Chief of Police, Daniel Carbon, has reported a startling five murders for the year thus far—three of which involved the use of firearms, while the remaining two involved other weapons.
On January 1, Derek Peters of Portsmouth succumbed to injuries he sustained as a result of a gunshot wound to the back of the neck., Shian John, commonly known as Lloyd Casimir, of Salisbury, was beaten to death, on March 4. On March 10, 39-year-old Englebert Laurent, of Good Hope, died as a result of blows sustained to the head. Telford Kerry Ursan George, of Stockfarm, was shot dead at Newtown, on July 4. Individuals have been charged in connection with these matters, and are on remand at the Dominica State Prison.
Most recently, Esron Roberts of Montin, Grand Bay, was fatally shot in the city of Roseau, on August 8, 2018, at about 9:25am. Investigations into this matter are ongoing.
At a press conference on Monday morning, Carbon condemned the murder of a man in plain view of passers-by, and appealed to the public to assist the police in bringing the culprits to justice.
“I take this opportunity to call on the general public to provide information that will help in bringing perpetrators to justice for this brazen and callous attack, resulting in a murder…in the full view of people,” he said. “People saw what happened, and I appeal to the general public to assist the police to solve this crime, and to ensure that justice is done.
Two men have since been taken into custody, in connection with the murder on August 8.
Carbon revealed that one loaded 9mm pistol, and two loaded 9mm magazines were found and seized by the police while responding to this murder.
He assured that the police would spare no effort in ensuring that Dominica is “a safe and secure place for all,” and he issued a warning to “criminals who believe that they can commit these violent, brazen attacks with impunity, that the police will ensure that they will face justice, one way or another.”
Deputy Chief of Police, Davidson Valerie, chimed in on the matter, stating that far too many young men are engaged in “senseless and unwarranted” violence, especially pertaining to the possession and use of illegal firearms.
He urged the youth to find non-violent means to solve their conflicts, and cautioned that people who hold illegal guns are viewed as “armed and dangerous” and will be dealt with as such.
“This behaviour must not be tolerated, and must stop. The security of our country is serious business, and the police will do all that is practicably possible to prevent this kind of criminal activity,” Valerie stated. “We want to warn the people who are involved in holding illegal guns that this is a criminal offense, and those engaged in such practice are dangerous to our communities, and a threat to our public peace.”
It was said that three firearms and forty rounds of ammunition were recovered in traffic checks and stop-and-search operations. Four persons have since been charged with various firearm-related offenses, and are in police custody.
I remember my days growing up as a young boy on the island when one murder sent shock waves throughout the island. In Skerrit’s Dominica, how things have changed. Hot sun in the middle of Roseau and Newton, drive-by shootings taking place. Rayburn and Levi both turn moo-moo. You can’t hear nothing from them at all. Death by hanging needs to be reinstated immediately!
STOPPING AND PREVENTING
Those who understand criminal behavior and the ‘…Crime Triangle-
(i) …Intent; (ii) …Victim; and (iii) …opportunity,’ may think differently.
No one knows what goes on in the mind of an individual; …No one
knows if he/she is identified as a victim; …No one knows when
perpetrators would seize the opportunity to attack.
However, if present the Police are expected to intervene to ‘…prevent
a murder.’ Conversely, if absent, ‘…murders cannot be prevented.’
Amongst the most difficult are, (a) …Sudden fights or altercations;
(b) …targeted or retaliatory or revenged killings.
Here is where the citizenry must play its supportive role in ‘…crime
prevention and detection.’
If there is a reason or reasons to believe or suspect that a crime is
about to, or has been committed, share your concerns or observations
with the Police- particularly ‘…those considered trustworthy.’
Negative attitude is not the answer…
share your concerns or observations
with the Police- particularly ‘…those considered trustworthy.’
Here lies your problem. I prescribed some remedies to bring back that trust in “our” law enforcement. Right now its enforcement against the people not for tge people.
“People saw what happened”! But isn’t that Dominica today? We all see what is happening as the country goes over the cliff but we all pretending that we blind! A barrel of illegal guns import came to Dominica port and no one was arrested. No one took responsibility for the failure after being notified by the US authorities. No one was held accountable for this failure. We now have the country that we deserve! Didn’t a Minister tell us is part of development? Sadly, today we have the guns and murders without the development!
The DPF does not exist anymore. Nowadays it’s Skerrit private little army.
A few legislative measures may assist. A few years ago there was a gentleman who was arrested with 5 9mm Glock Pistols and only given a fine. I recommend that all firearm offences be made strictly indictable; a mandatory minimum sentence be set and imposed, so that Judges CANNOT go below that time; that the judges be given a discretion to go below that minimum only in exceptional circumstances. But that would mean the construction of a larger prison but then again they could assist in the construction – free labor. Those measures have passed constitutional muster in other jurisdictions.
Clement Joseph a kicking Skerrit and his crew at at Police HQ will help
Deputy Chief of Police, Davidson Valerie, chimed in on the matter, stating that far too many young men are engaged in “senseless and unwarranted” violence, especially pertaining to the possession and use of illegal firearms.
The first step to recovery is admitting we have a problem. Very good observantion. To curtail the problem i would first get rid of the management of the force, then i would bring back strict discipline in the police force, make it a crime for police to be involve in politics, make the job of commissioner an elected position with elections every five years with a 2.5 yr offset to general elections. This will ensure that the commisioner is answerable to the public not politicians. Lastly i would clean the force of the crooked cops. Many of them hang and chill biddy buddy with these same criminals. Unless you undercover you cannot be doing security for any event put up by known drug dealers and vagabonds. Cops and criminals hangout like best friends.
I applaud you officers for your efforts in combating crime in Dominica. The reality is that, this crime wave is being felt globally.
Clearly, the devastation of hurricane Maria has placed us in an even more unique position. Undoubtedly, crime fighting is very challenging. Just continue to be aggressive in accomplishing the mission.
I think Commissioner Carbon and Deputy Valerie have an excellent team. Dominica is grateful for your service.
% Why asked the Commissioner of Police questions about the very political ASP, your questions should be directed at the Police Service Commission. The disciplining of that ASP is the responsibility of the Police Service Commission. The ASP is an embarrassment to the Chief of Police and the entire Police Force.
One murder per say is too many, but Dominica is doing well, smaller countries has triple already.
Smaller in geographic size, not population size. D’ca has the smallest population in the OECS.
this is an untrue statement
Incompetent Police Commanders will result in an uncontrolled crime situation in any society. If the Gov’t was serious about stopping rising crime, they would invest in promoting qualified and knowledgeable officers the higher ranks.
Currently we not have the Caliber of commanders to handle to criminal situation in Dominica.
We are now seeing the results of the past Political promotion that went on in the past 10 years.
I don’t know about you but they look like three blind mice who are lost, ‘dotish’ and ‘tey-bear’
Proof that crime prevention is a myth! Stop wasting people’s precious tax dollars and get your @22ess out there and DO something!
Good Day Mr Carbon and Mr Valerie … I must state that we need these press conferences more often Sirs .I am also concerned that one man is serving prison sentence in the USA,re the barrel sent to a consignee here,which contained some guns,but you all are tight lipped on the matter.
It is also a crying shame and disgrace that you all at the high command of the CDPF, are allowing ONE police officer to call talk shows and openly support everything and anything that his political party does, and he is not sanctioned.It could set a dangerous precedent,and among other things,it shows that you all are not in control.What are you all waiting for man!!!Leaders are supposed to lead man.I am not seeing that yet with respect to this officer .
Best Wishes Sirs
Most of the crimes are senless. Thanks for the update. I would also ask %and views expressed why does he choose to politicize everything. Base on your answers your are very bitter, and hold a lot of hatred and resentment. How do you expect to attract new members? There is a time and place for everything. Resently in a press conference saying that a lifeless body was found, % without any empathy for the family you turned it into political circus. My condolences to the victims family.
True Love U more.
@Love U more
Permit me to call you a grotesque diot and a scatterbrain.I still leave in a democracy,which is not a spectator sport.This is the only opportunity I have to ask this question, so why does it irritate you my friend. Learn to to behave yourself.I did not insult anyone else but you? I was tempted to call the puffery that you bloggs asinine,ok but I will do so some other time ,(hope that you get the message)
@Love UMore
The word is “idiot”
Plus those that were not solved. RIP Dwight Dangleben
The Police Commission and his force are in existence?
Just asking a question.
I know. You wouldn’t know it from all the crime that actually goes on that is reported and then goes on the back burner due to lack of follow-up. Very little is actually followed up on or resolved. Then again, there is all the crime that people don’t even bother to report because they know that it is a waste of their time.