Bishop of Roseau, His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire, has issued a strong call to Dominicans not to accept bribes and to make an effort to know the policies and plans of the political parties contesting the December 6, 2019, general election.
He was delivering the homily at the feast of Christ the King at Windsor Park Stadium where hundreds of Roman Catholics gathered for the celebration on Sunday.
“In a few days, you will go to the polls to elect a leader. Let us not lose sight of who we are as Christian followers of Jesus Christ as King, who reminds us of our expected disposition towards each other…It is one of love, respect and forgiveness. I wish to remind you of your responsibility as stated in my letter read out in the diocese,” Bishop Malzaire said.
“As citizens, we are to recognize that every adult citizen has the privilege to vote according to his or her conscience and therefore, the duty not to neglect to exercise this precise right,” the leader of Dominica’s Catholic community advised. “Make an effort to know the parties, their aims and objects and policies in order to make a responsible choice. Also, vote as free persons and not to debase yourself by selling your votes for money or any personal favours.”
Bishop Malzaire admonished the gathering to “oppose and reject any candidate, who uses bribery, intimidation or threats of violence to win votes. Reject any invitation to join in the harassment of those whose political views are different from ours.”
He added, “Also consider that integrity, impartiality, good character and sound judgment are qualities required for those to be chosen. Remember that no political and economic system is perfect and accept the verdict of the majority even if it differs from what one has voted in accordance with one conscience.”
The Bishop reminded the clergy, lay associates, those in pastoral care and preachers, “to recognize that our basic obligation is to promote unity in our communities and therefore, to refrain from saying or doing anything likely to be interpreted as partisan politics.”
He reminded them of their responsibility to give at all times and especially during the period before and during election time, moral and spiritual guidance Catholics.
“Join me in making this pre-election period one of intense prayer and fasting for ourselves and the Nation. I invite all to pray the rosary daily and also offer the sacrifice of the mass so that justice, love and peace will reign in our lives,” The Bishop said. “May Christ the King of the universe reign as King of our lives, our hearts, homes, workplaces and our beloved country Dominica.”
“Bishop Malzaire urges Dominicans to vote conscience; reject bribes in upcoming general elections”.
Well said Bishop Malzaire, well said and thanks for your open comments in the interest of our Dominica and its people, here in Dominica or abroad. My fellow Dominicans please take heed that we, “Dominicans to vote conscience; reject bribes..” Please reject Skerrit and bribery that take place like we know that goes on. We need to move on to elevate our people and Dominica to that level of decency nd courtesy, that we have a thriving and accommodating Dominica. We must wipe out, wipe away corruption and Bobol. We need this failed Labour Bobol government. I end with this statement:
“”Bishop Malzaire urges Dominicans to vote conscience; reject bribes in upcoming general elections”. Amen. Gods Guidance, please reject failed Skerrit and his highly corrupted failed Labour Government. We need to take back our government from Skerrit that we are able to move our Dominica to higher…
@viewsexpress, it sounds like you only read that first paragraph of the bishop’s message to throw out all that mess from your “belly”.
But did the bishop speak to only one party as you have made it sound above? What about this one:
“Oppose and reject any candidate, who uses bribery, “intimidation” or “threats of violence” to win votes. “Reject” any invitation to join in the “harassment” of those whose political views are different from ours.” Is he speaking to one set of people or one group in that quoted passage?
That is why I think it is unfortunate that so many people do not read nor think for themselves, they are simply like the “old-time” carbon paper which would only accept what the original paper receives.
If I didn’t read the news article, it is possible that I would accept what you wrote above–that is the way you people are misleading your followers from since the stone-ages ago. What a sorry situation?
Bishop blue vex papa skerro stop give him cool out. is roseau central time to get cool out not you papi malzaire
The 500,000 was a good help with all the donations the church is still unfinished. Something is definitely wrong.
Bishop Malzaire said/…..”Make an effort to know the parties, their aims and objects and policies in order to make a responsible choice. Also, vote as free persons and not to debase yourself by selling your votes for money or any personal favours.”
I hope all voters will embrace the principles Bishop Malzaire has emphasized.. And that includes persons like Parry Bellot et al and the vulnerable ones who will be tempted with paid airfare and ferry.. Emphasis on “selling your votes for money or ANY PERSONAL FAVOURS e.g paid airfare
Trust no man not all who says holy holy are holy take a page from your book.
The bishop should tell those priests to stop preaching politics in church. I think I will have to find another church.
Did the Bishop really say that?
Wow!
I can’t believe those words came out of his mouth.
If said… well said.
Yes he did. I just hope and pray that the people he leads obey.
I think the Bishop’s message was very timely and impartial, it was Christian teaching of civic duty. If we are to heed his words “oppose and reject candidate who uses bribery” then we know what party to not vote. For they are guilty of everything the Bishop said to oppose.
If we are to heed his words “oppose and reject a candidate who uses bribery” then we know what party to not vote “For they are guilty of everything the Bishop said to oppose”
You are right to say “they are guilty” But why did you site only the verse in your quote, “oppose and reject a candidate who uses bribery” to come to a conclusion?
What about this one: “intimidation or threats of violence to win votes. Reject any invitation to join in the harassment of those whose political views are different from ours.”
Which one is the better choice?
The one that is strictly an allegation; for the Bishop does not know who is using bribes to win elections.
But it is factual that people are intimidated to use threats and violence to fulfill the desire of their leader.
Why not weigh the differences before you decide which one to vote for? Like, which one of the two will be more comfortable for your Life?
I knew that you had to put your hypocritical BS 2 cent in. The fact is, that you do not worship god but Roosevelt Skerrit!!!
The Bishop was very diplomatic. I like the part where he say-promote unity in our
communities. After the election, persons of all parties will have to live together.
Good Job Sir, (claps hands).
But why DNO having such long headlines in their articles? Those are headlines, not sentences DNO. Having “vote” and “voters” in one headline make it look bulky and ties the tongues of readers.
I am not a journalist but I read many newspapers and I observe their headlines. I would have written “Bishop Malzaire urges Dominicans to vote conscience, reject bribes in upcoming general elections”
Come on folks at DNO, u all can do better.
ADMIN: Thank you, that’s a good headline and its funny because that’s exactly what we had before we changed it just before publishing.
Sometimes its easier to see a good idea when someone else suggests it.