a good calypso finals show! Why not try to influence the content of calypso so that it serves to uplift our society? Is that not Christian? Why not contribute to organizations such as the Festivals Management Committee? Maybe you will influence the hosting of more wholesome activities within the community!
Do your brothers and sisters that you ride the bus with suddenly become too dirty to fraternize with when watching calypso? I would wager that there is more moral weight in the majority of calypsos than some of the empty sermons I have heard delivered. “give generously, your pastor must have the biggest house , and the best car”
We need to transcend these religious and political barriers let’s stop building walls and divisions within our community. These issues permeate through most of our communities we should fix them to fix our country.
All for each and each for all.
Ashton, your first two articles concerning Leadership and values were right on target.. But as you said, it is becoming repetiive.
A simple question may be asked. How long was there talk going on about the opening of carnival before it was actually done. Were you and Vernon not here then, when it was being planned? Why didnt u guys come to the fore wtith the Police, fire, and health officialls, and make the argument that there could be a hazard with reference to the route.?
No Committee can decide on its own what route a parade must take. They can only decide on the route after consultation with the police who has the ultimate authority..The Police were the ones that were supposed to direct the traffic, with areas of parking and driving… When you talk about if there was a fire? you cannot talk about if there was a fire when there was no fire. Cmon brother….How can or could Mr Daniel the Mayor have a meeting with the Police and Fire officialls to discuss a planned route and not invite one person on the committee…. Why were YOU not there?
I love your articles, they inspire me.. But sadly this one was really a bit outlandish…
Bro, put everything aside, and let us build up this town thatwe call our own, and stop lashing out at each other. You need me and I need you. One way or the other, you need Ian and ian needs you.
Regards
Concerned friend
Ashton as always well said! But lets ease up on that parl-rep for a minute and take that skills you have and transform it to a national levle and lets talk about what matters to all Dominicans and not just the people of portsmouth! Lets talk about the heart less and reckless comment of the ambassador to lybia, talk about the stupid statements made by julius timothy, talk about the $27million mele, talk about the gifts, grants or loans that we get from these dictators in china,lybia,moroco,venezuela ect…. And ask the questions like where are we heading?whats next? who does Dominica realy belongs too right now? seeing there are no transparency in our present government! Why are all our allies ruled by cowards and dictators? what if they fall do we have any plans in line for the future of the island? Seeing that our dependency on them are at an all time high percentage. Ashton being a spokes man for one part of the so many problem we are facing is ok but unless you start being a spokes person for the whole island you are not doing good enough! Keep up the good work and remember Portsmouth is not the only part of Dominica that has problems, I personaly see Dominica as a big jet plane flying with no pilot and God forbid if something is not done quickly we will run out of fuel and crash. Ashton talk about these things before u realy start sounding repetitively or boring. Am not bashing the government but we have too many questions with too little answers.
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lol!
Ashton got the attention once…he is seeking it again. That is all he is worth.
When will we be getting another entry/exit for Portmouth?
I am tired of this guy complaining a**
everything got to be politics god!
shut up shutt the hell up!!
Ashton , Ashton you are just a big talker, What madness unfolded on sunday ,Ashton what is carnival. What serious threat and disrigard did the event pose to the public safety , ASHTON Ashton you are a number of the portsmouth town council, YES . You were given the assigment to form a carnival organization commit over twenty months ago , you did nothing big talker,tell the people of portsmouth, ,You do not like Ian Douglas becouse they made vernon mayor and not you. The people on that commit are not getting pay. they are doing it for the love of portsmouth ,They are working with Ian Douglas and making thing happen, ASHTON YOU TALK TO MUCH.. You can organiz why dont you do that on your job..youKknow the problem with you people . you have know problem , If you do not have , as long as know one else have , ASHTON A DREAM WITH OUT ACTION IS JUST A DREAM. . Man you pass all around portsmouth to see who was selling . even christians you talking about, ,THE BOYS ON THAT COMMIT SAY CAT DO DONT LIKE RAT, MONEY WELL SPEND, EVERY ONE GET PAID..YOU DID NOT DO THE SHOWS NEXT YEAR THEY MAY DO THEM, IT IS THE FRISTtime IN MANY YEARS , EVERY BODY GET PAID , IAN, SHEM .DION, KERRY ,JERRY.DANLY, BENJ, KEN. JOHNPAUL AND HIS BOYS. THE POLICE .NOT FOR GETTING THE SPONSOR AND ANY OTHER PERSON WHO MAY HELP IN ONE WAY OR THEE OTHER I SAY THANK YOU FOR MAKING CARNIVAL THIS YEAR POSSIBLE IN PORTSMOUTH, THANK YOU FOR ACTION , You see Ashton , ACTION ACTION,ACTION MY BOY .
Ashton have a serious problem,What where the major living have to do with him? Work is being done in the community the Major is doing his best and don’t know what you trying to say if you are a metvaya or what….You should take your time and put it in proper use.Like developing you own group or committee…You can stay on the sideline and watch and you won’t see what you looking for. You got to just put yourself in use and do better than those you are trying to bring down…
It’s not every day that we come across someone like Ashton Riviere. This man simply stands up for the people and is only interested in the well being of his nation. I’d simply describe him as the voice of the people. I recognize the call for Mr. Riviere to walk the talk, but we also have to keep in mind that Portsmouth’s leader, “Ian Douglas” should do the same. Carnival should not only be street jump up, carnival in Dominica has a deep cultural foundation which we should build upon, not break down. If the man in office can’t recognize the need for culture consistency in such events then we have a problem. We’re simply setting up a sting operation to rob our children’s children of the knowledge of culture. Dominican’s are always afraid to speak their mind; why remain silent and keep settling for less?
I’ve come to understand that one fight ended the opening of carnival. I’m my opinion this is terrible.
This decision to end the event because of a fight has a terrible impact on tourism, both national and international tourism. A lot of people visit Dominica for such events and I’m sure a whole lot more are disappointed.
It was not just the Parl Rep that was Judge, Jury and Executioner of the Carnival….It was the Parl Rep and Town Council , with the talkative Ashton Rivierre.
Again, how can one man have all these brilliant idea on DNO and the Town Council he is executive elected member knows nothin about this well thought out plans and strategies
Sometime we need critical thinking and definitely Ashron is up to something
This guys likes to talk. Why doesn’t he host a meeting in Portsmouth Central?
How many residents of Portsmouth visit this website?
This guy is biased and too badminded, if you have a problem, take it to the council. Don’t broadcast it like that, it’s seen all over that Portsmouth towm have no structure because it’s people are not willing to point out the wrongs and just let it happen.
Another Bold and Brave urban maroon speaking truth to power to the slave drivers on the “plantation”.
Speak my brother! Speak!! Write my brother!! write!!
Whart ashton must be is
1. The parl rep of possie
2. the organiser of possie carnival
3. the mayor of possie
4. the prime minter
5. the chief of police
6. the chief financial officer
et etc
I wonder if he can be all this at once
why do you hate the truth? and you just love the lies of skerrit.STRANGE VERY STRANGE
Ashton, Ashton, I am hearing, I am hearing you. Why are you complaining after the fact. Why are you complaining after the fact. You are an elected member of the Town Council. How could you have all these good planning and strategy ideas and none of it was acted on. Are you not part of the orgaizing committee?
You said it yourself ” At the risk of sounding repetitive and boring I will give my views on the goings on in my community once again. At the risk of being “crushed” due to my perceived political aspirations I will continue to speak ”
All you do is just talk and write while others are working
he cant do it by himself …………….amen
Ian Douglas is a total failure to the town of Portsmouth,
A man like him who went to PSS should have had a vision for the community that raised him and for the children of his passe school mates
it’s a shame and a disgrace to have Ian Douglas as our representative ,
the last time the peoples voted for him due to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, but the next time around i know for a fact that unless something drastic take place in Portsmouth this man will see his more or what is going on right now
We need ambitious,proactive and visionary leader for the town
We are tired of politically motivated peoples, it’s not about politics it’s about empowering our youth
lifting the facial image of Portsmouth
Can we boldly say that it looks like the SECOND TOWN you decide….
More pawol pashi coco
Ashton continue what you are doing. Be that catalyst. Keep going my brother
@ romanticbaby the point is not about being parlrep. get your head out of the political gutter and reread the points that was made. we ought to take a stand for betterment of our land. if we don’t do it who going to for us. We as young ple got to be progressive in our thinking and that’s what he is doing. if you ask me Possie opening of carnival was a disappointment for true.. knowing me that like to jump and i was at my home before 7 awah something wasn’t right.
The turnout this year is because something was right last year. I was there in 2010 and i said i was not missing this year. Turns out they changed everything including the venue for holding the main event. Look chaos. i spent 1 hr in parade/jumpup and 2 hrs in traffic trying to get out! Something was wrong this year. The parade was back to front…when the bands done gone is when Queen Marcia coming waving in the near darkness. eh? People instinctively knew that the event was poorly planned and didnt flow as a parade should. Come again wii possie. Allu have to work for my gas money in 2012.
ashton i really like your style..you would be the perfect man to bring us the people together..your the BOLD FACE NO FACE person dice speaks about and i admire you for that…you need to hold some sessions in order to breathe new breathe on the youths in terms of thinking politicallly…because some of them just can’t seem to realize what is going on….anytime you go up…i backing you 100%..
may God bless and give you stregnth.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSEOEVER beleives in Him, would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). The Lord’s arms are still opened to forgive all those who need it. Thank you Jesus, that Your Word will never die. Thank you Jesus. Lord save our nation.
That biggest house and best car is something i have heard in Lifeline christian fellowship before…lol..
this is not the forum meet the pastor and telling him that yourself
maybe he will listen to you
I have been reading Mr. Riviere’s column with great interest and have noted that he is extremely judgmental
Hahahaha….Garcon you brave to open that “can of worms” re protestants benefiting from Carnival! But it is so very true, and most people who are unbiased will agree. We just not brave enough to say so publicly…
Ashton you can’t find anything good to say? Did you help organize the opening of carnival. You should be praising those people who are trying to help, using there own time and sometimes there resources. Jeeezzzzzz, say something good for once padna.
not everything that is done right as a result somebody has to point out the flaws in order for the error not to reoccur. Constructive criticism it is called
Hey Ashtee, where as I feel the issues raised in your article here, goes with quite a bit of Merit, I also want to warn you, be careful when you seek to touch the called out ones “God’s Property”in a manner that you did. Christians cannot be hypocrites, A follow of Christ for your information is a called out one, and you cannot associate some filth with God’s people. Make your point, but be careful my brother, God and his people are the ones that sustains a society. Just warning you nicely.
lol ashton throw a lil talk for pastor ‘u know who’ lol
Ashton damn right of course Portsmouth pple stupid sit down in allu house and take hand out from Ian and them for the rest of allu life i love Ian god knows i do but he not doing sh*& for Portsmouth and some body needs to speak about it , I watch how Portsmouth come booorrrrrrrrrrrrrring no hell , aye i cant deal with it and it getting worse and as for them ppl that handling the carnival in possie COMMITTEE ????? ..AND Ashton tell it to them because Portsmouth people cant seems to see they are not going nowhere …………LOOK SOME A*&….so am i going to sit and let my future go down the drain for politics hell no ……………….IS EITHER IAN WAKE UP OR I MYSELF BACKING ASHTON
i like your efforts to put the parl rep on his feet. even football die in the community. but i heard that there is a football committee newly formed that is struggling to get sponsorship to start a league.
thank you very much
i think sponsorship has been secured..league should be starting in march..hope to see u there
Ashton if u go up I voting U
my brother in these times most people will not agree with you or even like you but my bro keep up the good work. you will generate some positive change.
Try,try,try,u will never be parlrep.
You got the first part right baby, try try try, and that is the idea, It’s all about trying until you succeeed, and ONE day canker day, He will succeed. Thanks for the encouragement! As for the latter part of your, should I say “romanticised effort” we do acknowledge that “if all are for you then something is wrong with you”. Thanks again baby.
Is he trying to be parl rep? I never heard of that. But maybe it would be a good thing to him to do his part cause I know that politics is a untidy thing. However I view him as a person trying to give his views on upgrading his committee. I don’t know him personnally but as a member of the diapora I have noticed that,the place has been downgraded and doesn’t entice anyone to want to return home. And as I say again watch your back for haters. nobody like sto hear the truth. AT least you give the parl rep a time to gain back confidence in his population
Citoyen,
you haven’t been home, yet you notice that the place has been downgraded. That does not make much sense to me.
@Mahaut.
Do you know me as to know where I am and when last I was home?
For your knowledge my last visit was christmas- new years 2010 and I visit at least twice a year. I am not one of the tape recorders or parrot repeting what they hear. I am speaking about what I see. I have never seen a place go down the drain. I observes how dirty the place is. how ever body waiting for a hand out. I witness a “so call” activity trying to be put on for children on borough square
with a film but all around the tent was garbage. You mean I should close my eyes? The beach pile up with garbage, Close my eyes? Druggies and drugs being sold big high day, Close my eyes?
The gulf is now every corner in POrtsmouth, Close my eyes? Even if the catholic church is broken down doesn’t mean that the place has to be so full of grass. You can see Mr KNOWLES die because he would always clean the road and you would never see a wild grass grow anyway.
Stop being hypocrite and help make your town, own town a better place to live.
Unfortunatley nobody wants to do if there is not a hand out!
my advise to you try to open your eyes on living comfortablel in POrtsmouth, having a big house doesn’t mean that the place is upgrades.