The Dominica Debates Commission Inc. (the “Commission”) says it plans to host its first electoral debate between the two major political parties in Dominica.
The Commission said it has invited the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP) to identify a senior official of each respective party to participate in the debate carded for the week of November 17th, 2014.
The Commission is an independent, non-profit organization incorporated in Dominica on the 6th day of May 2014 at the initiative of the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (“DAIC”).
The objectives of the Commission include:
1. Strengthening of the local democratic process by staging debates on matters of national importance so as to better inform the population;
2. Stimulating discussion and information sharing that will guide the population in their assessment and decision-making on matters of national importance;
3. Creating a credible, impartial and autonomous platform that will initiate, organize and execute debates of national importance;
4. Contributing to the development of civil society by providing access to relevant and impartial data that will assist in its understanding of matters of national importance; and
5. Developing programmes to assist the population in participating in the governance of the country.
According to the Commission the debate will focus on the socio-economic issues affecting Dominica’s development such as Agro-Industry, Small Business Development, Tourism and International Airport, Foreign Investment, Industry and Environment, Employment, Education, Health, Social Services, Strategies for Improving the Legislative Framework, Good Governance, Constitutional Reform, Foreign Policy and Foreign Representation, Economic Citizenship/Citizenship by Investment and General Elections and the Financing of Political Parties, Cost of public Management, Public Procurement, Foreign Policy and Foreign Representation.
The Commission said it has already invited mobile phone users, via text message, to participate in a poll on whether they are in favour of an electoral debate or against it.
The results of the poll shall be published within the next seven days.
Dominica News Online has done polls in the past on political debates between the two parties in the past but in light of this new initiative we decided to run another poll.
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Papamet them Dominican watching to much American tv.Like your pm would say go to hell go to hell.No debate.
Skeritt, in resent days, has unearthed more insults from his dirty pit bag, as regards defamatory statements relating to Mr. Lennox Linton. The latest, Mr. Linton is a fraud and the curse of God should befallen him. It would appear names such as novice, waxed face, school drop out, bully, bouway, uneducated, are not working, therefore, he is diving deeper into the dirty barrel pit. Can someone please tell Skeritt, the more he criticizes Mr. Linton’s personality is the stronger and more popular he has become. Sometimes, I believe Skeritt has an inner love for Mr. Linton, because for fourteen months he has thrown everything, even the kitchen sink filled with dirty water at Mr. Linton, he docked, took his blows and still stands like a Phoenix in the Arabian wildness. What a gentleman.
Typo: recent days.
only time will tell Dec 8 is judgement day dont cry stick by your word
Waste of time. Tell me, which Caribbean county has EVER had debates? That is so gor good Caribbean mentality reasons.
why cant Dominica be the first to set the pace for the Caribbean? We need the debate.
I once was in favour of a debate but at this time I believe it will not serve any useful purpose
There will be no debate. DLP does not need to debate in order to win. It all about winning. For the most part, in Dominica it about personality and not about the issues of governance. Agreed, that this time there are a few more who are concerned with the real issues of moving Dominica forward as an independent state, but the DLP through the calculating genius of its political leader has determined that there is no upside to debating, not this time. Why get into a face to face public pissing contest with the UWP’s political leader when it can only hurt. Not debating has no negative effects on the DLP’s chances.
As I see it from my position in the bushes, the DLP will win the December 10, 2014 elections with less seats than it presently has. The political leader will serve 1/2 to 2/3 of the term then resign and install his chosen successor to lead the DLP to the 2019/2020 elections.
The elections are on the 8th. so you’re wrong there.
Skeritt step down? Excuse me are you in Dominica?
The UWP WILL win the December 8th, 2014 election. And the DLP will be held responsible for their wrong doings.
Debate what!!!!
I guess you’ll want to follow the U.S.
Talk a whole bunch of debris as to what you’ll are going to do and when you’ll get in,the opposite or in many cases nothing is done.
Keep you’ll clappers shut, it will serve you’ll better…
“The Commission said it has invited the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) and the United Workers Party (UWP) to identify a senior official of each respective party to participate”
This is nothing more than the usual Dominica say nothing gimmick!
If there must be a debate; the debate should be specifically between Skerrit, and Linton, since they are both heads of their political party. When you suggest “to identify a senior official of each respective party to participate.” What you did is that you automatically eliminated either one or both of the major candidates of each party from the debate.
I would imagine Linton may be eager to debate Skerrit, on the immediate issues affecting the life’s of the people; and may want him to explain his resolve. I doubt Skerrit is eager to face the nation to answer any question unless he would get the answers in advance, and he would read it from a script.
When you suggest sending senior officials, all Skerrit may do is send his Bajan advisor Hartley to answer the questions for him.
That is not the idea of a debate. Skerrit want to become Prime Minister again, Lennox hope to become the next Prime Minister, therefore the challenge must be Lennox vs Skerrit period! And the areas you selected for debate, are not appropriate at this time, what is important is what will each individual candidate do in the interim, if either of the two are elected to immediately solve the poor economic situation existing in the country for more than fifteen years.
In addition Skerrit should be ask to disclose his source of the money he uses to feed as many Dominicans as he claimed he has feed. We can take it to the extreme and let both candidate present their income tax so that the nation could get an idea of how much Skerrit has paid in taxes over the years he has fleeced the country!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
70 STUPID PEOPLE
Since when do Dominican political party leaders debate? You people are emulating the US and those other countries.
What debate anyway? Enough has already been stated on Radio, TV, Internet and printed in the newspapers. Is this not sufficient?
If there is to be a debate, it should be solely between the party leaders. The debate is not necessary. D/cans already know what both parties are capable of doing and of their plans.
We do know that Linton hates the PM. We should know what may ensue. It really would be a waste of time. I foresee the debate between both party leaders would be extremely unpleasant with one trying to make the other feel small and this one will be Linton. Leave well alone. Dominicans could do without this debate. Let the campaigning go on.
This from you who is always comparing Canada with Dominica? Why are you all so afraid of debating? Coming up with all kinds of ridiculous excuses.
You have so many different names, I do not know which one to address. So, here is your new name: S.. Machine, that is much better than Fax machine. Time changes, everything changes, today your age has change you are one day older than you were yesterday.
We crave Radio & Television, we utilize to talk politics, and call people out of their name. Well, there comes a time when the serious route must be taken. A face to debate is appropriate, hence people will get an inside view of the candidates. People will get a chance assess the IQ (intelligence quotient) of both candidate based on how they answer the questions posed to them. They will be ask to answer the same questions, may be ask to elaborate; based on their answers, and elaboration the voters will be in a better position to decide who they rather run the country, and who they are going to support with their “X”.
And by the way I can figure out Skerrit’s or even your by simply doing this:
IQ = MA/CA X 100
Note: if you do not understand the formula I will spell it out to you. IQ consists of a child’s mental age divided by chronological age multiplied by one (100) hundred. I also know how to determine the IQ of adults such as you and the politicians of Dominica.
I know you and the young yellow sucoyant like to accuse me of plagiarism attack if you wish, but unless you spend some time studying psychology; the science of mind and behavior you will not understand what you read. And by the way I also had abnormal psychology too.
Just so that you know who you are dealing with, you and your friend Elizabeth. I can be a very dangerous man if I want too, okay! And that should be advance abnormal psychologe!
So doh mess wid me eh.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
There will be NO debate!! We are not copying America. America holds debates because of it’s size and population and that’s the only way voters can assess the candidates. In Kubuli, we know everybody personally, their flaws, achievements and short comings. Remember! We are in a socialist country…. not a capitalist one.
If Skerrit refuse to debate Linton, we will not have to wonder why: We will come to the conclusion that he is not capable of answering questions on his own: We will confirm he might be a puppet Prime Minister, taking orders form a source that is not his own.
We may conclude that his Bajan advisor Hartley could well be the one running Dominica, no doubt in my mind that Hartley plays a part in the decisions Skerrit makes, hence he is foreigner running our country. The fact that Skerrit at one point of his campaign could not face the people of Wesley, but rather called some of his clones; his shallow soft head pea brain people from Wesley to go to Callebishe so that Hartley could talk to those poppet’s speak volumes!
Is it because Hartley is a Bajan with a screwed accent; Skerrit, believe the garbage he spoke will influence Wesley people to vote for Skerrit? Skerrit should have learnt a lesson a long time ago: every advise he takes from Hartley, and the likes of Ralph Gonzales, each time he implement their advise, all their advise does is take Dominica Backwards.
Anybody who wish to say Francisco lie, and he is exaggerating. My question would be; who told Skerrit not to build an International Airport, because the people of Dominica, and Dominica has no need for such an airport.; all he need to do is refurbish our dilapidated terminal and install landing lights, and that is good enough for Skerrit’s country?
Ralph Gonzales!
I guess everybody excepts the Labor Party clones know that stupid advise came from Ralph Gonzales; and I suppose the motion was seconded by none other than Hartley, whatever his name! If this be the case my personal conclusion is simply this; Gonzales, and Hartley are the two in charge of the affaires of Dominica!
Look at it this way, Argyle International is partially in operation, if you research St Vincent International Airport you will find that Dominica is linked to St. Vincent where it pertains to Airport, you will find it is said St. Vincent Airport is due to commenced operation soon, however, on the same page I read “the name of Dominica’s airport will be change to Douglas-Charles” on the precise date it was change.
I supposed Gonzales is telling Skerrit, I made a fool of you, you have to keep LIAT flying or there will be no air transport into and out of Dominica.
Who would expect someone as dumb as Skerrit will be in any sense capable of prevailing over Lennox where it pertains to a debate? Skerrit would not even be eager to debate a kindergarten kid, because he cannot function on his own! I found out how stupid this man is and that is why I withdraw my support from him!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
How juicy!!!! I can’t wait!!! Mahaut chaud me pistache!!!
In order to be effective this Commission SHOULD engage both party political leaders in at least one debate. The offer being made relegates social, political and conscious interactions to the fancies of the prime minister who has already said no in no uncertain terms to civil behaviour.
If Skerrit is afraid of debating Linton,we will give him Joshua Francis. Joshua must make him bavay. HOW LONG? NOT LONG!
Let them send Dr. A if all the actual candidates ‘fraid….UWP can send a number of people and none of them would be scared. As a matter of fact they would be able to beat DLP with one hand tied behind them. Come on DLP UWP will give a list of about 6 persons and you can even choose which one you want to debate you.
Hmm I tell you if this debate is to take place will I see chairs being broken or bottles being thrown at someone? Waiting patiently.
lol is that how you see your prime minister?
Nonsense after nonsense. What am I hearing there about senior official? No leader! no debate! Nonsense. Squash that.
Let the Debate be held between the two Leaders mainly not by representatives. We dot not want a repeat of the state’s Colledge De bate Fiasco
If we are using the USA Presidential Elections as our guide, the commission should ask the two leaders to do one debate and the deputy leaders to do another and they should encourage the parliamentary representatives to debate each other in their constituencies. If that cannot be and I would be in an advisory position, I would tell the UWP to decline. Because that is what the nation would like ….. a debate between the leaders of the two major parties.
This commission is already giving the DLP leader a pass by having invited senior officials of the parties.
Traditionally we have had debates among the leaders! No excuses…Skerritt vs Linton or nothing!
Give skerrit the questions before let him get tony write the answers so he can memorize before the debate
thought the same thing….hahahahaha….! I am a young person and I have observed that for every speech that the PM gives he has to read out of a paper. Being in office for a long time can he not simply address the people off his head. Honestly i dont think he would be able to debate hands down.
As a matter of fact what senior officials that of each party. I would like to see the leaders of each political party.. Skerrit vs Linton. I await..!
lol….
there should be about 3 debates before the elections and I do hope the commision is nutral/independent. I how they do ask the tough questions and not just “can you please tell us what you will do if you win the 2104 election”. that is childish thing, ask about the things that came out after they were leaked out and so on, about both parties. I would guess that is why the DLP do not want to debate. 99% of what Mr.Linton exposed was true so they are afraid these questions come up.
Team Dominica can send either Mr.Francis or Lennox and DLP will be no, i mean NO match.
Zumba i see fear. If your pm has done so much good for the country, let him get in there and crush linton. u all say he is uneducated
The debate should be between the political leaders
I think its a waist vote and time on that issue. The incumbent has already made it very clear he will not debate. So i am assuming this election will be based on island wide campaign and manifesto.
waste?
It will be easier to see Skeritt dress like a woman, then to see him in a debate with Mr. Linton, even though you tell him not one question about corruption will be asked.
May be you could dress as a woman and go in his place.
Parliament has been dissolved. This is not about the past but the understanding of the future. We need to hear the direction those who proposed to lead our nation is taking. I would therefore like both leaders of the respective parties debate.
I don’t know why persons would be against a debate. That’s what happens in a democracy.
I think this debate should be between both leaders of the parties… who will be commencing their term as Prime Minister, shall their party win elections.
There are many many reasons why I believe so, but to sum it all up; this would give the viewers and listeners a better idea to make a sound and constructive decision on who they believe will be able to lead the country better. There are many qualities that one seeks in a leader and that can transpire on the floor.
Additionally, I think it would be wise to invite 2 other members of both parties on the floor at intervals to respond to certain questions, thereby assisting their leader in the debate process. Say 3 questions per additional party representative with a time limit on response!
I do commend the commission on taking this debate forward and hope it turns out to be a success! Good Luck!
Zumba pick who you want you would like to debate with. It is the responsibility of the leaders to decide who represent each party.You are too fast, that is none of your business period.
A senior official????? I would not like to hear Edison James,Prevost or Julian Girraux, nor Tony Astaphan nor Lennox Lawrence. We should demand a debate between the leaders of both parties. up to this point no one can hold Ambassador A responsible for the nonsense he spoke at the state college. So too we cant hold Edison James responsible nor Tony Astaphan.
The debate commission knows that Skerrit will not and cannot show up so the commission conveniently makes provision for that. We should want to see Skerrit and Lennox one on one and if possible Ambrose and Claudius one on one.
The amount of topics to be debated should be divided for different days. That is a lot of topics. Also I think it should be about things to come rather than past exploits. I wanna hear about what they are going to do rather than what they did (RE:) these topics that way the playing field stays level.
Why labour party and their supporters finding all excuses not to debate.? They fraid someone say ‘I like it ‘ again?
Boss d two leaders should be the ones debating and candidates from each constitutes verses each other
It would be interesting to see Mr.Skerrit and
Mr. Linton debate especially enlightening us on how they plan on moving Dominica forward. Their plans and ideas.
And we all know Skerrit wont show up
That will be unfair to lead the Dominican voters into general election without a single debate between these two parties, I will make an effort to listen or watch on stream.
UWP will be able to blame not having a debate for their lose. Poor workers, they feeling it….. and stop destroying those people signs!!! Go and put up all you own.
garson election we worry about now what coshony debate ? all the time we calling for debATE NO DEBAT. WE GOING TO DE POLSS TO THROW SKERITE AND HIS CABALS TO JAIL.
And to throw you in an English class as well.
@GOOTRE…you are not sharing your opinion you just a hater only hatred that’s in you.
i only approve of this under one condition, the two political leaders should do the debating. and we all know the Skerrit CANNOT DEBATE!!!!!!!
Hector john and the hon pm . No one who is not a legal elected member of parliament should be allowed to debate at such level. Hector John is an elected member of parliament and he is the official leader of the UWP.
Hahaha Funny.. BOSS>. where you come out.. Before an Election is Called Parliament must dissolve.. there is NO LONGER A parliament in DOMINICA>. Geeze >. Think before you speak nuh.. smfh
In Skerrit’s mind people like Zumba are way to free. For someone to post a comment like this on the matter at hand is not just outrageous but very very sad. The level of ignorance and stupidity isheart breaking. Does this person even know that the cabinet is dissolved and that at this poit everyone is posturing for an elected sit in parliament. Zor Labor Party nir mourn qui sort wii papa bondiuex
I concur, cause we all know Hector John CANNOT DEBATE!!!!!
Zumba, the hours is dissolve , so the debate. has to take place between both party political leaders. which is Mr. Linton and Skerrit
Zumba go read theconstitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
What are the merits of the debate. Mr. Skeritte accomplishments are a matter of public record. What is the nature of the debate? How has LL contributed to the development of DA. NO debate Mr. PM I personally fear for your safety,
To Anonymous .
Hello and good afternoon my people. We are a Democratic country so how can we have election without a debate between the leaders of both parties. Both leaders should be able to stand at a podium and defend their party positions on Jobs, Tourism, Agriculture, Education and security/Crime.
his failures are a matter of public record to but they are sweat under the rug. DEBATE!
If we knw already we dnt mind hearing again
FYI, its nt a matter of what have you done, its a matter of what have you done for me LATELY
swept *
he made skerro return money to the treasury which didn’t belong to him, you forget? If am not mistaken its quite possible that the money either fixed a few roads or is now renovating the church roof or will be paying for the care packages to be distributed to new mothers!!
Boss if You do not want a debate why have a manifesto to show what you will do for the next 5 years.. the debate is more about what you plan to do for the future of dominica and about your record, so if LL does not have a record of doing anything then thats a strong point for the DLP.. what all you afraid off, it seems all you have plenty Pluses… so let it out.. and defeat LL… LMAO! .. Cowards!
skerrit cannot debate. If he could he would eloquently speak about his accomplishments. Debates are not only about what you did but WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO. Stop make senseless excuses for skerrit. He is the PM so he should be able to debate anybody anytime anywhere. It is clear as day he can’t.
Why you scared for Skerritt safety is he going to break out in cold sweat and pass out because been asked some simple questions makes him quiver?
And who is this commission? What are the names of the commision members? Come on DNO stop playing games.
I know- I would guess Parry and if so understand why Parry want to remain stealth in that matter- he is on public record saying that Dominica does not deserve a debate.
I am asking this same questions who is the commission?