Statement by CARICOM Chairman on tweet by OAS Secretary-General

CARICOM Chairman Timothy Harris

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remains deeply concerned by the actions and statements of the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) which are outside the bounds of his remit as the Head of an international organisation.

His Tweet of 7 February 2019, associating himself with a suggestion that Dominica will not conduct free and fair upcoming elections is the latest manifestation of his inappropriate behaviour.  Further, it is disturbing that without first consulting with the Government of Dominica, which is a Member State of the Organisation, he, as Secretary-General, should be associating himself with such an inference.

The Community once again calls on the Secretary-General to refrain from actions and statements which are beyond the competence of the Office and affect the impartiality of the Organisation which he has the privilege to lead.

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33 Comments

  1. DomiKIttitian
    February 24, 2019

    That is why Opposition Leader, Dr Denzel Douglas will whip Dr Timothy Harris … out of next general elections in St Kitts and Nevis.

    Holder of Dominica’s Diplomatic Passport, Dr Denzel Douglas is an eminent DIPLOMATIC CITIZEN of the Commonwealth of Dominica… Who vex, bust :lol: :lol: :lol:

  2. Badbaje
    February 24, 2019

    When the opposition leader Mr. Linton visited a meeting of the heads of state of the governments of the local region “OAS” to inform them of the actions of the prime minister of Dominica, I said there and then he was going to a snake pit to complain he and the people of Dominica were being bitten. I was told when something does happen in Dominica, those leaders cannot say they did not know.

    I say those leaders do know, they condone and encourage it, they themselves practice the same thing, using same or different tactics, they are all in this together.

    This latest fiasco proves it, beyond the shadow of a doubt. Why don’t this man write The Pope and complain, The Pope made the same claims about elections in Dominica. Oh no, he cant do that, “his people” would be in an uproar, would call for his immediate dismissal, he would not dare.

    Bring on the cool aid, more cool aid Dr. Harris et al. What a bunch of idiots, knowing their followers and supporters are even bigger…

  3. %
    February 23, 2019

    I am happy that you Dr Harris, and Caricom in general has been responded to. For your edification, you must read the response carefully, since you have no idea of how our democracy in Dominica has been battered by lazy Skerrit, Caricom’s most incompetent leader!
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  4. A voter
    February 23, 2019

    Me Harris, is that why you tried to remove a duely elected member of Parliament? Because you think no one should have an opposing view? People like you Mr. Harris, is what’s wrong with this world.

  5. John
    February 23, 2019

    Dr. Harris, your people should remove you from office at the next election because you want to follow the same trend as Skerrit and we don’t need dictators in the Caribbean.

  6. February 23, 2019

    Dr.Harris I was once a big supporter of yours,but you have proven to be a skulduggery just as skerit,and caricom should be abolished,no use to us in Dominica.

  7. sisserou
    February 23, 2019

    I think Dominica will soon set the precedence for electoral reform in caricom to include two terms for any prime minister and fix election date.

  8. shrewd
    February 22, 2019

    All Caricom does, is carry come and carry go. Mr Harris, do you know weather the statement by the OAS secretary- general, is a statement of fact? well Sir Dominica have not had free and fair elections in fifteen years. please go back to sleep.

  9. Truthman
    February 22, 2019

    you receive a phone call to make a statement man . your idiot !!! The man using his friend’s in positions to make statement.

  10. max
    February 22, 2019

    CARICOM is of no use. Just paying folks in big offices, cause guess what all the so called “CARICOM” nations still act in Solos and also when you put that CARICOM passport in front of immigration officers in the “CARICOM” countries they still ask…..how long do you intend to stay….what is your address etc. and stamp with exit date. RUBBISH

    • LifeandDeath
      February 22, 2019

      shake your BIG toe..CARICOM is ultimately being turned into a toothless Lion..they should be more concerned about losing appeal with the young generation..Focus on building back that confidence by supporting good gevernance and demanding accountability, not by trying to shield crooks from criticism. We’re going nowhere with that approach in the Region.

  11. Historian
    February 22, 2019

    Dr Harris knows better …if he does not he should ask Larocque..the secretary General who as a Dominican knows like all dominicans that voters are brought in from.the diaspora to augment labour voters in constituencies where labour appear to be short of support
    That these voters are flown in paid subsistence ..spend the weekend .of elections after being away
    For years etc merely to meet the expected shortfall of Labour support in respective constituencies
    It is shameful and disgraceful that prominent Caribbean officials fail to call out skerritt like the OAS did ….where is the legitimacy of these people who like sycophants stick to the follow the leader by all means necessary
    Same can be said of our own local eminent personalities…
    Business and lawyers professionals to seek and receive the benefits of cuddling up to a leader irrespective of his obvious illicit abuse of power .

  12. Channel 1
    February 22, 2019

    What really is the purpose of CARICOM?

    • Gnatel
      February 23, 2019

      CARICOM’S Vision
      A Caribbean Community that is integrated, inclusive and resilient; driven by knowledge, excellence, innovation and productivity; a Community where every citizen is secure and has the opportunity to realise his or her potential with guaranteed human rights and social justice; and contributes to, and shares in, its economic, social and cultural prosperity ; a Community which is a unified and competitive force in the global arena.

      I repeat “a Community where every citizen is secure and has the opportunity to realise his or her potential with guaranteed human rights and social justice;”

      The question:, is CARICOM fulfilling it’s true purpose or do they operate as a “PM Boys Club”?

  13. DD1
    February 22, 2019

    If there are allegations Mr. Chairman, as an effective leader you should encourage an investigation, and don’t blame the messenger. SMH.

  14. Ibo France
    February 22, 2019

    The OAS and the Commonwealth observer missions have made several recommendations to the Skerrit-led administration to obtain a level playing field for all political parties contesting general elections in Dominica. Skerries and his acolytes have stubbornly resisted to implement any of these recommendations. He uses the State owned radio station as a playground for himself, his ministerial colleagues and his potty-mouthed SC. The voters’ list should be totally revamped. ID cards strictly for voting not any National ID cards. No overseas registration of voters that will most likely lead to fraud and corruption. Dominica has been exposed as a haven for corruption.

  15. Majie they majie
    February 22, 2019

    well everyone tweeting these days why not man speak your mind the truth offends.

  16. dissident
    February 22, 2019

    So now all you find it fitting to pretend to protect Dominica name.
    What did caricom say after Alison madueke and N G Lapseng….. millionaire protecting millionaire and to hell with the people????

    Did caricom have a discussion with our official opposition before making this statement?

    Why is only Roosevelt Skerrit all you interested in giving support against the voice of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica

  17. Observer
    February 22, 2019

    Well said. I thought the very same.

  18. jamie
    February 22, 2019

    Harris shut the hell up,you and majority of these caribbean leaders are a bunch of scums,and will do anything to remain in power,Do you know over the years the over seas Dominicans that can no longer vote Skerrit has flown in to dominica and vote,the proof is out there and can show you,stop the corruption,will all catch up in due time,you guys are elected by the people and abuse your powers.

  19. AA
    February 22, 2019

    CARICOM need to shut the F*&^ up bunch of people sucking the member states resources and producing zero for the people of the region. CARICOM sees shit going on in member territories and have …. to say about it, thank God for the international organisation who come to the rescue of the suffering people of theses territories who shines light on the persecutions being undertaken in these parts. CARICOM IS SIMPLY AN INSTITUTION FOR SITTING PM’S NOT FOR THE CARICOM PEOPLE.

  20. Do Better, Be Better
    February 22, 2019

    Dr. Harris,

    While I understand your statement and I think that it was made with the greatest sense of diplomacy while supporting your member state, i must ask, what now is CARICOM’s role in ensuring free and fair elections in Dominica? According to the commonwealth observers from the last general elections, Dominica needs electoral reform. So what steps has been taken by CARICOM to ensure that Dominica gets this reform before the next general elections?

  21. taking back our country
    February 22, 2019

    Truth be told, there is nothing wrong with associating yourself with the truth.

  22. viewsexpressed
    February 22, 2019

    “His Tweet of 7 February 2019, associating himself with a suggestion that Dominica will not conduct free and fair upcoming elections is the latest manifestation of his inappropriate behaviour.”
    Mr. Chairman Harris I am disturbed perturb by this statement of yours: “The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remains deeply concerned by the actions and statements of the Secretary-General of the OAS which are outside the bounds of his remit as the Head of an international organisation.” Outside the Remit ..?”. Are you serious Chairman Timothy? Have you been to Domininca Sir, where we have been crying for over 18 years of the massive corruption (BOBOL) and the abuse of states funds in Dominica. Is CARICOM a window dressing organisation or there to also assist to promote good governance and comradery in these states. We are in deep poverty just like Haiti due to the Destruction and corruption of Papa & Baby DOC`s abuse and personal richness and Skerrit is rich as Domininca suffers poverty…

  23. Climate change
    February 22, 2019

    Here is the difference between CARICOM & OAS: THE OAS. Is about what is in the best interests of the PEOPLES of the Caribbean whereas CARICOM is about what is in the best interest of the leaders of the Caribbean. It’s like the Bible says a married man is about pleasing his wife whereas an unmarried man is about pleasing his God.

  24. Ti Garcon
    February 22, 2019

    Thats the problem in the Caribbean, when Harris was in opposition Douglas was so corrupt. But now he have the power to investigate the past St Kitts Labour party who was in government for 20yrs, he never did patat. Install term limits and fixed election dates- nada. Why? Just like every other Caribbean leader they think they are kings and want power for life, and if possible to pass it down to thier children like some dynasty.
    So im not surprised that they dont have a problem with free and fair elections, when thier backs are against the wall, they will want other countries to keep their mouth shut while they try the same old tactics to desperately stay in power.

  25. It's my damn business
    February 22, 2019

    CARICOM is about a Caribbean team of corrupt Prime Ministers coming together, to cover for one another and in the best interests of each other . They don’t care about the people but only about themselves . They understand very well that since they are all corrupt today it will be Maduro that is in trouble but tomorrow it will be Skerrit or Harris, or Brown. There are three carbbean islands that really headlining the news because of actions of their corrupt leaders. Dominica, So Kitts and Antigua. So as the saying goes if you were in Norway what would you do?

  26. viewsexpressed
    February 22, 2019

    Mr CARICOM Chair, “have you sir been consulting with the Government of Dominica and its failed Leader Skerrit as to how we are living in Domininca? When last sir were you and your CARICOM people in Domininca on a fact finding mission to really see first hand the poor and deteriorating state of our nature Isle? Are you aware of the state of poverty, poor and corrupt government and governance in Dominica? Have you investigated and or done an audit of the abuse of the states resources in Domininca. Have you personally consulted with this failed Prime (Odd) Minister of ours who his failed his stewardship of Domininca? We have had enough sir, as Domininca is going nowhere as we have been static economically, socially, transparency and corruptly over the past 19 years. Someone needs to address Skerrit and apply some level of discipline on him. We need change in Dominica before we are reduced to this deeper abyss creatd by Skerrit and his failed corrupt Labour government and poor leadership.

  27. Me
    February 22, 2019

    I hope he is as concerned about the plight of the Venezuelan people as he is about one Dominican megalomaniac.

  28. %
    February 22, 2019

    If there was a way in which Dominica could secede from Caricom, I am certain that with its present bunch of leaders, most Dominicans would vote in favour of secession..
    Caricom as a union,should be about the people,but unfortunately it is about the upholding of dirty tricks,corrupt leadership, chicanery,, deceipt and shenanigans of bad leaders like Skerrit in Dominica!!
    Dr Harris it’s either you are uninformed or you c
    are deliberately unconcerned about Dominica’s democracy which Skerrit has yanked away from us!
    You know better,your statement is outright disrespectful to Dominicans,who know that our elections are not fair .The OAS has stated that adnauseam! So what are you saying Dr Harris!
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  29. February 22, 2019

    He need to be fired. Out of place.

  30. LifeandDeath
    February 21, 2019

    Seriously Dr. Harris? Will CARICOM make a statement soon on how the Dominica Gov’t is denying its citizens a basic voter ID card? How the Gov’t tries to legalize bribery and treating in our elections?..
    CARICOM had nothing to say when Ross left our shores due to inept governance..but here he comes now majoring in minor matters..FYI, the OAS has previously said elections are DA are free but far from fair and made recommendations to fix it, has the Gov’t done anything about it?
    CARICOM is becoming an enabler to bad governance hiding uh under the guise of selective non-interference..this is nonsense Dr. Harris, talk about the things that really matter to poor ppl in CARICOM, and one last thing, don’t invite OAS to monitor elections if all you get offended by their recommendations

    • February 22, 2019

      Mr. CARICOM Chairman, your statement would be better serving to the people of Dominica if your statement had read; ” We in CARICOM are very concerned of the tweet made by Secretary-General of OAS. We as CARICOM will promise the people of Dominica we will not rest until we ensure that there is FREE & FAIR elections in our member state Dominica; to include voter ID cards and a cleanse and accurate voters’ registration list”.

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