Former Deputy leader of the United Workers Party, Claudius Sanford, is expressing concern over the distribution of houses in the Carib Territory under government’s housing solution program, saying some people are being deprived “on political grounds.”
In an interview with DNO, Sanford accused the Labour Party administration of depriving persons living in the constituency of houses because they are not supporters of the administration.
“It appears from an observer’s point of view that the distribution of the houses in the Kalinago Territory has been focused on the support base of the Dominica Labour Party and as such there are concerns about whether the housing needs of the people are being met,” he stated. “There are situations where people who really need the houses to better their living standards are deprived, whereas young people who are strong supporters of the Labour party are getting houses even if they already have their own houses.”
But the claims are being dismissed by Carib Affairs Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the area, Ashton Graneau, who said that Sanford is simply trying to undermine the efforts of the Labour Party to develop the Kalinago people.
“I am not about to entertain any quarrels with anybody … I feel sometimes that these people come they pretend to have the people’s best interest at heart and when you ask them what have they done over the last twenty years for the people, they have done nothing!” an irate Graneau told DNO, without directly addressing any of the issues raised by Sanford.
According to Sanford extra conditions are being put in place for persons who want houses and who are not supporters of the current government. “They would tell you, you need to deposit $5,000 or pay a monthly amount for a number of years if you are supporting the opposition but if you are a supporter of the government you get the houses for free,” he said.
Sanford demanded that this situation be looked into and that clarity be given to the people of the Carib Territory.
He also raised concerns about the contribution given to the project by the Chinese Government.
“It appears that the houses were given to the Labour party for their campaign machinery,” Sanford noted.
According to him a contribution given by a foreign government should be put toward the needs of the people and not for campaign purposes.
He is demanding an explanation from the Chinese Ambassador to Dominica about the situation.
Sanford also called on the Carib Chief and Council to provide an explanation regarding the matter. “My concerns also lie with the Carib Chief and Council. Have they put up the white flag as it relates to the affairs of the Kalinago people and allowing the current Government to have full reign? Has the government taken full control over the building and distribution of these houses?” he inquired.
He continued, “All of these areas need clarification, we need to hear from the housing minister, the Carib Chief, and we also need to know whether the houses are being distributed on the basis of need or on the basis of political support.”
Graneau said all the concerns raised are mere talk. “All they do is talk and when Government goes ahead and do things to help the people they have difficulty with that. Mr Sanford has nothing to say! He has done nothing to help the Carib people. As a matter of fact for the last twenty years he has been working on elevating himself and every time we have something going on he feels that he has to oppose it and he finds a loophole to complain about,” he said.
In October, 2012 a signing ceremony for the second phase of the construction for houses for people of the Carib Territory funded by the Chinese government took place in Bataca.
17 houses were to be constructed under that phase. In the first phase 10 houses were constructed, which Graneau said last year “will be allocated soon.”
I think we all are missing the point. A programme , as administered by Mr. Austrie should be run entirely under the auspices of the social services and have “need” as its pivotal criterion. It should never be subject to partisan politics.
Not only does the present administration of the scheme create division and discontent but it totally emasculates the professionals in Social Services when they are either merely dictated to, circumvented or even ignored by a politicl appointee interested only in votes. If they are demotivated and demoralized one should not be surprised.
“There are situations where people who really need the houses to better their living standards are deprived, whereas young people who are strong supporters of the Labour party are getting houses even if they already have their own houses.”
i agree completely with you on this one mr sanford.last election i voted for the dominica labour party. i’m not asking for a house however the people i am seeing getting these houses are young strong labourites. mr graneau, how is it that this st cyr labourite woman two young daughters both got houses when a guy is leaving in the conditions as seen in the photo?is it that you don’t know of this happening or it is that you just turn a blind eye to it? mr graneau take a look and see all the people that have already received houses and answer yourself honestly do all these people really deserve the houses and why, and whether or not there are more deserving constituents.
if mr sanford is bringing up a concern , i persnally from what i have read do not see that as oppsition, mr granaeu should welcome that as an opportunity and look into it. the fact as i know is that many people do get assistance for housing when they already own a home, i have always said that the government of which ever day should ensure that the ones ineed should be the recipients, our communities are small and people know each other.
I am very disappointed in how the PM and his cronies are conducting theirselves. They are right in your face with the corruption and it appears like Dominicans are accepting whatever is happening or maybe afraid to speak up? A good leader is one for the people no matter what is your political affiliation.
To me this story is not a truthful one I don’t think people are living like this in Da. I was In Da I saw nice banana sheds on banana plantation, why can’t he make a shed with the galvanize that he has so he’s waiting for somone to do it for him? Well Sanford will have to help him if his making a big issue of this condition.
Unfortunately they are living like this Lee. I have seen it with my own eyes. You will also find examples in the middle of Roseau. There is a ramshackle hovel on a derelict site in Kings Lane, occupied by someone in full public view as I speak, which is a disgrace for our country and in flagrancy of the Govt. “Yes, I care” programme..
Wow!! We are fighting over 27 housing units in the Kalinago Territory!! I am sure that we can find 100 DLP supporters in the “Reserve” who need improved housing. We can also find over 100 UWP/DFP supporters who need improved housing. The fact is that 27 houses are just not enough. Like our former colonial masters, we are always given miniscule handouts to fight over. Divided, they rule.
If, like Sanford said, those who already have homes receive the new houses, then I think that there is a serious problem with the distribution of the Land in the territory. How can one man have two parcels of land? Or is that true?
Sanford opposed the houses, in the first place. Now he cries foul. This picture looks like a poor stunt to me. A family with children, is more deserving of a house than this able-bodied man who rather have his galvanize on the ground than on four coconut poles. That does not absolve DLP from some semblance of fairness; but 27 is just not enough to fight over when hundreds of DLP-ites need houses and hundreds of UWP-ites and DFP-ites too. Sanford should ask the USA and Taiwan to help build hundreds more instead of fighting over 2 dozens.
This is not the only place this is happening, there is a lady at canefield who lives under a dump truck, she’s be living there for several months. Stop playing politics wirth people lives and future and give the houses to people who really need them. Why would you give a house to someone who already has a home?
Wow!! Labour Party has made allot of Massive Strides..in this day and age…wow…
Look at a True Reflection of dominance of Labour Party In Dominica…(Amazing)
Just Endorsing the Point under Labour Party Dominica Has become the Poorest in the Eastern Caribbean, and Will Remain so,as Citizens in General are too Ignorant of Facts..
dominicans say wat u’al want but wat sanford said is no lie..not only d houses but every other assistance comin to d kalinago ppl from d government is only labourites that gettin them..
what nonsense…i am a kalinago and i see whats going on,we all want everything free,its always the government,why cant we work with what we have,u believe we are the only ones in dominica.
DNO you now have an obligation in the quest for truth to carry out your own investigation and get back to the people. It is high time for this partisan politics to stop the government is here to help the whole community and it is time for Dominicans to stop making excuses for the Government in their partisan and unfair behavior.
Nonsense
Sanford’s concern is true in every constituency especially in the PM’s own backyard. When you go around the vielle case constituency you will see people that are well able to repair their homes or even build a new home, are the ones receiving help from the Government’ housing program simply because they are WELL RED Painted Labourites. I challenge anyone to show me one true UWPite from either Viellecase, Penville, or Thibaud that recieved any assistance if they did not switch to DLP or faked their support. I dear any of you to show me one! What Skerrite did is ensure that the village council of all three villages are all REDnecks and uses them to channel his agenda.
Why does Dominicans think they are entitled! How does the Government plan on developing the county by distributing wealth. Some people work hard pay their taxes, get loans build their house and then others stay roam the streets and wait on the Government to build a house for them. Something is wrong with this picture.
This ajoupa should be transferred to Peebles Park to show the tourists that we have progressed from the stone age to the iron age.
Politics..The people around this man is seeing his condition and waiting for government to help him? that says a lot for a community/village council! No family members to help him put something together? Why is that so?
Fine a government is supposed to look after its people but no this sounds like a drum beat..
This this about government helping who are in their party happens all over the world. It can’t and wont be stopped. God helps those who helps themselves. Don’t sit there and expect to be in such a situation!
You mean to tell me, this gentle man can’t get any assistance whatsoever from anyone? Awa…
The picture might be ‘stretching’ it, but what Sanford is saying is true. So sad that those who have still getting and those in need, because of politics, are getting nothing.
U mean to tell me in this day and age, people are still living in these conditions? Doesn’t this man have neighbours or family, that can help him build, even it’s a lil shack?
God help those who help themselves!!
in this day and age all over the world people still live in these conditions and particularly in rich countries,so please dominica is no exception;all the same the leaders opposition or ruling party have a part of the responsibility
God also help those who cannot help themslves.
All government officials will always give there supporters the first piece of the pie including Sanford. If anyone of us that’s against it was in the position and want to win we would have done the same
Is it true that Kelly Graneau got a house for free??? So you next Ashton?? All i know Sanford hav his big blue house in Carib Territory long before politics! Graneau hope you will put ur people first.. stop grudging de man!
Sanford needs to make up his mind, either he wants the houses or he doesn’t.
“But Sanford said these houses were imposed upon the indigenous people and “this was not necessarily what they wanted”.
“This wasn’t their first choice. Their first choice was a financial institution established. This government, their main focus is on political advantage, and that’s why they imposed these houses upon them,” he added.
Sanford said if government distributes the houses to the Kalinago people without the council’s involvement, they would be directly violating the constitution of the Kalinago Act.”
mr Graneau would do what he’s best at “teaching adult education”
Sour grapes boy. Them tasting real bad!
g p does do thing papa
i need a house to jump up in d band next year
it is rather interesting that the government has raised the bar s high that expectaions have infected even the politrically disgraced……
I wander why they did nt make Sandiford senator. Dont even tell me that he was overs studying because Earl was overs and he was in the same house of assembly. I even hear that SPAGGS WANT ANOTHER HALFISH CARIB who talks alot to run for d next election but the people say that is loubiere dat person from/living and they dont consider dat person to be
bUT BUT BUT so much improvement in d carib territory housing and everybody cana get at dsame time…people have to be patient before they get gentle rest stress stress stress papas……….
Look UWP people even saying that they need a new leader of the opposition and some in d leadership trying to push a lawyer….and others not too sure where dat lawyer stands on many issuesBeeeeeeeeCAUSE ONE DAY IS support for government on dis and d other day is attack government on dat etc!
But Dno I think sandfruord must relax his head in d carnival jump up in roso next year 2k14…but while labour trying their bestest for dem dat man needs gelp we boy but the gov cana do for all at d same time.
stop all the nonsense the government should be for all the people.not for only who supports them,am not for that @ all.
I understand MOST Caribs are poor but you mean to tell me that the man has galvanise and he could not find some nails to put the galvanise together. He thought it still back in 1400’s.
He waiting for Government to come and nail it for him too!!
Common man…why sanford didn’t donate $100 to buy a bag of nails, or Carib Council/Vilalge council whatever they call it do something.
I not saying the process is right but everything is wait for government, it D@#* time we stop this hand out thing in Dominica.
You seeing black (local) people in little shack too but they still try their best to make it look like something, where is this man’s family or neighbours.
Stupppess man…..
I agree with u 100%……
There is much criticism one could level at this government’s Housing Program as implemented. But to claim some deprivation is not to understand the meaning of the word, to start with.
You can only be deprived of something if you had or have claim to or possession of it (by inheritance or purchase, for example) and someone took or is taking, or denying you use of same. In this instance, the government is not denying anybody what is innately theirs.
Is the government unbiased in meting out access to its Housing Program? Most sincere Dominicans would say no. Is the allocation of this much needed housing assistance, under the program, based upon objective proof of need and governed by a set of clear expectations of a person’s qualifications? Negative.
But then again, in the context of politics Dominican style, the cry for objectivity in all our doings is fanciful thinking.
Truth Seeker….I am not sure you understand the term Deprivation……it is linked to poverty where based on someones circumstances they are deprived of baisc amenities and has nothing to do with ownership, inheritance etc…
Please stay focus and try to understand the bigger picture that you put in perspective.
Dominica is too small- a little piece of land- to be jumping on the “who you know” bandwagon. In every area of life (education, healthcare, employment, “charity” etc) such is the case.
There are too many unqualified, greedy, heartless people in “high places” who do not know how to separate business from pleasure. So after they get hooked up by who know them, they repeat the process of hooking up who they know. How then can you expect development or success in any area?
why is Mr. Graneau has a problem with Mr. Sanford trying to elevate himself is there something wrong with ambition Mr. Sanford did the right thing every young person should follow in Mr. Sanford path elevate yourself and get out of poverty. And a picture is worth a 1000 words
I don’t think that it’s right’
Politics or no politics,party or no party some lived in really bad conditions in that part of the island ,some can now safely say that they have something to call their own.
If you were hungry and I gave you a bread it may have butter,jelly or ham the principle is that I alleviated your hunger,while an onlooker is calling out fowl play yet he is not attending to your needs.What will you do.think.
This man works for the University and for sure can make a difference in the lives of some young peoples in the reserve,I am still waiting to hear a scholarship named after him.
Good day
I support Sandford on this statement! I live in the kalinago Territory! And from what I see, its a lot of labourites who are getting houses and some of those who get the houses already own a house. And from what I can see, is only labourites that getting house. Why? Bcuz I don’t know of anyone who supported the opposition that can say they living in a house given to dem by the dlp.
The Kalinago people DO NOT have to buy land like the rest of us in Dominica to build a house, kitchen or any other thing. I am not saying that the government should not give the poor much needed help. But if you are familiar with the Kalinago territory you would notice that MANY STRONG ABLE BODIED people are just hanging out on the roadside while many others are working. It is time ALL Dominicans try to at least EARN some of what they need and stop waiting for everything from someone else.
Its easier said than done, most kalinagoes are deprived from good paying jobs. Its obvious because it is all about strings, people put their families in positions. Secondly, the territory is exploited by both the authorities and the rest of Dominica. An example, the hucksters who come in and pay ridiculous prices for produce. Who would be motivated to work?
I am so sick and tired of this ‘poor kalinago people’ talk. it is getting old. They are not the only ones in the country who need homes, at least they have land some people in Dominica are squatting. This infuriates me, tell them to get up off their butts and take advantage of the many opportunities given to them and when they do end up making something out of themselves from their free access to the Dominica State College and to UWI don’t come back and pretend you did not grow up in the Kalinago Territory and put some of what you’re earning back into the community that raised you. this conversation is getting old people must stop depending on the government to do everything for them. It is HIGH time the kalinago people become independent. No one ever said that they must stay in that part of the country. If there are opportunities out of the reserve go find it. We are no longer in the times of born poor die poor. You all cannot like my comment I am just being truthful and honest. i am a poor person too why doesn’t the government give me and my family a house? Time to WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!
Its a very good point, i would like you to take the initiative. Go to the council tell them you are going to lead the cause. First the carib act needs to be changed its outdated, it was a draft anyway. Secondly education, basic education, to emancipate the people from mental slavery. there is just too much abuse, all projects that are invested in the reserve all the monies go out to contractors and consultants. Thanks
Maybe they should set up a casino on their reservation, as the native Americans do in the U.S.A. and distribute the earnings from that activity amongst the needy of their people, without Govt. interference.
Jump high, Jump Low thats the kind of cheap politics that is in Dominica. if you support party well you getting everything from light bill and rum bill pain. If you dont support – and they have a list of name- well crapaud smoke you pipe. This is under banana field politics and they playin on poor people. Even the houses they build are not all that… Its all about their friends and party members eating a food. Its an eat a food mentality.. Contractors eating a food, builders eating a foood, party supporters eating a food. If you wear a labour – cheap t- shirt or have their lead picture on a wall or in your house well you go eat a foood. All these politicians are part of the eat a food crew. Make no mistake to change party cause these eat a food politicians will expose and embarrass you and tell the whole world that you came to their offices to beg and they gave you a lil eat a food. They might tell you no more work for you, frustrate your children and will not give you ham or turkey for christmas…..
This housing revolution is just another way of eating a food: build the houses cheap and allow their party supporter who are the obvious contractors to eat a food….. These politicians building mansions and buying fansy cars and even buying people sooooo now alll you have is a society with fat and round face politicians who eating, eating, eating eating, no wonder their shirts so tight and their size showing,, cause they real eating a foood…
These politicians dont reallly care for the poor, they just love themselves… Seee them in functions and in Roseau cutting style whilst the poor voters walking up and down looking for food…
To all the ministers: ahh wannna eat a food.. at astaphans, nassief, and all the big shots in town and Portsmouth.. whilst ah eating ah want a cuban cigar and a dark shades……..Lets just eat a food, so we can rename Dominica’s national dish as :Eat a Food!
How much is a plate of Eat a food: just say labahhh or thank God for…… or something happening, or i suspect am going mad,, or i have issues,,,, or i really love ma pal rep.. all he doing is blowing his horn………. Jus buy some cheap red paint and paint you wall and house red as silly it may look and say hard labor right?
nonsense am poor, i support them and am not getting anything, watch what u saying, don’t wait for a man to pick u up, pick your own dam self up,
where is ur table of contents
this happens all across the board associations, executive boards you name it, it happens
This one sounds like a calypso for next year eat a food woooy
I suport sanford about the distribution of the houses,but would sanford an his government do different?guess only true heart`s knows
Not at all, politicians in Dominica only realize those errors in our political system when they are not in charge. what is the defference betwin breeze and foam?? I for sure would settle for the one with the more plesent fraigrance!!.
Yes they would, ask the people of Grand Bay.
Mr. Graneau you are so correct … all Claudius Sanford knows how to do is talk.
An investigation please, DNO!
An investigation into what, if every statement made have to be investigated, there will be little time left for work. UWP was in power, they did nothing for the territory, at least now some people getting houses, be thankful and stop complaining.
You are right. SOME people getting houses. Only supporters of the the Labor Party getting houses while people who need them are not getting.
So people have the right to complain. Maybe you are one of those lazy party supporters who got a house which you did not deserve.
You people sicken me.
i personally believe that this photo representation here is staged from a political stand point…. knowing the Caribs, with all those sheets of galvanize, this person would have already taken on their own and cut down the necessary wood needed to atleast build a standing structure opposed to just laying it on the ground and living underneath.
@ Peter Parker, interesting insight!
Some politicians not easy. This is a big, big blunder.
I couldnt agree with you more…isnt it strange how the picture is so blury…….
Even farmers shed in their garden are built better than this. Even if Sanford has a valid point, using this picture has dampened his credibility. Too “good” to be true.
I can attest that this is where the man and his girlfriend live.. take a drive up the horse back ridge road and see for your self. its inhumane to say the least! he deserves a house.
Very very TRUE,do u know who own DNO
Sanford HOW MANY HOUSES DID UWP BUILD FOR THE people?????
The DLP is the one which has done the most for the carib people and that is a FACT!!!!
So dont be such an ungrateful! You an talk about other areas where u think the gov’t can help further but not in housing man. MAGWAY SAH!! !!!
U are obviously straying from the issue at hand! Its either ur blind or ur one of the ppl who received a house!
Think before u speak!!
I like your name! You really sound like you are living in mental slavery!
shot up , UWP would have done much better for the people, rather then treating them like begger and charity cases, every election.
Yet,they still remain in poverty. They need livelihoods to get out of poverty, jobs that earn them an income
The DLP is the one which has done the most for the carib people and that is a FACT!!!!
Lets be fair, they have been the ones in power for 13 long years, while UWP spent only 4.5 years.
I support Sanford on this statement. Its really heart breaking to see the living conditions of some families while the young and working ones are given FREE houses under the name of “Charity”.
Graneau and his ppl will always defend their actions. The Carib Chief and Council expressed their concern over the distribution of the houses; their suggestions were thrown away! Shame!
Only Labourites benefit from this initiative. Thiis is so unfair!!
if it u mr. graueau u would done the same and better urseslf and family.from wat i see mr sanford is talkin the truth people who already have homes are the the are ones receivein houses and the ones who dont are leavin in broken down homes. u need to move from ur home and take are drive around ur constituency and see for urself something u haven’t done in awhile
Man thats politics,you dont vote for me, well no house for you,AND IT’S TRUE PLAIN AND SIMPLE
Are you simplying that when Sanford’s UWP party was in office they did the same thing? Sad, sad, but we must pray for all our politicians.
I meant “implying” and not “simplying”
Graneau if you were not in Govt and had the backing of the public purse what contribution would you have made ?????
MORE
then do a check on his record of service to the people of the territory.
get your facts before speaking
Indeed! But is he really (actually) making a contribution for the salary he is paid every month? Where is the plan of action to move the Kalinago people from welfare dependency and poverty to economic freedom?