Dominica continues to be listed as a country in arrears of the payment of its financial contributions to the United Nations according to a 13 March Letter from Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Gutierrez, addressed to President of the General Assembly, which informed Member States that Dominica is one of 7 countries that has not fulfilled its financial obligations to the UN. Since January 2024, Dominica has been subjected to invocation of Article 19 of the United Nations Charter.
Under Article 19 of the United Nations Charter, a Member State in arrears in the payment of dues in an amount that equals or exceeds the contributions due for two preceding years loses its vote in the General Assembly. As a result, Dominica cannot vote on any United Nations resolution. This current situation with non-payment of dues to the UN started at the beginning of 2024 and is yet to be addressed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A first Letter from the Secretary General on 8thJanuary addressed to the President of the General Assembly informed Member States that Dominica had lost its voting rights. This is not the first time that Dominica has lost its voting rights at the United Nations. In the last twenty years, loss of voting rights due to non-payment of financial obligations has been a recurring problem. Among the Member States of CARICOM at the United Nations, Dominica has the worst record of losing its rights to vote in the General Assembly.
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UWP Leader and Financial Economist, Dr Thomson Fontaine is appealing to Grandbay residents to embrace their culture of independence and logic, come the next general election in Dominica. Dr. Fontaine says from an analytical point of view, the residents of the Grandbay constituency have not economically benefited as they should have over the past decade. He called on them to embrace the United Workers Party as an alternative to restore prosperity to Grandbarians. UWP Leader and Financial Economist, Dr. Thomson Fontaine.
Vice President of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), Caesar Emmanuel, has voiced concerns over the systematic dismantling of institutions mandated by the constitution to oversee the governance of the country. He urged for collective action to defend these institutions from further degradation. Emanuel elaborated that discussions regarding the institutions established by legislation must acknowledge their critical role. He emphasized that without these institutions to steer the country's governance, effective governance would be impossible. Caesar Emmanuel, Vice President of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM).
Leader of the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), Bernard Hurtault, has emphasized the urgency for the residents of Grandbay to advocate for their desire for their community to be independent. He stressed the importance of reclaiming their identity as a vibrant and passionate community, which, he believes, will contribute to generating income for the people of the community and the country as a whole. Hurtault also expressed his belief that there is an urgent need for a shift in the country's governance. Hurtault added that Grandbay embodies a spirit of resilience, passion, and creativity, making it a significant asset that should be embraced and mobilized in addressing the challenges confronting the nation. Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) leader, Bernard Hurtault.
DFP President Johnson Boston is disheartened by the lack of interest and professional will being shown by some members of the Electoral Commission. He recalled the announcement by Prime Minister Skerrit, after the 2019 election, in his victory speech, in where he promised the Dominican people that his administration would aid the Electoral Commission in fast-tracking electoral reform in Dominica within the first 100 days of taking up office. Boston says the hiring of Sir Dennis Byron by the Skerrit Regime was unnecessary. He spoke at an Electoral Reform Assemble in Grandbay, on Sunday. DFP President, Johnson Boston.
UWP Leader and Former IMF Financial Economist, Dr. Thomson Fontaine has responded to the report issued by the IMF on March 16, 2024, and explained the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted 4.6% average growth for Dominica during the period 2024-25.In its Staff Concluding Statement from the 2024 Article IV Mission held in Dominica from March 5-14, the IMF attributed the projected growth to stay over tourism returning to pre-pandemic levels, agriculture expansion initiatives and advancements in priority infrastructure projects. “The outlook remains positive, predicated on the full recovery of stay over arrivals, implementation of key investment plans, and prudent fiscal management.“Inflation is projected to converge to 2 percent consistent with trading partner dynamics. The transition to geothermal production, the new airport and hotel projects to expand tourism capacity, and projects to bolster resilient infrastructure are expected to yield long-term growth dividends and reduce external imbalances,” the report stated. The IMF said inflation fell from its 2022 peak of 9.7 percent to 2.3 percent at the end of 2023, largely due to softening global commodity prices; and that favorable terms of trade and strong service exports further reduced the current account deficit to 26.2 percent. Among other findings, the IMF Mission noted that the economy has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels and economic imbalances have gradually narrowed, the fiscal position has gradually improved but fiscal space remains tight with elevated public debt, and the financial system remains liquid despite slow credit growth. Dr. Fontaine explains how the IMF does its calculations and what is meant in economics, when the IMF states that ”the economy has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels.” As the Covid-19 Pandemic shrunk Dominica’s economy by 16.6% in 2020. He says he understands when Dominicans tell him ‘they are not feeling the growth reported by the IMF of 4.5 % growth.’ UWP Leader and Economist, Dr. Thomson Fontaine.
Treasurer of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), John Blanchard, brought attention to numerous instances of disrespect shown by the Dominica Labor Party (DLP) Administration, especially by the Prime Minister, towards the people of Dominica. Among these instances are remarks suggesting immunity from electoral laws and failure to explain the use of state resources, actions that defy the country's constitution. Blanchard also highlighted another instance of disrespect exhibited by the Prime Minister, which involves meddling in the electoral commission. He alleged that the Prime Minister has been using his allies to prevent any reforms in the country's electoral process. John Blanchard, Treasurer of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM).
Deputy Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), Ronald Charles, at an electoral reform assembly on Sunday underlined the critical need for electoral reform by posing the fundamental question: why is electoral reform necessary? He asserts that it's crucial because citizens should have the freedom to elect any constituency representative or any government of their choice. Charles further emphasized that electoral reform is vital to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to choose the government that will govern their country. Charles further remarked that the present situation calls for the people of Dominica to unite and vocalize their demand for a transformation in the country's governance. He warned against letting valuable opportunities for economic growth slip away. Ronald Charles, the Deputy Political Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP).
President of JCI West Indies, Meritta Hyacinth, delivered inspiring remarks at the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Annual General Meeting, emphasizing the organization's role as a guiding light for youth in navigating life's complexities. She underscored its mission to help young individuals discover their purpose, find their place, and ignite their passion in today's turbulent society. Hyacinth highlighted the alignment between JCI West Indies' Creed and the Duke of Edinburgh Award's vision, emphasizing their shared mission to empower youth globally in self-discovery and community engagement, irrespective of background. Meritta Hyacinth, President of Junior Chamber International (JCI) West Indies.
President of the Dominica Freedom Party, Johnson Boston, speaking at the Electoral Reform Assembly on Sunday at Grandbay, championed residents of Grandbay to support this cause of having proper reforms done continuously. Boston also highlighted recent decisions announced by Antiguan Officials to conduct their third re-registration process for voting; this has been agreed by the Antiguan government inclusive of the opposition. President of the Dominica Freedom Party, Johnson Boston.
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