A judge has agreed that charges should not be read to a man who is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor.
Lawyers for the man on Friday made submissions to Justice Bernie Stephenson on the matter and she agreed that the charges should not be read pending a judicial review.
On Monday, March 7 the man appeared in court but his attorneys asked for the judicial review so that the charge may not be read to him.
After hearing from both the prosecution and the defense, the matter was adjourned for today (Friday, March 11).
Judicial review in the matter is set for April.
The man, who is represented by five attorneys, is expected to go to the magistrate’s court later on Friday to deal with bail.
The man was arrested last week and was granted station bail in the sum of $15,000, with a number of conditions attached.
His attorneys are expected to ask the magistrate’s court to continue the bail with the same conditions.
A judicial review is a type of court proceeding in which a judge reviews the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body. It is not concerned with the decision reached by the body, but with the decision-making process.
These cases are gonna go no where people. They’ll be swept under the carpet like everything else in Dominica, Onles if you got money and power. One day God will have the last say.lord please protect the young kids in Dominica.
From the case of Kieth Erlizee: The judge said,” to not impose a custodial sentence given the circumstances now facing Dominica, means that the court would be sending the wrong message.” I hope the same is said for the high profile cases
.
We are quickly going to take the laws into our hands. You sexually touch my daughter… i will cut your hand. You verbally disrespect her I will cut your tongue, you rape her I will cut your penis. No time to waste tax payers money. I don´t need much proof. Just stay the hell away from my child.
You know Erica seem to have not taught us a lesson…..or maybe we have memoir poule so we forget. This wickedness of our society where people use their money and power to condone crime and harbour criminals will STOP IN JESUS name. Erica was a warning…. our arrogance, wickedness and selfishness will beat us…. our money and power will be useless against the beating from God that we are working up towards. Take heed the island weeps and their is only so much she can take. Note more coals of fire heaps on our head when we continue to hurt others with one hand and we hold the bible with the next.
dominica will prosper the children are our future protect them i will rock my purple whenever i can just for remembrance of our young girls
Well I know people who know people so if you do not know people who know people too bad for you
Do we have Attorney General In DA?
No law no constitution!!! What do we expect
This case is DEAD as a door nail… Absolutely NOTHING is coming out of this!
The five lawyers are saying, it is what it is, eat your heart out;;
As always, some of you do not think and utilize your common sense. God gave it to you. Make good use of it. If yo do not use it, you lose it
You know Dominica is a small country and nearly everyone knows each other.
Somehow I feel these cases against the politicians and the others are vindictive ones. This is why a judicial review is necessary.
any case that concerns skeritt,believe me ,his sister must be the magistrate , you csratch my back ,i will scratch yours,
Is this abused individual a phantom, an illusion, an imaginary figure.. We are only hearing about 3 grown responsible individuals..who commit a heinous crime, who are the victims… Where are they, and why aren’t they speaking up on social media in order to expose these criminals…. Now is your chance don’t be ashame or afraid expose them.. We are hearing one side of the story. I have yet to see any evidence so my contribution in making comments against the accused will be falsely justified…. Show your faces, you have nothing to hide you are a victim of abuse… We are here to support you..
We do not encourage victims of abuse of any kind to speak in the public domain until court hearings are complete. The police do not arrest and charge individuals unless there is evidence and the reports appear credible. If you want to support victims of crime please consider being part of our training for victim supporters starting in May organised by Lifeline Ministries.
keep on crying Dominicans for the Lord shall send us a Deliverer. this case is as sure as dead or will be in a qaugmire
Somethings I regret doing in my youth because it hurts to see the opposite:
1. I regret singing this part of the national anthem: Isle of beauty, isle of splendor,
Filling all with pure delight, And a people strong and healthy,
Full of godly, rev’rent fear. May we ever seek to praise Thee
For these gifts so rich and rare.
2. I regret singing this song also because I told a lie based on what Skerrit has done to us I don’t even want to stay a day let alone a while
Lovely Dominica, Land where the rivers flow, … won’t you come and stay a while, in beautiful D o m i n i c a.
Come ye forward, sons and daughters, Of this gem beyond compare.
Strive for honour, sons and daughters, Do the right, be firm, be fair.
Toil with hearts and hands and voices. We must prosper! Sound the call,
In which everyone rejoices,“All for Each and Each for All.”
‘Air Dominica Crashing’ wasn’t there a calypso this year that made it to the finals with these words in the lyrics or was that also the name of the calypso? Was that one from Stardom or Mas Camp Tent? I think it was a favourite on DNO. I must try and listen to it.
That is a shame on a country with 70,000.00 people lawless that is the truth
Boy what I hearing there nou? A judge has agreed that charges should not be read to a man who is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor. Jesus help us now! We need you to intervene Lord.
I do not know this judge but I have a few questions:
1. Is she a Dominican?
2.Does she have children?
3. Is this how she would have dealt with it IF the minor were her daughter or some relative?
4.Was it a decision from her heart or, under some pressure?
5. Can she assure the public that her decision was not paid for?
Whatever the case may be, her decision was NOT in the best interest of Dominica and I can assure you that she has sent a very bad signal to future BIG men. In fact I would not be surprised to hear one day, maybe in the next 30 years, that a sitting Prime Minister sexually abused some minors but he was never questioned let alone, got arrested. I can see that day coming folks
Dominicans must be the dumbest in the Caribbean, what the hell did the judge did wrong, nothing, do you guys even know whats a judicial review, people educate yourself before posting and embarrassing yourself, its a judicial review for Christ sake, anyone can seek a judicial review, sot sot Dominicans.
The judge did nothing wrong. What is going on behind closed doors, that is wrong…
It is unprecedented the number of women in politics in Dominica- both sides- yet still NONE of them will come out strongly and fight for our children, NONE of them will come out and push for legislation to protect our children, NONE of them will come out and openly condemn these acts against our children …. THEN WHAT MUST I OR THE PEOPLE CONCLUDE ABOUT THESE WOMEN FOR THEIR INACTION. FAILURE TO ACT IS A DENIAL OF JUSTICE WHICH WILL ONLY LEAD TO DISASTER.
I wouldn’t say none of the women because I heard Mornel Williams speak and I also read her message in DNO, she is a strong women who is standing with our women I say hats off to you
And the fight continue to free our children and women..
Silentoney2k, Monell Williams did make a statement.
They all rather dance to the tune of the piper. None of them is allowed to voice their own opinion. They are all in the Doctors pocket and don’t want to upset him.
If the man is not guilty, why not get the matter over and done with. DON Emanuel’s case has been in limbo for many years. The same goes to Isidore’s. If this man expects his case will die behind a band mas, as Dominicans would say, he better think again. This feller must be aware, should that case come up close to the next general elections, there could be serious consequences. If the five lawyers want to trust Skeritt and the legal system, that is a matter for them.
Do you realize that these are two different cases? In the case of Emanuel’s, if this is the case of the fire which was set at his home, it is a different entity.
God help Dominica. Where is the law that protect children. Politicians rule everything in Dominica right now. That is so sad.
You tend to blame the Law and not the parents. Are you aware that Laws do not really protect children or adults for that matter? They serve more of a deterrent. Those who violate the Law will be arrested and charged.
Parents must do their utmost to ensure that their children do not find themselves in such a situation.
Children should be counseled about these perils and to steer clear of them.
We live in a country where money buys you freedom. #very_poor_smh
@young man I am sure you meant money and politics.
We live in a world where money rules everything
Well it is said “the law is an ass.”
Look it if that was my child I would be in stock farm I would have to take the law in my hands to much crocro
If it was an ordinary citizen his whole body would be on the papers they would even attempt to put his family back ground on the papers. don’t worry, time will tell.
So these so called big men don’t have a name, put their names up . What happened to the word alleged.
Stop hiding stuff , part of the punishment is the public shaming .
Almost 7 years since Skerrit lawyer had had a judicial review which stopped his charges from being read, and up to this day, no reading. Snice then we heard of the fire bombing of his accusers house, though we know the accused had nothing to do with that.
Now we have another review should we expect it to go another 7 years before it is read? I hope and pray for the safety of all involved as evidence will not be tampered with
Let me see how much Dominicans will take ……The Laws in this country is not to protect poor people and their children.
People in this country still want to blame Lennox Linton …..A man that is fighting everyday for your rights and freedom.
Believe after me after they finish with poor people children… next it will be the wealthy children.
Don’t stand up it will be on your doorstep soon” Wealthy Folks”
You have a negative attitude. These are your views; not that of everyone. What you state may never occur.
Face the facts of these situations. There is a reason for a judicial review. Let the D/ca Court handle it.
Long ago, I concluded that the justice system has been high-jacked by well heeled folks and lawyers. Have you ever heard our legal luminaries make any comment on the ills of our country. After all these are supposed to be the brains and leaders of our society.
They should revisit the oath they all took when they became lawyers, what a bloody shame, bunch of hypocrites doing nothing positive to uplift the country instead they are like leeches sucking up any money they can make, your day will come if not in this life then for sure in the afterlife
For real only in Dominica what a sick Island this place has become
Do you realize there is nothing wrong with the place but with some people in the place?
But GOD KEEPS WATCH…….. HE neither slumbers nor sleep. Man can do more than his share! NOT more than his TIME! I KNOW when the MASTER is ready for us judge, jury, innocent and guilty, we have to STOP! Tropical Storm Erica was a national warning, now it is time for PERSONAL VISITATION! And no judge can put any judicial review on God’s time. Halleilujah! Get ready Dominica. The stench has reached His nostrils.
Lang Mama tongue has no bones. All children need to be cherished and protected however when politicians,police and all those charged with the responsibility to protect our children are playing games,Lang Mama expressly wish that the same sexual molestation befalls the children of oliticians, police authority and others who fail to protect ALL children.
It is only when the misery comes on the door step of these hypocrites that they will understand the hurt and pain of others. So you can drive,around with protection but thst is not forever and your children whether 2 or 1 year old will be fair game. Play all you politics but karma will show up. The children who molested today may very well be the parents of the molesters that will hurt your children.
Life is like a box of chocolate you never know what you going to get.
This pertains to you also, good to know that you are aware of what life is about, you need to examine yourself as well, for no one is perfect, are your all scared of the other two men, why is it only this one person you Lang Mama is focusing, you need to clean your dirty leanings as well, for there is a lot of dirt on them
Some chocolates in a box are identical; others are various types.
The police cannot be everywhere.
Parents are the primary protectors of their children.
They must educate their children accordingly.
They must be careful who they also associate with
Parents must be aware who they bring into their home and cohabit with.
They must be careful who they allow their children to associate with.
Minors should be kept indoors especially at nights.
Parents must monitor their children’ associates and activities.
it looks like the five lawyers bazudinated the judge.
well the judge, lawyers and polytricksion all drink black lable whiskey together
This is government driven, no question about it. Their interests are more important than justice for our children. So many judicial reviews to block the process of natural justice, the country is in danger of becoming classified as a vexatious litigant in our regional jurisdiction.
Malgraysa”
43 cases of criminal misconduct brought against a lawyer is languishing in the court system for about 6 or 7 years now…Is judicial review in Dominica another term for NO CASE? THIS IS HOW WE COME?
Dominica is on the express lane of becoming a failed state. The next level is here. The courts, the government., the politics. I heard that they are already campaigning in the Roseau South Constituency……… win at all costs—- who cares as long as we sell passports we are good- Leadership for you. If you disagree we will call you traitor and more…. So there you have it ladies and gentlemen- The Next Level is confirmed- so your wait is over.
Note: from here on it is a race to the bottom- stay tune.
and then they asking ppl to come forward and report abuse. such a double standard society. I say take allu money and hush tan.. matter will be dragged out until thrown out
Look out Dominica +Dominicans
The writing is on the wall
One frustrated individual will take the law into their hands and will be sacrificed for that .
From day one I have been saying this case is very similar to the GON EManuel saga and Iyou all don’t believe
Lets be rational here. A man is charged with a crime. Under our legal system he is entitled to pursue all available forms of defence and if judicial review is one, so be it. Let the legal system run its course.
who is the man?
Justice DA style
Sad, sad, day in Dominica. Oh Lord help Dominica. The Justice system stinks.
71-year-old Vivian Nichols, who pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual intercourse with a minor has been jailed for ten years. The judge was very lenient, but after all that Judicial Review, I hope some day soon I will be reading the same about the high profile cases. Rule for one rule for all. No man is above the law. Justice for all sexually abused minors!!!!!!!!!
I am feeling very sad right now. I’m also angry.
I moved to Dominica in 2002 could not tolerate what was going. I was told everybody has a price. I do not have a price. So I returned to where I came from. There is more poverty in D.A. in this time than ever before. A few people have alll the wealth. If I had stayed in D.A. someone would have killed me because the first day I met that P.M. I knew he was up to no good. I cannot understand Dominicans these people love their P. M. more than their souls. I was taught my sound principals from D.A. What happened???????? I pray for my country every day.
You are a big LIAR .Stop the propaganda.
Your comment can be describe as self -deceit. The easiest thing to do is convince your self that you are right. Beware of becoming a pawn in your own game.
WTF is going on here!…..smh
But all of a sudden what is this “Judicial Review” process that they are using to drag out cases? Man, these people will cause Dominicans to begin to think of revolting!. SMH……
peter potter, go back where you came from and please don’t forget your belongings.
Ok, thank you very much. That’s me done here. I came back a few years ago to enjoy retirement in my birthplace, but there is only so much I am willing to tolerate. This is not the Dominica I used to know, this is a lawless place governed by even more lawless politicians, lawyers, judges and their admirers for the sake of a few easy Dollars. I am in a fortunate position to go back to where I have been living for the past 33 years. I am not claiming that the place is perfect, but at least there is law and order and I feel reasonably safe there. Furthermore, they don’t sell passports, so the one I carry is respected all over the world.
Don’t forget, last person to leave… switch of the lights!! I for sue won’t return.
I feel your pain and sympathize with you but please don’t give up on us, especially the weak, innocent, poor and vulnerable ones. Yes we are not perfect and actually far far from it but don’t abandon your birthplace at this critical time in its history.
However, if you choose to leave please spread the word that Ma Dominique is largoneee but can still make it if those abroad start advocating for change so we can all experience the rebirth of the isle of beauty, isle of splendor, the isle so rich and fair.
Always Assertive!
You thought what you were hearing about Dominica was fictitious? Well my friend welcome to the failed state called Dominica.
You and your repetitive mantra “failed state” is the mantra of the ignorant.
Thank you, I am very upset and feel exactly the same. Dominica does not need me and the feeling is mutual. Goodbye and good luck
Peter potter I feel your pain but am not giving up on Dominica. Am in limbo trying to think of where to retire .Anyway am still watching and waiting god willing. Nothing last forever so one day Dominica I believe will be a better place to live. The big boys can’t play forever.
When people like you use the word “lawless” to describe Dominica I wonder if you really understand the meaning of the word. You sound like a dogmatists, you making statements of a point of view as if they were an established fact, your are deluding your self, you are also using you beliefs for wish-fulfillment, to believe what you want to be true, regarding lights,you don’t really know what you’ll do in the dark till the lights go out, who cares if you do”t return back to Dominica, wish you all the best in your relocation.
You are another one of these useless Red Clinic blood suckers. You’ve got no eyes, no ears, no brains…? Keep living in ignorance fool!
OMG! How do we expect to destroy the demon that is plaguing our land when our BIG boys can allegedly commit a crime and get a green pass at the court ? In some cases some very, very, very big boys don’t even get arrested?
I think these judges going to cause citizens to take the law into their own hands. Doesn’t the judge realize that the longer she drags that thing is the more hurt she cause the minor and her family?
Come on…
Charge the man so that the case can get on and be over with already…
So much for the CCJ that we all were asking for to replace the Privy Counsel. I guarantee you that regardless of what happens to that case, even if it finally goes to trial 20 years from now the victim will have disappeared or the proverbial “no longer interested in this case” will be presented in court.
I am not saying the accused is guilty by no means because as I have said he is a friend but had it been Mr. Harold Bweelay’s child from by the bay, Salisbury there would not have been one attorney much less 5. If you are not guilty have them read the charge and schedule it for trial so that sheet can be over ASAP. Mark my word, as soon as the victim turns 18years and can make her own decisions she will leave for a “prestigious” university in China, Russia, Cuba or even the USA and will send a sworn affidavit saying she is no longer interested.
Justice has become so unjust in my land.
Always Assertive!
MWEN….. INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!!!!!!!!! It’s a presumption we are all entiltled to so ease your pressure boss!!!!
Oh BTW Proven in a COURT OF LAW AND NOT THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION!!!!!!
Innocent until proven in the court of law. But guilty until proven innocent in your conscience.
c’est mwen ki di sa
Joe what is painful is that you keep defending the indefensible out of misplaced loyalty. This has nothing to do with politics and everything with natural justice our judiciary in |Dominica seem to have forgotten that there is such a thing.
@Joe I do not know the man in question neither do I know what he does for his living because DNO did not give us any information. Joe one thing though if I, (Rat infestation ok) know I did NOT commit a crime, and I had NO kind of sex with a minor, I (Rat Infestation) would do nothing to delay the case. I would NOT seek judicial review! In fact I would do everything within my power to speed up that case, so that my name could be cleared. I would want to give my wife and children especially my girls, the assurance that honey and daddy clean wee. Somehow I would feel that if I, ( Rat Infestation) did anything or such as preferencial treatment or technicality to delay the case, I would be casting doubt in the heart of my family, friends and the general public.
do you even know what a judicial review is ?
You are so right! But they know they can fool the ordinary Dominican.
Then they people in certain ministries will ask children to report matters of abuse to the police. Look a country.
The laws on the books in that country should have been reviewed years ago. Today we are faced with several reports of abuse on children and the PM (DOMINICANS greatest love) is yet to hold an emergency meeting of parliament and have a few laws repealed?
Instead Levi will blow smoke and say they reviewing proposals. How long can it take to make a few basic changes to the law????? But still…the country nice and we love our PM he is God’s gift to us!
And to any moron who wants to write under my post that it is not the PM Fault – HE IS THE PM THE ONLY MAN IN DOMINICAN RIGHT NOW WHO CAN CHANGE THE LAWS, WHO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THE LIVES OF VICTIMS.
I agreed with you . why the Prime minister did not see it fit to go to parliamen to put emergencies measures in place
because his government have too much cocoa outside
I often refer to Dominica as a failed state…The rubbish,corruption,garbage that happens on island,does not happen anywhere else in the Caribbean…..
That’s a lie.
Unknown how is the law going to PREVENT people from abusing children?? Capital punishment is still on our books but people still kill…. In the USA death by lethal injection is still practiced yet people go out on a rampage killing people.
The problem is not the law it is us as a people that need to stamp out these bad people from our society by ensuring our children are well educated on the matter and are at all times be kept away from these perverts!!!
The legislation shouldn’t be rushed into!!!!! It must go through the correct process to ensure it makes sense…
To Unknown
The last paragraph of your comment says how little you understand the problem, you are portraying gross ignorance. We are dealing with a moral problem, making more laws or changing the laws cannot solve the problem as you wish to believe.It very silly of you to say quote “HE IS THE PM THE ONLY MAN IN DOMINICAN RIGHT NOW WHO CAN CHANGE THE LAWS, WHO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THE LIVES OF VICTIMS” do you know how ludicrous you are to believe such nonsense.Your need to educate your self about the branches of Government before you make such statement.
wow wow wow look bowdell
I thought the Court would want to deal with child abuse cases with alacrity.
yes follower, but only when it concerns the poor man ,you see two poor men was sentenced to prison today
this is a country where only poor people are convicted ,charged and go to jail,and on a revolution will change that,for believe me, it will get worst, coming events cast shadows ,
Justice delayed is justice denied
Always Assertive!
Yes ah yah!!!! only in Dominica,