CASTRIES: An attorney hired by government to handle one of its civil cases has responded to suggestions he should not have been appointed the task.
Dominican Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan is being paid $40,000 to represent the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government in a case brought against past United Workers Party (UWP) members for their alleged misappropriation of Taiwanese funds. In this case, the government is seeking reclaim about $38, 000 from the suit.
Since it was revealed that Astaphan would be the one representing the government, there has been much public debate as to whether a local person should have been given the job instead.
But speaking on Radio Saint Lucia on Tuesday afternoon, Astaphan referred to the ongoing debate as a “petty argument.”
“I am a member of the OECS Bar. I have been admitted as a Queen’s Counsel and senior counsel to the OECS Bar. The last time I checked a map the OECS was not Dominica and I am entitled by law to practice in every single island in the OECS, as I have in most,” he said.
“I have specialized, for the larger part of my professional life, in public and constitutional law and I am not blowing my own trumpet but… there are very few people in the OECS that have the experience, the competence or training in public law that I have,” he added.
He argued that several governments in the Caribbean, particularly in the OECS, have contracted foreign senior and queen’s counsels to represent them in such matters, as has St. Lucia. He added that several St. Lucians, including its queens counsels, have gotten opportunities to work in other countries in the OECS.
He added that during the UWP’s reign, foreign attorneys were contracted for various cases.
Astaphan further implied that at the end of the day it is up to government to decide who it “think is best able and capable of handling matters” for it.
“ All of a sudden I’m hearing people in Saint Lucia asking why must the government bring this and bring that?”
With respect to the amount of money he is being paid, Astaphan said that $40,000 is a decent fee for the work requested and confirmed that he has not yet been paid.
“I sent in a deposit, I met the prime minister and the prime minister was very clear to me. [He said] Mr Astaphan, you cannot get any money now… we cannot afford to pay you now, period. Who am I to go and tell the man anything about that? He is the custodian of the public funds …I am hearing people asking me how much money I got, whether I paid tax or VAT. I ain’t get no money yet,” he said.
He was adamant that he does not over charge and any suggestion of such is a “red herring” hoped to distort the real issues.
He further stated, “It’s a petty argument and that’s all I can really say .. and if I was being hired and I was being paid, and I was consistently losing or doing a terrible job….then I can understand that. But boss, when is the last time that I lost so many cases? It just don’t happen and I’m beginning to wonder if there is a hidden madness to all of this. They just don’t want me to do the cases. They are giving the impression that St. Lucia alone is hiring me,” he added, stating that he has worked for the governments of St Kitts, St Vincent, the opposition in Antigua, the governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank among other organizations.
He brushed aside suggestions that he was only hired because he is a “friend of the prime minister” and noted that there is an element of trust between them.
Astaphan said that while he believes in his rights to freedom of speech he has never been on a SLP political platform or campaigned for the party. He however, admitted to being a guest on a few radio programs with SLP officials.
“That does not prejudice my mind or the court,” he said.
A civil suit has also been filed against UWP leader Allen Chastanet. This is in reference to $38,119 of public funds from the Soufriere Town Council which the SLP government claims Chastanet used for the unlawful purpose of political campaign and for personal use.
Source article: ST. LUCIA NEWS ONLINE
THANK YOU LORD.
In Times As This Many Remember LOVE.
Mr.Tony,Sir please know this ‘Freely you Receive, therefore Freely You Must Give. And It Is Better To Give Than To Receive,Many Blessings.’
Do You believe in what You Say? Are You Willing to Show With examples that You believe and do what You say?
As one who tries to teach,if facts are difficult to bring messages across, do You See It Necessary to Use THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE TO Make Plain The Message? Guaranteed Success With Practice what You Preach.
The Concept Of Freely You Receive,Speaking Is a Gift,how many Times has this been brought to Your Mind,’if I was not able to speak?’
Life is a gift,LOVE IS a Gift Sir.Being able to walk,understand and ‘the Power to gain wealth’,to obtain knowledge,to make knowledgeable choices, yes informed consent and All that Is Good And Perfect Given By THE LORD.THIS IS FREEDOM. Mr. Tony You even refer to You ‘having rights to freedom of speech.’
The Concept Of Freely You must Give Sir,All Souls Are Significant To THE LORD. Therefore You With The Plan Of Salvation Laid down HIS LIFE So that Whosoever Believes IN HIM Should not perish,but Have EVERLASTING LIFE. And For As Many As Receive HIM,To Them Gave He The Power To Be Called The Sons Of GOD Even to They Who Believes On HIS NAME.
Do You Believe The CREATOR DOING SO Much and You Freely Receiving,You Can Help And Freely Give to Others? By not blocking their ‘rights’ or not obstructing eyes to See or not blocking their ears to hear.
Mr. Tony Sir The
True dat. February 5, 2014
“Francisco, I always look forward to your piece but was dissapointed when I didn’t see any comment from you concerning the error in judgement Dr. Shillingford said that Dr. Fountaine had.”
Let me be very honest with you and say, that many of us are familiar with the story, it’s not anything new, there are people who have thrown that into Fontaine face on many occasions, I know people in Dominica who have called insiders of the DAAS, when the organization was a bit more popular, asking questions, and digging for dirt on Thomson; however, there was nothing to tell, Fontaine is clean!
I was present at the home of an insider, and I am not going to revel where; Canada, or the United States, nonetheless, I bear witness to one such telephone call.
The fact is Shillingford is someone I believe to be highly ethical, and I have no doubt that he is not shielding, nor protecting Thomson in anyway. I believe if it was not as Shillingford stated, he would not have put his credibility on the line simply to shield, or cover for Fontaine.
In Caribbean politics, politicians are always hunting for dirt, and exoskeletons under their opponents bed to use against theem. The danger in that is they destroy peoples reputation, and character with lies, and innuendoes; all Thomson’s opponents are doing is simply looking for dirt hoping they can use it to defeat him.
The little bit of money they claimed Fontaine may have tried to utilize for his personal benefit is laughable, this man is highly academically educated, employed with the World Bank at the time; if he needed extra money, this guy could have found himself a part time job from which he could have earned more than the few dollars they are pretending he attempted to steal.
The whole issue is baloney okay!
I can say that with every confidence, because after the conversation ended, I ask the person “do you believe Thomson is an cynical type of person, the answer was “not at all!”
It is my belief they are only trying to find a way to defeat Fontaine by smearing his reputation, and I think that is very bad; and trust me I am not here defending Thomson either, because he and I had some fights in the past, he called me a liar, and I called him ugly: hahahahahahahahahahahah.
Than man band me from a page he had on Cakafete, when I went in to write something, the site told me “not Francisco Telemaque.”
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
We eventually buried the hatchet. However, I am very happy to say I do not believe he intended anything devious, or cynical.
He is an honest man!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Man just say that you support UWP. The man made an error in judgment meaning he did something that he wasn’t suppose to do. He claimed ownership of the organization’s money. When one claims ownership of someone else property, what have they done? That is just we Dominicans. We castigate others and lift up others for doing wrong. It is all about who we support.
DNO since you wont post my post indicating Tony’s utterances in St Lucia ( and I respect that ). I hope that this link will show the people the deleterious behavior of Tony in St Lucia
http://www.thevoiceslu.com/let_and_op/2014/february/04_02_14/Jadia.htm
There is only one word to those of you idiots just out there belching bubbles without one clue as to what you are talking about. Just answer one question PLEASE!
Who was the lawyer that your so called NEXT PRIME MINISTER called to represent him when he was kicked out of Antigua? I am awaiting you all’s earnest answer.
In an effort to derail the popularity of Mr. Lennox Linton, Tony and the DLP supporters and regularly diving into the gutter and mapuis bag. According to the Ayotolah of Dominica, ” that will not work”. God works in mysterious ways, whenever they dive into the bag they bring up stuff that is diastrous not to the UWP but to them.
typo: disastrous.
Not Me Alone/. You afraid to put your real name but I am not ashamed to put mine. Who ever you are you even know my middle name (Swallow)well that Swallow Dr. Birdie not afraid to publish his name and not ashamed to show his true support to The Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit I went to court to say the truth against those liars from HELL I did not go to court for Payment but for truth and justice for the young man from Vieille Case that the UWP tried to destroy. But could not and will never be able. so my friend my coming to court was not for payment. Do you know about your Party leader well ask him about Stumpy Angol when he broke the bottle at the Grammar School in the 1970’s and rush to stab Stumpy right in front the kitchen that was close to the Hostel during brake time ask F W at WUI ask S A the priest, J D the police ask P F the Banker they were right there who held him, who brought him to the Principal’s office and he was EXPELLED and sent to Jamaica, and we never heard about him until he came back with only one subject (transcendental mediation)TM. Boss don’t crank me up. Any thing that is spelt UwP is trouble weather in Dominica or St. Lucia any where infarct. Two Trinidad lawyers came here and took the little Thousand’s of dollars from your party for the lie case against Skerro no body challenge them, so why St Lucia want to block the best Lawyer in the Caribbean no lawyer in St. Lucia can come close to the master Tony Astaphan. Do you know that the best Country’s in the whole Caribbean to travel to hustle free. #1 Dominica,#2 Trinidad. #3 Jamaica. #4 Belize. And the worst ones are Barbados, Antigua, where Caribbean citizens fill very uncomfortable with those kind of immigration and if the UWP was in power in St. Lucia or Dominica it would be the same thing, but thank God is Labour that is in Government in both Countries. OECS Unity cannot work in places like Antigua and some of the others. CARICOM is for Barbados to dump all their junk in our country, but you cant get a bottle of nature ‘pure(Frederick Baron) or Loubiere spring water on one shelf in any supermarket nor the Airport in Antigua or Barbados in fact I have never seen any thing made in Dominica there but I can buy any thing made in Dominica in Trinidad or Tobago, and JA.so how unity going to work with those selfish countries, when they only sell none OECS/CARICOM goods, and trying to challenge our professionals, in some instances even killed Dominicans because of the position they held, remember the young lady from Dosdane, and the Young Georges lady from concord. We never killed no St. Lucians here for their position. We treat them like our own so we demand they do the same LEAVE TONY ALONE>
It is unreasonable to ask our brothers and sisters of St Lucia to be tolerant of Tony Astaphan as much as we Dominican are. We sat by and accept those insults from Tony and he does or did the same thing in St Lucia. DNO it is not an allegation that Tony insulted the people of St Lucia all in his quest to play his selfish game. Anyone who wants to confirm can access the information. Besides I say with all honesty that I heard those comments myself on the red zone and I was not in awe or surprise at all cause I knew that this character is capable of anything outrageous.
Peeping Tom you can investigate me – I have roots in St Lucia and have a Lucian passport.
Cellestial Clouds Over Chamber: George Benson refers to government ministers as “boys with toys!”
Written by Rick Wayne | January 25, 2014 – St. Lucia Star
It turns out he had chosen instead to remove himself to Dominica, according to correspondence bearing his name and addressed to Florida-based Gregg Fous.
The correspondence, details what he describes as “activities while in Dominica,” and yet the report reeks of contempt for the high government officials with whom he had conferred:
“Monday 4.30 pm: Meeting with Minister of Education Peter Saint-Jean. (I know why he was there) and the Minister of the Environment (I don’t know why he was there). They want us to set up and begin production in Dominica in 90 days.
“Tuesday at 11 am: Presentation to Cabinet, 22 people in the room, chaired by the deputy prime minister. The prime minister is in the U.S. raising campaign funds for a suspected July election. By any measure it was a successful meeting with 20 minutes of me talking and 40 minutes of Q&A period. No power point, just very expensive handouts. Prototypes were passed around and this was like a room full of boys and toys.
“Three ministers wanted factory located near their constituency. Lively debate about what the Dominica plant would assemble that would be different than the St. Lucia plant. I promised differentiation of products in the two locations after the school program was finished. The count went up to 14,000 tablets with keyboards with a Sim chip to enable those without WiFi in their homes to connect the Internet through a provider. They already have negotiated that need for free access through Lime (Cable & Wireless).
“Tuesday 4 pm: Meeting with our main advocate, Minister George (Ministry of Information). He asked what it would take to include the factory and training costs into the cost of he [sic] tablets. Everyone, he said, wanted the parents to buy the devises [sic] through a micro-loan scheme which is now funded with $US5,000,000. Not everyone needs micro-loans, he said. I told him we could train up to 50 persons under our plan.
“Wednesday 10 am: Meeting with permanent secretaries of the Ministry of Information and Ministry of Education who are responsible for providing me with their device specifications by the 27th. I can then be more accurate with my quote. They may not need two cameras for example, but the memory may need to be expanded.
“Wednesday 2.30pm: Meeting with Julius Corbett, CEO of the Dominica Agricultural Industrial and Development Bank. He was suppose [sic] to talk about micro-loans and space in the Canefield Industrial Park but the money from the National Investment Fund is the source and the PM and Bennette Thomas have already identified the land next to the Dominica Information Service as ideal . . . so not sure in the end why I met him. Caught flight back to SLU and slept for ten hours.
Well here it is – the reason they were busy tearing down an asbestos contaminated building without safety protocol and total disregard for human life and well being. I mean out of desperation they prisoners demo-ing the building and jeopardizing the life of the prisoners and people in the vicinity. All of this just to win an election. That is sick. Just like those corrupt African politicians
They did all of this only to find out that George Benson lacks credibility.
thanks for the information
What can I say. Desperate men are gullible, especially when led by Mr. Gullible himself.People outside Dominica must think we are easy touch, a bunch of not bright naive people . Boy, I hate that image our boys giving us there. Next time do your homework please.
The Lawyer who represented the UWP in their court cases against DLP Administration members were they Dominicans? I am not sure , but I believe the lead lawyer was not a Dominican, was he?
The UWP should not always do what they do? It is like when they call all UWP people seeking elections whether they are parliamentarians or not as honourable men and women and all DLP members who are already Parliamentarians are called anything but honourable.
I wonder whether they even realize we realize what they are doing. I wonder, do they realize how ridiculous they sound. Some are so pleased when they are called honourable without being a parliamentarian. What a mockery. What a big joke. Like yesterday calling all constituencies where there is a DLP Parliamentarian Representative as without representation, another big joke on the people who are doing and saying such. That will not get them elected. Our people are too smart and can see right through them.
They are just showing us that they are power hungry individuals who cannot even wait to be parliamentary with the constitutional right to be called honourable.
Like the calypso they cannot wait to be called honourable they want it now, so they are taking the title on their own since we will not give it to them and they want it now.
What has this got to do with the Dominica UWP? I have not heard, or seen anything from that party condemning what Mr. Astaphan is doing in this case.
You are off tangent my friend.
Thu, 06 Feb 2014
Is the Tony in Kenny & Tony really Astaphan with a nosejob?
Written by Rick Wayne | February 3, 2014
Published by St. Lucia Star.
Sounds familiar?
Anthony Astaphan certainly has a good thing going, with grunting OECS HOGs annually falling over their bloated bellies in their snail’s race to throw at him tens of thousands of dollars borrowed in the name of their deprived people, many of whom consider the legal penguin a private dancer for governments desperate to stay in office at whatever cost.
He has sought—albeit mainly on the internet—to defend our own prime minister’s near indefensible position in the matter of Grynberg (a 9-year-secret arrangement first detected in 2005, now pending with ominous implications before the ICSID), to the point of occasionally making himself look like a donkey.
Even today, regardless of shocking commission of inquiry revelations, he insists his prize client had done absolutely nothing illegal or unethical in his behind-closed-doors Rochamel-Frenwell dealings that had cost this poverty-stricken nation over US$40 million.
As for our ability to fend for ourselves, he has often implied by his campaign outpourings that at least half of us are too dumb to know what’s good for us, and without his counsel would be even worse off than his native Dominica, risibly rated by the World
DNO, why you not posting my comments? I wish you were more open and balance. I said nothing wrong that could warrant a law suit. Why try to oppress our freedom of expression? Let me quote a favorite attorney here: “Astaphan said that while he believes in his rights to freedom of speech…”
Wow, You of all people quoting Senor Council Astaphan,very convenient, trying to be clever, stop it.
That’s why Caribbean unity will not work some countries are to selfish, OECS members have the right to practice, work,leave, import,export even use our drivers license to drive in any of those OECS member state, can you tell a New Yorker he can’t work in St.Croix.Well if Tony Astaphan can’t work in st Lucia we should stop importing coke,sprite,piton malt and all other goods from St. Lucia.These St.Lucians to damb selfish.if that happen we will boycut their goods.
Swallow, why are you so quick to call for a boycott? is that what you preaching now? St. Lucians to DAMB selfish? Are you now cursing swallow? Because are few Lucians raised their concern does not mean you have to condemn the entire nation. But you see, when you testified in favor of Skerro in that French citizenship matter, I forgot it was Astaphan that set it up. By the way preacher, how much did you get for your false testimony?
@Not Me Alone, can you CONFIRM that his testimony was a FALSE one?
Wow can you imagine that is the kind of people we have heading government department. Yoland what are you? .
Yoland Jno Jules, you are a nut to say we should boycott St. Lucia, our sister/brother country. We should, instead, seek stronger ties with them, not try and destroy what’s left of our unity, strength, dignity and brotherhood/sisterhood. Communication is key to any solution that we are faced with. What’s your justification for prescribing to separate from other OECS countries?
This is pure madness! For our brothers and sisters from St. Lucia who’s reading this post, this chick speaks only for her self, not for Dominica. Please accept her apologies. We will continue to build relationships with our OECS brothers and sisters, regardless of why a few pick up their emotional flare and run with it.
Yoland, if the people are in opposition of Astaphan’s representation, maybe because of pressure, I would say, when you need me DO NOT CALL. I do not think that boycotting is an option. I might not work.
I do not support your politics, Tony, but I am sure along with you on this one.
A double -edged sword. Lawyer for the SLP in Govt. against opposition UWP for what? misuse of money, corruption. Yet that same Lawyer supports the DLP, PM and fights tooth and nail to protect, defend against many allegations/charges of fraud, corrupt practices. Facts and evidence have been shown to prove. The cabal just cannot deny. What kind of human being do those things? And what kind of a nation continue to permit such double standards in our face? How Long? Not Long!!!!!!!!!!
People of Dominica continue to permit those kind of people to trick and fool them. While many face more and more hardtimes, a few amass millions. The few greed cabalists deepen mental enslavement in the nation, because they benefit from the masses being mentally enslaved again and again and again
Tony is a great lawyer you go Tony all you Dominicans like to bring down all you own I only hope all you would need his help
Christmas, Are you not the same person who wants to boycot the dance-hall concert in Portsmouth?
You eh no one commented on you Rasta
They are really going to court for $2000.00 when the math is done. Astaphan is surely laughing at
St. Lucia
It is NOT only 38,000 bucks. There is also a 3 million involved. In any event, when Tony wins, the government will be awarded costs which may even surpass the 40 thousand.
I wondered whether it was a typo. His fee is more than the suit.
He can go to St.Lucia and just stay there for ever.
We don’t want, what’s yours
St.Lucia is for us (Saint Lucians.)
We are already allowing most nationals from the OECS into our island, there comes a time when we must put a stop to it.
Looshan for Life!!!!
and you did a case with less worth for 95 thousand in tortola for your own country.
Great job, Dominicans, especially the Opposition are always interested in any news concerning Tony Astaphan. It would appear that the Press in St. Lucia loves Dominica. According to the St. Lucia Star Newspaper and reported by Mr. Rick Wayne, during a Cabinet meeting of the Skeritt’s Administration, a gentleman by the name of George Benson Executive Director of Cellestial, a manufacturer of computers, based in St.Lucia, was invited to meet the Cabinet. It was reported that during his presentation, prototypes were passed around, and according to Mr. Benson, ” this was like a room full of boys and toys.” This reported allegations I thought were not funny but disgraceful.
Since the name of Dominica and government of Dominica is involved DNO and local media should post that article so all could see that Dominica does not have bad image because of DNO or UWP ites. Our name is all over the world folks. This DLP sure put us on the map
Question and answer time with a well schooled attorney:
1.Q: Sir, How do we differentiate what is legally correct from what is legally wrong? A: Boss, it all depends on who is doing it and where it is being done.
2. Q: Sir, your answer left me very confused. Can you please get me unconfused? Boss, here is a good example that will help understand what I mean. If something happens in Dominica and it is done by my friends, I will fight tooth and nail to justify that practice. Now if it was done by those cockroaches I hate, I would try my best to get the death penalty. So in essence, it is not based on right and wrong but rather who did it.
3.Q: Sir, I am still confused and I need some more explanation. A: Boss, here is a classic example. We all know it is a crime to attempt to burn somebody’s house and it is even worse when we know that people are in the house. However, I will do what I can to condone and justify it to defend members of my team.
4. Q: OK sir, I finally got it. So in other words, something could be very correct in Dominica but very wrong say in St. Lucia? A: yes you got it! You see, we know wrong is wrong anywhere in the world; however, when our team mates are involved and especially when it fattens my pocket, you think I going to run from money? To be blunt about it, I will even use my influence and knowledge to help set up wrong knowing that they MUS hire me to defend them
5. Q: So sir, you don’t think about how what you are condoning in one country is going to affect generations to come? A: Boss, that’s hugwash! Who cares about country? First of all, what happens in that country will never affect me. I have already bought my mansion in Florida, so if sons and daughters of cockroaches want to keep paying me to destroy their country, that’s their business. In fact in the worse case scenario even those I encouraging to do wrong have secured their citizenship elsewhere. So who wants to stay stupid that’s their problem boss.
6. So sir, What if the judge finds it wrong and makes you the loser? A: Boss, I know all the judges in the OECS and most of them are on my team. You think they going to rule against their team mate?
DNO, I called no names I simply had a good conversation with a smart attorney who knows how to win even when wrong.
What makes you think that you are clever,when you are not.If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever.Why do you think DNO readers are stupid.What a misleading perception.
mr. tony please give me some of that money to send my child to college you have enough.
really? seriously? “you have enough”?
The SLG can’t be serious. They are paying $40,000.00 to reclaim $38,000.00? $38,000.00$?! This is a civil suit I am supposing that no criminal charges/sentencing etc can be brought against the UWP members.
No idiot, there is a $3,000,000.00 that must be accounted for. So the $38,000.00 is part of an earlier sum, that also finds itself within the relm of accountability also.
I really do not know where you (Dominicans,) are getting this information. But i think DNO, needs to better inform Dominicans on such matters.
We are going to set the precedent for all of the OECS and also those in power in Saint Lucia that there is going to be accountability when it comes to the misappropriation of funds in any form.
Stop hating! This man is an attorney, and a very good one at that. If any of you haters would as much as turn down employment elsewhere, you are going to be a broke and foolish person. This guy is putting his shoulders to the wheel and earning his keep. What are you jerks doing?
You average minded people are always going to be at the buttom of the barrel.
i support that. Free movement of labor and skills. doesn’t matter who he is affiliated with. at the end of the day the man is a professional and is willing and able. Dont HATE (for once)…appreciate.
DNO where can i find your blog policies? I ask this because i posted a comment about this article without any controversial statements and yet it has been deleted.
You are not alone.
I am trying to work out DNO’s criteria for exclusion, but alas I am still at a losts!
DNO has excluded several of my comments, and I have yet to understand the justification for those exclusions.
I am also baffled by the inordinate amount of time my comments are kept in the moderating cell.
DNO
Please post a copy of your policy as this will be helpful to frustrated contributors like myself.
Many thanks in anticipation of your assistance with this matter.
I think DNO is posting what is, in their opinion, acceptable. I do not believe that people’s unposted comments has anything to do with DNO’s policies.
ADMIN: Many people come on here and think they can post whatever they want. They write all kind of unfounded allegations that could attract lawsuits. While we want to make sure everyone express their opinion, we have to cover out tails also.
Tony is handling a case where politicians are being challenged for misappriation of public funds in St Lucia while in Dominica he jumps to defending and in most cases casts a blind eye to blatant evidence of corruption.
where is d evidence of corruption u so boldly post here??
so St Lucian cant talk for their rights then, nobody say he not suppose to practice in St Lucia, them people simply saying that a local lawyer could do that job and I agree with them, am not saying Tony is not a good lawyer, but there are even better lawyers than him right in St Lucia, so why send the job overseas in this tight economic times, by the way, is the prime minister paying that cost personally, I bet not, so let them people make noise for their tax money, cheeeeeze man.
So you are saying that being on a political platform or stage thats campaigning , So what is it called when he is sitting at a radio station telling people what they are and what they are not please tell us
Nationals from all OECS countries live and work in each other’s place,he is a good lawyer and we Dominicans needs to be appreciative of that.
Before you bluewp squawk, find out how much your party leaders paid the Trinidadian Douglas Mendes to defend you all. Then when you finish, read the CPR rules on costs, specifically prescribed costs. Do you understand the concept of costs when you win a case? The UWP leaders can tell you a lot about that too. The court awarded the Speaker 204 thousand dollars in the case they lost against her.
Dominicans especially the UWP should not say anything about what lawyer should work there or not work here. Who represented them in their cases in Dominica. Didn’t they have a non-Dominican lawyer? Don’t tell me they cannot remember.
Mr. Astaphan most Dominicans are not taking anybody side against you. We know you will give your client the best representation you can. Good Luck.
Well written! That’s one thing about the UWP, “don’t do but let me do”. They can have US passport, others cannot . . . . double standard and hypocrisy!
Tony said he never lost a fight. .. but losing that fight, de ST. Lucia Labar Party lost $78,000 plus.
Well politics aside, there goes the concept of OECS, CSME, Caricom, CCJ…. et al. No one complained when a Caribbean lawyer was hired in the AM/PM citizenship court case against the PM.. he was the best man, so he was hired; simple. We are too myopic sometimes. Justin Simon a Dominican, is the Atty Gen of Antigua… and the list goes on… Jeez….
he is being paid 40,000, so that they can recover 38,000. hmmmmm.
The Prime Minister of St Lucia is an expert in constitutional law,while in opposition Mr Astaphan represented him and won against the ruling Stephenson King administration.So basically is who you know and who know you,there’s is more in the mota than the pestle.
The P.M realize you coming with the same Q.C and S.C as last time so I’ll also bring someone who have gone up against them before and won,that’s all.That same P.M and Mr Astaphan went to help Dougie in SKB sugar city but Mr Astaphan went to help the one down south who said “D/ca do not need an international airport” and boot up on Keith Scotland,next thing I hear Scottland in D/ca trying case,allyuh good qui but do as much as you all want but it CANNOT never be for as long as you desire.Time is longer than twine.
The people of the OECS are just not ready for integregation.
only in dominica strangers come first.hear for selves and take note. fami wachien
St Lucin government trying to recoup $38 000 from UWP and they’re paying Astaphans $40,000!!! What b.s. is that? then he’s boasting how many cases he hasn’t lost! really boss? St Lucia isn’t Dominica and it’s natives your devide and spread your TALIBAN anger over!!!
Best wishes, comrade. Go kick a_ _!
The reason Tony always get retained first is because he is a lawyer who knows how to win cases!
The man has a track record, he has more success than failures; I would much prefer to take my chance with a lawyer who has a series of wins under his belt, than one who have lost more cases than he has won.
In America, there is a lawyers list of “who is who among the best;” having a law degree in California, does not give one much recognition, however, by the time a lawyer obtains a judgement in the amount of six figures for his/her client, they counted and makes it unto the list; those who are unable to hit that six figure, in dollars and cents remains in the shadow of the legal giants!
My friend and lawyer Joseph Pius has made that list, obtained a six million, and an over four million dollar settlement in succession, and has recently earned the privilege of arguing cases in the highest court in the land based in Washington the nations supreme court similar to the highest court in London, where people appeal to when justice is not served in the lower courts.
Pius represented battled a Mortgage Company for more than five years on my behalf, and won, I mean I am itching to disclose the resolve, and the settlement, but I am muzzled, this is one time (I doh can talk) because of the confidentiality stipulation I signed.
If I talk and the Mortgage Company finds out, I could find myself in boiling hot water, I can only say the name of both company involved is Ocwen, and Homeq.
So, for the first time in the kid’s life I know,but I doh talking oui!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahah!
I know how Dominicans are skeptical, some may have already say how I lie, by time they are through reading this, however, one log on to [email protected] one may be able to gain access his Web site, if you live in Los Angeles, and you wish to see if he is real, his Corporate Office is located at:
595 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
DNO I erred again; the Web domain of Pius, is http://www.USA-Law.org, the address in the previous post is nothing more than an office E-mail address.
FET.
Francisco, I always look forward to your piece but was dissapointed when I didn’t see any comment from you concerning the error in judgement Dr. Shillingford said that Dr. Fountaine had.
winston warrington—- please take note my real name is warrington and im not going to use NO pen name.
astaphans is an excellent lawyer,any country would want his service,and u guys have to deal with it
Astaphan has made it clear on numerous occasions that he supports ALL Labour governments in the OECS. therefore, this should come as no surprise. I am, however, disappointed by the Lucians attitude, given that we are now one economic space.
Tony should have listened to Doctor Fontaine and our soon to be PRIME MINISTER Lennox Linton in the UNITED KINGDOM. This was massive.
Tony no matter how hard you try, you cannot bring down neither Linton nor Doctor Fontaine.
THESE ARE PROPERLY EDUCATED GENTLEMEN. WOW!
Misappropriation? TIME WILL TELL.
Misappropriation? TIME WILL TELL.
Misappropriation? TIME WILL TELL.
Soon to be PM? You are full of yourself. Are you not being presumptuous?
And Tony is not properly educated? Where did Lennox get his proper education?
it happens all the time ,attorneys work for their clients all over once they are allowed to practice in that jurisdiction . since we are part of the OECS,there shouldn’t be a problem.We saw earlier in the week where a Dominican is attorney general in Antigua.
@Joy, that’s not correct. The Dominican Attorney general you referring to was only BORN in Dominica. He’s been an Antiguan for many, many years and therefore you should not give the impression that he is a Dominican, and just went to Antigua to pick up a position.
I am not against Tony practicing in Antigua or anywhere that is willing to pay him big money. However, what I am against is the manner he condones, justifies, goes to bed, and okays far worse practices in Dominica but yet he is going to SLU to condemn them. In other words, it’s good in Dominica but evil if lesser one is done in SLU.
Well maybe the uwp should engage Tony!!ol
I wonder if the Lucians who are critizing Astaphan are aware of the large number of their countrymen and women working in other Caribbean countries as Skilled CARICOM Nationals. In the same way they have the right to work in other Caribbean countries, so too do they citizens of those countries with respect to working in St Lucia. This argument is 1960s and 70s UWP foolishness “Lucia for Lucians”. That thinking is long gone. We are now in the era of regionalization and globalization.
Sir/Madam, we have the right (as a Sovereign State) to protect whats ours.
Only in the caribbean. You spend 40k to recover 38k and use the most high profile lawyer in the caribbean
Toooo funny. If that is a matter of principle i understand.
I do not know which is worst. Misappropriation of funds or indiscretionary spending. Why not use St.lucia attorney in DPP office already paid and working for gov.
Too funny
I mean seriously, are you going to pay a man 40,000 to recover 38,000, come on, this prime minister must be a moomoo, there is something else to that, and that is what the St Lucian people realise, Tony think it is easy to convince St Lucian like those empty headed red clinic people it have in Dominica?,
I think that an Attorney holding the license to practice on any Island should be able to represent any Island, requiring his services. This decision is NOT based on party affiliation.
If Astaphan is the BEST man for the job, he should NOT be barred by any influence. If he has gotten paid, Attorneys always get a retainer to start the process. I think if the St. Lucian people oppose his representation and they lose so-be-it.
I also think if Astaphan was a member of the UWP there would be no question regarding his representation.
Tony milk those slaves
It would be nice to get the date Tony is going to defend the St Lucia Labor Party and have his defense carried live so Dominicans and the entire world could hear how the spin doctor spins that ball. My reason for saying this is because what he is going to defend and try to prove to be wrong in St. Lucia is and are the same issues he is condoning and justifying in Dominica even when ours in Dominica is more blatant.
Article: “Anthony Astaphan is being paid $40,000 to represent the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government in a case brought against past UWP members for their alleged misappropriation of Taiwanese funds. In this case, the government is seeking reclaim about $38, 000 from the suit”.
If you can, give ONE example of a similar case in Dominica. For example, describe ONE case of DLP ministers misappropriating Chinese funds (or any funds).
Now, i know you will succumb to the orgasmic response and repeat the hogwash that you have been sold. Before you do, examine it carefully. If you still think that it matches one of the cases that Tony is pursuing, please list it. Oh, and yes…do spare me the insults. They only make you look more dense than you already do.
We ALL know there are far worse instances of clear misappropriating of funds by this DLP regime than what is happening in SLU. The difference is, DLP is in power and will block everything. Would you not want to hear the truth of the Binbol? What about passport issues where how many were sold but like Ananias and Sapphira of Acts 5? What about that attorney that only realized he made a tax error of $50,000 on less than 3acres of land for the pm? Why was it only returned after pressure from Lenox Linton? What about ?What about? What about?…
Aa!!
Tony appears to like fighting anything to do with the UWP, whether it be Dominica, St. Lucia or TimButToo.
A good Lawyer knows the Law.
A Great Lawyer knows the Judge.
Tony is a Great Lawyer
We in Dominica will have a myriad of cases of misappropriation to bring to the court.
HOW LONG?
NOT LONG!
Those who are involved know that. That is why they are so desperate, and trying to clutch at straws.
I LOVE SR THOMPSON FONTAINE AND TEAM DOMINICA.
Well, you are almost correct.
We could call a certain former UWPwee minister to ask him about money for works on a certain valley road that remains unaccounted for. And, we could also call a certain past PM to ask him about a letter he signed claiming OUR land, state lands, as his so that he could secure a loan. And yes, we could ask a certain former UWPwee parl rep about funds for a certain water project in a well-known community in Dominica.
Ah yes, we do seem to have a list! (I eh even well start to list.) Be careful what you ask for. The UWPwee and its supporters have a bad habit of asking for things that they cannot stomach when their wish is granted.
thompson must first come clean
When you said quote “We in Dominica will have a myriad of cases of misappropriation to bring to the court.” That statement sounds vindictive, Is this your description of how the next Government going to operate, very sad in did.You know I wonder If the DLP had that same vindictive behavior after The UWP was remover from office what would be your reaction.It is very sad when people like you make such statements in support of your Party.
Tony, really we don’t care. We know you sell your services to the highest bidder. It’s, winning and money,
it’s a JOB. What do you expect that man to do?
what is the objective of that law suite paying a lawyer $40000 to recover $38000 plus there is going to be other expenses for the government
So true , who is really benifiting from this case tony taphan again the people off St Lucia are at a lost 40000 to 38000 tony are you for real ?just time tony as taphan just time you will reap what you sow
So will you reap what you sow.
un neeed to stay away
Astaphan said that he never campaign for the St Lucia Labor Party. What a liar this man is . I just don’t get it. I ersonally heard this man on the radio station in St Lucia campaigning just the same way he does on Kairi.
Here it is Dominicans – those who only adore Astaphan only for partisan politics. You guys think that Tony Astaphan really care about other people. Tony care only about himself.
Please read the story again he never said he never campaigned for the SLP.He said that he have never been on a political platform but he admitted to being on the radio with the SLP officials…….READ AND UNDERSTAND
YES HE DID SAY THAT YOU NEED TO READ AND UNDERSTAND
Now let us see who the joker is. Here is the quote . but before I do aren’t you vert familiar with the double talking Astaphan – for example he said in one sentence that the land was a gift to Skerrit but he paid for it.
So since you are so smart please read out loud and then laugh at yourself – ” Astaphan said that while he believes in his rights to freedom of speech he has never been on a SLP political platform or campaigned for the party. He however, admitted to being a guest on a few radio programs with SLP officials.
So you are saying that being on a political platform or stage thats campaigning , So what is it called when he is sitting at a radio station telling people what they are and what they are not please tell us
I must laugh at L – poor soul you are the one who need to read properly.
L Tony said that (copy and paste) “he has never been on a SLP political platform or campaigned for the party”. So he did talked about not being on a “political platform” and not “campaigning”. He did say that he never “campaigned”.
You see and you still do not see. Remove the blue glasses Mamizoo, because they are making you bazoodee. or, is it that the mere name “Tony Astaphan” has suddenly caused a physiological reaction in you that hinders your ability to read and understand English?
Then again, maybe it is all of the above.
Really? Maybe Tony or should I say that you have the right to twist the queen’s English to suit your sick and demented intension.
Obviously I have a problem with the man’s ability to double talk all in one sentence. I am talking about what I read or heard from somebody else I can testify that I heard Tony on several occasions on the red zone. He know that he is lying so he quickly says that he has been a guest on a few radio shows. If you are just a guess on a radio what business do you have insulting the UWP people of St Lucia. The same old fabricated story about White consultants sponsoring election campaign. Now ask him whether or not he made those false accusations in St Lucia while on the radio program.
The man is sick
Mis-appropriation of Government funds is bad for St. Lucia but Good for Dominica. Am wondering if all the evidence of corruption was brought before Mr Astsphan guess his response would be hoogwash