PM describes killing of Venezuelan lawmaker as a “terrorist act”

At the time of his death Serra was Venezuela's youngest lawmaker. Photo credit: Reuters
At the time of his death Serra was one of Venezuela’s youngest lawmakers. Photo credit: Reuters

Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, has condemned the murder of a Venezuelan lawmaker, describing it as a terrorist act.

He visited the Venezuelan embassy on Wednesday to sign a book of condolences for the slain man.

According to media reports, Robert Serra and his partner, Maria Herrera were stabbed to death in Caracas on October 1.

At the time of his death, Serra, 27, was one of the youngest lawmakers in Venezuela’s National Assembly.

Skerrit said killing was “a clear attack on the people of Venezuela.”

“It is in fact a terrorist act and is something that all of us in this world, all right thinking people should condemn,” he said. “It has happened in Venezuela today, it could be very well be one of our countries…”

He stated that act was “all in an effort to destabilize the government of president (Nicholas) Maduro.”

The PM signing the book of condolences on Wednesday
The PM signing the book of condolences on Wednesday

“To undermine the tremendous efforts of the government and people of Venezuela in its continued march towards its absolute independence from any hegemonic empire,” he stated. “We in Dominica and the Labour Party, we stand in total, absolute solidarity with the government of president Maduro, the people of Venezuela and the United Socialist Party of Venezuela in condemning this act of terrorism on the people of Venezuela.”

He lamented that the international media has not given much attention to the killing, describing it as “unfortunate.”

“But had it happened anywhere in North America or Europe it would have been headlines for several months,” he stated.

The prime minister noted Dominica will continue to stand in solidarity with Venezuela.

“We stand in solidarity with them through the Petro Caribe arrangement, the ALBA arrangement and of course we voted for Venezuela at the UN to become a non-security member of the UN Security Council,” he stated.

Meanwhile, back in Venezuela two suspects, one of them Serra’s bodyguard, have been arrested.

Maduro has vowed to “get to the masterminds of Serra’s murder inside or outside of the country.”

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51 Comments

  1. Morihei Ueshiba
    October 17, 2014

    Where has our pride gone, skerro maduro say touch your toe, skerro maduro say bend down low, everything the chinese and Venezuelans tell mister to do he doing, what kind of leader is that? Don’t Dominicans have pride GeEZ! 8-O

    • Pittsburgh Dominican
      October 18, 2014

      As much as I hate to say it….we have zero leverage so when the countries mentioned above say jump, the DA govt says how high would you like us to jump.

  2. straight up
    October 17, 2014

    I totally support the PM on that.

    • Anonymous
      October 17, 2014

      Yeah stay there and support him while ebolah swimming around our shores like shark

  3. belle
    October 17, 2014

    i am really sorry for the death of this person. i hate murder and i hope the murderer in penalized justly.

    and i also hope skeritt sympathizes with our farmers, and public servants.

    skeritt i hope the state in which you have the country will hit you in a nightmare. i hope you sweat like a pig and wake up like a mad man. i hope the nightmare shows you all the injustice that is happening to us the suffering people of dominica

    i hope the world around is hearing our cry and may find a heart to intervene to help us get rid of this injustice to citizens

  4. October 16, 2014

    Our Lord and Savior, Supreme Leader, Comrade and Ordained Honorable Prime Minister in his infinite wisdom condemns the senseless killing of a young Venezuelan Lawmaker, not for self-praise but because it is the right thing to do. No wonder the world over loves and adores our handsome, humble and honest Supreme Leader! The Honorable Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit makes Dominica and the more than 60,000 strong Laborites extremely proud through his compassion and courage to do what’s right in the face of his critics, the wanna-be politicians and unemployed loiterers salivating for a chance at power and an opportunity to enjoy our beloved State Palace!! NEVER!!! NEVER I TELL YOU! Dominica is a ONE PARTY Island! Remember I said so! Bye!!! :twisted:

  5. shaka zulu
    October 16, 2014

    Mr. Pm please call the hegemonic empires by name. All them out.

  6. okay
    October 16, 2014

    call it call it please call the damn elections

  7. Roseau Central
    October 16, 2014

    Why be so hypocritical about the death of one so far away when the x service man , x magistrate, attorney at law Senior citizen G O N Emanuel and you Skerrit never expressed your concern over how these individual were terrorized, now hear you your hypocrere, time will tell.

  8. Abitrator
    October 16, 2014

    Who does Skerrit think he is? How is he so sure it’s an act of terror? Does he know the definition of terrorism? Why is he always picking on with North America or Europe. Dominica becarefull

  9. Outsider looking in
    October 16, 2014

    Mr Skerrit has to realize that big brother is watching. Mr prime minister expressing your self in solidarity with an evil empire will place Dominica in a deeper hole that it is right now. Communism has been extinct and the people of Dominica has no desire to go down that route. As the pm of this beautiful and quiet nation keep us away from these negative and isolated countries whose image has been tarnish internationally and focus on the development of our humble nation. Change is a must. It’s time to reclaim our beautiful country from the hands of the unrighteousness and evil diers

  10. anonymous2
    October 16, 2014

    Skerrit, I guess you don’t know anything about Caracas. Death is waiting for you at every turn. One of the most violent cities that exists.

  11. Watchman
    October 16, 2014

    Prime minister D watchman did not hear you condemn the act that cause D young man death in your police cell; you forget to condemn D death of two Portsmouth women, what about Mwang you said nothing; what happen PM you don`t like us?

  12. febrese
    October 16, 2014

    Dominican lawmen are to take note because this behavior is coming to our shores.

    there are laywers that busy crooking people for money to gain rapid wealth.

    lawyers take note>..

  13. aa
    October 16, 2014

    Maybe we can get back bird Island

  14. TRUTH
    October 16, 2014

    so many innocent people dying in dominica ,skeritt have nothing to say, shame shame shame,, Shame on your supporters most of all,they are blind ,they cannot see,that you are carrying them to hell but they are wishing for five more years of missery

    • The Facts
      October 16, 2014

      The man who was murdered is a lawmaker. Dominica gets much financial assistance from Venezuela. Therefore, why did you not give this a thought prior to criticizing the PM?
      As a national, you are also a beneficiary of Venezuelan assistance. Be thankful, grateful and compassionate. You should join your PM in denouncing this murder and offer your condolence to Venezuela. How much does it take if one has a compassionate and loving heart?

      • Anonymous
        October 17, 2014

        So it is all about money, is it? Well, well you finally show your real colour.

      • October 18, 2014

        It would be kind of you and the PM to spare a thought for the Emanuels with the same passion.

  15. @
    October 16, 2014

    Skerrit have you condemned the fire bombing and attempted murder of GON Emmanuel or you supported it?

  16. October 16, 2014

    Pm you to fast,Do you have any facts about the man death,Y you are so quick to speak.Stop putting my people lives on the line.Talk abou all the unsolved cases in your own coutry.Stop going places and singing for your supper.

  17. Morihei Ueshiba
    October 16, 2014

    GarCon, Venezuela has the highest per capita murder rate in the world after Honduras, Monica Spear, a former Miss Venezuela died the same way, u fellas go in Government not creating employment for your people giving handouts keeping dem poor, and when crime rising u all saying a terrorists act, Dominica is doing it best to join Venezuela, thanks to your policies.
    Serra and Herrera, were submitted on the ground floor of their residence, were gagged and killed with an ice pick.

    • The Facts
      October 16, 2014

      Not all Venezuelans are poor. Those who are poor in Venezuela, did they not have the opportunity to attend school and to graduate?

      • Anonymous
        October 17, 2014

        Oh please lady, you are beyond redemption.

  18. Ma Moses
    October 16, 2014

    Mr. Skerrit, was the firebombing of Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel’s house also a terrorist act, carried out to destabilize your government?
    And who are the alleged perpetrators Mr. Skerrit? Do you have an opinion on that also? At least you can tell us why the investigation in that matter has been thwarted and is going nowhere? You know apparently everything about that murder in Venezuela but nothing about the attempted murder of this elderly couple on your own doorstep. I suspect you want to be sweet with Maduro because we owe his country big money and you are trying to persuade him to forgive that debt?

  19. Francisco Telemaque
    October 16, 2014

    “Skerrit said killing was “a clear attack on the people of Venezuela.”

    Skerrit is always talking some baloney, first he said the killing is an act of terrorism, then he said the killing is an attacked on the Venezuelan people.
    Nonsense! if the murder of the two was carried out by a Venezuelan born, or national by naturalization, that would mean Venezuelans are attacking themselves; and that could only happen during a civil war! What is Skerrit talking about?
    In that case sir, you should be concern with the terrorist act perpetrated on the home of Gong Emmanuel, when they firebombed his residence whiles he and his wife was asleep in the house during the early hours of the morning. Be reminded the domestic terrorist came forward and implicated himself in the plot to murder the Emmanuel’s. Nevertheless, your judiciary decided the man who said he is the one who firebomb the house is not credible because he has a criminal record.

    Hence the culprits are still walking the streets of Dominica, pretending to be good outstanding citizens un-punished for the crime of attempted murder. If you Mr. Skerrit are so concerned about terrorism in Venezuela, perhaps it is time for you to concentrate on the terrorist who murdered my Nephew in our village of Wesley, by slashing his throat. Be reminded that someone also implicated himself in the murder of my nephew, he was arrested, your police in Wesley set him free, they claimed he was incompetent, and did not know he was implicating himself in a murder. Days after the police set him free, he also was found dead with his throat slashed in the same fashion as my nephew.

    What are you doing about the terrorist who murdered the tow. Recently Skerrit, my niece was viscously beaten by a Dominica terrorist, she went to the Princes Margaret Hospital about four times complaining of pains in her head from the injuries she sustained, your prepared operatives keep sending home without treatment, she succumbed to the injuries, she bled to death internally, the terrorist who beat ran and hide in St. Lucia, what have you and your government don to get the terrorist return to Dominica to stand trial for the murder of my niece?

    You see sir, you are nothing more than a hypocrite, pretending you care about the dead Venezuelan, but how much do you care about the people of Dominica, and the high volume of crime at your very front door?

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Bird's Eye
      October 16, 2014

      Francisco: I had no idea what you just described was actually taking place in Dominica.
      I am shocked beyond belief. We may indeed be on a path that will lead us to a very difficult place if efforts are not made to reverse the course of lawlessness that you described. And a good place to start is to elect a government that is committed to law and order.

      • Francisco Telemaque
        October 16, 2014

        Bird Eye, haven’t you heard, people are held up at gunpoint, and robbed in broad daylight! in our country? Haven’t you heard that criminals walk into credit unions armed with cutlass, and robbed the Credit Unions, that happened so many times.

        In broad daylight, a sniper shoots in a guy dead in Roseau, whiles he stood among others on the street talking! Indeed our criminal technology in Dominica is minimal, or probable nonexistent, nevertheless, if Skerrit, and the Labor Party had any interest in eliminating crime from our streets, the lease they could have done is seek outside help from Scotland Yard, and also the FBI.

        Those are two institutions whisc only purpose is to solve crime, they will go to any country and assist the government, and police in resolving any criminal issue, as long as the government of that country solicits their help. Gong Emanuel case should be long solved, as far as I see it is going to remain dormant the same as that of my nephew, and niece.

        Let me give you an example of how Dominica is screwed up. Some guy raped a child, in this case the FBI assisted in the investigation, the FBI found specimen from the criminal on the murdered and rape child’s body, when the evidence was presented in court, the lawyer for the accuse objected to the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) evidence on the grounds that such evidence are not acceptable in their court in Dominica, hence the murderer walked free; from the advent of DNA evidence way back in England in the 1970’s, that’s where the technology was born, and developed; since then it has been used internationally to convict the guilty, and exonerate the innocent, however, in Dominica the government, and the courts refuse to accept it in court to either exonerate, or convict.

        If we count the amount of unsolved murders which has taken place between Wesley, and a little village past Portsmouth, one would become bewildered as to why there are so many unsolved murders in a such a small place as ours with a population of far below a hundred thousand people. Usually, when people does not have anything productive to do, can’t earn a living by working, it is obvious they will turn to something crooked.

        The youths of Dominica discovers a politician just a few years older them they are, or about the same age, had nothing, not even a Job, then they gets into politics, and within five years, or within the first year they are called honorable, these poor guys who had nothing all of a sudden drives an SUV, or BMW, generally the most expensive cars, combined with multiple houses valued at many millions of dollars. The poor youth who desire the same without a job gets the idea that crime is the alternative. And so they go about their business robbing, raping and stealing; the majority gets involved into the sale drugs.

        Their example is the people in government. If someone probe into the assets of all of the ministers of government in Dominica, based on their paid honest salary, it will be found that the value of their total asset exceeds the total amount of money they would have earned honestly even if they were in government for twenty-five years, or more. The government in Dominica at the moment is a very bad example for the youths of our country, and I agree with you the alternative is to vote this government out of power.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  20. Malgraysa
    October 16, 2014

    It is sad that a young politician and his partner could be killed like that. I am surprised that in a country with so much violent crime like Venezuela there was unreliable security provided for such a prominent member of govt. to prevent these murders.
    But mr. Skerrit is simply copying mr. Maduro when he says that this was a terrorist act. Maybe it was but the fact to date is that the real motive behind these murders is still not known, nor are the alleged perpetrators. Only a couple of hours ago today, the BBC reported mr. Maduro as saying that based on a confession of Mr. Serra’s bodyguard that it was the work of a Columbian paramilitary group that the bodyguard conspired with after initially blaming ultra-right opposition groups in Venezuela itself. Who knows that bodyguard did not invent a story and is simply responsible himself?
    Meanwhile, critics of mr. Maduro have accused him of exaggerating the news in order to justify the arrest of opposition activists.
    As for mr. Skerrit claiming that the international media have not given much attention to the murder that is simply not true.
    A quick trawl of the internet reveals reports from such prominent publications and news agencies as: BBC, The Guardian, the Economist. Reuters, AFP, AP, Washington Post, the Telegraph, Granma, Yahoo news, Miami Herald, the New York Times and many, many others.
    I wish mr. Skerrit had taken the trouble to check for himself before making himself look ridiculous.

  21. Tri State-Beauty
    October 16, 2014

    Way papa Skerrit what happened in Venezuela is sad but how come you so huffy about their issues, and silent when horrific crimes happen on the very island you were elected to govern? Your lips are sealed when heinous crimes happen on Dominica but you flapping away in Venezuela business.

    • Forever Amber
      October 16, 2014

      In a word, Skerrit is ‘singing for his Venezuelan supper’. He is making sure that Maduro knows that Skerrit appears to be on his side.

      What has ALBA and Petro Caribe got to do with the murders? It is relevant ONLY to show gratitude from the largesse Venezuela has bestowed on the DLP Government.

      Skerrit should be ashamed of himself, knowing full well his dismissive attitude toward the attempted murder of Gon Emanuel and his wife. For him the murders in Venezuela are more important than the fire-bombing and attempted murders of our own Dominicans. How hypocritical.

      But then again, it is election time. The story is an opportunity for a photo op. LMFHO.

  22. October 16, 2014

    Mr. Skerrit, some people mistake trickery for wisdom you are not wise at all. If you were then you would also show sympathy and compassion to Mr. GON Emanuel and his wife Ms. Greta . Instead you go to venezuela and stand in solidarity with a slain politician which is your right to do but Mr. Emanuel is a highly respected senoir citizen in this country of dominica. Mr. Skerrit are you not seeing the hand writing on the wall telling you that you have been found wanting? listen Mr. Skerrit I am hearing a funeral dirge and it is a sankey for the DLP.

  23. 100% Dominican
    October 16, 2014

    A ploy to play to the politics of Maduro to see if he can get some campaign funds or support…………..that cannot fool us papa!!!

  24. Very erratic leader
    October 16, 2014

    These erratic statements of Skerrit is putting Dominica on the watch list. The man is erratic, irresponsible, and lacks wisdom. He always likes to point finger at North America and Europe whenever something bad happens in Venezuela or any of his communist friends. Take warning Dominicans because Skerrit sure is putting you on the map in a very negative way!

  25. Wild Dog
    October 16, 2014

    Skerrit since you seem to know a lot about the murder of your Venezuelan friend, I think you need to answer the following questions based on your statement:

    1. According to you the killing was “a clear attack on the people of Venezuela.” Are you suggesting that foreigners were involved in the attack? If so, where are they from? I am concerned because according to the article, “Meanwhile, back in Venezuela two suspects, one of them Serra’s bodyguard, have been arrested.”

    2. You said “It is in fact a terrorist act.” Can you reveal the motive behind that terrorist act?

    3. ” According to media reports Robert Serra and his partner, Maria Herrera were stabbed to death in Caracas on October 1.” Based on their last names and the use of “partner”, it doesn’t appear they were married. Could cheating or things of that sort be the motive?

    4. According to you, “But had it happened anywhere in North America or Europe it would have been headlines for several months.” But Skerrit, don’t you understand that in North America and Europe people enjoy free press and are able to report freely? That’s not the case with Venezuela and that’s another reason why I am so damn afraid for the future of Dominica under your watch. That’s exactly where we are heading sir.

  26. Duncekyat
    October 16, 2014

    Mr. Serra’s murder is a tragedy and should not happen in any civilized society. However, members of Venezuela’s opposition are being threatened, harassed, imprisoned without trial, and murdered on a constant basis. Aren’t those actions terrorist acts also? Why haven’t I heard Mr. Skerrit condemn the assaults on Venezuela’s Opposition? Aren’t they an integral part of Venezuela’s democratic system? I know Mr. Skerrit feels the need to bow before the Venezuelan flag because he has indebted Dominica to the Chavista regime, but have some pride man and stop embarrassing Dominica.

    What Mr. Skerrit needs to talk about is the subordination of Dominica’s sovereignty to China and reveal the details of the MOU that that has turned Dominica another Chinese province.

  27. Chakademus
    October 16, 2014

    Why the groveling, all that obsequious fawning? Have some pride man, you don’t have to go out on your hands and knees and pledge allegiance like that. Remember, you are the Prime Minister of a sovereign country. Please, you are embarrassing us.

  28. Xcuse Me?
    October 16, 2014

    OMG! Skerrit is quick to condemn the murder of the Venezuelan lawmaker and was also very quick to say, “It is in fact a terrorist act,” and also refers to it as “a clear attack on the people of Venezuela.” Skerrit seems to have needed very little time to investigate the killing in a very porpulated Venezuella, and yet he has not been able to condemn or investigate the attempted murder of GON and Mrs. Emmanuel, on Christmas of 2010, in a country with less than 70,000people, where he is the Prime Minister.

  29. Zanndoli
    October 16, 2014

    @Truth to Be Told. You are right, your Truth is Yet to Be Told by You :!:
    Honduras has the Highest murder rate followed by Venezuela by a little more than half Honduras’ rate.
    Just in case somebody might be exercising their imagination and wanting to print it as Truth again, the only West Indian islands showing in the Top Ten are Jamaica and St. Kitts.

  30. jane messam
    October 16, 2014

    PM Skeritt you have no business to openly condemn this murder. You can have your own opionion, which you need to keep to yourself but as a PM you need to be more diplomatic. If you can’t protect Dominica and the people of Dominica then you have no business being PM. I admire some of the things you and your administration have achieved for the country. However, you need to stop putting your nose where it does not belong and continue to focus on developing the country.

  31. Lone Ranger
    October 16, 2014

    This action by Mr. Skerrit underscores why it is dangerous to reelect him as prime minister of this country.
    He goes to the Venezuela embassy to sign a book of condolences for a Venezuela lawmaker killed in a country with the highest murder rate in the world.
    Contrast this with Mr. Skerrit’s behavior in mocking and dissing GON Emmanuel whose life was threatened by what was a terrorist attack on his house on Christmas morning 2010.
    I regret saying this but Mr. Skerrit is proving to be a fundamentally indecent man and reelecting him would be a disaster on the scale of Hurricane David.

  32. Truth be Told
    October 16, 2014

    Skerrit said killing was “a clear attack on the people of Venezuela.” Really? The Venezuelan people are dying everyday in a country which today boast the highest murder rate in the world! What about them Mr Prime Minister? You well late to the Venezuelan reality!

  33. Bird's Eye
    October 16, 2014

    Is the attempted murder of a retired magistrate any less abominable than the murder of a Venezuelan?
    The prime minister condemns the murder of a Venezuelan lawmaker, yet he refused to condemn the attempted murder of a retired senior magistrate in his own country.
    Mr. Skerrit’s hypocrisy is in full display and the crumbs he receives from Venezuela’s table is no justification for his double standards.
    It is not too late for him to offer an apology to GON Emmanuel.

  34. Anonymous
    October 16, 2014

    Eben skerrit fresh. The man was killed in caracas what business of Dominica is that, that is those people internal issues. I did not hear the Venezuelan amb. express condolence to the bridgwaters maclawrences.

  35. Mammy
    October 16, 2014

    Now if the same thing had happened in Dominica, do you think the Venezuelans would pay any notice to us, nuh? Just asking…

  36. art laud.coulibistri
    October 16, 2014

    i do not trust any information coming out from the socialist state of Valenzuela the government jumps to conclusion too soon before a proper investigation is carried out,it s like they knew before hand that it s was going to happen.who know if it was not stage by the government.these para military groups have top of the line technology to stage an assassination and to collect information so why go through the body guard.these groups are very professional and never live witnesses so if it was this group the guard would be dead and not alive to speak.these guys a merciless

  37. committed Dominican
    October 16, 2014

    Fire bombing Mr. Emanuel is not a terrorist act? Man, people are sick of you. Do Dominica a favour if you really love our island. Call election please.

  38. rescue 911
    October 16, 2014

    But I never hear you talk againt ours

    • d/a
      October 16, 2014

      Cant you all see this guy don’t give a H about you all DOM-IN-CANS laugh the boy laughing DOM-IN-CANS lol well done pm

  39. me myself and I
    October 16, 2014

    it is funny that the prime minister never comes out to talk about the innocent people killed in Dominica, but you will come out and talk about a Venezuelan murder. Alas. Alas.

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