Senior Counsel, Tony Astaphan, has said he is troubled with the Integrity in Public Office Commission (IPO), in the manner it is handling a matter concerning Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.
“Let me go on record to tell you that I am deeply troubled with this Integrity Commission,” Astaphan told privately-owned Kairi FM.
The Prime Minister was brought before the IPO by journalist and radio personality, Lennox Linton, who claimed that Mr. Skerrit had used his official influence as chairman of Cabinet to secure concessions for a business concern in which it is alleged that he holds ownership interest.
The IPO announced earlier this month that it was going ahead with an inquiry into whether the Skerrit breached the Integrity in Public Office Act and hearings into the matter would be begin today (Monday).
This was announced despite the fact that the Skerrit’s legal team, led by Astaphan, had communicated with the IPO that the matter should not go ahead because of certain concerns with members of the Commission.
Having failed to convince the IPO, Astaphan and his team went to court to seek a judicial review and Justice Brian Cottle subsequently ruled that a review would be heard on April 12.
Since then the IPO announced that the inquiry has been postponed until further notice.
According to Astaphan, who is not amused by the twists and turns, the matter is not being handled well by the Commission. He said his team had written to the IPO on several occasions and Senior Counsel Alick Lawrence went before a judge for directions on the question of the application for leave.
“I do not understand why it was necessary for us to call Mr. Kevin Williams (attorney for the IPO), write to the Integrity Commission and in fact as a matter of last resort file an application for interim relief for an adjournment before being informed in writing that the Commission has agreed to postpone the inquiry…” he said.
He pointed out that the rule of law requires that there be a postponement without having to go to the courts. “We do not know why it took so long for this matter to be decided because the rule of law required there be a postponement without it having to go to the court to try to get an injunction,” he argued.
The Senior Counsel also made it clear that now the matter has been postponed, it is going to be a long process and it might go as far as the London-based Privy Council.
“That means that now we must file a fix date claim form, there are going to be affidavits, and further affidavits on the behalf of the prime minister, the Integrity Commission is going to file theirs, there is going to be submissions, there is going to be first hearings and then the matter will be heard by a High Court judge and thereafter both sides have a Constitutional right to have an appeal to the High Court of Appeal and thereafter by the Privy Council,” he explained.
Where is de comment I posted BEFORE Babylon build their city and break their own law
I hope u read it good. It was for u to read.
Who cares if u don’t post it??????
This country is too sick, this country is too sick…How much worst can it get…? God heal our nation..Our cup is full and splashing all over…Lord have mercy.!.Lord have mercy..!
But this is ridiculous! Let the IPO or Court do its work and get Lennox to indicate where he got his information from. How does the PM’s presence or absence from a cabinet meeting on its own prove that he owns the villas? It’s all circumstantial!!
Bring the hard evidence that the PM owns the villas. Present documents (titles, bank payments, etc.)that normally prove interest and ownership.
Even though the PM owned the villas in 2009, he might have sold them since then with no evidence of such a transaction.
This country is so disturbed and distracted by this need to bring the PM down at all costs. Let him be brought down by the issues and proven wrong doing.
did the court get skerrit to surrender his passport.
i suspect you fingers going faster than your brain….
Even though the PM owned the villas in 2009, he might have sold them since then with no evidence of such a transaction. SO THERE IS CORRUPTION
Tell the PM to take Lennox to court, and stop your crap!
He is always just one step ahead .
DNO my fat fingeritist messed up my post . What I was suggesting is a opinion pole. Should the PM just face the IPO inquiry or ride In the back of Tony’s cab all the way tothe privy council
Tony Astaphans is acting more like skerit body guard than his lawyer
correction, not body guard but corrupt guard
Dominicans please, it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But one of these days God will be fed up with all those cover up and row row and he will deal justly, cause he is a just God. Repent people and avoid the rash judgement of God. God hates liars
astaphan troubled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
who does Astaphan think he is? does he think he is higher than anyone else. His days are numbered.
Babylon build their cities and break their own laws
love that piece
“This was announced despite the fact that the Skerrit’s legal team, led by Astaphan, had communicated with the IPO that the matter should not go ahead because of certain concerns with members of the Commission.”
Have the LOST it?
Have they LOST it?
Haste makes waste especially when reading such
nonesense. I call it that as in a Democratic society such thing should not happen much less that it wold be complained about in public…lol
We all already know where Justice Cottle is ruling. He is not making any judgement against G.O.D
Can someone who knows the law in Dominica please advise: Is it possible to file criminal charges in this matter, similar to the one filed by GON Emmanuel? I mean there is enough evidence of wrongdoing in this villas matter to go to court and get a conviction. At least this is my view as a layman.
So why waste time with the IPO especially now as Tony wants to delay the IPO matter indefinitely?
Time brother Time! He will run but he cannot hide from this one….
If over half of the members of the jurous on a case is the victims families, that cannot be right.
Tony will have trouble when he is not having his way.
There isn’t a “BUBBLE” in the world that has not burst yet!
If what Skerrit and his lawyers just did does not start an uprising in Dominica, then the nation deserves them.
Absolutely.
Go Tony Go……….geeeeeup
All these machinations and manoeuverings people, let’s not be fooled. It is only telling us to concretize in our minds who are the owners of these villas. If you are innocent you would face the court “head on”… Jail those who are using states resources for private and greedy purposes.
It must happen.PLEASE! HOW LONG? Not Long!
Skerrit and his lawyers are provoking the good people of Dominica. SMH
Win LOSE or DRAW…….Those with millions of dollars of property that their legal incomne cannot suppot/match MUST answer questions one day. It’s early still….No Law Not even the Constitution can stop that. Not even if they go hide themselves in a toilet. Man to Man the Law will Marsh them up. It’s just a matter of time.
Domninicans are not only cockroaches. Thousands of us with brains in our heads,and some who are grovelling to this corrupt government know who own the villas. One day everything will be made public.
Who you calling cockroaches????!!!!!!! Is that a typo? Please explain that comment. Having said that did you know, according to people who research such things, a roach can survive for 10 days without its HEAD. Did you also know that if one of the super powers decide to drop the big bomb, probably the only thing that would survive are cockroaches!
Nasty name calling never solves anything, it just makes the ‘thousands of us with brains in our heads, p****d!
But @4Real.. you don’t know is Tony Astaphans that call Dominicans cockroaches and kakador live and direct? Joke you making man. When you all don’t know what people are referring to, before jumping into long lectures go ask a question. Some of you are truly out of touch with what is going on in Dominica and always on the wrong side as a result.
4 real, he’s repeating what tony said!
If you are so convinced who owns the villas, maybe you should submit a complaint to the IPO with the relevant supporting evidence. Apparently you have some EVIDENCE that no one has seen or heard. Your submission would spare us the costs involved in this matter, which, as Mr. Astaphan has confirmed, will drag on for a long time and cost us even more.
Note, evidence is not suspicion, suppositions, rumours, “i think”, etc.
Gerard are you dumb, death or blind or are you pretending to be ALL of the above for the sake of convenience and a SCHOLARSHIP? Just asking!
Tom, if your keep peeping out of that hole your field of view will be very restricted.
– The IPO have the evidence
– And what will you say when it is disclosed that “Easydoor’s” fingerprints are all over the originals. How did they get there?
In 2013 there are still people who believe that the earth is flat, Alas!
This individual is not a very nice person. He continues to bring our small island nation in a situation he’ll regret. Where are all the honorable men of the land to stop him?
I do understand very well why he is so troubled about the IPO. The fact that the majority of the people are now convinced who has interests in the villas, is a big problem for him and the culprits. He also realizes that he can only get away with so much to protect and defend the indefensible. So you see, his troubles are far more than the IPO.
Now the burden to change is left with the people who holds the power. Changing the course the nation is on should be a priority for the everyone. You, who can see and hear, be you red or blue, knows that this individual is not looking out for you. He employs all means avail to defend his friends and their interests, for his own interests.
The only option is to use the power of the ballot. Collectively, you must demand electoral reform before any election, to include a total cleansing of the voter list. Unless these actions are taken, nothing changes. These corrupt individual will continue to do anything in their power to sustain the status-quo.
People! You have the real “POWER”. But if you do enjoy the current situation, and want more? I say more power to you. Time will tell!
London Privy Council??? the PM already decide to abandon the Privy Council and go with CCJ and write the PVC to put them on notice. Tony really think is kakadoh he speaking to. Carry on
Prime Minister Tony Astaphan or Owner of Dominica I have lost all respect for you.
tony we all know now who owns the villas nothing you or skerrit can say or do will ever make the public trust you guys again.THE DOWN FALL WILL BE TELEVISED TONY , JUST WAIT TONY WAIT!!!!!.
Dig you hole
it dig already we are just awaiting the day when the RAT will fall in it
Al they catch you boy Tony, so you wanted IPO to hear the matter, then it would be null and void when Cottle say on the 12th that you win the judicial review. The Good Lord is at work Tony. Judgement soon come my brother.
Tony is a troubled man
Such a dangerous trend in Dominica. Tony is basically saying, do what allu want, allu will not be investigating Skerrit for any un-accounted property. High Court, Appeal, Privy Council??? That’s another 3-4 years.
Boy them fellas really run tings in Dominica papa. Good thing I leave their place for them.
Dominica has now turned into the laughing stock of the Carribean and the so called LEGAL system is manipulated by the executive.
No Hope No Future
Astaphans…you doing a wonderful JOB by keeping the slaves in the fields, they really don’t deserve any shelter…
actually they loved being slaves!!
All these appeals, injuctions, judicial reviews are like sealing leaks in a dam with bandaid. Eventually the pressure becomes so great that the entire thing collapses in one big disastrous flood.
Those, who don’t want to be swallowed up, move to higher ground before it s too late.
Ataphans, all that could be avoided if you and your client allow the IPO COmmission to do its work unfettered.
Try my Best not to return to my homeland for Vacation or any kind of Biz…
I am deeply afraid about the thinking of Dominicans.
Wonder where did they become to lack lustre,so Quickly.
One Guy holds up Dominica, and all the Rest of the So call Patriots sit back just chatting!
Action is Key..
Stay in your new homeland.
Try my Best not to return to my homeland for Vacation or any kind of Biz…
I am deeply afraid about the thinking of Dominicans.
Be my guest. Be a second class citizen in your adopted homeland. Hope I do not se you here for carnival or Independence. don’t even come for you family funeral, because “our thinking” will tarnish your high moral value.
it should read
the matter is not being handled well by the Commission because they did not take orders from me “tont astaphans”
Tony you good too wi. You well excited that there is a delay and the process is lengthy to give you and your more time to file stays and more circus antics. You pretending you mad. Skerrit will be 96 before that matter see the light of day and since Dominicans have memoire poule by next month that die, so all in all he win. I want a villa it’s nobodys own so I X marks the spot!
Keep you all rubbish away from the London Privy Council, we are not interested. Let Dominicans take what they get. Labor power!
Why would you not want to go to the Privy Council? Is that not the same Privy Council you guys want to cling on to so desparately? Well, you guys obviously have absolute trust in it; so let the matter go there to get a decision that you all will accept.
I am expecting alot of dislikes for this posting because truth and facts are your gwan lelmi!! !
If truth and facts was sitting on that behind you wouldn’t even know even if the combine weight was one ton
Why are you so Troubled Tony. Isn’t that want you wanted all along? You said that you would go at all lenghths to see to it that no one causes embarrasement to the PM. You said it I did not. So isn’t your words being manefested!!! Why then is the IPO worrying you.
Is this IPO a joke or what?
Astaphan is clearly confirming Babs Dyer’s observation that Skerrit’s lawyers are using the Courts as a SHIELD. How sad for our legal system…
Tony Astaphan pne day justice will be served, justice will be served. I have no fear that will be the case. All ropes have an end. All roads have an end. Nothing lasts forever.
But what de p m have to hide na. Boss man if u say u don’t own them villas now is the time to prove it. Give the I p o full access to ur files boss man. I promise if them villas not yours I will vote for u again but now boss man u look guilty as hell. History will determine what kind of p m u will be. Let the I p o do their work. Why u always want to run to the court for. If u ask me I will say boss man u guilty guilty guilty
DNO would it e a wise idea to ind out wht it is that the people want . Do we want to have our tax money pay a matter that simply requires politicians to come tell his side or do the people want their tax money going to lawyers, privy council etc.
Every rope has an end. That troubled soul will get its rest soon enough. Tanto tanto!
Tony Astaphan must come to the realization that all Dominicans are not stupid and we are aware of the legal game he and Skerrit are playing.Tony must understand that the allegations will never go away,until such time that it is settled right. The delay tactics will just hang over Skerrit’s head as long as he is alive. If incase he has some kind of connections with the Villas, he will never enjoy the profits, because the people of Dominica will always be watching him wether he is in politics or not.Skerrit is the Prime Minister of Dominica and we pay his salary,therefore,we reserve the right to ask him questions.I cannot understand why so much legal mombo jumbo has to prevent him from attending a simple inquire,after all the IPO has not brought any charges against him yet. You can play for time Tony,it will not go away.
i wonder how long will Dominicans sit on their laurels and let this kind of crap continues!!!!!!. The natural course of justice is not working. We the people have to accelerate it.
While those who have money can circumvent the system and delay legal matters to their benefit, GOD surely has a way of showing us who the real god is…time will tell because SOMEBODY HAVE TO PAY SOME DAY for raping, pillaging, abusing and robbing Ma Dominique and her children!
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Mi DEBA !! Mr Astaphan well do your miracle,what you waiting on? you dont have to be troubled by this issue,i heard they say it have mad lawyers around, so if one is mad do de mad thing. EH Eh !!
Shut up Tony! Shut up! Dominicans tired of your verbal diarrhea.
This is just the first warning that “PM” Astaphan is using to be sure PM Skerrit never answers questions about his alleged ownership of the villas. Next move Tony install Skerrit as Executive Dictator of Dominica on completion of the palace.
Of course Tony Astaphan is troubled. I would be too if I were him. Tell us something new!
The Senior Counsel also made it clear that now the matter has been postponed, it is going to be a long process and it might go as far as the London-based Privy Council.
adjournment adjournment for their own amusement…dey commit murder and just walk out free on technicality…if you think i lie assk astaphan.