Government Minister Reginald Austrie Thursday called for banners preaching against the planned State House project to be removed.
The State House venture was a main talking point for government ministers yesterday after criticisms that Dominica cannot afford to spend a significant sum on a home for its Head of State.
In his remarks in Parliament Austrie said Dominicans have been told how millions of dollars will be spent on the said project, contending that there is no problem with the venture scheduled to get going by the start of April.
“I believe the time is opportune Madame Speaker, to pull down those devilish and satanic looking banners that we have seen all around the country describing the state palace as a state malice,” he stated.
Austrie continued, “The government have clearly stated to the Dominican people exactly how this 27 million dollars is going to be spent and it is not just for the President.”
Businessman Jerry Brisbane, a vocal opponent of the State House project, recently launched a campaign against government’s decision to build it. He said the campaign will include billboards, banners, fliers, newspaper ads and bumper stickers. He was the first to describe the project as ‘state malice.’
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the State House project will have benefits for Dominica’s tourism.
IT AMAZES ME THAT DOMINICANS PRAISE GREAT INFRASTRUCTURES IN THE REGIONAND WONT SUPPORT ONE THAT COULD UPLIFT OUR CITY. TE MONY WAS ALLOCATD FOR THAT ALREADY AND COULD BE USED FOR NOTHING ELSE.
I SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD THE STATE HOUSE , THIS WILL CREAT MORE JOBS.
The PM mentioned how people loved the USA White House and Buckingham Palace in the UK and how tourists like taking their pictures outside these buildings. This is very true and I would support a state building when the economy picks up. However, if the present British government told the British people that at this very difficult time with the distressing world economy, that they were planning to spend millions of pounds on a state building there would be riots!!!! The politicians would probably have to run to DA seeking asylum. Surely the interest of most of the visitors who travel to see such sites is learning the history that is associated with those great buildings – I think the money is almost secondary, a little bit of history will be lost also.
We already have some of the most beautiful homes in the Caribbean built by the many great tradesmen in DA – even the jetty’s they build here are works of art. I cant see why these skills are not harnessed to renovate/extend what we already have on site. After all, there are buildings all over the world that are centuries old and still in use and maintained for future generations to enjoy.
“RES[PECT FOR ALL PEOPLE.
let us recommit to bringing kindness, respect, care and concern to anyone who crosses our paths as we go about our daily affairs”
Statement by Hon. Reginald Austrie, Acting Prime Minister, 29 July, 2010
Everytime this man opens you are expecting to hear nonsense…You are blind,the cabinet is sick,Dominica is lying on its back !!!!!!!
State house can come but only when the dominican economy has raised that money through sustainable industry and development… I like the quote of the constitution everyone is entitled a copy… but the uneducated will never know their rights instead supporting a 27m project but 1m for agriculture… Yall NUTSSS
Typical example of abuse of power…even if majority of the population not in support of this “state house” for a “president” we dont need… what can we do?
Run our mouth all we want it is of no use… these guys will do whatever the *u** they want. Hopefully for thier sake someone wouldnt go as far as to plot an assassination… but i’d be lying if i said it never cross my mind.
harsh men…harsh times… … HARSHER solutions
Austrie, every time you open your mouth,you sound more and more like a jack^%s,..
Please, do yourself,and your Govt. a favor…SHUT UP!……Because your are becoming more and more of an embarrassment…well not to yourself,because you’ve done that many times over, but to the whole damn Country…..Your Govt.need to muzzle you.
Oh and by the way…speaking of “education”…please,please try and get hold of a copy of “The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica of 1978,updated through Act 22 of 1984.” and read it…You can start with..”Chapter 1: 1. PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS…
(get a dictionary and look up the word “fundamental”).
Read: Protection of right to life 2.-
3.- Protection of right to personal liberty
6.- Protection from deprivation of property.
7- Protection from arbitrary search or entry
8.- Provided to the protection of law.
9.- PROTECTION OF FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE.
10.-PROTECTION OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
11.- PROTECTION OF FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION.
12.- PROTECTION OF FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT.
And you can read..Protection from discrimination on grounds of race,etc. 13.- as well.
It would be very good if your read through the entire Constitution….which will enable you to get the “whole big picture”.
Stop making an “a^&” of yourself, after all,you are suppose to be a “minister of Govt.”..please conduct yourself as such.
Thank you….and ….All the best to you.
I said it already and i will say it again
DOH matter what part of the world you living
A Prime Minister,president and other heads of state should not be driving old cars
or living in old houses
I mean they are heads of state come on people
Doh matter how smart you try to talk all you cannot stop it
Is so life be
when i watching regional or international conferences it is always being taken place in high profile conference rooms
But when i watch Dominica is in a hotel around a table heads of the Caribbean sitting
come on man
that is pure sh&^
And plus i doh believe the majority of the young people want to go in banana any more
cause i for one will lift up my hammer and my shovel any day than to go zion and invest in bananas
and hope wind doh past to throw it down
Please do not exhibit this level of ignorance, it is unbecoming. Have you ever heard the statement, “Never hang your heart where your hand cannot reach.” In these harsh economic times, when government can’t even pay their creditors, they are borrowing this exorbitant sum of money to build a palace for the head of state. Why this huge sum? Lets be real… we just can’t afford it at the moment.
He is a very hansome chap —-isn’t he????
Boy what have we come to when ‘Mr.Ethics ‘ -Austrie is commenting.
Do we really need a state house???????????????????????????????????Don’t we have things that need much more urgent attention? Like education?Health-care? Agriculture? OUR POLICE FORCE?
But then again nothing in Dominica is done based on what we need! I think the government is jumping to far, because they have an idea doesn’t mean it has to be implemented… Skerrit should reconsider..I am sure we could use 27 M to pay off some of the country’s debt!
do you really need a computer
or someone out there that need an education and they cannot afford it
and you could help with the same money you buy the computer
All those opposing the “STATE PALACE” just let them see how some of that money going to end up into their pockets and see how fast they gonna become silent. If Brisbane was selling cement and steel Jerry would be busy running up and down ministry step looking for contract for his business. then there would be no “Malice” in it. The real problem in Dominica is not what government building but who not profiting personally from the government project.
Skerrit take away the power from the Petty Bourgeois and the mafia style grip they had on the offices of government and break the monopoly and give poor people access to their leader. Skerrit only cardinal sin is to be a poor boy from Vielle Case with little interest in drinking whisky and knocking glasses with petty bourgeois in Fort Young and Garraway on a Friday night.
Dream Big, Aspire and Achieve. build us a Palace because after all, we’re all kings in our own right.
pull down those devilish and satanic looking banners, lol lol lol lol Good to hear what dem fellas think of the rights of the ordinary man.
I too at one point was opposing the use of 27 million dollars on a “State House”, that was before i saw the documentary (I guess their propaganda worked on me), showing the current state of the state house and what the $27 million would be really spent on. To my knowledge other than the conference rooms in the hotels (in my opinion for the most part are not so impressive), we have no real conference center. We could do with a better electoral office. The Conference Center should provide jobs, the project should enhance the overall look of Roseau as a City.
I do not think the real problem is in the actual amount which is to be spent on the project but more so with relation to the amount allocated for other things it seems too much. I must say the monies are not spent optimally in this country. When repairs to police vehicles cost over $3 million in one year and only one million is proposed for the agricultural sector then one wonders. I believe the State House Project is a worthwhile venture that we would not regret in the long run. We need to perhaps manage our spending better as a country. Public servants tend to think that if they want it they can get it. They want a computer for spread sheet and word but will ask for a state of the art PC where they will only be making use of 1% of the power of that machine but will justify they purchase none the less. It is these little purchases that amount to millions at the end of the day. The one state of the art pc you got could have purchased 5 PCs for schools.
This is the type deliberate commentary that promotes healthy discussions on the myriad problems that afflict this sick society.
Reginald your behavior and manner in which you speak is straight out of a dictatorial, communist, and socialist note book. But Dominicans quote the mighty sparrow ” We know but… we like it so”.. But i say some of that money should be used to educate some of these polititions that have to make the decisions that will either break or shape our future as Dominicans. MR Austrie there is a thing called freedom of speech and freedom of expression just like you allow freedom of religion on island so stop the growth of your body and head and concentrate on your brain.Mr Skerrit stop your ministers from having these reckless press confrence because every time they open their mouth it mess up things for the administration.
Build the new White House,Sir, with modern 2011 chinese engineering and architecturing. Demolish the old, archaic structure and replace it with a magnificent State House with the western lawn and southern lawn overlooking Victoria Street. There is no doubt we have the blessings of the late Sir Louis Cools-Lartigue, Sir Alan Guy, and Sir Alec Lovelace. Go for it, Mr PM. You have my full support.
de caribbean………cpa , a house without a solid foundation will fall.
The problem here is really not the building of the state house. This is really political scandal it’s just noise to stir up trouble and gain a few political points. i am sure that had this money been destined for another project, even the so called priority projects suggested by the opposing parties, they would find reason to oppose and object to these very same projects. remember in Dominica even when policemen get new vehicles to do their work they are bombarded with negatives. we live in a country where democracy is very much alive, so much so that it is often abused and so persons will always oppose government projects regardless of the benefits. opposition is a democratic right, sometimes little understood but always thoroughly exercised.
and it’s not that their is a large majority opposing the state house project either, is just a very loud minority so they seem plenty.
why can’t our head of state have dignified accommodation and as was explained the building will not only benefit the president but other public offices will be housed as well. why can’t we have a decent building where we can comfortably host foreign dignitaries? why not stimulate the construction sector with the injection of the said 27 million?
Why does everyone go to the banks to get money to build themselves an elaborate or decent house to live in and Dominicans are against the Govt. of lovely Dominica building a decent State house? It is in the interest of every country including Dominica to have a decent State house.
What!! you people who oppose it want it to look like a damn outside toilet? No way. It is going to be built and it will serve Dominica well in development and in history.
It is not a Labor party house but a house that will serve well for the history and tourism of the country. You all want to drive nice car live in nice wall house and why cant the Govt. build a decent State house.
Too much damn democracy you all have. Shut the hell up.
DA man in NY. , we are a peaceful set of people on the right hand but on the left don’t trust what we can do.
Mr. Austrie think for ur self, u should know that everyone on island have a democratic right let them use it how they feel n be accountable for how they exercise their rights. WE NEED A WELL EQUIPT HOSPITAL not a state house. Please advocate for the people and tell ur colleagues that we need a well equipt hospital n NOT A WELL FURNISHED STATE HOUSE. How many visits will
Take down the banners. LOL. What is Dominica becoming really ?
That is a sign of a communist Government! People it is creeping in slowly but ……..eh surely …surely…….
Correct me if am wrong, but isn’t there supposed to be planning permission to erect billboards and other such banners around the country or are we living in a lawless society where people can do or say anything in the name of democracy with absolute impunity?
Yes, planning permission is required and that also applies to hoardings, banners etc. put up by political parties. As to the enforcement of this in our country…your guess is as good as mine. As for expressing opinions or views, yes we are free to do so provided they are not libelous,amount to slander,offend common decency or incite violence or discrimination. We may not always agree with the message or even hate it but this is a hard-won freedom we enjoy in a true democracy.
The truth hurts Mr. Austrie? and what makes the sign devilish or Satanic? The fact that the majority of it is black? I don’t get it! Have you seen the gargoyle’s and serpents atop the Cathedral’s in Europe?
EU bound to trap Dumbnica through IMF wait and see!
SHUT ALLU MOUT….LET DE DICTATORSHIP RIEGN…IS DAT ALLU VOTE FOR…SWOLLOW IT AND LOVE IT!!!!!
mr austrie why would’nt you ease up. the people have a right to express their opinions like it or not. as long as the people are not committing an offense you must be aware that dominica is a democratic country. if you and mr skerrit want to make it otherwise i think you should rewind and come again.
Jeery is excersising his democratic right,and this kind of action if taken by government shows the begining of a police state/dictatorial style goernment
It seems every argument is being used to justify this construction now.
The government refuses to listen to its people. The majority are not in favor!
But how do we know this, without any public forum to discuss and decide on this venture.
Jerry is not the only problem. It seems everyone who objects to anything the government is doing or wants to do, is also a problem.
I am not in favor of this construction, but as a Dominican citizen I do not feel that I have a voice. Even if an opportunity was presented, I would still hesitate to speak. Fear of victimization is ever present now. We have enough examples….
I have watched our politicians for years, and this is truly the worst I have had the displeasure of witnessing.
As business people, the use of 27 million into a sustainable income generating venture sounds very practical. Minister of Finance, justify it based on sound business principles. Win me over with sound reason! In the meantime, stop lying to the people about the tourism industry:
Its dying, cause oil price is rising, and other political factors are also contributing factors.
Everyone cannot go into agriculture, but when more incentives are allocated to tourism, then whats the point.
While agriculture is stable and sustainable, tourism is fickle: oil, hurricane, politics, anything will slow it down or stop it completely.
In a nutshell, its a pity that outsiders see Dominica and its resources and know that agriculture should always be an economic pillar for the island, but the decision makers beg to differ.
P.S. For my fellow Dominicans who like to bash people comments they do not agree with, feel free for I am neither red, green, nor blue.
I am just a humble citizen exercising her rights to speak freely while it still lasts. I wish more women would speak up more, as homemakers we get impacted the most.
everybody let’s run!!!!! do these guys question any decision taken by their leader,,, i doubt that,,, we hear of no fusses,,, no friction,,, never in the news have i seen a headline stating so n so minister is at odds with this leader etc etc,,, these are just a bunch of yes men n yes women,,, bobbing there heads in agreement without understanding the implications involved,,,, the only one i believe who stood up for what he believed was vince henderson,,, hence he had to be pressured out,,,, vince got personality of the year praises n that was a direct threat to the establishment,,, d/cans preferred vince than skerro ,, any way is labour allu vote is labour that their,,, i getting tired of talking bout labour papa,,, i done see is a dictatorship we put in power,,,, oh such power a pen has,,, we must start voting on machines or computers to rid off the illiterates who vote for the gov’t,,,, don’t be mad,, illiterates are always in the majority so deal with it,,,,, it is my humble opinion that the intelligent ones among us voted the u.w.p,,,, i mean cmon,,, u gotta have ur head high on ur shoulders to follow the u.w.p,,, we under constant pressure,,, bad talk left n right in our faces,,,,, we r oppressed n not given job opportunities bcuz of affiliation,,, our children don’t get scholarships,,, but yet we walk with our heads high,,,, hustle every day for another dollar knowing n having faith that the lord will provide,,,, that my friend is an independent man/woman,,,, n the u.w.p is full of them,,,,,
I cannot agree with you more
signs of a dictatorship…..na man ,woman or constitution can stop me from building “my state house”
Even though I know darn well that we cannot afford such a loan without some strain on the poor people….but I say So ,so IS SO!!
Mr. Austrie, the people who are against the building of the state house have good reasons, just as you have your reasons why it should be built. I come home twice every year and I must say personally I do not think that this state house is a priority right now. There are many other projects that can be undertaken at this time which would benefit the Dominican public.
Who is to pull to pull down those devilish and satanic looking banners that we have seen all around the country describing the state palace as a state malice,” Does this minister really know what he is advocating. I am surprised at the level of ignorance displayed by such a high official. Has this minister heard of Rwanda or Liberia or Serbia.
a people should not fear its government. a government should fear its people. For my part, we shouldn’t even be paying someone to be president. what does he do anyway? oh yah. waste money we don’t have. We should just let a judge do the rubber stamping the president usually does. I think that would be a more effective use of public funds. My tax money in dat so hey.
oh yah. n no moderation needed ok.
De president gettin’ pay?
Of course he gets paid
All state people get paid and that includes the president, ministers, mayor and even the opposition members who won their seats too represent their constituencies in parliament
I will do it free.