Calypsonian arrested following Marigot protest

Dave “Soul Puss” Pascal

Opposition leader, Lennox Linton has expressed concern about the arrest of calypsonian Dave “Soul Puss” Pascal who was involved in protest action at Marigot on Friday march 5, 2019.

Pascal was also the emcee the night before (Thursday march 4) at a UWP meeting at Marigot.

The demonstration on Friday was among protest activities undertaken by Marigot residents this week to express their dissatisfaction over the delay in the construction of the Marigot Hospital following its shutdown and the subsequent closure of the health centre in the village.

Linton says the situation is affecting the health services in Marigot and other communities in the Northeast Health District from Crayfish River to Calibishie and people in those circumstances, have a legitimate right to dissent, to protest, to ask questions and to make demands for the situation to be rectified.

“That is the context in which Soul Puss and many other Dominicans in the Marigot area and surrounding communities were demonstrating on Weirs Flat this week,” Linton said in an interview with DBS Radio. “It disturbs me that every time people stand for their rights, some police officer comes up with the idea that they inciting. We have come to this juncture in Dominica once again.”

DNO has not been able to ascertain the reason for Pascal’s arrest as our attempts to contact the police have been unsuccessful.

Protesters at Marigot on Friday

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

35 Comments

  1. Self
    April 7, 2019

    Nothing can stop a people fighting for their right. This wicked government met the people with their hospital, closed it down and refuse to rebuild it. God is still on his throne.

  2. Da
    April 7, 2019

    This kind of intimidation will NOT STOP us from expressing our right to free speech. I will continue to show up and tell this corrupt leader how I feel about the situation in my land.
    The Police better be put on guard that they should not be used or seem to be used as the Ton Ton Macoute for this regime. The news is going around. The same way you the Police officers are taking the names of people , is the same way your names and ranks are being entered into a list and sent to the right organizations.

  3. Massacre
    April 7, 2019

    When they came for my neighbor I said nothing , when they came for my friends I said nothing, because they were different, but when they came for me, there was no one to say anything on my behalf, because I stood silent while they took everyone away. Dominicans, this is what happened in the 1930s in Europe , it would be reckless of us to think that it will not happen here after the harassment we have witnessed of anyone who speak against this cabal.
    We have to go out there to put a stop to this madness from this impending dictator.

    • Neville
      April 8, 2019

      Very well spoken!! Dominicans need to wake up and smell the coffee and snap out of their selfishness. No one individual can stop this dictator but if we stand TOGETHER we will defeat him. After all, this is not his country and not his passports he selling but it’s OURS. It’s time to show him who is boss!

  4. Ibo France
    April 7, 2019

    This regime uses the police force to suppress the voices and the legitimate concerns of a beleaguered people. No jobs, no hospital, no proper security for these people. Yet, when they peacefully take to the sidewalks to protest, they are arrested and thrown behind bars. Do you see what I see? The influences of Russia and China against peaceful protesters are most definitely taking root in Dominica. The chickens are certainly coming home to roost. Could you envisage the assaults on our human and constitutional rights if this budding dictatorship were to be given an additional five year term? This is scary.

  5. Lay Lay
    April 7, 2019

    Not even Marigot people that following Lennox Linton in his foolishness. UWP is totally disconnecting from reality. People are fed up with the mauvais Lang and bad mouthing. Dominica has issues and we alll know that but instead of coming up with serious plans (not this 12000 new jobs hogwash ) to deal with these issues all UWP wants to do is denigrate people and call them beggars and how they got jumble money

    • Dominican
      April 8, 2019

      The police state of Dominica is in contravention of the civil liberties guaranteed by our constitution ….dominicans need to denounce the Gestapo..stalinist fear mongering tactics of the goons using police power to shut public exprrssuon.
      There should noe be zero tolerance that allows the police to shut out public expression.
      Why are the civil authorities silent….bar association .human rights organizations…..arrests of every person who addresses the issues of the state malfunctions is a travesty….

    • Anthony P. Ismael Minister of Free Pampers
      April 8, 2019

      After receiving funds from Mexico to construct the new hospital, this wicked government has not updated the people of the North East about plans to construct this hospital. All colors land at Melville Hall. This is not about politics. It’s about human decency.

  6. marcus
    April 6, 2019

    That is Gestapo tactic,for those of you who do not believe this government is not dictatorial that is a perfect example,and don’t be fulled the police were sent by the prime minister or one of his acolytes.

  7. Bob Marley
    April 6, 2019

    “Natural Mystic” Bob Marley

    There’s a natural mystic blowing through the air;
    If you listen carefully now you will hear.
    This could be the first trumpet, might as well be the last:
    Many more will have to suffer,
    Many more will have to die – don’t ask me why.

  8. Debra Prince
    April 6, 2019

    (No am not disguising my name)
    That’s democracy under attack. They say who feels it knows it. The people in our area are without proper health care, in this day and age. We should not have to beg for a hospital. Are we being denied a proper hospital as some sort of punishment? Can’t we even voice how we feel about the situation at hand? Be you red or blue, healthcare should not come in the way of politics. We can do 1000% better than this.

  9. YOU RUNNING 4?
    April 6, 2019

    Let’s do some Bible reading:
    . ..”and the violent take it by force.” Matt. 11:12.

    “for they did not cling to their lives even in the face of death” Rev.12:11

    Contemporary English Version
    If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more. -Phillipians 1:21

  10. LaPlaine Observer
    April 6, 2019

    Why didn’t the police arrest members of Skerrit’s supporters when they advocated to attack supporters of the opposition in Salisbury, Laplaine, and Marigot? Skerrit himself called members of the opposition Terrorist and said their constant opposition to the government is tantamount to economic terrorism and therefore they should be dealt with. Is the government weaponizing the police against the opposition party?

  11. Poor people governor
    April 6, 2019

    None sense!!! So what are you all trying to say to me? We dont have democracy again? To everytime there is a protest someone has to get arrested for expressing them selve in a none violent manner? I’ve seen many leaders rise and i’ve seen many great leaders fall. Everything has its place and time under the sun. Marigot ppl have the right to protest for the construction of a new hospital, it is a neccessity and the government refuse to provide them with it so they have a right to protest. This government is a failed government. You all refuse to build the economy of this country. TIME WILL TELL. Venezuella was once a great nation now look at them.

  12. Man bites dogs
    April 6, 2019

    Linton you are a bloody pain in the backside
    Why are you not expressing concern for the rest of your marigotans, instead of interfering in police matters you aren’t a lawyer you are nothing but a stupid opposition leader, keep the hell out of the law enforcement business my man. What is on your mind now stone coming down like rain? Do not even think of it this time Mr Black Adder, one love Dominica.

    • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
      April 8, 2019

      Mr. Dog-man, let us leave the sarcastic remarks between you and I out this time; and let us face reality!

      The few people you see out there demonstrating, the few are fighting for their medical welfare: They are fighting for a hospital which served Marigot, Wesley, Woodford Hill, Calibishe, and the Carib Reserve for more than two hundred years, until Roosevelt Skerrit became Prime Minister.

      He used his hate for the people of Wesley and Marigot to deliberately destroy it!

      Lennox is the representative of Marigot; what is wrong with him standing with even one person crying out for the hospital?

      Guy my life was saved at that hospital by none other than the father of Charles Savarin the president who instigated a civil war in Dominica in 1979!

      He committed a political crime in the country in 1979, today he is president of a country to which he cause so much damage. Lennox has not caused any harm to the country, why do you hate Lennox; what’s his crime?

      • Ibo France
        April 8, 2019

        Francisco, it’s a complete waste of your time trying to engage intellectually with this guy. This guy is not capable of being rational due to his level of his education. He now gets someone to write for him obviously because he was taken to task about his atrocious grammar and spelling. His odious rhetoric is just a large shield for a huge, empty, mental space. Reasoning to this guy is like reasoning to a refrigerator.

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        April 8, 2019

        I agree with you; it is either someone is writing for him or he has discovered a dictionary and learned how to use it!

        You know there is a time for politics and garbage talk; however, he is relentless, everything about Lennox as far as he is concern is bad.

        How can that be?

         I give Roosevelt hell, but I would have to be an idiot to fool myself  into believing that he is all bad.

        In every human there is some good and something that is warped and twisted.

        Lennox is no different, but to this guy there is no good in Lennox, that is a very stupid notion he entertains! 

        He actually hate Lennox; a difference in political opinions should not constitute hate for another; there is a difference in hating someone, and playing politics.

        If he believe each time he opens his mouth on Roosevelt behalf talking such nonsense he is hurting Lennox, he will eventually find out Roosevelt will suffer the consequences in the interim!

      • Man bites dogs
        April 8, 2019

        @Francisco, I would not go as far to say I hate Lennox Linton, no way hell I dont. I just don’t like the way he goes about things!! The person I cannot stand is that two heads snake lbo France, ………………….., if i had to go any further DNO would not stand for it…

      • Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
        April 9, 2019

        You know Man bite Dog; I been reading lbo for a long time now, and I found his comments to be honest and balanced, he does not write with a folk tongue, nor do I find him to be a two head snake oui!

        Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaah!

        You are something else boy.

        Try your very best and do not make political enemies, that is one of the worst thing anybody can do.

        You may not actually hate Lennox, but it sure appears that way.

  13. Yes I
    April 6, 2019

    Messieur look people.All you have heart to post that picture.Wheh wheh wheh.Look guts wee.

  14. Truth
    April 6, 2019

    Marigot people and Dominicans by extension… Dominica will soon become as Venezuela and Cuba… Worse case scenario Russia, China and Iran. . Sad but true the signs are clear, that even Stevie Wonders can read. Many of us will put our hands on our heads and bawl.

  15. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    April 6, 2019

    How Dictators Work!

    “It was first created by the Roman Senate in 510 B.C. for emergency purposes, such as taking care of rebellions. During the time of the Republic, Rome was ruled by two consuls, and the Senate decided that in some cases it was necessary to have a single person making decisions. Sometimes, one of the consuls became dictator.”

    We know what happened under the first dictator, and went on to even under Julius Caesar, and unto the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

    The arrest of Pascal is due to the fact Dominica is ruled by a dictator!

    When people are unable to express their freedom, of speech, freedom of assemble without getting arrested, that confirms that a dictatorship is in effect in the country; the only thing left for Roosevelt Skerrit to make known is that he is now ruling by decree.

    It is important observation, and note that Pascal has not broken any law except he was Master of Ceremony involving the opposition, for that right he’s arrested! 

  16. Dr who
    April 6, 2019

    Police State! By the look of things, dictatorial rule. Brace yourselves for Venezuela 2.0 my people. We are long overdue a change of this shady government and their private paid Army (Police) in military fatigues who are ready to kill their own for an incompetent leader who uses weaponized psychology on the population in order to remain in power! My people is time to open up your eyes and make a change before things get worst.

  17. As I see It
    April 6, 2019

    The battle has become my people! Skerrit will intimidate and do everything to see if there will not be a civil war, so he and his army, with help from his Russian Soldiers could have the blood of Dominicans out, just to stay in power. DNO FYI I am not making up this story because during the 2014 elections he made that statement in Wesley “I say tonight that the blood of Dominica would be on your hands, all those who triggered the demise of this beautiful country of ours.” See here on DNO https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/politics/pm-skerrit-sends-strong-warning-dlp-supporters/
    Unfortunately, the local army/ police never questioned him about that statement that was clearly inciting violence that would result in blood shed.

    So the battle is on people and Skerrit has put his troops in motion. But the local police must be very careful that they don’t put out the blood of their own people just to defend a very corrupt PM

  18. Dominican abroad
    April 6, 2019

    This is what he once called the next level, I guess it’s to bring our Island to it’s knees then hand it over to foreigners while he goes in hiding with his family and their Millions..

  19. Dominican abroad
    April 6, 2019

    Seeing that the policemen in the Villages had nothing to do but sit on their BS drinking all day this is the only thing they could and call it work, arresting someone during a peaceful demonstration to make a point.. And what point? I would like to see one of them fall seriously sick in MARIGOT and have to make the journey to that …. hole PMH maybe they will think again about harassing innocent people… I just can’t understand how people can’t see how sad this situation is! An 85 years old man had to go all the way to Wesley to get a dressing for a bad leg, a child with asthma same situation.. so sad..

  20. weh
    April 6, 2019

    Change is a must skerrit must go

  21. I Still Red
    April 6, 2019

    Here we go again. The pressure is on because PM knows his days are numbered and there is nothing he can do to prevent voters to vote him out. So as the day draws nearer expect many more to be arrested, jailed and some may even get… (fill the blank).
    I was on his side in 2014 and I was in Wesley when he incited violence and blood shed against those that would vote UWP in 2014: ” I say tonight that ‘the blood of Dominica’ would be on your hands, all those who triggered the demise of this beautiful country of ours.” See here on DNO https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/politics/pm-skerrit-sends-strong-warning-dlp-supporters/. The election was stolen so there was no blood shed. But this year he knows it can’t be stolen so expect that “blood of Dominica” he spoke about in 2014, to be on those who cause UWP to win. That’s why he got rid of Ross University so US can’t come in and, he knows the Russian Soldiers are in Venezuela waiting. So expect him to huff and puff and…

  22. Ibo France
    April 6, 2019

    This is what the police in Dominica do best. They arrest citizens on trivial and trumped up charges while gunmen and criminals run amok leaving deaths, injuries and mayhem in most places. Under Sherrit’s stewardship all the once revered institutions have been reduced to skeletons of themselves – parliament, police force, presidency, courts, electoral commission, prime minister’s office. Instead the police serve and protect the people, they have been reduced to mere agents and bodyguards of one man.

  23. Gouvelma
    April 6, 2019

    Will those officers who believe that their allegiance is to labor and not the country flee when UWP wins the elections? Officers, support your party however dont be a backside.

  24. Bwa-Banday
    April 6, 2019

    These folks are pushing for civil disobedience and there will come a time when the good people of Marigot will be left with no choice but to shut down the country by any means necessary. The whole issue of “incitement” is farce to muzzle voices of decent against this rouge regime. Skerro and chemical Ali need to understand that the only viable airport is located in Marigot so it would be wise to leave the people alone.

    The Republican Guard Unit of the CDPF is patterned after the QUDS Force in Iran (Do you all research….to protect the regime not the people) and silence the masses to enable the regime to stay in power. Be warned that should any brutality befall brother Soul-Puss while in custody there will be hell to pay. Marigot will not remain silent or passive. Karessah better tell his new masters to stay out of Marigot.

  25. %
    April 6, 2019

    Was the arrest executed by members of the newly formed “Protective Services Unit””?
    Well unless this lazy regime led by Skerrit is changed,those arrests will continue!!! .Thanks God all signs are pointing towards his defeat at the polls,which will usher in a new beginning of real leadership on island ..
    Skerrit Must Go
    Skerrit Must Go
    LAZY Skerrit Must Go Now

  26. Neville
    April 6, 2019

    My fellow Dominicans, this is a sign of things to come. Mark my words. Skerrit is taking the next step!!

    • Let's Blame Maria
      April 6, 2019

      There are no more than six police officers at the Marigot police station
      with no more than two
      vehicles; Marigot is probably the most populated village in Dominica. 100 times more people than police so the police must do the maths and be smart.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available