Justice Minister Rayburn Blackmoore has said that he too is concerned over certain calls made to radio talk shows and although the Constitution guarantees the right to expression, it has to be done within the law since there are limits to liberty and freedom.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Blackmoore said he agreed with Police Chief Daniel Carbon, who expressed the similar concerns earlier this week, pointing out that there are many positive things happening in Dominica, especially after Tropical Storm Erika and all has the responsibility to embark on a national reconstruction effort.
“Certainly people have a right in a democracy to express themselves but there are provisions in law for that to be done,” he stated. “I am particularly concerned with some the incitements coming from various callers.”
In recent times, there have been calls made by certain members of the public to take protest action in light of the closure of the Marigot Hospital due to mold and fungus infestation.
Blackmoore argued that an act does not have to take place for the offense of incitement to be committed.
“The mere utterances which will cause one to even contemplate a fake and create the impression that you are asking to break the law in itself would constitute the offense of incitement,” he stated.
He said the government is not trying to infringe on the rights of Dominicans but law and order must be preserved.
Blackmoore pointed out that some people read parts of the Constitution on the matter but leave out other sections.
“There are certain utterances as to people’s right that is guaranteed under the Constitution,” he remarked. “They may want to make reference to Section 11 under the Constitution, Sub-section 1 but one cannot read Section 11, Sub-section 1 without reading Sub-section 2, which persons have limits on such freedoms and liberties.” See the section of Constitution below.
He added that the Consitution makes provision for the state to enact laws to ensure that public safety and public morality is maintained.
“So I believe that the framers of our Constitution contemplated, that yes one’s right to express yourself but, of course, other persons also have a right to freedom of movement unhindered and the state has a responsibility to enact laws to safeguard and to preserve public safety and public morality,” Blackmoore said.
The Justice Minister said the government will continue to provide support to the police to ensure that peace in Dominica is maintained
“I want to say of course, that I can assure the public the state will continue to provide the police with all the support the police department requires to ensure that peace is maintained and the spirit of law is maintained in this country,” he said.
long live freedom and liberty
Of course! But it’s for one set and not for you and your buddies at all.
A dictatorship system is installed in Dominica under our noses and it appears that we Dominicans are too blind to see..It goes like this;if i kill those that are against me ,every one will see but it i make them shut up ,others might simple think they don’t feel like talking>DOMINICA WAKE UP before it is too late..
One of the freedoms we enjoy in Canada is freedom of speech. But that freedom cannot be absolute.
You are not allowed to run through a theater during a show shouting FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!
You are not allowed to tell a lie accusing somebody else of committing a crime.
You are not allowed to threaten to kill somebody.
Is is a bad thing when somebody uses the liberty of free speech as a license to infringe on the freedom of others. I have heard radio talk shows in Canada when it seems a caller was not properly screened and said something about another person that might have made trouble both for himself and the station.
Also, something could be said that would cause a riot or trigger an act of violence.
It is appropriate to caution the public about proper protocol in these matters.
Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Rev- reserve your summon for Sunday morning…..This is a very different context.
Thanks for the input about Canada. Next time provide input about DOMINICA and its constitution. SMH
Dominicans, i.e., some of them would do well to learn from Canada. We have Laws here which must be respected. We have rights. Otherwise, consider the repercussion – arrests, charges and/or imprisonment.
For instance, some of the comments on DNO would warrant arrest, charges and imprisonment in Canada. Some Dominicans must learn to curb their tongues/ mouths and learn respect for authorities. They can take freedom of speech and liberty too far. These are destroying Dominica, creating division and disunity. They are also unfair to the PM. The situation is very bad.
Well sah !, then don’t preach against adultery in the pulpit . Don’t preach against child abuse and rape don’t preach against gays , don’t preach against stealing , don’t preach against lies so what happen now you fraud you loose your congregation … l he hypocrite
I don’t get the point of that wither. What does Canada have to do with Dominica? And because it is law does not make it right. The law is poorly written. You cannot arrest aomeine becUse they might cause people to protest then tell them they are free.
Many fools came from the Academy and de Grammar school. Did you all know that? They got jobs at de ministry, the banks, the Airport, the port, post office, central water etc., by way of proper contacts. The rest became police office-ears. Those who went abroad to study have brighter minds. Eh heh. Dominica is long overdue for an overhaul in every aspect; starting with education. Eh heh
The problem with some people is, they do not make the most of what they have. Learn to live accordingly.and appreciate what you have.
The saying, when you cannot do better, you say no matter. However, continuing striving for good and to do good.
Accord everyone their due rights and dignity. Those who do will live a relatively happy and peaceful life to the point of success. There are different types of successes. No matter what their problems, they will never be bitter and disagreeable, to mention a few..
There is a limit to liberty and freedom of speech. Some people think they can say anything, at anytime, anywhere and to whomever they feel like.
What type of Radio Station is that? The Host should block certain callers’ comments that incite violence and/or threats. Reputable Radio Stations would do that. There are certain conversations which should not be aired and not even be listened to by the host much more to broadcast.
Some people lack discipline and respect which means they also lack love. If they make up their minds to hate someone, they will do so. The person does not necessarily have to do them wrong. This is what I observed.
\”Go read your proverbs\” Mr Blackmoore and do the people of Dominica a favor, clean your backyard before you attempt to clean that of others. Warn Skerrit; Austrie: Tony and the useless bunch of recalcitrance DLP supporters. Looks like your utterances about 1979 is indicative of the fact, that you guys want to repeat history; but let me warn you guys, it may not be kind to you. Please do not provoke a peaceful people to anger. The rights and privileges of Dominicans is not to be tampered with to suit your selfish eggo and that of your cohorts. Those persons who are opposed to the policies of the DLP are also Dominicans and have a God given right to express their opinions just like you. Neither you nor Carbon and Skerrit can stop that; put it in your pipe and smoke it.
Very well said Old Daddy! Still can’t believe this is the same Rayburn Blackmoore the former diligent, astute, sharp police officer who served alongside you and others like Alpe, Duke, Nevo, Ausso, Theft-act, Weeks et al. Oh how politics and the love of money can turn well intentioned citizens into egoistic maniacs! Blackmore MUST understand that there are more of us out there than those still serving who still believe in “Country First” rather than serving political masters. Later will be greater…
Always Assertive!
Well here you go….your freedom have limits now in Dominica.
Labour Power and sousay sell.
TELL MAMMY STOP TALKING NONSENSE ON THE RADIO TOO
Blackmoore stop misleading the people of Dominica . How can a protest to close a hospital which is contaminated with molds and other infectious hazards to the people’s health be an incitement ?Incitement to what may I ask ? Are they inciting a mutiny? an overthrow of the Government ? a riot , a public disorder ? No , the protest is to send a message to the Government that the hospital is infected and it needs urgent attention . When a Government fails to do what is required by them and has failed to recognize and fulfill the tasks of the ministries they hold and are paid for , the people must VOICE and their voice must be united by protesting and marching . Stop thinking that you are the only one who can interpret the laws .” NONSENSE”
In addition , the Government has the right to grant the Permission to Demonstrate , Protest , March , however you Blackmooore want to put it so long as the application spells out the manner in which the demonstration is going to be a peaceful one . Dominicans do not be intimidated by foolish talks People have a right to Speak out to any Government in the manner mentioned above. Dominica is not a communist country .The last time I checked it was still a Democratic country , a Government elected by the people and the last time was “just now”.
I hope you told that to Ian when all you had him like a big clown in the last by-election campaign.
‘..there are limits to liberty and freedom.’ Anyone making such statements SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED leadership positions in a country. LIBERTY AND FREEDOM IS A GOD GIVEN GIFT.
All ”liberty and “freedom” is relative not absolute.
If these things were absolute they would contradict other things in the constitution. They would infringe on the liberty and freedom of others.
Educated people understand this. Minister Blackmore is trying to help those who do not understand it to stay out of trouble, and to protect the public interest.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
These words coming out from the mouth of a Minister of Government is very frightening. BLACKMOORE reading thiis article and makes me to wonder what is your reason for threatening the Dominican National. Blaçkmoore your words confirmed to me that Dominica is a already a member of the dictator club and what you and your regime is doing now is informing Dominican that they do not have no constitutional rights in their country. Black your statement is already being spread far and near, we all know that spoken words cannot be taken back. Telling people that their constitutional rights are limited is bad
news.Blackmoore you are well aware that your regime is doing all in your all
power to start a civil disobedience in Dominica to get Linton, Fontaine and the
other opposition members out of contesting elections in Dominica, as Ma
Charles did to PJ. Blackmoore the Marigot Hospital is more important than the
bridge, the International Air & Transportation Safety Board need to be…
Indeed freedom and liberty has limits; however, in Dominica such limits only apply to some people, those who do not dressed in the color of blood are limited to speak; when they do you and your government subject them; usually the poor to some form of victimization or oppression.
Liberty is the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by you and Skerrit on our people’s way of life; that includes our behavior, or political views.
Freedom is the power, or the right to act, speak, or think as one wish without hindrance, or restraint within a democracy by any government. Your philosophy of freedom, and liberty is warped your rhetoric’s are twisted; your views are that of a dictator. You have begone to push the envelope just a little bit too far, which in some sense is good, because your words, and voice might be what the people need to hear to start a revolution.
You might be the spark which starts the fire!
A favorite quote from our PM….” THE GOVT CANNOT DO IT ALONE”
So yes we heard you ….The GOVT cannot fixed our healthcare system alone because of their inability to think properly. So we are demonstration to assist in helping this GOVT to become sensible and provide Dominicans with a First Class health facility.
Now the same GOVT wants take away the people”s rights to help them make the right decision for our country by peaceful demonstration.
SMH….This is dictatorship all the way.
To get a good idea of the law in question – the basic rights under the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica you should read it as:
>>except to the extent an individual is not violating the reasonable rights of others, public order, public health and public morality etc.. he/she can enjoy freedom of expression, freedom of association as provided under the constitution.
Therefore you could express yourself in an orderly, reasonable fashion; get your opinions heard and associate with other in doing so, but do not act in violation of the rights of others, public/state, public officers in performing their public tasks. There is nothing to fear.
Even with a twisted article header like this one, the constitution does not lie. He is right.
Blackmore I will use one word according to Commissioner Carrette to describe what you said. ” Utter rubbish”. In local language “total garbage”.
Mr. Blackmoore,
1. Freedom of speech should be absolute, as is the obligation to be held responsible for what you say.
2. The Justice Minister is supposed to be a servant to the people, not their keeper.
It’s time then, to call the talk show radio, and speak up against these guys in control of your lives. Trying to fix this behind a computer screen is futile. Call the talk show and let your voices be heard like you do here.
Am bewildered why this guy is allowed to speak let alone be a minister.
Only in DA.
I guess Mr Blackmore wants to intimidate people.There have always been limits to everything,but when the police chief invokes 1979,you know that the ruling party is itching for a fight.That’s a stretch Messerschmitt Blackmore and Carbon.The rest of the free world is watching and taking notes.Cool down your tempers and allow the Dominican people to live in peace free from fear and police intimidation.Behave yourselves.Just warning,because free independent people have a right to assembly and free speach.
I love that song : \”DON\’T DO IT, LET THEM DO IT.\”
Not gonna happen Blackmoore, because I think its an honour to die for your country and I’m willing to die for D/ca, so you could have my blood
Time to make some sacrifices for our children and put these hooligans out of office – As Brother Malcom X once said, \”BAMP.\”
Not everybody wants to go the way of Malcom X or joint the Black Panthers.
Most want a Dominica that is safe for everyone. They want a nation where everybody is treated equal regardless of their roots. This is the Dominica tourists will visit and enjoy.
At election time you can vote for the candidate that best represents your values. As long as a nation operates this way it will never be a dictatorship
unless the people have poor values and not sufficient discernment. 
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Reverend Hill,remember that Sadam had elections in his country.To suggest that people must not and should not express dissatisfaction with a government outside of election day is downright dangerous.You can’t be for democracy and express that view.There are limits on everything in life,just as there are limits on law enforcement and government
We never hear anything when the shoe is on the other foot..these Men need to learn to stand justly if they are to be credible..The double standards really damages their reputation and puts the country in further turmoil..PPl will always resist unfairness and rightfully so!!
so since this has been pointed out will skerit be the first to be arrested? considering he incited harassment of the opposition officials in a speach in st joseph?
Ah boy, look dem moumou talking. Those moumous didn’t have anything to say when Roosevelt made certain statements of incitement against Lennox Linton and the opposition, but all of a sudden, dem moumou remember how to talk.
History repeating itself.
That is how it started way back in 1979. The famous “Shut your mouth” bill.
Plus ca change, Plus ca meme chose.
Lenovo wow! Ru d/can? ur creole & or French need upgrading. buy Felix 7 Jamala’s creole text
Or else we will take yur passport 7 sell it in the Arab world or give it to the Russian laison lawyer to sell on the Moscow market.
7 should read & my bad.
Caretaker, Skerrit gave instructions to his supporters in a public meeting, some call on Air, some ask their supporters in public, some have access to the state radio station and …, you have a senior calling Linton all murderer all all sorts of names etc, some asking to attack the opposition leader and supporters and no one is saying nothing, a few weeks ago I attended the UWP meeting in the Soufiere constituency where people dressed in red came and disturbed the meeting, a women threw a bottle in the crowd which landed on the foot of a UWP member which is an assult in a real country the authority would arrest the
woman and charge her with assult, nothing was done, Linton was harassed by a
labour party supporter while waiting to pay his utility bills nothing was
done, because skerrit asked them to do so, Blackmoore why is it ok for skerrit to ask his supporters to attack the leader of the opposition and as soon as someone call to express their options on Q, it not ok, too…
It is only now that Blackmoore want to take a look at the constitution when it being twisted to suit them all other times.
Mr Blackmoore, Limit to Liberty and Freedom is in Communist/Dictator rule countries, Blackmoore you better be careful when uttering words, for these world will surely come back to hunt you. You should be aware that world leaders in the Caribbean and elsewhere is taking note as to what taking place inDominica under the leadership of Mr Skerrit and his administration. BLACKMOORE Dominican at home and around the Globe want to know why when ever there is an issue/ situation in Dominica where the citizens are expressing their constitutional rights Tony Astaphan have to give the green light for the police to act even so, having Daniel Carbon going on national media uttering the very same words of Tony, Blackmoore Dominica is too much a small island for what you guys are instigating the military type assault you guys want to unleash on those who are opposing your administration. Blackmoore only in Dominica people like you, carbon, tony, skerrit and the others can utter such rubbish
Sad it had to come to that. Born with all the scenses,and so much spent on education, the people are not for learning. Even at your own home ,if some calls and they don’t make much sense you switch the phone off. Taking a call over the AIR ,ON WWW. KNOWING that the caller is attacking and upsetting the public, you allow the caller to prolong with the conversation. Aiding and abetting.
Shakespeare famoulsy wrote in “Merchant of Venice” that the devil can cite scripture for his purpose. No law or Constitution can keep me back, is a notorious pronouncement made in Dominica and attributed to the Dear Leader. The Honourable Minister for National Security is now citing the Constitution in an effort to draw a red line on what people can and cannot say. The framers of the Constitution did not envision that any political party would look at it and being unhappy with what it says would completely ignore and disrespect it on one hand for its personal agenda whilst on another hand, citing it in an effort to implement a censorship policy on its people. How did we end up with this situation and where will this stop?
Justice Minister Blackmoore you a full of yourself because when your leader was instructing their supporters to violate the rights of the Opposition members where ever they come in contact with them you didn’t respond so don’t waste our time now . . People have a right to exercise their legal rights to ask you and your party to do your jobs, stop the promising and jokes about the healthcare system which is lm disrepute our people deserves better than that, this is not a Marigot thing it’s a Dominica cause.
Mr. Carbon you are the servant of all the people ‘s of The Commonwealth of Dominica and you cannot or have the rights to intimidate the public in any way possible, you a the Commissioner therefore you cannot be speaking politics because you a not a politician so we ask that you take control of your department and ignore the voices of Blackmoore, Skerrit , Darroux and others … HEALTH IS EVERYONE BUSINESS..
All Dominicans know the limits to the liberties and freedoms of the members and supporters of UWP under this DLP administration
Are there any limits to the liberties and freedom of Roosevelt Skerrit?
Are there any limits to the liberties and freedom of Tony astaphan and alix boyd knights?
you guys acting like you hungry to lock up a few people and hold dem in a cell indefinitely under some terrorism law………OBVIOUSLY ALL OF US OUT HERE KNOW EXACTLY WHO YOU ALL LOOKING TO JAIL AND SHAME!!!
COULD YOU EXPLAIN TO US WHAT IS A LEGAL PROTEST?
YOU DON’T WANT DE OUTSIDE WORLD TO KNOW THAT ROOSEVELT SKERRIT IS NOT LOVED BY ALL DOMINICANS.
WHETHER YOU TRY TO STOP DE PROTEST OR NOT WON’T CAUSE NON LABOURITES TO FALL IN LOVE WITH SKERRIT…….DE MAN NEED TO GET OFF HIS POMP AND PRIDE AND SEE THAT HE CANNOT JAIL US TO FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM.
WE DON’T ALL LOVE HIM NOR LABOUR AND THEIR DEPRESSIVE POLICIES AND THEY NEED TO LEARN TO DEAL WITH DAT!!!!!!!
Blackmoore appears not understand anything but law enforcement and force. Well what do you expect? He was a corporal before he became a minister- all he thinks is force.
Sir when the souls of a people are in trouble democracy is in trouble- I suppose to bring out the guns and goons eh? That does not work and it will never work – not long term anyway.
‘Blackmoore argued that an act does not have to take place for the offense of incitement to be committed.” The man is contradicting himself so much–so the act that Skerrit committed in St. Joe when he told people to call UWP leaders traitor – what is that Mr. Corporal now tuned Minister is? Well Mr. Policemen /Minister come again because clearly you don’t know what you are talking about. Give Carbon all what he needs and keep the ‘peace’. The peace will be kept when you and MP ( not police chief) Carbon are voted out of office for incompetence.
tel Justice minister Rayburn to ask the president Mr A. C .Savarin about Law and Justice when it comes to demonstration and or protests he should be able to answer correctly
It is certainly to the benefit of ALL Dominicans to NOT allow this Country to become a POLICE STATE. The duty and responsibility of our Police Force is to serve and protect the Citizens of our Country. It is NOT to serve the interests of Politicians or a Political Party. Whenever the Police becomes an extension of a political directorate the entire force loses credibility and the respect of large segments of the society. That can in no way lead to effective community policing, which is a major goal recently unveiled by the Chief of Police. It is imperative for our Citizens to send a clear message to the Chief of Police, the Minister of National Security and the (one man) Government on a whole that there is more power in the people than the people in power!! The voice of the people will NOT be silenced. The needs of the people will NOT BE IGNORED. The lives of the people will NOT BE THREATENED! Please be guided accordingly!!!
“….the spirit of law is maintained in this country,” he said.”
LOL jokes boy
Fair point, but you should tell that to your colleagues first.
Now what Country in the world would find sense in requiring people to seek a permit from the Government to demonstrate AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT’S policies, practices and wrongdoings? Aside from being nonsensical, it is also fundamentally UNFAIR! It is NOT the Government’s place to tell Citizens where and how to exercise their constitutional right to assemble and associate. However, it is the duty of the Government and the Police to ensure the safety and security of Citizens of the Country, especially those who are PEACEFULLY demonstrating for their rights under the Constitution of the State. Our Government, the Minister of National Security and the Chief of Police are treading on dangerous ground in trying to suppress the rights of these Citizens. Provocation by the Police, any operative of the Government planted to cause chaos, or anyone else, will do nothing more than escalate an already volatile situation. I pray for wisdom to prevail!
Blackmore I hope your piffle,and double standard crap is directed at Skerrit,who believes that he can stir up his goons in the DLP to FIGHT,HARRASS and INJURE members of the opposition in their cars,at the supermarkets,at their loved ones funerals or on the plane!!!
Blackmore…..,,,,,what on earth does you and your government know about the law and respected where you al have broken it many time promoting ” NO Law….NO Constitution etc…..” by a Prime Minister. Where were you then….deaf and dumb..? I would not be surprise.
Public Protest re the Marigot Hospital by the people of \Marigot and areas is within their rights and the law and a demonstration of freedom and in this cause health care. So Blackmore, go to hell.,……you talking rubbish, utter rubbish. Please do not lecture us on the Constitution.
Blackmoore people can call the radio and say what they want about 1979. Rosie Doglas supporters burned stuff in colihaut, grandbay, and canefield, blocked roads in the northeast. To date no one was arrested. You guys have a police commissioner threatening people and its ok. Dude your arrogance and your party mode of operation will drive people to the edge. The leader of the labor party does not like people and thinks he is a king. This is the same technique used by communist party in china and all the oppressive regimes around the world. SC is a syrian so this kinds of attitude is in his DNApeI will not be suprised he is behind this. Stop your BS and focus on improving lives of all using sustainable means. Selective enforcement of the law is in itself injustice. Since the constitution allows for demonstrations then the police has to allow for that and cannot stop.
What you guys seem to want is for people to shut up and bury thier heads in the sand. That aint gonna happen. 16 years of your way of skinning the cat has not worked, will not work. Non of the infrastructure built was not done through Dominican development, but through charity and loans. Hence the lives of people have not changed. Your party cannot maintain operating infrastructure because the country is broke. Face the reality. How are you goin to maintain the new stuff when all functional ones deteorating. 16 years and Dominican lives are not better of. This is how we measure development. Your focus on people calling stations just stincks of a government that has time to waste, nothing else to do, and trying to divert attention from thier failures and underlying trouble. Dominica finacial situation is not good. Yall know it.
Blackmoore pointed out that some people read parts of the Constitution on the matter but leave out other sections.
Blackmoore, no doubt when you refer to ‘some people’ you must mean the PM of this country (his speech in St. Joseph). But then again may be not because he already stated that no law and no constitution…
You guys should concentrate in providing the citizens of Dominica with the mere basics, i. e. basic healthcare rather than trying to curb our basic rights. Put it that way, if this country was governed in a transparent way without any corruption and fair elections, you would not have to concern yourself with Section 11 of the constitution on ongoing basis. Think about it, no smoke without fire!
what is he saying in this 21st century…spewing threats to subdue folks who can read and understand….haha….
Mr.Blackmoore please engage the the spiritual elements that roam the earth….
…you’re afraid of healthy critics, as your performance as a regime which u are part off is for the septic tank…u sound so silly what do u carry in your head..silly bloke…
In that case our own P.M. would be liable to,prosecution for the public utterances he has made that could be interpreted as threats and lead to civil unrest . We can not have one law (..or no, law) for one and another for someone else. We have to be consistent and remember that in cases of dispute it is the constitution that prevails above any other legislation.
blackmoore is a lawyer now
You took the words right out of my mouth… did he purchase his law degree from the same University his boss bought his PhD?
You don’t buy Ph.D.s from a university
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.