BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE ongoing Contempt of Court proceedings brought against the Attorney General, Hon. Dr. Dennis Merchant, was attended this morning (July 30) by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, who took the stand to be examined by both sides.
The request for the Prime Minister to attend Court arose when evidence containing statements made by Douglas was admitted into the case last night (Jul. 29) after being brought forth by the opposition party, the People’s Action Movement (PAM). The party’s lawyers then issued a Court Order for Douglas to be questioned today, as it was believed that he would be the best person to ascertain whether or not the statements referred to in the affidavit were actually made by him.
Upon the PM taking the stand, counsel for PAM Leslie Haynes QC opened with questions seeking to clarify the information cited in affidavits filed by Chesley Hamilton.
The Prime Minister was presented with the affidavits of statements allegedly made by him in a July 8 sitting of Parliament and a subsequent press conference. He confirmed that there was an emergency Parliamentary sitting and a press conference at which he made statements.
He was, however, very keen on making it clear that the affidavits presented were not official government transcripts, and he therefore could not, at that time, verify the accuracy therein. In response to further questions by Haynes, PM Douglas said that the statements appeared to be something he could have said, adding that nothing in particular seemed inaccurate.
When presented with the third affidavit from Chesley Hamilton, which related to statements PM Douglas allegedly made at a political meeting in Lodge Project on July 26, Douglas stated that knowing the source of the evidence (Hamilton), he is not certain how accurate they may be. He repeated, however, that the statements did seem reflective of words he “could have said”.
The question that arose thereafter was whether or not the Attorney General advised the PM the papers were laid before the National Assembly.
Douglas said he did seek advice from the AG, who in turn indicated that he had to seek counsel from local and regional members of the legal fraternity. He mentioned that he approached the Prime Minister of Barbados, David Thompson, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and the former Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Dr. Kenny Anthony. He stressed that his actions were consistent with the advice he obtained.
Douglas told the Court that it was not normal for him to consult with the AG before Parliament, and noted that it is the Leader of Government Business, Deputy PM Sam Condor, who has the responsibility of consulting with the Speaker of the House before any sitting of Parliament.
“I think the AG was very reluctant to speak to me,” Douglas indicated.
He further stated, when questioned to clarify his statement, that the AG was “always conscious of the injunction”.
Speaking to SKNVibes, counsel for PAM Constance Mitchum revealed that the examination of the Prime Minister gave information necessary for her side’s case. She added that the case would be argued this afternoon and should be able to arrive at a ruling by tomorrow.
