Minister of National Security and Legal Affairs, Rayburn Blackmoore, has emphasized to the Dominican populace the importance of a responsible and measured approach to sharing information. He highlighted that for justice to prevail without prejudice, it’s crucial for citizens to maintain a balance that respects the legal boundaries required for an impartial trial.
His call came in the wake of two US nationals namely, Jonathan Scott Lehrer and Robert Thomas Snider Jr., being charged for the double murder of French-Canadian couple Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand who were the owners of the Coulibri eco-resort in Dominica.
Speaking at a press conference held by the Minister of National Security on December 7, 2023, the minister highlighted the delicate balance which exists between transparency and the preservation of integrity.
“Whereas we are committed to ensure that information is shared with the public, matters like that, we have to be very careful that when you have a live investigation, that did not divulge too much, that can actually affect and undermine the integrity of the investigation.”
With the recent charges preferred against the two individuals, Blackmoore noted that revealing excessive details, particularly those that could be misconstrued as pretrial data, poses a significant risk. Such premature disclosure could potentially undermine the very essence of justice which the judiciary strives to achieve.
He further averred that the integrity of an investigation stands vulnerable when inundated with premature information in the public domain.
“Our obligation, first and foremost, is to uphold the principles of justice and ensure a fair trial for all parties involved. To achieve this, a cautious approach to information dissemination becomes imperative.”
The Minister lauded the Chief of Police and the investigative team for their work during the investigation. Additionally, he stated, that under the leadership of Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, the incumbent government remains dedicated to equipping the police force with the necessary resources for comprehensive investigations.
“I want to say further that as you heard from the lead investigator, the police will continue to ensure that everything is done to ensure that people who are responsible are brought to justice. I’m confident that the officers have done the best thus far and you can see that we have a tremendous connection to the police force.”
Blackmoore further reiterated the swift diplomatic actions taken by the government following the homicide of Langlois and Marchand, immediately communicating with the Canadian High Commissioner to convey the heartfelt regret of the Dominican people and the government over the incident.
Simultaneously, he noted that requests for investigative assistance were made, marking the initiation of collaborative efforts and thus far significant progress has been achieved in this collaboration. Updates received by the Minister revealed a concerted effort, including a recent conference call, aimed at assembling a specialized team equipped with expertise in forensic analysis and related fields. These combined efforts signify a proactive approach, leveraging international support to fortify the investigative process, the security minister revealed.
“We’re confident that we’ll do everything that needs to be done, to ensure every dot is taken care of, and to ensure that there’s an airtight case,” he affirmed.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Sherma Dalrymple emphasized the fundamental role entrusted to her office in prosecuting criminal matters within the Commonwealth of Dominica, a responsibility enshrined by the country’s constitution. Acknowledging the significant public interest surrounding the case at hand, the DPP underscored the paramount importance of adhering strictly to legal boundaries.
In alignment with this principle, the DPP affirmed the decision to refrain from disclosing specific evidential details related to the charges before the court. However, a firm commitment was expressed regarding the resolute dedication to prosecutorial duties and the relentless pursuit of justice in the matter under investigation. Moreover, the DPP assured the public of the adherence to the rule of law, outlining intentions to commence the preliminary inquiry at the adjourned date.
Lead investigator in the matter, ASP Jeoffrey James disclosed that on December 1, 2023, the discovery of a burnt-out SUV with two charred individuals in the Soufriere area prompted an immediate investigation by the police. The investigative team swiftly assembled, initiating a meticulous examination of the scene and surrounding areas. Notably, critical details gleaned from the scene led investigators to an adjacent property, presumed to be a secondary site relevant to the case. Subsequent actions resulted in the arrest of three individuals, who were promptly taken into custody for further questioning. Subsequently, the charges were preferred against two of the three individuals.
At the press briefing, James stressed the ongoing nature of the investigations despite the charges brought forth.
Meanwhile, Chief of Police Daniel Carbon disclosed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will receive the forensic evidence collected at the scene, marking a collaborative effort between investigative teams. Samples and evidence gathered will be forwarded to the RCMP for analysis and further examination. While local capabilities may not extend to DNA analysis, the evidence was appropriately packaged for transfer to forensic experts, with the RCMP aiding in this process.
Addressing concerns about reports made to the police by residents of Soufriere against one of the accused men, Carbon stated, “I did a follow-up on that…and I can tell you that two reports were recorded in the Soufriere police station diary and one was a report of preventing someone from accessing a road and the other report speaks of taking of a watch.”
He continued, “The police responded to both of the reports so much so that they recovered the watch and returned it to the rightful owner. Two reports, no reports of threats,” he stated.
The audacity of this man. The police force could not display one show of force to ensure Lehrer respected the ruling by the court of law. Goes to show even the courts of law are of no use in Dominica. After the ruling he continued to restrict access to the public road [allegedly] killing another property owner. So much for future foreign investment in Dominica.
When 10 Dominicans in white shirts come to Roseau on a Wednesday, the entire police force is mobilized in army fatigues and high powered rifles as if ready to turn guns on their own citizens. Yet 2 police officers in Khaki pants weren’t dispatched to forcefully convey to Lehrer that he needs to respect the ruling of the court and cease any further disturbance to road users. Go figure, now you want to talk about avoid trial by public opinion? Blackmoore you are a joke. You and the CDPF, and this entire government, a joke on the world stage. A clown show that every other nation looks at as what they should never strive to…
I personally am lacking confidence in this government and it’s agencies ,I will not state details but anyone who has a brain can see through this curtain of widespread corruption,deception and secrecy!
Black-boy if you had any concept of the law you would understand that one cannot prejudice a case on a street connor: What you are doing for whatever reason you are simple running your mouth off looking for some kind of recognition; you are not a lawyer.
How come so many murders were committed since you in politics, and you never made any such statement, until now two Americans are arrested for the killing of two Canadians all involve happens to be white people?
Double standers right?
Learn this little boy rat!
Prejudice under the law is similar to the more common definition of prejudice in that it refers to a preconceived judgment, bias, or opinion being held regarding the parties to or the facts involved in a case.
Note: these facts are what comes out in a court of law in the court room and not in the streets of pDominica or in some rum-shop!
“for justice to prevail without prejudice, it’s crucial for citizens to maintain a balance that respects the legal boundaries required for an impartial trial.”
Rayburn, by now most Dominicans knows that yo a dumb!
Before you slid into the backdoor into politics, which does not take any brain in Dominica they say you were some kind of police; Dominica is a small island of 289-305 square miles, with a small population, something drops on any street or road in the morning by night fall the entire population hears about it.
So, this: ” justice to prevail without prejudice?” If you had any legal training you would not have spoken such nonsense, because even the more intelligent of us know that public opinions does not matter in a court of Law.
Cases even murder should be based on the evidence presented in court; at the end of the the evidence, seen and heard by the jury, the judge in this case instructs the jury on what to ignore in deliberation, so your is simple saying nothing.
Blackmore keeps sounding like he knows too much about the alleged killers that so much so if he were in another country, a real country he would be part of the investigation. But Skerrit done told us that the Dominica he leads is not a real country
hey Whittemore….u don’t see d PM loosing interest in u….he take u out of mahaut….so next election u might not have a job….but he afraid u put out his secrets.. so ….but u all in office knew the problem which has been going on in grand coulibre….and as always close all u eyes tight….continue….Dominican are getting fed up with this carbal….
Likewise, law enforcement would be better served by the continued committment of the legal fraternity to the swift administration of justice.
This is no time for lecturing the public as though you are addressing and admonishing children. The stark reality is that the public, clueless and sensible, will render a opinion especially in high profile cases like this.
You, as a high ranking law enforcement agent in the country, should know there are guardrails in place to ensure the investigative process remains unadulterated.
As a Dominican, you should know that you cannot stop us parrots from speaking our minds!!!
Blackmore you carry the credentials as a senior police officer. You worked in special Branch with corrupt king Blanchard and Valerie and all of your reports consist of policemen who drank rum in the canteen. You worked in CID and there’s no investigative incident concluded by you. Your famous acts as a policeman were to dress and pose.At the time there were talk of ” bus up shots”. As a so called senior police officer why can’t you lead the investigation. Why do you have to hire outside independent investigators. Men like AL P, Laurent, Albert are capable of finding the culprits. You need men and women of local knowledge to take this case on. Your failed state has no secrets. Outside investigators my arm. Just like the outside prosecutor from Trinidad. Dunce.
Blackmore senses danger …they feeling the pressure because they know what’s coming their way in the investigation and they feel they have a bad connection. So try to caution people but know the international journalists that are already on island and foreign investigators have already done their work. All you think evil will last forever? Well look it here and the kingdom of Satan on island will crumble before our eyes
But off course. Blackmore them know the international press is on island and they don’t want people to talk so the press could only hear their side of the coverup story. But be it known that we will speak so those international media could hear the truth. Boy all you days are quickly approaching so all you better get ready
Blackmore is a shame
2 months of amnesty brought 3 guns……. immediately after we see a double murder and theft of guns and ammo from a police armory……. what a record boy!
you see de people of the community have their personal experience with the accused murderer. trial by public opinion is normal……we can tell when government protecting someone that is important to them….. you may think all you have us like fools but I can imagine de tongue lashing all you getting from people that matters…in secret.
you don’t have what it takes remove de stain that has scarred us…. and it has nothing to do with Lennox Linton or UWP.
either way Dominica has taken a blow from this…… Skerrit can’t fix de CBI issue neither can de one all you protecting.
remember how we started de year?
surprised about how we ending it?
I bet you never saw this coming.
justice for Langlois and his companion!!!
Hon, Blackmoore must be aware that counsel for the defense (“Johnnie Cochran”) is already seeking a forensics expert who can prove that the DNA evidence collected at the scene was contaminated during collection and/or while in transit to the RCMP. If so, these alleged murderers have to be acquitted. Ask OJ.
These two suspected murderers were allowed to openly violate the laws of Dominica with impunity. Several complaints were made to the police not only by the two now deceased persons, but also by a number of local citizens. They were all ignored. If the police had taken prompt and decisive actions, perhaps the two deceased victims would be alive today.
This national security minister has no moral authority to advise on this particular matter. He is morally, ethically and cognitively inept. In fact, all of the members of this corrupt, self-serving, depraved cabinet, deserve our collective condemnation.
2017 comander of JDF had a report on the performance of the CDPF. Where is that report? Were recommendations implemented? Why did the public not see the results? It belongs to them. There have been folks killed in police custody. Acting commissioner and others involved in illegal transportation and attempted deportation of choksi. To date no discipline. Reports of political influence, sexual harassment, victimization, intimidation, use of officers to provide cover for political mischief. while st. Joe lacks resources the skerrit kids and partner himself included have more police security than some communities. Langlois with all his investments could not protect himself and is a victim of the failure of the state to protect citizens. The CDPF needs to be cleaned if you want solve issue. you need to resign along with carbon, Corbett and the likes. This situation is a reflection of the decay in discipline and integrity of the institution and the devil cannot correct sin.
What justice are you and this recalcitrant DLP cabal, committed too Mr Min of “injustice” you guys met a fully efficient and functional Police Force you turned it into a political arm of the DLP and as if that was not enough you destroyed every institution of governance in Dominica; stop wasting the countries scarce financial resources on persecuting opposition activists and politicians. You might do well in having those nincompoops Mills; Irish; Sogo-fly and Lin Clown conduct investigations into the numerous unsolved murders which continue to plague this country they might even recover the missing firearms which were stolen from St Joseph Police Station.
Rayburn needs to resign. He is by far, the most incompetent members of this Cabalist Cabinet, in its present form. Law and order are afterthoughts on island. His incompetence will lead to more guilty persons walking home Scott-Free as usual. Rayburn needs to resign!
You and your government appear to be bending over backwards to protect two murderers, but that is nothing new in Dominica.
How come the man who run tings in Dominica, the Starboy-of-Stupidity has not jumped up and taken charge of this case like he did for every other. His silence speaks volumes! Anyway, when CBI agents fight it does not end well, people get killed. But this is just the beginning. Later will be greater, there are assassins around raiding our police stations to arm themselves! Connect the dots people.
Blackmore can stfu if they ever make the man walk we will deal with him!