It appears that the police may take “appropriate action” against those who either participated in or organized a protest which engulfed the community of Salisbury recently.
On May 11, residents blocked the main Highway connecting Roseau and Portsmouth, raising concerns over the deplorable state of farm access roads in the area. The protest was eventually broken up by the police using tear gas.
Speaking on privately-owned Kairi FM’s Heng Program on Monday Justice Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, insisted that the protest was illegal, noting the police will be taking action as mandated by law.
“The Minister of Justice cannot instruct the police to go and arrest people,” he said. “That is why I am saying that I am satisfied and the police, by virtue of the fact, is the entity mandated by law to take appropriate actions where persons certainly and clearly undermined the laws of the country. And in that regard I have every reason to believe that the approprate action will be taken in that regard.”
He stated that he makes no apologies for saying the protest action was “uncalled for.”
“The state will not sit by idly and allow that to continue,” Blackmoore remarked.
The Justice Minister is also shooting down allegations made by local attorney, Tiyani Behanzine, that the tear gas used by the police during the protest had expired.
“I listened to the statement issued by the police, a press statement, and I am quite in concurrence with that statement,” he said. “I have not seen any evidence that points to that and I want to say therefore that the statement adequately responded to that claim.”
In a statement the police had said all armaments used during the protest meet international standards and mandates.
Skerrit and his goons are keeping Dominicans divided, they make their own laws and if you are not a labourite they want to arrest you. But Dominica’s children are being molested everyday, that’s a crime so why don’t your administration put the spotlight on protecting the innocents.
There is a God whether you believe it or not, and he will take vengeance on you because he hears the cry of the people, all your million dollar houses cannot protect you from Mother Nature when my God move his hands. You said no law but Mother Nature is in control and she makes the laws, she removes the mountain and throws it in the sea,so who are you little men? Your hands too short to box with God
Remember in exodus pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he kept the children of Israel in bondage until God gave the order and smite pharaoh’s son, and he execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt.
So go ahead gods rulers of Dominica, keep oppressing his children, keep testing his patience.
That was always going to be the case because of how they did it. Institutions lost money as a result. I always said they went about it the wrong way. I’d much rather have seen them block the entrance to ministry instead. You cannot stop everyday people from going about their business. They got the result which is good. The roads are getting attention etc. but there would’ve always been punishment because it was done in bad taste and affected neutrals on the island.
My people didn’t you hear the ambassador wife questioning Mr Blackmore asking him to give her listeners some sort of satisfaction by telling them that the people of Salisbury will be delt with.I always say to people the same stick that you measure people with expect it for yourself.Poor Mr Blackmoore at one point he was even fed up cause in spite of he saying he is in agreement with the police with using the expired teargas his government don’t even know where to start with dealing with that fact.I agree with him put the responsibility in the police hand stay out of that .That responsibility carries too much weight
Contact from the . R.S.S. based in Barbados. ??????.
I would like to advise the Govt. and the Police that the action which they are contemplating against the people of Salisbury is a naked REPRISAL against the people for their Democratic rights. the Govt. isn’t motivated by any sense of justice but of revenge and malice against the people. In this case tread carefully & leave well alone.
Why is this still in the news? It’s been 3 weeks since they are talking about this imminent arrest. They thing they seek they shall find. But the call to the people of Salisbury and surrounding remains… WHEN YOU HEAR THE CONCH SHELL, IT’S TIME FOR ACTION.
it dam right i would do the ame thing too maybe even more i would bomb de whole dam road and let police put tear gas by me i calling 1 800 crime stoppers.com and give them an anymos tip about what dominican police and goverment doing. Dominica is turning for the worst now and its all because of last years election that making people want to kill all labourits. Be prepared for anything cause i know UWP people doesn’t joke so…………..let dem stay der and waste der time. Skerrit stp it stop cheating on your wife do let me tell her dat cause i know her!!! hmm good night people
enjoy all u missary
may god bless UWP people and UWP people alone
you are a idiot.
Rayburn, you are not making things any easier. Everytime you open your mouth and threaten the good folks of Salisbury and Dominica by extension the people are getting stronger and more determined to resist the authorities with all they have should ANY arrest take place.
I am afraid that Salisbury people including DLP supporters from Salisbury will turn the country upside down if you and the Police Commissioner arrest anyone reference the last protest and they will not stop on the Bawi Hwy. Please Rayburn and Skerro, leave the Salisbury people alone. If you guys don’t believe me ask Shanks and the recently retired ASP from Bawi on the prevailing mood inside Bawi and you will see.
You guys failed to respond to the people appropriately after 15yrs of neglect so they did the right thing afforded to them under the constitution..Protest. Ma Dominique cannot handle another 1979 so please let cooler heads prevail and leave the people alone.
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
De government dat doing more crime in de country,dey de police hv to investigate an arest
I do not believe in violence, nor the overthrowing of an elected government by force: Nevertheless, I believe that the time has come for the people of the country to take action against Skerrit, and the criminal elements such as Blackmoore.
Dominicans must wake from their slumber, and spell in which we exists, and rise against those who oppressed us, they are asking for a civil uprising, and the people should accommodate them!
There will never be peace in our country as long as such corrupt criminals, people who are thieves claims to be running the country, and trampling on the rights of the people! Here is an idiot Blackmoore who said the protest was justified, now the same idiot contends the protest was illegal.
One of the most illegal things we can point out in Dominica, is that a man spent a few years in the Dominica police force working for peanuts, he left got into politics, and in less than five years own a house costing more than a million dollars, that is more…
you are a hatter and a fool.
I think the government only want to create more trouble. Maybe they want to put spaggz in jail.?!!
Tell them go ahead and make our day….pleaseeeeeeeeeeee! I am watching and waiting patiently.
Assertive, NOT Aggressive!
The 17000 that voted for UWP think that they can overcome the majority that voted for the DLP. SLOW WATER RUNS DEEP. All UWP talk is another 1979. Remember when what took place on May 29, 1979 every Dominican, every color, every union was involved, not a minority like the UWP. The Salisbury riot must and should be dealt with by the law. Imagine the pal rep for the area referring to this as 5/11 making a comparison to 9/11 and saying to the Law authorities….IF YOU TOUCH ONE, YOU TOUCH ALL….How can one be wrong and think he is right? and you expect no action to be taken? Come on, the leaders should and must pay.
Its 17000 and add.
Excluding the overseas vvoters
UWP should have the popular support.
popular please!!1
Don’t you think the overseas voters will come down the same way. We will not talk talk talk like you guys we will show action when the time is right. Don’t underestimate the die-hard labourites.
“SLOW WATER RUNS DEEP.”
It is not slow water: it is smooth waters runs deep.
Anyway I am now convinced that you and The Facts may not be one of the same, unless this is a deception. History do repeat itself, Skerrit, Blackmoore and the rest of our peoples oppressors are asking for the repeat of history.
To me the days of that repeat are not too far away; Skerrit sense it, that is why you see his paramilitary marching in the streets of Roseau, dressed in military fatigues, with back packs! Dominica is the only place in this universe we find police dressed in military uniforms. The uniform of a soldier is far different to that of the police officer.
Dominica is known as the Sleeping Giant according the late Premier of St. Kitts, Dominica born in the village of Castle Bruce Paul Southwell. The Sleeping Giant woke in 1979 or there about, and went back sleep, soon to be awaken again.
It is also “Still water runs deep.” This is what I learned in those days.
you all hungry for power
Neither is it “smooth” waters; it is “still” waters that run deep–what is smooth water?
No! The sayjng is Still Water Runs deep
Okay Facts, and Elizabeth, both of you are correct, I boy Francisco is wrong eh!
By the way Facts, I read where you said you know my family, and I may know you!
Not impossible; however, if you are from the great, great, great villages of Marigot, or Wesley you need to let me know, cause if you are form any of those two there might be a connection, so I advise you to disclose your name identify yourself. If you do not wish to say who you are on DNO here is my E-mail: [email protected]
If me arch enemy Elizabeth can use she real name, so should you; unless you have something to hide oui!
What you want to see happen in our peaceful country will never happen because you all in the minority.That Government is wiser than the Patrick John Government,so keep asking for un rest.You said you are an educated guy but you talk like a fool.God bless DA.
Everyone should stand together against this discatorshop, if they arrest one they have to arrest all. While the Salisbury people crying skerrit posting video on face book of wedding anniversary. There is no real passion for the people. That is all threat and we as a people should all come together and fight against this nonsense. We put you in and we can sure take you out. Just remember this government is our employee not our boss.
Go ahead Blackmoore , make our day. If Skeritt or Blackmoore, is fed up of governing this country and wants a way out, just resign and let the people choose another Government. Blackmore, I am sure has heard the sound of a conkshell before. If he or his Government arrest anyone from Salisbury or elsewhere in Dominica, he will hear the deafening sounds of conkshells blowing all over Dominica , he might believe the world is coming to an end. Please be calm, people, don’t be frightened, it will only be the beginning of the end of the repressive regime. Tighten your waist Dominicans, the same thing you do just before a hurricane, guide yourself accordingly. It is going to be a very long ride.
They will not resign because if they do they will missed the money they steal from the piggy bank!
The brown paper bag will not come out from under the table filed with money, and so they will not be in a position to buy choice land, and own houses costing millions of dollars while they give shacks without toilet and kitchens installed in them to the red devils who follow them.
It is time for the people to get angry, and put those bits of human scum’s and mucus who calls themselves honorable ministers of governments out of business by any means necessary.
AS general strike the same as the one organized by Charles Savarin Skerrit President, organized in 1979 in which people were killed!
The constitution says that ppl should express their right but in an appropriate manner. Not blocking roads sending fire bomb after law enforcement officers. Come on ppl this country is not lawless. Example has to be set so history won’t repeat it self . So the guys who plan the protest and fire bomb the police officers should be taken to court. Let the court decide and we shall move on in our peaceful nation
The Pm has stated that no law or constitution can stop him.So how do you expect to stop the Salisbury people.
Let calm prevail
I remember back in the days, when the same one who lead the people into 40 plus days strike, said that “a protest is neither illegal or legal, it is either successful or unsuccessful”. If I was to ask today, I believe His Excellency would still say the same. So, Mr. Blackmoore, Mr. Carbon, leave well where well is! A word to the wise is sufficient. I’m neither for or against the protest, but, just leave that alone. Let by gone be by gone. The good Book says, ‘blessed are the peacemakers..’
The police are making dominicans believe that they are the ones taking that decision ,,that is not the truth al all ,it is the political party in power which is taking such a decision…this country dominica is controlled by a dictatorial gov’t ,this is what dominicans voted for,the leader was dancing like is party time,throwing roro or gossip talk towards others ,that is what most dominicans like gossip talk to make them rejoice on others fate and laugh like idiots ,now those that are against the gov’t should not talk ,this is what is happening at the moment,all dominica should go on strike and ask for the leader to resign and make sure he does.
I think de government is searching frantically through all available legislation to cover itself and justify incarcerating targeted residents of Salisbury. Those it thinks may have planned or led de protest.
I thought de government had a case already.
And a very strong one to.
Time is going and nothing definitive.
Chavez jailed de opposition leader for leading a protest.
De guy is still in jail despite calls from UN for his release.
Is there a law against protesting?
If such is de case de government and police should go to the labor party constituencies, find de leaders from back then and jail them as well.
Go to Kalinago Territory, layou, colihaut…etc
IF YOU REFUSE YOU WILL EXPOSE YOURSELF AS A DICTATOR VICTIMIZING AGAINST ANY AND EVERY GROUP OUTSIDE THE DLP.!!
YOU WILL EXPOSE YOURSELF!
GO AHEAD EXPOSE YOURSELF!
I DARE YOU……TO YOUR OWN DEMISE
what are you talking about get a life wait for the next election
If you follow closely you will see and read that is exactly how Mr. Skerrit’s closest allies get on. Do you see a sign of communism thus the lack of free speech?
corpal blacky leave them people alone it was a peaceful protest until you all send the police instead of a government representative.
Sad sad sad these people talk about the most supreme as if the labour party and especially the dlp leader is a god. Lord help us!!!! One day we all must answer and 99 days for the voler one day for the master.
The plan is that the Baby dock government is waiting for the cricket visitors to leave and then they will come in with their Toton Makout to intimidate the people of Salisbury.
So let us go to the cricket game with plaques to tell the world that we have a corrupt and repressive government. A government selling our passports like prostitutes and laundering money among the cabal.
Let our plaques highlight the massive election fraud and say congratulations to the St Vincent government for cleaning up the voters list.
After all if they want to hide their filthy behavior when the visitors are here let us expose them as much as we can. If we love our country then we must reveal the truth about our country so that those crooks are exposed.
PLAQUE – STOP PLUNDERING OUR PASSPORTS
STOP THE CORRUPTION
STOP IMPOVERIHSMET OF OUR PEOPLE
TURN TO THE HIGH RISE BUILDING CROOKS AND CON MEN ON THE LOOSE
If the Justice Minister wants Justice….then he better look at the police actions and the use of ‘expired’ and harmful teargas used against citizen’s exercising their Democratic Right!
What a joke!
Unbelievable…..
So really and truly, the DLP is a “shut the people mouth up party?” the populace, those against the party as well as their supporters must take what they get quietly? Well…. Well…. Not that this is anything new, its just that the party supporters, who remain grateful for the handouts they received 10 years ago or what they received last year will continue to make excuses for every ridiculous thing that Skerrit and his hound dogs say and do.
Blackmoore & Skerrit bobol Lookin for the start of Civil War in Dominica smdh!! I know Skerrit is behind all of this Blackmoore is just the voice out there, because he couldn’t even answer a simple question at a press conferencrecently! Skerrit made him look like a child. #Ur damn ‘LIL BOY’ Blackmoore!!!
Ok, lets take emotions and politics out of it. Blackmore back off and move on. Don’t threaten the people any more. But seriously though, should protestors be given a card blanche to disrupt anything, anyway they see fit? They took over a major road. Would it be ok, if they took over the airport or the ferry terminal? The point is where do we draw the line? On the other hand Government has to be more accountable and transparent and fair in conducting business whether in its strongholds or in UWP land. Government has to do better with its PR which seems only good to elect it in office. Finally the people deserve due respect. Nonetheless if we arrest people for vagrancy, should any act of public disruption no matter how extreme should go unpunished? I will end by saying the people have a right to protest peacefully as long as no law is broken. The government too should listen more and not take its people for granted. Governemnt has to be proactive and has to be seen to lead in all…
“But seriously though, should protestors be given a card blanche to disrupt anything, anyway they see fit?”
Yes indeed, a protest is to get the attention, and resolve of a prevailing problem or issue. To protest is the people’s right in a democracy, and not a privilege.
In Los Angeles not too long ago there was an incident involving the police. Motorists went unto the I-10 (Interstate 10) Freeway, in the middle of Los Angeles, obstructing traffic preventing millions of motorist from going about their business!
We saw the same method in Michigan a few years ago.
Only in communists country’s and places ruled by dictators people are prosecuted when they stage protest, without violence. Believe it or not, the only thing left for Skerrit to operate in the open as Dominica’s first dictator is for him to ask his Puppet president Charles Savarin to allow him to rule Dominica by decree!
Savarin may soon give him that authority!
The so called protest was unlawful the state must make an example of the ring leaders , read Vehicles and Road Traffic Act. pg.237 —– 51
Think of it like this. Just imagaine they were all labourities working for SKerrit. Try and make up an excuse for everything and just leave it alone.
Mr. Justice minister you are concerned about protest are illegal and you and the legal affairs minister does not seems too concern with money laundering activities that is going on in the country. This will soon black list the country and will soon loose its corresponding banking relationship and the country will continue down hill but that doesn’t concern you all.
I think the way forward is for the residence of Salisbury to fill a class action suit against the government and bring in some international human rights lawyers who i am sure will take on this case and get the necessary publicity for the cause of the people of Salisbury.
All of all you that are aiding and abetting in the money laundering activities by setting up companies and moving money through all you business accounts will soon have all you day of reckoning.
Hope justice will be swift when “Appropriate Action is taken against this Criminal Enterprise.
That you and the rest of the gang belong to. The police have to act on orders, so don’t pretend you have no say in the matter. The people were simply exercising their God given rights. You deem it illegal.
BIG DIFFERENCE. We live in a Democracy not a Fascist or Communist STATE.
Ummm …. “The people were simply exercising their God given rights.”
Pray tell, where and when exactly was this “God given right” given? Did it go something like, “Go ye therefore and protest and fill the lands with trash?
@Peace June 2, 2015
You made it sound funny! I had a good laugh
Most of those people here are sounding so “ridiculous” it is unimaginable.
God given rights are base on “Love”. God gave us the right to love Him and to love each other–but only those who will obey His commands.
In Love there no strife, vile, discord, and disdain, which a minority people want for our country, even those who do not live there, and have no intentions of returning –this kind of mentality is not from our Holy God; it is from the devil–the god of this world.
But God cannot be defeated, for He has said: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay”
Rayburn warn yourself. Stop provoking the good people of Salisbury. Leave well alone. Roosie would block roads and stage protests with impunity and it never resulted in such heavy handedness. If it was good then- it is good now! Skerrit unmuzzle you these days after he put your in your place and had you looking like a little boy in the last press conference?
Mr Blackmoore , why am I sensing that there’s a hatred by the Gov’t towards the hard working people of Salisbury ? I view the protest as worthy a cause and an example of human rights as civilians and more so citizens of the nature isle , to protest against activities which affects us . Sir , the people felt like they were taken for-granted and as such sent a strong signal that the silent sufferings needs being broken and hidden sufferers now has to come forth in this country and fight for the cause of their suffering family and most affected children . And to conclude sir , you make it seem like this activity was the only illegal action ever taken , but you’re wrong you sit among the illegalities , partake and drink with illegal partners which includes you . Everywhere people protest , why not in Dominica ? I say for too long now our protest has been silent and mocked by your comrades , so if no law & no constitution could stop your leader from being elected , c’est la mem…
When Freedom of speech, and the fight for rights comes to and end, so does the country and the lives within. LET ME MAKE WAY TO GET MY FAMILY OUT OF HERE! Pretty soon people will be arrested in secret and locked away forever, I hope Dominica is too small for that as well. I fear for what may soon be taking place in my paradise. WHEN WILL WE WAKE UP??
It’s about time! I mentioned that arrests were imminent in a comment under an earlier related article. The Uneducated Wicked People and their minions seems to not be taking this as seriously as they should be, however, when they are being dragged before the Court to face the Mighty Labour Power we will see how defiant and insubordinate they really are. The fact is that the Uneducated Wicked People opposition are really a bunch of disgruntled cowards who hide behind a certain radio station spreading propaganda and and outright lies against the Most Holy Supreme Leader and other members of the Blessed Labour Party Government. When the handcuffs go on and they are dragged before faithful Labourites and other Law-Abiding Dominicans we will witness the tears and the pitiful pleas for mercy. We will see how they go from loud-mouthed troublemakers to shameless begging cowards as they realize that their time has finally come to face the Labourites whom they’ve berated for years.
Labourof Love you are very brainwashed
by politics.
This might well be a blessing in disguise. Maybe that’s what Skerrit and those boys need to do to ensure we have another 1978 in Dominica. We are eager for change, so go head Blackmoore and see if you all will not regret. NO threat DNO, this is simply a word of wisdom
a few men in power, seems like they will never leave power and the bed the make will be the one they will soon sleep in.
The key ringleaders of this unruly mob must be brought to justice therwise this would be setting a bad precidence. Gather the evidence against the key culprits (i.e. those who were directly involved in violent actions) and bring them to court. This is a country of laws and all those who promote and encourage lawlessness must be brought to justice, PEROID!!!
yes I D/ca come like communist state now, no freedom of expression.
Ministers always talking about the law, what is illegal and blah blah. i don’t think they have mirrors in their homes because they are the ones who breaking all laws in the country. blackmore needs to go, and the puppet inspector weeks needs to go also.
Blackmoore go and arrest and send the country in turmoil you and Skerrit think this is Venezuela and China come with the arms,the people will fight you all down,put dominica on the map.The next political uprising.
Salisbury ppl get ready!!!! Tell d police if they arrest 1 they should arrest all!!! Get ready to head back to the streets!!!!
yes ah smh, see how dominica come boy. why they doesnt let dat rest na
@ somebody, really people broke the law and you want them to let that rest? so am I to take that the people who molest, rape, and kill once time has past they should let that rest? looking at the picture only four people have on gardening boots on, if that was an organized farmers protest all would have the same attire on this tells me it was no farmers plea when we know the road was going to be dealt with in a month or two time. We quick to point out who breaking laws with no proof the ones that are actually breaking the law we want to turn a blind eye, I heard the minister also say you have to get a permit to demonstrate and every time these people demonstrate in the past months and years they never seek a permit.
What about those accused of money laundering? Why block attempts to investigate? In all fairness everybody who does wrong should persecuted. But it seems in this system if one goes down all goes down. I suspect some people are scared to lose their diplomatic immunity because some heads will roll. But nothing lasts forever, time will tell
I SUPPORTED THE PROTEST,(ARREST ONE PROTEST AGAIN)
Why not leave well aloneeeeeee!!! Why prolong this issue? Somebody is pushing this and it is not nice at allllll!!! :(( So saddddd!!
go ahead just try it and see what happens, all u want to test the waters to see if we are just talk, try a ting and see what happens next.. we dont only throw stones, do on to others as u would like them to do unto you, remember that.
Then by the end of the year they will be cutting off tongues. We have no voice in Dominica.
Please Corporal Blackmoore give this a arrest. You guys are playing with fire !!!!
Bkackmoore in the 4 1/2 yrs from 1995 to 2000 opposition leader Rosie Douglas had strike every year. There was one that involved road blocks in colihaut, grandbay, cainfield airport and Roseau. People demonstrated because a fountain was being erected at the bayfront in an effort to beautify Roseau. If you want civil war to break out go ahead and arrest people. Unless there is equal application of the law for breaching all crimes you need to shut your mouth.
The actual dates of expiration on the cans and the warnings issued not to used after said date, does not constitute evidence?
No surprise that arrests are to be made! Thats what authorities normally do to surpress public discontent. But Blackmoore…just look through the history books….when has arrests ever led to calming the situation? Most protesters are prepared for such action if it comes to it.
I guess you guys need to start building more jails!
But wait… I thought they finish with that eh geee! modo woi give it a break lets move forward …>>>>>>>>what’s done is done… just fix d road and move on…
Rayburn, once again your arrogance gets the best of you. You are clearly insinuating that the police are not doing their job by arresting the people but you are insisting that they should. We must learn to be tolerant and sufficiently wise in our relationships with those we serve. You seem to be influenced by your subpar leadership and your natural but unfortunate arrogant disposition.