There is a protest now taking place outside the Roseau City Council.
Protesters say they are protesting the lack of the appointment of a town clerk by Mayor Irene John.
They say a vote was held to appoint a clerk and eight out of ten persons, who could vote, voted for Irma Augustine.
They say that John has refused to sign documents appointing Augustine as clerk.
“She wants whoever she wants to be there,” one protester said.
They say they want John to ratify Augustine as clerk and they will not return to work until all papers are signed.
“If she doesn’t come tomorrow and sign the papers, we are not working either,” another protestor stated.
But that was not the only issue being voiced.
Protesters are also concerned over what they say is the inconsiderate attitude of councilors, with workers having no access to working equipment or proper uniforms especially work boots.
“There are a whole set of burning issues in this place, but the thing is, we have to look for somewhere to start, and now is a good time to start. The injustice that is going on inside there it is time for it to stop. The victimization must stop and it is time we stand up and say enough is enough,” one protestor said.
Another protestor, who has been with the Roseau City Council for almost thirteen years, said that members are “not being treated right.”
Meanwhile former Council clerk and Secretary-Treasurer of the Waterfront and Allied Workers Union, Kertiste Augustus, who was on the scene, told the protestors that he would make an effort to have a conversation with those directly related to the plight of the protestors.
“I am going to make the call from my office and I will get back down to let you all know what the decision is. Between the 31st of last month and now, the council is in limbo because no action can be taken by the acting town clerk in relation to the performance of that office,” Augustus said.
He is hopeful however that the main issues at hand will be resolved.
“I am very hopeful and if they want peace, it will be resolved,” he remarked.
the mayor and the former city clerk has a history of not complying with the wishes of the councl, staff workers are still aggrieved by her non compliance this is about likes and dislikes
who in the kitchen feeling the heat, all those who living/working sweet have negative comments, cant someone else fight to live/work not sweet but comfortable? what a Bias country am from
You all do not know the facts.
This strike is ill-advised. Workers do not determine who is appointed their boss. Additionally, there is no dispute between the workers and the RCC. Go back to work, guys.
Irene john my school mate from Portsmouth we know each other very well. Do unto others as you would like them to do to you.
I guess Labourites are calling the protest a coup.
%, Senseless!
Is this the same Irene who used Skerrit’s ideal words, when she said she was going to transform Roseau!
I suppose the decaying filth in the streets of Roseau is the best way she can transform it. Such people who disregard the law of the land are unfit to serve in public office; if eight out of ten people voted for someone, what issues could prevent the winner of the election from being installed in office!
This Mayor has something to hide, and because of that she fears the new clerk will find some form of corruption, and exposed her. The demonstrators should call for her resignation in the process.
Dominica has become a place where rules, and the law is inflictive, those people elect becomes the law. Ours is a corrupt system, that is why that woman believes she is above the law on a pedestal from where she cannot fall. I think it is time something is done; need to be kicked off that pedestal, and let her behind drag and clean the ground on which she falls!
laughable
Dont worry, NEP workers will replace all of all you for less pay. Skerro have the fix
While members of the “Cabal” were riding camels in Dubai, workers lack basic protective equipment, such as work boots to do their jobs effectively. What a backward place we are. I wonder where is the good Dr. Peters on that one. I forgot. He moo-moo eleven months of the year. He only talking during the Spring semester that we don not have in Dominica, since we’re a tropical climate with only a wet and a dry season. I don’t have a PhD behind my name, so I know nothing. What a bunch of corrupt cronies this whole regime is and has always been.
police, then city council workers, then firemen next. Money passing left right and center for all majee. the emergency services (fire police and hopsital ) need to always be taken care off to ensure they have the right tools to do their jobs well. next is your govt workers.
I applaud the protestors for their action. Too much nonsense and favoritism goes on. The Mayor must do the right thing….. the power lies in the votes of the 8 persons who voted. she does not have a vote, she only have a casting vote…..
Correction…She has a vote and in case of a tie she has the casting vote
They catch them with their pants down. Next move is at the PMH .THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FAR too often for too long.Qualified staffs are side line whilst none qualified come in through back door. Now look it.More people to join in the protest. There is job for %.
MR. PROLIFIC, Be careful what you ask for. Ask the Mighty that you won’t be at the PMH WHEN THE NEXT MOVE because You will be singing a different song and others will have plenty to talk about.
LMAO, if Dominicans are not the HAPPIEST people in the world well i don’t know……… I thought they were protesting for working conditions, or increase in salary or even non-payment of salary…… AWAH wii mate, these people too happy boss, in the mean time we the customers are made to suufer by the withdrawal of their services SMDFH!!!!!!!
I wonder why they want Irma?
Joe, exactly my point. Most people here, who do not know the real issue or have all the information, will chose rather to comment on emotional and partisan lines and vilify any and everyone they don’t support in the process.
Dominicans sometimes just need to wait for all the facts before they jump on the band wagon. In the end they will realize that what they’ve been told or chose to believe is not so at all.
I hope those who were quick to judge will be decent enough to apologize, but then again it’s Dominica, so I won’t hold my breath.
Give me a break. Apologize for what? The people on the council full of crap
What facts? You want to know the facts? When salary deduction is being taking and the people’s are not getting their money, when you get raid of the debt collectors and you as the mayor becomes the debt collector, taking social security from people’s money but not paying it in, just a few baby. find out from the mayor what hate the container of stuff Gaudeloupe sent to the councils staff after TS Erika, who carry it for her and was it every shared and how? Just a few
They need to impeach the mayor
Rise up my people! Democracy at work. I love it!
I am of the understanding that the person the mayor recommended lacks proper qualifications for the job. Consequently, the delegates voted in the interest of the council. Sign the papers and allow the woman to work.
Mrs. John, the people have voted. Obviously if 8 out of ten person cast votes for Irma, she is deserving of the position.