Don’t bite the Chinese’s hands that develops Dominica
By Dr Emanuel Finn
The very strong ‘take home’ message from the government to Dominicans is: Do not bite or bark at Chinese nationals during their unaccepted behaviors because they have built a world class stadium, road networks and are developing our island.
Albert Joseph was charged by local Police after an altercation with a Chinese worker
They are doing so much good for our country that we should not complain or snap at them even when we are disrespected and violated unprovoked. We do not reserve or have the right to defend ourselves against Chinese nationals on our land.
Dominicans must be obedient when they are subjected to verbal and physical abuse while patronizing Chinese businesses. If and when Dominicans try to defend themselves against their unaccepted behaviors within the confines of the law, they will be humiliated, thrown in jail, charged and given a court date if they don’t apologize instantly.
Acting PM Reggie Austrie shamefully chastised Dominicans and pandered to the Chinese with his press statements concerning an incident that occurred in Mahaut between a local man and a Chinese National who was working on the road project.
A government minister allegedly humiliated that local man (his constituent) when he tried to squeeze an apology for the Chinese before a full investigation was conducted and concluded. These actions are sad and unfortunate and should be of grave concern to all.
If the accounts are true, the Parliamentary Representative was only interested and believed the foreigner’s version of the events and summarily dismissed and disrespected one of his constituents.
According to Mr. Joseph and other reports the minister also disregarded the evaluation and conclusion of the Mahaut police to release him. The question for Mr. Austrie and the minister is, how can anyone respect you and the citizens of our country when your mercenary like actions against your people indicate that you don’t respect and value your countrymen, compatriots, yourself and country?
If Mr. Joseph’s accounts of the incident are substantiated and it turns out that he was tossed in the cell a second time upon instructions by his Parliamentary Representative, then Dominica and the Police High Command should be very upset and concerned.
Who are the ‘real’ commanders in the Districts? Are they the Police Inspectors or the Parliamentary Representatives?
If the Parliamentary Representative commanded the Mahaut Police ‘to do whatever they wanted with Mr. Joseph’ for his refusal to apologize, then Dominica has reached a point which is very frightening and unsettling.
Mr. Joseph rightfully refused to apologize and suffered the consequences but kept his dignity as a Dominican, his land of birth. History is on the gentleman’s side as 119 years ago, a band of La Plaine peasants took on the colonial Governor and heavily armed British troops to preserve their honour, dignity and that of generations to come.
What have Police Spokesman Inspector Weeks or Deputy Commissioner Carrette have to say publicly about that alleged incident at the Mahaut station? They have never met or seen a media microphone or camera they did not like.
So why the sudden silence on this all important issue? Gentlemen your officers are watching closely and the force’s overall morale, respect and regard depend on how you handle and respond to situations like this as leaders. Just remember, powerful politicians ‘come and go’ but Dominica and its police force ‘remain’.
Today it is Mr. Joseph’s turn, next it may be you or family member who may be accosted by a Chinese national. Be afraid because this government instead of the courts will be the judge, jury and jailer and you will be humiliated and jailed immediately.
The fact is more Chinese are coming and so there is a high probably of more confrontations with this group if their behaviours don’t change and that they believe that this government will always side with them over its own citizens.
The Acting PM became the darling of the Chinese and The China News Agency with his reckless proclamations and irresponsible rhetoric about the incident in Mahaut. Mr. Austrie should have handled the situation diplomatically.
Our people are asking, ‘Has our government sold out our pride, name, honor, history, legacy and dignity to the highest bidder?’
Dominicans should contribute to a legal defense fund for Mr. Joseph, who has a court date in November, 2010. Dominica received its political independence from Britain on November 3rd 1978 in which I jubilantly marched in the celebratory parade as a young high school cadet and extremely proud Dominican.
But in November 2010, a court case will help answer the pressing question as to whether Dominica has been recolonized by another power with the help of a compromising government who bends and breaks the rules and laws to stay in power.
