When once a decision is made to clear existing or pending errors, the introduction of new systems, personel and or operations geared at normalizing a condition or structure is referred to as a “reset”. Simply put, it can also mean returning to a state of normalcy.
The events of the 2017 Hurricane Maria did not just call for or require a reset but also mandated Dominicans to revisit our relevance in today’s global space. It also provided us an opportunity to take a critical look at how the management of the country would impact us as a people going forward. One may argue and make the excuse that after such a catastrophic event, any energy left mentally or otherwise should, and would be focused on getting lives back to normal – quite understandably.
Another opportunity nonetheless was given to Dominicans again when the 2019 elections were held. Dominicans seemingly had moved so quickly passed the event of 2017 that they felt strongly and decided to continue business as usual as it relates to governance by re-electing the Roosevelt Skerrit-led administration.
Almost three years from that 2019 date, another opportunity to “reset” was handed to the populace, this time though, with major and significant unfulfilled promises. Of course, it is not for me to re-litigate them all but I will highlight the most important and apparent one which was the promise of electoral reform. The process and participaton or lack thereof in the 2022 elections, was clear for all to see and so I will not stress you out with those again.
The big question on every body’s mind is, “where are the signs of the reset or even the reset itself”? The recruitment of about 85 percent of new candidates in itself cannot be seriously viewed as a reset when this has become a norm over the last three election cycles. So one waited with baited breath to see what the much talked about reset would look like once the cabinet was constituted. I don’t play card games very often but one thing the new cabinet with all its advisors, envoys and special assistants reminds me of is a reshuffle. Again I’m not going to weigh you down with who was asigned where as by now I’m sure we are all aware. [There was] duplication of responsibilities so as to ensure those who were pushed out the front door were returned via the back door or window, and Dominicans were told that the composition of the cabinet was reflective of the current day realities and needs of the country (creating the opportunity for those who had sucked the country dry to continue to do so in a more subtle way). That being the case, something is drastically wrong with our country and it speaks volumes as to the failure of some of these sectors over the last almost two decades.
Now I have captioned this expression “reset 2023” and many may wonder why. It is my view that since this promised reset clearly appeared to be a cover up for a reshuffle, Dominicans must now prepare to do their own reset come 2023 and beyond. The mindset of our people must now be a primary focus as they seek to take control of and hold accountable those who will now be managing the affairs of state. For far too long all these fancy slogans like “reset” and others have been banded about in peoples faces only to see the direct opposite take place. It is now time for a reset where the whole idea of recall must be seriously considered by the people. The voting public should have the right and opportunity to ask any parl rep to vacate their seat in parliament if they are not meeting the mandate placed upon them by the people. The reset must not be left to one man when he so desires and to select whom he wishes.
Like many, I look with great interest to April 2025 when another major reset is expected. Is it going to be another situation where, if the promise of vacating the seat of prime minister really happens that the replacement will be the choice of the exiting prime minister or will that reset be one chosen by the people of Dominica? Reset your minds people, don’t only exercise your power and franchise when it’s time to genuflect and seemingly respond to the charm of one man. Let the new calypso “reset” mean just that and stay in that mode throughout. When politicians know that people are in the constant mode of “reset” beginning in this new year 2023, they will wake up to the reality that they are servants and not masters of the people.
Finally, even before the reset was announced, I had called for my own reset which was the idea for more independent candidates to come to the fore since political parties had deceived and failed the people. Many tried to scold me, saying that could never work in Dominica’s politics. Well! how many still believe that it could not work after what just happened? That was certainly a “reset”!
2023 should be the beginning of the real “reset” where our people return the country to a state of peace, no corruption in government, a decline if not total stop to the senseless homicides especially among our young men, productivity in the manufacturing and agricultural sector, increased and improved information technology, improvement in the health, education and tourism sector, just to name a few.
The only reason politicians are able to continue to take Dominicans for the joyless rides which they have been doing for so long and treat us as people with no backbone is because we have allowed them to devide and rule which is right from their play books. It is more than time that people end this hatred and division caused and enhanced by politicians while these politicians enrich themselves at the expense of the poor. As a people, we must learn to agree to disagree without tearing down each other or helping our leaders to destroy those they think don’t support their political ideologies. At the end of the day when these politician have fattened their pockets and have decided to retire with their millions either in Dominica or elsewhere, it is all of us who will be left to live together in the mess that we blindly allowed them to create for us.
Let’s make 2023 the year of real “reset” by the people, for the people and with the people!.
Mervin, you missed the potty my boy. Skerrit does not trust you and that is the only thing I have in common with him. Sorry Mervin but I not believe a dog can change it spots. Yes you can paint it, give it a haircut, kput a camouflage on it but underneath it remains the same dog.
If you were still living in Dominica you would be still shaking hands with the coruption and nepotism taking place in Dominica , but at least your eyes is open now. But it have some that run from Dominica and to them Dominica is now the best place on earth.
Mr. Paul is confused about the concepts of “reshuffle” and “reset.” Clearly!
@me, you are half right on the first part of your comment in that I’m one of those who believe that the status quo should continue, but not as a result of greed, it’s because of the reason I stated in my comment. No suitable alternative.So remove the greedies and you are 100% correct. I also believe that we would have had a different government had we had a good alternative.
However, your score is 0% on the second part of your comment. I have never been given, asked for, worked for, or benefited from any government or political party in Dominica or any government anywhere in the world
I have always worked in the private sector, started 2 days following my highschool graduation and thank God, everything I own and benefited from was derived from hard, honest and dedicated work.
As you brought up the topic, I’ll take this opportunity to proudly and thankfully say that I have truly lined my pocket, but only with my heard earned money.
@AEB
Man get out of here with your childish, wimpy, puerile and infantile rubbish. Am i interested in who you are, or where you work???No i am not!!!
I responded to your filth and asked you whether you are one of the “VOWAS” Dominicans who will see wrong and remain MOO MOO, because you want to maintain the status quo, and line your pocket..Did you comment on the gas shortage crisis?
Why are you in a tantrum? Because its the truth?
What reset all you talking about and DNO even promoting that nonsense of Skerrit.
Skerrit realized that Blackmore, Ian, Reggie, Darroux and/ or Roselyn wanted to crook him by nominating one of them as PM instead of Skerrit, so Skerrit with plenty help from Chalio quickly fired all of them and dissolved the house forthwith, knowing that to become prime Minister anyone that wins their seat in an election and can get a majority of 11, can be pM. So by dissolving the house on them forthwith Skerrit ensured none could run again and build anything on him. That was the Reset Skerrit was talking about and that’s the only reset Dominicans will get. So since he fired them and brought them back to cover the plot Skerrit hired all of them back for top $$$$. So what reset? Stupes tan
After reading this article I was left with mixed emotions. First I agree 100% with everything you said. But on the other hand I am asking myself why now? How could you know so much about the destroyer of our country and yet you tried to be one of his candidates had it not been for Reggie that’s in your way?
But I give you much credit for speaking out now because you could have taken a hush hush gift or approach like those nine that were fired by Skerrit but later took a “hush my mouth “ deal. In fact you could have done like other fired ministers like Gloria, Matthew, St Jean and others who saw the danger but chose loyalty to Skerrit over Dominica. You could have done like a former police commissioner you know very well, during GON Emmanuel era who chose to run than to speak.
But you remind me of one of the seven churches Revelation 2:18-25, the church in Thyatira.
if Reggie, Ian, Blackmore, Roselyn, Darroux , Dr King, and others had chosen Dominica over the bribe we would be…
There are those that are of the opinion that a one party state is in the best interest of Dominica. Others believe that if it is not broken don’t fix it, which would amount to them opining that labour is doing an excellent job why a change. As an independent I am of the opinion that 20 years in power has the ability to get one intoxicated with power. Give someone else a chance, if they are ineffective vote them out, vote someone else in their place. It is possible that another leader could move Dominica forward. Simple put what’s the motivation to be Prime Minister for over 20 years. I would not want that post. Give someone else a chance.
For a few dollars ever so often, unfortunately Dominicans are happy to overlook the status quo. Most Dominicans live from one day to the next and in general are not overly concerned what the future holds for them. If nothing else, Skerrit knows how his countrymen’s minds work. He shamelessly uses their shortcomings to his advantage. Do they care? No, they don’t! For that reason alone I say, THEY DESERVE EVERYTHING THEY GET!
Stay in England and stay happy with the status quo in London. You have done nothing for your country, Dominica. Please shut up and mind your own business. What have you done to help your country from London? Nothing. You are one of those bla, bla, bla, black sheep, have you any wool, yes sir, yes sir, three bag full.
What could a latrine cleaner like you possibly contribute to his country. I contribute to my country in a way that sooner rather than latter we will be able to cut that cancer out of Dominicas skin, that feeds the likes of you and other corrupt half whits like you with crumbs. Of course you wouldn’t like me to interfere with your ‘earnings’ on the side.
@ds
Why cant you ask liar Skerrit what has he done with Dominicas money??
Lawyer you are promoting hatred. Read the article, comment objectively wiping out the same year in year out. It is time to divorce from that hateful attitude and those liking your comment.
When will you Lawyers/Likers look at things differently than screaming ” THEY DESERVE EVERYTHING THEY GET!”. What have you contributed, but a hatred agenda?
Reset or change your hateful mind and introduce a lovable mind for love conquereth and covereth a multitude of sins. When will you change your mind set to incorporate a healthy mind in a healthy body. Those who can hear let them hear for we cannot continuously wallow in bitterness, hatefulness, enviousness, jealousy. Why Lawyer you continue in this sick delusion of the past. Make a concerted effort to speak life, not use a well explained article to voice your hatefulness, pushing the same thing over & over again.
Lawyer / likers of your comment, I urge you to read the commentary about three time, slowly taking in the gist of what…
In DS language, you are just a bum. His favourite word, not mine…
Nothing to do with hate. There is just no way that I would ever condone corruption, nepotism, wrong accounting, deception and plain theft from a so called leader of my birth country. YOU should be ashamed of yourself! For those who keep voting for that clown, yes they deserve everything they get and believe me, this is only the beginning. It will get much worse!!
That’s why I don’t read your crap, after you sat there and plundered Dominica with your labah cabal frenz dem now you want to talk about them ?
Boy the audacity of some people. SHameful. YOu should just sit now and be quiet.
Disclaimer: I’ve never supported nor voted for labour , I’ve simply been saying that it will come to this and not many people listened.
Joseph Charles see my comment to Lawyer.
It is time to unstuck yourself with the past.
It is time to push forward. Looking back prevents you from moving forward.
Please throw away the old thinking and reset or cleanse your mind of any evil – like hatred, envy, jealousy, negative and step up forward. Read the article slowly pondering on what the gentleman says.
Forget where or who he was.
When we sin and Jehovah forgives us, he throws away everything in the sea of forgetfulness and remembers them no more.
Holding on to the past, hinders one from making strides.
Do you want to be standing at the same place whilst others – young ones – (babies etc) , come and move past you? This happens when you are stuck and this breeds bitterness for if you do not change your mind set, you will be even bitter with those who have passed you.
Pas dit moi partay vetir ou.
Move on and let change begin with you.
Mervin my dear, I feel your pain and I agree with all what you have said but again, your words are falling on death ears, I’m afraid, cause no one is listening. The mind is the hardest thing to change and apparently the Dominican people enjoy being manipulated and lied to. I know I may receive some dislikes for this comment but it really doesn’t matter to me. It is high time that Dominica wake up from the spell they are under.
Mr. Paul, seasons greetings and a very successful New Year to you.
Very interesting article, I appreciate your views, most of which I agree with particularly the “overall desire”.
However, I disagree with some of your views especially and most critically the allusion that we or most Dominicans freely and heartily allow politicians to continue taking Dominicans for the joyless rides which they have been doing for so long and treat us as people with no backbone by allowing them to divide and rule.
While each political party has its core of supporters (diehards), an ‘influencial’ proportion of the electorate are neutral, none aligned, but because they don’t trust and or have confidence in the other political parties this group of persons simply go along with the ruling party, they accept the ruling party by default, the ‘better of two evils’ really.
It is my fervent view that if we had a stronger, more trusted and constructive alternative, we would have had a…
@AEB
Garbage!! Utter garbage!!
You must be one of those greedies who believe that the statos quo should continue, so that you continue lining your pocket.
Me you just jump and say Garbage!! Utter garbage!!
You have not read what AEB has said.
Go right back and read slowly and digest.
A lot of people don’t read and at the first opportune does not agree because they have not digested the gist of the article.
Yes this is true.
No reading no understanding. Learn to read everything, yes I mean everything maybe 2 or 3 times to get the gist. Whilst one may introduce something to comment on, if you only read the introduction, how can you get the message.
@ AEB You are full of crap. You must be saturated with BS instead of AEB. I’ve listened to this same argument which you are making from another blind follower of Skeritt. This sounds like a learnt recitation from the dictator himself. Change must come.
I commend you for respectfully disagreeing with parts of the commentary – something that is rarely seen on this site.
Now that your intentions and position have been made clear I would like to know what happened between you and the government. I thought you had difficulties with Reggie and wanted a change in your community cottage but now your friend, Royer is in, I can’t understand what you are still bellyaching about. Are you telling me that you were the chief liar of the party when you headed the GIS pushing the government’s policies? Now everything is wrong with them and their policies.
Guess if you had contested the Cottage constituency as an independent candidate, you would have had an opportunity to reset the Cottage area…..
You coining a new word we you follow fashion. Jalou ou jalou. Vindictiveness does not pay garcon. Behave yourself. We can manage without you. Bon.
After staying with them for so long, reality has finally struck you Mervin..
What is needed from you now, is to publicly speak out and denounce those corruptly tained misleaders with your microphone.. Many people who need to hear you, do not read news on this medium.
Take another step, be a man with BALLS and speak, join walks and protests and say something brother say what you knew was wrong, and what is currently wrong, then your credibility will somewhat be faintly restored!!!
Better late than Never!!
Parlay avec bouche ou Mervin!! Dominica will hear you!
How can he when he was a recipient and partaker of the loot? Mervin makes himself look weak as he was unable to speak against the Labour Party as I did while he was still in Dominica. He can only now see their defects because he obtained permanent residency in the United States and one can assume no longer needs them. Understand the context those of you who feel that Mervin is some type of messiah.
And what do you say about Sean Douglas? He is still the best thing since sliced bread, huh?
Putin, I do not support party. Understand English if you have the ability. Sean is in Dominica talking against the government’s policies. Mervin waited until he got a green card to start talking. There is a difference. That’s the point I am making.
When do you think Sean started talking? He did after he was fired, and only then; only after the the opportunity to fatten himself on the backs of taxpayers was taken from him. You are maybe a just-come on the scene but ask DNO or Matt on Q95 to remind you why the Labour Government fired Sean Douglas.
How can you ask Mervin to join a gang of lazy rabble-rousers to chant down corruption when that same gang comprises the ONLY politicians in Dominica who are on record (through their signatures) as engaging in corrupt practices to fleece the Treasury!? Huh?