Astaphan blasts media in coverage of dual citizenship case

Astaphan

Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan is charging that media coverage has shown bias towards his clients, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Education Minister Peter St. Jean, in the dual citizenship court matter.

“We have an enormously bias press in Dominica. When you read the reports of the media on what the witnesses have said and didn’t say when I cross examined, you get the impression that it’s a one sided fight and we got nothing out of the petitioners witnesses,” he charged.

The lead counsel said his team got more than sufficient to assist themselves and to ensure that “we succeeded this case”.

Meantime Astaphan said the issue of the Prime Minister not having to give evidence was a significant “win for us and I am very grateful of the support that I got from the whole legal team”.

The trial to determine whether Skerrit and St Jean contested the 2009 general elections illegally resumes on September 29th.

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67 Comments

  1. Pyro
    September 23, 2011

    The CONSTITUTION, OUR ULTIMATE DECREE is being trample upon and people arguing about politics. WHAT IS GOING TO KEEP THESE POLITICIANS IN LINE WHEN THE CONSTITUTION HAS BEEN TRAMPLED? THIS IS NOT A CRIME AGAINST UWP OR FREEDOM PARTY, IT’S A CRIME AGAINST DOMINICA AND HER CONSTITUTION. WE GOT TO DRAW THE LINE AT SOME POINT. WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO UNITE US AS A PEOPLE? ARE OUR FUNDAMENTALS ON SOCIAL EXISTENCE WORTH ANYTHING?

  2. Anonymous
    September 22, 2011

    Where is Dudus Coke now with all the wealth he accumulated and all charity he did, i.e all the women and children he supported by sending the children to school and sponsoring the ladies hairdos, nails and clothes.Eventually we must pay for our ill gotten gains, no matter how many people we pay to keep quiet.

  3. Anonymous
    September 22, 2011

    when we throw out labour we closing down kairi fm dbs radio and marpin

  4. littleboy
    September 22, 2011

    Tony must be feeling very, very, very uncomfortable with what lies ahead so he decides to blame it on the media before the final verdict is out.

    Why should you blame the media when you were the first one to give an interview after the first round when skeritt was not allowed to testify. You forgot how you cried tears of joy? Now you must be smelling the coffee so you are quick to blame the media. But why should you blame the media when you controle DBS, Kairi, Marpin, GIS, the church media and other media voices on the island? Boy you must be feeling something coming!

  5. Voice From The North
    September 22, 2011

    Tony Please tell the public which media you are talking about because DBS and Kairi and GIS are already exclusively your propaganda media.What happen Tony? You don’t want the Dominican public to know what is happening in their country? Is this a policy of keeping the masses in ignorance so you all can push your personal agendas?
    Dominicans beware. When there is any attempt to muzzle the press,eventually censorship and control will follow. And then freedom of the press taken and then-DICTATORSHIP……..

    • Yes I
      September 22, 2011

      You forget Marpin

  6. presss freedom?
    September 22, 2011

    DNO. Were you hit by a virus before the elections?
    Who admitted that they purchased all air time on Kairi?

  7. Remember the Bible
    September 22, 2011

    OH please, just do it and stop with the ANTICS. We know that this is a kangaroo court, with no integrity, no accountability no credibility. IT is a farce, and we know it.. By the way which press is he referring to? It is the people making their comments on DNO that Tony didn’t want them to publish? Is that it. All you see where this is going people? Those who have eyes to see let them see!
    When will Dominica be rid of this evil that engulfs her? When? Cleanse the land of Lord, cleanse the land!

    • buwo
      September 22, 2011

      All of all you were crying for the matter to go to court. The matter went to court and all you were jumping up and down. Now, all of sudden it is a kangaroo court? Just because the judge rule Skerrit and St. Jean cannot testify against themselves? lol

      I hope if someone ever takes you to court you will bring evidence against yourself.

      Hahahahahahaha

      • September 22, 2011

        SHUT UP

    • Bawie Man
      September 22, 2011

      Really? Is the court a farce? isn’t it the same court that allowed the witnesses statements even when the statements were filed very late? Which court, especially in a dictatorship as they say, will allow such behaviour?

  8. NO NAME
    September 22, 2011

    there are three ppl in that pic. which one is Astaphan?

    • September 22, 2011

      On the wrong side i believe lol

      • September 22, 2011

        HA! BRILLIANT

    • Domnik e doux
      September 22, 2011

      De one in de police uniform, with de skirt, duh!

  9. Ras B
    September 22, 2011

    Why all this folly and waste of tax payers money with this mockery of a trial. We seem to be inept in our practice, but maybe I am the simpleton.

    If the law states that in order to submit oneself for nomination in Dominica’s Geneal elections, an individual should not have sworn allegiance to a foreign, non-commonwealth country. Then my simplicity tells me there is no need for this farce of a court trial. One just needs to determine whether the person involved had sworn allegiance to a non-commonwealth country before they were nominated to contest the elections. If they were then they would have been disqualified. They should then be stripped of any victories and benefits that they may have enjoyed as a result of this false presentation. There should also be an accompanying punishment preferable a fee to be paid into the countries coffers for this deceit, which to me is tantamount to the acquisition of goods and services under false pretense (fraud). That fee should be substantial to discourage this practice. It should also be applied retroactively, so that Mr Green would also be charged. It is no good having a law which is not being enforced.

    One cannot help but regrettable recall the unfortunate pronouncements which are attributed to our current Prime minister on the issue….interalia “no court, no constitution, no law…”

    This matter can be solved very simply by requiring the passports of the accussed, if they were issued by an alternative sovereign power, then an investigation should ensue on how that pssport was acquired. Any one who violated the laws of D/ca should be punished.

  10. sookoo
    September 22, 2011

    Wasn’t thinking the media was biased. Was thinking I can’t understand a damn that is going on court. Their reports are very much lacking in context.

    • SMDH
      September 22, 2011

      I totally agree with u, they are not bias, they dont know or understand what is happening inthe court to be able to report on it properly..Alas…I listen to the reports and they say nothing or hey just repeat wat the stations say…is like they are exchanging news…those so calld nes reporters and journalists we hv here are just something else…then again how many of them ever went and do some course or something to upgrad themselves…not one…they still hv ony their CXC subjects and on radioa n televsion making a**es of themselves…

      ADMIN: Well come join the fraternity since it appears you know so much. We have an opening.

  11. thinker
    September 22, 2011

    What is the problem Tony – tell us truthfully.

  12. Anonymous
    September 21, 2011

    Just get this foolishness over with.. dragging it just cost the country tax payers money, then Skeritt will have to beg.. and when he starts begging Dominicans get mad!!!!!!

    Winners never lose, their can only be (1)one..and even if Skeritt looses for sure Ron is by no means capable of ruling Dominica….all he know from since the ALLIANCE party is talk and no action….

    As much as we condemn, who do we think is fit to rule our land?…I can’t think of any one..

    Mammo is died and can’t be replaced…
    Douglas is dead as well..but has been replaced…

    Patrick is in the back ground today, but ruled like a true leader way back then..
    We’re killing skeritt…
    Edison was a champion in his early days..
    Ron is a dead man walking…

    Now don’t tell me Pappy is the only man in line…?

  13. Prophet2
    September 21, 2011

    Humpty will soon have a great fall.

  14. Anonymous
    September 21, 2011

    I WONDER WHICH MEDIA MR ASTAPHANS TALKING ABOUT. HOW MANY OF THEM ARE ON UR SIBE AND JUST THE ONES THAT BRINGS THE FACTS STRAIGHT U HEARING. WHATS UP WITH DBS AND KIRI. U USING THEM AS IF U OWN THEM BUT IS STILL OUR MONEY MAINTAINING IT AND YET WE DONT COMPLAIN. !!! FEAR NO MORE

  15. djx
    September 21, 2011

    THE ISSUE AT HAND IS ONE THAT WE MUST LOOK AT WITH ALL HONESTY. I AM RED U ARE BLUE OR GREEN BUT WE ARE ALL DOMINICANS. AS A RED MEMBER I AM SAYING THAT BOTH PARTIES HAVE DONE WRONG BY CONTESTING THE ELECTION AS CITIZENS OF ANOTHER COUNTRY. WHATS LEFT TO SEE IS THE PROOF AND THAT BURDEN IS ON MR GREEN AND MR JOSEPH WITH THEIR LAWYERS TO PROVE. MR GREEN HAVE ADMITTED IN COURT THAT HE HAVE SERVED BEING A CITIZEN OF THE US AND THAT HE REQUESTED RENOUNCIATION BEFOR THE 2009 ELECTION BUT DID NOT RECIVE ANSWER NOT UNTIL AFTER . HOW DO WE KNOW IF THATS NOT THE CASE WITH THE PM AND MP? LET THE SIDE WHO HAVE BROUGHT THE CHARGES PROVE THAT ITS NOT SO. LETS BE HONEST AS DOMINICANS, AND WHAT EVER THE COURT DECIDES LETS STAND WITH THAT. IF MR PM AND MP HAVE DONE WRONG SO HAS MR GREEN SO LETS NOT TRY TO KILL THE 2 AND LET THE 1 ESCAPE FREE BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE ALL COMMITED THE SAME SIN. ITS LIKE THE PEOPLE BRINING THE WOMAN B4 JESUS AND SAYING WE CAUGHT HER IN THE VERY ACT OF ADULTRY BUT WHERE WAS THE MAN WITH WHOM SHE COMMITED THE ACT? WAS THAT JUSTIC? COULD SHE COMITT ADULTRY BY HER SELF OR WITH HERSELF? THATS FOOD FOR THOUGHT

    • Anonymous
      September 21, 2011

      Ron Green was also the leader of the Alliance Party way back then, wasn’t that same law in place?

      Ron Green should stop being a flattered fool and be jailed for wasting the courts time..

      Not that I am defending Skeritt and peter a crime is a crime…..they all broke the law..

      BUT….Were they not chosen by the President of Country? guess the proper investigation was not done…those in authority to decide who was qualified to contest the election..swept this under the carpet… these foolishness must have been going on in Dominica long time ago..

      What else are they not telling us!!!!!!!!

    • deep in thought
      September 22, 2011

      This is one of the best I’ve read on this matter…..thank you, djx

    • Cerberus
      September 22, 2011

      You are right DJX. We should be Dominicans first and foremost, regardless of any political persuasion. However, in this instance it are mr. Skerrit and Mr. St. Jean, who stand accused in the court and not Mr. Green. That is an unescapable fact we have to deal with.

    • One Love
      September 22, 2011

      8-O Mr Green is not on trial: NUFF SAID –

      8-O When you speak of Dominicans are you by any chance including the thousands of nationals that your party has reclassified as “Cockroaches; Mosquitoes; Kakador; and Pigs?

    • yout
      September 22, 2011

      have you forgotten those words inscribed into the underside of my skull….”NO LAW , OR NO CONSTITUTION CAN STOP ME FROM BEING NOMINATED TODAY”

  16. teacher n
    September 21, 2011

    I DOH THINK THE MEDIA BIASED BECAUSE IT SEEM LIKE IS ONLY THE RESPONDENTS PEOPLE THAT CAN TALK. THE CHRONICLE SAID THAT HALF OF THE WITNESSES FOR THE UWP WERE EITHER ILLITERATE, SEMI ILLITERATE OR HALF BLIND. HOW CAN THE MEDIA QUOTE THESE PEOPLE TONY?

  17. Gracious
    September 21, 2011

    I think the judge was very biased not to allow the P M and Peter Pepper to not give evidence.The pastor better be careful.

    • djx
      September 21, 2011

      i hope that u will have a case and give evidence against yourself

    • Anonymous
      September 22, 2011

      @Gracious some of you need to first get a overview of law before you come out talking about Judge biased…..The onus is on the Petitioners(oops that might too much of a big word for you)Ron Green and UWP to prove their story..They are the ones who accused the PM and his Minister of Dual Citizenship. If the judge was biased for not allowing the PM to take the stand, a case can be made for the fact that the same judge allowed evidence received after the court deadline to be admissible in court..

  18. Gracious
    September 21, 2011

    Justice must prevail.I pray that this judge does not go against the laws of the country.
    Right is right and wrong is wrong regardless of who does it.I need to warn this judge.Do not allow the cry of the Dominican people to fall on you.There is enough injustice being done in this country,you should not add to it. The world is looking at you.You will real what you sow.
    Let me assure you if you fail to do justice you will FALL.

    • djx
      September 21, 2011

      the laws of the land should be upheld but we must not be hypocrits. ron gren have served in government for over 15yrs being a us citizen and while we want to hang mr skeritt and mr st jean we are not saying a word to or about mr green,is that the kind of justic we want to promote? is that being honet with ourself and others?. if the pm and mr st jean did contest the election illegaly so did mr green for the past from 1995to 2009 so lets include him also. thats justic thats being honest

      • SMDH
        September 22, 2011

        what about earl willams, eddison, athie martin and peter Carbon,

    • deep in thought
      September 22, 2011

      …………. and what would be the justice?…….Gracious, I’m simply asking.

  19. eee
    September 21, 2011

    No scapegoats Tony. You and the cabal control the media in this country. You smell a rat..Me too.

  20. ?????
    September 21, 2011

    Is it that you are telling the twoto start packing? I don’t know for you but i no that’s it for them. We can’t build a country upon lies.

  21. Anonymous
    September 21, 2011

    Amen to that!!!!!1

  22. tom tom
    September 21, 2011

    Thats True

  23. September 21, 2011

    Well Mr. Astaphan, if I were in your place, I would just give thanks to God Almighty, our Supreme Ruler, and wait for His Will to be done in this situation.

    One thing I notice that this Supreme Ruler, God Almighty, Jehovah has a “Written Universal Constitution” which mankind, including we, Dominicans, have chosen to sinfully blaspheme.

    It is shameful that no one is concerned about that gruesome sin in their lives, but they are hypocritically crying foul over, whatever the problem is, with the written rules and laws of human wisdom and phylosophy.

    Much worst when leaders are sying “its wordings are not good”! We need to review, revise, and renew the the wording of those rules and laws. This sounds so foolish, while those same leaders are contending against the breaking of those very rules and laws.

    Just to remind all: That human wisdom and it rules and laws are the functions of this world, along with its material designs, which will eventually pass away. But he who does the Will of God lives forever.

    The Will of God is written in His letter of Love–the message of the Holy Bible, and later reveal to us, by our faith, from conscience–the Home of His Holy Spirit. Nothing else matters when we know the Will of God and to obey them, for everything will fall into the right place.

    But “we” includes every Pope, Priest, Bishop, Pastor and Preacher; King, Lord and Lady; President, Prime Minister, and Comnunity leader; as well as every person who has the ability to think and maintain self-control in the attitude and conducts.

    We will all be accountable for our doings at God’s appointed time.

    Until then, our judging and wanting to decide everybody’s fate is a fruitless, but disturbing contention to those of us who would like to enjoy Life with peace of mind.

    • Huhhhhhhh!!!!
      September 22, 2011

      I love how you always use politics as a platform to display your personal religious philosophy.

      You need a pulpit and an audience. I wonder if God would be happy with the way you throw his name into every pot…

      • September 23, 2011

        I have no religious philosophy, for these are human beings like myself, and I can of myself do nothing.

        But yes, I maintain a personal relationship with God, by whose wisdom and revelation I am able to function with utmost power.

        Even if men have turned “governing” or “rulership” of their country and its people into politics and worldly affairs, God’s intention was for them to allow Him to use them to do His work for the development of the land that He gave to them as trusted gift, along with the people of that land, whom they should serve with Love.

        My computer is my pulpit for now, and people like you are the audience. Unfortunately, you seem to be one of the audience. like those of Jesus’ days on earth, who rejected Him–as you tend to be rejecting me. But your rejection is not my concern.

        Yes also God does want me to use His name into every pot, because I can do nothing with Him, as I have already said.

        In other words He has commanded me, and the rest of His servants in this world, to speak or write His message of Love, that people like you will not have an excuse, when you stand before Him. We/I have to use His name, and His name alone.

        Now have I made myself clear?

  24. SENSES
    September 21, 2011

    NOW THAT THE PRESS IS BRINGING THE TRUTH TO THE PEOPLE ,TONY IS NOW ANGRY THAT WE ARE FINALLY SEEING THROUGH HIS TACTICS.”HOW DOES IT FEEL NOW THAT THE SHOE IS ON THE OTHER FOOT?”
    THE WORLD HAS ENLIGHTENED AND YOU NOR YOU ALL VICTIMIZING ADMINISTRATION WILL RUN AWAY FROM JUSTICE. OUT WITH dlp AND IN WITH HONEST ACTING DOMINICANS.

  25. dominican
    September 21, 2011

    like the saying goes, every day is not christmas.now you know the word bias? how about persons who are supposed to be neutral being there in the court passingpieces of papers to you tony? conflict of interest.

  26. Really
    September 21, 2011

    f you so please about the fact that skerrit & Petter dont have to take the stand and that a big win for you why worry about the media, you realize your empire falling right ifront soon to bound to come to an end i hope Dominican hearing you.

    • September 21, 2011

      My dear fellow Dominicans something is very fishy out there, as we all know without fire there is no smoke, Tony should be ashamed of himself for blasting the media, i am listening to this man on the radio and all i have to say is oh me oh my, this man speaks with a vengance, man if your clients are innocent why blat the media saying that they are bias against your client, wake up man and smell the coffee all we want is to know the truth

  27. doctor love
    September 21, 2011

    MR.TONY ASTAPHAN DOES SKERITT HAVE AND TRAVELLED ON A FRENCH PASSPORT.IF YOU CANNOT ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS, .HOW CAN YOU CLAIM TO BE A WINNER WHEN SKERITT ASKED THE FRENCH CONSULATE TO RENOUNCE HIS CITIZENSHIP.TONY THAT IS WHY SKERITT WAS BROUGHT TO COURT TO PROVE HE ISNT A FRENCHMAN.

  28. marcellus lee
    September 21, 2011

    I find it strange that Mr. Astaphan attacks the media when at every turn he is using the same media to push his message

  29. Faith
    September 21, 2011

    All you have GIS, Kairi and DBS, all paid by tax payers, you want more Tony?

    Have some conscience pleaseeeeeee!!!!!

    • c.bruce
      September 21, 2011

      …AND MARPIN

      • idiamin
        September 22, 2011

        sat too

  30. One Love
    September 21, 2011

    8-O

  31. forreal
    September 21, 2011

    from a personal point of view,i find astaphan look like one of dem man from de adams family on tv,do not get me wrong i mean he is a good lawyer,but is just that he look funny in his court uniform,and the photogragh is not helping him either :-D

  32. Anonymous
    September 21, 2011

    DNO y yall not posting my comment!

    • vb
      September 21, 2011

      luks like sum ppl buy DNO
      yes, i said so

  33. Anonymous
    September 21, 2011

    Ah Tony, didn’t anyone ever tell you “life’s not fair” Don’t cry… again.

  34. September 21, 2011

    MEDIA BIASNESS NOT ONLY IN DOMINICA ITS EVERY WHERE,THEY REPORTS WHAT SUIT THEM, IF THEY WERE ON UR CLIENT SIDE,I GUESS THE U W P PARTY WOULD HAVE SAID THE SAME.

  35. my views
    September 21, 2011

    Tony always has to add a piece…I mean come on man give it a rest. You guys won already…..

  36. cnn
    September 21, 2011

    If people come on the stand and not tell the truth what u expect.your witnesses dont even know you support the labour party?? and they never heard of the PM dual citenship?

  37. Anonymous
    September 21, 2011

    wat happen Astaphans that one hurting your bobo!

    • Gracious
      September 21, 2011

      Who does Tony Astaphan think he is?Does he think he is any better than the Dominican people?He is no better. No brighter. Some stupid people make him think he is better. He is not.Soon he will turn against Skerrit and his team.
      . As long as Skerrit keep giving him money he will continue to act. Keep on singing for your supper Tony. The song will soon come to an end. Your days are numbered.

  38. ineedfree
    September 21, 2011

    Astaphans the world will not revolve around; dont try to be the centre of the universe…you will be overwhelmed in the end.

    What were you thankful for….? the seduction of the courts where a lawyer whose is a member of the election commission is giving advice to the lawyer for the accused….an attorney general who is supposed to be neutral…… in a case where justice is delayed and denied.

    YOUR POSTURE IN THIS LAND IS A WARNING TO SOME OF US THAT KNOW THE END OF THE WICKED

  39. Malatete
    September 21, 2011

    Be careful, don’t celebrate too soon. You maybe lucky still since you were named after St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost causes.

  40. mouth of the south
    September 21, 2011

    hahaha astaphans trying to get the labour red ants emotional bloods brewing…. why??? cause he knows there’s a strong possibility skerrit will lose the case…. and so he’ll need the gullible supporters to take the streets and riot once the word is given… hhhmmm

  41. tebeeer
    September 21, 2011

    Two things that I suspect- Tony knows what the outcome is already be it through divine intervention or thru hmmmmm (need not say it). As such he is already setting the stage to deflect the conniving nature of those in the judiciary system n. (2)
    Now that a few whispers of discontent are coming from members of the judiciary Tony is looking for a blow hole.

    If Tony is suggesting that the media is bias towards him and his clients then I’d say what an interesting turn of events. With DBS, Kairi and the prison officer media network on his side I don’t understand how Tony can feel trapped in the minority.
    The truth is Tony the news worth material as related to the case are the eye opening moves made by (1) the judge and (2) you and your witnesses. Why shouldn’t the media talk about your witnesses who chose to come tell the truth for our PM and Petter when the PM and Petter chose not to tell the court the truth themselves. The fact that a pastor ( a leader of a flock) chose to come purge himself on the stand

  42. Free Thinker
    September 21, 2011

    We all know that the media is bias. If the media were biased towards Tony and his clients, we would never be crying.
    When he uses the airwaves of Kairi , he never thinks of bias.

    One thing is for sure: God is watching from wherever He is.

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