STAY WELL & SPARKLE: Rampant Brutality on Police in Dominica

Police eyes rightThe media houses reported it accurately, but the details are even more chilling. Plain-clothes Constable Wilburton Jules was perched on the safety of his band’s hi-fi carnival truck.  A fight erupted amidst the festivities. He hopped down, identified himself as a policeman to restore order. Mind you, the typical Dominican does not endanger himself, but reflexively whips out his cell phone to post gruesome video on social media. (Click below for the audio track for this article).

Constable Jules duly proceeded to separate the fighters. Thereupon the combatants all turned on him. They showered kicks and punches, knocking him to the ground. They struck him with the blunt end of the hammer and were about to stick the pick end into his brain. Attorney Ronald Charles rushed in to assist the stricken officer.

Charles described how one actually climbed over him with a “15 pound rock” to smash the officer’s skull. By the grace of God, Charles was able to deflect the stone.  It ended up grazing the victim’s head, but still inflicting significant trauma. Others, including a gentleman known only at this point as Jason the Port worker, suffered serious injuries shielding the fallen officer from the frenzied attack. It is obvious what would have happened had they not hustled Officer Jules away to the refuge of a nearby office.

Constables Leblanc and Jules barely survived attacks while doing their duty
Constables Leblanc and Jules barely survived attacks while doing their duty

A few days later, while buying coconut water near Emile Raffoul’s business place, I overheard a young man ranting. “So much wickedness police doing, one of them just get a little lash and allu bawling!” Needless to say, as I pondered that encounter this past week, I wondered if anyone else saw something wrong with this picture.

As a son and grandson of police officers, I took this personally. Once, in the early 1960’s Newtown, my father attempted to arrest a drunk and disorderly woman. The oldest trick for a woman in those days was to fling up her dress. When Constable Christian respectfully turned his face away, the woman fled. How would men react today to a female exposing herself? You decide…

Gabriel Christian references law enforcement in his dazzling anthology of Dominican stories, Rain on a Tin Roof. Chapter 1 is actually a depiction of Grandpa Christian, a police corporal from Antigua. His 1930’s exploits with contraband liquor in the Kalinago territory make for gripping reading. “Rain” is now a required textbook for Caribbean literature in several American universities. On sale in bookstores and Urgent Care, the e-book is now available to anyone anywhere wishing to browse this captivating time capsule of Dominican culture. https://shelfwise.directfrompublisher.com/catalog/book/rain-tin-roof

Indeed, policing today is a horse of a different colour. The supreme irony is that Constable Jules assailants turned out to be the very same gang involved in the stabbing of Constable Jeremy Leblanc exactly one year before. That policeman likewise had to be flown out for surgery. He lost a portion of his bowel. Reduction of charges from attempted murder/grievous bodily harm to a simple wounding sent shock waves through the Force. The assailants were loosed back on the streets to strike again – and that without fear.

Lawyer Ronald Charles' quick actions saved Constable Jules
Lawyer Ronald Charles’ quick actions saved Constable Jules

A lot of the cold calculated chopping and viciousness nowadays is a by-product of the frustration of unemployment and worsening economic conditions. Police inadvertently become the face of policies they did not impose. On condition of anonymity, police officers spoke with great feeling on this matter. They complain that members of the public would neglect reporting stashes of drugs and weapons of dealers – until they themselves become targets. When Police do intervene, there’s a quick hue and cry of excessive use of force.

This is not to say there are no rogue cops. Those involved in the Portsmouth jail murder and those eager to crush Salisbury citizens desperate cry for help, come to mind. Nevertheless, compared to their peers around the world, I rate the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force is a mostly professional organization bravely striving to uphold the Constitution.

I render medical care to police officers. They do not carry the sword in vain. But they have feelings too: hurts and scares, dreams and aspirations. They have families depending on them. That’s somebody’s baby girl or baby boy who grew up to protect and serve the rest of us. Every day they put their lives on the line for us every day. The least we can offer these custodians of the law is our prayers and support.

Thanks to the heroic intervention of Ronald Charles Esq., Jason the Port worker and others, Constable Jules is alive today. Barely. An attack on any officer is an attack on the very fabric of society. May our homes, churches and schools double down on inculcating a deeper respect for law and order. After all, it is the police who provide the security and stability essential to our own individual success as well as for the rebuilding of our nation.

Click the arrow to listen to the audio track for this article

Dr. Sam CHRISTIAN (4)

Maj. Sam Christian is Medical Officer of the Dominica Cadet Corps and syndicated columnist focusing on health and related development issues. Click on the Urgent Care website http://urgentcareda.weebly.com/ for more information on Dr. Christian.

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45 Comments

  1. February 22, 2016

    Not enough could be said in praise of Lawyer Ronald Charles.

    The swift thinking and courage of this man no doubt saved a life.

    THANK YOU Sir :!:

    Men like you seldom think of themselves as heroes. But the rest of us salute you.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  2. Out of Tiffany,OH
    February 22, 2016

    If I ran the Saunders camp I would play on Bill’s Compound word Change-maker. They have made millions in speeches figures like $650K /speech
    I read ur inclusion of the Gabriel’s book as a change-maker too LMAO real loud Sam! All u good boy!

  3. Yes
    February 22, 2016

    We have policing by consent of the people, why so much rage and violence?

    This is a problem that needs to be addressed now! A small group of people need to look into this and come back with an explanation of why people feel it is right to behave like this and find out what justification people really feel that there is for this kind of behaviour.

    Some form of action plan is needed, because if this is how people are going to behave, we can make laws and punishments to deal with this behaviour.

  4. Delvin Castro
    February 22, 2016

    Where is McIntyre in all dis, Ronald Charles seems to do everything, even saving de officer life.

    • ColinTwin
      February 22, 2016

      Ronald Charles Office is nearby and he just happened to be at the scene when the incident occurred. Jeeeeeeez! MMAB

  5. Balizier
    February 22, 2016

    Outstanding article!

    Even though I don’t always agree with u Sir, I know once I see Sparkle, I must stop and read. It’s not spouting angry divisive criticism. Instead you say what u have to say in a fair and focused way. You alway leave me with a positive take home message.

    Policing is dangerous. We have to pray for and protect our policemen.

  6. Careful Dr. Sam
    February 22, 2016

    The bad guys may not like that and try take it out on you…

    And if police use this article as a excuse to start to massacre people, how would u feel. It must take a lot of courage to write something outspoken like that. Well said. I listen to your ‘progress report’ several times. You sound very confident, very persuasive.

    Your taking on this explosive issue reminds me of the story of WHO WILL BELL THE CAT!

  7. citizen
    February 21, 2016

    We need police men they are important to us all, but there seem to be a culture cultivated by the police men that they are of special material superior to the masses, while civilians are made up of a more inferior stock; most if not all police men only respect people in high position more so, persons employed in the public service, and their political leaders, but holds very little regard for the roots man on the ground, this kind of situation will always trigger certain reaction; few police will consider the roots man and i dear say these police officers can walk practically any where without fear and that i believe should be the norm.
    policemen are humans too and many times in attempting to defuse certain situation the adrenaline gets to them faster than may be the real culprit, then such situation gets out of hand, instead of calming down is like pouring oil on troubled water.
    I say this because in my life time i have seen police in action and as the saying would say two…

  8. Historian
    February 21, 2016

    just can you expound on the 1930 kalinago uprising would like to know a little more.

    • Cherisse
      February 22, 2016

      I prefer to listen to the doc on this sound tract. For me it sound better because because is those nice policemen face I seeing. Hailas….

      https://soundcloud.com/dr-sam-christian/brutality-audio

    • CARIB WAR: Wikipedia
      February 22, 2016

      The population of the Carib Reserve remained disconnected from the rest of Dominica, seldom seen and largely self-sustaining apart from some limited illegal trade with the neighboring French islands of Marie Galante and Martinique.[11] The colonial Administrator decided to crack down on this smuggling due to its impact on revenues, and in 1930, five armed policemen entered the Territory to seize smuggled goods and to arrest suspects.[12] When the police tried to seize a quantity of rum and tobacco and to take away suspects in Salybia, a crowd gathered in response and hurled stones and bottles. The police fired into the crowd, injuring four, of whom two later died. The police were beaten but managed to escape to Marigot, without having seized prisoners or contraband. The Administrator responded by summoning the frigate HMS Delhi which fired star shells into the air and displayed searchlights along the shore; the Caribs ran in fear from this display of force and hid in the

  9. Face the Facts
    February 21, 2016

    Your statement: “A lot of the cold calculated chopping and viciousness nowadays is a by-product of the frustration of unemployment and worsening economic conditions.”
    Dr. Christian, I beg to differ. Consider if everyone who is unemployed did that what type of society would we have?
    Some people use this as an excuse. It is a cop out. We must get to the root of the problem why some are unemployed. Granted, some are unemployed through no fault of their own. Others are unemployed through their own fault. This is why I stated, “get to the root of the problem.”
    How many of those criminals/murderers obtained a high school education, college and university? They must be asked why they chose that type of life over seeking employment and they are heartless in harming their fellow people.

    • Face the Facts
      February 21, 2016

      Anyone ever thought that godlessness is also a primary result of their evil attitude? Need I elaborate further on this?
      If you do not love God, you cannot love your fellow people and vice versa.
      You should also know some were deported from the advanced countries they resided in. They did not conduct themselves as law-abiding people when they had the opportunity to make something worthwhile of themselves. Who is to be blamed for that? .
      There are some lazy bones who want a leisure life, have no wish to work but want big money to enjoy the amenities of life. Surely, the government and society are not to be blamed for the problems of some of them and as some go about committing viciousness in the land.
      Prior to feeling sorry for them, I would like to know their background and history from childhood to adulthood. Therein lie the problem of why they chop and shoot others and get into problems with the Law.
      These are in dire need of rehabilitation.

  10. Face the Facts
    February 21, 2016

    Police Officers are people too! They have similar feelings as the public. They are performing their job and they should not be harmed.
    I am stating, any one who harms a police officer especially in the execution of his duty should never be allowed to walk the streets again. This is also when the death penalty should be restored.
    I find it hard to think that people murder others in cold blood and they are out walking the streets while their victims are six feet under and their families are left to mourn their loss, even for a lifetime. It is a life sentence for also the families.
    Whoever deprives people of their life, if there is no death penalty, they should be incarcerated for life. Is it not time this Law should be changed, not only in Dominica?
    Now that other Police Officers are harmed, I hope the government, police authorities consider this and make some changes.
    Dominicans, there is action in numbers. Let your voices be heard but peace and patience!

  11. Face the Facts
    February 21, 2016

    Police Officer Jules had no idea these men were dangerous and had weapons.
    The Chief of Police prohibited weapons at that time. They were warned. We expect these men to be also charged with carrying dangerous weapons and breach of order, not to have any on their person in the carnival bands. These are disobedient men who are brazen and who do not adhere to regulations, law and order.
    They know how to deprive others of happiness, peace and enjoyment. No empathy for them. They very well knew their intent and why they carried such a dangerous weapon.
    People have to be hard of heart to do something as that to their fellow people. They must be dealt with the full extent of the Law.
    I am emphasizing, “NO BAIL” for them! Their wicked act, for now, is attempted murder. It is a serious crime. They must not be allowed in the D/can society. Much more that this is not the first time.

  12. Face the Facts
    February 21, 2016

    Dr. Christian: In your further article: The oldest trick for a woman in those days was to fling up her dress. When Constable Christian respectfully turned his face away, the woman fled. How would men react today to a female exposing herself? You decide…

    A good one for a good laugh at the ignorance and immorality of some people.
    These things have their people. :lol: :lol: :lol: In those days they would be really shocked. It may have been a ploy so that she could get away.
    Thinking of this scene, It may have still shocked and haunted him for days. :lol: :lol: :lol:
    Today, I doubt if the Constable would be shocked. We have heard and seen too much in this era. Nothing appears to be shocking anymore. :lol: :lol: :lol: As the years progress, it is becoming worst.
    The Constable of today would quickly arrest her for indecent exposure. If she ran away and he knows where she resides, she would be arrested at her home.

    • Face the Facts
      February 21, 2016

      This reminds me, last year in the band, at the commencement of carnival celebration, remember the woman who exposed herself to the crowd?.
      The police went to her home and arrested her. I wonder what happened to her?

  13. Face the Facts
    February 21, 2016

    Pertaining to this article: A few days later, while buying coconut water near Emile Raffoul’s business place, I overheard a young man ranting. “So much wickedness police doing, one of them just get a little lash and allu bawling!”
    Dr. Christian this is someone who appeared not to know what he stated. As Our Lord Jesus Christ said on The Cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” In this case for, “He knew not what he said.”
    You can conclude that this is an ignorant person who has a mouth but with nothing substantial to state. There are few who are. We note by some comments.
    There is a generalization of all the police, male and/or female. This man deserved no attention whatsoever except to smile/laugh :) :lol: at his words. Some people love to hear themselves talk, listened to and love an audience.

  14. Helas!
    February 21, 2016

    Well said and thank you Dr. Christian, I have not heard from the Chief, the Ministers, kairi, but very surprising is the silence by q95. I surely did not expect the Ag to say or do anything, but he is not worth it.
    DOMINICA LOSES WHEN WE BASH THE POLICE SO UNMERCILESSLY!!!!!

  15. THC
    February 21, 2016

    Dr.Sam…. what’s your take on medical cannabis? please be honest and factual. :wink:

  16. Impressive...
    February 21, 2016

    Thank you Dr. Sam for standing with the police. I like your firm, no nonsense approach. You also come across as caring and constructive. You made me feel these officers pain.

    Let me wish you the very best in helping Dominica rise again!

  17. love I
    February 21, 2016

    Well said Dr. CHRISTIAN….AND HATS OFF TO THE TWO HEROES

  18. Shameless
    February 21, 2016

    Thank you doc for such an uplifting article. The question now is; “Who will protect the police?” 8)

    You and I remember the days of Howling, Que-Pasa, Pocosion and Mal when certain parts of the Island were no-go zones. Back then we had a no-nonsense police force that literally broke the backs of the criminals. Those were “real policemen” whether we like it or not. Desperate times called for desperate measures. Men like the legendary Shadow, Old Daddy, Alpe, Sambo, Angelo, George and others put country first and did what they had to do.

    Today, we have a force that has been politicized and thus has lost public confidence and trust.However, the biggest problem is the police command and government meddling. The chief and government MUST allow the police to do their jobs without interference. Stand behind your officers! :twisted:

    I wish the officers a speedy recovery and urge he public to come forward so those responsible can be prosecuted and punished.

    Always…

  19. nicole
    February 21, 2016

    As far as I see it, being a police officer in ANY country these days is not worth it. The same legal system whichthey serve often fails to protect them ( sometimes because of public accusations of police brutality).

    If these “animals” had already seriously assaulted an officer just ONE YEAR prior, why were they not rotting in jail or DEAD. Brutally attacking an officer of the law for any cause ( other than GENUINE self defense) should be punishable by long prison term or death. These guys put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect. And contrary to popular opinion, not all of them are ” dirty” or corrupt.

    I will say it again as I have said many time here on DNO, offenders within our societies will only get serious when the law gets serious. Or is it because some of us are not police officers and we sit in our comfy offices or homes in a nest of safety that we do not want to implement justice and restore law and order.

    I pity honest people who are policemen…

    • Coco
      February 22, 2016

      “Brutally attacking an officer of the law for any cause ( other than GENUINE self defense) should be punishable by long prison term or death.”

      This statement is very negative. So because it’s a police officer that they should receive long prison terms or death? What makes them so special?

      • February 22, 2016

        Thank you Dr. Sam Christian:

        I have enjoyed your medical writings but didn’t know you were from a second generation policing family. Your details of this terrible attack on Constable Jules is very meaningful to me. I am still trying to process this.

        Police Officers are special.

        They part of an authority structure put in place by God Himself for the well being of the people. They are not above the law. But while they are enforcing the laws that have been duly handed down by the government they are in fact representing God and by them God wills to maintain order in our society. Please read Romans 13:1 to 7.

        An assault against an officer of the law is therefore an insult against God Himself. It is an assault against the Nation, its Constitution, and its Flag.

        Yes, it is even more serious than an attack on a civilian citizen. The death penalty should be considered for this criminal offence.

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

    • February 22, 2016

      What is good for the goose is good for the gander,,if a civilian hits a police officer you think that this person should take a long term imprisonment or killed ,i think a police officer should be killed or take a long term imprisonment when he hits a civilian..

  20. %
    February 21, 2016

    Very good article Doc…While I do agree that there are rogue elements in the police force,and too many political elements as well,I do not think that anyone should use this as an excuse to attack an officer in the way this man was attacked..I know in a few sister islands the assailants would be dead.MORE OFFICERS NEED TO BE ON DUTY /BEAT with their pistols….. As society is becoming more dangerous,more officers need to be armed… I do not believe however,that the force should continue giving sanctuary to rogue elements…SOME ARE ALWAYS DRUNK,cursing and insulting people,,and others give tips to those who are involved in illicit and nefarious activities.

  21. A
    February 21, 2016

    so true so true my brother.

  22. READY TO FIGHT OR ENJOY THEMSELVES?
    February 21, 2016

    From where did that hammer and that rock appear? Just say…

    • Face the Facts
      February 22, 2016

      It appears those thugs did not hear/read what the Chief of Police stated about weapons in the bands. They had their plans to harm some people. To note that one of them had badly injured a police officer the previous year. He should not have been out. They deserve to remain in custody.

  23. error
    February 21, 2016

    The minister for security in the office of the prime minister should make it mandatory that police officers on and duty are equipped with radios.That would make communication nd response time much quicker.One can’t rely on the use of a cell phone .

  24. anonymous2
    February 21, 2016

    when you deal with crazy people anything goes.

  25. Old Police
    February 21, 2016

    I agree with Doctor Christian. The police officer is there to protect and serve us. Some police not too good, but the majority do a good job. Why do we have young men beating police? We must work to protect our police. I am proud of our police for protecting us. Let us pray for the recovery of policeman Jules and Leblanc. The guys who beat the police must each get 10 plus years. The need exist to clean our streets of these gangsters so we can have a peaceful land.

    • Face the Facts
      February 22, 2016

      These men have no respect for authority. If they did, they would not carry a weapon in the band. Their intention was to viciously use it on anyone who crossed their path. They are bad eggs.

  26. February 21, 2016

    Kudos! Great article.

  27. Mr lacille
    February 20, 2016

    This article is sooo pluralistic
    how can you on one hand condemn lawlessness but condone blocking and burning down the road as so vividly captured in the Trend Setter’s Calypso

    I guess the police men who got injured in protecting the rights of thousands of Dominican, en route to work, school and the hospital, at Solisbury are not someones, son or father
    Or is it one set of citizens are free to brake the law and others are not based of political persuasion?

    you are very inexpressive with the subtle way you disguise a political agenda with such a somber theme

    • Messenger
      February 21, 2016

      Agree with your comments. Sam Christian cannot be serious when he compares the murder of an unarmed man killed in police cells in Portsmouth in the same vein as the mob that attacked police in Salisbury. This article is well written to make people believe that he feels the pain of Policemen. But he must understand that the Police working to keep the peace on carnival day is the same Police that was sent to keep the peace at Salisbury. And no one has any right to stone police when they are performing their lawful duties. These doctors must stop taking Dominicans for fools. We know better and can read between the lines. If you condemning the actions of the thugs who beat the Police Officers on Carnival Day, you must also condemn the thugs that block our streets at Salisbury and caused chaos in our country. Be real. Stop the politricking.

      • YOU MAD MAN!!!
        February 22, 2016

        How can you put people suffering in a village for a road to do their farming in the same boat with brutes that mercilessly attack an innocent policeman to an inch of his life???!!!

        Let’s see how many people go and protest for those people who beat up the police. The doctor didnt say police was wrong to follow orders and do their job in Salisbury. In fact he encourage and strengthen them to do their difficult jobs. The police get it. What he did was criticized police who were “those eager to crush Salisbury citizens desperate cry for help.” Everywhere there are always some bullys and sadistic cops who go bananas when is comes to using force. Salisbury people have rights. The people who beat up and stab police on Carnival have no rights.

        I trust the doctor to tell it like it is and all you wicked heartless corrupt anti-Salisbury people will get what coming for all you!

      • Cherisse
        February 22, 2016

        I prefer to listen to the doc on this sound tract. For me it sound better because because is those nice policemen face I seeing. Hailas….

        https://soundcloud.com/dr-sam-christian/brutality-audio

    • WICKED!!!
      February 21, 2016

      After all!

      How can u compare a whole community rising to strongly petition their government to those thugs who attacked the policemen.

      Its cuz u ppl have no conscience that the country going down down down. U want no interruption to tsking, taking taking.

      Be like the doc. Be balanced and show that u can think for urself. The police appreciate what Dr. Christian say but u always keep going back to Salisbury.

      They lost the battle bu guess what? They’ll definitely win the war!

    • pepsicola
      February 22, 2016

      I had the same observation about this article, while I agree with most of what was written injecting the Salisbury incident was counter productuve. It took away from the message.

      • Face the Facts
        February 22, 2016

        I did not see the need for it to be in the article and unemployment which cause people to chop others and use guns.
        I deduced that Dr. Christian is not a supporter of the current government.
        The Salisbury people demonstrated which appeared more like a riot. They obstructed traffic, disobeyed road regulations and the police.
        Many D/cans could not go to their appointments, medical and other. Students were not able to travel to college to write their exams.
        The police had a right to execute their duty.

  28. Reader
    February 20, 2016

    Very well written, and a lot to ponder on

  29. Newton bone less
    February 20, 2016

    Jean pierre knock them out before they throw u down. Wicked souls. I giving Pierre his full respect because he is a dedicated officer always willing to solve a problem but yet ppl hating him. I’m you nigga from newtown and I watch man disrespect u. Anyways with all that drams with police getting hurt. I will tell u always be on the look out.

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