Senior Counsel, Tony Astaphan, has vowed to challenge a decision by the Integrity in Public Office Commission (IPO) to proceed with its hearing on a matter concerning Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit.
“I think we can say emphatically for all of those in the United Workers Party who are waiting anxiously what our position is going to be, this decision by the Integrity Commission is going to be challenged every single step of the judicial process,” Astaphan said on Kairi’s Next Level program.
Lawyers for the prime minister, Alick Lawrence SC and Lennox Lawrence, had raised objections to the proposed hearing and had written to the Commission on December 10, 2012 stating that it was “unlawful”.
They also went to court seeking a judicial review.
The IPO subsequently said it actually had jurisdiction to proceed with the inquiry ruling that it has “has complied with the statutory preconditions for embarking on the statutory requirements to hold an inquiry under section 33 of the Act.”
Hearings are expected to begin on February 23.
But the decision is not going down well with Astaphan. “I don’t think the decision is right nor do I think it is fair,” he stated.
He said Skerrit’s lawyers will be having a “tele-conference” to discuss the IPO’s decision and pointed out “perhaps without further consultation with the prime minister we should not say much more about the decision.”
The senior counsel however vowed the matter would be challenged. “Let your heart not be troubled,” he said.
PM Skerrit is before the commission on a complaint brought by radio personality and journalist Lennox Linton who claimed that he 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.
That complaint is the third part of a three point allegation brought to the attention of the Commission by Linton.
The two other parts of the complaint which also suggest that the prime minister had breached certain provisions of the Integrity in Office Act were rejected by the Commission.
Good grief! If the PM is not guilty allow the man to vindicate himself.;;;;; If the PM has no cocoa in sun, he should not be afraid of rain. The PM and his team should be happy for the opportunity to clear the air, if they are defensive as they are before the hearing, well, something en smelling good at all….
God is good all the time and all the time God is good! So let the IPO go full speed with with matter, cause they always saying God is good so he is good about justice and fairness too. Let the boxing match begin! Time to rumble, guess, more calypsos for next year…..
Get that matter sorted because of the fierce urgency of the now!
We tired hear about toni toni toni, everytime there is a matter is toni toni toni everyday!
Malatete, what an appropriate name.__ You Know what I mean. You’re not appreciative of what I wrote, because you lace the capacity to understand positive comments regardless of what degree you possess.
Who pays for all of this -does Mr A work for free(PRO BONO -rather ironic)
Mr Astaphan is a Dominican and a very clever one at that -he been allowed to do as he chooses because he knows how to manipulate the law furthermore he surrounds himself with some very important people. They have a lot to loose -I would not start celebrating yet.
only time will tell, fly your kite the wind is blowing,
Who will bring Kassav Band down
Parry Bellot or the French man
Everything for we is a controversy.
De Hurricane never lie with that song.
I do not understand why, when persons write respectfully and use appropriate language and refrain from calling people derogatory names, their contributions are apparently still not posted for the public to read! Only contributions which are unacceptable due to language or insinuation should be left out!!!!!! Please post our comments!!!! Thank you for the opportunity………
ADMIN: Your comments have to many words in capital letters and will be automatically deleted. Post your comments using lower caps and they will be published. Read the disclaimer.
Ok DNO, was not aware of this! Thanks for informing me accordingly!
Hatred, jealousy and wickedness around you all is really destroying Dominica.
who without sin cast the first stone are you??????????????????????????????????????????????????????
In the name of Jesus i declare war against all evil forces in this land calling right wrong and wrong right. Woe unto those who sell their souls to the devil for fame. Please dear Lord grant Dominica your mercy and deliver us from the hands of this Government. Amen
Well, well, well. This will be another opportunity for the judicial system to prove their mettle.. If we see “judicial Review” succeed again it will be confirmation that not only is the prime minister corrupt, but the entire judicial system is also corrupt and all too willing to succumb to the diabolical machinations of a Senior Counsel who is unchecked, unaccountable, and triumphant in his unbearable arrogance.
And they want us to join the Caribbean court of Justice?
Expertise costs. So what? What are you suggesting that Tony must pretend to have all the knowledge? He is out to win and it is totally acceptable to seek the opinion of others but you still have to know who to listen to. You still have to know if to accept or reject. So again he proves to be smart.
Also to be able to afford such expertise is an advantage and so what? If you need legal representation you are saying you are going to go to the lawyer who has no resources and does not seek advice but feels he knows everything? Who knows everything? Well I will make sure to visit you in jail
I am not saying Tony is a good human being but he is an excelllent lawyer and quite frankly the last thing you want your lawyer to be is human unless it requires as such. You want him to get you out of “jail.”
Focus people. Focus on Skerrit the accused not the lawyer being paid to win a non-guilty verdict. That’s Tony’s job and he does it well.
As for UWP isnt that how young Prevost became a multimillionaire fresh out of law school? Lots of business from UWP. But thats ok I suppose? stewps.
Anonymous, you almost make mr. Astaphan look like a saint, if that is possible. The message I take away from your eulogy is that the duty of a lawyer to defend his/her client is paramount and supersedes everything, even morals. That did not help those accused at the Nuerenberg trials who who used similar arguments in defence of their actions under the Nazi regime.
The corrupt!!! Look if u have nothing to hide why challenge the decision.
1 + 1= 2 not 25
So if you have more than you should have then that is a matter for more than Dominica to deal with. Politicians, pastors etc go into it for one purpose. MONEY and FAME.
Mr PM who is in charge of who? Who pays who? From whatI comprehend you are in charge of your lawyers and you pay them. SO why Tony is the one saying wht will be done. You said in the past you have no objection to the IPO doing their job and you will answer to any questions pose so why your lawyers are oposing and going against your words. Are you a man or are you a MAN.
Money, money, money, the name of the game. There is a wolf in sheep clothing, beware beware beware, for he is right there !!
Joker , joker
The thing you ate when you were small acting on you now garcon!
There is a disease, called madness in the air!!
LOL there is a famous line in most espionage movies,,,
“If I go down we all going down”
You doh see mista dem all in one club when Skerro start talking All feudatories under him going dong wiff him yeh,,,
Linton when you going to listen to Marn nuh,,,
Garçon have the IPO subpoena Mista for his delegation of authority to act as trustee, and certified copy of his BAR Bond,,,
Do dat and watch mista run and hide,,,
if and when allyou get mista to present those documents then the IPO will have grounds to implicate him also for the violations of Public Trust,,,
Lord, I have two sons please please help them to grow up to be men of integrity, no matter what path they choose in life. It is sad to see that lies and deceit are the order of the day.
So true what you said about the senior counsel, he is famous in the legal fraternity for paying senior counsels and queens counsels from other jurisdcitions for their opinions, that is how he wins cases. Not by himself. Thank God he has the money to do that. You know what needs to be made public – the amount of money paid by the Ministry of Legal Affairs every year to this man for opinions that staff at the Ag’s Chambers are capable of doing so that he can be paid. As soon as he sends his bills he is paid and you would be shocked to know the amounts. This is one of the reasons he hates the UWP because when they were in power the ministry handled their work and were not paying staff and just handing out work to outside lawyers just to pay them a salary as is the order of the day now.
Good people of D/A. You elected the man as PM let the man do his work. If you are dissatisfied after 5 years then throw him out. Tony is counsel to PM and it is his duty to defend him. Maybe he is just too good as his job. Well done Tony, continue to do what you were paid to do.
Cest Mwenmem.
You are an ignorant sheep
What you mean , ignorant! The sheep were doing what they were supposed to, following what they conceived was their shepherd when it slowly dawned upon them it really was a woolf.
This just means that I will be standing at the polls voting sooner than I think!
Are these people paying a mortgage on Dominica?? I thought they were chosen by us to manage our affairs, not theirs ?…
1.Skerrit on public records was the one who up and put his business outside claiming in the coming days WE(Dominicans) will hear he has blah blah. Nobody asked Skerrit any question and that’s a FACT!
2.Skerrit was the one who ran on integrity in public office and even had a prayer to support his position.
3.Skerrit was the one who campaigned against the abuse of public office.
4.Skerrit welcomed the IPO to vindicate him. Now time and again we read and hear Tony in the press yapping about not allowing Mr Skerrit to go before the IPO.
Mr Skerrit you will find comfort now in hidding behind nonesensical rants and grand standing of a lawyer who doesn’t know how to enter a court room and try a case but hides behinds technicalities and stalling tactics, but sooner or later the piper will come blowing and I pray you will be able to feed that dragon.
Tony should try to get Cottle on the IPO that way they are likely to win everything.
Ha, ha, that is funny. Reminds me of an 80’s T.V. series, “the Singing Detective” that was also shown in the U.S.A. We have gone one better and now have our own “Singing Judge”.
Linton u better call COLIN for mister!
astaphan will see us through……… LABOUR POWER
that is bec because you all have no integrity and you have to depend on a lawyer for protection fro the law
why all of you just hating our sweet PM? leave him alone.. he is not a voleur
you too blind
hahahaahhhaaaa you’re funny! Bless you!
Really?
He’s not a what? Mamie in the cabal with allu wi and what did she say again, “you teefing for all of us”… Go as Mammie! SOT….
If the PM was innocent he would stand in front of the IPO and the Dominican people and defend himself. The fact that he does not want to do that tells me all I need to know. As far as Astaphan is concerned he is just the PMs puppet. But he is playing a dangerous game!
dafriend! Guess all lawyers who defends their clients are puppets. Guess also if you were accused of anything you would not employ a lawyer for fear he/she would aotomatically become your pupper. What logic.
No doubt Dominica has so many puppets.
There is a clear difference between defending a client and campaigning/twisting the law for a client.
If a man’s defense is always “you cannot prove it in court” then look out. That is not the defense of a man righteous.
Tony, the IPO is coming. No law..no constitution will stop them… Hold Skerrit’s hand and run for your lives!
Mr. Astaphan is more interested in his legacy as a champion defence lawyer then in the wellbeing of either Roosevelt Skerrit or the country, make no muistake. But it will also be the cause of his inevitable downfall.
Why are we wasting time and effort commenting on these stories on DNO? Why even bother?
It is time to organize ourselves to take back our country. It is time to take real, positive action, however small and insignificant, we must act. Let the lawyers do the talking in the Court rooms and on the radio
After all, this is the Senior Counsel.
He is definitely the most powerful person in Dominica.
He makes the law.
He interprets the law to his benefit.
He applies the laws to suit his best interest.
He disregards the law when he deems it irrelevant or unnecessary for his games;
He does not care about the law, when it does not serve his narrow interest.
He decides who should follow the law and when.
It is he who determines to whom and when the law applies and why.
He determines who should be sanctioned by law and to what extent.
He decided when who should be heard
he decides when and how anyone or body should act under the law, including the Courts and the IPO.
The man is (at least in his mind) above the law.
He is the law.
So why bother?
The time is now opportune, just a few months before the next general elections to engage in grassroots persuasion –not necessarily campaigning.
It is time to convince a friend, a neighbour, a family member, a fellow villager or constituent and all Dominicans at home and abroad–some of who may ne beneficiaries of bribes, or victims of intimidation, retaliation or fooled into a sense of complacency by the “concrete” development amidst the moral decay of our society.
The time is now to renew our efforts through real action to get rid of the illegal and immoral monsters, who have now become too large to contain their own wild egos.
God bless Lennox Linton and others who must continue to speak on our behalf and who will ensure that all what has to be done is done to keep the fire burning.
But we cannot leave the job for Lennox, Blessings, Angelo, Arundel and others. Enough talk and long contributions on DNO, it is time for action. So long!
Respectfully
Roseau valley
It seems the tone off your comment sounds like someone who is very irrational and despondent.Where is the person who always try to show understanding and politeness, was this all a fake and now we are seeing the real nature of who Roseau Valley really is, calling people monsters. Stop crying and begging the populace to do your bidding.It doses not seem you understand Politics, the truth always revel it self.
What makes you think I’m using different pen names when making comments.What makes you think I’m the person going by the name of peeping Tom how more silly can you be. Some people are real and some people are good. Some people are fake and some people are real good at being fake.
What about Jude Nicholas – n matter what handle you use your content remains the same and continue to get hidden due to low and garage cntent
Well Roseau Valley you have Day Massay yourself.
you have shown your total and compete hatred for Rossevelt Skerrit.
I am tired of getting thumbs down as Peeping Tom. So I will try using the name Gary a little bit more often
If you are the real peeping tom use the initials of your name then. I wish to remind you that they are; G.J/J….. well thank you
Hey Tony. Dominicans say boooooo on that one. Just like we boooooed Scrunter on Saturday. Booooooooo booooooooo. booooooooooo. Booooooooooooo boooooooooooo. Let my PM go. Free him up. Let him clear his good name!! Why do you want him to hide behind your black devilish coat.
The main piece of evidence in the Gon Emanuel fire, i.e. the burnt vehicle has disappeared. The ciizens for truth and righteousnes know that a long time ago and they cannot speak about it. Only about Skerrit and Tony they can talk. If it was Skerrit or Tony involved you would hear them. God is not sleeping and he knows who set the fire. Time will tell.
WHAT is the issue Tony????????????????? let the people do their work, that’s all…
Lennox said it was you who spilled the beans. You can’t flately deny it instead you come with you “cock and bull story” about “and even if i sent an email, i wasn’t the ONLY source of information” and you mean to tell me that an intelligent man like Skerro would still retain you as his lawyer, spokesperson, defender and advocate against a legally instituted organization set up by the same labour party. This is a similar situation of who will guard the gauard for true. Allu want to beat allu tablet and eat it too man. But the idea with this senior
I’m a Dominican high income tax payment who have chosen to be in Dominica because of my love for country then to humanity . I’ve been home for 4 years now and I must say that I’ve lost confidence and respect for this cabinet especially the prime minister . He has certainly proven himself to be egotistic , lofty , ruthless , arrogant , proud and crafty . The cabinet is aimless , restless , unproductive and have shown little respect and love to the common man . The common man seems to have to now sell expired codfish from the national land field to make a dollar ….. What a damn shame ! . This prime minister would have never survived in Trinidad , Jamaica or Barbados . The people would have cast him out a long time ago .
What’s he afraid of ? If he’s nothing to hide, why not attend and demonstrate his innocence. Using every legal means possible to avoid attendance just makes him look like he’s guilty and doesn’t want to get caught.
He’s giving Dominica a very bad name.
I would like to make a correction to my last post. The word Ccuncsel was incorrect. The correct spelling in “counsel.
All you folks who talk about no law in Dominica, are the very ones who want to condemn the PM by being the prosecutor, judge and jury. If the PM is culpable, let a Court of Law decide. And by the way, that’s what Mr. Astaphan has said.All he’s doing is use all options he’s afforded under the Law. Why then do you, UWP members and supporters, ‘huff and buff’ because the PM’s Councsel talked about challenging the IPO’s move?
The IPO is not above the law.
Now to those how say that since there is always an accusation against Skerrit he must be doing something(s) unlawful, understand this. The power-hungry so-called Patriots have just taken a page from the chief strategist of the U.S. Republican Party. Make a lot of accusations (with no evidence to prove. Twist the facts; speak out of context; and sooner or later, you’ll convince some Labour supporters that some of the accusations must be true. That’s exactly what the Nazis did during World War Two.
THEY JUST MAKE A LOT OF NOISE.
Brother Ignus, is there any hope for you? You really are a dark “light”, aren’t you?
Maybe we should do like Charlo now and call a BOYCOTT of Astaphans until Tony Astaphans allows the people of Dominica to hear the charge against the PM through the IPO Commision !!!!!!!
I rest my case Mr. Astaphan … in the court of public opinion you have already provided enough doubt in the PM’s innocence to convict him beyond reasonable doubt….
Remember .. the court of public opinion does not allow you to manipulate the rules as the court of law does……
It is NOT the PM’s job to prove his innocence; it is the other side’s job to prove the PM’s guilt. I think everyone wants to know the TRUTH; however, if Astaphan and his train know differently they should come forth and spill it out, and not harass the PM. I also think everyone is curious about the BIG SECRET. MR. ASTAPHAN, LET’S HEAR IT.
He afraid of something thats why he so defensive
One more favor mr judge for old time sake and whatever else there is for the taking. Can’t wait to hear you excuse yourself but this time the people will have your plane ticket waiting for you back to your island. By the way we know about those fun get together between you Mr Judge and the corrupt one when he travel to your island. We know about those hang out moments sir – yes we do.
ton ton,
what allu afraid of doo doo? 
hehehehhe 
Why i Dislike Dominicans Period is how weak and Backward their Citizens are…
They sit back and let One Lawyer steer the Course On His will..And do nothing to halt the man.
No wonder Dominica is the Poorest in the Eastern Caribbean.
That Ignorance is the blown all over the Island Of Dominica..
Their Citizens back in the 50s-Mid 90s were Much More Brilliant and Smarter and would not Let In Justice even attempt to Breath on their Island..
But Sadly Dominica has taken a Major Nose Dive Since the 21st Century..for the Worst!
DNO,I miss the first owner of this website.It’s so obvious where you guys stand. Sometimes I even think you guys click on the like button if the comment is against the PM.
The Hon.Roosevelt Skerrit will leave all of you haters in the dust. Bunch of envious people jumping on the band wagon of hate.The man looks calm and peaceful it’s like he has no worries while some with empty refrigerators get high blood pressure.
Alas, I myself have my fair share of disappointment. I hear many DLP supporters and stroong one too expressing their disappointment buyt tell who really is perfect on this earth. I am sure PM is aware that he is not perfect. What I think has happened is we as a nation has diviated too much from the things of God. We need more spiritual guidance in Cabinet. Of course there are spiritual leaders on both the Roman Catholic side and the protestants who are very disappointed in some of the things happening but God designed everything in his own way for a reason. In the Old Testament God hardened Pharoah’s heart but if was for a reason and that was to bring out the glory of God so the people could serve him at the end although many dies
The PM has made mistakes like every other human being and he needs forgiveness just the same. The IPO has been ou there to do a job nad the job must be done. However I have the feeling that the PM will be freed from all of this because of the prayers of the people, love from the people and grace from God. Some of what has transpired between 2009 and 2014 will certainly most definitely affected the 2014 polls but not to cause the party to lose but to help all and sundry take note. Remember that in every person has more positive than negative and because the Pm has more positives than negatives and the fact that he holds no grudges in his heart he will be freed and vindicated. God is a God of Mercy. Again I must end by saying some of what happened over the last 4 years will affect the elections in Dominica overall. Mark the sate and time this was said.
why is the prime minister always involved in a court battle nou? stupes! Stupes Stupes? A week just cannot go bye without hearing his name in some kind of nonsense man? I have never heard the name of any pM or president in the world with such terrible record. For the good of the country, a vote of no confidence should be called to protect the man’s image.
then you would have an 18 – 3 vote in the house and what would that prove?
LOL so true! Obviously we need a better system.
Ask Lennox and UWP, you will know why
Because the opposition always looking for ways to drag him into court so as to discredit him. I guess they feel that this is the only way that they can get into power but that is bad for the country and every one who supports that type of politics will suffer with the rest of all Dominicans as a result of it.
To ‘PROTECT THE MAN’S IMAGE’??????????
As long as Roosevelt Skerrit controls parliament a vote of “no confidence” will go nowhere. The DLP M.P.’s are all dependent on his blessing for their benefits and must be extremely reluctant to risk this by expressing their true sentiments in public..
You all think Linton is so perfect but time will tell for all of you. Those of no sins cast the first stone.
@ lee Leave Linton alone. God will continue blessing him bountifully.
Go tell Skerrit ‘Stop the Running’…He can run as fast as Usain Bolt but this will NEVER prevent him from answering the questions he is running away from.
Honesty is the best policy.
IDIOT is lennox in public office…stop using quotes from the bible to justify koshonie
Time will always tell. Is Mr Skerritt perfect?
Why do you sound so dumb?
No one is above the law. Is only in Dominica so many people in high office commiting all kinds of offences and walking away free.
As bad as the US may be, it does not matter what position you hold if you break the law you will be tried and justice will be served.
It is time that Dominicans get out of that can they are in.Stop behaving like Dummies in a can.
All men are created equal.
Who does Tony think he is? His days are numbered.
A few years ago during a National Day of Prayer where prayer was made on a radio station where Pastor BJ was the host and when blessings called to ask for prayer for “corrupt leaders” Pastor B.J’s exact response to blessings on the air was JUST WHAT YOU SAID, (let he who is without sin cast the first stone” and we all see just where the 7 stones ended up! We do not use this as an excuse for doing wrong. If the man is misbehaving in his capacity of leader then he MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. This is not a family estate, these guys are not the masters of the people but mere servants so stop that CRAP and time alone will tell. pluis tard pluis twis
Are you suggesting that the PM is guilty? And further, since we ALL are sinners, then why worry about wrongdoings?? I sincerely hope not as you would be putting your foot in your mouth. You agree?
in all honesty, i’m dissappointed in the party i’ve voted for twice, as a young man. i voted for the d.l.p because i thought it was the best choice, in my heart i still believe so. but i’m human and do have a conscience, and i think it’s time our p.m stand b4 the i.p.o and answer questions. all that lawyer fighting only raising my doubts. i doubt i’ll vote workers but i don’t have the confidence in my party, sad to say it but it’s true. i really hope mr skerrit will be vindicated when standing b4 the i.p.o. and any true labourite should want him to answer the questions and clear us from all this confusion. we can’t believe in the games of his lawyers and shout hooray…
then vote for god
Disappointed, you doubt you will vote for lennox,matt, groovie bat, carlisle, blessings and angry red boy from Slaisbury and hector Jean.
Make no mistake about it, these people will never govern Dominica.
So if Politics is a game of Chess…Roosevelt Skerrit is Garry Kasparov and lennox and the uwp are like well the uwp.
This is exactly why the PM is always in court: You say you dont ‘have the confidence in the party you voted for’ and your response shows you also lack the confidence to vote against them even when your ‘conscience’ leads to believe that something is not right. You say any ‘true labourite should want him to answer the questions’ and I say all Dominicans should demand he answer the questions. You say you ‘doubt you will vote workers’ and I say I doubt things will ever change…
Despite your lack of courage before I do hope in 2015 you will have the ‘confidence’ to place your X next to the line that says..’Waiting to be disapoointed a Third Time.
“The truth always appears eventually, despite all efforts to hide it. It is impossible to keep something secret forever”
“People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use.”
― Søren Kierkegaard
“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.”
― George Carlin
Let’s get real here!! Was there really an alternative to the DLP at the last elections? The UWP could not even articulate a plan to move Dominica forward – the best they could give us is the “online manefesto”.Its disheartening that there is not one person or party that we as a people can have confidence in as a leader: not Skerritt, not Ian, not Eddo, not Ron, not Lennox, not Thomson, not Pestaina, not Petter! I might as well run bc all of them is just commess!
Thats what happens when we blindly vote for a particular party.
Why wouldn’t you vote for UWP or Freedom or for that matter a party that offers better Governance.
Anyone who continues to vote for one party might as well not bother with Democracy.
In my time as an adult I have voted for all parties at different times based on my understanding of how they promised to Govern. When ever they fail or misuse my vote, i withdraw it. I suggest you do the same and clear your conscience, if your words are truly written.
The ultimate problem is not who we put in power over the country but who we put in power over our minds. ‘Disappointed more’ said there was no alternative but says he might well ran..well dat was one alternative. What kept you back is the same thing that keeps us back as a country. WE elect governments. Governments work for US. WE have the power not them, wether it is Skerrit or Merit. We can demand change from any elected leader…red white yellow black or blue.. but only if we really want change.
Disappointed said that he hopes the PM will be vindicated but yet his minions have tried to avoid the IPO—
“Truth fears no trial”
– Anonymous
“Truth never lost ground by inquiry”
– Anonymous
“If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.”
– Mark Twain
“The worst part about being lied to is knowing you weren’t worth the truth”.
– Taylor
Are we still governed by the rul of law? What is wrong with Mr. Astaphan? If a person accuses the PM of wrong doing and the matter is now before the IPO, why the PM’s lawyer so upset? Is the PM above the law? Why not just come with truth so everybody could hear and see and clear all doubts the public might still have? I remember the late Peter Tosh wrote a song with some very good advise that Tony and them should use to counsel the PM if they really love him…”Leave clean and let you works be seen.” Also, my parents always use to tell me “if you don’t put cocoa in sun don’t look for rain.” The actions of Tony them leaves me to wonder if there is any cocoa outside that was not picked up.
i think tony must keep out and give the pm a chance to defend himself
Lawyers are there to advocate for people. There is nothing wrong with using your lawyer to make statements on your behalf.
Therefore this statement made by need to be is outside of the lawyer client relationship.
The great President Bill Clinton and Obama use lawyers all the time.
He can’t!! He said the PM has authorised him to speak on his behalf anytime, anywhere. Misery sure like COMPANY
what does the pm or you have to him Tony? If there is nothing to hide then let the IPO do their thing and done with, instead of running around like a scared little puppy backing!
the word is “barking” not backing….clear indication of the education level of our “ex police” officers.
Mr. Skerrit on July 19th you did say that u welcome the IPO’s decision as it provides an opportunity to vindicate yourself. Mr. Skerrit when will you and your cronies come clean with us especially your friends and supporters. Why not take the stands in your own defense and settle these matters once and for all. what are you afraid of, what do you have to hide. we were the ones who put you there and we have to hold you accountable to the people. If these matters are mere aspersion then the IPO will make that determination and we shall ALL condemn your critics and the people who has reported you and think that you are inept and corrupt. I personally believe that you may be innocent in all of this, come on comrade prove me right!
“Mr. Skerrit when will you and your cronies come clean with us especially your friends and supporters.”
The very minute the other side stops contaminating the process! Stop polluting the process and allow the IPO Act, as perverted as it is, to work. Then, we will revert to that July 19 declaration.
“We will revert…” Eh ben PT you come out! LOL
Name One “Contamination” .. Just one.. a factual one.. no one of ur machinations…Just one.. or stop talking and keep peeping.
Partner stop singing for you supper, you on a government scholarship so this is expected from you! “Then, we will revert to that July 19 declaration”, who WE, you in something to na? Boss enjoy yourself in CA and stop your nonsense, a big man like you… that is if you ever vote labour in your life already wi!
Gary you are such an idiot. Try being Observer next time PEEPING TOM.
Keep spinning
ok so if the pm welcoming the works of the ipo why does tony have a problem? you know what if this man tony becomes president one day boy dominica finish wi. that is why we should be voting for a working president.
What ever happens in darkness MUST be brought to light one day…The fear this leader has of the IPO is telling anyone with just half a brain that matters are not above board.
However like it or not, this leader must answer to all the serious questions that he thinks he can run away from now.
If you want to see PM run just say “”””PM look the IPO!!!!!! Then you will see how PM PWEN
COU WEE.
Get your own caption and not use another person’s own.
mister astaphan if skerrit is so squeaky clean as you always profess, then let his case be heard and when he wins we will charge and sue lennox…
why are you bent on trying all kinds of leagal maneuvering to not let skerrit case be heard…. remmember you once said CORRUPTION BREEDS POVERTY, and i believed you.
peace bros
What does Tony Astaphan really wants.Is he telling Dominicans and the world by extension that all the accusations that have been thrown at Skerrit over the last five years are untruths and should be thrown in the $14 gabbage bin.If Tony wants us to believe that all the currupted practices we have hearing about Skerrit are lies,allegations ,jealosy and hatred,please ask Skerrit to address the people of Dominica and clear any doubts we may have. Until such time that he does so, regardless to whatever the courts rule,even his most adent supporters will always be left with doubts in their minds. What a legacy.
“What does Tony Astaphan really wants.Is he telling Dominicans and the world by extension that all the accusations that have been thrown at Skerrit over the last five years are untruths and should be thrown in the $14 gabbage bin.”
Well, if you have one shred of evidence to the contrary you should be very happy because i am sure you will have a few loud mouths who are willing to take up your case. Aren’t you even a bit confused that to date, not one piece of credible “evidence” of corruption against the PM can stand up to scrutiny? This speaks volumes.
No amount of shouting, vein popping, screaming, and persecuting can make that which is untrue true.
Peeping Tom, Can you give one proactive comment. You comments are always reactive. All you do is ‘peep’ other people’s comment, copy and paste the lines that you don’t like and make some silly biased comment.
Evidence against the PM, as you put it, ‘can’t stand up to scrutiny’because it is never allowed to be ventilated in the proper forum – Court; and now before the IPO. The PM’s lawyers always try to block. If he or they would just allow the evidence to come out and stand the scrutiny of the proper adjudicators – Judge/IPO Commission, then maybe your sillly comment would have some shred of merit.
Currently, the burden of proof lies with the Prime Minister Skeritt, not with the citizens.
We did our work with due diligence.
He needs to prove us wrong.
Peeping Tom…do you have any semblance of a conscience?
When this government falls, it is people like you I will laugh the longest and hardest at!!!
Is that what we sent you to study for? NO SHRED OF EVIDENCE EH, well them dem go to the IPO or to court na and defend their good name in your eye! zor di zor sot, remove the scale from your eyes scholarship benifitiary
You will keep working over time though on all blogs defending but your day will come one way or the other
Spinning Tom, if no evidence can stand against your intelligencia, then let the dice roll. Like they, say you can fool some of the people all the time.
Who does this attorney thinks he is? I am disgust with this one-man show running our country. But again, that’s exactly what the voters permitted, compliments Roosevelt Skerrit. This is insane!
Nowhere in the OECS except in D/ca can this be allowed. Come-on people! Why? Where did we go wrong? Mr. Anthony Astaphan’s behavior coupled with your inaction has reduced your rights to a second-class citizen in your own country. It seems like he and the other three lawyers, with the blessings of the government, control our judicial system with no one to demonstrate against their actions. He humiliates, and denigrates by calling us all sorts of names, and nothing is done about it.
By the time you realize that our beloved island is hijacked by a priviledged few, who are determined to hold on to power by all means, it will be too late. Remember, it’s no coincidence that a hit-man was on a mission to D/ca. Thank God! He was caught in Barbados. They try to make us believe that the Hon. Gon Emmanuel fire-bombed his own home while he’s asleep. So asinine eh! Who knows what they plan next? Wake-up people, Wake-up! Before you say, ” Had I known.” Then I’ll say, “I told you so”. Thank you!
Correction: island is hijacked by a privileged few
Well, a “privileged few” are trying to hijack the island. However, the people have said no in an 18 – 3 verdict and will continue to say no, no matter how hard that “privileged few” tries.
Political Partisan and Truthfulness is tearing apart our country. I don’t know whether it’s a new thing, but it is certainly a current thing, in that it doesn’t seem to you what facts are. It used to be, everyone was entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts and that’s not the case anymore.For you the facts does not matter at all. Perception is everything.
WOW,IT’S OPEN SEASON:LOOK IT.
Astaphan, you really making your client look bad. What is it that you don’t want him to tell?
I am quite certain when this smoke blows over, you will be caught with your hands deep down in the cookie jar…
I know that your heart is already troubled!
There is something not right here, what are they hiding, first they attempt to discredit the entire comission, over the leaks matter when it was Astaphan himslef who leaked the intel, now they are going to stall, meddle interfere with a legitimate legal process, these guy’s do not have the moral right to object to anything. when are the Police going to haul Astaphan in for questioning that is waht we should be looking at not how to silence the IPO comission
As a citizen I would really like to ask why is it that PM refuse to clear up this mess by just going to the IPO to answer te question. The PM at first said he welcome te investigation now he is fighting tooth and nail to avoid the IPO. if this docking and weaving move bythe PM and his team is not a sign of guilt then what is.
De IPO is a lawfully constituted institution Tony. U cannot argue that. What is so unlawful about investigating de PM. If de PM was Edison James I have reason to believe that u would have brought him and his entire cabinet to de IPO a million times over.
U are so arrogant like u, de lawrence brothers and skerrit are TOTALLY ABOVE THE LAW.
De PM should expect that by now he has lost a lot of friends and supporters. Is only boom boom fly dat want to be around u sir.
For all how brilliant a lawyer u claim to be de only straw u have left to catch on is a Judicial Review? Boss man de law is too clear. De DLP fight so much to make de IPO law.
So u all put it there for UWP? All u looking to leave office soon man? So why all u go ahead and make de IPO law if is only UWP members all u want to criminalize?
Stop whining like a baby and just repeal de law nuh..
I concur! The Roosevelt Skerrit led administration is becoming increasingly unpopular, just ask De Scrunter. lol
Why do u people keep calling Tony a brilliant lawyer? The guy only goes to others to do legal research and spews out what has been given to him.
That is total rubbish! Tony is an excellent lawyer maybe not briliant in the global scheme of things I suppose, but excellent nonetheless so dont be a hater. Making up facts so you feel better or because you dont like Tony, can never produce real fruitful results as you are operating on false premises.
Dont know any war won by not knowing the enemy. Can you imagine WW2 for example had the Allies thought Hitler sweet and kind? Know your enemy.
Tony is ki jab brilliant lawyer! When last Tony stood before a court and presented a case? stupes tan, money and hype buys a lot. Any 1st year law student can shame mister, is just name and his ability to inject himself in positions of influence and bid favours that have Mr going.
Spews out what has been given to him? Obviously! Does a surgeon do all of the work? He has an entire team with him but according to you that makes him less of a brilliant surgeon right? stewps.
You think its for Tony to actually do the legal research? Thats what paralegals are for and the better the lawyer and more successful or bigger the firm, then the better smarter bigger the research staff. Its for Tony to know what he needs researched, then how to analayse the findings and finally how to apply and argue it in court which of course he does “brilliant”ly. Deal with it. You people always have to get insulting and personal thinking that makes one farthing of a difference. Tony wins his cases all over the region and you guys just have to face that truth as much you may not like him or agree with his politics.
Chébe chaukie… Lol
original hold dem
Oh wow Tony Astaphan everyone must be sooooooo shaking in their boots because they are soooo scared. Doh worry your time will come too.. You are authority on everything right ???? Guess the commission and the courts should be shaking in their boots.
When are we just going to focus on running and improving the country? These politicians are simply wasting taxpayer’s money. I’m truly fed up!
Fed up of what? Tony I hope.
Astaphan is only fighting to save himself. he cares about no one.
It’s Tony’s horse and pony show.