It’s like déjà vu all over again.
Just like in 2011, senior counsel Tony Astaphan is not happy with the appointment of former attorney general, Henry ‘Babs’ Dyer, to the Integrity in Public Office (IPO) Commission and is threatening to have it challenged in the courts.
Dyer, who is a Dominica Bar Association appointee, was sworn in to the commission last Friday and Astaphan described the matter as an ‘insult’ pointing out there is something ‘fundamentally wrong with our society’ if the association appoints him once again.
“That is disrespectful and if there was no other person available to them and in a matter of desperation they decided on Mr. Dyer, that is disrespectful to all of us. There was no rush to have somebody appointed if they could not find a suitable person at the time,” he told privately-owned Kairi FM news.
In 2011 Astaphan opposed the appointment of Dyer on the grounds that political activists should not be appointed to commissions such as the IPO and his argument, this time around, is basically the same.
“If the Bar Association appointed Mr. Dyer with the knowledge of the case of the prime minister, that is disrespectful. If they did not know about the case, but they were seeking to ensure that no one who was politically bias should be appointed to the commission, and they came up with Mr. Dyer, that is disrespectful,” Astaphan pointed out.
There is a matter before the IPO involving prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, after it was alleged that he used his official influence as chairman of Cabinet to secure concessions for a business concern in which he reportedly held ownership interest. The IPO has decided to go ahead and investigate the matter.
Astaphan said the prime minister is not “going to roll over and play dead” on Dyer’s appointment, noting that the government will not take it lightly.
“The Prime Minister is not going to take this lying down, he is not going to roll over and play dead,” Astaphan exclaimed, noting that the government will not take the appointment lightly.
He said Skerrit will meet with his legal team when he returns from a China trip to discuss the matter.
Astaphan highlighted that the appointment can be challenged on a number of grounds including by judicial review and in the course of legal proceedings, before the court.
He also pointed out that the Bar of Association made the decision of appointing Dyer in the absence of proper consultation with its senior members.
“The senior members of the bar, senior counsel Alick Lawrence, myself, Jeoffery Harris … I do not think any one of us were consulted, there was no notice issued by the bar association executive that they were discussing an appointment to the commission,” he stated. “I do not know who they consulted, I do not know what they consulted and to come up with Mr Dyer is disrespectful and an insult as far as I’m concerned.”
He reiterated that the time has come for the IPO legislation to be repealed.
“My position has always been that the time has come for this Integrity in Public Office legislation to be repealed, redone and significant amendments made to the constitution of the commission to prevent this foolishness from continuing. That’s my position from the government perspective,” Astaphan noted.
Tony Astaphan wants the IPO repealed because it is taking too long to be contaminated by labour party’s egregious political influence. It was the same labour party and Tony Astaphan who clamored vehemently for the establishment of the IPO when they were in opposition, because they were of the opinion that the UWP was corrupt. This same Tony Astaphan and the labour party spoke of the enactment of the Legal Profession Act because they wanted to go after Earl Williams. Now that the IPO which they wanted is investigating Skerrit, Earl Williams is no more and the corrupt lawyers are walking, the labour is doing all in its power to undermine these important legal checks and balances. Tony talks about the Bar Association not consulting any of the senior members of the Bar. These are the same lawyers – all three of them, who support and advice Skerrit, so where is Tony going with that??
Astaphan if u find Babs know too much, skerrit coming back with d money for d international airport so I see nothing wrong in giving Babs a few $s from that to shut him up like all the others. No need to blah blah and make it look like d pm hiding something. Just a little idea as to how he can keep it under raps u know
But it seem dominica belong to Tony Astaphan and skerrit man? Everything people do is disrespectful but what about what all u doing? D president all u just take and put there plus the many other things are u people not disrespecting Dominicans as well. Man ur tongue need a vacation u hear me? Too much nonsense talk now
I have a suggestion for tony. Seeing he wants to take issue with everything, why doesn’t he have an open forum at the CSA so he can address the public and have them interact with him? Is he afraid of something? Come on tony let us talk to you so we can understand what exactly is your vison for Dominica.
Senior Council , please spear me and other Dominican Residents home and abroad , with your utter rubbish with your opposition of the appointment of Sir Henry Barbs Dyer.
What are you all afraid off in the DLP Clan ? Let Democracy reign Tony , The man was appointed let him do his Job , Stop trying to insult our intelligence with your proper-gander on Kiari Fm .Please realize Sinor counsel that you are bad entertainment and folks like myself view your speeches as mere comedy.
Let intelligent , respectful people serve their Country in peace , without yours and others from the DLP ‘s interference
You sound better when you are silent .
An impartial President LOL
An impartial speaker LOL
Taking advantage of a simple, quiet, well mannered, mama’s boi appointed by the Bar Association to represent them on the IPO… and Tony well vex, them just appoint him… damn it, chupes… let’s see how partially impartial he will be… lol
My fellow Dominicans
Please be warned that the main threat to Dominica’s stability, is not the Chinese, but Senior Counsel Astaphan!
He rants and raves, and is very dictatorial. We should not allow that Idi Ahmin clone to continue prescribing and imposing his destructive rules and regulations on the country.
He needs to be challenged!
This is the same disrespect demonstrated when Dominicans said the Presidents position should be impartial.
there are enough RED in the IPO I KNOW THEM PUT Dominica has become an unfair circus. PM want all his supporters in all the right places to do his dirty work. BUT GOD WILL JUDGE ALL OF YOU THAT WILL DO IT
Is not that I like Babs, but will anyone be good for Tony? Who elect Tony to be judge of character? When will dummies in cans see? I am just so sick and tired of this cow manure. Give it a rest man!!
So we can have a political activist as President of the Country but not on the IPO. Lets not forget that its the same Charles Savarin who fall down inside Kairi FM studio lying to Dominicans on behalf of the Labour party who is now President of Dominica. Tony needs to stop bitching and look for some other issue to score some political points on.
Why didn’t u comment at Reginal Austrie statement in St Joseph this was a BIG INSULT to WOMEN fraid u fraid u have something hiding na
What I don’t understand, this is a man who has held no public office…has not been elected by the people to any office, yet is the one always in our faces bringing up rather irrelevant issues. The people gave the PM and the other elected officials a mandate. No one asked for Tony. If the PM has an issue with the appointment why doesn’t he voice is concern with the people and the necessary channels? Why must Tony be the first one to jump and talk. I swear this is the most annoying advocate of the DLP and he needs to go away. I supported the DLP last election, but I didn’t put my ‘X’ to have an uncontrollable mouth piece running off at the mouth at every chance he gets. The president was appointed with all hiss abundantly clear political affiliations, seemingly bias speaker, etc and he remained quiet then…why doesn’t he just keep quiet on all issues…Tony you were not elected…run for election and win,then feel free to address the people. Other than that keep your lane. This coming from a concerned young man.
On another note…these media outlets should stop giving this man so much attention. If they stop we surely won’t hear about him…utterly useless man.
Parry, I would remind Tony, the IPO Commission cannot persecute the Prime Minister or any Government official if their are any discrepancies in their declaration, therefore, why all the force as to who be on the Commission or not.
Ask the Senior Members of the Bar including Mr. Astaphan when last they attended a meeting of the Bar Association? So he is saying that they did not advertise that they were holding a meeting to discuss the appointment. They have recently advertised a meeting to discuss Law Fair where they will give free legal advice. This is the third year. Has he or any other senior member of the Bar gone? Have they also made themselves available for the Law Fair? The answer is a resounding NO. So much so that persons attend the Law Fair and say they only interested if Senior Members are present. The last and only meeting of the Bar that any senior member attended in the last year was when they came and despite opposition from some members, wanted a resolution drafted to reflect that the Bar was unanimously in support of the Government’s push to the CCJ. Attend all meetings if you all want to have influence and be part of the process!
Additionally although CCJ may have many benefits in which one can argue its case. I am tempted to think that the real reason for rushing to it was because it can be easily manipulated to suit some people. There are powerful people who as the singer said, know people.
Tony put your wife on the IPO.
Anyone who is not singing the red sound is not good for the IPO even if they don’t support any party. You must say labor or appear to drink the red squash to sit on the IPO.
These guys are hijacking the country’s democracy and liberty we fought for from our oppressors……….
Not Long all this injustice will come to an end???
does Tony think he owns Dominica?Why he not talking about the bias Speaker?
where was he when Savarin was moved from minister straight as President.
I think Dominica needs a revolution. We need to revolt.
Why you want Ma Tony on the IPO when ministers like Collin McIntyre , Ambrose must submit to the IPO
But Dyer was AG for Roosevelt Skerrit lol Colin make u lose your marbles
Now we starting to see the real TONY some of allyou crying???
Don’t cry man, VOTE
Tony why dont you talk about when they put Charles Sevarin for the presidency, moving Kamala to GIS, Mervin to DBS, and why dont you speak about the BIAS speaker. We never hear on these issues, but your first to talk about the opposition, fix your problems before you talk about others. And maybe you never heard what is good for the goose is good for the gander, Ah Ah mister not easy he looking like the nutty professor.
Somebody needs to put Tony straight. Does he really have the interest of Dominica at heart.
He needs to tell Skerrit stop taking Dominicans tax money and give to the so called Diaspora Minister for doing nothing. Sitting at her home in StT
“The Prime minister is not going to take this lying down, he is not going to roll over and play dead.”
De PM has an axe to grind with anyone who challenges him on ANYTHING. From what i am reading i get de impression that this new appointment is frightening de pm…..Tony get a job to do. Even with their own people on de IPO dat DLP still has sweaty hands…..But what is it dat HAVE SKERRIT SO FRIGHTEN!!!!What about Kondwani de former President son, how about de Lawrence padna…but all you were successful in Keeping de Bruney padna out ……all you seeing demons everywhere..even in de mirror
hahahahaa
“My position has always been that the time has come for this Integrity in Public Office legislation to be repealed, redone and significant amendments made……..”
“That is my position from the Government perspective”
Tony my parents could not afford to send me to big university like you but hear dat:
What about your legal perspective? You are a lawyer. You not a member of cabinet.
You mean to say all of dat go down behind all you back without notice? Yes i. I like it. I really like it.
so while you and de PM and others were preparing de script for de movie in St. Joe all you were too distracted to care about de other engines of Government? Not even de Judiciary? How enlightening boy. You admit dat Yourself, Lennox Lawrence and Harris were not consulted as senior members of the Bar Association.
Hahahahahahahaha
What comedy!
Fear no more! Change is a must!
this is ridiculous. There are so many senior non-partisan lawyers in Dominica right now why must they always select babs. is it because he has demonstrated that he can stand u to the likes of tony and lennox or others are avoiding these dealings because they fear the unknown.
When you say non partisan what exactly are you talking about? Most long standing lawyers in Dominica are at some time in some way or fashion been associated with one political party or other. Even many of the new ones are political, they will not willing to take certain cases because of their political leanings. So please name those lawyers who you think are non partisan or political.
The law according to Tony. Tony you speaking the truth and I could not have said it any better. From a gov’t perspective. We hear you! You are so right.who do you want one of ur own? tickle us.
He needs to go back to Lebanon where his family originated. And leave sons of slaves alone. Dame rude……
This is uncalled for. I’m not necessarily a friend of Mr. Astaphan but he was born in Dominica. Just imagine you would be told to go back to Africa because that is where your family origninated from, way back. Leave racism out of this, we would not like it ourselves, would we.
What a mentality like this, YOU will always remain a “son of slaves.”
Johanna why you don’t tell the Haitians and the Dominican republic people to go back where they come from Tony is a born Dominican most of us don’t even know where our fore parents came from and Tony is not the only Dominican living in Florida I know many Dominicana who in the States so why don’t you get off Tony’s back
Utter nonesense!!!!!!!!!! You should be ashamed of yourself to make a statement like that. That type of mentality has no place in public discourse. I am a son of slave and my forebears fought to ensure that all Dominicans, black, white, yellow and brown would be treated equal. Mr. Astaphans has every right to say what he wants whether I like it or not. Get lost with your attitude.
Racism in Dominica??? Eh bien Dominique fini bat! It is so very sad to see that you are still mentally enslaved:(
You are rude and out of place. Just whom do you think you are? As other D/cans, I know Tony very well; have not seen him for some years. He is a full-fledged D/can, born and brought up in Dominica. You are being racist – discriminating. You are not fair to him. Types as you never have anything good to say anyway. Everything you say is negative and sarcastic. Having a computer and using the internet brings out the worst in some people and projects who they are as in your case.
Education has done nothing for you.
@ Johanne that is no attitude to have in this day an age. You can disagree without coming across as being prejudice. I do not aggree with TA but your comment is a little to far.
Whoever you are, you sound as stupid and ignorant as one can possibly be. Just imagine if the so called Lebanese left and went back what would happen to the local economy.
Say Astaphans closed and left, Nassief closed and left just to name those two. Where would Dominica be?
You sound no better than that asshole basketball team owner who made the comments about black people.
You have right to speak because you know if skero come out there the thousands your company owing the state will surface you think we forget about the injuction filed at inland revenue haahaaha pay your debt if you so like DA pay ur taxes no wonder u run build house florida but we will come for you in florida I can climb tall metal gates.
Tony’s roots are in D/ca where he was born, brought up and schooled. No one can take that away from him.
You blame him for building in Florida? Look around you and politically so. He has not given up D/ca. He is securing his future and that of his family and has a right to do that. He also has a right to speak out against what he thinks is wrong.
Tony, you are disrespecting the members of the bar association by your disrespectful pronouncements. Shame on you, but again you do not have any shame, but shame on you anyway. Shame…….
Indeed something is wrong with our society, by allowing your (Tony) nonsense to be heard. Sometimes i wonder if it wasn’t a mistake to allow certain to come to our country.
This comment is off base. Tony was born here.
wow and then you people (some of us) complain about racism!
Who called black cockroaches, cacadors and mosquitoes.
If I remember correctly this gutter language was directed at the DLP opposition, not exclusively black people. But we hear what we want to hear. After all, if that was only intended for blacks it would equally apply to many of Tony’s own DLP supporters. He does use foul language but I can not read it that way because he would be insulting his own wife and his little boy. We should look at the facts before we speak so that we do not shame ourselves and harm our cause for true equality.
What do you mean? Who are you? Do you not know that Tony was conceived in Dominica, born in D/ca, brought up in D/ca and attended school in D/ca in the early stages of his schooling? He is very much a D/can as you. I remember him very well. He has studied hard and done well for himself. Give him credit for his intelligence and have respect for him.
It is just amazing the lengths that some people will go to to have their cake and eat it. Why this joker never complained when the labor appointed their persons to the commission? Why he never complained when they move Saverin from a minister to the presidency? This is the hypocrisy that i cannot stand with them jokers trying to stand on the side of right when they are the devil.
If your client is clean what do you have to fear? you are being a nuisance right about now and disrespectful to Dominicans.
Tony, if you keep harping on everything, people will not listen to a word you say. All they will start hearing is blah blah blah.
Stop it before it is too late.
That’s what I am hearing….blah blah blah. He’s so disgusting eewwww
My, oh my! Tony must have been saying things that really touch a soft spot under your skin. SMh!
Don’t hate Tony for speaking out. He did not nominate Bruney, Dyer, or the last lawyer to the IPO. It was not Tony who polluted the IPO with partisan members. He did not even nominate Vanoulst. So, don’t be mad at Tony. He is in fact seeking to protect that very cherished value that you wish to deny him: freedom of speech, justice (not the fake kind that the UWPwee promotes).
Be mad instead at those who seek to pollute the IPO Commission.
It is already to late.
Maybe it’s too late already…
Some of you do not like to hear and read the truth. He has as much right to speak as you do and has his reasons. What are you doing for your country?
Your position from the Gov. perspective? Mr. Astaphans the only foolishness i am hearing is from u. Is it not the government that set up the IPO why now you want it repealed and redone. Are yoh saying the gov. did a poor job setting up this body.
I do agree that it should be amended as follows. Once the IPO is finalized and functioning it in no way should be influenced by any outside individual especially one not elected by people or parliament. It must stand independent of party influence and its investigation cannot be haulted by court once started. Any attempt to do so should be considered interfering with an investigation punishable by 10 yrs imprisonment. No one is above the law.
I want to see the IPO active. There are ministers buying land and building houses like they win the venezuelan and chinese lottery. Some hosting contractors on their property at extremly high monthly rent and others auctioning leftover equipment for there own pockets. Tony needs to understand that the IPO was set up by parliament which is the law and he cannot interfere with the operations of the law. If he wants amendment then go parliament and change. In the mean time the IPO needs to do its Job as prescribed.
Where are the other twoking lawyers in this country that keep silent.
This kind of logic is truly characteristic of the jungle life, where often, anything goes.
You ramble on so much that in the end you do not even realise how much you contradct yourself and shoot yourself in the foot. That institution that you are preaching would be neither independent nor legal. Moreover, it would function (based on the tone of your last paragraph) like the Tonton Macoutes of Haiti: Sniff, find, kill on sight…maybe answer questions after.
Only in the land of Shaka Zulu. I am happy that you do not rule in the Waitikubuli Empire.
@ peeping tom show me which line i have contradicted myself and show me where i indicate we should go around like the tonton macoutes. I will repeat. The IPO was set up by parliament and its operations and function should only be stopped by parliament. There are members on the IPO who are open supporters of the gov. Independent means clear of political influence and right now Mr. TA is not lobbying on behalf of the people but skeritt.
You want talk your crap about tonton macoute. Well go check those ministers that getting rich an ask papa doc when he come out China how much money is for airport, how much for election campaign, and how much he get for himself.
LET THE IPO DO ITS JOB
What do you think? Are the ministers getting paid with stones that they should not purchase property? Some of you are too narrow-minded. Grow up, be intelligent and write what which makes sense.
@ simply the truth. I guess majority of our civil servants are paid in stone. Intelligence is relative open up your eyes to what is real and what is deceptive.
“There is a matter before the IPO involving prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, after it was alleged that he used his official influence as chairman of Cabinet to secure concessions for a business concern in which he reportedly held ownership interest.”
DNO are you referring to those villas? If so, didn’t a preacher that is better known as Bobbles say it was his villas? Didn’t Bobles swear with the bible that it was indeed his villas? Why should we question the honesty of a preacher? Why should a preacher encourage lawlessness and corruption? If he lied to the nation, then he needs to be reported to his spriritual head to face disciplinary actions by the organization. If his head does not discipline him then maybe I will have to conclude that all have sineed and ate from the same fruit?
I believe that sanity has gone out of the door of the IPO’s office. Probably it is time that Dominicans join S.C Astaphans in calling for a death of this Act.
To be honest, i believe that we could do with an IPO Act. However, the two recent appointees (Dyer and the lawyer lady) confirm that the IPO has been hijacked. The Bar Association’s insistence on re-nominating Dyer to the Commission, a sworn political enemy of Roosevelt Skerrit and the DLP, defies logic.
This bad joke has gone too far now. Enough is enough!
Just go back to sleep fool. Tony needs to be taught a lesson in Dominica so he can keep his mouth shut
honestly your bias is worse that tony’s
i fink you maybe loving or are in love with tony
…maybe the Peeper IS Tony?? Who knows?
DAMN IT !!!! Tony put ur entire family on the IPO. When Labour put there people Tony mouth shut. What is your problem. How you miserable so stupes man. Stop passing your problems on the country. You are a bloodddddyyyyy nuisence now.
Who the hell Tony think he is to decide on almost everything that goes on in dominica like one must consult or get permission from him to appoint a person or to do anything. This nonesence must stop is just a matter of time.
GOD IS GOOD.
100%truthful, But Tony isn’t one of the Lawrence brothers who like Mr, Dyer is an attorney as well?, If so, why did you not condemn it seeing he knows about the pm’s case? So in other words, you don’t mind an attorney being on the IPO as long as they are on the same team that the PM is on; but you have a problem with non team players? I got your point sir.
I also feel that political activists should not be on the electoral commission
Nothing wrong with amending the act, but can we truly find many people who are politically neutral in a small island like Dominica? Remember what applies for the opposition will also apply for the ruling party. Are all of the government nominees beyond reproach for political biases? Of course not. The timing is also suspect. If the prime minister has nothing to hide in that particular matter then it should not matter who is on the commission and there should be no rush to change the act right? On another point, why is Astaphan the PM’s mouthpiece, whether he is in the country or not. On legal matters or otherwise? Who really calls the shots? Wait, wait, don’t tell me..
Before you tell that to the Bar Association, tell Skerrit to remove his own appointees because they are Laborites to the bone. In addition, ask Skerrit why is he going to appoint Mervin Paul to head DBS. He is a known political activist. Don’t you think the head of the nation’s station should be neutral?
Unlike teacher Glor, Athenia is NOT a people’s person, so how can she represent????
In “one” word pure hog wash !!
“If the Bar Association appointed Mr. Dyer with the knowledge of the case of the prime minister, that is disrespectful.”
Mr. Astaphan, Must everything be put on hold or even kicked out because of the PM? Is the Pm above the law? Who cares who is investigating when you are innocent? Are you suggesting that there maybe light at the end of the tunnel and you do not want that light to be followed? Common man, if the PM in innocent no matter who conducts the investigation in will still be found innocent.
Mr. Astaphan, who exactly should be on the IPO commission? Laborites only? Man you should be ashamed of yourself. You run and built your home in Florida to hide ( I wonder why?) and you come talking this nonsense to Dominicans. The IPO is to deal with matters involving every government person including the opposition. So are you admitting that it is only Skerrit that does wrong? Your lies and Skerrit lies will catch up with you all. Don’t worry. It’s just a matter of time.
“That is disrespectful and if there was no other person available to them and in a matter of desperation they decided on Mr. Dyer, that is disrespectful to all of us. There was no rush to have somebody appointed if they could not find a suitable person at the time,” he told privately-owned Kairi FM news.
Mr. Astaphan, which office that commands more respect; the IPO or the presidency? If according to you it is disrectful to appoint Mr. Dyre, who by the way is a former DFP minister, just like Savarin then was it very respectful to all Dominicans to have Charles Savarin as President? You see all you boy
I am just sooooooooo fed up with Tony and his BS! Now he is fighting the bar association which he is a part of. I guess because it is “alleged” that he is the GREAT MANIPULATOR of the justice system in the region he tends to believe that he is lord of all. But, nothing lasts for ever and CHNAGE will come soon….
“I AM FOR CHANGE; ARE U?”
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Tony Astaphan calling Henry Dyer disrespectful?? Well, thing never cease to amaze me. The kettle calling the pot black, for true.
If nobody has nothing to hide then they should not be worried whether its blue, red, green or yellow that are on the IPO. Plain and simple
Shut up Tony! blah blah blah blah blah blah blah