Superintendent of Police, Matthew Cuffy, has been charged for the murder of Kerwin Prosper.
Cuffy, one of several police officers under investigation for the death of Prosper, appeared before Magistrate Pearl Williams today where the charge was read to him.
Since the matter is indictable —expected to be heard at the High court before a Judge and jury— the senior police officer was not required to enter a plea.
According to the charge filed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Richmond Valentine, on Monday February 15, 2021, “Cuffy of Riviere Cyrique did murder Prosper of Kingshill in Roseau”.
The prosecution’s case is led by Trinidadian Attorney, Keith Scotland and local attorney attached to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dianna Matthew.
Cuffy is represented by attorneys Gina Dyer Munro and Zeena Moore Dyer.
Since bail cannot be granted in the Magistrate Court for capital offenses, an application is currently ongoing for bail in the High court.
The matter has been adjourned to November 18, 2021, for Preliminary Inquiry.
I know Police beat people at times for no reason, meaning, it is not deserve or called for, aswell police do beat people for a reason, that beating in human eye is called, police brutality, that’s what the public says;but it is not and called, Force. That Force is used to restrain someone to take them under control by Law. Now, if you already used force to restrain someone and that person is already in your custody, there is no need for a beating, unless the person in your custody is behaving violently and damaging government property likewise fighting with the police and I will say Force used rather than beating. Further, a human being easy to stabilized, but if death involves it should be investigated fully. If a superintendent or any senior police officer likewise any rank by seniority watch or assist in killing a prisoner with blows and don’t stop the event, well justice should take it course. Any police officer that wasnt present at the time, the evidence will present itself
The Police Force is Skerrits power base. He knew right from the beginning almost 20 years ago that he had to bring them under his control, train them for his purposes and arm them like they have never been before. All this including the supply of arms and equipment was facilitated by the Chinese. His second move was to gain full control of the civil service, the biggest employer by far in the country. His next major move was to undermine the judicial system of our country. With that done he started to intimidate the opposition, their leaders and some of their followers. With most of the money barons now flocking to him as well, as they had nowhere else to go, he had more or less control of the country. The very final step was influencing elections in any way possible because now that was the only way to dispose of him.
But there are still lots of these die-hards that love their PM. The are like dogs, even if you beat them they always come back begging for food.
Investigations are continuing and based on the evidence others will be charged.CUFFY was the one incharge.There was the storming of Police Headquarters by members of the Defence Force,where const.Mathias Alexander was shot and killed in December 1981.All members of the Defence Force were charged and convicted,only the LEADER was hanged.There was an incident in Colihaut where an INSPECTOR of Police ordered a constable to burn a Rastaman shack after marijuana was found,the constable burned down the shack.The Rasta sued the Police and the INSPECTOR was held responsible because the shack was on the Rasta property ,which at the time the Police didn’t know.Those UWP JACKA as ignorant as usual,just running their mouth.GOSSIP keep the blood flowing in the VEINS of UWP,especially IBO,VIEWS and %.
ok ok….so check this….some ppl want to Paint Mathew as a non supporter of government or even a “blue boy” as if that might be ALL the reason you need to explain why he would ALLEGEDLY murder the man…but if he is blue …and he was the ONLY one charged…then that makes the police and government look like a set of victimizing, corrupt set of….JACK Ayyyyyyy…look at that….stupes….
Johnrose of mahaut was killed in the Rose… police “strangulation” Almost 40 years ago. You would think that by now things have changed! But when a country is riddled with poverty and unemployment all sorts of “drop-outs” are accepted in the police force. We are a tiny island so why are there so many police officers just idling doing nothing! I mean, absolutely nothing! It’s a damn shame. How does someone live peaceably with himself/herself after killing an innocent human being? That’s a punishment on its own. A life is very precious! Anyway, I feel for the victim’s family as well as for the officers family. God bless our country, Dominica.
i really hope those that murder Joshua Ettiene will be prosecuted as well.
I see one of them roaming the streets like he did nothing
What about the two police officers others who assisted him? They should all do some hard time but then again all this is just a charade.
This case reminds me of the Chocksi case. Same corrupt players playing the same game at a different venue with the same corrupt scorers and very corrupt umpires / referees. So expect when a batsman is bowled those corrupt referees to call NOBALL. A corrupt country with a very very corrupt government, a very corrupt police, corrupt judiciary and a very weak and at times very corrupt media.
Its a country where justice is bought like hot bread
I share the very same sentiments. Everything in this country is corrupt to the core. All organs, tissues and cells of government are decaying with corruption.
The rest of civil society, that is, the media houses, churches, business sector, civic groups have all been infected with this corrupt virus. Only Q95 fm and a few individuals have been fully vaccinated and are immune from this mind decaying disease.
From the number of persons who has been charged; from the abnormally quick bail; doesn’t this give us an insight where this case is heading? Even the man or woman with a modicum of common sense knows. Let’s not play ignorant.
DNO might just refuse to publish this comment under the guise of inaccurate information even though this isn’t the case. They resent the naked truth. They love their PM even more now after they were handpicked to be on his Dog & Pony worthless, propaganda Show with the habitual LIAR.
DNO had you pegged right….even IF you recognized your failings that mindsets like yours are actually part of the problem, you would refuse to change….there is something weak and cowardly about wanting others to change but refusing to do it for yourself, no wonder you are so quick to accuse others of your failings.
So WE are the villains now, the ones that point out all the wrong doings of this gangster that calls himself PM of this country? You got to be joking. Is this your new tactic. Have you had advice from uncle Donald?
Do you REALLY know what’s going on? talking about change of tactics with some veiled message…as for being the villian…we are all sinners, guilty in some way…so we all contribute to the issues we have in society, im not the sole problem ,or solution, and neither are you, we all contribute that’s what the name knownsinner is about, I know im sinful do you and what are you doing about it? if u are a christian u were taught in Sunday school that babies are born with that sin, our faults are part of us not merely someone else’s fault, the good I may do is real, but doesn’t cancel that out to believe otherwise is to lie to yourself. but mark my words choosing to hold on to your current BS ways believing you have a secret advantage over me or anyone else is to continue to fool yourself it will be used against you some day, even by those who are currently supporting you in doing it.
@knownsinner, YOU speak for yourself. You clearly are one of these crazy bible bashing hypocrites that like your PM try to hide behind God. God said ‘you must not steal’. So that disqualifies your PM and his enablers. Hypocrite! All you incl. your PM are with your backs against a wall. We all know that cornered animals are dangerous. How about cornered humans…?
@diver
He’s not MY PM he is the PM of Dominica even if you don’t like him and surprise, surprise I’m not a member of his party and no blind supporter of anyone or anything. You said “clearly” but its more like blindly, because you are blinded by your prejudiced views. I would like to support “your side” but this attitude turns me off, we need to stop letting politicians divide us so easily they are ultimately in it for themselves, whatever wrong the PM has done he should pay for it, Lennox too, Pappy, APP whoever I’m not blind… I know I’m a sinner.
Your hidden Skerrit propaganda doesn’t wash with me. Get out of here and reflect on what you are actually doing to your country.
No, I’m not a lackey of Skerrit I don’t support the corruption at all but that’s my problem….the opposition needs votes right? We agree that the corruption needs to go, but instead of building up alliances and looking at where we agree you basically telling me I can’t be part of your club. Typical, yet you want things to change for the better…why not start with your approach? I’m not going anywhere…so what you have to say to that? an insult? a dismissive comment or you gonna leave me be or perhaps you’ll pull out a shocker and say something meaningful and encouraging the CHOICE is yours.
According to Assistant Commissioner Valentine, “Cuffy of Riviere Cyrique did murder Prosper of Kingshill in Roseau”.
That charge may sound bold but we know its very weak and maybe deliberate, and there is no way Mr. Cuffy will be convicted!
But it seems that Mr Valentine knows about the intent of this murder charge so I want to ask him some questions:
1. Sir, why do you believe Mr Cuffy murdered Kerwin Prosper? Did he do it to protect the interest of corrupt politicians and their friends?
2. Do you sir think is because Assistant Commissioner Cuffy might soon become the Commissioner and as we have seen in the Skerrit cabinet one has to commit a crime to be promoted, so they cannot arrest Skerrit? Maybe you might have to ask Mr Corbet, Valarie and Christian
3. Sir, was Kerwin murdered because they did not want him to talk about who he stole from, what he stole, if is cash then where that cash from and if it was passport money or proceeds of crime?
Is this the same dude that was supposed to be the savior of the Dominica police force??
https://natureisle.news/news-desk/a-veteran-cid-police-officer-takes-charge-of-the-department-promising-continued-results/
“According to the charge filed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Richmond Valentine, on Monday February 15, 2021, “Cuffy of Riviere Cyrique did murder Prosper of Kingshill in Roseau”
Boy is either this Assistant commissioner is a fool, an A.. hole or working in the interest of his boss to conclude that Cuffy murdered Prosper and charged him with murder. How can he conclude Cuffy murdered him when prior reports indicate that Prosper complained of chess pain and was brought to the hospital and was discharged? Mr. Valentine can you prove that it was intentionally done? Are you suggesting that you know one of the corrupt gods of Dominica paid Mr. Cuffy to willfully and deliberately kill Prosper? To charge the man with murder when you can’t prove his intent is an easy case to dismiss. Since Valentine charged him with murder then the commissioner should charge Valentine with Manslaught. “Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person kills another without any premeditation”
With that one person charge they are setting up the prosecution to fail. Dyer will drill holes in that case. Then again maybe that’s what they want. It cannot be one person being charged. And I sure the superintendent was delivering the beating to the man..maybe it happen on his watch (I don’t know) but if you are charging one person they setting up the case to fail. Charge all of them that was involved. Also what happened to the Ettiene man which was killed in a portsmouth cell? See? Nothing! Setting up for an easy win for Dyer. This is not justice at all. Smoke screen. Smh.
So if there was not a lawsuit I guess no one would be charged man? Man in a real country not only officer Cuffy would be charged but every single officer present at the time of the arrest and murder of Mr Prosper, as well as both the commissioner and his deputy, the minister of national security, as well as the AG because I believe they all played a role in hiding and covering these police officers. In fact Skerrit, Charles Savarin and the entire DLP corrupt team should have been charged for creating that culture of theft and crime in Dominica. I would be shocked if the alleged stolen money which caused the death of Prosper is not connected to passport money and we know who those passport criminals are.
Along with the alleged “murderer” all the officers present at the time of the murder should be brought to justice so we could know what happened. Charging one officer is an easy way to get that case dismissed.
Why isn’t the autopsy made public? What about the independent investigation which was done? Where is the transparency? Only one man inflicted all those injuries?
If other officers were present and did nothing to stop this brutal besting of the victim they too should be charged at least with aiding and abetting as they were complicit in the death of Kerwin.
From the dubious record of the police force, DPP office and the court I have no confidence in them to mete out justice. A fish rots from the HEAD. When a government is corrupt the whole of society becomes corrupt. This is precisely the case in Dominica.
They are dressing up like wolf in sheep’s clothing and want the public to assist them…they are not real….i am happy for the family’s…simple truth…do unto others what we want for ourselves or our families….very sad in Dominica ☹☹🙁
“Superintendent of Police, Matthew Cuffy, has been charged for the murder of Kerwin Prosper.” this is a senior police officer who is the Fourth in command of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF), yet this is the behaviour which he has upheld. if this does not signify that we have a systematic issue of police brutality in the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force then i do not know what else could demonstrate this so clearly! Plus the bus driver and other protesters, who are before the courts on bogus charges after being brutalised by police officers. this is historic as it demonstrates that this is an action which has been condoned by these same senior officer who practice police brutality. where is the DPP and the judiciary in defense of the citizens of Dominica? what good is a constitutional right if the ones who are paid to uphold it are the same ones violating it?
Surely is not one person that beat slobby to death.
What about the other officers ?
At least Mr. Cuffy will be convicted or has been convicted the Court of Public Opinion if the Judicial Courts are not going to do anything. I would not want to feel that way and live like that in that small society. At least Matthew Cuffy knows that he is not above the law- more to come – the long arm of Justice if not today next day or next election cycles- Fr the other copy cats you can run but you will not be able to hide- judgment day coming soon. Enjoy your impunity for now.
So a superintendent that did the dirty deed? And Assistant Commissioner of Police, Richmond Valentine, stating for a fact that on Monday February 15, 2021, “Cuffy of Riviere Cyrique did murder Prosper of Kingshill in Roseau”??
A fall guy that there man? So if they know why did they try to hide it for so long? So Matthew Cuffy is now on remand at the State Prison? What is the scene with that? And who else ? because slobby was a big feller, it cannot be Cuffy alone.
ADMIN: That is how the charge was worded when stated in court. It is common legal language, it is not the same as saying he was proven guilty.
So the prosecution is led by a Trinidadian attorney eh!!!!
the wording of the charge is striking to me.
Basically saying Cuffy murdered prosper of Kingshill in Roseau!
you mean to tell me that only one police officer was in direct contact with Prosper?
what was de conclusion of de independent investigation?
Show his face if it was a ghetto man all yould have his picture big and bold
ADMIN: A picture of the officer is available in this updated article: https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/homepage/news/police-officer-charged-with-murder-granted-150k-bail/
All this for money that was allegedly stolen from a party croonie..BTW
was that money accounted for ?
Was that money kickbacks on passport sales?
Why all the urgency to retrieve that money?
I have referred to this police force as a failed institution. The business of mercilessly beating defenceless people, should never go unpunished..
The entire world saw what happened to Esrom, the bus driver in public. Imagine what can happen to you when the public is absent.
Let justice prevail. Is time Dominicans take a stand and let the wicked pay!!!!
This is not going anywhere- murder means you initially set out to kill that persons- the prosecutors will not be able to prove “intent” – this should have been charged as man slaughter, they would have a better change in holding him accountable
I agree with you … and that may have been deliberately done. Although I wonder what is “carnival murder”
Another thing, the charge was filed on Monday, 15th February, 2021? But that was a holiday
ADMIN: Point taken. The article has been corrected.
You are a very intelligent individual. This was deliberate if you ask me; done so that he could get off. Let’s see where this goes.
There is still time to file a lower charge(s) of manslaughter “if” the DPP finds the evidence supporting the murder charge too weak after the review of the case file.
Good observation.
I think though that the judge can direct the jury on the other options below.
The prosecution can also ammend or add charges up to a certain point
Well, lets wait and see, one swallow doesn’t make a summer. I have NO confidence in the CDPF, DPP or the courts. Not to mention the government of Dominica and that so called PM. All of these institutions are controlled by him which is actually in breach of the constitution. But then again, the man himself uttered, NO law and NO constitution…
@Military Police, I like you have no confidence in the legal institutions in Dominca. They have destroyed my trust by the things they have done also by what they have failed to do. I’m left with the impression that they serve their political bosses so they can get to keep their cushy jobs. That’s not how the system was designed to function, but alas the hands of corruption have extended to those who are supposed to be the gate-keepers of the rule of law. This is only the first step and I’m waiting to see how fast the rest will be delivered. All those who break the law shall be prosecuted and punished for the wrong things that they have done. At least that is the expectation. Let’s wait and see.
Where does Skerrit come in? Do you sleep at night. Are you obsessed with something? Do you need to see a doctor for check up? Man, the Supreme Leader, Roosevelt Skerrit is here to stay. Go find some constructive work to do in your life.
‘The Supreme Leader’. I rest my case, nothing more to be added. You all see now where this is going…
@ds, I see you are obsessed with the communism talking about”Supreme Leader”. Well pal we the patriots don’t want that in our country. That’s a part of the reason why in forced to stay on top of things to ensure that the “animal farm” reincarnation doesn’t get rooted in the country because it’s already taken root in your brain. By pointing out the wrong path that you and your cadre are taking Dominca, I’m doing something constructive. I know it and won’t let you define for me what’s constructive. Animal farm is supposed to be fake literature. You sound like a supreme communist and I won’t rest until Dominca is free from this”ism”. Skerritt is the one who said he’s in charge and the country doesn’t need an opposition, you’re endorsing his march towards China style government which is communist dictatorship.