Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, says he is in support of the decision by the Ministry of Tourism to host a relief concert instead of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) this year.
However, he suggested that Cadance icon, Gordon Henderson, be made Coordinator of that event.
Linton said at a press conference held at the Prevost Cinemal on Friday 11th September 2015 that he made the exact recommendation about a week ago.
“That we cancel the normal edition of the WCMF and we settle for a benefit concert that will bring international artists on board, not just the Creole genre, but artistes from all over the world who want to identify with us and who want to be part of helping us in relief, in recovery, in reconstruction,” he said. “This could be huge for us and I am hoping that we bring the right talent on board to get it together.”
He said the UWP recommends Gordon Henderson as coordinator of the concert.
“I am recommending on the behalf of the parliamentary Opposition that the services of Gordon Henderson be secured to produce that relief concert,” he noted.
According to him, Henderson would have the responsibility to coordinate and organize the concert since he is the most experienced international entertainer out of Dominica at this time with a lot of contacts, the best knowledge of the market, and who has worked in the market with musicians and entertainers around the world for the longest period of time.
“And that we believe that puts him in the position where he can attract the right kind of people, the big names into the concert for the benefit of Dominica,” he stated, adding he hopes that no favorites and politics will be involved.
The Opposition Leader said the country is looking for things to tell the world that we are back in business and if all of these international artiste would come to the island it would be a “wonderful thing for Dominica’s tourism product.”
He is also suggesting that the international coverage in key markets be targeted for the concert.
“ I am happy that we are not putting aside the festival completely, what we are doing is we are changing the format for a relief concert that will bring other talents and capabilities on board, I think its wonderful,” Linton said.
I truly believe th this at it is a good decision to Cancel the WMCF this year and any other such concert. any relief concert should be held outside of Dominica where the infrastructure is more available and send the proceeds to Dominica.
The Govt or opposition should seek advise and not dictate those transactions. Dominica is under construction and so any available funds on the island should be directed towards relief to those affected.
Why are our adults behavior like kids.after what our country came from why not suggest a gospels festival
Demonstration of leadership and foresight by the Opposition Leader.
Sometimes I really wonder!!! The Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader have now have an understanding that I think the majority of the country understands and agrees with. Party supporters seem to be having a problem of not allowing things to take their course.That is one of the tests that we as a people have to deal with. There should not be any winners and loosers in that race. We will all be winners. Even when the time come for choosing representatives, the people will still be the ones to make the decisions and all other cards will be on the table then. Come on!!! Party Harks…… Clean your hearts!!!!
Lennox, is now begging the PM Skerrit ,for his job
well i have heard it all my friends this so call UWP lots smoking too much Ganja this people need to be in a mad house 
It does not bother me one way or the other. However, after Gordon Henderson’s article which I read and which is a controversial one, you are suggesting that he be chosen as coordinator? You want to stir up some trouble?
Ummm, so what happen to the DCF/Discover Dominica? Aren’t they responsible for major events/festivals in Dominica?
LENNOX , you are the biggest dope to mankind ,u will never be PM of Dominica ,bye bye.
What was seen as a cultural event is no doubt turning into a political circus by Lipton… Since when it is the business of politicians to get involve with creole music festival. ( unless if they are making a significant positive contribution) Where are the decision makers of the commission. Lipton take your suggestion and flush it. Where is godown in all this laboo cleaning and helping to bring back Dominica in a habitable state. He is busy running his own shows. Get him to come to help clear the debris after the storms let him show his patriotism then and only then he might be a merit for such a suggestion. I think you are taking serous issues lightly which goes to show you really have no idea bro… Your involvement in any and every issue is wearing thin. Choose your battles carefully and stop making a spectacle of yourself. I also strongly believe that all festivals should be cancelled the island is an absolutely no condition for major activities..
I think a concert like that would be GREAT… just a shame politics have to be the headline discussion instead of folks just rallying together and getting it done.. Alllll the musicians and bands who have made substantial dough in the past from DA activities, if they have any love or humanity left in their souls should be more than willing to do a free appearance. Expenses and accommodation taken care of…. Maybe then we will get a lot of well known DA musicians living abroad to participate…..
Mr Linton get real, that’s for the WCMF not you. you can ask not demand.
THere is too roro with three days concert don’t play with God the country is in a mess look for another way to help DA. The was I say it every body looks for points Lenox should not nominate Gordon as coordinator people see the mess you all had with Gordon yes the country needs help but use your thinking cap.
Why is Linton bringing politics into the relief/recovery efforts ??? There are lots of other people out there who an coordinate the event and thereby not making it political.
What the Pm needs to do is to tell the nation how much money Dominica is owing to it’s creditors .
Before the Erica came ,were they in a position to pay civil servants.
Who or what committee is setup to do the financial accounting for all the funds received for the relief?
Remember the budget that was read in parliament, calculate the figures that have been presented via media briefings, not to mention the figures that we do have an account for publicly.
This festival and any festival for that matter should be cancelled definitely. There should be no discussion on the matter given the situation and condition that the Island is in at the moment. With fuether damage theartening us by the hour
here in England we had many benefit concert,these concerts were alway lead by top musicians why?because these top musicians have the contacts and know the industry. in Dominica there are plenty of spineless heaters that will keep the progress of musician down
This is becoming a circus. The only decision to be made at this point is cancel any festival for october. Linton is seeking any means to score brownie points. Since when DMCF has turned into a political forum. Isnt decisions regarding the festival that of the festival commission?
September 26, 2015 in Guadeloupe, the first of the DOMINICA RENAISSANCE CONCERTS kicks off in Guadeloupe…over 40 artistes join Gordon Henderson to raise funds…100% for Dominica. Gordon Henderson is not involved in politics. The man endorsed Linton last election…every citizen should have a favourite without being drawn into politics.
It must be difficult to work with Lennox boy! The PM is trying to include him in decision making but he is already taking credit for coming up with the idea of the relief concert. Such arrogance!
Didn’t you learn anything for the tragedy? It is a cultural event and not a political event. We being tried over and over and punished. Please let us rebuild our nation without the political chaos. What does it matter as to who heads the event?
Go back to school to learn how to read before replying to statements. ???
If this is the idea of Lennox and Gordon Henderson is appointed Coordinator on the recommendation of Lennox, then Lennox has to be prepared to take ownership of the event. If the event is a flop he will have to shoulder the blame as he would bask in the glory if it a success. I think it it was an error on the part Lennox to state to the public that the concerts were his idea or his recommendation to the cabinet committee and at the same time asking that Gordon Henderson be appointed Coordinator. This shows that he is desperate to show his party supporters that he has an important role on the committee and his political capital is still intact. I think Lennox is biting off more than he can chew….
You are jealous that he’s playing his part? Well play yours
It would be your idea if you were paying for it and organizing it. Lennox you are not the one paying the artists, establishing deals with the airlines, running the airport, the stadium, the vendors, providing security and safety, nurturing the development of hotels to support the incoming visitors, dealing directly with international partners in support of the recovery effort. there is talk and then their is action and the talkers always want to take credit for those who are taking action.
Who is Lennox Linton? “he stated, adding he hopes that no favorites and politics will be involved.” You are in fact stating that you are recommending your favorite! the irony of ignorance… it truly is blind! I hopre the Prime Minister puts you in your place on this one trying to take credit for his hard work.
Try staying in yours
Once again I hope the Opposition Leader in his wisdom has discuss his suggestio with the relevant parties like when they are having their update meetings before taking his suggestion to the media. And these discussions unless agreed by all to inform the public should not be taken to the press.
Someone must inform the Opposition Leader that he should realize he is no longer a talk show host. He has to be a diplomat and not try all the time to create controversy. Just for controversy sake.
I am not saying Gordon Henderson could not be the coordinator; I am saying before coming public like that, maybe not even knowing the gentleman’s schedule, or the plans of the people hosting the event, because I believe the private sector will be the major sponsors and may have their own personnel in mind. After what transpired recently, I would expect better from him.
If his suggestion is not what the organizers have in mind – what then? Play the blame game?
Just…
@A Doubting Thomas In Solidarity September 11, 2015
My friend you are right on again. I really think that this event can and should be organized and presented without the interference and both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition–they are not the only functioning minds in Dominica–good Lord!
Lennox I think your head is getting too big for your body, seems like you think you are the one running the show and calling the shots. The PM may have included you in some decision making which is very good but you must remember your position. …….just reminding you
Well said my sentiments exactly thats why he must be left outside thd door. He too fast. Gordon has accepted and moved on foing hud own businesd. Why linton is all up on the airwaves stiring crap is beyond my understanding
as my grandma would say, Lenox!!!!!!!!!!, know your DOGS place and your CATS position.
we go see
Skerrit just using Lenox Linton for a ride. I am convinced it was Lennox idea to have three nights of concert instead of the usual sewo but the man will never give credit to uwp. So every night he is on DBS, Kairi, vibes, GIS, and sometimes Q95 addressing nation on ideas he got from the opposition but he will use them for political points. Have you ever seen Linton with him at any of his addresses, so people could see them united? The man is a coward, selfish, loves noticing politician and I have to agree he got UWP big time! UWP forgot how the man took their ideas from their manifesto and presented it to the nation as if they were his? He knows UWP have some brilliant ideas that can really change Dominica so therefore tricking them to come on board in the name of national unity, was his way of getting ideas from them to remove them from that crisis they found themselves in. UWP should stay united as a team so all Dominicans would see they needed to replace DLP with UWP
@ I, Me, & I Alone September 11, 2015
My friend can tell me how is your messages here, in harmony with the theme of the News Article?
Hope Gordon was contacted before the suggestion was revealed on social media.the suggestion fowarded to the advisory committee in advance of the of public pronouncement,so as not to repeat the same confusion, ,like the last time.
People people people got with it Mr. Linton made a suggestion that’s all it is, someone others I sure will and have made other suggestions, We have to move on we as a people have to stop bashing Mr. Linton and PM we need to get our act together, how do you all believe this bashing and hatefulness is playing in the out side world.
Dominica need outside AIDS to help to bring it back to a place where Visitors would want to come too, so I’m asking both Leaders PM & Linton ) to step up to the plate let the people see that the unity between you are working , OK. just focus because the people must come first.
Hon Linton, they have taken your advice as regards a relief concert instead of the creole festival, but Gordon, two in a row, try another Prime Minister, not Skeritt. Maybe if that advice was coming from Tony, Alick or the Bagan. You are moving to fast, expect Skeritt to dissolve the Parliamentarian Advisory Committee before the end of the year.
Job for Lennox boys eh!!!!!! I must give him that he always looking for his people, is Judith Pestainer for Speaker, Athie, Thomson and Baptiste to be on Reconstruction panel now is his boy and comrade Gordon to cordinate the concert LMAO…..
Now UWP complains that Skerrit is only looking out for his people, i wonder WHO LENNOX IS LOOKING OUT FOR???
“Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, says he is in support of the decision by the Ministry of Tourism to host a relief concert instead of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) this year.”(DNO).
Lennox you have made one of the worst mistakes of you life supporting this rubbish by Tongue and his regime! There are dead body’s yet to be recovered, people are homeless, and hungry, why should people be celebrating drunken, while they are hungry.
This is not the right thing to do? The nation has not yet began to heal, yet they have decided to set the people in an inebriating frenzy, when people are drunk they forget for a moment, however, when they return to sobriety, the pain returns.
That is a bad decision!
Mouton Batalie! (FT) a honest man or woman does not oppose for opposing sake only… If an idea from his or her is a good one. It is his or her responsibility to show support and approve of the idea making some suggestions/ recommendations for improvement.
I therefore believe the decision by the Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition to support a Relief Concert instead of the World Creole Music Festival is a brilliant one…
Yes; but, what is the difference between reviling at a Creole Festival, and revel at a so called relief concert?
A festival with music, dancing, and getting drunken, and a concert with music, dancing and getting drunk is one of the same. Therefore, if the Creole Festival is canceled, nothing similar should replace it, because the replacement is one of the same!
If they went ahead, with the Creole Festival, that would be more beneficial, because it may have attracted a large number of visitors to the island. More money would be spent, departure tax would collected, assuming all of that yelled went to the relief collection plate, to my mind plenty more than they hope to collect from this proposed concert would be achieved!
But doesn’t “relief concert’ means that the proceeds will go to the relief program on behalf of the victims of Tropical Storm Erika? Well at least that is what I thought; and I hope the majority think the same too
Have you heard the saying, “Life must go on?” It is a form of healing.
GREAT…
cannot wait!
Cool idea Lennox man. Gordon Henderson is known and respected in the music world.
Gordon, ..the stone that the builder refused…now becomes the head corner stone to Skerrit?
Don’t start.
Wasn’t there a report about Gordon already planning a concert for which he got much praise and encouragement? Since there is now dialogue and collaboration between government and opposition, I hope that the suggestion for him to co-ordinate locally is not being made on DNO rather than face to face?
We can do without more controversy at this time which is totally avoidable.
Whatever name is given to it, there will always be a huge cost component. Airfare, hotel accommodation, meals, musicians, sound system. ground transportation. Who will carry these costs? I understand the move by the Gov re its financial obligation. This new name and format means Gov has absconded financial from the festival. In other words, given the organisers of the concert the green light to proceed but raise their own money.
If he is chosen as coordinator, he could waive the costs and pay for them himself, as a donation to Dominica’s relief? In his article, he stated that he helped others at his own expense.
Oh MY God. I Just wish this gentle man named Lennox Linton was our prime minister at this time when we need a leader of eloquence, communication skills , brilliance, logistical and management skills.
It depends on your mentality; not that of others.
Kudos to you to support the Gov’t on this initiative!! Your idea of having Mr Henderson to Coordinate the concert is a good one……. Lennox words ” he stated, he hopes that no favorites and politics will be involved”. But my question to you is that ” What would make it Political? So if they don’t choose Mr Henderson then it would be bias and Political? and If the choose him then what would it be? Stop beating around the bushes and just be real. As anything else its OK to make a suggestion and give ideas but that doesn’t mean because they don’t support you that they are bias or as u said it Political!!
Its politic again because Gordon is lenox’s friend with all the mess with Gordon over the last month he is not a good idea to nominate coordinate concert.
Gordon again???? Here we go again, politicizing the concert now. Lets just have the UWP take charge of the concert and make them all happy.
If I had the expertise, I would have applied for the position of coordinator.
That would be a good, and wise idea, Mr Linton. But not in the upside down, crazy world of the skerrit DLP red government. As the director of tourism said, that might take a cabinet decision.
If you are not hailing the supremo or DLP red, you are dead, and gordon has not been singing their tune. But i would love to see Gordon and Ophelia collaborate, and sing a duet.
…Gordon and Ophelia singing a duet while Athie plays steel pan.
Go to Guadeloupe on September 26 and see how Ophelia and Gordon show Dominica to the world.
Can the Government of DA encourage LIAT to play a role in that effort by considering a slight reduction on fares? This will go a long way for CARICOM Nationals who would like to be part of the relief concert.
Cheapo LIAT is a business not a charity! Just like the government is actually spending money and doing work not just talking like Lennox Linton.
LIAT? LIAT is in the business of making money; not losing it. That would be the day when LIAT offers even a slight reduction. I doubt this could ever happen.
LIAT has investors. I would think a meeting would have to be held about that. This would probably take long for a yes or no decision.
God is in control people,GORDON I TOLD YOU GOD WILL GUIDE YOU.am in to assist in any way for this relief concert.Lennox great job.
Grell, who put Gordon in charge of the people them concert? you or Linton> All you na easy nu. That was just a suggestion. Please take your time.
Dominicans stop being stupid, and it times you all put politics aside and lets be in unity and work together to help build Dominica
I second the motion: Gordon is already active in organizing relief concerts for Dominica in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion and Paris–of his own accord–and it makes a lot of sense to broaden the scope so that all entertainers who wish to make a contribution can do so.
In reality there isn’t a whole lot of time left to organize this and make it a success, so contacts are important. And considering that it will likely be extended to other genres (it is a relief effort, after all), it does need someone with an understanding of music and sequencing to make sure it all flows on the night. Give thanks for Gordon, a son of the soil who has Dominica at heart, as you give thanks for all those who use their talents without question to put Dominica first.
HOT DEBATE, you said.
Two things here starting with the letter P: People and Politics. Politics is a human construct; People is not. Politics, like religion, like social class, like so many of those other human constructs, is a way to divide–and divide it does, to the point where we forget the value of PEOPLE. People have the gifts to unite, to build…Politics will unite those only of a certain persuasion and in the greater scheme of things that is still division.
Put the Politics aside, People, and rebuild your nation and your country. Dominica is beautiful, no doubt, and she really does deserve it. Find all ways possible to unite EVERY Dominican behind that one goal and you will see the difference it will make: it will draw other People who feel they have a contribution to make, too, to the gem that is your country.
Lennox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what a brilliant plan, no wonder in “times like these” the PM had to rally the best of troops.
Are you saying the PM is handling this situation perfectly?
The brilliance of the plan is the rationale behind the cancellation of the WMCF. According to Linton “…we cancel the normal edition of the WCMF and we settle for a benefit concert that will bring international artists on board, not just the Creole genre, but artistes from all over the world who want to identify with us and who want to be part of helping us in relief, in recovery, in reconstruction,”. UWP recommends Gordon Henderson as coordinator of the concert…. this is called political wit and savy!!!! The PM has not played a stroke to that delivery as yet… will he hit it for 6 or play forward defensive, you guess is as good as mine
not their fault. trouble they like. hmmm
wrong post*