Press release in response to Mr. Astaphan’s statement on DBS News

Geoffery Letang

“Although it is not our practice to comment on matters pending in court, we feel constrained on this occasion to respond to remarks made by Senior Counsel acting for Messrs Roosevelt Skerritt and Petter Saint Jean.

In the first place, the applications which we have made to the court and which now stand adjourned to March 10th and 11th, are for orders, among others, requiring Messrs Skerritt and Saint Jean to disclose their French passports. We had previously written to them asking that they voluntarily disclose their passports but they have refused and/or failed to do so. It is important to note that they have not said that they do not have passports, which would have been so easy for them to say if in fact that were true. They have simply not answered the question. It is accordingly necessary to get a court order requiring them to do so. But they are vociferously resisting the application.

Secondly, the reason why it was necessary to seek an adjournment of the last hearing was because Mr Astaphan’s bundle of cases, which was more than 300 pages in length, was only filed on Wednesday19th January 2011, when it was supposed to have been filed on Monday the 17th January, and Senior Counsel from Trinidad was only able to begin reading the bundle on

Thursday evening, (the day before the hearing) when he arrived in Dominica.

Further Mr. Astaphan filed another bundle of cases, some 100 pages in length on Thursday for the hearing the next day. It was clearly humanly impossible for anyone to accomplish that task in such a short space of time in order to present the Petitioners’ case with any efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism. Mr Astaphan in his press statements acknowledges that his documents were filed late but he takes no responsibility for the adjournment which became necessary as a result.

Thirdly, although Mr Astaphan did tell the court that he did not consent to the adjournment because he did not want to be accused of delaying the hearing, neither did he object to the adjournment. More importantly, at no time did he express frustration on his own part or on the part of the Prime Minister, either in public or in private, that the matter had to be adjourned. It was therefore with great surprise that we learnt of his frustration. If he was frustrated he kept it to himself.

We wish to make it clear that we did not complain to the court, and we do not now complain, about the late filing of Mr Astaphan’s cases. That happens in the best of regulated litigation. It is a hazard of the profession. We only mention it now because we are forced to do so.

We are also now forced to point out, although again we do not make any complaint, that the case was adjourned to March 10th and 11th because Mr Astaphan was not available for the entire month of February and not until after March 7th. We are fully satisfied that Mr Astaphan’s is not available for that period for a very good and unimpeachable reason.

We regret that it has become necessary to comment on what happened in court on the last occasion contrary to our standing practice, but Mr Astaphan’s comments have embarrassed us in the eyes of our clients and accordingly we thought it necessary to respond. We sincerely hope that this is the last time we will feel constrained to do so.”

Signed

Geoffrey L. Letang
Attorney-At-Law for Maynard Joseph and Ron Green
Date 22nd January 2011

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91 Comments

  1. this is a spiritual battle alliegning DA on the wrong side
    January 24, 2011

    In any profession of integrity
    Senior = Wise
    Counsel= sound advice

    Beware of the hezbullar agenda.

    http://israelmatzav.blogspot.com/2010/12/iran-placing-ballistic-missiles-in.html
    Iran ballistic missiles in Venezuelan territory.

  2. Secret Agent Man
    January 24, 2011

    Some or you are either wicked or illiterate.

    The Constitution states clearly: by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.

    So if you feel Ron Green is OK because he got it as a child, then so is Mr. Skerrit as he too obtained his as a child as well.

    You may disagree, but none of you know the circumstances or when Skerrit obtained his citizenship. His mother is a French Citizen by birth and he lived in Guadeloupe as a child…..Even if a child is born in another country, most countries allow the registration of birth and confer of citizenship unto their citizens children when the parent completes the necessary paperwork.

    One can not just decide to become a French citizen after 18 on a whim

    Anonymous is correct, there needs to be a constitutional amendment. As the laws are written ANY person who is a commonwealth citizen can reside in Dominica for 1 year, after this year of residency, they can contest elections, if they win, they can become Prime Minister.

    A Dominican Citizen who at some point lived or is living in Dominica and holding citizenship of another country that is not a member of the commonwealth will not be able to contest elections in Dominica unless he or she renounces this ‘other’ citizenship prior to.

    But a person from, Zambia, Tuvalu, Tonga, Bangladesh, Botswana, India, Maldives, Seychelles, Nigeria, (I could on but you get the point)…could become Prime Minister of Dominica after residing there for 1 year.

    Don’t you think that our law is stupid. The commonwealth is a British idea, not Dominican.

    We like the Queen and all…but we need to change the law.

    • Aaaaa
      January 24, 2011

      You tell ’em! I guess they think its okay. :-?

  3. Megzoe
    January 24, 2011

    Very interesting debate but it is too late to shut the stable door after the horse has been stolen.

    Now the lawyers are taking on each other on a public forum and the bush lawyers are also weighing in. The bottom line is: The law is the law and must be upheld by every Dominican citizen reagardless of what position he holds. Prime minister Skerrit is no exception and Astaphan knows that very well.

    I’ve heard the argument before that Mr. Skerrit accquired French citizenship as a child but upon becoming an adult he failed to renounce it but instead went one step further and applied for a French passport which he subsequently renewed.

    Interestingly I remembered quite well our late Prime Minister – Rosie Douglas boasted of having 6 passports but no one took him to task about that. Maybe at that time we were oblivious to the dictates of the constitution. Well it is a good thing PM Skerrit did not accquire Venezuelan and Chinese citizenship.

    So far Mr Skerrit has taken one step in the right direction – Revoking his French citizenship (hoping that this is true). The next best thing he can do is to see whether it will be necessary to pass a law to permit politicians who get deposed under the dual citizenship statute to seek re-election..

    It is a pity that the Prime Minister allowed this issue to go so far. He could have revoked his citizenship prior to the last general elections and avoid Mr. Astaphan putting him in this can of worms. It is therefore too late to shut the stable door after the horse has been stolen.

  4. FOREVER POSITIVE
    January 24, 2011

    One thing I know is that senior counsel and his Team ready for thier case. So Letang and Workers Party eat all your hearts out.

  5. (?)
    January 24, 2011

    More questions than answers…omg what’s going on???

  6. Anonymous
    January 24, 2011

    Letang I am waiting for the press conference regarding the GAG order you sought and obtained in the court on behalf of Mr. Emanuel as well as how it was given, “IN ERROR” to the most honourable investigative journalist please.

    Thank you.

  7. negre Marwon
    January 24, 2011

    They can run..but they cannot hide. The longest rope has an end. Hitler,Papa Doc,Patrick John,
    Sadam, Franco,The Shah,Samosa,Noriega..They all thought they were invincible and untouchable.
    History has taught us other wise.They can jump high , jump low…JUSTICE will be served.

    • kalinago warrior
      January 24, 2011

      Well said and hope justice is served

  8. Bunch of Idiots
    January 24, 2011

    Mr. Letang’s press release proves how easy it is to fool some Dominicans. The amount of nonesense comments I read under the other story. Now some of them still trying to save face with some new spin. Plain and simple, Tony was trying to deceive and mislead the public. He is fully aware of the court procedures and knows that all submissions from either side has to be responded to properly irrespective of how either side feel about their case.

    So even if you know you win in advance and you have all what you need to win, you STILL have to dissect and respond to submissions made from the other side because the judge’s decision is not made based on “that’s an easy case”…it is based on evidence and arguments presented.

    Submitting this 100 plus pages one day before reflects the actions of someone who is CLEARLY trying to delay the very matter he is defending. Then going to the media in that manner reflects the actions of a man who will send fools further as long as they allow him to.

    I hope those labourites learn their lesson. NOT TO LISTEN TO TONY! TONY WILL BRING DOWN SKERRIT IF HE HAS TO, SIMPLY TO LOOK AND SOUND GOOD!

    TAKE HEED.

  9. Anthony W Astaphan,SC
    January 24, 2011

    “The release is utter nonsense.

    Our submissions were filed on time and referred to the authorities relied on. Our list of authorities were filed 1 or 2 days late but we indicated to Mr Mendes that we would be late. 98% of the cases filed were identical to the cases we used and served on the other side at the last hearing which took place in 2010.

    The supplementary list of authorities which were filed on Thursday, consisted on 2 cases which were missing pages, 1 new case on jurisdiction, 2 new cases on the inherent jurisdiction point and, excerpts of the legislation referred to in the first list of cases and the Petitioners’ submissions. The legislation was referred to in the cases by our and Mr. Letang’s clients.

    I should add that Mr Letang filed the affidavits late especially against the Chief Elections Officer but we made no objection.

    Further, the issues raised by the Petitioners and which came up for hearing on Friday are substantially the same, if not identical, to the issues raised and argued in 2010.There are several pages of transcripts of the proceedings before Justice E Thomas in 2010 to show that these issues were presented to the Judge by both sides. Mr Letang knows this to be a fact!

    So what is the big deal?

    The applications were made the UWP’s. They must be ready to make submissions regardless of what we file and when, and must stop making excuses for the adjournment. Therefore, even if we filed cases late, and there were no more than 5 to 7 (max) new cases from those used in 2010, the issues are not new; all of the relevant and substantial issues already discussed and before the High Court and several other courts of the OECS.

    The simple facts are that we were ready to start. A request for an adjournment was made. We did not object as a matter of professional courtesy but, it was clearly not my business to express frustration to the Court.

    But I did mention to the Court that our side was not going to consent as every time the matter is adjourned, even at the UWP request or through no fault of either side, the UWP complains of delay by our clients and the Court. More insidiously, is the complaint of delay notwithstanding the UWP filed 5 appeals from the judgment of Thomas J. These five appeals have been filed months now but not a damn thing has been done by the UWP to prosecute these appeals.”

    • Papa Dom
      January 24, 2011

      Whether you indicated or not, you were late and should have acknowledged the graciousness of the other side in agreeing to your late filing. You say that 98% the cases were identical to those used previously but how are they to know that? You must agree that in any event they would have to make comparisms with previous documents since there is no command on you to provide the exact same cases or authorities. Furthermore even the 2%, the missing pages from the cases, the two new cases or was it 6 or 7 and the excerpts from relevant legislation, would have to be scrutinised and possibly countered which would lead to further delays.
      “The applications were made the UWP’s. They must be ready to make submissions regardless of what we file and when” are you serious? Would you do that? So why then are you constantly seeking to have the courts throw out cases on the basis of minor procedural or administrative errors? Finally the 5 appeals is not the issue at hand and you will have ample time to deal with that and make your money.

  10. Way Papa
    January 24, 2011

    hmmm

  11. Spin
    January 24, 2011

    This situation is representative of the game being played with Dominicans who believe that they are part of the Labour Party in group. Putting the information as Tony did is typical of a Spin Doctor, but this guy understand the manner public debate is about offense now even at the detriment of a public rebuttal that will clearly show he is not truthful.

    I have been monitoring the manner in which business is being conducted in Dominica, and one has to agree that some study of how to keep the most hard core people who will die with their boots on in ignorance. I believe that the elite group of Dominicans who collect a pay cheque monthly knows that the gap between rich and poor in Dominica is getting wider, but to continue to stay quiet in order to provide food, clothing and shelter for their families; in short every man for himself even the captain. The sad thing is this is analogous to a person bringing shame to their family, but notwithstanding the person is family and as the saying goes blood is thicker than water and as such defending their integrity is natural.

    Similarly, we who have voted the government have done so most times defiantly in public so what choice do we have but to stomach the disappointment of not meeting our daily needs and resorting to handouts; we are ashamed of our fellow villagers from knowing the truth about our sub-par existence after so much promise was made. Well, you see we are all in the melting pot and are just a porn in the game for politicians and the fact remain we only have each other despite the war of words coming from red, blue or green. When are we going to realize that politicians should serve us first if anything and stop surrendering as if we were the weaker of the two? We need to unit under one banner to lift the lower and middle class to defeat poverty in our country otherwise we will only be part of the statistics.

  12. Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
    January 23, 2011

    To the one who’s name is Truth Justice And Righteousness, you are the biggest fraud, since I attempted to sell someone an invisible green Elephant, and they almost bought it!

    Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

    Where is your justice, and your truth, I suspect you might be walking on them both, as for righteousness, you have no concept of the meaning of that word.

    If I had to chose the most evil of the two, or the only evil between you and Tony Astaphan, I would most certainly chose you one hundred-ten times before I even consider Tony, and might never consider Tony at all!

    Why do you consider Astaphan an evil, and dangerous Man?

    Whether you like the man’s tactics, or whether you simply just do not like him personally, or politically, you need to remember, that it is his duty once he decides to represent a client, which may even be the devil in hell.

    He has the duty, and responsibility to use any means, necessary, and practical in the defense, and in the defending of his client. Practicing law is the man’s profession, that is what he does for a living, that’s how he makes money to survive, and support his family.

    If he looses every case he is involve in, would you consider him if you had the need for an attorney?

    I think not, you might consider him incompetent.

    I would much prefer to have Tony on my side, than to ask any other practicing so called lawyer in Dominica, to defend me against a sleeping dog. Some of these people who call themselves lawyer’s in Dominica, does not even have skills to prepare a case for submission in the court, so how can we expect them to have the skills, to present, and argue a case in a court of Law.

    That is why they lose to Tony every time!

    By the same token, even a murderer has the right to be represented in a court of law, in country’s such as the United States, if an accuse is unable to pay for the services of an attorney, when they are charge with a felony, or some form of misdemeanor, which is likely to send them to prison; the State, is duty bound by law to provide a public defender to the accused.

    That is how it works in a democracy.

    Unfortunately, in countries such as ours, people are railroaded by prosecutors, and some magistrates, and Judges and sent to jail only because they do not have the skills of an attorney to counter the prosecutors, allegations.

    Because you want Skerrit, and the St. Jean’s head, does not mean that the Lawyer, in this case representing them in this case Tony, should put himself in position where he becomes vulnerable, thus the other side should easily prevail over him.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Truth, Justice & Righteousness
      January 24, 2011

      Oh Fete, Fete, Fete, my brother. Take a chill pill! Duh let me lose it Bro! Yes I honestly believe that this man is an evil man, yes he is, if you can’t see it, woo beyond to you!! But I pray that God delivers Dominica from this man… This man is polluting the core of Dominica, and it sad that he has people like you, who profess to be an educated man who wants to influence people endorsing his evil ways… What a shame and a disgrace! Dominica faces another great danger, the idiots who present themselves as educated men.. How they call them again. The Educated IDIOTS!!!!

      Think again before you come back with your rubbish Fete! It seems you do not do much of that! THINKING!

    • Truth, Justice & Righteousness
      January 24, 2011

      Oh Fete, Fete, Fete, my brother. Take a chill pill! Duh let me lose it Bro! Yes I honestly believe that this man is an evil man, yes he is, if you can’t see it, woo beyond to you!! But I pray that God delivers Dominica from this man… This man is polluting the core of Dominica, and it sad that he has people like you, who profess to be an educated man who wants to influence people endorsing his evil ways… What a shame and a disgrace! Dominica faces another great danger, the idiots who present themselves as educated men.. How they call them again. The Educated IDIOTS!!!!

      • anon
        April 7, 2011

        Well, you see we are all in the melting pot and are just a porn in the game for politicians and the fact remain we only have each other despite the war of words coming from red, blue or green. When are we going to realize that politicians should serve us first if anything and stop surrendering as if we were the weaker of the two? We need to unit under one banner to lift the lower and middle class to defeat poverty in our country otherwise we will only be part of the statistics.

        [Reply]

  13. M
    January 23, 2011

    Dominica court system is a joke, its being used by politicians by all sides as a charade. Put forward the case and get to a conclusion already, put penalties on people for delaying the process. Punish those using the court as a tool for public attention

  14. John Brown
    January 23, 2011

    What an exercise in futility. If Ron Green wins his case will the PM be banned from politics? NO!! In similar cases like this one, did the judge declare the other guy the winner or was there a by- election? BY-ELECTION!! If the PM contest his seat again in a by election would he lose? NO!! Is this an exercise in futility? YES YES YES YES YES!!

  15. Seriously
    January 23, 2011

    I think that with more than half of Dominicans being overseas and the greater percentage of our bright citizens holding dual citizenship, we should change the constitution.

    If we dont, what will we be left with to choose from? Those who are just leaving school? The bright ones will have dual citizenship in under 10 years.

  16. anonymous
    January 23, 2011

    I was just stating the facts sometimes facts are difficult to accept. It is not the police that is taking Mr. St. Jean to court regarding his suitability to hold elective due to dual citizen. It is Mr. Ron green who served in parliament as a dual citizen from 1995 to 2009, sometimes serving as PM. IS MR. green above the law? What category of citizen can willfuly break the law without consequences and then turn around prosecute others for breaking the same law?. I surely would like to be in that category. Just a reminder the dominica constution came into force on 03/11/1978. Some would want us to believe that the costitution came into force on 18/12/2009…

    • pug
      January 24, 2011

      dumb .. his citizenship was not of his own doing.

    • goozy
      January 24, 2011

      it is not because I am a thief that I cannot take you to court for stealing my things.
      Two wrongs don’t make a right. Mr Green was wrong but that does mean that Mr. Skerrit is right.
      Once the law is here, it can and MUST be applied.
      Let not your heart be troubled!!!!!!!!
      Save Dominica!!!!!!!

      • anonymous
        January 24, 2011

        I am not speaking to the Skeritt issue.. Mr. Skeritt is been challenged by Mr, Menard Joseph. I have no information that would indicate that Mr. Menard Joseph holds dual citizenship now or when hserved in parliament, he can therefore claim the moral high ground and challenge the validity of Mr. Skerrit nomination and subsequent election to parliament .. absolutely no problem there.
        Pug…”dumb .. his citizenship was not of his own doing”.. Why then did Mr. Green renounce his american citizenship before the last election, if it did not violate the Dominican constitution? Mr. Green is more knowledgeable concerning the facts of his dual citizenship more than any of us..outside of the fact that he was a dual citizen up untill 2009, that is a fact..

        Two wrongs don’t make a right…However, Mr. Green because of the fact that he was elected to parliament for 3 consecutive terms while holding dual citizenship, a situation he was fully aware of, does not have the moral authority to challenge anyone who is elected with dual citizenship..

  17. aaaa
    January 23, 2011

    Skerritt is guilty as the law states!

    For future reference:

    Sons and daughters of Dominica with dual citizenship should be allowed to serve because they allow us to vote! Plain and simple. How much of my friends reach DA as US citizens and vote last election. This constitution written with the help of the majesty queen needs to be amended. There isn’t enough qualified candidates in DA to take up the reigns. Second of all many people who have US citizenship only do so because we can acheive more with citizenship than a greencard in the states. Thats the basic reason I’m sure many get naturalized. Its not because we forget Dominica or we hate our country. I know that was the reason for me and plus those people pay for my school, I pay my taxes there and in DA for my moms so I feel inclined to keep both citizenship! I have alligance to both. I mean folks many Dominicans are successful overseas. People want to give up their lives to serve this country. Hey we giving up our pay checks in USD, comprehensive health insurance, 401k, years of our social security contribution, relocating our families etc because we want to serve and all you still want people to give up their citizenship! Well all you Dominicans bad!

    So all in favor of amending say “I”. :)))))))

    • anon
      April 7, 2011

      I have alligance to both. I mean folks many Dominicans are successful overseas. People want to give up their lives to serve this country. Hey we giving up our pay checks in USD, comprehensive health insurance, 401k, years of our social security contribution, relocating our families etc because we want to serve and all you still want people to give up their citizenship! Well all you Dominicans bad!

      well we want 401k TOOO but not by selling out………..why dont u stay and enjoy your perky USD paycheck and send people damn passport back for them allu dont know what living in dominica is like so i dont know why allu coming and vote stay and vote in america elections.

  18. wisdom
    January 23, 2011

    After reading all those posts, there is one thing I did not read that all lawyers are trained to lie and the best one is the one that wins his case, right or wrong, do u remember the case against OJ “if it does not fit you must aquit” how could a case be adjurned based on that premise alone, all attorneys are LIARS.

  19. NATURE BOY
    January 23, 2011

    The PM and his team has absolutely nothing to prove..
    the onus is on Ron, Maynard and their legal team to prove their case beyond a shadow of doubt…
    and if any disclosures have to be made then it should be Letang to make such disclosure to Tony and his team so that they don’t have any surprises or ambush during the proceedings….
    that’s why Tony will just sit their and watch them make a fool of themselves….

    The court is not interested in what you know even if the worlds already knows….
    The court is only interested in what u can prove..

    so go ahead and prove your case Letang
    i will be watching.

  20. Truth, Justice & Righteousness
    January 23, 2011

    Mr. Latang Sir, you and your team are dealing with EVIL! They Astaphan is the most unscrupulous man one can find on earth, this man is dangerous man, I know it will be hard for anyone with one iota of decency to win against this man, because one has to be just as dirty as this man, to be able to deal with him.. Hope you have the guts for that that Sir. I wish you look… There are geniuses like Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, Nikola Tesla, Sir Isaac Newton and others and there are EVIL geniuses such as Bin Laden, the African Scammer, Bernie Maddof and other like them. Anthony Astaphan belongs to the latter group… I do not envy your team sir, but I wish you the best, and hope you prevail for the sake of Truth, righteousness and Justice.

  21. Eh beh WEH!!!!!!!
    January 23, 2011

    Sad to say, but that Senior Counsel will be the main person to destroy the Prime Minister. He fools himself to believe that he’s doing Skerrit justice-but he’s just like a slow poison in the man’s (PM) system. Let’s hope that the PM will wake up one of these days and realise that this Senior Counsel is his greatest enemy and not his friend. Boy Tony, when people have friends like you they need no enemies. Stop adding more agonising days to the PM’s life and advise him honorably, sincerely and truthfully. As far as I can see your allegiance is only to your pocket and not the PM and certainly not our beloved country DOMINICA! The Laws of the land and the Constitution are being blatantly violated in this case and guess, the likes of who is aiding and abetting? Senior Council. SHAME ON YOU ASTAPHAN AND ALSO THE BAR ASSOCIATION ETC. WHO STANDS BY AND LOOK QUIETLY. ONE DAY YOU WILL ALL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT YOU ALLOW TO HAPPEN. THE ETERNAL TORMENT WILL BE YOURS!!!!!!!!!!

  22. marzhie
    January 23, 2011

    that judical bomb goin to busssss

  23. Anonymous
    January 23, 2011

    i have no idea y any of u r surprised of the outcome of these events. dominica is now as it was then when i left 17 years ago a backward country that has always let people with power based on their name, political affiliation, political position, make & break the laws of the land as they want to. firstly the so called honorable ron green was supposed to b removed from office many years ago when he 1st got into office & they found out he was in posession of u.s citizenship. dominica, as well as her citizens need 2 take a stand 2 ensure the nonsense stops now. stop letting these people put a shot of rum in your hands when your votes & your business.

  24. doctor love
    January 23, 2011

    WHAT KIND ON COUNTRY WE ARE LIVING IN. A CASE IS BROUGHT AGAINST A PERSON AND HE REFUSES TO PRODUCE THE EVIDENCE TO PROVE WETHER HE GUILTY OR NOT.

    • Just an Observation, Sir
      January 23, 2011

      Are you serious. If someone were to take you to court for any offence, are you telling the nation that you would be happy to give the person whatever he needs to find you guilty or prove his case against you?

      Don’t you know that you have a right to avoid incriminating yourself in any trial. So you should have no fear, we are living in a just society. If ever someone takes you to court ask them to prove their case against you, you should not be the one to help them find you guilty. Free advise to you my friend.

      This is what happens in every society, even in communist countries and countries such as Iraq and Iron and China etc.

      Wise up my friend, don’t be fooled.

    • Ibn Gabrioli
      January 23, 2011

      Poor pity, why don’t you find out how these things work before seeking to condemn. Since when you hear they defender is responsible for providing evidence that could be used to convict him in court.

      It is the duty of those bringing the charge to procure evidence material to their case, not the other way around.

      Proof of guilt is the responsibility of the petitioner. Letang knows that!

      Typical of you guys speaking about everything and knowing nothing about anything.

      By the way, it is a civil matter; not one for guilt or innocence.

  25. PAT
    January 23, 2011

    MAYNARD AND GREEN TWO LOSERS THEY ANT GET OVER OF LOSING THEIR SEATS.
    GREEN IS IN THE SAME BOAT WITH SAINT JEAN. HE SHOULD BE IN COURT AS WELL.

    • Dr.No
      January 23, 2011

      HEY DOTISH

      PETTER ST JEAN SHOULD HAVE FILED AGAINST GREEN
      ITS HIS LOSS

  26. LUCY
    January 23, 2011

    MAYNARD JOSEPH JEALOUS IS SIN. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I HOPE YOU DONT CALL THE SAME CRAP LIKE EDISON. TIME WIIL TELL. WHEN YOU REPRESENTED VIELLE
    CASE YOU HARD SPOKE TO THE PEOPLE WHO VOTED YOU IN. YOU’LL WONT WIN ANY MORE
    ELECTION SO PLEASE FORGET IT.

  27. WIKILEAKS
    January 23, 2011

    Secondly, the reason why it was necessary to seek an adjournment of the last hearing was because Mr Astaphan’s bundle of cases, which was more than 300 pages in length, was only filed on Wednesday19th January 2011, when it was supposed to have been filed on Monday the 17th January, and Senior Counsel from Trinidad was only able to begin reading the bundle on

    AND THE COURT ACCEPTED THE LATE SUBMISSION….I AM GOING WITH THE MAN THAT HAS WON MORE CONSTITUTIONAL CASES IN THE CARIBBEAN….

    TONY ASTAPHAN

  28. You DONTSAY
    January 23, 2011

    Well eh beh look it. D flip side. Then the other flip side will be on DNO. Too much madness! Tony what you going on with? Bring on d case man!

  29. TOE LESS
    January 23, 2011

    I doh c why some of Dominicans have to act up for an ajournment..it happens all the time. Any dumb person wud be able to understand if last minute one submits a document one would obviously have to take some time to review.
    Another thing..so bcause Ron Green wasn’t taken to court for his so-called dual citizenship, does that mean that we shud continue to ignore the law and let every body else get away? They did not take Ron Green to court..but they shud have if he was in fact a holder of dual citizenship at the time….The law is the law. People stop looking for every excuse in the book…..They claim they are frustrated but it’s a tactic…so all those not too bright ones would jump at the back of Skerrit making it look as if the plaintif is stalling the case.
    Duh!!!!!! Dat is only common sense!!!! People get real…some of allu sound really dumb!

  30. Attorney
    January 23, 2011

    Letang since when the court will ask someone to incrimate himself. You acused the man of having a French Passport now you want hin to produce the evidence?

    Garcon you are a joker

    • SIN
      January 23, 2011

      You need to stop calling yoursely attorney because your comments are disgraceful and makes us Dominicans look stupid and ignorant.

    • NATURE BOY
      January 23, 2011

      35 comments and counting and i only found one person who understood something about law…
      u are quit right my friend the PM and his team has absolutely nothing to prove..
      the onus is on Ron, Maynard and their legal team to prove their case beyond a shadow of doubt…
      and if any disclosures have to be made then it should be Letang to make such disclosure to Tony and his team so that they don’t have any surprises or ambush during the proceedings….
      that’s why Tony will just sit their and watch them make a fool of themselves..

      • Bunch of Idiots
        January 24, 2011

        nonesense….Skerrit admitted he has/had the french passport. They simply asking him to produce what he admitted he has/had. A passport is a personal item and is not something you will find lingering around the place. And for how you understand the law, let’s see what you going to say when the judge gives a court order for the passport to be submitted.

        bunch of idiots…lol

      • Papa Dom
        January 24, 2011

        Nature Boy you clearly do not understand what you are talking about, if you find that what this fool calling himself Attorney said, demonstrates an understanding of Law. It is not uncommon or illegal for a person charged with slander for example, or someone bringing a cause, to require from the other side documents which will aid his/ her case which this other party has or may have. In that regard the court has ruled that skerritt ‘s side present to the other side any documents which he has, this includes the passport and all the citizenship documents which he possesses, since skerrit has openly stated that he is/was a french citizen. Do you guys have any idea what the bundle of cases tony submitted is about? Judging from what Mr. Letang said, my guess is that tony is trying to impress on the judge that this order to provide the passport and other documents is wrong in law. He is presenting all these pages of cases to confuse the issue and waste the court’s time and as is his usual style, I’ll bet that many, if not most of the cases cited have been taken out of context. So go back and educate yourself and your friend Attorney before you make fools of you both.

    • AC
      January 23, 2011

      I thought passports were official government documents and you were supposed to produce them when ordered to do so.. just a thought..

      • NATURE BOY
        January 23, 2011

        property of the govt. of France………

    • Robotron
      January 24, 2011

      Reminds me of Tony Blair and George Bush asking Saddam to present his weapons of mass destruction (WMD), when it was they who conjured up the false dossier. Turns out that Saddam was right, he didn’t have any WMD’s after all. :oops:

  31. dominican ln st thomas
    January 23, 2011

    the matter is not what ron green did but the matter at hand not everyone is able to get away

  32. jay
    January 23, 2011

    Boy asstaphan is just a blatant liar

  33. warma
    January 23, 2011

    ok my comment has nothing to do with this topic but I had no where else to post this….looks like Dominica is about to get closer to China in a way we never anticipated….the current Chinese President, Hu Jintao, is on his way out and is to be succeeded by his Vice President, whose name is?….get ready…..Jinping….he needs to get acclimated to our cultural music

    Just felt like sharing this anecdotal information….now back to the regular program

    • hmmm
      January 23, 2011

      hahahaa thanks for a bit of humor, we need it! :lol:

    • Yes I
      January 23, 2011

      That is real funny . I am LMAO. :-x :-P :-P .

    • GO FIGURE.....
      January 23, 2011

      LOL…. that’s funny…… thanks for that cause i was having some problems trying to make sense of some of those comments…..

  34. Fighter
    January 23, 2011

    Coolwash? Knowing that lawyer they call Mr.Letang is not a person that afraid of any coolwash.

  35. Just an Observation, Sir
    January 23, 2011

    Having read some of the comments stating “Tony liar” “Tony you lie” Tony you cannot fool all Dominicans” seems so vague, these statement should state clearly why one believes Tony lies etc. In the absence of the extra few lines your comments have no merit.

    On this issue, the lawyer for Mr. Green told media practitioners that he had a very strong and compelling case against the PM et al, why should be bother with 600 or 1000 pages of rubbish, what he should have done is go ahead and prove to Tony that he is a fool and doesn’t know what he talks about.

    One will remember that it’s the same lawyer for Mr. Green who petitioned the court for disclosure from Tony and his team. What that means is Tony must present whatever evidence he has that makes PM Skerrit et al not guilty. In all other court preceding it’s the reverse, that is the defense (Respondent) (PM Skerrit team who ask for disclosure) but in that case it’s the Plaintiff who does that, oh! How silly. Tony didn’t ask for that, for he knew where he stands. This may just be a first, where the plaintiff (prosecution) is asking the Respondent (defendant) to disclose and tender his document in order that the Plaintiff can prove his case. Let’s see how the Court rules on this one. Your guess is as good as mine.

    Most, if not all OECS Governments engage Tony in court matters on behalf of their respective Governments and he has been darn successful at what he does, so for anyone to attempt to castigate Tony on this blog is just being folly. Tony is considered one of the best Constitutional Lawyers in the OECS and that’s what has the Lawyers for the opposition scrambling and begging to read Tony’s submission, hence their request for an adjournment.

    If I were to advise the Government on the issue of the Constitution, my advice would be, “leave the Constitution alone do not amend it”. There are just too many people who claim they love Dominica and want to see Dominica develop, but don’t wish to make any sacrifice.
    If the many Dominicans, who love Dominica and wish to make a contribution, give up your US Citizenship and come home, then we will take you seriously. To amend the Constitution will only draw many characters out of the woodwork and if they’re unsuccessful leave and return to the US. This would be making a mockery of our Constitution.

    Maybe, just maybe they should engaged Senior Counsel of the Kangaroo Court at Q95 to join the UWP legal team.

    • No Way
      January 23, 2011

      It is obvious that you have not been listening to Tony and if so I do understand that even you are fed up of the double talking and inconsistency shown by Tony Astaphan. I wont spend the time to point out the lies that we have been bombarded with but just incase you are not being blind death or bias Tony himself has admitted and said ” I have become this great Liar”- Need I say more.

      You spend some time question the legal procedures and the means and method of the court practicioners and it is obvious that like a drowning man you would grab on to a straw. Sometimes it is better to remain quiet when one really does not have a valid contribution. If you you take the time to review your blog I am sure that you will have regrets making such foolish statements.

      I respect your point of view on the amendment of the constitution but I don’t agree with your reasoning. Why – because even with the constitution as it stands we have people of all type of questionable character who political figures and leaders. To make such a generalize statement is just rediculous.

  36. That Lawyer
    January 23, 2011

    This man cannot win not even an indecent language case far less for that so-call high profile case. I could no leave the Dyers and take taht tebeh lewyar at no time. not this coconut.

  37. Papa Bondie
    January 23, 2011

    Jesus! what has Dominica come to? this is really the end of days..

    • Papa Bondie
      January 23, 2011

      i agree with you my girl

  38. Sout Man
    January 23, 2011

    Finally, the second half to the story. Irrespective of which side of the political fence one sits, it is plain to notice that Mr. Letang appears very sincere, reasonable and professional. Folks, we have a constitutional matter before the courts and we need a just and lasting solution to the matter. Let’s stop the political circus and posturing. Let’s not use our political supporters as pawns in a legal matter. Stop the bickering and let the judges decide.

    Our opinions on dual citizenship and our love or hatred for the PM has no bearing on the present matter. Those who have violated the provisions of the dual citizenship clause in the past can be addressed in a seperate court filing and made to refund all salaries they earned unconstitutionally if we think that it has legal merit and it’s worth the effort.

  39. real possie
    January 23, 2011

    u guys don’t pay these lawyer’s no mind i did not comment when mr. astaphan made his statement
    because that’s lawyer’s game this lawyer here would do the same thing all i care about is when
    the dust clear’s the court system will take it’s own course so till then it’s just game’s to bad they
    take us for fools so both sides take thier dirty laundry and wash it in the public face.

  40. .........................
    January 23, 2011

    Righ thinking level headed Dominicans do not give credence to anything that Astaphan says..He lies even more than Skerrit who wears the lying crown,so you can imagine..

  41. c bruce
    January 23, 2011

    THESE CROOKED MEN CAN RUN BY THEY CANNOT HIDE.

    THIS IS THE MOST CURROPT PRIME MINISTER IN DOMINICA’S HISTORY…
    AND THEY SAY I EDISON JAMES THAT BAD!

    THEY CAN FOOL THE SIMPLETONS IN THIS COUNTRY, BUT THEY CANNOT FOOL THE TRUTH!
    AND THEY CANNOT DEFEAT THE PRAYERS OF THE JUST!

    LONG LIVE JUSTICE.

  42. Buwo
    January 23, 2011

    One part of the statement said “requiring Messrs Skerritt and Saint Jean to disclose their French passports.” But a story was published here on DNO that said Mr. Skerrit is no longer a French citizen. Actually the matter was revealed by Lennox Linton. SO if he Skerrit is no longer a French citizen, how can he disclose any French passport? I am not a lawyer, so can someone please clarify this.

    http://dominicanewsonline.com/dno/breaking-news-roosevelt-skerrit-no-longer-french/

    • Me again
      January 23, 2011

      Does it mean that they have gotten rid of the cancelled passports? they should have them in possession :lol:

    • One Love
      January 23, 2011

      8) you are not a lawyer for true

    • gwatanse
      January 23, 2011

      Buwo to answer your question Skerrit admitted to having a second passport. He only denounced his citizenship two months after the election and so the case was filed before he denounced the french citizenship. Skerrit and St Jean must have a valid reason to not provide the passport. However if the lawyers for the opposition can provide evidence that both defendants travelled on another passport then the passport becomes redundant.
      Buwo the problem is when one tries to cover up lies with more lies that person will eventually get cornered by the very same lies. How do you feel when the someone repeatedly tell lies. The web of lies started when the pm told us that he became a french citizen in 1972. The PM found it necessary to lie about the date he aquired his french citizenship because even prior to the election he was leaving a lie and was in office illegally.
      The Pm has certainly demonstrated the “Power Corrupt” syndrome. In as much as I resent the UWP party the PM is a disgrace to our national pride; a reckless corrupt and arrogant individual.

    • lol
      January 24, 2011

      well you TRIED to make sence…but you failed because first of all even if you have citizenship of a certain country..does nt require you to have a passport…and if he did renounce his citizenship that means he at one point mightve had a french passport..so now that its renounced…what the french gonna do? take his french passport from him!? silly person…what he gonna do? burn his french passport?

  43. linky
    January 23, 2011

    man i am proud of you keep focus don’t let this arab get you frustrate with dishonesty.that all he worth lie and lie .just do what you have to do.

    • aaaa
      January 23, 2011

      lols :lol: “arab” hehehe Lmao.. Dominicans are a mess! lols lols

  44. Karkabeff
    January 23, 2011

    Tony can fool some people some time but he cant fool all the people all the time. Hail Mary Full Of Grace…

    • RASTA4LIFE
      January 24, 2011

      THE LORD IS WITH THEE!!!!!!!!!!

  45. Gee
    January 23, 2011

    I can’t even wait for this case to be ………………….OVER!!!!!!

  46. Azu AzuwAy Shou SHOT JAUN SORT
    January 23, 2011

    skerrit has won over u all heads already. u all must get the passport to be successful in the courts.

  47. DOMINICAN AND PROUD
    January 23, 2011

    Can anything be done in an orderly way in Dominica?

    Every time Senior Counsel Astaphan is involved in something it always turns to a COMMESS!

    Letang you guys must be on your ps and qs because the Arab Black Widow Spider has started to weave his web of deceit.

  48. anonymous
    January 23, 2011

    Are we realy serious in Dominica?.. MR. Ron Green who has served in the parliament for several years with dual citizenship, and travelling on a foreign passport .. is now taking Mr. St. Jean to court for doing the same thing…We can talk about lawyers and late filling of cases and who is responsible for adjourments but the answer to this issue does not only lie in the courts. The people must be honest starting with political leadership from both sides.. A constituition amendment is required to allow all Dominicans with dual citizen to serve as has MR.GREEN AND OTHERS.. The constitution is not a document that is selective, the dictates of the constitution applies to all dominicans.

    • Abovethefold
      January 23, 2011

      Get the facts straight before you come to speak. The law said “Dual Citizenship by your own hand” meaning if you got it as a child you are ok! Mr. Green Did, St.Jean did not and thats the difference. I hate it when you all think all you know so much and try to mis lead people…. get the facts before you open you mouth!!

    • Anonymous
      January 23, 2011

      I agree that the constitution applies to all Dominicans. The PM knowingly went against the constitution, the highest law of the land. He also made the very law he swore to uphold of non-effect when he out in public, rediculed the constitution when he said that NO LAW NOT EVEN THE CONSTITUTION CAN KEEP HIM FROM BEING PRIME MINISTER!

    • maindesk
      January 23, 2011

      Are you saying that because one got away then every other should get away too. Law does not work that way. Also if someone really wants to serve the country he or she should be prepared to hold allegiance to that country alone. If you want to rule one and be a citizen of another then find another job. Dual citizenship by its name speaks of dual allegiance. And why are these so called statemen behaving like boys hiding their passport from the court?

    • observer
      January 23, 2011

      Anonymous, please…..if you cannot make a rational, honest and sensible comment; please refrain! You sound just like another ignorant person taking up DNO time, space and energy.

      Your submission is filled with fallacy, as example, “two wrongs cannot make a right” Secondly, before you make such articulation, research the facts. For the records, Mr. Green renounced his citizenship once he realized he acted in contravention to the constitution. ,maybe you should suggest the same to the the PM.

    • follower
      January 23, 2011

      You have me baffled. You said that “A constition amendment is required to allow all Dominicans with dual citizenship to serve.” This tells me that you know about the law and constitution as it stands today. Unless we amend these constitution, they must be respected by all. And really, I cannot wait for this amendment to take place because I would like to be given a chance to serve my country but because I hold dual citizenship, I can’t do anything now. I agree with you that Ron and others served the country with dual citizenship. However, if a person cheated and was not caught or questioned you must blame the watchman for not doing their job. On the other hand, because one cheated and was not caught does not mean that another person should try to do the same thing especially when he knows the watchman has been changed and is trying to catch the thief. Also, when Ron did it was not so much of a big deal then but we all know how the PM boldly challenged the constitution just prior to the 2010 elections when he said that “No constitution could stop him from contesting.” It was because of his volume Ron decided to cancel is dual citizenship while Mr. Skerrit and St. Jean decided to go ahead and take a chance. Don’t blame it on Ron Green my friend, blame the DLP for not doing like Ron when they were the part in power and could have waited a little longer to get things in order before calling an election which was always going to be onesided.

      • anonymous
        January 23, 2011

        Don’t be baffled, my coments included this… “the answer to this issue does not only lie in the courts”. I then went on to recomend an amendment to the constitution. However from my knowledge of Dominican politics that will take huge political fortitude

    • J.J.C
      January 23, 2011

      Soon after Mr. Green became aware of the effect of his dual citizenship on his eligibilty to be elected, through a court decision in another caribbean island, he effected the renunciation of same before the last election.

      Those before the court now also became aware and they went into the elections wrong and strong because their pockets were fully loaded!

      I am not surprised by your comment because in this new labour party dispensation TWO WRONGS, THREE WRONGS MAKE A RIGHT!

      • At last
        January 23, 2011

        J.J.C. you have hit the nail right on the head. The matter came up before the last election and the PM had no right to find himself in that current position.

      • Anonymous
        January 24, 2011

        Some or you are either wicked or illiterate.

        The Constitution states clearly: by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.

        So if you feel Ron Green is OK because he got it as a child, then so is Mr. Skerrit as he too obtained his as a child as well.

        You may disagree, but none of you know the circumstances or when Skerrit obtained his citizenship. His mother is a French Citizen by birth and he lived in Guadeloupe as a child…..Even if a child is born in another country, most countries allow the registration of birth and confer of citizenship unto their citizens children when the parent completes the necessary paperwork.

        One can not just decide to become a French citizen after 18 on a whim

        Anonymous is correct, there needs to be a constitutional amendment. As the laws are written ANY person who is a commonwealth citizen can reside in Dominica for 1 year, after this year of residency, they can contest elections, if they win, they can become Prime Minister.

        A Dominican Citizen who at some point lived or is living in Dominica and holding citizenship of another country that is not a member of the commonwealth will not be able to contest elections in Dominica unless he or she renounces this ‘other’ citizenship prior to.

        But a person from, Zambia, Tuvalu, Tonga, Bangladesh, Botswana, India, Maldives, Seychelles, Nigeria, (I could on but you get the point)…could become Prime Minister of Dominica after residing there for 1 year.

        Don’t you think that our law is stupid. The commonwealth is a British idea, not Dominican.

        We like the Queen and all…but we need to change the law.

    • cant touch this
      January 23, 2011

      Get out of here ron…

    • One Love
      January 23, 2011

      :) YOU SAY . . . . . . “The constitution is not a document that is selective, the dictates of the constitution applies to all Dominicans.”

      8) I SAY ASK YOUR PRIME DISASTER ……… r skerritt ……….. IF IT APPLIES TO HIM

  49. Fing
    January 23, 2011

    Letang look out. Coolwash in your tail for shedding light.

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