Government has pledged its support to the family of Vernie Julien, 82, who died in a fire in Roseau late last night.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said this afternoon he was shocked by the news and expressed sympathy to the Julien family.
Police said this morning they unearthed the torso of a “charred” human being in the building which housed Julien’s Jewelry store. The woman occupied the floor above the store, police reported.
Prime Minister Skerrit said he knew Vernie, affectionately known as Auntie Vernie, as a personal friend.
“Unfortunately Vernie lost her life in a most horrific manner,” he said. “We are really saddened by this.”
Skerrit has also sympathized with the Shillingford family who owns a building which was also affected by the fire. Everything on the top floor has been “consumed”, according to the fire department.
We are deeply sadden by this news Miss Julien was a personal friend of our family. RIP
It is very unfortunate that a life had to be lost for this matter to be highlighted. Playing the blame game is not going to provide a solution to this problem. So here are my recommendations:
1. The technological companies need to step in, LIME, MARPIN 2K4, SAT, DOMLEC, Clear Harbor, Etc. These companies need to donate the equipment required for a CALL CENTER. Please note the technology is already in use in Dominica.
2. The Government need to provide the space to house that Emergency Call Center that will be manned 24/7, and I would say in shifts of 3 to 5 people to start.
3. That call center should handle all emergency call Police, Fire Hospital from a simple easy to remember number “999”
The rest should be history. We should never have a repeat of such an event in the history of our country.
I am glad the PM offering support for the family, but how comes he did not say a word or offer support for the disabled boy who is being abused in Portsmouth?
OMG! such a sweet charming lady,wish i was somewhere on that scene, would try my best to save you.How would they expect you to jump from that building? May your soul R.I.P. My condolences goes out to the family
Such a sweet lady!! Always a smile in church!!!
time play politics with the minds of the people, i hope the P.M is honest from his heart…
God looked around his garden
poor ma verny burnt by that fire
really shocking news
and found an empty space
Then he looked down upon this earth
And saw your tired face
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest
God’s garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best
i feel ur pain
She was such a wonderful person. Without her some lives would never be the same
From friends and family we miss u ma verny we really do
boy the old lady die
yeah life has jus been taking. she was a person that was very friendly kind and loving. I give the julien family my deepest sympathy. This is the most heartbreaking moment for her brother jus hope that he can bear his self and may god guide and protect her may her soul rest in peace R.I.P
Fire chief cannot speak how he wants, his lodge brothers will sanction him.
HAHAHA… u r so riht!!!
OMG…WE’LL MISS U N MAY UR SOUL REST IN PEACE!!!
OMG!!!…..AUNTY VERNZ WAS A NICE PERSON..IM SHOCKED OF THIS…ILY!!!MAY U REST IN PEACE
most of you on here need to be calipsonians !!!firemen are not the enemy so stop blaming then for the error of the public !!!
I think by now you should know that it is typical of Dominicans to “blame” others for any unpleasnt incident and they will not stop their search for a “culprit” until they satisfactorily affix the “blame” on him/her like an emblem. Too much hatred.
@Mr.T……..I pity the fool..SMH…Idiot! There is a time and place for everything. Have some class.
them msn was busy playing their dominoes and all you disturb them, could somebody tell me what is/are the entry level requirements for being a firefighter.
de moo moo talking
my deepest sympathy to her family vernie rip your were such a friendly lady i will miss you asking about my mom and brother where ever you meet me
Accept my condolences!
My sympathy goes out to the deceased and her family. However, while i was not able to listen to the radio in the last 3 days…i hope that the PM also shared his regards and pledges government support to the disabled boy at Portsmouth. He too needs attention. Thanks
Dominica! we lost a great woman who should not have ended her long life like that! While the country fighting against one another for things that are spoken, we should be building our infrastructure. Roads maybe but not before emergency medical and fire services. All children in the US know the number in case of emergency before they are 5 years old. We don’t even have an emergency number that reaches to all emergency services. When you call the numbers listed you get no answer. Why people have to die while waiting for someone to pick up the phone. How is there a picture of the elderly woman from the street and no one risked their life for her.. What a shame.
This Picture will Forever haunt the Dominica Fire Dep’t.!
If the phone co. has taken call # 611, yes 611, You need fight for law to be passed for call numbers like 911, 611, 311, 222, 555.
Consolidated with police so that one can pass info to the other and never miss a call!
This is a CLEAR case where Dominicans do not know and cannot remember fire dep’t phone number 4482890 in an emergency, what a REDICULOUS NUMBER>!
This Picture will Forever haunt the Dominica Fire Dep’t. AND police!
Do you know the fire department answers to a higher authority…are you going to blame them for their number.
As far as I remember all telephone number in the public service is the responsibility of the Establishment Department.
While an easy 3-number would be good, this is not the issue, the issue is someone should answer everyday, everytime every second and respond expeditiously to save lives. How many times do you see these guys doing drills and training upon training and reading about how it is done elsewhere just to expand thier knowledge? But then again we can be assured if they do a test drill half of us in Roseau have to complain…why now, what they think, what they doing???? The country just has not set guideline and policies on any major national issue so that why nurses, police, doctors, firemen handle things in thier own way and the public responds even worse. Just look at this hopeless 3-bus accident on Monday and the number of buses overtaking under Canefield cliff while work is in progress and endangering so many lives….
My dear fellow Dominicans wherever you may reside, thinking of what occurred to dear Vernie and how she must have had anxiety and grief in her dilemma and what she went through, I got the inclination to write the following prayer for your information. Whenever I get prayers I treasure them whether they pertain to my situation or not. Then I make copies and give/send to some people. I am sorry that it may not have reached Vernie. Some of us may not be living alone but the day will come when we surely will, as family members may move or go away to distant lands and others may pass on before us. This is life. I think this is an appropriate prayer to share with you at this time. Please treasure it and pass a copy on to others, as each one reaches one.
Prayer For Those Living Alone
I live alone, dear Lord, stay by my side.
In all my daily needs, be Thou my guide.
Grant me good health, for that indeed I pray.
To carry on my work from day to day.
Keep pure my thoughts, my every deed.
Let me be kind and unselfish in my neighbor’s needs.
Spare me from fire, from floods, malicious tongues.
From thieves, from fear, and evil ones.
If sickness or an accident befall me,
Then humbly, Lord, I pray, hear Thou my call.
And when I am feeling low or in despair,
Lift up my heart and help me in my prayer.
I live alone, dear Lord, yet have no fear,
Because I feel Your presence ever near.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: Rev.3:20 -“Behold I stand at the door (to your heart) and knock. If anyone hears me calling and opens the door, I will enter his house…”
God bless you and protect you!
U KNOW.. HOW IN DI WORLD DO YOU DIE IN A FIRE AROUND THE CORNER FROM THE FIRE STATION. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE FAMILY BECAUSE I WOULD OF FILE A STRONG SUIT AND NOT FOR MONEY BUT TO PUT THE INCOMPETENCE … THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS.. SHAME ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
What a tragic way to die. She seemed to have impacted many lives positively. May she rest in peace.
@ concerned dominican
How sad. I knew her since I was a child and then resided in DA. She was a very nice, dignified lady. This is how I will remember her. May she rest in peace. Amen!
OHHHHH I SO SRY TO HEAR BOUT THIS, I LOVE THIS LADY MISS VERNIE,
I do not know any of the families that are at a loss at this time of year, however, I’d like to extend my sympathy. Roosevelt, I applaud you for your efforts.
That’s very sad – I empathize with the family and hope God grant you peace that surpasses understanding. May her sweet memories live with you. Good going PM.
thats a sad way to die,and unfortunately no one heard when she cried .i remember something like that harpen in possie a few years ago .what a sad sight
My condoloences to the Julien family on the loss of a special lady. Whenever I pass by the store Ms. Julien would always greet me and asked how my family was doing. She will be a great loss to her family and all those who knew her. May she rest in peace
May Yanweh give you all the grace to stand strong in this time of grief.
Yahweh?????
Deepest sympathies to the Julien family. I have known the family from my childhood days, they have been family friends. Vernie was a special lady who spoke to one and all, always giving words of encouragement. We will remember u all in our prayers.
POOR LADY TO DIE SUCH A HORRIBLE WAY. I’AM
VERY SAD FOR THE FAMILES INVOLVE IN THE FIRE.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY
TO THE FAMILIES. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE.
i heard that they told her to jump but she said that she was going to get her dog she coming back and she never came back
Why do people with a brain repeat this foolish dog story…..what is the relavance to the story? When you truly sypathize with people there are some things you just dont refer to…just shut up and speak about it to yourself while in your bathroom….
DOMINICANS SOMEONE DIE IN THIS MANNER WE THINKING OF POLITICS,STOP THIS NONSENSE AND LETS UNITE AS ONE PEACEFUL NATION
R.I.P
MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE.
WHY U ALL BASTERDS LIKE TO BLAME MY FATHER SKERRIT
@ say it
They cannot help themselves. They have a disease which they need to treat, their mentality. This is really not the time that they should mention his name and in any other article which is posted on this Website which does not pertain to him. Their remarks are irrelevant. Surely, they should know better but it appears they do not.
My condolences go out to Gail, Geraud, MR. julien and the rest of the family,May the Peace of God that passes all understanding rest on you guys in Jesus Name. Amen
I wonder how far is the fire station from the city where the fire took place. Where are the ladders and fire suites/ fire fighters suites and oxygen masks which the fire fighters suppose to have.
The Fire station is about for the most 5 minutes drive away. However, one must consider the fact that the call may not have gone to them as soon as the fire had started. So if the call went to them a few minutes after it had started then in a wooden structure with gas cylinders and other combustible agents as well as electrical lines, the blaze would spread very quickly.
mouth of the south dont you have anything better to do with your life.. in a sad situation like this where all this negativity come from i mean come on..now is not time for politics….if you cant say anything good to this lady families an friend dont say anything at all..dont need your imput..thank you very much…
i am very sorry to hear happen to my dear friend
I am very impressed that Mr Prime Minister has done an honour thing, to extend condolences and support to the Julien family. However, I am indeed shocked that, he did not find it necessary to extend words of support to Mr GON Emmanuel and his wife on 25th December 2010, when their dwelling home was ravaged by fire and the attempted murder on their lives. Mr Prime Minister, your gesture will not deflect the Dominican people from the current allegations of corruption that is rife in the DLP government
WHAT IS WRONG YOU ALL. WHY OH WHY.
I will be surely impress when the PM, the police chief and tony investigate Mr Emmanuel attempt murder
@ POSITIVELY DOMINICAN?
How positive are you? Your other comments are irrelevant to this article. You should have kept them out of it. Have a heart and conscience.
A dear lady passed on under tragic circumstances and you are making such comments? What is wrong with you and your mind?
God have mercy with some of you people. Why can’t you just comment on this unfortunate fire and not cloud it with another issue?
What is positivley Dominican about you?
My dear Dominicans, if we can’t put aside politics aside and sympathize with the family, don’t write.
Is like some of us have NO heart. A tragic thing like someone lose their life in a fire and because you are against soemone who decided to give the family some assitance, instead of that’s good, youo are playing politics with it.
Pray God that nothing happens to a family member of your s and you will be in need of assitance.
Kneel and pray that our heart may soften during tragic times.
I know the family personally and have extended my condolences for all to see. However; the dead are gone to rest, but the living must continue the struggle, what would be your comment if the same man who is sending ur family condolences and offering u support was the same man responsible for you not getting ur salary for 2 months?? Ponder on that for a second.
So 1979…..U are a sorry a*s idiot.vWhen you all were in Gov’t you all never paid WORKERS for months at a time till U did the unthinkable, selling of Domlec to pay them.
It’s a sad moment, go hide under a rock for a few days.
1979, RESPECT PEOPLE PLEASE.
@ 1979
You do not have a loving heart.
Why make such a comment at this time? Think that the grieving family will read the comments. I wished that you and the negative people would keep your out-of-place comments out of this article when you are responding or make no statements.
mouth to south where is your heart? now is not time for politics.
Mr. Emmanuel and his wife need answers but they are alive.
may the good lord comfort the family during this tragic passing of this wonderful lady.
STOP PLAYING ALLU POLITICS IT IS KILLING THE NATION SHATE MAN COME ON THE LADY DIE AND THAT IS THE BEST ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY MAY GOD BLESS YOUR SOULS
No sympathy for PWC and their hungry families???? What a trickster..PM u too callous to play on anybodys heart strings..
What does this have to do with the fire. We understand the plight of these workers but there is no relation here. Negativity gets us nowhere.
sad that this death occured when it could have very much been prevented… the fire station needs to more more apt in conducting affairs… senseless.. how could that lady not be saved, so many ladders in the place…. emergency systems need to be more proactive.
alas!
that’s very good of u mr pm…. but i’m not trying to be ‘negative’…. but i surely hope that mr pm not using this as a way to gain public sympathy from the on going accusations… because i wonder what would have been the reaction if mr emanuel and his wife were killed in last year’s christmas fire bombing…. again kudos to u mr pm….
MOuth of the South, i don’t think u have a life of ur own.. U got too much time on ur hands..Idle time is the devil time!! Only negativity comes to ur mind because u have too much time to waiste!! the only thing u do just sit at ur pc and wait for an opportunity to post negative stuff!!! Instead to sympathize with the lady family and be more compassionate u use this news article to post ur negative comments about the PM..I just dont understand u!!!
Can u b positive for one time in ur life..I feel sorry for the people around u..Too much negative energy!!!!
because i wonder what would have been the reaction if mr emanuel and his wife were killed in last year’s christmas fire bombing….huh…I think they would be buried…what else can they do?????
Inquiring minds want to know.
Good question Wikileaks! Good question! I want to know to!
@ WIKILEAKS
You are no Wikileaks. KEEP QUIET! Utilize your basic common sense if you have any. It appears you have none. Otherwise you and those negative people would not have made such comments considering that they do not belong in this article.
@ WIKILEAKS
I have confidence that the PM would have extended his condolence and on behalf of Dominicans.
Are you aware of the saying: “Do not count your chickens before they are hatched?” They did not die. Why bring this up? It does not pertain to this article and makes no sense whatsoever.
Everything has to be political. Some people have their heads stuck in poopoo and no matter what, everything just smells like kaka to them.
@ mouth of the south
This is not the time for such comments. Are you senseless or what?
You lack sensitivity.
to the julien family,may the good lord give u all the strength in this time of loss. This was a nice lady, always have a nice smile whenever you great her. May the good lord hold her in the palm of his hands.
A sad and horrible event. My sympathies to the Julien and Shillingford Family. She will truly be missed.
On a another note historic Roseau has lost a gem. It was one of the most picturesque traditional houses that was beautifully maintained by the Julien Family. I hope it can be rebuilt to its former elegance and glory
I believe that you are the only one so far who has made this observation. After the grieving period I hope that SHAPE can provide some finances to have it rebuilt the same way. This building was iconic.
MR. SHOULD GET INVOLVED IN THAT!
HE WILL JUST, ONCE AGAIN, POLITICIZE THE SCENE.
AND WHICH MONEY IS HE GOING TO USE TO DO THAT?
HIS PERSONAL MONEY?
C.bruce,if you dont have anything good to say on DNO why dont you keep your mouth shut.
@ c.bruce
Sorry! You are another fool who is not sensitive to others, as the grieving family of the dearly beloved departed Vernie Julien. Consider the circumstances under which she passed on. Should you be making such a comment at this time? You should have kept your comments out of this article.