End boycott of parliament, bring vote of no confidence against DLP – PJ to UWP

John

The man who led a former Labour Party government until it was toppled by a popular uprising in 1979 is urging the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) to bring a vote of no confidence against the current Dominica Labour Party (DLP) administration of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

Patrick John says such a move would help the opposition expose the alleged ills being perpetrated by the Skerrit-led DLP administration.

Former prime minister John made the suggestion while encouraging the UWP to end its boycott of the country’s parliament.

Dominica’s first prime minister,  John took to the airwaves on Friday to advise the UWP that in his view that policy was flawed, and that the party should return to the House to give effective and credible opposition to the governing  DLP.

“My suggestion to the United Workers Party is to return to the parliament and make noise in the parliament, bring out the issues,” John advised while being interviewed by Q95’s Matt Peltier Jr on his morning talk show programme.

The former PM said the opposition party’s thrust for electoral reform should be fought in the House of Assembly.

UWP politicians have been pressing the government to provide the necessary finances to allow the Electoral Commission to introduce voter ID cards in general elections as part of proposed electoral reform.

Former PM John says the UWP should move a resolution in parliament asking for a recommendation by the Electoral Commission on this to be accepted.

According to John, such a move would “open the door for all Dominicans to see whether the government of Dominica really and truly want election reform”.

He agrees with UWP claims that Speaker of the House Alix Boyd-Knights is biased against the opposition party, and he had some advice for the Edison James-led UWP on how to approach that matter.

“The United Workers Party should move a vote of censure against the Speaker, which gives them the opportunity to expose all the wrongs that the Speaker has done against the opposition,” John suggested.

He said while the party would lose such a vote because of the government’s parliamentary majority, it would allow the population to get from a parliamentary perspective, the opposition concerns about the Speaker.

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98 Comments

  1. Progres
    January 23, 2012

    Why don’t the UWP go to Parliament and discuss the Pros and cons of having a voter ID card rather than a national ID card. They are a bit too rigid in their approach-voter ID card , nothing else acceptable. This leaves me to wonder if there is something to hide, for instance the benefits of the national ID cards might prove to outweigh the benefits of the voter ID card.

  2. Roseau Valley
    January 22, 2012

    Yes, perhaps the UWP should consider returning to parliament. BUT – that would only be a partial solution. Let’s be realistic, we must also consider fixing the situation with the Speaker and address some of the concerns of the opposition, which are the root causes of the protest. The Speaker’s authority in Dominica is being misused and abused with political impunity and this must be immediately addressed. We expect our Speaker to be an impartial moderator of debates in the House. She must make and be seen to be making fair and impartial rulings on procedures of the House based on the proper interpretation and application of the established rules. The Speaker has authority to make decisions on the conduct of the business of the House and to oversee the conduct of members of the House to ensure the efficient conduct of the peoples business. Indeed, the Speaker has the authority to discipline members who break the rules and procedures of the House. The Speaker cannot, however, move motion as this Speaker thinks she has authority to do. The Speaker cannot arbitrarily decide what questions can or should be asked and when they should be posed if there is no breach of the rules. We expect the Speaker to be impartial and politically neutral. Having said the above, we the people of the ROSEAU VALLEY Constituency concur with PJ and others that it is perhaps the right time to resume the debate in the House in addition to the ongoing protests outside the House, including the Courts.

  3. GLADNESS
    January 22, 2012

    IT IS REALLY COMFORTING TO KNOW THAT PATRICK JOHN CAN GIVE ADVISE ON A ‘VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE’ AGAINST THE DLP AND HONOURABLE SKERRIT. INDEED, PATRICK JOHN HAS THE MORAL OR POLITICAL CHARACTER FOR THAT. THIS MAN IS JACK WARNER’S BUDDY! AND RECENTLY SUSPENDED BY WARNER! OFFCOURSE, ONLY THE POT IS BLACK.

    • December 4, 2015

      make your point is it football or politics?

  4. ??
    January 21, 2012

    Maybe PJ should run for UWP I think they will win.

  5. JR
    January 21, 2012

    Perdue implicated three men as funders of the plot, L.E. Matthews of Jackson, Mississippi, James C. White of Houston, and David Duke’s close friend and backer, J.W. Kirkpatrick. Kirpatrick would kill himself before he could stand trial and White and Matthews would be acquitted in court. Former Prime Minister of Dominica, Patrick Johns would be sentenced to 12 years in prison for his part of the plot. Michael Perdue, Don Black and seven other Klansmen would be sentenced to only 3 years in prison

  6. faith
    January 21, 2012

    “Mess-anger”, you sound so bloody bumb for someone living in the UK (the seat of learning) Why don’t you go to school while you are there, because it is clear you did not do much of that while you were growing up in Dominica

  7. A Voice
    January 21, 2012

    Honestly I don’t even know from what moral high ground John speaking from when it comes to Dominica’s politics.

    I mean Leblanc was before my time, but when you hear people speak of that man’s name it is like a shining example of what good leadership should be. And then to think that the reigns were passed to you and what you did with it. You, Patrick John, are the root cause of Dominica’s negative political climate. You started it man, you started it.

    Anyways I have a good feeling that now that James is back at the helms again, UWP is going to slide its way back into Parliament. Ah boy Hector John you had a wonderful opportunity to be a leader and you blew it. You may never get that chance again.

    By boycotting Parliament and runnning in only to answer the roll call, just to save their salaries, UWP has shown that they are no better than the current administration.

    This party is in need of some serious blood transfusion, i.e. new blood. How many times you guys are going to recycle the same old stuff over and over again and hope to win the hearts and minds of the people?

    One cannot help but thinking that Dominica’s political leaders are just in it for themselves man…

    I watchin’ still!!

  8. Law and order
    January 21, 2012

    PJ is right, because Dominica has a britsh parliamentary system of government. the people advising the UWP are so wrong. The issues have to be fought in the house,the opposition will have its say but the majority government wll have its way, that is our system of government, oppostiodate n does not dictate to the majority government. the change is made at the ballot box, if the people chose you then you implement changes.
    The fact is todate the opposition have not demonstrated they are a viable option to the present government. In the meantime D/ca loses as the ruling petite bourgose class with the catolic church orchestrate matters.

    • real possie
      January 21, 2012

      Boss its like a child cutting class because he can’t comprehend his school work so often that child would drop out,thats the UWP they don’t have any input into what it would take to move the country forward so they cut class.So now they on the bic’s in wesley chilling getting paid.

    • e
      January 21, 2012

      why do dominicans think different from the rest of the world…so you will sit back with a corruputed regime and say its how it is…wow..thats why dominica will always remain the lower ranking when you compare its our sis and bros in the caribbean.

      typical what you call wearing their ignorance as the degree of honour!!!

    • EMILE Zpatos
      January 21, 2012

      GOOD IDEA TO HAVE A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE LABOUR PARTY GOVERNMENT.THE FEEDOM PARTY TRYED THAT WHEN MR JOHN WAS P M AND THEY LIVE TO REGRET IT.MR JOHN GAVE THEM SO MUCH POLOTICAL BLOWS THAT THEY TRIED TO WITHDRAW THE MOTION.THE YOUNG LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT METLE WOULD BE TESTED .BETS ARE UWP WILL NOT MOVE THE MOTION AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OR THE SPEAKER ALL THE ARE GOOD FOR US STREET TALKS.
      IF UWP DID NOT LOSE THE LAST ELECTION THEY WOULD NEVER ASK FOR REFORM .IS VOTER I D POLOTICAL REFORM .IN A PLACE LIKE DOMINICA WHERE EVERY BODY KNOWS EVERY BODY YOU NEED VOTER ID CARDS?I AGREE THAT THERE IS NEED FOR NATIONAL ID CARDS .THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ELECTORAL REFORM.THE GOVERNMENT MAY BE WRONG TO DECIDE AGAINST THIS BUT IT IS THEIR RIGHT TO SET PRIORTY .IF THEY DO THE WRONG THING THROW THEM OUT COME NEXT ELECTION.

    • Anonymous
      January 21, 2012

      @ Law and order

      The catholic church no long holds sway in modern politics. they last had thier hay day during the time of Mamo(1980-95). Presently it is the evangelicals specially the pastor from delice and from vielle case/savanne paille that are the most influential. Gone are the days when the bishop of roseau held influence.

  9. guadaman
    January 21, 2012

    Excuse me mr John, do u have an advise for FIFA?

    • dandi
      January 21, 2012

      Not only should the question to MR JOHN be “an advise for FIFA? but DNO or anyone should make it their responsibility to read (newsone.com) about RON PAUL a potential US Presidential Candidate and his involvement in the KKK plan with PJ and others for their involvement in planning to attack our small island which is now becoming a huge set back for him (Ron Paul’s)campaign. With the small role Ron Paul played in this thankfully unsuccessful “takeover attempt” of oir island is HUNTING & HURTING his chances of just participating in a PRIMARY ELECTION why and what in the name of HISTORY should any Good Minded Politician need or even want to identify themselves with our First Prime Minister? Is it desperation or is it just that we have no other persons willing to stand up o the present Government if they are that bad?I do not live in DA now,but is certainly preparing myself for retiring there one day, therefore I am unable to make or judge any Political Party/Persons, but why dosent anyone just simply ask PJ to shut up or advise behind close doors if he has so learnt his lesson. Mr. John I was just a kid, but Sir with all due respect I will NOT listen to you and neither should Right Thinking Dominicans

    • want to know
      January 21, 2012

      You could not get an advise for FIFA but now you have an advice for UWP.Why is now you can give this advice? Two years now since the UWP lost by DLP 18-3,they begin their boycot and promise that they will not paticipate in the house of assembly.Do you think that they will take it now.And by the way why PJ hate labour so much for him to give UWP advice against labour? Is not skerrit that cause FIFA to fire you nah.

  10. ONE STONE
    January 21, 2012

    The people electeted you to represent them in parliament, it is what they are also getting paid to do. Mr. John is right! If they were smart they would go to the house and use their strategy there in that the people of Dominica can see clearly and may align with them. They stayed out and still yet haven’t gotten what they asking, so in my view what happened to them is the shame to go back. It was a bad move from start so that’s why it is difficult to go back on their stand. Our system of governance is different than that of the U.S, in that the opposition has alot more power hence the reason why they have such hard time to pass a bill or the (Gov) having it’s way. The UWP cannot expect just because they not getting what they want they must act the way they are to me that’s total nonsense. The work of the parliament must continue in spite of, they used a fail strategy and now they in a tie and don’t know what to do.

  11. BRAIN DAMAGE
    January 21, 2012

    The eX Honourable Kernel Patrick Rolland John, I=m in agreement with you.
    Don’t forget the days when Civil Servants used to get their bach pay at the end of the year. Matress, stove, freege etc was paid cash…

  12. Parlayment?
    January 20, 2012

    On reflection of past events. Today John’s comments are more sensible than level-headed patriotic Dominicans who understand the machinations, incompetence and downright dictatorial motives of the ruling Cabal? Extremely strange.

    It was in Parliament that the Opposition Party asked a question, on behalf of the entire nation, regarding Susan Olde, the issuing of our diplomatic passport to her and receipt of US$400,000.00 by operatives of the ruling DLP. Remember the Fly-By-night NGO,”Citizens For a Better Dominica?” We all know the outcome. No refuting where that money went to and what it was used for. No problem. Is OK.

    The ones genuinely requesting a response from Govt. were slapped with a hefty fine initially of 1/4 million dollars. As if they were criminals to ask the question.

    Remember, it was also in Parliament that both parties unanimously agreed to respond positively to the request of the Independent Electoral Commission for funds to provide VOTER ID CARDS and to CLEAN UP the BLOATED VOTERS’LIST. 7 years have gone by, No response. NADA. Political operatives of a certain party stall the parliamentarians decision to assist the Commission. The Commission’s request is to ensure FREE and FAIR Elections.

    Why are our people turning a blind eye, seemingly unconcerned about those flagrant bad practices of governance and disrespect for our institutions? Who wrote the E-mail re. questioning the Commission’s wisdom to provide Voter ID cards and to clean up the VOTERS’list? Is that person an elected member of parliament? Who gave him the power so to do? But yet that stalling tactics is accepted by many, many Dominicans without a mutter of dissatisfaction?

    Dominicans are not advocating strongly or giving more support to the opposition for Electoral Reform to strengthen our Democratic way of life, but putting pressure on the opposition for going back to parliament to face an unrepenting, incompetent Speaker. Have we “……….. and lost our REASON?” What forced those involved in the RUBBISH BIN BOBOL to pay back money to our Treasury? Debate in Parliament? The politicians of both Parties or the consistent revelations and advocacy on Q95? It was determined action outside of Parliament.

    99.9% of a Parliamentarian’s work is conducted out of parliament. Of course, Parliament is one avenue for discussions, debates, passing of laws etc., etc., it cannot be the only one. The priorty issue here can never be simply a return to Parliament to be ridiculed, questions suffocated, faced with further court action for asking genuine questions of national import, and not allowed to be answered, or continuing with the high-handedness of a Speaker who most think is too Partisan.

    How many times in Parliament have the opposition called for serious investments in the productive sectors of Dominica? Instead, Stubbornly, Govt. refused to listen, and borrowed $27,000,000.00 to build a State Palace? Voodoo economics. How much revenue will the country raise from that project. Worse yet, Local construction cos. and workers were cast aside. Not even a chance to tender.

    Mental Slavery continues to envelop many of my fellow Dominicans. Unless and until we decide to move away from being MENTALLY ENSLAVED, those who continue to disrespect the Constituion and laws, or GOVERN poorly will manipulate, bamboozle and misdirect us from the realities crippling the country.

    • Papa Dom
      January 21, 2012

      I agree with most of what you said but may I remind you that one cannot be made to pay for asking questions or making statements in parliament.

  13. V.C
    January 20, 2012

    Mr.James are you listening??….the labourites are are asking you to please go back to the house. Interesting!

    hmm..the people who voted for you wants you to stay out ,but the ones who didn’t vote for you wants you in?.interesting!

    Mr.Skerrit need to ask why are his supporters so desperate for the opposition to go back to the house? …right…they say to keep the Govt.in check…

    Mr.Skerrit are you getting out of hand?? :-D

    • La Plaine Posse
      January 22, 2012

      But, my friend, that is the job of the Opposition, to go to the House. It’s not a ‘supporters’ thing, it’s the right thing to do!

    • Anonymous
      January 23, 2012

      The mojority of Dominicans (the voters), are the ones who want the opposition in the house. Remember they are the ones who have the power. Majority rules in this country. Come next election the decision to stay out of parliament might very well be the downfall of UWP.

  14. Daily Mail
    January 20, 2012

    Do Dominicans think along aspects of issues at all….LOL

    nothing is wrong with the boycott..the only thing they should have highligted extensively to the international market, through UN,Commonwealth and other agencies, by loobying them to pressure the illegal regime to crash land thats how hard moves are done, but im strongly surport the UWP actions, as the speaker is the main issue their..

    But citizens down there dont see thing at a larger angle period.

    If things were so good as the corrupt regime is trying to fool its citizens, why cant the corporate society and other interest groups stand tall and sponsor all the Queen Contestants etc…those are indicators that Dominica is failed..what a joke!

    shows how their people look at issues in dominica. they will soon say the sky is red as they have a new saviour in Prime Minister Skerrit….haha i need to get to the washroom please….haha

  15. Progres
    January 20, 2012

    Mr. John, despite all your claims and allegations(you and uwp), please remember that The house speaker won her case against the I.P.O.

    • .
      January 21, 2012

      @Progress. Do you know that someone can kill anothe human being infront of you in cold blood and still go free. It happens in Dominica on a regular basis. SO WHAT’S YOUR POINT. Remember that Dominica is a failed state.!

      • Anonymous
        January 22, 2012

        Failed stated i wonder what are you doing there, making comment on DNO. Failed state you should be out there looking for a state that has “passed”. You should change your name from “progress

  16. January 20, 2012

    The frist stept for Dominicans to make towards any form of approach, in adressing that stale mate, that is smelling allover Dominica and beyond.All parties have to take this one collective action;
    SWALLOW THEIR PRIDE and put Dominica frist.Other than that;GOD HELP US ALL.

    • Read on
      January 21, 2012

      Each Minister opposition members all say I am DA are? Even the denizen Bishop of the catholic church.
      get the drift? Reason why this country has perished and we still don’t see it.Carnival is here once again.Another reason to put head in the sand and ignore the crimes against the state by a band of formerly economically deprived lunatics either by poor nutrition emanating from their previous levels of poverty both nutricious & interlectual psuedo frigging intellectuals with malnourished brains which only serves to drink rum and get on bad.Soon carnival will be over and D/cans (most of these idiots ) will be looking forward for the next opportunity to drink the first post Mass dominique 2012 drink.It will take more than March to face the realities they numbed selves to for all the tent nights and Monday and tuesday. By then fete isidore( not the disgraced lawyer’s feast) – Maybe there ought to be a feast inhis honor or dishonor lol!Fete pescadere tous suite then easter good excuse for not eating meat and have fish broth with more rum before you know it after scores of christenings, weddings, village feasts it will be Oct/Nov and preparation for more rum.Those in transitory control will use the recuperation periods to steal some more. New denizens from china ,Haiti, Venezuela, Macow where ever our leaders choose to find them give them passports diplomatic or other, receive some underhand deals etc will come in with their $$$ and by then our local will continue and heighten their ignorant manifestation refusing to rent to D/cans in favour of the denizens.There’s where the kingdom will continue to go to waste.
      We are doomed how soon the melt down will come is still before the jury of those who sit on their butts and those who steal from the public purse.Also those who keep changing party like they were underwears. These scumbs know themselves.Some will be quick to respond hence confirming all the aforementioned. Remember the movie Birds so are the influx of denizens handing gold incense and mer.
      As Sir Alfred Hitchcock would say “Good night.”

      • Who feels it..
        January 21, 2012

        What the hell are you saying? Pure gibberish…

  17. Site
    January 20, 2012

    so the Opposition had their matters struck off the list and have to pay cost, when their rights were violated,,so what the heck they must do..keep having their matters thrown out by a evil speaker, then keep paying the the favoured courts.

    dominicans just talk alot of rubbish in my view and forever fail to deal with the facts..

    bunch of hypocrites!

    • 1979's HOPE renewed
      January 20, 2012

      ammmmmmeeeeennnn!!!!! Malcom x said there is a point at which agitation and retaliation is the ONLY INTELLIGENT OPTION!!!!

  18. 1979's HOPE renewed
    January 20, 2012

    mmmmmmm it seems clear harbor is not the only data entry center on island…..I MUST get a job at that secret call center where WIKILEAKS ET AL working… Well maybe DLP creating jobs afterall!!!!!!!!!!

  19. mouth of the south
    January 20, 2012

    i have always been against the opposition staying out of parliament… the fight is fought better on the inside…

    • real possie
      January 20, 2012

      Thats not true mots mabe later on at first u were saying to stay out.Wow can’t belive u would say that.

  20. as I see it
    January 20, 2012

    PJ what do you think? The UWP knows that, but they will not try that because all they have are ALLEGATIONS. These dont stand up in a court of law. They can be prosecuted . The ID for voting is not practical. I am a responsible adult and I have misplaced my ss card and my drivers license on many occasions. With a card I use every 5 years, I will forget where I hid it. I SUGGEST WE USE A PHOTO ID LIKE A PASSPORT, SS CARD, COLLEGE ID, OR DRIVERS LICENSE. MAKES MORE SENSE.

    • CIA on the watch
      January 20, 2012

      The courts are still not accepting all the evidence even when it is right before the judge eyes

    • ron rainbow
      January 20, 2012

      that’s what de PM have been saying, he needs to start working on it now.

    • Truth Seeker
      January 21, 2012

      This is certainly one to consider. Even in the good, old USA, one is never required to approach the polling booth with the Voter’s Registration Card (note, not Voter ID Card, which is not issued in the so-called Beacon of Western Democracy), beyond the very first time.

      Post the first time you cast your vote with your newly issued Voter Registration Card, you simply must show a State Issued ID card, bearing a face shot, in order to vote.

      So yes, the assertion that one would easily lose their Voter ID Card by the time the next election rolls around five years later.

      Just to say, also, that we in Dominica tend to agitate for and jump on the band wagon on things we know nothing about and neglect to research and/or contemplate fully.

      We simply fail to study in a comprehensive way the policy implications before making our strongest assertions that whatever we are proposing will work. And work flawlessly.

  21. gug
    January 20, 2012

    PJ Any opposition any where in this world will tell you they have no confidence in thier Gov.So you see, STAY AWAY YOU PASS IT.

  22. goat mout
    January 20, 2012

    As a former workers supporter I am of the firm view that they should go back to the house.The people elected you go and represent them and stop keeping all these stupid meetings and going on talk shows.The party should be rebuilding and stop focusing on these petty issues.The question uwp should ask.Are these petty issues making us more popular or are we at the same level since the last general election or are we less popular?From what I see it has not made them more popular.Go re group get young blood new ideas and new supporters and stop making noise all over the place as empty barrels.

  23. DANZIGER
    January 20, 2012

    Lord bless our nation and spread PEACE PLEASE ON DOMINICA.

    • 1979's HOPE renewed
      January 20, 2012

      we cannot use the guise of peace to mask our IMPOTENCE DAN…… even tho I don’t like confrontation there is a point at which we must say enough is enough and agitate…. what cheek must we turn again after we give both sides of our face????? that is the issue….I want peace too brother…but we cannot let injustice prevail…..what about your children brother???

      will you wait in peace while all the other men die fighting for you and your children???? then who will fight with you when you decide that it is time to fight….it will be you ALONE brother!

      YES YOU ARE MY BROTHER!!! and we MUST be each others keepers!

      • 1979's HOPE renewed
        January 20, 2012

        we must “pray with our legs brother”

      • DOMINICAN
        January 21, 2012

        1979, I DONT WANT THEM TO FIGHT FOR ME THEY DECLARE FIGHT OR FIGHTING. Thats is false their real problem is JEALOUSY they JEALOUS OF DOMINICA PM SKERRO THATS THEIR MAIN PROBLEM GO TELL THE WORLD. MY CHILDREN WILL FIGHT FOR THEMSELVES IS HARD WORK TO EARN MONEY TO LIVE 1979 YR PPL WILL OR FIGHTING FOR THEIR POCKETS. WHEN THINGS GO WRONG WE SEAT AND DISCUSS IN PALIMENT THATS HOW I LEARN IT WHEN I WAS SMALL WELL I WILL DO IT THE SAME WAY LETS BE HONEST.

      • DOMINICAN
        January 21, 2012

        1979 remember when we go to war we might loose an eye a leg our hands an ear etc then we will say if I knew but it will be too late. So war is not the answere go in parliment and discuss the matter everyone will add their grain of salt to work together with love to develope our country thats what we need the old fashion opposition.

      • 1979's HOPE renewed
        January 23, 2012

        is it still beyond me how you ask for peace without first asking for justice…..well you are entitled to your views my friend…..

        fear is a crippling disease, I hope we seeing it at work….. this is how we were subjected to 400 years of slavery!

      • 1979's HOPE renewed
        January 23, 2012

        FIGHT = OPPOSE = RESIST……..

        HOW CAN OUR CONCERNS BE HEARD IN PARLIAMENT WHEN THE SPEAKER REFUSES TO LET THEM BE HEARD??????

        THERE IS A LINE THAT MUST BE DRAWN MY FRIEND.. EVEN YOUUUUU HAVE A POINT AT WHICH YOU WILL SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH… FOR ALL OF US SAKE I HOPE THAT IT WONT BE WHEN YOU ARE TOO WEAK FROM HUNGER TO EVEN RAISE YOUR VOICE.

  24. ineedfree
    January 20, 2012

    For some reason there should be a way to have a vote for and against returning……I mean a vote among the opposition because the supporters of the ruling party will contaminate the process.

    We need to know how many opposition supporters are in favour or not to return.

    For the sake of the dignity of the opposition, I would vote against going to the parliaMENT as long as certain elements prevail

    • Truth Seeker
      January 21, 2012

      The election of the respective absentee parliamentarians (Mrs. James, John and Prevost), have already been decided and approved – the need for stellar representation by each in the House.

      It is not for the party or part hacks to debate or agree on. The deal is done through the election process. The given under our electoral system is that serving the people in government also implies effective representation as the official Opposition.

      In fact, what you are proposing – party supporters to decide on the UWP’s next step – is a clear departure from and a setting aside of the people’s (of Marigot, Salisbury and Roseau Central) democratic rights to decide, which they took on December 18, 2009.

  25. January 20, 2012

    Why spend millions on a voter ID card. We could be building a bridge to replace the single lane bridges we have in Dominica.Voter ID cards can be associated with Hitler and Apatheid SA. Ask a kid in every village to make alist of the people in their community who can vote and the govt. will make the changes. we can do better than make noise about this issue.

    • CIA on the watch
      January 20, 2012

      But we are spending twenty seven million on a palace for the president while our hospitals are starving for drugs, unemployment on the rise, and the list goes on

    • January 20, 2012

      The same with the palace why spend 25 millions building a palace, when roads are in deploring conditions Roseau is dirty and nasty for a city, poor drainage, roads need repair hospital need better equipments etc, time will tell

    • .
      January 21, 2012

      I wonder if you asked that question when you heard that 27 000 000 was being wasted on a state palece.

  26. shy
    January 20, 2012

    MAN, why don’t you hush your mouth .You shouldn’t be even talking after what you did to our sweet dominica.You think we forget about you.You were going to sell dominica, move on the internet man.

    • January 20, 2012

      Shy (Quote and Quote) were going to sell dominica, it did not take place, however Dominica is being sold by skerrit and his boys to fugitives all over the world, and for some of you he is being called SAVIOUR and GOD what a shame

      • shy
        January 21, 2012

        @ charles, read todays headline news.

  27. Vibes
    January 20, 2012

    going to the parliament may sound a good advice but with the actions of the speaker nothing will come to bear!..

    Its time Dominicans shoot straight rather that spin issues…

    if Dominicans were heads up or on par on the ball clever with critical issues of national importance etc, their institutions would be more aggressive alongside the opposition.

    But again Dominicans settle for less at all levels, so its a uphill task to get things straight…

    Dominica is a classic example of a island whom is completley under mental aspect of slavery…

    Most folks speak about carnival and all that stuff..but yet in this modern era Dominicans dont get any postive and nation pride from carnival so in the end they have missed the boat.

    Its pretty much a sewo type vibe which is sad to many who have fought for freedom and the cause.

    Dominica lacks class at all levels it shows, as if they were brilliant minds their island would not be classed last in terms of forward movements..

    Folks who are investors refuse to come to Dominica because of their lack of understanding and small mind thinking..

    DLP..will continue to rule Dominica by whatever means they can because their citizens arent strong…way too much talk which gets nothing in the end!

    sucks!

    • Asterix
      January 20, 2012

      You are right. Our people don’t realize that the cause of the opposition is not about Eddison, Ron and the rest but one for Dominica. When all institutions plus the highest court on the land has become so one sided then the problem is with Dominica and not the opposition. The problem is with the people who do not know how to separate party politics from issues affecting the country. This is typical of a people who do not read, who do not understand the issues at hand and who have no clue as it regards the power that lies in them

    • ron rainbow
      January 20, 2012

      do you have anything good to say about the country you profess to love and care about? why don’t you write a lovely prose on Dominica sans politics and we will comment on it, say why you like your country.

      • ?????
        January 21, 2012

        You idiot called rainbow…What he has said there is something Good, something Very Good. It’s people like you that have the country so. What else do you want the person to say? Our institutions are all dead, and people like you cant see, even if you have eyes.

  28. VOTER
    January 20, 2012

    THE MORE UWP FAIL TO REALISE THE TALK SHOW TALKERS ARE MORE DISTRUCTIVE TO THEM THAN THE HOUSE SPEAKER THEY WILL CONTINUE GOING DOWN SLOWLY….I AM SURE MATT WILL AGREE WITH ME BUT FOR FEAR OF LENOX HE WONT ADMIT IT…….LOL

    • ?????
      January 21, 2012

      You obviously have a problen with talk shows. You should not listen to them my friend.Many of us believe that this corrupt government would have thrown us in hell already had it not been for the talk shows..
      THANKS GOD FOR TALK SHOWS IN THIS CORRUPT COUNTRY!

  29. 1979's HOPE renewed
    January 20, 2012

    while I agree that the opposition should be present in parliament…. the REAL TANGIBLE POWER lies in the hands of the PEOPLE!!! we all know that old speaker just making bok bok bok and SPOILING EVERYTHING!!!! REMEMBER she is just one of the PETTY BOURGEOISIE. So while we think we SUPPORTING THE LABOUR PARTY WHICH GAVE US INDEPENDENCE….IS REALLY THE NEW SLAVE MASTERS WE BLINDLY RALLYING AROUND!!!

    • 1979's HOPE renewed
      January 20, 2012

      I have juat one phrase for the old SPEAKER…….WALDORF ASTORIA!!!!! yess the floor have eyes and ears too!!!

      1979 always know what he talking about

      • 1979's HOPE renewed
        January 20, 2012

        speaker we KNOW you LOVE being “treated like royalty” In your OWN words…

        hahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahah

        I LOVE TECHNOLOGY, More than TECHNICALITY!

  30. Whistler
    January 20, 2012

    Dominicans are just not smart citizens at all they seem to live in Jupiter rather that Earth.

    dont see they attempts of the house against the opposition before…

    Dominicans are so damm blind, they using foolish ideas like whats the alternative..what a joke..thats why they will continue to be buried as the poorest caribbean island because the majority of its citizens are way too ignorant and most be told so Globally..

    Dominicans are so clouded and lack the thinking aspects..if something isnt good and has brought your island to its downfall all you do is change that negative regime..

    again Dominicans dont look like the civil at all..as the rest of the world makes changes when things arent good,,but these so call pros with their egos are so blind it makes you want to vommit…Dominicans dont see how they are laughed upon all over the Globe because of them being Highly ignornant and wicked to the core.

    • messanger
      January 20, 2012

      how could you make such a coment.i workers had two terms in power the country would be like hati.remember when they left power what shambles they left the country’s finiances in.ah.or you to dumb to think that far back.
      London uk

    • WIKILEAKS
      January 20, 2012

      Garcon, mover your donkey from here. Not because you poor, blind, foolish and people laugh at you you have to pass that on Domninicans.

      Garcon go make noise with the people calling you name.

      Where the hell is the Prozaic when I want to give a few out

    • Dominican
      January 20, 2012

      Padna, are you Dominican?

      • messanger
        January 20, 2012

        i from kingshill leavin right next to the uwp crew now they labor.when uwp was squanderin the money everybody thought it was free money i my self thought they was doin good then right after they left power the country went under austerity measures under imf.

    • Grand Bay Girl
      January 20, 2012

      U seem to know alot about “DOMINICANS”as to U must have been our teacher. lol.

    • Grand Bay Girl
      January 20, 2012

      U seem to know alot obout Dominicans.Did u attend college to know all these negative
      stuff about “DOMININICAS”..it is Pathetic
      when one can generalize people from a country
      in such a negative way. Need to come to Dominica met the people i am sure after
      conversing and being educated by some
      u will think differently…Just saying

      • Grand Bay Girl
        January 20, 2012

        Sorry some typo in the blog

  31. Anonymous
    January 20, 2012

    Mr. John, with the greatest respect, i don’t think that it will make a difference whether or not UWP goes to parliament. The people have chosen their leaders and that’s it. They got the leadership they deserve

    • 1979's HOPE renewed
      January 20, 2012

      AGREED!

  32. Eagle Eye
    January 20, 2012

    What is the point of a vote of no confidence you are surely going to lose?

    UWP should return to the house, but a vote of no confidence is a total waste of time.

  33. Observer
    January 20, 2012

    Like “Reader’ I too amnot a fan of the former PM – PJ. But that is sound advise. I particulalry like the strategy on ID cards for voting. The government would be compelled to either reject the idea or comply with the resolution. Again the government has the overwhelming majority and would defeat the opposition on voting. But which government would want to go on record now and vote against proper Idenitification for voting.

    It is interesting to note that the new UWP leader is now calling for Voter ID. He has cleverly moved his pronouncements on the matter from strictly “Voter Identification Cards” that are uised once every five or so years on elections day to proper “Identification for Voting”. There is a difference. Government on the otherhand has advanced the view that rather than spend millions of dollars for issuing “Voter Id Cards” why not spend the same amount of money and get a “National Identification” that can be used for a myriad of other uses including voting at general elections. That position alsp has its merits too. It can serve to accomplsh exactly what the UWP is campaigning for and that is proper ‘identification of the voters when presenting themseves for voting purposes. Why spend two set of money – one for Voter Id and another for a National ID which is also necessary? Sothe debate that PJ is calling for can serve to bring out all these arguments. Well said P.J. Its notthe first tiem you are saying so, but will they listen to you?

    • Asterix
      January 20, 2012

      @ Observer stop trying to be deceptive about what the new leader is calling for. He is calling for Voter Identification Cards. You think you are being intelligent by writing one as “Voter ID” and the other as “Voter Identification Cards” to try and make them look like two different things but they are both the same. This can only fool those who are gullible and subscribe to the foolish and selfish political agenda from the likes of you. SHAME ON YOU

      • Observer
        January 20, 2012

        Why should we have two cards? one to be used every five or so years and the other for daily use? Talk of “value for money” expepnditure. One card can give the UWP and the Domionicxan people everything they want. It must eb a utility card. The UWP can assist to ensure that Voter registration umbers are placed on the card. But why have two cards when one card – one universally accepted card can do the same service and more? That is the underlying question. Let us discuss the merits and demerits of having two separate cards (one deidicated only for voting purposes – once every five years and the other for multiple other transactuons) at a cost of $3 plus millions for each issue or one card (that can be designed to facilitate multiple transactions including voting purposes) at the same cost of $3 plus million of dollars. It should not matter who says what. What matters is the intelligence and objectivity of the arguments viz a viz the cost of producing one or two separate cards to the treasury.

  34. Praying
    January 20, 2012

    For the first time I agree with John ,I also stated the same sentiments to green but these guys and their egos…..back to the house are they not tired of getting wet in the yard?

    • messanger
      January 20, 2012

      when eddie went to haiti they tell him the ting cannot work we prayin to much.i hope is JESUS you prayin to.

  35. I'mWondering
    January 20, 2012

    It’s a shame that part of the solutions is so simple yet the UWP are blind to it.

    Yet, they want to lead a nation!

    SMH…in all big nations – the Opposition’s voice is always heard. Most parties have critics for each branch of govt. ALl i know about the opposition is that they have 3 members – Eddo, Green and Spags…

    these 3 alone cannot form the Opposition. They need to attack all the ministry’s in the govt which they are dissatisfied with. Who’s responsible for dealing with the Minister of Tourism, public works, education?

    Come one guys – get with the times. Who are the UWP’s policy advisors? who networks with the government? ALl I see are 3 men who are hell bent on destroying the PM without offering a viable alternative to the change

  36. Way out There
    January 20, 2012

    I guess all the years the UWP spent in the house, they didn’t learn anything about politics and the rules. How can I or anyone else expect change to my country going into the next election if they can’t even figure that out. SMH…..A party of no new ideas. I guess PJ did some exposing of his own.

  37. Not a herd follower
    January 20, 2012

    Motions can be used to expose the Government but I am doubtful they will be allowed. Even if they are initially allowed as proposed by the Opposition, they can be modified by the majority on the Government side to reflect badly on the Opposition. That’s the reality.

    • politbureau
      January 20, 2012

      as ossie sims used to say the aye`s will always have it ,that`s the reality.the opposition is just not mayure to deal with it.

      • politbureau
        January 20, 2012

        mature,sorry.

  38. Yeah Right
    January 20, 2012

    hahaha. Canawee ka di chadiere bodaye nweye (excuse my creole spelling). But here’s the pot telling the kettle it’s bottom is black. Man, PJ both you and the Workers Party are one and the same:’A sorry episode in Dominica’s politics; NEVER to return again’!!! So just deal with it!!!

  39. I know it All
    January 20, 2012

    Only this morning I was wondering “Why is UWP boycotting again?” I bet they can’t even remember… C’mon guys the shame of losing is out of your eyes… PLS go back to Parliament, for me, and my children and my tax paying money!
    Thank YOU!

  40. Dominican
    January 20, 2012

    Join the call people!!! Get the opposition back in the House where they need to be. an absent opposition is no opposition.

    UWP – Your numbers small so MAKE A SET OF NOISE IN THE HOUSE and people bound to hear.

  41. politics
    January 20, 2012

    Anything you heads, You get out with trouble. Leave those people alone. Stay away from the public. Take a political retirement.

  42. Anonymous
    January 20, 2012

    Thanks for tha advice Sir. but hector not leaving is facebook behind to go in the house sorry thats a no no

    • concern citizen
      January 20, 2012

      lol lol that one made laugh

  43. ........
    January 20, 2012

    nonsense nonsense nonsense! Rubbish Rubbish Rubbish! As a former prime minister thast the best advice you can give
    ? to make noise in parilment? what better can we get from the uwp? will and come again sir

    • Hmm
      January 20, 2012

      not in the literal sense he meant discus in the context

  44. DVT
    January 20, 2012

    I am one who thinks this man should not be allowed to speak on political issues but he does make so much bloody sense!!!

  45. Reader
    January 20, 2012

    Hate the dog but say it’s teeth are white.
    I am not a fan of PM John, but this is really good advice for the UWP. Sadly, those old will never listen. They are so full of that nothing else can get in.

  46. rem
    January 20, 2012

    pj is rignt! UWP need to go in and let their concerns be heard, A continued boycott is like a do nothing party..

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