Sunday, August 16, 2009
National Conference huge success despite government boycott
The Dominican.net Newsdesk
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his party members were conspicuosly absent at the Unity and Progress International Conference held in Dominica on Saturday. Organisers hailed the event as a resounding success despite government’s boycott.
No reason was given for the government staying away from the event that drew leaders of all the political parties in Dominica including Opposition leader Ron Green, Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) leader Judith Pestaina, Para Riviere of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Leonard “Pappy” Baptiste of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), and Adenaeur Douglas of the Real Labor Party (RLP).
The Dominica conference was a follow up to the hugely popular international conference held in New York on April 25, 2009. Under the banner of unity and progress, organisers hoped the event would begin a national conversation on bringing together the disparate interests in Dominica in a common cause of national development, particularly in light of the upcoming general elections.
The conference, which was streamed live via video over the internet and carried by the local radio stations, drew thousands of listeners and viewers, and began at 9:30 A.M. under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, President of Dominica.
Leaders of the various political parties used the opportunity to lay out their views on the current state of affairs in Dominica as well as their plans for the future. Opposition leader Ron Green called for a ‘green revolution’ in Dominica while Judith Pestaina of the DFP stressed the importance of good governance for the preservation of the country’s future.
PDM leader Para Riviere called for a model of sustainable development rather than a dependence on handouts from wealthy neighbors. Adenaeur Douglas cited the escalating level of crime and violence in the country and called for an increased emphasis on the youth and education. While pointing to his role in helping scores of Dominicans migrate to the United States, Leonard “Pappy” Baptiste urged the removal of the current government in the next general elections.
Conference participants also heard from voices in the Diaspora including that of Dominican economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Lynton Scotland a leading executive of the major electricity independent power producer in the United States, and Audwin Hamlet an IT specialist residing in Atlanta.
Dr. Fontaine, in his presentation, called for the political parties to help unite rather than divide the Dominican populace along party lines, noting that Dominica was at a critical juncture in which its people had to decide in what direction to take their country. Scotland encouraged the development of Dominica’s own domestic electricity supply while Hamlet called on Dominicans to unite for a common purpose.
A panel of distinguished persons including Jean Baptiste Popeau, Bernard Wiltshire, Athie Martin, Shirley Allan, Dr. Clayton Shillingford, and Sevarin Mckenzie made hugely impressive presentations ranging from the problems faced by returning Dominicans to the environment, civic responsibility, housing, and the greening of Dominica.
Popeau, who returned from England to contribute to Dominica’s development lamented on the difficulties encountered by returning residents in assimilating back into Dominican society. President of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS), Dr. Clayton Shillingford questioned why the government would stay away from such an important conference and reminded participants that it was this same kind of wanton disrespect for the diaspora that had resulted in government completely ignoring the Diaspora Policy Paper prepared by DAAS and submitted to government.
At his turn addressing the conference, former Attorney General and president of the Waitukubuli Ecological Foundation (WEF) Bernard Wiltshire pointed to a recent Stanford University study, which indicated that Dominica could solve all of its energy needs from coconuts. Wiltshire took direct aim at Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for allowing quarrying to be undertaken by an American individual without planning permission. In his view, the people of Layou were been sickened, the limited roads destroyed, and the environment irrevocably damaged by the quarrying operations.
In his presentation, environmentalist and former agriculture minister Atherton Martin sketched the countless possibilities that existed for Dominica to take advantage of becoming a green country. He spoke of the planting of trees in exchange for carbon credits that could see Dominica earn more than US $25 million a year, the development of a sustainable tourism product, the recycling of tires to use in road construction, and village projects where individuals earn foreign currency from the planting of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Sevarin Mckenzie, a noted architect stressed the need for Dominicans to build homes and not simply houses. He outlined his vision for sustainable housing development in Dominica and called for better land use planning in the country. Shirley Allan, a leading proponent for greater diaspora involvement in Dominica, called for a renewed sense of civic mindedness among Dominicans and for the spirit of ‘cours de mains’ (the age old practice of neighbor helping neighbor) to continue to exist in the country.
In presenting the keynote address at the conference, Francis Joseph, National Director of ChildFund Caribbean (formerly Save the Children) warned of the emerging social issues facing Dominica including crime, and deviant behavior among the youth. He called for a reexamination of the country’s priorities and for respect and togetherness among Dominicans living at home and abroad.
Conference organizers also honored and recognized Gloria Walsh for her work among the underprivileged in Dominica and Sam Raphael of Jungle Bay Resort for his outstanding contribution to Dominica’s sustainable development initiative.
The conference was organized by members of Unity and Progress for a Better Dominica including Joan Bellot, Shirley Allan, Sevarin McKenzie, Hendrix Pierre, John Maynard, and Adam Dupuis, who also served as conference chairman along with Matt Peltier of Q95 FM radio station.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his party members were conspicuosly absent at the Unity and Progress International Conference held in Dominica on Saturday. Organisers hailed the event as a resounding success despite government’s boycott.
 The Unity and Progress conference called on Dominicans to unite. |
No reason was given for the government staying away from the event that drew leaders of all the political parties in Dominica including Opposition leader Ron Green, Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) leader Judith Pestaina, Para Riviere of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Leonard “Pappy” Baptiste of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), and Adenaeur Douglas of the Real Labor Party (RLP).
The Dominica conference was a follow up to the hugely popular international conference held in New York on April 25, 2009. Under the banner of unity and progress, organisers hoped the event would begin a national conversation on bringing together the disparate interests in Dominica in a common cause of national development, particularly in light of the upcoming general elections.
The conference, which was streamed live via video over the internet and carried by the local radio stations, drew thousands of listeners and viewers, and began at 9:30 A.M. under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Dr. Nicholas Liverpool, President of Dominica.
Leaders of the various political parties used the opportunity to lay out their views on the current state of affairs in Dominica as well as their plans for the future. Opposition leader Ron Green called for a ‘green revolution’ in Dominica while Judith Pestaina of the DFP stressed the importance of good governance for the preservation of the country’s future.
PDM leader Para Riviere called for a model of sustainable development rather than a dependence on handouts from wealthy neighbors. Adenaeur Douglas cited the escalating level of crime and violence in the country and called for an increased emphasis on the youth and education. While pointing to his role in helping scores of Dominicans migrate to the United States, Leonard “Pappy” Baptiste urged the removal of the current government in the next general elections.
Conference participants also heard from voices in the Diaspora including that of Dominican economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Lynton Scotland a leading executive of the major electricity independent power producer in the United States, and Audwin Hamlet an IT specialist residing in Atlanta.
Dr. Fontaine, in his presentation, called for the political parties to help unite rather than divide the Dominican populace along party lines, noting that Dominica was at a critical juncture in which its people had to decide in what direction to take their country. Scotland encouraged the development of Dominica’s own domestic electricity supply while Hamlet called on Dominicans to unite for a common purpose.
A panel of distinguished persons including Jean Baptiste Popeau, Bernard Wiltshire, Athie Martin, Shirley Allan, Dr. Clayton Shillingford, and Sevarin Mckenzie made hugely impressive presentations ranging from the problems faced by returning Dominicans to the environment, civic responsibility, housing, and the greening of Dominica.
Popeau, who returned from England to contribute to Dominica’s development lamented on the difficulties encountered by returning residents in assimilating back into Dominican society. President of the Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS), Dr. Clayton Shillingford questioned why the government would stay away from such an important conference and reminded participants that it was this same kind of wanton disrespect for the diaspora that had resulted in government completely ignoring the Diaspora Policy Paper prepared by DAAS and submitted to government.
At his turn addressing the conference, former Attorney General and president of the Waitukubuli Ecological Foundation (WEF) Bernard Wiltshire pointed to a recent Stanford University study, which indicated that Dominica could solve all of its energy needs from coconuts. Wiltshire took direct aim at Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit for allowing quarrying to be undertaken by an American individual without planning permission. In his view, the people of Layou were been sickened, the limited roads destroyed, and the environment irrevocably damaged by the quarrying operations.
In his presentation, environmentalist and former agriculture minister Atherton Martin sketched the countless possibilities that existed for Dominica to take advantage of becoming a green country. He spoke of the planting of trees in exchange for carbon credits that could see Dominica earn more than US $25 million a year, the development of a sustainable tourism product, the recycling of tires to use in road construction, and village projects where individuals earn foreign currency from the planting of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Sevarin Mckenzie, a noted architect stressed the need for Dominicans to build homes and not simply houses. He outlined his vision for sustainable housing development in Dominica and called for better land use planning in the country. Shirley Allan, a leading proponent for greater diaspora involvement in Dominica, called for a renewed sense of civic mindedness among Dominicans and for the spirit of ‘cours de mains’ (the age old practice of neighbor helping neighbor) to continue to exist in the country.
In presenting the keynote address at the conference, Francis Joseph, National Director of ChildFund Caribbean (formerly Save the Children) warned of the emerging social issues facing Dominica including crime, and deviant behavior among the youth. He called for a reexamination of the country’s priorities and for respect and togetherness among Dominicans living at home and abroad.
Conference organizers also honored and recognized Gloria Walsh for her work among the underprivileged in Dominica and Sam Raphael of Jungle Bay Resort for his outstanding contribution to Dominica’s sustainable development initiative.
The conference was organized by members of Unity and Progress for a Better Dominica including Joan Bellot, Shirley Allan, Sevarin McKenzie, Hendrix Pierre, John Maynard, and Adam Dupuis, who also served as conference chairman along with Matt Peltier of Q95 FM radio station.
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// posted by TheDominican.net @ 10:13 AM
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What happen to the Christian brothers? The both with their mother were such a prominent part of the NY conference.
# posted by 
: August 16, 2009 1:28 PM
: August 16, 2009 1:28 PM
Here we go again!! The Christain brother's oh the Christain brothers! Now can we talk about the conference itself? Was the conspicuous absense of the Christian brothers and their mother the only thing worth talking about in the entire conference? What about the conspicuos absense of the minister of Diaspora affairs, the mayor of Roseau and the Prmine Minister? Which one of the presenters were they intimidated by, was it the organizers or was it a conbination of both?
I hope they will be held accoutable for that!!
Zapper
I hope they will be held accoutable for that!!
Zapper
# posted by : August 16, 2009 2:26 PM
: August 16, 2009 2:26 PM
Zapper - you are a little hot under the color. I will answer the question - Gabriel was at his mother in law funeral and his brother Sam ... well he is pulling back.
Reppaz
Reppaz
# posted by : August 16, 2009 5:58 PM
: August 16, 2009 5:58 PM
Congratulations and thanks to the organisers for all you do for Dominica. Your selfless service will not go unrewarded. Now all we need is a mature government that can work together with all these patriotic Dominicans to push our country forward.
# posted by : August 16, 2009 9:54 PM
: August 16, 2009 9:54 PM
This is a sad day from Dominica. We need leadership. Lets al pray for our island home.Let us send this man back to his mansion thahe says he owns in V.Case------he has done 'very very well' while in office.
What an outright shame.
What an outright shame.
# posted by : August 17, 2009 3:57 AM
: August 17, 2009 3:57 AM
There we go again a simple refusal to meet with the common people.In new york he gave an excuse, what is the excuse now? The prime minister have no interest in the people, he is just interested in his selfish gain.
There is 40% of people living below poverty level , another 12% who is little above or just fronting their way through. When it all add up about half of the people in dominica is not enjoying life to its expectations. So I say to those who cant get up in the morning and earn a dollar for their living , look in the corners of your houses, pick up the pennies on the floor, and when election time come take it to the polls and show them you can only survive on CHANGE.
JUST VOTE THEM OUT.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love peace and blessing to all patriotic Dominicans.
J2K
There is 40% of people living below poverty level , another 12% who is little above or just fronting their way through. When it all add up about half of the people in dominica is not enjoying life to its expectations. So I say to those who cant get up in the morning and earn a dollar for their living , look in the corners of your houses, pick up the pennies on the floor, and when election time come take it to the polls and show them you can only survive on CHANGE.
JUST VOTE THEM OUT.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love peace and blessing to all patriotic Dominicans.
J2K
# posted by : August 17, 2009 9:31 AM
: August 17, 2009 9:31 AM
J2K - - - Dominica IS NOT one of the countries with “40% of people living below poverty level”
Report highlights Caribbean citizens living on below US$2 daily
NEW YORK, United States, August 17, 2009 – by Caribworldnews: A significant number of citizens living in five of the Caribbean's countries are living on less than US$2 a day, according to a new report by the Population Reference Bureau's 2009 World Population Data Sheet.
The report found that Haiti, St Lucia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname recorded double digit percentage points of nationals living on that small amount.
Haiti led the way with 72 per cent of its population reportedly living on the tiny dollar amount as of 2005, the latest data available to the Bureau.
St Lucia had 41 per cent of its nationals living on the paltry figure. This was followed by Suriname, which according to the data released, showed 27 per cent of its nationals living of less than US$2 daily.
Guyana was fourth with 17 per cent of its nationals surviving on the sum while the Dominican Republic registered 15 per cent.
Also surprising was that oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago made the list, with 14 per cent identified.
The Bureau report has also indicated that 97 per cent of global population growth over the next 40 years will occur in the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Currently, the world population stands at 6.8 billion, up about 83 million from last year's figure. The Caribbean accounts for over 41 million people.
====
J2K PLEASE do research before you castigate our lovely Dominica.
Kibosh
Report highlights Caribbean citizens living on below US$2 daily
NEW YORK, United States, August 17, 2009 – by Caribworldnews: A significant number of citizens living in five of the Caribbean's countries are living on less than US$2 a day, according to a new report by the Population Reference Bureau's 2009 World Population Data Sheet.
The report found that Haiti, St Lucia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname recorded double digit percentage points of nationals living on that small amount.
Haiti led the way with 72 per cent of its population reportedly living on the tiny dollar amount as of 2005, the latest data available to the Bureau.
St Lucia had 41 per cent of its nationals living on the paltry figure. This was followed by Suriname, which according to the data released, showed 27 per cent of its nationals living of less than US$2 daily.
Guyana was fourth with 17 per cent of its nationals surviving on the sum while the Dominican Republic registered 15 per cent.
Also surprising was that oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago made the list, with 14 per cent identified.
The Bureau report has also indicated that 97 per cent of global population growth over the next 40 years will occur in the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia and Africa.
Currently, the world population stands at 6.8 billion, up about 83 million from last year's figure. The Caribbean accounts for over 41 million people.
====
J2K PLEASE do research before you castigate our lovely Dominica.
Kibosh
# posted by : August 17, 2009 3:53 PM
: August 17, 2009 3:53 PM
Kibosh, you are so correct!! Nobody should just make irresponsible statements about things they have no idea about. There are many problems in Dominica but it is not the poorest nation on earth YET! but if we continue on the track we are currently on, do not be surprsied when Dominica makes that list.
We must all take responsibility to ensure that we never get on that list! But this is not up to us right now, it is to Chavez and all the other countries that we are begging from. What's happens when they tell us, you know yet, we can't aford to feed and house you people anymore go do something for yourself. Stop begging, have some dignity.
What are we going to do? Any ideas?
Zapper
We must all take responsibility to ensure that we never get on that list! But this is not up to us right now, it is to Chavez and all the other countries that we are begging from. What's happens when they tell us, you know yet, we can't aford to feed and house you people anymore go do something for yourself. Stop begging, have some dignity.
What are we going to do? Any ideas?
Zapper
# posted by : August 17, 2009 4:32 PM
: August 17, 2009 4:32 PM
Good conference.....good conference and well done to all the organisers. I really enjoyed the Fetaured Speaker, Frabncis Jsoeph, good food for thought. Praise. Please, can have the text of the speech published on this site?
# posted by : August 17, 2009 5:56 PM
: August 17, 2009 5:56 PM
KIBOSH ! you are a fool I wonder if you been to any good school....lol
# posted by : August 17, 2009 6:22 PM
: August 17, 2009 6:22 PM
....lol # posted by Anonymous Anonymous : August 17, 2009 6:22 PM
It take a fool to know a fool. Oh, please go - learn some grammar and kibosh your negative, none contributing fool of yourself attitude. :)
Just punning! Kibosh
It take a fool to know a fool. Oh, please go - learn some grammar and kibosh your negative, none contributing fool of yourself attitude. :)
Just punning! Kibosh
# posted by : August 17, 2009 7:18 PM
: August 17, 2009 7:18 PM
What a failure these conferences are!! Just more talk and more talk but NO Action. You don't have to be in Government to make changes. This Unity and Progress Conference is a sham 100%. It is the Diaspora that voted Skerrit In 2005, now they want to get him out for themselves.
I want the opposition to win and get rid of Skerrit for good but I find they are weak. We need strong new young leaders for the opposition.
I want the opposition to win and get rid of Skerrit for good but I find they are weak. We need strong new young leaders for the opposition.
# posted by : August 18, 2009 9:23 AM
: August 18, 2009 9:23 AM
Anoymous...WOW! is that what you read from the conference; people trying to get rid of the government; by golly what a rich imagination or are you simply been malicious?
# posted by : August 18, 2009 9:59 AM
: August 18, 2009 9:59 AM
Does a country deserve the leader it chooses? I cannot believe that-----just see where we are with this little boy. I feel sorry for Dominica being run by this hot boy. Family values, respect---na na what is that????? Dominica needs a leader not a lilte boy whose first home comes from volier money. Dominica deserves better.
# posted by : August 18, 2009 5:38 PM
: August 18, 2009 5:38 PM Links to this post:
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