While the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal seeks to provide tourists an experience filled with fun activities and joyous memories when they visit Dominica the Nature Island, on Wednesday November 09, 2016 ten (10) passengers from the MV Azura of P&O Cruise Lines were involved in an unfortunate vehicular accident in the Antrim Valley. The Government and people of Dominica are grief-stricken over the tragedy.
Our thoughts and especially our prayers continue to be with every individual including the taxi driver and tour guide, their families and loved ones who were affected in one way or another by the accident. We wish, as a people to express our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of the British visitor who lost her life as a result.
We understand fully the gravity of the situation at hand as well as the number of stakeholders affected by the incident. We are mindful of the sensitivity of such an accident, and will take every precaution in an effort to protect the dignity and privacy of all those affected.
The Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal is grateful to the first responders and other personnel, including staff of the Princess Margaret Hospital who have worked beyond the call of duty to ensure that care is provided to those affected. The focus continues to be on the full recovery for all involved in this accident.
Immediately following the accident, the Government of Dominica, through the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal deployed every relevant agency of the State and has partnered with all necessary private sector entities to ensure that the best possible care is extended to every person affected by this incident.
The British High Commission played a major role in facilitating links to Great Britain. The Acting Prime Minister Honourable Ian Douglas, along with Honorable Justina Charles, Honorable Kenneth Darroux, and officials from the Ministries for Tourism and Health have visited and interacted with those involved in the accident. Officials from the Ministry for Tourism, ships representatives and ships agent continue to visit the injured daily, providing them with updates.
The taxi driver sustained severe injuries and is currently in the ICU, in a critical but stable condition. The tour guide and the driver of the other vehicle are both stable, and have been discharged.
Over the last 24 hours since the incident, a coroner’s inquest has been completed. The immediate family members have been informed. Another victim of this accident had surgery on Thursday evening (November 10) and was airlifted this afternoon.
In addition, 3 British citizens have been admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital with various injuries. The other British citizens have since returned on board the cruise ship. The management of P&O Cruises has been an exceptional partner with the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal during this incident. The cruise line has assigned a care team to remain in Dominica over the next few days to assist as necessary.
Our thoughts and especially our prayers continue to be with every individual, their families and loved ones who were each affected by this accident.
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You parder Ismael and the likes of you, please humble yourselves and say something nice for once. This is a rather unfortunate accident and there are families hurting and the only thing you can say is attack the Minister of tourism? God does not like the proud and is not one who likes strife. Take note and humble yourself. Let go of politics and ask for wisdom and love one another.
Thank you Mr Tonge for the update. I also say thanks for the hard work, commitment and dedication that I am sure came from you and every single person – doctors, nurses firemen, police officers, government officials, cruise officials – who are involved in the care and comfort of the victims of this accident. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased. It is very difficult to cope with the sudden death of a loved one and as someone who has gone through it several times, I feel your pain and pray for your healing.
Dominicans, there is a time and place for everything and it is not always the time for criticism. Sometimes we simply need to recognize the good in what is happening and address the criticism some other time. My heartfelt thanks, Mr Tonge.
The Truth Be Told
November 15, 2016
Some of them cannot comment on anything good. They are not gifted to do so. It is always criticisms and debasement. It is a trait of them. If they do not support a Party, a Minister, this is how they carry-on. A sensible person will observe that they are biased and not credible. Call them Christians, eh? They will have much to answer to God for.
Independent Observer
November 14, 2016
The NHS (health care) system in the UK is presently in shambles. Read the UK newspaper articles for the last year and a half regarding A & E wait times etc. While I sympathise and empathise with all involved people need to stop trying to portray DA as the worst in the world. We are a developing country and from my experience in living in DEVELOPED countries, similar problems exist. We have smaller resources, expertise with massive trauma situations so there are expectations of differences in patient experiences.
ThinkThinkThink
November 14, 2016
When people criticise the NHS for its failings, do you respond or believe that the best thing to do is “keep quiet” because worse exists elsewhere?
It doesn’t matter what country you are in, if better can be done, it should be demanded. Asking the tourism minister for a speedier response, should NOT be viewed as “portraying Dominica as the worst in the world.” You should understand that the most successful organizations, institutions, etc. PAY people to “criticize” them in order to determine where they have fallen short and make improvements as needed. We need to stop taking things PERSONAL and recognize the importance CRITIQUE plays in improving PROFESSIONAL services!
The Truth Be Told
November 15, 2016
They even exist in bigger countries as the US and Canada. For big countries, we would not expect that. Worst yet in the US.
Shameless
November 13, 2016
Go away Robbie go! You represent the face of incompetence in this failed regime so please just go way. ASP Weeks need to give you all a crash course in public relations.
This person commented on a News Report, as per the Tourist Bus accident, which happened in Dominica—I had to share it so the world will see what most people are saying about Dominica.
Also we can see from that person, not everyone simply dwells on the negative and to live with it. See that the person, although he or she was reading about a fatal accident, that does not change his or her mind from desiring to return to Dominica, even recommended it to others. I think this is nice.
Read it below:
Sanjokiik, London, United Kingdom
My partner and I went to Dominica last year, around this time, with the P&Q. The Ship was the New Britannia; we had a fantastic time. Dominica was my favourite Island and the people there, are the nicest people you will ever come across. Nothing is too much for them, always trying to please you.
I will be returning to that beautiful Island; and if anyone needs a choice, I advise you to visit that beautiful place.
Dominican
November 13, 2016
We are not talking about people that had a great experience, after all that is as it should be. I am a Dominican too and love my country but we should not try and hide and whitewash things. Good things are good but it are the bad ones that need our attention most, so that we can learn and improve. Mr. Tonge’s latest comments are much better, albeit late.
For the love of Dominica
November 13, 2016
The criticism levelled at you Minister, and the Gov’t of D/ca by extension, is in this very updated press release. What’s the big difference in you releasing something of that nature within 24hrs of the vehicular accident? There’s nothing contained in this updated press release that compromises… taking every precaution in an effort to protect the dignity and privacy of all those affected; that couldn’t have been released within 24hrs of the vehicular accident.
I first became aware of such a circumstance after I had caught a glimpse of this incident on UK national tv. It reported that the victims and their family and friends were bewildered by the archaic level of “on-the-spot” trauma care service, with the victims having to wait ages for any care assistance.
Just a poor show all round D/ca and surely we can do better than that?
Anon Again
November 12, 2016
Finally, a statement from Government on the accident.
Big Bannan
November 12, 2016
Such a sad tragedy, and probably in one of the most unfortunate countries too. This is a country where two cousins died at a healthcare facility within a span on 3 weeks. In both cases the patients were not even admitted. Just seeking healthcare. This is the country where government officials fly their wives overseas just to have a baby.
Dr Clayton Shillingford
November 12, 2016
A very unfortunate accident.. Were the drivers and passengers in these vehicles wearing seat belts? Was that a factor in this accident?
Joeblo
November 12, 2016
Where is the Supremo or the Eskimo?
Tjebe fort
November 13, 2016
Last thing I hear they were in Bangkok.
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…
Destined to win
November 12, 2016
Very well done Minister. Keep up the good work.
Anansi
November 12, 2016
Mr. Tongue, you have still fallen short of the issue. Firstly, you were damagingly late in releasing the government’s statement of information and condolesces. Then secondly, you tried to cover it by giving a lame reason as to why the tardiness in releasing a government statement. Now, you have released the above note, without a hint as to how you would address the rectification of the problem. Not good enough Robbie, we need a full, at least 2.5 page letter, detailing how your government will put plans into place to mitigate future tragic occurences. Makes me wonder if you guys are really serious about tourism.
D/can to de Bone (F)
November 12, 2016
D you all aso should make it mandatory that all drivers should wear seat belts the law is there yet it’s not brig enforce by the police what a distance e in this country. It time for Doi ica to have law and other
Me
November 13, 2016
You can only wear a seat belt if it has been fitted. Do our buses carrying cruise passengers have seat belts?
minding my business
November 12, 2016
Thats not from the minister he dont speak like this he is not that fluent..as usual skewo had to take charge.lool
Thank you Tourism Minister for updating nationals and others concerned, whether in D/ca or out of it, to update us with the Antrim Valley vehicular accident. This was a terrible accident to have caused death and many injuries. As other Dominicans, I am hoping that the government takes immediate steps to ensure that such accidents do not recur. At this point it is not revealed which driver was at fault; how;this terrible accident occurred. We do know it takes one driver to cause an accident. While I understand that accidents could occur, where tourists are especially (also) concerned, drivers must ensure to drive cautiously. The government is fully aware what it entails for drivers to be cautious and vice versa. Therefore, certain regulations must be put in place to ensure accidents never occur in Dominica; bad ones at that. There have been too many in previous years with loss of lives and injuries. Life is precious and so is the health and safety of everyone.
bakes
November 14, 2016
“Accident do not occur”. Check the dictionary for the meaning of the word accident
an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.
The Truth Be Told
November 15, 2016
Accident has many meanings. These are the primary ones. Crash – a collision or similar incident involving a moving vehicle, resulting in property damage, personal injury or death. an unplanned and unfortunate event that results in damage, injury, or upset of some kind.
Do I need to educate you and inform you who appear to be blind, deaf and sleeping that the Media worldwide and everyone else say “accident” and not “incident”? Your eyes are also closed, fool. I would not want to insult you. You tried to show me up as one who does not know anything or much. Who are you anyway and what do you know? Wherever you got the meaning from? Next time, “Be sure your brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear” and you correct people. You must return to kindergarten. You have much to learn.
bakes
November 14, 2016
“Accident do not occur”. Check the dictionary for the meaning of the word accident
an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.
The Truth Be Told
November 15, 2016
Incident – something that happens, especially a single event. A public occurrence, especially a violent one; an incident outside a nightclub. Event with potentially serious consequences; an event that may result in a crisis, especially one involving different countries; accompanying something or occurring as a consequence of it. Related to something – coming into contact with a surface.
You never hear the Media worldwide and others everywhere call an accident, an incident. In our world an accident is much more serious than an incident. This is how we look at it. Whoever puts them in the same category need to learn English and the meaning of words and should also return to kindergarten school as you to start all over again. Those who gave you thumbs up/like, “One fool makes many fools.” I am not one with you and disagree with you. The same applies for those who gave you thumbs down/dislike. Next time know who to correct, fool. It is not me! I am smarter than you.
I Dominic, Dominic Sa KA Fete. Britain, and America takes care of their Citizens where ever they may be. We have to be careful how we do things especially in situations like this. Say what we mean, and mean what we say. Sorry to all those involved in this accident.
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Robbie’s statement and nothing is the same.
You parder Ismael and the likes of you, please humble yourselves and say something nice for once. This is a rather unfortunate accident and there are families hurting and the only thing you can say is attack the Minister of tourism? God does not like the proud and is not one who likes strife. Take note and humble yourself. Let go of politics and ask for wisdom and love one another.
Of course post the hateful comments and hold back the peace loving ones
You don’t want to see improvement or what?
No you didn’t post my remarks
What else you wsnt. Posts my entire remarks
Thank you Mr Tonge for the update. I also say thanks for the hard work, commitment and dedication that I am sure came from you and every single person – doctors, nurses firemen, police officers, government officials, cruise officials – who are involved in the care and comfort of the victims of this accident. My heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased. It is very difficult to cope with the sudden death of a loved one and as someone who has gone through it several times, I feel your pain and pray for your healing.
Dominicans, there is a time and place for everything and it is not always the time for criticism. Sometimes we simply need to recognize the good in what is happening and address the criticism some other time. My heartfelt thanks, Mr Tonge.
Some of them cannot comment on anything good. They are not gifted to do so. It is always criticisms and debasement. It is a trait of them. If they do not support a Party, a Minister, this is how they carry-on. A sensible person will observe that they are biased and not credible.
Call them Christians, eh? They will have much to answer to God for.
The NHS (health care) system in the UK is presently in shambles. Read the UK newspaper articles for the last year and a half regarding A & E wait times etc. While I sympathise and empathise with all involved people need to stop trying to portray DA as the worst in the world. We are a developing country and from my experience in living in DEVELOPED countries, similar problems exist. We have smaller resources, expertise with massive trauma situations so there are expectations of differences in patient experiences.
When people criticise the NHS for its failings, do you respond or believe that the best thing to do is “keep quiet” because worse exists elsewhere?
It doesn’t matter what country you are in, if better can be done, it should be demanded. Asking the tourism minister for a speedier response, should NOT be viewed as “portraying Dominica as the worst in the world.” You should understand that the most successful organizations, institutions, etc. PAY people to “criticize” them in order to determine where they have fallen short and make improvements as needed. We need to stop taking things PERSONAL and recognize the importance CRITIQUE plays in improving PROFESSIONAL services!
They even exist in bigger countries as the US and Canada. For big countries, we would not expect that. Worst yet in the US.
Go away Robbie go! You represent the face of incompetence in this failed regime so please just go way. ASP Weeks need to give you all a crash course in public relations.
Always Assertive!
This person commented on a News Report, as per the Tourist Bus accident, which happened in Dominica—I had to share it so the world will see what most people are saying about Dominica.
Also we can see from that person, not everyone simply dwells on the negative and to live with it. See that the person, although he or she was reading about a fatal accident, that does not change his or her mind from desiring to return to Dominica, even recommended it to others. I think this is nice.
Read it below:
Sanjokiik, London, United Kingdom
My partner and I went to Dominica last year, around this time, with the P&Q. The Ship was the New Britannia; we had a fantastic time. Dominica was my favourite Island and the people there, are the nicest people you will ever come across. Nothing is too much for them, always trying to please you.
I will be returning to that beautiful Island; and if anyone needs a choice, I advise you to visit that beautiful place.
We are not talking about people that had a great experience, after all that is as it should be.
I am a Dominican too and love my country but we should not try and hide and whitewash things. Good things are good but it are the bad ones that need our attention most, so that we can learn and improve. Mr. Tonge’s latest comments are much better, albeit late.
The criticism levelled at you Minister, and the Gov’t of D/ca by extension, is in this very updated press release. What’s the big difference in you releasing something of that nature within 24hrs of the vehicular accident? There’s nothing contained in this updated press release that compromises… taking every precaution in an effort to protect the dignity and privacy of all those affected; that couldn’t have been released within 24hrs of the vehicular accident.
I first became aware of such a circumstance after I had caught a glimpse of this incident on UK national tv. It reported that the victims and their family and friends were bewildered by the archaic level of “on-the-spot” trauma care service, with the victims having to wait ages for any care assistance.
Just a poor show all round D/ca and surely we can do better than that?
Finally, a statement from Government on the accident.
Such a sad tragedy, and probably in one of the most unfortunate countries too. This is a country where two cousins died at a healthcare facility within a span on 3 weeks. In both cases the patients were not even admitted. Just seeking healthcare. This is the country where government officials fly their wives overseas just to have a baby.
A very unfortunate accident.. Were the drivers and passengers in these vehicles wearing seat belts? Was that a factor in this accident?
Where is the Supremo or the Eskimo?
Last thing I hear they were in Bangkok.
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…
Very well done Minister. Keep up the good work.
Mr. Tongue, you have still fallen short of the issue. Firstly, you were damagingly late in releasing the government’s statement of information and condolesces. Then secondly, you tried to cover it by giving a lame reason as to why the tardiness in releasing a government statement. Now, you have released the above note, without a hint as to how you would address the rectification of the problem. Not good enough Robbie, we need a full, at least 2.5 page letter, detailing how your government will put plans into place to mitigate future tragic occurences. Makes me wonder if you guys are really serious about tourism.
D you all aso should make it mandatory that all drivers should wear seat belts the law is there yet it’s not brig enforce by the police what a distance e in this country. It time for Doi ica to have law and other
You can only wear a seat belt if it has been fitted. Do our buses carrying cruise passengers have seat belts?
Thats not from the minister he dont speak like this he is not that fluent..as usual skewo had to take charge.lool
Skewo is less fluent…
Thank you Tourism Minister for updating nationals and others concerned, whether in D/ca or out of it, to update us with the Antrim Valley vehicular accident. This was a terrible accident to have caused death and many injuries.
As other Dominicans, I am hoping that the government takes immediate steps to ensure that such accidents do not recur.
At this point it is not revealed which driver was at fault; how;this terrible accident occurred. We do know it takes one driver to cause an accident.
While I understand that accidents could occur, where tourists are especially (also) concerned, drivers must ensure to drive cautiously.
The government is fully aware what it entails for drivers to be cautious and vice versa. Therefore, certain regulations must be put in place to ensure accidents never occur in Dominica; bad ones at that. There have been too many in previous years with loss of lives and injuries.
Life is precious and so is the health and safety of everyone.
“Accident do not occur”. Check the dictionary for the meaning of the word accident
an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.
Accident has many meanings. These are the primary ones.
Crash – a collision or similar incident involving a moving vehicle, resulting in property damage, personal injury or death.
an unplanned and unfortunate event that results in damage, injury, or upset of some kind.
Do I need to educate you and inform you who appear to be blind, deaf and sleeping that the Media worldwide and everyone else say “accident” and not “incident”? Your eyes are also closed, fool.
I would not want to insult you. You tried to show me up as one who does not know anything or much. Who are you anyway and what do you know? Wherever you got the meaning from?
Next time, “Be sure your brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear” and you correct people. You must return to kindergarten. You have much to learn.
“Accident do not occur”. Check the dictionary for the meaning of the word accident
an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.
Incident – something that happens, especially a single event.
A public occurrence, especially a violent one; an incident outside a nightclub.
Event with potentially serious consequences; an event that may result in a crisis, especially one involving different countries; accompanying something or occurring as a consequence of it.
Related to something – coming into contact with a surface.
You never hear the Media worldwide and others everywhere call an accident, an incident. In our world an accident is much more serious than an incident. This is how we look at it. Whoever puts them in the same category need to learn English and the meaning of words and should also return to kindergarten school as you to start all over again.
Those who gave you thumbs up/like, “One fool makes many fools.”
I am not one with you and disagree with you. The same applies for those who gave you thumbs down/dislike.
Next time know who to correct, fool. It is not me! I am smarter than you.
I Dominic, Dominic Sa KA Fete. Britain, and America takes care of their Citizens where ever they may be. We have to be careful how we do things especially in situations like this. Say what we mean, and mean what we say. Sorry to all those involved in this accident.
Marked???? We love D.N.O. Make Dominica Great again.