Cabinet to consider Tiyani Behanzin’s contract renewal

Behanzin

A request for the renewal of a contract for Magistrate Tiyani Behanzin is expected to go before cabinet for consideration soon.

Behanzin’s contract expired last week and it is not clear whether it will be renewed.

Legal Affairs Minister Ian Douglas said there is a process when renewing such contracts and that process has to be followed.

“There is a process. All contracts of those types have a process to go through and when the applicant has indicated an intention to renew, the ministry prepares a Cabinet paper for consideration. There are processes that have to be followed,” Douglas stressed.

Douglas did not comment on whether he thinks Behanzin’s contract will be renewed.

“I don’t want to preempt the decision of Cabinet,” Douglas stated. “I am only a member and I don’t think it is my place. I think we should just let the process take its course.”

Behanzin was appointed magistrate by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) based in St.Lucia and was granted a two year contract by the Dominica Government.

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71 Comments

  1. RAS B
    February 10, 2011

    The renewal of Mr TIYANI BEHANZIN magistrate’s contract was allowed to expire before the process of renewal could be commenced!!!! This is a strange and unusual practice that suggest to me that the powers that be do not plan to renew this man’s contract.

    Irrespective of your emotions, There are reasonable views on both sides (a) Whereas many of his decisions have been over ruled on appeal, (b)whereas he does not seem to work well with his peers, (c) whereas he has already been disciplined by an international governing legal authority and (d) whereas there continues to be issues raised about his qualifications, his contract may not be renewed.

    However,(a) whereas he has shown of his unbridled interest in arresting the crimes with which Dominica has been recently plagued both on the bench through his sentences and through his social activities such as the peace conference at Wesley in which he played an integral role, (b) Whereas his work in Dominica thus far speaks loudly of his commitment to address crime at it’s source and at its offshoot,(c) Whereas he is a native Dominican who is trying to make a difference not only in his local community but through out the country, (d) Whereas his peers in the legal fraternity have done their very best to make his life and work near impossible (e) Whereas he was considered sufficiently qualified and trained previously for him to have secured an initial contract and (e) whereas by his very action he has almost singlehandedly make the wrongdoer fear the system of Justice; It would appear that his contract should be renewed but The evidence from the behaviour of the contract granting body would suggest that their are issues relating to his continuation on the bench and unfortunately, it does not seem that his contract will be renewed.

    • OFFICER OF THE LAW!
      February 10, 2011

      TIYANI IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE MAN CALLED “YOU FOLLOW”. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THEY BROUGHT HIM DOWN? THEY WENT FOR THE VERY SAME “YOU FOLLOW” TO HELP THEM WITH JUSTICE. I HOPE BY THAT TIME TIYANI IS SOOOOO FAR GONE AND IN THE MIDST OF PEOPLE WHO WILL APPRECIATE HIM.

    • GWATANCE
      February 20, 2011

      WHAT YOU SAY IS SO CORRECT especially in sections (e) and (f) paragraph 3, to lose this magistrate’s services will be a grave mistake/erro of judgement indeed

      It is agreed and understood that POLITICS and THE JUDICIARY are separate and independent in decision making to matters appertaining to their jurisdiction.

  2. mwen meme
    February 10, 2011

    Tiyani should be made cheif magistrate, but alas…only in a “dream Dominica”.

  3. Boyz2men
    February 10, 2011

    Tiyani is better off without the bench, trust me. This man had the opportunitys to get his act together after several complains againt him, but no he`s too arrogant to receive any advise not even from the Chief Magistrate.

  4. Papa Dom
    February 10, 2011

    To the many persons who accuse the gentleman of being incompetent and or unqualified, using the court of appeal decision as the basis for such ignorant comments, I would like to reproduce a section of an article for your consideration.
    “There’s nothing in the judges comments that suggest magistrate Behanzin for one moment overstepped the provisions of the laws of Dominica. He might have, in a few cases, applied the full extent of punishment allowable under the specific law, but that’s perfectly normal practice.

    Interestingly and importantly, in not one solitary instance did any of the judges ever chastise Behanzin for a wrongful conviction. The crimes —assault, battery, throwing missiles, possession of Marijuana with intent to supply, threats, intimidation and wounding, use of threatening language—were all committed and according to our laws, punished.”

    So unless you are prepared to give examples in support of your accusations, then I think you should apologize to the young man.

  5. pat
    February 10, 2011

    mr. magistrate god be with you. what god bless no man curse. even if this negative govt dont renew your so called contract await on the massive they’ll make you the next leader of this country. many thought that skerrit was a savior, yes he was but money(corruption), and ungodly friends (e.g shavez) overwhelmed him and has therefore taken a wrong turn. the people will see you through mr. magistrate. you are a good, decent and straight forward man. a leader needs a head. no head in the leader of d/ca today. they control and dictate the court and thats what they cant do with you.

  6. forkit
    February 10, 2011

    a godly man in the midth of wolves and serpents. HE WONT GET THE CONTRACT RENEWED…

    ITS LIKE ASKING GOD TO REPRESENT THE DEVIL IN COURT

  7. Marina
    February 9, 2011

    Quite clearly there was no “process” involved in hiring him becasue if there were they would have known he was not qualified prior to having all of his decision overturned on appeal…

    • WELL SAH!
      February 10, 2011

      how can someone who went to school to study law, made it to the bar in britain, not be qualified? come on man! You dominicans need to stop it! That is why I can never come back to Domnica to work after my degree. NEVER! For the love of country and you get a kick in your A**!

      • peace of mouth
        February 10, 2011

        u are so true WELL SAH

      • Possie
        February 10, 2011

        you wont be miss

        • WELL SAH!
          February 10, 2011

          well i know i will be eh considering the fact that i am not even done with my degree and i am getting job offers from great companies with great packages attactched….so maybe not by you, but defintiely the people who want to me run their finances…heeehee!

        • Anonymous
          February 10, 2011

          Marina you should probably inquire why he returned to Dominca and FLED from LONDON TOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  8. de anti ratist
    February 9, 2011

    I totally agree with Ian Douglas when it comes to people like behenzin there is a process to be followed, in fact there are three kinds of processes when it comes to this government and it depends on who you are — if it is the awarding of contracts there is ! no process ; if there is a need to extend a contract you are on the side of the government like certain Magistrates there is an automatic process of renewal government does even wait on you to ask for a renewal they either extend it themselves or offer you a continuation; and # 3 with independent straight standing principle people like my partner there is the 3rd process which is the slow or drawn out and delayed process hoping to frustrate the individual– that is what is now called good governance according to Skerrit and the labour party…

  9. Wesley Folk
    February 9, 2011

    Sir whatever happens we are in support of your good work, we thank you for your many sacrifices and wish you God’s blessings always.
    Hope to see you back on our bench soon..but if otherwise let it be God’s will, we know that you are qualified enough to make it anywhere and you sure know how to assit those in need, so just keep it going man. :)

  10. block 44
    February 9, 2011

    say yes to tiyani, :lol: his the best

  11. CUBBS
    February 9, 2011

    beanzie doh worry with them they just being envious of your qualification and how promising you are in this country they fraid you with all the fraud and lies and theiving that going on there you are for justice and all that crime you want to stop happening in this country they fraid they themselves get caught up in the web of dishonesty. i know for sure if you had the opportunity all these things with the pm would of stop already is not today.JUST REMEMBER WHO GOD BLESS NO MAN CURSE. TRUST IN HIM ALL THE TIME.

  12. SHAME
    February 9, 2011

    BETTER MUS COME,NEXT PM FOR DA WEATHER ALL YOU LIKE IT OR NOT.

  13. One Day
    February 9, 2011

    Due process Ian? Anyway, If the govt does not renew this man’s contract we will confirm that they are intimidated by people they cannot manipulate. So lets wait and see.

    • Shawn
      February 9, 2011

      Please!!!

      If the government does not renew his contract it will be because he has proven himself to be incompetent………..

  14. A Voice
    February 9, 2011

    Man utter nonesense that going on there. The gov’t ought to extend that man’s salary for the next ten years. The man is truly an asset to the country. He goes way beyond what are his normal duties and reaches out to the community, which is much more than the gov’t and the lay men does and all you want to cut style on the man.

    It seems all you just want people in there that can just tow the line. All you got no place for outside, independent thinkers.

    We the people demand that this man gets his contract extended.

    I watchin’ still….

  15. Muslim_Always
    February 9, 2011

    My brother Tiyani, you have done a fantastic job. My opinion is you are the best magistrate in Dominica. You have brought hope to those who have none. You are just and fair and people respect you. For sure, if they do not renew your contract, the DLP will lose a lot of political points :-D

    I don’t think they want that :!:

    • tanty
      February 9, 2011

      Due process, Mr. Ian Douglas, I wish you would say that for the decisions that are being taken, which constantly brings our country into disrepute. Its unfortunate that Tyani has to go through due process. Time will tell, or its already telling. All you day will come. tyani for Dominica, like it or not. Zore Peire Tyani, met jell zous. ALL THE WAY WITH TYANI OUR MAN OUR LEADER. DOWN WITH ALL OF ALL YOU IN THAT FOUCHETTE CABINET

  16. Norman shillingford
    February 9, 2011

    It;s rather unfortunate that this young splendid over qualified extraordinary Tiyani Bedanzin. Son of the late, humble, concerned, caring,loving. The Hon Rosvelt Bernard Dauglas. Has to go through that trauma. It;s unspeakable,unprincipled, stop this bias and chauvinistic behavior.Stop this redtape bureaucracy, for renewal of a contract,God be with you guys in cabinet.The longest rope has an end.Ian examine your conscience.

    • cant forget
      February 9, 2011

      NORMAN now all no rosie douglas was honorale? u all realy think we forgetting the pss eh……anyways mr. behanzin has taken wrong judgment on to much cases which the appeals court had to turn over….his sentenceing is on his personal feelings which is realy not what a magistrate job is….all case should be taken an delt with on its own merrits an not on personal feelings. the facts has to be the center of ones position in the court….and thats what MR. BEHANZIN is doing….

      on the other hand….NOT BECEASE HE IS THE SON OF THE LATE PRIME MINISTER ROSIE DOUGLAS MKES HIM AUTOMATICALY SUITED FOR THE POST……

      THERE IS A PROCESS AN THAT PROCESS HAS TO BE FOLLOWED….OK…

      AN TO THOSE OF YOU WHO NOW SIGNING BEHANZINS SONG…..TKE ALL YOU MIND TWO YERS ABACK WHEN HE STARTED ON THE BENCH ALL WHAT YOU ALL WAS SAYING ABOUT HIM….IF YOU ALL FORGET SK ANGILLO TO GET THE TAPES ON ALL WHAT HE AN ALL YOU SAID ABOUT HIM WHEN THIS GOVERNMENT GAVE HIM A CONTRACT…..HI-PO-CRIT SOME OF YOU ALL BE…

      • Muslim_Always
        February 10, 2011

        Do you @ can’t forget:

        1. Hate a man who is tough on crime?

        The man is cleaning the streets, going out of the ordinary to create peace in communities and you hate Tiyani? No wonder Dominica is what it is today, many Dominicans hearts are inverted. They hate truth so they kill the messenger!

        • Nadz
          February 10, 2011

          Kudos to you for saying it as it is!!!!

      • OFFICER OF THE LAW!
        February 10, 2011

        the reason why the appeals the people who appealed were successful is because our legal body in Dominica refused to support him to present his matter. The legal body were too busy setting up petitions among themselves to bring him down, but they lie. As a police officer, I am really disgusted by the memebers of our legal body.

  17. BLOODLINE
    February 9, 2011

    When I listen to that man-Behanzin. I get chills, the voice is so haunting, reminiscent of his father’s. I mean it is in his blood to want to help, to lead, to fight injustice. Try as they might, to frustrate him this man has destiny riding on him HARD, and destiny will be fulfilled. He could be anywhre else in the world, but the call of destiny is clear, so he must respond. Ian, Behanzin must rise to restore the Douglas name. Do what is right and put him through. Either way there is no mistaking he is a force to be reckoned with and that makes alot of people nervous.

  18. hellboy
    February 9, 2011

    doh worry my friend, even if your contract is not renewed you will forever be my favorite magistrate..

    GOD BLESS YOU TIANNI

    • Glanvilia
      February 9, 2011

      I am sure those who were sentenced with no regard for the law do not feel the same way….

      • WELL SAH!
        February 10, 2011

        you would be amazed how those he sentenced meets him on the street and joke and laugh with him as a friend. I am also amazed myself.

  19. True Beauty
    February 9, 2011

    TIYANI BEhanzin , You are truly what Dominica Needs…. Remember His Name People “TIYANI BEhanzin”

    The problem with most of my people is that they are very close minded…. It does not take a fool to see that this man really cares about us as Dominicans. I a sick and tired of seeing the direction in which my Country is going. Tiyani is a breath of fresh air. I strongly beleive that he will be the one to take us out of this doom and gloom that we are in.

    I hope he runs for Office one day.

    He would get my vote %100.

  20. Dread!
    February 9, 2011

    If there is no evidence, basis and claim to not renew his contract then there is no reason why it should not be renewed. Dominica has too much makakwee tan!!!

  21. Fairplay
    February 9, 2011

    I don’t think that his contract should be renewed..This Islamic Jihadist should be sent on a Hajj. I say NO to his Satanic Verses and Sharia law.

    • Muslim_Always
      February 9, 2011

      Your ignorance is so bliss, I empathize with you, you don’t know any better.

      • cant forget
        February 10, 2011

        MUSLIM why do you feel sorry for FAIRPLY? it was yo who called the SAE BEHANZIN WICKED IN 2007 WE… YOU FORGET MAN? it suit all you now…well his contract will not be renewed…..let him go play his politics in the open….no undercover politics in our justis system

    • river girl
      February 9, 2011

      Remember those who live in glass house should not throw stone because you might just end up in his court and he will exercise the law to the fullest he plays no favour for any one and he cannot be bought so you bury you sin sick comments because you are a foolist person you dont have to be a lawyer to know or understand the legal system that is something you should concern yourself with then you can make positive comments I would suggest you do a lot of reading that is if you can.

  22. KING LIAR
    February 9, 2011

    THEY WANT TO RENEW HIS CONTRACT CAUSE THEY AFRAID HE MIGHT RUN FOR OFFICE. A NEW HUSH YOUR MOUTH SLTYLE.
    DONT ACCEPT THE JOB YOU ARE GOOD FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

  23. JC
    February 9, 2011

    Why would they not renew this man contract. If i were the ruling party, i would want this man far from politics as possible. Why? Don’t you see the people of Dominica are looking for a better opposition. If this man decides to go into politics and forms a political party, what would you think would happen? Picture it. I believe he would pick up a lot of momentum. it’s easier said than done but the people who are opposed to our current PM but vote him because of lack of better representation will be drawn to this man. My advice to the DLP is to keep this man happy and away from politics unless he’s on your side.

  24. Lougawoo Mem
    February 9, 2011

    Viva Magistrate Tyani Behanzin. Ian, in your position, do what is right for the good of the country and do not let the AG Levi Peter and the DLP gang continue to take you down. We know that they are wicked to the core, that if you do not dance to their music they’ll put you out of the dance-hall. Don’t let politics trump this good son of the soil.
    I wonder why the AG has become a lightenning rod against the Honorable Magistrate? Is it because that Mr. Bihanzin is more qualified than him? Or because he is threatened by the honesty, candor, credibility and professionalsm of the Magistrate ? Whatever the reasons, the nation demands an answer to this travesty that’s taking place in the country. The cronysm and nepotism that is a hallmark of this adminstration is appalling. The nonsense must stop and allow the most qualified to
    get the job. If the Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Douglas chooses to do what’s bad for the country, then the people of Possie should kick him out of office. The civic minded patriots are watching closely in this saga and is hoping that justice will prevail in order to continue fight crimes in the country.

  25. kalpat
    February 9, 2011

    Calibishie people let us go and demonstrate to keep Tiyani Behanzin here.We need him.The entire North North-East is waiting.A man of his word,we want him.We love him,we will rally around him.

    • a.destouche
      February 9, 2011

      i will b there.

  26. bunny
    February 9, 2011

    Tiyani every disappointment is a blessing. Go into politics instead. We need another option in Dominica.

  27. Anonymous
    February 9, 2011

    of course they will not want to renew because he is an unpstanding law abiding person.

  28. Anonymous
    February 9, 2011

    renewing the contract should not be delegated upon just renew it the man has taken a different approach to assisting in the country he calls his home there is nothing wrong with that its because of his fearness to victims of crimes he is lookded down upon as a rouge magistrate well has off to you the whole pupoose of being a magistrate is to serve the people and he is doing just that if his contract is not renewed that would be pure politics keep him there no contract just keep the man make him chief magistrate and we will be fine.

  29. Hugo Grotius
    February 9, 2011

    They must renew Benhanzin contract, u crazy u think dem fellas not afraid of coolwash.

  30. Keeping Them Honest
    February 9, 2011

    Trevor according to Ian the process starts when the applicant has indicated an intention to renew, the ministry prepares a Cabinet paper for consideration. So ask the applicant WHEN he informed authorities of his intentions. Fair to say Behanzin is well aware of the process. I hope he IS afforded a Five year continuance.

  31. charmed
    February 9, 2011

    they don’t want to renew the contract because he is to hard on the drug traffickers!!!!!!!! the criminals !!is that what we are saying , so what do we really want love and peace or crime, violence and war!!!!

    the people know why they do not want to renew it, because they themselves are involved in it and money will stop flowing!!!!!!!!!!!!and those money lunderers will face problems when name start calling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!is that , that is the problem…..

    we never want nothing good in Dominica!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  32. Deoborah
    February 9, 2011

    I would recommend that the contract should not be renewed since he is too involved with the public. His level of involvement in the Peace Conference was unbecoming of a judicial officer who has to preside over cases impartially.

    • Oh my god
      February 9, 2011

      Wow interested way to think of it. All of us now with no formal training are professionals on everything. So because he is a magistrate who is to abjudicate on matters he should go to work then lock himself up in a house way in the forest till his next work day? While you at it you should recommend that they should choose judges and magistrate with absolutely no relatives.

    • sa ou di la
      February 9, 2011

      Deobarant….lol deoborah….u need a psych evaluation from dr benji d mad man..nuff said

    • Anonymous
      February 9, 2011

      you must be an unintellegent person to recommend this he has made a turn around in the communities that he has served.when others fail to charge people for the crimes againt us he serves to protect us u are too rediculous u maybe one of those who wanted to pay him off for a case and he refused ur bribe and the peace confrence was an intelligent move to get our young people to turn away from a life of crime well don i say keep up the good work.

    • lol
      February 9, 2011

      ARE YOU FOR REAL???? SO BY TRYING TO ENSUE PEACE IN THE COMMUNITIES HE THINK HES TOO INVOLVED??WOULD U RATHER HEAR THEIR ARE MURDERS EVERY WEEK INSTEAD???

    • harles
      February 9, 2011

      U ARE A FOOL. MY TIYANI IS DOING A GOOD JOB AND WHAT HE DID IN WESLY SHOULD BE LOOKED AT AS AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN DA TO HELP SOLVE THE CRIME PROBLEM. HE HAVE NOT BROKEN THE LAW BY SO DOING BUT SETS AAN EXAMPLE WHICH OTHER LAWYERS AND MAGISTRATES SHOULD FOLLOW. MAY GOD KEEP THIS YOUNG MAN AND BLESS HIM. I DO HOPE THAT HE GETS A RENEWAL FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS

    • Lougawoo Mem
      February 9, 2011

      Waste no time with pinheads…. it’s not worth the time.

    • Explainer
      February 10, 2011

      Why would you not want his contract renewed?? He has taken a tough stance in combating crime and has made a diferecnce which has impacted change. Something the government has failed to do and do not seem to be bothered at all.

      He is a steward of the law which is to enforce laws and bring about change, which he has done from the get go. He is just too honest for them.

      I say renew the contract asap, or he will be a big liabliity on the outside, more results will happen.

  33. S.A.M.
    February 9, 2011

    Do not renew the contract and let him run for office…..

  34. Explainer
    February 9, 2011

    Hold your head up my brother like a true Zulu warrior. They can’t hold you down, will be an asset to them if they keep you and a bigger liability if they don’t, tell it like it is.

  35. Kyle
    February 9, 2011

    According to to this article, “Behanzin’s contract expired last week and it is not clear whether it will be renewed”. This is bazaar.
    Also, Legal Affairs Minister Ian Douglas said, “there is a process when renewing such contracts and that process has to be followed.” Only in Dominica these things happen. I am fully aware that when contracts are about to be expired that notice is given by either party for renewal and or termination. I am not aware that either parties have to wait until the expired date and then be informed one way or another. This is just poor quality work, period.

    • charmed
      February 9, 2011

      and not just that the other lawyers own has been renewed alrerady so why is there a problem for his own alone

  36. timbok 2
    February 9, 2011

    there shouldn’t be no process for this man….he should be renewed one time…you guys just playin politics…i hope ian can face those big heads like Levi and state a claim for his cousin if not the people of possie…U KNOW MR. RIVERE WOULDN’T FRAID TO WRITE A NEXT ARTICLE :d

  37. Trevor Tossy Johnson
    February 9, 2011

    Well if he is the Minister taking the Note to Cabinet then it would suggest that he thinks the appointment should be renewed, right?

    Now, why would Ian go to Cabinet after the contract has expired? Why not a month ago, two weeks ago, one week ago? I really don’t understand how these guys are running the affairs of the Country.

    • S.A.M.
      February 9, 2011

      Tete Jomo…come back and run for office.

      Run Tossy Run

    • WIKILEAKS
      February 9, 2011

      Trevor,

      Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense

      But then again, you have your own warped agenda so you believe what you want

  38. sukouyan
    February 9, 2011

    I hope those foochettes do the right thing for the good of all not a few

  39. sledge hammer
    February 9, 2011

    Please for heaven sake and the people of the north sake renew the mans contract.we know that Levi Peters is his number one enemy but the people fills saffer with Behanzin as a magistrate than levi as AG.right court close in the North no Magistrate people start to be afraid to walk at nights thives start to steal again more drugs start on the streets again,kidnaping will start again and the crime rate will increas if he is not re appointed because the chief magistrate is the one putting criminals on bail WE WANT TIYANI FAST if that Government love the people then listen to our voices TIYANI,TIYANT TIYANI BEhanzin BEHANZIN for the north we are all behind him.

  40. sukouyan
    February 9, 2011

    Due process like construction projects and parry. Belligerent deal

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