The detention for several hours by Dominican police, of seven American visitors to the island, has evoked concerns from former opposition leader Lennox Linton.
The visitors, who arrived on the island on three private planes, had been cleared by immigration and customs in what Linton describes as “normal fashion”. He said they were picked up from Exotica Cottages where they were staying, for an investigation into their immigration status.
The Americans, who had planned to leave Dominica on Wednesday, were trying to cut their trip short and leave today. This sudden change in plans has left many wondering about the reasons behind the police’s actions, Linton said.
“What were the police looking for? What is this investigation of immigration status about?” asked Linton. “It doesn’t seem as though they were charged with anything. Doesn’t seem as though they committed any crime, so what was this about?”
And since the police have not revealed their reason for detaining the visitors, Linton questioned whether they were targeted due to their association with Athie Martin – a known critic of the Dominica government – who, with his wife, own Exotica Cottages.
Linton ended his statement by reiterating his concern about certain behaviour by the police in Dominica, stating, “We have warned you about these individuals and that they are not doing the work of law enforcement, they are doing the work of one man.”
So far, there’s been no report from the police about the incident.
Dominica News Online (DNO) has learned that the group left Dominica this morning for the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas.
People, why you are so stupid? These 7 Americans are CIA operatives. The US government wants to change PM Skerrit for more pro-American leaders. The US gov does not like China – Dominica cooperation. It is so obvious!
No. One is a friend of mine and as far from being a CIA operative as the Pope. They were there to try and start up some tourism to help the depressed economy. Guess not now.
Doesnt matter if they are CIA, Interpol, FBI ATF they have a right to be here unperturbed. they are here on vacation, why allow them to enter to then detain them. Luckily, one of them was a Judge and was able to quickly get legal representation to have them released. You can speculate who they are or are not. Either way they had a right to be here even if it was only for vacation. In reality they were here on business also as they were interested in investing. but guess who messed that up.
Mr.Lloyd,
On behalf of all god fearing, loving Dominicans I extend heartfelt apologies to you and the team of travelers who were needlessly harassed and made to feel like criminals in our country. We also want to thank you profusely for all the pro-bono work you did in trying to develop such an interesting tourism product that we would all have benefitted from. Again my sincere apologies to you all and do come back and see us soon. Safe travels sir! Blessings from Dominica..
One of Roosevelt Skerrit hotel in another name.Which one of Skerrit hotel,where and in what name?Jacka…
The police have a right to detained who the want and when they want.Anytime they believe or suspect a crime has been committed or about to be committed.
Just what is expected from a cult member of the DRP ( Dominica Roosevelt Party). People have never taken clowns with any seriousness. Why? You are a clown.
With REASONABLE SUSPICION. Police cannot just enter my house and detain me. They cannot just stop me on the street and detain me for ne reason. There must be reasonable suspicion BASED ON FACTS. not feelings. feelings change at the drop of a dime.
This incident should be very concerning for Dominicans more particularly for those who, by good conscience, cannot support the despotic incumbent regime.
This specific action proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that Dominicans live in a police state, a once democracy that has gone the awry.
Kiss electoral reform good bye, bring those talks on this topic to an abrupt halt, nothing is going to be implemented by this tyrannical, hanky-panky government. Only the will of the people, in massive numbers on the streets, will drive these opportunistic, voracious, amoral pilferers and prowlers from office.
5 more years. A clown show of a country. Acting without thinking,
……………………………………………………………..
My Little Take,stop continuing to make yourself a Jacka.There is a difference between DETAIN and Arrest.The Americans were not arrested.To arrest somebody you must inform them of the offence committed.It is charge,arrest,caution and bailed if possible.Every arrested person must be bailed,the most common is on his own recognizance,without a surety.A person who has not been charged CANNOT be arrested,That person can be detained not arrested.Ask ole police.A detained person can be in custody for not more than 24 hours,after which he/she must be released.
Man shut up, you damn dog; I am sure Lloyd, knows the difference of been under arrest, and simple be detain! In criminal law, when a individual is detained it indicates they are held in custody for a temporary period of time; being detained by police means that there is a suspicion of a crime in which the police believe they are involved.
So I asks you dis the pigs in Dominica inform the visitors in what crime the suspect they were involved?
Arrest is the action seizing someone and taking them into custody; that’s what seems to have happened in Dominica; Dominica police was not even on a fishing expedition in this case, they simply politically victimized the visitors.
They did it simply to harm the business owners of the guesthouse where they stayed!
If the decided to visit at one of the thief hotels, they would be left alone.
That SOB Roosevelt will eventually pay for his crimes like this perpetrated on the innocent in the future!
National security must be of paramount concern to all countries. By extension, ports of entry must be the primary point of scrutiny and clearance for all visitors.
Pilots, Ship Captains and their passengers should not be exempt from immigration screening under any circumstance.
Assuming everyone in Pilot’s entourage were properly screened upon entry and then subsequently by the police before being released, I must ask: what was the problem?
I am no law enforcement expert or sleuth but the little bit of common sense in me knows that any legitimate act of arrrest and detention must be precipitated by reasonable cause and/or suspicion.
The Chief of Police or a State designated spokesperson should offer a brief official statement (and public apology) on this mind boggling matter asap.
I will certainly not hold my breath for an official statement from the police as this soap opera may ultimately prove that there are three sides to every story (his, the other’s and the…
What about all those Dominican Passports sold to foreign criminals. That is a worrying issue of national security. What is the police doing about that?? As far as I know Skerrit is still roaming free.
The seven visitors/tourists were here to explore and enjoy the natural marvel of Dominica. They came to contribute to the sluggish economy and to spread the word to friends, acquaintances and strangers about the enchantment of nature’s most beautiful gem.
However, the authorities became paranoid when they caught word of the place where they planned to stay. Ethie Martin? A well-known critic of the government? Suspicions aroused.
The over the top, indefensible reaction by this distrustful regime clearly shows that they are on pins ad needles. Despite their bravado, these evildoers are always suspicious and mortally afraid of things outside of their direct control.
This incident is another black-eye for Dominica. The country is spiralling out of control.
” It seemed that the issue was some kind of question about our immigration status but it was determined we were absolutely legal in our arrival. As a result of this we no longer felt safe in Dominica so we flew to St Thomas this morning.” All records are that you are/were a frequent visitor to Dominica. Suddenly, you feel unsafe…because the Police asked you to accompany them to the Police Headquarters so that you can help clarify your immigration status. Dominica is a land of laws and processes. Where there is reason to question the status of any visitor, the relevant authority MUST, you will appreciate, look into the matter. It is what would have happened in St. Thomas or Miami. Why do you seem to take umbrage with Dominica for adhering to due process? I smell arrogance, Brian, of the kind that infuriates Dominicans.
They would have felt safer and treated better entering through the back door. But they didn’t know that. Maybe next time by helicopter.
It was appalling, listening to Lennox Linton on the Air waves, for someone who calls himself an Investigative Journalist making assumptions regarding
the matter lol, and what make it worse is the people who call and give credence to such ludicrous assumptions.
Your criticism of Mr. Lennox Linton is like vapour. Most intelligent people treat it as if it is inaudible and invisible. The fittest place for it is the waste paper basket.
U see the same thing . Them labour stoogies just doing thing and bringing the country into disrepute
So since when did ugly Lenny think that he was appointed as minister for police affairs and state/national security? The police must have been passed on confidential information regarding these individuals and their purpose on island in order to investigate them. Ugly Lenny stay quiet and let the security forces do their work. Better to be safe than sorry.
@Esgle-Eyed
You are not commenting on what is in front of you, stop being an idiot, by getting personal at honourable Linton. When you have nothing to say just remain quiet.
That is right. A PM having the welfare and well-being and safety of the citizens of Dominica and his and family and cabinet at heart has a right to have the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force investigate these American guys who spent time at Athie’s hotel to see what they are up to. Want to make sure they are not mercenaries, and everything is clear before releasing them. Our citizens come first. Everything for Ugly Lenny nowadays is political harassment. That guy is an idiot.
I am tired of calling you and idiot, and a damn fool at that!
” A PM having the welfare and well-being and safety of the citizens of Dominica”
Fool, how stupid are you?
If the people were a threat to Dominica; you; your mother, and Roosevelt, why were they not detained at the Airport by the immigration, and custom officers.
Idiot, the people were cleared, a stamp of entry was stamped into their passports; and allowed to leave the terminal, got into a taxi which they did not bring with them; headed to a destination, went to bed and in the early hours of the morning Roosevelt from wheresoever he is called his police to arrest, and harass the visitors, based only on the guesthouse they chose to stay!
‘There is a man in a high place owns apartments and hotels in other people name; if they had gone to one of them the harassment they suffered would not have happened, if they had gone to one of that damn thief so called hotels I would not be arguing with you ds, a damn idiot!
Shut…
Lennox it was drawn to my attention that of the people whom was subjected to this harassment by the so called immigration, among them might be one Dominica born naturalized American citizen.
I was informed that the people planned on organizing travel trips to Dominica over the weekends for people from the U.S
In Dominica usually it’s all about talk; we hear garbage such as “ what have you done for Dominica” or what are you doing for Dominica?” Such questions are asked quite often of those of us who shouldering our responsibilities by supporting our families at home financially by scums the earth with no name on DNO!
The wig head minister of tourism bleeping like sheep talked about tourism, but in this case if as it was conveyed to me is true, after theses people return to their country, informed their relatives and friends of their experiences in backward Dominica, who would like to go only to experience the same?
We jerked one inch forward, simultaneously ten inches backward!
Dominica is a modern-day Garden of Eden, we heard. Beautiful mountains and lush vegetation, warm people, relaxed atmosphere, glorious diving, we were assured by an American pilot who’d offered aid for years to a tiny country hard-hit by a hurricane. He hoped to introduce his fellow pilots to a relatively undiscovered, unspoiled destination, to good people looking for a calm and scenic destination. He put much of his own time and money into planning our trip, ensuring all details were attended to, for a memorable and smooth trip.
Well, now we know. Not so much rule of law, eh? I’m both disappointed and relieved I won’t be flying to Dominica this May. Disappointed to learn thugs run the country, sad that well-meaning people who wanted good things for the nation were bullied and had their exploratory trip ruined, and ever so relieved to be spared such a traumatic experience in what was to be my once-in-a – lifetime flight. Shame on those responsible for this stupid perversion of justice!
You see if these people had gone to one of Roosevelt hotels in another name; rather then the small mom and pap guess house these people would not be spied upon to see where they chose to stay, and without any justification hauled back to immigration to be interrogated as criminals when all they simply wanted to do is vacation in Dominica for a week end! How can immigration clear someone to enter the country, without suspicion; however after thy get to their destination they literally took them into custody?
Our people are so damn dumb, just because a group of people arrived in Dominica in different aircraft’s in groups of two’s or tens doesn’t make them criminals! There are plenty of very rich private professionals who own their own aircraft’s flying from city to city to work daily; not a big deal!
I worked as an engineer at a place , a machinist invited me to go to Vegas one evening, I told him it was too late to drive, he told has a plane I laughed until I saw it.
Dominica is…
“too late to drive, he told has a plane I laughed until I saw it.
Dominica is…”
The clarification is that: the machinist was an ordinary black guy; who told me we would not be driving to Vegas, because he has a plane: I laughed because I did not believe him; until I saw the aircraft with mine own eyes.
I suppose if they were Chines these same damn dumb police and immigration people would have knelt, and kiss their behind!
The whole idea behind the visitors arrest and interrogation is about the Guesthouse where they chose to spend the weekend.
Sorry Mr. proprietor; I cannot say your name nor state you location of business, but I remember a long time ago, you told me that all or most of your guest are returning visitors!
Roosevelt and his hound-dogs don’t want you and your wife to eat, so they thought by dragging your guests from their beds will be an embarrassment to you; but it has backfired, because the loss you suffered is nothing to what that cost Dominica.
When you read something, why do you have to give your own spin throwing our rational reason. What does this have to do with Hotel of choice politicizing the matter. Why are you marking statements as though you have the facts relating to the matter. Your nonsensical statements are not facts of the matter, it is a pathetic pattern of behavior you display on this forum, so long.
Because I am capable!
Is it not better to reference something from a personal experience, than to do like you pulling things out of thin-air?
Gary, I reiterate that there are plenty of working class people, lawyers, doctors, engineers, and in the case of the guy referenced own aircraft’s.
Note Gary: “Machinists are tradespeople or trained professionals who operate machine tools to shape metal or other materials into other items. They may repair parts on existing machinery or create new parts entirely. Machinists create a variety of products, ranging from small items, such as titanium bone screws to steel bolts to larger items, such as automobile pistons or hydraulic parts. Some machinists will make the same items multiple times, but precision machinists may produce one-of-a-kind items or small batches of items.
Machinists develop a knowledge of tools and materials, and they use precision measuring instruments to execute a variety of machine operations.”
They are highly paid!
DNO as the leading news entity online in Dominica have you even tried to contact the police for clarification of the issue? When the media fail to do its due diligence corruption, secrecy and bad governance prevail. The government goes rogue with impunity.
Why this lot of ‘Linton said’, ‘Linton describes’, ‘Linton this and Linton that’? What do you have to say, DNO?
This maladministration bungles everything. The police do not protect and serve the people. They are nothing more than bodyguards of Roosevelt. They operate strictly at HS behest.
These tourists who were harassed and humiliated by Roosevelt’s Mongoose Gang are prominent, well respected and law abiding members of there communities. This may have serious deleterious effects and negative ramifications for the local tourism industry.
This regime’s performance over the twenty years of stewardship can only be described as being spectacularly unremarkable.
I have known you for being silly and a JOKER. Have you questioned Linton
reporting on the matter asking about his due diligence, is he exempt from doing so and why, lol. I told you many times that your proficiency with the written language means nothing if you cannot reason intelligently instead of being driven by your political partisan beliefs, distorting facts to suit what you believe and what you want to hear, displaying such behavior
is not helping the agenda you’re part of. Your statement, “These tourists who were harassed and humiliated by Roosevelt’s Mongoose Gang” Does the PM have such a Gang, do you have proof or evidence that these visitors were harassed and humiliated.
As to your ‘”Linton this and Linton that” is he not to be held accountable for the things he says on the air waves. Linton had the name of one visitor a Lawyer who stayed at Exotica Cottages, why did he not call the Lawyer and ask him about the matter before making these assumptions.
Well Linton go take lessons nuh so dey can jump you over the Bar nuh so you can come back as Lawyer-Pwayqui!!!
Garçan what is wrong wiff you you bored nuh???
You was on radio you left and go into politics den you left dat and come back in Radio,,,
No matter where you go is the same Yap-Yap-Yap-Yap you doing, without making any real change for people,,,
So what if dem BarbieLons dem feel like arresting demMan dem is your Bizniss den!!!
You must have some interest in mistadem why you come Yap-Yaping about the Barbielons dem moves nuh!!!
Mistadem come help you to do someting man!!!
You better watch out yeh cause there is an aspect of law dat considers “Guilt By Association”,,,
Rest yourself Pardner go plant some fig or some plantain and some yam so you can make a difference in society man!!!
@RastaMarn
Why waste time writing so much foolishness? OMG
Only DNO’s clown, Lin Clown writes so much garbage.
Some of us need to open our eyes and see what’s going on. If we are born and raised Dominicans, we should know that this is not Dominica, and something is definitely wrong. Come on, please be real.
What is clear to all Dominicans regardless of their religion or political affiliation is that the so called police does not work in the best interest of Dominica but rather, they work for and in the interests of the corrupt dictator.
I want to tie these arrests of 7 US citizens with Skerrit’s trip to China and his meeting with the Chinese leader today.
Let’s stop pretending as if we don’t know that the corrupt dictator has us bound by the “One China “ policy and therefore the Dictator is afraid of American presence on island. It was for that reason Ross University was gotten rid of after 40 years and the medical ship that use to give free healthcare to Dominicans including surgical care. Furthermore the dictator knows his days are numbered and expects a free plane ride to the US at anytime so that he could visit and share meals with his buddy Andrew Fahie. The dictator is afraid of any shadow of US. So to see 7 Americans on three planes on island must have given the dictator chill bumps
They put cacao outside so they are looking for rain.
Let them look. The rain will soon come while they are all asleep. To the policemen I say STOP allowing yourselves be used as political stooges by the SOS. Remember, power of any type is temporary. Just look at Carbon now. After he used and abused us for the SOS and his cabal he is now helpless among us and so ashamed that he rearly leaves his house to enjoy his retirement. Be warned officers, power is only temporary. A stitch in time saves nine so DO NOTHING when you are asked to do political nastiness.
I was the pilot of one of the aircraft and the leader of the group. I was bringing other pilots and their families to Dominica to share one of my favorite places in the world. We were rousted from our beds at 6:30 on Palm Sunday and taken to the police station, where we were held for 7 hours. Fortunately for us one of our group is a well-respected judge in the United States who was able to notify his Senator that we were arrested. (Detainment is arrest in my book no matter what the police call it.) We retained Attorney Wayne Norde to represent us as we didn’t know what we were facing as the investigating officer refused to tell us what we were charged with. It seemed that the issue was some kind of question about our immigration status but it was determined we were absolutely legal in our arrival. As a result of this we no longer felt safe in Dominica so we flew to St Thomas this morning. After 21 years of visiting and helping I may never come back. I will not be a political football.
Tourism is everyone’s business. I would charge Denise Charles to follow up on the matter and to make a public apology on behalf of the government and extend an open invitation, all expense paid for by the government as she is the Minister of Tourism. This sort of behavior is totally unacceptable. And i apologize on behalf of the visitors, even though my modest apology will mean nothing. but this is absolute nonsense. So now Arthie have to tell his guests to lie about where they staying?
Denise Charles is part of the the not problem she cannot be part of the solution. By the way, she has to ask Roosevelt permission to apologise.
Please come again and again because your presence here is shining a light on what’s happening in this dark place called Dominica. The Dominicans welcome you and your friends. Let your people know what is happening on this Island. Thanks for coming
I wrote a comment covering one of your point, I don’t know if DNO will print it!
I argued whereas the people perhaps you had already cleared immigration and allowed to leave the airport, without a reason to detain the group; that is an indication the dogs, the Roosevelt Skerrit, puppets, police, had an ulterior motive which is political based on the choice of where you people decide to stay!
In Dominica business people, or anyone who refuses to bow and kiss Roosevelt behind are not allowed to conduct business in the country, they do all in their power to destroy guest houses and even a rum shop if the owners, proprietor’s do not bow and subject themselves to that corrupted crook Roosevelt Skerrit politics.
I believe there is a liability, of wrongful detention, and a lawsuit against the government and chief of police may be in order!
Brian, ever heard about the “rule of law?” Contrary to what you may have been told in your American education, many of us “sh.. hole countries” actually adhere to the rule of law and due process. If you have an issue with this, please feel free to stay away.
Why don’t shut up, you damn fool, you do not know what the crap you talking about!
The victims of this political victimization had long cleared customs, and immigration okay: therefore the police had absolutely no right to arrest these people unless they were caught committing a crime!
Look, I am a Dominican born American citizen, the last time I went to Dominica, when I was going through customs, a damn dirty hand sweaty looking guy with rings around his color went through my belongings ransacking my cloths, I don’t know what he hope to find, perhaps his mother!
Anyway unless that method is changed, and they now utilize equipment which can identify suspicious articles, I expect the visitors luggage was search as the dirty pig did to me; in the event there was something illegal in their luggage that would be the time to effect arrest.
That did not happen; therefore the police violated their rights, as visitors to the country, therefore that constitute a law suite!
If I had my way, I would advise the victims to make a big deal out of this and refer the matter to the state department: it is a political matter, but Roosevelt that damn corrupted crook and his lapdogs his so cold police need to be taught a lesson.
Perhaps it is time for the United States to impose some sort of sanction on Dominica, whatever, be it refusing to issue visa to Dominican applicants for a period of time, but something must be done to check the behavior of a rogue, and corrupted government (the one man government Roosevelt Skerrit, the damn corrupted crook)!
“The United States Department of State (DOS), or simply the State Department, is an executive department of the U.S. federal government responsible for the country’s foreign policy and relations.”
Perhaps the relationship if any between the U. S. and Dominica should be reviewed by the State Department.
Mr Brian Lloyd, as a Dominican residing in the US I am very sorry to hear what you and your US friends went through in Dominica and on the behalf of all right thinking Dominicans I apologize to you and your friends.
Sir it’s no secret that PM Skerrit is very corrupt and, is in bed with China and he does not want good thinking Americans that in this country.
The fact of the matter is the police of Dominiconly do the bidding of Skerrit and to he’ll with Dominica. So they will Harris, intermediate and arrest all those they feel are not in bed with Skerrit. PM Skerrit only works for China and their best interests, while China will do everything to keep Skerrit in office. So we are in deep sh.. in Dominica under China, Skerrit and the Skerrit police jokers
Yes, the damn corrupted crook, and his shallow minded, dunce fat tub of lard wife in China crawling at the feet of the dictators, dressed up as clowns, with sash around their nasty body as dictators usually dressed!
There is no time in the history of our country since independence, any of our former prime ministers has ever displayed such a comical show as Roosevelt Skerrit and dunce Melisa has displayed in China!
What is that clown trying to prove? There is no place in the the nation constitution that dictates the prime minister of Dominica, shall utilize a dress attire displaying a sash or other while representing the island of Dominica.
We have never seen Roosevelt dressed that way until this visit to China. I am convinced that his Chines handlers ordered him as the idiot he is to dress that way, they have made a fool out of him as usual!
We have never seen any other head of State in the former British colonies dressed as an idiot as Roosevelt: kneel to the Chines you idiot!
Mr.Lloyd,
On behalf of all god fearing, loving Dominicans I extend heartfelt apologies to you and the team of travelers who were needlessly harassed and made to feel like criminals in our country. We also want to thank you profusely for all the pro-bono work you did in trying to develop such an interesting tourism product that we would all have benefitted from. Again my sincere apologies to you all and do come back and see us soon. Safe travels sir! Blessings from Dominica..