Opposition Leader Lennox Linton has condemned PM Roosevelt Skerrit on the botched Dominica-Syria agreement. Linton said there is no way the prime minister could claim ignorance of the signed bilateral agreement, and that UN representative Loreen Bannis-Roberts acted under his watch.
“The evidence is clear – he lied to the nation to conceal his involvement in this disgraceful diplomatic scandal,” Linton alleged. “He knew, he knew, he knew. It defies common sense that he did not know. If the Prime Minister is not lying, then his leadership responsibility for Dominica’s foreign policy has been fatally compromised by subordinates, and resignation is the only honourable course of action available to him.”
Following public knowledge that Dominica’s ambassador to the UN Bannis-Roberts signed a bilateral agreement with Syria on behalf of the Nature Isle, Skerrit said he summoned the ambassador back home and held a high-profile meeting with her. He said Bannis-Roberts acted unadvisedly and that she tendered her resignation which takes effect on March 31, but is currently on administrative leave.
“For the record, neither the minister nor the Ministry of Foreign affairs…gave instructions or expressed interest in, or…the desire [of this administration] to pursue the establishment of relations with Syria at this or any foreseeable time,” Skerrit had stated.
Linton said the UWP is currently engaging with stakeholders and civil organizations to “save our country from the clutches of this irredeemable kakistocracy,” adding that Dominicans must “take decisive action to get rid of these modern-day pirates of Dominica who place greater value on enriching themselves than on promoting the interest of Dominica.”
The UWP leader alleged that Skerrit should have revoked the unpopular Dominica-Syria agreement instead of suspending it – adding that suspension means the agreement is still in force and can be revived any day. Linton tasked Skerrit to revoke diplomatic relations with Syria and publish an apology in national dailies.
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