President of the Combined Taxi Cooperative, Kelly Williams has described the attack on Pagua Guest House, which left one person dead and two injured, as “sickening” to him, both as a Dominican and as someone working in the tourism sector.
Williams, who appeared alongside PRO of the Cooperative, Jenner Guiste on Kairi’s “The Heng”, this morning is concerned that the attacks on the tourists maybe a trend that will entrench itself in the minds of would-be visitors to the island.
“As someone who works in tourism, we feel it a little bit more, and not only that but it’s the whole idea of something like this happening in the country and it’s coming on the heels of another incident that happened at Hampstead not too long ago,” Williams said.
He added, “It is sickening for all of us, because we spend a lot of hours in the boardroom trying to work out ways to bring people here to build the plan. Last year tourism brought in $244-million into Dominica, in spite of how hard it is, and it is a service industry, it’s fragile and when those things happen, knowing the work you have put in, the money you have spent, when someone just comes and do something like this that can just undermine everything you do.”
Guiste joined his partner in denouncing the act and called for swift redress from the police and effective backup with stern punishment from the judiciary, in dealing with this matter.
“I think that the law, the judiciary needs to send home a harsher message to the perpetrators. You cannot do something like that and you are on bail or in five years you are out there attacking again. If I were a police officer, I would feel very discouraged to know that you have worked so hard, caught someone and then they are getting a little slap on the wrist,” He stated.
The Combined Taxi Cooperative has been in operation for the last five years.
Joe Costello, manager of Silks Hotel in Hatton Garden was killed in the alleged robbery attempt. Rick and Alicia Davison, the owners of Pagua Bar and Grill and Pagua Guest House, were also injured during the attack and are now receiving treatment at the Princess Margaret Hospital
So that’s all the taxi cooperative is concerned about,how much tourist dollars they cqan make.What about the humanity,spirituality and Godliness?So inhumane for a few dollars,i am not surprised with someone like Jenner who was fully involved in the campaigne to bring back this criminal enterprise to govern Dominica,was he blind and could not see that this government is not good for the country and now all he is concerned about is the tourist dollar.
Alicia – I have just seen your comment, and although I have also sent you a personal message, I want to say that nobody who knows you would actually think for one second that that there was any other motive than a robbery motivated by envy and greed and accompanied by violence. We only have to look at the weekly paper to see just how many people on this island are capable of killing or harming their fellow men. And how many get away with it.
Having said that, I really truly feel that ruthless men like this are a very, very small minority, and the problem is that they are not being apprehended earlier in their criminal activities.
I cannot begin to imagine the terrible ordeal you have been through, and I hope that Rick gets the surgery he needs to make a full recovery.
I agree with you that the best possible outcome now would be for something positive to result from this tragedy, that would improve the safety on this island of all her residents – whether Dominican or not.
I am sending you my love and best wishes, and really hope to see you both again sometime soon. Take care and be strengthened by the love and prayers of the whole island.
Whether or not the police can do anything, it’s clear that everyone in Dominica is threatened by this kind of violence, and the island’s economy is threatened if the island appears unsafe. Stupid little human animals killing people to steal cell phones? If it takes vigilantes, so be it. We all have the responsibility to keep this island safe, and to strike down those who threaten us.
what hurts me most is that these money hungry lawyers will run to the defence of these thugs to be enriched by their blood money….BUT lucky dube said it well
“People are dying like flies every day
You read about it in the news
But you don’t believe it
You’ll only know about it
When the man in the long black coat
Knocks on your door
‘Cause you’re his next victim”
And soon they will come knocking greedy lawyers!!
Well, the story goes that the Gates of Heaven were knocked down. St. Peter blamed Satan for it. Satan denied it. St. Peter said, very well, I am going to find a lawyer. Satan replied, tell me St. Peter where in Heaven will you find a lawyer.
This says much. They defend criminals, plead on their behalf, are paid exorbitant sums of money at taxpayers’ expense and because of their effective defense, some of them are bailed out and acquitted only to return to society and continue their crimes, some even worst atrocities.
This occurs in every country. Laws are lax. With due respect to the lawyers who are human beings, I have to be fair and state as the words of a calypso, “Lawyers Are Liars.”
The day will come when each one will have to answer to God. Nothing is hidden from him and He cannot be deceived. How many lawyers are in Heaven and how many will go to Heaven?
This is one career I do not want, it is a criminal lawyer career where I would have to defend criminals knowing that they may very well have committed the crimes/murders. It is blood money alright. My soul would be at stake.
Dominica name spoil already.. I hope these guys are hung or receive a death sentence. Guys just crazy now. When I came to Dominica last carnival I was so on edge and to hear this just justifies my anxiety. I WILL NOT BE RETURNING ANY TIME SOON.
people google the “hit list st lucia police”
st lucia tourism image was getting blurry until the police wrote up the list and allegedly took no prisoners….now the place is quiet once more….
Here is a link yout
http://caricomnewsnetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2527:st-lucia-police-deny-death-squad-and-hit-list&catid=54:latest-news&Itemid=410
I like that idea. The police will love it. Finally getting to do some real policing.
there was a burglar trying to break open a house necx door belong to a friend that was overseas at the moment it was three A.M.the niegbor got on the phone and call the police for the village of pte mitchel there was 2 polce assinged to the village at the time one polce answered, and said he could not respond becouse he was the only police at the station , the citezen askrd well where is the other police man he told him he could not devulged that information, so the place was robbed my assertion is the other police was doing a buddy call, so he had to cover for his partner, untill the people of dominica demand service for there tax money this will contineu.
The person should sue the Police Department authorities.
Stop blamming the police department they are doing the best with what they have and that is an avalance of limited resources, we need more train investigator in the criminal department in D.A. we have dominican learning there dirty trics over seas and comeing home to committe horable deeds the chief of police stated that he would persue them and lock them up lrts if he is true to his words.
I say hang them high, at noon time at the old market.
The prime Minister is from my village and i want to see him do good but this have to stop. The judge from portsmouth have to get back to the bench. Put your differences aside for the sake of our country. We cannot have people killing people in Dominica and we grant them bail to be back in the same village with the people that is going to serve as withnesses against them. No one should loose his or her life in such a manner. The criminals don’t care about us so why should we have pitty on them.
bring back tiyani mr pm we labourites are cryin if u dont bring him back i will never give labour my vote again tiyani all the way when will the pm ever listen to a nation that is callin on him to do something for us 99 percent of dominicans want the death penalty are u scared of the europeans or amnesty international or the catholic church which the bible describe as the whore of revelation 17 to hell with them they doesnt do us any good
I honestly hope that there’s some other hidden answer to this tragedy. I just can’t see Dominicans doing such a henious act.
it’s that kind of naive thinking that allows these things to keep happening. How many people in dominica have criminals as family members and are living in denial that their children, cousins, uncles, brothers etc are the ones committing crimes. Some just look the other way or some even glorify it. We need to take a stand against this crap. Every human being is capable of absolute cruelty that has been proven. There are those of us who struggle and manage with that inner demon however there are those with no care for others who just let it run wild. I say get rid of them
NOW MR KELLEY PROTEST ABOUT IT SHUT THE COUNTRY DOWN BRING DOMINICA T ITS KNEES MAKE THE AUTHORIES SEE THAT YOU MEAN BUSINESS, THE CARDS ARE IN YOUR HANDS
well said Mr. williams,
i am with you 150+ %.
this one really touched my heart. and i am not directly involved in tourism.
Mr Guiste and Mr Williams your concerns, anger, empathy etc. are truly felt and well placed and is deeply appreciated.
There is a bigger picture here, the Judiciary can only do much with what they are given, maybe is time the laws on the books be revisited and Armended to appropriately fit today’s crime and criminal. Now is the perfect opportunity to call and demand change. There have been talk and more talk about what is going on on in the Judicial System and nothing has changed.
I was in Dominica last year and mostly everyone you spoke to was up in arms about this very problem, what has come to fruition? Nothing!! Why is that?
I spoke with a colleague in Dominica who told me “attorneys that attended the same law school as they did were calling and asking what is the problem, referring to that scandalous situation over that magistrate.
Press conference was called, where is the Press Conference now? Where are those persons to come now and say We the so and so in no uncertain terms categorically condem this act of violence against other human beings,and with the Police we will dispense justice rightly and swiftly with no fear or favor. Where are they? They are sitting to represent the accused.
So what you do now Sirs you make it formal and official you write to the Minister responsible for National Security, your Prime Minister, you copy that letter to your Attorney General, to the Commissioner of Police, Senior Council Astaphan, other Cabinet Members, Public Prosecutor,the Judiciary and all that a in a position to implement change and then the contents of that letter must be read to the Dominican people in print and via the airwaves.
Alicia and Rick were ambassadors for you, pushing for others to follow them, you have to do
something to make would be investors feel and know you care and are serious about fighting this
scourge on society.
In other post comments were made about our cities being more dangerous than Dominica,
accepted that is true, but people made a choice to
come to Dominica, because you advertise a climate that is different, people want to preserve and build on what you have already laid down. They did not want no mass produced tourism and they chose you, when others discouraged and put you down they stood up for you, said come you’ll fall in love with her too.Defended you, they would walk at any hour, your hospitality is without compare, your people warmhearted and happy.
So be deligent and steadfast about bringing justice and let it sound from North to South, East to West not Dominica you don’t have to be like everywhere else, you were chosen because that you are DIFFERENT. Keep it like this for your Children and Grandchildren. Thank you much.
very well said!!
OF COURSE it will! Not to mention the fact that the police have seemingly done NOTHING about it will only make the island look worse, as it’ll seem as if the people just don’t CARE what’s going on, are incompetent about it, or simply know who the people are but are defending them.
Dominica is dependent on Ross University plus tourism! It will not take very much to scare the tourists away if foreigners are targets for these thugs!! With the power of the internet bad publicity can spread world wide in a second! Countries start to take notice and advise their citizens not to come! The police have to act fast and catch these criminals. The Justice system has to punish them properly and not give bail. I have never heard of another country in the world giving murderers bail but they do here!! A great deal needs to be changed before it is far too late. My heart goes out to the family and friend of Joe and I hope and pray that Rick and Alicia get better and stay here in Dominica! It is a disgrace for Dominica.
It is time now for the tourism stakeholders here to actually tell the truth and not hide it.
I know that there was a rape of a tourist at an establishment over there that was hushed up and that many have been robbed, mugged whatever you call it.
I know that many will think that if we tell the truth it will hurt Dominica and is a bad idea … NO … what is a BAD idea is not telling, keeping secrets. Letting these monsters roam our streets because we don’t want to hurt real estate.
The police in Calibishie have been told many times … one old lady from the USA told the policeman there that she was robbed and he said …”if you buy me a car I will come … I don’t have one” … the truth.
Enough now. We can either be the great place we all want to live or all try to sell our businesses and homes amid a market of panic and fear and low prices. No … I am staying … no drug addled lazy ass youth is going to make me leave this beautiful island.
It is now off season here … we can make this place better by telling the truth and it will be all done by the time that the tourist start to book in October … we have no cruise ship, no one to lose … It is a good time for a clear out.
I was told by a high member of DLP that if we tell the truth about the police … they will be removed and replaced. I actually believe them I do … but only right now whilst they are looking at this message board DNO can change the way things are going (down)… let us do it now.
Anonymous is OK, everyone understands that nobody wants to bring down their own business. But TELL your story.
For example … a lady tourist was in the shower in Calibishie and some guys came by the house … they had a green jeep (open top) everyone knows the one. they tried to break in … they tried all the doors and windows … the lady called the police and … “yeah yeah lady” was the reply … nothing came of it.
This is the ONE time that the government and the police chiefs are looking … no time like this … they are all staring at these comments and discussing it.
If we fail to do this … we are all guilty of the way the country will go.
This incident sounds very fishy. For three capable men armed with cutlasses not to kill Rick and Alicia they had to TRY not to do so.
Therefore, it looks like the gentleman killed was the target. Who are his enemies here and who are his enemies in the last places he was. What did he do and what was he involved with. Who does he owe and how much. who has he scammed out of their money.
Who is involved with him in his ventures. Who really owns Silks. Why was he here anyway. Let us get the cops to put their ears on the ground, not only here, but a couple of islands up the road.
This is not Dominican.
What do you mean why was her here. Foolish questions
Let me tell you, they did try to kill us; by the grace of God we made it. My husband is currently awaiting a flight off island for brain surgery for a fractured scull & cheekbone. It is a surprise to us as well that something like this can happen in such a beautiful country with amazing people, the truth is it can happen anywhere. The outcry of support we’ve had has brought us to tears from Dominicans; I hope a positive outcome can come from this tragedy and that’s not sitting idle and blaming other people or countries. Despite what you think Joe owed or whatever, that’s not the point, his death was tragic and unnecessary.
Let’s start focusing on preventive action not reactive.
Alicia Davison
hold strong Alicia…..god knows…..
Alicia you have brought tears to my eyes with your statement. I don’t know you but my brother and other family who has visited your restaurant speaks highly of it . They compare it to Milestones bar and Grill in Toronto, I do hope that this does not change your mind about staying in Dominica.The people who know yo guys said there is not a rascist bone in in you all.you all are friendly to everyone. You and your husband has been a great asset to the community. I wish your husband a speedy recovery. one love , one community
Alicia, I can’t begin to imagine what you are going through. Brings tears to my eyes.
This happens and even now you still have love for this island.
You are one awesome woman. Hold strong. I hope Rick will have a full recovery.
The only thing that smelling fishy right now is your stinky self! Regardless of the motive, these types of crimes should NOT be taking place on our island. Not against locals, not agains foreign investors and not against tourist!! To come here and try to impute these sorts of motive is down right shameful. Cha!!
ur an uneducated fool….are u coverin up something……no sympathy wat a prick
@ negre bord la mer
Cease being negative. The owners will provide the Police with their side of the story of what exactly occurred.
I hope those guys are truly caught. The owners will have to receive police protection.
I am wondering if there is security and an alarm system at the hotel. The time has come to protect lives and property. It appears that a metal detector turnstile will have to be placed in all hotels; also banks and other financial institutions, hoping that it will be a deterrent to crimes.
As in big stores in progressive countries, there are hidden cameras which are manned. If someone steals they could be caught; likewise if those thugs enter to steal. Security will not hesitate to clear the store and close the doors. The police will be called and a barricade set up to catch them. I hope I never find myself caught between police and criminals. Gun shots may be flying and hit someone.
My life is precious and so is the life of others. We also need to shop in safety.
It is for this reason I have no compassion for criminals. I wished that they could be eradicated from the face of the earth.
A lot of things happen when we least expect. Those criminals are becoming greedy, desperate, more daring and aggressive, wanting what does not belong to them and what they did not work for. They do need the blessing, grace and peace of God. Prayers are needed for them.
how long will government recognized that the way forward is the death penalty how long will we have to wait again if it was a minister of government that had been shot dead what would be the reaction well maybe the death penalty would be the subject or maybe it would be in effect instantly please cabinet discuss this among colleagues we need it now or da will keep sliding down the drain
hurry up police ,find these guys, last week nothing was done about the kidnaping of the german tourist ,no denouncement of this action so the criminals feel like its ok to atack tourist
FRom what I have heard they have 3 guys held for the murder, it is really sickening, I call for vigilante justice, this is putting my village (wesley) in negative spotlight again, one bad apple just spoiling all the fruits. This is shameful, Why did you guys have to kill this poor man? Dominicans everywhere are in shock ,shame and outrage.
ri9p off their toe an finger nails give them electric shocking pour burning pepper in theireyes give some water boarding then stone them to death after they have died burn their bodies