Armed SSU officers concern Melville Hall protesters

The scene of the protest on Wednesday
The scene of the protest on Wednesday

A detachment of armed police officers from the Special Security Unit (SSU) has sent chills down the spines of protesters in Melville Hall who said their presence at the scene on Thursday was not necessary.

On Wednesday and Thursday, this week, bus drivers and others who use the road between Marigot and Wesley, staged protest action near the Douglas Charles Airport saying that the sea has been breaching the wall in the area causing seawater to invade the road.

They say the seawater has been damaging their vehicles and are demanding that the government do something about the situation.

Government officials met with the protesters on Thursday morning to discuss the matter but according to bus driver, Stacia Williams, the presence of the SSU made protesters very uncomfortable.

“We are not coming here to commit crime,” she stated.

She said the presence of the SSU officers with guns was unnecessary.

“If you love the people of the country you will not send people there with guns,” Williams, who has been a bus driver on the route for many years, said. “So because people are protesting you sending people there with guns? Is it to scare them away?”

She said this was not the best way to handle the protest.

“The SSU was here,” she said referring to the protest on Thursday morning. “For what? You don’t need the SSU to deal with that.”

According to Williams, when the protest began on Wednesday there were non-SSU police officers on the scene and everything went well, although the crowd of protesters was larger.

She said she cannot understand why on Thursday morning SSU officers were patrolling the area as if criminals were present.

Meanwhile it has been agreed that a meeting will be held with Public Works Minister, Ian Pinard, next week Wednesday, to further discuss the issue.

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104 Comments

  1. lovely dominica
    January 19, 2015

    DNO what was the purpose of this article. U interviewed one person and have it sounding like everyone there was scared because of the presence of police. DNO you are aware that the location of the protest was on the airport boundary. Don’t just write an article because u want to sensationalize an issue.

  2. anonymous2
    January 19, 2015

    In case you haven’t noticed DA is currently in dictatorial status. Thus, strength of force will be shown by govt. for any actions taken by the people to protest a situation, even peacefully. The U.S. under Obama is no different. The only difference is that there are term limits.

  3. C
    January 18, 2015

    DNO it would have lent much more impact to your story, if you had accompany it with a pictured of the SSU on the scene with their battle fatigues and combat weaponry.

    • Malgraysa
      January 19, 2015

      Correct me if I’m wrong but I understand that the SSU don’t allow images of them to be taken.

  4. Envar
    January 18, 2015

    Lets put politicking and ignorance aside. Dominica does not have a Military or any armed subsidized security company, and there for the SSU which serves as the Military attachment of the Police Service should be called in for any disturbance where the PEACE is most likely to be breached.

    Serious accidents particularly fatal ones, Massive land slides, Armed robberies, Assassinations, and obvious demonstrations particularly where a great number of young lives could be affected. The strong security presence would immediately deter persons who wound what to descend on that particular area with other intentions that to demonstrate peacefully.

    Dominican emotions are instantaneous elevated by circumstances and our culture is to react to what ever suites us best. The police are present as a preemptive measure and would serve to curtail any aberration off the law, but not to represent the state as a “Police State” as mentioned by a few.

    • Titiwi
      January 18, 2015

      Be real, we have a population of barely 70,000. Our normal police force & emergency services are quite capable of handling emergencies. How can peace be breached that makes it necessary to face your own people with assault rifles?

  5. concerned Dominican
    January 18, 2015

    We have had no wars Why are policemen dressed in army wear to protect the citizens Uneducated dominicans open your minds that is a Dic tatorship you have in D.A Start loving God and Country instead of mere men you put to lead you. When somethi ng is wrong say it is wrong Most of you are a bunch of cowards. I am praying for you so that the Holy Spirit can change your ignorant disposition.

  6. Peter Potter
    January 18, 2015

    That’s what this government is all about, deceit, lies, empty promises, misinformation, incompetence and in the end when it just heads up a little bit deployment of the SSU. People be watchful!!

  7. stacia
    January 18, 2015

    Can someone explain to me in what way can a gun be used to put peace? Can you actually use a gun to put peace? A gun is used to kill and destroy whatever it is used against. So from what I understand here is if ever there is violence in ones surrounding whether its at your home or work you should get a gun to solve it. I think we need to do better than this and I pray that one day those same guns won’t hurt any of us or a family members of the ones that are using them for peace. We all have families and love ones and you might never tell where those bullets ends up when they leaves the mouth of that gun.think of it…..

  8. blackeye
    January 18, 2015

    I fail to see the reason for all this charade. I utilized that road for so long, its always been a problem with that water. All is well, I SUPPORT THE PROTEST FOR THAT TO GET ADDRESSED, BUT I DONT SUPPORT THE BLOCKING OF THE ROAD, DEPRIVING OTHER ROAD USERS OF THEIR RIGHT TO ROAD USAGE. Police presence are always required at any protest since there are always one or more idiots who may try to spoil the protest, so the police is actually there to protect the protesters armed or unarmed, doesn’t matter. Now, I would appreciate all the diplomats and educated people in here to enlighten the lesser in reference to the law and civil rights.

    oh, and ABOUT THE REAL CRIMINALS THAT POLICE NOT FINDING, MAYBE ALL THE SUITIWEY’S SHOULD SHOW THEM UP

    • Titiwi
      January 18, 2015

      is it possible that some of these suitiweys can be found amongst the police ranks?

  9. interpol
    January 18, 2015

    All those folks who stay away in orther countries an run thier mouth, if you all love Dominica so much .Why not come home and face d grinde like those who are here catching hells to make ends meet.I see we are living in a police state,But guns do not not scare me they make me me exited.THEY think they have guns and they can suppreess the peoples right to protest.Tell them in 1979 dominica had an army and that did not stop Dominicans from stoning the then labour party out of office for trying to suppres the peaple will ..SHAME on them baby police.You all need to go find out who burned Mano house,and find out who kill Jashua ETTIENE. You them SSU need to go find them drug men who spoiling peoples children with their white powder ,and have them harasing tourist in Roseau……..

  10. Combos
    January 17, 2015

    By your own hand you put them their to give u that nasty job and is by your own hand you put them their to give allu police with guns at your peaceful protest…. Put them back for 20 more…..

  11. Popam
    January 17, 2015

    If the protest is peaceful, why is there a ROAD BLOCK (picture). Is this to stop other road users? If everyone is in agreement with the protest, then the roadway does not need to be blocked. If protesters insist in taking the law into their own hands, then law enforcement needs to be deployed.

  12. Anansi
    January 17, 2015

    I am noticing a disturbing trend with the manner in which SSU officers are dispatched. This is the fourth or so time in such a short space between each event. I am not against policemen open carrying, but if such is the policy it must be standard and should not be used as a tool of intimidation.

    Dominica is part of the RSS and as such would be in violation of a treaty which forbids the use of lethal force by any RSS member against non-violent, demonstrating citizens. That said, should D/can SSU live fire upon demonstrators, the other RSS members would be forced to intervene.

    Heaven forbid should the above happen, the D/can police force, even the SSU (from my knowledge) would be torn apart. Some officers would not stand for it. A civil war would be the result

  13. Citizen
    January 17, 2015

    Do not block the public road!!! :?: :mrgreen:

  14. Efficatious
    January 17, 2015

    People ! what ever your project,you plan,assembly and labor,”Time management” we identified a problem we reported it. You cannot get everything done overnight we need time.Whenever there is a large crowd the police has to be there it is the law. The world is small and if you all continue this violent action don’t be put off to see the Americans moving in. so calm down

  15. Ras Ju
    January 17, 2015

    Who created the SSU?
    Seriously I hope common sense prevails and folks stop getting used as pawns by politicians.
    I hope that the SSU personnel think twice before even contemplating any drastic action that leads to the loss of life of even one fellow country man.
    Maybe these guys should have been put on a heightened state of alert. From the info presented it does not appear that their presence was warranted when normal Police monitoring of the demonstration had not proved to be effective.
    I would urge all in position to influence the matter to reflect and remember 1979. These events can quickly get out of hand.
    The protesters also have to consider that they have already made their point – a sea defence wall is not going to get built by next week – impossible.
    If nothing is mentioned or done in the near future, by all means organise and inform the Police and necessary authorities that you are going to hold a peaceful demonstration.

  16. January 17, 2015

    Man I’m tired of reading some comments where dominicans know to much of law.i have never read nor heard the gov’t said people can’t protest but with this people in opposition the gov’t is not taking any chances.and, further more with the unrest that is going on around the world why should they?
    I don’t like to compare dominica with other countries, but if you all watching american news have you ever see ny police without their guns when there is a demonstration going on?
    someone tell me what is the solution that the gov’t can give ?oh I know !!! he will make them drive on the water without having their vehicles wet the same way god walk on water.
    people this is the effect you going to get due to climate change.

  17. Woosh
    January 17, 2015

    The labourites have DESTROYED us

  18. Righteous
    January 17, 2015

    We sit here and talk about Dominica is a Military State. Give me a break. The Regional Security Squad/Unit (RSS) or Special Security Unit was created for protection of the region. I see nothing wrong with the SSU on hand to ensure that there was a peaceful protest; that the protest was peaceful for the protesters and for the observers as well. The fact that the protest close to the DCA, I see nothing wrong with the SSU being on hand to ensure that the operation of the DCA was not interrupted in any way. Bear in mind that there is still an ongoing investigation of the fire at the DCA last month.

    It is an insult to people of a true Military State for you all to come in here and say that Dominica is a Military State. Dominica is “A Great Country with loving people where the SSU members are our brothers, our sisters, our fathers, our sons, our daughters etc. Dominica is still our Isle of Beauty, Our Isle of Splendor.” The SSU was there to protect you while you protest.

    One Love…

    • anonymous2
      January 19, 2015

      The police or special forces are not there to protect you. They are there at the behest of the government concerning the breaking of any pertinent laws.

  19. The Facts
    January 16, 2015

    Can they not write and state they are awaiting an immediate reply rather than demonstrating? So everything in D/ca is a demonstration? They think that their demonstration will produce prompt results rather than writing?
    In view of the huge crowd, the police presence was necessary. Demonstrations have been known to result in violence. The presence of the Police/SSU was only as a means of precaution and protection. It would also deter those who have a violent tendency. Therefore their presence was necessary which should have been appreciated.

  20. RASTAFARILEADSTHEWAY
    January 16, 2015

    Go and stage allu protest infront of Lennox Linton house… he is allu parl Rep garcon! What de Airport do allu?
    So they’re blocking the road, and staging a protest at the only functioning Airport in the country yet they say that they’re uncomfortable with the presence of armed police there in the country’s interest. If there was ever a time when armed police is needed at the airport its now. What kind of coushony dat?!!

  21. Dia Spora
    January 16, 2015

    It’s really shocking to read comments that because something is done in other countries it is OK to do it in Dominica. That’s not a logical argument. Are these comments meant to endorse such acts of outrageous cruelty as the Tienanmen Square massacre, Or the treatment of civil rights activists in the southern US states in the sixties?

    In larger countries, protests can consist of tens of thousands of people. This results in a sense of anonymity, and criminal acts are more likely. Therefore an armed force is a sensible deterrent, and it is not likely that the officers would be required to shoot on friends, neighbours or relatives. Also, they usually don’t carry live ammo. Dominica is a small country which consists of tiny communities where everyone is a neighbour or cousin, resulting in a sense of communal accountability and less criminality.

    So sad that members of the DDS become alienated from the rest of the populace, and more likely to be manipulated by the government.

  22. Dia Spora
    January 16, 2015

    I remember when Patrick John had the DDF shoot at protesters. Labour Party has a history of being frightened of citizens who stand up for their rights.

    They should remember what happened to PJ in his time.

    • PS
      January 18, 2015

      That is the way I see it too. The SSU is no more than a successor to the disgraced DDF, primarily to safeguard the people inn power than the ordinary public.

  23. Mahaut talk roro
    January 16, 2015

    Please please daddy skerioo vex the road you rename airport well vex the airport road

  24. January 16, 2015

    This is what needed for you guys if the law enforcement don’t put it’s foot down hard you guys would cause devastation.law enforcement should try use tear gas when you gas try to cause devastation like the police does in the U S, this is troubling some of you wants to be ignorant , arrogant for matters the government doesn’t have control of, there’s a proper sea wall defense when the sea extremely high the sea splashes water over the wall I witnessed these different countries and countries that’s more develop than Dominica citizens there doesn’t behave like you guys. you guys should pray for the waste don’t come.

  25. too late
    January 16, 2015

    Where did this FAST N FURIOUS blogger go to school? You cannot write but you want to comment every all story. You see this government scared of the people why they sending ssu but God will punish them for suppressing the people. You see how a minister had to be pulled out from the pickup? Well is God punishing him for talking about cow meat and about people family.

  26. APachie Indian
    January 16, 2015

    DONT WORRY THING AND WILL TELL

  27. Ma Moses
    January 16, 2015

    Yes, why don’t these SSU go and stop the illegal human trafficking of vulnerable Haitians to the French islands instead of frightening our school children?

  28. Titiwi
    January 16, 2015

    Well, I do hope those SSU boys feel proud of themselves confronting young students and bus drivers in full battle gear and assault rifles. You would think these peaceful demonstrating Dominicans were foreign forces trying to invade Dominica. Eh ben, you can tell your boss “mission accomplished”. Yes Sir!

  29. DonK
    January 16, 2015

    If they shoot them in their blue bottom it’s only then these people will get the message!!

    • Meg So
      January 16, 2015

      So, based on your comment, the seawater only affects the vehicles of the bus drivers that support the UWP. I assume there are no bus drivers that support the Labour Party in that protest. Or is that those bus drivers are only too happy that some are protesting because whatever the result, will benefit them as well.

  30. zamm
    January 16, 2015

    This looks like a military state. These cops need to understand their role. They need to protect n serve. Already the public perception of these cops is not impressive, they need to do better pr.
    Its sad to picture these cops walkin around n scaring theiving day light out of peps. Why cant they go searching for cocaine, weed n so forth.. They should join the coast guard n proctect the borders.
    The sad thing is how they rough.up people n take advantage of poor people.
    Leave the voters fight for their rights within the laws of de state. To much bravado in Dominica …
    Go and train for war, dont use people as mortal combat yargets. Protect n serve…
    Go search for rapists, drug folks, illegal fire arms n so forth.. Dominica army n task force…

    • maindesk
      January 17, 2015

      Wake up people the armed police battalions is part of the new culture now and in the future. The idea is to scare people from any protest action and it is working

    • BEB
      January 17, 2015

      The SSU goes out on duty , a gun forms part of their uniform. How many times one hears that any member of the public got shut by any member of the Task Force. I have not heard of any. So let supposed that the SSU would have to perform some duty and would leave their weapons on base and certain circumstances arose where firearms would have to be used, now they would be blamed by the same public, for leaving their weapon behind. Dont be fooled , the police are there to protect and serve, they are not going to shoot any one.

    • blackeye
      January 18, 2015

      nothing is wrong with armed police presence. stop feeding people bull crap and there is nothing to be concerned about if you go about protesting as u have the legal right to.

  31. Francisco Telemaque
    January 16, 2015

    Police state exist wherever dictators rules okay; people have the right to protest if there is a reason to do so. It is said “he who feels it knows it.” The students are affected, they may be unable to attend classes, therefor they are felling it; as such they have a right to express their concerns by demonstrating.

    Now; unleashing armed police, or special criminals on the students might just be a way of compensating Dominicans to reelect the corrupt and criminal government. This is only the beginning of what is yet to come. The bribes we accepted to vote a wicked and evil bunch of people into power has returned to haunt us. The little red rooster has come home to roost! Dictators are usually blood thirsty people, its only a matter of time before the blood of those who fight for their rights will be gun down in the streets of Dominica, and the blood of our people will flow in the streets.

    Someone said five years ago that Democracy is dead in Dominica; he was…

    • lovely dominica
      January 19, 2015

      The students did not protest, The vehicle drivers did. Get it straight

  32. chicken gone ye
    January 16, 2015

    alas,this is a outrage,who made the decision to send armed dominicans to intimidate fellow citizens,please just let me know who sent them and allowed this scare tactict on the peaceful demonstrators who only have ligimate concerns,is this a glimpse into our future ?

    • Peter Potter
      January 18, 2015

      You’ve got 3 guesses…

  33. lisad
    January 16, 2015

    Why do some Dominicans think backwardly?. Shouldn’t you all be happy that the police is always present at these gatherings? They are there to protect the citizens of this country so if you have having a peaceful protest, go ahead and do your thing, ignore the police . They are doing their job. By the way, it is also common to see emmergency personnel besides the police at these gatherings as well but i guess Dominica does not have the resources

    • Informant
      January 16, 2015

      It takes a moment for a peaceful protest to become the total opposite. All it takes is one silly person, and boom, there could be trouble. The presence of those officers will dissuade such persons from doing anything foolish, and if at all there is a disturbance, then the police can quickly address it.

      I see no problem with this.

    • blackeye
      January 18, 2015

      I some countries you have to get police permission to demonstrate and that can be denied. is like in DA everybody want to do as they please, when they please.

  34. carl
    January 16, 2015

    No need for live rounds at a peaceful protest protesting is part of democracy.

  35. fantastic4
    January 16, 2015

    The SSU (Skerrit, Security, unit) force is at it again once there is a semblance of UWP; first it was at the court house when the (Isi-door case was to be called – bayfront and court house surrounded by heavily armed paramilitary police.; second occasion was at the House of Assembly when Charlo was to be sworn in as President again snipers on roof tops road condoned off from by Fort Young High Street and Victoria street by heavily armed paramilitary police; the third was at the Melville Hall Airport; airport under siege again by heavily armed police presence, camping out at the airport to protect illegal voters coming in; followed by their presence at the electoral office for a peaceful protest eavily armed police seen at the back of the wall in waiting; then at the port for the delivery of a mere petition and now at Marigot for a peaceful demonstration; that’s just the continuation of the manifestation of the police state that we live in – Dominicans please take note .

  36. rock
    January 16, 2015

    Joe shut up!! Do u even know the extent of the damaged thats done to people vehicles in this area , all the people want are solutions to the problem so dont come here and make your rediculous statement about people folish I consider your statement argumentative and ignorant get the facts before u make statments !!

  37. truth
    January 16, 2015

    Joe i would advise you to buy a train to take the children to school to save the drivers vehicles from damage. You are one sided and very ignorant.

  38. uk Dominican
    January 16, 2015

    Titiwi you talk about intimidating what about the taxi drivers intimidating the school children and the police. You guys are behind time. You talking out of your a…
    this is nature even if the gov put a wall as high as the sky

    • huh
      January 16, 2015

      please people think human not political, i work for the Gov our vehicles are destroyed by the sea salt, we need a road diversion from the sea, kids reach to school drenched by sea water this is not political everyone is affected. the demonstration was very peaceful even the police had their vehicle blocking to cause they suffering too. the people were expressing their views yes but no form of violence they even pool together and had a big pot of food cooking, it was like a community get together, come on man not cuz is the North East if there was violence i totally agree for the police presence but there was nothing like that, we are all brothers and sisters of this blessed land what hurt one should hurt they other not to just sit and look for the negative.

      • blackeye
        January 18, 2015

        are you implying that the police should not be there…you have that totally wrong.

  39. joe
    January 16, 2015

    Foolish people first of all what you all did on Wednesday was ILLEGAL, blocking a public road is a criminal offence get that in all you foolish head, that’s number one.

    Number two The SSU had to come in on Thursday when it was understood that the so-call protest was continuing, don’t you foolish people know that the longer a protest action goes on the stronger the possibility of unrest? Day one normal police but from day two you must have a heavier presence of the military to protect civilians and properties, this is NORMAL PROCEDURES FOOLISH FOOLISH PEOPLE!!!!!!!

    Stop POLITICIZING EVERY thing please am begging STOP IT!!!!!!!!!! That protest action was uncalled for it’s only your children who suffered as a result, and some of these bus drivers are paid by the government to carry these school children, i hope they deduct those two days from their pay!!!!!! If i was a parent payin the driver monthly i would deduct these two days as well!!!!! And NO it is not about MARIGOT DAMN…

    • grell
      January 16, 2015

      Read the damn constitution peole have a damn right to protest,Skerrit is bring this country to its knees and a like you continue to side support his shit,cmon this is not a communist country,God will deliver the people from this tryant soon.

      • joe
        January 16, 2015

        Grell they cannot BLOCK THE DAMN PUBLIC ROAD IT IS A CRIME!!!!!!!!!! There is NO LAW NOR CONSTITUTION THAT ALLOWS SUCH BEHAVIOR!!!!!!!!!!

        Now point out where in the constitution that say they can block roads!!! LENNOX HAVE ALL YOU FOOLISH!!!!!

      • BEB
        January 17, 2015

        I’m sure that u are not seeing any signs of dictatorship as many have expressed.

      • blackeye
        January 18, 2015

        I don’t see the relevance of your comment

    • baddie
      January 16, 2015

      Do unto others as you’d like them to do unto you ^
      these people know why the are protesting is not your transport that moving around that area getting the sea salt an bringing it rust calling people foolish and they doing it for there right
      the children understand why they should protest to because when the wave is up and it hits the transport is can cause it to turn over so what you talking about that is dangerous in other ways too!!! it almost cause number of accidents this week it makes no sense for you to be arguing they have a right to do so!!

    • Woosh
      January 17, 2015

      Who are you calling foolish joe. Are you dense? the people have a right to civil disobedience so long as the authorities do not address their concerns. What are you a communist? There is no need for machine guns to clear up barricades. In civilized countries they use riot gear. not machine guns.

  40. Dawn
    January 16, 2015

    Haiti- Macoute in action- Mongoose Squad….. more to come since Dominica’s election was mugged.

  41. truth
    January 16, 2015

    It is a shame in Dominica no one can be free to demonstrate their democratic right, every time their is . a large police presence what are you all afraid of? My God protect us . I will not be surprise police will be put on our lips for us not to talk. Dominicans we are under Dictatorship, is that the five more years, if so we just start to see.

    • BEB
      January 17, 2015

      Now, lets say that there is a demonstration going on, no police presence, then the demonstrators started fighting behaving unruly, damaging each others vehicles, I know that u would be saying”where are the police” So do not feel intimidated by the presence of the police

  42. Papa Dom
    January 16, 2015

    That is what happens when the people of a country refuse to learn from their history and are tolerant of dictatorial tendencies. The history of Dominica says that the violent overthrow of a legitimate government in 1979 occurred on the pretext of proposed oppressive legislation being considered by the then government. Those who, in their thirst for power, hatred and violent conduct overthrew the government, once in office turned around and enacted laws worse in nature than those which they supposedly opposed. These laws are the very ones which allow the current aspiring dictator to use force of arms against peaceful demonstrators asserting their constitutional rights. What we hear today are persons who once supported the violent blocking of the roads with burning tyres by bus drivers in protest against petrol prices and those who justify the overthrow of a govt. Justifying the use of arms against peaceful protestors. How quickly we forget! Or have we really forgotten?

  43. January 16, 2015

    Only in Dominica, lord forgive their #####. Some are#### others are simply wicked. Reading that from northAmerica. One thing comes to mind. Some of my people are just ####. Law and other must and should be maintained. We all see worst than in other parts of the world and eh en we happen to visit other countries we# in our# is only then we say we loveD/A. Who the cap fit by all means vent. I’m sipping my ### in Malie. Only in D/A.

  44. The Evangelist
    January 16, 2015

    @ Craig, Lol look kix, Tom, Hmm and others with same mentality, as long as we have people with that stupid mentality calling themselves Dominicans, you can bet your life that Dominica will never go forward. What business should Armed SSU in a meeting aimed at solving a concern? These are not just police officers mark you, because the majority of police officers patrolling the streets of Roseau on a daily basis are not armed. Why send your very heavily armed ones, especially when you know that school children are involved? Just that alone sends a very bad message and it only takes a match-stick to start a very huge fire. Can you imagine a man and his wife meeting to address a matter that is affecting them and they have to do so in the presence of armed officers that are siding up with either spouse? Better yet, think of children and parents trying to resolve an issue in the presence of armed men; don’t you think their solution will be based on intimidation & will show up again?

  45. BookBoy767
    January 16, 2015

    Most protests anywhere in the world results in some form of armed police presence. It is common police practice in order to ensure a riot doesn’t begin or address it if it does. As far as I can tell from the story they didn’t interfere or attempt to intimidate the protesters in anyway so why all the controversy?

    • maindesk
      January 17, 2015

      It is their presence that intimidates like a sword over the heads of the protestors. It is like a teacher holding a whip in a class to keep the children quiet. It is fear that rules and where did you hear that protests all over the world must have an open show of gun power from the government I am amazed that those who criticised PM Patrick John for using the armed forces on May 29th 1979 when the PM’s car entering Govt Headquarters was almost destroyed by heavy rock throwing with him inside it and only then was the Defence force called Now the police army comes just for a peaceful protest and those same people are now making excuses In Haiti people made excuses for Papa Doc then he turned on them Today Haitians are scattered seeking assylum Wrong action is wrong regardless of your political side and should be condemned Stop giving goernement a free hand because of bias politics. In South Africa police shot and killed black students just for protesting are we heading that…

    • Peter Potter
      January 18, 2015

      That’s not the point and you know it. The word you are looking for is intimidation.

  46. FAST N FURIOUS
    January 16, 2015

    Who knows what could had happened?The (SSU)was there to protect you(protesters)as well as non-protesters. To begin with, you(protesters) blocked the road depriving other drivers from their free movement.By the way, Who gave you all the permission to block the road? What if someone(a non-protester)came and unblock the road so that he/she could pass to go on his/her business? Don’t you fore see why the presence of SSU was necessary? Was blocking the road was the best way you could handle the protest? If you had respect for other people you would not want to deprive them of their democratic right for driving on Government road.
    But that is no surprise,that’s how your Leader taught you All….To be Bullies,,,

    • My View
      January 16, 2015

      Do you remember when your former leader Rosie Douglas made protesters block the road…what about when your present president caused protesters to stone a government out of office…Dominica has had a history of violent protest so don,t pretend otherwise.

    • January 16, 2015

      @FAST N FURIOUS January 16, 2015

      I was about to comment with those same words, but you have said it for me. However I just want to point it out to those who do not take into consideration the possible consequences of their actions.

      Anyone has the right to protest, but when it comes to obscuring the routine of those who are not involved in the protesting activity–that is the time law and order is called for. There is no such thing as a peaceful protest-even if there is no improper physical conduct–for example the frustration of the mind is not a peaceful aspect.

      It is time that adults stop acting like small children, ignoring the fact that the certain doings, for their personal satisfaction, will affect many other people in their surrounding.

  47. LOVE
    January 16, 2015

    Protesting against the act of nature! If you people feel that you could bring down the elected government of Skeritte wheel and come again. Blame the government for all thee ills of your lives

  48. Jdee
    January 16, 2015

    hmm my full support.

  49. Jdee
    January 16, 2015

    Some of u Dominicans are too politically minded. Po

  50. Attitude
    January 16, 2015

    It’s sad to rather than sending out an official from the department responsible for handling the issue and holding reasonable discussions with those involved or country is deploying it’s armed forces. Our country is still under a diplomatic system unless of course it’s slowly changing to the point where it’s citizens cannot freely voice their dissatisfaction against the government and it’s duties.

  51. warma
    January 16, 2015

    why does everything in Dominica solicit an armed response by the police? school children protesting and you sending a paramilitary unit as a response? I hope those making these decisions are aware that all things in life are cyclical – what goes around comes around, today you king, tomorrow you a paro – and you will pay for your decisions

    • MY 2cents
      January 16, 2015

      You sound sooo stupid. Did you see school children protesting. It was bus driver. Typical Duminican. Always twisting a story

    • Informant
      January 16, 2015

      You have never seen school children behaving foolish and doing illegal things. Police were absolutely necessary to ensure peace is maintained. These protesters should feel safe with the officers there.

  52. Bull Crap
    January 16, 2015

    Start they only start.. Then say its not a police state… or is it because marigot blue.. cause i don’t see the reason behind ssu and well armed.. marigot have police that can keep the peace…

  53. Hmm
    January 16, 2015

    It is the manner in which ya´ll protest. If the bus drivers are protesting, why is it necessary to block the roads? Some people can become aggressive and have criminal minds when it comes to protests, therefore the presence of the SSU officers should be there to maintain the peace. For your own good, they are there to protect. So protest peacefully and ignore there presence. Let the SSU do their job.

    • huh
      January 16, 2015

      no sense the road was not blocked on Thurday is on wednesday and ssu was not there

    • Anonymous
      January 16, 2015

      yeah right!!! with automatic assault riffles???
      Last I checked in other civilized nations, protest actions of that magnitude does not require armed presence with these types of weapons. Their presence, YES I agree they should be on site.
      The level of ammunition, HELL NO!!!! There is no argument in the world to support them having this kind of artillery especially when a large portion of the crowd was school children. RUBBISH!!!!

  54. Tom
    January 16, 2015

    Is it not normal anywhere in the world to have a police presence at any public demonstration?

    • looking
      January 16, 2015

      It is normal but with protest gear. Sheilds, stun guns, tear gas etc. Not with live rounds

      • BookBoy767
        January 16, 2015

        Hahahaha, does the Dominican police force even have riot gear? And are you seriously saying police in full riot gear would be less intimidating than a few armed police?

      • ????
        January 16, 2015

        How do you know there was live rounds??

      • JoJo
        January 16, 2015

        Come on ???. Surely these special forces would not turn up in camouflage with batle fieldl guns and have no live ammo. That is no pappy show my friend., SSU is not a pappy show! Instead I should ask you: how do you know they did not have live bullets with them? That would be a more appropriate question, don’t you think?

      • Me
        January 18, 2015

        I am a police officer and yes, when we work at public protests, we do so with live rounds, not necessarily with rifles, with our personal work issued firearm but we have never, ever been given fake ammo for possible use at any protest. It is issued to be used ONLY if the need arises.

  55. Lol look kix
    January 16, 2015

    you go to school with your pens right? you go to your garden with your cutlass right? you go to fish with with your lines and hook or net right? sometimes you never use it so whats the problem the police is only there to maintain the peace you never know what can happen

    • huh
      January 16, 2015

      there was no up roar no sign of violence

    • Anonymous
      January 16, 2015

      why not shields and batons? why not tear gears as done elsewhere? Give me a break!

      • Titiwi
        January 17, 2015

        What are tear gears!?

    • Titiwi
      January 16, 2015

      The police is one thing , the SSU another. And don’t tell us is the same thing because why else would they have created that separate force.

      • kimmy
        January 17, 2015

        the SSU is just another department of the police force Titiwi in case you didnt know its still the police i was amazed at that comment… :mrgreen:

      • Me
        January 18, 2015

        SSU is not a separate force, it is a unit of the the CDPF

      • Rasta for a while
        January 19, 2015

        On week ends you go school man? :mrgreen: Titiwi or in the river mouth Layou? it have traffic, ssu, task force, immigration, special branch, cid,, just name it goatie!

  56. Craig
    January 16, 2015

    SSU being present with guns does not make the protest disorderly, the police have to protect the multimillion dollar investment we call Douglas Charles Airport. Any country, same outcome.

    It seems the SSU performed their duties very well.

    • Read
      January 16, 2015

      If you read the report properly you would notice it said “NEAR THE AIRPORT” not at the airport so your point of protecting investment is in fact invalid.

  57. Titiwi
    January 16, 2015

    What kind of evil nonsense is that. Just to initmidate people. Under who’s control is this force anyway? I always thought it was the police chief that is in command but I have my doubts now, seeing as if they act on direct orders from another authority. Is this like a toton macoute? Why does a small, supposedly peaceful country of only 70,000 need such a force anyway?

    • wayne
      January 16, 2015

      The
      Thing is they there and they not even catching the real criminals who are running around committing crime after crime. But by all means shoot down the school children who are eager to get to and from school in dry clothes so they don’t end up sick and have to miss learning; and the bus drivers who want to make a living and not have to keep spending their little earnings on bus repairs especially when there are no other options for them to earn a daily bread.

    • wesley
      January 16, 2015

      it seems like u titiwi went to school during the summer and Saturdays and sundays…. after all these unsolved crimes in dominica we don’t need a ssu in this country? I pity you, damn foolish.

    • Free and Fair
      January 16, 2015

      This is clearly a sign of creeping dictatorship, nothing more. We better get used to it. That is what we voted for.

    • BEB
      January 17, 2015

      The day will come when u will be asking for them

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