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ALLEGATIONS AND THE SECRET SERVICE
Posted/FW: by Anthony Astaphan
Tuesday, 16 June 2009 03:45
GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASE_ SOME OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS...
Posted/FW: by Anthony Astaphan
Friday, 12 June 2009 05:35
GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASE_ SOME OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS...
Posted/FW: by Anthony Astaphan
Thursday, 11 June 2009 05:33
Frank,

Morning.

I do not have all the answers to your questions. But I can tell you that the
projects were not constructed on commercial borrowings, but on grant funds
(a significant portion), soft loans from organizations like the Caribbean
Development Bank and EU ( with interest rates below 5% and payable over
long term( I seek to confirm), and funds from the Government.
Below, I have posted a report the recent IMF assessment for your
information.

http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/index.php?q=node/885

As you will see from the IMF report, (1) the IMF believes that our economy
and finances are better managed and positioned that most in the OECS and (2)
that capital expenditure has had a significant impact. It has also had a
strong impact on employment and the private sector from whom supplies are
sourced and procured.

The context is important. In 2002 this country was on the verge of
bankruptcy. Let us not get into why for now. What I want to focus on is the
tremendous recovery by this DLP Government; from near collapse in 2002 to
where we have reached today, better positioned than most countries in the
OECS. Now, in my view, that takes great leadership, discipline and
commitment.


2009/6/10 Frank Watty <watlough@rogers.com>

I, too, have read the subject Press Release and like Maureen my initial
> reaction was that this listing is an impressive and commendable achievement
> in and of itself. Economists are often accused of being "two-handed". On the
> one hand this, on the other hand that. I pleadguilty. So here is the "other
> hand."
> 1. We should exercise some reservations until we know at what price the
> capital funding indicated came. If entirely from aid grants, then
> excellent. If from own-account revenues, then good. If from foreign loans,
> them what are the repayment terms.
> 2. Of the total expenditures indicated, in excess of $300 millions EC,
> (some items were not costed), the applications could be categorized as (a)
> infrastructural remediations (b) new infrastructural developments (c)
> institutional services (d) administrative. Now all of these are important
> and have their place in the development of the Dominica economy/society.
> But I would be surprised if all of them share the same priority. So, on what
> basis have the priorities been establixshed? What is the "big picture" that
> drives government programming?
> 3. The above question is not an academic exercise because in national
> development, as in most other endeavors, there is something called a
> "catalytic effect". Simply put, wiith your right hand you may lift a
> maximum of 80lbs; with your left, 60lbs. With both hands you will be able
> to lift *more than 140 lbs.* My question is, how do these expenditures
> relate to each other? Could we have achieved a "bigger bang for our buck"
> with a different combination of investments?
> 4. Let me recognize that of the items listed some would be considered
> essential, and government would have had little "wiggle room" but to
> undertake the expenditure. For example, hurricane-damaged roads have to be
> re-constructed to ensure vital communication. No problem with that! But
> what of the others? By my reckoning and based on the information provided, I
> would conclude that of the fifty (50) named projects, some nine (9), namely
> 14, 15, 22, 26, 34, 35, 39, 41, 47 can be considered to have *direct
> developmental impacts.*
> 5. In western capitalist democracies, the role of government is
> traditionally to create and maintain a safe, secure, stable nurturing
> environment within which the private sector (households, corporations, NGO's
> etc) do what they do best. Government should rightly push, prod, entice,
> cajole these entities to invest and create employment opportunities
> through loans, tax incentives and subsidies, by reasonable credit etc, as
> well as by creating the necessary physical, social and administrative
> infrastructures. True, these do not always do what is expected, but
> government should enter the field of direct investment only as a last resort
> and after recognizing the failure of others to achieve the required
> objectives, for example, in housing. The private sector cannot compete with
> government and in the face of government intervention will tend to retreat
> even further, with the result that our last stage will be worst than the
> first.
> 6. The indication of a real growth in GDP of 3.2% is admirable in the
> current evolving global situation, but the devil is in the details. "GDP" is
> the summed value od goods and services produced in the home economy. It
> includes government expenditures on the variety of things that government
> has done. If, as indicated in this press release, government has been
> over-active in expenditures (worst of all on the basis of borrowings), then
> yes, GDP will go up but at what cost and to what effect? That may well
> be false development! If the local economy is unable to digest all this
> investment funds as indicated and outside contractors are required to come
> in and do consultancies, to construct roads and buildings; if components for
> construction have all got to be imported; then yes, GDP may show an increase
> but the "leakage" will result in very little direct wealth creation and
> circulation within Dominica, *though, admittedly, there may be secondary
> indirect development benefits.*
> There used to be an old saying among economists that no country can survive
> if all its citizens do is take in each other's washing. True. there will be
> lots of activity, money will change hands, but no one will be materially
> better off. Growth occurs through net increase in the value of goods and
> services and through increasing revenues earned from the export of these
> goods and services externally. That is the only true index of progress.
> I am sorry for this long discussion, but hopefully it helps us all to
> understand the processes at work in Dominica. It may even help
> decision-makers and ease their frustrations over so little evidence of
> economic growth despite such obvious efforts over the past four years to
> obtain funding and release it into the economy.
> This not an indictment of the present government but a continuation of a
> persistent theme that we need a rational and planned approach to the
> management of our economic future.
> (I will make no comments on the issue of accountability and transparency in
> the disbursements of funds except that this issue is also important in
> resolving the development dilemma.)
> Comments and criticisms are always welcome towards the goal of helping
> Dominica!!! I do not promise to respond.
> Frank Watty.
> Once again, an impressive listing of projects, but several unanswered
> questions.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Parry Bellot > *Sent:* Tuesday, June 09, 2009 8:29 PM
> *Subject:* RE: Government Press Release_ Some of the Achievements over the
> last 4 years...
>
> Maureen
>
> I am encouraged by your last line…
>
>
>
> *Parry R. Bellot*
>
> P.O. Box 244 Tel/Fax: (767) 448-1639
> Roseau, DOMINICA Cellular: 245-4618
> South Caribbean Email: parbel@cwdom.dm
>
> *“…to help advance efficiency practices and profitable enterprises in
> socially desirable ways…”*
> ------------------------------
>
> > *Subject:* Re: Government Press Release_ Some of the Achievements over the
> last 4 years...
>
>
>
> Some very good improvements to infrastructure.
>
>
>
> I guess an obvious question, as you have asked Clayton, is what has been
> the impact? Are we to take the press release as saying that all these
> activities translated into a 3.2% growth in GDP?
>
>
>
> The press release indicates when funds are loans but says nothing about the
> nature of the others. Also, not clear how much of the funds is capture by
> our economy and how much is spent buying materials from abroad, employing
> labour/expertise from abroad, etc.
>
>
>
> There ought to be an effects based analysis, is what I am saying.
>
>
>
> *.**.**.** but on the surface, good stuff. *
>
>
>
> M
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes."
>
> Date: Tuesday, 9 June, 2009, 4:25 PM
>
> See link below from Tony......
> http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/index.php?q=node/868
>
>
>
> Dr Clayton A. Shillingford
>
> Agribusiness Consultant and President, Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences
> (DAAS)
> www.da-academy.org
> 1522 Braken Ave, Wilmington, DE 19808
> Ph: 302-239-9643
>
> OR
>
> Checkhall Valley, Massacre, PO BOX 1466
> Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica
> Ph: 767-449-2412
>
>
>
> In a message dated 6/9/2009 10:47:20 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> bbe94@yahoo.com writes:
>
> Where is the document you are referring to?
>
>
>
> M
>
> "The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes."
>
> --- On *Tue, 9/6/09, SHILLICA@aol.com <SHILLICA@aol.com>* wrote:
>
> Date: Tuesday, 9 June, 2009, 2:25 PM
>
> Very informative piece on the performance of the Government.. positive in
> the intent for the benefit of the people if properly implemented. I have not
> seen any comment..especially from our economists on the real impact of these
> programmes on the Dominican economy ..especially on employment, expansion
> of the productive sector (agriculture, tourism, manufacturing etc)
>
>
>
> My other comments on the listing of Government achievements;
>
> 1. Seems heavy emphasis on infrastructural development and expenditure
> of a lot of money. What has been the real impact on poverty reduction and
> improvement of quality of life? Is there good correlation between the
> expenditure and job creation etc?
> 2. On the education/schools initiatives is there improvement in the
> quality of education delivered in the educational institutions? Will
> employment opportunities stem out-migration?
> 3. Energy..still in the exploratory phases. What is the real measurable
> impact of Petro- Caribe and Domlec plans?
> 4. Agriculture...the initiatives in agriculture (packing houses, export
> strategy , diversification, etc) seem problematic because of land use
> issues, inadequate technical support to production, labour issues, youth
> involvement and their succession into agricultural enterprises, shortage of
> supply to meet market demand regionally and internationally, lack of
> capacity for agro-processing etc
> 5. Health care..a matter of great concern for locals, returnees etc. A
> DAAS opinion poll among returnees revealed that quality health care is
> their greatest concern. Action from the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and
> implementation of the Diaspora Desk would help to identify these concerns
> that need to be addressed
>
> Notwithstanding these achievements there is little room or excuse
> especially in the current global financial meltdown for gross incompetence,
> poor implementation practices, insider contracts, favouritism, nepotism, and
> corruption in the conduct of the people's business.
>
>
>
> By copy I am asking our economists and others for their analysis and
> comments on the state of the Dominican economy against the background of
> this list of achievements
>
>
>
> Dr Clayton A. Shillingford
>
> Agribusiness Consultant and President, Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences
> (DAAS)
> www.da-academy.org
> 1522 Braken Ave, Wilmington, DE 19808
> Ph: 302-239-9643
>
> OR
>
> Checkhall Valley, Massacre, PO BOX 1466
> Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica
> Ph: 767-449-2412
>
>
>
> Dr Clayton A. Shillingford
>
> Agribusiness Consultant and President, Dominica Academy of Arts & Sciences
> (DAAS)
> www.da-academy.org
> 1522 Braken Ave, Wilmington, DE 19808
> Ph: 302-239-9643
>
> OR
>
> Checkhall Valley, Massacre, PO BOX 1466
> Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica
> Ph: 767-449-2412
>
>
>
> In a message dated 5/21/2009 8:26:47 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
> astaphana@gmail.com writes:
>
> *FYI*
>
> http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/index.php?q=node/868
>
> --
> Anthony W Astaphan,S.C.
>
> ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED INFORMATION
> This transmittal is intended only for the use of the addressee and may
> contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from
> disclosure by law. If the reader of this transmittal is not the intended
> recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or
> copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received
> this communication in error, please return the transmittal to us via
> e-mail.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
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> *
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> *A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps!<http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221322977x1201367197/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=JunestepsfooterNO62>
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>


--
Anthony W Astaphan,S.C.

ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED INFORMATION
This transmittal is intended only for the use of the addressee and may
contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from
disclosure by law. If the reader of this transmittal is not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or
copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received
this communication in error, please return the transmittal to us via
e-mail.



--
Anthony W Astaphan,S.C.

ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED INFORMATION
This transmittal is intended only for the use of the addressee and may
contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from
disclosure by law. If the reader of this transmittal is not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or
copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received
this communication in error, please return the transmittal to us via
e-mail.
RE: OUR PEOPLE MUST FOCUS ON OBJECTIVITY, PEACE, AND THE WELFARE OFOUR WAITU...
Posted/FW: by Dominica-My-opinion
Wednesday, 10 June 2009 22:03
gabrielchn@aol.com wrote


The conduct of the Senior Counsel speaks for itself. Of course, those
equally complicit will find no fault as things continue to fall apart
with our misled people chasing witches at mid day. Symptomatic of
acceptance of the unacceptable.

GJC

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
RE: OUR PEOPLE MUST FOCUS ON OBJECTIVITY, PEACE, AND THE WELFARE OFOUR WAITU...
Posted/FW: by Dominica-My-opinion
Wednesday, 10 June 2009 22:02
Christian Volney wrote:

Parry,
Gabriel has some very serious concerns, as do I and many other
Dominicans at home and the world over. I understand and empathize
with his frustrations in inadequately reaching an acceptable solution to
these concerns.

I have known Gabe from my childhood days, we served in the Cadet Corps
together and were presented Cadets at the the Independence celebrations
at the Newton Savannah back in the late 70's. I have no reason to
doubt his integrity as a genuinely concerned citizen of our country. I
also admire his relentless pursuit of transparency and accountability in
good governance. Yes he has his agenda, but so do we all.
The difference between our individual philosophies lies in the
approach of necessitated change required in Dominica. I strongly
believe our focus should be on institutional change to the governing
framework through legislation. Attack the root of the problem which is
where the symptoms exist, not those entwined and trapped within its
throes year after year.

There has been a lot of discussion over the past decade about the
relevance of institutions in political science. This has led to the
emergence of an explanatory discipline, /new institutionalism,/ a
prominent social theory that focuses on developing a comprehensive study
of institutions, the way they interact, and the effects of institutions
on society—thus providing a way of viewing how institutions evolve in
very different ways, or how institutions shape the behaviour of
individual members and produce favourable change within society.

I am of the belief that rational choice institutionalism predicts change
when an exogenous shock destabilizes pre-existing mechanisms
of government coordination, and historical institutionalism predicts
institutional change when the public regulatory framework of such a
system is corroded from within or overturned by a dramatic shift in
control of the levers of government.

I am aware that many of the proponents of the older institutionalism are
strongly opposed to new institutionalism, most saliently in the manner
in which new institutionalism seeks to explain institutional change as
merely another instance of maximization. Instead, old institutionalism
seeks to articulate reasons for institutional change in terms of social
and political volition. This is where my fight lies and a discourse I
will continue to promote.

In conclusion,
I disagree with your suggestion that Gabe is a "once brilliant lawyer",
he remains brilliant by all accounts. Not because one has a difference
of opinion, or is no longer a supporter of another's cause, constitutes
his/her misdemeanour as being diminished.
Cheers.
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