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UPDATE: ‘Comments were complimentary to Ms Faulkner!’ – Atty Daniels

-said comments made in court were never intended to question the competence of any member of the Bar and that they were made in jest
Attorney at Law Mr Stephen R. Daniels, through his law office, has clarified statements made in court yesterday January 28, 2015. Photo: VINO/File
Senior Crown Counsel Leslie-Ann Faulkner. Photo:VINO
Senior Crown Counsel Leslie-Ann Faulkner. Photo:VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Attorney at Law Stephen R. Daniels has clarified his statements made in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday January 28, 2015, saying that he was only jesting with the Magistrate and had no way intended to suggest that Senior Crown Counsel Leslie Ann Faulkner was not competent.

He was referring to his statements which were the subject of an earlier article on this news site entitled ‘Are some Crown Counsels ineffective?’ published today January 29, 2015.

However following numerous calls from Mr Daniels to this news site, his law offices sent an email clarifying what was said by Daniels in court and what was meant.

“Kindly note that the article’s headline is conveying that Mr. Daniels is questioning the competency of the Director of Public Prosecutions Office. During the Court proceedings, Mr. Daniels mentioned that, ‘I stand that Ms. Faulkner is competent in the DPP’s Office’. It was said in [humour] amongst the officers of the Court. Mr. Daniels has a great relationship with the Office and he did not in any way convey or questioned the DPP’s Office competency,” said the statement from Legal Secretary of Maximea & Co. Law Chambers Angelica B. Avenlino.

See previous article published on January 29, 2015:

Are some Crown Counsels ineffective?

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – “I stand by my comment,” said a seemingly frustrated Attorney at Law Mr Stephen R. Daniels in the Magistrate’s Court during a hearing before Senior Magistrate Ms Tamia Richards on January 28, 2015.

One can construe that it was a statement made consequent of a level of being fed up or frustrated at the manner at which some attorneys for the prosecution handle cases of law before the court.

His full statement to the court yesterday January 28, 2015 was, “I stand by my comment, I don’t know who will be coming that will be as competent as Ms Faulkner (Senior Crown Counsel Leslie-Ann Faulkner).”

The court was at the time looking at a possible date for the calling a matter in the case of Earl Sylvester, who was in the defendant’s/prisoner’s box.

The Senior Magistrate had asked the learned attorney Mr Daniels if he was in agreement of a date that was proposed for his client to return to the court when he indicated that he was aware that Ms Faulkner was scheduled to be in the High Court at that date.

The Magistrate then suggested that another attorney for the prosecution may possibly be available to sit in on the matter in her absence and it was at that time Mr Daniels uttered the aforementioned words.

This gave rise to the silent question as to the level of comfort Mr Daniels feels of the competence of others who appear at the bar on the prosecution’s behalf. On countless occasions matters are requested by the prosecution to be adjourned to another date to give them time to deal with matters of housekeeping as required or simple matters of law that were not done in completeness or timeliness.

Among those who represent the prosecution in the Magistrate’s Court on a frequent basis are Mr Herbert Potter, Mrs Annjel Flax-Solomon, Mr O’ Neal Simpson, Ms Chantal L. Flax, Senior Crown Counsel Leslie-Ann Faulkner and, to a lesser extent, Principal Crown Counsel Tiffany R. Scatliffe.

22 Responses to “UPDATE: ‘Comments were complimentary to Ms Faulkner!’ – Atty Daniels”

  • I BORN HERE (29/01/2015, 08:43) Like (21) Dislike (17) Reply
    Dem just against the locals
    • Jacperlance (29/01/2015, 17:26) Like (6) Dislike (4) Reply
      @i born here. What utter rubbish you chatting. Daniel is right, that office have some who are darm incompetent so what you talking about against locals. This is the problem we have, because they are locals they must rise to the top no matter how incompetent they are
  • qc (29/01/2015, 09:13) Like (9) Dislike (7) Reply
    both defense and precsuctor are ineffective BAM
  • truth be told (29/01/2015, 09:32) Like (25) Dislike (6) Reply
    Sadly, Mr. Daniels is right and we need to stop standing behind the "locals" thing.. If we do our job to the best of our ability, and even go the extra mile when needed, we would have no need for non-locals in our positions! Of the names listed, Flax and Faulkner are the only competent prosecutors there. It is a shame and disgrace that our legal system is filled with such work-shy persons when the expectation is that the DPP's Office is a capable competent people.
    • From the outside looking in (29/01/2015, 10:27) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
      "Of the names listed, Flax and Faulkner are the only competent prosecutors there." Hear ye! Hear ye!! I totally concur. Ms. Flax is the newest member of staff and much more competent by far than some of the others. And the difference with her is she is willing to learn, not egotistical, and she has a very bright mind.
    • @ truth be told (29/01/2015, 11:50) Like (0) Dislike (10) Reply
      oh shut up the truth is a stranger to you
  • True (29/01/2015, 09:47) Like (21) Dislike (2) Reply

    I've had the opportunity to sit in several matters in court. I felt so embarrassed for them as it was like a real joke. If they bring one of the kids from the campus next door I'm sure they would be more competent. You see them showing off with their big file bags and black suits, but a set of duncie

  • zoe (29/01/2015, 10:42) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    Tell it like it is steven
  • george w touch (29/01/2015, 11:14) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Give the man credit for saying what many constiun to say
  • ABC (29/01/2015, 11:25) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    And to think that the AG's Chambers almost suffered a fatal blow just a few weeks ago. Please bring back the former Chief Prosecutor. I am certain he would be happy to catch the next flight out of Jamaica.
  • potter (29/01/2015, 12:01) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    he got balls to say it in open court he is right just about two of them are READY!
  • Why (29/01/2015, 12:44) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply
    I'm confused why would he want a competent prosecutor against him sounds like he just wanted to get in a cheap shot
  • .... (29/01/2015, 12:47) Like (5) Dislike (14) Reply
    Steve need to go sit down cause he himself ain't ready!
  • Homesoon (29/01/2015, 15:34) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    When that lawyer from Brusebay done with he for siffoning off he clients with them complaints in Labour
    no new work permit passing I heard. Only in the BVI. Ting yo talk.
  • apple pie (29/01/2015, 15:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look now he back tracking what he knows to be true
  • Bvi man (29/01/2015, 16:39) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    so he pressure he now to recant???must be more in the mota
  • weak (29/01/2015, 22:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    how can muster the courage to say what is true then after a few phone calls can withdraw?
  • Moron Bush (30/01/2015, 09:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply

    These Lawyers in these Virgin Islands are having a feast in a time of famine. Have you ever heard of any Lawyer being disbarred here? Between the Prosecution and Defense , a deadly game is played out with numerous adjournments to extort money from the unsuspected victims. By the way Steven Daniels means we'll. We certainly don't need ISIS on the ground here!!!!

  • UK student (03/02/2015, 22:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is this some thing new on the horizon? I guess not! Here is someone who can come out and speak about it and be not afraid.

    Praise God!


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