In a press conference held on Friday, Acting Commissioner of Police Lincoln Corbette confirmed that no permission was granted for the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) to stage a protest in Roseau on March 19, 2025. This announcement came in the wake of several arrests made by the police following a protest organized by the Electoral Reform Coalition (ERC) against three electoral reform bills that were being debated in Parliament. Protesters contended that bills did not contain the electoral reforms desired by the people.
Corbette stated that the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force had not received any requests from the ERC or other groups to hold the demonstration.
“In an effort to ensure that law was complied with, the main organizers were contacted and warned against hosting the protest,” he said and added that on March 18, the then Chief of Police issued a public statement reiterating that no lawful permission had been granted for the event.
Corbette went on to say that despite these warnings, protesters gathered on High Street and Victoria Street, becoming agitated after a meeting led by their leaders. Corbette, who was the Ag. Deputy Chief at the time, reported that tensions escalated, leading to breaches of police barriers and the throwing of stones and bottles at officers. In response, the riot squad was deployed to maintain order, and Parliament’s proceedings continued uninterrupted until 3:00 p.m.
Corbette characterized the protest as “riotous, tumultuous, and unlawful,” emphasizing that police intervention was necessary to prevent disruption of parliamentary business. He noted that prior protests had been conducted peacefully with proper authorization.
Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs Rayburn Blackmoore supported Corbette’s statements, explaining that under Dominica’s laws, groups intending to hold a procession must apply for permission at least three days in advance. He commended the police for their tolerance and control during the incident, contrasting it with how similar behavior might be handled in other Caribbean countries.
In a related statement, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Sherma Dalrymple clarified the legal framework surrounding protests in Dominica. She stated, “The right to protest is not in the constitution,” addressing “widespread discussions on social media and in the public domain” about citizens’ rights. She asserted that while demonstrations can be authorized by the police, “we do not have that” right guaranteed constitutionally.
Dalrymple elaborated further, saying, “We have the right to freedom of expression, we have the right of freedom of assembly and association.” However, she stressed that with these rights come responsibilities. “The constitution recognizes this and has placed limitations in respect of these rights,” she explained.
Citing section 11:2 of the constitution, Dalrymple noted, “Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provisions for… that it is reasonably required in the interest of defense, public safety, public order, public morality, public health.”
Additionally, the DPP noted that the protection of freedom of expression is articulated in section 10 of the constitution. “The constitution is online and also available at the printery department. I urge the public to educate themselves on their rights,” she stated. “You cannot live in a society without knowing your rights and the restrictions on them.” Dalrymple concluded by affirming the legal obligations surrounding public demonstrations, as well as the ongoing investigations into the events of March 19, which has so far resulted in the arrest of 25 individuals for unlawful assembly.
“The law allows individuals engaging in riotous behavior to be charged and, upon conviction, sentenced to up to 5 years in prison,” she noted, highlighting the seriousness of the offense as indictable.
“The law makes unlawful assemblies an offense,” she posited, referring to the ‘Riot Act’ in Chapter 10:02 of the Commonwealth of Dominica.