{"id":26336,"date":"2011-02-03T10:38:25","date_gmt":"2011-02-03T14:38:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/dno\/?p=26336"},"modified":"2011-02-03T11:00:14","modified_gmt":"2011-02-03T15:00:14","slug":"portsmouth-politics-community-and-development","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/features\/commentary\/portsmouth-politics-community-and-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Portsmouth: Politics, community and development"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
Ashton Riviere<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of course on deciding on addressing what I see as the state of affairs in my community I gave consideration to the expected fall out. I expected the vitriol to flow considerably in my direction. I expected the political firing squad to align their bayonets as bullets would be too expensive and too humane a punishment for the upstart from Portsmouth who dares to question the Monarchy. I expect that more will come.<\/p>\n

What I did not expect is the outpouring of gratitude on the part of many young persons in Portsmouth who share my sentiments but had not taken the time to express them in such forums especially given the overwhelming support for Labour in the last election. But there are deeper issues at play here.<\/p>\n

I feel compelled to respond to the claim by the parliamentary representative that my actions are political. I take it that he means that I speak because of political affiliation. This is just ludicrous. I was raised in a family which supported the Dominica Freedom Party.\u00a0 However I am not a candidate for any political party and I do not speak for any of them. I am a citizen and constituent and as such I have a right to comment. I am spurred on by my desire and passion to see my community move forward. My ideals are founded in fairness and equality.<\/p>\n

Mr. Douglas, I will not support your candidacy because you are my friend!\u00a0 To state that my motives are political implies that I should. It is disrespectful of you to expect that of me, knowing, that I am much more deliberate in thought than that.\u00a0 That you would say that my motives are political instead of waking up to the reality of my message is indicative of your immature approach to both governance and criticism.<\/p>\n

Your campaign was bereft of any plan or vision for Portsmouth. As a matter of fact you did not campaign in Portsmouth as it was a \u201csure seat\u201d. More disrespect to the constituents of Portsmouth!\u00a0 In that regard you can say that my call for your resignation is unjustified since you made no promises and as such cannot be held accountable for breaking them.<\/p>\n

Note that I could have tried to engineer far more political damage to you and your party during the last election campaign, but then again I am not an engineer. Your pleadings and confessions are fresh in the minds of other individuals and I, to whom you expressed your exasperation with your cabinet, your thoughts on corruption within the party and the lack of respect which you command within the cabinet.<\/p>\n

For the persons who think that this is me throwing my hat into the political ring, know that I have never seriously contemplated entry into politics. If I ever have to do so I would want to do it on my own terms and I am too broke for that, especially with the million dollar campaigns that you entertain!<\/p>\n

At this time I feel no affinity to any political party and it is my fervent wish that the constitution of this island can be reformed in some way so as to diminish the influence of political parties, partying and rum sharing in our election processes.<\/p>\n

In my opinion the DLP, DFP and UWP are one and the same with no real ideological divide. The size of our very small economy and the high levels of unemployment on the island demands that any government in office must employ social programs to alleviate the poverty that pervades our island. The divide of socialist and conservative, left and right are hardly important to domestic affairs.<\/p>\n

If I were you Mr. Douglas I would advocate for Lagoon being returned to the Portsmouth Constituency so that comprehensive development plans can be marshaled by its representative in a more holistic manner. I would pursue strongly, policy changes which would allow for labor intensive projects both in terms of construction and operation for the Pointe Ronde to Belle Hall area.<\/p>\n

I would advocate training and reinforcement in areas of hospitality and service to providers who serve customers across the spectrum from housekeepers at apartments, guest houses and hotels, to bartenders at the many restaurants in Portsmouth ensuring the highest quality service. Hopefully through these initiatives we create a repeat customer base and most valuable word of mouth advertisement for constituency and country, thereby creating growth and jobs in the community.<\/p>\n

I would also advocate for a community tourism-based project in Lagoon which harnesses it\u2019s already widely known value as an entertainment spot, again all in my efforts at alleviating poverty, not to create another fete. We should not discount the value of intra-island tourism and also recognize that tourists usually flock to the local hang out spots when properly marketed. I believe that there is a ready market in Guadeloupe and Les Saintes.<\/p>\n

Your catalog of projects and achievements within your constituency reads pathetic. I will quickly deal with that. Three bridges \u2026. Let\u2019s say I allow you one bridge which I know for a fact was not built through your advocacy!\u00a0 The two others were a matter of necessity! The Indian River Bridge was a hazard to public safety as it was damaged by the earthquake of 2004. The lagoon bridge was also damaged and was quickly becoming a hazard in itself due to the amount of heavy traffic through that area. I am sure Reggie will claim that he had lots to do with that!<\/p>\n

The RDPS same thing! The earthquake destroyed the school! Are you saying that you contemplated not replacing it ? I hoped that a more functional building could have been erected with a computer lab, kitchen and auditorium that could have been used to promote sports, culture and arts at the school – something multifunctional that could at least be used as a hurricane shelter if the need arises, but alas such high hopes are only for dreamers and neophytes like me.<\/p>\n

Mr. Douglas, during the election campaign I asked you to point to me one sustainable job that your government had created through a matter of policy or program within the boundaries of Pointe Ronde to Capuchin. The boundaries were deliberate to allow you some leeway.<\/p>\n

Remember Mr. Douglas you ran away, on your return I insisted on a response to which you bowed your head shamefully and admitted that you could not point to any. I can boldly state this, as I was not the only one present. Mr. Douglas, do you remember? I am certain that you can\u2019t recall. Is your amnesia selective or induced?<\/p>\n

Can you remember me imploring you as a friend to unburden yourself of that weight which you carry on your shoulders?\u00a0 I will not elaborate on those party political matters which you spoke to me in confidence.<\/p>\n

Do you remember me imploring that you be more assertive in your approach to attracting government attention to Portsmouth and your response which indicated frustration with the simple matter of securing gratuities for pensioned workers of the council? Can you remember stating that you had to resubmit cabinet papers for the same on several occasions whilst another minister simply presented a list and got his business done? You further went on to elaborate on the disrespect that is meted out to the Portsmouth Constituency by your colleagues.\u00a0 Am I sounding political now?<\/p>\n

Perception is 90% reality Mr. Douglas. If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to witness it did the tree fall? If you ask on our behalf and you don\u2019t get let us know so we can deal with it!<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get me wrong , I applaud the projects that have been undertaken. I am just saying that such things as progress, size, depth, are measurable and relative.\u00a0 An uncared for plant may grow three inches in three months \u2026 one which is properly fertilized and watered might grow three feet!<\/p>\n

Portsmouth has always been referred to as Dominica\u2019s engine of growth. You must be a bad mechanic because this engine is moving much too slowly, not enough revs.<\/p>\n

Back to your \u2018development catalog\u2019. I applaud the provision of housing for the poor, but Mr. Douglas, let your government know that giving someone a house does not elevate them from poverty. It will help, but if you do not provide a means for persons to be gainfully employed then these same people that you provide the houses will continue to live in squalor. The only difference will be that they do it in a pink house or a roofless one like the Petrocasas in Chance. Provide persons with opportunity for self development, employment \u2026 teach a man to fish Mr. Douglas, that\u2019s what I am talking about. Do you appreciate that concept?<\/p>\n

Yes Mr. Douglas, I know Chance, and I know the development that has taken place there. I know of the dilapidated roads and the poverty that still exists there too.<\/p>\n

Mr. Douglas, Minister of Tourism, I am happy that you mentioned the development of tourism within our community. The spanking new Welcome Centre at the Indian River with the spectacular backdrop of the rotting steel hulled vessel\u00a0 and the decimated groin which once served to protect berthing boats. The fantastic view from Fort Shirley of the Prince Rupert\u2019s Bay, dressed in full regalia of rotting ships along the shoreline, are excellent images with which to market Portsmouth and Dominica! What of the Maria and efforts at removing the wrecks in the harbor? Speak to that Mr. Minister!<\/p>\n

Yes Mr. Douglas I applaud your achievements, but I am utterly disappointed with our progress after\u00a0 ten years of your leadership.\u00a0 Ten years after I approached you and committed myself to your efforts at moving Portsmouth forward. Ten years after you established a commerce development committee to look into the development of commercial activity within the town.\u00a0 Four years after the Portsmouth Development Proposal initiated by your constituency association was finalized and delivered. Thirteen months after you promised to report to the constituency within six, still waiting!<\/p>\n

Am I wrong to insist on better?<\/p>\n

I stand unmoved in my prior assessment and demand!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Of course on deciding on addressing what I see as the state of affairs in my community I gave consideration to the expected fall out. I expected the vitriol to flow considerably in my direction. 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