The threat of physical violence is once again rearing its ugly head in this pre-election season and as it continues history will repeat itself and after the election we will shed crocodile tears for those suffering the painful consequences.
Violence is the exercise of force or power to cause injury, damage or abuse. Physical assault is unfortunately not the worst or only form. Human beings are equally violated by psychological aggression as well as the social or economic deprivation that usually precedes physical violence. The multi-dimensional aspect of violence means that it can affect people at various levels. Psychological violence often leads to physical violence and does have a negative impact on our behavior, our interaction with others and our capacity to function effectively.
At election time this psychological war-fare is mainly channeled through partisan political operatives and party propaganda machinery. At one level it focuses on character assassination, name calling, blatant lies, misuse of patrimony and lack of informed national debate.
The increasing practice of maliciously or falsely denigrating other Dominicans especially accomplished ones for political gain is a clear act of psychological violence against our younger generation. It encourages disregard for the achievements of predecessors of similar background and origin while adoring the abusers. The consequence increased hatred for self among our youth.
We practice psychological violence when in a parliamentary democracy the STATE fails to provide the necessary financial resources and individuals of impeccable integrity and impartiality to the electoral commission to ensure that our electoral process is fair both in substance and procedure. This form of psychological violence dwarfs any other form of violence or so called threats to life in the country at this time! In this season of emancipation it is a sickening violation of the very essence of our humanity, OUR FREEDOM! It is a “freedom” for which our ancestors such as “Jaco” sacrificed and died that is now being threatened by new masters and taken for granted us. .
It is also psychological abuse against an unsuspecting public when certain acts of public mischief (e.g. the IPO saga) are ignored by the police yet others are pursued at the speed of light once “Massa” gives the directive. In the meantime the GON Emmanuel fire bombing is confined to eternal darkness.
These examples of abuse are further compounded by denying the Dominican electorate sustained and reasoned debate on policies, plans, or programs. Neither are we entitled to appraise elected representatives’ performance or the potential of their teams to deliver. Instead too many of our politicians and party political operatives are content to trade exclusively in the psychological violence, color-coding, flag-waving, and “sewo” for the privilege and enormous responsibility of managing our country’s future for the next five years.
We know only too well these modern architects of this psychological violence and mental enslavement? Why is this so acceptable to the large majority of Dominicans? Is it because we are victims of a struggle that many of us do not understand and in most cases are not even aware of?
We must in this emancipation season take note of the pre-election perpetrators of this type of violence and punish them at the ballot box and after for this irreversible damage to the psyche of the nation.
Election violence that encourages divisiveness but not dialogue, that promotes party-politics but not partnership that accedes to antagonism but not accountability cannot uplift the individual. Neither will it produce love for others, love for community or love for our ‘beloved’ Ma Dominique. It will definitely not produce National Unity. What it produces is a more barren and hostile physical, social and intellectual landscape on this so called ‘Isle of Splendor’.
I dare to suggest that those who claim to be serious about the future well being of the country and our people base their prescription for success on the ancient Afrikan principle of MAAT. It provides a holistic approach to achieving integrity, compassion, balance and reciprocity here, and in the hereafter. They should also adopt the prevention rather than cure approach as the best means to secure our optimum psychological and physical health. This will better prepare us to work together for the wealth and health of the nation.
Finally our present rulers and future leaders must know that “each fruit will bring forth after its own kind”. It will be both fruitless and hypocritical to brazenly call for Reconciliation and Unity after the election when the country is mired in the violence that they and their operatives sowed before and during the campaign.
May the spirits of the ancestors be pleased.
Opinions expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
The way in which we can counter this psychological violence is to get up and get the young people to register to vote. the power lies in the hand.
Doc, The headline of your commentary is very deceptive and covert and serves only to promote your political ideology. You are displaying partisan politics with the references used to describe Psychological violence regarding the elections, and does not help in any way to honestly give credibility with your intent to highlight a problem scaring the Political climate we are facing in the upcoming election.
truth always hurt bigots like yourself.. hush, let the scholar speak his words, we don’t need you interruption.,
Why would you call me a bigot. You have just exposed yourself as the classic example of the kind of Psychological violence that needs to be addressed during the upcoming election.
@FORKIT, the manner in which you support the article is an example of the Psychological violence mentioned by the writer. It comes from both sides.
Psychological violence started in your home.
Brother Eipigh your views are most welcome. It is high time we address the coarse manner in which we now treat each other. The lamentable and plain wrong discharge by Lugay must be condemned but is not unique to the opposition. The government operatives have been party to intemperate language as well and the circular firing squad by the two competing radio stations frustrate dialogue or any calm exchange of views. Until we become the change we desire progress on Ma Dominique will be elusive. Thanks for operating in the spirit of love and not sacrificing brotherhood and friendships on the altar of political expediency. In societies where people succumb to such mindless political tribalism they eat each other – Ukraine, Nigeria, Syria, Libya come to mind.
A system will come to the edge of chaos before it can regain equilibrium.
My dear brother Pascal, I support your point of view. The only problem is that many Dominicans cannot understand the substance of what you have shed. This is highly intellectual stuff here. But I pray that we the people will receive the wisdom to chose wisdom and freedom.
Pure unadulterated pseudo-intellectual hogwash! I want to hear both of you comment on the anatomy of domestic violence and the effect of posting banned substances.
Great article my brother. Preach it..The truth must be revealed…Where are our so call civic leaders who are responsible for upholding strong values and high ethics freedom and justice in our land? They have all failed us and shown their true colours. High praises to our media personality Matt and Q95. You will be forever remembered and rewarded richly.
I am proud of you, trying to make a difference. We met in France while we were learning french. Best wishes from Spain. Gloria.
This touches the core of most political systems which preys on the ignorance of the unsuspecting masses . The sadness of this situation is when those of us who are fully aware of tbese types of mental or psychological deceitfulness pretend to be ignorant especially where the masses look up to us for guidance due to our social status. REMEMBER LIFE IS A CIRCLE .
Hurrah Doctor Pascal you have written on an excellent topic and well done, thank you God have bless you with wisdom. Keep teaching us, we need more bold and independent men like you. God bless you and do not stop writing
“May the spirits of the ancestors be pleased”
WTH does that mean? 
This is another great article by the Doc., but not without some constructive criticism. You see, you shouldn’t – in one breath – only comment when it suits you. There have been a few incidents that have occurred just this year, about which I did not hear or read any condemnation from you. I will mention two incidents in particular, and both incidents occurred during political rhetoric times: one recently by a sitting parliamentarian, and the other during the carnival season, during one of the calypso tents.
The comment by the parliamentarian is and was wrong, and we need good people like you to voice your outrage when utterances like these happen in our society, especially when it is done by people who know better. The threat of murder is a very serious threat. People have been known to kill each other over simpler utterances, e.g. cursing one’s mother – lots of people have come to serious “blows” or injury over such an utterance. We need your voice of reason on matter such as this. You need to condemn the parliamentarian for such actions, and ask for his immediate resignation.
The other incident happened earlier this year during one of the calypso tents, when one of the performers punched the stage manager unconscious simply because he was dissatisfied by the judges’ decision. (Note that this performer has a history of violent tendencies.) The reason I choose to mention this particular incident is because, for the last decade, most calypsos have been written by one famous myopic writer who shows contempt for the current administration. Although that particular calypsonian I’m referring to did not sing a song penned by this writer, the general atmosphere at the calypso tents is dominated by that one writer who imposes his ideology using different calypsonians to deliver his message. You will admit that during that time/season the air is full of political rhetoric and violence, and yet we do not hear your voice of reason, nor your call for caution during that time.
Back to the parliamentarian: an individual who has the propensity for vile utterance since a youth. Where is the change, I ask? This man has been known for his vile and divisive outbursts every so often. At what point in his life will he change? And as a “believer” he should have changed already. Not surprising his political leader rallied behind /beside him; another individual with vile utterances and violence in his past, against other people. So, can we conclude that we are not capable of change/changing?
Violence – physical or verbal – can be dispensed differently, depending on who is delivering it, and what methodology they choose to use. Youths between the ages of 16-25 tend to be more violent than say those 35 and up. The reason is this; the older you become you acquire a bank of experience and reason to fall on when faced with adversity; hence you tend not to resort to violence to solve problems or issues. Whereas, youths can be easily influenced by older individuals and immature emotions, and they can be used to carry out, intimidate, and perpetrate violence against others in society. For example, there is a menace to our society by the cognomen of “Shabba” who repeatedly intimidates individuals, commits/perpetrates acts of (sexual) violence at will in the community, and yet some “rational” individuals who know better, compliment his behavior by saying “how intelligent he is”. Where is the voice of reason, rational, and caution from the good Doc?
Hence, we come to the new mantra… “Change is a must”, which I am in agreement with, but with caution and reservation. If we are going to call for a change, then why or what are we changing? Is it behavior, attitudes, party allegiances, societal disrespect, disparity, against the haves and the haves nots? What are we really changing from, and changing to? Change is a must, according to you, to educate our society into having a better attitude and tolerance for each other around elections times and beyond. It will take more than pen and paper, or for that matter, Microsoft Word and DNO publications to right this wrong.
As we grow older our ability to retain new information or to learn new ways and new things can be challenging at times. “Recently, researchers have found even more positive news. The brain, as it traverses middle age, gets better at recognizing the central idea, the big picture. If kept in good shape, the brain can continue to build pathways that help its owner recognize patterns and, as a consequence, see significance and even solutions much faster than a young person can.” Taken from the New York Times “How to train the Brain” by Barbara Strauch, published December 29, 2009.
My point here is that folks like you, Doc, and your contemporaries can make a difference right now by condemning actions, hate speech, and violent acts when they occur, not choosing which incident to admonish when you feel like it. So, there is hope. Change can happen, but not on vague or selective terms. These actions do matter to all.
So why do want to tell the Doc what to write on. I see you have enough for an article. Why did you not choose to write on the topics of interest to you and submit to DNO for publishing? You have the ability it appears.
it matters seem like he is a paper giant, I am waiting for your piece. please, there must be something you can write about
Great discuss the only thing you should do like the doctor put your real name, be proud of your commentary and stopping hiding behind fictitious name like “It matters”. Be real!
The stubbornness of any Gov’t to implement Electoral Reforms, eg. campaign finance laws, or to facilitate the Electoral Commission in carrying out necessary changes to the electoral process is psychological violence. The Commission got no money to do what it had asked to do, – produce Voter ID Cards and clean the List. Whose fools are we. It is plain to see who wants FREE and FAIR elections.
The Electoral Commission itself recommended reforms, production of VOTER ID Cards and to clean up the bloated VOTERS’ LIST for Years now. Heavy influence by DLP political operatives forced the Commission to produce National ID Cards instead. Remember the famous E-mail saying the Commission was doing madness?
The Commission has lost its “Independence.” Psychological pressure twisted the hands of the Commission
CARICOM and the OAS also advised that electoral Reforms should be done . For FREE and FAIR elections, reforms must be done. But awa. Commission now saying without any excuse or remorse, no NID would be ready before the next elections. Stealing, cheating elections will come back and hunt whoever is involved in that criminal act. Without those reforms, the elections cannot, repeat cannot be FREE nor FAIR.
The world must know now of the dictatorial moves and psychological violence being meted out to the peace-loving people of Dominica. we must fight for FRE and FAIR elections now. Tomorrow will be too late. The psychological violence would have taken its toll.
This article is so salient to our time! Intuitively, the causal observer would probably be inclined to believe that there is no law or order prevailing in our country. The observer who follows international events would probably recall the last general election in Zimbabwe and the comment made by the president’s wife that an opposition candidate was too “ugly”to be president and compare and contrast her statement with similar statements made on political platforms in Dominica.
Consider that the psychological violence in the past has compared a candidate to a “cockroach” and an opposition candidate to “Barrabas” (the thief on the cross) whilst the Dear Leader has been compared to “Jesus” . The belief that the Dear Leader cannot be stopped is being flaunted because a “born again” member of his cabinet had a dream and prophesied that his government would be in power for a long time. The bombarbment on our psyche is constant. Recently, the member for Portsmouth advanced to the populace, his belief that the Dear Leader would be in office for the next 20 plus years. Not content however, with an 18-3 majority, the Dear Leader himself has openly boasted that he will win all 21 seats next time around. (By the hook or by the crook?) One wonders whether W.S. Gilbert had a vision of our times when when he wrote” but many a king on a first class throne, if he wants to call his crown his own, must manage somehow to get through more dirty work that I.” Two wrongs do not make a right unless of course you belong to a certain cadre of politicians in Dominica . Just ask the Attorney who threatened on a political platform to seek out the opposition in Marigot, Laplaine and Salisbury Et Al, and treat them like the US treats Al Queda, That was on March 12, 2013. Allegedly the Attorney General is still trying to exploring criminal liability.
Well said Doctor Pascal , hope your words falls on fertile soil and bear fruits .
So true…
I live very close to you Dr. Once upon a time and you’re a wise man . A lot of we Dominicans need to listen and lean from your words. God bless you Dr.
We said, doc very eloquent piece from a son of the soil.We are being led by a reckless bunch of dictators who do not regard the Laws or constitution and who are very selective in matters that they choose to allow the puppet cops to investigate. Other intelligent Dominicans must stand up and speak out, so that we can see the end of this government who is killing our country .
in order to provide fair elections you need to bring impartial foreign observers who will give realistic assessment of the violation during the election. European Union Commission provides election observation missions to ensure that elections are fair and free: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/what/human-rights/election_observation_missions/index_en.htm
There is a dangerous cocktail – small population in low-income country, absence of strong institutions, poverty and ability of elites to enrich, which leads to enormous political risks: crooked election tactics, intimidation of opponents and violence as election tactics. Dominica situation is not unique – same pattern can be found all across Africa. I don’t personally believe that Caribbean political and electoral landscape is somehow differ from Africa – culturally and mentality the same population, same ineffective institutions….So maybe makes sense to copy Botswana which manages to create effective checks-balances system, instead of inclining into Zimbabwe direction, which is failed state ruined by crooked politicians.
YES Doc. i hear you LOUD and CLEAR,we are afraid of our shadow,is only when the fire is burning our a** we does bawl,
That slogan All shall eat, slowwly changing to All shall feel IT,(HEAT). Great commentary.
There is also this arrogance of removing the ointment from a pastors annointment ect ect this kind of behaviour dosen,t help to create harmony
Great article. However, in the interest of the STATE, I believe the author should also sound a word of caution to politicians vying for public office to refrain from uttering words or phrases that would portray any negative connotation. But indeed, you stalk to the topic
stuck?
wake sence shanks
Well said.
A well written piece Doc. What will be the result of this psychological rape when all is said and done? Politicians who will be exonerated for their crime against a sleeping and unsuspecting populace. “Beat me Massa, Beat me. I know you love me when you beat me. When you tear me down; when you call me names, when you strip me of my dignity, when you prey on my vulnerability: that is when I know you love me.”
Greate article doc. You continue to educate the nation and the world.
we must watch movies on slavery to understand the an element of election is vey similar to slave trading , those that want to FREE the slave and those that want to keep them in captivity.
Dr. Relax
A very well put together piece Mr Pascal I do hope this would be read by all and of course ad hear to as we all can learn something from it.
Thank you DR. I would also, like to hear your expert opinion on the idea put forward by the UWP to privatize the PMH.
Thank you.
Dr. well said – I hope notwithstanding their colors do take heed and understand the importance of your message because it is our soul – the morality of our being that you have examined.
Dr. Pascal, you are so right, these facts could not have be stated any better but Dominicans seems to be in a daze, they are unaware of what is going on around them. I know Dominicans to be a hard working people, now they have been reduced to a nation of lazy healthy beggars, waiting on “THE MASTER” for handouts. They are so caught up with the different party colors that they are oblivious of the state of the NATION. At the eve of elections, all the communities that have been neglected by their representatives are now receiving all sort of assistance. The village of Thibaud have been neglected for so long, now the PM name headlines their village feast. How long will they continue to fool the people of Dominica.
The travesty of a budget the PM presented on Wednesday, is proof that he doesn’t care about the citizens of Dominica but only himself! He made provisions for disposable diapers and wipes but no mention of the restoration of the Marigot hospital; there was no mention of repairing the feeder roads so that farmers can have access to their farms lands to plant and harvest their crops. He is preying on the vulnerability of our senior citizens in hopes of getting their votes by promising them $200; our senior citizens deserve more respect than this.
After the record turn out at the UWP youth rally in St. Joseph in May, he left Dominica for China to seek funds to build an international airport, there was no mention of it in his budget, all the budget presentation did was continue to divide and conquer Dominicans whom he have enslaved and trapped in his web of deceit.
The spirits of our ancestors are indeed blessed but they cannot rest because of what is going on in our beloved Dominica. How can one sleep, knowing that a incident as serious as that of the attack on one of our most esteemed son of the Soil Mr. Emmanuel is buried while a Senator is arrested and expelled from parliament for speaking? This act is akin to the way the Romans treat Jesus and followers. This act is parallel to that of a dictator. This act is comparable to that of Adolf Hitler, Sadam Hussien, Gadafi and Fedel Castro.
A very popular proverb says, “a drowning man will catch a straw” Jimmy Cliff said it in his song House of Exile. The present government must familiarize themselves with the words of this song. It is so true and relates to what is going on in Dominica, they are definitely on their last mile because they are clutching at straws.
Wow, why so much nonsense using your faulty perception to display your opposition to The Government. To say that the Present Government has reduced Dominicans to a nation of lazy healthy beggars, waiting on THE MASTER” for handouts is such an irresponsible statement and portrays a twisted mind to say such nonsense. Do you know the village of Thibaud is part of the constituency The PM represents how foolish are you to question his sudden appearance to headline their village feast.
When you make the statement that a Senator is arrested and expelled from parliament for speaking, shows again how you are misleading, you are totally ignoring facts regarding this matter. It seems you are one of those who have taken the blue pill, it side effects are being shown, I’m referring to your mention of Mr. Emmanuel, very sad indeed. The Biblical comparison you use to describe his case and that of Senator Lugay is so laughable and foolish and shows how much someone like you can distort facts to suit a political agenda. When people like you make reference to The PM as being in the ranks of f Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Gaddafi and Fidel Castro it shows great ignorance on your part and does not help in anyway to support your criticism of the Government.
Your last paragraph regarding the proverb “a drowning man will catch a straw” describing the present Government is such a folly. The Budget presented by The UWP at The Arawak House of Culture that was the true display of regarding your proverb.
Excellent points. It is laughable that the writer is saying all of this to support the irresponsible actions of senator
Lugay and to push the agenda of the uwp party when all along their actions seem to indicate that they have been trying to incite civil unrest in an attempt to gain political power by any means necessary. Their desperation seem to be intensifying.
It seems like psychological and emotional violence are rampant in Dominica and not only in politics or during the election season. But as the saying goes: “nothing in life goes unpunished.”
The fearful among us construct stories and cause psychological and emotional violence to be done unto often innocent others in order to relieve their unfounded fears. But as the saying goes: “nothing in life goes unpunished.”
So true Dr. PASCAL. Tell them! The threat of physical violence is once again rearing its ugly head for real. God bless the day when our fellow Dominicans will open their eyes, when they will wake up and smell the coffeeI hope it wont be too late. This government of Dominica is one sided but theybetter believe that the GOD we serve is a Great GOD and he sure aint no policeman. GOD bless you my doctor and GOD BLESS Dominica!
Come on, I. P, don’t you realize that your attempt at making me (and others like me) feel we are infidels of your African cause(s) is also a form of psychological violence? If that’s your way of covertly condoning physical violence, then THAT is also psychological violence. So meaself? I gonna take a smoke on dat!!
Sir, I fully agree with you. The idea that Dominicans are threatening violence in an attempt to bully their way into political office is quite unacceptable in this lovely nature isle of ours.
First we were being constantly threatened for calls for boots on the ground. Then were were told that we have a rude awakening coming our way if we think that the results of the upcoming election would not be taken lightly if it did not go a certain way.
We in Dominica need to realize that there are laws in Dominica and we can argue points of law as much as we want but the DEMOCRATIC WAY is to abide by the rule of law as interpreted by the courts when we cannot agree on the true meaning of the word of law.
This is why we have a judicial system. In a democracy may the best man win and we abide by the decision of the majority. That is what we are -a democracy.
Now things have escalated even further where public death threats are being made. It leaves some of us to wonder if these are secret calls to secret party operatives who lay in wait to carry out these threats when called upon to do so by politicians who have shown questionable associations with terrorist groups.
First the psychological then the physical violence. It is the responsibility of the ruling government to ensure that public order is kept and its citizens are protected at all costs.
corrections
would be taken lightly if it did not go a certain way
by calls for boots on the ground
profound words that only objective persons will appreciate.
Physically abused children grow up to be psychological abusers as they have been taught by their parents. Stop the violence at home and teach the children with the Word and not the Rod. We invited politics into our country for social stability and control. Obviously the nature of man predisposes him towards the same saga on a political playingfield. Children at most. Holistic politics will begin when the pig flies. That word politics should include in its definition “brutality without force”. We would have to entertain another structure or continue to reprimand misbehavior to keep our principals tight amongst political children. Like, look this guy just lost his political license boy. What a ting. Holistic or nothing. Obviously winning after a rough battle shows the world who you are so we can put you into perspective in our minds. So we know where God is and how we should take you. AS A POLITICIAN. Bless!
DR, if both sides are guilty how do we punish them at the ballot box? Or are you suggesting that only one side is guilty and they should be punished at the ballot box
I’m not sure whether the doctor is aware that the psychological and other forms of violence about which he writes, are as much characteristic of the UWP he supports as well as the DLP he is trying to implicate.
But then, a UWP supporter is a UWP supporter, doctor or not.
Dude you back again I stop short of reading where you said, (We practice psychological violence when in a parliamentary democracy the STATE fails to provide the necessary financial resources and individuals of impeccable integrity and impartiality to the electoral commission to ensure that our electoral process is fair both in substance and procedure) dude do you realize you saying the same thing Lugay saying but in a more educated term, are you guys for real? back in 08 and to this present moment where Americans went through the worst recession of these times people were killing themselves and their families and there was no violence in the elections up here now you are saying this crap, what about Iraq they were still fighting and they had elections so from what I gather with you its ok if people start causing mayhem in the country cause the system is what have them like that dude don’t you see it’s your party that’s causing there to be no peace in this land. Boss the free time that you have go and give some free care to the elderly instead of trying to bring unrest in this country.
very well written article by this doctor…but again DOMINICANS will take no HEED untill its too LATE..