Dominican bus drivers and taxi operators lined up at the Dominica Social Security (DSS) today April 23, 2021, as the government made good on their promise to deliver a one-time stimulus package to the sector.
On Monday, April 12, 2021, several bus drivers mainly from the west coast, gathered in Massacre and embarked on a “go-slow” protest action, driving in a southerly direction at 1 km/h which resulted in a backup of traffic for many hours.
The bus drivers’ action was to press government to give them an acceptable stimulus package in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rise in the price of fuel. They threatened to continue such action until their demands were met.
The very next day a five-man delegate met with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and disclosed that they had reached an agreement.
Speaking to Dominica News Online (DNO) today, several of the bus drivers confirmed that they had received a cheque of EC 3,600 dollars while taxi operators were given $4,600.
“We’re very happy that the prime minister could keep his word and provide us with this assistance,” stated one elated Mahaut bus driver. “This will go a long way in assisting us as we continue to provide our service to the public.”
We were also told by a bus driver from Grand Fond that while he appreciated the grant, he’s hoping that some more incentives can be put in place for their sector.
“When you think of it, by the time we pay off our bills because many of us are in debt, when we service this vehicle and do whatever else we have to do, we are back to square one. It still wouldn’t change the fact that fuel has gone up, or that we are not making money on the road, so I certainly believe that more could have been done for us,” he said.
Another bus operator who spoke to our reporter called for unity in the sector, as he noted that not all bus drivers participated in the protest action and notwithstanding that, all bus drivers and taxi operators are receiving a package.
“The day in question when we were standing up for the rights of the bus drivers, others who chose to continue to transport passengers had so many ill words to say against us. They called us fools, they threatened to puncture our tires, break our windows, saying that we were causing them to lose money that day,” he complained. “However today, they got more than what they would have received in a month. So this really goes to show that when things are happening in this country, people mustn’t be so quick to turn against their brothers and sisters because the more we come together, is the better chance we’ll reach the government.”
When asked how they intended to use the funds, some said it would be used to pay their licenses and insurance, others to go towards the upkeep of their vehicles, but the most popular response we received was, “to assist my family.”
The day before the protest, the Prime Minister Skerrit, on his Sunday talk show, warned the bus drivers that if they proceeded with the planned action, negotiations would have been taken off the table. However, a week later when asked on the same talk show, why he had a change of heart, he responded, “because I am a very nice guy.”
According to Skerrit, “I invoke the biblical in scripture, ‘Father forgive them, for they know what they’re doing.’ They were ill-advised. I think some of them were taken advantage of by some political operatives who don’t have their interest at heart. But, as the leader of the country I have a responsibility to look beyond people’s own foolishness and to save them from themselves…I don’t think it’s wise for me to withhold help from them because of their foolishness and so I am protecting them from themselves in that regard.”
He acknowledged that many of the people within this sector require assistance but stressed that they should take their trade more seriously.
“They were ill-advised. I think some of them were taken advantage of by some political operatives who don’t have their interest at heart.”
Then in the next breath, he saying nonsense like, the opposition is always politicizing everything. Nonsense, when bus drivers include both laborites and workers. This man is petty as hell and immature when he tries to give these little jabs. He acts like everybody not seeing the country is hurting. He acts like this issue is an economic issue and both dlp and uwp supports are affected. this is a nations issue. But no, as usual, always in his divisive fashion, says crap like “i think…they were advised by SOMEONE in the opposition”…Absolutely no facts in that statement, cannot hold in court. But some base thinking Dominicans love that kind of rhetoric. They will turn and say Lennox Linton told them to do it, that the PM their God and Savior had told them.Then watch them get angry and loud when you explain reason to them, then they will…
Amino Stupes and stupes! Why do you hate so much?
If you cannot criticize constructively then say nothing.
Skerro, your mouth, your mouth, you and your mouth!!! Sir, you have lied so frequently that now you telling a lie on the Bible?? Where in the holy book does it say what you quoted??
Bro, when are you going to stop? Damn!
HOTEP!
Forget the semantics the fact of the matter is that the double doctorate dude was made to look like a fool. He took to the airwaves to pronounce that he was king of all that he surveyed and no one was going to put a gun to his head and demand anything, yet this is exactly what the bus owners and drivers did. Despite the fact that he sent his over-armed police goons to intimidate citizens exercising their rights to protest, he is the one who had to eat crow and meet with the representatives of the bus drivers to fashion a deal. Kudos to the entrepreneurs who were proactive in seeking assistance in the time of travail for them. They should not allow Skerritt to divide and rule and continue to subvert Democratic processes in Dominca. You cannot buy away the pain and distress of creative entrepreneur transportation citizens with your red clinic and other shenanigans. Shame on you. Pay up, Skerritt
According to Skerrit, “I invoke the biblical in scripture, ‘Father forgive them, for they know what they’re doing.’ They were ill-advised. I think some of them were taken advantage of by some political operatives who don’t have their interest at heart. But, as the leader of the country I have a responsibility to look beyond people’s own foolishness and to save them from themselves…I don’t think it’s wise for me to withhold help from them because of their foolishness and so I am protecting them from themselves in that regard.” Word of a Prime Minister of a country? Really? Looks down and talks down to the electorate like they are foolish spoilt children? Really? And then this same country keeps voting this man for their leader? Really? Well, maybe he is right, until the same electorate decide to prove him wrong and send him home packing! Send him back to being a teacher let us see how he will survive without Government paid mansion and vehicles!
My sentiments exactly!
Never believe would see bus drivers,who support UWP accept JUMBIE MONEY.
@Lin clown, do you really believe that the money which hard working Dominicans have in their names but controlled by a corrupt, jumbie-like cabal is jumbie money? Eat some humble pie partner. Those taxi drivers and bus owners who support the Labour party are quite happy to get in line and accept the relief that the money gives them. It’s useless talk based on hyperbole from folks like you that keep the country from going forward. But what else should we expect from a clown?
And for information the biblical quote is “Lord forgive them for they know NOT what they do” NOT “Father forgive them, for they know what they’re doing.” Oh man… and you Skerrit were a teacher… GOD help us (and I don’t mean you Skerrit).
Praying for change, praying you are convicted and removed from office if a mental health assessment doesn’t have you deemed unfit for office beforehand (Psychiatrists please section this maniac).
@Amino, those were the words of Jesus while He was dying on the cross. There is no way He would have said “Lord” because He, Himself, is referred to as Lord all over the New Testament.
He was pleading to the Almighty God, for His mercy to those who were crucifying Him. He called “Father” all through the New Testament. But here is one proof for you: @Luke 23:34 “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
If you are read what you quoted in a Bible, I am not surprised because it is factual that many of the bibles of today were rewritten by men who were not guided by God’s Holy Spirit. Be careful!
Father then… whatever makes you happy.
And you have just proven my point (albeit I said Lord instead of Father…whoops!). Skerrit stated “I invoke the biblical in scripture, Father forgive them, for they know what they’re doing.” which as you have detailed in your post is utterly wrong, as the bible states “Father, forgive them, for they know NOT what they do.” Either way his entire statement is grandiose and demeaning to the bus drivers who he appears to consider are so below him and can’t think for themselves. The man is a mental case and needs to be removed from office immediately!
I have no sympathy for those bus drivers and taxis drivers that blocked the road preventing others from going about their business they are a bunch of UWP gangsta flies low rent gutter hooligans Mr Skerrit, should not have given them any money let them run their businesses properly!
Spewing unadulterated garbage as usual. Just thoughtless, asinine, filthy mess that comes from a depraved, malfunctioning mind. This what happens to the minds of the unlettered.
DNO I will post a copy of a letter I got in the mail yesterday, from President Joe Biden, so you can see what a real stimulus package is and what is making good on a promise is. I didn’t vote Joe Biden or anyone and no one protested, no one was kicked or abused by police in order to get a stimulus cheque. Stimulus cheques were paid to every American and and U bet Vince Henderson and Loren Robert got their stimulus and the same letter I got. So for goodness sake they should have told Skerrit what a stimulus is and how it should be given in a humame way to citizens. But for bus drivers to be forced to protest where they were kicked, dragged to the ground by police and instead of stating again the inhumane like treatment almost worse in nature than what Derric Chauvin gave George Floyd with the only difference being George Floyd died. DNO for any news agency to ignore that and instead stats “the government made good on their promise to deliver a one-time stimulus package” is very sad
Work for Love. Luke 14 Forsake all, everybody, yourlife to become a Christian
Luke 12 and Matthew 6, Sell out, give all to poor people, and keep all alms in secret
Matthew 5-7, Work for J, not €, then J will give you and your family as well in case they follow too the food and clothing needed
Help the poor, sick, needy, and imprisoned to make J happy Matthew 25
Mark 16 Share Love & Truth to all, to everyone everywhere
John 17 Work with others in love + peace
Don’t take the Mark of the Beast right hand or forehead, the only way to buy or sell (It’s not the covid mask or vaccine, but could be quantum implantable or quantum-tattoo) the Revelation 13+14
USA is most likely the Babylon, to be destroyed with fire in 1 hour, the Revelation 17+18 He loves all, and we need to love Him back
And what is your point, sir/madam? I cannot see your reason for quoting all of those scriptures. None of them has anything to do with the theme of the article above
“the more we come together, is the better chance we’ll reach the government” News article
Sorry sir, but I have to say that togetherness means that we are abiding in peace, not uproar, battle, or war.
PM Skerrit is a man with God’s heart and the reason you all were able to that stimulus package was that God spoke to him about those who did not join you all in what you claim to be “togetherness”.
What Skerrit did was for their sake by God’s command, not for the sake of you all who tried to disturb the peace of the people for the sake of a few dollars.
That is why one of your comrades complained: “When you think of it, by the time we pay off our bills because many of us are in debt when we service this vehicle and do whatever else we have to do, we are back to square one.” News article
That one is not satisfied with what he received; should the government take up the living expense of the people of Dominica?
LizzyX, you are committing blasphemy by associating God’s name with that of one of the most sinful LIAR to have ever reside on this planet.
It’s the people’s money. It did not come from Skerrit’s personal bank account. He has put billions in the hands of MMCE and has given the local
bus drivers a mere pittance that can’t even cover the insurance of their buses.
Lizzy, your comments resonate with no one for they are bland, vacuous and inexact.
Common DNO. It would have been stimulus cheque if the idea was from the government with the objective being to stimulate growth in the economy. What we see is StimuFORCE and I say so for two reasons:
1. The package was forced on the government by bus drivers
2.Bus drivers got their StimuFORCE package with force from the government since bus drivers were literally forced out with guns, kicks, punches etc. In other words it was forced on the government and the government in return used force on bus drivers before they gave them a cheque.
So DNO for you to say add in the first paragraph ” As the government made good on their promise to deliver a one-time stimulus package to the sector” makes you look more like a singer like Parry that playing and singing for your supper.
Let me preface my comments by stating that every little helps. However, this sum of money and no additional incentives granted to the bus and taxi drivers is equivalent to peanut change. The government got a handsome grant from the World Bank and a much better package should have been given to these long suffering people.
Poverty is a sin. It clouds your thinking and makes you too easily satisfied. This minute sum of money given makes some of the recipients ecstatic. Foreigners and the politically well connected have gotten millions to build hotels and other edifices.
On another point, Dominica seems to be untouched by modernity. Where else in the Caribbean adults crowd a government institution for a cheque. In sister countries, once you are eligible for a grant or cheque from government, the money is sent to your bank account. Seeing the bus and taxi drivers in a cluster brings back memories of the unsustainable Red Clinic. Dominica is UNIQUE indeed!
I believe he thinks he is GOD himself:
According to Skerrit, “I invoke the biblical in scripture, ‘Father forgive them, for they know what they’re doing.’ They were ill-advised. I think some of them were taken advantage of by some political operatives who don’t have their interest at heart. But, as the leader of the country I have a responsibility to look beyond people’s own foolishness and to save them from themselves…I don’t think it’s wise for me to withhold help from them because of their foolishness and so I am protecting them from themselves in that regard.”
This man is a dangerous grandiose psychopath…. people be warned, just a thought: Perhaps if he were assessed by a Psychiatrist the truth of his condition would render him “UNFIT TO SERVE THE OFFICE OF PRIME MINISTER” as he will be deemed a danger to the public.
That’s how a struggle is. Those who are against it, are the FIRST and greediest to benefit from its success. I recognised two faces from a southern village who gave oral blows on the protesters..See them today! Parasites!!!
Let me repeat what i first said on the day of the protest 12th April 2021.
“”It would be so gratifying if each bus driver would give to Esrom George at least $50.00″”….In my view, he was the hero of the protest.
He faced the brutality of the thugs and hooligans of the Maniku gang of our police force..
My wish is that he press charges against those ill disciplined, badly trained, semi illiterates, who almost killed him.
Other sectors need to PROTEST like you all bus drivers.
Skerrit understand just one thing PROTESTS!!!