The recent sex scandal involving some prominent people on Dominica, and their alleged abuse of a minor child, compelled me to reflect on what many of us were doing with our lives in our teen years – hence the essay “Of Nation Building – A Dominican Cadet Remembers. “http://thedominican.net/2013/07/of-nation-building-dominica.html. Progress in a society is not linear, nor is it certain. Progress often proceeds with peaks and valleys. So it is wise to examine those values which served us well in the past. The Dominica Cadet Code of Conduct can be found here and is useful to all: https://rebuilddominica.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/cadetshandbook-7.pdf
In our day organizations such as the National Youth Council and village youth groups, United Student Council, Dominica Federation of Students, sports clubs, student councils, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Junior Red Cross Society, 4H Clubs, Pathfinders, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Dominica Cadet Corps took up our time. While I may be wrong, my observations are that too many young people on Dominica are hostage to watching useless shows on the internet, and/or are not enrolled in service organizations. It is now time to urge our youth to enroll in youth service organizations and so busy themselves giving service to family, community and nation. Such service to others is the best manifestation of a caring culture and can tamp down the abuse we see against young and old, in places high and low.
In our day parents and teachers administered corporal punishment to cure our errant conduct as need be. We looked out for our neighbors and looked out for each other’s children. It was by no means a perfect society, but we had a measure of pride. We knew the meaning of shame. Too many today are shameless in their conduct.
Today we are afflicted by scandal and crime, more and more each day, because we have lost that spirit of service to others and indiscipline has corroded our moral compass.
In the spirit of commitment to the values which gave us direction and success in life we built a new website to better tell the story of the Dominica Cadet Corps and so inspire our nation to unified action on behalf of our young. See www.dominicacadets.org. We are thankful to Luke Solomon and his team from Trinidad, USA and Pakistan for their donation of time and effort in working with former Cadet Commander Major Francis Richards and www.rebuilddominica.org. This is one such effort. There are others. We urge others in other service organizations to amplify the good things being done by our valiant youth who have stood up to do duty. Let us applaud and help them.
We need to see such support for service organizations first of all from youth. Parents can urge on the young, but we do want our young to discern right from wrong and be motivated in doing so. However, service organizations need support from parents, government, opposition, the professional classes, and private industry. We urge the nation to look deeply into the mirror at this most troubling time of what seems to be societal melt down and commit to service organizations which can mold our young men and women into better citizens. I urge all parents to support our service organizations and get your children enrolled in them. It is no guarantee that such civic engagement will prevent deviant conduct, but it is a tried, true and tested preventative measure to guide us to better. We reap what we sow; so let us sow and grow good seed. It is by nourishing such unselfish and disciplined commitment we build a better culture among our people and so aid Dominica’s rise.
My experience has taught me that it is very rare for those who were engaged in service organizations from the time they were young to grow up as crooked men and women. When we observe the conduct of the criminals in our society, few – if any – can be said to have been part of such service organizations.
When we as a society commit to organizing ourselves in a disciplined and learned way – not simply focused on self aggrandizement or debauchery – we shall build a better country.
Where we are serious we must convene a national conference against crime and for a more caring community devoted to nation building to stem the rot that afflicts Dominica today.
Idle talk and recriminations will not do. It is also not enough to simply pass new laws, where we harbor in our hearts the cancer of hate, political bias, grabbing after power, victimization of our political opponents, idolatry and hypocrisy. The government, opposition, and civil society need to shed all inhibitions and engage meaningful dialogue at this time.
The nation is bleeding and we need to bind its wounds by taking such meaningful action. Simply turning this sex scandal into another venue for mindless political gimmicks will not serve the cause of national cohesion or progress.
Has government sought to convene a meeting with our lawyers? What about meeting student and youth leaders to gain their input? What about gathering our social workers and health care providers? Why not summon some of our learned retired police officers, or school principals to guide the legal reform now being mentioned? We need to see such a coming together, not mire ourselves further by merely hurling political invectives.
In that vein I applaud the anti-sex abuse wisdom shared by Francis Joseph, Dr Finn, Brother Rasmo, Dr Sam Christian and others who urge us to turn to each other; not on each other.
We need to gather a true national commission of competent Dominicans at home and abroad to address issues such as crime and sex abuse. We cannot leave national development priorities, or solutions to crises as those which now afflict the country, in the hands of political actors; such is a sure recipe for failure.
When Tropical Storm Erika struck on August 27, 2015, we rushed to aid our nation. In the spirit of solidarity a call to national conference was made by many of us who care. Nothing was done. Here we are again, laid low by a tsunami of misconduct which has everyone talking of sex abuse. Shall we heed the call to gather in solemn and wise deliberation to save the nation? Shall we be mature enough to shed our divisions in the national interest?
If we fail to act now, we shall continue to witness the downward spiral of which this sex scandal is but a symptom of a systemic disease in a nation where too many simply do not care enough to step forward to volunteer and make a worthy contribution. Helping others, and being more caring, is a step toward national healing.
In this moment I applaud the parents and teachers who nurtured us, and those who taught us the value of serving others. May we then remember our noble national anthem as it calls us to duty, “Come ye forward sons and daughters of this gem beyond compare. Strive for honour, sons and daughters, do the right, be firm, and be fair.”
God bless Dominica!
The old adage ” Satan finds work for idle hands to do” is clearly demonstrated in the actions and behavior of some of our citizens much to the chagrin of those who hold this country near and dear. Thank you Gabriel Christian for outlining a tried and true pathway to redirect our people to the standards that they once held. It is possible to regain the integrity that once guided us to aim for higher standards of self expression to the benefit of self, family, society and our nation.
Well said Gabu. Hope those in power, and fellow Dominicans act on those suggestions, and probing questions.
That,s the dilema we take a problem that is social and cultural a nd place it at the door steps of politicians.the civic religious and political leaders have all left the communities and the have been replaced by criminals.sex offenders ,drug dealers and hustlers.community and social activities from the 70,s have been branded as communisn performed lazy people,failures,and people with nothing.one needs to find out why these young girls are engaged in these activities.for money ,material goods,or social visibility.
We must be upfront while we condemn the behaviour of these adult men.the young girls involved are not innocent by standers. The problem must be tackled from all angles if any remedial solutions is to be applied.those of us who know you Gabu detect the suttle messages in your postings.
The Mouth of the LORD has Spoken
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Those from among you
Shall build the old waste places;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
Isaiah 58:9-12
The government of Dominica must be compelled to bring in the FBI and/or Scotland Yard to investigate this sex crime ring against young girls. The alarming new reaching the outside world is that the child was drugged and that we’ll known men of power and position in our society were engaged in “pay to play” and would share video of their conquest with their friends. Unless this government moves fast to get outside help then a curse will fall on the land and we shall be punished for allowing such wickedness to prevail in our land. We have been warned. Thank you Mr Christian. You have been warning. God help us.
This government does not have either the capacity or the desire to embrace the suggestions that you are making. The government’s response to Erika is a clear example of that. I am sorry to say that none of the political parties in the country can begin that healing process that we so desperately need. It will take a new group of altruistic statesmen, not politicians to begin the process of getting this country back on track. There are some good people around who can begin that process but they fear that they may become victims of those in power.
Mr Christian! God bless you. I hope Dominican and every one who visits DNO take some time off to read this massage and apply it.
I heard the Head of the Catholic Church –the Bishop-on radio the other day making some broad statements about child abuse and how rampant it is. My conclusion is that this is an epidemic in Dominica and if videos surface more folks- some in high places, would fall like flies and heads would roll- but there goes the rub- no name, no video, no warrant, no arrests. I was even more surprised to learn that the Police has no DNA forensics capabilities.
So where do we go from here? We need answers or else Dominica will and is fast becoming a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah. I think no matter what your religious and yes -your political party affiliations are, all this is inconsequential – for the souls of Dominica’s most vulnerable children are in trouble and so our island is trouble. The mark of a country it is said is the manner in which it treats its most vulnerable citizens- the young and the old and how it buries its dead. ‘Friends, Countrymen, Compatriots’ lets find an end to this…
We do have hospitals that should have a SART( Sexual Assault Response Team) to take care of patients who have been sexually assaulted. This team then works closely with the police departmetn to hand over and protect the evidence. The team consists of a nurse, doctor, advocate and social worker. Not a difficult thing to implement.
Gabe a bit nostalgia- the DGS unit of the Dominica Cadet Corps on Valley Road on Thursday afternoon drills- fall in time 15:30 hours- Lieutenant Robinson-Parade Commander, Lieutenant Richards – Band Commander—these were happy days…… where boys and later girls were groomed to be Gentleman, Gentle Ladies and Scholars- to stand morally and to fight the good fight and compete with the best and brightest…A picture on my office wall displays a contingent of DGS, SMA, Londonderry Youth camp Cadet Units and the Cadet band at the end of a November 3rd parade at the DGS grounds commanded by Major Johnson and Captain Dorsett.
Gabe should we be ashamed to call ourselves Dominican today in light of what is happening on island? When I think of these cases of big and powerful men preying on the vulnerable, it is truly an abomination. Those of us with pre-teen and teenage daughters and nieces cannot even begin to comprehend this malady and/or crimes (take your pick). I heard the Head of the…
Put a new law stating that there is no expiration date for sexual offences ,and ask victims to come forward, because their must be the same sexual predators out there who are still preying on our children…it is urgent..
WOW what a power well written essay. This is the type of dialogue and reflection we need to really build up ourselves as a nation.
This article left me thinking, examining myself and conduct, performing the necessary introspection
Last night
I dremt my grandmother
Rising
And in her hand
Was a spear
Used not against her fellowmen
But against
The growing tentacles of child sexual violence
In Dominica
And she also
Said
Inevitably and inexorably
a day will come
If i don’t see it
My son will
If he does not see it
His son will
But it will come
With the rage of fire
And the fury of the wind
And the strength of the water.
It will come to this land
And every land.
Good way of saying of the good old days. Doc Fontaine must set up a cadet in the South east. Funds ca be set up to do that. This will keep people away in not sinning and money can be collected. Sexual abuse is not a good thing and we must stop stealing the youths life. DAAS can lead the way.
Question what happened to the scouting organisations in the South East??
Very well said. We really need to raise the spiritual and moral standards of our country, Dominica
Am excellent piece. The fabric of our society has unraveled. But we have the time for quiet reflection and start the healing and mending process. Our politicians cannot solve our problems. Our independent structures have been polarized politically and have not been talking on the decay. The signs were all there but we turned a blind eye. The church has been silent and has been divided politically. Greed and selfishness has consumed our society. We have been focused what we can get in our society. We have strutted with pride consumed by money, We have not looked out for each other. Erica was a warning, this is the second. Our “doh care, sewo” mentality has suddenly dawned on us perpetuated by those in authority. Dominica bleeds everyone is hurt, everyone is blaming. Look within ourselves. Rise up people. Its not too late
wow, this was beautiful. i salute you sir well said. BRILLIANT!!! if all the political leaders, pastors, teachers, parents, family and friends would stand up like you and be firm and fair Dominica would return to it’s paradise state. blessings Mr. Christian. everyone need to read this and use it as their daily motto. GREAT.
I applaud and support these views. It is the most succinct and comprehensive advice and way of addressing the “Sex Scandal” I have seen so far without the unfortunate finger pointing, name calling, aspersions and politicizing. I endorse fully.
I support Mr. Christian’s suggestions.
However, it should be borne in mind that up to 15% of West Indians are dyslexic. And for the dyslexic child drill practice and team sports can be a nightmare. After 73 years I still can’t differentiate my left foot from my right and I have scored more home goals than any man on earth!
On the other hand, a dyslexic child is usually a creative child and if channeled in the right direction creativity is the world’s most valuable asset. But if creativity is ignored or ridiculed it can become destructive. When that happens, a potential ability becomes a disability. 40% of all prisoners are dyslexic!
I support Mr. Christian’s suggestions.
However, it should be borne in mind that up to 15% of West Indians are dyslexic. And for the dyslexic child drill practice and team sports can be a nightmare. After 73 years I still cannot differentiate my left foot from my right and I have scored more home goals than any man on earth!
On the other hand, a dyslexic child is usually a creative child and if channeled in the right direction creativity is the world’s most valuable asset. But if creativity is ignored or ridiculed it becomes destructive. When that happens, a potential ability turns into a disability. 40% of all prisoners are dyslexic!
Good piece Mr Christian…This sex scandal if anything,has driven home a message….If one is not morally strong,if one does have respect for self,respect for women,young girls,young boys,respect for authority,etc,he should not be a leader,more so a political leader. My haters have lashed out at me for singling out HONOURABLE LENNOX LINTON,as one of the most politically fit politician on island thus far.There are a few others on his team,and in the Freedom Party,but he has captured my attention as being a shining example!! His attempts at dealing with the scandal has been commendable thus fsr, but he needs to be firm..Our young boys and girls MUST be protected using all the resources available to us.Anything less than that is TREASONOUS!!!
Comrade Gaibu has struck a clarion call to zap the cancer in our society, not just apply another bandaid. Socialism is not just paying lip service and manipulating religious folks, but submitting ourselves to those clear & conservative moral codes passed on to us by our parents.
Let us not throw up our hands in despair neither lap up each sick twist of gossip like a kid in a candy store. We can and will reverse this with disciplined work that brings self worth. Let us foster service to others which the komrade has shown keeps us all out of trouble.
Believe it or not, this tragedy actually represents a golden opportunity for good men and women like those who take their time read. Rush in and render lifesaving prayers & exhortating to our country now in the gutter, writhing & gasping for the goodness I know you harbour in your bosom. I think Komrade Gaibu is asking that if each of us do our little part, then all of us will not have to do a lot.