On Friday morning Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, His Lordship, Gabrielle Malzaire, and Parish Priest for Salisbury, Fr. Bartholomew Adamu, met with a delegation from Salisbury in an attempt at finding an “amicable solution” to matters affecting the community.
“I was there this morning at a request from the Parish Priest who had been dealing with the issue,” Bishop Malzaire told Dominica News Online on Friday after the meeting. “I listened to their plight or the situation as they saw it and my promise to them is that I am going to communicate with the government side to see what can be done in terms of reaching an amicable solution.”
The meeting took place at the presbytery with a delegation led by the Parliamentary Representative, Hector John, one day after the villagers staged a second protest which followed the arrest of 6 villagers for allegedly being involved in another protest on May 11th.
Malzaire said he is now attempting to contact the government and at the time of the interview had not been successful.
When questioned on whether he was in agreement with the actions of the community he said he was not in a position to take sides.
“It’s a matter of looking at the situation and trying to see how best this situation can be solved,” he stated.
Meantime Fr. Adamu said he, along with other leaders in the village, had to plead with protesters on Thursday night who had no intention of backing down on the protest action just yet.
“I had to intervene last night,” Adamu said. “I had to promise them if they could get some delegation, I will be part of the delegation to go with them to the government … even if it means to see the Minister, the Prime Minister, wherever the need arises, whoever we have to see. I pleaded with them if the road could be opened, so they could allow people to have access to pass.”
He stated further that the road was eventually cleared but the other community leaders had to add their voice to his plea with the protesters who threatened to continue even when the road was being cleared.
“We asked them to drop their stones and not to stone again and something will be done certainly and definitely today,” he said.
Following this, he explained, he informed the Bishop of what was going on and the Bishop agreed to meet with community leaders on Friday.
“I needed his fatherly advice on that one,” he said. “He was here before eight and we started discussions with six of the community delegations who expressed their feelings.”
The community is reportedly quiet following the massive protest on Thursday.
who you think you be nuh? Somebody die and make u king man? Always acting like you know every flipping thing…Who are you to speak against those God has called…Whether the bishop is sincere or not is between him and God because you don’t know his heart…if he is not true to God then as I said that’s up to him but if he is then God will surely hold you responsible for speaking ill against whom he has ordained
Parry, I would advise the Bishop to stay as far away as possible from the Salisbury situation. He should allow another high ranking priest to do the mediation. Personally, he might mean well, but his relation ship with the Prime Minister might be considered to be tainted. For instance, when the big grant was handed to the church personally by the Skeritt, during the handing over of the grant, Dominicans heard a lot of I ,I, I, not Government. No other religious denomination has received such a big favor.
We have heard of campaign financing and we know how it works. Medard et Al won the elections partly on foreign monies China , Malyasia,Russia,etc ,etc Passport sales etc.
Now let’s flip that .When gov’t of the Neo-DFP controlled DLP finances the church etc can there be a separation of Church from State? When The Bishop is” boys-nous”/Our Boy”-CrazyTees 2013
How can boys nous be a mediator? can someone imagine justifying that? generally the response would be an emphatic NO but with these Neo DFP-control DLP YES THEY Can and take it to the next level too.
questioned on whether he was in agreement with the actions of the community he said he was not in a position to take sides.
“It’s a matter of looking at the situation and trying to see how best this situation can be solved,” he stated.
No need to talk about taking sides Mr.Bishop of San Sousi ! remember You are Boys Nous. So U are already on a side
Buddaykai, you are a big grown up man stop that none sense after all.
Even if they are lower ranking they have a moral and ethical responsibility to not carry out any order that they know rightfully to be wrong. So tell me this, if the PM sanctions the murder of any citizen by the police are they supposed to carry out the order because they are lower ranking?
Next, the bishop showed his true political allegiance by refusing to be unbiased in the face of Skerrit’s flagrant lawlessness and corrupt behavior just because he allowed himself and the church to be bought for 30 pieces of silver. So in light of this, the people of Salisbury should not allowed themselves to be fooled into thinking that the bishop holds any sort of influence over any of this government actions neither should they have accepted a middleman as negotiator when this same middle man have already shown that he can be and is already bought. Bear in mind that the bishop never campaigned or ask people for their votes. The elected officials need to meet the people themselves.
People think they can instigate stuff, stay on the outside, in the US in Canada and use their radio station to instigate when there’s no need for revolution, it’s only feeder road problems like most villages have. Demonstrate peacefully for feeder road repairs, stop making people get in trouble for your selfish ego.
How you expect to win election with $1 million when opponent spent $30 million, it’s not gonna happen. The law puts no limit on campaign money a party can spend. End of story!
You lost the election. Regroup, provide meaningful opposition in effort to limit campaign spending. I will vote for you. I don’t want anyone in office more than 15 years. You don’t create a revolution of your own to destabilize the country for your little selfish ego. We all know you were disorganized for 15 years, in-fighting, splintered, you can’t expect to beat these guys, they were organized all while you disorganized. Stop it while you can! Don’t get them jailed for your ego!…
Who the hell said that this is about politics? As far as I am concerned the DLP can go on clutching onto power for the next 30 years as long as they fix our farm roads, and treat us as equal to the rest of Dominica. Our decision to vote for the UWP should not diminish our opportunity to at least receive decent roads to our farms which in turn will secure our daily bread. It is silly and immature to put Salisbury to the sword and subject them to poverty creating conditions simply because of politics. This is wrong, and should not be supported by anyone. However, the aim of the first protest was to get the government to address the issue of roads. It was not about politics. This second protest was a reaction to the high handed and violent police response.
Gooood job in the name of Jesus…. Goood catholic social teachings in action. Congrats to Bishop and the entire catholic community… That’s surely a mustard seed effort n indeed very eucharistic. Friut of the Spirit: peace in very important. It’s important to challenge the government or keep politicians in check based on the social teachings of the church….
Now that the Bishop has shown interest in finding an amicable situation we must not NOT fall asleep. It is alleged that the St. Lucia Police Force so called task force killed 11 during operation Restore Hope summary execution style and now the force is being pinalized by the US. The IMPACS report is complete but the entire fall out is looming. The Chief is now on sanctioned extended annual leave and SLU Police command staff are banned from the USA until further notice.
I beg those with connections to get with the US State Department and request that the same measures be taken against the hierachy of the CDPF and DLP Cabal. STOP funding all and sundry for the CDPF until an investigation similar to the IMPACS in St. Lucia is done. Revoke visas for Government Cabal-we know them- and CDPF command structure personnel. We must seek outside help in bringing this madness to an end before its too late.
I AM SALISBURY, ARE U?
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
Mr Blackmore and the Commissioner of Police need to both apologize to the Salisbury people including the poor innocent elderlies of the community for the unnecessary unrest they created over what could have been solved amicably . We’ve all known the Salisbury village as a small peaceful farming community , well known for the most juicy sweet water melons . They’ve never behaved in any violent way before until the State Security Minister Mr Blackmore , PM skerrit and the forced to act against their wishes police force staged a political war against the community . What a shame , humiliation to the country’s pride and inhumanity . May the good Lord comfort the people of Salisbury as they go through this time of pain , grief , war and injustice . I wish the international governments who stand for human rights would take note and come to the rescue of a community in fear .
Why should the people listen to these men? I have never heard one priest or pastor on island, with the exception of RR, speak on the countless instances of corruption by the government. The people have been asking for their road for 15 yrs, why hasn’t the priest added his voice to the cries of the people, why did they remain silent after the first protest? Now that there is a possibility that the action of the people of Salisbury can affect their party in power they come forward. Don’t be fooled people, these people are not interested in peace all they are interested in is keeping their party in power.
Why in the hell is there no clear demarcation between church and state in this land. This is not a moral issue, hence the priests and pastors should stay out of it. Why does the church remain silent on issues pertinent to it, such as molestation and the like? It is no small wonder that we are the way we are, all our institution are morphed into one…….
Bishop you are a good man and you and the parish priest mean well. I wish you luck.
However, If the protest were truly about feeder roads and the roads are being addressed; What was the illegal protests about?
If it were about the police doing there jobs and arresting the people, what was the protest about?
Am we to understand if a crime is committed and no one was arrested the same day, therefore no further investigation, action or arrest should take place? If your shop was robbed and the thieves were not caught the same day, the police should no longer try to recover your stolen goods? Is that the understanding?
Are you also telling me, the police should face an angry mob bent on hurting them and others and they should not wear protective gear? Should we thank the UWP for breaking the law and say please do it again soon?
I heard someone say the UWP has a new name UWPP. The United Workers Protest Party. I guess they have to live up to their new name.
No need to take the Protest Title from DLP. Remember Rossie Douglas?
I AM SALISBURY, ARE U?
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
Dominica is a small country; Salisbury is a small village. This is why the Bishop and Parish Priest met with Salisbury leaders. The protesters of all should be appreciative. It shows that they must keep the peace. They have not done that with stones, etc.
My God! What is wrong with those people who are on the war path and appear they will not cease? Be careful the tables do not turn against you of your own doing. It will not be human intervention but God who sees what is occurring which is wrong.
Let there be peace on earth, in Dominica and let it begin with everyone.
Facts; what difference do you believe it will make after Malzaire and his acolyte puppet priests are finished trying to use psychology of the farmers of Salisbury in order to get them to stop fighting for their rights?
That is all they are doing; the boy bishop, is the same one who stretched his hands out and took five $500,000.00 dollars from Skerrit, to erect a roof on a building, belonging to the Roman Church! Be reminded the Roman Catholic Religion owns some of the largest banks operating in the world.
They owned Chase Manhattan Bank; and Bank of America I do not know for certain if they still owns the two, however, in Europe, a central America the roman catholic religion all of the largest banks operating there.
While he grabs the money from Skerrit, the Marigot Hospital shut down PM hospital is in a dilapidated state, and lack medicine, Malzaire promised to compensated Skerrit, this is it! And you can say God will do all kind of thing to me, my answer is he is not an…
I wish to commend the Bishop for expressing interest in solving this kind of social and political problem. All Dominicans need to understand the origin of the preconditions and economic causation for these emerging levels of social unrest.. there may be more to come. Kamala’s contribution derived from her own bias and partisanship and that of her ilk does not help in these matters. What is the charge she cites against Lennox Linton,Hector John and Matt Peltier? Unless in her biased mind Dominica has now reached the stage of unwarranted arrest . Has Police Chief Carbon made any public statement on these developments?? Has anyone in the media asked Carbon if police are acting properly within their authority or under the direction of the regime as was alleged for former Chief Carette?
how can you be so biased? are you planning to block the airport now?or are you planning to hold kamala hostage? don’t you listen to the callers on q95? don’t you hear the personal insults that are hurled at the prime minister and his cabinet? unblock your eyes with de blue cloth you have covering it
Dominica
I have not commented in this medium for months because I felt it would be an exercise in futility given the mindset of most of the bloggers on this site, but I just had to come out to agree that people like Dr. Clayton Shillingford (intellectuals?) just blow my mind! He only hears bias from the lips of Kamala. Granted, I did not necessarily like her stance on the Salisbury matter but people like Dr. Shillingford are ten times worse than the people they criticise because they talk well and people with simple minds do not go behind the words. Can you imagine a person listening everyday to the Matts and Angelos and the rabid callers on Q95 and turn around and call someone else biased? The way I see it people like him and those who write inflammatory articles on newspapers and stay in the comfort of their homes while the people whom they have incited go wild are also singing for something, advisory positions or the Presidency perhaps? Can you please wait Sir?
while the Bishop is talking with leaders from salisbury Kamala on the other radio station was inciting war.the strategic of skerrit is clear to make salisbury poor
Isn’t one of the commandments something like “thou shall not bear false witness?” AKA “LIE”.
I think the Bishop should remind the Prime Minister about the power of lies. The PM told 2 detrimental lies which has sparked all of this:
1) Skeritt LIED when he said that work would commence on the roads in 72 hours.
2) Skerrit LIED when said he would hold a townhall meeting with the people of Salisbury “next week” after the protest/press conference.
How many more LIES should we endure from this prime minister? Bishop please remind the people there is no honor in being a liar. From henceforth you should refer to the prime minister as the LIAR Prime Minister Skerritt.
How can you negotiate with a liar? All his lying tongue will do is incite more anger, frustration, and resistance!
Admin, how come the first headline you posted with the picture of Malzaire to which I responded is removed? You see, Dominica is predominantly Roman Catholic, the majority of the people of Salisbury are roman catholic.
So, the psychology is the powers that be; the same power which gave Malzaire five hundred thousand dollars of the tax payers money has called him in to interfere with the effort the people have brought forward to find some form of justice!
You see, the Roman Catholic religion supported more than four hundred years of slavery, and supported that evil with scriptures from the Bible, though slavery was abolished almost four hundred years ago, such as the boy bishop is helping to impose economic slavery on our people. The five hundred thousand dollars Skerrit gave him could have been used to repair the infrastructure of the village.
Malzaire is a staunch political supporter of Skerrit, and should not be involved in any discussion!
My brother, these two controlled systems (Religion and politics) work hand in hand. I am not surprised of what is taking place. These systems have been controlling the minds of the masses for centuries and when there is a protest by the masses the same systems that they are aligned with will continue to keep them in check. Politicians and religious leaders continue to abuse their powers over the people and they will do all what it takes to keep the people docile, ignorant and subservient.
The people have to collectively stand against oppression. Unless this is done, these controlled systems, which have been put in place intentionally will continue. Politics and religion have become a part of the masses’ psyche. When we rid ourselves from these then our liberation will begin.
It is a dangerous thing when someone’s mind is controlled. That means you can’t think for your self and you have to get permission to say certain things in public. This what is happening in Dominica.
VERY SAD
Out of South City
You are so right on the matter of mind control. That is why I refuse to allow my mind to be controlled. No matter how many thousands think and say that a particular approach is the correct one, I choose to process all the issues in my mind and decide for myself whether this is so and if I come out as the only one with an opposing view, so be it!
I notice that you have also dragged ALL politicians into your net of abuse of power and you might be quite right because the focus tends to be on those who hold the reigns of power but shouldn’t we also look at behaviours and pronouncements from those aspiring to hold the reigns of power as those would be good indicators of what to expect wouldn’t it?
Once upon a time, a mediator entered the wrong room to mediate a conflict. After the session ended he realized all the people around him thought he was a very good story teller. And this is a true story.
Reading these comments I am comforted to know that the party with the DICTATORS is in the oppossition……..
Please people don’t give up those guns as yet,I think you all should hold them to protect you all
I wish to complement the Bishop, the Priest and Hector, but don’t expect any amicable solution soon. For instance, Matt on his talk show had been making a tremendous effort to cool the situation and the need for peace, whereas Kamala on her show is inciting her listeners with comments such as calling the people of Salisbury who are fighting for their constitutional rights, hot headed vagabonds and hooligans. One of the major problems of yesterday’s show down was the arrest of six people of Salisbury, who are alleged to have been involved in the first protest actions. Today, when most Dominicans including Matt are begging for peace, Kamala is recommending the arrest of Mr. Lennox Linton, Mr. Hector John and Matt. When you arrest Mr. Linton do you expect the people Marigot to just sit at their homes and cry. Maybe, Kamala must be forgetting the airport is in Marigot and she has no intensions of leaving Dominica any time soon.
How about arresting Kamala for inciting violence on the opposition,better yet how about running her out of DA.
Whatever hole that she crawled out of, I hope they are ready to receive her.
I need to go on medication, so I can slap stupid people like Kamala and blame it on the side effects.
The lawyers and all the Unviersity grads are useless they are exisiting to drink at bars,nightly ,Sea moon, Ft Young the speak easies eat & …. daily.who gonna help mediate.
The current president let’s refer to him as #8. After having initiated strike and mob actions to resolve issues in the 70;s now sits as DFP & now President of the DLP Gov’t.
Now his role is cut ribbons and keep quiet.
Bishop I am happy by your actions. Please keep on this so that the people can earn a daily bread by hard work. Please intercede to the P.M. to adhere to the people’s wishes. Our Holy Father Our God would be smiling at your intervention. I pray for you all ways. You would be adhering to the pope’s hopes for human kind.Please reinstate our admiration of you. Thank you. God bless you.
The bishop knows that he cannot talk to skeritt,
The bible warned abour accepting gifts ,It still;s the tongue
This money skeritt gave to the church was made up,and it took away the church balls
Let’s say he bought the roman catholic church buildings along with the puppets masquerading as priests and bishops!
What truth are you stating? Those who make derogatory, evil remarks against the Catholic Church, the Bishop and Clergy, including the laity, will themselves pay a dear price. Have you considered that God took note of your words?
The Bishop and Parish Priest were kind enough to try to assist for peace sake. They did not have to do so.
There is a wise saying, “Those who fight and run away, Lives to fight another day! Patience is virtue! The riotous mob of Salisbury enjoy it while it last.
I see no way of solving this issue unless the charges are dropped immediately, the people get their road fixed and a commission of inquiry held by an independent NGO (Amnesty International??). Further I would also advise that the following people be sent on leave during the inquiry: Rayburn Blackmoore (Minister of National security), Daniel Carbon (Police Commissioner), Davidson Valerie (ASP of Police), Orlando Cuffy (Inspector in charge of SSU-Ton-ton Macoute).
In addition, the officers stationed in Salisbury be transferred for their own safety and replaced by their comrade from the area (Coulibistrie, Salisbury, St. Joseph) that were NOT part of the ton-ton- macoute. I highly recommend that the station NCO be from the area at least for the short term until things calm down.
It is imperative that we understand the subordinate police officers involved in the riots are only obeying orders (illegal or legal) and should NOT be blacklisted for retribution.
Assertive NOT…