I support the call for a Commission of Inquiry

Letter to the Editor, DNO,
 
I wish again to support the recommendation of Gabriel Christian to appoint a Commission of Inquiry as spelt out below
 
 “Appointment of a  Commission of Inquiry presided over by a distinguished Caribbean jurist to fully and comprehensively audit and investigate the CBI program and diplomatic appointments in controversy and report its findings to the Dominican public. The terms of reference would include:
(a). Numbers of passports issued under the program from inception.
(b). The names of all passport agents and full disclosure of their contracts of service.
(c). A complete audit of all monies earned under the current administration from the passport/CBI program and the appointment of diplomats.
(d). The location of all monies earned in the past where banked and the manner of expenditure of said monies.
(e). An audit of all diplomatic positions granted, public disclosure of the names of all persons given diplomatic passports and whether any monies were paid to the government or its agents/assigns for such diplomatic passports or positions. Full disclosure is also to be provided to the Dominican public as to the actual benefit to the country provided by such diplomats.
(f). Government officers, ministers and agents to be summoned and made to give testimony under oath as is normative in democracies. (For those of you who live in the US, UK, or Canada  that is how it is done. Do not apply a double standard to your country)
(g). That the parliamentary opposition be granted a member on the five person commission which should include a member of the Government of Dominica, a local non partisan professional and a qualified forensic auditor from a Commonwealth country or the US.
(h). The Commission of Inquiry should be held in public, and televised and otherwise broadcasted, in the parliament of Dominica.” 
I see the result of such inquiry falling into three possible categories
  1. Confirmation of all or part of CBI  and granting of diplomatic passports falling properly within the ambit of Dominican and International Law and the programmes coming out with a clean bill of health.That result would give the Government and people of Dominica the confidence that the system is being implemented properly and in the national interest.
  2. Second possibility, the Commission may find some aspects while falling within ethical, moral and legal bounds, can be improved.
  3. Third any aspects that are found to be illegal respecting Dominican and International Law should be pointed out and if any person, persons or groups have violated any law regarding corruption, improper self enrichment, the matter should be submitted for FULL investigation and the perpetrators whoever they may be should be brought before the courts to repay the ill gotten gains and to restore confidence to the programmes. 
 

Best regards

Clayton

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40 Comments

  1. A Doubting Thomas In Solidarity
    January 22, 2017

    This Dominicans who do not support the Government is not because they do not believe the government is not working well and doing a good job; it is because they thought they could somehow control what was happening. They believe they should have had more say and as we have learnt this past week the person calling for an inquiry himself wanted at least 5 diplomatic passport? Would there be a call for an inquiry if he and his friends carried diplomatic passports?

    I watched the 60 Minutes interview where Dominica was thrown under the bus. By contrast I listened to the recently elected President Trump say ‘America comes first” and I said to myself these people are going to America selling out their country and America are telling us America comes first.

    What if President Trump would sign an order against dual citizenship for some countries? Some of us may find ourselves without country because of need to feel important and throw our place of birth under the bus.

  2. COMMISISON OF INQUIRY IS A 100% SCAM
    January 22, 2017

    Friends, the jumped – up attorney pushing for this ‘Commission of Inquiry’ –

    DOES NOT LIVE IN DOMINICA
    HAS A US PASSPORT
    IS A RICH MAN.

    Therefore this Irresponsible does not give fig that –

    1) NO OTHER CBI COUNTRY PUBLISHES LISTS OF CBI PASSPORT HOLDERS
    2) NONE PUBLISH LISTS OF CBI DIPLOMATIC PASSPORT HOLDERS
    3) VERY FEW GIVE ANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONCERNING CBI SALES
    4) THAT THE CoI WILL WRECK OUR CBI PROGRAM.

    Why doesn’t Gabriel, in his asinine wisdom, give us an example of any of the above countries (eg., UK, China, Germany, etc.) publishing the details that he wants the ‘Commission of Enquiry’ to elicit? WHY?!

    Then why should Dominica do this? ONCE ANY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY IS IN PLACE, DOMINICA’S PASSPORT TO CBI PROSPECTIVES WILL BE WORTH ZERO!!!! MOST OF YOU WHO ARE NOT AS IRRESPONSIBLE AS THIS ‘ATTORNEY’ WILL WORK OUT WHY THAT WILL BE SO.

    Do not be taken in by this SCAM, we need our CBI program to continue. Without it, we are totally…

    • Kincaid Mawish, JD, Lawyer
      January 23, 2017

      As an attorney myself, I can tell you that if the Commission of Inquiry (‘CoI’) proposed and lobbied by Messrs. Gabriel and Clayton come to pass and that the said CoI results in great damage to Dominica’s CBI program (as it surely will), a class action suit may be prosecuted by the citizens of Dominica for damages.

      The honourable gentlemen, Clayton and Gabriel put themselves out to be experts in their field and are giving professional counsel to the people of Dominica. In that respect, they are liable to be tortiously negliglent if that counsel falls short of responsibility and efficacy.

      Therefore, if these gentlemen prevail and the CBI CoI does ensue which results in the CBI program’s decimation (as it will) and losses of millions of dollars to Dominica, a suit against these individuals are 100% likely to succeed.

  3. jonathan st jean
    January 22, 2017

    I don’t expect Skerritt and his government to appoint any commission of inquiry because he knows he will be disgraced.Neither can Carbon and his incompetent police force investigate properly.However the call for a commission of inquiry is what is needed

    • January 23, 2017

      @ jonathan st jean January 22, 2017

      You are right; PM Skerrit will not appoint any commission of inquiry, but you are wrong; it is not because he will be disgraced–that would never happen.

      But the UWP and their counterparts are trying to intimidate the Prime Minister and his government, to do as they say–PM Skerrit is wise enough, not to adhere to that kind of STUPID intimidation through his work for our country and our people–the majority who appointed him as our Primary Leader. God’s Will be done!

  4. KID ON THE BLOCK
    January 22, 2017

    When the FOX could not get the grapes HE said they were sour!

    • Viewsexpressed
      January 22, 2017

      Ok sour grapes…what is your issue. You onky throwing words …is it because you have nithing of substance to say. Its like a blind bat

  5. Lang Mama
    January 22, 2017

    Edison James and the UWP made some serious accusationside against Mary Eugenia Charles and being the upright person she allowed a commission of inquiry and for the sake of those who are deliberately kept in ignorance Edison James was totally embarrassed and proven to be irresponsible. Nevertheless the people still voted for UWP and in my opinion the the UWP d I don’t a great job picking up from the Freedom Party.
    So what is Skerrit afraid off? But then Skerrit has always been a coward . He hides behind Alex, Tony and now Gregor and Sam. A leader thst is afraid to sit one on one in a debate setting will not subject himself to a commission of inquiry. Too much skeleton in the closet

  6. Jon Jones
    January 22, 2017

    I support a fully independent and transparent audit of the CBI program.

  7. January 21, 2017

    i too support a commission of inquiry into the CBI program. for too long there has been speculations accusations and suggestions of wrong doing as far as the program goes. there has been denials but no actual evidence to dispute the allegations. clearly the alleged ambassadors holding our diplomatic passports who were arrested by law enforcement cannot be denied. therefore it is high time that something is done about it. as the saying goes where there’s smoke there’s fire and in the absence of information there is speculation. time for real answers to a real and serious problem that is the CBI.

  8. Anthony W Astaphan
    January 21, 2017

    As soon as we complete the Commission on DAAS!

    • The Truth Be Told (Original)
      January 22, 2017

      Excellent comment. They do not see the splinter in their eye. They prefer looking at another and forget themselves.

    • Tjebe fort
      January 22, 2017

      We still waiting for the completion of your report on corruption pertaining to the UWP, going back all the way to before 2000 honourable S.C.

  9. The Truth Be Told (Original)
    January 21, 2017

    This did not occur when UWP was in power. Did anyone of you requested it when James was the PM?
    It would be interesting if Linton were PM if you would as much as consider requesting a Commission of Inquiry.
    You UWP supporters are too biased. You deprive yourselves, no exception your family; household, your country and other nationals of God’s blessing, grace, happiness and peace.
    You have spewed too much venom against the PM and the derogatory words you use against him.
    You have also caused divisions and disunity among nationals in this land of Dominica and still continue to do so.
    Your demands are unfair. It is a stench which spews vindictiveness. Woe to you!
    The best you can do is genuinely practice the faith and genuinely pray for your PM, for MP’s, for your country, for other nationals, yourselves and family. While at it, and should always be at it, ask God for a new, clean heart, devoid of hatred..
    As God sees and hears, you will do well to practice this.

    • Karl
      January 22, 2017

      It was controlled not dick tom and harry selling passport. Nanton has any right to be selling passport. Alick has nay right to be selling passports.

  10. leroy shillingfordl
    January 21, 2017

    I can”t write it better than you…right on point I too support the idea 100% cus

    • The Truth Be Told (Original)
      January 22, 2017

      How many of you who have the same name and surname – Dominicans? I know one Leroy Shillingford who resides in Boston, Mass.. Would this be you?
      Trying to stir up more trouble in Dominica? :lol:

  11. Dr. Jeremy Kench-Twist, DBA, JD
    January 21, 2017

    Sorry, I cannot support this call for a Commission of Inquiry.

    CBI income is 99% of Dominica’s income apart for grants and non-recourse loans from friendly countries.

    Because of that, there is NO WAY we can give power to a bunch of ‘jurists’ to trash our CBI program. For example, by the time these losers are finished with looking at the ‘list of all CBI passport holders’, a Dominica passport will be worth $1 dollar to CBI applicants who value their privacy 100%.

    DOMINICANS HAVE TO CHOOSE NOW BETWEEN:

    1) COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

    OR

    2) CONTINUED CBI INCOME.

    THEY CANNOT HAVE BOTH.

    • jonathan st jean
      January 22, 2017

      What a foolish argument.It makes no sense

      • Commission of Inquiry = Dead CBI Program
        January 23, 2017

        Jonathan,

        Kindly point me to ONE country out of the 40+ CBI ones which include the UK, Austria, Malta, China, Cyprus, Germany, USA, Australia, that publishes the kind of information this idiotic CBI Commission of Inquiry wants to be made public??

        In fact Austria and practically 100% of the others specifically consider their CBI program to be part of their national security laws and will not publish the names of their CBI holders and any details of their programs.

        So why should Dominica do the opposite? I am sure your tiny mind can work out that if it does, there will be no more CBI program, that’s for sure and why would mischief-makers like you want to bankrupt Dominica??

    • The Truth Be Told (Original)
      January 22, 2017

      Some of them comment for the sake of doing so. They do not even know what they are commenting about, calling for a Commission of Inquiry. What they do not know is, there is more to it than meet the eyes and narrow, one-sided minds.
      Those who are more intelligent than these critics know better.

    • Tjebe fort
      January 22, 2017

      You are an idiot and not serious, coming on this medium every day with another title, one more grandiose and absurd than the other. My boy, i don’t know about anyone else but i’ve decided to ignore your comment, not worthy of any comment. You are not even funny

      • Dr. Calthaith Kowler, DD
        January 23, 2017

        I think Jeremy Kench has a point though. No other CBI country in the world publishes the information that the CBI Commission of Inquiry proposes to make public ad for good reasons too.

        If Gab wants Dominica to publish this kind of stuff, it is clear that he is an economic terrorist and enemy of Dominica as once any Commission of Inquiry starts, 100% Dominica’s CBI program will be as dead as a doornail. Now that’s not funny, is it?

        Sir, if you are ‘smart’ which I am sure you are not, tell Dominicans how their CBI program which brings in $50M much needed dollars into our economy each month, can survive this Commission of Inquiry bearing in mind that no other CBI country has done such a thing.

        The reality is that you are an unemployed, bitter an uneducated person who gets satisfaction from striving to bring others right down to your level of sheer hopelessnes and rancour.

        You, Sir, are a demented bounder and terrorist.

    • Karl
      January 22, 2017

      You seem to benefit from the sale. You realize whats going on in your country.

  12. Farmers together
    January 21, 2017

    Totally good. Russians buying passports now! sell de soul, you livin now, you die alone means nothin. you all ave no conciense. Stupes Karma. Soon to come. You all sick, The letter correct. bring it on baby. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  13. viewsexpressed
    January 21, 2017

    I second this motion. This current corrupt Labour Government are too scared to undertake such democratic tasks which is likely to shoot themselves in the foot. The President of Dominica, acting on behalf of Dominicans and accountability should have the powers to intervene in such situation like this and instruct an inquiry. Do we think this will happen,? No, everyone is nor close.

    This Skerrit led Labour Corrupt Government must resign. YOU all have hurt Dominica and Dominicans enough.

  14. viewsexpressed
    January 21, 2017

    Good initiative. Well advised, good recommendation. We need to account for government funds, how received, how expensed, who is accountable, nature/level of transparent.
    Who is principally the guardian, trusted by the people to protect Dominica’s moneies? Is it not the Prime Minister, if that is the case he has a lot of questions to ask.
    I just do not like thievery in high places of government. I make reference to the possible arrest if Madam Leggard at the World Bank and former Finance Minister of France. No ne is above the law, she has to go back to France to account.

  15. playboy
    January 21, 2017

    Who do you think you are, CLAYTON, to be spelling out (dictating) terms of reference to a proposed Commission of Inquiry?
    In the first place, it should not happen, can not happen, and will not happen!
    What all u think, nuh?

    • Karl
      January 22, 2017

      Remember Libya, the ruler once thought he was untouchable. His own people took him down.

  16. EnfantDiable
    January 21, 2017

    “Clayton” whom or what? Why is he attempting to hide? Is he the DASS President who handed over to Gabriel Christian ? What about DASS accountability and transparency?Will they consider appointing the Noble Lord Justice His Worship Dr. Ervine Andre to head a DASS inquiry?

    • Lang Mama
      January 23, 2017

      How does DAAS come into a conversation regarding. DAAS is not a government institution. If you want other references what about garbage bobol , Fertilizer boboe, passport racketeering, barrel of guns etc. Why not call for an inquiry on those.
      Sad to see how people put party or man before country.

  17. Prophet
    January 21, 2017

    The CBI Program has been there since the time of The Late Dame Mary Eugenia Charles. There was NO INQUIRY. Eddison James UWP – There was no Inquiry even the Skase problem never sparked the Dominican interest of an inquiry.
    DLP has made this program transparent for all of us, We can read about it on the Government’s website as well and every CBI assisted program is noted. If we need a review, we can ask AID Bank and NBD. These are the banks involved in the transactions.
    An inquiry is not needed since there are soo much information out there, CBS is only noted for drama and drama only that’s why they are most noted for all Soap Opera’s on television.

  18. Affa
    January 21, 2017

    I don’t. These inquiries are always too messy. Although I support term limits for a PM , and that revenue from passport sales should be spent cautiously, giving attention to payment on our foreign dept etc., this campaign seems more about ‘Who’ gets to administer these revenues. Either side Will spend it as they please, giving themselves some political leverage. That’s killing the opposition (understandably). So I am not going to get caught up on ‘Who’ gets to passport revenues. We just can’t sit there without money without development. Geothermal? You hate it, bridge – you hate it, Stadium – you hate it, China friendship – you hate it, passport revenues – you hate it……….. Then what the h*ll will you do-Gooders do? I want to be able to support and vote for you at next election, but you don’t seem to want nothing done or give positive feedback rather than Mapuis , busy in court and loose every election.?? WTH

    • Karl
      January 22, 2017

      You observe that as soon as an inquiry was mentioned lots of moneys begin to disburse. mmmmm to late Mr Pm we have been watching you. ……………

  19. For the love of Dominica
    January 21, 2017

    You’ve got my vote of Confidence on this Dr Clayton.

  20. D/can to de Bone (F)
    January 21, 2017

    I believe the CBI program is clean but I do support A Commission of Inquiry to put to rest all the negatives issues surrounding the program .

    The government is doing good job so far with monies from the program . Again lets satisfy the public cry. let show democracy, transparency and openness is at work Dominica.
    Hands up for the government for doing a good job on job creation and the general development of the country.

  21. NabesandI
    January 20, 2017

    we would like a commision of inquiry re the email sent between you and gabo concerning long gundy and DAAS money

    • %
      January 22, 2017

      Which we?…I have absolutely nothing to do with DAAS,but I am extremely concerned about OUR PASSPORTS…If you can’t take the heat,get off the doggone kitchen.Again I fully support the call for a Commission of enquiry.
      sifenquiry!!!

  22. %
    January 20, 2017

    I fully support the call for a Commission of Enquiry as recommended by Gabriel Christian,into this passport selling business .But knowing the type of regime that this DLP is,there should be a plan “B”,maybe equal to or greater than the CBS 60minutes programme,because now is not the time for our leaders to go hiding,not wanting to be interrogated about a programme they claim is 100% clean..So you mean not one Single MP on the goverrnment side,or any of their big mouth surrogate who are benefitting handsomely from the scheme, can defend the programme?This concern about the the lack of transparency and accountability is unprecedented,and we concerned Dominicans want answers..How all of a sudden Dominica is now PREGNANT with money?Where was the money before the CBS60minutes programme?l smell a rat,a snake,etc!Did I hear Red Clinic will also be taken to the villages…Well this
    country is really POVERTY STRIKEN,after almost 30 years of DLP reign of terror!

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      January 22, 2017

      %, you make no sense. Stop contradicting yourself!

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