Burton says more time needed for electoral reform; not so, says Linton

Panellists (l-r): Peter, Baron, Burton and Linton

Chairman of the Electoral Commission in Dominica, Gerald Burton has said that the political will to facilitate the process of electoral reform in Dominica, is lacking.

Speaking at a panel discussion on the electoral process at the Goodwill parish Hall on Wednesday, Burton said that for two years, the Commission has had available to it, the equipment, the technology and the draft legislation which will make it possible to introduce ID cards as part of the voting process and assist in verifying the accuracy of the list of electors which will go a long way in modernizing Dominica’s electoral system in keeping with international standards.

“However,” he stated, “it appears that we have not had the political will, to engage in a sober and reasonable type discussion necessary to reach a compromise on the singular issue which divides us.”

“I am of the view,” Burton continued, “that we cannot allow our nation to descend into chaos over the failure of those of us charged with the constitutional responsibility to resolve this issue in a civil and mature manner.”

According to him, throughout the discussions on the voter identification system, both at the Commission and in public discourse, he has made his views clear that unless there is sufficient time to introduce the new system and to “satisfy ourselves through proper testing that it is fully operational, I would not recommend that it be used in any upcoming elections.”

“I maintain this position,” Burton insisted.

However, Opposition leader and leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton who, along with UWP Senator Felix Thomas, represented the UWP at the discussion, lamented the fact no progress has been made with regard to electoral reform which the Electoral Commission promised since 2008.

“Electoral reform is not rocket science nor is it nuclear physics.” Linton stated.

“The agenda is simple. We have done our best to outline an accurate registered voters [list]…we believe a total re-registering of all eligible voters is the best way to clear out the list over a six months period and must be done exclusively in Dominica by the Commission and be guided by the residence criteria for voter registration,” the Opposition leader said. “The people are not interested in electoral deform, they are only interested in electoral reform and that’s the only way forward.”

He said all ID cards must be issued by the Electoral Commission in Dominica and accused the Commission of refusing to act, over the years, when the ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) government has engaged in “treating and also bribing – paying the tickets of overseas nationals to come home to vote, thereby gaining an unfair advantage.”

Linton went on to say, “We are a rule of law country; provisions must be engaged against bribery, treating and impersonation, illegal voting and election offences in general.”.

He called on the Commission to immediately set the machinery in motion to have voter ID and the cleansing of the electors list before the upcoming general election.

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100 Comments

  1. May 26, 2019

    @Anon, that voice of yours above, sounds so much like mine; let us not remain quiet because of those negative reactions, for deep inside they know that we are right.

  2. FRIEND
    May 24, 2019

    gerald you remember you used to criticize skerrit before you get the opening to sell passports. remember your health problems, money cannot fix that. you will shoot in you own goal. behave yourself. life is short.

  3. Pipo
    May 24, 2019

    That forum was just a pappi show and delay tactics, even I can see that. Gerald Burton and his commission suppose to be independent they should not take directives from a government,I don’t care if labour or uwp. Why does Gerald say there is not eneough time? Does he know when the election will be? And why armed police have to prevent people from attending when it is suppose to be a public event? It is clear to me that this was orchestrated by Skerrit and his advisors. What is the man scared of? Surely not the people he says that love him and he loves so much? Well, brother, your actions to not match your words.

  4. UKDominican
    May 24, 2019

    Gerald Burton’s continuing fawning and deference to a sitting government makes his position untenable. If he can not stick to his constitutional mandate to act independently, he should resign. The hostile protestations of the previous A.G., Francine Baron are understandable as she would lose her privileges under a new government and may be questioned about her possible involvement in the diplomatic appointment of Alison Madueke. As for her stooge Levi Andrew Peter, I question the legality of his appointed as the successor to Francine. He was called to the bar at Lincolns Inn in London in Nov. 1992 ,and according to the Law Society apparently no longer authorised to practise as a barrister in the U.K. as he was deregistered before his return to Dominica empty handed. Whether this has anything to do with his tenure as a director of the East London Foster Carers charity in Newham at the time I don’t know but in my book this man is discredited. and should not be our A.G.

  5. Jonathan Y St Jean
    May 24, 2019

    The political will to implement electoral reform is not lacking in Dominica, Mr. Burton. What is lacking is the democracy we once enjoyed in this blessed land as Skerritt has hijacked the process to include the peace we once knew. Even the Labour Party cannot have a delegates conference but a one-man rule. Are you telling me that political will doesn’t exist in the Labour party for the delegates conference either? Over 11 years have passed and the decision to implement electoral reform by the electoral commission has been put on ice by the selected government members on the independent commission, and you have the gall to tell us there is a lack of political will. By whom I ask? This malicious denial of electoral reform and the denial of access to educated citizens to attend and participate in the advertised public discussion on electoral reform is clear proof that the cabal is pulling the wool over the eyes of those who love democracy and want a clean electoral process.

  6. TJ
    May 24, 2019

    Jaime let me ditto your comments.

  7. Kanawee
    May 24, 2019

    I was pleasantly surprised and also very disappointed by the display of Francine Baron at the discussion on electoral reform. If Lennox Linton is standing and holding the mike in his hand, I would want to assume that this is his time to speak. Why would you be in a seating position, arguing with your head turned towards him? I know the blind ones will all have an excuse. I have read many comments saying Lennox displayed his character. What does the actions of Francine say about her character? We need to stop judging the reaction and examine the action. I was very disappointed in her behavior. We have spent years talking about the behavior of UWP representatives yet we display the same behavior!! Is it good or bad?? Why do we justify it when it is on our side? You cannot do something and criticize someone for the same thing!! You must be different! You need to maintain decorum!! It was not your turn to speak!! Have some manners!!

  8. Intelligencia
    May 24, 2019

    Those of us who can read and understand English, with a clear mind free from politics, would like to thank Mr. Burton for clarifying what has been said for the longest while. The process is being held up by those who can get the process done. The facilities are in place but the powers that be have refused to implement. Yes Mr. Burton, I respect your stance that you would not recommend using the process in such a short space of time, but you will agree and admit, that the call for reform came way before the election was due. It is left to deduce that the ruling party does not have the confidence it can win any other way than by using a tainted list. Dominica is very small and thus, we know that the country does not have almost seventy thousand legible voters. Absolutely impossible!! If you are a man of integrity and conscience, you would be the one to call on independent observers (not paid by the ruling party) to invigilate these upcoming elections and to begin the process then.

  9. Raine
    May 24, 2019

    Why should we continue to allow dead people and minors to vote? The dead should be allowed to rest in peace.

    Let’s have the reform and have a clean, peaceful and fair election.

    • Me
      May 25, 2019

      Voodoo island, Jumbee money for zombie voters.

    • May 26, 2019

      I saw a list thats been going around and I must say I understand now why the list must be cleanse because for my constituency I saw names that should be removed even the dead I saw people registered twice different arrears that shouldn’t be and should be looked into. The list must be cleanse and please allow the dead to rest in peace for God sake.

  10. viewsexpressed
    May 24, 2019

    Burton stop playing cat and mouse and Skerro with our legitimate call for time needed for electoral reform; so say us and our Honourable Leader f the Opposition Hon Linton, so says Linton, our in coming Prime Minister.
    I concur with this statement for this writer: “This government is so corrupt, and Skerrit knows once the reform is done he is doomed, so sad how this guy has brought this country to such a horrible path.” Skerrit must go. Most of us know that Skerrit has been this disgusting failure in this failed DLP government s Prime (Odd) Minister.

  11. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    May 24, 2019

    Francine, there is no point of you sitting there with a stone-face, and explode by pounding your hands on the table trying to obstruct and prevent people from haring what Lennox have to say; what will be will be!
    Time seems to be changing from rough to calm; every good thing must come to an end, it will be a miracle  if you survive the 2020 election, and that is if you  are not already fired by Roosevelt as he has done to the six or seven of his ministers already, it wont be long now before you inherit your political fate!
    However, you should not have any difficulties finding employment within one of the many nations with which you established thousands of diplomatic relationship.
    Remember you boast that Dominica has the most established diplomatic relationship on the planet or as you said “in the world.”

    When it’s all over for you, will you tell the world/Dominica where’s the ten thousand dollars entrusted to you to help hurricane victims!

  12. "maho pima
    May 24, 2019

    Miss francin Baron, why couldn’t you allow the opposition leader to make his point without obstructing him? manners maketh man, people must respect each other, people like you tell other people how to conduct themselves, but yet still you all do it. what is it were you afraid of? you kept talking while the man was making his contribution, and none of the people who sat next to you said nothing to you, both you and Burton are naive and misleading the people, you all forget about the people, and trying to protect Skerrit so he can remain in power, stop that thing, and give the people what they want VOTER ID CARD, you made reference to Canada on one thing, hope you will use Canada as reference to legalize medicinal cannabis and other things . Your country has its own laws, why cant you make changes and implement your own laws, you keep referring to Canada to do what you have to do. both you and Burton have no will to conduct electoral reform

  13. "maho pima
    May 23, 2019

    Mr. Burton, you are your own failure. I don’t understand why you need more time to implement electoral reform, you said how long you have the machine, what kind of time do you want? If you cannot manage time , you need to get out of that position. You are a waste of time,and time is money. you are disrespecting the people,even the same supporters of Skerrit, you are keeping the people in the dark,but you will have questions to answer later in your life from your grand children if you have, and hope you will tell them the truth, because you will be on record. you have all kind of stupid excuses why you cannot implement electoral reform ID card. Mr. Burton who is lacking political will? you are the one lacking political will, cause you have no will to conduct electoral reform, and where there is no will, there is no way, stop being naive and misleading, you think protecting Skerrit will make you a better person? it makes you a not trustworthy person, people will not trust what you…

  14. Treadstone
    May 23, 2019

    Francine Baron’s body language screams petulant teenager (with apologies to all mature teenagers out there). A semester at charm school might serve her well.

    • Toto
      May 24, 2019

      You are right on the button there pal. Body language gives a lot away. She did not like sharing a platform with Hon. Linton from the start. She is immature, a daddy girl.

  15. Going all out
    May 23, 2019

    The Government operatives are determined to keep us oppressed but be guided we are like water in a plastic bag you squeze us one way we come out another side, you squeze us in the middle we come out on both sides, we have had enough of you people taking us for fools and this time around we will be victorious. reform or no reform what happen last election will not happen this election right in our face. If you cant’ implement reform sir we will be the guards to our electorial process in numbers at every voting station and we will scrutinize every voter in every constituency and we will be satisfied that he is whom he said he is before a next person gets a ballot so the election will be for three days. Be prepared We will ID every voter without a voters ID and if we do not know who he is he will not be allowed to vote, every dominican living overseas will bring to the polling station their pasport with the stamps from the immigration department of their last entry into the state

  16. Going all out
    May 23, 2019

    These electorial commission and Government people are playing on the ignorance of our people. For so long we requesting to have the voters list clean and picture I D cards be established for voting you mean now skerro sending them to hold pannel discussion dubbed the way forward. And in the discussion Chairman saying he will not advise reform before the next general election????
    Mr. Chairman the way forward would be:
    we need legislations ok we going to the house next “week” to pass the draft legislations agreed to by both parties
    we need assistance from the opposition to have people working to take information from all Dominicans so we can have all cards ready before the election, we need to fund two parties going out of state to have Dominicans out there registered and information taken to print their cards, when they come to vote prior to election day they can collect their cards from the electorial office,
    each party be given twenty million for campaigning and so on

  17. "maho pima
    May 23, 2019

    Mr.Burton , you are your own failure, I don’t understand how you are asking for more time, what kind of time do you want? if a big man like you cannot manage time, then you need to get out of that position, you are a waste of TIME and time is money, you are disrespecting everybody, labourites, UWPites, school children, you are keeping people in the dark just to protect Skerrit, but you will have to answer questions later in your life, hope you don’t have grand children to ask you questions, and if you have, hope you will tell them the truth because you will be on record. You have all kind of stupid excuses to say why you cannot give voter ID card. Burton who is lacking political will, you are the one lacking political will, because you have no will to conduct the electoral process and where there is no will, there is no way. Stop being naive and misleading, you think protecting Skerrit will make you a better person, it makes you not trust worthy, people will not trust what you…

  18. May 23, 2019

    “He called on the Commission to “immediately” set the machinery in motion to have voter ID and the cleansing of the electors’ list before the upcoming general election” News Article

    I thought that by now Lennox would have realized that this “rude command” does not sit well with him; it is just making matters worse for him.

    Who is Lennox to think that he has the authority to say “go” and so it is done, or to say “come” and so it happens? This man has got to learn the etiquettes of being a leader before he can become one of those, especially the one he is seeking for

    He has just put the decision of the Electoral Committee somewhat further than it should be, because of his rudeness.

    How can we allow a character like Lennox Linton to rule over our Dominica and us, her people? Well, I never!

    • time has told
      May 24, 2019

      Rude command? Man that is the cry of the nation and Burton has sat on his chair doing nothing but telling us why he cannot make this and that reform . Its not a command it is an immediate request of the nation as time is fleeting. Your point sounds way too sensitive and immature. Sounds like you are making excuses yourself.

    • Ibo France
      May 24, 2019

      Elizabeth, your comments are Out-of-Sync with rational thinking. Again, you handcuffing yourself to the wrong side of the issue. History will not treat you too kindly for your willful ignorance. Your energy should be spent on being a strong advocate for fair and sensible electoral reforms. Stop bring a soldier of darkness, be a beacon of light for your fellow DLP blind diehards.

    • May 26, 2019

      It was alright for Francine and Burton to speak without interruption but when it was Mr.Linton turn to speak right out the gate it was alright for Francine to keep interrupting him so what the hell are you saying some people speak but they never ever think before they speak you a one of those individuals.. It’s not about DLP, UWP,DFP it’s all about the citizen of the Commonwealth of Dominica and stop being ignorant to change that is needed regardless of who win the election. I saw the list in my constituency and there are names that have to be removed even the dead so I don’t understand you people.

  19. The Crab man
    May 23, 2019

    Look at the panelist people and tell me what you expect:
    1. A bought AG
    2. A spare tire that is involved in Foreign Affairs
    3. A bought Attorney
    4. A real Patriot
    So three against one. Francine in particular was very aggressive and personal with Linton as if she was on a mission to prove herself better that Gucci. But I will leave her for Gucci because I know when the thing takes Gucci she will say why she cannot trust mister

  20. Dr. Dr. HIFU
    May 23, 2019

    It is time for Dominicans who care, come together to save Dominica. There are many people who once taught righteousness and truth, but now they are the same people I am seeing pulling the Jombi bag of money.
    Educated people used to be the ones who went to higher learning institutions and we used to look to them for guidance . But now education seem to an easy fix with the stroke of a pen. Their heads are full but their brains are empty.
    So many lawyers in the land but still we are searching for legal advise and leadership. The DLP Gov’t is corrupt and will do anything to keep their regime in office.

  21. May 23, 2019

    UWP is a deceitful and violent party. They call Skeritt a dictator but they are the ones acting like dictators. It must be done my way or their will be dire consequences, no room for compromise that is dictatorial. The strategy they are now employing is to use fear and propaganda to suppress votes. What has happened to the party that once told us to FEAR NO MORE, this party is now telling us that we must be afraid. The opposition claims that they want electoral reform but it must only be in their likeness, what type of democracy is that? If the UWP has this dictatorial attitude while in opposition one can expect the same attitude if they somehow get to control power. Lennox had already told us that a UWP government will not tolerate denigration of people because of their politics, something the UWP opposition is quite fond of doing. So is he going to pass a law to curtail free speech?

    • %
      May 24, 2019

      Left over soup comment!
      Buggy comment,!
      Dunce Comment!
      Are you Skerrit?
      It’s only Skerrit that stutters such foolishnes.
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • time has told
      May 27, 2019

      Fear? who was threatened or made fearful? Truth and rights? They should not compromise of what should be done. How else can we progress rationally? Here is an example: your car tire goes flat, i tell you the reform needed is to fix the tire or replace it in order than we can progress. You decide, you rather look at the headlights instead. My recommendations have been ignored, and you insist that you want to proceed with the headlights as the reform you think will work best. meanwhile, we are riding on the bare wheel and the rubber is being shredded. what compromise was needed?

  22. x poto labourite
    May 23, 2019

    Well trust me , we are not giving you or this government any more time, LAZY and incompetent. Time to go!

  23. May 23, 2019

    “Hell No” Mr Burton, you are a creature of the constitution and therefore are in a position to act freely and independently of any political interference; Sir let me refer you to an article which appeared in the Jamaican Star dated April 12th 2019 with reference to a landmark court ruling; and captioned “NIDS law struck down by court”. In delivering the judgement Justice Sykes one of the justices said and I quote “certain aspects relating to privacy issues such as the requirement for people to submit BIOMETRIC information is a breach of persons constitutional rights to privacy” is that the reason why you and the CABAL National ID card nonsense backfire. Partner you have pussy-footed with electoral reform since 2008, and allowed Skerrit, Hartley, Tony and Alick to highjack the process and you did absolutely nothing about it; to quote Mr Linton “Shut Up” and Burton if you cannot deliver “get out.”

    • May 25, 2019

      The reform that is been talked about requires new legislation. Can Mr. Burton write new law? Last time I checked making electoral laws is the job of parliament not the cheif elections officer. You all want officials to act outside of the law and constitution when it suits your twisted purpose.

  24. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    May 23, 2019

    ” Burton said that for two years, the Commission has had available to it, the equipment, the technology and the draft legislation which will make it possible to introduce ID cards”
      Guy you are a liar the same as the one who manipulate you on his puppet strings; you and the Labor Party Government are not interested in electoral reform!
    For more than five years you all are talking crap; as long as the status quo is maintained, you shall remain one of the benefactors of the existing crooked system.
    As of the day the people of Antigua began talking about editorial reform, and the issuance of voter ID, took six month, and the changes demanded was implemented.
    Who on this planet  do you believe the nonsense you are talking?

    You are too simple, you are conning; part of the Cabal paid by others more corrupted, there is a metaphor “six are one half a  dozen of the other.” 

    It is about protecting the sale of passports and your earnings?

  25. Lin clown
    May 23, 2019

    Viewsexpress are you saying without electoral reform UWP will loose the election?I yes why is UWP taking part?If no then why are they CRYING for reform?Like it or not there will be no electoral reform before election.Another 5 yrs for the Labour Party.

    • time has told
      May 24, 2019

      If Labor loses, watch them cry foul and demand immediate recount and reform. watch.

  26. Tetecarlbass
    May 23, 2019

    I admired the courage of Sebassien and Ozzie Lewis for letting Dominicans know that the so called consultation by the Electoral Commission was, according to Ozzie, hog wash. Burton knew all along that their would be no electoral reform before the general elections. Dominicans know of Astaphan’s vehement disapproval of electoral reform. Apart from that, Dominicans were fooled when Burton in an effort to get all of Dominica’s attention said that it was a consultation for the way forward, in terms of electoral reform. What really happened was Burtons using that big audience to tell Dominicans, in advance, that their would be no electoral reform before general elections. I also believe, that was a big plan, to test Dominicans’ reactions, as to what will happen, if their was to be no election reform before the general elections.

    • Shaka zulu
      May 24, 2019

      You are so right. They wanted to test and see what people would do once he made the announcement thats why the had police ready. Nothing happened so expect elections to be called soon with no changes. Its crazy these folks have a machine for two years and now talking about no time to test. How many village council elections we have had where this could have already been tested. Only he, not the opposition or government has the responsibility to gain the public trust in tbe system by making sure there is no doubt there is fiarness. The constitution give him that right to avoid political influence. The guy is compromised and should resign. Only i a corrupted country these things allowed to happen. Tony Astaphans is advising the PM because he has much financial gains from a weak leader void of any principles and honesty. I think the biggest problem is the influence of TA on this PM. Skerrit is very insecure and all you have to do is tell him he is lord and he like a crack addict.

  27. Iamanidiot
    May 23, 2019

    That picture was before or after She as politely asked to shut up? lol

  28. Dominica needs us!
    May 23, 2019

    Apparently, Francine was there to take out maypwe and her consistency in interrupting Mr. Linton is so glaring. How much you are being paid to behave like this? I applaud Mr. Linton for asking her to shut up as he is a man of order. It is over 10 years, the opposition is calling for electoral reform but yet the DLP is twisting it around and dragged it to the last minute in an election year and tell Dominicans it is too late for any reform. We know better and all the many devices these people are using to prevent electoral reform will not succeed. The power of the people will vote in a new government.

  29. The prophetic voice
    May 23, 2019

    Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme” (1 Tim. 1:18-20).
    Like Paul, I have delivered
    unto Satan thee Skerrit’s, the Carbons, the Buttons and all those involved in the shipwreck and destruction of Dominica that they and others may learn that stealing is wrong. Their today may look good but their tomorrow will be very bad and full of evil days, to the point that they will ask for death but they will not die until they suffer for what they did to Dominica.

  30. The Evil One
    May 23, 2019

    I not responding to Skerrit them Margie so let me preach instead.
    When you are stealing and you know you want to steal, you will take guns to kill witnesses in your way because you want to destroy evidence. Therefore stealing, murdering and destroying always work together. Is that not what Jesus taught in John 10:10
    The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy? So remember wherever there is stealing, there will be killing and destroying of evidence

  31. Shaka zulu
    May 23, 2019

    Cilvil discuss means letting someone speak without interruption even if you disagree with them and allowing them the time within the rules to express themselves. Then when is your turn you give counter views and then move on. Francine baron must have a lizard run up she leg and disappeared cause the way she jolly and happy i sure the lizard must be tickling she. :-D :-D :-D How can you organize a civil discuss on path forward when you already plan what you going do and you alone have to power to do what needs to be done. I think we have been having too many pappyshow weddings in our culture. We are now having pappyshow courts, pappyshow parliament, pappyshow uncivilized discuss pappyshow rally where horns blown on leader head while wifey proclaimed her playboy husband was send from god. Meanwhile sexual harassment on whattsapp taking leaks. Francine Baron shut the f up let the man speak until its your turn. Why yall hate LL so i aint know? One day the eggs gone hatch!!!

  32. Kate
    May 23, 2019

    Singing Francine is really not up to her job as Foreign minister where protocols are observed. She acted very rude and unprofessional. Very uncall for.

  33. St. Johns
    May 23, 2019

    Tony Astaphans has realized that UWP will win the next elections and had boarded ship to go overseas , so he is now practicing law in Antigua , while controlling DLP and the Police Force by remote control. He ran away from Florida for reasons I won’t say here.

  34. Not Me Alone
    May 23, 2019

    My Lord and my God see what my 2000 election vote for Rosie Douglas did to Dominica :( . A freedomite all my life and I listened to Mamo and left America to vote UWP out and see the cost. Now Rosie, Piero, Mamo all died and see what Skerrit did to the people. He has bought Gerald Burton, the election commissioner; he bought the crooked Charles Savarin- president of Dominica; he bought Daniel Carbon, the police Commissioner, he bought the Bishop, the Evangelist, the famous powerful preacher that use to be on Marpin and he bought almost all our village councils. No one speaks out against so gross evil and people I thought were good like Joseph Isaac sold himself to Skerrit. Then he dealt Ross to Barbados, he dealt our international airport to St. Vincent, he killed our banana industry, he destroyed the middle class and working glass and turned them into casualties. Now he has the guts to tell us Dominica is in ICU. I am in tears because I voted them and now me and my family in the US.

    • Neville
      May 26, 2019

      In other words, Skerrit single handedly destroyed our beautiful country in less than 20 years. It will take us all more than 30 years to repair the country again.

  35. Da
    May 23, 2019

    All in all this was a bad event , with over reaction by the police , who seem to be an arm of the DLP. The thing is many of these police officers are young and do not know any other Government than this corrupt regime. So it is hard for them to decipher right from wrong. Some of the older ones been bought.
    The people of Dominica did not benefit anything from this meeting, it was a total waste of tax payers money.
    This was a future looking meeting , however Francine, Burton and Levi were quoting laws from way back in 1974, Are you all kidding me or what? They were scared to even address names of dead people on the list! So it is clear that these guys are bluffing and covering up for Dr. HIFU.

  36. Common man
    May 23, 2019

    Is anyone really surprised by Gerald Burton utterances? He and his other two colleagues on the commission are making millions of dollars from selling passports, what greater conflict of interest can there be. allowing free and fair election will totally disrupt that corrupt feast that Burton, PM and Others are enjoying. Burton, ONE WORD; utter rubbish

  37. Roseau
    May 23, 2019

    Francine should be ashamed of herself for stumping her hand on the table while disturbing every speech that Lennox was making. This was a plan, so I was happy when Lennox correctly told her to shut up. Finally, Lennox realize that this rough retaliatory actions are the only way to deal with these corrupt people.
    The moderating could be better, she lost control of the crowd and was easy on the DLP reps. Francine was allowed to give long rebuttals without interruptions. Lennox was not. It showed some bias against UWP.

    • Galileo
      May 23, 2019

      Roseau, your comments are in poor taste and does not say much about you in a positive light. I support the UWP and is working from where I am to get the government out so that Dominica can develop and I may retire in a vibrant and productive island. However, Mr Linton should not have done that. It was disrespectful and presented him as a man without the temperament to lead a country.
      This is 2019 and treatment of women is a huge deal the world over. Mr Linton should have use the opportunity to show his class and kindly ask Ms Baron to stop distracting him as he does Dominica’s work. He would have turn the tables. All the strides that we have made in the recent weeks and days has be tarnished to some extent.
      If we love Mr. Linton and want him to be prime minister we must be honest with him. You all will get mad with me here, but when I speak to him, he will agree he just got frustrated with her constant interruption but indeed he erred.

    • %
      May 23, 2019

      I@ Rosesu
      I did not hear, but someone be told me about it. She thought she was in our broken parliament, where the old speaker would allow her to do what she wants . I guess Linton was too gentle..It should have been me!
      Well done Linton!!!!
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • My Bad
      May 23, 2019

      @Roseau Francine taking shame for her to be ashamed of her self? You didn’t get to see the Gucci video man? These people , neither one nor the other have any sense of shame or pride.

    • RandyX
      May 24, 2019

      This lot is corrupt and rude. We need to dispose of them. We deserve better!

  38. Massacre
    May 23, 2019

    First of all Francine went there to give Mapwee to anything that Lernox had to say. Burton I am now in doubt about you having a credible law degree? And Levi , money has certainly corrupted your brains.
    You mean to tell me that of all the issues that UWP have taken to the House of Parliament , but to no avail, these incompetent DLP representatives want to tell me that this one issue about electoral reforms is what UWP was able to stop in the House?
    Dominicans wake up! This is clearly a case of shifting the goal post in the middle of the game.
    It is now clear that Skerro and his cronies have to go for Dominica to grow.
    It’s time to act.

  39. ///////////////////////
    May 23, 2019

    “He called on the Commission to immediately set the machinery in motion to have voter ID and the cleansing of the electors list before the upcoming general election”. Again I quote from Hon Linton ” This can be done before the next general election”. Why did he not answer the question – What are his proposed plans (well set plans), advice to the Government to get this done before the next general election? He never answered and stated that it is not for political parties to do so? No one asked him to do it but what are his well set up plans since he knows it all and that it can be done before the next general election. Talk is cheap but action is what is needed. I will ask again what are his proposed plans ( advice to the Government) to let it happen before the next general election. He said it not me so I would like to hear his take on that. Another point what kind of attitude was displayed there by a wanna be leader? Partner behave yourself. You were very…

    • J Prosper
      May 23, 2019

      This is Lennox’s demand. —– (He called on the Commission to immediately set the machinery in motion to have voter ID and the cleansing of the electors list before the upcoming general election.)—— (Reckless) ——–without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action. ——-This is concrete proof that his guy is not ready to be prime minister. Dominica’s TREASURY AND its FUTURE would be in shambles having this radical reckless guy running its affairs.

      • johnnie Boy
        May 24, 2019

        J. Prosper the chairman of the electoral commission and the AG said the equipment , the technology and the legislation is already in place . They only need to go to parliament to enact the laws. So why are you calling Lennox statement to immediately set the machinery in motion to have voter ID cards reckless ? The consequences of this action would ensure that only eligible people would be on the list to vote.

        • time has told
          May 24, 2019

          These people will say anything to make excuses , deflect and try to cast a bad shadow on integrity. Hear what this guy regards as reckless. I am personally even more understanding why we are in the economic state we are in today. it is because of fools like these who say utter rubbish and laugh it off like it is a big joke then turn around and beg for a handout. Out country is filled with imbecils, morons and idiots who enjoy setting the country back in order for them to feel like they are on top of people now. Shameful. Every country gets the leader it deserves eh. And we know who our leader is and why. I myself have given up on them.

    • Common man
      May 23, 2019

      are you for real house slave?

    • Dominica needs us!
      May 23, 2019

      According to Mr. Linton it is not nuclear physics. The employees of the electoral office knows how to clean a list and prepare voter ID cards if they are given the instruction to do so by the Commission. The Chief Electoral Officer is more than capable but he needs to be instructed on this policy.

    • time has told
      May 24, 2019

      IT isnt for political parties to do so. If so then Saphire Sky or whatever her real name is and Pappy also need to be included in the process of giving suggestions. What needs to be done is clear and simple, and in fact he did make recommendations, first of which is TO CLEAN UP THE VOTERS REGISTRATION LIST. Yes action is what is needed, since 2014 when the DLP won the last election, no action on electoral reform has taken place apart from setting up a reform commission manned by DLP cronies mostly. Dominicans be sure that NO reform will take place before the next election, and that is absolutely no fault of the opposition. they even wanted to blame a bag of stones on the uwp and used that as a reason as to not pass a reform bill. tricks are for kids. the Dominican public is watching.

    • A Voter
      May 24, 2019

      Francine was asked “is it right to pay people to vote” her response after a pause was, “I never paid anyone to vote for me” and I suppose she had her people in the crowd and of course they were cheering for her. But Francine never contested general elections so the question wasn’t if “she paid people to vote” but “is it right to pay people to vote”. This was a very unhealthy discussion, we are not any closer to a solution. Dominica’s democracy is under threat!!!

    • Frank N Stein
      May 24, 2019

      ////// you wanna know what kind of attitude? One which way surpasses that of the drunken PM we have who instead of talking about plans for the country goes on a rampage trying to dehumanize UWP candidates, though it is clear to see they have more class than him/

      A leader who the PM is so afraid of that he cant stand up face to face and debate with.

      A leader whom the PM cant sleep at night because Lennox lives is in his head rent free

      A leader who tried to show un mannerly Francine that she needs some class.

      Finally, slamming table and trying to talk when it is not your turn is not ladylike its what we call in patois VEMIN. So if a leader ask you to kindly shut up please, he is a formidable leader. Screenshot this and read it out the the PM
      I am not even going to talk about the Deputy PM Austrie, not enough space here.

      • May 26, 2019

        @Frank N Stein, what fictitious foolishness!

        (1)A leader who the PM is so afraid of that he can’t stand up face to face and debate with”?

        Man, why would PM Skerrit place himself so low even to stand in a debate box against Lennox Linton? That would be very shameful to us Laborites. We do not want him to do that and he knows it.

        (2) A leader whom the PM can’t sleep at night because Lennox lives is in his head rent-free –That one is the most foolish and senseless part! How can you know what is in the PM’s head at night?

        (3) A leader who tried to show un mannerly Francine that she needs some class.

        Francine is not vying for the Prime Minister’s Seat but Lennox is. Does he have the class to represent Dominica locally, regionally, and international? His action to Francine is a loud display of his no-class personality.

        And for the rest of what you wrote here, who would expect any different from you? Most definitely not us Laborites!

  40. j Prosper
    May 23, 2019

    This is like the Democrats blaming the Republicans for suppressing votes in America went they cant win. I will say it again. I personally don’t think electoral reform is the problem. Because its the same system which placed P John, Dame E Charles, Ed James, Mike/ Roosevelt Douglas, P Charles and Skerrit as prime minister. Lennox have not yet made a good enough case to convince Dominicans that he is ready to govern and to derail the Skerrit administration. For a long time now Lennox have been talking about the selling of passports to vagabonds,dictatorship, one man show, above the law, layou river hotel scandal, the miss handling of Dominica’s funds and the list goes on and on. Lennox had all the opportunities at his disposal to find a group of good lawyers from Dominica and in the (OECS) on his side to create a case to derail Skerritt, and he has failed to do so. All he was doing is foaming at his mouth with no facts to back his allegations. He is a big mouth Joke.

    • %
      May 23, 2019

      Pure horse manure . Your demented ……Is electoral reform a Lennox thing? It for all of us, including lost soul like you! We are in 2019, going into another election with a bloated list and no I D card, and you are belching rubbish about what Lennox should do?
      Man/woman get the hell out of there! Your dotish. Dominica does not belong to Lennox. It’s OUR country.
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • Jon
      May 24, 2019

      J Prosper

      I believe that you have missed out the main ingredient which Mr Lennox does not have and that is the billions which is at Skerrit’s disposal.

      The moderator, Francine, et al do not want a fair election in DA because they do not want to stop enjoying their Hot soup as they prefer the majority to continue to sousay sel.

      Also, they know that any alternative government will engage international auditors to unravel DA’s funds, and all the other corrupt business that might have been engaged in during that long and abysmal tenure.

    • time has told
      May 24, 2019

      you fail to realize that there are dead people from since the times of P John, Dame E Charles, and Ed James that are still on the list. When you go to vote these days sometimes noone asks you for an ID. In my case i told them my name, they showed me the list and i pointed out my name for them. They gave me my ballot slip and i voted. Simple. Noone questioned my supposed identity. Nothing stopping a group of people from voting on behalf of dead people who are still on these registered voters lists. first and foremost, it needs to be purged by the electoral commission. Not the UWP or the DLP or private citizens. the commission must do its work.

    • First time voter
      May 25, 2019

      During the past government the voters list was not higher than the population you fool . All the reason why reform is needed to cleanse the list to remove all dead and decaying people from the list ,and those that does not visit Dominica not even for a funeral of their mothers or father .list need to be cleaned .We just don’t read to educate ourselves.

  41. Zandoli
    May 23, 2019

    So how much time has to elapse before this government can get its act together? This government reminds me of the Republicans in the state legislators who rig the rules to gain an unfair advantage over the other side.
    You wait, if DLP loses the elections, it would take them no time to start demanding electoral reform.

    • Massacre
      May 23, 2019

      Once DLP lost the election they won’t remain in Dominica. All of them have already make up their minds to run away. That’s the end of DLP as we know it.

  42. %
    May 23, 2019

    This does not surprise me. The bloated list,and its manipulation by the DLP has worked well for them. That’s the only way they can win! This country is doomed under this Skerrit led version of his own DLP brand. Over ten years, and a country cannot issus ID cards to the electorate,neither clean s bloated list? What a shame!
    There should be an outrage by the population..
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • John hope
      May 23, 2019

      Percent you didn’t put him there so you can’t remove the pm only labourites can remove him and pa la

    • 💕Me💕
      May 23, 2019

      Wa wa, the next PM of the Commonwealth of Dominica went after his Mama last night. Typical NEG bublamie to display such animalistic behavior. When the leader of a party disrespects a woman in the public, you don’t want to know what goes on at HOME. It’s only a Mal Watt could conduct himself that way. Respect U Mama Boy!

      • Me
        May 24, 2019

        Are women not equal to men and should be treated accordingly?

      • First time voter
        May 25, 2019

        It looks like Dominica is a piece of land skerritt grand father die and live for him .Stupidity. I hope you can conduct yourself is people like you who like to brag that like beating women .when you point one finger at Linton all the others pointing right back at you, stop being ignorant .I’m a woman and Francine must learn to conduct herself like one.shame on her.Cannot have my daughter behaving that way, shameful.

    • Is So
      May 23, 2019

      % you are a national embarrassment. You were being listened to around the globe. On numerous occasions you were asked to clarify your answers and you docked the questions. If you don’t have the level of intelligence nor the patience to answer directives, that only means you are a fraud and incompetent individual.,%. Again that’s natural for a functional illiterate. That’s not the senior moment that’s kicking it, just blatant ignorance. Take advantage of the free classes that’s being offered. No I don’t need it, fully RETIRED by Uncle Sam

  43. Questions & Answers
    May 23, 2019

    My name is questions and answers and therefore it is important to ask questions here. So here we go:
    1. Is Chairman of the Electoral Commission in Dominica, Gerard Burton a CBI passport seller?
    2. Is Mr. William, a CBI passport seller of Skerrit?
    3. Is Lennox Lawrence a CBI passport seller of Skerrit?
    These are the three men representing Skerrit on the election committee and all three are attorneys at law. So, if they are all selling passports for Skerrit, who do you think they are working for on this election committee? If they are selling passports don’t you think they have their interest to protect and will do anything that will cause them to answer questions

    • viewsexpressed
      May 24, 2019

      Good Questions and we need answers. With these three nefarious bed fellows:
      1. Is Chairman of the Electoral Commission in Dominica, Gerard Burton a CBI passport sellers……….cont.
      2. Is Mr. William, a CBI passport seller of Skerrit?
      3. Is Lennox Lawrence a CBI passport seller of Skerrit?
      can’t – are they in some control of the sale of our passports as agents or commissioners or diplomats. What capacity are these three clowns holding reference to the sales, promotion of our passports? What is their salary, who pays them, do they pay taxes, have we had an audit. (Will Skerrit on the Finance Chair that may never happen. We need accounatabity and DECENT PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT and not those three comical fools, disguised as whisperers that we know not what they do. I have suspicion of these three bind mice lingering about with our states resources and its reputation. Dominicans wake up , some people in law appears to be gaining alot from our states finances, the tax etc that we pay.

  44. Bwa-Banday
    May 23, 2019

    Oh hell no! The electoral commission sat on their duff for years without doing the work they were supposed to, now they want to talk about what the legislation says? We knew back then what it said, that’s why they should have done their job. We care less about what it says now because that should have changed umpteeeeeeen years ago but since it never changed we consider it unacceptable and irrelevant to the “current” situation. We need immediate change or “the People” will force the change with civil disobedience.

    No nonsense about what the law says! It is irrelevant as yesterday. Clean list and voter ID period! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  45. Queen
    May 23, 2019

    Linton you are the on the opposite side so all i expect you to do is oppose of anything being said.

    • time has told
      May 24, 2019

      Well if what is being said is complete rubbish i approve his opposition of it. they had 5 years to clean a list and issue id cards. now excuses are being made.

  46. LaPlaine Observer
    May 23, 2019

    It is the DLP who lacks the political will to rectify electoral reforms. But again, why should they have the political will when the current system benefits them? Electoral reforms must address the quid pro quo bribery scheme where transportation and traveling expenses are provided to overseas voters to come and vote.

    • zandoli
      May 23, 2019

      Electoral reform goes much further than that. Before any party can even contemplate flying people to Dominica, they have to have a large war chest. I am much more interested in campaign finance reform. We need to know who are the patrons of the political parties. These people are behind the scenes pulling the strings of the government. We need to outlaw foreign entities influencing our elections.

      • time has told
        May 24, 2019

        Exactly. I want to know where they are getting their millions to do concerts in every constituency. to pay for gas for people to bring voters up and down to rallies (yes DLP supporters are getting free gas), to pay for plane tickets for voters, to get xyz to bribe voters. Last election i heard they spent millions. Millions that could have been used to help fix and make the country more resilient to stand up against Erica and Maria. but no. That is never a priority. no proper health centers, no proper sporting facilities, fire station is a mess, police station is a mess, hospital is a mess. But they does find $$ to rent staging and lighting and sound and visual equipment, pay for greedy gospel singers and all kinds of other people to come and perform here to try and put a pacifyer in the people’s mouths. I must say our young people who know no better must begin to demand better and stop following the good time which is always short lived. Dominicans are watching.

    • ///////////////////////
      May 23, 2019

      It is the UWP that always protesting anything. It is the UWP that is malkasay and disrespectful. It is them who always twisting everything to suit themselves and misdirect the public. It is them who prevents anything from happening. Obstacles who behave in a mob like manner. Did u hear the Leader speak so violently and asked the police to open the gate for the mob to enter. Come on people open your eyes. This is ridiculous and I do not care about thumbs down. I always think for myself. I am not led like a sheep to the slaughter or a blind bat. This man must behave himself like a leader not so makasay bawling to a woman “shut up”. No wonder I think he does not like women.

      • %
        May 23, 2019

        @////////////
        The woman thought that she was in Dominica’s broken parliament, where they all hide under the old speaker jacket?
        Well done Linton. It’s a pity you were too soft and gentle.I thought I would hear from my village.Plaufitd to you Linton .
        Job well done!
        Skerrit Must Go
        Skerrit Must Go
        LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

        • %
          May 24, 2019

          @///////
          Plaudits to honourable Linton.
          Shut up Francine!!! You are not in parliament. Don’t rudely interrupt!

      • dee
        May 23, 2019

        while we at it, lets blame the UWP protesting at the four (four) institutions Skerrit has lined up eager to fill the Void left by Ross’s departure . He said so himself ,
        But that LINTON LINTON LINTON dere ein tell the 4 institutions dow show no more interest .
        we still waiting for them wee .

      • May 23, 2019

        @///////////////////////, I wish I could pronounce your name. :lol: :lol: :lol:

        Anyway, you are just like me, I get a lot of thumbs down as well. But what do I care? As long as my voice is being heard. I know where my wisdom and understanding is coming from, and the “Giver” wants me to speak it out for His glory. That is what I am doing.

        Your message is loud and clear, so you have number 8 thumbs up from me. Hold on to what you believe, my friend!

        • time has told
          May 24, 2019

          Skerrit the “Giver?” its obvious. He is not god you know? After Jesus Christ the next best thing is the Holy Ghost and then is sliced bread, not Skerrit. Dont get it twisted. “The Giver” is joke.

        • Ibo France
          May 24, 2019

          My good friend, Elizabeth, your Giver uses the people’s money to give them pittance. Do you get yours through the mail in Canada? No wonder you defend such a worthless character so stoutly. Liz, are you losing it. God does not support corruption, selfishness, cheating, immortality, greed, victimization, lies, darkness nor criminality. Stop your cult worship of a this foul mouthed character.

      • I like it
        May 24, 2019

        Women in position should display ladylike behaviors. She was deliberately disruptive just as she does in the house of assembly. This time madam speaker wasn’t there to protect her. Well done Lennox

        • RandyX
          May 26, 2019

          They are common as muck all those that are involved with the crime minister. He is the same!

      • time has told
        May 24, 2019

        He did say please. and im glad you called her a woman, because that is what she is. Not a lady. Because a real lady would have acted like one and not interrupt anyone when they have the floor and the mic and it is their turn to speak. she was very disrespectful and sought to embarass the man. He could have said it in a more polite manner like “ms. Baron, are you done? i would like to continue,” if she were a lady of course. But i believe the PLEASE SHUT UP was more fitting, for her at least, because the woman just kept yapping and yapping and noone was saying anything to her. Not Levi Peter the lost AG, Not Gerald Burton, the lazy electoral commissioner, NOT even the moderator. Someone had to make her stop and be respectful at a public meeting which turned out to only be by invitation only. also why was it advertised on public radio to the general public then to find out that only selected invited guests were allowed. very poor job by the commission’s PRO.

    • I Done
      May 23, 2019

      My Laplaine Observer, now the leopard has changed it skin, but the spots still remain. How many times were u rejected? Now you have an observer status. Boy look rejects, glad for your new reform job.

  47. jamie
    May 23, 2019

    This government is so corrupt,and Skerrit knows once the reform is done he is doomed,so sad how this guy has brought this country to such a horrible path.

    • John hope
      May 23, 2019

      That’s your opinion right?

    • May 24, 2019

      What horrible path? In the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties things were much worse than they are today. Much of that period parents had to struggle to send their children to secondary school, university education was a luxury only the rich could afford, housing and sanitation were neglected as government was broke and we survived from handouts from England. Perhaps you did not experience those times that’s why your comment is so idiotic. You now have a government that is building homes for those who are not able to fully help themselves, taking care of the elderly, assisting students with university tuition and at the same time managing the economy prudently. The party you follow, for 20 years they have been predicting the collapse of the Dominican economy, it is yet to happen. Even after two major natural disasters that seriously destroyed our GDP and our infrastructure, the economy has not collapsed. Yet low information propagandist like you continue to spread fake news.

      • May 26, 2019

        @Anon, your voice above sounds just like mine, a voice that I wish more of us, Laborites would be sounding here, on this comment board–without fear of our opponents.

        So let us not stop sounding out what we believe is true, let the negative responses to out into the air of dark smoke.

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