Political leaders add voice to child sex abuse debate

Skerrit (left) and Linton have both spoken on the sexual abuse matter
Skerrit (left) and Linton have both spoken on the sexual abuse matter

Leaders of the major political parties in Dominica have expressed their opinions on the debate of child sexual abuse that is currently sweeping the nation.

Discussion has been raging in Dominica over the matter when a man was sentenced to eight years behind bars after he was found guilty of sexually abusing three minors.

Some people have called for the review of legislation which guide judges in sentencing perpetrators of crimes against children.

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit thinks that although a good legislative framework is needed, it won’t necessarily solve the problem, unless society speaks up, while Leader of the Opposition, Lennox Linton believes although making amendments to the legislation will not solve the problem, it will send a strong message that protecting children is important.

“I hear people talk about legislation, legislation, it is not going to solve problems,” the Prime Minister said earlier this week. “Yes, you need a good legislative framework but our society has to be more responsible and speak out.”

He stated he is of the view that the legislation need to be revisited so that once the matter is reported, it is taken out of the hands of those who have reported it.

“But the law as it is now, it is a strong piece of legislation,” he noted. “In my respectful view, in some cases it has even gone beyond reasonableness in its content. That, not-withstanding, you still have these cases and an increasing number of them.”

Skerrit also urged parents to stop protecting those who abuse their children.

“Parents should not hide these things, you must not keep it a secret,” he stated, adding that in some cases the matter is reported, investigated, sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), goes before the court, and the main witnesses are not present or refuses to speak and it has to be adjourned.

Linton, who addressed the matter on privately-owned Q95 Radio on Friday, believes that the Bar Association, women’s groups, child rights’ advocates and other interest groups should have a “meeting of the minds” to address the situation.

He said the matter should be taken to Parliament before the end of the month.

“Sit down over one or two days for the next two weeks and decide on amendments that they want to make to the Sexual Offences Act and go to the parliament before the end of this month and pass those amendments into law,” Linton said. “We can do at least that for our children.”

He argued that while a change in legislation is not going to do everything, it will send “out important signals as to how serious we as a nation are under the leadership of the governance of political bodies about protecting our children.”

“It is in my view the least we can do,” Linton stated. “There are other important things to be done as well but let us get this one done. Let us put the legislation.”

He said despite the Prime Minister’s “contentment with the current legislation” some people in Dominica do not share his view.

In recent days sexual crimes against children have been grabbing headlines. Earlier this week 36-year-old Clife Elijah Charles pleaded guilty to having sexual relations with three minors, six, seven and eight years old.

Charles was sentenced to eight years in prison, a matter which has created much controversy in Dominica.

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67 Comments

  1. Viewsexpressed
    March 7, 2016

    LOL…LOL. Can you imagine Skerrit say…….“Yes, you need a good legislative framework but our society has to be more responsible and speak out. Skerrit m have yo been responsible in government and its business. Questions sir…..questions..
    Now, I shall speak Skerrit for the voiceless and abuse by your government inept and total disrespect for its children, and families….”Our society has been lead by this corrupt DLP government for years. the abuse in governance, votes buying, planes coming in, Red Clinic insult on poor people.
    How can a thief protect your cheese from the thief dress in red.

  2. Anthony P. Ismael
    May 4, 2015

    Parents need to supervise their young children at all times. Set boundaries with family members and family friends. They also need to form healthy relationships with their children where a high level of trust exist and children feel comfortable trusting their parents and alerting them, whenever the specter of abuse arises.

    Laws on the books do not change behavior. However, we need stiff sentences to be imposed when offenders are tried and convicted of these crimes.

    • jonathan st jean
      March 8, 2016

      Anthony,it begins with having the law on the books.Yes and having the laws on the books,where they are very strong and punitive will deter a lot of people

  3. too late
    May 3, 2015

    OMG this puppet called A Doubting Thomas again defending this gang of men in who run the country. The government must step in and help. after 15 years what have they tried to do? The laws need amending and the government can also encourage more educational programs and so on. The fact is these men seem reluctant to touch sexual abuse laws because they themselves have been accused. dat is why mr doubting thomas

  4. Amical diaspora
    May 3, 2015

    WTH….. ABROAD YOU HAVE DEATH SENTENCE LIFE IN PRISON AND IT STILL DONT HELP!!!!!.
    We the people need to speak up YES! lots of time we know and see things and we keep quiet by saying (is not my business!!) and you all know its true!…if we speak up then hell yes people/this sick men would know that society wont hide their flaws and will speak up against them…..again some of us need better parenting skills!!…. cause some of us send/sell our kids to men for money and other items…..and some kid sell themselves for money to buy things )sweets/kfc/phones) to be in style too….DONT BLAST ME CAUSE U KNOW ITS TRUE! yes the guy got 8 years its not fair…but if we the people had spoken when this (incident) was happening as we all see signs…we could have prevented it all!!!! STOP BLAME GOVERNMENT BLAME URSELF….DNO STOP SPLITTING THE COUNTRY …

    • too late
      May 3, 2015

      You that amical diaspora you seem to be one of them who came to vote and left the next day. laws do help. They will not solve all the problems but they will help. If u saying laws will not help then u are saying that removing the laws or lessening the penalty will have no effect ? let us say if the penalty for stealing was one day jail don’t u think there would be more stealing? and if the penalty for stealing was cutting of your limbs dont u thin there would be less stealing? amical this administration seem like they hesitant of delaing with sexual abuse laws. Im sure most people know why. or if u not sure maybe lennox linton can tell You. Do you remember the ” bunch of rapist ministers” allegation?

    • The Facts
      May 3, 2015

      Some do not want to get involved. If they were to inform the children’s parents, consider what some of them may say, “it is none of your business.”
      If it is reported to the police, they may say you are not the parent or a family member and they may not take the complaint seriously and may caste it aside.
      Then the perpetrator(s). If they are aware who squealed on them, consider what they may do to that person. These people are to be feared. Witnesses may have to get police protection. For those who are not family members, although they should file a report, they may think twice before doing so.

  5. May 2, 2015

    at every criminal assizes in the high court it appears that there maybe more sexual offences on the cause list than other crimes this trend has been going on for a long time now. we should wake up now and ask ourselves what is the reason for this decay. i believe that among st other things that this situation is more of a spiritual nature than anything else. laws should be enhance but the real change must begin in our hearts but as i see it that this is the fulfillment of the word of God which points to the end of this AGE.

  6. Sparkle Dewdrop
    May 2, 2015

    http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/11/24/the_dark_side_of_the_sunny_caribbean.html

    “Discrimination against women is rooted in the “patriarchal structure” of St. Vincent and many women are particularly vulnerable because they depend on their husbands or partners for financial support,”

    This is to complicated an issue for making ignorant laws which only exacerbate the problem. The goal is to protect children to keep them from being tortured emotionally, physically and sexually , especially girl children. We have to start from that viewpoint. Not from entirely righteous revenge. Does anyone here have an idea that really protects girls? Anybody here ever studied how some countries are so successful and others not? Call for castration, harsher sentences and why we see more girls emotionally, physically and sexually terrorized as a result?

    Start here. Why is South Africa the highest and Azerbaijan the lowest. We need to know.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_statistics

  7. May 2, 2015

    Laws are not going to change until the government changes them.

    People are still waiting for a law that makes it mandatory to report a known case of sexual child abuse.

    People want a registry for sex offenders.

    People want to know what happens to the charges that are laid which do not reach the court.

    How can somebody who was convicted of murder and rape be out on the streets?

    People want to know what happens to the judges who hand down sentences that are so ridiculous they seem to be a mockery of the system. Is their performance ever reviewed? Are they even accountable to anybody?

    The people need more than a politician making an occasional speech. This has been going on for decades.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. D.D. International Evangelist.

    • too late
      May 3, 2015

      reverend who ever u are i agree 100%. For 15 years this government has refused to deal with sexul abuse laws. Do you hve any idea why reverend? well do you remember the ” bunch of rapist ministers allegation? Ask lennox linton he will tell u

  8. Rabbit
    May 2, 2015

    By the way where has this government taken us but into a state of bankruptcy & beggery

  9. Rabbit
    May 2, 2015

    Real possie leave politics out of what? Were you not the one who said that Lennox should understand how leading works? Then went on to give your devine opinion I suppose on what needed to be done. Are you listening to yourself? You all are the same ones who politicize everything & accuse others of doing it. Yes I know the trick cry before you are hurt. You should be ashamed of yourself to even mention that Lennox have to prove what he said when you know just as well as I do there is ample proof.

  10. too late
    May 2, 2015

    Real Possie you should stop listening and following skerrit and this incompetent government because skerrit cannot speak and express himself well . listen to Mr linton and joshua francis a bit more and you will learn to express yourself better.What you write is confusing..

  11. May 1, 2015

    Why are we not putting the blame of this horrible crimes where the blame should go? What is so special of this case anyway? If this one man had received the maximum penalty of 25 years, would all assault on our children and other females stop? Are you sure of that? Do you believe the men who do those things care?

    Parents are the one to care for their children. The community are the ones to help the parents look out for the children. A known sex offender in a neighbourhood should be known to everyone and an alert sent out.

    Women be careful of the men you bring to your homes when you have young children. Do without a man and protect your children. Good and bad touching should be explained to children as soon as they can understand. Most times it is not a stranger who molest the children but sadly people they know and trust. Oh Yes! No matter how difficult, tell someone, the shame is not on your family but the cowards who prey on the innocents. Speak Up.

  12. Youth in it too
    May 1, 2015

    DNO Please allow me a chance to speak up because the PM told us to speak up. Please don’t suppress me. DNO on Monday, May 26th, 2014 at 1:15 PM, you published this: “Linton chastises government ministers for alleged sexual abuse.” https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/linton-vows-protect-young-women-sexual-abuse-ministers/. Then on May 28, 2014 DA Vibes said this: “Linton asked to apologize or face lawsuit.” http://www.dominicavibes.dm/news-131679/. On May 28,2014 DNO published this story: “Lennox Linton served with court papers.” https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/politics/lennox-linton-served-court-papers/. DNO, in this story you stated this: ” Among the claimants are prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, attorney general, Levi Peter and all members of cabinet.”

    Didn’t Mr. Linton speak up on a subject very similar to what Skerrit asked the society to speak up on? As we speak is there not a lawsuit awaiting him, and that same Skerrit is one of the claimants?

  13. mother
    May 1, 2015

    I though Pm was more civilised. Why would u say a change of law won’t make a difference? While u are asking mothers and community to talk out can’t u understand we want molestation to stop? If there is a harsh penalty those rapist won’t even think of attempting to rape. So there won’t be anything for parents to report. Pm if you love the young ones and want them to get a chance to form a government like you later please help them now by changing the laws. Give the rapist what they deserve. Harsh penalty

  14. Yapp
    May 1, 2015

    I don’t have much to say right now . All i will say is, when i listen to Lennox and Skerrit , i can truly say i understand why Skerrit just don’t want to sit in the same room with Linton to discuss or debate national issues . I mean Skerrit sounded like not even a baby can understand where he is coming from , all i heard was goo goo ga ga. Skerrit sounded like he just could explain anything , or he himself don’t understand the depths of what is going on.

  15. IF I WUZ
    May 1, 2015

    Parry, I would advise the Prime Minister to meet with Hon Lennox Linton as soon as possible in order to put legislation in place to address the child sex abuse matter. At the meeting, the attorney general, speaker of the house, commissioner of police, to name a few should be present.

    • too late
      May 2, 2015

      skerrit would never sit with linton. He skerrit would feel intimidated by the intelligence of the man

    • Sparkle Dewdrop
      May 2, 2015

      Lennox Linton knows absolutely nothing about emotional, physical and sexual abuse of girls. Completely nothing at all. Its sickening that abuse is being used as a political ripper bar. If you think making a police state is the solution well, just look at the USA. You think police are innocent of abusing?

      Everyone want a solution. We want to protect our girls from emotional, physical and sexual abuse. We want to protect women. The solution is broadly cultural. Girls need a completely open space to speak up forcefully, just like boys. Anyone ever ask girls what they would need to protect themselves from physical and sexual . I doubt it. Most girls know infinitely more than Lennox Linton or Roosevelt Skerrit about how they are abused and what the need to protect themselves.

  16. Francisco Telemaque
    May 1, 2015

    Someone sexually abused three children, and a judge gave him a slap on his wrist; eight years incarceration: Eight (8/3 = 2.7), divided by three equal two point seven equals approximately two years, seven months in jail for each assault; that is nonsense!

    An eight year sentence of imprisonment in Dominica means the convict will only serve four years in jail, after which he will be free to roam the streets again, until his animalistic, urge takes over his mind causing him to rape some innocent child again.

    If the maximum sentence the judge could impose is eight years, then he must follow the protocol, however, if the crime calls for more than eight years, and the judge sentence that criminal to less, then that Judge should be expelled from the Bench of the courts of Dominica.

  17. May 1, 2015

    Mr. Skerrit sometimes i think your reaction goes back to front or strangled but not dead….What sence does it make for people to speak out ;whether it is the civilians or the police to report sex crimes when the sentence does not fit at the end of the report..imagin that you were the one who reported the rape of the two babies ,the vile rapist got only 8 years,how would you feel about that? if you are reading these lines ,give your answer on line..or in your head…secondly what about if these kids were your children? what would you do? this case needs appealing >>>as far as i am concerned this man should be killed,,,the christians in dominica what are you all saying at this moment concerning the rapist?these kids are destroyed for life…wake up ,those with a conscience ,those that are controlling the country to see that justice is done and every one in dominica are safe from any type of violence…

  18. Clement Joseph
    May 1, 2015

    The PM said that people need to speak up. But what are they to speak up and say? Most people including Linton says to change the legislation, but to what? I believe the Sexual Offences Act sufficiently takes care of these Defendants. The problem are definetely the Judicial Officers. Webster Edmund faced a total of 42 years in prison and got 8. This guy faced theoretically 75 and got 8. Now in fairness to the judges they are restrained by sentencing guidelines set out like the cases of Winston Joseph v The Queen out of St. Lucia and Desmond Baptiste v The Queen out of St. Vincent. So yes Mr. Prime Minister, we need amendments that set out mimum sentences for these offences. Some may argue that minimum sentences are unconstitutional but in this case they can be defended in the vein of DeFrietas v The PS of Agriculture (ANtigua) where the Privy Council said that to test the constitutionality of a Statute, there is a three-prong test.

    • Titiwi
      May 3, 2015

      Clement, you said it “sentencing guidelines” and that is what they are “guidelines”, not cast in steel. The judge can use his prerogative within the law to deviate from these “guidelines” but most of them don’t because they are afraid to get pilloried by their own profession, for stepping outside these “guidelines”. There are judges with balls and judges with mere potatoes and judges with no ball s at all.

  19. May 1, 2015

    Stop blaming the “Government” and start placing blame where it belongs … with the perpetrators of harmful acts against children. The “Government” is not here to manage what you do with your body … that’s your own job. The “Government” is here to keep things going, like street cleaning and maintenance, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, deeds, garbage collection and police protection, fire control, marriage licenses etc. That “Master” is gone and we now have the personal responsibility for living our own lives with dignity and kindness. Stop looking to the “Government” for everything and take care of your business with morality and concern for everyone. Simple – but not easy!

  20. Rabbit
    May 1, 2015

    Real possie boy i love your ideas because I know you are the same one who is a staunch supporter. If we use your ideas by the end of the day we will all figure what Lennox said campaign time was very correct because you will be amazed who we will catch.

    • real possie
      May 1, 2015

      Rabbit, do you really think I care who they catch be it ministers be it pastors it does not matter, you acting like is one side, I am not putting politics in this we have to draw the line somewhere, you can’t sit in high office and think this that will give you a pass, this is where we went wrong for to long, we live in an instant online world put their pics on blast. You talk of what Linton said well he is before the court for the very matter so he will show his proof he has. For your info I support the Government and where they have taken us but be it the PM or anyone of them who is caught in molesting or have relations with underage children the law is there for them too, see how life is, it have a guy in possie he would walk his daughter to and from school every day, when he drops at either point he wld then go by the road and call people girl pissssssss hey come let me tell you that I had to curse him out he never stopped, this will take a long time to fix.

  21. Ian
    May 1, 2015

    Linton seems again to express better leadership and thinking skills. the situation needs serious attention, our little girls can’t be destroyed like this over and over again.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      May 1, 2015

      Ian you are an idiot, if the conversation revolves around the man who sexually abused the nine year old child, or any other, that bastard should be given a life sentence!

      If we are talking about the one who was previously convicted of murder, and rape, that man should be considered a threat to every child around the country, now and forever; therefore he should be put away for life as an habitual offender. Your comments are so stupid, I don’t see how you can live with yourself.

      Can’t you look, nor see beyond politics? Are you so ignorant that you do not know that your stupid comments condones rape, murder, and every other crime in the country. If Lennox remain silent, and not say anything, I would suggest he is on the wrong side of the law supporting the criminals.

      Rather than attacking Lennox, perhaps it would do you some good to try and self educate; yourself, learn to read man; you are an idiot! Attack me now: My name is Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • Ian
        May 1, 2015

        Francisco Telemaque- Read again! Or learn to read man you are the real idiot. I said “Linton seems again to express better leadership and thinking skills” Do you read like Arabs do back to front?

      • Mango Juice
        May 1, 2015

        Please read Ian’s comment again. I think an apology is in order!

    • Francisco Telemaque
      May 2, 2015

      Okay Ian, I agree and ashamed: I jump the gun without reading correctly, so I apologize, and agree with you that I am indeed the damn idiot for real this time!

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

      Not only am I the damn idiot this time; I am an confounded “a..” and to that certain woman who will be happy to say I told you all he is stupid: don’t say a word about it; don’t even move a muscle. At least I know when I am wrong oui!

      • too late
        May 3, 2015

        good sir that u admit to your error

      • Francisco Telemaque
        May 3, 2015

        I simply missed read the word better: ( I thought I read bitter)!

      • Ian
        May 3, 2015

        LOL.. You are something else. Anyway real men make apologies and your apology has been accepted.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      May 3, 2015

      Mango Juice I have already apologized to Ian: in the process I gave myself a whipping oui!

      When I am wrong, I admit that I am wrong.

  22. NYPD
    May 1, 2015

    If you change the laws on the book you will be sending a strong message to the criminals. If I they hang me for having sex with a child I will thing twice about doing it. If i know I am only getting 8 years behind bars with a gym, TV, Air Condition why would I be hesitant about sleeping with a child? Change the laws and let the chips fall in place.

    • May 1, 2015

      You should have personal integrity and a concern for the wellbeing of children and THAT should stop you from having sex with a child. If the only thing stopping you is a fear of being caught and punished … then we are ALL in deep trouble here. My advice would be: GROW UP!

    • real possie
      May 1, 2015

      NYPD is there not the death penalty on the books lets say Texas are there still not murder in Texas? you will deter some but not all, to curb this we need parents to be parents and protect their kids, I never changed my girl child pampers and when my wife was changing her I wld step outside so guess what if am her dad and I do that you know the same goes for all other men or boys in the house, I see some women telling their teenage boys go change your sister or cousin I for one not in that, I don’t allow my kids to go sit on no uncle, brother, cuz leg, I would hate for one day my kids tell me look what happened before I think I wld not live long after that my duty is to protect my kids, from so high they are thought to where no one must touch them nock on wood so far so good.

  23. Sams Gutter
    May 1, 2015

    When will Lennox and Roosevelt stand side by side on the same platform to address a common problem in Dominica. That is when change will begin. Political division is hindering any real Change in Dominica.

    • mandate 2 mismanage
      May 1, 2015

      This is not POLITICAL division. The two leaders laid out their views on the subject. One is calling for a specific action (amend the law, bring all stakeholders together) and the other is simply telling people to speak out (as they have been doing in like, forever). Those are two divergent opinions, and the public clearly sides with one of them. Its time for those who are really interested in protecting our children to stand up and act!

    • Doc. Love
      May 1, 2015

      Hon Linton is not the problem, it is Skeritt who refuses to sit with Mr. Linton. Mr. Linton made it clear, he has tried on many occasions, since the past elections, to meeting the Prime Minister, who always seems to has an excuse.

  24. Lang Mama
    May 1, 2015

    The judge and the legal fraternity are yet to explain to the people how it is that their hands were tied. Can anyone say that he or she understand the break down of the sentence. At least the judiciary should be obligated to educate the people. “Mitigating factors” does not explain how it is that the judge came down from 25 years to 4 years per offense. I understand that 2 from 25 is 23. I understand also that he did not waste the court’s time but no one is able to tell us how much discount is awarded toward the accused for being considerate of the court’s tie . Is it another 2 years and 2X2 is 4 so we down to 23-4 =19. Now the fact that he is a first timer which is ridiculous when he has two victims. Any way is the first offence discount equal to 11 years (19-(4+4)) = 11 which amounts to is 5.5 yers per child. I don’t know just trying to do the maths cause the discount I getting could run the court and judges out of business.
    How can they just want the people to accept a half…

    • mandate 2 mismanage
      May 1, 2015

      Thank you! These guidelines that they are calling for is not open to the public. We can all read the act, but thats not enough. Again, these “leaders” have failed us and would like us to make informed statements without providing us with the information!

  25. grell
    May 1, 2015

    Skerrit this all falls on you.As the leader for the past 15 years this acts have occured overwhelmingly and have you condemn it,you should have been the first to demand the laws be changed,the UN groups are monitoring theses dirty acts by these molesters and @ the end it will be on you.This is so disgusting what these bastards are doing to these young boys and girls.Police offficers and some of the members in your cabinet are involved but its all about the hush money.

    • Views Expressed
      May 1, 2015

      Child Abuse increased heavily under this Skerrit led Administration. They will have to explain to the public why is it so……I want to know……everybody want to know

  26. Mamizoo
    May 1, 2015

    I am thinking that the higher the monkey climb is the more it exposes it’s flaws. In a system of government where the country is controlled by one man and in our case the PM. Roosevelt Skerrit the PM is asking the people to speak out. Speak to who or what ? Who is he asking to speak out ?To be honest this is the level of leadership that is expected of Roosevelt Skerrit. The people have been speaking out for many years. There were mini demonstrations, there have been many radio talk shows on the very same issue. Now the leader of the country is asking the people to speak out. Obviously speaking out is not working and for 15 years your administration has not addressed legislation. In addition the abject poverty has much to do with the rising tide of sexual molestation on adults and children. It is important to note also that we cannot attempt to solve the problem of child molestation and ignore sexual molestation of adults. They must dealt with simultaneously.

    • May 1, 2015

      I am so sick of hearing excuses (poverty) for disgusting, cruel behavior. Poor people can have integrity, manners and a conscience, just the same as wealthier people. Get a grip and encourage people to take responsibility for their actions and themselves and stop using “poverty” as an excuse to be a creep!

      • Mamizoo
        May 1, 2015

        You don’t have to take it from me Lu-Belle go to UNICEF, go to UN and do your own research and you will see the many many studies and documentaries that prove that child sexual abuse is correlated to poverty.

  27. Youth in it too
    May 1, 2015

    DNO Please allow me a chance to speak up because the PM told us to speak up. DNO on Monday, May 26th, 2014 at 1:15 PM, you published this: “Linton chastises government ministers for alleged sexual abuse.” https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/linton-vows-protect-young-women-sexual-abuse-ministers/. Then on May 28, 2014 DA Vibes said this: “Linton asked to apologize or face lawsuit.” http://www.dominicavibes.dm/news-131679/. On May 28,2014 DNO published this story: “Lennox Linton served with court papers.” https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/politics/lennox-linton-served-court-papers/. DNO, in this story you stated this: ” Among the claimants are prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, attorney general, Levi Peter and all members of cabinet.”

    My point is, Mr. Linton spoke up on a subject very similar to what Skerrit asked the society to speak up on, and as we speak there is a lawsuit awaiting him, and the same Skerrit is one of the claimants. Hypocrite…

  28. Tou twelle
    May 1, 2015

    I agree with Mr. Lennox Linton. Something should be done NOW. Too much talking has taken place and the perpetrators are just laughing at the masses……. I am sure amendments have already been drafted or is already in the head of a concerned lawyer like Singoula….

  29. I IS A MANICOO WEE
    May 1, 2015

    Roosevelt Skerrit: Although a good legislative framework is needed, it won’t necessarily solve the problem, unless society speaks up.” To me, this another reason why we should not expect any positive change to take place under his DLP. Not even hope he gives us. All he does is play the blame game. He wants society to speak out and when we do, they upset. This week Justice Thomas said this:
    “I heard people were speaking on the Matt in the Morning show but they need to be educated on those matters and instead of just speaking. You see the game?
    Here is Mr. Linton: Although making amendments to the legislation will not solve the problem, it will send a strong message that protecting children is important. Which one of the two sounds like a leader? Linton sounds like a leader that inspires hope, while Skerrit sounds like a leader with no answers whatsoever and does not even believes in trying to solve a problem. Skerrit’s statement here tells us why Dominica is so messed up

    • Frustrated
      May 1, 2015

      I IS A MANICOO WEE……. you took the words right out of my mouth.

    • mandate 2 mismanage
      May 1, 2015

      Delia Cuffy-Weekes had a petition with 3,000 signatures. Brought it to PM, had meeting with him, he said he would bring it to cabinet. This was November 2013. . Wake up Dominica!!!

      • May 2, 2015

        mandate 2 mismanage:

        Thank you for sharing this with DNO readers.

        And thank you DNO for publishing it.

        You have done your nation a big favor!

        Oh, as if Evangelical Christians need another reason for having a special interest in the next federal election :!:

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

    • May 1, 2015

      Who, among us, needs to be told that “protecting children is important”? If you need to be told this … God help You!

    • Dominican
      May 1, 2015

      Just a thought,
      All of us on that forum knows someone that have molested kids and no one talks. We all can say that person should have been in jail. It could be a teacher, Police Officer, your next door neighbor and all we say the parents are soutiwe’.

      Do we think laws prevent people from committing crime, it does not. No matter how stiff that law is. So as much as you think laws deter people it does not. Look at the Crime rate in more developed countries that have stiffer laws. So as much as enacting laws for the Crime may be a way to deter it, if people do not report them, then the law is just there on paper.

      @toutwelle: a good leader thinks, not react to things that happen based on emotions. I think you should learn to think then respond rather than just be all political

      • Youth in it too
        May 1, 2015

        @ Dominican, Is either you don’t leave in Dominica and do not know the facts or you are just bias. While I agree with you that laws by themselves alone do not prevent people from doing what they want to do, since Mr. Skerrit himself told us that no law could stop him from doing what he intended to, laws are there to keep us in check especially when there is a police department that will do whatever it takes to ensure rule of law is being respected by all, whether they are farmers, fishermen, PM, pastor, government ministers, rich or poor. However when you have a police chief that is put in place ONLY to protect the interest of few, laws will not stop criminals to do what they want to do at this time. For laws to be effective this administration need to be out so law all will be motivated to respect law.

  30. real possie
    May 1, 2015

    Lenox most of what you say is good but at the same time you can’t take two weeks to hammer out the way forward on this and in two years time we have to go back and fix this again, we have to let cooler heads prevail, we have one chance to fix this for once and for all. One day I hope you understand how leading works, now here’s how we fix this, start by not reducing any years as to if pleaded guilty of 1st time offence and let it be 25 per child and not as a group so he should’ve been looking at 75 years with a little reduction cause every where in the world has that mandatory he should have gotten 51 years. Now how do we stop the ones that we can stop catch them in the act, we know of the men who does these things in public, look how many times late at night you see these big boys with these young girls on beaches and parked in bushes with black tints just have the cops follow them when they think they started their thing move in and catch them in the act.

    • Wow
      May 1, 2015

      I like Lennox’ approach. Yes, I agree it will require more time but he is being proactive. His general point is that we should act and not just speak. Skerritt on the other hand just wants to ignore and leave the law as is. People change and create laws all the time in North America.

      • point
        May 1, 2015

        @ wow, have you read the Law? I guess you have not, if you had you would not be belching so much bubbles. Read the Law before u comment.

    • UserName
      May 1, 2015

      Real Possie your comments gives further justification for the urgent need to change the law. Your comments are in direct agreement with Mr. Linton. Your are actually saying that the sentence handed down isn’t sufficient although it was guided by law as was explained by Justice Thomas. This automatic reduction of sentencing for 1st time offender and those who plead guilty by not wasting the court’s time is a joke.. I think you agree.

    • Lang Mama
      May 1, 2015

      Well all you an idiot called Real Porssie just provided an amendment to the laws with two finger typing on the computer in 2 minutes yet he is saying that Linton idea of getting the legislation amended in two weeks is unrealistic . Yes broda typical Labor Party ignorance. The drafters can even use Real Porssie language ” not reducing any years ” Lol.

      “not reducing any years” lolo :mrgreen: All you see why understand why these are the kind of people that Tony, Skerrit, Arthley Aaron etc appeal too. ” not reducing any years” SMFH lol

    • too late
      May 1, 2015

      as i read real porssie comment something strikes me. real porsssie says that two weeks is not enough to time to hammer out the way forward but at the same time he / she is giving immediate solutions on fixing it. real porssie just be honest and agree that mr linton is a much better thinker than mr skerrit

    • grell
      May 1, 2015

      Stop blaming Lennox blame your damn worthless pm.

    • mandate 2 mismanage
      May 1, 2015

      Real Possie…..so you don’t think people on the ground have been working on this issue for years? They have the stats, know the problems, and have proposed solutions time and time again. The judges see the deficiencies, their have been NUMEROUS articles over the years, petitions, you name it.

      All that Lennox is calling for is to just bring these experts together to put all these plans into action once and for all! Come on…every day wasted is a day another big hard back man TORTURES a young child while we sit and talk. Enough is enough. The PM and those advocating to wait should have to endure what these young children go through and lets see how long they’ll wait for change.

      Lennox Linton Lennox Linton Lennox Linton…thank you!!!

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