LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Get your priorities right Mr. Chief of Police

missing

Dear Editor,

Yesterday afternoon, I was alerted by a friend who works in the media that Police Chief, Daniel Carbon, had called an “emergency press conference.”

The first thought that came to my mind was the Carbon was about to address the nation on four Dominicans who had gone missing within a space of a few weeks. In my mind to have that amount of people missing on a small island of less than 70,000 people should be of grave concern.

My mind began working almost immediately: maybe Carbon was going to say a special task force was set up to investigate the missing persons; a special hotline was being activated to assist in the investigation, and so on and so on.

However, my hopes were dash when I realized Carbon had called the “emergency press conference” to address what he said were calls to talk shows which incite violence in Dominica.

I listened with my mouth open while he spoke about Dominica will not experience “the errors of 1979 and the early 1980’s” and how the police force will deal with anyone who incites or perpetrates acts of violence and lawlessness on the island.

Now, I listen to all the various radio talk shows and there appears to be no evidence that is strong enough to cause national concern. There might be one or two callers with strong opinions suggesting certain things but I don’t think they are so powerful that will motivate Dominicans to start breaking the law en masse.

It appears Carbon has not listened to some of the talks shows in the great bastion of democracy, the good old US of A. Some of them make what is being said here in Dominica look like a walk in the park. Yet, the police nor the army in the US are calling ’emergency’ press conferences to talk about these things.

Unless there is a systematic and willful move to endanger the state, Carbon must realize that Dominicans have a right to express themselves; a right secured by our Consitution.

To me one or two calls to any radio stations are not systematic moves to endanger Dominica and Carbon should get his priorities right.

In a small country like Dominica, it is totally unacceptable to have four people missing without a trace within a short period of time. I have not heard anything from the police on how this matter is going to be addressed. There is complete silence on this matter and yet Carbon interested in one or two calls to radio stations.

This is not China or Venezuela, Carbon.

Get your priorities right, tell us what the police force is doing to locate Anthea George, Sherian Joseph, Marcelline Williams, and Bernadine Jean-Jacques, whose photos I have attached to this letter, although the photo of one is missing.

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47 Comments

  1. January 18, 2017

    When the Government wishes to unleash the police force on the defenceless public, it draws attention to a non-problem, pretending there is a problem and using that nonesense from Carbon to frighten people into non action against its corruption: GON Emmanuel, Bin bobol,etc; etc, and if people are not frightened they will shoot down people like as he mentioned in 1979.

  2. UDOHREADYET
    June 15, 2016

    Its easy to see Dominicans dont care about missing people but are in fact obsessed with politics and try to politicize things that have nothing o do with politics.

    All these comments are focused on the Police, who they in turn criticize and lambaste for crimes committed against them or others YET not one person has anything to say about the missing persons…

    When the road to the airport was under construction, it was this and that , the road this and SKeritt that… the road was completed successfully… not a word.

    When the road from Roseau to Portsmouth was under construction.. it was Chinese this and Skerit that… when the road was completed … nothing then they start complaining about feeder roads… the problem isnt the government its Dominicans man, seriously!

    It’s you who’s actually bringing down your own society not others. Allu in fact hate to see the island develop, somehow it burning your eyes.

  3. free
    June 15, 2016

    My God what is happening in Dominica, not even the Government is addressing the situation. How very sad and heartless.

  4. Cathy
    June 15, 2016

    Well said writer! I too did not see the need to call a press conference to address what was/is said by a few misguided and dramatic callers. Find our missing people Carbon! That should be your priority.

  5. June 14, 2016

    tell it like it is

  6. Caretaker
    June 14, 2016

    The chief is right on cue, theses people are with you day in day out and yet you don’t know their way about,they could be your relatives. The chief is paid to attend court, you in turn are losing a day just to appear. These people have done a lot for you find them. what government has to do with it? He was elected to run a country, you people should look for each other. read your bible all the facts are in the bible. HE IS from above and you are from beneath. What is below. Pay your loans or else. trouble does not pay. happiness is a gift find it.

  7. Chief Jaco
    June 14, 2016

    Well all the blind examined the elephant and each described it differently. As I remembered, a will known political activist called a talk show host and told him to keep his eyes focused on a location because things are going to happen there. He then called out the police commissioner by name and rank, telling him what method of protest he the political activist will not use again and what new method of protest he was going to enforce on Dominicans. It will be the greatest protest ever in our history. Dominicans using their bodies as a shield against death is of the dark ages. Suicide mission is performed by crazy fanatics. People who use their neighbors’ bodies to block oncoming traffic are slave masters, despots and demonic in nature. Carbon was called out on a national issue and he answered. Although the missing persons mystery is important, this article was written to distract people from the promised mass demonstration.

  8. One man show
    June 14, 2016

    the carbon dude, needs to wet his head in the Hudson River.

  9. Reality
    June 14, 2016

    The police force is not doing anything. They just seating in the police station well comfortable waiting for monthend. Mr carbon get there lazy up and send them out on the field to work. 4 people are missing and nobody is not doing anything about it. Mr pm do something please

    • police wife
      June 14, 2016

      the police will go and find the missing people under your mothers dress… They are humans to, so how the hell the suppose to find the missing people….. When the police men that are station in Wesly and Marigot can’t get off because the persons from these area are frightening protest action.Whiles the officers families are longing to see them….

  10. Big- Bannan
    June 14, 2016

    I support the writer forthwith. Skerit seeks to silence us like he’s communist buddies do. I suggest that speech was from skero

  11. June 14, 2016

    sooooooooooooooo sad

  12. Truth
    June 14, 2016

    there is more to come. Just now the police will start pulling out the non supporters of the government from their homes, beat them and throw them in jail.

    Or they may just be a lot of political prisoners at Stockfarm and more people will just varnish! Wait between now and 2050

    • I expect a significant number of people are prepared to defend themselves against this type of police aggression. It could result in a total overthrow of the powers which be and the ushering in of a new order.

      A nation with no army must have one tremendous police force before they try to pull off something like this. Not everybody would stand by and do fiddle-dee-dee, and you do have friends on other islands.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  13. dddddddd
    June 14, 2016

    John you never commented when the Police did a good job of apprehending the thieves. When something is done good say so. Yes we are all concerned about the missing persons and we are all keeping our eyes and ears open. Are you? Back a few years ago, a young lady went missing for approximately 40 days and she was found without dying in the process. There are unsolved mysteries elsewhere not Dominica alone. And since you are Sampson and know it all, I appoint you the New Commissioner of Police. Apparently you are the best and know it all (hope this is not pride). And whilst there since you know it all, why don’t you have the clues brought in. Love nice day Mr John. Hope to hear from you with some postive vibes and some clues of missing persons and great suggestions. Love again to you. Trop parler san Action!

  14. dddddddd
    June 14, 2016

    So because four (4) people missing, the Police Commissioner must only talk about the missing persons. Mr John you seem disgruntled because the Police Force is about everything, If it was on a need or activity basis, there would be no need for a force of so many Policemen. He is right. Whilst persons like yourself wants to see less violence, you have persons instigating violence, preaching hatred and separation. Then persons like yourself will then come and talk, talk, talk. Question for you? What are your contributions besides the writing of the above article to also encourage an already separated folks in the country who are taught to hate? You have not preach love at all just encouraging the present trend which the Commissioner spoke about. Time for your to prioritised , show love, teach love, see how you can help and stop being too negative; give suggestions and as a result you will write more objective articles. See everyone here as a citizen & aim to improve. Love to you

    • AAGabriel
      June 15, 2016

      No, the police force and its chief should do the work they are paid for. Never mind political statements and biases!

  15. When I read that Chief Carbon would give an Emergency Press Conference I watched for an update on the missing people. When I saw he addressed a lesser issue I was floored.

    Why would I expect an update on the missing people?

    BECAUSE AT THIS TIME NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT. In a situation like this time is of an essence.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
    Former licensed Private Investigator. Province of Ontario in Canada. License Number 142306.

  16. Joan
    June 14, 2016

    Mr Carbon the main subject of the Errors of 1979 is now your President. You should be ashamed of yourself for being bought by a mere man . and not standing up for your law and order and for Justice. ShAME ON YOU. AND MAY gOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUS SOUL.

  17. Not a herd follower
    June 14, 2016

    There is only one reason why Carbon, who normally eschews the media, called this emergency press conference: to intimidate Dominicans, to make them fearful to show their opposition to what the current government is perpetrating against the people of Dominica. It will be the end of democracy and the Constitution if Dominicans allow Daniel Carbon and his masters to succeed.

  18. Jah
    June 14, 2016

    There might be one or two callers with strong opinions suggesting certain things but I don’t think they are so powerful that will motivate Dominicans to start breaking the law en masse.

    In case you did not know, it starts with one or two persons calling for unrest, you writer should be ashamed of yourself, You should move to that same “the good old US of A” as a black man to see how you would be treated by the police.

    • viewsexpressed
      June 14, 2016

      Jah, like what Skerrit said to his politically illiterate supporters like you and you buying this nonsense from this questionable inept leader
      Carbon, you are a disgrace to the Police Force and the uniform you wear. Shame on you and those you purport to support and protect.

  19. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    June 14, 2016

    “I listened with my mouth open while he spoke about Dominica will not experience “the errors of 1979 and the early 1980’s” and how the police force will deal with anyone who incites or perpetrates acts of violence and lawlessness on the island.”

    How come he did not inform the audience that the lawlessness was perpetrated by Charles Savarin, the one sitting on the backs of our people sucking the blood of the poor in Dominica, the same one, he that puppet Carbon bows to while calling him mister president!

    Savarin destroyed the entire economy of Dominica when he orchestrated his forty days, and forty nights civil war on the country overthrowing Patrick John, and his duly elected government in the process; what is good for the goose is good for the gander!

    People are releasing their frustration of poverty in the country by talking, they are not fighting in the streets as Savarin influence some people to do,and succeeded in killing innocent people during his 1979 war.

  20. UDOHREADYET
    June 14, 2016

    I think they are both right. If you want to help find these missing people print more photos and involve more people. If the Police chief wants to discourage violence on a whole he has a right to let the public know its not tolerated in this society!

    Criticizing each other will not solve anything, take action where you feel there are gaps, the Police force is battling drug trafficking on sea and land, investigating murders, thefts, immigration, security and general policing. two of the people missing are mentally challenged and one is an elderly person, the young girl looks to be a criminal investigation of which the boyfriend is more than likely the suspect.

    We all must do our part… all of us!

  21. Anansi
    June 14, 2016

    This maybe the start to the imposition of laws to crack down on freedom of expression. I knew this time was coming. Just look for further warnings and probably the friendly police visit to one or two of these rabble rousing stations

  22. my own
    June 14, 2016

    I think Mr. Carbon is being a puppet here and does exactly as he is moved to do. What else you expect from him, a few weeks ago our AG said the same thing. What we do not realize it that once this thing starts playing in our ears all the time, the supporters of the DLP who do not listen to the other side will believe it and will go on saying the Gov. should shut down certain radio stations. I really do hop people see where this is going. In North Korea the people hear and see only what the President wants them to hear and see. In Venezuela it is basically the same. The people are fooled into believing that the USA is causing all the hardship they’re seeing, even their ambassador in Dominica says that all is fine and the people do not need anything. That is where we in Dominica are heading. Shut down the media people who is telling us the truth or lets say, tells the other side of the story and just listen to one side which the Government want’s us to hear.
    Good luck…

  23. Intelligence
    June 14, 2016

    As you so imaginatively uttered you stayed with “your mouth open”

    My jaw equally dropped to the floor to hear you so nakedly dishonestly say:
    that anyone could call for burning and the closing down of any capital in the US, as they do in DOMINICA, and not be immediately brought in for questioning

    no one can call for riot and blocking of roads in the US and not be placed on surveillance by one national security agency of another.

    But this is what you BLUES want in the country,

    • %
      June 14, 2016

      Another greedy one,or one milking the cow,or maybe a lazy one who likes to stretch his hand for handouts..Tht truth is Carbon is a square peg in round hole………

      • Master Mind
        June 14, 2016

        i just hope that you are a right peg in the correct hole, You sound like Linton calling people on the yes we care program who have been abandon by their family GREEDY

        then again you blues cannot distinguish between greedy and needy because you gave needy\greedy Linton 80,000 and 79,000

    • %
      June 14, 2016

      Can they call for supporters of one party to harrass others in their cars,supermarket,funeral or on the plane?

      • indira Ghandi
        June 14, 2016

        Thats the beginning
        Dominica s nedto stop behaving like they are retarded.
        I am so sick of this country.
        Carbon has to say what he is commanded to say.

    • Me
      June 14, 2016

      For someone calling himself/herself Intelligence you appear extremely dumb and myopic. You should see Drs. IP and Hazel.

      • Master Mind
        June 14, 2016

        I Can clearly tell that you know not the meaning of the words myopic SMH

        if you did what in the blazes does Irvin Pascal who is a ENT specialist have to do with your stupid argument
        As the great Greek philosopher Antisthenes said: The investigation of the meaning of words is the beginning of education”.

        So whoever you are Lenox Linton who is uneducated is way ahead of you at least he knows quite a few words

      • Me
        June 15, 2016

        The E in ENT stands for Ear and it appears to me that Intelligence has a problem with his/her hearing. Myopia is short-sightedness and it is obvious that Intelligence also has impaired vision. But, of course you are Master Mind and know better.

    • viewsexpressed
      June 14, 2016

      What is the level of your intelligence may I ask…..? Your mouth must be opened

  24. Intelligence
    June 14, 2016

    My ill informed friend it can also takes one individual incited by those “one or two callers”
    calling for unrest, civil disobedience, and flaunting of the states laws who you think we should pay no attention to, to create mayhem and ciaos as was seen in Orlando

    YOU MENTION CHINA AND VENEZUELA,

    this country is not Iraq of Syria ether, let me see these “one or two callers” try that shit in Britain or France see if their ass will not be hauled off to jail to be questioned

  25. Intelligence
    June 14, 2016

    When the day arrives when, as you put it, \”one or two callers\” cause you or your children to be put in harms way of worst death

    that is when people like you will take the call to arms and mass riot by the BLUES as an issue of national security.

    It is clear from this article that it is your firm opinion that i can call the radio station and call for all manner of harm to be done upon you and your property because i disagree with you.
    just as callers on that radio station has called for the burning and closing down of the city, government institutions and closure of roads

  26. Intelligence
    June 14, 2016

    When the day arrives when, as you put it, “one or two callers” cause you or your children to be put in harms way of worst death

    that is when people like you will take the call to arms and mass riot by the BLUES as an issue of national security.

    It is clear from this article that it is your firm opinion that i can call the radio station and call for all manner of harm to be done upon you and your property because i disagree with you.
    just as callers on that radio station has called for the burning and closing down of the city, government institutions and closure of roads

  27. June 14, 2016

    well the order is to keep you all foolish and quiet while the rich ones do all they wish. . the calls should be more and of more constructive topics . they should be told that if better can’t be done in certain time frame them and their offices will be gone. the people speak and the government should hear not the goverment speaks and the people follow . oh by the way the prime minister is not the government , the police is not the government . that is just a shade of the different gray . people we place them there to manage or country and not take us for fools . when they fail us we have all the power to move them . more than we need them they needs us but we can’t see if we don’t look.

  28. caroline charles
    June 14, 2016

    you are so right,itstime to find our 4 person s thats missing.

  29. Nana
    June 14, 2016

    Hear, hear

  30. Time will Tell
    June 14, 2016

    Thanks for this very well writter article. I hope Mr. Carbon spends a minute to read and reflect.

  31. darky
    June 14, 2016

    Why dont you help in finding them if you are so concerned, yall are a bunch of idiots in that Dominica their, yall cant do anything better than try to bring down people, yall complaining about everything and yall cant even do without matt and his stupid Q95 team smh

  32. latitude e5550
    June 14, 2016

    yeah right, DOMINICA IS TOO NICE. see who the police handel thier own citizens in the unitied states, see who many black people that were arrested and end up dead in the hands of the police officers in the great unitied states see how many of those police officers that were ever charaged and then aquitted, my boy no body should be tolerating those violence coming from that radio station, if that station was operating up in the great unitied states, it would have been shut down and people held for questioning. so get your facts right

    • lyn
      June 14, 2016

      this is dumb. People have free speech, This is not about people going out and fight because someone was killed by the police. This is about peoples rights and their bread and butter and health

  33. amindom
    June 14, 2016

    Well said. The government, as a whole, need to prioritize. Find these people build some decent hospitals , fix the roads and bridges that were damaged to make all of Dominica safer. Forget about more hotels and even an international airport. First things first.

    • BEB
      June 14, 2016

      They will beable to do all of these with the money growing on trees

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