Attorney for journalist says Baron was not defamed

Francis is representing Matt Peltier

Joshua Francis, representing journalist Matt Peltier, in a matter versus Foreign Minister Francine Baron, has stated that he sees no area where his client has defamed the name of the minister.

On Tuesday, Baron said her character was defamed by Peltier and two others, Angelo Allen and Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, in relation to a cheque of U.S. $10,000 which she received in Malaysia for the Dominica Disaster Development Fund, while she was Dominica’s High Commissioner in London.

In a letter to the three she demanded an apology and US$10,000 in the matter.

But Francis said he has reviewed the letter sent to Peltier and is ultimately “not satisfied” with the allegations that Baron has made.

“There isn’t any quotation in the letter of Francine Baron which constitutes defamatory remarks against her by Matt Peltier,” Francis said.

He stated that he will review the contents of the letter and respond accordingly and reiterated that he strongly believes that Peltier did not defame the character of Francine Baron.

He also has suspicions that Baron’s action is sourced from a “political issue” as opposed to a legal one.

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53 Comments

  1. bigger
    February 22, 2017

    I heard the saying why now? it’s because she wants to divert attention from other issues. Let me say that the labour party people takes their time to analise things as oppose to being spontaneous and make a complete gaffe of every thing. I am afraid the UWP is taking advice from unqualified individuals

  2. Righteous
    February 22, 2017

    “Defamation: the act of communicating false statements about a person that injure the reputation of that person:” It is time this guy pay for the nonsense information which he spews daily. This is not journalism and every journalist in Dominica should be appalled that this garbage is being classified as journalism. The parent company should be held liable as well. A Dominican charity will benefit greatly from the statements of these idiots.

  3. TITIWI TURPENTINE UNDER BLU BUS AGAIN
    February 22, 2017

    A wise man keeps a cool still tongue . Reading Baron’s letter will not contain the words complained of. DNO Administrator should not have published this story. For obvious reasons I shall not state the riotous reason. Clarity of thought processes is not automatic and this can be exacerbated by a hormonal defect; this in itself can trigger a chorus of denial amidst faked normalcy.
    As a trained behavioral science post grad, I know the classical defective symptoms. Conclusions never precede research. One exhausts the inquisitive processes and then comes to a rational conclusion. Mr. Francis must reassess his current situation and assess if he has a political future. I think not. He needs to get back to private judicial and family life. My UWP must upgrade its successor plan for Roseau South. The constituents need to see a new face for the party as a candidate. The longer we take then the more challenging it becomes.TRUST & Respect for our LINTON is necessary.Try to settle an apology.

  4. February 22, 2017

    “There isn’t any quotation in the letter of Francine Baron which constitutes defamatory remarks against her by Matt Peltier,” Francis said.

    Josh, for a lawyer, you really have me questioning your intelligence. Evidence is to be put forward in court of law. So if it gets to that point, the facts of the case will be laid out. For now, Matt only has to apologize for his remarks and do a good deed for once. His propaganda-based show is already crippling the weak minds of our society. Do good!

    • BEB
      February 23, 2017

      I would suggest that Mr. Francis return to law school in order to sharpen his skills. I’m wondering if such statements were leveled at him, would he retaliate ?

  5. Kwapo Smoking Pipe
    February 22, 2017

    Look shite… Can the photo where the Honourable Lady was receiving the cheque be produced again please? Can the organization to which the cheque was sent confirm when that cheque was received by them from the honourable Lady? Can Matt Angelo Lennox (MAL) explain to the public where they get their information from… The Public have a right to know… Corruption too rampant in my country meanwhile Kwapo Smoking Pipe and Zandoli Drinking Galbanzo :lol: :lol: :lol:

  6. February 22, 2017

    Joshua? Eh beh looook it!

  7. Hope
    February 22, 2017

    Dominica has turn into a sueing country . Way papa .

  8. Bagaila Bande
    February 21, 2017

    Here’s hoping that the learned attorney considered all the minor details of the case before arriving at this major conclusion!

  9. KID ON THE BLOCK
    February 21, 2017

    It was time. Matt and Q95 have had enough. Angelo himself is just a joker opening his mouth for recognition. Hope he gonna be vocal when he is faced to defend the SUE in the court house.

  10. February 21, 2017

    Francine the CBI Program will not die and the cry of the people asking Skerrit to step down is real, so your threat of law suit against the men will not stop the people either because it’s politic. to the core .

  11. culture
    February 21, 2017

    God is in control .Nobody does it better

  12. legit
    February 21, 2017

    Let them pay…they want to say what they want,,when they want without facts.

  13. TITIWI KICKED UNDER BLU BUS AGAIN
    February 21, 2017

    Joshua Alas. Pro bono work and politics just aint good for you. Rest and seek help , rebrand. Dont allow people to abuse your kindness . Dominicans know just whats wrong. The facts will not be part of that letter. Ok Sir.

  14. Lang Su soon
    February 21, 2017

    They say I’m a mad man Lol they didn’t lie.

  15. Hollow Earth
    February 21, 2017

    man you have no shame it is time for your case to call pay to play :twisted: 8-O :mrgreen:

  16. CARTREATS
    February 21, 2017

    So Francine Baron after countless calls asking you where did that 10k went ,you never answered, all of a sodden you are suing matt ,Angelo Alleyne and lennox , I must say this is an act of desperation. You and the pm) are under pressure and this is the best way you find to release pressure. From all reports are a smart lady,HOW ADVISED YOU TO DO THIS?

  17. CONSCIOUS
    February 21, 2017

    Does Francine live in Dominica?
    She hold such a high position and does not know the currency of her Country.
    WWWHHHHOOOOOAAA

    • D/can to de Bone (F)
      February 21, 2017

      Your comment is stupid

    • fan choye
      February 21, 2017

      some times educated people can say dum stufff. assuming that u r educated. she was accused of pocketing 10 k US. thats the same money she is asking for. do u want her to convert it to EC? Dominica uses US dollars.

    • The Fate of Mankind
      February 22, 2017

      I dont understand your comment? Is it because she is Dominican and wants the US$10,000 amount paid by each? she should have converted it to EC instead because she is in Dominica? is that your point?

    • Dominican
      February 22, 2017

      If seems you do not understand currency. Let me school you, she was accused in US heehee learn to read

    • Just Passing Through
      February 22, 2017

      Conscious Really?

      I wish I knew the reason for this comment of yours to make sense of it.

  18. Give me a break!!
    February 21, 2017

    Agreed!!

    Political not Legal…

    Put on your big girl panties and go and cry somewhere else.
    You people are like primary school kids, ” They hurt my feelings sniff sniff!”

  19. Me
    February 21, 2017

    Francine baron was badly advised starting this action and I suspect she did so against her own best instincts. Bad move, that will rebound on her.

    • Real possie
      February 21, 2017

      @ Me. Do you know what field Ms. Baron is was in before the job she’s doing now? I think she was a lawyer

    • The Fate of Mankind
      February 22, 2017

      She is a lawyer herself. She must know the law in order to make such a move.

      • Me
        February 22, 2017

        At least, one would have thought so?

    • Dominican
      February 22, 2017

      We will see

  20. Pro Bono
    February 21, 2017

    So who is going to pay Matt’s bill? I guess all Joshua’s work is pro bono. Everyone is taking advantage of Joshua. We need to raise some funds to pay Joshie.

    • TITIWI KICKED UNDER BLU BUS AGAIN
      February 22, 2017

      Sikiwee learn to learn. Youre not a rubber band. Stay far from politics .

    • Anonymous
      February 22, 2017

      Simple, counters sue with costs. this case even easier for matt than the hushed defamation case skerrit bring against him and settle out of court.

  21. desolaysidepiece
    February 21, 2017

    Josh you are right. The woman is on MDTH posing with a cheque on behalf of Dominica, for an UNKNOWN organisation, she never once told Dominicans she was in Malaysia representing them, let alone she received a cheque for an imaginary organisation, all of a sudden today she get up and sending lawyer letter for people. Oh to ask Francine where is the money, and organisation is defamation? In what world? Francine is lashing out because Skerrit is under pressure, and the way it works he summons them to the press, pull hat tricks and looks for anything for them to gripe about to shift the attention from himself, but this won’t work. This is all political and clearly the ignorant labourites will support this but it shall not work. Why couldn’t she address the nation when the matter came to the public, she’s been sitting quiet, Skerrit under pressure and she pounces. Girl bye this is too damn transparent…..keep your emotions is check

    • February 21, 2017

      Francine should know you don’t go after Angelo, Matt, and Lennox especially if she know what is good for her she better have her docks in a row because sparks will be flying like hell, I guess that’s why Q95fm was blocked so we couldn’t hear what Angelo had to say about the letter but that will not stop the people. Francine, you do not deserve an apology or any money so you will have to go to court, of cause the court see’s only Red but just imargin how unpleasant you will be in Dominica,
      Francine this is all political and a way to try to turn the tide on the CBI Program but it will not work Skerrit is taking all of you down with him he has to much guts to go it alone.

    • ?????????????????
      February 21, 2017

      A symbolic cheque for media purposes is not a real cheque. Joshie educate the people.

      • Me
        February 22, 2017

        You mean even there they fool the public? What next?

    • U.K. Dominican
      February 22, 2017

      The Dominica National Development and Disaster Fund is not imaginary but does really exist in England (no. 1001492) but their official returns for 2015 to the Charity Commission do not show any donation of that magnitude. The name of the charity is a bit of a con too because it suggests that this would be a charity officially representing the country by using the word national in their name.
      The real question is how did the donor in Malaysia know to make the cheque out to this charity in London, which as far as I know specialises in celebrating carnival? it’s chairman Vincent John has a lot of explaining to do.

  22. lol
    February 21, 2017

    well matt in trouble< joshau for your lawyer, pa pa met

  23. zandoli
    February 21, 2017

    Joshua, she does not have to quote the allegation in the letter. All she has to do is produce the text in court. The records are there to be examined at the appropriate time.

    • Expat
      February 21, 2017

      @ Zandoli. Very well stated. What kind of lawyer expects the evidence to be stated in the letter. It is quite possible that Matt is aware of what Ms. Francine is referring to. If Matt does not comply to her demands then the evidence will be produced in court. Ms Francine is an educated woman unlike some others who did not attend any college or university and think they know it all but keep making blunders consistently. This has been a terrible few days for the UWP; these guys have been on the receiving end from all angles.When it is all said and done UWP will have to reevaluate their position and objectives going forward. They will have to make tough decisions one of which might be to get riid of their present leader.

    • The Fate of Mankind
      February 22, 2017

      Both parties must be privy to all evidence.

      • zandoli
        February 22, 2017

        Of course they have to disclose, but the point is, just because she does not disclose it in THIS letter, does not mean it does not exist (and she has no case). If the matter goes to court, the onus will be on her to prove injury which includes disclosure of her evidence. By no means is she free of that responsibility – just not now.

  24. Patience
    February 21, 2017

    Is asking a question defamatory?

    • Anonymous
      February 22, 2017

      How can you defame someone, when that person does not have any fame?

  25. Goodluck Dominica
    February 21, 2017

    Matt you must be a mad man!! Do your self a great service. Change immediately. You want to walk bare foot in Roseau, drinking olive oil and fight imaginary beings? Garcon!!!!! Get smart. I am sure Francine will not settle with a hush agreement like PM did.

  26. %
    February 21, 2017

    Let them go to court!!! Threats of sues will not prevent the people afrom asking for the resignation of Skerrit..The DLP which he leads has reduced the name of Dominica to the gutters and the garbage bin.This DLP has been like a cancer,as it has eaten into the last fabric of Dominica as a nation…After destroying agriculture,and being totally incapable of pushing tourism forward,then they have done an ABSOLUTE TOTAL MESS WITH CBI?What a regime..The answer is not the DEMONISATION of honourable patriot Linton..He is the voice of everyone outside of this small gang enjoying the riches of Dominica..Yes he represents poor and struggling labourites as well…He will not be DEMONISED…This guy is doggone good!I love him!SUE MY FOOT!!Sue MONFARED NAH!All you hate to hear that name now?MONFARED!MONFARED!MONFARED!

    • D/can to de Bone (F)
      February 21, 2017

      He is your voice…

    • Expat
      February 21, 2017

      @ %. Which people are asking for the resignation of Skeritt. The ladt time I checked it was a handful of deplorables who masqueraded as hooligans and vagabonds.

      • %
        February 22, 2017

        The 17000 plus voters who voted UWP..This number did not include overseas votes..By the way we need ELECTORAL REFORM..Election should not be a fraud.

    • ?????????????????
      February 21, 2017

      % Who is destroying Dominica? Look closely. Who caused the destruction on 7th February? who is saying so much irresponsible and defamatory reports without facts on different persons.Who is displaying hostile and hatred towards the PM and supporters? Who is going out to meetings and functions overseas without being invited, making a fool of themselves and rebuffed since Dominica is a sovereign state and this is internal matter? Who disrespect the law and disobeys like a child and says that the police cannot tell them when to stop a so called peaceful demonstration? Who caused the young men to react in the way they did exactly disregarding law and order??? Everything that you so called supporters of this party are a pure figmentation of the mind. Actually you thrive on heresay and all that is bad and defamatory with no facts or evidence at all. Who Who who????? Answer

      • %
        February 22, 2017

        Happy for the many responses.Those destroying Dominica are those selling our passports to the worlds crooks and criminals…I DETEST THEM POLITICALLY.

    • Truth be told
      February 22, 2017

      Everything upeepee did hurt our country Dominica starting from LL, the Prime Minister is here to stay!!! God Be with you all LOW MINDED PEOPLE!!!

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