Consultant psychiatrist Griffin Benjamin has taken issue with Director of Public Prosecutions Gene Pestaina, over the DDP’s public pronouncements about why he discontinued the case against Sara Lyn Augustine, the young woman accused of stabbing to death her two children.
A release from Dr Benjamin says that in defending his decision to discontinue the court matter involving a client of the Community Mental Health Team (Augustine), “a few statements used by this senior judicial officer to justify his actions could be considered demeaning, unethical and wholesomely unprofessional conduct unexpected from such a prestigious office”.
“It was very unethical that the DPP could read out to the public the words of a confidential medical report that was issued by court subpoena,” Dr Benjamin said in his statement.
Psychiatrist Benjamin says the statements made by the DPP on the case indicate that “he may not understand the issue of mental competence to stand trial. Every month, the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) treats dozens of persons with Mental Health problems and makes them fit to stand trial”.
Augustine is alleged to have stabbed her five-year-old daughter Rachael Vigilant 45 times and her two month old baby Sophia 31 times at their home in Mahaut. The incident took place in the wee hours of September 16, 2010.
Gene Pestaina told Dominica News Online on Monday that his decision was based on a psychiatrist’s report and the intervention of the Canadian authorities.
A report by Consultant Psychiatrist Griffin Benjamin concluded that Augustine, alleged to have murdered her two children, “is mentally fit to plead and answer the charges against her”.
However the DPP said he was more interested in another part of the same report that indicated that “Augustine was diagnosed as suffering with Post partum Depression, a clinical illness characterized by a major depressive episode”.
He also took into consideration, he says, offers of help from the Canadian authorities to provide necessary psychiatric facilities for Augustine.
“We don’t have any suitable psychiatric facility here to deal with this lady, she would be tried, very probably convicted, sent to jail for a length of time and waste away,” Pestaina said in explaining why he arrived at the decision he did.
Dr Benjamin in response to the DPP’s explanation, says the Director of Public Prosecutions “has the authority to discontinue any matter that is before him. However, he must be able to justify his actions in a reasonable manner without pulling down his own social support system”.
“The decision by the DPP to refer this client for institutional Mental Healthcare in another country was unnecessary. This senior officer is not in a position to condemn the Dominica Mental Health Services,” Dr Benjamin contends.
However he acknowledges that “the decision of the DPP to discontinue a case of double infanticide secondary to Post-partum Depression is well supported by medical rationale”.
But while concluding that it is probably the most honourable action to take, Dr Benjamin says the CMHT has the professional capacity to provide professional mental health care to all of Dominica “despite the negative views expressed by the Director of Public Prosecution”.
Why is this story resurfacing….was blown open by Hurricane Marcia…by accident?
I was recently informed that her father is a pastor of a Pentecostal church in Mississauga, Ontario. No doubt, he was a Catholic Christian and renounced his Catholic faith and got his family to join him.
So much for those so-called Canadian authorities.
God is not blind, deaf, nor sleeping. There is a price to pay for renouncing one’s Catholic Faith, not making it their point of duty to properly practice the faith, to know their faith, become knowledgeable in it, to build it up, support it and to defend it against its enemies that are too numerous in this age of the great apostasy. They have also turned its enemies.
Blinded by Satan’s influence and those false indoctrinators he left the Catholic Faith and all of a sudden has become experts of Holy Scriptures and of the Christian faith. I noted that the funeral service of his two grandchildren was held in a Pentecostal church in DA. They were buried in Delices and no doubt in a Catholic cemetery. God will not those innocent children responsible. God has seen their plight and what may have occurred to them should they have survived to adolescents and adults. He has them in His care, right in the arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother, the Ever Loving Blessed Virgin Mary, the latter whom non-Christians do not recognize as the Mother of The Church. They will find out in time when they close their eyes in death. I hope it will not be too late for them, those who have rejected the Catholic Faith – Universal Church which Our Lord Jesus Christ founded.
Her father and his family may have been the Canadian authorities that the DPP spoke to. I considered that if this may be so and he considered them Canadian authorities so as to try to deceive Dominica Nationals specifically in DA, all of us who reside in Canada and Ontario for that matter are Canadian authorities.
I know some people from Massacre and Mahaut who reside in Ontario/Toronto. I have been too busy to speak to anyone of them. I bet they know a lot more than I do. They may have much to say about this matter.
It all boils down to, once and for all, that we are upset about how the DPP handled this case, a double-murder of those children by their mother. He handled it in a shoddy manner.
I have noted that nothing is mentioned about her boyfriend’s rejection and that he married another woman that caused her to murder her two children and passing it out, no doubt, with the help of her lawyer and family of all that she was suffering from Post-partum Depression. He is no doubt keeping quiet on this matter at the advice of his lawyer.
Who are they deceiving? Putting it mildly and respectable she was depressed due to her lover’s rejection. Period!
I placed request of DNO asking them to conduct a poll as to who thinks the DPP should resign as a result of his judge, jury and excecutioner action. And they refused to even publish it. who Granted the young lady bail ? And if she was on bail,wasnt she required to appear before the court.Dominica is becoming Lawless and we should not sit by and allow it to continue. DPP MUST GO! We only take action when things hit home but that should not be so. The murdered kids has family grieving .
Pertaining to this situation and saga, referring to the DPP’s decision and his statement, my view is, “All it takes for evil to flourish is for good people (I hope good) to sit back and do nothing.” This is contained in Holy Scripture. It is an interpretation of that passage by St. Paul, the Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as inspired by the Holy Spirit.
This woman should have not been allowed to leave Dominica prior to her case being called which was slated for January 2012.
I could not emphasize this more that the DPP made a grave error and an injustice to Dominicans.
How can a woman who murdered her two children, whether sane or not, whether she suffered or once suffered from PPD who was out on bail be allowed to skip bail and find herself back in Canada when her case was due to be called this month? It just does not make sense. Something is fishy.
The DPP will have to answer to that since he ignored Dr. Benjamin’s medical result.
The DPP did not give Dr. Benjamin a chance to even treat her while she was in Dominica.
In time, she, too, has to answer to the “real Canadian authorities” and for murdering her two children. I would be surprised if the real Canadian authorities take this lightly.
Someone once told me that I should be an investigator. Well, I love to state that I put on my thinking cap.
There may be some plot and lies and fictitious documents, the latter which may have been prepared for her to present to the so-called Canadian authorities to the “real Canadian authorities. We will find out in time.
I reiterate justice must prevail and for those two beautiful, young children who were murdered under suspicious circumstances. There is no doubt that their little souls are crying to Heaven for vengeance, being deprived of an earthly life and being murdered in such a manner. How they must have suffered prior to death with all those stabbings. I would not wish this on anyone. May God preserve all of us even as adults from such a fate.
God bless and protect Dominica and Dominica nationals, babies, youths and adults worldwide. God’s continued love and peace!
i read a comment aparently from someone from the mahaut community in the previous news flash,when the DPP tried to justify the reason why he discontinued the case,the person said that he supported the DPP because he is from mahaut,but i veiwed that as a very dangerous statement,it puts the DPP in bad light,seeing that the incident took place in the mahaut community,this type statement made it seem like the DPP was doing somebody a favor,i am not saying that this is the case here,am just saying people got to watch what they are writting,we got a very inteligent world out there,which of cause people tend to put two and two together.
@ forreal
Indeed! The DPP did not give this a thought. He underestimated the intelligence of people. One does not have to possess a degree or hold a prominent job or be of a certain status to read between the lines and to conclude that for a man of his stature, he made a foolish mistake.
Even though Canada is far away from Dominica and vice versa, there are those who also reside in Canada who are now aware of this situation. They do think that the DPP made a stupid and ignorant mistake.
The Canadian government is not to be reckoned with. Granted, they are not perfect and may make mistakes. However, where the murder of children are concerned there are also other organizations that will not take it lightly and consider this an extremely serious matter.
It is beyond my comprehension what caused the DPP to conclude that he will not pursue a case the case of a double murder of children, no matter what the medical circumstances of the murderer.
Some people who may die prior to their case being called are also tried and sentenced in absentia, just as some who are claimed to be heroes are given a hero status after they have died.
This case should have been called and argued by the government prosecutor and her defense lawyer. Then, if the verdict is that she suffered from PPD and is in need of relevant medical assistance, even though some people may not be pleased with it, only then, the DPP in collaboration with her family who specifically reside in Canada and the Canadian “genuine authorities”, could seek help for her.
The Canadian authorities as the government, the Police and Child Protection should have been involved and should concur prior to her being sent to Canada. I suspect they are not aware of it. I do believe that there is something fishy and underhand here and some fake documents were prepared which enabled her to return to Canada.
Just think. Will she inform the Canadian government that she murdered her two children and also when she has to report them dead, be it one who may have been a Canadian citizen? I bet not! What will she record on the death certificate? That they died of natural causes? Give this a thought.
She should be returned to DA to face the music of murdering her two children. This man has put DA and its nationals to shame and humiliated their judicial system, including Dr. Benjamin.
The DPP has committed a crime against Dominica and its nationals including one against Canada and its nationals to have allowed such to occur.
In time, the DPP may very well pay for this. Wait until the Canadian Media especially the Ontario one gets hold of this story.
A book could be written about this story.
A jury of her peers should have heard all the facts and made the decision. Two babies murdered, and not even an effort to get justice for them!
Most rage crimes whether domestic,road rage , or otherwise are as a result of the person committing the act not being in a normal mental state.and it may be so to with other sick crimes carried out in society. The sense I am getting reading from most contributors is that the court when deciding the fate of such criminals should first take into consideration the mental state of the alleged criminal at the time of the offence- I mean is now Dr Benji have work to do. Most criminals in their own defense in the court will sometimes say “they are sorry they were not thinking at the time I was so angry:did not mean to do that : your honor I just lose it” ” I never meant to kill but my state of mind at the time made me so angry that I just pelt a blow” – and I am sure there are medical terms to fit these explanations.so two months later when these people come to trial we should examine their state of mind at the time of the crime and formulate some kind of pardon or excuse based on their fitness of mind at the time! hmmm what a dangerous road we are going down.
The bottom line is everyone is responsible for their own actions (if you can not do the time do not do the crime);The court in its own deliberate judgement have found it necessary and have ordered medical treatment and supervision for persons whether it be mental or otherwise until such time the professionals find that the person is deemed fit to stand trial. So at the time yes we may be enraged, yes we may be suffering from PPD or under the influence of some other disorder including substance abuse but that is not a defense. The court will have to satisfy itself that such a case is ligit and the way that this is done is to allow the professionals and the accussed to speak to issues of the case.- it is on that basis the court will decide on the fate of the individual. In the matter at hand I think we are trying to set a bad precedence, the DPP has short circuited the system.
The lessons here for me are (1)we sometimes exercise poor judgements and end up with bad decision making (2)we often times pre-empt and undermined our institutions not allowing them to function independently;and (3)thirdly there is the total lack of coordination and communication and may be respect between institutions;
I am of the view that this situation could have been avoided if it was done properly. If due process and consultation between all parties were allowed. The DPP in my mind could have used the CHMT and or the courts to get the same results – I am sure Dr Benji if he was properly consulted and approached on the matter in tandem with the Canadian Authority would somewhat agree to the strategy; or the DPP could have discussed the case with Dr. Benji and agree on a plead and take it to Court with a firm recommendation. The DPP should have allowed the case to be tried with a collective strategy that if she be found guilty and she were to be sentenced that a plea for her confinement would be that she be placed in an institution that can care for her. In that instant the DPP, the CHMT and the Canadian institution would BRING TO THE COURT its recommendation for custody of the patient. (since that is what we seem to be concluding that she is a patient or rather a victim of her own actions); by so doing we would satisfy the court that we have a coordinated and collective responsibility and approach for her rehabilitation. The added benefit to that approach would mean new lines of partnership and opportunities would be open up for Dominica and Canada in dealing with crimes associated with mental disorders etc there was this golden opportunity for networking with the Canadians that could include exchange of expertise and consultants, training etc – may be the exchange of patients for purposes of exposing them to different environments who knows.I really think we missed a real golden opprtunity –
Instead What we have done we have short circuited our systems we have missed an opportunity and we are now arguing with each other and we are none the better of for it, NOT EVEN SARAH IN MY OPINION IS BETTER OF BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO HER IN CANADA RIGHT NOW GIVEN ALL THE PUBLICITY OF HER CASE OVER THE INTERNET AND ALL AND SUNDRY BEING BRANDED LEFT RIGHT AND CENTRE..
k
they were on matt case when he aired court matters. now is dpp turn i hope they deal with him
dno all you full of it…when the comments dont suit you and your agenda you dont print it….one word”utter rubbish”
Dr. Benjamin’s Presss Release is on point and most people have missed the crucial link, which probably could have been explained a bit further by Dr. Benjamin to avoid confusion.
Here is how I understand it:
Dr. Benjamin’s two main statements are:
1. Sarah Lyn Augustine “is mentally fit to plead and answer the charges against her”.
2. “The decision of the DPP to discontinue a case of double infanticide secondary to Post-partum Depression is well supported by medical rationale. It is probably the most honourable action to take.”
The first statement is from Dr. Benjamin’s confidential report to the Court which was made public by the DPP.
The second is in the concluding paragraph of Dr. Benjamin’s Press Release.
What comes in between is the actual trial of Sarah Lyn Augustine. Since she was declared “fit to stand trial” the DPP should have respected the opinion of the Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Benjamin and allowed the defendant to appear before a Court of Law to plea the charges brought against her.
It is highly probably that she may have been found not guilty due to PPD. But the DPP is not a Psychiatrist and should have allowed the trial to take place since the defendant was declared fit to plea.
I see no contraditions, therefore, in the two statements.
Hi, I agree with you. She should have stand trial and her lawyer could have used an Insanity Defence. If she is found guilty then they could have released her to the custody of the Canadian Authorities who would placed her into a prison mental institution. If she is found not guilty then Canada would still provide mental treatment to her but we should not allowed her to walk away without any trial. She killed her two children.
@ Marcel
How about preferential treatment? Do you know what? To all of you who are upset as I that this woman has returned to Canada and the DPP, citing as he stated, ignoring Dr. Benjamin’s expert results, the thought has occurred to me that the Canada authorities should return her to stand trial in Dominica. We will see what happens.
I reside in Canada and I will contact every possible Government authority and institution whom she may resort to for assistance. This includes the Media. They may not even know what this woman did. The DPP may have told a lie, that he contacted Canadian Authorities. He should be asked who was the Canadian Authorities he contacted. Challenge him on that and force him to divulge it to DA Nationals.
The truth must be told. I will always state, let us see what happens.
I thank DNO for these Posts.
Dominica has to have reasons why one can loose his/her job over poor judgement. This is very poor judgement. Pestina must go!
Folks….PPD does not last a lifetime. this is why I think the consultant Psychiatrist suggested that the client was able to stand her case in court.
what is really the point for standing trial after one has been ‘cured’ from PPD when the actions that were taken by the accused were during her stage of PPD? i mean really…one has to go through this thing to kno how it feels…it is a real sickness and i stand firm when I say the mental facility in dca ARE NOT able to treat patients for it. why do I say that? because i too was has PPD and although my stymptoms were hallucinations and being extremely quiet, the doctor (same benjamin) could not help me with my problem at that time. It took prayer and of course treatment from an over-seas mental facility to cure me after 3 months. so yes! i fully support the decision of pestaina. It was out of the box and wise (to those who fully understand this illness)
How do you know that she really had PPD? Did you not hear the other side of the story about “a lover’s rejection?”
If she indeed had PPD and recovered, she should have stood trial. Keep in mind she was not crazy – did not go mental.
Consider that if people murder and the psychiatrist deems them not able to stand trial at that time, they are incarcerated in an institution.
If the person recovers from this mental state, the person will have to stand trial.
That is the Law in Canada.
I reside here and I make it my business to listen to and read the news as often as I possibly could. I and am aware of this Canadian Law.
I am certain this is the case also in the U.S. and it should be in DA and worldwide in specifically democratic countries.
Now, the defense lawyers will do their utmost for their clients to avoid prosecution and jail time. It is a vicious circle.
The question remains. Who is the Canadian authority that the DPP spoke to?
He ignored Dr. Benjamin’s results that “she was fit to stand trial.” I view this as undermining his professional credibility.
It is strange that this case was not even broadcasted on Canadian TV or printed in the newspaper.
Something is wrong and went wrong why she left DA prior to her Court case this month. It could have been a plot to get her out of Dominica.
Those who are calling for justice and to also call for his resignation are within their rights. It may be time for him to resign because he is incompetent.
This man has made a mockery of Dominica, its Justice System, Dominican nationals worldwide and also the Canadian authorities, Canada and its jurisdiction in general. We are not stupid people!
what is really the point for standing trial after one has been ‘cured’ from PPD when the actions that were taken by the accused were during her stage of PPD? i mean really…one has to go through this thing to kno how it feels…it is a real sickness and i stand firm when I say the mental facility in dca IS NOT able to treat patients for it. why do I say that? because i too had PPD, and although my stymptoms were hallucinations and being extremely quiet, the doctor (same benjamin) could not help me with my problem at that time. It took prayer and of course treatment from an over-seas mental facility to cure me after 3 months. so yes! I fully support the decision of pestaina. It was out of the box and wise (to those who fully understand this illness)!
What we are going to do, hopefully, is pay close attention to any new mother who complains of fatigue, exhaustion, or feeling overwhelmed. Hopefully she won’t be told “go home and take care of your child; you should know having children not easy before you go and have dem”. Seriously, that was said to a mother. PPD is real and devastating even when there is no crime.
I do hope that everyone gets the same treatment in matters like these, particularly those dcans who not have other places to call home.
Also there need to be laws for all these kids of dcan parents who are born in other countries but are allowed to live in Dominica like a dcan born and then once the odds are against them are quick to run back to their country of birth
.
This is such an interesting report. Benjamin is not contradicting himself , he is just telling you guys the truth the truth that you guys cant comprehend that SARAH NEEDS MENTAL TREATMENT. That is why his report seem so confusing, he just put all of you to shame. Yes Benjamin know that she need treatment and Dominica is not capable of giving it to her that is why he supportS the DPP decision. Thanks Benjamin job well done.
A few of you do not take this situation seriously. Read between the lines. Dr. Benjamin primarily stated that “she was fit to stand trial.” She murdered her two children in DA. This is where she should have stood trial.
Now, after the case is called, if she was deemed a mental case and those DA so-called authorities wanted her to receive mental treatment in Canada and to be near her family in Canada, the proper protocol was not merely allow her to return to Canada without some sort of official escort. They should have contacted the Canadian authorities, as THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT – THE MINISTER OF IMMIGRATION and also the Police Authorities for advice and upon whatever advice is agreed upon, only then the DPP could proceed with allowing her to return to Canada without official escort.
The DPP cannot only relay to Dominican nationals that he decided not to proceed with the case and that he was in contact with Canadian authorities. WHO ARE THEY, THE CANADIAN AUTHORITIES?
He cannot contact anyone else in Canada, even though they hold a certain prominent position in Canada and state that he contacted Canadian authorities. If anyone else did without proper protocol, they will pay for it.
The Premier of Ontario, the Police Department, RCMP, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or the local Police Department and Canadian people including the Canadian Media especially the Province of Ontario where she resides should have been aware of this.
It is too much of a serious matter where two children were murdered and one may have been a Canadian born-citizen to ignore this.
If this was done underhanded, I am going to get down to the bottom of this.
There is a person who committed a double-murder of her children who is in our midst. When people are aware of that, they will not be comfortable about it and considering that convicted murderers by the Canadian System are in prison. Also mental cases are incarcerated.
If they are aware that she suffered from PPD and it can be proved, the government will ensure that she receives adequate medical treatment. However, this needs to be determined, based on the Psychiatrist’s finding, Dr. Benjamin. She would also be required to be assessed by a Canadian psychiatrist.
I am informing you of the procedure which should have been taken and will be taken in this case. She cannot merely be allowed in the Canadian mainstream. The government and relevant authorities do not take murder lightly and by no means the murder of children and Canadian one(s) at that.
Why do they keep saying mamselle from Mahaut nuh? The woman not from Mahaut her family just come and close or breakdown one of Mahaut Foundation “Brother White Church” and they saying they from Mahaut they not from mahaut.
@ dandi
I know that the Augustine’s are from Veille Case and in that area. Is her ex-boyfriend from Mahaut? She must have had some affiliation in Mahaut why she went to reside there, close to him (?)
Her children were buried in Delices where she obviously has family. She may not be from Mahaut.
Hey, I know Mahaut and a lot of people from that area. To my knowledge and experience, those whom I know are very nice and respectable people.
She gave Mahaut a bad name but do not worry about that. She may never return there again and probably never to Dominica. Mark my words and keep this in mind for future reference.
MY CONCERN IS THE CONCLUSION ONE CAN ARRIVE AT RE THE CAPACITY OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES AND PROFESSIONALS,DR,BENJAMIN MAY WELL BE MORE EXPERIENCE OR QUALIFIED THAN THE CANADIAN BUT THAT SAME SLAVE MENTALITY THAT LEADS US TO BELIEVE THAT FOREIGN IS BETTER,,,,A THIRD OPINION SHOULD BE GOTTEN BEFORE SUCH A CRUCIAL DECISION,,,,,ALAS TWO INNOCENT LIVES GONE JUST LIKE THAT AND THE CULPRIT IS BEING SENT TO HER COUNTRY NICE AND SWEET,,,,,,
All you bawling about inadequacies of the health system but non of all you doh talking about all de parchay money Skerrrity and our government taking to spend of President house. Why not give Dr. Benji a state of the art Mental Health Institute instead? Dominica is like a rick sick puppy. Figure it out
benji doesnt have the ability to treat conditions like this.although they have admitted ppd , none has been to that extent. the young woman was admitted a number of times and she is still unable to cope
WHAT A MESS RIGHT NOW IS FINGERS POINTING.
I WONDER WHO GAVE MR. PESTIANA THE RIGHT TO SAY SARAH WAS’NT MENTALLY STABLE TO STAND
TRIAL, THIS INFORMATION CAN ONLY BE MADE
FROM A PSYCHIATRIST SOMETHING IS REALLY REALLY WRONG.
@ DA IN NEW YORK
I am DA in Toronto. He took it upon himself to do so without medical authority. He should be dismissed, demoted or asked to resign.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ONE THING; IS THIS THE ONLY PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSIS WHICH CANNOT BE TREATED IN DOMINICA? All of a sudden, we do not have the facility to treat princess Sarah. What the heck!! What about all the other mentally ill people who are facing their prison sentences? Who the hell is Sarah? She is a murderer like all others and should be treated as such. If she does need psychiatric help, that can be arranged with visits from the team. Bull crap!!!
@ Sour Fan
What a great point you made! She is only a mere person who did not deserve preferential treatment and considering that she murdered her two children. Oh my!
You made me laugh too!
The thing is that I hope the DPP knows the precedence that he is starting here. I am sure there have been cases of infanticide by mothers in Dominica. I believe right now there is some case about a mother that threw her baby down a pit toilet or something.
It seems all that mother has to do is claim PPD at the time of the act whether or not she has offers of psychiatric help from foreign countries.
Like I said already, Dominica does not have enough checks and balances. This is just too much power in the hands of one man. It occurs to me that if this man has certain biases then he alone could decide when and how justice is dispensed in Dominica.
This case should have clearly been brought to trial and then let the presiding judge or jury decide her fate. And then irrespective of whether she was institutionalized in a prison system or mental health system, then everyone could say justice was attempted.
I watchin’ still!!!
I am a mental health prac. In the usa, if the Princess Margaret Hodpital can not treat PPD it should be closed down. PPD is treated with medication for the depression and therapy. So when I hear dcans saying she could not be treated in dca I wnder if its not typical dcan talk believng what is outsde is always better. Also I have never been to any mental health facilty and saw that patients jave access to internet, how is ms ugustine able TO USE THE INTERNET. All patients are stripped of allelectronics……this is what the dpp should investigate ass to where is sarah now
Admin,
Can you please publish Dr. Benjamin’s Statement in its entirety? I get the feeling that some parts of the statement may have been taken out of context.
Publishing the complete statement would allow your readers to better analyse the issue at hand. Thank you.
O.K. here is the full statement:
On Monday January 23, 2012, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) defended his decision to discontinue the court matter involving a client of the Community Mental Health Team. A few statements used by this senior judicial officer to justify his actions could be considered demeaning, unethical and wholesomely unprofessional conduct unexpected from such a prestigious office.
Public declaration by the DPP that he had discussed the matter with the Consultant Psychiatrist is incorrect. The Consultant Psychiatrist was ordered by the court to present a psychiatric report to the court on completion of a court ordered admission (Section 8.1). This report was submitted to the court October 4, 2010 and represents the only communication between the offices of the DPP and the Consultant Psychiatrist. It was very unethical that the DPP could read out to the public the words of a confidential medical report that was issued by court subpoena.
The courts in Dominica rely mainly on the professional discretion of a Consultant Psychiatrist to determine the fitness of Dominicans to offer a plea in court when there may be doubts of the individual’s mental competence. In accordance with the Mental Health Act 1986 Section 8.1, the court orders that any person before the court who is presumed to be mentally unstable be admitted for a period of time until he becomes well and fit to plead. Unfortunately, the statements by the DPP indicate that he may not understand the issue of mental competence to stand trial. Every month, the Community Mental Health Team treats dozens of persons with Mental Health problems and makes them fit to stand trial.
The DPP has the authority to discontinue any matter that is before him. However, he must be able to justify his actions in a reasonable manner without pulling down his own social support system. The CMHT has successfully provided care and support to this client over the past eighteen months. Therefore, the decision by the DPP to refer this client for institutional Mental Healthcare in another country was unnecessary. This senior officer is not in a position to condemn the Dominica Mental Health Services.
The decision of the DPP to discontinue a case of double infanticide secondary to Post-partum Depression is well supported by medical rationale. It is probably the most honourable action to take. The CMHT has the professional capacity to provide professional mental health care to all of Dominica despite the negative views expressed by the Director of Public Prosecution.
MY, MY, MY, EVERYTHING IS BEING DONE PUBLICLY THESE DAYS. THE DPP REALLY SHOULD NOT HAVE MADE PUBLIC PARTS OF THIS CONFIDENTIAL REPORT. I SUPPORT DR BENJI ON THIS ONE GUYS. THE DPP DOES NOT HAVE TO MAKE ANY PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF WHY HE DISCONTINUED THE CASE AND EVEN IF HE FELT LIKE DOING SO HE SHOULD NOT HAVE READ FROM OR QUOTED FROM THE REPORT.
WELL, WELL, WELL, YOU ALL ASKED FOR TRANSPARENCY IN EVERYTHING DIDN’T YOU? EVEN THE MEANING OF EVERY WORD TYPED. HAPPY READING!!!!
I may not know the technicalities of PPD, neither do i pretend to know if she was fit or not to stand trial. But the way in which the young lady was released on bail, skipped bail, and then suddenly there is a application to dismiss the case, that just sounds all wrong to me. Is like the cart came before the horse, and now officials climbing over themselves to try to justify their actions.
I can’t read any more posting that has to do with Sara Augustine!
“Augustine is alleged to have stabbed her five-year-old daughter Rachael Vigilant 45 times and her two month old baby Sophia 31 times at their home in Mahaut. The incident took place in the wee hours of September 16, 2010”
This is SICKENING!
Clearly, this case struck a nerve with all of us. Never before had we witness the brutal killing of two infants by their own mother. Regardless of how this matter turned out, there was going to be some backlash! We all have our opinions about a trial and sentencing of Sarah Lynn. At the end of the day, the decision has been made. What I want to know is now what? Are we going to include a mental health evaluation/depression screening of the new mother as part of our well child visits? Are we going to do better mental health screening pre, post and interconception? What changes are we going to make? What recommendations will be implemented so that these kids would not have died in vain? That’s my concern!!
MR PESTAINA GREAT Jugement on your part, she needs to go to a prison psychiatric center,to get treatment in Canada !!!!
I think that Dr. Benjamin needs to be less personal – the attack was not against him but rather a mere statement of fact that Dominica does not have the required facility and expertise to provide this woman with long term care that would lead to her recovery. Her life would be more productive if she could receive rehabilitative care and become a spokesperson for post partum depression
how evolved will you be when it is a Dominican who does not have dual citizenship in a developed country?
From the DPP statement that Dominican would be tried, found guilty and sent to rot in prison and not be given a suspended sentence where they receive the only mental health treatment we have here, whatever it is.
Hi What don’t you understand about what Ms Augustine did. Please, She killed her two children. She should be in jail and don’t you think that the Canadian Government put presure on our Government to get this outcome.
May I strongly suggest that DNO removes this article from its sight instantly? It makes us look foolish!!!!!.
“The decision by the DPP to refer this client for institutional Mental Healthcare in another country was unnecessary. This senior officer is not in a position to condemn the Dominica Mental Health Services,” Dr Benjamin contends.”
well said doc.I agree with you %100 on this one
it’s all gone wrong in our system!!!! however, BESIDE THE FACT THAT SHE SUFFERED POST NATAL DEPRESSION, the motive at the time, her whearabouts before the killing , people she spoke to, family members, children dad all should be considered before those decisions were made.. this case needed deep investigation. Any where else in the world a through investigation would have been made and she would not get out lightly. With my kids in the UK if i was to commit such a crime no post natal depression samaritan would save my mum, all now i would be in holoway prison. safequarging children n child protection is not taken lightly anymore. This woman travelled to DA to commit her crime knowing well she could not do this in Canada- loneliness exist in places like canada n de UK but not in DA. suppose we shall remain who we are.
it’s Post PARTUM Depression, not post natal. Post Natal implies a baby being depressed just after being born, post partum refers to a woman, just after she delivers.
People Hurting Dominica’s cause….lol
look jokes pan de island Dominica.
should i come invest here,,,hell no way..
them Pros have so call knowledge but dont see the common sense kicking in on their matters down dere..haha
Skero boy you will continue to lead Dominica for many a year to come trust me on that..the system breathes ignorance at all levels congrats Skero you have backing aides to keep you there!
Dominicans, please dont give up the Privy Council thats you only hope to be free from become a slave again.If you ever kick on the CCJ consider you confirming slavery back into your society and NO JUSTICE…
..What that have to do with Skerro Ocean Dr FL. You stay like what that can invest! Everything is Skerrit? Sarah-Lynn is a very sick woman but not in a post partum sent, demonic and attention seeking.This woman cannot tell me she didn’t plot this. The woman had the most sickening images of kids being tortured on facebook. . ? is skerrit h the one who brought her from Canada or freed her? You people have no discretion. Sarahs mother,so called christians and supporters along with the Roseau Pentecostal self annoited from sales man to bishop bear no burden in all of this right?, no that would be too easy instead just blame Skerrit! If you bounce your toe in FL or wherever you are blame Skerrit. SMFH
Dr Benjamin is saying that yes she maybe mentally challenged at the time but she is fit to stand trial and answer for herself. We the friends of Sara are trying to cover this up by screaming about her mental state while we refuse to accept that mental or not she should be made to stand trial and defend herself. Typical Dominicans.
I contacted my MP and he is working on this, all Dominicans/Canadians need to do the same, i do hope that all the facts were given to the Canada government that is if the were involved in this criminal returning to Canada, Dominicans back home need to contact the Canadian Embassy in Port of Spain
The kids and their dad deserve justice, this woman knew exactly what she had in mind and this see know if this crime was committed in Canada she would be facing two life term in prison
Lydia can you tell me who your MP is because I contacted mine and they said that there is nothing they can do about that case. Please send me some info about your MP.
Thanks
She has the understand the charges brought against her.
please read your comment before u post it…..ok?
She may done the act under her ilness, but after she has capacity to under the charges brought against. Many people does things but think of what they did after the event, it is the same with someone suffering with mental illness.
how on earth would she be able to answer the charges brought against her? tell me…do u honestly think that after being treated for PPD her brain would be able to rationalize her actions? u guys should probably do some research on PPD before saying these silly things…really… And the sad thing is that so many women go through PPD in dom and it is not diagnosed at the hospital…stupes this is really upseting…
With the decision of the DPP leaves one to speculate….
Dr. Benggggggggggggamin! What is it you just said there nuh!? These two paragraphs Sir speaks volumes! WOW!! That whole country gone mad!!
“”However he acknowledges that “the decision of the DPP to discontinue a case of double infanticide secondary to Post-partum Depression is well supported by medical rationale”.
“”But while concluding that it is probably the most honourable action to take, Dr Benjamin says the CMHT has the professional capacity to provide professional mental health care to all of Dominica “despite the negative views expressed by the Director of Public Prosecution”.””
This response is for So Sick and Tired:
To put things in more simple and understandable language because it is obvious that you haven’ gotten the gist of the Doc’s message:
Doc Benjamin accepts that the accused suffered from a mental condition that probably drove her to commit these acts and that such reason may render her unfit to stand trial. However, the issue that Doc Benjamin wants to shed light on is the allegation that Dominica’s Mental Healthcare system is INCAPABLE of treating mentally unwell persons. The Doc believes that our system is well equipped with the expertise (maybe not facilities) to restore sanity in these persons.
Let’s hope u get it now!!!
What did the DPP say that was soooo offensive? Benji, you have thin skin man?
maybe you can make a mental person fit to stand trial but the fact is they are still oblivious to the crime they committed. what you are doing is recreating the events that happened while they were in a mental state of mind and embedding it back into their memory thus holding them responsible. to me, this is brainwashing a sick person, that person needs to be in a psychiatric center, not in jail.
yes but that is their defence, thus let the matter go to court and be found not guilty by reason of insanity. or is that not how the legal system work?
THAT!! IS THE CRUX OF THE WHOLE MATTER!!!!!!!
YOU HIT IT ON THE HEAD MY FRIEND, THEN IF THE JUDGE SEE FIT HE/SHE WILL ASSIGN HER TO THE CANADIAN AUTHORITIES FOR HELP IN CONSIDERATION OF HER CONDITION…..
But then you all would still find it wrong that they found her not guilty so why contradict you all selves!
Dr. Benji sounds confused. If Miss Augustine suffered from PPD at the time of the indecent, how is she gonna defend herself. Is she going to tell the court, “sorry, but I don’t recall anything, I don’t recall stabbing my children, I don’t remember, I don’t know…” Come on Dr. Benji, while we do not wish to cry down our mental institution here, but if the lady can get help from outside, whey do you have a problem with that?
Let me encourage all of us to learn the signs on PPD and keep a close eye on our folks so as to avoid what happened to these 2 little girls to happen to any other innocent life/lives.
God bless Dominica, God bless us all!
she cld be tried by the courts and then the treatment recommended
To the nobody fictitious name watching!
I will answer your question since Griffin does not have the time to bother with waste of time peoplelike you!
Griffin is not confused, you are the confused and ignorant person. Temporary insanity is not grounds to let a murderer walk free. If she is insane, the place she should be is in a mental hospital, she will kill again, let me see what you will have to say about that when the news comes to you.
And you better have very little to say about Griffin, because you do not know him, and you are not in his class, so be careful with what you say about him okay!
You people in Dominica always support crap, and the matters that make sense, you reject and criticize, unless you are into abnormal psychology, or you are a clinical psychologist, and know what are talking about you need to just shut up!
The issue is bigger than you, Pestaina is the one who is confused because he lack understanding of medical terminology, that’s what happens when people are in positions that they are not qualify to hold.
All of you little weasels who are running off your mouth here knows nothing about mental illness, just as the man who you are defending, nonetheless you people are demonizing a trained psychiatrists who is the only man in Dominica, who stands between many of you, and the act of jumping off a cliff.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Yes I!
@ Francisco
I would not insult them. Try not to allow this to recur. Be courteous to all as much as you possibly could.
The DPP started a war and lack of love and peace on this matter. Every one has a right to comment according to their feelings. Some are correct and others are not.
I do endorse what Dr. Benjamin stated. Simply and briefly put, the DPP was wrong. I believe that he lied as well about contacting Canadian authorities. I am eager and itching to know who are the Canadian authorities.
He had no right to do what he did, allowing a murderer free to return to Canada and also what he stated. This is why I would like to pursue this matter in Canada/Toronto.
Until I know the truth, I do not believe him one bit.
hmm
I harbor a little curiosity about the Community Mental Health Team.
Does the Mental Health Act make provision for it? Or is it a creation of the consultant psychiatrist?
Just curious.
Oh. Am I missing something? Or is the last paragraph of this story at variance with the earlier pronouncements of the good psychiatrist?
I would not dispute the fact that Dr. Benjamin, after participating in giving Sarah Lyn medical attention saw her fit to plea. But lets apply our common sense here. Dr. Benjamin doesn’t even understand his own report. What we need to know is ‘was Sarah mentally fit, at the time she brutally murdered her kids’. Dr. Benjamin made it clear as to what she was diagnozed with at that time. So, the most important thing here is not if she is mentally fit now, but, was she mentally fit back then? and some more questions: What is someone likely to do when diagnozed with Post-partum Depression? What medical treatment is recommended? Are we fully equipped to render such medical treatment/assistance. I believe, even if the matter had gone to trial, the Judge would have still ordered a pre-sentence report and a psychiatric evaluation before passing sentence,and then ,you, the public would again complain about the sentencing.
Dr Benjamin knows what his job is. When people are sent to the psychiatric unit it is to report whether that they are fit to stand trial when the trial comes around, meaning do they understand the charges brought against them and can they participate in their defense. After this is sorted out, it is THEN up to their lawyer to prove that at the TIME of the incident they were insane, and that might get them off. If the defense likes they can call upon said psychiatrist to testify as to the state of the patient at the time of admission, since it’s a matter of record.
Benjo you know very well that you all can’t hold a person for more than 3 months. This is a fact!!!!! She does not belong in jail. She has a defense, and in using it they would have sent her to JAIL as we have no other way of dealing with this “ailment”. I stand by the DPP!!!! You all do not even have proper meds to give to patients!!!! You know all of this. Why you want to put the DPP on blast? Long time you eh hear or see your face on TV man? You need to examine yourself! He had an option as she is Canadian, and so were the kids!!!!! If he did not have this option he would have no choice but to see a young lady go to jail without proper care, simply because of the inadequacy of our health care system!!!
This entire matter is sad. Everyone is a victim, including our grieving society. Now, we have a public fight among our dedicated and hard working public servants, and between officials of the legal and medical communities. It is unfortunate that this sensitive matter is being addressed by concerned parties in the media. Let’s pause and take a deep breath and do what is right for the benefit of all parties. The DPP ought to know better with respect to the treatment of such a sensitive and confidential medical issue.
This is not to defend Mr. Pestaina, who is an experienced and capable legal professional- unlike me. However, I am convinced that he understands the issues at stake here. He understands the legal implications of being mentally competent to stand trial. Clearly, there is more to the statement of the DPP than we know. He initially said that his decision was based on (i) a psychiatrist’s report and (ii) the intervention of the Canadian authorities. We know that the professional Consultant Psychiatrist concluded that the young lady “is mentally fit to plead and answer the charges against her.” Therefore, the DPP’s decision could only be based on other factors than the opinion of the local medical professional. It is for the medical expert to define ‘Post partum Depression’, its symptoms and characteristics NOT for the DPP. I cannot but agree with the Doctor, that while the DPP has the constitutional/statutory authority to discontinue a matter before him, like all discretionary authority – that of the DPP is not unfettered and cannot be exercised in an arbitrary manner or after taking into account extraneous considerations. The DPP must exercise his authority judiciously based on reason in such a manner that upholds the integrity of his office and supports other social systems.
What is Benjie saying that the DPP should not read the report to Dominicans. I do not understand, wasn’t the DPP suppose to give the Dominican public a reason why the case of someone tried with double homicide is discontinued. Isn’t he suppose to explain to the population why he is taking such an action?
On the other hand the doctor is implying that he was able to treat Sarah Lyn based on the fact that he has treated several other persons and have them fit to attend trial. He however is happy about the steps that were taken to discontinue the trial based on I guess similar situations in the past where persons with double infanticide have received similar treatment.
I guess this is some confusing information. What really is doctor saying…
Clearly DPP had to explain to Dominicans why such an action was taken….clearly, I think this is the most honorable of all things he has done in such a matter.
Now I think the doctor has another issue, I think he is concerned also that the DPP disclosure of such decision is making his department seem inept.
Now the question is doc why didn’t your department treat this young girl?
Why is she now is Canada?
The mental health department is so flawless, why is Sarah Lyn now in Canada?
I think clearly there are some people who will defend their jobs even if it has to take some human blood to do that.
This was an instance where the doctor could have used this particular situation to call on government to give mental health a serious look. Clearly the system is lacking and alot needs to be done, but instead of appealing to the government to take the necessary steps to improve the system, the doctor is trying to defend his department’s competence when there is absolutely nothing worth defending at this point.
Now persons will have a better understanding as to why the public service is so lacking….Parry said it and everyone is jumping in his throat for making such statements, less than 24 hrs later we have this.
Doctor Benjamin is our mental health department operating at its best? Search your conscience if you really have one.
Standing Ovation for you! I agree with you 110%! Life as Dominican! Things just keep getting better and better (being sarcastic)! But yah, I agree with you and the points you have made!
Let us call a spade a spade. Professionals in Dominica are too thin skinned. Are we saying the mental health facilities in Dominica are in an optimal or even adequate condition.
whats the facebook page calling on the resgination of the DPP ? lol lol
Dr Benjamin focusing on your last paragraph Please then pick up those on the streets . Everyday a new one popping out . The streets of Roseau belong to the mad
This is just gross disrespect of the Mental Health Professionals in Dominica. Why we do we always believe that once people working on it is outside Dominica that is is better than what we have home? We know of Dr. Bengamin, can we find out the name of the “Canadian” Psychiatrist to so we can check out his record? I consider anyone who murder anybody to have some mental problem at least at the time of the act. This is setting precedence for some criminals to escape the long arm of the law in Dominica.
Dr. Benjamin needs to understand what it means by fit to plea. he has limited his understanding of fit to plea. Dr. Benjamin, when we send for a psychiatric report, you are informed of the incident that took place or the offence that person committed. So when you say fit to pleae, don’t just limit it to whether the person is fit to plea at the time the report is requested but allow it to cover also, ‘if you believe that individual was of sound mind/mentally fit at the time he commited the offence. Was that individual fully aware of what he was doing and could he/she have exercised that spirit of discernment.
@ Justice Of Peace
Dr. Benjamin said that “she was fit to stand trial.” You should become a psychiatrist. You will learn the medical terms since it appears you are ignorant of the fact.
He questioned her and “due to her response and demeanor”, it was determined that she was fit to stand trial. This is how they determine whether the person was sane or not or suffering from some mental illness. Do you comprehend that?
This is how it is done in Canada, the U.S. and other progressive countries of the Western World to determine the fitness of people to stand trial.
Dr. Benjamin did not make a mistake.
The DPP made a grave error.
Let us face it. She was suffering from lack of love and companionship from her boyfriend who rejected her and she took it out on the children to spite him. Face the facts and do not water down the truth!
This statement by the DPP just goes to show that D/ca mental health hospital (mad house) dont help anyone but make one get even more insane.
@ fingers
The DPP is all talk and no action. This is what he has insinuated and informing the Canada and the rest of the world. Shame on him! You do not bring your country down.
If he thinks that DA has an inadequate mental facility then, he should discuss it with higher DA authorities and suggest that a better one be built. His talk is only words which will never assist DA. The man needs to step down from his throne of ignorance and lack of expertise.
Oh well..
Let us stop cannibalising each other. We cannot afford to tear down our institutions. Any such effort will please a few but the country must continue to depend on its institutions. Both the office of the DPP and the CHMT have their own limitations so why the force?
” makes them fit to stand trial …” in one breath and later on ” the decesion ( dpp’s) …” is well supported by medical rationale ”
I just dont understand what the DR benjamin is saying ?
It appears contradictory to me.
If u read properly u will understand!! Dunce cat!
I GUESS BOTH STATEMENTS ARE THE SAME READ THEM PROPERLY SMARTYPANTS DOMINICAN CHILD YOU FOOOL
I would not dispute the fact that Dr. Benjamin, after participating in giving Sarah Lyn medical attention saw her fit to plea. But lets apply our common sense here. Dr. Benjamin doesn’t even understand his own report. What we need to know is ‘was Sarah mentally fit, at the time she brutally murdered her kids’. Dr. Benjamin made it clear as to what she was diagnozed with at that time. So, the most important thing here is not if she is mentally fit now, but, was she mentally fit back then? and some more questions: What is someone likely to do when diagnozed with Post-partum Depression? What medical treatment is recommended? Are we fully equipped to render such medical treatment/assistance. I believe, even if the matter had gone to trial, the Judge would have still ordered a pre-sentence report and a psychiatric evaluation before passing sentence,and then ,you, the public would again complain about the sentencing
Yes that maybe well be but she should stand trial, let the courts decide. Let them say she was not well at the time then sentence her to treatment with conditions. To have her now galavanting in Canada all over the internet looking for the next child father to murder is not fair.
It simply means that discontinuing a case against a mentally unfit person is something allowed by medical bodies.
Learn to understand English!
@ Too Rococious
You did not deserve the thumbs up. It was a mistake.
The case should have been called and if so, she would have been acquitted on the grounds of her mental capacity. This means she would not have been allowed out into the public mainstream. Based on the Court’s findings, she would be ordered to undergo mandatory treatment otherwise face the Court again for trial and be charged as well and probably be imprisoned.
The DA Law needs to be revised. It appears that there is no Law as such. It appears that some DA authority as this man thinks he knows everything. He does not.
I reiterate that he should be asked and forced to reveal who is the Dominican authorities he was in contact with. This needs to be addressed.