Dear Editor: Like many, I have read to date the press coverage on Tiyani Behanzin’s performance, serving as magistrate of the professional judiciary. Accusations dished out about a personality I know well misrepresent his attitude, his professionalism, his integrity, his sincerity – as a great, great player human being.
Bothered by the negative press coverage, I recently spent two (2) days in his court while on vancation in Dominica, assessing his performance and I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
I unearthed special qualities in a man, a fitting tribute to a magistrate – as follows:
Good character
A man of personal integrity, respect and trust of others. His respect for confidences – absence of any matter, which might bring them or the Magistracy into disrepute. His willingness to be circumspect in private, working and public life.
Understanding and communication
His ability to understand documents, identify and comprehend relevant facts, and follow evidence and arguments. His ability to concentrate and to communicate effectively.
Social awareness
His appreciation and acceptance of the rule of law, understanding of the local communities and society in general. One who demonstrates a critical awareness of and respect for people’s views of their identity/personality/experience, including the views and associated feelings of people with a faith commitment.
Maturity and sound temperament
His ability to relate to and work with others. His regard for the views of others and his willingness to consider advice. He demonstrates maturity, humanity, courage, firmness, decisiveness, confidence, a sense of fairness and courtesy.
Sound judgement
He has common sense, he is able to think logically, weigh arguments and reach a balanced decision. He has an openness of mind and is objectivity – the recognition and setting aside of prejudices.
Commitment and reliability
He is reliable, committed to serve the community. Demonstrates a willingness to undertake as many sittings as possible. Demonstrate the ability to offer requisite time – support of family and employer and he is in sufficiently good health.
He is second to none better placed to serve Dominica.
– Dave Joseph
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the management and staff of Dominica News Online and its parent company.
Amen !!!!
Dominica unfortunately has become a country where dishonesty, lying, corrupt practices, abuse of power, disregard for the law by top officials in society are embraced with open arms. Numerous allegations of fraud, illegal acts have been committed, yet no inquiry has been conducted. Just to name a few:
Susan Olde and US$400000 that was allegedly not used for the intended purpose. Connect that with the flight-by night, hastily put together ‘NGO’ the Citizen for better Dominica and its role in that affair. Questions are asked but No inquiry.
Land deals involving the PM. The lawyer working on behalf of the PM agreed that he erred in the transaction and later paid thousands of dollars back to the treasury, only after the story came out by a journalist. The treasury would not have received the amount due. No inquiry. Statements about gifts sounded hollow since documents proved otherwise. Questions are asked. No inquiry
Remember the famous BIN and fertilizer bobol. State Funds were used to purchase bins and fertilizer through a Taxi man in the US. Prices were inflated and so costs to the State was much higher. Profits went somewhere until t. Only when the journalist broke the news after investigations that people knew that govt had bought bins. The third party agreed to pay back the sum of $500000 The same deal with fertilizer. The deals were embarrassing to the govt. What is the status report from the investigation into those matters? Who was responsible for those secret deals that turned sour? Documents give proof of details of purchase. Many questions are asked. Yet No inquiry.
Other case too numerous to mention. No inquiry If inquiries are going to be held for wrong doing across the board, why the discrimination? Why not be consistent?. Everybody is equal according to the law. Who say that. Nobody is above the law. Who say that !!!!!! It is becoming more and more apparent that some Dominicans are above the law. Justice does not prevail.
He will win, because the old tyranny cannot be allowed to destroy that young man.
THANK U SIR FOR A WELL THOUGHTOUT COMMENT
well done mr.joseph,someone has shared my feelings.our rotten system here cannot put with a real man.but on the other hand,dominican adore lawlessness.i am suffering from tiyanni-mylitis.boy i just love good judgement and the way he does it?man let tiyani scrape the country of these vagrants and vagabonds.see you in the courtroom sir,i never seem to get enough of the way you dispense justice.and when people bring about the muslim thing?don’t worry,if you were pope john paul,they would still treat you with disrespect.strength to the little man.
Was it not his sister who spoke out against the ‘DLP” coruption just befor elections?
Is not Sean Douglas his cousin? what are they doing him?
Is not Adinor his cousin…are they not kicking out such a stonch laborite?
What about His cousin Ian…did he not get the largest # of legitimate votes…yet are they not trying to sideline him?
How many other true laborites have been kicked out of the DLP…?
Was not Skerit a Young Freedomite? Young freedom movement?
Was not Charles Savarin the leader of DFP?
what is the french connection? who was the French counsel?
Is there not a historical repeat?
Did his harassment not coincide with the DBS managers harassment?
what evidence was being taken away from the manager of DBS?
is this all connected?
What other magistrate or judge would stand up to uphold the constitution?
“Not even the constitution can stop…”
Is that not why they are trying to remove him?
Ahhhh, thats what I am talking about. All those accusing him of Judicial Activism and lack of restraint are just upset that they have fnally found their match in the magistracy. Gone are the days when they made circles around the lay-magistraes of the past. Tiyani is justwhat the doctor ordred for the magistracy in Dominica. Now let there be peace, justice, security and a sene of unparalled calm in my country. LONG LIVE TIYANI.
well said.
Very well expressed , Mr. Joseph. Tiyana is indeed a fine Magistrate. May he have the perseverance to outlast his detractors.
HYPOCRISY!!!!!
You couldn’t have written it better Mr. Dave Joseph.