The ongoing saga of the Tommy Lee Sparta matter is listed for 9:00 am on Monday December 12, 2016 at the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
It is going to be the first legal matter to be heard involving Dominica at the CCJ.
The matter has been brought by a Dominican national, Cabral Douglas over the fallout arising from the “Tommy lee Affair” back in February 2014.
The matter has to do with what Douglas said is the illegal arrest, dentention, and deportation of controversial Jamaican artiste and his entourage in Dominica.
Tommy Lee, whose real name is Leroy Russell, was to perform at a concert in February 2014 in Portsmouth, organized by Douglas, however, organizations, such as the Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches denounced the artiste’s appearance saying his music glorifies Satan and promotes lawlessness and violence.
On his arrival in Dominica, Tommy Lee, 26, along with his three-member team, Tiasha Oralie Russell, Junior Fraser and Mario Christopher Wallace were denied entry, detained and deported the following day.
The government of Dominica said its action was based in the interest of public safety.
Douglas is demanding over US$3-million in the matter.
The hearing will be conducted via video conference.
Below is an outline of the case.
1) On August 24, 2016 Attorney at Law Cabral Douglas filed an Application seeking special leave to bring legal proceedings against the Commonwealth of Dominica for damages at the CCJ in its original Jurisdiction, arising from a the cancellation of a concert caused by the arrest, detention and deportation of Jamaican entertainer Tommy Lee and his entourage by Dominican immigration authorities.
2) Mr Douglas subsequently appointed high profile human rights barrister Dr. Leslie Thomas QC of London’s Garden Court Chambers to lead the litigation phase of the matter.
3) On October 18, 2016 skeleton arguments were filed and served on Dominica on behalf of the Applicant (Cabral Douglas).
4) A case management conference was held on October 20, 2016 where it was ordered by the court that the Respondent (Dominica) submit full legal arguments on or before Nov 11, 2016, for the Applicant to respond on or before November 25, 2016, and for the matter to be heard on December 12, 2016.
5) Full legal arguments by the parties have been filed and served in accordance with court orders issued on October 20, 2016.
6) Dominica in their submissions has pleaded that the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas did not intend for private entities such as Douglas to benefit directly from relevant provisions of the Treaty in spite of being a party to a contract for service with Jamaican national (Tommy Lee), Management firm, Heavy D promotions.
7) Attorneys for Douglas refuted this argument by submitting to the court that the intention of the Treaty is to facilitate intra community transactions for the purpose establishing economic integration to the direct benefit of all community nationals engaged in such transactions.
8 ) The hearing is listed for 9:00 AM on Monday December 12, 2016.
Settlement
9) The Government of Dominica has expressed their desire for an out of court settlement to the matter on March 3, 2015 and are currently engaged in settlement negotiations with the Jamaican claimants which include Leroy Russell (Tommy Lee), Oralie Russell, Junior Fraser and Mario Wallace.
10) These negotiations are being conducted through the Jamaican office of the Attorney General.
10) However, the Government of Dominica has refused to settle the case involving Douglas.
11) In a letter dated May 18, 2016 the Government of Dominica declared that they do not “accept responsibility or liability for claims made therein” on behalf of Douglas.
12) This reversal of position taken by the Government of Dominica prompted Douglas to refer the Caribbean Court of Justice, (CCJ) under Article 222 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, seeking special leave of the court.
Representation
13) The Jamaican nationals are all being represented by Bert Samuels of Jamaican law firm Knight, Junor and Samuels.
14) Cabral Douglas is being represented by Dr. Leslie Thomas QC of London’s prestigious multiple award winning Garden Court Chambers, and Ms. Thalia Maragh LL.B, LL.M (International Law and Human Rights) of Mansfield Chambers, in London.
15) Dominica is being represented by Attorney General Levi Peter
The government can take people to Court and people should not take? To hell with Dominica under skerrit
Cabral is a disappointment. I wonder what your biological brothers and sisters are saying about you.
Look here! A government has a right to welcome people into the country or not. If the government is aware that someone is unfit to perform and a bad example, the government reserves the right to deny that person entry. T.L. was too bold.
No outsider should dictate to the government who should be welcomed or not. Forget about all that Treaty, etc. Whose country is it?
Tommy Lee was not welcomed for good reasons as D/cans know very well and that is that.
Keep Dominica Christian and clean. It has its internal problems. Dominica does not need the likes of T.L. to tarnish it further. I hope this case is thrown out.
Lord, you know and see everything. You know what is best for Dominica and that this man T.L. is not a good example especially to the youths. The government did right to listen to those who objected to T.L.’s coming to D/ca.
Lord, please put a hand.
The country runs on laws not superstition, that why the government has already offered Tommy Lee a settlement as reported on irie FM:
http://iriefm.net/tommy-lee-sparta-get-payday-dominican-government/
The truth be told this Government has sponsored Popcaarn, allowed Akaline, never stopped Dexta Dapps you all are too damn hypocrite!!!
Tommy and cabral i pray to god that you win your case!!!!!!!!!
Cabral Douglas and his associates want to recoup the money they lost when Tommy Lee did not perform in D/ca. They probably had already paid hm or had to pay him later. Shame on you Cabral. It does not matter to you if Dominica goes bankrupt. I feel you are a traitor to your country. What goes around comes around, twofold.
Shame on the PM, Shame on the AG for not adhering to the treaty they signed through the harassment of the evangelical swindlers. Shame on you Truth Be Told for tolerating gross disrecpect to an international atrist recognized worldwide who was invided here to perform for people (ADULTS) who had already bought tickets. to turn this man away the day he arrives without any formal warning. the show was advertised for months. this could have been handled much better than the state. Sue the Country. When is someone else you all like to play righteous. but when it is you yourself you crying foul. SUE DOMINICA AND LET THE EVANGELICAL CHURCHES PAY THE BILL WITH THEIR TAX FREE MONEY. THEY ASKED FOR IT THEY PRAYED FOR IT, NOW UNLOCK IT AND GIVE THE BILL TO THEM.
The Church is the body of Christ! The money should be used for the furtherance of the gospel. If you are mad because you lost your ticket money i will pay you out of my pocket. Please watch how you speak about the body of Christ! He is the soon to come bridegroom. Those who are not in right standing in the church has much to answer to but he is the final judge!
They can also unite and pray with fasting and God will hear them just like (BC) Daniel, Sh. Mi and ab in the fire, Noah, Elijah, Moses, John, … and just when Satan thought he had the victory (AD) He charged the disciples with the holy spirit after he resurrected where Paul started the christian body up till this minute and the gates of hell shall not prevail!
History confirms most of the biblical past! Take heed! We are using a mortal shell which will rot back to the earth. Take heed!
What you stated will blow up in your face. You will reap it someday.
If you have children would you like them to attend that show with Tommy Lee? You must have read about Tommy Lee and his reputation.
I have previously stated that Cabral and his organizers knew that Tommy Lee was not wanted due to his reputation and on stage. The man was charged with murder. Yet Cabral and the others still wanted him to perform in D/ca.
Tommy Lee knew he was not wanted by the majority yet he boldly came to D/ca, no doubt encouraged by Cabral and his gang.
There is such a thing as principle and morality. Do you have any?
Think God! Think of not tarnishing the minds of teenagers who would be lured to T.L.’s performance. That man is not an exemplary person.. Your veiled eyes are blinded by the light. Too bad you cannot see through him.
If you are a Christian you should know you are not to attend such a performance and encourage others to do likewise. God is patient!.
The promoter knew many weeks and days before that there was a problem. It was his duty to speak with the relative authorities and the artist before making the arrangements in total disregard to everyone else but what he wanted.
Truth Be Told – Why would i bring my children to an adult concert at night? The show was never intended for children? Cabral knew that Tommy Lee was wanted as hundreds of Dominicans had already purchased tickets prior to the concert. Cabral and any other business man will never abandon a business venture just because a handful of people (who are not even the target market) say they dont want it; especially if returns are already coming in. Being charged for a crime doesnt mean you committed it. Look at the 2 ministers of govt and their current charges, they still in the public smiling for people. My principals are this. Every saint has a past every sinner has a future. you are judging this man based on allegations and hearsay, which off course seems to be the christian way. Blame the parents of the teenagers who may have attended. Dont blame the man who sells out concerts to adults. The funny thing is those same teenagers listen to his music online and on the radio daily.
Shame on the Prime Minister and the few loonies he was pandering to when he made his move. How come they didn’t stop alkaline from coming in? He had the same issues too with his music. But oh it wasn’t election time right? Bunch of idiots. The country shouldn’t have to be paying for some people big mouth and totalitarian attitude and a Prime Minister wanting an endorsement from the pulpit. All those people who were against Tommy Lee coming for a show that they wouldn’t have even gone to in the first place are the ones who should be footing the bill for the settlement. They and the labour party who used the power of the government to do something that they had no legal grounds to do.
it is like a child taking their mother to court.
business is business. it was for love of country that he did the show. country screw him over so it dont have love again. business is business.
“It was for the love of country he did the show”
Obviously perception is not one of your strengths. According to the news Tommy Lee did not get to do the show and this is what the big howl is all about.
And “love of country” had nothing to do with it. Mr. Lee wanted to do the show for love of money $$$$$$$$$ and nothing else.
Dance hall is low end music. It has no class. It lends itself well to the promotion of lewd performances, drugs, and illicit sex. Not what you need on your island.
I can’t imagine a man of statue promoting this kind of entertainment. The fact that they were told this concert was not wanted in Dominica makes things worse.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Love of country, you think?
Rev. lol you again. I meant it was for love of the country that CABRAL organised the show. for clarity sake. Off course his pocket stood to benefit also. But the artist does have a significant fan base. People like his music. Otherwise he wouldnt still be a top artist in the Reggae Dancehall arena. tommy already won his case and Dominica has already paid him as well as his entourage. This upcoming case is so that Cabral can get his money back for the wrongdoings caused by the church monkeys.
You are correct. Cabral does not appear patriotic.
Why would Skerrit settle out of court with the Jamaicans but not the Dominican…hmmmm.
If he did it is to get it over and done with. The money will be in a bag, like a bag with holes in it. Everything falls through it. That s what will happen to the money which was received. It will soon be finished.
As a tax paying Dominican I am asking for a parking ticket lawyer to represent me and to protect our Dollar. “Aready “is passport that generating revenues for Dominica.
If we cannot get a parking ticket lawyer I beg to suggest that we assign 10 passports to Cabral as compensation for damages.
DNO why a parking ticket lawyer and not the AG ? I honestly don’t have the answer. I just know some parking ticket lawyers that have the legal certificate and have won a few traffic ticket. Nothing personal against the AG
Music is a power instrument for either good or evil.
It is used in church services to lift worshippers into God’s presence.
It is used in advertising to promote the sale of products and services.
It is used at sporting events to stir emotions.
In 2014 the Commonwealth of Dominica refused to let musician Tommy Lee Sparta conduct a planned concert in Portmouth. He was arrested when he arrived in Dominica, and deported. It was said that his lyrics, appearance, manner of dress, and alleged criminal behavior had a negative effect on youth. Some who had attended previous concerts in other places cited lewd behavior, and said his music promoted rebellion, drug use, and demonism. The government said there were security concerns, and they were acting in the public safety.
The Government of Dominica is being sued for cancelling the concert which Mr. Sparta claims placed him and his team at significant financial disadvantage, along with their promoter
Sincerely, Rev…
Continuation:
and facilitator, Mr. Cabral Douglas.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
According to online sources, Leroy “Junior” Russell (Tommy Lee), Tommy Lee Sparta, is a dancehall artist from Montego Bay, Jamaica. He has been a controversial figure in dancehall due to his self-described “Gothic Dancehall” style, which often features dark and Satanist-inspired subject matter.
If this is true, why would we want to introduce more demonic spirits in Dominica? There are already tons of them here… why more?
Let me enlighten you a little bit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I11L71PD3Lw
I have not attended a concert by Tommy Lee nor do I plan to.
But if the above comment can be taken at face value I can as a minister of the Gospel and a pastoral counselor tell you that the content of Tommy Lee’s concerts is dangerous stuff. It is harmful to the human psych . Worse still his lyrics are of the sort that attract demons. This is not something to play with.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Rev you have never even been to Dominica so please stay out of local business. Stay yourself up in Canada where your church continues to try convert the rest of the Native Americans to Christianity. the Same religion that they used to wipe out the majority of their tribes.
Rev. Donald Peters
You may not attend a Tommy Lee concert.
I may not attend a gospel concert.
But that does not give me the right to throw the artist in jail and sabotage your show just because I may do not like gospel music.
That is pure ignorance.
Attract what demons? You’re a grown adult man in 2016 talking about demons. Get real
Reverend, you are displaying ignorance with the idea that certain music attracts demons. We already have the so called demons here on the island and you fail to speak out about that. Why don’t you speak out about the everyday corruption and discrimination taking place on the island. You hide behind the bible like the rest of the hypocrites you minister to every sunday.
You need to pay attention to the real criminals who hide behind that man written book called the bible. Would you have said anything if the artist was a white American ?
Because demonic spirits don’t exist…
Dominican Passport: Demonic spirits don’t exist?
Actually, you are out numbered. Those who agree with you by comparison lack status.
The Roman Catholic Church believes demons exist.
Did you know THE EXORCIST was based on a true story as it happened in the RCC ?
When John Paul became pope the first thing he did was watch THE EXORCIST three times. He believed demons exist.
The Orthodox Churches all believe demons exist.
The Church of England (Anglican) believes demons exist.
Evangelical and Pentecostal denominations believe demons exist.
There are psychiatrists who testify that they have encountered “possession” in their practices because they have seen cases that could not be explained or helped medically. It is not unknown for these doctors to refer a patient to a pastor who practices deliverance in his ministry when the need is indicated.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill
You can easily be possessed by demonic spirits including being defeated if you believe this way. If you do not believe that the Devil exists you will not have the need to reach to a higher power (Jesus Christ) to attend to your needs.
He will therefore take full control of you! Please include the bible in your literature. This may help you in the future.
Jesus loves you! His arms are opened awaiting your decision.
They very well exist. Unless you are one yourself, you will deny it.
People have to be careful who they befriend.
Finally somebody with a functioning brain. Seems so many people done lost what little mind they had. The catholic church thinks demons exist? Since when evangelical pastors use the catholic church as doctrinal support? Evangelical churches nearly unanimously recognize the catholic church as the greatest bastardisation of the christian religion. And that is if you even believe in this jewish hoax to begin with
I agree with you. Those on the side of God and morality stand up and speak out!
Thank you The Truth Be Told!
We must stand up and speak out.
It is not enough for us to “stay home”. Others will attend and some of these will be negatively affected. Those of us who know the dangers involved have a responsibility to share what we know and spare those who will listen.
Three things come to mind.
(1) Tommy Lee has never tried to hide his demon connection.
(2) Those who are for him show a lack of objectivity and logic. The information they have been given by the Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches and people like myself means nothing to them. They don’t seem capable of even replying in an educated and reasonable manner as seen in their DNO comments.
(3) Tommy Lee’s fans show the same rebellious spirit as Tommy himself by spurning the decision of their government and their elected leaders even to the point of suing their government.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill, D.D., M.Th.
Right now God is probably laughing at us all. One side claiming to love him more than the other. and using God a a tool to fight againt the other. All of you so called Christians are no better than the spanish inquisition and the first European settlers who forced indigenous people to accept Christianity or else it would be their death. FLAMES AND FIRE upon your modus operatum. God should not be used to wish ill upon others.
Remember that Jesus made peace and befreinded the beggers, prostitutes, thieves etc. So act like you are higher than people still. In those times Jesus was a very wanted man. a Gangster or degenerate in those times. Judge not Lest ye be judged.
@analy thomas People have freedom of choice if u don’t want to go to Tommy Lee show u stay at your home, u christian people are unbelievable all over the world got satanism not not everyone is a satanist, if u really want a satanist Cabral should be rock star Marylyn manson.
You are right! everyone has a free will. God willingly lets us come to him while Satan forces it into our throats. Which leader would you prefer? One who promises freedom or the other who promises bondage?
I would stay at my home except that i am charged to….. It is my responsibility to spread the gospel through the holy spirit so that none should perish but that all who wishes should have eternal life.
Though you may not be a satanist, you may be possessed by its introduction once you accept it!
Jesus loves you! serve him today.
What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him TAKE the water of life FREELY.”
(Revelation 22:17)
It is ours for the taking! Taking means we accept it, believe we have it, AND THANK GOD FOR IT. At that moment the GIFT – the water of life – becomes ours for time and eternity.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Are you an idiot? Why allow Alkaline but not Tommy Lee? If you know anything about Dancehall or Entertainment you would know that this is just entertainment. He is no more demonic than Beyonce or Rhianna. If you live in fear you will always be fearful. If your heart and soul is weak you will be easily possessed. Tommy isnt the problem. We are. I pray that he wins his case and the the AG is utterly embarrassed in the process. This is a case of malice and bandmind perpetrated against a man who came here to do honest work. He was not asking for church goers and evangelicals to come to his concert. He has his fan base who are adults with their own minds and decision making abilities. We do not rally against the gosphel concerts or outside the churches of false pastors and protest their lies and deceptions on sundays. No we respect their hustle. Because thats what it is for them. a tax free hustle where they collect “tithes” every sunday or whatever day they decide to kyorneh their flock.
When this woman was brought to the synagogue where Jesus taught he stooped down and began writing on the ground/Floor…. They told him that the law states that an adulteress should be stoned to death according to the law of Moses. He lifted his head and charged them with this: “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” and continued writing. He then asked her for her accusers. They were all gone! He told her “neither do i accuse you” Go and sin no more!
My job is not to point out other’s mistakes because we are all sinners but to encourage one another to do good. Before the father and Jesus we are terrible… all of us… but by his Grace and Mercy we can be cleansed and made whole. Whatever we choose will determine our future!
For whatever does not glorify Jesus Christ seeks to condemn him. You be your own judge.
Jesus loves you!
Give him your life today!
Let me inform you. The thought is crossing my mind. It is a good thing he was not allowed to perform in Dominica. God knows what would have happened then. Be pleased that he did not perform in Dominica. Pray to God for enlightenment.
The Christian church has stood the test of time for 2,000 years.
Christian congregations have stood and served their communities providing food for the hungry, housing and shelter for the destitute, building and operating orphanages, schools, clinics, and hospitals for many years.
Yes, we provide worship facilities and preach the gospel because it is the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 1:16) that that has made us what we are. Please read 2 Corinthians 5:17,18.
It should not surprise you when our leaders speak out against practices that are contrary to the morals and values of the Holy Scriptures and warn that such influences could be harmful to society especially the younger generation. They must and they will. It is their duty to tell people – especially our law makers – how Biblical principles apply to the issues of the day.
My sentiments exactly !
The hypocrisy of the church is amazing !
The church is silent during sexual abuse yet they are quick to flap their lips on an issue like music.
On target !
Truth be told. quoting scripture isnt fact. Nor does it sway me or others that this man was discriminated against. and thats what you all love to do. negate the facts with scripture that can be interpreted a million ways. i was very angry and still am that he wasnt allowed to come in. He is no different than Mavado, Alkaline, Yellow Man, Popcaan or any of the other artists who we have allowed to come here to perform.
Another proof of Tony misleading Skerrit and put more debt on us, while he continues to enjoy life in Florida.
What have you stated? Who brought forth the case? Your own Cabral Douglas.
God will judge our actions based upon how He reads our motives.
Was Cabral Douglas bringing Tommy Lee to Dominica for the good of the Dominican people
Is he suing their Government because of his great love for the island and the well being of the nation
How much money is Mr. Douglas asking for?
That money would go a long way in helping seniors and children in Dominica.
Think of how many hungry bellies that would fill in Dominica, and how many sick people needing surgical help could be assisted? Think of a hospital, a clinic, a nursing home, a residence or shelter for the homeless somewhere that needs funds, and how much this would mean to them
SHAME
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill.
Dominica’s defence reeks of asTaphan. His strategy is not to argue the merits of the case, but to question the validity of the CCJ under the Revised Treaty to hear the claim. That’s now……. gets away with many matters in his care. That is not to say he is wrong; it’s just the strategy he loves to use to get away with many wrongdoings.
Thats a ridiculous assertion and you know it. Here is the reason why this farce of a case will be thrown out. Point 6 in the article above aludes to it a bit. Cabral is like a leech for want of a better phrase. He had brought this case to the CCJ based on the Revised Treaty of Chagaramas stating that Tommy Lee Et al were treated contrary to the provisions of the treaty. My question how does this affect Cabral??? How is he miraculously enjoined to this action? Was he the one denied entry into Dominica? Was it his rights that wre infringed on??? You note the Govt said they are in negotiations with Tommy Lee…and rightly so. 3 Million Us??? Let him wait he will get plenty…..stupes
Douglas was the promoter, it costs money to put on international stage shows which would have included stage, lights, sound, airplane tickets, performance fees ect so Douglas’ claim would obviously be much more substantial that Tommy Lee’s….
But this is the point I am making, NabesandI. The strategy of the State is not in response to the denial of entry of Tommy; rather it is about whether the CCJ can hear the matter in its original jurisdiction, i.e. enforcing Treaty rights. If Tony [aka the AG] can convince the CCJ that this matter cannot be heard, the case is over. Of course, Cabral has suffered loss; there is no question bout this. The AG’s question is whether the CCJ can grant him damages under the Revised Treaty. But there is no question as to whether Cabral has suffered loss.
Nothing I hope which will serve him right.
to my knowledge the treaty caters to business enterprises. not just john jones, but john jones trading a john jones ltd. or cabral douglas trading as, crabral douglas ltd. or whatever promotional business name he did the contract under. for his sake i hope it was under a company and not as an individual.
Now truth be told, why would it serve him right? what maliscious reason that you as a worshiper of God or Jesus or whatever you really worship would cause you to want the misfortune of another countryman? Why are you so hateful of the artist and promoter that you feel so good about his misfortune? you sound like Steven from the movie DJango you know? You and The good Reverend Donald Hill; who has never even been to Dominica but always puts his opinion in matters that dont really concern him or he has no real knowledge or experience of. If you dont know who Steven is go look at the movie.
The whole strategy the Dominica Govt used to stop the concert from proceeding was wrong.
How so?
The government had served notice to Tommy Lee’s promoter Cabral Douglas that they did not want Mr. Lee’s concert on the island well in advance.
If either Tommy Lee or Cabral Douglas lost money it is because Mr. Douglas insisted on bringing Tommy Lee and his team to Dominica and setting up for a concert in spite of the fact that they were told they were not wanted. If any manhandling or rough treatment occurred it was brought on Mr. Lee’s defiance of the authorities and resistance of the police. He was trespassing and could hardly expect to have a five star hotel waiting for him.
The Association of Evangelical Churches of Dominica issued their reasons why they objected to Mr. Lee’s performance on the island. The Government of Dominica stated security risks and the safety of the people. It is alleged that this was based in part upon criminal accusations against Mr. Lee in another country that had not been resolved.
Cabral u are a millionaire.