Tonge responds to criticism following Antrim accident

Tourism Minister Robert Tonge
Tourism Minister Robert Tonge

Tourism Minister, Senator Robert Tonge has responded to criticisms that his Ministry was slow in issuing a statement following an accident in Antrim on Wednesday which claimed the life of a British cruise ship passenger and left several injured.

The Ministry released a statement on Thursday afternoon almost a day after the accident took place and the news was already broken in Dominica and the British press. Additionally, within hours of the accident, P&O Cruises, operator of the ship, had released a statement on the matter. 

Many took to the airwaves and social media where they questioned why the government was quiet for so long.

But speaking on state-owned DBS Radio Tonge explained why the ministry was unable to issue a statement immediately after the accident.

“Many persons are saying why we didn’t go out earlier and say certain things, but you must ensure that, especially when there is a death of someone, all the respective family members are advised and you really don’t want them seeing that information before you get to them, and this took some time for us to do,” he explained. “Unfortunately accidents will happen and hopefully once all the investigations are done the true cause of the accident will be realized.”

Tonge stated that many times people make assumptions and never know what the facts are, “so we need to wait for the police to do their full investigations.”

He stated that after the investigations are done everyone will understand why the accident took place.

Tonge also said many things are being done locally to reduce accident.

“There are many things we are doing to try to ensure that we reduce accidents,” he said, adding that tour buses have to be inspected to reduce the chances of mechanical accidents.

“But you can never control what happens with an individual,” he stated.

Those passengers involved in the accident were on a shore excursion from a P&O Cruises ship which came to Dominica on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Tonge said the injured passengers are in stable condition, will require further medical attention and will be flown out of Dominica today (Friday).

“Everything is being done to ensure everything is taken care of in a timely fashion,” he said.

The passengers arrived in Dominica on a P&O ship
The passengers arrived in Dominica on a P&O ship

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61 Comments

  1. free
    November 13, 2016

    Is the X-ray working.? I know the machines were down. Hope u checked that too

  2. For the love of Dominica
    November 13, 2016

    The tourism sector, as a GDP revenue generator for D/ca, does not only call for an improvement in our tourism sites – it also relies on good infrastructural provisions. Not only does good roads matter, but good condition vehicles and excellent drivers who value the principles of Health & Safety more than running down the EC$.

  3. Jon Jones
    November 12, 2016

    I hope the lessons learned from this unfortunate incident encourages the Govt of Dominica to improve the conditions of its roads as a priority. Many are too narrow and lack much developement from the original tracks used in the days of horse and cart.
    Things like signage, lighting, barriers, etc would go a long way to making Dominica’s roads a safer place for all concerned. (Btw, Guyana created their own traffic lights so it would be good to look at what is happening on neighbouring islands)
    Other recent deaths have also highlighted the woefully inadequate provision of services by the police and medical authorities. This Government must put steps in place to address these issues immediately to counter the globally negative press that will become the standard fate of Dominica.
    We all hope for better – but it is for our leadership to instigate and maintain these changes sucessfully. They also need to swallow that partizan nonsense and look within the diaspora for solutions not…

  4. 'No Respector of Persons'
    November 12, 2016

    Tonge’s vocabulary is limited…….everything, things………be specific, what is being done, measures, procedures, laws, rule, regulations….etc. things…..smh

  5. Truth Be told
    November 12, 2016

    Robbie when I taught you English at the S.M.A did I teach you to say, “Many persons”? I know you have not had any further education since then, but can’t you see that this does not sound correct in your mouth? Can’t you see that this legalism, an expression usually reserved for in court, does not sound natural in conversation or news broadcast? Listen to the Queen’s English broadcast the BBC and tell me when you ever hear a reported speech broadcast for the plural of person, people, expressed as “many persons”! You just following Labour fashion like a sheep without a brain. :oops:

  6. Quaqua
    November 11, 2016

    Sad accident!. However don´t make panic! I am sure that in the same day in UK was 50 and more accidents with few dead humans and there is no statement. In Dominica there was 1 (one). Minister did publish statement with regards to all circumstances. NEVER can publish a statement, while he is not sure, that family did learn this official way – not by social networks, official way.
    !!!! I don´t understand why to make a statement by minister, police is enough in such accident :-(

    • Me
      November 12, 2016

      You chose a very appropriate pen name.

  7. blog
    November 11, 2016

    That man is talking rubbish. You do not need to contact any family to report that a fatal accident has
    has occurred in such circumstances. The names of any fatalities should not be broadcast until after family members are contacted but a report from the tourism ministry should be swift. You are bloody Incompetent and was just waiting for orders to wag your damn tong.

    • Tell the Truth
      November 11, 2016

      Wherever you hear governments of any country report fatal accidents? The Media and the Police report them; not the government. Some of you who unduly criticize the government expect too much. You place stress on the government.
      The Media does not need Police approval to report an accident. Other pertinent information, as the names of those involved in accidents, as also deaths is the responsibility of the Police or Security Department to advise the family, prior to the names being released to the public.
      For such accidents where tourists are affected, the government offers its concerns and sympathy. Government ministers of certain departments as the Health Department are the ones who should be involved.
      In all, the government has relevant departments to take care of such matters.

  8. “Many took to the airwaves and social media where they questioned why the government was quiet for so long.”

    You know; I know I am going to get the heat for what I am about to say, but I do not care, give me all the thumbs down, I may thrive on them. Nevertheless, I must say people die everyday, death is inevitable, no matter under which circumstances it comes and where it occurs.

    Death is not something that should be politicized, as far as I am concern government is not responsible for the death of a tourist, nor any local person. People visits different parts of the world, and die by accidents; however, we do not hear any government authority expressing sadness about accidental death!

    If there is any concern, one should investigate what caused the accident; I am sure it will boil down to speed, so the burden should be on the speeding driver who caused the accident. Roads in Dominica are not built for speeding!

    • Tell the Truth
      November 11, 2016

      Francisco, for once I wholeheartedly endorse what you stated. You made good sense. This is exactly my feeling. No one should give you thumbs down for this one. I give compliment where it is due. :lol:
      I recall a T & T national went there for a visit. As soon as she arrived, driving to her destination, an accident occurred. She died immediately.
      A D/can had gone to a West Indian country and got into an accident.
      A few years ago some D/cans who resided in the US visited here for Caribana. The Friday night prior to the Caribana jump up they got into an accident. Two died and another who resided in Toronto was badly injured to the point it was said she died. The driver of the car was impaired and caused the accident. She had a long recuperation process. After she was well enough, she attended a party. I spoke to her at that party. I saw her once after that. She told me she was returning home. If she reads DNO she will know this refers to her.

      • Dominicans die all over the United States, Texas Miami and all over in motor accident, it does not make the news.

        When accidents occurs regardless who is involved the Paramedic arrives, if they can save a life, they do. As for the dead, their body is taken to a Mugged where their body is identified, and their family notified.

        You get into an accident in America, and people drive around you without stopping.

        In July I was going to Louisiana; somebody for whatever reason, driving a big old truck try to kill us; the person decided to run me off the Freeway into a ditch outside of Dallas Texas.
        There were people driving behind me, they saw what happened. Not even one person stopped to see if Rendy and I were dead. My Corvette literally airborne off the Freeway as I deliberately accelerated to get out of the trucks way.

        There is no reason for me and that lady to be alive today, if God had not protected us from death. Right now we are both walking miracles! Dominica is a…

    • Tell the Truth
      November 11, 2016

      Some West Indians who visited New York also died in accidents there. It occurred to Jamaicans who visited their country. People must be broadminded to know sadly, accidents occur all over the world.

    • November 13, 2016

      Well what do you know Telemaque I am speechless!

      All I can say here is GOOD FOR YOU! Now I know that there is little part of your mind that can produce a positive thought –can you make it get bigger? that would be good for you, eh!

  9. Lena
    November 11, 2016

    Robie get out of your feelings and learn that criticism is part of growth. You and your ministry handled this poorly. You did not have to give details on victims and the accident because you are not the police however in this age of technology you mis-handled the situation. The family could have been notified while the island acknowldeges there was indeed an accident, loss of life and extend sympathies to the families while at the same time reassuring visitors and prospective visitors Dominica is still a safe and beautiful place. You are clueless on diplomacy, you allowed the British and international press to run with this story and it is an embarassment with bloggers damming Dominica, now you’re vex about callers and bloggers who tried pulling you up locally? Have you seen the catastrophic train derailments in the USA? Have you seen how these things are handled pending notification of next of kin? Robie be gone, but you quick to be on the same social media defending Cecil though

  10. Dean Martin
    November 11, 2016

    You could enforce dangerous driving and speed limit laws. That’s something you could do.

    • Tell the Truth
      November 11, 2016

      It is a known fact that it usually takes such accidents and deaths for any government to do something.

    • Lil Ms Sunshine
      November 13, 2016

      In the middle of the bush, who monitoring speed limits and dangerous driving? Stupes. It is individuals who have to be responsible.

  11. Observer
    November 11, 2016

    Poor crisis management by top officials. Tourism is everybody’s business. An industry in which we thrive on needs much attention like any other aspect on the island. Know your priorities as leaders. Protocols need to be put in place tof address incidents like these. . Now because of your slow response time, we are given additional negative comments which will affecting our industry negatively. We no longer focus on agricultural because we have such a “busy” schedule for years to come according to you’ll forecast. Step up and apologize. …very lame excuse.

    Perhaps we might consider agriculture after all.

    • What we are witness in the accident is a head on collusion, the streets and roads of Dominica, are very narrow, yet it is a native custom to drive fast to impress people. I drove in Dominica in my teen age years.

      I was reckless too, people like Conrad Andrew, and others we wreak havoc on the roads, one wonders who we got away with it and are still alive. The same habits exist to day only that it is carried on by a younger generation. Speed, and drunkenness is the cause of all the motor vehicle accidents in the country.

      When you have people taking their first drink of alcohol beverage of the day at five o’clock in the morning; go out inebriated and drive, tragedies as such are expected. It is however, sad when a foreign tourist becomes a victim of such unfortunate accidents.

      The solution for such behavior is to implement speed limits, and when a violator is caught, they should pay a severe penalty, such as a harsh fine, and license suspended for life!

      • Tell the Truth
        November 11, 2016

        Francisco, some could be tired; did not get enough sleep the night before. They could also be chatting on their cellphones, being distracted and whatever else.
        The Ontario government has imposed strict Laws about chatting on especially hand-held cellphones. The number of Traffic Laws that have been enacted in Toronto for that matter, yet there are accidents. Only last night a pedestrian was killed. I have not yet listened to the News for today/tonight. There may be more.
        For this year to date, approximately 60 people, some senior citizens have been killed. These are pedestrians. Consider other vehicular accidents that took lives, some impaired drivers going the opposite way. Such recklessness on the roads and highways which take many lives and injure some.
        I wished there were stricter Laws in Dominica. It is too small an island for these accidents to happen. Its reputation for tourism could be lost.
        Vehicles are also weapons of mass destruction.

      • You see lady Facts, Tell the Truth Kid On Block; all that you are saying here is simply making excuse for the person who caused the accident. People should not be on cell phone when they are driving because that is a distraction.

        Can you be on your cellular phone whiles driving in Canada? In America there are laws in every State prohibiting that.; so if that’s the case in Dominica there must be some law to prevent that.

        Now as for driving and sleeping in Dominica, that might be attributed to driving inebriated, when people are drunk driving they are sitting there and slip into unconsciousness! There is no excuse for that.

        Lady, just about every year I drive across America, and Canada, I have never fallen asleep while driving, although I drive continuously for no less than eighteen hours per day,; and ensure I check into a hotel, and get at leas four hours sleep; hence it takes me about two and a half days to drive for Los Angeles to Toronto in Canada.

        I am still alive…

    • Tell the Truth
      November 11, 2016

      What slow response time? The accident occurred n a wink of an eye. Those negative comments are unwarranted. Some people do not use their common sense if they have one.
      Apologize for what? The government did not cause the accident.
      In the case of injuries and death, the first people to be called are emergency, the ambulance crew and the police.
      At this point the government cannot do and say a thing. In a small place as Dominica, the government will later offer its sympathy if death occurred and its empathy for the injured.
      Since tourists are involved, the government will go further as has been done in these articles. What more do you expect of the government?

  12. Setup
    November 11, 2016

    Does anyone care about the driver of the bus, who is in critical condition? I feel very bad for the foreigners who were injured and the one who died. Put all politics aside, and pray for the driver, he needs our prayer. Big roads or small roads, there will always be accidents. Most accidents happen because of the recklessness of many driver. Drivers race over speed bumps, they overtake where it says no overtaking. The same people talking politics do it all the time. I drive everyday, and I have to cope with all kinds of stupidity fro drivers on the road.

    I pray for safety on our roads for everyone, I ask for peace and understanding from all drivers in Jesus name.

    We need to be more careful on the road, and we also need to teach our children to drive defensively. Some youth are only interested in impressing their peers by showing them how fast they can drive, overtaking around corners without paying proper attention the traffic.

  13. Sad
    November 11, 2016

    Tonge, pleasse get off ur high horse and stand with the people below and feel what it feels like to be in our shoes!! You’re just another Donald Tramp!!

  14. Shaka Zulu
    November 11, 2016

    Minister of sorry excuses. Since these guy was appointed minister is one stupid excuse after another.

  15. Doc. Love
    November 11, 2016

    Like Trump, the man wasn’t a politician when he was thrown into that commess. It would appear he still lacks the ability or experience of a Norris Prevost or Charles Savarin. I understood the one man government was out of the state, therefore, maybe, he had to await his instructions. It is alleged he and Tony does not see eye to eye, therefore the authority he has over the likes of Regie, Skeritt, Blackmoore and the rest, young Tonge does not want him close to him, so too, is the Doc. from the Valley.

    • Tell the Truth
      November 11, 2016

      He stated nothing to be criticized in such a manner. Some of you critics love to search for errors. People as you are master of critics. What good are you doing for Dominica?

    • Jay prosper
      November 12, 2016

      Welcome back. Look like sis start giving u thing to say again. But there are time u have to tell her that some of the stuff she is asking u to write doesn’t make sense. Man up

  16. The_truth
    November 11, 2016

    Great job Mr.Tonge u would make a great prime minister.

    • Me
      November 12, 2016

      You need to see Dr. Benjamin…..fast!

  17. Mike Portsmouth
    November 11, 2016

    People of Dominica please learn that there are protocol to be followed when situations like this arises and please don’t blame government for any wrong doing. I have live in different parts of the world and is fully knowledgeable of these kind of crisis. Social media will always send out info long before the authorities does.
    Good job Mr Minister

    • Lang Mama
      November 11, 2016

      You are “fully knowledgeable of these kinds of crisis”. If you had any kind of credibility thenext you should have said that you are very experienced in crisis management. What knowledge you sak wais mature. The only knowledge you have is that of the typical mutton Batali in Portsmouth-those that support Labor just like that. Ifiot

      • Tell the Truth
        November 11, 2016

        The same goes for people as you who support UWP.
        What you stated is derogatory and unfair. You are a cantankerous person who love to start an argument, a war.
        Where you are concerned there is no peace for anyone because you do not have peace and are unable to generate it to others, to keep the peace.
        Wash your mouth and fingers in Holy Water to cleanse them. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  18. Lucia
    November 11, 2016

    Dominica is not yet prepared for TOURISM……………………….The health system is 0/100…….Sad but real…….

    • Blue
      November 12, 2016

      You said it as I see it. Dominica is not ready for tourism in any way whatsoever. I doubt if I will live to see this happen. Yes I love Dominica and don’t wish to live anywhere else but facts are facts.

  19. Ryan G
    November 11, 2016

    Pure BS ????there are several ways of reporting .. the persons name or identity don’t need to be Published… u and your administration is just a waist of time and money… a simple accident u all can’t handle

  20. Tjebe fort
    November 11, 2016

    Robbie, that was a P.R. disaster man. Own up and admit it and we will think you a better man for it.

  21. Jay prosper
    November 11, 2016

    What is my sweet Dominica coming to. An accident-politics. The belles road sink- politics. Wat a shame. And the media is not helping. Wow!

    • ICG
      November 11, 2016

      What do you expect when it is POLITICIANS who run the show?
      Who else or what else to blame?

      • Tell the Truth
        November 11, 2016

        If people like you run the show, Dominica would be in a sorry sight. This is putting it mildly.

  22. love my country
    November 11, 2016

    ok minister of tourism. i mean right over the drain in the city of roseau in front of FDIC with the palm trees and the wires around it, is this a tourism attraction site or is this just being selfish?

  23. keepingitreal
    November 11, 2016

    I actually agree with is statement .the family should not know about a death of a loved one on social media.a government must do everything appropriately.

    • ICG
      November 11, 2016

      Did you read the P&O report? SMh
      It was released less than a day after and the family was alerted. So you are just one of those who don’t think for yourself or just incapable of analyzing basic information then come here excusing this irresponsibility.

      • Tell the Truth
        November 11, 2016

        You are a dunce cat. It was an accident. The government did not have to get involved. One of the reasons the government minister spoke is because tourists were involved.
        Does the government speak for/on every accident and accidental death in Dominica and apologize?
        The government assigned the Police to perform this work and to conduct investigations.
        Some of you are very good at projecting your ignorance and place it on others when you are the ones who are ignorant.

    • Me
      November 11, 2016

      You think that P&O cruises did not notify the families of the victims? So far they have not released the names either and quite rightly so , except to say that the dead passenger was a woman. Our Minister of tor5uism does not have to notify the families since that was done almost straight away by the cruise company. Lame excuse mr. Tonge.

  24. Bellarose
    November 11, 2016

    Smfh! this is just pure excuses mr tonge. In a situation like this you don’t have to wait for the media to call on you to put out a public announcement on that matter. In no time the P&O Cruises did what took you so long? Now go on the P&O page and see the negative ccritism. Over 7 hundred and add comments most are about the road drivers in Dominica take a moment read tell me “Tourism is everybody’s business” when you and your coleagues neglect agriculture for TOURISM. Such a fragile industry. YES and accidents do happen.

  25. Anon
    November 11, 2016

    Mr Tonge, all you had to do is come out and say there was an unfortunate accident and the government is working hand in hand with cruise officials concerning the matter.

    We didn’t want details of the accident. We just want to know the government is aware of the situation. That would put many people, including the cruise officials at rest.

    This is a poor response from you and you should be ashamed of yourself.

    P&O Cruises had a statement on their site just hours after the accident. So why did it take so long. Geez.

    • D/A
      November 11, 2016

      I am in total agreement with you Anon. This is pure BS on the governments part.

  26. Moi
    November 11, 2016

    Garcon pure nonsense.

  27. Shameless
    November 11, 2016

    Robbie u continue to lie in your quest to cover the short comings of the cabal. Take a que from Matt Peltier famous saying; ” its better to be thought of as a fool than to open ur mouth and remove all doubt”.

    Always Assertive!?

  28. zandoli
    November 11, 2016

    The problem is, these guys are stuck doing things at their own pace, while the world moves at the speed of light.

    Have anyone of you had to travel to Dominica to resolve a simple issue only to return to your place of residence and you are no further ahead? That is how they do things in Dominica.

  29. November 11, 2016

    Man look excuses! But all you talking tourism, tourism and more tourism.

  30. ICG
    November 11, 2016

    in less than 24 hours Mr. Tong will comment to a Facebook post relating to his Cabal. But he comes short more than 24 hours to say this? Give me a break..

  31. ICG
    November 11, 2016

    Wait a minute.. Hold up… What did the minister did not understand about the critics? Most or all of what was being said was simply to make a formal sympathetic public announcement. No one was asking for full details. You guys just pussyfoot with everything and to be honest you are not ready yet. We need better more proactive leaders than that. You drivel is no excuse.

  32. Very Concerned
    November 11, 2016

    Mr Tonge. Thank you for the explanation regarding the delayed response. However, you didn’t have to wait for an investigation to just put out a notice of condolences on behalf of our lovely island. Also, could you please tell us what exactly is being done to reduce such accidents. Let’s finish with the argument that accidents do happen (unless you have been living under a rock for the last 100 years) we are somewhat, all aware of that, and statements like this somehow give our more unaware citizens, permission to continue acting like morons on our roads. We should be demanding to see ‘No speeding’ and ‘No overtaking’ signs around the island. Especially on narrow and bendy roads. And enforced fines and punishments for those who violate the traffic laws. Put regular notices on TV and radio. Without action, nothing changes. Now let’s see how many fools give this the thumbs down!

    • ganibbs
      November 11, 2016

      I support all you have said 100%. in addition I think investment into appropriate road signs and implementation and enforcement of all vehicular traffic laws ,would improve and reduce the number of traffic accidents. An ideal sign like “dangerous bend ,corner or curve “should be littered all over Dominica due to our snakelike roads. Driving safely within speed limits should be enforced by traffic police. Inspection stickers and registration tags should be adequately dated and defaulters fined appropriately. Random traffic stops could contribute significantly,as would -be defaulters would be timely caught. I think license suspension or revocation should be introduced for repeated offenders,
      We love our country and want it to do well especially our tourisms sector, but safety must be a primary concern and Government must ensure that all legislation regarding driving and traffic safety be promptly put into practice

  33. Look before you leap
    November 11, 2016

    “Tonge stated that many times people make assumptions and never know what the facts are…”.

    Perhaps now, Mr Tonge, you will apply this statement to all aspects of your life and the people whose lives you encounter. Your and your colleagues make many assumptions, repeat rumours and you do not care whose lives you damage. Your words are empty. Total BS.

  34. Dominican
    November 11, 2016

    O.K. Robbie, how come the Sr. Vice President of P&O cruises was able to make a press release with details within hours of the accident? Tell the truth, you were restrained from commenting by your superiors, who think that Dominica is the centre of the universe and must control even the way we think. Dominica is but a little speck of little importance to the rest of the world. I love that little speck but we must not start to get too big for our boots. If Dominica disappeared tomorrow the world would go on without giving it too much thought. We need tourists more than they need us, remember that.

    • Tell the Truth
      November 11, 2016

      Comprehend the situation. The P&O Cruise authority were within their right to report the accident which caused a death and injury. The people are their passengers. They paid an exorbitant fee for the cruise. They are somewhat responsible for their protection and safety. It is to their benefit which is also a loss to them that this occurred. Therefore do not blame Mr. Tonge for not responding quickly as you perceive it to be. Be fair and broadminded.

  35. Anonymous
    November 11, 2016

    You just looking for sympathy …. all you to behind back in Dominica

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