Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the crimes that have led to the death of six individuals over the past two weeks are not gang or drug related, with the exception of the Omara Small murder.
Speaking during the DBS talk show ‘Talking Point’ this morning, Skerrit said none of the recent murders are crimes of vengeance or against the fabric of state security, but rather involved family members, close friends and associates who have simply lost their edge.
“We have to promote a greater sense of tolerance, respect for each other, compassion and love,” said the PM who was at the time addressing the matter of the escalating crime rate that seems to have plagued the island.
“Really, when you look at it the main cause is that there is a lack of tolerance and patience and I believe that we need to work on this issue in order to control and manage the situation,” the PM said.
Prime Minister Skerrit has uttered a call for the population to take stock of the situation and own up to their own responsibilities and step away from placing blame. “None of these murders the police could have prevented from happening” as most of them were disorganized and impromptu, he said.
Dominica has to speak against the spirit of discord and refrain from taking action into their own hands, “in some cases unprovoked,” Skerrit said.
stamp out violence, promote tollerance, start in the highest house kick out the speaker of the house.then come talk to us in the street corners, like behanzin.then we will identify our problems and try to solve them.
dear mr.skerrit u hav no say n talkin about love n compassion cause the money u hav savin take it n give people work 2 do,thats love n compassion n that will bring less stress n frustration.don’t forget all the H’s u brought in dominica that hav the market in a mess,spreadin their dirty water on the market place cause plp to go home to kill each other.sir mr pm to my knowledge u hav a lot of work to do n dominica.
@DOMINICAN LEAVING IN ANTIGUA: I FORGOT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS
IF MY PEOPLE WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME SHOULD HUMBLE THEIR SELVES AND SEEK MY FACE THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN AND HEAL THEIR LAND
Disappointed!
Dominicans are losing respect for PM Skerritt. The country is mired in all kinds of corrupt practices especially done by those in Public Office. Dominicans are seeing, listening to and coming to their own conclusions about criminal activities apart from stabbings and shootings which are plaguing the country. Dominican know who are involved.
The revelations and facts pertaining to those high class crimes cannot be refuted. Dominicans are witnessing that the poorer class of Society are brought to the courts, fined and jailed for crimes committed, while some others who commit worse crimes are not touched. The system protects them.
Does PM Skerritt himself through his statements and actions express any sense of tolerance, respect for each other, compassion and love? How many times the laws of the land have been disrespected by politicians? Nothing happens. A bailiff is trying to issue the PM with his summons for court finds it difficult so to do. Is he super-human and above the law? Mr. PM, is it a crime to defraud the State, the Treasury, of thousands of dollars of the people’s money. Is that action against the law? What has been done to correct that matter?
Are Dominicans surprised that the crime rate,(all crime is crime), is escalating when that issue of the BIN and Fertlilizer BOBOLS, a blatant illegal act by those in authority, goes on unsolved? What about all the other criminal activities that are talked about, facts are there, the Public knows and NOTHING HAPPENS? In fact investigations are conveniently blocked to protect the ‘BIG BOYS’. Dominicans are aware of those things. They are not all fools. They understand what is happening. Our beautiful country is drowning in corrupt practices.
Almost every other day, is a case of stabbing, shooting, secret deals, corruption of the highest degree. How could some people involved in the Bin Bobol act, after defrauding the treasury of all those $$$$$, just come back and pay to the treasury an amount of $$$$ for the stealing of people’s money without a serious investigation, court action and prosecution for that criminal offense.
The PM should ensure that answers are given and the necessary legal action taken against such atrocities. Dominicans find that strange. If an ordinary youth or citizen steals from a business place, is he asked to return the stolen goods because he made a mistake? Never. How many young persons are now in jail for stealing and other crimes? Dominicans must desist from supporting that injustice going on in our land.
Don’t you all listen to news in Jamaica, Mexico, all over the world and the chaos that crimes are causing? Do we want Dominica to become like that? Frankly, PM Skerritt cannot, will not be trusted or taken seriously because crimes of all kinds are not being addressed. Many of the crimes committed by those ‘GROS BOURGS’ in Public Office are TOLERATED because those are not dealt with. They try to throw those under the carpet.. JUSTICE IS NOT DONE, OR SEEN TO BE DONE. Dominicans are seeing for themselves.
Too late shall be thy cry!!!!!!!!! A stitch in time saves nine!!!!!!! criminals do not read
the news paper nor do they listen to the radio.
We need tougher laws in Dominica.
It was disappointing and pitiful listening to the PM, the Minister of Safety and the Police Commissioner each mouthing words without substance. No mention of what the Government is going to do about this rash of killings. (by the way this morning the Minister of Safety has made a statement that he is introducing a gun control bill). The Prime minister summarised this radio appearance by saying that the people must have more tolerance, respect, love and compassion. This, to me, means he is shifting the blame, for this spate of crimes, from the Government to the people. There was a lady who was victimised by crime and she called the show to say exactly what the Prime Minister should have said. The Lady said “I BELIEVE IN HANGING. NO BAIL FOR THOSE WHO COMMIT MURDER. 6 YEARS, 10 YEARS, 12 YEARS, SHOULD BE TRULY 6, 10 AND 12 YEARS. NO TIME OFF FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR. BRING BACK THE “CAT ‘O NINE TAILS” AND GIVE THEM 6 OF THE BEST WHEN THEY COME IN AND ANOTHER 6 OF THE BEST THE DAY THEY GO OUT”. This lady said it so well, and that is what the Prime Minister should have said at the end of the show yesterday. Finally I must tell the Commissioner of Police that when he said that the book of Luke in chapter 22 says “those who live by the sword shall perish by the sword”. The Commissioner was wrong. This quotation was in the book of Matthew 26:52.
why u eh respecting de police and de constitution?
u realize law and other has been placed on de lower draw..its becuase of you…
“no law no constitution can prevent me………” you are above the law and so get what you want done like preventing a bailiff to serve you… like not answering to de oposition, like manipulating de police.. and on and on..
stop de hypocrite
@Big Toe Lee: PM pray for wisdom from the Heavenly Father. Being judgemental is not gong to help either. As I said in another forum, Saul planned to kill David and on two occasion Saul came in situation where David could have killed him but David said that he must not put his hands on the Lord’s anointed. Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord. Saul was previously annointed by the Father to be King. Even when he did not not team up with the other Lord’s annointed servant, David still respected Saul even when the Spirit of the Lord left Saul. Saul was the Lord’s annointed. The Father wil deal with those who do not adhere to his command. Who are without sin (cast the first stone. We are all sinners and apt to make mistakes. It is only when the spirit of the Lord is within us that when we sin, our conscience are seared and we can repent. Our Father is merciful and just to forgive us. Remember the thieves on the Son side at the crucifixtion – one showed his proudness by showing off on our Lord- Are you not a majaw.. save yourself and save us. The other repentant chided him and said to him .. This man(Christ) have done nothing and does not deserve to die like this.. We deserve to be where we are since we committed a crime. You see the two attitudes – (most of us are displaying the attitude of the other thief the one who did not repent and was judgemental to our Lord). The repentant thief did a few thing. 1. He recognised that he was a sinner and had sinned. His conscience seared and he confessed his sins. He asked for forgiveness. He was humble (humility) and he turned to the one who would intercede for him. Glory Hallelujah .. Father remember me when you enter into your paradise.. This day on wards you will be with me in Paradise.
I say all of this that you must stop villifying persons in authority and blaming them for what is happenning in the country. We are all to be blamed as Evangelist Peter R Augustine said. And we are all here still continuing in our old way of thinking and bringing down persons. We instigate violence and intolerance by the way we speak and make comments. We have no respect for Authority and the land. We look at a well dressed person and we look to see if there is a tiny hole to use to critiicise since we do not like to compliment persons. We are out there not doing nothing but waitng to criticise and speak negative, negative. What examples are we to the young ones who are coming up? Ask what I can do for my Country? And I would say confesss our sins, repent, turn over a new leaf, pray for our Leaders where ever they are in leadership role. Love the Father first and foremost, then love each other as the Father loves us in as much that he send his sons to die for our sins. Don’t we need and want peace in our land? (See what is happenning in the Middle east and elswhere where there is no peace). we can only enjoy peace when we pray for our Leaders and those in Authority so peace will prevail. We cannot all be in authority.
Respect, respect respect , to our Heavenly Father, ourselves, our leaders, our neighbours, brothers and sisters. Stop being a negative person. Stop bashing at Pastors etc. They are working for the Father, granted some may not be perfect (none of us are). When you bash the pastors, priests etc, you are bringing curses up our dearly beloved land. They are doing the Lord’s work of bringing out the word which is our Fathers business.
On final question. Would you have liked your son, daughter or a member of your relative being in a leadership position to be villified and disrepected as you do to some other person now? The Lord forbids. We may be housing at our home one of the future annointed one of the Lord for being pastor, Leader. Would you like persons to treat them that way that you are now doing yourself and condoning and instigating all the ugly spirits – hatred, jealousy, envy, gossip, bad mouthing etc.
Open our eyes people. Watcher is watching.
what aboutt …..stiuffer laws to …..keep the oppposition the oppposition for the next 25 years u would like that wont u mr p.m…and thata the amount of time wen ppl will realsie that …hypocrites…run this landdd…..
@THINKING: I beg to differ from these words of hatred you accusing the PM of. It takes a man to face the Nation to admonish us to love each other. Our Nation was built upon love and heart and courage to serve, we were also taught to put god first before the land, isn’t that what our motto urges us to do? Apres bondie Cest La Ter. If we fail to heed to it , then we are all hypocrites.
Lets all place politics aside, this is what that is crippling the country, politics is gone but yet we listen to a spirit of power hungry folks who wants to tear down our morality to bring discord against each other.
Are we that blind or are we DOM Blonds that hatred cover our eyes, we keep asking the PM ridiculous questions that is supposed to be settled in Parliament and not on the streets. We all need to stop playing pm and opposition for the people who are in power and LOVE EACH OTHER.
@Big Toe Lee: I’m very disappointed in you, as a Dominican. The PM is willing to put aside politics and urging all of us to come together and you all for war. Oh wicked and foolish Dominican, open your eyes and urge your fellow man to love and dont hate. Pray that god will place a heart of love in all of us.
@Way Papa: The whole of Dominica blaming each other, i sick and fed up with that.
@Tony:
This is beyond the point and makes no sense whatsoever to what is occurring in Dominica and what the PM stated.
@sugargirl:
Be fair and just. The PM is not responsible for the crimes and murders and for the hearts, minds and actions of people. People choose to live their lives as they feel like.
He is correct. People are impatient, intolerant and lack compassion.
Is it correct if people disagree with me that I should harm them or murder them? By no means! I do not have the right to do so.
The PM fell short of saying that the enemy of God and of our souls influenced them to harm, to kill and steal. As PM I really did not expect him to state this. I am stating it. This is the problem which exists in Dominica and the rest of the world.
@Rolle:
He is the Prime Minister and he reserves the right to speak accordingly. Please cease your bashing. Have respect!
Practice the faith, pray for your country, for the PM and for others. They all need prayers including ourselves. In so doing, you will assist your country. This will surely please God. Blessings and graces abound.
Well I never see so much nonsense put in writing. What does the PM owing or not owning villas in Portsmouth have to do with murders. Dominicans, every one of us is resonsible for our actions. When judgment day comes, we all will be responsible for our own actions. What will be the response when God ask “why did u kill that man or woman?” do you think the answer will be because Skerrit have a villa in Portsmouth or a million $ house. My people wake up and let take responsibility for what’s happening in our country today. Poverty was always around. 10, 15 or 20 year ago all these things were not taking place. Today it’s just greed and false pride that have us living the way we are. Young people, adults please try to live within your means and not being covetous!!!
sooner they get rid of this corrupted DLP regime God will start blessing Dominica again…
as the DLP machinery has being serving two masters…thats why this land is cursed!!
Why are the PM’s pronouncements so lame and timid. It is almost as if he is on the criminals defense team. Mr Prime Minister Why?
If one is observant, one would realize that, the individuals or institutions who posses the power and authority to do something about crime, violence and law breaking, are only running their mouth. No action! see how passive they are, as if their hands are tied.
If one is observant, one would realize that, the individuals or institutions who posses the power and authority to do something about crime, violence and law breaking, are only running their mouth. No action! see how passive they are, as if their hands are tied.
Hey Dominicans…. what’s wrong with us!! FAMILY CRIME IS NOT REAL CRIME!!
…. i mean… the rise in family crime is not something to be alarmed about!! right????? I mean…no need to find out “what’s bringing on these sudden rise in family crime” ………it’s not real crime …. just a few stabs… a little family murder here and there… but don’t worry… IT WILL FIX IT SELF!! The Government says it’s no big deal…so let’s stop being paranoid. GIVE IT ANOTHER 10-15 YRS WHEN IT’S UNBEARABLE & OF EPEDIMIC PROPORTION …THEN WE SHOULD SPRING INTO ACTION….. EVEN IF IT MIGHT BE TOO LATE BUT, AT LEAST IT WILL BE A “REAL” ISSUE & PRIORITY!!! So let’s just go to bed/sleep on it and stop wasting the government’s time!
All what you saying there is true.
But by now you must to come to your senses and realize that the Opposition hands not clean.
They cannot take you head-on in d Parliament where developmental issues are of concern. You are delivering big time!!!
They do not have the contacts that you have.
They do not have half of the respect and popularity that you enjoy.
So what will they resort to?
It is their aim and mission to destroy the confidence that the majority of Dominicans both at home and the world over have placed in you. That way people will have little choice but to bring them in as a alternative when they will want to position themselves as savior of Dominica and even going as far to have a rod in their hand and bold enough to say they have d rod of correction to correct all d negatives of d land.
They are waiting to launch that mantra.
Don’t allow them!!!!!
Your first anniversary is quickly approaching since December 18, 2009. It will be an opportune time to reshuffle your Cabinet of Ministers and place Hon. George as Minister of Agriculture and merge the other portfolios that he already has.
Senator Savarin should no longer hold the position of Minister for National Security. Give that to Hon Timothy along with Ministry of Health.
You have a few Ministers which include Women ministers who are not shouldering their responsibilities effectively and that includes reading without solid confidence and demonstrating vague familiarity with the subject matter all the time. That must stop.
The time to down-size the Cabinet is now.
But wait, I thought everyone was responsible for his/her own doing.
SO when I sin does it go on the PM’s account??????? I am responsible for my sin.
SO if the PM come in public and say go and jump in a precipice I will jump, zor bon la.
Westay la cah blamay PM la, si say tebeh zor tebeh. STUPPPESSS
Be responsible people, stop playing the blame game, talk to ur kids, ur brothers, sister. Pray for all of us.
It is rather interesting that when the past minister of health John Fabian presented an opportunity to address the concern of human rights and tolerance toward same sex preference individuals, that the Prime Minister chose not to address the issue by publicly dismissing it. Now we see some of the effects of homophobia and by extension tolerance through the murder in Portsmouth on 20th September 2010.
Mr. Prime Minister, tolerance does not only deal with people not shooting/stabbing/beating each other, but also by setting the environment for people to be able to express themselves even if there is a difference of opinion. Consider repealing the buggery laws in Dominica, it will be an opening to encouraging a culture of tolerance.
Very poor response from a PM to address criminal activities…This is taking incompetence to the Next Level!!!!!!
ANONYMOUS, WHY IS SOCIETY SO ON EDGE ? NO RESPECT FOR GOD IF YOU READ SOME COMMENTS NO BODY TALK ABOUT LOVE , ARE WE UNDER THE TEN COMMANDMENTS?
well said sir.. people, relax and stop blaming only the politicians.. blame game not helping us right now.
@LYCAN CASIMIR: hypocrite!!. You know jolly well what zero is talking about.
The laws are there,,,,it’s time they are enforced.
The leader doesn’t give a damn about law, so why should his followers do?
Mr. PM first show respect to the laws of the country before you tell others to do so. Accept your court papers as a starting point.
why is society so on edge?ask yourself that question!
Can’t we discuss any topic WITHOUT bringing in POLITICS?
We do need to be more tolerant of each other! The stabbing which occured in Pichlin last week was because the accused thought the deceased stole his gold chain and stabbed him for it. Don’t u all think that if he had made a report to the police and allow the police to search the home he would not be facing jail time now?
We are becoming increasingly impatient, mean and rude. It is STILL ok to walk away and turn the other cheek. What if we were all to react violently what would happen? CHAOS!!
All crimes are crimes. Crimes are not only about stabbings or shootings. If one listens to world news, so many people in authority face the courts for money-laundering, embezzlement, fraud, using public office to get rich in quick time, pyramid schemes, stealing from the public purse, the Treasury, using public funds for personal gains, dealings in drugs and with drug dealers, and the list goes on and on. Govt. and Dominicans at large must be equally concerned and take the necessary corrective measures to denounce and stamp out all types of crimes.
But in Dominica, is there the political will to deal with secret deals, and the crimes mentioned above? The people are witnesses to those serious crimes as well and need answers to questions of wrongdoings that involve the few in authority and are waiting actions against such criminal acts. When no answers are forthcoming to crimes committed by people of ‘High repute’ the country suffers as well.. Those crimes should not be put under the carpet and in the same vein, hypocritically place emphasis only on the stabbings and shootings. Deal with all kinds of crimes otherwise you all will not be taken seriously.
Oh Skerrit!! I’m disappointed.
I thought you would take a real stand against crime.
But instead you joined the line up of Fools:
Levi Peters hoping for a solution to crime epidemic.
Autrie and Weekes praying for a solution to crime epidemic.
and poor Carrette wishing for a Forensic lab as his solution to the crime epidemic.
But you, MR. PM — you plan just to give Love a chance. “Sa quae Sor-Sort”
Mr. Skerrit I thought you were going to say, my government plans to initiate stricker crime laws.
Anyone caught with an illegal gun – 5 years mandatory jail time with hard Labor – we are bringing back the chain gangs – put you criminals to work for you room and board in Stock Farm by the cutting grass, digging ditches in your prison stripes)
Anyone who use a weapon while committing a crime – will get a 5 years minimum sentence.
And last but not least ——– My administration plans to reinstate the Death Penalty.
“”””AND THE DOMINICAN MASSIVE CHEERED!!!!!!!!””””
Oh Skerrit – I had such high hopes in you – I guess, I’m the “Sa quae Sor-Sort” for voting for you twice.
I believe that it takes gutts to speak to us, Mr. Skerrit, you are a a true example of leadership in this land. I never heard a statement from the opposition parties as yet. Thanks for the insight.
RESPECT AND LOVE IN WAKE OF THESE CRIMES……..I AGREE WITH YOU PM AFTER THE DUST SETTLES WE CAN GO BACK TO OUR OLD WAYS OF HATRED………DO YOU SIR “PM” SHOW LOVE AND RESPECT EVEN TO THOSE WHO VOTED FOR YOU? I DONT THINK SO…….DO YOU ANSWER YOUR PHONE? DO U KNOW THE NEED OF WHO IS TRYING TO CALL YOU DAY IN DAY OUT? DO YOU CARE IF THIS PERSON OS IN DIFFICULTY AND YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENT……… REMEMBER THE LEAST YOU DO UNTO YOUR BROTHER YOU DO IT UNTO THE LORD
@ZERO:Hector John is sick so the rest of the UWP is sick, very good zero.
The PM must admit that his actions and statments have contribute to what is happening on the Island when one can openly and publicly say that the CONSTITUTION which is the Law of the Island cannot prevent him from doing whatever he wants what on earth did you all expect, we have to stop sweeping the diry under the rug he also wish the Police department would stop looking the other way just let these guys know publicly that they are doing more harm than good and that they should think before they speak.
Now is the time to reach out to all of DOMINICA and it’s people whereever they are living, all of a sudden everyone seem to believe by praying things will change it will take everyone of us together praying and when ever we disobey him he lets us know who is boss and it is not the PM and his team
DOMINICA belong to all of us and we just have to take it back he have to stop the killing of each other this is where we need the chruch leaders to intervine and not in the day to day politic.
Everybody wrong and strong; the culture does not accept blame or apologise.. So the wrong do not show any humility or shame and still play heavy. This must rile the most humble of people.
Also there is no unity. Politics and the behaviour of politicians towards each other has caused so much divide and torn away the fabric of unity and the church is finishing the job by not reaching out to those outside of its congregation and criticising opposing religions and churches.
I have never seen the local pastor or priest going to the block and chatting to the youngsters who are losing their way…etc… I have seen too many acting inappropriately and spouting nonsense or staying silent when they should be addressing the nation ..etc
All the bawling to God won’t achieve a thing. God gave us brains with access to information and how to educate ourselves so we need to start using them.
Those who are failing in their role need to be approached and they need to accept they are failing and then start to do their job properly.
The main cause of crime in this country is the disrespect by those in leadership position of the law of the land and the constitution..Whenever the head is sick,the body will also be sick….Those in leadership must lead by example..
The crime issue is a result of many problems but the politicians are also part of it. The government and the opposition has constantly been at war, with allegations and accusations. Not one politician have we heard as i have seen in England, Germany and Japan recently, faced the Pres and humbly say i was wrong and i resign my position. They are leading people to also follow them because many of us will jump over the cliff if our political leaders say to us “Jump over the cliff!” That goes for both sides. I fear that one of these days something like what happened in Guyana with that famous Jim Jones will happen one day. Our politicians are teaching us to never give in our positions, where is the example they are teaching us? This is just part of it, Religion has its part, the media, the influence of western culture, poverty…………and the list goes on
boy mr.pm nt ezzz,anyway i really would like you to stay in power for 25yrs,skerro doh worry bout them haters you are the big man in da what you say goes like no cement no iron for,what is the name of tthe ting that coming ohh i remember community day of service.peace my pm
my pm,but how can you make that sttatement nar the police never said that about the man.really what is good for one is good for all i belive the villars arre yours and the treasury was rubbed.shate sorry sir i ment no ham.
MR.PM THATS TRUE LOVE IS THE GREATEST OF ALL SPIRITUAL GIFTS 1 CORINTHIANS ;13;1-13 THE GREAT DENNIS BROWN SING LOVE AND HATE COULD NEVER BE FRIENDS.
Skerrit the chickens have come home to roost. Your leadership style and the behavior of folks in your government is one of non-tolerance, arrogance, lies, stealing and cheating. What about those villas you claim that you don’t own? – Do you expect less fortunate people in our country to act properly when you don’t show any good example as their leader? ——yes love yourself Skerrit………….. please………. How long will Dominicans TOLERATE you and your hypocrisy?
well said sir
Prime Minister when you can in both words and deeds show tolerance love respect and compassion to all those who oppose you then maybe i will have an idea what you are talking about. When you lead by the example as a leader should. Tell me should I call your honourable for using “damn” in the presents of my kids and not apologising when i tell them they not suppose to use it? Should i hold you in high esteem and tell them crime dont pay while i explain how you got away with not paying land tax that is required by law? these may seem small but they have to start somehwere, please let me hear you start by apologising for your wrong doing remember as leader you are the best example.
This need to lead by example and stop running his mouth uselessly.
getting warm mr president.
that’s right everyone needs to feel loved. without it someone can easily turn into TED BUNDY. while these individuals should recieve thier just punishment for their crimes, certian areas are in need of attention in other to reduce the incedence of these crimes.ANY IDEAS WHERE ON WHERE TO FOCUS? also our prisoners need to be rehabilitated, if not, they are going to find themselves right back in jail SHORTLY AFTER BEIng released.
Charity begins at home, and you Sir, have no tolerance to those who disagree with your agenda; so how do you expect the populace to tolerate each other? You have created a toxic atmosphere and the ship is sinking. Peace must come from within, otherwise it’s flawed peace.
That is the same point I made…the Police had no for-knowledge of this….yet people blame them.
These were committed under duress/stress/emotional conflict.
If a short pause had been taken or some law officer contacted many of the people would have been alive.
We all react to quickly….(Myself included)…we need to re-think our approach and try to make decisions only when we can think clearly….too much of the an eye for an eye…..
Forgiving someone is much easier on all of us…..
what about stiffer laws Mr. PM?