EDITOR’S NOTE: On December 19, 2012 visiting American citizen, Jim Caves, died suddenly while snorkeling at Champagne. Below is a message from his family expressing thanks to the many Dominicans who assisted during and following the unfortunate incident.
I am Michael McGee, the oldest of Jim’s grandchildren and I am writing on behalf of the family. Jim recently passed away on December 19, 2012, while vacationing on a Royal Caribbean cruise with his wife Sandy, his daughter Kelly and his son in law Jason.
The incident occurred while the family was on a snorkeling excursion provided by Anchorage Hotel, Whale Watch and Dive Center. Due to the unexpected event my father, Jason Waugh, had to stay in Roseau, Dominica to deal with the legal difficulties of trying to get a deceased loved one back into the states. We would like to extend great thanks and love to those who did their best to make such an unfortunate experience as comfortable as possible.
Jason, especially, and all of the family wanted to give special thanks to the following people:
-The entire crew of The Passion Boat – Who showed great care and did everything that they could have done given the circumstances. They truly represented the great people of Dominica as loving, genuine, thoughtful and caring people with great hearts.
-The Staff from the Anchorage hotel – We cannot say enough of just how much love, care and assistance was given to Jason Waugh as he had to struggle to get Jim released quickly to come home and have a proper burial. The Staff literally did everything that they could to assist. Again, exceptional people like Yvonne Armour and her staff are people that the community should be proud of. They will always hold a special place in our hearts.
-State attorney Jo-Anne Cuffy – Took great steps to assist. Again, a great representative for the people of Dominica.
-State Attorney Pearle Williams –Very caring and helpful, thank you.
-Claudia Bellot, Ministry of Tourism and Legal Affairs – For helping speed up the legal processes necessary to have Jim released. Many thanks to you Claudia.
-Sarah Slanetz- US Warden
-Local police Officer Ismael – Going above and beyond to show great care and love.
-Sgt. Powell- Another official that took it upon herself to provide great assistance and care.
-Julian, the Port Liaison – Many thanks for your care.
-Robby the taxi driver– Showed amazing selflessness. Thank you for your knowledge and everything you did to assist. It is forever appreciated.
-All of the Staff from the Princess Margaret Hospital – The doctors and staff were caring and loving, they were a comfort and we thank them.
-Lyndhurst Funeral Home – Gave so much assistance to help, we could never thank you enough.
In our grief, it’s our hope and prayers that if we omitted anyone, please forgive us.
The conclusion is that the accident was just that, an accident and the good loving people of Dominica did what they could. A further example of just how wonderful the people of Dominica are is from my own experiences. My wife and I just did the exact same cruise Jim had done for our honeymoon, same ship and ports. We did same excursion that Jim had passed away on, onboard the Passion, where we were able to pay tribute to my grandfather. We were able to give the many deserved thanks to the crew as well as release a rose out in memory of him. The crew once again showed superb hospitality during our time with them by not only giving their condolences for our loss, but also by showing us such a fun and amazing time in Dominica.
It was definitely our most fun excursion of our honeymoon. Jim had said just before his passing that it was one of the most beautiful places he had ever snorkeled and once we completed the excursion, we understand why. When we arrived back from our excursion, we were greeted by the manager of the Anchorage Hotel, Yvonne Armour. Yvonne showed wonderful hospitality by taking us on a hospitality tour of the beautiful city of Roseau a local style lunch for my wife and I to taste the Island flavor. We were able to visit the Anchorage Hotel and take a tour of the beautiful grounds that sit right waterfront on the sea. Yvonne gifted us with a welcome basket of local island goodies.
We had the pleasure of meeting everyone that helped my father Jason for his extended stay in Dominica as well as Kelly and Sandy during their short time there. They were more than gracious providing taxi service, food, accommodations, and anything else they needed. We could not thank everyone enough for not only the service they provided, but the support, comfort, and love that my parents, my grandma Sandy, as well as myself and wife, felt while staying in Dominica.
I speak on behalf of my family when I say that we look forward to visiting the beautiful Island of Dominica again in our future.
We sincerely hope that everyone who visits Dominica can experience the love we know is abundant in Dominica.
Thank You, and God Bless You all.
The family of Jim Caves
Thank you Michael.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Craves and McGee Family on the unfortunate losss of your love one… May God bring you comfort…
I do, however, find comfort in the care and concern shown to you and your family during that time on the island…
Thank you for your kind words and please accept our deepest sympathy…
I stopped reading posts as some are half supportive and half are not.
I am Dominican, I live in America. There is not one conversation that I would have about my birth place that I speak negative because there is nothing negative to say about my Island.
I read the “thank you letter” from the Caves and it is very sincere. Very much appreciated. I do sympathize with the family of Mr. Caves. I also sympathize with the family of all others whose lives ended on my Island, Dominica.
I believe the negative posts are not designated toward Mr. Caves family’s thank you letter, but toward our people, Dominicans.
We are a beautiful and caring people. We do not all play politics. We appreciate and encourage our visitors. Our Island, the NATURE ISLAND OF THE CARIBBEAN, WELCOMES ALL. Unfortunately, incidents occur, incidents that are unavoidable and unforeseen; however, we handle each and every incident as our own personal plight. Congratulations to all who assisted the Caves family and every other family, whether they said thank you or not. We still appreciate what we have and who we are, and we will ALWAYS WELCOME those who feel comfortable visiting our Island. They will all be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Kudos to my people of Dominica. We are capable of doing just this. Very heart warming remarks and we say thank you and we wish you the family God’s comfort in this time and our sinderest condolescences.
very touching made tears come to my eyes may the god of the universe continue to comfort you all in times like these grieving the lost of your loved one.stay strong
To the caves family sincere thanks and sympathies to you for all the good things said about the most beautifull country in the world ,so sad that some of my people born and raised here dont seem to see,this letter you wrote is going to put some of the haters of dominica to shame,thank you thank you and do come again we love you.
I’m so glad to finally see a positive
Great job
News doesn’t necessarily have to be all negative
This message speaks volumes… FREE PR for Dominica and for ANCHORAGE HOTEL Management and Staff… Congratulations. At least you are maintaining your status as a Domoinican preniere hotel and as one of the key pioneers of Dominica hotel sector and tourism industry in general… best wishes for the future… BUT interestingly no mention was made of those lazy at Discover Dominica who just drawing big money for doing nothing… shame on all you DDA…
some of all you to damn hypocrite, only when someone(foreigner) praise Dominica all you getting tears in all you eyes, you that have been born and raised in Dominica say so much bad things about DA and now because of a letter all you want to come and say aahhh nice letter, bull, you have to praise your country all the time…I read the comments and most of you all are the same one crying DA for little things.. I am gonna hear about all you again, and then I will sure remind all you of the things you crying your Country for….
How sweet are you? HYPOCRITE!
I would shake your big toe!They always complaining about everything,never having anything nice to say about their own people,now a foreigner recognizes it and makes it public,ONLY now they have nice things to say.Shame on allu.Thanks to you Sir for reminding us that we are not all that bad.
“I speak on behalf of my family when I say that we look forward to visiting the beautiful Island of Dominica again in our future”. Michael McGee
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaw! The tears started to fill up my eyes, causing me to be blind to what I was reading; I could not continue reading, or esle I would have choked to tears.
However I needed to know the end and I saw that quote above, that is enought to tell me what I know about my people of Dominica: “That we are a people of God’s Love. Why can’t we acknowledge that “truth” about ouselves, and to give God the glory?
On behalf of fellow Dominicans, I say thank you to you Michael, thank you so much; I am sure that your grandfather, Jim, wanted you to write this message on his behalf.
Let us pray that your grandfather has gone to his rest to waith for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, to live in Eternity.
As someone said the other day, our Dominica is really God’s Garden of Eden, perhaps He sends His people to die there, who would not want that?
Thank you again!
to the caves family. I am sorry for your loss but was moved by your letter of thanks. It speaks so real of my beautiful country and people. thats truly who we are, friendly and hospitable. God bless you too. Do come again
Thank you so much for this letter of appreciation. May God Bless you and your family.
son and daughters of dominica we are truly the nature island off the caribbbean.that a geat thank full letter off acknolegment bravo.
**tears** so proud of my fellow Dominicans. RIP to Mr. Caves and your family is always welcome in the Nature Isle. God Bless you!
I always know we Dominicans are blessed in so many ways. This is why we are called the Nature Island of The Caribbean. We are small, but we have a BIG HEART. keep up the good work Dominican’s no matter. Let our light always shine, no matter where we are and live. These are true signs of Christianity.
Sympathy to the family who have lost a great man, may his soul rest in peace. This is good publicity for our country. The BIBLE said, by their fruits u shall know them. Well the Government and people have demonstrated that. We also have the fruits of the spirit. God Bless DOMINICA.
I am so moved by your letter, thank you so much. We are so sorry for your loss, and may you and your family find God’s eternal peace.
Well stated, heart warming and greatly appreciated!!
Extended condolences to the family and friend of the deceased.
This is a fake letter
Yes, Willy Winky! A mind like yours would WANT it to be. Zaffa Sata!
@Willy January 17, 2013
A fake letter with the picture of the “dead man” printed with it on the Internet, where his family can easily see that letter?
Come on Willy–whoever you are–think before you speak, and in this case, write!
WHO ARE YOU? Fake.
Please don’t call me soft but i cried after reading this.I live abroad and i always boast about my country to other people,thanks dominicans for making me proud once again, love you guys.
Why does it always take an outsider to see the good in our country. And why are there so few comments up to this time i guess all those who had negative comments when he died have not read the story. Now to the persons have given their best to ensure that the name of Dominica its held high congratulations and keep up the good work.
Just goes to show that amid all the political animosity, and other negativities which populate the media headlines, this country is still full of genuine loving caring people who often go beyond the call of duty to assist their fellowmen.It’s just sad that our local reporting doesn’t potray more of these kinds of positive acts which occur on our beautiful island almost everyday.
This letter is a breath of fresh air amidst all the negativity!! Very inspiring, I must say..To the family of Jim Caves, may you find comfort in your time of grief and may the soul of Mr.Caves RIP..While you are thanking the people of Dominica for all the love and support, as a proud Dominican I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you and your family for taking your time to write these kind words about the people of Dominica. We are a loving people who may have differences and different opinions, but when come to tragedies, we put everything aside and come together.. Again I want to say thank you and may God bless you and your family!!
Please come again and tell your friends and family about our beautiful Nature Isle!!!
This is heartfelt and touching thanks
This letter was very emotional.But anyway thank you for acknowledging to the world of our kindness and our friendliness,we do hope u come again.May the soul of the departed rest in eternal peace.
MAY HIS SOUL RIP. AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR THESE KIND WORDS EVEN IN YOUR TIME OF GRIEF. THAT’S DOMINICANS FOR YOU. WE CAN SHARE LOVE IN TIMES LIKE THESE. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR COUNTRY. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS AND IN OUR THOUGHTS
Wow. This letter reminded me of what it means to be Dominican and moreso of the type of hospitality and selflessness I grew up seeing and experiencing as a child. It’s great to know that this still exists in Dominica.
You and your family are most welcome. I hope you are comforted knowing that your grand dad found paradise and made it his final journey. May he rest in peace.
WOW! So touching and emotional. Though they are still grieving, with all the positive experiences, they were still able to visit our beautiful, friendly country, which is helping them move on.
GOD BLESS THE ENTIRE FAMILY AND THE PEOPLE OF DOMINICA!
imagine i read the entire letter.thank you sir for not tearing us down further than we had already tear ourselves down for that accident .we appreciate it .we are a proud dominica and you have proved us so .thanks again
I was moved to tears after reading this letter. This letter was deserving because Dominicans are truly amazing people. Warmest regards to the Caves Family. God bless you all!!!
Thank you for taking the time to say thank you. It is indeed a heartwarming letter and as a Dominican, I am unbelievably touched.
Very moving and inspiring piece. It is good that at least we have some positive things to read. May the good Lord continue to guide the family of the deceased, and Dominica looks forward to welcoming Michael and the others.
What a loving and moving story. It should make all Dominicans proud of the sensitivity and genuine humanity of all those individuals mentioned. May we all hope that given the opportunity we too would make our fellow countrymen proud. Dominica has many natural wonders to offer tourists but the most valuable of all is genuine kindness and friendliness. It will be remembered long after the trip is over.
You are right, based on my experience with visitors, genuine kindness and friendliness is very high on their list.
Once in a while there is a message that makes you stop and say “WE CAN DO SOME THINGS WELL”! Congrats Jo-Anne and Yvonne and Mrs. Bellot and everyone else you guys did well!
Thank you Jim for your letter..Wow that was touching…May God continue to be with your family as you continue in your grieving process..Hats off to all you Dominicans who assisted..Blessings..
This letter has given a ray of hope to our tourism sector..The recent deaths involving tourist was becoming unbearable..Sometimes I felt like the same story was being reported on again..God bless Dominica!!!Thanks DNO for this story..Very uplifting..
Thank you, Michael. You have done us a great favour. Perhaps now we can stop beating up on each other for what happened in our waters. May Jim’s sould find its nirvana and you the family left behind become closer and even more appreciative of each other and of life.
Very touching…….May your grandpa continue to rest in peace and may the family find comfort in knowing that he is in a safe place now.
Dominica is waiting to welcome you and your family any day.
***AMAZING & PRICELESS***
If this letter of gratitude does not lift ones spirit, then I don’t know what will!!
Thank you sir,
It’s good when one read such great news. Thanks to the family of JIm Caves.
We gave the best of ourselves as a people to assist visitors to our country who found themselves in the midst of a terrible crisis. At the time that Jim Caves met his untimely demise, too many of the citizens of this country were intent on labeling the unfortunate tragedy as the result of a negligent or reckless act of Dominicans.
It is a sad truism that we are oftentimes our harshest critics and by extension see very little good in ourselves as a people. Perhaps this tendency toward self-denigration is an unfortunate side-effect of our exposure to more than three centuries of mind-bending.
We humbly accept the thanks offered by the relatives of the late Mr. Caves and the magnanimity with which they have given us praise at this most painful time for them. Our country stands proud in the eyes of these foreigners; it is my hope that we can see the same value in ourselves as a people that they have so graciously made evident by their commendation.
Very touched by this show of gratitude and appreciation. Dominicans should be proud of being genuinely warm and caring in nature. To the family of Jim Caves we say: you are always very welcome, and we were happy to be there for you!
to be honest there are tears running down my eyes not only for the family but also for my domincan people.this is the type of things i like ready from my country.cudose to u people
To the Family thank you for expressing such warm words of gratitude. This is Dominica at its’ best and know while we mourn your loss we also celebrate you as a new honorary Dominican family. Do come again. God Bless
Speak well of DOMINICA! THANK YOU to the family of Jim Caves!! GOD Bless your hearts!!!
God bless you and your family. We are sorry for your loss and may you continue in strength. I hope your future visits will continue to exceed your expectations. Thanks for your great words.
very touching…Dominica does hav wonderful people!
Very touching. Just goes to show that we are capable of genuine care and selflessness. Thanks to all Dominicans, who’s unstinting help and support did so much to help a traumatized family cope with this tragic experience.
Thank you for taking the time to thank everyone who helped you. Pearle thanks for representing the Ministry of Legal Affairs exceptionally and to Yvonne I would have expected nothing less from you. Kudos to everyone who assisted the grieving family and again to the family thank you so much for letingus know of your experience. Blessings to your family.
May the soul of your loved one Jim RIP.
WOW!!! Some awesome sentiments!! That I believe is a true, true representation of our people. Do it again Dominica.
YOUR WELCOME SON
very touching..
*tears*
Thank you Jim for your honesty and gratitude, we appreciate visitors like you and your family.
A great time to visit would be during our Independent Celebrations, which Starts late September and climax’s on November 4th every year.
The world renown World Creole Music Festival which is one of our biggest independent celebrations highlight takes place from the last Friday of October and ends on the Sunday each year, is a must do. Hope you can stay up all night because it is 3 nights of Pulsating Rythms which ends at 6am Monday Morning.
this is so so touching
this is wonderful that they had to write such a lenghty letter to thank the people who helped, that is how one does things gratitude!!!!!!!!!!
Wow..thank you sir for your kind words. May Jim’s soul rest in eternal peace and the family find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place now.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
aaaawww…well excuse me on behalf of Dominicans you’re welcome hun. Thanks for giving our little island and some of the good people who never get any credit, the credit they deserve. May the soul of your departed RIP
Awesome! I am happy to hear such good news.
such a touching story, i felt a moment of joy reading this story, that in time of grief such welcoming remarks coming from family. now that’s what we can boast off. Truly Dominica friendly people.
Wow…..
Tear….RIP
You are most welcome. Blessings to you and your family.