UWP demands end of ‘political persecution’ of opposition

Opposition members taken into custody and questioned by police from left: Dr. Thomson Fontaine, Claudius Sanford, Joseph Isaac, Johnson Boston

The United Workers Party calls on Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his Administration to put an immediate end to its continued Political persecution of the Opposition.

This Political persecution of leaders of the United Workers Party and others opposed to the Labour Party Administration continue unabated in the Commonwealth of Dominica. On the morning of Monday 20th of February 2017 at 5:30 a.m. Honourable Joseph Isaac, Parliamentary Representative for the Roseau Central Constituency was awoken from sleep by police officers dressed in full army camouflage.

The attending police officers were admitted by Honourable Isaac to his residence, whereupon they began to ransack his premises. On completion of the ransacking of his premises, Hon Isaac was arrested and transported to police Headquarters without any clear reason for his arrest.

Creeping into the mix now is the entry of other government departments specifically the Environmental Health Department whose officers visited the business, eatery, establishment of Hon. Isaac twice in a fourteen day cycle inclusive of the morning of his arrest.

Also, by analysing the dates on which the opposition people have been arrested, it can be clearly seen that a very disturbing pattern of harassment and political persecution is unfolding:
1. Dr. Samuel Christian, Executive Member of the Dominica Freedom Party, on 2nd of February
2. Senator Dr. Thompson Fontaine, Executive Member of the Dominica United , on 12th of February
3. Mr. Claudius Sandford, former Senator, Caretaker of the Karlinago Territory Constituency and Deputy Leader of the UWP, on 15th February
4. Mr. Sharmon Andrew, “the truck driver”, on 17th of February
5. Mr. Johnson Boston, former Senator and present Executive Member of the Dominica Freedom Party on 17th of February
6. Hon. Joseph Isaac current Parliamentary of the Roseau Central Constituency 20th of February.

Everyone arrested, with the exception of one has been freed without being charged by the Police. These arrests are predicated on the figment of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s imagination that a coup had been plotted against his administration. Although the Leadership of the United Workers Party has strenuously and categorically denied and continues to deny this charge, the political persecution continues.

All this persecution tactics stem from the call made by United Workers Party for the resignation of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and his Cabinet. The call for the resignations is made on many grounds, inclusive of mismanagement of the economy, the social well-being of the island’s citizens and more critically the issuance of Diplomatic Passports to some people who have turned out to be international criminals.

Further, despite the many calls for transparency and accountability in the administration of the issuance of Diplomatic Passports and appointment of some holders to Diplomatic Positions, the government has remained deathly silent.

One such Diplomat Mr. Ali Reza Monfared, a naturalized Dominican, through the Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Programme of Iranian descent now awaits trial in Iran for allegedly swindling US2.8 billion from the Iranian Government. Mr Monfared has been accused of facilitating the illegal sale of Iranian Oil on the World Market by violating sanctions imposed on Iran by the United Nations Security Council and the United States of America.

For these and many other reasons the UWP declares that the Roosevelt Skerrit Administration must resign from the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

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40 Comments

  1. The Truth Be Told
    February 21, 2017

    What political persecution? You’re playing innocent?
    Lennox has been persecuting the PM in words internationally and consistently. His so-called meeting depicted this very well.
    I think one of the first who should have been arrested was Linton. He defied the Police when he was told to end the so-called meeting. He refused to end this meeting and refused to stop talking. At that moment Linton should have been arrested. However, I realize the Police were patient and so did nothing to him. I think his day is coming.
    None of them including Linton apologized for the violence which occurred that Tuesday evening. Their silence means they are pleased at what occurred.
    If it were not for the meeting, this violence may not have taken place. The police saw the pictures. They know who were involved, who played a part.

  2. Man bites Dogs
    February 21, 2017

    Put an end to what? The government did not start the trouble it’s you Workers and Freedom party that started it,Now the law enforcement agencies will show you lots who is boss.

  3. mine
    February 21, 2017

    wow so you condoning the destrction thay was done is roseau was right, worthy unto all those condoning wrong doing.

  4. February 21, 2017

    Whoever wrote this article, have you asked yourself when and why did this situation of arrest and questioning of the UWP members started? If you can answer that question, don’t you think it is very foolish of you to come here, complaining about POLITICAL PERSECUTION

    Because of your activity on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, innocent people are now trying to come to terms with their Life, and the damage that you have caused, did you expect that the Police simply leave you all alone, like small children, who doesn’t know in reality, what they are doing.

    Whoever you are, what you need to do now, is act like a man, and accept your responsibility, the majority of Dominicans are very angry about your attitude and conduct, we are not interested in your POLITICAL PERSECUTION nonsense–if you think that you are being persecuted, you asked for it. Gush man!

    • February 21, 2017

      And one more thing! You have failed to understand that Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit has Primary Authority, by the appointment of God; it does not belong to you and it never will; now get off with your stupid IMMEDIATELY command; it has not work for you in the past and it never will.

      • concern citizen
        February 22, 2017

        Roosevelt Skerrit has prime authority by the appointment of your god, but not Jehovah God whom I serve,
        not, SKERRIT has never won a genuine ELECTION all of them was stolen, if U ask him to speak the truth he would attest to that
        If Jehovah God wants a man to become a ruler of a nation there won’t be no stilling he will give him favour with the people so learn that, and stop speaking foolishness and putting God’s name in UR. NONE SENCE

  5. February 21, 2017

    It appears that you are to say nothing of the Labor party leaders or else you are thrown in jail.

  6. Sakah boy
    February 21, 2017

    But everyday all you persecuting people.

  7. Rasta 4 weed
    February 21, 2017

    What harassment rubbish is that. All you break the rules now why cry?

  8. February 21, 2017

    history is repeating itself . repression is all we see

  9. The Eel
    February 21, 2017

    What took place in public is a matter for the Police. when crimes are committed they have to investigate in order to solved the crime. Serious damages was caused to people and property and they are required to make a claim from their insurance. LOOT IT LOOK IT. uwp MUST claim responsibility before the police stop the investigation.

    • Dominican for life
      February 21, 2017

      Am also hoping to that you have something to say on all whats going on with the sale of Dominicans passports and the police yet to do there job

    • %
      February 21, 2017

      What about the coup?You hold them(UWP) responsible for attempting to overthrow with a stalled hi fi musical truck as well.What about Monfared..You should hold them responsible for giving him our diplomatic passport too we…You doggone Skerrit sycophant!

  10. Inquiring Mind
    February 21, 2017

    DNO wrote: “Mr Monfared has been accused of facilitating the illegal sale of Iranian Oil on the World Market by violating sanctions imposed on Iran by the United Nations Security Council and the United States of America.”

    Is this the accusation Monfared faces in Iran? If yes can you provide the source for this information? If no can you say which country has accused him of such and where we can find the info?

  11. Just Passing Through
    February 21, 2017

    %

    How can questioning the members of the UWP to find out who or what is responsible for the RIOTS be intimidation? Are you saying the Government should not investigate the happenings that happened? If not the UWP who? Who had permission to hold the meeting? The Police must do their work. You are saying the businesses that were damaged after the Meeting, the owners should not know why their businesses were vandalized and who should be held responsible? If it were your business that was vandalized, would feel the same way?

    Instead to advise the UWP management to cooperate fully with the Police, they are calling people to protest against the Police for doing their job.

    Are UWP supporters saying we should forget what happened and just move on , until the next one and what? we should also ignore the next one, or try to prevent this type of vandalism from happening again.

  12. concerned citizen
    February 21, 2017

    UWP leader and MP’s must stop demanding and learn how to humble themselves. They have brought the country in disarray because they are hungry for power. The police officers are only doing their jobs and now they are calling it harassment, persecution and intimidation. The UWP members should have considered what would be the backlash if the coup failed and inciting violence and destruction in amid to overthrow the government. Let the officers do their jobs which is the correct procedures; includes searching and bringing the perpetrators for questioning; and later charging – including Lennox Linton next. The government should ensure that the UWP leaders and MP’s pay for all the damages that their members has caused and charge the UWP leader for trying to overthrow the government. HE IS HUNGRY FOR POWER. HE HAS TO EARN IT LIKE THE PRIME MINISTER.

  13. February 21, 2017

    UWP,Freedom,Labour and what ever other part which is existing in Dominica ;should come together for the next election..ban all this party stuff ,choose one name for Dominica in order to put Skerrit out of his regime party…enough is enough..Dominica cannot in any shape or form continue like this…

    • The Darkness
      February 21, 2017

      Not a bad Idea.

      How about this, we choose leaders as individuals from the different parties or outside and create a new parliament as such.

      We can also create a proper opposition, who are for the people and will be heard when giving positive criticism.

      Dominica is in otherwise.

    • ?????????????????
      February 21, 2017

      Cbarryb you cannot talk for all of Dominica. It is the ballot that speaks. Why do you hate the honourable PM so? What have he done to you? This man is a son of the soil. A Dominican by birth. Why why the hate

    • Just Passing Through
      February 22, 2017

      cbarryb

      Do you believe that is the only way the UWP can be in government? So your proposal is to appease the UWP who cannot win an election. That would certainly be looking for more Chaos on island. In any organization, there has to be someone at the helm, who then would you like to lead that togetherness you are suggesting? You believe the UWP want to be the one who is not in charge of the pack.

      We have a democracy, where our people go to the Polls and decide who we want to represent us. If the UWP was the Government, this arrangement would never be suggested or entertained. Why you say? Because they were once in Power and never proposed it. Only a UWP supporter would support that, like giving your child candy to stop the crying. Very bad idea.

      There are no problems in Dominica except those being manufactured by the UWP because they have not been able to appeal to most Dominicans since they were voted out democratically by the majority of the people.

  14. ??????.....
    February 21, 2017

    Cont’d on 7th February to the person’s business places? People respect the law & u won’ be brought in for questioning. The police have to do their work. When they don’t or are far in solving a crime, you are the same ones calling on them, criticising. What do you want? This propoganda to bring down the legitimate government must stop. The golden rule states treat others as you would like to be treated. LL & others stop asking for this to stop. Examine yourself &act like a big man. You blundered. There is another way to communicate & stop this propaganda hatred thing. If you don’t stop it will come back to you. Those same ones you entice will come back at you. Take your wrong like a man; you have the power to stop what you started. Appologise. Did anyone stand for the young men who were arrested after the incident? Stop blame game, propoganda, humble yourself & se better strategy to oppose. Listen to others. Wake up, apologise, behave like a man

    • Moii
      February 21, 2017

      How old are you? Age range?

      • ?????????????????
        February 21, 2017

        Cbarryb you cannot talk for all of Dominica. It is the ballot that speaks. Why do you hate the honourable PM so? What have he done to you? This man is a son of the soil. A Dominican by birth. Why why the hate

  15. ??????.....
    February 21, 2017

    Hello who started what happenned? Who started persecution?. Who started having so called peaceful meeting? We all know what happenned after the peaceful meeting. If the meeting was not allowed, there would still be strife and persons saying this and that. Must not the citizenry respect and obey the law? Cannot the opposition seek a more peaceful ways and dialogue with the PM on the question of the CBI program. I have heard the PM speak about the program. I have also heard the statement about the MontforI Iranian who was given a passport that was revoked about a year or more ( do not remember the correct date). If I heard, I am sure majority and the opposition people must have heard too and should say what was said and educate their followers. But no it not CBI and passport, it is a cover to force the elected government members to step down. Hear the chant “Skerrit must go”. Wasn’t the Prime Minister elected? Was there any justification for what happened on…

    • Moneybarz
      February 21, 2017

      State the facts and they just roll there eyes and say blah blah blah these people are not after the truth they after chaos the truth slapping them in there faces and it’s like words falling on deaf ears there hatred controling them. They lost the ablity to reason sad

  16. February 21, 2017

    Blah blah blah

    • February 23, 2017

      You sound like those who advocate for a destructive habit or immoral lifestyle. Blah, blah, blah :!: The facts are not on side so they have no argument. Blah, blah, blah. They have lost their objectivity and cannot follow logic. Blah, blah, blah.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

  17. February 21, 2017

    And the only persons who know about the coup is Skerrit and his bandit policemen but one day their buckets will go into the well and cannot come out,

  18. NabesandI
    February 21, 2017

    You people are too hypocritical. It is a fact that the UWP and its leadership by their reckless statements and words either directly or indirectly cause the violence,rioting and loss of property which occured in Roseau. Stop playing victim. Wicked set of people. The Police MUST investigate behavior which is contrary to law and order.

    • Moii
      February 21, 2017

      U really believe that crap was an attempted coup?

  19. February 21, 2017

    Is it wise to be arresting members of the opposition :?: When they are released without being charged is it not an admission of their innocence :?: Oh, I see! The police only took them in for questioning. :oops: Then what was the raid and search of the home all about :?:

    If the ruling party falls only the opposition will be left. Then the one time members of the former ruling party will be at their mercy, along with the police.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

    • mine
      February 21, 2017

      you said nothing when the destruction took place in Roseau where people loss their property wow rev.

      • February 22, 2017

        Let those who did the violence and destruction to property be arrested. To arrest people when you have nothing to charge them with is not acceptable.

        When I worked as a security officer in city malls and big department stores in Toronto this was called a false arrest. I was told I would be fired if I did a false arrest. It made it difficult because I could also be fired if I did not get the bad guys. Thank goodness it never happened. But I tell you this simply to show how seriously it was taken.

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.

    • February 23, 2017

      Reverend Hill, what do you mean, “by have nothing to be charged for”?

      Did you not read where Thomson Fontaine declared: “the police had nothing against him, but only because he did not answer their questioning–which must have been that same with the others that followed him except for one on them–who my have a conscience.

      You are living comfortable with your business of Church, in Canada; Dominica is my homeland, and I want to return there to be with my people; I would like to be sure that we have the Peace which is needed for a sane mind, and joyful heart–the UWPites are trying their best to destroy that STATE OF PEACE–they don’t care about the outcome

      Are you really condoning to the situation of unrest in Dominica, because of a POWER HUNGRY, greed and jealous few men, there?

      If there is a time you should hold your PIECE about our country and its Government it is now. And yes I mean PIECE! Sorry, but you need to know this

      • February 23, 2017

        Also, what do you mean by “FAULSE ARREST” the activates of Tuesday, February 07, 2017, is a reason to arrest and question those who were involved–they refused to respond to questions put before them–so they cannot be charged

        Yet still they came out chanting the very reason they were arrested: “SKERRIT MUST GO” which is their plan to overthrow the Prime Minister and his government–but God forbids this should happen.

        Their reaction with the Police is well known as the “5th Amendment” the item of the Law by which people do not answer question so to cover their guilt–the Police knows why they took those men into custody, but without their co-operation they cannot charge them.

        But don’t think that it is over, for we have a “God of Justice” silent or not, those who are guilty is not hidden from His eyes, 5th Amendment or not, they will receive their fair judgment from Him–that is for sure..

  20. February 21, 2017

    I read the entire statement nothing said about the vandalism violence you guys create now affecting the country,This corruption by PM Skerit can be handled without violence,

    • %
      February 21, 2017

      The violence you guys
      create?? If you know the guys who did that why havent you reported the matter to the police??Do you know about the coup Skerrit was on radio talking about??I mean the stalled music truck coup!!Go report the matter to the police…

  21. A Blind Date
    February 21, 2017

    UWP must stop writing these articles or press releases and instead, they need to go to every village and town and try to mobilize at list 25% of the 15,000 votes they got in the 2014 elections, and bring them to Roseau this time without seeking any permit from Carbon or Skerrit, for another peaceful meeting

    • ??????.....
      February 21, 2017

      You serious .. without permission? Really unruly you are & then say is the police or PM who caused this & that. I say this that u do not seem to know. The police is the one who deals with law & order. So then the have to do questioning. Making more mountains out of molehills? Persons are being brought in for questioning. They may or may not be charged according to facts and evidence . But as usual, you must machinatie the propoganda to hype persons overseas. Persons are being brought in for questioning…. no one is harassed or searched. Propaganda as usual … Master degree in this are you all. Giving outside persons the wrong impression or message. Go get a life & start respecting others. Who said that the police cannot say when to stop. Who who who .. he has to be questioned too…. questioning is not arresting. They arrest when there is PROOF that a misdemeanor was committed. You hear. Stop inciting violence and still do not want the police do their work.

  22. %
    February 21, 2017

    The political harrassment,persecution and intimidation is to change the narrative from the intransparent and fetid CBI programme,to a coup Skerrit said a stalled truck with music attempted on his government…But this shall not work.

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