Scores of Dominicans, some dressed in white, participated in a “walk” through Roseau on Wednesday morning, despite warning from the police chief that they did not have the permission to do so.
The walk, dubbed “Walk for Peace, Prosperity and Freedom,” 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.
Stops were made at various points throughout the city where people addressed those who were taking part in it.
“We are here on the behalf of Dominica,” a man said during one of the stops. “Forward my people, forward.”
“I am here to say that abuse and violence to Dominica is immoral,” a woman said. “We must stop that, we must have love for Dominica. And I am here for freedom, that is a walk for freedom, freedom for our country.”
Another man said that he was participating in the walk not on the behalf of anyone of any political party, but for Dominica.
“For 15 years we have been trying to tell this government what to do for the good of the people and the country but they have never taken that advice and I believe that it is high time that we stop giving the government any advice but give advice to the people on how to take back their country,” he said.
The event went ahead even after police chief Daniel Carbon said he had not heard of it and “no permission was requested and or granted for a walk, march or protest.”
“It has been brought to the attention of the Chief of Police, that there is a planned walk in the City of Roseau carded for Wednesday 30, March 2022 at 10 am and on every Wednesday thereafter. Let me inform the general public, that the Chief of Police has not received any request to hold a walk in the City of Roseau,” Carbon said in a statement. “The law makes provision as to how any walk, march, or protest action can be held lawfully. The Chief of Police by law is authorized to give permission for these activities. Persons wishing to have a march, walk, or protest action must apply to the Chief of Police.”
There was no visible police presence during most of the walk.
