Reevaluating Caribbean Protest Laws: Balancing Public Safety and Civil Liberties

The Caribbean's legacy is rich with struggle, revolution, and the relentless quest for justice. Despite attaining independence, many leaders impose control over democratic rights via Public Order Acts. This contradiction, as C.L.R. James noted, lingers under the veneer of democracy. Dominica exemplifies this issue, where dissent faces silencing under regulations. The Public Order Act allows excessive ministerial discretion, undermining true democratic principles. As we pursue constitutional reform, the essential question remains: Is protest an inviolable right we will cherish?