Police PRO, Inspector Claude Weekes has indicated that the police still expect foreign support and assistance as they continue investigations into the Pagua Guest House attack.
Police last week described the attack, which left Irishman Joseph Costello dead and the proprietors, US citizens Rick and Alicia Davison nursing wounds, as a robbery attempt gone awry.
Police Commissioner Cyril Carrette in a press conference confirmed that foreign help would have been sought.
Weekes confirmed that the process is well underway and that he expected the support to be forthcoming as has been the case historically however it has not yet been properly authorized.
“We expect foreign assistance just as we have gotten with past instances but proper protocol needs to be established and once that protocol is established, we will have the assistance from our counterparts. So this is not unusual,” he pointed out.
He did also signal that due diligence would be required in pursuing the investigation since the crime is especially heinous.
Rick and Alicia are presently in the US seeking further medical attention.
In March, 2010, following the murder of a young Dominican man and numerous break-ins and robberies of ex-pat (that is, mostly “white”) properties in Calibishie, a community meeting was called to discuss crime in the Village.
Some of those who attended the meeting in an official capacity or as speakers were Cyril Carrette, Deputy Police Commissioner; The Honourable Ian Douglas, Minister for Tourism and Legal Affairs; The Honourable Matthew Walter, Minister for Agriculture and Forestry; and Inspector Claude Weekes, Public Relations Officer for the Police Force of Dominica.
The meeting was extremely long, but the final consensus was that until the residents of Calibishie were willing to share with police the identities of those responsible for various crimes, there wasn’t much the police could do.
As long-time visitors to Dominica over many years, we knew that Dominicans – most of whom know each other and are even related – would be reluctant to “tattle” on their friends and relatives. These close relationships even make it difficult for the police to investigate and prosecute crime and for the justice system to function effectively. And the police are handicapped – when good friends of ours had a terrifying break-in at their home in Calibishie in February 2009, fortunately without any injuries, the police were unable to come to the location for some time because they had no vehicle!
In letters about the community meeting that we sent on March 9, 2010 to all those gentlemen listed above, we said, “We no longer feel safe here,” and we predicted that “With property thefts increasingly being committed with weapons such as cutlasses and guns, it is only a matter of time before yet another person is seriously injured or killed.”
Because of our concerns, we sadly decided against returning to Dominica. Now we are devastated that our prediction has come true. We didn’t know Joe Costello, but we certainly knew Rick and Alicia. Our hearts go out to them, to their many friends, to Joe’s family and to all of those who care about the future of the beautiful little island of Dominica.
Most odd! On the same day that Mr. Weekes goes to the news media to say that the police are seeking foreign assistance in resolving this case, the same police force he represents breaks news that they have three suspects in custody!
Are Mr. Carette and he talking to each other? Or is there another explanation and the press statements were simply not well co-ordinated? An explanation to clarify this would be helpful.
I do not find this odd at all. Are you expecting the local police to do absolutely nothing until the ‘foreign aid’ arrives?
I am positive, and fully expect, the local authorities to proceed to the best of their ability in apprehension and investigation. When assistance does arrive there will still be plenty of investigative work to be done. This cooperation of efforts will either confirm those apprehended as guilty or exonerate them of the crime.
Do not get me wrong; I do not believe the police force on Dominica is very effective but do not imply that they should sit on their hands waiting for someone else.
On another note, I completely agree with your questions of communication with in the department. I would almost guaranty that it needs improvement.
Whatever…
Sout Man, tell it to them. These things cost money and Dominica dont have it to give to foreign scotland yards to solve a crime in Dominica. This case can be solved by the citizens of Dominica if they want to.
MR. WEEKS, FOR CHIEF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr Weeks what is the latest about GON Emmanuel and the firebombing of his home?
CSI DOMINICA – I’d watch that on TV
WAKE UP PAPA! THERE IS CRITICAL PEEROID IN WHICH THE CRIME SCENE MUST BE ANALYSED.FERENSIC EXPERTS, BEHAVORAL PSYCHOLOGIST, INVESTIGATORS ECT SHOULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT WITHIN 24-48 HRS BEFORE THE CRIME SCENE WAS CLEANED.BY THE WAY WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MASK AND GLOVES FOUND AT THE SCENE,ISNT THAT KEY IN MATCHNG THE,D.N.A, FOUND IN THESE TO THAT OF AT LIST ONE OF THE PERSONS IN CUSTODY.WAKE UP
THERE MUST BE SWEAT OR EVEN A BRANCH OF HAIR IN THAT MASK.AGAIN CARE HAS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING THE SAMPLES. WE NEED A CRIME LAB.
This is who D/A needs to investigate. He is from my home State.
BIOGRAPHY OF DR. HENRY C. LEE
Dr. Henry C. Lee is one of the world’s foremost forensic scientists. Dr. Lee’s
work has made him a landmark in modern-day forensic sciences. He has been a
prominent player in many of the most challenging cases of the last 50 years. Dr. Lee has
worked with law enforcement agencies form 46 countries in helping to solve more than
8000 cases. In recent years, his travels have taken him to England, Bosnia, China,
Germany, Singapore, Croatia, Brunei, Thailand, Middle East and other locations around
the world.
Dr. Lee’s testimony figured prominently in the O. J. Simpson, Jason Williams,
Peterson, and Kennedy Smith trials, and in convictions of the “Woodchipper” murderer
as well as thousands of other murder cases. Dr. Lee has assisted local and state police in
their investigations of other famous crimes, such as the murder of Jon Benet Ramsey in
Boulder, Colorado, the 1993 suicide of Whit House Counsel Vincent Foster, Kidnapping
of Elizabeth Smart, Death of Chemdra Levy and the reinvestigation of the Kennedy
assassination.
Dr. Lee is currently the director of Forensic Research and Training Center and
Distinguished Professor in Forensic Science of University of New Haven. He was the
Chief Emeritus for Connecticut State Police during 2000 to 2010 and was the
Commissioner of Public Safety for the State of Connecticut during 1998 to 2000 and has
served as that state’s Chief Criminalist from 1978 to 2000. Dr. Lee was the driving force
in establishing a modern state police communication system, Community based police
services sex offender and DNA databank, major crime investigation concepts and
advanced forensic science services in Connecticut.
In 1975, Dr. Lee joined the University of New Haven, where he created the
school’s Forensic Sciences program. He has also taught as a professor at more than a
dozen universities, law schools, and medical schools. Though challenged with the
demands on his time, Dr. Lee still lectures throughout the country and world to police,
Universities and civic organizations. Dr. Lee has authored hundreds of articles in
professional journals and has co-authored more than 40 books, covering the areas, such
as; DNA, Fingerprints, Trace Evidence, Crime Scene Investigation and Crime scene
reconstruction. He is the author for some best sellers, such as Famous Crime Revisited,
Cracking Cases: the science of solving crimes, Blood Evidence, Creaking more cases. In
addition, his textbook such as; Forensic Science, Physical Evidence and Henry Lee’s
Crime Scene Handbook has widely adopted in medical legal and forensic professions. He
has appeared in many TV shows and movies. His new Television serial Trace
Evidence—Dr. Henry Lee File has received high rating and been showing around the
world.
Dr. Lee has been the recipient of numerous medals and awards, including
the 1996 Medal of Justice from the Justice Foundation, and the 1998 Lifetime
Achievement Award from the Science and Engineer Association. He has also been
the recipient of the Distinguished Criminalist Award from the American Academy
of Forensic Sciences, the J. Donero Award from the International Association of
Identification, and in 1992 was elected a distinguished Fellow of the AAFS. ACFE
Lifetime Achievement Award, American College of Forensic Examiner, in 2000,
Medal of Honor by Ellis Island Foundation in 2004, Congressional Recognition for
Outstanding services by US Congress in 2004, Presidential Medal of Honor, by
Croatia President in 2005, of Medal of Service, , Ministry of Interior, Taiwan, ROC,
2006, Gusi Peace Award from Philippine in 2008.
Dr. Lee was born in China and grew up in Taiwan. Dr. Lee first worked for the
Taipei Police Department, attaining the rank of Captain. With his wife, Margaret, Dr.
Lee came to the United States in 1965, and he earned his B.S. in Forensic Science from
John Jay College in 1972. Dr. Lee continued his studies in biochemistry at NYU where
he earned his Masters Degree in 1974 and Ph.D. in 1975. He has also received special
training from the FBI Academy, ATF, RCMP, and other organizations. He is a recipient
of 20 Honorary degrees : Doctorate Degrees of Science from University of New Haven,
University of Connecticut, Honorary Doctorate of Law from Roger Williams Law
School, Michell College ,American International University and Taiwan Scientific
Technology University , Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humem Letters from University
of Bridgeport, St. Joseph College, Armstrong University, in recognition of his
contributions to Law and Science. etc. Dr. And Mrs. Lee have been married for 43 years
and have two grown children.
and your point?
When seeking overseas assistance protocol must be followed and this may take time. It is too bad that the Dominican Police Force is incapable of conducting their own investigation. All they have to do, armed with warrants, whether they use them or not but in case they need to, is to go from home to home and interview the public specifically in those areas where Joe worked and where the hotel is located.
Parents, other members of the family and friends should be instrumental in assisting the Police investigation.
Those thugs reside in some home. Surely, they are not residing in the bushes.
Are those people hiding them and condoning them? They could be knowledgeable about the murder, injuries and theft. If caught they, too, will be arrested.
I hope and pray that those thugs are caught.
But wait a while, Mr. Weekes are you for real Sir
Really 
I really dont know why u ppl come and talk a whole bunch of crapp for ppl. If is not one is the other, the commissioner already come and put his foot in his mouth with his gabbage. Allu are paid to do a job, do it!! I dont know wat dat police force waitn to see happen in D/ca before they will start doing there work. So many unsolved murders in the country, right now is like crime goin out of style in the country…. Mr. Commissioner, Mr. Weekes , DPF stop playing around with the security of ppl lifes in the country!! Start doing wat is expeted from you’ll!! Start solving crimes and minimizing them!!
And the ARSONIST too!!!!!!. Oh what about the dude that got shot by the sniper. Are you guys afraid of what you will find out about the circle of trust and the deceivers who come to us begging for our vote every 5 years and thereafter fly over like a crow and crap on our heads. Sniper, sniper- sharp shooter shooter. How many do we have in D/ca or is it the work of a foreign assassinator? All crime is crime Not just those that are non politically stigmatized
Wait, what sniper !?
THIS TIME DON’T ASK FOR AN ‘ARSONIST,’ASK FOR A ‘BEAT THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF INVESTORS WITH A 2 X 4 IST.’
u too sot nuissance…
I reccommend Scotland Yard FBI and France Investigation Force come to Dominica immediately!!! Help we want? Then let’s help thoseWesley families who have cried long and hard, and whose relatives blood cry out form the ground for justice too!!! The Irish man blood not crying louder than theirs!!! Charity begins, at HOME!!! We love foreigners in Dominica, we DO NOT want any foreigner to come here and be treated badly, much more killed so brutally!!!! However, The questions that are flying surrounding this crime are numerous, and maybe the authorities are just tryiing to save face by talking this garbage about foreing help!!! Begin solving the crime in Wesley first!!! Just maybe ALL the crimes will be solved, and may not have been committed had the Wesley murders been solved, and given the attention they DESERVED!!!!!!!!!! Now we trying to impress the world? We look like incompetent fools all the time. Stop trying to save face. Take care of your own first. Then maybe others will be safe.
MOST OF THE POLICE OFFICERS ARE THERE JUST FOR A PAYCHECK..
YOUNG BOYS FINISH HIGH SCHOOL, THEY CAN’T FIND WORK AND THEY JOIN THE POLICE FORCE FOR A PAY CHECK..
MOST OF THEM DON’T KNOW THE TRUE MEANING OF BEING A POLICE OFFICER…
THERE ARE SOME POLICE IN DA WHO ARE DOING THERE BEST BUT MOST OF THE OTHERS NEED EXTRA AND SPECIAL TRAINING!!
Be careful of stones that you throw. I did not condone the Police Force.
I must state that your comments should include, “Same as those who formed their own religion.” They, too, are in it for the money. Ever considered this? Give it a good thought.
Weeks unless all you not coming and tell us, the person{s}involved in the attempted murder by fire of DON Emmanuel and his wife in his own home.. DON”T NOT TELL US ANYTHING!!!!! The credibility of the Dominica Police Force is ZERO! ZERO Weeks! OK< go do some clean up starting for Carette, the few policemen with integrity in the DPF can revolt against Carette. Get serious people, show us you people have some ETHICS and some PRINCIPLE show us you know the difference between RIGHT and WRONG and you stand for what is RIGHT!!!!!
“it has not yet been properly authorized”…All these years these kinds of things are happening in Dominica and in 2011 the police have yet to establish relations with a Foreign Agency that could help combat such crimes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have had those policies put in place. Wasting time and money sending Ministers overseas on fruitless and costly missions that are in no way helping the economy that’s their priority. I’m certain the American Agencies or British Agencies would even pay the flights and hotel for those agents to come in and assist. That Mr Weekes is what you all are wasting time on for someone to approve flight and hotel fees. Be ware the some of us do know how these things work. These sort of things should have been allocated for in the Minister of National Security Department Budget. Contingency Planning they call it.
Are you kidding me? “allocated… for contingency planning”!!! Dominica has a gross domestic product,(GDP), of less than $400 million. The budget is way more than $400 million, which implies a deficit of several millions. This country is partly run on borrowed money which many are very critical of.
Now we want forensic lab, FBI, Scotland Yard, Canadian and French CSI’s etc. We all want a solution to these crimes but these agencies do not work for free. The police do not control the purse strings of the country. The most they can do is to ensure that the evidence is not contaminated.
Even the state of florida, among others, depend on the FBI forensic lab in Virginia, among others, to have DNA analysis and other services. Hundreds of thousands are spent for these services. We can train our cops to collect evidence but we have a lot of unreasonable expectations about forensic labs, allocations for contingency planning etc.
Many folks are in the diaspora and tend to forget that Da is a Third World country ranking about 170th in GDP, in th world. That’s why it’s not easy getting funding for an international airport. The airport costs twice as much as our GDP. In addition to the debt we already have,that alone would be a hard sell to creditors. Even the USA had its credit rating down-grade partly because of its high debt to GDP ratio (about 74%). An airport on borrowed money would make DA’s ratio over 200%. Interest rates will be high. Are we ready for higher taxes? Just a thought. I’m in for it!!!
In other words, “We can’t do it on our own so ONCE AGAIN we need foreign help just to solve a CRIME/MURDER. Not to mention we don’t have the proper materials to conduct an investigation, and some of us are just plain incompetent to be working in the police force period. Oh yeah, not to mention that one of our members probably knows one of the criminals but won’t say anything about it to protect them for some odd ass reason.”
Also tell me this, when is anyone gonna take a serious mention at the Irishman’s WIFE who was there as well, (at least from what I’ve understood) yet suffered NO harm. Not a bruise, scratch or anything?
I’ve been thinking the same thing. It seems odd that three of the four people were harmed and this lady was not.
She is not his wife.
My question to you Mr Weekes is how long after the initial incident did you or the Govt decide to seek foreign assistance?
Bearing in mind that the longer that one takes after a crime.. The greater the possibility that evidence might be lost, overlooked or contaminated!
Mr Weekes your explanation that proper protocol has to be followed is a weak excuse as their should already be ” Memorandum of Undertandings” or ” agreements” established with outside law enforcement agencies, so that in the unlikely event of such crimes, all that would be needed is a telephone call to start the process, hen e minimizing the time for an effective investigation!!!!
Hence
WEEKES;
AS A CHRISTIAN, YOUR APPROACH IN THE POLICE SERVICE REMINDS US OF A REVERSE OF SAINT PAUL, THE EX ROMAN SOLDIER.
WHEN PAUL WAS FORCED TO KNOW BETTER, HE DID BETTER. I AM SURE YOU REMEMBER THAT HE WAS IN HOT PURSUIT OF THE EARLY CHRISTIANS, LIKE HOW THE POLICE WERE BEHIND THE DREADS IN THE SEVENTIES.
SAINT PAUL ON THE OTHER HAND WAS STRIKEN DOWN IN THE DESERT BY LIGHTENING. HE WAS THUS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPENT WHEN HIS SIGHT WAS TAKEN AWAY.HE THEN LIVICATED HIS ENERGY TO THE MOST…HE BECAME A SAINT.
ARE YOU A SAINT AND NOW BECOMING A VALLAIN WITH YOUR FORK TONGUE?
TALK ABOUT MR. EMMANUEL….SHOCKS!!!!!
YOU KNOW BETTER BUT YOU JUST ALWAYS TRY TO TALK BETTER AND YOU DONT CARE ABOUT DOING BETTER.
THANKS ADMIN.
YES MR WEEKS , AND WAT OF THE INVESTIGATION OF MR GON EMANUEL , SIR ? DOESNT THE POLICE HAVE THE DESCENCY TO HAVE ANY SHAME , ? TO TREAT CRIME LIKE THEY HAVE UNEQUAL IMPORTANCE IS NOT RIGHT , ITS UNACCEPTABLE SIR !!
no info update? 3 in custody or were they questioned and let go? Many rumors going around. Clear things up for us please.
THEY WILL NEVER SAY .. I HEAR DE NAMES OF DE PPL ALREADY .. AND YET NOTHING BEING SAID .. WORDS ALONE THAT FLYIN AROUND
Firstly, our police and justice system has always been sloppy. We are in 2011, yet our law enforcement agencies lack basic resources to combat crime.
This tells a lot about our management policies in running this country. We have not been able to manufacture for ourselves in order to budget well to invest in resources to upgrade our various departments.
i glad bin laden and saddam die… nuisance
Did you hear the news today? So are the Afghan insurgents who downed the plane and killed approximately 32 people, some of whom are the American Army Seals – human beings.
@ Muslim
America has been too lenient with terrorists. This includes the Afghan government that they have financially funded with billions of dollars all those years but who it appears has done very little, if nothing at all to eradicate those Al Qaeda’s and Talibans. Tell that to President Obama and his administration.
The money which the US government gave to those governments as also Pakistan could have housed and fed millions of Americans and eradicated poverty in America.