Foreign Affairs Minister, Francine Baron, has called for the lifting of the trade embargo against Cuba and has praised Venezuela for its assistance to Dominica over the past decade.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, she also called for a diplomatic solution to the war in Syria, the elimination of the nuclear capabilities of North Korea and urgent work to be done to defeat global terrorism.
She said both Cuba and Venezuela have had a significant impact on the island over the years.
“Countries such as Venezuela and Cuba continue to make durable and significant impact on the healthcare, education, and energy landscape of Dominica,” she said, adding that Cuba can make an even greater contribution to the region and the world once the economic embargo is lifted.
“Dominica is encouraged by the recent improvements in relations between the Republic of Cuba and the United States of America,” Baron stated. “We applaud President Obama’s initiative as progressive and worthy of international support. The critical next step, however, should be the removal of all other impediments to true trade and economic activities so that Cuba can fully benefit from the international trading and financial systems.”
In July 2015, diplomatic relations were restored between Cuba and the United States after over five decades of severed ties. Obama travelled to Cuba in March 2016. He was the first sitting US President to visit the island since Calvin Coolidge, in 1928. He called on the US Congress to lift the embargo, which he described as the “last remnants of the Cold War.”
In terms of Venezuela, Baron said at the UN General Assembly that the South American country has been Dominica’s reliable partner in development.
“Mr. President even in the face of their own domestic challenges, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela continues to be a reliable partner in development,” she stated. “Our partnership with the Bolivarian Republic, especially over the last decade, has contributed significantly to our own tangible achievements under the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) to initiatives such as ALBA and Petro Caribe. We look forward to our continued partnership and hope for a peaceful and amicable resolution of its current difficulties. A peaceful and stable hemisphere is in the interest of all of us.”
She expressed Dominica’s concerns over the war in Syria and the nuclear capabilities of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), also known as North Korea.
“Mr. President our efforts to save our planet and to improve the lives of billions of people throughout the world who suffer from hunger and starvation and those who continue to be marginalized will be pointless without peace and security,” Baron stated. “The destruction brought about by wars within and between countries continues to displace millions of people from their homes creating an unprecedented refugee crisis. The threat posed by nuclear weapons, especially by the determination of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to develop weapons with the ability to kill millions is a major threat, not only to its neighbours but to people everywhere.”
She stated that the UN must work without hesitation and “take strong and decisive action to pursue diplomatic solutions to end the war in Syria and to eliminate the nuclear capability of the DPRK.”
She argued that all countries must work together with urgency to defeat the threat of global terrorism.
“It is up to us to take the necessary action,” Baron stated.
Francine, why don’t you simply get lost, and stop making an idiot of yourself? While you are calling for the United States to lift some embargo on Cuba, and praise a bankrupt Venezuela for helping your poverty stricken Dominica with some handouts.
You failed to brief yourself regarding the relationship which exists today in the year 2016 between the United States and Cuba. Haven’t anyone inform you that there are American business people now in Cuba engaged in partnership of manufacturing Farm Tractors to be utilized in Cuba, and sold in the United States?
Haven’t anyone inform you that American tourist visit by Ship to Cuba many times per week, while there are daily schedule flights by Commercial Jet Aircrafts into, and out of Cuba on a daily basics? You are talking about some thing which does not concern you.
The say you are foreign minister, may I enquire Foreign Minister of what, and to which country? One who makes a fool to themselves, is worst than a fools fool!…
talk about hypocrites look them in the UN and in high office trying to convince the World and our citizens in Dominica that Cuba and Venezuela is our good friends and they mean everything to us in Dominica and for that we are forever grateful. The irony about it though is when they have to deliver their babies they do not run to Cuba or Venezuela oh no they want a US identity Cuba Venezuela par la they want US Green Card. When they want to shop and to spree they do not go to Cuba and Venezuela instead to dine and wine in Asia and Morocco and Las Vegas. So all that talk about Cuba and Venezuela is our dear friends etc is just pure bull.
But….there is a self imposed embargo on Dominican citizens by gov’t from Eugenia to Skeritt of HIGH customs/import duties. Rediculous high customs duties of 45, 60, 110% that countries impose only when they want to go to war against another country by raising tariffs to the roof.
Lifting that embargo would lower the cost of living, make goods affordable, boost the sales for the political contributor gods that influence gov’t to keep the high tarrifs, create jobs exponentially. I wonder if she is aware what’s happening at home!?
We Dominicans should forgive this poor ignorant lady, this was not her speech sounds like it came straight from the pages of Mr. Skerrit book. He was so coward to be there to speak himself. Mr. Skerrit making this lady and Dominicans look so stupid. Let the world know we are begging Cuba and Venezuela for our supper. Miss Baron, let the world know that we heading to Communism…thank you very much.
The only thing i see good about that page is Ms Baron. Beautiful black woman I must say. Everything els is kaka shien.
Talk about a Zandoli in a Frog race. Well It seems even us Beggars have our turn to speak. It is Ironic that a nation without a helicopter, a war ship, zero military also has it’s views about North Korea and world politics. Way Papa.. is anyone listening to our commess? I hope not.
It is worth noticing how Miss Baron sang the praises of Cuba and Venezuela for the assistance which Dominica have received from them.But what about the U.S.A.? the richest nation on planet earth.What have we received from Obama.? When he became president there was hooray,hooray! for the first black president of the U.S.And after 8 yrs we have almost nothing to thank him for.
Soon people like Dr. Thompson Fontaine and Christian from the U.S will go on or call Q95 FM and tells us “vote for Hilary Clinton” because she will be good for Dominica. and the Caribbean.
I commend you minister baron for speaking the truth…Venezuela has and is still being a great help to dominica…and the stage you have used to translate that reality…thumbs up,,, maybe then America and Europe will give better helping hands to our socalled thirdworld countries if they want us to isolate Venezuela though to some right now,,it’s okay to deal with cuba because America is now dealing with cuba,,double standards eh!!! or maybe America and Europe will just continue their little racist games…..but in the meantime minister….tell it like it is…the kettle and pot…both bottoms are black
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday that he’s interested in offering trade alliances and long-term land leases to China and Russia.
Duterte said he realized he’d be “crossing the Rubicon” with the U.S., his country’s close ally and former colonial ruler.
“I am not really going to break ties” with the U.S., Duterte said, but he indicated he’d be willing to forge closer economic relationships with the other side of “the ideological barrier.” like i said before birds of a feather flock together. More friends of skeritt
At this point, the U.S., Russia, and China are military rivals, but they’re not particularly ideologically different. So I expect that all Duterte is really saying by this is that he wants to get paid, and that he expects the Americans will raise their bid to keep China and Russia out.
” The threat posed by nuclear weapons, especially by the determination of the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea to develop weapons with the ability to kill millions is a major threat, not only to its neighbours but to people everywhere”.
I find it very strange, indeed perfunctory, that such a fuss is made about North Korea, which has not even been successful in its brazen pursuit in this realm, and has not killed ANYONE with nuclear weapons, that nothing has been said as regards the stockpiled weaponry in the hands of both the USA and the Russian Federation. These two weapons giants not only have, but have USED them already against humanity. Yet, no mention is made of them. Trying to figure out why.
HOTEP!
“Mr. President our efforts to save our planet and to improve the lives of billions of people throughout the world who suffer from hunger and starvation and those who continue to be marginalized will be pointless without peace and security,”
If I represented Dominica at the UN, I would speak of my country, region and global position. I would find the president of Israel and relate to him on issues of National Security, Agriculture and Education. Find favor in Israel. They are looking for your support!
“I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” Genesis 12:3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sAhenJxDzY
Thanks for letting the whole world know how tight Dominica is with dictators and communist countries.
Oh! thanks again.
PEOPLE like you have no idea what is happening in this world, instead of you Workers supporters writing crap each days, why not try to learn something on your devices, rather than leasening to LINTON, dog crap, day in day out please stop the world i want to get out.
“leasening:” The author is Mr. El Dog!
I always regard you as someone who did not graduate kindergarten; nevertheless, you are simply another ignorant agent of Skerrit talking nonsense about anybody who does not support Skerrit’s cynical, and incompetent way he conducts himself while he continues to damage the country.
The word is termed; “listen:” When used in the sense of a verb it is termed listened, or listening; which means to pay attention to something such as sound, or voices; to be alert in order to catch an unexpected sound or voice of someone; so as to hear something with thoughtful attention, in order to give consideration to a plea.
You are as ignorant and stupid as any human can be; yet it is you a fool who wrote on DNO that “since I leaving in UK I get wiser, and know there is no god.”
The Bible teaches however; the fool said in his heart there is no God!” Note: your spelling “leasening & leaving that proved to me that you are not even kindergarten…
I think Dominica should stay out of the cuba America dispute since cock roach has no business in fowl fighter to quote the late prime minister of saint lucia and concentrate on the island that is falling apart with drugs , poverty, because of lazy young men smoking weed , sniffing cocaine stealing farmers produce like plantains so they can buy drugs . Please put a stop to the importation of drugs .
Dominica does not have a choice but to say the words that the castros and maduro want to hear since beggers are not choosers even if the givers a just as poor.
shouldn’t our new UN Ambassador be up there making those speeches?
Give her a break – she has some serious shopping to do.
Two questions first: 1. DNO what is the marital status of Foreign Affairs Minister, Francine Baron? I mean is she single, married, divorce or remarried? ask because as foreign affairs minister she has to be out of state often and I wonder if Mr. Skerrit who is always out of state especially when she is out would not be a better foreign affairs minister.
2. Is PM Skerrit sick or out of town? I ask because Ms. Baron addressed the UN instead of him. If he is out why didn’t he address the UN so Ms. Barron could stay home. I don’t like the idea of both being out at the same time because it’s too costly for tax payers.
“She said both Cuba and Venezuela have had a significant impact on the island over the years.” 1. Why didn’t she say what DA will do to help Venezuela during their crisis and call on the UN to assist Venezuela? 2. I thought she would tell the UN what skerrit was doing in photo with NG Lap seng, Ashe, Francisco and co, on 8/26/15, and what exactly he was seen…
There must be a reason why she addressed the UN. She is the Foreign Affairs Minister. It is not for you to question and by no means her personal life.
NO! None are your damn business. Leave well alone. Do you not have better things to do with your time and the intelligence you may have?
PM is keeping a low profile if he is in the USA . Dominica needs so much help instead she is up there telling the UN and the USA Government what they should be doing where Cuba and Venezuela is concern , I believe the women in that Government are just as incompetent as the men which includes their leader.
What a grossly sexist comment! A woman’s marital status has no more bearing on whether she can do a particular job than a man’s does. What is this, 1950?
Wow Francine wow!! And to make it worse, you kept a straight face throughout the delivery. Why did you not make mention of the electoral commissions in Dominica and Venezuela impeding on citizens rights at the behest of dictators who behave like they will be in power forever? Just a reminder that folks like Saddam and Col. Gaddafi did and said worst but when the people turned the rest as we know is history with tragic endings.
Get wiser Francine, emancipate yourself from mental and class slavery before its too late. Do not allow yourself to be used in such demeaning capacity. Time will tell because the UN is well aware of the “electoral reform” issue and will support us Dcans in our demand for change by any means necessary.
Always Assertive!
I’m ashamed that my country representative at the UN will go before this august body and make fools of the country of Dominica,by praising Venezuela.What does that say about us to the international community,other than that we are a rouge nation in the same vain as Venezuela,which the majority of people see as a failure.Therefore Skerritt and his representative have spat in the face of all the Dominican people at home and abroad.The rest of the world is taking note
You again Johnathan st Jean and the others with your sour, jealous hatred comment. Can you all not be grateful or love something? Not one time that there is a commendation from you guys who love to showcase your anger and hateful attitude. Garcon look for some love from above so you will learn to appreciate and Be thankful. Venezuela has done a lot for DA so why can we not say that. You guys think you can control persons and let them say hat you want to hear. Humility partners.
You stated what? She made fools of Dominica? Your general opinion does not represent all Dominicans; probably only yourself. Not much clout here.
Let’s see what we as Dominicans have to say or do Dominica was on a run away train while the others sit and look on Francine was a very big disappointment.
It is so wonderful to boast of contributions of Venezuela & Cuba, healthcare, education, wow didn’t America & Britain do the same things, but u forget one main area of contribution and that is the export of communism and socialism from Venezuela & Cuba too Dominica which is why our crime is rising like Venezuela, cause communism & Socialism make countries poorer and make the ruling class wealthier.
The irony of the “urgency to defeat the threat of global terrorism” when u fellas selling the Dominican passport in the middle east is unbelievable.
is not the ruling class in America and Europe and in fact any capitalistic country wealthier and the poor poorer….what is this psychological class lessons in reverse???? are we that dom to you????
@forreal
I lost a few brain cells reading your comment, but I did get a good laugh at your expense. So l suppose I broke even.
i meant the wealthier gets wealthier and the poor gets poorer
Communism and socialism do not enhance crime; but corruption, injustice and, in your case, ignorance, most certainly do.
Countries like Honduras, Brazil and (especially) Venezuela, countries with Socialist presidents, violent crime such as robbery, kidnapping and murder has exploded. Under Chavez, Venezuela became the most dangerous country in the world to live in. You\’re more likely to be murdered in Venezuela than you are in neighboring Colombia, a country that\’s fighting
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_intentional_homicide_rate
You call yourself Stalin? Do you not know that Stalin was a Russian and a communist?
You blame Venezuela and Cuba for your home-grown, born and brought up fellow D/can nationals who commit crimes, some big-time ones?
To begin with how many Cubans and Venezuelans committed crimes in D/ca, were caught, arrested and charged?
Are your head and mind clear, your eyes seeing straight and are your brains all there?