The Magistrate's Court, Basseterre, sitting since Tuesday and up to 7.30 on Thursday night (30 November) dismissed all charges against the Chairman of PAM, Mr. Chesley Hamilton, and all charges of Incitement against Leader Mr. Lindsay Grant, Hon. Shawn Richards, Deputy Leader, and Mr. Chesley Hamilton.  These charges arose out of the protest in Church Street on 16 June 2004 when Lindsay Grant attempted to deliver to the Prime Minister a book containing over 5000 Duplicate Names on the Voters List.  The other charges in relation to a public procession and obstruction were subject to a Constitutional Submission by Lead Counsel, Mr. Terence V. Byron, C.M.G., for which judgment was reserved.  Appearing with Mr. Byron for the Defence were Dr. Henry Browne and Ms. Angela Inniss. Of this first set of 10 charges, 5 were dismissed.  The learned Magistrate was Mrs. Cummings and representing the DPP was Ms. Bullen.

The second set of 8 charges arose out of the Electricity March by the People's Action Movement on 16 July 2004.  On a Submission by Lead Counsel, Ms. Constance V. Mitcham, the Prosecution withdrew 3 of the 8 charges, and at the end of the Prosecution's case in relation to the remaining 5 charges, Lead Counsel made a Submission that there is No Case for the 3 Defendants to Answer.  Appearing with Ms. Mitcham were Dr. Browne and Ms. Inniss.  At the time of going to press, the learned Magistrate had reserved her decision on Ms. Mitcham's Submission until 9 am the following day (Friday 1st December)

The Democrat

30/11/06