From Advocate to Controversy - Injustice Irvin Andre

From Advocate to Controversy: The Evolution of Irvin Andre's Stance on Diaspora Voting Rights - Unveiling the Shift that Rocked the Foundation of Advocacy

In the realm of advocacy and political dynamics, the evolution of stances can often be as intriguing as they are bewildering. Irvin Andre, once an impassioned advocate for extending voting rights to the diaspora, now finds himself at the center of a heated debate after a notable flip-flop on the very matter he once championed.

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potential violence while striving for dialogue, following the austerity budget of July 2002, seemed, as of this writing, to have calmed passions. It must be understood by all and sundry that Dominica's failure to produce new wealth, is not amenable toresolution by street protest or endless talk radio chatter. That real solutions derive from reasoned discussion, partnerships across the political divide and the determination to implement the visions for better evolved therefrom.

     All Dominican parties and organization must commit to giving the Diaspora the right to vote and the constitution be amended to allow same, where necessary. Such voting rights are a prerequisite to respectful recognition of the Diaspora's role. It would be an insult to continue to seek the Diaspora's economic support, while denying the overseas community its rightful role:

That of equal partner in the nation building effort. The Diaspora, likewise, must curtail any arrogance/or insensitivity in dealing with the home base and so avoid grievance.

     In this moment we face the diminution of our gains, and the re-colonization of our country, if Dominicans do not act with all deliberate haste to secure the opportunity and promise of the Brooklyn Declaration. We have already lost some Diasporans who came, were rejected, and had to return to the often times cold and damp habitations of London, Boston and elsewhere. Our island is poorer for it when we lose the resources and know how of those who were suckled at its breast, and whose return implied