As promised, here is my take on the Salisbury ‘Insurrection’ (according to many on that side), ‘Peaceful Protest’ (according to the Honorable Member for Parliament (MP) for Salisbury – Mr. Hector “Spags” John), ‘Violent Protest’ or ‘Riotous Mob’ (according to Dominica’s Chief of Police – Mr. Daniel Carbon), a politically driven and ill-timed action (according to the opposing side), and the many other rather colorful synonyms which have been used in referring to the Salisbury impasse: like, uprising, mutiny, revolution, insurgence, riot, sedition, subversion, civil disorder, unrest, anarchy and the like. For my part, there was and probably still is a bitter unrest between police/government authorities and residents of Salisbury led by the opposition MP of this west coast community on the island of Dominica.
I am not going to review the entire scenario; instead, my objective in this post is to allow for a continuing forward movement towards healing. So, here is how I see it: The people of Salisbury, like all other citizens who feel sufficiently aggrieved, can – in a democracy – take any action they deem necessary to attract attention from the authorities. This has and shall forever be a norm in any democracy (until that is changed, or until Dominica is declared as a non-democratic State), and we cannot be surprised nor should we be unduly negative, dismissive and intolerant to those who mount public protest or civil disorder or what have you. We should also not become subservient. I hasten to add that, while people may have the fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of Dominica (Chapter 1, section 12, 11 and 12) to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of movement, people also have the right not to express themselves, assemble, nor be part of and/or support any movement, including protest action. It is, however, the solemn and civic responsibility of society’s authority to reach across and mend whatever divides which may occur or develop among the peoples from time to time; they ought not to exacerbate it in words, acts or deeds.
Society’s authority is used here to mean, government and opposition, the clergy and other such religious/spiritual organizations, the mercantile class, the media, quasi government agencies and other such organizations to include representatives and top officials/executives or leaders of social establishments and/or corporations, public/social clubs and the like. In fact, it is everyone’s business to seek ways of forging greater harmony among the people, because disharmony is bad for everything – well, most everything (for most). The only ones who preach disharmony are the ones who thieve on the people’s disharmony and how can this be good for a people? This takes me back to the arguments and recommendations of a gentleman named Willie Lynch, who, in a speech teaching the owners of displaced Africans on the mechanisms of controlling and dealing with their rebellious “Slaves” that they should ‘divide and rule’ them. (http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Perspectives_1/Willie_Lynch_letter_The_Making_of_a_Slave.shtml). I can only hope that we are not walking down this path again, unknowingly or otherwise, because if we do, all the gains we would have made as a people would be derailed in this era of modern enlightenment and that would be a slap in the face of the pioneers of the struggle for a stable and decent society.
With that being said, I believe the blocking of the public highway in the Salisbury junction which links the southern and western regions of Dominica may not have been the most prudent course of action, in that, it deprived others of the use of facilities provided to citizens to move freely. But, I was taught that two wrongs do not make things right and in the same breath let me declare that police retaliation (not management of the situation), especially that raid which they conducted on the community during the dawn of the June 11 morning resulting in the arrest and charge of five citizens for their role in the May 11 street blockage (a whole month earlier) was equally unwise. I say so because, based on the definition and my understanding of the term ‘wise,’ which is a tactical employment of experience, knowledge, and good judgment, the police found themselves on the wrong side of wisdom, prompting the people to retaliate by taking to the street and blocking it again. Unwise actions and/or retaliations do not appease bad situations; they achieve the contrary very quickly.
Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, His Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire, employed what I believe was wise counsel in an exemplary and timely manner when he planted his high office right in the center of the situation. The Roman Catholic Church, through the Bishop’s action, showed great character and leadership in this Salisbury matter and the Church should be applauded for that. In fact, that is part of the Church’s remit, to reach out to all sides in times of need. From all accounts, based on media reports, Bishop Malzaire navigated safely in the middle of the issues and I advise all an sundry to ‘Follow De Bishop’, to borrow a phrase from Calypsonian, Tarina Simon. Bravo, Bishop!
Now that we have found ourselves at this unfortunate juncture in the political history of Dominica – yes political because everything about the Salisbury exchanges spell p o l i t i c s, we need to hammer out a non-partisan solution. Politics refers to the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power. Let us not be naïve, the Salisbury people, by their very action in engaging the authorities through street protest over what they and their MP term as “a series of broken promises,” were engaged in a conflict which is a tenet of the term, politics.
Mark you I did not say partisan politics, because I remember as far back as 2013, the Salisbury famers drove, peacefully, peacefully and conspicuously, in protest of terrible farm road access which had not been addressed for almost a decade and a half. I was there. I saw them and their picket signs made zero partisan statements. But, you never know, I may have missed a sing or two. Read the story here: http://sundominica.com/articles/salisbury-farmers-protest-659/). I subsequently heard the Prime Minister of Dominica making certain statements about the advanced state of disrepair of those farm access roads, confirming the farmers’ charges. This unfulfilled promise, and others, at least in the view of the farmers, were what prompted the May 11, 2015 protest. Read the story here: https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/general/protest-action-in-salisbury/). This time, the people were claiming political victimization and neglect under the hands of a government which they chose not to vote for.
The situation worsened with all sorts of partisan political rhetoric being played out on the media. The Prime Minister promised to meet with the Salisbury residents at a town-hall style meeting, but that meeting was preempted by the police raid on the village which was mentioned earlier in this article. So, we have, now, a highly charged partisan political situation in Salisbury, a matter which probably should not have been allowed to escalate to this point. All that was needed was wise, timely and prudent action in response to the farmers’ plight and all that is needed now is wise, timely and prudent action in response to the peoples’ cry. Now is the time for action, NOT protest action, nor is it a time for military-type retaliation and/or legal prosecution. We are in need of an appeasement which, if it does not come, may have the potential of causing serious discomfort to the authorities and continued hardship and division of the people.
I recommend the following:
- The Police Chief needs to tone down the rhetoric, because his recent statements on the matter cannot, in any way, lead to an amicable end of this impasse. A good first move would be to recommend, to the public prosecutor, the discontinuance of charges against the ‘Salisbury 5’, following the June 11 arrest (http://www.dominicavibes.dm/news-170586/) because there is little to lose and a lot to be gained in so doing.
- The Honorable Prime Minister/Government should meet with the Salisbury people, as promised and concrete plans should be drawn up to alleviate the plight of the struggling farmers, and such plans should be adhered to and effected urgently.
- Compensation should be made for forgiveness, respect, acceptance and forward or onward movement by the agreeing parties; that is where the good Bishop and others with such clout come into the picture.
- Media organizations, including social networks, must report fairly and responsibly on that ongoing Salisbury matter; no one-sided agenda should be pushed. The independence and freedom of the media, including the sanctity and protection of its sources must be unequivocally understood.
- The Salisbury people should be willing to work with, and understand the constraints of government in dealing with the problems relating to the poor state of the farm access roads, and the government must understand grievances of the farmers; remember, Bob Marley popularized the proverb which says: “a hungry man is an angry man.”
- All forms of ‘negative’ action and interactions, verbalizations – on all sides of the political divide – should be discouraged; and it is the responsibility of the leadership of the political parties and the parliament in which they meet to safeguard this trust.
- There should be a cooling-off and reflection period, not just in Salisbury but in the wider Dominican community.
- The people of Salisbury (and elsewhere) must understand, obey and respect the authority of the police in keeping and maintaining peace and safety and the police needs to appreciate, understand and respect the rights of the people – knowing that people may sometimes push the envelope in their quest for political representation, in particular. No one side can broker peace. The police and civilians must work hand in hand if honest, sustained and meaningful peace is to be achieved.
- It would be a wonderful thing to see the Police Sports (Cricket) Club and a Hector “Spaggs” John Representative Team in a ‘Friendly Cricket Match,’ at Salisbury. Just imagine this: Here comes Hector John as he pounces in to bowl to Daniel Carbon – Ossie Lewis, Daryl Titre and Lockhart Sebastien are commentators of course – with the proceeding broadcasted on Q FM and relayed live on D.B.S Radio, Kairi FM and Vibes Radio (Oh, did I mention that Athie Martin and Government Minister, Rayburn Blackmore would be the umpires and Mr. Louis serving as Match Referee?). I believe this would be a massive statement. This event could be followed up with a Domino, Cards and Chess Tournament between Salisbury Farmers and Police at Police Head Quarters or the Salisbury Police Station…and I have more ideas.
- Let us be Dominicans again, the way we used to be when we worked together, achieved together, celebrated together, mourned together, rejoiced together, and agreed to disagree and doing so respectably; yes that’s the Dominica we should see to be again.
Conclusion
It is my view that tolerance, respect and common sense are the watchwords in this Salisbury affair. In conclusion, I refer to my June face book 11 post where it was stated that an appeal to force was the abandonment of reason, and I asked that a door be kept open for reasonable and peaceful solutions. I said further, and I reiterate that force should be an absolute last resort and that “the use of force is never a wise means of dealing with people, especially when and/or where there is agitation, and even then, such ‘force’ must be applied with reason.”
I believe that we should follow Bishop Malzaire’s lead. Let us work towards and pray for an amicable solution to this Salisbury situation and, by extension, for the mending of the political gap which currently exists between the wonderful people of this blessed land called Dominica.
Leaders, I appeal to you to treat the people right and they in turn will take care of you. If you fail the people, you fail yourself.
Peace.
DISCLAIMER The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Dominica News Online or Duravision Inc.
Great article, Alex. I may not agree with all the points but you really touched the key areas that need to be addressed.
REALLY?????? Alex REALLY?????? Bravo!!!!!!!!!!
I hope everybody reads between the lines.
Alex Bruno ou fou. “The people of Salisbury, like all other citizens who feel sufficiently aggrieved, can – in a democracy – take any action they deem necessary to attract attention from the authorities.” Irrespective of the consequences? Irrespective of how many people get killed?
Beautiful, well thought and well written article.
Mr Bruno has the ability to highlight areas/opinions which need to be, whilst at the same time appearing neutral.
Hats off to him
Stop blocking the road… tell your Pal rep to stop acting like he can give the prime minister orders… if he is the pal rep then put together a project plan and budget for the all the roads he needs rebuilt then discuss how to obtain funding and resources to get eh job done. instead he just want to give mapwi and ask people to do his work and provide the money for the work while he looks good for doing nothing.
what does Salisbury produce? how does their farming meet the production needs of the island, what are they contributing that warrants millions of dollars in investment in roads? is it a scheme by their palrep who promised them jobs and roads if he got elected but was depending on paytay tete Linton to win? what is really at play here, what would make someone go to such lengths to force investment for something that has very little return. if the road is fixed tomorrow, what will it bring to Dominica what will it bring?
alex is people like you that bringing the country down. give dues where it is. the people are wrong to block the main road. would you like your relative who is sick to stuck in a riot cant get medical help. well when someone in salisbury , a family get unfornate then the parl rep and his leader will stop. shame alex
It is a very long article at the end, it reads something like Rodney King’s “Can we all get along?” without removing the elephant in the room.
The writer was careful; if it looks like he might upset one side that he would be sure it appears to upset the other side. I give him an E for effort. In one way he said it was wrong to block the road but on its heels he quickly said two wrongs don’t make a right. The article reminds me of what we would call a razor blade. Playing both sides.
If it was wrong to block the highway; wrong for the police to ask for the removal; When the protesters refused should the police have just left the area or stand still and allow more of them and others to get hurt and yet not arrest anyone for breaking the law? We know that the government call for a meeting with the protesters at headquarters and they refused to go.
Didn’t the PM also say the roads would be fixed when he visited the area a couple of weeks before? It is what it…
Praxx john an his uwp supporters crying 15 years thier farm roads havnt been fix.but it seems he have fowl memories. I wonder if he remembers that for five of the 15 years labour in government domincans was under IMF.and it was his government that cause us dominicans to be black listed.
Onething you cant please dominicans. If the police had never came,an leave the road block some of you all will be singing a different tune.
As the comments keep coming it is becoming clear that we are missing the fundamentals. This article says “any means” it should have stated “any LEGAL means”. The reference to force is misplaced, First let us be reminded that after the Layou roadblock ( a criminal offence), the Police Authority announced that it would not be tolerated in the future.
When the Police were alerted that the road was blocked they proceeded to the scene of a crime which was committed long before the police arrived on the scene. The Police, upon arrival, proceeded to unblock the road. They first requested that those who had placed the obstructions in the road should have them removed. Failing that they proceeded to do the removal and were resisted and all hell broke loose.
Those who claim that the method used by the Police to execute an arrest was unwise or ill-advised have yet to offer a foolproof procedure other than to suggest that the crime should go unpunished. I suggest that an example must…
I wish to add my appreciation of your statement mr bruno, but i have a serious problem with a certain section or sentence in your exposé, it reads(,The people of salisbury like all other citizens who feel sufficiently aggrieved, can in a democracy,take any action they deem necessary to attract attention from the authorities) i believe the (take any action is very irresponsible, because to me the word any means any, ant this could mean many many things, but apart from that i give u hats off, and as someone said we need some more ideas like yurs in this our lovely andbeloved country.
Alex wrote all of that and if taken to court, the 1st question asked throws this whole blabbering right out the window. These people infringed on my citizen right by not letting me move freely, because they blocked the road, then people I pay my taxes to enforce the law when I asked them to move these things blocking the road you stoned the people I hire to protect me, why? where is my right? Laws were put in place to guide the police and laws of the land, how dare you tell me that the police did not do things right? if you feel that way why don’t you take that department to court? You all tell me for 50 years nothing was done in Portsmouth, am I to now block the roads from point round 1mile and Bell Haul? Boss I did not even read all you had to say because these people were bold enough to break the law, but when they know they have people like you to speak like this they will never know right from wrong.
Brilliant piece Alex!! Think wisdom like this comes only from people who put country before everything else!!
I believe that we should follow Bishop Malzaire’s lead.
Alex Buwoo you want to follow Boys-nous’s lead?
Good article Alex. Let’s hope the Authorities and people come to an understanding before this is escalated beyond healing.
On the other hand can DNO use the Facebook pic with you with your face in your hands (kind of like the praying move), you know which one I am talking about(I hope)(
). That would be a more appropriate pic for the article.
Well written article. Good words of wisdom. Don’t be discouraged. The way I see it everyone out there are not on the same level. Some will get it, some won’t get it and some do not want to get it! Keep on educating the masses -post 1979 way!
Alex boss why did you even bother type this article you are making absolutely no sense at all!!!!!!!!!!
Salisbury people must learn they cannot on their wills and fancies block government road it is illegal and infringes on my right to commute period!!!!!!!!!!!
The police acted the best way to ensure my rights are protected at all times so stop condoning rubbish boss!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JOEyou are totally vacuous in conflict resolution.
No sense at all? Really, joe?
Boy politics can really play a number on us we. Heaven help us in Dominica. Write Alex, write. Joe did not even see that you said: “I believe the blocking of the public highway in the Salisbury junction which links the southern and western regions of Dominica may not have been the most prudent course of action, in that, it deprived others of the use of facilities provided to citizens to move freely. But, I was taught that two wrongs do not make things right and in the same breath let me declare that police retaliation (not management of the situation), especially that raid which they conducted on the community during the dawn of the June 11 morning resulting in the arrest and charge of five citizens for their role in the May 11 street blockage (a whole month earlier) was equally unwise.”
joe, did you even bother to read this article? joe, it is people like you who chase people away from trying, but the Alex I know will NOT cave in. All shall…
Bull i read the entire article that’s why i conclude it is a rubbish article, how can Alex said the Retaliation of the Police?? Did he even know that the Salisbury people didn’t only block the road and left it to that, they were actually pelting stones at any normal citizens attempting to cross the road on foot, did he know that?? The police were only attempting to unblock the road is he saying the police had no right to do that?? So is Alex condoning the damages done to private citizens vehicles? I do not believe Alex is aware of what really transpired on that day he should have informed himself before posting such crap!!!!!!!!
Did he know they were also attacking reporters with cameras???
FINALLY THE WHOLE SALISBURY ISSUE IS DAMN WELL POLITICAL!!!!!!! GOVERNMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PRIVATE FEEDER ROADS!!!!!!!!! Lennox and crew is just too DESPERATE!!!!!
You can’t be right in your head to say that no charges should be brought against the people who “BROKE THE LAW” . by blocking a public highway .–What kind of message will you be sending to Dominicans ???? – that would be setting a bad precedent !!!!
What bad precedent? You serious or just being sarcastic?
Its amazing how you people forget all the protest actions which took place, including the 47 day strike in 1979 with the now President at the helm. Did anyone arrest Charles Savarin? Rosie led protest actions,was he arrested? Many constituents blocked roads in the past (Coulibistrie, Colihaut, Calibishie etc.). Were these people arrested? Either you might be too young to know about these or you are demonstrating temporary amnesia. Please remember the issue at hand – proper roads for the farmers of Salisbury, a key farming community in Dominica. They provided food for the country and today you have the audacity to be supporting their arrest? Wait when its your turn. Walk in the farmer’s shoe for a day and you’ll better understand their plight? God help us in Dominica!!! I just have to shake my head. Only in Dominica!!
The issue is about proper roads yes but not only for the Farmers. When you set a fire on an asphalt surface what do you think you are doing to it. Is that also achieving proper roads?
Good article Alex. History has taught us that a sitting political party has never governed for more than twenty years in Dominica. So then, will the ruling party not protest whenever they become the opposition? They say it is illegal to protest. Will they protest? Or will they acept what the rulling party would do?
wow my sentiments exactly..well said.we all seem to get lost in the politics of it all. its about time diplomacy, tact and reason be the center of conflict resolution.
Great article Alex,but the political victimization will continue by the childish leader of the country,the people of SALISBURY have been begging for these roads to be fixed while all the other constituents that support his corrupt government get their roads fix,but Skerrit day will come soon,as our Legend of cadence sings mines in front yours behind.Skerrit has his parl reps and the so called police commish as little boys singing ring around the rosy.Time will tell boys and it coming in due time.
This is where the problems begin. The disrespect for authority. When you refer to the Police or Police Chief as “so called” where are you heading? Is this the type of Country you want your children to inherit?
“while people may have the fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of Dominica (Chapter 1, section 12, 11 and 12) to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of movement, people also have the right not to express themselves, assemble, nor be part of and/or support any movement, including protest action.” That’s the structure of our law books. initially giving us all the rights while those very rights are controlled. These laws were created to control the poor not for those in power
Secondly,”(http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Perspectives_1/Willie_Lynch_letter_The_Making_of_a_Slave
This is typical how politicians control the masses, Rule and divide”. The politicians keep us fighting each other angry at each other while they enjoy their power. They sit and laugh and say how vulnerable how stupid we are as a people. One day i hope we will understand, hope it will not be too late.
Alex, this is a brilliant, well thought article. I deeply appreciate genuine concern for DOMINICA, and your ability to walk a middle path throughout your writing. Healing is what is needed most in this situation and I hope the powers that be and the people of Salisbury can put their egos aside in order to begin this process. Also, I hope this article is not brushed aside, like most positive commentaries, but is read by all affected parties and is given consideration. “Let us be Dominicans again…work together, achieve together, celebrate together…”
Well put together document. Full of respect for all parties involved. Dominica should have more people like you writing sense.
So Mr Bruno in essence everything is the fault of the leaders? Which leaders?
“The people of Salisbury (and elsewhere) must understand, obey and respect the authority of the police in keeping and maintaining peace and safety and the police needs to appreciate, understand and respect the rights of the people – knowing that people may sometimes push the envelope in their quest for political representation, in particular. No one side can broker peace. The police and civilians must work hand in hand if honest, sustained and meaningful peace is to be achieved”.
Well said, Sir!
Thank you Alex for the grownup article full of wise ideas on dealing with the Salisbury impasse.However I am sure that the police chief and government officials,who are bent on doing things their way,won’t pay much heed to your ideas,especially those for healing,eg the sporting events.
I want to single out the DAIC and DHTA management for their failure to play a leadership role in the events leading up to and during the turmoil. It is clear from their action to respond to the prime minister’s request,and have done nothing to ameliore the situation since 2003 that they don’t have regard for the farming community because they are not bricks and mortar establishments.They do nothing to help educate the farming community in business practices and processes.For eg they can offer holiday nternships to school students,to expose them to record keeping,organizing etc.which the children can help pass on to their farming community.Since some of them have farms they need to embrace farmers
Sorry sir my comment should read never have i seen a more fair and balanced article on dno or any other media house for that matter keep on keeping it real. God
be with you
Wow! Nuff respect mr Alex bruno i have seen a more fair and balanced article on dno or any other media house keep on keeping it real may god be with you
Alex,
this is a great read. I thought your spin on the events and how to remedy them were mostly spot on. However, I am also concerned as you failed to mention, how to deal with those who broke the law?
Are we left to think that the protestors actions should just swept under the rug as if nothing happened? You mentioned that two wrongs, do not make a right, with reference to the Police doing their jobs and arresting those, that were allegedly involved in the road blocking. So, what made it right to block the road, because you did not get what you want?
You mentioned democracy, can you let me know in which democracy that these actions would be tolerated without arrests being made? We understand their actions, but does it make it right?
Thanks
Dominican I would agree with you if you agree that those who broke the law on both sides should be brought to justice. The police for ambushing the village military style causing a public nuisance; the arresting of so called protesters without the necessary warrants or court orders; the abuse and callous disregard of human life having arrested the individuals and having them placed handcuffed in the back of an open vehicle and driven to Roseau through Portsmouth, Marigot and Ponde Case to the police headquarters – being bounced all over the back of the van. the indiscriminate and dangerous use and discharge of firearms (the evidence is there for all to see), endangering life of many particularly of the elderly and children ; the use of expired teargas and other gas against the UN charter on rules of engagement. The unprovoked battery and assault unleashed on the parliamentary representative of the area by a senior police office and we can go on and on. So my brother let there be peace
words from a wise man. I think you points are well taken and understand. we need that one Dominica once again. I love you Dominica…….
Man spread the Wisdom .
Power does not belong to the ministers in government, power belongs to the people of dominica who elected them into government hence every palrep has the responsibility to stand to the plight of his people .
Besides using expired tear gas on it’s citizens , Children and Elders alike was great use of excessive force , The police did not use their discretion at the time and should be held accountable for their action .
Man Kind please also mention the stone throwing mob was the first to start the aggression by throwing stones at anybody whosoever attempted to cross, its important to mention one person windscreen was broken by the mob!!!!!!!
The police had to protect us from this riotous mob and am grateful they did!!!!!!!!!! MORE ARRESTS WIL BE MADE AT A LATER DATE!!!!!!!!
Dear Joe
The police should not have used the expired tear gas on fellow citizens that’s the point I am trying to make .They could have brought in a fire truck instead and used water as a deturant .
I do not condon the action of the people towards the police but police were not within their rights to use tear gas canisters that were expired it’s a violation of human rights any where in the world and they should be held accountable just like any other criminals and their activities .
The people who authorized the use of expired canisters should rising immediately and then u can arrest the people who were responsible for the riots .
Charity begins at home mr. Joe
Should resign
What do we know about NOT using Tear gas after the expiry date? Does it become more toxic or does it become less potent? Before you make an accusation you need to establish the facts. I am yet to see anyone establish the actual outcome.
This commentary by Alex Bruno, and by extension his work in general, indicates the valuable contribution that creative writers, artists and thinkers can make to our society. Regrettably, the creative arts are largely ignored in our schools and demeaned by society in general. As a result we discount Dominica’s most valuable resource.
God bless you Alex for this word. Thats all we want our road fix so we can earn a living for our family. Thank you again. God bless you in every good things. We want peace as well. I hope that Pm and Government reads your messages
Sandra you just said it all you road not government road and it is vital for your everyday bread so here is my recommendation: come together form a feeder road committee collect funds and fix all you damn road do not stop me from commuting to roseau for my long awaited doctors’ appointment shate man am sick and tired with all you unpatriotic people!!!!!!!!!!
stop being used by team dunce they cannot do better than skerrit !!!!!!!!!!!!
Well said Joe. No where else in the world you see governments paving roads to private properties, farms or not. Especially since farmers have been the most beneficial of all category of citizens in Dominica. They pay no income tax, get everything duty free, get free technical support etc etc etc We spoil in Dominica. About time that stop. Everybody row their own boat
Dont be selfish.. We all need to eat. God bless you..
Hmnnnn….you make some valid points but the piece is in dire need of expert editing. There are many typos and the punctuation is…. well it leaves a lot to be desired. It is very difficult to read right now…the post-1979 educated in Dominica seems to have a horrendous time writing ad speaking English.
Hey timtim,
I appreciate your concerns, but it would be nice to address the brother personally on the EDITS and help develop him. I really do not see what you are pointing to in your comments anyway. I honestly think that the document is as good as any, if not better that many I have read within the past decade. The message is certainly not compromised by a typo or two. Look at the bigger picture; no one is perfect far less for a document.
Great works Alex.
Seriously? You all can’t deal with criticism? Alex needs to be better. The post-1979 I spoke of is really secondary education, where writing skills, grammar, punctuation and sentence structure should be honed. IMHO the post-1979 sec educated have a dastardly time of it. Note to all, b/c one raises it, does not mean they’re the enemy. I would venture to ask how many of you cringe re Matt’s green verbs and disastrous pronounciation but have never raised it with him as good colleagues.
I agree, I should’ve been more balanced in my first response. The piece reveals the mind of an analytical thinker, not burdened by the red-blue politics that consumes most Dominicans. Only a few disagreements with what is presented. The main one being that the people should not have blocked the highway. it implies this was not the last resort and the only effective action left. It also acts as if there was no precedence set for how the authorities’ dealt with protests involving road blockage?
Coming from someone who writes his/her name in common letters? How about pulling the beam from your eyes first. But Aye Aye, Alex, Timtim not seeing the greys man? We were not educated far from 1979, we would still benefit from the remnant of the good teachers pre-1979.
Hey,
Thank you for the light humor.
I was actually already 8 years into the education system of Dominica, having started school at 5 or there about. So, timtim needs to come again. I have been around a bit, As I see it! I really have.
Thanks
This matter is not that complicated! Give and take there are two basic sides playing a game called Opportunism. One side have needs but is making use of the opportunity to publicly push the limits in making the point which may pay off and the other side using the same event to look like an unusual and dangerous approach…In the final analysis, the President did give us his take on of these events unfold: they succeed or they do not.