Magistrate Tiyani Behanzin has said that a reduction in the number of seats in Dominica could mean better political and economic organisation for the country.
He believes that this reduction could also help solve issues related to the Diaspora, along with providing a better managerial structure for the country.
The magistrate, in a special lecture on the life of his father Rosie Douglas on Friday evening, said this was one of his father’s visions for Dominica.
“21 seats is far too many. We need to reduce the size of government in a sense to reduce the amount of seats. You have 18 ministers running up and down this small little country; it doesn’t make much sense,” he said.
“If you get 18 candidates to run an election, when you do win, everybody wants a ministry. It’s a kind of a fight for ministries. Because the point is that even if you just arrived in parliament, you want your ministry. I mean after all…” he stated.
He proposed that a special few who possess effective technical and managerial skills be put to run the country with the guidance of politicians. He believes that the country is more in need of managers than politicians.
“I think that it has to be that those people who may come in and there’s a commitment to reduce the size of government perhaps the senatorial seats are reserved for them in the first instance and when the second weight comes, some other arrangements are made, but it seems to me that for a small country that we have, what we need more is managers less so than politicians,” he said.
“We need effective technocratic managers guided by politicians who would have had some basis of representations for their positions but the management of the resource…
Moreover, the magistrate alluded to the issue of Dominicans living overseas and their right to vote. He said a better system could be devised to accommodate the Diaspora during election times if seats are reduced. This, he said, was also a concern for his father as a Dominican politician.
Behanzin believes that there are two distinctions to be made in determining those who should have the right to vote in the country.
“Those who hold our passports for economic reasons who don’t live in Dominica ought not have any right to vote. Those who have economic passports should live in the country for five years before they are able to exercise their vote. ..” he said.
“Those Dominicans outside should vote, but the question is, would it be feasible equitable and fair to just have them vote in the areas where they’re born or where they’re from? I think, that would be dangerous.
He proposed: “I think what we should consider to do it this, we should have virtual seats for those living outside. For example, either we cut Dominica horizontally in half or vertically, in half or we have two virtual seats. Those people will campaign and where the Dominican associations are they would exercise their vote well in advance of the national vote so they can be counted and taken care of.”
He suggested that those elected through this system would have to be consulted whenever anything is passed in parliament.
“So they don’t have to attend a seat in parliament, it’s the virtual members of parliament on the basis of connection with Dominicans living outside,” he explained.
The magistrate said that this crystallized idea is one to be debated as a country.
“It farther dangerous in terms of interfering with the outcome of those who live actually on the island and for that reason I think we should do it in terms of a virtual seats representing and all parties would be able to put their candidates up…with special consultations, connections with the main parliament,” he said.
petit savanne and gandbay should be one, pais bush and cottage shoud be one .
Concerned
You find my level of ignorance unbelievable? I wonder why you would say such a thing? Is it because I posted the details of the Bar Standards Board recent tribunal conviction against Behanzin?
You would have noticed from the link that the tribunal posts all of their findings publicly on the website.
Now why do you suppose that is?
Its to protect the public from fraudsters like Behanzin. Its to protect credible law firms, government bodies and others from hiring such persons.
So let me get this right, the same guy the English legal system has effectively declared a fraud and are seeking to protect their community from is the guy we appoint to the bench?
And you think I am the ignorant one?
I know we are poor but we don’t also have to be STUPID!!!
Hmmm
The details of the offense which Behanzin was CONVICTED for clearly states:
“Tiyani Behanzin held himself out as a barrister or allowed himself to be held out as a BARRISTER for the purposes of supplying legal services to members of the public WITHOUT HAVING COMPLIED WITH THE PRACTICING REQUIREMENTS…”
IN ORDER TO BE QUALIFIED IN ANY FIELD ONE MUST QUITE OBVIOUSLY COMPLY WITH THE PRACTCING REQUIREMENTS OF THAT FIELD…
JUST THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING…
If BEHANZIN was a qualified BARRISTER how could IT EVEN BE POSSIBLE for him to be convicted and sentenced by the Bar Standards Board for HOLDING HIMSELF OUT AS A BARRISTER!!!!
@Zion- Your ignorance is unbelievable! Your motive?… I am more and more disappointed in my fellow Dominicans everyday. Instead of getting kinder and more intellegent they are becoming more stupid and bitter.
@zion: A non-practicing barrister does not mean he is not qualified. I mean that he IS a barrister but he does not hold a practicing certificate.
You should have done more research before you try to mislead and tarnish people images whether u like them or not.
Yes I have a question. Which planet did you come from? Mars or Uranus?
I agree with reducing the size of goverment.
I flat out disagree with his idea of moving from a democracy to a technocracy. This is a step back in the country.
Down with the Douglas Legacy ( IT has done Dominica NO Good as far as i can see)
[ I am from Portsmouth so i can tell you that much]
@love DA:
So why 99.9% of the accused is get released upon appeals?
This man knows that Dominicans like autocratic leaders and judges and magistrates and is aware that his contract will not be renewed so he is on a campaign to promote himself. The Bubbles Case may have even made a U-turn in terms of his popularity for now. Let’s see what the appeal will reveal!!!! If the appeal backfires and Bubbles goes to jail or has to pay the fines , then he becomes a force to be reckoned with in the political arena. The challenge will be for him to adopt a constituency and get elected.
Now let’s see, Matthew Walter has already indicated that he will not contest in 2014 or 2015.
There is a strong chance this man may want to present himself as the alternative for Matthew Walter. Washway and Sean are always good foot soldiers with lots of time on their hands to invest in such a campaign coolbwa style. You may never hear them talk at this time but will have all the ducks in a row!!
UWP better be careful, because Real Labor Party will eclipse them and take support from DLP as well.
I take great exception to Tiyani trying to pass off HIS views as Rosie’s. This guy is just one more opportunist attempting to capitalize on Rosie’s charisma. Where the hell was he all these years when Rosie was in the trenches campaigning? Sniff Sniff!! I am taking a strong smell of political ambition. Ian garcon, watch your back tan.
@Anonymous:
Well said.
you can know labourte eh. they always negative.i can bet my last cent had in been their god skerrit who had written the article they would be singing hoo ray all now. boy boy boy that day will come when they will see skerit for who he is but it will be too late for them..they just like ZOMBIES just living but they don’t have any forsight or sense of direction.
This man is no magistrate. A simple google search reveals that not only is he not a qualified lawyer but on 9 June 2010 the body that regulates legal practice in England (Bar Standards Board) has rendered a tribunal decision against him for impersonating a lawyer (see link below).
http://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/complaintsandhearings/disciplinaryfindings/detail.php?id=806&&page=4
According to the details of the the offense:
“Tiyani Behanzin held himself out as a barrister or allowed himself to be held out as a barrister for the purposes of supplying legal services to members of the public without having complied with the practising requirements…”
He was accordingly sentenced (for charge 1) 1,500 pounds sterling. These charge was rendered not long before he suddenly appeared in Dominica impersonating a magistrate.
What an amazing coincidence!
Quite clearly no background checks were done prior to his appointment as Magistrate. But, this should not surprise anyone because he was appointed by his own cousin Minister of Legal Affairs Ian Douglas.
The really and truly sad thing about all of this is that Dominicans right to a fair trial is being violated everyday by a man:
a) with no legal qualifications
b) who has been found guilty of misconduct for impersonating a qualified lawyer.
My best guess is that he knew he would never be able to practice law in England after this conviction against him so he came running to Dominica hoping to hang on to his deceased father’s coattails.
mission accomplished!
The brethren is making two valid points. 1). Too many constituencies for an island of 289 square miles; and 2) too many ministers for a country with a per capita income of about $10 000. 00. But virtual seats! Not practical.
We should have a mechanism for our students, diplomats and citizens who recently migrated to cast their votes. Those who are permanent residents and citizens of foreign countries should not be allowed to influence the political outcome of this country by voting. Some people have the mistaken notion that the USA allows any American living overseas to vote. Military men and women, diplomats and US citizens; not if you become a citizen of another country. That’s why you have to renounce your “alien” citizenship and pledge allegiance to the USA to become a naturalized US citizen.
Almost everyone supports cutting back on constituencies but many want theirs to remain intact. Many think that they are taking a stab at the PM by agreeing with the idea. But this could be a huge advantage for the ruling party which normally has the most influence on drawing the constituency boundaries. Can you imagine Marigot combined with Wesley, Calibishie, Thibaud and Vielle Case? Can you envisage Salisbury merging with Colihaut, Dublanc, Coulibistrie and St. Joseph? What about La Plaine and Morne Jaune? Parts of Roseau North in Roseau Central and parts of the Mahaut coustituency merging with Roseau North would complete the route of the UWP. So be careful what you ask for. You might just get it.
That would also require a consttutional amendment supportedby 2/3 of the House of Assembly. No problem for the DLP which might give them the chance to “fix” the dual citizenship clause. Do you start to visualize the worms leaving the can? The DFP tried to sabotage Dominica’s independence instead of trying to educate the people and shape the constitution. They left it to Premier John. Luckily, Rosie Douglas, Wiltshire, Paul Lawa Alexander, Gabu, LLoyd,Pierro,Myson,Lagawen and too many comrades to mention individually, came together as the Popular Independence Committee and the Library and Work/ Study group (LWSC) of Grand Bay to save the day. The Young Freedom Movement was in its hey day sabotaging Dominica and calling Grand Bay residents foolish.
So spearheading the fight for independence was Rosie’s greatest achievement. People could not understand, at the time, why Rosie and Mike would defy their father RBD and his Nenen, Mamo, to “support” PJ. Even Wiltshire was skeptical. He thought we had to follow the trail blazed by Amilcar Cabral; if you know what I mean.
@Dominican to the bone:
The Party’s name will be “THE UNITED LABOUR PARTY and not UNITED WORKERS PARTY!”
So the Labour party will be bowled out. Watch it!
@ROCKSY:
ROCKSY, check your essay, you have misspelt “THEIR” many times. Go and learn to spell THEIR, because you are idiot!
@Gee: Brilliant
Personally I think we should change the form of government, Rather than have politicians run in a small comunity or constituency, I think that all should be voted for nationally, If we have 18 seats, we have every one in the country vote for everyone running, there will still be party affiliation and the party that wins will form the government, however the office of prime minister will be contested nationally by the leaders of the political parties and other independant contestants, the speaker of the house will be one appointed by the party that wins the most seats. This will cause all politicians to be accountable to the whole country, this will get rid of the local rum shop postering by the politicians and really have to work for their survival as parliamentarians.
I hear that Tiyani is a firm and somtimes fair Magistrate, others might say he is a little over the top… But it’s quite obvious that this man has a hidden agenda… Actually, I stand corrected, because it aint so hidden now… And that other agenda besides serving the bench is: POLITICS…
@Just Giving My Two Cents: they are about money .
@Anonymous: those people are not inocent they belong to the jail he is doing right. why should u call them inocent u think u would like to get them into your hands.leave the man alone
@Gee: Yes…..Why did’nt you are yourself a few questions before writing this rubbish?
Look…. let’s not make this complicated…. all this virtual seats, 21 seats issue and all.
Simple solution!!!!!! Let the 21 seats remain. BUT only the leader of the parties shall be running for those 21 seats. This means the country will vote directly for the next prime minister. After the Prime minister takes office then he can appoint individuals from each of this 21 seats to voice the concern of the villagers of these constituency. This will not be a fulltime position so no need for a hefty salary for these appointed individuals. next the prime minister will APPOINT….yes APPOINT individuals to serve as ministers of government!! That way we can have experience and effective qualified individuals to manage the governmentministries !!!
ANY QUESTION????
Ju
to the magistrate. Did you spent all night thinking about this. i mean did you really think you were saying something. Really did you think you are carrying you father legacy when he broke to record for having the most ministers ever.
Whats obvious is your political agenda, and i really don’t care to much about politics, but it seems that you have already started your campaigning in the court system. Thats just too wrong, carrying your personal interest into the court room- innocent person have to go to jail just so you can be the popular judge.
I wonder how many Dominicans can understand this article, or are they just understanding the basic words in the structured sentences. I think that those negtive persons should take their time to read and understand, and if they disagree they should suggest a solution and possible cause of action.Great thinking mister magistrate..
@things eh boy: WELL SAY BOY WELL SAY
@possie: THUMBS UP FOR U
@Watcher: I will concur with what the “Watcher” has said.
I do not agree with everything the Magistrate said. But I do think we need to re-think how our small country is divided. This is my idea:
Firstly, we need to re-structure and re-draw the boundaries that currently delineate the constituencies. These new boundaries should create constituencies that are more balanced and evenly spaced in terms of average number of constituents and overall acreage.
Secondly, We should have general elections (as we already do) and elect individuals to represent those constituents who voted them in (and those who voted against them too). This should be their job… their ONLY job. The elected officials should work closely with the village councils to decide what projects should be undertaken in the communities within his/her constituency and should liase with the Ministry of Finance to lobby for funding for specialty projects, etc. The constituency and its betterment should be his/her sole concern.
Some may be wondering, “but what about the Ministries?”… we these positions should be filled by people who are appointed by the Prime Minister and subject to approval by the Parliament, i.e. elected officials of the winning AND losing party as well as senators of both parties. These appointed individuals should be well qualified and display tremendous aptitude for the positions they have been appointed to. Their permanence should be determined by their performance which should be reviewed periodically by the Parliament as a whole. Call them what you want, “technocrats”, “managers”, etc. These are people who have the expertise to run the various ministries as they would a Fortune 500 company.
Some reading this may think it sounds familiar, and that is because it does. This system is very similar to the system in the USA. The newly elected president appoints people to key cabinet positions. While these folks may be minor party players, they all possess the experience and expertise in those fields and many of them work cross-administration (that mean regardless of party).
The main difference is that in the US system there is no approval process by the other party. This feature may be debateable in Dominica’s new system but I think it is a good idea because it would foster a sense of amicable agreement from the get-go. If the two parties making up the Parliament can agree on these appointment, they just may be able to agree on other policy decisions.
So there’s a start at a civil debate. Any improvements to the idea, critique?
That is My2Sense
Mr Behanzin – Congrats! Very well presented, your take and vision on the state of political affairs in Dominica was much needed. With a few more like you, there will be change in Dominica for the best.
I do not see what all the back and forth is about ,because the country has 65000 or 70000 people represented by 21 elected members of parliament 70000 divided by 21 =3334 with some constituencies having less than 800 voters . Years ago the district represented by Wills Stevens ran from the Carib reserves to Calibishie which I think could be changed but not Marigot, as a constituency, wesley and woodfordhill is another and this is repeated all over the island with every politician hoping to get a ministry making the treasury look like a dining table with every one having his dinner at the expense of the overtaxed citizens Mr douglas is right and while he is a magistrate this should not prevent him from voicing his opinion in matters affecting the public good
Tiyani even if you take over the leadership of the fading UWP. You still wouldn’t be able to revive that fading party. So keep dreaming Behanzin.
21 SEAT TO MANY NO I DON’T THINK ROSIE WILL SAY THAT MR. BEHANZIN FOCUS ON THE COURT THATS WHERE YOU GOOD AT.
Behanzin forget we have PERMANENT SECRETARIES AND A FINANCIAL SECRETARY and many other TECHNOCRATS who advises and CABINET?? Our technocrats are well qualified individuals who has worked deligently over the years, however each political party has thier own agenda and policy to guide them and their vision for the development of this beautiful country.
What level of BS is that man revaeling in public? It is embarrassing to hear a MAGISTRATE TALK SUCH RUBBISH!!!
How is he proposing these virtual candidates represent thier people, especially if their party was not successful? What about renumeration, considering the fact that they will not be part of our local parliament?
He yet to tell us how many seats will be the ideal for Dominica.
Mr. Behanzin ROOSEVELT DOUGLAS would feel ashame if he was alive today to hear you articulate such RUBBISH in public…….
oOU SAY OR SACKWAY SORT…………
Mr. Behanzin it appear like you didn’t know your father that well. Because Rosie was the first leader that went out of Dominica to campaign for oversea Dominican. He was a modern leader. So that speech wasn’t of Rosie legacy.
tiani stop belching bubbles.
@Anonymous:Will the “real” anonymous please step forward..What is right with you?..cause it seems to me that everything about you is wrong,so wrong,and dead wrong…….If you are that same person i cautioned long ago,then you have slipped into the abyss.
The runaway magistrate and a loose cannon
This is so true., so obvious. In a small country with limited human resources it is difficult for any party to field a cadre of persons qualified to serve the country..so that one ends up with totally inept persons running and the few who have something to offer are frustrated or not interested in running for office..
But will it ever happen, not in my lifetime.
You know what – this man has a point. Dominica DOES in fact need people with the technical know-how in various fields to manage its affairs. I long for the day when the people who run for office are capable of presenting a solid CV in Agriculture, Trade, Diplomacy, Education, Infrastructure, etc etc – to their respective constituents. But thats not all – the constituents themselves must be able to recognize what is being presented to them and make a cogent decision as to whom they feel best, among the qualified candidates, would best be able to manage the country and move it forward.
Well, well, well. At long last! A leader for the real Labor Party that will sooner eclipse the UWP in political support.
Washway must be proud.
All doubt has since been erased
Mr behanzin i like ur proposal for this country but arent u suppose to b talking about the legacy of ur late father(by the way he was the best pm for the country).he’s dead god rest his soul.for those young ones who hasnt the slightest idea who rosie was dont u think u shud b telling them things bout his life n all that.
For the people who think that it’s the Politicians who have the power to change Dominica – think again. The majority do – which is the PEOPLE.
The saying that if something aint broke don’t fix it is there for a reason. Obviously, based on the negativity seen here on DNO, it’s apparent that something is broken in the Dominican Govt and it’s society, which is desperately in need of fixing.
Therefore, any ideas of fixing the country should be much appreciated and discussed. It’s not about BLUE, GREEN OR RED. It is about DOMINICANS and DOMINICA moving forward.
All we need is someone who is strong enough, bright enough, and determined enough to stand up against all this corruption which ALL the politicians bring on Dominica. All we need is a Rosa Parks, a Martin Luther – someone who can change a society and make a huge difference for doing what is right……….
Dominica needs a savior!!!!! And right now, i think we need better managers cuase these politicians SUCK!
@Robotron: how about we just get rid of idiots like YOU instead!!!
@Anonymous: THATS WHY im not darn voting again. im not ashame to say im a labourite and if i cant give my vote to labour probably i just wont vote. BUT papmetete put truth where truth is nah. mr behanzin making sense. too many constituencies and all those that in want their name to run for ministry, just to say they are ministers. After all is our tax money that is beoing used for campaign plus to pay those ministers. dont we think. its not like as if it is easy to go to our parl rep to represnt us nah. they still have to tell u go to this one , and that one and the next one. so tell me what is the real importance of all those ministries. even if you are a die hard supporter like myself it still hard to get through only if the person is ur bon bon bon jean and u have a darn big surname. behanzin may not have spoken much about his dad but the things he said make sense. I not sitiing on my rear. i am fair and unbias. I
Behanzin should organize a pilgrimage to mecca if he has not been there yet.
Magistrate Tiyani Behanzin has said that a reduction in the number of seats in Dominica could mean better political and economic organisation for the country.
.. .this reduction could help solve issues related to the Diaspora along with providing a better managerial structure for the country.
“21 seats is far too many. We need to reduce the size of government in a sense to reduce the amount of seats. You have 18 ministers running up and down this small little country, it doesn’t make much sense,” he said.
“If you get 18 candidates to run an election, when you do win, everybody wants a ministry. It’s a kind of a fight for ministries. Because the point is that even if you just arrived in parliament, you want your ministry, I mean after all…” he stated.
Then he speaks about Managers needed and not Politicians. He continues to speak about those who should be allowed to vote and gave examples to compare to get the criteria and distinctions that could be looked at.
He gave reasons while virtual seats should be looked at viz “It farther dangerous in terms of interfering with the outcome of those who live actually on the island and for that reason I think we should do it in terms of a virtual seats representing and all parties would be able to put their candidates up…with special consultations, connections with the main parliament,” he said
He further states this crystallized idea is one to be debated as a country.
My reason for quoting from the news item above is that some commentators do not actually read the news reports. They are only ready to comment and criticize and some even resort to name calling. This is very dangerous for our democratic society. When persons comment and especially when they give alternative solutions, we should be very appreciative. Not that we are in agreement but those are the kind of comments I would like to see us as readers do. Come together and exchange ideas and add our little tupence to what is being discussed. You have very short commentators who barage and disrespect the persons. They actually did not add anything to the discussion. These persons sometimes one can see that they did not read the article. It would seem (their comments tell a story)that they they just look at the pictures and if is someone they do not like , then the disrepectful comments and barages comes out even if the person has said something that is good.
Well said sir, although I may not agree with some but I won’t disrespect him or anyone who has made a meaningful contribution on the state of affairs of our country. The one who stated that because the gentleman is a magistrate, he should remain a magistrate and not comment on other matters, what is your profession? We must not limit persons to speak especially those who gives suggestions/alternatives to their point. A wise man listens and will learn from what he hears. Sometimes a good suggestions comes from persons whom we never thought could give. Even from the mouth of babes, one can learn something.
Please be guided and let us remain respectful to one another.
When Dominicans keep critising all those who are seeing things better than them, how do they expect the country to develop? What happen all you satisfy Chinese building a road is development?
Open all you eyes Dominicans… criticising the man for speaking the truth.
But then again its the way of the world, people prefer to be used and abused rather than someone saving them, I feel sorry for the men of this country who try to make a “better” difference.
@Anonymous: After reading the above words, how can you say the man has his whatever up wherever?
Are you sitting or standing on your brain?
You must be one of the most ignorant Dominicans, or probably one of those that’s stuck supporting parties because your grandparents did and your whole generation did – Get a brain of your own!!!!
Any human being with sense, can see what the man is saying is right!!!
But no to people like you everything is blue and red.. cheese man!!! that’s why Dominica is stuck in Skerrit’s pocket!!!
I am so afraid for this country..
i have always said that in the present govt there is only one manager. julius timothy. you can place that guy in any of the ministries in parliament and he would do it well. it’s just a pity that the ministries do not have the sufficient funds to keep them running like a well oiled machine.
@anonymous
how does change come about? With us burying our head in the sand. Or with some brave soul speaking up and getting the ball rolling.
Think ‘Anonymous’ before you open your ‘behind’
Mr Behanzin has hit the nail on the head. There are too many seats on a small island like ours. We have too many politicians who are not managers but popular in their respective constituencies. Poverty is 48.5% in our country it makes it easy for politicians to take advantage of not only our physical poverty but our mental poverty. Dominica spends way too much with respect to campaign funds. 30 million should be used to revamp our economy. I would prefer to see our politicians on a program like “Hard talk” from the BBC. Let us hear the issues such as the economy because folks, we pay too much taxes. When we purchase a vehicle we buy 1 for ourselves and 2 for the country. Folks nothing is for free someone has to pay for it. Politicians cannot and do not plan for the long-term because they have to focus on how they are going to win the next election. Their aim primarily is remaining in power, in the end there is to much political warfare and that is destroying our country. There is the need to make some major changes in the public sector to get it running efficiently, some of those politicians don’t have a clue as to efficiency and equity. We have to make those changes to get our bicycle economy into a Lexus economy.
This guy is in awe of himself!
What he says or proposes is just nonsense.
What exactly are the problems with the 21 constituencies?
Too many, why too many?
This virtual thing also is just a foolish idea.
Someone said he identified problems and proposed solutions…..really!
A bad solution for no problem is fine then I guess.
Come on people, this guy has a solution for everything, even when there is no problem.
The country has functioned well at most times since we have been independent.
Our issues or problems are not due to any of the 21 constituencies…..
This judge is too bias and political. He need to step down as a judge and get into the political arena.
@Robotron: SUCH A JACK AZZ, MARIGOT , AND THE OTHER SEATS THAT YOU IDIOT WISH TO GET RID OF IS THE MORAL CONSCIENCE OF DOMINICA ,THE VERY SWORD THAT IS CUTTING THROUGH THE WRONG THAT YOU AND THE REST CANNOT FIX, LIVE WITH IT, AND SUFFER UNTIL REALITY HITS YOU. FOR ONCE LAY OFF MARIGOT , AND STOP YOUR HATE. SO DAMN SICK AND TIRED OF THE MARIGOT BASHING. MARIGOT IS A MIRROR CONTINUE TO WATCH YOUR SORRY FACES IN IT
Rosie Douglas was a modern leader of a modern party. And had no enemy. He was the first leader that went out of Dominica to campaign to the oversea Dominican. So Mr. Behanzin you didn’t know Rosie legacy and what he really stood for. I was sadden after listening to your speech.
@The Third Side</THAT WAS HIS FATHERS DREAM. YOU GUYS ARE SO QUICK TO KILL THE MESSENGER. UNLIKE YOU HE MAKES MUCH SENSE
@Anonymous: its people like u that have da the way it is
rosie started this he passed on the talking about the vision his dad had wich is good
u say he have his foot in his ear the man sits in court and see all the ins and outs your’re a big
joke for that comment.
This is the problem I have with Dominica…Everybody is a politician. Shouldn’t this man be talking about the life of his father? But he chose to pontificate on electoral laws. BTW, he is no constitutional lawyer, so he is pretty much braying.
How could a magistrate make such wild statement…..here are his words….”He proposed: “I think what we should consider to do it this, we should have virtual seats for those living outside. For example, either we cut Dominica horizontally in half or vertically, in half or we have two virtual seats. Those people will campaign and where the Dominican associations are they would exercise their vote well in advance of the national vote so they can be counted and taken care of.”
Behanzin, did you really mean this?
Sir you are the perfect person to run the country, the next election is going to be very intresting, You father was a great leader, and we all can see that you are your fathers son, you are for the people.God is watching our beautiful Island of Dominica.
So what about the life of the late Rosie Douglas? Can anyone who attended goive an overview of the reflections?
I am very pleased with what I have read here. No only has he identified the problems, he has proposed solutions…these solutions make a lot of sense and show he has really thought about how to address these issues.
This is what we need in our public service –persons who are managing the ministries (not the politicians) who can come up with solutions instead of identifying the problems: “persons come to work too late or take long lunch breaks” – what are you going to do to FIX IT; ” We need greater efficiency within our departments ” – what are you going to do to FIX IT;” ” Our young people lack direction;”- how can your FIX IT;”
Too often (and not only in Dominica) people identify problems and think they have done their jobs…”i feel good because I’ve identified these problems which have been the cause of stunted growth,” yet they do not go further to try to resolve these issues. NEWSFLASH: there’s nothing to celebrate about identifying a problem; you celebrate when you’ve resolved the problem.
Returning to the magistrate’s comments, I think he should feel very proud because he has shown that he possesses a level of critical thinking and problem solving which is lacking in this country.
God bless…
This idea of a “virtual seat” – meaning a seat in name only. Is Mr. Behanzyin saying that this view is that of his father as he understands his father’s work in Dominican politics? Does he have any idea of his father’s role back in the 1980’s and early 1990’s in getting Dominicans living in Guadeloupe and St. Martenn for example to physically come back home and vote for him in when he ran for Paix Bouche (2 occasions) and again for Portsmouth? Is he aware of such? If he does not know about that then he has a poor knowledge or recollection of his father’s activities in local politics.
Mr. Behanzyin, please say that this is your view (nothing is wrong with that) and not that of your father. Why should Dominicans who live overseas be granted a token – “virtual seat” in the parliament. There contributions to national development are real and not “virtual”. Your father worked for and advocated a real and engaging role in the management of the country for Dominicans living over seas. That was one of his many dreams. Your view of things political in Dominica today has nothing to do with your father. It is yours and be man enough to say this is mine, as it is your right to hold on to your views – nothings wrong with that.
Robotron, the constituents of Marigot, Salisbury and Roseau East are the smartest in DA, presently your votes are a whip to you all. People in these constituents have proven that they are independant thinkers not puppets. The more you all try to redicule them, the more they shine. If you think that by rediculing them, the shame that the PM has brought on Dominicans will go away, yo are mistaken. They are not the ones that stop the red clinic; so stop your bull.
Mr. anonymous, this is a free country and the man has a right to suggest change, he did not say that he can change it. You Dominicans are really and truely a horse’s behind. Dominica will never change because it’s idiots like you that are stumbling blocks in the way of change
I say get rid of Marigot, Salisbury and Roseau East seats. they are not attending Parliament, not representing their constituencies and currently just a liability to the hard working tax payers paying their salaries. Get rid off!
Sir, You are a shining star for your country. elected leaders can learn a great deal from your ideas. At this present time, they lack honesty, credibility and most importantly the vision to lead. It’s all about enriching their pockets. Long live your father’s legacy and we wish you longevity to be the lightening rod for beautiful Dominica.
this man really has his foot way up his rear ….
Mr Douglas sir, please focus on the court cases which come before you; not on things YOU do not have the power to change!