Scores of Dominicans took part in the second installment of “Walk for Peace, Prosperity and Freedom” a peaceful march through Roseau on Wednesday, vowing that they will continue until their voices are heard.
It was organized by a group of individuals representing political parties, the private sector, religious and civil society organizations calling for good and accountable governance on the island.
One lady who participated in the march said she was doing so to “save” Dominica and said she will continue.
“To save my country, I think I have to stand up,” she said. “I have a son and I do not want to know that when I am gone, he cannot have rights in his own country and today I stand for what is true, I stand for what is right and I believe I will continue to stand and I will continue to speak out until I can speak no more.”
A man who took part, called on Dominicans to turn out next Wednesday in larger numbers.
“I want to see more people turn out next week because we simply not taking this thing serious,” he stated. “This is a very serious time we are heading to right now…”
Another woman told the crowd that she won’t allow her rights be trampled upon.
“I will not sit aside and let those people trample upon my rights, upon the rights of my children,” she said to applause.
Parliamentary representative for the Roseau North constituency, Danny Lugay, told those in attendance that they must speak out.
“If we do not stand, like we are doing today, we are losing Dominica quicker than we can ever imagine,” he remarked.
Activist Athie Martin, one of the main organizers of the event, told participants that they must fight for their rights.
“And so my people, we have to fight, we have to fight, not just the political victimization and abuse but the religious victimization and abuse, the commercial victimization and abuse, the informational vicitimization and abuse,” he said. “We have a lot on our plate and I let you know each time, this is just a beginning, it’s a continuation of a long struggleand that is why walking in the face of all these enemies on the other side is an act of bravery…”
The march was first held last week and organizers say it will continue every Wednesday although the police had initially warned that “no permission was requested and or granted for a walk, march or protest.”
