Six participants of the weekly walk for “peace, justice, and prosperity” in Dominica appeared before the Roseau Magistrate Court today, –May 19, 2022– and pleaded not guilty to illegally walking the streets of Roseau.
The Wednesday walks which began on March 30, 2022, organized by Atherton “Athie” Martin, have been condemned by some, including the Chief of Police, Daniel Carbon who expressed his disapproval from the onset.
In a statement issued to the media a day before the first walk, Carbon said the law makes provision for the lawful holding of any walk, march, or protest action. However, in his capacity as the head of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF), he said, he had not received any request nor granted permission for the activity.
Undeterred, Martin proceeded with the walks which have been held for eight consecutive weeks-attracting a large crowd- as, according to him, their walks are not a procession and as such, do not require prior authority or permission from the Commissioner of Police.
He further points out that the supreme law of the country, which is the constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, overrides any other law and guarantees citizens freedom of association, freedom of movement, and places no prior prerequisites on seeking permission to do activities such as walking.
The police have since issued summons to some participants of the walk over the past week ordering them to appear in court today.
At the hearing, Roseau North Parliamentary Representative, Daniel “Danny” Lugay, was the first defendant called.
According to the charge of Police Sergeant Mervin Andrew, on March 30, 2022, Lugay took part in a public procession in the city of Roseau without the written permission of the Commissioner of Police to do so, contrary to the provision of section 5 (4)(a) o the Public Order Act chapter 15:01 of the consolidated laws of Dominica of 2017.
Lugay, who was represented by attorney-at-law David Bruney, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The second defendant who was also represented by Bruney, Oliver Walsh, popular radio caller known as “Boots on the Ground”, was charged for his alleged participation in the public procession on March 30. He too pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Sarah-Ann Margaret LaRocque of Great George Street Roseau was slapped with two charges for her alleged involvement in the activity on March 30 and April 6.
Dominica’s Parliamentary Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, was the fourth defendant who appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to one charge by the police for his alleged participation in the walk on April 6, 2022.
The organizer of the walk, Martin, also appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to two charges of partaking in a public procession in the city of Roseau without the written permission of the Commissioner of Police to do so on March 30 and April 6, 2022.
Davidson “Pyro” Julien of Newtown who stood charged of the same offense which allegedly occurred on April 6, after having the charge read to him in court, attempted to seek clarification on Dominica’s constitution from the presiding Magistrate, Pearl WIlliams, before entering a plea.
However, after consultation with his lawyers Ronald Charles and Wayne Marsh who also represent the other four defendants, Julien entered a not guilty plea.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Davidson Cadette, requested from the court that all the matters be adjoruned to the same date as according to him, the acting Director of Public Prosecution(DPP), Sherma Dalyrmple, had to review the files of the case and provide certain directions to the prosecution.
Magistrate Williams adjourned the matters to October 14, 2022, for reporting and summoned all the defendants to be represent in court on that date before their release.
Sergeant Andrew also preferred charges against Julius “Hand Bag” Gabriel of Grand Bay, the Dominica Freedom Party interim Political Leader, Bernard Hurtault, Earl Bruno and brother of the Leader of the Opposition, Brain Linton, but when these defendants were called they did not appear in court.
Inspector Cadette told the court that other defendants many not have been served as there was no return of serve for the summons issued for the four men. Hence, Magistrate Williams said the absent defendants should be warned to appear in court for the adjourned date of October 14.
Dominica News Online (DNO) was informed that more summonses will be issued to other participants of the walk in the coming days. We will continue to follow this story.
Ugly Lenny, should have kept his mask on he would looked better than looking like a battered old boxer 🥊 after one round 🤣😂
Man bite dogs,be careful what you wish to others because it might come back to hunt you or your family, friends. Don’t wish bad to your brothers and sisters
Adams, I am inviting you to put your words where your big mouth is come on you have no idea whom you dealing with.
Let’s hear it then. Who are we dealing with? Let me hazard a guess, a little coward from Dominica hiding in the US sucking up to the CM for the occasional envelope to finance his miserable visits to Dominica. That’s exactly who and what you are. Shame on you!
Protesting in 2022, is not about useless marches that will get you arrested. It is about going to the homes of the responsible leaders to deliver letters of protest, failing to provide them and their families with a good service in service institutions, writing formal letters to them to confirm that they do not have your mandate to represent you in parliament. That’s how it is done. Athie, take note.
Athie,Lennox and the other UWP so called leaders know their supporters are uneducated and gossip mongers.Section 42(1) page 48 of the very same constituition say’s,Parliament may alter ANY of the provision of this constitution or of the Supreme Court Order.The law say to organize a walk or match in any public plscepermission must be given by the commissioner of police.That BS by Athie about supreme law is just BS.Parliament can alter anything in the constitution as long as the have 2/3 of the support of the elected members.So Athie know he can lie to UWP supporters because they cannot read.Thompson Fontaine gave a detailed account of what transpired on February 7 2017,he said he had a conversation with the police on Kennedy ave.Later he turn around and tell the media whore,house n….. he was at the studio of q95 broadcasting and was never on Kennedy ave on February 7 2017.Crooks,Traitors and liars.
Those powerful “prayers” will do for them.
I salute the patriots who put Dominica first and are willing to endure the intimidation and harassment of those who took an oath to protect and serve and guarantee the exercise of their constitutional rights. Instead of pursuing the perpetrators of homicides and other criminal acts in the country to keep the citizenry safe, the police chief is overstepping his bounds. So I guess when a tourist boat is in port and a large number of tourists are walking in Roseau, they are breaking the police chief’s law? Carbon needs to start doing the job he’s being paid to do which is to lead an independent and well-regulated police department to protect and serve according to the laws of Dominica without fear or favor. Two citizens have died in police custody under his stewardship and to date, no one is paying for the crime. Go figure.
No wonder Athie has these aholes following him here is overeducated,Bwa Banday talking about law,while his supreme leader
Athie Martin is talking about constitution.The constitution gives parliament the power to make laws for the good of the PEOPLE.The people is the majority,who voted DLP and not UWP.The police must cut off the head of the cemetery Satan worshiping,invokers of the dead,before they do what they did on February 7 2017.In the 2019 election UWP lost 1,163 votes,and they say the majority of Dominicans living in Dominica voted them.If that is true the 1,163 voters,who did not vote them,where did they come from?according to UWP not from the diaspora.Maybe dead people who did nor resurrect in 2019.Liars.
🤣🤣🤣
This is beyond stupidity. Are you kidding me, criminal charges for walking in Roseau? DNO and the rest of the media in Dominica are simply jokers..puppets on a string. Their platform is contaminated with bribery, lies and deceit. One good old day, the people of Dominica will regret for not standing for country, justice, your children future and for not defending the rights of the poor and the innocent. Leave politics aside, what this so called PM is doing is pure evil. Intimidating and victimising the people for walking within their constitutional rights? Man!! FIRE GO BURN YOU. Did your mother left Dominica for you as an inheritance? The people that advising you are more wicked than you. Leave the people alone, it’s their constitutional rights to walk and voice their concerns. No LAW No constitution but when they come for you, on judgement day and it shall surely come, that same law and constitution you will recite to protect you. 99 days for the devil, 1 day for God.
What is beyond stupidity, is the drama you’re seeing in Roseau every week. Do you really think this is about walking in Roseau. Do you know how silly you are, attacking people and making ludicrous statements before understanding the agenda you are supporting, you have a right to your beliefs but not a right to make uninformed comments calling people evil, something, or someone is not evil because you say so, as to who is wicked it is just a natter of tine Dominicans will know, in the meantime go read the Constitution understand it, do not make people tell you what something is, you decide what something means to you, even the words protest and walk as simply as they are. As to your belief 99 days for the devil, 1 day for God, there is no truth and reality in such a saying.
This is corruption at its finest. Arresting ppl for speaking/exercising their rights as citizens 🚮
Jail those bloody idlers ugly Lenny, the lots we the Dominican people cannot wait to see the backs of these sick old good for nothing hooligans.
You will tired wish.. The case will be withdrawn u watch…..
Congrats guys, well accomplished.
So much bele mache i went to in my life in Dominica i never got charged. When som Raphael organized walk from Rosalie to roseau and soufriere to grandbay, no one never got charged. Why is now they want to charge people for walking.
My ailing grandmother was told that she need to get out of the house and go walking to strengthen her ankles….mine the police doncharge her too.
Dominica does not Even have place to walk.
Fik the city first then I Will pay for walking. I Hope the police does not walk in Dominica for if they do, someone has to be charged
God bless Dominica and no where else.
When you went on the bele mache what was the intention, was it a political motivated, did the organizers of the bele mache went on radio using political rhetoric calling for people to turn up in large numbers, did the organizers of the bele mache have megaphones chanting political slogans, people attending the bele mache you went to did they carry placards or wear clothing displaying political language. You must not use your memory as a convenience to defend a deceptive political agenda corrupting words, Protest has now been used to mean walking for peace and justice. If you want to be deceived by people, be it.
You are completely NUTS. It had to be said. Are you the head of Skerrits propaganda machine GIS by any chance?
Do I have to be on Skerrits propaganda machine GIS to ask questions and think. Does that make me nuts.
criminal charges for walking in Roseau. This alone is completely laughable and bogus. How do i illegally walk the streets of Roseau? Do i need to ask the police commissioner for permission to walk in Roseau? Or is there a certain way that i must walk the streets for it to be considered legal? Absolute nonsense and victimization.
This is nonsense. We have murderers walking free, and instead of going to look for them. We are wasting the country’s resources on people walking peacefully, are they causing destruction? No, they are just simple walking and talking. Why not go and look for the murderers instead. When will we Dominicans see the light. The police officers are used just to satisfy one man ego!!!!! SMH Dominicans wake up. When you support someone who is doing malicious things, it will fall on you and your family. God doesn’t like UGLY!!
…and why not go to the financial centre (top floor) and have a good look there. All kind of things and mysteries hidden there, in some cases with answers. Dominicans don’t let Skerrit, the Militia and the courts fool you any longer. It’s time for all you to join the freedom walk.
This Seems quite a ridiculous situation
Send them all to Guantanamo Bay. That’s where the US send terrorists, why not ask the US permission to use this facility for our own terrorists? These guys trying to create turmoil in our peaceful country because they cannot win via the ballot box. Not enough room at Stockfarm to put them all. Guantanamo Bay is the answer.
“Send them to Guantanamo Bay”🤔 what a good dam idea!!!
Becareful what you wish for. Tanto-tanto
You are such a foolish person, there are no words to describe your stupidity!
Guantanamo in Cuba, is not a facility for terrorists; from any place on the the planet.
Guantanamo Bay is a United States Military Base during World War ll in order to combat Hitler, and the Nazi.
They took the terrorist who organized the attack on the World Trade Center on 911, because Americans did not want them on American soil.
You are so uninformed you do not understand the difference of what Athie and the rest are doing in order to bring peace, and prosperity to Dominica!
The term “terrorism” means premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents.
It is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
Dumb people write foolish comments!
Boy, Topup ugly eh!
Garbage as usual! This guy produces so much garbage he needs to have a landfill all for himself. The guy reminds me of Oscar of Sesame Street fame who lives in a garbage bin.
But, but, but….Pearl Williams does not know the law man?
How can she ” send message’ for the defendants that were not served a summon to come to court. That is a Kangaroo court man? Madam Magistrate I know you are reading this so take note; You have no legal authority to “send message for anyone to appear in court. You know that because upon hearing from Insp. Cardette that the accused people “may” not have been served you were smart enough NOT to issue a “Bench Warrant” for their arrest. So doh send them no message because you know that not right.
Tell the police to either serve the summons on them or apply for a warrant in the first Instance if they want them in court. So Brian, Hand Bag and others don’t go no patat place until you are served a summons. …………………………..
Is that for real…..? When is the next walk?
Athie Martin know he has to get permission from the commission of police.He has been in this several times before.He also know the police are a bunch of sherkers and jerkers,and he can do to the police what he could not do to them in the 70’s and 80’s.
The average Joe fully well knows that these charges are nothing more than intimidatory tactics. Only the below average like American Welfare Clown, Dog Waste, and other like-minded ignoramuses would think otherwise.
How much more must Lennox Linton endure? Foreign and domestic terrorists have breached, searched and ransacked the man’s private sanctuary. He has been vilified, tormented and persecuted by the enemies of truth in high places. How much more can one man take? Not much more if you ask me.
When the Police and the DLP “rouge regime” continue to cry “wolf! wolf! wolf! in regards to the constant harassment of persons peacefully exercising their constitutional rights under the pretense of “Incitement” and other bogus charges of unlawful protest action; it is important for me to remind us that these were the same pattern of behavior by the then (rouge regimes) governing these countries which caused regime change in both Grenada and Cuba two of our sister Caribbean Islands. History has a way of repeating it’s self; be warned my people.
I feel compelled to utter this before delving into the meat of the matter.
The Media is the most powerful and socially influential entity in the world. But, in Dominica, the media has been intimidated, and castrated by the most unethical, immoral, dishonest Dominican.
Here we have DNO just giving Dominicans a very superficial account as to the frivolous charges. What would have enlightened the populace, was to get an independent lawyer to pronounce on the charges against innocent, law abiding patriots.
DNO, like DBS, Kairi and the GIS parrots the exact words sent out by the diabolical autocracy.
Journalism in Dominica is at its lowest ebb. Shame on these cowardly sluggards.
Anyway anyway anyway…… This is just so ridiculous. These people getting more and more desperate, arresting people for walking through the city. Peacefully. The sad and even more so, shameful part of this saga is that Dominicans seem to see nothing wrong with that.
@Bee, you said peaceful, I say my a** these hooligans were breaking the law of the land, if you had any true sense whatsoever it would be hard to understand what they were up to led by two old bones ugly Lenny,was one of them.