Lawyer, David Bruney, has explained his role in the controversy which has arisen over the alleged sale of Dominican diplomatic passports in a documentary aired on an international TV news network, Al Jazeera.
The first 49 minutes of the 53 minute-long documentary was spent exposing alleged corrupt practices by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in relation to the sale of diplomatic passports and in what the presenter described as a dramatic twist to the programme, the last few minutes focused on Opposition Leader, Lennox Linton.
Bruney was featured in the programme, along with the former Dominican prime minister, Oliver ‘O.J.’ Seraphin, allegedly trying to secure campaign funds on behalf of the United Workers Party (UWP) through the sale of diplomatic passports.
Bruney seems to be supporting a statement made by Seraphin in the programme which suggested that the UWP would be prepared to appoint an ambassador based on the offer of a campaign contribution if the party were to win the election.
He was reported as saying that he could speak on behalf of Linton, that Seraphin was a trusted confidant and he was 100% happy with what the former prime minister had said. He also indicated that the leader of the opposition was “comfortable” with him (Bruney).
“The opposition now really requires funding,” he can be heard saying on the programme. “Make no mistake; we are moving along but as in all things, financial contributions are required.”
Seraphin also shared details of how urgently the money was needed; what it would be used for and how it should be distributed. According to the report, he also provided bank accounts for himself and Bruney to which their fees could be sent. However, the report adds, that both Seraphin and Bruney were “keen” to avoid the direct involvement of the opposition leader.
In response, Bruney explained that the comments he made on the programme had to do with his efforts, based on an agreement with Linton, to put together a team of lawyers and others with the expertise to assist in recovering Dominican money which the opposition leader believes is missing from the country, without putting a burden on the state.
He said the idea came up whereby they could approach a highly-skilled attorney, versed in financial matters and with international contacts – the ideal person around whom they could form a team. Bruney said O.J. Seraphin entered the picture when he spoke to O.J. who was a client of his, about the plan and O.J. mentioned that he knew a lawyer in Panama.
“The idea of a Memorandum of Understanding came up, whereby, not for money, not for any benefit to Lennox Linton personally or myself, this document was crafted, no,” Bruney stated.
He read part of the MOU which spoke to the credentials of the individual they were looking for.
“Critical to such appointment it is necessary and imperative that the said be of good and unblemished character as a potential appointee to the diplomatic corps of Dominica, and the essential requirement that such an appointee be capable of satisfying all aspects of a due diligence inquiry,” Bruney stated.
He went on to say that in the first instance, such an agreement would be for a period of 24 months with renewal dependent on the benefits accrued to the people of Dominica from the endeavours and contributions.to the development of the island state.
To emphasize the point that this is not a case of a diplomatic passport for sale, Bruney stated, “Now let me just ask a commonsensical question: who is going to pay money for that? This is the document that would regulate any ambassadorial relationship. Would you pay a million dollars for this?”
“First of all, you have to pass through due diligence. Secondly, the document doesn’t speak to any payment of money,” he contended.
Both Skerrit and Linton have denied the allegations made against them in the Al Jajazeera programme.
Dominica News Online (DNO) is attempting to get a copy of the MOU which will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
As far as I deduced this, I must contend that this is a set up instigated by Roosevelt Bruney, and Saraphin!
This is organized in order to damage the UWP chances of winning the election, they know that the scandal will have little effect on Roosevelt, because he is a seasoned career criminal; but poor Lennox not accustom to such controversies, it must be very painful for him.
So, madam Elizabeth if Lennox cried, his tears will fall on those who seek to destroy him, and as the superstitious belief is in Dominica; will fall on those who dug the pit for Lennox.
It is stupid for anyone to believe that one who does not know who shall be victorious come the 6th day of December, 2019 at the poles will go out and offer diplomatic passport or appoint an ambassador when one don’t know what the results will be.
Some topics are designed to create chaos, and entropy; this is one succeeded!
Man, who are you? A MASSISI, Mattador or an corma, you in all SAUCE but is piment BONDA Ma JACQUES, i’ll add on the top for you.
In response, Bruney explained that the comments he made on the programme had to do with his efforts, based on an agreement with Linton, to put together a team of lawyers and others with the expertise to assist in recovering Dominican money which the opposition leader believes is missing from the country, without putting a burden on the state.
My question:
Why would both Seraphin and Bruney were so “keen” to avoid the direct involvement of the opposition leader in in fact that is what was really the MOU.
Lennox has made it clear that the intends to recover the $1.2B so why now a MOU that he doesnt want this direct involvement?
All you really believe ppl stupid.
Every where one can spin in Dominica is a tief and corruption.
Skerrit the main character, tief and corrupt.
Look O.J. , Bruney and Linton following up.
No wonder we in Dominica will remain poor and very poor too..
How can these corrupt people be sent to jail and throw away the keys?
Do you really think LENNOX LINTON signed such an important document using block capitals? Very doubtful.
Mr Bruney should have rehearsed his answer before he made it public, it sounds so silly and uneducated. he must be watching too much of Giuliani.
Why the UWP followers and supporters are so intellectual dishonest? Goodness.. Gracious you naysayers keep exposing yourself as dishonest people. Your Leader have consistently denigrate others. Have the potency in dabbling in falsehood. Cannot control his anger. You guys are displaying hypocrisy at it highest level. No credibility is your comments.
For 3 months I been telling you all don’t trust Lennox and you all must be very careful it was said over and over, i also said something will happen before election and he was caught there is more to come. People apologize when they do something wrong why did lennox apologize. David kept changing his story so he is not telling the truth. the evil that men do live wiith them.
Why not literally go and rip skerrit off our backs…been sucking us dry for 15 years…havent you noticed that all his ministers are stepping down? Yes they too are fedup with the blatant lies and deception fed to the voters…where’s the MOU between China and Dominica …ask him for it…
Where’s the ones with Morrocco and Malaysia? Well it’s out further but you bigots will still support his hungry greedy need for power at the expense of innocent old people and children. If he leaves office now you will see how much debt Dominica is in and no gov’t bills were actually being paid….The DSS scam to make persons believe they have some kind of insurance…the suppossed $50mil at aid bank that no one not even his big business friends can access, passing around to give drug sellers $25000 and digs to create scenes and say it’s the opposition ….some of you lot are really stupid and wicked…but karma will reign…I want to be alive long enough to see all of them go to jail
The devil you know and the devil you don’t know.
The Rt hon Lennox Linton embodies truth and righteousness, and a role model for D/ca’s list of “HUNGRY HYENA” ministers and PM Skerrit’s rapacious sidekicks. Farsightedness led him to put ideas in action to recovery D/ca’s siphoned EC$Billions. It requires an integrated, short-medium-long-term strategy built upon cooperation between government and expert (recovery-money Laundering and countering the Financing of greed). The MoU paves the way, but also it’s interactive to produce government that is legitimate, effective, and widely supported by citizens, as well as a civil society that is strong, open, and capable of playing a positive role in politics and government.
What’s Labourites problem – err, err!!! It’s the beginning of watching and learning from you!
How much more damage does the leader of DLP has to do to Dominica for some people to come to their senses, how long does he have to deny his involvement to understand that he is lying every time something comes up, he denies it even with a paper trail to prove he is involve he denies. There is no proof that Lennox take a bribe and he came out and spoke to the public. Mr Skerrit has yet to address the allegations put out by Aljeezera, but some folk refuse to deal with that they rather bash Lennox than search for the truth.
some people really believe that the Dominican masses are fools. Unable to ask reasonable questions. Mr. David Bruney. Who is that person you were engaging to lead Lennox’s asset recovery program? If you say you are honest about this matter, please in the interest of transparency, provide the name, credentials and contact of that person to the Dominican public. You have that opportunity now to rescue Lennox’s candidacy for Prime Minister and to sent Skerrit to hell for his “sins” against the Dominican people.
Mr. Bruney, you unreserved revelation of who is the person you are targeting for ambassadorial position in a Lennox Linton government (but when is that non?) would exonerate you. Don’t you believe? Mr. Bruney, who is that top notch, unblemished, international lawyer with whom you entered into an agreement with to go after stolen Dominican assets? What’s in it for him? So why the open reference to campaign financing to help buy vehicles, PA system and Tshirts? Speak truth…
Go ask your blatant crass leader skerrit the same question ….and make the worse demands
Hi folks
This site seems very quiet on this story. Hi Ibo, %; and the rest of you. Thanks for taking my advice and keeping quiet on issues such as this while you work out your dilemma with your leader in the background. Excellent strategy!
Yea, Right Mr. Bruney, the damage control is creating more damage. You should have done like Ibo and company and kept quiet.
DNO, I can understand your predicament and that of so many apostles of righteousness and truth to power on this site but please report accurately I listened to/viewed the documentary and it is misleading to say that 49 of the 53 minutes of it was spent on Skerrit. In fact there was a whole conversation on the issue of several Caribbean countries using non-nationals as Ambassadors.
In my view the the 4 minutes on the Leader of the opposition was more dramatic and impactful than the 49 minutes of recycled allegations which Dominicans had been hearing now for years as it exposed colossal hypocrisy!
The truth to the bone, well said.
Barbara, If you decide to change your career for a new occupation, the building industry would be the perfect choice for you because you hit the nail right on the head with your observations. I must admit though that DNO have been a lot more accommodating of comments critical of Lennox Linton and UWP in general compared to the times that you would not see your comments displayed unless it was anti-Skerrit and pro UWP. Yeah no surprise Linton’s apostles who normally adulate him on this platform are all shtum. Linton looked shell-shocked when he tried to conjure up a response to the Aljazeera’s revelation. Skerrit on the other hand knew before hand what it would contain and true to form it was just a recycling of old stories hashed up to make it sound as new material. I hope the public now realise what sort of person Lennox Linton is.
@Eagle-Eyed, I commend both you and Babara, especially the part that is wondering what happened to the voice of the UWP smart guys on this comment board under every article posted here. Seem as if they put their foot in their mouth, eh! How good it seems to have the stage for ourselves for just once! It is very, very good!
Well Sir you got caught, your excuse makes no sense. Just please answer, is this your voice?
All of all you lying!!
DNO please write somethings about the other player highlight in the program, you just focus on the opposition, nothing about the goverment guy, like the gas station, Pm, etc, you action like one side
David Bruney was wrong to come on Q95 to try to explain documents Linto signed because Linton did not commit no damn crime!
If anything, David Bruney as an attorney, should be on Q95 highlighting every single crime that Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, allegedly committed according to the expose’ of Al Jareeza. After calling the laws that were broken by Prime Minister Skerrit, David Bruney should use his office to call on police Commissioner Daniel Carbon to issue an arrest warrant for Roosevelt Skerrit. How could so many crimes be committed with so much evidence and the police are saying nothing and Skerrit is still a free man? I bet you if Linton or any bear foot man had committed any of the crimes they would be arrested even before the Al Jareeza program ended. So David Bruney should is out of place and to me wrong to give the impression that Linton committed a crice because he didn’t even get close to a crime!
@My Bad, you are not only bad, but you are also very foolish!
First of all David Bruney was not connected to PM Skerrit, he was or is connected to Linton–what does he have to say against PM Skerrit?
And you, yourself mentioned “alleged” pertaining to PM Skerrit, which means he is innocent until the verdict of guilty is called.
Linton seems to be the guilty one, even without a trial– based on his reaction. It seems as if he was out to get PM Skerrit, not knowing he would fall into his own trap–what a pity!
My man Mr. Bruey come up with a better explanation you are a lawyer what you saying doesn’t make any sense.
In John 9:1-12 we read the story of a man who had been blind since birth be and Jesus healed him! So his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Similarly as we read this Al Jazeera article we see several crimes committed and the names of several politicians implicated involved in commiting crimes had Dominica been a real country. We heard the name of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, his wife Melissa Skerrit and the name of Lennox Linton. Based on what we saw and heard in the Al Jareeza documentary, like the disciples of Jesus Christ I ask Dominicans, who committed a crime or rather several crimes, Lennox Linton or Roosevelt Skerrit? Let me make it easier, if you were the police Commissioner, FBI, CIA or Scotland yard, who would you arrest for breaking the law? Can anyone point out to me what crime Lennox Linton Committed? Did Linton deliver a passport to Monfared? Did Linton get US$ 200,000.00 through a gas accountl transfer?
@The Evangelist , I have ignored your comments most often because your insertion of the scriptures never support what you are talking about.
The important thing about the verse which you quoted is the response of Jesus to His disciples. I am saying that without the response from Jesus the question is irrelevant and so is your comment.
Now here is what Jesus said to His disciples: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him”.
Perhaps you don’t even understand that response, That is why referring to the question is useless
Look at what you wrote; do you see any comparison? No! There is none at all.
While Jesus said “NEITHER the man nor his parent sinned”, you are here crucifying PM Skerrit and claiming that Lennox is the saint–what is your point?
Man/woman, you should leave the Word of God out of your philosophy; He is not happy with your interpretation of His message to His people.
What else, can we expect from that Bruney person?
In today’s world of advanced technology, where everything can be easily altered, who can know what is authentic, fake, or false?
It is easy to say: “there was or there wasn’t”; “that is how it happened” or “that is not how it happened”; all for the sake of the credibility of those involved, witness or no witness.
“Dominica News Online (DNO) is attempting to get a copy of the MOU which will be posted as soon as it becomes available”.
How do we know if the MOU will not be tampered with before it is delivered?
Linton has already denied; the Bruney person is sticking with his claim; it is a mad world out there
O Lord, Your people in Dominica are calling out to You. please receive our call to heal our minds and our Land. Please regenerate the peace & unity, which the enemy took away from us
Let our Nation know that you are the Living God in Christ Jesus. All glory is Yours, O Lord!
O J is deceptive. Bruney you agreed with him. Why?
Ofcourse you will switch your narrative now and the opposition still have you in their cradle as if they can not do without you.
All of you guys are pathetic. Remember that guy for soufriere? Higgs Adams who said the Government warn because of money and the opposition lose because they didn’t have any……what does that say? Opposition if you guys did have money what would you guys not do?
One peace and love to all.
So what about the $470,000.00 O.J spoke of?
$50,000.00 for him and $20,000.00 for Bruney for legal fees. and the $400,000.00 HE said will be sent as humanitarian assistance to the UWP?
Didn’t Bruney say THEY(UWP) needed immediate financial help to campaign IN THE UP COMING ELECTION? to purchase t-shirts,vehicles, sound system etc? and the deal was the donors would be made AMBASSADORS AT LARGE 28 days after THE ELECTION should Lennox become PM?
Didn’t Bruney say he is 100% comfortable with everything that O.J. had to say? and he was representing Lennox on the matter?
Why did O.J say let’s use Lennox Linton as a BUFFER and do not define the deal as te thecampaign funds but send it under the disguise as HUMANITARIAN assistance? Didn’t Bruney give his Bank Account information to O.J?
Did’t Lennox Linton sign the MOU? Isn’t that CORRUPTION?
Well the pit THEY dig THEY HAVE FALLEN IN IT. Lennox and the UWP must stop pointing fingers at other when THEY know that THEY are…
@KID ON THE BLOCK, it is good to have you back.
At this point, November 28–10:30 pm–you are 17-3 thumbs rating mine is number 17 to you.
Let us continue to make our voices heard for the sake of our country–seems as if those bad things have gone too far, let us hope that our Nation can get to normal when our people lived with peace and unity–and return to being a God-fearing Nation
What David Bruney says is not important. Bruney is the attorney of Linton and therefore an a client has a right to sign a document with his attorney and the attorney has a right to use any legal strategy he deems necessary to negotiate on his clients behalf. If an offer is made the attorney has a right to discuss the deal with his client and if the client feels good about it he ok’s it. In the document signed by Linton and Bruney I did not see any deal with any foreign attorney or potential foreign ambassador. So what David says or signed is not relevant. Linton did not commit a crime and neither did Mr. Bruney. In other words, what the Al jazeera documentary exposed did not put Linton and or Bruney in any legal trouble be it in Dominica, Iran, The Us, Nigeria, China or anywhere. What Al Jazeera exposed sure put some people in trouble in Dominica where US$200,000.00 was deposited on a petrol account, In Iran where Monfared is jailed, in the US where Madueke is of interest etc,
I understand it was not for money. I will save the rest of my comment for our inner circle, it’s not for Labourite eyes.
Bruney. Why would you share what you discussed with Lennox with OJ Seraphin?
@I vex, Maybe he realized that he wasn’t going to get paid
crooks where is no smoke without fire.
BRUNEY your $20,000 US fee,and OJ $50,000 US fee,Where was this money going yo come from?The money to purchase LOUD SPEAKERS where was it going to come from?Why did LINTON have to make an AMBASSADOR to investigate missing money?Explain the $470,000 US.What about you handling a BANK ACCOUNT in the Name of UWP.Do you BRUNEY know about money going to Dominica,for HUMANITARIAN AID.Seeing as you said you were acting for Linton,did you tell LINTON about the discussion between you and o j?Do you remember the $6 million Switzerland transaction?What does 49 minutes of ALLEGED CORRUPTION have to do with DOCUMENTED and DIRECT EVIDENCE of CORRUPTION?You are telling DOMINICANS that these highly trained international,diplomats are going to work for LINTON,who they does not know for FREE?According to ALJAZEERA there is another diplomat involved.Linton wanted wanted to contact ,FBI,CIA,SCOTLANDYARD,INTERPOOL what happened to them?We are not fools Bruney.LINTON YOU and OJ are part and parcel.DNO now
Bruney is trying to twist this in every direction, but the fact is this is a classic quid pro quo. Why would a foreigner make a financial contribution to a political party that is in opposition without the expectation of getting something in return? A diplomatic passport is just another book unless of course the person holding it intends to use it in a manner that bestows privileges onto them that they would not otherwise be entitled to.
Which foreigner gives money to a political party just because they feel a sense of duty to help a country to which they have no allegiance?
This guy is starting to sound like the Republicans who defend Trump in the face of irrefutable evidence pointing otherwise.
Your Analysis is very interesting. I think all should be examined and who is innocent will be innocent.
But I note also your last statement
:-D. Given your stance here you should be asking for the Government’s resignation forthwith.
Or is your last sentence pointing back to you?
Hi Sylvester Cadette
If I am to believe the opposition, they have succeeded in turning the whole world against Mr. Skerrit and he is a soon to be, has been Prime Minister.
Why would you want the writer of the blog to focus on him rather than the supposedly squeaky clean soon to be Prime Minister? Would it be an intelligent thing to accept a “diable en sac”? No you would want to know as much as you can about the coming one!
Common sense, PA KOONNAY mwen , MWEN PA ON COUON. You all hide that part and is only now talk come out. MAN SINS WILL FALL BACK ON MAN.
WE await the posting of the MOU to clear the air
Dr. Shillingford
As for you ! The posting of the MOU will not clear the air. First of all, it is taking too long in the pot It might get overcooked just like the bayfront movie on the delivery of the bag of money!
If you are asking us to believe that the recycled allegations about Mr. Skerrit and other Caribbean leaders in the first part of the documentary are factual why would you think that our brain patterns would suddenly change course for the latter part of the same documentary which is a literal bombshell?
Dr. Shillingford, I have always had faith in God that He would reveal to Dominicans in no uncertain way all the hypocrisy and hidden agendas and mind-bending techniques which have been at play.
There just seems to be a desperation about some people which is hard to understand. One shameless, desperate act after another.
I am watching closely sir!
@Barbara Saunders “Dr. Shillingford, I have always had faith in God that He would reveal to Dominicans in no uncertain way all the hypocrisy and hidden agendas and mind-bending techniques which have been at play”.
Amen! Amen! Amen! My dear lady! God is a Supreme Being–a real Person, the Christ, whose Temple is the Body of the Son, His name is Jesus.
That is why he tells us: “I am in the Father and the Father is in Me” I just feel sorry for those human beings who think that they are untouchable because the wrath of God has not yet touched them.
Please. You are a lawyer Mr Bruney take your legal advise and keep quiet. You are standing in quicksand. The more you try to wiggle the deeper your sink. You explanation will not even work on my 6 year old niece.
Only a STUPID AND BLIND person will believe such lies. In this day and age even a child in kindergarten knows you are lying Bruney. You all got caught red-handed with all your lies and thought Skerrit alone would be investigated
Lies! Lies! Too many lies. You people are lying! When is it going to stop?? You were cought red handed. Just ask for our forgiveness and lets move on. Bruney is trying to circumvent reasons but is digging a bigger home for himself. What a shame!
Boy them man really think people stupid in DA , which investigator that paying $400,000 to someone for them to investigate a matter for you.? and how you can give an ambassador to investigate for you, what happen we born on all fools day.
cont’d
I mean, you people are asking us to interpret what we heard in a completely different context from what was being discussed. Mr. Bruney, Mr. Seraphin was brokering diplomatic positions. You guys were explaining how the money would enter Dominica, as I have no doubt it has entered previously.
We actually heard how the situation had to be so manipulated that there is no direct line to the Opposition Leader because, after all, he operates on a platform of truth and righteousness so it would be a major disaster if he is discovered to be doing the same thing he pretends to detest.
Now Mr. Bruney, you would perhaps have had a little more credibility if the Sam Raphael episode had not happened, but you see, Sam gave us some insight into what has been happening, with facts, figures, dates, bank account numbers etc. but in the usual bold faced/no faced bravado you all buried that truth. It has now resurfaced with a bitingly direct hit and the timing couldn’t be better!
Since I practically have the site to myself today, I may as well take advantage of it.
I have always said that those who live by the sword will die by the sword. The same social media that we use to destroy other people will come back to haunt us.
My only concern is that at the end of the day, it is Dominica that will be the worse off for it. It is now soiled and tarnished by the hands of those who call themselves patriots, in their quest to destroy one man. The behaviour of the diaspora Dominicans in Washington has almost put it in its coffin.
It is so ironic. The same people who are denigrating legally entitled Dominicans who come home to vote and who are of the view that non-resident Dominicans should not vote in Dominica, are sitting in Washington and elsewhere, pulling the strings of thugs here to cause damage and destruction and are lobbying people unconnected to Dominica to impose on us their choice of Prime Minister. Let’s see how far you get with that!
Bull….!!!!!
Thats a load of cowdown
Please, our decent Legal Dominicans, go fight hard to find our states money. The new in coming UWP Team Dominica under trusted, decent Hon. Linton will need the financial resources to clean and structure matters of the state to help and direct our ailing Domininca direction to the land of peace, tranquillity, decency in government and stop this abuse of our mothers quing up at failed Skerrit Dirty scheme offering handouts, with the use and abuse of states funds to people Skerrit encouraged to come to him as beggars. Shame on you Skerrit to Insult our people like this. Skerrit Get Lost – Go away.
We welcome Hon. Linton and his trusted UWP Team.
“In response, Bruney explained that the comments he made on the programme had to do with his efforts, based on an agreement with Linton, to put together a team of lawyers and others with the expertise to assist in recovering Dominican money which the opposition leader believes is missing from the country, without putting a burden on the state…
Now Viewsexpressed
You beat all the red supporters that you all have been cursing out all those years. I really feel sorry for you guys. No where to hide your faces and other body parts now.
Do not make this one about Mr. Skerrit. You all have told us for years what a thief, corrupt person, nasty character, no good bum, empty headed moron that he is. This tirade is, therefore, not new!
The one who must now be under scrutiny for me and for you should be the alternative, the one who is vying to oust him – the squeaky clean; truth to power advocate; the one who stands for truth and righteousness; the anti-corruption guru; the best thing since sliced bread; the answer to our prayers.
The time has now come to examine that paragon of virtue in light of the Al Jazeera revelations and to evaluate him with the same measuring rod that you have been using for Mr. Skerrit, i.e. building your platform of hate on the ALLEGATIONS made against him with no recourse to a fair trial.
Barbara, like my friends keep saying on facebook: “You have me flat on my belly!”
I haven’t laughed like this for quite a while now; your choice of words above have caused me to “let it out”, thank you!
Shameless views expressed, we all know your behavior and boldface lies. People take a look at the 5th grader writing etiquette. In one paragraph seven sentences are written. Scholars of the UPP can someone write seven lines without a period. Dr. Clayton and other UPP scholars, we will not belittle ourselves by electing an uneducated know it all cow down wannabe as our PM.
Views Expressed, you brought the network to investigate DLP, but instead you were doing the same. You Lennox gave them information on Skerrit, but you were also caught in the scandal too. Do like Jimmy Swagger and say, I have sinned, FORGIVE ME.