BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE application filed by Opposition Leader Mark Brantley et al for disclosure of correspondence amongst the Speaker of the National Assembly and Cabinet Members, as well as an opportunity to cross-examine the Speaker, was denied by the Court yesterday (Dec. 22).
Arguments for Brantley and his colleagues were forwarded to Her Ladyship Justice Marlene Carter on Friday (Dec. 19) and a response, on behalf of the Speaker, was also given.
Douglas Mendes SC, one of the members of Brantley’s legal team, argued that the Speaker ought to comply with the rules and with his duty to disclose the correspondence.
He also argued that such information would be helpful to the Court in ascertaining who possibly influenced the Speaker in not tabling the Motion of No Confidence filed in December 2012.
Sylvester Anthony, on behalf of the Speaker, argued that the matter at hand was whether or not the constitutional rights of the Opposition Members were infringed by the non-tabling of the MONC and not who possibly influenced the Speaker into not tabling it.
SKNVibes understands that the Court handed down its decision yesterday, ruling that the claimants request was irrelevant to the substantive issue which is whether or not the complainants’ constitutional rights were breached.
She suggested that whether the Speaker’s motives were good or bad in not tabling the MONC, it is immaterial in determining whether or not the Opposition Members’ rights were violated.
While this portion of the case is disposed of, the substantive matter is slated for hearing on January 19-20, 2015.
