Dominicans woke up on Wednesday morning to the grim reality that several businesses were vandalized as violence engulfed the capital city of Roseau on Tuesday night.
The violence took place hours after a public meeting organized by opposition parties calling for the resignation of Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.
During the disturbances the police feared tear gas at protesters, roads were blocked, fires were lit in several areas in Roseau and businesses vandalized.
National Security Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, blamed the leadership and “operatives” of the United Workers Party for the disturbances, while the party’s leader, Lennox Linton said it has nothing to do with the public meeting since it took place hours after the meeting was over.
Skerrit visited several of the business places on Wednesday morning and will be addressing the nation later in the day.
See pictures of the vandalism and disturbances below.
I wouldn’t blame this on Linton. It comes under the heading of civil unrest due to no confidence in the present government and the povertized state of the island.
If the government is getting 50 million a month for passport that is very good as long as the money is accounted for.
We refused to be what you wanted us to be, we are who we are and that’s the way it’s going to be. You say u educate the people for equal opportunity. But we talking about freedom, people freedom and liberty. Rebel rebel rebel, because bablylon system is a murderer, sucking the poor people day.
But, Pappy that there behind the fire man
Seem so!
It can only get worse until the bobol stops.
Please no more pit latrine pocket money finance, give the people a fair cut from the $50 million a month from their passport sales.
Be fair Colonel Skerrit.
I thought they said it was the youth who started it. These are two grown men laying on the ground. I hope they are already in jail. Well look trouble, even Pappy in that…
Have Dominicans forgot what happened in St Lucia in 1979, they are now doing the same thing. Lennox Linton wants to see Dominica Baese Bien Bar !!!! What does he hope to get out of this ??? Dominicans voted the Prime Minister in, in the last elections, he has a right to stay till the end of his term. I just visited my homeland, and was pleasantly surprised by all the good changes i saw, does Linton think he can do better !!! The only people who will suffer because of this are the Malleywey Dominicans, who incidentally, will not make any money during the Carnival Season, as I am sure it will be cancelled. LINTON shame on you !!!
Sorry for the losses suffered and for the black eye that Dominica was given last night.This destruction of property is uncalled for and not necessary.However I must question the strategic deployment and use of the police resources.Why did the police allow this to happen.Were the resources overstretched over policing a planned peaceful assembly of patriotic Dominicans,that the Chief fell asleep at the wheel whilst patting himself on the back that he had done the bidding of Skerritt and impinged on the rights of citizens.Look this uncivilized behavior took place long after the demonstration was called off, therefore it is ludicrous to blame the IEP.The Minister of national security, Blackmore,has to be held accountable for debacle which occurred.What has happened to the maxim “the buck stops here”.You did indicate earlier that you wanted to replace the current chief of police,this is clear hard evidence that he did a poor job whilst the region was watching and so he has to go now.
No way they planned it and said they were not moving. When the police tried to make them they attacked. There was nothing peaceful about this. Lennox had every intention of being PM today. Come what May!
Since Skerritt said that the police were informed of an intention to cause violence,why did the police allow that to happen.This makes no sense and shows how shallow and gullible you are.It also shows how incompetent the police are.Just think a little bit, that’s all I ask
So now you are blaming the police. In another writing, you all did not want the police presence and criticized the Police Chief for his warning. You opposition people are something else. You have a severe problem.
And so you are blaming Blackmore? He is not the one who organized the so-called meeting which is really a protest.
You will never utilize the little common sense you have. It would be better that we do not reply to you for you will never be able to see the truth, speak the truth and comprehend the truth. Later for you.
no worries the God u all serve is to the rescue he has the funds to do so …pm skerrit to the rescue
Now we know Dominicans still got it … ya the frustration level is up there so you all going to think twice before taking your dumb decisions. Too much Bull in this country and I don’t think it will end there. N9w go arround and start arresting and then phase 2 will begin
Frustration level went up, only yesterday…I want the business places to protect and defend their properties at all costs. Make an example out of some.
What frustrations? You supporters create your own frustrations. You are never satisfied with what the PM does.
Lennox is to be blamed for these damages. They are now on his head and shoulders for life.
So what does looting phones and clothing have to do with frustration and hunger.
I could understand if it was witchurch or savealot that was broken into and groceries stolen.
everyone here crying bout things hard but all young men wearing 300 dollars sebago. Women got phones costing over 2 grand, dominica young men has become lazy and laid back most of them dont have a trade or skill they dont like the hot sun smh.
PM a picture photo will not help in this situation people are looking for answers . I condemn all the loathing in the city yesterday.
Who are the people looking for answers? If they are the opposition, the answers lie within them.
President J.F. Kennedy said: “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” This should be taught in schools.
this is total Stupidness!!!!…. if you protesting, do it quietly…. No reason AT ALL to destroy what people have worked to hard to build and make something for themselves…. this is ridiculous!….
fool it has been quiet for 16 years and you all keep taking people for joke that’s the problem with you all as long as you all have food you all don’t care about any body
Big man chill out
Stop being an ARS
you talking pure BS. By destroying what could provide the daily bread how does that help? That’s the same as biting the hand that feeds you. There are other ways to go about doing things and inciting violence is not one of them
There is no excuse for what they did.
Are you stating that you do not have food? All the help some of you people get? You have a computer, pay internet, TV and telephone service. Those who have no food to eat cannot afford to have those services. Therefore, who are you deceiving? Stop lying about the P.M. and have respect.
I have previously stated, a government is not responsible for the people. They are not your mother, father and babysitter.
When babies are born, their parents are responsible for them until they attain adulthood. This means, they must attend school, be diligent in school, graduate and seek employment. If some of you do not do that, you are school drop-outs, living a leisurely life, some smoking illegal drugs, associating with bad company, how can you obtain a good paying job? How can you contribute to the economy?
As a national you must be a responsible one, looking out for yourself and not continuously depending on the government.
I totally agree !!!!!
Silent protesting achieves nothing, FACT!!