Roseau, Dominica (TDN)
- The Dominica Parliament have voted to extend the State of Emergency on the island to December 31, 2017 following the destruction wrought by hurricane Maria.
In a hastily arranged session, which took place on Saturday October 7, 2017 the motion to extend the State of Emergency received the support of all the members of Parliament who were present for the seating.
The State of Emergency was first announced by the President of Dominica Charles Sevarin just hours after the passage of the storm. As part of the declaration a curfew denying persons from being outside of their homes was imposed from 4 PM to 8 AM. It has since been changed from 6 PM to 6 AM.
In addition to a curfew the Constitution also allows the President if he so chooses to assume control and regulate all means of communication and transport, restrict the possession of specific articles, impose restrictions on employment and business, and require persons to notify of their movements.
Under the Dominica Constitution the President or through someone he authorizes can declare a state of emergency. This can remain in force for twenty-one days or for such longer period, not exceeding six months, as the House of Assembly may determine by a resolution supported by the votes of a majority of all members of the House.