Fmr DFP leader Michael Astaphan criticizes DLP Government handling of CBI, CLICO and BIACO fiascos

​Former DFP leader Michael Astaphan says while the DFP agrees the CBI program is important, and its continued effectiveness is dependent on the international reputation of the program, its weak management, and the lack of creativity by the DLP government, has caused it to become the last and only resort of the current administration, for revenue purposes.
 
Addressing the 32nd Annual Delegates Convention of the DFP, Astaphan said a significant decline in the proceeds from the program would place Dominica at great risk, therefore every opportunity should have been taken to protect the image of the program by meeting the local, regional and international press, to answer questions and clarify information in order to calm fears, in relation to widespread negative allegations, so as to protect and advance the CBI program.
 
He says Prime Minister Skerrit chose instead to arrange town hall meetings at tremendous cost to tax payers, with a focus on seeking to distribute CBI funds in a non-structured way, which lacks accountability.
 
Astaphan went on to compare this poor management of the CBI program to the government’s handling of issuance of work permits to Haitians, the CLICO and BIACO fiasco with CD as Insurance instruments, and Electoral Reform among others.