Blackmoore, PM Skerrit condemn attack on police officers

Blackmoore described the attackers as 'bandits'
Blackmoore described the attackers as ‘bandits’

National Security Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, and Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, have condemned attacks on two policemen during the just concluded two days of Carnival street jump up.

Blackmoore said he hopes the police leave no stone unturned in finding and bringing those responsible to justice while Skerrit called on witnesses to come forward to assist in prosecuting the matter.

“I strongly condemn the attacks on police officers Wilburton Jules and Patrickson Esprit during the Carnival celebration,” Blackmoore stated.

On Carnival Monday, Jules was severely beaten on Church Street in Roseau by several men who inflicted numerous and serious injuries to his upper body using a hammer and a rock weighing over 15 pounds, Police PRO, Acting Inspector, Pellam Jno Baptiste, revealed.

Esprit was assaulted by what Blackmoore described as “bandits.”

“According to the information received, three persons have been charged with attempted murder in the matter involving police officer Jules,” he disclosed. “It is my hope that the Police will leave no stone unturned in the finding and bringing to justice, the bandit or bandits who inflicted the injury to Patrickson Esprit. Police officers have the dangerous and difficult task in keeping us safe, and such a task will not and cannot be tolerated.”

Neverthless, the Minister stated that the “generally peaceful” conduct of the public during the Carnival celebration highlights the true spirit of Dominicans.

“These acts of violence by some do not define us as a people, there is a fundamental goodness about the Dominican people,” he noted.

Meantime, Skerrit is calling for witnesses to support the Police Force, and to come forward in assisting the Prosecution in bringing the attackers to justice.

“We have to stand in absolute solidarity with the Police because if they’re attacked and we do not stand in solidarity with them, and if they get themselves into difficulties, we are quick to condemn. There has to be fairness in the application of criticism and support,” he articulated.

He explained that due to the number of people in the bands, there must have been witnesses to the crime.

“There were many people in the band, so, they would have seen who these people were; and I’m hoping that they will come forward and be witnesses of the State, to this crime, and ensure that those who were involved are first brought to justice and are able to be successfully prosecuted…” Skerrit said.

Skerrit emphasized that while the Police are charged with certain responsibilities, they remain citizens of Dominica, and are afforded the same rights as other citizens. He stressed that these rights must be respected.

“We have to send a message to people, that we have to respect each other’s rights, and we have to respect the laws of the country,” he noted. “And, clearly, an attack of any citizen is unacceptable and the police officers are part of our citizenry, and while they are told to enforce the laws, people must also respect their rights and their responsibilities.”

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16 Comments

  1. Dominican
    February 14, 2016

    I figured as a Dominican, when u attack the unprepared with expired gas the ppl in authority forgot to remember that their families are spread throughout Dominica. My point is the pm allowed the police to attack and harassed the same people and not expect a reaction. Its not by chance it was done it was a collected thought and the ppl are turning. Sorry officer and hope feel better.

  2. Itassi4us
    February 13, 2016

    Well, well, well, this condemnation is mere talk, no action. After that what happens? Eh? The police are still being left to patrol with nothing but a stupid wand in their hands while those bandits are heavily armed out there. Police falter like anyone else, the are just human set with the responsibility to serve and protect the citizens of Dominica but who are protecting them? Nobody! The minute they falter, the police chief is ready to burn them instead of trying to bring an amicable solution to whatever is caused. I see the police as persons who are supposed to take everything and swallow with a grain of salt. Do we not improve? So many countries a firearm is assigned to u as soon as u are enlisted, here they get a face reassurance and a stupid baton. This is not the first officer being attacked and it not be the last because the head has let go his troop to the mercy of the thugs. A force without unity, fighting among their own selves will always be weak

  3. love I
    February 13, 2016

    When the PM tells his supporters to hate and call other people haters because they do not support him…what do you expect from these statements..???? ….

  4. February 13, 2016

    The man who was killed in police custody ,there was no blackmoore condemning the police actions….i always said that the population will revolt one day….that’s just the beginning..

  5. Rabbit
    February 13, 2016

    Condemn what? Why didn’t you all condemn the attack on GON Emanuel’s home? Oh I uno why. You need the police to protect you from the public right. Keep running your unpopular government & not even the police will be able to protect you from a fed up population since it seems to me like they can’t even protect themselves.

  6. Discombobulated
    February 13, 2016

    I didn’t even read this article because I don’t want to hear nothing. Them man just need to deal with crime and get police to do their work. Police useless on this island. Not one patrolling officer. Pathetic

  7. Rat Poison
    February 12, 2016

    Blackmoore should also condemn the statements Skerrit made in his presence and, he should also condemn the photos Skerrit appeared in cutting cake, drinking, and signing documents with NG Lap Seng, just one week before he and others that were in Macau with Skerrit were all arrested by FBI.

    In like manner, Skerrit should also condemn Blackmoore, for not pushing for independent investigation in matters that threaten national security, such as what Skerrit himself referred to as racketeering.

  8. February 12, 2016

    In a society where the Citizens dont respect the police is a clear indication that country is on the brink of kaos, thanks to Skerrit and his gang, …………………………….

  9. Former student
    February 12, 2016

    Alot of police are killed and seriously hurt for no reason? Really? Too funny… 2 police officers were killed in the states….wanna guess how many unarmed black men were killed and seriously injured? … how many black unarmed teenagers were shot dead? And even worst…. how many innocent citizens were accidentally shot by police officers….. you people that are always talking about the USA really annoy me….. what those guys did to the officers is a serious crime and everyone knows that they are going to really get worst than that in the cell from other police officers….. My point is crime begets crime….

    • Face the Facts
      February 12, 2016

      Are you implying that criminals should not be brought to justice and be incarcerated?
      As for the youths, how obedient were they? Some of them should be at their home and not on the streets at nights and committing crimes.
      You heard of the US seventeen year-old boy who killed approximately 4 people? A few were his relatives. One of them is a teacher who resided in Canada. This man commenced teaching in that area in September.
      When they are under age and considered a minor, their names are not released and they are not tried, not even as an adult.
      I am not stating that the police should shoot to kill them but some of these teenagers today lack respect for the Law or for that matter, no one. Some of them say they had the urge to kill.

  10. 1JADA
    February 12, 2016

    What goes around come back around sometimes harder. i spent the last number of years in Roseau during carnival and was awaken in the wee hours of the morning by the screams and bawling coming from the police station. When you are in POLICE custody there is no need to ABUSE the person who is charged. The court is there to provide JUSTICE innocent or guilty. Then again Justice is RESERVED for the PRIVILLAGE not the have not poor.

    • Face the Facts
      February 12, 2016

      You must know two sides prior to blaming one side.
      Are those who are in detention and/or in prison obedient? They will curse and insult the police/guards with derogatory words and even fight them. Do not be surprised if they throw the plate of food, hot drink and whatever else on them. They must somehow be subdued.
      I do think prisoners of today are not like those of yesteryear.

  11. Observer
    February 12, 2016

    Very sorry to hear of such senseless and unlawful acts against police. The public needs to condemn this, and work towards getting those criminals behind bars. A lot of police are killed and severely hurt for no reason. Two police in my area (USA) were just murdered for just approaching criminal on the loose. While some police do their crap, for the most part they are good, and can’t imagine living without them.

    Big up to the good police men! Keep strong!

    • Face the Facts
      February 12, 2016

      I wholeheartedly endorse your comment.
      I heard of these US police officers.
      If these people conduct themselves as law-abiding citizens, they will not end up in trouble with the Law. They give the police more problems than they could ever get from the police. They are troublemakers and defiant. They are wrong but want to be strong.
      It is not as if the police set out to injure or kill them. The police are faced with a situation which may cost them their life.
      Nationals must unite and stand up for the police. I do.

  12. star
    February 12, 2016

    It looks like the Minister would have been a better option as the Chief of Police than the present chief. Bravo to the Minister.

    • Criminal Enterprise
      February 12, 2016

      I am tempted to agree with you but I am reminded by the fact that Blackmoore did not an impressive report card as a police officer.

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