Legal battle intensifies in Linton incitement case

Opposition leader Linton and Salisbury MP John leaving the courthouse during one of the court sessions

The legal battle between Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Israel Khan who is leading the prosecution’s case and Gildon Richards who is presenting the case for the defense, is intensifying in the matter of alleged incitement by opposition leader Lennox Linton.

On June 18, 2019, the defense cross examined Nadette Langford who told the court that on February 7 at about 7:10am she went to work as usual to her office on 38 Cork Street which houses the Disaster Vulnerability Response Project (DVRP) and left at 4.25pm. The following day, February 8, she returned at 7:25am and observed a hole in the office of the Co-ordinator.

“I didn’t at that time know what caused the hole. I went to the office and observed shattered glasses and about five stones. I didn’t see that when I left at 4:25pm on February 7. However, I can’t tell the court if the glass was broken on the 7th or 8th of February,” she said.

Laurel Abraham Corbette recalled visiting her building which was then located on 22 Cork Street, on February 7, at about 5pm. “All windows and equipments were functioning. I did not return on that day…I returned on February 8 at about 8:30am and made observations; front part of building had lots of stones and windows shattered,” she said.

When asked if she knew how the stones got there she said, “I do not know how the stones got there and don’t know who put them there.”

It was at this point that lead counsel for the prosecution, Israel Khan SC rose and objected to certain questions raised by the defense.

Khan told the court that the prosecution’s case is that the defendant (Linton) caused people to “vandalize, riot and arson in people’s place by his comments.”

“Your Honour, this case has the genesis of politics and you cannot suppress it,” he said.

This caused a heated argument between the lawyers and Magistrate Asquith Riviere admonished them to “leave the politics out of the case.”

Defense attorney Richards told the court that the case was built on hearsay and should not be allowed and asked that statements made by Corbette be struck out.

In the cross banter over the bar table Khan SC told the court that the events which happened was an attempt to overthrow the government of Dominica.

“It is a political case and you will hear it over and over. This is a serious case…if you want to change the government, do it by the ballots. A man tried to overthrow a government in Dominica a few years ago and was jailed for 12 years,” the lead prosecution counsel stated.

He also told the court that Linton had a right to express his views as enshrined in the Dominica constitution as he did.

“So why are you prosecuting him then?” the magistrate asked.

“I am not presiding over a political trial. This is an allegation of an alleged criminal offense. I am not interested in the political agenda and won’t be drawn into that. I am a sworn officer of the court and won’t be drawn into political debate,” Riviere stated.

After lengthy arguments, the magistrate decided to allow both sides to file written submissions after which he will make his ruling. It was then that Richards urged the court to grant a long adjournment since Linton, as opposition leader, he pointed out, has lots of overseas engagements given the fact that elections are near.

The court then gave the prosecution until July 2, 2019 to file and serve its submissions on the defense. The defense has until July 30, 2019 to respond, file and serve on the prosecution and the prosecution, until August 13, 2019 to file and serve its rebuttal.

The parties are to return to court on October 15, 2019 when the magistrate is expected to rule on the admissibility of statements made by Laurel Abraham Corbettte which were challenged by counsel for the defense, Gildon Richards.

The court has adjourned sine die the cases against former prime minister Edison James and former UWP senator Thompson Fontaine. However, the bench warrant issued for Fontaine’s arrest remains in effect.

Prosecutor Khan SC

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58 Comments

  1. Lin clown
    June 20, 2019

    JOHNNIE BOY.Section 32(1) A at page 39 ,makes provision for DUAL CITIZEN.ROOSEVELT SKERRIT was taken to court for contesting the election as a DUAL CITIZEN,by the UWP.SKERRIT won.The UWP appealed.They hired SENIOR COUNCIL SINGH from Guyana The UWP paid SINGH $ 350,000.SKERRIT won the case UWP lost.Skerrit never cried despite the persecution by UWP.JOHNNIE BOY,LINTON was in Roseau when Roseau was being burnt to the ground.He was there in Roseau,JOHNNIE BOY,when Dr.Ferreira building was being destroyed.He was the one saying “we will do what we want when we want the police cannot tell us what to do”JOHNNIE BOY LINTON said WE and US.You talking about DISHONESTY?.And lying about went home.Linton has to pay for the burning of Roseau.He has to pay for damage done to DR. FERREIRA building.JOHNNIE BOY if there is dishonesty it is you and those lazy,lying Blue Bugs.Do not cry Mr.Linton never believe your day would come.LINTON MUST PAY FOR HIS TONGUE.
    .

  2. TJ
    June 20, 2019

    The man (Skerrit) is gasping for help, he is seeing that his end is near. A change is coming,

  3. Man bites dogs
    June 20, 2019

    Well Well Well, This guy Linton is at it again. I tell you this guy has no shame what so ever. This guy is a undesirable, unperson social Pariah. This guy goes out there and causes trouble such as hooliganism inciting his followers to stone the police and burning down of Roseau city and now this guy Linton has the nerve to ask his followers to foot the bill to pay his legal costs. I knew all along workers supporters were all a bunch of suckers but that’s taking the biscuits.

  4. Lin clown
    June 20, 2019

    This Linton guy so arrogant,lazy,senseless and stupid.He is always on Q95 discussing the case.He is on AUDIO telling his supporters to disobey the police.Any good lawyer would tell LENNOX LINTON stop discussing the case in public..LENNOX IS GUILTY.

  5. Shaka zulu
    June 20, 2019

    I want to know how breaking glass of businesses amounts to trying overthrowing a government. Guess when folks did the same after maria they should take the police to court. If you charge folks for vandalism then fine. You go arrest the folks that vandalized the businesses. I think someone in the labour party had folks break glass. Every time the opposition plans unrest some vandalism happens and i think its done deliberately by folks in labour party under advise of someone. That is then used to try to blame opposition. I will not be suprised it Tony Astaphans and skerrit plot. They have admitted to doing that before and sending police on illegal search of the man home. There are two roadways to VC. One by possi and other through penville. Overthrowing Skerrit is easy and i would not go Roseau so it. So many narrow bridges after you leave possi two trucks cannot pass so all that security antorage is useless. If people wanted to overthrow gov or harm pm its easy so quit yall crap.

  6. Justice
    June 20, 2019

    All pig has their day Lenox your turn is in front continue to pray for you and the enemies that wish to see your down fall.Dont worry just peay and Jesus will lead your way. You’re on my prayer
    list.

  7. Seen
    June 20, 2019

    I still want to know what Linton did with de millions dollars…see, he not even pm yet and see de corruption already..I was turning blue but no way labour all de way. No matter what party they all corrupt..but if Linton come is more comess.. my vote might stay in my pocket too. All for self..wicked people linton will never be my pm

    • Neville
      June 21, 2019

      What on earth are you talking about?? Perhaps you are talking about the 100 million from Venezuela which Skerrit can’t account for. Or are you talking about the refusal of your PM to make the CBI accounts public? Man, your PM is the most corrupt man in the Western Hemisphere.

    • Frank N Stein
      June 21, 2019

      Seen you need new eyes to look for OUR MILLIONS Skerrit and Reggie boboling for years now. If an opposition has millions its not our money so not our damn business. You people like sheep just swallow all what kair vomit without even knowing where it came from. Meanwhile proven facts you cant address. Stop embarrassing yourself in puplic.

  8. Leticia
    June 20, 2019

    This is a waste of Tax payers money. What my country is becoming to where every other opposition politician that reach on top is being prosecuted for hearsay, and none sense. Hope my people see the bigger picture. This is no accident that the same thing keeps happening over and over. Our freedom of speech is becoming more and more limited. Wake up my people and Say let’s make Dominica better than that.

  9. BlackmanNET
    June 20, 2019

    When you read this statements you wonder or say to yourself why is this case on trial. Why are these witnesses even testifying. Did Linton tell the people to throw stones. Did Linton tell the people to loot did Linton tell the people to start any fires. Roosevelt skerrit is a dumb prime minister, this man is an idiot and when you try to crush the opposition the push back will be a lot worse, and all these retarded labourites will feel it trust me on that I guarantee you.

  10. Dom1234
    June 20, 2019

    Don’t worry Mr Linton .All evil will be stopped in Jesus name.

  11. Braindamage
    June 19, 2019

    Make Dominica Great Again!
    Lennox Linton for Prime Minister of Dominica!
    Stock Farm for the fraudulent Skerrit.

  12. Tetecarlbass
    June 19, 2019

    Maybe someone can assist. I have heard of people being convicted on circumstantial evidence, can someone be convicted on Hear-Say evidence.

  13. June 19, 2019

    Most of you people seem to have amnesia, but not me eh! Because I have a huge family in Dominica, and I am concerned about their well being–regardless of who is the Governing body in Dominica, more so, if that body is the UWP.

    There is an example of D-day at Google search which tells us that: “D-Day, June 6, 1944, the day the Allies invaded Normandy from England during World War 11” Take note that this activity happened during a War–a “huge war” for that matter!

    So why did Linton use that term in his plan for February 07, 2017–which said it is going to be a D-Day in Dominica?

    Why did Fontaine say, from where he was that “we gonna shut down the country?

    And why did the event ended the way it did on February 07, 2017? I rest my case!

  14. June 19, 2019

    Mr majee straight you seems to be a magistrate.good good..i will tell vernon and vera about your indepence of mind..sunshine is smiling..totot wants you to ignore all satan wickid plan against the innocent.as for me you are my neighbour and i will never blacesay you..b true and fair…you and the law run tings..help your self doh forget not for me but your self..thank you sir

  15. Ibo France
    June 19, 2019

    How can people of good standing, revered organizations and institutions of influence, remain ear-shattering silent while Mr. Linton, a law abiding citizen, is being targeted , using the resources and power of the State and not a protest or a word of objection from these entities. The business sector, the law fraternity, the clergy, the media group, the labour unions, youth organizations, all NGOs are too paralyzed with fear to vent on this gross injustice. No wonder Skerrit felt empowered to say ‘I run things in Dominica’ because no one or organization of influence dares to challenge his corrupt and evil deeds. Dominica is now a monarchy where Skerrit is KING and rules with an iron fist.

    • Man bites dogs
      June 21, 2019

      @Ibo,I don’t know how old you are and I cannot understand how you could spend days after days just writing crap all day long an average of 15 to 20 a day on DNO what is in it for you and what are you after? Or is it that you’re simple you cannot find yourself a man or woman very sad 😔

  16. Lin clown
    June 19, 2019

    LINTON,must pay for the $ 150,000 damage done ro DR.CURVIN FERREIRA building.LINTON must pay for the damage done to the MUSLIM STORE.LINTON must pay for the damage done to DUNCAN STOWE building.WICKED UWP.What did these people do you?There are AUDIOS of LINTON telling his supporters what to do.These wicked ones must pay.Viewsexpress,Ibo France,Massacre,Gabriel St.Jean,LaPlaine Observer,%,aii supporting that BS.Instead of DRIGO and JAMES doing their jobs as Policemen to keep Law and order they talking BS about RATS and BEDBUGS.If LINTON think he is going to win election he is mistaken.Wicked people all you time will come.

    • Johnnie Boy
      June 20, 2019

      Lin Clown why are you people so dishonest and unreasonable ? Meeting held on February 07 ended about 4.30 pm thereabout . Mr Linton left and went to his home, a few young guys for their own personal motive went around town mashing up people property and Mr Linton must pay ? The guy that smashed Duncan Stowe glass door and windows told the Court why he did it . It was a personal thing between him and Duncan to do with his girlfriend that he believes Duncan was going out with. This Government is wasting the resources of the country to have Linton before the court for incitement. Very irresponsible and reckless Government

  17. Not A Herd Follower
    June 19, 2019

    The farce continues. Now, Skerrit’s lawyer is now making the case as an attempt to overthrow the government. He admits the case is politically motivated.

  18. June 19, 2019

    This case is a ploy with the hopes of swinging favorability towards the DLP, but it will not work. people want result and not rhetoric. After so many years of stagnation, the nation is ready for a new party, and economic traction.

  19. Ibo France
    June 19, 2019

    The court persecution of Linton is a colossal and grotesque misuse of precious taxpayers’ money. This money should have been utilized to repair and renovate the rodent infested and dilapidated police stations and other mold plagued public buildings. Hundreds of thousands of dollars will go into the pockets of these foreign quack lawyers. Skerrit enjoys lavishing Dominican poor taxpayer’s money on foreigners but finds it difficult to give local public servants a modest ‘Top Up’ on their anorexic wages and salaries. Mr. Linton, good will triumph over evil. The hotter the battle is the sweeter the victory.

  20. tish
    June 19, 2019

    This is a waste of time yes, but it is real. It seems anyone who challenge the Prime minister is put through some wasteful court hearings to empty their pockets and make them give up. I have sit on the sidelines and watch for years, but I am no longer willing to do that. All Dominicans should never tolerate this kind and type of conduct from any politician. Win but win fairly, don.t play and waste tax payers money on ridiculous court proceedings.

    • RandyX
      June 21, 2019

      We all need to stand up and be counted for our country’s sake. This can’t continue like that. That crime minister needs to be stoped and put in his place. We need to discover our civil courage again.

  21. Dougla
    June 19, 2019

    The DLP Administration paying Trinidadian Indians to try to prosecute Honorable Lennox Linton, a black man just as black or more black than Prime Minister Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago.

    People don’t you all know how Trinidadian Indians don’t like Trinidadian Black African people. I know the DLP Administration knows that because they are good friends with the United National Congress (UNC) that it the Trinidadian Indian Party.

    Sat Maharaj… go home and leave us black people alone

  22. jungle
    June 19, 2019

    Khan is obviously the chihuahua’s sidekick. This case would be a poor joke and thrown out of court in any true democracy….all court costs to the plaintiff, bang!

  23. Man bites dogs
    June 19, 2019

    Mr Linton, You now bigging to realise what may or may not happen to you, now the pressure is on temperature high you are not singing any more instead you having fever and nightmare. And you now calling to make your own investigation saying that you are the victim of circumstances in a cowardly manner stand up and fight lets see how good you are. I will be in the Red conner looking on!!!

    • LETICIA
      June 19, 2019

      This case is shameful and any Dominican that read this case and don’t think so is reaching a new time of moving to a place where no one can challenge this Prime Minister because every one that reaches close is being persecuted with crazy and shameful court hearings. I WILL FOLLOW THIS CASE, like never before because I am very curious to hear the outcome of hearsay. Stop wasting tax payers money and have fair elections without all this court tactics. This case has no merit and I NEVER GET INVOLVE WITH POLITICS BUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. They should prosecute the people that vandalize, etc and not put blame on someone else. I am starting to wonder what my country is becoming too. Will it be a land where freedom of speech will be forbidden, or will my people say we will win fairly with no court tactics elections. It has happened too many times to sit down and say this is an accident. NO NO NO.

    • Ibo France
      June 19, 2019

      When are you ever going to attempt to write something edifying? Tell your ghost writer to expound on how to revitalize the anemic economy. What about putting a smile on public servants faces? What are some of your suggestions to improve healthcare and retain and recruit sufficient local nurses? Make a sensible contribution for just once. For just one time stop contributing asininity. Awaiting your erudite suggestions.

    • June 19, 2019

      Oh my, Man bites dogs, I cannot thumbs you up, don’t know why, but it happens sometimes. Number 3 thumbs up would have been mine to you.

      I wish our Labourites would come here and support the few of us who write here; this does not give me that smooth assurance that we are the majority, nuh!

      Anyway, I like the line where you said: “I will be in the red corner” Seems as if we are always there as far as DNO thumbs rating is concerned, wee–good Lord!

      Anyway, Linton should have known better; he wants to become the Prime Minister of Dominica, his first mistake was trying to take that role through “violence” which they continue to call peaceful, where in the World is any demonstration a peaceful event–especially if it is political?

      How do they conduct a peaceful meeting when they call “D-day” and they gonna shut down the country? That is my take.

    • June 19, 2019

      Hi rabbis man.skerro dont run dat court .i throw the stones in my mind..it has nothing to do with linton so therefore the charges are harrasment bcus skerro doh want an opposition

    • Papa Dom
      June 20, 2019

      What utter rubbish! The charge is incitement and so any evidence brought to the court should be evidence to confirm that mr Linton did in fact utter words which did or could have been construed to incite people to violate the law. Everyone knows that business were damaged so coming to court to confirm that fact has no bearing on the charge brought. Mr Rivière should do the honourable thing together with the DPP and throw out that bogus case

  24. Keith
    June 19, 2019

    who is paying Prosecutor Khan all that big money. Well Skerrit al the polls show that you are going down fellow. We go see- where are you moving to Dubai or the Bronx? I hope Melissa has shipped her things to Long Island- a letter forward planning is the best Roosevelt.

    And by the way you don’t run things in Dominica—–I doubt even if you run your house. Big up to the folks in the south- you remined all Dominicans of who running things in DA – the PEOPLE.

  25. Flat Tire
    June 19, 2019

    That is why dominca will always be last because this goverment backed up by mello mills, facially challenged capitolin,photographer Chad, gee Joseph, joseph john and jammy, has all the country’s money wasting in frivolous court battles ,at the res clinic and NEP

    • Man bites dogs
      June 19, 2019

      @Flat Tire, Look at the bigger picture when Pm Skerrit, goes out he brings home the best bacon for Dominica. When Mr Pariah the opposition so-called leader workers nanny goats party, goes out begging and having a good time on people experience no one sees the money in my words your dam leader is currupt and he must Go the quicker is better.

      • Ibo France
        June 20, 2019

        Never a sensible comment. I’ll just like a neo-surgeon to operate on that brain to discover what it is really made up of. I’m sure the results will be shockingly startling.

  26. KID ON THE BLOCK
    June 19, 2019

    Is Hector a lawyer or a moosboy of Lennox?

    • Flat Tire
      June 19, 2019

      What are you than a recipient of the red clinic and probably NEP?

    • %
      June 19, 2019

      No he isn’t a lawyer, but he is a patriotic Dominican!

  27. LaPlaine Observer
    June 19, 2019

    Dictatorship leaders have always suppressed the oppossion and freedom of assembly. By simply reading the arguments, this case is without merit and shows how far skerritt and his operatives will go to hold on to power. These witnessess were unable to place anyone at the scene. So who do you punish?

  28. DominicanBorn&Raised
    June 19, 2019

    ANY country that tries to SILENCE it’s opposition is heading towards a very dangerous path! EVERY Dominica needs to pray for the nation in Jesus name plz plz I begging!! I can’t help but think God is sending these natural disasters as a warning to us to change our ways and we still ain’t taking it seriously! #Dominica needs to be liberated from the corruption that has been taking place for 15 odd years! Jah know star. :(

  29. LifeandDeath
    June 19, 2019

    Skerrit dem so afraid of losing the elections, they will do everything in their power to eradicate the opposition. I want Dominicans to take note as to who is suffering on behalf on Country and who continue to waste scarce resources to secure themselves.
    I think Skerrit is even more afraid of what will be revealed once he’s out of Gov’t. His reputation will take a nasty blow, not to mention the possibility of prosecution himself.

  30. Shaka zulu
    June 19, 2019

    Dominica need to make skerit pay. The use of trini lawyer to prosecute linton on overthrowing gov is deliberate. There is a reason no dominicans prosecuting and it is because there is no case and thier hands will be stained. It is a charge against the state institution and you mean to tell me our Dominica prosecutor is not good enough to put his own country in check. This is nothing but a pappi shaw and i haope an investigation be made in kan appointment. Tony Astaphans has aided and abetted Skeritt in criminal activities and violation of our constitution and i want him disbarred soon.

    • June 19, 2019

      This is very interesting, that in a case that is only a preliminary hearing (PI) which is to determine whether there is a prima facie case to refer Mr. Linton to the high court to stand trial, on a charge of incitement, the Skeritt administration is paying millions of dollars to foreign lawyers to represent the State. The question to be asked is where is the attorney general who is supposed to be the government lead lawyer; is the government saying that he is not competent enough to represent the State? Are the lawyers in the DPP office so inept that lawyers at that office can’t conduct a simply P.I. God forbid that this matter is referred to the high court for trial, how much more will it cost the Dominican population? Dominica is going own a slippery slope, and quickly.

  31. LANGSAL
    June 19, 2019

    i hope the police officer who brought that bogus charge will be reprimanded for doing politician work and not the state work.

    • Shaka zulu
      June 19, 2019

      Even the prosecutor is saying it is political. What a f..ing joke. The magistrate is telling the idiot she is interested in crime he insisting it is political. I aint no lawyer but that lawyer is a joke. When is the case on Joseph Issac. He was part of same group. Why is he not on charges. The prosecution is implicating the government the police and the Justice system. The magistrate is trying her best to protect court integrity but the lawyer is to dumb to realize. It is clear by his utterances that there is no crime just political harassment. I have to live to see the day Skerrit and Astaphans take some prison.

      • GOD RUN THINGS.
        June 20, 2019

        It is political that’s why JI cant be before the court also.
        And yes you will live to see skerrit and even Tony and more before the same court.For whosoever diggeth a pitt shall fall in it.GOD RUNNING THINGS..He uses the same traps u set for others against u..In other words u have judged ur own self. Whatsoever a man soweth so SHALL he also REAP.

        • June 20, 2019

          @GOD RUN THINGS.

          I am sure that God is not running that comment of yours. I suggest that you leave Him out of this before His wrath falls against you

  32. jamie
    June 19, 2019

    What a joke,Skerrit how far will you go,Did Lennox throw the stones,stop wasting the peoples monies,get a life Skerrit,your all washed up.

    • out of south city
      June 19, 2019

      That’s the same thought that crossed my mind. Was Linton responsible for pelting stones and did any one see him? What a waste of his time when he could be taking care of business.This is a big joke on Skerrit’s part. I know that in life nothing lasts firever and Skerrit’s time to step down is swiftly approaching. You have fooled the masses who have you in power for too long with empty promises. Now that election is around the corner you are singing your old songs once again. You must have blinded your supporters’ eyes to be in office for so long. Those of us with common sense had enough of you.!
      UNAPOLOGETIC

      • June 20, 2019

        Now you people are playing innocent. Linton may not have pelted the stones, but he is the head, who commanded or advised it; when are you all going to acknowledge what is true.

        David remained on his Throne and commanded the head of his army at war, to place the man Uriah at a spot of the war where he would be killed.

        He did that because he had committed adultery with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba, and he got her pregnant. His first try to cover that sin, did not work, so he used that second try, as above.

        Did God rule against the man of the war, who killed Uriah? No, He ruled against David; but did David personally pulled the trigger? No, he didn’t!

        Think about it!

  33. Rat Race
    June 19, 2019

    Trying to falsely imprison the man before elections won’t work.
    Mandela spent 27 years in prison and still became president of South Africa.
    Wicked men can’t stop Jah plans.

    • Exe Right
      June 19, 2019

      he is no mandela so cut it out and he will never run Dominica

      • Rat Race
        June 20, 2019

        No he won’t because is Skerrit that run tingz in Dominica right? Foolish human!
        Linton won’t run Dominica but the team that he has assembled will help Dominica get out of this deep dark hole the current govt has put us in.

  34. %
    June 19, 2019

    Boy look waste of state resources…Did I really read overthrow???
    So that is the stalled truck coup then??
    I really wish that we had a government that cared, and who would use the country’s scarce resources to benefit the citizenry..
    What a waste!!! OMG!!
    The electorate really needs to reject this DLP!!

  35. SMH
    June 19, 2019

    SMH BOY!ALL THIS IS WASTE OF TIME.

    • foreign observer
      June 19, 2019

      And with an imported Senior Counsel prosecutor, an expensive waste of time!

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