Police spokesman Claude Weekes has countered his superior Cyril Carrette on statements regarding people’s rights to carry and brandish firearms for which the license has expired.
The subject had been debated for over an hour this morning on a Q95FM radio program where residents openly chastised the acting commissioner and called for his immediate removal from the position and Weekes in his place.
Acting Police Commissioner Cyril Carrette said that an individual is still considered a license firearm holder irrespective of whether or not he has renewed that license.
Carrette’s statement came in response to media probing on Monday regarding one man threatening another with a gun for which the license has expired, then having that weapon returned to him – still without a license.
“If your license expires that weapon becomes illegal,” Weekes told the Matt In The Morning radio programme. Carrette had said on the other hand “the gun is still licensed. It is registered with the CID (Criminal Investigation Department).”
The incident in question involves a prominent personality in the Portsmouth community who, after having his weapon taken by police investigators, had it returned by police officers on the demand of the acting police commissioner.
He said illegal gun-related charges have since been instituted and the court proceedings are expected to draw to a close next week Thursday.
The police spokesman, who is also a public prosecutor in the Magistrates Courts of Dominica, said he is not looking to cause a rift between himself and his superior but will outline the law, as he knows it.
@Sholita: an unregistered/lapse insurance vehicle remains your property and stays in your possession… Its the public use of that property that you lose…. Same applies to a firearm for which the holder’s license has expired/lapse… and further more the charge in this case seemingly is not for illegal use of a weapon/gun.. same goes for a passport people.. one loses the right to use an expired passport for the purpose it was meant, but your passport doesnt get taken away… we all have a right to personal property, along with the regulated rules of use…
comon people. stop bicthing and start a revolution
Weekes did not do anything wrong, if ur license to possess a gun has expired and you havent renew it then why is the gun being returned to you. Is like putting a car without insurance back on the road to cause more harm. Besides the gun should not be released until the case is done, only in dominica people giving evidence back before the case is finish. i never see or hear of more nonsense in my life. Come on Dominicans, it is time we move our country forward man, stop the stupidness and stop the politics, if it was a drug dealer with a unlicense gun this wouldnt be any problem the gun would never be returned, just because this particular fellow have people in high places we believe it is right to walk over the law. He should be treated like everyone else with an unlicense gun regardless of status quo or not.
@ZERO: Cowpoopoo just like to tell it like it is. Some people don’t like that approach but I have no ax to grind and does not support any political party. I have a hard time trying to convince people that a mango tree is a coconut tree knowing full well it is a mango tree. It is what it is in my book.
firearm act clearly states:
15.31 17.6 -A license shall remain in force until revoked or otherwise terminated.
15.31 21.c The commissioner may revoke any license, certicate or permit for non payment of fees…..
The responsibility is up to the commissioner to to do due diligence and ensure that all firearm licenses are up to date and all fees are paid, if not to terminate or revoke said license. It’s not illegal to have possession of a firearm if fees are left unpaid until such time that the commissioner revokes or terminates that license.. just illegal to use that firearm…
@gwatanse:
God takes note of our words and actions. I would not make such a statement about you. No exception yourself. You appear to have misunderstood what I stated which I am certain it is not unusual with you, misunderstanding people, insulting them, disrespecting them and their intelligence. Your comment as some others should not have been allowed on this reputable Website which I believe it to be.
Psychiatrists need to speak to other psychiatrists for they, too, have a problem worst than those who are not psychiatrists also that they charge a mint, if you know what I mean.
I know exactly what I stated and will keep stating it. I reiterate that for a country as Dominica and considering the population why does anyone need a gun unless they are going hunting for animals.
If you are a practicing Christian of all, ask yourself: “What will Jesus say and do – WWJS and WWJD). This is mortal and spiritual food for thought.
I reside in Canada which is extremely more populated than Dominica. There are many criminals and there are murders including abductions and rape. There is more much more to fear residing in these countries. Yet, I never considered purchasing a gun and have no intention of possessing one.
Times in Canada are not as safe as previously. Today, people cannot be trusted as in previous years. With the help of God I am careful with whom I befriend, associate with and whom I invite to my place of residence. We are told, do not open our doors to strangers and always to be alert of our surroundings wherever we may be and to be careful. This is what it has come to in this era and the situation will not get better especially as people become more godless.
Take note, the criminal situation in Canada/Toronto is worst today than previously. Canada has some hardened-core criminals and murderers and some who have served time in prison and who are released into the population. In Canada, they devise a lot of tricks up their sleeves and can pose as every possible authorized person including engineers, plumbers, etc. and deceive people that they are legitimate and innocent people. Woe to those who make the mistake of opening their doors to them.
Then, there may be those who will follow people home. I need not elaborate on this.
Before I leave to go out and as I go about my business in this City, even sometimes coming home from work late or from relatives and friends, specifically if I happen to be alone, I pray to God at all times and ask Him for His protection. God protects.
Are you insinuating that Dominicans (certain ones) are worst than those in bigger countries as Canada with millions of people that they need to possess a gun? It saddens me about that.
I have something to inform people who say that they are Christians. Pray to God. Ask Him for His protection and do good. Live up to their Christian baptism and teachings. As God sees, then they will not need guns. God is pleased when we approach Him in prayer.
After all is said and done, should anything happen to us, God will assist us accordingly.
I read that what hurts the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ is that “we do not trust Him.” Faith, hope and trust in God and leave all to Him.
The Divine Mercy, He said: “Place your trust in Me and Me alone” – not guns!
You know the capability of guns and harm that they can do when they are in the possession and hands of human beings.
If there is one psychiatrist I need as well as yourself and others, it is Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you still think I need to see a psychiatrist? May God bless you and grant you peace.
@TO BE OR not to be: lol, lol, lol – we all know that this would have been swept under the carpet if the statement had to be approved by superiors.
Insp.Weeks did not contradict what the A/C said. He only stated what the law is as it relates to someone being in possession of an unlicensed firearm/permit or not.
Carrette on the other hand did not quote the law but instead went on to say that he,himself will not take away a firearm from some who has a license permit to carry a firearm whether or not that permit is current.(paid)
We are a country of Laws and not of Men.So this is where Carrette got clouded and said things his way rather than the Law’s way.
Weeks clearly said that was not going to say anything bad about his higher ranking superviors and he stick to that. He is a Good man.
I am so sadden at the comments i read, people befoe commenting please do your research first. Then comment, please don’t comment for commenting sake. What are we teaching our children, to use a word without knowing the meaning.
Do your research first before commenting please. If you want to comment on law terms, please read about law terms, don’t just rush to comment.
@to be or not to be
you are joking if you say – to contradict your superiors you have to get permission from them to do so. That’s why Dominica will remain so. Riddiculous.
@Attorney:
note that the licence was given to him to own the firearm and at the expiry date of that license, if not renewed he should not be in possesion of the said firearm and that is even he is registered as a licensed firearm owner
stop trying to put yourself above the average Dominican just because you are in the field. I wonder how well you would be able to hold a conversation with an astrophysicist…..
skerro you hurting da and its sad to see that the top brass of the law is sueteewaying you,trust me one day you going bite ther ears for not correcting.time will tell…
KARKABEFF you are the best blogger on DNO…..!!!!!!!!!
YES WEEKS…STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT..DON’T BEND NOR BREAK…CARETTE IS A PUPPET.
Carettte, doh worry with em Jealous they jealous of u, u we want for commissioner.
Come om Mr commissioner, u should know better than that, i am a dominican serving as a police officer over seas, i am very familiar with the firearm laws of Dominica, if the firearm is registered with the Police department, i would disagree with mr weeks that it is illigal, because it is registered with the department that means they has the serial number and other information about the firearm, but for god sake man, if the license holder for the firearm is expired, how the hell can it still considered a license firearm and how can you return that firearm to the individual before they has renewed their firearm license, mr commissioner that was a very foolish move, i know that you have freinds in high places but you has to be fair with your judgement, remember you are acting in this position, your actions now will determine your future as a commissioner of police, i know you because i done a few RSS training in dominica, but this does not sound good man, this firearm should be confiscated until such person had their license renewed. also having a firearm license does not mean you could brandish it and threaten people in public, there are consequences for those actions and as far as i know it is criminal offence in dominca.
LMAO
well so it is in Dominica Brother and then they want the little man to Co operate with the same ones that holding the whip
Hobbs must be laughing his behind off. He must be saying they get what they wanted so let them roll in their mud.
Comrade Weekes you are a national hero and pride of the CDPF. Keep your head up no matter what the outcome of the case. Carette has thrown cutlass in the case by handing over the exhibit before the trial. In which country you even hear that happening? Not even in Lucia where we have so many corrupt cops. Only through a court order can exhibits be returned to the rightful owner after a trial. No wonder why our police officers are so reluctant to do their jobs because of fear of being thrown under the bus by their superiors. I hope the IPO see it fit to investigate Carette and determine the relationship between him and the man concerned. I smell a BIG rat.
i believe that they should DISMISS MR CARRETTE without pay and he should be CHARGED.
i believe cyril carret should shut his hyporite mouth.if your license for your car expires you get charged that goes the same for the gun. a gun licence which is expired and an individual with a gun which had never been license is equal.a car withouth license is equal to a car which license expire.so carret whats your point.
@spectator:
spectator, are you aware of offences of “strict liability”? these offences do not require mens rea but are offences by their very nature. Have you also not heard that “ignorance of the law is no excuse” I am saying this as a lay man so maybe you could get a lawyer to explain to you what these terms mean and when they apply but as an example I’ll just point you in the direction of having sex with an under age person no matter what the victim says to you about their age or how mature they may appear to be. the crime is comitted once it can be shown that at the time of the sexual act that person was nuder the age of consent.
@Kanpeche:
Kanpeche, I happen to know what behind closed doors mean, so no need to explain. Not wanting to prolong this I however must respond to you. We are here on what I believe is a Dominican forum, so it should be fair to say that you are a Dominican and so like me, know how things work in Dominica. Are you suggesting that such a high profile case was not discussed by the police hierarchy? Or that after the weapon was taken back by the prosecutor on the request of the court that the Ag commissioner didn’t know about that? Are you suggesting that there was no discussion between messrs Weeks and Carette , about the matter? From the tone of Mr Weeks’ comment and knowing Dominica as I do, and I’m sure you do too, I am prepared to say that there was a discussion. Mr Carette elected to make it known that he was not in favour with the court’s decision, a very irresponsible thing to do. He also deliberately; not accidently, or through lack of understanding of the issue, try to show Mr. Weeks in bad light. I say this because he must have known that the magistrate was the one who requested that the gun be returned to the court and held as evidence. So I say again well done Mr. Weeks, you are making strides in building a relationship between the police and the community, albeit slowly. Do not allow party any Faithfull who is willing to flaunt the law at the behest of their political masters to put you off tract.
@THE EDUCATOR: You are an Idiot!.with a capital I.
You need to go and educate yourself inatterd of Law, so u can stop contradicting yourself.
Reading what the Law says is one thing,interpreting it is quite a different matter.
What are the facts of the matter at hand?.
@Attorney: Attorney, Like one of the students acting in my favorite movie “Lean on Me” people like you care about nothing, you dont care about society, dont care about examples of the system and adults to thy youth, all people like you do is just “TWIST THE LAW”.
Good luck……… even is when the last reunion comes……….. fire will burn attorneys like YOU
It is my opinion that Officer Weekes should be careful on the way he presents that type of information to the public. I am hoping that he discussed that with his superiors before he made that contraversial statement.
We are happy as individuals to get that type of contradictory information, but for the country (Dominica) and for the instituition under which he serves that can be very frustrating.
I really don’t support that move unless it was approved by his superiors.
Oh my God after reading all these comments i couldn’t help but to laugh Justice comments whoever he/she maybe that was good one i laugh so had but dont worry B J time coming he have to sorry he trun away from the lord in such a wicked way, and Mr weeks you’re better than Carrette and he knows it thats why he will always sound like fools and look as one in eyes of all Dominican
I forgot
Expiration renders it invalid
@Mikes
I understand what you are saying.
But you cannot compare the function or purpose of a firearm license to a passport.
Yes you can enter your country only with an expired passport and thats about it because you are returning to your home with a document that identifies you as a citizen of that place who is Authorized to travel. However you cannot enter anyother country or leave your country with an expired passport because expiration makes it invalid for the purpose which it is served, hence you are just like someone without a passport in the sense that you both cannot travel
Yes milk is milk after it is expired and so is a license. The reson for having good milk is so that you can drink. expiration makes it undrinkable therefore it is not good and has to be replaced. Hence you are no different than someone who has no milk.
As soon as a license becomes expired it has reached the end of its time for which it was valid. Yes it is still a license but an expired license that can no longer serve the purpose for which it was issued. that in itself is no different from having no license for a firearm. The only differnce is that his wepon is registered with CID because of the initial registration and license.
In conclusion if you posses a permit for any activity that reaches expiration without renewal it is as good as none at all since you cannot perform the function for which it was prescibed.
@Mikes: you are right expired milk is milk but not good fir consumpiton. a gun which license is not renewd is still a gun but should not be in use. a person with a licesnse to drive a vehicle is always a driver and would have documents proving that the vehicle is licensed. but when it is not renewed then this vehicle should not be on the road and the driver cannot drive once his license is not renewd. dont take us for a** as if we dont undertsand *expired and valdity*. thet two are not the same but they need each other. these words are realted. something is valid until a particular date.. are you trying to tell me that his validty is infinite. plzzzzz. he is a valid gun holder but he needs to renew that license to make it use of it. period.
What on Public radio. The issue is not about who is right but one should always respect superior only in the Dominica Public service. Fire Weekes!. 2 Police officers on a program they have to meet to discuss and both in tune but only in the Public Service. Shame! Weekes you fighting for the post man.. Dominicans Crabs in a barrel
I was inclined to agree with weeks, but after i thought of it the commissioner is right.
when one talk of a license in force, there are two words before it; valid and invalid. a license which is non existent was never issued or Revoked. the man license was invalid. the man does have a license to carry a firearm but posses an invalid license, consequently. he does not have the right to carry the firearm that does not say he is not a licensed firearm holder. let us look at an other scenario. some one license expires on the 1st of November and forgets to pay he then proceeded to pay at 8 am on the 2nd. the police caught him and charged him for possession of an licensed firearm. the man thought his licensed was expiring on the 2nd. did he commit an offense?
i think not since he had no knowledge of the crime, he did nothing wrong. do not forget, for an offense to be committed, mens rea and actus reus must be present. i believe weeks is out of place to contradict his boss. the man is a license firm arm holder who at the time he had an invalid license. note that he had a license which a renewal fee was not paid. his license was not revoked.
@LCM: Well LCM,….because it’s purely political you see? They know which gun being talked about, and who was ‘deliberately PLANTED’ in that position just to do such stuff. Get it?
Carrette too not easy…so bcuz the man is from Portsmouth and maybe is his friend he want to bend the law for the man sake…I thought NO ONE is above the law…that is Lindon had to shoot a man in his head in public and is seemingly getting away with it…DA will never go forward with such wickedness…. Carrette should ask his lawyer daughter to interprete the law for him…
@compare: I THINK YOU ARE WRONG, YOUR LICENSE IS NOT PAID THEN YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO USE IT, WORSE IN THE COMMISSION OF AN OFFENSE.
YOUR CUTLASS IS YOURS, YOU PULL IT FROM UNDER YOUR SHIRT AND THREATEN TOM WHO MAKES A REPORT. THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER NOW HAS AN EXHIBIT FOR COURT.
WOULD YOU HAVE THE CUTLASS RETURNED TO YOU? NOT BEFORE THE MATTER IS OVER BECAUSE IF YOU ARE SOP WRONG IT COULD FORM PART OF THE BASIS THAT YOU BE CONSIDERED A DANGER TO SOCIETY AND YOUR LICENSE REVOKED.
LASTLY YOU MUST PAY YOUR LICENSE BEFORE HOLDING THAT WEAPON, YOU WOULD HAVE TO RENEW YOUR LICENSE BEFORE IT IS RETURNED.
THANK YOU
Now check this out. The offence took place on December 5 last year at the Skerrit’s villas that the man is saying is his own. The man put a gun on a woman’s head, she almost faint, then went to make a report at the Portsmouth police station. 5 days later, police investigated the matter, asked the man for the gun which he handed to the police who, after checking the particulars on the gun found that the license was not paid. The police charge the man for possession of an unlicensed firearm and intimidation among others.
The story gets complicated when suddenly a call comes from Carrette to the Portsmouth police to give the man his gun. By this time this gun is a court exhibit. Now in court a couple of weeks ago, Magistrate Behanzin asked the police to see the gun which they were talking about in court. Police say they don’t have it. Ask the defendant, he say he have it. Who give it to you? I cannot remember. Did they bring it for you or you went for it? I went for it. Did you sign for it? I cannot remember. How did you know to go for it? They called me. Who called you? I cannot remember.
So Behanzin tell the police to repossess the gun which is supposed to be a court exhibit.
Now for Carrette to say that the Prosecutor was wrong to go and get the gun is pure madness as Tony Astaphan would say. It shows that he has no knowledge of what was going on in the court. Weeks had nothing to do with the gun repossession. It was Magistrate Behanzin.
Weeks had to defend himself in public as the Commissioner should have at least known better not to throw his man under the bus as he did. Hats off to you Inspector Weeks.
Weekes spoke on a matter of law; say one say two i don’t think Matt should have asked Weekes to comment on what the commissioner said and being a professional as he is Weekes indicated to Matt that he was not willing to comment on what the commissioner said but he instead informed of what the law obtain.That’s how the police force is run; people who can actually do the work never get promoted it’s those who can sing the tune of the government; my man was one of the first few police men who went 2 uwi to upgrade themselves and when promotion comes to u think they luk at him no…………. people like Carette they promoting….. the man is full of arrogance, hostile. U know what I hope the PM was listening cause they victimize Hobbes and just see how u embarass them…………..
@Emil Ti Kwen: NOT BAD AND IF THE GUN IS USED IN THE COMMISSION OF AN OFFENSE, IT WOULD BE TAKEN AS AN EXHIBIT UNTIL THE MATTER IS SETTLED, BE IT INTIMIDATION OR MURDER! NOT BAD AS I SEE IT
so if the licence for my car expire i can still drive on the road with no problems right??? just asking…
THE GENEARAL PUBLIC NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE LAW AND STOP BEING IGNORANT.ONCE YOU ARE ISSUED WITH A FIRE ARM LICENSE EVEN IF IT EXPIRES YOU ARE STILL A LICENSED FIRE ARM HOLDER BECAUSE YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO APPLY FOR A LICENSE AGAIN FOR THAT FIREARM.IF YOU USE THAT FIREARM WHICH HAS EXPIRED IT DOESN’T MEAN U WERE NOT A FIREARM HOLDER IT MEANS YOUR FIRE ARM LICENSED WAS EXPIRED WHEN YOU USED IT. THE COMMISSIONER WAS RIGHT TO SAY THAT WHETHER OR NOT THE FIRE ARM WAS EXPIRED IT IS STILL A LICENSED FIRE ARM.ONE THING WHICH WAS WRONG IS THAT THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD HAVE THAT MAN RENEW THE LICENCE BEFORE HANDING IT BACK BECAUSE THE LICENSE WAS EXPIRED .DURING THAT TIME HE WAS HANDING IT BACK TO HIM WITHOUT RENEWING IT IF HE USED IT HE WOULD BE USING IT ILLEGALLY.
I SUPPORT THE COMMISSIONER A 100% BUT TELL THE MAN TO RENEW HIS LICENCE WHICH IS THE CORRECT THING TO DO. DOMINICANS READ AND LEARN STOP SAYING THINGS JUST READ THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ACT:SETION 28 CHAPTER 15:31
Skeritt has his game plan, put dotishes like Carette that he can pull their strings as he likes in key places. Anyone can see this man is not up to this task, I lisented to the man at a press conference and I was cery much ashamed for my country? is this the best we have? No Mr. Weeks is 100% better than this man, but he is a man of integrity, and we all know that it dosn’t work for Skeritt!
DNO please continue to report the crimes, so that when those Dotishes, those little boys who are carrying Skeritt’s water come and tell us their nonsense we know the facts!! Carette you not ready. Poor you? seat quietly in a little corner and listen to the interview you gave the press.. Take a good look at this picture of you, it tells a thousand words.. Alas Poor Ma Dominique
That’s therapy for all the stress in Dominica. Whenever you all see or hear Mr. Carette, just laugh.
@china man: YOU MUST BE FROM NORTH OF D/A JACKABAT
AS A LAWMAN I CANNOT AND WILL NOT PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER AS LONG AS CARRETTE IS COMMISSIONER.. MR. TO DAMN STUPID AND HAVE A SHALLOW HEAD, AND UNLESS DEM POLITICS COME OUT IN DE FORCE, THEN ITS PARTY TIME NO WORK JUST PARTY..ALL MAN CAN GO AND DO CRIME, FORKIT GOD DAMN IT, FORKIT.
CAN OUR LAWMEN REALLY HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME? LOOK COMMESS !!!!!!!
@china man: oh hell no! This is not a chink coming here and calling people water monkey. Know you place chun whoo or the nasty Dominican portraying one,. Soo much water your chink self or Dominican self should go and bathe in it. trash!
weeks is a real black monkey. y dominica have so much waterheads
@eben look it: this so called lawyer is confusing me, how can a licence be invalid and the person be described as a licensed gun holder!
lol,
After thinking about it, I Think MR. Weeks should have been Professional about it and should let the Acting Commisioner Correct himself. No matter what mistake he made it is never good when the public see such open disagreements between the leaders there should always be unity. we should sometimes cover our leaders backs. What it shows is that the commisioner is ignorant of the Law and that is a reflection of the Police Force which Weeks is part of. (not the case all the time)
I think Mr. Weeks as a leader should get carrette in chambers let him know his interpretation of the law was incorrect and have him retract his statement by publicly admitting he had been wrong and stand corrected.
However if the Commisioner did not comply then Mr. weeks did the right thing.
From reading the many posts here I expect to get some flack but i’ll take it for supporting the acting commisioner. Once the person was processed and issued a firearm license, he remains a “valid firearm license holder” until its revoked by the relavant authority.
the issue of “validity” is very different from “expiration”. One writer ask, if mlik expires will you drink it, my answer is no, but I ask, if milk expires is it still milk? Another ask, can you go America or Guarda with an expired passport and my answer is, only if you are a citizen of America or Guarda. This is because a passport issued by the relavant authority to a citizen remains a valid Government document until revoked and for this reason, is always valid in your own country. Since every country requires that foreign citizens have an unexpired passport to gain entry to the country, one cannot enter a foreign country with a passport that has expired. Conversely, no country will turn away its citizen with an expired passport as it continues to be a valid document issued by the relavant authority and serves as a legal identification document.
So as a result, the person with an “expired” firearm license which was legally issued continues to hold a “valid” firearm license which has “expired”. It is illegal for such a person to use that firearm while the license remains expired but they remain a “valid firearm license holder”. So I agree with the person writing as the Attorney and the acting commissioner. Remember my question about the milk? expired milk remains milk, but we won’t consume it, not because it’s not milk but because expired milk is bad for consumption and may get you sick. Just take some time to think about this.
what an idiot. this is too funny.
Well dominicans now is your time not to renew your drivers license. Even if it expire you are still a license driver and should be allowed to drive your vehicles. It come from the top so what all you worried about.
And we arguing wher the problem of Law enforcment is. They always say Empty vessels make the most noise.
CARETTE IS A SERIOUS MAN. IN MAY HE HAD THE BIG DREAD ARESTED AND PLACED IN THE CELL.TRANSPORT HIM IN THE PRISON VAN IN HAND CUFFS TO THE COURT. PLACE HIM IN THE HOLDING CELL AT THE COURT HOUSE, WHERE HE WAS TRIED AND PROSECUTED BY MR.WEEKS WHO WAS CLEARLEY SHOCKED BY THE OFFENCE OF THROWING A BANANA SKIN ON A HEAP OF RUBBISH BY THE MARKET.WHEN THE DREAD TOLD ME THAT IN RIVER STREET I NEARLY SHAIT WITH LAUGHTER.
SOMETHING IS HAPPENING…IT IS SO EXCITING!!!!!!
Let us see if we can clarify this knotty question. Before one can own a firearm, you must apply to the proper authorities for a license to own and carry a firearm. Armed with your license, you proceed to the store of the gunseller and purchase the gun and ammunition. You then proceed to the Police Heaquarters Armoury where you show your license to own and carry a gun and your receipt for the purchase of the gun and ammunition.The Armoury Officer then delivers the gun and ammunition to you and registers the gun. So you see, the gun is not licensed, but it is registered with the police. It is the owner of the gun who is licensed to own and carry a gun. With a car, anyone can buy a car. After the car is purchased you have to take out an Insurance Policy on it and take it to the Police for registration and licensing. The Police will register and license the car and give you a license number to be put on your license plates. To drive this car one has to have a valid driver’s license. In the process of driving this car, a police officer may signal you to stop the car and can demand to see your driver’s license and the registration, license and insurance policy for the car. If your driver’s license has expired the police officer will tell you that you may no longer drive this car or any other vehicle until you have renewed your driver’s license. He may advise you to find someone with a valid driver’s license to drive the car for you. If the documents for the car have expired the police may seize and impound the car until you produce evidence that the documents for the car are valid and up-to-date. Then the car will be released to you.. In the case of a gun that has been seized by the police, where the owner’s license has expired and the owner has been taken arrested and taken to court, the the arresting officer in giving his evidence to the court, may say words to the effect; “I seized this gun from the accused and now present it in evidence as exhibit 1”. Having said that the court should then take possession of the gun and tag it as “Exhibit 1”. The gun is now properly in the possession of the Court and the Court (or Magistrate) is the only authority that can decide on the disposition of the gun. The Magistrate may well decide to give possession of the gun to the Police with the instruction that the gun should be returned to the owner on evidence that he has renewed his license.
@Papa Dom:
With all due respect, I think you know very well that is not how things work. The right thing to have been done in this instance was to talk to his superior. When I say closed door, I do not mean shut yourself up in a room. I mean, he should have addressed the issue with his superior in a non-public forum. Now, if the commissioner is a man who operates on integrity and transparency, then the best thing for him to do, is revise his false statement publicly.
There is still a right way to do things. There is absolutely no way a subordinate (in any given position) is supposed to expose a superior in public – unless by not doing so would jeopardize the public’s welfare. In this case, there was nothing at stake – other than the commissioner being a boite bowik, and showing that he is not well verse in his own job.
that’s what im talking about Mr Weeks put your security foot down the law is there for all i say all Dominicans tell Mr Carrette to step aside why the goverment always have to take some tired policeman to be commissioner they have already served 30 years let them retire just take a good look at his picture this man is worn out.
That is why i cannot deal with some of all u,,,, if today or tomorrow Mr. Weekes calls for our help because he was victimized, all u would stay home. That is how all u be…
Don’t come on DNO and say Mr Weekes for comissioner this and that, i agree with Mr. Weekes,, but how many of you all who stay at u all homes behind a computer giving him props would in reality stand up for him…..
I think i should come on DNO and read the story only, not the comments….
Carrette in nothing more than a RED POLITICIAN….!!!!!!!!!
I do not understand what closed door meeting there should be between Weekes and Carrette……. please for crying out loud the AG commisssioner made his point in public isn’t thisw evidence enough to see that a close door meeting is not going to cut it short. He will just stand his grounds he is the commissioner already who is going to want to battle him behind closed doors.
@hahaha: u are referring to two officers therefore is policemen…and u call them uneducated goosh.
I am a lay person, but my understanding is that the gun was used to commit an offence (assualt) in that case it should not be returned, If the police had found the weapon at the man’s home then they would advise him to renew his licence. With the upsurge of gun related crimes, Carrette should have known better. It is too early to allow friendship to interfare with his job.
@ALBERT P.: my Carrette just need to shut is damn mouth…leave the talking to the PRO
mister carette u jus like a cigarette stupid
@Lando .: well said
@Patat: @Kanpeche: @lisad: Who is wrong, the thief or the person who catches the thief stealing? Try for once to be real in life. Why should an AG. Police Commissioner ridicule a Senior Police Inspector/Prosecutor at a Press Conference in Public? Shouldn’t he be smart enough to know that action is unethical, unprofessional?
Why didn’t Carrette think in the first place to discuss the issue with Mr. Weekes before ridiculing the honest, committed Inspector in Public. Carrette by his statement against Mr. Weekes indicated to the whole world that Mr. Weekes acted against the law, which is a serious, irresponsible attack on the integrity of another Senior Officer. Carrette should know fully well that it was the court that repossessed the said firearm to be used as an exhibit or evidence in the case.
It was illegal for any police to have returned that firearm back to the defendant and worse without the person even signing for it. Somebody could have pronounced that some thief broke and open the place and stole the firearm, while in the Portsmouth Police Station. So NO EXHIBIT and CASWE CLOSE. . Was that the plan that did not work?
Mr. Weekes had it right to inform the public truthfully, in his capacity as PRO, about the law regarding that firearm to be in the courts for evidence. That is the LAW. What nonsense about gross insubordination….. or exposing superior. It was Weekes who was exposed by the AG. Commissioner as being ignorant of the law. Mr. Weekes is and will be trusted by thousands of Dominicans much more than those who are willing to act unprofessionally.
Mr. Weekes is SMART and FEARLESS, knowledgeable about the Laws of the land and accustomed to the pressures from those ‘superiors’ who would criticize him in public unfairly for his honesty, and integrity. Inspector Weekes will not be swayed by MONEY, GIFTS, ASSETS, OR POLITICIANS. Weekes is the most articulate and professional Senior Police Officer right now in this Police Force, like it or not. The majority of Dominicans are presently pleading for Mr. Weekes to be Commissioner. That is how much he is loved and respected like it or not.
@lisad: Oh please
Carette is legally wrong , but technically correct. But ,Just as Obama fired the General who challenged his war authority, If were Carette, I would demote Weekes for openly challenging the Commissioner.(But the Police Service Commission would not allow that)
There is a time and place for everything and Weekes clearly broke law enforcement protocol. As a former DPF member myself, Weekes has a clear line of communication to the big boss, he should have gotten some clarification from him.
You are not supposed to publicly undermine your leadership. Is he going to counter every statement the leader makes? Law and Legality is sometime interpretation.
Weekes, you have a lot of support here, and you are right on all what you said , but wrong forum, wrong transport, wrong medium.
I know you all not gonna like it…but that the way life is
I’ve really wanted to know.How do the persons with licensed guns get them?
Is there a legally licensed person or group doing ? Does one just go online or get it as a gift? Do they have to go to the authorities and state their intentions,then given the o.k get a gun?
I guess we all have an idea as to how they are illegally obtained,but I’m in the dark about acquiring one legally.
Under Carrette will Dominica’s police go the way of Mexico’s police? This is very disturbing!!!!!
Carrette must go now………………..
@Kanpeche:
Are you serious? I am prepared to believe and say that no closed door meting would have resolved the issue. The moral of the story is that the police should be independent. carette should not hae been on any news conference with charlo and whomever else, he was clearly un prepared and uncomfortable. He also demonstrated his lack of understandig, his ignorance, and his unsuitability for the office which he holds. This closed door nonesense is what is killing Dominica, people want to hear and see responsible persons in society taking action, so they have the confidence that things are being done. Well done Weeks, it may take some time for some of us to forgive you past but if you are honest and make amends, then you will be rewarded.
Way to go Inspector Claude Weekes! You must contiue to say it as it is, and do not let politics polute your train of thoughts when serving the public. The Acting Commissioner Cyril Carrette is a prime example of one who is in it for himself and those who appointed him. He is not qualified for the job and should step down ASAP. How on earth someone in his capacity, ignore the laws and policies that govern his duties to please the political criminals of the land? This monstrous behaviour by the head of the police force, demontrates that Dominica is a lawless state supported by the very top. We the people demand that Mr. Carrette steps down now.
@Patat:
With the understanding that Carrette is a joker, you make a valid point that many people commenting on DNO do not understand.
In reality, what should have happened is that Carrette and Weekes should have had a closed door forum to discuss Carrette’s inaccurate comments. Then, Carrette should have been the one who goes to the media with a mea culpa. You cannot usurp you superior in a public forum. In most countries, even though your superior is wrong, you will face some harsh consequences.
If you are willing to expose your superior in such a forum, you will never be trusted by other superiors; because you could do the same to them. I am sure he is getting some heat from his superiors.
These people need to know how to work together.Mr. Carrette may have said what he said wrongly. The matter should have been discussed between Mr. Carrette and Mr. Weekes before they made this public shame on the police force. Yes, mr. weekes may have had it right but this is gross insubordination…..
@Jean, Toronto: police do possess guns and have had guns for as long as in can remember ( am not that old) so lets say for at lease 20 yrs now, and yes dominicans can possess guns with a liscense, i know my dad wanted one and he had to do some classes and test, not sure if he ever did get it though, he wont say. But as a business man there was a need for him to have a gun
@Jean, Toronto: I think you need to speak to a psychiatrist.
@Patat:
Sorry but the acting commissioner should not have comented and said what he said. Mr Weeks was asked a question and like carrette he answered. If anyone should have acted responsibly and portrayed a unified front it is the acting commissioner and he failed in his duty.
Carrette is known for making stupid statements.u
@Hugo Grotius:
do you no the red clinic is closed indefintely? or you are still belching on what they gave you?
: @Attorney: Huh?????? – you seem to be contradicting yourself or the law is an a**. In the same way a vehicle owner, if caught driving with an invalid license is charged (it would indicate that he/she should not use the vehicle until said fees are paid) – similarly, the individual with the firearm should put it away until said fees are paid. Thus, in my mind, making the licenses of both parties null and void – until re-newed.
As an educated Dominican and more so , as a young adult , I am very disturb by the analogy given by the acting police commissioner in reference to the Gun in question owed by the business-man of the north . I am felt to wonder , would this action be taken if it was an underdog which was found with an unlicensed gun ? Are we to continue driving our vehicles on the public roads when our driving license and insurance are expired ? Are these documents still valid ? Why isn’t it not possible to use an expired ID ? Why does the bank machine refuses an expired bank card ?
Based on the ” fable ” annotated by the Acting Police Commissioner at the press conference , I am of the opinion that Crime and Delinquency is stratified on Dominica . We now have ” Big ” and ” small ” crimes . The punishments which are to remedy crime is now non-applicable to some people . It’s truly a sad period for our country and I believe that our entire government bureaucracy needs cleansing .
our police force is lead from the back… the most intelligent men last.. then where we find mr.Carette..
carette is a political conoumonou end of story … little tummy tucker.. man u near retirement do a damn better job that the crap u talking just to be in politicians pocket
@Attorney:
As a layman I beg to differ. The issue here is that a crime was allegedly committed with an illegal weapon and that weapon was confiscated/held as an exhibit in the trial but then returned. Question is whether it was correct to confiscate the gun or was the police officer who returned it right to do so. The acting commissioner stated that the prosecutor was wrong to retain the weapon and in that respect he is clearly wrong. I will futher argue that for example if a vehicle has been involved in a serious accident and during the investigations, it is discovered that the vehicle was in some way defective it would not be allowed on the road no matter how slight the defect. Threatening someone with a gun is a serious offence and one, if I am not mistaken could lead to revocation of license. To quote the acting commissioner “he has become a danger to society”
@Attorney:
well sir, the gun in question is an exibit.
should exibits be given back to the owner while court case is still ongoing?.. tell us you are a lawyer
@funnyface27: what does that mean? whether he added his two cents or was asked to give his opinion doesn’t matter….the bottom line is what Carrette said was crap and someone had to clarify.
@Patat: Good Point!!! Weeks seem to be falling in the trap set up by Lennox and Matt! Their gold is to create confusion in the country especially with those associated with the PM. The police force should not be part of that. Unfortunately, Weekes’ big mouth might end up doing just that to the likings of Lennox et al.
The police should speak with one voice. The media is not the place to disagree with one’s superior whether you support him or not. Shame on Weekes!! If he has a problem with the way things are done, he should address it internally. I suspect that Weekes might be getting carried away by the increase support that he has been getting from Matt show. One thing i will say to Weekes is that the same people says who say he is a man of integrity is the same set who is going to call him corrupt the moment he does not say what they want to hear.
Weekes must understand that Lennox and Matt has engineered a plan similar to that of the Republican….feed the people with filth and get them angry with the hope of destabilizing the country. Fortunately for us in DA we have already seen that and seen it fail miserably (18-3). The question i have is, why doesn’t the UWP present a development plan for the country instead of piggy backing on everything that Lennox says in his quest to bring down the PM. Why is it that Lennox is always the one to bring forth those allegations? Is it because he envy’s Mr. Skeritt? Also, why would a man of his integrity (as he says) associate with dishonest people like Trevor Johnson? I guess when one is desperate he would do anything including misrepresent himself to get a story. Dominica this is just the beginning of Lennox’s unusual methods of obtaining information.
@Devoted Dominican.: I agree with wat you are saying but on the other hand here is my point of view. If one is caught with an unlicensed vehicle, is that vehicle taken away from you? NO! Y? because this vehicle is not said to be ILLIGAL, this vehicle is unlicense, there is a difference. You may therefore say that this may be a different thing but if one has his LEGAL property (gun) and the license for that fire arm has expired it is still the property of the person unless! this property is being used as evidence in a court matter. don’t like mr Commissioner’s style but he is quite right on this one.
Are you trying to insult the laymans intellegence? we do know its an offence to hold an unlicence firearm or any other.
@Attorney: THANK U FOR CLARIFYING, BUT I STILL THINK THAT MR. CARRETTE SHOULD EXPLAIN EXACTLY WHAT HE MEANT, BECAUSE IT IS OBVIOUS FROM THE COMMENTS I HAVE READ, THAT MANY PERSONS THINK THAT HE IS CONDONING LAWLESSNESS.
@Attorney: Well Mr lawman , you just said it … the gun was illegal!! and therefore should not have been returned. and by the way who is in charge, the court or the police, who orders who…….educate me with your “know how”
As a Lawyer it seems very difficult to understand the Law by certain a layman.
For example:
If my drivers license expires on 31st March 2010 and has not been renewed. In April I am still a licensed driver with an invalid drivers licensed. The police can charge me if I am caught for driving with an invalid drivers license. The term here is that the drivers license became invalid due to the fact that the fees have not been paid and renewed. Once the necessary fees are paid and license renewed, I continue to drive with a valid drivers license.
On the other hand If a driver was never licensed and caught driving, that individual will be charged as an unlicensed driver because he/she was never licensed.
Simillarly a gun owner who is licensed to carry a gun must renew his licensed at the expiry date if not he would be carrying a gun with an invalid licence.
Therefore Cyryl Carrette was legally correct. The gentleman had a license gun but that license was invallid because the fees were not paid. He still was a licensed gun holder because that license was not revoked. He could only become an unlicensed gun holder if that license were to be revoked.
An invalid license does not revoke that license but renders the object illigal.
–reply
Mr commissioner, the definition of the word EXPIRE. To come to an end, to conclude, to die. Would you allow people to keep operating their motor vehicles on the roads if and after their license and vehicle registration had expire? would you also allow them to operate their vehicle after their insurance had expired? the answer is no, you would not. So why should you want to exercise a double standard to something that is just as dangerous as a motor vehicle simply because you know that person or their family. This is the wrong way to run a police dept as a police commissioner. Stop doing favors to those you know and start doing your job correctly.
Carette has always been on the defensive. He needs to stop playing football. We tolerated it when he was PRO but now you are an acting chief. You need the ordinary man help garcon and is so you coming? Mr. Weekes will always continue to score points, but you know they dotish enough to take Weekes out from there, when is Weekes the public does listen to.
Dominicans have come to the conclusion that Carrette is allowing his POLITICAL AFFILIATION to cloud his better judgments as a Police Officer. He is BOLD about it. One could see the tension in Carrette’s face in that Press conference. All the others at the Head table were also tense. His facial expression showed that he was extremely tense trying to defend his political friends against the interest of the Public at large, all along, at every occasion.
The questions asked by the young fearless journalist embarrassed him and he showed all Dominicans in the presence of his political friends he is not fit to be Ag. Commissioner of Police. The most revealing and frightening occasion was his defense of the Portsmouth man who used a firearm to intimidate an innocent woman who came to see for herself the VILLAS in Savanne Paille.
After all, imagine the Ag. Commissioner of Police, responsible for upholding the law, publicly chastising, ridiculing a Police Inspector/Prosecutor? Wasn’t it the court which repossessed the firearm for evidence in the case? He did not blame the Police Officer for returning the fireman, the exhibit, or evidence which was already possessed by police but blamed the Prosecutor. That is criminal…. Was it Carrette who instructed the Police Officer to return the firearm to the defendant, and so was forced to defend that irresponsible, illegal action?
Did the defendant sign any document on return of that firearm to him? WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY? Why would a Police Officer want to get rid of the firearm as evidence or exhibit in the case? Would he give back the ‘COKE’ or MARIJUANA, MONEY OR STOLEN GOODS back to the accused, after it was seized by police for evidence in a case? Dominicans, the AG. Commissioner that doing that illegal thing? Is he serious about stopping or preventing CRIME in Dominica?
Almost everything Carrette talked about in that Press Conference hinged on, not ignorance of the law, but protection for the few especially those in ‘high places of authority,’ who are also involved in criminal acts, Dominica is in serious TROUBLE. LAWLESSNESS IS DROWNING OUR DOMINICA. The Ag. Commissioner is even bold enough, no remorse, no shame, no diplomacy, to express himself in that stupid, irresponsible manner.
Dominicans, the examples in Mexico and other countries, where Police are aligning with criminals are real. In Mexico, killings are the order of the day. Criminals have taken over aided and abetted by law enforcement Officers. Is that what is happening in Dominica? All You not scared? Silence is consent to all those wrongdoings.
Believe me, no one will be exempt or saved from the criminality and lawlessness that has pervaded our country. What is worse those illegal, criminal acts are done openly, in our faces, and all kinds of excuses are made in favour of those wrongdoings against the laws of the land. Few Dominicans dare condemn such criminal actions. Criminal actions are not only STABBINGS AND SHOOTINGS. The Ag. Commissioner has erred BIG TIME. Dominicans cannot TRUST that man anymore.
Mr.Weeks is absolutely correct…What he is saying is within the scope of the LAW…If one has a license firearm,it is his/her responsibility to renew the license for that said firearm, before the expiration date.And if he or she carries that firearm,or uses that firearm,for any purpose whatsoever, after the expiration date without renewing the license,those actions becomes illegal. Period. No exceptions,no ifs and or buts.And that individual is subject to arrest and prosecution…That is the Law.!
Having a licensed firearm,does not gives one the right to do what he/she wants to do with that firearm. There are certain stipulations.And based upon the actions of an individual,that license can be revoked…One cannot just be going around brandishing that firearm in public,in a menacing manner,one cannot be threatening to shoot people,or shooting at people,or threatening to kill people. Nor even pointing that firearm at people,because you have a license for it…One has to be responsible and act responsibly.
I cannot believe that a Commissioner of Police would make such an irresponsible and dumb statement, and decision. Unless he himself is irresponsible and dumb.
And if the matter is before the Court,and he ordered the gun be returned to the accused, without the knowledge and or permission of the Court,then that in itself, becomes a crime. This is tampering with evidence and obstruction of justice.Those are very serious offenses.That firearm is an exhibit of the Court.
The gun, being registered with the C.I.D.,is one thing,but the expiration of the license of that said firearm,is quite a different matter. IT IS NOW DEEM ILLEGAL. And having an unlicensed firearm,is a crime.That individual is subject to arrest and prosecution.
See,we seem to think,that there is a double standard when comes to the Law. But there should be no double standard.The Law is there for everyone in our society; big and small. From the P.M. down to Earth-man in Portsmouth. No one is above it.and all have to obey it, and adhere to it. No exceptions.
What i am gathering from this, is,Mr.Weeks is a man of integrity and principle,and the Commissioner is either lacking in those qualities,or compromising his position.
The Commissioner,in my opinion,is acting like a puppet on a sting.!..I firmly believe that he should be remove ,or resign from his position,for the statements and decision that he made. Forthwith!.
Otherwise we may just have gear our selves for much more problems, chaos and division in the Police Force in days to come.
The perception that the public have of the Police is bad enough already.And the actions and statements by the Commissioner has further dampened and has created a greater divide,which in my opinion cannot be repaired…Hence his resignation.
Thank you,…..All the best to you all……..and,
Peace Profound!!!!!!……..GOD knows we need it.
MANCHAT!!!!
@Dizzie: ha ha ha lol @ ” if milk expire if you’ll drink it” , lol rofl i like this one. for real.. made my day
The position of Comissioner of Police, is one of distinction and should be given to someone who can handle the title. It is obvious that Mr. Carette is an idiot who does not even hold a school leavers certificat. We will continue to see this sort of ingnorancy because people are placed in position because of their political affiliations and not for the contents of their minds. Mr. Weeks should be commended for exposing Carette for the idiot he is.
Maybe Carrette don’t understand the word EXPRIE .
mr commissioner who ask to give the man back ther gun ah. all you people dirty and like to investigate police men.
@ HUGO Grotius…. go and wash your……. wat i would say there eh….
carrette cannot do nothing to him… regardless if he is the supervisor…
i guess you seem to forget there is a PRESIDENT of Dominica and A Prime Minister
and we all heard CLEARLY what was said on the radio by CARRETTE…. this is just stupidity!!!
I wouldn’t want someone like that to be at the top of the police force at no day, MISTAKE OR NOT
That wasnt even petty.
Mr. Weeks you are truly a man of integrity. I have respect and admiration for you and will relay those sentiments when I see you in person. Mr. Carette it’s a shame that you have stooped to an all time low when crime is on the increase you’re supposed to be setting the example meaning No one is above the law and you guys there talking about young people this and that…Shame on you Mr. Weeks I applaud your efforts for change .God Bless you
HA!!!!! LISTEN TO MR….. ay ay…. AND ALL YOU WONDER WHY ALL THESE CRIMINALS GO UNPUNISHED!!!…. TAKE OUT CARRETTE there!!! Mr. have some major issues… awa man… when something license expire it is still licensed? stueps u trying to tell me that it is still valid?? hmm and wonder why his son went on bail!….
He didnt Daypalay by mistake nuh…. IT HAD TO COME OUT so people could see the wickedness that was going on BEHIND THE SCENES…. Covering up for other officers could even be one of those….. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF DOMINICA>>>>> SPEAK UP OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PIECE BE STEELE ……. awah… i always knew something was wrong somewhere… Carrette needs to be removed for real…. WEEKES it is time for your throne!!
THIS IS THE NEXT LEVEL ,OF WHAT IS TO COME MY PEOPLE,WHAT IF THAT GUN HAD KILLED THE WOMAN? GOD FORBID , WE ALL KNOW NOW HOW THINGS HAPPEN IN DOMINICA, NO WONDER MR CARRETT DON’T WANT A CRIME LAB IN DOMINICA, WHY CRIMES CANNOT BE SOLVED, N MURDERERS GET AWAY WITH KILLING, ALL THE EVIDENCE IS GIVEN BACK, MY GOD THIS MAN SHOULD BE FIRED, BUT AGAIN DE MAN HAVE TO DO THAT, HE LOOKING FOR HIS POCKET.
Weekes did not state opinion, but LAW!!! yall fools, try to go guada, or America with an expired Visa or passport!!! Gardarmes will deal with you!
so if a 5 year old child is raped and ,moloested, they shouldn’t tell because the rapist will victimize them and “deal with them”.
LET SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING TO YOU , THEN YOU WILL TELL ME IF YOU WILL SHUT UP!
don’t worry, fire burn all the devils in the land! SPEAK UP DOMINICA!!
MR Carrette, when Milk expire do you still drink it? When the bottom of an item read EXP 10/01/10 that’s the date it’s expiring. SO when your license for a firearm says EXP Date 10/01/10 that’s the date it’s expiring and then you have to renew it. It then becomes an unliscense firearm and it’s illegal to carry it . The same goes for if your license and insurance expire you cannot drive after that, why you think they give you a ticket and sieze your vehicle…. I guess that is why they always say is not what you know is who you know and who know you…forget right and wrong….Weekes I guess that’s why you’re the spokesperson because you seem to have more sense than Carrette Weekes For Commissioner…
That Mr. Carette would give such comfort to persons with unlicence firearms is in itself unfortunate. This country needs individuals who understand the law to be in such inportant positions. I respect Mr. Weeks for the courage he has shown in speaking up.
@LOUBIERE: Right on…..send him back to school….expire means no good…
@Big Toe Lee: Are you kidding me. An expire permit makes the weapon illegal. This guy got to go. A man threaten another with an illegal gun and the illegal weapon is return to him. WOW!!!!
This is the problem when these men are not taking a unified position.
Boss man you cannot and should not try and usurp the Commissioner.
In the real world or the private sector you would have to resign immediately.
Please work as a team.
I wonder what the man who give you that position are thinking of you now..you fool!!! when you sing for your supper thats what happens. just belching out unnecessary bubbles. but all of all you are the same mem bet mem pwel. Thats why Commissioner Weeks stands out shinning among the rest. and he will always be.
Hopefully Mr. Carrette reads DNO so that he can be educated on the law by the intelligent people of Dominica. Almost all the comments have been lit up in yellow just for you (minus one idiot).
So now Mr. Commissioner inspire your officers to be proactive. Since the police cannot stand on the corner of the road and check firearm licence, you need to do like the insurance companies. When you fail to pay your insurance they contact you to let you know that you are not covered. Therefore do the same and have your staff go through that database and contact all persons in possession of firearm whose licence have expired. That should be pretty simple to do in this computer age.
And on another note, while you are at it…check the vehicle license of those officers driving on the road on their unlicenced vehicles. They are not above the law at it seems those checking vehicles don’t stop their fellow officers to ensure that their documentation is in order.
One day, the voice of Domincans will be heard. INSPECTOR WEEKES FOR COMMISSIONER!!!
I listened to the program and before I go any further I want to re-iterate what Inspector Weekes said. He said he did not come out to berate the commissioner, nor get into any quarrel with him. The truth is the truth and I am so disappointed in Mr. Carrette. Mr. Weekes is right. Owning a firearm is like owning a vehicle. If you do not pay your vehicle license it is an un-licensed vehicle!! In the same manner, if you do not pay the license or your gun, it is an un-licensed gun. Every license has an expiry date. Upon expiration, it no longer exists!! Possession of an un-licensed gun is an offense. In the same way, if you own a gun which has not been registered or licensed, it is illegal. Possession of an illegal gun is an offense. If you have a vehicle and did not pay its license, you would not get a license number for it and therefore it would be illegal. How can you tell intelligent people, that because the license was paid once in its life it is licensed forever? Then why do you stop vehicles whose licenses are not paid?
The fact is Mr. Carrette, that you participated in something illegal. You aided a criminal to obtain his unlicensed firearm which had been rightly confiscated by the police. You interfered in proper police work and proceedures. Whether you got instructions from above or not, you should know better. You should have some sense to tell the person it is not right and it is against the law.
I am calling for a full investigation into that matter of tampering with evidence. I am calling for due punishment for the perpetrators. I am calling for suspensions while the investigations are being carried out. You speak with one side of your forked tonge to the people of this country. Stop insulting our intelligence with your lack thereof. It is time these things cease in our country. No wonder you cannot speak up against crime. It will hit too close to home. Scrunter sang a song, ‘Who will guard the guards?’ Well, Commissioner Weekes will guard the guards.
if your drivers licence is expired and you are caught on the road driving you will be charged although you are a registered driver in the country you will still be charged because it has expired same for a liquor licence so it is the same for the firearm licence, because the person the incident occured with have a little money they breaking rules for him.
Look tory. We have to do the “Masters'” bidding not what is right according to law, morals or ethics.
I hope when i am stopped with an expired drivers license I don’t; get charged. Image that!!!! It is still in the traffic database ain’t it?
Under what circumstances did Mr. Weekes express his understanding of the law as it relates to Mr. Carrette’s statement on gun licensing, etc.? It’s one thing if he was asked to give his view, but it’s quite another if he just wanted to clarify and add his two cents. I hope that his forthright and honest nature does not create any problems for him within the police force. He in a one in a million out of police officers. I would hate to see him penalized just because his expression has caused the “actor” some discomfort.
@hell hath no furry!!!!!:
The pupper master may be out of the game, but the Pied Piper is still running the show.
@ Hugo Grotius
good to know people like u thoughts.now we know that there is plan to victimize mr weeks and u are part of it. And wait! is mr weeks carrette little boy or what.? hold ur peace sir i think the public and those reading comments knows clearly that mr carette was not well informed of the event and
the rules of law and professional ethics which he up hold in respect to his own senior police officer.
Any stable minded person can see what carrett said is nonsense.
I am unable to comprehend that in Dominica people have a right to keep a gun and to get a license for it. What type of law is this?
To begin with Dominica does not have a gun shop. When and how did that person procure the gun? Did this person have a license to bring the gun to Dominica? Did the government grant same when he entered Dominica with it and/or when it was sent to Dominica? These are the questions.
If the response is no, then the gun should be confiscated, never to be used or to be returned to the supposedly owner. He has no right to possess it. He used the gun, it should be confiscated. In fact, he should be charged accordingly.
In previous years the police did not possess guns. They had no reason to do so and to use them. I hope this is the same today.
If people bring guns to Dominica, then the police will have to possess guns.
Dominica has ample weapons to injure and kill. Keep in mind guns are utilized in crimes and guns kill. For the sake and safety of nationals, please do not allow any guns in Dominica.
ARE WE TO SAY THAT SHOULD THAT WEAPON FALLS IN THE HANDS OF A CRIMINAL, BASED ON THE FACT THAT IT IS REGISTERED AT CID, ITS USE STILL REMAINS LEGAL?
IS A VEHICLE DRIVER ALLOWED TO DRIVE A VEHICLE ON A ROAD OR IN A PUBLIC PLACE AFTER HIS DRIVER’S LICENSE WOULD HAVE EXPIRED.
SOME PEOPLE JUST NEED TO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN THEMSELVES PROPERLY. IN THAT CASE, IT IS MR. COMMISSIONER AND HE NEEDS TO RETURN TO THE PROGRAM AND SAY THAT HE MISUNDERSTOOD THE POINT OF ARGUMENT.
@Big Toe Lee: BIg toe lee, i agree with you 100%!!!!
well said!! I have nothing to add, you said it all.
only carrette does not seem to realize that the weapon is illegal or is he trying to cover his prominent friend’s a… He needs some legal education or fire is ass
@Karkabeff: well said
COUYON, ZOT COUYON!!!!!! MY DRIVERS LICENSE HAVE EXPIRED, AND THE OFFICER HAS ALLOWED ME TO CONTINUE DRIVING.
Now, this is what I have been saying all alone. Our leaders are leading based on knee-jerk reaction. If someone screams loud enough, these leaders jump without looking at all the facts, and doing preliminary assessments. The events that have been happening in DA are exposing our leaders as a bunch of jokers lacking the ability to govern cohesively and effectively. I would go as far as to say that our leaders are showing us that they lack critical thinking skills. Look at them!!! They are stumbling/mumbling over each other. They have no answers for anything. Their bellies are being exposed for who they really are – a bunch of ill-prepared schools boys who do not know the difference between a cricket bat and a football.
The whole island has been in a state of paranoia lately as a result of crime, “supernatural occurences”, and everything in between. Our people are already walking on egg shells, because many of them think that the world is coming to an end. One thing we do not need right now is fragmented and shaky leadership. Get your act together, boys.
Now. For everyone playing follow-the-leader (the Pied Piper effect), send your negative and benign comments my way, and tap the thumbs down.
Damn right you should Weekes
@Hugo Grotius: That was a very idiotic comment. Carrette does not own the police force; he is a public officer and Mr. Weeks cannot be victimized because he was man enough to vent his disagreement with Carrette. The people of DA will not condone any form of victimization to Mr. Weeks. I for one will take the first available flight to DA to help oust Carrette and replace him with Mr. Weeks.
i really don’t know what our country is becoming or has became. as a youth of this country it is frightening. truely frightening. to just imagine our police comissioner doing something like that is totally unbelievable. DOMINICANS WE NEED TO WAKE UP AND DO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO TO MAKE THIS COUNTRY RIGHT.
@Hugo Grotius: shut your mouth is ppl like you that have the country so….damn fool….caca u talking, shut up
two uneducated police.
lol, I knew this guy would get himself into trouble, he talks too much. Personally I think if the police looking for any kind of respect and assistant from the public after that statement all hope is gone.
Mr. Weekes. (Commissioner), you have done and continue to do your job as a true Dominican, Honest and fearlessly.
Sir, have no fear for God is your anchor.
@Hugo Grotius:
I believe you are an IDIOT for saying Carette will deal with you. People like you are just like Carette ONE SIDED. the officer WEEKES expained how it suppose to be and how the law stand you so DAM STUPID you saying de JA will deal with him . PUT RIGHT WHERE RIGHT IS JOKER.
We must stop singing for our SUPPER that why the country is like that .If we wanted LAW & ORDER in the place, I believe Skerrit would have appted Mr. DUKE SEVERIN & Miss YVONNE ALEXANDER to the job. They know they will not take his nonsense but to apply the law. because they park a vehicle in the lady bay at PHQ and she placed her vehicle in the driveway them IDIOT for Skerrit run to tell him that tha’s why they are holding in you dowm MADAMME but the award you got in Austrailia tell them take it for themselves that’s what you ACHIEVE & EARN MADAMME.Don’t bow to them beacuse the FIRE is hot and am glad you and Supt, D. Severin is not there. You don’t see Supt. N.George run away early, I feel sorry for the CDPF which I once hold dear to my heart and Dominica. The outside world is laughing us to put a DAM J?A there when he is retiiring soon . Is that what we called SUCCESSION PLANNING ? Oh my GOD , Carette worked in Portsmouth for years, he never gave the Drrug Sqd or even the CG or the police force on any drug related matter and today he is saying if you know any one to tell him when HIS GOOD FRIEND is in the north of Possie.
weeks is a preacher and prosecutor ,
B J is a pastor and technical defender on the same case
weekes knows the law ,bernard knows the law also
the big question is, Who is on the lord side?
I personally watched d j in the court room , everytime alexis lawyer make a statement ,he shakes his head and smile, meaning very good
SHAME SHAME SHAME
Hold on pastor weekes, you are a good man ,the blessing of God is upon you
hold on to what u know is right ,you ghave chosen jesus instead of silver than gold,
The treasures of this life is for a season,do not trade your soul for money ,or fame,for except the lord build a house ,the workmen that build it labour in vain
we are praying for u ,and no weapon that is formed against you will not prosper, God will have his way
YES I
two uneducated policeman!!
Typical Da wrong people in the wrong position.
Same in Gorverment, DOMEC, LIME, MARPN …..ect
That’s why we are satisfy with lighting up the airport!! lighting airport is breaking news for us.
Things will only get worst if we continue in this direction.
As a Lawyer it seems very difficult to understand the Law by certain a layman.
For example:
If my drivers license expires on 31st March 2010 and has not been renewed. In April I am still a licensed driver with an invalid drivers licensed. The police can charge me if I am caught for driving with an invalid drivers license. The term here is that the drivers license became invalid due to the fact that the fees have not been paid and renewed. Once the necessary fees are paid and license renewed, I continue to drive with a valid drivers license.
On the other hand If a driver was never licensed and caught driving, that individual will be charged as an unlicensed driver because he/she was never licensed.
Simillarly a gun owner who is licensed to carry a gun must renew his licensed at the expiry date if not he would be carrying a gun with an invalid licence.
Therefore Cyryl Carrette was legally correct. The gentleman had a license gun but that license was invallid because the fees were not paid. He still was a licensed gun holder because that license was not revoked. He could only become an unlicensed gun holder if that license were to be revoked.
An invalid license does not revoke that license but renders the object illigal.
The time has come when people should stop feeling that they are above the law……and that is the long and short of that story…….The weapon is evidence and the subject of not only a police inqiry but also is part of evidence in an ongoing court matter…….I mean what in gods name is going on in these peoples minds? People keep politics out of the judiciary please……….I mean can we now say to the persons caught trafficing drugs….gio and sell your drugs and when you finish bring the rest so we can tender it into evidence? But then again what do you expect……….when bubbles and carrette’s big shot magistrate daughter go to the same big shot church………….Which reminds me what ever happened to that case against that big shot pastor from that church eh???? The importation of those materials duty free???? Like everything else….and this one too, I guess it swept under the rug too……
Mr. Carrette, I was victimized when as a probationary officer, I stood up to you and explained certain things to you in the presence of the entire employee population of a main police station in Dominica and although it was you who called the meeting to make me look bad, yes you were the one who ended up looking like a fool!
Years have passed and still you have not learned my friend! Shame on you but you were always an … so I am not at all surprised! Due to the Chain of Succession in the police force, Mr. Weekes cannot be commissioner but he of course would do a hell of a better job than you are presently doing. Mr. Weekes, keep it up! You are doing an excellent job as PRO of the police force and you are an educated man. I am certainly proud that there is at least one remaining officer who has the courage and integrity which you possess!!! You have no reason to fear Mr. Carrette. All now he should be in hiding.
Carrette – if you don’t pay the fees , then your gun becomes illegal, and the person or persons with this unlicensed firearm, should have to turn it in to the Dominican Police Department.
Carrette, your action is typical, and the rationality behind, why crime is prevailing in Dominica. We take thing to nonchalant. Friends do friends favors, look the other way, or violate the law to protect them.
In this particular case, NO major harm done – the gentleman is on record as a gun owner, but he should be punished for not abiding by the law of the land, by permitting is license to laps.
He should be charged double the fee for his gun permit plus court cost, before his gun is returned to him.
In addition, a magistrate could or should apply a six months or more suspension on his license for failing to comply with the law.
Also, Dominica needs revenues – permit fees are revenue – enforce the law — that‘s your job – Mr. Carrette.
But more importantly, the ability to carry a gun is a Privilege Not A Right !!!!!!!!
The Basis of good Governance is LAW and ORDER —— and since No One Is Above The Law, we should all operate within the law, or we’ll start sliding down a slippery slope.
Carrette – Think before you act or speak — I like you, but don’t do CACA like that again!!!!!
OMG mr carette you are so wrong my boy ,it dont look like you understand what is the meaning of expire.did not attend high school but sir common scense is even better and education.For you to be coming on the radio and voicing your opinion on a matter like that it is very terrifying to the nation.See all what that is happening to our beloved country ?you are just asking for more woes man….
For your information expire means out dated,it is invalid and the list goes on,when you say a thing like that as a deputy commissioner you are asking and looking for more trouble on your hand.Mr carette you never had a sudden death or inccident in your family????????????????it hurts bad so please what i would advise you to do is take back that statement.Lets not go in to no political stuns let us just stay away from it and settle that statement before it is too late.
Thanks bye
i thought the puppet master was out of the game,Carrette u just proved me wrong.MAN FOR ONCE THINK FOR YOUR D@M& SELF.!!!!
@Jen Dominique: so true, would they seize a vehice and then give it back to a man to drive on the road ? stupes
TANK GOD 4 WEEKES…….I RATHER LISTEN 2 WEEKES DA ANY OTHER OFFICER ON DA FORCE
It have a reason why weekes is PRO eno
Why Carrette open his mouth is astounding
as the saying goes
better stay quiet and let people assume that you are stupid
rather than open your mouth and prove it to be true
There is no understanding the man was wrong regardless of who he is the gun should not have been returned and ordering it to be is in strict violation of the laws which Mr. Carrette has sworn to uphold
Weekes for commissioner
I know alot of the big boys probably don’t like him but lets face it everytime Carrette open his mouth even the vagrants in town looking smarter
WEEKS FOR COMMISSIONER MAN ………….
IF MY VEHICLE LICENCE EXPIRE I SHOULD NOT DRIVE ON THE ROAD BECAUSE I HAVE NO PERMISSION
SO IF MY GUN LICENCE EXPIRE IT MEANS I DO NOT HAVE LEGAL PERMISSION TO USE IT MUCH LESS THREATEN PEOPLE
WHAT KIND OF ACTING COMMISSIONER IS THAT …….. BON DIAY!!!!!!!!
Isn’t it logical that if one fails to renew a license for anything – then that person is in default and thus, unable to represent himself as a licensee? How cant he Commissioner say such a thing on public radio? If they have a gun registry, then that should be up to date.
No individual who has an unlicensed weapon should be allowed to keep the weapon in question.
So if said weapon was used to commit a crime.. the owner can say it was stolen..and the police will have no record as to the veracity of this? Shouldn’t a gun license be like all other licenses/ Shouldn’t the owners prove and show that the weapon is still in their possession, and then license it?
And what does it say, when the Commissioner does not know the law – or fails to uphold it, or gives wrong information? If it’s a mispoken statement – i get it, but this is a case of carelessness from person in a position of power.
Weekes, when u are being victimized the public will not be there to support u, i think it was foolish of u to come on radio and state your opinion. Carette will deal with u.
Seriously, i don’t think Mr Carrette puts much thinking in what he says.
this is a very sad day from Dominica.i cannot comprehend with the words outtered from the acting commissioner of ploice.the politicians has complete control of the entire public serivce by placing thier incompentent pupets in offices which are far beyond there intellectual capicity.the hand pick top posistion in the police force handed to supporters of the D.L.P.and what happens next, incompentence or rather the choir boys singing the song. a very sad day for Dominica , the international community must be astonished and by extension the law enforcement perssonel.
Carette garson I warned you before. Stop singing for your supper. STOP allowing yourself to be used by politicians my friend. You are a damn good cop but it now appears like you have sold your integrity for promotion. Like it or not, Mr. Weekes is 100% correct in his deliberations.
You have failed the people of this nation all for a position you already have. I thought the last Acting Commissioner was a moomoo and we all complained but I am now thinking he was behaving moomoo deliberately. This brings credence to the term; “better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt”. This my friend you should do from now on. STOP protecting white color criminals and let justice takes its course.
Mr. Weekes I applaud you. You are and will always be respected for you fairness. The problem is they always try to frustrate people like you, St. Jean, Ex. Supt. Alfred et al. You understand what it means to be a police officer and to execute your duties without fear,favor, malice or ill will. The public have your back because we know they will transfer or send you on leave for speaking the truth. God be with you my friend and stay strong.
For Carette it dont seems you understand the definition of “EXPIRE”….
expiration – termination: a coming to an end of a contract period; “the expiry of a driver’s license as a stated previously.
having come to an end or become void “an expired passport”;
When my passport expire i cant travel it need to renew so what you talking about cigarette????
I BACK WEEKES…….. IF YOUR LICENSE IS EXPIRE THIS MEANS IT IS INVALID MEANING HAVING NO COGENCY OR LEGAL FORCE THEREFORE YOU CANT DRIVE ANY VEHICLE UNTILL IT BECOME VALID………..
LORD HAVE MERCY….Look at how they are granting favors (job) to who they like… I should stop paying my driver’s license and save some money….because I will still be driving legally.
you see thats how they are. for the little man is jail for the business man a second chance and look your gun back
it’s another clear example of who you know story.
we want weeks for commsioner
we want cause he is better
we want weeks to curb violence and disorder
we want weeks he is a preacher
we want weeks her will sanction crime
we wants, law breakers will serve thier time
u c how our leaders and others in authority is. these pple r jus SICK! d PRO didn’t even have to come and clear d air on that issue for the public to c that mr Cmmsioner was making a fool of himself. IT SEEMS, HE MAY WELL BE A PUPPET ON A STRING!
I agree with Weekes. I wonder if Carrette is an ..! So that means if my license and insurance expire, I still licensed and insured because I am registered with the License Dept and Insurance company! I wonder whether Carrette really wanted to say that, or whether he daypaylay? Stupes that man is an embarrassment to the Police Force. Weekes for Commissioner man!
I guess you will talk less now. Or make sure that what you saying can be defended by you. You talk tooooooo much.
hmmm….