Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has extended condolences to the relatives and friends of two footballers who died in an accident at Pond Casse on Friday morning.
Kurt Hector and Norran Jno Hope died when the vehicle they were traveling in, fell into a huge ditch in the road caused by heavy rains. They were on their way to join the rest of their team mates for the trip to the airport to participate in the Windward Islands Football Tournament in St. Vincent.
The prime minister said it is a sad and tragic moment for all Dominica.
“I want to extend my condolences to the behalf of the government and people of Dominica to the families of Mr. Hector and Mr. Jno Hope, two well known individuals who have been part of the national football team for some time and well respected in their community,” he said.
Skerrit said his prayers are with the families of the two men as they mourn the passing of their loved ones. “It is really sad and unfortunate that their lives were cut short by this accident,” he said.
He also cautioned Dominicans to be vigilant as the unstable weather continues to affect the island.
The Dominica team has since cancelled its participation in the tournament.
This really sad news and it was not even a storm or hurricane. I always say when the Prime Minister gives a day off during this times ……..
deepest codolences to their families and the Dominica Football Asscioation Lord giveth and taketh. kEEP PRAYING Da
To the family anf friends off the deceased, my deepest sympathy to u all, I know we Dominicans who are abroad are also deeply saddened by this news. All our prayers vto go on everyone bsck home.
R.I.P CUZ
My prayer and sincere condolences go out to the families of Kurt and Norran. I know all of La Plaine is in great mourning over this tragic loss. I know the families of the two diceased very well. As a matter of fact, I am asking God to strengthen mr. ‘By-Thee-Bay’ Hector and family, over the death of their son Kurt; and also, ‘Norman’ and the ‘Darroux’ family over the lost of the young man ‘Norran.’ My prayers are with you all. Finally, it is my hope that a new bridge will be constructed over this ‘Pond Casse Sink Hole’ in memory of Kurt and Norran. May their souls rest in peace.
My sincere condolences go out to Mr. By-The-Bay and family and also to the family of Norran. May they find solace through God’s great mercy and grace.
My sincerest condolences goes out the families of these sports men, who lost their lives on the way to perform for their nation.
Be strong DA.
Keep faith alive.
God bless.
My condolences goes out to the families of these sportsmen whose lives were lost so tragically heading to perform national duty. Be strong with them Dominica they really need you now.
God bless
R.I.P …. i also love football and it a shame to hear this…even if i didnt know them…R.I.P
Why should you be ashamed too hear this ? its gods work, i think you should say it is sad too hear this, just my opinion .
It is so sad what happened i give all my prays to the victims families.
R.i.P TO THE TWO MEN THAT MADE DOMINICA PROUD…
I woke up crying eh boy , my little girl keep asking ,”daddy what’s wrong?”. Only if she knew , only if she could understand the loss of sudden death.Jesus please take the wheel Oh Lord of All the heavens and the Earth.lay your mighty coat of compassion over this land and comfort those in need of your touch oh Lord.Reassure those who are unsure , touch those whose tears keep flowing . For you alone are the Most High , You alone are GOD. In your mighty name , JESUS, We all pray .AMEN
Mr. Francis, while we all are in this sad state of mind for our love ones that were gone too soon, and while i understand that this may not be the right time to correct u,but i might just forget so let me remind u that JESUS is the son of God, and not God!
rip
Whenever I visit Dominica, kurt and I would spend some time, a drink and a chat. I was told the news by my sister Lucia, I can honestly say I am gutted. Visiting Laplain will not be the same. Why is it always the good guys that this kind of thing happens to? Why?
Rest In Peace My Man. You will not be forgotten.
Lauder Alexander – Oxford. England
Coud this tragic event be prevented? One thing for sure had this appended in an industrialized country some seriou law suit would already be in motion.
The sinking roadway in that particular area should have been repaired. This is nt a sink hole but rather a slip fault that was accelerated by the saturated soil. The cracks in the back top provided facilitated te lubrication that was needed to cause the failure
It s time we start putting life, health and safety on the front burner. The things tat we ake for granted – the things that I see on the roadways in DOMINICA it is miraculous that we are not having more fatalities
i wonder if skerrit really prays and to whom? i do believe god the almighty will comfort the families and friends of the deceased men. only god is able to comfort when we ask with sincerity and, ernestly.
All Dominicans are in grief over that unfortunate accident. For future consideration. Any team of people, especially sports men and women, who have been picked to represent their country overseas, should be encamped in a hotel or convenient facility, a couple days at least, and should be picked up together from that camp/hotel etc.and travel as a team on the bus.
That business of the poor coach having to leave Laplaine early, early morning under bad rainy weather, travelling alone to Grandfond to pick up a player, then to meet the other players on the bus coming from Roseau on its way to the airport, certainly is not the right thing for players in the future.
Given Dominica’s topography, deep gullies and ravines, valleys, changing weather patterns, history of severe damages by heavy rains/hurricanes, dangerous slides, sea surges and resultant coastal damages, fragile ecosystems, we very often let down our guard and take things lightly. A heavy trough was affecting the area with torrential rainfall. Disaster preparedness has to be given some more priority due to the the above mentioned. Info was scant re. safeguards.
In 2013 i am assuming that Dominica is still a menber of FIFA and here it is these two gentlemen had to be travelling from their home village in seviere weather conditions to join the rest of the National Fooball Team enroute to St. vincent, why is it so difficult for the DFA to treat our national players with some modicum of dignity and pride as national players, why could all the players be together at a hotel at least for one night thinking through strategy and planning before departure so travel to the airports will be easier, the DFA needs to start thinking outside the box and treat our players with the respect and honor that comes with the title as “Ambassadors and National Players”. Maybe lives could have been saved.
I am sorry to hear of their passing. This is so sad! There is no doubt they were eagerly looking forward to participating in the game.
May their souls rest in peace. Amen!
My heartfelt sympathy to their family. May you be consoled and strengthened by the outpouring of sympathy and caring. May God assist you to cope with your loss.
My heartfelt sympathy also to the Dominica Football Team on your loss. As they are missed by their relatives and friends, as part of your team, you will also surely miss them.
God bless every one of you who mourn their loss, family, friends, team and other fellow Dominicans.
They will be remembered in my prayers including their family and all others who mourn their loss.
A sad day in Dominica with this tragedy.My prayers to the family God will see them through at this sad momment. My heartfelt sympathy to the families.
My fellow people from Dominica may God have mercy on this peaceful nation especially to the families of the accident victims be of good courage the Lord knows best in everything trust that his will prevails. Please walk in the fear of the Lord above all things and he will direct thy path. He is the almighty all powerful draw close to him and he will draw close to u. Peace in the mist of storm.
rest in peace you all will be missed
Only God knows y he allows these things to happen accept my sympathy to the hector and jno hope family these things can never be explained they just happen
my prayers and thoughts are with u
this is really sad… too hear
R.I.P
that’s sad R.I.P
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families of the deceased …If God had not save that Fireman life many more would have died as far as I know…We must seek God at all times even before we leave our homes in the morning because none of us know if we will return only the Good Lord alone,,,seek Him call upon Him hes always there waiting for us to receive him all the time..I do not know the guys but as a human and Dominican living overseas its a really sad time but let me assure the families that there is hope in Jesus once they keep holding on to him and with that hope they will see their love ones again.God giveth and he taketh may His Name be Glorified…May the souls of these guys REST IN PEACE
lord be with the familes so sad spoke to kurt moments b4 his death the lord giveth and taketh
I wish i was there to support my cuzzo Kelly. These two young men will b missed. I Love u Kelly stay strong!
so awe
LaPlaine mourns the death of two of its heroes..The entire community is saddened by such a tragedy..Condolences to their family and other relatives.May their souls rest in peace.Jah Giveth and he Taketh.
Waiting moderation for how long?
Sad indeed. My deepest sympathy is extended to the families and friends of the deceased. Unfortunate.
The gentleman who climbed out and warned incoming motorist is a hero.Can u imagine busloads and cars of people going down in that sinkhole?These guys sacrificed their life to save others without even knowing it,may they rest in eternal peace..I hope and pray he makes a full recovery.
This is just way too sad and incomprehensible. With this said, Jah and life itself, is mysterious. Members of the immediate families and friends, my deepest sympathies goes out to you and please find strength and continue to be positive people; don’t ever give up.
I’ve been following the news all morning and I don’t even know what else to say. This is truly sad, very sad. I heard that Norran was such a well-behaved and motivated young man – involved heavily in sports and a current DSC student – BUT in the twinkle of an eye all this came to an end.
I said to myself “how strange is this life and there is so much we don’t and never will understand”. Naturally, one would think, here is a promising young man full of energy with an optimistic outlook on life whose life was so short-lived and on the other end are so many young “thugs” who run around wreaking havoc on the island with their criminal activities- and none of these bad things happen to them; but, we will never understand.
If I were to talk to his parents and relatives right now, the only comfort I could offer is found in Isaiah 57:1 which reads:
The righteous perishes, and no man lays it to heart; and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.
Father God please comfort the families of both men.
whats the
about? see anything funny? share the joke so we could all have a laugh 
I am sadden by the news, his travel was to see d/a go places , may their soles rest in peace.
Alas Caribe and Norran,is so all you leave us.Tearsss flowing in La Plaine today.Kurt was such a great dad to his daughter,a great friend,cousin,brother. Well respected individual in the community. Norran was such a quiet and well behaved child. Your parents have lost a great son. Alas lord watch over Kurts daughter Kelly,You alone know what she must be going through,such a daddy’s girl.We the people of La plaine need to support her in this tragedy.It’s so sad to note that this death is in one family.
want to send my condolences out to the family of these sports ambassadors, may their souls rest in eternal peace, i also want to give a kudoos to this brave young man who survived this tragic accident, i agree you did save allot more lives besides your own.. lastly i think that these two men deserve to have a state funeral seeing that they were on there way to represent our country an had serve as sports ambassadors, i end by saying God is in control, he will give you the strength to get through this tragedy, the Good an Merciful lord never takes u where he cant protect u, rest assured that he will never forsake u!!!
common who is the 2 that would dislike this comment. very touching karibe. may there souls R.I.P
Dominicans please please keep politics out of this.
Ok where is this coming from?
I am sorry to hear about that espcially being away from my home…. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of these to men… My their souls rest in peace
It wasn’t a helicopter that hauled the vehicle from the ditch rather a local hand, Walsh Trucking. The fire and ambulance services ought to have had the same equipment that Walsh trucking is equipped with considering the island’s topography. This really isn’t the moment for castigating anyone but rather sympathize in the loss of dear lives. Politics does not solve problems of this nature.
Why think so foolish. Why have a piece of equipment that may be used once in a blue when private citizens in the business can provide the service and do the job.
i will remember them in my prayers.
My condolences to the Family,Love ones and friends of the Footballers that died in the accident. Only Jahovah knows why these things happen..
well side pm
My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, to the Football Association and all Dominica, for indeed they were members of our National Football Team.
I pray God’s comfort and speedy recovery on the miracle survivor and his family.
These men were somebody’s hero, somebody’s star, somebody’s mentor, …..
Let not the chapter trail off, let them live on !!!
CONDOLENCIES GOES OUT TO THE FAMILIES. I PRAY THAT THE MOST HIGH CONTINUE TO GUIDE MR PRINCE.
It is a sad & tragic moment for the family,may their soles rest in peace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8-YO6g05aA
to the families….
My heart felt sympathies, goes to the family and friends of those deceased,(psalms 30 v 5 for His anger endureth but a moment in His favor is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
I vote that the guy who climbed out when he makes it, be given a meritorious honour at independence because although he may havee climbed out purely for survival purposes, he saved many lives!!!!!
You took the words out of my mouth. This guy saved lives today. We are very grateful to him.
respect to my roommate
We don’t want the condolences, a helicopter is needed in Dominica and the proper equipment for instances like this one.. instead of spending useless money on a state palace.. and the equipment for people that need to seek medical help
A helicopter for accidents like these that happen once every five years if not more?
If this wasn’t a sad occasion, I would laugh but I won’t.
if something of the sort happens to you Dorival john… i hope you don’t need one to save your life
The hekicopter can serve other purposes; fishermen or people lost at sea and on land, tracking down drug dealers and other criminal activities.
You should know that. Crime rate is so high in Da it is woth it.
Your timing is off. This is not the time for this statement!
why dont you go away.
invest in the hlicopter, so you can save others lives.
I find you well ignorant.You should have remained silent.Stupid.
One second thought, I see your point. Time is a great factor when lives are at stake. The helicopter would just take 5 minutes to arrive at the hospital. He was conscious at the point where he spoke to the taxi man, but later…….what happened?
I am not sure why this is getting so much thumbs down.. when is the good time to ever make such a suggestion, I think it is timely. Taking into consideration the topography of Dominica. It is a miracle and the hands of God why we do not see much more of this type of incidences. We need to think ahead and see how we better develop ourselves in preparation swift search and rescue. It is a mountainous island and many of the area require exceptional man power. We get so emotional that we as a people refuse to listen to any suggestion at any time. It is always the wrong time or blamed on politics. We need to stop think and listen sometimes. We don’t need to wait till something else happen and then complain. We have to move forward, and that is what can we do as a country to have a speedy response to search and rescue?
My heartfelt condolence to the family of the deceased,in this tragic accident. Lord comfort them during this time, and protect our island.
my deepest sympathy to the families of these two men. I pray God’s protection and healing over the one in the hospital. Only God knows what would have happened to the other people on their way to the airport if he had not climbed out.
I am convinced that God allowed him to reach on top in time to save himself but also to prevent other drivers from going down. God is indeed wonderful.
I do not know the two men who lost their lives this morning but as a Dominican I’m extending my deepest condolences to their families and also to the people of D’ica and to assure them that these two athletes will never be forgotten and may their souls rest in peace.
I have to say very good statement! Now I hope, quietly without the media, Skerrit personally visits the families of the deceased and the player in hospital.
I am almost certain he will.
wat sense call and visit in the heat of the moment and wen the dust clears up, act like to hell with them
Have respect! You mean the Prime Minister. You should know he will do that.
Why dont you go away.
chupesssss; and exactly wat d visit will do? ; bring the boys back; ease up on d man ;; chupesssss
Judge not for the measures you use will use against you.I pray that you find peace within yourself.