“It is impossible to ignore those social ills and logically expect them to just disappear. If you have a wound and want it to heal, then you should not cover it up. This organisation seeks to expose and address the various problems that we face in Dominica, head-on so that we can find solutions and heal this country.”
The words of Cara Shillingford, a member of the Committee of Concerned Lawyers which was officially introduced to the public on August 25 at a news conference held at the Dominica Public Service Building (DPSU).
The Committee says that it was guided, in its formation, by the mission of helping to “protect the freedoms and rights that have been won for us through the sacrifices and struggles of those who have gone before us.”
The “formidable nine” says it aims to provide professional support and education to members and to the public.
Shillingford shared some of the plans and visions of the organisation, stating that as the guardians of justice in the Commonwealth of Dominica, “we are often called upon to speak up on matters of public interest.”
“It is easy to get caught up in one’s personal life and to focus on personal success. However, we believe that it is more noble and rewarding to dedicate time and effort towards societal development and national success,” she noted. “This is what, we, a Committee of Concerned Lawyers, have endeavoured to do.”
Shillingford added that the group is striving to achieve a nation where “everyone is respected, treated fairly and given a real opportunity to participate in nation-building,” and revealed that in the upcoming months they will embark on a public legal education drive which will seek to educate persons on their constitutional and human rights.
“We will engage students and young persons in projects and competitions which are intellectually stimulating and which will contribute toward building a stronger and more civic-minded populace.”
Shillingford applauded the sacrifices made daily by many on the island and highlighted some of the shortcomings citizens are faced with.
“We are very concerned about the apparent high level of dysfunction within various arms of Government. Statutory boards, commissions and institutions which are supposed to serve and protect, have been rendered ineffective and toothless because of legislative changes and political interference.”
She continued, “Too often, these boards and commissions are crowded with party supporters and “yes men” who care more about “not rocking the boat” than protecting the public interest. Too often in Dominica, we see the flagrant violation of human and constitutional rights. These violations usually attract public outcry for a week or two and are then forgotten.”
The attorney posited that the Constitution of Dominica states that everyone whose constitutional rights have been infringed has a right to access the High Court for justice and relief and the country has signed several international treaties which also recognise that all persons have such human rights.
These, she said, include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Convention of the Rights of the Child, and the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance to name a few.
Additionally, Shillingford pointed out, in March of 2020, Dominica was reviewed by the Human Rights Committee for its compliance or lack of compliance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and certain recommendations were made.
“One would have thought that following this review, the Government would have listened to the advice of the United Nations Human Rights Committee and would have taken the necessary actions,” Shillingford declared.
She further noted, “Sadly, On the 14th and 15th of August 2020 we heard of events happening in Morne Daniel where civilians were attacked by police officers while situated on the public road. We heard of the MP for Roseau North Mr. Danny Lugay being forced out of his vehicle and arrested not for committing any crime, but simply because he was sitting in a vehicle parked on the public road outside of the Prime Minister’s rented residence.”
She said the committee condemns this act and labels it an “unlawful and arbitrary use of force by the police.”
To this date, no formal or independent investigation into this event has been announced and according to Shillingford, it is against these and similar situations that the committee took a stand.
“We plan to take strategic steps to help cure the various social ills which plague our beloved nation. Through public education outreach programmes, public interest litigation and constructive dialogue, we hope to help empower citizens so that together we can create a better Dominica,” she affirmed.
Another Committee Member, Attorney-at-Law, John Elue Charles dissociated the group from any suggestion that it is a secret society, religious organisation or an alternative to the Dominica Bar Association.
“It is not a subcommittee of the Dominica Bar Association. More importantly, I want to assure you that the committee is not a political organisation neither is it an agent or the mouthpiece of any political organisation and I assure you that the Committee of Concerned Lawyers is not a part of or an affiliate of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM),” Charles asserted.
He also highlighted a number of legal issues that have arisen from the Covid-19 pandemic such as access to justice, open Court, corporate governance, landlord-tenant relationship, occupiers liability and employment issues including liability of employers which he claims have been met with a “deafening silence.”
Charles stated that a number of other legal issues which have arisen and will arise in respect of “our form of democratic governance as we seek to give meaning to our constitution and to effectively realize the operations of our Court, Parliament and the Executive Branch of our government” have also contributed to the formation of the committee.
Other committee members include attorneys-at-law, Singoalla Blomqvist-Williams, Ronald Charles, Wayne Marsh, Joshua Francis, Bernard Wiltshire, Clement Joseph, and Joel Paris.
THE MAGNIFICENT NINE, good movie that. I like it.
It is good that our lawyers are taking this stand. With the CCM and other political pressure groups plus four political parties, social media, online news outlets, radio and tv stations, then very loud
and aggressive opposition forces Dominica is being set up as the most democratic country in the world.
I’m still in search of a Dominican born honest lawyer whom I could trust. I’ve been around a few and they are worthy to be described as being loathsome. All they ever wanted was title and respect. But, they are not above the law. I hope there’s one good Apple amongst the Rot.
This woman is such a COONU.According to her no investigation was carried out yet she finds the police GUILTY.On HEARSAY.No wonder her ratio of success at the court is so bad.
@Lin clown, From the the time I saw that woman Shillingford on the podium I began to smell a dead donkey in the cellar, l would not trusted her as far as I could throw her!
To Truth Be Told:
It’s me again. Talking about talk, talk talk may i invite you to go to YouTube and listen to: Rondell Donawa – Lip Service [Calypso 2017]. If you like the lyrics although it’s a trinidadian make a request for it to be played on the local stations. The putrefied air needs some music. Enjoy. Thanks.
EJ, Its you again, but I do not see your posting on the “rape” of your business. It disappeared like the many comments on it.
The same thing happened to your auto-bi of May, 29, 1979 which did not stay posted for long, again with the comments.
I was really surprised that Tim Durand allowed it to be published. But was not at all surprised when it disappeared so quickly.
ADMIN: EJ’s comment wasn’t removed. EJ has his own voice (we are in direct contact with him), if he has a concern he can speak for himself and we will be happy to assist him.
You are confused or playing some dishonest manipulative game – which is why some of *your* comments are not approved. You twist narratives and turn them into personal attacks even attempting ,at times, to use murdered relatives against those you disagree with – and this is just one example.
Yet, because we believe in free speech, we have approved the majority of your comments – you have almost 2,000 approved comments on this site.
However, even after attempting to reason with you, you have gone as far as threatening the family of Tim Durand (in mostly unpublished comments). We agree with you when you have posted before that a man should take all necessary action to protect his family.
If your behaviour persists we will take all necessary action against you.
We fed up with lennox.
Mr has a money disease. Everything is a money money that gets us no where. We are too educated to be led by a JA!
We leaving for Spraggs and Lugay. Them two think they are the badest but when their pants will be on fire hope they don’t run to us for rescue.
ELUE MOOSEPAR CHARLES(number one supporter of UWP in the St.Joseph constituency
JOSHUA FRANCIS(UWP former candidate for Roseau South)
BERNARD CASTLEBRUCE CURRENCY WILTSHIRE(UWP former candidate for Castlebruce.
RONALD CHARLES(UWP former candidate for Roseau Valley)SIGOALA BLOMQUIST(UWP built the sunrise village on her estate at Point Milatre,it is alleged all cost was met by the UWP government
CARA SHILLINGFORD(daughter of untidy Shillingford and prospective UWP candidate for the Salisbury comstituency)
JOEL PARIS,N/A
These people are just telling LINTON he is a Waste of time.They know with Linton as leader UWP,MUST lose the next election
They talk about justice and legality, but if they want to replace the current leaders in the uwp why not have a legal convention and do it right. Why do it in an underhand way like scammers.
Man why you scared of democracy en? Is there a personal benefit for you?
I do not want to judge any political affiliation they may have but I do know none of them are CBI agents and so are not dependent on largesse from the PM. like some members of the “independent” electoral commission. That alone is refreshing.
So, are you guys the front line workers for justice and for all matters judicial and constitutional in Dominica?
We urgently need front line workers in this sector just as the health sector has its front line workers fighting Covid-19.
To these nine patriotic warriors of peace and justice with love
Again, ignore the loud and ear-shattering noise of Skerrit’s barking lapdogs. The dog that gets hit hollers the loudest. Stay steadfastly focused . All right thinking Dominicans are in full support of your efforts. You have clearly stated your aims, goals and objectives. They are virtuous and your intentions are honorable.
Dominica will only experience positive change when there is a ground well of support for these courageous lawyers and other groups from civil society that do likewise. Up man and try!
Media Houses, Clergy, Business Sector, Labour Unions, this is the opportune tome for you to STE UP. What are you waiting for?
I have noticed your gradual descent over the pass months. Yours was one of the comments I looked forward to reading but alas, you have been contaminated. We often cry down Tony Astaphan for all these animal references. We need to be fair and honest all the time. This is how we will be taken seriously.
@Truth be told told, you have an insight into the minds of the opposition forces.
Why all this sudden politics at this time. Is there a conspiracy. Something is going on behind the scenes
It is obvious that opposition forces believe that one of them or a collision of them can replace uwp and dfp. who’s present leaders have fought their last fight, but are in denial. ( I mean all they been doing is wish for the Dr Dr to resign, just pack up and go). That will never happen.
So they have started to organize and campaign for next election. That way they can block any development plan of the DLP Administration.
Did you notice the united front of the DLP during the new Budget? Did you notice the positivity? Did you notice the plans and programmes that are quite doable? No pie in the sky. I have one thing to say to these opposition forces ,
“YOU CANT STOP THIS”
Wat come on @ John, you giving @Truth be told told dat type of credit? alas magwassa. I had more respect for you dan dat.
“Did you notice the united front of the DLP during the new Budget? Did you notice the positivity? Yes we……. they even ag with Ian dat DLP brought more tonne in Portsmouth. May is de head on Skerro shoe, and the little bell calling the demons that created a frenzy when he announced.
But I do agree with you that CARICOM and OAU presented a report that would make elections fair and Linton gave the opportunity away. Consequently new leadership is necessary, but Linton should be the press secretary or spokes person for the party.
I guess my comments are still awaiting moderation or it did not find favor with you because of your parti pris.
ADMIN: Which comment? We have not deleted any recent comments under the name Galileo.
Please try resubmitting your comment or providing details so we can help.
All of them are UWPITES.
Mem bet mem pwel!
They under all sorts of names.
I can hardly wait to hear from de Committee of Concerned Pizza Delivery Guys!
Kool, next we can have chicken delivery. With Covid-19 stay at home now is the time to have all kinds of delivery.
You would think that a group of professional educated people would be more original and would not have to copy the CCM.
The UWP Bar Association…….smh. if Lennox doesn’t step aside we could see the formation of a new political party.
But that is the plan, but it will not work. Then when they fail their mindset will be so changed that they will not be able to be lawyers anymore. So its double edge.
Their plan is D. O.A.
My lawyer is in that so-called lawyer committee, give me a break I am sceptical not easily convinced having doubts or reservations about this lots why now! Lennox Linton and his loony supporters been doing all their monkey business in Dominica for years and nothing said, that crocodile crap is definitely designed to lunch attack at Mr Skerrit and his government, we will not be fools.
Is this just an other an-ti government political pressure group that will be having demonstrations ? Is this group goal to evolve into a political party ? Just like the CCM. Dominica is becoming a very interesting country as the setting for Political Science studies.
One can write a book on “Unsustainable Political Ambition”
How about that book of ‘Thieves and Vagabonds in public office’ or ‘are the members of a certain political party in a small Caribbean island the most foolish in history?’
That too, Just be sure that there are facts to support your point of view otherwise it will be fiction or fake news.
I commend these 9 lawyers who have chosen to put country over personal gain. I guess they have finally decided that enough is enough and are doing something to right the ship of State. I know that they are aware of the ramifications of their actions, especially when there is a vindictive person named Skerritt as the leader of the government regime. In addition, the head of state is so partisan that he is nothing but a rubber stamp for the malfeasance happening in the country.
These brave lawyers must decide to use all legal means necessary to accomplish their aims and objectives. Utilize cultural activities, print in all forms, the Internet, lectures, the church, tout baggai. I know this will require money to make it work, but once people see some results they will assist the effort. Try to incorporate the public as much as possible. Don’t expect the Skerritt government-controlled media to assist you. Build alliances in other countries as well. Good luck in your noble cause.
“I guess they have finally decided that enough is enough and are doing something to right the ship of State”. Question! Did the group of concerned lawyers said the foregoing? Didn’t they say that they are apolitical?
I would have though that somebody with the intelligence and caliber of JJ would have asked about the response of the group of Concerned Lawyers to the mischievous, un-merited onslaught that was unleashed on the name and reputation of another lawyer here – the judge? Were they concerned? Did the attack on the good name and reputation of the jurist give them any pleasure? If not, will they take up such matters at a later stage of the proceedings? Will they work to ensure that this never happened again?
I suppose Jonathan St. Jean knew what all about the intent and purpose of the group of “litigators against Skerrit when he penned that statement.
This is a necessary step by this group of lawyers and needs citizen support ..especially by those in the society I have labeled HIDERS IN THE BUSHES.. Justice cannot be obtained if citizens in a democratic society remain silent in face of illegality and violation of the constitution
Those guys are lawyers, so if there is illegality and violation of the constitution they know what to do. They know the meaning of “null and void”
How many cases of these violations have they taken to court.
I do not have an LLD in fact I do not even have an NDD. But I know that in legal terms you are innocent until proven guilty. Then lawyers are either defenders or prosecutors. They cannot be both. There is also this concept of ethical legal practice. Can they be sued for lies, is that libel ?
Clayton Shillingford Phd, can you give me some educational comments to enlighten me. Or is this football from a sports master.
Mr Elue Charles can you please update us on the local government reform which you are charged with putting together. Let’s start there, then we proceed.
@Galileo, are you intimating that the man cannot walk and chew gum at the same time?
No. It has been almost 20 years, conference after conference and nothing accomplished. See ? I know all of you who are commenting have no knowledge of what I am speaking. That’s the most asinine thing to comment or try to defend something about which you have no information
See our problem in Dominica? We want to hold Mr. Skerrit and the government accountable and rightly so. However, we find difficulty in holding those who we see as being on our side, to stay the same standards. That is the definition of hypocrisy. Again UWP will never prevail with this attitude. Though people are fed Up with the government they won’t follow. All these half wits who are putting thumbs down have no idea what it is I am talking about in my comment. Ask Mr. Charles and he will tell you. He may even give a legitimate explanation why he was unsuccessful. Grow some 🧠.
Well, Galileo if we don’t know what you talking about is your fault. If you too clever for us, clim down a step or two. Doesn’t matter how smart you are, if you have no audience nobody will hear you, not even sosio.
I’ve often called for influential groups, organizations and individuals to come to the rescue of Dominicans from the jaws of a severely corrupt and galloping dictatorship. So, it gives me superlative happiness to witness the formation of this non-partisan group , the Concerned Lawyers more affectionately known as the FORMIDABLE NINE. Let’s hope it will swell to full capacity.
A note of warning! You will be subjected to the most ferocious and callous attacks by Skerrit’s most loyal soldiers. Don’t be distracted, don’t be deterred. NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER ❗ FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER❗
Wow, I guess Dominica has over 60 practising lawyer and only nine of have the best for their country and fellow countrymen at their heart. All the others, one can safely assume are either ‘passport agents’ already or try to empress the little man from up north in order to soon become one. It is upsetting to see how this man uses all our money to ‘buy’ loyalty, favours, elections, etc. Our country is rotten to the core and I wonder if 9 righteous lawyers, a few good UWP politicians, members of the concerned citizen movement and other non DLP followers are enough to rescue our country. It looks bleak, very bleak indeed. It’s the money, as Dominicans would say!
It’s not only about the money. It has to be also about educating the public in an attempt to get them ready for them to demand taking action for change. It has to be a grassroots movement from the ground up. Don’t forget that big rivers start off as small tributaries. As they go down towards the sea they are joined by others and turn into mighty rivers. Time will tell. It’s better to have a small group of committed individuals than a lot of dead weight.
Jonathan a group of committed or a group of UWPites who want to run the country at all costs. Talkers not doing anything. It is a known fact that all of them are against the Government and they all do not like the PM. I would say hate but I will be light. Even you Jonathan do not like the PM. But I am warning you guys that the PM is from Dominica. You from Castle Bruce and we all need to lift up one another not causing wars, strife, disgruntleness. When are you coming down for you to see firsthand what is happening? Plan a holiday, take into account quarantine. Come see for u. Johnny boy you will never be the same. Let love flow Johnny Boy. Bitterness is a downpayment on stress which can kill. Come as we await u with love in DA country.
Batibou River remove your Linette bois. Look well and look at all those who are UWPites there. So they righteous? You too are righteous? So UWP righteous. Batibou why all this politics? I know you are a UWPite so it is time to do something to help in the country building after Maria & new normal “COVID” time.
Why do you guys not stop the politics until the next time which is election time? You guys only wasting too much precious time and no one is going to take you seriously. You guys not doing anything concrete; not helping anyone just talk, talk.
Stop the foolishness and be serious and let your works be seen. Only voices (noisy) (hot air) (nonsubstance) so you guys can not make any inroads. Obsessed men, you all are with no strategic plan. What comes out but bitterness, strife, war, demonstration, hatred, and all the negative spirits. Go have a self-inflicted siesta & objectively look internally – you and those all they can do is talk, not doing anything. Wasted…
To Truth Be Told: I missed your insertions for the last weeks. I’m happy that you are back and OK. Thanks for your words of appreciation in response to my story published in July. I felt validated. Thanks also for coming to my defense where you did. You understood I was not a professional writer and felt the words of my story (free writing style) was coming from the heart. I felt your empathy. The mom and dad you knew should be proud I finally got the fortitude to remind the public of the “public rape” I underwent and the wholesale destruction of over 50 years Dedicated Labor, Blood, Sweat and Tears in a night and a day….. Again, thanks and I would like to comply with your request for a recent photo. Showers of Blessings my friend!
To Truth Be Told:
It’s me again. Talking about talk, talk talk may i invite you to go to YouTube and listen to: Rondell Donawa – Lip Service [Calypso 2017]. If you like the lyrics although it’s a trinidadian make a request for it to be played on the local stations. The putrefied air needs some music. Enjoy. Thanks.
You are one of those suckers that preach this propaganda on a daily basis in the hope of receiving a few crumbs of the thieves table. Doesn’t it bother you that your PM lives in a palace and some of your fellow countrymen do still have plastic as roof cover. Doesn’t it bother you that your PM wears a new designer suit every day of the year and your fellow countrymen can’t afford a suit in a live time… Do you want me to continue and embarrass you further?
Strange, you guys ridiculed Rome Bannis for the way he dressed and Dame Eugenia for how and where she lived. Can’t seem to please you.
Looks like the formation of a new political party under the leadership of Wiltshire or Joshua Francis. Dem fellas probably sick of Lennox Linton as UWP leader and decided to form their own Party of Lawyers / Liers.
Don’t worry about it! As YOUR PM once stated: none of your damn business!
Has there been any update on the court matter that was adjourned due to illness of the judge?
How is the Judge doing? If he is unable to continue in the matter due to his illness, has another judge been identified?
Many people are awaiting information like you. I wonder why is opposition forces not saying a word about this. Or are they planning to withdraw this “suite case”
Then they can be taken up for attempting to disrupt the elections. Their “INTENT” was very clear because of their activities before the elections.
Thank god for his small mercies……we still have patriots left in the land of Bala, Jacko, Congoree, Buju, Pyro, Handbag, Lennox, Lofty, Matt and all the others who continue to good fight. Just remember its ok to get arrested for making “GOOD Trouble”. I stand in solidarity with you all.
Bwa Banday, It is very interesting that you mentioned Matt. Is that Matt Peltier of Q95.
You stand in solidarity with them, but no one knows who you are so your solidarity is useless.
Joe, Matt of Q95 is just a wet fart who wants to play both sides.