Public Works and Ports Minister, Ian Pinard, has resigned as a cabinet minister in light of what he said are allegations of inappropriate behavior made against him.
Pinard, who is also the MP for Soufriere, tendered his resignation to Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, on Wednesday with immediate effect.
“In recent days allegations of serious inappropriate behavior have been made against me in the media and elsewhere which the public rightly is and has been most concerned about,” he said in a statement late Wednesday. “I believe I have a moral and fiduciary responsibility to address you on this matter.”
He added, “In light of these allegations, I consider my continued presence in the cabinet can adversely impact the important work this government is doing and must continue to do for the people of Dominica .”
Pinard noted that in order for him to more appropriately address the allegations against him, and also to focus on other important personal matter, he, on Wednesday, tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister.
He, however, pointed out that he will continue to serve the constituency of Soufriere as Member of Parliament.
“I will continue to serve my constituents of the Soufriere constituency pending what I am confident will be a successful conclusion of this matter,” he stated.
In his statement, Pinard thanked Skerrit for giving him the opportunity to serve “our blessed country at the highest level.”
“I would also like to thank the constituents of the Soufriere Constituency for the support and confidence they have reposed in me,” he stated. “I assure you of my continued readiness to serve you.”
Below is a video of Pinard’s statement.
An underage girl cannot consent to sex irrespective if she comes to you with only lipstick and eye shadow on these Lolitas will tempt you and of course in the eyes of the law it is RAPE
No body is a winner here, not Labourites, not UWPrites,and not NOrites… The country has lost. When some our country’s business and political leadership gets involved in molesting our nation’s youth then that is a really sad day for us
I think we’re straying from the real issue. I’m sick and tired of everyone thinking “that kool”. The fact is when you hold public office, you expect your actions to be under scrutiny and there are certain behaviors expected of our leaders. If Obama was banging a 14 year old, we wouldn’t play it off as a simple mistake. How can you expect laws to be upheld by citizens when ours leaders don’t even abide by them? It’s definitely true we do wrong all the time,but it’s time we stop blaming our humanity for all our actions.
I cannot wait to hear alyou comments tomorrow. I hope Matt in the morning and all those that are rejoicing and calling for resignation will be fair. Y’all need to stop rejoicing in people’s downfall.we all make mistakes.labourites uwpites businessmen. After all is said and done quit politicking and hurting your fellowmen because of petty politics.
where are our Evangelical association, Priest, Bishops, teachers association, mayor and Ex mayors, Diplomats, business community (DAIC), Unions. This is our children life that is at stake here, nothing to rejoice about, no side taking. When is this criminal activity against our children going to stop! Wrong is wrong don’t matter who does it! It is very visible that crime is highly encouraged in this country. Lets wait until it reach your door step
sir one obvious question the prim minister said that he will take prompt action on the molestation of the under age girl
in his word there was mention of three men every one is now asking you put your hands up dont blame no one for putting spot light where there was not one
When you up I wonder how many of them on your side now. They are laughing you. You had your little job in Jimmit and you left it and go and play big man.
I wonder why there was no mention of this issue on DBS radio 1:15 news. I think it is news worthy and the country needs to know. A minister resigns and no mention?..This is strange
What our the alligations on RT Hon Pinard?Has the alligations been made public.
This is just a sad situation for all involved,May the good Lord overshadow our country
Probably it’s time we have a national conversation on sexual abuse, sexual harassment, chasity, abstinence, child molestation, respect for women and children and the long list. Growing up there were some actions that we were taught by society to being macho when in fact it was rape and we would blame the girls saying they look for it. This is a cultural problem for which I think we applying the wrong prescription. We need to start in our pre school and homes and adults need to take responsibility for thier actions and set examples for the youth.
pray for the child and her family, no one wants their children involve in such. I wonder how many of us take time to caution our children and monitor what they do. Pray for Mr Pinard, we all fall short. I am convinced there is more to it. This man is not a man of disrespect, i will die with my boots on. Those broadcasters who are determined for him to fall, remember you all were in the same situation even worst than him.. careful what you wish for, …. My prayers with both parties…. all i can do is pray
Confused…..you have made me confused. Broadcasters? Determine for him to fall? Have not heard any broadcasters call Mr. Pinard’s name. Die with your boots on and hope it gets you through the fires in hell, but as for me…I pray forgiveness for everyone who wishes to be forgiven. Kinda didn’t heard Mr. Pinard say he was sorry. Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Woe be unto them who corrupt children away from the God Almighty.
I see you are confused, but I still give you a thumbs up as you speak from your heart. I just want to correct a statement you made in your write up, ..and that your conclusion is wrong:
“Those broadcasters who are determined for him to fall…………”
Correction confused, no one wished Pinard to fall, the news came up, and his name came up, he is a public figure and even if was you, your name would have been mentioned.
We need to clean up child and women abuse in Dominica and this crop of leadership in government in Dominica are not role models, they are hurting families and our country. They are incompetent, lack developmental foresight and only talk a lot and have fiestas to distract the people of Dominica. But they will fall and fall hard they will.
Sometimes pray is not enough
Prayer alone is never enough Jean, believe me.
A man is innocent until proven guilty . One who asserts must prove . The Minister has no case to prove . An allegation is made against him , the one who made the allegation has to prove that he in truth and in fact guilty of what he is alleged of doing . The Minister has a fundamental right to stay silent . He can go before the court and say nothing . He has absolutely nothing to prove . The Burden of proving is rest on the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt.
Still we need to bear in mind that the inability of a victim to prove the guilt of an offender, doesn’t always mean that no offense was committed. Even though the court may declare it to be so.
In many cases of an Adult man and an underage girl engaging in sex, which they both want and enjoy, outsiders may never know that a Crime was committed until she gets a growing belly.
let me wait and see how whats the outcome before i comment. but i do not see what there is to rejoice about
Old people say ” When your Neighbor beard catches fire water down your beard” People be careful. It doesn’t have to be the same situation. No one is naked to mistakes. Today is Mine tomorrow is another. Lets not rejoice. Two families here need our support and prayers. Let’s not wish destruction on anyone. Be red. Be Blue, Be Green. When it rains it doesn’t rain on one man’s house.
I commend you for using whatever dignity that you have left to come out and address the nation that you are responsible to. It takes a great deal of strength, strength that you should of had before your alleged actions (if at all they are true). I only now hope that the third male person involved in these allegations will also come out and address the nation.
We as adult are disgust but to rejoice is not a medicine today it s the minister tommorow it could can happen right in our Backdoor.As we say Dominican are Christian community let us all come together and Pray more with our children teach they more about life. And to always speak the true at all times.Let God be the judge at all times and becafull how we put statement on the grounds
I know that a lot of those rejoicing out there are doing thesame same thing! It’s just a matter of time until you get caught!
Let he that is without sin cast the first stone!
I expect that at the next sitting of parliament there will be a motion to suspend the member from the house of assembly. I also expect that there should be amendments to the sexual offensive act and the minimum number of years will be 20 to 30 years for any conviction.
It is about time that this labor party put the interest of the Dominican people first rather than their selfish needs and i will look to see who cares about the children of this country.
You must look into the deeper picture. The caring of the children primarily begins with parents.who should also monitor their activities. Too often some parents fail in this respect. Then when their children get into such trouble, they blame others.
Discipline and instruct them in morality and such matters. If the parents are not exemplary ones, how can they nurture their children appropriately?
My parents and some other ones did not have that problem with their children. By this, you should know what I mean.
My people, let’s go easy on the rejoicing! Many of us are no different …… But even if we are not into under-age women, some of us cheat on our wives; some of us have nasty little thoughts about a co-worker or even a sister in church; some of us pimp out our children; some of us steal from our employers; and the list go on. So, this is not a time to glory; it is a time to think deep about ourselves; it’s a time to ask, “what if my little secret goes public?”
You have expressed this extremely well. Everyone has secrets they would not like to go public. If only others knew. If they say they do not have any, they lie.
There are all types of people in all parts of the world. When problems befall others, some of them are the first ones to rejoice. As if nothing ever happened to them and nothing ever will. If their day has not yet come, it surely will in time, be it in a different manner, when they least expect it. It will hit right at home (theirs).
Some of the statements I quote are what I heard and/or read. I either make notes of them or memorize them and love to quote them. They are life’s lesson and to inform others about or to remind them.
I once heard a man state over the radio, “Everyone gets a turn at the wheel sometime.” Indeed!
They are fools who rejoice at the misfortune of others. God is taking note.
Mr. Pinard’s statement has all the hallmarks of having been carefully crafted, by a skilled lawyer, understandably so. A convicted P.M. can not keep his/her seat in parliament. The first course of action would be to discredit the witness(es), secondly to get the accuser(s) to drop their action. Any eventual legal action will take a long time to conclude. Undeniably a shadow has been cast upon Mr. Pinard’s character and any prolonged action will only serve to further damage not only his, but also the Govt’s reputation and distract from normal Govt. business. Mr. Skerrit has enough safety margin to opt for a by election and that to me would be the best option. Don’t sack mr. Pinard as an M.P. but get him to resign and hold a by election with a new candidate at the earliest. We do not need further unrest to fester.
And your point is?
No one can be sacked as MP – y dont some of you people get the facts and then make a sensible statement.
Lets us not rejoice about this! This young girl life have just been ruined.
Both Parties need a slap!
UWP need a slap and DLP need even a bigger slap!
Dont get me wrong, I am a Labouritre ever since i know myself.
But i have learnt to not be bias, or naive when it come to those situation.
Mr.Pinard, If you are innocent, the Lord will set you free,
To many parents accepts Hush money for their young girls,. I am super proud of this parent, if the allegations are true.
Lets protect our young girls.
And MEN!!!! If the young girls a behind you, report them too!! Stay away from underage
are*
Sexual predators have no political colours, particular religion, race or sex.Yes, there are female predators too! Individuals are responsible for their own deeds and don’t paint others with the same brush simply because you don’t like them. Prejudice is just as venomous as avarice and envy.
And you know it could begin their very parents, grandparents, etc., some men? For some, it could be hereditary.
We must ensure not to judge prior to knowing the entire story and how it happen to occur, if it really did.
i agree report the under age who are ‘after’ you. at the end of the day all blame will be yours because you are the adult.parents parents parents please caution your children.if that was my child i would want him to receive the full force of the law however i would take a look at my child in that video and ask myself a question cause o lord shes so willing and engaging and knows and accepts what she is doing …o lord i know blows will do nothing in such a situation but lord id not spare the rod.that would be a hard pill for me to swallow as a parent
who laugh last laugh the best .doh matter what they try labour will still take care of dominica. ..what goes around comes around today is labour tomorrow is many.the mr if you do wrong i condone you as a party faithful .but labourite doh give up everyman have to give and account for themselve when jesus soon come .as i say wrong is wrong and labourite doh stand for it but we all stick to our party there still have many good men and women out there ….
I totally agree with you. In a household there are many different types of vessels.
Never mind all those thumbs down. The fact that you support DLP, this is the reason why the opponents did that. They will do this to all DLP supporters, as they usually do. This does not mean you are wrong. Hold your head up high.
I know a good Party when I see one, read and hear about it. It is DLP!
My parents taught me well to know the difference of right from wrong! I have not swayed from this truth. No matter what, I never will.
Well yeh, You know a resignation is such a serious thing!! You don’t just resign from your Cabinet seat.
He resigns on account of allegations? But you are innocent until proven guilty…. so what is the resignation for?.
exactly
The resignation is for people like you who were asking for him to resign but you all have no webbed! The same tongue you take to ask Skerrit to resign due to allegations you now have a different spin, ridiculous people with too much time.
You ask me! He probably was under pressure to resign. I do not see that it was called for. Or under the circumstances of this alleged news, he thought it is better that he resign.
Ian Pinard , please do the right and honorable thing and resign as parl rep as well.
Take a look at yourself and your ancestors including your present lifestyle.
Under what circumstances did you come into this world? Food for thought.
Under what circumstances? Dominicans need to wake up!!!
The can of worms has open!!
Watch out for yours to come, if it has not yet already come with more to come.
I’m I missing something fill ne up I’m from Pointe Michel.
well i hearin things in DOMINICA
This is why you should not get excited about it. You should know, as long as you are in the world and there are all sorts of people, you will hear a lot. The longer you live, there will be more to come of various sorts.
People love news of every sort. Simply provide your opinion without being judgmental and casting stones.
He needs to step down as an MP, with immediate effect.
What about the third male person involved in these allegations?
He has been cleared of no wrong doing. Some people would like to see him fall but god is mighty and whomever wanted to see him involved tell them keep on looking.
Misery really loves company.
Always Assertive!
In regards to this situation I urge the media and the public at large to approach this matter in a responsible manner. Mr. Pinard has not been convicted of any crime in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Prudence should be applied by the media and the public at it’s highest level in regards to this matter in its entirety. This matter is currently being dealt with by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. Remember, lets keep the young lady and everyone else involve in this matter in our prayers. One love and God bless to all.
But DNO what happen to all u nah. I am no Robot , all u not easy eh which Robot know about all DA issues. Stop it eh . Puppets we have DA I the cabinet not robots.
women and girls will on the front line of danger not forgetting little boys too
Do you not think, residing overseas that you are not on the front line including your family and children, the latter, if you have any?
Pray to God for protection!
Even if some bias and unethical judge rule against Lennox, that judgement will be overthrown in an appeal court!
This resignation was the right thing to do pending thorough investigations of the allegations about him. These allegations have launched a media frenzy that would invariably cause much distraction for Ian Pinard and the Cabinet. Hopefully, he will be found innocent and exonerated after due consideration of the facts. If there is any truth to these allegations, then he should resign as a Parl Rep.
This resignation should be standing operational procedure for all executive and senior level officers within the public sector when they become enmeshed in allegations of that nature.
Will Roosevelt Skerrit and his cabinet and the Speaker continue their case agaiunst Lennox Linton now I wonder?
Smart people know it is a different case and will not ask such a question.
why should they not. This is two different cases idiot..
After a time is another…
The sun rises…the sun sets…and the clock ticks…
From day to day, minute by minute and second by second, we never know for ourselves. This is why we must be ever compassionate and keep an open mind. In this case, until we know the circumstances.
Thats the honourable thing u deed mr pinard
Ian it makes no sense to retain your position as Parl Rep. do the honorable thing and history will be kinder to you.
Ian Pinard, I have one thing to say to you. You should not have resigned. You could have taken leave of absence until this situation is either heard and/or cleared up.
Don’t worry Facts, hew will take his leave and come and solace you in Toronto, just relax.
You are against him; against DLP. We expect nothing better from you.
Ensure that your life is a clean slate, otherwise.
God knows more about you than any human being could.
The usual labour sympathisers silent on that one boy…if it was Lennox dey with d be happy..imagine some of the seven day Adventist that so like to post on fb when Is negative things bout Linton now,they moumou…is like they don’t know what’s happening now.. ..lost all morals when is Labour Party affiliates
Another one judging, as if perfect. Surely, you should know, “Judge not that you may not be judged accordingly and two-fold.” These are the words of Our Lord Jesus Christ who will judge you on that inevitable day. Careful of your words as embedded in your heart. They also tarnish the heart and soul. One does not go without the other.
all you to jack.until there is no proof no one should condemn anyone.
But you have all Lennox proof though. the shoe hurts when it is on the other foot
Just what have you stated? You are not smart at all. Everyone heard the words of Lennox as also posted through the Media. It is documented history.
lmao we need to hear kairi fm mammy now….lets c if she stil runnin her mouth about lennox linton mouth lol
I still love you.
Well to each his- or her own. There is no accounting for taste.
The same pertains to you.
What is Dominica coming to Oh Lord!? Where are all the good men and women amongst us? Have our integrity , sense of reason , right Vs wrong , good conduct in public office and national pride evade us? Is this what happens to us when we equate or try to equate our leaders as Gods?
We need a way out of this Gomorrah.
Tell us exactly what has occurred and is occurring in your life? Hope you do not overlook it and forget it.
u did the best thing sir. we the people of Soufriere support u and will always.
Speak for your bloody self, not that I am condemning the man.
However, You do not have he right to make this sweeping statement,
He who has no sin, let him cast the first stone. The gentleman is Innocent until proven guilty. He has done the right thing as a first step, why are there still complaints? Let the matter take its course. The constituents of Soufriere are the ones to decide if they want him to continue to represent them in the circumstances. maybe he should until the investigation is concluded. It is an unfortunate and embarassing situation that no one should rejoice about. Strength and courage to all parties affected in one way or the other.
I concur with your sentiments. That’s not an occasion to rejoice regardless of who is involved. Let us all examine ourselves.
Matt and Carlie, Rewind your thoughts for a moment and ask yourselves a personal question concerning yourselves regarding inappropriate behavior. Are you both for real?
So we come?????????
So who?
Resign from cabinet,parliament and all the others!!!! Let your conscience be your guide!!!
Do not worry with them Ian we know you innocent. They can try all kind of mischievous tactics but they must pay the 1 million.
the walls of Jericho is falling
Jericho is not Dominica. It is not in Dominica. So what do you mean?
Sir, if you resign from your ministerial position for allegations of inappropriate behavior, then why do you think you are fit for parliamentary leadership? You just need to go entirely. I urge the constituency to call for your resignation.
In light of this, how can Ian continue to represent his constituents in Soufriere? It must be an untenable position if he has lost the trust of the people who’s interest he is supposed to take care of and I wonder what the good people of Soufriere have to say about this. They may refuse to cooperate with him, what then?
Dat is what allu Workers Fowl will want eh……but is that and god face allu will not see
We reside in a world that one of the problems is whatever people hear and read about they accept as Gospel truth. They never think that it may be fabricated. The world is filled with gossipers and wicked people who make up stories for their benefit and to debase others. Some take what they also believe to be factual.
Know that, a person is innocent until proven guilty. DNO’s regulation explicitly states that, no one should be accused/judged of what which they are not yet charged with and not proven in Court.
In any case, many of you, men of all are not innocent of similar acts, be it in the past and/or recently on minors or adults. So, let he/she who is without sin caste the first stone.
I am warning all of you, especially you critics, one day you will pay for this before God even as you live and prior to your death. Life has a way of returning what people have dished out to others and two-fold. If you are a genuine practicing Christian, you will know this.
You know these words, and should know their meaning: Speculation, suspect and alleged.
Weh papa
Thank the constuence for what
I did not hear mention of any names in the media. Did I miss something?
behhhhhhhhhhh
Don’t say it ain’t so.London Bridge is falling
down.
Your bridge will fall down before anything else. Look out for yourself before it is too late.
Haha Facts your pants fall down before your bridge, keep your bridge in your mouth.
@Tjebe Fort
Be careful of your words. You lack respect. You are digging a deep and wide hole for your grave and soon enough.
hmmm.
hmmmm……. But hmmm. Jah na sleep eh….. Keep ur head up Mr pinard……
i feel sorry for you, i really do.
We also feel sorry for you.
MADAME SPEAKER, since you are the main advocate for women or your favorite phase, “WOMAN TIME”. can you please, please, pretty please make a statement on that sort of behavior toward or MINORS who is also a young growing woman.
Dominicans would be great full if you would condemn that behavior perpetrated on our daughters.
You should resign from parliament. It will soon come and new elections called in soufrier.
I wonder why he is sending his resignation……..hmmmm
Exactly! At this point, he should not!
wow
According to the lyrics of the Big Rich song, Caught Up In The Moment, “caught up, caught up, caught up.”
Stay tuned, the new continues.
Did u not hear he said that the matter will have a successful conclusion. He is not selfish. He wants the Cabinet to continue whilst the investigations goes on. Always looking to criticiise.
I know who u r
Ok, …………… However, he should resign his seat in Parliament as well.
“I will continue to serve my constituents of the Soufriere constituency pending what I am confident will be a successful conclusion of this matter,” he stated. SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION. I wonder what dat means?
what the heck!!! continue as MP for soufriere …madness …unjust , he should go!!!
I am disgusted. So you mean the pm had to come down for the police to launch an investigation. It really shows that the man running the police force because they had to wait for his go ahead. Mr pinard I just hope you innocent
skerrit is the manager of all institutions in dominca.
Well, well, well.
Let me here labourites now…..
let he with no sin cast the first stone. At what age you started indulging in sexual activities?
but you not easy… typical dominican idiot
“Hear!”
when the rest of the news breaks i want to hear what you will say.i want to hear if alyou will call for the resignation of the other person too.
Responses like this are disgusting. Concentrate on the people that were hurt by the crime. Stop with the politics already. FYI it is also known that certain members of the opposing party did or are doing the same thing. I can testify to that .. it happened to me.
They deserve to be exposed, be it you are incognito. Crime Stoppers.
They may be quaking in their shoes.
So there’s more to this report…correct?
Jesus help us, you are not asleep.
In His time. He is patient. This goes for each and every one of us.
That’s the right and honorable thing to do Mr Pinard.
Jesus help us in this land, we need you.
He muat be one of the more honest cabinet members because the most corrupt will never resign.
He is fully aware of it. He is observing and taking note of everyone’s words and actions. No one is exempt and no one will escape, as each one deserves.
Good job son, you did the right thing.
Woye woye woye something happening… and it so exciting!!!
What about your life? How exciting is it? Or is it dull that you wallow in such news to make your life exciting? There are some as you.
Just waiting for something exciting, eh?
You are so naive
woieeeeeeee eh beh look it!!! If i know I never did anything with anybody child and I know i innocent I would not resign and would not give a flying flock…………………………..
I totally agree
I agree with you, no names were called when the news broke and if he is not involved why resign? If I am innocent I would not care what the say.
If he didn’t what would you be saying? Sometimes its better to stay silent and let us think that you have sense in that big head