The Dominica National Council of Women (DNCW) is calling for an apology and retraction of statements made by Acting Education Minister, Kelver Darroux on state-owned DBS Radio, saying they are untrue.
Darroux said he expected to hear something from the DNCW concerning the election of Baroness Patricia Scotland as Secretary General of the Commonwealth but has not heard anything.
“I am very concerned of that because we recall that on several occasions the DNCW make statements in support of women and the achievement of women, where women have been abused and so forth but here it is that you have a Dominican woman born in St Joseph, having achieved the position of Secretary General of the Commonwealth and I have yet to hear the Dominica National Council of Women make a statement in support of a prominent Dominican woman,” he stated.
He questioned the agenda of the DNCW adding, “I am hoping that when they hear this news clip that they will respond to it because really and truly we have to support what is ours.”
But Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the DNCW, Josephine Dublin-Prince, said the organization is appalled by the statement.
“We are stating that his statement is incorrect,” she said. “And we are saying to him that targeting or directing the statement at DNCW, a national women’s organization who continues to empower women, empower families on a voluntary basis … we should not be targeted, it is misdirected and we would call on him to retract the statement, to apologize to the organization.”
She made mention of International Human Rights Day, which is observed around the world today (December 10).
“We hope that Mr. Darroux is conscious and aware of international days like this and that women hold a special place in national development and he should at all times geared towards uplifting women and engaging them positively instead of attacking a woman’s organization,” she noted.
Dublin-Prince argued that there are much more issues to be dealt with in Dominica other than attacking a national women organization that has been calling on several occasions for resources to continue its work, “the work that actually compliments the work of the Ministry of Social Services.”
“We are doing it on a voluntary basis and in his position as a Minister it will be well placed for him to call on the government to assist this organization instead of this untruth statement,” she explained.
President of the organization, Vanya David, made reference to an exclusive interview with Marpin2K4 News on November 30th, during which Dublin-Prince congratulated Scotland on her new position.
The interview was obtained by Dominica News Online.
“The Dominica National Council of Women wishes to congratulate Lady Scotland on her appointment as the first woman Secretary-General of the Commonwealth,” Dublin-Prince said during that interview on Marpin2K4. “For us the Commonwealth of Nations is a very big institution of influence and to have someone born in a small island of Dominica to be elected in such a position that is a cause for celebration.”
According to Dublin-Prince, Scotland’s election shows that given equal opportunity, women can rise to the occasion, “because of their intellect, because of their assertiveness and because again of their influence, so by their own merit women can rise to the occasion.
She further indicated that being elected to that position is definitely going to influence more women, to be more assertive, “be able to influence various decisions based on their own position.”
Dublin-Prince went on to say that the DNCW understood that Scotland is very passionate about the issues related to domestic violence.
“In Dominica we too are very passionate about that issue…,” she noted, adding she is certain that in collaboration with Scotland, and through the connection the DNCW has with women, “we should be able to bring to bear some influence on the political directorate.”
David also shared a letter written by Joan Grant Cummings, on behalf of the Caribbean Regional Network of Organizations and Individuals Working on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, which congratulated Scotland on her election. The DNCW is a signatory of the letter.
The full letter is below.
The lady bone in st. Joe, he must make a statement so that the world will know that she is from st. Joe because he is also from st. Joe lol
Please people, one can be a dedicated public servant and do not support the Labour Party.
A bunch of school boys running Dominica.Just take a very good look at Darroux himself and ask yourselves can this school children run a country.
Kelver Darroux is correct. He stated: “. . . on several occasions the DNCW make statements in support of women and the achievement of women “
As some other D/cans, UWP supporters projected in their comments on this Website, she did not appear to be elated about the nomination of the Baroness and of her election as Commonwealth SG. This is conspicuous.
Joan Grant Cummings wrote on behalf of the Caribbean, stating, “We are a network of Caribbean feminists and women’s rights activists, policy-makers and scholars.
First of all she identified themselves as “activists.” What type of message is that she sent to Baroness Scotland? She gave the Baroness a profile of the responsibilities of her Caribbean group.
She further stated: “We sincerely hope that the Commonwealth Secretariat will continue to prioritize support for Caribbean small island developing states, and increase resources for promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality across the Commonwealth.
Here goes the wreckless labour machines. This young minister needs a vacation. . He is one of those Lil boys of Skerritt. . One would suspect that they all will have a sad ending. .. Day in Day out they come out talking foolishness. They do so simply because Dominicans accept foolishness as if it’s teeteeweyy
Time to get these rude, arrogant, ignorant and clueless government out of here. They need a break. ..
Tell this young man go educate himself or get a life….
Women must protest against labour. . DON’T vote them….
By the way best they close Down DBS. How can a national radio station allow so much foolishness. ..
Once upon a time DBS was DBS… but now it’s DBS mess……..
Lord have mercy on Dominica. ….
Kelva get a life. .. stop being a parrot. .. you guys are just parroting Skerritt old talk..
Labour should apologize to Dominicans
In the first place, this writing does not appear to be a genuine letter of congratulations to the Baroness.
I do not recall that DNCW, advocate for women’s rghts, took the initiative, on behalf of her non-profit organization to congratulate Baroness Scotland. It would have been considerate of her to do so since she is a women’s rights advocate.
Anyway, what is done is done and what is undone is undone. We cannot turn back the clock and the hands of time. D/cans must read between the lines.
Now that the Acting Education Minister, Kelver Darroux brought this to the attention of Dominicans, it is evident that DNCW did not take the initiative on behalf of this specific non-profit organization to congratulate the Baroness. She knows why.
What he stated is a fact. They did not expect it of him. We should know the truth always offends. Therefore, he owes no apology to them.
A relevant question that should be asked on this matter is: Did the DNCW offer its support for the NOMINATION of the Baroness by Dominica for the position of Secretary General of the Commonwealth? Many persons here and elsewhere who did NOT support the accomplished Dominican woman’s nomination eventually offered their congratulations AFTER THE FACT!
The Minister said, he did not hear them make a statement in support of Baroness Scottland.
Did any of you hear from the DNCW before the Minister spoke.
I also heard him say they will speak after him.
Did you hear from them after him?
Yes you heard from them.
All I heard is DNCW attacking the Minister.
They still did not express their support for the minister.
The PRO of the DNCW was very happy to seek to chastise the minister.
She as the PRO had no concern that the Minister did not hear her, instead she was happy to suck it to him.
English 101mr.minister of education please educate yourself before you speak on a subject matter you know nothing about. I don’t know what you were trying to prove but you have just embarrassed yourself and the ministry of education. You just get a little acting post your head get big cool down my brother and go right back where you made that statement and apologizes.
The entire Cabinet is an embarrassment. The joke is on us, that we continue to allow this worthless government to govern us to our destruction without forceful resistance. It is high time for them to go. I continue to pray that God will deliver Kelvar and all the other young men and women trapped in this web of deceit and incompetence.
Dominicans! please let it go! .The Lady is elected .Can we just move on
please. I am talking on both sides DLP and UWP..There is work to be done
Can we just move on…Just saying
Their we go again, using the midair to keep people separated and confused. Great job D.N.O
.
It happened with the speaker of the house and any woman to do with the DLP ,
did you condemn the attempted murder on the lives of GON and Gretta Emanuel? I say Dominica will continue to be the poorest of all Caribbean and soon Commonwealth countries with like you in leadership position. You are nothing but a Skerrit slave, and not a servant off the people!!!
Kleve, your goof up big time and you know that! We all know that the DNCW and DNO are part of the UWP organization, therefore, that’s water under the bridge. It is your responsibility as the Pal Rep of the St. Joseph district to invite Ms. Scotland to her place of birth. Are you guys ashamed, because I am not! I stand tall and predominate in my birth place, (Mr. Joe). Her mere presence and inspiration would be enough to lift up our ghetto youths, She was also born in the ghettos so she cannot be embarrassed by that. Again, Kleve you are letting our young people down. When she had to campaign for the position you guys were quick to flaunt she was born in St. Joe, not that we want anything from her but be an aspiration to our youths who see hopelessness around them. Have YOU or the PM set up anything in her birth place?
Anyways if the Minister did not hear whether there is a statement or not is hear he did not hear. I did not hear myself. Anyways apologize Sir and let it be. And even if he apologizes you all will still criticize. Just let it be
Actually, we cannot let it be b/c a Minister in a position of authority must be careful to do his home-work before speaking on national media that is ultimately aired globally. He did not preface his statement with “I may be mistaken” but I have not heard…. He should therefore retract his statement and apologize to the organization.
So why would he even want to attach DNCW ? Acting Minister of Education that do him that. throw up throw up…
I hope the Women Bureau ask Kelvar to publicly apologize. I wonder if Kelver also has a DBL political degree like his boss.
After reading the letter as well as the statement of Josephine Dublin-Prince, will the honourable minister Darroux now offer an apology? It is the most HONOURABLE thing to do.
HOTEP!
Kelver and Petter Pepper are competing to be at the top of their Boss’ table. To reach the top, they believe they have to be like the Boss – degrading everyone that will not sing their labour song. Sad state of a country.
Why is that letter posted not signed?
Is that the matter at hand here?
Good question, waiting for that response
what’s your point? just now you will say the Marpin2k4 story was aired but with no voice– all you really dip in this thing they call ignorance. In fact I heard that the new definition for GROSS ignorance is a – 144 laborites
All the minister had to do was find out if the DNCW had put out a statement or call them and find out before he went on air making those comments. . Off course the DNCW has an agenda. I would hope they have one. That is the level of Representatives we have.
He was not interested in all that. Finding out what? He was only concerned that a certain opposition politician’s family member is part of this VOLUNTEER organisation that they don’t raise a finger to help. And he ready to talk about agenda. These people all they do is look to victimize who they think not supporting them and be damn who or what gets to be collateral damage in the process. Evil set of people! But is that Dominicans want to lead them for a few dollars and God knows what else every election season. But the the victimize every rope has an end and every road has a bend. The same people who have those kinna leaders up will deal with him appropriately when the time comes.
That’s sad. You could tell he was up to something. Lack of due diligence. This is unacceptable behavior from a Gov official. Sadly Dominica seems to have accepted the “so it is” mentality. Empty vessels.
In the same breath Mr Darroux I too am surprised that the Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Executive members of the Dominica council of aging, and the Minister and Ministry of National Security have not seen it fit to speak out and condemn the fire bombing of the home of former magistrate GON Emmanuel. Further you as the parl rep of St Joe stood by and watched your colleagues degrade and drag through the gutter your political rival ms Monelle William. So many young people are abused in society by affluent individuals; YOUVE NEVER RAISED YOUR VOICE HENCE YOURE IN NO POSITION TO ASK OF IT FROM SOME ONE ELSE
Did Monelle ask for an apology, I don’t think so! Ms. Williams ran for public office, therefore she is a public official so her character is questionable. UWP just cannot pick up an character and throw it in our faces. Don’t reopen the can of worms. Let lying dogs sleep. Why do you think the lady deserves an apology when she chose the hat she wears.
Well the man said he has yet to hear. According to DNO he stated “I have yet to hear the Dominica National Council of Women make a statement in support of a prominent Dominican woman,”.
Well then, that is Kelver’s problem , not the Womens’s Council.
Tanto, tanto, bombie we go see.
The minister is in no position, to call on anybody to do anything…..who gives him the authority. When will they learn that they didn’t put themselves in power?? People should be calling on you.
Whether or not the DNCW congratulated Patricia Scotland on her appointment is none of Kelver Darroux’ business. The DNWC can speak for themselves and its not in Kelver Daroux remit to dictate to them. But, since mr. Darroux wants to sit on a high horse did he or the Govt. congratulate the people of Venezuela with the results of the recent election and the victory for democracy in their country? Mr. Darroux would be well advised to think twice in future before opening his mouth.
When they think that some public servants in certain departments are not supportive of them they like to come out publicly and try to discredit them or point out perceived flaws so that when they victimize them it will seem justified.
Who the “heaven’ is Kelver So many things are happening and he and cabinet moomoo but he wants to talk now.
Your accusation is untrue. You UWP supporters do the same and even worst. There is ample evidence in those comments on this Website.
DLP and supporters are nowhere UWP supporters with your damaging critiques. Revert to articles of DNO archives.
Not everyone follow Marpin since it tends to bring only one sided news, so if the man said he did not recall seeing or hearing it he was right. When the DNCW wants to have their voice heard they come on DNO I don’t recall reading it on here. Why are they not denouncing the things they’ve been saying that the lady was only born here but she is not of here? Am sure the lady has Dominica more at heart than most of them, cause she has never put the country in a bad light, like those that went all the way to the Privy counsel and lie. Food for thought.
Real possie she was only born in D/A. DId you or have you ever heard about this lady before her nominaion for the post? She left D/A with her parents at 2 years of age and has never placed her foot back here. Now they talking about renaming the Veille Casse school in her name. This is such an utter shame.
Scrappy Coco
You are just like the Minister who apparently did not check his information before speaking. What you are saying about Baroness Scotland not having put her foot back in Dominica after leaving at the age of two is NOT true. I know that she was in Dominica relatively often when her parents lived at Goodwill, one of them has since died, not sure if they both did. You must not repeat what you hear other people say unless you are reasonably sure that it is factual.
I give full credit to the lady for her achievements and I have been defending her right to say that she is Dominican on this site and elsewhere but I agree that there seems to be no justification for naming the Vieille Case School after her. That is stretching the joke I think.
Are you for real? The lady has been here more than you being here, you won’t get it, let me explain. You living here all your life and never contributed one thing to the building of the nation, she being here ever so often did more for the country than you living here all your life. You go listen to Q and come here and show your ignorance, didn’t your leader say he interviewed her when he was at Marpn? How did he do that in space? Come on man. All the streets and hospitals named after the queen tell me have you seen the queen walking Queen Mary St?
Imagine how we come. Ready to defend an irresponsible minister for partisanship. The Minister had a responsibility to call the organisation and ask a question before running his mouth in the media.
So let’s say that may have been the case that he didn’t personally see that news. Shouldn’t he then seek out facts AS A MINISTER before making such a blatant assumption and lambasting the group without details? His position requires him to be informed, don’t you think? And FYI, IF Marpin did give one sided news (Which they don’t), it would have been Government sided.. Therefore he WOULD watch. Excuses excuses.
Possie, oh possie. It is irrelevant whether the DNCW used Marpin as their medium to convey congratulations. It is not Kelver Darroux’ place to berate them, especially if he did not check the veracity of his sources or facts before making a public statement
And for your information Marpin is 100% owned by the Dominica Social Service, which in turn is controlled by the government and ultimately headed by the P.M. and as far as I know the board of Marpin consists entirely of government sympathizers.
Those are the type of foolishness that have Dominica where we are today, you nor Mr. Darroux haven got the right to dictate to any individual or group how or when to commit to any statement or news items , that’s why these PPL find themselves in hot water. Minister like Darroux that makes the GOVT sound stupid I’m sure there are other business that need his attention.
And as for your own personal comments I would suggest you research for yourself don’t just say what others say yes she was born in Dominica and left when she was 2 years for London England and that’s where her life began and know on dismissed that but do you truly believe because she is from DA we will be high up her list she have 53 countries to deal with, by the way do you know what she have on the top of her agenda, it’s homosexuality and second corruption and where do you believe she should start her probing so I would suggest you go and do some reading of the facts.
Patriot
No, of course not, she has to oversee the interests of 53 countries as you say and how was Sir Sanders/Saunders, whichever going to do that for Dominica? I’m trying to see the logic of the position taken by some Dominicans that Dominica should have withdrawn Baroness Scotland and allow Sir S to be nominated in the interest of Caribbean unity. Based on the outcome, he obviously would not have won and even if he had, how would that have helped Dominica?
From my assessment Dominica is one of the countries within CARICOM which is the most compliant with Caricom rules and various initiatives proposed by that body. Look how some of them treat CARICOM nationals at their ports of entry for example.
My bro before any one goes in the public to make a statement the onus is a upon them to make the relevant research. The false utterances of the minister put him in bad light and expose his immaturity. Can you tell me the contribution that Baroness made to the development of our country? If you cannot identify any, can you say her heart is in this country. People like you are just playing partisan politics which is leading our country no where. I am also from possie and we all supported the labour party but the time has come for us to put country above allegiance to a party. The ideals and the policy of this skerrit administration has diverted and we the grass roots people should take a stance and let us save this country. There is no room for partisan politics, my brother open your eyes.
these men are not intellectually independent , they just read what they are given and do whats skerrit says
Kelver Darroux have become a joke but the people of his constituency should talk to him because he should be listening to them instead.
Patriot they cant they have become so foolish,when he stops on the backroad he gives them a few dollars and some use it to smoke crack,go check it out on the weekend,real crack lane,Klvar is doing nothing for St.Joe.
Kelvar grow up and do some develpoment in St.Joseph,all the paros on the backroad,get a life Kelvar,
Kelver the points you are tying to score are too cheap my boy. The P.M. not impressed with you and has to keep holding your hand and wipe your bodo.
the Hon. Minister should now apologize to the DNCW for his rash judgement… but we all know that will never happen…
i\’m waiting with bated breath
Only a man like Danny Lugay can apologize and of course Lennox Linton recently in the house- labor party ministers to big for that man.