Remembering Dominica’s worst air disaster

Some of the victims of the tragedy (from left): Latoya James, Valda Simon, Anne-Marie Guye,Marcus Alleyne Webster

On August 23, 1998, 14 years ago today, Dominica suffered its worst air disaster when Cardinal Airline Flight 947 from St. Maarten to Dominica disappeared and crashed around 5:33 pm on approach to the Melville Hall Airport.

Marlon Royer

On board were ten Dominicans and one pilot.

Events that led to the tragedy began unfolding when the Cessna 402, owned and operated by Air Anguilla, was given clearance by air traffic controllers to land. Around that same time it is reported that a LIAT pilot saw the airplane at about 800 feet above the approach, and some three miles south west of the Melville Hall runway.

Soon after, the LIAT pilot reported that he began recieving distress signals from the Cessna.

The airplane never arrived at its Mellville Hall Airport destination.

Word soon spread and a search party immediately began looking for the ill-fated aircraft but the search was called off due to bad weather. Dominica was being affected by an intense tropical wave that day.

The following day the weather lifted and a farmer in the Vauxhall area discovered parts of an aircraft and reported this to the police. It was confirmed that it was the missing aircraft.

Rescue workers and the curious rushed to the site and many wept openly as a survey revealed battered and bleeding bodies, some with near severed limbs, strewned around the aircraft. The site also revealed that the plane had lost a wing, an engine, and its fuselage, as it ripped through trees before coming to a halt.

The nation was in a state of shock as news emerged that ten bodies were recovered from the site. But a glimmer of hope appeared in all the gloom when it was announced that 10-year-old Kelly John from Newtown was found unconscious. He was rushed first to the Marigot Hospital then to the Princess Margaret Hospital for emergency medical attention.

But all hopes were dashed the following day at 3:00 pm when news broke that despite valiant efforts by doctors, Kelly had died.

Kelly, a student of St. Mary’s Primary, had traveled to St. Maarten to spend summer holidays with his mother, and was returning home for school.

In addition to Kelly, those on the plane that fateful day were serving police officer, Glenville Lewis, Josephine and Nyanna Francois, Jonathan Lake, Latoya James, Valda Simon, Marcus “Alleyne” Webster, Ann-Marie Guye, Marlon Royer and Captain Ilouba “Chris” Adingupu from Nigeria.

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135 Comments

  1. Menace
    December 10, 2023

    Never forgotten Bro..Im still here..still gaming hard…still writing useless comments..i miss you my friend…

  2. Chrissy
    August 27, 2012

    I will never forget that aweful day in our nation’s history…Really,really Tragic…Though being quite young at the time, I remember seeing how deeply hurt and angry, the father of Latoya James was. He was the bus driver in my area and our family’s heart really went out to him. We were hurting for her and all the other victims… The memory of this event still brings sorrow to my heart… RIP

  3. blood
    August 26, 2012

    yeah remembering that day n i know my good friend marcus is resting in peace for sure….we had some fun days growing up,times we use to ride skateboard down that hill at nights,playing football on di field by di airport,watching play league football being one of canefield best defender,watching drive whitchurch bus like a real mad man lol n moving wild in west side early stages….
    GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN AT ALL MOOMOO a real west side ni44a…we surely blazed some loud ones on ur funeral day…

    AL GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN TOO….u always respected me n we always had a good laugh

  4. JD
    August 25, 2012

    I remember it like it was yesterday I was 18 year old I took that same flight the week b4 it crash I was shock I remember saying that could have been me n could not stop crying n seeing the pilot face smile. R.I.P u all

  5. getto girl
    August 25, 2012

    rest in peace valda and marlon i remember that horrible day

  6. smartz
    August 25, 2012

    Marlon….boy it seems like it was yesterday that you went away never knew all these years passed the memories are still fresh in mind.can never forget you an your mom,very nice ppl trust me.rest in peace cuz.my heart goes out to the rest of the ppl families. :cry:

  7. true dominican
    August 24, 2012

    R.I.P Marlon Royer. Marlon and I were very good childhood friends, I still remember every summer we went to vacation bible school together at the Christian Union Church in GoodWill. I can still remember us running the streets of Stockfarm… His mom also made some great milkpops and icepops and icecream…………..

    • STOP JUDGE
      August 24, 2012

      yes he was my clasmate n i remember dat day well marlon very funny guy i will always miss u

  8. Kim
    August 24, 2012

    I never forgot this. it was a real gloomy time. smh

  9. Anonymous
    August 24, 2012

    Anyone knows whatever happened to Valda’s little girl? She was months old when this accident occurred.

  10. Justice and Truth
    August 24, 2012

    May their souls rest in peace.

    I was then residing in Canada when I heard the sad news of the plane crash and loss of lives soon after it occurred. We felt sad for the victims and for their living relatives. There is no doubt that their relatives will never forget that incident and the loss of their loved ones. I can visualize how they felt when they heard the sad news about their relatives and having to go through the grieving process. Losing loved ones and in such a manner could be so sad. It is also something they will never forget while their life lasts. God bless all of you.

  11. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    I knew of the plane crash but never heard the details. Thanks DNO for the update.

    May the families be comforted knowing their love ones are gone but not forgotten. May their souls rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon them.

  12. janis
    August 23, 2012

    R.I.P my loving cousing Marlon. We will never gorget u

  13. Dominicanpearl2
    August 23, 2012

    Sad indeed. Let’s just focus on one disaster at a time. We are a small country and can only deal with so much sorrow at a time. DNO did report about the Morne Prosper accident on it’s anniversary. We weep and mourn for all who lost their lives. May God give us the courage to go on.

  14. I REMEMBER
    August 23, 2012

    This thing is still fresh in my mind. I remember marlon His smile, he was always Jovial. And his mom Valda, She was very Kind Person. I am very thankful that they did not take Valda’s little girl with them. She’s alive today. raise God.

    I remember how the youth at mu church cried when they heard the news.
    This day can never be forgotten. I knew 4 of the victims. And Many people knew more than one person. All of Dominica mourned. I am afraid of flying and I really pray that we will never have another air tragedy like that

  15. emotional
    August 23, 2012

    unfortunately i know most of the people in the plane crash. Its too much and too hurtful to even talk about. the woman who spoke of her daughter excaping that flight and now studying to be a doctor must have so much mixed feelings. the daughter herself must be realy touched. rest in peace and to the families be strong cause i know u still hurt.

  16. emotional
    August 23, 2012

    thanks for that mourne prosper tragedy link. I was not born yet and know no family associated with this tragedy but this is so emotional for me, i could hardly breathe. Dominica has alot of history good and bad. may the family find solace

    • Justice and Truth
      August 24, 2012

      You are a young one. Only 14? Did you miss the 2000 mark or not, the new century? :)
      Every generation goes through this. Those of us who are older also heard of other disasters and occurrences be they at home or abroad which saddens us. Yes! It is history which should not be forgotten.
      I wish you good luck for the future. May God protect you from all harm as you grow up.

      • Justice and Truth
        August 24, 2012

        :oops: ‘2000 year mark’

  17. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    Maybe some will give me thumbs up, but I am sorry to say that I never knew about this crash.Never !! But I still have in remembrance that someone telling me that there was a crash, but it happened in the sea, and that there was a young man who was going to be married, and they could hear noises coming from the plane. I had answered, that it was impossible. I can’t remember the year, and the person who told me.May the Good Lord bless the families.

  18. "O" STRESS!
    August 23, 2012

    MY all their souls rest in peace. Gone but not forgotton. The police force should do something in the memory of Glenville LEWIS he was such a nice human being and a good cop. Lets name the training School at morne Bruce in his memory.

  19. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    Yes, that was a sad day in Dominica and the victim families..we will never forget…

  20. Mamizoo
    August 23, 2012

    DNO before deleting my comment why not do an invedtigation to find out if the families received just compensation. Also verify that at the time it was noted that there were several issues including crew, insurance, the condition of the aircraft. The airline got away with violations because they had corrupt politicians whom they supported.
    Do your homework DNO and you will find what i am saying to be true. MAMIZOO is no friend of any politician particularly corrupt politicians.

    ADMIN: We deleted your first comment was because the intention of the story is remember the event and the people who died on that tragic day. We have no intention of bringing politics into such a sad event. The only reason why we approved this comment is to let you know that point and let you know that no one sets our agenda for us.

    • "O" STRESS!
      August 23, 2012

      Take that in your “Mamizoo” and those like you. Suck it to them D.N.O.

  21. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    still bring tears to my eyes… Latoya was family..

    • Hazel Sewell
      May 11, 2021

      A beautiful and kind soul, Latoya James was my student…DGS form 2-4; I also taught her English. A particularly bright student, I still see her sitting upright at the front of the class, wearing her uniform with pride often with ribbons in her hair. Keen, bright and affable, Latoya was always ready and rearing to learn and would definately have gone on to make a difference in the world…continue to rest in paradise baby girl. Marlon was in First Form and the smile we see in the picture posted of him truly reflects his nature…kind, bubbly and bright, but sadly gone before reaching my classroom where I could help nuture, edify and shape him too.
      Gone but absolutely never forgotten…the souls of all those lost on that devastating day in our island’s history are at rest as they continue to reside in the peace and love of God’s paradise.

  22. Annso
    August 23, 2012

    The week before she left to St.martin Ann-Marie was at our home cooking palau,she was so excited about going to St.Martin with her boyfriend Marcus to shop for their unborn child. She was my cousin and friend, She always stood up for me, and she will never be forgotten.

  23. speaking logic
    August 23, 2012

    Don’t they have a monument in their honor with their names on it? If not that should be done…

  24. I remember
    August 23, 2012

    I remember that day like it was yesterday. I also remember the search being called off because it got too dark and our ambulance/fire men were not equipped to deal with a night search for such a tragedy. Some of the victims dragged to huddled with others and died as help was not there for them. It is so so sad that the only survivor later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital because there was no ICU care available for the little boy. I cried when I saw them huddle together dead like that. It is just a pity they could not have been rescued in time. Maybe outcome could have been different. Never say maybe but it always pops in ones mind in situations like this.

  25. hmmmm
    August 23, 2012

    my sis came from sm the week b4! nobody from paix bouche went to work that Monday! there were many signs owl crying all paix bouch all kinds of things! this story is toooo sad! :cry:

  26. In loving memory
    August 23, 2012

    May their souls continue to be at rest. We love you all and continue to think about the good times we shared with our loved ones who ve departed. Until we meet again, may the Good Lord continue to strenghten and keep us. Thanks to everyone for the words of comfort, thoughts and prayers shared with the deceased and their families. They are all in union with each other and are pleased to see that we continue to think and pray for them. Kisses to you valda, her compagnon st lewis and son marlon. A cousin

  27. eh heh!
    August 23, 2012

    paix bouche people will NEVER forget this accident! i was 3 at the time. . my mom brought me there after all the bodies were removed hmmm still get sad thinking about it!

  28. sweet
    August 23, 2012

    i for sure remembered that day…Marlon and i were very close friends. he was so excited for that i knew the day he was comming back and waited for him patiently. when my aunt told me the news i melted in tearas, i knew his whole family mother father sister and step dad. this just brought back tears to my eyes. i remember them everytime i hear the songs playing on the radio.

    • ghettovet
      August 23, 2012

      Yea…that hurt me too….Piggy was my dude, and when they told me what and how it happened that hurt bad. R.I.P Piggy…You fought till the end homie…a true soldier!!

  29. KD Alexander
    August 23, 2012

    this was the worst summer ever when i lost my best friend jonathan “chuckie” lake. i cried that night, i know he is with his sister nyana and his loving mom joycelyn, i will never forget chuckie. till this day i talk about him. may their souls rest in peace.

  30. grell
    August 23, 2012

    remember the trgic day when the news broke.will never forget.may your souls continue to rest in peace.we know you all are happy with the father.

  31. family member
    August 23, 2012

    that story brought back the horrific memories of that day. RIP Latoya a family member gone too soon. In tears

  32. Vino
    August 23, 2012

    My heart still aches for all those who lost their lives on that tragic day. I feel for the families they left behind. Only God knows why certain things happen. I thank God every day for his mercies because my daughter who was only seven years old at the time was in St. Martin spending time with her mum that summer. Her mum tried to get her a ticket on that very same flight but it was booked. Her mum did however send my daughter’s school supplies and some clothing items on that flight. They were recovered but they were badly damaged. My daughter has grown up to be such a wonderful young woman. She is currently studying medicine in the US. Thank you Lord!

  33. MiMi
    August 23, 2012

    Sad memories, Nyanna, Josephine (AKA Jesmine) , Jonathan (AKA Chucky) Rest In Peace. It was so sad that this family had to be buried on the same day. I am was only 5, yet for some reason i can remember this like yesterday.

    • Possie
      August 25, 2012

      Same I can remember it like yesterday! Seein Jonathan, nd family being buried on the same day very tragic! I was jus 7 yrs! The Sunday before we prayed for them to have a safe flight nd holiday…….. Sign life

  34. Wesleyifrom
    August 23, 2012

    R.I.P Kelly John. All your relatives and friends still miss you. Your memory lives on. Kenny looks just like you, a gentle reminder of you.

  35. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    marlon and valda used to be my neighbours. I was so sad when they died.

  36. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    A SAD day indeed.

    Clecy

  37. bwa kwaieb
    August 23, 2012

    I knew off all these people including glanville the police officer who’s not pictured here. That time was horrible. I remember Marpin showing them removing the bodies and someone who I knew was at the scene and said it was the worst thing he had ever experienced. So yes this to me is the saddest story of Dominica’s history. RIP

  38. P.U.S.H
    August 23, 2012

    R.I.P Cuz Latoya James 14 years ago you left us sighhh but our memories still remain. I know your in a better place.

  39. hmmm
    August 23, 2012

    r.i.p may all your souls rest in peace :( :cry: :cry:

  40. trolol
    August 23, 2012

    Sounds terrible, Can’t imagine being on a crashing plane… R-I-P

  41. Virgin@50years
    August 23, 2012

    Incidentally, his is the birth date of my daughter and so I always remember that dreadful day. But my question is, were the family of these precious souls ever got compensation? Money cannot replace them but they lost their family. Mother, father, daughter, sister, son or brother. They will never hve their loved ones again. Hope those responsible for the aircraft have a conscience.

  42. Shameless
    August 23, 2012

    Sad sad moment in the history of Dca. I am still saddened and hurt whenever this tragedy comes to mind especially when I am traveling in or out of Dca. Even today, I could not help but shed a tear especially when I remember my very good friend Glenville. I pray that their soul has found peace. A monument at the site would be quite fitting.

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  43. Annette ,smith
    August 23, 2012

    this is something i will never forget i remember valda marlon an lewis but life have to go on its is rough , may there souls rest in peace

  44. May
    August 23, 2012

    When all is said and done, did the relatives of the victims ever got compensated by the airline?????

  45. IRIE-I
    August 23, 2012

    There should be a monument constructed at the crash site in memory of those who lost their lives.

    • Dominican for sure
      August 23, 2012

      The crash site is all the way in the heights of Marigot. The monument should be somewhere on the ground at Melville Hall.

  46. friend
    August 23, 2012

    i remember this dreadful momment was 15 yrs at that time it was sad day indeed in whole of dominica r.i.p

  47. Spice
    August 23, 2012

    OMG that the first time i am hearing about this accident,thats a really sad situation RIP to dos who lost there lives :(

    • bwa kwaieb
      August 23, 2012

      Where do you live under rock?

      • 4spice
        August 23, 2012

        At bwa bwaieb : I know you must have directed this comment @ Spice. Do you know how old Spice was at the time? This incident has not been an every day talk and is not every year this has been brought to the public’s attention. At the time of the crash i was in my early 30s’ and its only now that i am seeing certain facts about the crash and i have not been living under a rock. I KNOW there are a lot more like Spice.

      • Justice and Truth
        August 24, 2012

        It is strange that if he resided in Dominica then he never heard about it. We are correct to ask him where was he at that time? How could he not have known or heard about it, a plane crash which occurred in Dominica with the loss of precious lives?

    • Justice and Truth
      August 24, 2012

      @ spice

      Where were you? Not in Dominica I hope for you should have known about it. All Dominicans who especially were abroad heard about it soon after it occurred.

  48. Aye Dominique
    August 23, 2012

    We take so much for granted in life. Like when we drive home from work and make it safe, we fly from one country to the next and make it safe, when we go to bed and wake in the morning……

    We take so much for granted. If we only could be more thankful and grateful.

    God is an awesome Father even amidst tragic moments like these, because the good book says He works all things out for good.

    • August 23, 2012

      Amen! I say it again Amen! Yes, Aye Dominique! I say Amen to your sentiment above.

      The attitude of conceit in the minds of us, human beings, is what causes us to believe that we are surviving by our own strength in this world of toil and strife–but that is a lie, which we accept from our enemy, we all should have heard about him by now.

      Jesus, the Man Himself, told us about His human strength, that with that strength He could do nothing! It was by the Will of the Father, Eternal Spirit, Almighty God, that Jesus functioned on earth–doing wonders where ever He roamed; and it was by the Will of the Father that He suffered and died as well.

      It is very, very sad when those tragic incidents come our way, and to devour us in their rage; but in many cases, God is showing us, who have survived, to take heed, that without His Love in us, we have no strength, in no kind of form, to survive this treacherous situations that we will face on a daily basis.

      Why don’t we start steadfastly, asking our God of Love, who is the only strength of the Life He gives to us, to guide us on our way, before we set foot outside of our house every morning, noon, and night.

      For when we are not focused on relying on God’s strength, it is the same as if we are “sound asleep”–no matter where we are at–even like sitting on that airplane–that is the time the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy our lives–in whatever manner he does so. Such could be the tragic incident of 1998 with that plane crash

      • August 23, 2012

        Where do we go from here, when test of faith has drawn near? Lord God, in Jesus Christ, remind us to reach out to You, that You will touch our heart and guide our lips in prayer to You, as the wisdom of faith teaches us the words that we might speak to You.

        Help us to know that is through Your grace alone, O God, that we can cast away those fears that keeps us in captive, and so we can free ourselves from the depths of deep despair.

        Dear God, we ask that You will lead us through the darkness and through each gloomy day. We ask that You will take our hands, O precious Lord, and You will lead us on our way.

        Almighty God, we ask You for the blessings of strength, which is in Your Love–the Light which has awakened our sleeping soul–that through this strength we will build up on abiding faith.

        And so dear God, as You teach us by faith, to build trust, humility, obedience, and the Living Hope in us, because of Your Love, we sure will have no reason to ask, “where do we go from here”. For we will know that You are our primary leader and You, O God, knows what You doing in our Lives

        The glory is all Yours, O God of Love, You, who is the Person of Love in Your only begotten Son, who is Jesus Christ! O Emmanuel, God with us!

        This prayer is on behalf of fellow Dominicans and all people of God in this world. Amen!

  49. Aye Dominique
    August 23, 2012

    Oh how my heart aches! Remember this day as clear as daylight. I flew on that same plane, same pilot 2 weeks earlier. I bought a cardinals ticket and when the time came for boarding and saw the plane I did not want to go. The plane was really really old.

    This was such a gloomy day in Dominica. So so sad. May all the departed continue to rest in peace.

    Dominica must make this day one of remembrance. I don’t think anything as tragic ever happened in Dominica before.

    Hope the family continue to find solace in knowing that there is life after death.

    • May
      August 23, 2012

      What about the Morne Prosper accident it was just as tragic and more people lost their lives.

      • tie toe
        August 23, 2012

        dno didnt forget that one .remember it was posted last year.the date today was the air disaster.

      • Anonymous
        August 23, 2012

        @ May,
        Morne Prosper tragedy was not an AIR disaster.

      • Anonymous
        August 23, 2012

        @ May — Morne Prosper was recognised on the anniversary of the tregedy .. i have to agree with anonymous – please see link https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/general/remembering-the-morne-prosper-tragedy/

      • hmmm
        August 23, 2012

        read before u comment…an air disaster…is morne prosper in the air :?: :?: :?:

    • P.U.S.H
      August 23, 2012

      I flew on that same plane 2 days earlier sighhh it could have been anyone.

    • Observer
      August 23, 2012

      There were worst tragedies in Dominica,except if you mean air diasters. since you did not specify, I am thinking you mean tragedies in general.

  50. Riddim Up !!!
    August 23, 2012

    Thanks DNO, good story, i think many people even forgot bout the crash, may they all rest in peace…..

    • hmmmm
      August 23, 2012

      would you want to remember your children or wife died in a plane crash?! im not hating on this comment! but thinking of this again makes me afraid to fly! time is suppose to heal everything!

  51. tie toe
    August 23, 2012

    waw.indeed that was one the worst day in domminica .one man from paixbouche had his entire familly wipped out that day.(now looking at the picture i realise that i indeed knew most of them)thank you dno

  52. August 23, 2012

    oh rembeing that sad day rip marcuz

  53. Cleanbowled
    August 23, 2012

    Rest in peace Ann-Marie. I know you and your Mom are united in heaven and basking in love and peace with our Heavenly Father. May God continue to comfort all affected relatives and friends.

  54. bassie
    August 23, 2012

    That was the worst summer ever.I was enteriNg first forM. I can still see remains of the plane that was aired on the news in my head. RIP. And to the families comfort yourselves.

  55. c
    August 23, 2012

    I remember this day and will forever will…i was at work(radio station) and i accompanied my boss to the site and here i was looking at the dismantled bodies on the ground and the parts of the plane; tears rolling off peoples eyes, some screaming..i got the shock of my life, i did not know my pregnant cousin Ann marie Guye was a passenger on that plane; it was only after the bodies was recovered and they were doing the count; we got the news…i fell to my knees and bawl and i cant recall what happened after, but i was shocked and now as tears run down my face; i say Ann Marie i know you and your baby are in a better place…to all the families i say Prayer works wonders and i am sorry for your lost and the pain you endured.

  56. Past DGS Student
    August 23, 2012

    Marlon Royer and Latoya James: Gone, but will never be forgotten

  57. Zaki
    August 23, 2012

    R.I.P Marlon and Latoya

  58. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    That was one sad day. We lost three of our villagers from Paix Bouche, two of them being kids. Real sad. May their souls rest in peace.

  59. A mother n frriend
    August 23, 2012

    I remember that day very well my best friend lost her sister on that flight. It was heart wrenching Dominicans really stock together. RIP Latoya James u were in ur prime just about to start high school and to all the other’s who lost their life RIP.

  60. All out
    August 23, 2012

    Funny that I dream that a military airplane got an engine failure and was crashed into a building close to base while taking off and just checking the news to see if the storm caused any damage in seeing this. I was a lil boy maybe in first form or primary school in grade 7. I knew Malon Royer. It was so sad. The first picture I saw was his picture and I remember his name but couldn’t remember where I knew him from, but after reading the headline it all came back to memory. I know the Webster man, he was the father of my other good friend Alister who passed away too couple years ago in an accident. So sad….the Glenville man, hmmm….
    Hope that my dream is not a sign as I live close to an Air Force Base. I’m going to say a prayer right now. May their souls rest in peace.

    • Anonymous
      August 23, 2012

      Marcus was not Al’s father. Marcus was his brother.

    • Anonymous
      August 23, 2012

      Marcus was not Al’s father though; he was Al’s brother.

  61. August 23, 2012

    yes indeed, i remembered that day, like it was yesterday, it was a dark day in lovely Dominica. i strongly beleave that this day should be of some remembrance day in Dominica.

    it also sink my hart to see how much we foss and fight over every and little things. life is to short and we should be looking for ways to build Country and people.
    love and peace to all my people, and God bless Dominica.

  62. hurts
    August 23, 2012

    my niece fainted when she saw the bodies now she is a navy officer in the u.s.a saving people

  63. mrs skerro
    August 23, 2012

    Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

    Matthew 24:42-44 (Read all of Matthew 24)

  64. sayodityodit
    August 23, 2012

    Just reading about this brings back memories of that fateful day and still brought tears to my eyes. Sad day indeed that was!

  65. Jo
    August 23, 2012

    You’re missing the most important part of the story: why?

  66. Hmmmm!
    August 23, 2012

    :( Sad memories. I will NEVER forget that day… May their souls continue to rest in peace. Latoya, gone but not forgotten! :(

  67. A Voice
    August 23, 2012

    Man that was just a shocking day. May their souls rest in peace.

    It was especially sad because some of the victims were my neighbors and I knew some of the others by face.

    Real sad man…

  68. August 23, 2012

    mayb there souls rest in peace

  69. Sensible Dominican
    August 23, 2012

    Dear Lord, continue to support the family of the deceased. We will continue to pray for them.

  70. Trouble
    August 23, 2012

    yes yes i remember this… i like this, let them live on. we dont remember enough in D/ca, do it more often DNO

  71. Sensible Dominican
    August 23, 2012

    DNO Reporter, this news item is well written. Makes me want to read more. Excellent work Reporter. Keep it up.

  72. Peace
    August 23, 2012

    Let this be a lesson to many that when your flights are delayed, they are delayed and cancelled for a reason. We become soo dumb when we’re travelling that we forget about the dangers of flying.

    My first choice of flight in the region is LIAT Airlines or the boat. No one knows the corners or skies like liat.

    RIP to those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

    To those who are alive, remember a LIAT ticket to your destination is slow but its sure. God bless Dominica , the PM and LIAT.

    • Sprinter
      August 23, 2012

      No airline is 100% safe. A DHC-6 Twin Otter flown by LIAT went down in 1986 and they’ve had a few other bumps and scrapes along the way, lost tires during flight being one. Beware the words that leave our lips (or fingers) the Titanic was supposedly unsinkable.

      • Peace
        August 25, 2012

        you have alot against LIAT man?

    • mouth of the south
      August 23, 2012

      WOW!!! are u an employee… if so or if not… then there’s an article on liat’s delayed flights… u could have posted it on such story… ur post seem more like an ad for liat than actually sympathizing… sorry if i misunderstood :-?

      • Peace
        August 24, 2012

        LIAT as many other regional carriers experience delays but they get you to your destination safe and sure, the pilots are the best in the region, even if the tires fell off in on situation they still managed to land the plane safely. The whole region knows that LIAT takes safety very seriously if not other things but safety is LIAT number one. The people of the region feel safe whenever they board a liat flight.

  73. mouth of the south
    August 23, 2012

    i remember my classmate marlon royer… at d.g.s… i remember leading up to summer holidays… how excited he was to visit S.M with his mom… there was another d.g.s student on that plane, her dad is/was a bus driver… it was indeed sad… as the years go by we will never forget and hope that the relatives n loved ones have found peace with the tragedy… i thank D.N.O and it’s staff for keeping the memory of those Dominicans… while it seems other media outlets have tried to push this under a rug… i always remember this incident when summer time comes around…

    • m
      August 23, 2012

      Really MOTS…1-3? hmmm

      • mouth of the south
        August 23, 2012

        actually it was 1-4… with guys like kenny… valerie… lenus… vaughn etc…. 1-3 was jowani n ‘ghetto’… C.S.A Center now known a P.S.U…

  74. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    R.I.P my dear friends from Paix-Bouche. J,J& N…I will never forget you guys. Remembering my friend and I during our teenage years baby sitting little N and J. These are the happy memories to which I hold. What a day…Spent the entire night in Marigot as well that morning watching in shock hoping to see a sign of life from you. Rest in peace all, it was indeed a sad day. May God continue to guide the families af all involved. R.I.P

  75. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    It was indeed a sad day for Paix Bouche

  76. Dominican to de bone
    August 23, 2012

    Rest in peace cous Josephine and Nyanna Francois.

  77. Pondera
    August 23, 2012

    It would be great to have the sermon delivered by Rev Watty at the memorial service for all victims be played again to the nation. That service was held at the Marigot Methodist Church. May God continue to comfor the affected families.

  78. shelly
    August 23, 2012

    Oh my god not this morning..Aunt Josephine,Nyanna,Jonathann.Oh how i miss you’ll.Iknow u’ll souls are in peace.

  79. School Mate Lost
    August 23, 2012

    Valda!! when i saw you pic, my dear friend my eye got filled with tears. I remembered the snacks, I really missed you my dear school mate and friend, Marlon, oh boy! can’t say any more. You all were my dear friends and you are truly missed. A great loss

  80. Solo
    August 23, 2012

    Oh Lord I remember that horrible day! I knew both Marlon and Latoya from DGS…as a friend this still brings tears to my eyes so I can only imagine how much their families still hurt.

    I pray that we NEVER experience another tragedy like this in our beloved country.

  81. no name
    August 23, 2012

    I was in Jamaica that time on a training session and when I heard the news report I froze… Still remembering that tragic incident.. It was indeed a rainy day in Dominica.. May their souls rest in peace. This was a sad incident that affected all Dominicans.

  82. Big Pepe
    August 23, 2012

    Oh I remember that day as if it was yesterday.. It was so sad..

  83. m
    August 23, 2012

    RIP Marlon and Valda

  84. Sad Memories
    August 23, 2012

    Tears coming from my eyes,so sad, My best friend Marlon, this is so sad, OMG i miss him sooooo muchhhhhhhhhhhh I know he is resting in peace, Love u Marls

    • Maryanne
      August 23, 2012

      This is really a sad feeling. It brought tears to my eyes when I remember Marlon and his Mom which i new sowell at Church i know they are with Jesus and i will see them again be encouraged

  85. God speared me
    August 23, 2012

    Will never forget that day as long as i live. Was supposed to be on that flight with my mom, but something came up and we returned the day before. I think God speared me and my mother. But it still hurts so much to see how quickly we both could have gone. My heart still breaks when i think about this and the lives that were lost, this story brought me to tears this morning. RIP to all the passengers and the pilot I remember him (ball headed man) :(

    • Triple T
      August 23, 2012

      @ god speared me: I too have my memories- i actually travelled on that same plane weeks before and actually had to sit on the seat next to the pilot- Dark skin, bald headed man remember his face like it was yesterday.

      I remember my moms apartment and the phone ringing – i gues the person on the other end asked her where i was and she responded “she is right there” Then i saw my mother;’s face drop like she saw a ghost and she just drop in the chair – i keep asking her whats wrong then she told me there has been an accident in Dominica a plane crash a nd its the same plane you came up on> she just held me in her arms and didnt want to let go> i think she saw how easily she could have lost me. Its so sad. Am now 29 years old and that accident still haunts me to this day.

    • Roz
      August 23, 2012

      You surely want to say spared and not speared. He spared you indeed.

  86. observant
    August 23, 2012

    That was the quietest I have ever hear my country. Everybody mourned. Rest in peace you all!

  87. Hell hath no furry!!
    August 23, 2012

    DNO,I believe this air disaster happened in 1997 since I lost 2pp.on that flight and left the islands 3mts. Later since I could not cope with it. Or maybe am sitll messed up and cannot remember,am sure someone else remembers,

    • Anonymous
      August 23, 2012

      Not is was 1998, I was in NYC on holidays and remember waking up Monday morning to the news and not being able to reach my sister via telephone because she was one of those who was in that forest searching since there were 3 people from my village on that flight.

    • Sprinter
      August 23, 2012

      I returned home in August of 1997 and began teaching in September of that year. I taught one of the students on that flight so it definitely was not summer of 1997.

    • mouth of the south
      August 23, 2012

      um it happened in 1998…. i’m quite sure cause i entered d.g.s in 97… this happened in summer of 98… not 97

      • dup
        August 23, 2012

        Mouth of the south I know your identity

    • Anonymous
      August 23, 2012

      no it was in 1998 cuz that year i was in canada and it happen jus the week before me and my son came back home

    • God cares
      August 23, 2012

      It did take place in 1998 since i was in France in 1997 and came back home in july 1998 and was on vacation in Guadeloupe when my sis called us to gave us the sad news.We were all shocked since my niece who was in SM was to return on that day.But her sister kept her for 2 more days.Blessings and keep strong.

    • Anonymous
      August 23, 2012

      1998

    • Anonymous
      August 23, 2012

      It was 1998. I was supposed to be on that flight. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was stuck in St. Maarten for 3 weeks.

    • August 23, 2012

      oh yea 1997 thats a fact

  88. August 23, 2012

    Oh my remembered that i was so shock that two of my friends were on that flight it hurts still remembering the songs that were played during that time and everyone weeping whether they knew persons on board. worst memories

  89. Mapwey
    August 23, 2012

    Was 13 and still remember hearing the live coverage on that….RIP to the lost souls! Many blessings to the family

  90. Anonymous
    August 23, 2012

    i remember that day like it was yesterday>>>>my hear still aches

  91. Kia-Belle
    August 23, 2012

    RIP Ann-Marie, got goose bumps all over again by seeing this. Know your up there in heaven.

  92. Nicky
    August 23, 2012

    It wasa sad day indeed..may their souls continue to rest in peace.

  93. jay
    August 23, 2012

    yes i remember clearly that SAD day,it wasn’t a good sight at all,that day the weather was really bad. Oh LORD i pray that we will never have this tragedy again

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