Public confidence in Dominica’s justice system is unravelling. No longer is it just the occasional disgruntled litigant or frustrated victim expressing doubt; it’s a growing chorus from across the country and even the diaspora raising the alarm. The real concern is not only the perception of injustice but the patterned reality of selective law application, political interference, and a legal infrastructure that appears increasingly unable, or unwilling, to deliver equal justice for all.
Law Enforcement or Political Enforcement?
One of the most disturbing claims that has emerged is the politicization of the Dominica police force. From recruitment and promotions to operational decisions, critics argue that political loyalty has trumped merit. Reports of officers being appointed based on connections rather than competence, and of politically exposed individuals receiving favorable treatment, have bred deep resentment and suspicion.
A widely cited example involves the alleged involvement of a senior politician’s relative in a fatal traffic incident. The individual reportedly left the country, yet no public steps have been taken to bring them back to face questioning, let alone charges. The silence from law enforcement and the Ministry of National Security has been deafening. When those in high office are seemingly shielded from the law, it’s no surprise the average Dominican has stopped expecting accountability.
The Long Shadow of Ministerial Tenure
Rayburn Blackmoore has served as Minister for National Security since 2008. His defenders point to digital improvements under his watch, such as e-litigation and e-filing systems, and improved turnaround time on court certificates. But these reforms feel cosmetic when deeper issues like chronic delays in the courts, unresolved criminal investigations, and a declining conviction rate remain unresolved.
And perhaps more significantly, the public trust in his leadership has eroded. On-air callers and commentators now regularly question his credibility, citing his perceived evasiveness and lack of decisive leadership. A ministry that should project confidence and control is instead becoming a symbol of bureaucratic stagnation and selective enforcement.
The Judiciary: Overwhelmed and Outdated
Even when cases make it to court, the judicial system is crippled by procedural backlog. The absence of modern systems like paper committals means cases drag for years. The country remains one of the last in the OECS still using the traditional Preliminary Inquiry system, causing further delays in processing criminal matters.
In the meantime, unsolved homicides and other major crimes pile up, with no apparent mechanism for reopening or resolving “cold cases.” It’s not just a matter of slow justice, it’s justice not happening at all. As one legal professional admitted, “Dominica is one of the few places where files close themselves.“
A Legal Culture Without Recourse?
This crisis of confidence extends beyond policing and the courts into the legal profession itself. Public accounts of unethical practices by lawyers, including mishandling of client funds, excessive retainers, and failure to provide written contracts, are now commonplace. While not all lawyers are complicit, the absence of a Legal Profession Act in Dominica has made enforcement nearly impossible.
Repeated calls to establish a regulatory body with disciplinary powers have been met with delay after delay. Since 2010, successive governments have failed to pass the Legal Profession Bill, leading many to believe the inaction is intentional, protecting allies, shielding the connected, and perpetuating the status quo.
The Fallout: A System People No Longer Believe In
When citizens no longer trust that the system will protect them, they disengage. They stop reporting crimes. They stop expecting fair hearings. They stop seeking recourse through the proper channels. Instead, they resort to public radio, WhatsApp voice notes, or simply give up.
Even more troubling is the emerging normalization of unequal justice. Many Dominicans have internalized the idea that outcomes depend on “who you know, who you are, or how much you can pay.” That belief corrodes not only the legal system, it undermines national unity, social trust, and long-term stability.
Moving Forward: Is Accountability Still Possible?
Restoring public trust will not be easy. It begins with decisive action:
- Immediate passage of the Legal Profession Act with real sanctions
- Merit-based recruitment and promotion policies in law enforcement
- Transparent, independent investigations of high-profile cases
- A national audit of unsolved criminal cases and prosecution delays
Dominica’s greatest need isn’t another law, it’s accountable leadership. As one citizen said: “How can you lead when justice is unequal, trust is gone, and no one says a word?”
The longer these issues are allowed to fester, the more Dominicans, at home and abroad, will continue to ask: Is justice in Dominica truly blind, or is it just looking the other way?
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