Police Chief Details Unlawful Protest and Salisbury Road Blockade in Wake of Electoral Reform Debate
Acting Chief of Police Davidson Valerie has delivered a firm account of events surrounding a protest on March 19 in Roseau and the subsequent blockade of the Edward Oliver Leblanc Highway at Salisbury on March 20, calling the actions “unlawful” and “deliberately provocative.”
In a video statement, Valerie recounted the challenges faced by officers as they attempted to maintain public order during what he described as an unauthorized protest organized by elements of the Electoral Reform Coalition and supported by members of the United Workers Party. The rally was staged outside Parliament as lawmakers debated three pieces of electoral reform legislation.
Valerie emphasized that organizers had not sought or received approval to stage the demonstration and were violating the Public Order Act. Despite this, a group gathered near Victoria Street, where tensions escalated. Protesters reportedly pelted police with bottles, stones, and other projectiles. Three arrests were made, and further investigations are ongoing.
The situation intensified on Thursday, March 20, when sections of the E.O. Leblanc Highway near Salisbury were obstructed with burning debris, tree trunks, and other hazards. Valerie linked the blockade to efforts by law enforcement to question former Salisbury MP Hector “Spag” John, who is believed to be a person of interest in the protest investigation.
Police attempted negotiations to remove the blockade peacefully, but were unsuccessful. Officers then advanced to clear the road and were again met with hostility, including what Valerie described as “Molotov cocktails” hurled at law enforcement and equipment. One officer was injured, and damage was sustained to a front-end loader during the operation. The highway had to be cleared multiple times throughout the day as blockades were re-established.
Valerie described the actions as a calculated and lawless assault on public safety and order, adding, “The rights enshrined in our Constitution are not absolute. They do not give any individual the authority to endanger the lives of others or block the movement of citizens.”
He praised the professionalism of the officers involved and assured the public that the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) would continue to use all legal means to hold perpetrators accountable.
“The people of Dominica expect and deserve law and order,” Valerie said. “We will not allow a small group of individuals to threaten that.”
The police continue their investigation, and more arrests are expected concerning the events.
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