(DNO) – Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan is suggesting that Member of Parliament (MP) for Marigot Edison James and Salisbury MP Hector John refrain from participating in a by-election should there be one.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit now has the green light to call by-elections after their (James and John) seats were made for missing three consecutive seats of parliament.
But Astaphan says if they decide not to participate, that would be the best thing for democracy in Dominica.
“If they feel the government is so corrupt then they should not even get nominated for by elections. They should leave the seats vacant or let someone else who wants to do the peoples business run. Perhaps the best political trick is not to get nominated at all.
The UWP members have been boycotting the House of Assembly, claiming that the December 18, 2009 general elections were fraudulent.
@…: Oui bonjay, leave the man no garcon, he just swim from the Grenadines where he does breed wid the other turtles……
@stamina daddy: Mister is a Dominican too garcon. If you go to Canada ot the U.S. and them say these things, you ain’t going like that at all, oui!
Oui bonjay, oryu weeeked eh garcon. Gee de man a break, oui! Mister trying he best, oui! Tony don’t care bout money at all, dat is rubbish. He ah try fu do wah he can fu we Domnishans garcon. stop kulubutting mister no!
what is wrong with some Dominicans ? ? Tony doesnt care two hooks about you all- Cant you all see its all about the MONEY ! ! Its all about poor peoples hard -earned taxpaying dollars ! Tony is not intrested in by – election or seats vacant . ITS THE MONEY people ! !. As sometine commented. HOW MUCH MORE DO YOU WANT , TONY ? HOW MUCH MORE DO YOU NEED, TONY ? WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO WITh MONEY, TONY ? IT IS VERY SAD TO SEE HOW MUCH MAN CAN ACUMULATE AND STIILL BE NOT CONTENTED
It’s amazing how much those so call DOMINICANS who say they care about MARIGOT and it’s people know what is best for them I must say some of the comments are so laughable and commical and all I have to say only in DOMINICA those nonsence can happen.
We the people of MARIGOT knows what is best for us and that is we will never allow ourselves to be bought we were never a people that ever took anything for granted we work hard for whatever we have Governments come and went and what have we got we do not expect the likes of Tony Astaphan to understand us men like those look out for themself and why is he a lawyer the mouth pipe for our Government he is so full of hot air he likes to hear himself speak he is the kind of person if he is not mentioed in the NEWS he will make sure he gets there.
To the PM if you really want the ISLAND to come together you would take it upon yourself to speak to the people instead of letting loose your pit bulls to attach them especially the 2 VILLAGES that did not voted for your party they are very good people.
I do agreed with the writer why is it you and your supporters are afraid of MR.JAMES why do want him gone is it because he is the only one in DOMINICA right now that have the backbone to stand up to your brand of justice TONY ASTAPHEN cannot stand next to him he is a very intelligent and educated individual he didnt sit on his ear while he was in university in London England he was and is at his best we dont have to trash him because what you see is what you get a very smart person and we are very proud of him so dont insult our intelligence.
What I dont understand the GOVERNMENT won 18 seats lost out on 3 seats can someone tell me why it’s not enough I have come to the conclustion that the DLP would like to rush into a bi-election because they do not want to wait for the COURT decision what does that tell DOMINICANS so when will enough be enough.
DOMINICANS we the people of MARIGOT believe in justice and it doesnt matter who is in power we will vote our conscience because we believe in the CONSTITUTION of DOMINICA it is not somethiing we take for granted and we are prepeared to wait for the COURT decision till them dont try to dictate to us you are wasting your breath.
TONY ASTAPHAN and the DLP go out and create jobs for the people of DOMINICA so they can have money in their pockets just like you.
WHY DONT TONY ASS TA FAN DONT JUSS SHUT UP AND GET A LIFE. HE IS SO SCARED OF MR JAMES. U GO EDDO WE HAVE DEM TREMBLING.
BOY mister looking like a turtle! All he missing is the shell. LOL
I wonder what is the total amount of money Tony has collected from this government from since 2000.
It is right that the two dont get the opportunity to do their nonsense again. they dont want to be in parliament that is what they have said. so new people should be elected.
When u see tony asterpan all u can see is money that is on his mine.lol lol
Tony we are Dominicans not Gremlins. Stop trying to take all of us for fools. I dont know why you dispise Edison that much because as Prime Minister if he had not approved you position as Senior Council you would never have held the title. He will continue to be a spoke in your wheel for as long as he wants because the populace of Marigot has the final decision. We will not seclect incapable persons like Dayton and Harold Tyson to be our role models.
Tony why don’t you just shut up?
You are not an elected representative of the people nor are you the spokesperson for the government.
As Chief Counsel you should be behind the scene giving legal and other advice to the administration not out in the open blabbering about political matters.
Because of your position within the administration your utterances are perceived as the position taken by the government. This gives ammunition to UWP supporters who are desperately grabbing at anything to attack the government.
Stick to your legal work and stay out of the politics.
MR. PM rein in your horses.
Edison James has to be an extremely powerful man to be hated that much!! We only hate that which we fear..Even with !8 seats they still cannot rest or have a good night sleep, until they see the total ruin of one man. This level of hate and the spewing of deadly venom at this man can only be describe as demonic. Most folks cannot even articulate why they have such hatred for Mr James, what are his crimes, let’s hear about the atrocities committed by him, who has he robbed?, Is he a serial killer, a sexual pervert, a wife beater? is He a drug Lord, a Fire Arm dealer? why do the elites and some very far from literate people feel the need to portray Him as this evil MONSTER?–Does it have to do with his skin color, His accent, place of birth? what is it really? why is he singled out for such vicious verbal attacks—Is it because he stood up to the Almighty mamo and brought down the Giant freedom image— Mrs James was the one who did all the Dangerous and dirty work in bringing down the unstoppable DFP:: which paved the way for the once shattered and buried labour party to be able to breath again on its own—The Labour party owes this man so much!!!! Thats your Hero–They have blinded you and distracted you so you would forget who has been your real enemies–who burnt your cars and homes–block your children from getting an education==put your leaders in jail, Destroy your businesses , exploited and terrorized you ?? your real foes have now become your chief advisers ( I NOW TAKE U TO BE MY WEDDED FOE). Mr James Has served well; During His time as prime minister he was admired and highly respected by every Caribbean leader but in Dominica Tony Astaphan said crucify Him and those who were bewitched said Amen.
A donkey leading lions?
That was the image the BBc placed out there a mere 24 hours after the 1995 election results in Dominica.
Go figure
Tony Astaphan was heard on Q95 programme while conversing with Matt saying voraciously, “I want the money.” That statement was live on radio. I figure thousands of people , the world was listening. He was giving his usual purely partisan version in support of the Speaker’s action.
Both the AG, Francine Baron- Royer and Tony Astaphan can’t stomach the contents of the President’s speech. It was prophetic. The Speaker and the AG were present at that sitting of Parliament on 31st. July 2009. Astaphan should be acquainted with its contents. Liverpool’s instructive advice and interpretation of the Laws of Dominica cannot be questioned, not even Francine Baron-Royer and Astaphan try. He correctly regards, as we all must, the CONSTITUTION as the SUPREME LAW OF DOMINICA.
Let’s read the part that is a thorn in those persons side. “It would not be simply a matter for Parliament to decide, even if the member had missed the required number of meetings in the circumstances laid down in the Standing Orders. Nor could Parliament or the Speaker invoke the sovereignty of Parliament in an effort to prevent that inquiry by the court.”
Where did the Speaker declare the seats vacant, in Parliament or in her office? Where should she have made that declaration? Do the Constitution give the Speaker the right to declare seats vacant? COMMONSENSE would tell Dominicans that if the CONSTITUTION/Standing Orders already gives the Speaker the power to determine if a member gets leave or not from any Sittings of Parliament, how could it follow, in any democratic country that the same Speaker also would have the power to declare seats vacant. But like stubborn, ill-disciplined kids some in our society never listen to the wisdom and good advice of elders until more problems arise and chaos ensues.
Take time to do the addition my people. How much $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ of tax payers money, poor people money, have Astaphan made over the years as GOVT lawyer. Astaphan could easily write a 400 page book on ‘How to make big money from GOVT.’ Doh matter if workers of PWC and other places lose their jobs. Doh matter how many youths fill up daily the streets of unemployment. To hell with small businesses closing down, who cares if agriculture is in dismal situation and farming community facing hell, doh care if teachers, nurses, civil servants requests for increased pay fall on death ears, prices going up, problem to pay bills, BUT Astaphan is assured of his payment for services rendered to his GOVT in power. What about the thousands of ordinary people who unconsciously support him as he amass $$$$$$$$$, while the majority of people see their standard of living worsen. Old people used to say. ‘LESPWI TET KONDWI KOR’
Let not wickedness fill your hearts. To quickly summon three sittings of Parliament with the expressed purpose of forcing the vacating of opposition members seats with the sole intention of grabbing those said seats in a bye election is nothing short of an abuse of power. GOVT has not discussed any substantive matters of national concern re Agriculture, employment, health, education, manufacturing, energy etc. in those hastily convened meetings. imagine three meetings held, yet Dominicans are in further darkness as to what are GOVT’s plans of action to better the standard of living. People especially in the rural areas were once very productive and enjoyed some level of independence, but today it’s a loud cry of ‘things are really bad’ and the hands are out waiting for something.
In this mirage of ill wills that has come to bear, I think the persons who are the most talked about are the two men who held out of parliament and have created this controversy, isn’t it amazing how popular those names are?
By now they must be thinking, at least they have a say in the politics that they would die for.
As Dominicans who would participate in the by elections, it may be a time to send a new message about the seriousness of the results that parliamentary elected officials should commit to the principles of ethics by showing up even if you may have just one seat.
The fact is: the UWP knew the consequences of their actions.
The question is: In as much they knew a by election was possible, should they win the by election, will they sit in parliament?
The answer is: I guess not since they do not want to legitimise the government because of corrupt elections. So what happens? we go in circles, right back to square one with this house, seat, vacancy, speaker of the house and boycott issue.
The solution is: Tony Astaphan is very right with his suggestion. “James and John should refrain from contesting the seats”.
Why is it so hard to understand this logic?
Brainstormer: With a by election at hand and the 6 month period given by Ron Green for all his demands, what are the plans of the UWP in light of both upcoming events so close together?
So far, my impression is that the UWP has dealt with their course of action on the election matter very irresponsibly and without sound legal advice. Irresponsibility at this level is very unappealing.
your logic is very hard to argue with, my friend. I seems only the die-hard UWPites cannot understand it. Plain common-sense.
Bob Marley sang “Now that you have what you want do you still want more?” That is the only question that comes to mind when i see the labour party interest in these 3 seats. Dominicans seems to have a very short memory the freedom party won a landslide and in the next election almost lost but that was only possible because of free and fair election. The question then is if in the next election we are not satisfy with the Labour party will we be able to change them if the election is not free or fair? Or will we be stuck with them because we didnt insist that election be free and fair now. We all know that there were irregularities in the election the only comfort that we have is that even without them the labour would have still won so we got what we wanted now. Will it be so the next time or will we have to shed blood to get them out when we dont want them again? questions to ponder
I have read the comments of Tony and realized the he (Tony) is just teasing Mr. James!!! The funny thing is these two gentlemen are friends!!! With friends like these who needs enemies?
They both reside in the affluent “gated” community of St. Aroment (st. Aromah). Yes people they both have expensive houses and expensive cars but they both need something that is bigger than them to make them complete.
They both want the unconditional desire to control and influence our lives and that of our children and for history to remember them long after they have been buried 6 feet under with buildings named after them – James House; Tonys House. And roads named after them – James Lane; Tonys Crescent.
Ofcourse, while doing all that they make money on us and from us!
In short it is a game show and it is likely to take the appearance of the capital One Credit Card advertisements if we the population do not demand an end to this foolish games.
The shortest version to this saga is this: The UWP is feed up of being in opposition for three straight consecutive terms. That will amount to 15 years straight. That was never the intention of the founding fathers of UWP. Oh the dreams of feathering ones nest is turning to a 15 year nightmare (and counting) and one does not have a monopoly on life, health, age and influence on more than one generation often. Time is indeed short and so is life itself and self actualization.
There have already been massive cracks in the party – key members have moved to the DLP and the old guard of the UWP wants to retain control at the frustration of younger members.
Thing is Facebook and all the social sites is not helping them. The Diaspora wants to help themselves to power and will not help them and they the Diaspora have no time with losers or for losers.
So the strategy is rebuild the UWP as a party by crowding out the DLP at the height of the DLP reign and hope that they do not peak higher but that they self destruct and that the UWP benefits – especially the boys from Marigot – the second generation who will inherit the legacy who had thought it would have been given to them on a silver platter. They are now finding out that it is not an easy road and they may never enjoy power before age 65 themselves – risky proposition indeed!!!!
Thus the UWP is looking for people to lay down their lives for their selfish causes. For you see there is no problem with Dominica’s democracy or freedoms but simply lack of acceptance of the UWP leadership direction.
Now this is a threat towards Dominica’s freedoms!!! Why? The day the UWP will get back in office freedom will cease to exist as we know it and have accepted it. They will not play fair and will hold on to power at all cost. We will see the true dictators then.
The UWP wants you out there to be sorry for them.
Can you remember the story of the fox and the bird people?
Do not allow the UWP fox to take food you already have in your mouth to sing for them. The aim is for you to drop the food into their mouth!!!!!
They win and you lose
Is tony ASStaphan ,the goverment press secretary or is he trying to install FEAR into the two democratically elected members of parliament ? i think as the senior council to the goverment he should advise skerrit to hold fresh and fair general election within the next six month.an election with no corruption ,no mass importation of dieasspoorer and a proper vote count. Astaphan parents are quitters they run from lebanon,now he is asking john and james to quit.garscon me rorow…..
U can’t be for real.
Well, the law is the law. If you do not attend parliament for 3 consecutive times, then your seat is vacant. No one in the community should act like outlaws. As citizens we should have fair elections. Granted, I do believe something does not seem right, but things should be challenged in the courts, not by breaking the law. When you are in school and you think your teacher is being unethical in a certain way. You do not miss school, you will surly fail. You work throught the system by going to the principal. If that does remedy your situation; you go beyond the principal.
mr astaphan that is not your business ,let us deal with it
His Excellency the Lord Chancellor Lennox Linton BC (Birth Certificate) of Morne Daniel is the legal adviser to the UWP. In this scenario the Party must make an utmost fool of itself. I believe that Eddison James has destroyed the Party. He has destroyed every young talent he is now destroying Spaggs politically.
It is sad that the UWP has metamophosized into an ill directed pressure group without leadership.
Tony Astaphan is very correct Spaggs and Eddison should just stay out of any bi-election>
Enjoy your retirement and pension eddison
Well well well, Having read through all the comments posted on this article, I am left with no choice but to conclude that hatred and bitterness are the badges won by so many of my fellow dominicans.How can we destroy each other like that and to a greater extent, our country by writing such venomous statements in the name of politics and democracy?I feel skeptical about taking a trip home for vacation. I no longer feel excited about moving back for good. I wonder if investing in a beautiful home in Dominica was a good decision I made. There is too much hostility and if I, as a born and bred Dominican feel this way when I read these comments, how do you expect a potential visitor to feel when he googles Dominica and DNO site comes up.Please DNO, can you do something?
some people preaching violent..there is no place for bloodshed in my country..think before you write …
uwp piad ticket for people when they were in power that i no for a fact . now that they are on the other side they are cryingp foul dividing our people .. dominicains be proud of your country stop being politisians pupets .. when we vote them in [red; blue; green] and when they do good tell them they did good and when …p standup and tell it to there face they f/up and stop feigthing our self for party and feigth to raise our country higther and higther for ourself and childrens DOMINICA FOR DOMINICAINS NOT DOMINICA FOR POLITISIANS
n DNO found it suitable to publish comment?????????????? Do u even know what happened in Rwanda? stupes, n other ppl’s comments r not published? such bull…..!!!!!!!!!!!!
this guy tony astaphan cares only about his families wealth .wake up dominicans this guy is just using you all and the government.
edison James must go,he is the biggest setback to democracy!
The UWP position has little to do with all these comments. They have declared that the struggle is to restore democratic elections in Dominica and everything they do must be towards that and they must do whatever it takes to meet that goal. Staying out of the By elections is not going to help them as the struggle will soon be forgotten by the people. You cannot win a game if you stay on the sidelines and run your mouth. You will only be noticed if you are in the game.
Let us all be real here – putting an a.. in a seat in parliament does not constitute representation of a constituent nor does it mean a darn thing at the day’s end. The government is going to do whatever they feel like anyways.
Mr Volney indicate that government is about checks and balances but as it is the government writes the checks and balance or pretend to balance the books – prove me wrong. Can anyone remind me of a time when the opposition held back a bill or say, prevented the passage of the budget?
Mr Volney if our system worked then one year before the election the government should have done the right thing and clean up the electoral process –that is when it was requested by the opposition. The government have the obligation to do the right thing. What Edison and the Dude from Salisbury is doing may seem comical or strange but then what the heck is the right thing. Is something wrong only because it makes one uncomfortable or is it uncomfortable because it is wrong? As one politician said- “Politics has it’s own ethics” Had the government diluted the voters list then Edison and company would put up or shut up. Why it is that we are afraid to tackle the problem from it’s root. While a cleansed voter list could be insignificant to the results of a general election or bi-Election one cannot argue that a cleansed voters list is insignificant to the democracy. Democracy can only operate on all cylinders. f government is about checks and balances then when there is legitimate problem fix it- The voters list is adulterated.
If government is about checks and balances then the balance department should have flagged the embarrassing garbage Bin Transactions, The Fertilizer fiasco and failure to pay taxes. A Check and balance system should insure that D/cans know exactly what the government is doing. The people should not be reacting to surprises – Re Chinese take over. If the above mentioned flaws are not obvious signs of a broken system of government then down with checks and balances hello DO AS YOU PLEASE.
UWP is making fools out of it’s supporters (some of them on this site )and they can’t even see that. In vain supporters try to explain away things that make no sense, like ” we are not goin to the house because going says WE agree that the election was fair.” Then Mr. Prevo goes to the same house, not as an independent, but as a UWP member and they did not kick him out of the Party for breaking the WE NOT GOING TO THE HOUSE rule. Mr. James on the other hand is talking tough, while at the same time sending love letters to the Speaker, asking for leave from the same fraudulent house he is screaming in protest about. He tells the Speaker in his letter, I will not be coming, NOT I will not be coming Madam Speaker because the election was not fair and this house is a fraud (something he is saying in public ), BUT just i will not be coming no reason given. You can’t have it both ways!! It’s either the election was fair (You ALL go to the House) or it was not (You ALL stay out of the House, Prevo included). Now lets see if they are going to take part in the byelection with no electorial reform or voter I.D card; all things they say would make election fair in DA. If they win will they go to the House or stay out and have their supporters waste their vote and go unrepresented again!! Does the UWP ownly attract supporters of the likes of oreo cookie eating Derek Gonzalez or people that can clearly see contradictions and double talk from politicians fighting for their political life not their own? The by ection will tell.
The brief taste of power this united workers party got a few years ago got dem head swell up.they are not an opposition party anymore but a handful of mad men who is filled with hatered and will try anything to get back to the top.grace mercy and peace they are free falling in that deep hole they have created.Soon this hole will be sealed and.. blessing ..we will not hear from them no more
I wish that more of you would stand for something in stead of nothing.
I am an International Lawyer (not living in Dominica) and feel that many of you have choices and can make a difference. Rather, you are here passing out your anger on each others views.
Your views like Tony’s may not be correct but they are your views. For the person that mentioned that Dominica is the only place that part takes in Bi-Elections, then guess what, you should be proud that your homeland is the first at something.
People, it is time that you realize that one person can make a difference. Rather than putting down the next person (which happens to be a Dominican just like you) stand with that person and make a change.
The UWP is doing what they think needs to be done on their end to rectify the current situation. Each and every one of you should do the same. If you do not want to see the UWP in government, then take action and do not vote! If you want to see them in power and stand by their beliefs, then merge with them and take a stand.
Nothing good is going to come from going back and forth.
This is a big problem on the island. Politics will always be a two-sided view!
Stand for Something or you will fall for Nothing!
Soem time ago former Chief justice opinied thast the UWP was making a mistake in staying out of parliament and risk losing their seat.That has happened. Now you have more non-leagl opinions spewing more hatred and venom that information.
Since Mr. Alleyne’s opinion has become great currency for the UWP especially when giving “blows” to Skerrit, I wonder where he stands on the ongoing debate regarding the vacating of parliamentary seats. Can you Mr. Alleyene, retired QC/Senior Counsel, beloved jurist of Dominica tell us whether the Speaker wrong to inform the world that Mr. James and his youthful protege had in fact vacated their seat in the house and that bye-electiosn are now due? Did vacted the two eats or mr. James and John by their own action of not attending three consecutive seatings of the house did cavate their seats.? Or is Lennox and Co right in their nterpretation of the law in the manner they have done thereby spreading a whole lot of misinformation?
Speak Mr. Alleyne,certainly yoiu can be relied on better thanthe “Dun Sea”
Alleyne lost his voice. surprised?
Who should tell the High Court that two parliamentary seats were mafe vacant? Is it Mr.James or the speaker. Whois the one who has been wrongfully dismissed form the house as we are told. is it Mr.James or the Speaker? Is the High court interested in finding ot about vacant seats in the Houise unless the matter is referred to it? Who shall tell it anyway? Is it the Speaker or thsoe who were affected? Or rather who should go to the High Court to get redress for the ‘wrong doings” of the Speaker re the two seats (Marigot and Salisbury)? Has
Mr. James and John missed out on three consecutive seatings of the house for three consecutive sittings after they were duly notified? Is the answer yes? Is it true? Then they would have vacated their seat, just like that- period. No amount of clarity of thought or smooth talking,or moral high ground can chaneg what the constitution and the rules of the House says. Lennox is no legal mind. What he has going for him is good or rather excellent skills in articulation and an insatiable hatred of Skerrit and his supporters. It is not the doing of the Speaker or Mr. Skerrit. If Mr.James, Lennox, Blessings and Laser Beam wants to prove the Speaker wrong, then they should go to the High Court for redress. Dominica is still acountry of laws. We still depend on the ruleof law to guide the arderly conduct of society. Matt in the morning cannot bring Mr. James and John back in the house simply because Lennox says so. No matter how excellent a presentation he has made. That presentation has been made on vexation, hate for Skerrit and mis-information to the bone. The “law is the law” and has not been change.
When should the High Court inquire into the circumstances of the two seats being declared or made vacant. Is it when Mr. James seeks redress using the media or when he properly refers the mater to the High Court? Does Mr. James knows he has no legal legs to stand on in this particular matter so he and Lennox et all are playing on people’s emotions in the hope that something might happen. Guess what.folks, haters of Skerrit, general elections has just gone and the people voted 18-3 or in a ratio of (6-1)
Like it or not Mr. Prevost ran to the houase to secure his election seat. Never mind the 2009 election was the most “fraudulent” in the history of general elections in Dominica as the UWP would want us to believe. That is why the people of Dominica will not listen to Athie and his smooth talk filled with ideas to the sky.But the question to Athie is. Where is the water export project thast you promised the people of Dominica? It is six months since you got a liocense to export water. Where are you? Why are yo so silent on the matter?
Athie seem to be buying time for “fist fights” on the streets as it were. If the society is crumbling according to Athie, it is because he and his “between you and me” partner has taken down every institution in Dominica simply because these institutions have not pandered to their dictates. They know that the people of Dominica will not follow them blindly to create mayhem in the place. That is what the UWP has thrived on ever since itcame on the scene. but Skerrithas proven thathe is not afraid of them adn the people of Dominica stand solidly 6-1 behind him. Boy look blows for all you. That is the reality.
Tony what is really your problem is only places like dominica ppl do what you, doing there you are trying make sure that massa day remains for one you don’t like black ppl you only useing their ignorance as a barge of honor as a true born dominican i will aways stand my ground.
Just so that you know, Astaphans is one of the biggest donor private companies in Dominica.. High school, college scholarships, children’s heart fund, pmh, grotto, operation youth quake… Tony I believe is also a part of that. This massa day thing is of the past, so you and your complex need help
Have you ever heard of tax write offs, you moron! Tony is all about what the previous person said!!
For once i agree with Mr Asstaphan…;
There has been No CLEAN UP OF THE VOTERS LIST, NO VOTER ID CARDS HAVE BEEN ISSUED, MORE VOTERS WILL BE IMPORTED.
If the United Workers Party and more specifically Mr James & Mr John really mean what they have been saying for the past few months, then for the reasons indicated above they should also BOYCOTT DE DANM BY ELECTION.
WORKERSSSSS!!!!
That would be the best thing they would ever to for DOMINICA stay out for good!
Can someone tell me why is Tony ASS-Staphan making those statements. Tony may be authorize to speak on behalf of Skerrit and the Band Wagon. The issue is larger than the Labor Party. Is Tony speaking as legal representative of the people of Dominica ?
My disappointment in the UWP approach is beyond comprehensible reason and a blatant disregard for the people they represent!
Democracy is based on checks and balances; holding the government accountable for their actions; how is this to be done if they boycott parliament, as they have done?
The opposition should so conduct itself in Parliament as to persuade the people of the country that it could be an improvement on the government of the day. No one will deny that our system works best when there is a change of government at reasonable intervals.
Mr. James and John’s actions contradict the intended purpose of an opposition, and are a failure in representation of those who have entrusted them, the electorate!
The opposition’s right to question all Cabinet members, including the Prime Minister, at regular intervals plays a central role in holding the Government to account. It is particularly worth noting that the Opposition and the Government have equal weight in the amount of questions they can ask, regardless of how many seats each party has. This is important, as it prevents the Government from neutralizing the Parliament even when it has a large majority.
With these seats vacated and no one holding the Governnnemt at bay, how it is (by their actions) they are fullfilling the constitutional will of the people?
On these grounds I agree with SC Astaphan sentiments that, “If they feel the government is so corrupt then they should not even get nominated for by elections. They should leave the seats vacant or let someone else who wants to do the peoples business run”.
Agreed
Men like you have no shame alot of GALL and no damn BALLS, how do you sleep at nights? continue to put fire on your head. thank God for forgiveness.
I agree with tony 100%…..why vote for them a second time around after having wasted my vote the first time?
When did you start calling the shots TROLL? at least we still have the right to make choices in this country the DICTATORSHIP isn’t in effect yet, give us a break.
Tony can you tell us about your compensation package from the government? I gues the more you speak publicly the more you bill the government.
I suppose when foreign merchants finally over run Roseau that’s when the press conferences by the AG and the Astaphan will stop. That’s the real issue. Maybe Skerrit should leave but may be we wil find out in June.
The people of Marigot and the coast are still going to reelect Mr. James and John. So we are back to Square one again.
Keep on talking Dominican, the real enemy is inside of Roseau already !!!!! Not James or John-.
Tony how much more $$$$$$ do you think you will make with this bi-elcetions/vacant seats confusion?
True Say!!!
astaphan hush ur … mouth…u cannot tell these men what to do….u are not deh advisor…get lost!!!
When you get a divorce Tony from the biggest thing any REAL man should QUIT and make a bee line for the hills from then they will quit. You act as if once you speak that that’s it in Dominica with your hairy ears. UWP shouldn’t have stayed out but you think you’re sleek you know there’s a strong possibility that if Eddo & Spags run Labour don’t stand a chance so you coming with this utter hogwash and jibberish.
I can’t stand you, and those dummies who repeat everything you say as if you hold a monopoly on opinion in Dominica.
The BL@@dy Elections were rigged and all the idiots who think otherwise will feel it shame the rest of us sensible people have to feel it too. WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SHUT ALL YOU LOT UP IS NOT JUST A BI-ELECTION BUT ELECTIONS ALL OVER AND WE”LL SEE. YOU ALL NEED SOME TIME TO IMPORT VOTERS THEN PUT THE DAMN ELECTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER AND BE DONE WITH IT. YOU ALL KNOW NOTHING FROM YOUR A TO YOUR NOSE AND YOU CALL YOURSELVES EDUCATED. I THINK ALL THE MINISTERS NOW AND THE OPPOSITION NONE SHOULD SUBMIT CANDIDACY FOR THE ELECTIONS. NONSENSE THAT NOW. ASTAPHANS IS LIVING OF MY DAMN TAX I COULD USE TO GO SHOPPING IN MIAMI AND YOU PEOPLE WANT TO TELL ME THAT THE OPPOSITION SHOULDN’T STAND UP. ROSIE DOUGLAS ALONE STOOD AND GOT HIS VOICE HEARD WHAT MAKE YOU ALL THINK THE THREE PARL REPS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS CAN’T
WELL SAID.. LET MR. JAMES AND HECTOR BE THE VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS CRYING OUT FOR THE PEOPLE… CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR THE POOR MALAWAY… GOD BLESSINGS BE UPON U ALL.
Well said Mr. Astaphan. Hector John happens to be my cousin, but he is definately not giving the Salisbury constituency proper representation and should therefore make space for someone else (even if it is another member of the UWP or Freedom party) who is more eager to shoulder the responsibility of representing Salisbury in this respect. I actually think that my other cousin Bently ‘Tolo’ Royer will do quite a good job.
Dominica belongs to Tony now!!!!!!!!!!!!!
U r so right
I AGREE WITH YOU 1500% MY COMRAD AND BROTHER YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!!
THESE JOKERS SHOULD JUST LEAVE POLITICS ALTOGETHER AND GO FIND SOME OTHER TYPE OF WORK TO DO!!!!!
Why should they quit Mr. Astaphan? What happen, you want to run for both seats na? Bondie oye. Let the constituents decide if they should quit or not. NOT YOU.
i cant help but laugh at your comment. but its true though. monsieur enfwian!!
Let keeping playing polItics for the entire year and more. While DA keep going down!!
MORE CRIMES, LESS JOBS,MORE POLITICS AND MORE Migration.
You have made the most sensible comment I have seen! While they distract the populace, with all this politricks, they need not aspire to do the work of the people and hence the country is sinking..
I would shake your big toe if I knew you!
Mr ASStaphanssssssss you not telling Alibaba and his troop to quit.
TONE TONE HOW MUCH THEY PAYIN YOU FOR THAT LITTLE ADDRESS
yes sa papa all you really making Tony believe himself in dominica. The people of Salisbury and marigot should not let no bi elections take place. Only in dominica these nonsence happening. Either we stupid or we have been bewitched, cause i never see anything like that. For the amount of people that doh like this adminstration, how they win election?, ebeh look miser for us and our children , well i bottuning down my house and moving with my children as i see a future filled of despair, frustration and crime, is a good thing my children are Americans! cause there goes my beautiful Dominica. Elas Bon dieux, Protect my friends and the remaining of my family.
Is me say!!!! who vex too bad!!
Good Riddance to Bad Garbage