Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan has vowed that his legal team will fight a dual citizenship court matter involving Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit to the end, and has promised that Skerrit will not resign.
Meanwhile, the United Workers Party UWP who brought the allegations, have expressed confidence in their case.
This morning, the two parties appeared in court but were asked to reappear in January as the matter was subsequently adjourned for applications to be heard.
“Our position is very clear: we’re not going to concede, we’re not going to resign, and we’re going to fight it and let the court decide where the chips may fall,” Astaphan said.
The entire issue stemmed from the UWP’s decision to take the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) to court after filing several petitions against the party in January, citing what they claim to be gross irregularities in the conduct of the December 18, 2009 general election polls.
Among these petitions, were claims that the DLP had allegedly bribed persons to vote and had blocked the UWP’s access to state-owned media during election campaigns. These were later struck out by a high court and are being appealed by the party.
One petition was allowed- this relates to the prime minister’s dual nationality. It alleges that Skerrit contested the elections illegally as he holds dual citizenship-a practice which is not allowed under Dominican law.
This morning, a hearing on the applications for practice directions was scheduled for January 21, 2011. It was adjourned, not for trial, but solely for these applications.
These submissions will come in response to affidavits and other documents which both the respondents and applicants are to make to the court between now and January 17, 2011.
The parties will first file interlocutory applications by December 31,2010 and affidavits in response by January 10, 2011.
The court also ordered that both parties are to file their written submissions with the relevant authorities on or before January 17, 2011.
“A date for directions in addition to which they have the appeals pending, so there are a number of issues we have to deal with in the new year,” Astaphan stated.
He explained that the next hearing was set to decide on the procedure to be followed.
Astaphan refused to comment on specific matters of the case when questioned by media stating, “I have criticized a former judge for commenting on the merits of a matter before the court whether the allegations are true or whether the allegations are not true. I don’t intend to fall into the trap. I do not think it is right or proper to discuss the merits of a matter before the court. That’s all I am prepared to say.”
Attorney for the UWP Geoffrey Letang, who also spoke to media, believes that election petitions should be heard speedily.
“Election petition matters should be dealt with speedily, as soon as possible and it is a concern when such matters have not been dealt with speedily, and you have heard the chief justice Rawlins mention that also,” he said.
He said in relation to today’s adjournment, “’Well the court give directions in relation to how the matter should proceed, that both sides should make applications etcetera, submissions, and you clearly heard senior counsel Mendes spoke about the disclosure of documents etc. so they will be making applications etc. and the requesting for the disclosure of certain documents like certain passports etc. that is basically what it’s all about. So on the date in question on the 21st, when the applications will be held, we’ll be actually dealing with that.”
Trinidad’s Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes and Stuart Young also represented the UWP.
Heather Felix-Evans also stood on behalf of the prime minister.
Have we Dominican’s forget May 29th 1979? When Patrick R. John did not list to the people who put him in power. That’s all……..
looks like Jamaica has its issues with dual citizenship also, and this story linked below, may not be a good sign for the case against PM Skerrit.
http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/jamaica_news/71266.html
True this matter occurred in a different courtroom, but it establishes precedent, which other courts tend to look at when dealing with cases that are similar in nature.
as a follow-up, this link below relates to one dual-citizenship case in Jamaica back in 2008. As i mentioned, this establishes precedent and courts generally look to others for an indication as to how the ruling came about, and what, if any, guidance another can take under similar circumstances. That is especially true in our judicial system, almost all of which were crafted under the same system of jurisprudence we inherited from our former colonial rulers under the Privy Council.
http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/13203.html
Seeing that this item dates back to 2008, and as it says, the judge ordered a stay pending an appeal, the new article which I first posted clearly suggests that the former MP Mr. Vaz lost that appeal. I would not be surprised if a similar decision comes about in our case.
Every Dominican know that this man Tony is a poisson to our society. The man is a liar idiot and a self aggrandizing selfish MF. Right now he is reeling on a stupid strategy – ” Trial by Media”. he used the same media to promote his case in St Lucia and St kitts. He also used the media to explain the consequences of the said offense.
Unless one is directly involves in the court proceedings then one can speak freely on the issue. The fact that the case involves elected officials why can’t the media speak on the issue. This is country is not ” Too free at all”. We have freedom of expression. We expect the case to be reviewed by ho honorable professionals of the court. The case will not be tried by the media.
Tony is clearly telegraphing his defense in hope that he can buy some sympathy. A sign that the man is desperate. It would be a noble gesture if the PM resign as oppose to a court order. What we are seeeing here is a Tony Astaphan effort to hold on to the soup bowl in spite of the scorching heat. While doing so he is certainly playing the well known role of “Puppet Master” while the puppet is lost and confused.
A very good leader would severe all ties with Tony Astaphan cut and run. Tony is using the kid to do his dirty work. First off all he advised the kid to go denounce the citizenship in hope that his star power would keep him in the PM position. Only desperate people do desperate things and this exactly what is happening to the PM. The more you attempt to cover up a crime the more likely you are to leave behind evidences.
If we were to conduct a survey on Tony Astaphan’s personality 99.999% of Dominicans would give him a Big Fat F- FAIL for trust worthiness; A HIGH A – for a dumb LIAR and an A + grade for a political manipulator and other descriptions that would not be tolerated by DNO. The interesting thing is that still for all so many Dominicans are trusting Tony Astaphan to handle or rather use the PM
Tony is like those expensive Chinese product – good for nothing.
Tony is lik
To Phony
What is it with your arrogance. Your comment shows bitterness and the kind of person you’re, judging from the writing insulting people, rather than having a genuine civilized discussion on the matter which you seem to be unable to do. If this is the manner you want to convey your opposition to the matter it is very sad and serves no purpose, don’t get me wrong you are fully within your right to have an opinion on the matter. Your last comment quote “Tony is like those expensive Chinese product – good for nothing” that shows how despicable you are.
can this be resolved quickly so Skerritt can continue with the development!
lol – good one
I second that motion
It seems like Tony Astaphan has one marble only and that is – Trial by media. I am not a legal mind but how can an issue involving an elected official not be spoken about in the media. As long as Brian Alleyn, Don , Alick Lawrence, Isidore , Charles Maynard or any other legal professional is not affiliated with the case then these people have a right to express an opinion. Tony seem to forget the case in st Lucia and in St Kitts; he worked those cases through the media.
Tony is right Skerrit should not resign and let the courts decide. Resigning would be an honorable thing to do but Tony Astaphan does not want to be known as the senior counsel who provided bad and ill conceived advice to the PM.
Don’t worry Tony everyone knows that you are good for nothing. A self agrandizing idiot looking to shake down the money tree.
YOU CAN FIGHT AND THE BLIND COURT WILL LET YOU WIN .BUT THIER IS A GOD AND HE WILL STOP YOU DEAD IN YOUR TRACK WHEN YOU ARE LIST EXPECTING.
WINNING DOES’NT MAKE A WRONG ACTION RIGHT.
THE THREE DEAD LEADERS OF THE DLP,BOTH IN OFFICE AND OUT WAS A SIGN THAT THE
MEN OF GOD IGNORED
we must never compromise truth honesty integrity morals and ethics on the alter of partisan politics .remember that politicians come and go but our constitution which is alive in every dominican is being disrespected and trashed and we as a people stand ,seat and argue or stay silent instead of coming in defence of our beloved dominica,our allegiance must be giving to dominica and not to political parties because our passport carries no labor freedom or workers logo so we as dominicans should always rally in her defence because its not about red blue or green,its about who we are, what we represent ,where we want to be and how we want to be seen .my people we should always speak the truth to power at all times so power can submit to truth. lies keeps you captive so always set your conscience free let truth prevail /peace and love to you my people .
******************* Let the constitution dictate the result wich we shall all accept*************
I DON”T CARE ANTHING!!!!! ABOUT THESE POLITICAL PARTY [UWP, DLP, OR DFP]
ALL I CARE ABOUT IS THAT THE RULES OF OUR CONSTITUION WILL BE FOLLOWED!!!
Its a shame,,,all them man have amassed a mint of wealth therefore they doh give a dam whether they die fighting to be illegal leaders of Dominica or otherwise, they are well set up financially so who want to be following them and shouting,,leave our pm alone…continue.. They and the ones that receive hand-outs on a daily basis will suffer.
Eh las Dominica….i well sorry for you.
As a child growing up there was a book of cartoons where PJ was sucking the blood of Dominica,,,seems them days are back. Only this time is not PJ.
But soon and very soon, the matter will be heard in the courts and hopefully, there will be a decision. Lets just hope the judge is not in somebody pocket already. Case dragging dragging,,,huh…..
Time will tell.
In any other profession the person who breaches and promotes law breaking would not only loose their licence but would be arrested and charged for criminal conduct.
How does the law profession justify such behavior?
Should we the public be forced to submit and respect such gutter behavior as Anthony Astaphan has been doing?
hon chief justice, i think you exaggerate slightly when you state that the whole world will be watching or watever words you used, concerning the dual nationality case. in the scheme of things i don’t tiny dominica.beautiful as it may be hold centre stage. having said this i do think that it’s a case of much ado about nothing. give the pm a break he has done more for this country of ours, yes ours all of us, than any other prime minister. so please let him complete what he is doing, and when the electorate has decided it is time for his to depart, then so be it. but in the meantime,please some whinging, moaning,complaining, bellyaching and do get a life. enjoy what life has to offer and stop playing the same old record. give us all sane and intelligent citizen a break. just to show there is no hard feelings have a merry merry christmas ho ho ho………..
Good luck 2 u pm on jan-21-2010, dont let your heart be troubled god is good all the time & all the time god is good, he will c u through- no one can take care of DOMINICA like u, u are a god send. My preyers are with u & the rest of your team…..
You really think the Good LORD has anything to do with your master, do you think he defends liars and thieves?
Why then would he command you not to lie or steal, you better start repenting because dis amagiddeon ah come.
To Anonymous
I hope it is not the same “You” that talked about rebel, rightious (as it was spelt) Moses, and Jesus a few comments down; because you are contradicting yourself. Unless you do not know that Jesus is the Good Lord. This time the word is “Armageddon” not “amagiddeon”
please just leave my god out of this,,,u Dominicans…is just to wiked,,and bad just like the PM….ANS GOD IS NOT A MAN THAT HE SHOULD LIE…NITHER IS GOD A POLICE MAN,,,,it seems to me that u people dont like being free,,,,,,,and what ever the pm does is not of non of u Dominicans damn business……what is the matter with u people …is it greed that have u all blind?it is time to get up from yur slumber,,and remember god does not sleep,,,,and one day this skritt will pay one way or the other…….may the blood of the lamb fall up Dominica and her people.
Learn to spell before u comment eh….And like in all courts of law you are innocent until proven guilty. Its time we forget which color we for and put our country first. The PM has been doing a good job however if i crime was committed then action must be taken. All i wish is that the outcome is good and beneficial for our country and does not divide us more as a people!!!
What did that same Tony Astaphan state about someone holding dual citizenship? Do not tell me you all did not hear him. While some Dominicans are reeling under pressure and their standard of living is declining everyday, Tone Astaphan has been hauling in millions of dollars from the state protecting Skerritt in all court cases. So many cases now that Dominicans have lost count.
Never in the history of Dominican politics has a PM been in so many controversial corrupt matters and boldly showing total disrespect for the law. There is not sufficient space on this page to name all the illegal and controversial actions that have been taking place. Dominicans are aware of them, but because their moral and ethical values have disappeared into thin air they deliberately continue to support those wrongdoings. They come up with all sorts of excuses.
Absurd statements have been made in support of corrupt acts. So because the father of a young girl is providing that child with her meals, paying school fees, clothing her, he should sexually abuse that young girl? Is that what Dominicans are saying and even want to believe? So because Skerritt and Govt. are doing some projects here and there, giving handouts here and there, he and Govt officials have the right to commit illegal acts and that is OK? Give me a break.
Rosie Douglas and Pierre Charles must be turning in their graves. Skerrit is bringing our beloved country to its knees. There is a Fraternity in Dominica, made up of all sectors of society all out to defend and protect Skerritt at all costs and by any means possible. ‘Professionals and the ‘Elite class’ are leading that Club. ‘Red Butter’ is being SMEARED on their lips, like putting butter around a cat’s mouth.
They overtly and covertly manipulate and fool the ordinary, disadvantaged, poor people to support all sorts of injustices and corrupt acts of those in public office. It is the masses and the country who will continue to suffer as a result of those high-handed, corrupt and dictatorial tendencies. Trust Me.
I hope when the Judge makes his decision on this matter everyone, whether you neutral, blue, red or green will accept this decision. Dominica has been in a state of confusion and dis unity for too long. It is time Dominica return to the peace country I raise up in. Politician come and go but my sweet Dominica will remain. It is time this matter be left to the courts.
To all you excited and power hungry supporters, remember when you are slagging off one another on DNO it is on the World Wide Web. These comments are not being read only in Dominica and it is the image of our lovely country, whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism. So read your comments carefully before posting it on here.
To the Management of DNO you are doing a good job but there should better screening of some of the comments that are put on here. Some should be deleted. Keep up the good work. You keep me updated of issues in Dominica.
Just so everyone knows the World with waiting and following this case with a magnifying glass, I court better know what they are doing cause the UN will with other Allies get involved in the name of peace.
The present PM Roosevelt Skerrit Has indeed lost his way and is being brought down by those who flock around him.
Tony, you should do what is honest and I know you can do better Tony, I have you and will bring to the court what you said to the PM what you thought was private that you will lie for him even if your teeth comes out and you have to start using false teeth.
Just me guided.
Skerrit needs to be sent packing..This man is the greatest obstacle toprogress and development in this country..It is a huge shame that a PM could be involved in all these commess!!!!!
That is our goal, the moment he wins a case, we will get Sir Brian Alleyne and other lawyers to plot new cases and we will get him with one of the cases
you forgot the heheheheheh
All i can say is that there is a new disease around and it is called skerititis
Apparently its only the UWP members that are catching it
this disease is causing only pain, hatred and jealousy
the sysmptoms can be any of the floowing
negative comments against the pm
hatred and envy against the pm
wishing that harmful things befall the pm
and the list goes on
there is no cure
very very sorry
eventually the ones who have fallen prey to this malady eventually withers and become a physchological hopeless
You wish.
To all the people fighting the Beast(Skerrit) remember sometimes you have to be a rebel because you are doing rightious work.
Remember back in the day brother Moses was a rebel, he stood before pharaoh and demand, he never asked, he said let my people go.
And over 2000 years ago Jesus christ was a rebel, he rose up in the temple and chased the vendors to the street, so keep the good fight going.
To Anonymous
First of all, it is a good thing that your spelt the word “RIGHTEOUS” wrong, as you wrote “RIGHTIOUS”. Hence I cannot acuse you of speaking in relationship to God here. But when you speak about “rebel” pertaining to Moses and Jesus, I would advise you to be more careful.
Why, because neither Moses’ nor Jesus’ work come in the category of “rebellion” A rebellious person is a person who goes against authority. One of the biggest word that means “rebel” is disobedience. Other terms for “rebel” means to “fight against, to revolt, and to mutiny”.
I do not know whom you refer to as “fighting against the Beast (Skerrit)” But rebellious conducts are not “righteous” conducts. Moses and Jesus did their works by the authority of God. Jesus repeatedly told us that truth, especially where He said: “I can of myself do nothing”. John 5: 30 God does not “rebel” against anyone or any group. He executes judgment; and His wrath falls on those who deserves it, as His blessings fall on those who ask for it. It was those who stood against Moses and Jesus–such as Herod, in Egypt; the Israelites in the Wilderness; the Jewish leaders; and false witnesses of Jesus’ days on earth–who are the rebellions.
Today, we, human beings are rebellious to the ways of God’s Love, because we lack faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. The situation between Prime Minister Skerrit and the UWP demonstrates rebellious conducts, that is for sure; and these conducts can never be classified with righteousness.
All you religious weak minded people; so feeble and bias that you dont have a mind of your own. People like Jesus, Moses, MLK, Gandhi were all alike. They for the rights of the people. They fought against corrupt leaders. It is welcoming though that people like Lizavier4Jesus have not denied the existence of corruption in our government. The sad thing is Lizavier4Jesus rather support the corrupt regime because of the personal gain.
Two Word for you Lizavier4Jesus – ” Custom Duty”
i gave UWP my vote last election but now i rethinking. well since the last time i rethinking. this is a personal attack on the PM and im sure not enjoying this one bit. you mean to go as far and get attorneys abroad,HUH? just so thst the PM goes to jail. I wont be rallying in this one. I mean i accept the loss. The PM has more seats then acept. think its time to rebuild the strentgh of the party. I mean man,
u not no uwp. doh try that. hahaha
I hold him LABOUR. LMAO. A Laborite trying to make ppl think he voted for UWP.
BOY, UWP have money ehhh!!! They can say they are(were) Labourites but you cannot say you are(were) UWPites. What deception!!!!!!
tony get out of dominica we do not your kind your a bloodsucker.skerrit wake up tony is a back stabber your days are numbered
Tony and sKerro think they own Dominica. These guys are pathetic. Skeritt violated the costitution and boldy and publicly states that NO CONSTITUTION OR LAW CAN STOP HIM.
Well skerritt has “the Balls” to defy the constitution. That is really a DICTATOR in the making.
He wants to be WRONG and STRONG. He needs to go back in history and learn about HITLER, IDI AMIN,PATRICK JOHN, PAPA DOC and company…HIs time will soon come!!!
I’m paying close attention!! Skerrit and his puppets need to GO!!! They are horrible examples of Dominica and their end of wickedness is near!!
The nerve of you Dorette.. you forget when your party was in power civil servants had no idea where there paychecks was coming from? as EDO and his goons why was the treasury empty.
TONY DOES NOT CONVINCE ME THAT HE PASSED HIS BAR EXAMES. HE MUST HAVE BOUGHT THE CERTIFICATE.
BECAUSE, HIS TAKE ON LEGAL ISSUES ARE DEPENDANT ON WHO THE SUBJECT IS RATHER THAN WHAT THE LAW SAYS ON A MATTER.
TONY NEEDS TO GO BACK TO LAW SCHOOL.
WRONG IS WRONG AND IT DOES NOT MATTER WHO DID IT.
A wrong is a wrong. It does not matter who deos it. That is th fundamental problem with the UWP. They do not want to agree that at some time, not so long ago too, they had parliamentarians among them who had dual citizenship. I am still awating for one of thier spokesperson to make a statement citing the party has recognized that two wrongs cannot ever be right whether it is Roosevelt Skerit or Ron Green. PEOPLE! MY PEOPLE! DOMINICANS! A WRONG IS A WRONG IS A WRONG – PERIOD. STOP DESTROYING OUR COUNTRY SIMPLY FOR A PARTY. if Skerrit is wrong he is wrong. By job too if Ron Green was wrong he was wrong. A simple issue. The matter is before the court. It has taken a long time. Let us discuss and express frustration over the court system. Mr. Skerrit did not make the system.That is the truth,he found it there as it is today. Stop blaming the delay on Skerrit. I am sure he wants his day so that this matter is dealt with at the soonest.
Hey my friends, we must agree on this fundermental point “a wrong is a wrong” no matter how does the WRONG!!!
However, Dominica have never had a Prime Minister with Dual citizenship, and also in our “the Commonwealth of Dominica, Laws, dual citizenship that are NO, NO, for Prime Minsiter to have dual citizenship, as PM…..
I am from England, and i or we the English people would be mad, a matter of fact this could never happen in my native country England, so therefore, I think its worng and the laws also say it’s wrong of your country, the Commonwealth of Dominica….
Two wrongs will not make one right, never, never!!!!
Tony ..TA-FAN is a big hypocrite. I canna stand de man. All he does is lies about and spins everything that comes up against the goverment. This was the same …-TA-FAN that was so vocal and adamant against corruption between 1995 – 2000 even when he couldn’t fine any proof of it. Now he canna seem to see corruption even if it hit him in his face. Dat man is an opportunist and he uses the PM and government to acquire wealth for himself. All government case it have, he involve. All you doh seeing that man for what he is?
His job is such that he has to do what he does.
Lennox Linton masks himself as a journalist (never seen a one sided Journalist before) yet we know he is a political hack!
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells…Merry Christmas
What’s his job as a lawyer? To tell you and the rest of the UWP that his client is guilty?
Come on – in the court of law, SKERRITT is INNOCENT, until proven guilty.
Tony’s job is to prove that the Prosecution’s evidence is weak – it could be right…. but his job is to contest it and create a reasonable doubt.
His job is not to go to the media and say ” my client is innocent” – that’s not his job. Skerritt didn’t plead guilty to the crimes – he is going to defend against the accusations in the interest of his client – not in the interest of UWP, LABOURITES, but in the interest of what his client has told him.
So to expect him to do anything else, is just utter nonsense.
It’s like you committing murder and telling your lawyer that you are not guilty. Would you expect your lawyer to tell everyone that you are guilty? Hell No. Your lawyer’s job is to create that doubt that you did not do the crime, irrespective as to whether he personally thinks that you do.
As long as you are giving him evidence to support your case …then he is going to do his job and defend you.
It is not Tony’s opinion which matters. It’s what his client tells him, and he has to do everything in the best interest of his client.
To: Hjgmtc
And client is giving me a lot of hope that he is not guilty. Yet still, if I understand the terms between client and his/her lawyer; what the Prime Minister’s lawyer says to us does not remove the suspense in me at all. I am just praying that God is working in this thing, and on the behalf of our Prime Minister.
TWO {2 } WRONGS CANNOT MAKE A RIGHT.
TWO { 2 } WRONGS CANNOT A RIGHT.
for the sake of dominica ihope mr skerrit willl remain in office to move this sweet country foward. hate a dog but say its teeth white
check Tony nuh?…boy that man have a guts eh…
While I am not a supporter of neither the DPL or the UWP there are several flaws in this entire dual citezenship saga. Why is it that dual citezens have been importe by both parties to vote but the political representative can’t hold dual staus. UWP has had several of its politiicians hold dual citezenship and said nothing about it, now that the shoe is on the other foot its an issue. HHMM well time will catch up to you all.
you are a skerrities face it you cannot fool nobody
Find your self a constitution and read. The issue is not having dual, its when you get it, as a child or as an adult. Sacway Toneh man, when will there people read and educate themselves?
To Labour
Not only that you guys are helping me to remember how to speak patois again, but I am also learning how to spell those words in patois as well. But I do not know for sure what “sacway toneh” means in English. Can you tell me?
What Mr. Skerrit has to do is to pass a new law stating that any person who is found in violation of the constitution with regards to holding office as a dual citizen can run again once he gives up his foreign citizenship. In that way Mr. Skerrit can run again a be prime minister a second time. Failure to have such a law in place will spell trouble for him if he is found guilty and his seat becomes null and void. He can be barred from running for re-election. He has the majority in house and it is very easy to get this new law passed.
is not easy so law changing sir….we wont allow anybody to change law to escape a crime they commit…problem in Dominica
i agree with u who ever u are
To Surprise
I believe that you have made some sense here. But let us wait and see what happens. To tell you the truth, the suspense is killing me!
Let’s just get this over with. And please, stop talking like die hard blue’s and reds. Start talking like Dominicans. This isn’t just labour PM, its Dominica’s PM. whatever happens, let it be just, fair and NOT IGNORANT.
Indeed I support you 110%. Most times I disregard what is written here on DNO because it’s either political gibberish or plain nonsense but for once I definitely have to support this statement above. This isn’t about Labour or Freedom or UWP but about DOMINICA. I wish more people would be wise enough to see that and put down ALL political colors for a while.
the countdown is on…
OMG will u guys take a break for just one second?
LOL
