Patrick John fights back

Patrick John

Suspended president of the Dominica Football Association (DFA), Patrick John, is demanding that a decison taken by the DFA annual conference to suspend him from the association, be rescinded.

The annual conference, held a few weeks ago, upheld a resolution by an 18-6 vote to suspend John until 2015.

On November 17, 2011, the FIFA Ethics Committee imposed a two-year ban and a fine on John after finding him guilty of violating FIFA’s Code of Ethics. That decision was later upheld by the FIFA Appeals Committee.

That FIFA decision prompted a resolution by football clubs for John’s suspension  from the DFA on the grounds that the ban placed on him by FIFA had brought the association and the office of the president into disrepute “shame, disgrace and ridicule.”

However, John through his lawyer J. Gildon Richards, in a letter to DFA president Glen Etienne, dated July 18, 2012 , states that the decision of the annual conference was “illegal and should be rescinded.”

According to the letter, which was obtained by DNO, neither the resolution nor the decision by the conference was based on disciplinary allegations separate from that which FIFA alleged.

“There was no dispute in which our client was involved which fell within the jurisdiction of the Dispute Tribunal of the Association. In light of the forgoing, our client advisedly believes that there was no lawful basis for the formulation of the said resolution……and believes that the Conference was not lawfully empowered to adopt the said resolution, either pursuant to the Association’s Constitution or by FIFA Statutes,” Richards wrote.

He stated further, that in the result, both the resolution and the Conference’s decision are “patently unlawful and unfair.”

“Our client finds it ironic that the Conference, purporting to be the beacon of disciplinary rectitude, can so patently violate the terms of its own constitution and FIFA Statutes by which it is bound,” he said.

The letter continues “consistent with our instructions and the basic tenets of justice, we request demand that the Conference and or the Board of your said association annul or rescind the said resolution and the decision by which the Conference purported to determine, that our client Patrick Roland John, must continue on suspension beyond the two years imposed by FIFA, into and throughout the unexpired portion of the term for which he was elected to serve as President of the DFA which expires in 2015. We kindly request a written reply to this letter indication your decision on or before August 5, 2012…..our client reserves all his rights in this matter.”

John was suspended by the Conference as per resolution moved by Conrad James of the Tremors and seconded by Robertson Hypolite of Ghetto Mix.

When asked to comment on the matter DFA officials said it was in the hands of their lawyers but referred DNO to articles 19 (3), (6), (7) and( 8) of the DFA constitution headed “functions of the annual conference.”

Based on DNO’s research, article 19 (3) states that “the decision of the annual or special conference shall be final and not be chalenged by any other authority.” while article 19 (8) reads “all decisions of an anual conference are binding on all members and affiliated bodies and shall so remain unless or until such decisions are rescinded or waived by a majority vote of two thirds of the votes given by the members of the conference present and entitled to vote.”

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68 Comments

  1. biggie smalls
    August 4, 2013

    This guy represents all that is wrong with Black people, especially those in the Americas. We hate ourselves so much, and are so quick to sell our souls just to elevate ourselves.

    This fool has brought such disgrace upon your tiny island. To seek support from the KKK to regain power. The very people that hate your guts, and would lynch 99% of the Dominican population given the chance.

    This is not only an insult to your country, but an insult to you as a people.

    If he were an Iraqi selling out Iraq, an Indian selling out India, or a Chinaman selling out China. He would be killed by an angry mob. But not self-hating black people.

  2. July 31, 2012

    Patrick John A.K.A PJ, the man with all the cadguts that is being sold in all of Dominica. Sir, you can cry, you can direct, you can instruct, you can even threaten court action becuse a drowning man will grab at a straw, but you will never be part of central football again in this country. If you say you are that love go to Caneield or somewhere in Dominica and start your own football league. Mr. Right Honorable Colonel,shows what you have. Your day are over, big time. No more bullying. You bullied peopl like me enough on the executive and I never got the baking from others in there to derail, but thank god commonsense prevailed and you were casted out. Thank you club for a job well done.

    Further, be minded that you all shuold never close eyes on this man, he will attack at any hour, he hate defeat. Also pay attention to his close allies that still sit in football house. We all know who they are.

  3. One Nation
    July 30, 2012

    Its amazing the amount of hatred being spewed out here against a fellow black dominican. you people should be ashamed of yourselves. This has nothing to do with morality of ethics. It has many blatant vices taking place in central government which you all tolerate if not encourage, yet you have the gall to come here and pontificate on an easy target like PJ.

    Sometimes one have to wonder why do you all even bother go church, pray the loudest and come here spewing so much venom.

  4. GREENLEAF
    July 29, 2012

    PJ really believe that is his father estate.

    FIFA will not reconsider you. Once they do their background check on you that is it.

    You are lucky to survive this long on the committee.

    I know you are disappointed but LET IT GO.

  5. July 28, 2012

    Fight Patrick fight!

  6. Anonymous
    July 28, 2012

    Fight back for what? PJ it is time to seat back and enjoy your retirement with your wife, take a cruise, or something and leave football and it’s trouble for the younger folks.

  7. July 28, 2012

    That man is obsessed with being LEADER of Dominica football.Its unbelievable how someone can try to hold on to a position.I say there must be some serious benefit most of us dont know about.For reallll

  8. Anonymous
    July 27, 2012

    All the young people commenting on Patrick John do not know who he was or what he did for Dominica. Yes he fell for whatever reason but he was a rock star in his days. Its a pity he is only remembered by what happened in 1979 but this man was great

    • stupes...
      July 29, 2012

      Gadaffi was a ‘rock star’ once, look what happened. There have been many ‘rock stars’ as you call it, does not say anything about being worthy of the title. Patrick John had no good intentions for Dominica and ran the country like his household, squandering money on extravagance. Treason back in the day was punishable by death, he was supposed to be in prison for life…so the man is lucky to be out a free man, he should be humbled and stay out of the public life.

    • teena
      July 29, 2012

      Patrick was king in his hay day. He was the reason for some Bath Estate residents paying $60. per month as house rent…never again in DA. That was a government helping people

      • July 29, 2012

        We learn by our mistakes and God forgives and forget. He did a lot of good for the country. Hie goverment was a goverment for the people, by the people and with the people. We cn’t brush that aside. If he was in power today he would have wiped out the drug problem and manage the economy effectively just as Leblanc and Eddison James. For sure there would be No VAT and he would never put the sales tax would remain at 3%. Import duty on vehicles would not be sky rocket. Ah ma guay sa.
        He erred in 1979 when he applied the ‘NO LAW,NO CONSTITUTION ACT’. HOWEVER HE DID NOT apply THE ‘GO TO HELL IT IS NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS’ ACT. He applied one act but scare it is guilty of both acts. They are Dominicans, are you?

  9. makomaho
    July 27, 2012

    you have no case at all the law doesnt make provision for stupidity.
    enuff is enuff
    im supporting pj
    respect our first pm

  10. Sports Lover
    July 27, 2012

    I have said it and will repeat again. Fresh Elections should have been held and so the DFA would not be in this situation. PJ would be voted out and a new Executive would be installed. I do not know what the present Acting President is afraid off. And yes, he is the Acting President and not the President.

  11. DA Massive
    July 27, 2012

    Patrick John that was the best representation you could have given Dominica? You should be ashame of yourself even trying to fight this case.The 63-year-old Qatari has been NOT proven innocent by CAS but the appeal has been upheld on the grounds of insufficient evidence. On the other side of the world money buys alot and that you don’t have. So if you think you can buy your innocent go right ahead.

  12. SESSAME ROAD
    July 27, 2012

    PJ we support you big time. It have people in Newtown who think football in our area is theirs for life. Some of them in newtown behing your position. They not even harving a genreral meeiting and power hungry behind your job.

    I doh building or build no houses at all. briges I building on my own money blood and sweat papa.

    Leive PJ alone

    they power hungy

    tosh say who d cap fit

  13. The Comedian
    July 27, 2012

    Open Letter to who it concerns:
    The local organization has already given you a vote of no confidence. Even if you are reinstated you will be no better than a lame duck and that would stifle football for Dominica. Do the honorable thing and bow out gracefully, or maybe I should say disgracefully. Selling out the Country is one thing, but coming again to sell out the integrity of Dominica football? Enough is enough.

  14. LIMINGLUCY
    July 27, 2012

    WHY IS THIS MAN STILL NEWS WORTHY?

  15. Choice X
    July 27, 2012

    A person should only lie down and die when he is DEAD. All time you are alive you should give a good fight.

    This is suppose to be a democracy, which means that all laws have to be tested to thier fullest measure both in offense and defense.

    When the white man invaded Africa, the blacks just gave in easily. the ensuing brutal slavery and colonialism were and still remains testament to the cowardice and treachery of that time.

    If the gentlemen who orchestrated this ‘constitutional coup’ were honest and courageous they would call a general elections and face the madate, instead of installing themselves sinisterly on the football association members.

  16. ka
    July 27, 2012

    it seems dominicans for get all de good things pj do for dominica eg like sell land for only $300

  17. KiSahNoh
    July 27, 2012

    I’m really getting annoyed with Patrick John. What the heck? Just bow out gracefully. Ratted! :evil:

  18. hmm
    July 27, 2012

    one thing you that there deosn’t give up eh…i must commend u for that man

  19. Morihei Ueshiba
    July 27, 2012

    :-D Don’t Give up PJ, Sot they Sot U CAN DO IT! WE SUPPORT U!
    Mohamed Bin Hammam’s lifetime FIFA ban imposed for allegedly paying bribes has been annulled by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

    http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/mohamed-bin-hammam-has-fifa-ban-annulled-by-court-of-arbitration-for-sport-7959045.html

    • future
      July 27, 2012

      ahd fifa ban him again for 90 days

  20. Grandbay
    July 27, 2012

    P.J you should just chill out now.There comes a time when we have to tell oursleves enough is enough and now is that time for P.J.
    You have brought nothing but disgrace to a little country like Dominica.Go already!

  21. evenhanded
    July 27, 2012

    He is entitled to have the rules of fair procedure apply to his case–nothing more nothing less!

  22. Maximillion
    July 27, 2012

    PJ, give it up and go away. If they wanted you to stay on as president, they would not have voted you out of office. Only you and God know why you want to persist in a position where you are not wanted.

    Move on.

  23. stupes...
    July 27, 2012

    I am just so tired of the DFA in fighting, cause that is just about all thats happening for football in Dominica. No progress with the sport and the youth who are actually involved in the sport. Their talent is here wasting away while the executives in charge just fight amongst themselves and pursue their power struggle, SHAME!!!! When was the last time any youth were given opportunity to pursue the sport on an international level? are there any sports scholarships for the young men and women? Whats the status of the field at Stock Farm? We hear nothing positive. Power certainly corrupts!!

  24. Dubique767
    July 27, 2012

    “Pain will leave you, when you let go…May be.”

  25. Bayou of Pigs
    July 27, 2012

    I grew up of knowing of Patrick John in jail for treason and many people believe he should be free including my family would say how he was a great man and leader however after reading BAYOU Of PIGS I got to understand how this man thinks, full of pride and would do almost anything to have Power at any cause even if it means to give his country to the Klu Klax Klan(KKK). My humble opinion I believe this man should have spend the rest of his life in jail serving Hard Labour. Then again I guess he Know People, That Knows People, That Know People!!!!!

    • Just Asking
      July 27, 2012

      Very wise observation, Bayou of Pigs. Some of our people prefer to “sweep the shame under their carpets” rather than clean it up.

    • Realist
      July 27, 2012

      Who wrote bayou of pigs? Is it a black Dominican man?
      Even the name is an insult to the native black people of Dominica likening them to pigs.
      Your opinion of pj should be based on facts not on hearsay even if it came from a book.
      BTW when you get to know the true story of the MAY 29 1979 events would you have the same outlook on many of the criminals in dominica who now masquerading as saints?

    • budman
      July 27, 2012

      in many countries treason is punishable by death. i don’t understand how Patrick John can be so arrogant and bareface given his history of disgrace in this country

  26. A Voice
    July 27, 2012

    I mean really admin?

    I am the first to post and yet to be moderated?

    Atleast point out to me where in my post that I violated any of your rules. This is not the first time that you are censoring me on this particular subject, so I find it hard to believe that this is a coincedence.

  27. loveable
    July 27, 2012

    pj its time for u to live that thing alone and live it for them young people. GO HOME AND REST :-P

  28. Peeping Tom
    July 27, 2012

    Cut Mr. John some slack. This is a democracy. If an individual feels aggrieved, he/she should pursue the matter, within his/her means, using the appropriate channels. Mr. John is doing just that. He is not being a public nuisance, he is not defaming anyone, he is speaking up for himself. If he does not do so, who else will speak for him?

    Besides, Mr. John’s «fight back» is actually a democracy legitimating action because he is reinforcing the strong culture of democracy that prevails within the DFA and the Dominican context.

    • Silent thinker
      July 27, 2012

      The only sensible comment on here to date

    • The Comedian
      July 27, 2012

      Thats great Peeping Tom. However, fighting for personal vindication while scores of our youth feel disenfranchised just because those at the top are in a power struggle, does more harm than good to the country. There is no wonder why the youth feel abandoned by the very people who profess to act in their best interest.

      • Peeping Tom
        July 27, 2012

        Why can’t we have both? Justice for the disenfranchised youth should not mean injustice for Mr. John (if indeed, he has been so treated.) One does not logically rule out the other.

    • Malatete
      July 28, 2012

      Tom, of course Mr. John has got rights but we easily forget that in a democracy they also come with duties. It is also democracy , which governs things by majority vote. The individual foregoes his/her self-interest in favour of that of the majority. I’m sure you are the last one to take issue with that.

      • Peeping Tom
        July 28, 2012

        No, Malatete, i do not take issue with «the individual foregoes his/her self-interest in favour of that of the majority.»

        I suppose democracy is all about balance. Balancing the individual versus collective rights; rights versus responsibilities, etc.

  29. July 27, 2012

    It is very alarming to note that Patrick John is fighting this BAN. in my humble opinion he should just accept his ban. If two thirds of the folks from the clubs voted him out, this is a very strong message being sent to him that they no longer want him affiliated with their clubs. Further more if even they were to go to court and the decision was reversed and the clubs do not care to have him what sence would that make. They do not want you just leave. Or would you like the clubs to treat you like the citizens did you when you were PM of the land and thought you were untouchable? How quick we forget!!! Just move on with your life and leave the clube alone..

    • future
      July 27, 2012

      football matters cannot be decided in court. only the clubs can decide

  30. Malatete
    July 27, 2012

    P.J. please, bow out gracefully while you still can. The self-interest is so blatant it is embarrassing, not only for the football association but for the image of the country you profess to love and not least for your self and any vestiges of your legacy that may be left. Nobody will think less of you for making that exit now with a measure of self-respect. Good luck.

  31. bb
    July 26, 2012

    Because the building mark Patrick John Football House PJ think it is his personal house. Man cool out relax yourself in your rocking chair and drink some black lable, behave yourself my brother, you can hadly claim the steps what you fighting for.

  32. AdultED
    July 26, 2012

    “shame disgrace and ridicule” has been associated with the DFA from the onset by allowing PJ to be not only a member but President. Time and time again PJ has demonstrated the arrogant power hungry individual he has become since Dominicans entrusted him with responsibility to lead the country. DFA members casted a blind eye on PJ’s past and his notorious characteristics that’s the reason PJ now believes he is justified in challenging their decision.

  33. July 26, 2012

    I often asked myself if after Patrick John has gone if there is going to be football played in Dominica. This gentlemen thinks that he owns the sport. Mr. John, the annual conference voted you out 24-7 sir, this is a wake up call that says you should vacate. It was not 15-16 sir, this was resounding, wake up say and smell the cafe noir,sir. Oh my world man.

    The football House was name after you by the stupidity of a former member of the association, up to this time I am still mad at this individual. This reason why I am saying you I have not understand what you have really brought to the game when it comes to skills development. All you did was to see to that football was being played so you could line your pocket with a huge salary.Now to save face you are going to your lawyer to fight a case that you can never win.

    We had enough of you and never again you form any executive to sit and bully anyone in this football house. Your days are gone.

    By the way, why did you go to the same double action lawyer that represented you at FIFA level? Oh ho! Is he saying now that there is conflict of interest. Oh my, this thing that is called money can really move mountains.

  34. One Love
    July 26, 2012

    8-O OK so FIFA suspended him; then the DFA decides to extend the FIFA suspension WHAT A BUNCH OF HATERS pj SHOULD NOW TURN AROUND AND SUSPEND THE ENTIRE DFA

  35. Anonymous
    July 26, 2012

    PJ, just behave yourself eh and accept your punishment> you too boldface. Anyway, didn’t you say that you only wanted to serve two years and then you would pass on? Why the continued fight for power then? what’s wrong with you? Don’t you see it’s overdue time to retire? BEHAVE PJ, BEHAVE!!!!!!!!!!!

  36. chupssssss
    July 26, 2012

    stupesssss to mr.gruntled john.man is time to go home and rest yourself.power is something else wiiii..

    • MET YO
      July 27, 2012

      he just like allu boy skerrit

      • me
        July 27, 2012

        was waiting to see when some idiot would bring up politics

      • Anti-hate
        July 27, 2012

        Stupid comparison…By a stupid person..Say what you want about Skerrit but he is a popular leader VOTED IN by a large majority. PJ was voted out…So ur comparison is as dumb as u are….

      • MET YO
        July 27, 2012

        @ Anti-hate…I am proud to be dumb…as long as I am not as dumb as you are to be supporting that government so blindly….So leave me dumb eh. Is only when I reach to your level I will be concerned….very concerned.. :-D

  37. j/a
    July 26, 2012

    Dominican this man should be in prison all now for crime against the state and it’s people

    • Go to Hell
      July 31, 2012

      If others are not in prison, why should he be. He had the wrong lawyers.
      See what is happening today, and you keep your mouth shut eh.

  38. j/a
    July 26, 2012

    you all see this man is nothing but a trouble maker just agree that you lost the election an move on

  39. tect nee cal lity
    July 26, 2012

    here we go again,this man stick on everything like tatar,he doe want to let go.
    anyway let the chips fall where they may.

  40. LCM
    July 26, 2012

    Old habits die hard

  41. me
    July 26, 2012

    fight back my bro that is the beauty of democracy which is something u tried to deny us,,,,,,life is ironic

  42. Asterix
    July 26, 2012

    According to the article:
    When asked to comment on the matter DFA officials said it was in the hands of their lawyers but referred DNO to articles 19 (3), (6), (7)

    Based on DNO’s research, article 19 (3) states that “the decision of the annual or special conference shall be final and not be chalenged by any other authority.” while article 19 (8) reads “all decisions of an anual conference are binding on all members and affiliated bodies and shall so remain unless or until such decisions are rescinded or waived by a majority vote of two thirds of the votes given by the members of the conference present and entitled to vote.”

    What about 19(6)& 19(7) to which you were referred? What did these say? You cited (8)to which you were not referred

  43. AB
    July 26, 2012

    Give it a rest Mr. John.

  44. Voice From The North
    July 26, 2012

    Patrick John thinks that he is bigger than the Football Association. The association has the right to suspend him because since FIFA has banned him from all football activities under the auspices of FIFA then he cannot function under the DFA which is an affiliate of FIFA. Maybe PJ needs to set up his own Association that has nothing with FIFA and then he can run it.

  45. Supporter
    July 26, 2012

    DNO, the resolution was passed by 24 votes to 7 to have him suspended. Why doesn’t he do like his mentor, Jack Warner and call it quits. After all, the place is not his and the ball must role, just to quote one of his favourites.

  46. BJ
    July 26, 2012

    This man should be over 70 years by now and should be getting a pension from government and Social Security.

    If it turns out to be otherwise then we can all conclude that present politicians must be doing something different from him to secure themselves in old age.

    No wonder it have talk about Villas, lilac house, boat, house in Roseau, Land in Roseau Valley, house in village with pool that never have enough spring water to take a proper bath.

    Now I understand the call for supporters to give back to their party and build a house for their party with research office and office for man that when get kicked out from government in time to come will suffer less from L.O.P.S. since they will have a replicate of the High Office of Dominica in their party house!!! All man that on Boards and like to go cocktail party and VIP Room in Stadium and mingle in President Party must not only milk the Cow but have to feed the cow grAss!!!

    • Another UWP Clown
      July 27, 2012

      Its all political

  47. A Voice
    July 26, 2012

    Boy, this is what the love of power does.

    How is it that whatever you are guilty of, you did as the representative of the DFA and FIFA can ban you but the local DFA should not have the gaul to ban you?

    Should the DFA roll out the red carpet for you after your ban by FIFA is lifted? Isn’t your ban in itself an embarassment to the DFA? Should the DFA not have the right to have no confidence in you as a future leader of the association?

    History repeats itself man…

  48. Footballer
    July 26, 2012

    PJ Why won’t you simply go away into the sunset and enjoy your remaining years. You are well past three score and ten. There is no reason for all that public display. Any vote now will surely go against you. The footballers have spoken. Obviously they voted overwhelmingly to put you on suspension. Not to long ago they voted overwhelmingly for you. You had already betrayed their trust. There has to be something really sweet about being DFA President. Why you want to come back? Is it the big figure salary and the travel perks as match commissioner, here there and everywhere? It cannot be your name and reputation. Long time that went to the dreggs

  49. maestro
    July 26, 2012

    PJ just forget about the stuff and find something else to do. Are you fighting back to clear your name or because you are missing all of the good time you had. Let someone else build a house with the association money. All of you that is what you all are doning

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