Chief Youth Development Officer, John Roach has called on president of the National Youth Council (NYC), Paul Baron to do “the honourable thing and resign” if he cannot adhere to the NYC Code of Conduct.
Roach’s statement comes in the wake of a call by former executive member of the NYC, Stephenson “Jeff” Bellot for Baron’s resignation because of his public endorsement of Cozier Ftrederick, the Dominica Labour Party’s candidate for the Salybia Constituency. Bellot accused Baron of violating the constitution of the NYC .
“The [NYC] Constitution is very clear about partisan politics affiliation and persons who present themselves to represent the youth at this level should at all cost conduct themselves as stipulated by the constitution,” he said.
Roach added, “This behaviour by the leadership of the NYC is unacceptable as it has the tendency and the potential to undermine the confidence of the youth who look up to the NYC to address their concerns at the community, district or national level.”
Roach further stated that bearing in mind that the members of NYC may be affiliated to different political parties, “those who don’t share the NYC president’s political persuasion are likely to distrust his leadership judgement on their behalf.”
He said these factors were taken into consideration when the constitution of the NYC was being drafted and further amendments which followed, “particularly to ensure that the Code of Conduct is adhered to by persons who serve on the Executive. If the president cannot adhere to the Code of Conduct of the National Youth Council, he should do the honourable thing – resign.”
Section 3, Article VIII (Code of Conduct) of the NYC constitution addresses the issue of political expression and affiliation by Executive members of the council. It states:
“No member of the National Executive shall demonstrate openly in public forum, media appearance, political platform, or at such public events, show his partnership to any political party as this may have the potential to undermine the integrity and independence of the NYC. However, an Executive member is free to his independent political affiliation and is free to attend any political gathering. This also applies to any elected officer or staff of the Council.”
Roach also referred to section 4 of the NYC constitution which states that no representative shall misrepresent his organization’s position on any matter in public at Meetings of the General Assembly.
According to that section, “A member found acting in such a manner shall be subject to disciplinary action not excluding expulsion. In like manner, if a representative is found to be guilty of breach of conduct and it is found that this particular offence represents the official position of his organization then the organization itself shall also be subject to disciplinary action not excluding expulsion from the NYC.”
The NYC constitution further states that the youth of Dominica are united in cause and have organized themselves in order to ensure a strong voice and active participation for the furtherance and protection of the interests and rights of youth.
“We will vigorously maintain our policy of an independent National Youth Council, free from partisan influence and capable of making independent decisions in the interest of all Dominican youth,” the NYC constitution declares.
Dominica News Online (DNO) will publish a response from Baron in a subsequent article.
Yes sir bro so tru it is time some one take a stand set the youth free
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Man, you just as bad. An opportunist I would not buy a used car from.
One of the most troubling things in Dca today is the politicization of every government institution. It appears like to make any headway one has to “suck up” to government representatives or their acolytes. Thank you Mr. Roach for having the testicular fortitude in handling this matter on behalf of DOMINICA and not DLP/ SFLP. You were taught well at the St. Mary’s Academy . Needless to say, I hasten to caution you about the need to watch your back because of you honesty in this case. Long live SMA….ORA ET LABORA for life.
Amen. Baron is an operative and a PM wanna be. There are laws about public officers as well who should not openly partake or show allegiance to political parties, but the DLP supporters have no class and take their que from the PM himself and do what they want. Capitolin from the Min of trade, Mills from the police force, and the wide number of other subordinates who got their jobs through political pull string all fly their colors for example. You see them at every rally and political event. Baron is no exception. He is a DLP operative who has used the youth division as a means to climb up the ranks of power. His intent has never seemed genuine to me. just my opinion. I agree Mr. Rach. You must not have yourself in those people politics. your position is too sensitive.
of course you will support his resignation ROACH YOU ARE A POHTOH WORKERS!
It’s obvious you do not know the person you are talking about. Do you know Mr. Roach. You are a sick, sick, verrrrry sick mentally ill person. Go do your home work…stupid workers u not a labourite…don’t come here and insult us
That guy should resign immediately, he is also the chairman of the Atkinson village counsel and his endorsement of Cozier publicly on radio definitely does not represent the views of everyone he is representing but again these guys have no respect for laws and regulations. With all his fluency in speaking he don’t seem to have the common sense to realize that in his present capacity what he did was a no no. Anything less than resignation is unacceptable as far as i can see.
We have to stand up and stop the Politicization of all institutions in Dominica.
It’s kinda sad that some people feel that it is more odd to try and stop these situations than to have them occur.
So there is a certain impetus to normalize the Politicization of Institutions in Dominica, and that is not good regardless of who is in office.
It is time Dominicans fight for Dominica regardless of which political party they support.
i know this guy, Roach, and have never lost respect for him because of his gentlemanly conduct. he is an upright and honest man and am pleased you don’t close your head and bow your eyes… speak on brother
Not only is he the President of the NYC, he is also the Chairman of the Atkinson Village Council…. We NEED to stand for Moral values!! I salute you Roach!!!
But the former NYC president was a Senator, isn’t that the same thing?
This is why he had to resign…conflict of interest.
ok. thanks for the clarification
IT DOESN’T MAKE IT RIGHT!!!! He has to adhere to the code of conduct…
no way you all wrong the people run things dont fool yourself well done mr roach
Good for you Mr. John standing up for the rights of the youth. You were taught well by Ms. Elizabeth Alfred and Amoy Williams (Moyshe)- the early ones who taught you the fundamentals I am proud of you for all you do for the youth.
Oh yes, I remember those days when people stood for honesty and integrity. I remember Ma Alfred in NYC and her involvement with the church and village life, very distinguished lady.
I endorse fully, chief.
Former President NYC.
Did Jahisiah Benoit served as president while he was senator … no?
Thank you Mr. Roach for responding to this important cause.
We have to set good examples for our youths or else they too ,will just disrespect constitutions as our PM does .
Right is right. Mr. Baron swallow your pride and resign!
Why is almost every person in the top influential position of a supposedly apolitical community organization turns fiercely political. They are easily bought by the current riling party. Every man/woman has a price. The DLP even divides youth organizations. They spread their corrupting tentacles everywhere even in the church. Out with this traitor. Some will sell their souls for so little.
Control of both the private and public sectors. As well as social institutions. Skerrit even have his own priest (fr. Thomas) and his own pastor. I sure he even have a haitian covering him too. Anyway it is alllll about control. He wants to know everything about everyone. He himself will tell you that you may not think he knows but he does. He says that with a smile. I swear he has studied many famous and infamous leaders and dictators where influence and control are concerned.
I don’t even think this is a matter policy dictating conduct of officers at the National Youth Council. This is simply commonsense. You represent all the youth of Dominica; not the LYO.
Pm run tings every where?