Although he has vowed to boycott two independence events, parliamentary representative for Roseau and member of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), Norris Prevost, has called on citizens to participate in the number of activities which are staged during the season.
Speaking at the opening of the 2013 Creole in the Park on Tuesday Prevost said the season is long and there are number of activities in which Dominicans can participate in.
“It’s a long season this year and there are a number of activities that we as a people can participate in, in relation to our culture and our cuisine and therefore I invite all of us to enjoy our Independence, enjoy the good food, welcome our visitors,” he said.
However Prevost warned that Dominicans should continue “to uphold the constitution which we claimed when we became independent.”
Prevost noted further that there are various ways in which the annual Creole in the Park can grow and the World Creole Music Festival can be enhanced.
“I know that potential exists for us to increase visitors both to Creole in the Park and World Creole Music Festival if we can increase our focus on our core markets,” he stated. “We can double the attendance that we are having at Creole in the Park and World Creole Music Festival with some additional focus on our French markets.”
The Parliamentary representative urged tourism industry officials to continue working with the organizers of Creole in the Park and World Creole Music Festival to find ways and means to grow these events.
He also wished Dominicans a very happy and festive independence season.
Leader of the UWP, Lennox Linton, recently called on Dominicans to boycott the National Youth Rally and the National Day Parade to protest what he described as the unconstitutional election of Charles Savarin as president.
Yes mama. Boycot the youth rally. The PM said he has no respect for the law, the education minister is teaching a doctrine of hypocrisy.
And children, children, we are not going to the Independence day celebrations. The president is evil and the prime minister is corrupt.
And children, children, do you know what occured when the communion was placed in the president’s hand at Bagatelle? I never onew blood flow could talk.
STILL VERY CONCERNED WITH THE DLP’S TREATMENT OF SECTION 19 OF OUR CONSTITUTION.
We are way past the obvious constitutional mandate that the PM SHALL consult with the Leader of Opposition per Section 19.1 and he has clearly failed to consult. Section 19.1 has been violently breached by Roosevelt Skerrit, the Speaker and the 19 members of Parliament, who voted in favour of Charlo for President of Dominica.
The larger and more significant questions to be asked at this juncture include;
When should that consultation have taken place? Why is the consultation required by the Constitution deemed necessary and what is the objective of the mandatory consultation?
It is the answer to these questions that enlightens us on the immense damage that the DLP is inflicting on us in Dominica.
When, why and for what should the consultation take place?
Per Section 19.1, whenever the term of office of the President is due to expire within not more than (90) NINETY days, the Prime Minister SHALL [do what?] CONSULT [with whom?] with the Leader of the Opposition [For what reason/why?] AS TO THEIR JOINT NOMINATION OF [whom?] A SUITABLE CANDIDATE for election as President. The latter is very important as it underlines why the decision by consensus is preferred by the SPIRIT if not the letter or words constituting the provision of the constitution.
Note, the constitution encourages the PM to facilitate a consultative process with a view to agreeing on a JOINT NOMINATION. The joint nomination is for a SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION. This is the only constitutional reason for the consultation.
The Constitution promotes a spirit of consensus, cooperation, mature debate and responsible leadership in the interest of the nation. The Constitution intends for the person elected as President to be above the partisan political fray, therefore as far as possible the nominee for President should be elected by consensus among the respective parties and not through elections in parliament along partisan political lines. The lack of consultation and consensus is the root cause for the state of disunity, disrepute and chaos in which we have placed the Office of President in the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Prime Minister Skerrit did not consult with the Leader of the Opposition on the candidacy of Charles Savarin, who was NOT elected as president in accordance with Section 19.1 to 19.4 of the Constitution of Dominica. This is clear and undisputable. Skerrit did not wish to have a joint nomination, he lied and informed the Speaker that there was no agreement because he failed to consult, albeit the Constitution mandated that he shall consulted.
Respectfully
Roseau valley
In light of the fact that there was no consultation under Section 19.1 of the Constitution, the PM could not legally proceed to Section 19.2, 19.3 and 19.4 with the nomination of Charles Savarin. This is why we vehemently disagree with those who argue that having consulted with the opposition on the nomination of Ma Knight and having discarded Ma Knight, there was no longer a need to consult on any future nominee for joint nomination as president.
Proper constitutional procedure required the PM to hold discussion with the Leader of Opposition with regard to the nomination of Charles Savarin. If the PM was unable to get the agreement with the Leader of the Opposition on Charles Savarin as to a joint nominee for election as President, he would have been right under Section 19.2 and 3 to notify the Speaker to that effect and the Speaker would have been right to inform the House accordingly. That process followed by Skerrit and the Speaker was wrong in that regard.
The DLP also makes the embarrassing argument that in the days before the meeting of the House, the Prime Minister proposed, Mrs. Jennifer Lafond as a nominee and although not required to do so, the PM informed the Leader of the opposition and asked that he signifies his agreement or otherwise.
First of all, this is such an arrogant, egoistic, incorrect, unlawful and unconstitutional statement. The Constitution does not speak of “informing” the Leader of Opposition. This concept is foreign to the Constitution. To inform is not the same as to consult and to consult is not the same as to inform in ordinary parlance, business and in law.
Moreover, once Ma Knight was discarded before the scheduled meeting of parliament, there was no constitutional reason with the meeting, which turned out to be a parliamentary opportunity to allow the Speaker to exhale and to make false accusation against private citizens under the protection of parliamentary privilege.
The PM was bound to revert to Section 19.1 and try to get consultation going on another candidate as long as we were still within the 90 day period for so doing under the Constitution.- more so 76 days allowing 14 days set by the Speaker of the House for nominations. The PM did not do a favour to the Leader of the Opposition “to inform” him of the nomination of Ms. Lafond. The PM was constitutionally obligated to consult with the Leader of Opposition on the nomination of Ms. Lafond.
Even then, the Leader of the Opposition advised the PM that the Opposition is minded to support his nominee as long as she satisfied the criteria as laid down in the Constitution. Good thing they so, as this would be a fiasco had she been elected.
So Skerrit simply ignored the Constitution and proceeded under Section 19.4 and 19.5 at which point it is obvious that there is no provision for further consultation. The worse Speaker ever in the House of Assembly in Dominica, Ma Knight gleefully declared Charlo as the elected President of Dominica, having received the votes of a majority of all the members of the House
As there was only one candidate who was improperly nominated in accordance with the provisions of Section 19.1 to 19.4 of the Constitution, the votes casted by the 19 members present in the House were essentially the endorsement of a constitutional wrong in favor of Charles Savarin and against the people of Dominica.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
I have not heard the full remarks of Mr. Prevost however if I am to base my response on what this news article says, I am confused with the attempt to join two seemingly unrelated stories. I really can’t see how what Mr.Prevost is quoted as saying,is in contravention of his stance as regards the “National Day Parade and youth rally. Might be me or DNO?
It’s really amazing. Dominicans and their politics. Makes me laugh.
We need a revolution!
How can Prevost ask people to enjoy the independence celebration, and at the same time ask them to boycott part of it? The man is a double edge sward…….
Well as I said the holy spirit work on him give peace a chance. The Lord said peace I give to you peace I leave with you. He is just confused.
I am asking this question genuinely? Has a president ever opened the CITP or WCMF in the past?
1. Prevost never said he was against the Boycott
2. He make it clear about upholding the Constitution
3. He ask people to enjoy the other activities meaning that the principled positions of the UWP stands.
I hope that DNO will support my opposition along with the mis-representation of the Headline
I wish to applaud Mr. Prevost, Mr. Linton and the UWP for their decision to boycott only two activities during the independence season. Unlike Charles Savarin who boycotted as many Government Departments as he could find, we cannot forget the famous speech in 1979 when he said,” the ports will not work, the police will not work, the nurses will not work, the fire service will not work, the water authority will not work, the civil servants will not work.” We know because of Skeritt and Savarin’s decisions you are hurting, however, by you limiting your boycott to only two activities, show your love for Dominica.
I am hoping that one day I will hear from Mr Linton and other members of the opposition what and how they going to make life better for all Dominicans. It seems they are stuck on Constitution. Constitution.. Some people are more interested to know how he is going to make life easier for them.eg JOBS for the young people
You must not be listening. I have heard a lot of ideas and plans in the last few weeks.
I am interested in HOW not WHAT he going to do
Doesn’t matter what he/they say you’ll not hear it and even if you did you’ll be asking silly questions, questions which you are afraid to ask skerritt. For example you only saw the remark bout the constitution but completely missed the advise to grow the two events this week and the call for tourism officials to work with the organisers of CITP to help increase visitor numbers.
If the law doesn’t work. How you expect people to get jobs? I mean anybody can do anything they want right? Like pay you 5cents for a day.
Be at Fort Young on Thursday October 31st. from 9 am.
GOOD boy, Prevost, GOOD boy.
Encouraging Dominicans to enjoy independence is the right thing to do. This is our time as a people to unite and celebrate our culture. We made a bad move to calling for the boycott of the youth rally and parade. I to supported it at the beginning but later realize that it was wrong. That’s what real men do, admit we are wrong and move on to make things right. See you all at the youth rally and parade.
Did I hear that when Prevost addressed the opening ceremony he associated himself “recognized the protocol that has already been established”? Here is the protocl for those who wish to deny that at a public function attended by the President of Dominica, his Excellency, Mr. Savarin, in his official capacity Mr. Prevost associated himself. ‘Thank you Mr. Chairman, Your Excellency, Mr. Cahrles Savarin, President of the Comonwealth of Dominica and mrs. Savarin ……….”. This is what Mr. Prevost understood when he associated himslef or recognized the protocol that “has already been established” we he said “thank you Mr. Chairman, I wish also to recognize the protocol that has already been established”.
Now go ahead and call me uncivilized and illiterate. It does not change what Mr. Prevost said in full public glare. Since when ‘Creole in The Park” is not recognized officially. I understand that H.E Charles Savarin will be at the upcoming WCMF in his official capacity. Prevost and Lennox go ahead and ask your supporters not to go because since WCMF is a government run activity, then because the President SHALL be in attendance they should boycott. But the PM must be careful. He might just experience his own episode of a “sick-out” by the law enforcement officers. You know the UWP has deep roots among the ranka and file of the police who publicly associate themselves with the call for a boycott of those two activities. Be careful Skerro. The majority of police is not with you. The have allowed their politics to influence their behaviour as state appointed custodians of the law.
Whatever their differences Prevost showed respect to his audience.
“To respect his audience’? What you talking about at all? Some of us really bias weee.
And Mr. Prevost also also recognized and showed RESPECT to his Excellency, Mr. Charles Savarin, something that the Boycott opposition party said they would never do. Wow! Mr. Prevost, I applaud you.
Original Observer I salute you as a very bright individual. And your last comment about the police is so true. Some make comments openly and I do think that this is dangerous. A Policeman should uphold the law at all times although he/she is free to support whichever party he wants and exercises that right when he or she votes at General Election.
But the highlight of this is the same person calling for boycott attends the various functions that the President attends. So person must open their eyes and don’t allow persons to mislead them.
nuisance it is not the PM that would suffer is people like u and be. think with your brain not with color.
As I see it is the DNO poll that make him change his mind. UWP depend a lot on DNO poll to make decisions, Do you know the same person can vote twice or more.
What a turn coat…. Prevost only sails in fair weather.
I guess that is why he is such a smart man.
Mr Prevost your behavior at the houss was uncalled for this morning as a church man you were looking for confusion from the time you started making your contribution stop acting as a child
In my opinion. Norris Prevost knows the difference. He is not confused. The other people are.
Why dont this guy take a back seat and allow the current leader of the UWP lead and make the statements, Norris is confusing, someone please stop this guy NOW and let the distinguish leader lead
But Prevost did not boy cut creole in the park and the president was there, his wife even cut the ribbon.
We all know that all of the supporters of the “Boycott Opposition Party”, are ashamed of Prevost’s present position.. he has double standards. Is this what we call honesty and integrity ?!!
You guys said that you will not be anywhere that President Savarin will be for the Independence. Why do you want to use the youth, to prevent them from their pride and joy- in parading for their Island Dominica (not for Skerritt or The Boycott Opposition Party). Some of those young people Will be receiving awards on that day for their work in the community. Prevost was still sharing the same stage with the President while the President gave awards to deserving Dominicans! What are you saying Prevost! Maybe the youth parade does not mean anything to you adults because you had your time but give the young people their time too.
Why didn’t the opposition call on the boycott of all the sewo (party) like the jump up, Creole In The Park, and World Creole Festival. Bunch of hypocrites you people are.
Take some time out and listen to Kairi FM Radio to hear the real facts about May 1979. The facts are there, history has been written and Saverin will be vindicated. Stop the lies, because those who are asking you to boycott, were participants in 1979.
If it was any other station but not the very same station where the facts would be fabricated by Saverin and his supporters, remember when he collapsed while he was spilling out dirt about what he would do to the Opposition, so why does some D’icans behave like fowls they eat and then wipe their mouth on the ground and fly away, is that what u teach your children dont you believe telling the TRUTH is a whole lot better.
As an over fifty, a former civil servant and participant in May 79 strike I already know the facts. I also know the facts about what happened subsequent to that event and what laws were passed. So unless they are going to put things in their proper perspective, then I doh need to listen. What you need to do is follow the chronology of events leading up to May 39th and not view that incident/overthrow in isolation.
The Boycott party is opening a can of worms. There are pictures of events of 1979. We would be surprised, shocked and ashamed to see some of our top leaders of the Boycott party . I assume it will be all out at the right time!!! Mr. Savarin did not shut down the Island by himself , he had a lot of support. When those people open their mouths and talk about Savarin, how do they really feel, knowing that they also was a part of the stone brigade.
Prevost are you a two edged-sword? what do you really want? you are so confusing right now!!!
trying to go back on your word won’t help you. we are not boycotting anything. too bad
He has just one edge. Boycott the TWO EVENTS. The Youth Rally, and the national Parade.Is that fine with you now.
this to me make no sense at all either u boycott or not which well all know does not work. if you want votes like mine don’t involve children in politrics all. am I to disregard school rules and not send my child to school nonsense.
these activities are bigger than politics and even the office of president
this is Dominica and I am Dominican, I will not entertain the UWP
hear what u boycotting
youth Rally(young people) votes u will need showing no support is it the president u all are hearting?, is it the PM. you need our votes don’t you?
National Rally (Dominica the People) that is meaning of national. so when u speak of people and I say people meaning the majority not the minority representation.
UWP need our vote as you people don’t they so continue down that road or boycott and u will see yourselves again losing the next General elections. the PM is not a foolish man and you all are playing right in his hand.
nonsense.
@ WESTGIRL No he is not a two edged sword.Your understanding of English is a two edged sword. SHAME ON YOU.
wsetgirl GO TO SCHOOL.
were you not the one who stated that they should have boycott the activities.
wooosh. UWP killing me…..these people are very confused and that’s how they are prepared to runa country??? But I must commend you Mr Prevost. You have a mind of your own and you know that boycotting independence celebrations makes no sense at all. Good advice.
Prevost what happened you stood up for the boycott when did you suddenly realized that you got invited to stand up for President Charles Saverin, the egg is on your face not on the face of the leader of the party, next time you want some attention find another way but dont lie to us you a not a child.
To be honest, i’m not sure what message Prevost is sending out but these guys continue to choose the wrong battles. So people who travel from far to partake in our festivities are going to stay away especially when some do not even know when they will be back? First, Thompson jump in front not knowing how the events work and when he realized he boo-booed he call for a full boycott of the parades. This is a sign of confusion and disorganization.
Well said….boycott the gunpoint president and corrupt government…but still enjoy the vibes….
@ DAamerican, you sound like a true patriot!! My my, goodness!! You are still enjoying the Independence celebrations under Skerritt , the President and the DLP. . Why can’t you show that you are so true to your belief and your position on the President issue that you will boycott the jump up, The rum drinking and dancing. Then I would applaud you. Now you sound just like an empty barrel.
@Really!…..enjoyment according to you is jump up, rum drinking and dancing ….me ..no…
Make up your mind Mr. Prevost.
his mind as the rest of the nation is already made up, boycott the 2 events where savarin will be present, but still enjoy the other creole festivities and activities
The two events where Savarin will be present? I am sure I saw His execllency Charles Savarin at creole in the park and he will be present at cultural gala as well so stop that foolishness.
You cannot understand procedures and English. Prevost is right, what is wrong with you. The boycott is till planned and will happened. Supporting our Creole festivities has nothing to do with Skerrit and Saverin. We just wont respect who don’t respect the constitution but at the same time we support our Independence events. NO one will salute Skerro or Saverin. Respect the people so the people can respect you!!..Go to Hell ! Go to Hell! Go to Hell!!
fool who is doing the saluting?you or the people that is actually marching in the parade,since you can understand english,no one is only you,you are not speaking for everyone.
Jack A……s u talking about respect &you telling people go to hell where is ur respect
is the office u have to respect not the individual who holds it.
if the people of dominica wants to change it they will next year
His mind is made up. One has a right to change his mind and do the right thing. I did and so is he. Lets move on. I am Dominica are you?
that’s more like it prevost don’t behave like your leader lennox.
Go learn to understand English. don’t be like Skerrit! I expect you to be smarter than that.
You cannot comprehend English. So shut up.
I am somewhat confused right now. Didn’t Mr. Prevost ask to boycott National Parade and Youth Parade which are part of Our Independence Celebrations?? And now Sir, you are asking us to participate and “enjoy our independence celebrations?”. What should we do????
of course red eyes have u not reading properly… prevost is still boycotting the 2 events where savarin will be officially present… but of course prevost is encouraging us, as he is doing, to enjoy our creole in the park, creole fest and all other activities where savarin is not officially present
so what savarin was doing at creole in the park,man halibot,hall your bot,you think is domi in cans that login on to DNO
Halibot for your Blue eyes only…. President Charles Saverin was ‘OFFICIALLY PRESENT’ at the creole in the park… he even gave out awards just so you know how present he was… lmao.. i guess you are not on island.
But Savarin was at the Creole In The Park Opening and Prevost went also? I listened to the broadcast.
So now that he went to an Independence activity that the President was also at he telling us now to support the celebrations. He have come to his senses, good. We were not listening to them anyway.
People come to Dominica to enjoy themselves and take un everything Dominica. We take vacation especially to attend these independence celebration and they think we will allow them to spoil our vacation.
But halibut, The President was at the function and will be at many other functions for the season now and during the year as he is supposed to be. So what are you talking about????
When he was at Creole in the Park, maybe he didn’t know that President Charles Savarin would be there But when he saw him he should have left. Prevost you too confusing.
Well my God in heaven.
Never knew there were so many LABOUR POWDER people who cannot understand simple simple simple English.
My friend the man still stands firm on his resolve ‘Not to attend the Youth Rally and the Nastional Parade’.He did not state that he will attend. I read this over and over!
I CAN WELL UNDERSTAND WHY SKERRIT IS taking you all for such a joy ride. The English is plain and simple, yet you all cannot understand anything that it is saying.
WHAT A SHAME BOY
The point is if he does not acknowledge Saverin as
the President why is he there as he play the role of the President. Conflicting
@ CONFUSED DOMINICAN The English has confused you. Go buy an exercise book, and beg Skerrit for a piece of pencil, and go to school.Maybe you will start understanding English a little better.
Don’t be confussed. He just change his mind. Haven’t you ever?
stupsssssssssssssssssssssss.lol
of course you have to come to your senses, this ridiculus idea,of boycoting the parade events,what effect is going to have on the president,this is an event when people are recognized for their civillity and service to their country,you are going to come on the media,and tell the people to boycot such an important event,wake up call for linton.
They do right ask for boycott a much more civlised way to protest as opposed to those who threw stones in 1979.
where you there on that day in 1979?or was told about that day,if you were there then you would have had the facts of what transpired,you would have known that the demonstration was peacefull,then got ugly,then again if you understand the word demon-stration,you will realize that violence follows naturally.
again i can not beleive,we fought for you all freedom timothy got killed,was my personal friend,and thats how we are regarded today,the famme wachen stigma is for real in dominica
hahaha u didn’t read properly, stop being blinded by red eyes… lol
@forreal You must be an Labour Party idiot who can’t understand. Did he tell you will go to the parade,or the national rally.? SOT! He did not say so,it’s just your wish that told you so.
SO PREVOST IN SIMPLE ENGLISH IS TOO EDUCATED TO BE UNDERSTOOD BY YOU? POOR YOU!
question mark forreal,you are really a question mark,you are so bright,wow what are you a scientic,because i can not understand your order of physics,words like sot:you invent that lol:didn’t you know prevost was at creole in the park,and so was savarin?wake up ?????
Prevost is feeling the backlash
Backlash for what? Do you read and understand?