By Dr. Emanuel Finn
In any normal functioning democratic society the police chief’s main task is to uphold the rule of law, safeguard the constitution, serve and protect the citizenry and homeland. But ifthe commander is expected to gain the public’s trust and his troop’s respect under the color of law, he/she must express and practice both the intent and the spirit of the law fairly.
Carbon: Dominica’s beleaguered Police Chief
The abuse of official authority to improperly influence, bully or coerce citizens on very important and lawful matters such as freedom of assembly and expression, elections, campaigns and misinformation is just wrong. Also trying to intimidate citizens fromcelebrating our colorful Dominican culture and heritage peacefully on Roseau sidewalks isshameful and illegal. This behavior reflects on a people who have forgotten their painful history and have lost their way. An old African proverb says it best: ‘He who catches his breath again forgets who was chasing him.’
Enter Daniel Carbon, the current police chief of Dominica who presides over a very divided and low moral force. Many allege that Mr. Carbon is lacking professionalism and is nothighly regarded and respected, lacks confidence and leadership capabilities.Speaking to someone with close knowledge ofpolice headquarters recently, he said, “Carbonis nothing more than a square peg in a round hole and the job is over his head.” Some say that Carbon is not really in-charge and is just a yes man and ‘water carrier’ for his politicalbosses.
It is widely agreed that the current PM Skerrit leaped-frog Carbon to the top cop position over much more qualified and experienced candidates in 2012. Is it because he is from the same village and Carbon was (and is) thebest man to do his bidding? The consensus is that Skerrit hasn’t been disappointed thus far but the vast majority of Dominicans at home and abroad are deeply disappointed and saddened.
Opposition Leader Linton continues to cite numerous occasions where Carbon’s actions and decisions seem to be derived from apolitical nature rather than a law enforcement angle. Here a few examples of Carbon’s political (not law enforcement) acts: He summoned prominent pastor Randy Rodney to his office for questioning after the pastor spoke about the need for electoral reform and laid out a simple road map to achieve it on a radio program.
Mr. Linton said that after he filed a complaint with the Chief and provided him with electronic copies from his home surveillancefootage of two Caucasian mercenaries planting a black bag (sac noir) at his door steps, he was asked to assist in the investigation. The mercenaries took their own videos where they planted the bag at Linton’s house while he was out. It is alleged that three police officers force (whose faces are now plastered all over the internet) assisted and provided critical logistical support andcover for the foreign mercenaries. Skerrit, Austrie and Ian Douglas accused Linton publicly of accepting monies from unknown men before Linton provided his footage to the contrary. The question Chief, will you investigation uncover who paid the mercenaries and will you make public your findings?
Mr. Carbon kept quiet (‘mo—moe’) after Skerrit made several adverse publicstatements about the opposition. But Opposition members are harassed, intimidated, arrested and charged. Skerrit told a public audience in the south recently that when Opposition members appear on their door steps to dash them with hot water.When the opposition Parl Rep for Salisburyemotionally called for electoral reform on a platform he was arrested and charged for inciting riot.
During the Salisbury (a UWP stronghold) Farmer’s upraising in May 2015, critical command and control were lacking to de–escalate the situation. Instead Carbon deployed a contingent of heavily armed officers in tactical riot gear carrying loaded M-16 rifles and other military assets. It was widely reported that the police used expired tear gas on the unarmed protestors and fired live rounds into some homes.
In February 2016, the PM instructed a huge crowd at a Labour party meeting in St. Joseph which was broadcast live on radio to confront UWP supporters. Skerrit told his flock, “I view them as traitors and I want you to do the same as well,” :When you see them on the streets, in the supermarket, at a funeral, on a plane or even in their cars, shout out to every single one of them – Traitor! What do you call them? Traitor! When you see Linton, Fontaine, what do you call him? Traitor! When you see Monelle Williams, what do you call her? Traitor!!”Is this not frightening, highly inflammatory and incitement Mr. Chief? Again ‘cat bit Carbon’s tongue again’ as therewas no word from him regarding what many believe was an act of provocation by the Accidental PM.
Does the Chief understand that underinternational law, an act of provocation is treated (and prosecuted) as the act itself? Is he aware that the 1994 Rwandan genocide was fueled by inflammatory radio language by unscrupulous and selfish politicians in a depressed economy and charged political atmosphere like Dominica?” Let’s hope thatduring this election period snipers, special commando forces, other elite Soldiers of Fortune and gang bangers are a non-factor. Would that be an embarrassment and disappointment to a ‘light weight’ Labour Party candidate? Some believe that candidateis better suited and qualified for the fashion runways of Paris and NYC and/or the modeling agencies of Los Angeles rather than the House of Assembly and Parliament.
One week before the December 8, 2014 General elections, the UWP planned a peaceful demonstration at the Douglas-Charles airport to protest the diaspora voters who were arriving on chartered aircrafts. An audio recording obtained by local media surfaced where Carbon was heard telling police officers, “The police force is the only institution of the state that is entitled to use deadly force justifiably.” Mr. Linton called off the protest due to potential loss of life. The planes landed, diaspora Dominicans voted (with no remorse), left the next day and Skerrit ‘declared’ victory. Was Carbon justdoing his job or was he allegedly doing Skerrit’s bidding?
In July 2015, Mr. Wayne James, an Opposition member if the ill-will Electoral Commission and a former police officer, had his gun taken away by Chief Carbon. Mr. James is the brother of former Prime Minister Edison James. Two days after the police took the man’s gun, his home was burglarized. Last December 15th, riot police used tear gas and suddenly and unexpectedly dispersed a peaceful CCM rally was coming to an end.UWP leader Linton accused Chief Carbon of attempting to mislead and fool the people of Dominica in his interpretation of the law, following a statement by Carbon addressing the use of tear gas.
Very disappointed in Chief Carbon!