Incitement case against Linton further adjourned

Linton (r) leaves the court accompanied by Hector John

The incitement case against opposition leader Lennox Linton has been further adjourned to June 18, 2019. The matter came up for hearing on June 11, 2019 but found a stumbling block after the prosecution failed to summon witnesses as requested by the defense to have them cross examined.

Magistrate Asquith Riviere allowed the press and members of the public to listen to the proceedings and asked the press to “act responsibly and report accurately.”

“This is not a trial; it is a preliminary inquiry and it is not a public trial,” he said after reading section 35 of the Magistrates Code of Procedure Act which empowers a magistrate to bar the press and the public from preliminary inquiries.

Linton’s attorney, Gildon Richards leaves the court house

Gildon Richards, the Lawyer for Linton, urged the court not to have the names of Edison James (who has never been served) and Thomson Fontaine on the list with Linton since they are not jointly charged.

Israel Khan SC who leads a team of Trinidadian lawyers representing the prosecution said that he was ready to proceed with the trial.

However, when the first witness was called as per the request of the defense, it was discovered that the individual was not served and so was not present in court.

Speaking to reporters, Richards said he intends to call all 75 prosecution witnesses to be cross examined.

“Speed is not my agenda; we will take our time and see where it goes,” Richards stated. “It’s very unfortunate that those who were supposed to be at court did not show up although we gave them a list as to who we want and the order,” he said.

Khan (centre) speaks to reporters outside the court house

Meantime, Israel Khan SC said despite a few setbacks, he is happy with the process. “I am happy with the process so far; its taking a long time – legal arguments – we are taking it one day at a time,” he said.

He had urged the court to expedite the matter. However, Magistrate Riviere explained to him that since the passage of Hurricane Maria the court has been challenged.

“I don’t have the luxury of sitting for an entire day since two other courts have to be accommodated in this space. We are all constrained…it is what it is,” he said.

 

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

40 Comments

  1. Zandoli
    June 12, 2019

    I was in DA a few months ago and the Warner and Springfield roads leading to the airport were in a deplorable condition. The government cannot or refuses to find the funds to repair these important roads, but they can find money to pay a team of foreign lawyers to prosecute the leader of the opposition on some spurious charges. It’s little wonder Skerrit said he runs things in Dominica.
    How his supporters don’t see through this man is beyond me.

    • KID ON THE BLOCK
      June 13, 2019

      Good for you that you can see through Lennox when he called the elderly greedy, the women prostituting themselves, police cannot tell him when to end his meeting even when given instructions, taking out the anointment from a pastor, disrespect and insult every organization and person in the country.
      How you and his supporters don’t see this man is beyond comprehension.

      • Ibo France
        June 13, 2019

        You cannot justify the present sorry state of Dominica for the last nineteen years. Attacking the next Prime Minister does nothing to fix the many pothole diseased roads. It sure does not create badly needed jobs for the many young, vibrant people in the prime of their lives and are lying idly around. How any sane person supports this renegade leader and his party baffles me.

  2. Strength n Power
    June 12, 2019

    Just another incident of the flagrant abuse and waste of state resources AND distraction tactic. Do they think that with this case dragging they will have enough time to hurry give more beers, fix more roofs fast fast, give more apartment buildings with unofficial CBI funding, cook more jots by en bas lyvier and bask in hypocritical philanthropic deeds and medical trips that outside of election time would never have happened?
    Plot away, plot away. Take all the time you guys need. Call elections on the last constitutionally due date in 2020 if you want. The X will NOT be by the shoe.

  3. Ibo France
    June 12, 2019

    Apart from further depleting the coffers of Dominica by dragging Mr. Linton before the court on clearly bogus charges, Mr. Skerrit lines the pockets of foreigners at the expense of the Dominican people. Millions, suspected billions have gone to foreign sellers of passports, Barbadian advisors, Canadian contractors, now high priced, rogue , foreign lawyers for a political, frivolous case. Every fair minded, decent, sensible Dominican should heap their disapproval, ire and scorn on this mischievous, lying-tongue group of bandits.

  4. Emerald
    June 12, 2019

    This is so sad, that one can hate their opponent so much. The majority of Dominicans are poor and look at what they are using millions of dollars to do, to jail an innocent man, whatever it takes at whatever cost. Mr. Linton please pray as much as you can because you are not fighting against flesh and blood. While this is being done some of my fellow Dominicans are calling out for this injustice. Mr. Linton stay with God and He will work great things for you. God bless you my brother.

  5. SMH
    June 12, 2019

    so NOBODY not ONE person ain’t tell SKERRIT to stop that nonesense??? whats wrong with these people no man… wicked wicked wicked!!!

    • Hedda
      June 14, 2019

      Nobody has to tell him nothing because when the tables turn we the opposition will reign hell on him and his men… we will turn your proceeds of crime to state funds ND your dreams into dust! Be warned..

  6. Lansal
    June 12, 2019

    1 Peter 3:16
    Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
    Exodus 20:16
    “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
    Deuteronomy 19:18-19
    The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.
    Matthew 5:11
    Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
    Luke 3:14
    Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

    there are so much more examples of bring false witness and accusations against you fellowman…this evil will not exult our nation…. if you don’t believe in the holy book put a thumbs down.

  7. jamie
    June 12, 2019

    Skerrit how low will you go,your days are coming,Check your history tyrants and dictators have never had a good ending.You will answer to God for your atrocities.

    • RandyX
      June 13, 2019

      Not only God he will answer to. Mark my words and watch this space!

  8. Maybe
    June 12, 2019

    Can you all grow up and stop that politics stop wasting tax payers money there is better things to do than having Linton in court it have enough row row with that pm that should be in court

    • LANGSAL
      June 12, 2019

      this is not politics, its just evil

  9. June 12, 2019

    This is distraction to gain attention. Mr. Linton don’t allow the lame to throw you off of your game; they have none.

  10. LaPlaine Observer
    June 12, 2019

    The DLP have a history of suppressing disent and freedom of expression by thoses who oppose them. Go back in history and you will see every attack on protesters have always been perpatrated by the DLP government.

  11. %
    June 12, 2019

    Ha! Ha! Ha!
    Waste of time case.
    Purely political…!!

  12. Jonathan Y St Jean
    June 12, 2019

    This kangaroo trial must be exposed for what it is. Blaming of hurricane Maria is laughable. It looks like the defense is prepared to challenge the bogus charges, and requiring that a large number of witnesses be presented is a wise move in clearing the Honourable Lennox Linton’s good name and exposing the Machiavelli tactics of Skerritt and his cohorts. The hidden report by the Jamaican inquirer should also be made public. Democracy will survive in Dominica. Skerritt must go.

  13. "Go to Hell'
    June 12, 2019

    To hell with Skerrit. To hell with the DLP to hell with Dominica. According to the words of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit himself “Go to hell” …”it’s not your damn business” what I do. “No law not even the Constitution can stop I Roosevelt Skerrit’ from doing what I want. ” I run things” and Dominica too damn free madam speaker

  14. June 12, 2019

    A living dog is worth more than a dead lion..be strong mr linton for we the people will not forget…how long? not long..the blows given will be return in miles and acre’s..the mangoes are rippen…

  15. Jack Sparrow
    June 12, 2019

    You remember what you guys did to Danny Lugay… and what happened in Roseau North?
    More votes for UWP!

  16. Dominican
    June 12, 2019

    With so many witnesses to be cross examined by the defence they’d better have a good memory and/or have rock solid evidence if they are not to perjure themselves and I can see a good many of them not turning up in court, with or without valid excuse. This has all the signs of becoming a legal nightmare at great expense to the public purse.

  17. Truth Be Told
    June 12, 2019

    “I don’t have the luxury of sitting for an entire day since two other courts have to be accommodated in this space. We are all constrained…it is what it is,” said Magistrate Riviere. Meanwhile our Ministers of Government building two mansions and we accepted a State House for a non-Executive President! Put the High Court to sit in the State Palace! Then Laborites want me to accept that this Government loves Dominica and is building Dominica, but all our institutions for Governance are falling down! You people do not love Dominica! You love yourselves, your self interest and the self gains that you benefit from the Government! Have you been to our Court or Registry Office lately? It is a dump and looks like a chicken farm! Shame on this Labour Government! Shame!

  18. Me
    June 12, 2019

    A comedy of errors, set not in Ephesus but Roseau. Funny, if it were not so tragic.

  19. RandyX
    June 12, 2019

    Skerrit should be prosecuted for wasting state funds to pay a team of foreign lawyers. This is nothing but a showcase anyway. When is Dominica going to rid itself from this rogue individual. He uses state funds now to massage his ego!!

  20. FOR THE LOVE OF COUNTRY
    June 12, 2019

    You can’t keep a good man down…

    The Rt Hon Lennox Linton’s strong will and determination will overcome any obstacle or challenge.

  21. free
    June 12, 2019

    The 9th Commandment of God. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbour”. Check yourself. God is watching.
    Honorable LINTON you are very blessed. Have no fear.

  22. June 12, 2019

    All dog has its day,, but one day Allu will leave Lennox Alone and go n investigate the con man Allu have there that say he run things,,

  23. TJ
    June 11, 2019

    It seems to me that this government just would like to frustrate Mr. Linton. I applaud his demeanor and patience. However justice will be served and he will have these charges dropped. Don’t forget to action them for the harrestment you have suffered Mr. Linton. A change is coming.

  24. June 11, 2019

    Something as important as Court Rooms should havae been fixed by now. It does not speak well for the leadership of DA.

  25. Omg
    June 11, 2019

    The Gov’t is waiting money in the court for incitement and there are so many people walking and sleeping on dirt in their houses in Dominica especially in the kalinago territory. It is the truth because I have witness it.
    To prove me wrong please go to the kalinago territory to see for yourself. What a shame on this administration. Smh

  26. Channel 1
    June 11, 2019

    Somebody is playing a very dangerous game here with this absolute joke of a court case against Lennox.

    P.S. – Somebody had better remind Skerrit that today brings us one day closer to the end of his regime’s reign as government of Dominica.

    • Man bites dogs
      June 12, 2019

      @Channel 1,Becareful what you wish for because you may not like it pal…. 🍌Banana skin are very slippery 🤣

  27. dissident
    June 11, 2019

    de government is seriously wasting the court’s time

    de prosecution didn’t even prepare their 75 witnesses to appear in cort

  28. Tetecarlbass
    June 11, 2019

    Does Skeritt really believe that case will save him from being rejected at the polls. If some kind of coco markat was to take place and Hon Linton looses, he would appeal, by the time the appeal court takes it on, election would have been long done, and he would be already defeated. This case is a waste of time and money. All that money he is wasting on those Trinidadians, could employ approximately twenty to forty Dominicans.

  29. I knew it
    June 11, 2019

    :lol: Those bogus charges will be dropped.

  30. %
    June 11, 2019

    Well done Gildon!!!
    Well done Gildon!!
    Hold on Honourable Linton.Who Jah bless no one curse.
    More votes for you, more votes for Workers!!!

  31. Flat Tire
    June 11, 2019

    This is the abuse of the system and tax payers money guys like Joseph John, peeping tom,kid on the block,Anon, gee Joseph, and facially challenged capitolin supports. These bunch of fools will stand there and witness roosvelt become a multi millionaire by using gullible supporters like them to fulfill his agenda

  32. LifeandDeath
    June 11, 2019

    An example of real Monkey business in Dominica courts. An embarassment really. We’ve seen these kinds of court charades in dictatorships in far away countries, now it is home to torment and terrorize the persons who stand for the rule of law.
    The Court day when the perpetrators of this circus will be called to answer real charges of assault on the people of Dominica will be a glorious victory for honesty, integrity and good morals in our country.

  33. Ibo France
    June 11, 2019

    Typical of how things are done in Dominica, procrastination, long delays and incompetence at the court. The court is being used for political persecution, intimidation and willful harassment. For the political mischief, the blatant corruption, the misappropriation of CBI monies, some people are going to serve long sentences behind iron curtains, very possibly, the rest of their natural lives. God doesn’t sleep, He doesn’t like ugly. Mr. Linton, the truth will sera you free, don’t worry.

  34. Michael
    June 11, 2019

    This case is one big joke and a waste of time and taxpayers’ money. Not even the Court has the luxury of accommodation to have a full day hearing of the case. This case is symptomatic of Dominica’s decline and decadence. Shame on the authorities!

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available