A possible coup in Venezuela will have a profound impact on the English speaking Caribbean, especially Dominica a regional politician has warned.
Rumors are rife in the South American country that the government of Nicholas Maduro could be overthrown amidst severe shortages of basic items and a worsening economic situation.
Head of the Grenada Senate, Chester Humphrey, said a change in government in Venezuela will end all developmental projects, being funded by that government, now taking place in the Eastern Caribbean.
“These developments (in Venezuela) have implications for the Anglophone Caribbean, no doubt about that,” Humphrey said. “The opposition and the right in Venezuela have made it a point to emphasize that these programs, which was established by (Hugo) Chavez, will go out of the window. So it is not us that that is saying so, they are saying so.”
He placed special emphasis on Dominica.
“A lot of the developmental programs which are taking place in countries like Dominica and so on, a lot of the road constructions, the building of schools, hospitals and so on, all of that will come to an end,” Humprey warned.
In Venezuela itself tension is running high after the government made public the allegations of the coup and a crackdown on those reportedly involved.
One of the most high profile arrests in the matter was the democratically elected mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma.
Venezuela’s intellegince service raided his office last week and he was accused of plotting to overthrow the government after he and two other opposition leaders published a manifesto calling for Maduro to step down and give way to a transitional government, according to reports.
Maduro said the manifesto was part of a coup plot backed by the US.
The US has described the allegations as “absurd.”
“To anyone who is conspiring … we are going to apply an iron fist,” Maduro said on national television on Monday.
With the country already on edge, a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed during anti-government protests in the western part of Venezuela. The incident took place during a confrontation between police and protesters in the city of San Cristobal on Tuesday. There have been calls for demonstrations in Caracas to protest the killing.
In Dominica, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit has condemned the alleged coup against Maduro saying the government has been duly elected by the people of Venezuela and any illegal attempt to remove it must be condemned.
On Thursday, outgoing Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of Antigua Gaston Browne, expressed solidarity with Venezuela. He called for the respect of the democratic process in the country and the change of governments should take place at “the ballot box and not with bullets.”
He was addressing the bi-annual CARICOM summit, now taking place in Nassau, Bahamas.
When democratically elected governments throw away the Constitution and other tools of Democracy, oppress its citizens and run the country for their larkies, while systematically impeding the progress of citizens who do not support them or who are opposed to their policies, the citizens are no longer obligated to democratic means of getting rid of them.
Having said so, for those following Venezuela’s politics and world events, it is obvious that the Government of Venezuela is simply attempting to distract the country’s citizens in the face of serious economic and social problems in that country. No one and certainly not the US Government is trying to overthrow the Maduro administration. The poverty and suffering of the people of Venezuela will be the undoing of the government. Attacking the US and taking punitive action against US Diplomatic representatives is foolish and antagonistic. It is just a matter of time before the government falls by its own hands.
I hate that word “Beg” Will some one explain to me what begging means.re: You have no money but, want a car,you apply to the bank or n cc for a loan,flex-plan,Hire purchase etc. Is this not a form of begging on the lower scales,so if you take a loan on a higher scales is it begging? because all have to be paid back with interest
The word “begging” is coined by low-minded, negative and wicked people who have nothing good to state, as usual, about their government. These are they who do absolutely nothing for their country but criticize all the good which is done.
Personally, I never heard or never thought of it that governments beg. They all go to other countries to “seek assistance” for their country
In Canada, it is also seeking economical and also job assistance. I do not hear any Canadian state that the government is begging. They appreciate the fact that their government goes overseas to “ask for help” for the country, for residents.
All governments experience some sort of financial hardship. Low-minded people think, speak and write otherwise. Based on the mentality of these critics who state that the DA government is begging, this is so sad that their minds are not educated and elevated and never will.
IT is not totally skerrit fault, this started with Eugenia Charles who taught Skerrit about begging, Eugenia relied on begging America, instead of developing what we had as PJ wanted to do, she shortchanged Dominica on the deep water harbour gave her bourgoise friends the money, so poor Skerrit who was Presidentof the young freedom party only know about begging. He now about make yourself and your friends rich and grb for your friends, that is true freedom philosophy. Give the caribs and the poor scraps keep them happy.
Unfortunately, most Dominicans are asleep at the wheel. They have been brain washed by allegiance to party politics, while ignoring their own vested interested. Psychology has proven that you can condition any human being underneath the right circumstances and render them inept.
I just read an article where “Sukie” is complaining about low fuel prices on the island. In the same vein, the government guarantees the few gas station owners on the island a profit margin of 70 cents on every dollar sold. Cable and Wireless was earning some 25% return on investment. DOMLEC has a guaranteed profit margin as the sole electricity provider on the island.
Dominica is nothing more than a “Cartel” for the few and purgatory for the masses. Don’t forget Mother Mary created a post for “Charlo” in Brussels where we paid for everything and we still lost to the World Trade Organization while our banana industry went caput.
Let them keep chanting Labor!!
Don’t forget it was “Mother Mary” who was instrumental with the CIA and the Grenada led intervention back in 1983. The Grenadians got an international airport from the Americans while Dominica got a photo up of its prime minister with Reagan the “Devil” a few old army trucks and the Coast Guard Cutter, “Melville.”
The Rush and Tompkins death trap under the cliff in Canefield with no guard rails that led to some 34 vehicular deaths over a three year period.
They who do not study history shall be doomed to repeat its mistakes.
MY brother, I concur.
ONE LOVE
Well Charles Saverind will know all about it, because he with the help of the CIA brought Dominica to its knees and had the first coup against a popular duly elected PM , Patrick John, so now the operatives are ready to bring down another duly elected government, yes Charles Saverind know all the tricks played to keep Dominica enslaved and dependent on others instead of the hard working self-sufficient free people our Ancestors were. Why do Dominicans thinkskerrit child was born in America, these guys are all planning their exit route, why the haste to sell off 15acres of national trust land. Dominicans are closing their eyes while this government is linning its friends pocket.The great betrayer Charles Saverind he fraid,because he know all the freedomites know what they did with the CIA to Dominica . Let the chips fall where they may. I pray for Dominica.
Some of you appear to have forgotten or either you do not know that Patrick John almost sold Dominica and you are singing his praises. Are you not aware that he was imprisoned for treason? Thanks to PM Dame Eugenia Charles she pardoned him. This is history.
I do not think he was worthy of pardoning for the atrocious crime he committed, planning against Dominica and nationals to promote his status.
Where were you then, to the time he was also imprisoned and pardoned? How little do some people know or have no memory.
As always and in everything God is in control. He has the whole world in his hands. What is to be will be. Let it be. Wait and see what will occur. There are some things beyond our control. People will still be living and eating.
Those Venezuelans who are contributing to lack of peace in their country should cease their protesting and planned coup and get cracking in planting produce in their fertile soil for their livelihood. These people also have a tropical climate. Some of them may not be contributing a thing to their country. Every country has some of these, as many as critics.
What utter rubbish!
How audacious are you! You are telling the Venezuelans to go and grow crops when Dominica, one of the most fertile countries in the world is relying on them to fund its budget instead of doing exactly what you are telling the Venezuelans to do.
You really take the biscuit! How dare you admonish and advocate to the Venezuelans when Dominica has relied on their generosity, instead of implementing programmes which would have contributed to the prosperity of Dominica and Dominicans,
Which planet do you come from, it is definitely not planet Earth.
This is only your opinion and a warped one. You benefited from Venezuela’s help. You should be appreciative. You are another ungrateful one. One day you will pay for your ingratitude.
You will never be able to as much as think and comprehend the truth. Why bother to further comment to you?
Tell her again. The Facts is so religious that she has become who she serves, “god,” and sends everyone to hell.
ONE LOVE
I was a strong supporter of Charles Savarin in 1979, when he taught us that all corrupt leaders MUST GO! It was good back then and it is still good today, whether it is in Venezuela or any part of the world that have corrupt leaders, especially when corruption eating people like cancer. So yes President Savarin, let’s get them out at all cost!
Some body’s running scared, soon tere. will be no more red clinic and you will have your. Citizens eating out of the garbage dumps.
I believe that was the sound of a cuckoo. Maduro ? The clue is in the name.
It is always interesting when politicians put on their sad faces to proclaim that they are disturbed by what they think will have an impact on their countries or the caribbean yet remain silent at constitutional abuses , election violations and human rights abuses in their own backyards.
In an earlier story because i said that Dominicans ate up all Venezuelans money in
NEP, Red Clinic, Cooking gas and Yes we care, some bloggers were well vex. Now why you think chester humphrey is referring to Dominica? its because he knows how much we enjoyed the hand outs from Venezuela.
Now people must stop loving their PM because of handouts and ask him to provide sustainable employment for the citizens of Dominica
The government is the government. Citizens must perform their part and assist the government.
You are a non-doer who is full of criticisms and nothing else. It is the citizens obligation to educate themselves, schooling, at least the primary, elementary and high schools which are provided free by the government. In so doing, one day they will become useful members, able to obtain a job and economically contribute to the D/can revenue.
What have you ever done for D/ca? How else can anything be done in Dominica if the government is unable to receive assistance?
It is the obligation of every citizen to contribute to the benefit of their country. Blame them and for not contributing their fair share as yourself.
God will hold them accountable for not doing that and depending on the government. How else can the government function effectively for the good of the country if citizens fail to perform their duty to their country?
Don’t worry with that, smart man Skerro will find another country to beg…. Half for him and half for DA
Instead of relying strictly on aid….can’t our leaders who meet with heads of state in other countries try to secure markets for our goods? We will buy X from country Y if you are willing to buy Z from DA…..I no negotiations are not that simply, but if we want to increase our GDP and truly put people to work….this is at least one approach.
This is why our game needs to step up in terms of greater self reliance. Depending primarily on the generosity of Venezuela and China will likely get you burned in the long run.
Dominicans may finally have to step up up to the plate.
Yes! It gets me angry that too many are critical of the government and do not contribute a thing to the country. All they do is criticize and insult others who disagree with them.
I did not realize that D/ca had so many illiterates and narrow-minded people who show themselves to be as also dividers, causing disunity and lack of peace. In any case it should not surprise me for a country consists of all sorts of people, from all walks of life and educationally so.
Those same people insult others when they stand up for the truth. They are the ones who keep D/ca backwards and they also blame others for it; never themselves. The change lies in them, to make D/ca a better place and less dependent on foreign help. Their very D/cans who reside abroad are taxpayers whose tax dollars also go towards their assistance and they call their government a beggar.
If each of these critics did one good thing for D/ca to enhance it and elevate it, they would be happy and peaceful people.
that is bad news for d/ca n what makes it worse skerrit still goes begging them people.If am not wrong i did heard skerrit saying that the 17oo tablets would be sponsored by venezuela.So i guess the reason why there is no tablets yet is because venezuela can’t afford them again
But wait, look tomorrow is de last day of Feburary, and where the tablets that was promised and was to be given out in January? January comes before Feburary, Right? So that means January done without no tablets, and look Feburary about to be done too. Boy I going by Bulls Eye pharmacy or should I go by Jolly’s? to get tablet for this headache, stomache, toothache, and all these other aches that them lies causing me. Lord have mercy, spare us.
Stay home and criticize. A tall, dark and handsome young man became prime minister at the tender age of 30,Young and beautiful young ladies gave him gifts. Dominicans said he should not accept gifts so he is passing on to the people you call red clinic The whole world depend on each other yet ,you don’t want vene,chinees,Japan and so on,therefore Dominica has to go on sale for the highest bidder can we afford to purchase Dominica ourselves,you speak English and was educated in a none English speaking country,this is where the problem lies. It is a very serious matter taking place in Vene,for if they fall it will affect us greately
Now what is going to happen when Venezuela stop funding Dominica? What is going to happen now that Venezuela is deciding to stop building roads, abattoir, hospital, schools in Dominica? What a Catastrophe
That is why Dominica should learn to fish, so now we would be eating fish on our own. Now that Venezuela stop fishing for us, How are we going to eat? In other words, the funding we were getting from them we should build factors or industrial sites with them to provide cash for us. We should put that money into good use Dominica. hmmmm.
So you saying the RED CLINIC is going to close
? How is Ma- Choy going to buy her red dress tomorrow? Let us hope that Cina picks up the tab for the continued survival of the Red CLINIC 
.
Mudaro can say what he wants but fact is Venezuela is broke due to he and Chavez’ mismanagement. Let him stay there and keep blaming USA while his people suffer. That is a warning that the evil that men do live with them. And for the record, Mudaro did not win the last election, he stole it!!!
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
Politicians like to talk about duly elected by the people; that is the crutch they hang unto when people revolt against them when they fail to perform. It is noted that Dominica will suffer the most when Maduro is overthrown.
( It is not a matter of if he will be overthrown, it is a matter of when). Now Skerrit has to worry and ask himself, “what am I going to do?” It appears he will have to crawl and slide on his belly like a yellow snake at the feet of some vicious dictator pleading for some handouts. That is what happens when a country’s government has no ambition to promote industries in the country.
How long can a nation survive on borrowed money, that will never be repaid, meanwhile the people nation depends on Skerrit to sit in the Red Clinic and dust crumb into the beggars hands.
I love u FET
“he will have to crawl and slide on his belly like a yellow snake at the feet of some vicious dictator pleading for some handouts.”……man you have me crying with laughter
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
You know reading it back from your quote, made me cattle like a chicken which laid its first egg.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah! That is talking about duly elect government because he knows Dominicans will turn on him when they discover that his handouts are not helping. And by the way they had better pay the rent for the use of my father’s house, and remove the red and white paint they have on it.
I do not see how they had more than thirty million dollars to buy votes, hence buying the election, yet they have not paid for the using of my late father’s house, rather than paying the rent they called police to arrest my younger sister who had every right to enter the house to ensure that personal belongings left in the house for years were secured. But that’s politics in Dominica. Relatives turns on their relative in the name of Skerrit;
Telemaque, the word in your further comment is “cackle”; not cattle.
I have not used the word “cackle” in many years, probably since I resided in D/ca but I still remember the manner in which it is spelt. So do not call people stupid, etc.
Okay, I give you that, I discovered I spelt it wrong after I read it back; but don’t blame me eh, blame Wesley. You know we do not say Zombie in Wesley, we say “jombi” so blame it on Wesley, we do not say don’t play in the dirt, we say nu play in ah de durity oui!
Hahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahayh!
Dominica needs to STOP relying on aid and start using its natural resources to generate revenue.
We cannot continue to expect foreign countries to continue funding all our projects.
We need to stop working from inside the begging box and start emulating countries like St Lucia, Grenada et Al which are less reliant on the begging philosophy,
Tray we are developing our natural resources what you think is GEOTHERMAL ENERGY??? The same Geothermal the likes like Athie et al try so hard to stop, the one UWP say they would put on hold, remember or you was too busy helping them cry it down??
You people speak from both sides of all you mouth almost as if all you mind drifting, just not consistent!!! But the plant is being built now and we will see lower cost of energy and fossil fuel free energy, first in the OECS!!!!
Geothermal? ????
Somebody tell this idiot that there is no where in the Geothermal assessment that there is a declarion that electricity will be cheaper.
But then again Petri Caribe was suppose to relieve us but it only relieved them.
just keep pedling lies
Stop your propaganda. no plant is currently being built. The project is going no where at this moment, and you say cheaper energy, we have heard that already with Petro Caribe. I have no confidence in that project getting off its feet any time soon.
When last did anyone hear about Geothermal energy? I have not for a very long time, not even in the MANIFESTO. Everyting gone very silent. Is there ongoing work on “THE GEOTHERMAL PLANT”? I am just asking, because I have not heard.
Joe remember that the Geothermal project was not started by the Skeritte Government. They want to take credit for it. Joe you never about the people like Pierro and Crispin Gregoire who started this project. Joe, Sheritte wants to make people like you believe that it was their thing. You never hear about the real truth this since this has been Skerrire’s motive to keep all this facts hidden away from you and to keep people like you in ignorance.
Can you name another natural resource or another self sustainable industry that the Government tried to set up please? Please please please because I would really like to know if there was another. So they tried one and not even that was being done properly. My God. Is it so hard to face and accept the truth?
Joe, you don’t hear about that new project in Martinique under construction to recover energy fro the sea and produce electricity without pollution? They don’t want to depend on us garcon. Imagine Skerrit could shut off the supply and blackmail them to pay more! No Sir, I think we may end up getting just a small power plant for ourselves but otherwise that geothermal should be rechristened to GEOTERMINAL!
There is only one problem Tray, DA has very likely already been sold out in terms of its’ natural resources by its’ leaders and the unknowing public. That is why China is here. They are after resources world wide.
Resources to be used and not remain stagnant. Do not blame them if those Dominican critics do not pull their weight and resources. Others who see the opportunity they will not embrace will seize it. Blame it on those D/cans.
Rasta you are very right about DNO.Npnesense all they doing
Sounds like PJ in 79 right! “To anyone who is conspiring … we are going to apply an iron fist,” Maduro said on national television on Monday.
Who would know better?
Head of the Grenada Senate, Chester Humphrey, said a change in government in Venezuela will end all developmental projects, being funded by that government, now taking place in the Eastern Caribbean.
tell the Neo-DP/DFP rejects Hybrids.
Will Maduro come to DA? We wonder! The partner it is alledged bought a condo in NJ in preparation for a baby doc kin of departure.
A S. Counsel has already purchased and housed in a gated community in Fl.
Was any purchased in the Middle East?
With the country already on edge, a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed during anti-government protests .
President Savarin does this ring a bell 35yrs ago? is this the reason you’ve been asking to respect the Law?
Funny how we become cowards when the foot is getting ready to be fitted on the other foot.
In Dominica, Prime Minister,…
Hi Skerro Medard, whatever wasn’t PJ’s also ? what is good for the goose is no longer good 4 the gander all of a sudden?? Tickle me fickle one.
Hi Skrit ! Ur once Sr. member of ur former party had a phrase,: “Time will Tell”
As Blessings says : ” Am watching.”
DNO is really UWP . Everything Negative about Venezuela and China posted on DNO.
You may choose not to post my comment but its all good.
Good thing UWP in opposition and will remain there.
IDIOT IT IS ON THE INTERNATIONAL NEWS STATIONS, WHY CRITICIZE DNO..
Rasta! are you expecting a post from Admin – DNO saying: ” How Long not long?” hhahahahahahahaha
guess what they printed ur comment lol! Happy now? Change ur name to Farrel Williams then!
Man go smoke ur herb as usual and get some consciousness as U guys say lol it is now free in many states in the US parks in Belgium etc. be it for medical or recreational use ( ur choice &/or needs.)
Thanks for entertaining us readers.
Huh. Is that a troll or simply a Jack Arsenal
are you some type of foolish, what does this story has to do with UWP .
Not his fault he is just like “Mammy”
Rasta is the same people like you that will plot to overthrow the same Pm you love when you realise he is using people like you and making fun of you. time wil tell. the same people that vote Maduro in, is the same people that want him out……how long, not long……..start rolling your rosary
You CANNOT be a TRUE RASTA
Hopefully that will spur the government to start thinking about developing our local economy. Until that tap is shut off, they will forever rely on foreign aid to fuel the economy.
This is the same as having an adult child in the house with the parents providing all their needs. At some point you have to stop providing. Hopefully that will provide an incentive for them to grow up and start looking after themselves.
There are many talkers but few doers. These are capable of numerous criticisms.
Your DA government is also awaiting each adult abled person to assist this country. What are you doing for D/ca? What are your plans to assist and enhance it?
Whether or not Maduro is forced out or not Venezuela is not going to be able to sustain it’s own domestic programs and the regional support. Under the “Chavezacracy “The Venezuelan economy had been under serious strain and the lowered oil earning is just the straw that broke the Carmel back.
Something got to give and since Maduro depends on the social program to secure his political position the regional outreach will be the first on the chopping block. On addition the regional outreach program was primarily a Hugo Chavez’s bubble gum. Maduro is simply just walking through the mold.
Hi Mamizoo! e-mail Skerro this very post. No wonder peeps were saying he was ill !
All that is on his mind. That’s a lot of stress. Reminds me of Milli Vanilli in the 80’s when the music system failed during that famous show.
Milli killed himself. After the façade is removed things fall apart.
We have not learnt anything from our recent history. How can a country who cannot provide basic needs for its citizens continue to give financial aid to others. It is destined to end in mutiny.
The dream of Hugo Chavez to form a NWO to counter us dominance in the west was the most misguided rhetoric of our time. In other to gain influence he gave his country’s resources away to anyone who would kiss his toes. That is where our pm came in. Today he is still trying to kiss Chavez toes even after death.
Basic economics should tell you no country should put their eggs in one basket. We are yet to tackle population growth, we are yet to tackle manufacturing, we are yet to introduce investment through share holding, we are yet to harness the huge potential if inter island tourism our fishing industry is ancient, our agriculture industry is worst than it was during slavery and we are yet to utilize the potential of uwi to advance R&D, science and tech in the region. We insist on…
I agree with you Shaka. But this is what happens when we assign adult responsibilities to children, especially “internet children”. I do not expect much from this regime in terms of the issues that you mentioned. This childish group has been there for over 10 years and they have not been able to move this economy forward. Five more years will not make a difference when one is bankrupt for ideas and the top priority for those in control of government is personal enrichment. Remember a minister saying that he is not leaving office with his two hands empty. This is the mentality that prevails in this cabinet. In addition, I think that Dominica has been conditioned into a mindset of “dependency” over these last ten or more years. It is like an addiction. Rehabilitation is not possible when those responsible for creating this condition are still in control. Does a drug pusher ever want his addicts off the drugs? Think about it.
One famous sociologist said if you keep telling a man he cannot do anything, and he stupid he will eventually believe it. Skeritt has constantly told Dominicans they cannot do anything for themselves that’s why he has to beg, and Dominica is poor. It is a text book example of sociology and psychology on a nation. Dominicans put him back in power because the believe they are poor, stupid and cannot do anything for themselves. Mean time he amasses wealth and control. After November 2014 I gave up on Dominica. Let them Venezuelans see misery. After the caos start let Dominica take what it get. When the bottom off the pan drop off people must burn in the fire. 14 years was more than enough time to be on right path. Coffee trees would be considered old by now and the labor party should be boasting of the harvest.
Our current president said that some in the DLP were suffering from foot & mouth disease.
Now that Skerro kissed Chavez’s foot/toes fingers so much will the minister of health examine his leader el supremo to see if he has that ailment and even Tenia Pedis fungus in his mouth. It can be ingested and circulate to the brain and appear to have mad cow’s. didn’t they say he was sick? lol That would explain all the crazy things they ‘ve been doing. he hasn’t been unable to stand on his own or has he?
Seeing China, Venezuela etc have been propping him up like a falling fig tree or a tomatoe plant.
Skerrit please Venezuelans want freedom venezuela is a rich nation and Maduro is so worried about the US that the people are suffering,Skerri you only care about the handouts you get,whereas you can use our natural resources.
Remember the old saying, “Charity begins at home?” Now that the Venezuelan population is suffering from the impact of bad governance and management of the country’s resources by the socialist regime of the former bus driver Nicholas Maduro, it’s clear to the so called Anglophone Caribbean what’s next.
We all heard the DLP operatives on the radio express their interests in “AID and not TRADE. We know our people, especially the government supporters really like depending on “Hand-outs” instead of self-reliance, so it’s easy to understand why any Venezuelan coup must impact those awaiting on the financial help from Venezuela. No doubt, lessons taught are not lessons learnt for those who beg.
Let our government prostitute our country still and dont focus on developing our capacity to do for ourselves!!!
The problem is not about the Prime Ministers that want to milk the cow and therefore want things to stay just as they are but with the suffering people of Venezuela who cannot get milk, sugar, diapers and toilet paper in the shops and want change and want relief from their plight. It is the people that matter and not the lazy beggar governments srounging off the assets of the people. Also Maduro might have to change the policy of free giving to these beggars who do little to help themselves in order to save himself..