Could Roosevelt Skerrit potentially be secretly instituting the bedrock for establishing a Dynasty to keep him in power until his son attains the age whereby leadership can be relinquished to him? Just a thought. It is ample time that we Dominicans face the harsh realism that our political system has taken on a new configurational appearance – radically different from the traditional Democracy we have grown accustomed to.
Conventional wisdom is that once a leader remains in office beyond two terms, complacency, arrogance and hubris begin to take effect. Mr. Skerrit should emulate the U.S’s two-term limit – just as he expediently mimics other areas of the American system where it is convenient to his method of governance. And, given that this administration has performed below standard, another five years would impose nothing but additional affliction on the people.
In recent times, arguably we have witnessed manifestations of blatant demonstrations of antidemocratic tendencies in Mr. Skerrit. This was reaffirmed by some significant insights into the PM’S inner character – as revealed by the nephew of the late former Prime Minister, Honorable Roosevelt Douglas, in a recent interview.
The younger Douglas had officiated in the capacity of Press Secretary in Skerrit’s administration as recently as 2010. The essence of Mr. Douglas’ revelation was the fact that the PM refuses to be challenged by anyone; and, if anyone dares oppose him, he would apply the brutal hammer of victimization and repression with great intensity. It has therefore become quite evident that the chances of a successor as leader of the DLP is inherently futile.
Retrospectively, a wealth of evidence exists which bolster claims of a drastic shift in our system of governance. Firstly, the erection of a State Building to the tune of upwards of $27 million dollars – emblematic of unlimited power and authority – which, by the way, is seemingly nothing more than a “white elephant”, given the enormous amount of money squandered on it. This is in view of the fact that presently 75% of the workforce is either unemployed or underemployed.
Former Pakistani Dictator, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, when asked about building a nuclear bomb in replication of India’s, while citizens were hungry, once remarked, “Even if we have to eat grass, we will make a nuclear bomb. We have no other choice.” Ironically, directly across the street from the State Building stands the public library – a symbol of learning – still essentially in the same condition it has been from its inception; this is an utter disgrace. And, quite notably is the dilapidated condition of the iconic landmark Ministerial Building – symbolizing the very cornerstone and fabric of our governance. What is fascinating about this is the fact that across the street from it is the notorious Red Clinic, standing flamboyantly, with state of the art amenities, symbolic of a nation inherently reduced to an endemism of total dependency on government handouts for their sustenance.
Secondly, the recent ceremony to rename the airport to Douglas Charles was a slap in the faces of two noble and dignified men, as well as Dominicans, and represented nothing more than a “campaign for votes”. This exhibits how much the PM marginalizes Dominicans to believe that in exchange for sewo they would grant him their votes. While some in fact may be susceptible to such entrapment, largely, people are not that gullible.
Again, the notion that aggregate costs of $260,000 were amassed for the event when people are hurting financially, demonstrates Mr. Roosevelt’s disregard for the people’s socioeconomic calamity. This is, however, consistent with nondemocratic characteristics – to accomplish their political posturing and optics come what may – with no regard for the debilitating state of the nation.
Thirdly, while the apathetic PM, his cronies, supporters, as well as those who only came to eat drink and be merry, were making $260,000 worth of mockery of two former prime ministers, less than two miles away stood the remains of a derelict hospital, completely taken over by wood ants and other Formicidae. Had there been an unfortunate emergent need for immediate medical attention, well….we should be reminded that there is essentially no hospital in Marigot presently. Don’t even think about going to the PMH since it is hardly any better than dysfunctional. Factually, there is no properly equipped hospital on the entire island – period. What a downright humiliation!
Fourthly, with the absence of a voter ID card, one cannot honestly concede that there is free and fair elections in Dominica. Many improprieties, unethical and even illicit practices can potentially result from dispossession of a picture identification. There is also the propensity for redundancy or replication, manufacturing of voters -and even the likelihood of entering names of expired individuals in the ballot box. Without a voter ID card there is no limit as to the various forms of innovative schemes that can be employed. All of these underhanded acts can have adverse effects on the outcome of an election. It therefore begs the question why Mr. Skerrit is so complacent with the lack of voter ID’s during election.
Does the lack thereof provide an enabling environment for creativity hence circumventing defeat in the upcoming elections? And, how about other improvisations like handing out inordinate amounts of money and mobilizing Diasporas by paying their way home so they can offer their votes in return? As I referenced in my book, “Democracy’s Hypocrisies”, ultimately the vote holds more power than money. This was quite evident in the 2012 US elections, where a small faction of wealthy businessmen infused hundreds of millions of dollars into the republican candidate’s campaign fund in a desperate effort to oust President Barack Obama. We all know what the outcome was – a landslide victory for President Obama. There comes a time when voters will desire CHANGE and the time is NOW – irrespective of how much money is spent to influence citizens to relinquish their votes.
This election will be a test of Dominicans’ consciences – a time for introspection. It is imperative that we start thinking long- term rather than the now. We should abstain from selfishness and have some consideration for our fellowmen who are being victimized due to their political orientations. Whether Dominica is going to transcend herself from the bottom of the region’s hierarchy of economic and structural development or plummet even farther is incumbent upon the vote we cast. 15 years is more than enough time for a leader to prove him/herself in political office.
Inherently, we have seen very minuscule sustainable economic development during such an epic period. Instead, our leaders have become exponentially wealthier, with tens of millions of dollars in off-shore accounts in places like the Cayman Islands, as well as lavished homes for them and their cronies, all on the backs of poor tax payers. Now, the need for CHANGE is far overdue to exalt our beloved country from this prolonged position of economic paralysis or even regression – quite frankly. Dominica has the potential to be much more progressive and productive than she currently is. I urge everyone to vote responsibly this election to ensure achievement of imperative CHANGE.
Opinions expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online or it advertisers.
My comment of 7thy November has been ignored, I wonder why, it is to honest.
“The taste of the pudding is in the eating”
Paraphrase this sentence.
Great article- I saw the “White Elephant” across the street and I went to the library and it sat the same way I remembered it in the 1980s…Then I visited the Roseau Medical clinic of the Botanic Gardens and it brought tears to my eyes…Then I went to Princess Margaret Hospital and I wept – I could not believe I had seen the govt built this palace and not pay attention to education and Healthcare. When I sent my proposal for a ” Medical Svc in Dominica” two things happened. It took a year to even get the forms to apply for medical license and I am a double boarded Surgeon in the U.S. Secondly, I was told the Chinese is about to build a new hospital / Basically, i was told to go away. I sent DNO another part to this story that they are yet to print. I want to do more for Dominica but the govt is obstructive…….
Now that they have finally learnt the job of govt . They refuse to go. Sorry P.M . Politics is only a temporary job.
Next leader please. The contract is over. Time to close the cookie jar.
excellent article
Truly when one becomes accustomed to living luxurious and lavish lifestyle it now decreases their tendency to return to normalcy. Hence the desperation to maintain a status quo evidently gives way to bribery, corruption, and malicious acts, including seriously penalizing persons who dare seek to oppose or bring to light significant political issues. Take a close look and you tell me
Haiti Papa Doc has been resurrected and is now running Dominica.
Old people say misery likes company. Don’t worry. I know when we have to worry about where our next meal coming from and how to pay our bills these MAD MEN and women in DLP don’t have to worry. My people be wise and stop putting yourself in hard time over and over.
man this article is such garbage who is this joker you lost me when you said that 75% of the population is unemployed
What rubbish!
From your response, your head is full of rubbish and your are spiritually blind.
Clear your mind and open your eyes.
Any administration who uses ‘handouts’ to encourage dependency and laziness to build loyalty is an evil one- SKERITT.
Change is a must..
No vudoo, obeah anointing can keep the change from coming.
God is in control.
Psalm 37- I saw the wicked spreading His wings like a large bay tree and in a little while he was not there.
TEAM UMP!
The LABOURITES who are responding to every thing that the BRILLIANT people are saying making themselves look so DAF its just not funny. They are really laughable. You can clearly see the old spirit in their tone. The old spirit that following the DLP led Administration. Lord please help us
Dominicans too hypocritical I KNOW FOR A FACT AS A PAST STUDENT OF THE P.M AT THE PORTSMOUTH SECONDARY SCHOOL HE WAS PUT THERE TO TEACH AND WAS HAVING SEX WTH ONE OF MY CLASSMATES
Don’t worry, as long as it was not a male student Dominicans wont mind.
Hmmmmmm, that speaks volume. Is it coming back to hunt him now, Or will the lawyer take the blame?
I am in total agreement that the DLP need to challenge the leadership of Mr. Skerrit in the interest of democracy. It is especially important and urgent now that he has blatantly told the people of Dominica that he does not believe in separation of church and State. The highest order of the secret society came on island to anoint him. Dominicans open your minds to the evil lurking behind the smile and dimples. many of you re too young to now wht used to happen in the Academy how those priest and brothers would ill-treat children and use fear to control the population of Dominica, now the same people are back in power, invited by ur PM, and let me say something here, Baroness Scotland may have been born in Dominica but she never lived and worked in Dominica. Dominicans do the right thing. Make this election count for something.
Okay let us say that is the way the writer sees it, that is his opinion and he is entitles to his own opinion.
But when you look at it, would anyone in their right mind change this present government for the current opposition?
Dominicans are not stupid. Our future and our children future are what we have to be concerned about and the person and party who is best at any one time to head our country, that is what we as Dominicans have to be concerned about.
The current opposition cannot do anything for us at this time in our country history. Maybe a new opposition some years down the road but right now it is PM Skerrit and his government that is best for Dominican whether some like it or not.
The UWP has to learn how to be a better opposition before they can be a good government.
So it is Labour all the way.
That is stuff for LABASS
No substance
Remember the writing on the wall of the banqueting hall of King Belshazzar’s palace ,when he and his party enjoyed feasting off the spoils stolen from the Temple in Jerusalem.
MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN
MENE: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to and end.
TEKEL: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
PARSIN: Your Kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
This was the interpretation by the wise man Daniel and so it came to pass that Belshazzar, King of Babylon was slain and his kingdom taken over by Darius the Mede.
Daniel 5.25
History has a habit of repeating itself.
Patriot, am with you. You have spoken on all of our behalf. Thanks for enlightening those who are still in doubt.
Nothing you say can stop the POWER of Labor.
Leaders must be Decision makers.
You’re a follower Mr. joseph, so sit back and let us make the right decisions for this country
Such crap!
Why are you making assumptions relating them to facts. Is this how you really want to convince people to vote responsible to bring about the change you advocate. You have made so much nonsensical statements, and allegations without no evidence, some can be describe as irrational. Why all the recycle repetitive political rhetoric, you have brought nothing new and original to the table to prove your point that the Country needs a change.
Your idea regarding a two-term limit mirroring The American system based on conventional wisdom is so laughable and shows how little you understand politics and willing to think. Do you know if conventional wisdom is challenged people would find many ways to do things much better than they are currently done. I must say pity you for believing and saying that “ultimately the vote holds more power than money” you have bought into the deception which has hoodwinked the masses. As to the change you advocate, first you need to begin by challenging your assumptions.
Gary
unfortunately, I only read this article today November 24, so I am responding to a dated article and there is a good chance that people may have moved on. I still hope hat there may be a few people behind the times like myself who will read it.
The thing is, if he wants to come across as an intellectual there are some basic facts that he must establish so as not to mislead reading public. Firstly, Dominica is governed by a constitution which wrongly or rightly, wisely or unwisely allows for indefinite rule by a political administration until the people say otherwise. So it is not up to Mr. Skerrit or anyone else to mimic the American system in that regard. Is he suggesting that Mr. Skerrit and his government voluntarily demit office?
Secondly, he needs to understand that people’s interest in change is informed to a large extent by their perception of the outcome of that change, so assessment of the alternative is a critically important factor in influencing the move towards change. It stands to reason that the prospective replacement must appear to be superior in almost every facet of that assessment in order to successfully challenge the status quo.
I don’t think the unsubstantiated and alarmist conclusions about the voting process are fair or balanced. Can the gentleman speak specifically to the means by which “the names of expired individuals can be put in the ballot box? Can he also explain how with the still effective use of indelible ink a voter can vote twice? Can he say how with party agents in the polling station from the beginning of the process to the end, along with the other officials there can be “manufacturing” of votes?
If he is trying to claim a place among the academics, which he appears to be doing, he needs to present honest analysis and accurate information for the benefit of the less discerning readers in our midst.
That piece is crap
All you worry with Joseph. He playing like he so articulate in writing his book and then coming and trying to blast skeritt. Please Mr going around with his book in a bag trying to sell it like an ice pop man. He and his woman ( yes he’s married) making drinks bitter like hell with the cheap east rum and you should see them selling dat in everybody party in their truck back. He use to be a real estate agent selling old house for his own Wesley people. You not better than skeritt you and your woman. They say Obama send them a thank you card for their book. Really boy that come from the office not Obama or Michelle.. You so looking for attention clean your back yard first then come talk. I hope you stay Wesley next time you come back.
I love that, but is they that calling people names and calling on God and even start using the man last name, the thing that hurts in all of this is the fact she should be the last person to do that knowing how her mom felt when it was done to her. They think people don’t know.
Change will definitely be a must and not an option. It will be a change not only for the Ministers of Government but for a lot of puppets which will follow them into the caves of no return. Aaron gone, Charlo gone, Alick gone, Ferrol gone, Cecil gone, Mervin gone, Nantan gone, Jong gone, Tony gone, Hartley gone, Crazy gone, Henderson gone, Peters gone, Darrel gone, Carbon gone, Larocque gone, Johnson gone, farewell my one time brothers.
At the end of the day, the tears of a nation are reflected on the ballots they cast. Skerrit is not the one putting himself into office, majority of Dominicans are electing him. So if the nation decides to vote him into power again, their tears might just be tears of laughter/joy. Tears not only express pain/disappointment, they can also express joy!
Change is must. Let the poll spean on election day. Now directed to grell how can you sit there and say that all Dominicans in the diaspora especially New York just sit on there ass and collect welfare. Also you mentioned the fact that some of them do it illegally with false documents maybe you are on of them since you know so much about other people business. That is so far from the truth and it just show that you are such a stupid person. If UWP was giving you guys free tickets to come and vote you and the rest in the diaspora would gladly accept. To shut your pie hole and stop labeling hard working people who are not on welfare and are working hard to take care of their home and family. LABOUR POWER. WE RED RED RED READY. R U READY?
jalouzie sey met sausyea!
Those who conjure up demons usually find them under their bed. Pwen gad!
I hv never seen Labourites come out full force on DNO like that. It seems that this article has hit a nerve; making them think and others opening their eyes to see that having a political party in power for so long can potentially dismantle a countries democratic system.
Some of them idiots can’t even read to understand or comprehend what this article is saying, but they calling it nonsense. ..If it’s nonsense, highlight the areas…I see now that Dominica is filled with foolish and lazy people who just love to depend on handouts ratger to be put in a position to truly help themselves. ..
Mr Joseph great piece but our people are so fooolish and uneducated,Skerrit is a true dictator and the people of dominica are afraid of him,Its sad labour will win again and the red clinic will continue,our people are lazy and shamless,will tell you this one the ones in the diaspora esp in the USA,they are welfare recipients and use false documents to get this welfare,if you all are patriotic stay away from the fre tickets and sit down and look @ yourselves and think of that single mother that has nothing to feed her kids and all the college graduates that come back home with no jobs,Mr.Skerrit is not might his day will come and its so sad how we have created this monster and noe it has come back to hunt all of us,I once was a strong labour supporter but not no more,after the great Rosie passed and all this corruption started i stepped back,God pray and have mercy on our people they dont know better.
What is good about someone making reckless assumptions, neglecting facts and confusing his partisan political beliefs for reality. Why are you so arrogant to make such statements quote “our people are so foolish and uneducated” and “our people are lazy and shameless,” really. Why don’t you examining the foolishness you write before making such statements. I do not know what God you are praying to asking to have mercy on people who share a different political view than you but I can tell you this, there is a divine law in operation and it does not favor political ideology and arrogance.
Rubbish!!! Garbage bin please!
Skerrit made bobbol with the garbage bins. Tnat’s what you should be concerned about.
It’s highly embarrassing that this could be your only comment on such a well written and very educational article.
I can only assume that based on your comment, you did not make it pass second grade for if you did, your parents should demand from you a refund for every cent spent towards your education.
Crap!! This should be entitled ‘Tears of a big loser’!!
How about they cry now but you cry for the rest of your life…. Cause after election red clinic will be closed.
Some one once said, ” You are seeing shadows where there is none.” Sir, you are seeing shadows where there is none. Now that you have written this please write and give us all the reasons we should vote for your party as compared to the DLP and please, please give us facts-not anecdotal evidence. You guys stories all have one thing in common-no facts.
you so sort
These are all one sided accusations without proof. Apparently the writer thinks most Dominicans are fools. I guess he may be using the concept that if you repeat a lie often enough people will believe it.
hmmm…you need proof? Try visiting Dominica and make a stop at the library. It is there in its shameless condition for all to see. A center for knowledge in shambles, while a big empty house stands across in slendor. Speaks volumes.
After that, pretend you hurt your foot then go to PMH for medical care. Final stop, after not receiving proper care at PMH go to the marigot hospital…you’ll see whats facts then.
After Marigot Hospital visit come down to the foot of the financial. Center on a Wednesday morning and on Thursday go to viellecase.
on Friday go visit and talk to the merchants and in the evening take a walk around Roseau
Yes true say. Those person are the dictators …. They want to be the only one with an opinion and keep the masses ignorant. Persons must open their eyes and think for themselves. Those persons want others La Pep to agree with their comment. You must see them rant and rave when they see someone who supports the Government or the DLP… You should see the attacks and tongue whipping/ lashing. They have no proof of all the accusations they make. and they try their best to put their words in your mouth.. real dictatorship style and talk of persons hating ….
God save those souls.
every one!
Very well written and I agree with you views on the number of terms served. Regardless of whether a person is ‘blue’ or ‘red’ they need to look at the broader picture of what is good for Dominica as a whole.
The man have a right to express his views of we live in a Democracy, unless we live in a Dictatorship country. Stop attacking the man labourites and stick to the issues he is concerned about. The truth hard to take and that is what is hurting all you. We need a change to save Dominica and her people and that’s a fact.
It is ok for him to attack Pm but he must not be even admonished? What’s with you biased BlueWPwi”s and your do-so-never-like-so attitude?
If you cannot take, doh give.
Dominicans, the truth and facts are poking right in there faces and they are trying to twist it and they wondering why we are where we are
That where you start to make no sense because, according to statistical data from our government and regional and international agencies who monitor these things, we are the best in the Caribbean at this time and I daresay in the history of our island.
Dear writer, you are 100% correct. This is exactly what will happen if Dominicans give this man another term to rule. When he gives up, he will definitely hand it over to his son. Why is it some of you, Dominicans, are so bias. This is the most corrupt government in the Caribbean. You voted out UWP on the assumption of corruption, which was not proven. Rosie Douglas said that he was just trying a thing. Now, that there is real corruption in government, they too should be voted out. Wrong is wrong not based on who does it. This government is corrupt and we should vote them out. You can’t love Skerrit more than your future and your children’s. He is preparing a way for himself and his child but what are you doing for your children? Are you going to doom them. Don’t think of a party, please think of what is in the best interest of your children and your country. Please Dominicans, give other brilliant minds a chance to improve our country. If not, we will be doomed. God is revealing to us all the evils of this labour party in government. If we don’t vote them out this time, Dominicans will bawl. It is time for change!
Cold I meant not shoot I meant hot, are you for real? he will just give it to his son the DLP is not a family own its the peoples party. If the PM son wants to get in politics he will have to start from the ground up like everyone else, don’t you people see this party is a party and not a highest bidder gets to be leader, the outcome, a novice who paid 40,000 and now you all want to get mad at the PM because you all leader is a blunderer. You are assuming that’s what might happen, I wonder what you would say if you heard about a family called the Birds of Antigua, but you just moved to earth from Mars so would not know something like that to make it seem like that would be the 1st. Oh I wonder if you heard about the Bushes in the USA a place where this writer lives just ask him he knows but he will have a twist to it, you see a poor black man from Ville Case is not worthy as an oil rich family they will bend backwards to differentiate.
I thjink you live on Mars
Where have you been get your brains out your a$$$$. Think Haiti, think Cuba were they family owned see what happened there. If only you had a brain.
udony, do you even understand what you trying to say? family don’t own parties, I was making the reference as to family who was either presidents or Prime Ministers I have no idea where you going with Cuba and Haiti. Do you even understand what really went on in Cuba why they remain the way they are, anyways enjoy your none important life of yours.
Hot I think that this is an unjust statement to make. Persons do not remain in office indefinitely… It is the electorate who decides. This will be done on the *8th December again.
Even if you do not support the present Government, you need to be objective and look around you and lets us be realistic … So many programmes … the YES We Care program .. Let me hear you say that this is not necessary. That a Government must not take care of the Elderly or for further ….. those who are in need. The Good book instructs us to feed the poor, homeless, Widows, elderly. So shouldn’t the Government take care of those in need???? Also look at the many projects …. Infrastructure …… Did you hear or do you listen to the news…. This morning I heard Scotia Bank has taken the decision to close 180 banks in the Caribbean and Mexico. Closer home, Barbados the big Bim has to send home 3,000 Government employees … not one has gone home here. I understood B/Dos is looking at another over 3,000 more for retrenchment. I can go on and on but Even if you do not like the PM (for whatever reason you may), you and the others can attest to the fact that he has done a solid job. All the talk of corruption is heresay…. Get some proof. Do you expect me to believe all the lies and slander that is being spread with no facts? The PM and all the Ministers get a monthly salary that the banks will give them loans to build or purchase vehicle, furniture etc. We are privileged for such so what make you believe that there are no more financial institutions here again… Granted they will be given loans over a shorter period of time given the time factor of their engagement which can be up to five years.
It is high time that many of you commenting on the news blog, get educated and do not repeat what others say without facts. I do know that each and everyone of us can build a house but we need to have our priority for our money spent. Some of us burn in latest fashion clothes, some in alcohol, some in overeating (yes overeating more than they should) and all other useless things and when we see those who use their funds wisely and make sacrifices we tend to say is the PM or whosoever gives it to them.
Wake up people and use your funds wisely lest you get jealous and hate those who use their funds wisely. Get a grip of yourself and stop hating and making lying statements without facts.
I don’t see with you all Jeffers has his right just as everyone else. Let the man express himself, I did not read a lot from what he had to say just a few lines and may well be right that the PM son is next in line, my question would be, what’s wrong in the PM’s son taking over when he is done with politics? look Ian taken in his fathers footstep, the boy would come from great political bloodline. With all that said it’s the people who has to cast a vote to let that happen the thing I don’t get about people like Jeffers and Adi is, who gave you all the right to tell individuals who and how they should vote? just because you chose to be a writer and the other one chose to be a home ker that’s you all choice. I think you all let you all education get the bad part in you all let Dominica and its people vive.
The thing with Dominicans is that they all sit on their laurels talk talk and talk,a society of parrots. In this day and age do you believe Dominica should have only 2 political parties? Is either you Labour or you workers!
Then we have these so call functional literates who sit do nothing and admire their masters and PhD plaster on their walls, with cemented smiles on their faces while the shoes they democratically elected squeezing their feet but yet still they say and do NOTHING !!!
By right. this coming elections should have at least four political parties vying for elections. This is to say persons should be without fear of victimization, should be eager to contribute their talents to exercise their democratic rights to bid for the office of government. And just by this one action of building stable political parties we can create a society of good governance where by not relinquishing power to one party.
The population is too small for 4 political parties, it would halt any progress because of infighting between ministers of government.
But it is not too small for 21 constituencies and parl reps.? Come again please.
So why you not the leader of, and leading the eloiti people’s party for this election?
Very good article and 3 terms is more than enough guess when he turns Dominica into communist island then all you will learn.
Well Mr. J.J.J. I noticed that u are some spoke person for the UWP team. I would like to know if and when ever the UWP gets into office , would they be re-naming the Douglas\Charles Air Port, would they be re-naming the Liverpool Road and what plans would they have for the $27 million waste palace, would they change it to a hospital? I know for sure Edo would like to reside there as President
Now DNO, I hope that u post my comments
Lennox already answered that question. There would be no need to rename anything since the focus will be in building an international airport!
There is a difference between possibility and probability. It is possible for a meteor to fall from the sky and obliterate half of us, but is it probable? Should we take that possibility to spread fear?
UWP rites and others want CHANGE, But I’m certain there are some of us who wants MONEY instead of CHANGE. You know what the change Mr. Linton is asking for will be in MARIGOT and SALISBURY.
Mel we are the same. I am jus neutral. The leader of the Opposition Hector John says so much about the RED CLINIC and he goes to Red Clinic to P.M. Skerritt for funds for his studies MAGWE SA. So you see people Don’t let Politicians fool we. When DLP returns I want them to really concentrate on the COST OF LIVING . We are really in the hard times and harder times ahead. So please UWP rites stop blaming MR. Skerritt. VIVA SKERRITT
Are you for real?
Let me Educate you LadyC because you lack such. As a government you are entitled to provide certain basic needs as well as others for your citizens. So whomever goes to the Government for assistance they are not going to SKERRIT.. They are going to THE GOVERNMENT OF DOMINICA. Open your MIND to that fact! It’s the TAX PAYERS money, may be not yours, may be you are unemployed so I cant say your money.
It is very convenient to disclaim at the end of this article that this site has nothing to do with this opinion however for objectivity and credibility’s sake perhaps you should permit both sides to put forth their manifestoes and let people read and decide for themselves. Both sides have hidden skeletons !
Wait! mista just take all the rubbish from Lennox mouth and put it here? Stupes man you just made bad publicity for your future books
I really thought Jeffers Joseph wrote better than that. Is a good thing Skerrit did not buy your book to put in our library hahaha isd that why you vex?
I think the Constitution of Dominica clearly addresses that issue. On Dec, 8th like all Dominicans you will be given the opportunity to give Mr. PM a mandate, that is to vote him out or 5 more years. Don’t disguise yourself with the UWP manifesto, that’s your personal point of view, I respect that. You must also accept the mass population point of view or decision. We definitively need an opposition party, but presently some of the people whom you are giving us are weak. The leader of the oppositions is too much of a controversial figure, therefore, his message is falling on deaf ears
. Maybe his issues and arguments are sound, but he cannot control other aspect of being a leader. The election would be at a different level if Mr. John or another strong leader was at the helms of the party, there are too many controversies in the character of the opposition leadership, we should not blame the PM because he also has flaws. Instead building a strong ,dedicated, and honest opposition would definitively change Dominica.
A nation of non-readers, party boomboomflies and plain wicked people hoping for freebies will slam you. Dominicans never pay attention to the message just the messenger. NONE of these idiots know Roosevelt Skerrit but they’re quick to defend. Clearly he has it in his mind and ego to want that child to be PM. Let me give 2 quick obvious examples, but it has long been said if you want to hide anything from black people put it in the book, or directly infront of them.
1. Skerrit claimed that his second son, whom he favours highly make no mistake about it, is the one holding the elections date. a baby was given control over a nation. Dominicans cheered
2. Skerrit’s son was born in the USA and that’s his own choosing, however on numerous occasions Skerrit has stated on the record,( live on air) he has every intention to go to parliament and move a motion to change the CONSTITUTION so that the SON or DAUGHTER of DOMINICAN PARENTAGE who was born in the US or Canada(he has been very very specific) can run for Presidency or Prime Ministership in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Who exactly is he tailoring this to? but Dominicans hear him and ignore, Shirmaine-Green-Brown listened and all she had to say, was..” so so PM dual citizenship could be a non-issue..” Play with Skerrit still…..
This is another well written piece. Your comments on the hospitals, I must say you were right on target. How can a main airport function without a function well equip hospital. God is guiding our nation, because one can understanding what will happen if an emergency at the airport. We just have to pray that the Civil Aviation Authorities don’t stop flights landing at the airport especially during the night. Its a fact that we all know that PMH is not a well equip hospital and can barely deal with emergencies, example the common flu.
Adding insult to injury the $27m which was spent of the State Malice which the government claim to be tourism product.
$27m could go a long way to train another of the following specialist: ENT, Ophthalmologist, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Neonatal. The island is only equip with only one of the above.
What garbage is this? the title alone gave me the wtf face.
You wear it well.
This is a well thought out and comprehensive analysis of what is at stake in this election.
I am in full agreement with the premise of the piece that extending the rule of a governing party beyond fifteen years may well be setting the condition for the demise of democracy and the ushering in of a dictatorship which would be quite contrary to the political culture of this country.
And it is not as if we have no warning sigs of the impending crisis. The current prime minister has made no secret of his intentions: No law and no consstitution can restrain him from doing as he pleases. It is none of our damn business where he gets money from for his political activities, etc. etc.
In fact, there has been a coarseness and a high level of vulgarity that have come to define the political culture that Roosevelt Skerrit introduced into the country, the likes of which would cause our political forebears to turn in their grave. And the only way to reverse this alarming trend is to do the only sensible and politically correct thing, and that is elect a new government from the opposition party. Otherwise we can say goodbye to the tradition of democracy and responsible government we have taken for granted in this comonwealth.
So yes, I agree with the author that we should be wary of the intentions of the current prime minister. He seems to be cut from the same cloth as some of the world’s most notarious dictators: Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and other not so progressive leaders of Africa. They share many things in common, not the least of which is an obssession with power for its own sake and the use of state resources to bolster their grand personal ambitions. They are all obssessed with symbols of grandeur: the state palaces, the statues which symbolically project their “popularity” and their inability to differentiate between personal ambition and what is good for the country in the long run.
Citizens of a democracy must understand that dictatorships succeed when the population failed to stand up and be counted, when they allow themselves to be captivated by leaders who are adept at disguising their true intentions and rely on the gullabilty of the public .
if Roosevelt Skerrit succeeds in his dream of turning this once prosperous and democratic country into his personal kingdom, it will reflect negatively on all the educated menand women who have struggled to make this country a decent place that we can all be proud of.
A fundamental tennet of democracy is that no one is above the law and all are equal before the bar of justice. No one can in good conscience claim that this has been the case since Roosevelt Skeerit assumed the mantle of leadership. Tt can only get worse if he is reelcted.
Wow,, Why all this partisan rhetoric masquerading as a legitimate analysis of what is at stake in this election. Your partisan rhetoric displays such irrational thinking linking The PM to notorious dictators: Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe such is your foolishness. You made a statement quote “when they allow themselves to be captivated by leaders who are adept at disguising their true intentions and rely on the gullibility of the public ” wow, I wonder why this cannot be also attributed to Linton, sometimes the truth has ways of reveling it self.
I don’t make it my habit to comment on DNO, but this article is so ridiculous, arbitrary, nonsensical, and plain stupid, I can’t resist not saying anything.
please use your time wisely and stop the nonsense.
And no, I’m not voting Labour or Workers,cause all of them is one commess.
Her we go again, commess, but I not voting, how the hell things are change when you not voting????
If you do not vote then do not complain about how the country is run. Your vote counts.
Isn’t that lovely, DNO gave you a platform to campaign for UWP. As you know, that won’t work.
My Boy get something better to do with your time than writing crap on DNO. The veidence of the work the DLP has done in every area from education, infrastructure to strenghtening social safety nets (DURING A WORLD ECONOMIC CRISIS) is more than commendable (IMPRESSIVE most might say). The best thing is that the MAJORITY of Dominicans are aware of this and therefore the writings of selfish, egoistic, attention-seeking individuals like you CANNOT change the sate of play in the country. Just live with it bro!!!!
Now that you have very ry eloquently told us why we should not vote DLP, you have been deliberately silent on why we should vote UWP.
You have presented a case for voting against DLP, but not one that gives us a reason to vote for UWP. They are not necessarily one and the same.
Are you serious?? Are we really descending to that level of debate?? What a sorry ploy to assist the incapable!!! I’m not a Labor supporter although the Government continues to impress me. I’m still waiting for effective opposition. Is Linton it??? Do you really think he’s political mature enough? Remember there’s no training!! Please let’s be constructive.
cyrique , your hypocrete,
did skeritt have any training? Was he trained ? No
So was skeritt political ly mature when he took office make some sense please wtf
Was the current PM mature when he took up office, please get real.
He was trained by rosie
A very accurate analysis of the situation is Dominica right now…Expect to get a bashing form the labourites because the truth really offends them…FOR SURE THE CHOICE IS UWP!!
People like you who can call yourself “stupes” you all have very limited vision for your ownself farless for a country. If you have to suck salt you all will simply because refuses to explore your full potential. Stupes you all know the struggle you all are facing right right now but instead you choose not to help yourself but to just accept anything. I suspect you are from a labour family that is one sided because of party and not economic
development. Stop doing wat other people are doing and saying I suspect you are a young person and need to think of your future.
typical of you guys, UWP to insult and belittle the people who doesn’t support your rpolitical idealogy
who belittles more than u all?
Are you serious? Fools are after-all born everyday!
Just a thought! No longer a thought, writer you are trying to make Dominicans think that way. Frankly, I do not have time to read all this garbage!!
I pray God that DLP Gets a landslide Victory for all the (BLUE BLUE) especially those in the Government Offices to cry cry blue not blood. Take it DLP ALL THE WAY!
Lady C I know who you are and you don’t want to be wishing anything like that. Let us Pray for a united country lets not cause more division. Whoever wins we will be governed by them. Let us respect each other’s political choice. I replied to you specifically and no one else it’s because I know you personally
Yes. Love this one, particularly of all the no-good, lazy public servants in the ministries and other government offices who shouting workers!
I’n not even into politics. But this “conventional” wisdom is pretty foolish. ‘
I am not for keeping delusional dominicans keeping Dominica as this third-world wasteland they think is some kind of regional and international power house.
LOL you made all this up just to promote your book?
So stupid
Mr Joseph, there are two kinds of changes…….one for the better and one for the worse. Grenada changed a government that was there for twenty years four years later they put them back in 15….0. Jamaica took one out that was in for 26 years. Four years later they reinstalled 40….23 St. Lucia the same scenario. So you just dont change for changing sake. Remember the quote “YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GETTING.”
Well we had Papa Doc in Haiti and now we have Papa Skerrit in Dominica. Papa Doc had his Tonton Macout, Skerrit have his SSU and secret service.
If he wins the election it would not surprise me he will change the constitution to declare him self executive President with immunity because I can not see Mr. Savarin lasting that long again. I pray God that day will never arrive.
Mr. Joseph, let me refresh your memory…….we are in a socialist system…..not a capitalist system……since you got the know how to run the country, please present yourself in the political arena and show us how it should be done….thank you!
Blah Blah Blah,… lots of words with no meaning or sense
nonesense…just big words and creative writing with no real substance…nonesense I say….vote Labour!!!!
I have taken the stand to be very objective this election. However for those who say this is nonsense please high the areas in this article that is or have no real substance.
So true some of them don’t even read the entire article but just act soooooooo BIAS. The truth is so painful.
What a shockingly ignorant response!
You cant deny or twist the facts