Cody is coming home!! Cody and Danette's words to everyone who cared to intervene on their behalf appear in the 'comments'

I just spoke with Cody's Mom Danette and his uncle Gary in Cuba. 

An accommodation has been reached with the Cuban government which allows for Cody LeCompte's return to Canada.

The accommodation required a bail payment of 2000 pesos and the acknowledgment that if at some future date Cuba would require Cody to return to address the accident in court he would do that.

I suspect this was all agreed to when Cuban officials met with PMO representatives yesterday in Ottawa. 

At this juncture, according to Cody's uncle, Cody, Danette and Gary will be boarding a flight to Canada early next week.

None of this would have happened had it not been for the dedicated efforts of thousands of Corus radio network listeners who tirelessly sent emails and faxes and made phone calls to their members of parliament, as well as the Prime Minister's Office. 

I asked Cody's Mom for a quote on the amazing commitment by our listeners.  Danette said "without all of the people putting pressure on the government we would have been here for a year and I know that.  I am overwhelmed by so many people who pitched in and cared even though you didn't know Cody and Danette LeCompte.  Today has seen that caring bring the results we were praying for.  Today has been a very happy day."

Cody's uncle Gary Parmenter added this, "all the Canadian government really needs to do is assure that travel agents alert tourists to the risks of renting motor vehicles in Cuba and other global destinations.  Leaving this to a government web page isn't good enough."

Let me add some thoughts here.  You our listeners on the Corus radio network across Canada have demonstrated that we will stand for each other as a greater Canadian family when the need arises.  You recognized Cody LeCompte's need and his mother's plea for help and you responded.  Responded with those literally thousands of emails, faxes and phone calls.  You didn't accept talking points from Ottawa.  You demanded Cody's return and it was your efforts which made today's events possible.

Our Corus radio network broadcasters who spoke with determination to the need for Cody's release from this unacceptable detention without charges being laid and indeterminate detention without trial drove home the point to both federal officials, as well as their Cuban counterparts that Canadians demanded the return of this young man to his south western Ontario home.

Thanks as well to Chris Doucette of the SUN newspapers whose excellent daily articles did much to fuel the drive for Cody's release and to my friend Joe Warmington SUN papers columnist who wrote about about the case with Joe's trademark passion.

Bill Wilkerson, CEO of the Global Business and Economic Round Table on Addiction and Mental Health was a constant voice in Cody's corner.

Cody, Danette, Gary and Dr. Richard Guscott who made me aware of Cody's dilemna and who deserves so much credit for his determination to speak out and hold Ottawa and Cuba accountable will join me Saturday.

This is a good evening, with an excellent result.  And what have we all learned? People do, if we choose to exercise it, have power.

Well done everyone!

Comments

[Danette LeCompte]

Thank you Canada for all your support.. it's wonderful to know that I have the support from my fellow Canadians. Thank you to everyone who took an interest and lended support in my time of need. It's great to know there are so many people behind me on this.. I hope that the Canadian goverment has realized that its citizens won't silently stand by and watch.. this is not yet behind me but I pray for the day that I no longer have to worry about this and can move on with my life. Again, thank you for all of your support!

Cody LeCompte

Tody we headed out for another long day that I expected to be the usual - more delays and not feeling any closer to getting home.

To my suprise, it was the best day we have had in 3 months! We were informed at the police station that Cody was to be released back to Canada with the exception that he is required to return for a scheduled trial date (not yet set).

I cannot put into words the emotions that I was feeling. I cried --- this time with tears of joy in knowing that Cody was going back home.

This day has happened because of all the Canadian citizens that saw a wrong and made it right. Without your concern and endless efforts, this would not have been possible for a long time.

My heart goes out to all those who have played a part in helping me get my son back home to Canada where he belongs.

We will be seeing you very soon!!!!

My next happiest day will be when my son reaches Canadian soil.

Thank you Canada!!!!

Danette Lecompte

[Laurie Butter]

We just got off the phone with Danette and Cody in Cuba. That is the first time we've heard them laughing in three months. What a wonderful, wonderful sound! Thank you so much Roy Green and Chris Doucette for making this happen.

The Butter Family

[Shirley Knapp]

We rejoice with you, and await your return to the best country in the world.

[Alex christianopoulos]

Thankyou to the Corus network for allowing many of us,Canadian's to voice our displeasure through 640am,Mr Roy Green,Charles Adler for leading the Charge,And Kevin McCart for his tireless efforts in spearheading the Facebook page,and keeping thing's constantly updated.We all deserve a pat on the back,YES DEMOCRACY WILL PREVAIL OVER THE EVIL ..... CODY IS FINALLY COMING HOME! I will sleep well tonight,regard's alex

[Laurie]

I am so happy for you all. This is great news.

[Sara Landriault]

Roy,
this is why you are my favorite Radio personality in the WORLD!

[Craig Davis]

Fabulous news.
Good job Canadians.
Cody's situation has certainly brought an important aspect of the Federal Government's job to the forefront. One of its primary roles is the protection of Canadians. We usually think of that in terms of our armed forces, but this puts on our radar the fact that millions of our citizens are exposed to these risks each year. While we must all take personal responsibility for making choices to best protect ourselves, we all have to deal with industries such as the airlines and tourist agencies and foreign government officials over which we have no control. The government is our expected stalwart protector that negotiates appropriate rules of practice for the industry groups that serve us when traveling. And it is the government that meets with foreign governments to develop harmonious agreements for the treatment of citizens of both nations that interact in various activities. When a case like Cody's arises, it becomes apparent that either the government hasn't addressed such rules or agreements adequately for friendly inter-country citizen engagements or that the federal government's intervention policies and procedures are woefully inadequate in following through on its mandate to protect. The other major area that Cody's case indicates requiring more attention, is the federal government's need to address tourist industry education on travel risks as well as holding travel service-providers accountable for providing good, honest and useful information to travelers about the ever-changing rules and realities in various foreign countries. There is much that needs to be discussed, learned and acted upon as a result of Cody's case... but for now we are happy that one of our young citizens will enjoy a happy reunion that he deserves.

[Marion Achonwa]

As a friend and coworker of Laurie, Cody's aunt, I have seen the pain that this whole ordeal has inflicted on this family. I have also seen the joy and happines about the news that Cody will be coming home. Joy and happiness that came after all the support spearheaded by the Roy Green show, and subsequently the Toronto Sun. And to all the Canadian people who took this family as their own, and put themselves in their shoes and went to battle for them. To Cody, Danette and family, Blessings. The Achonwa Family

[Frank and Pat McKinnon]

Congratulations Roy and to the Corus Network employees for working so hard on this issue. Safe flight home to Cody and his Mother and welcome back to Canada.

[Teri]

I do not know Cody, or his family, but was overjoyed to hear that he is coming home (yes, some tears as well) Thank you Roy, for bringing this matter to our attention, I also felt like I had a voice as I wrote my letters of concern to those in power. Cody represented all of us, as Canadians, and those of us as parents felt his pain, and the worry of his mother and family. I am so proud of all those who took the time to make a strong voice, and get this resolved, it renews my faith in the collective power of passionate people, who care enough to do the right thing, and who have become joined together, in a very human way. God Bless, and thank you to all.
Cody, this experience, though tough at the time, will shape your life, and hopefully you will find an opportunity to give back all the love you received, it has been very special.

[Elizabeth White]

Thanks Roy, it was you that brought this to my attention, it spurred me on to write to MP's and the Prime Minister asking why there was no one working on Cody's behalf. If we keep working as a nation we will finally grow up and be one. Thank you, welcome home Cody! Support from Saskatchewan.

[joe]

Thank you Roy for helping out your fellow Canadians. It is amazing that Diane Finley outright refused to help these people, she works for you and me; but now we all know she is only there to collect a very good paycheque! Diane Finley should be fired by the people next election. Why did it take so long for Peter Kent to get Cody released? Was it because of media pressure? I guess media pressure gives bad light to your name so you do whatever to fix the problem. Why can’t I, as Joe six pack, call up Peter Kent and ask for help, if I was in the same situation? Because I am Joe and if I complain nobody will listen. It’s sad that these politicians will only help when their names get dragged through the media and even then they don’t help.

There should be a way or point of contact, in Canada, that someone traveling can talk to when they are in these situations. Local consults are useless as this Cody situation clearly pointed out to everyone.

[AM900 CHML Radio]

Welcome Home Cody and THANK YOU Roy!

[Reg Selby--London, Ontario]

Dear Cody and Danette,
We all knew you the moment Charles said you were Canadian. You are a part of the CANADIAN FAMILY AND YOU ARE THEREFORE PART OF MY FAMILY as you are Family to each and every CANADIAN. God grant you safe return home. Plus I still believe that the Canadian Government are responsible for your expenses for they did nothing.I am very sad to say I am a conservative supporter.
ROY GREEN, you are an angel of GOD, on earth.Keep supporting our Canadian Family, where ever they are.
Thank you for this platform, Reg Selby.

[Doug]

Well Cody, I am glad that you are able to make your way back to Canada, your family and friends will be very happy. Please take the time, when you are being interviewed by the media, to point out that laws in other countries are there to PROTECT THEIR CITIZENS. Not visiting aliens (us as tourists). You, through no intended malice, are being affected by their laws, but those laws are not there to protect you. They are there to protect Cubans from damage caused by visitors who can leave and never have to answer for their misdeeds. Laws are normally there to produce the greatest good for the greatest number. Unfortunately Cody, you are not a member of the greatest number there, and you and the other adults around you should recognise that and remind your fellow Canadians of some of the hazards of travelling abroad.