COLIHAUT ROAD-BLOCKERS TO BE PROSECUTED?

The Chronicle
The Newspaper of the Nation
VOL. No. XXXIV Commonwealth of Dominica
Friday, August 8, 1997 - $1.50

Police and fire personnel are investigating the circumstances surrounding a roadblock in Colihaut last week which resulted in a fire that destroyed a house belonging to Harry Joseph.

Those responsible for the roadblock and subsequent fire could be prosecuted under the Public Order Act. The Act makes it unlawful for any person to block a public road or obstruct traffic without lawful authority. Violators are liable to fines or imprisonment.

The roadblock was reportedly set up by villagers who were protesting against poor road conditions. Protesters allegedly used debris, including old tires, which were set alight. The fire spread, destroying Joseph’s house and threatening nearby properties.

Police are said to have removed the roadblock and extinguished the fire, but by then, the damage had already been done. Investigations are continuing to determine whether charges will be brought against those involved in the protest.

Joseph, a skilled joiner, was reportedly out of town when his house was destroyed. He has expressed outrage at the incident and is calling for justice. Meanwhile, villagers remain adamant about their demands for better roads, claiming that their grievances have been ignored for too long.