High Court judge defends bail decision for drug accused

Justice Bernie Stephenson
Justice Bernie Stephenson

High Court Justice, Bernie Stephenson, is defending her decision to grant bail to four men, including two government workers, who are facing drug related charges arguing it was based on law.

Garneth Jolly, Orlando Moise, Francis Moise, Clinton Harriette were charged with possession of 30,000 grams of cocaine and possession with intent to supply said cocaine. They were granted bail on Friday by the High Court just one day after it was denied by a Magistrate Court.

The decision has been the subject of intense debate on social media and other online sites with some questioning whether it was the right thing to do.

“30 KILOGRAMS of WHITE DEATH, and you let them out on bail!,” one blogger on DNO wrote. “This court system is INSANE. This sends a message out to everyone on the island that CRIME PAYS. 100% Pure Insanity.”

But Justice Stephenson told the closing session of the criminal assizes on Monday that bail is granted in Dominica based on law. “If a magistrate in the lower judiciary refuses bail every person is entitled under law to approach the High Court for bail,” she stated. “Bail is granted in the High Court based on principles of law, not to slap any police officer in the face or to slap any magistrate in the face, not to make a joke of any system.”

Stephenson pointed out that so far, except on two occassions, most “bail application have been based on the consent of the prosecution who are trained lawyers over and above the police prosecutors who may not necessarily have the appreciation to the finer and in depth points of law as the lawyers do.”

When the men appeared in the Magistrate Court last Thursday the prosecution had argued that it needed more time to conduct investigations into the alleged crime.

The prosecution also argued that certain orders were being obtained to deal with assets of the accused which may be associated with the crime and at least one more week was needed for the financial intelligence unit to conduct its investigation alongside the police.

However, attorneys for the men decided to take the matter to the High Court.

The four men were granted bail in the sum of $150,000 each.

They were arrested following a drug bust in the Dos Dane area at about 4:30 pm on Sunday, July 14.

The illegal substance and three vehicles were seized, the police said.

The drug has an estimated value of $801,000, according to court reports

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102 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    July 24, 2013

    All young drug dealers should take heed that they might escape the discipline of the court system,however the discipline on the streets is deadly, you can return from prison but on the streets there is no return.

  2. Shameless
    July 23, 2013

    I thought I heard Tiyani say a long time ago that Dca needed a Bail Act to deal with bail fairly across the board before its too late. His words are coming to past. Francine was the AG at the time so why didnt she address the issue? Noooooo they were too busy chopping him down to listen to such an advice. All I will say is this the country is upside down so everybody that have some power doing what they want. Oh well…..only in Dca!

    “Change Must Come”
    Assertive, NOT Agressive!”

  3. July 23, 2013

    {“But Justice Stephenson told the closing session of the criminal assizes on Monday that bail is granted in Dominica based on law—-“Bail is granted in the High Court based on principles of law– News Article

    I live all the way up in Toronto, I have been living here for decades now, but Dominica is my homeland; I love her and I want to return home before my days in this world come to an end–God Will be done!

    However those kinds of news that I read on DNO, pertaining to the attitude and conducts of some fellow Dominicans, are extremely saddening; and worst of all it leaves an awful reputation for Dominica and the majority of us–her people, whom I know are God fearing citizens.

    Such is the news of those four men; but the hardest blow was to read that the day after a Magistrate denied them bail a Judge declared them free–O dear! O dear!

    Now I opened this message to read about the reason this Judge thought it was good to allow those four men to walk free until their trial goes to court–maybe in the year 3000, when they will be long gone to their graves–but I found nothing in defense of her choice! Nothing, nothing whatsoever!

    Justice Stephenson you said that —-“Bail is granted in the High Court based on principles of law” Okay but I am sure that the rest of wanted to know what that “principle” of the law is–the reason you allowed those men to go free and will possibly die free!

    Justice Stephenson you said nothing that would defend your decision and these are the attitude that rips us Dominicans apart; worried to death about our Justice system in Dominica, which continues to fail us.

    Please note that my family in Giraudel is victim to that Justice System–it pertains to the murder of the young man named “Allan” who was the son of my sister’s husband–that was in 2009, 4 years later his killer or killers may be still walking free; perhaps committing more crimes.

    Your decision was a painful blow for us Dominicans–I have the feeling that you will regret you ever made that decision–good grief!

  4. ras con
    July 23, 2013

    How come they can feel up the cocaine men them? but they can not feel up CANNABIS MEN,them they have lock up in Jail, CANNABIS is a Herb from GOD.COCAINE kill just like cigarette, system full of flaws.

  5. Sati Sot
    July 23, 2013

    Judge “OVER-RULE.”

  6. WHADDAT
    July 23, 2013

    So, we have very outdated laws to deal with very current crimes. Don’t our politicians ever think of revising the laws? Do we not use common sense judgement along with the law to deal with the issues? If the investigators need one more week, which is nothing, why can’t bail be delayed for one week for the officers to do a proper job and ensure a correct judgement?

    Well, we all know the results of this case before it is called. We know it will take about a year or two before it goes to the courts and we know a lot of evidence will mysteriously disappear by then.

  7. July 23, 2013

    Nice to see my WHITE DEATH comment from the other day caught a bit of attention, thank you DNO for the quote. It obviously angers and frustrates many of us to see such RIDICULOUS outcomes like in this bail hearing. Bernie, my question to you is this “Bail is granted in the High Court based on principles of law”,.. EXACTLY what is the PRINCIPLE OF LAW that you speak of? By all the comments up here on DNO, everyone is utterly confused by your statement. I understand Canadian Law, but obviously not your Dominica law system. Please educate me and all others that have concern by elaborating WHICH LAW you speak of that you feel dictates that you “must” grant bail for such a very large quantity of cocaine? I do realize bail can be “requested”, but bail can also be DENIED, that was your job! Also, does this HIGH COURT make sure that the $600,000 total bail amount came from a LEGAL source of income? Does the average working person in Dominica really have a 150,000 just sitting around??? Many many, things that make everyone go hmmmmmmm.

    • July 23, 2013

      @Toronto July 23, 2013 “Please educate me and all others that have concern by elaborating WHICH LAW you speak of that you feel dictates that you “must” grant bail for such a very large quantity of cocaine”?

      I was looking to read about that “law” as well; otherwise there was nothing said in defense to the decision of that Judge–I even tried to read between the lines but I still found nothing! Nothing at all!

    • Frank Talker
      July 24, 2013

      I am no Lawyer and I do not purport to be, but I will say vehemently that THERE IS NO LAW COMPELLING THE JUDGE TO GRANT BAIL IN ANY CASE BEFORE HER. The granting of bail is a decision to be made by the Judge and she can take into account several things to make a decision. Judge Stephenson would be well within the law to say “no” to the bail request if she felt society would be better served to have the guys behind bars. The PRINCIPLE OF LAW which the judge referred to does not compel her to grant bail; it leaves the decision to the Judge.

      • July 30, 2018

        I agree..with your comment vehemently disagree with the Judge

  8. I give UP
    July 23, 2013

    Is this the best we can have in Dominica. Everyone may be entitled to apply for bail, but not everyone should be granted bail….

  9. TW
    July 23, 2013

    Everytime a magistrate says no bail a high court judge turns around and says bail

    What’s the point of the magistrate court if all their decisions are overturned within a matter of 24 hours.

  10. Anonymous
    July 23, 2013

    WHAT KIND OF MESSAGE IS THAT?

    They send someone one year to jail for stealing a gold chain worth $2000 but men (government employees) outside on bail for cocaine street value of $801,000.

    IF THAT IS NOT A SLAP ON THE WRIST THEN WHAT ELSE IS?

    • T
      July 23, 2013

      I FULLY SUPPORT YOU. COCAINE YOU KNOW!
      a failed country. So what do you expect.

  11. Anonymous
    July 23, 2013

    Well, well, well. They need to review that bail system. Make it in comparison with the cost of the matter,e.g. all matters below estimated value of $5000 can be bailed and all matters above the estimated value of $5000 will not be bailed.

    Too many criminal activity going on and the criminals are outside freely. I don’t mind my tax money feeding them in Stockfarm.

  12. Gary
    July 23, 2013

    High Court Justice, Bernie Stephenson said something very interesting which should not be taken lightly by the General public. This is what she said quote “bail application have been based on the consent of the prosecution who are trained lawyers over and above the police prosecutors who may not necessarily have the appreciation to the finer and in depth points of law as the lawyers do.” So I asked myself, why do we have Police Prosecutors operating in our judicial system who are not trained as Lawyers, isn’t that a slap in our face regarding our antiquated justice system, is it not time to get trained lawyers in our lower courts who know and appreciate the finer and in depth points of law as the lawyers.I’m quite sure most of the judges who have operated within Dominica have known this all the time.

    What is really amusing about this judge is her arrogance,saying that Police prosecutors do not appreciate the finer and in depths points of Law as Lawyers.She is clearly saying the Police Prosecutors have not learned the whole hocus-pocus science which makes use of strange unfamiliar words, legal language and abstract principles of which The Law is composed.

  13. Frank Talker
    July 23, 2013

    This is where I have a problem with the justices. When it suits them, they apply the letter of the law but on other occasions, they are very creative in their decisions. Remember, the Antiguan Judge who heard the DPSU Vs GOCD case regarding what the Union said was a unilateral decision by the GCOD to violate the collective agreement/convention on salaries and wages? Well, the Judge ruled, not on any law but on what she said was the fact that the GCOD was broke and its back against the wall. She made reference to the fact that even the Government of St. Vincent had given Dominica $1,000,000 in aid and assistance. Where was the law then? Personally, I found that ruling to be very creative, wisdom-filled, inventive and applicable. She set the law aside and looked at the condition of the State and the fact that it was in survival mode.
    Justice Stephenson should consult that ruling and take a leaf from it. For all the purposes of assisting society, the Judge should not grant bail to the four charged with cocaine. Does the Judge really believe that the men will not try to influence the outcome of the case? That they will not try to interfere with the evidence? Wheel and come again, Judge. Your sight is much too narrow and simplistic. For the sake of the society and the State of Dominica, the guys should not be left free to muddy their tracks and interfere with others who could give evidence to the prosecution. I am pissed at you, lady!

  14. stupes
    July 23, 2013

    I suspect that I will have to hustle drugs cuz is there the money is and I must get away.

  15. Roseau
    July 23, 2013

    One day Dominica will have a more balance justice system.

  16. Pool Bwa
    July 23, 2013

    Jolly surprise me, used to work as a custom officer,

  17. Anonymous
    July 23, 2013

    While i abhor drug dealers and what they do to our society, I certainly believe in innocent untill proven guilty and those guy’s were already under suspicion the FIU should act swifter.

  18. Anonymous
    July 23, 2013

    see it say it Not me i am not saying anything for the law to put them out for them to come and kill me and my family. im not patriotic like them they making their money lawyer judge criminals all of the m in the same hole

  19. UDOHREADYET
    July 23, 2013

    For such a large quantity of drugs they should not grant bail. 30,000 grams could have done a lot of damage to communities across the island. Another thing those hypocrites that are preaching these grown men are sinners and sinners deserve forgiveness… If you are a Christian (only Catholics believe that man/priest can forgive another man sin), you know that only God can forgive the sinner who asks for forgiveness. This is not a religious matter it’s a criminal matter, on this Island only a judge or jury can acquit them of their crimes. If the hat fits wear it! You’re a criminal doh try to pass like you just a regular guy and should be treated the same. 30,000 gram = no bail! UDOHREADYET.

  20. Gary
    July 23, 2013

    The same answer is always given by people in the legal profession when the are questioned as to why certain thing are so, and that repeated answer is “It is The Law.” Well What is Law, who made and authorized such rules with which our lives are governed by making us believe it is divine and infallible.I think this whole thing called “The Law” is a sort of hocus-pocus science thrusted upon mankind.

  21. carrotop
    July 23, 2013

    Dominica sure needs a new judge, for sure.

  22. July 23, 2013

    Like I said before! Drugs dealers are in every institution and professions, they take care of their own. Even if they are caught and imprisoned, their families and bills are taken care of. We have a branch of the gambino family in Dominica

  23. Sug
    July 23, 2013

    Let’s just laugh… because this judge just clarified what our Justice system is… A JOKE!

  24. PAC
    July 23, 2013

    What Law?..that’s news to me. What laws allows criminals to walk the streets. Like someone said, once they are out on bail that’s it. They’ll grow old and die before the case gets called. Murders, rapist, drugs dealers, child molesters…they all walk the streets free to carry on their dirty deed. What ever happen to the laws to protect the innocent and the victims? I hate to say this these so called judges will not change a thing until the crime happens to them then they want to cry and ask the public for help. That’s why I don’t feel sorry for them…I see it as kamar.

  25. July 23, 2013

    good job at last

  26. Critic
    July 23, 2013

    Can’t you see it, people? It is not about what is right or wrong … nor about what is good or better for our country. It is all about how good your lawyer is, and who can pay more. No one gives a rat’s a$$ for “justice”. It is simply a high stakes game, and the criminals are the pawns. Too bad for the victims!

  27. Integrity???
    July 23, 2013

    This judge is confused. Is she saying that every crime should be treated the same regardless to its nature? In my basic opinion 30kg of cocaine is different from one joint. It is obvious that this case, like many others, will be dismissed. This judge got to go. Her ruling is an insult to the police officers who work hard in bringing these criminals to justice and an insult to Dominicans. Her ruling is not good for our country. It’s time for her to pack up and leave because we do not need judges encouraging the sale of drugs in our country. This is wrong on so many levels that it is ridiculous.

    • Jay
      July 24, 2013

      Is that the same police that provides her with an escort?

  28. Justice
    July 23, 2013

    It’s a typical example of a half report on a legal case which doesn’t say anything. It would have been better if the report came out and say that bail was granted because…… or the lower court decision to not grant bail was squashed because Justice Bernie felt that the law as relating to, for example, a victim’s right to be remanded states that… I believe that if these reporters are going to try to report on a legal case a lil basic information is need to make the case complete.

    This article is not well written and is, with a few adjustments an update from another article.

    DNO owes it to it’s readers to write a well informed story. In the instances when they fail to do so, the commentators are often made to look like fools. It paints the justice system in a bad light and the Dominican people in a worse one. Often times it’s all a matter of personal opinion not based on informed facts or matters or law…just on a synopsis of a legal case, and a badly given one.

    The Dominica justice system works. It doesn’t ONLY work just when your side win and you are happy. It works all the time. The criminal law is beyond a reasonable doubt… yes, someone may be guilty and get away with something, but if the opposing party fails to prove the case, then it’s not up to the jury or judge sometimes, to determine another outcome…i.e George Zimmerman; guilty, but of what?

    So… when you guys are reading these articles that say nothing…do not automatically bring down your justice system. Encourage your prosecutors to perhaps work harder, faster, more efficiently, or simple take their time and build a solid case whether it be for bail or for conviction.

    Remember that the onus is not on the accused. Out justice system doesn’t work that way.

  29. hmmm
    July 23, 2013

    I don’t support any one selling drugs to destroy people lives, but is not first time people getting bail for drugs, even for murder people getting bail. so what is the big debate about?

  30. DIABLO
    July 23, 2013

    i got my bail money, i got a gun.
    no law, just police that wanna be your friend so they can get a car too.
    what more do u need on this nature island?

    i suspect gentle rest gonna get alot of business the way this country is heading.

  31. Truth Seeker
    July 23, 2013

    DNO, is it possible to cite the section of law, or clause(s) in the law to which the Judge speaks or depended on for her ruling? That would give us some more perspective and insight on her decision.

    Thanks.

  32. Morihei Ueshiba
    July 23, 2013

    Sometimes the law defends plunder and participates in it. Sometimes the law places the whole apparatus of judges, police, prisons and gendarmes at the service of the plunderers, and treats the victim — when he defends himself — as a criminal. :mrgreen:

  33. ()
    July 23, 2013

    The court system is NOT giving support to the genuine police officers who are doing their work.

  34. playboy
    July 23, 2013

    i support the uproar about these alleged drug traffickers getting bail, but why aren’t people making more noise about the alleged MURDERERS out there who are also on bail?

  35. CaraW
    July 23, 2013

    Don’t you just love this country?

  36. EME
    July 23, 2013

    Article Quote: “Bail is granted in the High Court based on principles of law, not to slap any police officer in the face or to slap any magistrate in the face, not to make a joke of any system.”

    To me, that was slaps in the faces, and makes the justice system look like a big joke.

    • the watchman
      July 23, 2013

      I agree.

  37. Randy Rodney
    July 23, 2013

    I have and will continue to question media reporting, and DNO seem to be failing in objective reporting. Was this bail granted after prosecution agreement? Was DNO chastised in the court during that hearing? People let us report what is not report in a manner to leve the reader to assume what you intend for them to assume

    • Anonymous
      July 23, 2013

      You all need to stop using people’s names in those blogs and DNO these r the things you need to censor. I don’t think this statement was written by Randy Rodney

      • broth
        July 23, 2013

        I think it was!

  38. Bratt Thomas
    July 23, 2013

    guilt has to be proven in a court of law. till then they should be presumed innocent and granted bail. That is the purpose of the court. So let the court do its job and do yours. which is mind your business!!

  39. Cyrique
    July 23, 2013

    The Judge’s decision to grant bail to the drug traffickers was based on law? Then the law is really an A!!! This is surely very comforting for the up and coming traffickers and the ‘ big boys’ who will see DA as a haven for them. I go d this very distressing indeed. Is there no room for common sense and discretion on the decision making process? Many people whom I’ve spoken to here in the UK are re thinking their decision to come back home and some do not feel safe bringing their families on holiday. I can’t say that I blame them. Wake up Judges and the powers that be!!! Don’t allow hoodlums to spoil DA. I feel sorry for the Police Officers who work so hard to intercept these sacre zafan gas !!!! I’m very annoyed!!!

    • ah ha!
      July 23, 2013

      Wait…seriously? You all don’t feel safe coming to Dominica?

      With train and bus bombings, plane hijackings, soldier stabbed in broad daylight and four little guys getting bail who you nor your family might NEVER encounter on your short vacation back HOME and you’re scared? really?

      Some of you people are really amazing!

  40. law is an ass ?
    July 23, 2013

    Principles of law my foot…..so what the magistrates have been using is what; principles of crime before ?
    That is why that so called WAR on Drugs will never ever be won when those judges fail to join hands with those hard working magistrates to send a serious signal against this Satan in our midst. Madame Trust me you made a blunder.

  41. Anonymous
    July 22, 2013

    When you have money in your pocket and right connections you can do anything in Dominica and walk out and enjoy your good life at the expense of your victims.

  42. July 22, 2013

    please them up

  43. Unknown
    July 22, 2013

    Then if that is the case the police officers should be educated on the finer details of the law as well. I find this is downright nonsense now.

  44. fil
    July 22, 2013

    the bail shpuld be the drug value $200,250 each.
    That 801,000 divided by 4.

  45. July 22, 2013

    those with the weed did not wanted to take it farther…they just checkin they not gettin bail thats all.

  46. Pissed off
    July 22, 2013

    Everybody looks at news and saw how everyone rally in the Travyon Martin case. We as a nation need to speak up, it is frightening that the general consensus is that this case will just disappear. That is just freaking sad. We need to put pressure to get that case prosecuted, those lengthy delays need to stop. Dominicans SPEAK UP, this is affecting us, our children. We can’t keep on having a system big drug bust and the drug dealers walk out smiling knowing that their case will call in years time or maybe NEVER. SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS, that is why I don’t study RED, BLUE, GREEN POLITICS cause none of these things get addressed..

  47. Far Away
    July 22, 2013

    I think what the Learned Judge is saying is that she grants bail because the Prosecutors from the DPP’s office consent. Wow! I think what Dominicans should do is go to the Registry, give the name of the matter, pay their $5 and get a copy of the order when she grants bail and see whether it says by consent. I think this is nothing more than a cop out by the judge. She gave bail to a foreign drug dealer from St Maartin for $10,000 and then the guy left Dominica. But God is not asleep because , he is currently in a Guadeloupe jail facing some 20 plus years for drugs. We Dominicans should prepare a petition to get her out. Webster Edmund; the numerous granting of bail; Edmund Sully; and list goes on and on. She appears scared of Defence Attorneys when they threaten appeals. DNO Admin, the listing of names here is not defamatory since these have been convicted person and are part of the public record.

  48. Justice and Truth
    July 22, 2013

    Well, for a change they finally replied, at least one section of the Court. I knew they read the comments or their assistants do and report to them; part of the job.
    I thought that the High Court is reserved for cases heard and if dissatisfied, the defense could take it higher, to the High Court but not prior to the case being called.
    Some Law it is that they have this alternative to resort to the High Court to grant bail. Now that this is known, many, if not all of them, will take advantage of it. It will become a habit from now one. Traffic in illegal drugs, when caught and the magistrate refuses bail, take it to the High Court. I suppose this applies to murderers and other criminals. It is still shocking that they were granted bail.
    Dominica’s jurisdiction does not seem to be a fair one. It appears to be outdated and needs to be revamped. We are in the year 2013 with many murders, drug trafficking and other crimes. Changes must be made to this System. If it is only bail, they should not be allowed to apply to the High Court.

  49. Annoyed
    July 22, 2013

    I am still waiting as to what is her reason. Why couldn’t the men wait the one week as the prosecutor requested. Was that too much to ask? All I get from that is everybody gets bail regardless. I am still waiting to hear from a Minister. Big drug bust and not one minister comes and thanks the police and put in some statement about Dominica fighting crime. Look at the French Interior minister when they arrested “Shakes’. You can see the unity that they want to fight drugs, not here everyone stays silence. The drugs dealers got out and is to hear them boasting. Just a SHAME..OCTOBER 10th, that is the day the case is suppose to start, I am WAITING

  50. hemie5
    July 22, 2013

    Is the story incomplete ADMIN?

    Because I surely didn’t see no explanation as to why bail was granted by the High Court less than 24 hours after Magistrate Court denied bail on grounds that “the prosecution had argued that it needed more time to conduct investigations into the alleged crime.”

    I’m pretty sure the investigation couldn’t have been conducted in such a short space of time.

    • labor
      July 23, 2013

      very well said. no explanation said. all that is written is bail based on law. judge, magistrate, police, lawyers and people are all cooocooo. dominica is insane.

    • Papa Dom
      July 23, 2013

      I won’t just give you a thumbs up but say that I agree with you 100%. To add to that she makes it sound like the police don’t know what they’re about while at the same time saying it is no slap in the face. So much for CCJ!

    • JahSmith
      July 23, 2013

      That is because “…needing more time to conduct their investigation…” is not a lawful reason to deny any accused bail. An accused person’s Right to bail is engaged immediately he is arrested. There are specific reasons in Law why bail may be refused. Time to conduct investigation is not one of them.

      • looking
        July 23, 2013

        I agree it is not a lawful reason to deny any accused bail, but lets assume your daughter was raped. Would that argument hold? What if these men are powerful enough to interfere with the investigations would it be fair to have them out on bail? Just some questions….

      • hemie5
        July 23, 2013

        The five grounds for refusing bail are as follows;

        (i) the risk of the Defendant absconding bail,
        (ii) the risk of the Defendant interfering with the course of justice,
        (iii) preventing crime,
        (iv) preserving public order, and
        (v) the necessity of detention to protect the Defendant.

        So you mean to tell me the reason given for not granting bail not falling under sub-clause ii. Answer the that PLEASE @Jah Smith

    • Deauditor
      July 23, 2013

      This explanation reminds me of the logic\reason given sometime ago namely “by operation of law”. These lawyer are determined to prove how smart they are compared to the rest of us mere mortals.

  51. mashopper
    July 22, 2013

    muder and cocain gets same amount of bail explain

    • .
      July 22, 2013

      I guess it’s because both sets of people kill others.

  52. t savanne massive
    July 22, 2013

    We killing each other and still get bail.a little drugs they hold them man with and all u people talking about not giving them bail.

    • .
      July 22, 2013

      You seem to be paro man. Cocaine is not, and will never be referred to as “A Little Drug”… If you are ‘Paro’, seek help please.
      It is a real hard drug,that kills people.

    • anonyme
      July 23, 2013

      A little drugs??? Surely you jest!!! Well I don t want to know what is ‘a big drugs’ papa.

    • BE FAIR!!!
      July 26, 2013

      why was this foolish comment even allowed, but what I hearing dere nuh… “a little drugs”??? somebody should slap some sense into you, too much foolishness and stupidity!!!!!!

  53. SMH
    July 22, 2013

    This is a story we have heard over and over….men get caught with cocaine (red handed at times), men are arrested, men a let on bail, men are out on the streets and living normal like nothing happened, we never hear of the cases again. That is why we will never stop the drugs, because according to these drug dealers, even if they get caught, the most difficult part is their photo showing up on DNO. Besides that it’s a breeze. I can hear the seasoned drug dealers telling the new ones..’even if you get caught, nothing will happen, my brotha’…..I don’t know where Dominica is going, but it eh nowhere good nuh….It is just a shame…

  54. BRUTUS
    July 22, 2013

    what’s the position on bail for murder accused?

  55. sati sot
    July 22, 2013

    Now she will have to grant bail to all similar cases – if that’s her position. All the drug dealers have to do is make sure that they have the bail money set aside.

    • john paul
      July 22, 2013

      they can earn it while on bail

    • Malgraysa
      July 23, 2013

      Perhaps this is a way for the treasury to make money to pay for the judiciary and the for the drug dealers simply a cost of doing business?? Tout moun contan.

  56. concerned
    July 22, 2013

    That’s the response?

  57. Annon
    July 22, 2013

    I see the judge’s point, however, I totally agree with the person that said below ‘….Bail those caught with the weed too’.

    • ah ha!
      July 23, 2013

      ask their lawyers to apply for bail…the high court cannot do it just because someone else did.

      • Annon
        July 24, 2013

        Duh…First thing lawers ask for is bail – they always do.

  58. Ayeo
    July 22, 2013

    Ok I am confused. She said that the high court makes a decision based on the recommendation of the prosecution who in this case needed a week. But then the article says that the defense lawyers were the ones who went to the high court. So what was the prosecutions role in this instance and is she saying that the prosecution decided that they no longer needed a week? more questions than answers for me after reading this. She has not given a reason yet as to why they were granted bail. What are the “the finer and in depth points of law” that influenced her decision?

    • Tall is her body
      July 23, 2013

      The prosecution in DA (magistrate/low court) are not lawyers hence they cannot under the law sit at the bar table. Also at high court u have to be properly attired using the stuffgownsman

  59. Me
    July 22, 2013

    She said plenty of nothing. I am none the wiser

  60. Law & Order
    July 22, 2013

    At least quote a section of the finer aspect of the law or Act x Section y explaination

  61. Anonymous
    July 22, 2013

    time for a transfer to another country.too many surprising decisions on serious ats

  62. Anonymous
    July 22, 2013

    this doesn’t explain anything….

  63. WHAT
    July 22, 2013

    praise God a judged is actually responding too allegations,maybe democracy is still alive and well,yeeeeeeeeeee :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  64. Tall is her body
    July 22, 2013

    IF Dominicans want the laws we have on our books to change, we need to start holding our elected representatives responsible. Instead of having parties when election time is around, have discussions, have town halls meetings. The DLP met these laws here don’t blame them. New laws are needed to be enacted but it starts with we Dominicans doing what is need. Talk shows cannot help us they might enlighten us but at the end of the day we need to start asking our representatives questions and getting answers and holding them responsible when we get those answers.

  65. Masterpiece
    July 22, 2013

    Bail the guys caught with the weed too.

  66. Vince in Antigua
    July 22, 2013

    I support you on this madam Justice, these people need to follow the Laws which apply to Dominica before they chat out their mouth away. Hope thing work out for they in court.

    • mee1
      July 22, 2013

      I think you should shut your A on those matters cause it seem you are one of those benefitting You are exactly why things do not change in Dominica.

    • Anonymous
      July 23, 2013

      One of dem is ur family for sure wii.

    • Vince in Lantigua
      July 23, 2013

      So why the GANGER FARMER, not getting bail like the HARD DRUGS TRAFFICERS?
      I guess you not chatting away,you fatting all the way.

    • Justice and Truth
      July 24, 2013

      :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  67. Tall is her body
    July 22, 2013

    Dominicans needs to put PRINCIPLE before emotion. Yes that stuff hurts our kids, but emotions are not laws. Understanding the law will be quite difficult for the average person.

    • Sug
      July 23, 2013

      but yet… the majority of people are “the average person” so why u want to put laws that we can’t understand?

      • Anonymous
        July 23, 2013

        That’s why you have to learn to understand them

    • Justice and Truth
      July 24, 2013

      What Law?

  68. mee1
    July 22, 2013

    so what was the reason why the got bail?

    • Just Blaze
      July 23, 2013

      That’s what I would like to know. What was the reason for going against the magistrates decision. When I see the article say she defend the bail decision I expect to hear a better explanation behind it.

    • Possi Born/ NYC
      July 23, 2013

      BECAUSE IS THEIR RIGHTS..WE ALL HAVE RIGHTS UNDER THE COSTITUTION AND THE LAWS

      • mee1
        July 23, 2013

        possi born, if you did not read the passge do not comment and have nothing to say because i can clearly see you did not read the passge.

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