Brother of the late Prime Minister Rosie Douglas, Macintyre Douglas, has expressed his disappointment in the government’s decision not to renew the contract of Magistrate Tiyani Behanzin and criticized its refusal to call him to the bar.
Douglas, who spoke on the Matt in the Morning radio program, said that he believes that the government’s decision was political because Behanzin has served well as a magistrate despite his mistakes and should not be penalized for his political views.
“I think Tiyani Behanzin operating as a magistrate in Dominica has served the national security interest of this island very, very well,” he said. “I have no doubt that a majority of Dominicans feel that way. I mean he is not perfect and I don’t agree with all that he does but it’s a wrong decision.”
Douglas continued, “You cannot penalize people for their political views. I’m a strong Labour person but this is a democracy, you have to respect the right of people to take alternative views. We have to be committed to democracy and there is no other reason other than political reasons why his contract is not being renewed or he’s not being called to the bar.”
Douglas said that Behanzin, though not a “card carrying” labourite like himself, has done well for Dominica.
“He is not a supporter of Labour, like say I am,” he argued. “I mean, he is a more independent minded person than myself and most of the Douglases but this is absolutely no reason in a democracy for him to be penalized. He has served the national interest of Dominica very well.”
He claims because of Behanzin’s actions while on the bench a number of persons in the north now live without fear as many criminals who terrorized them have been put away.
“Let him operate, even if he backs somebody else, so what! This is a democracy. Is not only Labour party people who can serve Dominica well,” he said.
Douglas is convinced that Rosie Douglas would feel betrayed if he was still alive today.
Janice Corbett posted in MAGISTRATE TIYANI BEHANZIN SAVE DOMINICA.
