Former employee of the Community Hostels Inc, also known as the Grotto Home for the Homeless, Ann Solomon-Charles has filed a lawsuit against a number of people who she claimed have slandered her name.
In a defamation suit DOMHCV125 of 2014, filed on the High Court on April 3, 2014, Solomon Charles is seeking damages against Ainsworth Irish, President of the Grotto Home, its vice president, Paul green, PRO of the Home, Parry Bellot, host of the Heng Radio Program, Kamala Jno Baptiste-Aaron and Island Communications Ltd (Kairi FM).
According to court documents, Solomon-Charles was employed in the capacity of supervisor of staff at the Grotto Home from April 1996.
It ended in 2013, when she tendered her resignation to the Grotto Home’s Board of Directors for “medical reasons.”
With the approval of the board, in July 2012 she went on medical leave and traveled to the United States mainly because of her condition, which needed urgent attention.
While she was in the US, she received a letter, dated August 24, 2012 and signed by the Irish as chairman of the board, that asked her to provide answers to certain matters pertaining to the Grotto Home for the Homeless.
The contents and tone of the letter, she claims, were “impliedly accusatory.”
Through her lawyer, she sent a letter, which was dated September 20, 2012, to the chairman (Irish) requesting relevant information so she could properly address the issue.
However, Irish did not reply.
Instead the board issued a statement in The Chronicle newspaper, dated September 12, 2012, which Solomon-Charles’ lawyer, J. Gildon Richards, claims was “false and malicious and with intent to injure the claimant.”
The suit further claimed that a letter, dated November 5, 2012, addressed to the Commissioner of Police and signed by Irish and Green, “falsely and maliciously accused the Claimant of stealing from the Community Hostel Inc monies in the sum of about $40,000 to $100,000.”
The letter requested that the Commissioner should conduct a “criminal investigation into the matter.”
While still overseas, Solomon-Charles was informed that an investigator from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) wished to question her about the allegations made in the report to the Commissioner of Police.
To further compound the matter, Bellot as PRO of the Grotto Home, on October 15, 2012 teamed up with Jno Baptiste-Aaron, host of The Heng on Kairi FM, and caused further injuries to the character of the Claimant, according to the suit.
Solomon-Charles’ lawyer claims that all the Defendants were “reckless as to whether the statements were true and knew, or with the exercise of proper care ought to have known, that at the time of the said publication there was no, or no sufficient factual or legal basis for the said statements.”
The suit further claims the defendants published the said statements with an intention to “prevent the Claimant being awarded any gratuitous payments for her long and dedicated service to the Grotto Home.”
It went on to say that the words complained of contain very “grave baseless allegations, imputations and assertions of criminal, dishonest, disloyal and immoral conduct which the Defendants ought not to have published before ascertaining the true facts and the Defendants published the said statements with a partisan political motive.”
Solomon-Charles is now seeking against all Defendants several damages for libel inclusive of “aggravated damages, cost and an injunction restraining the Defendants jointly and severally whether by themselves, servants or agents or otherwise from publishing or causing to be published the said or similar words about the Claimant on Kairi FM Radio or other radio station or on the World Wide Web or other media anywhere.”
Meantime, Bellot said he will be holding a press conference on April 9, 2014 during which he will respond to “Q95 talk show propaganda” and give his side of the lawsuit.
Do you guys realise that the money she will be awarded come from public funds where will they get the money from
who have hears will hear but who use their tongue to cause mischief and slander will feel
my fellow Dominicans lets put our heads togather and stop thinking skerritt and lennox. it is not a party politics thing. Right now it is a Dominican and the People of this country future we have to focus on, and bring that outrageous madness off this blessed land. we are suffering in this land of our.
It is OK for the lady to sue, but it was not OK for the Ambassador to sue! Hypocrites!
Too many people think that they can just come on radio, on Chronicle or DNO and using false pen names make annonymous slanderous and lying or exxagerated statements about other people they are jealous of, or of different politics or who they just dislike. The trouble is the editors allow those lies and help them do it. The editors should be sued in their personal capacity. Go Solmon-Charles go girl.
The year 2014 has just began, it would appear Mrs. Kamala Aaron might have to face the courts on two occasions. When country singer Dolly Patton sang the song stand by your man, I doubt she meant, regardless to what your man says or does you should defend or support him to the extend that you end up making a fool of yourself. I could not believe, during the Political Forum to which Dr. Aaron represented the DLP, she had difficulties with Mr. Joshua Francis using slides during his presentation. Mrs. Aaron subsequently told Dominicans and the world by extension, when President Obama addresses the American people especially during a Forum or Debate he never uses slides. A women who claims to know journalism like the back of her hand does not know when President Obama addresses the American people he uses a teleprompter which holds more information then slides. This equipment is placed right in front of his face. I believe Mrs. Aaron must seriously consider the role she is playing as a talk show host with her husband on Kairi.
Boy Doc I use to give a little credit boss u have no more credit here boss all Presidents uses a teleprompter to read their speech not to show the whole world what they talking about, boss have u ever seen the Presidents teleprompters? u all just talk for the hell of it and the sad thing is u will get at least 40 thumbs up oh well back to the bat cave for me what a load of crap.
Sue, sue, sue. Does that mean dunk, drunk, drunk. My bad. O we are talking about taking people to court. OK. Everyone has their turn. It’s lawyer time….Lawyer up everyone. Children, go to school and study law. that’s where the money is. Everyone, needs a lawyer.
Ann, God has your back, do not be afraid…..all the wonderful work you did at the Grotto that is how they want to treat you? Just do what you have to do……step out in faith, have no fear…Justice will be done..
Ann Solomon, if you are the person I have known – have not seen you in years due to residing abroad. You know me. I hope you have recovered from your illness. As difficult as this has been for you and continue to be, at this time, do your best not to feel stressful and try to avoid anxiety. Pray and leave this up to the Lord, asking him for his divine assistance in this. I wish you well. God bless you, guide you and assist you. May He keep you well and strong.
I recall reading about this on DNO. The name of the person was not then revealed.
We are in the twenty-first century, the year 2014. Times have changed. This is another example to be learned.
Despite suspicions, prior to divulging confidential information and accuse others of matters which defame their character for all to hear and read about, be careful.
As you conduct investigations, keep it private until you are certain that the act was committed and it is proven. Otherwise you are liable to be sued. Keep this in mind.
I, I like it, yes-I like it. I really like it.
Ha!
I need to switch careers. And be a lawyer. In
Dominica I think I will. Do. pretty good,, No more freedom of speech
With all these lawyers in dominica i am not suprised we sueing left right and center. It was only a matter of time. It is only going to get worst as more people start winning large sums of money.
It’s about time Dominicans watch what they say about other people’s character! Time they learn to stop spreading lies and maligning people’s good name; this is not freedom of speech, it is being malicious and damaging character.
What this lady has done for the homeless is way and beyond what she has ever been paid. end of story
Lawsuit is a big business it seems. People suing left right and center!!
Next year someone should make a calypso entitled “SUE”
Very good Mrs. Charles. The order of the day in Dominica is to slander and assassinate people’s character. Some people need to pay for their loose tongues.
Thanks to Q95.
These days people suing left and right in Dominica. Let me go file my lawsuit eh. I need money like dry land needs water
It seems Bellot is the salt in all food.
I am in the wrong profession, I am might open an office, the business is booming. who is next? I cannot afford to be sued so I will leave that one alone. Stay tuned!!!!!
There is still HOPE for us, these law suits unfortunate as they are, should make the point known “Stop doing and saying what we think of other just like that”.
It is the same Parry, who on the 13th January when asked to comment on a letter from Mrs. Charles seeking an apology said, “rubbish,” and went on to say ,”I will respond to it, but it does not deserve an answer.” Apparently the Skeritt attitude came in to play, remember the famous quote, ” no law no constitution.” Ah, he must respond to the courts. It is unfortunate that during Parry’s twilight years he has to find his back side in such a mess.
You just have to call Skerit name, why everything that happens in Dominica Skerit name has to come up ? please Lord send help.
nowadays only lawyers in Dominica making money, every one is suing ,it is so frightening . why is there so much hate and anger going around ? if you kill my dog I will kill your cat!!!!!!.
Why such exaggeration….ONLY lawyers making money, EVERYONE is suing…….Keep calm and remain balanced
I am really curious to hear whatParry has to say at the press conference. What a fella this Parry Bellot.
no wonder the consumption rate of alcohol in Dominica is sooo high. Everybody suing.
“eat ur hearts out” well that’s what will continue to happen if or should folks continue to do and say things “just like that” too many times we have said in the past ” we leaving them for God” yet they keep saying and doing.
Lol i are sooo funny
Sorry Mr. Bellot but by holding a press conference are you trying to prejudice the judge’s mind? I believe whatever statements you make in the court of public opinion should be best left for the court of law. Wait your day.
What a pathetic attempt at muzzling the gentleman.
How is it that Ann has the right to scream “victim” publicly and tell the world that Parry has injured her but Parry does not have that same right to tell the world that he did not?
In the court fo public opinion, the best talker wins. Let the man talk!.
Well Bogoroy if I was his lawyer I would not have him give any statement in public what ever he said on the radio is recorded so if was me I would no say a word till we go court cause he might just end up saying something even more that might complicate things even more.
You know, real possie, you have a point here.
I am writing on behalf of M B who loves mamma Ann since you left it is not the same we all miss you mother.
WELL DONE MADAM. Deal with them using the legal system. Once they hate you, they try to demonise you. I don’t listen to the Heng ON KAIRI. I get all my information from Q95. THE BEST IN THE WORLD.
@% That’s why u are so ill informed, so now u ok with the lady suing now but u have a problem when other people sue to defend their name, I have no problem with the lady doing what she has to do if they did an unjust to her then they all should pay but I leave it to the justice system hope when the court ruling comes out hope u abide by it and not complain like u always seems to do.
This simply means that all the info you receive is as coloured as the blue sky. Yet, you are proud to tell the world that you are happy to digest a one-sided view of reality. How intelligent is this, really?
@ real possie. On Q95? That’s where men of integrity and character, have come forward to inform Dominicans and the world, the exponential levels of corruption in government that has plagued us as a developing nations since after the death of Pierre Charles in 2004. Remember i was a card bearing member of the GOOD LABOUR PARTY. I know what Labour Party stands for, YOU DO NOT!. We do not have A LABOUR PARTY IN DOMINICA, WE ONLY HAVE THE MAME. This fake Labour Party does not subscribe to any of the principles of Labour. The poor is getting poorer. The poor is insulted by their leader. the poor had to go to the Red Clinic and beg. The poor cannot pay basic utility bills. The poor cannot earn a piece of land. The poor cannot eat. The greedies in government are taking all. I am a lover of DOMINICA, NOT A LOVER OF SKERRIT, NOT A LOVER OF A LABOUR PARTY. Come election day i will be voting for the lesser of two evils, and this is UWP. I have encouraged many many others to do the same. We are going to do it FOR DOMINICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
I LIKE Q95, and the brilliant men who host programmes there. They include the incoming PM LENNOX LINTON, MATT, ANGELO AND ARUNDEL AND OTHERS.
If you do not like my bloggs, PASS THEM STRAIGHT.
SUE THEM MADAM……When they do not love their tactics is to try their best to bring you down.
SUE THEM!
HOW LONG?
nOT LONG!
They think because they in power they alone can sue other people also have the right to do the same since there are reasons for justifying their actions Salomon go for them .Hats off to you for all the good work you did during your tenure.
Well the Aaron’s are presently familiar with lawsuits papa
PARRY, I would call Mrs Charles, throw my pride in the garbage bin, apologise to Mrs Charles, try to settle out of court . I would not allow the case to go to the Privy Council. Neither should the Grotto Home funds pay.
I’m just curious. Wonder if we are going to see justice where justice is due anytime soon on this one. While I’m at it, please, please, Mr. Gon Emmanuel is still awaiting for justice; it’s over 3 long years now.
Let’s see how long that one will take before it gets to the courtroom. That’s all I’ll say for now.
Parry again.
HE IS SUED.
its too late bellot….the lawsuit has been filed
I like it, yes-I like it. I really like it.