Roseau Central MP condemns alleged attack on homeless man

Carbon suffered burns to his back
Carbon suffered burns to his back

Parliamentary Representative of the Roseau Central Constituency, Joseph Isaac has condemned a recent alleged attack on a homeless man in Roseau.

Andy Carbon, known as ‘Push Up’ from Boetica, was reportedly attacked earlier this week outside a restaurant in Roseau when an employee came out with a yellow container filled with hot water and threw it on him, according to eyewitnesses.

“I condemn the action and I think that the police should aggressively investigate and prosecute whoever committed the act,” he told DNO on Friday. “I think the police should take serious action against people, any person treating the vagrants in illegal ways and taking advantage of them. I think also that the police have a responsibility to prosecute anybody who takes that action and any future person who want to take advantage of those vagrants.”

Isaac said he is also appalled at the action taken by the individual and is not pleased with the way vagrants are being treated in Dominica.

Isaac said he is appalled by the incident
Isaac said he is appalled by the incident

He pointed out that during the 2014 general election, his United Workers Party (UWP) spoke of a number of plans to address the issue of vagrancy in Roseau, one of which was the building of a proper facility for rehabilitation.

“After they are rehabilitated the next step would be to seek opportunities for them,” he explained.

The police have confirmed that they are investigating the matter and they have a suspect.

The incident involving Carbon has once again thrust into the spotlight the matter of vagrants, commonly known as ‘paros’ in Dominica, especially in the capital of Roseau.

They are said to be a nuisance to tourists who come to Dominica and a reason given for the island receiving low ratings by visitors, according to reports.

The authorities have been discussing the issue for years now and it appears that a conclusive solution has not been reached.

In November 2013, then Tourism Minister, Ian Douglas, admitted that he was unsure how the matter is going to be resolved.

He threw it at the feet of the Ministry of Health, which he said is ultimately responsible for dealing with it.

Earlier this year Health Minister, Kenneth Darroux said the matter would be taken to cabinet for consideration since it was having a negative impact on, “our visitors especially those from the cruise ships.”

In July 2015, Tourism Minister, Senator Robert Tonge, said that Government has put a plan in place to address the vagrancy issue with a day and night care facility.

He mentioned also that as part of the plan, the Psychology Unit will pick up high-risk persons every day and take them to what he described as an “occupational health center.” No updates have been given on that plan.

Last year Director of Tourism, Colin Piper, described the vagrancy issue as a “negative impediment” on the tourism industry.

 

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

68 Comments

  1. Free Thinker
    July 4, 2016

    While the said victim could be a nuisance, this does not make it right to harm him like that. We never know what could happen to us later on, we would not like someone to do this to us or our children.

    There was a very prominent business man in Dominica from the West Coast, he had many businesses in Roseau and its environs, many children and lived large. In his last days, he was rummaging in garbage bins for food. I say that not to gloat, but to remind us that life is a cycle and we must make our bed right because we are the ones who have to lie in it.

    This act of violence on Andy is wrong!!

  2. Face the Facts
    July 3, 2016

    Isaac, this time I concur with you. However, this is a problem which the government must try to solve. Dominica is a small place or Roseau for that matter and so their presence is conspicuous. If they also attack others the police should step in and arrest them.
    There is no doubt that these people need to be cleaned up for they carry a stench which is offensive and unhealthy for anyone who inhales it.
    If some of these people have a mental problem, the Health Minister should do something about that.
    Some of them may not pay heed to being told to leave. This may very well have occurred with this man. The person was wrong to throw hot water on him. Some other means could have been used to get him away from the front of the restaurant.
    You politicians have your work cut off for you. Step on it and rectify the issues which exist in D/ca, are of concern to nationals and disgust them. There are many. First, the important ones of concern. May God bless you all.

  3. Helas!
    July 3, 2016

    It is high time Government address this situation, this young man threw a bottle at me , i have no idea why he did not speak to me or vice versa and I was only thankful the bottle did not hit me, because I am not sure how I would have reacted. The person could have wet him with something but not to cause injury.

    • Dominican Passport
      July 4, 2016

      The bottle should have struck your head, because that’s the only way it looking like you’ll turn the other cheek. :roll:

  4. Mee
    July 2, 2016

    I find that in Dominica there is a lot of talk and very little action . These poor souls are blamed for the dirty streets, theft , and also the lack of tourism. I doubt much will come of this, as drug dealers , murderes rapist and child abusers seem to be above the law. So someone who mistreats a homeless person does not have much to sorry about .

  5. July 2, 2016

    Dominica passport you appear to be more unewell than the young man who met hiis fate from that wicked evil person . How can you make such a horrible remark he is Gods child never mind i hope all your troubles will be small ones.
    Have a blessed day becausd God is good all the time.

    • Dominican Passport
      July 4, 2016

      When you think logically amongst a pack of fools you’ll seem strange to them that’s for sure… The person was not wicked, they were stressed, and fed up with this man because he is obstructing their business is that to hard for your brain to comprehend? They acted on the moment, most likely in a fits of rage. :roll:

  6. Clayton Shillingford
    July 2, 2016

    Quoting Graceful ….whoever that is. “Yes, there were eye witnesses, but even so, the person who did that act would have to make himself or herself available for the photographs–authorities cannot simply use a name that they got from eye witnesses; don\’t you think so?”
    I am not in agreement with you.. My point was with police investigation the identity of the individual should already have been determined. You have it backwards It is not up to the perpetrator to make himself/herself available.. for photos. The police have the primary responsibility to identify who did that act.. We seem to have a systemic problem with non identification of persons including yourself..

  7. Samantha
    July 2, 2016

    Skerrit biggest achievement is vagrants in Roseau

  8. Toute Twelle Roy
    July 2, 2016

    DNO Why didn’t you show the picture with the burns?

  9. July 1, 2016

    this young man was not born a parco…….who has or helped to turn him so? Is it our drug lords? what does the government or supportors knows about it? Are our young people turning to drugs as an escape route from frustration of lack of work etc? Or is it a plan to keep as many parents and their children poor by this regime so that they can continue to use their parents for political votes so that they can remaind in offioce forever? Remember my friends when the rain falls it falls on EVERYBODY HOUSE.

  10. They are said to be a nuisance to tourists who come to Dominica and a reason given for the island receiving low ratings by visitors, according to reports.–News Article

    I am not objecting to that allusion, but it should not be only about the so-called vagrants; I know that for a fact, in that I have met with personal experience in Roseau itself. So I know that there is a lot of people both young and old, who are included in that annoyance, mentioned here;–\”for the love of money is the root of all evil\”.

    When I was in Dominica in 2008, I came out from the Royal Bankm and there was a young man outside of the bank, as if he was looking out for the right people to ask them for money.

    The sooner I stepped out the quicker he tried to approach me, but I ignored him.

    I saw nothing vagrant of that young man; he was normally dressed and healthy looking, maybe even healthier that I was –I saw no reason to dig into my purse for money to give to him.

    • However that young man followed me, right unto the sidewalk of Nasseif store, still trying to get money from me.

      So then something was brave about me, which caused to stand him up and to speak seriously to him–most importantly I told him that he was creating a bad record for Dominica, pertaining to visitors and the reaction about people like him.

      Somehow he listened to me, as if he was ashamed of his conduct–I even questioned myself as to how I could be so brave; but I hope my reaction disciplined that young man\’s attitude.

      Nonetheless, with a person like that man, who is in the photo above, some people really need a huge dose of compassion.

      There is no way a human being should have the nerves to treat another the way that person treated the man–after all dear God! Where is that person\’s conscience?

      Most certainly, there is a lot of people walking about without a conscience–be careful my friends, that you are not sleeping with the enemy.

  11. Dominican Passport
    July 1, 2016

    Why not get him off the street and take him into one of your homes? Why all you Dumbinicans never held had a fund raiser for the man if all you love him so much? I sure Mr probably coming in front these people restaurant every single day to harass customers, and stink up the place. I sure that woman that burn the paro PAYING TAXES, and the GOVERNMENT still not doing their job to deal with these nuisances so she had to do it herself. Free up on the lady eh :evil: :evil: :arrow:

    • island girl
      July 1, 2016

      Where ignorance it bliss it’s. to be wise Wells never know when
      and who is next.

    • Concern citizen
      July 1, 2016

      So because we have not done all what u mention there, it is alright to get him off the street by giving him hot kettle water,
      U all these red CLINIC people will know what time of day it is one of these good days
      Our maker is watching us, so I quote proverbs 15: 3 ” the eyes of the LORD are in every place beholding the evil and the good”

    • out of south city
      July 1, 2016

      Your comment is so apathetic it’s lke you have no feelings for others, especially the less fortunate. If he were your son, father, brother, uncle, grand father or cousin would you say the same thing? No one was asked to be born. Sometimes situations cause many to be helpless but that doesn’t mean that we should dispise or abuse them. They are people as well and I really think that the government should look to help them by providing a centre where they can live and be cared for. I trust that this broter will get help soon.

      PEACE

    • annoyed
      July 2, 2016

      my nigga u for real???

    • July 2, 2016

      That’s a damn ignorant comment..fool…even If he comes and stink up the place begging everyday..does not give them a right to throw hot water on him..you belong in the phyc ward..shut up

      • Dominican Passport
        July 4, 2016

        @Nene You’re the ignorant fool, I’m still waiting on one intelligent comment on what’s the proper reaction to get a vagrant off your property when police don’t respond, only person that responded intelligently was face the facts, Get outta here :arrow:

    • duggie
      July 2, 2016

      Dominican Passport all you saying still does not give her the right to burn him. That is attempted murder.

    • Helas!
      July 3, 2016

      You never know how you land tomorrow!!!!!

    • Face the Facts
      July 3, 2016

      For God’s sake, there is a different way which the employee could have handled the situation; not by throwing hot water on him.
      OK, why not cold, tap water then? Why hot water? It could have killed him. If it were cold water or it was tossed around him, not on him, he could have either walked or run away. Hot water is dangerous. It will burn and badly too.
      I previously stated, the employee should have telephoned the police; hoped at least one would appear. Should there be a similar occurrence, be it someone else, this is the stance the employee should take. The public should be advised accordingly.
      Know that I did not give you either “thumps up or down” I simply responded to your comment. :lol: Have a good day/evening!

      • Dominican Passport
        July 4, 2016

        Lol you know we got beef :wink:

  12. Concern citizen
    July 1, 2016

    you see it’s not only gun that is dangerous, persons with hot water kettle is also dangerous
    I just hope that the POLICE CHIEF will recall the licence from the restaurant owner since that person is a danger to the PUBLIC in brood day light U can commit such a crime what if it was night time,
    the police arrest a couple in the Roseau cemetery for poking a person, up to this moment this restaurant owner is still at large what a RED country we are living in.
    People from the SOUFRIERE constituency should be ashamed of them selves to support this RED ********, and every body knows that it is one of them holding top position in the RED PARTY that committed such atrocity, vote them still al you poor ************ in Dominica vote them in still

  13. cheerios
    July 1, 2016

    :(

  14. Clayton Shillingford
    July 1, 2016

    As usual,,,here is a chronic vagrancy problem and the ruling party with the gang of public service incompetents have no clue how to deal with the matter..Additionally suggestions are made for action in many cases and no follow up until we have disaster ..The allegation of pouring hot liquid on Andy Carbon is a criminal act ..Why is the victim identified and not the perpetrator..What was the motive? Was there justifiable cause for the action taken? Assuming that a police investigation is being or was conducted has the police taken any action? Any public statement on the facts? Has the media requested a statement ? I hear on the radio suggestions of political privilege I hope not this time.and that there will be a full investigation and let the chips fall where they may.?

    • @Clayton Shillingford July 1, 2016

      You have a few good points here but your question: \”Why is the victim identified and not the perpetrator\” is very weak, in that the victim was much easier identified than the person who did the act.

      Yes, there were eye witnesses, but even so, the person who did that act would have to make himself or herself available for the photographs–authorities cannot simply use a name that they got from eye witnesses; don\’t you think so?

    • Face the Facts
      July 3, 2016

      I realize this is a serious matter and a difficult one to solve. These people may not fear the police and care not what happens to them. They may return to the same place where they are told to leave. How many of the critics can offer a solution?
      Clayton, for an intelligent person, you should know that some people get on the radio and make untrue comments based on their emotions and the Party they support. It is the same on this Website.
      You could offer an advice to either Party which could help solve the vagrancy situation.
      In Canada, some of them prefer living and sleeping on the streets and under bridges, etc. I visualize, no exception in the US and Europe.
      Some interest groups lobby the government to provide subsidized housing for them. It is not an easy one for this type of housing is scarce.
      Poverty and homelessness are a worldwide situation. Do any governments have a solution for this? Some of these people’s situation commenced from childhood.

  15. Michael Diese
    July 1, 2016

    Why do the officials address these unfortunate souls as vagrants? These people
    have mothers who love them, and may be, family who care. They need help because they are ill. I am quite sure, the very people who treat them so badly, has a dog or cat (to boost their social standing), treating the animal as they treat themselves. Well fed, healthy and spoilt beyond arrogance! They are homeless and sick! Blessed are the poor and meek.

    • Me
      July 2, 2016

      Michael: vagrant = person without settled home or regular work (Oxford dictionary).
      nhis does not make them less human. Not all vagrants are ill but a lot of them have fallen on hard times through io fault of their own. They are part of society nonetheless, whether we like it or not and if we are in more fortunate circumstances than they are we should assist them to improve their lot. However, we do elect governments precisely to take care of issues like that, centralised social services for instance and governments can not walk away from the responsibilities the voters have entrusted them with.

    • uhuru
      July 3, 2016

      How can the poor and meek be blessed ?
      Stop repeating statements from that man written book !!!!!

      • That ”book” is the Word of God. It was breathed out by God and written by holy men of God.

        It has been given so we can know how our sins can be forgiven and we can have peace with God. It will give us the assurance of a home in heaven for eternity if we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust what HE did for us on the cross to put our sins away.

        Please get your Bible and read Isaiah 53:5,6 and Romans 5:6-8.

        John the great apostle wrote:

        ”These things have I written you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may KNOW that ye HAVE eternal life, …” (1 John 5:13)

        The apostle Paul said ”… believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:31)

        The Bible is a wonderful book. Those who believe it and follow its teachings have a really good life compared to those who ignore it. In fact we have an abundant life! This means a life that is so full it overflows! Just read John 10:10 :!:

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill…

  16. TJ
    July 1, 2016

    The government should step in to address this problem. The vagrants and beggars on the streets of roses is bit much.

    And sometimes they become aggressive when they get a negative answer.

    • uhuru
      July 3, 2016

      No government can stop vagrancy and begging.
      The most progressive countries have them.

      • Me
        July 4, 2016

        Are you suggesting Dominica is a very progressive country since we have plenty of vagrants?

      • Horton G
        July 4, 2016

        How do they deal with the vagrancy problem in the United States mr. Shillinfordford? Have you ever call out the government there and the gang of what? Public service incompetents? Have you ever been to a Black Lives Matters demonstrations? We know there are many vagrants in the US.

        Why do opposition people always seek to make political mileage when there is none? Is it the government fault a heartless person pour Hot oil on the man? Are you also willing to blame the current Roseau MP and the uwp for what the restaurant worker did? Because if you are blaming the Government what is the responsibility of a Parliamentary Representative in the constituency where that was done? None?

  17. Mary Jane
    July 1, 2016

    This morning I was listening to Kingdom Connection and the majority of things which was mentioned is exactly what I have been saying to my relatives and friends. Erika pass to wan Dominican’s that they need to change their ways, but they are not listening to what god is saying to the. Satan has taken over the majority of them.

    What this restaurant owner did to this guy is completely out of order and she should be charge and people should boycut the restaurant.

    • Face the Facts
      July 3, 2016

      She is a restaurant owner? Oh my! I would not expect that of an owner. What a shame! It sounds like a scandal. Surely, she should have known better.
      Well, she cannot be fired nor fire herself but she should be charged. Since she owns the restaurant, she also owes an apology to all Dominicans for many patronized her. She stands to lose business over this.

      • If the attacker is the owner she cannot fire herself.

        But she can lose her license to operate a restaurant if you have such a license in Dominica.

        A court order can shut her restaurant down. Then she would be out of business license or no
        license.

        People, what are you going to do :?:

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  18. My 2 Cents
    July 1, 2016

    Hypocrisy at it’s best. Joseph Isaac it’s a fact you don’t care about Dominica or Dominicans. The only reason you talking about this is to gain some political points. If you really cared about the vagrants you would not be in bed with the people that have them on the street in that condition as paros. Let’s take care of the problem at the start.

  19. FINDING DORY
    July 1, 2016

    RESCUE

    REHABILITATE

    RELEASE

    • uhuru
      July 3, 2016

      Enlighten us with your bright ideas of rehabilitation without the availability of income for the vagrants and beggars !!

  20. July 1, 2016

    Typical Issac only responded after members of the public took to the media.
    That woman should be named and shamed immediately.
    We as a nation need to support those that are less fortunate.
    y.

  21. Andy
    July 1, 2016

    ….and what about when the vagrants cause vicious acts towards civilians? Nothing happens eh!!! The person who did this was wrong but this vagrant harasses people and sometimes when he doesnt get his way he attempts to follow u around or swear at you. He carries a weapon in his bag (a hammer), he steals of peoples tables on the raod side and when u try to gain access he threatens u with his hammer. Regardless, im not saying it was right for anyone to abuse any vagrant as such but it should go both ways. the vagrants should be placed in a home and not on the streets where they harass the people locally and internationally for example the tourist which is a major asset to Dominica.

    • Toute Twelle Roy
      July 2, 2016

      So where is the police? The police should have been there then just as they should be there now. If a vagrant commits a crime he should be sent to stock farm. If a high profile proprietor or an employee who wants to take the slack commits a crime he or she should be sent to stock farm after due process of course.

    • Dominican Passport
      July 2, 2016

      You can’t fix stupid, not seeing the state of the country? Dominicans acting like is they that have more heart and keep voting DLP over and over to watch people suffer.

    • Shameless
      July 2, 2016

      Sorry Andy but that’s not about harassment or stealing . It’s about a heartless. Cruel, evil, malicious person abusing a mentally challenged person because they feel he is a nobody and because of their connection they are untouchable.

      Yes you made some valid points but that does not negate the fact that the man is sick and needs help. That my friend is the responsibility of the Ministry Of Health. Ministry of Tourism has some responsibility here but we all the minister is a complete waste. All he does is blow air from his vocal cavity knowing the red brigade will buy it hook. Line and sinker.

      With such burns that man should be hospitalized but again the ministry of health has fallen flat on its face . The Commissioner is still moo moo on the subject but we shall not rest until justice prevails . I will personally write to UN on this matter and I demand that the “related” ambassador resign.

      Always Assertive! :twisted: :twisted:

    • The man’s vicious acts towards civilians indicate that he is mentally ill. Obviously this is a matter for further concern. It indicates a need for medical intervention. He does not need to be assaulted or violated. This is not the response of a civilized society.

      Ideally, there should be a government supervised ”home” or center to provide temporary care and treatment for people in this condition. After this a halfway house could be their next stop until they can be integrated back into society. This would call for the work of professional social workers. It should be supported by the government. There should be churches that would contribute as some do to what are called ”home missions” projects. During the years I served churches as their pastor we gave to a number of these worthy causes. Teen Challenge was one of them.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

  22. July 1, 2016

    This is how Dominicans like myself have gone down so low,,heartless,cruel and evil..how can someone treat another human being like themselves so badly,it is not ISIS crime that is the only crime..The restaurant should be named and the public should boycott that place in order to send a message to others..The restaurant owner should be sued because they are responsible for their workers actions in the work place..If this young man had all his head i do not think he would be there,he needs medical help especially for his mental problem to stabilize his mental condition..What goes around comes around ,our own family can be one day that will end up on the road with mental health,respect people no matter who they are and in what situation they are,we are all human’s with our ups and downs..

    • Dominican Passport
      July 2, 2016

      I feel more comfortable to enter a restaurant with no vagrants/thieves standing outside so tough luck buddy. :mrgreen:

  23. Jane
    July 1, 2016

    The name of the restaurant should be published and people should stop going there. Today is mine, tomorrow can be yours.

    • Pissed
      July 1, 2016

      From my understanding its ……..restaurant and it was the employer not the employee. And it was hot oil not water.Someone please correct me if am wrong.

      • land-lord
        July 1, 2016

        YOU ALWAYS WRONG. SMH

      • Me
        July 2, 2016

        The media tell you the story but you coming here with your own story and asking for clarifications? I thought you came here on DNO to clarify your beff? Is the same way all you have rumours about the pregnant deal lady smfh

    • Don’t you think most Dominicans want the name of the restaurant published :? Besides isn’t it only fair :?: Anything less is poor reporting or shoddy journalism (however you want to word it).

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.

      • Face the Facts
        July 4, 2016

        I realize they are secretive. How often there are incidents and they are investigating and we hear/read nothing else about the results.
        I did not give it a thought that if the owner was the one who threw the hot water on the man, she could lose her restaurant license. In Toronto she would have. In Dominica? This is another story. Dominica needs some stringent Laws to protect everyone.
        The restaurant may not be only in one name and so this may not be possible. We will wait and see.

  24. July 1, 2016

    There should be a special place for these people they should be treated as mentally ill patients

  25. Shameless
    July 1, 2016

    Oh lord my god why have we as a people become so insensitive and wicked? Have we lost our soul and moral compass to the devil ? Why have people with BIG last names continue to believe that MASSA day is back for them and their cohorts? We need to hear from the PM, Health Minister and police Chief on this issue. When police officers defend themselves with force they are arrested, and tried even when there is no evidence. Commissioner Carbon We need to hear from you on this attempted murder of one of Dominica’ mentally challenged citizen. You all could arrest people in cemetery so let see if you will arrest this suspect in secret.

    Had the table been turned this man would have been locked up while the case was being investigated. We need justice for this man and we need it now!

    Always Assertive! :twisted: :twisted:

    • Dominican Passport
      July 2, 2016

      Had the table been turned he would walk scot free because he is legally insane.

  26. MIA
    July 1, 2016

    What are you all going to do about? In American that man would been a rich man and the person involve would get at lease 25 years in prison. Walk the talk!

    • Dominican Passport
      July 1, 2016

      In America that man would have been shot dead by police for loitering, get outta here

      • island girl
        July 1, 2016

        DOMINICAN Passport…if he was in New York the police
        would have killed him ..Then why do they still have so many
        in New York..Some of them are really mentally ill whether
        it is because of drugs or other issues they experienced they do deserve
        some treatment..But they all all over ..And yes I saw someone throw water on this man
        It takes a Village my people

      • MIA
        July 2, 2016

        I can see why your name on DNO is “Dominica Passport” sorry you have some work to do!

        THE HIGHEST FORM OF IGNORANCE IS WHEN YOU REJECT SOMETHING YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ANYTHING ABOUT
        Wayne Dyer

      • annoyed
        July 2, 2016

        dominican passport………………whoever u are ….ur nothing but a jackass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • July 2, 2016

        No he would not have…..stupid..did he have a firearm or weapon in possession. …i’ll wait..me would have been arrested and put in jail..or a home. .idiot

      • July 2, 2016

        B.S isn’t he a human being just like you…..I hope u don’t have kids

      • uhuru
        July 3, 2016

        Your stupidity is amazing !

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available