St. Jean condemns tourist attacks

St. Jean

Education Minister Peter St Jean has denounced the latest incident in which a tourist visiting Dominica has been brutally attacked.

Dominica News Online received information earlier that a French tourist was robbed and raped in Calibishie on Tuesday night.

The information we received also suggested that a road runner was stolen.

Reports are that the license number of the stolen vehicle is TK098.

The Calibishie incident comes on the heels of a German couple being attacked at Salisbury over the weekend.

Minister St Jean says such deplorable acts against visitors is of grave concern to the state, but should also trouble every concerned Dominican.

“The tourist industry as fragile as it is contributes significantly to our development.  One incident is too much for us, and we all as a people must take a positive stance against those types of activities,” the minister said.

He conceded that government had to take the initiative to attempt to minimize such incidents, but added that Dominicans in general had to be concerned as well.

“It is a matter for us as individuals to recognize that the survival of Dominica, our economic well-being depends on the action that we take as individuals and that every Dominican, every community, must ensure that we condemn the actions that will negatively impact on our development,” St Jean told Dominica News Online.

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54 Comments

  1. Concerned
    February 17, 2012

    The Police can’t be everywhere all the time, so it’s unrealistic to expect full-time, year-round protection from law enforcement.

    Protect yourself. If someone attacks me, my family, friends or an innocent bystander, they better be ready for some gunfire.

  2. Dominican to de bone
    February 17, 2012

    Something drastic needs to be done to deal with all this crime. ( Maybe we should bring back the death penalty.)

  3. Gypsy
    February 16, 2012

    As someone said” It’s not the first time someone was attacked!” What I will never overstand is how Dominicans forget what happened just yesterday! I have been in Dominica for 11 years. During that time the crimes that go unsolved are horrendous! Excluding one or two the Police are nothing less than an embarrasment to the Country. And that goes for the Court and Government also. Forgive them for they know not what they do. Jah Bless

  4. Not happy
    February 16, 2012

    I don’t believe in talk. This Gov’t need to stop giving lip service to such a serious matter and take some swift action in order to rectify the situation. The perpetrators should be dealt with harshly, making a statement for other who are thinking of comitting such acts. This does not sit well with me at all.I am upset!
    A concern Dominican…..

  5. southpossie
    February 16, 2012

    st jean go clean up the mess in DGS and Porstmouth school…. idiot

  6. Devoted Dominican
    February 16, 2012

    MR St.Jean,
    DO YOU KNOW THE TRUE MEANING OF RESPONSIBLE? THIS IS WHAT YOUR GOVERNMENT AND THE DOMINICA POLICE FORCE OWES TO ALL VISITORS WHO COMES TO VISIT. STOP ASKING THE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO DO THE JOB OF YOUR POLICE OFFICERS WHO DOES NOTHING FOR THE SALARIES PAID TO THEM. I SAY TO YOU THAT UNTIL A MASSIVE LAWSUIT IS FILED TOWARDS YOUR GOVT AND YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT AND YOUR PORT IS COMPLETELY EMPTY OF TOURISTS BOATS ONLY THEN WILL YOU START DOING THE RIGHT THINGS TO PROTECT TOURISTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

  7. Outsider
    February 16, 2012

    I think Petter would have served better to comment on the incident involving Mr. Fari Winston of the DGS who was viciously attacked by that student yesterday!

    I am of the firm belief that the issue of lawlessness at the DGS and the increased criminal activities and violence at our secondary schools hinges on our U.S.E (Universal Secondary Education). Our policy makers should understand that alot of these students are not academically inclined and thus operate at a frustration level at these schools since they tend to be “misfits” in our present school system. These schools are not equiped to serve the best interest of these kids and so they will react and lash out at anyone or anything that crosses their path, yesterday’s incident is a clear example.

    It looks worse at the DGS and it is for a number of reasons. If I should say, this school being the largest secondary school on island is home to more of those frustrated youngsters than any other (per capita). Additionally when we look at the school’s catchment area when compared to that of the ITSS for example, one can understand why this situation there is so serious. There are a group of persons who are marliciously seeking to lay some blame on the school’s administration and this is really unfair and simply a “smoke screen” when the real culprit is a FAILED U. S. E Programme that must be revisited if we are to see any improvement in the decadence at those institutions of learning! Our schools have become a battle field because our policy makers have done away with JSP and in so doing have effectively abandoned the students who are more technically savvy…….

  8. Justice and Truth
    February 15, 2012

    Minister St. Jean, this is not the first time that tourists are attacked and some violently and their personal effects as also funds stolen. What further steps is the government taking and also the hotel owners to protect the tourists and for the benefit of the economy?

  9. IKR
    February 15, 2012

    He needs to come out now and condemn the attack on the Secondary School Teacher. What happen, charity doesn’t begin at home anymore?

  10. Free Thinker
    February 15, 2012

    Mr St.Jean needs to clean up his yard first – the Ministry of Education. I have heard no comment from him about the incident at DGS.

    These events are indicators of a lawless society. This has started from the top. Something MUST be done SOONER rather than later, or else…..

  11. JUSTICE
    February 15, 2012

    Aren’t you the minister of EDUCATION. The break down is starting in the school. Let the Tourism Minister do his job and you get up and do yours. Maybe you could switch if you all don’t like the ministry given to you. Neither seem to be qualified.

  12. what is going on?
    February 15, 2012

    I don’t quite understand what is going on. Why haven’t we heard anything from the ministry of education regarding the attack on an employee during school hours, on campus even. Why is this teacher even back on the job with a lacerated head?? What’s the problem here- and to even indicate that he has no money for a CT scan??? Isn’t that an emergency- that the ministry should take care of STAT. No one from the ministry has the decency to speak out against this? and where is the police? shouldn’t this person AKA student be arrested for this attack? Just don’t understand

  13. time for truth
    February 15, 2012

    While I agree with Mr. St. Jean that we need to condemn the actions that will negatively impact our development, I am however very concerned about the motive and timing of this speech from St. Jean.
    Between last year and this year we have seen an increase in crime against both locals and visitors; infact this week two German’s were robbed in Salsbury, but we heard nothing from Mr. St. Jean. Why is he so vocal now? Is it because it’s a French national like himself?
    The fact that this had nothing to do with the ministry of education, and it did not happen in the La plaine constituency where St. Jean is palrep, I must conclude that the only reason St. Jean is talking now is because it happened to a french national like himself. Is this proof that the man is more concerned about his fellow frech citizens than he is about Dominicans and how we are affected? Just asking.
    I guess he and the other french national (I don’t remember his name)in cabinet will meet later if they have not met as yet to take measures that will ensure that their french interest is safe.

    ADMIN: Let us give the minister his due. He was caught on the street by our reporter and was asked about the situation. It was impromptu and not planned. The minister never came out and give a statement on his own on this matter.

  14. ineedfree
    February 15, 2012

    St. Jean go to the grammar school and fix your problem

  15. GOM
    February 15, 2012

    Mr St Jean what do you think of the attack on the Seconsary School Teacher sir? I thought as the minister of education, you would have spoken out on our own first. Just to mention tackling crime requires a plan of action sir, and up to this moment you all are only paying lip service to this malaise blighting our society.

    • Concerned
      February 15, 2012

      “Our own first?”..these are two human beings. If you are asking the minister to speak out then by all means do so but don’t suggest a supposed importance of one case over the other. Let’s deounce violence, plain and simple.

  16. %
    February 15, 2012

    Well when locals attack locals and they go free, what do you expect? Did Mr St Jean comment on the attack on the DGS teacher?

  17. as it is
    February 15, 2012

    All crimes are crimes. Murder, firebombing of innocent Dominican citizens, armed robberies, acquisition of wealth through dubious means, money-laundering, rape and the list goes on. DNO knows what happened to Mano, his wife and the Police Officer. What is the status of those investigations? Do not mention those heinous crimes too?

    Who have been expressing utter disgust and outrage especially in the case of Mano, his wife and the Police Officer? The ordinary patriotic citizens. Who have been relatively silent? DNO and Dominicans also know.

    Concerns and condemnation must be consistent by all, because all lives are precious. Do you agree DNO and Dominicans that enough is being done by authorities to curb criminal activities on island? All crime is crime and all criminal acts are wrong, wrong, wrong.

    • Love DA
      February 15, 2012

      Sometimes i wonder why they give you guys computer…..If tourist don’t come to dominica let me see how we will make it? Our people are so ignorant it’s a shame….

      • Anonymous
        February 16, 2012

        @Love DA
        The contents of the comment is a thorn in your side. See how much ignorance you are showing. In fact, you have gone further from being ignorant to being an imbecile. The comments are asking that we condemn all crimes, those committed against dominicans as well as tourists.

    • ,,,,,,,,,,
      February 16, 2012

      Well Said.

      • What a shame
        February 16, 2012

        Tell me what firebombing or acquisition of wealth have to do with a tourist being assulted. Keep biting the hands that feed you…

    • What a shame
      February 16, 2012

      Love Da is correct we all know where you going with your post.

      • overstand
        February 17, 2012

        Sorry, if you do not understand or see the linkages in those matters. You see only one element in a picture instead of all the elements in that big picture. It is not my fault if you fail to see further than the tip of your nose.

  18. Glenny
    February 15, 2012

    CUT THE TOO MUCH HOLIDAYS?
    CUT THE MANY FESTIVITIES?

    DOMINICA WORK!! WORK!! WORK!!

    THERE’S NO MONEY BECAUSE PEOPLE HAVEN’T GOTTEN TIME TO WORK………WHAT DO WE THINK WILL HAPPEN? ROBBERY AND BARBARIC ACTS. ITS A SHAME……….AND THE POLICE, THE LABOUR MINISTRY AND OTHERS CONCERN MUST DO SOMETHING TO GET PEOPLE WORK MORE THAN PARTY MORE..

  19. la verite.
    February 15, 2012

    SHOOT DEM BASTARDS!HANG DEM HIGH!BRING DEM TO LIVE UNDER DIABLOTIN.MWEN COLLER.MWEN FACHER.AND WHAT HELL MINIMIZE NEWS.AND ONCE AGAIN THERE IS ALWAYS A LAWYER TO COME AND FIND SOME KIND OF STUPID EXCUSE FOR THEIR BEHAVIOUR

  20. crocodile tears
    February 15, 2012

    If only we all had respect for each and every human being, irrespective whether is a foreigner or Dominican, life would be much better. What hypocrisy !!!! I have heard nothing, absolutely nothing, no denounciation of the heinous crime of the firebombing of Emmanuel, his wife or the Police Officer by a certain group of people in High Office, in authority.

    In fact, the investigations into that abominable crime seem stalled. A whole Year has passed, no solutionn in sight. Confessions by someone who claim to have committed that crime have been rejected as incredible. Someone overseas, who was once of interest to the Police, is no longer of interest and may never return to assist Police as was claimed on a radio programme.

    On the same radio programme defence of, protection of whom or what by Top officials, could easily be identified. No condemning by them of the firebombing of two innocent Dominican elders. The Policeman investigating money-laundering was also firebombed. Did you all hear the type of disgust and condemnation from those now seeming to be so concerned? All crime is crime and must be condemned.

    In addition, It should never look like some people’s lives are more important than others. But what plans or mechanisms are being put in place to combat, or solve those horrible criminal acts increasing day by day. Who cares? Ask Tiyani Behanzin who tried his best by reaching out to communities, meeting culprits face to face to curb that problem.

  21. SEMA
    February 15, 2012

    Here’s in the Minister for Education giving out statement on tourist attacks i wonder why didnt he respond to the teacher who was attacked at the Grammar School

    • Glenny
      February 15, 2012

      Without such comments, Dominica will close. HOW CAN A COUNTRY THAT DOESN’T SWEAT BECAUSE OF HARD-WORK, BUT SWEAT ALWAYS BECAUSE OF PARTYING AND NUMEROUS HOLIDAYS SURVIVE THE STORMS.

      THE MANY HOLIDAYS AND PARTYING ALWAYS MUST BE PUT TO STOP. A LAZY PEOPLE NEVER PROSPER THROUGH BETTER MEANS.

  22. Tour Operator
    February 15, 2012

    Messages like this can be the end of tourism in Dominica.

    What shall we tell our clients, which we send to Dominica? and we have many of them !

    I myself love Dominica very much, and I think most of the locals are the most friendly people in the Caribbean. But things are changing in Dominica. And if the island isn’t sure, we can’t recommend a stay !

    I am very, very sad, to hear so bad news from Dominica. These attacks are a disaster for the people (locals as well as tourists) and also for the tourism and the whole island !!!

    It’s absolutly necessary to do something !!

    What about the killers who murdered Joe Castello and attacked Rick and Alisha from Pague Guesthouse??? Did they they find them ????

    The Internet and Facebook don’t forget anything.
    Such bad news are there cemented for years !!!

  23. Biggy
    February 15, 2012

    Is the Cat-o-nine still around please bring it out from retirement some people need to learn a lesson there are some countrys where a tourist cannot be harassed or else why should you hurt somebody who will sell your country beauty to the rest of the world come on police officers dont joke to throw some kicks and coff real Dominican style

  24. OH MY G!!!!!!
    February 15, 2012

    i am a concerned calibishie business man and i am very disappointed in the way the government and the police department treat this type of heinous crimes against our foreigners. all you do is follow protocol from your offices. jumping full steam ahead to make a quick statements and then you move on to do your administrative duties because you are not the one affected.calibishie is the tourist destination of dominica, you both are cognizant of that yet you do nothing to develop that destination much less to safeguard our enthusiastic foreigners. shame on both of you!!!WORTHLESS REACTORS AND WORTHLESS ACTORS THAT IS WHAT YOU ALL ARE IN MY BOOKS UNTIL I SEE BETTER.

  25. Kenneth
    February 15, 2012

    As a former Criminal Investigator , Federal Agent and Present Law Enforcement Officer of the United States there are ways in which to prevent many crimial actions from happening.
    1. More and better trained officers not only walking during the day but at night
    2. Having Law Enforcement out there talking to the public about security awareness and that the Police are there to help
    3. Having the Detective trained better on Inbvestigative Techniques.
    4. Stiffer Penalties for the violent offenders and not having them be released because of a technicality
    5. Better response time by law enforcement when a crime had occured and not prolonging the inevitable

  26. tiny
    February 15, 2012

    a 16 year old was raped….is that all you can say….all you care about is money from tourism….do you have a daughter….how helpless can a father feel ..knowing that his daughter was raped in his presence…..you can’t at least say something to this family?

    • tiny
      February 15, 2012

      i will post it again dno…what is wrong with my comment

    • Glenny
      February 15, 2012

      Tiny, I think I will stand by DNO; you see the kind of disrespectful attitudes that breeds in some youth will let people forget about correction. Fine, a 16yrs old was raped, but think-twice that cannot be compared to the nations premium source of money. Such brutality must be 600% be condemned, and I think you must see the truth and not make such unnecessary excuses because a 16yr old has been raped too. Its a big shame to the country and protect Dominica’s image and not contribute to its ruin.

    • ???????????
      February 15, 2012

      Tiny what is your problem. What are you talking about? The news item is about a tourist robbed and raped and you talking about a 16 year Old raped! Probably DNO needs to have you on staff so you can report on news item. i don’t get it, what are you talking about. DNO think seriously of giving Tiny a column. Tiny’s comments many times baffles me. Tiny you need to get some form on counselling and it is sbvious you had a bad childhood or you are carrying some heavy load which you need to release. Kanvee Adams sings that the Lord will carry her load.. you need to let the Lord carry yours. Tiny I love and sympaphise with you.

      • tiny
        February 15, 2012

        awwwwwwwwwwwwww i love you too………muah

  27. En Ba La
    February 15, 2012

    I am beginning to have some kind of suspicion about this tourist attacks even the number of people in Dominica who went missing. Are we wanting to make this country a place with travel restrictions to welcome criminals?

    DNO any information the Dominican who was found dead after mising for two or three weeks and it looked like he was dead for two – three days when the police found him.

  28. Flying Tiger
    February 15, 2012

    Something must be seriously wrong with this government ministers. It is this type of myopic vision (if you can even call it vision), that has us where we are today.

    Mr. Prime Minister, this focus on the attacks on tourists should be a short term measure. What you need to attack is CRIME and the factors that contribute to it and the punishment of the perpetrators of ALL criminal activity. It is because of the laxity of your approach toward crime that affects local, that is now spiraling into crime against tourists. Had you guys adressed the issues when locals were the victims, we would not be where we are today.

    All I keep hearing is “tourist attacked”, as if, had they not been the victims, you would not have paid any attention to the problem.

    You have to address the issues surrounding ALL CRIME and the crimes against tourists will be dealt with by default. You guys are too short-sighted.

  29. February 15, 2012

    YOU MUST HAVE ASKED WHY DID THIS HAPPEN TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS,DID YOU FIND ANY VALUABLE OR GOOD REASON FOR THIS.I AM SURE THAT EVERY ONE IN THE WORLD WANTS TO WALK FREELY WITHOUT BEING ATTACKED,KILLED AND BE RAPED BY WHO EVER IT MAY BE.
    SOME PEOPLE THINK THAT WHEN I SAY THAT GOV’T SHOULD TAKE DRASTIC MEASURE TO FIND AND PUNISH THE CRIMINAL THAT I AM BLAMING THE GOV’T.NO I AM NOT.I SAY SO BECAUSE I KNOW VERY WELL THAT THE MAJORITY OF TIMES WHEN PEOPLE DO JUSTICE THEMSELVES ,GOV’T TURN BACK TO YOU AND SAY ,YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE JUSTICE YOURSELF THERE IS A LAW TO SUIT EVERY ONE ACCORDING TO HIS ACTIONS.THEN WHAT HAPPENS YOU ARE BEING PUNISHED FOR TAKING ACTION AGAINST A USELESS CRIMINAL;THEN YOU TURN BACK AND SAY THERE IS NO JUSTICE.
    THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN WHO WAS RAPED,MURDERERS WALK OUT FREELY,BURGLARIES ON THE RISE,A CHILD WAS RAPED AT POINT MITCHEL,TOURISTS ATTACKS .
    WHEN IS THE PRIME MINISTER WHO IS THE FIRST POLICE OR THE MOST RESPONSIBLE PERSON IN DOMINICA TAKE HARD MEASURES AGAINST THESE KIND OF CRIMINAL ACTS…STOP RUNNING AFTER BOYS WHO PLANTS MARIJUANA.RAPE, MURDER AND THEFT SHOULD BE TACKLED BEFORE OUR KIDS GO DOWN TO THE GUTTERS .DOMINICA IS SMALL ENOUGH SO IF GOV’T WANTS TO TACKLE CRIME THEY CAN UP TO 95% BECAUSE A POLICE CANNOT BE PLACE BEHIND EVERY BODY’S BACK SIDE . NOW IS THE TIME NOT TOMORROW BECAUSE TOMORROW MIGHT BE TO LATE.

  30. wadada
    February 15, 2012

    This is really sickening now. Now is the time for the authorities that be, to implement much stiffer penalties to deal those inovlved. It’s only for drugs that persons are being penalized so severely? Come on our law enforcement, enact stiff laws to deal with such persons or else we will keep going down a steep gutter.

  31. JUSTICE
    February 15, 2012

    I don’t know whats becoming of Dominica. But my fellow Dominicans be safe this carnival. Don’t go places alone ESPECIALLY THE FEMALES. Be on your look out…cuz the same way people say we Dominicans are one of the sweetest and kindest people on earth, beleive it or not it have some bad apples amoung us.

  32. Unknown...
    February 15, 2012

    Its Really SAD when these things occur n we DOMINICANS fail to help by simply asking(Y)or mayb could hv realise the situation. An incident like this has happen’d-its everybody’s business!! (Tourist)*but Yet We in totall Silence!!!
    ****To the People (young/old) Nonsense!! I would really n truely like to know wt is it tht u all are gaining out off this??? Robing & even raping the lil girl…come-on!!!****

  33. zzzzz
    February 15, 2012

    surely the similar attack a few days before at the same beach was a warning. why didn’t authorities act then???

  34. Rule
    February 15, 2012

    While it’s admirable that he came out and denounced this criminal act, I hope he adopts the same attitude when if it happens to any other citizen besides FRENCH.

  35. In His HANDS
    February 15, 2012

    U KNOW, THE MOST ANNOYING THING IS WHY DO THESE PEOPLE JUST TALK AND NOT DO ANYTHING? LET THESE POLICE OFFICERS JUST SIT IN THEIR STATIONS, NOT ANSWER PHONECALLS,NO GUNS ,PLAYING CARDS AND COLLECT WELFARE CHECKS

  36. tiny
    February 15, 2012

    a 16 year old was raped….is that all you can say….all you care about is money from tourism….do you have a daughter….how helpless can a father feel ..knowing that his daughter was raped in his presence…..you can’t at least say something to this family?

    • Justice and Truth
      February 15, 2012

      @ tiny

      He should say something to the family and condemn the rape. How did this rape occur and what caused it? In other words, whose fault was it?
      However, consider what happened to the tourist, a non-national. When others overseas hear of it they may bypass Dominica for their visits. Dominica will lose. You will lose too. I hope next Christmas you will not say that things are bad.

  37. Anonymous
    February 15, 2012

    we make coments when these things happen but we seldom ask why.

    • Tell Us
      February 15, 2012

      So can you tell us why?

    • Unknown...
      February 15, 2012

      Is Trueeeeeeeeeeeeeee……

    • van
      February 15, 2012

      What has Why got to do with the fact someone, a visitor to or shores, was raped and robbed? Would knowing why justify the actions?

    • JUSTICE
      February 15, 2012

      We don’t ask why it happen? What could possibly be the reason why people do harm to TOTAL STRANGERS? stups…

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