Press statement by Kieron Pinard-Byrne

The Layou River Hotel Project (The Layou Project) was a pivotal project for Dominica’s tourism sector and economy. I was the audit engagement partner for The Layou Project between 1991 and 2002 during which time I experienced extraordinary, exacting and public interest professional challenges.

In 1995 that project, its pioneers and Dominica, as an investment jurisdiction for Taiwanese investors, were defamed in a documentary on Taiwan TV pursuant to a visit by the President of The Commonwealth of Dominica to the Peoples Republic of China.  I resolved not to be made a victim in the Taiwan/China diplomatic war in Dominica.

In consequence I have absorbed and survived fifteen years of vulgar abuse, slander, defamation, and libel.  The Layou was not my Waterloo; but the record shows I took the blows and did it the professional way.  I therefore honourably discharged my sacred duty from ancient times to the Celtic Byrne Sept at home, in the Diaspora and in the Otherworld.  GerTavi-et-Vici (I have fought and I have conquered, myself).

The decision of the High Court of Dominica means my professional reputation for doing the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons endures.  ‘As above, so below’ (The Green Tablet).

I thank my solicitors, DeFreitas, DeFreitas & Johnson for their seven long years of due process of my claims and Hazel Johnson for her fearless cross-examinations.  Throughout The Layou Saga’s twenty years, I also had the privilege of working with other distinguished legal counsel from the UK, Boston and Beijing.  I thank all of them for their professionalism and kind understanding of The Layou Project’s travails on a road less travelled.

I remain profoundly impressed by the shared vision of Grace Tung, Adrian Zecha and Dame Eugenia Charles for The Layou Project and of their endeavours and fortitude in the face of political sabotage, construction fraud and natural disaster.

I am indebted to my wife for her loving fortitude; my daughters for their pain and suffering in being there for me, ditto to all the other Goddesses of the Byrne/Pinard families.  And of course my abiding thanks to all my professional colleagues, friends and clients for their kind words of wisdom and moral support.

May my fellow Dominicans continue to live through interesting times as we reform others unconsciously when we walk uprightly.

Kieron Pinard-Byrne

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13 Comments

  1. No Hotel?
    March 25, 2011

    Where is the Layou River Hotel? Dominicans were promised that a Hotel would be built from the monies made from the sale of our passports. Millions were received from that sale. I ask again Where is the Hotel? Where did the money for that hotel go? So much for JUSTICE in DOMINICA.

  2. naturelover
    March 25, 2011

    I have no sympathy for those who caused the demise of the Layoy River Project—too many millions wasted,however the issue there is fundamentally,,,run your mouth at your own risk;;;;Talented JOURNALIST LNX did so and continues up to this day,,,intelligence vs commonsense well COMMONSENCE took a back-seat and the price will be paid

  3. Anonymous
    March 24, 2011

    words of the Irish man…very well said. One day we will be led by a Native …no offense, French on one side, Arab on the other …no Irish…DA the Interntional state. Mr Pinard, good words…remember to send a copy the to appeal court.

  4. TOLD YOU
    March 24, 2011

    boy look jokes in dominica. Allu fini bat

  5. Papa Dom
    March 24, 2011

    “The decision of the High Court of Dominica means my professional reputation for doing the right thing, in the right way, for the right reasons endures”
    Will you please tell us what the court in the BVI has said about your reputation and professional conduct and having regard to that, how do the two decisions find reconcilliation.

  6. Conscious
    March 24, 2011

    Should we not wait for the conclusion of the appeal before praising and blaming?

  7. Sprinter
    March 24, 2011

    The essence of a gentleman. Many would do well to follow your example.

  8. badvibes
    March 24, 2011

    Interesting……..Very interesting…Every dog has its day…..

  9. EYES
    March 24, 2011

    Well don comrade!

  10. Just saying
    March 24, 2011

    Mr. Pinard -Byrne thank you for sharing your side. Keep being the professional that you have demonstrated to be. May God continue to bless you

  11. Just giving my two cents
    March 24, 2011

    Hats off to you – very well said!!!!!!!!!!

  12. Truth
    March 24, 2011

    Pinard-Byrne – A great man of Integrity and Wisdom…. Very well done!!!

  13. Happiness Ka Fan Cho Mwen!
    March 24, 2011

    Very well said……..

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