2017/2018 budget fails to effectively address national economic growth – Opposition Leader

Linton says 2017/2018 budget fails to address growth (file photo)

The leader of the parliamentary opposition, Lennox Linton, has said that the 2017/2018 national budget has failed to address the major national development challenge of the last two decades – that of putting the country on a path of faster, higher, economic growth.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit, on Thursday, July 27, 2017, presented a budget amounting to more than EC$854 million in recurrent and capital expenditure for 2017/2018, an increase of EC$173 million over 2016/2017.

“The 2017/2018 budget presented on a platform of all-time high revenues from the sale of passports, falls well short of showing how government will prioritize and achieve its annual and multi-annual objectives in a way that will impact the economy as a whole by placing it on a path of faster, higher growth – the undisputed major national development challenge of the last two decades,” Linton said in his budget response on Friday July 28, delivered less than 24 hours after Skerrit’s budget statement.

The Opposition Leader lamented what he described as “this outrageous limitation of the time” to respond to a budget statement prepared over a number of months and said it “confirms the hostility to Parliament’s oversight responsibility for public finances that has become the modus operandi of this administration.”

Linton said he was curious about the reason for the prime minister’s excitement over the 2017/2018 budget which, like other budgets over the past 17 years, is designed to spend more and more of the people’s money to make them poorer, render them more and more incapable of making their own money, and living lives of dignity.

“Where is the excitement in same old, same old? Where is the excitement in haphazard spending that will only lead to stagnation and further decline in the growth engines of agriculture, tourism, light manufacturing, renewable energy and the cultural industries?”, he asked, “Where is the excitement in presiding over increased joblessness, in managing the widening and deepening poverty… where is the excitement in using more and more of people’s money on the increasingly empty promises of a better life?”

Painting the budget as unclear and unfair, Linton accused its authors of protecting the “selfish interest of the few who make merry in the Dominica that is doing very well while the rest of us, in the other Dominica they have made critically unwell, endure the sweltering heat of a living hell.” He said it is unhinged from the realities of what the people really need “because it is the work of a regime that simply will not take heed. More of the same has not worked, cannot work and will not work.”

“Change is a must,” Linton proclaimed and affirmed the party’s commitment to develop and grow a model green economy that “rewards enterprise, puts our people to work for decent wages, gives a fair chance to all and secures our place in the global trade of goods and services.”

The Opposition Leader presented some specific measures which he said a UWP administration will implement in formulating a budget. These include budget outlook and budget strategy papers for better public understanding of the “fiscal strategy driving the revenue and expenditure allocations”, fiscal responsibility legislation; establishing principles of responsible fiscal management and transparency, Medium Term Expenditure Framework guidelines and Sector Working Groups, and Ministerial Public Expenditure reviews to bring together input from ministers, parliamentarians, public officials, the private sector, civil society organizations and private citizens.

The UWP budget formulation approach will also include the engagement of a Finance Committee of Parliament, the Budget Office and Sector Hearings to consider these contributions and to review and approve the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.

Other measures entail the control of unbudgeted spending by including in the budget a contingency reserve for unforeseen or emergency spending, improving the capital budgeting process and promoting trust among citizens regarding government’s effective, efficient, and sustainable use of the country’s available resources.

A UWP administration, according to Linton, will ensure that “once Parliament approves the budget, allocations will be effectively implemented by the ministries and agencies of government to secure the intended development benefits.” He added that revenue collection and spending, as authorized in the budget, will be subjected to proper oversight throughout the year by a properly empowered Public Accounts Committee, the Audit Department, the Budget Office and line ministries as appropriate.”

Under a UWP watch, the role of the Public Accounts Committee will be expanded to ensure that oversight is done in real time; there will be periodic budget performance reviews as well as greater transparency regarding the implementation of budget allocations after approval by Parliament.

In keeping with his party’s incessant campaign for electoral reform, Linton posited that in the context of Dominica’s democratic traditions and aspirations, a proposed new mode of governance that is “more consultative and able to quickly identify challenges and solutions”  begins with elections with integrity.

“Free and fair elections that honestly and accurately reflect the free will of the people in the choice of a government of the people, by the people, for the people… a government whose members accept that in democracies, the people elect government, monitor government, question government, criticize government, praise government, counsel government and change government without let or hindrance,” Linton declared.

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57 Comments

  1. De Observer
    August 1, 2017

    What happened here DNO? I can’t find my last post.

  2. jaded
    July 31, 2017

    As usual, Linton failed to give a substantive response to the budget. When is he going to give specifics about what DLP should do instead? He talks about oversigh and review committees. Really? How will that create jobs and move the economy forward? Linton is devoid of ideas to help Dominica.

  3. Fan Chooy
    July 31, 2017

    Lennox you dont have a solution to any problems here you only add problems to our problems you are not fit to run the country give someone more capable, bright, educated and with clear thinking the position.

    • %
      July 31, 2017

      Idiot no one person can have the answers to a country’s problems.You do not even have the answers to your own problems of poverty,grovelling,begging,and God knows what else.Why dont you attend SUMMER SCHOOL,so that you glean a little more wisdom?
      SKERRIT MUST GO
      SKERRIT MUST GO
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW,!

      • Fan Chooy
        July 31, 2017

        Me????? Where did you take that dose of cocaine??? Im truley blessed thats why i can sit on my porch and sip my champagne when i feel like lol moron.

  4. Tjebe fort
    July 31, 2017

    I notice madame Speaker arriving 10 minutes late at the House today, but Roosevelt Skerrit not present. Does anyone know where he is? Can GIS tell us something about that. Or did he perhaps slink away after that bruising by Lennox Linton and is licking his wounds? Apparently Madame Speake also listens to Q95 because she was obviously emotionally affected when giving an unnamed opposition member a bashing for allegedly being rude to her go-for, Remarkable really, I have passed in government offices and caught people furtively listening to that radio station. They must haved something that is very addictive. The truth perhaps? We miss Angelo though, he is vindicated on Ng Lap Seng and now the Baroness again. Angelo, come back, you are sorely missed.

    • Barbara Saunders
      August 2, 2017

      Tjebe fort
      How is Angelo vindicated on Ng Lap Seng? Is Mr. Skerrit going to jail with him? I am sure you know that unsubstantiated allegations “aka” gossip and character assassination is addictive particularly in Dominica these days.

      Badmouthing has become the norm and Q95 leads the way, so why not listen?

  5. Sextus
    July 31, 2017

    I was never a fan of the UWP. I never liked Edison as my leader. But I must admit it that though Linton has not necessarily been the people’s choice for leader, inch by inch, one by one, he is getting us converted.

    A breath of fresh air indeed in Dominica’s politics.

  6. Puppet
    July 31, 2017

    Has anything been mentioned about the new bridge by Glo Sho which has been finished for a while now being opened and the Hillsborough to Pond Casse road being fixed. Is this not a priority if not why build a new bridge?

  7. Karfwane Wedgehart.
    July 31, 2017

    Right now, Venezuela is an avalanche that is taking all the debris down thus exorcising Ma Dominique of the of the generational curse

  8. My Thibaud People
    July 31, 2017

    My Thibaud people especially those that are proud of our village, if that budget of Skerrit is not seen as a wake-up call for us, what will? My heart aches in London to hear there is something in it for Penville and Vielle-case, but not a thing for Thibaud, knowing how he demolished our school that EO Leblanc built us in 1973. Are you that foolish to continue to support him? Where is ur schoolat a time when education is the key to success? Is it that Skerrit sees us as fools and decides to take our school because fools don’t deserve a school? No wonder last month I read on DNO that government signed a contract for road and wall in Gomier, Thibaud but he signed it With Vielle case council, though we have a council in Thibaud, and only Viell- case people working on it. Is it a sign that Skerrit intends to also take our council and be served by Vielle case council? What’s wrong with you guys? Since when we get so stupid? Did unite like that? Abo and Fabien must be crying in their grav

    • My Thibaud People
      July 31, 2017

      Skerrit took our school and soon our children will have to go to Vielle case school, like in the 50’s. By bypassing our elected village council and went to sign contract for the Gomier, Thibaud road with the Vielle case village council, and gave the jobs to Vielle case young men as if we have builders in Thibaud is not only a sign of disrespect but a sign that he intends to take our council away from us and surrender our village to Vielle. How did the minister responsible for local government allow that to happen? Where is the opposition care taker? Soon Gomier will be delivered to ‘Swallow’ and the playing field will be given to Paix Bouche because is sort we sort. Nowonder he took our school from us and we celebrate our feast this week, we will once again have to go and dance on the beach like small crabs, thanks to Skerrit that is on a mission of hate and revenge. I crying in London over my lovely village

  9. 75 CAN'T go INTO 14
    July 31, 2017

    When one understands the situation in Panama, where one corrupt leader seems to succeed the other, we have to consider ourselves fortunate that when that when we get rid of the corrupt Skerrit we will have an honest Linton to replace him. Linton’s buffet presentation was a gem and by far the best I have heard from Linton. Even a very red Laborite told me that Linton exceeded her expectation and really had her and husband thinking, especially when he said Venezuela is a rich country with oil but because of the bad policies of Chavez, the people don’t even have food to eat. In contrast Dominica has nothing yet Skerrit is implementing the same policies of Chavez which is sign of chaos for us and our children. By the way this very red woman that told me so also told me she, her husband, and daughter, living in the same house, each got a separate check for small business though none intends to own any business. Just corruption and Skerrit way of buying votes.

  10. 75 CAN'T go INTO 14
    July 30, 2017

    I have never been in love with UWP, and never been a friend of Linton, but after following the politics of Dominica, especially the last 15 very disappoing years of the DLP and Skerrit in particular, I must admit that it’s a blessing to have a very honest man like Linton available. At this very Linton is the only politician I believe I can trust at this time because these are very dangerous times and honesty and true patriotism is what we need, and Linton seems to have both and is a man of good character. As for Skerrit we need him out now is we have any chance of saving DA

  11. CIA on the watch
    July 30, 2017

    So what’s up with the you tube live response of the leader of the opposition, been searching for this since Thursday, guess Madam speaker use her hachet.

  12. Doc Love
    July 30, 2017

    Mr. Lennox Linton’s response, was definitely the greatest ever produced by any opposition leader in Dominica. It was masterful, brilliant, captivating, magnificent and educational.

    • July 31, 2017

      Did he give another rebutal on the weekend? If it was so great why is it not on DNO?

    • viewsexpressed
      July 31, 2017

      Well said, well said, best read I have had for sometime. More Dominicans are beginning to open their eyes to the reality of how this Skerrit led Labour government is extremely corrupt and devious and exercise open abuse on the vulnerability of poor Dominican people.
      Skerrit must go and he must take his gang of incompetent with him, especially those waste of time, lazy Freedomites lurking onto to him for what, we don’t know, they do know.

      By the way, we saw Skerrit escaping on a private plane out of Canefield yesterday. What happen, he gave up on LIAT that too may people will see him, or they will feel the turbulence of the flight. And who is opaying for all this,That’s how devious he is, who is? well go find out!
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit must GoOhhhhhh Yesssssssssssss, you are so right. Brilliant.

    • Just Passing Through
      July 31, 2017

      Better than the former UWP Leader who was once the Prime Minister? Better than any former leader of the UWP? Then UWP fini bat if Dr. Love thinks so. So Dominicans are right then in Doc Love’s assessment to not let the UWP be our government if this is the best we have. Thanks Doc Love.

  13. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    July 30, 2017

    “Other measures entail the control of unbudgeted spending by including in the budget, a contingency reserve for unforeseen or emergency spending, improving the capital budgeting process and promoting trust among citizens regarding government’s effective, efficient, and sustainable use of the country’s available resources.”(Lennox Linton).

    Those are the words of a visionary; a leader who looks ahead, one who will not wait until the disaster or other unforeseen circumstances arise to run out and beg for help to resolve simple matters. This man is a visionary who will not sit back, and depend on handouts from other struggling bankrupt nations such a Venezuela.

    In his vision I see one who intends to develop our country to a point where we can operate independently, with no dependency on others, and receiving very little or no outside help. In his vision I see foreign investments in industries coming into the country, while setting the sale of passports on the back burner!

  14. Illuminator
    July 30, 2017

    “Change is a must,” Linton proclaimed and affirmed the party’s commitment to develop and grow a model green economy that “rewards enterprise, puts our people to work for decent wages, gives a fair chance to all and so on

    My response to this is that if you were to go through budget addresses of the last 17 years you would find all of the above phrases in some form, shape or the other. So Mr. Linton is in fact coming up with some more of the same old, same old. Maybe it is because as he rightly points out he has very limited time to prepare his response.

    Mr. Linton presented some specific measures which he said, a UWP administration will implement in formulating a budget. These include….. a whole list of bureaucratic changes designed to further slow down an already slow implementation process. Mr Linton here should be citing specific budget re-allocations, economic packages to stimulate identified growth sectors to provide the growth required. He should have spoken to Dr…

  15. viewsexpresed
    July 30, 2017

    DNO, can we please share a copy of the Budget address speech of Hon. Linton on DNO that we can read.?,….just as there is one for Skerrit.

    Its a brilliant, well written, well articulated, well received.
    ASAP
    Thank You

  16. Me
    July 30, 2017

    As Oscar Wilde so famously said:” Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go”
    Happy to see you Hon. Linton!

    And remember. no man is rich enough to buy back his past.

  17. Ibo France
    July 30, 2017

    Just have to comment on a misconception many Dominicans cling to. Dominicans seem to blur the line between government and party. Anything that is owned by the government belongs to all the citizens not the ruling party. DBS is being blatantly misused and abused as it is exclusively used as a DLP propaganda machine. DBS is not the property of the Labor Party. It is tax payers money that keeps it afloat. It’s a national entity. All political parties should have equal access. Of course, no libelous statements should be permitted. Dominicans wake up and demand that this important national asset, DBS, should be used for the collective good of all citizens. This monopoly and blatant misuse of the national radio station (DBS) must STOP now.

    • Just Passing Through
      July 30, 2017

      Isn’t DBS also a business? If DBS goes under what would you say lbo France? Whom would you blame the Government right? Would you blame the Opposition if they were constantly given free air time? Or would you blame the management of the station and ask them why did they give all the free time on the radio? I have not heard that the opposition cannot use DBS. I heard the Opposition can pay the fees needed to use DBS.

      When the citizens of the country need to advertise on DBS they pay. If you want to announce the death of a loved one would you not pay to have it on the radio?

      I agree with you about misconception. You are clinging to one right here.

      • Me
        July 31, 2017

        I distinctively remember the opposition trying to book air time with DBS and their cheque being returned by the management of that station.

      • Ibo France
        July 31, 2017

        @Just Passing Through

        Your attempt to defend the indefensible is both frivolous and disingenuous at best. For the nation to be best informed, they should hear the proposals, ideas, and counter arguments of all political parties then they decide by their own analysis which arguments are most commonsensical. Your ‘money’ defense is unconvincing. Every thing that is broadcast on DBS about the Opposition is unflattering. Conversely, anything about the governing party is stupendous. This populace is done a huge disservice by being fed worshipful propaganda about the government and a staple of relentless diatribe about the Opposition. No wonder the unsuspecting and gullible don’t think for themselves but just regurgitate what they hear on radio ((DBS).

      • Looking
        July 31, 2017

        Who pays the salaries of the staff of DBS? Do they get a commission from gov’t? Or are they solely responsible for paying their bills? If they salaries are paid from gov’ts subvention therefore both the gov’t and opposition should get equal airtime. If DBS is a private entity then everyone has to pay. Just crying for a fair and just society.

      • UK Dominican
        July 31, 2017

        Pls. read the report of the meeting that took place in Oct. 2014 between the UWP and the general Manager of DBS, Cecil Joseph as published by DNO 0n 14 Oct. 2014.

  18. viewsexpresed
    July 30, 2017

    GIS, is a government medium and belongs to us the people of Dominica and not to Skerrit, Tony, Crazy etc, etc.
    We have access to it and Hon Linton`s Speech must be played and repeated as a rebuttal whenever Skerrits’s address is played. For once listen to intellectual address and learn of the truth , that is the poor state of development in Dominica and its fast deterioration and poor governance led by PM Skerrit and rogues.

    • July 30, 2017

      I don’t think the leader of the opposition wants this rebuttal to be played too often, as it is filled with too many empty statements that does not speak to the issues confronting Dominica. This sounded like a manifesto, with loads of promises not saying how they are going to be paid for, the brilliant plan by the leader of the opposition to shut down the geothermal project is utter stupidity.

      • viewsexpressed
        July 31, 2017

        Then take your time and go read again to the quality of a well prepared and read SPEECH.
        Skerrit is in now at able to prepare, construct such a speech, let alone to deliver it,. It will have to be ductored for him by one of his bind political scouts

        Skerrit Must Go……

    • De Observer
      July 31, 2017

      SMH…A misconception right here viewexpressed. Is Mr. Linton the PM or Mr. Skerritt? Does the vice president of any establishment etc hold the same position as the president? Since Mr. Skeritt is the Prime minister of Dominica he has the privilege of addressing the country whenever he deems necessary on like Mr. Linton who is not. When and if he sits in this position he will also have that privilege. Patience is a virtue. So your idea that Mr. Linton’s speech be played whenever the PM speaks is really unprofessional and childish.

      Protocol must be observed.

      Views expressed on DNO don’t necessarily mean that they are always correct. It’s just a medium where we can all venge our frustration, truth, anger, evil and mischievous opinions.

      • Dominican
        July 31, 2017

        Our government is not a corporation where you can simply dismiss someone, who does not support the policies and decisions of the CEO. In the House of Parliament all members are equal in their rights an duties, precisely because they do not just represent themselves but their constituents.
        A commercial enterprise is not democratic by nature, whereas the governance of our country is supposed to be. I believe that is difficult to grasp for our P.M and some of his supporters, who seem to hold the opinion that once you win an elections, any opposition should cease and toe the line. No, in a democracy opposition is not only necessary but healthy.

  19. viewsexpresed
    July 30, 2017

    You are so wrong, with idiotic thoughts just to defend an inept PM and a corrupt labour government.. You do not even know your Civil lessons to know of the structure of Dominica’s government structure . For you information, the government consists of the government side and the Opposition side and we have the structure of government that involves the civil service etc. etc. Skerrit seems to have corrupted the minds of some Dominicans referred to as blind loyalists and this is a poison to keep some blind loyalists ignorant of their own rights and the role and structure of government. Skerrit himself, it is sad to say, knows not much of the operations of the government structure and its civil service let alone the role and respect for parliament. We know about the Bin and Fertilizer Bobol, now the questionable CBI money, Monfared, Baroness Scotland etc.., appears to be nefarious friends for company, Is this true.
    The Opposition is part of Government and plays a critical as guardians.

    • De Observer
      July 31, 2017

      You seem to be a genius viewsexpressed…

    • July 31, 2017

      The I’s always have it and that is how we are governed in Dominica. The constitution clearly states what the functions of government and the opposition are. I wonder if your party Team Dominica or UWP, whichever name you want to call them was in office , would write this same garbage.

    • Omg!
      July 31, 2017

      you are like a stuck record…… every topic…every point… Bin Bobol etc… whether or not it even relates to the topic at hand… And talk about blind allegiance? Clearly you have the same for Mr Linton for whatever he says and does is golden to you yet you criticize Skerrits supporters for doing just the same?

  20. %
    July 30, 2017

    Well Honourable Leader Lennox Linnox,Patriot #1,my paragon of leadership,and the man with the gravitas to lead..This long lousy,empty harangue by Skerrit should not surprise those of us who know the nature of this corrupted and polluted regime.This is an economy growing on average by less than 1% since Skerrit has been PM.What is more vexing and damning than that?Does he really care?.Those idiots have converted Dominica into a passport production factory,with CBI revenue contributing roughly 60% of our revenue.Can those fools beat their meg chests on this predicament they have placed us in?Dominica’s economy is teetering towards collapse.The state has to provide virtually everything to the people.They have KILLED agriculture and leave it to rot.To add insult to injury the CBI revenue is being frittered away to curry political patronage all around the country.That what a nation gets when idiotic SQUARE PEGS ARE PLACED IN ROUND HOLES.
    SKERRIT MUST GO
    SKERRIT MUST GO
    SKERRIT MUST GO…

    • %
      July 30, 2017

      Leader Lennox Linton,patriot #1….
      SKERRIT MUST GO
      SKERRIT MUST GO
      SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!!!

    • Ras
      July 30, 2017

      Yes Mr/Ms/Mrs “%”, Mr Linton is quite a “patriot”, to have advised the proprietor of Jungle Bay in the wake of Tropical Storm Erika not to rebuild lest the Rosevelt Skerrit administration got credit! And your hero had the guts to go to the House of Assembly and criticize the DLP’s job creation record! Such is your “paragon of leadership “.
      Your hero has ridiculed the Government’s eradication of pit latrine initiative and he shamelessly went to parliament to talk about his intention to address garbage disposal concerns in an effort to prevent the spread of disease!
      What HYPOCRISY!!!!

      • %
        July 31, 2017

        There is a lot of GARBAGE in your LAZY and DUSTY brain and head which needs cleaning too.Its a pity that the country is so badly governed,that we do not have garbage trucks to gather so much waste.
        SKERRIT MUST GO
        SKERRIT MUST GO
        SKERRIT MUST GO NOW!

  21. bro
    July 30, 2017

    This is an empty baseless response. There are just a complication of adjectives and verb with no relevance to the speech Skerrit presented.

    I mean com’on, you want to be a leader but repeat the same nonsense illiterate street know-it-alls say. Be specific; point out specific plans Skerrit presented and say why you disagree and then present a viable alternative. Its a budget response and you throwing in election reform.

    There guys just repeat the same thing over and over, and they cant see its not working. People care about how they make a dollar, and how they can improve their personal/ family lives. UWP is caught up in their fantasy world were corruption and scandal is the only priority. If you got a plan for 5% growth/year then present it in parliament. Maybe DNO misquoted, but theres’ nothing Linton said that could create 1 job or bring 1 dollar in revenue for the country. And dont gimme that crap they keeping their ideas secret for when they win elections. They got…

    • %
      July 30, 2017

      @bro I am very elated that you referred to this” thing’ from Skerrit as a “speech’, and not a BUDGET STATEMENT. At least you are not really one of those blind Labourites…..Yes sir,,HONOURABLE LINTON has everything it takes to lead. I have never heard his name being associated with theft, underhand deals,,illegal sales of anything, and he has always been a patriot, what he was yesterday, that’s what he is today. THAT IS LEADERSHIP…He has also been exposing ‘BOBOL’, like the garbage bin bobol, and the fertilizer bobol… HE CHAMPIONS accountability AND transparency.
      You are right, people care about how they make a DOLLAR…That’s why I firmly believe the people will VOTE OUT this polluted DLP regime, again, AS THEY DID IN 2014…THE PEOPLE ARE SO UPSET WITH YOU ALL, that they will refuse another election without ELECTORAL REFORM.
      Are you not ashamed a regime you support can only win an election by IMPORTING VOTERS?
      SKERRIT MUST GO
      SJKERRIT MUST GO
      SKERRIT MUST GO…

    • viewsexpresed
      July 30, 2017

      What adjective and verb would you use to describe your illiterate description of a speech difficult fore you and your corrupt government to comprehend. Go read Hon Linton`s address again and try again. And see if you can compare it with Skerrits`s repetitive annual address. This is the worse thing to happen to Dominica since Skerrits’s emergence as PM. Don’t believe me go ask Savarin.

      • De Observer
        July 31, 2017

        Whip another project in their tail Skerro!!!!

    • yes Lord!
      July 30, 2017

      are you a certified “STUPID” person? But we understand ignorance like you lack in depth truth and understanding – so we forgive you and your ignorance which you wear so proudly. Keep your eyes bow and your head close. God help you!!!

      • De Observer
        August 1, 2017

        Whip another project in their tail Skerro!!!!!!

        You’re a certified genius…clap clap

        A kind reminder that just like you it is my democratic right to freely but respectfully express my opinions.

  22. Not A Herd Follower
    July 30, 2017

    DNO, this is much better written article than the normal fare offered.

    With regards to the response of the Opposition Leader to the Budget Address, Mr. Linton has proposed measures that will certainly improve the discipline of budgeting and governance. The current situation is marked by broken down public financial management and poor governance.

  23. Dominican
    July 30, 2017

    I heard Ian maintaining that the opposition get equal air time as long as they pay. That is baloney, GIS is a government owned agency, supposed to be impartial but right now all I can see and hear on their allotted video channel (Marpin 7) is Roosevelt Skerrit’s budget presentation on a continuous loop, ad infinitum and and ad nauseam. Waste of time Roosevelt, In my opinion you lost that battle hands down to the novice. Any comments Ian?

    • 2017Budget
      July 30, 2017

      You are so right, GIS is a government owned agency. The Opposition is NOT, should I say it again? is NOT the govenment.

      • Tjebe fort
        July 30, 2017

        You nincompoop, you just confirm that this government does not represent all Dominicans as they are supposed to but is a one-party government.. You shoot yourself in the foot there my boy.

      • Me
        July 30, 2017

        So, this government is not all-inclusive after all?

      • kingman
        July 31, 2017

        so why don’t you ask flow to promote Digi on their paid programs. you people are rediculus

      • Screwed once too often
        July 31, 2017

        And who pays GIS? Is it not the taxpayers of Dominica? ALL Dominicans, so it belongs to all Dominicans , even those who do not agree with the government. They are happy to take everybody’s money but not serve them equally and Charles Savarin prattling on about unity and peace? Yes, Charles Savarin expense is also borne by ALL Dominicans. This is nonsense and has to stop.

      • Looking
        July 31, 2017

        I think we are sometimes confused as to what is government and what is a political party. Government is comprised of both the ruling party and opposition. The operations of GIS is paid for by the taxpayers of Dominica who are both opposition and ruling party supporters. Therefore any opposition and ruling party should be given equal access.

    • Just Passing Through
      July 30, 2017

      It is what is in the budget that can be implemented. The people needs to hear the benefits they will be receiving from the government budget. The opposition will give their opinion of what is in budget, what they approve or disapprove of. In the end however, it is the government who must make the decision as to how the country purse is spent in the best interest of the citizens.

      The Government and the Opposition are very different; why then do you think the opposition would want to be the government and not be satisfied to remain as the opposition if they are the same?

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