Opposition calls for action dismissed

Reginald Austrie

Calls for protest action by United Workers Party (UWP) leader Edison James and activist Athie Martin have been dismissed by one Government minister as mischief making.

The two, who allege that the Roosevelt Skerrit-led administration is corrupt and bad for Dominica, are urging a popular uprising to derail Prime Minister Skerrit’s government.

James also suggested that the government was “provoking” the people of the country because it had the backing of the police, and expected the police to shoot down people in the streets if they embark on such protest action.

However Housing Minister Reginald Austrie has rubbished that kind of speculation, telling DNO that it was more of the same coming from the opposition.

“Irresponsible and mischievous” is how he labeled James’ statement.

Speaking on Monday night at a so-called People’s Budget event on the Roseau Bayfront, the UWP leader sought to rally into action, critics of the prime minister grouped under the banner of “patriots”.

James called for a pool of people to step up to manifest in a practical way through possible protest action, opposition to the Skerrit-led administration.

“We should have a pool of people, who are prepared to be the change warriors in this country, so that when action is called and action is to be taken to express our disgust, that you have at least a pool of people there who will ensure that there is a presence in the action that we must take,” The UWP leader said.

He urged the Dominica Police Force not to act against people in the country who exercise their constitutional rights to demonstrate against an administration they allege is corrupt.

“They are provoking the people because they believe that they have the police behind them, and if the people decide to rise up, the police will shoot them down in the streets of Roseau,” former prime minister James speculated.

“I am saying to the brothers and sisters, the police of this country, that they must make it absolutely clear to the authorities that they will not shoot down their brothers in the streets in order to continue to facilitate them in their nonsense,” the UWP leader said.

Minister Austrie says those claims about the likelihood of the police shooting people in the streets at the behest of the government is nonsensical.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

47 Comments

  1. July 18, 2012

    Hope MR JAMES place his handsome face at the front of the line. Is one thing to call for action against any Government while he is hiding under his bed. MR handsome remember a leader lead from the front.

  2. SOON COME.
    July 18, 2012

    If the so called opposition would only attend parliament sessions and make meaningful contributions the people of this country would take them seriously.
    The united workers party and its leadership if there is one are just blablaing with idle words that are not compartible with issues targeting the best for the county but more as a group of people who are looking to rally vulnerable people to stage an unlawful uprising against people with a genuine foresight and wish for the Dominican people.
    I firmly believe that the constitution of this country needs to be scrutinised more closely so as to apply the full arm of the law on members of the opposition whenever they may seem to be insiteig violence and or not seem to choose their language.

  3. SiangUK
    July 18, 2012

    “…expected the police to shoot down people in the streets…”

    Mr James should placed in the Infamory under lock and key, for the good of himself and the general public.

    Here are some earlier comments, actions and writings of Mr James:

    1988 – “Dominica does not need an international airport”.

    1989 – He writes letter to US telling them NOT to assist DOMINICA with clearing of land FOR an International Airport.

    1996 – He borrows MILLIONS at commercial interest rates to buy land for International airport.

    It is Mr James that Dominica and Dominican’s need protection from.

  4. July 17, 2012

    eddison james has been calling for that from ever since they lost the 2000 elections when we take out skerit whom does he have in place to take up the leadership of the country the man cannot even full a 21 slate of candidate to contest an election its time for change but not to put eddison james

  5. B.E.B
    July 17, 2012

    This is an iresponsible statement to be made by Mr. James “provoking the people of the country be-cause it has the backing of the police and expected the police to shoot down people in the streets”
    When he said ” I’m incharge, I’m on stage now” did’t he had the backing of the police? The police Force always backs up the government in office, so what is his point?

  6. watchdog
    July 17, 2012

    i dare dno to publish whose vehicle was seized during the drug raid at loubiere.

  7. MET YO
    July 17, 2012

    DNO what;s the word nuh?

    All doh want to free me up man?

    Why my comments all day in waiting like that?

    and others approving quick quick?

    Why allu like excitement so nuh?

    Do allu job and leave Met Yo say his thing nuh..

  8. NO AMBROSE
    July 17, 2012

    CHUPES HOW MUCH MONEY FOR MIN FOR CONSTITUENCY AFFAIRS IN BUDGET LA LA LA U RIGHT CONSITUENCY AFFAIRS

    A GOOD THING i MARY !

  9. Halfbred
    July 17, 2012

    Yeah eddoe and athie I am the sacrifical lamb. Please send me to protest and remain in a safe house. Set things up so that the police shoot me as I protesting to put all you in power. When I die say how I die like a true patriot murdered by the police. All you will rule DA as king and queen and DA will be happy ever after.

  10. July 17, 2012

    Boy Jamce you are the best boy. go fly your kyte.

  11. dissident
    July 17, 2012

    Yolanda u don’t even know ur rights as a Dominican citizen. Do u like myself own a copy of the Dominica Constitution? U are a non-progressive Dominican. Shame on u.

    Mr Austrie, did Skerrit elect u to go out and defend him and de party? Remember what Inspector Corbette did in the Convent Prep.? De police force is divided because of de politics that’s involved. Remember how Carette described some officers? They in bed with de druglords.
    He want to see new legislation to deal with the bad apples in de force. I don’t trust thge police.

    • July 18, 2012

      Remember Skerrit said to him ministers they would have to prove to him why he should allow to run for office next election so Austrie is working to show his Boss he is one of the boy he should give a pass he is defending the party and the GOVT because I would say this guy was in la la land when Carette made the statement, Why is is that the GOVT as well as other supporters believe that whatever they say or do must be the norm what kind of people we have in DOMINICA how did they arrived at this point.

  12. Yes sa
    July 17, 2012

    Mr. Austrie i have visited your village cottage and the roads are in such delapidated condition. it seems that you dont pass this way every day. it hurts to see the condition of the road,especially going up the hill, mean time i think you all can do something to prevent a hand or leg from being broken or a vehicular accident. One area could be fixed because of the feast y not fix the other area? Come on pull up ur socks and do something

  13. kakabawi
    July 17, 2012

    you looking for bloodshwd mr james? whats your inspiration, to be the hero who saved dominica? dream on my brother.

    • kakabawi
      July 17, 2012

      correction…bloodshed…

  14. Anonymous
    July 17, 2012

    :-D Mr james is losing his head I think he has alltimers do dominica look like any coiuntries in the middle east

    • pop
      July 17, 2012

      Dominica is worse than any country in the Middle east.We need a government to manage the affairs of this country. At present we don’t.

  15. En Ba La
    July 17, 2012

    NO SURPRISE HERE. Did you expect him to say something else? Mr. Austrie I would have said the same thing in defense of my $9000 monthly paycheck also.

    “Irresponsible and mischievous” is how he labeled James’ statement.

    DNO I am disappointed – Did you ask him whether the government is aware of the situation with the truckers and what is being done?

    MAN-UP DNO and do your work – ask the HARD questions.

    These people were elected by the people – they are THRIVING while people who voted them into office are barely SURVIVING.

    There should be general protest action in Dominica covering every aspect affecting the people that the government is turning a blind eye to. This is not violence – it is getting the government to work. They are too comfortable with their FAT CHECKS that they are not seeing where work needs to be done.

    POINT THEM IN THE DIRECTION OF THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE.

    • Rocks
      July 17, 2012

      Then vote them out…It’s simple like that and Dominicans acting like they don’t know that. I am tired of saying the Gov’t work for the people of Dominica and if they are not performing the people of Dominica should get rid of them. But again Dominicans will still vote for them….

  16. Anonymous
    July 17, 2012

    If my $9000 paycheck depended on it I would also say
    “Irresponsible and mischievous” is how he labeled James’ statement.

  17. MARIGOT
    July 17, 2012

    speak for yourself yolanda i hope your cup is full and overflowing, unlike the rest of us we “catching hell” no jobs , no money what are w e to do we must hope for better and better is not in the present government. so hold your hand so , my parl rep cannot call nobody to give me hand outs .

    • Nkrumah Kwame
      July 18, 2012

      . What has Mr. James done for Marigot since he left office apart from avoiding Parliament? You want to convince me that Mr. James did not establish any contact whatsoever, made no friends during his tenure as PM and on whom he can call now to assist the members of his constituency? All he does now is call for “boots on the ground” and lime with James Greer.Neither did he fix the roads in Marigot. On the other hand, Pierro fixed ALL those in Grand Bay and so far Skerritt has done likewise in his constituency. Come on Mr. James, do your work or get out of the way so Rock can show you what development and consistency are all about.
      HOTEP!!

  18. LOOKER
    July 17, 2012

    Anytime this man speaks what that comes out of his mouth is one word OUTER-RUBBISH. Minister look at the COUNTRy, MINISTERS GROWING, FLORISHING AND CITIZENS ARE STAGNANT. THAT IS THE ECONOMY WE HAVE RIGHT NOW.

  19. July 17, 2012

    come on ppl,can’t u see the massive is with the pm.so uwp must form a postive movement an get de younger ppl on their side>that de only way i see it could work for u guys>>>>

    • July 18, 2012

      I disagree with you because age have nothing to do with it one must first believe in their COUNTRY and it must be first at all times the people are the ones who will benifit from such an individual loving you COUNTRY and it’s people is what it’s all about not taking them for granted but give them due respect fighting for the love of DOMINICA can be blessing because DOMINICA is worth it, God bless the lovely Island we call home
      so you the young and the old can work together as one.

  20. C.A
    July 17, 2012

    Well from what i am seeing there is a possibilty that what UWP is claiming could be true. I went to soufriere on sunday and i thought i was going into a restricted area or something.. coast guard boats on the water, police officers, some in uniform some without were all about at the event. I understand that the police were there to keep the peace but i couldnt help but wonder if there is a possibilty that if things dont go the prime ministers way in Dominica he could use the police force to control it whether we like it or not. I am not a criminal but to go to a social event and see so many police officers scattered about like a war was about to break out was a little unnerving. UWP was put out of power to get rid of them but what if we Dominicans jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire. What if Skerrit and his administration are really corrupt.

    • JIM
      July 17, 2012

      Many or rather thousands of Dominicans share your sentiments.

      • Correction
        July 17, 2012

        where are the Tousands you speak of??

        We the masses do not share such views, if there were no police and something happened you all would have been the first to say where the police!!

        See how no one can win with you people,’Damn if you do and Damn if you don’t” so we will continue to do what we have to do boss, whilst you lazy bunch stay on the side and talk s***t!!!

    • Soufriere area
      July 17, 2012

      C.A. u have no idea what is happening in this community. The police present was well appreciated since the fighting was minimal. Do you know that there is a gang uproar in this community. Do u know that the young boys from scott’s head cant go to soufriere and vise versa. Do you know that from the past years there have been battles between the two villages. Do you know that just recently in an activity at soufriere several ppl were injured and were arrested.

      Thats is the reason for the heavy police appearance on Sunday. It has noting to do with the Prime Minister.

      Next time we make comment, we need to do our research first.

      • Anonymous
        July 17, 2012

        no it has nothing to do with the PM you right it has everything to do with Mr. Eddison James- real block head – for you to say to us tell Skerrit to find meaningful employment for the young men in soufierre and Scotts Head so that they occupy their energies else you there saying is nothing to do with Skerrit – well you might as well blame it on the rain or something but not Skerrit and his government bankrupt ideas for the development of the country.

    • lifestyle
      July 17, 2012

      wat are u really saying? u like that the police are there to keep the peace yet you dont like too much of their presence? there were many fights @ this small event as @ many events in dominica so the police being there was a bad thing? wat does this have to do with the PM? u folks seriously need to listen to ur selves! here in London, during Nott. Carnival there are soooo many cops on horseback, bicycle etc. dont talk about New york during caribbean events…so wat r u saying?…

    • w
      July 17, 2012

      Are you dumb?????Dive fest is an organised event, and the ORGANISERS paid to have the number of police they thought necessary. Where Skerrit and politics coming in that.

    • ca mem
      July 17, 2012

      I dont know about you but i was quite happy with such police presence. Makes me feel safe. Too much violence in the land these days papa.

  21. ????????
    July 17, 2012

    What do you expect from Austrie? Mr Austrie why are Dominicans so POOR presently Sir?
    Why so many Dominicans cannot make ends meetSir? Why the productive sector of the economy is stagnated Sir? Why the ones doing so well are the Ministers of government Sir? What are you doing re our electricity bills Sir? Employment among the youths Sir? Drug (cocaine) trading by those who are in Jacket and tie Sir? Do you really care for the poor people on island?
    IS THIS COUNTRY A FAILURE?

    • somitime
      July 17, 2012

      It is not dominica alone that we have ends cannot meet its all over the world so my people wake up and stop being so DAM Stupid.
      I am a Dominican living overseas

      • ???????
        July 17, 2012

        @ Somitime…Your name shows how ignorant you are. If you are lost wherever you are in the diaspora, go get the help of the International Red Cross to pay your passage for you,to get you back home. You will then feel the grinds, the pain the rough times, the poverty. Don’t stay wherever you are lost there and talk nonsense.
        Once more in Dominica is misery like hell. HOPE YOU HEAR NOW.

    • %
      July 17, 2012

      All relevant questions to be answered in the present poor state of the economy.

  22. Yoland jno jules
    July 17, 2012

    I would allow the DEMONS STRATION to go on for Dominican’s to laugh at those silly clowns i cant understand how some so called leaders or i mean wannt to be leaders,can be so ignorant who are the people all you talking about,if you put them in a cup they not even reaching half glass the people are with SKERRIT so stop that silly monkey move and get all you selves some thing productive to do bunch of LAZY BASTARDS.

    • CIA on the watch
      July 17, 2012

      Your statement exhibit your high level of illiteracy, Have your read any article on DNO recently and understand what you have read, or will you be willing to register for a reading class this summer

    • I am Dominican
      July 17, 2012

      Pluis ta pluis twist, tantoe tantoe nou ke’ voire.

    • possie massive
      July 17, 2012

      shut up swallow, what you looking for, you did not get it from mamo yu fink you will get it from skeritt? you looking for public works manager but you will never get it, sot, you forget you use to criticize skerritt and rosie now yu singing for yur supper? i wish blackmore sen yu right delice and work to cut the sidework, stupid fellow….

    • zor sort
      July 17, 2012

      you doh have to sing so hard, they have your name already your cup is already filled..

    • isthatso
      July 17, 2012

      it take a LAZY BASTARTD to know one how about that yoooooooooooooolanda

    • MET YO
      July 17, 2012

      Yoland, the moon up man?

    • July 18, 2012

      Not only you a uneducated you haven any clue of what’s really happening on the ISLAND and that tells you are Illiterate you need help so please go educate yourself and stop allowing yourself to be taken for a ride open your eyes look around and see how your brothers and sisters are suffering unfortunately they cannot get hand out like you do.

    • Papa Dom
      July 18, 2012

      “LAZY BASTARDS” Hahahahaha, the pot calling the kettle black,Yoland boy you not easy nah.

    • OUTSIDER
      July 18, 2012

      Yolanda is one of them people who is first in line for the handout and it seems like this month’s handout ran out sweetie…You sound hungry. Dominica needs new leadership or the boat will continue to sink.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available