An Open Letter To Anthony Astaphan

Listening to the news of Dominica on the evening of November 13th 2008, I listen with interest as a piece dealing with Dominica’s politician Ambrose George’s alleged involvement in a Nigerian internet scam. The announcer introduced and played a voice clip of renowned Dominica lawyer Anthony Astaphan. I listened intently and to my surprise I heard Anthony Astaphan advising Ambrose George to do the honorable thing and resign his ministerial position.

I was so shock to hear such a statement coming from the mouth of Anthony Astaphan. I wondered if this was the same Anthony Astaphan counsel and advisor to St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister: Ralph Gonsalves. If this is he, it seems as if this man understands the importance of public officers keeping their character away from negative, corrupt and dishonest association. Old people often say, if it walk like a duck, look like a duck and quack like a duck then it must be a duck; they also say that you are known but the company you keep, and if you weren’t there they could not call your name.

This new development leads me to ask a few important question of Lawyer Anthony Astaphan.

• As a man who appears to have the moral understanding of the standards public officers should be held to; so much so that you asked Ambrose George to resign in the light of such scandal. Why didn't you see if fit to remind your client Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of his moral responsible to the people he represents and to his office as Prime Minister

• Did you also advise Ralph Gonsalves to resign in the light of the scandal/allegation of rape and sexual assault and the ongoing investigation and court proceedings?

• Did you remind Ralph Gonsalves of his sworn obligation as a lawyer to ensure that Justice is done?
  
• Did you remind Ralph Gonsalves of his obligation as a citizen of St. Vincent not to use his Prime Ministerial power to interfere with the working of the Justice system?

• Did you inform him of the criminal offence he was committing in so doing and the consequence of such?

If you have failed to so advise your client then I am accusing you of malpractice and you therefore owe Ralph Gonsalves and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines a refund of the legal fees paid to you and a written apology for your negligence, I will not say incompetence for I have seen you in action and I know better. I am also recommending that you be charge and tried in the court of public opinion for being a hypocrite.

Anthony how can you give Ambrose George such good and wise counsel for free yet you neglect, omit or refused to impart the same wisdom to your paying client, colleague and once respected Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves.

Anthony place take note that the Government and people of St. Vincent are awaiting a refund of the legal fees paid to you out of the government coffers. We have concurred that you have not yet earned your wages.