Defence Attorney Heather Felix-Evans last week launched an audacious bid to have Magistrate Tiyani Behanzin “recuse” himself from the intimidation case accusing him of not being capable of giving her client, Renneth Alexis, a fair and impartial trial.
But Magistrate Behanzin firmly rebuffed the idea.
In a letter to Tiyani Behanzin, dated Friday, September 24, Felix-Evans stated that her client, Alexis was deeply concerned by the way the trial was being conducted, adding: ”I am further instructed to request that you recuse yourself as the presiding Magistrate in the trial of the above-referenced matters in which he is the defendant and that the charge of intimidation be heard by another magistrate.”
“My client’s concerns are triggered by your actions and conduct at the last hearing which took place on Monday, 20th September 2010. He is of the considered view that your conduct and active participation in the proceedings , which are set out more fully below show that it is manifestly the case that you are being influenced , and have permitted this trial to be distracted or derailed by allegations which are being made in the public media. Consequently, he is being subjected to an abuse of process and incapable of receiving a fair and impartial trial,” Felix-Evans wrote in her letter to Magistrate Behanzin.
In the said letter, Felix-Evans stated further: “You allowed the prosecutor, and then yourself to question him on matters concerning the ownership of the land (Blaircourt property) and BPDL which were manifestly and totally irrelevant to the charge of intimidation against him despite the repeated objections of his Counsel and without providing any rational or relevant judicial reason.”
In the letter, the defence attorney of Alexis implied that Magistrate Behanzin’s conduct in the court was being influenced by persons in the public gallery: “ …. And more disturbingly, you did so in the presence of persons who you know or must have known have repeatedly and publicly alleged that BPDL and the Blaircourt property are owned by the Honourable Prime Minister.”
Magistrate Behanzin read the contents of the letter of Felix-Evans in open court on Monday, September 27, 2010.
Magistrate Behanzin told the court that he would respond to the letter from the defence attorney, at which point the defence attorney asked for the letter to be sent to her privately. But Magistrate Behanzin responded that since he has been on the bench he has been “subjected to attacks which have not been in secret”.
He added that her letter could not be seen as private as they were widely distributed to a number persons in the judicial fraternity including the chief justice, attorney general, Minister for Tourism and Legal Affairs, the chief magistrate, among others. Consequently he would present his response to her through the court.
Visibly upset by its contents, Magistrate Behanzin described her letter of Friday, September 24,2010 as “a disgusting shame”.
By letter, dated Wednesday, September 29, Magistrate Behanzin said that Felix-Evans could not provide evidence to prove that he was being influenced and was allowing the trial to be distracted or derailed by allegations which are being made in the public media.
“You presented no evidence in support of this outrageous claim nor have you been able to establish how I was influenced by the so-called media,” Behanzin said.
On the matter of questions from the prosecution relating to the ownership of the property, Magistrate Behanzin stated in his response to the defence attorney: “I am astonished that nowhere in your six-page letter did you admit that it was you, with full conduct of the defence case in this matter, who attempted to introduce two documents, a certificate with the property that you mentioned and a company annual return….Prosecution raised a matter and the court asked the defendant to step outside of the hearing of the court.
“It was the prosecution being conducted by Inspector Claude Weekes, who objected to the defence tendering these two documents, stating to the court that the tendering to the court was not relevant to the charges placed before the court. The court also stated that the appropriate foundation had not been laid. In the absence of the defendant you told the court that the two documents should act as exclusive irrefutable proof that the defendant, your client owns outright the property you mentioned. The court concurred with the prosecution that the issue of ownership was not relevant but you insisted it was relevant.”
Magistrate Behanzin chided the defence attorney for distributing copies of her letter to him to a number of important persons connected with the judiciary in Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean as a whole and not making it clear that it was the defence that introduced the issue of ownership of the property to the court.
“If you make these allegations and distribute it to a list of individuals, notable among them is the Honourable Chief Justice, effectively the head of the judiciary in the eastern Caribbean, would you not see it fit and ethical to state clearly, without any ambiguity, that it was in fact the defence, in effect, you, who introduced the importance or not of the ownership of the property? Emerging from the documents tendered and the evidence under cross examination of the defendant, are a number of ambiguities to which the court found it necessary to ask further questions for the purpose of clarification of the question of ownership.”
In response to the suggestion by attorney Felix-Evans in her letter that Magistrate Behanzin was being influenced by persons in the public gallery, the magistrate replied: “Counsel, Mrs. Felix-Evans, are you suggesting that a court should tailor its enquiry and evidence-taking based on who is sitting in the gallery?”
In response to Magistrate Behanzin’s letter of September 29, Felix-Evans responded by letter dated Sunday, October 3, 2010.
In the letter, she describes Magistrate Behanzin’s response as “somewhat emotional”. She repeated her claim as made in her first letter of September 24 that “ownership is totally irrelevant to the charge of intimidation”.
“Towards the end of your cross examination, you directed my client to write on the back of your copy of my letter of 24th September 2010 the following (1) the value of the property at the time of its purchase and now, and (2) the loan balance on the property.
“Sir it is clear that you have rendered yourself incapable of being a fair and impartial arbiter in this case as the law intends you to be and you, the presiding magistrate have abused the process of the court.”
And in her second letter of October 3, Felix-Evans again issued what could be interpreted as a threat against Magistrate Behanzin: “As already indicated, at the appropriate time my client will institute necessary proceedings to ensure that his rights to a fair and impartial trial are protected.”
Magistrate Behanzin responded to the letter dated October 3 by Felix-Evans the following day on Monday, October 4.
“Your letter and continued slur on the bench is professionally unjustified. Your letter constitutes an attempt to give evidence and distract me from my focus in this case. I remind you that this case will be determined on the evidence adduced in court and not on any presumed pressure, threats or empty allegations.”
The concluding sentence of the September 29 letter of Magistrate Behanzin states: “This case will be decided not on the basis of any perceived pressure from individuals on your distribution list, but on the veracity of the evidence adduced and presented in the court.”
@Former Court Official:ok so you know the law so well,what the hell are you doing hiding in your little hole condoning wrong . shut up and shove your cut and paste.damn wicked
@FRANSISCO: de moomoo sleeping lol.
tyani if ur reading this will u marry me, i love u so much,keep on doing the right thing jah will guide u there is nothing the wicked can do too hold u down, they shall not take ur bread from u… umm i really do love u emm hope ur not married
@TUNEEER: Thank you very much!,Whom ever you are.I thought i was the only one who felt the way i felt about the whole situaltion…I asked myself over and over again,how did the Country that we love so much tumbled into the state that it has….This is not the Labor Party of our forefathers. No!,it cannot be….Can you please help me help our People see what really is going in our Country!
This is a well oiled,well greased propaganda machine,fueled my lies,greed and corruption!.We must dismantle it part,by part…And the way in which we must do so,is thru mobilization.We have to mobilize our people from a grassroots movement.
Not only thru media(radio,newspapers etc.) but we must do so by physically going from Town, to Town,Villiage to Village,informing and educating our People as to what really is going on in our Country,what Govt.really is,and what it is that should be expected from Govt.
It is going to take lots of hard work and dedication,but it can be done…We do not have the late Mike,and Rosie anymore,but i am quite sure that we still have “honest,dedicated people,with integrity and a passion for their Country to do what is Right for our People and Country…
Not the same old “gang”,but an infussion of new blood,with true Leadership qualities.A new and progressive Labor Party,with innovative minds.
Now is the time for every honest and hard working Dominican;every Dominican, to come together for the good of our Country and for ourselves and our children.Let us take a firm stand for what is right and just.
…Once again thank you..I appreciate you!
GOD’S Blessings,Peace,and Love……
Guidance,and Profound Peace!!
@laborite: True? LOL
i have seen the light.
Hmmmm Is it my imagination or is there a healthy change of tides in here? Is it that my Dominican peeps are seeing the light? or are more of those who like to show us they are not so smart more quiet?
The issue sorrounding this case has Tony Astaphans name all over it. Somebody need to remind Tony that we are dealing with super highway information access and that D/cans are much more informed. Tony the days when only MR Astaphan and MR Nassief kids were the educated ones in D/ca – these days are done. So we can all see rigth through you Tony. You are not that smart Tony.
It is a disgrace that Tony and coherts would send Bubles and his stupid lawyer with a certificate of ownership showing Blair Court as the owner of the property.
On a different note the PM was minister of education for 4- years and a teacher before that. He became Prime Minister and Minister for finance instantly he became a multimillionare. People giving him land ; he built a 2.9 million dollar house, own expensive vehicles , own land elswhere; Villas etc.
I am a former member of the DLP but I am more so a concern Dominican and it would be totally bias to dismiss the allegations against the PM. What is even more dispicable is the fact that some of these guys have become rich whereas the people are getting poorer. there is nothing to show that life has improved for Dominicans leaving in D/ca.
@conscious:
From reading all the comments, I have now realized why pictures were being taken of the premises. Yet, this man did something wrong by going outside with a gun, pulling the lady and threatening her it. Although there are no ifs and buts or should never be, “if only he knew” he would not have done such a thing. Note the situation which he placed himself in and whoever owns the property as speculated. What a problem which he is probably regretting.
@Anonymous:
After the world ends, it will be Heaven or Hell for those who deserve it, one way or the other. There will be no Dominica as it exists today. Our Lord Jesus Christ will reign and there will be peace, love and unity. Oh Happy Day!
Blaire. Court is.not renneth Alexis. The title is not in renneths name. If Blair. Court is a share. Holder company. The question is does Bibles have the right to act the way he id
in light of this matter which involves …bobbles and those villars,sir weeks i have total respect for you and the work you are doing is commedable keep it real..the police force is the third polittical force in the country sad but true,sir weeks your level is way above the chief and his deputy.that man call chief of police i feel sorry for him his taking the bullet for the pm thats y they gave him that position..anyways weeks dont give up keep it real..one love just remember that the knowedge is the only weapon you got.
@Ice man cometht: @Ice man cometht: Boy,what nonsense you writing there nuh boy.You are a damn arse or what?…
You must be kidding yourself…Propagandist!..Maybe your red shirt is affecting your thought process….
@Ice man cometht: Yoh,ma’ man,you are talkin rubbish!…What you are saying makes no sense. Give it a friggin break already.
Are you one of the stupid and blind Dominicans,that are so blinded by your red shirt, that you refuse to see or acknowledge what the hell that’s going on in your Country?.
What the heck are you blabbering about?.
Chances are,you might just be part of the propaganda machine, and just too dumb to separate facts,from fiction.
Wake up from your slumber,and take a stand for what is right.
Leave Trevor Johnson alone. He has more guts,principle,integrity,and self- esteem,than you and the likes of you will ever have…
What a..ness you writing, you’re a damn.. or what?.
You think these people,just made up all these things?,don’t kid youself. Where there is smoke,there must be fire……
And get the heck out of here with your scare tactics. No one is going to sue anybody,the truth is simply that,truth.
Deception,is what you are full of. Misrepresentation ,is what you are doing to yourself and your Country.
All the best to you…..
dispensing justice at the speed of right! we are a lawless people,longtime we needed justice.i’ll sit in his courtroom as often as i can.that is why we need to behave and live straight lives. boy i fraid trouble!
@Anonymous: nice try
@: A self correction idiot: Nice to see you can correct self after the fact.Oh DA and it’s loose -langers. Always putting the cart before the horse/donkey/mule before. Next time , le prochein fois think before you type ,write out your thoughts on paper if you must. A guide to thinking before launching into the abyss.
Today, 10 Oct., it is exactly 13 years ago that Tiyani Behanzin, then a research student at London University attended a meeting at this institute to celebrate the election of comrade Kim Jong Il to the position of general secretary of the VVorkers Party of Korea (i.e. the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or N.Korea)and made the follovving address:” It’s right to congratulate the Korean people, vvho have fought imperialism and survived. They have defended their basic right to be independent and think as they like. They have developed their ovvn ideology to suit their ovvn experience. VVe must redouble our efforts to support them and all countries, vvhich have stood up against imperialism”.
His father’s son indeed and no puppy! His support for comrade Kim Jong Il does not preclude him from sitting as a magistrate and dispensing justice in accordance vvith the lavv of the land.
@mac: What in the world are you blabbering about…This is usually done prior to the commencement of a Case,or if whilst the case is in progress, some evidence turns up,or reasons suggesting that the judge,or in this case a Magistrate, is unqualified because of a conflict of interest or lack of impartiality…..Then, yes. But….I haven’t seen any of that in this case. No reason whatsoever. Everything that the Magistrate did,and all the questions he asked, was within the conformities of the Law,based on the facts of the case and the relevant evidence introduced in his Court.
The defense lawyer, simply cannot wait for the trial to start, then reached almost at the point of conclusion, when the verdict is about to be rendered, ask the judge or magistrate to recuse himself…Mainly because , the lawyer, did not like the line of questioning of her client,by the Magistrate,and the prosecutor, about evidence that she, the lawyer,asked to be introduced in Court as revelant. The Court allowed it,after the Courtroom was cleared,and she and the prosecutor ,was asked to approach the bench.
So at that point,the document or documents, became fair game…. It back-fired in her face…I am quite sure that you have hear the saying..”be careful what you ask for”…….Did the lawyer underestimated the Magistrate,or the prosecutor?…..She sure got much more than she bargained for…much,much more info was revealed….and she even caused her client to perjure himself.
That, was a dumb move on her part….She can jump high,she can jump low.And she can write letters to every one that she chooses to. The fact of the matter is ,she screwed up.
And i’ve got news for you,.. If the verdict is not in her client’s favor,there is no way she will win this on appeal.
Have no fear BUBBLES will BUCKLE under pressure. He will talk sooner or later or probably there was a reason for returning that gun to him. He might use it on himself when he can no longer hold on to all the lies, deceit and deception. Either he will betray his friend skeritt or take his own life to spare his frien humiliation. BUBBLES is a hustler he will betray skeritt even after he is asked the question three times.
@Trevor Johnson: Mr Johnson who appoints the directors. You know that Skerrit is the owner the Villas who told you so I guess you have the sworn affidavit of Mrs Lief the architect who intimated to you quite clearly that she had never met or dealt with Skerrit but yet you keep harping on that. That proof cannot hold up in court that claim cannot hold up in court an email forwarded by someone else is considered hearsay or third party so much for your questioning the literacy or illiterate Dominicans, Maybe English is your second language. You may not be out of the woods yet because Mrs Lief can or may sue you for deception and mis representation. If everyone else is corrupt could you please reveal the name of those PHANTOM investors on whose behalf you were making those inquieries. Good luck on your FI*SHING expedition be careful that the fishing boat does not sink with Lennox in control of the only life vest
Boy you make me remenber. Dady Rosie. What was done to your father Rosie Douglas, by this people. cannot and will not be done to you , you have the heart of your father .you aer my friend ,Son do the work you were call to do .. WE LOVE YOUR FATHER BEFOR , AND YOU . FEAR NOT THE PEOPLE OF DOMINICA ARE WITH YOU,
No law in Dominica, The law states if a defendant finds that he or she would not be judge fairly by magistrate or judge he has the right to ask for and get another judge or magistrate to hear his case THATS HOW IT IS IN CAPITALIST COUNTRIES, BUT THEN AGAIN DOMINICA IS NOT A CAPITALIST COUNTRY
Magistrate Behanzin Kudos to you – I tip my hat to you.
Brother you’re fighting a good fight by being a fair and just Magistrate.
Remember your Father Legacy, and Uncle Michael Commitment and Love for Dominica.
Continue to be fair and equitable – Trust me — Dominica Love and Need You.
Don’t get discouraged . Because your name is Tiyani Behanzin they probably forgetting RBD bloods run through your veins – Stand Strong Portsi Warrior.
boy only now senior councle trying to do damage controle to late sir,u writeing letter and giving it to heather,justice is a must because god is stronger than evil.
ALAS, THE LORD HAS SENT US AN OFFICER OD JUSTICE, LONG LIVE BEHANZIN
that magistrate is really the son of rosie,anytime the state relist that man,its a clear injitation that skerrite is hiding alot,fire have to burn..
praise for mr.benezie at least somebody is standing up when standing is diffcult.better must come one day i have a dream that one day that magistrate will replace skerrite…
@fUWP: FYOU!…..Boy the lenght and depth some propagandist will go in their attempts to smear,discredit, and try to belittle people with sound knowledge,wisdom,integrity, and self-esteem. Well learned and firmly grounded,unwavering in their conviction of what is right,from what in wrong. And have enough guts to stand up for what they believe in… Even questioning people’s credibily and valid credentials. Endowed with more courage,and more qualities than you possess ,or will ever possess in your life time.
Administering justice without partiality,and offering no apologies for what is right. Applying the Law to all,irrespective of social standings or positions. His brilliance in the interpretation of the Law,is second to none of his peers….
In order words,TYANI,is without question, the best and most qualified Magistrate in Dominica,bar-none!
They are relentless in their pursuit of his destruction,and the tarnishing of his reputation. They will stop at nothing, even using vicious and conniving tactics, laced with malice aforethought.
Stand firm little brother,stand firm!…….
All the best to you…..and…….
Peace profound!!.
WAS THE CERTIFICATE OF TITLE ISSUED IN THE NAME OF ROOSEVELT SKERRIT?
IF YES, HE SHOULD BE THE ONE IN COURT DEFENDING IT. IF NO, WHY IN THE HELL ARE WE EVEN INCLUDING SKERRIT? COME ON PEOPLE ! GIVE THE MAN A BREAK.
@DISGUSTED DOMINICAN: HE WHO HAS NO FAULTS OF HIS OWN, LET HIM CAST THE FIRST STONE. SORRY!! YOU ARE NOT MR PERFECT EITHER.
@JOHN THE BAPTIST: I do agree with you 100%. Tiyani is
the dose of medicine our justice system needs. It’s about time someone put a chokehold on all
the lawlessness going on in Dominca. All Dominicans should add their voices to the call for keeping Benhanzin as magistrate. He is exactly what DA needs.
Hold dem! u see they cannot influence Tiya ni so they scared. Thats a true professional. Thats a Magistrate! Hurray for Tiyani! Way to go Tiyani ! U are #1.
sooner or later the p.m and bubbles will be fighting for the villas ,because bubbles not going to give it up that easily after he going through all that stress
@Ice man cometht: Sometimes I really wonder what is the real illiteracy rate in Dominica. Bossman, Directors make decisions on behalf of shareholders of companies. Non of Blaircourt registered documents indicate any shareholding information. Actually, i think this is a clear BREACH of the Company Laws of the Commonwealth of Dominica. In fact, As it is now, the Shareholder of Blaircourt could be Osama Bin Laden and we would not even know! BUT WE KNOW SKERRIT IS THE OWNER OF BLAIRCOURT!
@Ice man cometht: Blaircourt owns the properties. He is the sole Director for Blaircourt. As such, he is entitled to secure loans or undertake any business dealings on behalf of Blaircourt. Why are directors appointed to run the affairs of companies?
I HAVEN’T HEARD FRANSICO DODE TELEMACQUE IN A LONG TIME. SEEM LIKE HE MUTE
@Lily: LOL LOL LOL! You see, once all you see my name all you go on de defensive even before reading the piece. Anyway, your apology is accepted!
@Trevor Johnson: Mr Johnson if the Certicate of Title was in name of Blair Court how then did he get a loan using that COT , the only possible way is for him to hypothecate the COT and the he has to have the legal authority to do so , secondly how did he get planning permission to build on property he did not have ownership.
In your partisan fishing expedition stop trying to mislead Dominican you are only doing your apologist a disservice by serving them a menu of lies Innuendo and misinformation
COT Certificate of Title
That was a shameful attempt by the SC and RS to try to establish bubbles legal ownership of the property. The aim was to have the court declare that the property is owned by bubbles, so they could go to the public and say, “You see, the court agrees that bubbles is de owner”. That strategy didn’t work because God is not carrette. If anything this failed attempt to con the nation just confirmed that skerritt is the owner.
@Trevor Johnson:
@Pharm: There are PUPPET MASTERS on all sides I wonder who is the PUPPET MASTER for the MOUTH lfrom the east he seems to know what is going on at places he has never been. In his own words Final Finally the talk shows are popular, but careful analysis indicates that only a handful of people contribute to the dialogue, on several occaisions one irate individual contributed five times on the same subject.
The regulars include Blessings, The failed canefield councilor, The ex prison officer, the soufrier english man the ex liat employee the new york plumber the english woman PhD , these people call on and on
For heavens sake give someone else a break to air their views
@Former Court Official: One of us is seriously misinformed because I have done my research on Tiyani and he is indeed a lawyer and was called to the Inn in 2006.
Name: Tiyani Behanzin
Called: July 2006
Inn: Lincoln’s Inn
Dominicans if they try to harm Tiyani in any way. If they release him let us stand up in solidarity. We should come out in large numbers and demand the reinstatement of magistrate Tiyani.After all we should be concerned that our innocent kids could be killed for wondering on someone elses property. Our kids could be killed because our justice system is allowing violence to reign in our streets. At this point our government is lawless and promotes crime so I say hurahhhh for Tiyani. OH YESY OH YEH TIYANI GOT TO STAY . OH YES OH YEH TIYANI GOT TO STAY.
THIS IS NOT POLITICS THIS IS SOCIAL JUSTICE
@Former Court Official: THEN THE BOBOL WOULD NEVER END IN DOMINICA BECAUSE THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE GOVERNMENT STATES HIS QUALIFICATIONS;
http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/index.php?q=node/861
@Attorney: Lennox Linton will not take his highway of evidence to the IPO because he knows that all his evidence is innuendo and hearsay. When his presentation is thrown out by the IPO therein lies his susceptibility to alaw suit.
This is an open tactic of the UWP and their apologist, they libel and slander people and when they loose in court they solicit funds on their various RADIOTHORN from their gullible followers. Remember who paid for the judgement in the famous bugging case
My intuition tells me that the defense attorney came to court with the assurance that the magistrate would run his court with orders from above. It is somewhat comforting to know that we still have influential people with dignity. When I examine the current situation in D/ca ( without a political biases that is) I ask myself the simple question. Aer all these accusations about the PM true or is this JUST Lennox and MATT politics. As I continue to ponder this issue more questions keep arising.
Why the silence by people like Charles Maynard; With every communion that you take or give in church you ought to question your allegiance. Are you committed to the body of Christ or the Xmas gifts from Skerrit..
Charles Saverin – By the way when I was a kid I looked up to this guy. The man who stood up to a dictator. Now all I see in Charles is a brown nose, arrogant leech. Charles I do understand though that you chose darkness rather than to sell Roast Chicken on the streets. Saverin isn’t that what the Skerrit Alliance is all about.
Tony Astaphans- No questions at all. Scum rise to the top but easily disposable.
Priests and Pastors -.It would be naïve of me to think that money is not our God. Prove me wrong.
The Skerritites blame Matt and Lenox and claim political assignation of the PM. My experience tells me yes Lennox in particular is politically motivated’ arrogant and bias. I also understand that others who are aware of the malfeasance on the part of the present government are unable to publicly declare the facts. I don’t expect Tony Astaphans to tell us the truth about the Garbage Bin saga. I don’t expect Ian Douglas to tell us about the millions of dollars in under table deals. At this point I don’t expect bubles to tell the truth ( I assure you he will- cause a lie is like milk- murky but will go bad and smelly.) I don’t expect all those who were bought by the PM to come out and release the truth. Do we expect the 8 advisors to the PM to come out publically and declare enough is enough.
A certain pastor was arrested for avoiding custom duties on goods brought into the country supposedly for the CHURCH. Well everyone knew that the goods were really for the pastor’s mansion in the northern suburbs of Porssie. That pastor was investigated and arrested. Just like Bubbles orders came from KING. Well KING being from the same village of arrogance pastor was allowed to go free. So as it stands if pastor can smuggle why try to stop the ordinary smugglers.
If Bubbles can walk around in a threatening manner with an automatic pistol in his boxer shots. Why worry about guns and violence if the KING can order the police to return the illegal hand gun to someone who is obviously tempered enough to use that gun. When bubbles cannot substantiate his ownership of the Villas it tells me that something stinks.
If the leader of a country can open up a red clinic where people can just come in for cash. The money given out was not a social wealth fare check nor pay checks. In fact that money did not even come from the treasury- man something is definitely wrong. When the leader of a country can give out $10K dry cash to a friend and that leader’s salary is just five grand a month men I can’t be so bias to think that something is not happening.
Do I like Lennox no , I don’t know Matt either. Do I believe that what they are saying is true? Remember the phrase if it walks like a duck and quack like a duck. .
@Lily:
Oop, Not this wasn’t in response to Trevor, but to the Former Court Official’s claim. Sorry Trevor.
@Former Court Official:
Trevor, so I guess BBC Caribbean had it wrong when has was referred to as a Bristish trained barrister?
Trevor see the link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2010/07/100708_ambriefs.shtml
Scroll down to the section titled “Magistrate calls for tougher anti-drug action”
And I also guess being called to the Bar in London and Wales in 2006 has nothing to do with being first trained as a lawyer/barrister. See: http://www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/index.php?q=node/861
Lastly see: http://d30052102.purehost.com/articles/newsdesk30.htm titled “Son of former Prime Minister named Dominica Magistrate” where again his credentials are mentioned.
In the end, you have it right and the other sources have it wrong? But then again maybe you’ve seen his CV and the rest of us haven’t.
@Ragodor: Friends, countrymen, we must all start to boycott attorneys like Heather Felix-Evans. She is no different to Tony Astaphan. Hit them where it hurts; they are part of what is now destroying our beloved country eh
HAVE YOU ASKED YOURSELF, WHY HAS SO MANY APPEALS GONE AGAINST BEHANZIN
MAYBE JUST MAYBE THAT IS JUST ANOTHER SET UP……LOL
YOU ALL KEEP BEATING YOUR CHEST….SHE MIGHT HAVE THE LAST LAUGH
Friends, countrymen, we must all start to boycott attorneys like Heather Felix-Evans. She is no different to Tony Astaphan. Hit them where it hurts; they are part of what is now destroying our beloved country eh.
Magistrate Behanzine stand firm for what you strongly believe, justice for all. Do not recuse yourself under intimidation of another disgraced attorney, who thinks she is above the law like her protege Prime Minister R.S. Inspector Weekes must also stand firm and not allow politics to influence a case that will expose the lies and dedeit of a few. The hour has come for all Dominicans to know who really owns the villas.
@salop: poooooor you! all you think about is politics; red/ blue /green
the brain holds nothing else , it is empty i guess?
The circus of Dominica continues. You all look like such fools on this website! Clowns running a country of clowns. The country still runs like a teenage club. One day we will come to professionalism rather than politics – maybe after the world ends.
Why dont Mr Behanzin run for the next election, Ian Douglas can team up with him, we all no he dont trust the PM. For Dominica to move forward we need people like Behanzin, who is not stuck in the old time ways , he is a fear man across the board.for sure if Behanzin runs next election i will champian for him.
dlp nor the rest cant push benhanzin around like how u all push ian around with no regards for him no his onstituency
miss evan i had a case in the federal court and i ask the judge to have himself recused from the case becuase he was a prosecutor at the time of my apprehension and investigation in the same district and the motion was denied. look for a next loop hole not that one.
i believe this defense attorney needs a nice cold shower.who does she think she is?what is good for the goose is good for the ganda.benhanzin will procede over the matter.if u want to claim property and pull gun on people it is rightfull and just to know who is the owner of the property.the MAGISTRATE studied law just like you not becuase its not inur favor.this is dominica u aand your recuse.one can be asked to recused from a case if there exist reason for bias and prejudice in the matter you had to put that motion before the case not after the case.
By the analysis, it appears that the attorney in question failed to master her brief. It appears she went to court not knowing her brief thoroughly, which rapidly became apparent. Cases in court that are always a contest between one side and the other, the Magistrate accepts arguments and points of view expressed on behalf of a client if they come from someone who clearly knows his or her way round the case than they would if the person who’s addressing them clearly doesn’t know his or her way round the case and, therefore, is unlikely to be completely trustworthy.
Arising from that, and what’s key is the lack of ability by the attorney in question to give a very, very uncomfortable or unpalatable advice to her client. Speaking logically, clearly and concisely and being the master of one’s brief, avoids being tripped up, as this makes one’s advice less likely to be accepted.
Magistrate Behanzin is an effective practitioner, he isn’t insecure, removes himself from innuendoes and seeks always to do his best – the ultimate provocateur, one who persistently teases the truth/facts out of those before him in his court house – no matter who they are. I guess this is why others try to undermine him, as he brings out their insecurities and weaknesses thus rendering them vulnerable persons.
Embrace him D/cans and D/ca will be a better place, in terms of upholding Law and Order for it!
“Where is the unlicensed gun?
“Oh it was taken from Mr. Alexis but the HIGHER powers gave the safe return to its owner, mr. Alexis!”
But It seems Boobol will never stop here in Da by those higher powers!
This is just another case of of the judicial fraternity under the secretive guidance of a “SENIOR COUNSEL” trying to influence the decision of the court. They are using the much younger inexperienced lawyer to do their dirty work. But alas, she is too blinded by the prospect of riches to even see that glaring light. None of them have the balls to call or tell Tiyani to throw out the case because the guy is the PM’s friend. Therefore,they are sending a letter to the entire fraternity including the judge of the ECC is the biggest scare tatic they could come up with.
Mrs. Felix should know that Tiyani does not really care if his judgements are appealed. This is all part of the legal process and therefore she has a right to appeal on her clients behalf. Granted, by her very actions she has already tainted the appeals process and I see a retrial being ordered before an alternate judge or magistrate. She and her bunch are just poodles serving their The problem is she opened up a can of worms and had no plans in place to effectively close it before the worms started escaping. I guess her next ploy will be to write to the PM and Commissioner to have the prosecutor fired for doing the very job he took an oath to do. The justice system in Dominica is starting to smell like poopoo.
Dominica is reeking with corruption and those who try to stop the sewo will pay through victimization. But, god is NOT a police officer. I have to live and see the day that Skerro and his gang of criminal looters are escorted to Stockfarm by the very police body guards and spies that make it their duty to report about others and protect the criminal enterprise. Hold your own Mr. Tiyani for your true reward may not here on earth but in heaven.
GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME HE IS GOOD.
I don’t support the actions of Mrs. Evans. I think Magistrate Behanzin was probably the best official to dispose of this matter.
However, all this drama might be a good tune to the ears, but I think because of the attention and present state/mood of Magistrate Behanzin he should excuse himself from this case.
It is good that we are abroad and what happens in the legal system in Dominica does not affect us directly, but we have to remember that Dominica is still home
If the magistrate is a man of sound morals and ethics he will resign from this case and let justice prevail.
There is no way that this defendant is going to get a fair trial. We must be careful on the road that we travel and the precedence that we set.
Apparently the lawyers in D/A are jealous or intimidated by Behanzin and r teaming up against him.This is very embarrassing for this lawyer…she would not represent me if she was the last lawyer alive and I was facing capital pinishment, because clearly she is an idiot.What a blow to her career.She tried to join the Chief idiot magistrate in her attack on Behazin and it backfired.what a shame!!!!!!
Way to go Mr Behanzin it’s time that someone stand up for DOMINICA the system need claning up and you as Attorney General would be a plus for the people of D’ICA it doesnt matter if u have to stand up against your cousin Ian Douglas who at time dont have a backbone, u have my vote and I pray that God will look over u, the likes of lawyers as Felix-Evans and Tony Astiphan need to be brought under contol they will continue defending the lies when they are stairing them in the face but greed is the norm in D’ICA regardless of the law where politicians are concerned
Behanzin u a the one person that they cannot purchase and I am greatful that u had decided to return home to work because we need tough men like you we the people are with you.
BROTHER CONTINUE THE WORK OF CLEANING UP THE SYSTEM AND SEND A MESSAGE TO THOSE CURRUPT LAWYERS AND POLITICIANS THAT THEIR ACTIONS ARE UNACCEPTABLE IN AND OUT OF YOUR COURT>
@Trevor Johnson: Trevor Johnson! I do not know where you got your information from, but should you care to read the following you will see where the information came from that Magistrate Mr. Behanzin is a lay Magistrate (not lawyer) Taken from an article/Press Statement written by the Dominica Bar Association. Cut and paste this site.
http://dominicanewsonline.com/dno/there-is-no-conspiracy-bar-association-dismisses-behanzins-claims/
Secondly, should you care too, would you mind check the qualifications of a lay magistrate as noted by the article. Cut and paste this site.
http://www.helpwithlawexams.co.uk/laymagistrates.html
This response is open for all to read and no one is better qualified to speak of Mr. Behanzin’s qualification than the President of the Dominica Bar Association. Should you care to read the first article outlined above you will noticed how often reference is made of the lay magistrate.
Please don’t take it personally; it’s all setting the records straight and not any attempt to destroy Magistrate Mr. Behanzin.
I would rather be wrong with the professionals at the Dominica Bar Association than to be right with you.
Political commentary is not my thing; however, I feel the need to respond lol. What is the big deal here? This is DA we are talking about. This is nothing new. We all know whomever is in power, looks out for their pocket. FREEDOM, UWP, LABOR. THEY HAVE ALL DONE so. THEY WILL CONTINUE 2 DO SO. Chill out people. I guess some of you who thought you were going to get the hook-up with all you padnars didn’t get you’alls cut. Better luck next time. lol
Those on the side-lines crying foul play, “shut the hell up!” Once the opportunity presents itself, you all will become the same egotistical, power hungry, money hungry, womanizing fools, currently running our country. I can say such things because, sad but true, some of them are my friends.
We just hope, that while they are intoxicated with “riches and power”, they remember some, if not all, of the needs of our beautiful homeland. Otherwise folks, bid your time, and just change your vote. lol
To late shall be our cry. Alot of people Laborites in particular thinks that it is OK for politicians to be unscrupulous as is our Prime Minister. Well I assure you it is not OK. The PM has lied in evry situation that relates to the promotion of his personal affairs and the lining of his pocket. The guy lied about the value of the house in Ville Case; He lied about the land deals; he lied about the Villas; He lied about the garbage bib fiasco; he lied about his French citizenship aquisition. People lie on ly when there is something to hide. In order to cover up the lies and corruption the PM must resort to all type of ominous activities. We should not be surprised then that the PM is manupilating the court system as well.
When a government starts trying to conceal wrong doings the legal system becomes a joke.Justice goes down the drain and the country goes into lawlessness. Remember papa dock , Aristide, Amin etc.
With dignity,hummility,respect,BRAVERY and intellgence stand firm,mr behanzin
at last a true patriot.
But seriously COUNSEL, was all of that back and forth necessary? If you feel that the sitting magistrate is biased and you request that he recused himself and he denied the request, all you had to do was ask for an adjournment and proceed to high court…..not write letters back and forth that is CHILDISH and RIDICULOUS COUNSEL…!
my fellow D/cans…wait and see I am almost certain that if the Defendant does not win this matter it will be appealed….i see it coming already….
benhanzin is a good magistrate just like Weekes is a good prosecutor but sometimes they allow emotions to get the better part of them.
Go ahead and dislike….:p
@ stupes , when mr behanzin throw poor people children in jail,he is great but when he dealing with mr skerit friend you yhink he wants something. do you think that every one is like you?, looking for
bribes? mr behanzin has mike and rossie blood running through his vains,and honors what they stood for. stand firm mr behanzin we are behind you.
and if he becomes attorney general they will not beable to pull his string,is puppets they want,not people that can do critical thinking. i sure god had send HITLA TOO.satan sends no one.we too holy.
@Stupes: we need behanzin to put all the people that have connection with that villars where they belong. money making jumbi dance and thats what harpening in the country now , where are the love for country gone.
The people of Dominica are bewitched by “you know whom”. Let us pray for our people to be released from the evil spell which controls all their thoughts and actions.
@fUWP: the court system needs to be cleaned and let behanzin do just that, is people like u all that have poeple killing eachother and walking away free we need more people like him.
but what is there to be arfaid of ?
i’m happy now that somany of you are enjoying the show that tiyani has made, i only hope that the verdict will be taken in the same spirit.
i’ll hear about t next week
Behanzin you are the only one left to champion justice,fairplay,equality..You are the only one left to stand for the “little man”,you are the only one left telling the ‘big boys’ your motive is not money by equal rights and justice…I salute you in the way you have treated and dealt with Heather..You have time and time again showed your tenacity in what you believe,and i admire the inexorable manner in which you are clinging on to it..Don’t be intimidated by anyone..Please don’g go drink whisky,kubuli,heineken or carib with the other haters lest you will fall in their trap..More than ever before Dominica is hankering for others like you.WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD MEN GONE?
Bubbles why are you “deeply concerned” you guilty of something man?
HEATHER, IN ORDER FOR DOMINICA TO SURVIVE WHERE JUSTICE IS CONCERNED, WE MUST ALL WORK TOGETHER FOR THE BETTERMENT OF JUSTICE. WE AS OFFICERS OF THE LAW CANNOT CONTINUE TO TURN A BLIND EYE ON CRIME. THERE HAS BEEN MORE THAN ENOUGH OF IT GOING ON WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY DESTROY OUR BEAUTIFUL ISLAND. IT IS SAID THAT IF YOU CAN’T SAY ANYTHING GOOD, SAY NOTHING AT ALL. AND BY SO DOING, MAGISTRATE BEHANZIN MIGHT BE ABLE TO PERFORM MUCH BETTER AS AN OFFICER OF THE COURT OF WHICH HE IS.
THANK YOU..
Pumkin!
This is so true. Heather felix who all started it. Mr. Behenzin was asking what was the relevance of the certificate of title she wanted to tender. She was adamant to tender it which he later allowed. Now it is in, the prosecutor and the magistrate had all within their powers to ask any question pertaining to that Certificate of Title. This was Heather biggest mistake to tender that certificate of title.
I am listening.
Can anyone tell me what the outcome will be or what is likely to happen if and when it is found out that the property belongs to P.M Skerritt??
Will he be asked to resign?
Sir Tiyani, you let me down.. all yu needed to answer dat lady was to tell her simply to go to hell an kiss your rassta an to tell her modaassking for her.
i could agree more well put
good job mr Behanzin.she introduced the ownership certificate hoping to help her case but i guess she forgot mr alexis had to be cross examined by the prossecution who would use that very same certificante to discredit her witness.goo job mr Weekes i guess you’ve been watching LAW AND ORDER and all those other shows.
What a circus..This Ghetto Ratt UWP people think they can win the people heart by making people who support the ruling party get outta hand…No,no,no..Go to parliament and try win the people heart like mamo and the Douglas brothers.Stop playing games with my people minds to fulfill your goals.There should be a special courtroom for this case because it is all bout politics.
@fUWP: WHO SAID THAT TIYANI IS NOT A LAWYER. YOU PEOPLE WOULD GO TO ANY LENGHT TO DISCREDIT PEOPLE:
Mr. Behanzin is also a graduate of the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom with a Master’s Degree in International Law. He was called to the Bar in England and Wales in 2006.
@evolved: Heather has a own office now, I strongly doubt she is controlled by the puppet- master
!!!!
@ Former Court Official you are simply trying to pour scorn on this humbly man. Although I work in the region, now I read Dominican news, for the jokes! This man moves among the ordinary people in Dominica, I ran into him in the market to my surprise- he does not drink or socialise with the lawyers and for that you all cannot get to him, so you try to say he is not a lawyer. He is a lawyer, Called to the Bar of England and Wales, I know because I was there at the same school the year after he graduated from the Inns of Court School of law. After Call he went to work for Defense Solicitors and, I the state. he did not practice as a Barrister, but i attended a case during my training and i use to see him all over with a solicitor’s firm. Yes you can say he did not practice as a Barrister, but his experience working with Defense firms and the State prosecution, has given him experience on cases that the average and experienced lawyer, not just here in the Caribbean and the region, will never see in their life time. One of the lecturers at the Bar school told me to try to track him down for advice of preparation to practice in the Caribbean. I found him to be sound. All of what he said was right, i was Called to the Bar myself, but while my work in the Caribbean is mostly solicitors’ work., not barrister’s work. I called a number of colleagues who trained in England and had to adjust to performing functions as solicitors. he was in the Crown Court, Family Court, sitting behind QC’s, and Senior Barristers acting for the solicitors firm, so his training is appropriate. in fact, there are a number of professionals in Dominica with his same qualifications, and less academically qualified than him. it is terrible for you to say that about this down to earth man.
For your information, from what I saw, the Defense presented a title in the name of Blaircourt Property Development and not in Renneth Alexis’s name. The second document is a Company Annual Returns, with the name of Renneth Alexis, as sole Director. There was no evidence that demonstrated that Renneth Alexis had any of the information you would expect someone who claims that they own property. I am reading information on the internet from the case, which suggest that the answers given by Renneth Alexis was not consistent. it seems to me, it is wrong to then blame the magistrate for asking further questions. There is no need to smear this man with all that politics.
@block 44:
This is correct. The little girl said that there were people taking pictures of the property. I am wondering if he looked through the window to see who they were. The immediate reaction was one of anger and going outside with the gun.
If you are not the owner of the property then why did you even consider taking the gun? What was the purpose of taking it? Obviously the intention was to use it. DId he think that the people outside were dangerous?
As the saying: “Haste makes waste.” Haste in getting angry and taking the gun. Waste, a waste of time and money appearing before the Court, and the cost for a defense lawyer.
The gun was not used as a scare tactic but threateningly. If only it was not apparent and purported to be used, the story and end result would have been different.
This is not the way to talk to people, with a gun in hand. The situation could have been worst and ended in injury or death. The saying: “Always think before you act.”
Christians, there are two sides to all of us. It is so easy to get angry. No one is immune from it but we must try to curb our temper with the help of God. Otherwise, this can get us into serious trouble. Bad temper and impatience also cause injury and the early demise of people. It may not be intentional but this is what could occur when people allow their temper to get the better of them. Once an act is committed, it cannot be withdrawn. What is done is done.
There is no ifs; if only I knew and no buts; but this person should have done this and that and should have known better; too late for that. Actions cannot be retracted.
I recall an incident at work in Toronto. There was a manager whom I thought was disagreeable and difficult. He was not easy to get a long with.
One day when I had enough of him (smile), I instantaneously said in his presence and loud enough: “God! Grant me patience!” I really needed patience and God’s help that instant.
Well, from thereon, he and I got along well – superb.
A few years later when he was being transferred, I took him out to lunch. How about that? This was a unique situation which I have not forgotten.
It was so easy to even get angry with a superior. I could have lost my job or demoted or lost my salary increase and received a bad performance appraisal. This is just an example, the effect of thinking twice and hesitating before taking certain actions and yes, calling on God be it silently. God never forsakes us. As the saying goes: “Try it, you will like it.” It is effective. Keep that temper under control. This also includes unkind and uncomplimentary words toward Internet Bloggers On-Line.
Thumbs up my boy. you are the best magistrate around. HATS OFF TO YOU MY DEAR. CANNOT BE BOUGHT OR SOLD. YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
that is great news a magistrate calla a lawyer out when she is wrong and refuses to admit she is the one who opened the door about land ownership. So gues what take whatever u get and deal with it. Now she wants to fix her blunder by asking him to recuse himself, I dont think so baby it dont work like that. You must first have proof of what u are saying before making such a high demand. Dominica needs more unbiased magistrate like that, he is a god send too much corruption in this land
@Former court official
Have you forgotten the land fiasco with the Isidore lawyer?Did a judge sign the paper work?
So, did that judge make a mistake?
Enlighten me.HHHMMMMM!!!!!
@Former Court Official: @Official: Are you aware that Magistrate Mr. Behanzin is NOT a lawyer. Check his credentials. If your memory serves you right you must remember Magistrate Mr. Behanzin is someone who serves in the same capacity as deceased and ex-President Marie who was a magistrate but NOT a lawyer. Deceased Mr. Ted Boyd was a magistrate but NOT a lawyer. Mr. Davis Moise ex-Assistant Superintendant of Police was a magistrate and Not a lawyer and lastly Mr. Evander Joseph former Deputy Commissioner of Police was a magistrate and NOT a lawyer.
While I hold no problems with Magistrate Mr. Behanzin as a lay Magistrate, I question his decision to continue his line of questioning and his decision to allow Mr. Weekes my former colleague to continue this line of questioning.
I’m only writing in response to what I read on this blog. The point that is missing is, the matter relates to intimidation. Mrs. Felix-Evans only reason for introducing the Certificate of Title is to claim ownership of the property, since Mr. Alexis would be said to be intimidating someone on property which does not belong to him.
Magistrate Mr. Behanzin knows just too well that a Certificate of Title is the document relied upon in a Court of Law in Dominica and the Caribbean as proof of ownership. Such a certificate is only signed by a Judge of the High Court after he is satisfied that the Owner/Applicant has met all the criteria needed to obtain the Certificate of Title.
It seems to me therefore, that Magistrate Mr. Behanzin is questioning the very Judge who issued the Certificate of Title. Magistrate Mr. Behanzin is in my view disrespectful to the very process he claims to be trying to uphold by questioning the Judgement of the Judge who issued the Title.
Magistrate Mr. Behanzin behavior is far worse than that obtained in a Kangaroo Court. To request of the defendant to write on the back of his letter “(1) the value of the property at the time of its purchase and now, and (2) the loan balance on the property”. Is beyond me, and that of the institution he claim to represent. Is Magistrate Mr. Behanzin giving evidence for the prosecution or for the defense for requesting that the defendant write on the back of his personal letter? Will he now make this letter part of the evidence given in court or will he hold it for his own personal business? If the later is the case then he should have requested from Mr. Alexis an autograph.
A Certificate of Title is a public document and if both Magistrate Mr. Behanzin and Mr. Weekes are doubtful about what is being said they can obtain the evidence at the Court House from the Registrar or for that matter a quick call to the Registrar’s Office would have cleared the ownership question.
What has the price of the property and the amount that Mr. Alexis owes on the property has to do with a case of intimidation.
Lastly, if Mr. Alexis is convicted based of these questions, Mrs. Felix –Evans will appeal to the Court of appeal and there goes another successful appeal against Magistrate Mr. Behanzin. Take note. This is an abuse of the process.
“I think someone made that same point but was shot down for stating that….If Alexis loses this case it will definitely be an appeal and he will win based on the abuse of power.
But here is a hypothetical question….could Alexis then turn around and sue the state for the way this case was handled and ended smelling like a rose and make much more than any villa would provide return on investment.”
I know Heather, she is a very charming lady, however the bad influence of Tony Astaphan is clearly tainting her character. Heather, you could have your own law practice and stop allowing yourself to be used by Dr. Evil. Mr. Behanzin please keep up the good work on the bench, Dominica needs you.
What an audacious move! Heather accept that you messed up your case, let Tony come out from hidding and take over the case. It is a shame that you should attempt to disrespect the magistrate on instructions from Tony… I know you would not do such a thing on your own accord because you gave me legal advise a few years back which was in keeping with the best traditions of the legal profession.
@stupes YOUR NAME SAYS IT ALL. STUPESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Former Court Official: The Title is in the name of Blaircourt and NOT Renneth Alexis. Blaircourt has Renneth Alexis as its sole DIRECTOR but fails to list the SHAREHOLDERS. Anyone can be a Director of a company even though he is not the owner (SHAREHOLDER). Renneth has not and CANNOT prove that the Property is his!
Anyone knows what happened to my old buddy Francisco Ettiene Telemacque aka The King of Wesley aka F.E.T??!!
I hope y’all didn’t block grandpa cuz I miss him lol (no homo)
F.E.T if you’re reading this holla at your boy let me know u’re ight!!
Mr. Magistrate, I admired you. Don’t take no noncents and dollars from no one!
Stand up for reality. Bless you.
@Stupes: Facts cannot convince anyone who sees only on one side. The property belongs to Renneth Alexis, you said, but even Alexis could not remember simple things relating to his property? You said he forgot minor details? Is God than send Skerritt you truly believe? That shows your impression of what GOD is. GOD is not synonymous with demonic actions.
@Watch&Pray Of course, the learned and fearless magistrate has his motives. To make a determination on the case on the evidence adduced in court and not on any presumed pressure, threats or empty allegations wickedly spewing from your foaming mouth or the enraged defense lawyer FELIX-Evans. From the outset, she attacked the man’s credibility by requesting that he should not be the Magistrate on the case. You know what that meant?
@Attorney: Attorney for the defendant erred BIG TIME by introducing Certificate of Title to show Renneth Alexis is owner of the property. Of course, he would be questioned along that line. Lennox Linton has a PAPER HIGHWAY, enough evidence and documents for the IPO if the IPO has the GUTS to investigate the criminal matters. You love criminal activities? You love your country? Or you still awaiting some crumbs from all the assets and riches. Defend those irrefutable facts presented and disseminated to the public about those VILLAS and the rightful OWNER. I dare you.
@RC: The “BIN BOBOL” FACTUAL REVELATIONS is a classic master piece of FRAUD by those in PUBLIC OFFICE. SOME ARE AFRAID. It prevents some from sleeping soundly. Are they being protected. Recently, the AG. Commissioner in a Press Conference openly, boldly, stated that they are not going to investigate that criminal activity not anytime soon. All the evidence is there in the FILE SENT BY THE DPP to the POLICE and available for the necessary investigation and prosecution. What does that mean for justice in Dominica. The controversial purchase took place FOR REAL. The BIN BOBOL FIASCO is REAL. IT HAPPENED FOR REAL. YOU REFUSE TO BELIEVE? RC,Your Soap Opera. But For us loving ANTI-CRIME Dominicans , it is a classic criminal act. Are you disturbed of hearing the truth too often? Why should you all be Afraid of the TRUTH?
The scenario is reaching its HIGH POINT, because BIT by BIT somebody is paying something to the TREASURY, having realized that they have committed a serious CRIME, stealing the PEOPLE’S money and engaging in secret, fraudulent deals passing off as BUYING RUBBISH BINS for cleaning up the place.
How long did the DLP, while in opposition, condemn the Govt. in power at the time about corruption. A Senior lawyer was assigned, received thousands of tax payers money to investigate and prosecute. How long? 4, 5, 6 years with no success? So, RC continue listening, be patient, FACTS and the TRUTH are Stubborn things to accept.
so wait a miuite, first off all he should be charged for the possession of the unlicenced gun, fair is fair when i didnt pay licence for my bike the police took it and a gun is much more dangerous than a bike. secondly there was not a threat to mr kennith so he had no reason to even show the gun. thirdly, we would like to know if the property is his then that would give him the right, but on the other hand arent they villas for the public or are they personal villas where bubbles uncle and his aunt stay when they come to dominica. i mean this guy had no right and the fact that the police are saying that he is a licence owner and he has the right to have his weapon handed back to him is sayin that crime is one sided. u know the result of that, people are going to thing that they can do what they want and then you are going to have a lawless country. its simple people are under pressure financially and they way to hurt a man is through his pocket, so if the man is head of the home and his pocket is in jeoprady think of the pressures at home, how long do u think he is goin to last before he does something drastic. the working population of dominica is small very small, but kepp playing with our tax money and u all will have something coming for all you.
@Official: Are you aware that Magistrate Mr. Behanzin is NOT a lawyer. Check his credentials. If your memory serves you right you must remember Magistrate Mr. Behanzin is someone who serves in the same capacity as deceased and ex-President Marie who was a magistrate but NOT a lawyer. Deceased Mr. Ted Boyd was a magistrate but NOT a lawyer. Mr. Davis Moise ex-Assistant Superintendant of Police was a magistrate and Not a lawyer and lastly Mr. Evander Joseph former Deputy Commissioner of Police was a magistrate and NOT a lawyer.
While I hold no problems with Magistrate Mr. Behanzin as a lay Magistrate, I question his decision to continue his line of questioning and his decision to allow Mr. Weekes my former colleague to continue this line of questioning.
I’m only writing in response to what I read on this blog. The point that is missing is, the matter relates to intimidation. Mrs. Felix-Evans only reason for introducing the Certificate of Title is to claim ownership of the property, since Mr. Alexis would be said to be intimidating someone on property which does not belong to him.
Magistrate Mr. Behanzin knows just too well that a Certificate of Title is the document relied upon in a Court of Law in Dominica and the Caribbean as proof of ownership. Such a certificate is only signed by a Judge of the High Court after he is satisfied that the Owner/Applicant has met all the criteria needed to obtain the Certificate of Title.
It seems to me therefore, that Magistrate Mr. Behanzin is questioning the very Judge who issued the Certificate of Title. Magistrate Mr. Behanzin is in my view disrespectful to the very process he claims to be trying to uphold by questioning the Judgement of the Judge who issued the Title.
Magistrate Mr. Behanzin behavior is far worse than that obtained in a Kangaroo Court. To request of the defendant to write on the back of his letter “(1) the value of the property at the time of its purchase and now, and (2) the loan balance on the property”. Is beyond me, and that of the institution he claim to represent. Is Magistrate Mr. Behanzin giving evidence for the prosecution or for the defense for requesting that the defendant write on the back of his personal letter? Will he now make this letter part of the evidence given in court or will he hold it for his own personal business? If the later is the case then he should have requested from Mr. Alexis an autograph.
A Certificate of Title is a public document and if both Magistrate Mr. Behanzin and Mr. Weekes are doubtful about what is being said they can obtain the evidence at the Court House from the Registrar or for that matter a quick call to the Registrar’s Office would have cleared the ownership question.
What has the price of the property and the amount that Mr. Alexis owes on the property has to do with a case of intimidation.
Lastly, if Mr. Alexis is convicted based of these questions, Mrs. Felix –Evans will appeal to the Court of appeal and there goes another successful appeal against Magistrate Mr. Behanzin. Take note. This is an abuse of the process.
the magistrate needs to know who is the owner of the property,thats the only way he can decide if mr filex has a right to pull out the gun on that property,which may be licence for home protection.when you get a gun for home protection ,you can,t go to roseau with that gun under your shirt.the case can,t go forward if the magistrate don,t know the owner of the property.the amount of crap the said owner has said in court he better start shiting in his pants.
@True: I thought it was Bubbles side that started asking questions? So what should Behanzin do, sit and shut up? Hmmm. Heather out of place papa.
Good job Behanzin.
LOL. THIS IS SOMETHING. TO LATE SHALL BE THEIR CRY.
Judges and magistrates are supposed to ask questions. More so a magistrate who has to make a decision without a jury and which he expects will be appealed. He has to be particularly careful.. He must understand all the issues and can ask questions to clear his own mind so as to make a proper decision. The ownership of the villas is in question and if the man said “get off my property” it is right to clear the air around whose property is it for real.
@Official: i stand for justice, and hence will continue to support Behanzin unless he shows otherwise. We love you Behanzin
@Stupes: where u there and did u sign on the paper to know who is the owner of the place .standford had bank and so on where is he know seatting with the colourful jumpsuit like any little man , alyou better stop before things get bad ,is now investigation going to start.
benhanzin go for it doh make no woman take u for no … ,u have them by there bolls. one thing i like u don’t have no face when u right u right it can be who u put them stright. i think a man of god should not tell lies the bible say so. the lawyer make a own bed and she fell on it , so do your thing my bro doh make no man make u back down
@Attorney: Somebody please take all the evidence that Lennox Linton has to the IPO if Lennox himself does not want to take it.
Let us see how they withstand scrutiny before an impartial parnel.
WHY CAN”T LENNOX DO IT HIMSELF?????
This case is so tainted and polarized now, I wonder if the verdict will be fair to anyone…this smells like a long appeal process.
If the Magistrate feels like there was not substantial evidence to claim intimidation…then the prosecutor will say political involvement
If he rules in favor of the prosecution, then the defense will claim tainted, politicization
So this is why the judge has to be very much impartial…like the scales of justice….he is not their to take sides, but act on the facts as they are presented.
The moment politics was brought into this…I saw trouble.
This is never going to be a fair outcome
Behanzin, What do u want? U will never be attorney General or Prime minister, long time i analyzing your agenda. Counsel Heather Felix is right this man is not fair and balanced, and trying to score political points. The property belongs to Renneth Alexis, u all putting the man under so much pressure with all u accusations he forgot minor details. No matter what all u say, no matter what all u do, we still voting our Skerrit, is God than send him, leave the man alone so he can manage the country properly.
Tiyani do not allow these INCOMPETENT lawyers to intimidate you. Expose their incompetence one by one.
Somebody please take all the evidence that Lennox Linton has to the IPO if Lennox himself does not want to take it.
Let us see how they withstand scrutiny before an impartial parnel.
mr. magistrate hold your own. stand firm. u cannot be move nor retreat. u are the best for the judicial system. i and many others who maintain the laws love you. stand firm u have our support.
@True: It’s his court. He has the right to ask whatever questions he wants in other to clarify what he wants to be clarified. It’s his court. That’s what judges and Magistrates do.
The “bin bobol” stopry is a classic master piece of poitical/partisan intrigue, designed by a so-called unemployed executive and intended to do one thing. Like a classic shakespearan piece, the plot keeps thickening every week each week a new addition, a new twist, a new character. reallynever ending. Wonder when it will mreach its high point iof it has not yetreached that far.
For more than 18 months the locally produced Saturday afternoon “soap opera” named “Bib bobol” with Prime Minister Skerrit as lead actor is becoming more popular. Every week for the last 18 or so months there has abeen a steady additon to the charcaters in the plot. Only today on “Matt in the Morning” the electronic magnate from Trinidad and Tobago, Dominican homegrown “Tossie” has alerted us the Dominican public to another exciting episode to be aired tommorrow, Saturday. The Saturday excitement just keep growing. What is interesting too is that the massess outside the 1000 daily callers to every talkshow in Dominica are still not convinced that the “soap opera” is borne out of honesty or built on the pillars of transparanecy, good governance and devoid of any partisan expediency. So it will contine to be a Saturday afternoon “soap opera” going nowhere among the vast majority. And they wonder why many more Dominicans apart form what they already know since Decemebr 18 2009, has not yet tied their boots in response to the clarion call for mischief making form the owner of the blue party.
It seem obvious that the magistrate has alterior motives.. Just wait and see
Dominique chaud!!! Well, well, well. I was not in the gallery so I have to rely on the words of those who were there. I read the previous news item where it stated that the attorney representing Mr. Alexis was the one who introduced ownership of the property into evidence. She did so in an attempt to prove that he owned the property and therefore had a right to ask the trespassers to leave. In doing so, she opened a can of worms and now she wants to close it. Well my dear, too late shall be your cry.
You started it and Mr. Benhazi will finish it. I see no partiality in this case. Evidence was produced by both parties but guess who brought up ownership? I guess when you went back to work, Uncle Tony chew your head off for being stupid. Now you want to pass the blame on the magistrate.
Mr. Benhazi, do not allow anyone to intimidate you. You are here to do a job. Unlike some people, do it with dignity. Now the issue has come up, I hope the courts does every thing in its power to get the truth. Mr. Alexis was unable to provide pertinent information that anyone would know about their property. Ask any one on the street how much he purchased his property, in what year, from whom and how much it is worth today. They can give you all that information even if they cannot write their name.
Mr. Benhazi, stand your ground and put Tony and Heather in their place.
This is one who cannot be bought nor sold, unlike the others that are all in a circle. Stand firm my Brother.
That is good for Heather. She introduced the issue of ownership of the property and now she don’t want to take responsibility for it. She thought Behanzin was foolish but she realised a little too late that she put herself in hot water. Not big time lawyer she playing nah. Now the secret about the properties coming out she want Behanzin out. It’s a good thing Behanzin is strong headed and he does not bend under pressure.
aye aye Heather I find you come out. Tiyani not all you puppet. What all you think it is nuh. Tiyani you do right. Heather continue to be a puppet tell your puppet master Tiyani not interested in being a puppet too.
We need more people like Tiyani. God bless him.
And since Tiyani cannot be bought,the defense has to resort to intimidation.
Doesn’t the defense wish that they could have just called Tiyani and instructed him what to do?
HaHaHa!!!!!! Not everyone dances to your tune.
Why didn’t his cousin Ian call Tiyani and ask him to through away that case ,non?
Because you know that Tiyani would sell out the secret.
DON’T BACK DOWN TIYANI…STAND YOU GROUND!!!
Shame on this young Lawyer to allow her boss to use her as a porn in this process. You are a young professional with your whole life and career ahead of you – bail out now before you do more damage to your reputation and name.
I commend the magistrate and respect his good will, courage and determination to do what is right based on the facts. We need more persons in the legal field such as him. I look forward to one day meeting you and shaking your hand.
This is crazy!
yes Mr Behanzin Good move let them come you have news for them, all of them time coming tell them you maybe a Douglas but a different one, no one can buy you thats why they want you out but God know why he brought you back in Dominica to save his children from these wicked evil ******* no one will intimidate you tell them no way not this time and please give Mr bubbles 10yrs of hard labour for me so he will know how to claim other property to be putting he and his family life in trouble for a man that dont give a dam about them, now Sir please send Carrette in jail for giving back the gun he needs to be in jail for putting people life in jepordy thank you very much God bless you
More lawyers like Behanzin…….. Fair, because the case is linked to a political matter, the defence would like to make it seem like he is on the prosecution side because of his outspokeness for truth and rights,,,,,,,,,,,, the defence don’t even know who owns the properties…… BPDL owns is, Rennith Alexis owns it…. Cecil Lockhart and Earl Grant owns it,,,,,,,,, BUT it is Roosevelt Skerrit who Rightfully OWNS it………… so obviously Mr. Alexis if the property is not yours, how can you claim that somebody stepped on YOUR property?
But still if you are the care-taker of the property maybe you have rights to there, but thats not the case, you put a gun to the lady head Rennith Alexis, an unliscensed gun……….. you were under pressure from all the politics that was going on at the time, with regards to “Who owns those lilac villas”…….. Maybe you were frustrated with all the things that were going on before the election……… But i am putting it to you that you indeed put the gun to Ms. Ettiene’s head………. And you will be prosecuted!!!!!!!!
Love Mr. Weekes……..
They will keep attacking you behenzin but dont back down thats a dominican thing one little ring of people think they own the island. We need people like you like your father to stand up to them.
Let’s not be biased here.. The Magistrate asked a list of questions as if he were the proscecutor.. I have respect for the man, but he is acting like he has another agenda.
I am most delighted in the manner in which the magistrate has handled the defense attorney. His responses to her letters are substantial and and deals with the issue head on. She was the one who blundered by introducing the ownership papers in court and now she is trying to flip the blame. She should be held responsible for exercising such bad judgment in a simple matter at this one. I hope her career recovers from this one.
I have no evidence to believe that the magistrate is seeking personal fame….He seem like someone who just want a fair and just system across the board. Keep up the good work Sir. We need to curb crime in our beautiful country.
go magistrate BEHANZIN!!! U R THE BEST!!!!!
man this lady seems to have some real issues… Stand firm Behanzin. Ignore the distractions and manipulations
Well look it
Heather felix is the one who brought in the issue or land ownership and when she realised she is in hot water she asking the man to recluse himself. That’s what a terrible lawyer does. She messed up her case and is angry. Behanzin is the best man for this matter.