Astaphan rejects Almagro’s criticism of Dominica’s electoral reform record

Almagro, Astaphan

Senior Counsel and spokesman for Prime Minister Skerrit, Anthony Astaphan has said that a statement by OAS  Secretary General Luis Almagro about Dominica’s implementation of OAS of electoral reform recommendations, is dishonest.

Amalgro made the statement in a published response to CARICOM’s criticism of a tweet which he posted on Feb 7th in which he mentioned that former Dominican Ambassador to the UN, Crispin Gregoire was concerned that the upcoming general election in Dominica would not be free and fair.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Francine Baron subsequently wrote to Almagro, on behalf of the government, demanding that he withdraw the tweet and apologize.  CARICOM also criticized the Secretary General’s tweet, describing it as “the latest manifestation of his [Almagro’s] inappropriate behaviour” that was “outside the bounds of his remit as the Head of an international organisation.”

However, Almagro has refused to back down insisting that his statements and actions “are completely consistent with the competencies of the Office of Secretary General and the democratic principles that this Organization promotes and defends.”

Astaphan, on the other hand, has said that he believes that the Secretary General’s release is dishonest for various reasons.

“It is dishonest for a number of reasons,” he said. “It is not a matter of coincidence as far as I am concerned, that the only member of the opposition that the Secretary General has met to date, has come from Dominica, one year or a year and a half after Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit stated at an OAS meeting that the Secretary General should be fired for the manner in which he [is] conducting himself as Secretary General of the OAS.”

Astaphan went on to say that one must bear in mind as well, that the government has received recommendations from other organizations including the Commonwealth and it is public knowledge that the Commonwealth has given technical assistance to the Electoral Commission.

“You can confirm that with the Chairman because that is public knowlege,” he remarked

Astaphan argued that according to the Harvard Kennedy School report cited by Almagro, countries show different implementation rates of the recommendation and gave as examples, Colombia (72%), Salvador (70%), Bolivia (60%), Venezuela (65%).

He continued, quoting from the report, “While in the Caribbean concretely St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua &Barbuda, Dominica and Bahamas, “the implementation rate does not reach 10 percent which may be due to the different legal and historical traditions as well as the different levels of regulations within those societies”

He contended that the misrepresentation by the Secretary of the OAS Secretary General is that he failed to mention St Kitts, Antigua and Bahamas.

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82 Comments

  1. viewsexpressed
    February 28, 2019

    “Astaphan rejects Almagro’s criticism of Dominica’s electoral reform record…” Just who the hell is Astaphan to talk this nonsense? He aint living in Domininca, we dont see him frequently, but hear him loosely when he has anything to say not in the interest of Dominica but of that failed immature Skerrit. Tony, you mean absolutely nothing to us here and your failed inept Skerrit. He has brought us to poverty, no jobs, no agriculture, he is still this so called young man who has not mature but tries wholly on weird people like vocal Tony Astaphan who has no credible voice in Dominica where he is ignored and listened to only by failed little boy Skerrit (Odd Minister)., because Skerrit is unable to stand on his own, like our dear in coming Prime Minister, Hon Lenox Linton.
    Tony Astaphan is a blind politician as he knows not what is happening in Dominica on matters of corruption and a failed labour corrupt government led by this failed Skerrit. Skerrit must Go, Tony must Get lost.

  2. Didymus
    February 28, 2019

    Joe Linton the difference between skerrit and Linton is the character and morals. yes skerrit is helping people with a rope tie to the things he is giving. he gives with the left hand and pulling from you with the right hand. his corruption is greater than his good deeds. look further than your foot think beyond. use your imagination. vote skerrit out he not good for the country.

    • viewsexpressed
      February 28, 2019

      Whooooaaaa, well said….well said. I hope Joe Linton`s eyes are wide open now, to the level of no development taking place in Domininca for our people who will be without jobs. Skerrit has killed the resources of Domininca. No more bananas, oranges, lines, etc being produced anymore in Domininca. Skerrit has ignored these rich product and went on a trail of abusing our resources by selling our passports to funny people who began to enter Canada because we are part of the Commonwealth and Canada has closed its doors on us, and imposed visa application from us Dominicans to enter Canada and we now have to travel to the Canadian Embassy for a visa to enter Canada. I am hoping that you all now see and understand the trouble and melee this man failed Skerrit has doe to us and has stained the name of our Domininca. Skerrit and his corrupt useless Labour government must Go.
      We must, we will welcome Hon Linton and his professional UWP Team. hey have earned, they are sincere and loyal to us.

  3. Joseph John
    February 27, 2019

    One fake idea that opposition gang bangers are promoting is that USA loves Venezuela and other Latin Americans. This is so fake. Do you know why the Indians are kept in concentration camp type Indian Reservation for over 500 years (since the 1500’s) …….because they look like Mexicans. They look like illegal immigrants; in their own lands which the Americans stole from them after murdering millions of Indians.

    • Neville
      February 28, 2019

      You are totally insane. Who are you trying to impress??

    • viewsexpressed
      February 28, 2019

      Joseph John, what on earth are yo taking about? Please try and come again.

  4. Joseph John
    February 27, 2019

    Wow. The negative comments are rather interesting. Why so much resentment is heaped on Tony ? Are they afraid of him. Well in King Dice words Tony is showing ” I en fraid, I en fraid of them.” Opposition forces like to use fear as a weapon to intimate and make people keep quiet. But DLP people like to say, “stick and stones …….……” It will not be like May 79 which made DLP members go underground. With or without the elections reform injunctions by the UWP, DLP know they are winning next election 21 to 0. With all other candidates losing their deposit 100%.
    Just look at the negative comments of the opposition gang bangers, ganging up on Tony. That is all they can do. They gang up on Skerrit also , but wait a minute they have nothing to offer in support of their own candidates, of their own leaders. Is this a sign that they have no leaders or they have only fake leaders. WOW !

    • RandyX
      February 28, 2019

      Afraid of Astaphan?? He is just a little insignificant weasel that became rich courtesy of Skerrit. The only thing that annoys me with this man is that he comes on here like he is deputy PM. He needs to be told to stay out of it. Last time I checked he is not an elected member of Parliament. Once Skerrit is gone that little man will disappear somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle, never to be heard of again. Trust me.

    • Ibo France
      February 28, 2019

      JJ, the truth is that the Senior Counsel often tries to defend the indefensible therefore attracts much unfavorable attention. Tee graft that he presented undercut his argument and bolster that of the General Secretary of the OAS. I am in no way a supporter of Mr. Almagest but he is spot on with his comments about the non-implementation of electoral reforms in Dominica. No citizen is more hate filled than Tony Astaphan. His words, especially about the members of the opposition, are always hateful, obnoxious, uncouth and painful to the ears. He is easily the most divisive, unelectable politician in Dominica. To attribute anything virtuous or morally upright to Mr. Astaphsn is like bestowing sainthood on Satan. Dominica will do well without him.

    • viewsexpressed
      February 28, 2019

      Yes, you damn right, we Dominicans are scared of him, this worthless Astaphan, one pampers failed Skerrit and not him in all kind of mess, not linked t the Development of our Domininca. He is a danger to our Domininca. Does the term “cockroaches” etc. Does this mean anything to you, where one insults Dominicans, and protects the failure and incompetence of Skerrit? Astaphan can go to hell, go to hell and eave us alone. Take Skerrit with you , he has reduced our people to beggars paupers and in deep poverty.

  5. DaPossieMassive
    February 27, 2019

    @Joseph Peter you are so correct and in corroboration:
    Rev Dr. Mark Harris, Republican candidate in North Carolina decided not to run after being busted for manipulating and cheating the last elections. As clearly demonstrated, even pastors are deceptive where elections are concerned.

    In my opinion, Tony is not far from these Republicans who do not care about poor, and minority people. They tried to stymie Obama at every move, but they defend Trump for so much worst.

    This is similar to what I am seeing Tony is doing. He claimed for several reasons, but I have not seen a legitimate reason for his attacks on Almagro.

    When bankrupt (political) ideas are under the microscope, we see lashing out like this. In my opinion, the issue is Skerritt was never a genuine politician. He first got in on luck and…., then used games and tricks like the second coming of Jesus to fool the masses. Now he has real political competition and does not know how to handle it, we end up with…

  6. jamie
    February 27, 2019

    So sad for this country that this fool continues to run his mouth,this is all our faults,we have just continue being dumb,while these so call buchwas continue to assault our democracy,TONY YOUR DAYS ARE COMING,WHICH YOU WILL BE NULL AND VOID.

  7. Joseph John
    February 27, 2019

    Tony ……Michael Cohen is giving testimony . I wish you would be able to listen. You can see how the Republication manipulators in Congress operate. You can see how these people can manipulate the opposition in Venezuela to support a man who declared himself President. The President is not in exile and has not resigned. He is the sitting President so the guy who declared President has absolutely no authority , but he called himself “iterim” President. So you cannot have two President in a country.
    Now the opposition did not contest the last election, but they are claiming that it was not free and fair. That is so ironic
    .Now Trump is in Vietnam meeting with the President of North Korea to negotiate. Because food exporters in the USA want sanctions removed so they can export food to north Korea. Again we can see the USA money interest.

    • Joseph John
      February 27, 2019

      By the way USA is a member of the O A S, so how come it is not on the list of implementers. Argentina is also an OAS member so is Brazil. The chart shows that Venezuela is about 70% and no one is at 100%. So what is the use of an incomplete chart. I cannot accept this cart as factual. It is a fake…….fake news.

    • viewsexpressed
      February 28, 2019

      Joseph John, Outside of pathetic Tony Astaphan I am not sure that you are aware of the current issues or history as to how Venezuela got where it is, the country with the highest oil reserves in the world. From the day Chavez went into Office as President (recall he was first in prison, If I recall he attempted a coup). The resources of Venezuela has been abused by Chavez portraying himself as this Dada Chavez and distributed oil and money like a river flowing fast down the hill, to Cuba, Caribbean islands and other areas. These recipients were not and to this day able to repay Venezuela. Chavez and now Maduro (immature guy in politics, who was a states Bus driver Chavez brought in) himself is immature and was placed on the stage to carry on Chavez. Venezuela has deteriorated gave money lavishly and never had that focus to raise up the resources and investment of Venezuela first rather playing this big Godfather of mercy and giving. They have ruined themselves, it is their fault. Sad

  8. LifeandDeath
    February 27, 2019

    More and more the acrobatics of Tony are becoming increasingly ridiculous. Just because Almagro did not mention other implementation under-performers, Tony equates that to disingenuity.
    It’s like saying You failed but when compared to the other failures you don’t look so bad. But what’s the point of comparing failures with failures. If the goal is to make improvements, failures should be compared with successes. WTH!!..Senior counsel losing his marbles man?

  9. Karl Orndem
    February 27, 2019

    Astaphan is not an elected official, nor does he operate in an official capacity here in DOminica. He is a Senior COuncil of the CCJ and the PM’s attorney. His opinion should have no bearing on the decisions made in DOminica. Especially if he doesn’t even live here.

  10. RandyX
    February 27, 2019

    Astaphan desperately tries to sell some more spin. Let me tell you all we have not had any fair elections in DA in the past 15 years. The voters register has not been updated for 15 years is outdated. Election campaigns are totally unfair in as far as DLP spent 30 million in the last election as opposed to the UWP just over 1 million. Votes are being bought by Skerrit in exchange for Red Clinic monies, building material and allocation of new flats and houses built from ‘CBI donations’. On Election Day rum and chicken wings are provided by DLP operatives in close vicinity of polling stations even so behaviour like that is prohibited by law. Now Astaphan still let you all believe elections are fair! This guy is just as bad as Skerrit and Austrie, if not worse.

  11. Braindamage
    February 26, 2019

    You marry, is a risk.
    You make children, is a risk.
    You take a loan, is a risk.
    You hop a bus to Roseau, is a risk.
    You voted Skerrit and his Labar party, was a risk.
    So all risk is risk…
    Why not take a risk in voting {The U W P party} and have Tony, Skerrit and the rest, move aside? :arrow:

    • Joe Linton
      February 27, 2019

      So Brain Damage you sayin to the world that we must take a risk with our future and children’s’ future just to support your hatred for 2 individuals who may have personally affected you negatively???? is that what you saying to us publicly?? Does that even make sense to you is like telling us taking a risk with a drunk bus driver just to ensure the sober one don’t get money to buy food to feed his family because you hate him that much!!!!!

      well Brain Damage we are not taking such risk, Skerrit is human like all of us and all he has been doing is helping the least fortunate among us with Social Programs that are second to none in the OECS and maybe the Caribbean!!!!!!

      Lennox has absolutely no plans of his own so what is the point????? He promises to continue all what Skerrit has started so where is the change????

      • Mr. Ben Dover
        February 27, 2019

        Joe Linton, the thing is people like you probably only know Skerrit. You know nothing else. And like the average Dominican, all you want to eat is Pelau on Friday, Braff on Saturday, baked chicken and fig pie and rice with macaroni on Sunday. you are scared of change. And as a result, the country will never go anywhere. you have a choice of voting them out after their term is up. What if they do an absolutely amazing job and turn this dying country into a thriving productive one? people like you will never know, because you are too scared of change. Stay in your misery, my waist well tie and ready for five more years of struggling under what we have right now. I’ve never met a blind man that didnt want to see before until i read your comment Joe.

      • Joe Linton
        February 27, 2019

        Mr. Ben Dover i do not agree with you that the country is going nowhere, in fact i am happy with the progress made to our beautiful island in spite of the many challenges including the 2008 global economic crash and the 2000 near bankruptcy of the island brought about by poor fiscal management by the UWP, we were not afraid then to change government and we are not afraid to change this one but they are doing what we employ them to do so why change them???

        Lest we forget the set backs caused by Hurricanes and storms…. and trust me i may not know Skerrit but i sure do know LENNOX LINTON!!!!!

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 27, 2019

        Boy, I don’t wish to mention your name, but you are one of the lowest human to ever exists; you are a nobody, a want to be seen, and heard with no shame. The knowledge I came into about you recently, I can reveal it and destroy you; where you would not write another line on DNO.

        We are looking forward for  you to self-distrust!

        Roosevelt uses scum of the earth people like you to enhance his agenda, you are another specimen walking on four’s, with your head so low to the ground lapping up the slime Roosevelt allows you. Your efforts to destroy Lennox is futile your evil grudge will destroy you instead of him!

        Shame on you.

      • viewsexpressed
        February 28, 2019

        Joe Linton, you have just spewed absolute rubbish with nonsense you wrote and you have no knowledge of how our civil service operates that your novice has openly disrespected, insulted and corrupted with lies and more lies. Joe, Read this Bullshit fake news again: Read: “helping the least fortunate among us with Social Programs that are second to none in the OECS and maybe the Caribbean!!!!!!” Joe, what social programme? I`m in the System. Has you mother, parents, sisters, etc called to top floor of Financial Centre to receive bobol handout of states funds for this failed Skerrit, who is really buying you and you parents for loyalty? You watch this abuse imposed on ur parents, people & you? Is that how you want Dominica to live, under this fake abusive Skerrit? Please open your eyes and also think of those reduced to this level of insult. Joe, we have Social Welfare Service who are suppose to work with people in need. They have own budget, PM insults them takes money away to Red…

      • viewsexpressed
        February 28, 2019

        “in fact i am happy with the progress made to our beautiful island in spite of the many challenges ………” Whoever you are sir, boy, madam, do wake up from your slumber dream. Skerrit is a nuisance and a failure and his government and they have failed us. They must go, get out, Get lost and make way for decent government.
        we await Hon Lennox Linto and his highly professional UWP Team

  12. Ibo France
    February 26, 2019

    This is off topic. Why shouldn’t the country see Mr. Linton and Mr. Skerrit in a wholesome debate on pertinent issues affecting the country? Instead of supporters trading insults and throwing political barbs at one another , the citizens should watch these two men go head to head on the most relevant national issues. The citizens would be in a much better position to make a more informed decision at the polls. Only a coward would duck and hide from this suggestion. Why doesn’t the Dominica a Media Association, the Business Sector, the Clergy, the Youth Organizations, our Educators, the Labour Unions, all of a Civil Society agitate for this ? This will be a positive change from the usual wrestling in the mud.

    • RandyX
      February 27, 2019

      I o you know I usually agree with you. But you know as well as anybody on here that Skerrit would take that opportunity to serve up more lies and useless propaganda. Having said that he would not agree to a head to head anyway.

      • Ibo France
        February 27, 2019

        The impartial and erudite moderator will take care of your concerns. A serious debate with a knowledgeable, fearless and fair minded moderator would flush out the truth or expose the lies. The electors deserve to see these two men , side by side, face on, expounding on the issues that affect the country.

  13. Pirates of Parrots & Passports
    February 26, 2019

    Anthony Astaphan rejects everything that negatively affects us in Dominica and our wellbeing, whether it was Aliereza Monfared, who was wanted by Interpol and was hiding in Dominica with full knowledge of those in authority; the disappearance of our parrots, free and fair of elections, the disappearance of Ross University and many more. I mean if is something that hurts Dominica just know Anthony Anstaphan will defend Skerrit. I have never seen this kind of evil in my lifetime.

  14. %
    February 26, 2019

    Tony you are just not a bright guy..
    The graph says it all. Dominica is last KarKarRat again!
    Look at St Lucia and Grenada Tony..Can you understand basic Maths?They are miles ahead of us!..Did you eat or drink something when you were younger and it’s now causing you to go mad!!
    Stop your foolishness!!!
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

  15. Red Ants bite
    February 26, 2019

    But why Anthony Astaphan not running on a labor ticket nou? Tony should run in the Roseau Valley constituency so he could see how the people in the valley would reject him and say is McIntyre they want.

  16. Channel 1
    February 26, 2019

    Unnu, if ah laff ah go pop….. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

    So because Skerrit called for the firing of the OAS Secretary General, Tony is putting forward that that is one reason why the OAS Secretary General is dishonest in his actions to release a tweet re: the concerns raised by former Ambassador Gregoire about Dominica’s electoral system.

    Anyone else see the glaring NON-SEQUITUR argumentative fallacy here.

    P.S. – By the way, who really is in charge here?

    Who is the main puppet? Who is/are the puppet master(s)?

    What are the strings the puppet masters use to control the puppet upon the stage called Dominica in full view of a gullible audience?

    What is the endgame of the puppet-masters?

    “….. princes that are incensed enough against innocent people commonly have but too many about them who do all they can to make them worse.”

  17. Bring back the kidnapped Dominican parrots
    February 26, 2019

    The next Dominican election must be monitored and watched by the OAS, the UN and the EU. The voters need to be counted too to make sure that more people are not voting than the islands population. The polling locations needs to be watched also to keep out yours truly intimidating goon squads dressed in camouflage trying to scare voters into voting for yours truly or else Dominica becomes another dictatorship led by a despot.

    • RandyX
      February 27, 2019

      I agree with you 100%. That would definitely be a step in the right direction. You are also right in saying that we do not need any of Skerrits private army or his village reps in the vicinity of any polling station.

  18. dd1
    February 26, 2019

    Tony it took you a few days to think of some BS response again to mislead the masses. We will not be fooled this time around. go take a hike garson.

  19. viewsexpressed
    February 26, 2019

    “Mr. Astaphan how can you defend that?”. Well, He has no choice but to that Boom Boom Fly. He knows that Skerrit is immature and lonely when comes to the bigger picture. So Tony has to dress Skerrit, put on his political diapers, wash his corrupt hands, clean his ears that he is able to get the bigger picture. So, you see, Skerrit is pampered by Tony the political clown in denial and the Political baby, Skerrit.
    Skerrit must go…Get Lost, ….go away…go meet clown Tony. Go mind your Funky Business…leave us alone , we will recovery.

  20. Man bites dogs
    February 26, 2019

    I Said it once I will say it again. That so-called secretary general should be sack that guy is a two face idiot Trump puppy criticizing things he knows nothing about. And also that ET looking man Crispin Gregoire yesterday man who never done anything in his life for Dominica, should take a good look at his eyes and self in the mirror each morning his bones might jump out of his skin am sure.

    • viewsexpressed
      February 27, 2019

      Go bite your Dogs with your idoitic sayings and phrases and nonsensical talk about that you just unable to comprehend and offer some level of logical take to this debate. You have been hanging about these guys for too long that you are unable to talk and represent your own island Domininca to see that we have been reduced to poverty due to Skerrit`s corruption Bobol by this failed corrupt Labour government and its failed comical immature PM Skerrit., and his useless blind 18 worthless ministers. Skerrit must Go and he has to take his worthless 18 ministers with him and go somewhere and meet your mouth piece Tony Astaphan. This is the worse government and worse political Aid (Tony) we have seen since Independence. When all you take little boys still wearing diapers to run an island like Domininca then we are in big trouble and that is where we are today. That is why we ask Skerrit to get lost, Go away, make way for decent government, that is Hon Linton and his professional Team.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      February 27, 2019

      Man Dog, I told you before you should not get involved into things you don’t know about or understand. In this case I need to ask you what does Amalgro have to do with Donald Trump?

      You have no concept of what the OAS organization is all about!

      Note: ” The OAS brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Hemisphere. In addition, it has granted permanent observer status to 69 states, as well as to the European Union (EU).”

      Where does it indicate this man is working for Trump, or Trump has any power over him?

      Why should he be fired for simply commenting on statement made by a Dominican to him? You much prefer to die supporting a corrupted dictator  in the person of Roosevelt Skerrit, rather than support the the call for electoral reform which will bring about fair and honest elections in the country.

      You may gain from Roosevelt; what about the country?

    • viewsexpressed
      March 1, 2019

      When you get rid of this flea dogs you bite, we will talk about Secretary General, who is in a powerful and prestige position. Unlike you who bites dogs and have Dogs wagging its tail following shouting to you woof woof Woof, in English it means Bobol, thievery voleur. So Man, go clean up your backyard before you get at decent people wh wants to see Skerrit kicked out and we live in decency in our cherish nature Isle Domininca. kerrit must Go, you know that, he is waste of time and a big failure, with bind bats blindly following hi, Skerrit has no philosophy of socio-economic development , his approach is a “fast food mentality” in doing things where they country is obsessed with bobol, serious corruption, failed leadership and a hopeless Prime Odd) Minister

  21. Giuvelma
    February 26, 2019

    Hold it! Hold it! Hold it! Is it the Secretary General’s criticism or is it Gregoire’s? Are the facts stated by the Secretary General as it relates to Dominica’s non compliance with the recommendations of elections monitors correct? If he is correct why is caribou attempting to take of his head for speaking the truth? Why is Astaphens so outraged at the criticism? Astaphans has no moral integrity to attack facts. Lest we forget that Astaphens was before the OECS Court of appeal representing two governments on opposite sides of the same issue. Is that the standard by which he wants us to operate, speaking on both sides of our mouth and making facts truthful only when it suits or position? Let us do the right thing and accept the criticism and do the requisite adjustments. Astaphans fear is that if we accept the criticism and implement the recommendations of those observer missions Skerritt and labor will be relegated to the dustbins of history. Their time is over. They need to go.

    • viewsexpressed
      February 27, 2019

      .Giuvelma……Thanks for this! ell said and well read. Thanks much for this. We know that that Tony Astaphan is not credible and has stained our democracy with his hypocritical language and denial of the level of poor governance and corruption of this failed Labour Government. We understand that he may also went out to deny the Bn Bobol and the Fertilizer Bobol where states funds were used to purchase stuff in Pennsylvania where a sitting Labour government minister used his brother in Pennsylvania to purchase nonsense stuff with the funds of the state. That weird Tony was out talking BS an made an Assest of himself
      “Why is Astaphans so outraged at the criticism? Astaphans has no moral integrity to attack facts. Lest we forget that Astaphans was before the OECS Court of appeal representing two governments on opposite sides of the same issue. Is that the standard by which he wants us to operate, speaking on both sides of our mouth and making facts truthful only when it suits or…

  22. victim
    February 26, 2019

    I don’t know what is wrong with that Tony McIntyre fella there :!:
    A rat in the valley eating all his cheese while he there playing polytrics and lies :!:

  23. Karl Orndem
    February 26, 2019

    Isnt Astaphan just a Senior Council at the CCJ and the personal lawyer to the PM? Was he elected to do anything on behalf of the Dominican public. I would like other public figures, not just Lennox, Not the Pastor Rodney, but public figures who have the testicular fortitude to stand up and say NO, there has not been any reform from the last election. The lists have not been purged, there are no voter ID Cards and the list of issues faced in previous elections will happen again with no change. when people like Francine Baron, Vince Henderson come o nthe radio and speak, they must address exactly what reforms had been called for, what have been agreed upon and what reforms have been passed. Like Pastro Rodney said, WE DO NOT NEED TO GO TO PARLIAMENT TO HAVE THE LISTS OF VOTERS PURGED. This should have been the first step. also, why hasnt a national census been carried out after Maria? How many people do we have in the country to date? we have no idea. See the problem already?

  24. My bad
    February 26, 2019

    Tony I would like to see you debate this subject with Mr. McIntyre because I sure he would reject you argument

    • I want to know
      February 26, 2019

      So how come Tony Astaphan has not commented on seven failed candidates Skerrit rejected, especially that of Collin McIntyre? I would really like to hear his views on the firing of McIntyre, since McIntyre now has more free time on his hands and plus he has money to travel wherever he wants

  25. viewsexpressed
    February 26, 2019

    “Anthony Astaphan has said that a statement by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro about Dominica’s implementation of OAS of electoral reform recommendations, is dishonest…” you are and have been politically dishonest Tony Astaphan. The only person that you care for is your dishonest Skerrit and we need to know who was the architect of the Bin Bobol and the Fertilizer Bobol. Were you the one who protected and attempted to cover up Skerrit of this corrupt Labour government about these Bobols and when our honourable Lennox Linton exposed you all planned states thievery, you all confessed and openly said it was a mistake after all the denials. Tony you appear to be devious and subscurtious of activities that appear to be in the open. Now you are after again in the open to defend failed Skerrit and his corrupt Government. That appears to be your forte to protect people of states forgery and thievery. This known thievery will long hunt you and your immature corrupt leader & DLP…

  26. Ibo France
    February 26, 2019

    The Senior Counsel is Skerrit’s most loyal OSTRICH. He has an adversarial relationship with the truth. The non-implementation of recommended electoral reforms benefits the unethical, unscrupulous ruling regime, the DLP (Dependency Lying Party). The Time For Change Is Here! Grab it with both hands people.

  27. Praying for DA
    February 26, 2019

    Glad that CARICOM is shedding light on the dark corners of our election

    • Not A Herd Follower
      February 26, 2019

      CARICOM? You mean the OAS?

  28. Neville
    February 26, 2019

    Astaphan, the people involved in this that I would call dishonest is you, Skerrit and Baron. The days when you and your master could successfully spin the truth a well and truly finished. You would do well to start planning your exit from Dominica.

    • %
      February 26, 2019

      I fully concur with you sir or madam..
      If you are not dishonest you have no place in this DLP hierarchy.
      What an evil institution this once Grass Roots party (DLP), has become.People like Tony has taken full advantage of Skerrit’s incompetence and academically deficient mental ability to think!!
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  29. Jacko
    February 26, 2019

    Alas Mr. Tony go and pack in your garage.

  30. Legion
    February 26, 2019

    Another papyshow response by poor little Tony.

  31. LaPlaine Observer
    February 26, 2019

    Why is the DLP so afraid of electoral reform? Even without the comments from the OAS Secretary General, Dominicans know that we have not had free and fair elections for the past 14 years. This incompetent DLP cabal will exhaust every fraudulent avenue to remain in power at any cost. With an unemployment rate of 26% which stands at the 3rd highest in the Caribbean, Dominica is on a trajectory to become the poorest Island in the Caribbean behind Haiti. This economic disaster is unsustainable and must be remedied at the next election.

  32. Jonathan Y St Jean
    February 26, 2019

    Tony As.-ta-phan, he said that Dominica has the lowest implementation rate. Are you able to see good light or to understand graphs? Even the late Ray Charles can see that the lowest bar on the bar chart which is the last on the list is for Dominica. That being the case what is wrong with the picture and the facts are that Skerritt’s administration is lazy and incompetent. You can try to spin the truth as much as you want but you are only doing Dominica more harm among intelligent people. Leave it alone Tony As.-ta-phan and instruct Skerritt to provide leadership on a timely basis. If the Commonwealth has given assistance to the electoral commission then why has it not yet implemented the reforms? It’s not for lack of assistance but lack of implementation. Therefore Almagro is right and you, Skerritt and Francine should be ashamed

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      February 26, 2019

      You know in the original: the first James Bond movie “007” filmed on the island of Jamaica in 1962/63, there was a scene of three blind mice.

      If one add Ray Charles to the three, and give them all the graph to read, at the same time and one asks them to shout  which of  island between North and south America in the Caribbean, and on the continent of central America all of which are identified on the graph, unable to implement anything planed, the four blind men would scream simultaneously Dominica!  

      You see Dominica is always first in everything, we always win some price because we attract more tourist, because of our tourist facilities on the island. Notice however, whereas Fort Young is the only thing on the island which resembles a hotel, Fort Young never win eh!

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

      The winner is always some one room hut in  the bush! We are the first resilient country on the planet, now we are going to produce resilient agriculture. 

  33. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    February 26, 2019

     

    Tony how can you say Amalgro is dishonest, or his comments which are one of the same is dishonest. This man is not a Dominican, there is nothing I am sure he wants out of Dominica, unless he desires to become a diplomatic passport salesman!

    Amalgro opinion is based on what was told to him by a concern Dominican, and be reminded a member of the present cabal, the Dominican is a member of the cabalist, an insider of the labor party. According to that boy Sir Lord Johnson Trevor, the is in belly of the beast!

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

    The truth has a way of coming forth, and it came threw a labor party operative, it is all about corruption, and cheating in our country. Now the idea that one who was given US$10,000.00 dollars by a grope of Dominican women to contribute to hurricane victims, has not account for that money in good conscience has no right to demand apology from Almagro who might be impeccable!

    • out of south city
      February 26, 2019

      My brother, in all my years as a Dominican citizen, I have never seen sooooooo much corruption in government. These evil days are numbered and nothing lasts forever. The day MUST come to fruition when this present administration will dissolve BIG TIME!!!!!!! It is just a matter of time.
      PEACE!!!!!!!!!!

  34. UKDominican
    February 26, 2019

    The Commonwealth has been tainted by the presence of its current head, our own Baroness who recently lost two tribunal cases because of wrongful dismissal of her staff. This is the same person, who told us to go and suck salt if we do not support P.M. Skerrit. Genuine it may be but I can not unquestionably trust any support from the Commonwealth Office under her stewardship.

    • viewsexpressed
      February 26, 2019

      eThe dirty, despicable, ignoramous language of the Baroness Scotland: “go and suck salt if we do not support P.M. Skerrit..” ..just like Tiny Astaphan always on stand by to protect and cuddle Alas Baby Skerrit, put on his political diapers and then feed him through his mouth with political filth. I hope Skerrit washes his mouth clean and brushes his teeth.
      Dominicans ignore Failed Skerrit (Odd Minister), Ignore Tony Astaphan (waste of time), ignore Baroness Scotland (never knows where she stands. Can`t help us). These so called high society people are just not capable and without the skills and know how to contribute anything meaningful to Dominica to get out of poverty and corruption. If these so called boom boom flies were of some substance or importance, Domininca would be further. Skerrit, show us your company and we will tell you who the hell you are. Get up and stand on your own, and go clean your reputation. Tony and the others are well ok, but Skerrit going nowhere. Go…

  35. weh
    February 26, 2019

    Trying to be wrong and strong as usual

  36. REAL!!!!
    February 26, 2019

    Them Fellas have plenty GUTS….Look the evidence is right here at the GOVT feet and they are still asking the INTL organization with the info to DEFEND them.

    Same behavior is been exhibit to the DLP supporters by this GOVT.

    SMH!!!!!

  37. My Little Take
    February 26, 2019

    Tony is twisting the truth and he FAILED to address what the OAS Secretary General said. What he said is, “Dominica has the LOWEST implementation rate.” Can Tony deny that? OK Tony you might not like the word “lowest” rate so what about the WORSE rate? Here is the context of the report that shows Dominica has the worse implementation rate:

    The most important results are:

    The OAS reports were remarkably effective: about half of their recommendations
    were either fully or partially implemented;
    §§ Recommendations that needed some resources were significantly more likely
    (60%) to be implemented than those requiring formal (legal) changes (47%);
    §§ Yet any reforms were not immediate; on average, recommendations took
    four years to be implemented, or roughly the period of the standard electoral
    cycle between one contest and the next.
    §§ Implementation rates vary substantially among countries from below 10% in
    Dominica or Bahamas to over 70% in El Salvador or Ecuador.

    • viewsexpressed
      February 27, 2019

      I hope this so called Sr Counsel is able to open eyes wide and read and stop pretending to be this so called counsel as I see you lack decorum, blinded by the truth of poverty, massive corruption in Dominica, poor leadership, failed Prime Minister, this Odd Minister your failed immature little friend who appears to be dependent on you for lies, deception, protection, a voice, some stamina, and lies and innuendos of the worse. Go out and confess the Bin and Fertilizer Bobols, that I bet you knew of and failed to stop this thievery and abuse of states funds, but to support and protect you immature little boy Skerrit in Dominica. Your intervention has limited this immature behaviour who lacks knowledge of what decent politics and good governance is all about. This is the worse and most inept Prime (Odd) Minister Dominica has ever had. Tony Astaphan you are a failure, a big disappointment and your heart is not in Dominica but express blind loyalty to that failed Skerrit. Skerrit Must Go.

  38. Ibo France
    February 26, 2019

    The SC is an expert propagandist and often tries to distort facts. He has no credibility. In fact, he is not known for his veracity. Has the Skerrit-led regime cleaned up the voter’s list or engage in complete re-registration of voters? There is a need for the public naming of campaign financiers. Overseas registration should not be unlawful. Voter’s IDs and not national IDs should be used at all polling stations. All serious competing political parties should be given equal access and airtime to the State radio station, DBS. The SC has done really well monetarily serving Skerrit and has a huge incentive to continue serving in this money making capacity. His motives for defending the current government in the face of gross incompetence and blatant wrongdoings are all because greed, selfishness and arrogance. :lol:

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      February 26, 2019

      Ibo MALAPROP France, you feel comfortable to protect, criticize and defend who you want but you seem to have a problem with others who make their choice.

      • Ibo France
        February 26, 2019

        KID, that’s your opinion and I have absolutely no problem with it since it is not a fact. I sympathize with you for your severely restricted comprehension skills. Work arduously on that aspect of your life.

      • viewsexpressed
        February 27, 2019

        Who on earth will listen to that child, that immature little Boy so called Kid on the Block. That is where you are stuck, on the block. You have not shown or shared any substance on the matters of Dominica`s poverty, lack of development, lack of employment, thievery in government, Bin Bobol, Fertilizer Bobol, but you want to rub your nonsense talk and lack of intelligence on us while you protect thievery and bobol and incompetence in government by your failed immature boyish Skerrit. Skerrit must go, and you Kid on the Block go read, do some research on good governance, corruption in high office and go ask your Skerrit why did he have to engage himself in Bin and Fertilizer Bobol. Recall Mr Kid, who exposed your dirty government thievery? It was Hon Lennox Linton and his UWP Team and you all lied and denied until Hon Linton, a true patriot of Dominica you all are scared of, who investigated on behalf of us Dominica the thievery. Hon Linton a decent patriot and will be Dominica`s PM.

      • viewsexpressed
        March 1, 2019

        You dont make a choice, you are blind supporter of a rotten, corrupt immature failed PM and his corrupt Labour government. That i s where you are. What are you looking for is difficult to say, because you are of no value and your commentary is old fashion, childish and lacks decorum and meaning. Nothing in there you write helps in the debate. The at bigger picture of a our failed Dominica headed by you know who, your failed incompetent, childish PM Skerrit. He should Go, he has failed us big Time. Look at your recent, most last ratings,….you have been ignored kick out with a series of negative ratings of 62. Go home and think hard about this. I have never read in any of your silly articles where you have gained positive “Yes”. Why?, because you have failed you are that “Blind silly Supporter” of failed Skerrit and his corrupt, worthless Labour Government. They, Skerrit etc must Go. They have killed of economy, our resources and our confidence. Get out, go mind your funky…

    • Sense out of nonsense
      February 27, 2019

      Wow aren’t you the same guy defending Maduro’s regime on other posts? This is hilarious. Skerrit hasn’t done 1/4 of what Maduro (and Chavez before him) has done to dismantle democratic rule and constitutional order. I’m not a fan of the doctor either but it’s the highest level of hypocrisy to be criticizing the “Skerrit-led regime” while defending the legitimacy of Maduro’s government (which may very well be a foreshadowing of what is to come for us). It is either that or you are woefully ignorant.

      • Ibo France
        February 27, 2019

        Sense out of nonsense
        Try to be accurate in your criticisms and assessment of what you read. I have never defended Mr. Maduro’s tenure as President of Venezuela. Criticizing America’s double standards when it comes to foreign policies should not be mistaken for support for Mudoro. What I will like to see in Venezuela is a negotiated settlement not an invasion by a foreign country. Everybody suffers in a war, there are no real winners because there are so many deaths and so much destruction. Read intelligently. A neutral party, the UN, could bring both government and opposition together and negotiate a peaceful way out of this chaos.

  39. Not A Herd Follower
    February 26, 2019

    Who is Tony Astaphan again?

    • John Jay
      February 26, 2019

      The fella who is afraid of the valley.

    • viewsexpressed
      February 26, 2019

      He is a failed political clown………Get this man out of our business….Go meet Skerrit…he will be out of the Prime Minister office. We want him out Get lost. go away…….Move on. Go.

    • viewsexpressed
      February 27, 2019

      A waste of time, abandoned decency in politics, talks rubbish and represents the most immature and corrupt behaviour of his friend the Odd Minister and that corrupt lacks labour Party Government. Astaphan is a waste of time, a nuisance in politics and his priority is Skerrit and has ignored and insults we Dominicans everyday because he is a boom boom fly, godfather type and nuisance to Skerrit that Skerrit is pampered and still politically breast feeding, just has not woken up from this childhood breast feeding , finger sucking. That`s where failed Astaphan has baby Skerrit…ummmmmmmmmmm. Poor fella.

  40. %
    February 26, 2019

    Who is Astsphan!!!..Stop giving this mouth piece of Skerrit publicity..
    If Skerrit was really capable, he would have no use for this man. Skerrit is academically weak,sllo he is taken advantage of!
    Is he Astaphan the same one who sent the e-mail to Skerrit stating that electoral reform would undermine Skerrit’s winning legacy??
    Waste of time !

    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • February 26, 2019

      Does the DLP government have a press secretary? If they do then he/she should not be paid, and Tony should be given the job of press secretary then he would be defending government in his official paid capacity, and not as someone who appears to be a leech on Dominicans’ back, Tony has not, and can’t refute the facts as stated by the Secretary-General. Tony I suggest you keep spinning, and keep this important subject in the lime light until Dominicans get relief.

      • viewsexpressed
        February 28, 2019

        “Does the DLP government have a press secretary?”. The answer is yes, there is one, but sadly he is “depress”, and cant take the heat of this corrupt Labour Government and their failed inept Prime (odd) Mininister, Skerrit. This Corrupt labour Party is falling apart and we really need them to go, it is about time and overdue.

        Skerrit Go, get Lost. Skerrit Go, just Go. Go away.

  41. dissident
    February 26, 2019

    De spokesmen for the PM IS NOT DE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PRESS SECRETARY!!!!!!!!
    Tony boy you don’t have de strings to pull me to vote in your client interest!
    Nothing you say can cause me to vote for that tired lazy PM and any of his square pegs!!!

    unfortunately for you, you don’t do cases for de OAS…….you would have been netter paid if you had the proper credentials………LOL
    Unfortunately for our lost PM…..he doesn’t hold de purse to de OAS……de PM wish he could go beyond DA waters and slap people in their face with disrespect and hold back their salary
    De OAS is not de DLP de PM is out of place, rude and insulting…….because de OAS demanding he do electoral reform he demanding de secretary general should be fired………lol boy look joke
    But wait Skerrit is lord of de universe man Lol Lol Lol

    Tony our personal issue is DOMINICA not ST Kitts nor Antigua……..excuses excuses

  42. Spin Doctor
    February 26, 2019

    The spin doctor is trying to do damage control so here he goes again. But I will not say much because last year after Kenneth Rijock published information regarding Skerrit and Aliereza Monfared, Tony said how he and Skerrit sued Rijock. To date Rijock has not been sued and he keeps publishing dirty and corrupt deals of Skerrit. So Tony needs to give a progress report and tell Dominicans why he and Skerrit scared of facing Rijock. Seems like is on Kairie alone Tony sueing

  43. Neal
    February 26, 2019

    Mr. Astaphan how can you defend that? Dominica is a papy show in the halls of academia all over the world and you are coming with your crap. Anyway that personal busies plan of yours named Roosevelt Skerrit will come to an end someday.

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