IN PICTURES: Dominicans protest in New York for electoral reform

A group of Dominicans which calls itself ‘Patriots of Dominica’ today, Saturday, December 22, held a protest in New York City in the vicinity of the United Nations, in support of electoral reform back home.

Early reports indicated that about 35 people had gathered in extremely cold weather at the protest site.

 

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

66 Comments

  1. Francis Dodds
    December 27, 2018

    These people are just stupid sets of people, no one in NYC paid them.any mind. The Police was there to protect the Consulate and not them. Had if they tried to block the sidewalk or enter the building then they would’ve been arrested. Don’t let them fool you about police protection.
    The Government agrees to Electoral Reform and will be using the National ID as the Document used and both sides of the house agreed . I don’t know why these under 1% fools in NYC demonstrating for? Not even the American News agencies were present to film yall nonsense.

  2. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 24, 2018

    Labor

    December 22, 2018

    “There are at least 36738 in NYS alone only.1% showed up. Wat a joke”

    Linton, you read that in the quote? If you are blind it is still involved in the debate; I read every single comment written on DNO; I am not making up things.

    This Labor person wrote there are 36,738 Dominicans living in New York alone, mind you I am from Wesley, and live in Los Angeles, There are Dominicans living in San Francisco to San Diego near the Mexican Boarder of Tijuana.

    What about the thousands residing in Canada, England, and other European countries when lived in Germany I met some there. 

    So, you see people like you are so shallow cognitive thinking is not in your plan, talk nonsense to be heard: I deal with facts and reason.

    Note: 70,000/2 = 35,000 is if that is correct how can their be seventy thousand people in Dominica. Check the voting record, last election (>) thirty thousand votes cast!

  3. carltymas
    December 24, 2018

    Oh My, This is not good. This is not good at all. This is rather counter-productive. I understand the rights of every man to protest and the purpose of their protest is their own but this is not beneficial to our country’s image at all. Our political obligations must never come fist to our duties to our country. In every situation, even as individuals, we must assess situations, pin the purpose, predict the prospective outcomes, and the pros and cons. In such a case I see only a purpose and cons, no pros, no positive outcomes. I may be wrong and someone on the inside can enlighten me. However, I must say that from the outside, if the goal is to paint a picture that the country is unstable and corrupted in an effort to dissuade investment, tourism and other such prospects into our country, then this is very well received.

    • Pleasant
      November 19, 2019

      Are u kidding me.. i hope they have their papers.. embarassment ..u in ny u standing in fwadee talking about reform.. why don’t u all go to dominica and live? Francis i agree.. like police studying them.. little do they know..

  4. Lol
    December 24, 2018

    Are they homeless, looking real miserable.

    • Neville
      December 25, 2018

      Unlikely that they are homeless. But very likely that you still are after Maria but your Master no doubt has promised you a new house ‘soon’. Promises from your master are a comfort to a fool but Labour supporters still love their corrupt PM.

  5. don2fresh
    December 24, 2018

    This is what irritates me… These are the very people who would not lift a finger to promote our country, but they are quick to charge in the middle of NewYork screaming Skerrit must go. They are in a country where diasporans are able to vote, a country with the most biased and corrupt judicial, legislative and executive branches of government with their own electoral issues screaming how corrupt Dominica is. You think that is fair. One set of so-called Patriots trying to bring down our country’s image while another set trying to build it. These people are liabilities to Dominica’s development. All countries have their ups and downs but don’t try to break your own country in another person’s land, man.

    • RandyX
      December 24, 2018

      Well tell us how many times you have lifted a finger and did something for your country. I mean really did something and I’m not talking about defending your idol in his corrupt behaviour. Guys like you have a lot to answer for and answer you will do one day!

      • don2fresh
        December 24, 2018

        Oh my. I have been involved in community organizations, cultural groups, I ensure that I assist with community-based activities, my favorite is sports and other such training. I ensure when I share things, I share nothing negative, just speak only positivity about my country. Just anything to share what a beautiful country I live in. I would be specific but knowing you all, you guys will just come for me and my family and from that threat in your last sentence. No thank you. What do you do Randy? Lead the opposition party?

      • RandyX
        December 25, 2018

        Don, that’s exactly what I expected you to do for your country. Small people do small insignificant things and than believe they are the best thing since sliced bread, exactly like your master. If you were a true great man you would open your eyes and see what’s happening to your country and at least attempt to correct the wrong doings instead of defending a corrupt man ruining your country. In my spare time we do a lot of investigations in England, the Chanel islands and Switzerland. It’s quite astounding what hidden secrets and treasures one finds in these places. Believe me, we will get rid of that cancer in Dominica and we will bring him to justice! As a patriot I don’t think I can do my country a bigger favour than helping it and it’s people to regain true freedom and return to the country everything that has been stolen from it.

      • don2fresh
        December 27, 2018

        hahaha. You just have a warped and twisted perception of things and I do not respect your ideologies and purpose. I am happy that I am engaging in “small insignificant” things. I am glad that my “small and insignificant” sports groups and events will keep the young people from a negative life and keep at least one child on the straight and narrow. I am happy that some of the “small insignificant” training activities that I organize will equip somebody with a skill for future use. I am glad that the “small insignificant” cleaning and planting that I do, will keep my community the beauty that is is. I am glad for every small and insignificant thing that I’ve done in hopes that it will make an impact on at least one person. My eyes are opened and I see that we all play a role in development. So if your role is to dig in the garbage can in foreign countries for negatives of my country to highlight (true or not) then go ahead.

  6. Really
    December 24, 2018

    These people of NY have no shame! Bold and shameless New Yorkers. All you cannot even put a bucket pan on the road for Labor Day is behind Trinidad, St. Kitts, St. Lucia Antigua etc. band all you are carrying their flag now all you turn patriots?

  7. dada
    December 24, 2018

    Nice move, supporting all who want change for dominica.
    Look what passing in france,with the yellow gillet.
    So poeple of dominica start fighting to improve things in da, i don,t care what political u are, just want élections to be fair and just.
    Don’t mind if u re well or bad dress , ugly or preaty , rich or poor, illegal dominican in foreigne country, ….etc
    We all want the same thing for our country

  8. DominicaLover
    December 24, 2018

    I feel sad for Dominica as we are protesting something and placing our country in a light it should not be. The issues they are protesting are the same issues the USA are plagued with. The opposition needs to campaign on their agenda and let the people decide if electoral reform is something they need. They keep voting, no. I would vote a goat rather than the current admin or opposition. None of them have any bold ideas for my country. Dominica needs drastic and unpopular changes to propel it, so it can compete with its neighbors.

    • Neville
      December 24, 2018

      They keep voting no… And that is exactly the reason we need an electoral reform. To many dead people voting for Skerrit. You get my drift…

      • DominicaLover
        December 24, 2018

        The dead may vote, but the living are still siding with the majority. The constituencies where the main party won are pleased with him and where he lost are displeased. It simply means the opposition does not have broad support with the voters living or dead.

        The last election the labour party lost seats, which means not even the dead could have saved them as the constituencies were displeased with the labour party. Workers can we win the country, but they do not have broad support and the way they go about it is totally wrong. Engage the people and let them know what the plans are for the country without shouting.

        I am very disappointed in the current administration, but workers have not given me anything to win me over. As I said, if a goat ran for third party. I will vote goat.

      • Neville
        December 24, 2018

        They are not pleased with him they are pleased with a dollar or two they receive from him. That’s all!! You all will find out soon what Skerrit is really about… you blind bats.

    • Ibo France
      December 24, 2018

      @DominicaLover
      Two of the most reputable organizations that the government has brought in the country to observe many of the general elections have recommended some very important reforms to the electoral system to ensure that no political party would have a decisive advantage. Any principled politician or honorable political party would gladly welcome these legitimate reforms with open arms. The inflexible and pigheaded opposition by the Skerrit-led regime to implement these well-intentioned reforms clearly shows a government bent on perpetuating chicanery, subterfuge and fraud to win elections. The present system has to be changed.

  9. zabat
    December 23, 2018

    No amount of electoral reforms can prevent the labour Party from wining elections in
    Dominica. The U W P needs to spend more time and effort on trying to convince Dominicans that they can offer us something better than Skerrit is going for the country now. If they get in power what are they going do do in the country? I remember in a past elections they couldn’t even provide a manifesto. The whole world is ahead advancing themselves in modern technologies of all kinds while we in Dominica are still stock in the political mud that prevents us from getting any where at all. why can’t we build a fridge or a stove in Dominica. Why can’t we build a wind turbine or an inverter or a solar panel? when the U W P start talking about these subjects then i will vote for them.

  10. lula
    December 23, 2018

    It’s 35 degrees out there and mean to tell me all you have those homeless looking panhandlers on the street protesting without a cup of coffee? Alas magwehsa..poor pity. But somebody should tell them to dress nicer than that wii. They all looking miserable

  11. Silver fox
    December 23, 2018

    Good grief I had no idea so many workers supporters were street beggers in New York no wonder Trump administration now saying emigrants is making America nasty and dirty after seeing that lot, say no more.

    • Neville
      December 24, 2018

      The only Dominicans beggars are DLP supporters. Every wednesday is red clinic day and they sell their vote. No doubt you are always first in the queue.

  12. Ibo France
    December 23, 2018

    The corrupt practices of Skerrit and the DLP have been laid bare for the international community to witness. Kudos to the brave Dominicans in the diaspora to brave the unfavorable elements in order to register their disgust with this unscrupulous, sleazy, dishonorable members of the Skerrit-led Cabinet. Any administration that stubbornly refuses to implement fair and sensible reforms to an electoral system which is fraught with fraudulence should raised red flags. These people want to rust in government while enriching themselves on the backs of poor taxpayers. They have raped the country’s treasury, fattened themselves and left the masses emaciated. Kick them out of office with your vote. They are nothing more than professional con artists, crooks and swindlers.

  13. mine
    December 23, 2018

    SEE the Norman, he is so obsess of the PM imagine he bad talks him to Spanish who doesn’t know him.

  14. Man bites dogs
    December 23, 2018

    Francisco, Could you tell your friends and family in New York protesting to spice up and block the road police cannot stop all you.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      December 23, 2018

      Man bite Dog, I have something more important to draw to you and Roosevelt attention: From way back in 1962 they claim that there are seventy (70,000) people in the country: 2018-1962 = 56 years ago!

      If as of today you all said there are 36,738 thousand Dominicans living, residing in New York alone: if we minus 36,738 people from 70,000 people. Hence 70,000 – 36,738 = 33,262 people living in Dominica. This can’t be true because about fifteen years ago immigration statistics in Antigua quoted 15,000 Dominicans were permanently residing in Antigua. So if we subtract fifteen thousand from 33,262 -15,000 = 18,262 people left in Dominica.

      So, something is wrong! Each time a hurricane hit people leave, never to return; and if all the quotations above are correct my argument that there are less than thirty thousand people in Dominica seems to be correct, and if one need to see if I am correct all they have to do is tally the number of votes cast last election!

      • Joe Linton
        December 24, 2018

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque, your comment has to be the most ridiculous comment ever posted on DNO and maybe on all other online news medium or maybe even on social media as well!!!!!!!! I MEAN SERIOUSLY???

        So from 1962 over 36k people flee from the island in one short, then for the 56 years no babies born? no one returned to live no immigrants? then 15k left for Antigua in one short so the population reduced again, i wonder what year was that massive outward migration???

        So the population is fix, you start with 70k 56 years ago and it remained fixed, no babies were born post 1962, any babies born after 1962 in Dominica are aliens….SMDFH!!!!

        Garcon if is too much education you got from the USA i ask you to keep it to yourself my brother don’t attempt to share it with us and the world…. Thank you!!!

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        December 24, 2018

         It is one thing to attack me; nevertheless, do so when you have something of substance to support your garbage!

        In the first place as far as I am concern you cannot read, if you could you would have understood I simply try to prove a point based on figures I found written on DNO. In one case somebody wrote there are five thousand Dominicans living in New York, later someone said there are thirty-six thousand plus living in New York.

        If you had any commonsense simple arithmetic would prompt you to subtract: 70,000.00 -36,000.00 = 34,000.00, which is a little more than half the population: 70,000.00/2 =35,000.00. So if way back 56 years ago they claim seventy thousand people, we have migration everyday, some vacate in disasters; the death ratio in Dominica exceeds the birth ratio, how the hell can there be still seventy thousand people still living in Dominica?

        Boy; I am also a born Linton, and I am not  an idiot!

        Cecil Linton was my grandmother okay!

  15. UDOHREADYET
    December 23, 2018

    Seems misguided… in all honesty…
    Ask them if they have one building in America they can call a Dominican building for people to go to and get assistance, guidance, education, training, to help with the culture shock etc or a Dominican restaurant or supermarket etc. besides the embassy which no one knows where thats at.

    Obviously they are not using their wealth in America to help Dominicans in America, so they have no say concerning elections in Dominica.
    where are their Dominican businesses in America creating jobs for Dominicans?
    Cleanup your backyard before you go knocking on your neighbors door.

    Seems people in the US and DA are just looking for political issues to burn their energy on…. put as much energy into starting businesses in and out of the country instead of that thing that drive allu to work against each other directly and indirectly!

  16. December 23, 2018

    Well my people we are all in this for something if UWP. wins Athie get a position we must all remember the Arthie pass Castle Bruce we should never forget what happen to the land after geest left where was the other members of UWP. whilst he was crying block the road they know he was wrong so they were out of the picture smart move let him take the fall by him self every one is free to demonstrate but there is a time to sit back and watch seems like Athie look like don’t think at his age enjoy retirement sit on your porch
    with Fae. enjoy a cold or hot drink and listen to the wind blow look at the ocean.

  17. Man bites dogs
    December 23, 2018

    These idiots are a joke tell them to block the road then I’ll take them seriously, In a matter of fact NY is like London no one is likely to take notice of of that lot.

  18. Ibo France
    December 23, 2018

    No politician likes negative publicity. The whole world now knows about the corrupt practices of the highly polluted and toxic government that runs the run down country of Dominica. Only an unscrupulous, underhanded, sleazy administration would adamantly oppose to sensible electoral reforms. The ruling elites shy away from doing the right thing like roaches run away from light. Just imagine, standing up for fair elections can get you to tear gassed and seriously injured. Dictatorship is alive and well in Dominica.

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      December 23, 2018

      Ibo France, The World will know now who are the TROUBLEMAKERS in the country of Dominica.

      • December 23, 2018

        @KID ON THE BLOCKDecember 23, 2018

        I sad the same thing on another forum which I am following. Those people are so hungry for fame and power they don’t even that they are destroying that privilege by their childish and unlawful activities.

  19. KID ON THE BLOCK
    December 23, 2018

    A bunch of JOKERS looking for observance . They look like a gang of HOMELESS people begging. They stick their butt on the side-walk and remained moo-moo. They should have taken a PA system and a Mic and shout.. Block the road or attempt to stop the flow of traffic or ask the police to divert the traffic because they are demonstrating around that aera and they would see if is only teargas they would get.

    • Ibo France
      December 23, 2018

      The dwindling members of Skerrit’s fan club have failed to comment on the reason for the protest. The protest is against the present corrupt Electoral System. The right minded, law abiding patriots are asking for fair and sensible reforms to Dominica’s electoral system that will create a LEVEL PLAYINGFIELD for ALL political parties. Only cheaters, scumbags dishonest and gravely corrupt people will put up strong resistance to the implementation of such changes to the electoral system. These most critical recommendations were proposed by the Commonwealth group of observers and the Organization of the American States, two very reputable international organizations with no dog in the fight that have repeatedly observed general elections in the country. Get up and stand up for your rights Dominicans throughout the country and in the diaspora, don’t you ever give up the fight, no matter how tough it gets. Free and fair elections are worth fighting for.

      • Joe Linton
        December 24, 2018

        ‘These most critical recommendations were proposed by the Commonwealth group of observers and the Organization of the American States, two very reputable international organizations’

        AND

        “Only cheaters, scumbags dishonest and gravely corrupt people will put up strong resistance to the implementation of such changes to the electoral system”

        PLEASE ENLIGHTEN US ON THE CHANGES RECOMMENDED……

      • Ibo France
        December 24, 2018

        @Joe Linton
        That’s a fair request and I will oblige. I want to be precise so I’ll create a short list.
        1) Voter Identification Cards
        2) Accurate Register of Voters/ A Total Re-Registration of All Eligible Voters
        3) Strengthening and Strict Enforcement of Laws Against Bribery, Treating, Illegal Voting
        4) Full Disclosure of all Monetary Contributions/Donations to Finance All Political Campaigns
        These are just a few.

      • Joe Linton
        December 24, 2018

        Thanks for the info IBO..

  20. Who vex vex
    December 22, 2018

    The police said “ do allu ting just doe block the side walk”
    They should block it.
    Yet in allu country allu want to block road n police doh hv to say notten.

  21. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 22, 2018

     “we are seeing the illegals in the photo – the one’s who never come to Dominica.”

    You see that bit of garbage  it is written by someone of Roosevelt clones, but America is not Dominica, you can talk your crap to try and scare people so that they will not participate in the protest in front of the UN.

    America is not Dominica!

    Whether one is a resident, or citizen, or has no immigration status in this country; they still have rights, no one is deprived of their democratic right in America.

    If you that idiot is capable of seeing illegal in the crowd, point them out by name to the immigration and naturalization service, let’s see how long it will take to see them deported!

    Scare tactics do not work in America: Roosevelt your ambassadors cannot interfere with any Dominica demonstration here. If Vince Henderson, or any or any other of your puppets interfere with any Dominica protest here, we will take the matter to the state department: Guess what?

  22. Informed Dcan
    December 22, 2018

    They were asked not to block the “sidewalk”. NOT the road. They should have ignored the law enforcers and “block the road”. Interesting.

  23. %
    December 22, 2018

    Nice to see that ,..Take the news of the vicious, heartless attack by the DLP semi illiterate goons dressed in green as far as it can go in the USA..
    Don’t forget the threatening comments made by the most empty,idiotic and incoherent police Commissioner, Carbon.
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

    • De Observer
      December 22, 2018

      %, you have guts to call Skerrit LAZY…well look it…

  24. Voice of The South
    December 22, 2018

    Let’s get it straight – I was there and it was a BIG JOKE! Typical UWP event where they promise everything with a huge crowd expected only to find a handful of people with no idea why they hate Skerrit.

    If not Skerrit then who?

    GO Skerrit GO !

  25. Views Expressed
    December 22, 2018

    Let’s get it straight – I was there and it was a BIG JOKE! Typical UWP event where they promise everything with a huge crowd expected only to find a handful of people with no idea why they hate Skerrit.

    If not Skerrit then who?

    GO Skerrit GO !

  26. Mick
    December 22, 2018

    Even Americans want that too. The president will shutdown if he not getting his way. So will you call him a dictator too?

  27. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 22, 2018

    Eagle eye, you are an …….

    The small demonstration you are witnessing the people how few did not have to get permission to stand in the street. as long as they did not block the sidewalk obstructing pedestrians  from walking freely there is absolutely nothing the police could do.

    To demonstrate in America is the people’s right under the constitution of the United States! And that stupid question about if people do not listen to America news; what  about it?

    Police or Army does not prevent people from demonstrating,or protesting in America: if someone sold me some inferior, goods in their  store, and refuse to resolve the damage, I make up a placard and stand in front of that store, forever protesting, and the police cannot touch unless obstruction is involved!

    Do not try to compare America with Dominica, according the article is concern, if the term protest is not written in the law, everyone who got tear gas should sue Carbon, and Roosevelt for damages they sustained!

  28. River Street Radio
    December 22, 2018

    So if there are 3500 Dominicans in New York, then we only had 1% demonstrating. Quite interesting. Additionally they wouldn’t break the law because if they get arrested, there immigration status might be in jeopardy and we are seeing the illegals in the photo – the one’s who never come to Dominica.

    • Hmmmm
      December 22, 2018

      I can tell you that New York is cold and people took the time to come out. The message was clear and people are aware of what’s happening in Dominica.
      Another reason people are afraid to been seen cause their families might face political victimization back home. Now I know of one illegal person that’s was there and he is a labourite. His first initial starts with ………………………………………… So please be quiet. The movement is strong . Tell the PM to call the election.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      December 22, 2018

      “there immigration status might be in jeopardy and we are seeing the illegals in the photo – the one’s who never come to Dominica. ”

      From whence your statistics derived? Where do you get the figure of thirty-five hundred Dominicans residing in New York, state where; because I am a Dominican living in America for the past forty (40) years, I do not know of a registry where Dominicans are required to register.

      Besides anybody living in the United States has the right to demonstrate, whether they are legal,  illegal  or not!

      First of all the police or immigration official do simply meet people in the streets and ask about their immigration status, you lied when you claim that it can jeopardize their immigration status!

      If one is illegal here what will jeopardize their immigration status id if they commit a felony, or a high misdemeanor which cause them to be investigated, when they get to court. You are simply writing crap as a scare tactics which might be instigate!

      Be…

    • Labor
      December 22, 2018

      There are at least 36738 in NYS alone only.1% showed up. Wat a joke

    • mine
      December 23, 2018

      ICE will be looking for the illegals next time.

    • December 23, 2018

      @River Street Radio December 22, 2018

      That would make the number of demonstrators 35 people, I don’t see that many in the videos which I have seen.

      But imagine that 3515 people in New York ignored that call to demonstrate–what do those people expect to achieve from that useless activity?

      • vrai den
        December 23, 2018

        ELizabeth,
        It could be one person, two people who came out, THE MESSAGE would be heard, whatever the message is.

  29. December 22, 2018

    Reregister voter’s agin

  30. DD
    December 22, 2018

    Well done my people, take it international

  31. Eagle-Eyed
    December 22, 2018

    So why they not blocking the road nuh? Where is Athie to tell them “Block the Road!!!!” Is it only in DA they think they can break the law and not expect punishment? :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

    • Do some research
      December 22, 2018

      Have you found out anything about electoral reform.. ie what it actually is? From what you write – I suspect you don’t have a clue…

  32. Who vex vex
    December 22, 2018

    Tell dem block d road

    • ATKINSON
      December 22, 2018

      They were not tear gas or arrested by the NYPD, and they did not have to ask permission to protest from the police. And if they had block the road, they would not have been gassed

      • Eagle-Eyed
        December 22, 2018

        Really? Do you ever watch American news?

      • TRUMP
        December 22, 2018

        please try it and see what happens.
        they look more sorry doing that

      • Justice
        December 22, 2018

        :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: . You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about

      • Expat
        December 23, 2018

        ATKINSON, from what I see they did not have to ask for permission because they are comparable to homeless people on the roadside with cardboard signs asking for help. There presence did not create a hazard to the New York public.

      • Don2fresh
        December 24, 2018

        A riot is unauthorized where people disrupt public peace and the police would have to take action. A protest is where they follow the rules and regulations agreed upon by both parties. Either way, the protesters obeyed the rules and laws of the state and officers. They dispersed when they were asked to at 12 exactly, didn’t block the road or the sidewalk. Everything they didn’t obey in Dominica. The officers had to confirm if the protest was authorized though. Not sure of the update on that. ROFL… So they can indeed protest peacefully, is in Dominica they want to misbehave.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available