Independence message of Opposition Leader Hector John

Opposition Leader Hector John
Opposition Leader Hector John

Pride in country instills pride in self.

In order to truly appreciate one’s nation, a genuine sense of pride and patriotism must be consistently exhibited. This pride and patriotism can only be manifested when we make it our responsibility to be unyielding towards nation building. This unwavering responsibility must always have us standing on the side of our nation and its people. There should be absolutely no compromise, because a nation can only grow when its people are united towards a common goal.

This year we celebrate the 36th anniversary of our nation’s independence under the theme, “Our nation, Our responsibility”. This theme calls us to “do the right, be firm, be fair”. We should demonstrate the highest level of patriotism towards ensuring a prosperous nation, by working in one accord. Working towards the betterment of country is also working towards the betterment of self. That is why it is incumbent upon all of us to put our nation before the selfish aspirations of a few individuals.

As citizens it is our responsibility to always look out for the best interest of our nation. During the independence celebrations, our rich and diverse cultural heritage comes into sharp focus and we should be both preservers and conduits in its continued pursuit towards authentic sustainability. As preservers, we should protect and maintain every aspect of our heritage.  Our national wear, traditional dances, music, creole language and local cuisine define us as a people and we should guarantee their preservation. While as conduits, we are given the task to pass on this priceless cultural heritage from one generation to another.

We must express our gratitude to those who made it their responsibilities to add value to our cultural heritage. I would like to thank the late Premier Edward O Leblanc for being responsible for the introduction of the national day celebrations that plays a significant role in the preservation of our cultural expressions. Thanks to the late Prime Minister, Dame Eugenia Charles for taking up the responsibility to protect the spirit of volunteerism by the implementing the National day of community service during the Independence season. Also thanks to former Prime Minister Hon. Edison James for being responsible for establishing the World Creole Music Festival. This festival is geared at preserving and promoting our creole music. As corporate citizens I would like to compliment LIME and the National Cooperative Credit Union for “Creole In The Park” and The Cadance-lypso competition respectively. Also, kudos to the National Development Foundation of Dominica for recently staging “Creole In The Streets”. The value of these activities towards nation building should not be over looked.

In order for our nation to excel, we must diligently perform our responsibilities in every aspect. We should stand guard and be resolute against anything that will jeopardize our nation’s advancement. It is our responsibilities to ensure that the Laws of the land are being adhered to. Our institutions of state should not be undermined but given the latitude to function fully in the interest of national advancement. Also, every political party should be given equal access to the national radio and television stations to promote their plans and programs. We will be abandoning our responsibilities if we fail to do what is right.

Pride in country instills pride in self and it our responsibility to always stand for our nation. As we celebrate this patriotic festive season we should all reaffirm our commitment towards putting Dominica first. Let us be the peace of our nation by taking up our responsibility towards making her the best place to live, the best place to work and the best place to enjoy life.

On behalf of the hard working, God fearing and culturally proud people of Salisbury, Coulibistrie and Morne Rachette, I would like to wish every Dominican a wonderful 36th Independence celebration.

May God continue to richly bless the Commonwealth of Dominica.

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26 Comments

  1. Barbara Saunders
    November 5, 2014

    Good sentiments, but I’m wondering who Mr. John is speaking to and I am wondering where he was when Dominica was being ridiculed at home and abroad as being the worst place on earth in every facet of its national life. One has to assume that this was being done with his full support and consent in his capacity as Opposition Leader, as he did not remove himself publicly from the utterances which were on all media across the world by a group with which he is associated.

    Frankly, I’m not sure what is expected of intelligent people in situations like these. Are they expected to sit on their brains?

  2. .
    November 5, 2014

    It is also incumbent on us that we should stop taking our people for fools and stop trying to lie to them in the face of hard facts and evidence. We will respond when the bell rings.

  3. hector
    November 5, 2014

    great message but u r not getting the respect u deserve from ur team. I believe u should just call it quit while u can. Linton has absolutely no respect 4 u. everyone is seeing it except u.

  4. Anonymous
    November 5, 2014

    The speech was ok. You can tell it wasn’t written by the bold face no face cuz its so calming. No wonder the no face bold face refuse to put it on his page lol.

  5. uk Dominican
    November 4, 2014

    greetings to all and more so to the farmers. lets us be optimistic and look for better days when you will have the farm roads repair I feel your pain all the way over here in lwest London.

  6. enough..
    November 4, 2014

    Good speech mr John…

  7. Massacre
    November 4, 2014

    Thank you Mr. John for putting country before self and delivering a wonderful message on the our 36 anniversary from colonialism.

  8. Roseau
    November 4, 2014

    This speech from Mr. John was more enriching and filled with knowledge.
    These are the kind of people we want to lead our country for the next five years.

  9. ATF
    November 4, 2014

    Great speech. I love that you kept politics out! That is the way forward.

  10. the eye
    November 3, 2014

    i wonder who wrote that speech for Johnny boy. It sounds good, like a young chap trying too win a teenage girl’s heart. :lol:. it sounds too flirtatious. his speech needs a a strong pinch of salt and a hard dash of pepper and lime. :mrgreen:

  11. patriotic
    November 3, 2014

    This is a well written speech, you make all of us Dominicans proud. However Mr. John you fall short in failing to mention Mr. Roland Patrick John. He was instrumental in bring independence to our beautiful Dominica. Therefore please don’t forget him as those so call young generation laborites do every year.

  12. Ideal
    November 3, 2014

    Best speech for the independence..May God richly bless Dominica, the nature island

  13. MagaretJ
    November 3, 2014

    Great independence message. I just read the message from the Prime Minister and there is a huge difference between the 2 messages. You focused on the theme of the celebration, focusing on what it means and what Dominicans can do to meet the goals of this year’s theme. The Prime Minister’s message had nothing to do with the theme and was a very empty message. Thanks for recognizing those who truly played a critical role in developing Dominica and the independence celebrations. However, you neglected to mention Patrick John who led us to independence 36 years ago. Happy Independence to all!

  14. Massacre
    November 3, 2014

    Good presentation Mr. John. We are all proud of you.

  15. IG
    November 3, 2014

    Wonderful Speech Mr. John

  16. jah
    November 3, 2014

    Stop being team Dominica puppet master especially lennox linton…….you deserve better sweetie.

    • ?????
      November 3, 2014

      @Jah You sound desperate.Are you smelling defeat?

    • lagoon
      November 3, 2014

      Why do you guys put politics in every thing. If you doh like what people post on line just stay quiet . And let them people put what they want

  17. ?????
    November 3, 2014

    Amen.Well Written speech.

  18. 7six7
    November 3, 2014

    not bad grade: 78%

  19. Francisco Telemaque
    November 3, 2014

    Great speech Spags!

    We must remember, Skerrit’s rule, is the worst Dominica has seen. The man created more poverty in our country, than is found in any other third world nation.

    Over the past twenty years, five under the coalition government of which Skerrit was part and parcel of, and the fifteen years in his tentacles, Dominica has came from bad to the very worst! The man is menace to the country.

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahaha!

    In Wesley, we say ” you jus a mash um up, yo brock um up.”

    Well, all Skerrit has done to Dominica, is smash it up, and broke it up!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Anonymous
      November 5, 2014

      Let me guess, you are using anecdotal evidence to determine that. You should try the hard facts and statistics as provided by reputable organizations like the World Bank, ECCB and IMF. You might actually learn something.

  20. .
    November 3, 2014

    Everybody keep talking about patriotism but in my mind a true patriot is one who make sacrifices for the overall good and development of his country. Most of us want what we want and we want it right now regardless of what it is going to cost the general development of our country, and when we do not get it we turn against our government even if it means dragging our country through the mud. This is not true patriotism. Dominicans should keep their eyes on the big picture and support our country even if it means making a few personal sacrifices.

  21. Zuma
    November 3, 2014

    Hector thanks for the message. I believe it was a great gesture on your part. however I am very confused as who is the leader of the opposition. . For now it is always being quoted that there is another opposition leader of the UWP. Please clarify. Maybe it’s not that important but it would be clear as to know who is who in the opposition.

  22. guest
    November 3, 2014

    great missive…

  23. %
    November 3, 2014

    Powerful message.One which inspires hope, from the hopeless situation/ in which we have plunged.

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