BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LEGAL proceedings relative to the Electoral Boundaries Commission Report case took an interesting twist this morning (July 13) when particular comments made by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas were counted as lies, resulting in His Lordship Justice Francis Belle launching an investigation into this “scandal on the court”.
Earlier this morning, legal counsel for the Attorney General’s Office and as the Electoral Boundaries Commission, as well as the claimant, the Hon. Shawn K. Richards, appeared in court for a continuation of the proceedings at which point Justice Belle informed that he had a number of matters to deal with before he proceeded.
According to His Lordship, it is his understanding that Prime Minister Douglas made statements indicating that court proceedings were adjourned on Wednesday last to permit Parliament to debate on the Electoral Boundaries Commission Report.
“That statement is extremely misleading,” Justice Belle said, and further explained that he adjourned at the request of the legal counsel to the AG and the Boundaries Commission, Dr. Henry Browne, with counsel for the claimant indicating agreement. His Lordship noted that Dr. Browne requested an adjournment because “there was going to be an emergency sitting of the Assembly”.
“The person who so advised him [PM Douglas], lied to him and misled him. If he came to this conclusion on his own accord, he is a stranger to the truth,” Justice Belle said.
He explained that there was no order paper presented to his court indicative of the agenda for Parliament’s emergency sitting, and reiterated that the Basseterre High Court of Justice did not adjourn court to permit Parliament to discuss the report of the Electoral Boundaries Commission.
Resultantly, Dr. Browne was ordered by His Lordship to “file an affidavit explaining how such a statement should be made to the public when no such reason was given for the adjournment”.
In addition, His Lordship indicated that no further arguments would be heard from Dr. Browne until his order has been followed. Following the filing of the affidavit, which Justice Belle said is to take place before the end of the day, its contents will be reviewed by him and discussed in open court.
Subsequent to that, another member of the respondents’ team, Sylvester Anthony, requested a written order from the court so that Dr. Browne would be clear on exactly what his instructions are with regard to filing the affidavit.
His Lordship agreed and informed that a written order would be provided before the day ends.
