Some lawyers take certain court cases either to improve their profile, or to make money, or both, but for Zahidha James, attorney for the United Workers Party (UWP) in the 2019 election petitions matter, it was neither the prestige nor the money that prompted her to take that case; it was something a lot more personal.
“I was very moved by what I saw on a Facebook live feed sometime during the last week of the election or a couple of days before, where we saw peaceful protesters being teargassed,” James revealed during a recent interview with Dominica News Online (DNO). “The people were Dominicans–men, women, and children–simply asking for the election officials to comply with what are clear electoral laws and to prevent breaches of clear electoral laws. These people had perfectly legitimate concerns which have now been validated by our apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice.”
James continued, “Instead of meeting those concerns with reasonable assurances or honestly addressing lawful requests for a fair elections process, the people were met with violence. Etched `in my mind, is the image of children being teargassed in the crowd on live feeds.
According to the Barbados-based Dominican, that scene emanating from the streets of Roseau on the eve of the elections was deeply disturbing.
“And it occurred to me that I owed it to those people, as a citizen of the Commonwealth of Dominica and the wider Caribbean, to get involved so that everything they suffered would not be in vain and importantly, for things like that not to repeat themselves. Everyone deserves and should want a well-functioning democracy. When a government chooses chemical weaponry against its own citizens over ensuring fair elections, that is a crisis point and it’s terrifying,” James stated.
And so, when the UWP challenged the 2019 election results which had produced an overwhelming 18-3 victory for the incumbent Dominica Labour Party (DLP), Zahidha James came on board as counsel. A number of petitions were filed alleging several irregularities in the election process and seeking to have the court overturn the results in St. Joseph, Mahaut, Morne Jaune, La Plaine, Castle Bruce, Salybia, Roseau Valley, Roseau Central, Roseau South, and Wesley constituencies.
The matter eventually ended up before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as in October 2020, the petitions were struck out by Justice Rawlston Glasgow at the High Court in Roseau on the basis that they lacked “the necessary details or specificity to disclose causes of action against any of the respondents”, and an attempt to get the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal to reverse that decision failed because the court ruled that it had no jurisdiction to entertain the appeal.
At the CCJ, the justices also turned down the petitioners’ appeal for want of jurisdiction, but they offered some scathing commentary on Dominica’s electoral process which, according to James, was tantamount to a win for her clients even though their primary objective of having the 2019 elections overturned, was not achieved.
“The short outcome is that the CCJ felt that it had no authority to hear us or to send us back to the court of appeal or the High Court, for the matter to be heard fully…and that was based on a constitutional provision [Dominica] that prevents the CCJ from having that type of power,” James stated. “So, essentially, we lost on a technicality and not on the substance and legitimacy of our claims that the elections were fatally flawed”
She said it was for that same reason, that the CCJ allowed the Court of Appeal’s decision to stand.
James points out that in arriving at their decision, the CCJ was able to hear the grievances and get a lot of information from both of the parties involved and because of that, was able to make a determination on what the Justices described in their judgement as the unlawfulness of the 2019 elections and hence, their statement on the matter.
“And that is where we believe we were successful because ultimately, those were the declarations that we were after, declarations as to the unlawfulness of the 2019 election and they were able to give that to us even though they didn’t have the power to do more,” she contended.
In the judgement, the CCJ Justices express concern about the manner in which the 2019 election process was conducted and caution that future elections in Dominica “ought not to proceed with these or similar taints.”
The Justices go on to point out that the Court of Appeal may arguably have had jurisdiction in the matter on constitutional grounds and that irrespective of the constitutional restrictions that the appeal judges cite as the basis for their decision, “there can be no doubt that this particular decision conclusively pre-empted any further inquiry into arguably unlawful conduct by the election authorities that potentially went to the root of free and fair elections.”
Another section of the judgement speaks to the conclusion by original trial judge, Justice Glasgow, on the preliminary evidence placed before him that, in relation to the 2019 general elections, there was a “patent non-compliance” with section 17 of the Registration Act which deals with the use of the correct electors list.
“The CCJ found that the non-use of the correct list is such an egregious matter, that it needs to be investigated, regardless of the Honorable Justices finding that they don’t have a jurisdiction to hear us and regardless of the election not being overturned, they’re saying explicitly that needs a special inquiry and a special investigation and that’s a very serious concern for all of us,” James pointed out…”They [The CCJ] are concerned for the people of Dominica and how any repeat of what happened in 2019 might affect the psyche of Dominicans and proper governance and control of the country. They do make these very serious references. I also note that the CCJ offered some guidance as to when the Court of Appeal can hear petitions facing a similar strike-out application despite the constitutional restrictions. This will be a useful tool in the future.”
The government of Dominica was not happy with the CCJ’s criticism of the country’s election process and in a statement issued by the Attorney General’s Office, expressed its “disappointment and concern regarding certain gratuitous comments”, made by the Caribbean Court of Justice in its judgment in the election petition matter. The AG’s Office alleges in its statement that the CCJ’s comments, which were based on “nothing but bare allegations on which no findings have been made by any court of law,” caused unnecessary discord in Dominica. The government called on Dominica’s highest appellate court to “take appropriate steps to clarify matters and avoid a repeat of this kind of gratuitous commentary on political affairs.”
In response, James said that she was glad that the AG’s office acknowledged the scathing criticism of the CCJ regarding the ill-conduct of the elections and its unlawfulness but was disappointed it did not offer apologies for the same and assurances that such failures will not recur.
“The fact is, the CCJ did not come to its conclusions in a vacuum. It was based on the findings of the High Court judge that there was blatant non-compliance with election laws. We just had a terrible decision from a High Court judge who refused to hear us,” James insisted. “My hope is that with the passage of time, the AG will come to understand that his comments were based on emotions of being laid bare but will do the right thing going forward.”
She added, “I hope that our elections officers will take serious stock of the CCJ’s comments and do what needs to be done so that we never have illegitimate elections again as we did in 2019. I am confident in any event that the people of Dominica will hold their elections officers accountable and monitor them closely, being mindful that we have the backing of our highest court.”
James said she shares very deeply, the CCJ concerns and believes that Dominicans deserve better.
“I think anyone who seeks higher office or who holds higher office in Dominica understands that people deserve better. Persons should not have to be teargassed for simply asking for compliance with basic electoral laws,” the defense lawyer lamented. “And so, I’m satisfied that having gone all the way to the CCJ, we now have tools to help us ensure that these things never happen again…I want to encourage everyone to remember that powerful people are only as powerful as you make them. They’re not as scary as you think”.
*To anybody who is interested, the CCJ proceedings of this matter are available on its website and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb5k7ClA40c
Anybody seen or heard of Sir Byron and his report? Has the Sir made off with our money or did the report get lost in the mail in the PMs office perhaps? Here is another prime example how elections and election issues are handled by the CM. Are all you prepared to let him get away with for any longer? Well, I am not!!
Thanks Zahidha for standing up for your country. Don’t mind the sick, hungry vultures. They are seeing the writing on the wall. Their reign is quickly coming to an end.
Well done Miss James ,they can not dill with the truth, we will hear more later.
All the people commenting here sound hurt. We moved from the ECSC to the CCJ because one group of people felt it would serve them right. But this latest episode shows that no law will EVER meet the demands of the incumbent. There is ALWAYS legal acrobatics by those who wield the resources of state to allow justice to take its due course. These maneuvering are very telling. Perhaps on both side, it says to me that the incumbent refuses to be held accountable or to answer to any alleged misconduct. it is said that the truth needs no defense. So why does everyone feel a need to defend?? DLP defending, UWP defending and just by the comments I can close my eyes and see that some of the most childish behavior on here comes from those who are senior academics, such a shame. Politics is really a filthy game of no law, no constitution, no authority or accountability…. just two sides, giving excuse after excuse to cover up the truth.. that it is all about have POWER and CONTROL over Dominica
Clearly, you are happy with the status quo. Typical Dominican sitting on the fence like a proud rooster.
From de-fence, I can see objectively that the truth does not depend on who is telling it. From De-fence I can see that status-quo you so hate, playing both sides with rainbow colored gloves. Can anyone choose the lesser of two evils if they both represent one and the same?? Oxymoron, conundrum, ironical…. call it what thou wilt, I defend NOTHING.
Aren’t you a clever one, fence sitter?
“There is none so dumb as he/she who will not read” lady walk with your head held high, we the Patriots of this country are indeed proud of you for awaking the conscience of the Judiciary (CCJ) which is evident from the scathing reprimand of our electoral system; yet some “politically blind mice” instead of advising their DLP recalcitrant dictators to do the honorable thing and attend to our electoral reform like our other OECS and CARICOM partners have done. Instead those “mouton batallie” will attack anyone who dears seek and speak truth to power; but who cares a “rats as.” at their lack of intellectual decorum.
@Ibo, Just in case you didn’t realise guys like ugly Lenny, you Ibo, + 99.9 % wicked useless so-called workers followers came from the same nasty fleece bag, don’t you agree Mr. Nasty so-called man of God my ***** get out of here Lucifer is awaiting for you bloody b*****d.
We miss some valuable insights. If they had reliable witnesses and credible evidence that the elections were not free and fair, they should petition the court to declare the election null and void. How can any legal person be so selective as to challenge just a few seats? The elections offered 21 seats.
Where is the evidence or the witnesses. All we have are political statements which have no legal standing.
Then the CCJ gave a majority opinion. One judge had a side comment about “tainted” which only has political value.
As a legal practitioner, Miss Zahidah James should make suggestions to ensure that elections are free, fair and democratic not only in Dominica, but in the whole West Indies.
The duty of our educated people should be to educate in the election process for a peaceful transfer of political power, or our society will become hateful and chaotic. There will be no peace. Be like the rest of the world full of hate and conflict.
Activist for peace, ok
Because of the intimidating tactics of opposition forces if uwp or others had won, anyone or any party could have brought a petition to court to declare their election win null and void because of the intimidation of voters by their demonstrations at Salisbury, Marigot and other places.
Just see how the bishop and the visitors were petrified with fear for their lives in Marigot and how the main road was blocked in Salisbury with fire. That certainly is political intimidation. That is a pattern of misbehavior for future reference as residence if ever UWP or others win an election. This is creditable evidence that can be attested to by many witnesses. Plus these maters went viral so the public is well aware of this misbehavior. Even Lawyer James could be called in as a hostile witness.
So, when these people are making all these political fuss one has to remember that the DLP hold the ace cards. They never put fear and unsafety threats on anyone. Hey, only peaceful campaigns.
Here we go, the nonsensical story of the Bishop and the Archbishop again. Did any harm come to either of them? How about the intimidation and brutal attack with tear gas on the people of Salisbury? Get out of here, you chamber maid of the CM! Do you have no shame???
You told us how you feel about the UWP political intimidation behavior and someone can see your angle but what would be really interesting and helpful in understanding your angle is your views on these 2 simple and basic demands, Voters ID cards and cleaning the voters list which I think are 2 reasonable and sensible demands. Me personally I would like to know where and how the DLP gets its100 million to campaign for the elections but maybe you want to put your head in the sand on that one, with that information they can have as many concerts and as many charters flights as they want, same for the opposition.
Great rely! Love it!
Mend to say *reply*
No evidence was presented. What was presented were stories. Because the DLP had a concert treating took place, because voters traveled from overseas to vote bribery took place, just a whole set of blabbing that make no sense. Were demonstrators in Salisbury peaceful? They blocked roads and stone police. Miss James is just another dishonest politician.
‘The duty of our educated people should be to educate in the election process for a peaceful transfer of political power, or our society will become hateful and chaotic’, say you Wilson (Mrs.). What do you think the opposition parties have been doing in the past 20 years? What was the result? Even unfairer election to follow, more dead people on the register and more charter flights into Melville Hall. There is no chance of peaceful transfer of political power anymore. The stakes are too high for the CM. He needs that protection of office to prevent prosecution for wrong accounting of state funds amongst others. This man’s wardrobes are full of skeletons which would, if he was to lose an election, at best result in him fleeing the country or at worst him being prosecuted and thrown into jail. Your clever propaganda doesn’t wash with me, Wilson! You are as guilty as the man you are trying to protect. By the way, who divided our country? Who preached hatred amongst his supporters?
This man’s wardrobes are not only full of skeletons but also full of designers cloth and shoes paid for by the state of Dominica.
…and inside one of the wardrobes is a big metal safe full of cash. Savings from the salary as PM perhaps? All the designer cloth and designer shoes afforded by the salary as PM perhaps? Well, I for one don’t believe it either. Something doesn’t add up, does it? I think it’s time Dominicans wake up and do some critical thinking.
There is nothing to complain or get upset about. The last Election was observed by Caribbean observers and, they all admitted that the election was held free and fair. The problem is as long as the UWP party did not will the election and were the losers, they just cannot accept a loss. For them, the election was tainted. They are not complaining about Roseau North, Salisbury, Marigot. Why? Because they won those seats. They did not win the others, therefore, something went wrong, according to them. Pure bull-dust. They could not get to the grapes on the tree, therefore, the grapes were sour.
Would they be the same ‘Caribbean observers’ that were entertained by yours truly for days on end just before the election? Surely not…
Come on young lady be honest with the people . Your decision was not based on any such thing but rather a desire to make money and to defend your father’s s party and you failed miserably. You failed because you can’t go to court with what you feel or think but what you can prove.
I do not support my Skerrit and the government but I am never one to subscribe to this nonsense about stealing election. Come out there campaign, let your ideas be know and most importantly distance yourself from this talk show host who has lost his way. All day it’s informercials and no message getting across while the messaging on the other side is constant.
Garcon, Garcon, Garcon, you do not believe the election was stolen? Garcon, have you ever seen planes line up like they were just prior to the last election?
Which talk show host and which radio station are you talking about? Stop pretending you do not support Skerrit, just say the truth!
“defend your father’s s party and you failed miserably.” Do you see your hypocrisy in this piece? Garcon, slow down! Dominicans are not as stupid as you think we are.
I have no need to fool you. You are already in that position all by yourself. Changes have to made to the electoral system and process as these people who come in by plane loans are not illegal voters. If they were they would not have been allowed to vote. If you are talking about ethics it’s different but you are talking law. I live and work in the United States so I don’t vote in Dominica for ethical reasons but if I chose to it will not be legal as my name still appears on the voters list. That’s my point to you but you are trying to attack me, not even knowing who I am. And the talk show host I am talking about is my cousin, but I am not like you all, shallow thinkers, my decisions are made on principle and facts; not association and who I love.
I intended to say if I chose to vote it would not be illegal
Garcon, if you live in Brooklyn, could legally you vote in the Bronx? Boss they would arrest you if it was found out you did that. And the same is true for any county in the United States.
I do not know who you are, and I do not care who you are especially with the fact that you are not living in Dominica and facing the guiyaa with the masses.
If you contribute on DNO which is an opened platform, then your piece is subject to criticism and even attacks; you were not attacked, what you wrote was. If you do not like the heat because you have thin skin, then stay out of the kitchen. It is people like you who live in the United States and enjoy a “relatively decent” lifestyle just like Lin clown and Man bite dogs who are illegal and cannot come back home are on the same bandwagon which you apparently do not understand. There is real pressure in DA, and only an unpatriotic person would not agree that things are very bad in Dominica.
@ Garson, ……You are right, “You can’t go to court with what you feel”
It is not about political ideology but about law. When those who have studied the law express political feelings instead of legality we have a problem of not being properly informed and may make the wrong decisions with “tainted” thoughts or mind set.
I think some negative commentators on media are comming out of the Covid rain with the exact same voice of bad naming and false accusations. What is up. Is there a conspiracy going on. Is there a desperation to “do what ever is necessary” to prompt people to share their view and take illegal action like the May 79 revolution? Why all this name calling? Why the propagations of all this political gossip and political hate? Why all this technical mapouis, mischief, movay lang and bitterness?
Where are the activists for permanent peace?
You are expressing political feelings. Are you suggesting that lawyers should not express political feelings, but you can? Nonsense!
Well according to you, the American War of Independence was illegal, and most of the African countries should still be held under colonial reign.
Caroline G Wilson (Mrs.), show me any change you have seen come with peace. People who have will never give it up without some strife. This is why January 6 occurred. It was just difficult for them accept a Black man becoming president, and they are so blinded, they have some Cubans leading the charge.
Just what should be expected from a diehard of a tainted, corrupt ‘leader’ and despotic regime.
Attributing improper motives to a professional who did pro bono work for her country simply shows you are morally bankrupt and ethically challenged.
It is your inalienable right to support Roosevelt. You don’t have to lie. Are you too ashamed to admit that fact?
Look at the attackers! The malodorous rodents have come out the sewers to attack a most patriotic daughter of the soil.
For offering her service and expertise to a just and worthy cause to save Dominica from the complete destruction of our democracy, Zahidha James, maximum respect to you.
We are not going back to the Howling days. We just standing up for justice for Skerrit. That’s all. Stop being bitter, Ibo, and get on with your life.
@ds, ……..Why do some of them say, “pay day is coming?” what does it mean? Are there going to be big gang bangers like Howling, Kay Passa and Tumba or another round of “sacrificing” Thimothy or Ted Honeychurch to play the blame game?
Don’t they think we have already suffered all kinds of regressive strife? Can’t we stop for progress? Which sister island has that kind of demonic behavior?
They, the UWP GANGSTERS, just cannot take a loss. They just cannot stomach the pain of a loss. It is like some people, they just cannot take the heat or the cold weather and complain and complain until spring or autumn is back. Dat’s life, according to the late Arrow.
Mrs Caroline G Wilson, you and ds deserve each other. Continue to bray.
Only donkeys that bray. We are human and only cry.. We got the last laugh.
Justice for Skerrit? Skerrit dispenses his own justice, through HIS courts and through HIS militia. Now get out of here D ip S tick. You are as corrupted as your Master. If you were to live in DA you would sing a different song.
Da is beautiful and everybody I talk to are happy with the progress going on in Dominica except for a handful of bitter rhinos.
Who did you speak to? Nathan, Austrie, Blackmoore, Papalam, Skerrits Mamsell, Nassief, Whitchurch, Thomas, etc. They are your friends, aren’t they.
IBO,the report say teargas canisters were fired into the yard of the people of Salisbury at 3.30am(half pass three in the MORNING)where elderly people and children were ASLEEP.Why would police officers discharge teargas on people they cannot see?Zahidha is saying I saw on Facebook peaceful protesters being teargassed.According to Zahidha the people were not sleeping,they were protesting.It is clear,somebody is deliberately telling a lie.The lawyer realize to say the people were teargassed at 3.30am would be total BS,that is why she never mentioned 3.30am.The people of Salisbury said the attack was in he early hours,so much so a Shillingford guy was hit in the leg by a rubber bullet.A rubber bullet is not metal,how did it enter the house to hit the guy?Every jacka except IBO know the people set a deliberate ambush for the police,and the police counter attacked with a Snap ambush.Self defence.
Your comments have proven utterly irrelevant over time. You have the mentality of a seven year old. You are a clown with a bright red nose for true.
And that is why you lost mam. You had the wrong focus. You should have been trying to convince the judge that all those “wrongdoings” badly affected the result of the elections.
And oh boy, the CCJ said IF THE ALLEGATIONS ARE TRUE …
Girl get a life with your cow down statement!! Even Steve Wonder could see through your rhetoric. Please jump in the political ring with your right and left foot not two left feet. I think you got a little publicity for your failing career. Hooray hooray.
This woman is a hypocrite. She took the case because nobody wanted to deal with it and of her sake of father. She forgot what that did in Marigot , Salisbury and Roseau. Bishop, Cardinal and other were scared for their life in Marigot. Take you defeat and mmove on.
Only a silly, brainless, fanatical soldier of Roosevelt and his tainted political party is capable of such asinine accusation.
They got away on a technicality. However, pay day is coming for it would not be delayed forever.
@ibo, Jealousy and hatred in someone is worst than maybe being silly which am not. May the Almighty continues to bless the PM with wisdom knowledge and protection.
God does not like wickedness, greed, selfishness and lies. Your evil idol WILK be punished by Him in His own time. That’s inevitable!
Stop trying to defend the indefensible by distorting the truth.
Now this is what patriotic Dominican looks like, not Labour Dominican or UWP Dominican but patriotic country loving and nation building Dominican. Thank you and well done Zahidha James, Attorney-at-Law. There is hope for Dominica yet!
Patriotic, my foot. It has always been the False Be Told. Spreading propaganda and hate and jealousy. That is what hungry lions do when they can’t fit into their den.
Ok, there we go. It must be clear to everybody now, that the 2019 election were, in the words of the judges, unlawful. What are Dominicans going to do about that? Are they going to carry on as usual or are the going to ask Skerrit to resign? Or are they going to wait for Byron to present his $500,000 phantom findings? Our country is at a crossroads now.
Actually, Robert, no judge said the 2019 elections were illegal.
You can read. Get a copy of the judgement and read for yourself. You will also read that last section, after the Decision, where one man, ONE judge, opined on the entire case. Go through the entire document, yourself, and do not let the likes of Linton et al abuse you further.
Get out of here and Ukraine!
Okay so all dat said Now what!!!
Skerrit and his Gangsters have to been kicked out of our country. Simple! If in any doubt ask the president how to go about it. He is experienced in matters like that.
The most important asset to democracy is a fair electoral system. The corruption of the electoral process, in Dominica, is single-handedly responsible for the underwhelming development, malaise, and the disunity negatively impacting the country.
No court, no ruling political party in this country will change things as both have been corrupted. Only the collective power and determination of the masses, as in Sri Lanka, can do this.
When Roosevelt first emerged as the prime minister of the country after he first faced the polls, the people wanted servant leadership, but, he has given them dictatorship.
The self-serving parasites in power will never voluntarily relinquish their errant ways. The aristocratic lifestyle they live is too exhilarating to give up.
It is very sad and pathetic that when a party loses the election there are those like Ibo France and his cabal who continue to think and write blindly. Writing all their nonsense on this forum all because they cannot accept a loss and a loss they will continue to suffer., next time heavily, 21-0. Get some sleep, Ibo, and rest in peace. Skerrit will not be moved. Bottom line. He was constitutionally and democratically and rightfully elected. Skerrit is Blessed.
BS you took the cake because your father was a politician and you most likely hoping to get into the action yourself
But I agree with her, and if I was her, I would take the CAKE too! Why leave it for you when you already getting an apartment! Sack way….
She reminds me of Rudy giuliani putting his reputation in jeopardy backing up Trumps big lie. He eventually got struck off and can no longer practice law. Is this person trying to go down the same route peddling ugly Lenny’s big lie?
Go on YouTube and look for where the Atlantic and the Pacific waters do not mix. There was an election reform report that was rubbished because it would make the election fair. Sir Dennis Byron has clearly submitted already and is being kept hush hush because it is similar to the first one.
Rudy Guliani made up the story of elections being stolen, which is completely different. When you people are in America, allu want to act like we so dumb down here that you can talk the American nonsense with truly vetting the thought.
The fact that this lawyer has been trying really hard to spin and flip and toss her defeat into sweet smelling s*#t confirms that she is aware that the CCJ’s ruling is a resounding defeat and monumental embarrassment to her. How in the name of commonsense did she allow her clients to submit a petition that was so miserably constructed?! Goodness me! For the life of me, I do not understand. As you read through the Petition, you must shake your head in shock that the lawyer, supposedly read through that same document, and stamped her approval. That Petition had no chance in hell of succeeding!! It was dead from the time it left her desk because her clients could not and did not explain how the actions that they alleged could have so damaged the election in the various constituencies that would make them null and void. Yet, she has the temerity to publicly remind the world of her incompetence. Pathetic!
The UWPwee sure has a knack for associating itself with incompetent lawyers.
Nonsense Pullin.. You seemed to be one of those agents selling Dominican Passports…
Supporting and abetting the ……. acts of your corrupt leader Skerrit.
Putin is on point.The people tasked with monitoring and observing the 2019 election in Dominica,the people who were on the ground,the people who travelled from poling station throughout the length and breadth of Dominica.Said the election was free and fair and reflected the WILL OF THE PEOPLE.They went on to say the 2019 election was conducted according to the election laws of Dominica.They found no fault with the election.That is why the high-court Judge,the appeal court and the CCJ dumped the petitions in the gabbage pail where it belong.It is the UWP and their liars who brought up the matter of a tainted election,and not the Judges.It was on the eve of the election the brother of the blue boss said”we will unblock the road and stop the violence,because the next day my brother will be Prime Minister”.The other brother”Matt what you see going on,will continue until Skerrit demits office or resign”.It would seem to me that a handful of Marigot people are lords of Dominica.Now this…
@ Lin Clown,…..My understanding is that at every polling station there are representative of each party to look after their party’s interest. If there are any political shenanigans there are corrective measures, they can take.
There were no reports or comments from any of these officials to promote the idea of unfairness in the elections.
The only complain is that the DLP air transported supporters to vote. No one complained that those were not registered voters.
The opposition forces claim unfair tactics, not illegal action. That is because they could have done the same, it’s an equal playing field. They all have the same opportunity.
How many planes were there?? Did each plane carried more than fifty people.
Election is carried on secret ballot. How did they know who these visitors voted for?
Like their court cases, their comments are just political scandals.
They ask for reforms but now the process began that only have negative comments. Can’t they…
Aint no shame in “selling passports,” Braindamage! It builds modern resilient houses, it builds roads, it supports small business, it sends hundreds to pursue their academic dreams, it builds and equips health centres, it buys inputs for farmers, it is building us a dynamic international airport, and (drumroll)….it provides a source of “humanitarian aid” for your pardnah Lenny.
I heard his signature was seen on a love letter to some foreigners promising them diplomatic passports in 30 days if they pumped money into his party, while our PM was all over promoting CBI so we could get money to rebuild after Maria. Oh, this reminds me. Did you hear about the former PM who tried to voleh, a.k.a teef a quarry in Marigot close to a proposed site for an international airport just so that he can profit from selling material to the project?
So, what did you say about “corrupt,” again? You wanna repeat?
@ Putin, ……corruption is the receiving of money by politicians for the government to decide in their favor on some proposition for them to make even more money. How many times has any of our politicians make decisions in a corruptive way. Can anyone point out the occasion. Who, what, when and how much money changed hands. I have not seen any, have you?
Some commentators on the media can easily do a search on the CBI program to find out what’s it’s all about. Many countries have the CBI as a very valuable revenue earner, and it is safe. In the USA alone there are more than a thousand agents. Like bitcoin and other crypto currencies, it is not managed by any government but by private companies.
No minister of government can authorize expenditure from the Consolidated Fund, only the accounting officer in each ministry has that function.
Accusers should come with facts, data or evidence to prove their accusations of corruption.
They intend to destroy Dominica’s…
I think I have a typo. my intention is to inform readers and commentators of the fact that only Accounting Officers, i.e. Permanent Secretary can sign documents of expenditure from the Consolidated Funds (spend government money). Ministers and politicians cannot; they have absolutely no legal or administrative or control or authority to spend government money.
The other point I need to make is that all I see coming from opposition forces is abstructionism. They oppose everything with their regressive attributes. They want to drag, kick and destroy all attempts or policies for progress. They want to destroy the credibility of the CBI program so the country will lose a very valuable source of revenue. Their goal is to slow down or stop the development of progress and development.
(Mrs.) you are very wrong! Nobody wants to destroy the CBI program. All the opposition wants is to apply more due diligence and to distribute the proceeds FAIRLY for the benefit of the country and EVERY citizen. The CM is reckless with issuing passports (there is hard evidence) and the proceeds are mainly for his benefits and that of his few friends. I’m sure even YOU can spot the minor difference.
No law and no constitution… Does that ring a bell with you, …. Bell. These are the words of your master, the PM of DA. When in his long reign has he cared about the laws of our country????????