Local Magistrate Tiyani Behanzin is vowing that sooner or later those behind the drug trade in Dominica will be dealt with.
An outspoken Behanzin said while authorities here are singling out certain individuals who are allegedly involved in the drug trade, they are turning a blind eye against those in high authority who are the ones behind the drug trade.
He told Dominicans to forget about the “people running around displaying their wealth” but be aware of “a core who finance the drug trade, syndicates making millions of US dollars which removes and erases the legitimate economy in this country”.
Behanzin, who was addressing a panel discussion on “Drugs, Crime, the Law and You”, in Bath Estate last night as part of the Fete La Coudre activities, said that there are a core that finances the drug trade in Dominica.
In fact, he made particular mention of police officers and government officials.
“These people sit inside government offices, they sit inside churches, they finance the drug trade and those are the people you need to deal with. Don’t come and tell me this one is a drug dealer because he drives a nice vehicle. We know who they are. The police know who they are and the police need to be dealt with. The police officers who assist those criminals need to be dealt with,” he stated.
Behanzin recognized the drug sentencing provisions in Dominica are adequate, but needs to be applied forcefully.
DOMINICANS AND OTHER CARIBBEAN NATIONALS,RALLY ROUND BENHANZIN.HIS SPEECH SPEAKS JUSTICE.NO ONE IN OFFICE SHOULD BE ABOVE THE LAW.THIS IS A VOICE PLEADING FOR JUSTICE.WHEN U CATCH THE PARRAINS(GODFATHERS:MAFIA)STRIP THEM NAKED OF ALL THEY HAVE ACCUMULATED.MAY JAH GIVE U THE STRENGTH TO FIGHT THEM
great man he knows waht he is saying and its true even some pray for his protection they might taget him he is no coward
we need to start cleaning from top to bottom not botom to waist
we stand with u
when this will happen as always u dominican always sa is true weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Pray for this magistrate people and the others too, but more so this one lest corruption targets his intrigrity, and that which he stands for,becomes prone to tainting and his conviction blurred.
Tiyani is the best thing that ever happened to Dominica .
Tiwani is the best thing that ever happened to Dominica. He is an advocate and as a good citizen looks out for Dominica at all angles.
@Ian:
IAN Ever heard of the word ‘SOVEREIGNTY’??????
Dominica is an independant nation.
This is a great start, but what’s most important is to keep the momentum going to force change, for action to take place. That can’t be done if he’s left to stand alone. The righteous side needs to be at least as intimidating as the other side with those in power committing crime in the shadows.
The police force needs a purge!!!!!! with some casteroil and beer. LOL
We need three like this gentleman in Dominica and then Dominica will become a paradise to live in, away from the drug dealers, away from the murderers, we will be living a life happily ever after. Sir you are the best piece of instrument that Dominica needs at this horrifing times. go on may the Lord guide you inall your ways.
@draconian methods: stupes you people making me laugh bath estate is known for one of the key areas for drug dealers lol but allu people not easy hmmmmm where you get that starts from lol
When is Skerrit either going to call the FBI or Scotland Yard to look into the matter and take it where ever it may lead? Or can he?
Folks this is the tip of the iceberg. I hope the U.S Embassy is paying keen attention to the events in DA and are sending confidential messages to Washington. Ambrose escape jail in San Juan but now the lwas have been strengthened.
The police are handicapped and we must all recognise that. Please give them a bit of credit and let us all put heat on the government. The more ‘heat’ they get the more ‘light’ will shine on them and those who habour criminals and the issue.
Thanks Mr. Magistrate—- I think this ight be the begininig of the end for a lot of folks in high places.. Dominica belongs to Dominicans and not drug dealers, money launderers , politicians and those up to no good bent on destroying our home. I say flush them out!!!!!
@LionPaw: Behanzin was invited to a panel discussion, Bath Estate is known as one of the key areas for drug dealers, he was stating facts, pure and simple. he called no names. So if you not guilty, don’t be afraid.
I WHEN PEEPS TRYING THEIR BEST FOR A COUNTRY, THEY REMOVE THEM I HOPE THEY DON’T REMOVE HIM, SO ALL BIG MAN THAT IN DRUGS, I JUST HOPE THAT THING THAT GOING THAT THE GOVERNMENT NOT IN IT, SOME PEEPS WANT TO TALK BUT THEY HAVE WATER IN THIER MOUTHS, SO IF THAT WE NEED THAT GOOD, DON’T LETS COME LIKE JAMAICA, IN ANY WAYS, THE TRUTH WILL REVEL THINGS THAT A HIDING, SO IS THAT THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT LEVEL,I HOPE SO
The police has a large share of the blame to bear for the escalation of the drug trade in Dominica, even if their resources are limited..The fact is, some of them seem to be benefiting from it.Some of these officers are the neighbours of major drug dealers,they see their activities and neither do nor say anything.Dominica is a very small island,they have the names of the big drug dealers in each and every village.They do nothing about it.But believe me the nefarious effect of this vey drug trade can be seen at our schools with our young boys in particular.. They tell you openly that they are not obliged to learn anything.why? They are seeing the massive accumulation of wealth by those who never went to school…So the straight and narrow path has nothing to do with them….. In the meantime the decay of society continues..
To Gee:
How could it be an accusation is no individual was accused? Can anyone come front and say the Magistrate was referring to them? That’s just nonsense!! U people simply have a problem when the truth is said.
To Salop:
I am yet to get your point. Nonsense!!
I am yet get your point. Nonsense!!
If he knows these drug kingpins exist in all these high places, he must know their names. So why stop short of naming them?
And by the way, how did he come by his information? Playing detective? Or listening to beff like the rest of us? Mister just reach in Dominica wee!
Tiyani should stay in his office and DO the WORK he is being paid to do…. all those judgments to write up….or resign, and do himself and the Dominica he professes to love so much a favour, and play private detective full time.
@Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque:
good point, Francisco.
@DosEquis:
When one amongst the bunch speaks out, he is always looked at as a heretic. This is nothing new. Many great things that we now enjoy in this world came as a direct result of those who have stood up and spoke the truth ( Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Malcomn X, the Douglas brothers, etc). Would you rather that he sees the corruption and keep his eyes closed? Whether it is for controversy or not, you cannot deny that he has hit on a topic that is relevant, and may impact our future. A leaders is one who makes difficult and gut-wrenching decisions even when it goes against traditional convention. We cannot just live with out heads in the sand.
LionPaw, I couldnot agree with you more. You have hit the nail on the head. I may reside elsewhere, however before I left I always believe there are and is to this day corruption, whether it is in the police force or the other agencies. I strongly believe in what the magistrate is stating.The little people are the ones who always seems to be on the disavantage side.
Gee this one is for you.
I have read your response and I am afraid I have to point this out. Not because he is a magistrate doesnot mean he has not got an opinion , Freedom of speech and also remember this, Dominica is a Democratic Island.
Have a wondeful day!
Police driving around on known drugh dealers motor bikes with the woman. That alone tells in whose pocket this police is. In every station there is a bad cop looking out for the dealers. I say get rid of them.
Protection for our Majristrate so they will not take him down like his father. Guidance jah.
Blessing
@LionPaw: My posting are exactly in line with your thought process. I admired the man until I saw his sentencing for petty marijuana offenses, and almost instantly he is for the little man.
Behanzin knows that his statement is going to prop the little man and law enforcement credibility.
This man is a loose cannon
them politicians know very well who the players are but keep silent because they want their money to help them fund the campaign. Is now will work overtime to get rid of the majistrate. Dominica need a new vision for the people. We cannot all just settle for what is going on. I love the work this young man has undertaken, spot lighting the ills in our society. He has nothing to loose an they will hate him for that.
More power to you
@Equality:
Well said. You clearly understand how the organizational structure of the drug culture works. The little guy would be nothing without the puppet masters. You are definitely thinking out of the box…and that is how we need to think to truly understand how the earth moves. Anyone who does not understand what is happening in DA needs to study the history of how the rise of drug lords in Jamaica resulted from political corruption planted and watered by Seaga and Manley. Remember Dudus Coke? How do you think he came about? Dominicans better heed, because if not, in a few years, we will not be able to go out in the streets and enjoy the beauty of what is our nature island. We will be living like the Jamaicans and Trinidadians. You have to stomp the snakes head when it gets out of its hole. If you allow it to breed, you will have an infestation of snakes that you will not be able to control………You have to kill the infested tree…not prune the branches.
so true
One ting, I like mister eh. He have guts, keep it up….a man of the people. he’s like our own local ‘Robin Hood.’
i think this is going to cause some kayous in Dominica. Put them behind bars.
in dominica is talk and talk nothink is being,
Magistrate DO NOT retract your statement as someone sugessted- The truth will always offend persons involved in this Satanic , monstrous, and dangerous drug trade .
I have hope , in fact I am very hopeful – There is a God above who said Righteous exalts a Nation but sin is a reproach – He also said ” Be sure your sins will find you out (that does not apply to just me ) and The things that a done is darknes must be revealed in the light, that my brothers is Gods word.
@LionPaw:
” I’m not trying to get at this man personally; actually in the beginning I was a major supporter. But I’m starting to believe that he’s a drama king. He says and does things for effect. At the end it’s all about bringing attention to Tiyani. “…………..
My question to you is that; don’t you believe he might be in a position to know what is going on?
I consider this man, this magistrate to be a hero, one who has taken his responsibility as an officer of the court, and the judiciary, more seriously than any Dominican before him. He is not a drama King as you suggest, nonetheless, he is open minded, and one determine to function effectively in the performance of his duties.
This great professional could be dabbling in politics, and perhaps engaged in the illegal affairs which he has spoken against.
He is correct, there are people in high places in Dominica, namely some corrupt police officers, and some so called politicians.
Look; a number of murders has taken place in Wesley, even one of my nephews was found dead with his throat slashed, one of my long ago girlfriends was found with her neck broken, all drugs related it is alleged.
If indeed they are drug related, there are people who knows the drug dealers, and operators who are responsible for the so called unsolved murders. I believe there are police officers who knows who the culprits are, however, if they are in the pocket of a drug lord, the evidence to convict these criminal will never surface.
Only an idiot, would believe that there are no high ranking police officials, and politicians involved in the drug trade in our country.
These people are not hard to be identified.
Even if a police officer serves for forty years on the force, it is not difficult to figure out how much he should have earned over the forty years.
All that’s needed is to calculate his total earnings, calculate his estimated monthly living expenses , calculate his savings if any, and calculate his total liquid, and solid assets, and if the dollar amount exceeds the total amount of money he should have earned over forty years, honestly, and unless he was the benefactor of the residue of someone who died, or perhaps he won the lottery, then he/her should be made to account for the source of the money which affords his total assets.
That is one of the easiest way to identify the crooked police officers, and politicians in our midst.
Any man who sheds the popular name of a permanent family in a place such as Dominica, is some special indeed, he is my hero, and has earned my respect because of that mainly.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
BRAVO, BRAVO,BRAVO WELL SAID MR MAGISTRATE
At least someone in Dominica have the BALLS to speak out , to tell the truth about what is going on in Dominica. you are so right Mr B, what is wrong in Dominica, is stemming from the head not the tail. continue your fight evrything in dark must come to the light .
Your comments might be right!!!! …..BUT……
I’m trying to find ways to accept this “magistrate” conduct but I CAN”T!!! Here’s why!!! Why should a “magistrate” go around making accusation without any evidence!!! He seem to have no respect for his office. You are a “magistrate”. You’re not a normal everyday fella in the street who can speak carelessly about your feelings. You are a law man!! Lawmen must conduct themselves….’especially” according to the law. You have already found individuals GUILTY not by the law of the land but, by your own self imposed verdict!! That to me is very shameful!! Can any of these policemen and or government officials get a reasonable trial should they ever be brought before your office???? I mean, you have already “PUBLICLY” stated your bias towards them!! JUST TELL ME HOW!!! Your comments are careless and it degrades the justice sytem of the land!! You’re not exposing nothing….. All you’re exposing is your lack of respect for the office for which you hold!!
If you want to be an activist… then that’s ok…. but don’t do it as a seating magistrate!!
@LionPaw: what is the problem whenever someone speak of what’s going on in DOMINICA they are littled why dont you check things out for yourself I believe the magistrate is correct it’s about time that the police investigators start cleaning up the drug problem starting from the top to many people are using their positions and offices to hide behiind we need a cleaner DOMINICA and it’s time the police take the bull by the horn and get down to it if their are those in the department that are dirty expose and get them out of the force because I am very sure their are some very good policemen who take their job seriously
i’m in %100 of you educating the public on the drug trade which is runned by those in authorities in this country. It’s not only the poor peoples children that are involved the drug trade in D.A. the police officers are involve and many more in high authorities.
u r a hater:
@ LionPaw
I disagree with you about Tiyani being a drama king. Tiyani speaks his mind which is wht most of us are afraid to do or we prefer to talk behind ppls’ backs. Tiyani’s point about govt officials and policemen and their involvement in the drug bzness has some truth to do. Stop hiding behind your shadow. You maybe well in it too.
yeah ! magistrate hold them down,CORRUPTION IS RIGHT IN THE POLICE FORCE, a you better watch oudt ,they will teber you wen u calling their case. DRUG POWER ! NOT LABOUR POWER.
I’m not trying to get at this man personally; actually in the beginning I was a major supporter. But I’m starting to believe that he’s a drama king. He says and does things for effect. At the end it’s all about bringing attention to Tiyani.
He is making that statement knowing very well how controversial it is and how it’s going to play with the populace. It may very well be that there are police officers and government officials involved in the illicit drug trade, but he is making an unsubstantiated statement. And that’s unbecoming for a man in his position. Before such statements might be brushed off as mere allegations and rumors, but coming from it almost becomes bible. And in a fragile society like ours that’s dangerous.
It’s bad enough that the police have so much difficulty in prosecuting crime in Dominica, loose talk like that from a sitting magistrate only succeed in further eroding their authority. This does not help the situation people. Leave that kind of talk for the rest of us ordinary citizens.
them police behind d drug trade ,d ministers in drugs ,d prime minister in drugs
well said. couldn’t be better.
THE TRUTH IS AN OFFENSE BUT NOT A SHAME. MAJISTRATE B YOU MAY HAVE OFFENDED THE POWERS THAT BE BUT THE HYPOCRACY OF THE POLICE WAS EXPOSED BY SOMEONE WHO CARRY CREDENCE. ARE WE SURPRISED AT THE CONTENTS OF THE COMMENT OR ARE WE SURPRISED AT THE PERSON MAKING THE COMMENT? WHAT MAJISTRATE B SAID IS REALLY NOT BREAKING NEWS IN FACT WE ALL KNOW THAT THERE IS CORRUPTION IN HIGH PLACES . SOME OF US IN THE INTEREST OF PARTY POLITICS WOULD PREFER CHASTISE THOSE WHO POINT OUT CORRUPTION. LET US FACE THE TRUTH DRUG TRADING CANNOT BE SUCCESSFUL WITHOUT THE HELP OF POLITICIANS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT. WHAT HAPPEN TO THE HUMAN TRAFFICING ? CURBED . WHY BECAUSE THE GWO JEN ,POLICE AND POLITICIANS DID NOT HAVE STAKE IN THE BUSINESS.
who so ever u are lady we are not talking about smoking we are talking about other drugs marijuana .u should take back the stupessssssssssssss
It is not Lennox, Angelo, Matt or Trevor saying dat eh!!!!!!!!
the magistrate statement is so correct and he has the courage to say, what many of us know is true. Do you believe the little man can go to the bank and change how much money without question being asked.? who do you think can go to the bank and through contact and so call legitimate business get the money change?
Let us not bury our head in the sand. Let us look the devil right in their faces and eradicate them and expose those so called legitimate people that seat in high offices and is protected by their names, their businesses, their associates, the neighbour they live in and their jobs.
It is time we as a people get real. It is time that government compensate public officials better so that they are not tempted by the lure of money to pay their mortgages and maintain a life style, which they try to live to give people an impression that they are doing well. the young guys and girls are naive and expose their wealth not thinking of the consequences. they are excited by their new found wealth. the suavy high up officials know how best to hide it and even when they expose it we as a society expect them to have and therefore we do not question or bat an eyelid.
Can public officers afford these fancy cars i.e i see some Lexus around? on a salary of not more than EC$6000, pay their mortgage, travel on vacation, send their children to school. let us do the math people and there will be a lot more people for the FIU to question, and not only the Hummer driving young people.
Let us not make selective cleaning to give the impression that the government machinery is working. People are seeing through the disguise.
What is so damming about what Behanzin is saying? What is the eye opener? We want people to be socially and ethically responsible, we want them to speak and when they speak truth we vex. They must temper what they’re saying, they’re bias, blah blah.. Dominicans are a whole bunch of hypochrites, all of us. On all the other news postings people are describing and with so much clarity drug dealers, and shady dealers. They’re giving locations, now Behanzin talk he shouldn’t.
If we’re not prepared to handle the truth then we should not ask of it, neither invite him to any forums. Dominicans call Matt show and talk of police men who search Man and change Euros in bank, so what is so far fetched from what Behanzin is saying? He is not libeling anyone. He has not named anyone, so he has no information to provide. If any one of us understands the illegal drug trade i.e. hard substances and the criminal ring that engulfs it, it’s clear that little illiterate boys are not functioning on their own. They need top well read officials to help them. Money laundering is a white collar crime. Our people need to learn to read more, and understand in context, to avoid shooting the messenger! Dealers need people in key positions to help in the trade, they need them to turn a blind eye, or pay off possible witnesses, that comes as a price, the higher up the chain the bigger the price.
Mi shaler en payee la! Things are smoking back home!!! And the steam is rising!!!
Behanzin knows fully well, its never the rich and the politicians that are foot deep in drugs…he knows that very well because he is a well traveled man. Drugs will always be the little man that gets big overtime. I just looked at the story of Pablo Escobar and he is the most famous drug king pin together with Scarface. Yes, they get help from some criminally minded law enforcement and ill-advised politically connected people. But to paint a brush on Law Enforcement and Government is unfortunate statement from him, and I expect him sooner than later to retract this statement.
If he has knowledge of such fraudulent activities, he has the right channel to do so, and he is playing a blind eye.
I have lost all the respect for you sir. You recently sentenced a weed smoking man to hefty prison fine and you have others scotch free….so why are you taking this position now?????
My level of respect for this man just went sky high. But I just hope them comments don’t turn around and bite him. Tho I think the drug problem is the government fault, I think it’s getting out of hand. And I think it is time that something is done about this.
There is going to be alot of lawsuit.this statement will not help than make thing get out of hand by those investigators.so called.
Man, I tell you, I like someone who has the intestinal fortitude to stand and spit such abrasively forceful words. We all know that it is not the little drug dealer driving the fancy car that is pulling the puppet strings. Who among us has the guts to deliver such a statement as Mr. Behanzin. This is why they do not like this man. He breaths the fire of truth, an he says what he sees. Now, let the sun scorch the earth.
My only fear is: those dark horses in power will ultimately silence this young and vibrant Knight. They will find ways to discredit and humiliate him…or even worst… Do not worry, young knight…Let not your heart be troubled when they come knocking…you have the support of those who operate in the light…
thank you sir i love that very much the truth is they arest the poor man with one gram of weed and charge him thousand of dollers and the big man with the hard drugs go free and rich leave the little man that smoke hie little weed alone he dose’nt hurt no body go after the hard drugs weed is a plant it is not a drug . drugs were made in a lab weed grow everywhere
We really need more people like this magistrate! When you stand for what is right there will ALWAYS be sooo many against you! He is speaking the truth. Target the high profile people! The police know them but the police on their payroll so what do u expect! These things don’t only happen on tv people! Wake up and smell the darn coffee! It’s bubbling over on the stove. These things happening here too! Dominica too small for that!
The man have guts and i would like him to run for the office. he surely make it. and he is the son of my dear friend roosey.
Hope they never put this guy to take part in none of those cases because he make up his mind already.If this statement is professional from this man..let it be..all i gotta say bout that..
@Silence: De man know just what he is talking about. it’s about time that someone step up and say somting, he is wright. the truth must be sopking of.
Well no one can accuse him of being a coward that’s for sure…
it was about time someone in authority step up and say something. when trying to eradicate drugs in a country the best way to end is to get the kingpins not the little man that showing off his new car. thank u mr. magistrate but get ready they about to f*** you up! Dominicans too wicked they know who the people are but they want to blast the little messengers they catch.
oh boy. is now story start !!! Behanzin I like you the way you do your work I’m not against it at all but Why..Why did you make such statement. Eventually you will be held for questioning. Wait and see
this is one of the main reasons why they hate him so much. (he expose them ,so they fight to take him down .too much corruption )
More they smoke marijuana more they talk about drug trade stupesssssssss