Drones Carry Poisons, Bombs, Guns – Skerrit Says; to Formulate Drone Rules

Barbara 8th March, 2021

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PM Roosevelt Skerrit said the government will be formulating statutory rules and ordinances in relation to the flying of drones in Dominica. Skerrit said drones can be used to deploy poisons and bombs, and can have a gun attached to them for remote killing purposes. He said unscrupulous people can also operate a drone over a private residence and then take photos and videos which can be shared on social media for blackmail.

Skerrit said “very strong and clear statutory rules and ordinances” will prevent drones from being used for nefarious purposes. He said it is irresponsible for anyone in a leadership position to support the arbitrary use of drones in the country or to politicize the same. The DLP leader was obviously referring to the support of Opposition Leader Lennox Linton to Jawanza Stuart and Mitchell after the two men were arrested for flying a drone over the official Morne Daniel residence of the prime minister.

“It is certainly strange that anybody in leadership or any sensible person would condone the flying of a drone or any such equipment over the official residence or even the private residence of a head of government or head of state, or the police headquarters or government headquarters,” Skerrit said.

The prime minister asked what the reactions of political leaders in the country would be if a drone turned up over their private residences and begin filming away, knowing fully well the devices could be armed for evil ends. “If any citizen of Dominica were to go to anyone’s home today or tomorrow morning with a drone and circle your home and take photographs of yourself and post it on social media, how would you react?” he demanded.

Skerrit said condemned Linton for his “unfortunate…lack of leadership” in the face of the drone incidence, saying the opposition leader is allowing his devious sentiments to becloud true respects for the law. He emphasized that true leadership is about upholding and respecting the law since laws are promulgated to protect citizens from the whims of a select few.