Government asked to “step up,” and ensure visitor safety at Glassé Point, after woman drowns Monday

​Government has been asked to “step up,” and ensure visitor safety at Glassé Point near the village of Boetica, after woman drowns at that site on Monday. This call came from Chairman of the La Plaine Development Committee, Jason Fontaine.
 
Glassé is situated on the eastern coast of the island near Boetica, and has proven to be a beautiful place to visit, but it has also proved to be dangerous, because of sea waves. A number of deaths have been reported in the area. Wendy Thomas of Fond Cole being the latest victim. Police officials reported that a group of eight was at Glassé Point on Monday when a number of them were swept away by waves.
 
All but Thomas returned to shore. Her body was subsequently fished from the sea about 200 feet from shore, by the Marine Unit, and she was officially pronounced dead at the Princess Margaret Hospital by a medical doctor.
 
Meanwhile, Senator Thomson Fontaine says “The government needs to do more. We, as a local community, we can only do what is expected of us. But, they need to step in. People have been losing their lives in that area, based on the fact that the government of Dominica is not raising awareness of that location… I will not tolerate the negligence on the part of any political party.”
 
Fontaine however underscored, that he does not want to “start pointing fingers in a time of sorrow.” The first step, he suggested, is that the site be registered as part of the Waitukubuli National Trail, in order to have signs erected to alert visitors of the possible danger in the area, and to advise them on how to proceed.
 
Fontaine also suggests that Glassé be upgraded to include an information booth, a lifeguard, life vests, and a visitor log at the entrance of the trail. He added that while he does not wish to discourage people from visiting the area, “it is not a place to stay and have fun.” Many people have lost their lives there, in recent times.
 
Jonathan Etienne, of Delices, died from injuries to his face and head, after he was dashed against the rocks by waves in September 2012. He was reportedly having a sea bath in the area and was washed by sea waves. In February 2016, Venezuelan national, 43-year-old Reynaldo Polo was swept away by waves while taking photos in the area. His body was never found.