Call for look at Sexual Offences Act after man walks free

Weekes said the police remain undaunted in their task
Weekes said the police remain undaunted in their task

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Claude Weekes, is of the opinion that some kind of amendment to the Sexual Offences Act must be made after a matter of unlawful sexual act came to an abrupt end in the court on Thursday when the victim and her mother said they were not interested in giving evidence.

Because of that, a verdict of not guilty was handed down and the accused is now a free man.

The alleged incident took place in Calibishie in December 2013, when the child was 12 years old.

Weekes explained that the matter was in its final stages when the victim  announced in court she did not want to proceed. Her mother echoed the same, indicating to the court that she was not bribed.

Weekes stated such situations are frustrating to the entire system.

“So it really frustrates the effort when these things happen of the whole system,” he stated.

He believes that the Sexual Offences Act must be given another look.

“Probably the call for some kind of amendment to the Sexual Offences Act, this is something that has to be looked at,” Weekes opined.

The clearly upset Weekes said the matter is “very serious.”

“I think surely somehow, someway we all have to answer to that, not only as the accused but even as a nation,” he stated. “All I can say is these crimes are evil, it’s nasty, it’s abominable and it’s diabolic and parents, particularly when you do those things, I can safely say you are prostituting your children, you are allowing your children to become nervous wrecks, to become dysfunctional and if we all continue like that we might have a dysfunctional country as well.”

He continued, “So really and truly the human capital, the primary asset of a country and including Dominica would be its youth that we always say is the future, but if there is no way to protect them, some kind of mechanism, safety gap, it means therefore down the road in Dominica, you have to ask yourself, what the future is going to be like. So we have to protect our children.”

Despite this, Weekes said the police remain undaunted.

“We will not be daunted by that..” he noted. “We have our work to do and that is the prevention of crime, the protection of lives and property. So we will continue to go all out, we will not be deflated or demotivated by the fact that, that has happened but that gives us the momentum and the verve to continue to execute our function.”

He also pointed out to the age of consent, which is 16 in Dominica, has to be looked at.

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46 Comments

  1. SMOKING OUT
    October 21, 2015

    weeping and wailing and the gnashing of teeth, mommy and daddy took the money, the child is destroyed.
    woe be unto you and you . that make’s ashame to be a domiinica.

  2. new law
    October 17, 2015

    once a child reports any form of abuse to a confidant to include a teacher, preacher or a family member, the first action is to report the matter to the appropriate law enforcement /welfare department. This child automatically becomes the property of the state. The parents become the primary object of the investigation while the child remains in isolation. Such investigation is spearheaded by child services in conjuction with law enforcement. I believe the laws are there, however the procedures are very scattered.

  3. October 16, 2015

    I am not in favor of vigilante justice. I just know it happens like it or not when people don\’t think justice is being served, and they reach a certain level of frustration.

    I cannot help wondering where are the fathers in Dominica when a man like this is walking free? Most are letting their common sense dictate. Some are praying for change. But what if one snaps and decides to takes the criminal out?

    Not the right thing to do. But what decent father with a 12 year old daughter has not thought of it?

    The judge might consider protective custody until the law is sufficiently \”fixed\” to give the court the tools it needs to deal with this properly.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

    (Former Licensed Private Investigator (PI). Under the Ontario Provincial Police. License Number 142306.

  4. DA Citizen
    October 16, 2015

    Mr. Weekes, there is no “we MIGHT have a dysfunctional country”. We already have a dysfunctional country. Children have no protection and they have no future because the laws are not meant to protect them. Plain and simple. Be realistic people. The whole system is a failure!!

  5. Francisco Telemaque
    October 16, 2015

    Weaks, I will support the idea, by saying the way this can be amended is to give the state the option to proceed with a matter when for some know or unknown reason the victims withdraw as in this case. Anybody with commonsense realizes that someone was bribed, or threatened to remain quiet.

    That is called witness tampering, and the plaintiff can go jail for withholding evidence!

    I know a man who’s former wife once alleged here former husband “pushed and hit her.” Her husband was arrested, she sprung him the same day he was arrested. The matter went to court, she informed the district precutting attorney, she no longer wanted to proceed, because she was simply angry, and lied to get a certain person arrested.

    The court decided to proceed based on the evidence first gave. Now I know who de man is, but I doth talking eh, I doth going an say de man is Francisco Telemaque eh. The court order both of us to get marital counseling it cost me more than $30, 000. 00 in a six…

    • October 19, 2015

      Common sense Francisco, common sense :!:

      A crime was committed – not only against the victim – but against the constitution, the flag, and the nation for which it stands. It is sworn duty of he police and the courts to deal with this.

      I believe the police have a responsibility to proceed based on the testimony first given by the alleged victim supported by whatever evidence they saw at the time. How can the alleged victim change his or her testimony unless he or she lied o the police at the beginning, or is NOW lying to the police? Is there no charge on the books that covers this type of thing?

      A bribe is witness tampering. Certainly a person can go to jail for this.

      It is the sworn duty of the police and the courts to uphold the honor of the nation and its justice system.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

      .

  6. Hmmm
    October 16, 2015

    What responsibility does the “State’ have in all of this? When a person, child/youth/adult is murdered, it is the “State” versus the perpetrator. So why when a MINOR is abused/molested/raped etc the ‘State’, has no say, that all rights remain with the parents? This is pure nonsense. If the parents will not protect the children, then who will?

    Shame on the “State”, and all it’s legislative authority who do not see the need to change the laws, if that is the issue.

    Earlier this year a second former at a high school in the north, had a baby (thankfully she is back at school), Welfare was not even notified that she was pregnant. As luck would had it, just this week a close relative was found guilty of incest and is awaiting sentencing, Now I am left to wonder, if he is not the father of that baby too.

    We as parents need to stop sacrificing our children; they did not ask to be here.

    • Parent
      October 16, 2015

      Now you talking the state has a responsibilty to change the laws that is so true. BUT you know what these parents need to be JAILED, HUNG, AND QUARTERED. THEY are JUST AS GUILTY as the perpitrator, no questions asked. I know this BITCH of a woman that allow her husband to impregnate her grand daughter and then accuse the grandchild of taking her man. if it were me i would hang her now.

  7. jonathan st jean
    October 16, 2015

    Mr weeks,whilst you highlight this case as a miscarriage of justice, and you are correct, something has to be done to improve the system. However there is a case recently where a police officer was facilitated in escaping justice for child sexual abuse,and you are yet to address this travesty for what it is.Are we not also talking about a minor who was abused by an adult?. This hypocrisy must not be allowed to stand.Why aren’t you calling for an inquiry and prosecution of those involved. When you piont one finger multiple ones are pointing back at you.This case does not require and change to existing law but requires an honest police service ready to implement the laws of the land without fear or favour.

  8. Erasmus B. Black
    October 16, 2015

    @ Officer Weekes: it is not just this man from Calibishie who has gotten away with this sort of crime. Allegedly, there is a long list of men in our country, some of them Honourable and others not so Honourable, with victims of sexual assault in their wake; victims who are afraid to speak out or come forward or just stop talking maybe because of preemptive or permissive strikes against them by parents, teachers, lawyers, or even their peers and the list goes on.

    • ME
      October 17, 2015

      You know all that yet you stay in the dark and pointing fingers instead of doing something. You are just as bad as them

  9. I, Me, & I Alone
    October 16, 2015

    “I think surely somehow, someway we all have to answer to that, not only as the accused but even as a nation,” he stated. “All I can say is these crimes are evil, it’s nasty, it’s abominable and it’s diabolic and parents, particularly when you do those things, I can safely say you are prostituting your children, you are allowing your children to become nervous wrecks, to become dysfunctional and if we all continue like that we might have a dysfunctional country as well.”

    Mr. Weeks I agree with you 100%. However, this case is not as bad as the dismissal of the Dennny and Seco, where Denny gave detailed confession of how he set the house of GON Emmanuel on fire, said who helped him, who transported him. During his confession, Seco was in DA and left. He was asked to return and was charged. However, case was dismissed. See https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/crime-court-law/case-against-earl-seko-grant-dismissed/

    • Truth Knowledge
      October 17, 2015

      Why is it that people like you do not heed the words regularly repeated on the Hot Seat talk show: something like, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to [type nonsense] and remove all doubt?
      If you would remove your foot from your ears, you would have been aware that “Denny” went into the Witness Box and gave evidence on oath that he had lied in his Witness Statement(s) to the police…and that it was untrue that “Seco” had any involvement in the GON Emmanuel fire.
      smh!!!

  10. Ou ja konnet
    October 16, 2015

    I find Mr. Weekes is being very judgemental. What if the child could not give evidence because she was a nervous wreck already and did not want to tell the story /re-live the incident over again? The parent probably thought it was in the best interest of the child to do so. We are too quick to judge people. I am disappointed that this is coming from a Senior Police Officer

    • Shaka zulu
      October 16, 2015

      Dominica have more psychologist per capita. That’s where they are needed. What good is it if we have resources we don’t use, cannot use, or wrongly used. If kid was traumatized then prosecutor should have a psychologist there, call a recess, or do something to ensure justice is served. We talk and make excuses for backward and ridiculousness. There is a problem, you find solutions and fix it. Simple as that.

    • My-views
      October 16, 2015

      Yeah, later down in life we will know if it was in the best interest of the child not to give evidence. She was already 12 yrs old when the crime occurred and she is old enough to give evidence. If they were not bribed, then what?

    • October 16, 2015

      Testifying in court would not be as traumatic for the child as the assault itself.

      Police and social workers are trained to question children on such matters in a manner that minimizes the stress. The trauma of witnessing in court would not be as traumatic as the offence itself which the perpetrator will repeat unless he is stopped. It may even serve as a catharsis (a therapy).
      \\
      Also, professional counselling should be provided for the child to avoid if possible life long damage.

      The perpetrator is likely to reoffend. The crime is far too serious to be left up to the mother to decide whether she will or will not testify.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist,

    • Dominican
      October 16, 2015

      Mr Weekes knows exactly what he is talking about. You guilty or something ?

    • Tina Alexander
      October 17, 2015

      This is a real concern. The best interests of the child must be paramount. In some cases victims suggest that the process of investigation and prosecution were at least as traumatizing as the event itself. In some cases the parents may actually feel they are protecting the child by refusing to prosecute. Some suggest that it is the long drawn out prosecution process that actually prevents them forgiving, forgetting and healing.

      That is why we need a Family Court where matters can be dealt with confidentially, speedily with trained expert witnesses available, close circuit cameras so that the victim does not have to see the perpetrator, no bail so that the accused cannot interfere in anyway with the the course of justice. It is illegal to have sex with a minor and this act should be prosecuted by the police and the original statements recorded and be admissible in court as evidence. This requires a change in the Law. but it is taking place in other developed nations.

  11. Bon Dieu
    October 16, 2015

    We have many more Erika’s to come until we can do right by our children. Have we already forgotten all the efforts the NGO coalition made to get the sexual assault act ammended, among other measures, to protect our children?

    This child abuse saga has been ongoing for years now, and at every turn the gov’t has some excuse, some delay, some further study to enact. We have parliamentary meetings for all manner of rubbish, but this sore topic has yet to be placed for serious debate. The most we get is a PM making ridiculous comments on the issue.

    Weekes, you of all people, who was so vocal about this issue should speak to what the problem is in moving forward. Where is the roadblock? Blackmoore said he lost the petition signed by thousands to raise the age of consent…don’t you see we are dealing with a bunch of jokers???

    • Delia
      October 16, 2015

      Mr. Blackmoore never said he lost the petition – he said he had not seen it.

  12. I, Me, & I Alone
    October 16, 2015

    “Probably the call for some kind of amendment to the Sexual Offences Act, this is something that has to be looked at,” Weekes opined.”

    Sir, the Sexual offences Act is not the only thing that needs to be amended in Dominica. These days I believe Dominica needs a complete overhaul on just about everything. Dominica has fallen and all these ills that are now affecting us and quickly destroying us, came about in our defense of certain corrupt individual leaders we gave a license to do evil, and no one said a thing.

    This case above is a good example, but here is another perfect example according to DNO:

    “A case against Earl ‘Seko’ Grant, who was facing charges in relation to the alleged firebombing of the home of former magistrate, GON Emanuel in 2010, has been dismissed.” Here is why it was dismissed:
    “I was in the company of lots of people (names called). I never left Jam Down,” he said. “I misled the police.. Was Denny charged for misleading police?

  13. Peter Potter
    October 16, 2015

    Money, money, money….no values, no morals, no character!

  14. JetaimevousmonJaisee
    October 16, 2015

    Child molestation happens everywhere. My PM has done his best to stop child sexual molestation. In fact under My PM the level of child molestation has declined

    • October 16, 2015

      I don’t know why you who you say lives for Jesus just don’t shut up.U are just the devil himself

    • BRAIN DAMAGE
      October 17, 2015

      Mois SA QUIK! Don’t lie on my PM non…..

  15. concerned
    October 16, 2015

    DA is already a dysfunctional country and that is what many are failing to see and accept.

    Until we accept this we will struggle to deal with these issues and to do what is required to stop this.

  16. Tony
    October 16, 2015

    Hello and good morning my people. Well the laws in Dominica are very strange and the defense Attorneys are making a fool of our people. The Police don’t conduct proper investigation, securing the crime scene ,gathering and testing the evidence. In such a case the victim must be examined by a doctor who should secure the evidence in a Sexual Evidence Kit and turn it over to the Police for examination and to maintain the chain of custody. The initial interview of the victim should be recorded so in that way she can’t change her statement and the Police will be able to continue the prosecution of the perpetrator without the victim. The parents shouldn’t have any say as to if the case should continue otherwise we will keep having dangerous criminals that are known on our streets and at this point it should be a State issue.

  17. October 16, 2015

    The child should be taken out from this mother\’s custody. Where are your Children\’s Aid people?

    Most people believe the mother accepted a bribe.

    How can you be sure the perpetrator will not drop by at some future date for more of the same?

    Once a charge like this is laid it should be (as one commentator has already said) no longer the victim verses the perpetrator but the State verses the perpetrator.

    Is there not something this woman can be charged with such as withholding evidence, obstructing justice,
    hindering the investigation of a crime, aiding and abetting a crime, etc.? Her offence is called different names in different countries but surely Dominica has a charge that covers it.

    Every nation should have a law that makes it mandatory to report an incident of sexual child abuse. Why has your government not moved on this?

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  18. Caretaker
    October 16, 2015

    A report made the Police as a result they must investigate, statements taken and a charge brought before the court. If the key witness refused to give evidence she don’t only let the police down she makes the system foolish. There must be a charge for wasting police time. The act in force is ok.

  19. Change
    October 16, 2015

    Perhaps these matters take too long before they come to court .. two (2) long years?

    During that time, there is time for bonding, bribes and all sorts to take place resulting in the victims retracting their story or not wanting to proceed with the matter.

    • October 16, 2015

      Exactly :!:

      The long delay works in favor of the perpetrator.

      The whole system is engineered for an acquittal. It needs to be reviewed. Not only the sexual offence laws should be considered, but the system itself needs to be revamped.

      The same applies in Canada. Please understand me. I\’m not implying it is any better up here.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  20. hard cure dca
    October 16, 2015

    so where is the father of the girl, his not standing up. anyway am old fasion the age of consent all always mentain is 18. once the child is below straight up the hill.

    • October 16, 2015

      Where is the father indeed?

      This sounds like another of those situations where there is no father in the home. Surely he would have been there for his precious little girl.

      Is this the fruit of ignoring God\’s moral code? a child out of wedlock, a single mother left vulnerable to depraved men, a little family struggling alone with no covering?

      A sin sick society ridicules Christians and mocks their \”ancient texts\”. But it is the Bible that provides all the instructions we need to have the best life possible in this old world. It will be faithful servants of God who teach Biblical principles for love, courtship, marriage, sex, and family life who will bring the healing of the nation.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  21. Anon....
    October 16, 2015

    Prosecute the mother for wasting police time, using valuable police resources and the cost of brining this matter to the courts.

    • October 21, 2015

      This is exactly what should be done.

      The civic authorities have the power to do it but they will not.

      When a society rejects the moral code God has given us in the Bible many problems can result. Not every case is the same. Premarital sex can produces unwed mothers with children who have no father in the home and a lack of loving discipline – a balance that is best produced by having both parents present. The mother will accept help from whoever offers it and is often victimized by unprincipled men who consider her an easy mark. It should be no surprise if she does not honor authority and wastes the time and resources of the police and the court.

      Unless the government through the courts exercises the authority God has has vested in them (according to Romans 13:1-4) things will only get worse. The government could turn things around but they refuse to do so.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  22. Truth
    October 16, 2015

    Was the police PRO vocal when they tried to fire bomb two elderly people in their home and a man admitted it was him, and the police refuse to do a thing. What about the police officer who they help to get away after he raped a child. Stop closing your eyes for one and opening it for another. Wrong is wrong no matter who do it.

    • Dominican
      October 16, 2015

      Type that a few more times maybe somebody besides me will take you on lol :mrgreen:

    • CLOUDO
      October 18, 2015

      WHILE you may be right ,i dont suport that action but MR ;weeks so much other evidences in other NATIONAL CRIMES which you have on hand and dont come down on them to bring these people like the one opose to MR GUN EMANUEL ?THE POLICE WHO SHOT THE PARRO AND HE refused to continue the case and so many more;YES its only the poor man without defence must be charge but your day will come hope you will be able to stand.::::

    • October 21, 2015

      A police officer :twisted: raped a child and THEY helped him get away :?: The PEOPLE knew and did nothing :?:

      Please tell me it didn\’t happen. Somebody tell me I read it wrong. YES :!: Somebody help me with this one.

      You are saying nobody brought him in, or took him down?

      Where are the MEN and FATHERS of your nation :?:

      There is little hope left for a society like this.

      God have mercy :!:

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

      Former Licensed Private Investigator under the Province of Ontario. License Number 142306.

  23. D
    October 16, 2015

    Monkey know which tree it just climb!! As a mother I would not this to happen. A child scared for life. She said she was not bribed, hope this is the case. But money just finish and that child’s life hangs in the balance and she will be forever tormented by this. People just don’t understand how their actions messes up an innocent child’s life. SMH

    • Anonymous
      October 16, 2015

      Until it’s our children we have no idea what it is like for the parent(s). Up and down court for years, everybody looking at your child, mothers with girls saying all sorts of nasty things about the child and not the abuser. Then the perpetrator is allowed to walk out of the court or prison, “because of his condition”. As a mother myself, I would prefer to seek counselling for my child and get this over with, so she can start healing as soon as possible.

  24. Shaka zulu
    October 16, 2015

    More BS. If there was evidence of rape sexual act confirmed by a medical professional all the kid has to do is say yes. The kid should be questioned independent of the parents. I would arrest the mom and charge her. When you charge someone for murder the victim not there to testify and trial still goes on as long as there is evidence. I know this may seem like two differnt cituations but a crime is a crime. I don’t see why we cannot do the same. Sometimes you try to advocate for people and they just don’t get it.

  25. the eye
    October 16, 2015

    I would like for Mr. Weekes to give recommendations as to how the law must be amended. It,s not always talking but giving solutions. The most important thing in any case is the evidence brought forward so that the person accused can be prosecuted,found guilty and sentenced. As in any case, if the evidence is not there or witnesses refuse to testify then the accused must be given a non guilty verdict. It applies across the board.

  26. UDOHREADYET
    October 16, 2015

    It’s simple when such cases involving domestic violence, sexual aggression etc are filed its not a victim against perpetrator case but a State against perpetrator case, even if the victim who reports the matter choose snot to further their charges the State for the right and protections of all peoples is obligated to pursue the matter and the accused must defend himself against the state and the victim.

    At least that’s how its done in the US.

  27. grell
    October 16, 2015

    I say again Dominica is doomed ,this mother needs to be jailed for life,your 12 year old daughter was abused and you take a bribe.The wrath of God is upon you.A to the molester your demise is near.

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