Former Prime Minister of Dominica, Edison James has expressed disappointment in statements made by one of the country’s religious leaders in a weekly newsletter where he associated comments and observations made by citizens as being responsible for the murders and accidents in Dominica.
In a feature article from the St Ann’s Roman Catholic Church called “National Pride- A new mental and verbal approach to National Building” dated October 8, 2023, Father Elveau Augustine said Dominica has been wrecked with negative verbal comments throughout the year, that have affected the very young unpatriotic minds, “comments coming from so-called persons who claim to be patriotic.”
The article further stated that “words have power and the murders and accidents that have become so frequent are co-related to the negative sentiments that have been infiltrating their psyche and affecting their spirit.”
However, during an interview with Dominica News Online (DNO) James described Fr. Augustine’s statements as “despicable.”
“When people are negatively impacted by the lack of such engagements and preliminary works, when people point that out you have people who are supposed to be leaders, people who are supposed to be responsible, accusing such people who stand up, accusing them of being responsible for murders in the country,” he argued.
James continued, “And I speak specifically of an article I saw in a Catholic Newsletter where the Priest responsible for that area associated comments and observations made by citizens and determined that these comments, these representations, these protests are responsible for murders in the country.”
He added, “That is despicable and I really hope that the leadership of all organizations will frown on that and express their contempt for that kind of attitude.”
James believes it is very dangerous to associate, and blame people who are expressing their concerns.
A full copy of the newsletter is attached below
“Why do you use this medium to behavior like this?”(Dumb Gary)
Gary, this is one time I would like to respond on the link to your stupid question, but there seems to be an intermittent problem which does not allow one to post directly.
You know when I was a kid, in one of Slinger Francisco’s (Sparrow) calypso he refereed to inebriated dumb people who speaks out of context as “high per-technical jackass.”
The meaning of that terminology am unable to define in any other way besides this: it might be a prefix meaning through, thoroughly, pervade or perfect, and I add completely ignorant person.
And so I would like you to point where I wrote anything in that submission which constitutes an unusual behavior or conduct?
Question: Are you one of the “high per technical people Slinger sang about!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
To be honest I don’t know the true definition of the word, but I suspect it indicates some disparaging and derogatory!
“Edison, I would like to know why did you took”
I am not sure that your diction or grammar is correct! I suspect if you asked the question in the present: “I would like to know why did you take offence” that might be the appropriate term.
Maybe I go asks Edison which which version is correct: you know ds say Edison taught him in class at both DGS, and SMA simultaneously, on the same day of every school day, every semester eh, so perhaps he taught you in the street on Steber
Steber.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
While you signing praises to the corrupted crook that damn thi.f Roosevelt Skerrit, I am looking at a view of Steber Street to see if I could recognize the shop where your father left you when he went to England, all I recognize is the Roman Catholic Church at he end of the street, could see Francis House on the Conner. Even Steber Street Roosevelt destroyed, I used to speed down that short street, now it is filled with holes, tell Roosevelt to fixed the…
I like to hear those nannys and hypocrites so-called UWP corrupt nasties squid like pigs in mud, because they believe it is OK for guys like Edison, Ugly Lenny, Mellon Head and the rest to do and say as they like and the majority of Dominicans must go along with their crap, well I say it is far too long now before it is too late we must stop that S**t without a doubt.
Elveau, that church needs to leave politics. Instead write something on the last meeting the vatican gathered his bishops, how many showed up. I can see her, I mean him issuing a papal bull(sh*t) on the celebacy thingy, which is simply bullying the boys, but did he(r) issue one on the lgbt, and men marrying men?
Inquiry minds want to know.
The new narrative in Dominica these days – once you speak the truth about things gone wrong with government – you are branded as being negative.
If I say the dam hospital leaking like an old poe – I am negative
If I say that it’s a struggle for persons and businesses to get paid by government – I am negative
Well my dear Father Elveau, perhaps you should tell us what is positive about these things. And if you cannot, then shut your trap!! Let those feeling the heat in the kitchen speak
Lol, I wonder if you really understand what truth really means, please do not confuse it with your perception. Truth has nothing to do with lacking positive or constructive features, 1+1 will always be two, can you with your lacking positive or constructive features with the use of your mind change this reality.
Why are you defending your right to be negative, by making the above statements, telling us we do not understand your frustration. Why don’t you seek the facts before making such statements. Why should Father Elveau tell you what is positive about the things outlined in his commentary when you have already condemned him, lol.
As a catholic, I feel violated and betrayed by such reckless statement by the priest. How much more hypocritical can the church be seeing all the ills affecting our nation. I rebuke Augustine in the name of Jesus of Nazareth! Augustine please stop using the pulpit to throw “maypwee” for an already beaten, depressed people. Augustin and Thomas -No father, they don’t deserve it- are part of the reasons why the catholic church in Dca is on its knees. Even my granny that is a bidoe catholic now refuses to attend church.
That’s the reason why I will only go to church when Monseigneur Jno. Lewis is preaching. A true man of god who fears no one.
These priests are relevant only to their BLIND followers including both Edison and Skeritt. Thanks for standing up to them Eddie.
Since the rest of us have found out the role of the vatican and Jesuit catholic priests in the worse atrocious acts or holocaust the world has ever witnessed and so far stays quiet, most people have moved on, the church pews are practically empty. Only now the evangelists have taken our unsuspecting youths with concerts and more concerts(and Skeritt has caught on), however, the same youths are finding the truths about this Christianity that permeates our society four over 400years of these priests that left Europe white and are now black; set on automatic by the same Europeans’ inductrination into nonsense.
Both sides of our boys have an argument but those in charge have to do more in this respect. Priests, stay out of this, we’re dealing with it without the religions of the whites, we’re now better off calling on African Spirituality.
Edison, I would like to know why did you took offence to what father Elveau Augustine, said or is it that the Cap fit you, because of all the despicable things you have done when you were Prime minister, yes it will hurt you till you burn in Hell.
Elves is part of the lost flock. You cannot want to openly blame the Opposition side and not equally blame the Government side.
And before you open your mouth take a good look at all the corruption and criminal activities going on in the Roman Catholic Church.
Elveau your comments are ungodky, malicious, untruthful, and the list can go on…. despicable.
Can you show us (if you read it) where the priest refers to “the Opposition?” You cannot but you conclude that the was referring to opposition forces because you KNOW the truth.
See how you expose yourself?
Who is blaming the opposition, I am talking about Edison, if you didn’t know that scumbags UWP is no longer the opposition comedy party 😂🤣😜
Well said, very good article, the truth always hurt.
The Priest is so very true, too much negativity and hatred is killing the country.Edison never said anything when the Bishop and Cardinal was cursed and called all sorts of names in Marigot bu t now the cup fits him he resurrect. Father may the precious blood of cover and protect you.
Is this the same reason why de cathedral having such a hard time to complete construction FR.?
A dead decomposed body was found on de premises like de place deserted.
de priest needs to look in front of his nose
de priest wants us to say nice things to a government that treats us like trash
Jamaicans does tell there government exactly what on their mind padna……..doh misrepresent dem people.
I would never expect to see you in nor encourage any positive protest against a negative government move…….so you more patriotic than us then?
you need to alert your congregation on de vatican latest moves on accepting trans to exchange vows and stand in baptism and receive communion.
“National Pride- A new mental and verbal approach to National Building”( Elveau Augustine).”
That man is mad!
Here is one definition of nation building/national pride can be defined as “the positive effect that the public feels towards their country, resulting from their national identity. It is part of a wider context of beliefs, purposes, and emotions that form the national identity!
National pride is the love of and devotion to one’s country. It is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship”.
Now that has nothing to do with the ideology of homosexuality, and lesbianism, which is contrary to the word of God.
While he runs his mouth off thy promote porn!
They advertise their sailing trip, by showing a man and a woman gyrating; on a ship, in another still on DNO; we see a man standing behind a woman, with his hands protruding from behind directly under her breast!
It’s false double standards.
And so I asks Elveau Augustine, where are your wife and…
Why do you use this medium to behavior like this, can you read something and respond without making outlandish nonsensical statements. You will never really learn much from hearing yourself speak.
“words have power and the murders and accidents that have become so frequent are co-related to the negative sentiments that have been infiltrating their psyche and affecting their spirit.”
The so called priest should be locked up in jail! I think that the so called church, and people like ” Elveau Augustine ” are the ones who cause the country to be as it is! Rater than preaching the word of God, out of the Bible, they introduce the youth of the country to the philosophy of Rome, and a sinful man they called pope “papa” compounded with their homosexual behavior!
How many of those young murderers prayed to saints, without answer to their prays? How many was sexually assaulted by some priest leaving them psychologically damaged, that cause them to hate and kill?
Only a fool would give such a reason for the cause of accidents; this damn so called priest is sick to his core, perhaps on some illegal substance, like cocaine or LSD.
Preaching the word of God, the power, not papa…
The prist words hurt you all evil 😈 b*****ds because he spoke the truth, also the he didn’t mention anyone name, ” who the cap fit let them wear it ” those wicked b*****ds calling themselves so-called politicians and their wicked supporters.
Most of these church guys have advanced to shameless Skerrit mouthpieces. Mister (Skerrit) knew exactly what he was doing when he donated half a million to the then bishop. Our country is a sad place nowadays. I am disgusted!
Things are so hilarious in Dominica. Poor us; God help us.
Funny thing is that the priest is more or less correct and while he has not spoken negatively about the government which is just as bad as the UWP, he has also alluded to the poor state of Dominica’s economy when he stated that like Jamaica, Barbados and others whose economies are in a mess.
Then who knows what angle his next few publications will address.
This is not to say that criticism of his article and point of view isn’t justified, but everyone is also entitled to their opinion.
I personally believe that the level of crime, hatrid, division, lack of respect, etc., are as a result of both the government’s and UWP’s failure in their responsibilities and leadership qualities. Both parties are to be blamed for where our island is today. Shame of both parties.
Boy before you entertain the stupidity of people as Elveau, you need to understand their stupid rhetoric. It is not about government and UWP; it is the crap in the following!
“National Pride- A new mental and verbal approach to National Building” (Elveau Augustine). Learn this: National pride can be defined as “the positive effect that the public feels towards their country, resulting from their national identity. It is part of a wider context of beliefs, purposes, and emotions that form the national identity. National pride involves love and devotion to one’s country; it is a celebration of people coming together!
Now that has nothing to do with homosexuality, and lesbianism where they proclaim “gay and lesbian pride,” because there is no pride in bull-pooping, and what women does to each other; unnatural sex God condemns.
And whereas he shoots off his mouth, he should remove all the homosexuals playing priest in Dominica; in their churches!
Ask him where is his wife?
What did the priest say that is not true? That the public is fed a diet of negative criticisms (thanks to the UWP we now get these even on X-mas Day); that the loudest voices we hear and the oft repeated choruses are negative; that those who claim to be “patriots” have NO record of speaking favourably, on behalf of, or in defence of, or working for Dominica and/or Dominicans in the last two decodes.
Where de lie?
@Putin
Everything he (the priest) said is false. He seem to be a false prophet.
Go ask social scientists about the causes of crime, and top blogging crap for a change.
“words have power and the murders and accidents that have become so frequent are co-related to the negative sentiments that have been infiltrating their psyche and affecting their spirit.”
If negative words and sentiments by some Dominicans are responsible for murders and accidents in Dominica, then maybe it is time for the priest to tell us whose negative sentiments and comments are responsible for so much of the alleged sexual abuse and molesting of little boys within the Catholic church. Shaking my head! Also what is infiltrating the psyche and affecting the spirit of priests that instead of preaching the love and goodness of God they find it more convenient to preach politics?
The opening paragraph of your comment with the quotation
shows how your political partisan beliefs deprive you of reason or understanding, cherry-picking to suit the political agenda you’re part of. Why are you ignoring the other pertinent parts of the commentary as outlined, are these things not recognizable to you, I’m wondering if you are willfully ignorant or truly deluded.
It is strange that of all the commentaries that were made by various religious leaders on the pulpit and radio in regard to the recent Independence celebrations in the Country, this one newsletter, Edison, choose to call it despicable, Wow. This is what bitterness does to the mind. The mental atmosphere of a Country
is relevant in terms of its prosperity and productivity and should be
be analyzed continuously, just as a person should do with introspection, so long.
The Catholic Church has a checkered past of committing the most heinous crimes including countless murders. To this very day Catholic priests have been found guilty of raping and molesting little boys and young men.
Priest Elveau Augustine have you ever stopped and think that God is outraged with the Catholic Church for its indefensible atrocities it has committed in His name?
Where were you when the obnoxious ruler has said vile things and engaged in so many wrongdoings to his fellow men.
Edison James, Hector John, Lennox Linton and Thompson Fontaine for six years are still being dragged before the court to be persecuted on blatantly bogus charges. Where is your voice on this matter?
The incumbent ruler calling innocent protesters hungry, lazy and stupid. Where was your voice?
He also instigated his supporters to douse the opposition members with hot water if they come at their homes. Priest Augustine, not even a whisper from you. Thou hypocrite!
I concur with what you said in your first paragraph. Both religion and politics have corrupted the minds of men and they both have caused division among us. If we rid our minds from both, we would be better able to think for ourselves and live better lives.
The Roman catholic church has committed such heinous crime against young boys and men that I don’t understand how some people still hold on to the coat tails of these men. These clergy men need to get married, have sex and produce children. They were also involved in the slave trade and John Hawkins had a ship called the Jesus of Lubeck or the good ship jesus. While they were having church on deck, our forefathers were chained in the bottom of the ships in their vomit, faeces and urine. My people, do some research and rid your minds of all the religious rubbish that you have allowed to cloud your minds. The pope has has given the ok to homosexuality, which is against nature because these people cannot pro-create.
UNAPOLOGETIC
The year is coming to an end, have you asked yourself what have you archived with your cynicism. Let us deal with the present as it relates to Dominica and its achievements. Why, your lecture about The Church, it just shows how senselessness you are.
The world has been coming to an end ever since I know of my existence. So where is the universe going? So you mean the sky, sea, earth will disappear? To where? We have been thinking the way that we were taught, using a book that man has given life to. We need to detach our minds from these religious concepts that were imposed on us. Let the religion go, my people. It’s not taking us anywhere. We must be realistic and use our brain. Someone said, “when you are in church, you don’t think.” The Bible takes away our reasonings and causes us to live in a superficial world. We were taught that we should not question the bible. Why not? So we’ll continue to be fools? We are in the world but the teachings of Christianity says we are not of the world. That makes no sense at all because we were born in the world and live in the world. It’s time that we question that book and stop taking it so literal because the Bible can be confusing.
UNAPOLOGETIC
Wow! What a hypocritical statement. Your pastor supporters have been saying worst things you never at no time say anything but now you are talking. You are moo moo but this article makes moo moo talking. May God have mercy on you all evil hypocrites.
A deeply divided nation. even the church is being destroyed inside and out. I would like to ask Augustin if he going to ask our new Christian Chinese twins to donate the balance of money fix the cathedral. when church leaders accept, stealing, dishonesty, adultery, lying, greed, grandiose, hatred and expect people to stay quiet you know our problems are very deep and possible irreparable.
Fr. Elveau Augustine, I would like to think that the poverty, unemployment, drug and people trafficking and general lack of opportunity for young people in Dominica due to the poor economic management of the Commonwealth of Dominica by the Dominica Labour party is more directly related to all the murders and the deterioration in the social and moral fabric of Dominica today. And sadly, you and your comments are a perfect reflection and evidence of the malaise affecting Dominica right now because you and the church should be more critical of the evils and wickedness of Prime Minister Skerritt and his Labour party government! But “if you not red we dead”, I guess you are okay with these sentiments from the Labour party government!? Death and God’s justice awaits us all including you!
I suppose if you were a Christian, and read the word of God you would not find yourself in a situation where you call Elveau Augustine father! In the first place he is not you or anyone father; ad so I refer you to the Book of Matthew in the Bible chapter 23: 9,10,11,12. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10. Neither be ye called master: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11, But the one that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12, And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Keep in mind also, we are not suppose to call any preacher Reverend or Rabbi, for in Psalms it teaches that only he (Jesus) is Reverent, if you call someone Rabbi, you are calling them Master, in reality only Jesus Christ is Master.
If Elveau want to be called father, he need to get a wife and impregnate her, he will then become a earthly father to his children!
You should ask him how could a man be called father when he has no children? Plain and simple.
the priest didnt lie. the youth dont value life like before.