PROtests and CONtests

On May 11^th, several Salisbury citizens staged a huge protest against the state of neglect and dilapidation of the feeder roads leading to the farming areas of their agricultural workers. Junk metal, pallets, and scrapped appliances were used to block traffic on the main road, the E.O. LeBlanc Highway, while several people took to the streets (They perhaps were inspired by Dominica's last major protest or by the Baltimore uprising). This garnered the attention of Prime Minister Skerrit, Attorney General Levi Peter, and the Minister of National Security and Justice, Rayburn Blackmoore, all of whom strongly disapproved of the protest action, deeming it illegal and unnecessary. Salisbury constituents see it quite differently, claiming that they have been largely neglected, and some say that: 1) peaceful protest is allowed in the Constitution; and 2) the demonstration only turned violent due to police reaction with tear gas.



Following that, June 11^th saw the arrest of six individuals for their involvement in the initial protest, prompting mixed opinions from the Dominica Freedom Party, United Workers Party, and the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce, among others. Dominica News Online has revealed the identities of these persons, and concerned Dominicans elsewhere are urging the people of Salisbury not to celebrate the fact that the six have been released on bail.

 The Panel asks for YOUR thoughts on the Salisbury protests. Have they served their purpose so far or are the people wasting their time? Were the arrests justified? Is protesting illegal under Dominica's laws? Should the church or other political parties get involved? What negative effects do you think these events are having on our national productivity and tourism industry?

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