The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica wishes to place on record, through this medium, its total abhorrence of the recent upsurge in homicidal violence on the island.
Traditionally, Dominica boasts a reputation of being a peaceful, tranquil country but recent events seems to have overturned this notion.
The characteristic warm and friendly nature of our people seems to be replaced by a callous disregard for human life and personal property.
Within a two weeks period ending September 30, 2010 six lives were lost through violent means, which I regrettably must take time to list.
1. Omara Small, 32 years of Goodwill, was fatally shot on high street Roseau on the 15th of September 2010. His assailants are presently being sought, by the Police who are pursuing vigorously every lead they continue the investigations into the matter. The assistance of the public is therefore solicited in this regard.
2. On September 16, 2010 5 year old Rachel Vigilante and 10 weeks old Sophia vigilante were both stabbed to Death by their mother Sarah-Lynn Augustine 22years of Mahaut. Miss Augustine has since been charged for murder of her two children. She was taken before the St. Joseph Magistrate’s Court where she was remanded at the Psychiatric unit for evaluation.
3. Clement James 53 years of Glanvillia was fatally stabbed on the Indian River Bridge, Portsmouth on September 20, 2010. David St. Jean 21years of Portsmouth has been charged with the murder and is presently on remand at the State Prison.
4. Harrison Williams 40 years of Soufriere was beaten to death at Soufriere on September 24, 2010. Hubert Xavier 30yrs, Manuella Williams 32 years, and Lauretta Xavier 25 years, all of Soufriere have since been charged with Murder. They were brought before the Roseau Magistrate Court where charges were read to them before being remanded at the States Prison to await their Preliminary Inquiry.
5. On September 29, 2010 Ramadin Carbon 38years of Fond Baron was fatally stabbed by Imran George 20 years of Pichelin. George is presently in Police custody assisting Police with the Investigations. This final occurrence makes it five (5) violent incidents which left a total of six persons dead within the month of September.
The September surge has pushed the number of murders recorded for the year 2010 to a total of ten (10). However we must commend the police who have recorded a ninety percent detection rate and arrested and charged the perpetrators
The frequency, with which the above mentioned Homicides have occurred, within the period of 15 days is indeed disturbing, alarming and unprecedented.
As a society one must take the position that this violent behavior will not be tolerated. In light of this, no effort will be spared in addressing these incidents with a view to curbing if not stopping this troubling and unbecoming behaviour.
In that regard cabinet has responded positively to a request by the Bishop of Roseau for a meeting on the matter. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday October 5th 2010 and Bishop Bill Daniel is also invited.
In recent times, crime and violence have become one of the most pressing social challenges facing our families, communities and the nation.
The growing prevalence and severity of crime in our communities is cause for major concern and cannot be left unchecked. Shortly the government will be introducing the new firearms bill in parliament in an endevour to strengthen law enforcement efforts in dealing with firearms related incidents.
Finally, from our perspective, preventing violence and reducing crime requires seamless coordination among different actors. In other words, as crime affects our communities, our solutions must transcend disciplines and differences to embrace initiatives and best practices at work.
The coordination in dealing with this critical issue is equally important at all levels of this country.
Dominica is ours to build; therefore, we assure you that the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica remains steadfast in executing its mandate by supporting the Police with whatever is required to fulfill its mandate to protect life and property, prevent the commission of crime, to detect crime and to arrest and prosecute offenders.
Let me therefore take this opportunity to thank the Police for the commendable work they have done so far with the investigations of these Homicides, since out of the six (6) mentioned cases there is only one in which an arrest has not yet been made but investigations are being vigorously pursued.
Let me take the privilege to thank you the public for your unwavering support thus far and to reassure you that you should not be fearful as this Government will do everything possible to bring these untimely deaths under control.
Let me end by extending deepest condolences to all the families who have suffered the loss of their loved ones by violent means during the last two weeks.
May God bless all of you! I thank you.
