The DAIC as a private sector organization would like to caution all citizens and political parties and supporters to observe the tenets of peaceful exercise of their electoral franchise in the lead up to, and into the general election.
We have worked hard to survive and bounce back from the traumas of two destructive weather events which had significant adverse effects to individuals and business owners alike and we must remember the human catastrophe associated with the fallout of Hurricane Maria and the losses suffered. Our country has bounced back to regain a sense of normality because of the diligence and togetherness of the people of Dominica.   Let us make every effort to ensure that this is preserved.
Any sequence of events which can and will compromise law and order in our country and which will create further shocks to the business community, and confidence in our country, will compromise jobs for locals and our economy and must be condemned.  These events can and will also compromise investor confidence and will cause us quite easily to step back to the dark days of the immediate post-Hurricane Maria catastrophe.
Equally, we urge that the security forces be guided by an even-handed approach to law enforcement. This means observing the preservation of peace and the protection of the citizenry, private and public property coupled with freedom of movement whilst respecting the rights of individuals to express themselves as is customary in a democracy.
This marriage between responsible advocacy and responsible leadership is vital in order for this country to continue moving forward peacefully and to ensure that the private sector stays confident through the electoral process.
We also urge that responsibility be exercised in the circulation of imagery (both nationally and internationally) which purports scenes that may misrepresent the total view of current life in Dominica. We should all be mindful at all times of the power of instant media and the impressions it may give of the island, again compromising the livelihood of businesses large and small and eroding the confidence of the outside world in the entire country.
We must ensure that our actions today do not negatively affect our lives and livelihoods after this electoral period is over and that respect for law and order is paramount and essential at this time.
Sounds like flogging a dead horse.
DAIC. Tell Skerrit to give the people electoral reform. That is the ONLY way the protests will stop
I listened to this young intelligent woman delivering this statement on Marpin TV and i must admit that this was the most refreshing words of wisdom I’ve heard heard in a long time, especially in light of the current volatile political atmosphere. When you compare these words of wisdom to those of one of UWP operatives also talking on Marpin news, who was involved in the nonsensical behavior outside the Fort Young Hotel, in which he said that he couldn’t care less if another tourist set his/her foot in Dominica, as long as he get his electoral reform. I mean, Really? Are these the same people telling us that if they get elected we can expect a booming tourist industry and economy?
What they have to do is support the need for electoral reform because in the long run the decay of our democratic system will do more harm than good to our economic growth.
I just see this as a repetition of Skerrits lik speech, and irresponsibly, DAIC failed to address the concerns of the people as if on Dec 7 all well good as new again.
What the DAIC should do is ask the president to address this just cocern and side with peace and compromise and not some cheap ‘think about the money lost’ when skerrit is burning the peoples money on nonsense everyday. Act like a responsible group.
This associations leadership is totally bias and can go to hell. This selective caution in the face of total disregard for the constitution, by the ruling Dominica Labour Party is suspect. What was your advise, when (OAS), ( CARICOM), (COMSEC) and the concerned citizens movement advised the Government on electoral reform, your silence was extremely loud. Law and order has been trampled by this Government and you said nothing so keep your azz shut.
I do not advocate violence nor any destruction of private or public property. However, we must address the source of the dissatisfaction and discontentment. DAIC failed to deal with this very vexing issue. The source of any problem must be dealt with before calm and peace can be secured. Corruption and unfairness creates disquiet. As long as corrupt practices continue in Dominica by the current dictatorship, rumblings and protests will continue unabated. Justice and fairness must prevail.
I endorse this Statement by the DAIC. Well said; the pain which you suffered should not and cannot be deliberately repeated.
Who wrote this? The passport seller? I can’t make any promises. No justice, No peace!
This is a great statement. As a Dominican and a potential investor, I am very concerned. I call on everyone to speak in measured tones, to not incite violence and to act peacefully.
Having said that, quite frankly more should have been done to address the simmering angst before calling this election. I felt that angst at the ground level, everywhere I went on my recent visit. There was a disconnect. In fact people spoke in hush tones, which was scary and telling.
Please fix this, for the betterment of this poor island with so much potential.
This is a rehash of Skerrit’s comments this morning blaming the opposition for things that go wrong in Dominica. If Dominica has a negative image for investors today you must blame Roosevelt Skerrit who has been running things for the last fifteen years. Be real.
de movement deserves support by groups and NGO
de issue is electoral reform period!at
nothing you said here addresses our need for electoral reform that was advised by Commonwealth secretariat, Caricom secritariat and OAS.
so tell me……will Skerrit be man enuff to reach out to these self same agencies to be independent observers at de next general elections?
put all de teargas aside…….what grade would they give our election without de reforms that they suggested????
will skerrit pay dem to give him a glorious report?
WE can’t take back the negative portray is done and its all over the world, right now we have to deal with it. Dominica is the talk of ttown now. When you dream of a dead person say someone is dangerous this is what the supporter are doing dangerous arts. Sorry to say it might be worst.
I am in agreement with this press released. But did the DAIC had any press release with regards to electoral reform and the recommendations on electoral reform by the regional and international organizations?
Yes Stephen
I support your agreement of the release ,but , I also need you guys to support my repeated calls for the development of Soyn in facilitating the extension of the village of Karsharkoo .
Allu need to talk man talk.
This situation would be non existent if the Govt gave the people electoral reform. It is that simple.
Well said by the DAIC, I full support this. We have to think beyond this moment and how this actions can negatively portray our beautiful country. Please people be responsible in your actions and not reckless.
How about DAIC asking the govt to respect the people to avoid all this? DAIC should be asking Skerrit to conform to the call of the international bodies and clean the voters list. If that was done there would be no reason for protest. Stop puting plaster on stale sore, put medicine
Which ‘people’ you referring to? Last I checked the Government had a mandate to govern given by the PEOPLE. that is the evidence before us. Just because SOME people jump up and down and demand something has to happen … that don’t make it so. Burning tyres in the road and provoking the police is not how we measure the will of the PEOPLE. We do that by the ballot box. Carry on for you to find out how the PEOPLE really respond when they have their livelihood messed around with.
well written and well said
B S. That is the same person that write Skerrit’s speech.