License firearm holders and cigarette smokers will have to leave their instruments at home this year as police officials announced today that “no such thing that could be deemed to be used as an offensive weapon” will be allowed on the grounds of the World Creole Music Festival.
Police officials say from firearms – licensed or otherwise – to a cigarette lighter will not be permitted.
“Do not bring it and allow yourself to be embarrassed,” said Superintendent David Andrew as he presented the police force’s security plans this morning for the upcoming mega event.
Andrew said the overall security strategy is to prevent crime, gather and disseminate intelligence, control and manage traffic and provide general security within and around the event zone.
He said the force would establish a temporary holding and post area on the grounds to control troublemakers inside the stadium.
The superintendent announced that there would also be thorough searches of individuals entering the venue. These people will have to pass through about three different security checkpoints before gaining access to the stadium.
“Persons who are in the stadium and choose to leave will be subjected to the same searches and checks as before, when they re-enter the venue,” Andrew said.
These security efforts will also be applied to popular tourist sites across the island as it is predicted that patrons from abroad would take the opportunity to visit these places during the daytime.
Meanwhile, police say they will apply the same list of restricted items to the Creole in the Park event scheduled to begin on Monday.
“We want the best behavior to be demonstrated so that visitors could see Dominica as welcoming,” said superintendent in charge of traffic, Ainsworth Irish.
Everybody thinking about pleasure….ijs look at the positive and negative tired blame people and thing just leave them do their do
That is Ri………..diculous! A lighter is an offensive weapon? Well I sorry for WCMF next year!
stop blame de police them ,is de waste of time government that telling them what to do,just remember they cant run a candy shop who will they run country and fest .They say it was a workers thing now they run on de ground,they turn it to trini and reaggae show stupidness all u doing .we need de fest to go back to it original state we need good bands and most of all show out our local ppl stop playing politics with us we feed up
How much pettier and stupid can we get?
I have been attending the WCMF since it’s inception in 1997.
I, like many who attend, including lots of French visitors, am a smoker, so for the first time in 14 years I have chosen not to patronise the event this year.
After 9/11, many of our personal freedoms were removed. Carrying a cigarette lighter onto a passenger aircraft was one of them and was banned internationally for a short while. This restriction was soon lifted in the developed nations but, surprise! surprise!, in the English speaking Caribbean, 9 years later we are still inconvenienced by having our cigarette lighters confiscated before boarding a plane. This sort of petty bureaucracy is one of the main reasons why we small islands find it so difficult to move forward.
Dear organizer,
please keep the ploice out of the WCMF, they are going to kill the WCFM, please get security personel, not people with militery background, these person doesn’t known how it resolve issues and also there presence doesn’t prevent crime. all i have seen, i police dunking, womenizing, and hang around V.I.P section looking for alc drinks.
The police want to Stop lighters, is lighter bad for the WCMF business, is the WCMF acting to the compition among the Caribbean islands or even internationally.
Dominica please be competive, look at thing, how they are done elsewhere. i am are somker, like the other 40% plus who visits the WCMF annual event; stoping lighter, meaning smokers are likely to no go; also we think soon you will stop people entering, by just the fact they are smoker or seem like somkers this.
how cool
something just cann’t last in Dominica before we distroy it, how sad.
just something to think about: majority of the oversea visitor to WCMF of Dominica come form the next door french islands (Guadeloupe & Marinique), People are large smokers, are these people informed about this messure whiles promoting the WCMF these, if they did the turn up will be low, and to add to the bad matter, Guadeloupe is organizing are strike shedule for Tuesday, that may go on for some time, and next year they are planning putting together a Festival, around the same time as Dominica. so for real, how competive is Dominica WCFM, already 15% plus visiting the Dominica WCMF, enter with V.I.P free pass.
Dominica wake up
Supporter
i can’t believe this is dominica
yes i creole in the park boi,,,,once again looking out for dem wylahs,,,,,,u don know i coming with two pack of rubbers,,,,we doin it baby rite in the jam hhhhhmmmm
We shouldn’t focus our attention towards the people coming into WCMF. WE should more worry about the corrupt police officers that will give the criminals and anyone not authorized to have a firearm a firearm.. Its the damn corrupt and money hungry police officers that cause good things to go bad..Wait until next month, the citizens will see a “shuffling” of corrupt officers being exposed to the community…I have concrete evidence against those dirty cops..Good will always prevail…BETTER MUST COME!!!
@hmmph:
I endorse what you stated. I give compliments where they are warranted.
Such a pet name “gunslinger” and a few other names should not be allowed to be posted on this Website.
The person whom I assumed is “he” is a disobedient person who has no respect for authority and who does not fear authority. What we sow we will reap in time. His day will come.
Dominica as I knew it when I was a child and growing up to adulthood was a great, happy and safe place to live. Children were children and lived relevant lives. We were all very happy people.
This brings back fond memories of my childhood and early adulthood days.
Generally, Dominicans and their neighbors lived peacefully with one another. There were fewer incidents compared to what I have been hearing and reading about.
I used to boast that criminals and prisoners in Dominica were not as bad compared to prisoners and criminals in Canada.
Recently and also since I accessed DON Website, I was shocked to hear and read about what is occurring in Dominica, masked men with guns holding up stores. This would shock Dominicans who are residing abroad.
It could be too much to hear, read about and to bear. I ask myself what has happened to Dominica?
Those who take those matters seriously since they affect Dominican nationals and visitors are not being naive but that we never expected these would occur in our small, beautiful, peaceful and safe country. The fact that it is a small island is the reason why it is so shocking.
Let it be known that we are not happy about this and are angry too with those who cause such trouble in our beautiful island. In addition, since the troublemakers are so bold, it may place fear in Dominicans abroad and cause them not to visit or even return permanently.
We attended functions in the Windsor Park and in the Botanical Gardens with no incidents. There was always police and ambulance representation if need be and if people got sick.
However, there were no illegal drug smokers and gunslingers of all. There was no need then for authorities to inform nationals that weapons, cigarettes and lighters were prohibited. Dominicans respected each other and were considerate of others. Do you see today and shockingly so what our country has come to because of a few radicals?
Dominicans had respect for the Police. Their work was easy then in comparison to today.
What needs to be done is that crimes and murders, those which have become a way of life and which obviously originated from what the perpetrators learned from TV and big countries must be eradicated. Recently, there were too many of them.
Those who commit such must be rehabilitated and revert to honest and law-abiding citizens.
Wishful thinking you may say. Being a confident person, I do think it could be done but not without the help of a good, honest government, the Law.
Dominican nationals also play a part and must assist those in authorities to eradicate what is sadly occurring in our country.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Apart from Me you can do nothing.”
If God is not the primary part of our lives, if we do not genuinely worship Him, call on Him in fervent prayer of supplication and ask for His blessing, help, graces and mercy, all else will fail and the situation will get worst.
It is all worship, prayer, penance and sacrifice and praying for our country and its nationals.
When God sees Dominicans are at least trying, He will assist Dominica and its nationals.
Nevertheless, my love for Dominica has not waned. Just as I want what is best for me, I want what is best for our country and its people. Those who genuinely love and who possess God’s love will want likewise for others.
I wish the same in the part of the world I reside in and for the world in general.
God wants us all to live in love, peace, harmony and unity with everyone in general. This is the only way to earthly happiness and then heavenly happiness.
May the Creole Festival be an enjoyable and safe one. I wished that I were present. Well, probably next year with the help of God.
Keep up the heritage. Dominica has a rich heritage which all Dominicans should be proud of. Know that I always promote my country.
God bless you! God bless Dominica and its nationals.
@thinkinman,YOUR DUMMY YOU ARE GOING TO SPELL IT RIGHT SOME DAY.(THINKINGMAN )
@ Hey It’s is either gunslinger is a tolian, a tomian or a cruzian, cause they love to say meson!
Gunslinger stay where you there with your piss, deyman! I hope you comprehend!
@thinkinman:
dummy u light a joint u get high u make trouble not only that if someone lights a cigar secondary somking aint healthy
anyways why in de hell somebody like gunslinger hv a gun. that is like giving a baby a bottle of poison to drink. i wish they can find out who u are and revoke your license.
That is so true but you know there will always hav ppl dat want to be notice and believe dey r bad. will still want to by pass the police some dominicans r always extra . My fellow dominicans jst follow the rules . so we can hav a clean and happy festival. FIGHT FREE,KILLIN FREE,jst enjoy and ladies protect yrself dont get folled and boys stay away fr trouble.
@gunslinger:
There are some people who do not appreciate what is good, including the laws of the land and authority. They pose a problem to society.
Your writing applies to you and you alone and by no means me. Your type of writing serves no useful purpose. It is redundant. You are the cause if Dominica goes backwards and not forwards. The proverb: “The pot calling the kettle black.”
When we speak and write, we should do so with the intention that others could learn something good and godly from us.
Imitation of Christ book: “If it be lawful to speak, speak those things which may edify.” And: “Would to God we had behaved ourselves even for one day.”
It appears to me that you have projected that you are one of the reasons why cigarettes, lighters and guns will not be allowed on the site where the Creole Festival will be held.
If only you know the person who is writing this and where the person resides as a few examples you would not make such an ignorant statement.
Learn from the type of writing and what is stated. You are in dire need of education, on how to address others respectfully and how to write respectfully that you may receive compliments.
It is always stated that people are judged by their overall attitude, what also comes out of their mouth, mind and brains as imbedded in their heart. In this case, what comes through their fingers on the computer key board. I have no doubt also about the manner in which you speak to others.
According to the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “A person should be judged by the contents of their character”. By this I am judging you, by your very own type of writing.
What I also think? Your type of writing and profane language should not be allowed on this Website. It should be utilized for comments, exchange of opinions and not for insults and profane language.
Your writing would not be allowed on reputable Websites as on CNN, Canadian and European and on their blogs. It would be immediately disqualified and rejected. Readers would not see the daylight of them. Dominica On-Line Websites should be no exception.
As St. Paul said: “Bless people. Do not curse them and those who curse and murder others will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “The insults/curses of others who curse you fall on Me.” This means you have greatly offended Our Lord. Therefore, you cursed twice. Once to God and second to a fellow person. Since no one escapes God’s fair and just judgment and recompense, punishment befalls those who do.
You are in dire need of God’s blessing, graces and peace. I wish you these. Have a great, peaceful day!
@T.dot / Dca:
how is having a cigarette lighter being a trouble maker ?
@lol:
you sound like a non smoker who would smokers to stop. what if a smoker were to say to u im sure you could do with a smoke that night…. how would u react? lemme guess, “me? boy hold ur stupid cigarette..” so the same goes for u pal…U? hold ur stupid oppinion. You cannot tell ppl who smoke that they can do without it.
@Truth, Justice, Love and Peace:
Guns, knives, etc i understand… but cigarette lighters? come the F%@K on ppl! how is having a cigarette lighter dangerous…its not like you’re going on a plane or handling flamable material. WCMF and the authorities are asking for trouble as many of our guests and locals who plan on going to the shows are indeed smokers. Some idiot tried to talk abt her blouse getting burned at a party….who cares….they didnt say u cannot smoke. just that you can’t bring a lighter. Now with these inferior match sticks we import these days where pieces of lit sulphur goes flying everywhere…. which is more dangerous. The organisers are trying too hard to make nonsensical issues a problem. At the end of the day…this is an insult to our guests and locals who intend on having a great time at the festival which would include social drinking and smoking. And noone can tell me drinking and smoking is not a part of our and many other countries’ social activities. the hypocrites may say otherwise but the truth is…WCMF is makeing a poor call on the lighters.
@truth,justice,love and peace.you must be leaving in the jungles in canada for u to talk that garbage about wat am doing with a gun in dominica and crap like oh u never saw a gun in canada.shut ure bambooclat mouth and for ure information i go everywhere with it.i pay $200.00 for it every year so who the f8888888k are you to tell me wat to do with it?all u living dominica stupid going away stupid and still returning to dominica more stupid and for ure information i really donot need ure shit a888s advise u all must learn to respect other people’s opinion cuz the rain falls on every man house.
@de police: U could never be a police cuz I really don’t think that CWDPF would go so low by recruiting something like or close to you. Can’t even interpret a simple article. That would be low- grading the force think about it!!!
@dominican always:
Cigarettes can set people and a place on fire. Can you imagine in a crowd what could happen?
I once went to a party and when I returned I noticed a cigarette burn on the sleeve of my blouse. I could no longer use it. I did not feel the burn.
This is but a small incident compared to what could happen if thousands of people are gathered and there are many smokers.
Whenever I am walking on the street or turning a corner and I see someone with a cigarette, especially in the hand, I have to be careful not to get too close lest it burns me.
I have found that cigarette smokers are not careful. All they care about is the cigarette or illegal drug they have in their mouths smoking, be it in public and the high that they derive from it and no one else.
How careful could cigarette smokers be? All it takes is for someone to turn towards another who either has a cigarette in his/her mouth or in the hand and they could get burnt be it on their faces or hands. Furthermore, what if someone set the area on fire with a cigarette and a lighter? It could happen.
The authorities are wise and within their rights to prohibit cigarettes, lighters and guns or any other sort of weapon on the site. This is for the protection of everyone who will be present.
This is what it has come to in this era; no exception in Dominica. If you are a concerned Dominican you will pay heed, obey the law and you will have an enjoyable, peaceful and safe time with good memories.
People will be attending to have fun. So should you. Give this a good thought.
@dominican always: I am sure they can do without smoking. Its bothersome to people that don’t smoke anyways.
@gunslinger is people like you that need to be lock up and throw away the keys this is just the height of arrogance.
@gunslinger:
That is a silly statement; makes no sense whatsoever.
@RASTA4LIFE:
Jealous eh!
@de police:
Did you not read and understand the article?
So what are you doing with the weapon in the first place? Those who live by the sword, will die by the sword. Put your trust in God the creator, not in a piece of metal made by man.
@Mentally Disturbed: Very funny. He surprised me also bro!
@Truth, Justice, Love and Peace: lol
i have to leave my gun home too? jus asking…..
@gunslinger: I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU TO HELL AND BACK WITH THEIR WCMF!!!!!!!!!!!! CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA..
@overseas i guess when one carries a concealed weapon being it any type he/she is out for trouble? guns don’t kill people,u computer idiots do
gunslinger you sounds like a cruzian me son. Stay where you are with your gun.
@gunslinger:
what an idiot YOU be!!!
Neways I like the sound of this year’s plan. Get rid of the worthless idiot/ trouble makers before they could even think about it ruinning the event, people’s fun and the country’s name.
the other measures i can say make sense but to ban cigarette lighters is utter rubish there are people who smoke and are amoung the most peace loving people but the love thier fags in dominica we are always to an extreme either to lenient or to harsh we need to be able to find the balance. have anyone given thoughts to the peace loving patrons from abroad who plan to come to the shows and are smokers who are use to going to mega events and can smoke and carry a lighter
@shatta: The evolution of shatta!!!! Never thought I’d see the day when shatta calls a “gunslinger” a moron. Ma ma my, shatta, you don come a long way black. Don’t go bouncing back and forth now, u don make one step forward na bada bounce back.
Gunslinger the festival can do without a$$es like you.
@gunslinger:
Who are you calling stupid which is what you mean? Are you are a lawless person? Can you not comprehend the reason for this precaution? Precaution is better than cure.
When some people drink too much and are intoxicated or become angry if they have weapons as guns at the slightest disagreement they could easily use them.
In any case if you reside in Dominica, what are you doing with a gun? I hope it is licensed.
I will always be shocked to hear and read that there are some Dominicans who possess guns, walk around with them and use them.
Are you residing in Dominica or in a big city? Some of us and probably the majority of us who reside in big cities do not possess guns.
I reside in Canada and so far I have yet to physically see anyone with a gun except on TV and in the newspapers. I hope I never see anyone in person with a gun.
The fact that you carry a gun everywhere you go it appears you have intentions of using it. If you work, do you take it to work?
I hope, if you are a practicing Christian that you do not take it to church with you.
Should you decide to stay away so be it. It may be one less troublemaker to contend with. Ask yourself will you be missed? You could be missing out on some good fun among your fellow Dominicans and deprive yourself of meeting some nice people. The Creole Festival takes place once a year. Why deny yourself the opportunity of attending?
BE LAW-ABIDING! LEAVE YOUR FIREARM AT HOME! THIS IS WHERE IT SHOULD BE!
Life is short and is promised to no one, as health. Get out and enjoy yourself. Have some good, clean and safe fun!
Good stuff. I hope they search women and kids as well!
That was an excellent idea , now we can have fun, frolic and more with no worries …DOMINICA AM PROUD OF YOU…. YOU’RE MY HOME LAND ….
I love the idea……….all who caugt with one punish them hardddddddddddddddddd……… no damn respect for the enviornment
i would like to commend and congratulate all those who commented for successfully identifying the fool in this list of comments.
That is just pure talk.
good idea … secure it at your nearest police station….or STAY HOME
Gunslinger said, “i will stay away from all you creole in the park and stadium me son!” I would like to thank you for making that selfless decision. I hope others like you will have the courage to do the same.
Thank you so much. Let there be peace happiness!
@Jameson:
Tell them to bring some gum to chew. :-)
On the other hand, this may not be a good idea for they could throw it and place it anywhere. I do not want to be explicit about that to give anyone vicious ideas.
Better yet, candies/mints. This should somewhat pacify their urge for cigarette smoking.
Well Mr. Gunslinger this regulation was put in placed because of people like u. So please do us all a favor that wants to enjoy ourselves, stay home with ur slinger.
@gunslinger: u can even buy yrself a ticket u hopeless stay home fool.
Leave your stuff home, enjoy the event…
Great idea. Better safe than sorry @gunslinger:
good stuff, lets keep things safe. U’re going to a place to enjoy yourself, leave the weapons at home, if u walk with them it means u had intentions.
I agree Guns should never be permitted in this venues whether or not you have permit only law officials and security guards should have them. What I don’t understand is what’s with the lighters a lot of people enjoy events when they smoke I guess they will have too look for someone with a barbque grill or walk with matches.
gun slinger is a moron
Great idea…
stupesssss! so wat de *** dey expect me to do with my firearm? leave it in my car or home for when somebody come and steal it for them to have me asking me all types of stupid questions like am the criminal well for that reason i will stay away from all you creole in the park and stadium me son!