Leader of the Opposition Lennox Linton has issued a statement asking for an immediate and thorough investigation into Dominica’s handling of wanted Indian fugitive Mehul Choksi, who was apprehended by police last week after, according to them, he arrived illegally by boat at Toucari.
In his statement, similar to comments he made in international media recently, Linton raised questions over what he considers are questionable circumstances surrounding Choksi’s arrival and arrest in Dominica.
The opposition leader demanded that the probe examine the actions of Dominica’s government, police, customs officials and ministers who “instructed and/or influenced” the actions of local authorities to “unlawfully facilitate the inhumane transfer of Choksi to Dominica.”
Choksi is wanted in India after allegedly cheating the Punjab National Bank of billions of dollars. He is facing charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, cheating and dishonesty including delivery of property, corruption, and money laundering.
In his statement, Linton accused the Roosevelt Skerrit Administration of an “obvious collaboration” with the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and India “in undermining the judiciary in the Eastern Caribbean.”
He pointed to what he described as “extremely disturbing” facts about Choksi’s arrival in Dominica, which he opines are indicative of government alleged “involvement” in the “abduction and smuggling of criminally accused economic citizens across international borders.”
“We demand urgent remedial action to remove the stain from this unfortunate incident on the image of Dominica and restore our country’s reputation as a responsible member of the family of nations, diligently carrying out the rule of law responsibilities of international development,” the opposition leader said.
The points raised in Linton’s statement are as follows:
“The operators of the Vincentian registered, St Lucia based schooner on which Choksi was transported to Dominica on May 23rd, 2021 declared three crew members and two Indian passengers, not including Choksi, to the authorities on departure from Antigua and Barbuda;”
“Choksi arrived in Dominica with no passport and no personal belongings. The two Indian passengers on the Schooner were taken into Covid 19 quarantine, and Choksi who was met by senior Police Officers when he came ashore was detained in a police cell and then quarantined on May 28th, 2021 – five days later;”
“On May 25th, 2021, the operators of the schooner made a false declaration to the Dominica Customs Authority that they arrived in Dominica on May 25th, 2021 with three crew members and two passengers, not including Choksi. Notwithstanding the false declaration, the schooner was cleared by Customs to leave for St Lucia on the same day, May 25th, 2021;”
“After Choksi’s lawyers filed a Habeas Corpus petition in the Dominica High Court, Police charged Choksi with illegal entry into Dominica;”
“With Choksi in police custody in Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne asked Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to deport him to India and not to Antigua and Barbuda. He subsequently confirmed that a private jet of Qatar Executive Airlines arrived in Dominica on May 28th, 2021 from New Delhi with documents from the Indian government indicating that Choksi is a fugitive from justice;”
“The High Court Judge in Dominica placed a gag order on lawyers in the Habeas Corpus matter preventing them from saying anything to the media until conclusion of the matter; and the airport staff have been instructed that taking pictures of the Bombardier Global 5000 jet of Qatar Executive airlines is strictly prohibited.”
Further to these issues, Linton was adamant that the police exhibited “unusual and calculatedly discriminatory behavior” by taking Choksi into custody but declining to question the crew and passengers who brought him to Dominica allegedly against his will. This, he said, “seems to confirm that police, immigration and customs officials were instructed by higher authorities in the Office of the Prime Minister and/or the Cabinet of Ministers.”
Speaking to International news source www.wionnews.com about his concerns, Linton said that, “The only reason the government is keeping it under wraps and not wanting that people should know about it is because the government is embarrassed by the action it took to facilitate this transaction.”
Choksi has lived in Antigua and Barbuda since 2018 after obtaining citizenship from that country in 2017. He was reported missing last Sunday by his wife Priti. This prompted a police search for him. However, it was later confirmed that Choksi was in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Dominica.
His local attorneys informed media that their client said he was kidnapped from Antigua and taken to Dominica by boat, during which time he was beaten and shocked in the eye and other areas of the body.
According to one of his Lawyers, Wayne Marsh, Choksi’s fear is that the Indian, Dominican and Antiguan governments are all involved in what he described as his “abduction” – a position borne out by the Antigua prime minister’s request for Dominican authorities to repatriate Choksi to India.
Laywers complained that they were denied access by local police to speak with their client and that authorities were attempting to have him removed from Dominica and returned to Antigua
The Ministry of National Security on May 27, released a statement informing of the “possibility” of Choski being sent back to Antigua.
On May 28, High Court Judge, Justice Birnie Stephenson issued a gag order restricting information or comments from being made publicly by the attorneys involved in the case of the Indian fugitive.
While India has an extradition arrangement with Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica isn’t among the 58 countries with which New Delhi has either extradition treaties or arrangements.
In cases involving countries with which India does not have an extradition arrangement, the repatriation of fugitives largely depends on decisions made by local authorities
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has told media that Antigua does not want Choksi to be sent back and that it would prefer for him to be directly repatriated from Dominica to India.
Anitiguanewsroom.com reported on May 29 that Browne confirmed that India sent a private jet – a Bombardier Global 5,000 jet of Qatar Executive – through the Dominica’s Douglas Charles airport on Saturday, to get Choksi repatriated directly from Dominica.
“My understanding is that [the] Indian government has sent certain documentation from courts in India to confirm that Choksi is indeed a fugitive” the website quoted Browne, who confirmed that the papers will be used in court on Wednesday.
So according to the Useless Wicked People, it’s ok now to harbor crooks and criminals in the country.
Why are THEY so protective of Choski? A wanted man in his country.
Isn’t the crime Choski is alleged for committing in his country a concern to those Useless Wicked People?
Too many Indians and no chiefs.
ADMIN, I beg to differ but this is no international story. This crook didn’t just flee India. He has been gone since 2018. Why then would that be such a big deal if he is in Dominica? Didn’t your news sources not know that he had been residing in neighboring Antigua since 2018? Common sense will tell you that this (international story) does not make sense. I am sure India has thousands of news outlets but a call from some small unknown news agency does not make it an international story. Once again, we are talking about embezzlement and not High Crimes and Misdemeanors. Small story in a country as large as India.
ADMIN: Here are a few examples of international media groups or organizations that are following this story:
CNN: https://www.msn.com/en-in/video/holiday/times-up-for-mehul-choksi-mehul-choksi-scam-brass-tacks-cnn-news18/vi-AAKDJSi
MSN: https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/newsindia/mehul-choksis-extradition-case-dominican-court-adjourns-matter-till-tomorrow/ar-AAKDwmY
Reuters via USNEWS: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-05-27/fugitive-jeweller-choksi-held-in-dominica-faces-repatriation-to-india
These are some of the biggest names in world news.
@MArk
This story is not small. These were multi billionaires and they were involved on one of you BIGGEST fraud schemes in India. People sith businesses all over the US and major cities, they went under in 2017.
India engaged law enforce,ent even the feds to find them.
It is international. There are 300 plus real crooks and criminals who are being sought an hiding,
The UWP should have thought about this first before speaking
Does anybody care about that Indian man? I don’t. It would be a waste of precious resources to devote time to an investigation. There is a legal process to remove the man from the island. Let’s follow the process and deport the man. He is not a Dominican citizen and therefore has no right to be on the island.
Deport the man and get on with life.
Zandoli, once again I am in complete agreement with you about that, my friend!
It disturbs me that Dominica’s authorities are getting so wrapped with a fugitive. Just send the man back to where he came from, what are we keeping him for. This is pure nonsense!
We announce the death of Dom-in-a-can, who died16 yrs ago, but they have her on life support to give the impression that she still has life; but sadly they all know she is dead and all those supporting Skerrit helped him kill Dominica
Dominica is rapidly becoming a rogue nation under this administration. But only Dominicans can change things and, it seems, they are all sleepwalking off the cliff.
“Lennox Linton has issued a statement asking for an immediate and thorough investigation”
There he goes again with his rude command which always falls on deaf ears. Lennox when will you come to terms with the fact that this foolish demand of yours is not working and it never will.
You want an investigation, who is stopping you from conducting it yourself–be your own private detective, higher your own private investigator, you would not be the first.
You go on international media blasting the government, of your own country, especially Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, don’t you realize that you are continuously presenting yourself as an enemy of you own home and people. How do you think the international leaders are viewing your attitude and conduct?
And yet you want to become Prime Minister of that same country–what a joke!
LizzyX,,are you disconnected from your brain before to comment? Your comments lack rationality. Is as if these comments come from a patient who has just been released from psychiatric care. Truth he told they are just beyond the pale. GIBBERISH!!!!!
@ibo France
Why would Linton call for an investigation when the information is out there this is not the only person involved.
The registered st. Vincent boat that took him out. Remember there is one of them from the defunct company on a small island off st vincent
You cannot support this and tell me you can make decisions for a country.
The US is looking for them BANKING FRAUD Gantanjali group look for a family business.
@Lizforsatan.
Who are you to tell Linton what to talk about, or what not???
You are very out of order???
Your accessory of evil!!
LizzyX why don’t you just relax in the shade and enjoy your sunset years? You resonate with nobody but a few of your ill. At your last ‘trimester of life’, take a sabbatical from the rigors of politics. This will rejuvenate you and give you longevity of life. Stop flirting with the wrong side of history.
At least we are given some hints about the kidnaping of Mr. Choksi by Mr. Linton.
Thanks Mr. Linton for the enlightenment.
But we have an Odd Minister and has been playing dumb on the matter.
The passport money must finish one day.
This is the DIRTY part of CITIZEN by investment, loop holes are going to be looked at very closely by the Gov’ts concerned, scenarios like these have embarrassment written all over it. Globalization and Neo-Liberalism have opened the GATES for the likes of Mr Choksi, MONIES have been paid for the passports, which also includes deception and distortion. Investigations have shown that some of the Worlds most devious individuals both Man/Wo own citizen by investments passports, in their luggage, is packed with some of the DARKEST forces waiting to unleash in real time.
Jesus Christ here we go again. In the absence of hard evidence, Linton goes on the international scene to drag the name of his country in the mud. We are all suspicious about what has happened and is happening as it relates to Choski but, no one knows for sure. You are here calling for investigation but you have gone on Indian news accusing your country like you have incontrovertible evidence. Linton behave yourself or leave the UWP. You talk too much.
Soon Linton will call you all to hold a demonstration to demand the release of Choksi and return him to Antigua where he will be protected.
By the way DNO there was a very interesting part on the same news site that you got that story from. Why dont you publish in its entirety.
ADMIN: This was based on a statement from UWP. We did not take it from any Indian outlet.
skerr is being very careful with his next move, he’s trying to control the narrative, so when the gag order is removed, he and his team all tell the same story, and everything matches up. all evidence leads to exactly where he wants it to. he’s weighing his options, Antigua or India. The slightest mis-calculation could end badly for him. He’ll come out soon with a response. I only hope DNO, EMO, Mass in the cemetery, and the other local media sources get their A-game on. because, i believe that Aljazeera might want a piece in this action again.
% when you are posting from that MENTAL INSTITUTION just remember UWP was KICKED out of office for massive CORRUPTION.
Be careful Lin, you leave yourself open to prosecution for libel because it was alleged corruption claimed by no other than Senior Counsel. If true it was never proven because DLP never proceeded with that case after they win that election. I remember it well brother.
Prosecution for saying that UWP was kicked out of office for massive corruption? Isn’t the UWP the same party that sold a Dominican passport to Australian criminal Christopher Skate?
ADMIN: You likely mean Christopher Skase. http://sundominica.com/articles/corruption-charges-and-counter-charges-the-curse-o-4245/
Prohibiting people from photographing the Bombardier jet, model BD700-1A11 Global 5000 at Melville Hall is pointless. Images of this Qatar registered aircraft, A7-CEE are freely available on the internet on various sites, as are details of its flightpath, flight no.QQE 248, from Doha, to New Delhi, to Madrid and Dominica on: www. radarbox.com/data/registration/A7-CEE.
Amen. Stupid they Stupid. lmaoo dont take pictures of it? next they will say nobody not supposed to watch it or look in its general direction. pretend like it not there! Whats funnier is there are some who will comply. smh.
The sequence of events in this article doesn’t add up to me and leaves me wondering whether they are truly accurate. For starters, this fugitive has been residing in Antigua since 2018, a fact that the Indian authorities were fully aware of. Why would they (India) all of a sudden decide to send a plane all the way to Dominica to bring back
a small scale fugitive? We’re talking about the crime of embezzlement. I am pretty sure that this stuff happens all the time in a country of over a billion people therefore I don’t believe for a second that this is headline news over in that country.In Dominica yes but not in India. Let’s wait for the court’s decision tomorrow, Wednesday, June ,2.
ADMIN: This is a global story that is definitely being followed by multiple Indian news outlets.
Everyday several news groups reach out to us for as much information as they can get.
We would provide links but some of these articles contain wildly contradictory information which we don’t wish to disseminate until we can verify.
Mark, I think your parents made a mistake and should have called you Thomas.
You see the point is the man is not on gastos side and the other indians like the micheal’s are on Brown side so they will trying to do all bad things to the man and send him back but they should know that there is a God, only God should Jurgen not man and all wicked will pay for there sin
Jill, please be careful of your own pronouncements and thoughts as to who goes to Hell or wherever! When you point one 👍 finger at someone please be reminded that you have Four (4) disrupted fingers pointed back at you. Please consider first your actions before you go pointing fingers at people.
Be reminded that DNO is not designed to be your mepuis Business but other matters of Questionable matters of our State, and ourselves where you are in some misunderstanding with this person. Please analyse and comprehend on Matters of concern rather that getting personal at someone else. You may end up being the person of concern where the police is likely to intervene. Be safe and be cautious. God is Good and will guide you forever.
Blessed 🙏 Day 😇 and be safe.
Have a good Day.
What has prompted DNO to publish this statement from the leader of the parliamentary opposition ? It’s a rare occurrence indeed.
Mr. Linton seems to have a good grasp of what has transpired and is still unfolding. In the absence of information from the relevant authorities we have to sew the various pieces of news to make the garment fit.
The Skerrit led regime is not known for its veracity. Expect lies as these people bend the truth. In fact, everything that comes out of this Misleader’s mouth is diametrically opposite to the TRUTH.
Here is the country entangled in a humongous international scandal and the citizens are kept in complete darkness. Yet, recently, Mr. Skerrit declared that his government is the most transparent in the Western Hemisphere. Only a deaf or a severely brain damaged person would believe him.
Dominica is sinking deeper by the minute into the abyss with this notorious, habitual LIAR at the helm of government. Something has to give.
What are you saying Ibo? Linton has a good grasp of what has transpired? How did he get that information? Was he involved? You guys need to be careful with the things you say. You are asking for Tony to direct the police to go pick up Linton to find out what he knows.
I think the urge to comment and sound like we have information is making several of us irresponsible.
“Making several of us irresponsible” – Are you serious? Lack of transparency and accountability is making the ruling maladministration irresponsible. Point the finger in the right direction .
Re-read my comments and you will realize where Mr. Linton and most of us get our information about the present fiasco. Your comprehension skills seem to be weak. Reading is not only deciphering words,, it has a comprehension component to it.
Where Mr. Linton gets his information is right there in the comments. Stop the haste to disparage others.
Leaks in Skerrit’s own nest. He cannot trust the very people that are sheltering there.
Hell Linton, you are the one that should be investigated for political crime, all you are is a
Doom – mongering miserable idler!!!
Jill, please be careful of your own pronouncements and thoughts as to who goes to Hell or wherever! When you point one 👍 finger at someone please be reminded that you have Four (4) disrupted fingers pointed back at you. Please consider first your actions before you go pointing fingers at people.
Be reminded that DNO is not designed to be your mepuis Business but other matters of Questionable matters of our State, and ourselves where you are in some misunderstanding with this person. Please analyse and comprehend on Matters of concern rather that getting personal at someone else. You may end up being the person of concern where the police is likely to intervene. Be safe and be cautious. God is Good and will guide you forever.
Blessed 🙏 Day 😇 and be safe.
Have a good Day.
Man Who Bites Dogs, Barking Woof woof Nonsensical woof, woof, woof distracting the people of Dominica.
Mr Woofing Man, Nuff Respect. Be advised that our Highly Hon. LENNOX LINTON is not in your Team and Hon. Linton has been around for a long time engaged in Politics and that we, our people and country are in need of Good Governance and respected GOVERNMENT and to be well knowledgeable and to be aware of the politics and governance of our country.
Therefore our oversized Labour government has lost it. Why?, Because we have this Failed incompetent immature Labour Party Visionless Government and Leadership(?). Seems like a Pappyshow to us. Our Dominica and it’s people MUST be elevated to a standard of Decency independence, Employment, that Families are in a position to raise their profile and to have our Dominica and it’s people openly monitor this faiied Labour Party Government and its failed incompetent Questionable Inmature Prime MINISTER. Our country needs rise to sound…
you need to raise your vibration brother. Lots of hate resides in you.
But what is really wrong with MR. nuh?!
Boss you look miserable. Relax brother and do good.
Look like Your sins are haunting you now. The urgent remedial action you are demanding for to restore Dominica’s good name sounds troubling, is it that you are confessing and repenting of the many times you went overseas and tarnished Dominica’s good name?
Sir, the World has seen you and your party through. Don’t you realize there’s not much help and recognition you and your party are getting locally, regionally and internationally? Stop making demands, only DITATORS do like you. Who do you really think scared of you? be humble, be polite my boy.
You seem to care so much of how Choski got to Dominica, but why did you ask when you already knew. Didn’t you say at a meeting in Wesley that a WHALE vomited Choski on Dominica shoes? Don’t tell me you already in that forgetful stage(memory lost).
@KID
Your ignorance is so frightening, that you did not write one word about the Choski matter.. It’s not your fault though.
You can’t give what you don’t have. You hardly understand anything on this medium!!
@% you are a Jack**s it is not for the Kid to write about Mr Choksi, DNO will do that, but his rights is about Lennox Linton, and his dirty nasty tricks!!!!
By attempting to read your indecipherable foolishness and pathetic nonsense one gets the distinct impression that you need to be institutionalized.
Mr. Linton’s comments are quite rational and reveal an analytical and thoughtful mind. Mr. Linton’s comments whenever they are juxtaposed with those of Mr. Skerrit’s , Mr. Linton’s are decisively superior. If Mr. Linton were the prime minister at this time NOTHING of this nature would have taken place. Dominica would have been respected globally not have its name perpetually embroiled in controversy, scandals and slime.
Brilliant piece….So far both lying Skerrit and stuttering Blackmore have been MOO MOO.. The devil seem to have severed their tongues.
However, something stinks collaboration of two corrupt OECS. Well our police has not been a profesional force in my estimation from 2004…They must have pledged allegiance to a corrupt and vindictive leader and not to the flag. It’s high time that the court deals severely with some of them…
I wait with bated breath to see how this movie will end….
Yes! You are right. A brilliant piece of BS. to score political points.
petty. politics is ingrained in every aspect of society. saving the integrity of the nation is required at this point. political points? are we playing jeopardy or footsy? this isnt a game for some of us here. As the leader of the opposition, he is most obligated to speak up. thank you.
If that is the best you can do Kid you better be quiet because mr Skerrit does not need help from the likes of you.