Dominica has cleared the air on an upcoming summit of the Organisation of American States, (OAS) confirming that the island will be represented at the summit.
One Columbian newspaper is reporting that the ALBA (Bolivarian Alliance) member countries have threatened to boycott this April’s OAS Summit if Cuba is not invited to the conference.
Dominica’s ambassador to Venezuela, Dr Philbert Aaron, told DNO on Wednesday that “Dominica will attend the summit of the Americas”.
“ALBA countries will attend and use the Summit of the Americas, use the opportunity there again to call for an end to all attempts to isolate Cuba, and especially the (US) financial and trade blockade against Cuba,” Dr Aaron said.
Reports in Columbia, the venue for the coming summit, have suggested that the ALBA countries are threatening to boycott the summit if Havana is kept out.
Dr Aaron told DNO that no such decision was taken by ALBA’s recent Political Council meeting.
The declaration, a copy of which has been made available to Dominica News Online, says it supports “the full participation of the sister Republic of Cuba at that Summit, a right that cannot be infringed upon or submitted to conditions that violate its sovereignty”.
Another part of the declaration wants ALBA members to “unequivocally demand, during the Sixth Summit of the Americas, the cessation of this (US) policy and the lifting of the blockade against Cuba, in the face of the persistent opposition of the Government of the United States to accept the presence of Cuba in this forum”.
The US is insisting that Cuba should not be included because is it not a democracy.
Only Organization of American States (OAS) members are invited and Cuba was suspended from the organization in 1962 because of its socialist political system.
However in 2009 the suspension was revoked on the basis that Cuba comply with democratic principles before being readmitted.
It is reported that Cuba said it is willing to attend the summit but will not rejoin the OAS.
On Monday a high ranking OAS official said that Columbia, along with other invited countries, is expected to decide whether Cuba will attend the Sixth Summit of the Americas.
US President Barack Obama is among leaders from 34 countries expected to attend the summit that will be discussing regional issues.
The press in Columbia is reporting that the alleged planned boycott has threatened to spoil the event for the Columbian president who has been trying to improve the country’s image after years of civil war and violence.
Columbian newspaper “Columbia Reports” quoted President of the Inter-American Dialogue Michael Shifter as saying that the president of Columbia is not going to let the boycott happen.
“It’s his party and he wants to be a regional leader. It’s hard to do that if you have a divided summit, or a boycott,” Shifter was quoted as saying.
ALBA’s political council is made up of Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Dr Aaron told DNO that he was at the council meeting in Havana that addressed the Cuba/OAS matter.
Wouldn’t it be interesting the shift in world power if Dominica dumped the Western Bankers that cripple America and most of Europe
And instead joined the Bank of the South, and even pegged their currency after the Sucre?!
DNO,
Why does Ambassador Aaron look so angry? Surely you could source a photo for him which is less angry. His countenance is a poor reflection for Dominica! An analogy, albeit false, between the ambassador’s appearance and the people he represents can be easily drawn; which would be a false representation of Dominicans.
Is that really your concern how “ANGRY” he looks. He kinda fine to me.
OAS, = Organization of America Says.
how can one nation speak for ALL?
why does China belong to the G20?
Don’t pretend you don’t know that OAS = Organisation of American States.
You also are well aware that America = is not the U.S.A. but an entire continent encompassing both N. America (incl. Canada), all of Central & South America, as well as the Caribbean basin.
I didn’t know that. You going?
The future of the world will result from waning world interest in the phony US Federal Reserve Note (aka US Dollar)
A suggestion to DNO from an avid DNO reader. To further understand the ALBA relations and whether authorities in our country are acting on behalf of our independent country or their allegiance is to someone else, could DNO report on the last UN General Assembly session regarding Syria and the state of affairs there? How did the voting go on the issue? Did Dominica support the majority UN members in condemning the thousands killed and displaced? Dominicans and the world are viewing the dire situation in Syria and frankly it is disturbing to any human being.
Was Dominica present and how did the Ambassador vote? Isn’t such news important? Why would DNO refuse such a comment and not inform its readers about that important foreign relations issue? What is the censor about? I am asking again, was our Ambassador present at that UN General Assembly meeting and how did he vote? What effect would his action have on Dominica? How would the international community read Dominica’s position? Is it in our interest? We are awaiting DNO for the report. Information is key. The people need to know and DNO could help in that way. No libel, no defamation, but my genuine comments and request for news of national import are censored. Amazing!!!!! but not surprising.
Do we have an Ambassador in New York? I thought the office was closed we. I live in NY and since the other lady at the Consulate and the last Ambassador left I haven’t recieved a piece of mail or heard one word from the office.
They are most incompetent there in that office in NY. They are not at all accommodating when you have an appointment and coming from several states away. The phones go unanswered and their information is sparse to say the least. So I am not at all surprised if they have been shut down. However, with that said, there is an office in Washington DC.
Leave America out of u all nonsense, America is a great nation, i could never achieve what i did in Dominica? In Dominica only one set making it, it is not a fair playing field.
Dem fellas will learn the hard way, U CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS, u either with Chavez or u with America, u cannot be with both!
Who is Chavez?
@ warma,
My point exactly.
I could NOT have said it better. How I wish that I could give you the scout-handshake right now!
While I support the call to ease the trade and diplomatic restrictions on Cuba I would also like to see the ALBA members call for the basic freedom and human rights for the people of Cuba. The fundamental rights of every human being must not be taken for granted. It is fair to chastise the US for it’s double standard ;on the premise that they continued to traded with the former soviet union, communist China , North Korea and yet they took such hard line against Cuba. However one hand can’t clap. I am sure that the ALBA countries can play a significant role in bringing to the people of Cuba absolute freedom of expression and association, to travel freely , to select and criticize a government.
dreamer you know you a real dreamer,well stay dreaming like martin luther king,they put him to sleep because he had a dream,up till now he can not wake up,cuba is a country that fought a revolution,a revolution against a democratic tyranical ruler,named batister,cuba’s biggest fear is to relapse into another era like that again,this is why they live that way,you see all these vulture’ist cuban exlie’s in miami,they are bent only on one nasty agenda,to wreck havoc in cuba,because they where brainwashed that way,for that purpose,american interest,the american interest that was in cuba in the days of batister,the deeds of the revolution can not go unpunished,somebody’s got to pay,and the castro’s know that,they ain’t dreaming,they refuse to be exploited again,that is there stance,there way or no way,for example you’all do not even want the chinese to do business here,so what are you all really asking of the cubans,it appears that the cubans seems to be in a very unique position ha ha they are keeping out undisirables,they do not want dominica’s problem,at least they are not selling passports.
Look here, Cuba is a country that have helped other black democracies to gain real independence of thought. Now is not our quarrel, so we can be friends with both, we don’t have a quarrel with Cuba, and we don’t have a quarrel with America, we too small to quarrel with anybody, all we have are friends whoever want to be our friend is our friend.
I just read about the stance of DA Ambassador and the DLP Govt. at the last UN Genearl Assembly meeting regarding the vote on the issue of Syria and the violence and killings. The DLP Govt. did not vote to condemn the onslaught on the Syrian people by the Assad regime. Does that mean total support for what is going on in Syria against the people? Not even regret for the massive loss of life, thousands displaced and daily destruction? Dominicans must beware. What do those patterns of behaviour tell us? How is our lovely Dominica being viewed in the international community?
You all do not care? Could DNO report on the UN General Assembly’s last session on Syria and the voting or non-voting of DA’s Ambassador to the UN? Dominicans need to be informed about those things by DNO and other news portals, since Dominicans are usually uninformed by their representatives about those matters. The repercussions will be felt by every Dominican. The rain when it will fall, will fall on everyone’s roof. Mark my words.
DNO please help us in knowing what went on at that last UN General Assembly meeting. Surely, it is NEWS WORTHTY. According to the calypsonian, Dominicans did not know that the allegiance of their Leaders is to someone else, some other country or organisation, not YOU (DOMINICA). Lately, decisions taken seem to serve the ALBA GROUPING FIRST,the Party in Power and/or individual interests, NOT DOMINICA.
The last UN vote on Syria is a classic case. The Summit coming up in Colombia is another. The case of Argentina and UK re. Malvinas and docking of ships. After the decisions are agreed upon unanimously by ALBA members at ALBA meetings, the DA Govt. comes with its damage control stance and talks of dissasociations with the decisions agreed upon. That news (updated)is another example of where our interests lie. What chaos and confusion in our foreign relations.
When I read some, several of the comments on this board via-a-via Dominica’s relationship with Cuba, ALBA countries, China, Morocco, etc, I get the impression that several of our citizens, though they proclaim to be from an independent country, seem still tethered to colonial thinking of the past. I am willing to bet that all those who chant anti-Cuba/ALBA/etc rhetoric probably still wish that Dominica was still under the thumb of the British Empire. What else can I presume?
The fact is that Dominica, by virtue of our political independence 3 decades ago, is an independent republic among the world’s family of nations. What does that mean? It means, among other things, that our constitution provides us the means to exercise what is our legitimate rights as an individual state, irrespective of whether others like our positions or not. Our rights include establishing diplomatic and political alliances with whomever we believe are our friends. It means exercising judgment that we believe is in our best interest. These are rights all independent countries have, so I am flabbergasted as to why some people think we can’t have diplomatic relations with China, Cuba, Morocco, and the United States. These are mutually exclusive arrangements; what’s with the anti-(insert country here) mentality? I must remind you that the United States maintains diplomatic relations with these countries as well, including Cuba, the difference there being that they maintain a low-grade “US Interests” office in the country. So I ask my fellow Dominicans – what really is your issue with our SISTER island Cuba? or our hemispheric sister Venezuela? or our global partner China? What is really beneath that hatred?
I see no problem maintaining relations with countries willing to help us develop. Some people decry all things Chinese but they will go to the stadium and enjoy a West Indies vs Australia cricket match. If the stadium wasn’t there, these same people will be crying that Dominica have nowhere to host the very same match they sitting down to watch now that there’s a stadium. There’s a word for people like that – hypocrites.
Nonsense! Dominica may be needy but we are not desperate my friend. Also, remember we are a generally sovereign Christian/God Fearing Nation. Those of us who oppose Castro, Chavez, China and the rest of the Communist Conundrum are aware of the humanitarian mishaps their citizens suffer. Even their children are enslaved. Some of us are anti because we have a moral obligation to stand for what is just. Do you have a problem with that?
Uuuuuh, with gas being $8…..#desperate
This marriage of convenience for economic gain is beginning to show signs of stress. I guess we will soon see a divorce and as happens in most divorces it’s the children who will suffer. But what do you expect from an immature groom who has no commitment to anything or anyone but himself? The dirty trick of playing one party against another can only work on Dominicans and will yield us no benefits when it comes to our relations in the international arena.
Well my question here is; what dose the opposition UWP think of Cuba? Are they on the side of those who want to isolate Cuba? Would the UWP cut ties with Cuba if they were elected into power in 2019???
you are way off base…
Mr or Madam Mango Sin… Are you not aware that it was the UWP government which established diplomatic relations with Cuba? The late Prime Minister Roosie Douglas criticized the UWP for that saying that the move would anger the US. Dominica’s delegates at OAS meetings have many times called for the readmittance of Cuba to the Organization, but many Cuban officials have indicated that returning to the OAS is not a priority for them.
Mr/Mrs Mango Sin.. For your information it was the UWP government which established diplomatic relations with Cuba over the objections of the late Prime Minister Roosie Douglas who said that the move would anger the Americans. Also I want to inform you that on many occasions delegates at OAS meetings have called for the readmission of Cuba to the OAS fold. Cuba has made it known on more than one occasion that returning to the OAS is not a priority. I do not believe that the UWP has wavered from its support for Cuba.
actually it was the United Workers Party which establisehd full diplomatic relations with Cuba while in government.
They want to have their cake and eat it to?? What happen thy are not sure of the fate of Chavez who will be re-removing cancerous tumors, and the realationship with the new Venezulian Goernment so they crawling back to the OAS? That is what happens when children who never seen or posessed toy before goes into toyzarous!
hey girl you speak like a satellite of usa,dominica is still where you have to run back too.lighten up girl
SHIRLEY ALLAN I HOPE IS CHAVEZ ALONE THAT WILL HAVE TO RE REMOVE CANCEROUS TUMORS. BUT YOU KNOW IF WE COULD PAY NOT TO HAVE SICKNESS SOME OE US WOULD SLEEP WITH THE DEVIL IN HELL TO BE ABLE TO PAY. DO NOT REJOICE OVER SOMEONE ELSE’S ILLNESS. TODAY IS CHAVEZ TOMORROW MIGHT WELL BE YOURS OR MINE
SHIRLEY ALLAN, I HOPE IS ONLY CHAVEZ THAT WILL HAVE TO RE-REMOVE CANCEROUS TUMORS
YOU KNOW IF WE COULD PAY NOT TO BE SICK SOME OF US WOULD SLEEP WITH THE DEVIL IN HELL TO BE ABLE TO PAY. DON’T REJOICE ON OTHERS’ ILLNESS, NOT EVEN CHAVEZ’. TODAY IS HIS TOMORROW MIGHT WELL BE YOURS OR MINE
What’s the beef? isn’t it a FACT that Chavez has to re-remove cancerous cells? All I did was to draw attention to that FACT!! What the hell is wrong with you people! I really do not have time to entertain all with you all ignorance that year!! When I express my views all you can give me all the sheau mapuis all accustom of giving me. That has absolutely NO EFFECT on me. So be m guest have all you fun! But I WILL SPEAK!
I am a Dominican. I want to be represented by my flag and not by an ALBA logo
Let us say, ALBA members having their summit and the U.S is not a member, and does not want to be a member.Yet want to be invited so that the U.S.president can give his opinion on how ALBA should conduct it’s affairs.You be the judge.
I am not saying America is flawless no, no.But if I was given us$200.000 (before 2007)by the Chines, Cuban or Hugo Chaves of Venezuela. And say to me.You are free to live in my country. I would turn down the offer,and wouldn’t mind if it was possible pay a few thousand $ to live in the U.S.
thats a good one
I think it is time we understood that ALBA may speak for Skerrit but NOT for Dominica. Dominica is an independent member of OAS. So, the correct situation is that Skerrit goes along with ALBA in this threatened boycott. The people of Dominica never gave Skerrit any mandate to join ALBA in the first place. Unfortunately, members attending the OAS Summit of the Americas may not see it that way.
Since Cuba is not, nor wants to be a member of the O.A.S. why not let them attend the meeting with an “Observer” status. This would save face all round.
The United States = Master of Double-Standards!
If you don’t like it so much tell your people come down from the U.S and go and live in Cuba, Venezuela, or China instead. I’m sure they have a better track record and are better places to live right?
i like thet reply
yes love the reply
I thought the master was Tony!
true, true, can’t argue with that
Can somebody please tell me if Dominica has moved from democracy to communism? The last time I checked Dominica was a democratic and God fearing country when did that change and why is our leader sacrificing our future in support of a well known comunist country. Prime Minister please choose your friend wisely.
I agreed with you. Mark 8:36 – What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
Take heed Dominicans
your name suit you,because you are uninformed
Is it because of ideology? What is the thinking and actions of the Skerritt DLP Govt.? Flirting with left leaning Latin American countries, but engaged in the selling of passports, diplomatic passports for plenty, plenty $$$$$$$$$$. Diplomatic appointments to non-Dominicans for exchange of God knows what. Dominicans are in the dark about those deals.
What about the transparency in those sales? How much goes into our Treasury from those sales?
The Skerritt DLP Govt. established foreign relations with the Morocco Govt. instead of recognizing the Sahawari Polisario Front in their decades long struggles for liberation against the the rule of the Morocco Govt. Cuba and Venezuela have established close links and recognize instead the Polisario Front fighting on behalf of the Sahawari people. So therein lies the contradictions.
What about the allegations of quick enrichment by those in public office and all the other corrupt practices? What about rubbing shoulders with millionaires, some with questionable dealings? Such practices are examples of capitalist dealings and thinking.
But the main question and concerns are what the Dominican people are not made aware of in those relationships. Information is so hard to access. The DLP Govt. would not be in the “SUCRE.” It does not have money to deposit in the ALBA bank and now after being part of the decision, it dissasociates itself with the decisions of the rest of the ALBA members regarding docking of British ships flying the Malvinas flag. Something strange is happening. Dominicans hardly understand what is going on and will be caught in between.
I noticed we are using the same names. Hope readers do not confuse our submissions. I use capital “J” and capital “A”. No problem!
I absolutely abhor the fact that Dominica has political and economic ties with countries such as Venezuela and China. China is definitely not a democracy and has a terrible record when it comes to human rights and respecting the right of the individual. However, The US after what it termed “the fall of communism” did not see a need to offer any economic assistance to the Caribbean leaving the door for China to step in.
But here is the irony of ironies, China is America’s largest trading partner, the President has gone to China even when one would have to agree that Cuban society is more democratic than that of China.
Hmmm! ALBA, eight out of thirty-four members threatened to boycott Summit of the Americas because of Communist Cuba? If our small island nation prefers to openly side with ALBA as it has awkwardly done in the past, it is free to do so as a Sovereign State in support of its own misguided policies. Time will tell as our neighbor
to the North takes note.
Which big country really cares if the little dots in the sea attended? Can’t we see it is to our benefit, not to theirs?
let’s see who the leader of Columbia sides with… it is time that the u.s.a deal with cuba as an equal… i don’t see the need to have Cuba as some kind of outcast… yet cuba says they are willing to attend but will not join the o.a.s… i’m wondering what sense does it make??? if you have no interest in joining and having input in decisions then why bother go to the meetings..
We have so much problems in Dominica, why the hell should we worry about Cuba? Why is Dominica Anti-America?
I am somewhat siding with alba on this
America’s embargo on Cuba is unfair and is nothing short of bullying as they have relations with other non democratic countries but since Cuba is a small country they want to stamp their authority down on them. Call a spade a spade and let Cuba attend as they are part of the region and on limited resources are providing an immense service in the field of medicine.
If they are to attend don’t you think they should join the OAS? Why are they refusing to? Just asking a question.
To me the requirements for invite are simple. The nation has to be a member of the OAS. IF that is the only clause held against Cuba’s attendance, why aren’t they part? Dominica and it’s nonsense about being part of the ALBA bloc should check itself. We have enough issues to deal with here and I think PM Skerrit’s focus should be on our welfare. We NEVER elected him to sympathize with other countries. Put your country and it’s welfare first, MR PM.
All the Columbian president has to do is invite Cuba and watch the other nations not attend si say sotte ALBA bloc my rass sotte.
Cuba has been out for so long , so this should not prevent Dominica from attending.
Da has more to gain by going .
P.M should choose his friends wisely
whatever is decided please remember that Dominica is suppose to be a democratic country. and also remember that the decisions that our leaders make today , strongly determine our future. the leaders who are here today will be gone tommorow. think it over before we get runned over.
you have said it all, i cant understand why our leaders are allowing themselves caught between chavez ideaolgies and america’s own…
What is the last project has American has done that we have benefited from, that created jobs and booted moral?
Remember, President Clinton and the WTO forcing Europe to remover preferential treatment for our agricultural good? This American action has crippled the Banana industry.
People keep favoring America, but what have they done for you lately?…
I am not pro communist… I believe in individual freedoms, but I do respect sovereignty of other nations and they choices that is made by them. We need to respect that. If we do not like how things are going in Dominica we should protest to remove current government..
I concur with President “Dominica is suppose to be a democratic county.” That to me is the reason why Dominican leaders should participate in the summit. Dominica is a a very small country, not only in size by economically. Dominican leaders must learn to play the game of real politics – let Cuba fight for itself because at the end of the day we need those mutual relationship or allies. Leaders pick your fights right…..fight for something more meaningful. Represent Dominica at the summit…..PLEASE!!
What I do not understand is that the US meet with and do business with Dictators and desperados all the time. They do business with non-democratic countries. What really is their problem with Cuba?
They no longer can hide behind the farce that they are not dealing with Cuba because it is not a democratic country; they don’t have to look far, just look at their major trading partners China and Saudi Arabia.
It is high time the rest of the American countries make the US know what time it is…
Double standards and hypocracy!!
americans lost billions after they were thrown out in the 1960’s conflict read your history.but i know if there is a major disaster here you would not run to cuba
non of us would…
Since 2002, the United States has continued as Cuba’s largest supplier of food and agricultural products. Cuba has consistently ranked among the top ten export markets for U.S. soybean oil, dry peas, lentils, dry beans, rice, powdered milk, and poultry meat. Cuba also has been a major market for U.S. corn, wheat and soybeans.
U.S. firms, as a result of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSRA) signed into law in 2000, were allowed to sell food and agricultural products to Cuba on a cash basis. Cuba, however, did not begin purchasing from the United States until after Hurricane Michelle had severely damaged its agricultural sector in 2001.
From 2004 through 2006, U.S agricultural exports to Cuba have averaged more than $350 million, with the highest value, $382 million, in 2004. Even with reduced U.S. exports of food and agricultural products to Cuba in 2005 and 2006, the United States has remained Cuba’s most important food and agricultural product supplier accounting for more than one-fourth of the country’s total food and agricultural imports.
My friend, I have read that history over and over. I do know that the US had billions invested in Cuba. I do know that US money laundering, rackeetering, and all kinds of crime was rampant in Cuba. I do know that Fulgencio Batista was another despot that was American backed despite his numerous crimes and corruptions.
Is Cuba the only country that the US has lost billions to after being thrown out? I may remind you again that the US have billions tied up with Saudi Arabia, their ally, yet they were kicked out of this country and refused entry into their air space when they needed them the most. The US is in bed with Viet Nam for crying out sake. You would atleast think that they habour a grudge agains Viet Nam.
No my friend, this goes beyond money lost to Cuba. This has to do with ego and the big fish squeezing the small fish.
I may remind you that your friend is not the person who tells you that everything you do is right. Your friend is those that corrects you when you do wrong.
Also if there is a major disaster here, I would run to any country that providing me with help. Trust me if your house is burning you do not care who is rescuing you.
What’s your point??
ok ALBA Nations