Eluid Williams receives nation’s highest award

President Nicholas Liverpool bestows the award on Eluid Williams

The Government of Dominica on Friday September 14, 2012 bestowed the nation’s highest award, the Dominica Award of Honor, on Presidential Nominee Eliud Thaddeus Williams at a brief ceremony in Morne Bruce.

The Dominica Award of Honour is the award of the highest recognition under the Meritorious Service Honors Act Chapter 99 of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

This award is conferred on persons who have made significant contributions to the country. It is traditionally presented during Dominica’s annual independence celebrations.

The award was presented to Williams for his distinguished achievements in the area of public sector management by outgoing President Dr. Nicholas Liverpool.

According to the citation Williams “served with distinction as permanent secretary which spanned several government departments over a period of 17 years and made other significant contributions to the Cooperative Movement by serving as Commissioner of Cooperatives and holding board positions at the level of the Cooperative Societies League and individual Credit Union branches and whereas you have contributed enormously to the reform of the Telecommunications sector in the region through your work as Managing Director of the Eastern Caribbean Telecoms Authority (ECTEL) and played a pivotal role in developing the licensing regime through the creation of a licensing evaluation mechanism and whereas you have honored the name of Dominica by these achievements.”

In accepting the award Williams reflected on the role of his parents who he said instilled values of hard work, respect for others, integrity and honesty in him from an early age. “They constantly reminded us their children that they were to be of service to others. They provided the fine examples of commitment, sincerity and also encouraged me to excel at school or at work. It is on this foundation on which I built my public service career” Williams stated.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit congratulated Mr. Williams for having been bestowed with such high honor, saying that the award is well deserved.

“I want to take the opportunity to congratulate you on behalf of the Cabinet of Dominica. We have had the opportunity to work with you over the years in the Public Service. No doubt the kind of discipline and seriousness which you brought to the Public Service helped tremendously in the execution of the State’s projects and programmes and also the delivery of services to its citizens,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony was former President Vernon Shaw and Mrs. Shaw, and wife and family members of Williams.

It has been confirmed that Eliud Williams will be officially elected and sworn in as Dominica’s Head of State on Monday, September 17 at the Parliament building in Roseau.

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81 Comments

  1. Tammy
    September 17, 2012

    Macacquie”””””””

  2. Look Tory
    September 17, 2012

    Why is he accepting when he did not go through the correct channel? Even now he cannot advise the government to do it the correct way? To bring a peaceful solution to this nonsense…How on earth will he advise them later…?

  3. Anonymous
    September 17, 2012

    This is real hogwash ??? Highest award of the land for what – holding down a job. Awards given to people for what ???? At least tell us what he did which was above and beyond what all other public servants have done who served the same time ????? What did he do to change the way things were done or to help less fortunate people in a way that distinguishes him from the rest. Wow we are a country that gives awards for anything. Upside down and inside out for TRUE. Biggest song of the century.

    • Magweh sah..mwen de
      September 17, 2012

      That’s unusual. Why wasn’t this award bestowed on Mr. Williams before now? If he was never a presidential nominee does it mean he would never have been recognized for all of the hard work being cited here? I am surprised that Mr. Williams would take an oath of that magnitude amidst all of that outcry. I pray his tenure as President of Dominica will not continue to be embroiled in controversy. Then again, the stage has been set.

  4. cool running
    September 17, 2012

    All the respect I had for Mr. Eluid Williams, will come to an end today after he takes his oath.
    I have had nothing but respect for the man, but despite the fact that he recieved the highest national honor, all my honor and respect for him ends. For him to take his oath in the midst of national cotroversy, clearly tells me that he larks integrity and will follow the footsteps of the his successor. Furthermore, a person of integrity would have told the PM that although he wants to serve his country,since he stands and respects the constitution of Dominica, the manner in which the AG, Mr. Liverpool, the speaker and the PM have gone about it is totally wrong and unconstitutional, and as a patriot he cannot accept this position at this time. How could you be a man of integrity when you know the nation is split on this matter and still go ahead with it? To me it is like a man marrying a woman that he knows is married,with children with her husband, without a devorce, but just to satisfy his desires he marries her at midnight when people are asleep. You know that man will never be loved by those children.
    So Mr. Williams, integrity first and not money or position.

    • Standards & Poors
      September 17, 2012

      That sounds more like Charlie’s doing yrs ago.Remember the calypso Marry the girl charlie?

  5. Roz
    September 17, 2012

    Dominicans, please note. That Doctrine of Necessity that makes decisions that would normally be considered illegal or unconstitutional, to be considered “legal”, is also setting up something called PRECENDENCE. If it is used and upheld a first time, it serves as a point of reference for other situations that can and may invoke the same doctrine to sidestep the laws and constitution, making otherwise illegal actions, legal. Dominicans beware!

    • Roz
      September 17, 2012

      That should be PRECEDENCE

  6. S State Blu
    September 17, 2012

    Guide over us jah

  7. DPM
    September 17, 2012

    My question is; Why are these grown men allowing Skerrit to use them as his puppets? If they refuse to go along with his nonsense, then this would not be happening. They are just as guilty as he is. Shame! btw is the nomination of Eluid as next President of Dominica another strategy by Skerrit to win the Salisbury sit come next election? Just saying.

  8. Annon
    September 16, 2012

    Ha ha ha ha, what I hearing dere na, look jokes. Stop everything we suddenly have to give out an award. But why we never hear from NJO, even attempting to right a wrong?/.

    From the time Skeritt dem send (like commanded) NJO to go represent them at the UN, he accepted when he should have risen above looking like an employee of the PM of Dominica, I say something doesn’t appear right in the office of president. Now this … damage control?? Look kicks. Office of Presidens seems to be a joke dat man.

  9. Maryland USA MCL
    September 16, 2012

    Mr. William is a very respected person, what more can we ask for.

  10. LAR LAY
    September 16, 2012

    we are in support of mr williams and our going njo liverpool

    congratulation is in order to you sir

    everything is roro for uwpwee

    i guess 19-2 and they still not learning

    pre-elect eluid best wishes sir

  11. Listening
    September 16, 2012

    Eluid Williams could be given the aware by the outgoing President Liverpool at Independence if he was elected as President. This is just Skerrit’s juvenile execution of power on the masses and the effort to create another talking point to deviate from unconstitutional appointment of the President.

  12. Pondera
    September 15, 2012

    CONGRATULATIONS Mr Eluid Williams. You are deserving of this award and I wish you every success as you soon take on the role of President in Dominica. Please take a page from the service life of A.N.R Robinson who was President of the Republic of Trinindad & Tobago. Serve with personal and independent conviction, the Constitution of Dominica being your guide. May God Bless you abundantly.

  13. Grammy Award
    September 15, 2012

    My grandmother always told me that good advice is rare, and PM Skerrit acting only on bad advice. But one of these days when all the corruption and wrong doings will come back and haunt him,hope the same bad advisors will not betray him.

  14. Wet Kisses
    September 15, 2012

    This is just another nail in the Skerrit administration’s coffin. The more unpopular moves he does, the more the electorate get disenchanted with him. Most of us, our minds are made up anyway.

  15. MH
    September 15, 2012

    He was considered for the award before his nomination… now that he will be president… he cant pin himself on independence day….

  16. Papa LeBlanc
    September 15, 2012

    Aren’t these awards given at the National Day Parade on Independence Day, 3rd November? What are mockery of our democracy and our Constitution… What a shame and disgrace… unbelevable but true… well is now the DBS fella will be able to go home with whiskey under his jacket when the President have party… :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  17. shame on skerro
    September 15, 2012

    Well in my view this is an outrage we should all come together and stop this dictator from distroying our beloved country and for those saying well he would be able to give the award to himself is nonsense independence is right around the corner d current president looks all fine to me they could have waited for next year but as the pm always does he makes his moves forgeting certain things then breaking the law to fix it hense the same thing happen when he called elction sharply and then trying to renounce his french citizenship this pm is the worst I’ve ever seen since pj and I think he just passed him wake up DA before we are all left in a never ending sleep

  18. Che'
    September 15, 2012

    I thought this award was done during Independence celebrations…………….

    • greenmonkey
      September 17, 2012

      so because it is done during independence, is it legally wrong to do it besides independence? come on people, life isnt and shouldnt be “that’s the way it is done or that’s how it is being done”.

      so because it is being done like this for years it should be so forever.

      If you tell me that it is legally or constitutionally wrong I can understand but not this rubbish “oh is independence day it must be done because that’s how our forefathers had it”. chupess

      • Magweh sah..mwen de
        September 17, 2012

        So explain the urgency.

      • Anonymous
        September 22, 2012

        :mrgreen: so not true

  19. eyeswideshut
    September 15, 2012

    Yee dee dee! :lol: 8)

  20. J
    September 15, 2012

    good man wrong mix of friends

  21. Jana
    September 15, 2012

    take out one sick man and put another sick man. smh. Liverpool may just live longer than Eluid. Life funny u know

  22. Carlton
    September 15, 2012

    Eluid is not well, I dont understand why they are so keen on putting him in office you know. they want the man to die there? Williams you too should know better, take care of your health. Shame!

  23. Verdad
    September 15, 2012

    pointless

  24. Cassandra
    September 15, 2012

    I’ve always felt that tokens of such esteem are rather inward looking and of little significance outside the confines of our impoverished nation. Nonetheless mr. Williams is to be congratulated for the recognition of his contribution to public service.It is the timing of this award that leaves one shaking one’s head. Either it is crass insensitivity or extremely provocative, given that the same gentleman is to be nominated for the position of President in only two days time, under circumstances that have our little country, once again at loggerheads. Would it not have been more sensible to have this cermony at a later date, tradionally at a time when we celebrate our independence, for instance? in order to unite a nation a leader should recognize people’s divergencies and play a concillatory role, which sadly I see lacking in our case. If this ceremony was timed to create a diversion, and this the charitable view, it has certainly succeeded.

  25. TRUE RASTA
    September 15, 2012

    :-x :-x :-x :-x :-x :-x

  26. D.N.O. (Do Not Object)
    September 15, 2012

    After all dem years they want to give d man something,look cushoney,best Eddo turn red to get an award so

  27. Che'
    September 15, 2012

    All I say is “STEUPS” …There is no dignity in any office in Dominica…. What a shame? Gone are day of Freedom Party and to some extent UWP…. but Labour Party has taken deception to an Art……

  28. ROSEAU VALLEY
    September 15, 2012

    Taking the risk of being a nuisance, I guess you could say that the award was given based on the Doctrine of Necessity as the president elect cannot by operation of law make an award to himself when he becomes president.

    From a practical, political and protocol standpoint it is the only way it could have been done. Procedurally, I see nothing wrong as long as the timing and criteria were followed for making such award as prescribed under the Meritorious Service Honors Act Chapter 99 of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

    The award is conferred on persons who have made significant contributions to the country. Mr. Williams has. Yes, it traditionally presented during Dominica’s annual independence celebrations but if this a tradition, that does not make it law. Therefore there is nothing illegal or unconstitutional, upside down or back to front with that, provided that the provisions of the Act were followed.

    But I can understand the frustration of those who observe that this may be just
    -Another first for Dominica.
    -Another deviation from the norm;
    -Another act of in-your-face provocation
    – Another show of arrogance;
    -Another display of who is in charge
    -Another typical secret maneuvered by Prime Minister Skerrit;
    -Another dose of salt applied to the dirty wounds;

    Just a continuation along the path we have been traveling of late. What’s new? Mr. Williams himself looks like a diminutive, aged and worn out even before he is elected to serve as President. He needs to be recognized now before the constitutional coolwhash brigade or before his untimely departure from this earth.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      September 16, 2012

      Roseau Valley:

      My comment on that DNO did not allow, perhaps they fear someone would hold them accountable for what I said.

      However, if you are interesting to read my opinion on that which I wrote in another forum in which a few selected people communicate you can let me have your E-mail in private, and I will E-mail it to you.

      My E-mail address is:

      [email protected]

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  29. Bugs Bunny
    September 15, 2012

    Can somebody explain this to me please, who is the sick one here. The incoming or outgoing cause the picture tells an interesting story.

  30. Concerned Citizen
    September 15, 2012

    thats’s pretty interesting!!!!!!!

  31. Eyes wide open
    September 15, 2012

    Well well well…it is very interesting that this award ceremony took place without the knowledge of the general population and media houses on island. And why is such and award ceremony taking place now, this is usually left for the Independence National day celebrations. Everything in Dca is upside down-inside out; PM is doing what he wants with the country while the Dominican stands idly by. What a state we have come to…

    • Way Papa
      September 15, 2012

      What is upside down about this. Who would pin the award on the President on National Day; when he is the one pinning the awardees on that day. Before you all come on DNO and babble why don’t you all get more information… Stupes man.

      • freddy
        September 16, 2012

        just saying, who swears in the new presisident? think about it.

      • September 16, 2012

        It seems as if is the president alone that have hand to pin on National Day and no one else, Way Papa. I glad for allyou….

  32. jah guide
    September 15, 2012

    Another Liverpool in the making. (Best president Dominica ever had). LOL Look out people!!!!

  33. Cosco
    September 15, 2012

    And I thought Liverpool was short.

    Congrats to Eliud Williams.

    Skerrit continues to do well. He should sell some of you all like cattle on the market.

    When the slaves on the plantation continue to pray for their masters, the whip should be used to reward them.

    Upping the man CV using the office he going to occupy. Classic :-)

    18-3

  34. woye
    September 15, 2012

    papa papa papa boy respect skerrit weee

    alas alas…forcing liverpool to give the man award..the same man that coming in..for them to kick him out…

    papa papa boooooy my country have in it

  35. En Ba La
    September 15, 2012

    Now Mr. President get to work but wait!! There is no work to do.

    What is up with the award so he could not have been president without the award ?

    Prior to his nomination his contribution was not significant enough for an award

    Carry on. Mr. Williams you have just attended training/orientation and now it is time to bestow a few awards yourself

  36. a cuban grad
    September 15, 2012

    go skerro go… i not a dlp supporter but i would give u a next term just to finish what u have started “killing the country” is only labourites i see begging ka meme!

  37. Jah guide
    September 14, 2012

    Whoosh!!

  38. ROSEAU VALLEY
    September 14, 2012

    DNO- Lest we all perish as a result of this infectious and deadly unconstitutional flu that threatens to destroy our society, we must understand that this issue is not a domino game at a road side bar. It is not a weekend fete match. It is not a brath by the river. This is a serious matter. It is about the supreme law of Dominica and someone will be held accountable.

  39. September 14, 2012

    Dominicans are like barking dogs chasing a flying bird

  40. :-(
    September 14, 2012

    What a coincidence: Eluid Williams gets National Award of Honour from the PRESIDENT of Dominica during the same week the DLP and PM Skeritt having a blatant battle to elect Eluid as the NEXT President of DOMINICA! hmmm…corruption to the bone.

  41. Anonymous
    September 14, 2012

    Skerrit pas feb

  42. September 14, 2012

    I agree with wiiliams,who ever,give himself his award, how can he give himself his award when he is president? Lol

  43. linky
    September 14, 2012

    boy look coco makak jesus all of a sudden that is the starting of gifts .

  44. More trickery
    September 14, 2012

    The manipulation and trickery of the Dominican people continues. Throw it down your throat. Like the taste or not, they will force open your mouth and pour their potion down. They care not two hoots whether your stomach gets upset.

    Even if you complain about the after effects of drinking the potion, even if they see you vomiting your stomach out, they will laugh at your predicament.

    That closed-door side-show awarding the guy is the trickery to soften the people into accepting their wrong way of dealing with the President replacement issue.

    Remember who said our Constitution is antiquated?” The B/dos connection, advisers at it again. Dominica has become the backyard of a few. A coup is going on against the Constitution and democracy of our beautiful Land.

    One of those days, just one of those good days, Dominicans will wake up to find that their God-given human rights and freedoms, to express their views freely without fear , to assemble peacefully etc. would be gone, just like that.

    Dictatorship would have its way and entrenched. You all want to experiment with dictatorship? Why do people refuse to learn any lessons from Haiti and other countries under dictators? The signs are under our noses, in our faces. I have never seen in my homeland such blatant support for what is wrong. So many believe outright Lies. For what? For whom? Dictatorship?

  45. *
    September 14, 2012

    A government that leads by DECEPTION!!!!!!!!!!!!

  46. AHA
    September 14, 2012

    A set of wicked souls

  47. Very concerned
    September 14, 2012

    This is provocation of a nation!
    Amidst controversy they are moving on. Eliud Williams your mother must have taught you to do things right.
    How can you talk about the values of your mother and you’ll accept the high office of President of Dominica under a cloud of trickery and deception by the Prime Minister and all the collaborators?
    I thought Eliud had some basic principles but it is clear that he is just like the rest.
    I will not give you the respect the office deserves, I will not stand for you and I’ll walk out whenever the opportunity presents itself.
    SHAME! on all the perpetrators of this injustice. What was so difficult in getting the process right and for those who made the mistake to simply make it right?
    Oh Dominica, my true confession, I heart aches for you.

  48. Well deserved
    September 14, 2012

    I have known Mr. Williams for a long time and have no reservation that he will be a great president notwithstanding the issues swirling around the outgoing president. One thing I hope is that Dominicans will treat Mr. Williams with the respect he deserves and not be influenced by party colours.

  49. anonymous
    September 14, 2012

    An award that is usually given at independence, why speed it up .. is that to justify the nominiation /appointment

  50. they wicked
    September 14, 2012

    let me tell u all tht, the PM had to give him the honour, cuz the PM knows this man will be the next president. and he will be handing over the awards, so how can u give me s/thing tht u have never had. so they had to push it down his throat. this PM is a lawless man, he does whtever he feels like. but as i always said, never feel sorry foe a Dominican, cuz they don’t feel sorry for theirselves. and inspite of wht the PM does, he is right, why? cuz inspite of [ THEY LOVE THEIR PM ] ignorant ppl, we will get nowhere, blessings to the COMMONWEALTH.

    [

  51. KMA
    September 14, 2012

    Welcome to the newest dictatorship in the world. I’m not proud it’s my country, but I call it as I see it.

  52. ROSEAU VALLEY
    September 14, 2012

    Like Tony would say…there is something blowing in the air and it is making all of us sick. The president is gravely ill and demitting as a victim of UNCONSTITUTIONAL FLU. The Prime Minister, the AG, and the Speaker are all sick as vectors of this unconstitutional virus. Now, the incoming president is by the doctrine of necessity being vaccinated with the highest national award to help him fend off the lethal consequences of the deadly UNCONSTITUTIONAL FLU.

    I can only wish Mr. Williams well and hope that he is adequately protected from the impact of the whooping, angry coughs and the violent sneezing of patriotic and law abiding Dominicans, who are enraged and disgusted with the level of disrespect, boldness and arrogance with which our society is being contaminated with the unconstitutional virus

  53. ?????????????
    September 14, 2012

    ooops – commonsense and not cpmmonsence. Correction.

  54. princess Osanna
    September 14, 2012

    go head skerrit.you young and you strong. you seem to be the village ram.you do what you want. do not forget there is a higher power and you will answer

  55. 1979
    September 14, 2012

    BOY….what desecration I have so much respect for this man and his family man. and he allowing himself to be used in this political masquerade? Dwani boy, I respect your dad to the MAX but this is beneath him… with all due respect bro..

    there is much more HONOR to be had in doing the right thing.

  56. Stranger looking in
    September 14, 2012

    Congrats Mr.Williams. I always knew you were a man of such class. But please do not dissapoint your well wishers. Reconsider and ensure that you ARE MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION ON MONDAY. Whatever happens, may you be guided by the most high God and be an example to one and all.

  57. September 14, 2012

    There are many Dominicans who have worked over 30 yrs in the public service with distinction, and they have yet to be given the Award of Honor. This pure politics, jokers and pokers.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      September 16, 2012

      If you are the guy who was here last winter, I waited for your call.

      We intend to entertain you before you all left, I suppose you party so much after the show, you forgot to call the kid!

      If this is you, I can tell you the show was great, I have no regret coming out in support.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  58. tie toe
    September 14, 2012

    well shame on me .i think the highest award was a diplomat passport

    • Malgraysa
      September 15, 2012

      No garcon, for that you don’t have to do anything. Just bring plenty money.

  59. September 14, 2012

    OK FORCING THE MAN TO BE PRESIDENT HMMMM “I SECOND DAT”

  60. Looking in
    September 14, 2012

    Everything in Dominica now is just a mockery.

    • anonymous2
      September 15, 2012

      Time to change that.

  61. Doc.Love
    September 14, 2012

    DNO was ignored,this news items were given to CANA and DAVIBES before the most popular news media on the island. I believe that was deliberate.All those red boyz that are accusing DNO of being affiliated to the UWP,now we know who is affiliated to the Skerrit Labor Party.

    • Doc.Love
      September 14, 2012

      Mr.Hartley Henry,it is alledged is one of Skerrit’s advisor lives in Barbados, also Cana operates from Barbados,coincidence or not.

  62. Labour
    September 14, 2012

    So if he didn’t get that award he would DIE THEN?

  63. mornepros
    September 14, 2012

    For those who not get it yet.he shall rub the salt in your wonds and make you suffer. Provocation is the hallmark of a dictator

  64. Anonymous
    September 14, 2012

    Makes sense. Since he is going to be President come next week, he obviously would not be able to give the award to himself.

    • ?????????????
      September 14, 2012

      This is the best cpmmonsence comment so far.

    • Way Papa
      September 15, 2012

      wish i could shake your big toe.

    • RATTY
      September 15, 2012

      Mr Anonymous and Wa Papa I think you all have it all upside down. If an individual who happens to be the president is being recognize then any other person to include a minister can give the award. The concern is that such an award is usually given around independence, so what is the rush? Why can’t we maintain the tradition. Next thing he may want to celebrate x-mas in september.

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