Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has said that eminent Caribbean Jurist, Sir Dennis Byron is in the final stages of putting together his report on Electoral Reform for Dominica.
Sir Dennis was selected by the Prime Minister to serve as a sole commissioner to advance efforts towards electoral reform.
Concerns have been raised about what some consider to be the tardiness of Sir Dennis’ report after it was postponed multiple times.
Treasurer of the National Joint Action Movement (NJAM), Anthony E. Leblanc, is of the view that it is taking Sir Dennis “far too long” to present his report and suggested that the eminent Caribbean jurist may have an ulterior motive.
Sir Dennis admitted in December 2021, that the process had been taking longer than he had anticipated and would not be ready by the end of the year as previously promised. Instead, he gave a new target date of January 2022.
“My understanding is that Sir Dennis is in the final stages of putting together his report,” Skerrit said on his Annou Pale talk show. “I understand that when I inquire from the commission that he is in consultation with the legal drafts people on the proposed legislation and as far as we are concerned, in the government, we would like to get this electoral reform process behind us and focus on other equally important aspect of the economic and social advancement of the country.”
He continued, “I don’t have direct contact with Sir Dennis, I have avoided this. My only interaction with Sir Dennis is when he invited the Labour Party to a consultation as he did with the United Workers Party [UWP] and other stakeholders, so I avoid having any direct contact with Sir Dennis.”
Skerrit says he believes that based on the attitude of the UWP during the last general elections that is the only vexing issue they had and he hopes that once this is set aside there will be no other issues.
He said electoral reform is a priority for his party, “and my hope is that we can hear from Sir Dennis the soonest and we can go to the Parliament the soonest and we can accept the recommended changes by Sir Dennis the soonest.”
Meantime, the Prime Minister indicated that it is important that those who have been calling for Electoral Reform are prepared to accept the recommendations, “because sometimes people say they want something when really in truth and in fact they do not want it, so we are ready to move.”
Sir Dennis Byron is a former President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, a former Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and former President of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. He currently serves as President of the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute.
“ Like clouds and wind when no rain follows, is the man (Skerrit) who boastfully promises what he never gives.” Just hungry to stay in power in order to avoid answering for the his abuse of power including ditching our beloved constitution. All those who support this creature is without conscience; being traitors of their own country. They are hungry and are satisfied with crumbs from Skerrit’s dirty table. I do not rely on government for handouts and favors like lazy folks as Lin Clown. That name fits him/her like a pair of gloves.
Sir Dennis Byron will put what we the PEOPLE want in the electoral reform report all 23,587 of us who voted DLP.What we want is what Skerrit MUST want.Anything other than what we want we the PEOPLE will reject the report.I am a DOMINICAN American and returned and built my house in Dominica,so has several Dominican American.After MARIE we stayed and rebuilt this country,people like Jonathan Y St.Jean stayed away from the rebuilding effort.You and yours may have contributed before Maria.Not after Dominica was totally destroyed by Maria,you supported the speech by Lennox Linton outside the UN.We Dominicans will never forget.As an agriculturist you never returned to help plant a dasheen plant,just posting BS on DNO.
Electoral Reform.
Professional Administrator,Honesty,Integrity,Morality.
All this is missing in the Electoral System
From village polling places,village registration officials,electorial office.
No matter what system in place,the corruption is in built.
Skerritt giving Dennis Byron to oversee the important exercise of electoral reform in Dominca is like tasking Sir Gary Sobers to oversee the reform of the rules pertaining to skateboarding. Dennis should have told Skerritt that that was not his area of specialty. Yet the greedy, money hungry Dennis felt that he couldn’t pass up $500,000.00. Sounds to me like Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Persons who are qualified in electoral reform law had already given clear guidelines for electoral reform.
Brother, you couldn’t have said it better. That’s exactly my argument. An excellent plan was given to the Skerrit’s maladministration by the most competent, experienced and reputable organizations in 2019 for FREE. There was no need for this election reform neophyte to reinvent the wheel. The deal is where money and corruption come together in unholy matrimony.
You will always miss the big picture, know why, that box on your head, you want me to describe the box for you, it is your partisan political beliefs. It is strange, CARICOM delegation was a component of the special joint electoral reform committee the Government asked in seeking help, you have said that CARICOM is a waste of time on many occasions on this medium, but now they are part of an experienced and reputable organization and can be praised, why ://news.gov.dm/announcements/4735-statement-from-ag-on-joint-mission-for-electoral-reform
This separates the dishonesty you are using to inseminate the deceptive, mischievous political agenda you are part of.
@Gary, just so you know, even garbage has it’s good uses. Calling Caricom a waste of time, doesn’t mean it can’t have some useful parts. You sound so infantile.
It is one thing to criticize and express your opinion in search of a solution, but can you at least display some rational or understanding where someone can say wow, you understand the issue rather than being driven by your political partisan beliefs of an agenda that is deceptive, mischievous and thrives on chaos. I would like you to answer this, name me someone of your choice you would recommend to overseer the electoral reform process in Dominica if you think Sir Dennis Byron is not qualified
Demonstrate that you are interested in having electoral reform, and you truly understand the issue which involves legal matters and The Constitution, accommodation of peoples perceptions and logistical protocols, and not associate yourself with the saying empty barrels makes the most noise.
@Gary, the existing law states that the chairman of the electoral commission is not subservient to anyone, yet Skerritt took upon his own and appointed Dennis the money hungry ex-judge to oversee the reform of our electoral laws. Dennis should have known to check the laws referring to the electoral commission and elections in Dominca before accepting the job. If he did check the laws then that makes him doubly corrupt. I can’t respect Dennis for accepting an exercise which is corrupt from the start. I would accept any one of the legal minds who came to Dominca and consulted with the stakeholders and presented a report to the government on the way forward for electoral reform. Also the UWI school of law must have more than one person qualified to undertake such an exercise and do a good job. I just hope that stake holders get too see the report before it’s taken to parliament to be rubber stamped by this corrupt cabal. To insist that only one person is qualified is lunacy.
Wow, Jonathan Y St Jean the Constitution expert and your interpretation as it relates to your disapproval of Sir Dennis Byron to oversee the reform of our electoral laws circumventing the authority of the electoral commission, suggesting that the commission is not subservient to anyone, The PM has no authority to appoint Sir Dennis Byron, lol. Let me ask you, where does The Electoral Commission get its mandate to operate.
The most ludicrous and absurd thing you said, quote, “Dennis should have known to check the laws referring to the electoral commission and elections in Dominica before accepting the job”oh, Jonathan Y St Jean, why have you abandoned the process of thinking. Do you really think a person like Sir Dennis Byron with his credentials, stature and reputation would take on such a task without doing his due diligence, be proud of your ignorance and the statements you made about Sir Dennis Byron being money hungry so long.
We LABOURITES put Dominica back on the face of the map.Paradise is back up and running without the help of the lazy,lying UWP supporters like Jonathan and IBO.We will not allow crooks,traitors and terrorists to take over our country.Every Dominican has a right to vote as long as you can show proof you are Dominican.The people who rebuilt Dominica with their blood,sweat and tears will make the rules.In 2014 the UWP paid tickets for 1,163 to come to Dominica to vote.In 2019 they(UWP) could not afford to pay for tickets and so they lost the 1,163 votes,causing DLP to win by 7,219 votes.
Loot carefully at the expression on these two ‘honourable’ gentlemen’s faces. It speaks volumes. I see deception, sinfulness, greed, immorality, arrogance, delusion, disdain, egotism, iniquity.
Those of you credulous citizens, who think that Robin’ Hood has had an epiphany, the reason for selecting this former jurist to reform the corrupt electoral system, are going to be inconsolably disappointed whenever this long awaited report surfaces.It’s not going to worth the paper it is printed on.
It would be interesting to determine whether this judge presided over any court cases involving Skerrit, and what were the outcomes. The mercenary is about to deliver on the cynical plan. The CCJ, If they would like to grow and develop as a respected and revered institution must stand against this clear breach of all protocols, principles, character and norms.
At the next election thousands of people will be flown in from Miami to vote for yours truly tickets paid for free of charge by yours truly disguised as vacation using C B I money on Air Skerrit AKA American airlines jet aircraft. The planes will be packed. The planning and conspiracy is already in the works.
It is said that every man has a price. $450 000 was the right price to seal the deal. While most Dominicans are catching hell, the former judge is doing well, living the best days of his life.
I want all the diehards of Donald Skerrit to recover from their drunken stupor. Stop consuming that intoxicating, brain numbing, ruby red cocktail.
Reflect on the last twenty years of life in Dominica. Consider your socio economic status; the development of your country or lack thereof; the politically charged atmosphere; the moral decadence; your starvation wages and salaries; the widespread indigence; the escalating crime rate and police brutality.
It’s pellucid. All these indicate that the country is heading for the abyss under the Skerrit-led DLP. The people’s lives are in peril. The notorious lying driver at the wheel is telling the passengers to have confidence in him, for his carefully handpicked conductor will save the country with the reforms they have been agitating for. The scariest thing is many gullible infidels believe him. SMDH!
We will still win at the next general election 21-0 on the same page with Mia Motley. Whatever you are chasing will be a wild goose chase. So, what’s your point? You are fighting a losing battle, my friend. Don’t keep your hopes too high cause, you will be very, very disappointed. And don’t you start counting your chickens before they have been hatched out of the box. Lennox Linton is no panacea to the ills that may have been created by you and your dumb, gullible friends. Nobody wants to see the Dow Jones hit rock bottom if that would be result of an ugly Lenny Administration. You yearn to see Lennox sitting on that hot seat which is beyond his reach. That is one dream that will never come true, not on this earth, not on the next one. For Lennox, “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”. I rather believe in Skerrit everyday who is a six form graduate than to believe in a high school drop out.
The cow has been milked, and bleed to the bones; the parasites are well fed, people’s pocket are filled with the poor taxpayers money; now it is time to release some bogus form of a so called electoral reform report.
This is the longest time invested in making recommendations for such: not even the late Parry Bellot productivity report took as long!
It is going to be interesting to read or hear the garbage within: they called for electoral reform on the island of Antigua, months prior to the last election, in a matter of months; as a mater of fact in less than six months, electoral reform was tabled, and implemented.
Roosevelt appointed electoral czar has used up more than two years farting nothing; we will never know how much was plundered from the taxpayers of Dominica treasury; what we do know someone was paid more money for this nonsense, than they ever gainfully earn in all of their life while employed on any other job!
you should be stripped of the title “SIr”.
The electoral system, in its present form, has served Skerrit and the DLP very well. Does anyone seriously think that the illegitimate occupant of the OPM wants genuine changes?
Expecting Mr. Byron to produce an electoral system that creates a level playing field for all political parties and independent candidates is like digging a well in the Sahara Desert and expect to find an abundance of fresh, drinking water.
Who pays the piper calls the tune.This tune is going to be off key.
Most of you people who keep blogging religiously would never join a massive demonstration in Roseau to redeem our country. You all are cowards and it shows by the shallow and petty comments you continue to occupy space on this medium. You all have been doing so for over 20 years; and will do so for another 20. You bark and bark until Skeritt throws you a bone. Then you knaw it until he throws you another bone. Meanwhile you continue to throw Dominica to the dogs. Our Once courageous men of Dominica are no more. So all you will suck plenty salt. And beware….the supporters of both parties will suck the same amount of salt when things start to heat up. You foolish supporters of Skeritt, when you will be choking on your salt, Skeritt will be relaxing in Dubai with his Camels. Sacres sott.
And what you doing here Jey Jey. Is not exactly the same you doing my boy? Best you be silent instead of this talk that inspires no one.
Skerritt doesn’t even know how to lie even if he’s a perpetual liar to the citizens of Dominca. He says that the first time he interacted with Dennis is when Dennis invited his labor cabal to a consultation. A damn lie, because Skerritt first interacted with the man to offer him the cushy job for which he isn’t eminently qualified, because his specialty isn’t in the field of electoral reform. Then it sounds like Skerritt plans to accept what his stooge Dennis presents without giving the public at large an opportunity to review it and propose improvements. I don’t have any confidence in the process, the man who is conducting the exercise nor the electoral commission, the chairman presented a response to the eligibility of Vince for Grand Bay election on his personal business letterhead and not on the letterhead of the electoral commission. It’s just slippery and not above board from beginning to end. I hope the concerned citizens take a stand to right the process.
Few days ago, you said to your naive people (only your naive people) that you have had no contact with your Sir Byron, yet you have dined with him in lavish style at your kingdom. Less than 5 days into your once again lies you are aware of his work progress. King who does you think you are fooling? King just to let you know that you are fooling yourself and your mesh. Time for liberation of Dominica is nearing. Dominicans are tired and fed up with you. One man. Yes, with you
That is the thing with JackA Jones,JJ.Lin Clown know Skerrit,Skerrit does not know Lin Clown.Lin Clown has worked HARD in Dominica,Canada and the USA to build a house and comfortable,unlike the above mentioned JACKA JONES.Get some work to do stop crying about Skerrit this and Skerrit that,like a pit bull without teeth.Your barking is useless,you cannot bite.Dominica is LABOUR country and it is going to be so for a very long time.What does everything in an accountable and transparent manner,that is why the international financial community continue to pour money into Skerrit hands.HONESTY.The pit bulls cannot bite.
That is what I am saying,we built this country after Maria,if we want to pay for people to come to vote there is nothing wrong with that.This country belong to labour and we can do as we damn please.A lot of prodigal sons and parasites spent all their young and fruitful days working in and for a foreign country,now they have nothing to offer want to tell how to run Dominica.NEVER.
You are as sick as they come. In fact I even regard your views as dangerous.
You partisians hate yourselves and
country so much. Why not rid yourselves of ignorance and learn how to present an argument properly instead of tired propaganda techniques. As always a strawman arguments and feeling like you nailed it. Please, more effort in learning and less in clowning.
a former jurist who has been president of the ccj, violates the constitution of a state in the ccj jurisdiction and the judiciary is silent, the ccj is silent, our opposition accepted the appointment of dennis. our system is corrupted in every aspect of the word corruption. we the people of Dominica ought to put politics aside in order to salvage our beloved nation.
That is the problem with these idi,Skerrit is the one who went to the UN begging for help to rebuild Dominica.He has the authority to say what he want for Dominica and how it should be governed,with the heip of labourites.I hope in Dennis Byron report he has,every Dominican citizen can vote not matter how long he/ she leave Dominica.As long as you can prove you are a Dominican and your name is on the ballot VOTE.We LABOURITES built this country with our blood,sweat and tears and we will decide what we want for it.
Kindergarten; graduate, you are nothing than a clown; when you say “we built this country” who are the we you are you talking about?
If you are part of this corrupted Roosevelt Skerrit Cabal, there is no wonder the economy of Dominica has long collapse and you and Roosevelt cannot recognize that.
Anyway, I wonder if you or anyone knows the whereabouts of Elizabeth, I am unable to reach her by phone or E-mail, I know she was alive and well in December, as she posted on DNO, since then nothing!
That is not like her, Elizabeth if you are well, I in particular want to know!
The words of a Mad Man. Lie Clown, your circus show is not attracting any spectators.
@Lin clown, I know it’s nonsense that you are taking and you know it’s foolishness you are saying. However, please show some respect for those who came before and endured so much that today we have a country. Enough said.
if you are not a permanent citizen that leaves in Dominica , you should not have the right to vote ,
When will dominicans get off thier butts an own up to thier responsibility to govern themselves. A population of 70k people with over 21 parliamentarians are not bright enough to come up with reforms that we can all agree upon. The whole parliament needs to be fired. If electoral reform is the responsibility of the electoral reform why then is the PM informing us on the progress of Mr. Byron. Was he informed of the progress by byron? Was he informed of progress by electoral Commission? Why would electoral Commission be updating the PM and not the citizens? Electoral reform is not for party in government and opposition. It is to ensure that the people get a government that reflects the majority intentions at the polls and not be corrupted or manipulated. That should be done by honorable dominicans. The very process with PM unilaterally appointing Byron is corrupt from inception and principles. This despicable example of a human being needs to be removed from our government
Dominica does not need any ‘elections” yours truly has already established himself as Prime minister for life and also controls all the money as self appointed minister of finance for life stuffing his overseas bank account with the peoples money.
I’m just bemused that anyone with even a modicum of common sense can look forward to Mr. Dennis Byron’s electoral reform report with keen anticipation. Anyone who takes hundreds of thousands of dollars to do a job for Roosevelt Skerrit has compromised himself.
Three reputable, experienced organizations with electoral reforms, came to Dominica, interviewed a wide cross-section of the public, made fair and sensible electoral reform suggestions, and bewilderingly, they were all flippantly rejected by the corrupt, incumbent kakistocracy.
Mr. Dennis Byron has compromised himself by being lured to engage in this monumental undertaking. To make matters worse, he has no prior experience dealing with electoral reforms.
Skerrit’s only agenda is to rust in government and hold on to power, the monumental salary and the many perks. Creating a level playing-field by reforming the electoral system is not even remotely possible with this ignoble regime headed by Skerrit .
Sorry, I do not believe Skerrit. The time I did has long passed. Is not me that cause that but the actions of Mister himself. You can all believe what you want, you are free to do so but count this Dominican out.
The Dictator should stop his nonsense!
The pretense of not being in contact with Mr. Byron is fool-hardy and misleading to say the least. While I am well aware of the Dictator’ problems with the truth, I also believe he will never directly contact Byron directly but indirectly he and his surrogates are holding the hands of the said Byron as he tries to write. Having a pair of pliers properly fastened to a mans genitals with as much pressure as one can apply can cause him to do unimaginable things 8). Just the thought of it should make Dcans cringe
That prime minister of ours is such a dangerous man.He says in the beginning that he has had no contact with sir Dennis Byron since he was invited by him for consultation,when we all know that’s a lie. He then further states that he hopes we accept the report by sir Dennis.Could it be that skerrit already know what is in the report?
Sadly if sufficient reforms are not instituted before the next general election I see this country going to hell in a hand basket.
You hit the “proverbial nail” directly on the head. But, like the now legendary Dr. Handbag and the others such as mon-ser-wu-yea(?) there will be hell to pay if the said Byron simply regurgitates in writing the same nonsense that the Dictator and his acolytes have been spewing.
Yours truly is more dangerous than Trump. Yours truly will flee with all the islands money when he is forced out of office and the island descends into chaos.
My Brother the only one that can know if you speaking the truth is you and the Father. It would be a real shame to see a young man like you perish because of all the ills you’ve done to one nation. You remind me of Jim Jones and God forbid I hope you don’t use the exact product to give to the Dominicans that put so much trust in you that they even hate their own family to be loyal to you.
I am one who truly believes in the Father and I pray I’m wrong but every word otter from your mouth spills evil.
All I can advise you is that you have done so much evil to these people that is high time you ask the Father for forgiveness and do the right when you call elections let Dominicans who are baring the blunt of your hardship decide there government stop importing votes and claim victory because its not the true reflection of the wants of the people. If people wants to vote let them pay their way, because we all know this Byron man has made recommendation to keep your agenda.