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Every resident in a country that has a democratically
elected Government expects due process to be meted out to
him or her without political or other interference.
Regrettably, I cannot personally attest to this being the
case based on my personal eye-opening experience in
Antigua and Barbuda since October 2004.

My experience involved the Deputy Prime Minister of
Antigua & Barbuda, allegedly supported by his junior
'opportunistic technocrats'. The Deputy PM also mustered
support from other political acolytes of the machiavellian
philosophy.

In a classic case of expressed hatred, jealous rage and
fabrications over interference with the constituency, I
was identified as a suitable 'lamb for the slaughter.' The
sole intent was to appease the fearful nature of this high
ranking MP who had developed a dangerously low self image.

Acting in the high office of Prime Minister and armed with
skewed information, the then Works and Telecommunications
Minister used related segments of the press to venomously
declare his indignation against his Senior Advisor and
supported his claims with 'so-called evidence' from his
Public Utilities IS Manager/Tender's Board Member who he
named as Mr. Curtis Mckay.

My legal matter, which was a regrettable waste of
taxpayers' money, was only properly examined at the
Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal hearings last Wednesday,
19th July 2006, through representation by Attorney John
Fuller.

The fact that the matter was dropped within less than half
an hour of consultation at the appeal level is self
explanatory. This politically spurious case, after
languishing for nearly two years in the system speaks
volumes about the extent to which efforts were made to
create 'political punishment and torture' for not
unquestioningly towing the line or 'sucking up' to those
who 'bark' the loudest.

The UPP Leadership has lost monumental support through
their unjust and self destructive approach to Governance.
Most regrettably, many trustworthy, hardworking and
reliable supporters in good conscience can no longer
sanction the party's sharp departure from its founding
values and principles. I am a part of this massive exodus
of principled non-supporters.

For those who may not have seriously considered it, God
does indeed take care of his own. It is in him I have
found justice and it is to him I give thanks. I am also
thankful for all those who supported me during this
challenge which was in reality a vital political learning
experience.

I am committed to the public service of my people and will
ensure that this brand of injustice never happens to
another Antiguan and Barbudan.

Mr. Dean Jonas
July 24, 2006

I refer to a letter to me dated September 23, 2004 from Mr. Cordell Weston, the Permanent Secretary.

By that letter, the Permanent Secretary purported to suspend me from the performance of my duties in my substantive post as Senior Advisor to the Minister of Works & Communication, and to reduce my salary by 50%, for the reasons outlined therein. I was also requested to remove my personal effects from office, and requested to return the vehicle that had been assigned to me. I am of the view, and have been so advised, that the purported suspension was not justified, nor was it effected in accordance with principles of natural justice. In addition, I have been advised that the Permanent Secretary purported to exercise a power which he did not have.

Without waiving the foregoing objections, I am instructed that your repudiatory conduct, in particular:

(i) your unreasonable conduct towards me leading up to the purported suspension;

(iii) the reduction of my salary, and the removal of my benefits and perquisites of office; and

(iv) the public pronouncements made by you on the Observer Radio on September 30, 2004,

singly amounts, or alternatively cumulatively amount, to constructive dismissal, and entitles me to elect either to affirm my contract of employment, or to terminate the contract with immediate effect. I have elected to terminate the contract of employment.

Accordingly, this letter serves as notice of termination of my contract of employment with immediate effect. I reserve all rights to which I am entitled, including the right to claim compensation for unfair dismissal.

I have today communicated to Government that I consider that I have been constructively dismissed from the post of Senior Advisor to the Minister of Works and Communications. My position is based on the unreasonable conduct of the Minister of Works & Communications, and of his Permanent Secretary, which I have been advised, amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling me to claim compensation for unfair dismissal.

In particular, the Permanent Secretary, purporting to exercise a power which he does not have, has suspended me without due process and procedural fairness, and without any justification; my salary was cut in half, and my benefits stripped during the period of my suspension. Also, the Minister appeared on the Observer Radio and declared that I would no longer be working with him. In those circumstances, there is a clear repudiation of my contract by Government.

I have never been provided with the facts upon which my suspension was based, but merely a bald statement that I had “attempted to influence the Tenders Board” in respect of the sale of the APUA-PCS cellular service. I have previously stated, through my attorneys-at-law, and again now repeat, that this charge is completely false, and I welcome the opportunity to present the truth in whatever forum is determined to be appropriate. I will state categorically that I never acted in a manner that was inconsistent with my functions, the duties entrusted me, and with the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

Much has been made of the charitable contribution made by the Digicel Foundation to SeaView Academy. I wish to set the record straight on this issue. SeaView Academy was established by me in 1998 as a non-profit enterprise. It was designed to provide our children with a very strong primary academic foundation, and a strong Christian moral foundation. While the school places emphasis on the educational and religious development of the children, it also recognizes as a priority the need to equip them with essential life skills. The motto of the school is, “The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom, and Knowledge of the Holy is Understanding”.

My application to the Ministry of Education for permission to operate the school was submitted on the basis that it would be a non-profit primary school; and permission was granted to me by the Ministry on this basis. A copy of the letter of permission from the Ministry of Education dated July 24, 1998 is attached. The school is funded by fees contributed by parents, and by charitable donations solicited from the private sector, family, and friends. I also make substantial financial contributions towards this venture, which I consider to be an essential vehicle for contributing to the community in which I live, and imparting my Christian beliefs.

The contribution kindly made by the Digicel Foundation to this noble and worthwhile cause is not unlike the contributions made by other private sector enterprises, charitable and philanthropic bodies and good Christian neighbours within our community, who have generously given of their time, skills and resources. I do not stand to profit from any part of the donation, all of which accrues for the benefit of the students of the school. The furniture and presentation equipment that were donated by the Digicel Foundation will be used by the children, solely for educational purposes. A small part of the donation was made in cash to cover a part of the shipping costs of the furniture from the USA to Antigua. Copies of the email correspondence pertaining to these costs, which have not been published by the media, are attached.

The interests of my country are paramount. I have never, in the discharge of my public duties, been influenced by the kind donations that have been made to Seaview Academy. Any conclusions that I may have formed as to the suitability of Digicel to be awarded the contract to purchase APUA-PCS were based entirely on a very professional analysis of the data presented, the company’s performance within other Caribbean markets, and Government’s stated policy towards liberalization of the telecoms market. My views accorded with those of other officials within the Government and the Ministry, including the Minister himself.

I regret that my actions in seeking to advance this charitable cause have been viciously manipulated by some sections of the media, who have obvious connections to a cellular service provider, to advance their own private agenda. This has given occasion for speculation, rumor, innuendo, and character assassination, and has caused pain and anguish to so many undeserving people. I reject these malicious suggestions that I have engaged in wrong doing, and stand firm to my conviction that I have always acted honestly and faithfully in the discharge of my functions and duties.

It is my intention to pursue all appropriate action, as I may be advised, to restore my reputation and to prosecute the persons and entities that have maliciously sought to destroy it.

My termination from the public service position of Senior Advisor to Minister Daniel does not herald the end of my service to the public. I consider the interests of the citizenry of Antigua and Barbuda to be paramount. I am proud to have served you and will continue to so do in whatever capacity that God’s good grace will allow.

PRESS STATEMENT

My name is Garth Patterson. I am an Attorney-at-Law and have been retained by Mr. Dean Jonas in connection with his suspension from office as Senior Advisor to the Minister of Works and Communications.

Dr. Isaac Newton is represented by Ms. Joyce Kentish, Attorney-at-Law.

Mr. Jonas and Dr. Newton were invited to a meeting today to discuss the issues surrounding the proposed sale of the APUA PCS cellular service. They were not informed of the nature of the meeting, i.e. whether it was informal and fact gathering in nature, or whether it was intended as an integral part of a disciplinary proceeding that commenced with the suspension of Mr. Jonas on September 23.

At the meeting, we made a reasonable request to be provided with the particulars of the allegations being made against Mr. Jonas and Dr. Newton. They had only received vague suggestions that they had attempted to influence the Tenders Board in connection with the proposed sale of the APUA PCS, but particulars of that bold allegation have never been provided. We also made the reasonable request that we be provided with copies of any statements made and the report, if any, of the Tenders Board.

The Prime Minister announced that he originally intended that the meeting should be informal but that after further consideration and in light of the position taken by my client it was decided that a more formal investigative process be adopted. He therefore adjourned the meeting.

Mr. Jonas and Dr. Newton wish to make it clear that the allegations against them are completely baseless, malicious, grounded upon lies and innuendo and carefully orchestrated to destroy their good reputation. The Cabinet has acted precipitously in taking the actions that they have, and in complete disregard for due process and procedural fairness.

It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time on the facts of the pending investigation but my clients are confident that, when fairly presented, the truth will completely and comprehensively vindicate them.

Thank you.