Acme Garage/Roseau City Council showdown looms

Mayor Joseph and Karam
Mayor Joseph and Karam

A showdown is looming between Mayor of Roseau, Cecil Joseph, and proprietor of Acme Garage, Peter Karam, after the mayor told state-owned DBS Radio on Wednesday that a survey shows an obvious problem with the boundaries of Karam’s business place on Cork Street.

Karam is now calling on the government to put a ‘cap’ on Joseph. “I am asking the Minister of Information to put a cap on this man immediately this morning,” Karam told DNO on Wednesday. “This man is out of control. Stop him, get him off our back.”

According to Joseph the survey, conducted by the Land and Survey Division, revealed that Acme Garage boundaries are not clearly demarcated “with the exception of masonry wall at the eastern and western corners of the property.”

The mayor said furthermore the sidewalk in front the business place “is occupied in most parts by vehicles and masonry owned by acme garage” and “the covered drains that adjoin Cork Street and the sidewalk are also being occupied in part, but to a lesser extent, than the sidewalk.”

Joseph said the city council will be meeting today to discuss the matter and he intends to write to the proprietor of Acme Garage “to inform him that we need to sit and discuss and to look at the way forward.”

But Karam told DNO that he has no intention of meeting with the mayor. “I am not going to speak to this brother at all,” he stressed. “He is very unreasonable and I think there is something wrong with his thinking. I have done nothing different from 1959.”

Karam argued that his business place is not and has not caused any obstruction to the public. “The public and Acme Garage are the most friendliest,” he stated. “There does not exist in writing from 1959 one letter from one member of the public, neither to the transport board, neither to the planning authority, neither to the city council, neither to the traffic police, that any member of the public has ever been denied passageway or walkway on the property of Acme Garage.”

He further stated the law dictates that his business ‘is entitled to enjoyment of the frontage of our property.’ “He cannot deny that to me,” he pointed out.

Karam is of the opinion that Joseph is using the power of his office to carry out a ‘vindictive campaign’ against his business. “He used the government radio  station to attack the Acme Garage,” he said. “Why is no other radio station  running that story? The mayor is the one after Acme Garage. He is unrelenting at us. He is not giving up. He wants to show off and flex his muscles.”

Joseph and Karam have locked horns before on this very matter. In July 2012 Karam stated that the mayor had “declared war” on his company and alleged that Joseph was harassing and frustrating the operations of Acme Garage.

Back then he said the matter stems from a verbal confrontation between himself and the mayor over a vehicle that was reportedly parked in front of the establishment.

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105 Comments

  1. John paul
    October 16, 2013

    How many times we have to go through this ?Cecil seems to have a Cycle that follows the Luna Calender.”Leave Peter Alone”Already the President trying to give His Family an award” under the recommendation of the Prime Minister .
    Cecil go check Alix Boyd Knight step at Her office,when You done go see the Coolslartigue step then go to Wesley High School step on the sidewalk.There is a restaurant occupying the sidewalk with Plants etc what is the story there .Ok we close to the City Council office check it out carefully . Not only is the step on the sidewalk but it is actually on the road!
    Cecil You are in a glass house and throwing stones in whose interest? Are You serving Your EGO? I don tthink is Skeritt that ask You to do that even Charlo want to kowee shay!
    Just leave Acme Garage alone it is part of our History and it is a decent place .We wont forget and we the People will make You pay at the Polls wherever You run we will remember You as a vindictive hot head unsuitable for Public office!

  2. Anonymous
    May 3, 2013

    The Section of road from the Windsor Park to the bay front where you really struggle to avoid being killed needs priority attention deal with that first Mr Mayor after that we will check weather Peter Karam should go to Bath Estate or D Canefield ok.

  3. Johnny Walker
    May 1, 2013

    After all, I’m all for law and order but come on,the cars and garage never caused any problems Mr. Mayor… I see no case here

  4. Let's talk
    April 27, 2013

    Mr Mayor needs to prioritize for right now…

    Resurfacing ALL the sidewalks in Roseau should be NUMERO UNO on his agenda, not harrasing Peter.

    Also he needs to do something about this Roseau Traffic Congestion….

    Also, can we get some of these unsightly gutters covered so we dont have to stare at the algae bloom and grime from the city streets?

    Roseau is no longer beautiful (with these broken, inconsistent side walks, gross congession, hideous gutters) and is very stressful to be in. Portsmouth is much more pleasant a town and truly beautiful.

    Peter’s Garage should be last on the ‘must-haves’ list

  5. faceup
    April 19, 2013

    I was born in the late 50s, and that property and how far out it is never bother me, so why now?, eh eh Mr Mayor, you got something against Karam? a very famous landmark for me and others in Roseau. Let me tell you something, calm your self Mr Mayor..

    • Anonymous
      May 1, 2013

      How can you ask why now? I would hate to think you are not capable of answering that on your own. We are no long in the fifties and Roseau is a million times more congested so all space is need. Let’s start thinking before we talk people.

  6. Grace
    April 18, 2013

    Cecil is just showing off!! Peter is a troublesome fella but he doesn’t deserve this harassment from the Mayor. The idea of he using his office to harass a local business man who has been running his business for ump-ting years is disgraceful. Move on Cecil.

  7. April 18, 2013

    i support the mayor..side walk…not side park..u cant even find a place to park infront there cus u blocking all his rides parked on the sidewalk. Elderly and children have to walk in the road (Rain or Shine) in that area because of that. I think ALL sidewalks should be clear..of traffic and vendors aas they obstruct the flow of pedestrians n force us to walk in the street..because they occupy our walking space. Yes noone has told u anything since 1959 guy…but someone is telling you now.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      thinkinman!! yu cannot even spell thinking much less to understand the word because eyou certainly not thinking. tell me is it ok with you to park infront a motor car Dealership, blok the driveway, block the operations, cars in and out all day? are you really thinking ? would yu like anyone to park infront your driveway? blok your front door and you cannot leave your home or enter your home, same with the customers entering and exiting the business garage operations. I suggest you keep on thinking a little harder thinkin man, !!! you are so full of hate greed and Jealousy that you cannot think properly. Where My companypays the city Govt land and house taxes and business taxes, we we we not you not you have any right to park infront our Garage and residential home operations. Do you get it yet?? WE do not owe you the persons NOT doing business with the Acme Garage any parking infront our operations where we pay taxes and licenses to operate. we do not owe you any parking. The Mayor turned Roseau into a bus terminal. The Mayor caused the congestion of parking in Roseau. not us. The city of Roseau have no right to have every corner as a bus terminal. that is absolute madness and you want to penalize business houses. so keep onn thinking bro. keep on.

  8. Morihei Ueshiba
    April 18, 2013

    Communism

  9. Papa Dom
    April 18, 2013

    So let’s say there is an issue how does the high handed action of my friend the mayor, help to sort it out? The genesis of the whole matter was the fact that the mayor chose to do the very thing which he is accusing Karam of. Why does he feel that it was ok for him to park his vehicle on the “side walk”? When he did that he obstructed pedestrian traffic further.

  10. tree top
    April 17, 2013

    even karam go in a cave the mayor will hunt him down
    what a rush 8) 8)

  11. Srewpine agent
    April 17, 2013

    I am really bemused at this . Honestly, Massah days are over. I think that it is about time Karam move his business to Canefield industrial site. There is more room for expansion and it is unlikely that anyone will obstruct him there. He should consider this. He won’t have a problem with Mr. Mayor parking in his yard for 5 minutes. (There will be no vehicles to obstruct then). I hope that they can sort this out before next elections. we don’t want them messing things up for skerro.

    • Anonymous
      April 18, 2013

      massah days over? really? how so?

      lolololololololololololololololololololololololol
      lolololololololololololololololololololololololol
      lolololololololololololololololololololololololol

      You are delusional!

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      did u read out to yourself what you just wrote ?? sssss ttttt amazing eh. Do u wear your ignorance as a badge of Honour? no Doubt you do!!

  12. April 17, 2013

    Karam argued that his business place is not and has not caused any obstruction to the public. “The public and Acme Garage are the most friendliest,” he stated. “There does not exist in writing from 1959 one letter from one member of the public, neither to the transport board, neither to the planning authority, neither to the city council, neither to the traffic police, that any member of the public has ever been denied passageway or walkway on the property of Acme Garage–News Article

    • April 17, 2013

      Pedro wise old Solomon wrote that there is a time for everything! It seem as if the time has come for a or an avenger to spew vengeance against–but the question is: “What is the reason for this rage?

      Your argument above tells me that this rage is kind of uncalled for–as far as the person raging against you is a Leader of City– it seem to be a reaction for personal revenge.

      This is not a situation that concerns the public–whether this person is the Mayor of the City or the Prime Minister of Dominica. If never been anything wrong about Acme Garage from since 1959–what could have gone so wrong within the past year?

      As for as I am concerned all the sidewalks of Roseau are congested. When I was there in 2008 I could on walk against the vehicles–meaning those who drove on the same side, but driving opposite of my walk–so that I could the vehicle coming towards me–so to keep safe in walking.

      With all of those vendors who so clumsily occupied the sidewalk–I tell you that Roseau looked much healthier at 5am in the morning–that was the time I drove through it as I was heading to the airport to go back to “my home” in Toronto.

      Nevertheless, do not stress yourself my brother, the time also comes when God “will silence the foe and the avenger” When He pitches He goes for the “strike out” and no one can hit that ball against Him. Alas! Alas! Alas!

      • April 17, 2013

        I have a lot of typing mistake in that response above–sorry about my careless; and I hope my corrections here will help.

        (1) The time has come for a or an avenger to spew vengeance against–that should read: “the time has come for a foe or an avenger to spew vengeance against you.

        (2) If never been anything wrong about Acme Garage–that should read: “If there has never been anything wrong with Acme Garage”

        (3) I could on walk against the vehicles–this should read: “I could only walk against the vehicles” “So that I could the vehicle coming towards me” should read: “So that I could see the vehicles coming towards me.

      • BWA
        April 18, 2013

        maybe you think before you start spewing off at the mouth

      • MOSQUITO
        April 19, 2013

        True with the permanent pavement congestion in and the obvious continuous danger to pedestrians the town of Roseau, someting has to be done to rectify this situation. SAFETY is of great important

  13. Doc. Love
    April 17, 2013

    The battle has began, Sean v Ian, Pappy Joe v Skerrit, Joseph v karam, Austrie v Mervin,are the walls of Labor Party crumbling.

    • Malgraysa
      April 18, 2013

      …Joshua has not blown his trumpet yet, but he will soon!!

  14. change
    April 17, 2013

    This is 2013. Gone are the days when the Karams, Astaphans, Massifs and all the other Arabs reigned. Please give other Dominicans a chance. Dominica belongs to all Dominicans Give other Dominicans a piece of the pie too..

    • Anonymous
      April 18, 2013

      but they are dominicans too! that’s not the point, your are just being racist.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      keep vomiting vomit from your mouth

  15. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    The streets of Roseau are filthy -why is the mayor not concerned about that.

    • Tyre hit de road
      April 18, 2013

      Sorry!! The Mayor has to be concerned with everything the goes on in his City…Good, Bad and in between it’s his job. However if the matter between Mr. Karam and the city cannot be resolved peacefully it should be resolved in a Court of law it’s that simple. That’s why the Courts exists; Isn’t it ? Before more name calling and other unlawful situation arise they should settle in Court .

    • Anonymous
      May 1, 2013

      The streets are filthy not because the mayor, town council etc are not doing their jobs and cleaning up. They are filthy because of nasty Dominican like you. It is about time we start talking sensible in Dominica.

  16. vex
    April 17, 2013

    i personaly think we need a new mayor. just saying. give someone else a chance.

  17. soleil chaud
    April 17, 2013

    this land is not our own ….we just a passing thru…sing along…..live nice people……it’s not worth it to fight over a piece of land….chawwww man

  18. ba tree
    April 17, 2013

    …move to the outskirts Peter….no room 4 xpansion on corkers :mrgreen: …you may end up choking yourself…just a thought… :-? :wink:

  19. joan
    April 17, 2013

    i would put my living room downstairs with a pool and put poolside chairs on the sidewalk ha ha

  20. joan
    April 17, 2013

    well, so now the mayor must acquire someones home? hmmpf. so all people who have businesses and homes in one building must be acquired? so i guess everyone must move out of roseau and leave it only for businesses? well roseau will have no parl rep. lol. i am amused myself. dominica is so full of foolish people, foolishness is one thing but actually being proud of it. another thing, even if the garage moves out of town, the people have a right to enjoy the frontage of their property. You still cannot park in front of their house. go and tell everyone in roseau to move. let chinee take everthing. sot dominicans, beggars, losers, haters …

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      thank you Joan so much. it is really more a matter of greed jealousy and envy with malicious hatred

    • Are you Joking Me
      May 3, 2013

      I have vacationed in Dominica for a number of years and have family there. So let me get this all of a sudden the mayor has decided to victimize Acme Garage, a property and business that has been on that site for over a 100 years. Why not fix the road that is off Federation Drive which has a massive hole and has been there for over 2 year. So does the mayor have plans to sell the property to the new migrants, Dominica is fast resembling china.
      So what does he have against Peter Karam? Is it jealousy . There is a saying, “DO NOT CUT OF YOUR NOSE TO SPITE YOUR FACE” . Dominica has bigger fish to fry, like for example, 1. Better hospital care in A&E 2. Better care for old and infirm. 3. Better road safety eg wearing seatbelts and crash helmets. 3.Cut corruption in local government and kick backs. 4. Please stop pretending this attack on Peter Karam is about parking, and tell us the real reason you want his head.
      People you are using the mayors rant to post comments on a families who have been in Dominica for over 100 years as if they had just arrived.
      Come on fix the hundreds of problems that Dominica has which relate to marketing and social welfare.
      Yes,let us see better marketing of Dominica, make that Marketing full stop so that when you are on a plane from the UK and hear passengers being given directions to change planes Which will send them to Dominican Republic, when they were going to Commonwealth of Dominica.

  21. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    there was talk some time ago about a bread depot that was set up on Kennedy ave and built steps that occupies the side walk .What is the Meyor and his council doing about this ?

    • Malgraysa
      April 18, 2013

      Amen to that. And what has he done to enforce the safety of pedestrians, who are prevented from using the sidewalk at the major construction going on next to the financila institution on Indepence Street? People are forced to walk in the main road now at their risk. Next level thinking!

  22. Vex
    April 17, 2013

    It is true the sidewalk dose’nt belong to Karam but he is keeping it clean but things need to change so my advice to you Karam is keep cock street for small jobs and buy a lot somewhere else for your state of the art garage sometimes change paralize us with fear go for it Karam your clients will be there

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      Sir Dominicans do not buy in Dominica. they all buy their vehicles online directly from japan. go figure ok.

  23. Jerseyean
    April 17, 2013

    Mr. Karam, you should meet with the Mayor, voice your opinion, hear his side and then there will be a rebutle. This is the 21st Century we live in. Gone are the 50’s. If you are wrong you are wrong. Let truth prevail.

  24. positive mind
    April 17, 2013

    Just because you haven’t gotten a letter since 1959 doesn’t mean that you were right. In those days people were afraid of so call money and power people like the karams. People were not aware of the laws and their rights back then nowadays our people are much more educated and are much more aware of the law and whats going on. I grew up in Dominica and I had to walk past ACME GARAGE everyday from school, and had to risk my life to walk in the streets while vehicles moving so close to my feet,Because Karam decide to disrespect our citizens and occupy the whole sidewalk. How could the public sidewalk be part of your property? You lucky you not in Jamaica or Antigua or any of the other Islands’ because donkey years ago they would have stopped you. You cannot be wrong and still strong. Enough is enough mr Karam. This is THE NEW ERA!!!!!!

    • hmmmm
      April 18, 2013

      What happened to the sidewalk on the other side of Cork Street? Why is there no problem when other people put up reserved parking signs for their businesses on the sidewalk, or sell produce or other wares there? Why is only Karam at fault? Tell the major to swallow his pride. Just because he was in a little personal confrontation doesn’t mean he has to use his power.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      more like a negative mind not positive. yu so much in need of some anger management of hate greed envy and Jealousy. your mind will stand a chance of being positive after hopefully.

  25. 2 bottle of shandy
    April 17, 2013

    If Mr Karam is to move his vehicles to another location, will this area be exempt for the parking of other vehicle owners as well thus leaving the area clear of the speculated disruption that parked vehicles in that area is currently causing.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      yu need a hug .. Thank you much.

  26. AD
    April 17, 2013

    Truthfully, this sounds like a personal vendetta of the Mayor against a very paranoid business owner. As it stands, Mr. Mayor’s vendetta just so happens to have the legislation to back it up. The vendetta in an of itself will and should be labelled as such, if after he manages to use the laws to dislodge Acme Garage from a tradition of “well it isn’t bothering anyone where it is” that it has enjoyed and profited from for nigh on 50 years, he does not follow through with his proposed plans for the city.

    As long as Mr. Mayor realises that as soon as he has triumphed over Acme Garage that he needs to take on all the other business in Roseau in the name of the law and development of the city, then by all means, he should continue his campaign. On the other hand, if he stops at Acme Garage and allows the rest of Roseau to continue to revel in its inglorious squalor, the people should no doubt conclude that in the office of the Mayor of Roseau sits a bitter and vindictive man.

    • Malgraysa
      April 18, 2013

      You hit the nail square on the head. Could not have put it better myself. Little people, little minds.

  27. Student
    April 17, 2013

    Oh! I just saw my comments DNO. But is not the first time this is happening.

  28. Student
    April 17, 2013

    DNO Why was my contribution removed? i responded to justsaying’s comment earlier on.

    We will delete comments that:

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    Did it violate any of these? Just asking.

    I am a fellow Dominican studying a broad with deep love for my country. I intend to return and contribute to nation building. I get homesick at times and DNO is one of the ways I connect. When I post comments here it is my way of showing interest in what is happening in Dominica.

    Just so you know.

    • Auto-abandonment
      April 17, 2013

      you home sick pal? stay away a few more yrs you’ll forget whereur country is located.Man too much BS andAH’son the island.

  29. Jimi Hendrix
    April 17, 2013

    Peter, just give mister a free one-way ticket to Syria. Problem solve right there. You know how we like freeness already.

  30. Watch Dog
    April 17, 2013

    AA!! Deux Laba ka goumet!

  31. yaaa
    April 17, 2013

    My mother tell me never involve in people business. A and B in their commess, I will see myself out. 2 labourites in war, that is their business. Already I allergic to labourites already…LOL

  32. dominican abroad
    April 17, 2013

    Sooooo damn proud to see so many people supporting the mayor. Karam needs to realize times are changing, and even he must follow the rules and laws of the land. It would be good to see clear side walks where one can walk without having to jump over gutters and into traffic to get to their destination. I am so surprise this was not done sooner. I have visited a few other islands and their side walks in the city are so well paved its a pleasure shopping and being in a clean and uncongested place.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      no wonder yu abroad, yu have not seen 80% of Roseau have no sidewalks, so come home ok.

  33. roseau
    April 17, 2013

    How a city, can have sidewalk, and Iam not allowed to walk there, because of one man trying to sell his cars.MAN clear d road side you hear.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      why do u not clear your brains which is filled with hate envy greed jealousy and Ignorance

  34. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    So the Mayor says that Acme garage is on the sidewalk!!!!. Is this the same man who puts vendors all over Roseau including the BAYFRONT to block pedestrians and even some motorists from parking? We face abuse from vendors for parking in a parking Bay! :oops:

    A literal eyesore in a tourist zone. Alas Poor Dominica it will stay forever poor with the likes of Cecil Joseph as mayor :cry:

    • Jay
      April 18, 2013

      So true. Roseau is an obstacle course. Why those vehicles parked on the pavement, even close to the Mayor’s “town hall” are not removed or even ticketed. Sounds like the mayor has a vendetta.

  35. Coshonie news
    April 17, 2013

    Stupes! Not interested in Peter Karam or Mayor Joseph.. No compromise on either side. Nothing amicable there. . Like two (2) big children.!

  36. Miami
    April 17, 2013

    I agree with the Mayor whether this is personal or not. Stop parking your vehicles over the gutter and onto the street!!! This has caused too public attention for too long now.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      yu in Miami, go park infront any business or car Dealership, see what will happen to you, you would be towed away in a Miami minute and lose your vehicle.

  37. April 17, 2013

    Mr. Joseph you do have a point. However, what are your intentions regarding the other business places and residences that are at the same level as ACME?

    Mr. Karam, help clean up the streets, but ask Mr. Joseph to extend the same concern to the other business places and residences that are at same level as you are even if they are at different locations. COMPROMISE PEOPLE.

  38. Pedro
    April 17, 2013

    Peter, Peter, Peter…doing this for 50 years does not make it right. And yes, there is inconvenience to the public, even if people do not complain. I am not saying the City council is approaching this the right way, but for you to not want to meet is not helping either. Its possible that 100 more people and businesses are also infringing on pedestrian’s rights but that does not justify the status quo either. At the end of the day there has to be concessions on both sides, but also a broader strategy on addressing this and better communication from the city council. No, Peter, you are not right on this. Show us your boundaries if you believe otherwise.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      for one you are a thief who stole my internet name.

  39. 2Cute
    April 17, 2013

    onething they always taking eh lolol anyways.Mr karam have to understand in order to develop d place.we have to make some changes…Covered gutters.wish it could have more greenary.more palms by business.I love my country, i just want to see it develop

  40. aye
    April 17, 2013

    Well done Joseph… next on the agenda is to cover up the gutters in Roseau and construct proper sidewalks.

    • Me again
      April 17, 2013

      The gutters should come before Acme Garage. Gosh! Everything is back to front!!!!

  41. April 17, 2013

    Peter, I told you a long time ago, the only way, that guy is going to leave you be: you need to give him a handout, of sum Beer, Rum, and Wine, get him drunk enough so that he can forget you.

    If he is one of the same who raided the President Christmas party, and whom it allegedly stole Beer, Wine, and Rum to give to his supporters outside means he has a dunking habit, perhaps if you use his habit against him by getting him drunken he will leave you alone!

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Fetish
      April 17, 2013

      Doods earlier in the week a Doods-and a Telemaque topped the medical school in Roseau .
      I thought you must be proud to see both ur names.So that makes you a powerhouse ur self.
      Engineer and medical student .Now without the medicalbackground don’t you think that after Peter gets the Mayor drunk what is the follow up plan when he is sober .Get him drunk encore? Then get him drunkagain, thenhe wakesupsober, doyou get him drunk again? and again and again ad infinitum? Likea recurring decimal?Boy from Wesley
      you neverstop amazing us.You need and Oscar award for you know what. You live in california right? where?Hollywood so you can just walkan pick it up.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        April 18, 2013

        Yes indeed , Peter need to keep him drunken all the time, the Mayor himself will one day wake up partly sober, and sing a song: Singing what’s the use of getting sober when I know I am going to get drunk again?

        And by the I am very proud of my relatives Dods, and Telemaque, education might be a trademark we possess, it might be heredity on all side of my family; the Linton’s Telemaque, Dods (Dodds) and Alfred, the Alfred’s are from my Grandmother’s side.

        My friend, even the Chief Education officer on the island is related to me, his grandmother is my biological aunt. Prior to him old man Linton who died recently served in that capacity, the now education officer grandmother who is also my aunt was indeed Linton’s biological aunt also.

        You know guys like Griffin Benjamin, M.D. his grandmother is also my biological aunt, this is not a boast, and you should know that education is not unique to any particular individual or families in general, one simply have to crave it, and go after it.

        It is true that some people learn things easier, than others, however, we all have the potential to develop our mind. We are all born with the same clean slate, nothing recorded in our mind or cranium, we start learning from interaction with our parent: Remember God said in his words, ” God is no respecter of person” so that means the same ability he gave to me, and the rest of my family to grasp education, you have it and everyone reading me here has the same ability, all they have to do is utilized it.

        I’ve had a set of relatives on my grandmother side who cared nothing about education; sisters older than I am; I went home one time and literally humiliated them in front of their children, fortunately some of their children were listening, I left; many years past, however as a result of what I said that day in their hearing has changed their life’s; of which I had no idea. When my sister, died last year, I got into conflict with one on my niece, and I cursed them out, and told one of them if they were not dunce and illiterate they would not behave in the way they did.

        Well that cause one of them to open up and give me the score. When he was through relating to me: By way his first words were; we have changed, we know what you have done, and we have embraced education, “Ma John family” these days are not as we once were, we are now teachers, and nurses; and capable of competing with any other family in our village; my nephew himself once taught school in Woodford Hill, right this day he is an Computer Engineer, employed on the island of Antigua.

        The late Ma John anyway was my grandmother, and she mold me well she was the one who influenced my education.

        So you see, there is no mystery to it, you and everyone can accomplish the same thing. There was a time when college education was not available in Dominica, but I advised even a junior college education can expand one mind, hopefully one day a four year collage, and perhaps a public university will be installed on the island.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      Fet do not worry for me, I am ok. Thanks so much for the support.

  42. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    You see that’s the problem. It’s not financially viable for any business to take part willingly in any sort of honest effort in improving Roseau. Back in the 80s yes but now after nearly 20 yrs of a consistently downward spiralling economy, private sector is in no position to cooperate. Government has alot of buying to do which they wont.

    First the economy must be resuscitated then and only then can Government flex its muscle otherwise its pure extortion and can be read as a total shakedown where only a chosen few will be left standing.

    btw: is Best Deal getting similiar pressure? They take up a whole street AND an entire lane stretching from Old Street to the bayfront. Then there’s the juiceman, the hundreds of vendors, the bus stops and the list goes on. To be fair ACME is the least of our worries re: sidewallk obstruction 8-O

  43. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    this is a waste of time Karam has to move his vehicles period. public space is what it is public space, who cares if you been occupying it from 1959, that still doesn’t make it your property. just cooperate since you claim your business is friendliest! is this how you guys make way into the future? we should hear what the head of planning, miss Edwards, has to say on the matter!

  44. Aye Dominique
    April 17, 2013

    They are not the only ones occupying the streets. Go after Garage Bar and Grill and the others….. Too much double standards in this country.

    • sweetness
      April 18, 2013

      Then we have to start somewhere

  45. I REMEMBER
    April 17, 2013

    I believe this whole problem and resolution hinges on the Title boundaries Mr.Karam has for his property.If his Title shows a clear line of demarcation between his property and the sidewalk even if none is readily observable at this time,then Mr Joseph has a case to be made.If on the other hand,the Title does not show that demarcation,then I believe Mr.Karam can claim ownership of that portion of “sidewalk” if he exercises his right after 54 years of continuous usage without city/state interruption or ownership claim.The city,I believe,does have the right to exert ownership for a sidewalk through eminent domain,but would have to pay Mr Karam for that parcel of land if he exercised his right to ownership.The way this could be resolved is the city exercising its right of ownership as discussed and leasing that portion of the “sidewalk”to Mr.Karam on a long term basis at a reasonable rate,but this time clearly showing where the line of demarcation is and shutting down the use of the “sidewalk” by Mr Karam at least one day a year to clearly exercise the right of city ownership.All that of course would have to be negotiated.

    • landlord
      April 18, 2013

      you remember from ur surveying days? lol
      LC? are? lol I guess you marked out the area before 59 lol

  46. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    Even if this has been there since 1959, that does not make it right! So are you saying that it is ok to squat on someone else’s property for years and then claim it as mine?
    Planning and the relevant authorities need to step in to clear the air and put an end to all this.

  47. Aye Dominique
    April 17, 2013

    Where the other brother nah? Jo…..where is he?

    • coshonie
      April 18, 2013

      who cares where the other brother is!!!!!

  48. Anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    DNO

    Please do the right thing and take some pictures from three vantage points:

    * From the East of Cork Street, West of Cork Street and from the tall building opposite that establishment for the public to get a better perspective. Remove the pictures during rush hours as well for all to see. Thank you

  49. da lover
    April 17, 2013

    Mr Karam how you tell the mayor of Roseau you will not meet with him? I wish you was a business owner in NY and tell mayor Bloomberg you not meeting with him, See how long Acme garage would remain in business without 100 tickets a day and IRS digging up your books. ONLY IN DOMINICA WE GET AWAY WITH THINGS LIKE THAT.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      take a double doze of your Ignorance

  50. Malgraysa
    April 17, 2013

    I don’t know the rights and wrongs of Mr. Joseph’s claim but if it is an issue of obstructing a public right of way the Mayor has his work cut out in Roseau, so why single out Karam? Regardless of this I do think that the garage should be moved.It is, out of place,out of time and causes an obstruction. Make the man a reasonable offer mr. Mayor, acquire the property and help them find a more suitable location.

    • Jaime A
      April 17, 2013

      Surprised you know not what are rights and wrongs
      of mr.joe. A man like you malgraysa! jaime taught you poorly.You are suppose to be a little god know & sees all things.
      You must know something just be honest Malgraysa.
      Tell jaime hi on the other side Malgrasa.

    • Anonymous
      April 17, 2013

      Malgraysa, I like your April 17th comment;
      Your suggestion is very sensible, if Karam’s property is an inconvenience, obstruction, and un safe location for the public, the City can negotiate with Karam, assisting with re location, whether financially, or otherwise; but that’s if he Karam is willing to commit to negotiation with the City, one hand can’t clap!

      And to add, that’s how thngs are done Democratically, in North America. Let’s learn from the more experience Countries nah? For crying out loud!

      • Jaime/malgraysa
        April 18, 2013

        This is the Caribbean and microscopically DA moreso . Sparrow said “We like it so” Noni must you seem to have forgoten where you come from man!
        Da has retrogressed since the 80’s Mamo messed up then came Eddo the Rosie etc and now we have DAT lol for the last 12 yrs some guys who just came by so an opportunity to rape DA and are doing it with glee.

  51. Mac
    April 17, 2013

    Mr Karam, because you have been doing something for fifty years does not make it right.

  52. as for my house
    April 17, 2013

    did he just ask the government to shut joseph up.

    • HigherDanDat!
      April 17, 2013

      yep. :lol:

  53. justsaying
    April 17, 2013

    Because we have developed a “but so it is already” mentality, every time someone tries to change things and do it the way it is supposed to be done there is opposition. Whether the mayor is acting upon his personal differences with Mr. Karam or not I think it is about time that someone do something about the situation. 1959 and 2013 are two different eras. Back then vehicles were few and far in between. Right now we are living in an age where there are far more vehicles than citizens in Dominica. So no Mr. Karam it cannot be ok to have all your vehicles lining up the side walk and we the pedestrians have to compete with moving vehicles to walk the street. This is what happens when we allow things to go on and not take the necessary steps to correct it and then it escalates. I think that if the Mayor is willing to meet with you and come to an amicable solution you should meet with him and hear what he has to say

    • Student
      April 17, 2013

      I agree. We are talking two different eras -alot has changed – so Mr Karam just be reasonable. And i agree with Malgraysa- Mr Karam should be given an offer of an ideal spot to which he can relocate. I do hope that these two gentlemen can come to a reasonable and peaceful agreement over this matter. Remember our youth are looking on to see how leaders, business persons and adults in general behave. All the best to you both.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      exactly all yu saying is Justsaying. not yu neither Bloomberg can park where they want with impunity, blok anyone’s driveway, blok anybody’s garage operations where they p[ay taxes so keep on justsaying. wud yu like anyone to blok your driveway and you cannot enter or exit your home or your business operations.

  54. GraveStone Budget
    April 17, 2013

    Fight it out in the Stadium you two who belong to the Same Camp of Rulers in Power.

    We looking from the Shillingford Stands.

    Good Luck, let’s see who Prevails.

    • Jaime A
      April 17, 2013

      Two men enters one man leaves & lives.

    • DonK
      April 17, 2013

      YES!! A gladiator match in the stadium!!! Joseph vs karam!! Excellent idea!

      Pay-per-view!!

  55. toma
    April 17, 2013

    the mayor needs to work, this is an established business for decades and I have never had trouble in front of the store.

    • Pedroito
      April 20, 2013

      Thank you Toma.

  56. LOOKER
    April 17, 2013

    Mr. Karam, you do not know me but I would like to indulge this man in the meeting. See what he wants and what are his intentions. It is said that problems come in all different ways. Listen to him, indulge him once again and this feud will one day put to rest. Just an advice.

    • wannaknow
      April 17, 2013

      I SECOND THAT

  57. anonymous
    April 17, 2013

    “Joseph said the city council will be meeting today to discuss the matter and he intends to write to the proprietor of Acme Garage “to inform him that we need to sit and discuss and to look at the way forward.”

    But he is on radio blabbing about it before he has spoken to the council or written to Peter Karam. This is just too personal.

    • Student
      April 17, 2013

      Well we can only hope it is not personal and can be resolved soon.

    • Lynda
      April 17, 2013

      Exactly! Firstly, he should have written Mr. Karam and address this matter at the Council meeting before blabbing about it on the radio.The Mayor may have the best intentions but his appraoch is wrong.

      • lol
        April 17, 2013

        that just goes to show how unprofessional this mayor can be. I’ve always said it and will continue to do so. People enter politics with the least idea of protocol.

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