Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan has responded to recent public comments by United Workers Party (UWP) President Edison James about him stating that James is motivated by his desire to retain leadership of the UWP and scarcely has any moral authority to speak on any matter.
“Dominicans judge not just the message but the messenger and the last person in the world who has any moral authority to speak on any issue is Edison James. But no amount of belly-aching on [the radio] about ‘fire’ and ‘Tony’ and this and that is going to transform James into a credible leader, at all, or transform allegation and scandal into fact,” Astaphan said.
James had made a call for an independent investigation, led by Scotland Yard, into the alleged firebombing of the home of Glenworth O.N Emmanuel and the questioning of Astaphan. “We suggest that they start with Anthony Astaphan. Astaphan is the one who said publicly that he spoke to people who were on the scene of the fire very soon after the fire and they did not say anything about the car. Any investigation must involve questioning of Astaphan as to who these people are so that they can be asked to give evidence,” he said.
But according to Astaphan, James has been inserting leaders at the fore of the UWP executive so that he retains a certain degree of control with a view to regaining leadership of the party.
He stated, “Mr. James has never lost sight of the fact that he wanted to be political leader again of the UWP and he has used and put in place Earl Williams and [Hector] ‘Spags’ John and Ron Green all for that intention and purpose, hoping and expecting that they would fail. One of the best things that could happen to the Dominica Labour Party now is that James would be elected Political Leader of the UWP. And then we will take our time and remind Dominicans about his plan to have copper mining in the heritage site in Morne Diablotin area, his deal with Saudi Terrorist Al-Masari and he was prepared to give him a passport and citizenship to being him to Dominica, his granting of a passport to the Australian fugitive and criminal Christopher Skase.”
He continued, “We will remind him of his own attempt at corruption of the public office, which would include the Northeastern Quarries scandal, the putting of microphones and cameras in the Government Headquarters, the expulsion and suspension of Herbert Sabroache from Parliament. The many things that he has worn on his shoulders and on his forehead as badges of disgrace and dishonor that he brought on this country; there would be nothing better for the DLP than for Edison James to become leader of the UWP.”
Astaphan further stated that the comments by James are mere allegations from the most biased and dishonest element of scandal-mongering in Dominica and relayed his conviction that the vast majority of Dominicans are not interested in that at all.
He concluded, “I would welcome Edison James as leader of the UWP. He has fought his whole life for it and we will remind Dominicans of the disgrace and dishonor he brought in this country including the blacklisting of Dominica by the international society and the adverse reports from the US senate of the manner in which he conducted the affairs of our country that brought the country into bankruptcy in 2002. So I’ll tell him, go for it ‘Edo’. We waiting for you my friend.”
Admin.. I would like to firstly apologise for my earlier content. I have a passion for my country but this does not give me the right to use certain terms when Everyone has the right to their opinion. With that said I do hope you leave the comments on so that you will get feedback on it. Again I am educated so I should know better. but as I said I am tired of the state my country is in. I came back home after 6yrs out and upon return the only thing I saw which could be considered progress in some sectors is clear habor. The other development is the boldness of homosexual activity. Just six yrs ago The Catholic church was a force to be reconed with but because of political donations they have been silenced. 100k can shut up anyone. We are in a sad state as a country. Gone are the days of mamo and Eddison and now we have to deal with being called cockroaches and rats by a forigner. Lord help us all…For this reason have I left the country of my birth, the children that I adore for a chance to get them out of there. Thanks and again sorry for my previous comments.
Eddison fence that low Tony go and answer WEEKLY BLITZ editor that tune you up. Let those ignorant unread Dominicans keep supporting you .
But all dem Marn belong to the same “Order of Malicious” Gentle[littlle]men,,, why allyou still wasting any energies on Mistadem huh,,, Stiupes!!!
Boy i must laugh at Tony the man think all Dominican are stupid labourites, there are intelligent labourites, we believe that Edison James is the best leader, Tony them know that, so here he comes using reverse psycology against Edison. Boy they are afraid of Edo imagine that eh, they are so powerful and are afraid of a Man like Edo. Tell me who has place Dominica into more disrepute Edison or Tony. For i believe that Tony is spearheading Skerrit’s downfall
Don’t worry Tony Lennox is much smarter than you and skerrit cabinet combine. Lennox will be the next leader of the uwp. Take that to the bank.
WITHOUT DOUBT.. I have been saying the same thing all the time..Lennox gives the entire cabinet plus all the labourites on island problems in sleeping well at night.He is miles smarter than Tony and AND his ilks combined. I LOVE THIS MAN.
ME TOO.
I suport you 110% they are all scared of Eddison and they are desparately trying to influence the UWP brass to choose another leader over Eddison. If the UWP brass are wise then they will pay no regard to tONY’S comments. If he say run they should walk. I purposefull started his name in lower case
They are all scared of Eddison and they are desparately trying to influence the UWP brass to choose another leader over Eddison. If the UWP brass are wise then they will pay no regard to tONY’S comments. If he say run they should walk. I purposefull started his name in lower case
SC watch it, watch it, watch it, ooooooooo i trying and tell you watch it..you step on your tounge right there…..SMH drink some water man… doe cry.
Admin, where’s my comment which I posted yesterday?
What is your problem if Mr.James talk for the UWP? you are not a Parl. rep and you are making decision on behalf of the government of Dominica. Put yourself in election .
ras b…you could not have put it better.i concur!!!!
Look! the light pot calling the Dark pot Black!
sounds like someone is scared
edo is a waste of time and where is sprags and rags they are saying nothing,they have brags in the deam light. U W P its over for you guys ok till we leave politics in the next twenty years so go take care of your arthritis
just wait for nex week, fontaine an dem coming for alu, they going to reveal alu secrets, doh run camem
It is shameful and extremely petty when an allegation is made which quotes the source and instead of the source trying to clear the air, his response side tracts the issue and degenerates into mepuis (may puis).
Mr Astaphan, there is no relevance to whether Mr James wishes to be the political leader of the UWP and his statement in which he indicates that through your own utterances, you should be a person of interest in any investigation of the GON Emmanuel firebombing story. Obviously if you spoke to individuals on the scene shortly after the act, it would be foolhardy to conduct an investigation without asking you to tell us who those individuals whom you spoke to were!
Your response or non-response and side stepping of the issue reflects a very puerile and simplistic approach, and questions your ability to understand the statement made. May I suggest to you that you should engage your brain before making public utterances. It makes us as a people look not only poor in thoughts but foolish.
it would make my whole year if that talkative “parrot” would have to play the part of “stool pigeon”.
I know parrot can talk, but oh how I would love to see them put a pigeon on a stool for it to talk talk talk talk and deparley!
LOLOLOL
bring it on eddo get reelected as uwpweee leader this will make my work even easier
we really have no use for you nor your party in newtown and also through out dominica
We are getting ready to continue our developmental projects after the court ruling which we suspect would mean a split decision one for uwp and the other dlp in any case skerrit our beloved yet semi-disgraced leader shude just resign for the time being and give our deputy leader ambrose george an opportunity at least until 2020 to push dominica.
THE AMBROSE FOR PM MOVEMENT is still an under ground movement and we are doing alot of ground work in many areas albeit secretly such as ros valley and roso north etc etc etc
james is aging and has been doing so for a very long time now.Tony is a disaster.Tony is only 3-4 yrs older than I am.i recall my boyday shopping at Astaphans and Tony standing in the little box in the center of the floor watching .That was back in 68-71.Tony looks like my grandfather. I was pointing that out to a caucasian friend out here in London.he thought Tony look like a 70 yr old. I toldhim Tony at most was 3-4 yrs older than i.He said am kidding.
Thereis an ad I sawon a trip to NY 2 yrs ago adverising Six Flag a recreation park in NJ an old man dancing doing break dance and all. Tony looks like a jombie.
Do you all see the motive of Tony? He is trying to to sidetrack the issue of Ibrahim Dawood the notorious Indian criminal who it is alleged holds a Dominican passport . He is trying to sidetrack people away from all the corruption of which this government has been involved with his throw up of old allegations that he himself concocted more than 10 years ago. Tony you had the opportunity to prove your allegations against Eddison all these years. Eddison has remained in Dominica and never ran away. The very way you asked the opposition to prove that Skerrit has a french passport is the very same way you could and should have proven your allegations against Mr. James but you knew very well that they were unfounded. Two questions, did you not level similar allegations against Julius Timothy? What have you to say about him now?
I wonder when all of this negativity and animosity will end on this beautiful island.
Some people are probably enjoying all of this bickering, hatred and name calling but many of us are just fed up with the situation.
Hope it will not last for much longer…
Astaphans, come better than that man. One would have expected you to refute James per GON Emanuel issue. I am not a fan of either of you guys, but what does James wanting to be leader of UWP have to do with his calling for Scotland Yard to investigate the house burning?
It occurs to me that you are one of the last people that would want Scotland Yard down here because you know that you involved yourself way too deep into that investigation. As a lawyer and not a police investigator that was not very comely of you. You could be in trouble…
people, listen to Tony, whenever he speaks he speaks hatred, what is he really fighting for?
How can we give Tony astaphan so much credibility? Know your history with that name
reverse psychology… DLP fears no one more than eddison james in leadership position. seems that its only those involved directly in UWP affairs who are unaware of this.
I suport you 110% they are all scared of Eddison and they are desparately trying to influence the UWP brass to choose another leader over Eddison. If the UWP brass are wise then they will pay no regard to tONY’S comments. If he say run they should walk. I purposefull started his name in lower case
ok
Who wants to read the rubbish that this mans writes.. GARBAGE…
That Tony there talking so much, he forgets what he says.
I have been saying, and will continue to say, this GON Emmanuel fire bombing will and should never go to rest,until it is investigated.I have the confidence that it will one day, even if it’s after a change in corrupt leadership.THIS ONE CAN NEVER AND SHOULD NEVER GO TO SLEEP..Dominica is too small for organized crime..I SMELL A RAT. I SMELL A BIG RAT. I SMELL A PATAN RAT. I SMELL A GIGANTIC RAT.I SMELL AN ENORMOUS RAT. GOOD night Mr James . I LOVE YOU!
TONY TONY TONES. THEY WERE YOUR WORDS.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
One thing I can deduce from this article is that Mr. Astaphan has used reverse psychology. Instead of addressing the Emmanuel issue he resorted to character assassination of Mr. Eddison James by reminding him of his past errors in government.
This situation is very unfair to the Dominican public. Whether it is Mr. James or any citizen demanding justice for the Emmanuel case, this is a serious issue whether the person demanding ‘justice’ has political motivations or not. The fact of the matter is these crimes against Mr Emmanuel as well as the Police officer in Cockrane in early hours of the morning bull’s eye were thrown in the man’s house if I remember correctly. These criminal patterns causes one to think that anyone who is getting too close to uncover corruption in this country is somewhat attacked my ‘unknown’ figures working in the shadows.
There are increasing grievances in this country. If these are not addressed and repaired with wisdom Dominicans will lash out very hard.
we agree on this one 100%
Tony is yet to touch on the content regarding the fire.
well edison only repeated wat tony said eh…. so i doe no wat tony crying about…its his own words!!!
LIAR,LIAR, SACKQUA LIAR TONY.MR. JAMES HAS MADE IT CLEAR HE IS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN THE LEADERSHIP OF THE UWP. TONY, YOU SHOULD DIRECT YOUR WANTING TO KNOW WHO THE LEADER OF THE UWP WILL BE, ELSEWHERE. I HAVE SOME NEWS FOR YOU,IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS,WHEN THE UWP WILL DISCLOSE THEIR LEADER FOR THE NEXT ELECTION,BOTH YOU AND SKERRIT ARE GOING TO GET THE BIGGEST HEADACHE YOU HAVE EVER GOTTEN IN YOUR LIVES.STAY TUNED AND START BUYING YOUR TABLETS EARLY, BECAUSE YOU GUYS WILL REALLY NEED IT.
Grow up Tony.
Tony, you were given the opportunity to prove these so called allegations of yours and what did you do – NOTHING. y. SAME ON YOU
Tony needs to shut his mouth. In my most humble opinion Edison James is a much more credible individual than Tony astaphan.
Tony, its only a matter of time. Your days are numbered and i hope you wont be found wanting.
As I recall, the man was paid a lot of our money to prove all the trash he is bringing up again. As you state: no results; I bet he spent the money.
DNO you will not publish what I have to say about this man. ! It churns y stomach ! Make me want to throw up. Why is he getting all this play, I will never understand. Can somebody please tell me?
i prefer read the blogs than read what tony has to say….
Tony tell it like it is they are dead scared of you because you are so knowledgeable keep on the good work GOOD WILL ALWAYS CONQUER EVIL have no fear.They will all get their comuppance soon
You are an accomplished idiot. A buffoon who does not know the meaning of ‘good’. Can Tony come close to Mr James when we are talking about honesty? You surely have a sick head that needs medical care.
Admin, I’ll post again.
You are very correct, tony is very knowledgeable. He is very knowledgeble about the corrupt practices of skerritt and his goons. However, if anyone is scaared, tony is the one who is. Tony is scared of Mr. James becoming the leader of the country because he knows that he will not be able t5o hide any more.
Yeah!!Evil will be conquered!! It is coming, and all of you idiots will suffer the consequences of these evil people. Good for you. You deserve everything that befalls you!! I cannot wait to finally on behalf of Dominica.. Good Riddance to extremely BAD RUBBISH!!!Yes indeed the time is drawing near when evil will be conquered!
To ADMIN: Do you accept “letters to the editor”? As a constant reader, I wanna do a letter to the editor with respect to this story.
ADMIN: Please send to [email protected]. You must clearly state your name (you could choose not to have your name published. This is for legal purposes only.) Your letter should not be libelous or defamatory, should not contain degrading language or any ‘bad’ word whatsoever.
But Tony you did say those things publicly and run a fake interview and tie yourself to the incident. It’s on public record so whats your gripe now? Your tongue is your enemy not Eddison or anyone else. While you are at it tell Dominicans what it is you are so desperately fighting for, and why you strive so hard to be relevant if you are all that?
If Mr James is fighting for the leadership of the UWP i wonder what Tony is fighting for?
Quess he wants to treat Dominicans like they are cockroaches.
He will just stump on them and kill them or spray them with some chemical and get rid of them.
Mr James has worked hard for his country.
can you put a like and dislike button? sometimes i fail to see the usefulness of some articles. but then it could be me.