In response to a grave matter of sexual assault involving a veteran calypsonian and a minor, the Board of Directors of the Dominica Calypso Association (DCA) has taken a decisive step by disassociating the organisation from the accused member until the conclusion of the legal proceedings. In August, the veteran calypsonian appeared before the Magistrate Court charged with Unlawful Sexual Intercourse (USI) of a minor girl.
At the hearing, the accused was not required to enter a plea since the matter is an indictable offence, expected to be tried at the High Court, before a judge and jury.
Bail was opened to the accused but he was unable to present a surety to the Court to secure his release. As a result, he was remanded into custody pending a Preliminary Inquiry.
“The Dominica Calypso Association stands to uphold the laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica and is desirous of protecting our children as part of our responsibility as a civil society organization,” DCA stated in a statement to the media. The DCA is hopeful that this “unfortunate” incident can serve as a catalyst for raising awareness about these critical concerns. It believes that every member and supporter of Calypso, as well as the wider community, can play a role in addressing and preventing child abuse. By taking a firm stance against child abuse and supporting the legal process in this case, the DCA hopes to inspire a collective effort in addressing this grave societal concern.”
“We hope that our members and Calypso fans/patrons will be inspired to bring more awareness to child abuse and the protection of children, as they are both matters of grave concern to our society. Thank you,” the organisation averred.
In keeping with section 38 of Dominica’s Sexual Offences Act of 1998, Dominica News Online (DNO) is restricted from publishing the name of the accused unless he is convicted at the High Court of Justice for the alleged offense. The relevant legislation is posted below.
I no longer have faith in a Calypso Association that has become a pawn for the ruling Cabal. However, I will applaud their position in this regard. I want to remind all that Sye (Sgt), Hunter (Insp.) and Checko (Const.) are all officers so kuddos to them if they were driving this position. Way back when a “certain” calypsonian sang “Haxey give me sister a baby” is was evident that that something was wrong. But, no one did nothing. So thanks again Calypso Association. Very well done
It is concerning that we no longer consider people that are accused “innocent until proven guility”. Outrageous as the crime is we should not allow our emotions to cloud our better judgment.
Completely unnecessary! No one ever connected that unfortunate matter to the Association. At no time has it been suggested that the Association is at fault, in involved, or should be held accountable because of the supposed actions of that “veteran calypsonians.” So….what is the purpose and the value of this unprecedent hogwash?
I have absolutely no sympathy for an adult male who deflowers or sexually molest underage girls. Any adult found guilty of this heinous crime should get a mandatory twenty five years behind bars minimum.
The psychological trauma that these innocent children suffer lasts for a life time. This specific crime is much too pervasive and prevalent in Dominica. When will it end?
Let me get this straight: didn’t the calypso association know of this member’s history prior to this accusation? They are now pretending they knew nothing of it.
I could say more but I will stop there.
That’s why I don’t like Dominica with them f….. stupid laws let the ppl know who these ppl are you all keep holding back those molesters name let that sh.. happen on the vi See how quick his name and face will be on the news