The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has apologized to Dominica for the position it took at a recent meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) when the island asked for a waiver of fees as it reconstructs in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
In a release on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad said the position is not aligned with its actions, policy or orientation towards Dominica.
It also said an investigation into the matter is now underway.
“In an unqualified way, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs regrets the misrepresentation of the position of Trinidad and Tobago offered by a public official of Trinidad and Tobago during a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) which was held on the 23rd March, 2018, relative to a request from Dominica for a waiver of its financial contribution to that Organization for the years 2018 to 2019,” the release stated. “Currently, an investigation into the briefing arrangements of the public official and the circumstances involved in the discussion at the OAS is underway. Shortly a report, as requested, would be made available to the Honourable Prime Minister.”
During the meeting, Dominica asked for a waiver of fees for 2018 and 2019 in light of the devastation caused by Maria last September. But Trinidad’s permanent representative to the OAS Anthony Phillips-Spencer objected, opting instead “for the deferral payments of contributions, and where possible the implementation of a payment plan subject to annual review.”
He said the position was “consistent with the position adopted in other multilateral fora in the hemisphere.”
But the release on Thursday stated that the twin-island republic’s solidarity to Dominica “is without question.”
“The actions, cooperation (be it technical, financial or diplomatic) with Dominica and advocacy overtime, most recently in the advent and aftermath of hurricanes, Erika and Maria attest to the strong and abiding relationship between Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago,” it said. “The unswerving commitment of Trinidad and Tobago is that the fraternal bond between CARICOM Member States and peoples of the Caribbean continue to be further strengthened. The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs wishes to reiterate its unwavering support for Dominica, tangibly demonstrated in Trinidad and Tobago’s recent aid and expressions of empathy to that country.”
The release added, “A suggestion by a public servant at an OAS meeting that Dominica’s dues not be collected at this time but be deferred to some future time in no way reflects any change in the demonstrated concern of Trinidad and Tobago for the welfare of the people of Dominica.”
So many opinions on the Trinidadians. I would just like to know the ambassadors reason for saying no. Also what is the fee? is it something that Dominica is able to pay? Are we still playing the hurt and broken pity me help me game on one foot then playing the strong resilient nation on the other end? Granted we suffered tremendously, but we should still be a proud nation with integrity that can do for itself without constant help and handouts.
Again, i would just like to know his reason for saying no before i can have an opinion.
How much longer do think this will be . The proud and the just is two of the same . With a belly or pocket full . Blindness takes control. Untill the bottom of the bocket falls off we won’t no its time to change.
Trinidad has a weak leader and for such he is guilty of accomodating corruption among Caribbean leader just for political gain. Dominica can pay the fees . Don’t you all see how skerrit and co squandered the world bank monies given for farmer. Even 2 persons put together what they got from the monies Given to so called farmers can pay this oas fee’s. Even skerrit said in a statement that monies is not a problem.but you all out there talking crap . One day you all shame will deal with you all
I would like to thank the government and people of T&T for their continued support.
Skerrit send the wrong message to the outside world. Condemn me as a UWP supporter if you all want, but I’m aligned to no political tribe in the nastiness of Dominica’s myopic politics. On one hand Skerrit gives the impression that everything is nice and rosy, we have no problems, we have money to give international contractors to build luxurious apartments, better than what found in the middle of London and on the other hand he’s saying that we cannot afford to pay US$25,000.00 as our commitment to the OAS.
Just recently Skerrit said Dominica is up-to-date with all it’s financial commitments to international organizations. So how can he be begging for a waiver?
The international community has been good to Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the least we can do is to reward them by showing that we are willing to subscribe to the work that they do. Trinidad’s position was a principled one, that was telling us to stop this mendicant behavior we can afford to pay…
Excellent point. The double salary to civil servants, including parliamentarians was reckless and politically motivated. We need all the help we can get but a public display of reckless spending will not help.
Skerrit always says he is up to date with payments. He even said that a month before Venezuela has to write of the sum of US$100 Mio owed by Dominica under the PetroCaribe agreement. Up until now Skerrit refuses to tell the citizens what happened to that money. Though I have a good idea of the whereabouts of the money, I would like Skerrit and Austrie to tell the people of Dominica what happened to this huge amount of money.
My late dad would say ” I will continue to pull out my hearing aides” I am tired of Caribbean BS myself.
Call me what you will but as a guy who spent some of his youth in T & T and a D/can .( No longer proud) I will say the following: As a Pre teen during the rise of the black power movement.DA like the rest of the region we have retrogressed . Even the local pro-colonials of the 50’s-70’s were more progressive than the current( 2 use a Trump expression) the so called politicians ,interlectuals are such BS-ers some in T& T who tired like myself took a stand. They might be looking at DA from the point of view that the so called Gov’t a bunch of Johnny come latelies as per Money have just screwed up everything for DA. When 1 passport is sold for so much more than the fees that was waived and so many AHs selling passports & flaunting their ill gotten gains why give us a waver?
So I guess we not swimming in money like the government wants us to believe. The other day lips posted on dpg that sherrif and dlp have 1 billion dollars for the upcoming elections and here it is we can’t even pay 20.000 us.
When I first commented on this matter in a previous blog I just thought it had to be an overly zealous delegate with a bit of Ego and not the Government. I was very careful to emphasis Trinidad Delegation as opposed to Trinidad Government. I was correct. Because after all that Trinidad did for us after Hurricane Maria I could not believe they would be capable of this stance.
My exact comments in the previous blog I have pasted below……
This position by the Trinidad Delegation has me stunned as indeed it is shockingly surprising because the Trinidad population did respond so well to assisting us. Thanks to the Trinidad population. It underscores the truth that many times the general population understands integration and solidarity but it is the ego of some in high places that diminishes the ties that bind us as a region. was it a spontaneous echo of thought or a pre-decision
I guess this is so much for Caribbean Integration, Single Market and Economy, mutual solidarity and friendship in times of adversity. This speaks volumes on Caribbean togetherness and integration.
REMEMBER: ONE FRO TEN LEAVES ZERO ? While organizations do not just waiver fees willy-nilly, but Dominica’s case is very peculiar with the kind of loss we suffered.
I am pleased that logic, reason empathy and prudence towards Dominica’s recovery was supported by all other OAS Delegations, in spite of Trinidad Delegation’s position.
Sylvester, why do I get the impression you try to play both sides. Better you say nothing, otherwise nobody from either side wii trust you.
That is a most foolish and ridiculous comment because what transpired had nothing to do with political parties in Dominica and as such I would not have had to take any side.
In any event I do not waste time with playing political games on either side of the political fence so I do not need, do not crave and do not have interest in whether I am trusted by either side. This has always been my stance. I care not in that regard
There is nothing to be ashamed off…
Now that sounds more like it .
That deep rooted fraternal Bond must be upheld .
Dominica extends Gratitude for the clarification and trusts minds will be put to rest
Thanks
Thank you mr. Moses but really there is nothing to apologise for. Your country was one of the first to respond to our needs after hurricane Maria hit , without hesitation us and for that this Dominican is very grateful.
Where is the apology?
Thats whag happens when you beg for favours. Every body know now that DA is poor so poor that CBI money is no where to be found to pay 20 000 US dollars..
Your comment reflects what partisan political beliefs have done to your mind. It shows gross ignorance and arrogance on your part regarding the matter. You type of thinking and belief is not what needed right now in the Country.
You all won’t embrace CBI, where’s your money to run this island? You keep saying Skeritt took it. Don’t forget that Uwp was once running the country and was dead broke, couldn’t pay civil servants from month to month, had to sell one of our biggest assets the electric company. Big mistake!! that rendered them incapable of winning an election for about 20 years now. Well they never win bc the other party stole money, stole votes. Yeh right. Show me the money. You broke ppl want to place yourselves there to make your money? No it’s Skeritt turn so go win at the polls to get there and make your money.
The ugliness and lack of patriotism of the UWP never ceases to amaze me. They will gladly sell their country down river. What a party!
Anything negative or lack of support for the Dominican cause is always very welcomed by the UWP. Look how they embrace Rijock a convicted criminal and money laundered as he spreads his anti Skeritt propaganda. Rijock is a white man who knows nothing about Dominica, it is alleged that he is a racist but the UWP continue circulate his evil propaganda.
Anon
Perhaps you have also heard of his recent exploits with the Antigua elections. My understanding is that he started the same propaganda against the government of Antigua which suggests to me that the man is a paid political assassin.
Any one ready to pay him seems to be the game. He’ll make up tall stories, the taller the better particularly if the gullible or hate-blinded ones are eager to believe them. What a shame.
Only an uneducated idiot would come up with such a stupid remark Jaded you a lacking the basic elements of common sense and may I inform you that the Opposition in a Democracy is to whole the Government in power responsible for there actions and pledges to the people of Dominica, Jaded do you also know when you start to lie it’s hard to rid oneself from it, I know some of you don’t like to hear the truth instead you rather keep getting hand out and turn your head the other way, well get with it the truth is not something some of the people are ready for, I also believe your comments is off regardless if I’m not a UWP supporter. I believe in right and wrong and above all justice.
Wonder how those HATERS(UWPites) of Skerrit and the government must be feeling now after this apology by Tand T?
Kid
this here is the way to go .
People rightfully expressed concern, and true genuine Government officials , clarify and make wrongs right . That’s how apologies work , i.e when they are genuine .
But you know your likkle brain will take time to work that out .
Wow, you forgot what you wrote previously, quote “Trinidad is a traitor! Jealousy is a crime! Never trust a Trinidadian”. Why condemn others and you are just as guilty.
While the UWP was celebrating that mistake the government of T&T was apologizing. Isn’t it strange that people who claim to love their country can celebrate any unfortunate circumstances that the county goes through? I guess someone will be writing to T&T to say Dominica can pay because Skerrit has all the money under his bed. Weh weh weh….
You are right on point. I have said this over and over that this attitude only serves to exciite what in politics is referred to as the party,s based. However, what is required to win an election is an interesting Of those on the fringes. This attitude will not get the UWP elected.
To be truly honest though what we see here may just be the work of politically illiterate supporters and not that of the party. Mr Linton seem to genuinely care about Dominica, and the utterances of Joshau Francis, Joseph Isaac and others indicate that they are on the same wavelength. Sadly there is nothing the party is able to do to change the action of such supporters who makes realizing the necessary change more and more illusive. Let’s hope they wiseup sooner rather than later.
Plato
I have been saying so over and over in spite of the thumbs down. This attitude of merely stirring up its hate-filled base is not going to help that party. The vote count is clear.
Their base was not enough to cause an upset so they need to get hold of some of the fence-sitters but that will not happen if all they have to offer is negativity and destruction day in , day out.
Just see the royal mess and disgrace that Trump is making of the American White House because he thinks that only his base matters. The same loose cannon type of politics that we see here is what he displayed while campaigning and somehow supposedly intelligent Americans figured he would change once he became President. Says who?
What you do out of office is an indicator of what you are likely to do in office so I suggest that these guys take note of good advice and stop cursing and making enemies of people who have a different perspective from theirs.
Since you know so much can you tell us what happen to all the grants/loans we get ,and do you remember the PM said that we don’t have any problem with money, it’s time Dominicans listen to what the PM is saying when he speaks , stop looking at his dimples they cannot help Dominica.. I’m puzzled what does UWP have to do with a decision that was made by another Island, You mean fake news is flowing into Dominica and now you have a Russian living in Dominica things are going to start getting sticky ..
??
Strange indeed.
To write to the Queen when a Dominican was being supported for the position of commonwealth Secretary General. wonder what was the Queen’s response? (I guess there are all kinds of madness)
To write to international organisations to prevent money from coming into the country on the basis of allegations and suspicions. To travel to distant lands to try to discourage them from helping the country.
To badmouth the country at every turn and then tell me to support you to change the government?