CARICOM Chairman, David Granger, has said the matters of the issuance of Dominican diplomatic passports, the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) and the calls for the resignation of Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit by the opposition are internal and were not dealt with by CARICOM Heads when they met in Guyana.
Last week regional leaders met in Georgetown for the Twenty-eight Intercessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. At the same time, Opposition Leader Lennox Linton led a team to Guyana to highlight what he said was the “situation in Dominica” and for which he has blamed Skerrit and his administration.
“We are here because we believe the time has come for the CARICOM heads of governments to intervene and do what is right on behalf of the citizens of CARICOM in so far as the conduct of the Dominica government is concerned,” he said at a press conference while in Guyana.
He called on regional leaders “to act urgently in the best interest of the people of CARICOM to resolve what we consider to be very disturbing developments in Dominica”.
He also said the CBI was a threat to Dominica and CARICOM, stating that “since 2004 Mr. Skerrit has presided over a corrupt Citizenship by Investment Program…”.
But Granger said the matters were not discussed, adding they were internal and the meeting was not the proper forum for them.
“CARICOM was attended by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica,” he said at a press conference after the meeting was over. “We received a brief from the Prime Minister and we regard it as an internal matter.”
He also said the meeting was not the place to discuss widespread riots which took place in Roseau on February 7 following a public meeting organized by opposition parties.
“I do not think this forum is an appropriate place to discuss what took place but it is quite possible that the Leader of the Opposition may not have been explaining or describing precisely what occurred on the streets of Roseau two weeks ago,” he noted.
He stated that it was “unwise” to venture into an “internal matter affecting the security of a member state.”
“We receive a report from the Prime Minister and it is quite likely that what the Leader of the Opposition would have said would have been at variance with information we received and what actually occurred,” Granger, who is also the President of Guyana, said.
He added, “So this was not a matter that was discussed or decided by the conference.”
I agree with President Granger that the issue of sale of Dominica’s passport, the corruption including the CBI is internal in not a CARICOM Concern but an internal matter and so CARICOM should not and cannot intervene.
We the people of Venezuela want back of land stolen from us by Guyana… Two thirds of the land mass claimed by Guyana actually belongs to Venezuela. I hope when we ready to claim it you will not call for any CARICOM intervention because this will be an internal matter between Guyana and Venezuela.
Your friend SKRIT may not come to your assistance either since he belives in the ONE VENEZUELA Policy… I will be sitting on my patio
when the time comes
I knew they would be unimpressed with Linton and that he would achieve nothing by going to Guyana. Tell him he wasted his time and the money they spent for the trip.
It is really an internal matter and simple to comprehend. If D/cans were ill-treated, their human rights violated, if the PM also did nothing for the country, I would think CARICOM members would get involved or admonish the PM.
As it is, Mr. Granger saw through Linton. He is a tale-carrier and criticizer. He is not satisfied with what Linton said. These people have been listening to Linton wherever he goes. They must have seen him on CBS – 60 Minutes.
Let me further inform you, I am certain he and others read the Dominica News and also hear of the goings-on in D/ca. He is aware of the violence after the so-called meeting and is obviously displeased. This is a mark against Linton, as Opposition Leader, UWP in general who had a so-called meeting that afternoon. I hope this will keep Linton quiet.
Grainger was head of defence Force enforcing the communist ideals of Forbes and other school friends back in the days in Guyana. This guy history says more about him than his stance above. I hope the RSS will not intervene when called upon because it is an internal Matter. Caricom cannot succeed or function if it isolates the problems of member countries or does not represent or acknowledge the opposition concerns of member countries. The government system is not only the ruling party and if Caricom cannot serve to hear the plight of all then it is an absolute waste of time and money. How are we to intermingle and handle the holes in the system. It is said a chain is as strong as the weakest link. Caricom is useless and a waste of the past 40 years. African leaders syndrome. These old men need to depart clear the way for progressive young minds. We are loosing potential leaders to the developed world because of ideological dinosaurs like Grainger
I wonder how old you are. If you are not as old as he is, one day you will get old, if you do not die suddenly.
Life is fragile. It is a shame that a human being would speak of another in that manner. One day everyone will get old. Who knows how?
The elderly are wiser. They are better, hardworking and conscientious workers
Today, we have a problem with items which are manufactured and very expensive. They are not as strong and lasting as in those days. Learn from that. Younger people devise and manufacture them.
My parents taught me well. Speak the truth. respect people.
Never:
laugh at anyone in such a manner;
call people old in that manner;
wish anyone harm.
Think of yourself and put yourself in their position. This means to live by the Golden Rule.
What is more, God is taking note of all we say and do. This will be a determining factor also how we age and if we will enter His Eternal Kingdom.
Hearts off to older people – the elderly!
So tell me, what really was the mission and what is it that was achieved? Frankly speaking, Mr. Linton only strengthened local views and confirmed to the international community that he is just a desperate man hungry for power who will go to any length to get it for his own selfish gain.
Caricom is more aware than most Dominicans, what is happening with the CBI so if Linton was as wise as he says, he would have saved himself some money and embarrassment…..he would not have gone to Guyana!!
We should be grateful I suppose to mr. Granger for the lousy rice and awful sugar we get from his country and keep our mouths shut.
Lenox please go away. You are not helping the advancement of Dominica or Dominicans.
DNO, I listened to the comments by the Guyanese President and he clearly stated that no request was made to CARICOM by the opposition. No request was made so how do they expect CARICOM to intervene? Please, Admin review the chairman`s response and correct your article.
Mr. Granger, even you know, that you don’t know; therefore you need to know that Caricom is like a body and like the human body it has parts; when one part is infected we don’t say, “my lungs or my bowels is sick” we say that we are sick. In this case-in-point the truth is: Caricom is cancerous or Caricom is constipated because, (sa ke fere seae fere nay). And I might add__ with that brand of leadership, Caricom needs an enema PRONTO to purge itself otherwise it will soon become a cadaver.
what do you expect from the one eye jacks ? on the other hand they would not be reluctant to deploy the regional security system it is internal when it suits them.
But guys let’s put partisan politics aside for now and deal with real truth. If Skerrit were chairman of CARICOM and the meeting took place in his home island of Dominica, do you think he would say anything different if the opposition Leader of Guyana came to Dominica to meet with CARICOM heads against Mr. Granger? Well based on how he dealt with Spark Lee, maybe he would even deport him.
We need to understand that these leaders are not concerned about the citizens of CARICUM; they are only concerned about themselves and how to stay in power to get wealth. I mean see how they have WICB and will do nothing to fix it; Let’s not forget that they know very well that Mr. Emanuel Nanthan is vice president of the WICB and he too is director of the CBI that has brought Dominica where we are at today, with the sale of a diplomatic passport to Mr. Aliereza Monfared, a wanted fugitive that was hiding in Dominica
I see Skerrit and laborites taking what the CARICOM chairman said as if we expected to hear anything different from Mr. Granger. I sure didn’t and Mr. Skerrit and his supporters should not take that as an endorsement from a credible person or body. They are all the same and therefore they must cover the back of each other. CARICOM has WICB in a mess and if they stood with Mr. Linton against Skerrit they knew very well the can of worms they would be opening, especially with vice president of WICB, is a personal friend of Skerrit and he, Emanuel Nanthan is also Skerrit’s director of the CBI program, which is the real cause of Dominica being where it is today due to the sale of diplomatic passports sold to criminals and Mr. Nanthan hands look very dirty. So off course CARICOM must see it as internal matter to avoid having to open the can of worms. I’m sure if one were to meet Mr. Granger or any CARICOM member on a one and one basis his response would be very different.
Caricim has been throwing this under the mat, they just gonna try to do it sgsin , God save my country.
Well well
caricom/carrygo has and is a group of talkshop using the people’s money to spend time at expensive hotels eating and drinking! Since the existence of this grouping,what have they achieved that will benefit the people of the region
The people’s lives has only gotten worse under these rogues of this grouping,incurring more debt and poverty on the people! I’m asking that whichever government taking up the mantle of leadership after these rogues posing as government has been put out,to leave this bogus organization! It will worth us better to seek some kind of arrangement with the European,since we are between two French colonies.
I honestly can not think of any real benefit that Caricom gives Dominica. Yes, it is beneficial to islands like Barbados and Trinidad because they have a monopoly on manufactured goods, which are supposed to come here duty free but we can make the same arrangement with our neighbours, the French territories and get better prices and better quality and less transport cost. We even do not have real freedom of movement between the islands, so what is the point? In any case we already get so much benefit fro Euope anyway. why do we need to be in Caricom just to give these fellows a big head?
Just give it some time the backlash of your cover up comrade dirty work will hit your home soon patience
Oh, look how the tables have turned! Linton, nobody doe want to hear you. Everyone fed up of your lies and trouble. CARICOM knows that PM Skerrit is the best PM we have ever had in D.A., they know we’re best of with a strong Roosevelt Skerrit rather than a weak novice!
“nobody doe want to hear you.”
Your vocabulary is beneath kindergarten level, there is no such word in the English language known as “doe.” How do you define that in the English language?
Did you finish kindergarten?
Were you only taught patios in kindergarten; you do not even sound funny, you sound stupid!
That is just the colloquial way of everyday talk. No bad English. That has nothing to do with kindergarten level. Calypsonians use colloquial language in their lyrics also so their songs can have some emphasis, meaning, and reedom.
Still around? I thought you were washed away by the water in Los Angeles’ all of California for that matter where the constant rain falls.
I am not going any place just yet: On Monday I am going to undergo a two hour surgery, pray for me, but not a hypocritical one eh!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
Well there is a lot of water all over the place, needed badly, it has not rained for the past six years or so, and the water reserve was getting low; so God got rid of the draught!
I said it. I said it. I said it. They are all one and the same. Anyone who expected any different result or response must be very new to politics, and must not have ever heard the word “POLITICIAN” They are all the say, and are all in it together, and all support each other.
Dear MR. Grainger, why the Caricom emphasis on regional integration if you insist at the same time that the the international scandal engendered by Dominica’s CBI programme and its issuance of diplomatic passports is entirely an internal, Dominican issue.
If that is the case why perpetuate the Caricom charade. We may as well step out, row our own boat and save a lot of expense in the process. we are getting far more assistance and benefits from the E.U than caricom. as it is.
How the hell its an internal matter, when the passports involved is CARICOM?????
Mr. Granger does not want his own to defecate on his doorstep, you understand?
Grainger was head of defence Force enforcing the communist ideals of Forbes and other school friends back in the days in Guyana. This guy history says more about him than his stance above. I hope the RSS will not intervene when called upon because it is an internal Matter. Caricom cannot succeed or function if it isolates the problems of member countries or does not represent or acknowledge the opposition concerns of member countries. The government system is not only the ruling party and if Caricom cannot serve to hear the plight of all then it is an absolute waste of time and money. How are we to intermingle and handle the holes in the system. It is said a chain is as strong as the weakest link. Caricom is useless and a waste of the past 40 years. African leaders syndrome. These old men need to depart clear the way for progressive young minds. We are loosing potential leaders to the developed world because of ideological dinosaurs like Grainger
So there you go..It doesn’t matter what the Opposition Leader says, as long as the PM says otherwise then that’s settled.
See what’s wrong with our region? Jokers in command..is that an objective point of view from Granger?
Man can always do more than his share, but never can he do more than his time..and that’s why patience remains a virtue..
This Granger guy does not surprise me. He is a born oppressor. He was part of Forbes Burnham repressive region which was also a very racist party which oppressed Indians and other races. So he is accustomed to being part of oppressive regimes. No wonder why he says this is an internal problem. When the US put sanctions on the caricom countries I will like to see what problem it will be. thats the reason why places like Guyana with so much resources are so poor, it is because of these biased and oppresive people who assume leadership.
Honestly Satan cannot correct sin..Mr. Granger has issues himself they all lack credibility . Let him focus on Guyana who is just as poor or worst off than we are.
Granger should be ashamed of himself..making such idiotic statements… As the international community is becoming increasingly concerned how then does Granger conclude the passport crisis is internal?? How dumb!!!
DNO, you have not reported that at the same press conference the Prime Minister of Grenada, who takes up the chairmanship in July 2017, said CARICOM can intervene.
Its ironic, that a few short days ago, after the incident this babbled how concern he was about the violence in Dominica; and now the time came when he had the opportunity to get another point of view on the matter he chicken out condoning the evil in country; termed it as internal problem!
Granger is the same who said there is no variances in the argument. That is a stupid, and very bias comment. And that is what happens when people lack comprehension of the English language. A variance, or a variable in any debate, argument or subject matter is anything which can make a difference!
Lennox has a different point of view as to why there should not be any sale of Dominica Diplomatic Passports, Skerrit has his views, that is the variable. Granger’s bias position is simply condoning the dictatorship in Dominica. So, he lied when he tooted there are no variance in the matter, if there are no variance there would be no reason for Lennox position.
Call for Granger’s resignation too
The venom spitting Cobra at it again.
There you go again. Pretending to be so smart. You need to learn English, then read the article again before you comment.
If you were not an idiot you would know the meaning of the word variance!
Whereas as Granger said “there is no variance” understand this fool!
He made it clear there is nothing different in what Lennox has said that he has not already heard from Skerrit; therefore he has indicated Lennox views and that of Skerrit are the same, if you were not a fool and understand the English language you would not have written such crap.
If you were ( 1/3) one third as smart as I am; you would be so frightened you might hang yourself! You do not have to wonder if I am smart, I know I am smart, very smart!
Man, will you please shut up! Give DNO a break, stop making a fool of yourself with you uneducated comments. Admin, can you stop publishing this guys` comment? He is just rediculous!
Ah poor UWP so innocent!! No matter over the years, they have been doing their best to over throw the government until they brought the RIOT to the city of Roseau demanding the resignation of a democratically elected government with a failed coup.
Let us face it; UWP has been trying for years for a confrontation with the police. We know you are trying to look as the injured party but that will only work with your followers.
Over the years how many matches and protests you have had whilst the Government keep working for the people? Uprising in Salisbury, Littering around the airport with bananas; protesting elections results; formed your people’s parliament and so much more.
The UWP is against the people of Dominica and are using the PM, Government, CBI etc. I agree it is ‘We’ People of Dominica they are up against because we will not vote them in power, so they embarrass Dominica.
UWP want to force themselves on the people. CARICOM is right it is internal.
Actually, Dominica is the innocent one in this.
She is being used by this lazy pimp, poor excuse for a government, prostituting her for their greedy heartless self knowing sheeple like you will give the cart blanche to do whatever the like because no law no constitution can stop them, but in time it will end.
Very well. So let’s hope it does not become a CARICOM matter when things start to spiral out of control.
Marcus, don’t you believe CARICOM is well aware of the ill-fated 60 Minutes interview, the Opposition Leader seems so pleased with? Doesn’t he realized the Leaders were as appalled with his interview as the rest of us? He cannot believe any Caribbean Head enjoyed his interview that they would want to hear more from him.
Weren’t the other Prime Ministers whose countries have the CBI at the Meeting? So what did he really want to tell them that they do not already know?
It was a meeting for Heads of Government. Dominica’s Opposition Leader is NOT a Head of Government. He was caught trying to sneak into a meeting that he was not invited to. Not only did he embarrass Dominica but almost had a National Security emergency in another country. He talks about security risks associated with people carrying our Diplomatic Passports? He has proven himself to be a very big one. Do he and the UWP even realized what his actions could have caused?
” Do he and the UWP even realized what his actions could have caused?”
.What could it have caused.
Most of the Caricom leadership are doing the same thing,
enriching themselves at the expense of the masses. Could the one in Antigua say anything about the one in Dominica, I don’t think so, he is on a faster get rich track than the one in Dominica. They are all pretty much the same, a group of men from an ex slave culture perpetuating another form oppression on the brown people of this earth.
None but ourselves will free us. It is a matter of time, maybe not in my life time but some day we will be rid of this evil.
The objective of the mission was achieved.
The mission was a colossal failure. The intention was to MEET with other Caricom leaders, but the all shunned him.
Really did u guys get the resingnition of our be love pm no never keep dreaming see u jokers at the polls 2019
So tell me, what really was the mission and what is it that was achieved? Frankly speaking, Mr. Linton only strengthened local views and confirmed to the international community that he is just a desperate man hungry for power who will go to any length to get it for his own selfish gain.
Caricom is more aware than most Dominicans, what is happening with the CBI so if Linton was as wise as he says, he would have saved himself some money and embarrassment…..he would not have gone to Guyana!!
I didn’t expected Granger or others of the CARICOM leaders to come out and speak about what is going on in Dominica they are so dishonest themselves and wouldn’t even explain what the CBI program is about to their own people, the heat have to be on all the leaders not only the Dominican leader, so Granger saying that the matter is an internal matter is hog wash is better he had delt with the issue at hand, So I support the Opposition action force them to look at and to discuss it openly because each Island is a CARICOM member, plus their passport allows citizens to use between Island to Island , and the CBI Program mess are theirs to deal with also . Ranger and other leaders knows that’s not the passport in dispute. It’s all about Citizenship and diplomatic passports issued.
Leadership in CARICOM is lacking tremendously .
Even though the position of caricom was eloquently stated by Mr. Granger, the issue was exposed.w
It was exposed prior to CARICOM prior to the visit to Guyana. Things like these does not just go under the carpet. Lennox needs to wake up and realize that he is the laughing stock to CARICOM and the entire world. Sad!
You are too childish, grow up…..
They are all taking back-handers from Skerrit – remember how GON’s case was ‘disappeared’? Now you know how deep the rabbit hole goes.
These people are corrupt to the core.
So for us, back to protests and now is the time for ALL OF US to REFUSE to cooperate with anything to do with the Skerrit regime. Only way to get them out. That is all we have left.
Which all of us?
Hope it will never be a matter of CARICOM. In any matter both sides of the story must be heard.
What is the role of CARICOM then ?
I agree
President granger has positioned himself for a nasty tongue-lashing. Mr. Linton believes that the matter is one that Caricom should deal with. Obviously, Caricom through its chairman is not of that view and President Granger has gone public with such a position. This is in stark contrast to what Mr. Linton verily believes. Therefore if, what is already on the record regarding going public with a differing view to Mr. Linton, then President Granger better be warned. For what it will be forth to Mr. Linton, he will come swinging at some later stages in the game. That and hard cash you can take to the bank.
Sir you are definitely correct, quote:” It is quite possible that the Leader of the Opposition may not have been explaining or describing precisely what occurred on the streets of Roseau two weeks ago.”
What took place in Roseau on February 7th 2017 and CBI program are TWO separate issues and must be dealt with at a different forum.
david danger
I told DNO reading public that Dominica’s situation was not on the agenda. Here it is plain and simple. I would like to know which heads of states Linton and his buddies get into contact with. As far as it looks this was a wssted trip; pure embarrassment.
This Report finally buried uwp for good. Mr. LIN has exposed his party to the lowest. This report will hunt you down for the rest of your life. Mr. LIn you are now under observation from Caricom.You asked pm to leave and now Caricom turn the table on you
UWP stood tall and represented Dominica and the issues affecting it. Even if we knew it would not be addressed at least it was brought to the fore – that was the objective. It made both local regional and international news. Well done Hon Linton ADN team uwp. Please BE GUIDED THAT THE Prime Minister of Grenada has presented himself on behalf of CAQRICOM to mediate on this matter. He reminded the meeting that he was under similar situation situation when Leader of Opposition in Grenada.
Thanks Sir. We know you felt that Skerrit felt embarrassed at what you said.
Well Done Hon. Linton and Team UWP
The Chairman Of Caricom and the Prime Minister of Grenada basically call Mr. Linton a liar.. That’s just sad. The suspense must be killing Mr. Linton right now. Whole weekend he was begging to be arrested so that he could be seen as some freedom fighter and to distract from their disastrous Guyana trip and the Police still haven’t played ball. That’s got to hurt!
A you kidding that exposed the leaders of CARICOM, Ask GRAGER yourself where did his connection began before he became to his present position , any way the program is exposed and so is CARICOM leaders like it or not. Everything happening in Dominica Skerrit and his supporters say ” Lennox do that ” I think they should have a Calypso.
I would suggest that you go to the JOHN BATCHER SHOW and others for your further information and stop your nonsense .
The world knows who the liar is; and certainly it is not Lennox, I do not know much about the Grenada nobody, but I do no a lot about Granger, and I can tell you I would be surprised if his sentiments were any different. If he dates back to Prime Minister Forbes Brunham days in Guyana, we know who is Granger!
He is one of those who should be living in jail, research him and you see why he deserves to be in jail. They are shady as hell, now he sits on a pedestal, as if his hands are clean, blood is on his hands, feet and in his face!
Keep tootling Roosevelt Skerrit’s flute young one, but make sure you keep blowing and don’t swallow.
This is the extent to which Caricom is a doggone WASTE OF TIME. But I know that Skerrits rogue regime has been exposed,and some of the leaders are making their own judgement..I commend the team which went to Guyana, and would like them to continue putting pressure on the rogue regime in a relentless manner..The political harrassment and persecution cannot and should not dampen your spirits.
%, Cross breed a donkey and a horse you get a mule. Meditate on that!
Unfortunately you are DNO,s clown!An accomplished idiot!
One thing for sure …. MONFARED was arrested with a Dominican Passport! As Jeffrey Archer wrote – Only Time Will Tell
Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss. Great move. Great exposure
Good I happy u supporting the team I supporting the police to bring them in for questioning so allu want power
He also said the meeting was not the place to discuss widespread riots which took place in Roseau on February 7 following a public meeting organized by opposition parties. – Why was he allowed to retain the impression that there were widespread riots in Dominica that night? The PM also has an obligation to paint the true and proper picture to all at home and abroad. it was a handful of young thugs carrying out their own brand of justice. Those young men were quickly rounded up and detained. Also this wasnt no riot. unrest and disturbances is more like it. I refuse to believe that the other heads of CARICOM were allowed to believe that Dominica was in utter turmoil that evening and riots were widespread. This in itself is highly irresponsible
So that means PM word is gospel and therefore any other utterance is untrue!
NO WONDER CARICOM NOT DOING ONE THING TO REALLY MAKE THE REGION A POWER HOUSE TO BE RECKON WITH.