The government of Dominica, through its Minister for National Security Charles Savarin, has issued what it considers an official statement on the sudden upsurge of homicides on the island.
At a briefing with the press late yesterday afternoon, Savarin said government will soon be introducing a new firearms bill in parliament in an effort to strengthen law enforcement efforts in dealing with firearm-related incidents.
“The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica wishes to place on record its total abhorrence of the recent upsurge of in incidents of homicide on the island,” he said.
According the Savarin, Dominica traditionally boasts a “reputation of being a peaceful, tranquil country and recent events seem to have called this into question”.
He said the characteristically warm and friendly nature of the Dominican man seems to have been replaced by a total disregard for human life and personal property.
Six lives were lost during the last two weeks of September. These include Omara Small (aka Mwunga Freeman) – September 15, Rachel and Sophia Vigilant – September 16, Clement James – September 20, Harrison Williams – September 24, and Rumadine “Didin” Carbon – September 29.
Police have arrested and charged suspects in five of the six cases.
“This is a total of five violent crimes which has left six people dead within 15 days in the month of September,” Savarin said.
Meanwhile the national security minister commended the police who have recorded a 90 percent detection rate and have arrested and charged the perpetrators.
Regardless, he believes the matter is indeed “alarming unprecedented. As a society we must take a position that this violent behavior will not be tolerated”.
In light of this the minister said no effort will be spared in addressing these incidents and cabinet has taken its first step with a positive response to the Bishop of Roseau for a meeting on the matter. The meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday.
“As crime affects our communities, our solutions must transcend disciplines and differences to embrace initiatives and best practices,” Savarin said.
why not focus on prevention? increase awareness of Dominican Arts, music, and sports so the young people will be preoccupied instead of causing crimes.
What ever happened to that WATER SHIPPING project Arthurton Martin had in the pipline, Maybe the pipline got blocked like all his other projects which usually fizzle out after much fanfare and free publicity
Go for it Arthie you still batting Zero but not out
So the Handsomely Handsome journalist with the melifluous monotone has now turned to deception as a means of getting hearsay evidence.The female architect clearly stated that she never met Mr Skerrit, but yet you publicise the fact that the Villas were owned by Skerrit. In your famous interview why did you not mention the name of that or those famous investors on whose behalf you were making those inquiries.In your haste to destroy Skerrit you will stoop just as low as you accuse him.
A lie is a lie Skerrit lied and so did you by stating you represented investors that did not exist. All the so called evidence you have is now suspect in my view. Hearsay and third hand evidence cannot hold up in court, no wonder the IPO will not go any futher with your so called evidence
STOP deviding the nation with your hidden agenda All you PHD’s do have ahidden agenda
Nice move on Charlo’s part! However, one would have love to see the proactive measures rather than the reactive measures to abait crime. Time and time again – learned Dominicans – spoken against the culture of reactivism as against procativism. Measure should be put in place not only in terms of fire arm act ammendment but in the over all development of the human person in Dominica. You see to many little programs here and there – what is needed is a comprehensive plan – long term dat is to fight crime and poverty in Dominica. Is crime and poverty related to a certain extent? Sure! Charlo you ministry and every other ministry should come together to fight crime. Stemming from the consultations and program formation – you can put together an Anti – Crime Task Force .
My ideas are for freee – so charlo dont worrry bout giving me a tip. The tip will be a better Dominica!
This firearm bill will mean nothing if the underlying malaises, that plaque the island are not addressed. Create gainful employment opportunities for the youth, provide a viable outlet for agricultural produce, make development more about Dominica as opposed to ones self, and be harsh to those individuals, within society and the police force who intentionally abuse the public trust.
If people feel the only option is going “back door” to get funds then this bill will be nothing than just a bill. You have to provide a means to an end (alternatives), that demonstrates to the man on the street that he has a way out and he is part of the society.
Last but not least you have to enforce the law whether it applies to the vagrant or the man in the suit and tie.
God does not sleep……everybody from Prime Minister down looking for answers to find Mwanga killer……..Why did you all let him go when he and his friend killed me? Eh……GOD DOES NOT SLEEP……….The scales of justice have finally been Balanced…….live by the gun…you die by the gun
mr savarin u have been in the business ever too long. stop talking and act. tired of hearing the words “will”, “shall”.etc etc. pass the laws. increase the bail to the millions (cash). no bonds, no property. if bailed, investigate the surety or sureties. dont only concentrate on the weapons that are already inland but how and who are the importers.educate the public esp. the good citizens. offer incentives to obtain critical info on criminals. people are seeing and hearing but keep silent.even the police is talking. investigate the dishonest ones and dismiss them.enforce stricter surveillence on some so-called fishermen who bring in a lot more the fish and please establish a no nonesense, none political and intelligent police comissioner and deputy.enough of this acting acting acting. this is dominica. leave this acting for hollywood. pass the laws. make my country and its people safe from these foolish drugs/gun foolishness.pass the laws now.
Time to go back to the Dominica of 20-30 yrs. ago where people were community oriented and helped each other instead of being so self-centered and selfish.
Turn off the TV and start having community get togethers and projects that you and your neighbors can work together on to make DA a better place, especially since Mr. Skerritt has eliminated the “fix the pot holes” project from community day and made it into beautification day.
The whole caribbean region, once upon a time, was tranquil and peaceful and loving people. What has brought about this catastrophic change in the region? Well, here they are: the infiltration of american channels into our society, the ease in which people can travel today around the world – before they were hampered by many forms to fill out before they got the go ahead to travel, american and english tourists swamping our shores and beaches, walking about half-naked and bathing almost completely naked on our beaches, western lifestyles sending our boys and girls loco and materialistic, western music, mainly rap music which they maybe listening to, is all garbage and trash that makes no sense; no symphony, no music, no lyrics, just pure garbage that degrades society and make it become decadent. We need to tighten gun laws and send criminals, who are found walking or driving around with a gun in their possession and not even licensed, to jail for 15 years hard labour.. That will send the message, Mr Savarin.
@following their master like poodles: How about we institute caning ? That’s when the whole community gathers up ( for example, the stadium ) and they would bend the person over a desk or stump and take out a leather whip and give them couple lashes and make an example out of them. By doing that, the criminals will know what will happen to them and maybe it will change their minds. Trust me, someone will rather take death than embarrassment!
10-20-life. I do not agrre with Capital punishment. Let me work in the prison, the violent criminals would wish they were dead. Add dangerous weapon.
Oh… ten years prison if you are found in possesion of an unlicense gun
20 years if you fire that weapon in an attempt to wound or in wounding someone
Life if you kill someone with a gun, cutlass, or knife an it was not to defend your life property or family.
Cudos! I am well impressed with the steps we are taking to regain our once peaceful reputed country…Good Job Dominica!
While the crime bill is a great idea in response to the recent upsurge in murders, the conviction rate is the meat in this soup. What’s the point of enacting robust laws, only to watch cold-blooded murders walk free on legal technalities? We also need a forensic lab and better trained officers who can use forensics to present robust cases in court.
The idea of “Night Court” for minor traffic offenses is a brilliant one. We also need public service announcements and weekly groups in all schools from kindergarten to college, to help reinforce appropriate norms and customs, such as respect for others. Religious denominations should not be left out of this mix either.
this firearm bill was long overdue and should be welcomed by every law abiding citizen.. BUT charlo let us confont the other crimes with the full force of the law especially the ones in public office committing these crimes.remember, it is you and tony who said CORRUPTION BREED’S POVERTY.
I SUPPORT YOU STATEMET BUT PLZ CHANGE THAT NAME. CHILDREN READ THESE THINGS TOO AND NAMES LIKE THAT SURELY ARE NOT INTERPETED WELL DESPITE THE WAY YOU SPELL IT. FO OUR CHILDREN SAKE PLZ CHANGE IT.
Charlie boy that will take to long to deal with the present situation right now we need a sacrificial lamb, someone to be seen actually paying for their crimes. Are Charlie or Mr Skerrit going to make this sacrifice for the country you claim to love so much? I not hold my breath.. but i waiting
buz off
GREETINGS MR MINISTER:- MY OPINION ON WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN; I THINK WE NEED A 3 STAGE HOLDING SYSTEM. 1- A BOOT CAMP RUN BY THE STATE WHERE PARENTS AND THE COURT CAN SEND OVER UNCONTROLABLE YOUNGSTERS. 2 – A JUVENILE PRISON. 3 A NEW UPDATED PRISON WHERE PERSONS SHOULD DO PROPER TIME FOR THEIR CRIME, I SUGGEST POND CASSE.
WE ALSO NEED A FASTER RESPONSE TO CRIME REPORTS AND A REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT AND FREQUENCY OF ADJORNMENTS AND FOR THE CASES PUT FORTH ON THOSE DAYS TO GO AHEAD MUCH SOONER THAN THE MOCKERY THAT IS HAPPENNING NOW.
WE NEED A BAIL ACT TO CONTROL THE NONSENSE GOING ON AND WE NEED TO CONSTANTLY REVIEW OUR LAWS LOOKING TO AMENT THE LOOP HOLES PLAGUEING THE SYSTEM.
PLACE MINIMAL PENALTIES LIKE THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE ACT, AND PENALTIES THAT REFLECT THE CRIMES COMMITTED.
FOR TRAFFIC AND OTHER MINIMAL OFFENCIES WE CAN HAVE NIGHT COURT FROM 6- 9 PM THEREBY SAVING THE WASTE OF TIME THAT OCCURS TRYING TO BE AT COURT.
WE COULD EVEN HAVE COURT TELEVISION ENTERTAINMENT.
THANK YOU MR. MINISTER IF ONLY YOU READ MY OPINION
While Dominica was one one the more peaceful countries, I disagree with the Hon minister when he says that we have “reputation of being a peaceful, tranquil country”. Dominica has long lost that reputation, because its people are selfish, selfcentered, hostile, aggressive and very ignorant on this island. Ill mannered and downright nasty. They are malicious, and vindictive. I am not sure what island he is referring to but it is not Dominica. I remember when we were a community that looked out for each other, were always polite and giving a helping hand.
That was a long time ago.
@Big Toe Lee: Atleast the Government is working as a team on this isssue. Charlie’s Portfolio lies under that so it’s up to him to implement. I like ow the PM gives his ministers a chance to do their work and not do it for them.
Mr. Minister of Security, what about the New knife bill and the New 2 x 4 bill. Will they be introduced too? While it is true that there might be many different reasons for the increase in crime, ENFORCING OF THE EXISTING LAWS IS STILL THE WAY TO GO………….
This is a national issues and think all an sundry should come together to deal with the matter to the meeting with Cabinet tomrorrow. The Evangelical,, Moslim, Christian Council, DAIC, DEF, one parent (couple) police, youth council , fire officers, Teachers Association, Unions etc there are alot of stakeholders not a chosen few. We have to come together as one. Together we are Christ Body.
This ,, is becoming really serious all the political heads are doing is talking they are not taking no action what so ever to ensure that Dominicans are safe not even in their own homes.
The police need to do their jobs and stop behaving like the opposition, drawing a salary for nothing. Dominica is becoming like Gaza and there is nothing the locals can do about it and the leaders are just giving speeches and they have body guards to do their dirty jobs for them while allowing them to sleep comfortable at nights.
I think that they should teach the judges how to sentence the criminals because 6-8 years in prison for killing does not cut it!!!
The prosecution must step up the level of defense against the criminals and their high priced lawyers that really make use of the large sums of money their clients pay because they always end up free.
I agree with the minister’s statement and also commend the police for thier work. However, the judicial system in Dominica is a complete waste of time. Justice is almost non-existant and this factor renders the efforts of the police and other law enforcement agencies futile.
I’m happy to hear that a new firearms bill will be introduced in Parliament which in my view should include among other things an amendment to the Magistrate’s Code of Procedure. I have heard many Magistrates say that ” The Magistrates Code of Procedure gives them the authority to use their discretion”.
It is my hope that such an amendment would include, “Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a person convicted for an offence under this act SHALL be sentence to ten years in prison for having an unlicense firearm and a similar sentence for having ammunition without a license”.
Also it should include using a firearn or an unlicense firearm in the commission of a crime be it Indictable or summary offence shall by imprisoned for twenty years for each offence. Harboring or aiding and abbetting anyone in the commission of any offence under this act shall be sentence to fifteen years in prison. Ensure that there is no fine in sentensing.
By making it mandatory to serve time for an offence it would tie the hands of the Magistrate/judge in sentensing anyone. Make it a pain for everyone, let us decide whether we wish to go to jail for ten, fifteen, twenty years of more for an unlicense firearm. Ensure that person with a license firearm and acts in self defence is treated differently.
Good luck Mr. Saverin and waiting to read the bill.
I hope they put it in place before the Lestrade case…………….
STOP GIVING CRIMINALS BAIL
Charles Savarin stated that as a society we must take a position that this violent behavior will not be tolerated. True say. But What hypocrisy. Who chastised Dr. Severin, resident Tutor of UWI, right in Parliament just the other day, for expressing his concerns as a Dominican about the increases in crimes and warned us of the negative consequences? First those in authority must be tolerant to those who speak out about crimes and their devastating effects on society, not ridicule such persons. The cabinet in parliament must have congratulated Savarin for his outburst against the Doctor who was honestly and genuinely expressing his opinion as a citizen.
Now, the Minister and his ilk come with hypocritical statements. He has yet to denounce the other also serious criminal and corrupt activities, apart from the stabbings and shootings. Those corrupt practices we see and hear of are also threats to Dominica’s National Security and destroying our nation. Or does he feel those corrupt practices done by persons in Public Office should be tolerated? So it is not a problem or concern as well when persons of influence engage in those criminal acts? Where is the consistency and political will to also deal with those irresponsible acts?
buzz off!!!!!!!!!!!!
charles savarin
buzz off!!!!!!!!!!!!
you awake from your slumber
and arise out of your sleep
charlo,…please bring some kind of hope to dominicans if you have any ability left in you to do so!
as you one of the chief leg spinners around this DLP bowling attack!!
Well said let us see if that will make a defrence,put in place a no bail position for fire arms, drugs,wepons like knives cutlas ice prearer and others hiden under their clothe at nights or in partys ect the chief magistrate must be fired,lawyers must be sanctioned for defending dangerous criminals,the gallows must be rebuilt and hanging must be re comenced and very soon. the judges of the apeal court must not be given any chance to free those dangerous monsters that cannot be humans.The human rights and murcy commitees must be desbanded,and let Gods word be followed death by hanging for killers we do not want to see one killer on our streets again they must die like monga freeman his soul in hell for his crimes all of them must go the same way less work for our police.
Charlie…. the PM said these were “just family crime”…… basically we should not be alarm…. are you trying to contradict the PM?? Why are you being smart by being pro-active?? Have you talked to the PM before this statement? You better have a meeting with him soon. HE COULD LEARN SOMETHING FROM YOU!!
WEH papah!! I had hopes for this government but, when it comes to social issues…… the fabric of our lives……… I’m scared to death!!!
The Bishop means well but meeting with the GOVERNMENT to discuss crime and the latest killings are not the way to go he should gather all the church leaders and lay mininsters together and discuss what they can do to help the situation, mostly all the folks will tell you the GOVT is part and parcle of the problems that confront the Island and especially the youth today, they believed that a younger PM would have worked on their behalf but they were let down, let us all see it as it is and stop looking the other way we all know Chruch and State do not mix so why now who is this meeting going to benefit not much young people attend service these days so what’s up with that for so long the chruch leaders kept their mouth shot when they should be speaking out on the ills of the communities they kept silent if they want to do something go out in the communities and listen to the people then as religious leaders meet with not only the Govt but also the Opposition party too let them know what the people are saying how they are feeling
Putting more legislation in place and then tying the hands of the Policemen and their department from doing their job what will it accomplished certainly we need tougher laws than what is in the system and we need it now but the police need to do their job accordingly acknowledge the problem and fix it without politic.
We all need to start having open debates within the different Communities parents need to have discussions at home with their families we have to take control of the situation and we have to send the message that KILLING will not be tolerated at any cost and those who do the crime must do the time and if hanging is part of the remedy so be it enough is enough .
Respect is not something we purchase at the corner store it is something we all have to earn so starting from the PM’S office to the man on the street let us all treat each other with respect and DOMINICA will be a better place to live and visit.
Tooo late minister of National insecurity, a statement should have been made over a week ago. How can a man like you who know all about the troubles DA faced in the late seventies and early eighties be part of Skerrit team? I really thought that you were a truely educated and refined individual. How did you allow yourself to be corrupted that by a low down individual like the PM? Did you lose your education and sense of reasoning? Please Mr. Minister explain that to me.
my concern is when these cases get to court if these people will be brought to justice… too many times in Dominica… yes they are arrested and charged but for some technicality or the order they are released or given slaps on the wrist. I hope that the majority of these cases be prosecuted successfully this time..It is time we hold people responsible for their actions in Dominica. It is getting ridiculous that so many people commit violent crimes and get off scott-free… look at recent murder trials in Dominica, how many people actually got a punishment that even remotely fit their crime. I am all for justice, but this “getting off on a technicality” issue has got to stop.
Further, government will soon be introducing a new firearms bill in parliament in an effort to strengthen law enforcement efforts in dealing with firearm-related incidents.
“As crime affects our communities, our solutions must transcend disciplines and differences to embrace initiatives and best practices,” Savarin said.
Thank You Charlie!!!!!!!
But Charlie, make sure any firearm violation carry a madatory jail time. Also any crime involving a weapon – mandatory jail time.
Thank You CHARLIE – at least you’re not wishing, hoping, praying or giving love a chance!