It’s a growing theme among online bloggers that the judicial system is too lenient on the perpetrators of crime in Dominica.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit apparently agrees.
He told parliament that the Ministry of Legal affairs will soon embark on a comprehensive review of the penalties associated with crimes, including theft and burglary.
Expressing the view that existing penalties may not be sufficient to deter would-be perpetrators, the prime minister said he expects that possible amendments will be put forward to Cabinet soon.
“It is a view that the penalties associated with crimes such as theft, robbery, burglary, may not be sufficient to deter would be perpetrators. The Ministry of Legal affairs will undertake a review and will advise Cabinet on possible amendments” PM Skerrit said.
He said crime prevention and reduction continues to be a high priority for his administration, and that initiatives geared at soliciting ideas from the public on how to address crime have been ongoing.
“As promised, we have been meeting with communities to discuss the matter of crime and efforts to address it. We have also increased surveillance in some of the problematic areas made possible with the appointment of an additional twenty special constables.”
He also acknowledged “the attempts by the private sector to partner with Government agencies in fighting crime.”
He announced too, that Government will provide support to members of the private sector wishing to install security cameras in various locations around the country.
“Government therefore will facilitate the efforts to install closed circuit cameras in strategic areas and as such, will allow security cameras and other related equipment to be imported free of duty,” the prime minister informed parliament.
Certainly not a bigger prison. Rehab would be better. Loads of brokenness roaming the streets.
the justice system in dominica is really slow!especially towards non nationals who have litige with nationals.police’judge’lawyers’take the people money and do not do their job.especially if you are a woman!where is the comittee for the defence of women!!
Duty free on importing camera is one and is a good step forward, but making it be admitted in evidence is another. lets work together, help us the police ,so we can help you.
That makes no sense, the penalties are in the law, they just need to be applied like anything else in Dominica.
First of all we need the death sentence.
It’s about time that the Government of Dominica acted on the crime wave which is taking place in my country, the people of Dominica see the justice system as a joke. Dominican abroad are killing people and going down to Dominica and continuing with the same thing.
In regard of having camera’s fitted would that include the street or just businesses.
Great initiative! Time to get tough on criminals be it the big man, medium man or small man. Dont forget to put the construction of a new prison in the short-term strategic plan also.
The language in language in Act #17 of 1970 (Children & Young Persons Act) should be changed making sexual abuse of the underage a crime against humanity with a 50yrs imprisonment and medical castration as the minimum penalty.
Also Aiding and Abeting and Obstruction/Witholding Information or Lying to law enforcement in matters deemed a misdemeanor or felony to be punishable by imprisonment of no less than 50 years minimum imprisonment.
In addition, review the Theft Act and make stealing from the National Treasury and the Unlawful Accumulation of Wealth punishable by a minimum 50 years in stocky.
Assertive, NOT Agressive
Well I hope this goes into effect this time, because this is the same Skerrit who said in the past that anyone found with a gun illegally would be jailed. That is not happening. People found with gun committing crime and they are given a slap on the wrist, and their gun given back to them. And I hope this will be implemented fairly, and not some people getting special treatment, because of who they are and who they know.
correct me if am wrong but when the PM talk about tougher on crime the empahasise in this article to me is placed more on thief & burglary what about murder.Yes while it is a good idea to assist business in security for their premises what is going to be done about the murderers who get minimum sentencing for taking ones’life.
The article read “crimes…including theft and burglary”. It didn’t say limited to theft and burglary. Take your time read and understand.
Its all the way with sonia williams she will be tougher on unemployment and she will look after the people of newtown constituency all the time.
I voting teacher sonia as dlp candidate for the next election,,,,she is strong !
chupes
me skerrit,
here are a few tips that would make more sense that what i have just read.
1. for theft and burglaries you can pass the laws so that when these people get caught they will be made to payback every last cent including damages.
2. child rapist, castrated
3. murders, executed
4 frequent offenders for any crime, once it an offence they can get bail. put gps tracking anklet or braclet on them and monitor their every move..
5. if they try to interfer with the gps tracker or if damage, 7 years
minimum 50years for drug trafficking and 30 years for possession of illegal firearm ..
tell me if crime will not take a steep nose dive..
A few years ago some states in the US passed what is refered to as “TRUTH IN SENTENCING” Legislation. That in my humble opinion is where the answer to this problem lies. When our Laws provides for the courts to use so much discretion in sentencing or there are hugh gaps between the minimum and maximum sentencing, therein lies our problem and the answer. One Magistrate or Judge sends a convicted person to three years in Prison and another send another person eight years for the same offence. Truth in sentencing Laws will will allow for the impsition of longer and MINIMUM sentences for each criminal conviction. Those contemplating the commission of crimes will surely think twice. TRUTH IN SENTENCING LEGISLATION is what we need NOW!
Hope they get tougher on Government Ministers and others who rob the treasury as well. After all stealing is stealing
I would like to see the faces of child molesters on the front page of DNO, the Chronicle etc etc for all to see. Especially those fathers who are sleeping with their daughters. And Yes, I want to see harsher punishment for them, not slap on the wrist or sent back home to molest more children. For far too long this has been a joke, now is time to stop the laughing because it is getting worse.
Fathers, seduce not your daughters and lead them not into temptation because the evil that you do now will come back to haunt you. We want harsher punishment for these men. Please please.
I agree with PM Skerrit.
If it is a unlawful for a person who is aware of his ineligibility to contest general elections swore an affidavit declaring his eligibility, was illegally nominated notwithstanding his vices, was elected to parliament and became the Prime Minister by swearing under oath to uphold the Constitution of Dominica – then when challenged he pleads self-incrimination as a defense like a common criminal – THEN indeed our Courts should be tougher on these people who violate our Constitution and seek to escape the truth by invoking a criminal defense in a constitutional matter.
Jah watch over your own,mr behenzen wz fired simple because he wz to tough on criminals.my people read,listen and knw what is right or wrong.POLITRICKS, man them nar ezzz,jah guide betta mus come.
Mouche miel U not good nuh!
I know these ads they really freak me out. I certainly got your line of thought.
What’s the colour of the white horse?
White colour crime hhahahaahaaha
You is not good!!! Is is for effect for those crocodiles who are ready too attack the is like they attack FET for his spelling bloopers.
Mr PM do not forget the law must also get doubly tougher on those Dominicans who pose as leaders but are largely engaged in theft and other nefarious activities.
Hope we are not just targeting the poor man on the street,because Dominic has two tiers of juctice.Ones for the “Haves” and one for the”Have NOts”. I firmly believe that everyone including the deceivers in jacket and tie must be equal befor the law.
Many of those those cladded in jacket and tie ARE THE DANGEROUS DOMINICANS, who need to be jailed in dark dungeons, for the remainder of their lives by the justice system.
Guys do you recall those cranbury jucice ads on TV?
In one the older guy in the cranbury juice the grand pa to the young guy the one who said it was sugar free then emptied a bag of white sugar into the juice?
In another ad the gran pa was talking about longtime ago. The young guy sacastically stated ” He would know” lol!
MY BROTHER LET ME TELL YOU EH!! STOP THE COCAINE! AND GIVE YOUNG MEN WORK TO DO!!!!!!!!
SIMPLE AS DAT!!!!!!!!!
or BUILD A PRISON AND LOCK UP EVERY HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE GRADUATE WHO IS UNNNNNEEMMPLOYED and not by choice, they sit day after day watching other people going off to be productive.
but what is there for them? NO JOBS, NO CAPITAL FOR INVESTMENT, just a head FULL of BIG ideas and no way to manifest it in the world. when the old eyes become tired, we need a fresh set to address the problems of our world with a fresh perspective, NEW ideas, NEW innovation, New thinkers. this is our identity.
Because with enough time and pressure those without a way might have to find a way!!
They also need to make an example of tenants to, because they live in your house without paying and the law/court saying you can not put them out. When they do vacate they damage your house and you are left to do the repairs on your own. If the law/court is hard on them, they will think twice before they act.
Mr. Prime Minister please bring back the death penalty for those fellas who think they can just murder people and walk free.
I hope he also makes provisions for increasing the size of the prison or building another one. Not only that, where is he going to cut in order to feed and house these extra prisoners.
It is all well and good to get tough on crime, but there is a cost associated with that. Housing criminals does not come on the cheap.
Also, if tougher penalties deterred crime, America would be crime-free. That country incarcerates more of its citizens than anywhere else on the planet, yet they continue to be mired in crime.
Mr. PM please tread carefully because you may not like the result of your actions.
All the focus seems to be on robbery and theft. What about drug offences and murders?
HMMM…Be Careful what you wish for people. We do not want to wake up one day and realize that harsher punishment gave rise to harsher crimes. I have never walked in the shoe of a thief but i have felt so beaten down by the system that the thought of theft even came in my mind. I thought of it and i did not act on that thought it does not mean that today or tomorrow someone feeling the same way i felt would not act on their thought. We were all wired differently. Why dont we find a way to understand these individuals and figure out what led them to do such an act. When we know the underlying cause then we can find ways in which we can help solve these issues and in turn reduce the number of these types of crimes. Think about it when someone take a chance in gambling they take a chance to either win big or lose all.. its the same as theft. Whether the punishment is harsh or not thieves will still take a chance at either getting away with it or going to jail. its plain and Simple. Harsher punishment may just let them try harder not to get caught and so more innocent lives may be lost in the process…. my 2cents
Is that you way of trying to blame the government for the people who steal, because I find in most of the cases is the people who do not want to work and want fast and big money that commit these crimes. Lack of employment becomes the perfect excuse.
online bloggers?? U mean the 20 people that change their name and post on DNO? BEcause online bloggers surely do not represent 2% of the population especially when DNO screens the posts with bias and somehow this is the collective view across the island..
hmmmm smells fishy
i hope he knows embezalment,theft,corruption,false represention and lying under oath are also very seriuos crimes that need the appropiate punishment
Will child molestors and abusers be given tough sentences?? Will we ever see a sex offenders registy?? Will those who commit Bin bobol etc be imprisoned for a long time???
I find it rather shocking that I am contantly reading people blogging up here that seem to think it is okay to steal because the goverment has not creating enough jobs?! It is time to create your own job, think outside of the box. I myself would never rely on others to create my destiny, create your own destiny as a person like the majority of the “go-getters” of the world have done and are doing. For example, take some wood/logs, start widdling away, make a piece of furniture, go to the market and sell it, make money. People that think out of the box in this fashion feel much better about themselves too, it makes you feel good as a person to make your own money,.. besides the money itself, the feeling of empowerment and being self reliant. If you start small, then you can finish big, some of the richest people of the world came from the poorest familes, go to forbes top 100 list and get inspired! I presume I have grown a really tired of reading comments from people who think it is “okay to steal, because the government hasn’t created jobs”, that way of thinking is pathetic and needs to stop. Anyways,.. cudo’s to Skerrit for seeing the penalities need to be much more tougher.. that is best news for Dominica I have read in some time. Good job this time Skerrit.
I am all for creating one’s own destiny and thinking outside the box, however, isn’t it one of the responsibilities of government TO PROVIDE JOBS FOR THE CITIZENS? Should we give government a free pass because people don’t ‘THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX?’ Yeah right!
NO! It is NOT Government’s responsibility to provide jobs for citizens. Governbments responsibility is to foster a climate – financial, economic and sovial – where entrepreneurs in the Private Sector can create jobs. Governments maintain a Public Sector, with our taxes, to administer our constitutionally established public institutions like health, agriculture, etc.
The laws re child sex abuse should be reviewed so the abused children are able to report their accuser without their parents to make monetary deals with these wicked men.
While amendments can be made to the exsisting laws regarding criminal offenses, I find the full extend of those laws should be implimented. What about those that commit murder and get away pretty nicely. For instance in the case where this guy admitted killing Gold teeth in MARIGOT,are you telling me nine years were the mazimum for such a crime? Whether or not he was a first offender, my brother, another man’s life was taken in cold blooded style. If we do not step up our efforts in areas like those, the persons who takes the last chance, dies, while the one who took the first chance, is left to serve a prison term of less than a decade, so in fact and indeed, our citizens in this nature Island as we call it, will not see another generation. I am calling on the authorities not only to make amendments to the law, but a total review of the Juridiciary. In my humble opinion, Mr. Tyani was on his way to curb many of those crimes, but unfortunately a political pilate of our day, killed Jesus. Who has ears to hear, let him hear.
It is a crime to prevent the opposition political parties from using the national radio station.Skerrit should make it an offence, for and board or any manager of the national radio station or GIS to deny UWP or Freedom party access to do the people’s work.
GOOD POINT!
While we are speaking of crime among politicians, Doc. Love, PLEASE, please ask those politicians who have received cheques even while they did not represent the people to return those cheques and apologize to the people of Dominica because it is a crime to receive money as «salary» when indeed ,no service has been provided; it is called stealing, a.k.a «volehing».
We need a bigger prison!!!
WE definitely need a bigger, more up to date prison and a serious review/overhaul of many of the punishments/penalties for offences committed. For those of you on here who talk about the lack of jobs creation, building a better newer prison will create jobs across the board. Then again this issue is not necessarily about job creation, but about personal and public security. I think people are fed up of leaving like prisons in their own homes. Burglar bars on every window. Not only are we leaving like prisoners in our own homes, but these burglar bars are putting our lives at risk, if God forbid there is a fire, we will be trapped by those burglar bars.
I am in favor of tougher sentences across the board..and all them lawyers who break the law in an effort to get the delinquents back in society, they too should be removed from the system.
it is a good idea to make amendments because the court is too lenient on robbers and thieves. while i agree to this, i also think that something should be put in place to decrease that type of crime in the country. what about creating more employment for our youth. Huh
youths are not the only people committing crime. some of which have ended up in jail is of fault of oler people. sometimes you give them job and they form d fool. they dont like to wait a month or 2 weeks for a salry. they want it fast to buy nice clothes and bling bling. …my 2 cents….
Tougher, everything in Dominica getting harder & harder, when will things get easier, why must our people suffer so much!
Great initiative!! This is decisive action. I love this move. Let us shift talk to action.
This is just more talk….what action?
Firstly, before “tougher” laws are introduced then there needs to be an increase in jobs and spending power amongst the masses who are living on an economic borderline. This is more important. When these “tougher” laws are introduced without a thorough and practical revision in address these economic issues it is still the poor who will be marginalized and punished while the rich get away with bails.
Nicely put.
It seems you are suggesting that crime exists because there is an absence of «jobs and spending power amongst the masses who are living on an economic borderline.» In other words, people are poor and jobless so crime is their way out. Do you realize how weak an argument this is?
Here is a hint… the last time i checked, no country in the world is immune to all sorts of crime; in many cases, rising crime. Second, decades ago, Dominicans was worse of financially than it is today. People were poorer and there was less money circulating. Yet, crime levels and types of crimes then were different in many ways from today’s.
Poverty is a debilitating disease. I agree. Yet, it is quite a stretch to argue that «masses» working will lead to reduced crimes. The facts do not allow for this stretch of reasoning.
Are you arguing, then, that getting tougher on crime is more important than increasing employment?