By Caribbean News Global contributor
CANEFIELD / WESLEY, Dominica – A limited ‘Truckers’ protest (one-day event) in the Canefield area of Dominica was responsibly dismantled Wednesday evening, following prompt and legal actions from the Dominica Police Force, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Minister for National Security and Immigration Rayburn Blackmore.
Truckers and workers were reportedly undertaking a “peacefully protesting for their right to work,” and “equitable access” including “more work on government projects” – “better wages” and a contractual agreement on tonnage.” Accompanying this is more engagement as compared with Chinese contractors enlisted in the construction of the international airport. Likewise, increased participation in public-private development projects that are ongoing in Dominica.
Social Media commentator Fred, on October 16, 2024, wrote:
“All they are doing is making life even harder for ordinary Dominicans. It’s the wrong way to protest. The only people cheering them on are people who live overseas. There will be people not eating tonight, and maybe also tomorrow. The elderly and the sick cannot get to the hospital. Children cannot get to school. Students cannot get to college. Emergency services staff cannot get to work. By all means park along the roadside in protest, even take up a whole lane if you must, but don’t block it. You’re not going to get any sympathy or support doing that.”
Following the events that led to traffic inconvenience, from the west, north, and eastern parts of the island, the loss of productivity and the economic hardship that could have resulted beyond the one-day event due to many Dominicans not reporting to work and business early closure, The Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) statement of claim, argues, that Dominican truckers are systematically overlooked and denied job opportunities; Chinese contractors have been permitted to import their own trucks, equipment, and labor to service projects estimated at two billion dollars.
“Dominican truck drivers are facing severe economic hardship, struggling to fulfill their financial responsibilities to their families and creditors,” an ERC statement said. However, are hopeful that the Tipper Truckers Association protest will shed light on the trucker’s economic struggles and hardship.
Social Media commentator Augustus Julius, on October 17, 2024, said:
“Mr and dem sick, now they want their bread buttered.
Not an easy road.
Social Media commentator Ibo France, on October 17, 2024, said:
“Sometimes the only solution is a revolution. People! Get on board.”
Last week, Prime Minister Skerrit visited the International Airport Project site ahead of the official groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 9, along with members of the ministerial sub-committee. The prime minister met with representatives from Montreal Management Consultants and the contractors, China Railway No. 5.
“I am pleased with the progress made so far and excited to invite you to join us for this significant national event on November 9. Let’s all take pride in this transformative project, which holds the potential to unlock numerous opportunities for economic growth,” Prime Minister Skerrit said.
The Dominica International Airport is reportedly advancing steadily, boosting economic prospects for the islands’ tourism and travel connectivity and improved trade facilitation.
The Airport project is funded by the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme(CIP), located between Woodford Hill and Wesley. Montreal Management Consultants Development (MMCD) oversees the development, with China Railway No. 5 as the main contractor.
The Dominica International Airport will feature a 2,850-meter runway to accommodate widebody aircraft, enabling direct flights to North America, Europe, and key Asian cities. Other modern amenities include a spacious terminal, advanced air traffic control systems, a central substation, a health centre, and extensive cargo handling capabilities. The airport is designed to meet international standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and comfort for travellers.
Aside from the CIP housing project, the largest and better-defined house project (Build Back Better) in the Eastern Caribbean facilitated by CIP, The Dominica International Airport – mega-development estimated at XCD $1 billion impacts a substantial workforce, local, regional and international, contributing to the island’s economic growth.
Understanding the effects and consequences to social and economic stagnation, Prime Minister Skerrit leadership and quick response ensued to – nip the truckers’ actions in the bud – and call to reason alternative solutions.
In an address to the nation on state-owned DBS Radio Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Skerrit advised, in part:
“Once you get into a situation where you are impeding the movement of people and you are trampling on the rights of movement of people, then the police are obligated to intervene and to ensure that the rights of citizens are not trampled upon or not denied,” adding: “People have to get to work, people have to get to school and people have to get to their businesses, people have to get from one health center to the hospital.”
Prime Minister Skerrit and the government of Dominica restated commitments and obligations to the rule of law, complement the discipline of the security forces and made sure the rights of citizens are protected.
Acting chief of police, in the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDFP), Davidson Valerie, commented at a press conference Thursday, and emphasised;
“The police acted lawfully in dispersing the riotous and tumultuous mob who were bent on disturbing the public peace and causing violence. The situation was exacerbated by the mob who threw stones and bottles at the police,” and quantified. “In their circumstances, necessary actions were taken by the police to disperse the crowd and bring an end to the disorder that had prevailed at the time.”
With the Tipper Truckers Association protest coming to an amicable conclusion, a more applicable method of communication, consensus, engagement, and trust can continue to form part of the national development initiative.
Dynamic Dominica recognises the essential role of every Dominican in the development of the island. The progress of social and economic development pivots on policymakers making reforms, strategies, and implementation more acceptable to the people.
