The rapidly approaching date of the next general election notwithstanding, the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) is continuing its fight for electoral reform.
But the group’s latest effort has met with a level of resistance and hostility from the police that many believe is uncalled for.
A small group of just a dozen protesters who staged a peaceful protest outside the President’s Palace on Monday were confronted by armed police and some hostility.
“The police wanted us to move…in front of the gate of the president compound so we then moved to the other side of the road and we stood there on the sidewalk,” he said. “We stood there for a couple hours. They came back to us and said to us we must now move. We told them no…so we called in a team of lawyers and they spoke to us and told us we are within our rights.”
He said it was then that Shillingford came to assist and spoke on the protesters’ behalf by quoting laws which gave them the right and freedom to speak.
Bruno said Shillingford was then harassed and abused by one of the police officers present.
Bruno expressed his disappointment stating, “it was not called for because we were peaceful and we were respecting the office of the president.”
He said the CCM has written several letters and made calls to the President and has not received any form of response.
However, Bruno insisted that the group is making it its duty to get the attention of the president of Dominica to ensure that the necessary electoral changes are made before election day. He said in that regard, the CCM will be holding several meetings throughout the upcoming weeks.
The United Workers Party (UWP) which has also been a fierce advocate for electoral reform to ensure free and fair elections, has decided that it will contest the upcoming general election without electoral reform to prevent an uncontested victory and a resultant dictatorship for Roosevelt Skerrit.
What would those “police” dressed up in camouflage playing soldier do if some real soldiers show up to interrogate them?
That Shillingford lawyer is so arrogant and hostile. Someone is always doing him an injustice
Your very own people,,some of us just to damn hypocrite,,and one sided,,just because we got something from skeritt,,it seem that Dominicans for got after the hurricane,Venezuela gave 1000 casa to Dominicans,,but skeritt acting like I’ds he is the one that building h ok me for Dominicans,,the would bank build home, red cross built home,,that company from Trinidad. Dominicans seems to forget who really gave Dominica those home ,,they keep worshiping skeritt like he I’ds god ,,and savor of all No he haven’t done anything for you all. is friendly government is the one a who donated thos home ,,Dominicans you dont owe skeritt nothing. The only that you owed your soul to is christ jesus,,and not no man .wake up Dominicans save your country for your children and grandchildren to come ,,when you pass onn dont make a mistake now and leave your children and grandchildren to face this tyranny of skeritt and his wicked ways ,,Dominicans as teach and everything one of you lay down do some…
You that so call man bite dog,,you seems to have a serious problem,,what do mean by calling the Patriots men and women of Dominica cult?! So when ever Dominicans stand up against the ills of this priminister, and all of his gangs stars,,you guys blame it on the United workers party, and the opposition leader??how senseless can your ass be ,is your brain in your ass?! the citizens of any country have the rights to take a stand,,against and I’lls that their leaders has taken against them,,yet you Dominican dont even lives in Dominica,,most of you all living overseas/ United states,which is you’ll country,,and yet all of you all voice your opinion when the president do or say this this is not the law or the constitution of America,,and say all sort of stuff about the president of United states,,but meny of you all fail to condemn the government of Dominica your own country for the wrong thing that he does,,shame on you,,instead you are asking for rubber bullet and tiagas to be use on…
why we so angry at the officer’s action. In those bigger countries rubber bullets and teargas would’ve been the solution to this little but useless protest. Thank you officer for not injuring or killing this lawyer. I can clearly remember the government wanting to give NATIONAL ID cards but foolish protestors wanted voter ID instead. So much can be done on a national card other than a voter card which is only used for voting. Dominicans open up your minds and stop being bias our country is moving forward don’t bring it back 25 years back this election.
It is a good thing NICHOLAS GEORGE is no longer a Policeman.You lawless UWP IDIOTS would rot in jail.Upper Penville,you have not left you coop for a long time. You could get LOST in DO IT CENTER or FRESH MARKET.Come to Roseau.
Dominican God is watching don’t let him cry over dominica., with all this wickeness you all are doing it won’t work people please give peace a chance. Lord you know the truth , you know who is the right leader for Dominica, father please elect the right person for DA,
The same set of people causing confusion everywhere on FB, Videos, demonstration etc. Boys go get work to do. So much work to be done. Emancipate yourselves from mental, hatred slavery. Learn to respect others and authority and your lives will be better. Same people all the time insulting people on social media, on the street, with their videos. Some ungrateful and greedy too because although assisted and wanted more and could not receive more, turn themselves into monsters, Young Strapped men like u go find work to do. Learn to respect your boss & you would not be in that. Love others partners. Love Jehovah first then u will love others – Family, friends, & even those who do not like you. First u must love God then you. If you not love God and you, then who can u love? Food for thought!
Look the other idiot there in a bullet-proof vest …….. they wear those vest like fashion accessories……! This boy don’t know how RIDICULOUS he looks?
And a bigger idiot had a camera!
In a real country all would have questions to answer!!!
This is abuse of power,!
Even if 99.9% of people is voting for the labour party, the 0.0000001% that is voting for UWP have a right to do that. The protest was 6 grannies and 5 men, it was peaceful, did you see any stones throwing? was there bottles breaking? was cutlasses being brandished?
It only became roudy when 3 officers came and decided to handle the people.
The country is a free country, the people can demand what ever they want, they can demand a million dollars if they feel like. The constitution allows for people to hold protest. Not because you support the labour party means everybody has to, and those who dont must be brutalized.
You people need to be fair.
You have a tall strapid police coming and jack up a frail…60 year old looking man for having a loud speaker. If it was your father you wouldn’t appreciate it, but it’s fine because he doesnt support your party? I see.
I would like as soon as possible the government of Dominica give the police water cannon, stun guns 305-58, Tasers, or even rubber bullets the reason I said so in Dominica today there is a cult so-called Workers party and their only vision is criminal behavior guided by their leader or leaders that must not go on it must be stop once and for all, this people do not obey the law enforcement and want to take the law into their hands this cannot and should not happen.
So 12 people on a public sidewalk and you want to shoot them with rubber bullet and stun guns?
If that’s the kind of thing you into go join the china police force. Check out what they doing to Hong kong.
No matter who you support you have a right to protest.
12 people on a public sidewalk is not breaking the law
I went to Suriname on a workshop for my first time two years ago. I was quite amazed to see various group marching through the streets of Paramaribo on a daily basis protesting about various issues which irked them. The groups were quite large, often impeding the free movement of traffic. However, it was peaceful mainly because they were not being harassed by police, but then again they do not have a dictatorship style government.
Those of you who condone this type of action by the police, saying “they are keeping the peace”, when in fact no peace was being broken, will understand when they come for you all. Every despotic government has its judgement day, and usually when that happens, even their supporters suffer the wrath of the vengeful government. STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS people. When they begin to trample the “little man’s” rights, they never stop there, they trample everybody’s rights. Couyon behavior Mr. Officer.
@Couyon, while you are declaring the judgment that will come to the “despotic” government, are you removing yourself from that judgment? Just wondering!
Because right here, you are judging the actions of the Police, as wrongdoings, which people should not condone to –how did you come up with that judgment; did you receive it from God?
For he is the only One who is qualified to do the judging.
You all need to record these incidents and let the world see the dictatorship,that is going on in Dominica.Skerrit has the police force in his pocket,they are being given thousand of dollars.
jamie jamie here u go again. Speaking without thinking. That is all u do. Where are your facts? Provide them. In his pocket and given thousand of dollars. What is a policeman role jamie? Isn’t a policeman’s job to keep the peace? What are these people doing there? Do you know jamie (a small j) that u have to seek permission to have a demonstration? jamie enlarge your borders, get educated read, know about law and regulations. Government are not a terror to those who respect the law but to those who are lawless (those who do not respect the authority given by God). All Government is under the authority of God. Romans & 1st Peter. Read the bible. Support who u want but have reverence for God. When the voting comes, then put your cross by the party of your choice. This is free and democracy. Hatred for one man only hurts you the one who carries the hatred. Why hate anyone when u can love? Love God, many by their pronouncement do not love themselves. They just hate
Why is the name of the police officer NOT mentioned??? We have tendency to mention offices and NOT names// That is not good enough
Dr. Shillingford, this happens because every time someone opens their mouth or calls a name the Labour Party or their cronies takes legal action against them. This is another one of their intimidation tactics and sadly it has been working. Litigation against anyone who dares to speak has become the way of life in Dominica now. Important to note that this is exactly how authoritarian/dictatorship style leaderships around the world operate.
How can any right thinking person support this wrongful, wicked, ungodly government led by such an unprincipled man? There was just a handful of peaceful demonstrators. Yet, the police, well armed with their big, sophisticated guns, were there ready to harass and attack these protesters who posed no physical threat to the president nor anyone else. This was a huge and unnecessary overreaction designed strictly to intimidate and send a strong message to other would be demonstrators. It was like taking a bulldozer to get rid of some weeds in your backyard garden. The Dominican Police Force is a military extension of Skerrit’s shady Cabinet.
These desperate UWP troublemakers are a real nuisance and run the risk of creating a very volatile environment In our peaceful nation. They realise that they cannot win through the ballot box so they are trying their best to antagonise the authorities in order to see blood spilled and then cry to the world that the government is repressive. I think consideration should be given to the re-establishment of the Defence Force to keep these guys in check and to protect the President and other government ministers from this increasing hostility. In the USA and the UK these guys would not be allowed within a mile of the White House or Downing Street.
People should watch the video before jumping to conclusion we must understand that its not because you are a layer you should just open your mouth and say what you want all was going well until the so call layer start talking about the president and his children it is not because some of us study law and return to our country we must say what we want the protesters were saying that we have a few layers on our side which means that they are strong and can say any thing these folks are the ones making trouble in the country when all is calm as far I can see
Its only one lawyer that opens his dirty and vile mouth and says what he wants in Dominica, and our police is afraid of him..
So stop your filthy talk.Garbage really..
Henry was totally within his rights!
What’s wrong with us Dominicans? Election date is December 6th of 2019 if you are not happy with the government vote them out. What are you protesting? You guys make a bunch of noise but remember UWP is not a new party. You guys were in power once so if your cause is so important why didn’t you change it when you guys were in power. Stop the obsession with Skerrit and focus making Dominica a better place for your kids. Linton or Skerrit each has one vote so keep that in mind. The majority will vote one of them in so concentrate on a better Dominica. I was in Dominica for creole festival and I must say I was speechless. Dominica looks good and the people look happy with the current system. Voice your opinion put your country first. If you want to see how great Dominica is doing take a flight and visit Puerto Rico.
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People who commits act of desperation and lawlessness should be dealt with according to the laws. Do you think less than 10 people should assembly daily to disrupt the peace? Don’t they need a permit, if they do then their gathering is illegal. The Blue Vex people don’t have nothing to contribute towards the betterment of nation, but chaos and mayhem that they are calling for! On a daily basis the same people are exposing themselves as anti-everything, with nothing to gain. The schedule election is still going to take place and the people’s voices will be heard.
As much as I would hate to admit this, the UWP is not wrong for referring to the government as Skerrit’s regime. We are slowly, but surely turning into a dictatorship. The policemen are now injuring the persons who dare challenge their authority and the authority of the President and the Prime Minister.
In Skerrit’s Dominica the police have been weaponized against the people to crush even the tiniest form of dissent. We now have a mocharchy where Skerrit considers himself to be not only a king but a god. Peaceful protests are an integral part of a strong democracy. This corrupt regime has lost its way. Time for the people to discard to oblivion. They have brought embarrassment and unbearable hardships and suffering to the people. Continue your efforts CCM for your fight for electoral reforms. God is on your side 🙏 for your fight is a just fight. Always remember that the voice of the people is the voice of God. The struggle for decency and good governance continues. No retreat, no surrender against the cheating, corruption, suppression. oppression and wickedness of this most evil and corrupt regime. Don’t become disheartened for GOOD always overcomes EVIL.
Firstly, First and foremost, y’ll need to stop blocking the road for 5 people with a loud speaker. Off rip, That same nonsense happened during such a busy time of fest.
Secondly, people have a right to protest, and they have a right to stand up infront of the library. So I don’t understand, “taking their picture”, “roughing them up”, Telling them “this is an unlawful gathering”. Does the law state you need permission for 9 people to gather? Cause there is like 20 guys on the block every single night. There was like, 5 grown up women and probably 5 older men, So, why are police pulling up in bulletproof vest and soldiers in army uniform and rifles to take action against 10 unarmed citizens? If it was labour rights praising the PM you would not have acted so.
If it was So&So with a loud speaker saying vote labour you would have not taken their loud speaker and jack them. These actions just shows people the force is the gov ‘s private arm.
Guess it’s one set to have…
How Charles Savarin wicked so?
Bondieu!
How sad for a once big man like Charles Savarin to be in the pocket of a man he once looked down upon when he was the big cheese in the Freedom party. That cuckoo even come to lay his egg in Savarin’s nest and nothing he can do about it. How the mighty have fallen.
Weh Sa ka fet? How come now all you live the PM and jump on the President. All you always know who wicked but look inside yourselves. Do not call “Bondieu” because the good book and the Almighty Father does not want us to disrespect authority. This is what you all are about. General election is soon – 6th December, 2019 and you guys cannot wait on this (All you say all you winning). Well wait to win!
Charlo must give us electoral reform. He must. If he was on our side, as old as he is, he Charles Angelo Savarin would be at the front of the protest.
I strongly agree with the police we should not let these low rent hooligans take over our lives and country they are the same gutter rats so-called workers clowns disguised as concerned citizens movement my ahole!! If they are that concerned why are they not helping and working with the government to get Dominica on the road to recovery and better life for citizens as Mr Skerrit administration doing each and every single day for Citizens and visitors to Dominica, these so-called workers clowns and all agents of lies.
you so filled with stupidity and ignorance because you getting a few hand outs/ cool out you speaking like that but I don’t blame you there were persons in Venezuela who just like you now they regretting that they let it go thus far so my friend if you are 35 and above you should know better Dominica is not going anywhere all institutions collapsing asked Mr. Tonge as Senate and Minister present why his family business collapsing see if the answer will be because of economic growth.
@upperpenville, do not worry the joke is already on you!!! 🙊 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
Concerned citizens concerned with teaching disrespectfulness; concerned only with demonstrations. Where is your concern for the children, people of Dominica. Concerned do u remember a hurricane struck? Why not put your hands to the wheel, assist someone not with talk of election reform, I D cards, billions missing. Why not complement the government in the little they have done (your opinion nothing). Show me what u have done for Dominica? Did u clean or help to? Did u help a neigbour to put on a roof? Did u take advantage of the poor when they had something to do and charge them exhorbitantly. Were you your brother’s keeper after Maria? or even so everyday? Do you love God? Because if we love him, it is so easy to love others &Hatred, hate songs, proclamations would not be in our vocabulary. Yes we may not support the Government (we are free to support who we want to) but Jehovah has commanded us to respect authority. The ballot is where we put our choice. Respect all
The police must do this when only 12 people show up.why isn’t the leadership helping to mobilise people. skerrit will be in power again as long as they allow dlp to bring people from overseas
I don’t have to know Henry Shillingford to know he is NOT a Passport dealer of Roosevelt Skerrit. Be it known that if you are a lawyer in Dominica today and you are not a passport dealer of Skerrit or you are not doing some nasty work for him behind the scenes, you will be harassed, you will be arrested, you will be charged and possible that you may be given an early exit from here against your will. But that too will not stop us from standing for justice just as the apostle Paul says in Acts 21:18 … I am (we are) ready not only to be bound, (arrested) but also to die…) to ensure Roosevelt Skerrit does not make Dominica another Venezuela.
Henry not easy but he exercising his right under our constitution, which is also the police constitution. They must proeft our rights and not abusievelijk them.
Thank you for the information because not even I knew that this harassment existed for lawyers who do not wish to participate.
How pathetic! This police officer should be reprimanded. If the total of 7 protesters were on the other side of the street the officers should have allowed them to continue being a nuisance and avoid me wasting valuable time here. DO NOT GIVE CREDENCE to this losing cause. This party know they are going to lose this election. The question is, how bad, They then will resort to their failed tactic with their failed leader of protesting come December 7th.
I saw the hole thing this Shillingford lawyer was going to far when he start talking about the president children and saying I know you I know your children that is over the line protest ok but when you start talking about the president or prime minister or any body kids
tome that is a threat and what protest the UWP agree to contest the election and you that not contesting are demonstrating I think that is just setting trouble now you all are looking for curfew
How could you even go this way? This is a sad sentiment to have, the statement came across clearly as a statement regarding the size of the country and how people know each other.
Did you know Mr. Shillingford’s children and Mr. Severin’s children went to to school together?
He wasn’t talking about his kids in a threatening manner. He was saying “Charles Savrin, I know you, I know your kids”, to show how deep they know each other and for how long. Example, lets say you used to baby sit a little boy and 15 years later he robbing you, you would say to him “Roosevelt, I know you little boy and that you doing me!”, it’s to invoke emotion, not necessarily a threat. I
He was not talking about the president’s biological children. You clearly have a poor grasp of English if that’s what you understood.
Huskey, you saw everything? Did you? You must be the one of those police dogs that stray all over the place…
CCM the clone of the UWP, do you want us to believe you? In the months since your protesting began you haven’t gained one centimeter, yet you continue to be Lenox clone or mouth piece.
The devious behavior of your leader is appalling. Just look at the embarrassment from the lady in the Kalinago Territory. The lady presented him with a great scenario, he immediately gave it life. But In her letter addressed to the PM, she clearly stated the reason for her resignation and beg for her job back and be elevated towards the betterment of the administration. In every single way Mr. Skerrit is outsmarting Lennox and he could only cry foul but, that’s all in the plot! From February DLP has been campaigning and Lennox is still waiting for the Blue print of DLP strategies! How intellectually bankrupt you are to be always crying whether sun or rain. The man is never prepared, you people of intelligence how can a lazy smooth talker con you? Read Lenox Resume and tell me if you will hire him?
Poor Henry…he has become a punching bag for high ranking members of the CDPF….SMMFH. But the he revolts I hope no one call him ignorant or otherwise
They’re frightened of him. They cannot compete at the level of his intelligence, competence or clarity of thought. None of them can speak like he does. They have to bash him down. He’s no stuttering skerrit with his smirking face and he’s no barking Austrie. He’s a man who is well educated, capable and able to communicate clearly. Of course they won’t like him, he put them to shame with their incompetence and rambling of nonsense.
The Police should hold their OWN and DEMAND respect from UWP.The first and only party to embarrass the police,by dismissing Commissioner and Deputy.Now LENNOX LINTON and UWP is implicating the Police in conspiring to plant evidence in a suspected MONEY LAUNDERING case.
So 6 people outside a public place with a placard, you agree to the police slapping them up? Why… Not because we don’t like someone you can’t see wrong is wrong.
When UWP was in power and you were campaigning against them in 1995 or whenever, you would want couple police to come and slap you up?
When Charles Savarin was an ordinary citizen he was down with the struggle. He fought for the poor and oppressed. Now…he making big salary he has forgotten about poor people and he’s helping to keep Skerrit on our backs! Charles Savarin. God will judge you!
He needs to win the award from ‘Most Disappointing Figure’ of the 21st century. what a let down! He must feel ashamed which is why he is rarely seen. He’s holed himself up at ‘home’ which isn’t his home, it’s Dominicans’ home for people who should be there legally..people who have been elected by the government and the opposition, not just squatting there by the skin of their teeth…
@Charlo wicked, it is not that he has forgotten the poor, he has helped them overcome their poverty, to be a people who are contented in Life.
Otherwise, the majority of Dominicans would not embrace the service of the present Government, as they do right now.
The ones who are claiming poverty belong in your group, who are the minority. But that is normal; there will always be grumbling individuals in every society because they were made to grumble. What a pity!
Honestly, when i view this video over and over, I think all the officers on duty in that location should have questions to answer..This is taking advantage of law abiding, unarmed citizens of my country.
I just cannot see what the man did to warrant that violent attack on the brother! The entire crew of cretins should be suspended,!
Wicked sets of brainless, idiotic policemen, who certainly are unfit to be in this job! This has got so many people incensed!!!
% you are most certainly clueless of the laws. As a functional illiterate you mouth is you greatest asset. You are condoning the behavior of those who are breaking the law. Why you are backing them, because your 5th grade level of education doesn’t work at your age capacity. You paraded the Kilinigo wonder women, only to be embarrassed the next day. Why are your people disgusting disrespecting the President, is that what you are offering to Dominicans. Please Please nurses keep Lennox Linton on his medication. To condone such behavior is sickening.
Everybody is asking why the Lion is not out there protesting. Dominicans, Lennox is one person and we are thousands. We all have the right to free and fair elections and we should all be protesting that it is not happening! We can protest without breaking any law but we will get our point across to Charles Savarin. Skerrit is out of the picture, it is up to Charlo now and we only have a few weeks left.
This idiot who calls himself a police officer, and someone who swore to uphold the law, should be severely reprimanded..
He certainly does not fit to be a police officer. This act of brutality,and barbarism on a Dominican brother is reprehensible, I condemn it, and the idiot should pay!
His role was to protect the handful of protesters, but like a hawk, he pounced on Henry and beat him..This is already international….and the cause is a bad DLP regime who has highjacked and tainted our fair voting process, to keep one man in power..
I am prepared to protest to see to it that action be taken against this numskull officer!!!
An idiot who does not know what policing is!!!
The uwp is going to use the CCM to create the “fling stone riot” if they loose the election. Which means if arrests has to be made the leader of the opposition would look clean and all blame would fall on the CCM and the PM. Now the plan is in case things gets out of hand and caricom or international community comes in they would see it as the people of Dominica created this and not the uwp. The uwp is very desperate and because this is their leader’s last chance they are going to use every single trick in the book. Why mash up a country you want to lead? Countries don’t settle quickly after such chaos and Dominicans need to really ask themselves if that’s the Dominica they want to see. Apart from a few people here instigating this thing most of them lives over seas and they won’t be directly affect if Dominica turns this way and I don’t believe they even care. Some of you talking about things hard here, you all haven’t seen nothing yet go ahead and create madness.
@Flingstone, you are the kind of person whom I would choose to give the title of a “concerned citizen” And so am I, even if I don’t live in Dominica at the moment. She is my homeland and I don’t want to be buried at no other site, if not in my beautiful little Village of Giraudel
Those few people are claiming to be “concerned” and “united” in the name of Dominicans and yet they are the ones who are demonstrating and creating all sorts of wicked “selfishness” and “disunity” in the country, claiming to be “doing” it for the people. How can that be?
Where in the World do we have a “minority” group fighting the “majority” who are claiming satisfaction in Life?
But that is the situation in Dominica; those people are claiming to be standing for the people of Dominica, who do not support their actions–may God forbid this state of unrest, discord, and disdain, those people are trying to cause to come alive, in a Nation which is contented in Life.
Peaceful protest my foot!
You people are out there demanding that Prime Minister, President, and whoever else choose to act by your commands–this kind of situation may be peace to you all alone, not to the rest of the people of Dominica, who are the majority, anyway.
I have been reading your comments for some time now. You are a total disgrace to describe this as anything other than a peaceful protest. Have you been to Washington to witness the daily protest at the gates of the Whitehouse with zero assault or abuse of the Protestors. If you are the same person I know from PPFC, then it is very sad to see how far you have fallen.
Old news….since yesterday that happened.
This has been all over Facebook.
All I’m saying in the late seventies is some people from the north east that came all the way to the north to kill Randolph Bannis for election, and I’m telling you if he did not get that notice and run up to trigain they sure would but they met his dog. All I’m say becareful .
The Concerned Citizens Movement can legally protest on that sidewalk until 11pm tonight and every night, they can take turns keeping Mr. Savarin company. That wicked President should not be allowed to go to bed early.
that isn’t even his own bed, it’s the bed of the people of Dominica and he has no right to lie in it. Skerrit put him in it, but he needs to come out now and allow the country to get back on track and make progress.