LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Response to Ambassador Vince Henderson’s statement

May 3, 2019

Dear Editor,

The Concern Citizens Movement would like to publicly refute the false statements made by Ambassador Vince Henderson on April 26th, 2019 while speaking to a Dominica Labor Party news conference. At that venue, the Ambassador made some utterances that he knew or should have known were false. Ambassador Henderson stated that
every report from all observer missions declared that elections were free and fair.

In addition, he stated that he saw no need for electoral reform to the electoral process. We state here that Mr. Henderson was either confused, ill-informed, or being malicious. The exact reasons why Ambassador Henderson made those statements are unclear. He deliberately misrepresented the findings of the observer missions. It could be that he did not read the reports or if he did was selective in his presentations to deliberately deceive the Dominican people. Ambassador Henderson chose to highlight the report of the Commonwealth Observers. However, contained within the Conclusions and Recommendations of that same report, the Observer Mission stated that the elections were free but not necessarily fair. They went on to give multiple reasons for their
conclusions including a lack of transparency and several instances of bribery and treating. Ambassador Henderson selectively ignored those observations, once again pointing to his ill intent.

Ambassador Henderson further went on to state that he did not think there was any need for electoral reform in Dominica. However, he proceeds to say that “there is need for enhancement of the electoral process.” What was the purpose of this statement? Is it to confuse and mislead the electorate? This statement is oxymoronic. Ambassador Henderson failed to identify the many areas of “enhancement” that were recommended by the Commonwealth Observer Mission. Was that a deliberate strategic tactic? Is it because he is also serving as Campaign Manager for the Dominica Labor Party? Incidentally, the CCM would like to know whether Ambassador Vince Henderson has abandoned his Ambassadorial duties? Is his term at an end? Has he resigned? Or has
he been recalled? He needs to enlighten the Dominican public. Why would the Ambassador publicly speak as the Dominica Labor Party Campaign Chairman while still Concern Citizens Movement serving as Ambassador to the US and Permanent Representative to the OAS? This is a blatant conflict of interest and an abuse of State resources.

Finally, the CCM has concluded that Ambassador Henderson was very reckless in those utterances. He needs to return to the airwaves to clear up the confusion that he has generated. Ambassador Henderson is educated. Hence, there are no excuses for these pronouncements by a “learned” individual. The Dominican people are waiting.

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.

25 Comments

  1. KaliNeg
    May 10, 2019

    con-vince,vince con,another rogue! Therefore we can’t expect any good from members of the rogues!!!

  2. FOR LOVE OF COUNTRY
    May 9, 2019

    An educated fool… this Dr Vince Henderson!

    • Ibo France
      May 12, 2019

      People always confuse education and intelligence. This guy may be educated but sure not intelligent for uttering such unadulterated garbage about the vitally needed electoral reforms. This man could have more degrees than a thermometer, his words and actions reveal the moron that he is.

  3. May 9, 2019

    “What do you except from an empty bag of coals but dust” these guys think that they have acquired a little bit of learning and that makes them superior, guess what he must have come from the planet of the apes.

  4. JBaptiste
    May 9, 2019

    He still had time for graduate studies on the tax payer’s account. So he gets paid by our treasury, gets educated by our treasury, however he pay’s taxes to the US.He’s better positioned than the PM if you ask me. Should this utopia end, these people would go mad, so use your imagination.

    • UKDominican
      May 10, 2019

      If he is an accredited Ambassador
      to the U.S.A. He would be exempt from paying tax in that country under international diplomatic convention.

  5. Man bites dogs
    May 9, 2019

    Ambassador Vince Henderson said all the right things in his statement. Mr Henderson wasn’t lying but telling truth in which case you lots so-called Workers two headed snakes would not know the meaning off. When a comment is said in your favour it’s OK but when Labour is talking the truth it is a lie 🤥 according to you lots real nasty septic tank so-called Workers clowns party. So princess shut your noise and say something good for once in your life.

    • viewsexpressed
      May 10, 2019

      Man, go bite your dirty Dogs: Your comments make no reference or logic to the issue at hand. We are aware, up here at the Financial Centre what has gone on, what will go on and the level of incompetence and corruption that originates from the Top 5th floor office of this Odd Minister? W are fedup with this failed government and its blind followers including you sir whose name probably represents who you are…just barking. Barking and barking total BS., and therefore keeps barking day in and day out real rubbish that represents this failed Labour government of yours. Skerrit is a failure, this corrupt Labour government is a big failure and have failed us Dominicans. It is time Skerrit goes….and go away very far. He is a liability to Dominica and Dominicans.
      Skerrit must Go…Go away…..dont come back,. You and your failed corrupt labour government have failed us. Skerrit has failed us and we know that he should have never been Prime Minister and Minister of Education. He has…

  6. %
    May 9, 2019

    It was not an error by Vince, it was deliberate!!!
    Desperation time, DLP is sinking..
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    Lazy Skerrit Must Go Now

    • KJ
      May 9, 2019

      Again and again the shameless novice % , just waiting for the bone to drop to he could devour it. % be a contributing member of society and not a parasite. Your ship is sinking because of all your empty promises.

  7. Iamanidiot
    May 9, 2019

    Exactly, and the worst thing is he is a very intelligent man, and not just on the political front, very very intelligent man and a very good speaker. Politics aside I actually admire the man, which is what made it more sad to hear him uttering things to deceive the barefoot man that didnt go to school and listen to him because he is a “trusted” source.
    Very sad, i’m sure Vince knows better, and he will say he mention “enhancement”,..smh

    • Ibo France
      May 12, 2019

      When money comes talking, common sense goes walking. Every man has a price. Money makes the man crow for the highest bidder.

  8. Gamewatcher
    May 9, 2019

    Hmmmmm…Vince come and clear the air.

  9. Ray
    May 9, 2019

    Loftus go and look for work to do.

  10. viewsexpressed
    May 9, 2019

    “Finally, the CCM has concluded that Ambassador Henderson was very reckless in those utterances.” The entire group of this failed Labour Party Government has been reckless for over 19 years now. Vince is in no position to lecture us, counsel us, guide us in any matters dealing with Domininca he may be surrounded or part of the worse government and leadership that Dominica has ever witnessed. Whatever you pen or write Vince, it means nothing to us and will have no impact on the Develpoment of Dominica. 19 years has passed and our Dominican people are poor and in deep poverty due to this failed incompetent Odd Minister and failed corrupt Labour government.
    Please Vince, do not come here to lecture us, we cannot take this nonsense, as we hear daily Bull …. already from your Odd Minister Skerrit. 19 years in government and Dominica is still ailing in deep poverty due to heavy abuse of state funds and recalling the Bin and Fertilizer Bobol that was exposed by Hon Linton. Skerrit must…

    • Hey
      May 9, 2019

      Views Expressed you scare tactic isn’t working. Your portrayal of Dominica as very poor is a Blatant Lie. Since you became opposition leader you were able to pay off your mortgage. In a radioton, you were able to raise enough funds from the same poor Dominicans to pay your legal bills. The streets of Roseau are so congested with traffic that it is almost impossible to navigate. As the leader of the opposition, how many trips have you taken? Where’s your vacation trip coming from? Stop mongering hate and fear % and Views Expressed. Mem Bett mem puell.

      • viewsexpressed
        May 10, 2019

        Hey, why do you declare me as the Opposition Leader? Are you fr real…..what have you been drinking….Red Kool Aid…man yo are sick and out of touch and make up things as yo go on. No wonder yo belong to this fake corrupt Labour Government. “Since you became “Opposition Leader..” ?? What a joke and bog LOL… a pathetic make up lie.
        If you want to know me, walk up the Financial Centre and ask for me, and come with some intelligence of your own, none of Skerrit`s please. Too little to comprehend. So, take a walk to the 4th Floor of the Financial Centre, and you will know who I am.

  11. RandyX
    May 9, 2019

    By now most Dominicans know that the truth is an extremely flexible thing as far as Skerrit, Henderson, Austrie, Blackmoore and Douglas is concerned. They still maintain that all Dominicans are stupid. Never mind, the voters will soon cast their verdict on this lot.

  12. Lin clown
    May 9, 2019

    Durand,Mr Henderson is not going to clear up any air not to you,not to the ccm.We alll know you all are an arm of the UWP.If you are so correct about the observers tell the Dominican people what does NOT NECCESSARILY FAIR mean.Also tell Dominicans what happen to the court case of BRIBERY and TREATING brought against the GOV’T by St.Valle and Defoe two former Police Officers.

  13. Dr Clayton Shillingford
    May 9, 2019

    I support the analysis and comments by Loftus Durand for CCM.. The recent meeting of civil society organizations is precisely because the electoral system is broken and needs fixing..

  14. Sue Donym
    May 9, 2019

    You people….ok fine I will bite. Let me school you. Both Mike Wallace and Crispin Gregoire actively campaigned, and were on political platforms while serving as Ambassadors. Your hypocrisy is amazing!!!!!

  15. Ibo France
    May 9, 2019

    The leadership of the DLP has turned lying into an art form. They obfuscate the truth and advance untruths to hoodwink the unsuspecting electors. Every rational citizen knows that the electoral system needs ‘patching up’ as it has too many loopholes and anomalies (bloated list, no voter’s ID, bribery of voters) etcetera. The status quo should not be allowed to continue. Only a deeply unethical, corrupt, political party will stubbornly resist reasonable and sensible electoral reforms. Vince Henderson’s pronouncements clearly indicate how morally depraved, unscrupulous and dishonest the FAILED EXPERIMENT that currently governs Dominica is. Electoral Reforms are a MUST!

  16. TJ
    May 9, 2019

    The point is well taken. Mr. ambassador explain and show yourself to the people. DA cannot regain its place in the Caribbean with leaders like you

  17. Dominican
    May 9, 2019

    This is very interesting. As of today, 8 May 2019, The Diplomat in Washington still lists Hubert Charles as our Ambassador to the U.S.A. That begs the question, was Vince Henderson ever accredited in that position?

    • Neville
      May 9, 2019

      One way or another he has been paid for it and from what I gather very handsomely.

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