Felix Gregoire retires as Cabinet Secretary; Steve Ferrol to act

Gregoire

The Dominica government has confirmed that Cabinet Secretary Felix Gregoire is on his way out.

His contractual post as Cabinet Secretary came to an end on January 16, 2012.

So far Gregoire hasn’t had much to say publicly about the matter:

“I am not prepared to say anything now……it’s a fact that am not on leave since my contract as Cabinet Secretary ended on January 16, 2012,” he said when contacted.

A just released statement says veteran public servant Steve Ferrol has been appointed to act as Secretary to the Cabinet “following the retirement of Mr Felix Gregoire”.

According to the release Ferrol holds a Master of Laws degree in International Legal Studies, and carries the rank of ambassador.

His post prior to taking on the Cabinet Secretary position has been that of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs “as well  as of the Ministry of Employment, Trade, Industry, and Diaspora Affairs”.

Felix Gregoire retired as Cabinet Secretary in 2010 and was given a two year contract by the government of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

The government release dated January 26 confirms that he is now officially retired.

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67 Comments

  1. JIM
    January 30, 2012

    This man should have been sent packing years ago. Good Riddance!

  2. Hmm
    January 30, 2012

    But how many positions does Mr Ferrol hold? Cabinet Secretary, PS, Trade, Ambassador….please don’t overwork the man from Paix Bouche.

  3. January 29, 2012

    I wish you the best sir, you are a good man. May God continue to bless you

  4. INQUIRY
    January 29, 2012

    Now tell us, While in position, what did you do to promote the lives of those who worked under you?
    Can your colleauges say that you were fair and pleasant?
    Can you retire now knowing that you helped many people in the years you were boss over them?
    Do you think your former colleauges will remember you with disdain and hate or love and good memories?

  5. Mr Winstunner
    January 29, 2012

    Good riddance…

  6. Sout' Rebel
    January 29, 2012

    Thank God another BIG STONE has been moved.

  7. Sexy Balaw
    January 28, 2012

    Mr. Ferrol: for your own good can you get another job somewhere. You find yourself in the bowel of the beast and you will suffer the same consequence. I have read the bible and I have never seen where God is destroying a city for him to separate the children from the adults. There is a dark cloud over the nation. People are dying especially or children. Be properly warned.

  8. layoupark
    January 28, 2012

    Oh well felix now you have more time to divided between you wife and Janet

  9. Anonymous
    January 28, 2012

    Good for him. he should have gone longtime.

  10. church
    January 28, 2012

    MAY GOD BLESS U MR GREGOIRE F
    ROM GOODWILL SECONDARY SCHOOL STAFF

  11. apache
    January 28, 2012

    thank you for your service to the people and country Mr.gregoire and Mr.Ferrol.hope there are more like you.Jah will guide you through.thank you for Dominica

  12. me
    January 28, 2012

    well done now talk talk talk, let us know what is really oing on in Dominica, we all know you know somethings

  13. 123
    January 27, 2012

    Good Riddance!

  14. censored again
    January 27, 2012

    DNO, is anything wrong with expressing one’s views about events of national importance and to ask that our Public servants behave always in a professional manner and ensuring the best of Service to the general Public? Once those views are honest, genuine and non-derogatory or libellous why the censor? It seems the Jamaican owner was much more tolerant and understanding. Nothing will remain swept under the carpet like before. It is an age of modern tech. Very disappointing.

    What really is meant by Freedom of Expression? About the right to seek, access, and impart info.? About freedom of information? Are those RIGHTS and FREEDOMS for the books, or for the citizenry to exercise those rights in sinc with the Constitution and laws of the land? Again disappointing. Those censorships have Nothing to do with fear of being SUED for LIBELOUS comments. It more looks like FEAR of the TRUTH in those EXPRESSEED VIEWS. What is there to fear about the TRUTH? Is so Dominica come, nuh?

    • ROSEAU VALLEY
      January 28, 2012

      I wish to thank DNO for affording us the opportunity to comment. This is an excellent medium to vent our concerns in a respectable and professional manner. However, it would appear that there are other factors taken into account in determining the comments that are published. I hope that my comments meet your expected standard and you would allow me to state the following:
      From his days as Director of Forestry, Mr. Gregoire was known to be hard working, humble and down to earth guy but then he began drinking from the red cup in the corner of the Cabinet and his productivity seemed to have dropped below the 15% mark. Mr. Gregoire has served his country to the best of his abilities, technical competence and competencies. We wish him well on his retirement and invite him to continue to serve his country in any capacity that he can other than securing a post-retirement contract to further frustrate the employment situation for younger people in the public sector.

      Congratulations to Steve, a person who has shown some competence and who is well trained and qualified to meet the demands of the Office. We look forward to your positive influence on the members of the red Cabinet

    • WIKILEAK
      January 28, 2012

      Many have already notice the obvious bias ness coming from DNO

  15. T
    January 27, 2012

    It was high time. Good Riddance

  16. observant
    January 27, 2012

    I wish you well Felix. God bless and lots of love. Hope you have a cruise on the agenda and remember to stay active.

  17. Hmmmm
    January 27, 2012

    Retired in 2010, given a TWO Year contract. What would an honest, truthful, unbiased result-based evaluation of his stint in that position relate to Tax-payers?

    What have been the positive outcomes/results/improvements in the Public Service during that Two year contract? Is there any Truth in the “Productivity Consultant’s” UNSCIENTIFIC Research Findings on Services in the Public Sector? Is the Public more satisfied with the Services?

    Importantly,,What about the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Have the public fears, about our diplomatic and other passports reaching the hands of those it should never reach, been seriously addressed?

    What about Non-Dominicans with our Diplomatic Passports appointed to represent us without our knowledge in several instances? So is NOT TRUE, THEN? Let the TRUTH SET US FREE at ALL TIMES. Ask NO questions? Do not seek Clarification on such National Issues of Import? Is so Dominica come, nuh? Make your own conclusions.

    Public Servants (Top, middle, lower officials/workers) are what they are PUBLIC SERVANTS and should stay away from partisan, political influences. That is more easily said than done. But resist they must, otherwise is chaos.

  18. Lady
    January 27, 2012

    wait nuh… so felix finally reach retirement age? i thought his birth paper was lost…….. :lol:

  19. Just Asking
    January 27, 2012

    Could he replace Maynard?

    • GWATANCE
      January 28, 2012

      WELL SAID FELLLOW, AND QUITE CAPABLE TOO YOU DIG

  20. January 27, 2012

    no imported votes this time. there can never have an other 18 Seats again for the dlp eddo we are with you for u are a man of a sersten age and not a young boy who plays games with Dominica with chavez and china. pj n oj were young men and u see what took place and the same thing is taking place with this young man.

  21. result-oriented
    January 27, 2012

    Two classic examples FYI, for Your reflections.

    What was the reason for Gregoire being asked by Govt. to stay on for the Two extra years? Did the Public service advance or improve its services as a result? Did the Productivity Consultant tell it all?

    Remember, the RUBBISH BIN Bobol? Reflect on the shenanigans, defense of the indefensible, trying to sweep under the carpet the TRUTH in that controversial Transaction. Remember the statements. All of Dominica knows about the facts, evidence revealed to the Public by people outside of Govt. Irrefutable FACTS.

    The people were never informed of that secrecy and bad deals around the Rubbish Bin purchase by their Govt. We would never have known were it not for the private investigations. No transparency. No accountability although money was taken from the Treasury the public purse to do those purchases. We all know of the INFLATED prices for those Bins, the SECRET, the role of the parties involved, the continuous defence of what was wrong. Political operatives demonised those who dare speak about that matter.

    However, those involved, seemingly ashamed of their activities and because of pressure from the public, went to pay back thousands to the Treasury. Up to now, no investigation, no charge, no NOTHNG into that wrongful, corrupt act.

    Remember also the statements about “Consultation” in the appointment of the Police Chief. Many were flabaggasted by the excuses. Many, aware of and involved in consultative processes, were taken aback at the new meaning of “consultation” advanced. Could a consultation have taken place between Govt. and the Opposition, in the appointment of D/ca’s Police Chief, when both parties did not meet in any officially organised forum to discuss the issue? Let’s be Frank. Is a simple PHONE CALL telling someone of an important matter like that, a consultation?

    DNO is quite aware of those things. In fact several articles and Blogs were written and published on DNO re. that secret, controversial Rubbish bin Scandal as well as the appointment of the Police Chief. Am I speaking the truth or not? Those are things that happened right in our eyes, under our noses.

    Why do some people allow their Partisan, Political feelings to predominate over their spiritual faculties and training? It is even more retrogressive and a matter of grave concern when it happens in “High Places.” or with people of “High Repute.”

    What also has been the role of Officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as regards the sale of our passports, Diplomatic and others? Are the stories about our passports being in the hands of foreigners with reputable criminal behaviours credible/ TRUE? Isn’t that a serious matter as regards Our Foreign relations and sovereignty? Are those sales wrong or right? Shouldn’t the People request clarification, info, transparency from Officials? Don’t we have the right to know everything about those passport sales, all diplomatic appointments, especially non-Dominicans being appointed to represent Dominica? Has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assist the Public sufficiently in that regard? Couldn’t we as a people do better than that?

  22. Viewer
    January 27, 2012

    nothing has changed or will change..
    its not healthy in that sector!

    help needed, system is bleeding!

    who is next?

  23. Anonymous
    January 27, 2012

    role model for who? give me a break

  24. Anonymous
    January 27, 2012

    Thanks for your service to Dominica …………all the best in your endeavors

  25. benaravin
    January 27, 2012

    After you block UWP stadium project.. You have much to ask forgiveness for for the Political “big stone” you place in the path of MR. Greens as P.S. I hope you find redemption.

  26. sweet
    January 27, 2012

    is that

  27. xxx Voter
    January 27, 2012

    But, but, but… d man still looking young for 60.

    Social security is till he 65 years.

    By d way , government make extension to social security at age 65 and no corresponding change to retirement age for public servants…

    what gives

  28. Officer
    January 27, 2012

    – Look high phone bills ($700.00)
    – Look appointments of square pegs in round holes
    – Look arrogance
    etc etc etc

    • T. Winston
      January 27, 2012

      Hold ur waist. If anything Steve Ferrol is a great public servant, a hard working and humble man. Shame on you

      • Aye Dominique
        January 27, 2012

        How good is Steve? Show me your company I will tell you who you are.

  29. goog luck
    January 27, 2012

    you had really need to take a rest uncle i hope that you enjoy your vacation

  30. Product T V Tea
    January 27, 2012

    What happen Parry fire him for product TV Tea ?

  31. Anonymous
    January 27, 2012

    All the best Mr. Gregoire

  32. Product T V Tea
    January 27, 2012

    Is Felix Gregoir related to former ambassador Crispin Gregoir?

    • traveller
      January 27, 2012

      no

    • Anonymous
      January 27, 2012

      why is that important? anyway the gregoires are all from grandbay with the same root.

      • WIKILEAK
        January 28, 2012

        Try using you shoe brain to figure out why the question is asked

    • Mum
      January 27, 2012

      Yes thats why he is fired.

    • bone
      January 27, 2012

      his brother!

    • January 28, 2012

      They are, his pap from Grand Bay

  33. Jay
    January 27, 2012

    Let us know whats going on.

  34. Lone Cowboy
    January 27, 2012

    All the best. You’ll be missed.

  35. Marcel
    January 27, 2012

    Good Riddance!!

    • Iran
      January 27, 2012

      To bad rubbish

  36. Anonymous
    January 27, 2012

    YES I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  37. Luke
    January 27, 2012

    will most definitely miss you in that post Cab Sec. All the best in the post-retirement life. God bless and thanks for being such an efficient public servant from PS-Education to Cabinet Secretary. You served well.

    • Ron
      January 27, 2012

      It should be “Deputy Director of Forestry, Director of Forestry, PS Agriculture, PS Education, PS Com & Works and finally Cabinet Secretary”. Mr. Gregs congratulations. You have served Dominica well. No matter what others say about you you have made a sterling contribution to Dominica’s development. More than mostof those who think they can detract from your record. I salute you for this and may God give you the strength and energy to take on yet another challenge.

  38. January 27, 2012

    this guy should focus on trying to represent the soufriere constituency. a scott’s head native because the man for parl rep seems to be a sitting duck. i can’t understand how those people can vote them kind of man in power. smh… this weekend i coming up for my fish in soufriere

    • traveller
      January 27, 2012

      we did not vote for martin. we voted for skerrit. so whatever or whoever is going up for skerrit we will put our x there. Is skerrit we love

      • 1979's HOPE renewed
        January 27, 2012

        who sang that calypso again??? “Travel” I can remember who but I know it was a woman calypsonian.

      • January 27, 2012

        so if they send up my boy tee-son for labaw.. you telling me people of soufriere voting still then ay ay… zor bien sot

      • sad state of affairs
        January 28, 2012

        now u making all of us look damn stupid. How you going to say something like that. So you voted for skerrit is that why they have to fill the extremely dangerous pot holes with tarish and not fix them? because you apparently voted in the Veille Case constituency. Is that why our young men are languishing on the side of the road , because you voted in the veille case constituency. Is that y our parl rep is hibernating. I agree with the man, since is not for him all you vote i wouldn’t do a thing for all you because the entire country voted in veille case constituency. What a shame and a disgrace.

      • Looking in
        January 28, 2012

        makak bwa

      • InotVotingSkerrit
        January 28, 2012

        Stupes

    • January 27, 2012

      they did not vote the man…the voted skerrit..in his name

    • Proud Roman Catholic
      January 27, 2012

      Small fish why don’t you ask a question first before u refer to the Parl Rep as a sitting Duck? Thank God u will never fall sick in ur life. Good Riddance. Go and tell them people about their parl rep and skerrit pou yo foutaywe koolwash.

  39. Morihei Ueshiba
    January 27, 2012

    Good riddance

  40. Anonymous
    January 27, 2012

    Congratulations to Mr. Ferrol. Go Mr. Ferrol Go!!! Show them that you’re a mover and shake

    • Anonymous
      January 27, 2012

      what is he going to shake. The only thing he can shake is what he is accustomed of shaking

  41. ferrol from time
    January 27, 2012

    :) …congrats steve

    • 767boy
      January 29, 2012

      @ferrol from time, whats your name? mi ah ferrol too

  42. Me
    January 27, 2012

    You have served the government good Mr. Gregoire. Well done and do enjoy your retirement. I wish you well. Mr. Ferrol is the person I would consider best suited to carry on the duty of Cab Sec. I also wish him well in the post.A genuine, hard working role model for other public servants.

    • Not a herd follower
      January 27, 2012

      Really?

      • Tammy
        February 12, 2012

        :( ALREAD FOR TURE

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