{"id":143850,"date":"2015-08-15T10:09:18","date_gmt":"2015-08-15T14:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=143850"},"modified":"2015-08-16T13:46:34","modified_gmt":"2015-08-16T17:46:34","slug":"commentary-victimization-of-an-icon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/features\/commentary\/commentary-victimization-of-an-icon\/","title":{"rendered":"COMMENTARY: Victimization of an Icon"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"J.J.
J.J. Joseph<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gordon Henderson’s sudden elimination from the 2015 World Creole Music Festival, hence nullification of his honor, is an assault on every Dominican and we should all feel profoundly disheartened. However, this is just another example of Skerrit’s continuing chronicle of frivolous victimizations, perpetrated on anyone who dares to repudiate his wanna-be dictatorial rulership. This gives credence to the saying “You either red or dead.” In his desperate quest for infinite power, this PM’s policy is seemingly ‘divide and conquer’. It is evident that His Lordship will allow nothing or no one to stand in his way, irrespective of their stature. As such, King Skerro’s ongoing victimization of the people of Salisbury, Marigot, Magistrate Ossie Lewis, Severin McKenzie, Dr. Fontaine – and so many others – is consistent with his resoluteness to repress anyone who refuses to be bought and brave enough to expose his incompetences. Adolph Hitler once said, “To conquer a nation, first disarm its people.” This assault on Mr. Henderson’s stellar worldwide reputation is probably the most painful of the PM’s repeated efforts to disarm the country’s most influential sons and daughters by simply buying their priceless independence at a discounted price.<\/p>\n

Arguably, no Dominican has created the level of impact in the areas of music, arts and culture – locally, regionally and globally – than Gordon Henderson. Furthermore, there are few Dominicans in the entertainment industry deserving of more honor, accolade or revere than the founder of Exile One – the nation’s most famous band ever. Architect of the 1970’s popular beat known as ‘Cadencelypso’, the genius of Gordon’s literary skills is demonstrated in his song writing abilities, creativity, as well as his musical arrangements and group leadership. These attributes were unmatched by any other in that era. Mr. Henderson, a pioneer, single handedly opened the door to the international arena for other local bands. This icon has also demonstrated his versatility, having assimilated to and performed effectively as an educator, radio station manager, and other areas of society – a true son of the soil. Repressing a noble man of Mr. Henderson’s calibre speaks volumes to the insensitivity, insensibility and downright stoic nature of Roosevelt Skerrit emotions or lack thereof. Most innovative, forward-thinking leaders would enshrine the legacy of a citizen like Gordon Henderson. It begs the question of whether this man even possesses the slightest degree of empathy or sympathy for our country’s pitiful status anywhere within his soul.<\/p>\n

But the underlying question here is, what is Roosevelt Skerrit’s motive for infiltrating the music industry? He has pocketed virtually every (if not every) institution in the country, thus rendering them meaningless. Parliament, the media, the Justice System, the Electoral Commission Law Enforcement – just to name a few – have all fallen victim to The Almighty’s micromanaging habits. The PM’s nose is poked into literally every institution, thereby relegating them to mere rubber stamps. Now, his sights are set on controlling the music industry – inevitably to dictate to the calypsonians what meets his standards for publication. It is therefore incumbent upon the musicians to maintain their dignity, respectability and emancipation by refusing to compromise their liberation. To yield to such temptation would mean diminishing their exaltation to mere slaves on Skerrit’s plantation. Influential musicians should step forward and denounce the PM’s intrusion on the industry and not allow themselves to be bought for a meager EC $500,000. Entertainers in the likes of Fitzroy Williams, Ophelia Olivace, Cornell Phillip, Chubby, Mechele Henderson, and others, should stand in solidarity with their fellow musician Gordon Henderson. After all, today it is his dejection – tomorrow it may be anyone\u2019s.<\/p>\n

I commend Gordon Henderson’s refusal to compromise his ideals, values, and beliefs by condemning the unjust and corrupt practices of Roosevelt Skerrit. His Honor’s desire is seemingly to gain ownership of as many influential Dominicans as possible to ensure continued political expediency and dominance. Unfortunately, many insatiable socialites have already fallen victim to the PM’s monetary traps – including musicians – a real travesty. Gordon, on the other hand, epitomizes nobility by conveying the message loud and clear that he will not be bought by Roosevelt Skerrit.<\/p>\n

In conclusion, it is imperative that I reflect on Gordon’s fellow native Portsmouth brother, Ian Douglas. As the Parliamentary Representative for the Portsmouth Constituency, where is Mr. Douglas and what are his views on this tragic development? For once, it is my hope that Ian will muster some fortitude to renounce such injustices perpetrated on this much endeared legendary performer. Rather than ‘staying on the fence’, Mr. Douglas should do the right thing and stand in support of Mr. Henderson. Ian is also expected to demonstrate that he is indeed able to take a meaningful stance – as opposed to perpetually submitting to or appeasing Roosevelt Skerrit. He should remove the muzzle from his mouth and communicate his opposition to such victimization to the PM. Though easier said than done, this only-imagined bravery may just be the catalyst to Mr. Douglas garnering some respect from the DLP leader once and for all.<\/p>\n

Opinions expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Gordon Henderson’s sudden elimination from the 2015 World Creole Music Festival, hence nullification of his honor, is an assault on every Dominican and we should all feel profoundly disheartened. 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