Dominica’s Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore has confirmed that four people are in police custody in connection with the death of the owners of Coulibri Ridge Resort.
The burnt vehicle with the charred remains of Daniel Langlois and his partner Dominique Mechart were found in the vehicle in the Soufriere area. Blackmoore is issuing praises on the police for their swift work so far and has also confirmed that he has made a formal request from the Canadian Government for assistance in dealing with the matter.
“The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force on Friday, December 1, 2023, received a report of a potential homicide and arson at about 7 am. Police from the Soufriere Police Station responded immediately and an investigative team headed by the Chief of Police (Daniel Carbon) headed to the area where intensive investigating commenced,” Blackmoore said.
The suspected victims Daniel Langlois and Dominique Mechart were joint owners of Colibri Ridge.
Blackmoore commended the Police Chief (Carbon) and his team for what he described as “their speedy work that led to several people being taken into custody.”
“Thus far, four people of interest are in custody assisting them (three non-nationals and one national),” he said.
Blackmoore stated that given the nature of this matter, he immediately made contact with the Canadian High Commissioner and expressed “regret” on behalf of the Commonwealth of Dominica and to give assurance of Dominica’s dedication to solving this crime.
“An official request was also made for investigative support from the Canadian authorities,” he remarked.
He said that the perpetrators of this crime “must be brought to justice.”
“This type of terrible crime and the brutality involved is something that we cannot ignore and cannot allow and also cannot allow those responsible to go unpunished. The government will provide the police force with all the necessary resources needed to ensure that this matter is properly investigated and to bring the perpetrators of this terrible crime to justice,” Blackmoore stated.
He continued, “Crimes like these do not go unheard in international relations but this crime in particular has sent shock waves throughout the island and has left the employees, family, and the community in mourning. The nature of this crime impacts the community and the whole island warrants people be kept abreast as much as possible and I therefore promise to give updates as this case evolves.”
“I want to also say further, that we all live in Dominica together as one, and so none of us can be removed from the devastating effects that death of loved ones can bring.”
Daniel Langlois and Tourism Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the Soufriere area Denise Charles after receiving his November 3, 2023 award.
On November 3, 2023, during the country’s 45th Independence Day Celebrations, the government of Dominica honoured Langlois with a Meritorious Service Award for his contributions to sustainable development and research projects within the hospitality and business sectors.