Talk show host and budding politician Lennox Linton says Tuesday’s judgement in the election petition case won by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Education Minister Peter St Jean makes a case against support for the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
In a commentary on the dual citizenship matter and the result, Linton penned his position that “Clearly, we are not celebrating the triumph of truth. Mr Skerrit had a French passport and was allowed to withhold the truth from the court that is required by the Constitution to confirm the validity of his membership in Parliament”.
Linton, in criticizing the judgement of Justice Gertel Thom, questioned the quality of judgeship that was displayed in the Skerrit/St. Jean case.
“What is the implication of a judgement like that for the CCJ?” he queried further in a call to a local radio station on Thursday.
“If what you have is examples of that, where you are not seeing the independence, you are not seeing the impartiality, you are not seeing the ability to stay above the fray, you are not seeing the ability to look at the requirements of the constitution to look at the requirements of the rule of law … I am saying that that kind of judge will not work. If that is what you are going to have on the CCJ, the CCJ will not give justice to the region,” Linton concluded.
Commenting further on the case, Linton, who hosts the Q95 programme “Between You and Me”, observed in a written commentary carried in the regional media that for two years, Prime Minister Skerrit’s lawyers “showed off their expertise in trickery, deception and the manufacture of legal technicality; and thereby succeeded in preventing the court from examining the critical evidence of his French passport”.
In sharp contrast to Linton’s harsh (and some say unfair) criticism of the judge, the independence of the judiciary in Dominica and the rest of the Eastern Caribbean is being championed by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
The 39-year-old leader, speaking on the heels of being “vindicated” by the courts which ruled against United Workers Party inspired election petition that sought to declare his election in the Vieille the Case constituency null and void, dismissed criticism from opponents who suggest that the government may have been able to influence the court to rule in his favor.
“This is pure foolishness, total nonsense,” the prime minister told Dominica News Online last Tuesday.
“I have every respect for the independence of the judiciary in this country and the Caribbean, in terms of the OECS,” PM Skerrit said.
“To give the impression that anybody can buy a court is really disrespectful to the court,” the prime minister added.
And former Acting Chief Justice of the OECS Supreme Court, Sir Brian Alleyne, commenting to DNO on the judgement, said he felt Justice Gertel Thom had “applied her best effort and I don’t question her credibility in any way”.
He added however, that it was his opinion that there were some weaknesses in the judgement, and that an appeal had some chances of success.
The learned judge, Justice Thom, has explained fully in her judgement, how she arrived at her decision based on what transpired in the court matter over which she presided.
The judgement can be read in full elsewhere on the DNO website.
The issue really is about the clear serious lapse in a matter of such constitutuoinal ELECTORAL proportions being responded to by the Court 2 and a half years after an election … if the decision was otherwise what a catastrophe it would be with a leader whose decisions and authority as leader of cabinet would have been subject to huge questions of being legitimate or LEGAL.
Furher the epic proportions of that decision will serve as precedent for CARIBBEAN COURTS WHICH COUNTRIES ALL HAVE THE SAME CONSTITUTUONAL PROVISIONS ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP .
QUESTION? Did SKERRITT AT THE TIME OF NOMINATION HOLD A FOREIGN PASSPORT? OR IN THAT PROCESS GAVE ALLEGIANCE TO A FOREIGN COUTRY ?The issue of hiding this from the court if so does not change the disrespect for our constitution that appear to be ignored by right thinking citizens and which brings suspicion for the ability of CARIBBEAN judges to respond to morality and the CONSTITUTION over power and houdini legal machinations … hence questions of the possible integrity of the personality and culture make up of the CCJ is really the very reason why the CCJ is not introduced by several CARIBBEAN GOVERNMENTS prefering the colonial PRIVY COUNCIL in London as a place of fair and balanced JUDGEMENTS UNTAINTED BY OTHER LOCAL INFLUENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS This issue is now a matter which transcnds the boundaries of Dominca and is an issue which if as is made clear was decided on technicalities and NOT TRUTH will remain rancourous as a precedent in caribbean courts a result of this decision …a concern of the DOMINICA eminent judges and legal authoriites aired on public radio .
I have come to realize that the threat facing Dominica,does not come from politicians or the judiciary.The ignorance and apathy of a greater percentage of the populace is the problem.we are for the most part of african decent and politics brings out the latent tribalism resident in us.Dominicans got realize that the “RULING ELITES” have no need of you,except for your X to put them in positions they think you’re not worthy of being yourselves.
Former Acting Chief Justice of the OECS Supreme Court, Sir Brian Alleyne, commenting to DNO on the judgement, said he felt Justice Gertel Thom had “applied her best effort and I don’t question her credibility in any way”.
IS THAT A SIGN THAT THE FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE IS FINALLY COMING TO HIS SENSES?
I WISH TO MAKE MY CONTRIBUTION VERY SHORT GUYS. MR LENNOX LINTON MUST UNDERSTAND ALL WISDOM WAS NOT PLACED IN HIS CRANIUM. HE MUST ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE BURDEN OF PROOF LIES WITH HE WHO ALLEGES A CRIME AGAINST THE RESPONDENT. HE MUST ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE WITNESSES PRESENTED WERE DISCOVERED TO BE LYING. HE MUST ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT YOU CANNOT ASK A RESPONDENT TO TESTIFY AGAINMST HIMSELF. IN WHAT JURISDICTION HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD OF SUCH NONSENSE EVER HAPPENING. YOU TOOK THE PM AND MINSTER TO COURT, AND YOU ARE SEEKING TO GET THE COURT TO HAVE THEM TESTIFY AS YOUR WITNESS TO HELP YOU YHE ACCUSER MAKE YOUR CASE. AND SOME OF MY PEOPLE ARE SO ANTI LABOR THEY SUPPORT THAT NONSENSE. PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME SHOW ME WHERE IN ANY COURT OF LAW THAT THIS HAS EVER HAPPENED. FOR EXAMPLE IN A CRIMINAL CASE CAN THE POLICE ASK THE DEFENDANT TO TAKE THE STAND AND GIVE EVIDENCE AGAISNT HIM OR HERSELF? NOOOO. THE SAME LAWYER MENDES WHO GOT THE ANTIGUA HIGH COURT TO ACCEPT HIS ARGUEMENT NOT TO ALLOW HIS CLIENT PM SPOENCER TO REMAIN SILENT IS NOW ASKING ANOTHER HIGH COURT IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION TO ALLOW PM SKERITT TO SPEAK AGAINST HIMSELF IN AN IDENTICAL MATTER OF DUAL CITIZENSHIP. WHAT A CONTRADICTION. PLEASE APPEAL AND IN THE MEANTIME LETS KEEP THE PEACE. PEOPLE MADE UP THEIR MINDS ON THEIR TALK SHOWS THAT PM WAS GUILTY SO I CAN UNDERSTAND THEIR HURT WELL RADIO TALK SHOW IS NOT A CORT OF LAW. IN A COURT OF LAW THE DEDFENDANT HAS THE RIGHT TO DEFEND HIMSLEF.
Lennox Linton is forcing the issues so that the institutions of democracy can effectively in Dominica. The whole affair is a brilliant display of the application of the democratic process which is vibrant, alive, and on diaplay in Dominica. Trick or no tricks, game of no games, this is an integral part of the process of democracy. I now hope that as a Dominican currently not residing in DA, and holding a dual citizenship, I will now be able to contrubute politically without the fear of not being able to travel to collect my pension when I move to DA, because I had to give up my naturalized citizenship.
mr lenox know it all, just want to live off the state money like a parasetic worm. they say when you are too educated & you are not putting your education/knowledge to good use, it makes you get very stupid. why cant lenox go and make proper use of his knowledge?
HEY FOLKS FED UP WITH THIS RECENTLY #UNMASKED# POLITICIUAN-HOPEFUL PRETENDING TO BE(i) #INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST#WITH NOT ONE DIPLOMA IN THAT FIELD;;(2)PLAYING LAWYER/LEGAL BRAIN WITH NOT ONE DAY IN LEGAL SCHOOL….TRYING TO INTERPRETE A PROFESSIONAL DECISION…IS LIKE TRYING TO INTERPRETE A DOCTOR~S DIAGNOSIS OR A DENTIST OPINION,,,,,,MY MY WHAT STARNDARDS ARE WE ACCEPTING NOW,,,GOOD-TALKERS HAVE BEEN FOUND AT MANY TIMES TO BE FAKE SINCE THIER ACTIONS ARE NIL IN REAL DEVELOPMENT TERMS,,,,I DIDI NOT EAT MY SCHOOL FEES SO DO NOT RELY ON THE SMOOTH `TALKER TO INTERPRETE FOR ME ,,,,,
if mr have a wife, alas i feeling sorry for her.She maybe fed up with lennox
Can anyone say Why the UWP.is so concerned about Skeritt and St Jean dual citizenship and wether or not they posess french passport. I think Dominicans should ask that the UWP give a complete explanation on the difference between the political leader of the UWP Mr green who was a US citizen while sitting in parliament and cabinet. Self confessed holder of US passport and the situation with Skeritt and Stjean.. Mr. James has already stated in court that he was aware that Green was a us citizen with a US passport but he non the less considered him a Dominican. Was there a different constitution in force then?
I feel sorry for my people who are still full of self-hate and inferiority complex. Many still believe that we cannot govern ourselves and we are incapable of having our own justice system. Oh, how sad!
Our people still favour domination by ‘white’ folks who still consider us inferior. They use their justice system to maintain their economic domination. They use eminent domain to strip people off of their property and use the same courts of ‘injustice’ to cease the assets of ‘Third World’ countries that use eminent domain against multi-national corporations. A US judge wants Cuba to pay over 2 billion dollars for a few acres of land nationalized by the revolutionary government while the US government pays 2 thousand dollars per year for 45 square miles of Cuban territory at Guantanamo Bay.
The skeptics among us had never given CXC a chance; favouring GCE instead. They maligned the University of the West Indies,(UWI), and now this, the CCJ. When will we learn to appreciate our own? There will be growing pains but the victory will be sweet.
If we keep listening to the skeptics and saboteurs, we won’t make any progress. Left to these folks there would be no North East Comprehensive School, Pierre Charles Secondary School, ITSS, nor the other rural secondary schools. Everyone wanted their children to be educated in Roseau. Even the Wesley High School and Community High School were maligned at some point. We must stop listening to the folks who encourage us to sell our passion fruits, guava and grapefruits only to purchase a crate of coke or fanta! What a shame!!
Well stated!!
I am extremely proud of Mr. Lenox Linton. He is an intelligent, brave, courageous and patriotic Dominican. Lenox is a brilliant journalist/talk show host, researcher, political commentator. Although he does not have a law degree, he seems to interpret the law and apply legal principles to facts better than some trained lawyers. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Antony Astaphans and admire his legal shills. Tony is an astute lawyer and a vicious advocate of the Labour Party and the Prime Minster. He does a good job in his capacity as a lawyer and political advocate. I do not appreciate the fact that people refer to him as the Arab Lawyer. Both these gentlemen are Dominican sons, albeit they are playing different roles in our small society at this point in time. They are both good at what they do and they both have their supporters and detractors. Let’s celebrate or local talents irrespective of our political affiliations.
mr lenox i understood that you have intention to go up for marigot constituency for the next general elcetion, but my boy i am just informing you that you accepted by the marigot constituency. why because we dont know you, you do not associate your self with us & your arrogant behaviour is sucks, so i’m suggesting that u could change your intentions
Learn to spell..OUUUUU toe sot
Lennox, stop spewing venom!
Real angry, ignorant dude!! Why not go to university and put some letters after your name before coming to display your arrogance and challege every professional who had the discipline and intelligence to have gained their qualifications???????
Exactly my sentiments. I would go one step further and add that Lennox’s views provides cautionary insights into the kind of reasoning he would bring into tackling national – indeed regional – problems that have their roots in the rule of and respect for legal tradition in the Caribbean.
I like the last paragraph…who mentioned contempt of court here.
To all those who continue to uphold roosevelt skerrit doing wrong and getting away with it by machinations and technicalities, I just hope all you realize that you all are destroying the soul and conscience of this young man. It is behavior like this that leads to the creation of leaders who eventually govern with a reign of terror, examples of which we see in various parts of the world. When we condone these behavioral patterns leaders beleive that they are immuned and can do whatever they please. Its like spoiling a child rotten then we later live with regrets. Just remember who will inherit the poisoned challace that we are now preparing, it is our children. I could’t beleive my ears while listening to stardom tent on wednesday night, that the sakis lapo kabwit band was actually singing a song in creole with a line asking people to kneel down when we see skerrit. That is what we have become. GOD IS WATCHING.
PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE ALL THESE COMMENTS ARE
NOT DOING ANYTHING FOR US. THE RESULT WAS
GIVEN SOME WILL AGREE TO IT SOME WON’T. WHY
CAN’T WE GO ON WITH LIVES AND WAIT FOR THE NEXT ELECTION.
people of dominica look toward the future let us put some one who is trueful to rule a ountry we may wake up one morning and hear we are rule by another nation we my not like but what to do nothing it is already there
This has always been my concern re. the CCJ, these caribbean leaders have not proven that they have reached this level of maturity to allow justice to prevail in its purest form.
These men/women cannot be trusted, too many connections, everyone knows everyone in the caribbean, its just too close for comfort.
I hope you guys are not being paid to post against Lennox….on second thought I would really pay if I was part of this current government to discredit him for real, that is if I was corrupt and wanted to retain power by any means necessary.
I think that Lennox is serious work for all you, but I hope you all are being considered for some serious job, one that includes a real salary slip and some social security contribution.
I just don’t get it, Lennox is not the person to be so obsessed with. You all totally forgot what this case was about and are on some serious attack on Lennox.
What’s going on here? Is it that bad in this country?
If Lennox is so obsessed with Roosevelt Skerrit and the Labour Party, why is it wrong to be obsessed with him and his arrogance? Let’s be fair, he is free to rant and rage, but we are not. Freedom of speech is free in sweet DA.
what is this man talking about he should just get married to Skerrit. why you People liked to talk all this b—s most of you that is talking all this crap find some work to do. most Dominicans that is overseas do not have a Dominican Passport. dose that mean they are not Dominican? all you dam good for nothing back biting people you all are full of hatred you will never archived wealth in your lives. gossip gossips, you all will never move on. I’m wealthy man will never invest in Dominica, you might say good. repulsive people
Dominicans what will it be like tomorrow if we allow our love ones to do what ever they want to do by telling them do good or bad be cuz we love you its ok This can not be right cuz bad is bad and bad is not good .
But the case was not about wether they had a passport, it was wether by their own free will pay alligence to a foreign power and that was not proven. What alligence is skerit upholding to france, lenox has been out of DA longer than Skerit.It is the constitution section 32-a that was in question and a court of appeal will rule the same way based on the lack of evidence.
If they were not allowed to even acknowledge the possession of a passport how could allegiance or lack thereof be established? Probably I am the one without understanding..
If the plaintiffs had the evidence in their possession and the would not allow it in court then put it on the web so we can see it, but do not take a matter to court and expect the defendant to be your witness so you can hope to catch them in a snare, that is just cat and mouse game.
i think this judge was bribed in some sort of way. i agree with Lennos man shait, the CCJ is crap.
Burden of Proof: A standard principle of law is he who asserts must prove but there must be a difference in the application of the principle in a criminal matter vis-a-vis a civil/administrative/constitutional matter. In some instances, the Respondent against whom a case is brought has a burden to show at the minimal a prime facie case through sufficient, relevant and appropriate evidence that his/her action was lawful and in accordance with the letter and spirit of the law. The courts have held that because an employer or administration is in possession of information that only it has and which the Applicant does not have access to, the Respondent can be made to disclose that information necessary for assisting the court in rendering justice. When a Respondent has refused or failed to produce evidence demanded by the court, the court can draw appropriate inferences from the failure to present the evidence required to do justice. The Judgment cannot stand legal scrutiny.
Which respondent refused or failed to producee evidence demanded by the court? What evidence was demanded by the courts?
“In some instances, the Respondent against whom a case is brought has a burden to show at the minimal a prime facie case through sufficient, relevant and appropriate evidence that his/her action was lawful…”
The very premise of your logic suggests that this case (as assessed by the learned Judge) was not one of those “instances” where the Court found it wise to compel the Respondent to be a material witness against themselves.
That is one of the most sacred principles of juris prudence: the the accused cannot be made by the court to assist in his own prosectuion.
Standard of Proof: This case was not to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard required was on the preponderance of sufficient and relevant evidence or the balance of probabilities. Therefore, there was sufficient evidence before the court for a different outcome.
Direct and circumstantial evidence: The examination of the passport would have been excellent but cases of that nature can be correctly determined on the basis of direct evidence, circumstantial evidence or a combination of both. The lack of passport and testimony of the Respondent aside, there was sufficient, and relevant evidence to rule otherwise
Inherent jurisdiction of the Court: The court can hear any matter that comes before it, unless it is authority is so limited by statute. It applies to an almost limitless set of circumstances and can be used by the court to ensure fairness in legal proceedings, prevent the miscarriage of justice, to safeguard against abuses of process and to assist the courts. The doctrine allows the court to control its own processes in the absence of rules and to control the procedures before it. The power, therefore, is not from legislation. It is from the powers invested in a court to control the proceedings before it. Judge Thom needs to go back to law school
THE ONLY CASE LENNOX AND CO CAN WIN IS A SUITE CASE
Dont worry about what these bloggers have to say keep doing and informing us of all the nonsense that is going on in this country some Dominicans are upholding wrong doings i truly believe that if God were tp tell domininicans that Roosevelt is leading the country in the wrong direction and the knew it was God talking they would say to him lord go back to heaven to help us with our salvation if they were not aware it was god talking they would curse him down Lennox u a a son of the soil Dominica needs bold people like u so many people are so afraid to speak about the evil that is going on Lots of support to u my friend thanks for the enlightenment
I can see lennox head exploding when he lost wherever he think people will vote him next election.Lennox is making Skerrit more popular with the hate he is preaching everyday ….Poorboy..what a way to enter the game of politricks..
Ok Mr.Lennox,”Mr.Know It All”.You win!Everything you say is true and nothing ELSE but the truth.
What next?!Mr.ALPHA OMEGA!?
dominicans what is the problem? why should d passport be a problem? tell those people to get something better to take to court. the man took a pledge to serve dominicans not france. he is a born dominican raised here went to school here. taught here, so whats the problem. gave up his life to serve u ungrateful people, trying to make friends with all countries to swer al you. get it right, look at the bigger picture. tell lennox and the opposition come better than that
Centuries removed from the institution of slavery, some of us still lack the strength of courage to accept who we are. We still believe that foreigners as opposed to our caribbean brothers and sisters can be better custodians of our rights and freedoms. The privy Council sometimes gets wrong but it is the final Court and we accept it because it is the Privy council. At the privy council there are winners and loosers. I say forward with the CCJ.
Lennox is so consumed with the p.m that he is getting old…Lennox boy age is creeping up on you
All I can say is I am glad I have an American passport. As much as I love my country, right now I could care less.. What all of you get , you deserve.. the days of a great Dominica is over… very sad indeed..
when was that?
go sell some CD’s to pay for your mouth. begger! you go st.lucia to see if you get a money, you big mouth help them lose. EN ROUGE FROM DOM TO SLU!!!!!!!!!!!!
DNO comments always make my day! Sooooo funny.
Lennox! Lennox! Lennox! I suppose you should blame god for making the world round when you think it should have been flat.
If you think people are going to take you seriously as a politician rather than the the joker you are on your talk show, think again. Oh, by the way, i wonder if the judge who presided over the case shouldn’t consider suing you for libel when she reads about the crap coming from your mouth. If she was a Dominican you would probably accuse her of being a member of the labour party. Get a grip on yourself man! If democracy wasn’t alive and well in Dominica/Caribbean you would have been locked up by now.
You are soo Dumb
You seem to be quite annoyed with Lennox. I really do not know if Dominica can still be referred to as a christian nation, because clearly you all cannot be bothered with truth.
The time will come when you all will pray for Lennox to rescue all you. Mark my words….
JUDGE YOURSELF NOT OTHERS
Why didnt the UWP lawyers tackle this from the French side. Obtain written evidence from the French that these 2 gentlemen did in fact have french passports and they were travelling under same. Could they not have got details as to to when, how and where these passports were obtained so that they could provide irrefutable evidence to the court
just a question zabocca when government officials travel,what do they do they travel on,there own personal passports or diplomatic ones,if its the latter,why is their a question of the use of a french passport,just curious.
If you listen to the program on q95, they attempted that, but the French did not even acknowledge the receipt, and the Attorney General of Dominica who had the power to get that info would not even attempt to pursue that.
I thought so myself but listening to Mr. James tonight, I learnt that they did in fact try, but the French would not even acknowledge their letter.
We all know the French is quite complicated, his suggestion was that the letter should have come from the attorney general, since it is really a national issue, and no an opposition or personal matter. But I shook my head when he said that, because both Mr. James and I know for a fact that not in this life or from this attorney general such letter would come from….
sad indeed but it is reality
LENNOX, DON’T YOU THINK THAT DOMINICA DESERVES MUCH BETTER THAN THE CHEMICAL POISON THAT YOU SPREAD IN THE MINDS OF CORRUPTED INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU? LENNOX IT’S A NEW YEAR AND THE PEOPLE OF DOMINICA NEEDS NEW PERCEPTIONS AND GUIDANCE IN THEIR LIFE OTHER THAN THE POISON OF WHICH YOU SPREAD AS THE MALICIOUS INSTIGATOR OF WHICH YOU ARE. PLEASE DO US ALL A FAVOR, PUT A SHORT ROPE AROUND YOUR NECK AND WE WILL KNOW EXACTLY WHAT MUST BE DONE WITH YOU.
Lennox stop this insanity. The judge is more knowledgeable and experienced with the rule of law. Why would the judge put herself in a position to be scrutinized/jeopardize her career by refusing to adhere to the law for your personal satisfaction? The law can be no clearer. The onus to provide evidence to substantiate the claim was that of UWP. The failed to do so with because lack of credible witnesses and lack of any physical evidence. The law clearly states in this case that the defendant is under no obligation to provide any material or information to the party making the claim whether it may or may not incriminate them. Surely Lennox you have no grounds for objecting to the outcome of this case. Your objection further demonstrates your incompetence on such matters and your inherent hatred for the government of the people’s choice.
when this injustice comes home, i know is those poor skerritite that will feel it
gone for over 20yrs Walked off LIAT, and voted 1 month later for DLP. some voting system we have here.
lennox, lennox take a rest >you seem to be so intelligent that your are saying so much but nothing is being said, really.I listen to you questioning,debating desregarding all sorts of lawyers legal opinions.You seem to be an expert on everything and yet when it matters most you were not there.how could you allow your party and laywers to present a case with no valid substance.Just talking.A blind a.. leading the rest of the a…s.”Between you and me, ” lennox take a break!
Why should Lennox take a break? Do you not know that it is because our ancestors did not take a break from lobbying and speaking out against injustice and miscarriage of fairness that you are free to express yourself on DNO?
Lennox may be taking the recent judgement and dissecting it to a distant level for reasons personal to him but I believe there is a lot of critical analytical info being released by him which make for good digestion. Frankly, I believe that most Dominicans are of the conviction that Mr. Skerrit was in possession of a Franch Passport! There is just too much evidence in the public’s domain contrary to the judgement for us, as a nation, to swallow this thing line, hood and sinker.
where in the law does it say if someone has a foreign passport they cannot contest elections ?
we must top listening to one side of a story the law says if you got that foreign passport as an adult of your own choice. if you got it as a child as they claim they did then no law was broken and UWP failed to prove in court that they didn’t get their citizenship not passport as children. note when you get passport says nothing about how or when you became a citizen of a country
While it might be true that they had French passports in their possession but I have never heard that when a person is charged, he/she has to bring evidence at court to assist the complainant wins his case. The complainant must gather all his evidence before coming to court to prove his case
I really wonder what is Linton’s problem. Why don’t he accept the court’s ruling and leave things alone. There is nothing he can do to change the decision except if it goes to the privy council and there is a new ruling. The man goes on every media station just yapping yapping and yapping like he is a senior or queens council.
Sometime last year there were 2 rulings which went to Mr James favor, he never complained but once it has to do with someone on the government side he has a problem.
Man you can jump high, jump low the court has ruled in our favor (labor party) and there is nothing you can do about it.
From what I can see you have a much bigger problem than Lennox, I guess, Lennox problem might be he is in a country that is bound for disaster, but the comforting thing to Lennox is that he can read and understand….so before things get really out of hand he will grab his sweet wife and kids and escape while you remain trap because you could not read or understand danger is coming.
Settling a court matter is all about the presentation of evidence,thats why witnesses are called.
Mr Smart guy stop allowing yourself to continue sounding like a fool.
If you take someone before the court it is not the person’s business to prove your case for you,its you who is supposed to present your case to the judge,if you fail to do so then you will LOSE,its that simple.
Whether the PM knows that he has a passport or not is not the issue,the issue is you must prove to the court that he has one.You cannot expect him to prove it for you.
Your party said to Dominicans prior to the election that he was a frenchman and the people said in no uncertain terms that they want him whether frenchman or not.That Mr Linton is the key,what the people want.Remember what you always preach..Democracy! If the majority say so then its so,so why are you eating up your own words.The people ingored the call of your party on 18th December 2009,then you took it to the court and could not prove it,and,lol,asking the man you took to court to please help you find himself guilty. WHAT A JOKE.Mate find a life,go find some employment,self or otherwise and stop playing Jack of all trades and master of none.
I cannot understand a man who doesnt have one letter before or after his name wants to take on all professionals on all matters of their trade.
My brother Linton learn and learn quick that Dominicans doesnt like you guys and whatever you have been doing all thoses years on the radio isnt working.
The court was fair on the matter between Edison and Ian, so tell me what makes the same court bias this time around.
I would shake your hand if I eevr meet you. Well said. I really hate these extremist like Lennox ( on the opposition side) and Mervin Paul ( on the Govt side). They think they know everything, but know very little.
Did you even read the judgement….I know its long and alot of legal jargons but before you remove all doubt by opening your mouth with such foolish talk, read and if u don’t understand I still beckon you remain silent.
@Aye Dominique do you know why the majority of Dominicans do not take folks like you and Lennox seriously? Perhaps not so I will tell you. It is your constant disrespect for them(You always seem to indicate that they are uneducated, uninelligent, small minded and the negativity list can go on and on). Unfortunately the majority of Dominicans sees you and Lennox as part of the so called “EDUCATED ELITES” even though Lennox has no letters to his name, as hypocritical, dishonest, void of integrity, greedy, power hungry. Aye Dominique ,remember to bring about positive change You need the majority of Dominicans to support your cause. So please think before you write!
Linton stop fooling Dominicans THIS WAS A CIVIL CASE, NOT A CRIMINAL CASE,no crime had been committed base on Dominica law or constitution, the person who had to ask for the passport was the election commissioner when Skerrit and St. Jean applied to sit for the election, they were not asked then, because it was presumed, they are Dominicans natives.Jamaica is not Dominica, all you try nice try it failed.Respect the judgement and move on.
The judge could not force them to incriminate themselves as this was not a criminal matter, it was not a police case. It was civil.
Move on with your life, and let the PM do his work. It is not your work to bring a man down. You sound too bitter, you will not do yourself or your family or Dominica any good with your attitude. Also you are ungrateful, Who you bring you home in your kansaw from Antigua is not the same Skerrit. Sante engra.
In a civil case sir the burden of proof is even LOWER!!!!! This was not just an ordinary case, it was a CONSTITUTIONAL issue! One that will or can have very, very serious implications for Dominica, all you say all you love Dominica so much, that all you are Dominica stop allowing people to abuse all you and capitalize on all you IGNORANCE so much.. Stop thinking in terms of Skerrit and Lennox or Labor and UWP, Ron and Petter, start to think in terms of DOMINICA and the CONSTITUTION.. Darn these kinds of IGNORANCE is hurting, really hurting! Come on people THINK! darn it THINK!
If we leave politics out of this matter we’re left with a case where the petitioners had little to no evidence to present to the court.
I’m not sure if any of you commenting here to today read the actual judgment handed down by Justice Thom. If you didn’t read it, you should.
After reading the judgments I found that the claims made by the petitioners were weak from the get go, and even then, they had very little evidence to back up those claims. For example, in the case of Mr. Saint-Jean, the claim stated that the respondent (Mr. Saint-Jean) obtained his passport between 2000 and 2002 – this implies that it was of his own volition and as such he should have been disqualified as a potential candidate.
Fair enough.
But the evidence presented in court was laughable! The petitioner’s star witness was found to be incredible and his story was sketchy. For example, he could not remember when he was in Guadeloupe in 2009, but testified that he originally met Saint-Jean in June or July (it was then Saint-Jean allegedly told him about his French passport). However during cross examination the witness admitted that he had been deported from Guadeloupe in September of 2009 after working illegally in that country for some 8 months…
This is just one example of how the petitioners failed.
In any court matter you must make specific claims and have evidence to support those specific claims. The petitioners relied too much on deductions and circumstantial conditions to form their case. In addition, the burden of proof is on the petitioners – the onus is on them to prove their case to the court. It is the respondent’s responsibility to defend against and discount the claims made by the petitioners, and “Mr. Astaphan S.C.” did a good job of that.
No, I’m not a zealot of the Skerrit-led government, their policies, practices or methods of governing. But the opposition, in this case, were ill-prepared and we beaten fair and square.
As far as submitting the passports, while it is a shady move, the respondents were well within their rights refuse and fight against this motion. The petitioners, true to form, did not offer enough substantial evidence to compel the judge to require submission of those documents. Such evidence might have been: (1) credible testimony that either respondent had travelled on said passport or (2) immigration records indicating travel on a non-Dominican passport.
At the end of it all Mendes said it best when he admitted that the petitioners did not produce evidence to support their claims.
i have no problems with anyone in dominica speaking their mind against what they think is wrong. i think without people like that, countries would be in turmoil. but inciting violence against an elected government is also another way countries end up in turmoil. linton is obviously a good journalist but he has to keep it professional and unbiased and continue his broadcasting. apart from those things, i agree that the PM was wrong to run for elections, but the court has ruled and appealing all the way to the CCJ if possible is an option. so… let us continue the constructive criticism of the government but keep violence out… p.s i know this has nothing to do with this article.
Lennox besides causing conflicts and confusion. Dominica ask.What have u done for me lately? please answer! and be truthful
i am sure she would like to know
This question should be asked of Skerrit… Mr PM what have you done to get the youth of this country out of poverty?
Lennox would have done a better job sir, with his honesty and integrity and love for country.COME ON PM START MOVING.
At least the fool Dominique qui do/see, should know that he needs to go to Skerrit and the cabal with this question.
WELL DONE JIM!
yea lennox doin a fine job where he is dere…standin in the gardens with his 2 feet more white dan ppl dat workin in salt!…running his jaw to those he think that knows less dan he does…! stuups
Lennox is much older than the PM. He should have something in place already. But there is too much poison in him to think of doing anything good for Dominica.
Lennox is too sour. He must have had a terrible childhood to be so bitter. Learn to love, Lennox. Smile a while and give your face a rest, remember that song
Boy, Lennox two feet dos really be white and his lips dry. look joke. That person know him well. Tell go red clinic to get some money for lotion, or DCP still have coconut oil. Look kicks in DA
Then let him run. Let him prove himself
Dominica does not belong to Skerrit
It belongs to all of us .Skerrit needs ideas
of all the Patriots in the USA and every Dominican to make it better, WE ARE ALL
DOMINICANS Please try to remember that!
Ask the same of urself.What have u done
U see we fail to realize that everyone of us
should join together and make a difference
It take more than Skerrit, DOMINICA IS US
BROTHER/SISTER
CONFUSSED, ELECTION WAS NOT FREE AND FAIR EXCEPT FOR THE 3 SEATS THEY WON, ROSEAN C. SALISBURY AND MARIGOT;
EDDO WON 2 COURT CASES, JUSTIC SERVED, COURT WAS FAIR.
SKERRIT AND ST JEAN WON THEIR COURT CASES, THE JUSTIC SYSTEM SUCKS.
PLEASE TELL ME WHERE MR LINTON STUDY LAW.
WHERE IS HIS LAW FIRM.
IS HE STILL GOING UP FOR ELECTION OR IS HE AN OVERNIGHT LAWYER?
Ok so the glove did not fit, that does not mean he is not guilty.He renounce his French citizenship didn’t he? why would he do that if he was legitimately contesting the 2009 general election?
But I totally agree; the glove did not fit.
Linton’s criticism of the Judge is shameful.
If his side had won – Linton would have said she was brilliant etc etc etc. The facts are the losing side in this case – they were lazy and not willing to do the hard work; all they do is TALK recklessly and endlessly. There so called witnesses were unprepared and there lawyers winged it; now he calls Mr. Astaphan’s hard work trickery etc etc etc. Linton – that crap is bull.
People who fail to prepared or plan – – – PLAN to FAIL. Get off sitting on your mouth and do some HARD work. Get lawyers who study the rules, do their homework and come to court with a plan. DON’T BLAME THE JUDICIARY for your sides unpreparedness.
Former Chief Justice Brian Allyne has a duty to condemn these disgusting attacks on the Judiciary by a bunch of parochial and short sighted politicians. Andre, Christian and all others who practice law like myself should condemn these shameful attacks on the Judge.
“Let me see if I get this right”, Lennox Linton states in an article … “this results is due to Lies, trickery, deception and judicial absurdities”
REALLY???
You will continue to losing more cases…keep talking my boy…keep talking
Wait is it just me wondering this? Who the Heck is Lennox Linton? Eh? Commenting on Judgement? What Legal Training does he have? eh please……Did he get “silk” some where and we do not know? eh? Is it Lennox Linton QC ?
I think Lennox understands and interprets the law better than a lot of lawyers. In fact, some of these lawyers on island seems soo incompetent that they refused to voice their opinion on such a critical matter of the law.
Ok, so tonight I hope you heard those with legal training give their spin on the judgement….did u listen to Sir Brian Alleyne, Justice Irving Andre and Dr. Gabriel Christian? They all got more legal training than all the lawyers including the judge combined. Will you take their word on that…
I have no legal training but after reading the judgement, my analysis did not differ one bit with what I heard tonight…..which means that one do not need legal training to understand the travesty done by Justice Gertel Thom.
Had the ruling gone in favour of the petitioners the defendants would not accept the judges decision as final (they said so them-self).They would appeal(they said they would) so why should the petitioners accept Judge Gertel Thom judgement as final ?
The uwp can appeal the decision based on law, however Linton’s attack on the judge is a completely different matter, it shows anger and a lack of respect for the judicial system. If the petitioners choose they can appeal that is how the system works. For someone who has recently entered the political arena this attack on the judge should be of concern as Linton is continuing to display his utter conceit and disregard for opinions that fail to meet his standard.
Should we admire someone like Mr Linton, with his vast knowledge on any and everything.
Someone who claims to stand for truth and justice, but only sees truth and justice when it goes his way.
Someone who takes great pleasure in trying to bring down those who do not support his cause.
Someone who is so angry and bitter.
The trial is over, and the best men won. You dont have to like it, but learn to live with it, and show some respect for the same CCJ which you and your clan will surely need one day.
lennox is right,the costitution is the law of the land, the highest law of the land and it should be uphold in the highest regard.
It has.
why u not posting my comments DNO???
because too many of u using different names to say the same thing
i wonder who is refered to as “one of the protagonists who hid for years behind the cloak of journalism”….lol….
I wonder if Skerrit knows the meaning of protagonists ??
i wonder if is skerrit that write the speech hhmmmm lol
do u?
LEADING CHARACTERS IN STORY.
to get judgement appoint judge judy to lead to the CCJ
Was the Judgement gone the other way it would be OK.
A judgement was given based on evidence presented to the court. What is so hard to understand? NO EVIDENCE, NO GUILTY VERDICT. It’s time to move on and help build this country for generations to come instead of criticizing the government. Everyone does something wrong in their lives at one point or the other and we all need forgiveness. If that’s what it will take to build Dominica, then that is what we should do. ONE PEOPLE ONE DESTINY because all of us are Dominicans and no one wants to see our counrty fall. GET OVER IT JUDGEMENT HAS BEEN PASSED!
In other words what you are saying is, never mind the quality, feel the width.
The “sorry excuse for a JUDGE” DID NOT want to see the EVIDENCE!!
jugement rendu contre vous ou vos followers que le juge n’est pas bon.pour vous ou vos collaborateurs le biais juge parfait est votre prenom.
@hardlineslee
next time use a better transulator wud have helped you with the thumbs up cuz
THIS IS NOT FRENCHHHHHHHHH
I DONT KNOW WHAT ITS CALLED
zeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
It now time for us as a people to look at the law of the the land.
If I am to agree with Lennox then each case in the caribbean court houses are all corrupt.
I have said before the caribbean has produce great legal intellectuals,that have given service to England,Africa and the world at large. So for one to say that the CCJ can not work in the caribbean base on this case in Dominica is madness.
The problem with people like Lennox is simple,What ever views that they express on radio and talk shows it must be accepted by the population as the facts.
The court of law is subject only to written,oral or documentary evidence. Lennox want us as a people to understand he is the sole legal mind of the caribbean!!!!!!
What is most funny is he has cases to face in court yet he has a caribbean lawyers working the case for him.
These are the same lawyers that can be a judge or an appeal judge at anytime.
I say what we as a people must do is to follow the law at all times. If for any reason we get ourself in any problem we must now get a legal advocate to try our case.
Are we saying that all the lawyers in the caribbean are not fit to assist base on Lennox statements.
once again people please be very careful as to how you give your support to these careless statements by Lennox.
These statements are unwarranted by this man,just because he can not have his way.
There is no perfect government in the world,each government must be questioned when things look like it goes bad/wrong. That does not give anyone a license to tarnish or defame ones name/character.
As a matter of fact the name of Dominica is now being defame by the said Lennox.
If Lennox has a contribution to make to Dominica he should try to enter the political field.
I have had to seat so many a Saturday to listen to this man and a handle full of callers,calling over and over each radio show saying the same thing. It is the same set of people a core of about ten (10) calling.
“Today she ruled in their favour on account of the absence of the very same passport evidence that she prevented from coming into the court on two separate occasions,”
and this right here my people sums up why it’s obvious to anyone with commonsense that the judge ruling and decision was partisan…. i don’t even think she feels comfortable with herself…. but we will keep on championing the cause of the people… relentless in our pursuit to see every dominican have an independent spirit and will be able to fend for themselves… to come on d.n.o and defend the judges decision or to post on skerro skerro or 18-3… then my friend you are only going against your own heart and conscience… because if you really and honestly can’t see the obvious then i’m sorry… you need to go back to school… kindergarten level…. but of course bloggers like wikileaks will come and try to defend the wrong… they will come to further blind my people… they will come to offer olive branches and in their hearts is war… they will keep on selling the rights of our children to foreigners…. they will keep disrespecting our Constitution like a torn newspaper article… they will keep the fight of further destroying our social fabric… but we letting them know that we are fighting and will keep on fighting… i’m calling on the young men and women in the diaspora.. you all know all you selves… the time has come… i know they think is only fontaine and christian etc etc that on the lines hahaha…. we have enough people to keep skerro and whoever take his place trembling for 500 years…. my young men and women in the diaspora it is time… to gear up… put on the cloak of courage… we know what we have in our arsenal… our technological might will overcome… this rogue gov’t will try to put their hands on the internet hub which is soon coming… but i want Dominicans to know… fear no more…. have no fear because no law no constitution will prevent us from taking our country from a rogue party and leader… it is obvious that the majority of U.W.P supporters are out of state… we know that on the ground… my brethren let us continue to help one another succeed… show each other the ropes… the ropes of jobs… the best education options… let what is spoken in secret stay in secret… because when we bring our wave of PATRIOTS… morne diablotins will not have bush to hide those red centipedes that destroying our Sweet Dominica….. so put on your cloak of confidence… patience… humility… faith and education…. and yes we will overcome… we will make this party tremble n shake and fall down in their corruption…. they cannot sleep…. because skerro and his supporters have to know that our young people in the diaspora is coming back for our land…
and lastly i’d like to say… going on the merit of this last case… C.C.J is in peril… but guess what… d.l.p seem to be in power in all the lesser antilles… so they will all vote for it… i doubt barbados, trini and jamaica want that C.C.J… when we as black people fail to keep our brothers and sisters in check… then it’s obvious massa days can never done… yes i would love to have a transparent and fair c.c.j as the final court… but if judges can be bought then i can’t trust the c.c.j… then it’s up to massa’s court of lords papa…
You are making NO sense. We Dominicans don’t need to go to school we are very intellegent
Justice Lennox Linton would agree with you!
If you get arrested – ARE YOU GOING TO TESTIFYING AGAINST YOURSELF?
Do you think the Constitution would compel you to do so?
I am a Dominican Patriot – I will fight to protect the constitution. Skerrit exercised his constitutional rights.
Why do you have a problem with that?
You still there? Take care Lennox see you
What Passport evidence was thrown out?. what evidence in relation to passport was presented by the petitioners? The president of the uwp mention a passport number on radio. Was that information presented in court? If he has apassport number he must have had access to the passport. So somebody is witholding critical evidence.
if you start criticising CCJ and learned people how do you expect the population to take you seriously.use your wisdom and go to other channels to prove your case.you are not bringing down the pm but all of us.are you proud to be a DA man?we are in 2012 and some of you don’t know the 60’s 70’s and even 90’s.when i hear some say we we are back in the 50’s,you are wasting the gift of being able to speak.seriously speaking do you think if voted in office you are going to do better than the pm?world leaders are watching you and us closely.talking about democracy.so you believe we don’t have that in DA?if we did not,the authorities would have shut down the station already and ban them socalled citizens in new york from comming back home.to DLP and UWP:please stop sowing seeds of hate.politics is dividing families in lovely DA.where are we heading?don’t drive on the roads that the gov’t is building,
LENNOX LINTON,
why won’t you go to some place where people believe in war. Why are you worried about dual citizenship. Please create some employment in Dominica. Stop the trouble making. You are a mental man. 
He is right tho.
Len ox is like a cult he believes in his belief and every one who dosen’t is out of this world or corrupt. That’s why the lady is a judge she is not a politician. You know how the judicial system works, what you trying. Stop thinking what you say is the truth and others lying.
Stop that wickedness
While you feel that you ought to have won the can, the fact remains that the evidence was never presented in court, thus the outcome.
My friend they suppress evidence in the supreme court of america and the international court of justice so what makes Dominica so different? Our problem is we cannot accept rulings when it’s against us. We as a people we all hate to loose but remember the good name of our beloved Dominica is much more important than this nonsense with passport. Skerrit is Dominican Ron green is Dominica that is all that matters moving forward.
“They suppress evidence in the Supreme Court of America”?…Huh?…..Where did you get that from?…Please give me one example….
I will be waiting….Thank you.
Let me just give you two heads up….The Supreme Court of America, is not a “Trial” Court…So let me warn you…..
Secondly, it is a violation,and unlawful to “suppress evidence”….
Now, please proceed…..
@ Rebel
You are absolutely correct; the Supreme Court is not a ‘trial’ court since they review decisions made by lower courts. Suppression of evidence is not the appropriate term here. If I am permittted to give a general example on ‘Born Dominican’s behalf, I would site the inadmission of evidence.
Many US Circuit Court of Appeal and State Supreme Courts have had their rulings overturned by the higher court simply because they admit evidence that should not have been admitted. Many criminals have walked because law enforcement collected evidence without having the proper documents, (warrants), and interrogating defendants without reading their miranda rights. Criminals have admitted to certain criminal acts but have had their confessions thrown out, (“suppressed”), sinply because they were not read their miranda rights.
PEACE PROFOUND!! [I always look forward to your comments. You have distinguished yourself!]
Do ur research before you talk
If only it was that simple. In theory you make sense, in reality wrong is wrong. It’s not about him being Dominican, the FACT is he stated he had the citizenship himself, and moved to renounce it, that is incriminating. If she was anywhere else she would have done it differently but she wants to sit on the higher court and we all know how politicians polarise judges. I think she knows damn well she was wrong, and that is why she took so long, and kept giving excuses. This is about the constitution and her inconsistency and I hope where ever she serves as judge people demand to not have her on their case as they have done in the past. She can be very bias, and is not a liked woman, she sways with the ease of wind, just check her track record.
Skerrit didn’t win Jack he got away and maybe paid his way out of this,so he will keep thinking he is mightier than GOD and that will be his downfall. Tony did what he was paid to do, we can expect no less from him, and Ron need to have a sit he and the remnants of UWP. The CONSTITUION is under threat and this is what scares me.
Politics blind people. I try to be as fair and impartial as possible. And when I am wrong,I admit my wrong. A judge is human, and thus is not faultless, but judge has to strive to be unbias and judge fairly despite of who is being judged. It is soo obvious that this judge was BIAS. Her interpretation of obvious evidence of admission of Skerrit and his passport and citizenship blew me away- she looks at us as dummies? She wanted the petitioners to go steal Skerrit and Peter passport to bring before the court? We know good judgement when it is handed down- this was bad judgement in my opinion.
This is the most sensible comment in the rhetoric flowing back & forth. Bottom line they are Dominicans, accept the ruling & move on.
So you are admitting that the evidence was hidden?
Eat your heart out Lennox. Continue being disgruntled. The more you talk, the more Skerritt win
He won two and lose one but he never complain back then.
oh please lenox , the only reason that you all are mad it is a matter of what you find that is in the country’s interest . it is because you wish to push your hands in country’s pocket .talking about all that and dual citizenship , whether or the prime minister has dual citizenship or not that is not what that eats you guys up, the fact Dominicans don’t want you all back in office cripples you all. let the prime minister do his work and and just remain in the back sit when y’all belong.we love our p.m and he is here to stay !!!!!!!
sPEAK FOR YOURSELF..THANK GOD FOR LENNOX. WE WOUDHAVE BEEN IN REAL DARKNESS IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE RELENTLESS INTEREST IN DOMINICA. ..LENNOX FOR LEADER
i second the motion, i believe lennox would be a great leader, he deserves a chance, at least for a term
This is the worst that I have seen and heard. I thought that we are in a democratic country. I thought that it was this administration that was taking us down the road of dictatorship or so I was being led to believe. It seems like the coin has flipped. Any body that have a different opinion than Linton and his colleagues are said to be corrupt. Yesterday it was the PM today it is the independent judge. Whether or not that you agree with the ruling, this doesn’t make it wrong. Linton and the others will know that this is the reason for the Appeal Court. Are we going to label the Appeal Court as being corrupt if they agree with this judge ruling? This is a bad precedent that is being set. Linton isn’t of legal sound mind so I suggest that he allow the lawyers speak. He is definitely misleading this nation and trying to insight some form of violent demonstration. I am not a fan of this PM but please allow the rule of law to lead this nation. The court has spoken! Seek your redress is other courts if you are aggrieved but allow this nation to be a peaceful one.
Can we legally deport Lennox and have him barred from Dominica?
They sent Aristide all the way to C.A.R.?
I do not see the quality of the judgement of Gertel Thom as invalidating the CCJ. It is a big and unwarranted leap to make.
so so true linton if they appeal i sure its gonna take a different turn
with evidence brought forward at the court this time
When the appeal goes thru the system it will be time for election and i am sure we Dominicans will send a clear cut message.
simple minds cannot comprehend that truth is often stranger than fiction. there is more… and it is bordering on cult behavior… church denominations getting favors among other things…..now we here the catholic church completely rebuilding the cathedral…..hmmmmmm we are living in strange times indeed….. I pity those who are not cautious in these perilous times…
Ahh the Catholic Church the place where the anti Christ lives, the destroyer of Gods people.African people should distance themselves from that abomination to the God of Israel.
Sorry Lennox, but the Law is the Law! You may not like or understand the ruling from Justice Gertel Thom, but is was based purely and solely on the evidence presented in the Court.
The lawyer for the UWP – Douglas Mendes himself admitted they (the petitioners) failed to produce evidence in support of their case and based their case on the premise of inherent probability. “If” one is a citizen of a country it is safe to ASSUME one would possess a passport from that country… and “if” one has a passport, we can ASSUME they traveled on it. Too many “ifs” and assumptions to build a case in a court of law!
As Senior Consul Tony Astaphan said “you cannot listen to what you hear on the radio, on the ground or what you read in the newspaper to determine the outcome of such a serious case. It turns on evidence, it turns on facts, it turns on the principle of law.”
So stop crying and complaining and get over it. THE LAW IS THE LAW!
You know something….As you said, ..according to Senior Consul Tony Asstaphans. .But bear in mind….right now he is representing the PM in a law suite against Dr Fountain…where did they hear the ‘allegations’ made by Dr Fountain? And recently a case about a dead man and Police officers where being investigated ..was thrown out of court by the Attorney General…where did he hear all this crap he used to dismiss that case? Come on “Real Patriot” , if the “LAW IS THE LAW” shouldn’t it be the same all the time? Just asking
The law cannot be the same all the time because you have different judges presiding over different matters that all have different details.
They will get a recording of the statement made by Fountaine, transcribe it and then along with other evidence present it.
The same way Edison Chenfield James presented his evidence and won his case, is the same way Skerrit will win his as well.
He should be called Google…Still searching
i am veery sure the learned retired Chief Justice will not agree with Lennox about the quality of judges that seat on the CCj and the need to have our very own court of final adjudication. If within two weeks two judgements go your way and a third does not go your way you question the impatiality of the very same court system which awarded you good money, then soemthing has to be wrong. In court there are rules and procedures that must be followed. Such rules and procedures does not exist on radio Talkshows. Such rules and procedures are steeped in law, not suspicions.Such rules and regulatiosn are there for all. Such rules and regulations does not consider how articulate one can repeat and repeat ad nauseum a certain argument. Such rules and procedures are above individual preferences about moral and ethical values. If for example, the industrialist suspected that a certain smooth talking TM Practitioner was having an affair with his wife, his (industrialist’s) suspisions alone cannot equate to any point in law for divorce. All the public appearances, suspicious as they might be by themselves cannot stand in a court of law. The industrialist has to prove case. The rules and procedures does not allow his wife to coem in court and say “yes, me and the TM practitioner have been sleeping around together.
The law is the law. Moral arguments does not necessarily equate to being the law. Suspicions are just that – suspicions.
You idiots who keep making reference to two descisions going their way and one not going their way are just mixing apples with oranges. The two descisions you speak of were as a result of libel action suit taken by a private citizen Eddison James who happens to be a politician against two private citizens one of whom is also a politician. The outcome of Eddisons case either way could have no impact on the country. Contrast that to a court matter to seek for the truth re the legitimacy and the actions of a man who is at the helm of leadership of a country. The actions of skerrit in the position he holds impacts on the lives of the citizens of Dominica. If a man who holds this position is seen as someone who flaunts the constitution and rule of law and gets away with it through machinations then that doesn’t auger well for leadership of the country. This will only lead to chaos, anarchy and disrespect for the rule of law. We must not allow wrongdoing and injustice to fester it’s ugly head in our country because of our loyalty and then tomorrow when things get out of hand live with regrets. There are examples of this kind of mentality all over the world and what it has led to. I beleive people in Dominica are too influenced by party loyalty. We need to stop for a while and do some introspection and reflection on what we truly want for this blessed land
My friend “asterisk”, see I call you friend, because I believe the only issue we have is that we are on oposite sides to the matter at hand. I might agree with you that the civil law suit (libel) that Mr. James brought is not the same as the dual citizenship issue. But I will never call you an idiot. What I did not say properly is that there are rules and procedures for civil litigation matters. Someone (the petitioner) make a complain against another person and that other person (the respondent)is expected to respond to the petitioner’s case. Under our rules of procedure in our court system through the British Commonwealth, which we adopted from Britain, the petitioner is bound to prove his case and he must do it wholly without any form of assistance of the respondent. Did Mr. James as you so rightly identified ask Cocum and Ian to prove that they cocum and Ian) libelled him. I think No. Mr. James presented the recordings and transcripts of what Cocum and Ian said. He must have the testified on his own behalf confirming to the court thathe heard what was said against him, he must have brought other people who heard what it is that Cocum or Ian for that matter said and importantly he had to deny the allegatiosn and prove to the court that they were not true. Cocum of Ian did not have to prove to Edison that they libelled him. The burden of proof as the law says remain forever with the person bringing the case – in this case Mr. James. You call me idiot, but you will realise that I understand that simple basic point in law. Why should I assist your case? Why should I assist you in proving that I am an idiot when in fact all I have done is to repeat, perhaps ad nauseum what our system of justice has been saying or demanding for hundreds of years?. That system was not brought her in 2004 when Skerrit became PM. Your opinion of me does not prove you or make you position right. The burden of proof in our system of justice resides entirely on the person making the accusation or bringing the case in court. No amount or moral pontification or ethical grandstanding on a medium (Q95)that has no rules and regulations will change that basic principle in law. The law is bigger than all of us. Ask the former acting Chief Justice. But of course I understand that while some people are celebrating the results of the case, there are few among us who are hurting and have chosen to abuse other people to ease their frustration. I am not saying you are in that category, because I really cannot prove it via this medium. Respect to each other whethher we agree with them or not
Observer I made no reference to you in my peice so I don’t know why you you saw it fit to wear the cap
Observer if you figure I feel hurt then its not hurt out of one party’s claims to victory and anothers failure but hurt for the state of affairs in Dominica the land of my birth
@ Asterix
“Observer I made no reference to you in my ‘piece’so I don’t know why you saw it fit to wear the cap”.
That’s very funny. You replied to the person’s comment and addressed the subject matter. What other reference do you need? You must be convinced that ‘Observer’ and other readers are “idiots”!! How pathetic!! Saying so does not make it so.
You see the trouble with mans laws?
While what you are saying is probably correct, it implies, it’s ok to do wrong, just don’t get caught, mind you if you are caught, just say nothing and you are ok.
you have a right to remain silent.
Ah did u hear the former Chief Justice tonight? You heard him…….I hope you did!!!
to the top of what? you must be an idiot or have never left dominica. dominica is certainly not the top in anything that has to do with development. not even within the caribbean
meh sah ka weevay lennox yo nuh…
Truth to power……
Linton poor u, dont know what u fighting for u need to stop worrying about politic and take a break because that thing is killing u dry ,u takeing that thing to serious, is it the money u after keep in mind naked we come naked we go,if the PM lieing will pay up with him one day
So True. If that’s the way we heading CCJ wont give any fair Judgement.
All the Big men and rich people will get away with what ever.
Dominica is for you and I, people wake up. What we sow is what we gonna reap.
The whole World watching and rethe Amerimember cans too!!!
I can’t beleive that judge.
Put in in your pipe and smoke it!! Judgement given! Accept it
good for you , i hope you will accept to hush yur mout
come on DNO whats in this comment to hide what criteria u use for withdrawing people’s comment