Bishop calls for respectful Carnival; warns against excesses

Malzaire warned against excesses during Carnival
Malzaire warned against excesses during Carnival

Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire has called for a responsible and respectful enjoyment of Carnival festivities.

He explained that Carnival is a time of creativity and excitement, and serves a good purpose to the people of Dominica.

Yet, he acknowledged that the positivity, that which is meant to be highlighted by the event, is perverted by certain people who turn to excesses.

“Carnival is a special time of year, which brings with it a great sense of excitement, joy, and freedom. It consists of a series of events which bring out the most creative genius in our people. Therefore, Carnival serves a good purpose. However, you and I know that it is also a time when some people take the liberty to engage in all forms of unsavoury and unacceptable behaviours,” he said in his Carnival statement.

Malzaire stated that Carnival is a time to have “clean fun,” and should not be used as an excuse for lewd or criminal behaviour.

“It must be realised that any form of abuse reduces a good thing to an inordinate state,” he noted. “Carnival, therefore, should never be used as an excuse for bad behaviour or licence for indecent exposure, nor should it be a reason to lower our human dignity…Some fun, we must have; but, it must never be the cause for self-degradation and regret.”

He said that parents should keep a watchful eye on children and the youth should refrain from excessive consumption of alcohol, and completely avoid the use of illegal drugs in order to prevent “unsavoury actions,” and promiscuous sexual activity.

“A happy Carnival to everyone, and may the Lord bless your every step on the road. Let us work towards a drug-free and an incident-free Carnival. God bless you all,” he concluded.

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43 Comments

  1. Caretaker
    February 9, 2016

    telemaque! you are a lost cause.do a research and find out who you really are. The Telemague’s were respected people from calibishe. Damn people on www. you will be next one to sue. If Dominica is yours take it home, if not let us all respect and enjoy it.good guy

  2. Caretaker
    February 9, 2016

    “GOD” is pretty. Satan is ugly. Assuming that, Satan was cast out of heaven and ended on earth. Carnival is a symbol of Satan arrival. What the people do in private, this is the day they get to expose themselves to the public. If you are a godly person, for the two days, you locked yourself in your house and read your bible.”Amen”

  3. Carbon conscious.
    February 7, 2016

    Just shout the hell up. Man of cloth my tush. You expect us to respect you and u not talking to the pm? The 1000000000000 that was given? Keep ur comment

  4. LifeandDeath
    February 7, 2016

    I resent the idea of Religion separating people from their traditions..same thing the white man did to the slaves ..now we all marching in the Band of Jesus (a white supremacist idea)..If you disagree just Imagine the picture a black Jesus in church…even Black people would stop going to church..I understand that the church has it’s role in society but please allow the population to come together and express their feelings…Carnival is the biggest activity of mingling and sharing in our black communities but some churches, especially evangelicals mark it as bad..we have to stop being hypocrites cause a lot more ungodly things happen elsewhere, and even in the churches..Respect the church for it’s role in maintaining social order, being the conscience of the nation but please don’t brand all black people traditions as bad, pagan and all this stuff..

  5. February 7, 2016

    The bishop is another puppet working for a religious system that was always at the forefront of colonization and slavery; Catholics ignore the financial scandals, the fact that the church supported the Nazi’s and other other fascists and helped smuggle the worst war criminals to safety from justice. They ignore the unforgivable crimes of the holy inquisitors and the fact that the Catholic Church invented some of the most heinous forms of torture that could never be anything but evil.

  6. HA!
    February 6, 2016

    I am a Catholic, have been all my life, but i don’t want to hear this Bishop. He DISGUSTS me. In my opinion, he is a failure. The Bishop should be consistent and KEEP HIS MOUTH QUIET. Let one of his more credible priest speak in his stead.
    Everytime i hear him speak I am vexed.

    And another thing about this man: he seems to have this elitism about his writing and discourse with the general public, always using some RIDICULOUS array of big words and complicated concepts, beyond the average man to understand.

  7. vegnag
    February 6, 2016

    I do not expect the Good Bishop to say anything because that’s a mild statement compared to when Skerrit condemned people who were asking where labour party got their money to campaign – remember he said – ” go to hell, go to hell, go hell its none of your damn business where labour party get there money” and not a dog bark, non of the religious leaders including the bishop said anything not a word. So Rev Hill is right religious leaders seldom asked political leaders to take back what they said or apologize for what they say because those same religious leaders may never know when they will want a duty free favor or a scholarship for their children or family or church member.

  8. Shameless
    February 6, 2016

    As a bred, born, raised, educated (High School) catholic I have absolutely no respect for men like you sir. You and a said Monsignor and other men of the flock have allowed yourself to become part of the beggars club. Yes, pleasers of men who have realized that by giving you a few crumbs your lips will remain forever sealed on the maladies affecting your congregation and Dca by extension.

    Until you are replaced with someone with more integrity, who will serve god’s people by calling a spade a spade (subtly or otherwise), and understands his role as a shepherd to the flock I refuse to step into a catholic church unless its for a funeral or wedding (not even christening). I sincerely hope that Charlo and Baroness Sousay Sel took the opportunity while in rome to ask the holy father for a much needed replacement bishop who will serve the people and not political masters.

    Just another HYPOCRITICAL call if you ask me! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

    Always Assertive! :twisted:

  9. Face the Facts
    February 6, 2016

    It is a godly advice from the Bishop to remind nationals of their responsibility, especially as Christians. At such a time some people do get carried away. Even one drink could make some ignorant and inhumane. From that could ensue some immoral behavior which could lead to unbecoming actions. Adults do not need this to be spelt out to them.

  10. Concerned
    February 5, 2016

    Bishop you are not preaching the word of God…….The bible says, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Stop pleasing man and do God’s work. You are condemning these people to hell… Pope, be honest with the people. Ashes on Wednesday is not going to make it right with God

  11. joke that
    February 5, 2016

    A religious leader encouraging baccanal and revelry. smh. I think the bible only serves one purpose in this country to them. to swear on in court.

  12. Positive Citizen
    February 5, 2016

    The Church should be separate from the festivities of the world. Carnival is where demons abound and satan spirit creates havoc on the lost.

    Anyway the Catholic Church have more people going to them festivities than any other hence he tell them
    to behave themselves.

  13. 4cars
    February 5, 2016

    Mister, the gown and hat you wear doesn’t change your heart. You look like a hypocrite.

  14. February 5, 2016

    There is no such thing as a respectful carnival,it’s the time where people walk with cups to drink alcohol,that’s the time people sell the most alcohol,that’s the time some people have sex with who every comes ,thats the time when people are dressed to show what ever they have to offer,fighting,rape ,murder and accidents due to carelessness…people are free to take part in carnival and much as they want ,they are free to do so but i do not …

  15. zane
    February 5, 2016

    right!

  16. va resident
    February 5, 2016

    My recent review of these supposedly servants of God seem to be more pleasers of men and worldly pleasure and doers of evil rather than preaching the true word off God Almighty. Iam concerned about the Bishop,s expression to “avoid the use of excessive consumption of alcohol’.Does that imply more than omne, two,few or many drinks before it becomes excessive.Research has shown that just one drink may produce undesired effects in susceptible person, and only God knows what that effect would produce. My feeling about keeping carnival clean would be avoiding the use of all agents that could possibly influence undesired behaviors

    • Face the Facts
      February 6, 2016

      Review yourself. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:
      God knows, sees and hears all things. Nothing is hidden from Him. He cannot be deceived. God knows who you are. He knows your name, where you live, what you say, do and your lifestyle. Your every step is known to God. Based on what you say and do, they are either written in the Book of Life or the Book of Damnation.
      As long as you live, you are under the scrutiny of His Holy Spirit. It is in the Holy Bible, “The Holy Spirit scrutinizes our works”; all this, for your judgment. By your earthly acts you will be judged.
      What you stated is mere speculation. Learn that you are in no position to judge anyone. You are judging what you do not know. Only fools do that. Therefore, see about your soul and judge no one.
      Our Lord said: “Judge not that you may not be judged accordingly, two-fold.” Do you not know the more you judge others, the more you will be judged? Take note!

  17. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    February 5, 2016

    Man keep your damn advise , Respect what this is our country, be been celebrating for hundreds of years, our people do not need you to tell us how to conduct ourselves.

    If you want to be involve into it throw down your gown as the priest in Trinidad did when he heard the Band coming down; he went jumping and gigging up in de band.

    “De reverend throw-down he gown when he hear de band coming down; if see him jumping up all over town” (Slinger Francisco). He did that one on 1961/62 or there about, could be later. You should be preaching the word of God, as it is written in the Bible to the people, nobody want to here crap about carnival. Concern yourself with the work, and the word of God only!

    • Face the Facts
      February 6, 2016

      The word is “advice.”
      You talk as if you lack godly enlightenment. Do you know what happened to that Priest? Do you think he escaped God’s judgment and punishment?
      I would think that by now you would know better. Do not condemn yourself. You are ignorant to reject godly advice. One day you will experience it. Hope your words will not make you eternally sorry where there is no returning to make restitution.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 10, 2016

        Before I ask you what did God do to the priest; I would like you to direct me to a place in the bible where God said we should not enjoy Carnival!

        You see, when I was a child my grandmother and other roman Catholics claimed Carnival was a bad thing; when I ask what was so bad about it, she told me when went to crucify Jesus they found him in carnival. That is the lie the Roman Catholic priest in teach village an in Dominica taught the people.

        Facts, it all in the mind, and how we view things. How we conduct ourselves, some people are vulgar and may go to the extreme. Some may focus on the half naked women and men.

        Some may not like to see a bunch of gyrating women and men in the streets! If that’s the case then we will have to prevent children from being born naked! Yes, when that priest in Trinidad here the rhythm of the pan, blasting some Calypso music, him blood fly up in he head, that make do make do man jump-up and start shaking up he-self on carnival day oui!

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 11, 2016

        I screwed up on that one Facts how come you did not edit me!

    • AWAH
      February 6, 2016

      this is a STUPID comment. I started reading an I thought it was going to be something constructive. Who do you think brought carnival to D/ca, the Gypsies?

    • Traitor Alert
      February 9, 2016

      For an Old Wizard, you should show respect to clergy and shut your DAN Mouth.

  18. FREE INDEED!!!
    February 5, 2016

    I also listened to Pastor Randy of Kingdom connection, and he was bold enough and Godly enough to condemn the call of the PM. He also called on the PM to hit the airways today, before carnival, and apologize for asking laborites to provoke leaders of the opposition, by calling them “Traitors’ wherever they are seen.

    I often agree with the pastor and respect him highly. However, I disagree with pastor Randy’s call. As a leader we sometimes say things we did not mean to say and the moment we heard what we said, we quickly apologize. In the case of Skerrit, he made that call on Tuesday and he knows it was a very bad message he sent. I believe it was well planned and if that was not the case, Mr. Skerrit would have apologized. The fact that he did not, tells me that he said what he intended to say.

    On the basis of all of above, Mr. Skerrit should not be called upon to apologize but to RESIGN!! An apology now would mean nothing to us and it is time we hold leaders responsible

    • Face the Facts
      February 6, 2016

      What has your comment to do with this article?

    • Ideal
      February 8, 2016

      Bishop will ask the people to behave but will not ask the Prime Minister to behave and stop citing his followers to provoke other fellow Dominicans. Going up to a person’s face and call them traitor can cause people to go after. Skerrit should really resign but he is not a man just an animal ( I will not say which one.. fill in the blank). I hope UWPer are ready to defend themselves.. Have a safe and enjoyable carnival.

  19. Titiwi
    February 5, 2016

    Dear Bishop, Malzaire. Your platitudes are meaningless and are a rehash of what has been said over centuries – there have even been bishops, who tried to stop the carnival but to no avail. Even dictators, such a Franco in Spain tried to suppress it but it simply went underground.
    Please, address the burning issues of the day like the diatribe by our Prime Minister this week. I expect you, at least to preach a gospel of peace, respect and understanding. Don’t run away from your responsibilities if you want to be recognised as the leader of your church in this diocese. Kissing your ring and making the sign of the cross simply will not do and are in danger of becoming empty gestures. Surely, you don’t want to be seen as Pontius Pilate?

  20. FREE INDEED!!!
    February 5, 2016

    The three most powerful voices on island toad are that that of the Prime Minister, The Police, and The Bishop. With less than one week to go before the carnival, we heard all three of them advising revelers. Here is a quote from each of them.

    1. The Prime Minister: tonight I say to you they are traitors…and I want you to do the same as well. When you see them on the streets, in the supermarkets, at a funeral, on a plane or even in their cars shout out to every single one of them, ‘traitor.’” Feb 2, 2016 at a St. Joe meeting.

    The Police: According to Valentine, “anyone found committing criminal acts, “the police officers who are on the streets will remove them from the band

    The Bishop: Bishop calls for respectful Carnival; warns against excesses” Luke. 10:30-33.

    All three sent different messages and the question is, which one to believe? The Pm was 1st to speak, and neither the police nor bishop condemned what he said. Did they endorse it? Well if you not against you are…

  21. keepingitreal
    February 5, 2016

    your a joke..no one listen to you..keep collecting your money.

  22. Doc. Love
    February 5, 2016

    You are my Bishop, I love you, I respect you, but I am concerned, you have not made a public statement condemning the highly inflammatory and frightening statement made by the Prime Minister at St. Joseph on Tuesday night. For your information he said in a first statement, “its fighting back time.” In another statement he said ,” when you see them on the streets, in the supermarkets, at a funeral, on the plain or even in their cars shout out every single one of them TRAITOR. It is important that you publicly demand that he retract the statement. You are requesting a clean and peaceful carnival, I am not sure how that is possible when the Prime Minister of the country is asking his supporters to harass, intimidate, frighten, members of the UWP.

    • Just Me
      February 5, 2016

      I agree with you. But then again cathedral got 500 grand; st. alphonsus 200 grand so i guess de bishop will have nothing to say.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      February 5, 2016

      He could care less about what Skerrit, because he too is a puppet of Skerrit, that is why they call him their boy bishop, Skerrit gives to him the bread of the poor as in the case of the five hundred thousand dollars of taxpayers money.

      He greens his teeth, as he walks away with it contending Skerrit will be rewarded, what kind of priest, and bishop these people are, they are nothing more than the tool of Satan. He is prepared to stand and see the country burn at the order of Skerrit, he will not wisper a single word to condemned Skerrit’s vicious rhetoric!

      How can a man like that stand in front of people talking about God! There are many gods; he might be talking about the god of this world, but surely he is not preaching the word of the God Jehovah, and Jesus Christ. He has to give account on that, he might be one Jesus will tell depart from me for I know you not!

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 11, 2016

        Elizabeth, I am very much aware that you want all of God for you alone, But let me tell you your interpretation of Gods words defers to mine, and since God said he is not the author of confusion, I will not get involved in your circus of confusion!

        Indeed the Bible teaches we must obey the Laws of the land, however God never told us to subject ourselves to any form of oppressive law, and remember God law takes precedence over man’s law. You are a trouble maker, you make it appear as if I launch an attack on Mr. Hill, I know what you are doing, you are the mother of Satan, don’t try it because that is not in my plan, he has the right to disagree with me as I reserve the right to disagree with him.

        Don’t pull him into your Dominica Commess, he has done well thus far, for whatever, the man has interest in out country, don’t try to poison his mind you wicked woman, shut your mouth oui!

        Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

    • February 5, 2016

      It would be disorderly conduct for any Dominican to harass, intimidate, or attempt to frighten members of the UWP or any other political party in the streets during carnival or at any other time.

      Bishop Malzaire has called for a respectful carnival and asked people to avoid excess. This is to be expected from a Bishop. But beyond this it is not his duty to publically condemn a speech made by a politician, nor to demand that he retract any part of a speech he made.

      It is unfortunate that the atmosphere and activities of carnival attract people who would engage in such behavior. But this is exactly the kind of rowdiness carnival generates, and this is the carnival crowd. It
      should come as no surprise that many evangelical Christians (born again folks) do not associate themselves with this activity.

      Please read:

      2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and 1 John 2:15-17.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

      • Doc. Love
        February 5, 2016

        Did I read the comments of Rev Donald Hill right. Now Skeritt is only considered to be a politician. He is no longer considered to be a leader, a man of vision, no longer considered someone the young ones have to look up to for guidance. He is no longer considered a man of God. Remember the statement by Mr. Lugay, why didn’t the police considered it just a statement of a politician running his mouth at a political meeting. Why didn’t Skeritt and his Ministers of Government considered Mr. Linton’s statement about prostitution just a statement by a politician who was angry about the manner, he believes, young women were treated. The Rev was very careful when he wrote those comments, I wondered why didn’t he write. “it is disorderly conduct for Prime Minister Skeritt to encourage supporters of the DLP, to harass, intimidate, or attempt to frighten, Mr. Lennox Linton, Mr. Fontaine, Miss Monell Williams and members of the UWP.

      • @Rev. Donald Hill, D.D. February 5, 2016

        I accidentally hit the thumbs down rating , so you should have been 9-2 instead of 8-3 at this time.

        I agreed with you pertaining that quote here: “But beyond this it is not his duty to publically condemn a speech made by a politician, nor to demand that he retract any part of a speech he made” Thanks to you for educating fellow Dominicans–they need that kind of education.

        Also whilst I am at it I will simply say that there is no way carnival can be a “clean festivity” because it is a think of the world.

        And I agree with you also, that true Christians should not partake in such festivities–the apostle Paul tells us : “Do not be conformed to the world”

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 5, 2016

        Mr. Hill with all due respect to you; I humbly disagree with your remarks. It is the responsibility of the Church ( and in particular the clergy) to publicly condemned Skerrit for the evil he is perpetrating on the people of the country!

        How can someone who is the head of a country go on a political platform and incite violence on the citizens of a county, and his puppet comes out demanding respect from carnival revelers. We know he is playing politics in Dominica. If he cannot condemn Skerrit; he should have nothing to say to our people.

        In the first place, he may have authority over the people who subjects themselves to him in his mess; nevertheless, all of Dominica are not Roman Catholic, so he should limit his stupid comments to those who attend his building, because the body who bow in front idols are not of a church! I think he need to mind his business, and his business should be to ensure he preach thus said the Lord, and not thus said Skerrit!

        What did Jesus say…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 5, 2016

        What did Jesus say in the Book of Mark 12:17? “And Jesus answering said unto them; Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s, and they marvelled at him.”

        Mr. Hill Caesar as we all know was a politician of the day, God has no part in politics. If that man Malazarie, and the rest of his so called priests were preaching the word, of God, and be a servant to the people they would be functioning according to the word of God, and not have to beg, and become a puppet to any politician to get money to put on a roof on a building.

        The Church has to be supported by the congregation, from the offering, and tithes of the people, that is how God set up his system, when the word of God is not taught in these so called churches, the people quits, they leave, and the building shuts down.

        Sir, I can count out how many Roman Catholic Buildings are closed all over Los Angeles, and the State of California, with all the millions of people who are…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 6, 2016

        Sir, I can count out how many Roman Catholic Buildings are closed all over Los Angeles, and the State of California, with all the millions of people who are here! They close because the word of God is not taught in them. There is a part of scripture which plainly said, if it is of God it will stand; if it is not of God it will destroy itself!

        Mr. Hill let me show you how very dangerous is Skerrit’s comment, by defining the word traitor to those who took it lightly: A traitor is one who betrays another’s trust, or is false to an obligation, or duty, one who commits treason! Treason among other things mean treachery, which is the offence of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance; or to kill, or personally injure the sovereign, or sovereign’s family.

        Mr. Hill has Lennox, or any member of the UWP, or any citizen of Dominica commit such an offence?

        Is Skerrit a King, and his family are the sovereigns of our…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        February 6, 2016

        Is Skerrit a King, and his family are the sovereigns of our country? You see the damage the less educated people like Skerrit can do when they open their mouth not knowing what the heck they are talking about?

      • feefee
        February 8, 2016

        But some of the so called evangelical Christians /leaders condone the wrong doing or ills that are happening in the country though(.Peter R Augustine )

    • Face the Facts
      February 6, 2016

      That is not the Bishop’s job. Those who practice the faith should know that. I need not explain this further.

      • Telemaque, you are the most sinful, abomination doer, wicked, and evil minded individual of this world! I suggest one more time, that you seize from mentioning God and His word in your thoughts of futility–for you do not have the mind condition to relate to Him.

        Here you come hitting on Reverend Hill for saying that “it is beyond the Bishops will to speak for or against certain things which relates to Government, but you foolishly use a Scripture where Jesus is simply telling the people of His days to obey the Law of the King–Caesar, at the time–without complaints or grumble–the Pharisees expected that He would speak they other way around–based on their question–because they were searching for reason to convict Him of wrong doing–Jesus knew that.

        You think that you are teaching people by writing all of those garbage–but what you are really doing is showing how stupid you are every time you post those writings.

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