In what may be an unmistakable sign of shifting political
fortunes for Roosevelt Skerrit, China's President Xi Jinping has invited Opposition Leader Lennox Linton and a team of senior officials of his United Workers Party (UWP) to
Beijing for high level discussions of mutual interest. The significance of
this unprecedented move by China
cannot be understated. Mr. Skerrit, we're informed, was not consulted on this by the Chinese, just merely told that it's happening. He has been fuming ever since.
Mr. Skerrit has been trying to convince us for years that no one other than him is capable of meeting with international leaders. In fact, if you were to listen to his rhetoric on China-Dominica relations, you would be excused if you came away with the impression that China recognizes only him as the sole political leader in Dominica. Fortunately, the Chinese appear to have a difference in opinion.
President Xi and the Chinese government knows that the relationship between both countries in based on mutual respect between its peoples, not between China and Mr. Skerrit. Of note, Xi has been on a campaign to rid his own government of corrupt officials, and so appearing to be closely associated with Skerrit, who himself is enveloped in the stench of corruption, is antithetical to his beliefs.
President Xi and the Chinese government knows that the relationship between both countries in based on mutual respect between its peoples, not between China and Mr. Skerrit. Of note, Xi has been on a campaign to rid his own government of corrupt officials, and so appearing to be closely associated with Skerrit, who himself is enveloped in the stench of corruption, is antithetical to his beliefs.
Mr. Linton's delegation includes MP's Ezekiel Bazil (Wesley), Joshua Francis (Roseau South), Hector John (Salisbury) and Danny Lugay (Roseau North),
Senator Felix Thomas (Mahaut), and former UN Ambassador Crispin Gregoire. The delegation
will have high level discussions with senior Chinese government officials. How this strategic move by the Chinese will be interpreted by Skerrit we do not know, but we're convinced that he is not amused.
It is very unusual for a foreign government, in particular a global superpower and one as steeped in diplomacy as the Chinese are, to bypass a sitting government with whom it has relations and extend its hand to other political entities within country. We believe that the Chinese are hedging their bets and may be looking to chart a new course in relations with Dominica. This can only be a good sign for us.
The team departs for the Chinese capital today, August Monday.
It is very unusual for a foreign government, in particular a global superpower and one as steeped in diplomacy as the Chinese are, to bypass a sitting government with whom it has relations and extend its hand to other political entities within country. We believe that the Chinese are hedging their bets and may be looking to chart a new course in relations with Dominica. This can only be a good sign for us.
The team departs for the Chinese capital today, August Monday.
