Residents of Portsmouth on Thursday, gathered near the Indian River Bridge and later, at Burroughs Square, to raise awareness about what they say, are serious issues that are affecting their community.
In an interview with Dominica News Online (DNO), one of the protest organizers, Pat Corbette, said Portsmouth is not getting a fair share of the national income to enhance the constituency and to provide jobs for the town’s residents.
“What we’re seeing is a lot of hotels around the Portsmouth area but there are just so many things that need to be put in place and the whole ambiance of the place, the vast unemployment issue in Portsmouth, a lot of the people aren’t working; they’re just sitting around by the roadside,” Corbette lamented.
The Portsmouth businessman said some residents have also been asking the question, “where the money gone,” in reference to the mounting controversy over an estimated $1 billion in revenue from the Citizenship (CBI) by Investment Programme which the opposition leader has said is missing from the 2019-2020 national budget and which has elicited a strong opposition outcry for accountability from the government.
“We have a lot of concerns so far as…it relates to Portsmouth. Some of the uses that money could go to, like for instance, right now, we’re building 5-star hotels and resorts in the Portsmouth area… but I believe along with that we need a 5-star hospital because you cannot bring in people here in a 5-star hotel and then you have a hospital which, in my opinion, if I had to rate it, would probably rate it as a [one] star, maybe less than a star,” he continued.
Corbette described the public turnout and support for the protest action as “very encouraging” and said they intend to continue raising awareness, however long it takes.
Meantime, a protest by UWP election candidate, attorney Ronald Charles, continued on Thursday in front of the Prevo Cinimall building.
Charles launched the “one man billion dollar protest” on Monday to add his voice to the call for government accountability in the CBI missing funds issue.
Dominica News Online (DNO) interviewed two people who were part of today’s gathering. They expressed their concerns and frustration with what they perceive to be government’s lack of accountability in the CBI matter..
“The purpose for coming out today is standing with senator Ronald Charles in solidarity with him in asking where is the $1.2billion of CBI monies unaccounted for in the national budget? We have find that this government has not been transparent enough with the people. We do not know where the funds are going, we do not know how much is coming in, we do not know how it’s being used. Enough is enough and whoever wants to join they are free to do so,” one of the protesters told DNO.
“I am here for the simple reason, standing in the defense of my country because monies are missing. Particularly having to see the people of Dominica struggle, suffer. We have police officers, teachers, and doctors, lawyers operating under a very low salary and as a result, you can see the effect that it has on the economy,” another protester exclaimed. “We want that money back into the treasury. This money [belongs] to the people, it does not belong to Roosevelt Skerrit. Hartley Henry or all of the operatives that seem to be manipulating the resources of Dominica. We deserve better…and it hurts us…there is pain in our heart seeing how we are struggling. “
Charles indicated that the protest will continue tomorrow but said that he had not yet decided a venue.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said that the money in question has been used to build houses for Dominicans but the opposition is insisting that the government must provide a proper accounting of the total amount of CBI funds that was received for the financial year 2018-2019.
The funny thing is that Dominicans are suffering but because they getting that hand out from time to time they not going to effect positive change. It is madness. I remember when labor party won… I predicted that the country would decline into something like Haiti. But didnt think it happen so soon. The loss of Ross university, the jobs lost, that’s one thing, the effect it has had on Portsmouth is devastating. Tragic! So much so it should be a crime. I feel for dominicans but we get the leader we deserve.
Stop electing that “handsome” man, that not gonna feed your kids. Vote for someone that’s going to empower you and your kids and concern about the nation. Not cheap thrills and red clinic. Vote for someone who will investigate those responsible for the downturn and jail them. Vote for change
The report says they repaired bridges. Repaired is the past tense of the verb to repair. That means the repair was done in the past. Not “working on”. Not “will fix”. Why do you hate yourself so? Don’t you want to use a proper bridge? Do you even believe you deserve a proper bridge?
Uwp all the way!
Any member of my family whether its brother sister cousin aunt uncle leaving in Dominica supporting labor party for this up coming election will not get any financial support from me.you cannot tell me you supporting a party who is not making a change in your financial situation for all these years and you calling me to tell me things hard and you still voting for the same people. I need a break.I paying for your blind love?come on man.you all have the power in you all hands, use it. practice to fire who is not working for the entire country.A government have to take care of the whole country. if they giving me alone and my neighbor villagers is not getting I am not supporting that.at the end of the day its the whole country that is suffering. vote these people out.
What do you mean you all can’t protest It happed in 1979 and brought down a government! If none of you goes to work, the one-man corrupt rogue regime prime mistake must fall! It’s the inaction of people like you why this one-man corrupt rogue regime is still holding power!
Too many Dominicans are either stupid or hypocritical.
Don’t we care what happens to the country.
There has never been such a highy level of corruption from the discovery of Dominica by Christopher Columbus.
Only in Doninuca this would happen and the entire country not in an uproar.
Where are the honest Nd Godfearing oeople.
Has every one been bought?
All Roseau business owners. You should be asking where the money gone too. I am sure our government has told you they cannot do anything for you because they are rebuilding. Lies! LIES! That 1.2 billion dollars was not used in Dominica. Look at the condition of the streets in Roseau. Smell the gutters in Roseau!
Roseau Central, do not make the mistake of voting for DLP’s Melissa Skerrit. Just look at how she’s trying to punish Sukie Winston. It is Sukie’s turn today, which one of you will be next? All she have to say is she not shopping by so and so and her followers will take it as the gospel. Imagine what she would do if you put her in office. Problems! She’s bad news.
Vote for transparency in government. Vote for real development for Roseau. Vote for Glenroy “Soso” Cuffy for Roseau Central. Soso for Roseau! Vote UWP! Vote the saw!
The 1.2 billion Skerrit says is for housing. So is MMCE alone to benefit from it then? Use it to bail out the Picard landlords! Skerrit and Ian Douglas allowed Ross to leave. Ian Douglas, you must convince Skerrit to buy the buildings at Picard. It’s the least you can do after your government ruined these people’s lives. Skerrit must buy the Picard apartment buildings that are now up for sale! Fix this problem you created!
Buying it back would in turn make him a hero and then you ppl will vote him back in further destroying the nation. I dont think so.
Investigate what happened at Ross. Put the facts out there. Prosecute those involved. Then and only then we can talk about bailing out Portsmouth house owners.who by the way are part of the problem
What a bunch of losers!
I hope you referring to the government you coward. Dominicans are suffering and some of them just want a decent job and steady source of income. It’s a basic human right. If anyone a loser its
Skeritt for losing Ross and Dominica dignity
Dlp supporters for putting the “handsome” man ahead of country
The people who stay quiet and idly by while the country drowns
IBO The Labour Party and the Labour party supporters built a NEW DOMINICA after Maria.You Lazy,Lying,uneducated,incompetent UWP said it could NEVER happen.Two years later without the HELP of Lazy UWP DOMINICA is back on track.UWP is against the CBI.Against Yes we Care.Against Clear Harbour.Against NEP.UWP are TRAITORS.We do not want UWP in DOMINICA.
Despite your protestations the truth is a stubborn thing. I’ve never heard any sensible person praising someone for coming last. Tell the many thousands of residents who can barely afford to eat one meal per day that the government is doing remarkable well. Talk about the government making progress to the multitude who can’t find a job. Your pronouncement is unrelated to reality. The brutal truth is that the Skerrit DLP led regime is corrupt and clueless. They should be sent packing next election for their monumental incompetence. Stop clowning around Lin ‘Lying’ Clown.
clown; are you not ashamed that the only industry your one-man corrupt rogue regime prime mistake depends on is the illegal and immoral selling of citizenship/passports This means everyone one on the island will be dependent on the one-man corrupt rogue regime for survival/handout How many citizenship/passport does your one-man corrupt rogue regime has to sell to sustain the island Are you not concerned that the amount of foreigners holding your citizenship/passport will overpower people like you Oh how loyalty to one-man and politrickal partisanship can have your head and eyes closed!
It’s explicitly clear that you are a Red Clinic recipient. You seriously suffer from Dependency Syndrome. Freeness and laziness are your pillows, dependency your bed.
Back on track are you high???
Get the hell out of here. How can the opposition help to frame policy or make change and even calling someone uneducated ….
Because you have some o levels or a levels dont make you educated cause an educated person wouldn’t make these foolish comments. Shut your mouth before sounding ignorant
What a load of garbage, long boring story I didn’t waist my time to read it anyway.shame on uwp, thats the best ull got
But you clicked on it? Why? Did you get some of the money and are checking the interest rate.
Many of us civil servants cannot protest out there but we are in full support and we will do the right thing.
What do you mean you all can’t protest It happed in 1979 and brought down a government! If none of you goes to work, the one-man corrupt rogue regime prime mistake must fall! It’s the inaction of people like you why this one-man corrupt rogue regime is still holding power!
Contact INTERPOL, no one will know you did. That will be the right thing to do. Ask them to do an investigation.
Teacher, we got your back. We will take care of you! ❤ Now. Let’s show lying Skerrit and his zombie party who really run things in Dominica! 🇩🇲
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)
Your fired.
Elect the one that is right for the job
Me deba mama mwen sacre belle protest avec 8 moun, so nous jar COPHEN LABOUR POWER FLOWING ALL THE WAY.
Labour power flowing or Coolout power flowing? Coolout will not last forever especially now that the people are asking for receipts. What did Skerrit do with the money? Did he tell you? I’m guessing… No. His inner circle is too busy living and enjoying la vida loca to be on here defending Labour Party.
Ebey look foolishness! Which money? I did not know you all are Accountants, or work in the bank, treasury, Audit Department that you know for sure how much came into the coffers of the Government into the bank accounts, how much much was paid out by checks at the Treasury. I know that Treasury does not pay out money unless properly certified, documented signed, approved. Audit department too. I see a bunch of folks who need to be educated, taught how things are done – check payments etc. Before you make yourself look not smart, go ask someone to understand how things are done. So if I start a rumour of money missing (strange though is only money matters you all getting excited about) , all you will just start demonstrate with placards etc without asking me prove to you how I know that? Zort pas feb. Demonstration/ spreading propoganda, hating others, lying, strife, misleading without teaching, preying on ignorance of others – partner cannot win election. We smart & can think
Skerrit will provide the receipts. What did he do with the money? We must know! We have a right to know!
I hear he have those folks in the Ministry of Finance working overtime. Imagine, government workers at work after 4pm. Wow. 👏 👏 👏
Bravo Skerrit! I’m impressed!
Well done people.
After all it’s our money, and we need answers!
Where is the money?
Where is the money?
Where is the money?
The protests should build up and take over the streets and government headquarters until the one-man corrupt rogue regime prime mistake give account for the money!!!
Dominicans asked yourself,what do the DLP government actually do for us? Where is the progress, where is the future , hand out / cool out cash won’t last long
Think about that
SERIOUSLY
St. Joe, 8 ppl and Possie, 8. I wander if is a joke or a BARKOULAYLAY.
These protests need to continue building up to the point of closing down the country until the one-man corrupt rogue regime prime mistake give a proper accounting for the money!!!
Protesters in Roseau =8
Protesters in St. Joe =8
Protesters in Portsmouth = 8
Is this a magic number? Just an observation. Now…..
Take your calculator out. Multiply 21×8
Now with all this protest going on, have anyone seen Lennox in the crowd?… NO! Then why?
The work of a CON MAN. He sets the fire but let the FOOLS fan the flame and take the heat.
Trust me the 8 people doing plenty. Did you see what happened in front of the Labour House in Roseau today?
Labourites cannot take pressure from 8 people? 8 people wii
💪
Yes! You and I saw it. One man conquer a demonstration. One man wii!
lin the clown; do you know how the Arab Spring started One matchstick can set a forest ablaze!!!
KID ON THE BLOCK.
All you people so desensitized to the one-man show, you project that dictator-like level of control on every action and event you see unfold? People, is not one person to do everything. Everything doesn’t have to be Linton.
Man what nonsense a you speaking the opposition leader haven got to be in the protest for the people to get up and show how disgusting it is for all that money to be missing or unaccounted for. The people don’t have to wait for Linton to start the protest it’s a collective matter and every Dominican is affected even you can protest but in your heart you cannot because you cannot tell us where the money is or gone .
If Linton was present, there would have been another comment made by kid on the block. Persons can’t stand on their own anymore?
One brave and concerned protester is good enough for me. “Where de money gone” has the corrupt gangsters on the defensive. They are trembling llke they got frost bite. Wicked and evil doers
@Kid,…Looks like the uwp has a mootage on certain numbers; 8 for protest
I4 for demand.
No Action(8 letters) when they go MIA.
I understand the “brave uneducated” went hiding while he push his followers under the bus.
He knows he cannot multiply or add. He knows people are beginning to see through his scam and lies.
Word on the street is that he is the first person to pay for lying in the whole Caribbean area. Can you imagine lying to crash a heads of government conference in Guyana. The man has no credibility. Now he is using Ronald Charles as his scape goat to start a “demand for money movement.”
I guess he wants reparation for lying.
Pretty smart for a 5th grader.
Kid thanks for the math heads up. How he got US 2.2 million dollars from multiplying 3961 by EC $50,000. is beyond anyone imagination except that of a 5th grader.
“Portsmouth residents stage protest in Roseau” DNO why cant you say workers supporters protesting in Roseau and Portsmouth, any fool can see even me that protest has all the Hall marks of the so-called opposition party written all over it!
OMG….. Man bites dogs has an original thought, WOW…. Did not know you had it in you Brrrooo. But to attack Possie people who are just frustrated and decided to show it especially after losing Ross, come on Brrrooo. However the tsunami is coming and even Portsmouth will eventually wake up and go away.
So while you are biting your dogs, I do believe you are one of the politician who is biting the Off Shore Banking money that is bringing in even more money to Dominica than selling our citizenship. Read the Panama Papers again, and do not let people like “Man bites dogs” fool you into believing that it is CBI money building hotels, it is Offshore banking called by an other name which is the responsibility of Secret Service to monitor, which is why it is imperative for them to win again.
Keep up the protest Possie People, because any change in Dominica will begin with Possie which is why “Man bites dogs” is so scared and angry,, and he knows that it is the truth.
Why DNO to specify? Anyone with common sense already knows no labourite would involve themselves in that, because:
1. Too afraid they’d find themselves cut off from the red clinic (because that’s how so many people surviving these days, right?)
2. They legitimately see nothing wrong with crime and corruption as long as their cool out there waiting for them.
All of that compounded by the fact that Dominicans have just never liked to stand up for themselves.
DNO is doing a good job, besides. As long as these people not claiming to be UWP, DNO cannot responsibly report that.
This is the same person as the lazy kid and Lin clown. Poison to development are they! What a disgrace for any country to have citizens of this type . Include that Elizabeth that also there talking nonsense. I am so happy I left that lazy and corrupt party that dragging Dominica into hell
While we were preoccupied with survival after Hurricane Maria, the soul of our country was being sold right under our noses. Now foreigners decide everything in Dominica. Roosevelt Skerrit now answers to them. A house slave. These foreigners have sold our citizenship and are keeping the best part for themselves. Some of us get crumbs through the coolouts but never enough to make us independent. We have to keep going back to them for our daily bread. Now, they are building hotels so we can serve them and their wealthy friends. Roosevelt keeps reminding us to be grateful for what the master provides. We the negro have returned to slavery days. Kalinago, you have now become eslaved for the first time in your history. Are you outraged yet? What are you going to do about it? I am standing for my liberty! Stand with me!
Protesters are at Layou as well, right next to the bridge that broken down after the hurricane. no budget has ever made any mention of fixing the bridge at Layou. if that money is really missing, it could really go towards fixing that bridge.
Skerrit told PWC that all roads and bridges have been repaired or newly constructed with Passport money. Maybe he forgot about this one and all the others that still need repairing. The man is a such blatant liar and seasoned conman.
@Real, are you blind? at least they working on the side of the river and then they will fix it when they are threw. Dominicans MALPALEN PAPA I home every two weeks so you all won’t fool me with yr LIES.
I love to see that.The momentum is building. More will stand for transparency in government. Spread the message to your family and friends, neighbours, anyone who will listen. We must save our country! Now is the time! We found out about the 1 billion. What about all the other money we don’t know about, yet. We must keep asking the hard questions to get results. Our lives can be so much better with 1 billion invested into our economy. We deserve a better life. It’s our birthright. Our money!
Finally a few of you are starting to feel the heat,sitting back and watching,have never seen this kind of atrocity against a population so small,yet continue to do nothing about change.
The Prime Minister has said over and over and over again,CBI money is going into building,Roads,houses,bridges,schools hospital.Even the DOUBLE BUBBLE Linton got is from the CBI.PWC told the UWP lazy idiots the samething.These fools are just like MOUTON BATALIE.Every time UWP is under FIRE DNO feel the HEAT.
Truely, lin is a clown! You seem not to be able to understand and analyse, neither did you even read the report if you can All you seem to do is listen to people like clear-ants who can’t divide12 into 50!!!
You have a double bubble between your ears. Nothing but hot air, I mean how can somebody still come on here and broadcast this nonsense!
It is the democratic right of citizens to protest when things are not going right And I support and applaud those who act to try to correct corrupt behaviors by any government
Dr Clayton Shillingford, you are supposedly an intelligent person! Isn’t it? Do not allow politics to blind you whilst it is a democratic right what are these people demonstrating for? Which money? Did they pay any money into the Treasury or Government Bank Account? It is the principle. Why prey on ignorant and innocent persons who have no clue of understanding how Government works? You need to educate your party supporters. Prove to me (that they cannot ask you) the corrupt behaviours and mind you sir, not word of mouth. I need tangible evidence (they do not know to ask you and your leader) and don’t try to run around to justify your answer. You applaud and support but where are you in the pictures? You support because it is folks like yourself ( who remain in the background whilst they Protest) who will benefit if your so called party comes into power. Stop use people for your selfish ambitions the whole lot of you. Dominica has made a lot of strides. Say the…
“Question Mark”, according to the report from Skerrit, ask your PM where are the three hospitals and 6 clinics he constructed after Maria.
The 2.1 B is missing. Where is it ??????
That’s what the people of Dominica wants to know.
“It is the democratic right of citizens to protest when things are not going right’
Clayton, when things are not going right by whose judgment? Yours, who is hiding somewhere in the USA, and the 8 people who are making the spectacle of themselves in Dominica?
If the UWP discover that something is not going right, why can’t they prove it with official documents? Can you answer this question?
There should be massive I mean MASSIVE protests going on round the country at this time. Roseaau, Portsmouth, Marigot, and the Kalinago territory should all have their protests at the same time because the situation at home demands that of us . Every police station, fire stations, Domlec, Dowasco, nurses and others should all be closed and gather infront of their work place to attend to life threatening situations. We must let politicians know that we are in charge and not them! We must let Skerrit know that though we love him and the DLP, we love and concern about Da much more . We need to save our country now people! The call is urgent and we should be so determined to save our country that we don’t allow it to take another 48 days. The call and pressure should be so intense that it should only take one week to get rid of this evil, wicked, ungodly gangsters that are bent on destroying Dominica just to protect their personal agenda. Wrong is wrong and if we don’t judge it God will
Wrong is wrong well go and protest all over. Who preventing you? It seems you the know all even want to say who should protest. If you could go pull them from their house with a gun at their head, you would it seems. Peace be still. Let peace reign in our beautiful country. I wonder why you people are so hateful? You call the people evil, wicked, ungodly gangsters. How do you behave? Wanting war and strife, confusion? How would you call yourself with those words you write above? Go into your closet and read your comment again, again, again and again and judge yourself? how would u call yourself? I do not see anything happening in Dominica that warrants that hateful behaviour. We have come a long way. Have you guys forgotten Hurricane Maria? Are we not a grateful people for even life. Save from what? God saved us on September 18, 2017. The country is God’s own! Are we disregarding him as Supreme King? There is nothing that needs all this foolish instigating
@????????You are a confused mind I don’t care to respond to. Read your response to blog and read yours again and tell me which one has hate and greed.
Portsmouth need a change cause they have been neglected by the party they put in power over and again.. Time to put someone new to do the work the people are paying them to do..
Same-O! Same-O! UWP is just a party of protest, not a party for progress. May they always remain in the opposition and not the party to govern. I suspect that if they get elected they will protest to get themselves back in opposition again. It is a lot more convenient protesting than governing.
Ok, it look like the ‘street season’ has begun. We need to put pressure on Skerrit and keep on stepping it up. This arrogant little man needs to come up with some meaningful answers in regards to the: CBI program, PetroCaribe, Ross University, MOU with China and an account of his personal wealth. We want answers, if he can’t give he has to go now, not the next election.
Skerrit’s stewardship has brought Dominica to her knees. I see Skerrit as a building with many cracks which has become dilapidated and should be torn down.
Some Dominicans are becoming more enlightened and are willing to stand up to this severely corrupt regime. If they truly want favorable results they must not relent. A one day protest will not work. It needs consistent pressure to effect real CHANGE.
Where are you ibo France? stop use those who do not understand and like sensation to accomplish your selfish desires of your party to come in power. Be respectful to others . Do unto others as you would wish for yourself. One day conka day, it will be your family or friend who will face the pain as you gave to the PM. Hatred is not good. Let peace reign in this land. None of you cannot prove what u are saying. Here you encouraging strife and war. Admit it , we have done strides even if you do not like that one person. Grace is sufficient. Severely corrupt regime – prove it and not word of mouth but tangible evidence. I see development here. Admit this that there is development. Please do not be like a Sol (fish ). Be objective !
Questionable?, were you in hibernation for the last twenty years? If your idol have done so many amazing developments for the country, why Dominica remains steadfastly at the bottom position when compared to her neighbors in every catogory of development? You are on the wrong side of history. Stop supporting corruption. Skerrit has stolen the soul of the nation. You and Elizabeth, two elderly women, need to bruise your knees in repentance for giving succor to the personification of Satan, the Run Things Man, for all the evil that he has brought and practised in this once blessed land.