Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has expressed condolences and solidarity with the family of Jerbiah Paul as the legal process surrounding the widely discussed Portsmouth incident continues.
Paul was reported missing on July 24, 2026, and on August 12, 2026, severely decomposed remains were discovered in a precipice in Capuchin and were later linked to the missing teenager, according to police.
Skerrit told reporters during a press conference that he visited the family’s home and recognised the immense difficulty and anguish caused by the circumstances.
He also extended sympathy to the families of the other young people involved, saying they too were experiencing pain.
The Prime Minister said police had carried out their investigations and the matter should now be allowed to proceed in accordance with Dominica’s laws.
He avoided commenting on the evidence or criticisms surrounding the investigation, stressing his responsibility as Prime Minister to show concern for everyone affected.
Skerrit described the situation as “deeply unfortunate” and said the relevant institutions should now be permitted to perform their duties.
Meanwhile, he called for a continuous national campaign against gender-based violence.
According to him, Dominica must move beyond reacting to individual tragedies and establish a continuous national education campaign against gender-based and intimate-partner violence.
Skerrit said legislative amendments had strengthened the ability of the police and other state agencies to respond to abuse, including offences involving children.
Specially assigned police officers are responsible for investigating such cases, while the Welfare Department has been restructured into a broader Social Services Department with additional staff and resources.
The Prime Minister said the Government also provides emergency assistance to affected families, including rental accommodation, household amenities and income support.
However, he warned that Government and law enforcement agencies could not solve the problem alone.
Schools, churches, workplaces, sporting organisations, businesses and civil society groups must all participate in sustained public education, he said.
Skerrit argued that children should be taught how to resolve disagreements without resorting to violence.
“We cannot only teach children how to pass CXC,” he said, describing that narrow approach to education as dangerous.
The Prime Minister also urged citizens to report signs of abuse before situations escalate into murder.
He said police press conferences generally address cases after an offence has been committed, but highlighted Dominica’s greater need is for proactive and preventative intervention.
