‘THANK YOU’ FRONTLINE WORKERS: The Dominica Police Force

Photo credit: Cecil Clarke

EDITOR’s NOTE: This series aims to recognize our frontline workers in Dominica for the yeoman service they are giving during this COVID-19 contagion. We begin with The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force.

Covid-19 has brought many of our unsung heroes whose roles we take for granted to the forefront.  It is our frontline and essential workers that, together with our Government – notably the entire team under the Ministry of Health and Wellness are working tirelessly to eliminate COVID-19 from our beautiful island.

As a result of the entry of Covid-19 in Dominica and in a valiant attempt to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus en masse across our population, the Government put in place the Emergency Powers (Curfew) Order 2020 on 1st April 2020. This Order has recently been extended and will remain in effect until 11 May 2020. The effect of this order was to restrict movement and interaction with each other solely to prevent the spread of a deadly virus that is sweeping the world and has already killed hundreds of thousands of people.

Of course, emergency service personnel better known as our front line and essential personnel are working hard and long hours to keep our communities – our country safe.

Amongst those on the frontline are the men and women of the Dominica Police Service.  They are charged with both a proactive and enforcement role throughout this pandemic – from door-knocking homes to ensure those identified as requiring it are isolating for the required 14 days, to ensuring that the emergency order put in place is being adhered to for example public order in supermarkets, that only essential services are operating and that people are not gathering in groups, that social distancing is being observed.

The police are also conducting extra mobile and foot patrols and have checkpoints in place to provide reassurance to the community that protocols and regulations put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the island are being strictly observed by everyone.

Today we highlight the work of the Dominica Police Service and the efforts being made by the them to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 amongst our population.

We had one of our reporters and photographer spend time with the police at the Roseau Police Station and at some of the check points in place to observe the police in action.

The underlying theme that came across when speaking with the officers is that their ultimate goal is to keep the country safe by enforcing the terms of the emergency order to help stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

ASP Matthew Cuffy

We were able to obtain an interview with Assistant Superintendent of Police, Matthew Cuffy who, on the day we met with him (22nd April 202) was also Commander of the Command Post.

He spoke to DNO about the police duties in enforcing compliance of the curfew which is now in effect.

An audio recording of the interview with ASP Cuffy is posted below.

We also caught up with Deryck St Rose, Acting Inspector of Police outside the Roseau Market.  He was on patrol with his team of 7 officers from the Special Service Unit.

Acting Inspector Deryck St. Rose. Photo: Cecil Clarke

Acting Inspector St Rose told us that “Things are going quite well.  The majority of the people are respecting the rules and we are seeing the distancing” (social distancing).  “People are generally cooperating.”

He said he was pleased to note that “90% of people are wearing masks.

He explained that during the curfew currently in place (between  6pm to 6am Mondays to Thursdays and 6pm Fridays through to 6am on Mondays) there is no one on the streets.  “ People are adhering to the rules which is very good.  It makes our job easier”.

He explained that the police did have some difficulties with persons who were not observing the rules.  The police did not adopt a heavy handed approach but, according to Acting Inspector St Rose “we explained to them how dangerous it can be so right now it seems that most people understand that is how it is going to be for a little while until the curfew and everything is back to normal.”

Asked about the morale of the police officers he stated “the officers’ morale is very good.”

Acting Inspector St Rose’s advice to the general public “let’s keep on doing it safe and keeping it safe.  We just have to be disciplined for a little while.  We hope that soon this will be over.  We just need make sure that everyone stays safe.

 

Jeoffrey James, Sergeant of Police

Sergeant Jeoffrey James. Photo: Cecil Clarke

“My role is to enforce the law under the Emergency Powers Act and to ensure that the public adhere to the regulations as stipulated in the SRO (Special Regulations Order),” Sergeant Jeoffrey James told us. “Currently, I am on my way to Pond Casse where we have a checkpoint to police the south-east of Dominica, linking the west and the east to the capital – Roseau.  We are there to perform our duties, in particular, to ensure that social distancing as it relates to transportation of people to and from that particular part of the island is being adhered to in terms of one passenger per seat and how they are supposed to be seated on the bus as stipulated by the law.”

Sergeant James said they were also performing other duties relating to the flow of traffic and to make sure that people are out only on the grounds of necessity and that the curfew order is observed.

Asked whether there are any issues with the bus drivers adhering to the passenger regulations Sergeant James replied, “Most are adhering to the regulations but we have one or two people who, particularly at the beginning, were a bit stubborn in adhering.  Even at this stage, some people feel that they are hard-pressed to comply with that particular regulation where it is affecting how they earn their living.  By and large, they have understood the reason to comply with the regulation as it relates to the quota of passengers per passenger bus but as I said one or two people still being stubborn.”

He went on to state that “the penalty for not complying is $500.  A few bus drivers have been penalised for failing to comply.  Last week, for example, we had to bring a bus driver before the court for that particular offence.  We do have deterrents and we are enforcing it if necessary.”

Sergeant James’ advice to the public: “We would like to encourage the general public to adhere to the guidelines as it relates to the regulation and to cooperate with the police in the fight against the Covid-19.  It is for our benefit.  We are urging the public to cooperate with the police; cooperate with the frontline workers so that we can succeed in eliminating the Covid virus in Dominica.”

We are grateful to the Dominica Police Force for allowing our reporters to gain an understanding of how they are enforcing the lockdown.

Our reporters were especially touched by the fact that the police are taking a very proportionate response to by explaining to people how they might endanger themselves and others by not heeding the social distancing and mask-wearing requirements.

On behalf of the people of Dominica, we want to thank the Dominica Police Force for adapting quickly and effectively to challenges in upholding the new emergency law.

Having been “in the thick of it” – from the Roseau Police Station to Check Points in Pond Casse and Canefield there is no doubt that our police need our support, our thanks and our praises because from what we have seen they are working extremely hard to protect us.  We have observed this first hand.

Our next article will feature our doctors and nurses.

Below are some more photos of frontline police officers taken. All photos by Cecil Clarke.

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21 Comments

  1. April 24, 2020

    Brush politics aside and let’s be straightforward and honest.

    Our Dominica Police Officers look impressive and professional. Additionally, they appear physically fit, healthy, and prepared toward their execution of their duties and responsibilities aimed at dealing with the public during this Demonic Coronavirus Pandemic.

    Excellent Job to the Commonwealth Of Dominica Police Force and to the Dominica Labor Party Government.

    Best Regards,
    Vincent Rolle
    Laudat, Belles, DA
    Houston Texas, USA

    • Batibou River
      April 26, 2020

      Wow, for that you must be due a free flight for next election in First Class and $5,000 spending money.
      If DA is so wonderful, it’s government so great and transparent and the the police force so efficient and impartial, why are you and your likes still in the US? I thought you would like to live in the land of milk and honey and not in that racist country! Hypocrites, you are all hypocrites!!!!!!

    • Bwa-Banday
      April 26, 2020

      Garson if you want to praise the police do so but to praise the DLP for all the incompetence displayed during this crisis – refused to close down the country on their own, did not have appropriate testing at our ports of entry, did not have quarantine hospital ready in time after several warnings, still have not issued enough PPE to the same police, kept smuggling their own people into the country after shutdown, still have not presented a stimulus citizen/business plan to aid in recovery, maliciously quarantine people because of political bias…..etc, etc -is CRIMINAL to say the least.

      Partner I don’t want to bash you but that is the exact reason why Dca is where it is because those of you in foreign “think” you know what going on in Dca and keep putting us in these calamity. There you are in Houston, Texas (or so you claim) and heaping praise on a failed DLP administration while we catching our nenen here. Are you in involuntary quarantine through no fault of yours sir? SMH…

  2. Bwa-Banday
    April 24, 2020

    Thank you for what?
    1. For refusing to stay in the Laplaine Police Station after being quarantined with the tacit approval of the bosses and Health District bosses?
    2. For having the Ice Cream Parlor in Roseau designated as an essential business?
    3. For facilitating the distribution of DLP rashaan?
    4. For locking up Jason as retribution under the guise of Covid as directed by El Supremo?

    Until such time the police force is reorganized into a “professional” govern department led by a reputable Chief with trained and capable SPOs it will remain a laughing stock. Mark you I have nothing against the green uniform for there is a place for it in the overall scheme.

  3. Kalinago Justice
    April 24, 2020

    On that slave plantation mentality island, the only people these illegally attired oneman rogue regime police can impose themselves on are the ordinary citizens! What about those who break the law and constitution sitting in the office of bad governance :?:

    • Silver fox
      April 24, 2020

      @Kalinago, It’s your opinion to what you have in little beanut brain this tells why you are a vocal freak follower of Linton cult but I will tell you one thing Kalinago, you can sing and dance all you want that cult you suckers following along with Linton will never come back to govern Dominica again sing along my boy” Our Police Force and all frontiers is doing a great job helping the public and keeping Covid-19 Virus at bay of course things might change later who knows but for now thanks to all “👍🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

  4. Thanks
    April 24, 2020

    Some may feel differently, but I for one have always respected the police and the difficult job they have to do. I commend the police force for stepping up and trying to deal with these difficult times in a professional but humanistic manner. To all of you, stay safe and continue to use good judgement in the execution of your duties. Thanks.

  5. April 24, 2020

    I guess no body mentioned the coastguard to you?

    ADMIN: That’s a fair point. We are working on adding them to the article.

    • Lin clown
      April 24, 2020

      CHILDISH,in 1981 Prime Minister Mary Eugenia Charles,disbanded the Dominica Defense Force(DDF).Since then the Police Force became a Paramilitary Force.In 1983 with the blessing of Mary Eugenia Charles,America invaded Grenada.That same year a groupe of Police Officers the likes of Nicholas George,Evans John,Gabriel St,Jean,Kelvin Albert,Liston Dyer,Phillsbert Bertrand and others went to Grenada,as members of the Caribbean Peace-keeping Force(CPF).These guys lived at FORT GEORGE,and worked with the US ARMY.In 1984 the US ARMY constructed a military range at Morne TROIS PITON close to Emerald Pool.This range cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.At the time the police or paramilitary were trained with,Night Vision Goggles,M60,7.62 cal,.45cal handgun,M16,5.56cal,Hand grenade and grenade launchers snipers riffleLand navigation were also taught.This training was conducted by the 82nd AIRBORNE DIVISION SPECIAL FORCES from Fort Bragg,North Carolina.Some of the guys are experts with the AK47.

    • Lin clown
      April 24, 2020

      BWA BANDAY,you and KALINAGO will obey rules and regulations,respect and obey the law.If you don’t like what is happening LEAVE DOMINICA.IT is people like you,who cause UWP to lose election after election.

  6. CHILDISH
    April 24, 2020

    could someone explain to me what differentiates a police officer in the regular uniform that is the black and grey from the ones in camouflage uniform/ does one officer have more power, more authority, more command, is superior, expected to use more forceful means, more fearless, or is it one set is from the civilian sector of the police force and the other is from the military arm of the police force; I really would love to know. Because the perception out there is the guys in military uniform are the real macoys while the ones in ordinary uniform are toy police…..

    • Bwa-Banday
      April 26, 2020

      Ok Childish, let me help you here..
      1. All members of the police force have the same authority under the police Act of Dominica regardless of what uniforms they wear or unit they work. They all can daykarlay you if you won’t listen.
      2. While an officer is an officer regardless of the uniform type, it is perception that you don’t mess with the guys in Green because yes in most cases they are fearless, some with special skills, and have received additional military training in most cases
      3. In reality the green uniform should only be worn by the SSU (Special Services Unit) stationed at Morne Bruce and its sister units Drug Squad and Rapid Response. They are considered Special Operations.

      However, every officer is entitled to the use of green uniforms for bush patrols, riot control etc because it is better suited. Having said that, I would advise NOT to mess around when the boys in green show up because YES they are the real Macoy that don’t take sheet!

      This is my…

  7. 4K BongoBongo
    April 24, 2020

    Hats off to you guys, thanks for you’ll service. We love and appreiatiate you.

    • ArcadiaZ
      April 24, 2020

      Do you qualify now for a 10 dollar envelope from the red clinic now? You can be really proud of yourself! 4K…

      • Eighteen : 3
        April 25, 2020

        Here we are another hypocrite workers crocodile moaning but he /she will be first in the line to collect the their 10 dollars and more!!!🙊

        • ArcadiaZ
          April 26, 2020

          Not in your lifetime! Unlike all you followers of the dictator I do not eat the crumbs of his table. I eat a full meal and to top it all I have a bottle of wine with it and finish with an espresso.

          • Eighteen :3
            April 27, 2020

            In your dreams with a cheap bottle of french wine that will make last you for two days 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Lin clown
        April 27, 2020

        BANDAY and BATIBOU,Dominicans do not go overseas because the grass is greener.They go because they BELIEVE THE GRASS IS GREENER,a lot of then live from hand to mouth.It is better working in Dominica in certain jobs because,in Dominica the TAKE HOME PAY IS BETTER.Vincent Roll is a former POLICE OFFICER.He was risking his life in Grenada in 1983,while you overeducated fools had you hand in your BOXER SHORTS.VINCENT is a PATRIOT unlike you who is on the same or lower level than LINTON’S – – – Roll has a lot of ASSETS in Belles and Mahaut,houses and land.IGNORANT ,does not know the man but BANDAY and BATIBOU writing BS.

        • Batibou River
          April 28, 2020

          Frankly I don’t care what or who Vincent Rolle is/was. Nowadays he clearly is a supporter of the Labour Party and a police force that is as incompetent and corrupt as the man that commands it (Skerrit). As such Rolle hasn’t my respect because his judgement of things is at best blurred or at worst he is a member of the cabal and the associated corruption. You, by the way, fall in the same bracket. Infact, I have a pretty good idea now who you are…!

  8. BongoBongo
    April 24, 2020

    Thank you for what? For turning up in their militia outfit? Thank you for arresting innocent people. Thank you for turning a blind eye to certain communities and gatherings…? Thank you for making a mockery of the law again!

    • Stay positive
      April 24, 2020

      Well done job by our law enforcers. More grease, more grace.

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