Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton, has apologized for statements he made about an anti-terrorism bill which is expected to take to parliament next week for approval saying they were done after a quick read of the bill itself.
It appears that Linton read part of the bill where a terrorist act is defined but missed or omitted a section where there are exceptions to such acts. He had discussed the matter with Matt Peltier on Q95’s Talk on the Block on Tuesday afternoon.
On Wednesday he confessed that he had only made a ‘quick read’ of the bill and had noticed some red flags.
“Let me confess up front, Matt, that I at the time I spoke to you yesterday I could not tell you or give you the assurance that I had completed a thorough complete read of the bill because like I said it came to us on Monday afternoon and I immediately just looked at some provisions of it, especially where the offenses are concerned some red flags, so to speak, were raised,” he said on Q95’s The Hot Seat on Wednesday morning.
He added, “I had read, for example in Part 2 of the bill where a terrorist act is defined and it simply says, terrorist act means an act which constitutes an offense under Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4, so when I read that in my initial read, I immediately went to Part 2 and read offences which is what I read yesterday for you and which is what we discussed.”
He said after a “meeting of the minds of the National Executive (of the United Workers Party) on this bill yesterday, we are now satisfied one of the main concerns we have about the bill is in fact satisfied in the provision of the bill.”
“Let me say this clearly and issue it with all the sincerity that I can and to apologize to those who may have been misled by my omission yesterday acting out of a quick read that raised some red flags. The omission of what I was saying yesterday is at Section 2: 2 of the act which says that an act which disrupts any service and is committed in pursuance of a demonstration protest or stoppage of work and is not intended to result in any harm referred to Paragraph A of the definition of terrorist act shall not be considered a terrorist act,” Linton said
He said he is now happy to clarify the matter.
“I am happy to make the observation this morning to clarify the exception that we have been looking for is in fact contained in the similar pieces of legislation in the region, because we have looked at the Antigua legislation, we have looked at the Barbados legislation,” he remarked.
The UWP on Wednesday issued an official statement on the matter.
Mr. LINTON YOU ARE A real man. You are a humble man. Keep up the fight for Dominica. Let them talk but a lot of them closing their eyes to the evil that is going on in Dominica. God bless you
Trump does not love blacks but he has certainly found his twin brother in DA. How is the world going to survive with Trump, LINTON and Kim Jung Hun. This is Armageddon ! Love keep us safe in the hallow of your hand.
I am waiting patiently to read the opinion of some people on this matter who have been stating that Linton is smart, educated and well versed in politics. I am not naming names but some of these people need to express their views; do not be silent.
I hope you all see why Isaac left the party.
Issac left the party because he can never be as honest as Linton.
He could not work with someone who can’t understand what is on paper.
And this is among the reasons Joseph Isaac had to leave. Only fools are led by a fool, but their hate continue to have then blinded.
Why J I left? Betrayed his constituents, people and party for a ministry.
God bless Dominica.
Yes indeed an Example of being a humble Human, but the bigger question is what has changed if the proposed bill still does not make sufficient “exceptions” in a way that will allow for free and uninterrupted opposition to Government policies.
Lennox continues to try and save Dominicans from the wolf they have guarding sheep but alas…more Dominicans need to begin thinking for themselves. Terrorism is a Crime everywhere already, why the rush now, and especially factoring in opposition to government as potential terrorism? You all can keep watching colours and see where this country will end up.
Show that you are at least a little smarter than Lennox, go read the bill yourself and read all the sections
At least he apologized … skerite was with N G lapseng.. he did not apologize … he was with the oil minister. ..he did not apologize to people of Dominica…he had aleriza monfared he did not apologize… this man skerite told the people not even the constitution can stop him. … he did not apologize . This man came and say no opposition in Dominica a blatant disrespect of the Democratic principles in this country …he did not apolarize … instead those coonoomoonou labourite ther jumping up applauding this man… I mean linton not a perfect man but I don’t care at this time what I care now is to get that labour party government out of office When this general election is called. . You people can say what all u want I don’t care who lead this country in the next term once it’s not that currupt good for nothing labour administration… it can be pappy I doe care…
None of these things you mentioned qualifies for an apology from Skeritt. Both Edison and Eugenia had a relationship with Lap Seng did you hear an apology from them, and what would they have to apologize for? Did Edison apologize when his government issued a Dominican passport to wanted Australian criminal? Has Lennox apologized for implying that young people seeking assistance from government are prostitutes? He did not even try to apologize, his response in the face of calls for an apology was to spell out the word PROSTITUTION, this response was tantamount to giving Dominicans the middle finger. How can saying don’t vote for the opposition be disrespectful to the constitution? That is what you call free speech which is a constitutionally protected right.
Get off the man’s back. Lennox Linton is just one man. He will err from time to time. While we chastise him, we seem to honour he who epitomises folly. Lennox is not responsible by a long shot, the state of Dominica today. We can’t blame hurricanes for our troubles either, but the collective and calculated incompetence of our government.
And as the saying goes.. it is better to be thought of as a fool. And we the undecided voters are to throw our support to this arrogant politician? Not a chance…
Great he apologized but he would not have needed to if he hadn’t been characteristically impulsive.
Partner your mind is clear and that’s what God love
I personally do not trust this DLP (Deception Lies and Propaganda) administration and see no reason for any apology by the Leader of the Opposition on any statement he made regarding his belief that there is deception in the intent of this Bill. A government that has continually lied and mislead it’s people to achieve it’s political objective will continue to do so irrespective of what anyone says or does. The resent attempt by this ROGUE government to manipulate the amendment to the electoral laws is evidence that they can’t be trusted and i believe that beneath this BILL is a sinister plan by a TERRORIST administration to silence and prevent the citizens who do not support their views from expressing their fundamental GOD given rights to decent.
Ignorant of the law is no excuse!
How can one reach the top a of ladder without starting from the bottom?
He was so concerned of what he does best; TROUBLE! He had no time to read and understand.
He run on Q95, aided by the Media polition, Matt, and ignited the fire, Some of those blind followers of his and the UWP followed suit and ready to follow instructions to Demonstate, go coast to coast with P A systems ready for the WAR. A war what they can’t explain farless to understand. Wonder how they felt after the NOVICE apologized?! Matt, you have a saying about being thought of a FOOL. Hope you read that quote to lennox .
KID, it is like Mr. Linton gave you a very toothsome delicacy. You couldn’t resist making political hay of this miscalculation. When it comes to any legislation that directly affects the lives of all citizens one should be supremely responsible. The fact is though, he has acknowledge his error, is contrite, and willing to learn from it. What impress me most is the willingness of Mr. Linton to eat humble pie. It reveals a character trait that all of us should admire., HONESTY. In comparison, Mr. Skerrit is the personification of an inveterate, congenital, compulsive, pathological, LIAR. To believe some of the things that emanate from Mr. Skerrit ‘s tongue, you have to suspend commonsense. Accusing the Opposition members of an attempted COUP D’ÉTAT is just one of many. The PM has an antagonistic relationship with the truth. Little wonder transparency and accountability are not priorities on this regime’s agenda.
Yea, you have to read and understand, some people read but don’t understand, some understand but cannot read. Never rush into things like these my brother. Is not anybody can understand law interpretation. When comes to passing legislation or understanding sections of the law it always need to be discussed u don’t just said u browsing through and misinform people who don’t know better.
He didnt misundersand. Correction,: he didnt read the whole document. One other thing. You misunderstood what you just read.
The fact is that Tony Astaphan was right .stuuupes. Another bad move by Lennox. A good leader would have a meeting of the minds with his executives before articulating erroneous statements on a national radio station. I don’t accept the sentiments of some individuals that his apology was out of humility. In my opinion it’s an apology out of embarrassment.
What’s new with Lennox? Are you all surprised? The best thing for Lennox to do is to step down and someone else who has the temperament,acts and think like a leader.
Why would you go on radio bashing something you did not read. Whoever inform that you should give an apology did the right thing.
zore linton step down whilst he still have a chance. lol
Linton and the pm there like cat and mouse obviously he (linton) is de mouse. obviously there is no need for the DLP make a force about him because he embarrassing his own self lol .Eh this is a free country let me run my mouth .
That foot in mouth disease is out of control. No, you didn’t misread you just cannot comprehend ?! In your apology you are even contradicting yourself. You made the obseversation before or after meeting with the executives? We all know YOU don’t have the capacity or capabilitie to interpret, but you want to denegrade people with degrees? The joke is on you Dr. Linton Biegass high school dropout.
Yes some of allu Dominicans quick to paint a picture , atleast the man was honest and has since apologized , stop with you all hypocrisy that’s the sign of true leadership.
that not humility that is embarasment
@ Me you are a loser and hypocrite the boots is on the other foot now you embarrassed with your crazy old crap leader, and you crying about we are hypocrites because Linton apologies for his stupidity as usual, Lennox Linton must Go out and now, That guy is a joke and Dangerous person to us all.
Also DNO you are bias towards Labour supporters and most of all me. If you have a problem with us speaking the truth come on say it loud and clear. And Viewsexpressed, I have always said i don’t worry or care about Like or dislike as i dont espected workers blue flies to agree with me anyway!!!!!
Linton only apologizes if it is convenient for him to do so. Let’s face it, even when the Court tells him that he is wrong, he still does not apologize.
The real story here is how could he have made this “error” in the first place?! Well, it is a characteristic feature of the UWPwee to focus solely and wholly on that which supports its narratives, no matter how erroneous. In this case, it is the outdated Skerrit-wants-to-suppress-democracy” narrative. Linton saw a few words up front and, using his Grade 6 analytical skills, concluded that Skerrit, once again, is trying to suppress democracy. Any responsible human being, let a lone a political leader, would know that you do not open your mouth and speak on an issue or a subject until you have acquainted yourself with all of the facts. Linton has found himself with cake on his face again!
And THIS is the alternative to Skerrit?
what kind of leader that will run to a radio station and run his mouth without reading properly or reading and understanding what he read. the man did not read all of the proposed bill and he want to burn down roseau again with his inciting of violence. this man has no brain and is not fit to lead a two mens group much more for a country.
what makes matters worse is his supporters that jump on the bandwagon of destruction before they themself had a read. blessings and Wea Wea Wea from Cainfield
To be fair to him, he dd not complete secondary education level.
it takes a grown up man and a humble man to say “SORRY” . So go ahead with you evilness full of hatred – i promise you that your hatred will consume you
Serves you right! Now you’ve made an even bigger fool of yourself! Why on earth can’t you take a document and read, understand, make your notes before running to Q and pretend you are ‘Mister know it all’ You’ve lost my support for sure.
lol..Are u serious about ur support!!? You probably are stuck with the brain of a three year old, if this is how easily support for a cause is rationalized in your head.
A most unfortunate blunder sir, As the leader of the opposition, the minimum one would expect of you is to ascertain the facts before you open your mouth. While it is true that you have apologised, it should never come to this. It demonstrates an eagerness to have your voice heard even before consultation with the party’s hierarchy, You are the political leader not the party; I would therefore assume that there is a role to be played by the party’s executive in terms of determining policy and positions on issues. Your position, Mr Linton, must not be construed as the party’s position.
We chastise the Doc from Mumbai when he shows elements of dictatorship but screaming from your portals is the identical feature. Is this a case of the pot telling the Kettle that it’s bottom is black? Chew on this Workers!!
RasB very well written and stated;;;;;
Expertly said Rasta! It is good to admit when one errs for this shows humility. However, one should always ensure that one has a good command of the facts before pontificating on any issue especially of national importance. Another crucial observation made by RasB is that pronouncements of this nature and magnitude should come from the executive body of the Party. This should indicate that there was consultation on the issue at hand and the position taken has the full support of the members of the Executive.
We all err from time to time but when it happens we should not repeat same. I hope this lesson is well instructive.
Really? So you people’s brains have only now gone into gear? The question is, how many more issues were aired without the facts in tow? How many weak minds were negatively influenced on mere conjecture?
How many times have I asked on this site in spite of thumbs down that while we all agree that Mr. Skerrit has done his time what is the alternative offering?
How many Dominicans of vulnerable mindsets have been poisoned and driven to hate other Dominicans because they considered everything said in certain quarters as gospel?
How many times have I advised that we ask some hard questions such as what exactly is on offer for Dominica other than mauvais lang? Hopefully after this episode we will think twice before swallowing everything and being ready to take up arms on the basis of emotive expressions on Q95 and not facts?
Surprisingly, when facts and documents are put forward on other issues by actual witnesses they are suppressed. No public interest for those!
Can’t be a case of the pot calling the kettle black when one recognizes his mistakes and tries to make amends while the other remains wrong and strong.
Anon, he has not apologised for his foray into one man showism, instead he apologised because he spoke before availing himself of the facts.
alyou dominicans just does talk without thinking , wa happen nah ?
Real men with integrity humble themselves and apologize. We accept your apologies. In contrast, members of the Laborrats would NEVER do that.
rates ?????????!!!! excuse me u insulting our pm and the only pride that this country still has. SOT!!!
THIS IS A FORM OF EMBARRASSMENT NOT HUMILITY !! This man should step down, obviously he doesn’t know that he’s doing . u does see de pm doing that sotness nah?
Maybe if he took his time and read and try to understand there would be no need for an apology but then again what do u expect from him NOtHING
Good one. I see your dictionary has only a few words.
Hmm Ok this is the first humble and respectable move I have seen by this guy. I would impress upon him to try to get all his facts in the future before airing his voice since he has supporters who look up to him. But an apology is always a nice touch.
The only “nice touch” apology from Linton that matters is the one where he shows remorse for his apparent ceaseless efforts at sabotaging our economy and paining Dominica in a bad light. Any other convenient apology from Linton is a show that is intended to simply make him look good.
You cant all this humble if it was done because he was backed into a corner.