Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit isn’t saying much about a matter before the Integrity in Public Office Commission (IPO), in which he has been embroiled in, only saying that he is not going to get involved in public confrontation with institutions which have been created by the laws of Dominica.
However he said he is prepared to defend himself and pointed out that the approach to the entire matter is wrong. “I will take the decision in so far as defending myself,” he said. “We believe that the approach is wrong …my lawyers have been discussing it.”
He remarked he has nothing more to say except that he is not going to publicly confront the IPO. “I am not going to say anything other than that about the commission and its hearing,” he remarked. “It’s a matter for when the time comes for a decision to be taken but I am not going to engage myself in any public confrontation with any institution created by law.”
PM Skerrit is before the commission on a complaint brought by radio personality and journalist Lennox Linton, who claimed that he had used his official influence as chairman of Cabinet to secure concessions for a business concern in which it is alleged that he holds ownership interest.
Hearings on the matter were expected to begin on December 17, 2012, but were pushed back to January 7 after the prime minister’s lead attorney, Senior Counsel Tony Astaphan, and his team, threatened to take the matter to court seeking an injunction to have it quashed.
The lawyers had written to the IPO challenging the legitimacy of two of its members saying the proposed hearings were ‘unlawful.’ They also went to court seeking a judicial review.
The commission subsequently ruled that they (the lawyers) were entitled to be heard and the hearings were pushed back.
However the matter took another turn when it was reported that secret and confidential proceedings before the Commission concerning the prime minister fell into the hands of Linton and read on his radio show.
This prompted an exchange between Linton and Astaphan with Linton accusing the senior counsel of the alleged leak. Astaphan responded by describing the accusation as a ‘cock and bull’ story.
In the face of all this, the IPO ruled that it will be going ahead with hearings since it has the jurisdiction, as entitled by law, to proceed.
The hearings are expected to begin on February 23.
But Astaphan is not backing down and has vowed to challenged the IPO’s decision “every single step of the judicial process,” arguing that it is not fair nor right.
I am somewhat confused. Didn’t the IPO threw out the complaint about the PM having an ownership interest in the said villas? Did that happen or am I musing over local partisan politics?
If the IPO uled that the complaint about the PM having an ownership interest in the said villas was unfounded, then how comes the IPO can begin an investigation into another complaint from the same source and same date which suggests that the PM used his official office as Chairman of Cabinet to secure concessions for a business venture (the self same villas)he has ownership interest in. Will somebody explain to me what is happening. Am I dillusioned somehow.
MR Roosevelt Skerrit do you have interest in the villas at savanna pie
And of what value is that to you really…
Oh Dominicans!! I feel so bad for the Dominicans who have some kind of values and principles. They have to be counted as Dominicans.. I am ashamed of being a Dominican unfortunately I cannot change my birthplace! If I could I would.
You can pretend not to be born here. Makes no difference, it is the person you are that counts.
The Prime Minister knows the difference between right and wrong… he was an arcolyte, so i know the priests teach him the difference between right and wrong, he went to pre school, elementary/primary school. high/secondary school, community/state college and university and in usiversity he studied to become a teacher and psychology… so he knows the difference between right and wrong… he knows he is wrong by the tonies are telling him to say otherwise… so i real sorry for Dominica since the Prime Minister thinks he is right since the tonies tell him to say he right… the IPO knows he is wrong that is why the have no choice but to hear the matter brought forward by Lennox Linton… but again it is just a show… is carnaval time so the showcasing… no wonder hunter had the lyrics written all over palmella and ghost say electra will give the show some electricity… is only in dominica so much roro going on…lmao
When I hear I uwp nk nsense I must respond…workers piper said ” the IPO knows he the PM is wrong”….so if the IPO know he is wrong…why look at the evidence….
You see why lennox has destroyed uwp…and made people like wofkers piper fools….
I wish you good luck in your lennox hatting organization
….and many an acolyte had to go to confession, not so??
Many priests should confess for what they did to acolytes too.
De man dottish he went to university? lol which university would give a dottish a degree? As Don King would say only in America.AsMalgrsa if this not true.
Malgray let me here you tell us about jaime instead of the P.M lol
Let not your heart be troubled my fellow Dominicans.
God is good all the time
This country has a deficit in leadership, The Prime Minister must be reminded, he is the Prime minister of all Dominicans, and not just some. He should stop being a politician, and be a leader.
This is what we need in Dominica, throw away the politician’s panama hat he continues to wear day in and day out.
Today’s Labour party is not the Labour party of my Late Grand Parents or my Great Grandparents. It is the Skerrit Labour Party.
History is repeating itself all over again. The rise to power of Leblanc in the Dominica labour Party in the 60’s.
The launched of the Leblanc Labour Party; which saw the expulsion of the Co- founders of the Dominica Labour Party, Emmanuel Christopher Loblack and Phyllis Allfrey for challenging Leblanc for the leadership of the party.
Despite, being kicked out of the Labour Party, Loblack and Allfrey along with Eugenia Charles Launch the Dominica Freedom Party.
After over 20 years in the wilderness, you will think these guys learned a thing or two. its seems they a doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past.
I ask the question; Who will be the Emmanuel Christopher Loblack of today? who will be the Phyllis Allfrey of today?
The Prime Minister is Prime minister of all Dominicans, and not those that don’t want him to be Prime Minister.
So if you and your lennox uwp like engage him in politics he will talk politics to you. But he shows leadership to the majorigy of us.
For example…the recent election of Dr Etttiene…you all will not want to talk about that.
Correction IPO. Mr. Skerrit is not the P.M. of Dominica until the appeal court has ruled in his favour. That is an unalienable fact.
Why is it that so many Dominicans do not want to deal with an issue? stop being so petty,childish and personal. The level of thinking of these people is sickening. We need to teach more higher level comprehension skills at all levels of education in the country. Too mant seem not to be able to evaluate or think critically.
Malgrasa the more you judge the more you hate
Mr. Loblack as not expelled from the Labour Party but resigned in protest at the treatment of- and out of loyalty to Mrs. Shand-Allfrey, co-founder of he Labour party, expelled in Sept. of 1962 by no other than current Roosevelt Skerrit sycophant, Mr. N.A.N. Ducreay, Vice President of the party at the time in a letter dated 21 Sept. 1962. Mrs. Shand-Alfrey had the temerity to question an export tax on bananas proposed by the leadership of the party, labelling it “foolishness”. Mr. Loblack did join the Freedom party and remained a member for the rest of his life. (see also:the “Dominica Herald” of Sept. 29, 1962.
Thanks Malatete for this correction to the historical facts. Appreciated
No one can they will and can only be themselves as those youths born in the early 70 and beyond are born with defects greed not willing to work for what they want no cojones when it come to loyality nor honesty etc these are foreign to their philosophy.Funny afew of my generation who grew up poor in buttchambres and absentee dads who went to England and left them behind did okay with mom’s and villagers hard work and attention to dem.Then they made it with some luck and effort on to be unable to shake off that york of childhood poverty.
‘Astaphan is not backing down and has vowed to challenged the IPO’s decision “every single step of the judicial process,” arguing that it is not fair nor right.’
So much for the PM not confronting the IPO Commission. He does not have to do it directly. He will seek to weaken and attack the Commission through , Tony Astaphan
Frankly, that is the best hing the P.M. can do presently, not to comment in public.
All he has to do is to address the questions of the I.P.O. fairly at the hearing later this month and only has to defend himself, in court, should a prosecution ensue.
I knew these instructed uwp would play with themselves and wet up DNO..
What a bunch of lozers…yes with a z
The uwp will always remain a wet joke
If this is a sample of next-level comments supporting the P.M., may God help him!
Go support Scar Face
way way waypapapappapappapa! Let the boxing match begin and we will know who the real champion is. No need for all this ole talk and this kind of dragging the feet and killing of time tactics. IPO Hold your own and be firm and be fair. When the dust is settle d folks will know the truth…
One suggestion, if there is an issue, a commission of enquiry is a good thing! Let the state pay for it and bring down some QC and SC and former judges and so forth to deal with the matter.. We bawling for another one, like the one when mamo was found not guilty and rapid Gonzales made news with the bugging issue. Let the action begin and doh let Defense ship, spinning ship, dictator ship or de villa ship, china ship, venuezuala ship and ALBA ship confuse you all! IPO is for everybody, Roseau boy, south boy, north boy, tout monnnnnn!
Their is no need for confrontation, Sir.You either have interest in the Villa or not. Mr. Edison James asked you wether you had any interest in the Villas and you said no. Mr. Lennox linton says he can produce evidence that you have interest in the Villas, appear before the Commission and prove Mr. Linton wrong, matter close, confrontation my foot.
Skerrit let the IPO do its JOB.
You stole my name to write nonsense? …. Did you not read that the man said he’s not going to have a public confrontation? What? They need the confrontation to function? Stop being an idiot! It’s the right of our PM to defend himself as is the case with every citizen. Give him a chance to do just that….how about that?
Talk of a coward…Dominicans want to know the truth.This government is stinking commess!
This attitude is simply one of playing the psychological game on the minds of Dominicans. Don’t let that fool you. The prime minister wants to insinuate that he is being unfairly cornered. This time his prowess seems to be challenged, just a bit.
U have to admire Linton for his courage in bringing this matter before the IPO, Lennox history will treat you kindly.
Yes! In your mind and that of his supporters. I would like him to give me just one reason to indicate that he is being impartial in dispensing his investigative journalism.
In antigua he is admired…so at DCP and Barbados….he is a good man…lol
Dominica needs about five more like Lennox Linton to put Tony astaphan in his place and to challenge all the mess that is going on in the country.
Since after this corrupt,wicked, brutal,regime took office political interference has crippled and paralysed all institutions on island.
Honest Dominicans know better.Honest Dominicans know by name leaders who cheat, steal,lie,those who are arrogant, insultive, and those who curse the citizenry.
One day when this cabal falls from grace as is gradually happening now,big head honchos will have to answer to what they did to Waitikubuli.
You are afraid of the IPO more than words can describe, but let it be known,that Dominica has suffered too much under this bad and tainted leadership,and when it’s over the people will clamour for questions to be answered.
Dominicans have suffered?! give me a break. because he for the malayway
You not any malayway. lazy you lazy
Sorry Dominicans are too Backward in the Mindset.
Maybe they deserve this corrupted regime..
It is little men suddenly with much power as given to them by the people. Little men with big power is a recipe for disaster. The problem is we the people will be the ones to suffer big time.
What the Dons usually do is send the paid henchmen to do the fighting. Is Tony the sico the lead henchman and the priest the one who forgives the sin and the silent passport salesman the consigeliery.
What a sick set up people.
He think we all stupid.
Cannot believe the amount of uwp Who think they are stupid
Where is lennox in all of that
@ IPO He is well and alive, the last time i checked…Thank God for giving us such a fine patriot!
So its true then
“I’m not getting involved in public confrontation with IPO”
Hmmmmm…he had a lot of words to the public for not getting involved.
Who he think he fooling, actions speak louder than words PM. I agree with you ‘Defending wrong’.
Very deceitful comments (pasted in quotation marks below).
1. “It’s a matter for when the time comes for a decision to be taken but I am not going to engage myself in any public confrontation with any institution created by law.”
2. “We believe that the approach is wrong …my lawyers have been discussing it.”
Mr. Skerrit we know that your Head Lawyer, SC Anthony Astaphan, acting on your behalf, has called for the resignation of all members of the IPO, except the Chairman.
We have also heard of the nasty comments made against certain members of the IPO by your lawyer.
So you are not going to engage yourself in any public confrontation with any institution created by law so your hands are clean. But you have your lawyers doing the confrontation for you so what is the difference?
Well said, Mr. Hill.
There are still some professional people who not blinded by Skeritt and his unethical lawyers.
By virtue of your attorneys trying to impede the proceedings of a lawful institution (IPO), on your behalf, so that the investigation will not proceed, is a form of confrontation Sir. Also, there’s nothing wrong in the approach to the entire matter that you yourself once welcome. What is wrong is the adamancy displayed by your attorneys to ensure that the truth is not known. Why? We The People will not rest till the truth is known, eventhough we have a very good idea who’s telling the truth. Thank you!
About 8 Years ago, the “Independent” Electoral Commission recommended electoral reforms to ensure our elections are Free and fair. The reforms or changes included:
– Producing Voter ID cards
– Cleaning the bloated Voters’ List.
Parliament debated the issue and both the DLP and UWP parliamentarians agreed for the reforms. Up to now, the Electoral Commission cannot receive the money from Govt., the Ministry/Minister of Finance to do its work.
Isn’t the Electoral Commission mandated, by our Constitution, to conduct elections, and to request and get the necessary support or finance? who is blocking that recommendation from taking effect? Who said that what the Electoral Commission was recommending was “madness”?
Who is trying to prevent the PM from being questioned by the IPO? Who called for members of the IPO to be fired? Who, as alledged and evidence/facts are there to show, leaked the PM’s confidential info to the IPO? They haven’t and just cannot refute the stubborn facts revealed.
Who fooling who? Institutions in Dominica under serious manners, being influenced right, left and centre. Dominicans are asking what about the Emanuel vs. Isidore case. 42 charges of alledged fraud. That case cannot even start. Firebombing investigations stalled? Why are those things happening? Dominicans know. Defence, Protection of the “Big wigs.” Plain to see. How long? Not long.
Boss what you type there and ‘NOTHING’ is one of the same, the article is about the PM respecting institutions created by law to carry out their functions as stated by ‘Operations of Law’ and all you can talk about is the PM Lawyer!!!
What is wrong with all you Narrow-minded low esteem people suffering with ‘Inferiority Complex’ nah boss?
Stop carrying on like Hitler who blamed the jews for all of Germany problems, the Holocust occured and Germany was still in problem.
We love our PM for the good deeds he is doing for the country…. We will not vote EDDISON JAMES, nor any leader of a United Political Force who cannot tell us what they can and will do different from the great Roosevelt Skerrit!!!!
That is the voice of We the People!!!! Go do something crazy now….lol!!!!
which “we” that nuh? Speak for yourself
Isn’t that lawyer the spokesman for the PM on everything? is not me that say that, nuh.
Who is your God who could do no wrong? The one with political power in Dominica? That’s your choice.
I could feel you stifling under stress. Who is carrying on like Hitler, the dictator? Surely not the ordinary citizen exercising his right to express his opinions, but he who has political and/or economic power.
@ Joe I am definitely not one of the “We” you are referring to. I have zero tolerance for corrupt practices.
You too sot. you think is a favour he doing?
Do not speak for me, I will not vote for for skerrit and his wicked regime! Is fool I fool then?
We Often wonder why Dominica is the Poorest in the Eastern Caribbean under his Leadership…
But he just hasn’t Got it Period…
All over the World we see how Officials deal with Matters, but again,Dominica could is a example to The World where they have Institutions and the Society comes out with Degrees in Being,
(IGNORANT)..But interestingly the World considers That Degree a Sick Pill to the Human Civilization.
So what Happens they either just barely touch Soil On that island or pay very little attention to What Rolls there..As the Citizens are infected With that Sick Pill.
Linton, par kittay diab poun possecion avec naym ou, o consieus ou. Stop keeping a good man down. jalouzy sa a cuim. E ple movay passay ca chway a nome evac au fizzy.
Who cares ? Why you had a public confrontation with our constitution ?????
I looked a couple days ago and I said DNO was boring. At least put a picture of PM so your uwp/dno rabid bloggers can start playing with themselves.
Now see the trafgic you are going to get
No one is asking you to engage in a confrontation with IPO Mr PM and we don’t expect you too either however we expect that if you have nothing to hide just walk up to the IPO hearing and answer the questions with truth and sincerity.
We expect that you allow the IPO to independently do its work without the interference from your lawyers.
the approach is wrong because you or your lawyers say it is?.
dominicans please, please, carefull of your future.. as this is one issue, we are not vigilant on what our government has signed with china…
i can see a financial meltdown of the people and and local business coming… CHINESE HERE ARE EXPORTING TONS OF DOLLARS VIA OUR BANKS. the monies exported cannot be compared with what the government collect from the chineses in customs, inland revenue or any tax that is paid here.
dont play politics but demand what for the MOU BEFORE ITS TO LATE.
on with you PM for speaking out on the matter,you are the leader of the country,my only concern tony speaks out too much.he needs to take a back seat.
Ask Tony how much money he made from the P M already.
The more he represent the more he makes