UPDATE: Attorneys highlight condition of courts after Hurricane Maria

The lawyers walking through the streets of Roseau

Attorneys from the Dominica Bar Association marched through the streets of Roseau on Tuesday morning to highlight the condition of the courts in Dominica since Hurricane Maria.

The attorneys walked from the High Court on the Bayfront to the Financial Center to deliver a letter to the Justice Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore through his permanent secretary on the matter.

President of the Dominica Bar Association, Mary Roberts, told DNO the attorneys are very concerned about the conditions of the courts which have not been fully operational since Maria devastated Dominica last September.

In an interview, Roberts said their action was “not a protest” but “simply a casual walk to the Financial Center to deliver a letter to the Minister of Justice through the permanent Secretary Ann Lewis. We met with her and delivered the letter to her personally.”

She explained the contents of the letter.

“The contents of the letter are addressing the situation at the courts, the High Court and Magistrate’s Court. We felt that as legal practitioners, enough has not been done to bring the courts up to operation after Hurricane Maria to the satisfaction of the lawyers, Judge and members of the general public who attend at the registry. We think that much better can and should be done and we felt that we had to make that statement,” she stated.

She continued, “The Permanent Secretary assured us that they are working hard and everything will and is being done for the improvement on government’s building. We have also asked that the Minister meet with us to tell us more about the proper opening of the court to serve the general public.”

Roberts highlighted other concerns.

“The current status of the registry, it is not air-conditioned, also the vault, so we are seeking to have that improved. The Judge can’t speak for herself, so we are speaking on her behalf … we want things moved forward in a timely fashion,” she stated.

Last week Justice Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, said that work was at an advanced stage to ensure that the court system returns to normal.

He said much of the work in the Civil Court was “99% complete.”

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77 Comments

  1. Rassheed
    April 19, 2018

    Instead of walking through Roseau in a procession; why don’t they file a grievance against “whoever?” But I never trust liars.

  2. Roy Williams
    April 18, 2018

    It would appear, Mr. Letang’s interest on behalf of his members, are principally for salary increases. According to a health report read on Q95 and the demonstration of the lawyers, why does Mr. Letang still have his members working under those unhealthy conditions, is baffling.

    • Chess game
      April 18, 2018

      Dude we just got hit by a cat 5 devastating hurricane of biblical proportions. I can understand you feel quite safe overseas, unless Trump figures a way with you, do you think the government can handle everything all at once; while trying to get roofs over thousands of people’s heads? What, just give YOU the Island let YOU handle the millions that YOU hear about?

  3. Politics first Dominica last
    April 18, 2018

    I don’t live in Dominica and therefore I do not know which party these lawyers support, though quite a few of the comments suggest they are workers. But if that’s the case isn’t this a shameful thing that Dominica is so badly devided even amonst our legal minds? As a labourite who last voted in 2000, I find if since Maria in October of 2018, the high court has not been held it is very bad for Dominica and all lawyers regardless of party, should stand together in harmony, and demand that court is restored as soon as possible. We CANNOT put politics before country. Country FIRST and then politics my people

    • One of a kind
      April 19, 2018

      Dominicans never learn

  4. It's my damn business
    April 18, 2018

    When Skerrit declared that No law no Constitution could stop him from breaking the laws of Dominica and did so with the help of some of our best lawyers, it was a sign that the Justice system was in trouble; but our lawyers and law officers said nothing as if it was a Lennox Linton and uwp matter. When that same Skerrit broke the laws of Dominica and made Charles Savarin his president, a day after he was national security minister, our lawyers said nothing as if it was a Lennox and uwp problem. When GON Emmanuel made a report to the police of 43 counts of crime against him and, with the help of our best legal minds somehow GON died without getting an opportunity to get justice, our lawyers opened not their mouths. When Skerrit was on a campaign to change our election laws to suit him, our lawyers said nothing. Today it is clear that Skerrit’ disregards the parliament and our court system andONLY now our lawyers are protesting. I applaud you guys but I hope it’s not too late

  5. Chess game
    April 18, 2018

    This is of such poor taste and bad timing. Perception is everything.
    It only seems the well-to-do just need some pampering as Cases are not being called so no money coming in, just sitting in their lavish mansions can be quite boring I guess. They, is all people, owe it to the public to do this in the background. This recovery is so gigantic. Patience.. patience. What you gone do with a person trying to fix roof over their head send them to jail?

  6. April 18, 2018

    Great action! Hope it helps!

  7. Envar
    April 18, 2018

    That to me is a big joke. First of all they should strongly consider the building of the Halls of Justice. that location on the Bay-front should be retrofitted as a Casino. Secondly, these fools should be protesting for better conditions of their clients at the state prison. their clients who have enriched them. the same clients they have crooked and stabbed in the back. The legal fraternity is one of Dominica’s biggest joke.

    These people should seek Jesus and get a life.

  8. One of a kind
    April 17, 2018

    In the last photo, look at this guy with his arms closed up…buddy are you trying to intimidate the photographer??
    You trying to look bad????? Hahahaha
    Clown lawyer

  9. One of a kind
    April 17, 2018

    Why does the Rasta look so depressed?
    Why does the lady in the middle look bored?
    Why does lady all the way to left have such a long mouth? Are you that upset?

    Dominica is soooo hot yet you all are dressed like this walking in the hot sun????? For a lawyer you all acting very silly…lol

    Hahaha wow….

  10. mine
    April 17, 2018

    People’s house still without roof after the destruction of Maria and this is what you all are doing, heartless people will never see good. You all taking about Ken’s hair of the DFP see what at the front.

  11. One of a kind
    April 17, 2018

    You think skeritt and the rest will feel sorry for you???
    PEOPLE HOMES STILL NEED TO BE FIXED! A HOME WHERE YOU LIVE TAKES PRIORITY OVER YOUR LITTLE COURT HOUSE!

    Take that and smoke hard!

  12. One of a kind
    April 17, 2018

    Okay, start a fund raiser???? All the lawyers come together and fix it yourself..stop depending on ppl for everything lazy people

    • One of a kind
      April 17, 2018

      The gov cannot fix everything that Maria damaged.. Dominicans love a good time!
      You all can put money together and have bbq = you must make your money back and more!
      There you go! Stop being lazy and do some work other than judging people.

  13. You that nameless, faceless, question mark symbol, I think it is time for you to question your sanity! Rather than talking nonsense about if the covered Court House, one would ask what about peoples homes.

    You should publicly demand Roosevelt explain to the nation  what has he done with the millions of dollars donated by governments, and private individuals to aid in the rebuilding of the nations’ infrastructure, and private residence of our citizens!

    Since the passage of Maria there are no land telephone lines operating, no electricity, and water!

    Nevertheless, we saw Roosevelt created a larger governmental cabinet, with more ministers, another burden on the treasure, within a country with a failed economy: Our dependency is on the sale of diplomatic passports, and the handouts received as a result of Maria, and prior hurricanes!

    You seem to be blind and oblivious to such corrupted evil!

     To the Lawyers who marched to register your concerns regarding work place…

  14. Ferrar_FenTon_Bible
    April 17, 2018

    Did u all get permission to protest? Stop breaking the Law.

  15. Neville
    April 17, 2018

    Oh well, it looks like slowly but surely people are waking up and smell the coffee. This government is totally incompetent and useless and is running Dominica to the ground. It’s time to show them the red card.

  16. We Not Real
    April 17, 2018

    Good move guys though I didn’t see the of Mr. Esidore , Tony, the Lawrence brothers and others prominent lawyers that would probably help bring change to the crisis. But it’s good to see the few of you take a stand, though Mr. GON Emmanuel would probably wished you all stood with him so we could get justice. I also hope Dominicans are inspired by the current US investigation f Trump and his lawyer to show that no one is above the law

  17. Ibo France
    April 17, 2018

    History has taught us that the people have to agitate for meaningful changes to create the institutional strengths needed for quality governance . Sitting on your laurels achieve nothing. Get up and stand tall for your rights. All our black heroes suffered and some even made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the good of the masses ( Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Nelson Magellan) etc. Every society honors its live conformists and its dead ‘trouble makers’. The state of affairs in Dominica is dire. Still, when one points this out, you are eviscerated by the government’s cult-like apologists. Reality is fiction to them. Dominicans, when will you awake from your twenty years of hibernation? All the other countries of the Eastern Caribbean are far more advanced than this country. There is no plausible defence for this deplorable and appalling conditions in the country. Today, there is decay and decline in the quality of life in Dominica. Time for Skerrit to step…

  18. ?????????????????
    April 17, 2018

    cannot please everyone. If they had covered the High Court… you would hear persons saying what about the residents. You do the resident and then the public buildings come up and decry.

    Have the commenters forgotten what it looked liked after Hurricane Maria? Well as for me and my household, I am grateful for where we are… first and foremost for life which the Creator spared. Grateful for the amount of work that has been done although there is still a lot more to be done but Thank you Lord. Grateful that the banks are opened up again; Many supermarket are opened again; Grateful that I can drive to many parts of the country although some areas are rough and need to be patched. Thank you Lord. Grateful that many have lights although some persons have not been connected. Thank you for the Domlec and other hard workers. Thank you Lord. Grateful for Pipe borne Water and for all the many souse that sustained us after Hurricane Maria. Some places were not so fortunate…

    • ?????????????????
      April 17, 2018

      continued.
      Have we forgotten that many roofs are covered although we do have a lot more to do. Please note I am not covered yet myself but I am grateful and thankful though many are not yet covered. I am grateful that I can go out and assist others who were impacted like myself even if my own business stays back sometimes but I am grateful thank you LORD. Instead of complaining, I am thankful that I see some others in a worse off condition than myself. Finally whether you are a lawyer, fireman, Minister, Opposition Member or Senator.. let us see what we can do in our areas to assist in the rebuilding of our country. As for me and my household, we will ever be grateful and will continue to do our best and thankful too that I never knew I had so much talent which I found out after Hurricane Maria. Thank you Lord.. I will use it for your glory and honor. Thank you Lord.
      People too much complaining. The Government cannot do it alone. Join hands and let us play our part.

    • Wisdom
      April 17, 2018

      You need to look up the word ’empathy’ and learn the meaning. While you are content sitting where you are behind of a computer screen there are poor people in dreadful situations waiting on justice.. there are prisoners innocent until proven guilty waiting for their day in court. Have some empathy.

      With the amount of building material this government got after Maria, the Court House should be fixed by now, every house should be covered. If for whatever reason they could not fix the court house then the least that could be done is to relocate the court. The parliament building which is almost never used is available. The conference room as well as several other commercial buildings in Roseau.

      Why can this government find space for everything else and not for justice??? No law. No constitution. The government wants a lawless state. Take out the judiciary and there will be no barrier to complete oppression and complete dictatorship. Have some empathy for crying out loud!!!

    • Neville
      April 17, 2018

      You are just one of those miserable Skerrit apologists. Selling yourself for a few favours of the dictator. Shame on you and your comrades!!!

    • Roy Williams
      April 17, 2018

      I wonder what would have been your reaction, if a close family member was held at Stock Farm for a crime he or she did not commit. Would you be happy, if your family member was left to languish at Stock Farm, because of the incompetents of the Government.

    • Dominican
      April 17, 2018

      The dispensation of justice should have some priority. The old saying that justice delayed is Justice denied is as true as ever. Maybe it suits some individuals but It does not serve the public interest. I support ms. Roberts: . She has more fortitude than many of her male colleaugues.

    • Me-Aloe
      April 17, 2018

      @??????????????AMEN!!!! Life is more important than a freaking old piece of building

    • It's my damn business
      April 18, 2018

      You are just a pure damn hypocrite, using God’s name in vain while you deny him by defending the ungodly deeds of Skerrit’. All the so called praise you giving to God is your way of twisting the subject of truth

    • April 18, 2018

      So ask yourself this, What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and then loose your own soul..

    • April 18, 2018

      @???? I like all your thankfulness but listen this guy your PM has gotten millions and there not a lot to show for it. Up this this moment he hasn’t tell the people of Dominica how much money he has received from donors all over the world ? why keep it a secret, It’s not his money ? I truly give up on you people in Dominica ?? you guys put politics before country. Stop being red or blue and hold these people accountable . They’re are enriching their selves why are you people are suffering . I will continue to help my people on an individual basis . Not one penny of my money will go through these guys fingers . I applaud these lawyers for standing up and being so brave . Hope there won’t be a Victimize .

  19. jihan
    April 17, 2018

    I feel no remorse for you people anymore,Many of you have placed Skerrit of your entire lives ,he has his millions and you all continue to suffer,unless this country doesn get rid of SKERRIT IT WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD.

  20. BobE
    April 17, 2018

    Workers!!!!!!!!

    • Let me hear you BobD not E
      April 18, 2018

      where is Bob D for a blackpower take on the lawyers hitting the road where there’s a thin line between upholding up or benefiting from the courts being fully functional.

  21. Pointers
    April 17, 2018

    Oh boy! Only the blues. tsk tsk tsk!

  22. mine
    April 17, 2018

    Maybe all you are workers.

    • mine
      April 17, 2018

      sorry you all are UWPies

      • Roy Williams
        April 17, 2018

        I really wish your are right. I hope these high powered men and women share the same policies of Mr. Lennox Linton and the UWP.

    • Dominican
      April 17, 2018

      The dispensation of justice should have some priority. The old saying that justice delayed is Justice denied is as true as ever. Maybe it suits some individuals but It does not serve the public interest. I support ms. Roberts: . She has more fortitude than many of her male colleaugues.

  23. shay
    April 17, 2018

    Thing is ALL the other service providers can take action and protest as well. I personally feel these areas of fire stations, schools court house should have already been repaired. And they need to bring these places up to date and modern. They look too much like old health centers.

  24. D/can
    April 17, 2018

    It wasn’t looking too good before Maria either. Tsk!

  25. Dominican Passports
    April 17, 2018

    Never liked lawyers all dey do is set kriminals free, if skerrit get into a problem is them that gone fight his case for some $$$

  26. April 17, 2018

    They not making money.

  27. We Not Real
    April 17, 2018

    It just crossed my mind that since Maria, almost six months ago, we seem to have heard and seen Skerrit address just about everything, except the state of the Court, which is the symbol of our democracy especially with all the looting that took place during Maria. I mean we have heard and seen Skerrit and some of his lawyers busy breaking ground for new hotel, since Maria, we have seen and heard of the bribing of Joseph Isaac of the UWP, even to the point of creating new Ministerial positions to accommodate the bribe, we have heard and seen Skerrit pay people large sums of money, in the name of farmers even if they don’t even know which side of the Cutlass actually cuts, but somehow the man is not busy to restore the court system, so that a resemblance of democracy can be seen. Dominica is very messed up and not only a handful of attorneys Should be out there protesting but they should be joined by the police, nurses, teachers and every reasonable Dominican that is lamenting …

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      April 17, 2018

      Ain’t you a reasonable Dominican? Where are you in the background? Thought you would be more real than that.

    • Shelz
      April 17, 2018

      Well you must not have been listening to the radio briefing on the radio station with Mr blackmoore and Mr Ossie Walsh. All you people do is talk talk talk for talking sake

      • dee
        April 17, 2018

        Shelz
        Could it be that Blackmoore, Ossie and Skerrit had insider information .
        they got a Sipssion from a betrayer of what was planned .
        These Brave lawyers have to watch their backs .
        I for what is right and i think these lawyers know what they are talking about .
        I cannot, for the life of me, see why the huge presidents House cannot be utilized for doing the country’s business . Can we not pity an unfortunate person on remand, who knows he is innocent , then actually proven to be innocent but has been languishing in Stock farm, waiting to prove his innocence .If so , then Lets shut our eyes for when the law suits are filed , but guess what , yes wee , is still from Dominica coffers the compensation will come . We all will then foot the bill , whether we want to or not .”Justice delayed is justice denied”, and that still stands”.

    • dee
      April 17, 2018

      WE NOT REAL
      Man what you talking about ?
      Forgive me if i missed it , but i am yet to hear Mr. Skerrits explanation, opinion or justification on the transportation of our parrots to Germany, despite all the Recognized International Bodies affiliated with such matters and tasked with the responsibility of facilitating such movements, openly declare that this is wrong .As i have said before and will continue to maintain, whether i am red or blue , that being in Germany can never be better for the Parrots than their natural habitat ,the only home they have been able to survive and thrive happily in from time immemorial.
      If the Prime Minister Has never said anything ,
      WHY IS HE SILENT on this one then ?

    • Honesty is a lonely word
      April 18, 2018

      Every reasonable Dominican that is lamenting … can anyone point out one amongst the handful shown in the photo? if the physical court is non-functional no $ can be made so they have no choice but to come out. It’s affecting their bottomline.

    • April 18, 2018

      Those lawyers never did or take steps to stand up for the wrongs in the Islands so Skerrit carry on doing just what he want because the Lawyers never step up to all what is going on I must say only a couple of them speak out, but I’m sure they are speaking behind the close door but the people would like to hear from them openly they should not be afraid of any back lass because the people would be on your side.

  28. Observing
    April 17, 2018

    Keep us posted DNO

  29. More than what meets the eye
    April 17, 2018

    Workers EVERY One of them!

    • Waiting on God
      April 17, 2018

      even if ….they have their democratic rights

    • One of a kind
      April 18, 2018

      I don’t see worker or labourites all I see are lazy people

    • Dominican
      April 18, 2018

      And hat if they are? Surely you are not suggesting local legal practitioners, who support the labour party are happy with state of affairs and happy to put up with substandard conditions. Or are you intimating that they would not want to upset the applecart for fear that the government may negatively affect their livelihood if they raise their voices. I would have thought that the conditions under which the judiciary must work are non- political.

  30. Love 'em
    April 17, 2018

    Very Good! Time to remind the government that they are serving THE PEOPLE, and not the other way around.

  31. April 17, 2018

    Not suprise, more of Skerrit’s mess are coming to light

  32. A Dominican...still living here
    April 17, 2018

    Well done! How powerful of the lawyers.

  33. A country in Crisis
    April 17, 2018

    But to me I didn’t see the faces of Alick and Lennox Lawrence, Anthony Astaphan, that Burton from the election commission, David Bruney and many more especially friends of the government. Are they not lawyers or do they have their own high court where they make wrong right and illegal legal?

    • Neville
      April 17, 2018

      The missing ones are well in Skerrits pocket!!

    • LangSal
      April 17, 2018

      True cowards don’t march with soilders

    • Honesty is a lonely word
      April 18, 2018

      !st bz building hotels, investing in agri, construction
      2nd- BZ still trying to fool God
      3rd trying ( futiley so ) to contain a bird as per Trevor
      4th BZ eating
      5th Bz behind $ & cents

    • April 18, 2018

      That will show you who works with the DLP Government to destroy the Is land of Dominica and it’s people .

  34. Sams
    April 17, 2018

    Good put all u foot down

    • we keep on denying it
      April 18, 2018

      Don’t be fooled Sams they are part & parcel of the repression. They are just making certain things remain the sae the more it changes. The ones missing are totally tight and compromised by the regime taking themselves to several levels up while the country goes upside down to another level on the minus side of the number line.

  35. viewsexpressed
    April 17, 2018

    Go for it guys go for it Honourable Jurists and as you pass through Financial Centre pass strict sentence to all those high up on the highest flow to some years in prison for defrauding our limited resources handouts, The Red Clinic and our CBI money, selling our birth right, our passports at large to criminal and nefarious ole teeth friends flying high. All this money we have not seen made any difference to our suffering poor people living n deep poverty while these ole teeth people live in high society land and well fed.

    Skerrit must Go

    • Say what?
      April 17, 2018

      Views Expressed they are all your cronies, shut the FRONT door hater. They want to sound relevant. I am living in Scotts Head with 5 underage kids, no running water, no eletricty and my husband livehood was taken away by Maria not Skerro, all I could say I am greatfull for everything. Sharks like you people are causing the blite on our nation. In your profession you could only see the $$$ sign and since it’s not coming in you are seeing blue. Views Expressed even Steve Wonder could see through YOU. Lairers please be humanitarians, protest for needs and not your wants.

      • Toto
        April 18, 2018

        You are not fooling anyone bro. You living broke in Scotts Head with give kids to feed? But you have time to put together such an eloquent blog. That maken no sense at all. You are just a pragandist for Roosevelt Skerrit and you are not fooling me.

    • Hey
      April 17, 2018

      I love, Love, Love, love, my dimples PM. If he goes I’ll cry, because he has that lifetime achievement. Please don’t call for him to go??. Have you Pay the people their money? SHOULD we start the moneython?

  36. Jahchild
    April 17, 2018

    Good Job to stand up finally

  37. DT
    April 17, 2018

    All about in crisis we need prayers Lord.

    • One of a kind
      April 17, 2018

      No we don’t need prayers
      We need common sense

    • Fooling self is like..................................
      April 18, 2018

      Ask ur bishop & and all those pastors,hypocrites & parasites prayers has it;s limitations. they have supported the corruption, injustice. Remember their are lawyers who were priests who have called 4 the hunting down opposition & others with drones. Bz making up for lost coitus opportunities whilst at the seminary school & $.

      • Fooling self is like..................................
        April 18, 2018

        Sorry typo There are.
        Its limitations

  38. Property
    April 17, 2018

    Those lawyers think because they educated and have a decent salary they more important than the many others like police stations, fire stations, clinics, etc that in a bad condition after Maria. I hope they are looked after last

    • Wisdom
      April 17, 2018

      Let me try to educate you. Lawyers represent ordinary people… poor people who come to the court looking for justice… employers unfairly dismissed, victims of accidents, mothers seeking maintenance for their children, people accused of crimes but innocent until proven guilty. Lawyers stand up for the PEOPLE. This is about JUSTICE for Dominicans. A country can’t succeed without justice.

    • Neville
      April 17, 2018

      Nobody is stopping them to protest as well or make their voices heard. Problem is, most of them are Skerrit supporters anyway and the rest is afraid to open their mouth.

  39. Johnnie Boy
    April 17, 2018

    Good move it’s time people stand up and speak out when things are affecting us . Let Democracy prevail in our land , now and always .

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