The United Progressive Party (UPP), led by Joshua Francis, joins the nation in mourning the tragic death of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul and extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends and community.
The circumstances surrounding her death are deeply disturbing. A former member of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force has been charged with her murder, dismissed from the Force and remanded to the State Prison. Reports that investigators also uncovered an alleged attempt to conceal the crime through false social-media accounts make this matter even more troubling. The accused remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty.
This tragedy must also compel Dominica to confront a wider concern: the declining standard and public perception of policing in our country.
Over time, there have been persistent public allegations and rumours concerning misconduct by some police officers, including alleged involvement in illegal drugs, firearms and other unlawful activities. These allegations should not be treated as established facts, nor should honorable officers be condemned because of the alleged actions of others. However, where credible allegations exist, they must be independently and transparently investigated.
UPP Political Leader Joshua Francis stated:
“The people of Dominica must be able to trust those entrusted with protecting them. Police officers carry tremendous authority, and with that authority must come the highest standards of integrity, discipline and accountability. When confidence in law enforcement is weakened, the rule of law itself is weakened.”
The UPP therefore calls for urgent institutional reform, including an independent review of police recruitment, vetting, training, supervision and disciplinary procedures; stronger independent civilian oversight; protection for whistleblowers; enhanced integrity screening; and transparent investigation of credible allegations involving corruption, drugs, illegal firearms or other serious criminal activity.
This is not an attack on the Police Force. Dominica has many dedicated officers who serve honorably and deserve our respect. They too benefit from a Police Force whose reputation is protected by strong professional standards and meaningful accountability.
The Government and Minister for National Security must therefore resist treating this tragedy solely as an isolated incident. It presents an opportunity to examine the systems responsible for
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maintaining discipline, integrity and public confidence within the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force.
Francis added:
“Jerbiah’s death must not become another tragedy that captures our attention today and is forgotten tomorrow. We owe it to her family, our young people, our honorable police officers and future generations to demand meaningful change.”
No one is above the law—including those entrusted with enforcing it.
Dominica deserves a Police Force that commands the confidence and respect of the people. The UPP stands ready to support meaningful, transparent and non-partisan reforms that strengthen accountability, restore professional standards and rebuild public trust.
Justice for Jerbiah. Accountability for those who serve. A stronger Police Force for Dominica.
