A criminal arson attack targeting three vehicles owned by Chinese construction contractors at Dominica’s new international airport building site in Wesley has sparked an official investigation, with two people currently in custody assisting law enforcement with inquiries, the country’s Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore has confirmed. The revelation came during a live public interview on DBS Radio on Thursday morning, where the minister offered new details on the incident that unfolded earlier this week.
When asked about the potential motive behind the attack, Blackmoore declined to speculate, noting that all lines of inquiry remain in the hands of investigating police officers. “I cannot speak as to the motive of whoever did that. That is for the police to investigate. But what I have been advised is that there are two people in custody assisting the police with this investigation,” he stated. Blackmoore emphasized that the top priority is holding all responsible parties accountable through the full, fair legal process, saying that those behind the attack should face the consequences of their actions behind bars at the Stockfarm prison.
The minister was careful to draw a clear line between the criminal attackers and the broader communities of Wesley and Woodford Hill, stressing that the arson does not align with the long-standing cultural values and social norms of Dominica or the behavior of local residents in the affected areas. He went on to highlight that local residents from both communities have repeatedly shown openness and support for the airport project and the workers employed on it. Instead of generic condemnation, Blackmoore called for clear, honest labeling of the incident for what it is: a criminal act with no broader popular backing.
Far from being an isolated issue targeting only the Chinese contracting firms working on the project — identified as CR5 and MMC — Blackmoore framed the attack as an offence against every citizen of Dominica. “This is certainly not an act against the Chinese contracting team, CR5 or MMC, this is a criminal act against you Curtis, against me, against Dominica, against us, perpetrated by criminal vagabond elements who must be pursued in the highest degree of intensity by the police,” he said.
Blackmoore also reflected on the transformative significance of the international airport project, which he noted is a long-awaited infrastructure development that Dominicans have anticipated for decades. He reiterated the long-standing friendly ties between Dominica and the People’s Republic of China, pointing out that China has stood alongside the Caribbean nation during its most challenging moments. Chinese nationals residing in Dominica are full, valued members of the country’s social fabric, he added.
To advance the investigation, Blackmoore called on all local residents to collaborate actively with law enforcement. “Let us make them feel welcome and let us together make sure that we do everything possible to assist the police to identify these vagabonds, these criminals,” he urged.