When Kirt Hector, Norran Jno Hope and Joselyn Prince said goodbye to their loved ones in the early hours of Friday 19th April 2013, they left to participate in the revived Windward Islands Tournament in St. Vincent. They were hoping to capture the nation’s attention and become heroes by winning the tournament. Instead, they became national heroes after a tragic accident that left us all in a state of mourning. The tragedy forced Dominica to abandon its bid to become Windward Islands football champions while the brave actions of the lone survivor, Joselyn Prince, prevented an even bigger national crisis. Without his heroics, can one imagine the possibilities with the Pond Case road in its usual busy state at about 6 a.m.?
I did not know Norran, but the consistency of the comments from his national teammates, parents, and friends gathered at the PMH after the incident tells us so much about the young departed footballer. His parents described him as a dedicated footballer who was eager to achieve great things. To say he was happy to represent his country at such a tender age would be understating the rookie’s commitment to making his parents, village and country proud. “Norran was a good listener, he never asked why, whenever he was instructed or corrected on the field,” commented a senior national player.
As part of the 1998 Premier Division Championship Zebbians team, Kirt was a teammate and friend of mine who brought a new level of commitment, determination and passion to the game. I remember the deadly left footed crosses and free-kicks creating confusion for every opponent, which immediately made him a significant contributor to Zebbian’s success. At meetings or halftime discussions, Kirt’s voice was never the loudest but his words always echoed the longest. His selflessness led him back to his home community to assist in the development of football in the South East. This, Kirt achieved in relatively quick time, as the South East team promptly became, and still is one of Dominica’s top football teams.
It was no surprise to me when Kirt became national coach. What surprised me initially was how quickly he achieved such success. Upon reflection however, it seems that Kirt had a knack for achieving milestones ahead of time. As a member of the Laplaine football team, he became a national player before playing in the premier league. When he became a national coach, Kirt still had many good playing years ahead of him. With Kirt at the helm, Dominica quickly climbed to 129in the FIFA rankings in 2011, the highest the nation has ranked in our history. The circumstances leading to the end of his earthly journey at such a young age, do not only shine light on one of his most admirable qualities; his selflessness, but also reminds us how early so many things came to him.
The last conversation I had with Kirt, about three weeks before his tragic end, he revealed his desire to see the standard of Dominica’s football progress to a higher level. A senior national player commented that the coach knew when to joke around and when to get serious with his players. Another player commented, “Coach was a good listener, I could talk to him about anything.” “He was interested in the development of young players,” expressed another. Among the many national players, officials, administrators gathered at the PMH, there were numerous gratifying comments about the effectiveness of the departed coach. His dedication and commitment to take football to a higher level was a consistent sentiment expressed by most of the grieving audience.
In our small community, debates about whether the disaster could have been avoided are inevitable. But for now we remember Noran and Kirt for their sterling contributions to the sport of football in Dominica. They set a high standard for the game and gave of their time and skills to raise its profile. They are truly, our departed heroes.
MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE
what are the national heroes of dominica
and my your soul rest in peace mr.kirth hector 
These two gentlemen who died not only were heroes but role models for our young and old folks.
let us all heal as a nation comfort their families and offer our love. The other young man may he heal with Gods hand on his body.
This is sad. May God bless us and our country of Dominica
we always have stuff to say about did we give them their flowers while they are alive bla bla bla…we should always commend ppl for a job well done, we should always make them feel special not just by words but actions as well…when the young man was chosen to represent dominica that was us doing action and letting him know that he was valued and thats why he got that honor…when the man was selected as coach that was our way of telling him how much we trusted and valued him….we should give ppl their flowers true…i strongly believe but its human nature to feel like there was more we should or could have done after someone passes away…dont be the one to rub it in ppl’s face…..cause i am sure you have not given everyone in your life the flowers they deserve…god forbid one of them passes away would you like someone to say…you should have been a better friend or something…may their souls rest in eternal piece and the young man who saved so many lives after…i hereby give you your flowers and i can tell you the number of ppl praying for your life and thankful for your heroic behavior….all of that is flowers to you and the LORD knows so thats all that matters…just my thought
well written ronald ,as a former national player ,sympathy with the families.may their souls rest in peace ,cedar grove rastaman .on that dreadful day mister prince saved many lives including my dad who was very close behind .thanks mr prince ,hope you have a speedy recover.maybe one day i will thank you personally.
Did you let them know they were heros before they died? I am just saying that we should people before they pass away, dont wait till something like this happens to say it,they should be told when they were alive.
Many may not like this but its the truth and i hope DNO post it
yes the lord welcomed you guys home and you guys got your flowers while you were alive. kirt was a good member of the la plaine village council and norran was the most discipline boy in la plaine he was caring and he was a my good friend and cousin. both of them are my cousins. rest in peace and let us pray for the one who made it
My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
The La Plaine youth should never forget them and also emulate them and their discipline, be it in pursuing a different career. Their memory should be honored appropriately in La Plaine which I do expect.
God bless!
Most admit I didn’t know none of the guy but my love for football hv been dealt with hard.I’m weak as can b and say to the family and friends,love ones and supporter the lord we serve do everything at his given time. So let their sould rest in peace. Share tears feel free let out all and get back on our feet we will meet them one day in glory.lord guide us thanks let’s pray for each other with love
rest in peace slow Mo i will miss you on and off the field .kurt was a good roll model rest in peace coach
i believe that Mr. Prince deserve an award of some kind. he is truly a hero. he saved many lives on that day. if it was not for him< many vehicles would have gone down in the crack. i believe he is an angel chosen by God.
Well said my boy, couldnt have said it better, the good always die young. N the wicked live on 4 ever. May there soul rest in peace. N to the families try n hold their head above water n be strong. Find strength in the lord, only he can pull u through this. R.I.P. Kurt n norran
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I stand to correct you that not all the wicked live on forever or live a long life. Also some good people die young and some good people live long.
God appoints the day when each one will vacate this world. We who are left behind must make good, fruitful use of our time that when God calls us for our eternal judgment we will have something spiritual to present to him.
As a few words of a religious song: “There is something He is expecting from us.”
Christians should know that it is holiness, love, generosity, general goodness. Life is a two-way street. The rest and end, we should know what it entails which will be the outcome of our earthly actions.
Well spoken, Ronald Smith.
May their souls Rest In Peace.
Good job Ronald! Keep up the good work(writing).
though need to have met them, to know them,they were soccer lovers, so i knew them,and i mourn with their family and friends.
that said;it would be fitting to remember them in nameing the playing fields around grandford and laplane after them,if they (the playing fields)does not have significant names already,or two trees should be planted at the site,in their so their memories will live on.A tree hold the land together,and i hope their familes will be taken care off.
oDeeply saddened at the loss to the familes and the Nation of Kirt Hector Norran John Hope and Joselyn Prince. To those morning my deepest sympathy
The question was asked, “why were they not in the company of the rest” only God has all the answers, in our time of grief and sorrow the enemy(Satan) tries his utmost to sink us even deeper into darkness , let us not be trapped by his lies ,we must be of good cheer.God allows circumstances to come our way so we can be strengthen. To the families I can’t tell you I know how you feel because I don’t know you feel , but be courageous. We are no different from “Job” he kept his eyes on God at all times , that’s who gave him is strength and that’s who can and will strengthen us. Keep the faith.
Some people always ask why. If we do this we are questioning God in futility and with lack of humility as He is fully aware of. God has the answer. We could never have the answer and He will not give it to us which He feels, as mortals, we are not entitled to; not in this life anyway. He wants us to have faith, hope and trust in Him as we worship Him and accept what befalls us.
We know the Serenity Prayer, at least most of us do. This should be our attitude with acceptance, lovingly and humbly toward God whatever the occurrences:
“O God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen!”
As heard on US – EWTN Catholic TV and Radio after 9/11 when people questioned why did God allow this to happen, a priest stated on his program: “…So that it brings out a greater good in us.”
I could elaborate on the words, “a greater good”. However, let us not ask why but hope that Dominica and nationals on a whole all will benefit from this accident which sadly caused the loss of the young lives and injury to another.
For one, I expect the government will take a closer look at all the roads in specifically the areas where landslides occurred and where they are prone to occur.
This accident was a tragic accident which is beyond words. We should be positive and feel that something good will come out of it; that better roads will be constructed and roads will be properly repaired, considering the amount of rain that Dominica receives annually which also softens the soil.
Dominica national residents of all who have suggestions and advice should direct them to the government officials and appropriate departments.
I feel certain that Kurt and Norran, in their spiritual world would want that much and better for their fellow Dominicans whom they had no choice but to leave.
Be comforted, prod on and keep up the godly spirit in their names. God bless! His love and peace!
(In tears) Yes, may their soul rest in peace and may their families and close friends find strength in the lord. Such a sad situation.
May their soul rest in peace
very good!
A loss to the families and to the nation. May their souls rest in peace. I do hope that there will be something in their honor as a memorial and a national day of mourning on the day of their burial. RIP
Well said Ronald. So many if’s I have asked. If he had slept in Roseau. If it had not rained so heavily.if he had a later flight and the ifs go on and on. But I realize nothing can bring back my friends. I will cherish their memory and contributions and remember them for who they were. RIP brethen.
Thanks Tommy for looking out for football everywhere….I’m sure the two would be proud you commented. BIG Football Commentator.
TommySmythESPN Tommy Smyth
RT @Mister_duncan19: @TommySmythESPN R.I.P to the coach and a player frm the Dominican Football team who died on there way to the airport t…
RIP GENTLEMEN
True Heroes. R.I.P.
When the road is repaired, it should be named after them…..
Indeed. We echo: ‘MAY THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE’
Sorry for your loss and Dominica’s loss – not to mention the family and friends who are all in shock and feeling less than empty.
The nature of the nature isle is a power that cannot be stopped. Unfortunately it powered its way through the earth that was the foundation of that road and caused this terrible tragedy. I hope that something like that never happens again.
I also hope that Joselyn finds a way to get over the trauma and that all others affected can find a way to come to terms with their grief over time.
they were alone because 2 of them lived in laplaine and one in grand fond. they were driving to meet the rest of the team at the junction/round about so that they could all drive to the airport together.
Did you listen to the news. They were travelling to Roseau to meet the rest of the team. And even if they decided to drive themselves to the airport, that is not the time for such comment. Have a heart! The family and country is grieving.
in other words man propose but GOD dispose. GOD holds all the answers and we better not question GOD. may their soul rest in peace.
my condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives.if they were all together then i guess we can only imagine how many more dead or injured we would have; God isnt asleep; he allowed Prince to warn others; now he is at the hospital nursing serious injuries and needs our prayers desperately; he may be able to set our minds at ease as to what exactly happened when he recovers…lets not point fingers; the only thing i believe that may or may not have changed the situation is if our health department was better equipped for such situations!
it would be a bigger catastrophy if all were together. think of it that way. we would have about twelve to fifteen dead bodies to deal with now. iin a sad way thank God is only three of them that was on board.
This is very sad and my heart goes out to the families and friends. DNO is viewed around the world and honestly I don’t see nothing wrong with your questions. After the news settled in my head I asked ” what about the rest of the team? Don’t they normally travel together?” Some of us only know what we read, we cant listen to Qfm or DBS for the news.
As sad as what occurred, thank God they were not all together. Does this sensible response appease your ridiculous questions?
It was indeed a sad news to wake up to I culd feel the pain that their families felt that early morning, and is feelin up to this very moment but God give life and he take life. He never give us what wi cannot handle. just keep the faith and be strong may the good lord grant you strength and cou
rage in this time of sadness.
such a great article, may their souls rip
Nicely written, well understood, brought tears to my eyes.A great lost for love ones and the country…they will be missed……
I do not know them, but my heart goes out to them, I am also a mother, sister and friend so to the parents frends and family of the two individuals, May God grant you all strength to go through the tough times…Be strong…God is still alive and he is watching us.
this is a sad news for us all in Dominica,our country need to come up to date,because if we had an international airport these young men would not left their homes at the unsocial hour that they did to
represent the nation.
all rain water flows to a flat destination, river. sea or a place where it is stagnates,so drainage is a obvious obligation whos job it is to drain collectted rain water
not entirely true dear. I live in Jamaica, we have many international airports and there are flights around the clock. so stop with the foolishness. There is no such thing as untimely death. God is alive and every thing happens for a reason. please stop with the IFs.
Ecclesiastes tells us that there is untimely death.
are you from planet earth?
POOR YOU!!!!
Your comment does not make sense. An ancient story goes that, a father was told his son would die at the age of 21 years. So the father built a basement apartment beneath his house with no windows and no doubt blocked the entrance door that no one could enter and the son would not be able to leave the basement.
Lo and behold, when the son turned 21 years, a hammer or some item fell from the wall and hit him on the head causing his death.
This may be a fable (I have no idea) but it is a lesson for us that, “whatever is there to happen will always happen.”
We tend to say, “If only I knew I would not do this and that.” How do we know? Never ask why. I hope this will pacify you to learn something from this. Make a note of this story which may serve as a reminder and serve you well in the future when you have doubts and make such statements.
how could a natural disaster made by the hand of God be prevented ?
Your article was timely and pointed.
Quite a sensible and fitting tribute
I love your term “heroes” for indeed they are.
However nothing was said about their legacy and no word in terms of what can be done to remember them.
You were also mute on what needs to be done for their families etc
What made those guys heroes? I think this writer should check the definition of the word Hero again. The men died in an accident, it’s a national tragedy, but that does not make them heroes. A writer with an MBA should choose his words more carefully.
If you had one oz of understanding you would not be so shallow minded to talk about MBA. Instead you would try to understand and read between the lines. Or did you skip over the part where it states that the guys left home to try to become heroes by winning a football championship, but through a tragedy that ended their lives, many other lives were saved? Now go look up the meaning of “understanding”
You must have an MBA too. SMH
Please give people their floweres and good names while they alive let them know what they worth and what society think of them we should never wait when things happen to say it.
I think they got their flowers while they were alive. You, on the other hand, is reading about it NOW.