In the wake of a high-profile teen murder that has shaken the Caribbean island of Dominica, a local women and children’s rights advocate is mobilizing communities to push for urgent systemic change. Tamanthia Joseph, an entrepreneur and long-time activist for vulnerable groups, has founded a new grassroots collective called Protect Our Children and Women (POCW), organized via a dedicated WhatsApp group, to amplify calls for greater protection of at-risk groups.
The collective’s first major action is a peaceful protest and public rally, scheduled to kick off at 9:00 AM on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Dominica’s iconic Botanical Gardens. The event is designed to shine a bright spotlight on the escalating crisis of sexual abuse, exploitation, domestic violence, and other violent harms targeting children and women across the island, issues that Joseph says have long been pushed into the shadows.
The movement comes in direct response to the recent tragic discovery of Jerbiah Paul, a 16-year-old girl from Portsmouth who had been reported missing. On August 12, 2026, her remains were found in a remote cliffside precipice. Investigations by the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force have resulted in charges and pre-trial remand for two serving police officers and a woman from Marigot, all connected to Paul’s disappearance and killing. This shocking case, which implicates law enforcement personnel meant to protect the public, has amplified community anger and demand for accountability.
Joseph explained that her decision to move from online discussions to on-the-ground advocacy came from a growing frustration with unaddressed reports of violence. For far too long, she says, victims have been forced to suffer in silence, even after they file official reports with police and relevant authorities. “Instead of only debating these issues on social media, we needed to come together and take a stand for what is right,” Joseph noted.
Beyond the rally, POCW has laid out a long-term agenda to support affected communities. The collective plans to hold outreach sessions in local schools to educate children about their rights and risks, host community dialogues to break down stigma around speaking out, and connect survivors of violence with free counselling from qualified mental health professionals. A core demand of the movement is pushing institutions responsible for responding to gender-based and child violence to enforce timely processing of reports and greater transparency around case outcomes.
“Reporting is key,” Joseph emphasized. “We want to ensure when survivors come forward, these issues are dealt with in a quick and timely manner.” The activist also stressed that the movement aims to remind current and former victims that they are not alone, and that they deserve to be heard, supported, and protected by society. “There are people who really care,” she said.
Joseph is extending an open invitation to all members of the Dominican public, even those who have never personally experienced abuse or violence. “Don’t wait until it happens to your child, sister, mother, friend or someone you love before you decide to speak up,” she urged. Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and make their voices heard in a peaceful gathering, with the collective’s simple, clear message: “Protect our children. Protect our women. Break the silence.”
Community members interested in participating or supporting the initiative can join the POCW WhatsApp group or reach organizers directly via phone at 767-613-2651.