Attorney General Levi Peter has confirmed that discussions are underway with Jamaican authorities in relations to the deportation of Jamaican Dancehall Artiste Tommy Lee Sprata last year when he came to the island to perform at a concert in Portsmouth.
Leroy “Tommy Lee Sprata” Russell, 26 entertainer, along with his three-member team, Tiasha Oralie Russell, Junior Fraser and Mario Christopher Wallace, were deported from the country one day after their arrival.
The four claimed that were denied entry into Dominica and placed in inhumane conditions before being forced to leave the island.
The government of Dominica said they were denied entry in the interest of public safety.
Peter said that the Attorney General’s Chambers in Jamaica has made contact with it counterpart in Dominica to discuss the matter.
“I can confirm that there has been communication between the two offices,” he said. “The Attorney General’s office in Jamaica will have apparently been contacted by lawyers representing Mr. Russell and others as is not uncommon in those situations for Jamaica to intervene as it were in respect of nationals of Jamaica.”
He went on to say that “if settlement is possible and appropriate then that would be the course that will be followed.”
“But for the time being I think it is in everybody’s interest if I limit discussions in respect to those matters other than to say I think it is certainly in the public’s interest to be aware that there has been and there is communication between the two AG’S Chambers,” Peter stated.
He described the communication between the two as one “without prejudice basis” adding that “no doubt there will be further discussions and communications on the matter.”
Tommy Lee and his entourage have said their removal from Dominica was a breach of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs CARICOM and that they received that kind of treatment because they were Jamaicans.
Lawyers for the men have threatened to take the matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
The Tommy Lee matter was not handled properly but Jamaica and Dominica have a longstanding, good relationship (If you are in doubt, ask those Dominicans who have actually spent time in Jamaica!). This relationship should permit the parties to sit down and reach a reasonable solution.
We just joined the CCJ and I really think that the Government of Dominica should have allowed this case to go before the CCJ. This is because it could serve as a lesson to other countries if any precedents are made. This area is a very grey area as both sides could argue in a way that would be correct for both so it would have been interesting to get the CCJ’s ruling on this.
i hope everybody tht commenting bad about tommy lee an was protesting an praying for him not come perform here will pray an proest about alkaline also
go to hell tommy lee (unkle demon) as u call yrself thats where u belong i serious
Tommy Lee is before the Jamaican Court for murder. He was arrested for murder and yet the Jamaican government allowed him to leave to go to D/ca. What type of government is that who will allow this man to travel to another country? Furthermore, he does not have a good reputation.
Last week, as heard through the Media, the Canadian government denied Chris Brown admittance to this country. He dare not set foot in Canada.
When the reputation of Tommy Lee was learned and that many D/cans did not want him to perform, the PM should have issued a directive not to allow him in Dominica. If he had done that, I hope, no way would that man ever be so bold so as to force his way in Dominica.
When his plane landed, he was asked to return to his jet and he defied the officers. This was when he was arrested. All this should be taken into consideration.
I repeat, I doubt he was ill-treated at the detention center. He just wants to collect an exorbitant sum of money from D/ca.
he did not murder anybody get your facts straight before commenting please an thank you
The end result is to pay $$$$$$ for the wrongs you did when your regime and the wolves in sheep clothing, who encouraged you to treat Tommy Lee against the laws you took the oath to uphold. It’s all part of the bad governance you are a part and parcel of AG.
If you utilize your basic common sense, you will conclude that Tommy Lee doe snot deserve a cent.
your opinion does not change anything.acts prevail
What about the promoter? Will he be paid? I am sure that the promoter will want to recover his investment
And the NEWS continues…ignorance of many…why cut off the nose to spite the face? and not get rid of the mirrors which will by all means be a reminder…meaning, the wrong of today can hunt us tomorrow…As much as we would like to say get that over with. it is also fair to say that this Tommy Lee Spectra issue is bigger than we think, and at a cost at that. or else the Attorney General would not have gotten involved….Now that’s between two countries, not even about Tommy Lee any more. Lets see how this unfolds…God bless our people..
I was skeptical about the story I read yesterday on this issue, but if the Honourable Attorney General says so, then it must be true. All told, bad advice at this “Next Level” has never been in short supply. Maybe some of our righteous church people who were “saved” from the singer’s allegedly bad lyrics can contribute their offering plate collections over thie next few Sundays to help with the settlement. This should be but a small price to pay.
And while they’re at it, if they wish to continue to pacify our righteous church people, our government should also consider the establishment of a revolving fund for similar cases. For, this settlement may well open the flood gate for the other alleged bad singers. Come all ye bad singers come, come to the Nature Isle to make your name and fame!
no big deal we the evangelical association that put pressure on the government and prevent tommy lee from performing will assist in the payment. lol
my people say the free from slavery.. only Physically.. NOT Mentally…. the church need to free /let go…my people from all that religous nonse.
You need to be more free than the church. When you stand before God for your eternal judgment, you will regret your words.
The fool says in his heart there is no God. One would think you would be smart to know better.
Tommy Lee Sparta will return to Dominica with very fat pockets and the whole thing will backfire to the ;point that there will be an even bigger surge in attendance at that next concert. This will cost tax payers thousands of dollars. Thank you government for your high handed action. We have to learn that the law and regional treaties are bigger than any government and whether we like it or not he had rights which were violated, hence the settlement. Fact is that the law and religious convictions or any persons or activities we think is not desirable should be kept separate. Obviously the government did not get the proper legal guidance and we will all pay, not only monetarily, but be the laughing stock of the region. And again, he will return, possibly even to Roseau. All that could have been avoided.
That man should be kept out of Dominica. He is bad news. His presence will not be a blessing for Dominica.
“We have to learn that the law and regional treaties are bigger than any government and whether we like it or not he had rights which were violated…”. Correct!
“Fact is that the law and religious convictions or any persons or activities we think is not desirable should be kept separate…” Even MORE CORRECT!
“Obviously the government did not get the proper legal guidance and we will all pay…” Most CORRECT!
Now, what is there that we do not understand?
Peace.