Senior Counsel, Tony Astaphan, has defended the government’s decision to nominate Alix Boyd-knights as president of Dominica pointing out that she has a good track record and is not a novice.
Speaking on Kairi’s Heng progam, Astaphan also shrugged off suggestions by leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) that Boyd-Knights is unsuitable for the job because of her conduct as speaker of the house.
“I think that is a nonsense debate for a number of reasons,” he stated. “The president is largely a ceremonial office with very few or limited executive powers to make any decisions to affect the rights of the people of this country.”
Astaphan noted that the proposed nominee is fit for the job because of her track record for advocating women’s rights.
“Alix Boyd-Knights has a track record,” he said. “She is not a novice, she has a track record in advocating women’s right and criminal laws and laws to prohibit, prosecute and punish sexual abuse offenses against young women …. she has actually assisted in the call for and drafting of legislation…”
He stated that Boyd-Knights is a lawyer and teacher who has been speaker of the house for 14 years. “She has handled herself as speaker with great decorum and with complete reflection and understanding of the law because with every single case that has been brought against her by the United Workers Party, she has won…” he noted.
The term of Dominica’s current president ends in October.
The government’s decision has not gone down well with the UWP with a protest meeting planned for Friday in Roseau.
There is nothing which rots morale more quickly and more completely than … the feeling that those in authority do not know their own minds..”
We are ready to govern. Fear no more Tony. Change is a must not an option.
The new UWP undertaker must find something to do to leave his mark before he put the party to rest in peace.
Skerrit, American Airlines Expands Service to St. Kitts
mrs.knight is going to be president.like it or not.labour will be winning the next election.like it or not.so put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Well said Tony. Alix deserves people as you to defend her. Too often the little people think they know more than others.
As a Dominican you have a right to speak up. There are too many haters who comment on this Website as they call themselves Christians. They are turning this Website into a lowly Website with their low-class comments. It is as if they came out to roost.
Hear the Slave that haven’t gotten the memo yet that slavery is over..
“.Too often the little people..” jackass
AMEN @ jUSTICE AND TRUTH.
No way mr astp
Tony just need to shut up. He knows darn well that this is a poor choice.
u all the uwpites want our votes when u all calling us stupid foolish negros and so and and well i amm voting the labour party all the time the more mapwiii all give is the more the labourites rise and down in the hole all u going take it from prayer is the key long time all u want to do all u protestso do it god is not sleeping
You really sound like a labourite. You talk like you have very little sense in your head.
I’m totally on your Side tony good nomination
Tony your Kingdom falling.I didn’t say it,Crazy did.
No wonder Dominica so backward because we have foolish negroes.
You bye the name of TO: If you want to send a message across please be articulate and stop posting garbage that sound like race bashing. Smh
Labour-Right,,,,!!!!
Labour-Power,,,,
Tony Astaphans please just put a sock in it!!!!!!! Geez! I can’t tolerate the man, who died and name him speaker and defender of things na esp for Skerrit and his party???????
so DNO just because I put a extra S in Tony surname allu never post my comment till now SMH!!! The truth still remain Tony is indeed and
But how can Dominicans seat by and allow such injustice in our land? it si tim eto show our dissatisfaction in the madness the DLP is doing to us.
What injustice? What madness? If any injustice and madness are practiced it is on your side, those who oppose this nomination. I do not even think it is worth responding to people as you for you will never learn to love and accept authority, to leave well alone and live in peace. You are negative people and imagining what which does not exist.
Why doesn’t the Pal Reps step aside and let Tony and Skerro run for elections on their own noh??
Because it is only tow of them that running things in the Gov’t.
Dominican is is a bad state of affiars.
Labor lost in Australlia and next Labor will lost in D/ca. I can’t wait!!
PM Skerrit Tony will bring about your downfall.Dominica is not the property of J Astaphan.Skerrit stop being Tony’s puppet.I stopvoting for you because of that intellectual fool
All I’m saying on this is the day Skerrit get out of power, he & his fellow men tht did ill to my Country need to be out on trial for TREASON against the state……
You will be on trial for being non-patriotic, disobedient and disrespectful to authority. Right now you are on trial as God has taken note of your attitude.
Tony eyeing another 2.1mil for defending this in court boy. Tony you are a temporary Dominican so please let the real Dominicans deal with their issues. word of advise Tony you now have someone to look up to you be a good example to your son. Lies and misguided bravado will be an embarrassment to him down the road….Everything on the internet these days lets hope you are not what makes children bully him in the future when he can read.
What do you mean Tony is a temporary Dominican? He is no more than you are. If you are younger than Tony, he is more Dominican than you are.
alas boy look trouble…. tony give me a dollar na
? oh no i’ll ask dr mac
Women of Dominica rise up and support the A. Boyd-Kight because if we fail to take a stand now the gains we have made in the last few years while be lost.
You taking the women for fools? Trying and bring up an irrelevant gender issue? Your so foolish to believe that would have worked or you truly believe this is a gender issue and is a complete moron.
I support you “trolol” 100%
You are being mislead. She is all for herself.
Enough is enough Dominicans need to boycott astaphans.
agreed
I too would like Tony to stop being a menace to our society while bilking the miserable cow however I don’t agree with you on the matter of Astaphans business. We must not promote this type of action or attack on people’s business. All the same Tony and his family are Dominicans just like you and Tony has a right to run his mouth too. Our responsibility as more responsible Dominicans than Tony is , is to insure that he Tony does not have power through Roosevelt Skerrit by getting rid of Roosevelt Skerrit
ALL those who nominated and SUPPORT the nomination of Alex Boyd Knights are: haters of country and most likely have another country to run to; they are evil minded; corrupt; if they have children in Dominica they know very well that their children are no more than visitors here and last but not list, “Birds of a feather are always flocking together.” The question today is, do you love Dominica? If yes give me a thumbs up and if nay, your usual thumbs down.
Tony! You will be another LEO AUSTIN to Prime Minister. Only when you let him fall, you will realize what a MAD MAN you are. Because the PM is a really nice person, but with people like you, he will fall on his face,
I don’t understand why so many men are up in arms about the Presidential nominee? It is because the title is “President”? When a woman is strong and takes a stand against the injustices done to her, why is it viewed as arrogant, rude and obnoxious???? When it is a man he is view as courageous, strong, in command and can get the job done. I see this as a huge issue when it comes to equity for women in high office, with some men bringing in personality issues to paint a negative picture of a credible nominee. If it wasn’t for her strength she would not be where she is today. I salute you A. Boyd-Knight a strong independent, courageous, single mother and a woman from Dominica. The same adjectives used against Boyd-Knight can be applied the Lennox Linton but yet in-spite of this he was selected to be the leader of a political party seeking to governor the country. We cannot have it both ways. I guess there should be a call to demonstrate against him as the leader for the obvious reasons of lark of education and a hostile personality.
you are a disgrace to even want to sound like a feminist I try to figure what exactly you might be trying to sound like and the word is plain old “ignorant”
When ever somebody say something that make sense people like you always call them name’s. Personally I think you should flip the coin because you are the ignorant one. (STUPID) it takes one to know one.
I am an independent, hardworking, educated, successful Dominican Black woman and single mother and you are an A if you think that both positions require the same personality. The president of the country needs a semminly impartial and dignified individual. And my dear while I agree that girls run the world, A. Boyd Knight is not the right choice for this position.
Girls run the World. You could not have said this better! Women need to be respected!
Well said! He is not as educated and experienced as she is. That man is out of place. Who does he think he is? All of a sudden he feels important and popular. His day is coming. It is only a matter of time.
Shut up Tony!!!! Please be quiet!!!!!!!! Dominicans don’t need your input!!!!!!Stuepse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love Alix Boyd Knights. She is outspoken, Bold, not afraid and truthful. Is this what you all have against her? Besides she is well experienced and has held positions in the Commonwealth Parliamentary grouping and other external . Also is it because she is woman? Well as a woman myself, I can not be my own enemy or be against woman. Those who are insecure (men) do not want anyone to challenge them because they want to be seen as the savior of the masses.
I do not need anyone to thumbs me up. I am a thinker for my self and no one cannot sway me on this one. Can anyone of you who repeats what others tell you prove anything that you are repeating. Sometimes I even wonder why some persons are against those who are educated especially women. Women are not just for childbearing. Also this says a lot for those who are calling the protest action… Arrogant persons who do not care for us women. Take note! !
I don’t need anyone’s thumbs up!
@?????????? – You didn’t have to tell folks that you don’t need anyone’s thumbs up.
It is only normal, fair and proper that persons who post utter nonsense (like what you posted) will get a multitude of thumbs down.
And with that, here goes my thumbs down for you.
P.S. – Since you say that you can think for yourself, please find a better posting name for yourself alright. The use of a set of question marks as one’s name is so boring and lacking in originality and creative thought.
Or maybe you so confused,……………….??????????????????????
Kamchatka.
The issue is not what name one uses. The issue is about the nomination for President. Did you bring any alternative to the forum? I guess you have won a prize for originality (Your Name). You have not brought any argument why the Lady cannot be President but only shown the hatred within you as you got so offended. I won’t be and I am not confused. I support the Lady’s nomination .. you need to put your nomination forward as well. Also I am advising you to read the DNO article on Alix Boyd-Knights Curriculum Vitae. Give reasons why she cannot be a nominee for President and you will be respected but not just saying that I posted “utter nonsense”. Where is your “sensible comment”? I have not seen any and I am waiting for that. Also you need to start respecting others.
A multitude of thumbs down do not matter. God knows on whose side you are on; certainly not his side. Those who hate others are on the side of the devil. He is influencing you to perform his job which will lead to nowhere. Such people are not blest.
I gave you thumbs up. I am on the side of DLP and Alix. I do not endorse those who spew hatred and yes, repeat what they have heard. They do not have a mind of their own and are not capaable of thinking for themselves. Their ignorant is showing.
you got that right cause the first ignorant one here is you!
Tony Astaphan is another MAD MAN. LABOUR MUST GO !
We fed Uuuuuuuuuuuuuppppppppppp!!
who is this puppet called Toni. seems all this guy is is a mouth peace. every time somebody dont agree with skerrit this is sent out.
why dont you stick to being a couscous thats what you were hired for. if you want to be in the public face so much. shot up and run for office like everyone else.
This guy is nothing more than a distraction.
skerrit pay him to be the mouth speaker for real thats what skerrit do with dominica tax money waisting it change is a must
We must understand how politics work. With the popularity of the UWP and the possibility of the Labor Party loosing the next General Elections, it would be political suicide for Tony or any prominent DLP supporter not to support Skerrit’s decision to appoint Alix Knights for the Presidency. Should they show their public disapproval would certainly be misunderstood to be supporting Mr. Linton and the UWP, therefore, at this time the love of the people of Dominica will have to take second place. Remember the statements by Alix Knights about being red then dead and Helen’s legs which were said on a DLP political platform, they were directed at the UWP and Tim Tim was at the time the deputy political leader of the UWP. Today Tim Tim is a Minister of the Skerrit DLP Government who will no doubt support the same Alix. Politics, politics, I am happy I am not a politician.
honestly base on her knowledge of the law i believe she is good for the position. I think we need to stop politically assassinating people because of their political affiliation.
Simple question to you which requires an honest answer. When and where has she demonstrated that knowledge of the law?
Tell tony SHUT SHUT UP Im just fed up this man is not PM He is not President He is not Bishop
Admin.
The end of your report states that “the decision to appoint boydd-knight has not gone down well with UWP” could have been written in a way that would come across as being less partisan.
After all, I’m sure you would have noticed that the general mood across all parties and it would appear the majority of Dominicans, object to boydd-knight as president. Meaning, it is not just a UWP thing. How say you?.
Admin, how say you?.
Who are those in the majority? It would be interesting to see all of them. Place them in a room and look at them. You will then realize that their views do not count and are redundant.
u see my people,we all have skeletons in our closet.some of us in public office are no better than the lady,is only when the secret come out other people getting to know our dayfoe
God knows I am NOT a supporter of the UWP but Tony is killing the labour party. Tony believes that all Dominicans are fools and he can thrive on the ignorance of the people for his selfish motives.
I don’t think anyone questions the academic qualifications of Mrs Knights, its her ATTITUDE to people and the RUBBISH she upholds as a should be professional.
I have had one solitary interaction with this lady and as far as she was concerned, though I was providing a service to her and her clients, she could walk over me as a cockroach and pay no attention as to how I felt.
These type of people only do certain things for one simple reason: To get media publicity that they are soooooooo concerned about the vast majority of Dominicans like me who despite being a supporter of the DLP, have to be employed only six months of the year doing tour guiding for EC$40.00 a day.
I have to be feeding my little girls Glow sekwe ( Brown sugar water & bread for lunch when they come from school, cannot pay DOMLEC and DOWASCO.
Have to be carrying water all 12 O’clock in the night.
I ask, do these people have a GOD given conscience????
Does anyone ever wonder what happened to the Next Level? If this is it then God help us.
@ Sen Joe LYO, you LIE SPEAK THE TRUTH AND FEEL FREE IN YR HEART. Last week you in sult the lady this week you not UWP, go and take a rest.
Everybody in their camp is ok, but everyone on the other side is no good. I continue to wonder. They say that’s politics. When they jump ship their status changes, We have current, proven examples.
Sounds like a plea of mitigation to me, which is all it can be. Unfortunately for learned counsel it only helps to intensify the focus on the case for the “prosecution”.
Tony may be a damned good lawyer but he is lousy at PR.
“The president is largely a ceremonial office with very few or limited executive powers to make any decisions to affect the rights of the people of this country.”
Pay attention people: As President she can do far less damage to Dominica. Rumour has it that she is a great cook, so the Malice might become the best resaurant in Town.
another braying for it’s super.
Back in the days Tony would have already graduated from the school of DFA with Dominicans and a commemorative trophy too. I guess the school of DFA is no longer a serious school in Dominica.
Tony please tell us what are the cases that was won by Alix.
How many times must To y be caught lying and yet moral Dominicans continue to support him.
It’s only men with balls that can understand men with no balls will always beyond the horizon Tony ple tar ple twist
I mean men with no balls will not see beyond the horizon
He stated that ” Boyd-Knights is a lawyer and teacher who has been speaker of the house for 14 years. She has handled herself as speaker with great decorum and with complete reflection and understanding of the law because with every single case that has been brought against her by the United Workers Party, she has won…”
With great decorum? Are you for real Tony? What has this country become? A coconut Republic run by you and your likes? The whole country, DLP, UWP and Freedom party must come out in large numbers to demonstrate against this nonsense.
Tony and Alixboyd..Mem bet mem pwel!
Dominica’s Public Enemy #1. No surprise here. When will it come to an end?
why do we even entertain Tony??
coshonee defends coshonee, who the cap fits.. let them wear it, so think before you wana hit dislike astaphan supporters ;)
Senior Counsel, Tony Astaphan I am sure that you are familiar with this phrase, If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, it’s a duck” this is both you and the speaker of the house
I am from Trafalgar and this woman is not like in the village at all, as soon as she came to TR where she is residing, she wanted to take our freedom away from us the villagers, wanted to bully us, keep calling police for people in the village
Alex Boyd Knight,Ma Knight for president of Dominica, this woman who is speaker of the house, where she displaces her prejudice and lack of fairness towards members of the opposition, oh me oh my, only time will tell
Ma Knight for president of Dominica what a disgrace
If you know her personally how come you do not know her name is Alix not Alex. ….just shows how much we know and judge.
Alix, Alex ….you splitting hairs. Is meme bete meme pwel.
Every one in TR City calls her Ma Knight, I need not knowing her name, name is not important is character/ people people skills, good personality which Ma Knight do not have
People I have a suggestion, can we all treat tony as a distraction, because to me that’s all he is.
Consider that done. We will ask Dr Mac to deal with him
UTTER RUBBISH.
utter rubbish
Tony i think its time u let us Dominican decide whats best for us we are the ones feeling it at the end of the day , u always to quick to run your mouth
As a Born Dominican, Tony has a right like any other Dominican to run his mouth!! So stop your stupid talk about “Let us Dominican decide what’s best for us”. And don’t think that you are talking for the majority of Dominicans; that’s the mistake that all you UWP for the past three elections and it is the same mistake you all are making again.
The Labourites may be silent but we very loud with our X at the polls.
and the end result is deafening as well, smallest economy in the OECS, lowest population( not due to low birthrate but migration) lowest ranking on all indicators of development in the OECS, every sector is failing, dominicans are as poor as we were at independence…. so i agree, you all should be silent cause it seems that voting labour isn’t something to shout about lol….. unless you are part of the crew which get all projects and consultancies????
As I have stated. I would like to meet those negative people. I am certain I would not be impressed. Their comments are not worth a thing.
I dont even have to read this…….Useless Article
what do you expect tony to say? he wants to ensure he remains in power sucking the last breathe out of the poor people of this country. BUT no more we are not going to tolerate it anymore. we will die for this country if we have to. they have gone too far this time
Did you just say “decorum”? So you guys didn’t know all of those good things about Alix before you installed Dr. Liverpool and then Mr. Williams?
Comrade you are a speaking utterrubbish (not one word nuh.lol
Tony listen to youself and see just how foolish those remarks are;
“The president is largely a ceremonial office with very few or limited executive powers to make any decisions to affect the rights of the people of this country.”
In other words if it has to do with having to make decisions to affect the rights of the people of this country ALIX BOYD-KNIGHTS is unsuitable!!!!! Point well taken sir. We hear you loud and clear.
Please do not allow the esteemed office of President to be brought to disrepute with this nomination.
I expected nothing else from the defender-in-Chief of everything wrong i this country.
And also Lorraine Bannis Roberts after all the woman is still getting a pay check from the D’ican GOVT for handing out passport forms thru the Vergin Islands. Tony/Lorraine you are finished enough is enought you got to go.
In my book that would be called treason. You get your ticket into parliament pledging to help those that voted for you and then switch to the party the people who voted for you did not want. How can you trust a person like that? I have lost complete respect for Bannis Roberts.
Is Mr Astaphan for real. Is he speaking about the same Alex Boyd Knights that I know personally.
***NO SURPRISE THERE***
As the saying goes, “birds of a feather flock together”.
In this case people with “poor public conduct” usually protect their kind.
-Thanks