AG Levi Peter, strikes back

Attorney general Levi Peter
Attorney General Levi Peter

Attorney general, Levi Peter, has come out swinging against those who question his integrity and has issued a challenge to those who have anything with substance to come forward.

On Wednesday it was announced that Peter was appointed acting Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) until the post is filled in early November by Guyanese Kurt DeFreitas.

The announcement did not go down well with many who appeared to be concerned about his integrity and lack of honesty.

But speaking on privately-owned Q95, Peter dismissed the concerns as ‘fanciful.’

“I do not know anybody who can come forward and say anything about me in terms of my integrity for all of my years on planet earth,” he said. “I served in the Dominica police service from 1978, so you can get an idea from my time around. I suggest you cannot find a single person who can give any credible information and argument in regards to my integrity or to say I lack integrity.”

Peter pointed out that he wanted to place this on the record because for the three years he was appointed attorney general, ‘some people have seen it as their right to vilify and denigrate me without any basis whatsoever.’

He issued a challenge to anyone who has questioned his integrity to come forward. “He could can stand forward and come forward with anything substantial or substantive, in other words not fanciful, accusation against me in terms of my integrity which justify the concerns being raised, step forward,” he noted.

Peter also shot down accusations made by someone that he is taking ‘directives from other people.’

“That person obviously doesn’t know me,” he stated. “He doesn’t know me at all. Go back to my school friends …ask them which one of them know anybody who can tell me what to do.”

The attorney general pointed out that there is nothing illegal in being attorney general and DPP at the same time while making it clear that he has no intention of holding both posts for an extended period of time.

“I have no desire to be attorney general and director of public prosecution on a long term basis,” he stated. “The situation is that somebody has been appointed to the office, the person is not within this jurisdiction. As in common in a professional position , normally there is a lag because the person either has to give notice in the position that they are and in professional positions, it is common that notice is a three months period.”

Additionally, he noted, in cases like this, the person appointed is given time if that person has personal affairs that need to be wound up.

“Which is the situation we find ourselves in,” he remarked. “The person who has been offered the post of director of public prosecution is outside our jurisdiction, has to arrange his affairs to come and as you might have heard is due to take up the position on the first of November. We therefore need somebody to fulfill the function of director of public prosecution in the intervening period…”

He stated that no one should panic because of the fact that he is holding both positions. “People need not be panicked, there is nothing to panic about,” Peter noted. “I am a deliberate and level headed individual. I have not, since I am in the position of attorney general engage in any sidekicks, as far as I am aware and I am quite happy to be in the background to do my function in the way I believe it should be done and leave it for others to applaud or criticize…”

Peter remarked that his role as DPP is to prepare for the upcoming criminal assizes in an appropriate manner ‘and not interfere with various matters or controversies.’

“So all conspiracy theories that the director of public prosecution is Levi Peter because some may fear that activities are being planned, we must stop this in Dominica,” he said. “It is high time we stop this. We are one people. We may have different views, politically or otherwise, we may be of different religions or so forth. That is not a reason for us to turn on each other and savage each other in a manner that is highly unbecoming.”

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39 Comments

  1. forkit
    August 31, 2013

    first allu put prevost there to appear to do something about de mano case because of de bajan tactics for next election, then allu put levi there to add de icing on de cake…

    levi a political supporter and croonie, and an allu taking levi word at face value.. GOOD LUCK
    if them man will after election allu will see political mackgaivering

  2. Joe
    August 30, 2013

    Sory Mr. Peters, perception is everything!
    Some people need to not own Dominica, and do ‘many things’ to stay owning it.

  3. alas
    August 29, 2013

    Mr.Attorney General, Those with substance are coming forward but unfortunately they are being held back by a government who does not employ individuals with opposing views.

    Thank you

    • MountainChicken1
      August 30, 2013

      If there is an ounce of truth in your assertions, is that the way to carry on by making of stories and innuendos on everyone within reach, just to justify yourselves?

      You lot want to be taken seriously by the rest of the world, yet still you’re still into playing silly games and making up false(row-row) stories about people just because you can do it, and the individual on the receiving end shouldn’t say anything. Are you all crazy or just too so saturated in the “toxic living” that it’s hard to see the wrong you’re doing not?

      If you’re making accusations then bring those forward and STOP teaching your children that it’s acceptable to carry on with such primitive and childish behaviour. GROW THE HELL UP DOMINICANS!!!!! :cry:

      • stop croaking
        August 31, 2013

        You are really a mountain chicken. Can you tell me if it is the hunting season.

    • CodFishBalls2
      August 30, 2013

      So let’s not pretend this is some new phenomenon that we’ve never seen before as we all know it isn’t.

      NEXT………..! :lol:

    • FingerPointers4
      August 30, 2013

      Even if, and I say very carefully that was the case, “what the is new”, not just in DA but the region as a whole?” Not a thing if what you say actually has any validity.

      I do remember growing up in DA when it was like this in PJ era, then followed by the DFP era, (personally know people who got jobs as teachers, over people who were equally, and in some cases more qualified than them), all because their parents were in DFP and they too were what was called “Young Freedom Movement” members, similarly the same dynamics carried on gracefully when the UWP came into power, (resulting in I might add, with people who were in positions for years in various sectors up and down the island, being kicked out from their roles with no just reason, only so they could make room for those who campaigned on promises of those positions if they won the elections.

      • Stand up
        August 31, 2013

        2 wrongs cannot make a right. Always be on the side of what is right..

  4. Labor Supporter
    August 29, 2013

    Having made your statement Mr. Levi, tell me why you want to be DPP for a month and be Attorney General? Are you telling me that in Dominica there’s no one else who can be DPP? Why did they turn down Ms Baptiste? Couldn’t she hold the position in an acting capacity for at least six (6)months to determine her capabilities and make a decision. For what I know she has sufficient experience; and what happen to Mr. Prevost who was acting. Mr. Levi we all know your loyalty to the Government and ethically there are a few cases that the Government is attached to, so for the sake of transparency, don’t you believe that it would have been better to step aside and avoid all the controversy?

    • Labor Supporter
      August 29, 2013

      Sorry, I mean’t from what I know.

  5. Portsmouth
    August 29, 2013

    You want to be wrong and strong in this smatter. Even if you deviate from DLP practice of doing things and not explaining it to the public, you still cannot justify the two salaries that you will be getting for this additional job.
    In no way can this be right in a normal country. But again is Dominica we talking about, so even if you take a third job, it wil stil be okay with the supporters with the wooden louvers.
    God Bless Dominica.

  6. Doc. Love
    August 29, 2013

    I would like to applaud Levi for coming on Q95 Hot Seat. He has done what his boss Skerrit is scared to do, I hope he will not get into trouble for taking that action. Levi must understand, as long as the Skerrit Labor Party Government shows a lack of governance incapabilities, their will always be a measure of anger by the Patriots and Opposition, which will certainly carry some form of dissatisfaction. As a legal man, their is no room for legal mistakes. Therefore, if he does not stop trying to compromise his integrity to please Skerrit , whether he believes he is vilified, disliked or their is an accusation, conspiracy, savagery, whatever, this form of political attack will not stop.

  7. lord help us
    August 29, 2013

    Ok Mr. Peter, since you have asked the public to come forward with questions regarding your integrity, let me take this opportunity to raise my issues. As state lead attorney I know your key job is two-fold 1.To defend the state, and 2. to give legal advise and defend the government regarding legal matters. That being said here are my questions:
    1. Can you proudly and sincerely say that you are the one advising Skerrit on legal matters? If yes
    2.Can you proudly and sincerely say that Mr. Skerrit is taking your advise especially as it pertains to corrupt practices and the constitution?
    3.If not, why haven’t you resigned like others who held similar position under Mr. Skerrit?
    4.It is public knowledge that Mr. Skerrit’s lead attorney Mr. Isidore was charged with 40 counts of theft and an arrest warrant was signed by an independent magistrate. Up to this day (2yrs ago), he still has not been arrested. Can Mr. Peter tell us why? Can Mr. peter honestly tell us how he feels about it?
    Unless these questions are honestly answered Mr. Levi Peter will be seen as part of the corrupt team and will not be respected.

  8. Amazed
    August 29, 2013

    Levi Peters as chief legal advisor to the government what is your record to prove that you are a man of integrity. Can you honestly show that you have taken any strong stand in the interest of Dominica over the past few years? What is your position on all the scandals and issues of concern to the public? What about the prostitution of our passports? What is your stand on this. Mr. Peters, silence means consent.

  9. Shameless
    August 29, 2013

    Come on Levi. You know this stinks because it is unethical. Granted, the constitution is to be blamed but sometimes “COMMON SENSE” must prevail especially in light of our political situation in Dca. Please ask government to amend the constitution and make the Chief Magistrate the delegated DPP in the absence of such a person for any reason. You are slowly becoming part of the hated cabal that Dcans will NEVER forget. But be reminded that ..”Change Must Come”..and with it accountability from all those who took advantage of Ma Dominique.

    I remain, Assertive, NOT Aggressive! :twisted:

  10. smh
    August 29, 2013

    so ummm wait a while so you telling me mr peter is still employed as the attorney general and now the DPP? getting two salaries? if this is the case mr peter with all your integrity you should have turned down the job. i’m sure somebody else is qualified to take the appointed post for this “short” period.

    • Whatever
      August 30, 2013

      What two salaries??? How sure are you that your silly comment is true? Many employees are not always give salary compensation when you are asked to take on additional tasks…It would be wise to take the time to find out facts before blabbing!!!

  11. J.J.John-Charles
    August 29, 2013

    I do not care about UWP or DLP.The man gave a challenge,so speak now or SHUT-UP.

    I’m proud 2be Freedomite

  12. August 29, 2013

    Mr.Peters I would suggest that you pass on some of your adivice to your Boss and other members of your party. By the way you pretended your hands were tied when we expected you to do your job on several occasions instead you flip flop on some key issues so what’s going to be different in this job. Oh yes, you said you like to be in the back ground so what cause you to come to the front this time is it possible the job will be permantent after all the person who is expected to pick up the job is up in age already Mr.Peters what does the Constitution say about that will you explain it to us.
    I will say again Everlina Baptiste were a better choice so why didnt you recommond her it’s just a temporary position. And do you really expected other Lawyers to come forward be realistic for they know better than that.

  13. Mamizoo
    August 29, 2013

    It is my opinion that the following offices should be occupied by people who are elected by the people; the DPP, Police Commissioner, IPO and the AG. Some of us will conveniently find excuses to not go down this road but we must be willing to walk the road if we want to find out where the potholes are located.
    We can do this in such a way that there is no political manipulation. You want the job present your yourself to be elected ; let the contenders plead their case to the people. Any partisan interference would be a criminal offence.
    Our problem as I forever state is that our system is so designed to place too much power in the hands of one man or just a few self serving people in authority.
    I am sure that those in opposition are in agreement with me only because what I am saying suits their agenda. Wouldn’t it be ” Mavericky” like Sara Palin would say for the opposition to come out and support the balancing of power in Dominica. Mr Lennox Linton would you like to tackle this issue while you are still in Investigative journalism mode?

    If we want to rid ourselves of corruption in government we must make those bold moves and stop pretending that we can depend on politicians to bring honesty , sincerity and transparency to government. We know darn well that this is not going to happen without a system of checks and balances. People like Levi , DPP, IPO, should all be fighting for our votes and not the favor of dirty, corrupt and arrogant politicians

    Mamizoo is no ” Mouche Kotwen” of any politicians

  14. ZULU
    August 29, 2013

    Two things Mr. Levi. The fact you were a police officer meant you had to follow the order of your superior. So you have been told what to do and did whether you like it or not. The possibility of you maintaining that principle is strong since you are trained to follow orders of your superior. If that was not the case you would have resigned your position by now. Its like collin Powel making case for war in iraq. Cause as a trained soldier you follow orders.

    Secondly the fact that we are in this situation shows how unprepared the administration is. The former DPP must have given ample notification. What happen to all those lawyers we have in Dominica. Three professions we cannot run out off in dominica: Doctors, Lawyers, and Agriculturist, so dont tell me getting someone to fill that post is such a challenge.

  15. New Yorker
    August 29, 2013

    Despite the fact that i do not support this administration as a Dominican we got to give this man his dues, I listen to him on Q95 today and it is my understanding that his appointment is constitutional barren his actions and statements of the past. He was humble in his pronuncements and very clear in defending himself. As one who listens to other talk shows on Q95 commentators always seems to talk about the constitutionality of Government actions therefore i see no red flags in this man appointments like he said others need to come ye forward sons and daughters to serve as he has done leaving his UK practice to serve Dominica, He does deserve a chance, such a humble man

  16. babalene
    August 29, 2013

    There seems to be many LIAT type management stlyes around – no planning, poor decision making and no transition plan. LIAT all over again.haha

  17. hmmm
    August 29, 2013

    The opposition supporters are not smart. They oppose everything under the sun and emerge sounding like fools!

    • Portsmouth
      August 29, 2013

      Even a person who did not go to school knows that it is worng to hold two Gov’t jobs, so what are you talking about smart??!!
      You are not being objective my friend, open your eyes and wake up from the cool-aid that they gave you to drink.

  18. Political Observer
    August 29, 2013

    And you call that a strike back??????

  19. Observer
    August 29, 2013

    Mr. Attorney General, that is Dominica for you today. Every caller to the various talk shows on a particular radio has become an authority on issues of ethics, integrity, justice and truth. their only persuasion and qualification is that they hold a particular partisan view. How sad for us as a country. Once you offer some support to PM Skerrit, it does not matter who, how, when and why, you are instantly branded as corrupt and unethical. Oh, boy!

    • Portsmouth
      August 29, 2013

      Observer you people are such hypocrites – I see people like you in Portsmouth criticizing every move by the Freedom Party government and every move by the UWP government. People like you referred to Eugenia as “Mama Modra”, Soukoyan, not for the Poor etc. Today you present you sanctimonious attitude now that the name Labor Party is in power.
      We all know that people like you are just blood suckers who are bent on keeping laborats forever ignorant and dependent on the crumbs falling of the table of the crooks and criminals in government. What you hear on radio is no different from what was coming from your mouths back then. The only difference today is that the crimes of the corrupt administration is more openly exposed and people are much more resourceful.In addition the crooks in government and their cabals are more daring and bold face.

    • concern citizen
      August 29, 2013

      well said

    • Papa Dom
      August 29, 2013

      Can you honestly say that as it pertains to you that they are wrong? I wonder whether you held those views two years ago.

  20. >>>>>>>>>
    August 29, 2013

    Levi go rest yourself. No matter how you blow your own trumpet, you won’t fool the people. Thing is the administration that you are part of is not trusted, it is labelled as corrupt,and in the past has only employed men in certain positions who will carry out their agenda.You will NEVER be able to convince the public that you are not one such man!!!!!!
    GO REST YOURSELF.
    WISH THE ELECTORATE KICK THE SKERRIT CABAL OUT OF OFFICE.

    • peeping tom
      August 29, 2013

      all those crying to kick the government out of office,your time will come to vote, but that does not mean your one kick vote will be the majority. as far as I know the majority is silent,and is confident,and quite content with their government..ask the leader in waiting,why he was kicked out of Antigua my second home.

    • Observer
      August 29, 2013

      that is exactly my point. Because he is working in a Skerrit led government, he can do no good.

    • UWP
      August 29, 2013

      I do agree with the gentleman. Though we may believe that he has his bias as would so many of us there is no reason to label him as being corrupt. We should not and must not label people with no evidence. One may argue that this is bad planning on the administration part but to label someone as being corrupt for doing what is legal is wrong. Come on my people, let us keep to the real issues. We cannot win the election by doing that. THE SAW FOR SURE.

      • WE VOTING UWP
        August 31, 2013

        Remember, one cannot choose to follow the law today, when it suits him and ignore it tomorrow when it does not. The constitutional provisions must be consistently adhered to all the time. It is only when, one does not have the desire to follow the constitution will he propose the use of a red- herring doctrine of necessity.

  21. UWP
    August 29, 2013

    Perception is what we are talking about here, Levi. You are a tool of the DLP and this clouds your impatiality. Do not feel special, that is the order of the day in DA. Nobody gets any position unless the PM says so. And you have to prove that you are his faithful servant. I challenge you to say it aint so/

    • peeping tom
      August 29, 2013

      so if you had the belief he was on the uwp side,he would be partial?it seems like one has to be on uwp side to have commonsense..you people just so bias and onesided…when I start hearing some of you give credit to the government for the good they do I will listen to your crap.when I read here it seems like the government is not doing anything that’s good..when dlp do good give them their props,dont only dwell on the negatives.

    • Observer
      August 29, 2013

      Wasn’t it the same old story between 1995 and 2000. Remember the issue with the appointment of a News editor at DBS Radio? Remember the infamous statement in parliament about Angelo having qualifications form a certain Us university which qualifies him for the job? the truth is Angelo attended the opening ceremony of a three workshop that the university was holding in Dominica.so what qualified him for the post over Steinberg Henry, Camilla Ballot, Steven Dangleben et al. All three had years of working experience at DBS Radio and studied Mass Communications for two years at CARIMAC in Jamaica. Steinberg was a masters degree student. At the same DBS radio, remember when the son of the UWP party president, employed at the GIS at the time undertook short stints at DBS Radio as News editor (Ag) in the absence of Angelo, at a time when there were members of staff, duly qualified who were by- passed. Oh, how we seem to forget. Because UWP when in government shamelessly pursued a reckless policy of going after all those they think did not support them. Small wonder they can only see evil in others. Evil they are.

    • UWP
      August 29, 2013

      Change your name.

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