The Minister for of Education and Human Resource Development, Petter Saint Jean, finally broke his silence on the decision by students to march in defiance of instructions by Education Officials to call off the march past at the 2019 National Youth Rally and the Leader of the Opposition’s response to that decision.
The organizers cancelled the parade due to inclement weather but the students rejected that decision and proceeded to march in the absence of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit who had already left the venue.
With the prime minister being absent, Opposition Leader Lennox Linton, who was positioned in front of the stage, took the salute from the marching students.
“All sober and right-thinking Dominicans must have been appalled, annoyed and disgusted,” Saint Jean commented, in response, in a recent statement which appeared on social media.
He said the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) has always given utmost priority to the safety and security of the nation’s youth.
“Friday, November 1st, the meteorological services reported unstable weather conditions with scattered showers and possible isolated thunderstorms,” the Education Minister stated. “The Windsor Park Stadium grounds were waterlogged; there were light showers and the conditions appeared threatening.”
According to Saint-Jean, the ministry decided in the interest of the students and their teachers, to cancel the march-past.
“There was defiance by some students, reportedly encouraged by some including senior officials within the Ministry of Education and Lennox Linton, the Leader of the Opposition,” he remarked.
St. Jean accused Linton of breaking “all norms, protocol, decency, and respect for authority when he proceeded to pose for the salute” adding that this action confirmed the leader of the opposition as someone who lacked discipline and respect for authority.
“His actions clearly illustrate that he was encouraging our children to show disrespect to public officials and to defy authority which is symptomatic of the campaign that he has waged over the last 10 years,” he stated.
Saint Jean went on to describe Linton’s action as a clear demonstration of the UWP leader’s irresponsibility and his unfitness to lead Dominica.
“Mr Linton’s poor judgement, bad example and hunger for power have all gone to his head and we must, as a nation, pray for him,” he remarked.
Linton has said that his decision to take the salute from the students had nothing to do with politics. Instead, he said, he wanted to show support for the students after observing that while they were chanting “we want to march, we want to march”, the prime minister and his family were leaving the park and the other members of the government were leaving with him.
The Opposition Leader explained that considering the “long and hard” work the young persons had put into preparing for the event, and the unreasonable decision taken by the Ministry of Education to not allow the students to march, he decided that being the highest-ranking parliamentarian left in the stadium to take their salute as a show of symbolism for their independent action and decision.
Linton said it was very inspiring for him as a leader, looking at young children being independent in mind and spirit.
Meantime, Saint Jean revealed that the Independence Youth Sports Meet was postponed three (3) times because of the soggy conditions of the Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth.
“Eventually this sports meet did not take place because of the likelihood of injury to the young and enthusiastic athletes,” he revealed. “There were no complaints.
Saint Jean said that the organizers, students and athletes “and certainly their parents,” were all in agreement that the action taken by the ministry was in the interest of those who had trained and eagerly awaiting the opportunity to display their athletic prowess.
Gabriel St.Jean,you were a Policeman.Truly every Partimentarian is entitled to a salute.BY WHO?.In our case by the Police.In a military parade or youth rally,the salute is for the Prime Minister or President or somebody designated to take the salute.You as a former Police know that.Linton was NOT entitled for a. salute.GABRIEL why don’t you salute Linton evertime you see him?
Okay bad weather so why the prime minister did not cancel his wife launching it was bad weather to.
I guess when you’re in the dog house you have to do whatever it takes to please your wife!!@
As it says in the bible, ” there is a time for everything” (paraphrasing). We all know that none of us will live forever, and that time respects no man. Those who are wicked will have their day, just as those who do good will have their day. This abuse of Dominica will end, and then we will see the judgement. The youth will lead us, because they are our future. Let us try our best to train them properly, and encourage them to be brave in the face of adversity.
If the pending weather was so frightening and posed a threat to life, so much so that the children couldn’t be allowed to match because of the possibility of thunderstorms then it was not safe to have the leadership of the country outside turning the sod in the same dangerous weather. This is a weak and asinine excuse being presented by the weak minister of education. He ought to be ashamed of himself.
Peter you said it right Skerrit is a jack…, I assume you know it takes one to know one.On that day the children needed a grown up to help them, and there was Mr Linton to help them push on through.
Mr St Jean you guys are a piece of duttiness.
Look at how Skeeritt n labour polluting the minds of the young people with cool outs n bribes for elections… That’s what you should chat about.
You alll using housing to win votes.. Everything is for a vote….
Poeple have to beg for their own money…..
You guys spending billions on election campaign, when that money could be put to good use.. Roads, mahaut school roof, fix roseau, buy equipments hospitals..
Look you guys bringing foreign artists to make 120,000us for 50 mins, isn’t wicked alll you wicked. Using popcaan to pull youths n roots, man n dem bad boys, cause popcaan lyrics in most songs are bout ladies, guns, n badman stuff..
Is that the kind of nation you guys wannnna build….
Mr St Jean, goo repent n give your life to God,
No partner, mista is a gegesh, yup just pure gegesh. Linton decided to not embarrass the nation by showing the youth, who had months of training and preparation, that it was not in vain, and would be respected and appreciated more than that of the breaking grounds for a new hotel.
These students were disrespected in favor for a new hotel that involved the people’s money. Man you are just too foolish to take such a long time to respond to this debacle. You know you had to respond, so why wait so long?
ALAS. Skeritt just making fools of all of you we
Now st jean heard of de salute man…so long salute take place..u dreaming man. Stupes tan. St jean go back to your church eh and leave politis alone
That is a salute??? big joke hmmmm.
well sir, you are confirming that de cabinet had prior knowledge of “unfavorable weather conditions”
But de event was not cancelled….coming into de stadium no students were told that de march pass was cancelled……de performances in dance by students themselves were not cancelled either.
de PM called off de march pass because he was running late for de ribbon cutting ceremony for de villas development at middleham falls
de PM sent word to de education ministry top officials that de march pass should be cancelled….i am certain that he didn’t even give a reason!!!!!
If i had a student in dat march pass you and your ministry officials would get a seriously worded letter from me as a parent….i would have even rallied other parents to sign a joint agreed letter of scorn and rebuke!!!!
that’s de record you leaving on yur way out de door???
As a right-thinking and sober Dominican, I thank Mr. Linton for respecting our students and taking their salute. Petter Saint Jean and the rest of the DLP cabal cannot come to terms that Lennox Linton pulled a smart move over them.
Petter St. Jean has been made a nonentity by Skerrit for his mediocre performance as the Minister of Education. He is presently of no relevance just like an abandoned derelict vehicle, on the roadside, a shell of itself. Like a volcano, he emits sulphurous fumes from inside. He should reserve all that anger, hatred and hostility for Skerrit who unceremoniously dumped him to the garbage heap. Mr. Linton did not slight him in any way.
It is time for the DLP. to exit and go quietly into the night. A change is coming.
Skerrit is paying hundreds of thousands of our money 💸 to one young Jamaican musician while our young musicians are broke.
The children know what they want. Don’t think for them. Give them a chance to grow up. Their dreams does not have to be your reality..
Did you say Skerrit is an Arsenic
Lennox made a fool of himself, see what happened he saluted the kids with his hand on his man hood the evil that you do lives with you.
Great observation. Linton was probably dying for the toilet but couldn’t pass the opportunity to feel what it is like taking a salute as part of a national day celebration. Alas, this will be the the only time he will ever experience this feeling since only the Prime minister, deputy prime minister and the President are afforded that experience. Linton will never be in any of these positions so i hope he enjoyed his little five minutes of fame, even for all the wrong reasons.
Lennox made a fool of the labour stooges and of Skerritt.
Well I suppose that while those same children were there for hours listening to all those speakers safety was not an issue. I also suppose that with all the rain we have been having all the sewo the dlp providing for those same children like pop corn safety was not a concern. This st Jean guy never ceases to amaze me with the stupid comments he makes.
The most inept representative as a Minister in the history of our country!
Lol. Saint Jean, stop lying for Skerrit. How long it took you to be forced to make that statement against your better judgement and conscience?
Mr. Linton onward and forward you have shown a lack of respect for political authority and this is the position that you seek.
In other countries if you think something is rightful and dutiful you can not just go ahead and do it and Dominica is no different.
You are not the prime minister. You are the opposition leader and you to can make a significant contribution. But by right, what you did was not your call whether or not you deemed it necessary sir.
He did exactly what Satan did. Satan wanted worship that belongs to God.
Saint Jean is contradicting Melissa who said about UWP members of parliament “They don’t AGITATE for you!”
If my memory serves me right every Parliamentarian is entitled to a SALUTE and this has been the norm from time immemorial. I sometimes hated the idea of saluting some of the JACK…… according to you sir
Sometimes it almost feel like I’m dreaming.isnt that the same uwp that’s being calling for boycott of independence celebration for years maybe this year would have been their first in years.now talking about government not supporting the youth.i mean the situation could be handled differently but mr linton seems to have forgotten his utterances he made in the past and his actions
Peter that burn your yaya boy. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Mr. Peter Saint Jean,
It is very interesting for you to say that Mr.Linton is encouraging the students to disrespect public officials. My question to you is what do you think is the outcome when a Prime Minster tell the people who placed him in that position to serve country ” Go to hell” when the people are asking valid questions. isn’t that seen as disrespect or is it for one set. FURTHERMORE, you are in no position to send stones, you moved from teacher, to pastor to politician. Remember passing your anger on your crops when you learnt someone picked something out of your garden? Remember your disgust when you found out you were being replaced? Do you honestly believe you would have won the La Plaine consistency again? The people have lost faith in you, not because you did not give them what they wanted but because you fail at being a leader. You taught your students how to think independently. You taught us the value of democracy. Have you forgotten the meaning?
Mr.Saint Jean.
Mr. Linton gave the student the Respect the deserved and they were very happy by their reactions, and who’s fault was that it was you and your PM after all didn’t he said he runs things in Dominica, well the young people are showing you and your counter parts that disrespecting them is not acceptable, they have a voice and they used it. If the PM had to leave why didn’t he call on his deputy minister to remain and he could take the salute but they all left, you all brought the attack on you all selves and stop blaming Mr. Linton for the blunder.. Now you can understand that the tide have turned against you and your party.. The Power of the almighty GOD is braking every chain evil is broken down. CHANG IS A MUST, DOMINICA WILL RISE AGAIN, we all have to come together and fight for our ISLAND it’s all about DOMINICA sweet DOMINICA.
Peter, thank God your Labour Party days are coming to a halt in a few weeks.
Mr. St Jean, Sir, I agree with you that what the students did and especially for the response of Lennox Linton, was uncalled for.
Disobedience and disrespect is certainly, not a trait in a society which will maintain peace and order among the people
But what took you so long to respond?
This situation has already died off in the people’s mind. The student must have believed that they got away with their rude conduct; Lennox must be thinking that he is untouchable–singing inspiration for what he did.
Both parties should have heard from you, right after their behavior.
People, young and old, should learn that good discipline is a trait that will motivate peace and unity in their environment; and when this conduct is tampered with, it should be noted immediately–one week or two weeks later is not strong enough
Lizzy, you agree with every foolishness that emanates from every DLP politician’s mouth, even their unpleasant spittle bugs.
Well, I do not agree that Mr. St. Jean took so long to come with a response to that incident, did I?
can you or any other Skerrit supporters get it thru you all thick skulls that de students were actually displaying honest discipline to de LEADER OF DE OPPOSITION?
in ourHouse of Parliament:
de Leader of de Opposition leads de Opposition side of de house
de Prime Minister leads de Government side of de house
Honest Patriots of Watukubuli actually own a copy of de Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica
educate yourself it will make us a stronger nation!
Petter St Jean if there was inclement weather on that Friday why is it alleged that did certain DLP officials fly to Barbados to attend a certain DLP function in that island?
Petter St Jean if there was inclement weather on that Friday why did the Miss OECS Queen Show still take place at the same Windsor Park venue?
Petter St Jean do you know why the Benjamin Park is so soggy these days? Are you aware that since these pipes were replaced immediately following the election of late Prime Minister Roosevelt Douglas who commissioned the rehabilitation of the Benjamin’s Park in Portsmouth that those drainage pipes have never been maintained, so they are clogged and the now very little water flow causing the park to stay soggy for longer than normal periods.
And i know you know those things…
Keep bashing everybody. you call the prime minister an azz now you bashing the leader of the opposition, nothing you say from now on will be regarded because the prime minister has sent you back to your farm to beat anyone who steals a banana. wicked souls!
Petter St Jean stop allow people to ride you like an as..The windsor park stadium dont get water logged because of its good drainage system.
St Jean Peter Pepper you are of no use to Skerrit and certainly of no use to be listened to.
Do you know that Ali Reza Zibahalat Monfarred, Skerrit’s good friend was jailed for 20 years and asked to pay $1.3 billion dollars?Do you know that he was in Dominica,trying to evade capture? Why were you so moo moo?Do you know that two foreign mercenaries were at Linton’s home planting false evidence?Why are you moo moo on that? Is it because you called Skerrit an azz??Do you know that top DLP people allegedly tried to bribe Annette Sanford? What’s your take on that?
You are dumped by Skerrit, and you are politically useless! Stop puffing out hot air!
Your Marjee!!!
Good Riddance!!
Skerrit
Whey is di money?
Whey is di money?
Whey is di money,?
Minister Saint Jean you is a True Rass….Stop your dirty Ways…..Them youth showed you that there strength comes from The Almighty so take your dorchness else where …You is a spineless man little boy
Don’t worry with the grammar and spelling, we got the message.
Petter St. Jean should bash the near dead economy, the very sorry state of education and the lack of essential infrastructure. Your party’s obsession with Mr. Linton does not make the hellish economic conditions in the country any better. Good paying, sustainable jobs in Dominica are scarce like rainfall in the Sahara Desert. Turn your verbal abuse on the severely corrupt man who has destroyed the country’s economy.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Every thing belongs God. We are just here for a short time to take care of God’s earth.
We are fighting over things that DO NOT BELONG to us. We have to leave it all behind. All human beings ALIVE right here right NOW deserve the VERY Very very
BEST.
As your NEW Prime Minister I Offer You God’s Freedom and The Freedom for education and health care and a great vacation every year.
What do you say Fellow Dominican all over God’s WORLD.
In Jesus Name
The Name That IS above all names.
Ehh Ehh… St. Jean, where you come out???
Your check cash man. The money finally in your account in the Bank.
The last time I hear from you, you were calling Skeritt an A$. on stage (DNO do not delete my comment, as these statements were made by St. Jean himself on a DLP platform).
Anybody that should be bashed should be you and your wife, for crossing the marching parade. This was very disrespectful on your part. Especially as they were in the process of Saluting The Highest member fo Parliament left at that time… Mr. Lennox Linton.
So now you get your money you talking? We don’t want to hear from you, too late for that.
Mr. Linton showed respect to the students who put in long hours of practice to march for their country’s independence celebration. There was no disrespect only young minds holding flags high with pride.
Nomme la thé en dream land et E rayvé et PM, so leur E layvé sa faire MAL E pa PM Dominique, alor E allez poze core en place à PM.
St. Jean st jean st jean. I am a sober minded Dominican. Respect goes two ways in our country. We are not Chinese nor north koreans. Believe me i will be in the revolution when that happens and you will not sleep at peace for rest of your life. Lennox Linton did the right thing. Cannot compare sports in soggy field wit a march past. You guys know darn well why march was cancelled
Sounds like this was written for him to read….. now go collect your cheque Peter Pepper……..
SMH
Error: TeteCarlbass.
I believe the Prime Minister should have waited an extra hour or two before abandoning the parade. The students had prepared themselves for that opportunity to show their matching skills for months, therefore, they were really hurt when the decision was taken..
St Jean. Put a sock in it!!
You mentioned the weather officials said there was a chance of thunderstorms since the 1st,(the day before the parade) why wasn’t a decision taken on that day to postpone or cancel the parade?
The PM was at the Stadium and he turned his back on the future of the nation:- the High School students. And there is no excuse for such behavior. But wait a while, wasn’t he the one who has been practicing… “..no constitution..”.. and “go to hell…” . We all know what he said. And you St Jean want to talk about bad examples? Please, just shut the hell up.
Lennox Linton stepped up to the plate and did the correct thing, and if you or any of the Government officials has a problem with that, you all should be man enough to tell the PM is none sense he doing. But again, we all know when he barks..no man can say a word.
I must say that the final decision to be made was up to the organizers of the rally bearing in mind the threat of the weather. Nevertheless no one could have predicted the change of the weather soon after the announcement was made.
Petter must be an idiot to compare sports and marching.
Who going to run 🏃🏽 on a soggy field to hurt themselves?
I will walk on a soggy field which is safer instead.
Surely he knows what he saying is nonsense to compare those two events.