Roseau North MP and member of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) Daniel “Danny” Lugay has called on supporters and those questioning sections of the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill which was read once in parliament on Monday to remain “vigilant.”
At the same time, Attorney General, Levi Peter, has given the deadline of July 15 for recommendations in relation to the Bill.
The Bill was originally slated to be read three times in Parliament and passed into law but the UWP and the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) questioned some sections and held a peaceful protest outside Parliament on Monday, June 25, 2018.
“We must remain vigilant,” Lugay said. “Under the current laws, we would be dragged before the courts. So, under no circumstances will I Danny Lugay ever support legislation under this government. Thomson Fontaine was dragged before the court; Joseph Isaac, who dines and wines with them now, was dragged before the court; Dr. Sam Christian was dragged before the court…You must stand up and remain vigilant.”
Meantime, Opposition Leader Lennox Linton told the protesters that in the circumstances where the “patriots of this land” have told the party in government of their concerns, they have listened and acted.
“Where we are now, requires every patriot to remain vigilant and let their voices be heard and to ensure that when this matter comes to parliament, the government will come with the appropriate amendments to ensure all acts of civil liberty and the rights to defend and protect against corrupt and incompetent none performing government are protected with the exceptions to the definition of terrorism under this Act,” Linton said.
In parliament on Monday, Peter made it clear that the government is listening to the concerns of the people and gave the deadline for sending recommendations to him in writing.
“The Bill has been given its first reading only today,” the stated. “The Government is listening, people say they want time. Those who have comments and recommendations are urged to forward those written recommendations and comments to the Honourable Attorney General by no later than the 15th of July.”
He added, “That is the date Madam Speaker, I say it here and I say it now. Let it go out far and wide.”
He said the recommendations if received, will be considered if they are appropriate.
Dominicans should be vigilant with their minds regarding the statement made by Danny Lugay and others, calling for such vigilance is based on fear-mongering, ignoring the use of reason and intelligence, what a terrible waste of vigilance to ask for. Is The Government of Dominica really passing such legislation to subvert the opposition or people opposed to the Government, are we going to see mass arrests of people based on such legislation. Has Danny Lugay refer to a section or clause in the legislation to legitimize his claim as to why and what Dominicans should be vigilant about. The same scenario is repeating itself again regarding electoral reform, always condemning proposed legislation but never making an intelligent contribution when asked to submit their proposal for the final reading of the legislation.
Can someone be specific as to what exactly in the new bill they find is bad or vague? This may have been carefully crafted to prevent past actions, help me here please.
Why did linton apologized last week and now he is talking against it.
For goodness sake can you understand and then think for yourself it’s very easy thing to do .
I am again disappointed with what seems to be coming from Mr Lugay’s mouth!! He seems unsuitable to be a member of the opposition when he spews such unqualified folly eg “So, under no circumstances will I Danny Lugay ever support legislation under this government.” This gives credence to what Judas Iscariot (J I ), said about the opposition. Mr Lugay, this should be the era of refined politics. You have been asked to represent a people not let your petty, simplistic reason guide what happens for the people.
Additionally, UWP, I hope you note that Levi is asking for your suggested amendments in writing. Unfortunately the tone is less than acceptable; He said the recommendations if received, “will be considered if they are appropriate.” Who makes the determination of appropriateness of comments? Are we going around in circles? what seems to have been temporarily avoided on the front end is catching up through Levi’s comments on the back end. Lord Jesus Have Mercy!!!!
My boy, where are the protesters? In your twisted mind reality is you and your followers set the highway on fire, the airport in Marigot was set on fire, after a meeting in Roseau fire burned down businesses of your opponents! Do you have all your marbles in place to know you are responsible for all these act of terrorism? All these actions just happened in places where you won these seats. Your friends and families are your only protesters. Luggage, you say we must remain vigilant, your words are always to incite violence. Remember you had to apologize before.
those politicians themselves are the terrorists!
Oh no the MU- MU is talking now, skerro have him in his back pocket , as an A.G. he should not be takeing sides, the taxes payer pay his salary, this man is a disgrace to the people ,
them politicians themselves that is d terrorists!
No matter the ideology of a government nothing it fears more than mass protests of its people. Inertia, on the part of the people, emboldens a government to impose harsh legislations and laws against its own citizens. Commendation to those who voiced concerns and objections over the previously proposed one day passage of this life changing legislation. Kudos to Mr. Linton for being an early and a leading figure against the rush through parliament of this bill. Also, must give the government some praise for listening and acquiescing to the dissenting voices. Let’s all hope that the final draft of this bill will be one that increase stability and not cause disquiet.
I hope the AG understand that any law passed in the country should be for the protection and rights of the citizens. Every citizen have a right to protest a government action whether he and papa mantere like it or not. The act of terrorism is well defined and does not need new definition. Nelson Mandela was labeled a terrorist after the millitary wing of the ANC started using violent methods of resistance. All peacfull protest all decent methods of protest was meet with violence by the SA police and Gov. Sometimes in the struggle for freedom from oppression despair deception, from destruction you have to fight. Skerrit has poisoned civility and everything else in Dominica. A man who seem like he did not get attention growing up now has a chip on his shoulders.
Nice lecture in the opening of your comment. I will tell you this, there is a difference between understanding and knowing, understanding supersedes knowing. People have the right to protest, it is enshrined in our constitution, but not everything a person or persons protest against they are absolutely correct, nor also everything a person dies for is true. Your last statement regarding The PM upbringing is very silly on your part, did you grow up and lived with him to make such statement, wow.
I find Levi Peter’s tone arrogant.
Second. the 15 July date is very short given the significance of the proposed legislation and the people were not made aware of the Bill before last week.
Peter,Skerrit treats you like a boy,all this law is to stop the uwp from protesting,you guys are wrong