Dominica citizens complain to Supreme Court over delay in justice system

In the letter, which was also copied to the British privy council, and Heads of regional governments, the group asserts that the lack of progress in the case is severely undermining the rule of law- in fact, “effectively sabotaging it - and therefore, requires an urgent corrective intervention suo motu from the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) to prevent further injury to the integrity of the legal community at large and criminal justice system in this jurisdiction.

“It is now 696 days since the criminal complaints were lodged against Attorney Isidore; 685 days since the Warrant for his arrest was issued; and 679 days since Attorney Isidore was able to secure a Stay against further proceedings in the matter.

“Predictably, there has also been no Judicial Review hearing to determine whether the Chief Magistrate acted in accordance with the rule of law in issuing the warrant for Mr. Isidore’s arrest, although this exercise ought to have been done within a time-bound frame, and expeditiously!” the letter revealed.

The letter concluded, “We, most fervently, urge that our complaint be registered with your good office and taken up suo motu as a Writ, for issuing suitable directions to the authorities concerned, in the facts and circumstances as presented above.”

Over one hundred individuals from across Dominica signed the petition.