UWP protesters face imprisonment, fines

Section of the crowd during protest action led by the main Opposition party outside the House of Assembly last year.

Eight members of the United Worker’s Party (UWP), including four of its top brass, face possible imprisonment or fines if they are found guilty of breaking the Public Order Act.

The UWP and several of its supporters had gathered outside the House during a parliament session on November 29, 2010 with placards in dissatisfaction of a decision by Alix Boyd-Knights, speaker of the House of Assembly, to disallow five of its questions in the House.

Acting police chief Cyril Carrette said the organizers of the demonstration now stand charged for disobeying the Public Order Act, which states that permission must be granted for the holding of any public procession. A hearing on the matter has been set for the 6th of June 2011.

According the Act, “any person found guilty of an offense against this Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine of ten thousand dollars or to imprisonment for six months.”

Those who have been charged are Hector John – Opposition Leader, Ron Green – UWP leader, Claudius Sanford – Deputy Leader, Edison James – UWP President, Ezekiel Bazil, Norris Charles, Ronni Isidore and Danny Lugay.

The Public Order Act became law on May 13th, 1954 and states that anyone who desires to hold a “public procession” must seek permission from the Police Commissioner at least three days before the event is held. If permission is not sought, the event is deemed unlawful.

The Act describes a “public procession” as “any march, demonstration or procession in a public place.”

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105 Comments

  1. anxious
    February 12, 2011

    allu can stop with the arguments and plz try to get along.

  2. malpardee
    February 9, 2011

    ARE U ALL KIDDING ME! OF ALL THESE USELESS CRIMES GOING ON IN DA UNSOLVED, D POLICE COMMISIONER FIND TO TELL ME IS THAT HE WANT TO PUT HIS EFFORTS INTO. DOMINICA FINISH FINISH FINISH. EVERYBODY NEED TO REALIIZE THAT SATAN IS BACK FOR HIS COMPANY, SO THEY TORMENTED AND THEY WANT TO PASS THEIR WRATH ON GOD’S CHILDREN. LET ME TELL ALL U ONE THING. MR ISIDORE IS A CHILD OF GOD. JESUS CHRIST WAS CRUCIFIED ON D CROSS AND HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD. IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT SATAN TRY HE CANNOT WIN…. DLP TURN TO GOD AND OUR COUNTRY WILL BE BETTER OFF. THESE DECEITFUL TACTICS ARE OF THE DEVIL, THERFORE, NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST UWP SHALL PROSPER. TELL ME WHAT WILL U GET FROM HAVING THESE MEN CHARGED OR JAILED? IT’S JUST FOR YOUR PERSONAL SATISFACTION. PRAY, PRAY, TRY TO LIVE IN HARMONY AND STOP THE USELESS FIGHTING. THEY ALWAYS SAY WHEN PEOPLE DO WRONG, IT COMES BACK AND BITE THEM. IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO TURN AROUND. DLP U ARE ALREADY IN D GOV’T, HELP YOUR COUNTRY AND STOP FIGHTING AGAINST YOUR OWN PEOPLE. DOMINICA NEEDS HELP!

  3. fatouche
    February 7, 2011

    this charge is so dumb…….
    jus so dumb…smh
    they are bein charged for a so called “illegal procession” when they were stationary infront of the parliamentary building…… skerro think he is bosss, dominicans this he is the almighty… well no no no he is not! keep controllin the police force….
    hmmm but remember is one day for him and all days for GOD!!!

  4. Sout Man
    February 5, 2011

    @ I am not kidding you: I would like to know more about the UWP state of emergency in the Mahaut constituency before the 2000 elections. You said that they wanted to prevent the DLP from kjeeping a meeting at the Massacre basketball court. What were the reasnos given for the state of emergency.

    Observation: Did readers catch Too Late TO Cry defending his comments of 2/4/11 @11:22 AM under a different name, Follower, @ 8:15 PM? Was it a hoax or the opposition’s trick of using multiple names to make people believe that there is widespread opposition or support to a particular issue?

    • follower
      February 5, 2011

      Stop being silly my friend! I am not part of the opposition neither am I affiliated with any political party. I have voted for all three political paties namely: DFP, UWP, and DFP and all I am looking for is a government that will put its people before self. I believe we have a lot of riches that have not been discoverd simply because our people are politically blind and instead of making politicians respect us as a people, we behave like hungry people. South man, please understand that the last party I voted was DLP in the 2000 elections and refused to vote them back because I cannot vote people that are just greedy and selfish. FYI, I am a labourite but cannot associate myself with this so called labour party. I fought hard with Michael and Rosie Douglas against Charles Savarin and the Dominica Freedom Party only to find out that today, these same persons we fought against have hijacked the party and now the party is very far from the policies of Mike, Rosie, and Pierre Charles. Since when Was Skerrit a DLP? Wasn’t he always a Freedomite? Ask the people of Viellecase and they will tell you that he was one of the young haters of DLP. What about Charles Savrin, Charles Maynard, Parry Bellot and the list goes on. The DLP I knew stood for the cause of poor people and were not busy to get rich at the expense of the poor. So to refer to me as an opposition is not reallt true, though partly so, simply because I cannot agree with the mannner Skerrit is running the party that I almost gave my life for.
      On the question of using two different names, I can tell you that it has nothing to do with UWP because I am not one of their supporters. I only voted for them in 1995 because I was fed up with DFP and we did not stand a chance to win. I must admit that I made a mistake not to have voted them back in 2000 because I really thought they were currupt. The reason why I go by both names is simply because whenever I used ‘follower’ DNO for some reason would not publish my comments so I tried another name and realize I had some success. So stop being naive. I can go further by telling you that if another election is called I will definitely vote for the UWP not because I like them but because of principle. I cannot stay there and see Skerrit and Charles Savarin do all their nonesense and for me to go and vote for them GOD FORBID!

  5. 1St time voter
    February 5, 2011

    As a young man… I’m sick of the unfair treatment the UWP members are getting…. its unethical to treat some beta than others….. labour members always gettin away with their crap!!!!!! treat all the same. me nt neva voting again….. really don’t no y i gave Ian Dog LAst my 1st vote….. he nt donin ntn 4 the youths of posi. we the college students in posi needs assistance…. where is ian???? 2015 he’ll come born again…. minister pep pep! thats waht he is…….. Screw labour and screw uwp!!!!!!! all of them are the same. Dominica is need of help.

    • doggy
      February 7, 2011

      :twisted: they should put them in jail.

  6. Patat
    February 5, 2011

    Well d good thing about our judicial system in Dominica is that they are much concerned about peace and stability and are the vanguards of our way of life.

    I am thoroughly convinced that the judiciary will not allow the Commonwealth of Dominica to be driven into the grounds of social unrest. Trust me, if that were to happen Dominica and all its institutions would be poorer for it.

    There is no way these members of government – and yes they are a part of our government can be fined or jailed for their protest!!! One has to remember that when Parliament is convened immunity to parliamentarians is not limited to the inner four walls of the House. Thus the yard of Parliament and the limited section of road called Victoria Street west of the Parliament Building and High Street south of the Parliament Building belongs to all Parliamentarians including the Opposition. That is their turf. It is like an Embassy.

    Hence this area as described above is the cradle of Dominica’s democracy whenever parliament is convened. This area can at times be dynamic where evidence of freedom of expression and freedom to demonstrate and freedom to assemble can be exhibited. There cannot be a law to denounce such freedoms that are guaranteed. The strict interpretation of the Public Order Act cannot be taken in these circumstances.

    It was not an ordinary day!!

    It was a day that Parliament was convened!!! The Opposition has every right to invite its friends and supporters to their property!!! It is their turf when parliament is convened. They can come inside the house or stay in the yard or street and they the opposition has the right to leave the house and go and join their friends and supporters outside on their sanctioned turf.

    Hence the exception and the throwing out of this case by any wise judge.

    In Dominica our constitution does not give us the right to bear arms. We must have a permit and we can only use a firearm if our life is threatened.

    Now if there was any threat to the lives of Parliamentarians on the Government side and the protesters were throwing stones then the judiciary will thrown on the organizers of the protest and rule to punish them.

    All in all the organized protest was peaceful and incident free.

    The most the judge can do these gentlemen is give them community service!!! And that is exactly what they are already doing anyway.

    • EYES LOOKING
      February 5, 2011

      dats an SA compitition man

  7. Megzoe
    February 5, 2011

    The bottom line of it all is that one should not go beg the cat to give back the cheese that he stole. If they want to shut you up in parliarment what sense does it make to ask for permission to speak outside.

  8. LMAO
    February 5, 2011

    So we come dere nuh? Well Democracy in Dominica finish. Skerrit doing the same thing that Chavez doing in Venezuela, i.e. Jailing the opposition leaders.

  9. Anonymous
    February 5, 2011

    Skerrit getting desparate!!!!! You will try hard boy, but you still not there for long! I am not a member of any party, but with all that rubbish, I will side with them to bring you down.

    • EYES LOOKING
      February 5, 2011

      who u think u fooling na? stuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuupes….u just like the lier from marigot who one former prime minister make pay $77,000.00 for his toung…

      all you can come in all kind of forms….but all you wil not succed…

      skero all the way till god say he ready for him to get out.

      • MABELLA
        February 5, 2011

        before you run your bouda plat(I am not french but you will get the message) why don,t you ask skero to reopen ADULT EDUCATION CENTERS so people like you can go learn to SPELL !!!. skerro moo-moo what is he doing for you NOTHING !!!!!!.

        • eye watching
          February 7, 2011

          MEBELLA……..no school will accept you……..the mesage u send was placed in the balance of the bin of dockwell and was post to solid waste so the truct can come pick u up to dump at the land field….ignoramost….you sound like you from marigot….AH FU ALL YOU COUNTRY….THATS YOU WE KICK ALL YOU OUT IN 2000 AN CAN NEVER SEE POWER AGAIN IN THIS LIFE TIME…AND THAT ALL YOU BLUS VEX ABOUT….DAM FOOL

  10. claire
    February 5, 2011

    is that the first demontration that ever took place from 1978 to now? i migth not be good in history

    • claire
      February 5, 2011

      might

    • Nice
      February 5, 2011

      Stupid….without approval or authorixation from the Police commissioner is the issue at hand.

  11. LUCY
    February 4, 2011

    MY PEOPLE TWO WRONG DON’T MAKE A RIGHT. UWP SHOULD GET THE PERMISSION FOR
    THIER PROTEST AND CALL IT A DAY. WHERE WAS MR. PREVOST? MAYBE HE KNEW IT
    WAS A BAD MOVE THAT WHY HE WAS NOT WITH THE OTHERS. THE LAW IS THE LAW

    • lol
      February 5, 2011

      SO WHY WASNT STEPHEN ISIDORE ARRESTED WHEN A MAGISTRATE ISSUED A WARRANT FOR HIS ARREST…WAS IT OKAY FOR THE POLICE TO IGNORE THE LAW THEN CUZ IT WAS SOMEONE FROM THE INSIDE CIRCLE?

      • MAESTRO
        February 5, 2011

        I GUESS YOU CAN SIMPLY POST YOUR COMMENT AND THAT MAKES IT CORRECT. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE LAW RELATED TO PARTNERSHIPS AND COMPANIES? IF NOT, DO YOUR RESEARCH AND THEN POST A COMMENTS ON THE ISSUE OF THE ARREST WARRANT FOR MR.ISIDORE. IT IS NOT AS SIMPE AS POSTING A COMMENT. THE LAW HAS PROTECTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS AND DEFENCES AVAILABLE TO ALL ACCUSED PERSONS AND THE MAGUISTRATE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROOF THAT ISIDORE STOLE ANY MONIES AS HE WAS A PARTNER IN A PARTNERSHIP THUS THERE MUST BE REVIEW AND THE MATTER IS A PRIVATE CRIMINAL MATTER NOT FOR THE MAGISTRATE AND ADDITONALLY IT INVOLVES MONIES IN AN ANMOUNT THAT MUST BE DEALT WITH AT THE HIGH COURT LEVEL BETWEEN ONE PARTNER AND THE NEXT. PLEASE DO SOME READING OF LAWS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT MATTER BEFORE WE RUN WITH BATONS LIKE BLIND OLYMPIANS. RULES OF LAW ARE WHAT ARE BEING ARGUED AND NOT PARTY POLITICS.

  12. afraid
    February 4, 2011

    u want me to leave comment and then tell me i posting too fast five days i haven’t been on this site i tried making comment today u not allowing it to go through DNO bye bye

  13. negre mawon
    February 4, 2011

    My people don’t be agitated. Be calm justice will and must prevail.The longest rope
    has an end.Hosni Mubarack had a rope which stretched for over thirty years.Today his
    rope is slowly but surely coming to an end.Time will tell in Dominica

    • H Mubarack
      February 5, 2011

      Seems like Ron and his boys are choking on their rope!!

  14. fair play
    February 4, 2011

    Dominicans should not panic with the things happening with the Government.When God is ready he will do what ever he sees fit for delivering us. We just have to pray the HOLY MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL DEFEND US IN THE BATTLE AGAINST LABOUR PARTY , and you know the rest . just keep repeating this prayer and you will see .

  15. Fairplay
    February 4, 2011

    DICTATORSHIP !! DICTATORSHIP !! DICTATORSHIP IN OUR FACES. Dominicans, my fellow men and women you all want to EXPERIMENT with DICTATORIAL RULE? HERE it is. A hearing on the matter has been set for the 6th of June 2011. But there is a case against Skerritt, who lied about his DUAL CITIZENSHIP status that should be dealt with, as the LAW STATES, EXPEDITIOUSLY, Yet a year has passed and the courts cannot deal with that matter. Skerritt due to his lying and disrespect for the Electoral Laws on Nomination Day, is therefore an ILLEGAL Leader of the Country.

    The case cannot be brought to its conclusion. Justice is being denied. Justice is being DELAYED deliberately by those sympathetic to and protecting One man in his irresponsible and illegal action. Ag. Commissioner Carrette should remove his police Uniform and dress in RED instead. He is boldly and openly doing the bidding of the political directorate. How OFTEN and how LONG could such SELECTED acts continue against some patriotic, peaceful, genuine, Dominicans for doing nothing wrong but peacefully assembling to express their opinions and concerns?

    Dominicans REALIZE that Political influences are tarnishing the image of the police institution which first and foremost should be an independent, non-political oganisation. An EXTREMELY dangerous precedent has been set aided and abetted by those in ‘HIGH PLACES.’

    It is not the AG. Commissioner alone who is behind those malicious acts filing charges against those who exercise their RIGHTS to PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY. Dominicans by now are fully AWARE of the machinations of the FEW who have control of the JUDICIAL SYSTEM in Dominica.

    • John Brown
      February 4, 2011

      “Justice is being denied,Justice is being delayed deliberately”

      When the UWP was in control over the judicial system how quickly was the Dame Eugenia Charles case againts Edison James brought to it’s conclusion? UWP lost re-election, the UWP AG was no more and that’s when the case was finally settled, that was over 4 years. Do you remember that?.

      • lol
        February 5, 2011

        LET ME ENLIGHTEN YOU IT WAS DAME EUGENIA CHARLES WHO DECIDED SHE DOSNT WANT TO TAKE THE SEATING PM TO COURT AND WILL WAIT WHEN HE NO LONGER HOLD THE POSITION OF PM. REMEMBER THAT?

    • Q95
      February 4, 2011

      Fairplague..you tend to forget the TIME UWP ruled!!!

  16. bata kalinago
    February 4, 2011

    what happen to our constitutional rights, freedom of movement, public gathering? so the members of the UWP the law is above them but not for Skerrit? i say it time we stand and fight not as a workers or labourite but as dominicans, Enough is enough! all cases that does not includ members of the labour party calling but none on the french man side calling? What have we come to?

    • anonymous
      February 4, 2011

      Bata Kalinago the oposite is true.. The UWP violated the constitution, when Ron green an earl williams served in paliament w ith dual ctizenship they were not taken to court they were not proscuted, so we can say they either escaped justice or they are above the law. However Mr. Skerrit is now before the court for been elected to the PARIAMENT with dual ctizenship. It appears that the UWP can act outside the law when in government and also in opposition…. WHO IS ABOVE THE LAW?..Pray tell

      • lol
        February 5, 2011

        EARL WAS BORN A BRITISH CITIZEN…. PLACE OF BIRTH U.K

        • LOL too
          February 5, 2011

          The whole thing is a smoke screen created by apparently immature wannabe’s.

          Surely there are some young intelligent people out there that can rescue the UWP from the ruinous hands of the current batch!.

        • MABELLA
          February 5, 2011

          THANK YOU!!

  17. Tatty
    February 4, 2011

    Chris Volney’s points are well taken and on the money. Also to further the point of the Chief’s motivation, he is not a respected or competent man and he was placed in that position by Skerrit to do his bidding. Carette (with all due respect to the men who have served well in that capacity) represents the old guard of a by gone era who became police officers, not by their intellectual abilities but by how physically strong they were and how much strength they could muster when they arrested a guy.

    That time has come and gone and law enforcement has become much more sophisticated and professional. The chief of police in Dominica should have at least a Bachelors degree or at least a 2 year college degree with some additional professional training in public and police policy and democratic governance ect. Carette has neither and is lacking grace and credentials in many areas.

    And also factoring the political angle, Skerrit got some one that he can control 100%, some one who you would not describe as a highly professional or intellectually challenging or engaging. The good news is that there are rumors that Carette is about to retire. There are rumors that one of Skerrit’s boys who was fast tracked on the promotion ladder with more loyalty to him and ruthlessness will be the new chief. In other words, more of the same.

    With the growing tensions and developments such as this and the police not making their own decisions from a law enforcement standpoint but more from a political equation- its is only a matter of time. Will Dominica has its own mini Egypt? Quite a messy equation in our country.

    • anonymous
      February 4, 2011

      The only time the police is doing a good job is when they are prosecuting labour party supporters, for breaking the law …The UWP supporters seems to be way above the law..arrogance its blatant best

  18. de caribbean change
    February 4, 2011

    To Megzoe, you forgot Eric Gairy in Grenada. He also fell in 1979.

    • Megzoe
      February 4, 2011

      Thanks for reminding me of Eric Gairy

  19. too late to cry now
    February 4, 2011

    Tell Skerrit, and the police commissioner to behave themselves and do not do anything that will cause further division and a repeat of blood shed in DA. They need to understand that when we last had political unrest in DA, the majority of guns we had back then were handled by the police and the Force. That is not the case today as we know that thre are lots of unlicensed weapons in Dominicay today and most of them are more dangerous than what the police them have.

    • Is that so?
      February 4, 2011

      Don’t you know that you can be traced? You people who make such dangerous, teroristic comments must be careful!! There is still a lot of space in the prisons for people like you, you know!!!

      • follower
        February 4, 2011

        Trace about what? You all don’t want people to open their mouth at all? What is dangerous and tororistic about my statement? Your response is more dangerous and teroristic because mine does not have a threat whereas you are threatening to trace me. Isn’t it public knowledge that we have a lot of dangerous weapons out there? All I did was to remind the PM that we do have dangerous weapons out there and threatening to throw in prison a former PM and top brass of the UWP, would just invite blood shed. Is this wrong my friend or you all just don’t want people to open their mouth at all? Trace me down and do what you think you can do aftter I’ve been traced.

    • Q95
      February 4, 2011

      HOPE YOU CAN STAND THE HEAT WHEN THE FIRE BEGINS TO BURN..too late to cry now..

      • too late to cry now
        February 4, 2011

        What heat are you talking about my friend? Why do you all try to threaten people when they open their mouth? You guys are so politically brainwash that you have no sense of reason. I did not threaten anyone in my statement because I am not into that nonsense. I love Dominica and we are one family in this country. My point is, the PM must becareful not to allow all you to cause him to throw UWP’s top brass in prison. That no doubt would cause political unrest in my beloved country and with so many unlicensed, dangerous weapons out there, owned by all three political colors, that would lead to a worse bloodshed than what we had in 1979 simply because there are more dangerous weapons out there than what the police have now and had in 1979. What is so wrong in this statement to be getting those threats you stupid and ignorant guys are making?

        • Amazed
          February 5, 2011

          Sounds like you are the chief adviser for UWP no wonder they are in the doldrums and from your incendiary slant it sound like you are in prison or should be, you evil minded person. I bet you were also the playground bully at school not interested in getting an education!

        • too late to cry now
          February 5, 2011

          Why all this friend? Listen man, I am not at war with any of you and you could say what you feel like. We are all Dominicans and I love you. I’m very happy you were interested and able to get an education; I do hope you are putting it in good use miss/mr amazed. Let’s please have a conversation and stop this nonsense my friend. The bad thing about it is that we don’t know who we are responding to and yet we are busy to criticize and try to tear one another apart for politics. How ignorant!

  20. Megzoe
    February 4, 2011

    The day of reckoning is drawing near. History has many ways of repeating itself. If we follow history we will see that bigots always bring about their own demise. Patrick John, The Shah or Iran, Idi Amin of Uganada, Genaral Somoza of Nicaragua and President Hifizullah Amin of Afghanistan. They all fell in 1979.

    We are in 2011 and the writing is on the wall. Today, history is repeating itself through massive protests against corrupted and unjust regimes in Yemen, Tunisia, Jordan and Egypt. Who Knows? Looking at the way things are shaping up in Dominica we could be next.

    Last week we heard Ambrose George talking about government taking steps to control the flow of free speech in the media and now charges are being brought against people for holding a peaceful protest under government headquarters.

    A little leaven leaven up the whole lump. (Gwobeck de pluis en pluis sey pluis) Tell Carette and his cohoots to leave well enough alone.

    • Is that so?
      February 4, 2011

      First of all, get your facts straight. The cahrges were not for the demonstration under government headquarters (which permission was granted for), but rather for the unathorized one by the parliament.

      Secondly, it is people like you who like to speak of violence and bloodshed who are the greatest cowards, and run and hide under your mothers beds when the first shots are fired, so just shut up!! You all wishing to see another May 1979 may just see the reverse, wherby instead of themasses of people looking to bring down the government, people will be coming to look for you blue fools all under your beds to give you a good beating (many of you may have to go into hiding). So just be careful what you wish for, eh!!!

      • Megzoe
        February 4, 2011

        Is that so?

        What are you afraid of idiot? I have not spoken of any violence or bloodshed it is you who is saying it.

        An uprising is something automatic. When the ground is saturated it begins to flood. When the government takes repression to an unbearable level the masses flip. You will have no choice then but to join the uprising because your future will depend on it. Bear in mind that it will not be a blue uprising but a popular uprising. So don’t be afraid, it will be to your benefit. Whats happening in Egypt is benefitting the majority.

        If there are any shots to be fired they will be fired by people like you Who will be trying to stop history. But be careful that you don’t get trampled over by the wheels of history.

        My advice to you is learn to read and comprehend. Don’t rush to judgement.

  21. aye
    February 4, 2011

    Carette is looking for a confirmation on is acting appointment but its just a matter of time before he will be asked to resign. He is just an embarsment to the police force. He made a statement claiming the police recruits cannot read but he is not too far from them. The government needs to allow the police to do their job and appoint qualified person to run the police service. To serve and protect the masses and not a chosen few.

  22. John Brown
    February 4, 2011

    THE LAW, THE LAW, THE LAW, THE LAW IS CLEAR, Any one that breaks the law should be jailed. This has been the mantra of the UWP and it’s supporters, Now that the law has come home to roost they singing a different song.

    People are now redefining the law (what they accused the PM of doing) to suit them. The protest has been redefined as a peaceful gathering which is not outlawed under the constitution therefore not needing any permission slip from the police.

    But all eyes can see the picture above, this is was not a handful of orderly protesters, it was a rowdy gathering that interupted the flow of traffic, police escort was clearly needed.I call for the rejecting of this political flip flop, get back to your mantra , stick to your principles, THE LAW IS THE LAW IS THE LAW.

    • Anonymous
      February 4, 2011

      Y our name should be JOHN RED , not JOHN Brown…..
      THE LAW IS THE LAW IS THE LAW for a certain set of people (UWP SUPPORTERS ).
      Does that same LAW apply to Mr Skerrit ? Maybe NOT , since he said NO LAW…….NO CONSTITUTION……. !

      What has Dominica come too ! ! !

      • anonymous
        February 4, 2011

        well said, John Brown…

    • LMAO
      February 5, 2011

      The Law seems to be the Law for one yet. People are not stupid, they know what is going on.

  23. concerned
    February 4, 2011

    We are not becoming a Police State! people must learn to practice what they preach. we must stop critisizing one another. Make my brother look bad in other to make myself look good.
    If I as a citizen breaks the law I will either be fined or go to jail, what makes these guys any different? Dominica belongs to all of us lets stop beating each other up.
    It is not in the best interest of the Government, the Oposition or the people to allow these men to go to jail.
    I agree they should stop running arround like chickens with there heads cut off and do the job that they were elected to do which is, get in the House and give representation not only to their constituence but to all Dominicans who are waiting to hear something positive coming from the oposition

  24. Burrr
    February 4, 2011

    We should ask ourselves, why did the UWP fail to seek permission for that ‘peaceful protest?’

    As far as I know, they had been complying very well and seeking permission from the police. All the previous requests were granted and the police blocked the road and allowed them full access to hold their peaceful protests. I was very proud of the Opposition for taking a stand against what they thought was right and holding their ‘People’s Parliament’ and meeting with the people.

    So why did they not ask for permission that last time outside the Parliament building? Is it because they told us that they would no longer boycott the house and that they would go and take thier oath of office?

    Honourable John, inquiring minds would like to know please. Thank you.

    • Burrr
      February 4, 2011

      *CORRECTION:

      For taking a stand against what they thought was WRONG!!!

    • Anti-hate
      February 4, 2011

      Finally a thinking person.

      Too many Dominicans on here reacting emotionally. They could have done things legally, they chose not to.

      We have to give consideration to the fact that this is exactly what they wanted. To be charged so that they can say it’s a police state.

      • follower
        February 4, 2011

        Anti hate? “They could have done things legally, they chose not to.” Whaw! Whaw! WAW! So doing things legally now matters en? Dominica boy! So why you keep jumping on people when they ask for Skerrit to resign because according to you, he “Could have done things legally, and chose not to.” He violated a greater rule by contesting an election on false citizenship which is far worse than what UWP did. I don’t blame UWP although I really don’t like them and will not vote for them again. However, they have to protect our democracy that has been hijacked by Skerrit and his “assness” commissioner. Skerrit can do what he wants but we the people are not afraid.

        • Anti-hate
          February 4, 2011

          As far as I know the case against Skerrit for violating the law is in the courts.

          So if he violated the law and is found guilty he will have to suffer the consequences.

          While this case is ongoing it doesn’t give the UWP justification to break laws, because Skerrit is accused of doing so.

          Personally I’m very disturbed by the entire situation, and all the violent rhetoric going around.

        • anonymous
          February 4, 2011

          When it comes to legal and constitutional matters … The UWP must lead by example. The uwp and it’s supporters can’t expect to continue to call on govt. to act within the law and uphold the constitution and at the same time violate the law and ignore the constitution… In this matter the UWP should ask for a Speedy trial, plead guilty and beg for the mercy of the courts.

  25. hmmmmm
    February 4, 2011

    The comment section on DNO has exposed the majority of Dominicans as a people whose hearts are filled with hate for their own people; and love to spew dirty/venomous maipwi. When I was a little boy, I can remember that neighbours would always curse and maipwize each other. I thought that ended in the 70’s. It is sad to see that the trees have not spawn new life.

    We Dominicans are defending our political affiliations as if they are our children. 75 thousand people divided along political lines, and are willing to kill their neighbour for the sake of politicians who don’t even know they exist.

    When I read these stories and hear these politicians talk, you would think that we are living in some third world, backwater little village in Southeast Asia where the village is govern by the joker who owns the most rice fields.

    • wonder
      February 4, 2011

      I agree with you. I want to know what is wrong with our people. I cannot come on this site anymore, it does seem hateful with all the venoms trashing around.

  26. Dominican Abroad
    February 4, 2011

    the law is the law and no one is above the law. If they did it without permision they must be dealt with like any other citizen

    • Jahguide
      February 4, 2011

      No one, Not even Skerro? “No laws or constitution………..” lol…

      • Nac Vibes
        February 4, 2011

        Yes dread, as you can see by all these fools shouting, the law is the law as long as skeritt can do his thing.

      • Tatty
        February 4, 2011

        Dominca Abroad you were advised on a ealier post a few weeks ago to read the NY Times and other papers to elighten yourslef. You are a happy to have a green card I see.. Now you include Skerrit and Isidore in the arrests I take it.

        • The truth
          February 4, 2011

          How pathetic are you all? Im abroad too. Yet my businesses are in Dominica creating jobs for u all. It’s pathetic that you all just assume what happens don’t affect us. Maybe you should read yourself and learn that in any western country this is how they treat illegal protesters, not that I agree with it. About green card, so stereotypical, as if is America alone that is abroad. Dominica is still our country and thing is , we are the ones who will create jobs for people like you all

  27. AC
    February 4, 2011

    I am predicting that the charges will be dropped. The DLP is already in complete control. It will not look good if they demolish the opposition even further. That will sound like a one party state and I don’t think Dominica wants that.

    One of the biggest challenges facing our country today is the inability of some of us to see country before political party. Can someone please tell us who will be the opposition when the UWP is silenced? Or better yet, do we want an opposition party in Dominica? Do we want a government with the freedom to do whatever it wants to the people with no one to question their actions? WAW!!

    Who is going to come forth and defend DOMINICA, as opposed to blindly crying Labor, Freedom or UWP? Just axxxxing again!!

    • follower
      February 4, 2011

      You are preety smart my friend! That’s the same question and concern I have. Can you imagine this administration without an opposition! Oh God, help us!!!

  28. Help!!!
    February 4, 2011

    More blood…more blood will run……

    It is written….Roosevelt Skerrit STOP IT!!!

  29. Disclaimer
    February 4, 2011

    The Law!!!!!!!!! Well UP wrong!!! should have just gone through protocol instead of bypassing the law of the land. Oh well…

  30. REALITY
    February 4, 2011

    One thing that opposition have time to waste eh! Get on with you all lives and accept the fact that labour is in power and always will be!

    • linky
      February 4, 2011

      labour in power and that’s all that matters to you,seems like life end there for you, sickening.

  31. natureisle
    February 4, 2011

    oh be quiet Megzoe what civil disobedience and and political unrest are you trying to stirup….go and take a sea bathe and mark your own words…… sot

  32. Anonymous
    February 4, 2011

    oh Megzoe be quiet what civil disobediance and political unrest are you tryin to stir up….go an take a sea bathe……and mark your own words….

  33. What nonsense is that for us nuh?
    February 4, 2011

    Imprisonment? That’s the day I myself will march through the streets. Never been in a protest but I will this time. What utter nonsense is this? The man provider police baricade for the protestors. And now after how many months I hearing about imprisonment. Dominicans better not upset me today with that nonsence when we have big time crooks and criminals with double passports and double identities running our country.

    • Positive Vibes..
      February 4, 2011

      Having “big time crooks and criminals with double passports and double identities running our country,” does not make it ok for individuals to break the law! The issue in question is not the question of dual citizenship, the matter at hand is whether these men broke the law or not? Based on the Public Order Act, which states that, “anyone who desires to hold a “public procession” must seek permission from the Police Commissioner at least three days before the event is held. If permission is not sought, the event is deemed unlawful.The Act describes a ‘public procession’ as any march, demonstration or procession in a public place.”: if in fact these men did not have permission for the protest, based on the law, they should be brought before the court!

  34. Hugo Grotius
    February 4, 2011

    HOW CAN A GOVERNMENT BE AT WAR WITH ITS OWN PEOPLE!!!???!!!

    • Robotron
      February 4, 2011

      You should ask yourself, why should a minority of people wage war against the government who were overwhelmingly mandated by the Majority to govern for the next five years? why can’t they wait their turn to try again for office when election is constitutionally due and allow the government to go about their business providing opportunities for the development of our country? I believe in ‘Karma’. and remember, those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. :oops: :oops: :oops:

  35. doctor love
    February 4, 2011

    THE FLOOD OF POLITICAL DISTRUCTION IS DRAWING NEAR FOR THE UWP.THEY TRIED TO DISTROY THE UWP BY FIRST,THROWING THEM OUT FROM THE PARLIAMENT. SECOND,THEY WERE CHARGED BY THE COURTS. THIRD,A SECOND ELECTION IN MARIGOT AND SALISBURY. FORTH,CHARGES OF BREAKING THE PUBLIC ORDER ACT.THE SAYING OF ONE MAN ONE VOTE IS NO LONGER,IT IS NOW ONE MAN RUN THINGS.

    • Fuke-CHillot!
      February 4, 2011

      No body threw them out of Parliament, Get your stuff right Mr… THEY threw themselves out with their unruly acts of improper conduct and respect for the house of assembly. If they were making any sense at all and wanted to see a country move further they would by all means Work at doing most of their business the right way. but i am not a political parrot and therefore a lot of political bystanders make me sick regardless which party they are for. Seemingly, Dominicans pay no attention to the real crisis, they DO NOT look at the positives and solely hang on the side of the negatives, outweighing every possibility to consider a right path to move forward. You all sicken me with this continued political rivalries!!!

  36. Jno Charles
    February 4, 2011

    LAW IS LAW…..JAIL THEM.

    • Mabella
      February 4, 2011

      MEDARD AS WELL

    • DA man
      February 4, 2011

      are you talking about skerrit remember he break the law fiist he should be in jail already

  37. mouth of the south
    February 4, 2011

    when the bush administration asked us n other countries to implement the ‘patriot act’ i don’t think the americans had that idea in mind,,,, skerro n his acolytes are abusing that act,,,, that was supposed to be for terrorists,,, did any member of u.w.p n protesters burn any building or hurt any civilians

  38. joe
    February 4, 2011

    Weeks for Commissioner

  39. Megzoe
    February 4, 2011

    Patrick John tried to stiffle opposition to his rule in 1979 and that was the end of his government. Any state that seeks to prosecute people who stand for justice and equality must face the wrath of the people. The people reserve the right to protest peacefully therefore to bring charges against them is totally absurd and heavy-handed. I think Skerrit is losing it, Carette is losing it and many posters on this board who support this repressive move by the police is losing it also.

    Where in a democracy have you heard citizens being charged for protesting peacefully? This is a sign of very bad things to come. Dominica is on the verge of civil disobedience and and political unrest. Mark my words.

    • Wow who let the dogs out?
      February 4, 2011

      These people are really looking for trouble.

    • Houston
      February 4, 2011

      During the time of patrick john, there was more freedom than anytime in the history of da. Civil servants used to be on political platform. Charles Savarin using the CSA and other trade unions had a strike every other month. Nobody got arrested or charged. It was too much freedom not the lack thereoff that brought down PJ.

      • anonymous
        February 4, 2011

        please sir, with due respects get your facts straight…just a little hint.. under the pj regime there were several states of emergencies aimed at stiffling free speech and restricting opposition political activity. Read your history…

        • Megzoe
          February 5, 2011

          Don’t worry Ignoramous. All of that is coming under Skerrit.

    • The truth
      February 4, 2011

      Actually I you protest in England peacefully or not without requesting you get the same treatment. But this is Dominica and people should be allowed to do as they please when it comes to these kind of things. I think the police should take the time to police the streets on this one. however, the opposition know the law and should know to just mention that they are going o protest. I mean three days notice could be done. They probably planned it for more than three days. Still… The police wasting tax money on that

  40. charmed
    February 4, 2011

    tell carette behave himself …….i remember when i was growing up and UWP was in power, one day when they were in parliament a large sum of people had gathered outside the parliment protesting nobody had asked about who give who permission. nobody was arrested. today UWP protest they want to take them to court.

    Domonica is the only place i see where u have to ask for permission to protest. i was leaving in Guadeloupe people does not ask for permisssion to protest they do their own god dam thiing.. and when they strike they strike.

    dominicans we need to stand up and fight for our rights..we have it and we not using it we need to stop talking and do actions..you think if they whole country diecide they going to stike police can do anything. tell carette go and rest Skerrit buy him too that is why all of a sudden he verbal now…

    • The truth
      February 4, 2011

      Do your research before you speak! Jeez! The French have a constitution that allows them to protest as they see fit. They can bring their country to it’s knees protesting if they like. Every country has rules on protesting. Not that I support what is Goin on but you must know your facts before you speak

    • anonymous
      February 4, 2011

      “i remember when i was growing up and UWP was in power”.. Ron Green serving as a minister of govt.had an american passport nobody took him to court for that. Today Skerrit have a French passport and UWP taking him to court…lol

  41. Anti-hate
    February 4, 2011

    If Bubbles only paid a fine after being found guilty in the gun incident, there’s no way they’re going to jail for a procession.

    Calm down people.

    • makes no sense
      February 4, 2011

      so what if they are found guilty and refuse to pay fines?

      • Anti-hate
        February 4, 2011

        wouldn’t surprise me…they ARE guilty….the UWP is very clever though…they might actually not pay the fines and choose to go to jail so that they can say it’s a dictatorship.

        • The truth
          February 4, 2011

          Yes but then when you get convicted and if it is proved that it is not a dictatorship. Would they be allowed to stand for elections with convictions? That’s the question. Conviction does not have to mean a prison sentence nor a fine either. Just a guilty verdict is enough

  42. R u kidding me?
    February 4, 2011

    Imprisonment? Something will go down in that country. Trust me, Dominicans are already hyper and on edge….Something will go down.

    • I'm Not Kidding you
      February 4, 2011

      :-D There should be no sympathy for Edison, Ron, Norris Charles and Sanford for they are all UWP Parliamentarians. They were the same set who used the same Public Order Act and imposed a State of Emergency in the Mahaut Constituency prior to the 2000 General Election. For those of you too young to remember, that State of Emergency was to prevent the Labour Party from holding a public meeting at the Massacre Basket Ball Court, while they held theirs in St. Joe. What hypocrisy.

      Someone asked why not jail these idiots? I do not recommend jail time; they should be fined $10,000.00 each. What will happen is they will appeal their sentence and by so doing will be force to engage lawyers to have the convictions overturned.

      The amount they will each pay in addition to their lawyers fees will be a sufficient deterrent, the Court of Appeal may reduce their fines, but they’ll also be asked to pay cost to the state. Those idiots will go home licking their wounds and asked themselves whether it was in their best interest to protest without seeking permission from the police.

      One can deduced from all their ranting about Police State and Police Commissioner and police being incompetent that they saw no need to ask the Police Commissioner for permission.

      At the end of the day will there be another PayPal ad (Begging) for money to pay court fees for which they have now become famous for? They have now taken begging to the next level.

      Great job Police Officers. Keep surprising those idiots when they behave so irresponsible.

      • so right
        February 4, 2011

        hehehehehe You are so right..he hehe

  43. Poule Coutouni
    February 4, 2011

    Carrette has brought the Police Service to significant DISREPUTE! He failed or REFUSED to execute an order from Chief magistrate to arrest! And he sounds so biased and hateful of those who seek JUSTICE and INTEGRITY that he hurts himself daily. I am deeply ashamed of this Chief.

    • Mabella
      February 4, 2011

      BOI LEAVE CORNEDBEEF COMMISIONER ALONE EH!!!! DE MAN JUST DERE WAITING FOR HIS LITTLE PENSION TO KICK IN SO HE CAN MIGRATE TO CORNEDBEEF CITY , NJ TEY HEY :lol: :lol: :lol:

  44. Observer
    February 4, 2011

    We are rapidly becoming a Police State.

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