Justice Dr Irving Andre argues that Dominicans who have lived abroad for 10 to 25 years should not be allowed to vote, as they deprive those at home of the advantages they enjoy, in their chosen countries

One of the most contentious questions, according to Justice Dr Irving Andre, is whether Dominicans who have lived abroad for 10, 15, or 25 years should be permitted to vote. He points out that a typical defense is that Dominicans cannot be denied the right to vote. However, Andre emphasizes that those who have relocated to other countries in order to take advantage of particular opportunities, are the ones who benefit from things like governmental assistance and healthcare systems.
 
The crucial query, in his view, is how they can take advantage of these advantages while visiting Dominica for two days to cast their votes, and installing a government that denies Dominicans access to the same advantages they enjoy in the chosen nations to which they had migrated. This, in his opinion, is the central argument that refutes all others.

Andre is making the case that Dominicans shouldn't be permitted to receive a free ticket and spend money to support a government that is denying aid to their counterparts in Dominica. He advises them to return to Dominica and reside in a constituency here for three months if they are concerned about their rights, rather than complaining about them while taking advantage of a democracy that is operating as intended. He emphasizes that this is a serious issue because it deprives Dominicans at home of the same advantages they receive in their overseas countries.

Justice Dr Irving Andre.