The trial of a couple who was arrested on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, during a funeral at the Roseau Roman Catholic Cemetery, is set for 9:00 am on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at the Magistrate’s Court in Roseau.
Lennox Robin and his wife Frances William-Robin appeared before Magistrate Bernard Pacquette on June 22, 2016.
They have been charged with one count of battery on Carlene Jean Marie on June 18, 2016, at Kings Lane in Goodwill.
The two are in Dominica for the funeral and burial of Frances’ mother which took place on June 21, 2016.
According to reports, while at the cemetery in Roseau, they were arrested by the police who came armed with a warrant and were taken to Police Headquarters.
Frances had to seek urgent medical attention at the Princess Margaret Hospital because of the incident which attracted huge public attention while it unfolded in the cemetery.
They were later that evening granted bail in the sum of EC$2,000 with Benette Thomas as surety.
Both pleaded not guilty to the charge and are represented by attorney at law Kondwani Williams.
Both have vowed to totally clear their name in the matter and they have informed the US Department of State of their ordeal in Dominica since they are US citizens.
Altercation occurred on the 18th of June. The funeral is on the 21st of June. Frances came to Dominica especially for the burial of her mother. It’s suppose to be a time of sadness. I would like DNO to find out what lead to this altercation with Carlene Jean Marie. What really happened. Because I can’t understanding why grieving people would behave in such a manner, that they would be arrested at the funeral. When a full story is out then i can cast my opinion.
Police invasion and presence at the cemetery during a funeral. It could make a good song/calypso.
I call it invasion of privacy during a religious rite (rights) at a cemetery during the funeral of a loved one.
Were they returning to the US directly after the funeral? Why could the police not wait? Did the police not know where they reside while in Dominica?
In certain circumstances, police presence is necessary. You should never disturb a funeral unless there is a disturbance at the funeral and interruption of same which affect those gathered. Then, you could arrest the perpetrator(s).
Otherwise, you could have stood in wait and viewed the proceedings, keeping your eyes on it, taping and taking pictures with your hidden camera.
Your presence there should not have been conspicuous, disturbing and interfering in a solemn occasion.
Your attitude was disrespectful to the family, the mourners/sympathizers who were at the grave site.
What a faux pas? No excuse!
Police, Dominicans need an explanation of your action. We are shocked at what you did.
A five year old would agree that two wrong cannot make a right. A crime is committed and the culprit got arrested. What is at stake is a burial. The Christ said “I am from Above, and you are from beneath, The question is “What is below? The dead should stay dead. Help your neighbor as thy self. Do what you can for some one whilst they are alive. All the carries on after death means nothing. THE DEAD is at rest You say your goodbyes and that’s it.
A warrant is an order by the court. He ordered the Police to bring that person before me. If the Police saw such person and allow the person to escape, The police will be charged for neglect of his duty. If you have a dead body on your hand to be buried, I don’t think you should study to commit a crime at that time. You should be aggrieved, sorrow and sad. Who is at fault for getting you arrested. Crime doesn’t pay
So what about the warrant that was out to arrest the lawyer in the GON Emanuel matter? Did the police bother????
No, they did not.
It is something that just happened. I am certain they did not know beforehand that they would have been involved in this situation.
Consider you are a law-abiding person, walking on the street,going about your business happily and peacefully as ever. All of a sudden a troublemaker encountered you. He commenced tantalizing you and whatever else. You tried to defend yourself and eventually got arrested. This is how these things happen.
I do not know what occurred between with these people that caused it to culminate into an argument, a fight and lead to their arrests. I view it as an unfortunate incident which occurred to them at such a time; very sad. It could happen to anyone, unsuspectingly.
We will have to hear the real story of this situation to comprehend it.
Regardless. This is very unprofessional. I cannot believe the police.
The commissioner should know better than that.
Even if you have to do your job. There are protocols to follow.
That is why the country is so sick. Dominican police needs to be exposed , and trained better than that .
The lady will have every right to sue them.
Shame on you all. No class at all . Shame on the country too.
What protocol? Please explain. We just continue to string words together that make nonsense.
Are you implying that if there is in fact a protocol that it must be written in the law that criminals are exempt from arrest because they are at a funeral? You might be overseas somewhere but your brain us still in the countryside.
They need to be trained to handle such a situation and not go to a cemetery, during a funeral to arrest family members of all. It is shocking that the police would do something as that. I hope the Chief of Police speaks to the Dominican public about it, to clarify this situation. I will never get over it that they would do something as that.
The police deserve being chastised about it.
The Police could have waited after the funeral to arrest the couple. After all, the charge is a minor one. many police officers in Dominica have no sense of appreciation of occasion, no manners, they lack courtesy and do not know how to properly interact with members of the public. They are so gruff and quick to show who has the power in encounters.
A bunch of crap am reading on there am not gonna condemn the actions of the police because first of all they committed a crime doesn’t matter how big how serious it is but they broke the law so there should be dealt with I’ve seen people got arrested on hospital bed in church while having sex so why can’t they arrest them at the funeral what’s the difference is it because they are citizens of America all you wanna bow down to them so why we giving the police praise when they deal with our very own the same way the police did their job so we need to commend them for that when they don’t we will criticise
If u do the crime u have to do the time…
Summon for your arrest don’t need discretion or sympathy you can be arrested any place and time ,you have to answer to your charges , in this case the police men who did there work we are now blaming them , in the us when they come for you no dog back is lets go , rule of law should be applied no matter who , and that’s the problem now in Dominica . And that very sad , the poor face courts , and the politicians and there friends get away free this is the new Dominica
If the supposedly victim was not injured and after the case is called and the judge/ magistrate hears both sides, if per chance they are found guilty, my suggestion is to fine them and allow them to return to the US. All the same I hope their names will be cleared.
I do not know what caused this fracas with the person. Something must have caused them to react to the person as they did which caused their arrest. It is traumatic for them being at home and arrested at the funeral.
I am certain they have important matters to settle at home after the mother’s funeral. Let them return to the US if they so wish, if it were their intention to return soon.
I am not one to criticize the police but I do think it was extremely unbecoming/ unprofessional of them to arrest the couple at a loved one’s funeral. Do you have no compassion? Obviously, it was shocking and embarrassing for them and shocking for the clergy and mourners.
The lady was treated at the hospital. Fortunately, she did not suffer a fatal heart attack or aneurism.
This occurred on Saturday. The police arrested them on Tuesday. When was the complaint lodged with the police?
Why did you not arrest them at the weekend and give them a chance to obtain bail so that they could attend the funeral in peace?
Police, I realize you have a job to perform but shame on you. This was not nice of you. You lack compassion. You should have waited after the funeral.
Folks, visualize yourself in that situation. How would you feel?
Surely, they were returning to where they reside in D/ca. Can you ascertain they were a flight risk, immediately returning to the US?
This is an unusual case. It appears to be a first for D/ca. They did not steal nor murder.. Why was it necessary to arrest them at the mother’s funeral with everyone around? This is a very sensitive time which I need not elaborate on. Everyone knows what it is like to be at a funeral and a loved one at that and the police appeared and arrested them? It makes no sense that this should have been done at that pensive moment. I find it shocking.
Police, I am dissatisfied with you. The Golden Rule. I place myself in their position and visualize how I would feel, You do likewise. Then ask yourself, “What Would Jesus Say?”
I am informing you that God – The Blessed Trinity is displeased with you.
Are you aware that God was with his people during this solemn occasion of grieving? It makes me angry that you would abuse your authority in such an ungodly manner.
I do think the Chief of Police should offer an apology to all of them and then to the Dominican public.
why the Police had to be involved in this. You have a difference in the family, this sorted out at home, you dragged it in public so, it is Police business. The Police cannot find you at home and according to information received you were at a funeral. Had the Police not act promptly next day you would have been in New York. No respect for other people’s country. Very heavy fine indeed, to ensure they don’t come back. Shame on the Americans. viewexpressed this is your chance, so come in .
My girl, I will be calling you.
File a grievance with the US State department, since you are a US Citizen.
State that you were abused by the police force and the government of Dominica.
You will be alright.
Merina
I’m surprised at your comment ; and so disappointed in you .
Surely you know better.
”State that you were abused by the police force and the government of Dominica”
You are asking that she fabricate information in every effort at justifying her misconduct .
Yes she was grieving, death in the family sometimes cloud ones better judgement but remorse also goes a long way in unacceptable behaviour being understood . A simple SORRY sometimes works wonders in maintaining peace of mind .
JUSTICE FOR ALL
PERFECT response!
DNO if you are not going to publish my article/response in its entirety do not publish it.
I am a very objective individual whose commentary is factual.
ADMIN: We reserve the right to omit things we think might put us in a bad light. If you don’t like it, it’s up to you.
Merina, you must understand that this is a polite way for DNO to let you know that thy do not want to get sued or create a situation for a pretext to shut them down. Vultures have sharp eyes and pounce on carrion en mass in a frenzy. If we sometimes think them too timid, remember it is their risk.
If u were in the states my dear u would be arrested anywhere so Dominicans stop pretending like u don’t know the American system….think is so because all u think Dominica is a free port all u could do as all u plz n not get convicted…papa bat
Ignorant fool know the facts first before you spue out filth from your dirty mouth
Right. They go to America and take up the americans nasty ways.
Although some of us probably make a similar comment, they were not in the US. They are in Dominica, attending the mother’s funeral. It was unbecoming of the police. You are arresting someone at a family’s funeral?
As I have stated, the Chief of Police should inform Dominicans why his subordinates felt it was necessary and urgent to arrest them during the funeral. It makes no sense. Out of respect and compassion, they could have waited.
Furthermore, there is always an exception. In this case, there was an exception and they should have utilized their common sense if they have any. They were not arresting a criminal as a thief, a murderer or rapist.
Under the circumstances, It shows the police in a bad light. It appears they were eager to arrest them and to create a scene, the latter, they succeeded. It was senseless of them. I am disappointed in the police. Need I state more?
Dominica has some Laws that should be changed.
People read between the lines . Read the poem . Thjs couple seems to know too much about an alleged situation so they were arrest on an alleged battery . But soon very soon the vibes will be out. Ha ha ha. . when people have glass windows don’t throw stones. And Dominica is too small to cover up all dirty skeletons. Tick tock tick tock. The click is ticking. Ha ha ha
They should spew the beans, so-to-speak and do not hesitate to do that.
I am not pleased that the police arrested them at the funeral. The police has no tact.
we are no-longer living in a country where there are no human rights , rule of law and due process.
Silver Bird they are US citizen and have informed the State Department, a country where a mother gets arrested for disciplining her kids who were caught steeling in someone’s house. She was arrested and her kids taken away from her….You my friend better put things in perspective.
One Love Dominicans!! #OLD
@Righteous you are mixing apples with oranges. the couple was treated as if they were a national security threat. This like using a gun to shoot a fly.
As usual you fools have totally missed the point.
The police is not to be blamed. Is it just battery or was there more to story which brought about the charge of battery.
Hell going to break loose soon…call the bishop
We are longing to hear the story. We have a right to want to hear it.
Carbon please take control of the police force and make it more professional! If you can’t step aside and hand over to Hobbs or even Duke or Alpe . Since when police arresting people in cemetery for a summary offense? OFor crying out loud this is not a felony or misdemeanor and did not warrant such drastic steps.
We have rapists walking our streets and being given time to surrender but we are arresting people in cemetery for nonsense? You have no respect for the living or dead as long as they don’t wear red? What has this country come to? Those arrested may have committed a crime but they have to leave the country via a lawful port so why the spectacle?
No man, that is how people does get Bouche (curse). The officer executing the warrant should be fired for excercising better discretion. The police force has gone rouge just like some in authority. No law, no constitution??
Always Assertive!?
Sorry to state, the curse of God is upon them for doing something like that. Should they not have known better? At a funeral and in the cemetery? The police created a scandal.
For God’s sake, why did they not put on their thinking cap and utilize their intelligence? I cannot believe that the police would act in such a manner. They thought they were doing their job and feeling good about it but they failed; not in a cemetery when they were at the side of their loved one’s grave. They also do not have respect for the departed. What a shame!
We can say it is amazing they did not enter the church during the funeral and arrested them. Something held them back then. I am disappointed in the police. No citation for you.
They have the right to execute a warrant at any time and place. Stop putting politics in everything.
Why didn’t she wait after the burial of her mother to do what was said SHE did to the lady? Police arrest her at her mother’s funeral for what she did some have a problem with the Police claiming the Police should wait after the funeral to do so…..Mam if you say you are American, You should know the POLICE in AMERICA arrest anyone anywhere he/she can be found….even in the coffin…So don’t come with your POLITICAL TRICK here….
That”s correct. Support that
Criminals are given time off for the burial of a loved one. This is so sad. No respect for human life or the dead for a matter of fact. I hope that this family will leave everything in the hands of prayer. I don;t know you but I feel your pain.
This cannot be easy for anyone…friend or enemy.
Why blame the police from doing their job. When a warrent is out you will be arrested wherever you are, she went to bury her mom she should stay out of trouble.
Daniel Carbon could have used his discretion (…if he undertands the meaning of the word!).
I was expecting that from a SKERRITITE because U all are without conscience what is the trouble she find her self in? Don’t u find that those who are involve in the burning of the 2 elderly home on Christmas morning 2010 is putting them selves in more trouble, who LAUGH LAST laugh the best!
Police men in Dominica are not well educated so I don’t expect anything better from them. They don’t even know the laws.
Tweety, this is a rather volatile statement and rather ignorant at that. Some persons like to generalize way too much. It is rather rude. I know lots of officers who possess A level subjects. Has it ever dawned on you that Dominica’s lack of employment create minimal opportunities especially for young serious men? Think before you talk.
I find this appalling. Are you suggesting that because young men (…not women?) join the police force as a last resort, because they can not find better employment? I would have thought that the police should be very selective and only chose the best, particularly with regard to mental aptitude. Am I to conclude from your comment that this is no the case?
What do you expect. Even the supremo does not know the aw, and if he does he disregards it. He said so himself and that is a matter of record.
The incident happened on Saturday the 18th and the police waited until Tuesday June 21st at her mother’s funeral to arrest her? Are you really serious? Is the crime of battery so serious that it could not be done before or after the funeral? Yes this lady should be held accountable if the court finds her guilty but the way in which the arrest was done is embarrassing. This lady needs a public apology.
Where is our humanity? The worse part of a funeral is seeing your loved ones going down in the grave! This is heart breaking. Shame on those involved.
Well hun go ahead give the public apology…..lol
The police can and should use discretion even though they did not do anything illegal. Five minutes of wait time should not be a great an unjust act.
Interesting that the individuals did not wait until after the burial to commit the alleged battery on Carlene Jean Marie but the expectation is that the Police should wait until after the burial to arrest them.
Where are the intelligent Superintendents on the police force? Roseau is so small, everybody knows everybody, so their was absolutely no flight risk re the couple. All the police needed to do was monitor the burial, go to the home and ask the couple to come with them to the station. There was absolutely no need for all that drama and humiliation! Since when Haitians have so much clout that they can having police dancing to their tune? Things that make you go uuuummmm????
WHAT is there US citizenship going to do for them. If they are charged and found guilty of the said ACCUSATION, there US citizenship can infect be REVOKED. THEY better be careful with this one, know DOMINICA’S JUSTICE SYSTEM.
“in fact”
police, are you all looking for the missing persons? That is priority.
Informed the US authorities since they are US citizens? So is tourist all you tourist but looking for roro? Next time stay in all you USA don’t come back. You mother die better reason to stay in your sweet America choops
Could you try not to use the word “Dominican?” I don’t want people to know I live on the same island as you.
Stupessss well change your nationality
I do NOT approve of this comment.
idiot, but u welcome they to come and vote during election…sort
It’s all about show of power, to instill fear and intimidate people. Was it that serious or were they a flight risk that the arrest had to be made?
I’m burying my Mama
I’m crying and in grief!
And instead of sending condolences
They’re sending the POLICE!
I can’t believe this is happening
In the Country of my birth!
To arrest me at my Mother’s funeral????
Is that what I’m really worth?
Embarrassment for my family
who in utter disbelief
watched me being dragged away
like a low-life common thief????
All because I know too much
about someone with connections
Who is deathly afraid that I might expose
His little dirty imperfections?
I returned home to pay respects
to my dear mother, nothing more!
Instead I learn that things at home
Are not like they were before!
It’s who you are and who you know
And what Colour you wear!
That determines what your life is worth
and if “those in power” should care!
So at this point I rest my case
And ask God to take the wheel.
For He is my only true Lawyer now
And will handle my appeal!
Just know for now
that in time things will heal
but also know that before I…
…go
ALL THINGS WILL BE REVEALED
such poetry !
Words of wisdom. Could not have said it any better.
Dr.kermit ur a real frog this things happen in d US all d time people are arrested n charged at funerals.the reason is dats wheethey know dat u might or can be found wen d warrant is seved.n d main reason for their arrest is because they are flight risk.do u think u could go to the US and beat up someone n don’t get arrested?u can be attested at the hospital just coming from a 12 hour surgery.so,y should Dominica be any different?
‘Just Saying” , thanks for clearing that up. I believe people in Dominica live in a fools paradise. I am amazed at the comments made about the police. However, the very police they accuse and hate, when they are the ones being kicked, man-handled and tormented by others, they require a rush of action from them. Ignorance is bliss here on the island of Dominica.
Well we all know that the world is about who you know and what color u are. That’s life deal with it.
And if you come from America that’s all it is there.
I do not have the facts, but I would very much like to see if the two US citizens, if in fact they committed the criminal activity here for which they were arrested and charged, what would their US citizenship do for them before the completion of the necessary course of action to determine either their guilt or innocence. Can the US order the government of Dominica to release its citizens, who are also citizens of Dominica without due process in a matter they are allegedly involved in? The alleged crime was committed here where the people have citizenship. It would be interesting to see where America stand in this particular matter involving persons with dual citizenship – its citizen.
The US does not recognize dual citizenship. If you are a US citizen that’s it unless you denounce the US citizenship. So if these folks are US citizens then that Dominican passport or birth right means nothing, nada, enyeah, zilch to the US Government. And yes, they recognize due process must be followed where the crime was committed but it better be fair. They will also provide an attorney for the couple if requested and send a consular person if necessary.
But I can assure you if the US smell poopoo if this trial of their citizens there will be hell to pay from the political end such as, limited visas for Dominicans, limited or no aid for an extended period, sanctions against the police force similar to what St. Lucia is experiencing etc. Worst cases, rescue by Seal Team 6. Be warned the mighty USA is watching the Punjabee Dr and his goons.
Always assertive!
The U.S.A. does recognise dual citizenships in certain cases. There are plenty of Israeli citizens, who are also citizens of the U.S.A. Go and ask Nuri Katz.
The US will ensure they are treated humanely and no harm come to them when incarcerated of all.
This police force has so much more important criminal issues affecting the people of Dominica to deal and refused to take action.There is the G.O.N.Emmanuel fire bombing,the Panama Papers,visa racketeering,bin bobol,fertilizer bobol,illegal land transfer,former Nigerian oil minister passport issue.When are you all police are gonna resolve those important cases?
Come on people, start commenting, that’s where I get the real story from. Gimme de bef!
Stupes…..
So many people are being arrested and it’s not making news. Why this one?
How would you like being arrested during your MOTHER’S FUNERAL, Sir/Madam????
Dr Froggy, how about not committing a crime before/during/after your MOTHER’S FUNERAL, Sir/Madame???? If you can’t face the embarrassment and humiliation, don’t do the crime. And they have the guts to claim U.S. citizenship to absolve their shameful behavior. I’m saving my sympathy for more deserving people.
Oh please! I hope this never happens to you! But if does I hope you will not want anyone to know about the disrespect and insensitivity levelled to you. To dismiss it as just another arrest shows up your level of compassion and your lack of empathy. The same police could facilitate the soft arrest of Ian Pinard almost doing it in a very protective way but the lady and husband had to be arrested in the full view of the public.
The police I understand were reluctant to carry out the arrest but the directions given was to be carried out to show the authority of the cabal.
Yes the Hatian was heard saying Nou say Hatian nou nee power ler nous allay Haiti Meme police passa touchay nou
Because it is unusual. The police arrested them at a funeral and her mother’s funeral at that.
Oh my! What a thing!
you guys are not the brightest.
WHERE I BE THERE NER ?????
Are you kidding me. Sue their ………….
AA, what’s this!
My lady the POLICE/JUDICIAL/GOVERNMENT and almost everything with HUMANS is CORRUPT in DOMINICA. I don’t expect anything to come out of this. After 9 days it will be ALL OVER. On another note BECAREFULL with those LAWYERS all of them in it they LOVE to CROOK THINGS.
You are right, they are all desperate to be in the -and off-shore business now. Who cares about justice, to hell with that now. Make the money while you can. Dominica has lost its compass and is lost without a rudder. The reputation of being a lawyer in our country has sunk below that that of a used-car salesman….in fact, I do believe that some of them are involved in that too! Just goes to show.
At least the cops could wait, that was very unprofessional.
It could have waited after the funeral. Someone is flexing their muscles, and the police just follow blindly. A incident that took place on Saturday, you waited to arrest the couple at their mother’s burial. Also any one can complain that they were assaulted by an individual and without asking a single question the police can just arrest on one person’s say so? Sounds fishy to me! There is much more behind this.
Someone help me understand….WHY were they arrested at a loved ones FUNERAL??
My friends very unfortunate and disgraceful situation……….. Criminal and corruption behavior in high places.
Why are these policemen so unprofessional and insensitive. Couldn’t they wait after or if they were in doubt she would leave, stop her at the airport. The woman is grieving and you all had to humiliate her in that way. She should sue them for pain and suffering and aallall the rest of it.
If they wait for them to finish the funeral they will run away so they had to do their job let the police do their job and then allu saying police cannot do their job, they have a warrant so they have to do their job,
Hhmmm citizenship of the US yea right, allu Dominicans what US have to do with allu crime you commit in DA… allu ba feb…they commit the crime … then do the time, doe run to the US and then ask the US to help allu… wicked….
really? and she wasn’t grieving when she went and beat up de person?
Very unprofessional. No respect. Police could wait at the cemetery and make arrest after burial was over and easily arrest those folks without making a spectacle. The difference between man and boys. Well i do not expect much better with the kind of leadership the force has.
Dominica police force is in a state of disaster,Dominica has a price to pay,and to all you labour politicians,the time is coming,how can you all disrepect the lady like that,i will call the names,Carbon and your slave PELLAM,TIME IS DRAWING NEAR MY BROTHERS.
LOL!!!!!!!!!! Ridiculously funny.
Good Job Police! Criminals should have no sanctuary, not even at their mother’s funeral. At least the police didn’t lay down a fatigue on them like those 2 (allegedly) did to the poor lady.
can you say the same about the guy that undervalue land to pay less tax or sold money by over pricing bins….
allu will get what allu ask for, there is so much people can take and when crime reaches a level of no return even the police will be afraid to be called ‘police’.