Graneau under fire

From left: Graneau, Williams, Sanford
From left: Graneau, Williams, Sanford

Kalinago chief, Charles Williams, and United Workers Party (UWP) hopeful for the Salybia constituency, Claudius Sanford, have both responded to MP, Ashton Graneau, for statements made at the handing over of 27 houses from the government in Gullet River on Monday afternoon.

At the ceremony, Graneau basically described the chief as a liar after Williams recently said there is a lack of development in the Kalinago Territory.

“When you hear the present chief talking about nothing is happening, tell him he isn’t speaking the truth,” Graneau stated after laying down a number of projects which he said have greatly benefited the island’s indigenous people.

Sanford is demanding that Graneau apologize to the Kalinago Chief, while Williams said he is disappointed in Graneau’s performance as MP.

In an interview with DNO, Williams admitted there is “some development” in the Territory but noted that projects are concentrated on “political gains,” not “meaningful economic development.”

“There is some development but we expect more meaningful development because what is happening, what the present government is doing, is the projects that are taking place is more concentrated at political gains rather than meaningful economic development,” he stated. “When we are talking development, we are talking of development that will bring earnings to the people of the Territory so that they can make home commitments and pay their bills. Those are the type of things we want to see.”

Williams stated further that the first set of 42 houses built in the Kalinago Territory was part of Venezuelan funds promised to the Kalinago people and what is being done “is hijacking the people’s money to do projects and to fool them.”

“He (Graneau) cannot count that as progressive development…,” he noted.

The chief further stated that he is disappointed in Graneau because many projects in the Territory are not completed.

“I am disappointed in Ashton because under the Carib Territory Capacity Building, that he is highlighting so much, we fall short of a road from the church in Salybia to the Kalinago Model Village, we fall short of a training center at Bataca to train people in all kinds of service provided in the tourism service center,” he said. “None of them are completed and even the weight of the road is questionable.”

Williams also stated that retrofitting in the houses built in the Territory was done very poorly.

“I was disappointed in the service,” he said. “While the project was made to build the Carib Territory, I have not seen that capacity reflected in the project.”

Meanwhile, Sanford, who is also deputy leader of the UWP, described Graneau’s comments as “abusive” and is demanding that he apologize to the chief.

“As a Kalinago person, I personally would like to condemn the rude, disrespectful and the abuse that the current parliamentary representative of the Kalinago Territory, Ashton Graneau, unleashed on the Kalinago chief, council and the people of the Territory,” he said.

He noted that the office of the chief and council must be separated from national politics.

“I believe that the office of the Kalinago chief and council in the lives of the Kalinago people are very important and in principle, it should be separated from the national political entanglement that usually gets in the way of our Kalinago development,” he stated. “I believe that it was very disgraceful for the current Parliamentary Representative to make such statements.”

He said Graneau’s utterances are no way progressive or positive to foreign donors who are willing to assist the Kalinago people.

Sanford said the UWP is committed to constructing a residence for the Kalinago chief and an up-to-date Kalinago office.

He noted that the party will automatically make the Kalinago chief the minister for Carib Affairs.

“We will uplift the independence and the representation of the indigenous people in this country and giving them the opportunity to be a part of decision making process in this country,” he said. “They have played their part in the development of the country for many years in the fight for freedom, in the fight for economic development and justice. I believe they deserve greater respect, especially the office of the chief, which is an office the people of the Kalinago Territory elect a chief to serve.”

He also said the party intends to enact laws and adopt the International Labour Convention (ILO) on the rights of indigenous peoples.

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53 Comments

  1. CONSCIOUS
    September 18, 2014

    During my grandparents days these people were proud hard workers. They had pride when they provided their own food. Today Dominicans has become lazy living with little pride. An outstretch hand seems to be the norm. BEGGING YES BEGGING

  2. September 18, 2014

    I think you Claudius while demanding that Graneau apologize to the chief,should just do the very same to Curtis Mathew,a senior journalist whom you insulted by displaying your rude and disrespectful behavior,pulling away the mic ,preventing him from asking certain questions at your recently held uwp press conference…

    • check yourself
      September 19, 2014

      Nonsense Curtis is a Labour journalist doe try dat, he was only there to ask Labour questions so check yourself

  3. Well
    September 18, 2014

    I’m not Kalinago, neither am UWP.. but I did find the parl-rep’s statements rude and disrespectful to the chief. It was a lie, alot of improvements have been made and work is on going, but the post of chief should be respected and separated from political affairs – despite of the chief’s affiliations.

  4. the bastard
    September 18, 2014

    When people allow others to be their spokes person it means that they are either stupid, ignorant, cowards. The Carib populace have over the years, from Federation to now, has seen numerous representatives, political parties,, rule the Island of Dominica, and none whatsoever, has given these people any form of autonomy, they reserve the right to tell them and do to them as they feel fit.Today nothing has changed, chief on chief has come and gone same difference. The political atmosphere at this time, is doing nothing or will change nothing unless the people put back on their ancestors bravery, to fight physically, spiritually, with hands and heart for the change from political bondage that have engulfed them. The present situation they face as a people is that their leaders are misleading because all of them wants to be in power or as one political candidate put i to make a name for themselves, and that’s not what is needed. Why is it that Sanford,Darroux, Williams cannot merge as one to work collaboratively for the good of their people? why do they have to be led by another person who is a none Carib? it clearly shows that they are no leader, a leader led by a leader,a none carib at that. instead they are making their people to believe that a none Carib will make their lives better, they are all parasites or boom boom flies as is said on Dominica. What the people should now is abstain from voting,.. period, and unite as a tribe and let the world know they no longer will be ruled by foreigners, petition the the UN to intervene,along with other organizations like Survival International, world Council of indigenous peoples, to lobby on their behalf, instead of letting people who are traitors to them live among them an incite and divide them, through politics, religion, bribery, and others, THINK CARIB PEOPLE, you have eyes see, you have ears hear and don’t be fooled by your own people

    • February 9, 2016

      Remember your own words when dealing with your own kind. Thanks.

  5. Anonymous
    September 18, 2014

    I agree with Mr Williams we the kalinago people are fed up with handouts, we need economic development to put money in our pockets not ration and blowgowdow

  6. ian
    September 18, 2014

    Mr Williams should be better respected by mr graneau as carib chief. I believe it have gotten too political and that is the fault of the government system. we need to see a change in government policies when electing pal reps. right now I know its difficult but some qualification in politics would be considered.

  7. grell
    September 18, 2014

    God please pray for my counrty.

  8. .
    September 18, 2014

    ……carib chief and we have an opposition party making promises to them they cannot keep. We go see. Dominicans we all are one. Dominica is too small to be divided in two. Roseau is much too small to be divided. And yes, the DLP has done a lot for the Kalinago people-much more than any other party so get rid of your bitterness Mr. Williams because you are being taken for a ride.

  9. 767
    September 18, 2014

    stupppppssssssssssssssssssssssss!!! talk about singing for your supper! i hope when that party allu dying to come in power does you all wont cry! dislike my comment bluesors if the truth hurts haha make it get at least 50 lol lets see how many of you are angry and intimidated inside lol

  10. Kalinago People
    September 18, 2014

    So proud of you Mr. Williams. The Graneaus have done nothing for us in the Carib Territory. They and the DLP continue to fool us at the time of election. This time we saying NO.

    • February 9, 2016

      The graneaus seem to like Office but not the work that goes with it.

  11. Dominican Uk
    September 18, 2014

    I fed up with people who sit back and expect to be fed by other people. God said he help thos who help themselves.
    Keep blaiming pal rep and government you guys will stay behind like talon

    • yes ii tell u
      September 18, 2014

      @Dominican in Uk….But u supporting red clinic ur hypocrite…I hope u working for d money u getting ….

  12. PaBoo
    September 18, 2014

    The entire Dominican population need to understand the realities of the day to day activities and how the Territory is and should be managed. We need a government that will put the Territory in the light. We all thought the DLP would but for almost 15yrs they have been keeping us down so we need to take the bull by its horn now.. Change is a must…

  13. black eye
    September 17, 2014

    oh Claudius, Charles saying something, you join in an start campaigning.

  14. needvto know
    September 17, 2014

    If you are not from kalinago reserve. U shud NT speak. Mr Williams has been carib chief before an done nothing for carib reserve.. NW he so interested in carib ppl, but to late.. Uwp won’t win in carib reserve an is a fact. If uwp wins there is no ministry of carib affairs, an jobs will b lost, did d/a ppl NT listen to there proposal? It will be called carib policies. Which makes no sense. We were here first!!!! Find facts an read. If Sanford an Charles wants to improve reserve, wat is so wrong working with Aston an government?

  15. lovely dominica
    September 17, 2014

    Both Mr. Sanford and Williams comments are geared at scoring cheap political points. The carib territory has benefited significantly from investments by the government and the same cannot be said of some other communities. So three cheers to the PM and the DLP.

    Sandford talks about respect for the position of Carib Chief, where was he when his leader and other party members disrespected the office of the President, Prime Minister, speaker of the house among others. Was he a moo-moo then?

  16. Jail-corrupt-leaders
    September 17, 2014

    Shame on you Williams you should know better a Toilette is economic development for dem fellas!

  17. anonymous
    September 17, 2014

    talk about wanting to have your cake and eat it. how is the chief going to be minister of carib affairs and be separated from national political entanglement. i dunno. what exactly are your positions ‘leaders of the territory’? I want to know before the elections otherwise as a constituent. i won t be inclined to vote at all

    • Ben Haynes PsyD
      September 17, 2014

      What a stupid statement. You don’t vote, you don’t make a change, then you will be the one talking nonsense.

    • Canefield
      September 18, 2014

      sanford is just making a big joke he no better

    • looking
      September 18, 2014

      Because the Minister of Carib affairs is no minister. The Ministry does not exist, its a Phantom ministry with no budget. Therefore the resources invested in the department can be invested in the Carib Chief and council. Ultimately empowering the council.

  18. kalinago outside
    September 17, 2014

    Every one knows that williams is not easy to deal with. After he campaigned against all those who won the carib council elections, he wants to have his way.

  19. Plagia
    September 17, 2014

    It looks like just like the rest of DOminica, even the Kalinago people are fed up with Labor and their govt. Alas, Call it nuh!!

  20. kk
    September 17, 2014

    william what is your political affliation?u should go up for uwp man

  21. Views Expressed
    September 17, 2014

    The Carib Territory shows some semblance of division on party lines and not necessarily among the Carib people themselves.
    The weakness is that the DLP is guilty of giving handouts without that bigger picture and developmental plan and the Graneau`s have supported and promoted this mendicancy for years. We have seen rum distributed late at nights on the eve of the last election.
    A resource Centre was built in Sineku about seven years ago and it is seriously under utilised and just like Sineku this one about to be constructed will be the same thing. It will bring no economic change or benefits to the people because it has to maintained, and money is needed for this. They are just building structures NOT the people and the economy.
    So the Graneau brothers as MP`s have had no effective sustainable forecast for the Carib people as their political allegiance rests with Skerrit, someone who has lost credibility in high office with questionable deeds.
    The DLP government has systematically failed the Carib people and the only treason or rather reason (LOL) why they are scared of Chief Williams is because he is one not to compromise his loyalty to his people and his own beliefs and will say it as it is…….that will not go down well with Skerrit. So as long as Chief Williams is Chief; Skerrit will avoid and woill be scared to enter the Carib Territory

    • Forever Amber
      September 17, 2014

      “They are just building structures NOT the people and the economy.”

      That has been the problem with the DLP’s understanding of development. If you can see it standing, that is development. Give them a toilet even if they don’t have money to feed their families – that is development.

      LMFAO….

  22. B.E.B
    September 17, 2014

    Mr. Charles, when the UWP get into power, u are going to be the minister for Carib Affairs, so there are going to be 2 Parl rep. in the Kalinago Territory. I don’t think Mr. Sanford is telling the truth. I see this as cheap talk.

    • b.o.b.
      September 17, 2014

      A parl rep is a legislator and a minister is in the executive. they are completely different posts. parl reps are elected but the executive can make any citizen a minister. know your facts before you talk.

      • Mamizes
        September 17, 2014

        Thanks B.O.B, I was going to respond to him, but you took care of it.

      • John Paul
        September 18, 2014

        B.O.B The Chief is supposed to be a Parl Rep for the Kalinago People too. He can approach Parliament directly on behalf of the Kalinago

      • joe
        September 18, 2014

        OK B.O.B there will be 2 Ministers from the Territory in the Cabinet and they will both be in Parliament speaking on behalf of the Kalinago.

        I would love to see Graneau run for Carib Chief and win to see if UWP will keep their word and appoint him a Minister?

        But again Claudius said it will be automatic so here we go!!!!

    • Not Me Alone
      September 17, 2014

      @B.E.B, Does BEB mean Begging even bread? Anyways, what do you mean by two parlreps? Please be informed that Mr. Williams will be the minister of Carib territory while Mr. Sandford will be the elected parlrep. As the deputy leader of the Party, expect Mr. Sanford to hold one of the top Ministries of cabinet that has to do with the entire well being of the country and not one that is just limited to Kalinago affairs like the Graneaus.

    • check yourself
      September 17, 2014

      Are u dunce how us it gonna be 2 parl rep not every ministers are parl reps take a back seat if your view can’t be that of political benefit for dominica.

  23. real possie
    September 17, 2014

    The chief is workers Sanford is workers, why would he not be under fire? DNO really, if you said he under fire from the people and they are demonstrating I would say ok. They both just wicked to say nothing was done in that territory.

    • Itassi Too
      September 17, 2014

      Your comments sound as silly as that of the mystic boy

    • John Paul
      September 18, 2014

      If You build a few houses for Your supporters while You allow black sigatoka to ravage Bananas and plantain the main source of income of the Kalinago ,how is that development? This is developing dependency.

  24. Evolved
    September 17, 2014

    I do not know Mr. Williams well but I have respect for his statement as he unlike many other politicians do not speak the truth – much respect – you called a spade a spade

  25. empress
    September 17, 2014

    Our kalinago cheif should be respected. What example is graneau sending to the young generation. Kalinago cheif should have the authority to discipline graneau. Graneau have a little respect man. You should not go on national media and call the man a liar. Lets put graneau out of the territory….he is a blind bat.

    • God's Child
      September 18, 2014

      So is the President and the Prime Minister of Dominica. They too should be respected, but does the UWP respect them? No.

      UWP say some much about them. Respect is a two way street. Give it and you will receive it!

  26. JahKal
    September 17, 2014

    bs is people like u that have no repect for the kalinago people.

  27. Anonymous
    September 17, 2014

    Oh please Sanford and Williams!!! Both of you are trying to win the Kalinago seat for UWP, But as has happened in previous elections, you guys will again fail. Put this in your pipes and smoke it!!!!!!

  28. jah
    September 17, 2014

    Dominican wants the labour party to create miracles to lift the entire country name Dominica into a prosperous place. What are the duties that Dominican have towards themselves to make their own contribution to themselves and their country. A small strip of land like Dominica have so much foreigners working in every sector of Dominica economy. Yet Dominican are complaining that their is not enough opportunity for them to reach their potential in life. If Haitian arrive in Dominica with the clothes on their back , their pockets were empty and now they own land, business and appreciate all what this beautiful land has done for them. How much can the government do for every single household in Dominica?
    The Dominica labour party has done alot for Dominica. They have still more to do. Government has never develop any country in this world on his/her own. The Government alongside hard working , creative and determine citizens that can bring prosperity to Dominica

    • The Facts
      September 17, 2014

      I always give compliments where they are warranted and due. I must agree with you on this one. I applaud you for these excellent points, a great insight, vision and facts.
      They expect the government to do everything and that everything should be handed to them on a silver platter without raising a finger while they sit idly and criticize, doing nothing to build up, enhance the country and their environment. When will these people ever grow up, mature, learn and see the light?
      Dominica has not previously seen and experienced such progress prior to the leadership and effort of the PM, all for their benefit.
      Dominica has much to offer them and they are wasting their time looking closely at also those who migrated to D/ca and have progressively and successfully made the most of what it has to offer through their hard work. They should not be envied.
      Those critics lack appreciation, gratitude and are in dire need of a change of heart.

    • John Paul
      September 18, 2014

      Fair comment but the style adopted by this administration is of their own choosing.Nobody asked them to build houses to give away.They have chosen the path of handing out rather than sustainable type of development.I am poor ,You give me a house and I have no job how will I maintain this house? Easy come easy go as they say those houses are doomed to fall into disrepair unless the occupants are gainfully employed.Of course by giving a house you have cemented a vote so if that is the development You choose you will have to live with it .
      Meanwhile Team Dominica is presenting a whole new outlook “Jobs Jobs Jobs”

      • The Facts
        September 18, 2014

        Those who are given houses which they did not pay for and do not pay rent/mortgage, should ever be so proud of it and do their utmost to maintain it properly. If they observe the house is in need of repair and they cannot afford to repair it, they should inform the government about it. They should not wait and watch it disintegrate and then complain and criticize. If they keep quiet, who could assist them? People must also help themselves. How much more can the government do for them?

    • Canefield
      September 18, 2014

      JAH Thats so true if everybody was seeing light like u dominica will be a sweet country

  29. September 17, 2014

    Only now charles care about development in the area ,we kalinago are so stuip make people like him,keep us down

  30. bs
    September 17, 2014

    Charles williams made a statement which was clearly political and he got a political response, stop crying Mr. Williams. You are a politician and stop using the position of carib cheif to send political stones. Whenever the PM attacks the opposition they respond and they don’t respond with nice words.

    • check yourself
      September 17, 2014

      U so right to call ure name bs cause u and the whole dlp team is bs, go find something constructive and positive to say and do, and stop bs ing

      • lolol
        September 17, 2014

        stop talking crap dere eh

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