Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in his first press conference for 2023 has added his voice and that of his government to the issues of violence in the country.
At the closing of 2022, two females met their demise at the hands of their partners.
Prime Minister Skerrit says that Dominica has been — and continues to be one of the most peaceful and secure nations in this hemisphere, indeed in the world.
According to the Dominican leader, it is the sacred function of government, working in tandem with its people, to keep it that way, and, any act if violence, no matter how rare in the regional and global context, is “an affront to us all.”
“Therefore, as far as this administration is concerned, we will review measures and embark on new actions to ensure total peace and safety,” he said.
“Unfortunately, our island has seen several tragic domestic and public incidents in recent times, which has put focus on the peace and security of the nation. These incidents highlight the fragility of a democratic society where members of society must observe decency and respect in dealing with each other,” Skerrit stated.
He further posited, that with this emerging period of carnival, where our communities are coming together to enjoy this unique festival, there might be a few who may be inclined to use this period of revelry for acts of violence and to otherwise instill a level of fear in the society.
“We shall have zero tolerance for any decadent behavior.”
In this context:
- The Dominica Police Force will show zero tolerance to acts of violence related to events surrounding Carnival as a signature event on the island. In turn, any event or band which cannot maintain an atmosphere of peace and civility will be stopped/curtailed where there is a tangible threat to any citizen of our island. Organizers of all events are compelled to ensure security for events is in place and that patrons are secure.
- Anyone found with unlicensed firearms or other weaponry deemed unsafe or dangerous will have them confiscated and will be detained under the laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica where applicable. No exceptions will be made, carnival or no carnival.
- There will be increased patrols and random searches of anyone exhibiting suspicious behavior to further emphasize our zero-tolerance approach.
- The matter of domestic violence requires a more fundamental approach which is a priority for us as a society and a people. Legislation and enforcement are critical parts of this, but ultimately it is in the community and in the family that the solution lies. We will seek to engage several stakeholders across the communities before unveiling additional avenues and safety measures for those who are most vulnerable.
On the issue of domestic violence, he urges victims to reach out for help before it gets too late. “We understand sometimes it takes a level of courage to do so – but this caring society of ours must be able to act on behalf of every victim. Additionally, we have various agencies of the state, whose purpose is to aid intervention, action, and protection,” he said.
“In the coming period, we will mandate these agencies to develop greater awareness about their facilities and their services. Regarding the wide issue of general security, we also call on the wider community to increase its own vigilance, and not to hesitate to report any suspicious behavior and activity to the national security forces.”
He is of the view that effective crime prevention begins at the community level since the police and members of other law enforcement agencies cannot be everywhere.
On the matter of “safety on our roads”, Skerrit stated that it is an integral part of being able to live in a safe environment.
“In the last few months, however, we have seen far too many accidents; and too many of our drivers are using our roads without care and attention, and with little regard for their own safety and that of others. Unnecessary speeding and driving under the influence of substances have been identified as key components to the increases.”
“In a few cases, there are also situations where some vehicles are just not road worthy, and their very use is in violation of some of our traffic regulations. The police will increase its monitoring in that regard and will seek to clamp down on speeding – and in this carnival period, especially on people who will insist on drinking and driving,” he remarked.
“But as a people, we also must appeal to each one of us who uses our roads, especially our young men, to exercise more caution; and to show more care and respect to everyone else.
We live in very different times. Whilst it is better for us to be aware of incidents that would have in the past been hidden and swept away, I would like to appeal to the public to refrain from glorifying incidents of violence by spreading videos of victims of violence as a form of crass entertainment.”
“We are better than this Dominicans, hence, it is time we band together and reinforce the spirit of community and togetherness which has long been the standard not only for events on the island but a hallmark of life in Dominica,” he said.