Dominican mechanic, Claudius “Konkom,” Letang of Pichelin was sentenced to ten days in jail for contempt of court by Justice Bernie Stephenson on Wednesday.
This, after he failed to obey a court order ordering him to pay over $40,000 to former Prime Minister, Edison James, for defamation.
James had sued Letang for libel on allegations that he had made defamatory statements on a radio show which James said were motivated by “malice.”
On the radio show on Kairi FM, hosted by Leonard ‘Pappy’ Baptiste in 2008, Letang is alleged to have accused James of building a $4-million hotel in Barbados and went on to inquire as to where James had gotten the money.
Court Master, Cheryll Mathurin, on December 15, 2011, ruled in favour of the former Dominican leader and awarded damages in the sum of EC$45,000.
Letang was also ordered to pay court cost of more than EC$4,000.
Letang appealed that decision but his appeal was dismissed with cost awarded to James in the amount of $2,000 by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
Since then, he has refused to pay the amount and Gildon Richards, who represents James, asked the court to commit Letang to prison for contempt.
Letang had always said he would pay no money to James.
“Mr. Edison James will not get a dime from me,” he said on Kairi’s Heng program back in 2011. “I want to go to jail instead because he will never get a dollar from me.”
cucumber, you are a fool to yourself. Where are all the people that encouraged you to say these things and make you feel a big man? They are like fiends you have in a bar when you buy them a drink but disappear when it is time to pay for their round and call you foolish behind your back. Im sure you know people like that, so called friends.
Konkom is not making the best choices, who tells the judge i want to go to jail
He could have told the judge that years ago and did his jail time. maybe he should try cutting a deal with Mr. james, where, instead of paying him maybe he can give some of or all the money to the redcross, or the village council. where everyone will benefit. Maybe Instead of 10 days in jail on tax payers money, he could have been send to do community service helping, the storm victims, until he pays up
I hear there is another one thst was beging Edo for a ease up cause the payment is a strain on him. The court demand is taking a chunk out of his past time hubby. Drunk last night drunk the night before
Imposter why do you not use another name? What fun is it for you to use a name which another reader has beens using? Do you have any sense?
DNO all am asking is that an inmate provide him with cucumber for breakfast as a welcome gesture.After all DNO the inmates themselves work in the kitchen.
I am sure Korkom can multi task . He should be able to eat breakfast and pick up a soap if it falls on the ground.
If morkim dont like the truth and the truth will set man free then korkom should be given cucumber for breakfast everyday.
Zor to pokwit. Dont misinterprete my blog just because all you mind in the gutter.
lol
Only 10 days? You must be joking
Hon. Cucumber must be in distress now at stocky after he dropped the soap the first time last night and tried picking it up
. Fire in the back seat on Hon. Cucumber. Hopefully DLP saved some of the millions they received for elections because comrade cucumber needs some now. If I know Skerro well he will give or lend someone the money to pay Eddo after Hon. Cucumber serve his 10 days. I m happy, happy, happy 
Assertive, BUT NEVER Aggressive!
After the ten days what happens?? So Simeon couldn’t hold a radio thorn for Konkom,,
Well this sets a precedent of what is going to happen because the utterances one hears on a radio station is tantamount to treason about time people starts paying for their indiscretions
Get your head sorted. Treason is altogether different from slander, which this case was about.
we not giving eddo no money,we will take lifetime in jail instead
Thumbs up my Pm Roosevelt Skerrit. ..Don’t waste your money on these dumb a jacko parrots.
They’re not any endangered species; Let them go to jail !
If he wasn’t smart enough to stay focused in the engine and underneath old broken vehicles as his trade
qualify him to be , then why should someone else be part of the fools folly?
Should’ve taken some lessons of his mechanical expertise and used it on his self; by bleeding his brains and a new oil replacement, changing the old washers, ring bearings and valves, new fuel injectors , replacing and tightening all bolts and pistons, a tank full of gas and sufficient cas in your pocket, before going on Kiari as an old derelict.
Now you stall because you, kokom, didn’t realize that it was going to be a long ride, everyone must now stop, give you little jerry can of gas, put water in your over heating junk and finally exert their little energy to push you, to safety! No ! You’re a big mouth who chose not to stay in your…
Coconut you safe Skerrit got millions from Erika he will pay it for you tomorrow.
If you pay him $5 a day you wI’ll finish in 21 years.
These days when people sue in Dominica it is not for a little amount. It is for big money. Times have changed.
This should be a lesson for everyone also on this Website. The insults and derogatory comments some spew on this Website and also to those whom they never met and may never meet, I have stated, it is amazing that they are not sued through DNO. I have informed you and warned you about that.
Please people, be careful what you say and about any politician on this Website or on TV, Radio and anywhere in public. Speak your mind but ensure it is the truth.
Note that Kokom asked a question about James’ investment in Barbados and James sued him.
How many times could some be sued for libel and defaming the good character of others? They, themselves are not perfect and to others.
We must be fair/just but watch our language. The truth must always be told and yes, based on our morals, principle and opinion but ensure it is the truth and not hearsay.
Next time u will get ur facts before u run ur mouth.where is skerrit to defend u .
Well maybe we should start a kokom fund to raise that 40,000 . come on ppl that’s a lot of money. We all were enjoying listening to kokom say the things we were afraid to say but wanted to say
Coconut Boy just ask de pm to pay dat for u and u will be a free man next time get your facts correct before u open your mouth hope u learn your lesson
In fact when these guys went on radio blaspheming anything that seemed contrary to DLP, particularly when they used the said Kairi FM station, they were speaking boldly in support of their leader and everyone connected to the said Leader and the DLP. It was OK to do that and those concerned enjoyed those libelous statements. No one came and refuted libelous statements. Cucumber thought he was immune and if, I say if, at all he was reprimanded in anyway for these statements, “THEY” would bail him out. Where is “THEY” now. $45,000 plus cost should be peanuts for them. Cucumber, pay the man, you knew very well what you were saying was libelous
The Labour Party should pay that sum because the the culprit was defending Mr. Skerrit’s Party.
That was inevitable really. Hope the law will start showing its teeth more now because what people get away now is ridiculous.
While these Labor supporters would give their lives to support Skeritt, the man talks all his libel in parliament where he is protected. His supporters believe when they get into trouble, Skeritt will bail them out, I hope the cucumber and others will learn their lessons. Jail or no jail, he must pay the $46,000.
@Doc Love, It’s like you gave your life to Lennox too. Don’t worry every dog has its day. Hope you are also sending that message for that mad monk on Q95 who runs that 6-7 am program.
OMG Skerrit help him please, he loves my pm so much, Konkom would take a bullet for you.
Just consider this sentence as a vacation from the mechanic job. In the past we were all ashame of being sent to prison, but it is clear that this fear has disappeared all together..
Zuma I like that. He is having a relaxing time at the expense of the State. But he still has to pay after that little holiday.
yOU HAVE A POINT THERE, zUMA
There are more serious matters to be dealt with…Again! The system here makes no d@mn sense!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amin….. clarify for the public how much exactly he has to pay Mr. James is is $40,000 or $2,000. This is confusing.
Glad admin did not respond to this because this is elementary and I cannot see the confusion.
Letang was ordered to pay James $40,000 for libel. Letang took the matter as far as the Caribbean Supreme Court which dismisses his appeal. The supreme court ordered Letang to pay $2,000 to James for court cost, not the original $40,000. What is so confusing about that?
Thank you. Too many half-wits come on here and pretend to be intellectuals. The article is clear.
dorival john i don’t think you get it either, what do you mean “not the original $40,000”? his appeal was dismissed.
Dorival John,
You got it wrong this time. He has to pay $40,000 for libel. However, he also has been ordered to pay an additional $4,000 for court costs, which is the cost of filing all the paperwork which was involved in the case; it’s not a waiver of the original $40,000 as you are thinking. It is an addition. Konkom appealed. He lost. He has to pay an additional $2,000 because James had to file papers to respond to the appeal notification. The total Kokom has to pay is $46,000!!!
But that is basically what I said, in not as much detail as you. The person wanted to know if Letang had to pay $40,000 or $2,000. I only made the differentiation between those two sums without going into the details. Probably what go u confused is when I said “The supreme court ordered Letang to pay $2,000 to James for court cost, not the original $40,000.” I should have said “The supreme court ordered Letang to pay $2,000 to James for court cost, apart from the original $40,000. Cheers
You still confusing and you are of no help so shut up, two cents did a better job
Truth, Dorival John and “Just my two cents” all of allu get it wrong. Edison has to pay $40000, Pappy has to pay $4 million, de court master looking like they charge her $45000 and Latang got slapped with a $4000 fine but he can just give them $2000 and it krayl. How bout that?? lol
45,000 + 4,000 + 2,000 = 51,000.. article said, over 40, 000, not 40 000.. d
He appealed and this case was dismissed. He was fined $2,000 for this appeal for court and other costs. I would think he would have to pay the $2,000 including $40,000 for the preliminary case for libel.
Keep in mind there was the first case and then the second case. James’ lawyer had to defend him a second time which cost them and the court money.
If everyone is confused which is expected, confused or not, DNO should be able to clarify it.
How about it DNO? You are the Media and have a good knowledge of those matters. I would expect you also have a lawyer or lawyers. Make us wiser. This is how we learn daily, one way or the other and by accessing DNO, considering the many minds and opinions, pro and con on your Website
Well they sent him exactly where he wanted to go…next story!
He still owes the EC$40000 so when he comes out he still has to pay.
Would love to know how often he is willing to go in and out of jail, to avoid paying. I wonder who is suffering because of his negligence and stupidity
Failing everything else they can send the bailiff after him and seize assets, remember.
Konkom is a fool. His first allegiance should be to himself, not to a party. While he in and out of jail, other mechanics will be snatching away his customers.
Put a bridle on your tongue.
It is noted that some D/cans are too free with their mouths. be it through their minds and fingers on the keyboard. I have noted it on this Website. Much of it is idle and wicked talk which Our Lord Jesus Christ warned us about and the eternal penalty for it.
I will inform you, Holy Father Pope Francis said a few months ago, among some of his godly inspiring comments: “Freedom of speech has its limits.”
Everyone, especially those who love to make out of the way, uncalled for and unwarranted comments, could all learn a lesson from his spiritually wise words.
Anyway, I feel sorry for Korkom. He has a lot of money to pay. If he refuses to pay one cent, how much time will he spend in jail?
What is done is done and cannot be undone. It would be a considerate and compassionate gesture if his supporters who loved to hear him commence a fundraising for him in order to relieve him out of this financial dilemma. There is no doubt he will appreciate it