One local magistrate is advocating for the addition of new magistrates and courts for 2012 to deal particularly with a backlog of traffic cases and other matters.
Gloria Augustus, who sits on juvenile, domestic violence, child maintenance and traffic matters, told Dominica News Online that cases suffer because there are not enough magistrates to deal with them.
“I think we need to get another court, [and] another magistrate because we have so many traffic cases, we do not have the time to do it. Domestic violence comes up any day, and when it comes it takes a lot of time. Sometimes traffic matters suffer and there are lots of traffic cases,” she said.
“I think they probably need to find a new way to do the traffic; either find a way to deal with all tickets at the end of the year, or every six months, or whatever it is. Or have a night court [but] some other means needs to be found so that we can really deal with that efficiently,” Augustus stated.
She said that cases tend to get lengthy adjournments which do not sit well with those involved.
“We have adjourned traffic matters in December to June, May. I mean, that is too long,” she noted.
“People want to get their matters over with. Some people have to go away, witnesses forget, they no longer have interest in coming. So it’s really affecting traffic matters and there is really need for more magistrates; not only more magistrates, more courts so we can deal with some of those things,” she added.
“A lot of people look at that as not getting justice because they have to wait too long. Some people tend to blame the magistrate but then really, how many things can you do in one day? There are so many challenges,” she further stated.
Meanwhile Augustus said that an unattractive salary does not encourage suitable persons to take up the magistracy.
“There is a need for more magistrates, it’s just that the salaries are not attractive, or the conditions but if the salaries probably were more attractive people would want to take that stress,” she said.
She also said that there are very little benefits for magistrates.
“What benefits are there? None. A parking spot?” she chuckled.
“There’s nothing else. You, know, in some countries magistrates get duty free. In Guyana I think they get utilities paid,” she contrasted.
Augustus also suggested that salaries be increased after one serves for a certain number of years on the bench.
It is remarkable the way in which our supposed professionals behave purely based on political expedience.
Ms. Augustus now complains about shortage of magistrates, but I would like to ask where was she when one if not the mostconscientiouss magistrates was removed from the bench for his ruling in a particular case? Where was the outrage? why did Ms. Augustine not point out to the government that at this time at least it was not expedient to dismiss, or not renew the contract of the young magistrate? These are the kinds of contradictions, and hypocrisy that enrages me.
My late dear grandmother used to say “when your neighbor’s house is on fire you should wet yours”, but alas! we Dominicans seem to have lost our souls and self in the political expediency of the time rather, than persevering with moral turpitude, ethical, and professionalism, and to recapture that kinder gentler Dominican spirit.
In my view, we now adopt the approach, that after the horse has bolted the stable, that is when we are attempting to close the gate to the stable. MAugustustus, although I will join in welcoming your awakened awareness, and may add, better late than never, but in my view I believe you are rather late for that tear.
By Louis B. Robinson
Come on man, they need to take better care of the magistrate man, do you know the kind of salary that magistraes gets in tortola, plus the house them and give them a big jeepo to drive and not just tortola, most of the other caribbean country, and here we have our own dominican magistrate serving, they can do better with the benefits man, what is a parking spot, thats nothing.
hmmmm
a unbias justice of peace can handle the traffic cases. we dont need magistrates…these JP’s can be stationed across the country
Well Ms Augustus I agree with you in that you need a better salary but you already have parking previlages. Now to solve the backlog with traffic summons I would suggest that. The Government should used retired Police Supervisors and make them assistant Magistrate where they can adjudicate Parking/Moving violation which do not involve serious injury or death. Any vehicle accident which involved serious injury or death should be handled by a Magistrate as a regular court trial. Also Ms Augustus you could have made a better case by stating your salary therefore since I do not know your salary I truely cannot say you are under paid. Also if you are being paid between Eighty or One Hundred Thousand dollars I thing that would be a decent salary in Dominica.
Does anyone here know what kinds of traffic cases are brought before a magistrate?
I read so many frivolous cases being dealt with at the courts, it is little wonder it is all clogged up with (petty) cases.
And what about love of the job?
Do Dominican laws even practice pro bono?
But wait, what about fairness and the accused right for a hearing within a reasonable time?
Magistrate complaining that the wait is too long – would that mean that many persons with traffic violations can get off on the technicality of time – unreasonable delay?
Dominica does need a traffic court….and more importantly police to enforce the rules. I see too many crazy driving habits in Dca.
How can we trust a magistrate, who is looking for fringe benefits? Nobody obliged her to take this job. She has a privileged parking spot, right at the bayfront. That’s more than most of us get.
Now Dno y’all busy and that stuff but I’m why is it that those who comment a day after me gets posted and mine still waiting moderation? Should we be posting shorter comments for you guys or is here some special system all you going by. I hate to sound out of the way but I like having healthy discussions on here. Txs
@DNO thanks DNO … you guys are the best…
I was in agreement with the Magistrate up to the point of benefits. I am interested in the specific benefits that she has in mind.
As a magistrate does she need more benefits than the other state workers? I may understand the salary issue. But even on that point what is the salary range for/of magistrates in Dom?
We hire a productivity consultant who is was portrayed in a the New Chronicle cartoon rendition as a boowik Carrying a Boowik. Maybe Parry Bellot can substitute as a magistrate and help clear the back log of cases. The chronicle must next time portray the donkey on Parry Bellot’s back as the minister of legal affairs and tourism. Oooops both sectors are in dysfunctional- but then what other government department is not. I wonder if Parry Bellot’s back can take the weight of additional donkeys like – ministry of finance, Agriculture, trade, national security. HI HOR HIR HOR HI HOR – geee up donkey GEE UP Parry . Bruiuuuuuu( let your lips vibrate on that)
Of course. Money, money, money. It seems that’s the only thing these people care about. Having had a good look into recent sentences it appears to my (me) that most of the magistrates are not worth the money they earn right now! Do your job first and if you are good at it I am sure you will be offered a salary increase.
Well how long does one have to wait for a salary increase, when they do their job day in and day out, under less than adequate conditions. Salaries need to be more comparable in the Public service sector, and all those bonuses and special previliges that some people get, and others cannot even get what is due to them is unfair. Its not all about money, is getting what one deserves for a job done. If there are not enough magistrates, you should know that they are overworked, and this has been the situation for several years. When you cannot even take a lunch hour because you have so many cases before you that you want to process, because the people involved in these cases have already waited so long, is that adequate or fair. And this goes on almost every day.
Then why don’t you go do the job?? Who in the kitchen feels the heat.
dan lazy
I am so appalled! There are some things I pick up from this interview which is very disturbing! While I do not thing anyone should work for free, but we have put money ahead of everything. My concern is that, when nurses and policemen ask for more money, it was like a big joke. What if nurses decided not to do their work because the pay was not attractive? I mean we all understand that to become a magistrate costs a lot and when we are finished studying we need to pay our student loan apart from other bills, but there must be a level playing field!
Now, I strongly agree that our system leaves a lot to be desired. I think in terms of importance, abuse cases need to be the priority. With that said, I also think there are some traffic offences that should be resolved by the police. If a traffic ticket is issued, I think the police can handle receiving the money and settling the ticket. Minor fender benders could also be handled at that level. When it comes to vehicular homicide, then the couts definitely needs to be involved.
The whole thing needs organization and re-organization. A case should not take months or even years to be resolved.
Magistrate, the system in Dominica is completely different than that of Bird Island…. and mind you, you might well loose you parking space for opening your mouth…
I agree with you Ms. Augustus. There are several issues that are hindering the magistrate’s court to function more efficiently and to move the process along so that people’s cases can be heard in a more timely manner.
For one there are not enough magistrates to serve the public. The same magistrates that serve in Roseau have to take turns to go into all the country districts to try cases.
Magistrates are not paid enough, their salaries need to be reviewed and revised. Since the salary is not attractive, new magistrates are not coming on board. Also the conditions under which they work are not very inviting, so we have very few people doing the work that should be done by many more.
The magistrates that go to the other districts such as St. Joseph, La Plaine, Portsmouth, Castle Bruce, Grand Bay etc. have to get there in their OWN vehicles. They are given a monthly allowance for mileage, but that amount is so meagre, it is not even enough to cover two trips, and they go out several times a month. Besides the wear and tear on their vehicle is not accounted for.This is the realty, while Government ministers, and other public officials drive around in all types and sizes of vehicles, paid for by the tax payers, as they participate in work related as well as private activities. There is no vehicle provided to take the magistrates to all the different courts that they have to serve in.
Lets look at how evidence is taken in the magistrate’s court. Last I knew the magistrate had to write down the evidence on a pad, as it was being given form the people involved in the case. Now this can be very tedious and time consuming, especially taking into consideration the nature of some of the matters coming before the court. So imagine a magistrate sitting in a hard uncomfortable chair, all day long, writing down evidence, as he/she tries various matters. I have not heard of any change or improvement in this method, and I am wondering when are we going to improve things in those areas.
It would really be nice for the magistrates to get some of the same benefits that government officials and many others get.But besides a parking spot, they get nothing. They don’t even get credit for the job they do.
All these things that affect the court and the magistrates that sit on the bench, have an adverse effect on the dispensing of justice. Yes, justice delayed is justice denied in many cases. Some people just get so frustrated, they just give up.Hopefully, they will not take the law into their own hands and try to solve the matter themselves.
When will our court system be more advanced. There is so much room for improvement.
Actually, almost every segment of Public service in Dominica needs improvement. To name a few: Court and justice system, Healthcare and emergency response system, education system, welfare, fire and safety, police dept. and communication to these depts. When are we going to hold the elected government officials responsible for providing updated and improved services in so many areas to the people of Dominica. We need to set priorities, and do what is best for the country as a whole and not just what benefits a few. The magistrate court is just one area, and the people who work there deserve better so they can do their jobs and serve the people in a more timely manner.
Justice delayed, justice denied!
The idea of different courts is a great idea. Maybe a separate juvenile court, family court, traffic court would alleviate some of the problems mentioned by Ms. Augustus.
Of course, salaries and benefits would attract more people to this worthy cause of ensuring that justice is served in a timely manner.
Some days ago I wrote in a piece the need to set up seperate courts, in fact my suggestion was for three divisions, but the editor in his wisdom took my post off the site. I suppose my comments did not match hs political agenda, and or it was not in the correct color ink, or that the comments were too frank.
We keep inviting people to comment, and then stiffling free speach, or selectively posting only comments that do not provoke open and frank discussions on the matters affecting Dominicans and Dominica.
Mr. Editor, yours is not to censure, but to be like a refree, or moderator in the discourse.
what do i need to become a magistrate?
all you need is for someone to know you. no papers no documents. oh and maybe a “surname”. not just magistrate you know, any “good job”
Why the hell then did we let Mr. Behanzin go!??
Because they don’t want any one that is in any way effective they only want those who toe the line and maintain the status-quo, meanwhile society suffers and the infestation of lawlessness continues!!
I agree with magistrate Augustus 1000% its long time over due and justice delayed is justice denied,we have been dealing with this problem for donkey years without a solution, the question of magistrate being underpaid is a sore spot to the prevaling problem. Ido not know the salary of our magistrate but one can figuare that is the case because if magistrates were being paid very well I suspect if the salary was attractive some of our junior Lawyers would take up the position instead of languishing in their attempt to reach the top and achieve senoirity as artoneys. Can some one tell me how much our magistrate are paid? We have lots of qualified persons waiting in the wing to take up the position as magistrates lets not allow our selves to be slow walking on this very important matter for if we do it will surely back fire and I will be aying I told you so. To the people in charge do something please before its too late.
we are going;heaven knows where we are going;we know we are.
My grandmother always told me to do a fantastic job even if it doesn’t pay well.
There’s a professor I had for one of my classes. He went to Yale and Georgetown (top universities in the US). Every degree under sun he has. He could have been anywhere and making loads of cash but instead he chose to teach university kids and do law pro bono (for free). He says to everyone interested in serving the state as judges, attorneys, policemen, nurses, teachers that you do this job because you love it!
He also said, “If you wanted to make money then you should have gone to business school or engineering.
Magistrates should do their jobs effectively. Stop whining and crying yet all you sit in the court high mighty laying down the law on what usually is poor people.
So because in Guyana they get utilities paid here in Dominica should do the same? Everyone knows that Dominica is poor. We don’t have money to give extra perks to people who are suppose to do their job for which they are paid.
Gloria should be shamed of herself for chuckling at the parking space. mmmm… I’ve to wonder about people and their motives when they say they’re here serve. In many places like Africa,Iraq, Iran, India where women don’t have a right to speak unless given permission they would come to Dominica and appreciate the rights that Gloria Augustus gets. they would appreciate the parking space because they see it not as a way to get a ahead but to help those that can’t help themselves and a country they swore to protect.
These are the reasons why the cases aren’t being called and moved along. Such ungrateful servants of the people complaining and whining instead of trying to do their to the best of their abilities.
You want your utilities paid then do your job and then write a check from your bank and pay them people their money. Thats not the governments job. You hate your job and want perks quit! Go into a field where you don’t have to honest, where you don’t have to care and all you do is work collect money and go home. If they make sure all them tickets are paid then more money for the courts. Go and do your work. ughhhhh …This is Dominica and intact many black nations problem. Too many people pretending to care and not enough authentic citizens.
Oh yeah and Dominica has an attorney General. Why isn’t that person attempting to fix the issue of overloaded courts? Too busy taking the cheque and not doing work. I mean don’t you guys have meetings or conferences all magistrate of Dominica with the attorney general to discuss those issues? Formulating ideas and placing the best fit for the country into action. Dominica is the way it is because of a lack of checks and balances. The leader to busy suing people to bring this country into 2o12. I swear no accountability at all! Pure incompetence alone that in DA.
You mean all you were not aware of when the government was not renewing Tiyanni contract and playing politics with our judicial system now all u crying for more magistrate. Oh i forgot that is what they meant by forward thinking government.
more magistrates needed and allu pitch behanzin go
I strongly agree with you Miss Augustus. This is something government has to look deep into. Justice delayed is justice denied.
I am one for sure that agrees with the point that some other means must be put in place to deal with traffic tickets. Maybe there could be some discussion on the airwaves asking for suggestions nationally or regionally, chose the best options and get the ball rolling to deal with traffic matters, cause they occur everyday as an increase in vehicles is an ongoing issue.
For traffic offences why not have a fixed-penalty/fine-on-the spot system like other countries operate.It is not necessary to clogg up already overburdened magistrate’s courts with these types of minor infraction. Of course, a right of appeal should be maintained.
No need for violence. This is exactly what we are talking about – our government prefer play political marble instead of putting the country first. They prefer see victimize Tiyanni and allow a back log of cases. If that is the next level of thinking then surely we are on the road to destruction. The very same people who claim that Tiyanni is inefficient are today exposed for their own inefficiencies. The repeat criminals are also contributing to the back log. The same repeat criminals that some of these special interest lawyers would like to be around to generate business are the ones with 2& 3 cases pending.
May we have a productive Dominica through leaders who have the vision for all and not leaders with personal ambitions
A seperate court for traffic, that would speed it up. More money for traffic department and people will be more carefull, Cause it is now for now.
This is just the case and also in the police force. Bad mind that have us so but………………
Come on its 2012 we need to step up in other to keep the level of crime and violence down
YEAH YEAH YEAH… WHAT’S NEW IN THIS PIT LATRINE COUNTRY????
the only thing new is the sh** you put in such as this comment….oh please
what’s your point
yah i agree, cause man go take the law in their own hands unno….
cause a padner jam me in may 2011, we now in jan 2012 and the matter cannot be heard…
and the man wrong, he know he wrong and he figure the courts will take forever and the matter will squash….
juss now man go start stabbing man after accident and call it judge
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA YES MY DISCIPLE…..THE GOD OF DARKNESS HEARS YOUR PRAYER, WE WILL POUR OUT THEIR CRAFTINESS ON THEIR HEADS IN BUCKETLOADS……
THEY THINK THEY ARE SMART….BUT OURS IS THE GOD OF CRAFT AND WITH CUNNING DECEPTION WE WILL REVEAL TO THEM THAT THEIRS TRICKERY IS CHILDSPLAY COMPARED TO THE REAL DEALLLLLLLLL WE PLAY FOR KEEPS AND IT IS THEIR SOULS THAT THEY WILL
lololoLOLOLOLOLOLOL
dude….. I know that our religious leaders have failed us, as has every other influential leader in our country, but that’s no reason to surrender to the devil and his ways… come on keep the faith and the hope alive
HOPE???? FAITH?????? good and evil lives in MAN and no other BEAST of the earth…..if evil lives in the heart of the LEADERS, then it is the higher power of that evil that must be consulted….because these men and overseen by one who is void of conscience and compassion toward his own kind…..If our leaders feel that the devil does not exist…we must prove to them that he does…and that their idolatry and egotism is likened to Ponchus Pilate and they will answer, if our leaders souls are in jeapordy then so are the souls of the followers…..we will all be led to the beast…..
this is the grotesque debauchery….. we have been sold into the grips of the morning star and we are elated in our oblivious sin.
you lost me there…………..what????
I hope they’re paying attention to your post Yah Man….because this is exactly where we’re heading.
They kicked Tiyana off, but Skerrit will have his day…
Dominicans are under a kind of punishment from this labour administration and they’re taking it for a joke, but wait until the social condition on the island erupts….
i agree with yah man, nonsense that dere, man taking advantage of the system….
yah man i agree with you 80 per cent. my 20 percent opinion is shooting not stabbing because guns have already bowled out the knives