Hotelier Sam Raphael has sought to explain the reason why he decided to go public on alleged diplomatic passport sales by the United Workers Party (UWP).
Raphael, who was a guest on state-owned DBS Radio’s ‘Talking Point’ program on Tuesday, stated that he had a problem when the UWP went on international media with matters concerning Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI).
“After this thing broke on 60 Minutes, I did send through a backdoor channel, a clear message that if they continue along that course that I will have some difficulty with that,” Raphael stated, referring to an appearance on that US television show by Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton.
The hotelier noted that if the issue was discussed locally, he would not have a problem with it.
“People can say whatever they want here, but when you take it beyond the boundaries and you take it to the international media and you deliberately damage the reputation, in some ways, permanently of the country and actually based on my knowledge of your background, you were engaged in the same thing that you are accusing the other side of. That’s where I had the difficulty,” he stated.
He added, “I can’t be here … and everything is at risk because of your behavior and I know full well what went down, and I allowed you to continue to go down that path.”
Raphael went on to say that he does not want to sit and wait for the CBI Program to collapse, “because of these things before I speak out.”
“So that is what motivated me,” he stated. “Not a payoff, not vengeance, not anger at anyone else but seeing this going down and seeing the unique position from which I’ve participated and continue now to participate in the CBI Program and promoting jobs and development in Dominica, that this entire approach to development of one side trying to build while the other trying to tear down… I think it is a wrong thing to do for any side, it doesn’t matter what political party.”
Raphael made it clear that if the shoe was reversed, he would have done the same thing.
“It is about Dominica and Dominica’s development and anyone that is in my mind fighting against Dominica’s development, I am going to have a problem with that,” he remarked.
Raphael dropped a bombshell recently saying the UWP is guilty of the very thing it has been accusing the Dominica Labour Party (DLP)-led government of doing, that is, selling diplomatic passports. (The government has denied it is in the business of selling diplomatic passports).
He was subsequently challenged by Linton to produce evidence of his claim.
On Tuesday, July 11, Raphael released a statement which he said contained the evidence that Linton had asked for. He said there were no MOUs of the alleged diplomatic passport sales to six individuals in Switzerland, which he described as an “under the table transaction” however, there were wire transfers and checks which “comprised prominent financial records that cannot be refuted.”
However, the matter has not been laid to rest with former UWP Political Leader, Earl Williams saying Raphael has not established a nexus between any funds which he received on behalf of the party and the sale of diplomatic passports. (The party has already stated that Raphael did in fact receive money on its behalf.)
Linton has said that Raphael is lying through his teeth.
Hot debate indeed!
Sam, I believe you. Do not let the critics get to you.
Barbara and Emile and others who support what he stated, I am with you all the way. What you have stated I could not have stated it better. This is why I commend you and your comments.
I reside in Toronto and I recall reading/hearing through the Media how some non-Dominicans were caught with Dominican passports. From thereon, the Canadian government, Immigration slapped the Visa on Dominicans. That is certainly true. This was when the UWP was the government.
I have heard more stories that the former prime minister bought a house in Toronto for his children – students. He also built a hotel in Barbados. His wife is residing there.
Critics, when you oppose what Sam and others who comment in his favor state, consider that. Sam is telling no lie. He is not singing for his supper as you state. He told the truth.
The truth hurts those who oppose. The truth will set you free!
“Raphael went on to say that he does not want to sit and wait for the CBI Program to collapse, “because of these things before I speak out.””
So, what you telling me is that you rat out on your former colleagues about a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT program to save the CBI program.
Raphael I had dinner at you hotel many more than once. I once respected you but on this you come out as a despicable, untrustworthy person who would betray anyone for you own interest. I don’t trust, neither respect you anymore.
Hello and good afternoon my people. Well Mr Raphael you put yourself and business in the middle of Politics with this CBI issue even though you continue to receive money from this program. I won’t patronize your business anymore because you aren’t behaving as an honest businessman.
You have money to patronize nothing????????
To: Fan Chooy
Hello and good afternoon my people. Am upper middle class and I come to Dominica twice a year. Did he purchased the land where his new hotel is being built and how can he qualify for CBI money when he born in Dominica. Please explain that to me.
Lennox them don’t even know how to deal with their mess. Continue the good fight Raphael.
Then, U TD SHOULD please out line the messes which LENNOX them are in, because as far as I know Lennox is only exposing UR. party CORUPTION
But by the way what about MANO, u FOLLOW they try to burn the him on Christmas morning 2010 and up to now no investigation can complete, is that the MESS Lennox them have to clean? and if so is it their mess, or those U are WORSHIPING?
Sam, you are despicable!
You should know that de majority of us out here don’t care to take you seriously anymore.
You have squandered your good name in defense of the indefensible!
Humpty Dumpty will fall Sam.
You trying to play cushion to soften his fall and prevent him from bruising his a*****!
UWP just a sorry group of people. You mean to tell me once is not your people that say, it’s a lie. If Lennox speaks the truth and says yes, they did kwaydie passports, what would be your stories? You all would spin, cut, paste and highlight a bunch of crap to suit yourselves. If Lennox or any of the UWP big boys say that is what happened, look how fast they will say something to suit themselves!
So if Lennox did not speak the truth why Skerrit, Nanthan, Alick and little Tony not saying anything or sueing him? Something smells rotten in Skerrit’s camp and how can Mano be so high up in the WICB if what Lennox says is true? They should really open their mouths and defend themselves. Right now there is a fellow Dominican citizens in jail in Tehran, Alireza Monfared, your brother Ali. What are you doing for him after you allegedly took all his kados and now leave him all on his own?
Sam, they cannot shut you up! Now that the shoe is on the other foot, they crying foul! Such a hypocrite bunch..
Samy my boy- a good name is better than riches–in my opinion once you entered so deeply in that messy political fray you have gone down a rat hole—– you may no the able to climb back or at best it could be very difficult. You have now picked sides and remember a day in politics is a long time: Just disappointed Sam. I think you should stop taking on air now.
Samuel Raphael appears to be explaining why he has difficulty with two wrongs! Two wrongs do not make it right: “People can say whatever they want here, but when you take it beyond the boundaries and you take it to the international media and you deliberately damage the reputation, in some ways, permanently of the country and actually based on my knowledge of your background, you were engaged in the same thing that you are accusing the other side of. That’s where I had the difficulty,” he stated. Samuel Raphael you should not have difficulty with that . When you explain that, “based on my knowledge of your background, you were engaged in the same thing that you are accusing the other side of. That’s where I had the difficulty”, there is no difficulty there! You were supposed to insist that both behaviors, which according to you are the same thing, are equally wrong, no matter which party is doing it! My five years old child can understand that. You are being disingenuous, dishonest!
As a concerned, born and bred citizen of the Commonwealth of Dominica, I would suggest that Samuel Raphael’s confession regarding his past involvement in the CBI programme under UWP, and continued participation in the CBI programme under Labour, is a clear indication that this programme has never been effectively managed and transparent, and this in my opinion is the fundamental problem with Dominica’s CBI programme. If you love Dominica, it does not matter which party you support – everyone has a democratic right to support any party of their choosing. However, it is clear that the CBI programme has been mismanaged and continues to be mismanaged, and this must be unacceptable to all good, honest and respectable Dominicans! It is time to fix this!
Why was Linton not sued over his CBS statements as this is the way it is done in Dominica presently? U no I learnt from this Sam thing that there is no reason to be educated because only an educated fool could make himself so foolish.
If Linton was to ever get elected, he would continue the CBI program, without a doubt. His ranting is just political posturing. His participation in the 60 minutes program was caused by the government’s lack of transparency and mismanagement of the CBI program… they gave him an opportunity and he jumped on it. They could have avoided all this if they would have been smart about managing the program. Anyone could have told them this would eventually come out. And Linton should spend more time developing a proper plan for the country rather than constantly battling with Skerrit. The more Linton continues his current behavior the more likely Skerrit will get re-elected. To make matters worse you are just jumping into the same unproductive silly game. You are a successful businessman, don’t let yourself get dragged down into these political squabbles, if you really want what’s best for Dominica come up with some POSITIVE concrete solutions to help Dominica move forward.
Sam,my advice to you is just shut up Sam.You implicate yourself as a person who doesn’t love Dominica in the statement you released.Don’t try coming after the fact where you stated that you facilitated the crooked act of the sale of Dominican diplomatic passports, and handled the selection of contacts and handling of monies.This puts you at the center of a criminal act Sam.The story broke in the Sun newspaper some time ago,so are you saying that only Dominicans who read the Sun.Sam you are also implying that dirty linnen,like you admitted to,once it’s not brought out in the international sphere doesn’t seem to bother you much, therefore you are confirming you have low morals and I’m not surprised,just look at what you did regarding the loan you received.Sam CBS did it’s story because the US is concerned about the security of itself and it’s allies,so they have you covered.Stop playing patriot when you are a greedy Judas.You’ve dug yourself a deep hole,now you are on…
Such hypocrisy! I am truly happy that he has proof of the transfer of funds. There is however, no proof of the reason for the transaction, as there can be other reasons for secret transfer of monies such as: money laundering, drug trafficking, arms trafficking,tax evasion, sanction evading, terrorism sponsoring, political interference etc. Sam needs to present clear and incontrovertible proof, we cannot just go by his words, that is hear say!
Sam’s reason is Money money money money moneeeeeeeeeeeey! who you think you fooling? you selling diplomatic passports and you received almost a million Dollars, without issuing not one passport? man you should be minister of the CBI programme. you are the greatest sales man in the world.
Sam is not a government official so why is he singing for labour so.
He is singing for his super
He is eating a food.
Sam and these guys don’t care bout no one but self.
Sam is making millions whilst the poor Labourites stay kranana.
Sam dances to the tune of party in power
Any business person who dancing to the song of party in power just to become richer is dangerous
Sam go and build your resort n leave UWP alone…
You talking about giving Dominica bad name, God knows who those folks are. Lennox is keeping it real
your only reason for going public is to dance to your supremo’s tune…
Ask Sam about the 17 million dollars loan he has at NBD for his new hotel. He must sing for his supper because he needs CBI to recover. I feel so sorry for Sam. He has good intentions but he is now enslaved by the Cabal
sam you turn puppet now. how much is your soul?
IT’S Time that we Labourites supporters wake up and smell the bacon, and give Mr Sam Raphael, more support he is in the Red corner don’t just sit back waiting for things to happen this man is a champion for Dominica and we must stand by him do not be afraid of no man.
Mr. Sam! If I may offer a word of comfort ,you have few friends but good. Mr. Skerrit attended a world leaders conference meeting, the other world leaders greeted him with a bow followed by a hand shake. When the PM sat down and put himself at ease, the others were knocking each other shoulders, meaning what a man.This gentleman is your friend and, he knows you are telling the truth.
Sam, your English, like that of your teacher/leader does not cut it; obviously you guys are not by any means intellectuals but all is not all lost; you still have a chance to do a public service _ just go away before the real Sam, my uncle, does what he does best.
Sam, it is clear that all you are trying to protect is your self-interest. It is not Lennox Linton who damaged Dominica’s reputation but your benefactor Roosevelt Skerrit through his outrageous dishing out of diplomatic passports so please, don’t try and twist the plot. I want the new Jungle Bay to succeed but not at all costs. If it fails, I will be very sorry, especially for the people of Soufriere but you will have yourself to blame for chosing to engage with a bad partner. Good luck Sam, you make your bed and lie in it. We have not heard a word from Roosevelt denying anything that Linton disclosed the sunday before last and that troubles me a lot..
get this foolishness out of our face!!!!!!
There are serious issues to deal with in this country.
This story says nothing about why Sam said what he said……….sorry and lame!!!!!
No substance at all in this story……….good riddance!!!!!!
No need to explain Sam, every Dominican know why
As I have already stated, there is no difference between the secret diplomatic Passport program and the CBI program, just as there is no major difference between Test cricket, ODI and T20 Cricket, apart from duration. As a result, only a few very good players can adapt to all three versions of the game. Sam Raphael no doubt has proven that he is an outstanding player and can adapt to all versions of the game. It is no secret that very soon we will be sending a very strong team to the USA and here is my suggested team and I want Sam Raphael to tell me who he doesn’t want to see on my team: 1. Skerrit-capt and left arm fast; 2. Nanthan-Vice Capt and right arm fast; 3. Sam Raphael- wkt keeper 4. Aliereza Monfared- CEO 5. NG Lap-Seng 6. Allison Madueke 7. Babak zanjani 8.Reza Zarrab 9 ( formidable team for Sam to be part of) 10.Francine Baron, 11.Baroness Scotland 12. Dr. Darroux 13. Dr. Mcyntyre 14. Tony Astaphan- manager/coach 15. Lennox Linton ONLY 4 ball by ball commentary
My friend Sam Raphael, how did you find yourself on such a powerful team of players that are wanted by the world to play cricket? Did someone pay for your selection my friend? My friend less than a year ago you told me how you hated these players and now you find yourself on their team as a key player?
Shouldn’t some sort of charges be put into motion for a man who is clearly admitting to illegal activity? What kind of strange surreal world is Dominica where one can clearly admit to illegal activity and not be charged?
Unless the Lord (not Sam or Skerrit) builds a house, they labour in vain who builds it. However, it troubles me when men (who are seemingly of notable character) sit stand or lie somewhere and chat such cow down.
the other amazing thing is that some news sites, for want of publishing still ahs the audacity to publish such mess.
Dominica is in trouble.
And we all shall pray
i am guessing the persons who were hoping to purchase these passports were dumb, deaf, blind and unable to muster a logical thought….. because all surveys conducted back in 2005 and 2009 showed that DLP would have won.
I’m certain these persons would have done their research/homework…. so they would have been very stupid to have given this much money in hopes that UWP would have won, thus allowing them to acquire diplomatic passports.
Sam my boy, you were privy to some sort of transaction but I doubt that this was for the sale of diplomatic passports…
Linton did not initiate the 60 minutes CBI investigation. This investigation involves other Caribbean Islands and alleged improprieties and Linton was simply an invited guest as the leader of the Opposition. Sam Raphael knows that but he’s just being dishonest. Keep singing for your supper.
So that is what $6 million buy. Boy I wouldn’t trust you as far as I can throw you. You have no integrity, you came on the radio and told people how you escaped paying back the country on a technicality. If you had any integrity you would have paid back the money at least with the insurance settlement you got. It seems when it comes to money your pocket first, loyalty, friends and country after. Boy I believe you killed your legacy. You will always be known as untrustworthy. Linton didn’t tell lies on 60 minutes, like it or not, he spoke the truth. The PM should have used that opportunity to defend the integrity of Dominica’s CBI program. But once again he is not held accountable. Explaining what he is engaging in on behalf of the people is beneath him. C’mon Labourites, there must come a time when questions have to start forming in all you heads. GOD and country first my people.
The UWP should explain what was given or promised in exchange for the funds however.
The way to go Sam. You did an excellent job in bringing out the information. Original Hold dem, just hold dem. I am disgusted by this group of cabalist trying to bring down one man. Lennox, Skerrit not like that he does not like men according to Hon Austrie. Leave the man alone. Come with some plans of your own show the public what you can do what plans you have. You will soon find out your own party men will kick you out soon.
You spend 99% of your time refuting the government, what plans you have? take some time off and go sit and put some plans into place and start working on your manifesto so you wont have to put it out online this time.
And by the way who is % …. write some common sense please.
Garcon you’re not tired of singing for your supper? I know you love to sing, but even professional musicians sometimes need a break. Anyway, fly your kite Sam and continue singing. By now, you should have released an album already. You’ve been in the” Labor Cabal” Studio for some time now, so we expect a completed album shortly. I have a great title for your newest album: CBI Money.
short sighted people tend to be self destructive, its part of their social programming.
I remember as a child foreigners would come to Dominica and gain citizenship for a $25 passport.
My aunt dated one of these people and even as child in the back of my mind I was thinking, how can these people come to Dominica and get citizenship so easy and pay nothing nor have to live in the country for years.
when that changed and now the labor party saw it fit to use the funds to develop the country every tom dick and harry lost their minds, becasue the country started developing.
The people that like to complain and do nothing constructive or above and beyond in their lives realize they have nothing to complain about then started blaming Dominicans making changes and developing the country.
Foreign countries who shall not be named that did nothing for Dominica’s development are angry because Dominica has an alternative source of income they cannot tap into or control.
Impossible, there is no probability of that ever happening, unless you are talking about another Dominica!
Dominica has always been one of the hardest place in the West Indies where a foreigner could become a citizen. Dating back to the colonial days one had to remain in Dominica for seven (7) years before they could qualify for citizenship.
The last person I remember as a grown man who had a very hard time gaining citizenship in Dominica, is the man who invested and brought Ross University to Dominica. Had it not for Edison James who recognized the injustice and ensured he got his citizenship he might not get it from there party.
This twenty-five dollars citizenship nonsense you quoted is not true! In the first place even Caribbean residence coming to Dominica all in the 1950’s if they wanted to remain in Dominica during the colonial days, it was mandatory that they deposit 20 British pounds ($96.00) dollars into the government treasury, for the duration of their stay in…
Again, I marvel at the type of none sense that some of the defenders of Corruption in Dominica will utter.
The explanation Sam gives, if one didn’t know better, would make him a prime candidate for pity..but it’s not that he’s incapable of understanding or reasoning..this is a man proven to be blessed with superior neocortex ability.
So Why is Sam parading like a clown, penalizing “alleged corruption” on one hand, yet remaining mute on actual corruption and the ongoing precariousness of the CBI program in its current form.
Sam has succeeded in three things through this saga: Embarrassing himself, incriminating himself and compromising his future potential to be taken seriously by any political party.
This behaviour is not the result of Magic, or Necromancy but instead is the direct result of committing oneself to Money.
Sam you betrayed the Dominican people pay us back the money you owe us Dominican , your business in morne akuma belongs to the Dominican people, give it back and move to st Thomas where you have your mansion, bought by the DOMINICAN monies.
Well u have a problem UWP went on international media with matters concerning Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program, well i have a problem with u Sam Raphael supporting a program that could bring terrorist to America and damage our caribbean image and am forwarding a letter to Ambassador Linda S. Taglialatela of people like you who are against US interest when u live in the USA.
What does Sam Raphael mean, he decided to go public because Mr. Linton spoke to CBS, sixty minutes. Before Mr. Linton went international, Dominicans heard on Q all the scandal between the CBI, Monfared and Skeritt. Dominicans and the world by extension, saw pictures of oil tankers carrying Dominica’s flags, allegedly carrying sanctioned oil. As a matter of fact, it was because of all those allegations concerning CBI, that got CBS interested. The same way he could go to all radio stations in Dominica, even though, he is not a member of the Skeritt’s administration, and defend the CBI program, the Prime Minister, who sometimes behaves like a salesman for the program, all over the world, is yet to approach CBS with his defense of the program. Mr. Linton was 100% right, when he said, Sam, because of his one time affiliation with the UWP, is being used by as the hatchet man. The sad thing is that, he has implicating himself, as an alleged money launderer.
Amen Doc. By contrast Gaston Browne of Antigua responded to CBS. Is he a fool, did he betray his country. No, he obviously is smarter than Roosevelt Skerrit.
Alas poor boy singing for his last soup
Sam just realize his business is failing and singing for his supper
You all just hate when the truth comes out and it’s against the UWP. Everytime someone comes out on this party after having supported them for a long time people always say they singing for their supper when in fact it’s listening to accusations they know said party did and bashing right now that gets to these people. The same CBI money UWP members crying they didn’t get any from to do this and that. They are not against the CBI they just mad they not getting from it.
“After this thing broke on 60 Minutes, I did send through a backdoor channel, a clear message that if they continue along that course that I will have some difficulty with that,” he stated, referring to an appearance on that US television show by Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton.
That sounds a lot like blackmail to me. Is Sam admitting to attempting to blackmail the opposition to remain silent on the issue of national importance? Dominica’s citizenship?
If that is what sam is saying and the opposition were made aware of this attempt at blackmail – I have just upped my estimation of Mr Linton!
Oh please
No I don’t think he was trying to blackmail anyone. My interpretation is that he was saying you guys can’t be serious. How can you be out in the international arena blackening Dominica and its CBI programme when you have basically done the same thing you are ACCUSING the other side of, i.e. seeking out potential wealthy candidates to offer citizenship.
The same thing except that this time it was clearly diplomatic positions. I listened to Sam’s revelations and I may be mistaken but I think I heard him say that one of the six people who paid in advance for the diplomatic passports has since been jailed for some misdemeanour.
Tell me guys. What’s the difference?
@ Oh Please……You know what is blackmail…..When on D Day 2/ 2/ 17 Day of Death ,the government was given 14 days to leave office and property was destroyed and attempts were made to burn down Roseau. This is like the French in the 1800’s putting a ransome on residence and when they could not pay burn down the towm.
Dodd! refer to another as a liar or branded him or her to be a liar is an insult. Obviously you don’t like educated person as well as those with money. Mr. Sam has done Dominica proud. The Government owes him, and come what may he needs to be protected on July 27. Most of you don’t even own a computer, you go to internet Café and insult people. when you get sued is another thing.Respect please.
Sam you have sold your soul,wont read your poor excuse,Skerrit has bought you and you shave simply brought it to life,but you will regret.
You know
I have stayed away from this medium for several months because writing here is like an exercise in futility but I had to come in today, as I have never seen a group of people and their followers who are so brazen and hypocritical.
When there are INNUENDO and ALLEGATIONS against members of the government, anyone associated with them who reserves judgement until he/she sees evidence is cursed at, referred to as beggars and other derogatory epithets.
Sam is saying he is a witness. He was part of the wheeling and dealing for the exchange of money for diplomatic passports. Any 7yr old child understands that the UWP could obviously not have actually delivered the passports because they were not in office, but essentially they received the money in anticipation of making good on the passports if they got into government. What is the rocket science about that?
Now that the hypocrisy has been exposed after that barrage of attacks on the CBI programme…..cont’d
and on Dominica generally to include a pounding by ex-con Rijock; incitement to violence, etc; etc; all on the basis of claims that the government has SOLD diplomatic passports, a claim still awaiting validation/proof. When questions were raised by people who try to do objective analysis, the prophets of truth and righteousness basically instructed Dominicans to just accept what they said based on deductions and inferences and throw out Mr. Skerrit. I am no defender of the gentleman, he could well have done what they said he did but I have heard nothing close to proof like what same has brought to light.
Now that this massive hypocrisy has been exposed with no threat of lawsuit either to the Sun Newspaper which had published part of that story before or to Sam, the spin doctors are spinning excuses like mad making those of Mr. Skerrit look like amateurs. Even Earl has come out of hiding and has a radio opinion.
Little by little they are conceding to some…..contd.
some of what Sam is saying. First , the gut reaction was that Sam had dealt them a body blow. Then when they sat in the spin chamber it was well, yes we got the money but there is no way we could “sell” passports because we are not in government. Well, the semantics aside, if I paid courts for a living room set with the hope that they will deliver it to my address, I don’t have it yet but they sold it to me and I bought it right? No complications there.
So, now that the hypocrisy has been exposed with the acknowledged receipt of campaign financing, I guess we will not hear any more about campaign financing legislation.
As soon as some people in the diaspora begin to vomit about being provided tickets by the UWP to come down to vote and trust me it just might happen. Why do I say so, because people from the diaspora, not known to be supporters of the government were also here in numbers for the elections . I guess we will hear no more about electoral reform
DNO
One part of my post is moderated, the continuation is not. Posted at the same time. Don’t get it!
So let me pose a simple question to you Barbara that’s not rocket Science: When is the last time that you spent money in your personal life, in anticipation of something? In other words, is it customary for you to spend your hard earned money on say a dinette set without an expected date of delivery? And if that date of delivery passes by without obtaining what you paid for, would it be ok with you? You’re asserting that persons paid thousands of dollars in anticipation of Diplomatic Passports and got nothing in return. Who is the gullible one here? The good Dominican folks or those who are entrenched into the Labor Cabal?
Yes Mr. Ismael
People who fund political parties whether in the USA, Dominica or elsewhere do so in the hope that the party which they are supporting financially will win. It was obviously not okay with the people who paid up as witnessed by the desperate onslaught of attacks and other strategies locally and internationally to get Mr. Skerrit and his cabal as they are described out of office.
This included a barrage from a Rijock ex-con who even found himself on Q95 spouting all kinds of ridiculous accusations most of which exposed his total lack of knowledge of Dominica. Some Dominicans abroad also joined the fray at that precise time. You really think all of this was coincidence sir? I wonder who is really gullible?
Barbara seriously, someone who invested such huge amounts, is someone with some brains, someone who has some commonsense… investors/business persons are not fools and before they invest or make any form of purchase worth this much would have done a risk analysis to see the risk involve… clearly giving moneys in hopes of purchasing a passport based on if a political party wins is taking a huge risk…. all surveys back in 2005 & 2009 showed that DLP was going to win… so tell me what fool would have made such an investment in hopes of a passport…… think logically nuh, even if you are a supporter of DLP.
Whatever moneys was received it could not have been for the sale of diplomatic passports.
Zor sot
Please read my response to Mr. Ismael. It saves me from repeating myself.
Zor sot
it seems that once a person thinks logically and it doesn’t add up to accepting what the UWP says hook, line and sinker they are automatically labour supporters. It’s a free country. Think what you like.
Don’t look internally at what you people are doing and figure that everybody is just going to get caught up in your Skerrit-hatred and follow your lead. Not so sot, there are still some thinking people who are not necessarily zealots on either side. Keep up that attitude which has not paid off for the last 17 years and see where it gets you all.
@ Barbara- How pathetic! Sam clearly attempted to silence LL through a backdoor channel because he felt that his sweet deal from the Cabal was in jeopardy. Now that’s not my words but his. As far as Sam is concerned LL and the uwp had no business reporting or speaking on the evils of the CBI because they knew very well that would kill his sweet deal and he Sam would defend his turf at all cost….. in other words to hell with Dominica as long as Skersker takes care of me I will blackmail , lie and defend at all cost . That I call pathetic, greedy and extremely unpatriotic. So to Sam I say sorry my man, stop saying it’s all about Dca first because it’s clearly about Big Sambo first.
Assertive like the rod of Moses!
Shameless
I will not venture to vouch for Sam’s motives and I suggest you do not vouch anybody else’s either but the kinds of things you guys defend on the other side that is what is pathetic.
Sam who hitherto was a patriotic Dominican providing jobs for people on the east has suddenly become the devil incarnate because he has exposed a very hypocritical activity which the people directly involved are not denying. In fact, they are not speaking at all but all the proxies are coming forward trying to do damage control.
In fact I think I heard the Leader saying that people in his party are telling him to leave that alone (with good reason I think and the smart thing to do) but he must have his say. Let’s see what remains after the dust has settled.
The hypocrisy is only expressed by you, there were allegations ,now evidence about the current sitting government. Yet, focusing on something a witness claims uwp promise diplomatic passports for money. If the uwp did that that’s wrong and persons involved should be held accountable. But Sam yet to provide evidence, instead he incriminated himself. The man claimed he received money and the uwp came on the record and stated that they don’t denied he used to receive money for campaign. The question is where is the proof by Sam that it was for diplomatic passports. But with all that, what about the current sitting government? Allu them hypocrites there. Why can’t you call for an investigation in both UWP and DLP.
Smh
Be careful what you ask for because if one revelation backed up by sound evidence has you all in that shoot-to-kill state imagine if more were to come out!
Ms. Saunders, the detailed revelations about our government’s dealings with Mr. Monfared are not innuendo’s and allegations. They are presented a s cold hard facts and the longer our Prime tries to deflect the attention away from this and does not deny them, the more the public will believe that what was disclosed by the leader of the opposition, is the truth. If you, by any chance can refute this I shall welcome your comments accordingly.
Titiwi
The revelations about Monfared we all heard. We also heard that the government revoked his diplomatic passport when it was discovered that he had been involved in misdemeanours. Until you can prove that the statement by the government is bogus I have to accept it.
I don’t think there is anyone who is denying that Mr. Monfared was an undesirable but so was Christopher Skase and Al Massari before him and although ex-con Mr. Riijock is saying that Cananda “wants” to impose visa restrictions of Dominica, something which was done 17 years ago after undesirables were using Dominican passports to enter their country, issued by guess who? the UWP.
So I would think that neither the UWP nor the Labour Party would deliberately and knowingly expose the country to bad publicity by issuing citizenship to people involved in nefarious activities.
You guys are so frustrated at Sam’s revelations that you are ready to kill on sight but don’t kill Barbara for thinking.
“Any 7yr old child understands that the UWP could obviously not have actually delivered the passports because they were not in office, but essentially they received the money in anticipation of making good on the passports if they got into government. What is the rocket science about that?”
Barbara, I once thought you were an exception, in that I thought you were one of the few people who wrote comments on DNO which made a bit of sense. However, if you believe that garbage in the quote which you deduced from your thoughts, I submit to you; you are as ignorant as ‘they come.’
You have contradicted yourself: How can any individual, people collectievely accept money from anybody in anticipation of wining an election in order to deliver diplomatic passports to them?
Can’t you see how foolish is your rhetoric ?
Hi franciso
Are you sure you are okay? Stop frothing at the mouth. Sam’s evidence is not going away. I would suggest you people stop trying damage control you are creating more damage.
I totally understand what you are saying but trust me the uwp supporters won’t. Afterall look at who their supporters are. Paros, thieves, Illiterates, wicked people etc etc etc. Pretty much a crowd NO one can expect much from.
Samuel, all you coming forward has don is simply exposed your the liar you are, anybody who would believe your cock and bull lie would have to worst than you are.
The nature of the beast must be exposed, if only when desperation sets in. Who are you trying to convince, you are a liar, and a danger to yourself. In psychiatry there is a code #5150, that is the code psychiatrists used when the diagnosed a mentally ill person who is a danger to themselves and society.
In America such people are declared incompetent, and demented. Mind you demented in this term is not as defined in Dominica English, or patios, Demented in medical terms especially in psychiatry simply means one who cannot help themselves period!
It takes one to know one.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque. I’ve never seen any of your articles written with spelling errors and grammar mistakes. You are always so careful. What happened, Sam Raphael got under your skin?
Well, I do make mistakes you know; I am not perfect, and never will be. Truth is I have a nasty habit of not reading back or editing my comments. I only see the left out words, or wrong spelling when If and when I read me on DNO.
In any event to error means to be human; If I was perfect that would mean I am a god eh!
It is no my desire to be a god eh, like all the god’s in Dominica, like the one who said when people ask God for something, and he takes long to give it to them. When they come to him “mr. little dominica god prime minister” and beg, he gives it to them right away! Notice in reference to that god I wrote in lower case letters.
That means he is a lessor god!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
The trinity God Jehovah, Jesus Christ and the Holy Sprit is God! I give the three in one the glory.
Dods you are demented and deranged. And you go on thinking that you are the only Dominican with a Tertiary education. It’s 2017 old timer. Stop embarrassing your family with all the nonsense you write!
Mr. whoever you are, you are an idiot! You should be appreciated that I am an academically educated man full of knowledge, one who my family should be proud of. Your sentiments show your jealously, education belongs to anyone who craves it.
I did not have the opportunity to even attend secondary school in Dominica in the early 1960’s because that belongs to the bourgeoisie so called elite children.
However, when I left Dominica at age 14 years old I put myself out to educate myself. My first efforts to attend college was in Harlow Essex England. I later came to the United States where I worked full time and attended college and University at night, earning four academic degrees in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, along with a degree in the Liberal Arts.
If you are jealousy of that: Oh well, people have killed for less than a dollar!
Have a nice day!
Lennox says that Sam is lying through his teeth. Yet he believes Sam did receive money on behalf of the UWP. Strangely enough Lennox is only denying the embarrassing part where Sam states that the money he received on behalf of the UWP was based on a promise by the UWP to issue diplomatic passports to the donars when they won the election. Lennox was not involved, so how he knows that Sam is lying. The people who were involved are loudly silent, they are the ones to say Sam is lying.
The only demented people I recognise here are those who have been cursing others on this medium for years for not denouncing Mr. Skerrit on the basis of innuendo and allegation. Their dementia now shows when in the face of evidence posted in broad daylight on the Sun Newspaper and now corroborated by Sam, these deluded people start attacking Sam in the most vicious way and start clutching at straws.
Okay guys I know this is a hard one to swallow but it is better to keep quiet as the bright ones in the party are trying to persuade the Leader to do, than to create more damage with these flawed damage control arguments.
If it is better to keep quiet why are you pipping up on behalf of Roosevelt Skerrit? Has he lost his tongue?
@ Francisco ……..even a crazy person can tell the truth. They may not be a competent witness, but their testimony can throw some light on the case. Based on Sam’s testimony I believe money changed hand. The proof of the pudding is that no one is denying that $12 million dollars E C (or 4.2 US$ million) was received by the UWP. No one is taking Sam to court for lying. So I am worst than Sam and you are worst than Linton.
I will futher state that money was also received for UWP 2014 election campaign, but that is an other story
Ever wondered why UWP is so DESPERATE for power. Staging demonstrations, boycotts and even D Day (day of Death) So who really have code #5150. You ever listen to those desperate and angry people on Q95 trying to demonize Skeritt and the Labour Administration, trying to tear down Dominica,
Emile: in the first place a person cannot “have 51/50.” Nevertheless a severe mentally demented person who is a danger to themselves, and people in a society, is diagnosed 51/50.
Emile, I do not wish to call you ignorant, however; all those who believe Samuel Rapael lie might be in a brainwashing state of mind: Nobody knows what will happen on election day, no one knows which party will win!
So, you mean to tell me that forign crooks are so desperate for Dominica passports, that now they have the opportunity to deal with a corrupt government in power, which have already sold diplomatic passports grantee, are so dumb as to give money to the members of the UWP with only the hope that they win some election, which might be decades from now unless people stop taking bribes to vote.
Does that make any sense to you or anybody with commonsense? The people buying passports are not dumb, what is special about what the UWP intents to sell to them as you say?
“#5150″: Let the code be written thus 51/50: that is the verbal term in medical psychiatrist ” fifty-one fifty!” That’s when one is a raving lunatic, as in crazy; that is when the commits one to the mental asylum!
Seems Francisco diagnosed himself & tried to put the label on Sam. It can’t stick.
Here I am diagnosing myself again: I am neither a liar, corrupted or a thief like some people I know!
I have everything a man at my age would ever hope for; the good thing about it I worked hard for my wealth, which came from God, and not politics, and handouts! I can look at every man or woman in their face for I do not owe anyone.
I will never borrow or beg any politician for government money, or money they obtained by illegal means; my money is not tainted, through laundering nor thievery. I know how to work, I am retired, and still work for myself; I pay myself okay!
An you had better be sure my diagnostics are correct; since I have the medical and scientific knowledge to do so!
I believe Sam, some people can deal with the others being acused and stand there doing nothing but others dont. Let god be his judge. Sam if you are really speaking the truth have no fear, but if you are not it is on you.
Can someone explain this to me please, if a discussion is talk about locally and printed on DNO isn’t that international news.where do you think locals who leave over seas get there news from.
Did the man went to CBS or did CBS travel to Dominica?
When the storm hit Dominica it made international news without a camera from CNN, NBC cbs or fox. So the whole idea if we discussed things among ourselves and it won’t make international news is a thing of the past. Everyone has a smartphone.
Reading what I read recently it’s very clear and should not take a PHD to understand
What i want to know is what did they give in exchange for the money? Till then i will believe Sam.
Can an oppositio Party sell Diplomatic Passports??You do not have to attend any school at all,to know that the answer is NO..Thats why Sam is now a public nuisance,and needs urgent help.Those Labourites who are laughing at peoples demise,stop laughing at the man.You all should intervene.Seek help for the man please.
U sound like u smarter than that. Something u know quite well. THEY DID NOT GET IN OFFICE SO THEY COULD NOT KEEP THEIR END OF THE BARGAIN.
Can an opposition party pay increase salaries to government workers? The answer to that question is NO! Can an opposition party promise to pay increase salaries to government workers if elected? The answer is YES. So the opposition can promise to sell diplomatic passports.
I can conclude that you did not do reading comprehension at school..
You are obviously worst than a illiterate. DID anyone say uwp sold diplomatic passports? NO. They took the money and promised if they won the elections THEN they would deliver the passports. You are the one not Sam who needs help. I suggest you start by getting Hooked on Phonics so you don’t continue to make a fool and a laughing stock of yourself.
Sam it’s clear to me what you fighting for. You seem to be the common factor and full of crap. Why hide from international media when passport sales go to international individuals. If it was done properly there would be nothing to be afraid off. Dominica does not exist in a geopolitical bubble. My trade house was not in the Caribbean. It was in Malaysia. Our oil tankers were registered in Greece. Our PhD come from the lovely university in India. Heck we had participants in the winter Olympics. The folks were from Italy. They built a hospital also. Our passports on CBS. It was a golden opportunity for PM to show his skills instead of hiding behind TA. Take a pause cause you been meddling with our passports for which I think you should have no business in.
But SAM everyone knows about the 6 million debt forgiveness. Can that not be misconstrued as you “receiving something” for your suddenly burning conscience?
If you were able to sit quiet on the uwp trying to sell Dominica’s DP 12 years ago, I wonder what else you’re hiding. Do we have to wait another 12 years for you to inform the people of Dominica of any wrong doing you may have been party to?
Oh please
Perhaps it was the rank hypocrisy of attacking Dominica’s CBI locally and internationally while pocketing money for yourself for the same thing that you are accusing others of doing – yet to be proven, which made him find his conscience.
Oh please
Please reflect on the battering rams that were jammed against Dominica to include the Christians and other people in the diaspora on an international campaign to destroy – not sure who? Mr. Skerrit or Dominica. Tell me, if you had information like what Sam had would you be able to keep silent while people were talking the talk but walking another walk?
I am really amazed that Dominica is still standing after that onslaught!
I have always felt that people who live everyday with a mission to destroy others will eventually destroy themselves and what a destruction will befall them! so as you all like to say when the boot is on the other foot, don’t hate the messenger, listen to the message!
Sam you have now become a public NUISANCE. I would like to effusively compliment LLL, Leader Lennox Linton, the quintessential Dominican, and patriot # 1 on his CBS 60 minutes interview. Before that none of us knew where the monies from passport sales were, or if it generated any monies at all. So plaudits in profusion to HONOURABLE LINTON.On the question of you providing evidence, the Dominican people are waiting for that evidence,.Honourable Linton tore to shreds on that. The fact remains that our passport sales is an fetid scheme, with no transparency and accountability, and YOU CANNOT CONVINCE ANYONBE TO THE CONTRARY.
Stop garbling nonsense, since you are now seen by many as someone singing for his supper. A few people are getting MILLIONS or HUNDREDS OF MILLION FROM THE SALE OF OUR PASSPORTS, but the ordinary man still cannot build a toilet, and has to grovel to A MAN at a Red Clinic to get money to buy bread. Do you have a conscience man? And I should support that/you??? NO…
tore you to shreds on that,CANNOT CONVINCE ANYONE
@ %, or Rose Valley or Ronald Charles ( care taker for the UWP) So what was the EC$12 million for. Linton and the UWP gang can make up all kinds of lies, but one thing is clear money was given and promises made. There is no denial on that score. Was it part of a deal for the 2014 election also because Linton and Fountaine, while asking for transparency refuse to show transparency on their own campaign financing. Was “D Day” (Day of Death) an attempt to fulfill those two promises . TWO PROMISES for Campaign Contributions.
Well Mr %, or Miss Rose Valley (disguise as a woman on facebook)or Mr Ronald B Charles its you who cannot convince anyone or everyone that Sam is lying. By the way Lennox has not provided any evidence to show that Sam is lying. And the privy council has proved him a liar.
% you are the Little Lion of Lucfier reserrect, LLL. % a person who continually praises oneself is called a what? Who doesn-t know who % is? Only an empty barrel can keep so much noise.
“It is about Dominica and Dominica’s development and anyone that is in my mind fighting against Dominica’s development, I am going to have a problem with that,” he remarked
You are a liar and someone untrustworthy!
Your conscience didn’t bother you when you were acting as a mule for UWP? It doesn’t bother you that Madueke, Monfared et all are all facing trial while being Dominican diplomats? What kind of due diligence would not red flag these individuals who had been under investigation for years?
Sam you are nothing more than an opportunist who would sell Dominica to the highest bidder as long as you benefited! You want to Blame linton, saying he damaged the program reputations. Linton can run his beak from now till God comes if the country’s program was soundproof and water tight and above board – nothing linton say would damage it – REPUTATION!
Linton has nothing to do with international banking regulations nor derisking! or Issuing persons under investigation with…
like our radio stations can only be listened to locally . oh and when these rogue get caught with our diplomatic passport that’s not damaging the good name of Dominica. Sam boy them CBI funds that flowing into your business really sweetened you boy. like you had forgot your patriotism when you went to negotiate for UWP to sell Diplomatic passport man Sam. if you was so genuine and honest you should have not receive funds for passport sales nor Sam or the cut u was getting turn you dotish . Well Sam we understand . Swing where the cut is greater .
“People can say whatever they want here, but when you take it beyond the boundaries and you take it to the international media and you deliberately damage the reputation, in some ways, permanently of the country and actually based on my knowledge of your background, you were engaged in the same thing that you are accusing the other side of. That’s where I had the difficulty,” he stated.
SAM LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND GET SOME DECENCY!
1. Nothing Lennox said on 60 minutes was a lie!
2. Since 60 minutes three of Dominica’s diplomats have been arrested and are facing trial on numerous charges!
3. all of those carrying diplomatic passports and Dominican citizenship had been engaging in nefarious activities before the were granted citizenship or diplomatic passport!
Doesn’t that bother your conscience? Haven’t those people who received Diplomatic passports and Dominican citizenship, who are now facing trials, done more harm that Lennox could ever do on 60 minutes to Dominica’s…
The answer to your last question is a firm No. The diplomats arrested have not made any headline news anywhere except daily in Dominica! CBS programme was viewed by millions but to be honest I don’t think 10 US viewers will have any recollection of it. It’s in Dominica both sides of the political divide seem to be attaching major significance to it.
Dominicans do not seem to realise that we are very insignificant in the grand scheme of world politics. The USA is not going to grant some people their wishful thinking and shape policy to affect Dominica specifically. Our population is not even what they have in attendance at a good football game.
Dominicans should just get along and try their best for the country without hoping some foreign powers are going to intervene in our internal affairs.
I believe you Sam. You did the right thing. We are all in this, like it or not.
speak for yourself!
Man u Sam u talking …man this passport sales saga was discussed many years befor Lennox linton went on CBS. ..so u talking garbage?? Why didn’t u say anything when all the talk was out about passport sales to criminals?? Now u sayino if it was discused locally..man that was always being discused locally …. U sat ther u saI’d nothing…now u coming runing your mouth bout reputation…man go to hell
Someone need to Help this guy. been reading all this guy comments for the past three weeks, never knew him to be that good with stupidity. If the Hon PM has a human heart he should come to this guy rescue now, looks like desperation for help is the best way he can appeal to those who have.
I see Sam getting skinny. Is the heat getting to him perhaps? Hell is a hot place. If you play with the devil you mustl get burned.