Opposition demands answers from PM Skerrit on “Bin Bobol” issue

John's seat was declared vacant after he boycotted parliament

Leader of the Opposition Hector John has written to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, calling on the government leader to give an update on the controversial “Bin Bobol” issue.

In a letter dated August 24, 2010, John draws the attention of the prime minister to what the opposition describe as “many discrepancies associated with the purchase of garbage bins by government seemingly on the request of the Roseau City Council”.

SEE LINK TO LETTER BELOW

The letter calls on the prime minister to break his silence and clarify to the nation “the obvious vast differences between statements made and assurances given by him (the Prime Minister) in his June 2009 address”.

“Failure to do so,” John stressed, “could be construed by fair-minded persons that (the Prime Minister) is either directly involved in the theft of the people’s money or that (he) is an upholder of persons so involved.”

To date no response has been forthcoming from the prime minister, the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has said.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL LETTER

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58 Comments

  1. Marlon Giraudel
    September 19, 2010

    @LYCAN CASIMIR:

    Another scary DNO comment. Scary because comments like these makes me worry about my country and its future. This money which you claim was collected, was that money paid directly to Mr. Edison James or was it paid into the Treasury?

    Monies for projects and other government initiatives don’t go into the personal accounts of Members of Cabinet. The money is deposited into the consolidated fund and there are checks and balances. There is chief accountant, director of Audit and etc who remain in their roll doh matter who is in office.

    So who are you to come on here with this rubbish?…hahahaha

    Legitimate questions are being asked and this is what you come up with.

  2. LYCAN CASIMIR
    September 15, 2010

    If we are looking for answers here, I want to know what Eddison James did with the monies the Diaspora made in New York to start the International Airport project? Up to now, he cannot give account for that.

    Mr. John , we need answers to give to the Diaspora. Rumour has it that he used it to send his children University, we need answers now or probably he made Earl spend it in gambling, we need answers.

    Eddison James has spoiled Dominica’s chance to get much funding from the Diaspora to get a kick off from this project. I mean we are talking about honesty and integrity here, we need to pull some skeletons from the closet.

    One leader can’t be bad here, I will not even look for answers about Rubbish Bins because we need them more that ever to help keep Dominica clean, but monies for an International Airport? we need answers too.

  3. The All Seeing Eye
    September 14, 2010

    @LIAR:
    Well there you go again missing the point and being careless in your observation. If you would just calm down and stop being reactive. Try breathing in and out slowly, re-read my response and you will see that I am being all-inclusive particularly regarding the point you make about spelling. I stated that “we all make spelling mistakes including myself”. So your point on that matter is baseless. Nor was I discrediting anybody. I was pointing out flaws and poor judgment in the approach, as you quite rightly state it is better to keep ones nose clean, as mistakes made now will be remembered by people in the future people who you would rather have on your side if you are to stand a chance of winning first prize.

    As a wise Buddha once said “Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins him, but fortune comes from one’s mind and makes him worthy of respect”

    All politicians/leaders of all persuasions in Dominica need observe and take the best lessons from more established and mature nations if this Island to truly go forward exhibit it’s diamond potential instead of carrying on like a herd of myopic jackasses causing lack of progress and unnecessary suffering to those who have mandated them with leadership.

  4. jb fox
    September 14, 2010

    Stop crying U W P supporters the election is over instead of trying to stagnate the development of dominica come forward with ideas to move it forward.

  5. Hugo Grotius
    September 14, 2010

    Stupes.. Answer to what! People answered on December 18th 2009, 18-3, so shut the hell up and move on.

  6. apres bon dieu cest la ter
    September 14, 2010

    The PM has never denied the rubbish bin bobool instead he used a cloth to extinguish it.. as it is now we are seeing more smoke and now he is looking for another material instead of water..
    Two weeks ago he asked for positivety by challenging those false prophets on information about his engagements on contracts. Sir, please allow your words to come from your mind… the issue of corruption here is the Rubbish bins and the villas, Dont veer of the track for your own good, remember you the PRIME MINISTER, a man that should uphold all the character of a leader. Now do some reflection and answer to your responsibilty of accountabilty.
    we await for the truth

  7. Jenkin Doe
    September 14, 2010

    @Hugo Grotius:

    Jealous of what? Whatever, wealth he has accumulate is our hard earned. He had nothing when he came into politics 10 years ago. If he is rich today, it cannot be the ten thousand dollar salary that made him rich. Pinch yourself idiot. What jealous. There are people who have worked so hard and are still struggling to survive. It would be interesting to know what did the Foreign Bank in Dominica questioned him about that caused him to walk out from them. If it was me, I would be charged. The young man in Bathe Estate was pickup because he could not account for his assets.

    So give some big thought to your utterances of Jealour,

  8. Jenkin Doe
    September 14, 2010

    @Come on:

    You know all of you defending the PM in his wrong doing are worse than him. This is the society that we are creating for our children, Where wrong is right. No wonder he is building a bigger jail.

  9. naturelover
    September 14, 2010

    The new oppose anything leader—ooops, sorry shadow-leader of the uwp is trying just too hard to create an impression but is mouthing the same old vibes—talk is always very cheap….imagine the Public Accounts Commitee is established by Parliament with the O[pposition Leader as chairperson–that Commitee has the mandate to overseee the Public Accounts and can access informatrion from any P.S,etc—That Commitee never met from 2002 -2009—–so action speaks louder than words so who are they fooling—too much pawol .,pawol. pawol–while they talking the P.m and his Ministers working ,working working..tHE EVIDENCE there for those who want to see….night landing soon come,nuff road projects, water flowing in Campbell and soon in Warner,,,,,,,The Bins sold out so quickly,i got two that in good use,,,part of the money paid up so the rest soon come—hope soon, soon

  10. yes i
    September 13, 2010

    all you will stay like asses demanding answers whole day and never go and work for all you to give us atleast a little competition next election

  11. Our Money Back
    September 13, 2010

    @Come on: Are you referring to the ‘odd it’ dept.? You really mean the Audit dept. What kind of response you talking about? About $200,000.00 is owed to our Treasury that has not been paid by those involved in the secret purchase deal of Rubbish bins. Who has paid the amount owed? When was it paid? The Audit Dept. you talking about is yet to answer those specific questions in the positive. So what you belching? Did the Auditor indicate at any time that the amount owed was paid? COME ON. COME ON. BE FRANK. COME ON.

    For years the DLP bombarded the public about corruption of the opposition at the time. A lawyer was assigned to investigate and prosecute those persons involved. He failed so to do. The DLP for years asked questions while in opposition about corruption. BUT TODAY, YOU ALL are raging and ranting, foaming with madness that questions are now being asked of the DLP GOVT. and the PM as FINANCE MR. about RUBBISH BIN BOBOL. How strange !!!!!! Extremely Strange !!!!!!

    It is an irrefutable fact that the deal took place. The deal was secretive and involved people’s hard earned money from the TREASURY. None of you can deny that. You all cannot stomach that questions are being asked. Those questions must be asked until Mr. PM explain to the public. It is his duty. He should not fail the people.

    The purchase of all those thousands of bins still did not help to clean up Roseau. Did they? That strange????????? Maybe the purchase of all those Rubbish Bins wasn’t meant for that.

  12. Answer the question
    September 13, 2010

    @Hugo Grotius: You ain’t start to hear anything yet. The Minister of Finance of any country must explain to its citizens irregularities regarding the people’s money. Why should Dominica be different?

    @Come on: All you were hypocritically calling for Hector and the opposition to come to Parliament and do the people’s business. Isn’t asking questions about national issues especially if they concern bad, secret deals involving Dominicans money, good to do?

    ,@Hugo Grotius: jealous of a PM who refuse to explain such bad deals about people money. Is not his money. People want to know the truth about what happen to their money. About $200,000.00 have not been paid back to the treasury on that Rubbish Bin purchase. Where the money go? That is all people want to know. So what is in that for a PM, if he is honest to explain to people? He putting himself in more problem by not explaining. Just tell people the truth and finish with that Mr. PM. Those fellas dealing in hard drugs are engaging in good things? They not greedy, but also sharing and many people eating and drinking from their illicit business too. No problem getting rich in office is what one does to get rich, secret deals, corrupt practices, controversial deals, or money laundering or cheating in public office that is a big problem for any country. So Advise the PM , all of you who are supporting Rubbish bin bobol and have no remorse for wrong doings, to come clean and answer the questions. Is not Hector John you all should be vex with for asking simple questions of the Mr. of Finance. Didn’t the DLP and the PM condemn the some persons for corruption and were asking question upon question while in opposition? So what is the big deal now? Something is happening with people’s money and it is not so exciting, therefore questions have to be asked until a proper explanation is forthcoming from the PM and his DLP GOVT.

  13. Me
    September 13, 2010

    correct me if I am wrong but wasn’t Eddie and Ron part of the committee that investigated that bin issue and reported to cabinet that no wrong doing was discovered.

  14. Vee
    September 13, 2010

    @Thelonious Monk: I thought Dominica was already moving forward in good hands. You people are so confused, very sad.

  15. Come on
    September 13, 2010

    You got the response from the Audit Department. You just refuse to accept it like everything else that does not conform to what you want to hear. You continue to classify it as inaccurate just like the reports on our GDP and poverty status, the election observers and might I remind you of what you thought of the DLP pre-election polls? So stop looking for what doesnt exist we are not fools.

  16. John Brown
    September 13, 2010

    I personally want the UWP, no matter who the leader, to continue the same old political strategy. Think about it DLP supporters, this strategy has been used since the1990’s; it started with the bugging allegation, accused an unbeatable popular leader of doing something illegal and hope to politically capitalize on it. This is why every two days we have another accusation. The Americans say, if you throw enough s..t at a wall, some must stick.

    This has been the UWP’s one and only strategy since the beginning. By not changing their strategy, the UWP has been reduced to having only 3 seats. The sky is not falling chicken little, people will not continue to look up every time you have another un-proven accusation. The fact is people have gotten tired of you guys and so far the only party leader that has been (allegedly) caught stealing is your uncle Earl; go figure.

  17. Good things happening
    September 13, 2010

    @Karkabeff: Try to understant this: UWP blasted (literally) day and night about this same bin bobol etc story prior to the elections and what was the response of the masses?????? 18 to 3 meaning “we are tired of hearing that garbage and it doesnt sway our political affiliations and opinions”.

    So obviously that strategy didnt work therefore why, oh why is hector continuing alon g this course of self destruction? Are they still using the same advisors who made them lose elections?What we need is a new opposition party with new intelligent blood and lots of energy and a new strategy that will focus on key areas that the DLP government doesn’t perform in. Opposition is healthy but UWP is sick and dying rapidly. Its a pity i hate politics otherwise I would definitely form a new party and put UWP into oblivion.

  18. The Third Side
    September 13, 2010

    Did someone wrote this for Hector John…I guess no…he writes exactly how he talks and carries himself. He pretty much disrespected the PM by accusing him of the very same thing he wants answers to.

    This opposition leader acts like a political activist…he lack diplomatic decorum

    But maybe he will learn from the mistakes of his mentor Earl aka “cover my tracks” William

  19. LIAR
    September 13, 2010

    All Seeing eyes you seem to be the one enraged at a differing opinion. In your attempt to be philosophical you’ve demonstrated obvious biasness and total discord in your trend of thought. You took the time off to highlight someone’s spelling mistake when you have grammar and spelling errors just the same but this is irrelevant; irrelevant to the issue at hand and we can all agree that spell check is just a “wink”. I must ask- what was the intent of your contribution? You spend your time discrediting Hector only because he asks for transparency. If you were honest with yourself you surely you would not have come on this forum to provide a leadership lecture.
    Your counter response portrait someone who is arrogant, irrational and incapable of social. Discourse. How can level minded people be so ignorant, arrogant and stupid all in support or defense of politicians, particularly those who have no scruples at all?
    I remain true to my self and to the value of integrity and honesty. For I’m sure that deep within your conscience, you know that our political leaders are self serving.

    As for me I would rather keep my nose clean rather than to be a supplicant to these dishonest politicians

  20. Watcher
    September 13, 2010

    @Thelonious Monk: Agree with that. Honourable Hector John , new leader of the Opposition look for some fresh starters. Throw away the old political system. The young people are looking up to you for some constructive debating on a lot of other national issues. The young people need a role model. Are you willing to do just that. Then seek ye first the Heavenly Father and his Rigteousness and ask for wisdom and understanding and let him direct your path. If you take that path, I guess your advisors will not like that since they do not want ot change the old policies and politics of division etc. Mister Hon please take up the mantle and do the best for the Nation and not for individual self motive..

    Watcher is watching

  21. A Voice
    September 13, 2010

    One guy had two friends that he supported, fed them, gave them monies and anything that they requested. One day he said to his two friends ‘see the neighbor house across the street there, let us break in and thief some of his goods.’

    The first friend said ‘man you help me out so much, you support me in everything, I’ve got your back, let us do this’. The second friend say, ‘no my brother this is not right, as much as you do so much good for me, I cannot support you in this, and I implore you not to do this wrong’.

    Which one of them you think is the better friend…?

  22. A Voice
    September 13, 2010

    Hmmm, interesting debate

    I do agree that Spags should be coming out with new issues and state to the people what he is doing in his current position to bring the country forward. Where are the ideas, the visions man, where are they?

    But saying all this, the bobol thing cannot be stale. If money is missing from the treasury then definitely somebody should account for it and that is Skerrit’s job. It is high ignorance to state that the 18 seat victory in the last election was a seal of approval for the missing bin monies.

    Anybody with a conscience can see that this was a bad dirty deal irrespective of party affiilation, and since monies are still missing then Skerrit have to answer to the public, no two ways about that.

    Although I want to see Neg come out with new fresh ideas, he also has the right, as the leader of the opposition, to demand an account of the missing funds and who was responsible for this back door dirty transaction.

    I do believe that Skerrit has done good things for Dominica, but right now the ball is in his court and he HAVE to answer…

  23. de caribbean change
    September 13, 2010

    Hector John, get a life, Mr Big Head.

  24. The All Seeing Eye
    September 13, 2010

    @LIARS – the one having problems with simple spelling:
    Yes I know we all make spelling mistakes, myself included, but yours are quite consistent which says a lot. You should calm down and stop shouting as it causes you to not think straight.

    First of all I did not even come close to writing a thesis. On the contrary, I was responding to a post that was more like a thesis. I kept my retort as short as to get my point across and could easily have ventured into the scale of thesis if I were to mention all the qualities of good leadership. So thank you for adding your additional two.

    From the tone of your fumbling rage I think you have also missed my point and would suggest that you are somewhat biased here. If you re-read my comments sensibly and without blinkers or bias you will see that first of all I am not showing any bias myself I am merely offering the previous LIARS some wise counseling and a more circumspect way of winning votes for the future. So take it, leave it or twist it whichever way you want.

    The fear of God is the beginning of all understanding but only a fool despises wisdom and discipline. (The Proverbs of Solomon)

  25. Hugo Grotius
    September 13, 2010

    Leave my pm alone, Jealous all u jealous of him. So what if skerrit get rich in office, he not greedy he sharing with the nation. Chupes man

  26. COEVR UP
    September 13, 2010

    Covering up lies with lies is like adding salt to an injury. As a logical thinking person ( NOT AS SMART AS TELEMACACK) I think that there is just too much suspicions hanging over the head of the PM and cabinet. The PM need to cleanup his act. After we voted out the UWP because they too were corrupt we are now witnessing corruption unprecedented. To pilfer that much money from atreasury soo small is definetly a big deal.

    When they talk about the next level I guess they are really refering to corruption level.

  27. LIARS
    September 13, 2010

    TO ALL SEEING EYE- GOOD LEADERSHIP SHOULD POTRAIT OPENESS, FIRNESS, AND HONESTY. YOU CONVINIENTLY LEFT THIS STATEMENT OUT OF YOUR THEISIS HUH.

  28. The All Seeing Eye
    September 13, 2010

    @LIARS aka H Johns:
    Such a lengthy tirade. Surely the time would have been better spent putting forward effective opposition proposals to for taking D’a forward and hopefully securing a few more voters for yourself for the next election.

    This is sort of thing that impress and sway the public not unprofessional attempts (clearly instigated by some bitter minds) to try and influence DNO browsers. DNO is not Parliament! I’m sorry but this really shows poor leadership and makes one ask the question ‘would people really be willing to put their trust in such persons running a nation?’

    Born leaders accept failed mandates, dust themselves off and get on with the business of preparing for leadership not only by taking on board lessons learned but also by listening to wise counsel. Budding dictators rant, rave and spout banal rhetoric. Born leaders do their ranting and raving in Parliament where they can tackle their opponents face to face in a statesmanlike manner and not engage in childish methods such as boycotting and holding ineffectual gatherings all of which is akin to a child throwing it’s toys out of it’s pram to get more attention from it’s mother.

    Dear God, I pray that Dominica and all it’s people grows up.

  29. Lady
    September 13, 2010

    A las magway ca! I have read some of the comments written on here, and i must say that i am embarassed by some made by my fellow Dominicans. Is it that these people have been brainwashed into believing everything that comes out of the mouths of Skerrit and his cohorts? Come on all the facts are there in black and white… The people have done their homework we need right now for the PM to come out and let us know his version….. And prove to us that there was no corruption involved. Is it okay for 51 000 of our tax payers dollars to disappear into someones pocket just like that? When at the end of the year Income tax going to scrutinise our pay stubs to ensure that we paid everything that they felt that we ought to have paid to the trasury? Come on politics aside we need to get to the bottom of this story!

    While we are at it we also need Skerrit to prove that he is not a money launderer like the common folks and that his house is really just worth $400 000.00 and that he really has nothing to do with those villas. AFter all he never did declare millions as stipulated by his famous IPO act,

  30. Carib Diva 1
    September 13, 2010

    since when politians are accountable for anything. When they all get there do the same damn thing, be it buying property to do their own business or or for personal use. No matter what they tell us they get caught up in the “corruption” meme bete meme pweole. ( Maybe mamo was too serious) So all the members of the opposition especially those who cannot help but get their hair grey, and blue in the face over Skeritt,even after they just come out and do the readings and take the priest ‘lusty’ in church,to go and tell their elected members to go to the House and do the work and ask all de questions that the people who vote for them put them there to do!
    They are the ones who turning the country to a one party state……boom like Marlene I gone!

  31. More Questions
    September 13, 2010

    @chemist: To make this country a better Dominica, first we need to accept wrong is wrong and correct the wrongs. To condone theft of poor people’s money from the Treasury cannot move this country forward. No way. You fooling yourself Would you all leave rotten eggs in a tray in your kitchen to smell up the whole place? Before putting good eggs in that tray, would you not deal with those rotten ones? Wouldn’t you all change a dirty sheet on your bed, before putting on clean ones? That tells me something about you all.

    @Come on: The criminal case of stealing money from the Treasury to engage in purchase of rubbish bins to make profit for a few greedy people cannot be stale, especially when Skerritt and his DLP Govt. are yet to tell the people exactly what took place with their money and about the almost $200,000.00 still being owed to the Treasury. What is most dishonest is that they lied to Dominicans about the whole thing.

    .@King ghetto: All of you cannot deal with the issue of theft. You seem to agree that there was theft but cannot believe that your friends really were involved in that despicable action against the poor people of Dominica. Well, take it or leave it, It really happened. Advise you all PM and DLP to quickly explain to Dominicans about the BIN BOBOl, Bad FERTILIZER purchase, VILLAS and so much more bad practices. Dominica cannot go forward in dishonesty, stealing, lying, money laundering, corruption of all sorts. Trust me. Those involved refuse to answers those burning questions because they know Dominicans know what they did was absolutely wrong. Only a few benefited. You all spewing those nonsense about the matter stale did not benefit? The questions being asked are like thorns in your sides. Those involved cannot sleep properly, knowing that they did an injustice to Dominicans. WHERE IS OUR MONEY? WE WANT OUR $$$$$$$$$$$$ back. RUN from the questions, but you all just cannot hide away from them. Questions will be all under your beds. They will continue to hunt you all. Stealing is a crime. It doesn’t matter who does it.

  32. STALE
    September 13, 2010

    To the people who think we do not want answers, the thing is that these issues were before the general election and if it did not impact the election what makes you thin it is going to be relevant today? I i were the UWP i’d jump on the court issue that the PM is facing for dual citizenship. here goes your current issue.

  33. Ron
    September 13, 2010

    Hector John isn’t doing or saying anything new. He needs to present the evidence that he has. He needs to show us directly how the PM or any other minister is involve in bobol. Until he presents that evidence it will be talk as usual and no one will believe him. Saying that everybody knows and you have evidence is not enough. John MUST present us with that information and expose the perpetrators. So far, his “facts” are merely propaganda being rehashed.

    For John to be credible he needs to focus on a development plan for the country rather than Ron Green lack of idea approach. It’s obvious that Mr. John has not learned from the past mistakes.

    The only question i have is why isn’t the UWP focused on development? Is it because there is a significant about of development taking place which they cannot contest and see corruption as their only way out? After all, Mr. Williams made it clear after the 2000 elections that they were going to remove the DLP from power on corruption.

  34. LIARS
    September 13, 2010

    TO ALL THE BIAS DOMINICANS READ- ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE TRUTH

    Dear Sir,

    You will recall that during the course of the debate on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill which you presented to the Parliament on 6th October, 2008 both Hon. Edison James (Representative for Marigot) and Hon. Norris Charles (Representative for Roseau Valley) sought clarification from you regarding an amount of EC764, 541.00 which was allegedly paid to a Company called Logistical Supply Solutions Inc. (LSSI) for a quantity of garbage bins. You failed or refused to provide any such clarification.

    It was subsequently discovered that LSSI had also supplied the Government of Dominica with at least two consignments of fertilizer.

    These two matters became the subject of heated public discussion, having, in large measure, to do with clear discrepancies in the prices supposedly paid for the commodities and the role played by yourself, Minister Colin McIntyre and his brother Andre’ Dopwell Sr.

    In response to the concerns expressed by Dominicans you addressed the Nation on radio, television and via the internet on 2nd June, 2009. In that address you denied that there was any corruption or attempt at a cover up. Your specific words were:-
    “Let me be clear and unequivocal. I categorically deny and reject allegations of corruption in this matter”
    “It is therefore false for anyone to suggest or even intimate an attempt at cover up. Far from it”

    Mr. Prime Minister these “assertions” by you are at variance with the known facts, as listed below, about the bin transaction:-
    1. Invoice for 2,700 residential garbage bins at US$102.19 sent to the Prime Minister’s Office on April 22, 2008 by Andre Dopwell, a resident of Pennsylvania and brother of Trade Minister Colin McIntyre.
    2. The product description is non specific – no item name, no size, no distinguishing features.
    3. Invoice price was said to be good through June 05, 2008.
    4. No tenders were invited for the supply of bins. There was no evidence of any competitive bidding. There was no evidence that any sample of the product was examined prior to payment approval.
    5. The retail price of the bins eventually supplied (Roughneck 32Gal Non-Wheeled Refuse Bin from Rubbermaid) was as low as US$14.00 at Home Depot locations in the US.
    6. Item was not provided for in the budget for the financial year July 2007 to June 2008 in which the money was spent.
    7. Payments for the US equivalent of EC$275,909.98 and EC$478,887.74 (total of EC$749,797.72) made to Dopwell/Logistical Supply Solution Inc. by wire transfer from the National Bank of Dominica (NBD) on May 09, 2008.
    8. The funds were transferred into the same personal account number 5300752184 at Susquehanna Patriot Bank in Pottstown Pennsylvania used by Dopwell for receipt of payment for fertilizer sold to your administration in February 2009.
    9. Dopwell placed on TradeKey.com in May 2008 a request for quotations for the supply of bins CIF Dominica four days after he was paid in full for the bins invoiced at the arbitrary, astronomical cost of US$102.19 per bin.
    10. 2,192 bins arrive in Dominica on September 24, 2008. The shipment is 508 bins short.
    11. Government granted itself concession scheduled to expire on February 26, 2009.
    12. You presented supplementary budgetary appropriation to Parliament on October 06, 2008 and said that EC$764,541.00 was paid to Logistical Supply Solution Inc. for the bins that should have cost no more than EC$200,000.
    13. Bins were cleared from customs on April 16, 2009 after a VAT payment of EC$112,400 – six and a half months after they arrived in Dominica.
    14. The Roseau City Council sold the bins that cost the taxpayers over EC$300.00 each for EC$30.00.
    15. Following media disclosure and heightened public outrage over the transaction in May, 2009, you said that you asked your accounting officer and the Director of Audit to investigate the matter. A report of this investigation has not, as far as I know, been made public.
    16. On June 02, 2009 you announce that Dopwell agreed to a refund by letter dated June 1, 2009. To arrive at the quantum of the refund the market value of the shipment less freight, insurance and a 10% service charge would be deducted from the 749,797.72 wired to Dopwell in May 2008. The refund was supposed to have been delivered within 14 working days.

    Notwithstanding the Director of Audit’s report that an amount of US$205,301.38 needed to be refunded to the State’s Consolidated Fund, only US$156,568 .23 was so refunded leaving an outstanding amount of US$71,203.47 or EC$193,452.70.

    In light of the foregoing I now request of you the following answers:-
    a) How was the amount repaid determined?
    b) Who negotiated the amount repaid?
    c) Who approved the amount repaid?
    d) When was the money repaid?
    e) Who repaid the Money?
    f) Did the money come from Dopwell’s account at the Susquehanna Patriot Bank in Pottstown Pennsylvania to which the 750 thousand EC dollars garbage bin payment was wired in May 2008?
    g) If not, why not?
    h) Where is the original document from the original source of the bins?

    Mr. Prime Minister, it appears that this affair was driven by a desire by those involved to defraud the people of Dominica.

    We are here dealing with an extremely serious issue which calls into question the credibility and integrity of yourself, as Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the entire Government of this country. As you are aware, there is continuing public concern over your involvement in the short payment to the Treasury of EC$ 51,000. 00 on the transaction on your land at Wall House; the question of the so-called “mistake” on the Trafalgar land purchased by your good self and the “fertilizer bobol” scandal, also associated with the said Mr. Dopwell Sr. and your administration.

    While all these new documented revelations are being made, there is a deafening silence from you and your colleagues. The people whose taxes are being misappropriated are treated with utter contempt.

    In light of all of the above;

    I now call on you Mr. Prime Minister to break your silence and clarify to the nation, through a national address, within the next two days, the obvious vast differences between statements made and assurances given by you to Dominicans in June 2009, and the now revealed truth. Failure to do so could be construed by fair-minded persons that you are either directly involved in the theft of the peoples money or that you are an upholder of persons so involved.

    In your aforementioned address to the Nation you said:-
    “It has been said that Mr. Andre Dopwell of Logistical Solutions Company Inc. is the half brother of Hon. Dr. John Colin McIntyre. This is so… I have spoken to the Hon. Minister and he has also written to me… the facts are that Minister McIntyre had, and has, no involvement whatsoever with Logistical Supply Solutions Inc; never dealt with Logistical Solutions or Andre Dopwell regarding the supply of the bins or any other commodity; and never used his office as minister to secure a personal gain for himself, Andre Dopwell or Logistical Supply Solutions Inc.”

    The information now available indicates that either you or Minister McIntyre, or both of you, did not speak the truth on the issue. If you are not the perpetrator of this untruth then it means that the Minister deliberately lied to you and caused you in turn to lie to the Nation. You cannot in all decency continue to have Colin McIntyre as a member of the Cabinet. He should be dismissed with immediate effect.

    You Sir, have told us on the public record that we the people have five and a half years to speak. I now speak to you, on behalf of the people, and demand that you speak to the people of Dominica about this blatant rape of their resources and you must take direct and decisive action against the perpetrators of this crime. Alternatively you should place the matter in the hands of the law enforcement agencies including the police, the DPP, the FIU and the IPO Commission, without delay.

    I sincerely trust Mr. Prime Minister you will see this matter as very much “the business of the people” and will find the time to look after this important aspect of their business i.e. the protection of the Consolidated Fund from highway robbery and theft.

    I wish to inform you that it is my intention to bring the contents of this communication to the attention of Civil Society organizations and the general public at the appropriate time.

    I look forward to your early response.

    Yours faithfully,

    ……………………………………………..
    Hon. Hector John
    Leader of the Opposition

  35. September 13, 2010

    Hector i know you for a while now.trust me my boy you have lots of work to do.
    shame to even have you in the house representing salisbury.

  36. RIVERS
    September 13, 2010

    I would like all these DLP people to answer this, “since when it is wrong to ask your Gov’t a question?”

    If you are a true fearing God’s child you will take out the biasness and see that we need answers on this matter.

    This is not about politics, it is about our economy. That money could be used to clean up Roseau and Pottersville of all the old houses and dirty streets.

  37. Cassandra
    September 13, 2010

    This has nothing to do with anyone’s political orientation be it Labour, UWP or Freedom. The fact remains that money was “sluiced” through the P.M.’s office for the purported purpose of garbage bins for Roseau city council. That they were subsequently sold on to third parties only reinforces the suspicion that they were merely a cover to transfer money out of the country, through the treasury, the ultimate beneficiary of which remains unknown. The questions remain and need answering. Are the prime ministers supporters saying that he is above the law? That anything he does must be accepted without question? The image of his office is not helped by such partisan sentiments. Mr. Timothy has averred that we are a third world country. Is this transaction a manifestation of this? Is this the “next level” we aspire to?. if we want to be respected as a nation we should address this issue without fear or hindrance.

  38. LIARS
    September 13, 2010

    THE DLP SUPPORTERS WHO ARE CRITICIZING HECTOR MANY OF THEM ARE THE VERY SAME PEOPLE WHO GO TO CHURCH AND RASIE THEIR HAND , PROFESSING CHRISTIANITY. THE LAST TIME I WENT TO CHURCH 20 YEARS AGO I’M SURE THE SURMON DEALT WITH HONESTY. IN SPITE OF THE RELIGIOUS CONVICTION AREN’T WE HOLDING OUR PUBLIC OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE . IF NOT WHEN ARE WE GOING TO BE MORE RESPONSIBLE. THE PM PROMISED US THAT THE GARBAGE BIN SAGA WOULD BE CLARIFIED AND WE ARE YET TO SEE REAL PROGRESS.

    THIS IS NOT STALE NEWS ; THE ISSUE HERE IS TRANSPARENCY. WHEN A CRIMINAL COMMITS A CRIME AND HE/SHE IS TRIED 1 OR 2 YEARS LATER SHOULD WE AGREE THAT THE CRIME IS STALE AND THEREFORE SHOULD LET THE CRIMINAL GO FREE?. MR HECTOR IS SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE TAX PAYING D/CANS WHO WOULD LIKE AN ACCOUNT OF OUR MONEY PARTICULARLY WHEN THERE IS AN OVERLYING DARK CLOUD. MR HECTOR’S REQUEST IS ONLY LOGICAL AND TIMELY AS WE ARE NOW FINDING OUT THAT ROSEAU WAS CITED AS FILTHY.

    TO THE STREET VENDORS , RESTAURANT OWNERS , BUS DRIVERS, TAXI DRIVERS, TOUR GUIDES- THIS IS NOT ABOUT LABOR POWER OR WORKERS. THIS IS ABOUT SURVIVAL. NOW THAT THE CRUISE SHIP INDUSTRY IS IN TROUBLE WE MUST ASK THE PERTINENT QUESTIONS. WE MUST EXAMINE OUR ACTIONS AND THOSE OF OUR LEADERS. THE GARBAGE BINS WERE SUPPOSE ENHANCE ROSEAU; THE MONEY SPENT ON THE GARBAGE BINS WAS IT WORTH IT? IF NOT THEN AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS WE MUST DEMAND ANSWERS. THE MILLIONS SPENT ON THE RED CLINIC AND THE BUYING OF VOTES COULD HAVE BEEN SPENT ON INSTALLING PRESENTABLE VENDOR FACITIES AT THE CRUISE SHIP TERMINALS; SOME OF THE MONEY COULD HAVE BEEN INVESTED IN SECURITY FOR OUR VISITING PASSENGERS; PROPER PUBLIC RESTROOMS ETC- THOSE WHERE YOU COULD CHARGE AT LEAST $1 US PER USER.

    IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT WE CANNOT DEPEND ON GOVERNMENT TO DO EVERYTHING BUT THIS IS A CULTURAL BEHAVIOR THAT CAN ONLY BE ALTERED BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE BOLD MEASURES AND FORCE WE D/CANS TO PAY FOR SERVICES. THE CULTURE OF DEPENDENCY IS COLONIUAL AS WELL AS A SOCIO POLITICAL AFFAIR. THE POLITICS OF THE DAY IS OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM. PEOPLE LIKE MIKE DOUGLAS, ROSSIE AND THE LIKES OF ARE VERY MUCH RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH BEHAVIOR. THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT IS PROMOTING THE SAME BEHAVIOR. I.E THE RED CLINIC; CHAVEZ TO REMOVE THE RECKED SHIP IN PORSSIE HARBOR; PINK HOUSES WITHOUT BATHROOMS AND NO WAY OF MENTAINIANCE – WE CALL HOUSING REVOLUTION.

    MY HEART BLEED FOR MY COUNTRY FOR IT IS OBVIOUS THAT WE ARE MOVING IN REVERSE. THE SIMPLE THINGS WE TAKE FOR GRANTEED; NOTHING IS WRONG WITH DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THOSE IN GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE TO 20% OF DOMINICANS WHO DID NOT UPPORT THE DLP AND THE 10% WHO ARE NOT PARTY INCLINDED. SO TO THE BLIND DLP SUPPORTERS LET US AS FOR OUR FAIR SHARE OF GOVERNANCE. ALL WE WANT IS TRANSPARENCY; NOT POCKET LINING POLITICIANS.

  39. dr.love
    September 13, 2010

    OH.DOMINICA,OH DOMINICA,WHY ARE YOUR PEOPLE SO TOLORANT AND INDIFFERENT?THE PM CANNOT ACCOUNT FOR APPROXIMATELY $193,000 OF YOUR MONEY AND THAT IS OK,OH DOMINICA, OH DOMINICA MY HEART BLEEDS FOR YOU.

  40. following their master like poddles
    September 13, 2010

    Peter Tosh once sang, “we all asking for peace but no one is asking for justice but there will be no peace until there is equal rights and justice”. With regards to this issue most people asking to just drop it and be silent but they not asking for clarity on it even if they cant explain what happen i guess they figure it not affecting them directly. Somehow i have a sinking feeling that it not going to disappear and they going to look under their beds and very surprise to see what they have been trying to avoid. I wonder what they will say and do then

  41. da massive
    September 13, 2010

    The opposition is full of grivence and i think they should spend more time finding a solution for their falling party. they spend too much time trying to find something to attack the PM and not the Labour Party. Come on the LOSING OPPOSITION PARTY “GET A GRIP”

  42. September 13, 2010

    i have been reading the comments made/directed to hon Hector John after his requested that the prime minister should keep the citizens updated about money they gave for a bin…this may look like a very simple issue….would u have made to remarks if it was the prime minister asking the same question? we have ridiculed mr john and critize him…we look at it as old childlish politics and not a way of moving forward…we see this as just pettyness from the minister…but wait a while..is there someting wrong with what mr john is asking the prime minister to do? where monies are involve we dont want to know that the prime minister is being dishonest and if that is so then how can we move forward…i think it is only fair to the citizens that the prime minster keeps u updated as the progress he is making in getting the bins and clear his name which my be casting doubts in ppls mind whether he is honest…then let us know what is happening because we a going to get the impression that u are being dishonest…and dat is the same impression mr john is forming base on skerrits actions not keeping u updated…and i agree with mr james…so this is not old politics but even little tingz will show if we honest or not so dominicans dont let liittle tingz past ur eyes…integrity is very important and mr john is simply asking the prime minister to do so..if he cant do so then how is our country going to move forward with a dishonest leader? so he made a legitmate point

  43. honesty is the best policy
    September 13, 2010

    Dominicans harbor deep hatred for some of their fellowmen. What is wrong with asking the PM and his DLP Govt. about irregularities in the BIN BOBOL fiasco which up to today has not been solved. Do you all agree that theft of the money from hard working Dominicans is OK? Do you support people who tell lies to an entire nation? Didn’t the PM tell Dominicans that the money to be refunded to the Treasury, for the RUBBISH BINS, would all be paid? Has that money been paid? Is there a shortfall in the payment? Where is the rest of the money? In fact, You all and Dominicans on a whole would know nothing of buying of RUBBISH BINS, much less for BOBOL, if the investigation did not reveal that the purchases had a lot of problems. You all are bawling about MARPIN 2K4 charging an extra $20.00 on its monthly bill, but you agree for bins to be bought for 10 times the real cost. You all are supporting stealing people’s money for bad purchases of goods or materials. Why do you all do that, nuh?

    The supporters of the DLP and PM Skerritt refuse to deal with the corrupt practices and in that case, using people’s money to engage in bad deals. They side step the real issue of theft and castigate the person who is asking genuine questions on behalf of the people of Dominica whose money was used without their consent in the first place. The whole of Dominica must agree that things were done in secret and inefficiently. Somebody owing our treasury almost $200.000.00 because of those secret, bad purchases of RUBBISH BINS. Do not ask about that?

    Do you all read the bible at all to see how Jesus Christ always condemned stealing, cheating, lying and corrupt actions? So how comes if Some people in public office in Dominica do such wrong acts, they could be correct. How comes so many young people going to jail for stealing, and crime. You all even feel that they should take more jail for stealing people’s money and property. but when people in ‘HIGH’ places steal Dominicans property you agree it is OK. How that issue could be stale when it has not been solved? The PM and his DLP GOVT. has yet to address the nation about that theft of the people’s money to buy RUBBISH BINS so expensive when it could be bought MUCH. MUCH, MUCH CHEAPER? How comes 70 or more people in Jamaica died protecting a drug lord for doing wrong for so many years? The problem did not go away until many innocent people died. Should people say that crime was stale so live it alone? By reading the comments from you all and seeing the hatred you will die with for some people , I conclude that some of you Dominicans have strayed from your spiritual responsibilities and have taken the path of the devil right in your yard. WRONG IS WRONG IS WRONG IS WRONG. Do Not matter who does it WRONG IS WRONG.

    Ordinary youth and persons are all now in prison for doing wrong. So you all are telling me those youth who are being punished for doing wrong and sent to jail, the authorities should release all of them? What kind of Dominica do you all want, A Dominica where CRIME, STEALING, LYING, KILLING IS OK FOR SOME, BUT PUNISHABLE FOR THE ORDINARY people? You all cannot be correct in supporting that nonsense. There is nothing wrong in asking the DLP GOVT. and Skerritt to explain to Dominicans about that famous RUBBISH BIN BOBOL. A few people also enriched themselves by selling our property, Dominica’s passports. They promised to build LAYOU RIVER 5-STAR HOTEL. After years upon years, NO HOTEL, BUT they made millions. Where did all that money go? In whose pockets? So do not say anything about those people and their criminal actions? Do not ask any questions? The case about that close? You all agree that Dominica just loose all that money and were fooled by those few greedy people? You all not human beings that believe in honesty? Or you all like to be fooled just like that because you love a party or a PM or the politician?

    Until the matter of the RUBBISH BIN is resolved and the $$$$$ are paid to the Treasury, expect more and more and more questions on RUBBISH BINS, and more, like the VILLAS and the enormous wealth that people in public office have acquired in so short a time. While most of you who support those nonsense, a few getting richer and richer, and the standard of living of the majority of you all are going down and down and down.

  44. September 13, 2010

    hector u need to focus on new political ideas that bin issue has been around since 2009 the labour party won 18 seats my brother think of new ways to build your party leave these kind of politics for lennox and matt,but i guess u dont have any thing to offer and u just another puppet still being led by failed politions like eddison ron etc

  45. CuCum
    September 13, 2010

    Hon Hector John, This is the same old politics, No change.

    It is higly unethical to use the Government”s Letter Head for Party Political Matters.

  46. Thelonious Monk
    September 13, 2010

    This guy is out of touch and out of his mind. He is a puppet being played by Edison, Lenox, Ron and Prevost.

    He has not brought forward one idea on moving Dominica forward. Not One suggestion!

    What we have is a party that refuses to evolve and engage the Government in substantive debate. Creative arguments to bring about development and growth within the many economic sectors.

    For example, why not try and have the income tax abolished. That is a good track. the VAT was brought in to tax goods/services that those who operate without paying taxes would be finally taxed.

    Yet it penalizes those who pay income taxes and that I think is unfair. Double taxation….why not argue something along these lines. Or the lowering of import duties to foster growth while ensuring that these savings are passed on to the consumer?

  47. Karkabeff
    September 13, 2010

    I often ask myself when will Dominicans wake up and smell the poopoo that blowing in their faces! I mean people; what is “old news” about this? The member of parliament and leader of the opposition is the chief watchdog of our democracy so why cant he ask for answers that were promised?

    Why oh why are people from my country so politically bias? Not blind, but BIASED! The PM promised answered and never delivered so it is the opposition’s right to ask for answers that were promised. Since when did Dominicans become so idiotic and self serving? You guys are becoming like sheep being led to the slaughter but one day you will remove those political blinders and see the facts of life in this doomed country. From ministry to the fish market we are crying behind closed doors how things are terrible but we don’t have the guts to speak the truth in public.

    Sadly, I have come to realize that the problems in Dominica cannot be blamed on politicians but rather on we the people.

  48. Come on
    September 13, 2010

    Hector sorry to say but I am now sick and tireddddddddd of hearing the sameeeeee oldd story!!! I mean come on man get something worthwhile to do with your time! Are you that narrowminded and suffering from tunnel syndrome?

    You are stale before you have even started. So freshen your act and sharpen your focus. Get work to do!

  49. King ghetto
    September 13, 2010

    Same ole song from Ron James Jr.try to bring something new and creative as a young opposition leader.Green lost the election spending all his time on this topic.just give up your position because you cannot touch this hard working P.M.

  50. Nathaniel Peltier
    September 13, 2010

    @LOPS: While I agree with the idea of moving forward and bringing up new points. I think there has to be accountability for everything. If you do not want to know what has happened to the money all well and good but I know that there are a lot of people who want to know what has transpired.
    And in the interest of our treasury I want to know. Is it that we are really just to look at things for a few weeks and then forget it. Come on

  51. no problem
    September 13, 2010

    What is to be will be and stop wasting tyime talking about it. Who have have and who do have jesus christ will provide for them

  52. chemist
    September 13, 2010

    I must say it is a shame what the members U.W.P have lowered themselves to. How much longer are you all really going to keep on going back to the same old tactics?? Dominicans may be tired of all the nonsense currently going on in the country but guess what there is NO ALTERNATIVE. Mr. John…I thought you were better than that and would come in as new leader and bring about a much needed change in a party, going back to square one and the values the party stood for when it started. If you are going to continue with the same tactics of the recent years sorry to say you’re political career is over before it even really started.
    How much longer are you all going to keep beating a dead horse?? Dominicans have heard the issues, true many of them may want answer….but at the end of the day the bigger issue yes we have heard now how are you going to take this country forward??How are you going to make this country a better Dominica??

  53. no problem
    September 13, 2010

    The people of dominica eat that money during the last champaign campain so their tax money will replace it in the treasury.

  54. Meckerou
    September 13, 2010

    Mr. John, what kind of gear are you driving on, do you want them to deport the Frenchman.

  55. September 13, 2010

    I would really want to know when the UWP going to find something meaningful to do with their time, and stop making a fool of themselves and further stop trying to fool Dominicans. Please tell us what you all have in store for Dominicans and the things you all may do differently if or when you all are to form the next government.

    Would you imagine, that this stale-dumplin is still being rosted nine months after the general election? No, I feel that they can do better than that. Shame on you all. I am not a politician, but I can guarantee my fellow men that there are more important things that have a direct impact on the citizenry to that of bin bobol. E.g. what we as a people can do to prevent the spread of dengue. What we can do to reduce our elecricity bill. What we can do to help our young people to stay out of problem. Further when last time that the opposition party took at least three dozen young people for a weekend and say they going to teach them what are their civic duties as young people. Instead every other day is bin bobol. Aint you all realized that this is not taking you all anywhere…you all are like stuck records my grandpa used to play in the 70’s. Come on men and put a stop to it.

  56. Fairplay
    September 13, 2010

    The DLP will win again in 2015!!!

  57. September 13, 2010

    What is the silence of an issue, when so much is already known about it?

  58. STALE
    September 12, 2010

    Hector a few words of advice to you. Do not carry on the old politics and policies of the former leaders of the UWP. Be the leader that you were chosen to be and fight a new fight. Election has come and gone, lets move on. You seem to be lacking “IDEAS” so maybe you should form a think tank to help you and also to edit/amend your speaches before you make them public.

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