Social activist Atherton Martin revealed that police authorities threatened to charge him for organizing a weekly walk. He said that contrary to rumours, he has not been arrested yet; but only warned of an impending charge against him in the law courts. He said he remains unfazed and will continue to organize weekly walks to advocate for peace, justice, and progress in Dominica.
According to the agronomist, Inspector Mervin Andrew and two other police officers visited his residence twice on a cordial visit. He said he was not able to attend to them the first time since he was on a Zoom business call, but he was able to meet with them on their second visit on the same day. He said Andrew made it clear that he was not on arrest, but would be charged for organizing weekly street walks.
Martin had led Dominicans to walk the streets for three consecutive Wednesdays – with all the walkers wearing white to signify peace and progress. While Police Chief Daniel Carbon had stated that organizers must get police authorization before holding a march or protest in the country, Martin said he is not aware of any requirement to obtain police authorization before walking the streets under the Public Order Act and in the Dominican Constitution.
He told me, ‘Mr. Martin, I am not here to arrest you. I have come to let you know that our legal advice in the police department, is that by helping to organize and to lead, and participate in the first two walks, you are in violation of Section Five of the Public Order Act and you are going to be charged with such violation.
Atherton Martin, Social activist
He revealed that Andrew promised to institute the legal charges within the next few days. He also disclosed that the walks had been very orderly and had not disrupted traffic or engendered public annoyance from any quarters. He noted that it Andrew’s police duty to institute charges, and that it is his own duty to campaign for national peace and justice through orderly walks.
The environmentalist said despite the threat of being charged, he will double his efforts to continue the weekly walks. He said he is more emboldened and energized to led the walks for several months and is not afraid of anyone, except God.
I am emboldened; I am energized, and I have no doubt that over the next few days, weeks, and months…however long, I will become more emboldened more energized to confront, to clarify, and to guide those to whom those chips fall on the wrong side. I take guidance from no man. I follow no man. I adore no man. I pray to no man. I bend my knees to no man, only the Father. If Jah is by my side, then I will not be afraid.
Atherton Martin, Social activist
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