“Limbo” in police officers’ matter

 Peter wants the matter to be resolved
Peter wants the matter to be resolved

Dominica’s attorney general, Levi Peter says that everyone is in “limbo” in a matter involving five police officers who have been arrested and in connection with the death of Joshua Etienne of Picard, who was found dead in custody.

The charges are yet to be read to the five accused since the matter was taken to the High court seeking leave to file for judicial review.

A decision from the High Court is now being awaited and Peter said hopefully there will be some clarity.

“There is what I consider to be a limbo because nobody knows where they are,” he said. “So the position hopefully from this matter will give some clarity.”

According to him, given the present situation all “right minded citizens will want this matter resolved in a way that indicates that justice prevails in the country.”

“I wish that the decision in this matter is made as soon as possible,” he noted. “The investigating authorities have preferred charges, there is a normal process which must be followed where by the matter goes to court and it either ends up with someone acquitted or convicted and that is what most Dominicans would wish to see in this case.”

He expressed confidence in the submissions made on behalf of the state to the court.

“Our submissions made on behalf of the State are sound and have merit. I believe that the complaint is not unlawful and should be put to the accused persons and then let the process continue, ” he said.

Justice Errol Thomas who heard the matter has indicated that he will deliver his decision within days as it is said this matter is of high public interest.

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25 Comments

  1. The Facts
    August 22, 2014

    The authorities must proceed with caution. A case must be built prior to charging them. This takes some time.
    It is two weeks since a teenager was murdered in Ferguson, MO, U.S. The police officer who killed him with his gun is yet to be arrested. I heard it will (may) take two weeks prior to this being done, if it is. The authorities must gather their evidence prior to arresting the officer.
    I am simply providing some information so that you will exercise patience in this matter and not blame the authorities for what you assume is a delay in this case.
    It must be determined who was primarily responsible for harming the man. In other words, who started it first and how many were truly involved.
    Then the authorities must also amass all information pertaining to the man’s injuries, how he died and did he die immediately or not from his wombs.
    Be broadminded. The man could have done something as also resisting arrest and the police officers tried to restrain him and he fought them. So we must utilize our common sense and good judgment on this matter.
    I am informing you, this is a difficult case all around. It is not only one police officer that is involved. There are five.
    I am neutral in laying blame on this matter except to consider what really happened on that night and how could it have happened for I was not present.
    I do feel sorry for the police officers. It is not easy for them. I wish them well and God’s peace.

  2. Julie
    August 22, 2014

    AG stop the nonesense . Treat the police the same way you would treat the rasta the farmer the baker and your worst enemy. Stop covering up for those police who killed the man. Go he and hug your kids and think of what happened to the man.

  3. Devoted Dominican
    August 22, 2014

    The lawless country strikes again. For this is the same manner in which another Portsmouth man name (DRIGO) was murdered in the early morning with many Portsmouth policemen present and as of this day this murdered man’s name Drigo has been forgotten with no one being brought to justice. The devil has taken control of Dominica’s justice. When is this going to end?

  4. FORKIT
    August 22, 2014

    that is the most incompetent, lazy, political vonvon I ever see

  5. mr p
    August 22, 2014

    Mr ag dominica it self is in limbo it is sad but true its all twisted

  6. Sunshine City Girl
    August 21, 2014

    If these police officers are acquitted, then the rights of every citizen, particularly none supporters of this administration will be none existent. Father have mercy!

  7. C Mills
    August 21, 2014

    Mr AG are you serious? Is the court system under you office? If you are not up to it or if there is too much fighting within the administrators of Justice then it is time to resign. What a shame to be making such a statement as the AG of the country.

    • The Facts
      August 22, 2014

      What do you expect him to say? The case will be called in time. Have patience.

  8. Ferbrese
    August 21, 2014

    i cant recall the exact page or chzapter in the law book.. but there is a quote that says the law is an ass.. there i believe jackasses are the administrators.

    this will end sadly for tax payers who will have to compensate these officers…..

    im looking on

  9. anonymous2
    August 21, 2014

    The DA police dept. is always in limbo in one way or another as well as the govt..

  10. Oh My Finger!
    August 21, 2014

    “According to him, given the present situation all “right minded citizens will want this matter resolved in a way that indicates that justice prevails in the country.” Did you really say that Mr. AG? You mean you expect me to believe that justice prevails in Dominica? I was a little optimistic when I heard the Commissioner of Police but after hearing the Family lawyer and the battle he endured from that same AG, my confidence is getting everyday. I mean wasn’t that same Levi Peter the AG during the PM / St. Jean French citizenship saga? Wasn’t he the same AG during the Christmas firebombing of Mr. GON Emmanuel house on Christmas day? Wasn’t Justice Errol Thomas the same person that gave his ruling in the citizenship matter? Wasn’t that same trend followed before he gave his verdict? If the answer to any of the above is yes then why should I feel confident that justice prevails in Dominica?

  11. Anonymous
    August 21, 2014

    :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

  12. Doc. Love
    August 21, 2014

    Are the Prime Minister and also the Minister of legal affairs in whose constituency the crime was committed, in Limbo? Why is it they have not made a statement? In the case of Mr. D.O. N. Emanuel, statements were made, even by the Prime Minister’s advisor.

  13. johnjay
    August 21, 2014

    What you talking about AG . Who is the defence Atty. You all send him there to mess up the case . This attorney is supporting the govt left right and center and now he is against the state, I smell a rat up to now you are the only govt official who come to make a story because your back is against the wall.

    • Watcher
      August 21, 2014

      Has the UWP made a statement as yet or are they waoiting like canivores for the government to make a statement so that they can pounce on it. You, of all people would know that in the GON Emmanuel matter, the opposition was the first to report and make a statement. In fact they were among the first responders on the scene reporting live and making statements as to the cause and motive of the fire – all that within minutes of the alarm going off. They knew then it as a fire bomb, who paid the bomber, they knew motives, they knew there was no insurance for the vehicle, they knew this and they knew that even whilst the fire was raging. Does that say something? I often hear the professional firefighters and investigators in their reports say that an “investigation into the fire has been launched or ongoing”. In the GON matter, the politician was among the first responder, reported and made statements about the cause and effect of the fire and generally knew everything about the fire that Christmas morning.

      • Sunshine City Girl
        August 21, 2014

        Use common sense and stop being blinded by people with no integrity.

    • The Facts
      August 22, 2014

      I guess if I were the attorney you would state the same thing about me. Some of you do not give them an opportunity to speak. You criticize all what they say and do. Everything for you is they are wrong and always wrong. You’re never satisfied. I wonder if it were the opposition that was in power what would you state about them?

  14. me myself and I
    August 21, 2014

    it is the first time u hearing a case like that in Dominica because all the others were swept under the carpet. that is why the justice system doh know what to do.

  15. Lougaoo Mem
    August 21, 2014

    “There is what I consider to be limbo because nobody knows where they are.” That’s Levy Peter’s quote. I guess he should say, “Where we are.”

    It is clear that Roosevelt Skerrit administration does not know where they are and what mess they’ve gotten themselves into. The nation sees incompetence all over the AG’s face. Earlier in the case it seems like he was on the side that claimed the police acted in good faith when they tortured and brutalized Joshua Etienne to his death. Now he admits that they don’t know where they are and called it “LIMBO.”

    The most startling thing about the situation is the laissez-faire attitude by a vast majority of the Labour supporters, who see no wrong about what’s taking place, even though it’s against their own interests and children’s future. They want the current regime to continue its reign for fifty years in order to secure the crumbs and petty bribes while unemployment is at an all time high. Could you believe that? Yes sir!

    The level of ignorance, incompetence, incomputable allegations against the most incongruous leader, Roosevelt Skerrit , have the other English speaking islands in the region wonder if we are out of touch with reality. They believe we deserve nothing more but what we continue to vote for, a corrupted and incapable bunch of politicians, who will continue to have us last in just about every category to move the country forward. People! We are above that level. Come next general election, “CHANGE IS A MUST.” That’s your only chance and choice to bring sanity to the governance and judiciary in our country. Please, please don’t let this opportunity pass you by. VOTE EVERYONE IN THE LABOUR PARTY OUT OF OFFICE NEXT ELECTION.

    • The Facts
      August 22, 2014

      They should leave the country. Many on bail do that. One was arrested for murder. He was granted bail and was allowed to leave the country. He is still abroad, no doubt having a good time. Wait and see, he may never return.

  16. August 21, 2014

    Joshua Etienne is not in “limbo”. Justice NOW!

    • The Facts
      August 22, 2014

      Only the innocent – babies that were not yet baptized are in limbo for now. :lol:

  17. shaka zulu
    August 21, 2014

    This is the first time I have heard a case such as this in Dominica so I can understand the challenge posed to the legal professionals in getting the process right. The problem is people were too excited making emotional decisions and comments with no wisdom in the execution of the Law. Let us use it as an example of how not to proceed in similar cases. Calmer heads will prevail.

    • Lawandorder
      August 23, 2014

      Agreed. Small island, first time something like this happened. No one knows how to act. Let the court and the law take its course.

  18. ravine
    August 21, 2014

    Police state?

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