Recent series of crime in Dominica cannot be allowed to continue – Blackmoore

Blackmoore end of year

Minister of Justice, Immigration and National Security Rayburn Blackmoore has said that the recent series of crime in Dominica cannot be allowed to continue.

The Minister said at an end of year briefing of his ministry recently that the socio-economic development of any country hinges on its security and peaceful nature.

“Dominica has always been defined by its peaceful nature, but ………..as I have said two weeks ago on the national radio station in the company of the Commission of Police and Mr. Harris, that I have noticed in recent times a trend in the crime pattern and in my view, if it is allowed to continue, can very well undermine our peaceful environment. Something of course all of us will admit has been cherished as a tradition,” Blackmoore said.

He said people must feel safe at their homes and in public places, that the most fundamental responsibility of any government is the security and safety of its people and therefore, the series of crimes in recent times cannot be allowed to continue.

“Consequently it has to be confronted from all angles, in particular from a law enforcement perspective,” Blackmoore remarked.

He said there has been an improvement in police patrols in Roseau and around the country.

“We want to see a sustained approach. More so, as we go into the Christmas season, there is need for even greater presence and diligence,” the minister urged.

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62 Comments

  1. January 31, 2017

    I live in the UK and was born there too. My father was born in St joseph.

    When I visited the Island a number of years back I did notice that the police force seemed to be to relaxed and I also noticed that there seemed to be a drug issue, when I say drug issue I mean hard drugs like crank I am sure by now this issue may have heightened on the Island of Dominica. I was ready to be robbed / mugged by a certain individual living in St joseph. I enjoyed my time in Dominica and met many good, honest people. I do believe that the Police force on the Island could be more aware of issues that the people suffer under crime, and the government should pump more funds into policing. The police force in the UK do not carry guns and the crime rate is much !!!!! higher. We deal with criminals through the courts pumping relevant funds into this. So Dominica you are beautiful people and you also have a beautiful Island that needs to make others abroad feel safe, secure at all times. Signed A…

  2. Charlie Frambo
    December 30, 2015

    GON Emanuel – make a start Blackmoore!

  3. Anthony P. Ismael
    December 29, 2015

    If you want to truly reduce crime, fire the entire team in the DPP’s Office. Bring back hanging and hang all the murders that are set free daily. No less than 50 years in jail for all rapist. Those who rape children should receive double that sentence.
    Arm police officers on patrol with real weapons. Police officers need to be visible at all times. You have motor cycles now, so there’s no excuse about inadequate vehicles anymore. Build a proper office for the DPP and secure it with real law enforcement officers who are armed at all times.

  4. Anthony P. Ismael
    December 29, 2015

    No matter how they change or reorganize your ministerial portfolio, you continue to talk the same foolishness without abatement. As Minister of Communication and Works you promised the citizenry a cruise ship birth in Canefield. Now, as Minister of Security, you’re talking about a reduction in crime. What measures have been taken to achieve that goal? Every rapist, murderer and thief are set free by a Prosecution team that’s a complete joke. You guys can’t even safeguard the office of the DPP two feet away from police headquarters, but here you are again talking more foolishness. Fly your kite Blackmoore. Fly your kite.

  5. A voice
    December 29, 2015

    ” the recent series of crime in Dominica cannot be allowed to continue…DUHHHH!!!
    Duh Minister is mandated as responsible for initiating and implementing thru Cabinet the necessary changes to address and curtail the situations…stop talking and get on with what you are mandated to do in your portfolio as Minister for National Security.

  6. DomiChina
    December 29, 2015

    Crime is everywhere, and unfortunately, believe it or not, it adds a balance to society in the same manner as life and death adds balance to the world. Therefore, the very nature of the existence of the word itself is indicative of its action.

    The problem is not crime, but the resolution of it. If there is no crime, there is no need to be paying 1000 (plus) police and other law enforcement officers a somewhat decent salary to solve crime.

    Economic development is not all the answer to resolve crime, but is a start of some liquid flowing in the bucket. Notice, I did not say it is a drop in the bucket, because development can create jobs. Crime is a social issue that dates back to family history and child development. For crime to be curtailed, (not alleviated) all hands must be on deck both to educate persons and nurture children into sociable persons.

    Development does not eradicate crime because with development, a new style of crime may be practiced (cyber)

    Key Word -…

  7. tru d bino q la
    December 28, 2015

    What was done about the kallote tete found in itasi during road construction 2011__2 012? Nothting! Instead of bringing in Scotland Yard we invited Baroness Scotland but that’s pretty close though and confusing I might add.

  8. December 28, 2015

    Crime will continue until the Government of Dominica takes the needed steps to stop it.

    Every few months we read a news report like this. Promises are made just as they have been made in the past. But nothing concrete is ever done. Just when it looks like things are about to change nothing does.

    What about a mandatory law requiring that every sexual child abuse case be reported even if it involves
    a parent, a cop, or a government official?

    What about an online sex offenders registry with a picture of the perpetrator, DOB, conviction, and sentence, and up-to-date address?

    What about sentences that reflect the seriousness of the crime and will serve as a deterrent? The people want to see the crime rate drop. They are less concerned about being too hard on the offender.

    Has any political candidate ever made this a plank in his (her) platform at election time?

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

    Former licensed Private Investigator. Province of Ontario…

  9. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    December 28, 2015

    “The Minister said at an end of year briefing of his ministry recently that the socio-economic development of any country hinges on its security and peaceful nature.” (Blackmoor).

    Guy you need to shut up!

    What you said is in comparison to Ian Douglas rubbish when he told the nation that the Arab Spring is the cause of the Moroccan guest house in Portsmouth standing unfinished! You do not know the meaning of the word socioeconomic; so I will tell you: Socioeconomic factors are both social and economic experiences, by different people in a society or country.

    In that we are talking about the realities that help mold one’s personality, altitudes, and lifestyle: i.e., one may cite the socioeconomic factor on poverty, as being related to areas with high crime such as we have in Dominica; and I especially identify Dominica! It is ridiculous and outright stupid to make a statement like that when you know poverty is the order of the day in Dominica!

    So, are we to assume as…

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      December 28, 2015

      So, are we to assume as long as poverty consumes the nation breathing heinous daily crime; there will be no development in the country? That is a stupid and pathetic excuse; people like you are so damn uneducated scholastically, you breath and talk rubbish, not knowing you are doing it!

      If you and Skerrit, and all he kings men in your circus was able to develop the country where whosoever want to work could find a job, maybe there would be less crime in the country; there would not be such a vast difference in the social and economic experience in the country! Ninety-nine (99.9%) percent of the people of Dominica are poor, so how can you make that stupid comment “the socio-economic development of any country hinges on its security and peaceful nature” That is so stupid you are making comparison of backward Dominica to other country’s, some of which are fully developed

  10. Negbwa
    December 28, 2015

    Chinese national robed and shot in the knee, ALERT! Things going to change, do not mess with our Chinese. OK Blackmoore.

  11. mosdef
    December 28, 2015

    Why you doe start with yourselfves na?

  12. Truth be Told
    December 28, 2015

    Just keep repeating yourself every year for the past 15 plus years and it will happen one day, pas que Labour ka twavaay!

  13. jr
    December 28, 2015

    Police does not work in dominica axfer six

  14. Ma Moses
    December 28, 2015

    Don’t expect too much from this police force. They have a confession from someone for the arson of mr. & mrs. Emanuel’s house and attempted manslaughter. And still they can not bring a case! They still cannot tell us if the remains found after the fire at Curry’s rest are those of Ms. Raffoul and her partner. And when is the last time you have heard of them charging and prosecuting anyone for drunk driving? That whole force needs an overhaul. Seriously,I’m not confident of my safety in Dominica with the current set-up.

    • udohreadyet
      December 28, 2015

      Yes i agree the police force is backward and slow. I’m not sure what the answer is concerning them but citizens may start taking matters into their own hands soon.

      • Ma Moses
        December 29, 2015

        I hope that will not happen because that would create anarchy. Also, people like myself would rather leave Dominica than get into such a situation and deprive my country from income it so badly needs and nobody else would come and invest.

      • Dual citizen
        December 29, 2015

        The police can only do sooo much with the limited resources available to them. Million dollar palace was built, but there is absolutely no tools, equipment or paraphernalia to even detect finger prints. Dominicans are always bashing the Police…….. The police caught criminals with huge kilos of drugs, but they are set free or sentenced to 12 months in prison. Their efforts are in vain with the very system they are trying to protect. Now, lawlessness is the theme of the day, you all expect the police to go out on their limb. They are people too, and until they get the respect of the citizens, why should they care that much than to collect their paychecks to feed and support their families. These are the times people. Dominicans are just to petty and bias.

    • December 29, 2015

      Bringing in the Crime Stoppers program was a good move.

      The police have had several major drug busts recently.

      Significant arrests have been made.

      Please give credit where credit is due!

      However people are concerned about situations where it seems there were reasons to lay charges, and they have not been laid, and allegations of charges that have not reached court. Stories of impaired drivers being pulled over by police and no charges being laid seem to be a matter of concern.

      It is enough to make people ask “Who are the police accountable to? Is anybody supervising them?”

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  15. GrandBayrian
    December 28, 2015

    Recent Crime? what rock were you under? the rate of crime has been going up for the last 14 years man. Don’t come and talk about recent. That’s just rubbish!

  16. smdh
    December 28, 2015

    Well stop it nuh Blackmore. Go and stop it. good luck with that. Just like how the US and the cooalition forces cannot stop ISIS this is our own brand of terrorism. By the time you are ready to cut its head off the snake will be long gone. Soon we will be like south and central america and Dom Republic. every little shop and restaurant will be guarded by auto and semi-automatics, 12 gauges and the like. Go ahead and stop it.

  17. The Calabash
    December 28, 2015

    These punks need to be put away. If we think that things are bad today then crime of this nature, if allow to persist, will spread, erode and corrode and will make us long for those not-so-good days.

    Find them now and shoot em!

  18. MIA
    December 28, 2015

    Wow that’s a room of haters……………

    • Me
      December 28, 2015

      Mia, you appear stumped now my lady. Please, address the issue.

    • Fool labourites, not Dominicans
      December 29, 2015

      That’s a room of Dominicans speaking the truth….no fakers here.

  19. Me
    December 28, 2015

    When you have a leader applying the law as he sees fit, or not at all what do you expect the karants to do? Follow their leader of course!!

  20. rough
    December 28, 2015

    more patrols is not the answer my fellow Dominicans. You can detail a police officer patrol and he can do one of the following. Perform the patrol effectively and efficiently, report sick, fall in for the patrol in body but not in mind meaning he wont patrol with any sense of purpose, leave HQ under the umbrella of going to patrol but goes elsewhere. so its obvious that increased patrols is not an option. The root of the problem must be addressed. politics must not influence how the police force operates, police officers moral needs a serious boost the rogues and vagabonds police officers need to be dealt with, the news carrying among the rank and files of the police service needs to stop, those who deserve promotion and training needs to be promoted and trained, the chief needs to stop abusing his so-called power and remove the square pegs in the round holes.

  21. Tjebe Fort
    December 28, 2015

    P.M. have round the clock armed protection, the speaker 24 hr. cctv protection so they knew before now something was wrong. We have 90 motorbikes for patrols but we never see them. Police inside, doing what? Playing dominoes? Of course something wrong mr. Blackmoore. Put someone in charge that does not take interference from politicians and can motivate our policemen and women and sack those that are not fit for the job.

    • TimTim
      December 28, 2015

      bravo!

  22. smdh
    December 28, 2015

    These days you almost expect to hear the heads say this rhetoric. Shooting in the US, Obama uses similar language, Crime here in Dominica, Blackmore does the same. OFF COURSE WE SHOULDN’T ALLOW IT CONTINUE! along with all the other colorful words you used. Any decent person would know that and would want to feel at peace and safe in their own country let alone their business and homes. What i want to hear is what the heads are going to do about it? what laws will be changed to punish perps? what procedures or better policing and patrolling will be implemented? what work will be done with the private sector to encourage security for their businesses and homes? talking about how we would love to see the world and condemning actions doesn’t do anything but make people hungry.

  23. Nicky
    December 28, 2015

    What about boat for the farm produce to be shipped ur government spoke about?, is it still under construction?

    • smdh
      December 28, 2015

      What that have to do with this article?

    • Me
      December 28, 2015

      What farm produce? We can’t even find enough in the market for our own use.

    • vegnag
      December 28, 2015

      waiting for the Chinese- remember after twelve years (first 4 pillar project) hospital going to start. All the other recent promises of hospital has been superseded by this new revelation so brother just wait the boats will come – even if noah’s art makes a second appearance before – it soon come. . you hear.

      • Me
        December 28, 2015

        The only pillar we have is the the biblical one of salt for poor Dominicans to suck if they don’t want to lick the P.M.

  24. rough
    December 28, 2015

    police offices morals are down to zero so criminal activities must be on a rise. find ways to boost our morals and we will do the job. promote those who deserve to be promoted and place those who deserve to be in certain departments where they can perform best. put an end to the victimization,vilification, favoritism by high ranking officers. increase in police officers pay and allowances and stop using tax payers money to make parties and play politics. then crime will drop.

    • Shameless
      December 28, 2015

      If I could I would shake your big toes. Very well said!!!

      You see, the “garbadine squad-99%” are all fighting for promotion by trying to score cheap political points so they have no time to properly manage the force. I can’t wait for a policy banning sexual harassment of the women officers by seniors and a proper medium to report violations. The sad thing is that the high ranking women cannot help their subordinates because they are afraid that the tables turn on them…no promotion, transfers, victimization!! :twisted: :twisted:

      Assertive, NEVER Aggressive! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

    • MIA
      December 28, 2015

      The police men have a job to do so they must do it, your paycheck did no decrease so why are your morals down, you are still paying your bills while I can not because I do not have a job but with faith and not government am making ends meet……………….. rough do your job and move on…

  25. Dominica_Lover
    December 28, 2015

    You need to do more than patrol. That is not a solution. People need a proper education and good jobs when coming out of High School. Yes, I said High School. Those wishing to further their education can do so. High School graduates who do not seek a college education need proper jobs, so they do not stray.

    Bring back farming, the youths that would farm have no roads to the farms and are discouraged by this administration to do so. While my support for your party has eroded, it is sad I do not see better from Lennox Linton.

  26. Music Producer
    December 28, 2015
  27. Viewsexpressed
    December 28, 2015

    Blackmore …..This cannot be allowed to continue – Blackmoore

  28. cameron
    December 28, 2015

    Blackmoor and and your incompetent pm is to blame,no law my brother.

    • Me
      December 28, 2015

      Not every M.P. is fit to make a Minister. It hink we are dealing here with a full-blown case of the Peter Principle (look it up and you may learn something).

  29. Jimmy
    December 28, 2015

    Am I the only one who has noticed how well-fed, glowing and healthy the labour ministers are looking in comparison to the majority of Dominicans, who look hungry and maltate?

    I am just voicing my observations!

    • nonamegal
      December 29, 2015

      Leave it so.

  30. %
    December 28, 2015

    This DLP government or Hurricane DLP, which has battered Dominica for 16 years were too busy trying to punish the good,hard working people of Salisbury, so the clowns totally forgot about criminal activities taking place in the other parts of this impoverished country….Anywhere in the world you have bad leaders, the innocent, law abiding citizens suffer sometimes even more than the rogues.Blackmore still remains the most inept of the ministers.He stutters,he is arrogant and does not care a darn about those affected by this increase in violence….SEE HOW LATE HE HAS DECIDED TO GARBLE SOMETHING! Bad Leaders!!!!

  31. talk is cheap
    December 28, 2015

    talk is cheap! becuz who ever does these crimes and sometimes it’s repeat offenders too, go to court and in d same week they out free or on bail to do whatever again

  32. Discombobulated
    December 28, 2015

    Do something about it then. Get the police to patrol. How can there be little or no police patrols in dca apart from Roseau. None sense

  33. Viewsexpressed
    December 28, 2015

    Mr Blackmore, I 100% agree, condone your statements: I urge you to read, comprehend, follow my response carefully below:
    “Dominica has always been defined by its peaceful nature, but ………..as I have said two weeks ago on the national radio station in the company of the Commission of Police and Mr. Harris, that I have noticed in recent times a trend in the crime pattern and in my view, if it is allowed to continue, can very well undermine our peaceful environment. Something of course all of us will admit has been cherished as a tradition,” Blackmore said.
    Response. Sir, you are right, only that it is not “in recent times ” that these crimes have been escalating. The genesis and creation of these major national crimes comes from your corrupt government with the abuse of public funds through the Red Clinic, money sent off to vulnerable families &in envelops through couriers. You recall the Bin bobol & Fertiliser crimes before you lecture etc. Sir, clean your corrupt House…

  34. anonymous2
    December 28, 2015

    Another speech from Blackmore about nothing. And what has he done in the past or is going to do about the crime. Probably nothing. It is business as usual. People need to start electing people with some integrity for a change.

  35. Peter Potter
    December 28, 2015

    As per usuall, plenty of talk but no action. Governance a la DLP.

  36. December 28, 2015

    Something is wrong with that statement Sir..It cannot be allowed to continue…You sound like you’ll had no plans of tackling it…In any civilized society crime is taken on and dealt with from the get go…So to make such a statement really display some complacency on you and your administration.

  37. coyote
    December 28, 2015

    police patrol alone cannot stop crime,what are you doing besides that.May i suggest FBI/Scotland yard training courses for the CID in forensics and other crime solving measures.A real and genuine war on poverty because everyone knows where poverty is rampant so is criminal activities.Get the young men and women off the streets bring back the youth training centre.

    • December 29, 2015

      Exactly. It would appear that the Police department does not have the necessary tools needed to perform the Job. I don’t know, but maybe there are no data bases to reference such things as a fingerprints, ect…
      In addition without eye witnesses or cameras it would be hard to do the job. I believe that it is time for the city and the country to invest in cameras. While privacy may be intruded upon, I believe it would deter crime in Dominica. The island is just a few hundred square miles. This can certainly be accomplished. Its citizens however have to decide to choose between privacy and runaway crime.

  38. Shameless
    December 27, 2015

    Mr Blackmore, even if you no longer have credibility as a minister in this failed regime, I remember clearly that you were an efficient cop in CID and on the beat. You of all persons know that an unhappy police force will NOT perform their duties as taken under oath but rather take their monthly salary and the rest of us can SOUCE SEL!

    Now, the level of crime did not increase overnight which tells you in part that the morale of the police force has been declining and as criminals sense this unfortunate trend they take advantage. You see, if you look closely at the top of the force you will see the problem steering at you. A fish always spoils from the head. Conduct a Commission Of Inquiry into the force and clean it so we can now secure the land. In the meantime, I guess we will continue to SUCE SEL :twisted: :twisted:

    Assertive, NEVER Aggressive! :twisted: :twisted:

  39. faith
    December 27, 2015

    When a same place get robbes twice like the gas station and when government offices are be I ng burglarized like d.p.p well you know Dominica is developing the wrong way and immediate action has to be taken or else

  40. Looking
    December 27, 2015

    Sir, I am in total agreement with you. Many people in the force all they do is to run and carry tales on each other and they often used that as a smokescreen not to perform. I work closely with the police right in the ministerial building and I can tell you the worth of many of your officers. We really need a strong police presence and a more robust approach in fighting crime especially the way reports are treated on receipt. It’s a mazing to hear the kinds of things police officers say to the public…it’s believable.

    Please Mr. Blackmoore keep the pressure on the people who are eating the taxpayers money and believe that they were employed to secure themselves to that of the general public. I witnessed a few days ago a police officer that was parked close to the British American building downtown where his vehicle was causing a serious obstruction. He was asked if he could remove his vehicle from there so the traffic could flow freely. Oh my god! You should have heard the…

    • viewsexpressed
      December 28, 2015

      Looking, I am hoping that you are looking good. If an agency or institution or department of government is not functioning well you blame that incompetent corrupt government. Because they are distracted, engaged in questionable deeds and are unable to focus on meaning development of our country.
      Clean your house first before you throw stones

    • Dual citizen
      December 29, 2015

      Police officers are taxpayers too………Start respecting the Police again like it was done before, and civilians will get the respect due to them. Dominicans bash the Police even when they arrest a criminal…..The criminal is glorified more than the Police. What do you all expect…..Police is stupid, police is a thief, police this, police that……well secure yourselves

  41. %
    December 27, 2015

    Your garble and that of the chief of police are conflicting pieces of information. Carbons message is like he has given up,since the criminals are more brazen now.But honestly Blackmore this lazy, incompetent,corrupt DLP is incapable of doing the things that matters most to the citizenry.See how late you are coming out with a parwol.Were you MOO MOO all the time?That’s why you all guys need to be kicked out by the electorate.SQUARE PEGS IN ROUND HOLES!

  42. Zeb Kooess
    December 27, 2015

    “Minister of Justice, Immigration and National Security Rayburn Blackmoore has said that the recent series of crime in Dominica cannot be allowed to continue.” Sir, the level of crimes in Dominica has not been “recent” AS YOU PUT IT. The crime rate in Dominica has spiked since your Boss took office. When your boss say to the people of Dominica, “TO HELL WITH THE CONSTITUTION” who do you expect to respect it? Everybody now is saying, “To hell with everything.” Think before you talk, man.

    • MIA
      December 29, 2015

      That’s a lie, please do research/your research be posting comments like that……………..

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