President of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean (OECS) Bar Association, Rugglas Fergurson, has said that efforts will be made to have the Legal Profession Act implemented in jurisdictions such as Dominica.
The association met in Dominica at the Fort Young Hotel for its quarterly meeting on the weekend.
Fergurson told Dominica News Online that the non-implementation of the Act in jurisdictions such as Dominica is of concern to the association and the drive is to ensure that it is passed.
“We have a code of ethics for lawyers since the 1990’s … it’s persuasive and does not have the legal teeth yet … you need this Act to be passed in Parliament,” he said.
He agrees that “there are foot dragging” on the matter but said the “OECS Bar has made recommendations so that there will be accountability on the part of lawyers and also transparency.”
He noted that the bar association should not be blamed for the non-implementation of the act. “We are not to be blamed we don’t make laws, we can’t pass the Act …it’s for Parliament to so do,” he said.
Fergurson also said his association is working in tandem with senior lawyers to have “a mentoring programme” for young attorneys. “Law is dynamic, you learn every day and we advise young lawyers accordingly … we are also having continued legal education for lawyers with various topics from senior lawyers and judges and encourage lawyers to come out to be part of that and also do more networking across the region,” he said.
According to Fergurson, the meeting was of special significance since it was preparing a resolution which takes into account the terms and conditions under which members of the judiciary serves in the region.
“We are hoping to finalize a resolution to improve the terms and conditions of the judiciary. It’s all part of improving the justice system … it’s work in progress … we know some of the problems and we know that no one particular solution will solve the problems,” he said.
He pointed out that long delays in the court system and delay in judgment are some concerns of the association. However he said that bars in the OECS are working hard to ensure this is improved. “The Civil Procedure Rule 2000 was introduced to ensure that the system is fixed and lessen the delays and the different registries are there to ensure that the delays are managed,” Fergurson stated.
The system, Fergurson said, needs to attract quality persons to the bench and the magistracy and the salaries must be right. “The perks must be right, security, better quality persons to be judges … the best of the best will improve the system. This will impact on the system in a like manner … it’s a chain reaction once the judiciary is respected then, people are happy. The Bar needs to also engage the public in a like manner so that people can know that all is working together,” he remarked.
Boy these lawyers(liers),must not fool themselves in beliving that they will always get away taking people money.There is a cutlass Law that can be use against them too.Asked anyone who know about a smart man,name Trevy Bruney,(hope i spell his name right)there is only so much one will take.
DNO ADMIN,
We are aware that all efforts are being made to rectify the bug that is affecting the thumbs up and thumbs down feature of your website.
The last report from you all stated that your are searching for the right plugin for this module.
May I suggest that you all contact the Webmasters of your sister site “stlucia news on line” for assistance. Their thumbs features are fully functional.
I am not trying to bring unwanted heat to you all, but we really, really miss this feature.
Continued success !!!
DNO you guys are lime politicians man. You said that you were waiting on some software to reinstate the yhumbs up/ down feature and now you guys have included a poll asking bloggers to vote yes or no on the same feature. DNO what is the name of the political arm of the DNO? Lol
As much as the lawyers are well-known and are people of status due to their career, I always remember the following that I read a few years ago:
St. Paul noticed the Gates of Heaven were damaged. He immediately thought that the culprit was Satan. So he called Satan and accused him of damaging the Gates. Satan denied it. St. Paul said, “Very well then, I am going to find a lawyer to settle this.” Satan replied, “Tell me St. Paul where in Heaven will you find a lawyer.”
This should tell us much which needs no clarification or explanation. How often are they people of integrity who exercise their duties honorably?
Calling Francine Bsron Royer to execute the act so that instru can be charged, Easydoor put in solitary confinment, senior counsels sent to the general population for special service.
First of all, I wish to disassociate the views of the original Roseau Valley from that of the wannabe Roseau Valley below, who ends his/her epistle with “Faithfully” and who feels comfortable being an imitation., Suffice it to say, like the counterfeit Roseau Valley below, I concur with Mr. Fergurson that the implementation of the Legal Profession Act is long overdue.
We all know why there is so much “foot dragging” by the powers that be on the urging of senior members of the local bar, who defend the number one offender of all that is noble about a legal profession. However, we remain hopeful that the recommendations of the OECS Bar will be acted upon promptly in spite of the political and institutional obstacles that they will certainly encounter in Dominica.
Everything must be done to ensure that the integrity and professionalism of the legal profession is safeguarded and that there is transparency and accountability on the part of our legal practitioners. The bad apples must be dealt with swiftly and discarded forthwith.
Of course, we recall the enthusiastic support for the act by the former AG- Francine Baron-Royer in 2010, who was more concerned to launch an attack against the Former Opposition Leader and Leader of the UWP.
At the time, the Bill was touted as an important piece of legislation that seeks to provide disciplinary action and a code of ethics to govern the practice of lawyers. According to the former AG, the Bill was being introduced at a time when the integrity and confidence in lawyers was being eroded but now that the erosion has worsened with over 42 criminal counts against the young lawyer of choice of the corrupt politicians, the present ‘red herring’ is silent.
In 2011, we heard the faint voice of the president of the Dominica Bar, who called for the passing of the legislations before she vacated the presidency out of growing frustration with the government.
Currently, whereas the passing of the Act appears not to be a major concern to the influential members of the local bar, it is heartening to note that the regional OECS Bar Association is expressing serious concerns with the status quo in Dominica.
We are in tremendous debt of gratitude to Mr. Ferguson for raising this matter at this juncture and look forward to speedy action.
Respectfully
The original Roseau Valley
While we are discussing delayed enactment of crucial pieces of legislation in Dominica, Could DNO Admin find out the status of the Public Procurement Bill that was introduced in parliament in January 2010 and report? We would really like to know whether this Bill has ever been debated since it was initially tabled and read in parliament.
Our investigative journalists at DNO, Q95 and our “best-most professional talk show hostess” at KairiFM may wish to shed some light on the status of this Bill and advise us why has this piece of legislation has not been enacted to date other than the fact that the initial draft appears to be void of some critical elements of contemporary public procurement practices and safe guards such as the advancement of sustainable public procurement policies in the Nature Isle.
Like the Legal Professional Act, a modern, well drafted Public Procurement law would have held the Roseau Valley Parl Rep and current OECS ambassador accountable for their respective roles in questionable public procurement transactions like the garbage bin Bowbol.
One wonders why the crucial pieces of legislation that can effectively tackle the growth of the wild cancer of corruption in Dominica are unimplemented by the Labour Administration.
Perhaps the fake, imposter Roseau Valley can tell us.
Respectfully
Roseau valley
While we are discussing delayed enactment of crucial pieces of legislation in Dominica, Could DNO Admin find out the status of the Public Procurement Bill that was introduced in parliament in January 2010 and report? We would really like to know whether this Bill has ever been debated since it was initially tabled and read in parliament.
Our investigative journalists at DNO, Q95 and our “best-most professional talk show hostess” at KairiFM may wish to shed some light on the status of this Bill and advise us why has this piece of legislation has not been enacted to date other than the fact that the initial draft appears to be void of some critical elements of contemporary public procurement practices and safe guards such as the advancement of sustainable public procurement policies in the Nature Isle.
Like the Legal Professional Act, a modern, well drafted Public Procurement law would have held the Roseau Valley Parl Rep and current OECS ambassador accountable for their respective roles in questionable public procurement transactions like the garbage bin Bowbol. One wonders why the crucial pieces of legislation that can effectively tackle the growth of the wild cancer of corruption in Dominica are unimplemented by the Labour Administration.
Perhaps the fake Roseau Valley can tell us.
Respectfully
Roseau valley
With those rogue lawyers covering up corrupt politicians do we really expect a legal professions act? People like observer, Peeping Tom, Lizavier4jesus, Gary and Truth and Justice will find all kind of excuses to justify the government reluctance to pass the legal professions act. It s now more than 5 years and it does not take the mind of a genius to figure out why this administration won’t follow through with the act.
You are not true at all.
If you could be sued for this libel, you would and really should. Based on what you stated, you are speaking the untruth. 
It is obvious that you do not fully read their comments or comprehend what is stated. The truth must be told. It must be defended and by not leaving one stone unturned.
The names you mentioned would love to see that the lawyers perform their duties efficiently, with integrity and even though they are being paid, they should consider the victims. Too often the criminals whom they defend are the ones who receive consideration and not the victims. The criminals are bailed out when they should be incarcerated in prison until their cases are heard. The punishment should fit the crime. That is Justice and Truth! So help me God!
Truth and Justice I am sure you understand English. Read my blog again. Let us see if you can get it right.
Laws are only as good as the enforcement of those laws. Who is going to hold these lawyers to account; their lawyer friend with whom they socialize?
Our institutions are too poor to have an material effect on the behaviour of these lawyers or anyone else in authority.
Well well well
I dont know what cash has to done
but some revolution has taken place in the mind of ROSEAU VALLEY
who has now become soe contractual puppet of SKERRO
lord have mercy
Please, fear not my child, the mind of the original Roseau Valley is as clear as crystal and uninfluenced by the corruption abound.
Be not afraid, Roseau Valley has long defeated all fears and cannot be bought with the corruption stained money of the Skerrit cabal.
Please do not cry out to the Lord in vain on the account of Roseau Valley. Instead, feel sorry for the army of detractors and imposters like yourself who are trying to dilute the message of Roseau Valley.
It matters not how low detractors like you will stoop, the people of the Valley (Ladaut, Wotten Waven, Trafalgar, Fond Canie, Shawford, Cochrane, Copt Hall and Morne Prosper recognize corruption and bobol for what it is whether or not it is orchestrated by ambassadors, lawyers, fat womenizing doctors and their overseas half brothers.
The people of Morne Prosper will not be bought either when the ridiculously delayed road construction is completed close to the date of the next general election, after Skerrit is deemed to be a liar, cheater and blatant violator of our constitution by the OECS Court of Appeal.
The people of Morne Prosper will see Skerrit, Blackmore and Mc Intyre for the snakes that they are when they try to bribe the population with foreign monies as they did during the last general elections.
They will see through the lies when theses dishonourable politicans deliver their lofty speeches and detail the expenditure on the Morne Prosper road rehabilitation project in an attempt to buy the people’s vote once again.
The people of the Valley are not fools. We won’t be fooled by the well paved roads as if that is all the ignorant and foolish people of Morne Prosper deserve in order for the doctor and king of Fond Canie to get their votes. We know that we deserve better. We used to having a Parl Rep who is honest and who has high integrity.
Let all views contend whether they be that of the original Roseau Valley or imposter Roseau Valley, which may well be you under another made-p name of MORNE PROSPERO.
Respectfully
Roseau Valley
We have a lot of very crooked lawyers in Dominica. You hear this being echoed everyday…This is a hell of a country.
i’m surprised that there is not a legal profession act.
I have asked myself many times which is the legal governing body in Dominica. How governs the profession? Who ensures that lawyers are up to par with the changing society, principles and situations? Who guarantees that lawyers are competent and are representing their clients to that standard which is acceptable?
How are young lawyers recruited? How much real experience do these lawyers have? Are they allowed to shadow senior lawyers before they practice (articling)? How are their skills upgraded? Do they have mandatory continuing education requirements?
I’m just curious because that’s the way most licensed and regulated professions operate in the “real” world
Dream on Fergurson Dream on, no lawyer in Dominica will ever go to jail.
That is the problem in a small country where they know each other. This results in preferential treatment. People of a certain status will never be sent to prison. They may be acquitted.
I do feel as the years progress and there are new appointees to the Court and changes take effect, this will change. Wished that it could be immediate and not in ten or twenty years time.
it is so uncommon to hear of a good lawyer in Dominica.
Ethics seem to be a thing of the past and even lawyers themselves will tell their colleagues, “man is Dominican you dealing with,you don’t have to follow the rules to the letter of the law.”
So passage of the Act will let these corrupt lawyers know that there is someone looking at their every move.
Shame on them! This is why they make all sorts of silly statements, as one did, the criminal he was defending “has a fundamental right to be free.” What a fool for one who is educated and experienced (?). What about the victims and their families? This is why criminals/murderers are walking the streets. This is why it is stated the Law is lax. Those criminals who are released are laughing at the system and yes, the victims and their families. It is a slap in their faces and a kick in their behind.
Imagine a man robs a bank at gunpoint. He was masked and wearing a bullet-proof vest. The amount stolen from the bank was approximately $34,000 to $35,000. This amount has not yet been found in Dominica (?), a small country. He was recently bailed. His Court hearing is in April. A criminal as that should remain in custody.
Then murderers are bailed out, living a comfortable life and enjoying themselves until the case is called and for some years. Some of their victims are 6 feet deep. Something is radically wrong with those defense lawyers and the Court System.
Fellow Dominicans wherever you (we) reside, keep writing and voicing your concerns and opinions. Hope that the authorities read them and take note of them. Let the truth and justice prevail. This is how, hopefully, changes are effected.
We must also thank DNO for posting the articles and allowing our comments to be posted.
No matter where we live and for how long we have lived there, we love our country. We keep in mind, “There’s no place like home.” The majority of us who reside abroad have not given up on our beautiful country. Our hearts are still somewhat there. It is in our blood, a feeling which no one can take away from us or eliminate.
We have our problems and obligations. However, we are always eager to hear of and read DA news and what is occurring there. Even from afar it affects us. We laugh if need be and we cry and mourn with those who mourn. This is also being concerned and patriotic wherever we reside. We do want what is best for our country and national residents.
God bless Dominica. God bless everyone.
It is about time this legislations are inacted in Dominica.
Too many unscupulous lawyers in the land.But above all, it is, who will administer these bandit lwayers to make sure that they abide by the rules.
I am for passing the Act in the hope that it helps curd the illegal trading practices in this proffession.
I want to know who the unscrupulous lawyers are. THe way you speak it appears as though is all of them
Anonymous, without judging or being prejudicial. Probably they all are. Lawyers are in it for the money, to make money and to obtain as many clients as possible; not because they really care. It is to their satisfaction when they win cases and obtain bail for their clients even though they commit murder. They will get more publicity and as word gets around, more clients. This means, more bucks. Actually, it is a world-wide situation. In this case, they may not be any different than other lawyers as in Canada, U.S. or Europe. Lawyers are lawyers. What else do we expect from them under the circumstances?
I wonder what does this mean: “needs to attract quality persons…”?
Education Level? Family name? Colour/shade? Accent? Connections? Years in the profession? How many criminals you prevented from going to prison? Liking to hear your own voice/Being able to talk the judge to sleep?
Wonder what does it mean?
Lawyers of integrity. Conscientious ones. Not those who will manipulate the Court, aggressively seek and obtain bail for their clients who commit grievous crimes, as murders, being successful in obtaining minimum prison sentence for them, to the point of having them acquitted, when they should be incarcerated.
Sometime ago one of them was rude to the magistrate. Their behaviour in Court could be questionable.
I CONCUR
Its an issue which have been discussed by all ajor stakeholders for quite a while now. There is no debate as to its necessity. Everyone recognizes the need for the proper regulation and discipline within the legal profession. Quite clearly junior members of the local and regional bar need a sense of mentorship. I do believe that the general public requires a greater sense of guidance and respect; since there are some lawyers who think the the trial by media is the way forward and others subscribe to AMBUSH TACTICS. I need not speak to the issue of flagrant disrespect which a few junior lawyers exercise against the more senior and respectable members of our local bar. Soeties I ponder and indeed wander how will they ever learn when they continue to show a great degree of arrogance. I one who subscribe to the culture of advocacy but this ust be done within a climate of professionalism.
One of the issues which the said ACT ought to address is the question of sanctioning members of the bar who show no respect for the judgements of the court, from the magistracy to the court of appeal level. Historically and currently, the OECS Supreme Court continues to be amongst the most repected Courts in the Commonwealth of Nations. We in Dominica have had our brightest of minds assisted in developing CARIBBEAN & OECS JURISPRUDENCE. legally Trained & Qualified Luminaries such as Dr NJO Liverpool, Supreme Court Justice of Appeal Davidson Baptiste, deceased Philip Telford Georges,the late Justice of Appeal Albert Mathew etc just to name a few. So we in Dominica have had a proud legacy. The onus is now on members of the current bar to show a level of honesty and respect to their client and themselves and the community at large. Some lawyers are not even aware how they must apply the OECS CPR.Many blunders have been made at the Magistrial level and as a direct consequence of this the COA ( COURT OF APPEAL ) had to intervene impose a dose of RESTORATIVE JUSTICE…this is a lesson that has to be learned and never ever again must such errors be done. Invariably our legal system was brought into serious disrepute when its procedures and the very laws were erroneously applied. Lawyers must know how and when and under what circustances that they must come before the COA and not subject themselves to any form of self-imposed embarrassent therein.
Finally while a lot of abuse has been directed at any of our lawyers and soe segment of our populace consider the as thieves, liars, dishonest, tricksters etc. I do believe that such labels are manifestly unfair and incorrect. However its a known fact that there are some very bad apples in their midst and the ACT will seek to weed such negative elements out of the profession. Extortion of the resources from unsuspecting philantropist and elderly citizens is an act of criminality. The fact that some lawyers fail to properly represent their clients ; even when sums of money have been provided. There is also the allegations of some attorneys involving themselves in questionable land deals etc etc.
We in Dominica recognize the need for this Legal Profession Act and we are calling on the powers that be to accelerate its enactment. Those crooked lawyers may well be very nervous about its actuality but justice so demands its advent. Dominica remains a close knitted society and your wrongdoings shall be eventually exposed. Dont take advantage of the less fortunate ones or feed on peoples ignorance or illiteracy. There is great GOD ABOVE who seees and knows everything…you cannot hide the almighty. Some will do and say anything for the love of money, fame, blood and power.
YOUR SINS WILL FIND YOU OUT
YOURS FAITHFULLY
ROSEAU VALLEY
We know that you are not the real ROSEAU VALLEY.
Congratulate yourself on your brilliant plan to undermine the true Roseau Valley.
As 1979 has observed, you can imitate but not duplicate the real ROSEAU VALLEY.
Loser. Loser
Some of them duplicate the names of others. They are copycats.
I noticed that someone is writing under Truth and Justice. Why do you not find another name? There are many of them that you could use. We should patent our names.
Those who write under ‘Anonymous’. Why do you not use, Anonymous 1, 2 or 3, etc? Maybe one of you could use Anonymity.
This not Roseau Valley. The Skerrit cabal has started to attack the views expressed by Roseau Valley. Mc Intyre feeling the heat in de Valley now..
They are getting real desparate now. If only they knew who is the real RV. He or she would dsfinitely be victimized or ostrasized. Boy them man nah easy.
We still waiting to read the views of the orignal Valley
commentator kamemmm. You can’t touch this.
Mr. legal practitioner, instead of writing as Roseau Valley just tell us your name so we can come to your chambers. You speak like you are one of the better lawyers
To the imposter Roseau Valley. Please forgive me but your commentary is not well structured. Some of your ramblings are repetitious and unclear. Although, I am flattered, this is a very poor attempt at imitating.
Whereas I would prefer that you refrain from seeking to distort the views and image of the original Roseau Valley, I nevertheless respect your right to submit your comments under any name that you so choose. I respect your right to pretend to be the real original Roseau Valley.
If you so genuinely believe that this issue need not be debated because of its obvious necessity, which everyone recognizes, could you help us understand why the Bill has not become law?
If you genuinely believe that junior lawyers need a sense of mentorship, could you help encourage the senior members of the bar to follow up their rhetoric with action.
Since you appear to be so knowledgeable about the conduct of junior lawyers of the bar, could you kindly enlighten us of some of the “flagrant disrespect which a few junior lawyers exercise against the more senior and respectable members of our local bar” that you reference. After all, there are senior lawyers who appear to have more loyalty to party and King Skerrit than the oath of their profession and love for country.
Yes, fake Roseau Valley, tell them that while we subscribe to the culture of advocacy, it must be done within a sense of professionalism, honesty and integrity. Thanks for echoing my sentiments while using my blog name that the Labour Party government must cooperate with the local and regional bars to accelerate the enactment of Legal Professional Act as an effective tool that could assist in retarding the growth of the cancer of corruption in Dominica.
I agree with you that those crooked lawyers with 42 crimina counts are obviously nervous about its actuality but justice so demands its advent. Dominica remains a close knitted society and your wrongdoings shall be eventually exposed.
Respectfully
The original Roseau Valley
“We have a code of ethics for lawyers since the 1990′s … it’s persuasive and does not have the legal teeth yet … you need this Act to be passed in Parliament,” he said.
He agrees that “there are foot dragging” on the matter but said the “OECS Bar has made recommendations so that there will be accountability on the part of lawyers and also transparency.”
He noted that the bar association should not be blamed for the non-implementation of the act. “We are not to be blamed we don’t make laws, we can’t pass the Act …it’s for Parliament to so do,” he said.”
would the powers that be have any desire to implement such an act???? would it “BENEFIT” them??? or the people whom they govern??? and will the people whom they govern even care????
it all remains to be seen.
In my opinion,the legal Profession Act will never be passed in Dominica.Who would be brave at this point of time to bring charges against lawers like Tony,Isidor, Lawernce to name a few for any impropieties. Like Mr. Fergurson said it is the parliament responsibility to pass laws,we know of them fellars affilliation with the Skerrit Labor Government. According to a Minister of Government,where you Fergurson going with that.
i agree
Lawyer lawyer paints on fire.
‘paints?’ Do you mean ‘pants?’
If we expect legal professions act and legislation to prosecute those who cannot substantiate their wealth we might as well expect SKERRIT to admit he posses a French passport and Bubbles to admit that the Villas really belong to the AM/ PM.
If this administration move forward with thse legislation I will go to Lennox Lawrence for confession and communion and on my next land transfer I will hire Easy Door as my attorney and ask the pope to consider Tony Astaphan as an ambassador fr truth and honesty.
I with you on that
I wonder who they will blame for the lack of progress on these legislation; is it the opposition, world economic crisis, Q95.
Do we need a Doctrine Of Necesity to pass those legislations? Lol
‘Necessity’
Of great concern is that Lawyers in Dominica are BANDITS. They are abusing client with no regards for justice. They lack INTEGRITY, take money from clients with the understanding that they will represent the clients property and most times clients never hear from them again. Some clients go to more than one lawyer and get the same treatment. Most persons in Dominica have absolutely no confident in lawyers. I have heard many heart breaking stories from Ex-Patriates returning home to Dominica and their stories of abuse from lawyers makes one cry. A lawyer can single handedly make a person broke here and there is no where one can turn for some kind of Justice.
There need to be an organization where clients can report abusive lawyers. The abuse in this country is not done by ordinary persons but by professionals like lawyers.
Anyway for those who think they get away with abusing God’s people, please remember when an old lady cries on you because you have done her wrong, Jehovah God hears and he comes with his wrath upon you and your children quickly