Police could have killed many people in Salisbury – Austrie

Police on the scene of the protest on Thursday
Police on the scene of the protest last Thursday

Acting Prime Minister, Reginald Austrie, has said the police exercised great constraint during a massive protest in Salisbury last week saying many people could have been killed.

He also described the event as a ‘riot’ organized by supporters of the United Workers Party (UWP).

“Police could have killed several people in Salisbury,” Austrie said on the Next Level Program on privately owned Kairi FM on the weekend. “Many officers were injured, their vehicles were damaged but they exercised a lot of restraint.”

On Thursday June 11, the community was engulfed in a massive protest after the police swept in and arrested six residents on allegations that they were part of similar protest action on May 11.

The arrests enraged members of the community who blocked the road and later faced the police who responded with tear gas. It is also reported that live ammunition was used by the police.

Austrie said many people have branded the police as cowards, who were afraid of taking action.

“But I am saying to you the last thing we want in this country is for any form of violence to derail us from achieving our economic prosperity,” he said.

He described the event as politically motivated.

“We keep referring to this thing in Salisbury as a protest,” he said. “But it was a riot in Salisbury instigated by the supporters of the United Workers Party using the farmers and farms roads as an excuse for breaking the law and misbehaving.”

But Leader of the United Workers Party (UWP), Lennox Linton, has a different take on the matter.

He did not describe the protest as politically motivated but said it was the action of the police that was motivated by politics.

At a press conference last week he said the police’s action in Salisbury cannot be described as ‘discretion exercised by the police in the public interest of peace and stability.’

“This was politically motivated, it is clear that the police commissioner and his men are not acting out of their own strict law enforcement responsibilities, restrictions and so on but out of directives coming from the politicians in power,” he stated. “And we are asking them to be very careful about that and desist from that practice because it is not a good practice.”

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135 Comments

  1. Drellon
    August 3, 2018

    The roads in that village really need fixing for real. That village looking like an abandon place. I think the government should do some more work in that village.

  2. C
    June 20, 2015

    Alas, the more I read news about Dominica is the more I think it being run by a dictator. Labourites, mighty DLP. What nonsense is that. All you ……. boy. Stand up and ask questions and demand answers. All you doh have to vote Labour cause they in fashion! And what is the point of talking about UWP like they sot? They seeing what happening and they trying to prevent all those future problems skeritt bringing with his nonsense. Selling passports like it mean nothing… I read a UK article the other day eh, Dominica providing the CHEAPEST most accessible and FREELY offered passports in the WORLD. As far as I can say, criminals alone that will buy that. And alas, I was so embarrass to see two white people ‘representing’ Dominica in the WINTER Olympics, SKIING! Ask me since when Dominica ever see snow. What a joke, damn right we need to ASK QUESTIONS. UWP or NOT. LETS OWN OUR DOMINICA.

  3. Matt
    June 16, 2015

    I am not supporting any party, i am not the friend of Lenox nor the PM. I think listening and reading those comments, i don’t want to be rude, but a lot of those commenting are being bi ass. And it makes me say that it is some political problems. Some of you are against the government and you will say nothing good about the no no matter what, some of u sre against the opposition and you will say anything bad about them. However wst is happening. now we should put politics aside, because wst is going on is not about a party it is about Dominica. If the police came to put law and order. that’s their job and no one should throw stones at yhem unless they attack someone. an now u people keep talking was anyone shot by the police,?? was anyone beaten by the police? the answer is no yet youal are accusing the police and government. Many of the policemen were taken to the hospital,, the policemen had gund but they never shot anyone. It is time to time to stop being bi ass, forget about…

  4. Peter Potter
    June 16, 2015

    In any democratic country on this a earth a government minister making a statement like this one would either be sacked or forced to resign within 48 hours. Well Skerrit, the clock is ticking. 18 hours have gone, we are counting…
    We’ll soon find out if Dominica is a democratic country where government ministers are held accountable!!

  5. Mane
    June 16, 2015

    You demonstrate peacefully. If you want your voice to be heard. What message is Salisbury sending to our young people? blocking public road is ok. No it is not. Shame on Salisbury. I do not support violence. Respect your police officers. Protest peacefully.

  6. June 16, 2015

    The Honourable Reginald Austrie is too kind. Instead of saying that the Police “could have” killed some of these violent rioters he should have said: “the police should have killed”!!! The violent thugs of Salisbury and their power-hungry political masters has taken their insubordination and defiance against the mighty Labour Power to new heights. It is the duty of the Police to restore law and order and to decisively crush these violent uprisings. In this case, dealing with a political machinery that is determined to overthrow the duly elected Government by violent means, lethal force is not only justified but necessary. Hence, I assure you that if there is EVER a repeat of the Salisbury Revolt, lives WILL be lost. I just hope that the thirst for power does not cloud the minds and judgement of the Uneducated Wicked People and their blind followers. The spineless cowards in leadership of the UWP may well send their brain dead followers to their deaths! Such a shameful…

  7. June 15, 2015

    I have said this before and will say it again, all this was politically motivated and can be considered another Anti- Government move to destabilize the present regime. I have been following the political situation in this Country for a number of years, and the situation in Salisbury stemmed from a disgruntled people, who has been backed by poor leadership of Mr. John . I am not a great fan of police officers, but by virtue of their office, I have great respect for that office,
    Most police officers I have known, usually act idiotic in even mild and peaceful condition, but how the hell would you stand in the position of a police officer and have stones hauled at you in a retaliation mood.
    This country does not belong to Hector John and a few uncivilized people, but rather this country was strategically place here by God and whereas the protest action was a legitimate one, the people acted in a manner that was not called for.
    The police was called upon to unblock the road. End of…

    • theRedBlueGreen
      June 16, 2015

      The Salisbury people asked to have their roads fixed.
      Now the acting PM is talking about shooting civilians for blocking the road.
      This guy is talking about political motivation.
      Do you know that these feeder roads are used by all different people belonging to different political parties?
      Do you know that tourists coasters used these same roads when it was accessible?
      Do you know that the people who use these feeder roads pay taxes every year?
      How are these protests politically motivated??

  8. Moine Meme
    June 15, 2015

    The members of this DLP pseudo government have no moral, or legal authority to call anything in this country illegal.
    The DLP brakes any law it thinks gets in its way.

  9. amy
    June 15, 2015

    First they came for the communists, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.
    Then they came for the trade unionist, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
    Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.
    Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me.
    Being my brothers keeper.
    Salisbury we are with you. Hang in there.

  10. cool
    June 15, 2015

    Them Chinese maybe seat down at their homes and laughing them police in that stupid thing they have on them there.i hope they watching them self in that stupid thing the Chinese gave to them.

  11. raga
    June 15, 2015

    i think in his heart he meant should have killed,,,,,,,,,,,

    • troublemaker
      June 16, 2015

      yah true eno

  12. not nice
    June 15, 2015

    them police looking like the men that act in toy story part fools

  13. Jonathan st jean
    June 15, 2015

    Just look at these policemen who took a pledge to protect and serve.I am sure they feel high and mighty,dressed in their uniforms of brutality going up against a defenseless populace in Salisbury.What actions did the commissioner of police or the Prime minister take to ameliorate the sit uation?In May of this year we remember the incidents in Baltimore,and the State Troopers etc were asked to stand down and allow the people to express themselves.Yet these cowards in the police force in Dominica,on the instructions from Mr Carbon and the Prime Minister bullied the people of Salisbury.History has a way of repeating itself,and the world is watching.

    • Johnny st.jean
      June 15, 2015

      History has a way of repeating itself,and the world is watching & am watching from the comfort of my apartment in Philly far from the madness am comfy.

    • Ex Da Law ms
      June 16, 2015

      I beg to differ but I understand where you are coming from.They were just following orders.The Com. of Police should be blamed.The orders came from him.Based on the actions of the cops you could tell they had second thoughts .They had to go.They showed restraint because they understood their frustration.The cops are smarter than Austrie.They knew they were being used for political purposes.What a commissioner.This Govt has successfully infested the DPF politically beyond extermination for their own political ambitions.I use to be a proud member of the DPF..Its not the same.O.N. Phillip must be turning in his grave to see who is running the DPF.God help use.

    • Johnny st.jean
      June 16, 2015

      Where is our real Chief Eddo? he has not commented to-date.
      here I am as a card holding member in the comfort of my Philly residence eating ,getting fat on Philly cheese spread & Philly steaks. yummie. I am making my contribution here on line where are U /ur contribution old ” Great leader?-like Mao etc.

  14. Tampa
    June 15, 2015

    Mr. Austrie says “We keep referring to this thing in Salisbury as a protest,” he said. “But it was a riot in Salisbury instigated by the supporters of the United Workers Party using the farmers and farms roads as an excuse for breaking the law and misbehaving.”

    My question to him is how would he describe the protest that he and his DLP undertook against Miss Charles under the disguise that it was a taxi association strike, when they blocked the road at Canefield and Loubiere causing serious disruption in Roseau and lots of innocent people being teargassed?

    Mr Austrie is being hypocitical by insinuating that what is right for DLP to do is wrong for any other group to do.

    • Roseau watcher
      June 15, 2015

      I guess both sides equal now

  15. King kong
    June 15, 2015

    attack with stones so bullet responded simple as that I don’t see anything wrong ther.

    • %
      June 15, 2015

      You are a jack arz, so you wont see anything wrong. Once you get your bread money from the Red Clinic, THATS ALL!

    • ptz
      June 15, 2015

      Are you serious???? Bullets for stone???? The UN. Needs to heat about this. This is crazy!!!!!! I’m starting to see a trend of a communist community developing here in DA! That’s scary. That’s how it is started by using the military to silent the rights of the people.

      • King Kong
        June 17, 2015

        what does un have to do with this not like they can do anything about it!

  16. Dominica at large
    June 15, 2015

    Hey,i am not in dominica presently and was not there when these these demonstrations happened in salisbury, but looking at the pics and videos i realize there was a massive crowd of people, so i am saying to myself, if the police wanted to harm or kill people that would be the easiest thing on earth to do, i saw some pictures of what seems to be live bullets, but again, i don,t believe they were sent or shot with the intention to harm or kill people, again with such a massive crowd present,shooting to kill or cause bodilly harm would be the easiest thing to do, think on these thing.

    • Shameless
      June 15, 2015

      I guess shooting live rounds in someone’s house is just a means of telling them Skerrit loves them :mrgreen: :mrgreen: . The nerve of some people!

      I AM SALISBURY ARE U?
      Assertive, NOT Aggressive!

    • Ex Da Law ms
      June 16, 2015

      And what if the entire crowd decided to rush the few cops who were there?Think about that.

    • jean bawi
      June 16, 2015

      why did they leave Roseau with the bullet and the guns? as a show piece.

  17. Just Asking
    June 15, 2015

    This gov’t and its pride, arrogant and indifference to we Dominicans and our plight is becoming unpopular by each passing day….only hand-out folks, greed men who can deposit 1.5 millions in bank accounts and sycophants are not seeing right through this gov’t nonchallant attitude towards even though who were decked out in red..sing we red, red hot and they blue vex…what’s a pity.

    • The Real Facts
      June 15, 2015

      Make me laugh. What do you expect when you oppose the law in such a manner? They are fortunate that the police did not shoot to kill. Warn your people to obey the Law. The next time they protest the situation could be worst.
      I visualize that the patience of the government and police are waning. You all are challenging them.

      • theRedBlueGreen
        June 16, 2015

        So what if the people decides to take gas..spray down the police in their ninja turtle outfits and set them ablaze in the middle of the road?? do u think their guns will save them now?? the people are greater than the police for ur information so if you want to bring a war to Dominica everyone will feel it.. think before u post these retarded comments..

      • out of south city
        June 16, 2015

        Just get out of here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  18. June 15, 2015

    Mr Austrie , I don’t expect any better statement from you , but these venoms as usual . What I would expect from an intelligent and knowledgeable politician is one which reflect situational solving or peace making . You should tell the police their approach that morning was wrong and further to discharge ammunitions was uncalled for . Shame , shame , shame . Austrie again . Your people need to protest against your leadership and laissez – faire attitude as a parliamentarian

  19. fantastic4
    June 15, 2015

    This PM and the cabal continue to be nakedly exposed; Mr. Nassief admitted that the PM directed them to make a statement so they did; won’t be surprised if the Bar Association & churches makes similar statement soon from now.The Cabal was bent on knowing who Joshaw was; next day police at the chronicle trying to find out. Cabal accused Lennox of having IPO documents, said the police should search Lennox’s house, next day they did. The DPP said the case, the state versus Lugay to be discontinued, Cabal decide no way foreign SC will prosecute the case instead of DPP. Cabal say racketeering taking place at the Labour division that requires investigation, then PM decide no investigation no dog back. In the middle of a case the Cabal decided return unlicensed firearm to accused and it was done; .I will conclude by saying that it is very obvious that every institution has been infiltrated, intimidated and compromised by this cabal – but DA nice boy

    • fantastic4
      June 15, 2015

      ………….continue ..so if the cabal say to police shoot to kill won’t be surprised if it is done, Honorable Austrie knows what he means when he says that many people could have been killed..meaning shot instead of saying many sections of roads could have been repaired ………..hahaha

  20. Discombobulated
    June 15, 2015

    I really don’t understand how u want to block a public road and expect no punishment. In which country would that happen? Not even in France where protest is in the constitution that it is legal. In fact, people do it, but they get arrested. Anywhere in the world, u would be arrested. A protest does not include affected other people life. It includes something such as strike action, or protest marches which permits are granted for in order to divert people who intent to avoid protest action. If u want to disrupt life, then disrupt the life of govt officials. Do not stop hard working people from earning a living and going to school. Lennox and the PM need to have a sit down. The PM need to sort out that matter and Lennox need to tell the Salisbury people to refrain from violence. Violent protests never achieve anything. Salisbury people, fight for your right to fair investment by all means. But don’t fight for dca, fight for u. U can’t revolt for people who don’t want it.

    • The Real Facts
      June 15, 2015

      Lennox is filled with haughtiness, pride and on his high horse, Do you not know or have you not observed that he has a disdain for the PM? He has projected he will never cooperate. It is either his way or no way, he who is not the PM, the leader of Dominica. He does not want to take a back step nor make one step forward to peace and reconciliation. He is using the Salisbury people to do his dirty work. His day is coming.

    • Ex DA Law Man
      June 16, 2015

      Do you remember 1979 when the present President and his men shot the govt for over a month.The president said back then no police will work,no nurse will work and so on.Rosie Douglas also protested.Where was Austrie ?

    • jean bawi
      June 16, 2015

      The police left Roseau, journeyed to Salisbury with riot geared bent on destruction. They CAME to Salisbury!!! jean Bawi was in Salisbury.

      A peaceful protest was held over a year ago and bear no fruit. The airwaves are bombarded with farmers calling for feeder roads. NO RESPONSE. THIS CERTAINLY GOT RESPONSE!!!

  21. Kid On The Block
    June 15, 2015

    Boy where else on Earth people can attack the Police in such a manner and a couple of them(rioters) not deceased? Go to the US and try that nuh! You can demonstrate as you wish but you cannot attack the Police and get away with it. Your body would become a strainer for sure.

  22. manuel field
    June 15, 2015

    Austrie don’t ever believe that your army who left their weapons and ran away when they were stoned could never stand up to live ammunition, and don’t you ever believe that only the Salisbury people would be killed.

  23. RealTalk
    June 15, 2015

    Regardless of political affiliation that an extremely inappropriate and worrying thing for him to say. Extremely poor choice of wording, I’m extremely disappointed in Mr. Austrie. While the protest were a form of civil disobedience and illegal (I’m personally not a fan of how Dominican’s first reaction is to block a road) you arrest them or disperse the crowd with non lethals. However, you can’t make a statement that the police ‘could have killed more’. 8-O

    • The Real Facts
      June 15, 2015

      What he meant, were it not for the restraint of the police, many would have been dead. He is correct.
      If the police had exercised an eye for an eye and if you have common sense you should know what occurred. The police were attacked and they did not reciprocate. They should have. Those Salisbury people are bold.
      If this recurs, I hope the police will stand their ground and give them just what they deserve.
      People must learn to obey the Law and have respect for law enforcement. They projected they are a bunch of hooligans who are in dire need of discipline. In view of this, disciplinary measures must be taken against them.

      • fantastic4
        June 16, 2015

        Eye for an eye well if they wanted to be equal with the people they should be throwing stones back at the people not live M16 rounds; if they wanted to kill they would have killed emmh this is beyond human comprehension; the reason no one was killed was due to divide intervention simply put. God had a big hand in this saga trust me. God protects the innocent – be reminded the people were peaceful and back to normal life in their village for the entire month including the police. On June 11th was the dreadful DAY the police came like a thief in the night, very unprofessionally, in a true gangster type raid that disrupted the peace and tranquility of the village. The objective to arrest could have been approached in many different ways rather than the high handed and reckless approach. when the dust is settled they will want to encourage all to community policing – with that kind of aggression how are you going to achieve community policing. Swallow the pride admit the blunder.

      • Peter Potter
        June 16, 2015

        Nobody cares what he meant to say, we only care what he said! That is half of the problem with this government, some can not talk properly, some can not write properly and others can not count properly and…one or two can either.

  24. June 15, 2015

    If the protest was politically activated, then there would have been simultaneous action in all UWP strongholds in the country…not just restricted to Salisbury.

  25. wolf
    June 15, 2015

    Mr Austrie what is wrong with you sir?are you telling me that the police should have kill people and that would bring joy to you. sir there is a god up above looking down on you.and one day sir you will answer to him go head enjoy life .while the people suffer do people wickedness.but i am telling you the people of salisbury will not kiss your butt we love to work for what we want.and for the people who love begging you guys.and do not want to ask you wicked men for a job so they can work and feed their family that is up to them .we are no beggers.and Mr officers they want you guys to kill people.please the blood of the people will be on your hands.some of all you when .god ready for all you guys you have to suffer before all you die you all will live long and get OLD OLD OLD on a bed and then remember all the wickedness you all had done to people

  26. Music Producer
    June 15, 2015

    Protection of freedom of expression.

    10. Except with his own consent, a person shall not be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference (whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or class of persons) and freedom from interference with his correspondence

    • point
      June 15, 2015

      @Music Producer, I am not certain as to the reason for refering to this section of the Constitution. you are only quoting sub section 1. Section 10 has 2 sub sections , 1 and 2(a) 2(b) 2(c). It is advisable to examine the entire section 10. Are you aware that the blocking of a public road by individuals (not a lawfull authority like the police our the courts), deprives lawfull individuals from moving freely throughout Dominica and that violates their Protection of freedom of movement as enshrined in section 12 of the constitution?

      • The Real Facts
        June 15, 2015

        It also hindered their rights of freedom.

    • Observer
      June 15, 2015

      Blocking the main road is impeding the rights of other Dominicans who want to go to the hospital, school work ect. Protest in a better manner.

      • theRedBlueGreen
        June 16, 2015

        Neglecting the feeder roads is impeding the rights of other Dominicans who want to go to their farms to earn a living for themselves and other Dominicans… They have protested in other manners which fell on deaf ears..this is by no mean was the first step of the protest.. stop being soo ignorant

  27. Music Producer
    June 15, 2015

    CHAPTER 1
    PROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

    Fundamental rights and freedoms.

    1. Whereas every person in Dominica is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms, that is to say, the rights whatever his race, place of origins, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest, to each and all of the following, namely-

    life, liberty, security of the person and the protection of the law;
    freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association; and
    protection for the privacy of his home and other property and from deprivation of property without compensation…

  28. June 15, 2015

    i do not know why sensible people vote austrie to represent them.

    • The Real Facts
      June 15, 2015

      It could be turned around to state. I do not know why sensible people voted for Linton and Hector.

  29. June 15, 2015

    Mr Austrie stop making an of yourself stop acting macho as we all know what goes up must come down. Based on what you said and is saying, I would like to aak you , if and when the police kill people in Salsbury will you Austrie, Blackmoore, skerrit, Tony and the rest of your comrades take the blame or ran. I listened to you and the rest of the tyrants instigating violence on the island and by all means provoking the people of Salsbury and Dominica to accomplish you all dream. Autrie the Brits goverment are following the events in dominica, the Canadians government is also following the salsbury saga, the USA is aslo taking note not forgeting the other countries, Austrie instead of adding more heat to the fire with your diarrhea mouth and playing bull dog is to appoint a committee to go down to Salsbury to dialog with the villiagers to bring this thing to and end cause this will not end peacefully, remember that there are too many USA citizens in DA stop being a jack

  30. Concerned
    June 15, 2015

    Prime Minister and Mr Linton… Please reassess what it means to be leaders in our developing country. Both sides are wrong in this and as a result innocent people who are not supporting the throwing of stones are being subjected to Tear Gas and Bullets.. Two wrongs can never be right. Yes throwing stones at police is not right but responding with expired Tear Gas and M16 rounds is madness..

    This is no longer about farmers and feeder roads but is Politically motivated from both sides. Bring about a new dawn in the direction of politics and leadership that the rest of the Caribbean can admire and respect. For Dominica to succeed our leaders must bring about a new unity so the synergy of our small population can rise together.

    • Lang Mama
      June 15, 2015

      The people were not fighting the police they were fighting the Skerrit Ton Ton Makout. The duty of the police in this instance is to protect the proples’ rights,their ptoperty,health and independence . The people fought back against the agresion of a dictatorial regime

    • Malgraysa
      June 15, 2015

      You forget there is a big difference. Mr. Skerrit is in charge of the countries affairs and not mr. Linton, who is not even allowed tocontribute in the House of Assembly but ridiculed and thwarted at every junction. In short, it is Mr. Skerrit who is ultimately responsible.

    • timtim
      June 15, 2015

      Get it right! The ppl of Salisbury never threw a stone until they were attack by the police. The record is clear on that if nothing else.

      • The Real Facts
        June 15, 2015

        What right they had to throw stones at the Police? This is obstructing the police and harming them. They disobeyed the police requests. They need to be arrested. The case will be heard.

    • fantastic4
      June 15, 2015

      I feel for the Police they have allowed themselves to be dragged into a political mess. Commissioner O.N Phillip and E. Pierre would never have allowed themselves to fall in that trap. This commissioner is weak. The problem is well documented and the solution is the fixing of the roads to the farm to be done by the gov’t; recent events such as the bus drivers protest from Soufierre had a similar plight block road there was a quick solution; the people of Paix Bouche block road because of water problems – there was an even faster solution to the problem in both instances less than a week – monies were made available to do the necessary remedial work; Salisbury people have been begging for over three years and they are being given the run around including telling them I the PM will meet with you all whether you like it or not. emmmh and Reggie my friend say it is political. Well a lot of people could have died in the political melee you created to include both civilians and police.

  31. Dear Medard, Blackburn& Peepip
    June 15, 2015

    1989 Massacre/2015 Salisbury Massacre in process

    !989 Massacre1989 May 04th Tiananman Square Peking/Beiging- May 11th and June 11 2015–Salisbury Hundreds/dozens of civilians have been shot dead by Chinese/ Police/ army during a bloody military/SSU operation to crush a democratic protest in Tiananman square salisbury. Tanks rumbled through the Capital streets late on June 3rd as the army moved into the Square/ salisbury from several directions, randomly firing on unarmed protesters in addition to tear gas canistars.
    Hey! gang of bandits do you all want it so? wanna make PJ look like an alterboy? or LL alias starlight and james E look descent? We are watching ur actions step by step . Who are ur best friends now? answer the SINOs they have done it b4. The dif is no one has removed the Chinese in power over there we have removed our Gov’t 10 yrs early to the Sino crush of its citizens 1979.It is written let it be remembered near 40 yrs after

    • Serious vibes
      June 15, 2015

      Hey my peeps this is so cool. good reference and comparism there. who is peepip? sounds like a horn from a n auto. You are very thoughtful and recalled the Tiananman Sq.
      perfect anology. oh great 1979 was 10 yrs before the Chinese actions. So DA was a head of china by 10 yrs? so let’s do it again and better than 79.
      There were no Sinos here in 79 who knows they might give Skerrit the formula to crush.
      We have to be vigilant at the ports Tanks might be en route to DA.
      Anyway after that up coming event like 1979 all these infiltrators have to scram leaving passport behind.

    • Men 2 Boys
      June 15, 2015

      I like it I really like it good job Dear Medard, Blackburn& Peepip.
      You are so to the point. it could happen like that

  32. SMH
    June 15, 2015

    Mr gone loco

  33. Peter Potter
    June 15, 2015

    “But I am saying to you the last thing we want in this country is for any form of violence to derail us from achieving our economic prosperity,” Austrie said. I am sure this man is completely blinded. I tell you Sir, it is you and your puppet master and fellow Minister who derailed economic prosperity without any help from anybody else let alone a small protest of unhappy citizens. Your government managed to derail Dominicas aspirations in only 15 years due to incompetence.

    • timtim
      June 15, 2015

      Bravo! You can say that again.

  34. Vway den
    June 15, 2015

    Killed???? OMG that would be crazy; for the sake of a van or pickup truck? Kill our own citizens? Our own ppl? Brothers and sisters of Dominica? No rubber bullets? No fire truck hose? Killed?!!! Papa bonjay nous fini bat

  35. Malgraysa
    June 15, 2015

    I think Mr. Austrie, aided and abetted by mr. Blackmoore were eager to demonstrate to the P.M. that they are tough and capable of sorting “troublemakers! out in his absence. Wake up gentlemen, you need mr. Skerrit much more than he does you. He is not going to risk his reputation or career for your sake and he can replace you tomorrow if he so wishes. Where will you be then?

  36. MR Dominica
    June 15, 2015

    I do hope the people of wesley , Marigot , Roseau north , south , and central are taking notes and keeping an open eye seeing how the people of saulsbury are iltreated because they were not fooled by the promise of toilet and plywood houses and those who took the hand outs did not vote labour and made their own coconut and amond tablets

  37. Zammy
    June 15, 2015

    The world is watching; the great super power is watching. When Austrie talk like this just tell him they won’t escape for abuse of power n brutality : the world is watching. Police who thought the had escape in other islands are not gonna escape. God bless America n th United Nations who won’t allow leaders to abuse n destroy their people.
    Mr Austrlie it’s a protest not a riot ; ask the president to explain the difference between a riot n a protest

  38. Peter Potter
    June 15, 2015

    You can not be serious man. It is unbelievable to see day in day out what kind of incompetent and weak people Dominicans chose to govern the country.

    • The Real Facts
      June 15, 2015

      Yes, if he was not so weak as you stated, there would have been bloodshed in Salisbury. It is for this weakness why the police did not retaliate when stones were thrown at them.
      You people are not correct. We are also hearing and reading from afar. We also have opinions on this matter.

      • theRedBlueGreen
        June 16, 2015

        Why would you want the police to kill Dominicans?
        The Police are shooting teargas and live ammunition into people’s homes..
        How would you feel if you were shot at in your home?

  39. calibishie warrior
    June 15, 2015

    So i see somebody has a rock about to throw at me … or a bottle.. and your intention is clear to me .. and I have a gun in my holster.. I am just supposed to stand there and let you do your worst??!? Really ??! .. All you more than happy!

    • dominica
      June 16, 2015

      ur right she wasn’t in my yard but she wasn’t in urs neither so there was no reason for her to be threatened…she was on d government road and as far as know everybody have right to pass freely and undisturbed on government road…d same code u sendin me and read there I suggest u take ur own advice because u clearly have no idea what u talking about…u not d only one with rights…allu using road as allu passport but is not road allu want like that…give allu road allu will still have a problem because allu doh like d government so nothing they do will never satisfy allu…

    • Mamzel X
      June 16, 2015

      why not pick up a stone too?

      Where do you think this is, Gunfight at the OK Corral?? Honestly some of you people show your true colours. Only feel brave when you have a gun.

      I applaud the people of Salisbury for having some guts to stand up to the Police with only stones as their ammunition, because I could see Inspector Cuffy Williams’ hand literally shaking as he held on to the loudspeaker. (If you think I’m lying check out the vids on You-Tube or ask Marpin for a copy of the tape). It was hilarious.

    • theRedBlueGreen
      June 16, 2015

      Now why would you have a gun in your holster if you dont want to get hurt?

  40. Felix AAron
    June 15, 2015

    DNO it is not a protest. It is a Riot!

    The Police PRO called it a riotous mob.

    • Ma Moses
      June 16, 2015

      Felix, I happen to like mr. Weekes but it is unrealistic to expect him to express his own personal views in this matter. He must speak on behalf of the authority he represents and in who’s employ he is. if he can’t do that he must resign. So I do not take too much notion of what mr. Weekes says in public since it is the official line and not his personal opinion.

  41. Amused
    June 15, 2015

    question, the people from Salisbury and other villages from the North, who did not show up to work, on that day who should pay them as no work was performed. All how you look at it we lost more than we gained. So some people can feel good,

    • Peter Potter
      June 16, 2015

      Why don’t you go to the Red Clinic? I am sure they can spare a coin.

  42. KID ON THE BLOCK
    June 15, 2015

    Lennox realizes that age and time running out on him so he is in desperation. He will do any and everything to try to get power. But he must understand what he is trying won’t work. He is in the minority and believe me the majority won’t sit by and let things just happen. The majority is observing everything and just being quiet; it’s like SLOW WATER runs deep. They(the rioters and a hungry power lawyer) are bragging and boasting they made the Police RUN for shelter so they won the war but is a conjunction…Those who fights and run away lives to fight another day…Good discretion prevailed on the Police side and they must be complimented. Like they themselves(UWPITES) Every rope has an end.. You better off pass as the coward than to regret later.

  43. Music Producer
    June 15, 2015

    Correction: The police‘s job is to protect the official citizens only. They are not obligated to protect anyone else!

    • Nunya
      June 16, 2015

      Official citizens? I guess they don’t need to worry about cruise ship passengers or Canadian, US or EU visitors?

  44. Erasmus B. Black
    June 15, 2015

    Cast your minds back to the 2013/14 budget presentation in Honourable House of Assembly. Recall the presentation by Hon Austrie. In a clear mix up between party politics and official government business Hon Austrie used the Hon House as a bully pulpit to scare possible opponents in his constituency in the last election. He was adamant that he did not want a primary and informed Madam Speaker that it would be about “who could throw more dirt” whilst also reminding all and sundry of his “jungle training.” Remarkably he was not sanctioned from the house. Subsequently, he did not have a primary. Maybe he did throw the most dirt after all.

    Fast forward to 2015. As Acting PM, It is one thing for Hon Austrie to talk about police not killing people, but he should be reminded that once the genie gets out of the bottle, it is impossible to get back in.

  45. Observer
    June 15, 2015

    That is a sickening statement coming from an parliamentarian, and ‘acting PM’. I always know this man had some loose screws upstairs, but such statement is pure stupidity. Under what basis would the police kill these people? Wow! And if they did shoot and killed, I know they would not be charged. Dominica is in a sad state. There is a critical need for good and upright leaders who would remain humble and don’t let power corrupt them.

  46. shad
    June 15, 2015

    But what is really wrong with Reginald Austrie and the other members of government? Are they seriously going mad? Does every DAMN thing in this country have to be politically motivated? You mean to tell me the people cannot protest for what they think is right? Come on Mr Austrie!! You all are testing the patience and provoking the people of Dominica. You all instructed these police officers to shoot and kill!! What happen to SERVE & PROTECT?!!
    May God guide this country and its people

  47. KID ON THE BLOCK
    June 15, 2015

    Hope a clear message be sent.. Those Riotous Culprits must be taught a lesson. They must be CHARGED!

  48. dominican always
    June 15, 2015

    One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.
    Plato

    this is clearly the case in Dominica when those of us with a bit of brain leave the running of our country to others and from the of Mr Austrie clearly inferior

  49. King Jakes
    June 15, 2015

    if I was a cop and man send stone and hit me I shooting them easily!

  50. AG
    June 15, 2015

    Austrie is right, Dominicans must not mess with Skerrit next time they protest they will see there death.

    • Laughter the best Meds
      June 15, 2015

      lol after they die? hahahahahahahha you are a JA man! you tickle me under my feet then you went under my arms lol I crying with laughter .
      reminds me of a joke my grand Pa told us as kids. About a guy who stole a goat & got 3 months jail. When he entered stock farm he cried for 2 days straight. When the other inmates asked him what did he do and how much time he got they laughed .He asked them why were they laughing? One guy said. One responded. you got three months and crying what about me who is here to be hung? The 3 months guy without thinking said you are used to ur hanging I am not used to Prison lol!

  51. June 15, 2015

    What solution is the people of Salisbury looking for? We all know what the leaders of the protest want and it is not feeder roads. We heard some people said already that they did not want it fixed any more; yet surprisingly they are using it as an excuse for violence.

    We heard the Parl Rep said they need nothing from government because they are self sufficient. So my question is what is the protest all about? What do the people of Salisbury want?

    DNO wrote ” It is also reported that live ammunition was used by the police.” DNO who reported that? Did you speak with the police? And no one was hit not even by a stray bullet?

    DNO I heard of the family who was stoned in their vehicle did you hear of that? Have you interviewed that family? To really get their story?

    Our Police are to be commended. The majority of Dominicans are grateful to them. We do not want harm to our police nor the people of Dominica. Some UWP do not share our sentiments, not by their…

    Admin: We have not received any reports of a family that was stoned. If you or any member of the public has credible information to that effect we urge you to come forward.

    • theRedBlueGreen
      June 16, 2015

      Its simple:
      The Salisbury people wants the the Gov to do their Job in maintaining the feeder roads since we all pay our taxes, and that there be no charge against fellow civilians who are/were fighting for the same cause. End of Drama

  52. neverson St jean
    June 15, 2015

    There have been other road blocking incidents in dominica which did not lead to police action, so why this one. Also did anyone get arrestef for stone throwing in 1979? I don’t think so

    • point
      June 15, 2015

      @neverson St jean, yes sir people were arrested. As the years pass people tend to forget or remember only what they want to remember. The stone throwing at govt head quaters was a response to the bullets and teargas fired on the crowds and the POLICE by the DOMINICA DEFENSE FORCE. The roads around the govt head quaters were not blocked traffic flowed freely. So don’t try to compare 1979 to this situation in Salisbury where the road was blocked and when police attempted to unblock the road the were attacked wth stones and had to retreat. If the objective is to get Skeritt out when you start a protest you have to continue untill that objective is acheived don’t stop and cry about 5 people getting arrested. The more this situation is extended the more selfish the Salisbury protesters look.

  53. uwp
    June 15, 2015

    u guys are just biased. i want to know if lennox linton would do better if he was in skerrit foot

  54. dominica
    June 15, 2015

    not taking sides? really? you’re gonna go with that? my child was on the government road trying to get to school so that she could educate herself and be able to someday make a positive contribution to soceity when her life was threatened with stones and bottles…please tell me sir/madam whom should I sue for endangering the safety of my daughter?

    • %
      June 15, 2015

      WELL DONE Salisbury

    • Observer
      June 15, 2015

      Good sense you making Dominicans too stupid to see blocking the road putting the whole country at fault, when the police try to stop the rioters from blocking the schools and hospitals they saying is oppression. I still think the police should have been much much more careful.

    • June 15, 2015

      Hello it is the public road, your child was not in your yard, nor you living room, demonstrations do not take place in churches, hospitals, pilaces and so on, people take to the streets all over the continent to express their constitutional rights, be it rights to employment, housing, sexual harassment in workplace, discrimination, being handicap etc, you need to read the Human Rights Codes, the farmer are demonstrating because the road leading to their place of employment is in a deplorable condition, every body have the right to equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination, and the Salsbury people are being discriminate and oppress, victimize and discriminate because they did not vote for Skerrit admin, for which they are top on his death list, they have the right to equal treatment under the Human Rights Code, with that said sue Skerrit, blackmoore Austrie and the police chief :lol:

    • Oh no
      June 15, 2015

      What if your child was hurt by one of the police bullets ,guess you would be singing a different song. People cannot just shoot anywhere,bullets don’t have eyes.

    • theRedBlueGreen
      June 16, 2015

      So what you’re saying is that you rather your child be affected by teargas/bullets than by stones and bottles? interesting..

      • Oh no
        June 17, 2015

        Wonder if you understood what you read.

  55. REAL!!!!
    June 15, 2015

    So I guess you were betting on the strong hold locations UWP won to also protest about what was going on in Salisbury .

    That did not happened and you still say it is politically motivated by UWP. The GOVT is yet to see it is the economical hardship that was brought on the Salisbury people therefore the reason for the protest.

    Lennox and his party demonstrated they are so much more intelligent that this Labour party because they did not fall for the tricky.

    So it clearly backfired on this administration.

  56. original hold dem
    June 15, 2015

    imagine a few men elected by the riotous mob(everyone who ever protested in Dominica), DEPLOY the soldier type police using the power given by the riotous mob who used armament with disregard for the well being of the elderly and infants who are the off- spring of the riotous mob.. the riotous mod still voted for them in the last election, AH WHAT AH SIN TING

  57. Doc. Love
    June 15, 2015

    Fortunately, their were no lost of lives during the protest, considering an alleged amount of three hundred bullet casings that were found in Salisbury. We are all familiar with the Salisbury people begging for the repairing of roads. In fact, the two protest actions by the people of Salisbury were not the first time, just that, they were almost deadly. We are forgetting their was a protest action by the farmers of Salisbury in Roseau approximately two years ago. The Government was given an opportunity to solve the problem, but failed. Had Government adhere to the people’s wishes, maybe, the present issues would not have taken place. The Government was given another opportunity to solve the problem, they did not take the people seriously. The first protest stated at approximately 6.00 am, all the people were asking for was the presence of the Prime Minister or any Government Minister, they refused to go to the people, presently, we might be facing a disaster.

  58. MR Dominica
    June 15, 2015

    Reading this statement by Reginald confirms what I told him at the ministry about two years ago that their policies are no differnt from those of Germany during the period 39 to 45. and some people will not find a resting place after leaving this world because there is no place left in hell . One should not forget IDI AMIN DADA, of uganda, anastasio Samosa , THE Sha of iran the white leadwers of south Africa , Mobutu of Zire and of course PARTRICK JOHN

    • Shameless
      June 15, 2015

      Aiiiiiiiiyeee Austrie!!! One day one day kankar day my friend :twisted: :twisted: ! Just remember the great song by Chubby; “Sah mwen douvent sarwoo deeryeer!”

      Like a sisserou Salisbury will rise, whether you kill, main or disfigure our people. It actually looks like you plan on leaving Dominica after the great fall that is imminent. Remember PJ, Degarzon, Leo Austin, Noriega and their likes. Austrie, I hasten to remind you that we are all pilgrims. You Castle Bruce grand parents (Ma Glad and Mr.Glad) would have been ashamed of you. How dare you? Continue to play majoor but time will surely tell for the DLP Cabal.

      I AM SALISBURY, ARE U? 8)
      Assertive, NOT Aggressive! :twisted: :twisted:

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      June 15, 2015

      You forget to add one more to the list…Lennox Linton.

    • jean st. joe
      June 15, 2015

      you must forget that Patrick john is the uwp leaders good friend and advisor.

    • Laughter's the best Meds
      June 15, 2015

      You guy are operating not as a democratically elected gov’t but like an Isis regime imposing their religious for of laws .Not in DA guys ur days are numbered remember PJ.As Eddo said at his first Indeependence celebration”We are on Stage and incharge” Laughed MAO then. It was not for long.
      PJ told us in 79 My Gov’t will not be moved.” what happened Skerrit peeepip & Blackbird? reminds me of Oprah’s where are they now.”
      Salisbury & the Rest of DA will take it to the next level for allYou!

    • Roseau watcher
      June 15, 2015

      Dominican logic: We will block roads, stop children from going school and block the country, if the police oppose us we will compare the ministers in power to Nazi Germany.

      • theRedBlueGreen
        June 16, 2015

        Or…
        we will block the road till we hear from the minister/s in charge who promised to have our roads fixed.. we will start at 6am which will give them enough time to come speak with us before school etc starts so we can have it unblocked by then…

        whole day passed no minister shows up… seems to me like the ministers dont want school children to attend school…?

  59. AA
    June 15, 2015

    I really want to know why Dominicans still have these kinda …../being the ones leading their affairs. If this is the attitude of the government the people of Salisbury needs to get their bottles of gas and their empty bottles and their cloth to prepare for the next time that the government decides to send their goons to terrorize the people of Salisbury. The last time they take water and electricity, the next time they may take it for longer periods to make the people suffer.

    The government has no sense what so ever and their sole purpose is to bring the people of Salisbury to their knees. There is no justification for they not repairing the farm access roads and for them to fix roads in toucarie compared to Salisbury which produces and increase economic development of the country. The govt have in effect prevented the people from earning a livelihood and they along with other Dominicans should resist the govt by any means necessary

    • anonymous2
      June 15, 2015

      A puppet govt……..now run by the bankers utilizing the same regime that the people allowed to stay in power.

  60. faceup
    June 15, 2015

    “Many people could have been killed” ??? Austrie cause you know your donkey would have been grass! 8-O

  61. Shaka zulu
    June 15, 2015

    We have a set of mentally challenged people leading this place. Live ammunition by police in a protest. I do not care who is in power Police should never use live ammunition on any Dominicans. If that was the case and enquiry should be commissioned and the police commissioner must be removed especially if his decisions to arrest was made by politicians. It seems that nobody gets arrested when there is evidence of racketeering, arson, money laundering, bribery, sexual harassment, and using position to gain personal wealth. It is clear that politicians are running the police. The commissioner has already compromised the integrity of the institution and must leave.

    • Shaka zulu
      June 15, 2015

      Correction. I did not mean live ammunition should never be used. There are times its necessary. This protest was not one of them.

  62. Oh no
    June 15, 2015

    I don’t condone any form of violence.Violence is not the way to solve any situation .I’m not taking sides but the way the police shoot in that poor lady house,it’s like they were aiming for her.She is in her kitchen doing her dishes,she’s not even outside.I saw more than 10 bullet holes on that one house,had it been my mother i would sue the police force.Take a lawyer and sue ,even if i would have to take the case to the Caribbean court.Police cannot just shoot anyhow,anywhere ,if they are not corrected they could end up doing it else where and innocent lives could be lost.

    • anonymous2
      June 15, 2015

      You can if you are under a dictatorship. You have no rights. People here are waking up too late.

  63. X Dominican
    June 15, 2015

    That is Austries best thought about the protest? Many people could be killed??? Why didn’t the thought be (arrested? Injured?) If the UWP supporters were offered feeder roads for vote and they are still not getting what they were promised the had to do what they had to do.

    Those in position got a rude awakening. Hope they deliver what the promised. God bless the land of my birth. I Am 100% Dominican and forever will be.

  64. disguested
    June 15, 2015

    this is not a protest of party…..so Austrie is seriously trying to convince me that ALL the ppl involved in the protest are worker supporters?! I believe both parties are involved and this isnt political…..both have farms and need the access road.pls dcans stop being to blind and call everything politics…………….we all need to stand together when things need to be done geezzzzzzzzzz

  65. Conerned Citizen
    June 15, 2015

    Oh no Oh noooooooooooo. Have our leaders gone crazy?????? Is this for real? I think it is time for some elected officials to retire. That is why there should be a limit to the number of terms that an elected official can serve. Mr. Austrie you have done a great job while you could but I think you are tired now. You have now begun to adopt a “Don’t Care A Darm” attitude to your people. That is sad. Did you observe the recent protests in the US???? Did they try to shut the people up???? Stop threatening your people. I guess next will be a revised “Shut Your Mouth” Bill.

  66. grell
    June 15, 2015

    Austrie you and Skerrit and the labour party are a bunch of little boys.The truth i these people have refused to bow down to your so call king Skerrit and the bridge is burning under the labour party slowly.Fif the roads for the people and stop playing politics,you guys have made power go up to your brains and forgot about the poor people,but the end is near Austrie.

  67. Ma Moses
    June 15, 2015

    I believe that mr. Austrie is seriously twisted. Are we to be grateful, thankful to mr. Austrie because the police did not kill many of our citizens? I love my Dominica but a man like that is not fit to be a Minister, let alone acting Prime Minister. The police ‘s job is to protect the citizens, not to kill them. May God have mercy on us.

    • original hold dem
      June 15, 2015

      amen, well said. just let austrie know. where will they sleep if blood was shed.

      • King Jakes
        June 15, 2015

        At their home.. DUHhhhhhhh :mrgreen:

      • original mahaut man
        June 15, 2015

        That’s what you all want to happen but God is good you all keep dreaming. That’s how Freedom party got into power and you all are looking in that same direction but that will never happen.Stop inciting violence and wait for the time when the people of Dominica want a change of Government.God is in control.

    • Observer
      June 15, 2015

      You DO NOT block the main road! You are preventing people from going to hospital, school work, and getting basic needs.

      • theRedBlueGreen
        June 16, 2015

        So the farmers dont need any help with getting the Govt feeder roads fixed so they can earn their living and produce agricultural goods for Dominicans??

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