![\"Commentary\"](\"http:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/commentary2.jpg\")
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As we mark the 35th year of our political independence, we must pay homage not only to those who are with us today but also to those who are gone but left behind a legacy that cannot be erased. In consideration of the selfless contributions made by the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas to our political and national development, I see it fitting to bestow upon him a national recognition by naming the airport in his honor.<\/p>\n
As we reflect on the strides we have made along the path to economic independence. It goes without question that as a young nation, we still have a long way to go to harness our natural and human resources in order to reach our full social, cultural and economic potential.<\/p>\n
After 35 years of independence, it goes without question that we have reached the stage where we can now move to dismantle all remaining vestiges of colonialism to once and for all free our people from the shackles of mental slavery from which many still suffer. Our constitution must be revised in order to guarantee true democracy vis-\u00e0-vis the will and aspirations of the people and also to strategically position ourselves whereby we can survive on the ever shifting global political axis.<\/p>\n
Words must be backed by actions. Therefore, we must move quickly to address the sections of the constitution that prevents our brightest sons and daughters in foreign lands from participating in the political process. Time and tide don\u2019t wait for any man so it behooves you, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and your cabinet to put words into action and without delay begin the process to convene a constitution review convention.<\/p>\n
It must be noted that in order to set the stage for full political and economic independence, the following issues must first be addressed.
\n1. The issue of dual citizenship.
\n2. Implementation of term limits for elected representatives.
\n3. Setting a fixed date for general elections
\n4. Implementation of the electoral reform recommendations
\n5. Decriminalizing canvassing on Election Day.
\n6. Reviving the discussion on \u2018name change\u2019 for Dominica.<\/p>\n
Ideas don\u2019t dwell in only one head and therefore, it is very important for everyone to participate in the debates going on in the country irrespective of party affiliation, religious belief or social background. We must practice to live by the notion: All for each and each for all.<\/p>\n
May God bless and protect everyone as we celebrate our 35th Independence anniversary. Long live the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As we mark the 35th year of our political independence, we must pay homage not only to those who are with us today but also to those who are gone but left behind a legacy that cannot be erased. In…","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]","footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-105025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commentary"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n