A court matter between former magistrate Tiyani Behanzin and the attorney general is set for September 16, 2011.
Behanzin has taken legal action against the attorney general for not being called to the bar.
Behanzin was appointed magistrate by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) based in St. Lucia and was granted a two-year contract by the Dominica government.
Behanzin explained that he had served as a magistrate for several months before actually signing his contract, and only did so when the previous attorney general promised that he would be called to the bar soon after he signed. But Behanzin said he is disappointed that the matter, which was set to be heard today, was delayed to September 16, 2011.
“I was stopped myself since 2008, by having discussions with them about working here and coming to serve. I have delayed my qualifications in the region because I wanted to serve. The way that this is very dishonestly handled means that I continue to disadvantage myself. That’s unacceptable,” he told reporters outside the court today.
Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan is representing the attorney general on the matter.
“I need to have a closer look at it. It’s a situation that we need to be careful with and try not to take any unnecessary advantage of the case. It’s an issue that we have to be very careful with…” he said.
Behanzin, should realise by now that he is on the wrong side of the bed..It is one thing to pass out harsh sentences that is the indication of a tough magistrate, nothing wrong with that. But to get involved in matters that are clearly anti government and politically motivated when there was no good reason to, is an indication that Behanzin has apolitical agenda. I would advise this young gentleman if he is interested seving Dominica,he should attend the Law School in Trinidad get his Certificate that would allow him to be called to the bar without political assistance.
Kudos to the office of the Attorney general- a simple matter ( supposedly) and the learned AG decided to assign the case to the high and mighty Tony Astaphan. Mr Levi Peters – did you think that you were coming in the office to turn around the Next level speed boat. You crazy- let your counter part from Portsmouth tell you of his experience while holding the same office. Sometimes a few drinks could get the tongue going as we all know
I don’t consider myself old but as l ‘ve lived through several government administrations. I was old enough to witness the revolts and demonstrations against the Patrick John regime. In my own limited experiences I’ve come to understand that every administration has had their own shares of misconduct and insincerities. The interim government of OJ Seraphin had their own fare share of corruption. I would need a lot of space to list all the corruption that went down particularly during the out pouring of aid to Dominica after the Hurricane David. Though efficient in many ways the Freedom Party was sly and sleek in executing their miscarriages and corrupt practices. I’d say that because Mamo was fortunate to have inherited a lot of money she was not about self enrichment. Mamo had a tight grip on the ministers and the sharks around her. Kudos to her.
The UWP which was borne out of a few disgruntled Freedomites who could not get their way with Mamo came out shooting from the hip. So desperate because Mamo would not allow them to go plundering they came into power hungry to become millionaires quick. Dominicans did not like the high octane desperation and action of the UWP ; Rosie Douglas with the fire pusher Tony Astaphan went on the offence and highlighted the mass corruption within the UWP government. PJ had his faults and dictatorial traits; The OJ Seraphin was filled with bitterness and mistrust among the people and the interim government; The Freedom Party though ruled by an iron fisted lady had been stigmatized as a “ gwo Bouge” administration and so the poor people felt left out.
Never have I seen such blatant and bold face display of government corruption as seen with the present DLP administration. Although the UWP administration was reckless the current DLP administration is even more disregardful of the consequences of government misconduct. In fact over the last 8 years Dominica has become a lawless state. I believe that Rosie meant well and could have been able to contain the greed that existed among the current members and cabal of the DLP.
Rosie was not about self enrichment as his life prove that he was truly concerned about the wealth fare of others particularly the poor. I was optimistic about Rosie’s leadership. I also felt that Pierre Charles was an honorable man and would maintain some form of order. The Labor Part fell into the hands of people who are solely bent on material augmentation and self enrichment. A party lead by an avarice young man who is remotely controlled by two experienced attorneys who are themselves selfish, cheap , voracious and insatiable. The two lawyers have proven themselves to be insincere and indifferent to the plight of the poor , the unemployed , the underdevelopment and stagnation of Dominica.
Now, this diatribe is Libelous !!
for all you people who is asking about tony and his powers ,where have you been ,TONY has a lot of power in this COUNTRY.IS it right NO but thats how it is
So it is so we should accept it.That sure sound like an old uncle Tom attitude.” they in charge so we must remain in slavery”. What about righting the wrong. You admiited that it is wrong then you have a moral and social obligation to insure that your children are met with a society where wrongfullness and deception must not be the order of the day.
WHY CAN’T TONY AND THE AG STOP THE WAVE OF CRIME WHICH THREATENS THE WHOLE COUNTRY AND THE VISITORS WHO COMES TO VISIT? BEHANZIN WAS THE PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR THE JOB, BUT BECAUSE HE REFUSE TO BE A CORRUPTED OFFICIAL AS ALL THE OTHERS THE WOULD NOT ACCEPT HIM. I SAY TO YOU ALL CORRUPTED LAW MAKERS AND OFFICIALS, THAT THE REST OF THE WORLD IS WATCHING YOUR EVERY MOVE AND TAKING APPROPRIATE STEPS. FIRST IS THE TOURIST LINES. WHO KNOWS WHAT NEXT?
No wonder Dominican have had 5 Attorney Generals within a 10 years of the same administration. Note that with every seating AG there lies two Attorney Generals directing traffic from behind the curtains.
The case was delayed because the the office of the AG assigned the matter to the chambers of Tony Astaphan. I am no political party follower but I can’t help but to observe that something is seriously wrong. Our government is prepared to dish out so much money to Tony Astaphan to fight Tiyanni. When grown men behave like babies the country and tax payers suffer. I’m sure that Tiyanni’s yearly salary is much less than Astaphan’s fees. Additionally the office of legal affairs and the AG could simply utilize the in house salaried lawyers to deal with the matter. Common people we need answers. We keep pissing money down the drain or into the chambers of Tony and Alick yet our young people are unemployed and frustrated.
I’ve come to understand that not all fights are worth the pain of battle. Is the country so afraid of Tiyanni that the people are willing to further deplete our financial resources just to destroy a young man who is willing to serve his country without fear or favor. After all don’t we all want a peaceful environment for us and our children.
The political climate in Dominica is unhealthy and unless the people demand a new direction I am afraid that we are quickly approaching an epidemic of colossal proportion.
I AGREE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY. IF TIYANA WAS STILL ON THE BENCH, I AM SURE THERE WOULD NOT BE THE RECENT SHOOTING IN PORTSMOUTH
MAKE NOTE THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH WILL HAVE TO DETERMINE HIS RETURN TO THE BENCH AND TO BE CALL TO THE LEGAL BAR
Are you serious. Get your facts straight and do some research to see how many shootings, robberies, theft and killing which happened in the north while he was a magistrate.
Tony Astaphan may be correct in being careful, but given his track record, I don’t trust anything that comes out of his mouth.
behanzin u too damn up, u believe that everyone in the law is bellow u.i wish` that u never ever get ur contract renewed.fool
IT WOULD ONLY TAKE AN IDIOT LIKE YOU TO POST SUCH NONSENSE,WHO WROTE THAT FOR YOU?
Tiyani is NUTS. Tiyani I urge you to be at the fore front of the struggle to legalize or decriminalize Marijuana. Not to take the easy rout joining the band wagon persecuting it.
The drug ball game has change to mega proportions, so change course, stop bunching Marijuana with hard drugs. Work towards encouraging the police to free up their resources to have adequate men and equipment to go after those dangerous hard drugs, coke and crack that has inundated Dominica’s society. Make your ‘Father’ proud. Nuff said!
His father would not have the power to legalize marihuana,Tiyani was just executing the law.When a man caught wth marihuana is brought before him what should he do?I have not seen what good has marihuana smoking has done to anyone.Do i have to smoke to meditate?
Don worry T B your fight will be over soon the longest rope have it nd Skerrit coming to an end Tony coming to end he look like a mouse looking to steal al cheese Skerrit need to step down now so the country can get better and move on with all his lies and dishonest he bring upon us, but mr T B you will be back stronger than ever stay bless my brother your father is watching out for you and he will see you through it all.
Why is the AG not trying the case himself?Why can’t the Solicitor General or a State Attorney represent the State in this case? Why must Tony be engaged and be paid with taxpayer monies for a case that is not a Constitutional matter? Is Tony being employed by the State so that some of the monies he is paid will find its way in the coffers of the DLP? I am fed up with the BS going on in my country! Tony is even directing the Police in their work. F..k!
So true! Why is Tony representing the AG in this case? Is he a government attorney … I find it hard to believe that there are no competent lawyers on the government team to take this on! If this is the case, then they are not worth their salt and should be sent home! Shame!!!
Conscious you are so true about the money finding its way to the DLP coffers – excellent wisdom and analysis. I share your sentiments. The longest road has a bend. It is just a matter of time!
Concerned Dominican
Brother T.B..It seems like you were brought here originally to be used then dumped. But I know you can show them that they are wrong. So you stay right here and fight for your right man.
He was brought here and but did toe the proverbial line!
Brother T.B..look like you were originally called here to fill some desperate gap, they thought they could use you and then dump you. Show them how wrong they are stay right here, stand up & fight for your right.
give tyanni 20 years jail
dam fool
FOOL IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. A FOOL IS SMARTER THAN THIS GUY
i suspect tyanni pound you already, u posting so many comments
This madness has gone on for long enough. So Tony Astaphan control everything in Dominica? This man has too much power over all of the institutions especially the court!!
Tony Astaphan is not looking at Dominica as a nation of proud, hard working people, but as a money bag. God WILL stop Tony Astaphan!!
The longest rope has an end.
Dominicans pray for national deliverance for Dominica, we are in DARKNESS!!
INJUSTICE IS THE MOTHER OF CRIME AND VIOLENCE!!
justice delayed is justice denied- y is it tony can cause cases to delay at his whims and fancies?This country stinks with corruption. What has tyani done to be rewarded with such injustice,
THE REAL VOICE FROM THE WILDERNESSS
The man was good enough to be a Magistrate , but can’t be allowed to practice law? You people need to stop playing games ok. How many persons who are not of Dominican parentage practice here though? Is he not a Dominican?
what does he being dominican have to do with whether he is qualified