Linton accuses gov’t of undermining democracy

The meeting was held on Thursday
The meeting was held on Thursday

Leader of the Opposition United Workers Party, Lennox Linton has accused the government of undermining democracy saying its actions and decisions do not assist Dominica’s Independence theme of “Strengthening our Commitment to Nation Building”.

At a meeting with visiting Dominicans on Thursday, Linton stated that the “national leadership undermines our democracy by disrespecting the constitution and manipulating the rule of law, and so, the gap between expectations and results widens.”

He spoke of the issues that are prevalent, and the absence of active measures implemented to change them.

“We have serious nation building problems that will not be solved by ignoring them or pretending they do not exist,” he stated.

Linton went on to say that a blind eye is turned to the issues that the country faces and it is treated as if it is not what it really is.

“After 38 years as an independent nation, the ruling party, since 2005, continues to insist that Dominica’s electoral system should only be reformed to legitimize the corrupt practices of bribery, cheating, denial of media access to the opposition, outrageous campaigns, and illegal overseas voting,” he said.

The Opposition leader labels the actions of the government a hindrance to the overall goal of present and future endeavors in the country.

“How do we strengthen our commitment to nation building without free and fair elections as the backbone of our democracy? How do we strengthen our commitment to nation building when government organizes for its members and friends to do exceptionally well while the rest of the country catches hell? How do we strengthen our commitment to nation building when the government overspends the national budget by over $100 million?” he asked.

He mentioned many deeds of the ruling party and its negative impact and concluded that in order to deal with all of these, the country must first “deal with the hypocrisy embedded in the annual cause for Nobel endeavors that surface every independence season.”

“We call things by their correct names, we put the party colors aside and we join hands and hearts in the honest pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the commonwealth of Dominica.” he affirmed.

Linton ended in saying that 38 years is sufficient enough to allow Dominicans to stand in defense of the Constitution and that they should “insist on good and just governance through which every son and daughter of the land will be able to celebrate national day with true pride and dignity.”

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27 Comments

  1. free
    October 31, 2016

    Yes. Mr,Linton is for real. He is standing for Justice in this country. A lot of you all not opening allu eyes, keep it close still. Hon. Linton hats off to you. A couple years you have been in and you all are doing a great job. Have no fear

  2. Blazer
    October 31, 2016

    I got the opportunity to meet mr linton at this meeting
    O my God such. down to earth man very humble
    Very loving Dominicans you don’t know what you are
    Missingggggggg this is a real MAN love u mr Linton and
    Family happy independence

    • Arte El Labore
      October 31, 2016

      Blazer,thank you very much, but take your advice and belt off with Lennox Linton, we in Dominica know what is a real man, or better yet take Linton wherever you came from stupid, very soon he will be asking you lots for money to pay the Privy Council in London, good luck. :twisted:

    • October 31, 2016

      I guess you agreed with everything he said and you were all singing from the same song book. You can’t mention Lennox, down to earth and humble in the same sentence.

  3. Righteous
    October 31, 2016

    Was there a question and answer session? If so, did anyone pose some of these question? 1. Mr. Linton, as the leader of the UWP, there have been some very vsible display of what some might say is your blatant disrespect for Parliament. What do you say to your supporters who feel that they are not being represented because of your continued absence from Parliament? 2. Do you feel that your years of being in radio and as an investigative reporter where you were the one in control and can speak to anyone one, in any manner makes it difficult for you to adjust to the structured environment of Parliament? 3. Were you ever given a document on the practices/procedures of Parliament and if yes, have you read and understood those procedures and for the benifit of all Dominicans, are you willing to follow the rules of Parliament so that you can present your points/cases/objections of the present government to the people of Dominica? 4. When can we expect you back in Parliament?
    #OneLoveDA

    • Dr Clayton Shillingford
      October 31, 2016

      To: Righteous, NUWP, Bendtoe,Tell the truth et al, ..all commentary behind the cover of cowardly bogus names . The subject was not Lennox Linton but whether there is decline in our democratic principles..

      Please consider these issues

      How else is one to explain the Emanuel arson incident, the behavior of the speaker Alix Boyd Knight, the police return of gun to Renneth Alexis while he was in court on criminal threat with the same gun, the conduct in Laplaine of Minister Petter St Jean ..to say nothing of the many irregularities during the elections..

  4. Be Good
    October 30, 2016

    i’m not seeing anybody there just saying

  5. NUWP
    October 30, 2016

    Here is a typical Donald Trump. Just making statements and not providing no concrete evidence. Nice words but no substance. Give us facts sir. We are a very educated people bro and we need information to act. So far you can’t do that I. The many years u on the campaign trail bro. Give specifics brother. In no other country somebody would call for the kidnapping of the PM son and not be jailed. No country people can just call the judge president prime minister or persons in authority the names YOU LINTON AND UR CLICK IS CALLING THEM AND NOT BE HELD TO ANSWER BRO. So if democracy is under threat bro I think is u are the guilty parties and u getting away with it. But the speaker wil good for you. Lol

    • October 31, 2016

      You must be living in a twilligt zone, you want facts? lets start with the IPO

  6. October 29, 2016

    The points that Mr.Linton highlighted is very important and I wonder what we Dominicans have to say about it. He suggested that we put our parties colors a side and put the Island first . Dominicans ask yourself what you want and to go about getting things done correctly so that everyone can benefit, we want all to eat and not just some, The ruling Government haven got a clue as to where to start and the one man PM and Government refuses to take advice from other.

    • October 31, 2016

      My Brother, please forgive me if you feel offended by I addressing as Brother. However do you now that ISIS has always declared them self to be patriot`s ?

      What do they have in common with Linton and gang?

    • October 31, 2016

      Then Mr. Linton must lead by example. He must start putting country first . When Mr. Linton and his supporters say country first it is just another code word for saying we need to be in control. The UWP has no plan for Dominica only pretty talk and empty rhetoric. Many people have come to the realization that the UWP is just an empty barrel, made clear by the fact that with the thousands of Dominicans from the Diaspora visiting only 3 attended their meeting. It is a clear sign that a new strategy is required.

  7. Tell the Truth
    October 29, 2016

    How can you make such statements? Only those who have not seen you in action or heard/read about your mannerism could agree with you except (also) your supporters who see nothing wrong with your adverse attitude.
    Linton, it appears to those who are fair, you are the problem.
    You arranged a protest while Parliament was in session.
    You refused to apologize to the House, to the Speaker of the House for your disrespect.
    We have to obey authorities. To do otherwise is to be a revolutionary
    We must respect authority given by God. It is the right thing to do.
    Revolutionary man presents himself today as being progressive and bringing about every change to chip away the rights of God, the authority of others.
    Linton, you are dividing the country in a worst manner. A change of heart is needed. Pray to God to assist you accordingly.

  8. KID ON THE BLOCK
    October 29, 2016

    Are YOU for real?

  9. KID ON THE BLOCK
    October 29, 2016

    Lennox Linton Are for real?

  10. October 29, 2016

    Nooooooooooooooo grow up first or step down that is when you will be heard.

  11. observant
    October 29, 2016

    Geez! what a scary and negative report to get on a visit here to enjoy Independence season with family and friends. They look depressed….

    You think they will return here again? maybe they will go elsewhere for more positive vibes next time they want a vacation.

  12. October 29, 2016

    I agree with you Mr. Linton and I hope that Alix Boyd Knights can retire the colors during the parliament debates.

  13. mine
    October 28, 2016

    What is wrong with mister.

  14. Dr Clayton Shillingford
    October 28, 2016

    From the picture the meeting was not well attended..but Lennox Linton’s charge that Dominica’s democracy is in jeopardy is well supported by the unprincipled conduct of the DLP Government and its acolytes..How else is one to explain the Emanuel arson incident, the behavior of the speaker Alix Boyd Knight, the police return of gun to Renneth Alexis while he was in court on criminal threat with the same gun, the conduct in Laplaine of Minister Petter St Jean ..to say nothing of the many irregularities during the elections..

    • October 31, 2016

      Hi clayton
      you seams to know plenty about the Emanuel arson, I am always of the opinion that persons like you should be questioned on that matter, also , can you please tell me what is the present situation with the Phillip’s property in Rosalie?
      From whom did fountain obtain his portion?
      From who and how did you acquire your portion?
      has the DASS received any money from these transaction?

      You talk about Democracy!

  15. Gina
    October 28, 2016

    Turnour disappointing! Was the event advertised?

    • October 31, 2016

      If they can’t organize a meeting to attract at least 10 persons from the diaspora how can they run a country?

  16. Doc. Love
    October 28, 2016

    Mr. Linton was right when he accused the Government of undermining the democratic process. Tony, according to Skeritt, has permission to speak 99%, on his behalf. This email which was allegedly sent to a member of the commission by Tony Astaphan, ” brother, please do not drift too far. Tried calling you again today and just cannot get through. I spoke to Kandwani this morning. Their is madness going on at the Commission. You need to call Richard and Kandwini . I leave today. These guys are talking about reforms to include I.D. CARDS and COMPLETE REGISTRATION. Such reforms will undermine your reelection legacy as the opposition will say look, the Commission agree with us, reform was required because of wide spread fraud.” Is it by coincidence, after that alleged letter was received, their was a shake up at the electoral commission. This email was allegedly sent on Thursday, March 28th, 2008, to date, we have heard no denial, neither by Skeritt or Tony.

  17. truththe
    October 28, 2016

    DNO were these all in attendance, if not why put out this picture.

  18. Sixth nine
    October 28, 2016

    This Linton, guy is unbelievable Lennox Linton, you should take a look at yourself in the mirror and asked yourself this question am i mad or stupid the answer will be Boath, Linton it’s time to get out your ship is sinking you are like captain blite because you are going nowhere but down in the dump.

  19. NabesandI
    October 28, 2016

    Alas where the masses???

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