Dominica excluded from US interview waiver programme

Dominica is among three countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) which were excluded from a United States visa renewal waiver programme.

Under the policy, citizens who reside in the approved countries will not have to travel to Barbados to renew their US visas.

So far, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Kitts and Nevis have been approved for the waiver in the OECS while Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines were excluded.

This means that Dominicans who want to renew their US visas must travel to Barbados.

The exclusion is not sitting well with Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan who believes that Dominica was not included because of how the island voted on the Venezuelan issue at the OAS recently.

Dominica supported Venezuela as the US seeks to expel Caracas from the regional body and take other measures against the Spanish speaking country.

“It is punitive because they did not follow the call or instructions of the United States. I assume that there is something perverse about that,” Astaphan said on Point F.M-a radio station in Antigua and Barbuda owned by Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Astaphans said it would be unfair for Dominica to vote against Venezuela, a country that he said has been a loyal friend to the Nature Isle.

“Had it not been for Venezuela, we would have had some serious dislocation in Dominica with the world recession. They helped us. We cannot be ungrateful,” he said.

Astaphans said Dominica took the position (to support Venezuela) under serious diplomatic pressure.

He said the US should not punish Dominica because of that.

Meantime Antigua’s Prime Minister Browne said over the weekend that it is “a little strange” that the United States excluded Antigua and the two other OECS countries from its visa renewal waiver programme.

In fact, he questioned the decision to grant three OECS states the waiver and not the others.

Prime Minister Browne did not comment on why the US took the position.

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93 Comments

  1. Tru dominican
    September 12, 2018

    Pm SKerrit is pulling away from America n all his links is comunis countries , you would America want to allow renual of US visa in dominica , Sherri skerrit is teaming up with all countries dat don’t have link with America, so wat do we expect, everyday skerrit is making things worse for dominica , there is much more to come , much harder days to come

  2. September 11, 2018

    Here we go again..people going crazy about a decision that another country took run by another man..like it’s the end of the world..GOD spoke..
    People everything and everyone has to fail us..I mean everything…Only one will remain true to you if you would let HIM ( JEHOVAH )…And don’t matter what man does wether it’s in DA or any country around the globe you will ride high above it ….Let man do his do,,set boundaries,,put visas,,etc etc etc..It’s just for a little while..Soon the real owner of it all will take over and what’s HIS will also be that of HIS children they will be free to move about no such restrictions…
    Stop hurting you’ll heads about what man is doing..if you’re of the world,meaning not a child of GOD, then..that’s what you should expect..it’s easy ,,just move over,, join HIS family and experience peace that surpasses all understanding,,and joy that the world could at no time give to you..And rightfully speaking that there,that’s what the world knows…

  3. Busla
    September 11, 2018

    This is nothing to worry about… they will have to beg to come to our country in time to come, just watch in time… we have heaven here… it’s reasonable for us to stick by who assisted us…nothing has changed so we should not worry about this…

    • Iamanidiot
      September 11, 2018

      Wishful thinking gets you no where

    • Merle
      September 12, 2018

      Thank you for your comments. You summed it up just right. This is how the other Islands gets taken over. When you allow yourself to be dictated to.

      Congratulations my friend

  4. kubulol
    September 11, 2018

    The actual error was to accept aid from the Chavez dictatorship at the time.
    Morality should have prevailed.
    Only 2 carribean islands have voted in favour of the dictatorship at the OAS session : DA and St Vincent ; they should have, at least, abstain themselves, like many others

  5. Pragmatik
    September 10, 2018

    Tony is right, this has a lot to do with our dealings with Venezuela. Our country’s name along with those of Antigua and St. Vincent were put on record in US senate hearing discussing the issues of the Venezuela crisis. We were put on record as list of small island states obstructing the US’s agenda in bringing about a solution to the crisis, also a note was made of the fact that those countries on that list also ‘coincidentally’ benefit from Venezuela’s subsidized oil program under Petro Caribe.

    Also the US considers Venezuela a failed state and a security threat, there are even reports of people with terrorist connections making their way through Venezuela, with all the corruption going on starting from the very top, individuals with nefarious motives are using that country as a port of entry on their way to the US.

    Put all those factors together. Maybe some of you with half a brain can figure out what’s going on. You might even figure out what’s coming next.

  6. Treadstone
    September 10, 2018

    “Astaphans said it would be unfair for Dominica to vote against Venezuela, a country that he said has been a loyal friend to the Nature Isle.”

    My friend committed murder, but since he is a loyal friend, it would be unfair for me to condemn his actions.

    -That right there sums up the moral compass of our government and its agents.

  7. Pragmatik
    September 10, 2018

    “Meantime Antigua’s Prime Minister Browne said over the weekend that it is “a little strange” that the United States excluded Antigua and the two other OECS countries from its visa renewal waiver programme.:

    Well if he was paying attention to american politics these are the same countries that senator Rubio mentioned when he said that it’s strange that only those countries along with countries like Nicaragua and Bolivia are the ones voting against the OAS decisions – strange because those are the only countries receiving subsidized oil from Venezuela.

    So it goes both ways. When the governments of these countries decided to side with a corrupt and authoritarian regime they chose to put their countries at risk of international repercussions. Let’s just hope that this is as far as it goes and we don’t end up getting sanctioned as well.

  8. LaPlaine Observer
    September 10, 2018

    What’s the issue here Tony? Skerritt ordered his diplomats to vote in favor of Venezuela, so the US reserves the right to exclude Dominica. While Dominicans will be impacted, all Skerritt’s children are born in America and don’t need a visa to travel there. BUT THEY LOVE THEIR PM. sak sort!

  9. Massacre
    September 10, 2018

    Well now we know that the US is aiming for the Gov’t of Da for its corrupt practices over the many years. All the criminals that they have been associated with are now coming home to roost.
    How comes is Tony that is responding to this sanction from the US? When it was the P.M of Antigua who responded for them?
    Dominicans there are so many signs that this Skerrit and Tony lead administration do not care about us ,so tell me what we are waiting for to kick them out of office?

    Skerrit must go for Dominica to develop. !

  10. Reasons
    September 10, 2018

    The only reason behind this decision,is very simple
    1. Dominica does not have a stable economy
    2. Due to the struggle with all the hurricanes etc migration is a problem as people are desperate
    3: Dominica has poor relationship with the US. And so we are not a priority
    4.The cloud of corruption is hanging over our heads
    5: we are not recognized as a due deligence country
    6. As long as this government is operating in dark affairs ,including selling of passports.
    7 . They will require an interview to remove the weeds from the grass ,since we have sown some bad seeds in non reputable countries , now go Figure.
    The world is global .

    • Da
      September 11, 2018

      Barbados is bankrupt

  11. Icy
    September 10, 2018

    …….Applicants who acquired Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship via an economic citizenship program and all third country nationals will still be required to schedule visa interviews for visa renewals. Eligibility for interview waiver does not automatically entitle applicants to a waiver of the interview requirement. Meeting the general qualifications for visa renewal interview waiver does not guarantee that an applicant will not be requested to present him or herself in person for an interview at the Embassy.

  12. Man bites dogs
    September 10, 2018

    I was sure that bit of American pathetic crap would of get all so-called workers crocodiles and bafoons out to play. For a start our country Dominica did the right thing not voting against our loyal friend Venezuela. And don’t let America bully us well done Dominica let them go to hell. Like wise America would never agree to stand against Israel for anyone in this world, let that be a lesson to you pathetic idiots, Francisco said Dominica has the most stupid people in the Caribbean Iam 100%sure he was referring to workers idiotic party and supporters.

    • September 10, 2018

      @Man bites dogs

      And that would include he, Francisco himself.

    • Pragmatik
      September 10, 2018

      “Let them go to hell” Right let all those Venezuelans suffering and dieing everyday and having to flee their own country, yes let them go to hell so we can support a few corrupt government ministers so our own corrupt government can get rich while we suffer for it. Sheep like you deserve to be fleeced.

      • Man bites dogs
        September 11, 2018

        @ Prank-matic, What are you on about? whomever you are whenever You coming up against man bites dogs, please be sure to have with you logics and common sense. Nothing personal bye bye .

  13. Karl Orndem
    September 10, 2018

    So now that Ross is gone, maybe we should ask that Americans apply for Visas to come here. Then again we are not a highly coveted destination. If we were a high end country with excellent services and amenities coupled with flawless infrastructure and superstructure to compliment, like St Barths or one of those places that the rich and famous frequent because it is mostly accessible to THEM, not just the cruise and back pack tourist en mass, then this would make sense. but as we stand now, i suppose we have no choice but to let Americans walk all over us. they will come when they want, how they want to Dominica, but we have to cry and scrunt like dogs to enter their S#!t hole country. DOminica needs to refine its product and image and aura. This is not about politics or a personal attack, it is about this country and how it is seen by others and the advantages and disadvantages of such. Also, i agree that we should have stood by Venezuela, because they have always stood by us.

    • Anonymous
      September 10, 2018

      Is our support of Venezuela a dogma, and we must support it at all cost, even when their leadership makes life so hard foru its people.? Or should we support what is best for most people? You are entitled to change your mind you know,. That is democracy. Blind obedience and dogma are not.

      • Mr. Ben Dover
        September 11, 2018

        Blind obedience? America will not even help Puerto Rico, Venezuela even if they are facing hardship right now as we speak was able to assist us after Maria and Erica. To this day the current president denies climate change and is doing everything to encourage fossil fuel and coal use. america doesnt like Venezuela mostly because they cannot control Venezuela’s resources, its not about how its citizens are treated, because if that was the case why dont they have an issue with the African countries where there is much corruption? Dogma refers to religion. I am not religious as it is better to know than believe. DOminica as it stands needs to stop acting like a little helpless country and start taking its rightful place by producing and elevating its standard all across the board. Why do you think other islands are more respected? meanwhile we are not? why do you think other islands are preferred? meanwhile we are not even known or heard of in many instances. This place has no…

    • Pragmatik
      September 10, 2018

      If America is a ….hole then what is Dominica? We don’t even have an international airport they probably have two in every state.

      • Me
        September 11, 2018

        That would make us just a bare hole I suppose?

  14. Faceup
    September 10, 2018

    AMERICA should ban all U.S. visas for DOMINICA and especially the LABOURITES.. Sons and daughters of a poor donkey country trying to vote on a Venezuela issues..Moral Values dont pay bills in 2018.. :lol:

    • Icy
      September 10, 2018

      Just listen to you. Your heart is evil. Do you know how many scholarships, and aid we have gotten from Venezuela over the years. What has the US done for us.

      You walk on the roads, go to the hospitals, send your kids to school if you have all because of aid we have gotten from Venezuela. Should we turn our backs on them now.

      SMH at some of the comments in here.

      • Treadstone
        September 10, 2018

        @Icy
        “What has the US done for us”??????

        The U.S. has done exponentially more for Dominica/Dominicans than Venezuela ever has or ever will. Count the number of Dominicans who have gained/are gaining their livelihood in the U.S. or have been educated there. Then calculate the economic benefits that accrue to Dominicans due to their U.S education and/or employment. Further, calculate the benefits that accrue directly to Dominica from U.S.-based Dominicans by way of financial remittances, ambassadorship, disaster assistance, etc, etc. Now please revisit your statement and amend as necessary.

      • Pragmatik
        September 10, 2018

        You are the one who is evil or ignorant. The monies that we receive from Venezuela belongs to Venezuela and the Venezuelan people. The OAS and the US is at odds with Maduro and their corrupt authoritarian regime descended from Chavez.

        Who do you think is Venezuela? Less than 50 people in government or the millions of people suffering everyday because of the incompetence and corruption of those few people. If we truly want to repay Venezuela for what we have received we should support the people of Venezuela and the ideals of right to liberty and well being enshrined in their constitution, a constitution that has been absolutely violated by those currently in power.

      • Sandra
        September 10, 2018

        While the Venezulans are suffering. How bad is that

      • Neville
        September 11, 2018

        Most of the aid, well the cash anyway, has gone into the pockets of the Skerrit regime and it’s ‘advisers’. The whereabouts of the US$100 Mio. is still unknown and the regime stays quiet.

      • Looking
        September 11, 2018

        I think many folks do not understand the difference between state and party. The state of Venezuela assisted Dominica (to their detriment, their economy is now in shambles) Its not Maduro or Chavez. In Dominica the state assists individuals; not DLP or PM or ministers. Now if the individuals who manages state affairs are doing things that are wrong; one should stand by what is right and just. Many people have allegiance to party because they got a scholarship or some form of aid. They are being told don’t bite the hand that feeds them. Nonsense! If one is in an abusive relationship; because financial needs are being met; one should say, I have to stay i can’t bite the hand that feeds me?

    • Man bites dogs
      September 11, 2018

      @ faceup, whatever your bisexuality I’m telling you now you are a very sick person. Writing such a crap it sounds like you have a mental health problem, please address it emideately without delay. :oops:

  15. Jet relaxing
    September 10, 2018

    Little Tony needs to stop believing that we intelligent Dominican are sitting in his playpen with him playing with his little toys. We need to understand that for a decision to be made in our favour, Dominica needs to change many of its operations. There needs to be a clear path of honest dealing. Therefore cleansing the system, and coming clean could be our best option. Why do you think Antigua is not responding, he is clever. So PM need to tell little tony shut up, and continue in is little world playing with his little toys.

  16. My Bad
    September 10, 2018

    One day we will get up and realize that Skerrit, Tony and the DLP have placed us in a very, very, very deep and dark holes by ourselves that we, the friends of Skerrit will become his greatest enemies but it will be too late. Skerrit andTony will use the name of the DLP to destroy Dominica just to try to save Skerrit but at the end of the exercise Roosevelt Skerrit will NOT be saved from the inevitable, no matter where he makes his bed and, sadly he is taking Dominica down there with him. The removal of Ross University was just a warning of the dangers ahead.

    • September 10, 2018

      We followed America like a bunch of fools when Mamo was PM, the US used her as face to invade Grenada. What did Dominica get for its support for America? The destruction of the vital banana industry. Former PM Edison James referred to the US as economic terrorist, as he watched them destroy our banana industry to satisfy the interest of American companies like Dole and Chiquita. America always puts America first but fools like you believe that America has the right to bully other countries into supporting their greedy agenda. So continue to blame Skeritt for America’s greed. There are countries that require Americans to have a visa to enter their country, Brazil is one of those countries, Dominicans don’t require a visa to visit Brazil. It seems that Dominica is the home of too many Uncle Toms and Auntie Toms

      • UKDominican
        September 11, 2018

        If the U,S, destroyed our banana industry please explain why St. Lucia, also an OECS member and close neighbour manages to sell its Fair Trade bananas in U.K. supermarkets at a premium as I speak? I bought some in Waitrose today and saw the same fruits in Marks & Spencer yesterday. I wish the promotional tag had said Dominica, but unfortunately that is a distant memory.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        September 12, 2018

        Anon, you see how stupid you are?

        Eugenia Charles, at he request of the other newly independent islands, Antigua St. Kitts St. Lucia, beg Reagan to send the Marines in to kill the Cubans whom Bernard brought into Grenada to help consolidate his communists power.

        The United States had to invade Grenada to get the American Medical School Students which were studying in Grenada at the time. Before you think of telling a lie you need to realize some of us who knows what happened, are still alive!

         Reagan may not have sent the U. S Marines if Eugenia did not ask for his help. For you information I saw Eugenia interviewed on Nation wide Television with her black bag under her arm, which she eventually set on the grown, her eyes blinking fast. When ask  why she request help from Reagan; her reply was:

        “When we saw all these big Russian brass coming down to Grenada we had to do something!” Shut up man you are flawed!

    • kawat
      September 11, 2018

      In your crystal ball you seeing a deja vu? Akin to when we woke up to a visa restriction to enter Canada?
      You remember the cause to that effect? You remember the Government/party that was responsible?
      Don’t try to wish bad on the country.
      According to Henley Passport Index we have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 122 countries and territories: a vast increase in the last few years.
      We have gone through enough already. It is evident that our brighter days are ahead,

  17. LifeandDeath
    September 10, 2018

    Yes I Tony!!..lol..You all brain fall out already..like this has nothing to do at all with the number of crooks holding DA passports

    • September 10, 2018

      Give it a break, St. Vincent does not have a CBI program and they were not included. St. Kitts a major player in the sale of passports is also under US sanctions is included. As a matter of fact all three countries, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Kitts are involved in the sale of passports. America continued to scatter crumbs and the hungry fowls come running. Why didn’t America give these three islands visa free access to the US. There is not one black country in the world that has visa free access to the US.

  18. smh
    September 10, 2018

    why doesn’t this penguin shut his smelling mouth; tell him to mind his funking business.
    ask him if Dominica was doing so well, why did his wife close the restaurant that skerit and his little boys went to for breakfast lunch and dinner; le ban modara

  19. Jonathan Y St Jean
    September 10, 2018

    Who has given Dominica a bad name? Say it with me. Skerritt!!

    • Wolfgang Raspe
      September 10, 2018

      Yes because it is skerrit that always in the media talking bad about his country!

      • kean Blackmore
        September 10, 2018

        Your insinuation of idea that foreign governments obtain their intelligence from the media exposes your limited scope of policy and diplomatic affairs. Smarten up my people.

        This implicit bias among our nationals is one of the primary reasons why our brightest and capable minds are not currently leading our nation!

      • Iamanidiot
        September 11, 2018

        You really think when Linton went on the news and talk about the sale of passports, you think the American Government was like “OMG!!! REALLY!!?!?!?! ”

        Grow up…

    • viewsexpressed
      September 10, 2018

      Who has given Dominica a bad name? Say it with me. Skerrit!!….Skerrit…Who else but Skerrit…it is Skerrit. Join the tune, call out Skerrit..it is Skerrit. Worse Pm Domininca has ever seen. It is Skerrit, He must Go

    • %
      September 10, 2018

      Skerrit!!!!!! Skerrit!!!!!!!! Skerrit !!!!!!!!
      Skerrit Must Go
      Skerrit Must Go
      Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

  20. Jonathan Y St Jean
    September 10, 2018

    The same way Skerritt does not give attention to constituencies like Marigot and Salisbury which didn’t vote for his party and yet Tony doesn’t have anything much to say about this injustice. The US is free to decide who it’s close friends are and give them preferential treatment, but Skerritt is not at liberty to use Dominica tax dollars and punish communities which he deems as hostile. So what did Tony and Skerritt expect when they thump their noses at the USA? You ought to know what’s coming at the back of that. Skerritt once he isn’t the prime minister any more will be made to feel the effect of international law. Mark my words.

  21. %
    September 10, 2018

    But why is this senior idiot always the one who speaks for Skerrit? Is Skerrit Moo Moo? I know that he Skerrit is a dotard,but who voted for this Astaphan clown? and Did Astaphan eat or drink something when he was young, that’s causing him to be mad now? ..It’s only in Dominica that leadership is so disgraceful.An idiot as PM and a senior clown his mouthpiece.
    The USA is looking at you all,and I am happy about that
    Later will be greater
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

  22. Wachette
    September 10, 2018

    Astaphan shut your mouth before you put us in more problems

  23. Take Warning Dominica
    September 10, 2018

    When we don’t hear we Must feel. We have been ignoring all the dangerous signs of Skerrit’ and did nothing so now we will feel. But Tony Astaphan has his luxurious house for his family in Florida while Skerrit’has his Condo in NY and his children are Americans. It’s more poor people s children that will feel it but then again their head too harf

  24. Saint of the day
    September 10, 2018

    Don’t be surprised that the labourites will blame the opposition for that. The next thing you will hear is Lennox Linton that right to the American embassy.

    • English Police
      September 10, 2018

      Write not right

  25. Made in China
    September 10, 2018

    This is what happens when you accept COMMUNISM!!! The Labor Government is preventing the people of DA to thrive economically.

  26. Bring back the kidnapped parrots.
    September 10, 2018

    The United States probably does not want any nefarious undesirable non real Dominica people carrying Dominican passports sneaking in. How many people from the middle east are carrying Dominica passports who have never been to Dominica or know where the island is in the world? Does the Prime minister know? That’s what happens when anyone with the right amount of Cash and lady daddy and everybody can get a passport for the right price, Dominica for sale. Does Tony Astaphan have an explanation?

  27. %
    September 10, 2018

    Who cannot hear will feel. Let lazy, incompetent ,dunce,inarticulate Skerrit believe that he can play with the mighty USA ..I am so elated that the USA has had Dominica under the radar.This I am sure did not start recently .All the unknown trips abroad,to place unknown is surely known by the USA.The appropriate time to answer questions is around the corner .
    Ross Gone
    Travel to Barbados,those who want to fight the USA.
    Skerrit knows why Skerrit will do anything to remain in power!!!
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

  28. waypapa
    September 10, 2018

    The senior clown should tell us the reason and not jump to conclusion. I doubt very much it is about Venezuela. It aint just about passport cuz SKN selling passport. Its the lack of accountability in everything we do including the selling of passport to all and sundry mostly criminals. Why don’t senior clown shut up.

  29. Wow
    September 10, 2018

    So Mr. Astaphan, you and your government have suceeded in turning Mr. Trump against us. Where do you suggest we go once they stop giving us their visas? This is only the beginning.

    • Jheri Curl
      September 10, 2018

      Venezuela is in terrible shape
      We’ve pissed off the USA
      We’re taking in a bunch of Haitians

      This is all going very well.

    • Newton
      September 10, 2018

      Other countries..the US is not the only other place in the world nor is it the best.

      • Pragmatik
        September 10, 2018

        why so many people flocking to there though?

  30. Braveheart
    September 10, 2018

    It’s not sitting well with Senior Clownsel? What’s he going to do about it?? Write a letter? Stage a protest, or go on Kairi and vent?? LOL this is too funny!

    • DA Fails
      September 10, 2018

      LOL, I love these names, Clownsel, Dieaspoorer, Laborats, Dumbnicans, aye look kixx lmao :lol: :lol:

  31. Shaka Zulu
    September 10, 2018

    WTF appointed or elected Tony Astaphans to speak on Dominica behalf. Why does tony not shut his trap. Punitive behavior is what has been happening in Dominica for past 16 years. Its amazing he brings up Venezuela. Loom at where they are right now. They must be fools because thier people suffering and what have we done to help? Absolutely nothing. What kind of friends are we when now that they are in hard times we do absolutely nothing. Tony only opens his mouth to defend skerrit because he knows skerrit destructive behavior is money in he tony Astaphans bank account. Guess who pays? Dominican tax payers. Labour party supporters are poor dependants so they dont pay taxes and could care less. You want to wine and dine with all thieves and dictators and expect not to be scrutinised. Dominicans need to do what is right and get this gov out before the bottom drops off.

  32. Ben
    September 10, 2018

    Is it just me or does it look like every island country excluded seems to have a labour government in power just an observation

    • viewsexpressed
      September 10, 2018

      It is really because they are incompetent, don’t seem to be seen as credible on the world stage. Questions for these leaders as they are watched carefully by their own people as the respective islands, especially Domininca is seen corrupt with corrupt leaders and government in power and overstayed their welcome.
      Our island Domininca is a state of disrepair as long as Skerrit and his worthless 18 ministers are in office. We are as poor and deprived as Haiti is today.
      Skerrit must Go…Get ost

  33. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    September 10, 2018

    “The exclusion is not sitting well with Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan who believes that Dominica was not included because of how the island voted on the Venezuelan issue at the OAS recently.”

    Tony boy, that is what happens when the when the little fry’s and sprats get in the way of sharks and whales! The eaten. Dominica is always on the wrong side of the equation, Skerrit and his government dislike the United States, and the Government of the United States policies against dictatorship!

    As a result we keep supporting the wrong!

    You can talk as much as you wish Tony; your voice, nor Roosevelt voice; nor the bogus so called Dominica ambassador to the United States voice are not heard in America, there is nothing said in Dominica about the issue that will make a difference.

    Skerrit friend Scotland told you  to suck salt, that is one way you all are sucking salt now!

    America recognize Dominica dictatorship! 

    • Pragmatik
      September 10, 2018

      They dislike the US but and yet they bring their wife there to give birth to their children so they can have citizenship. They don’t hate the US,, they love Venezuelan corrupt oil money. So they will say and whatever they have to say and do to get it even if it means more difficulty for the ordinary Dominica. At the end of the day when we struggling to get a visa just to visit the US some of them can go their without visa on their second citizenship while their offspring have full citizen rights.

  34. JAH KAL
    September 10, 2018

    Dominicans thats just the begining u guy have been warn, plenty more to come Astahan can leave skerrit and his family can leave what about you .

    • RandyX
      September 11, 2018

      Exactly! But all those red nose labour supporters don’t get it in their skull!!!

  35. Way
    September 10, 2018

    Why won’t this man shot shot his clappers????? Dominica is not deserving of this renewal. So Mr. Attorney it will not hurt people like you and Skerrit but the mal-a-way. But please keep quiet you don’t know what you are talking about,

  36. Laird Taylor
    September 10, 2018

    Is Dominica accepting Venezuelan refugees?

    • Jheri Curl
      September 10, 2018

      we might as well
      make the place a little prettier after they’ve accepted all those Haitians

      • God Helps Those who Helps Themselves
        September 11, 2018

        So others are ‘pretty’ but not Haitians who look like Dominicans. So why don’t you go and live where the ‘pretty’ Ones are. It’s Morons like you that accept all kinds of vermin to walk all over you and treat you like dirt simply because they don’t look like you, and you worship them as your lord and master.

    • Neville
      September 11, 2018

      Refugees not stupid. They don’t want to come to DA. Swapping one dictatorship for another?

  37. RandyX
    September 10, 2018

    Astaphan, you see yours and your masters rogue politics are coming to hunt the ordinary citizens of Dominica now. They will ultimately pay the bill! By the way, it’s not only the Venezuela vote but it’s also the way Skerrit handles the passport sales. Furthermore his constant negative utterings against the USA and Europe for that matter have not gone unheard.
    By the way, the reason Skerrit had to vote in favour of the government of Venezuela had ultimately very little to do of being old friends but rather that Maduro has Skerrit in his hands because he knows exactly what happened to the US$100 Mio. that had to be written off.

  38. Big Dawg
    September 10, 2018

    Let us be honest with ourselves and not approach this discussion with preconceived notions. However, let us ask the pointed questions of our elected officials and not give wings to the ignorant utterances of the Senior CLOWN. The questions we should ask are 1. Is there a document from the US pointing out the reasons for the denial? 2. If yes, why not make it available via the print media and social media? 3. If no, did their reasoning have any relationship to the CBI program and it’s aiding fugitives and criminals in evading authorities? 4. Why were the other countries approved and how did they vote? 5. Who represented Dominica at the forum and were they instructed which way to vote and by whom? 6. Is this a silent warning to Dominicans residing in the US that they should not participate in the Dominican election?

    • Expat
      September 10, 2018

      Big Dawg , your comment about warning Dominicans who live in the U. S that they should not participate in the Dominican election is beyond ridiculous; it is outright silly. You need to come better than that.

  39. C.G
    September 10, 2018

    “Had it not been for Venezuela, we would have had some serious dislocation in Dominica with the world recession. They helped us. We cannot be ungrateful,” he said. Tony seems out of touch to say this statement. Do we stand with the Government of a country or with the people?

    • Dominican
      September 10, 2018

      I am sure that Venezuela was generous with their Petrocaribe programme but I have never seen the benefits of this for the general public. Our electricity costs , generated with supposedly “cheap” Venezuelan oil, are the highest in the region. Those who benefited from that deal will know but it certainly was not me.

    • Vernon
      September 10, 2018

      What did we in Dominica really benefited from the Petro Caribe deal? Were the monies use for the betterment of all Dominica?
      Dominicans paid the same prices for their products as it was on the market in Dominica, although we were promised that they would have been cheaper.
      We were given USD 100 Million Dollars for the deal but what became of that money? Only after Hurricane Maria, we knew but no answer or explanation has been given thus far.
      I am really struggling to see what good came out of Petro Caribe dear for Dominica except it made a few people really rich and left the rest of us still in poverty.
      The USA has always been looking out for their own interest, so you cannot blame them and when we (Dominica) have a government – one man – that is working against the US Interest, what do you expect to come out of it.
      Well if you ask me, this is exactly what to expect and I am afraid to say that there is still more to come so we better brace up.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      September 11, 2018

      Don’t be stupid; what world recession are you talking about?

      When there is a recession in a some countries, in other nations their economy do not see any such thing. In 2008 or there about when the Real Estate Industry collapse in America, it only had a slight effect on England, I will not state the reason because it is not my duty to educate stupid people.

      However, that was not an International recession.

      While millions of people lost their jobs in the United States, there were many more millions employed generating revenue Federal and local treasury. You guys need to worry about Dominica’s economy; I can tell you the sale of passports, and in recent months parrots is not going to cut it.

      Dominica under Skerrit is in permanent recession; the worst under Skerrit is yet to come!

      What you term world wide recession might be self-imposed austerity; know the difference! Obama knew how to take America out of the recession: Can Skerrit do the same for Dominica?

  40. cowboy
    September 10, 2018

    Tony is spinning as usual. It is likely not just the Venezuela issue at play. It is likely that Dominica’s well-known tendency to give passports to nefarious characters is also at play. Further, it was also short-sighted and diplomatically silly to get into a pissing contest with the US. Who exactly are these geniuses developing our foreign policy?

    • Jheri Curl
      September 10, 2018

      Senior Counsel thinks he’s on equal footing with his USA co-horts
      Isn’t Loreen Bannis the one that should be commenting on this though?
      Isn’t she getting a big salary for this VERY REASON?

      LOREEN BANNIS the people need answers!

  41. jamie
    September 10, 2018

    Tony and Browne,you fools are not above the law,and the both countries are all about corruption.Plus Tony who in the Us will listen to your sorry ….

  42. Joe Linton
    September 10, 2018

    I myself doh give 2 hoots about America!!!!! I do not need to VISIT that drug and crime driven country!!!!!

    • Anonymous
      September 10, 2018

      I’m sure they will not be offended Joe.

    • Texan
      September 10, 2018

      Joe linton first of all America isn’t all crime n drugs.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      September 10, 2018

      I am going to tell you something unless you are a fake Linton, I know you are my cousin too, but you are making yourself a bloody fool! America has not done you anything!

      For your information, there are more crimes in Dominica per capita than in America. There is also more drugs in Dominica than in America; how can this be you ask? Think in terms of the size of Dominica, the population; and when talking about the population, think in terms of “per capita!

      I am from Wesley my grandmother the late was Lennox  Linton; father aunt. America has become my home for almost forty years; drugs has never come close to me, never mind to become a user of any illegal substance.

      Stop hating a country and people who could well help you out of your misery!

      Stop being foolish!

      Roosevelt Children are American Born.

      Blame Roosevelt Skerrit for this recent action against our country by the State Department, and the Donald Trump administration!

      • original Mahaut Man
        September 10, 2018

        I live in America now for 31 years can you tell me who is now the biggest dictator than Donald Trumph.

      • Pragmatik
        September 10, 2018

        @original Mahaut Man
        well as long as you there legal and documented you have nothing to fear from Trump. If you’re undocumented though sorry for you though some will still escape. Trump is not a dictator. Dictators are people like Maduro, Chavez and Castro. Ask yourself why is in America you are right now and not Venezuela or Cuba.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        September 11, 2018

        Guy there is a vast difference between a racists, a bigot, and a dictator. Now we know Donald Trump to be trash!

        He is a racists, and a liar; however a dictator he is not!

        And By the way I am a Naturalized American citizen; I cannot be deported from America ever; if I commit a crime of any kind even treason, I will be punished the same as an American born; I hope after 31 years you are in the same category as I am.

        I know people from Wesley in New York: the time when I met them they were still illegal living in New York for almost forty years too. I hope you are not like some who live in fear of what will happen if caught by the immigration anytime soon. We see everyday people who’s children are born here, their wife’s are American citizen, yet they get deported!

        They are classified as undocumented.

    • jamie
      September 10, 2018

      oh please America will not miss you keep on drinking the Skerrit juice,he will not stay in power forever,god is in control.

  43. Iamanidiot
    September 10, 2018

    “The exclusion is not sitting well with Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan who believes that Dominica was not included because of how the island voted on the Venezuelan issue at the OAS recently.”

    WELL DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Y’ll doing things for y’ll personal relationships and not how it benefits the Dominicans. It will, be beneficial to us all if we have better relationships with the US, Jobs, Healthcare, Entertainment but no… stuff venezeuela down our throats.

    Wake up People, to go to Barbados is pocket change for these people, and we, the poor man that is a big money for us and we can still NOT get it, where as people like Tony, Francine Baron, Skerrit will never be denied a US Visa, realize that the government is NOT working for your best interest.

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