A shocking violent death of an elderly Dominica citizen has sparked urgent calls for accountability and greater public vigilance around protecting vulnerable older people across the island nation. On June 27, the remains of 83-year-old Kenneth Charles, a resident of Canefield, were uncovered in a public manhole running alongside the Canefield highway, prompting swift condemnation and mourning from the Dominica Council on Ageing (DCOA).
In an official public statement, the advocacy group for senior citizens described Charles’ killing as a brutal, senseless act, and extended its deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of Charles and a second recently deceased individual. The body of that second person, who had been reported missing for an extended period, was recently found in the Castle Bruce area, marking the second tragic death of a member of the community in a short time frame.
The DCOA’s core demand following the incident is clear: every person responsible for Charles’ death must face full legal accountability. Beyond calls for justice, the organization has urged the Dominican public to adopt a more vigilant, community-focused approach to protecting older adults and other marginalized, vulnerable groups across the country.
“ We further call on all of us to be caring, vigilant and concerned about such incidences and look out for those who are vulnerable,” the statement read.
As the investigation moves forward, legal proceedings have already resulted in an arrest in Charles’ case. Thirty-two-year-old Aljai Liverpool was formally charged with Charles’ murder on July 2, and is currently being held on remand at the Dominica State Prison as the case progresses through the judicial system.
Beyond the immediate incident, the DCOA used the moment to reaffirm the critical, irreplaceable role that senior citizens have played in building modern Dominica. The organization emphasized that older generations laid the social and economic foundation for the country’s current development, and as such, they deserve consistent, proactive support to age with dignity and safety. “Our seniors have paved the way for us as far as possible, we are to assist and empower them to live life to the fullest. They are our treasure and gems. Let us protect them at all times. May they rest in peace,” the statement added.
In closing, the DCOA stressed that this tragic incident should serve as a national reminder that protecting the safety, well-being and rights of older Dominicans is a collective responsibility shared by every member of society.