Opposition leader, Hector John, has blasted prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit, for what he says was a lack of pre-budget consultation with the United Workers Party (UWP).
John was speaking at a press conference on Monday.
“We as the opposition, we were not contacted,” he said.
John described government’s budget consultation with various groups and trade unions on the island as ‘disrespectful’ and a ‘smoke screen.’
“I think the budget consultation held by the Prime Minister were disrespectful to the people of Dominica. You expect a budget consultation to start in six months before the budget or even three months so you can get feedback across the board on how we can move our economy forward,” he remarked.
John stated that these consultations were held because the prime minister “was pressured by the public … it was nothing else.”
“He never gave us the opportunity to chat with him on different aspects of national development and advancement … that never happened,” John noted.
Outgoing political leader of the UWP, Edison James, agreed saying that the prime minister’s engagement with the party is something “that is no where” in his DNA.
“When he says, for instance the other day that he have never heard any suggestions from us that make sense, that can go any where, this is arrogance, this is conceit,” James said. “This is a man who when he was in diapers people like Mr. Prevost was getting his degree in Agricultural Economics, getting all his experience and so on … this gentleman comes with this foolishness about he have never heard us make any suggestion … that is really just conceit and arrogance.”
He noted that Skerrit “has put on record” that he doesn’t want to hear anything from the UWP.
According to James on February 28, 2008 the prime minister said, “it is very easy for persons not in government, not having the responsibility to deliver on their word, to criticize and say what they would do if they were in office. Or to regale you with figures that they do not even understand. Your government will not be distracted by the nonsense that is all too prevalent in this country.”
“Is this a man who is interested in hearing anything from anybody?” James asked.
Meanwhile John pointed out that the UWP is preparing a budget response and job creation together with growing the productive sector, will be its focus.
“What we are looking for I think is very simple, job creation,” he noted. “I think our productive sector is dead, we are looking at returning Dominica to growth and prosperity … our economy is dead … we are preparing to make recommendations in our budget preparation in terms of moving the economy forward in the different productive sectors.”
The opposition leader said the party will also zero in on agriculture, tourism, construction and direct foreign investment.
He said the UWP will be “looking at improving our infrastructure in terms of our road network to give that type of support to farmers, looking at contractual farming, a lot of areas…”
“So we are looking at the green economy of the environment and the blue economy in terms of looking at our marine life,” John stated. “The red economy is killing us right now.”
Am voting workers for sure we need a change ..poverty for one set while the selected few in parliament their family and close friends living high life not this time around
I thought by now The Hon. Hector John would be a more seasoned and mature politician and understand politics.Where is it written that a Government who has a large Majority needs to have pre consultations with the opposition prior to passing a budget,and even if they The Government decided to have such consultation with the opposition this does not guarantee that the Government is going to implement any of the opposition ideas, further more even if there was a consultation in good faith The UWP would oppose the budget, so what is all that nonsense rhetoric by the Hon.Hector John.
The UWP has a forum in Parliament to debate the Government presentation of the budget explaining to the people of Dominica why they think that the Government budget does not reflect the current situation while at the same time presenting an alternative budget they think that is suitable to the current situation in the country.Some weeks ago the UWP held a public meeting daubed as a pre budget meeting nothing mentioned at that meeting was substantial or convincing that they had any sound ideas as to what they planned to do different other than the usual rhetoric talking about the creation of jobs and growth in the Dominican Economy, reducing the cost of living, the old political mantra telling people what they want to hear without giving any specifics as to how they would accomplish such task.
They UWP needs to stop the manipulation of the public with crying tactics and trivial things.Elections are coming soon and by now we would think that they have matured and learn from their past mistakes,but it does not seem so.
What is in a budget for the ordinary people?
You will continue to pay 15% VAT on basic food items, medicines, clothes, building materials and other household goods, as well as 15% VAT on services.
Will the farmers plight improve? Will production increase? Will local manufacturers and business see some light? Will we see a further running away from the land and deepening of our food insecurity? How do we deal with high rates of communicable diseases, obesity, diabetes etc., our health systems, if agriculture remains so neglected?
How will the truckers get paid? Who is responsible for paying them? Is the money there, somewhere, to pay them, or the money take a stroll?
How about the ten cents allocated for cultural/social development? What is the linkage between the economic and the latter? Are sections of society accepting blindly the “culture” of rampant, open, in-your-face disrespect for the Constitution and Laws of the land? “Culture” of injustice, fear? “culture” of corruption and bribery?
A budget should deal with the holistic development of a people, within a certain timeframe, well thought-out, innovative, creative, outcome-driven and placing emphasis on bringing in wealth through production, job-creation, taking into consideration the importance of the environment around us. Dominica is rich in natural wealth. But those guys just cannot manage. They do not have the capacity, ability to govern. Beggar mentality will get us nowhere.
What targets set from last years budget were reached? How many more jobs were created?
Selling our sacred Passports to all and sundry, imposition of 15% VAT on people’s back with no sympathy, no heart to even review and lower the VAT to maybe 10% are the main revenue earners for Govt. With hand outstretched, begging, Govt. has increased dependence on foreign Aid. What are the strings attached? The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Local construction workers unemployed while jobs are awarded to Chinese workers to build State Palace and College and, God knows what, when.
Just another budget. The same old concepts. The people out of their business. Their ideas are not relevant. Poverty increases. The standards of living for the majority going down and down. The few are getting richer and richer.
UWP seem to be more positive now than ever. We are now seeing movement in their camps and it looks pretty interesting for us all in Da.
I am looking to see who will run in St.Joseph area, cuz I want to change who I am going to vote for this time around.
All shall eat, not just one set.
To all the critics , don’t criticize the man , but look at the Party’s policies to develop Dominica.
Well I change already. The greedy ones are eating and smiling with holes on the side of their faces. The majority are poor and they are catching hell. No one cares.
I CAN NEVER EVER VOTE THIS LABOUR PARTY.
But Labour only idea of governance is to catch a vote but in terms of direction and prosperity that’s Zero from Labour!
A word to the UWP, the Legal Mind in the pipeline for the East who is female would be a extremely better choice for leadership, she is more approachable, intelligent able to breach lines a calmer and more structured person, i would back her 100% she to me has Leadership Material…
Not everything that has a loud horn does the Job of Leadership, please bear that in mind!
We need someone who can do the job. I could not approach Miss Charles nuh. And she did an EXCELLENT JOB!
i do not know why Mr. Hector John isn’t looking for a job to develop himself and family, this guy is a well educated felar, leave that politics thing alone and move on with your life, that’s not for you sir.
You sound like a lazy unemployed who stays by the roadside 24 hours a day. That’s what they do, not realizing how backward they themselves are.
What we need is live debate,discussing the issues,hence giving the Dominican public a sence and understanding of the political parties and their plan for a way forward.
I think that UWP has the momentum now and should keep the pressure on.
Is no way DLP is going to win again in St.Joe. The Pal Rep is no where to be seen.
How can DLp expect a people who have been earning less and less to pay more and more in taxes??
I hope DLp is putting as much pressure on the chinese to pay their fair share of their taxes too.
Small minds think small and do small things.
Dominicans it is time to think outside the box and improve our lives.
Vote for change.
The UWP is moving in the right direction. We all up north are waiting for new and vibrant force to take Dominica and its people to prosperity.
I think that unemployment in Da is deliberately done by Skerrit and his weak ministers to keep the masses dependant on DLP handouts.
Skerrit said that he wants a college graduate in every Da home, but he does not talk about a place of employment for them.
So we are going to have a bunch of smart kids on the block.
Oh my,come to think of it,Lennox Linton and the UWP will be in the State Palace.Hmmmm,so much for giving the present Government blows.
So you want them to tear it down when they win? Come on you have more sense than that.
Unlike the DLP who stop the international airport project, UWP will improve the standard of living for all Dominicans.
UWP will not destroy just because it was built by DLP at the wrong time.They will not victimize either.
For expample DLP has been in office for 15 yrs and Roseau still looks like it was 20 yrs ago.For your info, the way a city looks tell a lot about the development of that country.
You are so wrong.I meant so much was said about the Palace,that one day(whenever),maybe next election,they may inherit it.I don’t expect them to tear it down at all.It is just a matter of if you spit up in the air,it will fall right back down on your nose.And don’t be saying things like”Roseau is still the same”.That is not nice and not true.And Mahaut..let us agree and disagree in a nice way,the way Dominicans are supposed to.
New York has the most GHETTOES..what is your opinion on that when talking of America?
Dear Dominicans:
Please understand that there is no Country/Island in the world that has ever been successful in boosting its economy through grants and loans. A Country’s economic stability comes directly and ONLY from the productivity of its citizens. The sad part here is that NONE of our leaders has been able to truly present any sound proposals to stimulate the economy or create economic growth. The Banana industry is failing throughout the entire region, there is no serious exports from Dominica, tourism is at a crawl and the focus on development has no real economic goals in its forecast. A pretty but poor Dominica with wide open borders and shores is a catalyst for creating a drug and money laundering haven in the East Caribbean. Open your eyes and look around people! LOOK!!!
Labor’s 12K VOTES is now dwindling, he has reached his climax of popularity and is now on the downward spiral. Those who are shouting labor is now fewer because reality has struck and laborites are suffering more than anyone else. Why? Because they are the ones who depended on handouts and now it has dried out.
I want P to come out more vocally and put their agenda out there for us to see.
This is a lame duck Gov;t we have in power so come out stronger and attack .
A lot of Dominicans are waiting to see you all next Pal Reps are going to be in their respective constituencies.
Jah knows that Dominica needs fresh start. I am sick of the unemployment situation every time i drive on the streets.
So my friend, you talking sooooooooo much and they refuse to shuffle u to the position of party leader? Alas, go and lay down, and pack away your radio….. alas poor john john
what has the DLP done to create jobs for the jobless since taking office 14 yrs ago, show me pls…i going to take a chance and let lennox end d suffering we by d grave uready with those mody voleh…
Hector need to go we need a better option so we can vote out labour greedy politicians hector too childish i recommend lennox , cludius or Dr.foutaine
I recommend you learn to spell.
Agreed wish Dr Fontaine would step up.
so DOMLEC cut College light since Wednesday and skerrit t out money in roseau
What that have to do with PM, every leaving thing that happen is the PM to take care of it. Where is the administration of the college, its their responsibility. That is why it have PS and supervisior. Grow up and stop putting blame on PM
I think the UWP will win the next general election carded for March 2015.The money tree which James refused to shake while in office, Linton is going to shake it to provide all the job creations, inferstructure and other economic developments. I think that they will only last for a mere 3 years
Once thy can accomplish what they accomplished during their first term that would be good. But Skerrit is EXPIRED! You can feel it from the people.
Not this time around, they are not ready yet maybe next time around> mark my words, people to dangerous look some of their people doh want linton for leader and they say hector is a marshe, look they putting linton over him. Hector open your eyes and ears.
So after 14 long years on governance that is how the Skerrit Labour Party has left Dominica?
Well, Well, Well. But I am not surprised, because I always told the doubting Thomas’s in my village that this Skerrit Labour Party is the worse thing that has happened to governance in Dominica.
Shame on all of those greedy leaders. First time I am seeing so much poverty in Dominica.
I am more that ready to give Lennox a Chance.
You must be sick.
How much do you and your community pay in taxes every month? What skills do you and the rest of the unemployed have? I have seen an d still see people start small businesses for themselves and are doing quite well. Why should someone go to school and come from it with nothing in his/her head and cannot think of something they can do to earn a living? When some Dominicans go overseas they do ALL KINDS OF WORK to earn a living and ENJOY IT. Some of us do not want to start small, we want everything NOW without even knowing how. Nowhere in the. world does a government provide work for everyone. Governments provide EDUCATION for everyone and this is the major basis for job creation. When people from other countries come to set up projects in our country some of you are balling. Right now in London, a group from a foreign country just presented a project in the Greater London area for building 3500 houses to create jobs for the people. The government is very thankful for this because they have their own challenges. It is time we remove the dark glasses from our eyes and try to understand how government works.
Orhid you are so right and hit the nail on the head. preach it to them, those stupid ignorant ones that just lesson to the nonsense they hear on some radio station. People start opening all your ears and eyes, go on the computer. check the world news on tv and then u can comment.
Orchid, I agree with most of what you said. We differ on your comment, “Why should someone go to school and come from it with nothing in his/her head and cannot think of something they can do to earn a living?” The reality is that we do not teach our kids like that. We teach them how to pass maths, business, english for CXC and at the end of the day, they are incapable to critical thinking. The DSC itself is a glorified high school. Unless we change the way of “educate” our students we will not produce true mover and shakers capable of taking the country forward. My two cents
Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it
Becare of the things you say and call for it will come back to hunt you. call poverty on yourself my friend if u do not know what it means. and go on computer and look for countries that have poverty. All you say that on Eugenia charles so is nothing new. put in your pipe and smoke it
st joe city wish i could give u ten thumbs down smh your idiot!!!
Go sweep the white dust from your brain. PARO!
Hector!I leaving you in the hands of Lennox.Poor boy!
You are such a darling. Leaving him in the hands of Lennox Linton, means that he is in the hands of a statesman with lots of honesty, love integrity and one who will show Hector John even more (although he knows), what good governance is all about You are such a darling.Well Said.
We go see!All that glitters is not gold.Lennox is an arogant,jealous power hungry MF!
This means that you wish him well. Lennox is such a caring and honest man.
As a person who listen to both side of a story ɪ̣̝̇ can say that ɪ̣̝̇ ve heard the uwp make suggestions as to how they will boost the economy if they G̶̲̥̅ε̲̣̣̣̥† in office. ɪ̣̝̇ reading some of the anti comments ά̲̣̣̣̥ŋd people saying exactly what the ρ̲̣̣̥ m does say. Please listen for youself ά̲̣̣̣̥ŋd stop repeating hear say. This government has fool dominicans far to long. Wake up ά̲̣̣̣̥ŋd smell the coffee. Dominica ɪ̣̝̇§ not a one man show. Workers………..
The UWP should have been sitting in the House of Assembly to make those suggestions. Making suggestions on the road side is not enough. Now they realize things are NOT happening for them they trying to do the right thing. They presented a budget last time and all they did was to repeat some of the things that was already in the government’s budget. They need to be more proactive than reactive. Hector spends TOO MUCH TIME writing nonsense on the social network instead of learning to be a good parliamentarian. Off course Dominica is not a one man show; this is why Dominica needs people who can listen, think, analyze and discuss issues and make sound decisions based on facts. We need less people who just jump to conclusions and cannot discuss our ever increasing social issues in a way that will benefit us and our country. Just my view.
I have always referred to this PM as arrogant.The government which he leads is a bunch of lazy, and greedy men and women.But remember you know people.Has his incompetence and arrogance allowed him to consult anyone on major matters (Appointment of police Conmmissioner, President, etc). How long should the caring people (the electorate) of Waitikubuli allow such people to lead this country?
With Lennox in the race,the electorate should DUMP THIS LABOUR VERY FAR, WHERE THEY SHALL NEVER BE RETRIEVED!
LENNOX IS THE MAN!
FOR INTEGFRITY AND HONESTY VOTE LENNOX!
You dont know integrity…but then again he is not a priest
No one who for whatever reason cannot find a job after nearly a hundred applications in his own country cannot in my view be considered for a job in the country’s government. What? Something has to be amiss. I have NEVER heard of another situation like this anywhere. Not one acknowledgement? Think of this again and ponder on it.
There is something you need to know. Opinions are the cheapest commodity especially when it comes to politics. The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.
“He noted that Skerrit “has put on record” that he doesn’t want to hear anything from the UWP”
I think it’s a waste of energy and years taken off life to go to this mock parliament. Everything that goes up must fall down, anyone who thinks of himself more highly than he ought SHALL be abased. So let them fly their kite.
AMEN TO THAT. But look at how they have abused and impoverished the country. Dominica under Skerrit is one of the poorest countries in the Caribbean. A country that have so much to offer in terms of resources.
HOW LONG? Not long!
Dominica has got to be the most hypocritical country ever. One minute they begging UWP to come to parliament next minute they do not want to hear anything from UWP. Why can’t men act like men and stop acting like little children in a toy shop. regardless of if UWP has one seat. It is still the opposition. What’s up with the child’s play and all those negative supporters. I not saying I would vote for this party or the other but please, stop the childish games and grow up. enough already.
What are the resources you are talking about? Stop with thks water crap
You went to skill I am sure, did very well there and acquired some skills. It is your turn now to use one or some of the very many resources in your country to provide employment for yourself and others. By so doing you can help to eradicate some of that poverty in your country. If you were reading and following events in the rest of the world, you certainly learn that DOMINICA IS NOT THE POOREST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. STOP writing nonsense about your country. If you really loved Dominica you would talk about the issues but NEVER PUT DOWN YOUR COUNTRY. Just food for thought.
It was one of the poorest under eddo to wii
John, shssssss….
As far as Skerrit is concerned,Budget consultation is a waste of time. On budget day he dresses prety, reads from six to ten pages of how his Government expects to collect revenues and how it proposes to spend those monies .His Ministers tell Dominicans how great their Ministries are doing.They give the Opposition plenty of mupius,after two or three days go home, end of story.Six months later,calls another meeting of the house, refers to it as the supplementary budget, i.e. money already spent, talks again for another day or so, sine die,see you next year.
……And so on. Meantime….how do we pay for basic foodstuff and bills. Blabla bla don’t put food on the table men it just doesn’t.
UWP, I want a better Dominica for myself and children. Please lay out to me how you are going to do things differently for the advancement of the country so I can make a favourable judgement come next election.
They just said what they intend to do!! you want them to put an addition on your house for you?
i doesnt understand why hectordoesnt jus huss his mouth unno. he making noise about a party that doe even want him as their leader, he like a little child behind a curtain lookin out, smh. leave politics and get something else to do, i doe kno y the president doesnt jus control the country n to hell with that elction story, i tired with it
Too many people like you, that’s why, our leader do the things they do, what a shame
thank you very much dk. these ppl seem to forget it is in their power to change all what is happening in the country….they cry today but just wait till election near they will be sold for $500 or less.sad eh what my country has become
Why can’t you hush. Is he in a leadership battle with anyone? He is a parliamentary Representative who stands against thievery and corruption.
I love him for that. This is what you are lacking. No integrity, no honesty but greediness.
Shame on You!
Spaggs you must focus on your budget rebuttal because your response to last budget was very pathetic. High school level debate.I was very dissapointed in you as an individual and as a politician. Please give us something ore substantial this time.
UWP, I want a better Dominica. Tell me how you are going to do things differently to move the country forward. I need to know so I can make the right judgement come next election.
Bla Bla Bla……
i agree