As the UWP gears up for its 5000 people march Thursday, Police Chief Carbon withholds permission

​This week, the Opposition United Workers Party plans to embark on a massive national gathering, the second of its kind in their campaign, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Skerrit and his cabinet.
 
Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, says this gathering will commence at the Pottersville Savannah, followed by a march through Roseau, and culminate with a public meeting at Lagoon. This massive gathering is scheduled for Thursday 30th March from 4.30pm.

On February 7, 2017, Opposition parties here held a major joint peaceful public meeting, demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister and his cabinet.  Several Hours after that meeting end, unrest broke out in Roseau, following which a number of opposition members were arrested and released without any charge.
 
Meanwhile, Q95 news has learned that Police Chief Daniel Carbon, has refused to approve the UWP’s request by letter dated 15th March 2017, to hold a 5000 people march, for unsubstantiated reasons of public safety and national security, in a letter addressed to the Public Relations Officer of the UWP, dated March 24, 2017.
 
Chief Carbon however, quoted Section 5(4) (a) and (b) of the Public Order Act, Chapter 15:01 of the Laws of Dominica, 1990, which states that any person who;
 
(a) “takes part in or organizes any public procession without the written permission of the Commissioner to do so; or (b) who aids abets, counsels, or procures any other person to take part in any public procession, in respect of which no written permission as required under this section has been obtained from the commissioner”, is guilty of an offence.
 
Q95 understands that the UWP may be considering replacing their planned 5000 people march, with public meetings, on Thursday.