The murders of Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand have raised eyebrows among those who knew them, especially among one of their friends who is struggling to recover from the tragic fate of the Quebec couple.
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Christine Simelda, an author of young adult novels who has lived for more than 20 years in Dominica, in the Caribbean, said she was “heartbroken” in a message posted on her personal page. Blog After the bodies of the two businessmen were discovered on December 1st.
In an interview with QMI, Ms. Semmelda recounted that she met Daniel Langlois and Dominique Marchand in 1996 when they were guests at a hotel owned by friends, Louie and Barney Barnard.
“I had a beachfront café in the neighborhood, and they would often stop by to come and have dinner and chat,” she recalled, adding that she had remained friends with Ms. Marchand ever since.
“Not only [Daniel et Dominique] They were visionaries, but they were also concerned about the environment and the people of their community and Dominica […]. They started a humanitarian foundation, helped build a school and a dock after Hurricane Maria, and had plans to help in a more sustainable way. In other words, they cared more about others than themselves.
“This is not how a dream is supposed to end.”
The many tributes that have been made since their deaths do not surprise Ms. Simelda, who believes that the influence of Daniel Langlois and his wife in the community is enormous. She said the brutality of their deaths shocked the community “where such atrocities are rare.”
“There were lots of personal and official condolences, a kayak trip, a candlelight vigil, but nothing from the Prime Minister. I can’t help but wonder why.”
The latter had also rewarded Mr Langlois in November for his environmental commitment on the island.
Christine Simelda claims she was aware of the conflict between Quebecers and their neighbors over the use of Morne Rouge Road, which crosses the chocolate factory property owned by Jonathan Lehrer, one of the couple accused of killing.
“Every time I saw Daniel and Dominic and asked them when Colibri Ridge Resort would open, the problem of the road came up. When the hotel opened [en 2022]I assumed it had been resolved.
“It arrives [ses rêves] It is a journey that always requires sacrifice. […] “There is also a dark side to island happiness,” she added, adding that “most of the expats I have met over the years have returned to their home countries rather than face this reality.”
