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ST Kitts & Nevis Opposition headed to the Privy Council

- Hearing scheduled for February 9
Government legal team and Opposition legal team. Photo: St Kitts & Nevis Observer
ST KITTS & NEVIS OBSERVER

Counsel to the Opposition members in the ongoing legal battle over boundary changes in St. Kitts-Nevis says they are taking the matter all the way to the Privy Council.

This came from Chris Hamel-Smith SC yesterday (Feb 5) following the dismissal of the Opposition’s boundary change injunction appeal by the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal discharged an interim injunction it imposed on election officials last week, leaving the government free to proceed with preparations for the February 16 federal elections on boundaries it changed on January 16.

Hamel-Smith disagreed with the Court of Appeal’s ruling and said he advised his clients to appeal to the Privy Council. The Privy Council has already convened a session for Monday, 9th February at 12 noon.

“On Monday the Privy Council will give us a final decision on all of these matters. The preservation of constitutional democracy and the preservation of the rule of law in St. Kitts and Nevis is too important for us not to take these matters forward.

“We believe that on Monday justice will prevail,” he said.

Government lawyer Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan is of the view that the outcome of the Privy Council hearing will be the same as that of the Court of Appeal. He said the Opposition’s case was weak and doomed to fail.

“It is highly unlikely and would be an exceptional case for the Privy Council to overturn the concurrent findings and rulings of the local court. They [Opposition] would have to come with an extremely strong case in order to succeed, and I don’t think they have that case,” he said.

A Privy Council overturning of the CoA decision could affect the constituency boundaries, SC Astaphan acknowledged, but not the date of elections.

8 Responses to “ST Kitts & Nevis Opposition headed to the Privy Council”

  • Concern 1 (09/02/2015, 11:51) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Whether the ruling from the Privy Council is in favor for or against the Opposition,Team Unity is gonna win the election even if the DLP govt cheats the election.You listen to the NIP and the way they too as opposition accusing the opposition Unity party another sold out to the DLP. Supporters of the DLP are asked to spread out and go into other constituencies to vote even if they don't live there by Douglas.It is also sad to hear that election is one week away and up to this moment the voters list is a no show. The padding up of the lists is on the go. Our dear PM continues to use words of hatred and inciting and creating division among the people and when questioned he is excited and they are just expressive when all this already viral around the world which can impede growth and I nest mentioned in our economy. If it is for the govt to retain power this too can be the will of the Almighty as he knows what DDD is capable of. You kittinevisians in the diaspora please come home and vote your conscience and vote Unity.Give Unity a chance as some years aback we gave Dr Simmonds,Dr Douglas a chance it is now to give Dr Harris a chance too.
    • ddb (10/02/2015, 10:57) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      When Simmonds had his chance, VICTIMIZATION was the name of their game.
  • Concern 1 (09/02/2015, 12:02) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    It seems then the voters list is not available for the Opposition but for the ruling govt. what is gonna happen is that govt and opposition gonna live in the courts now and always even after the elections. The election battle is on and may the true and best team wins as this battle is not ours it is the Lord's . In Jesus name
  • voter (09/02/2015, 13:05) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    As much I would like the unity team to win I wish for this as the playing field is not leveled and the govt is to be blamed for most of this. FOR INSTANCE THE OPPOSTION IS DENIED ACCESS TO STATE OWN RADIO STATION, GOVT workers/supporters already have copies of the electoral lists, access to govt funds to run a successful election campaign and the list goes on and please you overseas voters dont give us a govt we dont deserve
    • SKB (09/02/2015, 14:00) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      If what you're saying is true. Then it sound like a dictorship type government. I just hope for peace and safety for all citizen of the Federation during and after the election process. May God be with my beautiful St.Kitts/Nevis.
  • @SKB (09/02/2015, 18:02) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is true and more for instance the state own radio is used by govt and govt only.it is winn fm and sknvibes who comes to evryone's rescue. The other opposition party NIP say they have come out of the race to bring calm to the already charged political atmosphere and still taking sides to cuss of the Team Unity.Well I for one don't care who win but I feel team unity should be given a chance to show their true colours of governing a country like others before as they seems to have the capability. We'll see how it goes
  • rattie (09/02/2015, 22:49) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    like NDP Douglas Labour must GO!
  • voter (10/02/2015, 19:41) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is a shame to be going into an election with so much corruption. One man is responsible for finance,security and elections in SKN and all areas are tarnished by the demon dictator himself the ten man in one prime minister who is looking for a 6 term in office to further destroy our economy and encourage and continue his nepotism activities,high indebtNess to IMF and other financial institutions and the list goes on and on . People give Unity a chance. Time for a change


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