UWP’s top brass charged

From left: Ron Green, Edison James, Claudius Sanford and Hector John

Four leading members of the United Workers Party’s top brass are among eight charged for staging a demonstration outside of the House of Assembly last year.

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.

Those from the upper echelon of the party that were charged are Hector John – Opposition Leader, Ron Green – UWP leader, Claudius Sanford – Deputy Leader and Edison James – UWP President.

Other members of the party who were charged are Ezekiel Bazil, Norris Charles, Ronni Isidore and Danny Lugay.

The UWP said it had protested because its questions meant for government ministers were ruled as out of order by Alix Boyd-Knights, Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Acting police chief Cyril Carrette said the organizers of the demonstration are charged because they disobeyed the Public Order Act, which states that permission must be granted for the holding of any public procession.

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111 Comments

  1. true kalinago
    February 4, 2011

    JAIL ALL OF THEM.

    • Just
      February 4, 2011

      And Skerrit and Isidore as well

  2. stoney
    February 3, 2011

    UWP….leave Dominicans alone they love the labour party as they are corrupted..

    all dominicans do is just call on the radio,but no actions…

    who do dominicans want to clean up this mess…hmm dominicans talk too much and no action
    they are cowards and skero will always rule them….

  3. Mikes
    February 3, 2011

    I believe that this charge should not stand in a court of law. The story used the words demonstration, procession and protest. While the law clearly allows for permission to be sort before any demonstration or public procession, not so in the case of a protest. Citizens in a democracy are allowed to protest once agrieved as a form of “freedom of expression”. This type of action is usually seen to be spontaneous and so requires no permission. I would like to see this concept tested in court so I’m actually looking forward to trial date cause the plea is, NOT GUILTY.

    • John Brown
      February 3, 2011

      “Well we’re calling on the people of Dominica; we’re calling on Dominicans as a whole, no matter what political stripe they may be, blue, green, red, yellow, whatever colour they may be, that the time has come for them to stand up for truth, stand up for information that supposed to be coming from our parliament,” he said.

      He further called on persons to participate peacefully: “This is part of a responsibility of a democratic society, so we’re calling Dominicans to come around the parliament in a peaceful manner just by their presence to demonstrate their concerns for the fact that the parliament is not allowing those questions to be answered and a number of other questions and issues that are important in the country also remain unresolved.”

      That was Mr.Green on thursday November 25th, 2010 the protest was Monday, November 29th 2010, Is that what you’re calling spontaneous? do you know the definition of spontaneus?

      • Papa Dom
        February 3, 2011

        I am glad you chose to place this quote because it only serves to prove that the charge is without merit or foundation. The call for a peaceful gathering is not outlawed and guaranteed under the constitution.

        • John Brown
          February 3, 2011

          If what you are saying is true why did the UWP Seek Permission for other ( peaceful gathering)? Why do churches seek permission for their public peaceful gathering?

    • Mikey
      February 3, 2011

      John Brown how much do you get paid by Skerritt? I view you like one of the pro Mobarak members fighting against progessive folks……I dont read your posts anymore.

      • John Brown
        February 4, 2011

        That makes me sad

        • Tatty
          February 4, 2011

          No you are so stupid you don’t know what sad means. You dont get it police man.

    • Christian Volney
      February 4, 2011

      “They disobeyed the Public Order Act, which states that permission must be granted for the holding of any public procession.”
      This is obviously an archaic “interpretation of intent” of a law on the books and I view its being invoked and enforced as being politically motivated; had it not been a peaceful protest, I would have agreed and supported the Chief’s decision!

      Dominica is a democratic country and as such, protest are a medium to voice dissatisfaction, as was expressed and exercised by the UWP. To suppress such rights and justify the actions of such suppression by stretching the intent of the Act is certainly questionable and questions the Chief’s motivation.

      Just an opinion

  4. Pedro
    February 3, 2011

    This is just another step towards making a ONE PARTY STATE. Mr Skerit is a dictator and he connot accept any opposition. He recruited his police chief to help destroy any opposition. The Dominican people must decide if they are prepared to live under a one party dictatorship.

    • dadon
      February 5, 2011

      There is no ditatorship in Dominica. Democracy is alive and well. I lived in Cuba for 7yrs and i never saw or heard half of what go on here in Dominica. Try and use words within context and speak in turn please!
      These untrue statements are not helping any of us, and be remined there are students who use blogs and posts for writing reports and articles. They depend on us for correct information. Try and speak the truth always.

  5. still
    February 3, 2011

    Unfortunately it appears that we dominicans stand up for fairness and justice only when it suits us. IF pm Skerrit broke the law he should be charged under the relevant laws. If the UWP broke the law the should also be charged. please stop being hypocrites. they had a simple obligation to write the commisioner seeking permission which they apparently failed to do therefore they were charged. simple!! let us stop playing games for our own personal political gains. we like to play with wild lions and when we get bitten we cry foul. we need to accept responsibility for our actions

  6. DAHMAN
    February 3, 2011

    THESE GUYS ARE NOT ABOVE THE LAW,THEY BROKEN THE LAW OF DOMINICA,MR.JAMES AND MR. GREEN YOUR DAYS GONE,MR.HECTOR AND SANFORD THE PLATFORM YOU GUYS ENGAGE IN.TRUST ME YOU GUYS DOESN’T HAVE ANY CHANCED TO BE OUR NEXT LEADER.

    • Reader
      February 3, 2011

      … kindda like how you “broken” the English language in your piece … :lol:

      • One Love
        February 3, 2011

        :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :mrgreen:

      • jabo
        February 3, 2011

        but you clearly understood what he was saying

      • Deedee
        February 3, 2011

        lol

  7. Colihaut People
    February 3, 2011

    I think the men should take their charge, plead not guilty, then dont mount a defense, get convicted and go to jail..(it’ll be a misdemeanor anyway)…. THEN WHAT? Will they be allowed time to go to the house when [parliament meets? Will be afforded time to go when their case against the beautiful PM is being called? Interestinger times ahead.

  8. Megzoe now turn lawyer?
    February 3, 2011

    What is a public procession? Let’s look at the words of the Acting Police Chief:- (Acting police chief Cyril Carrette said the organisers 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.)

    Please correct me. I may be wrong but a gathering under government headquarters is not a public procession.Therefore charging people for a procession when indeed it was a gathering is what I term malice aforethought on the part of the police. These charges won’t stand in a court of law. If this matter goes to court the acting police chief will be the subject of redicule.

    Please don’t take Dominica to the level of repressive regimes that abuse human rights. This we took care of already on May 29th 1979.

    Curious to know if the Catholic parishoners do apply for a permit to hold processions during the wee hours of the morning.

    • Anonymous
      February 3, 2011

      Yes the catholic church alway apply for a permit.

      • Law_Student
        February 3, 2011

        @ Megzoe: Go to chapter 15 in the link and it will define what a public procession is.

        One may argue that the charges were politically motivated. I may or may not be, the fact of the matter is the UWP failed to follow simple procedure. It’s really very simple!

        The UWP should not have left themselves so vulnerable to ridicule by its ‘opponents.’

        • Megzoe
          February 3, 2011

          I know a procession to be an occasion where people gather at a starting point and walk from that point to a location where the march or procession culminates. Would you call what took place under the ministry a procession?

  9. Tatty
    February 3, 2011

    To Ron, Eddo, Sanford, Hector , Danny Lugay and the others, please don’t be afraid –this is only intimidation and fear mongering by Skerrit and his agents. Be patient as this nonsense will past. Laugh because it a laughing matter. They are desperate and they are trying to distract from the ral issues..the economy and the court cases.

    Stay strong brothers and give thanks to your creator for another beautiful day in ‘OUR’ island. Feel sorry for Carrette and his mockery. He is being used and he does not know it.

    • oh please
      February 3, 2011

      dumbinicans just not easy eh. Dominica have to get just like Egypt. Its only a matter of time. Eddison.Hector.Ron and Sandford supporters behind them 100%. They stand for justice and fairness. Thats all we want in Dominica

      • DOMNICHEN
        February 3, 2011

        KEEP CALLING FOR WOLF, I HOPE YOU ARE PREPARED WHEN THE WOLF COMES CALLING.
        THE WORD DUMBINICAN SUITS YOU BEST.

  10. Law_Student
    February 3, 2011

    Let us look at what Chapter 15 of the consitution states:

    If you click on this link every Dominican will see what the Public Order Act states.

    “Public procession” means any march, demonstrations or procession in a public place except what is approved by the Head of State and it’s wing as explained in the constitution.

    Firstly you will see that public processions without permits are unlawful. Secondly, an application must be approved by the Commissioner of Police. The commissioner of Police must approve generally in writing thus if anyone aids, abets, counsels or procures any person to engage in a public procession without authority from the Commissioner of Police has committed an offense. Lastly, a person guilty of such an offense is convicted to a fine of ten thousand dollars or 6 months imprisonment.

    Thus if there is clear evidence that top members of opposition has breached the law then they are subjected like anyone else to suffer the consequences. They should have exercised wisdom by writing to the Commissioner of Police, if they were REFUSED on insufficient grounds, then the UWP WOULD HAVE A STRONG CASE REGARDING SUPPRESSION OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH. PURE AND SIMPLE!!!

    Thanks for reading once again.

    http://www.dominica.gov.dm/laws/chapters/chap15-01.pdf

    • John Brown
      February 3, 2011

      Thak you very much, i hope some is enlightened

    • One Day
      February 3, 2011

      Did you say the constitution? I am so confuse following Dominica news. One minute, the constitution is not worth anything, next minute, you bringing out the constitution.

      NO CONSTITUTION SHOULD PREVENT THESE MEN FROM PROTESTING.

      • John Brown
        February 3, 2011

        So you agree, the PM is not the only LAW BRAKER?

    • Papa Dom
      February 3, 2011

      Law student, please put your study to better use and go over what you have learnt about meaning of words. If you examine the legislation you will realise that “Demonstration” takes on the same meaning as, match or procession. These two words suggest a movement of persons and this is the meaning which has to be ascribed to demonstration in context of the legislation.
      I was not present at the event but if they are being charged for being assembled outside the parliament then the carrot doesn’t have a leg to stand on.
      Furthermore the constitution gives you the right of assembly and as the supreme law, takes precedence over any other enactment. So, in the case of conflict between the constitution and any legislation, the constitution rules supreme.
      It is also clear that you are not aware of the whole sequence of events prior and leading up to the gathering of persons outside the parliament and would advise that you inform yourself before committing yourself to a cause.

      John Brown, you my friend are looking in the wrong places for enlightenment but I can’t blame you, in the land of the blind the one eyed man is king.

      • Law_Student
        February 3, 2011

        @ Papa Dom: Did you read and understand the 15th Chapter of the constitution properly? In the beginning it clearly defines the words. All what I’ve said you will see it in black and white in the constitution.

        Let’s suppose Papa Dom what you have said is true. I challenge the UWP to file a counter law suit of wrongful charges! If the UWP was wronged then under the Law of Tort they will simple have a case. Let’s see what happens. As far as I saw, the Public Order Act is clear.

        When these gentlemen are crossed examined in a court of law, then the defense would have to look at the allegations of conspiracy towards an alleged protest or demonstration. The technicalities of evidence would need to be cross examined. The defense would have to examine the police report with regards to the charges made and other technical issues, if there are conflicting reports amongst the prosecutors then the courts will deal with it. If it is proven in a court of law that they really broke the law they are expected to pay the price. Pure and simple! I do not see what the argument is about, if it is found that the UWP did not request permission to stage a public gathering, meeting, protest or demonstration they have made themselves vulnerable.

        Thus, let’s see what happens.

        • Papa Dom
          February 4, 2011

          Whoever you are, you have started off on the wrong foot. What do you mean? read, understand and properly, was that a veiled attempt at ridicule? Does Chp 15 say that permission is required to hold a meeting? the word meeting is only relevant as far as it relates to the conduct of persons at a meeting or procession. It further confirms what I am teaching you, that a “demonstration” when taken in the context of the legislation, means movement of people.
          If a “procession” was held, then by all means they will have to face the consequences of doing so without the relevant permissions being sought, so no argument there. As for the rest of what you wrote we are not there yet so no need to discuss.

      • John Brown
        February 3, 2011

        Papa Dom, my friend i went back and looked at the pictures of the protest.,It was not a handful of party members outside Parliament.; they called for supporters to join them and they did.

        We saw the pictures on DNO, they were rowdy, they caused traffic interruption, they needed permission. With my blind eyes i can see that, can’t you?

  11. AC
    February 3, 2011

    You know, Prime Minister Skerritt and the Labor Party can use this in their favor in a different way. It’s not like they need any more ammunition on the opposition.. It’s simple….all Mr. Skerrit has to say is, “Eddo, Spaggs, Ronnie, Kalinago pardner, I forgive all you for doing dat. All you made a mistake, but doe do it again.. OK? I will tell Carette to drop all charges. You OK wid dat?” Then shake each of them hand. He can go on radio and say that and have Marpin bring it live on TV, and bam…the whole country would love Skerro even more..

    All that fighting about red and blue and is just nonsense.. Every contribution is needed and very valuable to develop our poor little Dominica. Skerro them need opposition to keep them honest and the less opposition they have, the less honest they will be. Skerro knows that and I think he should say that on the air. So people, stop making them play with your brains by having you sticking to red or blue, regardless of their incompetence. Make them perform..Hold them responsible.

    • One Love
      February 3, 2011

      if we refused skerro’s bogus security offer you think is that s..t idea that’ll trap us:?

    • Papa Dom
      February 3, 2011

      I didn’t want to say and I’m a bit annoyed that you have, but that is exactly what I expected to happen but now that you’ve exposed the plan it will not come to fruition. I was waiting for skerritt to expose the fact of his interference in the work of the police. Sometimes we must learn to keep quiet because according to the local saying, “all food good to eat but is not all talk dat good to talk”

      • AC
        February 3, 2011

        See, I am not overly interested in The PM making mistakes. I just want the none sense to stop. Despite the sense that it makes, the first part of my comment was meant to be sarcastic. You and I know that this is not going to happen because the PM would not admit that he tells Carrette what to do. He would not go on TV and do that.

        • Papa Dom
          February 4, 2011

          Well he won’t now but trust me that is exactly what was going to happen. You just wait and you will hear what his statement will be on the matter, that’s all I’ll say for now.

  12. One Day
    February 3, 2011

    This is the funniest of all time. How can Dominica be taken seriously? This is hilarious to the MAX. but with all this, I know what goes up must fall down. The govt should reconsider its ways.

  13. mahaut
    February 3, 2011

    Is a charge a conviction? The last time I checked no. They have the right to fight that charge if they deemed that they did not break the law. If you know that you are going to stage a demonstration then, why not just ask for the permit.

    In that way, you can ensure that you are doing it, with the laws of the country. I thought that was stupid on the UWP part. Now, why can the police charge one man for smoking a joint, or having a joint on him, and not just take the joint and let him go? He is disobeying the law.

    • Pam
      February 3, 2011

      Mahaut, are you are a lawyer or a paid propagandist? When does a procession become a demonstration? Ask the incompetent Carrette and the PM who is most likely on his last lap. Ask the past leaders and forbearers of Dominica who have gone to their graves fighting for dignity of our people including you and your types.
      Also ask the children who are watching and witnessing this madness unfold.

      ‘Pray for the black man for he is still tormented by his history’.

      • mahaut
        February 3, 2011

        Pam,
        I am neither; just an average Joe, trying to think sensibly about this situation that is ruining my country. I am one who believes in equal rights and justice. In fighting for equal rights, one must follow the laws of the country. If it oppresses an individual, then I am against it. But does asking for a permit, violate human rights..i do not think so?

        If UWP was denied that permit, then that is another matter. That their fundamental right to hold a procession/demonstration, what ever you want to call it is being violated. Then I agree with you go ahead with it and then face the consequence to show that your right was infringed upon. That’s why there are courts in Dominica, to decide on matters like that, because in his owns eyes, everyman thinks that he is right, even the PM Skerrit and Mr. James.

      • jabo
        February 3, 2011

        when leaders of the UWP are on q95 calling on supporters to attend a peaceful protest (the same event). just rewind the thursday night tapes.

    • One Love
      February 3, 2011

      Dear BOGUS Mahaut

      I am sure you supported the jailing of Nelson Mandela because he broke the law a– – h—

      • John Brown
        February 3, 2011

        Nelson Mandela COMPARABLE to the UWP, umm umm umm,Now that’s reaching.

        PS- try commenting without Profanity

        • Mikey
          February 3, 2011

          That is not what he say stupid John Brown. He was making a point –open you mind dumbo

  14. LMAO
    February 3, 2011

    Edison James is just a big cry baby. If we can be honest with ourselves we will remember that he started the UWP to spite Miss Charles.. Then it was fear no more and the bugging allegations, which was a total embarrassment for him and the party. The entire political strategy of the UWP fron the year 2000 has been personal attacks on individuals rather than focusing on a campaign based on the policies that they UWP will put in place to improve D/ca. The worst part is all his followers are being dragged down the same emotional path. These guys need to get off the Skerrit bashing, and concentrate on talking about themselves and their plans rather than Skerrit.
    (it’s like two men fighting for the same girl. While one is bad mouthing the man to the girl, and doesn’t tell her what he can and will do for her, the more he pushes her to the first man who takes her out and sweet talks her! the more you criticize a man to a woman, the more she is pushed to that man. UWP need to change their focus, because that crap hasn’t worked for ten years now!)

    PEACE!!

    • Anonymous
      February 3, 2011

      oh shut the hell up! skerrit that is the cry baby!

  15. Carrot
    February 3, 2011

    Jail them

  16. Anonymous
    February 3, 2011

    I am understanding that there is a movement to change things and this is being led by people on the inside. Dominicans are feeling,seeing and learning. Red blue and green are seeing the truth. The time is nigh….Skerro is gonna have to tun too, just like all other corrupt leaders will.

  17. It's Now the UWP BEST Option, now, this Situation
    February 3, 2011

    Please Talk Note/attention: UWP

    This is our best situation, exmaple to show the world, Dominica political situation, of a corrupt governemnt, which seek to eliminate the oposition in all posible ways…..

    So, therefore am asking you, the members of the oposition, to go to jail if you have to go to jail, and when you’ll in jail, it will show or bring the attention to Dominica your’ll trying hard to show the people of Dominica…. this will be like the South Korea

    You’ll will then get intrnational coverage, by the media, friendly governments, group, etc, exposing the gvernement worng doing, this debated broadly, without political siding, etc….

    Please Note, that nelson mandia spend 27 years in jail…. did his jail help is cause? YES!!! SO GO TO JAIL, SADLY, BUT IS THE BEST THING, AND DON’T REPLACE MEMBER, ALSO THE WILL BE ELECTION BASE ON THE SENTENCE…

    • Law_Student
      February 3, 2011

      You cannot compare the members of the UWP to Ex President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. This is a very poor analogy; it’s putting square pegs in wrong holes.

      • One Love
        February 3, 2011

        but a few dominicans dare use skerrit’s name in the same sentence with President Obama’s

        These men are our Mandela’s Biko’s and so on

  18. Deoborah
    February 3, 2011

    Skerro was disqualified from running the last elections because he had two passports, so he is ensuring that the top UWP brass cannot run for the next elections since they will all have criminal convictions.

  19. LADY
    February 3, 2011

    Honestly this is ridiculous. This is crazy. Skerrit will do more !!!!!!!!!!!! Honestly I am not even feeling sorry for US Dominicans anymore. Enjoy what you put there.

  20. Gobeckmore
    February 3, 2011

    First, I am not red, blue or green. I’m Dominican.
    Healthy opposition makes for a better run country. I fully support the opposition leading a peaceful protest for what was viewed as an unjust approach by an unbalanced speaker. Always remember, no justice no peace!! It would have been nice to get the necessary permission but I question whether it would have been granted in a timely manner. I endorse the public gathering.
    I never thought I would see my lovely Dominica come to this. I thought the young PM would bring energy and help create opportunities for graduating students and individuals generally. Create avenues that will encourage entrepreneurship and thus jobs. We have too many qualified Dominicans building other people’s countries while foreigners who can less about us, enjoying what God has blessed us with. Better days must come.

  21. jano
    February 3, 2011

    I wonder how many people will get arrested in Egypt for demonstration…

    • mahaut
      February 3, 2011

      Here is a bit from an article…that I got from AP.

      “Egyptian security officials say 860 protesters have been arrested during two days of anti-government demonstrations.

      The officials say nearly 600 were detained in Cairo. The remainder were arrested in the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria and elsewhere.

      They say not all protesters would be referred to prosecutors, suggesting some of them would be freed after questioning by police.”

  22. Bojangles
    February 3, 2011

    THIS IS UTTER NONSENSE MR. POLICE COMMISSIONER !! WHY IS IT SO EASY TO CHARGE THESE MEN FOR EXERCISING THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS?

    WHAT A JOKE DOMINICA HAS BECOME, WHEN THESE ARE THE CALIBER OF MEN IN POSITIONS OF POWER REPRESENTING US !!!
    DOMINICANS, TIME IS RUNNING OUT, THESE MEN ARE DESPERATE, & “DESPERATE MEN DO DESPERATE THINGS.!!
    REMEMBER, “WHEN THE PEOPLE ARE AFRAID OF THE GOVERNMENT, THERE IS ANARCHY, BUT WHEN THE GOVERNMENT IS AFRAID OF THE PEOPLE “TRUE DEMOCRACY REIGNS”
    LOOK AT TUNISIA ! LOOK AT EGYPT !!

    • zuma
      February 3, 2011

      Bojangles i am forced to respond to your comment

      I imagine that you are someone who is educated therfore i will speak with you as such

      your comment holds no strengh, as someone in your position should know, to demonstrate in any way needs some kind of permission

      further more if any one should make a public nuisance of themselves by disturbing the peace i must agree they should be punished

      this was the case of the uwp and its supporters, they disobeyed a rule and the payment of this is punishment

      if we want peace in dominica we should abide by the rules, yet still rules are made to be broken and so consequnces must be faced ( which can be interpreted like being between a hard rock and stone)

      i am not being critical just bringing a point through.

  23. negre marwon
    February 3, 2011

    If we take a look at history the tyrants of the world have always tried to muzzle the opposition.It happenedin South Africa, Dominica in 79, Hitler in Germany,Tunisia,Papa Doc,and today in Egypt.
    The most blatant law breaker in Domin ica the Illegal prime minister will get his reward in due course.
    His time will come!!!
    Hold strong UWP!! Good will triumph over evil

  24. Disturbed
    February 3, 2011

    This is the most ridiculous story ever!

    When 30,000 people will take to the streets with no Eddison, Ron Green or Hector John leading I want to know what they are going to do….

    Because something is telling me that that day will come!!!

    • soloved!
      February 3, 2011

      Disterbed!
      where in domonica is the UWP going to get 30,000 people to walk in roseau with it! are you a joker just as the are? there arre laws in dominica ok! and if you break it you will pay thats all

      • Pepper
        February 3, 2011

        Abeh u well DISTURBED!! Where is the 30,000 people coming from?

    • still
      February 3, 2011

      quick question dominica supposedly has a population of about 65-70 thousand. if therefore 30 thousand disagree with the Labour and protest and 35 thousand agree with them where should he go to. where is the democracy in him leaving for 30 thousand??

    • jabo
      February 3, 2011

      DISTURBED, 30,000 WILL TAKE TO THE STREETS IN THE YEAR 2090. THAT IS WHEN YOU ARE UP FROM YOUR SLUMBER.

  25. Proud Dominican
    February 3, 2011

    They being charged is not the fault of anyone but themselves. They should’ve seeked permission from the necessary authorities before initializing their protest action. You all have been the ones calling for the country’s laws to be enforced, now here it is. Their is indeed a price to pay for breaking the law.

    • Papa Dom
      February 3, 2011

      “seeked” what word is this? Anyway, one does not have to seek permission to protest in Dominica we are not in china.

      • Proud Dominican
        February 3, 2011

        The law is the law and if the law of DOMINICA says that permission must be granted to allow persons to conduct some sought of protest, then the individuals should seek permission. If they had obeyed the law then they would not have been in this predicament. It’s people like you that think breaking the law of a country is just fine.

        • Tell me
          February 3, 2011

          The law is the lwa, however, the law seem to be siding some faction of the population, like the rich and not the poor; government and not the poposition….

          Please let there be EQUAL RIGHTS AND JUSTIC, and it should not seem only for one set of people… this is the recipe for peace, my fellow people of Dominica…

        • concern/dominican
          February 3, 2011

          what is good for the goose is good for the gander so the PM should be get away with what he did what kind of justic are you preaching I would rather see fairness and equal justic for all

  26. Papa Dom
    February 3, 2011

    Well I must be reading this wrong but the DNO says “the Public Order Act, which states that permission must be granted for the holding of any public procession” So to my mind the question is, was there a public procession or was a public gathering, which is guaranteed under the constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
    It is time this little boy skerritt stops with his silly political games.

  27. John Brown
    February 3, 2011

    The questions are, DID THEY HAVE PERMISSION TO DEMONSTRATE? DID THEY EVEN SEEK PERMISSION TO DEMONSTRATE? If not, Why would season politicians knowing better call for and stage a public demonstration without seeking official permission from the police like they have done in the past?

    All ranting, raving, hyperventilating and political doomsday Scenarios aside, this is the million-dollar questions, can we get an answer please if that’s not to much to ask.

    • Pam
      February 3, 2011

      The question Dominica is in trouble and why ‘domboes’ like you dont know that?

      • John Brown
        February 3, 2011

        We see what we want to see. If i am a domboe and you are not try commenting without name calling.

  28. Looking in from the outside.
    February 3, 2011

    Guys, do not worry about that. Mandela went through more than that for the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
    Keep up the good fight and hope Dominica and Dominicans prosper.
    As ‘survivor’ says,,,you break the law, you suffer the consequences…..Skerro did break the law,,,lets see how blind justice really is.
    Time will tell

  29. WENDY JAMES
    February 3, 2011

    THIS IS JUST A SCARE TACTICS, THIS HAPPENS ALL OVER TH E WORLD EVERYDAY . WE WILL GET USE TO THE IDEA SOON ,THAT NO ONE SHALL RISE UP AGAINST THE ALL MIGHTY ONE.

  30. AC
    February 3, 2011

    WAW!!! So let’s say all those mentioned go to jail. What happens? No more opposition? Smooth!!!! DA will be the smoothest run country in the world then… We could forget about the court cases and all that corruption talk!!!! Smooth…We don’t even have to have elections anymore!! Fantastic….. Who said we can’t have heaven here in Dominica???

  31. jah kingshill
    February 3, 2011

    so much for freedom of speech

  32. natural dominican
    February 3, 2011

    permission!!!!!!….ppl not looking for permission to express dissatisfaction…look at Egypt…enough talk time for action

    • Anonymous
      February 3, 2011

      I say time for action, but dominicans too coward, plenty mouth…. no brain and full of crap

  33. chemist
    February 3, 2011

    Shoudn’t Mr Carrette be focussed on attempting to train is police officers to better handle the crime situation in Dominica!! Should he be more focussed on working on the ways we are going to curb the increase in gun violence (amnesty ain’t cutting in). I am so sick of people that should be there to protect the people being all up in their political games!! If it’s not the DPP it’s the police commisioner!!! Shouldn’t office such as these be free of political bias (no matter how hard it is)!!

    CHOOOPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! Mr Carette stop wasting tax payers money!! Why didn’t you arrest them on the day of the protest…why wait several months!!

  34. baby girl
    February 3, 2011

    the french man is not afarid and more will be charged

  35. POSITIVELY DOMINICAN
    February 3, 2011

    This Chief of Police is a real puppett – doing what his master Skerro tells him to do!!

    You will surely pay for your actions!!!!!!!!!

    You won’t distract us from the real issues in Dominica!!!!

  36. Esquire
    February 3, 2011

    The charging of this UWP leadership is a strategic mistake by the DLP.

    As stated previously it is a dumb move for DLP. I guess dumbness is not limited to the UWP. The DLP Minister in charge of police is not suppose to politically interfere with police law & order matters but Government through its’ Attorney General should have declined prosecution by the police / prosecutor. Further, the PM should now express reservations against these charges.
    Yes law and order should be respected. Permission should be applied for – law & Order Act. But a March on Parliament is an expression of free speech. UWP conducted one march without permission. If is done repeatedly without permission then I can see charges. On May 29th permission was arbitrarily withheld – we March on Parliament without permission. It was not only a wonderful strategy and the right of the people – but very successful. UWP did not march repeatedly without permission – they did it 1 time – thus a warning is maybe more appropriate.

    Labor’s political calculations of charging the UWP are a strategic mistake for the simple reason making the UWP victims instead of dummies. Labor is creating sympathy for UWP. DLP is giving the UWP breathing room. The morass of no traction with the public for all the charges they hurl at Labor because they are viewed as incapable dummies – but if UWP is viewed as victims (instead of dummies) – good leadership could milk these charges to the point of creating a capable opposition movement.

    This will be the Backlash to DLP!

    It happened on May 29th 1979. We gathered at the Ministry to start the peaceful march – bullets & blood later it became a revolution which deposed the then John Government – there was no permission from the police. It was an expression of free speech due to the fact that permission was arbitrarily withheld thus the wonderful strategy. Marching on the Parliament – is the right of the people.

    PJ made us victims instead of opposition activist – after the police declined – he sent out the Army Defense Forces. The police boot was on the other foot as Labor lost power for 20 years.

    Think strategically because charging UWP is exactly what they wanted – to be in the news crying foul, playing victim thus the charges of the Dictatorship by the Skerrit led Labor becomes more credible, thus perceived as true – then perception becomes reality.

  37. Survivor
    February 3, 2011

    If they truly had no official permission for staging a demonstration, they should never have demonstrated. Evetything in life has a price. You break the law you suffer the consequences

    • labouuuurr
      February 3, 2011

      so if u ask for permission and they said no u cant demonstrate ok

      • Anonymous
        February 3, 2011

        Did they ask for permission? we need to know.

      • Anonymous
        February 3, 2011

        Labourrrrr,

        What happen you cannot understand that they didn’t ask for permission?!

    • Mystikal
      February 3, 2011

      Didn’t the PM break the law by clearly contesting elections when he knows that he had dual citizenship which made him unqualified? what is good for the gander must be good for the geese too. Is only one set the law is for while others can break it and do as they please?

      • Just giving my two cents
        February 3, 2011

        Isn’t the PM being taken to court for breaking the said law? So what is your point?

    • LMAO
      February 3, 2011

      These people staged a protest outside parliament because they asked questions that were deemed inappropriate. For the record, the UWP and majority of D/ca’s ‘Journalists’ don’t ask appropriate questions. What they do is pose challenges to the person they are supposedly asking a question to, and they need to understand that there is a big difference!

  38. Wow who let the dogs out?
    February 3, 2011

    I didnt realise it was so easy to charge people in Dominica.. given the difficulties they have had to charge Isidore and others.

  39. Lord!
    February 3, 2011

    I AGREE THAT IT IS INDEED AN ATTEMPT TO NEUTRALIZE THEIR ENEMIES.

    THE STRATEGY IS:

    ARREST THE OPPOSITION
    SO THAT THEY WONT BE ABLE TO RUN FOR ELECTION ACCORDING TO THE CONSTITUTION.
    THEN CALL ELECTIONS

    BUT IT WILL NOT WORK

    JUSTICE WILL NOT ALLOW IT

    MORE WILL RISE TOTAKE THEIR PLACE

  40. mouth of the south
    February 3, 2011

    hhhhmmmm that is just a pshychological tactic used to derail them from the real case that’s going on in the courts,,,,everything skerro does has pshychology to it,,,, but what he doesn’t know is that the u.w.p has nothing to lose but he stand to fail miserably,,,,

    • labouuuurr
      February 3, 2011

      well said ,but remember we are in power,so who would be the stupid to give any one to demonstrate only a fool

  41. wesleyman
    February 3, 2011

    Pathetic…… :-P

  42. My Pressure Up
    February 3, 2011

    A battery of lawyers who are interested in freedom and democracy should form a team to defend each and every of the persons charged pro bono (for free).

  43. LMAO
    February 3, 2011

    These UWP leaders need to accept that they need to change their strategy and keep a lower profile. Their current actions are just plain pathetic. They need to stop acting like a bunch of cry babies and grow up. Public parliament, public demonstrations, and just plain acting like idiots during proceedings. these people are poor leaders and even worst strategists.

    PEACE!

    • R u kidding me?
      February 3, 2011

      U r such a fool…..Get educated and open up your eyes. Can’t you see what’s going on around you…Stupessssssss.

      • Anonymous
        February 3, 2011

        only a fool knows a fool, for God sake stop insulting each other.

        • Crabfest
          February 3, 2011

          Only a fool knows a fool? where do you come up with these nonsense?
          Fools are not even aware that they are fools, so explain to me how it takes a fool to know a fool.
          It’s time we Dominicans understand what is being said before we choose to repeat

    • labouuuurr
      February 3, 2011

      i agree with u a 100%.we are in power ,they dont need to express no freedom of nothing ,they are poor leaders cuz nobody comes to demonstrate even its their right

  44. More propaganda
    February 3, 2011

    It’s called ‘neuralizing’ your enemies.

    • mouth of the south
      February 3, 2011

      i think the word is neutralizing,,,, don’t u think so,,,, :lol: :lol: :lol:

      • More Propaganda
        February 3, 2011

        Ok.. got me on my spelling… I was multi-tasking at the time.
        Thanks for looking out :lol:

        • Dominican
          February 3, 2011

          so what if you miss a letter, what you get a c- for that

  45. Lord!
    February 3, 2011

    IF THE UWP IS SO INEFFECTIVE, WHY IS THE LABOUR PARTY SO AFRAID OF THEM.

    ….AND WHY IS IT ONLY NOW THAT THEY ARE CHARGED?

    WHAT ARE YOUAFRAID OF MR. FRENCH MAN?

    THIS IS PROOF THAT YOU ARE BACK UP IN A CORNER AND DIGGING A DEEPER HOLE FOR YOURSELF

    • labouuuurr
      February 3, 2011

      noooooo. very great polical strategy, dont u think so
      will make the public even more afraid to come out lololol
      leave my P.M alone

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