Drug sellers “buy our loyalty” and “prostitute us” – magistrate

Magistrate Behanzin

Magistrate Tiyani Behanzin has raised concerns over the number of Dominicans who have died or gone missing due to illicit drug activities at sea.

“Dominican criminals intercept other Dominican criminals and sink the bodies at sea. That’s what’s going on. Now whether we sit there and pretend it’s not going on that’s entirely up to us,” Behanzin said, while addressing Trafalgar residents at a forum earlier this week.

According to him, in excess of 65 persons have been reported missing at sea over some time.

“We have an estimate [of] more than 65 men missing in this country, and that is people who die at sea. So a few months ago last year, they found three men in a boat, and everybody got excited … 65 men are missing, and nobody is concerned about that. The last three in Portsmouth were juveniles … missing at sea because, the adults involved in the trade, use young people to go and runway boot,” he said.

Behanzin alluded to persons here who earn a million dollars in profit monthly from the sale of drugs and buy the loyalty of many Dominicans through financing fetes and other community activities. “Right here it’s going on. We have drug dealers who finance our children’s sports equipment. When you have these little fetes around here, they finance it … They provide security better than the council can …These criminals buy our loyalty. They prostitute us,” he said.

According to the magistrate, the amendment of the Drug Act of 1993, 16.1A states that if one is convicted of a drug trafficking offense he can be fined up to $150,000. If there is evidence of the street value of the drugs, the fine can amount to three times that value and the persons can face a maximum of 15 years prison with a minimum of seven years.

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50 Comments

  1. joe blow
    August 14, 2010

    we need to clamp down on the customs officers and police officers who continue to facillitate drug dealers by give confidential information, and even providing security for the drug dealers businesses…….

    shame shame shame….

  2. Big-Bannan
    August 8, 2010

    Jamaican,, i dread your response. Selling or dealing drugs, that eventually affect your youth is non-justfiable at all times. Jamaica is the armpit of the Caribbean because its people are arrogant and violent and that is including its government who thought Jamaica needed its own currency. Jamaica cannot stand alone, that is why one US dollar is worth 85 Jamaican dollars.

  3. UPTOWN REBEL!!!
    August 4, 2010

    @Jamaican: You are missing the whole point Sir.That is not one in the same.It is a totally different issue. Absolulety,every individual is responsible for his/her own ecomonic development.But if there are no opprtunities created for him by Govt.,no jobs,no development,no economic stimulation or growth, for him or her to pursue that individual dream,how is he or she going to attain this goal?.He or she will have to look alsewhere,as in migration.
    Jamaica for instance is a prime example. Is has become a failed State.The Govts.of Jamaica has failed the people.It has failed the create opportunities for its people and it has failed to protect the Rights of the people.
    I am quite sure you are aware of this.We are so quick to point the finger at the white man and tend to blame him for everything.But a great many all of our problems, are with us and our Govts.
    Lets put things in perspective,and think through issues.
    Thank you,and all the best to you……Oh and by the way…Peace,..cause you sure need it.
    REBEL!!!

  4. UPTOWN REBEL!!!
    August 4, 2010

    Rastafari, Melonie,
    Knowing that you are one and the same person,I will give one response…..First of all,Tayani,is not a Govt. minister,nor is his a member of cabinet,or parliament. So if you want to attack the Govt..then just attack the Govt.Thats all well and good.But Tiyani has nothing to do with that,why attack the Govt. thru him?…If you dislike him,thats your personal business.And by the way i believe that there are personal issues going on there(just my personal belief,or opinion). Dominica’s problems are not with Tiyani….far from it.
    Secondly,how can you truly and honestly say to me that Govt. is not suppose to create opportunities for its people?.You call that rubbish?Are you for real?I mean that is exactly what you said..Yet in reading your comments,whether knowingly or unknowingly ,you agreed with what i said about Govt.,and the creation of opportunities….You’re not a joker are you? I would hope not.

    Let me tell you something see…..One of the obligations of Govt.,is to facilitate the creation of opportunity for its people. If the Govt. don’t do that the private sector will never survive and strive.The private sector is in the business of making money,geting returns from its investments. A fundamental right of investment is to get a return on your money.I am sure you know that ,because you seems intelligent enough.
    Do you believe the Govt. of Dominica is collecting enough taxes to build(infra-structure):roads,schools,Telecom.networks,Airport,etc.? I doubt that very much.
    If the Govt. don’t stimulate growth,that will not happen and they will go bankrupt. It is the Government who has to create an atmosphere that is attractive to investments.
    The stimulus of an ecomomy is investments and a solid work force…The social element to Dominica’s problem is, the Govt.need to create opportunities for the people. People are a Country’s greatest asset.
    Look here Sir/Madame,and that is fundamentally important.The definition of Government;
    All men are created equal.They are endowed by the Creator with inalienable Rights,among them the Right to Life,Liberty,and the pursuit of Happiness.And it is to secure these Rights that Governments are instituted among men. This my friend,is the primary purpose for which Governments exist.
    So until we know what is Govt., what to expect from Govt., and hold them accountable,we will forever be selling ourselves short. I cannot stress this enough. Some.if not most Dominicans need to know and understand (the definition of Govt.) and get it through their thick skull.
    I believe the Governments of Dominica(past and present) have failed Dominica and its Citizens miserably. They have squandered the opportunities of Independence.
    Until people wake up from their slumber,and start taking a different view of themselves and their worth,they will be in for a really rough ride to nowwhere.
    Dominica needs Leadership with the interest of Dominica and its people at heart. Not interest of Party and supporters.
    I read your comments,you made some valid points i must say.But we can always agree to disagree.I am looking forward to engaging you again in the future…If needs be.
    And f.y.i;..mediocrity and incompetence are not in my repertoire. But if you’d like some latest Movies,just let me know.We have all the latest one..(and i mean latest).You name it we’ve got it.
    I can send you a few, or let you have some..I mean that.(lol) seriously….Entertainment?…we have that with a capital E!(lol).
    Sorry, time is against me.I’ve got to run…..
    All the best to you……and…
    Peace profound!!

  5. Jamaican
    August 4, 2010

    “Look here,its your Govt. who is suppose to create opportunities for you and the people of Dominica.Not any one from the private sector.Nor is that the responsibility of any individual”. The fact that there are intelligent people in Dominica who believe this tell me that Dominicans are already existing in a state of mental slavery….ITS THE INDIVIDUAL WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER OWN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT…this is what being free is all about….unless you are living in a communist state, dictatorship or or some other form of totalitarian regime…. so to come onto a public forum and post otherwise shows how deep-rooted our slave mentality really is, which is not really suprising becasue we have been slaves and/or colonial subjects much longer (450 years) than we have been so-called free independent people just about 30 years…just like it took the white man a long time to turn us into a slave its going to take a long time to tuen us back into a free and independant people (mentally) that is…

  6. Rastafari
    August 3, 2010

    Uptown Rebel

    I disagree. First of all, the wealth of any nation is dependent on private sector activity. The governments role is to put polices in place to facilitate/encourage and regulate private sector investment and business activity which in turn creates jobs.

    But in Dominica, the government has encouraged the population to beg them for hand outs i.e. red clinic ect, and most of their agenda internationally (i.e. China) has been about begging for grants as opposed to encouraging trade, manufacturing and investment into the various sectors like tourism and/or organic farming one of the biggest growth industries in the world at the moment.

    We are basically raising a nation of beggars. The only place this agenda will lead Dominica is back into slavery, we have been conditioned back into servitude. The only way to achieve any level of economic prosperity is through private enterprise, innovation, risk-taking, and putting our natural resources to full use.

    We are the only country in the region without a golf course, 5 star hotel, and may other standard attractions in the region. So, when you look at Hampstead estate for example, this is one of the countries national treasures that can potentially deliver investment, jobs, development and create wealth so its not just the business of the land owners, it is of national interest in terms of what is being done for it to achieve its economic potential for the benefit of the people of Dominica.

    And, I agree with Melonie, if we are to be taken seriously as a nation then individuals holding public offices should be held to the highest of standards. At the moment it is actually impossible for any citizen of Dominica to get a fair hearing/trial in a court room where the magistrate has been publicly declared incompetent not only by the chief magistrate but by the regional court of appeal. So, in reality any decision he renders from now on can be struck-off on appeal – his incompetence has already been established by the relevant authorities!!!

    I think Melonie’s point was if he was in any other country, he would be fired for incompetence but in Dominica its alright – we are even celebrating our ignorance. No! Dominica is not a dumping ground for the rejects of other countries – we must higher standards than that!

    Most of the prisoners who were set free on appeal were not drug dealers, they were hard working Dominicans who found themselves on the wrong side of he law – it could happen to anybody including you or me. Regardless of the charge, all humans by way of UN declarations are to afforded basic standards of human rights, and to throw these principles out the window on a whim does nothing for the fairness of our society and reputation abroad.

    We are not living in a dictatorship, we are living in a democracy and we should not tolerate or encourage anybody who threatens to destroy this sacred principle. And, just as importantly we should not be celebrating incompetence, what kind of message does that sent to our children?

  7. Melonie
    August 3, 2010

    Uptown Rebel

    “….Look here,its your Govt. who is suppose to create opportunities for you and the people of Dominica” This is absolute rubbish. Your governments job is to use taxpayer money to provide essential public services”, which includes building the necessary infrastructure (ie roads, hospitals, schools, telecommunication network, airport ect….) in addition to creating the necessary environment for indivuduals through enterprise, initiave and hard work to create their OWN businees opportuites. This is what capitalism is all about. This is why i say RBD is a perfect example to follow, he was not waiting around for no government handouts.

    And, though this process investment, jobs, and economic growth/prospertiy takes place. The fact that we have incompetence in public office means that tax payer money is not going to good use.

    In fact, it puts us all at risk. All I am saying is if Behanzin is going to incompetent, he should do it as a private citizen in the context of his own self-funded enterprise and not at the expence of the us – the public paying his wages. If you are paying a man’s wage, then when you get to his court room you should be afforded respect, human rights and competence otherwise you are paying for somthing and getting nothing in return – not to mention, putting the government at risk if being sued for human right violations.

    If they are sued, who do you thing foots the bill for their defence? YOU DO!!!So, So, you need to stop seeking cheap entertainment throught the antics of Behanzin, and hold your government and its agencies accountable to you as is done everywhere else EXCEPT Dominica which is one of the reasons why we will continue to be looked at as backwards people!

    If you want cheap entertainment – go see a movie!!!

  8. Melonie
    August 2, 2010

    Uptown rebel

    As flavor flav might say: Don’t believe the hype! … Behanzin … We are talking about a guy who had a record number of appeals against his decisions, and most of them were unheld by th Court of appeals, which meant that the prisoners serving unjust prison terms all had to be releaased immediately. So, whether you like him or not …. And, if is was anywhere other than Dominica he would have been fired a long time ago.

    In fact, the government of Dominica is currrently at risk of being sued by way of class action suit for his incompetence by those who were unjustly sentenced without any regard for the law. And, sadly the only place on earth where incompetence is rewarded it seems is Dominica by people like yourself.

    Since when has incompetence become a virtue to aspire towards? We need to teach our children to strive to be the best – not the most ignorant! This way they can be competitive with anybody anywhere in this global economy.

    Even in Dominica where ignorance is bliss Behanzin’s ignorance of the law has been well documented by various senior members of the profession.

    I just think it sad for the people who end up having judgement rendered against them when there is no regard for the law or human rights. I just think as poor as we are, we should set higher standards for ourselves and for those who we appoint into public offices otherwise we will remain the laughing stock of the region.

    ….

    And, worst of all we the tax payers are paying for it…………

  9. PC
    August 2, 2010

    If that may be the case and he “knows” what the drug dealers are doing then stop them, arrest them, cease it. Don’t just blow steam for accolades (like many here doing—scroll down). The people that “go backdoor” chose that life and know the consequences. I highly doubt that the magistrate looses sleep for those lost at sea. You have a problem (drug dealers prostituting the people), you have an agent (funding), you have a solution (investigation UNTIL solid evidence THEN jail them). Apply it!!! The strategy of making the public “aware” (cause everybody already knows) of these activities would not help/solve it. Mr. Magistrate you don’t really care either, just a person with the gift of the gab. HYPOCRITE.

    I know that actions speak louder than words, all I see is words. Act then speak – my motto. A lot of people here that speak and commend and applaud these stories are hypocrites themselves. E.g If you’re having a wonderful evening at your home with family and a kid knocks your door asking for donations for their new football boots most of you would not dig into your pockets to help them, but come here and chastise the drug dealers who do help. STOP WITH THE HYPOCRISY.

    To those that say well he trying to “stop poor people fun” and for the government to come up with a replacement solution, instead of (pardon my language) *b!+ching* come together and find a solution for your community. If everybody that is waiting for a government solution and a handout come together and make plans to replace drug money funding (start on a community level first) Dominica would be a much better place.

    N.B I am against the drug dealers and their practices. Just cant stand hypocrite people.

  10. UPTOWN REBEL!!!
    August 2, 2010

    @Melonie: What does Tiyani have to do with Hamspstead,or the Govt.? absolutely nothing.He is a grand-son,remember? Not a son.Why do you think he changed his named?….Look here,its your Govt. who is suppose to create opportunities for you and the people of Dominica.Not any one from the private sector.Nor is that the responsibility of any individual.Your Govt.is responsible for creating jobs,and looking about the interest of the people.If the private sector steps in and offer jobs,well,that a plus.but that is not their primary responsibility.Look to your Govt.,and hold them accountable.

    If the Douglas family have a feud in their family about their land, their possessions,or anything else,that is their business.Not yours or mines.Let them work it out.They have already contributed a whole lot to Dominica and to their society.In some cases,it cost some their lives. What more do you want?.Leave them alone!.Enough is enough already.
    Now is the time for you and I to make our own contributions to Dominica and our respective societies.That’s one of our main problems.We are too darn dependent on other people,any we tend to blame everybody but ourselves for our problems.You get off your high horses and do something for yourselves and your Country.
    Some of you sons of bitches(pardon my french),are too friggin lazy.always looking for somebody to do for you, looking for some hand-outs from someone,or looking to steal sombody’s stuff. Now is the time to get up and go do something constructive and productive for yourselves and for your Country.Instead of coming here and talking about people and their business,and puting each other down…
    Where is your pride,your dignity.your self-esteem,your integrity and your morals? Don’t you have any of those qualities?.You brood of vipers!,don’t you have any shame!
    Tiyani, i’m quite sure, is trying to make a name for himself, and trying to create his own identity.Mother has,Father has,blessed is the child that has his/her own.Also he is making his contributions.What are you doing towards the scheme of things?
    You know what i’ve learned a long time ago?,never rely on the opinion of others to determine how far you(i) can go.
    All the best to you.
    Peace profound!!

  11. UPTOWN REBEL!!!
    August 2, 2010

    @Melonie: Whilst in agreement with what you said about Mr.RBD..,whom i knew by the way, and thankfully,I do have to read any book to know about him or his family…..
    However,I am in total disagreement with what you said about his grand-son Tiyani. He is a Magistrate isn’t he?. He is a civil officer empowered to administer the law. Isn’t that a job, ISN’T THAT A CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY?….That’s what he does,and in my humble opinion,he is very good at it.
    He went to school,educated himself (and by the way He is very educated,much more so than you or i.),and came back to Dominica to try and make a difference in society.
    He could have easily stayed where he was,or go some place else and make much more money i’m sure.But he came home to the land of his fathers to contribute.
    You are being totally disrespecful, and you are way out of line.What, may i ask, have you contributed to Dominica,or let me narrow it, to just the society in which you live?.So for you to be writing all that nonsense and rubbish is very unfair and unfortunate.And quite frankly despicable…Everyone has a right to express their opinion, yes,but if it is rubbish and nonsense, as in your case,you ought to keep it to yourself.Instead of trying to polarize people with the things you are saying or writing.
    Let me tell you something see,I was once privileged to have sat in on one of his court sessions ,and let me tell you,i was very impressed with the way he handled his business.He applied the Law in the correct manner in which it was supposed to be applied;even chastised the Police and the prosecutor for not properly presenting their case,and violating the rights of the defendants(there were more than one).He was fair and just.What more can one ask for in court but justice?.

    You,talking about sending poor people’s children to jail, casting moral judgments and collecting Govt.checks….. You are laughable and pathetic…He works his job,he is collecting his pay.Thats his right…..If you can do the crime,then you should face the music and do the time.
    Let him do his job and weed society of criminals.You, do your job and keep your children away from criminality and the courts…Thats the truth and nothing but the truth my friend.
    Thank you…..All the best to you.
    Peace profound!!

  12. Intelligent
    July 30, 2010

    @FIRE:

    By stating that Magistrate Behanzin is “TO STOP POOR PEOPLE FUN.”,I assume you are implying that you are pro drug-dealer subsidized parties in Dominica. I personally do not believe that selling the futures of our communities,our families,and above all our children is worth the price of a free libation. It is everyones responsibility to look further than the end of their shot glass.

  13. Intelligent
    July 30, 2010

    @FIRE:

    Thank you very much for providing your definition of intelligent.I would also appreciate on being enlightened on the definition of “abjective”, followed up by the definition of “undestand”.

  14. Melonie
    July 30, 2010

    Commentator

    I think you hit the nail on the head when you said RBD was a very hard working man. I have had the pleasure of reading his biography which was published a few years ago in Canada. This man was an example for all Dominicans to follow. He had no formal education, started out with absolutely nothing and built one of the most successful business enterprises in Dominica, and became a very wealthy man in the process.

    According to the book, at its height the corpa production facility at Hampstead alone (not considering his other interests) employed over 600 Dominicans. On the back of this success he stood for parliament to protect the interest of his community, and expand his business interests.

    Given your comments, I suspect that you might be surprised to learn that his biggest critic was none other than his second son, Rosie Douglas.

    Rosie a socialist at the time, actually contested the Paix Bouche seat on a platform of acquiring his own fathers estate and redistributing the land to workers in order for them, the people to gain power and economic independence. RBD actually campaigned against his own son for this very reason. So, my point is one can be a patriot and disagree with Douglas at the same time, in the same way that Douglas’ themselves had vastly differing views.

    More importantly, take a look at what has become of the estate since RBD’s passing in 1988: It has gone from a fully functioning and thriving wealth producing enterprise to NOTHING.

    No production, no farming, no development, no tourism, no jobs – like I said absolutely nothing.

    All I am saying is that if there is no development, then you can’t blame people for turning to drugs if as the article says it can pay for fete’s, sports equipment and school books…I don’t think anyone should accept poverty. I am not going to judge a man until I have walked a mile in his shoes.

    In the meantime, people like Tiyani Behanzin who has contributed nothing to development wants to come from England to send poor people children to jail, and cast moral judgement on poor people struggling to make ends meat, all while sitting on one of the county’s most prized natural resource, doing nothing with it, but collecting a government cheque every month…

    I can tell you one thing which I am sure you would agree with: It would be a COLD DAY IN HELL before Mike, Rosie or RBD tolerated any on this!

  15. FIRE
    July 30, 2010

    @ INTELLIGENT. abjective, able to learn and undestand things;having great mental ability. WHY GET TECHNICAL??? I EXPECT BETTER FROM ONE WHO CALL THEMSELF INTELLIGENT.

  16. PoKeSa
    July 30, 2010

    As a concerned national, Tiyani Behanzin is sounding out an alarm call, as there are many possible risks and dangers involved when using drugs. To fully understand potential risks and dangers one needs to think about drug, set and setting.

    In addition, people may experience people problems with drug use because of other people’s perceptions and responses to them. Examples include conflict in family and other personal relationships, getting thrown out of school/ college or work, getting a criminal record, getting into debt to pay for drugs, violence associated with drug dealing etc.

    Only those who harbour the proceeds of drugs trafficking will fail to see the danger – but the effects of narcotics drug addiction brings down a society, as unquestionably it destroys its key resource – its people.

    ZiroD

  17. Greedy
    July 30, 2010

    Alas help us we need more people like you in Dominica our country going down, never in the line of History i ever heard Dominicans like that and Since this government came into power the country just get a different face in the outside world, the Government bring this country in such a lazy lazy lazy begging state all because they are the ones making way for the drugs to come in , just look at the our PM came in office with a old car breaking down on the road …but now he is the Richest man on Island and everyone turning a blind eyes, am calling on the opposition to please keep the ball rolling now is not the time to give up on Skerrit and his greedy men in office dont stop calling them out, dont stop talking about what they doing wrong pound it in thier ears , Now i have a message for Hector John befor you on FB writing a set of jokes that has no use for the country my brother step up and start doing what they put you there to do, you have much more things to do with your time dominicans in deep trouble start showing your leadership now you not seeing no leader on Fb talking Nonesence when thier country in so much trouble if you call yourself better than the government step up and show it now is not the time for joking around is serious business , am so angry that am not seeing any color now i just want my country to come back where it once was .

  18. Observer
    July 30, 2010

    This is scary …. really scary. If this kind of mentality is beginning to seep through, then we are heading for anarchy; total meltdown.

  19. commentator
    July 30, 2010

    Melonie
    those were some very unfair comments that you have made about this man.
    I wonder what motive you may have for such a fierce counterattack on the Douglas family?
    Tiyani is not the Douglas family which consists of many very hardworking memebers of the Dominican community. Most of them have absolutely dedicated their lives to furthering progress in Dominica.
    They are all in Dominica making whatever contributions that they can and I think you should apologise to that family for your less than deserved curt and ill measured remarks.
    RBD was a hard working man. He made his contribution and he made sure that all his children were quite sure about their duty to do the same. Michael, Rosie et al would not be happy to see the things that you have smeared their family name with on the ruse of responding to some quite rightly made comments about the crime life that is being feted and accepted in Dominica today.
    I fear for my country with people like you around but also pray that people like Tiyanin can continue to carry the torch and continue to enlighten those who live in ignorance.

  20. Intelligent
    July 30, 2010

    @FIRE:

    Oh yeah?!

    Smart One

    It’s 7-15 years

    Not 15-7

    We’re not counting backwards these days are we??

    ;]]

  21. Melonie
    July 29, 2010

    This is the first story I have seen involving Mr Behanzin where his competence as a magistrate is not being called into question – so I guess we can call that a positive.

    However, at least the drug dealers are:

    A) Running a profitable business in Dominica which is more than we can say for most and
    B) Providing essential eservices in the community which the government has proven incapable of delivering – someone has got to do it.

    You ever notice people who have noting to contribute are always trying to stop other from contbuting? Let us take Tiyani Behanzin for example, here is a guy who was born into a family that owns some 600 acres of prime real estate (at Hampstead) that if developed would not only be a profitable business but would provide economic opportunities for thousands of Dominican yet absolutely nothing has been done with the place. They wont sell, won’t sub divide it, wont partner with a developer or lease it to somebody else who will, so clearly they remain impediment to progress and development in Dominica.

    And, these lazy, unimaginative, parasites are the one’s who want to sit back on their high horses and preach about how drug dealers are “prostituting” us? The real question is, besides blowing more “hot air” what you the government, you landowners, and you people doing about it…

    I would have thought that after so many years in England collecting university degrees that Mr Behanzin would a more economical contribution to make to the Dominican community instead of just living off the back of poor people, collecting government cheque while he blows more and more nonsensical hot air!

  22. MADGISTRATE
    July 29, 2010

    weh papa

    Ah mah-gway-sah OU PAS LASS PARLAY !!!!!!!!!!!

    I wonder who did the case dat set free those Venezuelan drugDEALERS ? So when people go on panel and let their accented mouths talk they must remember that they cannot fool all the people all the time.

    DRUG IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM but lawyers who ought to know better must recognize that when they MISAPPLY THE LAW many criminals continue to win their cases on appeal on technical grounds. SO if we are really genuine about fighting crime its my opinion that we must begin as true professionals to LEARN TO APPLY THE LAW but the application of the law must begin by knowing and understanding THE OECS CIVIL& CRIMINAL PROCEDURE.

    I respectfully recommend this because court cases are not won by emotion and media propaganda but by the correct application of the law, not on radio/tv,internet but in the courts. I never know arrogance and disrespect winning any cases. KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS AND HUMBLE YOURSELF. ARROGANCE DONT PAY.

    NEVER THINK US DOMINICANS STUPID

    TIME WILL TELL.

  23. ZERO
    July 29, 2010

    The more i read you comments Mr Bianzin,the more i appreciate you and your love for this speck of rock called Dominica..You are fearless,honest and a real patriot..Re the big drug dealers financing fetes,sponsoring sporting activities etc from the village level, is something that is expanding more and more..My problem IS where are the leaders of these communities. The parlaimentary representative,the village priest,the village council,the other ministers of religion,the police officers from the community etc etc..Is it a case where the drug dealers have purchased their souls with the proceeds of their illegal acts?..This is a very sad era in our history,and if left unattended, i am afraid it will lead to the destruction of Dominica…WHERE THERE IS NO VISION THE PEOPLE SHALL SURELY PERISH…

  24. July 29, 2010

    you tiyani , lennox. mat an arthie are d best jah bless you guys
    keep d truth alive boys
    satan cannot touch who jah bless

  25. July 29, 2010

    i want to say to d person who doh want tiyani to talk let him talk because you so blind and deaf you doh even see tiyani is wanted by dose crocked big men who call dem selves magistrates and lawyers for solving d problem by giving d maximum penalty to dose found guilty? tiyani mash all drug men down big or small pushers or lords. sell dem all out .we will support you .you are d best magistrate ‘ i know dem crocks cannot intimidate you . you believe in justice to save d people and d country. jah will bless you .

  26. VALDA BRUNO-DURAND
    July 29, 2010

    WELL YES I AGREE AND LETS TALK ABOUT THEM CORPORATE GIANTS WHO CONTINUE TO LINK UP WITH THEM AND HAVE FETES, MONEY THEY WASHING, BUT BEHANZIN YOU NOT INTERESTED IN POLITICS? YOU NEED TO MAKE A STEP FORWARD. THEY KILLING PEOPLE CHILDREN AND GETTING RICH BUT THE SELLERS WILL BECOME THE USERS NEVER MIND EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY.

  27. Anonymous
    July 29, 2010

    I have known Tiyani for years and I must admit that his passion for justice awed me then and now, after 25 years, I am glad it’s still there… Love you T!!! But please take care of yourself.

  28. Fairplay
    July 29, 2010

    Go talk to your Islamic brothers in Afganistan who produce OPIUM

  29. Justice is better than peace
    July 29, 2010

    I’m with you Mr magistrate on this some dominicans have become so greedy and envious these last days that they will sell their souls and their chlldren for drugs and it products. What a shame. Thanks for enlightening dominicans about what is plaging dominica

  30. FIRE
    July 29, 2010

    U LIKE TO CHAT THYANI.CHAT ABOUT THE UPSURGE OF DOMINICANS DYEING AT PMH BECAUSE OF POOR HEALTH CARE. NOW U WANT TO STOP POOR PEOPLE FUN. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE U PROMOTE SOMETHING FOR US . IN WHAT PRISON WOULD U PUT A HUMAN IN FOR 15 TO 7 YEARS (DOMINICAN) YO RESPECT THE FALLEN SOLDERS.

  31. Giso
    July 29, 2010

    applaud – not APPALLED

  32. Birdie
    July 29, 2010

    Can we find another Magistrate to educate us in such a manner tiyani God bless you and protect you we are all with you over 15000, citizens waiting to sign the pitition to re employ you as chief magistrate your story is so true and more will die in like manner if magistrates and laywers keep setting them free look there was gun shooting and drug fight in Thibaud two lockup and some still out the law should find them in paixbouche woodford hill calibishie grandbay and punish them hard get them off the streets they destroying our children 15 years and under Man tyain we love you keep it up

  33. statistics?
    July 29, 2010

    Is it by coincidence?
    that so many disapearing…
    is it statistically possible for:
    your father Rosie and another middle aged pm to die suddenly?

    For the fit St Lucian PM to die suddenly?

    For the 47 yr old PM of Barbados to come down with sudden unexplained stomach problems…

    what do they all have in common???

    International politics

    changing of the China policy// Secret meetings in BARBADOS????
    reassurance of allegance to US following secretary of defense and state warnings to Caricom???

    Anything to do with Russian spy poisoned in Hong Kong resturant?

    Declining population of Tibet????
    Russians training Ven off Bird island…..?????

    oil reserves off Bird Island and orinoco delta….???

    War Ships off our coast in december??

    Building military tensions over caribbean territorial seas????

    Open your eyes Dominicans…lest you disapear as well

  34. unpatriotic PM?
    July 29, 2010

    The PM has shown and continues to Show several acts in the interest of foriegn powers rather than D/ca
    road contracts
    airport contracts
    chinese labour
    Work permits
    …..

  35. French or Dominican PM?
    July 29, 2010

    Mr Magistrate
    when are you going to talk about the numerous unpatriotic acts such as interference with the law when French fishermen are caught by the coast guard and released?

    Are they not given permission to continue attacking us?

  36. implications of French rule?
    July 29, 2010

    He has not mentioned the acts of legitimizing the french fishermen who very regularily chase us at gun point while trying to fish in our own waters.

  37. KKK
    July 29, 2010

    GOOD SAYING SIR
    I APPLAUD U MR
    WE NEED YOU TO BE ON ALL CASE THAT INVOLVES DRUGS GUNS AND KILLING

    HIT DEM
    IF IS MY FAMILY GIVE IT TO DEM THE UP HOLDER IS WORSE THAT THE THEIFE

  38. Anti-drug
    July 29, 2010

    @HMMM: They finance much more than fetes. It’s no coincidence that the police coast guard, not long ago, caught two boats with Venezuelans, after being chased in Dominican waters. The first one was apprehended and a million dollars of different currencies, euros, US and EC dollars was found The other just recently was chased after police sited them and called on them to stop. They sped away, but was caught. Three of the nine had before been in trouble with customs. They received a slap on the wrist for illegally entering Dominica without the knowledge of Customs. Of course, the police indicated that parcels were thrown in the sea, while being chased. But with lack of resources the evidence could not be retrieved by the police from the water in the dark of night. The coast guard have been sacrificing, putting their lives in danger trying to stop those drug dealers, which use our waters to engage in drug trafficking. Tons upon tons of drugs are illegally passing through. Some stay here to PARORIZE our youth, The police need the support of all law-abiding Dominicans. That is big business in Dominica much to the detriment of our beautiful country. The big fish are never caught or brought to the courts.

    Behanzin is fearless, professional, honest and a patriot, persistently warning his fellow Dominicans not to bury their heads in the sand as if nothing is happening. SOMETHING IS HAPPENING in DOMINICA, which if left unchecked will further cripple our country and its youth. Many are appalled at the drive by people within the legal fraternity to demonise him for taking a tough stance against crime, violence and drug trafficking. People are speculating. Is it meant to protect those criminals and drug lords. Remember ‘COKE’ and what took place in Jamaica? 70 people died trying to protect him and his illicit trade, because many were benefiting big time from his dealings. Are you listening to what is happening in Mexico? Drugs like peas. Killings, gang violence are the order of the day. A recent money laundering investigation by FIU resulted in the arrest of a few persons. Another business man also alleged in money laundering was held, questioned, but set free as he agreed to be the State’s witness. What is going on? Dominica is heading down the road of a Trivoli Gardens fiasco and we will be shedding crocodile tears. Those honest, concerned Dominicans who dare express their disgust about the situation are maligned. Too much aiding and abetting of drug related illegal activities for a few or plenty dollars more. Dominicans of all walks of life must strongly reject the comments by a top official, ‘it is not our damn business where I get my money from.’ It is a known fact that drug dealers all over the world link with and buy friends or officials in high places and are promised protection. Drug money get into the hands of many. That’s a recipe for destruction and corruption. Money make the devil dance and are turning greedy people into devils. Behanzin honest, loving Dominicans support you fully.

  39. Vaga One
    July 29, 2010

    Well said Magistrate! Many of us know that but lack the intestinal fortitude to speak for all to hear. We bury our heads in the sand and or look the other way while our society slips further and further into moral decay. The worst part is that persons who have great influence are turning a blind eye as the country goes to hell in a hand basket.

    I don’t know when Dominicans will remove their blinders.

  40. Jepter
    July 29, 2010

    Well all they do is have their boys come empty out their parking lot and pretend that they have had a good day of renting out vehicles. so here comes laundering.

  41. Zarfey
    July 29, 2010

    correction:Ur papa would be very proud of ur work.

  42. Zarfey
    July 29, 2010

    Mr Behanzin I just want to shake ur hand when i come home if ican get that opportunity.Ur would be very proud of u son.

  43. So true
    July 29, 2010

    He is right, they are the ones financing these fetes Dominican love oh so much, he no exactly what her talking about and to cover up, the Governent of Domininca come into play saying there are one of the head line sonspores, these ppl need help.

    Fete la Coudre was one of them

  44. July 29, 2010

    well , I can’t express how much I love this man. he is truly one to lent our support.our country is at stake.

  45. me
    July 29, 2010

    All Tiyani want to come and do talk about problems and paint a nasty picture about Dominicans…
    What i want Tiyani to do is stop talking about problems and start coming up with solutions. Every body is aware of the problems, we want solutions and ways to fix the problems and move forward.
    He made mentions that drug dealers sponsoring fetes and providing kids sporting groups with equipments, my questions is: say we don’t accept the equipments and money from the drug dealers, are you willing to substitute? is anybody willing to take they money to substitute?
    answer me please Mr. Behanzin

  46. Jo-Ann Jo-Ann
    July 29, 2010

    My fellow Dominicans, It is with gratification that I appalled Mr. Tiyani Behanzin for displaying a true sense of freedom of expression. It stands to reasons that only when we speak without fear or intimidation that we are truly satisfy that we are executing our duties as patriotic and civic citizens of Dominica.
    Now, we ought to be brave citizens speak out in pursuit to educate and protect our people from all these dangers that a creeping in our society. Dominicans ought to put God first and in everything that we are pursuing if we desire a strong sense of harmony.
    We must stop the destructive criticism and hatred approach towards each other and learn to cultivate a positive mental attitude towards one another if we ought to move forward in the best interest of our country.
    Therefore, I urge each one of us to take some time from our busy life and think about our families and the legacy that we would like to leave with our beloved country when we are gone.

  47. HMMM
    July 29, 2010

    But where he getting his stories nah???….financing fetes????….lol….Dem fete financiers will mess u up egh my boii..

  48. Diedra Summers
    July 29, 2010

    so very true…yet we continue to bury our head in the sand….. are the lives lost worth the lil contribution that such individuals make to community activities. its Prostitution of our selves, country and children at the highest level when known drugs men are asked to sponsor, to partner with well intentioned institutions in the country

  49. drlove
    July 29, 2010

    good good my brother but huh when i go down and i broke they hand me some cash no question but u no i agree with you i will not take their money again thanks

  50. Domerican
    July 29, 2010

    Keep telling it like it is bro. Bless up.

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