“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” (Edmund Burke). This quote is best understood if taken in the context of the words from Jesus in the Book of Genisis: 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. ” (NOT DOING what is right = the sin of omission).
I have been reading the criticisms and vilification in some instances of Investigative Journalist Lennox Linton by top operatives of the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) in relation to his possible candidacy for the United Workers Party (UWP) in the Marigot constituency. I am dumbfounded by the attacks on the gentleman, and forced to ask “where has civility and respect in Dominica’s politics gone? No one can doubt that Lennox is as qualified, if not more qualified than most, if not all who currently occupy the seats of government. Besides that fact, as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Dominica, he has a RIGHT to offer himself and to contest a seat in any constituency in the country where he feels he has a chance of winning; in the same way as all other candidates of all political parties and independents have done in the past and will do in the future.
Is it asking too much of our politicians and political operatives to say to Lennox, “welcome to the arena and offer him their best wishes? After all, politics in a civilized society is not war, the contest between candidates of political parties in a constituency is not a battle. Political parties are not armies; political election is a CONTEST, no different to cricket, boxing, soccer, boxing or basketball. The election is contested using all the legal and ethical means at the disposal of the contestants and when the results are announced, the winner is congratulated by the looser and the looser receives the commiserations of the winner. Both candidates then commit to working for the good of the people and the constituency. The same is done at the macro level- party to party in respect to the country.
Personally, I wish to thank Hon. Edison James for his contribution to the political life of Dominica (our homeland) and to welcome Lennox into this new field of endeavor, and to wish him and his family, God’s speed.
Does this make me a member or supporter of UWP? If I was living in Marigot, would I vote for Lennox as a UWP candidate? No! to both questions above. But that does not make Lennox or the UWP my enemy of the enemy of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) of which I am a member and continue to support. In the same way as it does not make any elected member or aspiring DLP politician my enemy or the enemy of the DFP.
In my humble view, since the Labour government of Hon. E. O. LeBlanc, the only decent, credible, progressive government that has governed Dominica is the Dominica Freedom party between 1980 and 1995 under the world-class leadership of the late Dame Mary Eugenia Charles. No other government has since performed to demonstrate a sincere commitment to peace, freedom, people (green, blue and red) development and the development and success of all facets of Dominican life (individuals, businesses/corporate). The DFP launched Dominica into flight and had it on cruise control.
The UWP, without jumbo jet flying experience, hijacked it and crash landed it. The Labour party, itself not understanding any thing about the subject, took the parts which were salvageable and crushed it in a compactor and dumped it at the bottom of the ocean to form reefs. For the above reasons, no loyal Dominican can find justification for supporting either DLP or UWP or the candidates of these political parties.
However, I repeat again, that this does not justify vilifying and mauvaise languing a man who is clearly qualified to contest for an opportunity to lend his knowledge and experience to the governance of Dominica, his homeland.
Welcome Lennox!!!
My sincere thanks Mr. Editor and God’s speed
Opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
Dear Sir, your credibility as a knowledgeable person is in question when you begin to quote Jesus in the Book of Genesis. However if you will, kindly explain the philosophical differences between the political parties. Besides the individuals who support the parties is there any real difference, please explain if you can. Thanks
You all must be mad. Workers can never get my vote if is Lennox that going up. Lennox is not a man of honesty he is just a die hard blue. I never heard him speak of any corruption when the Under Women Panty was in power. And we all know there was. Now people talking about he have so much honesty and integrity. Please.
It sounds to me that Peter Azille,Sr is somewhat naive and does not understand politics and Politicians.It is not about where the civility in our politics has gone but rather where this non civility originated from and why it is so permissive.Why the childish posturing without understanding Politics and Politicians.It should also be noted that the Biblical reference alluding to Jesus Christ in Genesis is somewhat incorrect.
Your candid analysis is well taken, but Freedom Party discriminated against people who did not support them. One such discrimination is in the issuance of housing to deserved family/people and also the employment of Dominicans who studied in Cuba. Refute that!!?
Where in the world is there civility in politics?
The Republicans would rather destroy American than paly ball with the Democrats. In Canada Harper sees everyone who is not a member of his party as an enemy. In Egypt the military removes you from office if you do not follow their dictates. In Turkey the government crushes its opponents. In Zimbabwe if Mugabe does not win the election, he simply declares himself the winner. In South Africa the same people who were clamoring for power to properly represent the people are now the some of the biggest thieves on the face of this earth. I think I have made my point.
Sorry sir, the train has left the station.
Peter you did a very good highlighting the childish behavior coming from the side of the labor Party cabal. It is asinine, weak and downright stupid to attack Linton’s qualification to run for parliament or to lead the UWP when Reggie was posturing for Leadership of the current Labor Party. Note also this is the same party that gave us the impression that Skerrit is the only sherrif in town qualified to lead the Labor Party and the government of Dominica.
I really wish though that Peter had stuck to the theme instead of going back 15 and 25 years ago. What is there to gain by making partisan proganda that was relevant 20 – 30 years ago.
As for the mepwis that is thrown at you now I am sure you expected that from the Labor Party idiots. The Labor Party cabal are the first to spew accusations of corruption yet they cannot stand fingers pointing at the blatantly dirty and corrupt Labor Party regime.
This is a very good article. I support it.
We used to have political rivalry in the past, but now we have political enemies.
Miss Charles and Mike used hit at each other in parliament, and when they were through, they would go out and be the godmother or godfather of each other’s children.
Not today.
Some people have too much time on their hand and they really need a job.
ATL Massive
Yeh dno i said nothing wrong so take it out at least you read it so i know at least one person saw it lol.
Honesty is the best policy. And that is Lennox, the saint on guard.
Dominica has exported its main resourse to countries all over the World, it’s citizens
I think its well writen, Dominica has seen its glory days the 80s and 90s, I’m thankful for these memories. Nice time to be growing up.
The Dominica as we use to know it is dead and gone and what we have left is a few corrupt politians fighting over the scraps like vultures and on the orther hand WE dominicans can’t think furthur pass over noses and get reid of them
go ahead hit the dislike botton
The Dominica in the 80s and 90s can’t come back. We had a leader who had a vibrant Banana industry and coconut to a lesser extent. Today, what do we have? In the absence of nothing I think we are doing Ok but can certainly do better. We see what the whole world went through economically and is still going through. Europe has fallen, USA is in debt. Dominica is still standing. I am not here to convince anyone to vote for another. Dcans just have to do what they honestly think is best for the country by voting whom they think will better lead this country.
It is my opinion that politicians are what we make them.
So you just gonna agree that the 80s and 90s Dominica is gone, you agree to settle for lest?
You say Dominica standing, I think you are one of those Dominicans that going around with a blind on
Your PM numbers 23% unemployement, by the way highest in the caribbean, thumbs up
0 to 0.1 Growth for the pass two budget years, thumb upgain
Dominica has reach its peak, everything now is just downhill and you know the worst thing about it is, We Dominicans dont even know the meaning of why we making that X
For your knowledge those European counties that fall Down, had the same mentality as Dominicans, not wanting to pay their taxes and allow corrupton to florish
I guess that Dominica was for a select few because I never saw it.
THEM FRAID!! THEM FRAID!! THEM FRAID!!.
I love Lennox Linton. Our Next PM!
Speak for your self i not in that our thing with you lol.
@ real possie You are a non-entity in this matter. It would serve your purpose as a ‘yard fowl’ of the corrupt regime, to ” Shut the Up”, and go to the Red Clinic”.Try to find a job nah.
pater might be losein his head or getting senile
My vote is for the person (whoever it is) that will be representing the party to which the statesman Linton is a member.
This Skerrit Labour Party has had its time, and has largely failed the nation. Time for them to go!
Candid analysis …
Peter I respect your view and its good to know that you are still around. your position, so well articulated on the right of every Dominican to seek political office is shared by every sane Dominican I know. I sincerely believe that you also believe that every Dominican has a right to speak his her mind on any issue of interest to him/her particularly if he/her can bring an objective or professional opinion on the matter. That is where your defense of Lennox Linton fails and fails miserably. The gentleman, a Dominican with constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech and association, which he freely enjoys in Dominica is on the public record as savaging any body who dare offer a different view to him. It does not matter whether that other view was shared in the private or in public. Peter if you doubt me ask Steinberg Henry, Ken Richards of BBC fame, Kamala Jno,Baptiste Aaron, Pastor Peter R. Augustine et al. Even without any power he has shown a tendency to shut up every other opinion. Consider if he reaches the “bench”
Then we remove him, but he can’t be worst than Skerrit
None of your dame business, go to hell speech by Skerrit should be enough for Dominicans to kick him out as fast as possible
Lets give Linton a chance and see his action, if he is not working in the best interest of our country, we vote him out too, very simple
My sentiments exactly Observer. I was wondering on which planet my friend Peter Azille is living
has he listened to LL at all?
I love this
peter this is your democratic right use it well.
There was never any to begin with..
hmmm very interesting to hear Peter Azille, just maybe you sir, can tell us of Lennox qualifications since you seem to know him so very well.
qualifications for what? the only qualification one needs to be eligible for prime minister is to be a member of the ruling party and a natural born citizen of Dominica.stop the BS!
Coyote You see. Lennox is the same person who keeps hounding other people to disclose their qualifications, so it has come back to bite him in the
@ Kingman Qualification in terms of what? Isn’t he a smarter more level headed ,responsible honest,man than many of our leaders? Are you repeating what others who have you enslaved, begging, unemployed and groveling, are blurting around the place in ABSOLUTE FEAR? Leadership is all about honesty, integrity,ability to do the job,not being an arrogant and inveterate liar, being able to motivate, being able to do the job, understanding what is happening around you, worldly trends etc. LENNOX HAS IT!
I like this piece by the writer, and as a former DLP supporter for years, let me say once more that I am no longer a supporter of this CORRUPT PARTY,led by GREEDY MEN AND WOMEN, who have totally impoverished Waitikubuli.
The reason why Lennox is so feared, is not only because of his intelligence, but because of what has been involved in by certain people. Cloven footed, subterranean deals will not be hidden for ever.
Time for the electorate to KICK OUT THIS EVIL, WICKED, CORRUPT AND GREEDY gang of leaders.
HOW LONG? NOT LONG!
You are so laughable with you comments that sometimes I wonder if you really think.It seems to me you are one of those who are lead by emotions rather than reason.You fit the classic example of the kind of people politicians love.Do you know every Politician who ever run for office portrayed or presented themselves with the qualities you allude to as the requirements for great Leadership and so what makes you think that
Lennox is different from all other Politicians.Stop being a political footstool.
what is reggie, walters, petter, ivor, wesley woman qualifications, is skerrit qualified in finance…
this is a non issue…
supporters of corrupt regimes are always fearful of the people who try to bring civility to our lives,
now they asking for qualifications after thirteen years of unqualified people sittig in office
Mr. Azille I support you 90%. It is quite clear that civility in our politics has gone very sourer thanks to this new DLP administration. I agree with you that the criticisms Lenox Linton has been receiving is very unfair since he has demonstrated to the nation that he is quite capable of leading Dominica and stand up with any leader in the world on any given subject. In fact to be blunt about it, I don’t believe any member of the current administration here can stand up with Lenox.
You will notice I did not agree with you 100% and my reasons are for the following:
1. As a Freedomite myself I don’t believe an election has anything to do with a political party. To hear you say that if you were leaving in Marigot you would not vote Lenox or UWP simply because you are a member and supporter of DFP tells me that we have not gone pass that partisan politics and think of national development. My questions to you are: Can we bring back miss Charles from her grave? Does the DFP stand a chance of winning another election any time soon? Who is the DFP candidate for the next election? Will either of the party have anyone as good or better than Lenox? Can we take another 5 yrs. from Skerri
2. I also disagree with you that UWP hijacked and crashed what DFP started. Although I voted DFP all my life until 2000 when I very sadly voted DLP just to vote out UWP, which I now regret doing, I find it unfair to say UWP crashed what DFP begun. You will agree with me that the first 2 terms of the DFP were tremendous but their last term from 1990 was when they began to destroy what they began. In fact looking back now I say a big thanks to the UWP for coming in in 1995 and piloting us to safety and put us on the run again in just 4.5 yrs.
I did not vote UWP until the last election and if we care about Dominica, all of us DFPites, UWPites, and DLPites should join our forces and vote out Skerrit and this administration.
It is good to see that we are blessed with democracy in Dominica. We all can share our opinion. I do agree with you that the last term of the DFP was the era Dominica began sliding away from prosperity. We continued that way under the UWP. If you think what I am saying isn’t true, ask the electorate. Dominicans have constantly voted the DLP insted of the UWP, on each occasion progressing taking seats away from the UWP and DFP. Today DFP doesn’t have one seat and UWP has 3.
Now are you going to tell me that the majority of DOminicans were wrong? I refuse to believe that. I haven’t voted for the DLP but untill I hear and see what the UWP has to offer, for they certainly haven’t shown it, the DLP is today the most progressive political party in DA which gives them a greater chance of winning the next election.
Our politics have always been this way and is the same in the USA. They just spend more to dirty one another.
Thank you for you comments MR or Miss help us Lord.You got it right, Mr Azille Sr ether made an honest mistake or was bias.We should Redeem our country from this regim come the next general election.
I supported Labour when it was labour freedom 2 first terms and UWP 1 term. I do not tie my self to a party and forget my country and that is what most Dominican a doing.
The Government that we have in office agreed that they failed Dominicans and they were grateful for another opportunity to amend, and guest what they were given another chance. Result worse. Time for change.
Peter Azille is this the same Peter Azille in the days of Mamo, where they gave him everthing and he blew it….Oh my, talk about a flying corcorde this guy was given and he flew it right into hell….Just check his record…
Now is it the same Azille guy who wanted a Diplomatic post under the very same DLP
But this man has never listened to lennox and his band on Q95 calling people all sorts of dispicable names….where is Peter when people names are being dragged in the gutter and innocent people are being villified????
Peter you better retract your letter and ask for forgiveness because there are alot of people that know better and know more
ATLANTA MASSIVE
well if you villified a person/ people , tell the truth, and got results, why kill the messenger.
So Juan u never hear of innocent people being called all sorts of despicable names, having their names dragged in the gutter on KAIRI???????????????
Has KAIRI management ever saw it fit to retract or ask forgiveness for their ‘uncivilized’ behavior???
When de City council clean de sidewalks of Roseau is it only DLP supporters who have a right to walk on it???
@ JUAN PABLO MAN HAVE RESPECT FOR LINTON. This honest gentleman is not into that brand of politics calling people name. On your show code name “The Animal Show” is where you find this garbage being done, where the leaders you are groveling to for bread, call people all kinds of despicable names.
What happen you are already trembling because the honest, integrity filled, statesman, LENNOX LINTON IS IN THE RACE? You were not the one telling him if he is a politician, get in the political arena?
Well he is there now, guess you will go and hide. OOPS!!!!! I want you to show me how you and Skerrit, you and the corrupt cabal, will make him LOSE HIS DEPOSIT. Can you remember this garbage talk by your God Skerrit?
You are an accomplice to a set of INEPT, INCOMPETENT, LAZY,AND GREEDY MEN/WOMEN.
THEY WILL BE KICKED OUT SOON, SO FIND WONK TO DO!
LINTON ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!
% have you heard the tape he made of Mammy and Stein Henry called him out on that…I rest my case…
I hope you will be changing the gloves for him when he goes around shaking hands, you know he don’t kile people…
lol
you are blowing hot and cold.
It’s a matter of opinion.