ROSEAU, Dominica, Jun 14, CMC – The Dominica police have warned media houses here that they are prepared to clamp down on talk shows that incite violence and would take all necessary actions “to prevent lawlessness and to protect life and property and to ensure that members of the public go about their lawful business”.
Police Commissioner Daniel Carbon in a statement late Monday said the police will “not allow the Commonwealth of Dominica to experience the errors of 1979 and the early 1980s,” a reference to the violence, deaths and spate of national strikes that forced the then Patrick John administration out of office.
“The police force is mandated to prevent acts of violence and lawlessness and also to react to acts of violence and lawlessness by investigating whenever these acts happen, and to bring perpetrators to justice irrespective of race, colour, creed or class,” Carbon said.
He said he is concerned about citizens who have been calling various radio talk programmes in which they incite members of the public to commit acts of violence.
“I am very much concerned of the statements aired on radio talk shows where callers are making statements to incite members of the public to commit acts of lawlessness and violence.”
Carbon noted that there is a procedure in the law for people to embark on lawful protest action reiterating that the Dominica Constitution provides for every person here to be entitled to fundamental rights and freedoms as well as the Public Order Act Chapter which provides for the preservation of the public order.
“The Police Force is mandated to prevent acts of violence and lawlessness and also to react to acts of violence and lawlessness by investigating whenever these acts happen and to bring the perpetrators to justice irrespective of race, colour, creed or class,” Daniel said, calling on member of the public to resolve their grievances in a peaceful manner.
“The Police Force will deal with anyone who incites or perpetrates acts of violence and lawlessness. Additionally, the Police Force has a mandate to protect the state and institutions of the state. Therefore, I am warning that members of the public resolve their grievances in a peaceful, lawful, and quiet way.”
While he did not single out any particular media house here, Carbon said Dominica is a country known for its peacefulness and tranquillity and there is a procedure outlined in the law for people to embark on lawful protest action.
Source: Antigua-Observer
