On May 29, 1979 a huge protest against the government of Patrick John took place in Roseau. It turned deadly as members of the defense force fired into the crowd. When the smoke cleared one man was dead and 9 injured.
Read an account below of the event that would forever change the political course of the nation.
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In 1979 the actions of the protesters were justified. Patrick John was simply not good for hard-working Dominicans. Unlike today, where we have a hard working, dedicated and compassionate Prime Minister who is well loved by a vast majority of the Country. Yet, we still hear about protests and desires to overthrow the blessed Labour Party Government. Today these protesters are only motivated by greed and jealousy. The sophistication, class and charisma of our Christ-like Supreme Leader is simply too much for those in opposition. Their envy was recently further fueled by a disappointing loss at the polls on the 8th of December, 2014. Since then, they have been incensed with a burning desire to bring down the mighty Labour Power by ANY MEANS NECESSARY. They have attempted radio propaganda campaigns, violent riots, public slandering of Government Officials and more and have continually failed at every attempt.
Thanks Mr. James for gathering and sharing this historic set of events to the public. I am a history-lover . I wasn’t born at this time yet stmy eyes are filled with tears just looking the pictures .
Added to that the minority is still powerful.
The DDF should never have fired bullet after the people. I guess they were there to protect to government and not people but still…Didn’t they know what bills were going to be passed in the House?
One more thing that same Savarin who was leading the fight against the Labour party government here he is today head of them all. You honestly never know what the future holds.
The government should put up a plaque at the location of phillip death, and if they did not, also compensate his family.
Is there a memorial for Mr Timothy in dca? If so does anyone know where? I am 30 and never got this insight. Would like to teach my kids. If anyone knows of memorials, where I can read some more or who to speak to, please advise. This should be on the curriculum, seriously.
Those days Dominican had guts, what happened? Where are the real men now?i guess some dead, some in prison, and some gay, but the real crooks are in government and the only people left to stop them are the children.but who will be their roll models? Only time will tell.
There is a big difference in the attitude, knowledge and stance of the people then as opposed to now. They would protest issues, which were no where as serious as what is happening now, in the name of what is right and just. And as well, they would lay down their lives. A lot has changed and not for the better. The bankers have seized the islands and are systematically seizing all of the countries in the world under global government……..the purpose of the UN..
I am in agreement with you. Most people are only concern about material things . people are more for me, myself and I than others or country
My parents told us about it Euginia Charles had a great influence in that event
Saying that there were over 10 thousand People at this demonstration is groosly exaggerated. I was there it was a large crowd yes,but it was less than 5 thousand. Let’s be real if you had 5 thousand people in that demonstration, the stampede that took place when the tear gas was thrown would have resulted many more injuries.
I am in agreement the events are well put together and it gives a brief overview of what transpired; what would make the history complete is the inclusion of a short narrative to say that the vast majority of the architects of the freedom for democracy and anti-corruption in that era have now become the architects and pillars of nepotism, corruption and paternalistic behaviors today. Some are in high offices such as the Presidency while others are historians, principals, advisors and beneficiaries of spoils coming from such malice- what this administration escapes with today almost on a daily basis the Patrick John lead government would not be allowed to think of much less engage in. It speaks volumes to our principles and values – what a shame!!!
Thanks DNO! I wasn’t born when this happened so I’ve only relied on the stories to date. The pictures however are a much better depiction. I also didn’t realize that this went on into June. Sad state of affairs in my country during those days…
Great Job Mr. James. We need to know our history.
It’s a very interesting piece of history from Domicia I never knew much about because of my age at that time, was to young to understand. Thank you for bring this to our attention.
Our history. Pivotal memories from my high school days. Thank you!
Another 1979 regime in the making under Roosevelt Skerrit.
Oh my! heard about but never got to see pics before – thanks to those who made it possilble
Thanks for this great History incite…………..
CONTINUATION…….
but when all was done we got a new government, “the freedom party” the rewards began to fit the places as their work was completed in toppling a government. savarin went on to be an ambassador in Brussels and so on. labour party was decimated and by next parliament, to my recollection, subjected to correction MIKE DOUGLAS was the last man standing, he gave us phrases like L’argent Sec and Madame Dracular. it was fun to listen to him in parliament. the church threw its full support behind the freedom party. and to this date they cannot speak as long as the same choosen few are in power..
but to cut a long story short. the labour party then was made of people who cared for the poor, but now I am seeing the same soldiers of the freedom party who hunted labourites in all nuke and cranny in top labour party positions and the labourites are denigrated on a radio station everyday…
DOES DOMINICANS REALLY HAVE FOWLS MEMORY?….
A wise man once said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
His Excellency The Pesident Savarin likes to present himself as a straight-talking and upright man and he played a central role in the events back then. It would be interesting to hear his retrospective assessment of the issue.
those were sad days, as a teenager I hated and i guess every child hated Patrick john. but as one became mature in his own thinking, the events of that time can be fully understood. I know Patrick was a very humbled man and had high regard for the poor and as all government top figure, your associate’s can be the nail that will fasten your coffin door. the then opposition led by Mary Eugenia Charles do what all opposition should do, find faults in your style of governance and exposed them with civil and lawful debates. but it was not so, Patrick had the poor on his side, and the majority of Dominicans were poor but well fed and loved him dearly. Patrick became marked for target by the wealthy, legal men and women and the man who controlled the unions. Savarin was a very powerful man and it seem he was deeply in bed with the opposition, and so the mistake made by Patrick was to turn the guns on his people, this started a chain of events which was led to his demise…
Nice work. Sad that we have lost the spirit of sacrifice for what is right. 4 years almost 1000 sexual abuse of kids. Parliament starts not one bill to increase punishment, however we see money for naming buildings, money for office, and more money for phony walfare department. How much money was set aside for additional staff at schools to handle abuse cases or to help in psychological healing for the abused? None!! Law makers don’t think it is that important. Yet, we the people sit and stay quiet. We are lost. Let the memory of Philip Timothy leave on. We owe him this much cause very few are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for what is right and just. Kennedy ave should be renamed Phillip Timothy drive with a plaque of the names of all injured at the main spot.
We had that mural on the Treasury building – who did – regardless of who!! the same Dr of History – he stood and allowed it to be covered and removed without writing about it— tell you….only in DA.
hmm are such days not too far away?
Thank you Mr. James and all who contributed for doing this work . Very much appreciated. It’s a great way for the younger folks who were not alive then to experience what took place.
when bullet fire u have to clear out boom