75-year-old Perryman Bougouneau found shelter in his father’s old and decrepit bakery after Hurricane Maria destroyed his home in Balizier, La Plaine since 2017. Interestingly, a stone’s throw away from Perryman’s leaky tarpaulin ‘cave’ are the majestic, modern, and swanky homes of the former Parliamentary representative and the pastor of the La Plaine Pentecostal church.
Also, a few yards from Perryman’s cave hut is his older brother’s modest but secure government issued house. Perryman’s primitive and squalid living conditions with a dirt floor begs the question, why is this man’s condition so deplorable compared to his brother?
Despite Perryman’s checkered past and current behavior, he is a Dominican citizen and a human being deserving of compassion and our humanity. Perryman may not be selected as one’s ‘BFF’ (Best Friend Forever), nor be invited to the Sunday brunch due to this situation. Some describe him with colourful and distasteful adjectives and adverbs saying that he deserves what he is getting.
However, his older brother’s past is not that of an eagle scout either. In fact, he has spent some ‘vacation time’ at the big house in Stock Farm on a couple of occasions. So, he will probably not be invited to the family’s back yard cookout either.
So why was Perryman not given a house or apartment like his brother? The dichotomy is glaring and cannot be ignored. The difference is that Perryman wears blue (associated with the Opposition), while his brother not only wears red (associated with the ruling party) but also drinks red.
But the larger question persists; is Dominica still a nation with Judeo-Christian values? Or have the Catholic and Protestant religions lost their moral authority? Have they been compromised and relinquished their high ground to new and powerful political factions?
What about the traditional and popular village ‘koudmen’ system to help Perryman? A villager told me that folks are afraid to be associated with anyone who does not support red’ for fear of victimization. If that is the case, then the Golden Rule has shifted and is: ‘He who has the gold makes the rules.’ Despite this reality, this is a deterioration and shameful indictment of leadership both political and religious, community and Dominican society.
The video caused me to reach back deep into some nostalgic memories of my La Plaine youth at the bakery while waiting to buy hot bread. Perryman’s late father, Mr. Rogles (nicknamed ‘Day- Bar’) owned and baked in that bakery for a very long time with the help of his sons.
The heart wrenching video quickly transformed these fun times to grief, pity, shame, and pain. It also evoked visceral reactions for many including people in Dominica and across the world. Some people were enraged while others wept uncontrollably vowing to assist in whatever way they can. One lady said that she will assist him, but she is deeply confused with the island’s new value system because we were raised differently.
So, what is the authenticity of the government’s housing revolution when people are “existing”- (not living) like were-wolves? Well, the revolution appears to be true but only if you are ‘red’. If you are not ‘red’ then you might not be dead, but you will certainly be homeless, jobless, ridiculed and marginalized if you are poor and down and out.
In March 2018, the government announced that the La Plaine apartments are the state-of-the-art housing project and will house 64 families with funds sourced from the CBI Program. The former Parl Rep said the project will radically transform the La Plaine constituency and they are for those residents who were affected by Hurricane Maria. The gentleman forgot to mention that non-red party supporters will not to be considered and need not apply.
In addition to the in-your-face insult to the poor La Plaine folks who are not ‘red’, it is alleged that some were given apartments who hold high and well-paying jobs and positions. It has also been alleged that a citizen residing in the United States who is planning to contest in the next elections in La Plaine is a guest or tenant in the apartments. Meanwhile Perryman and others in the country suffer and languish as sub-human beings.
But there is a silver lining as Mr. Sherlon Guiste, the young man who made and posted the video, has created a GoFundMe page and is accepting donations to build a small house for Perryman.
Hi, I’d really appreciate it if you would share or donate to this GoFundMe.
*Perryman Bougouneau find shelter*
This fundraiser has been set up to help an elderly homeless 75-year-old La Plaine man, Mr. Perryman Bougouneau, build a small house which was destroyed by the Hurricane.
Read more here https://gofund.me/32b1554b
Forward this message to your contacts to help this campaign reach its goal!
*Editor’s note* The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the management and staff of Dominica News Online, its parent company or its advertisers.
They don’t care!! The opposition should raise funds while skerrit continue to deprive Dominicans who really need help from the state’s resources and continue to share it with foreigners like haiden and his passport selling friends and comrades of the labor party. Perryman qualifies for assistance from state’s resources. Programs should be in place to help people who receive assistance to work their way to becoming self sufficient and not have to depend on the state no more. That’s what the country’s money should be used for eg. For all citizens that need help. Stop blackmailing people to vote labor in order to get assistance. The labor gov’t is the one with full access to the state’s finances belonging to all Dominicans in Dominica not just a few. There should be no call for raing funds when there is more than enough money’s washing hands and they getting rich while the ones needing serious help are laughed at and ridiculed because they don’t want to prostitute their…
Their Principles.
Skerritt likes to say that he doesn’t hate anyone but it’s by people’s actions we know who they are rather than what they say. As the leader of the government which collects and spends the resources of the people, it behooves the leader who claims to be a follower of Jesus to care for all citizens especially when the information about some unfortunate among us is brought to the fore. In the same way that Dominica seeks and receives assistance during disasters, even if the rest of the world also requires assistance too, greater efforts have to be made to assist the destitute among us. Just remember what Irish said recently about the Grotto home for the aged not being funded properly. A so-called Christian society has to do better for the old, poor, and disadvantaged. Giving homes to those who don’t need them for political patronage whilst others in need are not helped is wrong. The government should help the man irrespective of his family’s past.
King, YOU sit your butt in the US and write what you want not knowing anything. This man you write about chose what he is now facing. The Government told this guy, they are going to build a house/home for him. He, this guy told the people he doesn’t want Skerrit house. Now you coming with your political commentary . King, what have you done for the people of La Plain? As a so called dentist you call yourself, what have you donated to anyone in the community? A toothbrush at least. If you are so concerned about La Plain, the place you claim to come from, what have you contributed to help to the development of anyone in La Plain? You have relatives in the village with no mother and father, when last you offered any help to them? Charity begins at home. At least the guy has a CAVE, as you call it, to live in, what about those you neglect and care less about and have not even a cave to live? Finn, look at your face in the mirror before you tell someone else to clean theirs.
You, microscopic brain KID, come out from your dark hole of hibernation with your usual silly, unfounded narrative. It’s a good thing that not one sensible person believes your gibberish. Your lame and lying excuses would not exonerate the uncaring, barbaric, grossly underperforming cabal in public office.
You have fabricated this lie about Pennyman. Jumbo and his wife are living under similar conditions. Did they too reject a house offered by the supreme misfit in the highest office of government? Jimbo and Pennyman are only two of many victims of Roosevelt’s greed, insensitivity, corruption, victimization and ineptitude.
@KID ON THE BLOCK
Skerrit boy- blah, blah, blah,bla bla-how much doe you get paid and are your qualified for your job you got because of politics Kid? Crabs in a barrel – you are.
@ KID ON THE BLOCK
Ma Paten: The story of a shasfemme – Dominica News Online
Kid why are you so angry my brudda? It may seem thatyou have to defend all the way- I get it. But in the process you are reducing yourself and all of us- stop it man- don’t do it. Support your party and disagree with others respectfully- at least try.
So you mentioned about folks with no mothers and fathers- man you must be living under a rock in Dominica now- poverty has hot everyone- maybe not you and your kind. I hope you are not adopting a top politician as your father.
So the last time I brought a group of dentists down was 21 years ago- I hope the article shows that- that was before your party control and ran all tings’. But I would like to do that again so if you could work the powers that be so that I can repeat this this mission it would be a win- win. Remember the politicians fly to Miami for their health care- not La Plaine folks. Have a nice day and tone it down.
The media should unearth and expose all the corruption of this barbaric regime. Corruption deprives government of the funding and severely limits the fiscal space it needs to put strong social programs in place to assist the most indigent and vulnerable among us.
The media must stop cozying up to the supreme misfits who continue to mismanage the country. They are directly and indirectly encouraging these outlaws to continue to plunder the financial resources of the country to enrich themselves while depriving the needy. Investigative journalism is necessary to put these rogues behind bars and bring about a paradigm shift in governance.
We need an administration which is people oriented. People must be at the center of everything the government does.
When PM Pierre Charles while addressing DLP supporters told them that “some of you carry your IGNORANCE like a barge of honor”; that statement was true then and it is even more pronounced today. I can’t believe that these “mouton batallie” enablers/supporters would argue that the states finances should be spent for only DLP supporters and the UWP should raise funds to assist their own. It’s that level of low IQ amongst our electorate that has made us the laughing stock of the civilized world; papa God help us 🙏
Come, come old police. It was only a badge and nothing as humongous as a barge.
While I appreciate the writer for bridging this information to those of us who had no idea that this man is living.in this condition…. this article should be more of an awareness of what can we do rather than look what “politics” has done. There are many wealthy Dominicans who can come together and assist. Why not start a go-fund-me? Why can’t we unite and help this man.
The truth and reality of it all is that we are living in last days and we are selfish, we love money more than we fear God and sadly people are afraid of being seen helping a man who is “blue” in this lovely commonwealth!
Despite what this man has done in his life, it would be more regarding and gratifying to not do him the same.
Stop your specious argument to vindicate the corrupt regime from assisting the impoverished, elderly citizen.
Government funds and resources belong to the citizens of Dominica. They are to be used to alleviate the sufferings of people like Pennyman. They ( the government) have a moral obligation to help. Wealthy citizens have no such duty.
Does the STATE have any commitment to pay $70K monthly rent for Roosevelt, his wife and his American born children? Remember, also, both of these ministers get about $25K in monthly saladies. That is roughly $100K each month for that single household. Ridiculously insane in one of the poorest country in Eastern Caribbean.
I am of the firm belief in how you make your bed is so you sleep. I would like to know why the guys did not continue thier father’s legacy of baking seeing that they already had a start. Was it the economy, mismanagement, or squandering? I do not know this man past but if he wasted his life away then let his condition be a lesson to all the abled body young men and women who today waste thier life away. There are people who fall on hard times by no fault of thiers and thier are some who lived a life of evil and they just reaping what they sow. We have reached to a sad point in Dominica where it is about who get or did not get apt. State sponsored division i call it. Just as i have no problem seeing Skeritt in prison for the rest of his life for his atrocities i believe when people live lives of evil then they accept thier fate. They should repent ask forgiveness and do penance. Tough love. Again it is not about this guy to me and which party he support. History is important!
The stories people tell us about other people can revel their true intention and motivation for telling such story. This is just another example of what Politics can do to a person’s mind.
Here is a fellow human being living in the most insanely squalid conditions not even fit for any living creature to inhabit. Doesn’t this disturb your sensibilities, Gary? Have you no empathy for your struggling brother?
Your first and only reaction is to try to defend your inhumane administration that is completely bereft of empathy. Even wild nomadic beasts that roam together look out for their companions when danger befalls them.
You deserve nothing but your fellow-men collective scorn. Defending your political demigod means more to you than the life of a human being?
Who are you to lecture me about empathy, go find your audience and lecture them. Human feeling is not something that can be manipulated for certain objectives and political agenda. Empathy is not a game of picking and choosing to express and understand another person situation or feelings for some sort of gain. I do not have much to say to you, but always remember there is one absolute reality
One cannot disturb that what is not there, doesn’t exist.
If the man’s house was destroyed by hurricane Maria and if he has his land he should already receive a house from the government irrespective of which party he supports, this is his democratic right.
IBO,you and your block headed DON keys have thrown everything at Skerrit since 2000.Your high level of …….. and ignorance does not work.In the last election your party,the UWP lost 1,163 votes why?because the smart supporters of uwp realized,they cannot continue to be led by an uninformed,know it all JACKA.The reason uwp will never win and election,it is because of fake news and propaganda coming from you.Emmanuel King Jon Finn must know LA plaine is not the Laplaine he grew up in.A Laplaine where the Allan family was Judge,Jury and executioner,a Laplaine were the Allan family ruled.Today in Laplaine everybody is equal.Atlease King has eyes to see the apartment buildings unlike ibo whose head is buried in one of the pit toilet Skerrit forgot to irrigate.
@Lin clown,
Hey man how are you? I don’t know who you are but it sounds like we grew up together in our beautiful mountain village Lin. I hope we can agree these were happy days long before this politics of divide and conquer came in full view and being.
So one thing I will not do is to let politics and politicians divide us- that I can confirm with you. So next time I am in La Plaine maybe we can meet and have a beverage or two- what you drinking? I will take a soft one…… Also we will not talk about politics- that is a non- starter- instead we will talk about the weather forecast and the birds- how bout that Lin? If you agree give me a hands up.
One last thing Lin- Are going to contribute to Perryman’s Go Fund me or you can’t because you are broke? If so I understand but you should stop running your mouth.
Take good care.
Emanuel
Feeling the agony of these poor human being living in such dilapidated conditions in Dominica.
The Minister of Finance, Roosevelt Skerrit, was given millions of dollars to take of these situations after the natural disaster.
What has happened to all those monies?
It was given to help the people of Dominica who got affected by the disaster.
Jenny A.. , Clown from Old House, will not comprehend that.
It reminds me of the case of the poor man, who was appeared before the magistrate this week, accused of stealing five mastiff breads in plain daylight. He pleaded guilty immediately and asked for the magistrate to please, send him to Stockfarm. As awful as that prison is, at least he has shelter and gets fed there. Is this really what my country has come to, for people to plead to be sent to jail so they have a roof over their head and don’t starve? Yes, stealing is wrong and people should be punished for that but where is our compassion and sense of equity, especially in view of the unfettered display of wealth by some of our community. This is obscene and shameful and I can not reconcile myself to this.
Imagine that! Where else have you heard about such desperation like this man?
Statistics will show that of all the OECS countries, Dominica has the most serious brain drain problem. Very large pockets of Dominicans can be found in Antigua, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and outside the region.
Life in Dominica for the average citizen means one meal per day, going to sleep on an empty stomach, begging has become an occupation, having to live in darkness and without running water in your home because these have been disconnected. Living in present day Dominica is like living in desert-like conditions.
Why would you write such pathetic nonsense about Statistics will show that of all the OECS countries, Dominica has the most serious brain drain problem, will show and what is are two different things. When and who will produce the statistics you are referring to, deal with what is in front of you with facts and evidence, not what you imagine with your mischievous propaganda masquerading as facts. Why do just make up things in your head regarding how the average citizen in lives in Dominica. I told you before, you are wasting your writing skills, you would be an excellent fiction writer not a political
operative, you are not contributing anything to the cause you want to see in The Country.
Lol, reconciliation does not deal with fantasies or imaginative nonsense you conceive from your political partisan beliefs reconciliation has to based on truth, keep on being deceived by other people’s drama.
So he is a blues supporter and ugly Lenny not doing nothing for him? Just goes to show that UWP is a waste of space party and should be disbanded. Don’t worry mister, uncle Skerrit will soon be coming to help you out!
Has Lennox got access to state funds? Well then! Your CM is a vindictive and pathetic little man. That’s all that is to it. Now go and look for excuses.
Although I am not in support of these partisan allocation of benifits .Instead of just blaming the government, who can and should do better. It’s not a one sided thing .We have a very lazy opposition who does nothing but sit and criticize .Do we know how the Cuban scholarship came into play? The late Rosie Douglas was in Opposition when he secured such a brilliant benifit for our students .Yes Skerrit and his cabal are not the only people who make up Government. The opposition need to stop play blame game seek funding ,just like they could raise so much $$$$$$ for Lennox and his tongue .Raise funds and let us see them in action. Let people have something to believe in .Even Tahira Blanchard, is doing a better job than UWP.
Your comment have some food for thought..
We are mandated to help each other, that is true, and anyone who can, should help this man. However the article is based on some underlying assumptions that are wrong. You are assuming that it is government’s job to give everyone a house. That is wrong, and counterproductive. It leads to apathy and lack of ambition. Government should create conditions where Dominicans can help themselves. This is how a country develops. Too much government handouts is not good for the economy.
What about the ones who worked hard, built solid houses and paid insurance? What is their incentive to do so if the government just gives everyone a house? If government fixes all the houses that got damaged in a hurricane? Why should they buy insurance? Then how would insurance companies survive if government undercuts their market? you see the pernicious effects?
This is how emotional arguments like this one lead to destructive results. The author’s motives are good, but his article is not well…
Despite the fact I am not a fan of this government, in countries like Dominica, when you are poor, you have to set aside your political beliefs and support those who can help you.
There is really no point in standing on principle when you don’t have a place to rest your head, knowing you will be victimized by the party in power.
You are a Dominican for true! One of many. Nothing worse than a man without principles.
Zandoli I have followed your postings OVER TIME and the only thing that I can come away with is that you are a selfish self absorbed man who cares only about himself. I am glad you are doing well and your dignity in tact or is it?- Your arrogance has gotten the better of you my man.
@Ann….easy for you to say. You have access to a smart phone or a computer, so I have to assume you have a roof over your head.
Unlike some UWP supporters, I am a practical person who has to prioritize what is important and sometimes I have to make difficult compromises.
I vote in all the elections and over the past few elections, I have not voted for the candidate or party that I liked. I have been voting for the party I dislike the least.
If I resided in Dominica and I realized my vocal party support was wholly or partially responsible for me living in a squalor, then I would have to make a choice. Living is squalor would not be my first priority.
Zandoli, where is your contribution to this man plight?? you went oversea to better yourself i hope, so help a worthy cause…
Are you saying that the story of this man living condition brought to you by the above writer is about victimization by the Government.
This article was written by a doctor????? very distasteful!!!
Interestingly, they call people who gets from the government beggars and every time their beg them money’s they will willingly give without a murmur. Should they not help their brothers and sisters? Why the same leaders and these hypocrites don’t see the living conditions of the indigent? Hypocrites…
So-called workers comidians is at it again, small minded Joker you guys should check your heads and stop talking with your backsides, every country in the world has rich and poor people alike in some cases people choose not to do anything with their lives when young and expect when old the government should pick up the pieces.These lazy bunch of idlers that is called workers my big toe are the same but one day frogs 🐸 will for sure smoke your wicked pipes.
These comments clearly show that you and your ghost writer instead of using your brain, you sit on it.
@Man bite dogs:
And its ok for a PM to have 3 mansions? Wow who made you Man or the better question is who raised you?
@Toya, As l said before you lots are small minded Jokes talk from your heads and not from your backsides, put that in your pipe and smoke it!!!!
Dominicans wanted milk and honey… they got it. All shall eat they said, but the truth is that all had a Claus. All that accepted s as their lord and savior would eat. People don’t be discouraged these are the times we live in. The greedy getting greedier and poor poorer. That poor man and others being victimized are the casualties of a failed state. The victims of failed policies and insecurities of a regime of bias and inequities.
We don’t get the leader we want, we get the leader we deserve.
Yes they have Claus, Santa Claus, Skerrit in disguise.
This is bone-chillingly wicked. Just recently, we learnt about Jimbo’s situation which is equally as heart-wrenching as that of Pennyman’s.
The reasons for these two gentlemen’s horrendous living existence are almost identical. Hurricane Maria destroyed their houses, they are known supporters of the Opposition, therefore, they deserve no government assistance. Unbelievable!
It behooves us to bring attention of this not only to the Dominican public, but to the regional and international world. What has happened to the millions ($) that the government received as donations and grants after the passage of Maria precisely for this?
What I would like to happen is for some social activists to juxtapose the present tax funded, multi-million dollar living quarters of Roosevelt, and his privileged family, to that of Jumbo and Pennyman. We need to shame this heartless, tyrannical dotard (Roosevelt) into action if that is even possible. Not even animals should live like that.
IBO you are so sick… I don’t know how old you are but your reasoning sucks…Get the facts first.
I am as old as I am. Solve the puzzle. I don’t fit in your box. Too enlightened for that. It is obvious that I occupy real estate in your head rent free.
This is social equality a la Skerrit. Some live in caves, some lives in houses and some live in a palace. Worse even, the palace is being paid for by taxpayer. Don’t Dominicans see what’s going on in their own country.
Whenever the citizenry remains indifferent and apathetic to the abuses and excesses of their government they are usually subjected to a life of deprivation and misery.
Dominica badly lacks social activism and advocacy on behalf of the poor and politically down-trodden.
When we help the least among us to rise out of their lowly conditions the whole country rises.
So much poverty while Skerro and his other partners can buy 3 and 4 houses all over Dominica!!
how do his supporters seat there and watch so many suffer when so many are living under tents??
I cannot support such wickedness !
Well, what ARE the views of DNO?
The media should be roundly criticised for its cowardly and dismissive attitude in light of these objectionable revelations. The various local news outlets have the collective influence and power to change the trajectory of the nation as it gallons into tyranny and dictatorship.
Social activists, the opposition parties, conscientious citizens should use social media, the regional and international PRESS, to expose the atrocities and wrong doings of the current failed concoction of thugs, rogues and serial lawbreakers in power.
Nothing Roosevelt hates more than to be exposed to the regional and international media as to the narcissistic, dishonest, shady character that he is.
Here it is once again another comidian with his tongue in his you know what as usual trying to poison some people’s mind thinking that most of us the majority Labour supporters is blind to see my man the joke on you guys,we will never again on this God green earth falls for that s**t Edison James, So-called UWP septic lots took Dominica to the dogs this will never again happens I end my case.
IBO….Explain to the MEDIA what they should do in this situation. Remember some people chose to live like this. Homelessness is real all over the world even in US and UK… You make no sense IBO and very fast to condemn.