A proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill will be read only once in Parliament today and not three times as was originally submitted in the Order Paper.
Amendments were made to the Order Paper when National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmoore, who is to present the Bill to parliament, told the House that he will be reading the Bill only once.
He said in that in reference to the Bill, he wanted to give the House notice that “I shall proceed to do only the first reading and not all three stages as contained on your Order Paper.”
The matter was then moved and seconded.
“It has been moved and seconded that the second and third readings of the anti-terrorism act be adjourned,” House Speaker Alix Boyd-Knights said. “The Order Paper stands amended to that extent.”
The controversial Bill has raised concerns among some who said it could curtail some freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Dominica. Some were concerned that the Bill was being rushed through Parliament with all three readings at one sitting without giving the public time to read and scrutinize it.
Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit has said he saw some merits in giving the public time to read the Bill and “cabinet will discuss and make a determination on it so far as consultation and giving people the opportunity to read it further.”
I am delighted that the government listened and decided to give pause to the rushing of the terrorism bill through the house. One must give credit where it is due; Thank you Doc Skeritt for listening.
Though You have made some blunders, when you behave sensibly, credit must be extended.
Thank you sir.
Anything rushed through shows that they are trying to hide something from the public. Bad legislation for the people. Imagine trying to undo all of this damage.
Blackmoore, give them bwa in their A sa zor copand nous pa en NURSERY SCHOOL. CE GRAND MOUN KI LA, lire un sel fois sa ki pa vlé kay couché cotayé.
A man who fights and run away, will always live to fight another day. So let be with Roosevelt Skeritt.
Yet more propaganda from this rogue government.
Constructive opposition is critical to democracy. Now, the administration has done the sensible thing by delaying the second and third reading of this ‘earthshattering’ bill. If there were no opposition, this draconian bill would have been forced down the people’s throat within one day. This was too much for the people to chew or swallow in such a short time. What is most befuddling is that the present PM is not known for veracity and only possesses superficial knowledge of most issues. Yet, his colleagues tag along with him without questioning his inane ideas. Dominica will always be in turmoil for this ruling regime lacks the requisite vision to bring relief to a suffering people. Their focus is not on creating an enabling environment to have the poor lift themselves out of their poverty-stricken conditions but on devising unscrupulous ways to hoodwink the people and achieve another victory next elections.
Great job Roosevelt Skeritt, but I must thank Hon. Lennox Linton for his efforts in bringing this Anti-Terrorism Bill, to the people of Dominica.
why cant address both Gentlemen as Hon.
Because Skerrit is not honourable, infact he is the opposite.
Blackmoore go find a real job where you can contribute to society in a meaningfull way instead of parading and grandstanding.
What a nincompoop Government…. trying by terrifying stealth, with quiet and careful movements to past this draconian Bill, in order not to be seen or heard, or use of secret action. Caught out RED, RED, RED handed by Hon Lennox Linton.
Go back to the drawing board and respect the people… Dominica citizens!!!
That’s all the administration has to do; listen to the public..Sometimes, I think it feels it has to power and can do as it pleases; but I think if it listens to the people; it would appear less dictatorial in its dealings.
Democracy at work.Well done to the people who questioned the time scale of this legislation.
Time to vote all of all you out Blackmoore. The Prime Minister will lead you all off a cliff and you will blindly follow. You all have forgotten how to defend the rights of the common man who has entrusted you with their own destiny.
hopefully Dominicans can see the benefits in having a Parliamentary opposition in Dominica in contrast to the view of the current PM. Dominicans I urge you all to give Skerrit relief from the burden of Prime-Ministership..the man is tired and has become more cruel than caring. The whole cadre of Ministers need to go, they are only benefiting from a position of privilege without doing their duty to people and country. #shame #puppetshowpolitics
I wonder how does Isaac feels when he saw the people stand up against him and his new found party the power in the hands of the people and he maybe saying what did he do to destroy his career and respect. That Government have to go.