Oral submissions in the election petition matters involving Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt and Education Minister Petter St Jean concluded yesterday afternoon bringing an end to the presentations by the lawyers from both sides of the matter.
Justice Gertel Thom has promised a ruling at the earliest possible date, as she will be away from home for a week after yesterday’s presentations. The judge granted each attorney two hours for their submissions, each and Douglas Mendes for the petitioners presented first.
In wrapping up his submission lead counsel for the UWP Douglas Mendes asked the court to rule that the election be voided in both matters stating that in the case of Ron Green, since he was also a foreign national at the time of the nomination and had not issued Notices of Disqualification, that he not be awarded the seat and that there be a bi-election.
However, in the case of Maynard Joseph and Skerrit, Mendes asked that the court consider the Notice of Disqualification printed in the local newspaper was not disputed and that the notice had also been distributed to the electors, and find that all votes cast for Skerrit to be void and to declare Maynard Joseph as the winning candidate.
During his oral argument Mendes submitted that although the burden of proof lies squarely on the shoulders of the petitioners in an election petition matter, the probability or likelihood of the occurrence of an offence must relate to the standard of proof required. He asked, “Is it inherently improbable that someone who is a French citizen would obtain a French passport?” He suggested that the more inherently improbable the event, the higher the standard of proof should be. He asked the court to consider, in its decision, the likelihood that the respondents as French citizens would have obtained French Passports.
He further asked the court to consider the respondents’ silence and the fact that they had never refuted the allegations of possession of French passports as ‘some evidence’ that they are actually have passports. A local newspaper had printed that Skerritt had admitted to possession of a French passport and he had refuted the statement that he had. But Mendes asserts that he has never publicly denied the allegations and so that is some evidence that the allegations are in fact true.
Also concerning the silence, Mendes stated that the respondents’ response to the subpoenas to produce the passports, they said that if they submit to the subpoena, they will incriminate themselves, should be considered.
Mendes also stated that the testimony of the respondents’ witnesses that there was no talk about the citizenship issue or that the issue of the alleged passport was never raised was in direct contradiction of the letter the Prime Minister had circulated on December 17, 2009 to the electorate of the Vielle Case Constituency. He affirmed his belief that by the wording of the letter, Skerritt acknowledges that there were allegations being circulated about his citizenship and possession of a French Passport.
He also mentioned Skerritt’s letter to the French Ambassador to the OECS in St Lucia, in which he states that a recent case in Jamaica has raised questions about dual citizenship and that he would not want to cause himself to be disqualified from the 2009 General Elections and that his decision to renounce his French citizenship was based solely on his desire to represent the people of Dominica in parliament.
Mendes had always suggested and did again suggest, without challenge from the respondents, that the case in question was the Vaz- Dabdoub case, in Jamaica, the ruling of which was held up on appeal in February of 2009. In that case, the important factor was that Vaz had gotten a US passport as an adult and had traveled on it, which the court interpreted as having allegiance to a foreign power, by his own hand.
As to the witness statement of Felix Prosper in which he said that he had conversed with St Jean about a French passport and that he had seen it in 2009, Justice Thom asked Mendes how would she be sure that it was not a passport from childhood, to which Mendes submits that the unlikelihood of that would be quite evident to the court and related to his earlier point of inherent probability.
The respondents had both provided documents to the French authorities concerning their French citizenship, including declarations certifying that they were indeed French citizens and because of this it would not be improbable that the two had obtained French passports, Mendes asserted.
Speaking of the subpoenas to give testimony, he said that there is further significance in their silence in court and that the fact that they chose not to answer questions when it is reasonably expected that they would have the answers to the questions being asked.
Mendes additionally proposed that the expiration of St Jean’s voter privileges even after he had already renounced his French citizenship meant that he had registered after leaving Guadeloupe (He had once lived there) as a non-resident voter. Mendes submits that St Jean’s registration itself proves acquiescence on his part.
SKERITTE HAS DONE WELL DOMINICANS.IF YOU STOP AND THINK IN MJ’S DAYS WE DIDN’T EVEN GET A RIDE ON THE GOVERNMENT VAN NOT EVEN TO SCHOOL. HAD TO FOLLOW HIM AROUND MINISTRY FOR A POXY JOB, WE NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO GO ABROAD TO STUDY WE HAD NO PROSPECTS COME ON NOW GIVE SKERITTE THE SUPPORT HE DESERVES AND KEEP RIDING. RIDE MJ AND VB OUT OF VIEILLE CASE THESE LOOSERS NEED TO RETIRE HURT
So that’s how uwp wants veille case? Well they reall want skerrit off from the pm role. I mean, if that happens the people of veille case will actually revolt. Uwp asking for an overthrow and that might actually be a catalyst for people to rise up against them. And let’s face the truth, no bias thinking here. If it seriously comes down to protests and revolution, labour has so much more support than uwp. Be careful what you all ask for and what you all want to to here. Ask for a bi election and win it, if you all can. Then that leaves no room for doubt.
Idiot, the law does not provide for a bi-election in the case of the PM seat because notices were put out.
What is wrong with these people and the law nuh? Why allu have so much problems following the law? This is not UWP wanting anything. This is the constitution speaking.
Can’t you read?
ONE THING…..LOPS LOSS OF POWER SYNDROM UWP DIE SO GIVE UP THE GHOST AND LETS GO ABOUT BUILDING OUR NATION.
I AM NOT FOR NO PARTY BUT FRANKLY SPEAKING
MAYNARD BLEW HIS CHANCE. WHEN HE WAS THE REP.
HE HARDLY COMMUNICATE WITH THE PEOPLE WHO VOTED IN LIKE THEY WERE NOT HIS TYPE, LIKE
THE WORD(DONT BITE THE HANDS THAT FEED YOU)
THAT WAS EXACTLEY WHAT HE DID. SO PLEASE
DONT’ BLAME THEM IF THEY DONT WANT HIM TO BE
THEIR REP.
That’s Maynard. Well said.
“A local newspaper had printed that Skerritt had admitted to possession of a French passport and he had refuted the statement that he had. But Mendes asserts that he has never publicly denied the allegations and so that is some evidence that the allegations are in fact true”
In all honesty ….is that “evidence” of someone’s guilty? That’s preposterous to ask the court to consider a non answer, an admission of guilty.
“He affirmed his belief that by the wording of the letter, Skerritt acknowledges that there were allegations being circulated about his citizenship and possession of a French Passport.”
Skerritt ACKNOWLEDGED the allegations….does that equate to an admission of guilt – preposterous
I do give Mendes credit for referencing Skerritt’s letter to the French Ambassador to the OECS in St Lucia because of the inference that can be made from that letter – however, inference is not fact unless the intent can be proven – then it’s a fact.
However – the judge must not consider silence as evidence of guilt. The judge must not accept a refusal to testify as evidence of guilt. The judge must not accept that an acknowledgment of allegations as evidence of guilt.
The judge must way the evidence presented against the facts of the case and determine if the evidence supports the facts. Nothing else should lead the judge but the evidence to support the facts.
And the party’s whose evidence best support the facts must receive the favorable decision
As both candidates for Laplain were ILLEGAL.there need to be a by-election in La plain with two new candidates not the same two illegals.
Skerrit case is different, we dont know if he was illegal as he got his citinzenship at birth from his mother, having dual nationality is not illegal nor is having a passport.
So Skerrit stays he did nothing wrong. However it would be wise if Skerrit took a leave of absence to study make Timothy Deputy or acting PM in the interin, then Skerrit returns after his studies.
Mendes cannot tell us what to do in Dominica, if the judge find St.Jean was guilty then, we will have a by-election in Laplain, but the case was abut holding dual passport not about dual nationality and how it was obtained, if these guys obatined their nationality via their parents,before they were of age then they have no case to answer.Having a passport is not against Dominica constitution.
But the Judge is a foreigneer too
MENDES IS A FOREIGNER TOO.
INDEED HE IS WHAT DOES HE KNOW ABOUT DOMINICA ANYWAY
Likewise the judge what does she know about your island
the stupidity of some people is just laughable. “Mendes cannot tell us what to do in Dominica”. What does Mendes follow and read before making his submissions? THE CONSTITUTION!
What does Mendes quote from and make reference to? THE CONSTITUTION!
Find one and start to read before you make these dumb statements
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY PAPAMET MI DABAR.
While it is true that the dual citizenship is being challenged, I am of the opinion that the precedent has already been set; because many others have sat in the parliament of Dominica as dual citizens.
In trying to solve a problem we might just be creating another problem. i.e if the PM and Peter lose their case it would mean that all those who sat in parliament as dual citizens in the past would have to be brought to the court to pay back the monies they have illegally received from the treasury by way of salaries and other allowances. Some will be able to pay back but some will have to have radio-thon.
LETS NOT FORGET MR EDDIE IS A BRITISH CITIZEN. THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK HA HA
But how can Mendes ask the Judge to consider a defendant silence. Never heard about that one, where a defendents silence can be held against them. If a defendant has not testified he has not given any evidence for or against him.
look like about to break loose in Dominica.
It is clear by now that Dominican is too bien merci…instead of fixing what we have accomplished over the years, we are trying our damnedest to destroy..WE SHOULD TRY NOT TO BREAK THE BRIDGE WHILE WE ARE STANDING ON IT..
When the riot start, and the fire start burning, where will we run to hide…
we seem to be taking all of this for a damme big joke…but it’s not….
After all of this is over…we might just sit on our asses and cry….
For the outcome is not gonna be as smooth as we think it will be…to rebuild a broken Country with broken citizens is not easy to handle, we might never recover…..at the end we might just as ourselves…WHY..
WE NEVER LIKE GOOD THINGS IN THIS COUNTRY THINGS ARE HARD EVERY WHERE AND WE HAVE SUCH GREAT LEADERSHIP TRYING THEIR BEST TO IMPROVE THE PLACE UWP USE TO SAY THEY DOING THINGS TOO PA TOO BUT ITS NOW THINGS HAPPENING PEOPLE BE HAPPY WITH WHAT WE HAVE AND PAY NO MIND TO THESE FOOL THEY ONLY TRYING TO GAIN POWER SO THEY CAN STICK THEIR HANDS IN THE COOKIE JAR. AND ONE THING IF SKERRIT WAS A FRENCH CITIZEN WHY DIDNT HE GO SERVE THE MANDATORY MILITARY SERVICE IN FRANCE OR WHERE EVER THEY ARE CALLED TO GO TO HUH….
THE JUDGE MUST CLEAR THE CASE IN LAPAINE & CALL A BI-ELECTION IN VIELLE CASE!!!! WHAT U ALL THINK???
WHAT HAS SKERITTE DONE FOR U ALL BUT GOOD CRABS
Result of the case..Peter and Ron case dismiss.You both break the law and Ron green pay court fees for breaking the law x amount of time.P.M and M.J dismiss.M,J was to weak on election day
I am waiting anxiously for th result
It is amazing how so much attention is placed on whether MJ is loved by the people of Vieille Case and not whether Skerrit breached the constitution by being illegally nominated.
The law is the law, is the law and that is what the rule of law means: that we are all equal infront the court of law.
I will await the learned judge’s decision but I am confident that Mendes put forward some solid arguments.
I would think that if Maynard was so much loved in Vieille Case he would have gotten all of the loving votes in Vieille Case. What’s the conflict here? We should come together not fall apart. I don’t understand why we don’t just accept what it is and wait for the next election. Then and only then, I think the people of Dominica will talk. “VOTE” during the next election and everyone hopefully will be satisfied with “their” decision. Who the hell is Mendes anyway? Is he even from Dominica?
with only 1 vote, according to the law, MJ should be declared winner. Because all of allu casted votes for skerrit which were null and void. lol some of allu just don’t get it….education..education..oh lord…these people need to educate themselves
Case dsmiss, unproven. Back to busness.Let us get ready for the next election.
Jesus Christ shine your light on Dominica! God remove the cloud of darkness the engulfs our people! Lord have mercy! Christ have mercy! Jesus Christ is this for real? Somebody pinch me, I am having a nightmare! This cannot be real.
This is a very simple matter my friends. The Constitution states that any one with Dual Citizenship after 18yrs by his own signature, has to first renounce his foreign citizenery before he/she can take part in parliamentary elections in Dominica. This is the first time it is being chalenged in court.Take notes my friends take notes.
Ian I would like for US to succeed in our bid but let us be honest – what have you and your government done during the layoff to improve our chances. The Carnival Cruise line complained about the conditions – the filth and dis-coordination yet we have seen no real improvement. Instead of playing monkey tricks on a radio program you and the mayor of Roseau must get off the monkey tree and start working to develop the country.
Wer had a perfect opportunity to show the people that we are serious when we decided to spend the millions of dollars on a state house instead of boosting tourism accommodation and making Roseau water front more accommodating to the visitors. What about the visitation points – what have you and your government done.
I am so disappointed in this administration. All of tax payers resources are being spent on fire drills to cover up corruption and allegations thereof. To me this government has spent the better part of their tenure fighting critics on the ropes. A fighter stays on the rope when he is to weak, tired and lacking the will power to endure. I see no fight in this administration.
The DLP met a foundation that was set for cruise tourism and I cannot honestly say that the DLP has done anything to build upon foundation. The DLP has destroyed agriculture for tourism and no one can honestly say that Ian, Ivor or Charles Saverin has done anything worthwhile to justify replacing agriculture for tourism.
My vote and dignity is not on ebay for sure.
ure wicked person you dat hmm u have seen no development today am on my good side i shll not say eanything but f__k off
Breathe Breathe my frioend. I know you are disappointed in the labor government too. Instead of hperventilating talk about your concerns. The government is a total failure and I share your conmcern
oh yes daddy skerrit gave some handout to the idiot busdrivers and and all those affected by the so call off season.yes bwoy daddy skeritt is the best i luv his dimples…
IF MAYNARD JOSEPH WIN THE CASE AND THE JUDGE ASK HIM WHAT SHOULD SHE DO, I BET MAYNARD JOSEPH WOULD BE ON HIS KNEES SAYING “ALAH PLEASE DONT REMOVE SKERRIT AND PUT ME IN, VIEILLE PEOPLE WILL KILL ME”
YOu are too ignorant. Try to understand why Skerrit was brought before the court.YOur fool!
Itassi, You sounding like the Vieille case constituency is only comprised of Vieille case people. Don’t forget Penville and Thibaud are also part of the constituency and it’s not Vieille case only. FYI, Penville and Thibaud also voted Skeritt although he has nothing to do with the other two villages.
your last statement is really not fair because there has been significant development in all three villages. Remember that Penville initially got even more attention than Vielle Case, and while I admit that less attention has been given to Thibaud, we have seen development and improvement, thanks to our Parl. Rep, Honorable Skerrit.
informant, can you please name the developments that have taken place in Penville and Thibaud? FYI, Penville is not better today that they were 10 years ago. I agree that Mr. Skeritt is more loved in Penville that his hometown, but they have not been rewarded, Infact you will agree with me that both Penville and Thibaud have been used by Mr. Skeritt simply because they don’t seem to have a brain of their own.
Lets star with Penville. From 2000 elections, Mr Skeritt promised to build a playing field for the people of Penville as a way of honouring Fernix Thomas, a fast bowler and first person from Penville to play for Dominica, Windward and had it not been for lack of decipline, would have payed for West Indies. But 10 years down the road, where is the playing field? What about farmers from Penville? I am refering to people like Door, Roudolph, the Leblanc’s and so on. They used to produce how many truck loads of Bananas and we could count on them for fresh fruits and vegie. That’s gone now! We have always refered to them as “Penvillian Goats” and nothing much has changed as Mr. Skeritt continues to use them but they get nothing in return.
Next Thibaud. What has Skerrit done for them? Have you been to Thibaud lately? Thibaud people have gotton nothing from Skeritt but strife and a devided Village. In the 2005 elections Skerrit went on national radio (DBS) and announced that he got $1 Million dollars to build their school for them. A few months before the said elections, the same Skeritt went on the nation station to announce that he was going to transfer the money to the Castle Bruce constituency to build a school for the people of San sovere. But Thibaud people still rewarded him with a win in the 2005 election. In 2009 Election, Skerrit did not even waiste time to promise them school, yet those fools voted him by over 50% of votes in a former UWP stronghold. Furthermore, to further insult Thibaud People, Skeritt build a highway from Blenheim to Ville case. However, when he got to Thibaud, he actually skipped Thibaud and start his highway from Gomier to Vielle case. You see, jan Thibaud two sort, and yet they still voted him. Skeritt does not even visit Thibaud or keep meetings with them, so how has he contributed to their development. Like Penville, we use to call jan Thibaud mun sort and under Skeritt they have definitely lived up to that insult!
put d puppet MJ maynard to represent who????? he had his chance to do something for the vieille case constituency when he was in power so wat good he gonna do now…drink rhum and smoke???? he was my teacher in school back then but sorry mannn. THANK GOD for SKERRIT…God bless you Roosie!
TO LATE TO CRY YOUR STORY IS NOT TRUE. PM
LOVES PENVILLE AND THIBAUD HE DID NOT PUT
THEM ON A SIDE. VERNICE, MAYNARD AND OTHERS
DID NOT DO NOTHING FOR THE NORTH, THEY
ARE ASHAME TO SEE PM DID MORE FOR HIS
PEOPLE THAN THEM SO THEY ARE COMING UP WITH
ALL SORTS OF STORIES TO PUT HIM DOWN.
Skerro,we behindyou,no way can a man with 100 votes displace one with 1000 votes.Pas Parle All Maynard family that vote him no one else and he want to just slip in? No Way HoseNot in Vielle Case.
DEAR POLICE OFFICER
I HAVE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY LIFE WHEN THE UWP HAD THEIR DEMONTSRATION NEAR DBS BEFORE A FEW YEARS AGO BEFORE 2005 ELECTIONS IF IT Was nt for dat plane clothed police the uwp mob woud have renced me I NOW FEEL OBLIGATED TO SAY THANK YOU TO TONY ASTAPHSNA AND ALL THOSE LABOUR PEIPLE AND CHARLO WHO SEND KIND WORDS OF SUPPORT TO ME…I SEE MY DEATH IN MY VEHICLE DAT DAT NEAR THE ROUNDABOUT NEAR FORT YOUNG HOTEL NO MORE MAY 29TH AS TONY ASTAPHANS SAY DATS WHAT THEY WANT BUT NOT IN DA
tony astahphans is man of the year
t
a
k
e
i
t
or leave it
when is the BIG D L P RALLY NUH I CANA WAIT
TONY ASTAPHANS SHOWED MENDSE WHAT THE LAW IS IM SO PROUD OF TONY ALL GOVERNMENTS WANT MISTER BRAINS WE BOY WELL LEH EEE BOR D EEE BOR MISTAR TONY DADDDY TONY COMRADE TONY WE LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEE YOU
ALL D PRETTY GIRLS IN LABOUR LOVE YOU
SWEET SEXY TONY I LOVE DAT BALL HEAD IT SO SHINNING DAT GLOWED IN THE COURT WE BOY AND A SWEET SMILE TONE TONE U TOO BRIGHT FOR DEM FELLARS WAITING TO GIVE YOU A NICE HUG AT OUR NEXT LABOUR POWER MEETING TELL SKERRO TO CALLL GENERAL ELECTIONS FOR THE CLOCK TO CHANGE FROM 18 TO 3 TO 19 TO 2 ALLOES FOR ROSO
Only thing is he was defeated in this current battle. What happen? You forgot the most important piece man!
You forget pasawed
and that is labour supporters for u..
You sound so low,so stupid. You think tony care about you/?
I do not get it. What is the problem with a bi-election? All you have to do is to vote for who you want. We do not need to know who you don’t want, just vote for who you want.
WRONG AND STRONG
RIGHT IS RIGHT AND WRONG IS WRONG
WHETHER FROM UP OR WHETHER FROM DOWN
JUMP HIGH JUMP LOW OR ROLL ON THE GROUND…
LEH YO CHAYBE OU, PAS COMMENCE FROWN.
YOU KNEW FROM THE START TWO WRONGS ARE NOT RIGHT.
NOW YOU WRONG AND STRONG AND YOU WANT TO FIGHT
INSTEAD U STAND UP AND CLAIM WHAT YOU DO
YOU TALKING ABOUT RON, EDDO AND THE CREW?
I HAVE NO PARTY LIKE I HAVE SAID BEFORE
AND YES WIKI WHEN I FINISH I WILL SHUT THE DOOR.
WHEN GOING TO BAT MAKE SURE UR CRISS STRAIGHT SO WRONGDOERS LIKE RON CANT GET DIRT ON YOUR CASE.
IM SURE YOU WISH NOW U HAD SPEAK UP LONG TIME
THE TRUTH ALWAYS FINDS LIGHT FOR IT IS DIVINE
OUR OFFICE OF PM IS DEAR TO OUR HEART
WHOEVER IS TO LEAD MUST CLEAN THEIR ACT FROM THE START.
WHOEVER SAYS NO, WHO PLUNDERS AND LIES
IN SWEET DOMINICA THEY WILL MEET THEIR DEMISE
FOR DOMINICANS I KNOW THEY ARE BURSTING WITH LOVE
SO DOE TEST US AND PUSH US TO TAKE OFF THE GLOVES
LEAD US WITH HONOR AND INTEGRITY…
TRUTH, JUSTICE AND EQUALITY.
HOLD THESE VALUES DEAR TO YOUR HEART
AND SINCERELY MY PM THAT WOULD BE A GREAT START.
FOR ALL WHO ARE GREAT AND TRULY INDEED
CAN TELL YOU OF THIS ONE THING TO TAKE HEED
THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM IS HUMBLENESS
AND PRETENDING TO BE MORE WILL MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU ARE LESS
Calypso for so!!!
U TOO FOOLISH NO WONDER YOUR WOMAN LEAVE YOU U WORRYING TOO MUCH WITH SKERRO
GET WORK TO DO LAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZY
DAM YEH YEH
hahahahahahahah SMH is this your only retort?????? I am like PM skerrit at my home, no law, no constitution can take me out in power! LOLOLOLOLOLOL you are hilarious…..you sound like an abused little girl….then again is that a hot dog i see in your mouth???LOLOLOLOL look mayonaise on your chin…..
According to CHALKDUST back in the days of Eric Wiiliams, “AFRAID CARL”, referring to Carl Hudson Phillip. That’s why Mendes does not want any Bye-Election in VIELLE-CASE. “AFRAID SKERRIT”. He knows what’s up if the Judge rules for a bye-election in Vielle-Case. He only wants bye-election in LAPLAINE because he thinks Petta is a push-over for Ron. Not so, Mendes.
I will refrain from taking anything you say to heart because you are wholly and completely political….your entire knowledge consists widely of political views and standpoint….. THIS in itself is biased. It indicates to me that you and every word you speak is influenced by only one thing.
POLITICS and not by your objective and free thinking mind.
please do not drag me into your POLITICAL rum talk….Admin already talking nonsense for me and to be honest i have been trying to stay within the constraints that he has set obviously for one set of us…..I will leave you with this and admin can drink it as well if it applies to him…. “AFRAID” IS RELATIVE… WHEN THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE….FEAR ALSO IS LOST….AND ALL POLITICS AND CHOOSING OF SIDES BOILS DOWN TO ONE THING. SURVIVAL….I would not like to be the rich man in a city of poor people… passing by and seeing hungry eyes lurking and watching waiting! how can you feel safe and enjoy what you have when you know others are suffering regardless of whether it is the minority…. I’ve been to jamaica and i can tell you i do not wish that existence on MY SWEET DOMINICA… I pray that a day will come when you will also change DCC . because your THINKING is still in the gutter…. NO MAN BEFORE WHAT IS BEST FOR DOMINICA…. NO MAN ABOVE THE LAW and CONSTITUTION… MY former educator RMS has let me down …. the man you rally for! yes he is a man and I will tell him that to his face one day, when he comes back down to earth… at the end of the day…you must leave room exception DCC for nothing under this sun is ABSOLUTE…not even skerrit he is a MAN and he CAN DO WRONG! though it may not be so in your eyes…ADMIN all I can do is SMH , you are not helping Dominica when you promote this BLIND DEVOTION….
do we have anymore dominicans like this one?
say a few more lines this could help their hearing and even open their eyes. well said
Why don’t these idiots go plan for the next elections instead of this monkey show, so what if they get 2 more seats, they will still be an insignificant minority; and they will lose both seats in the next election. These guys need to accept the fact that they don’t have a plan/vision to lead Dominica in a better trojectory and u know what Dominicans can see that.
man what u saying makes no sense one wrong can never be right only real men tell the truth but little boys lies
well we have the youngest pm in the world don’t u know that ?
I believe that Mr. Mendes’ had a brilliant summation. Not having all the facts one can read through this summation and agree with the lawyer that there should be a bi- election in La Plain and a declaring of the seat in Vielle Case to Maynard Joseph. Well the biggest job now rest upon the judge to make a decision based on the facts of the case. I believe she will chide to the side of reason that the law of the land should at all times be followed by all regardless of position in society. Lord help her make not just the a good but the right decision. And what ever decision made the populace will be satisfied. Please look over our land Lord. Thank you, Father.
Wishfull thinking on their part joseph lost his deposit.
This has nothing to do with losing deposit. It’s a ruling by the court.
what a joke in our country papa..alas!!! The judge is not crazy so i don’t think she will put our country thru this..maynard joseph-bye election.hmmmmmmm.i smell trouble..
The sensible thing to do in such a case that should not have wasted court time, is to declare both seats vacant, and bi-election in 90 days.
MJ is not worthy to represent the constituency that has rejected him more than once , and only got 12% of the votes cast. If elections were called not, i doubt MJ can get 100 votes.
MJ is a laughing stock in the community compared to the Prime Minister, the only representative who have done some thing for community in recent times.
MJ taught me in school, but he has not been a rule model of handwork in Vieille Case, and hold little respect among the people
truly i believe that political desputes should be over after elections and the people should come together to have a common goal. now if there is a problem or breach of law , then it should be fixed and put to its order. selfishly we look at what is done for us or our community , and forgets that its a ten parish island . dominica is comparitivly large.the work most be done in all areas. we sounding like children who rather the other because they gets away with more by that one.
don’t be selfish think of the whole island.
long live the christian brothers of Washington
They spoil me
I suspicious of everbody and I grudge and
ill talk people secretly
I building my house ( lol) in Wall house
my sister so happy
i beleive in evil but i know good is better
LONG TIME AGO IN BETHLEHEM
LOOK FOR CLUES READ BETWEEN THE LINES DADDY
AND YOU WILL KNOW WHO WILL WIN
MENDES WAS GREAT
TONY REALLY GOOOD
BOLD LETTERS IS MY STYLE
I CANNOT DISGUISE IS ME
I NO LONGER LISTEN TO DAT RADIO STATION
I LOVE TO WRITE LETTERS FOR MY SISTERS
Skerrit is relevant to king Nebuchadnezzar and will be over thrown by
Cyprus.
Let’s just sit back, watch and wait.
We did not vote for MJ if i am not mistaken i think MJ got 13 votes and 3 was from V/Case the rest was from Penville. MJ represented us under UWP and he did nothing for V/case. Mj was my teacher and i love him but we did not vote for him. Mendes cannot tell us and will not dictate the will of the people of V/case.
MJ represented you under UWP? You people are so pathetic you lie just to make a point. MJ was only a par rep under the Freedom Party and contested only the last election for the UWP. Under UWP Vernice Beloney was the parl rep
The point was he did nothing for the people of V/case……..even if it was UWP or Freedom it’s the same MJ
CMC TODAY IS REPORTING TONY ASTAPHAN SAYING,THE DECISION NOT TO DISCLOSE THE1R PASSPORTS CLAIMING THAT THEY HAD A CONSTITUTION RIGHT NOT TO DO SO.CAN YOU IMAGINE SKERRIT IS BASING HIS CASE ON HIS CONSTITUTION RIGHT. AT ONE TIME SKERRIT ACCEPTS THE CONSTITUTION IN COURT BUT OUT OF COURT IT IS THROWN INTO THE $120 GABBAGE BIN.
Dominicans have finally waken up and realize that this New DLP is not what Rossie and Pierre Charles had fought for all these years in opposition in thw 1980’s.
Good-bye Skerro, St.Jean and Tony.
I like that statement there!!!
What Mendez forgot to emphasize was
1. the statement of allegiance and of french cooperation:
“It is with DEEPEST REGRET that I make an official application for Renunciation of my French citizenship”
and
2.Admitting to his and french cooperation:”Thanking you for your USUAL kind Cooperation”
3. Numerous multimillion dollar contracts awarded to French nationals
“In wrapping up his submission lead counsel for the UWP Douglas Mendes asked the court to rule that the election be voided in both matters stating that in the case of Ron Green, since he was also a foreign national at the time of the election and had not issued Notices of Disqualification, that he not be awarded the seat and that there be a bi-election”.
Unjust application of different sets of rules for similar situations.
Ron Green was a foreign national at the time of election as his lawyer just said but he took the PM to court over something he is guilty of himself, HYPOCRITE.
It is clear, this case is not about the Constitution, the constitution is a red herring. It’s about trying to do in court what cannot be done at the ballot box.
I have no idear how UWP supporters justify this hypocrisy, Double standards,false claim and pretense of having admirable principles by UWP and Ron Green.
HATE FOR THE PM is the Only Explanation.
Do As I Say, Not As I Did For 15 long Years.
Matthew 7:5, You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
go suck your big toe, I dont know what is admin sceen with allu. people cannot come and post and support their belief without you character assassins jumping on their back…..Admin I am seriously beginning to question your motive and integrity. Please dont let us go down that road again. When people like wikileaks et al call to ban your website and thus our freedom of speech is all us so that will come and show support. NOT THE MASSES…. its the so called minority which stands for the principles that ensure your ability to post controversial issues. so go on with this whatever it is you doing. I dont expect to reason with these government agents on your website but I would hope that you have REASON… the other day you talk about people playing with your bread……hmmmmmmm tanto tanto admin…
1979 Lives, get a job. You must be living on Food Stamps.
you jack*** you are so obssessed with party you cannot even see that THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH POLITICS YOU IGNORANT JACK***. KEEP THIS UP and see what will happen. keep disregarding peoples valid concerns and saying that it is hate for your ******* PM and see what will happen…..when we cannot find a way to be heard we will all see the end result. you people need to spoke pooming and listen to what people have to say…..I DONT THINK THERE IS ONE UWP SUPPORTER LEFT IN DOMINICA, DOMINICANS ARE SPEAKING FOR THEIR RIGHT TO KNOW, AND FOR YOUR ******** PM TO KNOW HIS PLACE AND HIS DUTY!
@ 1979 LIVES!!!
“A man curses because he doesn’t have the words to say what’s on his mind”.
Quote,Malcolm X
I have the words to say whats on my mind and i did. Stop foam at the mouth and try responding to the hypocrisy and double standards of Ron Green and The UWP.
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.
Hypocrisy and Double standards, clear as day there is no darkness but ignorance.
SPOON RON GREEN AND ALL YOUR ELOQUENCE, I will not waste my time writing polite english for you…..all you see is blue red and green, you &^%^&*(*&^% I have children here, and the hold bag of crabs need to TAKE CORRECTION…. THE CONSTITUTION NOT WRONG!!! IS ALL OF THEM THAT AT FAULT. so dont try and make your GOD seem like a VICTIM…..HE KNOW WELL WHAT HE WAS ABOUT….the time for him to save face is long gone darnit…..so you and wiki can talk out of allu rear end now till the end of time
WRONG IS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!! A CHOU!!!
1979 Lives, Too much time on the internet. Get a real Life. We are Indomitable and Invicible. And the Judge Thomas knows that. The numbers won’t move, 18-3. We don’t want to see the Dow Jones go down, so it stays at 18-3, and the Judge Thomas knows that.
De caribbean change, are you a ton ton macoute??? If you have the authority to take me off of my internet that I paying my hard earned money for I would like to see you try it.. U just keep defecating the same thing from that hole in your face. Gimme your address so I can send u a roll of toilet paper to wipe your mouth. I coming to you now you looking for me I on your case now.
ADMIN: We will be the Ton Ton Macoute on this site if you don’t stop hurling abuses at other posters. If this continues we will think of permanently blocking you.
1979 LIVES, I got a brother who is a prominent Attorney and another brother who is a Medical Doctor, and that is not all. I got you all covered, 1979 lives. We are an educated family. Do you want more?
you must be the apple that fell far from the tree in that case……go in peace to love and to serve the lord or PM skerrit. whichever you choose…..amen and amen….in the good name of the lord I Bind you!
I agree with your assessment that Ron and the UWP is calling the grapes sour because they are sitting on the far side of the grape vine fence. Your point is taken. However what I just don’t understand is why it is that sensible people are prepared to compromise integrity , honesty and even their Christian duty as pastors, priest or even flock to defend what is wrong. How can smart people declare that two wrong constitute a right.
I don’t understand why so called Christians or god fearing people can idolize a man like Tony Astaphan who obviously has no fear of god in him- yet we continue to lift him up high because he is defending lies and misconduct. Sounds like double standard to me – note the despicable double standard also apply to Ron and the UWP.
The precedent that we are setting will only lead to the continuous degradation of our country- the increasing poverty and crime. Only the people can change the country for the better and we can only do so when we demonstrate that we as a people will not tolerate such behavior from Skerrit, Petter, Ron, Eddison and Tony Astaphan. It sickens my stomach to see people make heroes out of scoundrels and rogue politicians. Until we demonstrate that we will tolerate nothing less than committment, honesty, dedication and sincerity from those who come to us for a vote then Dominica is doomed. The trend that is developing is dangerous – we are basing our biases on a feeble foundation- what I see and hear is “ UWP was corrupt so we can be even more corrupt ” and that is OK. So the following government have every right to bit or match the corruption of the predecessors.
I often wonder if education has really taken us out of the dungeon of ignorance and parochialism. If religion or education is what I need to be able to decipher the deceitful and malicious works of Tony astaphan, Skerrit, Ron, Edisson and all these insidious politicians then I would rather remain in ignorance and never have to participate in ANY religious sect or doctrine.
@ Wikileak,
You could not have summed it any better in your comments Sir. May be one day, the good Lord will open the eyes of those so called supporters of evil doers, and make the right choice before it’s too late. Right now, I’m just puzzled at the way our people think in regards to truth and righteousness.
The precedent that we are setting will only lead to the continuous degradation of our country- the increasing poverty and crime. Only the people can change the country for the better and we can only do so when we demonstrate that we as a people will not tolerate such behavior from Skerrit, Petter, Ron, Eddison and Tony Astaphan. It sickens my stomach to see people make heroes out of scoundrels and rogue politicians. Until we demonstrate that we will tolerate nothing less than committment, honesty, dedication and sincerity from those who come to us for a vote then Dominica is doomed.
MY GOD IM SHOCKED, IS THIS REALLY WIKILEAKS???? I DONT THINK IT IS…IS THAT REALLY YOU WIKI>????
I often wonder if education has really taken us out of the dungeon of ignorance and parochialism…..
So why did you have to hijack my name…Mule??
HYPOCRISY is not a crime punishable by law!
If it was this whole island would need to be a jail and it would be full.
AMEN PAPAMET YOU ARE SWEET LOL
Bi elections all the way or no change at all I say. Too much jujuness in DA eh..
SO IT WAS MENDES ALONE WHO SPOKE YESTERDAY IN COURT
I GUESS YOU REFUSE TO POST THE VERY BRILLIANT CLOSING ARGUMENTS OF LEAD COUNSEL ANTHONY ASTAPHANS ; A DOMINICAN BORN TOP LEGAL LUMINARY IN THE CARIBBEAN.
I GUESS YOU WILL COUNTER ACT ME WITH A FULL PAGE RESPONSE STATING EMPHATICALLY WHAT OUR LEAD SENIOR COUNSEL THE INDOMITABLE TONY ASTAPHANS ; A GREAT DOMINICAN HAD SAID.
WHEN D CASE FINISH WIN LOSE OR DRAW THEY WILL BE DEALING WITH ALLLU DAY SAY
EM BEH LOOK IT
I am still waiting for my psot to be seen
ADMIN::
UR NAME IS UNSPOKEN SO WATS YOUR POINT
It does not matter where u from or what country passport u holds.You can be from hell, once u are a good devil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“a good devil” i feel sorry for you and that good devil dere wii, Dominica in trouble,with a good d evil ruling our country.LORD HAVE MERCY ON US
If our PM changes then that will disrupt things in Dominica especially after last weeks floods. If our Pm is to change it should be at the next election sin at this time we as Dominicans have to look pass our differences. We are all Dominicans!
Why didn’t they just ask for bi elections in both constituencies to ensure a free and democratic process than to ask the court to declare Maynard the winner when the ppl obviously did not want him. If Skerritt is so hated- then the people in Vielle Case will not vote labour into power since allegedly Skerritt is doing so many abominable things in Dominica.
Let democracy prevail and declare results null and void and let ppl of these constituencies recast their ballots
thats because, according to the constitution, only the two of them contested the election in dat constituency so automatically maynard would be next inline
LAH LAY BLOCK 44 UNDERGROUND SAKISS MONTEGO BAY SESSAME BLUE BLUE FOND COLE MAD SQUAD RIVER STREET ALTRO BANDO HOLLYWOOD AICONS DOGG POUND BLOCK 25 WOODFORDHILL SQUADDIE THE LAB IN MAHO MT GEORGEHILL
KALINAGO
CB CITY
ITASSIE
WESLEY
MORNE JAUNE GF CITY
CENRAL WOSO
THE WHOLE SOUT
LA PLAINE BOETICA DELICES
LA POSSIE
PAIX BOUCHE
KALIBISHIE
GIRAUDELEGGLESTON
KINGSHILL
CITRONS
SOUFRIRE/SCOTTSHEAD
MORNE WACHETTTTE
MASSACRE
T SAVANNE
PICHELIN
BELLE V
TARISH
FOND COLE
POTTERSVILLE
GUTTA COMMUNITY
GOODWILL
VALLEY
GRANDFOND
MARIGOT
BAWI
THE WHOLE OF DA AT HOME AND OVERSEAS
SKERRO WE WAITING TO SHOW THEM DAT ITS 19 TO 2
PM WE WAITING FOR D CALL
FULLL SHOW OF MASS SUPPORT
maynard (MJ) as we call him in vcase? what a a joke…. He had his turn and he did nothing for that constituency what is he going to bring to the table now? More rhum and cigarettes.. u got to be kidding me .. we don’t want him in itassi.. sorry
All you so full of it in Vieille case. When a person is up there all you with him but the moment he falls all you ready to kick his behind. All you have so much nasty things to say about MJ now but when he was in office under the Freedom Party, he was a celibrity. Wasn’t he smoking cigarette back then? Wasn’t he drinking his rum? Why was he not a problem in the 90’s and now he is a devil? In the 90’s we had ma Bello (Vernice Belony) who was like an angel, who was not smoking, drinking and yet you vopted Maynard instead will all of the bad habits you pointed out. Let Skerit fall and you will see how fast all you will kick him. Zor two fwer!
YOU CAN’T COMPARE MJ WITH MRS BELONY I CAN’T
SAY SHE’S AN ANGEL, BUT FRANKLY SPEAKING SHE
WAS COMMUNICATING WITH THE PEOPLE, MAYNARD
HAS AN EGO LIKE HIS BETTER THAN OTHERS. WHEN
HE WANTS TO BE ELECTED IS THE NICEST PERSON
BUT AS SOON AS HE GET THE POSITION HIS EGO
KICKS IN.
EVERYBODY KNOWS WHY MRS. BELLONY WAS DEFEATED. PUT IN YOUR THINKING CAP.
WELL SAID
An election is an expression of the will of the people. The people of Vieille Case were presented with two candidates by the Electoral Commission. Roosevelt Skerrit won with a total of 1041 votes, (87.6%), as opposed to 148 votes, (12.4%), for Maynard Joseph.
If, for some reason, there were flaws in the nominating process, I believe bi-elections in both constituencies would be the right way to go. The court cannot usurp the will of the people by handing the seat to a humiliated loser.
The court also has a responsibility to ensure that peace and justice prevail. Bi-elections would seem reasonably fair to both parties. I would accept such a ruling and spare the country further turmoil and financial strain. Only the lawyers will benefit from a polonged court battle.
Why did you all make the people go through all of this and now you suggesting bi-elections.
Mendes suggested it. I olly supported two bi-elections instead of one. The will of the people must be respected. Maynard Joseph was humiliated at the polls; why should he get a free pass? To represent 148 people out of 1189 !!
In wrapping up his submission lead counsel for the UWP Douglas Mendes asked the court to rule that the election be voided in both matters stating that in THE CASE OF RON GREEN, SINCE HE WAS STILL A FOREIGN NATIONAL AT THE TIME OF THE ELECTION and had not issued Notices of Disqualification, that he not be awarded the seat and that there be a bi-election.
My caps for emphasis.
Hahahahahahahahaha
LAH LAY WAITING FOR THE CALL PM
I NEVER THOUGHT THAT rON gREEN WAS SO STUPID. yOU LIVE BY THE SWORD ? YOU DIE BY THE SWORD
Ron Green for over 20 year with his USA Passport was OK to be in the HOUSE, Carbon lived and worked in the USA, Earl Williams was born in England went to the USA, he even sent in sick notes to say he is ill so he could still get his DA salary, now in the paper this week it says he passed his law exams he will now be a lawyer in the USA, all these thing were OK they were right and the truth!, I guess there is one truth for the UWP and another for the other Political Parties and Members here in Dominica! very interesting!
because us laborites was toe sot, we were too lenient with them, now we have to pay for our stupidity
i agree full time mary joe
“Justice Thom asked Mendes how would she be sure that it was not a passport from childhood”
Is this judge serious? she had the opportunity to answer that question for herself and also for the people of Dominica and chose not to take it. What did she expect to happen when witnesses come forward to state that the two individuals had french passports? What a disgrace for the judicial system when a judge, knowing the international rules of evidence and in particular, as it relates to civil matters, does not preclude the use of any evidence as long as this evidence is relevant, prevents evidence from being presented to the court.
I think this judge lost credibility when she embarked on this course. She knew quite well that what she was doing was wrong,thats why no reason was given for that decision.
The final curtain went down on the CIRCUS court of Dominica with the main character asking for another gig at the Appeals court.. Will it get it?? Well win, lose or draw?? Let me see if they win, there will be no need for them to have another act at the appeals court, if they lose maybe, so is the anticipating a lost, since there is no such thing as a draw in a court matter?? What is going to happen to the dissenters in the meantime? Are they all going to be rounded up and jailed? or are they going to be exiled or killed. Remember people “WE? know al of you and where you live. “WE” got your number!! Interesting times in lovely Dominica! Interesting times!
The Circus Elephant??? DNO? What happened to the circus elephant?
I sure if the court rules in the UWP favor it would turn from a ‘circus court’ to a ‘court from heaven’ over night.
Hahahahahahahahaha
maynard in vielle case …thats a dam joke
This is just the Right Actions that We The People of Dominica are asking for .
We are first going through the right channels for justice. So give it to us.
MAYNARD JOSEPH WILL NOT LAST ONE WEEK IN POWER IN VIEILLE CASE. WE REJECTED HIM, IFF THE COURT FORCE HIM ON US, WE WILL RUN HIM OUT.
Its not about Maynard Joseph or Skerrit. It is about the law and setting precedence, so that other politicians to come should follow….
well said law is law
You are right. The court can’t force someone who lost their deposit on the majority.
So WIN LOSE or DRAW…Maynard cannot be the representsative.
WILTSHIRE AND SHAWNADOUGLASS WILL BLUEBULL UWPWEE