Members of the Interdenominational Committee on Crime and Violence (IDCCV) are calling for a general review of the state prison and some form of consultative education as a means of combating crime and violence in Dominica.
Speaking to the media at a press conference on Wednesday morning, Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, Chairman of the IDCCV, pointed out that the committee met with stakeholders in October, to discuss the identification and development of strategies to effectively address the issues coming out of a number of fact finding consultations initiated by the organization.
“A general review of the state prison is in order and should be carried out in order to obtain a comprehensive review of the state of affairs at the state prison and some form of education consultation to strategize on the way forward in education, keeping in mind the changes and the dynamics of education processes and paradigms,” Bishop Malzaire stated.
According to him, these include a comprehensive review of the Education Act, a review of the school size and populations, a need for an increase in trained teachers, improved pastoral care, a high school transition program, improved supervision, a review of the high number of suspensions, a need for greater collaboration between the Ministry of Education and social agencies, a greater review and scrutiny process of teacher recruitment, an improvement in school community relations and an improved spiritual formation in schools.
The Bishop pointed out further that there is also a need for a comprehensive review of the justice system and security services geared towards providing more confidence in the security and judicial systems.
Member of the Committee, Reverend Marcus Francis, added that there is a culture of crime that is evolving in Dominica.
“There is a culture of crime and a culture of lawlessness, a culture of disrespect and once you begin to have new cultures, cultural shifts into cultures that are not engendering peace and well being then you are beginning to set your country up to plunge into a certain directions,” he stated. “Whereas our statistics in comparison to other islands remain within good numbers and we are generally safe but when we look at what is happening with our young people and the level of lawlessness that is happening, it is really a wake-up call.”
During a number of fact finding consultations, the IDCCV noted that a lack of social and economic opportunities, inadequate rehabilitation programs at the state prison, the lack of appropriate counseling and other therapeutic services for prison inmates and the deliberate efforts by legal practitioners to delay court matters, are a few factors which contribute to crime and violence.
Bishop Malzaire added that a meeting will be held on January 15th with all pastors, priests and leaders of churches to form a strategic plan on the way forward.
One thing I cannot stand with these UWP supporters is that as long as you voice an opinion contrary to theirs , you are stupid, brainwashed or some other derrogative term. How can you win others to your side through insults and arrogance?
mrs.thiny! you have a serious problem only you can solved.dissolved blame others for your mistakes.be strong and face up to it.if you can go online that means you understand enough.Read your bible.Priest and Pastors are not god
boy the real problem is righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach.. sin brings the people of any nation to their knees in crime, lawlessness, poverty and all sorts of evil works. This is the word of the LORD.. thanks be to JEHOVAH GOD! SAY IT AS IT IS PREACH THE WORD.
The principles for success and prosperity are found in the Bible.
As goes the individual so goes the nation. God’s blessing rests upon those – individually and nationally – who honor Him by obeying His commandments.
God has promised “…them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” (1 Samuel 2:30)
It begins by recognizing the fact that God by virtue of the fact that He created us DOES have the sovereign right to tell us how to live. This applies to every department of our lives.
God said “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make they way prosperous, and thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
The extent of a our well being will be the measure of our obedience to the Word of God and our commitment to live by the instructions God has given to us.
The Bible tells us “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, …
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Psalms 1:1-3)
Politicians who want the nation to prosper should oppose every form of immorality and vice. They should uphold the moral commandments of God in the laws of their nation. If they want God to be for their nation they must be for the things God is for and against the things God is against!
The Bible says “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)
This is why citizens have a responsibility to know where their political candidates stand on moral issues and vote for those who will protect (or provide) righteous laws against the sins that bring a nation down.
It is also why Bible believing pastors should speak out against sin and teach their congregations how to live righteously. When they do they are teaching the principles that make a nation great!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
MR.Holmes,this is more than a handful.The comment tells me that most of you have never open a bible.When asked “Lord! you have given your life for us and how do we pay the ransom? The answer was,”REMEMBER ME”.you cannot see him,you cannot touch him therefore,you can only pray for him and yourself Use the scenes he gave to you to do what is right before The Lord.
Now allu talking.So long people waiting for d church to open dear mouth. Now allu talking
All u to pocrite all u have deplomatic passport all u churches have AC well decor too hell with what the PM do in the country u all can’t be bordered stop singing for all u supper
I read the constant bashing of “church folks and leaders” and I wonder: the role of the church is to point people to Jesus … people must then make the choice to choose Jesus for themselves.
How many of us can say that we were never pointed to Jesus by a “church folk or leader”? The issue is not the church folk, no; it is our refusal to take Jesus. So, be my guest and continue bashing people who have already chosen Jesus.
This is the root of the problem in our western societies, point people to Jesus.
Time to point people to the Most High and stop worshiping created beings; stop worshiping the human being elevating him to a god.
http://www.whyislam.org
I want to know why my comments are always left out…..yes i tell me DNO
Great job by our church leaders!
You are the conscience of the nation. Disregard all whining about preoccupation with a ‘social gospel.’ Keep pushing the concerns that our Lord cared for: those who are oppressed with sin, neglect, poverty and crime.
Dr. Sam:
Some denominations have become so caught up in what is called “social gospel” they have moved away from preaching the soul saving message of the cross.
Billy Graham once said his calling was to change society one person at a time.
However, it does not have to be either or. It should be both. Churches should preach the soul saving life changing good news of salvation through faith in Christ AND serve the cause of social justice. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!
There are things in many countries that need fixing. There is corruption, the needs of the poor, under paid workers, a need for better housing, children going to school hungry, repairs needed for school buildings, hospitals that require improvements, jails that should be upgraded, and much more.
Clergy not only have a right, they have a responsibility, to address these issues. The people in the churches are citizens, tax payers, and voters. They do have a voice in the government and affairs of state if they live in a free and democratic nation! When Christ said “Ye are the salt of the earth:” (Matthew 5:13) and “Ye are the light of the world.” (Matthew5:14) He meant His people were to have influence and make a difference.
What is usually required is for somebody to see the need and take the initiative. Often it takes somebody to remind the government that change is needed and we – the tax payers – we the voters – want something done. Somebody has to blow the trumpet and rally the troops.
There will be those who use the occasion to spew out their brainless criticism of the churches, bad mouthing those who are brave enough to speak out on behalf of the needy. Remember those who are never criticized are the people who never do anything. Nobody will ever blame them for making a mistake because they never tried to succeed. It is the risk takers who are the movers and shakers.
They will move the nation forward!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
LORD GOD CREATOR OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH,The Sea and SPRINGS OF WATER,YOU HAVE CALLED US TO FEAR(Respect,REVERENCE,HOLD In High Esteem and HONOR) YOU AND Give GLORY TO YOU, for the hour of HIS judgment has come; and WORSHIP HIM. (Revelation 14:7)
GOD is not the author of confusion.
GOD IS LOVE.
Can there be unity in diversity of truths?
Was JESUS exclusive of THE TRUTH?
Children Of GOD Love HIM and therefore Obeys HIM,Walks in HIS WAY and Pleases HIM.
THE LORD Our GOD INSTITUTED LAW AND ORDER AS PRINCIPLES. THIS ENSURES HARMONY AND STABILITY.
We have the records and examples before Us as History.
This is not the dark ages. The increase of Knowledge is here just as THE LORD PROMISED. Please Seek so that you will not Let any man deceive you as THE LORD WARNED And THAT You lean not unto your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledged HIM AND HE Shall Direct your Path.Let nothing rub You of THE Salvation OF THE LORD.
What is sin? sin is transgression of The Law.
Righteousness Exalts a nation,but sin is a reproach (disgrace,shame,dishonor) to any people.
Have you ever asked the question what Law when transgressed is sin?
Have you not considered if it is possible not to transgress such Law and therefore avoid sin?
REMEMBER GOD IS LOVE AND EVERY HE DOES IS WITH,IN,OUT,FOR AND BY LOVE.
THIS IS why HE TOLD Us WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.
HE asked Us is there anything too hard for ME?
Read what HE ASKED Job, where were You when HE Set THE STARS in place and Hung the earth and how HE Measured the firmament…..
Do We consider,Know and Understand the Reason We Say I can Do All Things through CHRIST WHO Strengthens Me?(Philippians 4:19)
THE LORD WANTS TO SAVE Us for We cannot save anyone(me,you). HE HAS INVESTED ALL TO SAVE Us for HE LOVES Us. If We Consider,Understand and Embrace this We WILL BE GRATEFUL AND Accept and Receive HIS LOVE.
Freely We Receive HIS LOVE therefore We must Share LOVE. A Life Worth Living for Us is Worth Sharing With Others.Amen.
Anything We do THE LORD MUST BE THE CENTER, THE PURPOSE,THE GOAL,THE OBJECT ,therefore HE WILL BRING THE RESULTS With Multiplying Effect.
We can Be The Nation to be a forerunner,a model to others so Let Us Seek HIM to take This Stand.
Let Us Live what We Teach,Preach, Think and Share, so men can See The Love We have,One for Another so They also Will GLORIFY Our FATHER IN HEAVEN.
Please Let Us be OBEDIENT And Lift Up THE SON OF Man JESUS as Moses Lifted Up the serpent in the wilderness, so THE LORD WILL DRAW All Men Unto HIM.
SEE SUCH LOVE ,That HE DIED in Our place ,for the wages of sin is death.
See the significance of The Law for THE FATHER Spared not HIS SON. For THE FATHER Did NOT change or go against The Law to SAVE HIS SON.
The Law OF GOD IS THE STANDARD BY WHICH ALL were Judged, are judged,and Will be Judged.
How can We reject So GREAT A SALVATION.
Today you hear MY VOICE harden not your heart SAYS THE LORD.
Thank You for Receiving and For Sharing.
There is room for all.
We Love You,yes You are Loved.C
Why are the members and supporters of the UWP attacking the church for expressing concern about the state of crime and violence in our society? The Interdenominational Committee on Crime and Violence (IDCCV) brings together the Christian Council of Churches, that is, the Catholic, Methodist and Anglican churches and the association of Evangelical churches. They have undertaken to look at the matter of crime and violence with a view to making a difference. So I ask again, why attack the men and women of the cloth? Is it that we are so filled with hate that all we can see is Skerrit, Skerrit, Skerrit, and who so ever does not join in the mindless attack and criticism of Skerrit, is himself fair game for the UWPs abuse and vilification!
They calling everybody else except those CORRUPT politicians.
I DON”T want to hear what they have to say!!!!
I have NO respect for those church leaders. They disgust me. I bunch of cowards if you ask me… trying to remain relevant.
I used to have FAITH in those churches. NOT ANY MORE!!!
The Churches are too selective in what they see as crime and violence,
The term crime does not, in modern times, have any simple and universally accepted definition, but one definition is that a crime, also called an offence or a criminal offence, is an act harmful not only to some individual, but also to the community or the state (a public wrong). Such acts are forbidden and punishable by law.
This comment gives us something to think about.
As far as I know the proper definition of a crime is any act that breaks a law that is part of the criminal law. Here it get a little murky because what is criminal law in one place may not be criminal law in another place.
Churches are too selective about what they call crime? I cannot address this for Dominicans because I have not been to Dominica. It is only a “crime” if it breaks a criminal law. It is a “sin” if it breaks the law of God even if it does not break a law of Dominica.
I served as a pastor for years in Canada so I will speak as a Canadian pastor. Our responsibilities are the same in very country.
It is our duty to teach people to obey the law of their nation because this is Biblical teaching according to Romans 13:1-7. But if man’s law would hinder us from obeying God’s Word we must obey God. Compare Mark 16:15 with Acts 4:13-19.
Beyond this we are to preach and teach the Bible
and the commandments of God found in the New Testament. The Old Testament law ended when Christ died on the cross and a new era of faith began according to John 19:30, Romans 10:4, Galatians 3:13. We now live by and follow the New Testament. Moral prohibitions in the Old Testament that reflect the holiness of God’s character are carried over into the New Testament. The governments in some countries include certain New Testament prohibitions in their civil laws. Naturally, Bible believing churches will want you to obey these laws because first not to do so violates the Word of God and only secondly because it breaks the law of the country.
I can only speak for my own country, Canada when I say Christians and churches have been slow to speak out against certain social evils. We have at times overlooked corruption. I admit we have not been acted on behalf of the poor as we ought. More should be done to make sure laborers receive decent wages, children going to school have proper lunches, etc. This is improving thanks to concerned politicians but our pastors have not taken the lead in this. You may have some of these problems in Dominica but it’s not my business. However, if you are a citizen of that beautiful island you have a right to speak out against such things if you see them and I hope you do!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
I have no appetite for spineless and selfish religious leaders. They have betrayed the flock entrusted to their care.
They need to call it for what it is!!
I am a minister and I agree with you.
There was a saying in ancient Israel “As goes the priest so goes the people.”
The spiritual leaders in Israel were the priests and the prophets. When they lived right and taught the people how to live according to God’s laws
those who followed them had good lives and prospered. Israel was a great nation under God!
When their civil leaders (kings, princes, and prime ministers) ignored the Word of God the nation came down.
So it is today. We do not live in a theocracy. But our Bishops, pastors, and evangelists are Christ’s ambassadors mandated to literally tell us what God says (according to the Bible which they have spent years studying). (2 Corinthians 5:20) (2 Timothy 4:1-4) If we hear and obey them we will be blessed and prosper both individually and nationally. 
There are many church leaders who are dedicated hard working servants of God. They preach the Word without fear or favor.
They stand and speak against corruption and injustice when they know by the Holy Ghost it is God’s time. Nobody knows any better than they do when that time is. King Solomon in his wisdom said “There is a time to speak and a time to be silent.”
Unfortunately, there are also (as you have implied) religious leaders who are spineless and have no backbone.
Political correctness 
and getting people’s names on the church membership role means more to them than getting their names in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
These leaders can be recognized because they don’t preach the cross: salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood! Neither do
because they don’t want to offend people and lose potential financial support 
they don’t tell people they are lost and need to be “born again”! These are the pastors who don’t preach against the current sins of this perverted generation and “evangelists” who preach pop psychology and feel good religion instead of repentance and faith. Why
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
It is so distressing to read the comments and the regular negativity, while I look for solutions being offered and there seems to be none.
The attacks are cyclical: What is being attacked is exactly what is being advocated by the attackers.
The Church is has finally gotten it and you attack them for getting it and moving on it. The alternative is for them to do nothing and I am confident they would be attacked for doing nothing? Come on people!!!
The Churches have a role to play in this Christian Island. I am delighted that the Curches have decided to get involved. It’s about time. There will be some who will be negative but then there was doubting Thomas. Well done to the men of the cloth for taking part in the discussion. Let’s pray for solutions by the grace of God.
I would like to know the names of all the men on that committee because it’s the same set that are moomoo, because of a scholarship and a diplomatic passport or some plywood and galvanized or even a duty free….
I have no regards and respect for non of these “NORM POUR NANA” pastors and priest
What? They are damned if they do and damned if they don’t?
Pleased give them credit now for doing what is right and good. The only way forward is to let go of the past.
It is not always possible for the public to know or understand the circumstances that shape certain choices and decisions that are made. The clergy have an understanding of their nation as it relates to their congregations. It is not easy but they do what they believe is best at the time.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
These man made institutions has failed society,what a waste of time and energy.
We have to PRAY..1.This government must go….2.we have to have huge prayer vigils all over the Island…3.Invlove the young persons more into the Churches…BUT Pray, pray pray..Our people need JOBS JOBS JOBS
More idle talk by the churches… they make the situation worst pffft
Only now you guys want to speak, when crime has gotten to an all time high. A rotten head produces a rotten body. You hide in your cloaks and say nothing to our leaders when all this wealth acquisition was going on because your churches go a piece of the pie to renovate and rebuild. Now you want to blame youth. Look where the four fingers are point now. Shame on our church leaders whom we are suppose to look up to.
You church goers can’t teach none church goers anything when your kids end up in carnival as adults partying harder than kids who never attended church
They end up that way because of how they are treated in the church and the homes…I know…every one makes their own choice as an adult but the enviroment in the homes is directly related to these outcomes in dominica
I don’t know what the situation is in Dominic except for what I read in DNO.
I believe there are Christ centered
churches faithfully doing God’s work and ministering to people’s needs.
I believe there are good parents who are doing their best for their kids.
However I am going to say this based on what I see in my own country, Canada. Churches that are true to the Word of God can be a tremendous blessing. If you are raising a family I believe a good church that preaches the gospel and teaches the Bible, a church that takes an interest in young people, can help you do a better job with your kids. The church can be a great influence on young people if they have programs geared to the different age groups. They will get the kids involved in good stuff before they become trapped in life destroying activities.
This is my testimony. I have seen two generations of children raised in church and two generation with no church influence. Those raised in church often (not always) went through a time of rebellion in their teens. Some had serious problems. Most of these came back into line. But the end of the story is this. The majority of those raised in church avoided having long term alcohol or drug problems. Most had no trouble with the law. Those who had Christian parents who were married usually followed in their parents footsteps and established solid families.
Not all the kids who had no church influence turned out bad. Some of course did well and became quite successful. But that is where most of the problems (alcohol, drugs, crime, unwed mothers, etc. are.
I believe our churches (I’m referring to Canada.)
could do a better job of strengthening marriages. We have “Marriage Enrichment” here but it is not being used to its full potential. Other courses and seminars could be utilized to help married couples. However, I think the greatest area of need is for the churches to provide teaching on parenting skills. Again courses and seminars are available. Besides this pastors could be preaching and teaching more about parenting.
The churches are not yet reaching their potential when it comes to ministering to these needs in a practical way.
Churches grow and communities are blessed when pastors see a need and act creatively by bringing in whatever tools are available (courses, seminars, DVDs, or special speakers), to minister to that need. But they must SEE the problem and be convinced that they CAN do something!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
Going to church does not make you a Christian any more than writing your name on a barn door makes you a donkey.
There are several issues that need to be addressed.
(1) Not all churches preach the gospel. Some of their services are ceremonial and ritualistic. Some of their services are filled with all kinds of music and singing that amounts to nothing more than religious entertainment and hype. Nothing is said about sin, Christ’s death to put away our sins, the need for repentance and faith, or the born again experience.
2) Churches often have traditional standards of right and wrong they expect young people to live by. Nothing wrong with this! But you cannot live the Christian life without Christ! How many of these young people playing the games in the carnival could tell you when and where they received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior?
(3) To judge an unsaved teenager by the standards you would judge a Christian young person by is not fair. Simply because his or her parents are Christians and the kid is being raised in a Bible believing gospel preaching church does not mean he or she is a Christian. When they are in the carnival it is there natural element. They enjoy it. When they have been born again they will not be happy in the carnival. If they went they would feel out of place. Until then don’t expect them to live like those who have been touched and changed by the risen Christ because they have not.
The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17)
(4) People who are “in the church” are often mistaken for Christians even though they have not been born again. They are deceived and unless the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sins and they realize they are lost they will have a rude awakening in hell. But this creates another problem. If the outside world thinks they are “Christians” they will expect them to live the Christian life. When they don’t the world holds them in contempt and mocks the church!
(5) In some churches even that preach the gospel there is a great lack of real Bible teaching. When people come to Christ nobody tells them there are places a Christian does not go and some things a Christian does not do. Holiness is not being taught in many “evangelical” churches today. God is calling believers to walk a separated path. Check out 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and 1 John 2:15-17. But how can new believers walk the separated path if they don’t know what it is?
(6) Thank God there are churches that are true to the Word of God. Depending on where you live it may take a little time and effort to find one. Don’t expect any church to be perfect. Look for one that preaches the gospel (the Bible message of salvation) AND teaches their people how to live pleasing to God; a congregation that practices love one for another and forgiveness. A
sincere group of people that reaches out to help others. Make no mistake about it. This kind of church will come alongside families to help. Children raised in this atmosphere will avoid many of the harmful things of the world. They will have an opportunity to receive Christ as their Savior and if they do people will know they are different!
(7) Often the fault is in the home. Young people want parents to be real especially if they profess to be Christians. One teenager told how he was totally turned off on religion because of his father standing with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other while he lectured him on the evils of smoking s joint!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
Dear DNO – Looks like this one backslide real hard; fall down HARD
Dear DNO the word of God tells us all that – EVERY MAN SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF also that YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW
They do not preach about the loving and forgiving god……….they do not help parents improve their parenting skills……show me a broken home, where the kids hate their parent and rebell against authority……they are youths who are raised in churches……the kids are not evil …those in authority are the problem……and unless this is adresses , crime will continue to rise
I was raised in a church and the church is the problem………when you preach to parents rhat they must beat their kids if they want respectful kids……..when they spend their time just criticizing other …forgetting about their past….acting like they were alwzys obeying gos’s word……when they keep acting lije they are self rightous and keep preaching about the wrath of God
I wonder why you were raised in a church, didn’t you have a home? must have been lonely in there between services – poor child
Well anonymous that’s how the culture of violence and crime begins, with disrespect.
Really ……… the church condemns crime and violence …….. but what’s the source of crime and violence? Why is the church keep bashing young people at ever chance they get while they refuse to deal with the real issues i.e. the politicians who continue to steal, victimize and destroy the future of the very young people the church chooses to attack!!!
Why is the bishop, pastors and others afraid to address the real issues? We all know what they are!!!! A few months ago the evangelical association said they will not comment on politics ……….. but politics affects all of us including the church ………..JESUS WENT INTO THE TEMPLE AND TURNED OVER THE TABLE BECAUSE THE LEADERS WERE INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES THAT WERE DEEMED IMMORAL. HE DINT STAY OUTSIDE ………AND HE DINT ATTACK THE RESULT……………. HE ADDRESSED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.
Stop being hypocrites …………..yes I said it the church ……………all of them are being hypocritical about the current state of affairs in Dominica.
AS A YOUNG PERSON I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR ANY OF YOU!!!!!!
Well
you see that thing that is in their mouths,
that is all they can do,eat and beat it
but their day will come when they will want to talk the truth,no one will listen
just a bunch of—–put your own meaning
You all waited until the plunge has hit the bottom of the ocean to say something positive. However it is better late than never.The task ahead is not easy, since the country is run by someone who is HIGHLY DISRESPECTFUL, and this naturally filters down to the ordinary man, woman and child.I don’t think I read anything to do with corrupt practices to include white collar crime, but that to, has had a debilitating effect upon many countries, that are as poor as we are in THIS impoverished Dominica.
Illdiscipline at school stems largely from the home. Most schools do not even know how to deal with some children, since they pose a threat to their peers. Teacher recruitment should be more carefully scrutinized. Sad but true, some teachers do not speak properly,have a poor numeracy level, were not role models before being recruited, do not show dedication to the job, don’t dress properly, don’t read, don’t listen to news, etc.
Respect for our constitution IS ALSO A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN, as we are struggling to get out of this period of failure in our history which has gone on over the past 13 years.