Confidentiality agreement signed
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A settlement between the Director of Public Prosecutions Travers Sinanan and Attorney-General the Hon. Vincent Byron was reached today (Sept. 21), deeming it unnecessary for the case to go to trial.
The case was scheduled to be heard this morning by Her Honour Justice Marlene Carter, but SKNVibes understands that negotiation proceedings initiated by legal counsel for the Attorney-General were taking place.
Only late last week both sides were having talks with a view to settling the matter out-of-court but they were not successful.
According to the Attorney-General’s case, when Sinanan’s two-year contract had ended on July 31, 2015, the Government took the decision not to renew it and was well within its legal right to act as it did.
Sinanan’s view of the matter differs however, and he believes that not only was the Attorney-General unlawful in his attempt to remove him from office, but he (Sinanan) could hold the office until he attains age 60 based on the Director of Public Prosecutions (Prescribed Age) Act.
After hours of negotiations today, Dr. Francis Alexis QC – one of Sinanan’s legal representatives - stood before the Court and declared that the matter had been “amicably” resolved.
He thanked Her Honour for the assistance she provided and for her patience. He suggested that were it not for Justice Carter’s guidance, both parties would not have arrived at the understanding.
Solicitor General Simone Bullen-Thompson, on behalf of the Government and Attorney-General, echoed Francis’ sentiments, thanking the Court for its patience.
Justice Carter said the Court was pleased that both parties were able to amicably settle the matter, adding that it is good to know that parties could come together and reach a particular understanding without the Court having to make a determination.
The terms of the settlement were not disclosed as a confidentiality agreement was signed by the parties.
