COMMENTARY: Dread Act….Forty Years On

Henry Shillingford
Kasate Birhanne

The Most draconian piece of legislation ever passed in the history of democratic parliament was so passed in Dominica thirty nine years ago today. So Amnesty International said @ the time.

On November 19 1974in The Dominican House of Assemblythe Patrick John led Labour party along with the Eugenia Charles Freedom Party unanimously passed the infamous Unlawful Societies Act‘The Dread Act’ (only Pat Stevens of Marigot (abstained). The 4th form Grammar school class was there to witness the occasion

This Act made the murder of ‘dreads’ lawful’, they being the only Unlawful Society identified in the Act – hence, ‘The Dread Act’. Dreads, 90% of whom were between 18-26 years old were identified by their knotted hair. Therefore, it is estimated that due to HOW THEY LOOKED!!, between 21-25 youths were lawfully killed as result of that Act. Many, many more were terrorised and some continue to suffer both mentally and physically. This was Parliamentary genocide.Yet since its passage, there has not been one single official or unofficial position on this singular event in parliamentary history. There has not been any explanation, assessment, analysis reflection or recognition of any type at all. No contriteness no reparation no atonement.If there is none then how does a society move on? Dominica does not confront issues hence it does no not move on.  The Dread Act remains a stain on the character of this country having not removed it may be the reason we haven’t moved on.

I hear the refrains I have heard so often – “Oh, if you only knew what a menace those dreads were how they were stealing people crops and people couldn’t go at their home”. With such time to reflect, I doubt even the hardest would say that none of this is justification for state sanctioned murder… of youths with no weapons no communication or affiliations with any groups whatsoever. Any justification or lack of remorse at this time some would say would be sadist in the least.

This article suggests that this day be treated as a line in the sand. When Dominica(ns)in reflection on human rights, on behalf of humanity can testify how depraved human society can become when confronted by hysteria and thereby atone for condemning their own youths to death. Hysteria created by fear of change of moving on. This very change asked for by the youths that is to say;-Eat what you grow; grow what you eat; self sustainability; self reliance; non chemical and non-polluting processes; naturality and respect for heritage; non European alliances. ..are the very elements that are the key to bettering Dominican economy comparative value and therefore its value.

If Dominica fails to confront this deep chasm in its character and make the great leap to emerge from a moral depth to the heights its mountains represent, I suggest it will morally decay.It will regret if it does not use this opportunity to reconcile itself with itself. I suggest Dominica’s failure to resolve this most deep social issue over the last 50 years is a significant factor in its relative social stagnation over that period.

Significant players are still here those who initiated as well as those who implemented and those who suffered and or caused it. As we move to the 40th anniversary of this infamous event let us use the next year to focus on resolving that period in this society by setting up a truth and reconciliation type hearing if only to record for our progeny so that Dominica can Move On to its promise.

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61 Comments

  1. John
    July 10, 2015

    The Dreads murdered Ted Honeychurch in the forest and terrorized his wife Patrica and their housekeeper.

  2. November 21, 2013

    For some years now I have been conducting research on this unprecedented era of our country.

    My book inludes an excerpt with Ras Kabinda formerly Desmond Trotter.

    Few academic analysis has been carried on the Dread era, but I hope that this work will help to bridge the overstanding between the younger and okder generations.

    http://dreadrastafariandethiopia.com

  3. Anonymous
    November 20, 2013

    A lot of people come in here and without any experience or first hand knowledge just start repeating that Dreads were terrorists, they killed people, the law was good etc etc.

    The Dread Act also included elements of the dress code, did you know one could have been punished under the law for wearing African style clothes and for even having platts in your hair?

    Today Dominica is experiencing serious crime levels with drugs, rape, murder, assaults, robbery, kidnapping and all that. Look within your conscience and figure out what would be your response if the Government should pass a law stating that anybody who commits a crime can be held and killed by any member of society without any repercussions?

    You guys would be the first to stand up and oppose. The main problem with this law is that it was not targeted at any particular criminal element, it was targeted at a whole class of people because of the way they dressed, ate, smoke, and how they wore their clothes and hair style. If that is not a holocaust in itself, I don’t know what is. Society is always scared of new things they don’t understand. Just look at what they did to Jesus.

    If we as a society don’t face and dialogue about this blemish on our history books, then we will carry this burden with us through out time.

    This Dread Act was and is draconian and unconstitutional.

    But you know what, GOD is not sleeping. The very same government that pass that law to exterminate the Dreads on behalf of society, is that very same society that rose up and overthrew the government with kulwash and bottles…

  4. .
    November 20, 2013

    THEY WERE NOT DREADS, THEY WERE TERRORISTS. Thanks God this Act was passed, by the then government.That’s why I am still alive today.

  5. Senior Citizen
    November 20, 2013

    For those too young to remember, or those who were not yet born, Mr. Honeychurch Sr. met his death at the hands of the dreads. He was kidnapped and brutally murdered. Three young women in the Portsmouth area were kidnapped and held for several months in the woods. Dominicans were being terrorized by those so-called dreads. The “dread act” is not needed today but it served its purpose.

  6. Are you serious?
    November 20, 2013

    The comments made are as interesting as the article itself.

    However, it saddens me to note that many individuals are unable to objectively view a matter and also without making the messenger as one would say a target of personal attack.

    Whether it was 1000 BC or 39 years ago, we have to acknowledge the fact that this island nation called Dominica passed a law which trampled upon the rights of a targeted group of people in a manner previously unknown to humanity. This was also enacted prior to this former British territory’s independence.

    Thankfully, the law was repealed.

    As a people, we have sympathized with the South Africans during apartheid and Black Americans during segregation and other oppressive times. Nevertheless, as terrible as those times were was a law ever considered in those countries to make it OK to shed the blood of your fellow man simply based on the way he looked.

    Imagine today, all women who wear synthetic weaves are punished simply for the way they look? (or trying to look)or those who wear as little clothing as possible or men who are too dark, have too large and broad a nose or from the wrong part of town?

    Discrimination and the trampling of the rights of others is UNACCEPTABLE in any era, anywhere. It has been expressed that a few of the ‘dreads’ aka your fellow Dominicans trespassed onto the property of others and threatened them. BE it as it may…I would like to think that some provision was available for the ones who were offended to seek legal redress.

    Human rights violations are shameful acts on humanity which is crippling every nation who chooses to justify or turn a blind eye. We need to be honest with ourselves and do what is just and right. As a God fearing nation how can such an act be justified? How would one pray at night for the blessings of God when He thinks it acceptable to consider this towards another? Always remember the Golden Rule: DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.

  7. Rastafari
    November 20, 2013

    Thanks Henry, for your courage, steadfastness and your commitment to humanity. A good man is never, ever acknowledged in his own distinct entity in political geography.

  8. dembow
    November 20, 2013

    a lot of blows on the messenger, but I am old enough to know that a certain area with a few violent rastas had issues with the people, and I cant understand why our army went and killed innocent families who leaved in harmony with nature.. unconstitutional law

    • T
      November 20, 2013

      Harmony with nature my foot. They were feared as much as they were ruthless. These were blood thirsty killers.

  9. Rastafari
    November 20, 2013

    You know, it’s a sad time for Dominica in that it refuses to reconcile its differences with its citizens and admit to wrong doing. It takes courage to even mention the Dread Act illegal and unlawful. I ask all who oppose the call for the abolishment of the Dread Act, How would you feel or what would your views be if, for some reason, the current government passes an act that calls for targeting, hurt and even death of its citizens, who terrorize our communities with guns, drugs, rape of innocent children, theft of private property, (gold chains, cell phones, televisions, …you get the point) Now, ask yourself, is are any of the above mentioned different from what was dubbed “The Dread Act”. Yes, a lot of young men with locks were out of place a lot of the times and that cannot be argued. However, with the propaganda machines rolling and the grab for political power looming, it was perfect opportunity to crush a movement that was overtaking the church in membership, in record numbers. A huge chunk of news concerning matters that happened did not actually happen. How do I know? I was there; I was part of the “Dread” community. I have proof and witnessed the DDF Army displayed bodies of dead young men in their jeeps, passing through villages. The article stated” …between 21-25 youths were lawfully killed as a result of the act.” That is so incorrect and untrue. How about those who were only caught with weed and had no connection to any wickedness, and never made it back home to their loved ones, and were unaccounted for? How about the ones who the cops harassed and cut off their braided hair? That to me is terrorism. I never witnessed or had account of any dead person(s) whom a Dread killed, as far as the “Dread Act” was concerned. It was all “in the news”. I have always said and will continue to say, “Dominicans talk too much (that’s the reason there’s a parrot on our flag) before doing any type of research to find out the “truth”, not what was told us. It is what it is but until we reconcile and come to grips with reality and one another, we are doomed to Hades! Peace and Blessings to all.

  10. Truth be told
    November 20, 2013

    If the Governments of Dominica and Dominicans have managed to bury May 29 1979 and act as if it never happened, even forgetting Phillip Timothy, is not the ‘Dread Act, they will make any effort to recall and analyse. This is a country that does not do analysis or reflection! We are only good at supporting political parties, while what you are calling for us to support Dominica! Dominicans do not understand the difference!

  11. Shameless
    November 20, 2013

    Dreads at the time were CRIMINALS who preyed on society and needed to be dealt with accordingly. Even in the 80′s they continued their assault in society even killing a young Police Officer (Const. Lugay) in Fond Cole. But Change Must Come and so ABSOLUTELY no apology will come from society. Instead, Henry should be apologizing to society on behalf of his criminal minded brothers who terrorized us during those times.

    It gripes me tremendously when false prophets like henry prey on the minds of the younger generation who does not know the history of our turbulent past to benefit his own agenda. I remain adamant, and will until the day I depart this life that the dreads of the time (a bygone era) got just what they deserved. To remind Henry of some of the feared names associated with the dreads back then; Pocosion, Mal, Joey, Tumba and fooloo and Boeboe. Those were the real criminally minded so Henry should talk openly and not on one side of his mouth. But, Change Must Come…

    Assertive, NOT Agressive! :twisted:

    • Mr Gouty
      November 20, 2013

      If it wasn’t for the Dread Act Dominica would be in great trouble today so now we need a drug Act today

      • Lu-Belle
        November 20, 2013

        Dominicans need to enlarge their view of the world, and update the education of children to include kindness, enthusiasm for learning and truth, and reading. Unfortunately reading seems to be considered “soft”. Reading opens the eyes to other ways of thinking and being. Dominicans are stuck in some brackish waters from the past…and proud of it! Small minds, use machetes and threats to clear the way for future generations. Dominica can be a shining example to the entire world, of what Paradise can be. Unfortunately too few “get it”. Plus it’s easier to stay stuck in ignorance than it is to pull out of it. “Emancipate yourselves from Mental Slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds”. You can “twerk” to it, but do you understand? Or care!! First you have to care.

      • diplomat
        November 20, 2013

        On this I agree we need a drug act that has the teeth and jaws of the of the dread act. We will soon lose the country we so dearly love. These young terrorist are arming themselves killing us and each other if we stumble upon their plantations in the bush on our lands and state lands. It high time we get this under control look at morne prosper so many weed farmers! everyday they go onto their farm they even have farms around the country petite savanne, st joseph belles. just to name a few. Interestingly the police seem not to act in accordance I do hope that when they are empowered that they move towards curtailing this situation.

    • Jedi
      November 20, 2013

      Point taken, that both sides need to be shared. However, the FACT that this was LAW enacted by GOVERNMENT and is still on the books of DOMINICA need to be addressed and that public action needs to be addressed. Some DREADS terrorized, while the GOVERNMENT who represents the people SANCTIONED a law which clearly JUSTIFIED MURDER.

      I don’t think anyone is claiming to be a prophet but instead to address public actions that have tarnished our countries character and will continue to.

    • >>>>>>>>>>>>
      November 20, 2013

      @ Shameless I concur with you fully.My father laboured, and they reaped. These criminals were heartless,and would kill for no reason. This Dread Act was the wisest thing to pass at the time. NO APOLOGY REQUIRED!

  12. November 20, 2013

    Interesting.I remember that very well.I think the
    suffer and mentally and physically living dreads should be compensate by the government.What do you think my people?

  13. kwab
    November 19, 2013

    In respect o everyone’s comments it is of utmost concern that i comment on the said Act. Though I was only a baby but the tales still linger in my head of the brutality brought on by the dread and also by the government against them. I truly believe that the dark clouds of shame still hangs over the nature island, for such unlawful carnage to sons of the soil who wanted to be part of the developmental process of land ownership, liberty and to be able to care for their own. The government lack of negotiation led to the Dread Act,that mandated the death of any one who bears the looks of curly hair or locks would be gunned down no questions asked. This barbaric act may have resulted in a quick fix but the real solution may have never been realized since we the people have never risen past our woes of unjust political tyranny. It is over due for Reconciliation on this matter and wipe away the tarnished human rights violation on our island.

  14. forreal
    November 19, 2013

    just recently,i read a commentary,where it was said that dominica should condem sri lanka for human right violaton,well it seems with on demons stocked up in our closet,@fransisco dods,where you reside right now,no one is guilty of a crime,until found so,is this not so right?you made examples of certain individuals in your community,does that mean,that peter should have paid for paul,like the law had clearly stated,the bottom line is,proper policeing and justification should have seeked out the criminals,like we are living today,there is lot of criminals among us today,but the police seek them out from withen our society,they do go about brutalizing everyone,making peter pay for paul,no that does not happen,not even where you reside right now,so you actaully enjoying a well phased society in america,and yet still has the biggest set of criminals around you,the fact is in dominica,a lot of inocent young people got caught in the crossfire,an that is a fact,and that is also history,when societies,feel their old ways fretened by new ways,they respond by killing them,the jews for example,christ was killed,because they feared that the romans would take away their country,and the high places they enjoyed would be no more,mind and mark my words,i am not saying that there were not some bad eggs who did not understand and lacked the knowlege of the whole rastafarian movement,again because of dominicas high rate of illiteracy, withen every society there are bad apples,but that does not give the party in power the right,to give your armed forces the liberty, to go up against unarmed citzens and shoot them of,again @ francisco,what is the difference to what happened here dominica,to the etnic clensing in africa,even human rights advocates condemed these actions,and asked miss charles to put a stop to this unlawfullness,so why are still justifying this brutal actions,you are typical of the older folks here in dominca,very ignorant,you all really think that you all are going to get away with this,no there is a god above,who is going to restore the entire earth,and dominica is not excluded, their still a lot of fammilies who would like closure on their sons,friends who were killed and buried in the hills,and law makers who are still around,with blood on their hands,this commentary does request revenge,but some form of recognition and the law stripped from the books,because truth and fact,this is why dominica is one foot forward and two steps backwards,corrrect the past in other to go forward,simple as that.

    • forreal
      November 19, 2013

      sorry for the badly phrased sentences and missing words,when you write to fast sometimes,you tend to do a lot of errors,my bad,but you all can figure out were i am comming from.

  15. Jay
    November 19, 2013

    Come on Henry, next thing we know those dreads will be canonized. These laws may have been harsh but I remember only too well the terror those fellows struck into the hearts of ordinary law abiding folk.
    Isn’t it funny that once we have smidgen of black blood in our veins we all of a sudden become African, never the other way round. Let me tell you, real Africans would find that laughable.

  16. CIVIL SERVANT
    November 19, 2013

    unconstitutional, unconsitutional, unconstitutional, unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,unconstitutional,

  17. __________________
    November 19, 2013

    Those dreads or terrorist, prevented my uncle from reaping his,cultibvated crop. He was told not to return or pass around the area again.I was dead scared living at home, fearing that these ruthless guys come visit our area and kill. They were dangerous, ruthless thugs and many of them got exactly what they justly deserved. THE ACT SERVED ITS PURPOSE IN THE 70’S AND EARLY 80’S.

    • plant it
      November 20, 2013

      @__________…..if it served it’s purpose, it should now be discarded…that’s what I think Henry is trying to point out…don’t you agree?

    • ...
      November 20, 2013

      and now? what about now in 2013?

    • Natural Living
      November 20, 2013

      so the police or military deal with those particular dreads that were terrorizing you and your family..you cannot tell me you brand a whole group of people…to go as far as making it law to kill them…think of any group of people now..right now..and tell me if that could fly today….Unconstitutional!!!!!!!!!!!

  18. think about it
    November 19, 2013

    I appreciate this enlightening piece on this controversial topic in our history. But I feel though an apology may be due to some but based on research some of this dreads are similar to the modern day al quaida warriors America and the western world is fighting. These Islamic fanatics are espousing the very ideals that those dreads espoused just in a different form and cultural context. So in the next 30 years are we expecting American to apologise and pay reparations for the drone atrocities they are now conducting! I do not think so a terrorist is a terrorist and it is time high time modern day rasta fari accept that at a stage in their chapter the idrens were part and parcel of leading and causing a nation to experience terror beyond the imagination. What I would like to see as a historian is a removal on the classified nature on reports relating to the dread fiasco and the commission of inquiry report into the commonwealth of Dominica police force as we all know a few of the players have died and the living can have a chance to reveal their roles so that others can learn and do not repeat the mistakes.

    • Natural Living
      November 20, 2013

      YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS……you say it yourself in your comment..”SOME OF THE DREADS” not all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      is there are law to wipe out all Islamic fundamentalist?…..Or Christian Fundamentalist?
      NO…but the there are laws to deal with criminals, wheather they use their religious beliefs as a basis or not!!!!! We are being very hypocritical to say that it solved the problem at the time, when black people all over the world were being treated the same as the dreads here simply because of the colour their skin……

      • think about it
        November 20, 2013

        well @ natural living I say we should deal with the criminal elements in the harshest possible way to deter them from harming us and jus so that you know the laws allow innocent muslims to be targeted when one drone attack is launched after the target is removed a second attack occurs in the same are to remove any element that the first missed. Interestingly it is the innocent who come to assess and assist who suffer these consequences and if we were to revisit history the worst thing which occurred in the western world was emancipation. Because even to this day blacks have not learnt how to co exist successfully and independently politically, socially or other wise.

  19. "O" STRESS"
    November 19, 2013

    Pick and choose, mirror, mirror, on the wall which Laws should go and which Laws should stay on the books??? I have no idea but looking back hind site is 20/20. The debate continues. We like it so.

  20. Thia Scrum
    November 19, 2013

    40 years ago, Dominica was the last place on Henry’ mind. Where was he when Dominicans were being terrorized and losing their life, because some dreads had the audacity to think that what you had was theirs. He was living the life of Reily in the United States. I am not saying the law should not be abolished, but who is Henry to think he can just come from no where and decide what should be the law.

    • CIVIL SERVANT
      November 19, 2013

      it seems you are a hater of the messenger,, have you ever read the dread act.. do you know that innocent rasta families were killed buried or burned, a law was created to target a sec of people because their beliefs were diffenent from ours.. they were murdered without any sort of inquiry or legal process, being conducted.

      does this remind’s you of a time when whites could kill blacks and not be accountable to anyone because blacks were regared as property of their masters.

      i am so sorry for you

      • Dang
        November 19, 2013

        @ civil servant, are you the messenger? or perhaps a friend of the messenger? Civil servant is right. Henry is in no position to even suggest what should and should not be law. An apology is not necessary. He knows exactly what these guys were doing back then, the fear they instilled in innocent people trying to make a living to feed their children. If the act was necessary to stop the ‘war’, then those who agreed did the right thing.
        @ Black beauty, the facts would be the account of many dcans who experienced it. Some of us sit and look at our elderly parents give a recollection of those days with tears in their eyes like it happened yesterday. Be thankful you dont have that experience like me who hear it from my elderly parents who planted a few crops to sell to try to feed my siblings and I

    • Black Beauty
      November 19, 2013

      @ Thia Scrum can you provide the statiscal, undeniable evidence to the claim you so blodly make in your 2nd sentence? Thanks

      Many of you just repeat garbage with no facts! No one will dispute that certain elements did infact taunt people and violate their person, however you all conviniently forget to account for the number of them who were murdered just for their looks! Henry and where he lived is not the issue, groovybat haunted down young men and terrorized them today nobody more rasta than him!

      • T__
        November 19, 2013

        Nothing like garbage. These dreads/terrorists were ruthless killers. I THINK THE LAW WAS THE BEST THING AT THAT TIME.

    • ...
      November 20, 2013

      Forty years ago i was not even alive….are you saying that i have no say in the matter either? the point is this “Law” is holistically discriminatory against people’s human rights. We cannot blame all dreads for the violent actions of some. Not everyone with dreadlocks at that time was engaged in these activities. Non the less the “Law” condemned anyone with dreadlocks. in this day and age…when your daughters and sons and nieces and nephews growl them at will. Even worse…i bet the lot of you speaking against rastas or dread locked persons listen and are big fans of people like Bob Marley at the same time.

  21. Sylvester Cadette
    November 19, 2013

    Whatever our history and whatever the premise for its enactment and promulgation in the 1970s I concur fully with the writer that this DREAD ACT be repelled forthwith. In this dispensation there is no room for such a law on our law books.

    • "O" STRESS"
      November 19, 2013

      Man you in China and you talking like that? We want you back safe where all opinion are welcome. Good luck with your studies. P.H.Q.

      • Sylvester Cadette
        November 20, 2013

        Hello my Brother or Sister? “O” STRESS”. You have the wrong person and wrong address. you may have meant well as per your concern for “MY” safety but you were thinking of the wrong person or your information gathered is wrong.

        This Sylvester Cadette is with the UN specialized Agency for ICT the International Telecommunications Union. It is not based in China.

        Blessings

  22. Francisco Telemaque
    November 19, 2013

    “This Act made the murder of ‘dreads’ lawful’, they being the only Unlawful Society identified in the Act”

    Stokley Carmichael formally of Trinidad & Tobago, became an American citizen, and American civil rights advocate, he later became a leader of the Black Power movement whom when he took his ideology to his birth place Trinidad, he was ordered deported by the late Prime Minister Erick Williams.

    Stokley who later became Michael X , he married famed African singer Miriam Makaba. Shortly before his death in Africa, in an interview, when he was ask “are you not one of the same Stokley Carmichael?”

    His answer was, ” if it looks like a duck, talks like a duck, then it must be a duck!” So, hear I see a man I remembered, however, not by a name Kasate what?

    Anyway Kasate who; a little fun, and humor is good sometimes, nevertheless, had Patrick John, and to some extent the DFP not tabled and implement the Dread Act, perhaps even you would not be alive! I remember when they threatened Dominica, I went home to take medication; medicine, and other food supply to my family after the aftermath of one of the very devastating hurricane to hit our island in history, I met some of the Dreads at the home of my late grandmother.

    When I question their presence on her property, You would not like to hear the wrath that was directed at me. Mind you they were on what actually belong to me, I was eventually told if I do not want them “there on my land, when I am leaving Dominica, I should take it with me.

    I am talking about a piece of land, I should put in a suitcase and take it with me! While I was there I found out that there were farmers who were denied access to their plantations, because the Dreads decided to simply take the farmers plantation from them. Draconic as the law may seem then, without it Dominica might be a lawless country dominated by the rootless thugs to this day.

    Sir, may I remind you, that in the Wesley area, more than half the thugs who were involved in this thing are related to yours truly. Here is an acid test, go into the village of Wesley, and ask anybody who is more than thirty (30) years old if they ever heard about the ” dread truck” they will tell you that the boys who owned the truck, bought by their father has a name as I have: Now I have more than one surname, however, not prepared to say which one.

    Finally, two relatives of mine (so dread; they set their mother house on fire, and watch it burned to the ground; no need to remind you of the father of Lennox Honeychurch, such were the work of the Dreads. While you lament, remind yourself had it not been for the Dread Act, Dominica might become the Somalia of the Caribbean.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • A Voice
      November 19, 2013

      Garcon, bull crap you talking man. You love to inject yourself into everything to make your life seem important and the most you accomplish is coming off as a jester.

      In all the examples you gave there, tell me how it justifies the government passing a law making it legal to murder its civilians without any trial or legal representation?

      The only other places that you find similar laws is in countries that have been known to have genocides and is a stain to humanity, Nazi Germany for example.

      Because of people like you, Dominica will never heal from that dark period in its history. People are just waiting for time to pass and hope that all is forgotten. History will show that this stain will never come out until Dominica faces the issue with conscience and justice.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        November 19, 2013

        If you are one of the former dread, or still a dread, I would wish for the era to return, ……………………

        Who are you with no name to suggest I am injecting myself into everything; it is because I have a name, and anything I say can be verified or authenticated, why I am capable of injecting myself into everything whereas scum like you can only hide behind a fictitious name as you are fictitious, and attack people like me!

        If the heavens were to crumble, and beginning falling to the earth, and you were told, if you disclosed you name on DNO, it would prevent the heavens from falling to earth, you would die before you print your name under or above the rubbish you are talking.

        Identify yourself, then if you are somebody, maybe you might get some attention from me, until then, be informed I do not recognized fart; not even my own!

        Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

        And that’s my response to you, a nobody.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • Anonymous
        November 19, 2013

        you are misguided the cradle of democracy the USA has such laws against persons do a search

      • Anonymous
        November 20, 2013

        Oooops! My post did hit the right spot.

        FET, after years of observing you on various websites, trying and I mean trying real hard…

        I have lost way too much respect for you man to even take you that seriously.

    • Dang
      November 19, 2013

      Mr. Telemaque, I don’t know who you are but it seems voice has gotten under your skin.maintain your integrity brother, don’t stoop to the level of fools, fools who think because they have the option of commenting that they MUST comment. Voice is depicting his/her ignorance

    • ...
      November 20, 2013

      Francisco you sound like a hater.. you would wish for the era to return?? if A Voice is or was a dread? Waw… i wonder why you would wish that. To me it seems that for you the messenger here is more important than the message…his name is off no more importance to me as yours is Fransicso Etienne Dods Telemaque..as opposed to the comment and message being said which is off much more importance. Point is! The Act was imposed to stop the violent actions of a few..non the less many who were not involved suffered. I dont know about u “injecting yourself in everything” but agree with what A Voice stated..it is unconstitutional and violates human rights.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        November 20, 2013

        I am not a hater; I never was, and never will be! I do not know how to hate, however, when irritated; I am human, and sometimes the wrong thing jumps out of my mouth. Even if I said I wish the era would return so that I could do whatever, was nothing more than simple talk:

        The words I chose were designed to get on the person nerves; you know such are usually fighting words, and since that person cannot find me in Los Angeles, to physically confront me I hope such fighting words would keep them awake, wishing they had not try to insult me.

        In any event, I doubt any Dominican with commonsense would wish the days of the Dreads to return to our country, such were very dark days, and may have been the arch (spark) which change our country from an almost crime free country, where the most hardened criminals were just petty thieves

        Dang, I read you, and to be honest with you, I realize that it is a waste of time to respond to every little nonsense, because no matter what is conveyed some people will never learn to tolerate the opinions of others.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  23. looking
    November 19, 2013

    There are so many laws that are outdated. We putting the cart before the horse by going to the CCJ. We should focus on cleaning our backyards. but…this will never happen because the laws are convenient to a few.

  24. banan
    November 19, 2013

    For all of us who were terrorised as young students,while a few stray players were entwined with the Political fanatics of the day,would really like to see this thing taken care off.Some or many today are on the other side,but that is the evolution and transformation of time.OK doe tell me to LET IT GO,the mantra of this country political party’s supporters.This thing must be adressed so we can speak regional and international matters.

  25. hmmm
    November 19, 2013

    Lets not be one sided. Those Dreads looted terrorised and killed innocent people, farmers and themselves.Do we also forget the kidnap and contineous rape of the two Portsmouth girls? Come on man.

    • ????
      November 19, 2013

      Name one farmer dreads kill and the village! Back up what you are saying! Yes they looted their plantations,moved to the hills essentially on their farms. But do name one farmer who was murdered by dreads. The people were in fear for their safety but stop lying, this is the same hysteria and mis-information that have us here! The same people who wrote the law turn around and armed certain vile elements and pretty much gave them a carte blanche to do as they pleased so they could get into power! Don’t tell me Honychurch name another Dominican farmer

      • Malgraysa
        November 20, 2013

        You forget Ted Honeychurch, Dr. Lennox father?

      • Shameless
        November 20, 2013

        Why you afraid of Honeychurch name? Is it too painful for you? Does it prove the very point you are avoiding? Do you remember that one soldier of the then Dominica Defence Force (Pvt. Registe from Delices) was killed in the hills of Fond Fig, C/Bruce by the same dreads during a shoot-out? Yes, I was a little school boy but remember quite clearly because my dad (a soldier) was almost killed in that same shoot out alongside his comrades.

        Dreads at the time were CRIMINALS who preyed on society and needed to be dealt with accordingly. Even in the 80’s they continued their assault in society even killing a young Police Officer (Const. Lugay) in Fond Cole. But Change Must Come and so ABSOLUTELY no apology will come from society. Instead, Henry should be apologizing to society on behalf of his criminal minded brothers who terrorized us during those times.

        Assertive, NOT Agressive! :twisted:

      • Malgraysa
        November 20, 2013

        And who cried for John Jiranek, shot to death by brother Trotter in 1974? Is it because he was not one of “us”? And was it not the same Rastafari brothers, who clamoured for Trotters’s release in the name of justice only to drop him and shun him when he came out of prison because he was unstable?
        Those hypocrites with their loud voices giving true Rastafarians a bad name!

    • ...
      November 20, 2013

      did every dread or person with locks do this? Do these people still do this today in 2013?

  26. Malgraysa
    November 19, 2013

    Henry, you calling yourself Kasate now. Well, that sounding too much like Italian icecream (Cassata) for me. Is too long I call you Henry. Sorry pal, I’m not going to change now.Good luck anyway.

  27. After All
    November 19, 2013

    Is only dread act Mr checking? You need to lengthen your tongue to include other issues.

    • what i say is true
      November 19, 2013

      ha ha haha i like that.so true

    • Rastafari
      November 20, 2013

      At least Henry is taking up the mantle to address an event that’s important to him, community and country. What have you done to make a difference?

    • ...
      November 20, 2013

      Maybe this is the issue he is mostly passionate about. Maybe you should address one of the others that he isnt instead of showing us that your tongue has some length already.. Get to work or stfu.

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