Gov’t looks forward to working with Maduro

Nicholas Maduro
Nicholas Maduro

The government of Dominica has said that it looks forward to working with president-elect of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro, on widening and deepening the bi-lateral relationship between the two countries “as well as advancing our integration process.”

In a message to the Maduro and his party, acting prime minister, Petter Saint Jean, congratulated the new president describing his victory at Sunday’s poll as “a fitting tribute to the fallen comrade, President Hugo Chavez.”

“During your term in office the government of Dominica looks forward to deepening and widening bi-lateral relations between our two countries, as well as advancing our integration process, especially within Petro Caribe and ALBA with the central goal of growing the prosperity of our countries and building equity among countries based on international solidarity,” he said.

According to Saint Jean the announcement that Maduro had triumphed over his rival, Henrique Capriles, “filled with us brotherly joy and pride.”  He said it was a fitting tribute to the late Huge Chavez, “whose towering vision of social justice consolidated Venezuela’s independence, while it advanced Latin American and Caribbean unity …and set a very strong foundation for your presidency.”

“On the behalf of the government and people of Dominica and behalf of the honorable prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, who is out of state, I congratulate you, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, your government and Venezuelan people on your continued commitment to the most cherished practices and principles of democracy,” Saint Jean said in the message.

Maduro was handpicked by Chavez who passed away earlier this year after a two-year battle with cancer.

He won a narrow victory over Capriles securing 50.8 percent of votes in the election. Capriles got 49.0 percent.

The result was a shock to many in a country where polls leading to the elections had shown Maduro leading by double digits.

After initial results were released on Sunday, Maduro claimed victory but welcomed a full recount.

However the decision was reversed on Monday and since then political tension has risen.

Media reports now indicate that at least seven people have been killed in post-election violence.

Spain, the U.S. and the secretary-general of the Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza, have all called for a recount.

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33 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    I always find it funny when we use terms like “we look forward to working with” like it’s a partnership where both parties benefit.

    What a joke! Dominica is what it is and that’s a beggar and bad debt. Statements should be like “Dominica looks forward to receiving more money and projects that we dont pay back for” or “Skerrit is praying with every ounce of his being that the gravy train will continue so he can continue to buy votes and keep Dominicans poor and ignorant.”

    You know, say it like it is because Maduro sees it like it is.

    • Justice and Truth
      April 18, 2013

      You critic, from a government to another, who is the fool who would write such a ridiculous letter, wording it as your nonsensical comments depict? Would you? :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
      This is a diplomatic writing. He is correct in writing such a letter.

  2. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    “it was a fitting tribute to the late Huge Chavez”
    “the late Huge Chavez”
    “Huge Chavez”

    hahaha the boy was big for real

  3. Kubulol
    April 17, 2013

    What a shame !
    this turnover in Venez was an opportunity for DA to “turn the page”, stop supporting leftist dictatorships and start establishing friendly relationships with brother Obama.

    Instead, DA leaders are congratulating another dictator who narrowly winned elections ; “Mad” poor score highlights the fact that Chavez was not as popular as we’ve been told.

    Empty stores, crimes, corruption, … all this will continue.
    I feel sad for the Venez people who so wanted democracy to be restored.

    • Justice and Truth
      April 18, 2013

      You know nothing about Obama and how he has annoyed many Americans with some of his mandates. We are learning who exactly Obama is, what type of person he is.
      A few took him and his administration to Court over his ObamaCare and mandating that all employers, Christians as well as non-Christians who employ over 50 employees must incorporate in their insurance policies, contraceptives, induced abortion pills and sterilization, free of charge for their employees. This should take effect in August of this year. For every day they fail to comply, they will be charged a few thousand dollars. Those who refuse will surely have an exorbitant sum of money to pay the government and/or be arrested, charged and imprisoned. They will also go bankrupt.
      Then his proclamation of recognition of homosexuals and lesbians and so-called same sex marriage. It was stated, as heard on TV, Obama is the first US President to do so. As a president, to make such a statement, he has shocked and disappointed many Americans.
      Obama is not as popular as he was when he took office 4 years ago.
      If you are especially a Catholic, go to http://www.ewtn.com and read all about it. I also hear about it on EWTN – TV and Radio – EWTN Global Catholic Radio.
      Frankly, I am disappointed in Obama. I no longer support him and no longer care about him. He is interfering in the religious rights and conscience of Americans especially the Christian ones. This proves that he is not a genuine Christian as he wants people to believe. My conclusion, a fake Christian.

  4. anonymous2
    April 17, 2013

    That election was too close to call.

  5. truth offends
    April 16, 2013

    The government of Dominica should not use the name of Dominica to make this statement. They should have used the name of the Dominica Labor party as it is the views of the party and not the people of Dominica.
    When the government of Dominica can use the name of the country to voice support against the people of Venezuela, is really a cause of concern.
    Statement like this will cause the free world to turn against us and no wonder the French company is threatening to pull away from Geotherminal energy project, which they were so enthusiastic about. No wonder the threat came just about a week or so after the government of Dominica used the name of the country to protest statement made by the president of Paraguay. The need to use the name of the party and stop dragging Dominica in their foolishness.

    • Justice and Truth
      April 18, 2013

      What are you trying to insinuate? You make no sense whatsoever. Do you have any common sense? You allow the truth to offend you. He is within his rights to state, “On behalf of Dominicans.” Those who reside in Dominica are Dominicans. Dominicans elected them. Whether the majority did, all Dominicans are included.
      Some of you made the identical statement when the PM congratulated the Pope. How foolish of you.
      The Leader, Head of State, PM always write or state, “On behalf of the people…” They are representing the people; not themselves. This is protocol and the correct one. It would be silly and ignorant of him to say that he writes solely on behalf of the PM or on his behalf.

  6. truth offends
    April 16, 2013

    Dear Hon. Skeritt, As a Citizen of the commonwealth of Dominica, and as a former laborite (I say former because come next election I will vote any party that stands a chance of beating you and set my beloved country free), that’s been voting the DLP since 1975 up to the last election in 2010, and has never missed an election, I beg you sir, as the head of the nation and the face of the government, please clear the name of my country by refuting this statement by the government of Dominica. Sir, the world is hearing and seeing what the government of Dominica is saying. Hon PM, How could the government of Dominica stand with Mr. Maduro when 49.07% of venezuelans are calling for a recount? Sir, if anything, the government of Dominica should be standing with the people of Venezuela, since they are the ones being killed on the streets as they fight for freedom. Sir, when a socialist country like Venezuela is stating that Mr. Maduro won 50+% of the votes while the underdog opposition won 49.07%, do you not agree that the true result might very well be 55% to 45% in favor of the opposition and therefore, a recount is all the people need to satisfy them? Sir, they are not calling for a re-election but a recount. How could the government of Dominica support Mr. Maduro in this non sense. This statement by the government of Dominica, clearly shows lack of respect for the people of the commonwealth of Dominica and that sends a very bad message for intelligent that are not just concerned about party. Shame on the government of Dominica!

    • Justice and Truth
      April 18, 2013

      Presumptuous! Pray and hope that you will be healthy and alive next election. Know that your views do not represent all Dominicans. Who gave you the authority to speak on their behalf? Did they elect you and appoint you spokesperson? :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  7. looking inside
    April 16, 2013

    Looking inwards. More than Seven years now, the “Independent” Electoral Commission recommended Electoral reforms to Skerritt’s DLP Govt. It requested money from the Minister/Ministry of finance to do its work. The Commission has the right, as mandated by our constitution, to ensure free and fair elections, and to request and receive the funds for electoral reform. But Nada. Total disrespect of of the institution. No response to the Commission’s genuine request.

    After the 2009 elections in Dominica, CARICOM as well as the OAS observers, also recommended electoral reforms in their reports to Govt.- to provide Voter ID cards and clean the list. No response. Nada. Electoral reforms is eluding the people.

    We know why the scare in some circles for electoral reform. Dominicans are asking why would any Govt. not want to embrace the good intentions of the people calling, pleading to them to put things in place to make sure irregularities, fraud, cheating, stealing in our elections do not occur? Why? Why? Bad elections, fraudulent elections have caused many problems in several countries. We must demand electoral reforms – Voter ID cards and a conmplete cleaning of the voters’ list. By doing so, peace would be ensured.

    Our electoral Laws and Constitution must be obeyed by all, with no exceptions. That policy of bribery – free plane ticket and/ or cash to entice people to come down vote for a particular party and return next day is plain Bribery. Our laws speak plainly against such bribery.

    “Is not your damn business where we get our money from,” is an irresponsible statement. Campaign financing is a serious matter. Crooks, fraudsters, druglords could control, because of their financial lagesse. They receive their paybacks in all kinds of ways. The majority end up 0. Let us improve our democratic way of life, instead of destroying it. Electoral reforms NOW.

  8. Just sayin'
    April 16, 2013

    I will be very difficult to count burned ballots. They started burning them by the truckload the day after. It would be interesting if the still uncounted overseas ballots closed the gap. :twisted:

    • Malgraysa
      April 17, 2013

      Makes one wonder why they burnt them so quickly. Destroy the evidence??

      • Anonymous
        April 17, 2013

        Obviously.

    • hmm
      April 17, 2013

      the photos they used to were photos of the october elections that they used to stir up problems. get your facts straight

  9. lol
    April 16, 2013

    Well it’s a situation of suck and be sucked for Dominica. LOL.

  10. %
    April 16, 2013

    So Chavismo is dead now eh. Maduro won by less than 1%. BOY LOOK A SHOCKER. Is now i can say that Chavismo had a severe problem.

  11. truth offends
    April 16, 2013

    Rescue 911 must have heard me, because as soon as I read the first paragraph of this article, the first thing that came to mind was; Is it the government of Dominica working with Maduro or Maduro working with them? Do beggars have a choice? Do they (beggars)ever have a vision to get better?
    In fact a week or so before the election, the government of Dominica was already trying to sing for their supper when they engaged the once good name of Dominica, in a verbal war with the president of one of the Spanish islands just for saying that the world is better off without Chavez. Them boys even staged a protest as if it was something said about Dame Euginia Charles or Rosie Douglas. So yes, they have to try to sing early because they need Madura and Madura does not need them. But the sad thing about it is Madura won by a very ,very, very slim margin and he has no power to help that much. Sorry for the RED Clinic and patients of that clinic because it will not be long before it is closed. So yes, try to help Maduro to keep the clinic open. If you succeed, be sure to put better doctors and nurses to operate the clinic because the death to life ratio was just too high, as too many Dominicans became permanently dependent on it to buy a penny bread and survival.

  12. yaaa
    April 16, 2013

    work with maduro after all the mess is cleared up in Venezuela? lol.sorry…he won’t be prez after…lmao

  13. Not a herd follower
    April 16, 2013

    According to Saint Jean the announcement that Maduro had triumphed over his rival, Henrique Capriles, “filled our hearts with brotherly joy and pride.” He said it was a fitting tribute to the late Huge Chavez, “whose towering vision of social justice consolidated Venezuela’s independence, while it advanced Latin American and Caribbean unity …”

    HOGWASH!

  14. Not a herd follower
    April 16, 2013

    Given the very close margin, it is sensible to have a recount. The Chavistas don’t want a recount because they fear they will lose.

    Why is Dominica congratulating Maduro when the result of the election is not settled? Take it easy, lackeys.

  15. Pro
    April 16, 2013

    Whar a desperate Dominican government. Election results in Venezuela are disputed, Violence on the streets, people are dying, economy in shambles, inflation sky high and the Labour party government is looking forward to working with MADuro. What a government of noooo class. SMH

  16. April 16, 2013

    with a 50% margin, don’t expect much red clinickites!

  17. Lougaoo Mem
    April 16, 2013

    Bottom’s up! Interestingly, Spain, the U.S. secretary-general of the Organization of the American States, Jose’ Miguel Insuiza, have all called for a recount. Wonder where the Dominican government stands?

    Honestly, I don’t fully understand Petter Saint Jean’s convoluted language in re. to advancing our integration process, especially within the Petro Caribe and ALBA, with the central goal of growing prosperity of our countries and building equity, blah, blah, blah.

    Oh really? Has Petro Caribe lowered our energy cost as was promised? And what prosperity are you talking about sir? Oh! You mean the passport sale prosperity eh. But you know, it’s not every citizen who’s prospering. Remember, that’s only for the “Untouchables.”

    Venezuela is not going to be the same. I believe the people are prepared to take care of their destiny by ensuring their natural resources are managed responsibly. ALBA will no longer be the same.

  18. %
    April 16, 2013

    The era of going around with the begging bowl is quickly beconing a thing of the past. We need leaders who who have the resourcefulness and gumption of using our resources, skills, talent, energy etc, to drive this country along. This is what we are lacking in Dominica..
    You think Maduro can think about Dominica now? He won just by the skin of his teeth!
    Wise Venezuelans realised that the wealth of Venezuela was frittered away by Chavez to people and leaders everywhere, including insultive, lazy, arrogant and incompetent leaders who have sent its people to hell. Go to Hell! Go to Hell! Go to Hell!
    I respect the speed with which so many Venezuelans have said bye bye to Chavez’ nonsensical revolution which had the people as poor as some of us are in Dominica.

  19. Malgraysa
    April 16, 2013

    Dear Prime Minister. I am a Dominican citizen and have no desire to be integrated with Venezuela. We did not gain our indepence from Britain to be integrated with another country down the road. No, thank you!

    • Justice and Truth
      April 18, 2013

      Too bad for you. Eat your heart out. Chavez helped Dominica and could have helped put food on your table and other amenities. Why are you so ungrateful? You need a change of heart to a loving, humble and respectful one. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  20. power
    April 16, 2013

    yes just give us the hand out and we will continue to be your chien maway

  21. April 16, 2013

    MADURO WAS HANDPICKED BY CHAVEZ.

    After initial results were released on Sunday, Maduro claimed victory but welcomed a FULL RECOUNT; However the decision was REVERSED on Monday. According to media reports at least four people have been killed in post-election violence. What kind of life the people of Venezuela are going to live when the same old standards are in place?

    If Spain, the U.S., and the secretary-general of the Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza, have all called for a recount, what does that tell you? CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER. Speak for yourself, Peter St. Jean.

  22. CIA on the Watch
    April 16, 2013

    A totally different ball game now, not business as usual, just take a look at the after election demonstration seven dead, it is just the begining and uncle sam is looking

  23. rescue 911
    April 16, 2013

    is dominica going to work with maduro or maduro going to work with dominica?

    • I DIE NU
      April 16, 2013

      Whatever!

      • Justice and Truth
        April 18, 2013

        Amen to that!!! Well said! :lol:

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