Castle Bruce, Dominica, January 26, 2021 – “On Monday morning, January 25, 2021 at about 7 a.m., I received the sad news of the gruesome murder of Tricia Wiltshire, a resident of Castle Bruce who lived in StockFarm.

Tricia was employed at the time of her untimely death. She was a very jovial young woman and a friend to many. The manner in which she died is heart wrenching and we are still trying to wrap our heads around what could cause someone to commit such a horrific act.

This is very devastating and brutal, and the family is hurting really bad over something so sadistic and unrealistic.

Violence in any society is detrimental.  It places considerable burden on both the families and the State. Tricia’s murder is one too many and comes as a wakeup call to end violence against women. I therefore call on the Authorities concerned to rigorously enforce the laws regarding such acts in order to curb violence against women.

Failing to effectively tackle the problem will constrain national development and prevent the attainment of sustainable goals, which are already being jeopardized by the impacts of COVID.

Let us urgently and collectively shine a spotlight so that violence does not stay in the shadows. As a country we must commit ourselves to strengthening ongoing collaboration to tackle violence against women. All actors working to end these violations should join hands to prevent such acts, as well as to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of Law.

With insufficient resources available to tackle violence, working together is not an option, it is an imperative.

Together we can make Dominica a better and safer place for all women to live, work and enjoy life safely in”.