PM speaks up on Kernelle Benjamin; commits to restructuring of child welfare services

The death of 18-year-old Kernelle Benjamin of Portsmouth has gripped the attention of the nation and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has condemned what he described as an “obvious act of violence” committed against her.

He made that statement while addressing a press briefing held recently.

On May 30, a six-day search for Benjamin ended with the discovery of her body buried in a shallow grave at the back of a home near the Portsmouth Hospital.

“Though the facts of the case are not clear I condemn in the strongest possible terms this obvious act of violence committed against Kernelle Benjamin,” he said.

On behalf of the Government of Dominica, he offered deepest condolences to the parents of Kernelle Benjamin and others affected by this brutal act.

“We commit our efforts to the protection of Dominican children,” the Prime Minister stated.

According to him, based on information shared in the public there appears to be a history of child sexual abuse associated with this particular case.

“We all agree that such heinous acts against our children should not be tolerated,” Mr. Skerrit remarked.

He continued, “As I have previously announced in conjunction with the passage of five family Bills in Parliament, the cabinet recently approved the restructuring of the social services department and welfare division to address matters relating to the care of children, women, the elderly and other vulnerable groups in society.”

Furthermore, Mr. Skerrit noted that as part of the restructuring additional trained staff will be assigned to the welfare division to improve government’s response to matters of child abuse and to ensure appropriate and timely actions to safeguard children from all forms of abuse and neglect.

“A subunit of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force will be created with specially trained officers to respond to and investigate matters and other family protection issues,” he noted.

He reminded all that the protection of children is everyone’s responsibility.

“The safety and well-being of our children should be shared by parents and families, the schools, the community, government, and non-governmental organizations, including our churches,” he indicated.

He added, “Let us together focus on building a strong, responsive child protection system and strengthening prevention and early intervention services for our most vulnerable.”

During a previous interview, Benjamin’s mother, Melissa George, informed Dominica News Online (DNO) that her daughter was last seen in the Chance area on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Two men from Chance, Portsmouth are now remanded into custody at the Dominica State Prison after a charge of murder was brought against them by the police.

Cleton George and Remington François appeared before Chief Magistrate Candia Carrette-George on June 2, 2023, where the charge of murder was read to them. It is alleged that between May 23 and 26, 2023, George and François murdered 18-year-old Kernelle Benjamin at Chance, Portsmouth.

The accused men were not required to enter a plea since murder is an indictable offense, which is expected to be tried at the High Court before a judge and jury.

Kernelle Benjamin

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22 Comments

  1. Lin clown
    June 7, 2023

    DNO coming to Skerrit rescue.I wonder when IBO will stop making an ahole of himself.For 23 years Ibo has been posting the GOSPEL according to Ibo stupidity,and every year Skerrit is moving from strength to strength.DNO is a supporter of UWP.DNO will post 20 of 20 post against Skerrit,and 5 of 20 exposing UWP corruption and lies.UWP was kicked out of power after 4 1/2 years for,corruption,victimization,lies and greed.The spent hundreds of thousands of dollars from the treasury to build a Sunrise Village on private property……………………………………………………………………….The riot and destruction in Roseau on 07/02/17 was an attempt to overthrow the government.I hope DLP pass a law allowing audio and video to be used in evidence in a court of law.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 2 Thumb down 13
    • If we knew better
      June 8, 2023

      the braying of a donkey ladies and gentlemen..

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  2. My little take
    June 6, 2023

    “According to him, based on information shared in the public there appears to be a history of child sexual abuse associated with this particular case.“

    Skerrit, your cabinet and close friends of your government must be blamed for this new culture we have in Dominica today. So my boy fix your problem if you can because the manufacturer should also have the cure

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
  3. Keith
    June 6, 2023

    Why is it that Skerrit has to speak on anything and everything? This guy likes to hear himself talk just a little to much – he is an expert on everything. Isn’t there a minister and many advisors in his government who deal with such issues and matters?

    I for one will be glad when this guy leaves office. Hos actions and behavior is amounts indignation and lack of consideration and respect for the other people in his government. He never saw a camera or microphone he never like once he thinks unknowingly thinks it sheds good light on him.

    O well once that are getting paid well it really does not matter, I suppose from there vantage point.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
    • Man bite dogs
      June 7, 2023

      So are you guys doing each day jumping on Pm Skerrit, back bloody blue monkeys eating bananas all day long, get a proper life like most people have!!!

      Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 1 Thumb down 14
      • Ibo France
        June 7, 2023

        Dog Molester, you need urgent surgery to rewire then drain the thick, black contaminated, dirty fluid in your brain. Just like a vehicle you are due for an oil change.

        Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  4. Satan is a liar
    June 6, 2023

    Liar liar your pants on fire. Just remember Satan is a classic liar and his native language is LIE

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
  5. If we knew better
    June 6, 2023

    a wonder he didnt call it a task force this time. In addition Mr. Skerrit, a number of your very same police are involved with under aged girls. Please ensure that officers of this sub unit have undergone some sort of psychological evaluation and are of good integrity.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 2
  6. Monkey See Monkey Do
    June 6, 2023

    Bro first thing you need to do is reduce your cabinet and ease Dominica of this burden you create. 2nd thing is your administration and close association to your party are full of unscrupulous men, for example your minister of security allegedly abuse a young lady and according to you minister Austrie it was confirmed by her male friend Orlando and as minister Austrie said the cabinet with women supported him. So who now Mister Prime Minister are you fooling with your BS. The hierarchy of this administration is abuse its not too late fix it but start from within. Stop taking the nation for a ride.
    Fed up with your lies and your playing innocent like you are unaware of what’s going on. You encourage what is going on. People in Dominica behave this way because they take the example from your leadership and associates.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2
  7. Ibo France
    June 5, 2023

    A photo tells a thousand words. This particular photo of the $64K monthly despot is most revealing.The man looks clueless, haunted, disoriented, haggard, distraught and jittery.

    Twenty years of constant plotting, scheming, evading, defending, masquerading and lying have taken its toll on this man’s physical and mental faculties. Both have been seriously diminished.

    Karma is eventually catching up with evil.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
  8. Ibo France
    June 5, 2023

    DNO coming to the rescue of this egomaniac to disseminate another of his spurious utterance to quell criticisms of his uncaring, inept mal-administration.

    Did your editorial staff see the latest video of police overreach and unsettling savagery? That should have made instant headlines here. But, as usual, DNO is always lightning quick to publish Roosevelt’s falsehoods but snail slow to report his regime’s evil indiscretions.

    The beastly military gangdom that Roosevelt has created commits murder of unarmed civilians in their custody. We have not forgotten Kerwin Prosper.

    The Roosevelt’s mafia has brutalized a gentleman and his elderly mother in Roseau. They beat a bus driver unconscious. They kidnapped Danny Lugay. They maliciously arrested Mr. Thompson Fontaine.

    Dominica is not a real country. The administration is comprised of a combination of thugs, bandits and nincompoops running amok.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2
  9. Batibou
    June 5, 2023

    Nothing to do with child welfare but everything to do with these sick bastards roaming the roads of Dominica partly protected by that ruling party. It had to be said, no point pussyfooting around it anymore. It’s just getting beyond the joke.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 2
  10. Ibo France
    June 5, 2023

    The country has been calling for a more robust and comprehensive social safety net for the longest time. But, as usual, this is a reactive regime that is obsessed only in using the government treasury as though it is a lactating mother.

    Roosevelt only reacts whenever his underperforming, grossly mismanaged oligarchy provokes the public wrath and disdain due to lack of foresight and direction.

    The young people are going to premature graves or becoming victims to savage police brutality. The last thing a person loses is hope. The young people of Dominica are living on the periphery of hopelessness.

    Roosevelt you should make all demographics of Dominica happy by exiting office. Corruption has you there for two decades. You are a blight on the country.I have had it with your frequent poppycock.

    It is full time for you to refrain from insulting our comprehension skills.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  11. Juanita
    June 5, 2023

    Whilst the PM is now in the business of committing his efforts to protect Dominican children, may all the cabalists be reminded that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Dominica is a State Party, defines a child as a person below the age of 18 years. Please note: They cannot consent to any sexual activity.
    Thank you.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
  12. Juanita
    June 5, 2023

    “We commit our efforts to the protection of Dominican children,” the Prime Minister stated. After 23 years in office, Sir? Did the PM just wake up from a 23 year slumber? As we witness another outrageous episode of violence against a young adult in Dominica, one hopes that this case will serve as a real wake up call and that the pain of the Dominican “maliway” will now be seen with open eyes by the PM and his administration as they awake from their slumber of 23 years. One also hopes that this commitment by the PM will also be extended to the protection of young adults, particularly young ladies. Say their names: Kernelle Benjamin, Kernisha Alexander, “Baby Sarah” and every other young person who’s had to perform any form of acrobatics to get a job, keep a job, get a house, or obtain a scholarship.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
    • Ibo France
      June 7, 2023

      Juanita, wake up from your daydreaming. Do you seriously believe that Roosevelt and his slavish parasites have suddenly had an epiphany? His twenty three (23) years of banditry, inertia, corruption and foolery continues unabated.

      When Roosevelt’s back is against the wall he makes all sort of promises that bear no fruits. He puts no policy prescriptions in place to achieve anything he promises.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  13. dissident
    June 5, 2023

    Skerrit is admitting that 5 family bills pass through his hands……..yes but what is de success in their affect on de section of society it aims to serve?
    Every year is worse …..certain acts of high level politicians encourage sexual violence on our young ones…. I recall a radio personality who is still on radio!!!!!……..big and bold with no rebuke from de self same man seating in de PM seat.
    Writing family bill is one thing…..de law itself doesn’t walk de street looking for violators of de law…….itbwould be interesting to do a study on de effectiveness of de bills….how many abusers before de court, length of de case, sentence, statute if limitations!!!!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  14. DeArAb
    June 5, 2023

    Dominicans always arrived on Dominican time which translates to we are always late. This time it was way TOO LATE, and we lost a child who should have been protected not only by her family but also by the laws of the country. If the family can’t do it, there should have been functioning departments where help could have been sorted.

    Our politicians and our Government structure are arriving TOO LATE. We are trying to react after the fact, we are making promises after the fact BUT when will there be action. When will we lead, when will our leaders lead the way to stop coming by behind and being late; much TOO LATE.

    R.I.P Young one.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
  15. MEME
    June 5, 2023

    This fake guy called LIAR Skerrit, is a heartless HYPOCRITE, and he only VOMITS his EGREGIOUS LIES when pressure is being brought to bear upon him!!! Remember there were two murders (Kernelle and a guy killed at GrandBay), and both BLACKMORE and LIAR Skerrit, played dumb, death and blind, while the entire nation was mourning!! Their PRIMARY focus was to STALL an electoral Reform Meeting planned by concerned citizens! So he lies!!!.
    Now isn’t he the same Skerrit who was, and still is, totally MOO MOO, re a minister allegedly beating a child’s mother and forcing the lady to abort the unborn????. A self proclaimed dog in his cabinet bragged with his PATAN mouth that the cabinet is standing with the minister? Isn’t Skerrit a HEARTLESS DEVIL???
    He is heartless in food distribution after a disaster, to police abuse of the citizenry, to unmerited victimization of political opponents, deaths, etc.
    Skerrit’s picture should be posted next to HEARTLESS in all dictionaries!
    Your Wicked…

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2
    • Ibo France
      June 7, 2023

      Your brief description of the notorious, colossal Liar is one of the most accurate I have read. Everything you mentioned is brutally true about the DESPOT and his handpicked parasites and dummies.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  16. Frank N Stein
    June 5, 2023

    Everytime something happens mista talking sheet.

    Hot debate. What do you think? Thumb up 6 Thumb down 4
  17. Zandoli
    June 5, 2023

    Skerrit reminds me of the captain of a cricket team who changes his field and places a fielder in positions after a boundary was hit. Always reacting to events that have past.
    Talk about a visionary (not)!!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3

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