Despite having to foot their own bills, the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) announced on Tuesday, April 07, 2015, that a three-member team will be attending the 2015 Parliamentary Network’s Global Conference in Washington D.C on April 12-13th referring to it as being in “the public’s interest.”
Opposition Leader Lennox Linton, MP for Roseau Joseph Isaac and the UWP’s International Secretary, Senator Dr. Thomson Fontaine, are scheduled to be in attendance along with parliamentarians from around the globe.
The state was approached for funds to attend the function but the response was negative.
This year the focus will be on increased accountability and transparency in development cooperation and it is being hosted by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“We the participants are meeting our own travel, our own accommodation and our own ground transportation expenses with the assistance of friends and supporters of Dominica’s parliamentary opposition,” Linton, who is also the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said at a press conference held at the Prevost Cinemal. “We had made an approach for state funding for this exercise, which we think to be clearly in the public’s interest, it was turned down and so we have made our own arrangements to get to Washington D.C for this important conference in the public’s interest of Dominica.”
A total of over $5,000 is needed per person to attend the function.
Linton said their participation is one of great importance.
“I believe that our participation is critical,” he said adding that the team is “keenly focused” on responding adequately to the challenges facing international development.
“Accordingly, we are optimistic that the meeting will allow us to regenerate commitment and build up political will here in Dominica for action towards a well-informed, knowledge-based and more successful development process,” he said.
Isaac, who is also a member of the PAC, said he is anticipating interaction among attendees.
“What we expect is to interact,” he said. “As you are aware we are standing for democracy in Dominica and across the world, so we will be representing the Dominica side in respect to democracy, in respect to all the different organizations organizing with each other bridging gaps, bringing together common views in which we can advocate on.”
The event is to be held at the IMF’s headquarters and over 200 parliamentarians from about 100 countries are expected to attend. Also in attendance will be leaders from civil society, partner organizations, officials from the World Bank Group and the IMF.
On the agenda will be the approaching Millennium Development goals (MDG’s) deadline in 2015, tackling many issues such as ending poverty and hunger, improving health and education, making cities more sustainable and combating climate change.
UK Dominican I think you are confused. It seems that you are the one who needs to see a doctors. I am yet to receive confirmation that I am mad. I don’t think you know what you are talking about. You need to get political love!
If he wants funding now could you imagine when he comes into power he will bring the whole UWP including supporters dam fools not me he fooling . Dominicans at home are a bunch of idiots.
Could you imagine if it was the other way round you guys would be saying the DLP team are mad and voleur but in the case of this mad man you are all in line with him.
I say no no no
Dave Bertrand I always know you was mad are you for real . Both you and lennox mad.
Shut up shut up shut up Go and shake allyou bag where you sell your coal.
You see who wants Government to pay for their attendance at Conference. They the same one who criticises everything – Claim that the Government spending uselessly. They even call them voleurs. See the truth what they will do when in power. Criticise but will do the same. Cannot wait to be in the driver’s seat. Want to utilise all they criticise.
So u mean the man that never stood attention in the state house for the national anthem now wants the state to fund their trip…..waw Mr has guts eh hmmm for my part up should never be able to represent Dominica just cause us never stood at attention in the statehouse mind u when the national anthem was being sang
Some Dominicans continue to carry their ignorance like a badge of honor and seem so proud in doing so. The Parliamentary Opposition is a creature of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica and as such entitled to enjoy the privileges guaranteed by us the Tax Payers of this country. This DLP administration simply don’t get it; the Government treasury is not the personal financial account of the Deception Lies and Propaganda (DLP) Party. The misuse of public funds by this Government, which has brought no substantial benefits to this country must stop.
Gabriel u and your party always opposing everything even the State Palace you call a Malaise. The Parliamentary Opposition is a creature of the constitution so you say. Why when election is over you and they put all differences aside and join hands with the Government and others to help develop the country. Dominica is ours all of us. Instead of sowing discord and hatred amongst the populace, why do you all give suggestions instead of talking about court, demonstrations etc .. Just saying Gabriel St Jean! After Election, regardless of which party you support, you have to support the majority Government and help to steer the country’s development. Dominica from what I can see has developed a lot but you and your team do not impress me with your high handed attitude. Humble and thinknof others before your selves (think you are more knowledgeable than others)
????????????????????? IF u are so confident with your reply don’t hide behind a false name. Put your name to your article don’t be a coward. Even if elections are over,that does not mean that things are fine. When u see wrong u speak up.
“The misuse of public funds by this Government, which has brought no substantial benefits to this country must stop.” Yes Mr. Gabriel St Jean if govrnment were to finance this holiday trip for the opposition an excercise which can bring no benifits to Dominica it would be a misuse of funds, very good observation.
Please. lead another demonstration again. Can’t you stay out of the spotlight for once? You are doing more harm to your party than good. Share the stage with another person, you are simply a nuisance.
Are you talking to Skerrit?
Sikiri for none of us, none of us for sikiri, after election you get cold, u not in protest and u not going on trip again. We watching u
Sot,, some of us too sot. What gone cold, Sikiri busy doing his work, you expect he whole opposition to go on a trip like this. All you always reading something negative into evrything the opposition attempts. You want to give impression there is a problem with Sikiri? Shame on you, You haterz
Isaac, who is also a member of the PAC, said he is anticipating interaction among attendees.
DNO what is PAC nowhere in your item is it defined. Very poor writing, a bad practice. DNO does that all the while
ADMIN: Further up in the story it was mentioned “Linton, who is also the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said at a press conference held at the Prevost Cinemal.” Did you even read the story?
At least the plane ticket . Let see who will go on the govt side.
If lennox and his crew feel so strongly about attending the conference, why not fund it on their own pockets? I am sure they have a $5000 of their own money. Why the want to spend other people money and not theirs?
So Lennox wants the Government to give him and the boys money to go and lime in DC!?
Why they didnt take money from the “alternative” treasury nah……oh lord ah weak
That is a very good idea. Why don’t they?
a little more debate to put this topic into perspective.
Way papa Dominica still have illiterates .What is an Olive branch? Who are the other people with new ideas? Because they were in a U W P stronghold they did not know wat to say? The bible says when the wicked rules the people perish where are the jobs for the youth and for the construction workers? Bad judgements have been made for that election and some people have to feel it.
Please provide the Bible quotation!
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/prov/29
Disappointed its you that is the illiterate playing as if you so smart!!!!!!
Disappointed are you still disapointed. Seems you will remain so for a while… till 2019! That is to much a long time to jeopardize your health. Humble, accept, pray, do something positive for your country in the meantime until 2019 comes.
“The state was approached for funds to attend the function but the response was negative.” Yet just last week the state paid for Skerrit and members of his team to go to Malaysia and China to what a Chinese magazine in Taiwan described as a “private” trip.
what happen they want to go to the red clinic now?bunch of hypocrites!
It’s like they pushed Hector out.
Lennox is a one man party. One by one he will push out all the key players.He has NEVER been a team player or ever done anything positive in his life. You not seeing the 2 jokers he choose to bring with him.
Funny how you all speak with the both side of you all mouths, if it was the DLP members that was going you all would say the going and lime, just last week you all was complaining when the went to get investors to invest in the country you all had so much to say. What is the profit for the country with them wanting to go to DC? PS he will still come back a novice, let me go see what Kermit what dere drinking eh.
Stop talking nonsense!
The Global Conference is the Parliamentary Network’s flagship event, bringing together between some 150 Network parliamentarians from over 100 countries, leaders from civil society and partner organizations, and top officials from a number of International Financial Institutions including the World Bank, IMF and regional development banks.
This year’s confirmed keynote speakers include both IMF Managing Director Ms. Christine Lagarde and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim.
Past Keynote speakers include the Presidents of Brazil, Indonesia and Senegal but also Nobel Economics Laureates, high-level national officials, CSOs, academia, and private sector representatives. This edition of the Global Conference will be hosted by the World Bank Group and IMF in Washington DC
The post-2015 framework presents a unique opportunity to build on the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), while also addressing the dimensions that lag behind. Parliamentarians must focus on the remaining tasks and future challenges facing international development.
Parliamentarians have a particular role in shaping new frameworks for development. They are both the instigators of the legislation leading to better development results, as well as the scrutinizer of the national polices and budgets affecting development outcomes. Therefore, it is vital that Parliamentarians lead a well-informed and knowledge-based development process.
This year’s Conference agenda focuses on:
(i) Twin goals of boosting shared prosperity and eradicating poverty, and macroeconomic stability;
(ii) Transparency and governance and
(iii) Gender equity.
By focusing on these three areas, the Parliamentary Network aims to:
(i) increase Parliamentarians’ knowledge of these…
“Membership is free of charge and open to all elected parliamentarians from World Bank member states who currently hold a mandate. Parliamentary Network members represent themselves and their constituents, not their countries, parliaments or governments.”
That’s from the website of the Parliamentary Network, a simple research on the topic would have had Journalists asking better questions. The reality of the matter is this is an association supported by IMF and World Bank and as quoted above has nothing to do with government and country!!!!!
So why should the State pay for them to attend a private association Conference?? SMDFH!!!!!
Joe, if this has nothing to do with government and country how comes our government is beholden to the World Bank for grants and aid and financial emergency assistance from the IMF? Secondly, as far as I’m aware Dominica is member of that Parliamentary organisation, which is older even than the U.N. The govt. talks about unity and cooperation so why not have a joint delegation at the event?
The same can be said of meetings of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Alex Boyd-Knight attends the meetings. She does not represent Dominica. She is not a member of the House although she presides over its meetings. Yet, costs of her attendance are met by the taxpayers of Dominica.
Are you serious? This is very interesting. And if only elected parliamentarians are invited, to me I see an unelected UWP member on the travelling team.
And a Talk Show Host instead asked the Leader of the UWP about the press going along on trips like these without asking him who are the people invited to these meetings. And his reply? Didn’t you use to travel with Rosie Douglas? Interesting. The UWP Leader always reference DLP or DFP Leaders, is as of he has no references of any importance from members of the UWP.
Thats not fair as forming part of the government I believe conferences and workshops such as these ones should be paid for by the state, because its only fair that the opposition gets these opportunities to develop themselves. The stronger the opposition force in a country the governing party will be push to do more for the country and also less acts of corruption #justmypointofview
A very good observation, especially since the opposition represents more than 40% of the votes in the Dominica. Furthermore, members of the ruling DLP government have an equal opportunity to attend the Conference in Washington also but apparently have opted not to do so.
Learn maths 40%? Typical UWP propaganda, UWP has never received 40% of the votes, they formed the government with less than 30% of the votes but you try to make it important today. It was with less than 33% of the votes that the UWP proclaimed that they are on stage and in charge. SMH.
According to Caribbeanelections. com the UWP won 41.06% of all votes cast and DLP 57.06% (Independents 0.09%). Surely no govt. wants to disregard 42.85% of voters.
N.B. total valid votes cast was 41,046, incl. non-resident votes.
Correction: UWP won 42.85% of all votes cast in the election of 8 Dec., 2014. Sorry.
I voted for this government last election, now my vote is hunting bad icannot sleep at nights. Hardship hardship next time I will vote uwp
You oh get do memo den? Next time is not DAT will be deciding! Do 10k Chinese /200k a piece will decide…too late shall be your cry dahlin…too late.
u pure stupid and wicked election just pass n u regretting
damn fool
i not doing no labourites favor
shame to call my self a dominican
Good Idea. I applaud all your efforts and under-takings. President Obama will be in Jamaica pretty soon. I hope you all will be able attend also to state your opinions.
The meeting in Jamaica, tomorrow 8 April between President Obama, and the P.M. of Jamaica and other heads of State of the Caricom countries is a preamble to the 7th. Summit of the Americas to be held in Panama on Friday 10 & Saturday 11 April. Both will be attended by P.M. Roosevelt Skerrit and not the opposition.
I hope the staff on DNO prints this message.
Why is the deputy leader of the UWP is not part of this team ?
This question is key in respect to the known public fallout amongst segments of the party’s leadership post the delegates’ conference last March.
I think that the govt could make an effort to hep fund this trip but this has to be said within the context of best practices and precedent.
The UWP is best advised to focus on rebuilding the party and also preparation for the upcoming budget than squandering unknown resources.
Stupessssssss; baseless comment.
If you could assume that the absence of the deputy UWP leader on the team is an indication of a fallout within the UWP camp, then I can confirm that the composition of the GOVT. Chinese mission team last week is an indication of divided, confused, inept, void of ideas and irresponsible Labour party governing Dominica.
This is rubbish! If you are serious then you should first ask the following questions: 1. Who is the deputy Prime Minister of Dominica? 2. Why did he/she not go to China and Malaysia with Skerrit? FYI, let me remind you that when Lennox and other members of team Dominica were on those international trip the then deputy leader, Claudius Sandford remained in Dominica to take care of other national matters, and kept press conference.
Did you ask WHY the Foreign Affairs minister was not on a foreign affairs trip to Malaysia??? Shut your trap and take several seats.
Keep on stirring, is only the smell of your own poupou you taking in your nose.
The UWP asking for money from a government in control of an economy that that is due to colapse, according to Dr Fontaine, by the middle of this year, is baffling. For those talking about leadership, don’t forget that they tried to get the money to finance trip from the Treasury when that failed they turned to friends and supporters…….just a reminder only one government can govern at a time and that government will decide how taxpayers $$ are spent, that is not the job of the opposition.
Ignorance is bliss they say but it can never be an excuse. The opposition is not the government but definitely is an unalienable part of Parliament. Furthermore, the leader of the opposition is also chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, a legislative body that very much acts like a watchdog with regard to govt. spending. It examines and probes public audits and has the mandate to invite Ministers, Private Secretaries and other Ministry personnel for questioning and can make recommendations for changes in procedures and processes. This committee is funded by the public purse, as is the opposition itself in Parliament. It is axiomatic that there can not be democracy without an opposition.
@Malgraysa, your pot is overflowing with ignorance. Could you state where any government in the past have financed oppostion travel other than when they attend Commonwealth Parliamentarian meetings. Your break down of the functions of the PAC is not instructive to this matter for even with the PAC the finances are controled by the ruling party which forms the government. In spending money the government does not have to CONSULT the PAC. And who do you expect to fund a Committee that is a dictate of the constitution and appointed by parliament. You are so wrapped up in your politics of bias and ignorance that you now believe that the opposition trips that they deem important should be financed by the public purse.
In the 1960’s or was in the 1970’s there were truck loads of bananas being shipped today we have none. Is this man for real? I assumed he remained the same as he was from 1960 to now. Not even the bananas that were being shipped in bunches remained the same. The UWP is living in a cloud with no sense of reality.
Did the Government send them to represent Dominica? Is this a Forum for Opposition Members. How many Parliamentarians from each country is invited. I do not think I got the beginning of the Press Conference, maybe DNO can enlighten us.
Why would the Opposition want Government to fund their trip with the money the government has to beg for. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. You are on the right track raise your own money for your trip. Did they government say it is something we can afford or cannot afford? Something is missing in that story. Whenever UWP runs with a Press Conference looking for sympathy something is up.
Bondie – not last week the acting Prime Minister Reginald Austrie say the Opposition have a role to play ; now they want to play their role hear what Laborite have to say!! papamet so it come nuh; another clear case of no Olive branch is just mamaguy talk from Labour……….
Offering an Olive branch is something very good. But if instead of the branch you want the whole tree. Then that is something totally different.
You know Linton did not accept the Olive Branch. Did he as much as congratulate the PM on winning the election? I read the negative comments that you people stated about DLP winning the election.
UWP with Linton as the leader must unite and cooperate with the present government. This is not being done on their part. He continues to be in a fighting spirit. United we stand. Divided we fall.
Their very own supporters continue to state that the PM is begging. Therefore they should not go to the PM for financial help.
Linton should advise his supporters to be careful what they state against the PM especially on this Website. Their derogatory comments do not assist UWP.
Linton, You must be joking! Now you talking of State Funds for you and your boys to travel?
there are two side to a coin,this guys are going to sit in a convention with the likes of people from the IMF & world banks to do what,learn how to borrow money,dominica does not need that no more,we complain about debt on the burden of the next generation,so thisis where the UWP intend to take us,we need to rethink this whole thing before we comment,unless what I am reading you guys are seeing something else
Good try shadow Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. What do you expect from the ….? I am sure something positive will come out of this meeting. Let’s hope that the locals will awake from their slumber. Best of luck Team Dominica!
” I am sure something positive will come out of this meeting.”
Oh yea. Like what? And, for whom?
You folks just need to be more professional in your business pursuits… Following the Q&A Session at the UWP media conference, which Q95 covered live, The art Hon Lennox Linton and colleagues (clearly the voice of a woman) could be heard discussing strategic plan – albeit matters on the periphery. It isn’t the first time this had happened and Q95FM Radio Station you need to up your game because too many mediocracy (generally carelessness) is creep into your practice – method of executing the day’s business in a professional and systematic way.
The Rt Honourable Lennox Linton must be protected / guarded at all cost!
I heard it too…a hot mic they call it? They were talking about Mourne Diablotin for the 10k Chinese and the fact that 200k for a passport is better than the current 100k we charging now.
Why does the UWP deligation have to fund the trip out of their own pockets, yet Skerrit and the cabal jet all over the world and the taxpayer has to fund the bill??? Why oh why do we tolerate this dictatorial behaviour on an ongoing basis? When last did the DLP regime show us, the taxpayers, an account of the travel expenses incurred by the government?
Another blue fool. Just wait nuh partner. Maybe 20 yrs from now IF you guys ever get into office Lennox et al will get all the opportunity to travel the world on taxpayers money and visit as many Las Vegas hotels as he wishes. Till then, let him continue to keep begging monies to fund his lavish travels from all you blue fools who choose to give it to him!
Hallo you Red Fool, how much money did you get from the Red Clinic this month? You probably will begetting another 10 Dollar for this comment. Let me tell you, keep putting your hand in the sand and keep on eating Skerrit’s leftovers. I myself don’t need to go to the Red Clinic nor do I have to ask the UWP for any favours. I feel sorry for you!
Perhaps they do not realize that the Opposition also is part of the Government of Dominica. My goodness Dominicans are really CLUELESS!!!
You seem to forget that Skerrit is the PM of the Commonwealth of Dominica and that like the period 1995-2000 Dominica does not have a coalition government – whether you like it or not. The government offered an “olive branch”. It was rejected outright. They demanded a full tree with many branches.
That`s the idea Mr. Linton. That`s the kind of leadership I expect from you. Not the leadership that seems to find any and every reason to hold a demonstration. Great move, I like it.
I concur 100%.
That shows leadership and a man ready to take the reins of power. I am not a fan of those demonstrations at all. They should leave that to the supporters. The party leadership should stand clear of that.
Well everything works together for the good….how many conferences and activities dignified enough for allyuh he will get to attend? Are you all “the class above demonstrations” ready to put your $$$$behind the high browed activities of your liking?
Really Linton? State funds?
This blog was not posted by Me but a plagiarist.
Doc Love, The Opposition is a part of the three arms of government and as such should expect funding for events of that nature. They should make requests and if our Cabinet is too partial and partisan to respond accordingly will haunt them at some point. Just wait and see.
though i ‘liked’ your comment. You missed the ‘sarcasm’ that Doc Love has written.
This approach to national development epitomizes selflessness and total conscientious attitude. All the best.
Are you really serious Hon. Lennox Linton. Did you really expect the Government led by Skeritt to fund anything to do with accountability, corruption and transparency. A similar meeting was held in Trinidad and they were absent. If a meeting concerning how to sell pass ports in China, Asia and the Middle East, one way or the other they would find money for their people to attend.
I guess being able to read and write does not define intelligence because sadly you are lacking this increasingly rare commodity. So you are hereby suggesting that any time that the opposition party fancies a conference or workshop in another country they should be permitted to attend assisted by taxpayers money out of the treasury. This is hilarious. It does not work that way in any country that I know of and you are free to prove me wrong. I also challenge you that if the UWP were the current government that they would have responded in like fashion with good reason.