Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has described statements made by United Workers Party candidate for Morne Jaune, Dr. Thomson Fontaine, on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) becoming the final appellate court for Dominica as “laughable.”
In January the prime minister announced that Dominica has received approval to leave the UK’s Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and join the CCJ as its final court of appeal.
In an interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) recently Fontaine described Dominica’s move to the CCJ as a hasty one and one that is not in the best interest of the country.
“As a party we don’t believe that Dominica is ready for this move,” he stated. “We don’t believe it should have been done. There are still a lot of questions about the judiciary and the ability of our own people to preside over themselves. We believe that this move is a hasty one and that there should have been discussion about it and we would certainly initially not support this move because we don’t think it was done correctly.”
But the prime minister has refuted the statement noting that discussions on the Court have been around for a number of years.
“I mean, this discussion has been around since 2000 way back then when the court was being established,” Skerrit pointed out. “We went to Parliament in 2005, thereabout, 2005/2006, to debate Dominica accession to the court. The opposition was led, at the time, by Mr. (Earl) Williams who supported the court … we had discussions following that in the Parliament, and the UWP has always indicated their support for the court.”
He further stated that several consultations have been held with the private sector and all unions seeking their views on Dominica’s accession to the court as its final jurisdiction, indicating further that the UWP has not provided a substantial reason for opposing the CCJ.
“Now, what is the UWP’s opposition to the court?” the prime minister pondered. “They have not given you any reasons to the court as to why we should not go this way. The only thing Thomson has said is that we are not ready as a people to oversee our own affairs. Now, is this somebody who is aspiring to be a leader of a country or in Government saying that the Caribbean people are not mature enough, are not intelligent enough, are not capable enough to manage their own affairs?”
The prime minister added that the next step is to follow the provisions of the Constitution in terms of recognizing the court.
He noted that the CCJ is the best thing for justice in Dominica and the Caribbean on whole.
“It will allow for greater access to the courts,” Skerrit said. “How many ordinary citizens of Dominica can take any matter before the Privy Council? How many of us can afford it? People who have gone to the Privy Council are Governments because they have the Treasury to support their going to the Privy Council and a few rich businesses and rich individuals. The vast majority of people have no resources and most of the cases that have come from the Caribbean to the Privy Council are people who have been placed on death penalties and they have been able to represent themselves because there are foundations in the United Kingdom who are opposed to the penalty and who have been financing the people’s appeals to the Privy Council.”
He described the move to the CCJ as a progressive, responsible and mature move which will go toward gaining full and outright independence as a people, a country and a region.
Green Grass. you are one of those who is living a sweet life in D.A. Wh y don,t you think a little of all the other people that are suffering while you are eating ham every day Take a stand be for what is right. Be Christ-like Shame on you.Don,t you have any morals.
After residing in the U.S. for a long time i the resided in d.a. from 2000 the 2011 and noted that Mr. Skerrit only followed the constitution only when it was in his own interest. He is so right the majority of Dominicans do not read and so they are not aware of that Document .It would be a great good that that Document would be exposed to all students in D.A. so that no Goernment leader trample on their rights…
see February 13, 2014
“You gave him seven thumbs up he has 9up 5 down so what’s you point.”
You know I am not a linguistics major, however, if it is one thing I am certain of is that I know how to read, and by some token or the other I understand what I read.
I do not know about you; since your name is see, I suppose you have the ability to see better than I can, so I suggest you read me over, perhaps this time you will see I said “I have given you a thumbs up; number (7) thumbs up was given to you by me.”
If someone said to you; I have given you “a ” hat , how many hats has that person given to you? Only a fool would suggest there received more than one hat; and that is the point you incapable of seeing.
Always remember if a person is dumb, a computer will only expose the stupidity of that person, rather than giving them a smart mouth!
Try as you may you cannot give a person more than one thumbs up, or down on this site unless you are writing under a bunch of fictitious and funny silly pseudo names anyway, so your comment is simply stupid.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
It is very simple what the UWP is telling us with authority. Please listen and understand that, UWP supporters. What I understand the UWP is saying that; they are unable and not ready to run the country, so please don’t vote us in. I agree with them. That is why Dominicans will be voting the DLP back in government. How much more plainly they can put it. I totally understand them, their words and actions prove that only too clearly.
The man is saying don’t vote the UWP, we are incompetent. They will lead us through a destructive path, so take heed open your eyes and listen.
I’m not ready yet for the CCJ. There are more questions than answers.
So Thompson, when will we ever be able to take care of out own affairs? It´s guys like you who have the Caribben that way it is…. backward thinkers!
It is very hard to take these uwpites seriously. Thomson Fontaine was found to have transferred funds from a private organization, of which he was the treasurer and tranferred into his personal account. As a result of this he was forced to resign. Other resignations eventually followed including a call to dissolve the organization. Is that not enough grounds to determine that Mr Fontaine should not be trusted to manage the financial affairs of the country?
If it had happened to the present Minister of Finance would we not be calling for his immediate resignation?
The issue here is trust and transparency. Wwp chose to run their political campaign on the issue of good governance and transparency. Now is the time to step up to the plate, if we are to have any faith in you. Mr. Fontaine should take a back seat in the political affairs of uwp and not be considered for the position of Minister of Finance.
Uwp and it supporters are crying for change. Please tell the people what you all are trying to change? Is it policy or personnel? If it’s the former then do the right thing. Lead by example. It seems the more we ask for change is the more we follow the same old pattern.
You have learnt well form your leader how to twist facts.
Grow up.
You are just so mischievous and evil but it will catch up with you. You will be in a situation where you will receive the same twist that you are twisting things and deliberately leaving out things. Don’t worry, what you sow you will reap, blogger.
I agree. I have a serious problem with the words, “He had an error in judgment.” That is a serious red flag. To make matters worse those that are calling corruption isn’t saying anything. That is wrong. To make matters worse he is now saying that we as a country, a Caribbean nation are not ready to govern ourselves. My God, is he for real? Are we that stupid as a people? And to mention political interference, the same could be said for the judges in the USA (political appointments) and those in England. We are no longer a colony, and managing our affairs, we must as an independent nation.
No one can deny the obvious advantages which are associated with the people of the Caribbean having ultimate control over the adjudication of justice in our region if it is done properly. The question is not whether the CCJ is desirable or not. It is a question of whether we are ready as a people to be the final Arbiters over the lives and assets of the Citizens of the Caribbean, when our politicians in whose domain the selection of the Officers of the Court will rest, have constantly demonstrated bad judgment and an inability to act fairly or impartially.History will guide us, so let us not forget.
Thompson Fontaine is right, we are not ready. The infantile responses to his comments is demonstrative of that reality. Furthermore, our respected Attorneys in the Caribbean generally stay in private practice and our politicians, more often than not, appoint their Cronies to serve on the Courts. Until we attain the maturity to step outside of this shallow cocoon, we should maintain the Privy Council in London as our highest court. The need for True Justice supersedes the shallow questions associated with costs. Furthermore, no government should make such an important decision without broad-based discussion with the citizens of the country. In fact, there should be a referendum on this all important question. “I rest my Case”!
Peter boy, I agree with you one hundred per cent (100%) as a matter of fact I have given you a thumbs up, number (7) seven thumbs up was given to you by me!
Your sentiments is the precise point I been trying to make from day one!
The CCJ I hope will collapse at some point and time Remember the ” West Indies Federation of the late 1950’s which collapsed in 1962/63; it only took one day to collapse; and all it took was these few words from the late Trinidad Prime Minister Dr. Erick Williams “one from ten equal zero.” 10-1=0.
Hahahahahahahahahahaha!
Once Erick took Trinidad & Tobago out of the West Indies Federation, it collapsed instantly. No need to tell you one of the reasons the big four’s began fighting over which of the four: Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana, or Jamaica should be the capital of the West Indies.
If you are old enough, you may remember a time when one put a return address on an envelope say I lived in Wesley I would write:
Mr. Dog
Wesley Village.
Dominica, T. W. I
The same applied to all the members of the West Indies Federation, unfortunately as simple as accepting Port-Of-Spain Trinidad as the capital of the participating British colonies of the Caribbean, they fought night and day until Erick Williams got tired, and sank the ship in a few minuets in one afternoon.
I am telling you our country has entered into a mess that we will all live long enough to regret that move!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
You gave him seven thumbs up he has 9up 5 down so what’s you point.
I respect your opinion but disagree with you. From your point we will never be able to govern ourselves. In fact you are saying that we as a people cannot rise to a level where we can pass judgment based on facts and truth. In effect we are dishonest people, what an insult. Well my brother, I believe that we are more than capable of running our affairs without political interference. We shouldn’t let our opinion about judgment in the past influence our thought about our people. That’s what the system is about. You may think that you should have won a case just as the opposing party thought they should have. The courts make their decision based on law. Please give me one case where the court has blatantly showed political interference.
I was the same voice that said that we were not ready for independence. When will be ready to take care of ourselves
Dominicans please stop putting curse on the Island because the hatred, jealousy and wicked minded is destroying the place. We can talk and talk and complaining the only person who knows what and who is best for the country is God.
I am reading this and to date fountaine has not given any reason for not being part of the CCJ. Please people lets get real and give our Caribbean judicial system the credit as we as a people are able the manage our business. Please also note when you oppose you need to give the alternative solution to the problem and if you are not or just unable to give one then I think you need to stop.
I am been criticized by people who don’t have a clue about how the court operates. Do you all realize that the CCJ does not have the ability to enforce its own decisions?
Recently, Rolston Nelson a senior judge of the CCJ said that the judgment of the CCJ sitting in its original jurisdiction cannot be enforced since there is no mechanism to do so.
Comments made in the context of the Barbados government, one of three Caribbean countries that have signed on to the CCJ, refusing to accept the ruling of the court and paying a miserly $75 000 in damages in the Myrie case.
What’s the rush Dominica? My simply question is if and when Dominica chooses that route will it behave like Barbados and pick and choose which decisions to adhere too.
This was the context of my interview with the CMC, so pick and choose pieces of what I said out of context….
” My simply question is if Dominica chooses that route will it behave like Barbados and pick and choose which decisions to adhere too.”(TF).
Thomson that may be the precise reason some people in Dominica may wish to become involve in the CCJ. You need to remember that the government of Dominica have a history of ignoring the decisions, and ruling of the courts in our country.
I need not remind you of the case of a family in Calibishe, who’s land was in a sense destroyed; an appraisal of the damage was done, and an assessed amount of money was suggested, and awarded by the Court.
This present government took on their own and decided that the amount of money awarded by the highest court in Dominica was too much, and therefore our government decided to pay the people a sum of money, less than the court awarded; they decided to give the lady measly of a few hundred thousand dollars, whereas the damages ranged in the millions, which the court rightfully awarded in the first place.
We all know how that ended!
If we review the matter of Fenton Telemaque, we will find the same thing happened, they took the man’s land, and refused to pay him the full value for his land, you see, if at the moment there are alternatives, and when matters are resolved in places such as the Privy Counsel, we drag our feet, and refuse to comply with the rulings, I do not see how the ruling of the CCJ will be accepted by politicians of the Caribbean who believes that they are the law, and anything they do or say should be final!
The Barbados is an good example.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
I agree with Fontaine, Let our slave masters rule over us as long as they want, just like the slaves that thought they would die if they leave master.
sacarism e:mrgreen:
Fontaine is right how can we join ccj and we cannot handle Mano case.
is Skerrit habit to make hasty decisions. He always first to jump in before assessing .
Fontaine please stay in doctoring politic is not for you more you have more you want
Go and eat the grass. The Doctor is right. Skerrit is doing these things on his own without any consultation. Thanks God he is on his way out.
Not by a long shot
Is he a medical doctor, or he has a doctorate in some other field?.
Are you an idiot? if not think then write. thanks
I wonder if the CCJ will be brave enough when maters such as the raising of the injunction against Inland revenue to investigate ASTAPHANS for alleggedly not paying the appropriate taxes are brought before it;FOR EXAMINING THEIR ACCOUNTS HOW MANY YEARS NOW? I wonder if they will be brave enough to overturn the injunction set by the court against the hearing of the 40 PLUS CHARGES AGAINST THE ‘EASY DOOR’ will that ever be heard? I wonder if Mano and his wife Greta will ever get justice? and so many more I can quote – so Fontaine makes sense there a lot of things we are not really ready for in spite of our so called independence.
These topics would be great for debates That’s where we want to hear the Leaders enlighten us about the issues and give us the reasons why they are for or oppose issues ……Too much Mapree
The majority of Dominicans are not ready to discuss anything.
All they say is, leave my PM alone.
We are in bad shape in this country. We are like the Dumbest people on the planet.
Dummy-knee-kans.
Skerit will not debate for the following reasons,
(1) he has an anger problem,
(2) For a former teacher and now PM, his grammar is
embarrassing
(3) Its painfully obvious to him that the matters at hand to debate, he would drown within the first half hour.
(3) Skerit is afraid
Debates are ‘nice to have’ but in the end, someone must still make a decision on the issue at hand. A debate however, is not binding.
Since Skerrit is in favour of something, this is enough for sensible people to back away from it. I totally support Doctor Fontains view,since i have no confidence in anything that Skerrit gives thumbs up to.
Really, i do not understand how Skerrit can lead a country.This is an indication as to what kind of people these people are.
The man cannot even hold an intelligent discussion.
If the CCJ is the best thing for Dominica and the Caribbean, why is it that only three countries have established it in their jurisdiction?
The country which benefits from the benefits of the CCJ by having it in Trinidad and Tobago, is not part of the CCJ.
I support the establishment of the CCJ, in fact it should have been our final court since 1979, but Skerrit stop being such a clown by criticizing people who have concerns. Me too have concerns about those Caribbean judges who are vulnerable to politicians.
Wow – my SMA classmate Thompson Fontaine is a colonial loving reactionary!
I can’t believe that Fontaine said:
“There are still a lot of questions about the judiciary and the ability of our own people to preside over themselves”
Thompson you are asking us to give you the power to govern us – the Dominican people – but you don’t believe we have the “ability of our own people (to govern ourselves) to preside over themselves” ???
If we don’t have the ability to govern ourselves – you are one of us – why do you think you are exceptional and can govern us?
Bring back the British! You snob.
Better the British than Skerrit
Scotland Islands went independent you listen to the news lately anonymous ?
Do you believe it is an accident that more than 50 years after attaining independence Trinidad and Tobago have still not recognized the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ.
You should learn to debate an issue without insults…show your maturity! I don’t believe you went to SMA.
The UWP has a negative profile. It is easy to hear negatives than positive. If anything Dominica is not ready and cannot afford a negative party to be incharge. UWP cannot change direction.
“OMG – Bob Marley says that we need to free our minds from mental slavery and this is so true of Dominica.
praytell… how can we not be ready to preside over ourselves when we have established counsel and judges?”
You see Bob Marley was not an academically educated person, though he wrote some very catchy tunes, however, if you allow his rhythms, and philosophy to be your guide in life your entire life is already wasted,because you will never be in a position to think.
It is not that we are not ready to preside over ourselves!
The question is: can we preside without political interference?
I think not; case and point; I can name him, but will not. Anyway in the 1970’s a permanent Dominican was appointed to the Bench on the island of Antigua, somebody had a case in the High Court over which the Dominican presided.
The late Donald Halstead who was the then Minister of Home Affairs, and Labor tried to influence the outcome of a certain case, had it not been the ethics of this Dominican, he could have submit his will and professionalism to Donald Halstead, and render a bogus ruling which would have victimized someone whom was already victimized a second time.
I am pleased to tell you that this braved, and honorable learned Dominican, went home, packed his bags, or (voluse, grip suitcase; ( hahahahahahahahahahahah I doh know what), left Halstead in the dust and got on a LIAT jet, 747 and return to Dominica.
Leaving the humor out of it not many people in the judicial profession in the Caribbean could have done that. Halstead thought as a government minister he had power over the court, and our Dominica boy could be easily be corrupted.
They tried the same thing with a Magistrate from Jamaica who tolerated the baloney for a while until he left, he was a friend of mine, so to the sceptics who would like to eat my head for breakfast, express my opinions based on what I am aware is happing in the Caribbean.
The Privy Council in England is not subjected to any politicians anywhere!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
I am not in whole with Mr Fontaine views on this, I don’t even care to hear what Prime Minister (scare-wreath) say because for him,is all of self and none of we, he only looking to score political points, I think we as a Caribbean people, that we are mature enough to run our own affairs in that regard, but limited, remember we live in a small Caribbean, someone will definitely know someone, you cant see inside people head and their hearts, but I believe it would be much more transparent and fair if the privy council did the presiding.
Francisco, what does this have to do with the CCJ?
The Privy Council consists of regionally appointed jurists by the Government of GB, many or all of whom are from the Caribbean for our jurisdiction. All of our SC’s and QC’s are commended by England for their probity; why don’t you want to be free?
Okay, in that case produce some names of the honorable’s from the Caribbean, including Dominica on the Privy Counsel in England, who are there specifically to serve Dominica, and the rest of the Caribbean. I do not know where you got such information; it would be interesting for me to know the source so that I can check it out.
Now if we are talking about the World Court in the Hague Netherlands that is a different situation entirely; since we are aware that there is an African heading that Court, and I believe there is someone born of Dominica parentage there, who is not a Dominican by birth!
And if you are correct that all the judges of the Privy Counsel is a collection of judges from the Caribbean, why is it these people want the CCJ so badly, when you claim that the British government has employed these people specifically to serve West Indians.
there is something confusing here!
Are you insinuating that those Caribbean judges on the counsel in England are capable of dispensing justice while in England, nevertheless, if these same people become involve in the CCJ all performance will be enhanced.
That is a joke sir, since the reason for the formation of the CCJ as they claim is because they do not want white people to sit in judgment over them any longer. You must know the reason before you come to a conclusion okay!
I am bewildered, because I see no sense in that!
You talk about Sc, and QC’s one with the title QC (Queen’s Counsel ) only means a barrister selected to serve as counsel to the British crown, during the reign of a queen, and that dates back to the year 1860. How many Dominicans you know was ever called to England to represent any queen of England in a matter dating back to 1860, to this modern day 2014?
As for this Sc (senior counsel ) thing you are talking about is no big deal, you see when people do not know they believe anything, so I will inform you that a lawyer with the title ” SC” simply means one with seniority, which is given priority, or a privileged status attained by the length of continuous service in a country, or in a company.
Be informed that Skerrit can indeed bestow the title of SC on a lawyer in Dominica any day of the week; so I (doh) know!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
SCs and QCs are political appointees…Look at who we have in Dominica
I believe the worst mistake our nation has ever made is the breaking away from the British traditional judicial system. Thus far we have utilized common law which has worked tremendously well in the dispensation of justice throughout the Caribbean, and the rest of commonwealth nations.
Even within the continental United States the common law system is utilized, who knows what plans does the CCJ have. We do not know what sort of law will be utilized within that so called judicial system.
I suspect they will make up the rules as they go along.
There are many occasions when Caribbean judges, Dominica included rendered bogus, and unlawful political judgments, against some petitioners who were right, however, their rights were trampled upon, nonetheless when their case was referred to the Privy Council in England justice prevailed, as the unfair political, and bogus verdict was overturned.
We see that sort of bogus ruling in matters in Dominica at random; the same applies to the rest of the Caribbean. The reason in most cases justice is not served in our country’s is all due to political involvement by the politicians of Caribbean Nations. One would anticipate that any appointment to the CCJ the politicians of all the participating islands will have a say as to whom is appointed.
As such the selective individual to the Bench, will for the remainder of his/her tenure forever be loyal to the politicians who hand picked them for the position.
As such any citizen who becomes a victim of the government of any of the participating islands which have a legal matter which should be settled by a court of law; takes that case to a lower court, and high court on the island of their residence where usually the political poppet rules politically in favor of the government, there will be no motivation to take the matter to the CCJ where the expected result will be the one of the same!
Most people does not know the reason the CCJ was formed: They brought that about because somebody did not like an ruling of the Privy Council; which was based totally on law; if you sentence some to hang, or to die by lethal injections, and for whatever reason the State neglected to execute the judgment in a timely manner, and the law of the land dictates after a period of time if sentence is not executed (carried out) one cannot leave the condemned in cell indefinitely, and then one day all of a sudden somebody decides to hang the prisoner, and its okay.
Well, that’s not how the Privy Council say that’s illegal, and ruled that it was wrong, and un-constitutional for the state to violate the rights of the criminal in that fashion. As a result of that, the Trinidadian’s decided they had no more use for the Privy Council, and created the CCJ, and suckered a half dead islands such a Dominica into their mess.
I read where it is said the matter was talk about, and discussed in the parliament, my question is this; was the agreement to withdraw from the Privy Council unanimous; did the opposition as well as all members of the government agree to this? If not, how come the government did not call for a referendum by the people. I believe there should be an referendum on the matter.
You see the people do have a right to decide who they wish to sit in judgment over them without any political influence!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Francisco Dods you’re all over the place.I think you mean well but you need to ask someone else to write your posts so that your ideas come out a tad more coherent.
Wherever you read me, and whatever you read comes from within my mind, I am responsible for my thoughts, I deduce my thoughts as I deem fit, if you understand it fine, if you have a problem with it so be it; nevertheless, I do not believe I should ask anybody to arrange my thoughts according to their standards.
One of the reasons lots of people fail in life is because they depend on others for help; well, there is nothing anyone can do for me that I am not capable of accomplishing for myself. I came out of the mud in Wesley, traveled the world over, educate myself at college, and university level, and graduated.
I had no help, so now that I am a little old man:”
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
I do not believe I must go and ask anyone for help to write a few lines to post on DNO. I am not perfect, you will find lots of errors in my program, missing words, and misspelt words; if you must know the reason for the missing words, and errors is all due to a racing mind. My thoughts flow faster than I type, and unless I edit, which I seldom do, I post with the missing words, and all the other errors.
If I was running for political office in Dominica, maybe you might see something different, maybe then and only then I might have asked someone to perfect my speeches after I write them however, I would never allow not even one of my children to write a singe line for me to stand on a podium, and read to an audience!
Maybe I am to confident, and proud for that!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Mr fontain we on the east rolling strong with you just hold on
I respect Mr. Fontain’s opinion on the matter but disagree with his reasoning. I think that he should reconsider his position. I fully suport the CCJ. That shows that we as a people are growing. I am a workers at heart but politics aside I thing that we as a party should support this move. Records show that we do.
(1)Barbados have ratified the instruments along with Belize, St Lucia and Guyana yet when the CCJ ruled in the Myrie case and the government refused to pay, the Court said it had nothing in place to enforce its own order.
(2) Jamaica is reluctant to join (appellate jurisdiction) and the opposition is suggesting their own court because they fear there will not always be a Jamaican judge on the bench.
(3) Trinidad after 50 years of independence is moving forward with Legislation to seed only the criminal appellate function to the CCJ and maintain the Privy Council’s jurisdiction in civil matters.
(4) The other OECS countries are taking their time. Why the rush on the part of Dominica? Anyone remembers the case of the Dual citizenship against PM Skerrit?
(5)After 10 years in existence, not one country have moved to allow the orders of the CCJ to become national orders.
I ask again, what’s the rush Dominica?
We have always led look at ALBA for example… the others will soon follow!!!!
my brother I support you every step of the way,d whether they like it or not u will lead this country,skeritt knows why he’s in that rush,trust me.
Skerrit is doing what he does best, taking the lead , others always follow. That is what makes him such a great and visionary leader.
From your post the only reason you are against it is because the other islands seem to be dragging their feet. The discussions have been done, it is time for someone to take the lead. That is where Mr Skerrit comes in. That way everybody knows where they are. You are either in or out or time to rethink the deal.
Visionary….Are you serious?
Give us the CCJ and give us more corruption. Skerro do you remember in 2013 and 2012 your gestapo and Tonton Makoutes was on radio saying that we Dominicans are not ready for debate . Well if we are not ready for debate convince me that we are ready for CCJ – Call Corruption Justice.
The most interesting thing to me is that they are looking for all kind of irrelevant issues but will not answer questions on issues like – the 8 UNESCO diplomats in France; the George Benson freak Show; the Offshore Bank Diplomats; the Chinese Maffia, the trip to Monaco and what it was for and how come the bogus document show only $1800 when the ticket to Monaco cost much more than $1800. What about Corello- no answer
Opps! I am afraid that we are going to drag the issue of the CCJ to more gutter politics. We need our indigenous Judicial Institution. The CCJ represents for me the severance from the colonial umbilical cord. The Caribbean has produced sufficient legal luminaries that can give expert services to the CCJ. We owe it to ourselves to believe in our ability to chart our own destiny.
my personal opinion is the ccj is a court where the majority of ruling will always favor the governments whereas the privy council is more transparent and is more balance
I respect your role as a member of the opposing party; however, I believe that your team’s apparent opposition to “all things Labor” is the wrong way to go. Granted, the ruling party does not do everything right. However, there are things they are doing right that I’ve not heard you or members of your team support. In my opinion, this particular case of the CCJ is one of them.
From your comments to CMC (as reported by DNO in this article), it appears that you have at least four different issues with the government’s support of the court: (1) the decision is hasty; (2) you question whether we can govern ourselves; (3) the government failed to discuss with stakeholders; and (4) your party does not believe that “it was done well.” I will address each of these:
(1) The idea of Dominica and the CCJ has been floating around for at least a decade now. I hardly think that a decision right now can be considered hasty.
(2) This concern of yours is a bit worrying to me, as we do govern ourselves on a daily basis. We are no longer remote territories with a ‘mother country,’ and while we’re still only muddling along as an island-nation, attempting to make a name for ourselves in this global village, we do have ultimate control of our own fate and it has been this way for 35 years now.
(3) If the prime minister’s response is to be taken at face value, then discussions have been held at the highest level (the house of parliament) and private sector entities have also been consulted. This should qualify as “discussion.” I agree with the idea that more public discussions should be held on the subject and the UWI Open Campus held a lecture covering the subject in 2010. Maybe a bi-partisan effort should be made to have more of these.
(4) This point is not well defined (based on DNO’s report). The government sought Britain’s permission as is required, and Dominica was given the go ahead to establish the CCJ as our final court of appeal. The government is of the opinion that this permission removes the need for any referendum. So from what angle was “it not done well?”
From a broad regional perspective, this integration is what will create the type of CARICOM that we’ve been talking about for the last 20 years. In fact it is not uncommon for regions such as ours to use the judiciary as a first phase to more formal integration efforts. Without a doubt, other OECS countries will take this route in due time – St. Lucia is already exploring the option.
I share your concerns of political appointments, bribery and undue influence, but these concerns are inherent in any such system. However, given that the system is well thought out and staffed with professionals of high competence and integrity, we can hedge the risk of corruption and malfeasance. This is what I think you should have addressed – the questions of how to get the best people for the job and how to insulate them from undue pressure or influence.
Someone has to take the brave first step and as far as the OECS goes, we are the first in this situation. Similarly, in the US, California was the first state to allow the use and cultivate of marijuana for medical use (in 1996). Now 26 individual states have similar legislation. My point here is two-fold: (1) as sovereign nations, we should be able to rely on the CCJ as our final court of appeals. To my mind, anything else defeats the idea of independence. (2) Your role as an opposition should be more along the lines of ensuring that competence and integrity remain high on the government’s priority list throughout the process, as opposed to blanket opposition.
Yuri obviously governance with respect to the Judiciary not political. Again, consider the case of Barbados. These are the inherent issues that we must work out before the public can be comfortable that the system will work for them.
Well said
very well said!
The opposition has to Speak….and Mr PM please stop calling opinions of others ‘laughable’…nonsense
Skerrit is not a leader- he occupies the leadrship postion. The two are not mutally exclusive.
“Saying that the Caribbean people are not mature enough, are not intelligent enough, are not capable enough to manage their own affairs”.
Skeritt, he never used any of these words you are uttering. You have deliberately altered his entire statement and inserted your own untrue adjectives to make him look bad. He just said that there have been many questions about how the CCJ handles it’s judiciary affairs which is true. Just because every time you go to court they are ruling in your favor, that’s why you’re supporting that move.
Dr Fontaine is merely repeating what he has been taught; so don’t blame him. He believes it, for he is full of another man’s learning in his head.
You again Winston- take a rest, take a break.
Dude read the article again! It quoted Mr. Fontain’s direct quote from an interview on CMC…
Skerrit did not twist any words here…. You just take your disrespect because it came from your party’s candidate.
Now do you agree with the man? Yes or no?
Honestyly…. i could read pass this statement “There are still a lot of questions about the judiciary and the ability of our own people to preside over themselves.”
wtf? the ability of our own people to preside over themselves?
are we still in the times of slavery?
OMG – Bob Marley says that we need to free our minds from mental slavery and this is so true of Dominica.
praytell… how can we not be ready to preside over ourselves when we have established counsel and judges?
this dependency on the white man is totally keeping you black people behind.
Free yourselves, free yourselves, none but ourselves can free our minds
to some extent, I agree with the statement made by Mr. Fontaine. If we look at the current judiciary system in Dominica, we can see that some cases are biased as a result of political preferences. Until we are able to separate the two from each other, we are unable to handle that on our own. We need fair persons within the system, law enforcement agencies who will give precedence to all areas, in accordance with the law but that’s not the case in our country. Until we get some serious persons who put the law before politics we should stick with the Privy council. Be careful what we ask for. Our system is manipulative.
Uwp and their supporters do not know what it is to be fair. They continue to be biased in all their thoughts and actions.
I did not see any whiteman theory in de man statement,
but as you mention it, tell me one country that that is doing exceptionally well with a black prime minister or president in a negro majority population…there is none.
black people makes up the majority of corrupt leaders in the world. I have seen that black judges in the caribbean can be very unfair and unbalanced in their judgements especially if the politicans are the ones giving them work.
and you can take that to the bank.
Skeritt will not take my advice but as a Dominican I will still try to assist him. You will address Mr. Thomson Fontaine but you will not address a very serious allegation reported by the St. Lucia press concerning a cabinet meeting of your Government Ministers. By selecting topics to talk about you are doing more harm then good to yourself, as the General Election draws close. You have a Press Attache, a Press Consultant and also Astaphan. On your behalf, let those people handle anything to do with the press or Government’s statements. You cannot pick and choose whatever you want to address and don’t expect Dominicans to wonder why only certain topics are being addressed. You have approximately twenty Ministers, they are all quiet on issues, do like them shut your mouth or fire your press team and answer everything that is thrown at you.
Thompson thinks he knows it all. Where is Hector.
So the Prime Minister should address every single topic/ allegation that every body makes against about him? Are you serious?
Do you know the number of allegations and conspiracy theories there are about Pres Obama and other leaders worldwide? Do you see them calling Press conferences to answer every one of them?
Get serious man! Why shouldny he pick and choose what he deems in his mind as serious and what needs no attention? Guess just like you he has nothing better to do!!
“There are still a lot of questions about the judiciary and the ability of our own people to preside over themselves”.
If so Mr. Fontaine that makes you incapable of being in government.
WELL WHAT MORE CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THESE BUNCH OF LIGHTWEIGHTS AT THE UWP.
They seem to jump on the bandwagon of anything to score political points, and in the process they make a real PRAT of themselves.
This man has aspirations to be elected in government and possibly be the leader of Dominica.
What sort of message are you sending out to the people that we as a BLACK COUNTRY is incapable of managing our own affairs.
So this DR. Fontaine seem to think that complex matters can only be decided and managed by WHITE MEN IN WIGS AT THE PRIVY COUNCIL in London.
Mr. Fontaine; liberate and emancipate yourself from mental slavery because as a doctor you seem still stock in the doctrine of slavery and oppression.
I have always viewed the UWP as a bunch of right wingers taking advantage of the political landscape of Dominica where there is no other credible opposition to challenge the Status Quo.
These comments from this Mr. Fontaine has now confirmed my long held suspicion.
This is a disgraceful statement to make from an aspiring politician; let alone a prominent member of an opposition party.
FELLOW DOMINICANS THESE UWP People are a rabble in disguise pretending to be professional.
They are not fit for government.
According to a popular phrase by the Jamaicans: DEM NAH READY YET!!!!!!!!
Mister Fontaine is saying the CCJ as it functions now is under the control of GOVT leader and should stand on its own without interference.
It is even worse because the govt leaders are corrupt so how do you expect the CCJ to dispense fair judgment in the Caribbean. Once the CCJ can work independently then it will be capable of dispensing fair judgment. But for now it cannot be given the finally ruling because we will be going down a slippery slope so it should wait.
You go off on a tangent of emancipation and slavery which corrupt Govt in power hide behind as a cloak to justify illegal practice for their existence.
Note: I am all for emancipation when it provides measurrable benefits and improve the life of our people.
We had Independence(emancipation) from Britain and look what a current black Govt is doing,,,,, improvising its poor black people in Dominica for the success a few locals and international white color criminals.
So given an opportunity to emancipate we are enslaved by our own who’s personal aspiration for power/money is over the poor people needs.
We cannot take anything uwp says at face value because they continue to be unfair and biased in all their thoughts, words and action.
We the of the Caribbean are quite capable of judging our own courts. The Privy council is at its end. Let black judge black!
A force Skerrit in his height of ignorance, arrogance and disrespect actually believes he is some brilliant leader, well learned and informed! But he will behave like that, because you have intelligent, informed people either fearful of being labeled, waiting in the slips for a piece of the imaginary pie, or simply ignoring this man. CCJ would be just fine, if we didn’t have to contend with you and those men who are more in love with Skerrit than any woman can be and using their infatuation to rule him.
You are a joke.
He is a brilliant leader. At the end of the day the record will show.
Those voleh dishonest politicians want CCJ where they can buy their way. This is nothing to do with country and independence. Dominica has been independent since 1978 and the courts are nothing but a mess. Where is Telemaque money you all have been ordered to pay, yet keep frustrating the poor man? They want CCJ for them to be able to bribe and threaten judges who are aspiring for positions to bend to their will.
Well I give up. I cannot believe that our people are so ignorant. Help us lord. You mean we still have the slave mentality that we cannot manage ourselves?
As SOON as UWP comes in power all monies to every one who the Government owes will be paid and money will flow like milk and honey in the streets…..
Are you awake yet? No? Keep dreaming!
Skerrit talks about the issue of the CCJ has been around since 2000, while this may be so, the truth is, Skerrit and his government have not done a thorough job of educating the Dominican public about the merits and demerits of the court. The only real augment that has been put forward in favor of having the court is that, the average Dominican will have access to the court as opposed to the Privy Council. This access is still about having the financial resources and means to afford legal counsel – it’s not FREE like the RED CLINIC, and the average Dominican continues to be victims of a Dominica which is experiencing its worst financial crisis. This access to the CCJ for the average Dominican is like having a new car and you do not have access to the keys. Skerrit’s haste to join the CCJ is based on 2 things:
1. He feels strongly that the court will continue to “respect” the office of Prime Minister and if he’s still Prime Minister after the next general election, then he can continue to disrespect the constitution with impunity
2. If he is not, then his affiliations with the Judges on the court will work for him when he is brought before the court – because he most definitely will be brought before the court
I agree with Dr. Fontaine, we need more debate and discussions on the merits and demerits of the court. Based on what we have suffered over the last few years at the hands of the Caribbean Court of Appeal, we have all the reasons to be skeptical about the CCJ. It is the same judges, with the same Masonic affiliations, depending on the politicians to confirm their positions on the court. WE ARE NOT READY!!
Why the rush to CCJ? When was the Dominican people consulted on that matter. It is a move of such magnitude that the decision should have been made by the people and not just a few. How will that move best serve the interest of the Dominican people?
“The prime minister added that the next step is to follow the provisions of the Constitution in terms of recognizing the court.” Mr Prime Minister you are the very same one who said NO LAW, NO CONSTITUTION CAN STOP YOU. You made the very constitution you swore to uphold of non-effect. Are you then only prepared to follow the provisions of the Constitution when it benefits you?
Too many things are being done in secrecy Mr Prime Minister, we call for transparency.
Thank you
The Prime Minister speaks and acts on the behalf and in the best interest of our country and her people. We support you PM, good move.
In my opinion those who represent the UWP speaks constantly against the country and her people. That can never be good. They cannot even see their country is growing.
Whom should I listen to and believe can work for the betterment of our country and her people?
Certainly not the present bunch of people speaking on behalf of the UWP. There must be some in the UWP who are better than these. I know there must be plenty people with plenty common-sense in the UWP who must be squinting whenever these people open their mouths to speak and scream not again!!
The DLP is really our only choice in the Next General Election. I am sure many UWP supporters can see that.
The UWP are the ones who are not ready yet. Certainly not to be our government not now, their attitude must change, I agree.
Hopefully, in the children born in 2000 we will have some UWP candidates in the next 5 years to have a strong opposition. An opposition who can work together with the government to continue the good work this DLP administration is doing.
A UWP who can see when something is good and say it is good and when something needs improvement can say so in a genuine way. When will they be able to that? Not long I hope because we do need a strong opposition.
Can anyone tell me one thing the UWP has not opposed since 2000? Do you ever wonder how Dominica would be if the government of Dominica had taken their opposing seriously?
Children who were born in 2000 are 14 years now. going to high school, the world does not stand still it continue to spin every second. The UWP speak as if the children born in 2000 are still wearing size zero shoes. No wonder they are preaching to themselves that change is a must. They must change because they seem to be stuck and cannot move since losing the election in 2000.
We are all the with you mr. PM you are doing dm well good for us don’t let the robbers keep you down they are just powe hungry
I mean power hungry, trouble makers any blind man could see what they are up to
The voice of the opposition should always be considered to gain a better understanding of issues at hand. In opposing, they point out weak areas that may be overlooked by those who are supportive of a move. A successful opposition party plays the role of the necessary skeptic…for the good of us all, pointing out the potential flaws of any initiative. That is their job. If we can at least hear them out, we can fine tune our actions to ensure all programs are formidable and well thought out.
To vilify the opposition for being critical, is like asking your attorney, security guard or Private Investigator to relax and be optimistic…they can’t…their job is to question, probe and push to understand the potential problems so that their clients aren’t duped into thinking all is jolly well.
The problem is too many Dominicans are afraid to face hard truths. We want to believe that everything is great until we are affected personally. This is reality, we know few if anything in this world is perfect, so why get so flustered when someone shares their insights and point to areas of concern? Do we really think the CCJ will be devoid of flaws?
It will not, just as the Privy Council, but to say that we are not capable of presiding over our selves is a joke and an insult. if this is the case we should also get an Englishman to be PM.
They have lost all credibility because they oppose every single thing the government does. We have to give credit where credit is due.
Dominicans a seeing a lot of good this government have done but I have yet to hear this opposition party give the government credit for one single thing. Think it over my friends. A lot of progress have been made. Dominica is not this evil, corrupt, violent, miserable and poor place Mr Fontain, Linton and the rest of the uwp supporters potraying it to be.
I would ask that you go thru the many resons given by the DLP why he wants to take us thru the CCJ and tell me dont you believe the people of D’ica should be abl to make a contribute,no one person should decide for our people regardless if they understand or interested in what is going one,there should be discussions the people should be heard.
Tell us why couldnt the PM arrange town hall meetings to hear the views of the people. But no matter we will get justice in D’ica once we have a change.Mr.Emmanuel and others will get justice no matter how long it takes in the mean time these guys are looking for their protection under the law.
This party is too long in power.They think they own DA.Time to change the ropes.
According to Thomson, ““As a party” we don’t believe that “Dominica is ready” for this move””. WHEN WILL DOMINICA BE READY, IF EVER?
“There are still a lot of questions about the judiciary and the “ability” of “our own people” to preside over themselves.” SERIOUSLY, Thomson?
“We” believe that this move is a “hasty” one and that there should have been discussion about it and we would “certainly initially not support” this move because we don’t think it was done “correctly”.” HELLO, IS ANYTHING DONE CORRECTLY IN YOUR EYES?
I HOPE THERE ARE ENOUGH COMPETENT/CAPABLE PEOPLE UNDER THE RADAR, READY TO LEAD AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
THOMSON CLEARLY STATES THAT “HE” IS “NOT READY” TO PRESIDE OVER “HIMSELF” MUCH-LESS DOMINICA, ON A WHOLE. WAKE UP PEOPLE.
For UWPEEEE we should always remain as slaves looking to others to make a decision for us it is time we stand on our feet we are independent country it isn’t going to be Dominica’s court it will be the Caribbean Court of Justice. They have tried many appeal cases already. They just opposing for opposing sake everything the PM does cannot be wrong, they are making themselves look like fools
He is saying that during Black history month.
so long I put that.
@Rass Which He? If is the Doctor refer to the man as Doctor. What do you believe. Do you want to disrespect him. These are the men who are about to save Dominica from evil and wicked leaders like you and Skerrit.
TOm, why don’t you ask for the removal of the :XCD, NBD, CDB, Winwards teams,NDB,& many more. Boy leave us alone.Go play with your CD / DVD.
pm u was wrong to invite them BLUE FELLAS in the RING with u. Now they getting at you. on another note Dr. Fontaine is showing you what it means to put the intrest of the country snd the people first. How BOOKER T would ask—- can u digg that SUCKA?
Skerrit’s new strategy is to attack Dr. Fontain since it proves dificult to attack Lenox Linton. They have nothing to say so he attacking Dr. Fontain’s coments.
Anyone who has had to deal with the court system in Dominica will wonder if we are indeed ready for the CCJ. Cost savings doesn’t matter when justice is not properly administered.
But more importantly, both the PM and Dr. Fontaine have valid points, which they should debate with each other and not via various media outlets. Don’t citizens deserve that much…to have an issue laid out and our candidates lay out their position?
I could see that Skerrit is shaking in his pants. The pressure will not stop until he resign.
Enough is enough already, the economy is only supporting a few.
Never never you could never win God’s anointed people
Keep waiting.
Say what you want,PM. You are doing things without consulting people. However, we did not even know when you are in Dominica or not. Now, you are coming like you care about Dominica. It is election time, so you want to talk to us now. You have been so disrespectful to the people of Dominica. Elections is around the corner,we know. We had enough of you and it is time to give someone else who can do a better job a chance. Dominica was not willed to you and we will not allow you to rule us like a dictator. You had your chance. We had enough of this government. For the good of this country, it is time for a change. Say what you want but it is time for you to go. Dominica is a democratic country and time for other abled sons and daughters of Dominica to come on board to move this country forward. Thank you.
@anonymous, I agree with you in part; however, do you not think that Skeritt deserve some respect also? The DISRESPECT is shared EQUALLY. I think if you can dish out you should be able to ACCEPT.
Hey Observer, if anyone reads my comment, they will wonder where is the disrespect in this simple comment that you are responding to. What? Do you mean that writing ‘PM’ is disrespectful? I did not address the man by name, then how is my comment disrespectful? Just for your information, there are several people who use the name anonymous. Observer, there is no disrespect in the comment that your are responding to.
Respect is earned…you respect me and I will respect you
The cow always jump the fence where it is lowest. That said, The CCJ is of a lower standard and as such presenters do not have to put up as much as they would have to in the Privy Council.
Here in the caribbean , most laywers meet and set-up cases, so they are more likely to get their way for the people who with the biggest budgets.
We are not ready as yet for CCJ,because more oversight has to be put in place.
u dont sound like u kno wat u talkin bout…i tink u need to do sme research on d privy council and the ccj..and the benefits of d ccj to the caribbean…
We were not ready for the NBD, remember.
Soon Dr Fountain will be calling for the removal of the Neg Maron statue at the round about by the Fort Young Hotel and replacing it with a statue of Sir Francis Drake or Christopher Columbus.
Why don’t you replace yourself with Bill Gates as there are a lot of questions about your ability to hold any public office.
Address the issues at hand.
Oh sorry, I din’t know you are too shallow to know the difference.
You are attacking Dr Fontaine, deal with the issue at hand. By now you should know that our judiciary in the region is manipulated by the politicians, because they make the decision who should serve; the politicians determine the fate of the judges so obviously how do we expect these people to function on behalf of the ordinary man. The politicians have them in their pocket.
So patriot look beyond Dr Fontaine.
I think that you should read and educate yourself on the CCJ then comment.
Dr. Fontaine you are a true Dominican and we are all proud of you and your ambitions to take Dominica and its people to higher hieghts.
Don’t be discouraged by Skerro mad tactics, he is just trying to slow-down Linton and the rest of Team Dominica.
Keep on doing the good work.
Challenge him to call elections before this summer.
Yeah Fontaine, lke the good work you did in DAAS. Later will be greater. More to come. Why not let the rat guard the cheese.
Whi h we? Not me for sure
Good response tell Fountaine if we cannot run our own affiars then he is not fit for office in government
Mr. PM please you can disagree with the man but please be respectful. YOu are PM Skerrit and he is Dr. Fontaine (not Thomson) when speaking publicly. If you want respect you must give respect. But may be I am expecting too much from you.
Fontaine again??
Lucy I agree with you. The PM is being totally disrespectful when he defends the government or disagrees with the opposition. Only the uwp are allowed (through some unwritten law?) to disagree, defend their posiion and disrespect people.
I don’t think I’ve heard you complained when the PM is referred to as “Skerrit.” Hypocrisy…. All you UWPites only see it things one way. Continue….
Lucy,
Where is the disrespect what Dr. Fountain as opposed to Thompson? Isn’t Thompson his name what Dr. Fountain? We should cease putting so much attention on the title and focus instead on Thompson the candidate. He is a political candidate and should be ready and have the “testis” to handle the heat in the political arena.
Sorry Anonymous like your PM you have missed the point.No need to waste time and energy on explaining to you or your PM. Go figure!!!
Fontaine makes it sound like he would love to stay under his mother’s arms. If it was up to him Dominica would have never gotten independence.
Skerrit might be presentable but as to the rest of that party.
BAD quality!
“When you get a donkey to ride,ride it good” is a saying my grand mother always used to us!!
Hmn mister skerite u have guts saying that the next step is to follow the provision of the constitution after u disrespect the constitution.was is not u mr skerite that said no law no constition can stop u?? Huh. Man get out of therr u and ur dirty cabals. Call the election let me vote u out!
did the law or constitution stopped him??
get real jokers
Fontaine must think before he speaks. This issue was debated in Parliament and was supported by the UWP. He must stop embarrassing his party.
it was said befor the debate at paliament . so what u taking about
I agree that Thompson must think before he open his mouth and speak. He think because he have PhD behind his name he can just say what he wants he often comes across as an embarrassment to UWP and all their supporters. Obviously, Thompson have some bad campaign managers. How sad Thompson – I am sorry he likes to be called Dr. Fountain (lol).
He study and cram…. to get PHD he didn’t think or else he would have help his country a long time ago he wasn’t going to work for pennies. He want to be the PM tell him he has a long wait…….
People say Dr.Fountain out of respect but no way did you ever heard him say he have to be addresss as Dr, so what a you talking about it doesnt matter how you call him he is the voice of change so not even you can stop him or the movement for change.
I am a big UWP supporter and I have to agree that Thompson should chill for a moment as he is making us look bad. We have an election to win Thompson think about that man.
SO MANY MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS FROM THE CCJ. Why is the government rushing to the CCJ? Will the CCJ be independent? Will we see lawyers who become judges and who previously worked with lawyers in government offices prior to becoming judges give these past co-worker lawyers judgements in their (ex-coworkers) favour as has happened before? Will the politicians in power influence the judges of the CCJ? Is it because governments and prime ministers get what they want from the CCJ why they are rushing to the CCJ? When, where, and what consultations were done with the peoople? If consultations had been held with the unions, did the unions consult its members? Is this another case of the members of the government(of Dominica)doing things just to profit themselves rather than serving the interest of the people? Are Prime Minister Skerrit’s pronouncements reasons or excuses for rushing to the CCJ? This country needs a lamawaj.
SMH go online the CCJ is already in existence so go educate yourself!!!! you are a DA Mass!!!!
good job honorable pm mr fountaine is wrong this time
Lennox should stop Thomson right there, because he will be the first to benefit from the CCJ!!!!!!
His upcoming case with KPB may well be the first to be heard under the CCJ and not the Privy Council… Skerrit saving him tonnes of dollars for which he should be grateful!!!!! De Da- MASS!!!!
Joe stop your trash talk like your PM himslef
Lucy what is so trash about my talk?? What is really wrong with all you people??
It is public knowledge that Mr. Linton was taken to the Privy Counsel by KPB so he will definitely benefit from the CCJ, especially where costs are concern….
You so blind in your foolish stupid politics and HATRED for Skerrit you totally lost your ability to think on your own!!!!
I bet if UWP had said they fully support it you would be singing the same tune!!!! SHAME ON YOU LUCY!!!!! Stop being a
SMFH
Joe you have it wrong and it’s because you haven really examine all consequences and the conspiracy between the PM and others in the Islands will neverbe pass over because all members of the DLP,PM and his lawyers will be delt with we cannot sweep anything under the rugs any more.
River gal what you saying have absolutely nothing to do with the CCJ !!!!!