(L-R) Andrew O’Kola and Clement Joseph
Defence attorney Andrew O’Kola has called for a public apology from Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph following a heated confrontation in the High Court hallway last Friday in the presence of many.
Addressing the 24 October incident, O’Kola said he was “publicly and unjustifiably verbally attacked by the Director of Public Prosecutions, in the presence of court personnel, members of the media, and members of the public.”
“Prior to this encounter I at all times conducted myself lawfully and professionally in the discharge of my duties as Counsel, and I utterly reject the manner and tone of the public outburst directed at me,” O’Kola stated.
The incident occurred as O’Kola was walking through the hallway whilst Joseph was seated nearby. The DPP mentioned to O’Kola a letter he had written to him, saying he was “doing too much” and dismissing it as “BS” before launching into a loud tirade.
O’Kola responded that he was simply doing his job, but Joseph continued his verbal attack, raising his voice and drawing the attention of more onlookers in the courthouse.
In his statement, O’Kola said: “It is deeply regrettable that this incident happened in a public space. Naturally, the incident has understandably caused some amount of disquiet and rightly so as the public expects that the administration of justice be conducted with mutual respect, dignity, and decorum.”
The attorney emphasized his professional obligations, stating: “As an Officer of the Court, I remain steadfast in my duty to fearlessly represent my clients within the bounds of the law, and by all proper means, as is my sworn professional obligation. A Barrister-at-law has a duty to fiercely defend his client while upholding the integrity of the justice system.”
He explained that vigorous advocacy “is indispensable to ensuring that all evidence is properly tested, that the innocent are protected from wrongful or malicious prosecution, and that the justice process is not compromised.”
O’Kola concluded: “In light of the nature and circumstances of the encounter I endured, I believe that a public apology is warranted. Nevertheless, I reaffirm my commitment to the rule of law and to the fearless and independent performance of my professional duties in the service of justice. I am not asking for favours, I am just doing my job.”
If this is how lawyers behave! There is no hope in the justice system!
I fully endorse O’kola’s request for a public apology from this recently appointed DPP. He seems to lack the basic personal qualities normally expected of someone wearing the title, not the dog tag, of DPP. Are there no decent, qualified ÀNTIGUANS capable of performing professionally at this level? And, what exactly did this DPP mean when he allegedly accused O’kola of “doing too much”???? That statement, if made by the DPP, should be thoroughly investigated since it might go a long way in helping the public understand the strange shenanigans that seem to define the whole judicial processes in Antigua and Barbuda. This nation deserves better!
An Antiguan cannot hold the office of the DPP based on biases however I fully agree with your sentiments. Antiguans are overlooked for a lot of positions of high ranking and given to parties who have power issues and think that they can come here and speak to us at they see fit like we are scums. The new DPP is despicable in both behavior and character like he is above everyone and every law placed on our land.
You all had an excellent candidate for the post and you allowed St Kitts to have him. Go figure
Antiguans are overlooked when they NOT QUALIFIED. Stop making this about nationality. Ain’t Antiguans go overseas and hold high positions too?
Well as a top public servant i agree with faithful national for once…In my humble opinion, it’s becoming increasingly hard to ignore: the top seats of authority in Antigua and Barbuda are being filled, one after another, by foreigners. From our ports to our police, from customs to our public institutions leadership after leadership seems to come from everywhere but home.
Darwin Telemaque — Dominican.
Raju Boddu — Indian.
Atlee Rodney — Dominican.
Clarevue Hospital’s Griffin Benjamin — Dominican.
Even in the media, the public face of information, we have Shermain Beek Charles — Dominican.
This is not xenophobia. It’s frustration. It’s a cry from a people watching their own be passed over for outsiders, as if Antiguans lack the brains, the training, or the discipline to manage their own affairs. Are we truly saying that in a nation filled with educated, talented, and patriotic citizens, we cannot find capable Antiguans to lead?
Every appointment that excludes a qualified Antiguan sends a message that our people are good enough to serve, but not to lead. It erodes national confidence. It dampens ambition. It tells our children that no matter how hard they work, the big jobs are reserved for “foreign experts.”
We welcome expertise. We welcome collaboration. But what we will not accept is the quiet replacement of Antiguan leadership with foreign management, while our own citizens are sidelined and silenced. Antigua and Barbuda belongs to Antiguans and Barbudans and it’s time we start acting like it.
O’Kola asked for an apology; Joseph should give it. The DPP’s position comes with responsibility, not rage.
wowwww something must be GOOD about these Dominicans and their work ethics
I guess “Order in the Court!” now needs to be extended to the corridors too.
Public apology is the least he can do. You don’t humiliate a colleague in front of others and call it passion for justice.
O’Kola handled that better than most would’ve. The DPP owes him and the system an apology. Dignity isn’t optional in that job.
What showdown is this now
This incident might seem small, but it says a lot about the culture in our justice system respect should never be optional.
Two lawyers arguing in public? Sounds like the start of a courtroom drama except this one didn’t make it to Netflix.