Leader of the Opposition Party, Lennox Linton, has not accepted the ruling of the High Court in the case of allegations made by him in the so-called ‘rapist minister’ matter.
He said the ruling was unfair, the Judge had chosen to ignore the evidence he provided and the matter will now go before a ‘higher court.’
“Let us hear if a higher court will have a similar view and rule similarly. But this one doesn’t end here. It’s going to have to go further,” Linton said.
On Thursday, High Court judge, Bernie Stephenson, ruled that the case be “struck out” as it was unsustainable and without merit and an abuse of the process of the court. She said the evidence provided in the defense does not move the court enough to bring the case to trial.
Linton did not take the ruling with open arms.
Speaking on Q95’s Matt in the Morning this morning, Linton said that he believes the court’s ruling is unfair considering that the evidence from the claimant who brought the action was not heard.
“I don’t believe that it is unfair for the judge to have decided the case without hearing evidence from the claimant who brought the action, from the defendants who are being charged or who have been cited for defamatory words,” Linton said.
Linton was sued following remarks made by him at a United Workers Party (UWP) ‘Youth in It Too’ rally in St. Joseph on May 25th 2014, where he titled actions carried out by various cabinet ministers as rape.
At that rally, he said, “There can be no honor in a government that harbors rapist ministers and upholds extortion of sexual services from young people seeking the facilitation of ministers to get personal development assistance from the public purse.”
Following the alleged pronouncements, all ministers of government filed a $1-million defamation lawsuit against the Opposition Leader.
Linton solicited supporters and persons who have shown their concern towards him the matter to “be calm” and that the “fight against evil has never been easy.”
“It has never been easy, it has never been overnight. Stay calm, stay calm, and let’s watch this through to the end, let’s see this through to the end,” he said.
Linton has made it known that he will not back down from anything that is sent against him because of the “truth I’ve spoken and the honest opinions I’ve brought into public discussion.”
“When people claim defamation and get money for defamation for work they claim they’re supposed to do in the public’s interest was not done, how is the public interest served?” he remarked.
Linton’s attorney, J Gildon Richards, had already indicated that he will appeal the High Court ruling.
How old are Linton AND Skerrit? They BOTH look like prunes for young men in their forties. Lay off the politics, bro– it aging allu.
PS. WHY is there a SHOWER CURTAIN in de background? Allu cannot afford a REAL curtain? Disgusting.
Lennox! Leave that alone Lennox. Drop it. You of all people should know the system is rigged. Drop it and focus on current issues. Dropping it doesn’t mean you are wrong.
How does anyone know that Lennox’s comments were wrong? They have not been given the light of day. Isn’t there a case against a former minister? Why do cases take so long to be heard anyway? Our Justice system totally stinks.
“I don’t believe that it is unfair for the judge to have decided the case without hearing evidence from the claimant who brought the action, from the defendants who are being charged or who have been cited for defamatory words,” Linton said. Was that his actual statement? He doesn’t believe it was “unfair” for the judge to decided the case without evidence. With all these lawsuits going on against LL, it will not be long till the UWP decides that he is more of a liability than an asset. Likewise with the young man on Q. The parent company will soon deem him a liability and he will no longer be on the Mat but on the stoop.
#OneLoveDominicans!!
Linton again yes jah that man will never learn
Alas Lennox leave politics alone that’s not your field get back to journalism
Garcon you doesn’t rest. Look Marigot, the place you from have from have a big event. You have yet to say anything about it and promote it……
Mister doesn’t learn. The last case he kept going high and high only to get the same court results and fines adding up. I feel sorry for the poor people of Dominica that going to pay his fines for his lying tongue Look out for up coming Beggarthons on Q.
The problem is the same CBI MONEY that going to be pledged to foot that bill; UWPites like it so. Matt has my back what the heck I care! WE WILL PAY! That’s the ONLY way I can get some of that CBI MONEY.
I hope this court judgement wakes up Mr. Linton. While he is playing nice guy with Skeritt and the DLP, they are taking him very seriously. The DLP is not interested in the money, remember Baron, what they are interested in, is to shut up Linton. A few years ago, Tony publicly called Edison a mosquito, Edison is no blood sucker, he is no insect, he did nothing about it, by way of the courts. One might say he did not mention the name James, but Tony followed his statement with the name of Tim, Tim, short for Timothy, these two men were members of the UWP, and at the time, he was referring to the UWP, therefore, their is an implication. Linton, as a member of the UWP, was called a traitor by Skeritt, he was not asked to prove that in courts. He was once called a beauwou, on Kairi, locally it means murderer, their was no conviction in the courts, he allowed it to go. Now, even though he didn’t mention a minister’s name, he might have to pay hundreds of dollars.
Added to my comments, Mr. Linton was called a psychopath leader, by Albert Simeon, host of the next level DLP show on Saturday night at 9.30 pm on April 29th. In fact, he called Mr. Linton a psychopath, at least twenty times during the show. He even recommended that Linton should visit Dr. Benjamin. A psychopath is a person suffering from chronic mental disorder and abnormal or violent social behavior, in order words, a madman, a maniac, a lunatic. Why is it, if a man is called a thief without evidence, the person who made the accusation can be sued. Where as, if a man is called a psychopath, the person who made the accusation is never sued. I would really like to know, why does Mr. Linton who has a wife and children, listens to these accusations, accept all that degradation and not ask for his pound of flesh as they have done to him.
The minister told me to put my hands between my legs wee ; Nasty man.
When the money comes from Linton pocket to pay for his tongue he will stop.
DNO do you not think that publication of the Judgment would be very useful to, and appreciated by, the readers and contributors to this organ? Just asking.
Apologies DNO. Just noticed that you have published it with a previous article. Would hurt to repeat it with each publication though.
How is it that all other judges spend 3 years in Dominica and are re-assigned. However this particular judge has been stationed in Dominica for almost 10 years. She is so comfortable that she openly expresses her dislike for the leader of the opposition. We call on the OECS judiciary to please remove that judge from Dominica or we will write against her. She has overstayed her welcome.
Hon Linton you are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. No weapon formed against you can prosper.
Wood you cut linton is wood you will burn
Linton must pay
My grand mother always said” sa key aider’w chayay shouval gros bouden, pa ka aider’w shyey zeb.” Literal meaning” who helped you to carry a pregnant horse will not help you carry grass for it after.
Mr. Linton you have some ill advisors.
At that rally, he said, “There can be no honor in a government that harbors rapist ministers and upholds extortion of sexual services from young people seeking the facilitation of ministers to get personal development assistance from the public purse.”
How can you, Lennox make such a disparaging comment against the PM?
Did the PM, as you stated “harbored rapist ministers? How can you be correct? Have you not seen the harm done to the PM’s reputation?
Who in their right mind would condone Lennox for making this comment? You deserve to be sued. The Court has reason to withhold it.
Stop saying you feel you had a right. You have been all out to damage the PM’s character so that D/cans will turn against him and vote for UWP. That was your intention. I believe you should see a psychiatrist to examine your brains. There is something wrong with it. I urge you to give up and take a back seat.
You called them rapist ministers that why we should look before we leap. We must be very careful of what we say and how we say it.
sorry why “rapist ministers” not nice wored.
typo error word
So Ian who resigned getting from that million dollar defamation suit?
You must learn to read and understand
Divide $1,000,000.00 by 18….. =$?, Each minister of Government.
Yes the man needs a second chance. If they rape you go get examined by a medical doctor. If you are talking about another person bring your witnesses forward or zip your mouth.
That’s your rights and Dominica is still a Democracy. Let the process roll on. I do feel for your wife and children, as well as your extended family.
And yet the pompous has learned NOTHING!
Isn’t it wonderful that the leader of the opposition can make time for all this legal action and street protesting as well as coming up with comprehensive policies for the country, being an effective opposition in parliament etc. Awesome !
Boy Lennox you ugly in your mother a**
I hope you continue to pay for your tongue – you have been a disgrace to Dominican politics and have thus far ruined the UWP. Time to go “Lennox MUST Go”
The Whole Caribbean laughing at this Guy…never in Caribbean Politics had there ever been such a mess…just stop…what they paying you to do..run your mouth…and spend time in the Courts and then your supporters talk about who will pay…well I hope you doh pay for not doing what you were elected to do…and drawing a cheque every end of month…not on the 15th of the following Month!…JUST STOP!
This is a sad state of affairs.
If Lennox wants to make any progress appealing this case he has to find some high power lawyer to assist him.
I still believe that if the matter goes to a full trial, the defense will still be weak unless he can get credible young women to come forward with evidence that they were raped by at least two ministers of Government. And we know how this is in Dominica. They come forward, there is a secret meeting somewhere and then, all of sudden, the accuser is no longer interested in pursuing the case.
That is why I find the Judge’s reference in paragraph 127 actually does not support her judgement to throw out the case since it is my view that she ought to be have considered the possibility of hush money in this case.
So in essence:
1. Beef up your legal team
2. Be prepared to find real, credible witness to testify and support your statement.
And forget Reynolds as, it is my believe that it will not stand the Nichols test in a Common Law…
You are talking like Mr. Big, “This one doesn’t end here”, but when the bills roll in, you are running to the radio looking for people to pay your bills.
Perhaps you should watch what you say, so you can focus on the task at hand instead of being mired in all this mess.
Come on Lennox, get a life. Why not try the Supreme Court in the United States. I think the judges on the Supreme Court are all UWP supporters.
Lenox agree you loose because you keep putting your self and your mongoose gang in dept. every time mongoose gang have to fine Money to cover your expenses. You will run the mongoose gang brokes and the mongoose gang won’t be able to operate. So just agree you loose
The only evidence that the claimants have to submit are the offending words which were spoken in public. The claimants don’t have to prove they are not rapist. It is on the defendant to submit evidence to prove that the person’s he refered to as rapist are infact rapist. Rape is a criminal act and offenders can be jailed for long periods of time and their reputation destroyed, it is a serious offence. So those of you who are supporting Lennox in his relentless campaign of dragging people’s reputation through the mud are just as guilty as he is. How can it be right to call someone a rapist with no evidence. The only way that can happen is if the person is a convicted rapist or the person making the claim witnessed a rape by the person whom he is accusing of rape. One cannot be convicted on hearsay or allegations, that is what the Leader of the UWP wants Dominicans to accept. Perhaps what we need in Dominica are laws that adapt to suit the fancy of each Citizen.
How high you want to go nuh?
Heaven court he aiming for man
you know he could of avoided all of this by simply saying “rumour has it” such and such….
You can reject all you want. Smh.
In the first place, you were unfair to the 18 member cabinet of ministers when you sullied their names and degraded their positions as ministers! How can you blatantly call out a whole group of people for alleged actions by one? You put yourself in hot water, now fight your battle and pay de fees!
You just don’t give up. You were wrong, you were disrespectful. The sooner you admit that, the better for you.
You are still defiant. Take a reality check, in the case with Francine Baron, even though the evidence was presented to you. You became more adiment about it and never apologize. Bro, that’s not leadership skills. No didn’t say it in St. Joe alone. You said that young Dominican women were prostituting themselves to these ministers. That was clearly stated in St Martin, St. Thomas and St. Croix. That wasn’t enough you ‘re emphasized yourself at a youth rally. If such behavior is happening don’t you feel you have a moral obligation to help the young ladies?
Linton my heart goes out to you .This is a sad day for me. I feel so sad but hold tight ‘WHAT IS NOT JUST ON EARTH IS NOT JUST IN HEAVEN. You will laugh some day .You are not fighting for yourself but for all Dominicans.Take heart. Don’t be surprise when things start happening to all those wrong doers.Their time will come.Be patient my brother.The longest rope has an end.
For your information Lennox linton is not fighting for me and am %100 Dominican. Don’t fight for me on lies and slander Lennox Linton is fighting for his own interest to gain political power.If horses were wishes beggars would ride.
Really? Like Linton, you need to also remove your darkers and see the light. It is one thing to utilise half truths, distortions of truth or even alternative facts, to make false allegations in respect to intangible things, it is quite another thing when one utilises those techniques in making allegations about an individual or group of individuals. In that later circumstance, the maker leaves his/herself vulnerable should the target of their ire choose to sue for defamation because he/she cannot meet the high test of proof required to defeat any such legal action. Let this be a final lesson to your esteemed Leader, however tempting it may be to say what is on his mind, resist it and only say (publicly) what he knows that he can prove to the legal standard required by the law (not merely to his standard).
Who are the wrong doers? With no prejudice to Linton and no preferential treatment to anyone else, what Linton stated was wrong. People do not go about defaming the character of anyone and making comments about what which he did not see nor experience. Hearsay is not enough. No Court will accept that.
Linton was sued for Libel. Do you not know what that means? The power, destroyer and destruction of the tongue. What he stated about the PM was wrong. This is why he was sued. Surely, if you have any common sense you will comprehend that.
Do not defend Linton because you are a UWP supporter. Call a spade a spade. Be fair.
how do you libel someone without calling his or her name? linton is thorn in the side of this labour adminstration and they will do everything possible to try destroy him.. just remember the wickedness that man does live with them.. i hope when their turn comes they will face the music like big men..
but how dominicians come der nuh…where is all u christ like values…..all u wishing death on lennox linton…
ye who have no sin wth an immaculate heart cast the first stone….our way of life troubles me….i blame most of the division at the feet of roosevelt skeritt,, i think he is unbeatable now, he has bought every soul for 30 pcs of gold and silver, congratulations sir…but God will be the last judge without bias. oh how i fear the wrath of God….amen
The Christ like values have been purchased with MONEY… Some pastors and priest even pretend that they know nothing about what is happening on island… If there is ONE SOUL on island that will not give up the fight its me…I am confident that GOOD SHALL one day triumph against evil…Linton does not know me, but I have listened to him ad nauseam, and his heart is to see a better Dominica for everyone. I cant say the same for the corrupt DLP gang, whose only concern is exchanging money for votes…..
SKERRIT MUST GO !!
SKERRIT MUST GO!!!
SKERRIT MUST GO!!!
You can blaim him how u want. But I will always say there is none so blind as those who cannot see. And you will not see that Lennox is a sick man in his head. A bad trade man blame his tools but his incapabilities. And so is LENNOX LINTON. You think because PM wasn’t talking all the while is fraid he fraid? Pm is smart. He knows the saying “GIVE A FOOL ENOUGH ROPE AND HE WILL SURELY HANG HIM SELF.” But he said he is not going to let that one pass. Let him appeal. I wish the privey council was still around with us. Cus he would have much more to pay for. He always interprite the law his own way. He didn’t take one day of law school. It he want to play smart. Dam jack **s. I can never feel sorry for him. He will learn the hard way. People spent years to build their good name and u want to take a minute to destroy it because of ur selfish political ego. You remember the letter from Grag Nassief not to long ago?? Read it again. Think you can fight with the world still. dam fool.
You have your opinion; others have theirs. What you stated about the PM is wrong. You UWP supporters are the troublemakers. You are obviously unable to see your flaws.
Leave God out of this. He is displeased with people as you who use His Most Holy Name in vain. It is blasphemy. A punishment awaits those who use God’s Holy Name in vain and in a situation as that. What do you know about God?
U have UR. Opinion others have theirs, what you all stated about honourable Linton is wrong, and what you all stated about the Emmanuel’s the Senior citizens of St. Aromant is also WRONG YOU SAID THAT IT’S THEY WHO BURN THEIR HOUSE on CHRISTMAS morning 2010 this to is wrong allegations because those 2 elderly folks of 80+ years with no INSURANCE on their property won’t do such a thing if they are not INSANE
U and your most scoundrels remain silent, so why are UR. silent is so loud and those U are adoring, I mean u are so, so bling u can’t even see that Honourable Linton is fighting for D/ca, U see all those atrocities that is taking place in that blessed land of ours we will all pay for it one day because when the rain falls it falls on all of us, but please keep in mind Proverbs 15: 3 the Eyes of the Lord are in every Place BEHOLDING the EVIL and the GOOD
What Christ like values you talking about. Dominica is no longer Christians. The failed churches are just going through the ropes.
Idol worship is the new business in town.
eh beh weh lennox sah la….one day poor ppl will stop pay for your tongue
Now Lennox you need to state which higher court you will be making your appeal. Remember you disagreed with the ruling of the CCJ in a previous case? When the high court and same judge ruled in your favor against Pinnard Byrne you were happy and felt that the judgement was fair. Can you remember not even appearing in court when the judgement of the CCJ was handed down against Pinnard Byrne? How dear you question the legitimacy of the statement made by Judge Stephen? Apparently you are qualified in law so in as much as the judgement was not in your favor you think something is wrong. You need to respect the courts decision and begin to view other people of character as completely different from you, certainly more qualified in their fields and learn to give respect where respect is due.
More disappointment will come your way like the Bryne case! Just get your people to make a radio thon and pay that million dollars lol
I hope he gets a better lawyer. But as far as I know he can’t present new evidence
Man, come to think of it. People like Justina Charles and Gloria Shillingford joined the P.M. in this suit. Linton did no mention any names but with the best will in the world how could these two Ministers feel themselves addressed as rapists and feel slandered? Let’s be real folks, this is too silly for words.