A passionate plea to the court by attorney Cara Shillingford-Marsh was unable to sway the Magistrate or the prosecution from adjourning the matter of Dr. Thomson Fontaine to August 22, 2022, which she says greatly affects his employment as the Policy Adviser to the government of South Sudan, Africa.
Dr. Fontaine, who stands charged with inciting violence and obstructing justice for a riot in Roseau on February 7, 2017, following a meeting held by Dominica’s parliamentary opposition, the United Workers Party (UWP), is on $75,000.00 bail for the alleged offenses.
When the former UWP Senator appeared before the court yesterday, August 8, 2022, Magistrate Michael Laudat informed him that he had breached two of his bail conditions.
On April 23, 2022, he was arrested at the Douglas Charles airport on arrival in Dominica, on a bench warrant issued by Magistrate Asquith Riviere on November 22, 2018, following his failure to appear at two court hearings.
He later appeared in court on April 29, where bail was granted to him and on May 9, the court granted a variation of bail granting him permission to travel to South Sudan.
The variation order stated that he was to report to the jurisdiction of the court on July 26, 2022, and surrender his travel documents back to the court on that date.
However, at Monday’s hearing, the attorney for the accused, Shillingford-Marsh, told the court that her client had breached the conditions due to circumstances beyond his control. She presented evidence to the court which showed that he was expected to return to Dominica on July 13, but his flight was cancelled and as such, he arrived on August 3.
Nevertheless, Magistrate Laudat informed the attorney that Dr. Fontaine was still in violation of the court order as he had failed to surrender his travel documents despite his late arrival.
“Based on my interpretation of the bail condition, the court specified a date in which the documents were to be returned and because the condition had already been breached, I advised my client to not surrender his travel documents but instead, report to the Mahaut Police Station,” Shillingford-Marsh stated.
She further contended it would have been a waste of judicial time to interrupt the court’s proceedings on Friday when they were due back in court on Monday.
“I don’t think that is what the court would have wanted,” the attorney insisted.
However, Magistrate Laudat held a different view. He said regardless if the court order was breached, upon return to Dominica, the defendant should have immediately surrendered to the court and returned his travel documents as outlined in the condition of his bail variation.
Former Chief Magistrate Gail Royer who stood as surety for Dr. Fontaine was examined by the court and informed of the defendant’s breaches. Even so, she stated she would like to continue as his surety.
Magistrate Laudat then ruled that Dr. Fontaine’s bail will not be revoked and will continue in the sum of $75,000.00. He ordered the surrender of all Fontaine’s travel documents to the court immediately, and informed him that he must not leave the State without first applying to the court for permission to do so 72 hours in advance.
Dr. Fontaine’s bail also stipulates that he must report to the Mahaut Police Station every Monday and Friday between 7:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m. He was further barred from conducting any interviews with the media on the matter directly or through a third party.
Shillingford- Marsh requested that the travel conditions be removed but her request was denied.
Thereafter, Trinidadian attorney, Daniel Khan, who is led by Queen’s Counsel, Israel Khan as the prosecutor, requested that the matter be adjourned to the soonest available date as he revealed the prosecution’s intent to proceed with the case by way of paper committal.
The initial date of September 16, 2022, was set by the court, however, the defense attorney said she was unable to commit to that date as she already had another matter scheduled.
Several other dates during the months of September and October were proposed but none were suitable for Shillingford-Marsh’s heavy schedule.
Based on her availability, she requested a date in December and further told the court that Dr. Fontaine was expected back at work in South Sudan.
Despite Shillingford-Marsh’s plea to the court, when the option of a December date was proposed to the prosecution, Khan again requested an earlier date and the matter was then set for August 22, 2022.
“It will be very difficult for Dr. Fontaine to take time out of his job at such a close date and travel back to Dominica. As a human being to another human being, we are asking the court to take his employment into consideration,” the defense attorney stated in pleading her case.
She implored the Magistrate to be impartial with his decision as according to her, “There are two sides at the bar table. The court should not seek to only please the prosecution and make a decision which is in their favor and not in the best interest of the defendant.”
She asked that Dr. Fontaine’s attendance at court on August 22 be waived. However, Magistrate Laudat again denied her request.
“Dr. Fontaine’s job is at risk. He was given some time to travel to Dominica for today’s hearing but he’s expected back at work. It would be impossible for him to travel to South Sudan and return back to Dominica in a matter of two weeks.”
The attorney then voiced her intention to file for judicial review in the matter at the High court.
In response, Magistrate Laudat said as a judicial officer, he should not, and will not, assist in the delay of court matters.
The prosecution was ordered to give disclosure to the defense on or before August 16, 2022.
Don’t worry (real) Dr PhD Thompson Fountaine “when rogues and vagabonds fall out just men must get their reward” this recalcitrant DLP administration and their “mouton batallie” followers and enablers, cannot fathom the fact that you have been recognized and performed more than any of them on the world stage; you’re like cork brother can’t keep a good man down.
I have no sympathy for you Dr Fontaine. That’s what happens when an educated man like you follow a dunce, high school drop out like ugly Lenny in misbehaving and breaking the law. I am glad that the court’s message to you is that no one is above the law regardless of his or her status and that you have to face the consequences like everyone else when you misbehave and break the law. It’s a shame that you decided to go on the dark side. You could have been a valuable asset in the development of our beautiful country.
Only in DA a man can determine when he shows up for trial. Well, guess who said DA is not a real country……..
Skerrit is threatened by de intelligence of Fountaine. De Court is aware of Fountaine engagement with the government of Sudan…….an assignment that Skerrit himself is unqualified to perform in de interest of the government and people of Sudan. Dat magistrate exhibits signs of weakness……to a man that unable to justify his millionaire lifestyle. Ultimately Laudat praise will come from Skerrit….not de citizens Dominica. No African government will give Skerrit high praise for this clear case of jealousy …towards a man with qualifications that he unable to purchase!!!! Skerrit lawyer is bought to perform in a manner that would be quite unbecoming of a member of the judiciary in Dominica.
Ultimately, Skerrit and his suckers are bitter over Fountaine humble accreditation respect and accomplishment.
What has intelligence got to do with someone who broke the law and has to answer in court for his bad behaviour? Didn’t you hear what the judge said? No one is above the law including the head of the country.
Intelligence has eluded you obviously……….read your comment.
Bad behavior? What was de crime committed? Did Isaac commit de same crime and get excused for it? How serious was de crime? How come nobody ever end up in jail yet?
Dat magistrate struggling with intelligence to serve Skerrit……above de law.
You exercising your skills……..questioning intelligence?………..over money eh?
How can you claim a man has broken the law before he has been found guilty? They call that prejudice .Think before you open your mouth DS and make yourself sound stupid.
But, Toto, you self….!!
A man is arrested first on the strong suspicion that he has committed a crime. a.k.a “broken a law.” This the fundamental basis on which a man is hauled to Court. How you gonna arrest a man if there is no indication that he has broken a law? Huh?! Lol!! Smh! You guys are funny.
You live on planet Mars
Toto, that is where Fontaine has the opportunity to prove to the court that he did not break the law. He had to have done something wrong in the first place why he was arrested, …… Now he has to prove the police wrong or accept punishment for his guilt.
I still have hope that Dominica can change. However for that to happen some people have to go to the funeral home and then to their grave first. Don’t accuse me of wishing anyones death because if I am then I got it from the beloved apostle Paul “ I would they were even cut off which trouble you.” Gal 5:12
You are absolutely right. The sequence has started.
It’s like the devil riding some of them fellars back . They are so inconsiderate.
These police officers are weak and a disgrace to justice.Incitement and obstruction my foot.These guys should be charged for conspiring to overthrow the government.There is audio evidence where Fontaine is boasting to others about obstructing the police in February 7 2017.That same night after a UWP political meeting,Lennox Linton is recorded by Matt Peltier,telling Matt Peltier”you see what is going on there it will not stop,until demits office or resign”He mean the destruction of private and personal property,the setting of fire on the streets of Roseau and the exchange of gunfire with the police.I hope the audio’s are introduced into evidence The Dominican people voted a government,and these people are heard boasting about how they plan to remove the government.The destruction will not stop until Skerrit demits office or resign.And they talk about snipers,militia,navy seals and Airborne Rangers,if DLP really had those Thompson Fontaine or Lennox Linton would be alive.DLP are…
Let me say this to Roosevelt Skerrit, Magistrate Dave Laudat and the two Khans of Trinidad that are trying to hurt Dr Thompson Fontaine and Hon Lennox Linton:
It’s no secret that you guys are are on a witch hunt but you won’t succeed because
Isaiah 54:17 says this
17 No weapon formed against you ( Linton and Thompson) shall (A)prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you ( Linton and Thompson) in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
(B)And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord.
So servants of the Devil like Skerrit and his wicked gang better take note
So, the others are not being persecuted or prosecuted, I wonder why Dr Fountain? What is the concern, what is the fear? is that an attempt at intimidation?
Hmmmmm very fishy I might add.
How can a magistrate presented with two identical cases make two different decisions on adjourned hearings.
No doubt magistrate Lowdah in my opinion behaves as one of Skerrit’s paid attorneys and it is clear that he is very biased and will do all in his power to assist his teammates Daniel Khan, Israel Khan . But I want to let Magistrate Lowdah know that there is a God above who judges the secret thoughts of our hearts. I also want magistrate Lowdah to know that I am praying for God to visit him and all those who support the evil and lies of Roosevelt Skerrit
This is a portion of Thomson Fountain (Dominica Born) resume; and to the skeptics can be verified!
Over the past 20 years I have developed a wealth of relevant experience in the areas of global economic and development issues as well as economic research. This vast experience is coupled with my academic training and research on current economic trends related to growth, currency crises, development, fiscal and debt issues. I also served as an Adjunct Associate Professor Graduate School, University of Maryland University College and lectured at Clemson University.
More recently as an international consultant I have worked on European Union sponsored projects in St Kitts and Ghana in the areas of Public Finance Management (PFM) and Debt issues. Previously, as an integral part of my work as an IMF economist (1998-2011) I offered key economic policy advice to relevant country authorities (Ghana, Swaziland, Niger, Namibia, Lesotho, Turkmenistan, Turkey, The Gambia, Eritrea, Sierra…
Con.
Management (PFM) and Debt issues. Previously, as an integral part of my work as an IMF economist (1998-2011) I offered key economic policy advice to relevant country authorities (Ghana, Swaziland, Niger, Namibia, Lesotho, Turkmenistan, Turkey, The Gambia, Eritrea, Sierra Leone, and the United Arab Emirates), undertook in-depth analysis of global macroeconomic trends and commented on its implications for sustainable growth and development to the Board and Management of the IMF.In October 2010 I presented my research on currency crises to a conference organized by FX Week Asia in Singapore. My research has also been published by the IMF and the Harvard International Review. I also possess a very strong competence in French.
Roosevelt Chichi Royer Skerrit and the scums of the earth calling themselves magistrate cannot produce a resume that reads like that, and that is why Thomson is Dr. Thomson Fountain!
And he is not a damn thief like a headless crab a certain politician!
This continuing saga has now evolved from prosecution to persecution.
Trumped up charges from more than 5 years ago against opposition politicians (except the turncoat who now sits in the Speaker’s Chair) where resources of the state are expended on high-priced foreign legal representatives is the textbook definition of political persecution. Aside from the high-priced lawyers for the “prosecution”, the unwavering collusion of the magistracy (with their grace and favour appointments) is despicable. Especially since it appears that there is no plan to actually prosecute the charges, for Fontaine or any of the other accused. Just make every effort to torment. Persecute, not prosecute, indeed.
The veneer that Dominica is a democracy, with an independent judiciary, is becoming very thin and is completely bare in growing patches.
I like this magistrate and,if possible will teach him basic battle skills,self defence and advance jungle survival.August 3 2022 was a Wednesday,Crooked Thompson did report to the police station that day He did not report on Thursday 4,he did not report or Friday 5,because he was advised by his lawyer not to do so.On Monday 8 his lawyer takes him before the Magistrate talking BS.Fontaine was supposed to be in Dominica on July 13 to surrender his travel documents 13 days later on July 26.What the hell does that have to do with the court if his flight was cancelled.OK he does not get to Dominica on time,when he gets there,because of the usual disrespect for the court,his lawyer advised him not to go to no damn station.Not to surrender no damn travel document,and we will get the court to do what we want them to do.Fontaine is not working for the South Sudanese government and the court should seize his travel documents on till he is tried.”Young people asking for guns to…
“Dr. Fontaine, who stands charged with inciting violence and obstructing justice for a riot in Roseau on February 7, 2017”
This is certainly victimization in the its highest form!
Roosevelt Skerrit, and his lap dogs in the kangaroo courts in the banana republic of Dominica endeavors to destroy anybody who will not sell their soul and bow at the feet of the corrupted dictator Roosevelt Skerrit!
At the moment the reason for the adjourning the matter is that: if he will not subject himself to the will of that damn corrupted crook, the little scoundrel Roosevelt, we will set upon him a condition that will ruin his professional ability to function in his appointed job, by the British government to advise and set up the new nation in South Sudan.
Jealousy, and hate of Fountain by Roosevelt Skerrit is the cause of this victimization!
The time nevertheless, will come when Roosevelt will suffer the consequences for all of his evil; outside of politics, Roosevelt is evil!
Cont:
You see, Thomson Fountain may be a politician, but indeed an educated Dominica politician at that! The the man is unique, talented, with plenty of economic knowledge, one who taught economics in a University here in the United States; Thomson resume reads:
Over the past 20 years I have developed a wealth of relevant experience in the areas of global economic and development issues as well as economic research. This vast experience is coupled with my academic training and research on current economic trends related to growth, currency crises, development, fiscal and debt issues. I also served as an Adjunct Associate Professor Graduate School, University of Maryland University College and lectured at Clemson University.
More recently as an international consultant I have worked on European Union sponsored projects in St Kitts and Ghana in the areas of Public Finance Management (PFM) and Debt issues. Previously, as an integral part of my work as an IMF economist (1998-2011) I…
Wow. All these great credentials but he does not know right from wrong. He does know better? Refusing to appear in court while you are on bail.
Do you know any better? You have the illusion that you can write like an expert in human behavioral science, but you are in imposter in that field, a fake, in presenting yourself as well informed and educated but your efforts indicate that you are below street gossip level.
You use any issue in your fanatical attempt to degrade Skerrit, his wife and family, but because he ignores you, you hate him even more. Why?
With all Dr Fountaine’s prestigious achievement can he present one time when he has helped any Dominican, anyone? The same question can be asked of you.
Both of you are bringing Dominica and Dominicans to ill repute. But you are not helping his cause. If he is as educated as you claim, he must disassociate himself with you. The high court prosecutor can call you as a “hostile” witness for conviction on what you…
“Wow. All these great credentials but he does not know right from wrong. He does know better?”( Caroline”
Caroline, if you knew better; you would have known that People like Lennox Linton, Thomson Fountain, and many who stands in political opposition against Roosevelt are destined to be prosecuted by the judiciary when they are instructed by Roosevelt Skerrit to do so.
If Fountain decided place that scoundrel, that little corrupted boy, Roosevelt Chichi Royer Skerrit on a pedestal and kiss his behind; if Lennox, and others like Lugay and others did the same, they would never be victimized and harassed by Roosevelt goons they call police on Roosevelt instructions.
Right now, there is a dormant case against the so called Speaker of the House, brought against him by Roosevelt while he was an opposition member while in the UWP, when he decided to grovel like the yard-foul he is; at Roosevelt feet, he gave him a job; the matter in court became dormant.
How can this…
How can this be?
Roosevelt is not in Thomson Fountain class academically, nor intellectually; Thimson is not a liar, nor a thief and most certainly does not depend on politics to live!
I am of the opinion that our country, and that’s if you are Dominican, you would agree that the nation needs Thomson Fountain more than Fountain needs Dominica.
Thomson did not go out begging for a job; as far as I understand. Because of what you read in his resume, he was sort after by the British, and ask to go to Sudan to help set up a new government, and a new nation!
The ability of this man, we all should be very proud of; the thing is whereas the British government knew his potential, and great ability they engage him.
Whereas, in Dominica, they treat him as dirt; whereas he has the ability to take Dominica out of poverty.
I am sure his abilities, and vision supersedes the sale of passports to run the country.
We need more than Roosevelt Skerrit passport economy!
This all sounds very crazy How did Dr Fontaine incite violence and obstruct justice please be specific in reporting the news. What did he do or say ???
ADMIN: The specifics were not provided in court.
The evidence is normally presented at trial as part of the process of determining guilt or innocence.
We intend to follow the case to see what evidence is presented.
Was it that same Laudat, who took Gov’t to court for being bypassed and not promoted,?
Did he claim that he was more qualified and experienced than another Police Officer who was promoted instead?
Laudat, the former policeman, was given a Magistrate job, case against Gov’t close. Those whose role it is to persecute anyone with opposing views, are showing cold-heartedness, hate for ordinary, law,-abidding citizens. It is inhumane. Such harassment, persecution, prosecution of opposition figures, Dominicans, is backward and wicked.
The trouble about it is that in Dominica these political yard-fouls, and Roosevelt lap dogs never went to law school, does not have any law credentials, most of them are taken out of the civil service and crown “magistrate.”
They use a manual as a guide to play magistrates, and this crap been going on for years in our country.
Another thing is that they have so called police inspectors playing prosecutors, how can someone with no legal training or legal background, does not have a law degree be prosecuting someone when they never studied law?
We know in Dominica anybody can become a police, as long as they can spell their name and spell Dominica; and that was one of the criterion way back in the 1940’s
I doh talking that anyway!
So, they kiss Butts, bowing low and they advance to public prosecutors and magistrates making a mockery of the law by victimizing people; as we see in the case of Thomson: who is a better man than Roosevelt Skerrit academically, and…
Michael, Michael, Michael…. I will always be the first to applaud you when you do right my friend but this time you have allowed yourself to fall prey to the wishes of the cabal. My brother, you cannot do that to a man of humble beginings who has made our country very proud on the international scene. Remember of our days of growing up when the gwo-bougs children were the only ones who were deemed to posess value? Come on Michael you can do better than that…..taking bread out of a mans mouth simply because you can is never right bro!
Have a heart man! You know very well the condition under which the man finds himself in South Sudan and the difficulty plus cost of travel and that’s what you are doing? My god, this decision by you has hurt me to the core! One cannot be so unkind to his fellowman simply because he wants to excite his masters. The god that me and Dr. Fontain serve cannot be the same one you claim to serve. God is watching, mark my word
He’ll be fine. After all, isn’t this all part of the “plan”?
You know the make Thomson a matyr to raise his profile before he takes over UWP leadership. That plan.
I truly believe you have a sick mind Laura. If that were true it would mean that dr. Thomson Fontaine would be in conspiracy with magistrate Laudat, which is absurd and clearly not the case.